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Feature: Families remember Nanjing Massacre victims as national memorial day approaches

Xinhua) 08:36, December 01, 2025

NANJING, Nov. 30 (Xinhua) -- A fortnight before China's national memorial day for the victims of the Nanjing Massacre, families of the victims on Sunday gathered at a memorial hall in Nanjing, the capital of east China's Jiangsu Province, to commemorate their loved ones.

Early on Sunday morning, 96-year-old massacre survivor Xia Shuqin led her family in paying tribute before a "wailing wall" outside the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders. They bowed, laid flowers and observed a moment of silence in front of the wall, which bears the names of more than 10,000 people who were killed 88 years ago.

China will observe its 12th national memorial day for the victims of the Nanjing Massacre on Dec. 13, commemorating the day in 1937 when invading Japanese troops captured Nanjing -- then the Chinese capital -- and began six weeks of slaughter that claimed the lives of more than 300,000 Chinese civilians and unarmed soldiers.

On the same day the city fell, seven of Xia's nine family members were brutally killed. The then 8-year-old girl survived despite having been stabbed three times and losing consciousness.

"Eighty-eight years, 88 years, 88 years..." Xia murmured repeatedly as she stood before the wall on Sunday, her granddaughter explaining that she was telling her lost family members that she had come to visit them.

With trembling fingers, Xia quickly located her family's names on the wall. Her daughter and great-grandson carefully traced the characters with black pens.

"I'm 96 now. I don't know how many more years I can come here," Xia said. "But I want to live -- to witness the day when the Japanese government admits its crimes. Then I can face the names on this wall with peace."

Liu Minsheng, another survivor, also attended the annual family commemoration. He recalled the winter of 1937, when Japanese invaders had taken his father away from the refugee zone. "He never returned," the 91-year-old said, pointing to a bayonet scar on his right leg. "I hope future generations will remember this history forever so that the tragedy may never be repeated."

Xia and Liu are two of just 24 registered survivors of the Nanjing Massacre who are still alive today. The passing on of witnesses -- eight have died this year alone -- has made the transmission of memory increasingly urgent.

In 2014, China's top legislature designated Dec. 13 as a national memorial day for the massacre victims. The Chinese government has also preserved survivors' testimonies in both written transcripts and on video. These documents on the massacre were listed on UNESCO's Memory of the World Register in 2015.

As first-hand witnesses age, their descendants and other inheritors have taken up the mission of passing on memories and telling the truth about the Nanjing Massacre, which was one of the most barbaric episodes of World War II.

"Every time I stand here, I hear my father's heart-wrenching cry -- 'Mother, wake up' -- the voice of a nine-year-old boy pleading with his mother lying in blood," Chang Xiaomei, the daughter of the late massacre survivor Chang Zhiqiang, said as she stood before the wall.

To ensure this history is never forgotten, Chang has documented her father's experiences in a book published in Chinese, English and Japanese.

To date, 38 Chinese and foreign nationals, including Chang, have been officially recognized as inheritors of the historical memory of the Nanjing Massacre, continuing the survivors' mission through documentation, education and international exchange.

"I want to tell my grandmother, 'Your son never forgot you, and your granddaughter will continue to tell your story,'" Chang said. "May all victims rest in peace, may such despair never be repeated, and may the flowers of peace forever bloom on this land."

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
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Lawrence Reed, 50, has been charged with terrorism

By the age of 50, Lawrence Reed had been arrested 72 times. His charges stretched back at least three decades.

Reed notched up number 73 earlier this month, when he allegedly set a young woman called Bethany MaGee on fire on a Chicago train, leaving her severely injured.

He watched as the 26-year-old was engulfed in flames and walked off when the train doors finally opened, and she collapsed on the platform, prosecutors claim. Later, while being taken into custody, he allegedly shouted burn b---- and burn alive b----.

Critics, including Donald Trump, the US president, condemned the attack as the latest in a litany of cases of career criminals being allowed to roam the streets and potentially harm innocent victims because of misguided soft-on-crime policies.

Bethany MaGee is in critical condition after being set on fire on a train in Chicago

One particular example stands out.

In August, Iryna Zarutska, a Ukrainian refugee, was travelling home from work on the light rail system in Charlotte, North Carolina, when she was allegedly stabbed by Decarlos Brown Jr, 34, who had been arrested 14 times previously.

Stanislav Nikulytsia, Zarutskas former boyfriend, said of the Chicago attack: Seventy-two prior arrests sounds like a joke. I guess 72 times was not enough to understand who he is.

Why [do] they always wait for them to do something like that to start doing something to prevent it?

That question is once again being asked around the country as Ms MaGee recovers in hospital.

Court documents submitted by prosecutors state Reed, who has been charged with terrorism for what they labelled a horrific and gruesome attack, had been arrested at least 72 times over the last 30 years.

Lawrence Reed has been arrested at least 72 times

He had around 15 convictions, eight of them felonies for crimes including arson, drug trafficking, drug possession and criminal damage to government property.

For at least three of those felonies, one of which involved lighting a fire outside a state government building, he was sentenced to a term of probation.

At the time Reed is alleged to have attacked Ms MaGee, he was facing charges of aggravated battery causing great bodily harm after hitting an individual at a hospital.

Over the objections of prosecutors, Judge Teresa Molina-Gonzalez had released him with an ankle monitoring tag, which was subsequently removed by another judge.

This was a tragedy, said Eileen ONeill Burke, Chicagos top prosecutor. It never should have happened.

Arrest records from Chicagos police department show Reed was arrested a dozen times between 2017 and 2024 on charges ranging from several counts of battery, to arson, to criminal trespass. Each mugshot shows Reeds hair growing progressively longer and greyer.

In 2021, he was charged with battery after he punched a woman who had been standing outside her office in the Chicago Loop, the citys centre.

Amy Eck, whose face was pretty swollen after the alleged attack, told local media her case was dropped because authorities convinced her Reed was mentally ill.

I thought it was for real, and hes really going to take it seriously, she said. I dont understand how hes walking out like a free man and is able to continue to do this to people. It made me angry.

By the age of 50, Reed had been convicted of arson and charged, repeatedly, with attacking people.

On Nov 17, at around 9pm, according to prosecutors, Reed headed to a petrol station and filled a small container with gasoline, before walking to a blue line stop on Chicagos L train system.

By coincidence, Zarutska had been riding Charlottes blue line when she was stabbed to death a few months earlier.

Security footage shows Reed, wearing dark clothes with a grey hoodie, sitting down at the back of a train compartment, while Ms MaGee is seated in the middle, facing away from him.

A short time later, he allegedly approached her, unscrewing the container and dousing the 26-year-old in a flammable liquid.

Reed appears to attack MaGee - US Attorney's office

Ms MaGee somehow managed to fight off the much larger man as he allegedly tried to set her alight, fleeing to the rear of the compartment.

Her attacker pursued, igniting the remnants of the liquid in the container and setting her on fire. According to court documents, he then ran off to a safe distance to watch her burn.

Ms Magee, covered in flames, rolled around on the compartment floor in a desperate attempt to extinguish the fire. She was still burning when she tumbled out of the train at the Clark and Lake Street stop and collapsed on the platform, where she was helped by passers-by.

Reed, whom police said had sustained burns to his right hand, allegedly walked away and was arrested soon after.

Reed appears to hold a container of ignited liquid - Chicago Transit Authority/U.S. District Court Northern District of Illinois

At a hearing this month, Reed disrupted the proceedings by singing, babbling and instructing people not to speak to him, according to court documents.

Successfully arguing he should be detained before his trial, federal prosecutors said they needed to intervene because the state had been unable to contain Reeds violent crimes, calling him a persistent threat of terror to the community.

Defendant has been leniently treated in state court In exchange for such lenient treatment, defendant has consistently re-offended and delved further into criminality, they argued.

He is simply too dangerous for pre-trial release.

Soft-on-crime insanity

Mr Trumps administration, which deployed National Guard troops to Chicago in October, has pinned the blame for the attack on Brandon Johnson, the citys mayor, and JB Pritzker, the Illinois governor.

Seventy-two arrests wasnt enough  Democrats let him burn her alive, the White House said in a recent statement, accusing the party of sick, soft-on-crime insanity.

Delusional politicians like Pritzker and Johnson arrogantly double down on the same failed policies that handed a violent thug a can of gasoline and a match, it claimed.

Reed at a petrol station before the alleged attack

In 2021, following the Black Lives Matter protests, Mr Pritzker signed a bill eliminating cash bail and restricting pre-trial detention to those accused of a select number of serious offences, unless prosecutors are able to show otherwise.

While her story becomes part of an ugly political battle, and Reed awaits trial, Ms MaGee is quietly recovering in hospital from her severe burns.

Her family, who have declined media requests for interviews, paid tribute to the 26-year-old as sensitive, caring, intelligent, and imaginative.

She loves Chicago and enjoys playing tabletop and video games, they said in a statement, while her gentle spirit makes her a favourite with every pet she meets. One widely circulated image shows her grinning at the camera as she cradles a grey-haired cat in her arms.
Credit: Policia Nacional

Spanish police have arrested three suspected members of a Neo-Nazi terrorist organisation proscribed by the UK.

Armed officers dismantled the cell in a series of raids in the city of Castellon on Spains eastern coast.

The terror group, known as The Base, a rough English translation of al-Qaeda, was outlawed by Dame Priti Patel, the former home secretary, in 2021.

It seeks to violently overthrow Western governments and replace them with white ethno-states.

Rinaldo Nazzaro, its founder, is an American former defence contractor who worked with US special forces in the Middle East.

Nazzaro, 52, has lived in Russia for the past eight years and in April called for his members to carry out assassinations on key military and political figures in Ukraine.

Officers from Spains national police force discovered an arsenal of weapons including submachine guns, handguns, ammunition, silencers, knives, machetes and a spear inside properties during the raids.

Weapons found during the raids - Spanish National Police

Body armour, bundles of 50 notes, a drone, rope, handcuffs, helmets, and camouflage clothing were also found.

Officers seized translated hardbacks of Hitlers Mein Kampf in Spanish and Catalan, along with a black and white banner with the words F--- You Israel emblazoned on it.

A T-shirt with an image of the Unabomber, Ted Kaczynski, in custody, with the words White Boy Summer  a popular meme co-opted by white supremacist circles online  was also found.

Bodycam footage from the raids show officers handcuffing the suspects, holding up select weapons for inspection to the camera and later walking out with cardboard boxes of evidence.

Police found a T-shirt with an image of the Unabomber, Ted Kaczynski - Spanish National Police/AFP via Getty

The three suspects, whose ages and nationalities have not been disclosed, were highly radicalised and ready to carry out attacks on behalf of the organisation.

A spokesman for Spains national police said: They had already carried out tactical training sessions using paramilitary material and techniques.

In the last few months they had hardened their radical rhetoric and openly demonstrated the fact they were ready to carry out selective attacks for their cause.

The alleged leader of the Spanish cell was in direct contact with the founder of The Base who a month ago had called for the consolidation of the international cells and the execution of selective attacks with the aim of collapsing Western democratic institutions.

Officers also found copies of Hitlers Mein Kampf in Spanish and Catalan - Handout/Spanish National Police/AFP via Getty

The group used social media to recruit new militants and boast of their ideology.

Detectives are investigating the trio on suspicion of membership of a terrorist organisation, indoctrination and training with terrorist aims, and unlawful possession of weapons.

The Base was founded in 2018 and members have been located and arrested in the US, the Netherlands, Italy and Ukraine.

According to analysis by The George Washington University, each cell is meant to operate independently from one another so as not to draw the attention of law enforcement and intelligence services.

Despite being the subject of an FBI investigation, no charges have been made against Nazarro.
The head of the UKs special forces (UKSF) knew soldiers had probably committed war crimes in Afghanistan but failed to act and conducted a fake exercise to cover it up, according to damning new testimony.

One of the most senior special forces officers in the British Army told the Afghan war crimes inquiry that he first raised concerns that Afghans were being killed unlawfully and that stories were being invented to disguise the deaths in early 2011.

In a new batch of documents released by the inquiry, the senior officer, known only as N1466, said he tried to get the special forces chief to act, but instead, the director conducted a fake exercise of a review that did not get to the bottom of what was happening.

He told the independent inquiry in secret evidence sessions: I will be clear we are talking about war crimes.

N1466, who was the assistant chief of staff for operations in UKSF headquarters between 2010 and 2011, said he first became concerned about reports of Afghans being killed on operations around February 2011, when the deaths didn't tally with the number of weapons recovered.

He became further alarmed by reports of Afghans dying in custody after they had apparently tried to make futile attempts to attack their captors, but he said some accounts were "so implausible as to be ridiculous".

He explained his shock when he was later shown photos of dead Afghans by military police, which showed people with headshot wounds, despite the official write-up of the incident saying they had been caught in crossfire.

He told the inquiry: If we had got this right, we could have stopped it in February 2011... Me trying to argue the case with the director, who has clearly, in my view, made a conscious decision that he is going to suppress this, cover this up and do a little fake exercise to make it look like hes done something, thats a charade.

Lord Justice Haddon-Cave, chair of the Independent Inquiry relating to Afghanistan (PA)

The whistleblower said he came to the view in early 2011 that the militarys Special Investigation Branch (SIB) needed to launch a criminal probe, but that the UKSF in-house lawyer did not provide clear legal advice to that effect.

He said the worrying patterns of deaths were clearly explained to the director of special forces, who was clearly cognisant back in February that there were things going wrong.

He accused the director of controlling the information about alleged murders in a way that I think indicated a desire to keep it low profile.

He described the director as a capable, intelligent, astute individual who would have known exactly what was happening. But instead of referring the incidents to the police, or launching a full investigation, the director commissioned a review into the practice of bringing Afghans with soldiers to search a house after it had been cleared, the inquiry heard.

N1466 said the review seemed to me to be completely missing the point or, and not necessarily accidentally missing the point.

He added that not just one director of the special forces knew about the war crimes allegations, saying: Other directors...clearly knew there was a problem in Afghanistan. Talking about his decision to report the evidence directly to the Royal Military Police in 2015, he said in a witness statement: I had lost confidence in the willingness of the UKSF chain of command to report the allegations....to SIB.

In an extraordinary plea to other members of the special forces community to come forward and speak up, N1466 told the inquiry: It is time to decide what you stand for."

We didnt join UKSF for this sort of behaviour... toddlers to get shot in their beds or random killing. Its not special, its not elite, its not what we stand for, and most of us I dont believe, would either wish to condone it or to cover it up.

Its not loyalty to your organisation to stand by and watch it go down a sewer, he said.

N1466 said that Afghan partner units began withdrawing their support for UKSF in protest at the crimes they believed were being committed. This happened for short periods in 2011 but became more sustained in 2013.

In one incident explained to the inquiry, a soldier from an Afghan Partner Unit pulled out a grenade on the way back from a joint operation with Special Forces Unit 1 and threatened to pull it because he was so unhappy with what he had just witnessed.

In another case recalled by N1466, an Afghan burst into a room with UK special forces colleagues, pulled a pistol from its holster, and pointed at a member of UKSF and said something along the lines of these guys are all murdering our people.

Referring to one photo of an Afghan killed by UK special forces, N1466 told the inquiry: Quite clearly the narrative talks about as they moved towards the target area, two men were seen moving around the guesthouse. Well, this character doesnt look like hes been moving around the guesthouse. He looks like hes in bed. Hes got a blanket over him and he certainly doesnt look like hes running around or engaging anybody with a grenade or about to engage anyone.

Referring to photos of another incident, he said that youre not seeing many other bullet wounds other than head shots, which didnt tally with the narrative in the operation reports. He told the inquiry about other casualties: No one can control a long burst of AK47 fire and put a hole in everyones head ... It is not plausible and not true.

He said it didnt make sense for the individuals to be caught in crossfire, saying: Why are they all hit in the head?... That really, to me, stood out as being wrong and it doesnt matter how recently youve been to theatre. That makes no difference. Thats wrong.

He was again concerned about pictures of another incident where dead bodies had weapons laid parallel to them with the stocks up, positioning that for me isnt right if the Afghans had been killed in combat.

Included in the batch of documents released by the inquiry was a summary of an interview between N1466 and the Royal Military Police (RMP).

During the October 2018 interview, he told the RMP of an incident where UKSF1 members sent to clear a compound found people hiding in a room under a mosquito net.

The document read: They did not reveal themselves, so the UKSF1 shot at the net until there was no movement.

When the net was uncovered, it was women and children. The incident was covered up, and the individual who did the shooting was allegedly given some form of award to make it look legitimate.

The Afghanistan Inquiry has released summaries of closed hearings in which members of special forces have given evidence about alleged murders in the wartorn nation between 2010 and 2013.

The inquiry continues.
BBC Scotlands headquarters in Glasgow has been evacuated after a fire broke out in the building.

The broadcaster reported that staff left the building in Pacific Quay after the alarm sounded at about 6.30am on Monday, with the fire understood to be in a plant room at roof level.

Shortly before 9am, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said the blaze had been extinguished but crews were still at the scene.

BBC Scotland headquarters in Glasgow has been evacuated after a fire broke out. Read more: https://t.co/nXL2bMxLZ4 pic.twitter.com/1DBsBmdR4I  BBC Scotland News (@BBCScotlandNews) December 1, 2025

A fire service spokesperson said: We were alerted at around 7am on Monday to reports of a fire at a building at Glasgows Pacific Quay.

Operations control mobilised a number of appliances to the scene, where firefighters extinguished a fire involving an air conditioning unit.

Three appliances remain on scene with crews working to make the area safe.

There are no casualties.

Footage posted online by the broadcaster from earlier in the morning appeared to show flames and smoke emerging from the upper part of the building.

A spokesperson for BBC Scotland said: Were grateful to the emergency services for their rapid deployment on site.

Were working hard to ensure the safety of all of our colleagues and will restore our regular services on-air as soon as we can.

BBC Radio Scotlands Breakfast show was taken off air, with a Radio 5 Live broadcast taking its place.
Starmer insists there was no misleading after claims Reeves lied in run-up to Budget

Sir Keir Starmer has insisted there was no misleading by his chancellor after she was accused of lying about Britains finances in the run-up to the Budget, with questions growing over his own future.

The prime minister took the unusual step of coming out fighting with a speech just five days after Rachel Reeves delivered the Budget, as he faced a barrage of questions over whether he authorised her to mislead the public over the true state of the economy.

The row centres on a press conference given by Ms Reeves in November, in which she warned of the state of the public finances and suggested that income tax may have to go up.

It has since emerged that she failed to reveal information from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) that showed tax receipts were much better than expected, ahead of her announcing 26bn worth of tax rises at the Budget.

However, with demands for the chancellor to quit over allegedly misleading the public, the only person to resign was OBR chair Richard Hughes on Monday evening. This came hours after a damning internal investigation was published into how the organisation inadvertently leaked the Budget details before Ms Reeves delivered her speech in the Commons last Wednesday.

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said Ms Reeves was using Mr Hughes as a human shield  after claiming she had lied to the public  and should be sacked.

The PM, speaking 24 hours after Ms Reeves denied lying over the state of the public finances before the Budget, was repeatedly forced to come out on the defensive as he gave a speech highlighting the moral mission of his government in tackling child poverty.

Keir Starmer made a speech at the Coin Street Neighbourhood Centre in London on Monday, where he was forced to come out on the defensive over the run-up to the Budget (PA)

He said: There was no misleading, and I simply dont accept  and I was receiving the numbers  that being told that the OBR productivity review means youve got 16bn less than you would otherwise have had shows that youve got an easy starting point.

Yes, of course, all the other figures have to be taken into account. But we started the process with significantly less than we would otherwise have had.

He said there was no pretending that it was a good starting point, adding that at one point he thought Labour would have to breach its manifesto, in an apparent reference to scrapped plans to raise the basic rate of income tax.

He added: Later on, it became possible to do it without the manifesto breach. Given the choice between the two, I didnt want to breach the manifesto, and thats why we came to the decisions that we did.

As Sir Keir gave his speech at a community centre in the City of London, Ms Reeves travelled to an investment event in Wales, and so avoided being forced to give an explanation of her actions in an emergency statement to the Commons.

Rachel Reeves was in Wales on Monday instead of defending herself during an emergency statement in the Commons (PA)

Instead her deputy, chief Treasury secretary James Murray, was handed the task of trying to patch up the damage to the governments reputation.

Speaking at the event, the chancellor rejected claims from an unnamed minister that the cabinet was at no point told about the reality of the OBR forecasts.

You would never expect the prime minister and chancellor to go through all the detailed numbers, she said.

The cabinet are briefed on the morning of the Budget on the Budget numbers. Of course, we go through things that affect individual government departments, but the whole information of the Budget is not supposed to be provided until the chancellor delivers the Budget.

Obviously, this time, it was leaked early, but not by the Treasury.

The chancellor has said the OBR forecast showing a 4.2bn surplus against her borrowing rules did not take into account the welfare reform U-turn or the abolition of the two-child benefit cap.

It came as ministers were openly briefing about how they too had been misled by Sir Keir and Ms Reeves ahead of the Budget.

One minister told The Independent that the aftermath of the Budget was less than ideal.

A number of MPs complained about the poor communications strategy that has dogged the government since it was elected last July.

One Labour MP said: We have to look at whoever is working for Rachel and was given licence to brief out the Budget in the way it happened over months.

Another asked: Why didnt we have a clear message in the run-up to this Budget on child poverty?

It was noted by some that both Sir Keir and Ms Reeves had opposed getting rid of the two-child benefit cap when they were elected last year, before making it the centrepiece of this Budget after pressure from Labour MPs.

Kemi Badenoch is among those calling for the chancellor to be sacked (PA)

But there was also anger among MPs over ministers claiming they had been misled.

One MP said: People need to keep their heads down. We have just got the two-child benefit cap scrapped, we should be celebrating that and uniting behind it. Im not sure what ministers are up to.

There were concerns that allies of health secretary Wes Streeting could be trying to capitalise as a means to launch a coup and oust Sir Keir.

Meanwhile, Ms Badenoch was applauded by business representatives at a question and answer session in London when she claimed Ms Reeves had lied.

Later, she claimed the chancellor was trying to use Mr Hughes as a human shield after he resigned following the watchdog publishing a report that said the leak was the worst failure in its 15-year history.

Mr Hughes, who has served as chair of the OBR since 2020 and was reappointed to the job for a second five-year term in July this year, said he was resigning to allow the OBR to quickly move on from this regrettable incident.

In the Commons, shadow chancellor Sir Mel Stride said. The chancellors credibility is in tatters, and to the long list of her failings in respect to these matters should be added that of disrespecting this House.

There have been calls for an investigation by the Financial Conduct Authority and the governments ethics adviser Sir Laurie Magnus.
Strictly Come Dancing viewers are convinced Johannes Radebe is leaving the series after an emotional moment in the latest episode.

On Sunday nights results show, the professional dancers celebrity partner Alex Kingston was voted off the show.

When Radebe, 38, thanked the ER and Doctor Who actor, he also appeared to say farewell to the show, stating: Goodbye to my Strictly family.

Thank you because Ive never grinned as much in my life as I have in the last couple of weeks. Thank you, Alex, for being a trooper. I appreciate the laughs. I will hold on to the memories. As far as the dancing goes, I think weve achieved what we wanted to achieve.

When Kingston said, And these memories are just the beginning for us, Radebe replied: You can say that again.

He then looked in the direction of his fellow professionals before seemingly bidding the show goodbye. Dancer Carlos Gu, who is partnered with Karen Carney, could be heard shouting we love you to Radebe.

To my Strictly family, Im very grateful, he concluded before saying thank you to both Kingston and host Tess Daly.

Alex Kingston and Johannes Radebe were eliminated from Strictly on Sunday night (BBC)

Viewers detected that Radebe was possibly leaving the series, with one writing: That also felt like a goodbye from Johannes too and that is a very sad thing to contemplate.

Another wrote on X (Twitter): Why did that sound like a final goodbye from Johannes?!?, with an additional fan stating: This felt like Johannes was saying goodbye to Strictly.

The Independent has approached the BBC and Radebe for comment.

Radebe  who is nicknamed Jojo  joined the show in 2018 after being a professional on the South African version of the series.

He was given his first celebrity partner  Coronation Street actor Catherine Tyldesley  the following year and, since then, hes been paired with Caroline Quentin, John Whaite, Ellie Taylor, Annabel Croft, Gladiators star Montell Douglas and Kingston.

In 2021, Radebe made history with Great British Bake Off winner Whaite as the first-ever same-sex couple on the show.

Radebe and John Whaite were the first-ever same-sex male couple on Strictly (BBC)

The duo quickly became a fan favourite thanks to their evident chemistry both on the dancefloor. But, in 2023, Whaite revealed he fell in love with the dancer offscreen and had to spend time apart from his fiance and partner of 15 years, Paul Atkins, as a result.

I fell in love with [Radebe], Whaite told The Times. I cant speak for him  because Im not allowed to, legally  but it felt like there was love there.

Radebe addressed Whaites revelation and was keen to emphasise the platonic nature of their connection. Whaite has since gotten back together with Atkins.

In the latest results show, Kingston, who called Radebe a friend for life, said she made it further in the competition than she thought she would, telling host Daly: I had never in my wildest dreams imagined that I would last this long.

She continued: Its been just the most incredible journey for me. I feel quite proud of myself because Ive loved the process, you can tell by my smile.

Daly and her co-host Claudia Winkleman are also leaving the show at the end of this series, with their final episode a pre-recorded Christmas special set to air on 25 December.
The Tennessee race that has Donald Trump scared: Does it mean a blue wave is on the horizon?

A congressional race in Tennessee has become surprisingly competitive, and tomorrows election could be a big sign of where President Donald Trump stands with the country - and the battle his party could face in 2026.

The Tennessee 7th district is one the president won by 22 points in 2024, but just a year later, a Democrat is putting up a serious bid to wrestle control of the seat from Republicans. It would not only be an embarrassing defeat for the president, but would move the U.S. House of Representatives closer to a Democratic majority.

Over the weekend, Trump gave an additional boost to Matt Van Epps, the Republican, hoping to keep the district in the partys hands. He also spoke at a tele-rally hosted by Speaker Mike Johnson on Monday.

To the Great People of Tennessees 7th District, who gave me Record Setting Wins in each of three Elections, I am asking you to get out and VOTE FOR MATT VAN EPPS. HE WILL BE A GREAT CONGRESSMAN and, unlike his Opponent, he cherishes Christianity and Country Music  She hates them both! This is a very pivotal Election. The whole World is watching. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!

The endorsement would be totally normal in a highly contested race between Van Epps and Democrat Aftyn Behn. But the 7th district, which includes parts of Nashville and a sizable rural population and heavily backed Trump in the presidential election, it was never supposed to be competitive.

Trumps endorsement is a sign that the momentum that propelled Democrats to massive victories in New Jersey, Virginia, Georgia and California last month shows no signs of slowing down. And there are signs of how much Trump is checked out in terms of helping the GOP bench - case in point, on Monday, he literally phoned in an appearance in Franklin, Tennessee, to drum up support for Van Epps.

Republican Matt Van Epps hopes to hold a district that voted for Trump by 22 points. He is facing Democrat Aftyn Behn who has made the race surprisingly competitive. (Club For Growth)

"She said two things above all else that bothered me. No 1: She hates Christianity. No 2: She hates country music, Trump told the crowd. How the hell can you elect a person like that? I just want to give my total support  and he's had it right from the beginning  to Matt Van Epps."

The Democrats are bringing out the big guns too. Behn will hold a rally with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.). Democrats ranging from Jamie Raskin to Stacey Abrams have sent money from their political action committees Behns way. Former vice president Al Gore, who once served as a senator from Tennessee, will also join in the rally with Behn.

As of right now, Republicans have only 219 votes in the U.S. House. That number will go down to 218 when Marjorie Taylor Greene resigns from Congress next month. It could also drop by one more if Behn wins this week. Democrats will almost inevitably add two seats to their 213-seat caucus after special elections next year in Texas and New Jersey to fill vacancies.

A 218-216 split would essentially grind the House of Representatives to a halt even more than Johnson already has.

Regardless of how this race turns out, the fact Republicans have to work this hard in a district they held by double digits just 13 months ago is bad news for them ahead of 2026 midterm elections.

Democratic congressional candidate and State Rep. Aftyn Behn, attends a campaign event with her supporters in Nashville, Tennessee on Saturday. (AP)

Take the generic ballot, which measures whether voters would prefer to vote for a generic Democrat or Republican for Congress in an election.

Last month, a survey from Marist College, NPR and PBS found that Democrats had a 14-point lead in the generic, which would almost certainly give them a decent majority in the House of Representatives.

That might be on the generous side. But an Economist/YouGov survey found that Democrats have a five-point lead. Only 38 percent of voters approve of the president, an eight-point drop since February when a plurality of Americans approved of him.

Another reason for Republicans to be alarmed? The same survey showed 51 percent of men disapprove of Trump. In February, 53 percent of men approved of him. His disapproval among Hispanics went down from 50 percent to 62 percent. And his approval among young people between the ages of 18 and 29 went down from 42 percent to 29 percent.

Regardless of how many times Republicans say it, midterms are and always have been referendums on the president in power.

The upcoming 2026 midterm is not just a normal six-year itch midterm where a presidents party gets blown out; because Trump has been on the national stage for a decade, next years midterm could be a ten-year itch where voters are finally just exhausted with Trump.

All of this portends for a rough 11 months ahead of the 2026 midterms. It does not guarantee that Democrats will win back the majority. But they could take one step closer to gaining control with a win in Tennessee that ten months ago, nobody thought was possible.
President Donald Trump has commuted the prison sentence of David Gentile, a private equity executive who was convicted of defrauding thousands of investors in a $1.6 billion scheme.

The former CEO and co-founder of GPB Capital Holdings served less than two weeks of his seven-year sentence when he was released from prison Wednesday, according to The New York Times.

Gentile, 59, and a co-defendant, Jeffry Schneider, were convicted of securities and wire fraud charges in August 2024 and sentenced in May. Schneider, who was sentenced to six years, does not appear to have received clemency from Trump.

In a social media post on Thanksgiving, Trumps pardon czar Alice Marie Johnson said she was deeply grateful to see Gentile going home to his young children.

In court filings, prosecutors said that Gentile and Schneider used investor funds to take stakes in companies in the automotive and retail industries. It paid out regular annual distributions to investors from returns on these holdings.

President Donald Trump has commuted the prison sentence of David Gentile, who was sentenced to seven years for defrauding thousands of investors (AP)

Former President Joe Bidens Department of Justice found last year that GPBs use of investor funds to pay investors, instead of tapping into funds from its current operations, constituted a Ponzi scheme.

However, a White House official argued that prosecutors wrongly characterized the business as a Ponzi scheme, telling Reuters the claim was profoundly undercut by the fact that GPB had explicitly told investors what would happen.

At trial, the government was unable to tie any supposedly fraudulent representations to Mr. Gentile," the anonymous White House official told Reuters.

Mr. Gentile also raised serious concerns that the government had elicited false testimony and failed to correct such testimony, the source added.

As of Saturday, the text of Gentiles commutation had not yet been posted on the Justice Departments website. It was unclear if the commutation would affect any financial penalties.

In June, prosecutors asked the judge in the case to order Gentile to forfeit more than $15.5 million, whereas Schneider was asked to forfeit over $12 million.

In September, prosecutors indicated in a letter to the judge that a court-appointed receiver had access to more than $700 million, which would likely be distributed to investors, according to the Times.

With reporting by the Associated Press
Donald Trump: I wouldnt say it went well or badly, it was a phone call. Photograph: Yuri Gripas/UPI/Shutterstock

Donald Trump reportedly gave Nicolas Maduro an ultimatum to relinquish power immediately during their recent call  but Venezuelas authoritarian leader declined, demanding a global amnesty for himself and allies.

On Sunday, the US president confirmed the call had taken place, telling reporters: I wouldnt say it went well or badly, it was a phone call.

Neither the US nor Venezuelan government have offered further details of the topics discussed during the highly unusual conversation, which is thought to have happened on 21 November.

But sources told the Miami Herald the US president had sent a blunt message to his South American counterpart, who is the focus of a four-month pressure campaign in which Trump has ordered a massive naval deployment off Venezuelas northern coast.

You can save yourself and those closest to you, but you must leave the country now, Trump reportedly said, offering safe passage for Maduro, his wife and his son only if he agreed to resign right away.

However, Venezuelas president reportedly refused to step down immediately and allegedly made a series of counter-demands, including worldwide immunity from prosecution and being allowed to cede political control but keep control of the armed forces.

The newspaper said there had been no further direct contact between Trump and Maduro, although Maduro reportedly requested a second call last weekend after Trump declared Venezuelas airspace closed in its entirety. The Maduro government  received no response, the Miami Herald claimed, saying the first discussion had been brokered by Brazil, Qatar and Turkey.

On Monday Maduro told thousands of supporters that Venezuela did not want a slaves peace.

We want peace, but peace with sovereignty, equality, freedom! We do not want a slaves peace, nor the peace of colonies! Maduro said at a rally in Caracas.

Despite the leaked claim that Trump had given Maduro an ultimatum, many observers are sceptical the US president intends to back his threats up with large-scale military action.

Maduro and most of his cohorts view the US military threats as a bluff, a source with regular contact with top Venezuela officials told the Wall Street Journal last month.

Since his election in 2013, the Venezuelan leader has survived a succession of crises, including Trumps first-term maximum pressure campaign, several rounds of mass protests, a historic economic meltdown, a 2018 assassination attempt and apparent defeat in last years presidential election, which Maduro is widely believed to have lost to the former diplomat Edmundo Gonzalez.

On Sunday, the Wall Street Journal urged Trumps administration to continue ramping up the pressure on Venezuela and said it believed deposing Maduro is in the US national interest. Its editorial board said: If Maduro refuses to leave, and Trump shrinks from acting to depose him, Trump and the credibility of the US will be the losers.

In an attempt to find a peaceful solution, Colombias president, Gustavo Petro, offered the Colombian city of Cartagena as a possible location for talks between Maduros regime and Venezuelas opposition.

In a letter to Opec published by Venezuelan state media on Sunday, Maduro accused the US of seeking to appropriate Venezuelas vast oil reserves  the largest on the planet  through the lethal use of military force.
Donald Trump takes questions from reporters on board Air Force One on Sunday - Pete Marovich/Getty

Donald Trump has said the corruption scandal engulfing Ukraines government was not helpful to ongoing peace talks.

Following the latest US-Ukrainian talks on Sunday, the US president said Ukraines got some difficult little problems, referring to the resignation of Volodymyr Zelenskys lead negotiator and chief of staff.

But I think that theres a good chance we can make a deal, the president told reporters on board Air Force One.

Andriy Yermak, the former head of Kyivs delegation and Mr Zelenskys close ally, was ousted on Friday after his home was raided as part of an investigation into a 76m embezzlement scheme in the energy sector allegedly involving senior government officials.

He was replaced by Rustem Umerov, the former defence minister, who hailed the Florida talks as productive and successful.

However, Marco Rubio, the US secretary of state, said there was more work to be done.

Mr Zelensky has come under fire over the appointment of Mr Umerov as he is also embroiled in the same scandal, having been pulled in for questioning by anti-corruption investigators last month.

Sundays talks focused on potential land swaps and the timetables for new elections in Ukraine, yet tough questions remain over security guarantees for Ukraine and where the new post-war borders will be drawn, US and Ukrainian officials told the Wall Street Journal and Axios.

Mr Trumps special envoy Steve Witkoff is scheduled to meet with Putin in Moscow in the next few days.

The former real estate developer, who has no prior diplomatic experience and is accused of being too close to the Kremlin, will arrive on Monday, an official told CNN.

Meanwhile, Mr Zelensky  who is facing his most serious domestic challenge of his presidency with the corruption probe  will meet Emmanuel Macron, the French president, in Paris on Monday.

It will be the start of a frantic week of diplomacy as Mr Zelensky hopes to put the scandal behind him and shore up further support from Europe, including his first official visit to Ireland on Tuesday.

Valerii Zaluzhnyi, Ukraines former military chief who is tipped to be a future president, has called for political change in Kyiv once a peace deal is reached.

Writing in the Sunday Telegraph, Mr Zaluzhnyi said Ukraine should rid itself of corruption and implement deep reforms for the full recovery, economic growth and the return of citizens.

Any peace deal is likely to compel Mr Zelensky to hold an election, which will effectively be a national referendum on the peace deal.

The Ukrainian leader, who has been sinking in popularity due to the scandal, has previously suggested he would not run again.

It is understood that Mr Trump and his vice-president, JD Vance, have been pressuring Kyiv into signing a peace agreement because they sense a new weakness.

The initial version of the 28-point plan, drawn up last month, caused uproar in Kyiv and among its European allies for being seen as a Kremlin wishlist, including demands that Ukraine give up huge swathes of its territory, limit the size of its army and abandon its goal of joining Nato.

Marco Rubio, the US secretary of state, held talks with Ukrainian officials in Florida on Sunday - Chandan Khanna/AFP

It was revised and softened following talks between the US and Ukraine in Geneva a week ago, along with Europes input.

However, The Telegraph revealed on Friday that US recognition of Crimea and other territories invaded by Russia is still likely to be part of the US proposal.

A top EU official has also warned that Mr Trump must not pardon Putin for war crimes as part of a peace deal.

The original US peace plan leaked last month included a pledge of full amnesty for actions committed during the war.

Amid concerns such a clause is still on the table, Michael McGrath, the EU commissioner for justice and democracy, said it would be a historic mistake to allow Russia to escape prosecution.

I dont think history will judge kindly any effort to wipe the slate clean for Russian crimes in Ukraine, Mr McGrath said in an interview published by Politico on Monday, arguing the EU will not change its position that Russia must be held accountable.

To allow any impunity, would be a historic mistake of huge proportions, he said.

Throughout the nearly four-year war, Russia has frequently been accused of committing war crimes, including targeting civilians and abducting tens of thousands of children  an allegation which triggered an international arrest warrant for Putin in 2023.
December 1, 2025: Ukrainian soldiers often use UGVs/Unmanned Ground Vehicles to carry food, munitions or fuel to troops in the drone-infested front line combat zone. UGVs can also be used to move wounded soldiers from the combat zone to safety. A UGV can be operated by the wounded soldier, which is useful if the UGV has to follow a different route back to safety.

A major obstacle for UGVs are the swarms of Russian drones that might descend on them if the Russian drone operators believe the UGV is particularly important. For this reason, a soldier or soldiers travelling on a UGV will have ponchos or tarps handy to cover themselves while they lie still to make any FPV/First Person View drone operator believe there is nothing worth attacking on the UGV. The explosive charge carried by an FPV drone is not powerful enough to damage or destroy a 3x3 or 4x4 wheeled UGV

Ukrainian FPV drones equipped with a sensor that tracks the movement of the Russian drone and where it was launched by its hidden operator. The sensor leads Ukrainian drones to that location where the operator is killed and any additional drones with him destroyed. One vital task for the Ukrainian drones is attacking Russian truck or UGV traffic near the front line. Current Ukrainian drones can destroy these vehicles operating within ten kilometers of the front. Without the trucks Russian troops must carry supplies or pull carts full of material to the front line. This is manageable. But now the Ukrainians are about to introduce a larger drone with a range of 40 kilometers. That distance is prohibitive for Russian supply movement. In other words, the Ukrainians will starve the Russians out. This has forced the Russians to speed up their adoption of UGVs.

Ukraine has been using UGVs since the war began. In 2022 Germany sent Ukraine 14 THeMIS/ Tracked Hybrid Modular Infantry System vehicles. Ukraine began using these UGVs for getting casualties safely out of areas under enemy fire. The first THeMIS was provided by the manufacturer, an Estonian company and was very successful. Germany delivered seven THeMIS CASEVAC/CASualty EVACuation models by the end of 2022 with the next seven delivered four months later, configured for route clearance, which means clearing mines and other explosives from a road under remote control from a distance of to 1,500 meters.

The CASEVAC saves a lot of manpower getting casualties to a rear area and does this more quickly and safely. THeMIS has a Follow Me capability that enables one person to lead the THeMIS along a safe path. One or two casualties on stretchers or half a dozen seated can be carried.

THeMIS was introduced in 2015 and entered service in 2020. It is a tracked 1.6-ton UGV with a remarkably effective sensor system that enables it to find its way through any terrain. It is a compact UGV measuring 2.4 meters long, two meters wide and 1.15 meters high. THeMIS uses a diesel generator to recharge UGV batteries. When operating, electricity is used for propulsion for five or more hours of continuous use. THeMIS has a 1.2-ton payload, which can consist of cargo, casualties, more sensors or even weapons. Top speed is 20 kilometers an hour but it normally moves at a walking pace. At least ten NATO members have evaluated THeMIS and most then purchased THeMIS. Russia would like to obtain a THeMIS but sanctions prohibit that.

Several weeks after THeMIS first arrived in Ukraine, Russia offered a $16,000 bounty to anyone who could obtain and deliver an intact THeMIS UGV to them. Because one of these UGVs was in Ukraine, Russia considered it fair game. After all, Ukrainian forces have captured many advanced Russian systems intact and shared that booty with NATO. Thats one reason NATO nations are so generous in providing Ukrainian forces with weapons and equipment. For decades Russia has obtained advanced Western military tech from foreign combat zones where American aircraft and missiles crashed but were still largely intact. All this American high tech helped Russia develop similar weapons.
The UK Government is preparing to strike a deal with the US, securing zero tariffs on pharmaceutical products into the US in return for an increase in NHS spending on American medicines.

It is understood that an agreement is due to be made imminently.

It comes after warnings that US pharma firms will shut down their sites in the UK if the NHS does not pay more for drugs.

US President Donald Trump has called for changes to level the playing field (Leon Neal/PA)

US President Donald Trump has called for changes that will level the playing field in terms of what American customers pay for drugs compared with those in the UK and Europe.

The Times reported that the deal will include lowering the sales rebate rate on NHS drug prices.

This is the amount that drugs firms pay back to the NHS to ensure it doesnt overspend its allocated budget for branded medicines.

The Government is also expected to agree to increase the upper threshold for which new treatments are deemed to be too expensive by 25%, the newspaper reported.

Earlier this month, US ambassador Warren Stephens said further American businesses will axe future investments if there are not changes made and fast.

The row has been seen as a reason why US-based Merck and AstraZeneca cancelled or paused investments in the UK in recent months.
Nigel Casey joins five other candidates being considered for the UKs next ambassador to the US - Anadolu

A seasoned diplomat has entered the race at the 11th hour to become His Majestys next ambassador to the US.

Nigel Casey, Britains representative in Russia, was among several people interviewed for the job to replace Lord Mandelson who was sacked over his links to Jeffrey Epstein.

A slew of candidates had already been whittled down to a top five.

As a career diplomat, Mr Casey, 56, comes with the sort of foreign policy heft needed for Londons most important posting: navigating Donald Trumps Washington.

After the embarrassment of Lord Mandelsons departure, it would ensure a safe pair of hands at the embassy and avoid the gamble of another political appointment.

He entered the foreign service in 1991 and has previously spent time in Washington before working his way up to serve as ambassador to Bosnia Herzegovina and as the British High Commissioner to South Africa.

Nigel Casey has previously spent time in Washington - YURI KOCHETKOV/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

In between, he was the prime ministers private secretary for foreign affairs under David Cameron and Theresa May.

Sir Keir Starmer is now understood to be considering a recommendation put forward by the Foreign Office.

It comes down to whether the Prime Minister wants a political hire or whether he wants to go with someone from the foreign service, a source familiar with the process added.

Five heavyweight applicants were considered for the post vacated when Lord Mandelson was fired because of his connections to Epstein.

Varun Chandra, the business adviser to the Prime Minister, and Christian Turner, the British permanent representative to the United Nations in New York, were considered favourites.

Mr Chandra, 41, was the frontrunner, having taken a central role in securing a trade deal with Washington earlier this year.

Varun Chandra is the frontrunner in the race to be US ambassador - ETIENNE LAURENT/AFP

Insiders say Mr Chandra was pivotal to the deal agreed with the new pharmaceutical trade deal with Britain, unveiled on Monday.

The agreement imposed zero import tariffs on medical products from the UK. In return, the NHS has agreed to pay 25pc more for new medicines.

Mr Turner, 53, served previously as British high commissioner to Pakistan and to Kenya, as well as international affairs adviser to Theresa May when she was prime minister.

Other applicants for the job include Jonathan Black, Number 10s deputy national security adviser; Simon Manley, a career diplomat who most recently served as permanent representative to the World Trade Organisation and UN in Geneva; and Sir Martin Connell, the former Second Sea Lord.

The successful candidate will claim the sprawling ambassadors residence, which has been vacant since Lord Mandelson was fired in September.

He was sacked after leaked emails revealed he had counselled Epstein while he was being investigated for child sex crimes and encouraged him to fight for early release.

Your friends stay with you and love you, Lord Mandelson told Epstein after his arrest in Florida.

Lord Mandelson was sacked in September - Dermot Tatlow

In one of the emails, obtained by Bloomberg, Lord Mandelson wrote: I think the world of you, and I feel hopeless and furious about what has happened.

Fresh correspondence revealed last month appeared to show Lord Mandelson warning Epstein to stay away from Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.

In an exchange between the two men from 2016, which was among 23,000 files released by the US House of Representatives oversight committee, Epstein told Lord Mandelson you were right about staying away from Andrew.

The Trump administration is expected to release the remainder of the Epstein files later this month.
The White House has confirmed that the admiral overseeing U.S. military operations against alleged drug-carrying boats had issued the order for a second strike that killed two survivors, an attack that has intensified legal scrutiny into the Trump administrations lethal campaign.

Following new reporting about the September 2 strike and allegations that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth commanded military personnel to kill everybody on board the vessels, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Admiral Frank M. Mitch Bradley had issued the order to fire on the vessel in the Caribbean a second time.

At the time of the attack, Bradley led the Joint Special Operations Command, which operates under the U.S. Special Operations Command and typically is responsible for performing classified military operations. He was later promoted to lead the parent organization.

Asked to clarify whether Hegseth had ordered the second strike on the boat, Leavitt told reporters that Bradley  not Hegseth  gave the order and stressed that the veteran naval officer was well within his authority and the law when he did.

He directed the engagement to ensure the boat was destroyed and the threat from narco terrorists was eliminated, she said.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed a second strike that killed two survivors on an alleged drug-carrying boat September 2 was ordered by the admiral overseeing the operation (REUTERS)

Leavitt added that the strikes were conducted in international waters and in accordance with the law of armed conflict.

The strike on September 2, the first among more than a dozen attacks that have killed more than 80 people in recent months, was conducted in self defense to protect Americans and vital United States interests, she said.

When two survivors emerged from the wreckage, Bradley issued an order to comply with Hegseths alleged instructions to kill everybody, according to The Washington Post, citing officials with direct knowledge of the operation.

The two men were then blown apart in the water, according to the report.

News of Hegseths alleged command follows growing questions about Trump administrations deadly campaign and allegations that the attacks amount to illegal extrajudicial killings, which law-of-war experts speaking to The Independent have labeled outright murders and war crimes.

According to the Pentagons own Law of War Manual, people who are wounded, sick, or shipwrecked on the high seas are supposed to be respected and protected in all circumstances by U.S. forces, even during hostilities.

The Defense Departments manual specifically states that making them the object of attack is strictly prohibited.

But when pressed on how her claim that the strikes on the survivors were in accordance with the law of armed conflict when the Pentagons own guidance explicitly says otherwise, Leavitt declined to offer an explanation and instead repeated her early prepared statement.

One day earlier, Donald Trump told reporters that Hegseth told him he did not order the death of those two men.

I wouldn't have wanted that  not a second strike, the president told reporters Sunday. The first strike was very lethal.

Leavitt also defended Trumps pardon of Juan Orlando Hernandez, the former president of Honduras who was convicted in U.S. court last year of leading a drug trafficking conspiracy that enriched cartels  allegations at the center of the presidents current military pressure campaign against Venezuela.

The people of Honduras have highlighted to [Trump] how the former President Hernandez was set up, Leavitt said.

She repeated claims from Hernandezs legal team that his case was over-prosecution and lawfare under Joe Bidens administration.

Hes of course within his constitutional authority to sign clemency for whoever he deems worthy of that, she said.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has defended U.S. military actions against alleged drug-carrying boats as members of Congress investigate whether he ordered troops to leave no survivors behind (REUTERS)

Democratic and Republican members of both the Senate Armed Services Committee and the House Armed Services Committee are pledging vigorous oversight of the Pentagon in the wake of the news as members of Congress join growing calls for investigations into alleged criminal acts.

Over the weekend, Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, spoke by phone with the Republican and Democratic leaders on the House and Senate armed services committee following reports of Hegseths alleged command.

They discussed the intent and legality of missions to disrupt illicit trafficking networks which threaten the security and stability of the Western Hemisphere, according to a readout of the call.

Leavitts confirmation of the second strike on the alleged drug trafficking boat marked an abrupt reversal of the administration's position from days earlier, when White House Communications Director Steven Cheung responded to the Post story by accusing the newspaper of having fabricated their report, writing on X that the Post had literally just printed what some unnamed random person said and reported it as fact.

The Pentagon initially declined to comment on Hegseths alleged command, though Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell later hit back in his own X post by claiming that the storys entire narrative was false.

These people just fabricate anonymously sourced stories out of whole cloth, he added.

Hegseth later issued a lengthy statement on X defending the campaign without denying whether he ordered officials to kill everybody on the boats despite not posing any immediate threat to the United States.

As usual, the fake news is delivering more fabricated, inflammatory, and derogatory reporting to discredit our incredible warriors fighting to protect the homeland, he wrote Friday. 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 conflict  and approved by the best military and civilian lawyers, up and down the chain of command.

Just days later, Trump himself confirmed what his top defense adviser had denied while speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One.
The Prince of Wales has hailed Wales as the place for foreign investors to do business and grasp the extraordinary possibility on offer.

William said he was proud to be following in his fathers footsteps and praised the King for showing leadership in championing Welsh business and innovation decades ago, when he personally encouraged the co-founder of Sony to open a factory in the nation.

His comments were made in a speech at the Wales investment summit being staged by the Welsh Government to encourage foreign companies to fund new ventures.

The future King also appreciated the sense of warmth and belonging that makes Wales unique after setting up his first home with wife Kate on Anglesey when he was an RAF search and rescue helicopter pilot.

William delivered his speech after meeting a group of entrepreneurs and firms showing off their innovative businesses already based in Wales, from colourful coverings for prosthetic legs to a company planning to manufacture electric Morris JE vans.

The prince said: Wales was the first place Catherine and I made our home together  on the island of Anglesey. When you make a home in Wales, you join a family of three million people, and the sense of warmth and belonging is what makes Wales unlike anywhere else.

I am pleased to be continuing the work of my father, the King, who over half a century ago, personally encouraged the co-founder of Sony to open its first European factory here in Wales.

The Wales Investment Summit takes place in Newport (Ben Birchall/PA)

He went on to say: His leadership in championing Welsh business and innovation is something which I am proud to have the opportunity to continue today.

Because I believe that we have reached another significant moment for Welsh investment. An opportunity defined not by the challenges we collectively face, but by extraordinary possibility.

The one-day summit was held at the International Convention Centre Wales in Newport  the most significant event hosted by Wales since the 2014 Nato summit  with more than 250 companies expected to attend, 150 of which are new to Wales.

The sectors represented by the companies who attended the summit included clean energy, technology, life sciences, financial services, manufacturing and the creative industries.

William met green business owners at the showcase event (Ben Birchall/PA)

In Wales there are 1,545 foreign-owned businesses active, employing more than 176,500 people across the nation, according to the Welsh Government.

The prince also highlighted global challenges and how Wales is responding to some of them: The world is changing rapidly. We face pressures that no one can ignore: accelerating climate change, unprecedented weather disruption and energy insecurity.

He added: it is encouraging to see Wales stepping forward as one of the most significant centres of renewable resources in all of Europe.

Floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea, tidal stream energy in the Irish Sea, a Hydrogen Hub in the North and solar power in Pembrokeshire.

Together, these projects are positioning Wales as one of the worlds most promising clean-energy hubs.

Earlier William visited the newly opened facility of international semiconductor company KLA in Newport, Gwent.

SPTS, a division of KLA, has operated in Newport for more than 40 years, with the South Wales city being home to its research and development and manufacturing arm.

The prince told delegates, who included Wales First Minister Eluned Morgan: Technologies designed and built in Wales are already embedded in the smartphones in your pockets as well as sensors, autonomous systems and high-speed networks used across the globe.

A testament to the Welsh capacity to compete and lead on the world stage.
Labour ministers are considering stricter rules on woodburning stoves to help reduce air pollution.

Following the publication of the governments updated environment plan (EIP), a consultation will begin on measures to reduce the impact of burning wood.

It could see a tightening in standards for new stoves to lower emissions, as well as introducing clearer labelling.

But Defra officials told The Independent they were not planning to consult on banning domestic burning by geographical area, or to seek a ban on the use of older stoves that have already been sold.

Furthermore, there are no plans to change rules for Smoke Control Areas, active in many parts of the county, where people can only burn authorised fuel. Those using stoves that comply with current SCA rules will not have to stop using them, Defra said.

Wood burners are a key source of PM2.5 particulate emissions, which have been linked to an array of health conditions in humans, including asthma, lung disease and heart conditions.

The new target for air pollution announced by the government as part of the updated EIP is to bring PM2.5 levels down by 30 per cent compared to what they were in 2018  to be achieved by December 2030.

The previous target was a 22 per cent reduction to be achieved by 2028.

Wood-burning stoves are a source of the pollutant PM2.5 (Getty/iStock)

Rosamund Kissi-Debrah, whose nine-year-old daughter died from an asthma attack linked to air pollution in 2013, welcomed the new PM2.5 goal, as a "win".

Ms Kissi-Debrah has been campaigning for "Ella's Law", which would require the government to achieve clean air throughout England by January 1 2030, setting out a pathway to bring the country in line with World Health Organisation air pollution guidelines.

"It's not quite Ella's Law yet, but it's a step in the right direction," she said. "So because of that I'm pleased. Anything that's going to improve the air, and that means less children are going to be hospitalised and less children are going to die, I am always going to be for it.

The Stove Industry Association said it welcomed the governments stance.

Executive director Erica Malkin told The Independent: We welcome the governments measured approach to domestic combustion outlined in the environmental improvement plan. The EIP recognises that many households rely on solid fuel secondary heating for affordable warmth, energy security and resilience, particularly in rural and off-grid areas.

She said that modern ecodesign stoves offer substantial reductions in particulate emissions compared to older appliances and open fires.

She added: We share the governments ambition to improve air quality while ensuring that those who need or want to burn are not unfairly penalised.

Beyond air pollution, the updated EIP, published on Monday, includes 500m in funding towards the creation of a quarter of a million hectares of wildlife-rich habitats which will be created or restored by 2030.

Environment secretary Emma Reynolds said: Our environment faces real challenges, with pollution in our waterways, air quality that's too low in many areas, and treasured species in decline.

This plan marks a step change in restoring nature. Our ambitious targets are backed by real action to cut harmful air pollutants, revive habitats and protect the environment for generations to come.

But environmental campaign groups have said the plan represents baby steps, and that much more needed to be done to help the natural world on a much faster timeline.

Beccy Speight, RSPB chief executive, said: "The gap between where we are now and where we need to be in terms of nature restoration grows wider the longer we wait for meaningful action. The scale of the problem is huge, nearly one in six species in Great Britain faces extinction  from hedgehogs to curlews  the loss is big, real and it's accelerating.

Kevin Cumming, rewilding director of Rewilding Britain, said: Despite some welcome baby steps and tinkering at the edges  and although its good ministers want to see our protected landscapes wilder and more accessible  the UK governments environmental improvement plan is woefully unambitious when it comes to tackling the biodiversity and climate emergencies through large-scale nature restoration.
YouTuber helps reunite man with family after followers recognise him from missing person alert

A South Korean YouTuber helped police reunite a missing man with his family after unexpectedly encountering him during a livestream.

The streamer, known as 2ro2, was broadcasting live on the streets of Gwangju on 21 November when he stopped to speak with a man in a blue jacket.

During their brief exchange, the man insisted he was a 23-year-old college student, even though he appeared middle-aged.

My military service has been postponed, he told the YouTuber.

Followers of the YouTuber, who has some 143,000 subscribers, immediately flagged that the man resembled a person in a missing-person alert issued a week earlier.

The alert, circulated locally on 14 November, described a 44-year-old man surnamed Kim who had a cognitive disability and was missing since earlier in the month. His appearance, clothes and location all matched the individual seen in 2ro2s stream.

Realising the man was likely the missing person, the YouTuber contacted police while attempting to keep him engaged, gently responding to his confused statements about his age in an effort to stop him from wandering away.

When the man declined to continue talking, 2ro2 followed him at a distance and relayed his movements to police.

Officers arrived shortly afterwards, identified him as Mr Kim and returned him safely to his family.

The case has drawn national attention to the South East Asian countrys increasing reliance on digital alerts and community intervention in locating vulnerable people.

South Korea records tens of thousands of missing-person cases a year. A government report released in May said that 49,624 people were reported missing in 2024, including 8,430 individuals with mental or cognitive disabilities.

While the vast majority, around 95 per cent, were found within two days, authorities said that vulnerable adults and children often required rapid intervention to prevent any harm.

Since 2021, South Korea has issued targeted missing-person alerts to residents in the vicinity where the disappearance takes place. Authorities say this hyperlocal approach is improving outcomes but cases still rely heavily on public cooperation.

Police didnt offer further details about the circumstances of Mr Kims disappearance, but local authorities said the case demonstrated how digital platforms, community vigilance and rapid reporting could play a major role in locating missing people with cognitive disabilities.
Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, with Emmanuel Macron, his French counterpart, returned to Paris for the second time in two weeks on Monday - Antoine Gyori/Corbis via Getty Images

Volodymyr Zelensky has warned the US that Russia must not be rewarded for the war in Ukraine as Donald Trumps peace envoy prepared for talks with Vladimir Putin.

With the White House stepping up pressure on Kyiv to agree to a peace plan, the Ukrainian president travelled to Paris in an attempt to muster support from his European allies.

He was joined by Emmanuel Macron and Sir Keir Starmer in a last-ditch phone discussion with Steve Witkoff before the US envoy set off for Moscow to meet the Russian president.

Speaking later at a press conference in the French capital, Mr Zelensky said: We need to ensure that Russia itself does not perceive anything it could consider as a reward for this war.

His comments came amid a flurry of American-led diplomacy to end Russias almost four-year-long invasion of Ukraine.

Ukrainian and US officials met in Miami over the weekend and into Monday to hammer out a deal to end the war that could be presented to Putin.

Vladimir Putin will meet a US delegation in Moscow on Tuesday - Gavriil Grigorov/Getty Images

The two sides worked on tweaks to a previous 28-point plan drawn up by the White House delegation, which would have forced Ukraine to surrender its eastern Donbas regions and enforced strict limits on Kyivs armed forces after any ceasefire.

Ukraine has sought to soften the proposals, and has left blank the most contentious issues, including territorial swaps and a ban on hosting Nato troops, to be resolved in direct talks between Mr Zelensky and Mr Trump.

On Monday, the Ukrainian president said during a press conference with Mr Macron: The question of territory and land is the most difficult. We are expecting a conversation with the president of the United States on key issues that are quite challenging.

He said their discussions had focused on negotiations to end the war and on security guarantees.

The French president argued that the war could only be brought to an end with the agreement of Kyiv and its European allies, after the US largely sidelined the continent in its wrangling to halt the hostilities.

President Zelensky met Eric Trappier, the CEO of French aircraft manufacturer Dassault Aviation, in Cergy, Paris, during his trip - Dimitar Dilkoff/Getty Images

Mr Macron told reporters: There is currently no finalised plan on the territorial issues, strictly speaking. It can only be finalised by President Zelensky. On the issue of frozen assets, security guarantees, accession to the European Union and European sanctions, it can only be finalised with the Europeans at the table.

European leaders were caught off guard by previous versions of Mr Trumps peace plan, which made a number of decisions on behalf of the EU and Nato, when it was leaked in the press.

French media reported later on Monday that Mr Macron had updated the US president on his meeting with Mr Zelensky in the French capital. The two leaders exchanged views on the conditions for a robust and lasting peace in Ukraine and on the next steps in the mediation efforts by the United States, it was reported.

The French president emphasised in particular the central importance of security guarantees necessary for Ukraine and [Frances] determination to work with the United States on this, it added.

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said it would be in nobodys interest to agree to a deal determined by Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin - Virginia Mayo/AP

In a wider show of support for Ukraine, the leaders of the UK, France, Italy, Denmark, Poland, Finland, Norway, the Netherlands, as well as the EUs and Natos figureheads, held a video conference with Mr Zelensky.

The Ukrainian president wrote on social media: Much now depends on the involvement of every leader.

After the talks, Giorgia Meloni, the Italian prime minister, said it was important for Europe and the US to reach a joint agreement on how to end the war.

Kaja Kallas, the EUs top diplomat, said it would be a pivotal week for diplomacy, as she hosted the blocs defence ministers for separate talks in Brussels.

She added that it would be in nobodys interest to force Kyiv to accept any deal hashed out between Mr Witkoff and Putin in Moscow on Tuesday.

Trump: Good chance we can make a deal

The US presidential envoy is expected to be joined by Jared Kushner, Mr Trumps son-in-law, for the meetings at the Kremlin. They will arrive fresh from two days of talks with a Ukrainian delegation, led by Rustem Umerov, the national security adviser.

Mr Zelenskys aide remained in Florida for an extra day of negotiations, which both sides have hailed as positive.

We managed to achieve significant progress, although some issues require further refinement, Mr Umerov wrote on social media on Monday.

Ukrainian sources said Kyivs delegation had refused to withdraw forces from Donetsk or abandon any hope of Nato membership as the price of peace.

In the past, Russia has signalled resistance to granting concessions to Ukraine, despite the US suggesting Putin was prepared to end the war.

Speaking aboard Air Force One on Sunday, Mr Trump told reporters that Russia would like to see the war end and that theres a good chance we can make a deal.

But there was little indication that Moscow would be ready to drop its maximalist demands when Mr Witkoff and Mr Kushner meet the Russian president.

They want to negotiate with those who are just offering them something on top of what they already have, Mrs Kallas told a press conference in Brussels. This is clearly their interest, but it shouldnt be ours.

During the past month, as the US tried in earnest to end the war, Russia achieved its biggest advance in Ukraine for a year.

Its army captured 701sq km (270 square miles) and controlled, fully or partially, 19.3 per cent of Ukrainian territory in November.

Russia said on Monday that its forces had captured the city of Pokrovsk in east Ukraine, a key military logistics hub, as well as the city of Vovchansk in the north-east.

Putin said the capture of the city would enable his countrys military to proceed with further offensives, adding that Ukraine was incapable of responding to the advances.

Rescuers working at the site of a Russian rocket strike in Dnipro on Monday - EPA/Shutterstock/Prosecutor's Office of Ukraine

Ukrainian officials have made no acknowledgement that either city has fallen into Russian hands.

As well as its creeping gains, Moscows armed forces unleashed another deadly missile attack on a Ukrainian city, this time killing four people and injuring 40 more in a strike on the central city of Dnipro.

Meanwhile, the chairman of Natos military committee suggested the alliance was ready to carry out a pre-emptive strike on Russia in the mounting hybrid war.

Being more aggressive or being proactive instead of reactive is something that we are thinking about, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone told the Financial Times, adding it could be considered a defensive action.

In recent months, Russia has been blamed for a series of unexplained incidents involving drones shutting down commercial airports in Europe and has sent a spy ship into British waters.

Experts argue that these incidents reflect attempts by Putin to deter Western support for Ukraine.

The EU on Monday announced it was preparing fresh sanctions against Belarus for a hybrid attack involving smuggling balloons floating across the border into Lithuania.
Kelly Rice claimed she had developed complex post-traumatic stress disorder because of coercive control in the workplace

A female firefighter won more than 40,000 after being left traumatised when a male colleague with whom she had a romantic relationship read her diary.

Kelly Rice caught the senior fireman reading the journal after he searched her bag at Stroud Fire Station in Gloucestershire in March 2020.

After he was only given a written warning, Ms Rice refused to work in active duty and was then forced out by Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service, a tribunal ruled.

Ms Rice was awarded 42,853 in September after a tribunal upheld her claims of unfair dismissal and disability discrimination.

The tribunal heard she started working at Stroud Fire Station in January 2019 and was assigned a male mentor, named only as KS.

By April, the pair were in a romantic relationship but Ms Rice had concerns about him, which she relayed to Richard Basham, the stations watch manager.

The tribunal heard: On 2nd March 2020 [Ms Rice] reported... the allegation that KS had searched through her bag at the fire station and read her private journal. That same day that she ended the relationship with KS.

Bullied and harassed in text messages

It was then found that the fireman had bullied and harassed Ms Rice over text messages. But when he was only given a final written warning, she lodged a grievance.

She asserted that [she] did not believe that the investigation was fair or accurate, the tribunal heard. [Ms Rice said] there was further evidence that she... could provide. [Ms Rice said] the sanction was inadequate and demonstrated in [her] view that the [fire service] regarded the behaviour as acceptable.

The tribunal was told Ms Rice subsequently moved to a temporary post at the fire services headquarters because of stress.

Ms Rice resigned in August 2022 after her appeals against disciplinary proceedings were dismissed

She was then told to return to her original role and informed that if she wanted a non-operational post, she would have to retire and then apply.

In May 2021, Ms Rice took sick leave because of stress and claimed she had developed complex post-traumatic stress disorder because of coercive control in the workplace.

Disciplinary proceedings started against her in 2022 when she failed to attend meetings and comply with a return-to-work scheme. Her appeals were dismissed, and she resigned in August 2022.

I have lost my sense of self-worth and the confidence I once had in my abilities has been shattered. This has not only impacted my career progression but has also strained my relationships with family and friends, she told the tribunal.

Ms Rice won claims of constructive unfair dismissal, wrongful dismissal, discrimination and the failure to make reasonable adjustments because Gloucestershire county council, which oversees the fire service, had not accommodated her mental illness. A claim of constructive dismissal regarding KS was not upheld.

Employment Judge Paul Cadney said she was mistreated because of firstly the requirement to attend for operational duties; secondly in commencing and upholding disciplinary action for her failure to do so, and thirdly in the dismissal of the appeal.

Judge Cadney said: It clearly did have the effect of prolonging and exacerbating in part the pre-existing consequences of the KS events.
Gareth Duke arranged for the would-be girl to travel 140 miles from Portsmouth to his home town of Cwmbran, South Wales - Chris Hyde/Getty Images

A gold medal-winning Paralympic swimmer was caught by paedophile hunters asking a 14-year-old girl for naked pictures.

Gareth Duke, 39, took gold for Team GB at the Athens summer Paralympics in 2004 and silver in 2008 in Beijing.

He was caught earlier this year asking for explicit images from an online vigilante he thought was a schoolgirl, telling her age was just a number.

Newport Crown Court heard he asked the would-be girl to strip to camera, asked for pictures of her in the bath and told her to perform sex acts.

Duke arranged for her to travel 140 miles from Portsmouth to his home town of Cwmbran, South Wales, to meet for a kiss and a cuddle, the court was told.

He was caught when the group called the Child Online Safety Team passed the messages, which were sent in May and June this year, to police.

Ben Jones, prosecuting, said: There was the soliciting of images. He asked her for photographs in the bath and told her he would show her a good time.

The defendant asked her to strip on camera before the conversations become more graphic. He told her how she should masturbate.

Duke, from Llantarnam, Cwmbran, admitted attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child.

After winning the Paralympic medals, Duke retired from the pool following a kidney transplant - Tom Shaw/Getty Images

Alice Sykes, defending, said he was registered blind, requires kidney dialysis three times a week and has just 20 per cent hearing in both ears.

He has complex health needs and it is considered that he could be managed in the community, she said.

The defendant has no previous convictions and he has co-operated with these proceedings. There is a realistic prospect of rehabilitation in this case.

After winning the two medals, Duke retired from the pool following a kidney transplant.

Judge Matthew Porter-Bryant told him: There is no doubt that you were aware of the persons age. You said that age was just a number. This was predatory offending and serious criminal behaviour.

You have shown remorse and you have no previous convictions.

Duke was handed a six-month suspended sentence and ordered to complete a 30-day rehabilitation activity and pay a 154 victim surcharge.

He must register as a sex offender and he was made the subject of a seven-year sexual harm prevention order.
Resident doctors are staging another walkout in a dispute over pay and training - Raid Necati Aslm/Anadolu

Wes Streeting has accused junior doctors of a cynical attempt to wreck Christmas after they announced five more days of walkouts.

The medics, now called resident doctors, will walk out from Dec 17 to 22, the British Medical Association (BMA) has announced.

The doctors are demanding a 26 per cent pay rise.

It is the third round of strikes since July, following five days on the picket lines last month.

Dr Jack Fletcher, chairman of the BMAs resident doctors committee, said: With the Government failing to put forward a credible plan to fix the jobs crisis for resident doctors at the same time as pushing a real terms pay cut for them, we have no choice but to announce more strike dates.

He said that gradually raising pay over a few years and some common-sense fixes to the job security of our doctors are well within the reach of this Government.

The resident doctors have received pay rises amounting to 28.9 per cent over the last three years.

The walkout, from 7am on Wednesday Dec 17 to 7am on Monday Dec 22, will be the 14th time they have staged industrial action since March 2023.

Walkouts on horizon for next year

The medics have a mandate to strike until January but announced last week they would be re-balloting members to extend this for a further six months.

The doctors are also in dispute with the Government over training bottlenecks that have left UK graduates unable to progress in their careers.

This is in part because of a surge in foreign doctors applying for the limited number of spaces available for medics to specialise in areas such as surgery, medicine and general practice.

Dr Fletcher added: This month weve seen the full farcical extent of the jobs crisis, with second-year doctors applying for training posts being asked to provide evidence of experience well beyond what would have previously been asked of them.

It is precisely this sort of situation which is driving doctors away from jobs and to the picket line. But it is not too late for Government to get a grip on the situation.

The union rejected a late offer from Mr Streeting to double training posts over three years as part of reforms to medical training.

Wes Streetng says his door is always open for negotiations with the BMA - Adrian Dennis/PA

The Heath Secretary said on Monday: The BMA have clearly chosen to strike when it will cause maximum disruption, causing untold anxiety. Patients and NHS staff deserve better than this cynical attempt to wreck Christmas.

After a 28.9 per cent pay rise, the Government offered to create more jobs and put money back in resident doctors pockets. The BMA rejected it out of hand, refused to put the offer to its members, blocking a better deal for doctors.

Now, without a single conversation with the Government, theyre threatening more strikes at the busiest time of the year.

He called on the junior doctors to stand up to the BMA and say that enough is enough.

Resident doctors should ignore the BMAs attempts to turn them into the Grinch who stole Christmas, he added.

My door has always been open, I have never walked away from the table, and I stand ready to do a deal that puts patients first this Christmas.

Stuart Andrew, the shadow health secretary, said: Labour promised to rebuild relations with NHS staff, yet strikes continue. Their failure to resolve this has cost taxpayers millions and left patients facing a nightmare before Christmas.

As the NHS braces for another round of walkouts, it is clear stronger action is needed.

Only the Conservatives have common sense proposals for the NHS, including banning doctors strikes, to protect both patients and the public finances.

Doom loop of strikes

The walkout comes despite a plea from Sir Jim Mackey, the NHS England chief executive, for the BMA to end the doom loop of strikes.

What stops us getting on with making progress with all of this, is when the BMA choose to call fresh rounds of industrial action which force the NHS to put all of its efforts into maintaining safety and patient care during strikes, and create a further 250m hole in the NHS budget that we have to find from elsewhere, he said last week.

The really frustrating thing about this doom loop is that it has been well over a generation since weve seen the current level of real alignment between the political team and the NHS in our determination to fix  at pace  the issues resident doctors face.

Meanwhile, the row between Mr Streeting and the BMA continues to escalate, with the Health Secretary last week telling GPs they were being misled by the doctors unions leaders.

The BMAs GP committee is in dispute with the Government over changes to online booking systems, which now require surgeries to keep digital platforms open for the whole working day.

The union has warned the change would lead to an unmanageable increase in doctors workloads as they were required to monitor online requests throughout the entire day.

Last month Dr Katie Bramall, chairman of the BMAs GP committee, branded the Government traitors to our profession in a speech to family doctors.

She also attacked Labours disingenuousness, duplicity, gaslighting, briefing, frankly despicable attempts to flood media with irresponsible and intransigent anti-GP rhetoric.
December 1, 2025: Ukrainian government and military believe victory over Russia within their grasp. Since 2022 Ukrainian forces have retaken half the territory the Russians occupied in 2022. While the Ukrainian leadership is in a victorious mood, the troops are not. The Ukrainian leadership knows there is a problem with recruiting/conscripting soldiers and then retaining them in service. The growing number of desertions and AWOLS are caused by soldiers not knowing when their military service will end. Soldiers feel that if they will be in uniform indefinitely, they will probably die. New programs being developed will avoid this. Each soldier will have his current service contract amended to include a date the soldier is free to go home or simply take an extended leave of several months or more and then return to service. It is hoped that these new plans will reduce the number of desertions and even encourage deserters to return to service under more survivable conditions.

To deal with the problem the government is revising service contracts so new and existing soldiers will know when their service is over and they can go home. It is known that soldiers who take a break from combat, either to recover from wounds or accept an amnesty for deserters, are often willing to go back into service, especially if it is a non-combat job. Most of the jobs in the military are non-combat and the military is considering rotating people into and out of combat jobs. This will avoid having troops burn out after years in combat. Since

The current number of troops in the Ukrainian military is about 900,000, with about 97 percent of them in the ground forces. Since 2022 Ukraine has lost about 44,000 dead and 76,000 due to disabling wounds. Losses due to desertion and AWOL/Absent WithOut Leave have been about 250,000 plus about 14,000 soldiers captured by the Russians. The rate at which desertions and AWOL has occurred has been more than doubling each year since 2022. In 2022 it was 9,300 deserters, in 2023 it was over 24,000 while in 2024 there were over 60,000 deserters and AWOLs. The number of deserters and AWOLs so far this year are about 100,000.

Desertions were low early in the war but increased the longer the war went. Currently over 500 Ukrainian soldiers desert each day, which is ten times the rate in the Russian army. About half the total desertions have occurred in the last year. Nearly four years of losses to all causes and made it more difficult to recruit Ukrainian men to serve in the army.
Almost four in 10 parents of a three to five year-old reported that their child used at least one social media app or site - ballyscanlon/Stone RF

More than 800,000 children aged five and under are engaging with social media, research suggests.

New analysis from the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) found that large numbers of children were active on social media platforms designed for teenagers and adults, despite age restrictions typically set at 13.

The CSJ analysis applied the latest population data to previous research by Ofcom, the internet and communications watchdog, which found that almost four in 10 parents (37 per cent) of a three to five year-old reported that their child used at least one social media app or site, up from 29 per cent in 2023.

With roughly 2.2 million children in this age group as of 2024, the CSJ said this suggested there could be 814,000 users of social media between three and five years old.

Ofcom data showed almost one in five children aged three to five use social media independently - Elena Popova

The figures have prompted a former education minister to warn that hundreds of thousands of pre-school children are being fed content and algorithms designed to hook adults.

Lord Nash said: This research is deeply alarming. With hundreds of thousands of under-fives now on these platforms, children who havent yet learned to read, being fed content and algorithms designed to hook adults, should concern us all.

We need a major public health campaign so parents better understand the damage being done, and legislation that raises the age limit for social media to 16 whilst holding tech giants to account when they fail to keep children off their platforms.

The peer has previously called for action to prevent under-16s accessing social media, as part of the Childrens Wellbeing and Schools Bill, which proposes to improve childrens social care and education.

The CSJ suggested there was a rise of an estimated 220,000 social media users under five in 2024, compared to the previous year. This comes amid mounting evidence that excessive screen time can cause increased anxiety, sleep disturbances and developmental delays.

The data from Ofcom also found that almost one in five (19 per cent) children aged three to five use social media independently, while 40 per cent of children under 13 have a social media profile despite restrictions.

Furthermore, one in four eight to nine-year-olds who game online report interacting with unknown individuals. Parental concerns also remain high, with three in four worrying about exposure to age-inappropriate content.

The CSJ warns of rising anxiety and identity-based distress linked to persistent stimulation from screens, with schools reporting declining attention and behaviour linked to online norms.

This comes as a world-first law is due to come into effect in Australia next month.

From Dec 10, social media platforms will have to take reasonable steps to prevent under-16s in Australia from having a social media account.

In the UK, there have been increasing calls from campaigners for stronger policies to stop phone use in schools. However, the Government maintains that schools already have the power to ban phones, and that it supports head teachers to take the steps needed to prevent disruption.

The CSJ is advocating that smartphones are banned in all schools to break the 24-hour cycle of phone use, and say a public health campaign is needed to highlight the harms of social media.

The figures on social media usage come after Wes Streeting, the Health Secretary, said last week that he worries that we abandon young people to the Wild West of the online world, as he told of his concerns about the mind-numbing impact of doomscrolling on social media on young minds and our neurodevelopment.
Jennifer Melle was racially abused after refusing to refer to a paedophile by female pronouns - Christian Concern

An NHS nurse who was suspended after addressing a transgender paedophile as Mr has been left in legal limbo as the Government delays publishing equalities guidance.

Jennifer Melle, 40, a nurse at St Helier Hospital in Carshalton, Surrey, was discussing using a catheter for the patient  a paedophile who was a serving inmate from a high-security mens prison  in May last year when the patient took issue with her using the male pronoun and title.

The nurse replied that she was sorry I cannot refer to you as her or she, as its against my faith and Christian values but I can call you by your name. The patient then subjected her to a racially and religiously aggravated assault, lunging at her and calling her a n----- three times.

Ms Melle was investigated and disciplined by the hospital in October 2024. She was given a final warning and a referral to the Nursing and Midwifery Council to assess her ability to practise in accordance with its code of conduct. The code states that nurses should not express their personal beliefs.

She has since filed a legal claim against the Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals Trust for harassment, discrimination and human rights breaches.

Ms Melle has also criticised the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) after it refused to intervene in her case and stalled implementing its judgment, citing the need to wait for regulatory guidance.

Instead of being protected, I was punished

I was racially abused in my workplace, and instead of protecting me, the Trust punished me, Ms Melle said. My Christian faith teaches me that sex is immutable. I should not be forced to deny that truth to keep my job.

The Supreme Court has spoken clearly: biological sex matters in law. Yet the RCN, an organisation that claims to champion equality, chooses delay over action. Nurses like me are left vulnerable while ideology trumps reality. This is not inclusion; it is discrimination.

She made the comments as service providers remain in limbo waiting for updated guidance from the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) to be published before introducing any changes in public venues.

NHS trusts, councils and businesses have continued to allow trans women to use female-only facilities despite the Supreme Court ruling in April, which ruled that sex under the Equality Act is defined by biology  not gender identity  and that laws against sex-based discrimination should apply only to biological women.

Susan Smith, left, and Marion Calder, directors of For Women Scotland, celebrated the Supreme Courts ruling - Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

The watchdog submitted the amended 300-page document to Bridget Phillipson, the minister for women and equalities, in early September. However, it has still not been published, prompting accusations that Labour is delaying publication to avoid fracturing the party again amid mounting pressure on the minister.

Last month, the new guidance was leaked and suggested that transgender people could be banned from single-sex spaces based on their appearance, which prompted concerns from a number of Labour MPs, warning it would mean women could be questioned, or barred entry to single-sex spaces, for not looking like a woman.

In a letter seen by The Telegraph, the Royal College of Nursing admitted that it was awaiting the publication of the EHRC guidance before assessing implications for wider nursing practice.

The letter, sent last month by Professor Nicola Ranger, general secretary and chief executive of the RCN, to Bethany Hutchison, president of Darlington Nursing Union, said: My team confirmed we have received several enquiries from members following the Supreme Court decision in For Women Scotland and we have and will continue to raise these issues with the NMC [Nursing and Midwifery Council].

Those enquiries relate to the practical implications of the judgment on nursing practice, and I see Jennifers situation as falling into that category too.

In the meantime, we await the EHRC statutory code of practice for services, public functions, and associations, and the code may provide guidance on how this relates to the provision of health and care services.

In a previous letter sent to Prof Ranger in July, Ms Hutchison said: We have written to the Secretary of State but are hoping you will assist us by using your influence to ensure that nursing does not become a profession where suitability to work is determined by ones acquiescence to particular acceptable beliefs.

The Darlington Nursing Union also stressed that Jennifer is a competent nurse who wants to return to work but cannot compromise her Christian belief that sex is immutable.

Sets a dangerous precedent

Responding to the letters, Andrea Williams, chief executive of the Christian Legal Centre, which is supporting Ms Melle, said: Jennifers case is not just about one nurse, its about truth. Its about common sense. Its about the freedom to express truth in the workplace. The Supreme Court has made it clear that biological sex is legally recognised, yet institutions like the RCN and NHS are ignoring binding law while clinging to ideological policies.

The RCNs failure to stand with Jennifer sets a dangerous precedent: if professional bodies can disregard Supreme Court rulings and fail to protect the very people they were set up to look after then the rule of law itself is at risk. Jennifers fight will determine whether legal rights mean anything in practice.

A spokesperson for St Helier hospital said that internal proceedings are still ongoing - Martin Keene/PA

A spokesman for Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust said: We expect all members of staff to follow professional standards such as the Nursing and Midwifery Councils code of conduct  this includes maintaining confidentiality for any patients in their care at all times.

There is no excuse for racially abusing our staff and were sorry that Miss Melle had this experience.

As our internal proceedings are still ongoing, it wouldnt be right for us to comment further.

The RCN and NMC were contacted for comment.
Rage bait, a term commonly used by Gen Z, has been crowned Oxfords Word of the Year.

The phrase describes a strategy commonly deployed online in which a person will post content deliberately designed to elicit anger to increase traffic to their account.

Oxfords lexicographers said the phrase had seen a threefold increase in usage in the past year.

They said the popularity of the term reflected a growing scepticism towards the online world and increasing wariness towards social media algorithms and the addictive nature of outrage content.

In their announcement, Oxford said they were not rage baiting you by choosing two words, adding that the prize could go to any phrase language experts consider a single unit of meaning.

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Casper Grathwohl, president of Oxford Languages, said the existence and popularity of the word shows that the public is becoming increasingly aware of the manipulation tactics we can be drawn into online.

He added: Before, the internet was focused on grabbing our attention by sparking curiosity in exchange for clicks, but now weve seen a dramatic shift to it hijacking and influencing our emotions, and how we respond.

It feels like the natural progression in an ongoing conversation about what it means to be human in a tech-driven world  and the extremes of online culture.

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Rage bait was awarded the accolade after three days of voting, with 30,000 people getting involved.

There were three main contenders, with the terms aura farming and biohack also receiving honourable mentions.

The word biohack was coined to depict attempts  often by the rich and powerful  to halt or reverse the ageing process.

Aura farming, which originated among Gen Alpha  people born after 2010  describes the act of forging oneself a remarkably cool appearance.

The phrase was originally used in reference to characters from anime  a type of Japanese animation which has become popular among youths around the world  generating its own subcultures in the West.

But it only rocketed to its current prominence when it was used to describe a viral dance done by Rayyan Arkan Dikha, a sunglasses-wearing 11-year-old Indonesian boy who would perform as a motivational dancer on the tip of a canoe-like racing boat.

The dance went viral on TikTok, leading to hashtags like aura farming kid on boat and imitations by celebrities.

Preply, a leading language-learning app, said the shortlist was more than a collection of trendy expressions, saying it provided an insight into how the English language itself is evolving with the internet.

Anna Pyshna, spokesman for Preply, said: Language evolves to help us articulate the pressures and priorities of the moment. The shortlist shows how English is adapting in real time to our digital-first lives.

She added: With rage bait, we see the language evolving to name and recognise the emotional mechanics of digital spaces The fact that this term has become mainstream signals that users are becoming more conscious of manipulation, virality, and the economics of attention.
Peter Whittle as Ukip Culture Spokesman and London mayoral candidate at the Ukip 2015 Conference, Doncaster Racecourse - JULIAN SIMMONDS

Peter Whittle, who has died aged 64, was a former television executive who founded the New Culture Forum (NCF), a think tank established in 2006 to challenge the cultural orthodoxies dominant in the media, academia, education, and wider British culture.

Whittle had become increasingly concerned with how British cultural institutions, and cultural discourse in its widest sense, had become dominated by liberal-Left groupthink, cultural relativism and political correctness, a trend which, in his view, had dragged a once-proud nation into a depressing spiral of cultural cringe.

The problems he was seeking to address were strikingly expressed in a 2014 NCF study which found that a third of people in Britain believed they could not speak freely on controversial subjects such as immigration and religion, for fear they might be criticised, lose their job or be prosecuted. The land of free speech, the report declared, had developed a culture of silence.

As Douglas Murray wrote in The Daily Telegraph last weekend, too many conservatives for too long felt the crucial battles were about economics. [Whittle] helped to correct that error.

Whittle was both openly gay and unequivocally anti-racist and there was therefore some surprise when in 2013 he was appointed culture spokesman for the United Kingdom Independence Party (Ukip) then led by Nigel Farage.

However, Damian Thompson, who interviewed him for the Telegraph in 2014, thought that Whittle was someone who might be able to persuade middle of-the-road voters to support the party. Although the NCF isnt politically affiliated, Ukip has effectively adopted its ideas by putting Whittle in charge of culture, Thompson wrote.

Whittle went on to stand as Ukip candidate (and the only LGBT candidate) in the 2016 election for Mayor of London and subsequently served as a member of the London Assembly and Ukips deputy leader under Paul Nuttall.

Hard-working and erudite, he was an effective media performer, appearing on programmes such as Question Time and The Andrew Marr Show and becoming a regular on Daily Politics and Sky News.

Whittle, right, and Nigel Farage attending a Brexit anniversary party in June 2017 - STEVE FINN Nigel Farage And Peter Whittle Attends The Leave Eu Brexit Anniversary Party.Held By Businessman Arron Banks.Old Down Estate.Tockington.Bristol.Avon.Uk.Today.23/06/17SPEC' EXCLUSIVE IMAGE. MINIMUM

After Nuttalls resignation in 2017 Whittle was the bookies favourite to be the next leader of Ukip, before Henry Bolton won in a shock result. Though he served as London spokesman under the new leader, as the party descended into internecine fighting Whittle resigned in January 2018 when Bolton refused to stand down after a vote of no confidence triggered by revelations of his relationship with a 25-year-old model.

In December, declaring that the party had become more concerned with who is or isnt allowed to join it than the central issue of Brexit, Whittle followed Nigel Farage out of Ukip in protest at the appointment of the far-Right activist Tommy Robinson as an adviser to its new leader, Gerard Batten.

Peter Robin Whittle was born in Peckham, south London, on January 6 1961. From the John Roan School, Greenwich, and Orpington College, he took a degree in history and politics at the University of Kent.

From 1991 to 2003 Whittle worked for various British television channels as a producer and director of arts programmes, including a long stint on LWTs South Bank Show, presented by Melvyn Bragg. He also spent several years in the US where he worked for the USA Network and Fox.

In addition he wrote arts and film reviews for publications including The Times and Los Angeles Times, as well as a regular Whittles London column for Standpoint magazine. He made appearances on discussion programmes such as BBC Twos Newsnight Review and Radio 4s The Moral Maze.

In 2006, the year he founded NCF, he stood unsuccessfully as Conservative candidate at the local elections in Greenwich, and in 2015, after joining Ukip, he stood, again unsuccessfully, for Eltham in the General Election.

As well as being selected as Ukip candidate for Mayor of London, he topped the party list for election to the London Assembly and was duly elected in May 2016.

Following the resignation of Diane James as Ukip leader after just 18 days in the post, in October 2016 Whittle announced his intention to stand for the leadership. In the event he decided to go for deputy leader instead and in November he took up the position under Paul Nuttall.

Whittle remained a member of the London Assembly after his resignation from Ukip, serving as an independent and becoming founder leader of a new Brexit Alliance group, consisting of himself and David Kurten, as well as chairman of the Assemblys audit panel and a member of other committees.

He did not seek re-election in 2021 and was in any case busy with NCF, organising events with speakers as diverse as Martin Amis and Dame Vivienne Westwood, as well as several Conservative politicians.

In 2019 he launched an NCF YouTube channel, on which he hosted So What Youre Saying Is, an interview programme, and NCF CounterCulture, a weekly panel discussion show.

In 2024 Whittle announced his engagement to his partner Kurt. They married this June, shortly after Whittle was diagnosed with Stage 4 oesophageal cancer. Kurt survives him.

Peter Whittle, born January 6 1961, died November 27 2025
A man dressed as Father Christmas was carried away by police after being arrested at a protest in support of Palestine Action.

The man, who has not been named, was detained in Norwich, Norfolk, on Saturday for holding a placard supporting the proscribed terror group.

Footage showed him shouting these guys are going on the naughty list as four policemen carried him away.

He was also heard saying Ho, Ho, Ho, Merry Christmas kids and Ive got presents to make.

Ten people were arrested at the demonstration on Haymarket in the city centre, which was organised by protest group Defend Our Juries.

Their signs read: I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.

The man could be heard shouting: These guys are going on the naughty list as four policemen carried him away - Defend Our Juries/SWNS

A spokesman for Defend Our Juries said: This historic wave of action has seen people of courage and conscience taking action to resist the Governments clampdown on our fundamental rights to protest and free speech.

The protesters were all arrested on suspicion of displaying an item in support of a proscribed organisation, contrary to Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000.

They were subsequently taken to Wymondham Police Investigation Centre for questioning.

Supt Terry Lordan, of Norfolk Constabulary, said: 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.

Palestine Action was banned by the Government on July 5 after officials claimed that its serious criminal damage met the threshold for proscription under the Terrorism Act. The move made membership of, or support for, the group a criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison.

More than 2,000 people have been arrested since the ban came into effect, according to Defend Our Juries.

Palestine Action last week launched a legal challenge at the High Court against its proscription.

As part of legal action against the Home Office, lawyers for Huda Ammori, the Palestine Action co-founder, argued that the suffragettes could have been banned as terrorists under the current Government.

Police were forced to make arrests as supporters of the banned group gathered outside the Royal Courts of Justice in opposition to the proscription.
Rachel Reeves claimed on multiple occasions that there was a 20bn black hole in the countrys finances - Anadolu

Telegraph readers have overwhelmingly called for the Chancellor Rachel Reeves to resign after reports she misled Parliament before announcing her recent budget.

Ms Reeves had claimed that there was a 20bn black hole in the countrys finances that would need to be plugged via raising taxes. However, figures from the OBR (Office for Budget Responsibility) before the budget tell a different story.

It appears the OBR revised their forecast at the end of October to show that the Chancellor actually had 4.2bn of headroom, so she may not have needed to raise taxes to meet her spending targets at all.

This revelation has led to furious calls for Ms Reeves to resign from her position, as many people feel they have been lied to and cheated by a budget that has seen a tax grab of 26bn alongside a significant increase in welfare spending.

After being previously caught flouting housing laws through an inadvertent error earlier this year, there was not much credit in the bank for Reeves and the mood was summed up by reader Arthur McLeod who said: Reeves has to go now before the whole economy goes down the toilet.

Not fit for purpose

Readers have been quick to point out the severity of Ms Reeves potentially having misled parliament. Paul Litchfield remarked: This could escalate to a constitutional issue if Parliamentary Standards are not reinforced by either the standards committee or the Prime Minister.

If the Crown, who invite the winning leader of a general election to form a Government, thinks the person is no longer suitable, then what is the Crowns subsequent duty to the country?

Figures from the OBR show that Ms Reeves did not need to raise taxes in the Budget - Leon Neal

Andrew Stemp added: From her lies about winning a chess tournament when she actually came 26th, to making up her CV, stealing whole paragraphs from others in her book, to the ultimate crime of lying to the nation, her Cabinet colleagues, the markets and the world. She is a total disgrace and must be sacked.

Graham Dennis claimed that its not just Reeves that is a big problem, but the Labour party as a whole: All we have heard about since this lot came into power is the story of the Black Hole. Of course, you didnt mislead anyone and we all lived happily ever after. Outrageous fibs that allowed her to extract money for her partys failures and ideological vanity nonsense. Its not just her, its the party. Not fit for purpose.

General election needed

For plenty of readers, this latest Labour fiasco is the final straw and many have been demanding that a general election should be held.

Kay Charlton wrote: The budget should be declared null and void. In fact, after all the lies we are facing day by day from this abhorrent mob, parliament should be dissolved.

Damian Gavaghan agreed as he claimed it is an illegitimate parliament based on Labour lies. An illegitimate budget based on disinformation. Forget resignations, a general election with honest and reasonable manifestos is needed.

Some of the public want another general election and are tired of Labours fiascos - Temilade Adelaja

The sentiment was shared amongst many as Denise Barr commented that Labour have lost all trust - we need a general election, whilst George Robson added that their manifesto was a complete lie to the voting electorate.

But Robert Ojah-Maharaj pointed out that Labour will soon see the reality of the public support before the next general election: [E]lectoral verdict coming in the May elections. Labour will be obliterated and the public will clamour for a general election. Cant see this lot lasting another 4 years.

Compulsive liar

It is not the first time Rachel Reeves has been caught up in accusations of lying and many readers are frustrated that the Chancellor continues to have issues with being truthful with the electorate.

Clayton Jones shared their frustrations: So not only is she incompetent, she is a compulsive liar. About her qualifications and now misleading parliament and the markets in order to play roulette with the countrys finances

Many Telegraph readers have had enough of Ms Reeves continual lies - SOPA Images

Whilst Keith Lewis pointed out that Ms Reeves would not be able to act the same way in private business: If she were the CFO of any publicly listed company, shed be fired immediately and investigated for fraud.

Gary Peacock shared his exasperation at the Governments continual mistakes: Its like Groundhog Day every day with Labour. One disaster after another with no respite, I knew theyd be bad, but this is just ridiculous now. A lying Chancellor misleading everyone is surely as low as we can go.

It seems certain that this latest debacle from Downing Street has seen any waning support for the Chancellor completely evaporate amongst Telegraph readers.

With a disastrously unpopular budget followed by another scandal, Ms Reevess days may certainly be numbered.
Research has shown a darker side to Samuel Pepys, including the suggestion he attacked his wife and tried to touch womens breasts - Culture Club/Getty Images

A school once attended by Samuel Pepys has proposed renaming one of its houses because of his abusive and exploitative behaviour towards women.

Hinchingbrooke School in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, has five houses named after famous people connected with the area, including the 17th-century diarist and Oliver Cromwell.

Parents of its pupils have been told that recent research into the writers behaviour revealed actions that were harmful, abusive and exploitative, especially in his relations with women.

As a result, the secondary school has suggested a consultation over renaming Pepys House, in a move that has left some parents furious at attempts to erase history.

Femi Solano, an associate principal, and Tom Wheeley, a history teacher, said behaviour found in Pepys diaries do not align with the values we hold as a school  respect, equality, kindness and high standards.

She said in an email to parents that it was right to ask the question: Should Pepys House be renamed?, adding: This re-evaluation is not about erasing history. Instead, it is about ensuring that the figures we celebrate as role models reflect the values we want our students to live by.

Pepys attended Hinchingbrooke School in the 1640s, when it was called Huntingdon Grammar School - Alamy

Pepys, who attended the school when it was Huntingdon Grammar School in around 1644, went on to become an MP and administrator of the Navy. His accounts of major events, including the Great Fire of London and the coronation of Charles II, have made his diaries a valuable source for historians.

However, he recorded private activities in a mix of English, French, Latin, Spanish and his own shorthand, meaning some of the more explicit content has only just come to light. A study published this year showed a more threatening side to him.

Guy de la Bedoyere examined original texts in which Pepys wrote about attempting to touch at least one womans mameles (breasts) every day. Other translations of the diaries have included a fantasy of rape, and physically assaulting his wife and maidservants.

Its bizarre they should want to disown him

The father of a Hinchingbrooke School pupil said that when he received the email about potentially ending the use of the diarists name, he was incandescent about the wokery. He urged teachers to concentrate on giving my kid an education, adding: I was in disbelief.

Its another attempt to erase history that doesnt suit modern times when really we should be learning about those times. He was candid enough to write about it and in a way we are learning what the attitudes to women were like at that time. We should read it and learn from it and do better.

Sir John Hayes, chairman of the Common Sense group of MPs, said a name change would be pathetic. He said: Given Pepys is clearly their most famous son, its bizarre they should want to disown him.

Pepys is arguably our greatest diarist. It goes without saying his diaries are, by definition, going to reflect his time. It doesnt take new research to work that out as any scholar would recognise.

Andy Hunter, the schools principal, said: We admire the achievements of Pepys and are proud to count him among our alumni. However, we know that lots of the ways Pepys behaved, specifically towards women, would be not just unacceptable but criminal today.

He is not alone in that; we need to consider that behaviour in its proper historical context and, between us, decide what is right for our school today. In our minds, there has never been a more important time to talk about the way that we treat each other.

He added: This debate provides an opportunity for us to talk about what standards it is reasonable to expect of historical figures. The heritage of our school, founded as Huntingdon Grammar in 1565, is very important to us. We will respect whatever decision the school community arrive at.
Cats have a reputation for being independent, but some breeds genuinely enjoy sharing their space with a dog. If you already have a pup at home and want to bring in a cat, a few breeds are known for settling into mixed-pet households with ease. They handle new routines well, read canine body language better than most, and often end up forming real companionship instead of simply tolerating each other.

Maine Coon

Credit: Getty Images

People like to call Maine Coons dog-like. Theyve been spotted going paddleboarding with owners and calmly sitting through family movie nights. Their dense coats and heavyweight status (some over 25 pounds) also give them the physical presence to stand next to big dogs without flinching.

Birman

Credit: pexels

Legend says Birmans were sacred temple cats in Burma, which could explain their regal patience. These cats are quietly confident, often choosing to observe before joining the party. Yet once they trust a dog, theyre surprisingly interactive. Some Birmans have been known to tap dogs on the head to initiate a game.

Japanese Bobtail

Credit: Reddit

In Japan, this breed has long symbolized good fortune. Their stubby tail isnt a defect, but genetic, and each tail is as unique as a fingerprint. Theyre known to scale cat trees like circus performers and may end up outpacing the dog in the house.

Siberian

Credit: Wikimedia Commons

A triple-layered coat and built-in snow boots (furry feet) make Siberians look intense, but theyre surprisingly social. In Russia, they were once common fixtures in city apartments, which might explain their laid-back approach to chaos. They dont mind a rowdy dog or even a toddler on a sugar rush.

Tonkinese

Credit: pexels

Tonkinese cats dont really do alone time. Theyll follow people into closets, interrupt Zoom calls, and meow until someone answers. If a dogs nearby, theyll often treat them like a backup best friend. Theyre known for learning tricks, including high-fives and sit, and have been spotted riding on dogs' backs.

British Shorthair

Credit: Getty Images

The British Shorthair has the calm patience of a cat who has seen everything and refuses to be rushed. Their plush, teddy bear build makes them great for households with respectful dogs, especially those that dont need constant engagement. Their eyes even change color as they agefrom blue to coppery gold!

American Shorthair

Credit: Getty Images

Once known as the ship cats who sailed with early settlers, American Shorthairs earned their place by keeping rats in check and not complaining. Today, theyre known for their adaptability. Theyre content to snooze in a sun patch while a dog wrestles with a chew toy nearby.

Norwegian Forest Cat

Credit: Wikipedia

A common tale places this breeds origins on Viking ships, and the image makes sense when you notice how naturally they perch on the highest spot in the room, even the top of a fridge. Norwegian Forest Cats have long hind legs and a water-resistant coat that lets them look put-together even after a messy chase with the dog.

Devon Rex

Credit: Reddit

The Devon Rex has a light, bouncy way of moving that makes them easy to spot. Their big ears and soft, textured coats give them a look people often describe as unusual or toy-like. They like staying close to their people, sometimes sitting on shoulders, and they usually approach dogs with steady curiosity. Many even join in when dogs start playing.

Turkish Van

Credit: Reddit

Turkish Vans are known for enjoying water, which makes them stand out among cat breeds. Many like wading in pools or splashing in their bowls when they get bored. They stay active most of the day and look for things to do, and theyll even try to involve the family dog if they want company.
Scammers nearly sold his home without him knowing. Heres how he caught on just in time.

Selling a home you dont own sounds like an outlandish scam, but real estate title fraud is becoming increasingly common, and in some cases, surprisingly easy.

In Scottsdale, Arizona, one homeowner learned that firsthand. The homeowner, who wanted to remain anonymous, told 12News he was blindsided when the Maricopa County Recorders Office notified him that the title to his home had been transferred to someone he had never met  a woman named Rachael Cossette (1).

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By the time he checked on the property, police said the alleged scammers had already taken the next step: changing the locks.

"It was discovered that the suspect or suspects had actually changed the locks on the victim's residence and installed a lockbox for potential buyers," Scottsdale police told 12News.

The homeowner confirmed he was the sole person listed on the deed and that he hadnt signed or authorized anything. The home was simply sitting vacant while he prepared to list it, which investigators say made it an ideal target.

A deal that moved too fast

John Rowan, a real estate investor, said he was told Cossette had inherited the home and needed to sell it quickly.

"That was odd that everything was happening very, very fast," Rowan told 12News. "So that's a sign that something's wrong."

Rowan never spoke to Cossette directly. Instead, he communicated with a woman who called herself Jennifer and claimed Cossette couldnt talk because of anxiety. As the story shifted, Rowan became more suspicious.

He asked his title representative to double-check the paperwork. The documents turned out to be fraudulent. When Rowan contacted the actual homeowner, he learned there had been no transfer at all.

This is exactly how seller-impersonation scams operate. Fraudsters pull ownership details from public records, list properties through agents, avoid in-person meetings and push for a fast closing to limit scrutiny.

And these schemes are spreading. In 2023, nearly one in three title insurance companies reported a seller impersonation attempt. By early 2024, two in ten said they had already encountered similar scams, according to the American Land Title Association (2).

The FBI also estimates that real estate and rental fraud cost Americans more than $350 million in 2023, a 64% jump from the year before (3).

Read more: 22 US states are already in a recession  protect your savings with these 10 essential money moves ASAP

Detectives were waiting when the suspects ran

When Rowan realized the actual homeowner had never signed over the title to Cossette, the two of them immediately contacted Scottsdale police.

On November 6, 2025, Cossette showed up at the title company to finalize the sale, accompanied by a woman who identified herself only as Jennifer. Detectives later confirmed her name is Lezile Jennifer Greer. According to police, the plan ended the moment they walked through the door.

"Cossette was supposed to sign the sales contract documents, and Greer accompanied her," police said. "Cossette and Greer saw detectives at the front lobby and fled through the parking lot."

The quick getaway attempt did not pan out. Both women were later detained and arrested. Cossette is now facing a felony warrant along with charges including fraud schemes, forgery, presenting a forged instrument and residential mortgage fraud. Greer is facing a felony warrant and fraud schemes charges.

Protecting yourself

This isnt an isolated incident. Similar schemes are appearing across the country, and the fallout can be devastating.

In Austin, Texas, a woman named Shannon Pleasant says her late grandmothers home was sold and even demolished after someone allegedly used a forged deed to transfer ownership. Public records show the property changed hands multiple times before she noticed anything was wrong.

But unlike the Scottsdale case  where police stepped in before the sale closed  Pleasant is still fighting to get the property back. A judge briefly restored the deed to her name, but the developer who now owns the property appealed the decision, and the case is headed for a new trial. The house that had been in her family for generations is already gone.

These cases share the same playbook but even the most convincing scams leave clues. Heres what real estate experts and title agencies recommend watching for:

The seller is pushing to close quickly.

They refuse to meet in person or on video.

The owners mailing address on tax records doesnt match the property address.

They offer a price or terms that seem too good.

To protect yourself, verify the sellers identity through county tax records and contact information listed in official documents, not what appears in the listing. When it comes time to sign paperwork, only use trusted notaries or arrange to close in a title office or attorneys office, as scammers often try to introduce their own notary to bypass verification. You can also ask property-specific questions a true owner would know and compare signatures on current documents to past deeds in public records.

Seller impersonation scams thrive on speed, distance and silence. If someone is trying to rush, avoid talking or keep everything digital, slow the process down. The fastest way to stop a scam is simply to pause.

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Article sources

We rely only on vetted sources and credible third-party reporting. For details, see our editorial ethics and guidelines.

12 News (1); American Land Title Association (2); FBI (3); SoftPro (4).

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Variety of soda bottles and cans in a convenience store's refridgerated section - ElenVD/Shutterstock

There's something pretty charming about the Midwest's relationship with soda. Maybe it's the long winters that make people reach for anything fizzy and cheerful, or perhaps it's the region's talent for taking ordinary things like cheese curds or county fairs and turning them into cultural touchstones. Soda is no exception. In the Midwest, fizzy drinks aren't just refreshments; they're tiny time capsules of community pride, quirky nostalgia, and a very particular kind of regional stubbornness that insists, "No, actually, our version is better."

While the rest of the country grabs whatever's stacked at eye level in the supermarket, Midwesterners have a soft spot for the small batch, the hyperlocal, and the slightly eccentric. There's a whole world of sodas brewed in modest facilities that look more like a well-organized garage than a massive bottling plant. These drinks are sometimes made in limited runs, passed around by word of mouth, and only found if you happen to wander into the right county gas station, or know someone whose cousin passed by the right grocers.

Part of the novelty lies in how unapologetically regional these sodas are. They don't pretend to be national celebrities. They're for the farmers markets, the state fairs, the diners with sticky menus, and the adults who vaguely remember having a bottle as a kid. The following sodas are little reminders that not everything needs to be global to be loved. And when you get your hands on one, it's all about tapping into the Midwest's knack for keeping its traditions alive.

Read more: 10 Classic Comfort Foods Midwesterners Love

Faygo

Grocery store shelf filled with bottles of Faygo soda - Sheila Fitzgerald/Shutterstock

Faygo is the type of local soda story that reads like a small-town legend transplanted into a city. Two immigrant brothers experimenting with cake frosting flavors somehow parlayed that kitchen curiosity into a regional obsession. Founded in Detroit in 1907 by Ben and Perry Feigenson, the brand kept its Midwest roots even as its lineup swelled from a few simple flavors to dozens of eccentric options.

What makes Faygo feel quintessentially Midwestern isn't just geography  it's the way people talk about it. Longtime fans treat certain flavors as seasonal relics or roadside treasures, and there's a genuine subculture of collectors and flavor hunters swapping tips on where to find rarities. Reddit threads and other online communities are full of enthusiastic, slightly defensive takes ("you haven't lived until you tried X") and frequent updates about where bottles can still be tracked down outside the region.

Flavor-wise, Faygo leans into bold, nostalgic profiles. It carries everything from its classic cherry-spiked Rock & Rye soda to the candy-ish, strawberry-flavored Red Pop, and food writers and roundups regularly single out a handful of varieties as cult favorites. That eclectic menu is part of Faygo's charm. It's unapologetically specific, an atlas of Midwestern cultural quirks in liquid form. So, while it's not a national supermarket staple across the nation, Faygo's endurance comes from being locally loved, continually pursued, and reliably weird.

Towne Club Soda

Hand holding glass bottles of pineapple passion fruit and Michigan berries Towne Club sodas - orginalriveted/Reddit

If Faygo is Detroit's sweet and nostalgic soda heart, then Towne Club is its offbeat, flavor-adventurous sibling. Born in the mid-1960s, Towne Club carved out a niche as an affordable, hyper-regional pop that leaned into variety in a way that big-name colas didn't. Originally sold through the company's own pop shops (or pop centers)  small local stores where you could take a wooden crate and literally pick and choose from dozens of flavors  it wasn't just about the drink.

Over the years, Towne Club didn't just stick to the usual suspects. Its flavor range is impressively eclectic. You'll find everything from classic cola, ginger ale, and root beer to Detroit-proud nods like "Honolulu Blue" cream soda (yes, that's a Detroit Lions color), tropical punches, and more. Online, particularly on Reddit, fans speak of this soda brand with real fondness. Some continue to reminisce about returning cases of bottles, picking mixed flavors in their wooden crates, and debating what limited-run flavor was the most nostalgic. The cherry soda gets particular love, with some saying Towne Club's Michigan Cherry, featuring actual juice, is among the top bottles for taste and quality.

While it had its ups and downs over the decades (pop center locations closed in the '80s and saw a brief resurgence in the '90s), Towne Club persevered and went from returnable glass to resealable plastic bottles under its current owner, Intrastate Distributors. All of this gives Towne Club an old-school charm, grassroots legitimacy, and longstanding ties to its community.

Green River Lime Soda

Refrigerated glass bottles of Green River lime sodas - Tim Boyle/Getty Images

Midwestern soda has a neon mascot, and it's called Green River. This lime-flavored, bright-green soft drink traces its roots back to Davenport, Iowa, where a candy store owner named Richard C. Jones whipped it up around the year 1916 to bring in traffic for his ice cream parlor. A few years later, he sold the soda's recipe to a brewery in Chicago called Schoenhofen Edelweiss, which started bottling it just as Prohibition kicked in. What began as a clever survival tactic for a brewery became, over time, a cult-favorite soda across the Midwest.

Green River's zingy lime flavor is its trademark, but devotees will repeatedly point out that something more than straight-up citrus is in there. A whisper of vanilla or syrupy sweetness sets it apart from your standard lemon-lime pop. It's about more than flavor. Longtime fans remember cracking open a bottle after delivering newspapers, getting it at old-school diners, or seeing it in aisles on St. Patrick's Day, when its bright-green hue feels especially festive.

Despite its age, Green River has never fully disappeared. Today, it's kept alive by Sprecher Brewery, which now carries the brand. Under its watch, new (albeit seemingly limited) variants that give the classic profile a playful twist, like cherry-lime and raspberry-lime, have been released. To many Midwesterners, one sip of Green River brings back soda fountains, neon signs, and summer days that always tasted like lime.

Vernors Ginger Ale

A bottle of Vernors Ginger Ale against wooden panels - Crawford Smith/Tasting Table

Some sodas, like Detroit's Vernors Ginger Ale, feel as though they belong to a place. Concocted in 1866 by pharmacist James Vernor, it started as an experiment blending vanilla, ginger, and spices. The unverified origin story is that, before Vernor went off to serve in the Civil War, he'd tucked the mixture in an oak barrel; by the time he returned, the aging process had transformed it into a bold, creamy, and uniquely tangy soda. That combo of patience and experimentation helped Vernors carve its place as one of America's first major ginger ales.

What distinguishes Vernors is its unique flavor. Instead of the neutral, crisp ginger ales sold nationally, Vernors offers a sharp ginger bite while leaving a lingering warmth. For generations of Midwesterners, it's more than a soft drink  it's a memory marker. The internet is full of stories remembering Vernors as everything from being a comforting childhood treat to being a mixer for ginger ale-based classic cocktails, remedies for upset stomachs, and arguments about subtle differences in flavor depending on where it's served from (a glass bottle, can, or fountain).

But Vernors' longevity also speaks to its Detroit provenance. The brand rode out decades of shifting tastes and industrial consolidations, not to mention soda fads, and yet it has remained a regional staple  a synonym for Midwestern tradition and local pride. The opening of a bottle today is less about quenching thirst than taking a sip of Michigan history and nostalgia.

Sprecher Fire-Brewed Root Beer

Four assorted bottles of Sprecher Fire-Brewed Root Beer sodas against a white background - Sprecher Brewery

Sprecher FireBrewed Root Beer is probably what you'd get if root beer could wear a sweater and crack jokes by the campfire. Born out of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the Sprecher Brewing Company has used a rare, old-school, firebrewing method since its founding in 1985 by Randy Sprecher.

Rather than steaming its brew kettles, Sprecher brews its sodas over an open flame, which slowly caramelizes the sugars and intensifies the flavor into something richer. What gives Sprecher's root beer its truly distinctive character, though, is the use of real Wisconsin honey as a sweetener rather than relying solely on refined sugar or artificial sweeteners. That raw honey, combined with carefully selected ingredients like vanilla, botanicals, and other classic root beer flavorings, lends the drink a silky-smooth finish. Fans in online communities praise Sprecher for that depth. A Redditor who visited the brewery said the root beer straight from the tap tasted smokier and bolder than in bottles  details one can attribute to the flame-brew process. But not all feedback is glowing; some Reddit threads suggest newer batches don't quite match the flavor of the past, hinting at subtle shifts in recipe or perception.

Sprecher's root beer began almost as a side hustle. It was originally made so kids visiting the brewery could sample something while exploring. Over time, though, it became a breakout hit, reportedly outselling Sprecher's beer, and is now available in cans  including a 16-ounce version  to reach soda fans far beyond Milwaukee.

Blueberry Breese

Hand holding a glass bottle of bright blue Blueberry Breese soda - Vincesolo/Reddit

With a hometown pedigree few sodas can match, the skyblue, canesugar-sweetened Blueberry Breese was born right in Breese, Illinois. Since 1936, Excel Bottling Company has been brewing its signature lineup in returnable glass bottles in this small Clinton County town. One of the last independent, family-owned soda bottlers in the U.S., Excel has since kept its decidedly old-school charm intact over the decades.

Blueberry Breese is part of Excel's "Taste of Breese" line, developed to deliver bright and flavorful caffeine-free sodas with a touch less sugar. Current owners say the blueberry flavor comes from real fruit extract, balanced by some citrus notes that help keep it lively rather than overly sweet.

Fans on Reddit and specialtysoda forums rave about its electric blue color and retro minimalism. Other soda enthusiasts claim they can still find glass bottles around southern Illinois and the St. Louis area  sometimes even returning to the Excel plant to curate a selection. What makes Blueberry Breese especially appealing is its almost handmade feel. It's not churned out by a faceless corporation, but crafted in a small-town bottling house using vintage equipment. Choosing it feels like taking part in a piece of Illinois soda heritage.

1919 Root Beer

Can of 1919 Root Beer on a wooden table in front of trees during the fall - 1919 Rootbeer/Facebook

Certain sodas seem as though they should be enclosed in a time capsule. Though this soda didn't launch until decades later, the name 1919 Root Beer refers to the start of Prohibition, a period when breweries throughout the United States were legally required to shift the entire production to beverages that were alcohol-free. Made in New Ulm, Minnesota, by the family-owned New Ulm Brewing & Beverage Company in collaboration with August Schell Brewery, this soda is manufactured in small batches rather than using mass-production methods.

Of course, 1919 Root Beer's flavor is distinctive due to its use of real cane sugar and vanilla, resulting in a smooth and creamy texture. Fans online comment that it's an incredibly balanced root beer with a simple flavor profile. Others have described the taste as akin to a canned root beer float.

Distribution is usually regional, concentrated in the Upper Midwest, and largely shipped directly through beer wholesalers to preserve its quality. As it has origins in smaller-scale production and local traditions, it has not yet become a household name across the nation, but it still commands a devoted following among those who grew up with it or came across it in the area. To the folks behind 1919 Root Beer, it's less about flashy branding but more about the quiet persistence of a small Midwest soda that holds onto a flavor that feels distinctly local and quite historic.

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Read the original article on Tasting Table.
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.
Investigators in California were working on Dec. 1 to identify one or more suspects who opened fire at a child's birthday party over the weekend, killing four people and injuring 11 others.

The shooting erupted at a banquet hall in Stockton, California, where at least 100 people gathered for the celebration, according to San Joaquin County Sheriff Patrick Withrow. He said the incident may have involved more than one shooter and appeared to be targeted.

Three children and one adult were killed in the shooting, the sheriff's office said. The shooting left 11 others injured, and several of them, including multiple children, were taken to local hospitals.

Stockton shooting at childs birthday party leaves at least 4 dead Law enforcement responds to the scene of a shooting on Nov. 30, 2025 in Stockton, Calif. A suspect is still at large after four people were killed and 11 were wounded in a shooting during a family gathering at a banquet hall.

Withrow said at least one person remained in critical condition.

Officials have not publicly released the names of the victims, but families and friends have begun to identify their loved ones.

After the shooting, the Stockton Police Department said it arrested five people, including one juvenile, on conspiracy, weapons, and gang-related charges. Heather Brent, a spokesperson for the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office, told USA TODAY the arrests were not related to the shooting.

Since the deadly attack, which California Gov. Gavin Newsom called "horrific," law enforcement officials have asked for the public's help in identifying possible suspects, requesting cell phone video and eyewitness accounts. Local officials also announced a $25,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of any suspects.

"We need everyone who has any information on this to reach out to us," Withrow said at a news conference on Nov. 30. "This is the time for our community to show that we will not put up with this type of behavior where people will just walk in and kill children."

Deadly California shooting: 3 children among those killed in shooting at birthday party

How the mass shooting at a child's birthday party unfolded

Withrow said authorities first received reports of gunfire at the banquet hall shortly before 6 p.m. on Nov. 29. At the time, as many as 150 people were there for a child's birthday party.

Three children  ages 8, 9, and 14  and a 21-year-old were killed in the shooting, according to the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office. Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi said the 8-year-old who was killed was a student in the Stockton Unified School District.

She added that the childs parent also works for the school district.

Who are the victims? 3 children killed at California birthday party.

'My baby was innocent.' Teen remembered by community

Family members identified the 14-year-old killed in the shooting as Amari Peterson, of Modesto, California.

"My baby was innocent," Peterson's mother told the Stockton Record, part of the USA TODAY Network. The outlet did not name the woman. "We were just at the wrong place at the wrong time. Who would have known my baby wasn't gonna come home with me?

He was good in everything he did," she said, describing Peterson as loving, caring, and a wonderful athlete. According to a GoFundMe page for funeral arrangements, Peterson was a football player, a basketball player, a brother, son, and cousin.

"He was making plans and looking into colleges of choice. He was NOT involved in any gang activity," the GoFundMe page states. "The only mistake this sweet boy made was being in the wrong place at the wrong time. He was simply being a kid at a kids party."

Vigil held in memory of Stockton shooting victims

Hours after the deadly shooting, hundreds of people gathered for a prayer vigil blocks away from the crime scene. Speaking to the crowd, Stockton Vice Mayor Jason Lee recalled a shooting at an elementary school in the late 1980s that killed five children in Stockton.

We all remember where we were on that day. I dont want to have those types of memories over and over again," he said. He added: That trauma lives on forever, and this community is dealing with a lot of trauma."

After the vigil, family members could be seen removing gifts and other items from the banquet where the shooting occurred. One man, wearing a birthday-themed T-shirt, said he was retrieving his daughter's belongings. He asked for privacy.

'This was not a random act'

Withrow said the attack appears targeted, but did not say why investigators believe that.

"We're going to say that we're confident that this was not a random act," he said at a news conference over the weekend. "They walked into this area and was probably looking for somebody in particular. Why they did that, what they're part of, who they are  we don't know."

Dispatch audio reveals emergency response

An emergency dispatcher said multiple 911 calls had come in on Nov. 29 and were reporting that there was a shooting at the address of the banquet hall, according to dispatch audio obtained by the Stockton Record.

One woman told a dispatcher that her son was not breathing, and there were others with injuries, the audio revealed. I want to advise that there is one down, the dispatch audio said.

Officials have said it appears the gunfire started inside the banquet hall before moving outdoors. One of the entrances to the building had more than 14 bullet holes.

Multiple vehicles were also towed from the scene, including some that had bullet holes, according to Withrow.

Contributing: Karissa Waddick, N'dea Yancey-Bragg, and Thao Nguyen, USA TODAY; Victoria Franco, The Stockton Record

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Suspect sought after deadly Stockton birthday party shooting
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth could face criminal liability for a strike on a boat in the Caribbean in September, legal experts have told TIME, as lawmakers announced a rare bipartisan investigation of the incident in which 11 people were allegedly killed in two separate strikes.

The September 2 strikes, among the first in the Trump Administrations months-long bombing campaign against what it claims are drug-trafficking boats operating in the Caribbean, were carried out by SEAL Team 6 at the orders of Hegseth, according to a Washington Post investigation.

The order was to kill everybody, a person with direct knowledge of the operation reportedly told the Post, adding that the order was given verbally. In an effort to comply with that order, the commanding officer of the operation directed a second strike targeting two survivors of an initial attack, who were clinging to the smoldering wreck, according to the Post.

Read More: A Woke Military Won World War II

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Monday that Admiral Frank M. Bradley, commander of U.S. Special Operations Command, had acted within his authority and the law when he ordered a second strike after the first strike left survivors.

Speaking to reporters in the press briefing room, Leavitt confirmed that Hegseth authorized Admiral Bradley to conduct the strikes.

Secretary Hegseth authorized Admiral Bradley to conduct these kinetic strikes. Admiral Bradley worked well within his authority and the law, directing the engagement to ensure the boat was totally destroyed and the threat to the United States of America was eliminated, Leavitt said.

But several experts in international law interviewed by TIME said the events as described in the Post report, if accurate, constitute murder and a war crime for which Hegseth could be held legally culpable.

It is absolutely unlawful to order that there will be no survivors, Rebecca Ingber, professor of law at Cardozo Law School and an expert in international law, tells TIME. There is no actual armed conflict here, so this is murder.

Declaring that there be no survivors or otherwise killing people hors de combat (out of the fight) is a war crime. This is one of the most basic and longstanding rules of LOAC, she adds, referring to the laws of armed conflict.

Hegseth called the report fabricated and a part of a fake news campaign to discredit service members in a lengthy response on X, without directly denying that he ordered the strikes.

As weve said from the beginning, and in every statement, these highly effective strikes are specifically intended to be lethal, kinetic strikes, he wrote on Friday. 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.

The Pentagon directed TIME back to Secretary Hegseths statement on X when asked for a response to the Post's claims.

Leavitt's comments on Monday appear to contradict President Donald Trump's statement late on Sunday, when he said that Hegseth had denied giving the order to strike the boat a second time.

I dont know anything about it. He said he did not say that, and I believe him, 100 percent, Trump said aboard Air Force One. Asked whether he would have agreed with the order if Hegseth had given it, Trump replied: He said he didnt do it, so I dont have to make that decision.

Since the release of the Post report, both the Senate Armed Services Committee and the House Armed Services Committee have announced their intention to investigate the strike in a rare display of bipartisan alignment.

A joint statement from House Armed Services Committee chairman, Rep. Mike Rogers, a Republican from Alabama and Rep. Adam Smith, a Democrat from Washington, said that the committee will take bipartisan action to gather a full accounting of the operation in question, while a statement from the Senate Committee vowed vigorous oversight to determine what occurred.

All of the strikes are illegal

Laura Dickinson, professor of law at George Washington University and an expert in the law of armed conflict, says that if the report is true, Hegseth could be exposed to criminal liability under the U.S. Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ)the militarys criminal code that applies to members of the armed forces.

In an armed conflict, the intentional killing of a protected personsomeone who is a civilian or a person who is hors de combat because they have laid down their arms or are shipwrecked at seais a war crime, Dickinson says.

Dickinson cites the story of Lt. William Calley, who, during the Vietnam War, commanded his platoon to kill unarmed Vietnamese civilians in what later became known as the My Lai massacre. Calleys crimes were initially covered up, but he was later convicted of killing 22 civilians.

As the senior official alleged to have issued the order, Hegseth could be held legally responsible for the killing of the two survivors of the initial strike under the UCMJ, according to Dickinson. She notes, however, that the UCMJ would only apply if the United States is considered legally at war with drug traffickers, as the Trump Administration claims it is.

Read More: Trump Calls for Arrests Of Democrats Who Urged Troops to Refuse Illegal Orders

Dickinson notes that "most experts" do not believe there is an armed conflict between drug traffickers, and as a result, there would be even stricter rules for the use of lethal force.

If there is no armed conflict, the use of lethal force is only lawful if it is strictly necessary as a last resort, and, if Hegseth gave the orders as reported, those orders would not have been lawful, she says.

The U.S. War Crimes Act, which provides jurisdiction in U.S. federal civilian courts for war crimes prosecutions, including those committed by U.S. persons, could also apply.

Jennifer Trahan, a professor at New York Universitys Center for Global Affairs who has written extensively on the International Criminal Court (ICC) tells TIME that the United States is not at war at all, meaning that all of the strikes are illegalnot solely the strike being discussed.

Drug trafficking is a crimeand drug traffickers should be charged with a crime, apprehended, and prosecuted, she says.

The question of whether the U.S. is engaged in an armed conflict with drug traffickers or not could determine how this case, and others surrounding it, are dealt with legally.

Deborah Pearlstein, professor of law and public affairs at Princeton University, also believes that Hegseth could be liable under civilian law.

Even if the administration is wrong and theres no ongoing war, Hegseth would be liable under the ordinary federal criminal law prohibiting murder, she says. Members of the armed forces are effectively immune from being prosecuted for such laws if there is actually an armed conflict on. If not, no such immunity attaches.

Whether Hegseth is also potentially liable under the UCMJ depends on the details of his status as a former service member, Pearlstein adds.

Secretaries of Defense are generally not subject to the UCMJ, but Hegseth, as a former service member, may be, she says. Even if Hegseth isnt liable under the UCMJ, any active duty service member who carried out the order to kill the survivors in the water absolutely would be.

Refusing orders

Pearlstein and Dickinson also note service members' responsibility to refuse orders that are clearly illegal.

The Department of Defense Law of War Manual states that an order to kill shipwrecked persons is so clearly illegal that service members have a duty to disobey such orders, Dickinson says.

In an interview with Kristin Welker on Meet the Press, Senator Mark Kellya veteran and former astronaut currently being targeted by the Trump Administration for a video telling service members not to follow orders that are illegalwas asked whether he was calling on military personnel to actively disobey orders like those Hegseth allegedly gave.

If orders are illegal, not only do they not have to follow them, they are legally required not to follow them, Kelly told Welker.

 Addtional reporting by Brian Bennett

Contact us at letters@time.com.
Khadija Horton/Getty

This past weekend, the descendants of royalty, dignitaries, and Hollywood legends gathered at the Shangri-La Hotel in Paris, France to be ushered into womanhood. While you mightve been recovering from your Thanksgiving binge or narrowly avoiding Stranger Things spoilers, the Le Bal des Debutantes, an annual debutante ball, went down.

If you arent the child of an Oscar nominee or maybe Princess Dianas second cousin, you might be unaware of this upper echelon tradition, so allow us to enlighten you. Every year, the event welcomes around 25 young women from around the world (usually aged 16 to 22) from high-level families (think political dynasties, royal lineages, and your gold-standard Hollywood nepo babies) to don couture looks and convene with fellow fancy ladies.

Plenty of Le Bal des Debutantes alums are now famous in their own right, including Margaret Qualley, Lily Collins, Billie Lourd, Lori Harvey, Scout and Tallulah Willis, Apple Martin, and Ava Phillipe. And lest you worry that this is purely a self-indulgent schmooze fest for the 1 percent, Ill note that the event is usually hosted in support of noble causes. The party doubles as a charity fundraiser, and past causes have included Enfants d'Asie, (an organization that supports education for girls in Southeast Asia), and Seleni, (a non-profit that backs healthcare research for teen moms).

This years ceremony saw 19 well-to-do it girls (and their equally esteemed escortsthe Duke of Kent's grandson was one) grace the Shangri-La to announce their grand debuts to high society (and anyone who came across photos of the festivities on Instagram). But the event also managed to kick off speculation on social media about its necessity in our current economic climate. Heres a breakdown of it all.

Who were this years honorees?

Youll surely recognize plenty of the surnames in this years mix. Of the 19 ladies, notable participants included Bronwyn Vance (daughter of the A-list actors Angela Bassett and Courtney Vance), Carolina Lansing (granddaughter of the iconic fashion designer Carolina Herrera), and Lady Araminta Spencer-Churchill (Princess Dianas 18-year-old cousin). Heres a whos who of everyone who popped out in Paris this weekend:

Bronwyn Vance (daughter of Courtney B. Vance and Angela Bassett)

Carolina Lansing (granddaughter of Carolina Herrera)

Ella Wadia (great-great-granddaughter of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the literal founder of Pakistan)

Lady Araminta Spencer-Churchill (Princess Dis cousin/daughter of the Duke of Marlborough)

Gabrielle Janssens de Balkany (granddaughter of Princess Maria Gabriella of Savoy)

Eulalia de Orleans-Borbon (goddaughter of King Juan Carlos of Spain)

Isabelle dOrleans (daughter of Duke and Duchess of Chartres)

Almudena Dailly de Orleans (daughter of Pierre-Louis Dailly and Princess Adelaide de Orleans)

Eugenia of Hohenzollern (daughter of Prince Albert and Princess Natalia of Hohenzollern)

Josephine Haas (daughter of Sebastien and Claire-Sophie Haas)

Ruby Kemper (granddaughter of Kirk Kerkorian, former owner of MGM Studios)

Eliza Lindroth (descendant of Swedish inventor Martin Wiberg)

Sarah Bae (daughter of Joseph Bae and former ELLE editor, Janice Lee)

Alexandra Moxey (daughter of Ultra Records founder Patrick Moxey)

Isabelle von Perfall (daughter of Baron Alexander von Perfall)

Jillian Chan (daughter of director Peter Chan and actress-producer Sandra Ng)

Eirini Zarifi, (descendant of a banking family from Constantinople)

Alice Wang (daughter of tech founder Chuanfu Wang and Stella Li, CEO of BYD Americas)

Reagan Sacks (daughter of David Sacks, chairman of Donald Trump's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, and Jacqueline Sacks, Saint Haven founder)

So why should I care?

Great question. Along with chatter about who each person was related to, and which designer everyone wore, there was a concurrent debate about whether a ball that glorifies the children of the elite is properly meeting the moment. In a historically dry job market where unemployment rates worldwide are hitting drastic lows, plenty of social media commentators made it known that the last thing theyre interested in is seeing wealthy young women whose prestige is entirely bloodline-dependent make their grand foray into the public consciousness.



At this point, this level of wealth makes me feel nauseous, wrote one commentator. Draping children in exorbitant gowns to flaunt their parents' money and status feels so dystopian." Plenty of similarly-minded comments noted that the ceremony feels reminiscent of District 1 in The Hunger Games franchisea removed but markedly richer sector of the population that maintains its own exclusive traditions and extravagant events. Despite the events high-brow rep, non-Nepo babies have actually attended in the past. Lauren Marbe, a UK-based student whose IG was higher than Einsteins, participated, and 10 years ago, Olivia Hallisey, a scientist who invented a low-cost Ebola test, was also featured. So there is an entry point for independently impressive young ladies. But with threats of a worldwide recession nearing, users who may not have been aware of this decades-long tradition are hesitant to embrace it. We are never kicking the elite out of power, said one commentator succinctly.

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Despite President Trump routinely reinforcing his threat to impose a 100% tariff on movies produced outside the U.S., productions big and small continue to look for the best locations to shoot abroad, with Europe remaining a leading destination for major Hollywood projects. Last year, Brady Corbets epic The Brutalist made headlines during awards season when the director openly spoke about the benefits of filming in Budapest, Hungary. His partner, director Mona Fastvold, also shot her awards-hopeful The Testament of Ann Lee in the Hungarian capital.

Its not only Hungary reaping the benefits. Scotland has also welcomed a heap of major Hollywood productions in recent years, with Guillermo del Toros Frankenstein and Destin Daniel Crettons Spider-Man: Brand New Day shooting in the country over the last year. A recent study by the BBC reported the positive impact its hit TV show The Traitors brought to Scotland: a whopping 21.8million ($28.5 million) injected into the local economy. A representative for Screen Scotland also highlighted that productions like Frankenstein boost talent development through on-set training programs.

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With cash and tax rebates becoming more and more aggressive and crews more and more experienced in multiple countries around the world, there is a wealth of options when it comes to where to take production.

As leading figures in the industry prepare to attend this years Focus production conference, taking place in London on Dec. 8-9, Variety gathered a list of some of the rising international shooting destinations:

Gosford House, Scotland

Scotland, like all nations in the U.K., offers a cash rebate of up to 25% of qualifying expenditure, with the tax relief capped at 80% of core expenditure. The country has seen a boom in international productions in recent years, with its three main cities  Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen  doubling for other international locations for films like The Running Man, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny and Spider-Man: Brand New Day.

Although the country has seen its number of studios grow in recent years to keep up with demands from international productions, particularly major streamers, its natural scene and many castles have remained a great draw. Located in East Lothian just outside Edinburgh, Gosford House provided many of the exterior shots of Victor Frankensteins childhood residence in del Toros Frankenstein. The iconic property has also been seen in many other high-profile productions, including Apple TVs The Buccaneers and hit Scottish TV series Outlander.

Strathspey Railway, Scotland

A growing global sensation, BBCs reality show The Traitors is filmed in Scotland, having shot its big final mission showpiece on the iconic Strathspey Railway. The steam train is based in Aviemore, a town in the Cairngorms National Park in the Scottish Highlands, popular for its stunning natural scenery. The railway line and its historic 19th-century platforms also played a vital part in the beloved highlands-set drama Monarch of the Glen, starring Downton Abbeys Julian Fellowes, with the fictional Glenbogle station used for the series  still visited by fans from around the world.

Canmore, Alberta, Canada

The Canadian province of Alberta offers a tax credit rate of either 22% or 30% on eligible productions. The town of Canmore is known for its impressive Rocky Mountains, rugged peaks and turquoise rivers. Located just outside of the Banff National Park, the location offers the benefits of a similar landscape without the added bureaucracy.

HBOs hit show The Last of Us was filmed in over 180 locations across Alberta, becoming the largest production in the provinces history and one of the biggest in Canada. In the show, Canmore was transformed into the post-apocalyptic society of Jackson, Wyoming. Cast and crew have often listed the location as one of their favorites in Canada, with the cozy, private feel of the town and the stunning natural scenery proving great draws.

Ko Samui, Thailand

Thailand offers a cash rebate of up to 30% for foreign film productions with local expenditures of approximately $1.4 million or more. The Southeast Asian country skyrocketed in popularity earlier this year when it hosted the latest season of the hit HBO show The White Lotus, but it has long been a popular destination for international productions thanks to its diverse mix of beaches, mountains, jungles and large cities.

Ko Samui is the third-largest island in the country but remains small enough to be circumnavigated in just a couple of hours by motorbike or car, making neighboring locations easy to access. The island is home to the main The White Lotus location: the Four Seasons, a world-class luxury resort perched on a private hillside overlooking the Gulf of Thailand with panoramic sea views, lush coconut groves and secluded beachfront settings ideal for high-end productions. Nearby, one can also find the popular Fishermans Village, a charming coastal street lined with old wooden shop-houses, local markets and beachfront cafes.

Riga, Latvia

Latvia offers a cash rebate program of 20% for local spend and 30% for wages. That sum can be combined with a rebate provided by the Riga Film Fund, as long as 50% of the total budget is confirmed before application.

Riga has increased in popularity in recent years, much thanks to how easily it can double for other major European cities like Warsaw, Berlin, London and Zurich. Riga also offers a coastline in the district of Kurzeme, and sprawling forests in Latgale, making it a versatile location.

Latvia has recently welcomed high-profile international indie productions like Kristen Stewarts directorial debut The Chronology of Water and Sergei Loznitsas Two Prosecutors.

Cantacuzino Castle, Romania

The recently revamped Romanian cash rebate program offers returns of 30% of expenditure, covering eligible expenses incurred in the country. The rethinking of the program comes as an effort to attract more international productions to the country at the crossroads of Central, Eastern and Southeastern Europe, especially in the light of the war in Ukraine. Recently, Romania was chosen as a key location for the Netflix series Wednesday, which turned the Cantacuzino Castle in Busteni into Nevermore Academy. The palace is located against the Carpathian Mountains and its lush forests, mixing the sharp edges of neo-Romanian architecture and vast natural landscapes. It is also somewhat conveniently located at two hours, 30 minutes away from the capital, Bucharest.

Auckland, New Zealand

The New Zealand Film Commission recently made changes to its rebate program to incentivize a sector that generates almost $2 billion yearly for the country. The rebate, currently sitting at 20% with a possible 5% uplift for international productions, is simple to claim and not tied to tax, with the New Zealand dollar offering excellent value for international productions. The new program has also lowered the threshold for qualifying projects to a $2.6 million minimum, lowered from $8.5 million. The city of Auckland is a popular shooting destination thanks to its geographical diversity  with plenty of urban landscapes, forests, coastlines, black sand beaches and volcanic fields within a short drive from the center  but also because of its wealth of studios and post-production facilities. This year, the city has housed shoots for Predator: Badlands and Netflixs East of Eden series.

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Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., said Sunday he believes "it's very possible there was a war crime committed" in the administration's first strike against an alleged drug trafficking boat in the Caribbean Sea in September.

"I think it's very possible there was a war crime committed. Of course, for it to be a war crime, you have to accept the Trump administration's whole construct here ... which is we're in armed conflict, at war with this particular -- with the drug gangs. Of course, they've never presented the public with the information they've got here," Van Hollen said on ABC News' "This Week." "If that theory is wrong, then it's plain murder."

Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, was responding to a story from The Washington Post that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had reportedly given a spoken order ahead of that Sept. 2 operation for the military to kill everybody aboard the suspected drug boat. After an initial strike left two survivors, the commander leading the operation reportedly complied with Hegseth's alleged directive by ordering a second strike, according to the report.

Hegseth responds to report that boat survivors were killed as a result of his orders to military

Hegseth defended the U.S. military's operations targeting the boats in the wake of the Post report, which ABC News has not confirmed the details of.

ABC News - PHOTO: Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., appears on ABC News' "This Week" on Nov. 30, 2025.

Van Hollen told "This Week" co-anchor Jonathan Karl, "They have concocted this ridiculous legal theory. But even if you accept their theory that it is a war crime, and so I do believe that the secretary of Defense should be held accountable for giving those kind of orders."

"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," the secretary posted on X Thursday.

The Pentagon's spokesperson said the Post story's "entire narrative was false."

In a separate interview on "This Week," Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem dismissed the Post's reporting.

"I would not put any credibility to that story, to what was said," she said. "I have full faith and trust in this president and in this government to do the right thing to keep the American people safe. And I'm so grateful at the amount of work that has been done to stop those deadly drugs from getting into our country."

Both the House and Senate Armed Services committees have said they are investigating the incident. Rep. Don Bacon, a Republican who sits on the House committee, said the report was "a big concern," but also expressed skepticism Hegseth would have issued such an order.

ABC News - PHOTO: Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., appears on ABC News' "This Week" on Nov. 30, 2025.

"We should get to the truth. I don't think [Hegseth] would be foolish enough to make this decision to say, kill everybody, kill the survivors because that's a clear violation of the law of war. So, I'm very suspicious that he would've done something like that because it would go against common sense," Bacon said.

"But," he continued, "If it was as if the article said, that is a violation of the law of war. When people want to surrender, you don't kill them, and they have to pose an imminent threat. It's hard to believe that two people on a raft, trying to survive, would pose an imminent threat."

Bacon, a staunch advocate for Ukraine, also told "This Week" that he feels the White House is sending "mixed signals" on its stance about helping to end Russia's war there.

"I just don't see that moral clarity coming from the White House," Bacon said.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner are meeting with Ukrainian officials to continue negotiations Sunday in Florida. Witkoff, and possibly Kushner as well, are then expected to meet with Vladimir Putin in Moscow later this week.

Bacon called the original proposed agreement that had a Thanksgiving Day deadline a "surrender document that would've left Ukraine weak and vulnerable to Russia for decades to come."

"We need moral clarity dealing with Putin. He does not want a peace agreement with Ukraine that leaves Ukraine a sovereign country," Bacon said. "He wants to control another third of Ukraine. He would like to make Ukraine a vassal state. So, I don't know why the administration keeps pursuing the pointless here. ... Putin does not want peace. The president should see it."

He said the administration should focus instead of helping Ukraine militarily and call out Putin's "evil intentions."
A makeshift memorial at the site of a shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, U.S., December 1, 2025. REUTERS/Aaron Schwartz

By Brad Brooks

Dec 1 (Reuters) - The surviving National Guardsman shot by a gunman last week near the White House gave medical personnel a thumbs up when asked if he could hear them and also wiggled his toes in response, West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey said on Monday.

Morrisey said that Andrew Wolfe, 24, one of two West Virginia National Guard members shot on Wednesday, remained in serious condition.

"Andrew is still fighting for his life," Morrisey told reporters at a news conference. "Andrew needs prayers."

Sarah Beckstrom, 20, the other West Virginia National Guard member shot last week, died on Thursday.

The two were deployed in Washington after U.S. President Donald Trump's sent National Guard forces there in August to help fight crime.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said on Sunday that the suspect in the shooting, Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, was radicalized after he and his family moved to the U.S. in 2021.

Lakanwal, who faces first-degree murder and other charges, was himself shot and wounded during his attack.

He moved to the U.S. under a Biden administration program that resettled about 70,000 Afghans who helped the U.S. during the 20-year war in their homeland. The U.S. withdrew in 2021 as the Taliban seized control.

Lakanwal, who was part of a CIA-backed unit in Afghanistan, was granted asylum under Trump.

Trump, in response to the shooting, said he was halting migration from "Third World countries" and that the U.S. stopped processing visas for Afghan nationals.

Investigators, who are exploring Lakanwal's motive for the attack, said he drove across the country from his home in Washington State and shot the two Guardsmen with a .357 Magnum revolver, before being wounded by other troops.

Morrisey, a Republican, on Monday defended the National Guard mission in Washington, D.C. and other cities run by Democrats, which critics have said is a politicized move by Trump. The governor said that all 170 members of West Virginia's guard who are in the capital had volunteered for the mission.

"They're volunteering because they believe in the mission," Morrisey said.

(Reporting by Brad Brooks in Colorado; editing by Donna Bryson and Cynthia Osterman)
Rep. Mike Turner (R-Ohio) said Sunday that the White House should be very concerned after a call featuring special envoy Steve Witkoff and a senior Russian official was leaked.

I think you cant take just one slice of someones conversation during long, stretched-out aspects of negotiations as reflective, but I think its certainly important that when we do get that opportunity, that our voices are heard of caution and concern, Turner told CBS Newss Nancy Cordes on Face the Nation.

And the orchestration of inserting [Russian President Vladimir] Putins voice before [Ukrainian President Volodymyr] Zelenskys is very concerning, and I think the White House should be very concerned about any efforts to orchestrate Putins voice at the White House before Zelenskys because Ukraines sovereignty and security needs to be preeminent. And we heard that this morning from [Secretary of State Marco] Rubio, and that needs to be the focus, he added.

President Trump has stood up for Witkoff following the leak of a phone call with a top Russian official that has faced criticism from Ukraine supporters. The backers of the Ukrainians have scrutinized the call over what they view as Witkoffs efforts to hamper American support for Kyiv and put together a deal that is friendly to Russian interests.

On Tuesday, Trump backed Witkoffs call with Russian aide Yuri Ushakov to guide the Kremlin foreign policy adviser on how to deal with Putin on a peace deal to stop the war.

Thats a standard thing. Hes got to sell this to Ukraine, hes got to sell Ukraine to Russia, Trump told reporters Tuesday. Thats what a dealmaker does.

Since the beginning of his second term, Trump and his administration have heavily pushed for an end to the war in Ukraine, without much success. The president has met separately with Zelensky and Putin in the U.S. in the last few months.

The Hill has reached out to the White House for comment.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Metallicas performance at the Qatar Grand Prix was a standout moment of the Formula 1 weekend, yet it didnt impress all fans.

After the thrilling race at the Lusail International Circuit, the event offered not just an immersive Formula 1 experience but also a world-class live concert.

As the circuit transformed into an entertainment destination at night, fans were treated to unforgettable performances from top artists  from British soul singer Seal to the King of Rai Khaled before the weekend wrapped up with Metallica taking the stage.

On Sunday, the legendary rock band showcased a high-energy set, performing classic hits like The Memory Remains, Nothing Else Matters, Enter Sandman and more.

As part of the closing act, the crowd witnessed a magnificent fireworks display after Metallicas performance.

Metallica visits the Williams garage prior to the Sprint ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Qatar at Lusail International Circuit on November 29, 2025 in Lusail City, Qatar. Peter Fox/Getty Images

To commemorate the moment, the iconic 80s music group expressed their deep gratitude to the fans for their unwavering support and energy throughout the show.

In an Instagram update, the post included the set list from their Qatar Grand Prix performance and teased what fans could expect for their next show.

Our first pit stop in Doha, Qatar, was spectacular! Thanks to @f1 and @lusailcircuit for letting us join in on the full throttle, white knuckle tight festivities! Up next is our first visit to Bahrain! the post reads.

However, their performance had mixed reactions from the public, sparking an online debate regarding their song selection.

There were fans who were delighted with the setlist for reviving nostalgic hits and keeping the energy of the show alive.

Awesome set, one wrote.

Another great setlist, a follower echoed.

Today was mind-blowing!! Thank you for still doing this, another added.

Unfortunately, there were others who expressed disappointment over song selection.

This setlist has been used like 184739393 times, a commenter said.

Same setlist every time bro you have more songs, a fan pointed out.

The same goes for an Instagram user who noted, Every setlist is pretty much the exact same hits now.

While the Rock & Roll Hall of Famers performance had plenty of memorable moments, fans are already asking for new surprises.

A follower even requested, saying, Switch it up, pls.

Need 2 change up the set list!!!!!! a fan echoed.

Another expressed the same sentiment and wrote, If you're gonna play the same songs all the tour, at least add another 5 songs... same setlist in the last 20 years.

With Metallicas tour continuing in the Middle East as part of the M72 World Tour, it will be interesting to see if the band refreshes the setlist for upcoming stops.

Related: Iconic Rock Band Metallica Steals the Spotlight at Qatar Grand Prix

This story was originally published by Parade on Dec 1, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Morgan County Sheriff's Office Trinity Shockley

NEED TO KNOW

A teenager who planned to commit a mass shooting at an Indiana high school in February will serve 12 years in prison

Trinity Shockley, now 19, was arrested after the FBIs Sandy Hook tip line was alerted by the teen's friend

The tipster said Shockley had "access to an AR15" and "admired school shooter Nikolas Cruz

A teenager convicted of plotting a mass shooting at an Indiana high school earlier this year has been sentenced.

Trinity Shockley was sentenced on Nov. 24 to 20 years in prison with eight years suspended after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit murder, according to online court records. Her sentence will be followed by five years of probation.

The 19-year-old became emotional in court and apologized to an intended target and the community, saying, I am so sorry I put you in that position of fear," WFYI-FM reported. Shockley added, 'Its gotten a lot better since Ive been surrounded by people that care about me," referring to her mental health.

Shockley was arrested after the FBIs Sandy Hook tip line was alerted by the teen's friend, who claimed Shockley, a 12th grade student, was planning to commit a mass shooting at Mooresville High School on Feb. 14, per a probable cause affidavit previously obtained by NBC News, ABC News and CBS affiliate WLKY.

The tipster said Shockley had "access to an AR15 and has just ordered a bulletproof vest," and that the teen "admired Nikolas Cruz, who perpetrated the deadly 2018 mass shooting at Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., the affidavit states, per NBC News. Shockley previously claimed to be a victim of bullying.

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.

Her attorney, Joseph Gaunt, said his client never intended to follow through with the shooting. "She knew she couldnt do it, but she kept talking about it," he said, per WFYI-FM. "Thats what makes this case hard."

Morgan County Chief Deputy Prosecutor Cassie Mellady said that she felt the sentencing was a "fair outcome," WTHR reported. "In this case, there was a significant amount of planning that was involved, so I tried to match the plea agreement to that."

In a statement released on social media after Shockley's sentencing, the FBI's Indianapolis office called the case a "powerful reminder that when the public speaks up, lives can be saved."





Read the original article on People
Victim advocate Heather Aites is trained to comfort those in emotional agony, like Dan Krug, who dashed home from work and learned his wife, Kristil, had been found murdered in their garage in suburban Broomfield, Colorado, on Dec. 14, 2023.

Heather Aites: It's a weird feeling standing there when somebody is being told, I'm sorry, but your loved one has died.

An emotional Dan Krug is comforted by victim advocate Heather Aites as he learns his wife Kristil Krug was found murdered in their garage on Dec. 14, 2023. / Credit: Broomfield Police Department

Heather Aites: This man has been going through a stalking case with his wife.  he is being stalked as well. And now she is gone.

As investigators searched the crime scene for clues, Aites drove Dan to the police station. An officer's body camera recorded the ride.

Heather Aites: He was crouched over to the side of the passenger door.  And I'm comforting Dan by rubbing his back.

Dan and Kristil Krug had been married for 16 years. The couple, both 43, had three young children.

Peter Van Sant: What did he say in the car?

Heather Aites: In the car  he was pretty focused on the kids.  he was very adamant about wanting to be the one to tell his children.

Under the command of Broomfield Police chief Enea Hempelmann, investigators were doing everything in their power to find the killer.

Chief Enea Hempelmann: We  immediately, uh, started doing interviews  talking to neighbors, canvassing.

Kristil and Dan Krug / Credit: Lars Grimsrud

Several hours had passed since Dan Krug's emotional ride to the police station. He had settled down. And he told detectives there was nothing out of the ordinary that morning.

DAN KRUG (to detectives): Mornings are very routine in the house.

He said they got the kids to school, and Kristil seemed fine when he left for his job at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

DAN KRUG (to detectives): While I was driving, uh, my  my phone dinged.

Dan said Kristil texted him, asking if he could pick up one of the kids after school. But when he texted back and asked what time, he said Kristil never responded.

DAN KRUG (to detectives): And that  that was weird.

So weird  so out of character for Kristil  Dan called police and asked them to check on her.

When there was no answer at the Krug's front door, Officer John O'Hayre says he used his patrol car to look through the Krug's garage window.

OFFICER JOHN O'HAYRE (bodycam): I got a female down in the garage.

Lars Grimsrud: There are not words that can describe, what you feel as a parent at that point.

Linda Grimsrud: It's probably a parents' worst nightmare

Kristil's parents, Lars and Linda Grimsrud.

Lars Grimsrud: She was an engineer.  She had  incredible skills in, uh, math, sciences, chemistry, physics.  she also had the  the talents in the  arts.

Linda Grimsrud She loved to just get out and live life.

Throughout her life, Kristil spent countless hours working with her dad on classic muscle cars in his colorful garage.

Lars Grimsrud (in his garage): We'd work on the cars.  We'd race the cars.  Kristil always felt very comfortable coming over here.  If we needed to talk or whatever, this is where we would sit and just  enjoy each other's company.

Kristil Krug Tells Police She is Being Terrorized by a Stalker

But those fun, casual conversations suddenly turned disturbing in the fall of 2023, when Kristil first told her father that she was living with intense fear.

Lars Grimsrud (in his garage): She sat here and told me that she was being stalked and that just shocked me.  and I asked her, well, have you talked to the police?

Kristil had called the police and met with Broomfield Detective Andrew Martinez.

Det. Andrew Martinez: She came into the interview room and just kind of took over and just told me everything  without hesitation.

Their conversation was recorded.

KRISTIL KRUG (to Det. Martinez): I keep trying to remind myself, this is intending to be terrorizing. This is intending to scare me.

Kristil Krug talks with Det. Andrew Martinez on Nov. 7, 2023, about the unsettling texts she was receiving. / Credit: Broomfield Police Department

Kristil told Martinez that on Oct. 2, 2023, she received an unsettling text from someone named Anthony, who said he would be coming to the area and asked if Kristil wanted to "hook up."

Peter Van Sant: And how does she respond to that?

Det. Andrew Martinez: She did not respond.

The following day, Kristil told Martinez she got more texts from Anthony that included obscenities and said, "you should kill urself. Dont waste my time."

Peter Van Sant: Somebody that wants to hook up, now is saying, go kill yourself. How do you interpret that  that second text?

Det. Andrew Martinez: It's a pretty extreme reaction to not getting a response.

Kristil told Martinez she knew an Anthony from her past, Anthony Holland, a boyfriend she dated for about a year after high school and into college. The two broke up in the fall of 2000. Lars and Linda Grimsrud say back then Holland made a good impression.

Linda Grimsrud: Very friendly very courteous. He always had good manners.

In 2002, out of the blue, Holland contacted Kristil. According to Kristil, Holland never seemed to take no for an answer  contacting her again in 2005, 2010 and 2016 via Facebook.

KRISTIL KRUG (to Det. Martinez): He's like we're meant to be together  I said, "this is really creepy for me. You need to stop."

Kristil deleted Facebook and thought she'd heard the last of Holland. But then came the texts in 2023.

KRISTIL KRUG (to Det. Martinez): This was alarming. He's never said this kind of stuff to me before, so 

Over the next two months, Kristil said she received alarming message after message through text and email. They included threats to her and Dan -- including a disturbing photo of Dan getting out of his car at work, which prompted Kristil to first come forward and call police. A few days later this text to her: "Saw u at dentist see you soon."

Peter Van Sant: That suggests he might be surveilling them both, right?

Det. Andrew Martinez: Correct.

KRISTIL KRUG (to Det. Martinez): This now is escalating.

Det. Andrew Martinez: The harassment, uh, is just constant.  And she's just believing that every corner presents some sort of danger for her.

To gather evidence and locate Anthony Holland, Martinez was required to file search warrants with the phone and email companies, a slow process.

Peter Van Sant: Getting that information takes time.  Sometimes those companies are reluctant, or they slow walk getting that information to you, correct?

Det. Andrew Martinez: Yes.

Kristil had been searching for Holland on her own. She hired a private investigator, and eventually located him living in Utah, about 500 miles away. Kristil shared her discovery with Martinez, who chose not to contact Holland.

Det. Andrew Martinez: I explained to Kristil  that we wanted to gather as much evidence as possible and ideally obtain an arrest warrant so when law enforcement does go to, uh, Anthony's door, we can take him into custody and not have to walk away.

But Lars Grimsrud says Kristil had been losing patience with the investigation.

Lars Grimsrud: She made the comment that she felt  they had abandoned her that  that they weren't doing things aggressively enough.

Kristil had taken steps to protect herself and her family  including installing security cameras.

Lars Grimsrud (in his garage): She was scared.  I said well this sounds serious enough you need to start carrying.  you'll use one of my guns for  for right now.

Peter Van Sant: Is this the very gun that she took with her?

Lars Grimsrud: That is the actual gun that she initially then carried.

Dan Krug was also interviewed. The threats were taking a toll on him, as well.

DAN KRUG (to detectives): I went to the grocery store briefly on Tuesday and someone behind me dropped a can and I f****** panicked.  So, what am I doing? I'm panicking. And I'm doing a s*** job of protecting my wife.  So, I'm not  I'm not doing good.

Dan Krug told Martinez the stalker had a nickname.

DANIEL KRUG (to detectives): We call him Kickman.

Peter Van Sant: Where'd that name come from?

Det. Andrew Martinez: Kickman  Dan had told me was because the suspect email that was initially contacting Kristil was  ahollandkicks at gmail.com.

As the weeks went by and Martinez's investigation continued, Lars and Linda Grimsrud say the constant threats were ruining their daughter's life.

Linda Grimsrud: It was just heartbreaking. She was just in tears  She was just like, what am I gonna do? How am I gonna live?

Peter Van Sant: Did she feel she was being hunted down by Anthony?

Linda Grimsrud: Yes.

Kristil also shared her fears with her siblings Jenna Ericson and Josh Adamson.

Jenna Ericson: She was terrified.

Peter Van Sant: Did she ever express to either of you the fear that this man I think is going to kill me?

Jenna Ericson: Yes.

Josh Adamson: Yep.

Jenna Ericson: She said, it's either going to be me or him that's dead. And I'm going to do everything in my power to make sure it's not me.

Police Zero in on Kristil Krug's Stalker

When Kristil Krug was found dead in her garage, Detective Martinez had only one suspect in mind.

Det. Andrew Martinez: My initial assumption was that  Anthony Holland had, uh, gone to her home and murdered her.

Within hours, local police descended on Holland's home in Eagle Mountain near Salt Lake City.

Peter Van Sant: So you're alone in the house  what do you hear?

Anthony Holland: Pounding at the door.

Peter Van Sant (bangs hand on table): Like bang, bang, bang, bang, bang.

Anthony Holland: Yeah.

Peter Van Sant: Big time.

Anthony Holland: So I go to the door.  I see like eight cops.  I had no idea what was going on.

OFFICER (bodycam): Where's your ID at?

ANTHONY HOLLAND: It's in my room.

OFFICER: Have you ever heard of the name Kristil Krug?

Anthony Holland: They asked me if I knew Kristil Krug and I told them I did know her.

ANTHONY HOLLAND (bodycam): She was my very first girlfriend ever.

OFFICER: And when was the last time you talked to Kristil? Has it been a while? A minute?

ANTHONY HOLLAND: Uh, it's been a minute. Yeah.

Peter Van Sant: When was the last time you had reached out to Kristil?

Anthony Holland: It was around 2014, 2016.

Holland says he'd reached out to Kristil on Facebook years before.

Peter Van Sant: What are you thinking? "Why would they come all  all the way here to ask me about Kristil?"

Anthony Holland: I thought it was for that message  where I said I missed her. That's the only thing I could think of because I was like I haven't contacted her since then.

Peter Van Sant: They didn't tell you that Kristil Krug had been murdered?

Anthony Holland: No, they did not tell me.

Police were there to gather information from their suspect  not give it.

Anthony Holland: They asked me where I was that day.  Can I prove where I was?

Holland had made a purchase just hours earlier at a Kohl's store near his home.

Peter Van Sant: What'd you buy?

Anthony Holland: A sweatshirt, this one right here.

Anthony Holland, left, with

And he still had the receipt. The purchase was made at 12:16 p.m. Investigators say Kristil was attacked around 8 a.m.

Peter Van Sant: It turns out that was one of the most important purchases you have ever made.

Anthony Holland: Because it was my alibi, because there is no way I could have made it from Colorado back to Utah to buy the sweatshirt.  It was an eight-hour drive.

Holland also showed police some of his employment records. They proved he'd been in Utah all along  never traveling to Colorado as the messages from Kristil's stalker led cops to believe.

Anthony Holland: I had a bunch of receipts from my work showing the days that I worked. And they took those, took my receipt from Kohl's and  went to the squad car and made a phone call  came back in and told me I was free to go.

OFFICER (to Holland): You have a better day, OK?

Back in Colorado, Dan Krug was still face to face with investigators. He told them his theory of the crime.

DAN KRUG (to detectives): So in my brain, the story that I have is someone came to the door, maybe she went outside to get a package and they must have come in. And she's  she's a fighter. She's  she is strong. She would've fought.

Earlier in the interview, Dan requested he tell the children what had happened to their mother.

VICTIM ADVOCATE: Your kids do not know yet.

DAN KRUG: Are they here?

VICTIM ADVOCATE: They're here. They're right in the hall.

DAN KRUG (pats his chest): I'm  I should tell my children.

VICTIM ADVOCATE: You want to tell them?

DAN KRUG: I just don't know how.

VICTIM ADVOCATE: That's OK.

Det. Andrew Martinez: Watching their response is just heartbreaking.

Investigators were working every angle. They checked those security cameras Kristil had installed on the house.

Det. Andrew Martinez: The doorbell camera, the side camera, and the side house camera, uh, were all manually turned off.

Except for that one Nest camera near the garage. Police canvassed Dan and Kristil Krug's neighbors in search of anything their home security cameras might have recorded.

They also enlisted Randy Pihlak, a digital forensic examiner with the Broomfield Police Department, to take a closer look at those disturbing messages to Kristil.

Randy Pihlak: I think it was probably four hours, five hours after the murder was reported to us.

Now that the stalking case had become a murder investigation, Pihlak was able to file new, expedited requests for information. He quickly discovered that messages from two accounts used to harass Kristil had been sent from the same location.

Randy Pihlak: Both  came back to the same IP address. That IP address was the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, which is where Dan worked.

The messages to Kristil threatening her, threatening her husband, had been sent using the Wi-Fi system at Dan's office. For the first time, detectives believed Kristil's stalker could be sitting right in front of them. Could he be her killer as well?

Det. Andrew Martinez: The entire air was just kind of evacuated out of our investigations room and we realized  we need to focus on Dan and where he's been and what he's been doing.

Martinez, along with Detective Jennifer King Sullivan, confronted Dan.

DET. KING SULLIVAN: Who do you think killed her?

DAN KRUG: I think it's Kickman. I think it's Anthony.

DET. MARTINEZ: What if I told you that we had already spoken with Anthony and there's no way that he was in town today?

DAN KRUG: Then I have nothing. And, then I'm f****** terrified to bring my children home.

DET. KING SULLIVAN: What are you terrified of?

DAN KRUG: If it wasn't him, who was it?

But even as Dan claimed ignorance, the detectives saw that his body language told a different story.

Detective Martinez says Dan Krug's body language changed after being told Anthony Holland was eliminated as a suspect in his wife's murder. / Credit: Broomfield Police Department

Peter Van Sant: What were you seeing with Dan?

Det. Andrew Martinez: He took a defensive posture. He sat back in the couch a little bit. He crossed his arms.  Kinda like I have nothing to explain.

Det. Jennifer King Sullivan: I think his head is spinning, thinking about what else are they gonna find?

Dan Krug Goes From Grieving Husband to Murder Suspect

DET. KING SULLIVAN (questioning): The mystery continues and 

DAN KRUG: And it has be the husband.

DET. KING SULLIVAN: If you were watching these facts unfold in front of you in a movie, what would you say happened?

DAN KRUG:There has to be someone else.

Moments after detectives told Dan Krug they had eliminated Anthony Holland as a suspect, Dan calmly insisted he was not the one who stalked and murdered his wife Kristil.

DAN KRUG: I loved her there has to be someone else. But I don't know who that is.

Martinez and King Sullivan didn't believe a word of it, and were struck by how stoic  how unmoved  Dan was.

Det. Jennifer King Sullivan: He had no reaction, um, and really no explanation.

DET. KING SULLIVAN (questioning): Help me make sense of it.

DAN KRUG: I don't know. I'm not the one who does this.  I don't have a narrative or a story that I can offer you.

Within minutes, Dan Krug had gone from sympathetic victim to murder suspect.

DANIEL KRUG (to detectives): I get the narrative you're putting together, but it alleges that I would do this to my children.  I love and adore my children.

Det. Andrew Martinez: It's a pretty frightening idea that  the biggest threat that to you and your safety is actually living in the same house as you.

DET. MARTINEZ (to Dan Krug): We need to process you for physical evidence, OK.

Det. Andrew Martinez: He knows that we are on to him.  We just didn't have enough evidence at that point to take him into custody.

DET. MARTINEZ (to Dan Krug): We'll walk you out to the lobby 

On his way out, Dan kept insisting the real killer was still on the loose and he made a desperate plea.

DAN KRUG (to detectives): I just want the f***** to pay  He took my children's mother before Christmas. They're never gonna get over that. I don't care if you capture him. I don't care if you kill him.  Find him  Don't just as assume it's me. Keep looking.

Peter Van Sant: When did you find out that Dan was now a person of  of interest in this case?

Linda Grimsrud: I think at his interview. So that same day when they held him and they held him pretty late.

An autopsy revealed what happened to Kristil. She had been attacked from behind with a blunt object.

Det. Andrew Martinez: Bludgeoned to death in the head and rolled over and then stabbed in the heart.

With Dan now the prime suspect, the detectives wanted to know more about his relationship with Kristil. According to Kristil's parents, it wasn't good.

Linda Grimsrud: She said, well, I'm sleeping on the couch mom.

Peter Van Sant: But you knew there was trouble in paradise, right?

Linda Grimsrud: Yeah. And especially in that  those last few months.

Kristil's family says those troubles were caused by Dan's fiery temper.

Peter Van Sant: What set him off?

Lars Grimsrud: It  it could be anything, but it was usually if he was losing control 

Kristil's sister Jenna Ericson says she could always tell when Dan was angry.

Jenna Ericson: His face would get really red when he was getting frustrated  I vividly remember seeing his face get red.

Linda Grimsrud: They had a thing where  they'd go, OK, walk away.  You need to walk away. And so, you know, they were trying to manage it.

Kristil Krug was an engineer who also had talents in the arts.

But in the weeks before her death, according to her parents, Kristil was getting ready to leave Dan.

Linda Grimsrud: She didn't wanna have this marriage anymore.

Lars Grimsrud: She had decided that she needed to get a divorce.

As the detectives methodically built their case, more evidence was uncovered on Dan and Kristil Krug's cell phones by digital forensic expert Randy Pihlak  including texts from the morning of the murder.

Randy Pihlak: So on Kristil's phone, um, we see text messages to Lars, Detective Martinez, and then a text message to Dan.

The one Dan said he received while driving to work about picking up one of the kids at school. But Pihlak discovered those texts had been set on a timer. It was a new feature on the phone Kristil had.

Peter Van Sant: Who do you believe preprogrammed those messages?

Randy Pihlak: Uh, Dan Krug.

Peter Van Sant: And he did it to do what?

Randy Pihlak: To hide his actions.

Pihlak says the messages were preprogrammed before Dan left the house.

Randy Pihlak: And we believe Kristil was deceased.

Peter Van Sant: That for him, then, would establish an alibi that well I had already left and my wife is alive right? She's texting me.

Randy Pihlak: Correct.

All while Dan casually arrived at work.

Pihlak discovered more damning evidence from Dan's phone: internet searches like "What happens when you're knocked unconscious?" "Do people really go unconscious when hit in the head?" and "How hard for head trauma to go unconscious?"

Randy Pihlak: All searches were the day before the murder  it was rather damning.

Just two days after Kristil had been murdered, detectives Martinez and King Sullivan felt they had enough evidence to charge Dan Krug with stalking and murdering his wife.

Det. Jennifer King Sullivan: We begin following him.

Peter Van Sant: How many cars we talking about?

Jennifer King Sullivan: Probably eight cars.  we're like, "that's him, he's alone in the car."

Det. Jennifer King Sullivan: We follow him all the way to the grocery store.

Det. Jennifer King Sullivan: We wait for him to park  we quickly converge on his car.

Dan Krug, pictured left, with his hands up as he is taken into custody for the murder of his wife Kristil Krug in a supermarket parking lot. / Credit: Broomfield Police Department

Det. Jennifer King Sullivan: We surround him 

OFFICER (bodycam): You're under arrest.

Det. Jennifer King Sullivan:  pull him out of his car and  tell him he's being arrested for the murder of his wife.

Det. Andrew Martinez: I asked him just one question.

DET. MARTINEZ (to Dan Krug/bodycam): Do you want to tell your kids that you killed their mother, or do you want somebody else to?

Peter Van Sant: That's quite a line.  That goes back to when  he said he wanted to tell his kids that their mother was dead.

Det. Andrew Martinez: After I asked that question, he just said that he wanted to speak with his attorney and then looked away from me.

Det. Andrew Martinez: And I shut the door and he went to the county jail.

Lars Grimsrud: I felt a huge relief.  they got him.  It felt like a burden had been lifted, that he had been arrested.

And soon, Kristil's family would come face to face with the man detectives say murdered her.

Lars Grimsrud: He, uh, looked right at me and smiled at me.

And they hear, for the first time, Dan's side of the story.

Kristil Krug's Final Moments Revealed

When Deputy District Attorneys Kate Armstrong and Stephanie Fritts were assigned to prosecute Daniel Krug, they say they were struck by his downright stupidity in believing he could get away with murdering his wife by impersonating her ex-boyfriend.

Kate Armstrong: The audacity with which he thought he could manipulate not only his family, his loved ones, but also the police department.

Peter Van Sant: And some of this  is sophisticated, is it not?

Stephanie Fritts: It's sophisticated, but not too sophisticated because we were able to figure it out.

The trial began in April 2025.

Lars Grimsrud: When he first came in  he smiled at me like, he was saying, "hey, thanks for being here for me"  I believe my facial expression  made it very clear that I was not on his side.

The prosecution laid out Kristil's final hours of life for the jury.

Kate Armstrong: On December 14th of 2023, Kristil Krug started her day like any other day.  She took her younger two children to school.

And when she returned 

Kate Armstrong: Kristil  pulled back into her garage. She gets out of the car  when she is attacked from behind.

Peter Van Sant: And did she ever see him approaching, do you think?  Or was this an ambush?

Stephanie Fritts: It was an ambush.  She had two or three skull fractures.

Kate Armstrong: As she's laying on the floor bleeding, he  pushes her over, gets over her and stabs her  just above her heart.

Peter Van Sant: And why do you suppose  he had to do that vicious last stab?

Kate Armstrong: I think it was rage. I think it was control and power that he wanted to exert over Kristil.

Dan Krug had been losing that control for a long time, say prosecutors. Their theory of the crime is that Dan sent Kristil those disturbing messages in an attempt to drive her closer to him and not leave, hoping she'd see him as her heroic protector.

Kate Armstrong: It was not working  the stalking was not leading her back to him  I think it then turned to, 'I'm still losing her' kind of, uh, 'if I can't have you, nobody can.'"

The prosecution says that in the last days of her life, Kristil had begun to suspect that her stalker was possibly her husband.

Stephanie Fritts: We know from Dan's own interview that she confronted him and said, "I can't rule you out as the stalker.

DAN KRUG (to detectives): She said that right to my face, that she wanted to know if it was me. And I told her no.

Peter Van Sant: He felt the walls closing in.

Stephanie Fritts: Closing in. He was going to lose Kristil anyway.  He was going to be exposed as the stalker.  So he did that last, uh, fatal act and murdered her.

Prosecutors say Dan Krug tried to outsmart investigators  pre-programming those text messages on Kristil's phone before he left the house  assuming he wouldn't be caught.

Kate Armstrong: Were we not able to discover that that was a delayed send text, it would have appeared as though Kristil was still alive when he left the house.

At trial, the long list of digital evidence against Dan Krug was laid out: the threatening texts, the emails, the internet searches. Also included  that photograph of Dan arriving at his office, attached to a menacing email seemingly sent by Anthony Holland to Kristil. But there was one problem, according to the state's digital expert.

Peter Van Sant: Who took this picture, do you believe?

Randy Pihlak: Uh, Dan. Dan took this picture.

The photo of Dan Krug getting out of his car at work -- sent in an email from the alleged stalker -- which prompted Kristil Krug to first come forward and call police. / Credit: Broomfield Police Department

Pihlak discovered that the phone which snapped that photo was in selfie mode using a timer  a fact that Kate Armstrong reminded the jury about in her closing argument. That's when the judge allowed cameras into the courtroom.

KATE ARMSTRONG (in court): The phone was propped on the back of this vehicle next to him.  The defendant took this photograph and then he sent it to his wife.

PHILLIP GEIGLE (in court): We respectfully disagree with the prosecution in this case.

Defense attorney Phillip Geigle argued the murder investigation was poor. The blunt object used on Kristil's head and the knife used to stab her were never recovered by police. The defense also zeroed in on the fact that Kristil's phone was not tested for fingerprints or DNA.

PHILLIP GEIGLE (in court): Why not the phone?  The prosecution wants to believe, "Well, you know, there may not be a lot to be found there." Well, you won't know if you won't try.

Geigle said other forensic tests supported his claim that Dan Krug is innocent.

PHILLIP GEIGLE (in court): They submitted the chest swabs.  And you know whose DNA wasn't there? The person who lived in the house, the person who ate in the kitchen with them, the person who shared the living room, that idiot right there (points to Dan Krug).

PHILLIP GEIGLE (in court): There is absolutely no physical evidence on Mr. Krug's clothing.  There's no blood found on that car inside or out. It's searched three times.

In week three of the trial, the jurors began deliberations. After a day-and-a-half, verdicts were reached.

Judge Priscilla Loew read the verdicts.

JUDGE LOEW: We, the jury, find the defendant guilty of murder in the first degree.  We, the jury, find the defendant, guilty of count number two, stalking, extreme emotional distress.

Krug was also found guilty of stalking with credible threat and criminal impersonation.

Lars Grimsrud: Guilty, guilty, guilty, guilty. And at that point I think I started breathing again.

Krug was later sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole on the murder charge, and an additional nine-and-a-half years for the stalking and impersonation counts. But right after his conviction, in a video call from jail, Dan Krug told his family that the jury got it wrong, saying the real killer remained at large and that his children could be the next targets.

DAN KRUG (video call with family): I need them safe. I don't know where or who did this. Where he is or who he is. I need my children out of Colorado.

Could Kristil Krug's Murder Have Been Prevented?

As Daniel Krug began serving his life sentence, he continued making video calls to his parents and brother in the days immediately after his conviction. The man who viciously murdered his wife, terrorized his own children and lied to everyone, was seeking sympathy from his side of the family.

DAN KRUG (video call with family): I'm probably sleeping like 16 hours a day because of the depression.

PATRICIA KRUG: Mm-hmm.

DAN KRUG: I sleep, I read and I cry. That's about it.

PATRICIA KRUG: OK.

Despite overwhelming digital evidence against him, Krug fell back to his old ways  lying to his loved ones  now claiming he was wrongly convicted.

DAN KRUG (video call with family): They never produced a single piece of hard evidence.

His brother, Jeremy Krug, gave Dan Krug a much-needed reality check  that the foundation of the family's loyalty had started to crack.

JEREMY KRUG (video call with Dan Krug): Support is dwindling. You know, mom and dad want to believe you very much. I want to believe you very much.  There's a lot that's come out, um, and as imaginative as I can be with finding explanations and ways to theorize how that, you know this or that could have been, the, the reality, um, some of it is beyond even my creativity.

The case that ended with a murder had begun with stalking and criminal impersonation of Anthony Holland. Which begs the question: what if Detective Martinez had acted on the information Kristil and the private investigator had uncovered.

Anthony Holland: They should have found me right away.  They should have found me, they should have came to my house. They should approached me. They should have talked to me.

But Detective Martinez chose not to call, telling "48 Hours" he didn't have enough evidence to do so, and was concerned a phone call could exacerbate the situation.

Peter Van Sant: Is this something where you've kicked yourself about this?

Det. Andrew Martinez: Uh, this case has, uh, haunted me since, um, it occurred.  And the outcome of this case has haunted me for the past two years.

Peter Van Sant: And if you could get in a time machine, perhaps you'd make that call today?

Det. Andrew Martinez: Absolutely.

And Kristil's parents sympathize with Martinez and believe their daughter was doomed no matter what the outcome of his investigation.

Lars Grimsrud: Inevitably, I think he was gonna kill her.  When someone sets their mind to do something like that and that's what the plan was  I don't think that would've stopped the murder from happening.

Kristil's death has left a hole in the lives of those who experienced her love and joy for life.

Anthony Holland: I've had lots of other girlfriends and I've never been in love with anybody else like her.

Peter Van Sant: She was the love of your life.

Anthony Holland: Yeah.

Jenna Ericson hopes her sister Kristil's story will serve as a cautionary tale.

Jenna Ericson: If it can help just one other person, who's in a dangerous situation, like she was in, that it gives them the strength to make a move because it can escalate and it can escalate really, really fast.

Peter Van Sant: What was lost when she was taken from us?

Linda Grimsrud: Her light, you know, her light.

Lars Grimsrud: That's a  that's a tough one to talk about because there's, uh, there's so much. I want her to jump outta that car and say, "hey Papa."

Throughout her life, Kristil spent countless hours working with her dad on classic muscle cars. / Credit: Lars Grimsrud

Lars still passes his time restoring parts for vintage cars. That father-daughter hobby is now being passed down to Kristil's children.

Lars Grimsrud: They're in here. They run that same electric screwdriver and they can tear a carburetor apart.

Peter Van Sant: So, in that way, you're honoring her memory. Aren't you?

Lars Grimsrud: Well, that's the whole idea. Yeah.

Peter Van Sant: You carry on that tradition.

Lars Grimsrud: Yeah. That's the whole idea. She, uh, she would get such a kick out of seeing the kids doing the stuff that she was involved in.

Linda Grimsrud: I look at my grandkids and  I find a moment of peace  because I see her.

The family has started an online fundraising campaign to help Kristil's three children.

Produced by Betsy Shuller and Susan Mallie. Elena DiFiore and Ryan N. Smith are the development producers. Michael Loftus is the associate producer. Marcus Balsam, Diana DeCilio, Phil Tangel and George Baluzy are the editors. Anthony Batson is the senior broadcast producer. Nancy Kramer is the executive story editor. Judy Tygard is the executive producer.

"48 Hours" Post Mortem Podcast

Journalist Sheila Flynn joins "48 Hours" correspondents Anne-Marie Green and Peter Van Sant to share insights from inside the courtroom and examine the murder of Kristil Krug. They examine the threatening messages Kristil received for months before her death by an alleged stalker and how investigators used digital forensic evidence to determine that stalker was her own husband, Dan Krug. Listen now.

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Harvard's Avi Loeb is once again pushing the boundaries of cosmic discussion, this time describing the visit of the enigmatic interstellar object 3I/ATLAS in surprisingly human terms.

He labelled the encounter a 'blind date of interstellar proportions', suggesting this brief appearance could hold secrets about life and technology far beyond our star system.

Avi Loeb, the Harvard astrophysicist, is once more in the spotlight as the interstellar object 3I/ATLAS races through the solar system. This infrequent celestial visitor has generated a mix of excitement and deep contemplation.

In a recent post, featuring Loeb being interviewed by Peter Doocy on 'The Sunday Briefing' of Fox News, shared by the X account @AstronomyVibes, Loeb was quoted as saying the object is 'most likely' a natural comet. Despite this, he did admit that 3I/ATLAS shows 'a few strange anomalies' that are not typically seen when observing ordinary comets.

The post raised the question now being asked by many observers online: Is this just a comet, or could it be something else entirely?

Could It Be More Than Just a Comet?

The X post sets up this moment as a special chance for new information, 'A comet? A probe? A cosmic "gift" we never saw coming?' While Loeb is famous for considering unusual ideas, such as the possibility that objects from other star systems were artificial, he currently classifies 3I/ATLAS as a natural object.

However, in a clip from a recent interview attached to the same post, Loeb explores the uncertain aspects. When questioned about what an advanced species might want from our planet, he replied with a memorable comparison, 'It's hard to tell right, because it's a blind date, of interstellar proportions'.

Loeb: 'Observe First... Judge Later'

The interview footage reveals Loeb advocating for exploration over fixed conclusions. He develops his 'blind date' comparison using a mix of wit and carefulness. 'And my advice  a blind date, and by the way, I met my wife on a blind date  is that you should observe the other side before having an opinion', he explains.

Loeb emphasises that scientific inquiry rests on patience and an open mind, rather than assumptions made beforehand.

 3I/ATLAS: COMET OR SOMETHING WATCHING US? 



Harvard scientist Avi Loeb, known for exploring bold and unconventional ideas, says 3I/ATLAS is most likely a natural comet  yet even he acknowledges that a few strange anomalies dont match what we usually see.



In a recent pic.twitter.com/yn3XpSQMBw  Astronomy Vibes (@AstronomyVibes) November 18, 2025

'All I'm asking, you know, the foundation of science is the humility to learn. It's not the arrogance of expertise, the way that most academics brag', he says. 'We should use it as an opportunity to learn of what lies beyond the Solar System.'

The concept that humanity is currently experiencing a cosmic introduction  learning about a surprise visitor from another star system while understanding little about its origins  frames the encounter as both modest and remarkable.

A Moment That Won't Come Again Soon

The X post highlights precisely how infrequent this opportunity is. 'So here we are... observing a visitor from another star system travelling through our solar system  a truly once-in-a-lifetime occurrence.'

3I/ATLAS is the third confirmed object from beyond our star system ever observed moving through our section of space. Its appearance provides experts with an opportunity to collect information that might not be obtainable again for many decades or hundreds of years.

 Five Lights Around the Visitor?  The Most Mysterious 3I/ATLAS Capture Yet



Before NASA releases its official image, a new photo of Object 3I/ATLAS has come out from Rays Astrophotography, and people are definitely noticing something odd in it.



Right in the middle is the pic.twitter.com/oxJny7JDCI  Astronomy Vibes (@AstronomyVibes) November 19, 2025

While Loeb generally favours the simplest explanation  that it is a comet  he reminds the public that scientific progress happens when researchers remain receptive to new ideas.

Whether 3I/ATLAS is a frozen space traveller or something that challenges our current understanding, he suggests Earth should respond with interest rather than fear or certainty about its nature.

As the post concludes, 'Whatever it is, this moment is a rare chance to learn what lies beyond our little world'.

Originally published on IBTimes UK
The King and Queen will this week host the first state visit by a German leader in 27 years.

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his wife, former judge Elke Budenbender, will be formally welcomed by Charles and Camilla on an open-air royal dais in the centre of the Berkshire town, before enjoying a carriage ride through the streets, past the crowds, to the castle to kick off their three-day stay.

The format will revert to normal after elements of U.S. President Donald Trumps stay were restricted to the Windsor estate amid heightened security.

The Prince and Princess of Wales will play a key role by greeting Mr Steinmeier and Ms Budenbender at Heathrow Airport and accompanying them to Windsor on Wednesday morning at the start of their stay.

Mr Steinmeier will go on to receive a ceremonial welcome in the castle quadrangle, attended by the King, Camilla, William and Kate, and be feted with a grand state banquet in the historic royal residences St Georges Hall on Wednesday evening.

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, right, and his wife Elke Buedenbender, left, welcome King Charles and Queen Camilla to Berlin in 2023 (AP)

On Thursday morning, he will privately lay flowers at the tomb of the late Queen Elizabeth II in the castles St Georges Chapel, before joining the King and Queen for a Big Help Out reception to showcase the impact volunteering can have on communities.

Before a formal farewell, they will be shown the State Sleigh, which was designed by Queen Victorias German-born husband, Prince Albert and recorded in Victorias diary in 1845.

The King, who has German ancestry on both sides of his family, speaks German well.

Unusually, the event marks the third incoming state visit hosted by the monarch this year, with Charles also welcoming French President Emmanuel Macron in July.

The King is still undergoing treatment for cancer, but is showing no let-up in his busy schedule.

He travelled to Germany with Camilla in 2023 for the first state visit since his accession and became the first British monarch to address German politicians during a session of the Bundestag.

Mr Steinmeier will visit Downing Street for talks with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer on Wednesday afternoon and join a meeting of UK and German business leaders.

The format of the visit will revert to normal after royal elements of Donald Trumps stay were restricted to the Windsor estate (Getty)

The UK and Germany signed a new partnership, known as the Kensington Treaty, in July, with Sir Keir pledging the two countries would work ever more closely.

The agreement included freeing up school exchange visits and passport e-gates, the setting up of a taskforce to explore a direct train link between the UK and Germany, and a commitment to closer co-operation on trade, security and defence.

Germany is in the process of strengthening its efforts to tackle illegal migration by introducing a new law to criminalise gangs who supply and store small boats for use in crossings to the UK.

Federal President Mr Steinmeier will also address Parliament on Thursday  something denied to Mr Trump as the House of Commons was not sitting at the time of his trip.

The German president and his wife will pay a poignant visit on Friday with the Duke of Kent to lay a wreath at the ruins of the old Coventry Cathedral, which was bombed by the Germans during the Second World War.

This year marks the 85th anniversary of the Coventry Blitz in November 1940, in which 568 people were killed and 4,300 homes destroyed, along with the Cathedral Church of St Michael.

Mr Steinmeier and Ms Budenbender will tour the new cathedral, which was completed in 1962, and join a prayer service highlighting the ministrys commitment to peace and reconciliation.

Coventry is twinned with the German cities of Kiel and Dresden in recognition of the shared experience of devastating bombings during the conflict.

Ms Budenbender will also visit Judith Kerr Primary School, in south-east London, on Wednesday to meet pupils and celebrate the schools connection to its namesake, the German-born British author and illustrator who wrote the much-loved childrens book The Tiger Who Came to Tea.

The last incoming German state visit took place in 1998 when Elizabeth II hosted President Roman Herzog at Windsor Castle.
House Armed Services Committee leaders this weekend said they are seeking full accounting of an early September U.S. military attack against an alleged drug-trafficking boat in the Caribbean after a report alleged that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered U.S. troops to kill everybody aboard the vessel.

On Friday, The Washington Post reported that the first strike on Sept. 2 on the boat left two survivors who were clinging to the wreckage and that the Special Operations commander, who was in charge of the military operation, ordered a second attack to comply with Hegseths order.

Hegseth fired back against the report later on Friday, calling it fake news and insisting that the U.S. militarys strikes against alleged drug-smuggling boats, which have taken place in both the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, are lawful.

Lawmakers are likely to react to the news on Sunday mornings shows, along with the deadly shooting involving two National Guard members in Washington, D.C., earlier this week rattled officials across the nation.

The attack has spurred an increased presence of federal law enforcement in the nations capital and an intensification of President Trumps immigration crackdown.

Follow along for the todays updates.

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.
For the first time, prosecutors played the 911 call that led to the arrest of Luigi Mangione, as the alleged killer of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson is in court in New York City on Monday for a multi-day hearing that could determine the balance of evidence in his state murder trial.

Mangione, 27, was arrested at a McDonald's in Altoona, Pennsylvania, five days after the fatal shooting of Thompson in midtown Manhattan last year.

"I have a customer here that some other customers were suspicious of, that he looks like the CEO shooter from New York," an unnamed McDonald's manager told a Blair County emergency dispatcher, according to a recording of the 911 call played in open court in Manhattan.

Steven Hirsch/Pool via AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: Luigi Mangione appears in Manhattan Supreme Court during a state court evidentiary hearing in the murder case of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, in New York, December 1, 2025.

The recording was played during the testimony of Emily States, the 911 coordinator for Blair County Emergency Services. She authenticated the video before prosecutors played it for the judge.

According to the manager, an older female customer was "really upset" and "frantic" after seeing Mangione eating breakfast in the rear of the McDonald's. She noted that the customer was trying to be "non-discreet" while she scoped out the suspected killer.

"I can't approach him," the female manager told the dispatcher, identifying Mangione by his black jacket, surgical mask and tan beanie.

"He shot the CEO. I got you," the dispatcher responds at one point.

Yuki Iwamura/Pool via Reuters - PHOTO: Luigi Mangione appears in Manhattan Criminal Court, Dec. 1, 2025, in New York City.

The manager tried to identify Mangione by his size -- "mid height" and "mid weight" -- but appeared to struggle to list any identifiable characteristics beyond his clothing, according to the recording.

"The only thing you can see are his eyebrows," the manager said. "I don't know what to do here, guys."

The recording itself is occasionally muffled and interrupted by the sounds of a bustling McDonald's in the background, including breakfast orders being placed. Toward the end of the recording, the dispatcher confirms that an officer is en route to the McDonald's.

"I do have an officer on the way for you. Just keep an eye on him. If he leaves, let us know," the dispatcher said.

Mangione, sitting in the courtroom, leaned forward in his chair while the audio played, occasionally writing down notes on the call.

Mangione had been in the McDonald's about 10 minutes when a manager called 911 at 9:14:06 a.m. to report customers were "suspicious" of a male seated in a back corner who they thought looked like the suspect wanted for the murder of Thompson, according to prosecutors.

Luigi Mangione's attorneys: White House making him 'pawn to further its political agenda'

"The person told the dispatcher that there was a male there, customers say he resembles the NYC shooter," States testified.

Altoona police officers were dispatched to the McDonald's at 9:16 a.m. on Dec. 9.

"There's a male in the store that looks like the NYC shooter," the dispatcher said, according to a recording of the radio transmission played in court.

"10-4, we'll be on that," the responding officer, Joseph Detwiler, said.

Patrolman Detwiler is later heard in the recording relaying information from a New Jersey driver's license issued under the name Mark Rosario. Prosecutors alleged Mangione gave police a fake ID and used the same fake ID earlier in New York when he checked into a hostel ahead of the shooting.

Steven Hirsch/Pool via AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: US-JUSTICE-HEALTH-MANGIONE

Responding officers then called in the name Luigi Mangione and a birth date.

"It came back with a response from Maryland that the license is valid with no warrants," States testified.

The judge has not yet ruled on whether to allow the audio into the trial.

Following his arrest, Mangione was held at SCI Huntingdon, a high-security prison near Altoona, until his extradition to New York on Dec. 19. During that time, Pennsylvania correction officer Tomas Rivers testified on Monday that Mangione was under constant supervision to ensure his well-being, remarking that the prison wanted to prevent an "an Epstein-style situation."

Rivers, who served in the British military, said that while supervising Mangione, the two of them discussed "the difference between private health care and nationalized health care."

At some point, Rivers testified that Mangione said he "wanted to make a statement to the public," though the guard said he didn't ask what it would be about, telling prosecutors, "I'm not investigating the case. I don't care."

NYPD - PHOTO: A photo released by the NYPD of the suspect sought in the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

Another corrections officer who supervised Mangione at the Pennsylvania prison, Matthew Henry, testified that Mangione mentioned carrying a 3D-printed handgun and foreign currently when he was arrested.

Defense attorney Marc Agnifilo attempted to cast doubt on the claim that Mangione unprompted and "out of nowhere" told a security guard that he was carrying a 3D-printed gun.

"This is a pretty big statement that he made to you," Agnifilo said. "Did you write that down?"

"No," Henry said.

Mangione's attorneys are trying to limit prosecutors from using key evidence -- including a 3D-printed gun and purported journal writings -- police say they obtained when they arrested him in Pennsylvania last year.

NYPD - PHOTO: A photo released by the NYPD of the suspect sought in the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

Earlier during Monday's hearing, Mangione leaned on his left hand and stared at a large screen at the front of the courtroom, gazing at images police in New York City disseminated following the murder of Thompson.

The images allegedly depict Mangione at a Starbucks, on a bicycle, at a hostel, in the back of a taxi and with a gun taking aim at Thompson as the United Healthcare chief executive strolled toward the Hilton in Midtown.

The NYPD posted the images to social media following the killing as it asked the public for help identifying the suspect wanted for a "premeditated targeted attack" and announced a $10,000 reward for information leading to arrest.

With Sgt. Christopher McLaughlin on the witness stand, prosecutor Joel Seidemann played a video of the shooting allegedly depicting Mangione firing more than once, Thompson buckling against the building facade, and Mangione calmly walking by the victim.

Luigi Mangione must be given civilian clothes for upcoming court appearance, judge rules

Prosecutors seem intent on firmly establishing Mangione as the definitive suspect as the defense raises questions about officers approaching him five days later at the McDonald's in Altoona.

Bernard Pyles, who works for the company that installed security cameras at the McDonald's, testified Monday that he was asked to retrieve footage for the police.

"We were told there was an arrest made and they need footage," Pyles said. "We were looking for a certain individual on the footage in order to cut out the pieces they needed."

On Dec. 9, McDonalds cameras allegedly captured Mangione ordering from a kiosk, waiting at the counter and picking up his order. Mangione is allegedly seen on a different camera carrying his food, taking a seat in a back corner table and wiping it down.

The individual that police identified as Mangione remained at the table 25 minutes before camera showed police officers arriving and confronting him.

Yuki Iwamura/Pool via Reuters - PHOTO: Luigi Mangione appears in Manhattan Criminal Court, Dec. 1, 2025, in New York City.

Defense attorneys have argued Altoona police officers questioned Mangione for 20 minutes before reading him his rights, and also searched his backpack without a warrant.

Nearly two dozen Mangione supporters seated in the back row of the courtroom craned their necks to get a look at the accused killer as he entered the courtroom at the start of Monday's hearing. Some were dressed in T-shirts displaying slogans about the case, including one saying "Justice is not a spectacle."

Though no trial date has been set for either Mangione's state or federal criminal cases, the outcome of this week's hearing will determine the shape of the case Mangione and his lawyers will face at trial. If they succeed in limiting key evidence, prosecutors could lose the ability to use Mangione's writings -- which prosecutors say paint a clear motive for the crime -- and the alleged murder weapon.

"I finally feel confident about what I will do," Mangione allegedly wrote in a notebook seized from his backpack, later included in court filings. "The target is insurance. It checks every box."

Luigi Mangione takes aim at DA, NYPD over alleged comments made by his mom

This week's hearing in New York's State Supreme Court -- where Mangione is charged with second-degree murder -- follows a legal victory for Mangione's defense when the judge in September tossed two murder charges related to an act of terrorism. He is still charged with second-degree murder and other offenses, as well as a separate criminal case in federal court. If convicted in state court, Mangione faces a potential life sentence, and he could face the death penalty in his federal case.

Mangione is accused of gunning down Thompson -- a father of two who spent two decades working for UnitedHealthcare before being named its CEO -- last December outside a Midtown Manhattan hotel before allegedly fleeing the city. He was arrested on Dec. 9 at the McDonald's in Altoona after someone reported seeing a "suspicious male that looked like the shooter from New York City."

Defense lawyers are trying to bar prosecutors from using any of the evidence recovered from the backpack -- including electronic devices, a 3D-printed gun, silencer, and a journal -- as well as referencing any statements Mangione made to police. Lawyers with the Manhattan District Attorney's Office have defended the lawfulness of the arrest and search and are expected to argue that the evidence would have inevitably been recovered during the discovery process ahead of trial.

"Despite the gravest of consequences for Mr. Mangione, law enforcement has methodically and purposefully trampled his constitutional rights," Mangione's attorney argued in their motion.

Defense lawyers argue the constitutional issues began almost immediately after officers approached Mangione, who was seated in the McDonald's to have breakfast. After Mangione allegedly provided officers with a fake driver's license, they immediately began questioning Mangione about whether he was recently in New York and why he lied about his identity, defense lawyers say. As he was questioned, defense lawyers say officers filled the restaurant to form an "armed human wall trapping Mr. Mangione at the back of the restaurant."

Steven Hirsch/ Pool via Getty Images - PHOTO: Luigi Mangione appears in Manhattan Supreme Court during a state court evidentiary hearing in the murder case of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, in New York, December 1, 2025.

Citing time-stamped police body camera footage, Mangione's attorneys allege police waited 20 minutes to read his Miranda Rights and extensively questioned him without informing him he was under investigation or that he had the right to remain silent. They have asked New York State Supreme Court Judge Gregory Carro to prohibit prosecutors from introducing any evidence or testimony related to what they say was an illegal interrogation at the McDonald's.

Defense lawyers also contend that an officer illegally searched Mangione's bag while he was being interrogated, eventually discovering a loaded magazine and handgun. Despite another officer commenting, "at this point we probably need a search warrant" for the bag, Mangione's attorneys argue that the officer continued searching the bag and claimed she was trying to make sure there "wasn't a bomb or anything" in the bag.

"[The officer] did not search the bag because she reasonably thought there might be a bomb, but rather this was an excuse designed to cover up an illegal warrantless search of the backpack," they argue. "This made-up bomb claim further shows that even she believed at the time that there were constitutional issues with her search, forcing her to attempt to salvage this debacle by making this spurious claim."

Mike Segar/Reuters - PHOTO: A supporter of Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare chief executive Brian Thompson, holds a sign outside Manhattan Criminal Court, ahead of his appearance for a pre-trial hearing in New York City, Dec. 1, 2025.

Mangione's attorneys argue that any of the items recovered from the backpack, including his alleged writings and weapon, should be limited as "fruit" of an illegal search.

Ahead of the hearing, Mangione's attorneys have previewed plans to call at least two witnesses from the Altoona Police Department. During an unrelated court hearing last week, one of Mangione's attorneys claimed that the hearing could include more than two dozen witnesses and hours of body camera footage.

The hearing is set to resume on Tuesday. Judge Carro has set aside several days to hear arguments about whether the testimony and evidence can be suppressed.
Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Arizona, said on the Nov. 30 episode of "Meet the Press" that the Senate Armed Services will hold a public hearing on potentially illegal military orders issued by U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.

"We're going to put these people under oath and we're going to find out what happened," Kelly said, referring to military members involved in a Sept. 2 strike ordered by Hegseth on survivors of an initial hit on a boat that the Trump administration claimed was carrying drug cargo, as reported by The Washington Post.

"People can tell the difference, should be able to tell the difference between something that is unlawful and something that is lawful," Kelly said. He added that he was concerned that orders handed down to troops would put them "in a tough place" and that they would later find out "they did something illegal," though the senator did not specify which orders would be illegal.

Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee Roger Wicker, R-Mississippi, said in an Nov. 28 statement that the committee 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-Rhode Island, the ranking Democrat on the committee, have sent Hegseth multiple requests for basic information including legal justifications and intelligence underpinning individual strikes.

Sen. Mark Kelly speaks during a roundtable on extreme heat at his Phoenix office on July 11, 2025.

"This administration has tied themselves in knots (with) the explanations that we have received on how this is all legal," Kelly said on "Meet the Press."

The Post, citing anonymous sources, reported that Hegseth gave a verbal order to troops to "kill everybody" on the vessel, which was traveling off the Trinidad coast, and the special operations commander overseeing the attack ordered a second strike on the survivors to comply with Hegseths instructions. The Intercept reported on Sept. 10 that the survivors were killed in a secondary attack, citing two anonymous sources.

Hegseth claimed that the Post's report was "fake news" and defended the operations as "lawful under both U.S. and international law," in a Nov. 28 post on X. Kelly called Hegseth "the least qualified Secretary of Defense in the history of our country by far" on the NBC Sunday show.

Will Mark Kelly's case reach courts? It's 'dead on arrival,' experts say.

Kelly calls Hegseth, Trump 'not serious people'

Kelly called Hegseth and President Donald Trump "not serious people" when asked about the administration's response to a video that he was a part of urging service members to refuse "illegal orders."

"This president thinks he can bully and intimidate people, and he is not going to, hes not going to stop me from speaking out and holding him accountable for the things that he does that are wrong and unlawful," he said.

Kelly is one of six Democratic lawmakers in the video, each whom previously served in the military or intelligence community. Trump accused the Democratic lawmakers of "SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!" in a flurry of social media posts following the video's release. He later told Fox News' Brian Kilmeade that he does not believe the lawmakers should be executed but believes they're in "serious trouble."

US military conducts deadly boat strikes against alleged drug traffickers Sept. 15, 2025: The U.S. military killed three people in a strike on a boat allegedly trafficking drugs in the Caribbean Sea.

"We're sticking up for the Constitution here and the rule of law and they're saying these folks should be executed for doing that," Kelly said.

The Department of Defense opened an investigation into Kelly for alleged misconduct connected to the video that could include recalling the retired U.S. Navy captain to active duty for court-martial proceedings.

Contributing: Joey Garrison and Phillip M. Bailey, USA TODAY

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Mark Kelly says Senate to hold hearing on boat survivor strike
Premier Funeral Services (2) Heike Poike (left); and Lyrik Mi Amor Poike.

NEED TO KNOW

Heike Poike, her 2-month-old granddaughter Lyrik Poike and Dakota Smith were murdered in 2015

Alexander Hung Tran, who owned the residence where Heike and Lyrik lived, was convicted of the murders in August

Authorities say Tran had a growing obsession with Lyrik's mother and wanted to have a child with her

An Utah man has been sentenced to life behind bars 10 years after killing a 63-year-old grandmother, her infant grandchild and a friend of the family.

Heike Poike and her 2-month-old granddaughter Lyrik Poike were found slain alongside Dakota Smith in a Salt Lake City, Utah residence in September 2015.

Alexander Hung Tran was immediately identified as a suspect. On Aug. 23, he was convicted in their murders, the Salt Lake County District Attorney's Office said a statement at the time.

On Nov. 7, Tran was handed three life sentences without the possibility of parole, the DA's office said in an update.



Peel Funeral Home Dakota Scott Smith

The investigation began on Sep. 18, 2015, when Salt Lake law enforcement officials responded to the residence after Heike failed to pick up her grandson from school, per the DA's office.

Police found the bodies of Heike, Lyrik and Smith inside the house, while Tran was found in the basement.

The investigation revealed Tran had let Heike's daughter, identified only as A.P., stay in the residence with her two children. Heike joined to help her with the children while she worked.

While A.P. resided in the home, Tran reportedly developed an "obsession" with her, per investigators. He told her he wanted to get married and have a child together.

A.P. reportedly responded, but only out of obligation because he had let her stay with him. It wasn't clear what she wrote in her responses.

Tran's mother did not approve of the tenants living in the residence, which she had bought for him, she told police. She told her son she would be starting an eviction process for A.P. and her family. She has not been identified as a relevant party to the investigation.

Salt Lake County Jail via AP Alexander Hung Tran

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.

In online obituaries posted following their killings, Heike, Lyrik and Smith were remembered fondly by friends and family.

"Dakota had a heart of gold, always willing to help anyone in need," read part of Smith's online obituary. "He faced many challenges in life but always wanted to do the right thing and make his Dad proud."

"During her short life she touched so many and had an infectious smile," Lyrik's loved ones said in he obituary, adding that she was her mother's "little princess."

Heike was remembered for being a proud mother and grandmother who "loved to post pictures and share their accomplishments."

If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go to thehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.



Read the original article on People
Rep. Majorie Taylor Greene Moves To Vacate Johnson From Speaker's Post Kent Nishimura/Getty Images

Republican Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene got into a heated exchange with conservative commentator Mike Cernovich on X this past week following Greenes resignation announcement.

The exchange began when Greene posted about the percentage of American-based accounts on X. Many accounts are paid and many are foreign and they post and comment all day with targeted talking points in order to sway your opinionReal life is tangible, involves relationships with people, productive work, and all the fun amazing adventures the beautiful world has to offer. Cernovich responded to the post by saying You need to serve out your full term.

Greene responded the following morning, saying [s]hit posting on the internet all day isnt fighting. Get off YOUR ass and run for Congress. Her response was viewed by over six million people. The heated exchange continued with Cernovich reiterating his opinion that Greene must serve her full term, and Greene pushing back. (RELATED: MTG Says Shes Resigning From Office)

Greene announced her resignation from Congress on November 21 in a viral X post. Greene cited multiple reasons for her resignation in her video statement, including Trump recently cutting off his support for her. She also discusses foreign policy, the economy and her frustration with the two party system. Greene is set to resign from Congress on January 5.
Internet Protocol or "home cams" are often installed for security purposes or to monitor the safety of children and pets [Getty Images]

Four people have been arrested in South Korea for allegedly hacking more than 120,000 video cameras in homes and businesses and using the footage to make sexually exploitative materials for an overseas website.

Police announced the arrests on Sunday, saying the accused exploited the Internet Protocol (IP) cameras' vulnerabilities, such as simple passwords.

A cheaper alternative to CCTV, IP cameras - otherwise known as home cameras - connect to a home internet network and are often installed for security or to monitor the safety of children and pets.

Locations of cameras hacked in the country reportedly included private homes, karaoke rooms, a pilates studio and a gynaecologist's clinic.

A statement released by South Korea's National Police Agency revealed that the four suspects operated independently of one another, and did not conspire together.

One of the suspects is accused of hacking 63,000 cameras and producing 545 sexually exploitative videos, which he then sold for 35 million won ($24,000; 18,000) worth of virtual assets.

Another allegedly hacked 70,000 cameras and sold 648 videos for 18 million won worth of assets.

The two suspects were responsible for approximately 62% of videos posted in the past year on a website that illegally distributed IP camera hacking footage.

Police are now moving to block and shut down that website, and cooperating with foreign agencies to investigate its operator. They have also arrested three people who are suspected of having bought and viewed material through the site.

"IP camera hacking and illegal filming inflict immense suffering on victims and are therefore serious offences. We will eradicate them through vigorous investigations," said Park Woo-hyun, a cyber investigation chief at the National Police Agency.

"Viewing and possessing illegally filmed videos are also serious crimes, so we will actively investigate them."

Authorities have personally visited or notified victims at 58 locations, informing them of the incident and providing guidance on changing passwords.

They are also helping victims delete and block content, and working to identify others who may have been affected.

"Above all, it is crucial and effective for individual users who have installed IP cameras in homes or business premises to remain vigilant and immediately and regularly change their access passwords," the National Police Agency said in its statement.

Additional reporting by Leehyun Choi

[BBC]

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'Professional tenant' Bryan Coombes was interviewed outside of a courthouse by reporters.

When a constable banged on the front door of a home in Burlington, Massachusetts, nobody answered. The tenants who had occupied the property for nearly two years were already gone, but they left a nightmare behind. Trash and dirty dishes littered the floors. A large hole gaped in the hallway wall. For the property owner, a Syrian immigrant who speaks little English, eviction day marked the end of a nearly two-year ordeal that would cost him over $100,000, according to an NBC10 Boston investigation (1).

The tenants, Bryan Coombes and Nicole Inserra, moved in December 2023 and immediately stopped paying rent. What makes this case particularly shocking: taxpayers kicked in $23,000 in rental assistance through a state program before the couple was booted for failing to hold up their end of the bargain.

The landlord got stuck with the rest.

"While everyone describes Massachusetts as tenant friendly, I've come to the phrase that it's 'landlord impossible,'" attorney Robert Lee, who spent more than a year fighting the eviction in housing court, told NBC10 Boston. "You really don't have to try that hard to stay in a place without paying money."

Must Read

A pattern spanning 20 years

This wasn't the couple's first scheme. Housing records show this was Coombes' 13th eviction in Massachusetts, a pattern stretching back two decades.

Leo Behaj, an Ipswich resident who previously rented to Coombes, lost nearly six figures and had to sell his property to climb out of debt.

"These people are professionals," Behaj said. "They have been doing this for 20 years. They have a PhD. They know everything to screw the system."

The tactics are straight from the "professional tenant" playbook: filing health complaints about items in disrepair, then refusing to let contractors in to fix them. Submitting multiple appeals. An 11th-hour bankruptcy filing, the couple's 10th in the past decade, with all but the most recent dismissed.

When NBC10 Boston confronted Coombes outside housing court last May, he was unapologetic: "I use the law and the law helps me do what I need to do."

Landlords pressed nationwide

The Massachusetts cases aren't outliers. Across the country, landlords are grappling with a surge in fraudulent tenants  and the costs hit everyone.

Nearly all rental housing providers (93.3%) reported experiencing fraud in the past 12 months, according to a survey by the National Multifamily Housing Council (2). Of those, 70.7% said fraudulent applications and payments had increased, with respondents reporting an average 40% spike compared to the previous year.

The most common tactics: falsifying pay stubs, employment references or income documentation (84.3% of respondents); misrepresenting information on applications (80%); and identity theft or fraudulent ID documents (70%). Perhaps most striking: respondents reported that nearly one in four eviction filings (23.8%) were tied to fraudulent applications and subsequent failure to pay rent.

The financial damage is severe. Survey respondents wrote off an average of nearly $4.2 million in bad debt over the past 12 months, with about a quarter attributed to fraud-related nonpayment.

For individual landlords, evictions typically cost $3,500 to $10,000 when factoring in legal fees, court costs, lost rent and property turnover, according to property management platform Innago (3). In tenant-friendly states like California and New York, longer notice periods and slower courts can push costs even higher (4).

For the Burlington landlord, costs spiraled to include legal fees, moving expenses and storage for the tenants' possessionsa legal requirement in Massachusetts. Lee said his client borrowed from friends and family just to avoid foreclosure.

Read more: 22 US states are already in a recession  protect your savings with these 10 essential money moves ASAP

How did they qualify for $23K in taxpayer aid?

Perhaps the most troubling question: How did tenants with 12 prior evictions qualify for state rental assistance?

The state's Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities cited privacy laws and declined to discuss individual recipients.

It's not an isolated concern. Emergency rental assistance programs, which ballooned during COVID-19, have faced fraud nationwide. In Chicago, a former city employee and sham property management company obtained over $200,000 by filing fraudulent applications, according to a 2024 city lawsuit (5).

The federal government disbursed $46 billion in emergency rental assistance through two rounds of funding in late 2020 and early 2021, according to the U.S. Treasury (6). The programs helped millions of legitimate rentersbut the rapid rollout created openings for abuse.

How landlords can protect themselves

For small landlordsmany using rental income to pay mortgages or fund their kids' educationthe threat is existential. But thorough screening can catch serial offenders. Eviction records typically stay on tenant screening reports for seven years, according to Experian (7).

Run your own background check. Never accept documents provided by the applicant. Professional tenants often submit falsified reports.

Verify employment independently. Call the company's main numbernot the one the applicant provides. Some scammers use friends posing as HR reps. Go back two or three landlords. The current one may be trying to pass along a problem tenant.

Watch for red flags. Tenants who quote obscure legal statutes at the first meeting, offer several months upfront to skip screening, or pressure you to move fast should raise concerns (8).

For Coombes and Inserra, eviction day in Burlington finally arrivedbut not before they'd racked up 13 evictions, 10 bankruptcy filings and collected $23,000 in taxpayer assistance along the way.

The Syrian immigrant who owns the property now faces months of cleanup and repairs. He'll likely never recover the lost rent. And there's nothing stopping Coombes from finding his next landlord.

For small landlords, the lesson is brutal but clear: screen rigorously, verify everything, and know that in some states, the law won't be on your side when things go wrong.

What To Read Next

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Article sources

We rely only on vetted sources and credible third-party reporting. For details, see our editorial ethics and guidelines.

NBC10 Boston (1); National Multifamily Housing Council (2); Innago (3); LeaseRunner (4; City of Chicago (5); U.S. Department of the Treasury (6); Experian (7); Bornstein Law (8

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
U.S. and Ukrainian officials completed roughly four hours of talks Sunday aimed at finding an endgame to the war between Russia and Ukraine.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio described Sunday's session  which included special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of President Trump, and Ukrainian delegates  as "productive and useful," but talks will continue this week in Moscow with Russian leader Vladimir Putin.

"We don't just want to end the war. We also want to help Ukraine be safe forever. So never again will they face another invasion. And equally importantly, we want them to enter an age of true prosperity," he said. "It's about also the terms that set up Ukraine for long-term prosperity. ... I think we build on that today, but there's more work to be done."

Witkoff is set to travel to Moscow on Monday, a U.S. official later confirmed to CBS News.

The negotiations come at a sensitive moment for Ukraine as it continues to push back against Russian forces that invaded in 2022 while dealing with a domestic corruption scandal.

Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, left, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, center, and Jared Kushner attend a meeting with Ukrainian officials Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, in Hallandale Beach, Fla. / Credit: Terry Renna / AP

Diplomats have been focused on revisions to a proposed plan developed in negotiations between Washington and Moscow. That plan has been criticized as being too weighted toward Russian demands. During the meeting Sunday, Rubio focused on reassuring Ukraine.

Rustem Umerov, Ukraine's secretary of national security, thanked American negotiators in brief remarks following the meeting but provided little detail of their discussion.

"We discussed all the important matters that are important for Ukraine, for Ukrainian people and us, was super supportive. We were already had a successful meeting in Geneva, and today we continue this success," Umerov said. "So at the moment, this meeting was productive and successful on the later stages, hopefully we'll keep you updated."

Umerov has been involved in ongoing talks. But until now, Ukraine's head negotiator had been Andriy Yermak, the powerful chief of staff of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. On Friday, Zelenskyy announced the resignation of Yermak, after his home was searched by anti-corruption investigators.

Zelenskyy's government has been roiled by fallout from a scandal over $100 million embezzled from the energy sector through kickbacks paid by contractors, causing newfound domestic pressures for Zelenskyy.

It was only a week ago that Rubio had met with Yermak in Geneva, with each side saying the talks had been positive in putting together a revised peace plan.

Among the other members of the Ukrainian delegation were Andrii Hnatov, the head of Ukraine's armed forces, and presidential adviser Oleksandr Bevz.

The plan, which Mr. Trump has since played down as a "concept" or a "map" to be "fine-tuned," would have imposed limits on the size of Ukraine's military, blocked the country from joining NATO and required Ukraine to hold elections in 100 days. Negotiators have indicated the framework has changed, but it's not clear how its provisions have been altered.

It had initially envisioned Ukraine ceding the entire eastern region of the Donbas to Russia  a sticking point for Kyiv.

On Tuesday, Witkoff and Kushner will be meeting with Putin in Moscow about Ukraine, a White House official said Monday. Both Witkoff and Kushner, like Mr. Trump, hail from the world of real estate that values dealmaking over the conventions of diplomacy. The pair also were behind a 20-point proposal that led to a ceasefire in Gaza.

Zelenskyy wrote on X that the Ukrainian delegation would "swiftly and substantively work out the steps needed to end the war."

In his nightly address on Saturday, Zelenskyy said the American side was "demonstrating a constructive approach."

"In the coming days it is feasible to flesh out the steps to determine how to bring the war to a dignified end," he said.

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A sign shows an infected area by the African swine fever virus, which is closed-off for hiking, at Collserola Park, in Cerdanyola del Valles, on the outskirts of Barcelona, Spain, December 1, 2025. REUTERS/Nacho Doce

A sign shows an infected area by the African swine fever virus, which is closed-off for hiking, at Collserola Park, in Cerdanyola del Valles, on the outskirts of Barcelona, Spain, December 1, 2025. REUTERS/Nacho Doce

By Nacho Doce and Joan Faus

BELLATERRA, Spain, Dec 1 (Reuters) - Spain, which is mobilising to contain an outbreak of African swine fever in Barcelona, received confirmation from major pork importer China on Monday that it can resume pork exports to the country from all other regions, its agriculture minister said.

Spain halted all pork shipments to China on Friday as a precaution until Beijing confirmed it had implemented a protocol signed earlier this year which meant it would only ban imports from regions affected by the virus.

China accounts for 42% of Spain's pork exports outside the European Union. Spain is the EU's leading pork producer, accounting for roughly a quarter of the bloc's output, ahead of Germany, with annual pork exports of about 3.5 billion euros ($4.05 billion).

Authorities confirmed on Friday that two wild boar found dead had tested positive for African swine fever, last recorded in Spain in 1994. A 6-km exclusion zone was set up around the affected area in Bellaterra, on the far side of the Collserola mountain range from the coastal city.

Four hundred Catalan police and rural wardens were deployed to the area in northeastern Spain at the weekend, followed by 117 members of Spain's military emergency unit on Monday, who will use drones to locate and remove potential infected animals.

"Our objective is to limit the zone and avoid contagion to other regions," Agriculture Minister Luis Planas told reporters late on Monday after a meeting with sector representatives.

RISK TO SPAIN'S PORK INDUSTRY

African swine fever, while harmless to humans, spreads rapidly among pigs and wild boar, posing a significant economic risk to Spain, one of the world's largest pork exporters.

Officials suspect the virus may have spread after a wild boar ate contaminated food, possibly a sandwich brought from outside Spain.

"The most likely option ... is that cold cuts, a sandwich, contaminated food, could end up in a bin ... and then that a wild boar would have eaten it and become infected," Catalonia's agriculture minister Oscar Ordeig told local radio on Monday.

The infected area is close to the AP-7 highway, a major transport route linking Spain and France. Eight more suspected cases were being investigated and more cases expected, regional authorities said.

As officials await final test results, Ordeig later told a briefing it was likely that human activity brought the virus to Spain from other parts of Europe, since no infected boars had been found elsewhere in Catalonia or neighbouring France.

A European Commission spokesperson said it would not comment on the source of the outbreak until results of sequencing tests were known. A team of EU veterinarians will visit the area this week to survey, provide advice and prepare a report with recommendations, the spokesperson said.

Spain's agriculture minister Luis Planas said Saturday that about one-third of the country's pork export certificates have been blocked as a result of the outbreak, though no farms have tested positive so far. Pork farms within a 20-km radius of the initial infection site are facing operating and sales restrictions.

(Additional reporting by Philip Blenkinsop in Brussels and Victoria Waldersee and Emma Pinedo in Madrid. Writing by Emma Pinedo, Victoria Waldersee, editing by Aislinn Laing, Ros Russell and Daniel Wallis )
The shocking videoquickly deleted, yet still viewed by millionsunveiled a disturbing moment of bigotry and political coercion in the middle of a mundane New York City parking lot. An unsuspecting Jewish couple, struggling to pay for their parking, asked a woman for help. The response they received was not assistance, but a ruthless public humiliation, all broadcast by the woman herself on social media.

The woman, Eman Masoud, a licensed esthetician and founder of the Staten Island organic skincare company Pure with Nature, boasted in a now-deleted TikTok about shunning the couple, repeatedly refusing to cover their meter unless they first said two words: 'Free Palestine.'

@spoton.101 Iman Masoud  a New Yorkbased licensed esthetician and owner of Pure with Nature  posted a video bragging about humiliating Jewish Americans who asked her for help.   - Music For Business & Pedreiro Apaixonado

The incident, which occurred at a pay station in a parking lot, immediately sparked an intense wave of condemnation online. The video, originally posted by the hijab-wearing entrepreneur, reveals a chilling thought process: she first insisted on gauging whether the couple were 'Zionists' before agreeing to perform a simple human courtesy.

The entire episode, from the humiliation to the subsequent rant, has fuelled a growing debate over the intersection of political activism and blatant antisemitism in public life.

The Humiliation: Eman Masoud's Political Demand in a Parking Lot

The account of the confrontation, which was shared publicly by Eman Masoud on her popular TikTok account (with over 13,000 followers) before being preserved by watchdog groups like StopAntisemitism, details the esthetician's 'joy in humiliating a Jewish couple who asked her for help.'

Masoud begins the unsettling video by setting the scene for her followers: 'I was just at one of those kiosks and this couple comes up to me that is clearlyclearlyyou know what, I'm not even going to say what they are, I'm going to let you guys guess depending on the story.'

The couple, who were simply struggling to pay their parking ticket, offered Masoud cash if she would cover their meter, a request she callously turned into a political transaction.

She recounted telling them directly, 'I'll do it if you say 'Free Palestine.''

The demand visibly stunned the couple. Masoud said the woman was immediately 'taken aback and remained silent', while her 'horrified' husband replied, 'Excuse me,' prompting Masoud to repeat her political demand.

Masoud then claimed the husband replied using the Arabic word for 'no.' This refusal only enraged Masoud further.

She recounted erupting at the man, saying, 'So they even took our language,' before berating him for looking away. She then pressed them to say the 'two words' again before she stormed off and shared her disturbing rant online.

Masoud concluded her viral rant by saying, 'Like the audacity, the fact that you know who you are, cause not all Jews are Zionists, we know that, but I was like maybe, maybe they're not', the 'twisted esthetician' raged.

She then added, 'So the fact that you know who you are, you had the audacity to ask me to help you, knowing who I am based on what I look like, based on what you look like and how you feel, had the audacity to ask me for help out of everyone, you know what, go screw yourself.'

Public Condemnation: The Fallout From Eman Masoud's Antisemitic Tirade

Eman Masoud's antisemitic tirade rapidly spread across social media, leading to swift and widespread condemnation. Users were unified in their criticism, condemning her for intentionally humiliating an innocent Jewish couple seeking simple assistance, turning a routine civic moment into a scene of political coercion.

The commentary focused less on the confrontation itself and more on the audacity of Masoud's boastful video. One user on X (formerly Twitter) summed up the institutional concern, saying, 'First, humiliating Jews in a parking lot does nothing to help Palestinians,' adding, 'And second, since when is it normal in New York to be 'shocked' that Jews approach you, and to broadcast it online as if that reaction were justified?'

Another user directly addressed the broader cultural issue, stating, 'The Free Palestine movement has become nothing more than a convenient excuse to be loudly and proudly antisemitic.'

This perspective argues that political activism is increasingly being used as a shield for actions motivated by religious and ethnic hatred.

The backlash quickly turned personal, targeting Masoud's business, Pure with Nature, given her status as a licensed professional. The incident serves as a stark example of how personal biasesand the choice to broadcast themcan instantly translate into professional controversy.

Despite the intense scrutiny and the severity of the allegations, Masoud did not immediately respond IBTimes UK's request for comment regarding the incident. The core issue remains: an act of basic human kindness was brutally conditional, exposing a disturbing willingness to leverage political demands to inflict public humiliation.

Originally published on IBTimes UK
President Trump took a swing at Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) on Sunday over comments the governor made in which he pressed the president to release the MRI results.

Gov. Walz asked you to release the MRI records, a reporter on Air Force One noted to Trump.

Gov. Walz? You mean the incompetent governor? So, if they want to release it, its OK with me to release it, Trump replied.

Walz recently returned fire after Trump referenced the Minnesota governor in a rant on Thanksgiving.

Release the MRI results, Walz wrote Friday on the social platform X. The president said in October he went through an MRI during a visit to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

Trump went after Walz, used a slur against him and said the governor does nothing on the number of Somalian refugees in Minnesota in a Thursday post on his Truth Social platform.

Hundreds of thousands of refugees from Somalia are completely taking over the once great State of Minnesota, Trump wrote. 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.

Walz said Sunday that Trump was demonizing Somali migrants in Minnesota.

As far as demonizing our Somali community  maybe he could help us on some things, Walz told host Kristen Welker on NBCs Meet the Press.

Demonizing an entire community, folks who are in the professions, educators, artists, doctors, lawyers, entrepreneurs, they bring the diversity and the energy to a place like Minnesota.

The Hill has reached out to Walzs office for comment.

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 speaks to troops via video from his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, on Thanksgiving Day. - Alex Brandon/AP

Intensifying US threats against Venezuela are raising expectations of imminent military action as President Donald Trump heaps pressure on the Caracas regime and flexes power in the Western Hemisphere.

Every public sign and warning by the president raises the risk that the US is on an inexorable path toward a military confrontation that would represent a big political gamble given the publics antipathy toward new foreign wars.

Trump plans to hold a meeting at the White House Monday evening about next steps on Venezuela, sources familiar with the matter told CNN. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are expected to attend, as well as White House chief of staff Susie Wiles and deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller.

Controversy is also mounting because of new concerns about the legality of any potential action against Venezuela and warnings that the administrations lethal strikes against alleged drug-trafficking vessels in the Caribbean have infringed the laws of war. Congressional committees are pledging vigorous, bipartisan oversight of the attacks  a rare occurrence in Trumps second term.

And in an extraordinary move over the Thanksgiving holiday, Trump appeared to undercut the rationale that hes fighting regional cartels with the offer of a pardon to a former Honduran president jailed last year in the US for funneling cocaine into the country.

Trump fueled expectations of looming warfare in Venezuela by warning on Thanksgiving Day that the US will very soon start taking action to stop alleged drug-trafficking networks on land. On Saturday, he declared the impoverished, oil-rich countrys airspace should be considered closed. An armada of US ships is stationed in the Caribbean Sea off Venezuela, led by the worlds mightiest aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford. Administration officials have meanwhile spent weeks crafting legal arguments for action against regional drug traffickers that critics warn fall short of legal and constitutional stipulations.

A F/A-18E Super Hornet aircraft attached to the Gerald R. Ford Strike Group and a US Air Force B-52H Stratofortress fly over Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Bainbridge in the western Atlantic Ocean on November 13. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Alice Hu//USS Mahan/US Navy

Yet, with the US potentially on the edge of a new war, the administration is yet to provide the public with evidence-based and legally detailed rationales for sending American sons and daughters into action.

This raises the possibility that the buildup and threats are part of a psychological pressure campaign to force President Nicolas Maduro to step down or to encourage officials or generals to topple him. Or a possible military showdown with Venezuela could simply be a new sign this administration sees few political, moral, legal or constitutional curbs on acting exactly how Trump wants.

And even if this is all a bluff to trigger regime change peacefully, officials must soon consider what to do if it fails. Trumps authority will suffer a huge blow if he draws down US forces with Maduro still in office.

Trump on Sunday confirmed for the first time that hed spoken over the phone to Maduro recently but did not say when or what he discussed. I dont want to comment on it; the answer is yes, Trump told reporters on Air Force One. I wouldnt say it went well or badly. It was a phone call.

A political risk

A new US war or concentrated military action abroad would contradict one of the presidents core foreign policy principles  the avoidance of new overseas conflicts. And multiple polls show Americans are opposed to a strike on Venezuela. A CBS News survey last month found 76% didnt believe that Trump had explained his position there and only 13% saw the country as a major threat to US security.

In the past, some US administrations have made strenuous efforts ahead of military engagement to prepare the public for action and to rally support behind the president  as was the case before the invasion of Iraq in 2003. But apart from vague comments about fighting drug cartels  some of which may overstate Venezuelas place in the narcotics trade  senior officials have offered few explanations to the public.

Still, millions of Venezuelans would not miss Maduro if hes toppled after years of repression that has impoverished a country with huge economic potential and led to the flight of millions of refugees, including to the US. There are some scenarios in which Maduros departure might benefit US foreign policy and the region  although administration officials have offered little clarity on whether theyve planned for the day after any military action. The failure to do so in Iraq and Afghanistan led to foreign policy disasters. Some analysts fear regime change could trigger chaos and bloodshed in a nation as fractured as Venezuela, possibly sending even more refugees into neighboring countries and the US.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro looks on during a meeting at the National Assembly in Caracas on August 22. - Juan Barreto/AFP/Getty Images

Sen. Markwayne Mullin, however, defended Trumps approach. He said on CNNs State of the Union on Sunday the president gave Maduro an invitation to leave and that hes protecting the US from drug traffickers. Hes made it very clear were not going to put troops into Venezuela, the Oklahoma Republican told Dana Bash, though Trump hasnt publicly ruled out that possibility.

Controversy over the administrations intentions in the region has been fueled further by what people familiar with the incident described to CNNs Natasha Bertrand as a follow-up US military attack on a suspected drug vessel on September 2 after an initial attack did not kill everyone aboard. Experts and some lawmakers have expressed concern that the so-called double-tap strike would violate the laws of armed conflict, which prohibit the execution of an enemy combatant who is taken out of the fight due to injury or surrender.

Details of the strikes were first reported by The Intercept and The Washington Post. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth insists all strikes on alleged drugs boats are lawful under US and international law, partly because traffickers have been designated terrorists by the US government. But Trumps critics argue the president is waging war without acquiring the authorization of Congress as is required by the Constitution and is infringing the victims rights to due process.

This screengrab of a video posted to Donald Trumps Truth Social account on September 2 shows what Trump described as a Tren de Aragua boat carrying drugs from Venezuela, against which the president ordered a strike. - Donald Trump/Truth Social

Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly, a retired Navy captain and fighter jet pilot, said on State of the Union that from what he knew about the attack, he would not have carried out the order to conduct a second strike. If what has been reported is accurate, I have got serious concerns about anybody in that chain of command stepping over a line that they should never step over. We are not Russia. Were not Iraq, Kelly said. They have tied themselves in knots trying to explain to us on the Armed Services Committee how this is legal, not sharing all of the information either, which is really troubling. But going after survivors in the water, that is clearly not lawful.

Kelly has been warned by the Pentagon that he could be called back into uniform for court-martial over a video he filmed with other Democratic lawmakers reminding military personnel they were not obligated to carry out illegal orders. The lawmakers have said Trump jeopardized their safety after he accused them of seditious behavior, punishable by death. He has since denied he was threatening death against the group.

The House and Senate armed services committees have pledged to carry out rigorous oversight of the administrations operations in the Caribbean.

A stunning pardon announcement

Disquiet about the Trump administrations motives in Latin America is also being fed by an extraordinary announcement by the president that he plans to pardon former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez, only a year into a 45-year federal prison sentence for drug trafficking. Hernandez was found guilty of conspiring with cartels as they moved 400 tons of cocaine through Honduras to the US and of protecting and enriching drug traffickers in his inner circle.

The presidents pardoning of a leader who operated his country as a narco-state would severely undercut his rationale for using military force against Maduro  whom he accuses of the same offense.

He was the leader of one of the largest criminal enterprises that has ever been subject to a conviction in US courts. And less than one year into his sentence, President Trump is pardoning him, suggesting that President Trump cares nothing about narco-trafficking, Virginia Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine said on CBS Face the Nation. If he doesnt care about narco-trafficking  then what is this Venezuela thing really about?

The president insisted to reporters Sunday that the conviction was a Biden setup and implied that no one who had served as a president should face justice for transgressions in office. You take any country you want  if somebody sells drugs in that country, that doesnt mean you arrest the president and put him in jail for the rest of his life, he said.

Honduran police officers escort Juan Orlando Hernandez, Honduras' former president, to the airport in Tegucigalpa on April 21, 2022. - Tomas Ayuso/Bloomberg/Getty Images

Mullin said on State of the Union there was probably a good-faith gesture in the presidents pardon offer, and that he trusted his natural approach to foreign affairs.

The comparison of the due process previously offered by the United States to Hernandez, who was convicted by a jury, to the fate of drug traffickers blown out of the Caribbean Sea, without officials apparently knowing their identities, is striking.

The timing of Trumps pardon move suggests an alternative explanation, as it came just before Hondurans voted in a presidential election on Sunday. On Friday, Trump endorsed the populist outsider candidacy of Nasry Tito Asfura, who comes from the same conservative National Party as Hernandez. His double intervention looks like an attempt to influence the elections, since he threatened in a Truth Social post that the US would not work with any other president but Asfura.

This is far from the first time that Trump has tried to use his power and clout to support MAGA-like leaders in the Western Hemisphere. He slapped a 50% tariff on Brazil after it prosecuted his friend and former President Jair Bolsonaro for trying to overthrow an election. He offered a $40 billion bailout to Argentina, conditional on voters supporting the party of another ally, President Javier Milei, in the midterm elections. Trump has also allied himself with President Nayib Bukele, the leader of El Salvador, who accepted into a notorious prison deportees from the Trump administrations purge, and who bills himself as the worlds coolest dictator. He has feuded with Colombias leftist leader, President Gustavo Petro.

There are legitimate foreign policy reasons why the United States might seek closer relations with Latin American leaders, especially as it aims to curtail influence-building efforts in the region by Russia and China. The question now preoccupying Latin America is whether Trump is willing to use the sword, not just executive power and taxpayer cash, to get the regime he wants in Venezuela.

This story has been updated with additional developments.

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President Trump gave Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro a strongly worded ultimatum as tensions flared with the South American nation  telling him to resign and leave or else, according to a bombshell report.

During a call between Trump and Maduro, the socialist president demanded that he be allowed to maintain control of Venezuelas military if he paved the way for free elections there, said the Miami Herald, citing sources. Maduro also reportedly sought global amnesty for all of his alleged crimes.

Trumps refusal on both counts was said to be swift as he followed up with an offer that Maduro may not be able to refuse: Leave now or else.

Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro (second from left) walks with the first lady of Venezuela, Cilia Flores, and Venezuelas defense minister, Vladimir Padrino, (second from right before a meeting with the high military command in Caracas in September. Venezuelan Presidency/AFP via Getty Images

The pairs talks quickly broke down, with a US pol Sunday lamenting that the ongoing war between both sides is already deadlier than Vietnam for his state.

We have a war thats coming through fentanyl, through opioids, through cocaine, US Sen. Dave McCormick (R-Pa.) told Fox News Sunday, referring to the avalanche of drugs from Venezuela to the US that Trump blames Maduro for and is trying to stop.

It killed 100,000 Americans last year, McCormick said of the drug trade. Thats twice the number of people that died in eight years of Vietnam  4,000 Pennsylvanians.

After the phone call between Trump and Maduro failed to reach a detente, the US president announced he was closing the airspace around the South American country  as Americas largest warship, the USS Gerald F. Ford, and a Marine Expeditionary Unit  capable of amphibious invasion  float offshore.

Trump also warned over the weekend that military operations inside Venezuela could begin very soon.

President Trump issued a stern warning to Maduro during a recent phone call, according to a report. AFP via Getty Images

Trump only told reporters Sunday that he spoke with Maduro recently, adding, I wouldnt say it went well or badly.

The tense phone call between Trump and Maduro reportedly took place late in the week of Nov. 16, according to the New York Times, just days after Trump said he was open to talking with the dictator.

The call reportedly saw Trumps and Maduros teams go over the details of what a surrender from the Venezuelan strongman would be like, given that the state department has a bounty on his head for $50 million.

Trump informed Maduro during their chat that he, his wife and son would be allowed to leave Venezuela safely, but they must do it immediately, sources said.

First, Maduro asked for global amnesty for any crimes he and his group had committed, and that was rejected, a source familiar with the call told the Herald.

Second, they asked to retain control of the armed forces  similar to what happened in Nicaragua in 91 with Violeta Chamorro. In return, they would allow free elections, the source said.

A US sailor aboard the worlds largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, works on the flight deck during flight operations earlier this month. USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78)

That proposal was also rejected, while the demand that Maduro resign immediately was made.

The offer of amnesty was also extended to Maduros top allies, the Herald noted.

After the breakdown, Trump ramped up pressure on Venezuela and warned that the US would target drug-trafficking networks by land soon.

By Saturday, he made an announcement on social media that Venezuelas airspace should be considered closed in its entirety, stoking fears of a looming war in the South American country of 28 million people.

It remains unclear how Trump intends to enforce the no-fly decree, as the US has no authority over Venezuelan airspace.

But by Sunday afternoon, a FlightRadar24 map showed that there were no international planes flying over Venezuela.

Flights to Aruba and Curacao  near the Venezuelan coast  appeared to be taking the long way around to avoid Venezuela.

The moves come after the Federal Aviation Administration issued a safety warning about heightened military activity in and around Venezuela, causing several major airlines to suspend their flights there.

Venezuela retaliated by revoking operating rights to Iberia, TAP, Avianca, Latam, Colombia, Turkish Airlines, and GOL, further isolating the Latin American country.

Maduro and his allies condemned the developments as a form of American colonial aggression, accusing the Trump administration of trying to use military force to seize the countrys vast oil reserves.

McCormick defended Trumps moves as the proper step to take on the narco-terrorists operating in Venezuela.

When President Trump was running, he and I both campaigned on the same thing, which was [to] secure the border, designate the cartels as narco-terrorists, and use our military in a strategic-focused way to destroy this cartel infrastructure, McCormick said.

I think thats whats happening with Venezuela.

The US Secretary of the Navy also framed the fight against Venezuelan drug traffickers as a war.

Drugs kill more Americans than weve ever lost in wars. So I think at the end of the day, the president has correctly identified this as an attack on the country, which it is, John Phelan said on Fox News My View with Lara Trump on Saturday.

There were more than 105,000 drug overdose deaths in the US in 2023, according to the latest available data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Thats nearly double the more than 58,000 American servicemen who died in the Vietnam war.

While the White House blames Venezuelan gangs for trafficking illegal opiates and cocaine to the US, a 2019 DEA report found that most fentanyl  the leading source of American overdose deaths  comes from Mexico, through precursors shipped from China.

Venezuela was one of 23 nations that Trump declared as major drug transit or major illicit drug producing countries in September  along with China, India, Mexico and the Dominican Republic.

Despite the escalating military situation in the Caribbean, Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) stressed that Trump has been clear he wont dispatch boots on the ground to the troubled Latin American country.

No, hes made it very clear were not going to put troops into Venezuela. What were trying to do is protect our own shores, Mullin told CNNs State of the Union on Sunday.

The US has been conducting a sea-focused campaign since September, striking alleged drug boats originating from Venezuela and other Latin American nations.

The administration has since carried out at least 21 fatal strikes on small boats.

In one such bombing, the US allegedly killed survivors after bombing a drug boat near Trinidad in a so-called double tap strike under orders from Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth to kill everybody  which the former Fox News contributor denies.

Critics and human rights experts have slammed the bombings as extrajudicial executions, with Congress opening inquiries into the alleged double tap strike.
Top U.S. officials and a Ukrainian delegation met in Florida on Sunday for the latest round of discussions on a plan to end the war between Russia and Ukraine  talks both sides described positively but about which they provided no details and took no questions.

"Much work remains, but today was, again, a very productive and useful session where I think additional progress was made," Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in short remarks to reporters after the meeting.

Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff met with a Ukrainian delegation headed by Rustem Umerov, secretary of Ukraines National Security and Defense Council. Also present was President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, who does not hold an official U.S. government position but serves as an unofficial adviser.

Rubio emphasized wanting to set up Ukraine for "prosperity." He did not delve into specifics, nor did he take questions from reporters.

"As I told you earlier this morning, our goal here is to end the war, but it's more than just to end the war," he said. "We don't just want to end the war; we also want to help Ukraine be safe forever, so never again will they face another invasion, and equally importantly, we want them to enter an age of true prosperity."

Rubio added that the discussions were "not just about the terms that ends fighting, it's about also the terms that set up Ukraine for long-term prosperity."

Umerov expressed gratitude to the U.S. and echoed Rubio's sentiments, saying, "Our objective is a prosperous, strong Ukraine."

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, left, during a meeting with Ukrainian officials in Hallandale Beach, Fla., on Sunday. (Chandan Khanna / AFP - Getty Images)

"We discussed all the important matters that are important for Ukraine, for Ukrainian people, and U.S. was super supportive," he added, going on to characterize the meeting as "productive" and "successful."

U.S. and Ukrainian officials discussed the details of a potential peace framework this month in Geneva. Earlier, Trump tried to pressure Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to accept a proposal that would have given Russia more Ukrainian land beyond what it currently controlled.

Trump told reporters Sunday aboard Air Force One that he spoke with Rubio and Witkoff after the meeting, saying, "They're doing well."

"Ukraines got some difficult little problems," he said, adding that he believed both countries wanted the war to end. He clarified to a reporter that the "problems" was a reference to a corruption scandal.

Zelenskyys chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, a top negotiator in peace talks, resigned Friday following an anti-corruption raid on his home.

Zelenskyy said on X after the meeting that Umerov reported information from Sunday's talks, but he did not disclose details.

"It is important that the talks have a constructive dynamic and that all issues were discussed openly and with a clear focus on ensuring Ukraines sovereignty and national interests," he said, going on to thank Trump and the administration.

Ukraine has pushed for any agreement to end the war to include future security guarantees, while Moscow has pushed for Ukrainian land to be ceded to Russia and called for Ukraine not to be allowed to join NATO.

Witkoff is expected to travel to Moscow in the coming days. Zelenskyy is expected to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday, according to France 24. Trump also said on Truth Social last week that Army Secretary Dan Driscoll would meet with Ukrainians while Witkoff would meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine started in 2022 and has dragged on despite the Trump administration's efforts, which have included a controversial red carpet welcome for Putin in Alaska over the summer.
A gang that once terrorised Kent and Sussex in the 1700s were eventually defeated by a village militia [Getty Images]

A notorious gang that once terrorised Kent and Sussex in the 1700s were revealed to be "paper tigers" after they were defeated by a village militia, a historian has said.

Smuggling was rampant across the UK in the 18th Century, but one of the most fearsome groups was the Hawkhurst Gang.

Historian Joseph Dragovitch likened their brutality to those of a "South American drug cartel"; anyone who stood in their way were beaten, murdered or kidnapped and sold to jailers in France to be galley slaves, he said.

At the height of their dominance in the 1740s, they took control of areas including Hawkhurst and Goudhurst in Kent, while running protection rackets, Mr Dragovitch said.

They mainly smuggled tea, one of the commodities on which the government imposed heavy taxes, he added.

Locals soon had enough of the oppression and formed a militia, led by former soldier William Sturt.

"It wasn't a problem for the gang until the militia allied with customs service and interrupted their smuggling runs," Mr Dragovitch said.

He said at the time, the government had tried hard to wipe out smuggling gangs.

"They placed heavy bounties on smugglers operating in Kent and Sussex," he added.

He said the Goudhurst militia fought other gangs, partly to "ruffle the feathers" of the Hawkhurst Gang, who then decided to attack the village and eliminate those who resisted.

"It was not an idle threat, but the Goudhurst militia was ready," Mr Dragovitch said.

The Battle of Goudhurst took place on 21 April 1747. The gang demanded the militia to disband, but they refused, Mr Dragovitch said.

"It then became a big shootout. I like to compare it to the gunfight at the O.K. Corral, it was a legendary," he added.

"There were no injuries or deaths on the militia side, but two smugglers died, one of which was George Kingsmill, who was one of the leaders."

At the height of their dominance, the gang took control of Hawkhurst and Goudhurst [Getty Images]

Mr Dragovitch said the defeat revealed the gang to be "paper tigers".

"The Hawkhurst Gang continued, but they became hired thugs and mercenaries rather than smugglers," he added.

The historian said the gang's downfall followed a raid at the Customs House in Poole, Dorset, in 1747.

According to West Sussex Record Office, the raid had prompted authorities to become "more determined" to wipe out the gang.

It said a customs officer, William Galley, and a shoemaker, Daniel Chater, who knew the smugglers but was not involved with the gang, were kidnapped and murdered by the gang to prevent them from testifying.

Following a major search, Mr Galley's body was found on 15 September and Mr Chater two days later.

Authorities then offered pardons or clemency to those involved in the gang to testify against them.

Two witnesses came forward, and the gang members were convicted and sentenced to death in 1749, which brought an end to one of the most feared smuggling gangs in UK history.

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More on this story
Photo by Jessica Madavo; ALL ARTWORK:  JADE FADOJUTIMI, COURTESY THE ARTIST

A few years ago, during a moment of extraordinary political uncertainty and collective mourning, I had a conversation with an artist known largely for digital and multimedia work. They told me that they were returning to painting. When I asked why, the artist said, Im going home.

For many artists, painting is a practice intimately intertwined with their earliest experiences of artone as old as art itself. Its a physical process, an attempt to make meaning through the handthrough labor, through matter itselfthat engages the body through imagination and imagination through the body. Anyone who has ever stood before a painting and felt it rearrange something inside them can attest to this.

Photo by Jessica Madavo; ARTWORK:  ANNA WEYANT, COURTESY GAGOSIAN

For some, painting is an escape; for others, it marks a kind of return. In an age of digital tools and AI, when the making and experiencing of art can feel very virtual or ephemeral, it also represents something else; to paint is to insist on presence.



Each day, we are bombarded with images that shape our individual and collective consciousnesses. These images are not neutral; they coax us toward different perspectives and push us toward singular standards of language and thought. Our digital selves bleed into the material world. In some ways, they even form our conception of it. To paint today is not merely nostalgic; its an embodied refusal to let art exist without the traces of being.

PHOTO BY JESSICA MADAVO; ARTWORK:  CHRISTINA QUARLES, COURTESY THE ARTIST, HAUSER & WIRTH, AND PILAR CORRIAS, LONDON

 CHRISTINA QUARLES, COURTESY THE ARTIST, HAUSER & WIRTH, AND PILAR CORRIAS, LONDON, PHOTO BY KEITH LUBOW

 CHRISTINA QUARLES, COURTESY THE ARTIST, HAUSER & WIRTH, AND PILAR CORRIAS, LONDON, PHOTO BY JEFF McLANE

For women painters, who have long been excluded from many of the canons and institutions of a tradition that has historically rendered them less maker than muse, this insistence on visibility is about much more than art. Its about what Simone de Beauvoir once referred to as the struggle to becometo define and not be defined by the identities and narratives that have been imposed on them, to create a tangible record of their presence.

I spoke with seven women artists who make vastly different work informed by vastly different projects, perspectives, experiences, and histories. But they have each used the language of painting, formally and thematically, to engage with subjects like identity, gender, and expression and explore new modes of seeing.

PHOTO BY JESSICA MADAVO; ARTWORK  CHRISTINA QUARLES, COURTESY THE ARTIST, HAUSER & WIRTH, AND PILAR CORRIAS, LONDON

In her Brooklyn studio, Jenna Gribbon, 46, works on a large portrait of her wife, musician Mackenzie Scott, in blue hues that evoke a seductive memory. Gribbon suggests that weve forgotten how to see. Our eyes are fatigued by screens, skimming over beauty. She considers herself a documentarian. She is deeply influenced by the filmmaker Agnes Varda and interested in the reciprocal relationship between subject and observer.

Gribbons process begins with taking iPhone photos of Scott in candid, often intimate poses. Sometimes, Gribbon says, Scott will see a finished painting and say, Ive never seen anything that looked more like me.  For others, she explains, Scott will say, I dont know who that is. Is that you?

Gribbon has been painting Scott for eight years and says shes nowhere near done; she wants to continue painting her as they both age. Maybe theres something about love that demands a witness. We all yearn to be seen, though we fear the cost. When you see someone every day, Gribbon says, you overlook things.



PHOTO BY JESSICA MADAVO; ARTWORK:  SASHA GORDON, COURTESY THE ARTIST AND DAVID ZWIRNER, NEW YORK

 SASHA GORDON, COURTESY THE ARTIST AND DAVID ZWIRNER, NEW YORK

 SASHA GORDON, COURTESY THE ARTIST AND DAVID ZWIRNER, NEW YORK

Sasha Gordons first solo show at the David Zwirner gallery in New York this fall included a room filled with a series of self-portraits depicting chaos and how it manifests in our bodies. In one work, It Was Still Far Away (2024), Gordon, 27, paints herself clipping her toenails with headphones on while an explosion erupts behind hera nod to our collective obliviousness and unabashed self-indulgence. In Whores in the Attic (2024), she paints herself nude, with cellulite and a cigarette, wearing pointy-toed mules.

Because Gordon often presents herself in her paintings, her work is frequently labeled as being about identity or body positivity. But for her, its more about the language of embodiment and the porous line between vulnerability and force. This is about disassociating and going in and out of consciousness, she says. I just want the figures to be pure and not affected by the current social norm, she saysnot innocent but immune.

Born to a Jewish Polish-American father and a Korean mother, Gordon grew up in Somers, New York, and studied at the Rhode Island School of Design. Her earliest lesson in looking came from her mother. It maybe sounds like an insult, but she told me my friends were pretty, but theyre conventional, Gordon says. She told me I had something different that was more memorable. That beautiful off-centeredness is the seam she keeps tugging at in her work: Its important to have something uncanny.

PHOTO BY JESSICA MADAVO; ARTWORK:  JENNA GRIBBON, COURTESY DAVID KORDANSKY GALLERY

You can practically hear Jade Fadojutimis paintings. Her large-scale abstractions are symphonies of color. The artist, 32, who lives and works in London, is speaking with me from Japan, where she visits often. She recalls spending many hours as a child watching Kyoto Animation anime, which is known for its soft, seductive use of color to communicate feeling. When Im in Japan, my use of color flourishes, she says. The sky is different here; the color sensibility leans toward pastels that might seem feminine in the U.K. but here feels universal.

Fadojutimi grew up in a British-Nigerian household. Her paintings reflect states of longing and dislocationnot any fixed identity but the instability of the very concept. These themes surface through lush, volatile palettes that behave like weather systems; feeling arrives chromatically first and only afterward allows itself to be understood. She is a conductor, in the spirit of Italian maestro Riccardo Muti: one who guides rather than commands. When youre working with color, compositions form naturally through tone, temperature, depth, perspective, and theory, she says. I think worlds begin to shape themselves through the notion that they arent destinations that are predecided.



Photo by Jessica Madavo; ALL ARTWORK:  JADE FADOJUTIMI, COURTESY THE ARTIST

Much like the figures in her works, Anna Weyant, 30, projects a disarming innocence that belies her wisdom. She understands the power of perception. Social media has played a role in her practice, both in content and processthe former because her figures can seem posed and framed like Instagram images, the latter because she gained early attention via the platform. Her paintings sometimes feel like moments lifted from feeds, depicting young women with ambiguous expressions set against neutral backgrounds, all rendered with classical Dutch Golden Age and baroque techniques attentive to surface, texture, and studied stillness. The result is a kind of portraiture caught between eras, where intimacy is at once a performance and a spell. My figures are posed, but I think of the images as more like film stills, Weyant says. Something choreographed, paused.

When I visit Weyants studio in New York, an unfinished canvas shows the lower half of a woman looking over a terrace, her exposed backside at its edge. She tells me she often imagines a man in the room with her figures, just beyond the frame. They know they are being watched. They play with the gaze, offering stonelike beauty, then undermine it with an eerie humor, challenging the concept of assumptions versus reality. It is really a reflection of my own experience, she says. I dont feel qualified to paint from anyone elses gaze.

Photo by Jessica Madavo; ALL ARTWORK:  JADE FADOJUTIMI, COURTESY THE ARTIST

Sahara Longe, 31, tends to find inspiration everywhere: in historical Instagram accounts, while people-watching in the park, in a painting of saints she spotted at the National Museum in Oslo, Norway. Recently, she became captivated by Doris Lessings 1962 novel, The Golden Notebook, in which the protagonist searches her past for meaning in her postwar English life as a woman condemned to freedom, lamenting the thinning of language against the density of our experience. Longe paints from the spaces where language fails.

The eldest of four girls, the London-based Longe grew up on a farm in Suffolk, England; her father is British, her mother Sierra Leonean. Her semi-abstract figurative paintings are potentemotional and intimatebut leave room for the viewer to complete them. She works with Canada balsam, thickened linseed oil, rabbit-skin glue, gesso, and turpentine, summoning the weight of history in her materials. Her paintings carry the hush of the old masters, but turned inward, the subjects claiming the frame not as ornament or offering but as ground of selfas bodies that refuse to be read except on their own terms.



PHOTO BY JESSICA MADAVO; ARTWORK:  LUCY BULL, COURTESY DAVID KORDANSKY GALLERY

Longe says her approach to painting is born in part of an ethos she picked up while studying at the Charles H. Cecil Studios in Florence. The mantra of the school was to take something in real life and make it more beautiful on the canvas, and I always try to do that, she says. She becomes endearingly giddy when speaking about the moment she finds something that will lead to new work. Youre just emptying yourself and watching until something comes, she says. Its a kind of evangelical feeling of Oh! Ive discovered something.

Lucy Bulls L.A. studio sits discreetly in the middle of a commercial strip in San Gabriel. Her walls are lined with layered canvases in various stages of production. The artist, 35, isnt precious about where she paintssometimes in an alley, sometimes in a backyard. She prefers to work outside in the elements.

PHOTO BY JESSICA MADAVO; ARTWORK:  LUCY BULL, COURTESY DAVID KORDANSKY GALLERY

Bulls paintings pulse with an inner rhythm that feels both alive and otherworldly. Her layered strokes carry traces of her intensive labor; each surface seems to breathe. Im constantly trying to use color and mark-making as visual bait, suspending the viewers attention, she says. Im creating a scenario where theyre pulled into the landscape of marks.



Bull grew up in New York and studied at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, where she developed an intuitive, process-driven practice rooted in repetition and endurance. Her ambition is to teach the viewer how to roam again. Im trying to conjure associations, she says.

Christina Quarles, her wife, producer and screenwriter Alyssa Polk, and their daughter lost everything in the Altadena fire in L.A. last January. The devastation delayed but did not derail her practice, which merges the technical with the spiritual. Quarless paintings feature figures bent and contorted to fit into dynamic, futuristic spaces; they twist and collapse into one another, revealing fluid, layered textures that carry the weight of history and memory.

PHOTO BY JESSICA MADAVO; ALL ARTWORK:  SAHARA LONGE, COURTESY THE ARTIST AND TIMOTHY TAYLOR

Like a lot of only children raised by single mothers, Quarles, 40, learned early in life how imagination can be a shelter. She also has a knowingness and instinct that come from understanding how to absorb without instruction. I think of making art as a formal practice that you learn, she says. You have to learn all these skills at first, and when you are learning them, theyre all you can think about, she explains. But eventually it becomes so familiar that it distracts the thinking brain and allows this sort of deeper subconscious to flow through you.

Quarles is currently completing work for a forthcoming show at Hauser & Wirth in L.A. She says she knows a painting is complete when she is no longer compelled toward actionwhen she becomes, like us, a viewer and finds herself observing and asking questions. Its really this back and forth between intention and actuality and trying to honor that actuality with a new set of intentions, she says. This is the moment of ultimate freedom.

Painting provides us with a sense of belonging: a reminder that everything that makes us feel like islands in our suffering has been felt by another. That we are in fact more alike than we are different. Perhaps, ultimately, a painters job is to take us home.

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Patrick Morrisey Blasts Left's Disrespectful Attempt To Blame Trump For National Guard Attack As 'Outrageous' Screenshot/Rumble/Fox News

Republican West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey on Friday denounced the Lefts efforts to blame President Donald Trump for the Wednesday shooting of two of his states National Guardsmen deployed to Washington, D.C.

The shooting immediately prompted a deluge of prominent liberal commentators and activists blaming Trump on social media. Morrissey said on The Ingraham Angle that blaming Trump was disrespectful, highlighting that the more than 150 West Virginia National Guardsmen serving in the nations capital are volunteers for the mission. (RELATED: CNNs Charles Ramsey Questions National Guard Training Immediately After 2 Guardsmen Were Shot In DC)

[I]ts outrageous and it shows a level of disrespect to the people that put their lives on the line every single day. So I want to make sure people understand what were dealing with here, Morrisey said. Right now, in the District [of Columbia], there are about 160 to 170 West Virginia National Guardsmen, and theyre here on a voluntary basis. That means that they sign up for the mission of protecting the city. They believed in the mission. They want to support their state, they want to support their country, and, by the way, the mission is working.

By all accounts, crime is way down in D.C. and the Guardsmen will tell you, by and large, that what theyre doing is working  They were protecting people, he added. And for folks to try to point them out and somehow give them some responsibility of what happened, thats outrageous, thats politics that needs to be rejected. But, thats what we have seen coming from the Left in recent years. But now, we have to say, Absolutely not.'

Trump ordered National Guardsmen to Washington in August 2025 to mitigate violent crime in the nations capital following a series of high-profile incidents, including the July 3 fatal shooting of a congressional intern. Democrats long opposed Trumps deploying the National Guard to American cities, calling each an overreach of presidential authority while attributing nefarious reasons for the deployments.

Trump put them in harms way, fash, [sic] former ESPN and MSNBC host Keith Olbermann posted Wednesday on X.

Donald Trump and Pete Hegseth are culpable for endangering the National Guard by putting them in harms way, author and activist John Pavlovitz posted on BlueSky the same day.

Morrisey on Wednesday initially said the two National Guard members had been killed, but promptly walked the statement back, asserting his office was receiving conflicting reports.

West Virginia Army National Guard Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, died Thursday, Thanksgiving Day. The other victim, Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, remains in critical condition at the time of publication.

Andrew is fighting for his life and his parents are unbelievably great people, highly religious people, and theyre praying  and they want everybody to pray for Andrew, Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One as they returned Sunday to Washington.

The shooting was allegedly perpetrated by Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national brought into the U.S. under the Biden administration following Americas 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan.

All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporters byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.
Here's how to get tickets to the Guns N' Roses 2026 tour. (Guns N' Roses) (Live Nation)

Guns N' Roses have announced the arrival of two brand new singles, "Nothin'" and "Atlas," which will be out on Dec. 2. The two songs are the band's first new music in two years, and Axl Rose, Slash, and the rest of the band will head out on a 2026 world tour to support them. (We're guessing there's a good chance you'll hear some older classics played live, too.) Their global tour will kick off at Monterrey, Mexicos Tecate Pal Norte festival on March 28, followed by several dates in Brazil. Florida fans will be able to catch two shows in May before the band travels to Europe for most of the summer. The North American leg of the tour begins in earnest in July with shows in cities like Toronto, Vancouver, Las Vegas, and a stop at Pasadena's famous Rose Bowl.

You can get early presale ticket access for Guns N' Roses' 2026 tour starting on Tuesday, Dec. 2 if you're a member of their fan club; artist presale opens up Dec. 3, and general tickets go on sale Friday, Dec. 5. Here's what you need to know about how to get access to the presale and find out more about Guns N' Roses' upcoming world tour.

When is Guns N' Roses upcoming world tour?

Guns N' Roses will kick off their 2026 world tour on March 28, 2026 in Monterrey, Mexico. The band will perform throughout South America and Europe, finishing up with nearly 20 dates across the U.S. and Canada. The tour wraps up in Atlanta on Sept. 19, 2026.

Guns N' Roses will begin their 2026 world tour in March, here's how to buy tickets. (Live Nation) (Live Nation)

When do tickets for Guns N' Roses' tour go on sale?

If you want to purchase presale tickets for the Guns N' Roses 2026 tour, you can sign up for a paid membership to their Nighttrain fan club to get first crack at available seats for North American tour dates. (Note that a membership costs between $50-89 and does not guarantee tickets to shows.)

Nighttrain presale access begins on December 2 at 10 a.m. local venue time and runs through December 3 at 9 a.m. Artist presale (no membership required) will begin on Dec. 3 at 10 a.m., but you do need to sign up for access at Ticketmaster. General on-sale ticketing begins Friday, Dec. 5, at 10 a.m. local time.

Find tickets

Guns N' Roses 2026 tour tickets cost:

Ticket prices for Guns N' Roses' 2026 tour are not yet available. If Ticketmaster doesn't have the seats you're looking for, you can check out options on reliable third-party sites like StubHub for more selection.

Find resale tickets

Where is Guns N' Roses touring in 2026?

Guns N' Roses' 2026 tour is scheduled for the following North American cities:

May 05  Hollywood, Fla. @ Hard Rock Hollywood

May 07  Daytona Beach, Fla. @ Welcome To Rockville Festival

July 26  Saratoga Springs, N.Y. @ Saratoga Performing Arts Center

July 29  Tinley Park, Ill. @ Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre

Aug. 01  Hershey, Pa. @ Hersheypark Stadium

Aug. 05  Toronto, Ontario @ Rogers Stadium

Aug. 08  Shakopee, Minn. @ Mystic Lake Amphitheater

Aug. 12  East Rutherford, N.J. @ MetLife Stadium

Aug. 16  St. Louis, Mo. @ Busch Stadium

Aug. 19  Kansas City, Mo. @ Morton Amphitheater

Aug. 22  Las Vegas, Nev. @ Allegiant Stadium

Aug. 26  Edmonton, Alberta @ Commonwealth Stadium

Aug. 29  Vancouver, British Columbia @ BC Place

Sept. 02  San Diego, Calif. @ Snapdragon Stadium

Sept. 05  Pasadena, Calif. @ Rose Bowl

Sept. 09  Arlington, Texas @ Globe Life Field

Sept. 12  Ridgedale, Mo. @ Thunder Ridge Nature Arena

Sept. 16  San Antonio, Texas @ Alamodome

Sept. 19  Atlanta, Ga. @ Truist Park

If you buy something through a link in this article, we may earn commission.
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Heres what youll learn when you read this story:

Researchers at the University of Cambridge discovered a full handprint on a clay soul house used in a burial setting.

The 4,000-year-old Egyptian handprint is considered rare and will be part of a new fall display at the universitys Fitzwilliam Museum.

Ancient Egyptian potters did not get to enjoy high status within their society.

Roughly 4,000 years ago, when an ancient Egyptian potter left a handprint on the bottom of a soul house used in a burial, the mark likely wouldnt have been noticed. Today, however, that handprint is being put on display at a Cambridge museum.

Weve spotted traces of fingerprints left in wet varnish or on a coffin in the decoration, but it is rare and exciting to find a complete handprint underneath this soul house, Helen Strudwick, curator of the Made in Ancient Egypt exhibit and senior Egyptologist at The Fitzwilliam Museum, said in a statement provided by the University of Cambridge. This was left by the maker who touched it before the clay dried.

The 4,000-year-old handprint was discovered on the underside of a soul housea structure shaped like a building with an open courtyard, which was used to hold food offerings in tombs. The soul house was a symbolic offering site and resting place, and their installation was a common practice in ancient Egypt.

The clay soul house is dated to between 2055 and 1650 B.C. by researchers at Cambridges Fitzwilliam Museum, and the handprint on the underside was likely made when the potter moved the house to dry prior to placing it in the firing kiln.

I have never seen such a complete handprint on an Egyptian object before, Strudwick said. You can just imagine the person who made this, picking it up to move it out of the workshop to dry before firing.

Researchers at the museum believe the soul house was first made with wooden sticks and then coated with clay to make a two-story building supported by pillars. Staircases were formed by pinching wet clay. The potter then would have fired the clay, which would have burnt away the wooden framework and left empty spaces in its place.

Clay and ceramics were common in ancient Egypt, and were used as both functional and decorative objects (though the functional sort were more plentiful). Clay was considered such a common materialeither deposited by the Nile as silt or found as shalethat the potters were not afforded status in society, with some texts comparing them to pigs wallowing in the mud, according to the BBC.

More information is known about the ceramic and clay artifacts created by the craftspeople than the potters themselves, and the Fitzwilliam Museums October opening of the Made in Ancient Egypt exhibit aims to begin rectifying that disparity by telling the stories of artifact makers. The museum hopes to create a vivid picture of these workers as individuals using work orders, receipts, delivery notes, and unfinished objects.

This handprint gives it all a personal touch. This takes you directly to the moment when the object was made, Strudwick said, and to the person who made it.

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Facebook; Hennepin County Jail Monique Baugh (left); and Lyndon Wiggins.

NEED TO KNOW

Monique Baugh was killed after being kidnapped in a plot orchestrated and executed by Lyndon Akeem Wiggins, Elsa Segura, Cedric Berry and Berry Davis in 2019

Wiggins and Segura set up a fake home viewing for Baugh that led to her kidnapping

Wiggins, whose previous conviction was overturned, is now demanding a third trial

A Minnesota man has been convicted of kidnapping and murdering a real estate agent when the woman met him for a home viewing on New Year's Eve.

Monique Baugh, 28, was killed after being kidnapped from a home in Maple Grove, Minn. on Dec. 31, 2019.

Nearly six years after her killing, a Hennepin County jury convicted 40-year-old Lyndon Akeem Wiggins of several offenses, including first-degree murder, the Hennepin County Attorneys Office said in a statement.

Wiggins, alongside his co-defendant Elsa Segura, lured Baugh into the Maple Grove home by setting up for a viewing, according to CBS News and KARE 11.

Once Baugh arrived at the location, two men abducted her, put her in a U-Haul and later shot her. She would later be found dead in an alley with her hands duct-taped, per KARE 11.

The attackers later drove the U-Haul to Baugh's boyfriend's home, where they shot him, CBS News reported.

The boyfriend survived, telling investigators he could not see his attackers. However, he named Wiggins as a person he believed would want to harm him, CBS News reported.

Facebook Monique Baugh.

Wiggins was convicted in 2021 in Baugh's murder. The Minnesota Supreme Court overturned the conviction in 2024, citing incorrect jury instructions, the attorney's office said in their statement.

Two other defendants, Cedric Berry and Berry Davis, were also convicted in 2021 of aiding and abetting first-degree premeditated murder; aiding and abetting first-degree premeditated attempted murder; aiding and abetting kidnapping; and aiding and abetting first-degree murder while committing kidnapping, per the Hennepin County Attorney's Office.

Segura, who FOX 9 reports was dating Wiggins at the time, pleaded guilty in 2024 to kidnapping to commit great bodily harm, the attorney's office said.

Berry and Davis have been sentenced to life without parole; Segura received a sentence of 240 months behind bars.

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.

Following his second conviction, Wiggins is now asking for a third trial.

On the day he was scheduled to be sentenced, his lawyer filed a motion for retrial, FOX 9 reported.

Read the original article on People
by Rafael Newman

Some of the best new music is 100 years old. On October 21, 1925, the Anglo-American composer and violist Rebecca Clarke presented a program of her own compositions at Londons Wigmore Hall:

Sonata for Viola and Pianoforte

Trio for Pianoforte, Violin and Violoncello

Midsummer Moon and Chinese Puzzle for Violin and Pianoforte

Songs, including The Seal Man, Old English Songs with Violin and others.

The Sonata had shared first place in a prestigious competition a few years earlier. Its score is prefaced by an epigraph, drawn from Alfred de Mussets La Nuit de Mai, which stakes the young composers ambitious claim to innovation within an august tradition:

Poete, prends ton luth; le vin de la jeunesse

Fermente cette nuit dans les veines de Dieu.

(Poet, take up your lute; the wine of youth

this night is fermenting in the veins of God.)

Clarke herself played the viola at the sold-out 1925 performance of her Sonata, which headlined the bill of other original works of chamber music. The Sonata for Viola and Pianoforte was to become a cornerstone of the viola literatureand nowadays is considered a masterpiece, and Clarke would go on to be a celebrated figure on the early 20th-century English musical landscape.

When she was trapped by the Second World War in the United States, during a family visit, and was unable to obtain a visa to return to her native United Kingdom, Clarke continued to compose, despite the uncomfortable circumstances of her unexpectedly prolonged lodgings with in-laws. But the renown she had enjoyed as a composer in the early decades of the 20th century began to decline in the postwar period, as reflected by the drastic reduction in space accorded her by subsequent editions of the seminal Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians, which demoted her, with patriarchal brutality, from autonomous artist with her own detailed entry in the 1920s to a footnote identifying her only as the wife of the composer James Friskin in the 1980s.

Clarke did in fact step back from composing in the 1940s, perhaps because she preferred playing the viola and teaching to creating new musicshe continued after the war to maintain an exhausting performance scheduleor perhaps because she was simply getting on in years. Born in 1886, she would have been in her mid-sixties as the 1950s commenced, and, as she says in a 1976 interview on the occasion of her 90th birthday, she had lost the vitality required for composing. And by the time Clarke died in 1979, at the venerable age of 93, only a fraction of some 100 compositions had been published.

However, Clarke has never entirely faded from sight (or sound), due in part to the energetic ministrations of her great-nephew by marriage, Christopher Johnson, who assisted her with cataloguing her work towards the end of her life, holds the rights to the music, and manages a splendid website dedicated to the composers life and corpus. And it is thanks in large measure to Johnson that, on November 8, 2025, a century after that 1925 solo evening at Wigmore Hall, the Sonata for Viola and Pianoforte was on the bill at one of four concerts presented during a Rebecca Clarke Focus Day at the same venue. Clarkes signature instrument was played that day, on the same stage as had been commanded by the composer herself 100 years earlier, by a member of a new generation of musicians devoted to making her work better known today.

In addition to Max Baillie, that young violist, the Rebecca Clarke Focus Day at Wigmore Hall last month also featured mezzosoprano Kitty Whately, tenor Nicholas Phan, soprano Ailish Tynan, bass baritone Ashley Riches, and Anna Tilbrook at the piano, in performances of a generous selection of the almost 60 songs Clarke composed, and which have now been freshly released on CD to great acclaim. The concerts also served to celebrate the publication of all of Clarkes sheet music, under the direction of Johnson and Phan.

*

The Focus Day began, at 11 a.m., with Phan performing Aufblick (1904), Clarkes setting of a poem by Richard Dehmel. Appropriately, at a revival of musical works, the text conjures up a mood of mourning for the peaceful, pastoral landscape of yore, only to dispel the solemnity with a bravely ringing harbinger of return:

Look up



Above our love there hangs

a weeping willow down.

Night and shadows ring us both around.

Our brows are sunken low.

Wordless, we sit in darkness.

A stream once flowed through here,

We once saw stars here winking. Is everything then dead and dreary? Hark  : a distant voice  : from the cathedral  : Choruses of bells  Night  And love 1

As Christopher Johnson noted in his remarks from the stage that day, in conversation with the musical historian Leah Broad, although Clarke was not the only composer to set Dehmels Aufblick, she alone had had the perspicacity to preface the final lines with a new sound, and thus to figure musically the resuscitated hope staged by the words of the poem: a distant voice  : from the cathedral.

Clarkes choice of text for this early song established the young composers identification with the genre of German Lieder: Richard Dehmel (1863-1920) was enormously popular in the period before the Great War, his poems set by no lesser lights than Richard Strauss, Jean Sibelius, Max Reger, Arnold Schonberg, Anton Webern, Kurt Weill, and Alma Mahler-Werfel, among many others. Clarke herself was of German ancestry on her mothers side, and she set several of Dehmels poems, among other German texts, by such poets as Detlev von Liliencron and Richard von Schaukal. (She also occasionally chose texts in French, by Maurice Maeterlinck, for example.) At the Royal College of Music she had been thoroughly schooled in the 19th-century German Romantic tradition. But she was in the end a quintessentially English composer, whose songs most famously embellished work by pillars of the English-language poetic tradition, including Blake, Campion, Housman, and Yeats.

Indeed, one of the four concerts at Wigmore Hall this past November 8 placed Clarkes vocal work squarely within the context of her British contemporariesamong them Vaughan Williams, Ivor Gurney, Herbert Howells, Frank Bridge, and Charles Villiers Stanford, Clarkes teacher and mentorwith scholarly commentary by Natasha Loges, Professor of Musicology at the Hochschule fur Musik Freiburg. In the course of her lecture, interspersed with performances by Whately, Tynan, Phan, Riches, and Tilbrook of selected exemplary works, Loges presented Clarkes credentials as a member of her generation of English songwriters, despite the composers mixed cultural heritage and long sojourn in the United States.

Loges proposed a set of features shared by the highlighted musicians to identify them as a school. (Whately herself has referred to the cohort as the Royal College of Music gang, for the institution that formed so many of them.) In reaction to the rise of Impressionism and Serialism on the European continent during the early 20th century, the musicologist maintained, modernist English composers of art song developed a style characterized by the privileged position they accorded the texts they chose to set to music; by their preference for setting pastoral poetry; by their use of tonality; and by their appeal to sentiment, for a national audience accustomed to repressing its emotions.

While it is quite possible to argue with some of Loges premiseswas Heines poetry, for instance, really dependent for its dissemination on settings by such illustrious composers as Schubert and Schumann, rendering his words more malleable to their musical whims, while English composers, subordinated to the renown of their nations poetic tradition, were less free in their settingsher proposal that the English language has been Britains greatest export (its Gross Dramatic Product, as it were) is suggestive. By this account, modernist English songwriters who chose for their compositions work by Keats, Rossetti, ora fortioriShakespeare, could not hope to add to the fame of texts that already belonged to the worlds literary heritage, and were thus obliged to scale back their musical experimentation. (Compare Bellini, who is said to have been dependent on a dramatic text for his compositional work, and was thus at the mercy of his tardy librettist, while his older contemporary Rossini would forge merrily ahead with his current operatic score and simply fit in the words post hoc whenever they were delivered.)

At any rate, Clarkes best-known song, The Seal Man (1921-1924), performed on November 8 at the final, evening concert at Wigmore Hall, aptly demonstrates the foundation of Loges theorem. The prose poem, by John Masefield (1878-1967), British poet laureate from 1930 until his death, takes center stage in Clarkes setting, every word clearly enunciated and foregrounded, rather than challenged, by the songs score. The genre is pastoralor, to be more precise, maritime, set as it is in a seaside village, among fisherfolk rather than shepherds; but it is every bit as folk-idyllic as Thomas Campions Come, O come, my lifes delight, also set by Clarke (if considerably more ghostly). And The Seal Man quite palpably evokes sentiment, with its shiveringly straightforward story of a young woman who goes to her death by drowning, lured into the waves by a supernatural creature. The poem, a tragedy of pure intent and honest dealing (Christopher Johnson), in which the young heroines death is due not to her being traduced by her lover, but simply to the mutual misunderstanding of two star-crossed species, is in song form unsparing in its effect on its hearers, all the more so for its sparing arrangement.2

But the true sensation of the day at Wigmore Hall last month, and the ultimate vindication of Loges categorization of the English art song, was Whatelys staging of Clarkes epyllion Binnorie (c. 1941). In best social media style, the mezzo teased the song in its initial appearance, at the morning concert, featuring just her voice and Tilbrook at the piano: she broke off after the ninth strophe and left the audience at a cliffhanger in the narrative. When they returned to play the song in its entirety at the next concert, in the early afternoon, Whately and Tilbrook were also accompanied by Baillie on the viola, in an arrangement of Clarkes score by Myra Lin, together with Baillie and Tilbrook themselves.

The text of the song, which runs nearly 14 minutes in performance, is a traditional Scottish ballad, the story of two princesses who are rivals for the affections of a knight. When one sister murders the otherby drowning herthe victim returns from the dead: in the form of her own breastbone, which has been plucked from her drowned corpse by an itinerant craftsman and fashioned into a harp. The ghastly instrument is then able to play alone when it is set before the assembled court, and thus reveal the identity of the sisters treacherous killer in a song of accusation.3

As suspenseful as the text of Binnorie is, however, Christopher Johnsons reconstruction of the songs origin outdoes the bloody fairy tale at its heart with an uncanny Gothic twist of its own.

The score was discovered after Clarkes death, in unfinished form, among the composers papers, and Johnson himself collated various versions, annotations, and revisions to produce a clean copy. The draft had been created, Johnson surmised from conversations recalled with Clarke, in the period in which she was stranded in the United States during the Second World War, dependent on the hospitality of her brothers in New York, and in particular on that of their wives. Clarke was evidently granted use of a piano, in a room in one of the brothers apartments, for her compositional sessionswhich coincided, however, with her in-laws use of the adjoining parlor to receive guests for afternoon tea. Clarkes piano playing thus inevitably disturbed the others, who would then prevail upon her to be less loud; and when the composer on one occasion heard a guest mention the Scottish ballad, Johnson theorizes, Clarke was inspired to set the story of grisly sororal violence as an act of artistic revenge.

Given the gradual decline in feminist fortunes between the World Wars, and their precipitous deterioration during the postwar period, when the gains made by women, in the labor force as in artistic endeavors, were rolled back in the industrialized West, it is tempting to read the two settings, 20 years apart, as bookend accounts by Clarke of the perils of her sex: two brave but naively idealistic women submerged by those closest to them. And indeed, Clarke is known to have elaborated an account of sexist backlash against her as a female composer, maintaining that critics preferred her work when published under a male pseudonymwhich does not seem to have been the case, according to Johnsons archival research. The composers embellishment does, however, bespeak her own perception of a changing tide for creative women during the 20th century, and of the potential for betrayalthe danger of submersionon the part of a once-trusted establishment.

The Focus Day at Wigmore Hall on November 8, 2025, was a performance of joyous resistance to any such occlusion, real or imagined. Assembled on the same stage that had seen (and heard) her triumph a century before, Clarkes champions brought her gorgeous music to vivid life once again. Their efforts continue: Kitty Whately and Anna Tilbrook have established The Rebecca Clarke Song Competition, a national competition celebrating her and other British women composers of the past century. And of course, Christopher Johnson remains delightfully, eruditely active, as her curator and historian. So it is that Clarkes harp goes on playingnot alone, but accompanied by family and friends.

_______________________________

1 My translation, in: Nicholas Phan and Christopher Johnson (eds.), Rebecca Clarke, Early Songs and Vocal Duets, Volume One (ClarNan Editions C130-3, 2025), four volumes; and Kitty Whateley, Nicholas Phan, Anna Tilbrook, Rebecca Clarke: The Complete Songs (Signum Classics, 2025), liner notes.

2 See here for a haunting visual companion to Whatelys magnificent performance, with the gratuitous, but nonetheless heartbreaking addition of a representative mourner.

3 As in the case of The Seal Man, Whately has recently participated in a marvelous visual staging of this song as well, available here.
Getty A person holding a jug of milk (stock image)

NEED TO KNOW

Prairie Farms issued a voluntary recall for its Prairie Farms Gallon Fat Free Milk product on Nov. 25

The company said that the milk may contain food-grade cleaning agents, which may cause illness if consumed

Prairie Farms also shared the specific product codes that consumers should check for on their milk products

Prairie Farms, an Illinois-based dairy company, has issued a voluntary recall on one of its products.

The company announced the recall via a Nov. 25 press release through the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The recall is for Prairie Farms Gallon Fat Free Milk produced at its Dubuque, Iowa, facility and distributed to Woodmans stores in Illinois and Wisconsin.

The recall is specifically for Fat Free gallons  with the DEC08 code date along with PLT19-145 plant code  produced during the impacted timeframe of 17:51 to 21:23.

Some of the product may contain food-grade cleaning agents, which may cause illness if consumed, the company said.

FDA Prairie Farms Gallon Fat Free Milk

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Customers in possession of milk with these codes should not consume it and may return it to the store for a refund, according to the company.

The company noted that it became aware of a potential quality issue with the product on Nov. 24.

[The] affected product was removed from stores and a recall was initiated, Prairie Farms said. Approximately 320 gallons were sold before the issue was discovered.

Read the original article on People
Immigration activists interact with NYPD as they block a garage used by ICE vans during a protest against a purported ICE raid on Canal Street on November 29, 2025 in New York City. Activists assembled outside of a garage used by ICE and later they tried to block ICE vehicles as they traveled from the garage down Canal Street to the Holland Tunnel to exit Manhattan. Credit - Stephanie Keith2025 Getty Images

For the second time in just over a month, a large-scale raid by dozens of immigration agents in New York City was met with a similarly large-scale counter-protest. This time, however, the protesters thwarted the authorities' plans before they began.

Multiple arrests were made on Saturday during scuffles on the edge of Chinatown, during which hundreds of protesters faced off with federal agents, eventually supported by the New York Police Department (NYPD), as they prepared to launch a raid in the area.

It comes just a month after a raid by 50 federal agents using military-style vehicles stormed nearby Canal Street in Lower Manhattan, and was met with a protest of hundreds in response.

Read more: Inside Chicagos Battle With Trump

The confrontation also comes amid a reported surge in activity by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in the city in recent weeks, despite a friendly encounter between the Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani and President Donald Trump earlier this month that appeared to avert a showdown over the issue.

But the mass counter-protest of some 200 people demonstrates the challenges federal authorities will face in enforcing President Trumps hardline immigration agenda in a city that is rooted in its immigrant identity.

Immigration crackdowns in other cities like Chicago and Portland have been met with similar responses from locals opposed to the Trump Administrations immigration crackdown, but New York could prove to be the toughest challenge yet.

Saturday's incident demonstrated how the city's physical infrastructure its narrow streets and densely populated areas, built mostly by immigrant labor over the last two centuriescan impede ICE's so-called "enforcement surges," which involve large numbers of federal agents conducting sweeping raids, often moving quickly in and out of an area.

Not only are large-scale ICE raids being met by hundreds of protesters, but in two months, New York will be led by an immigrant mayor for the first time in 50 years. Mamdani, who moved to the United States when he was seven years old, campaigned on protecting New York's immigrant community from these very same raids. He received a boost early in his campaign from a viral moment in which he screamed at Trumps border czar, Tom Homan, accusing him of abandoning the First Amendment.

A spokesperson from Mamdani's transition team told TIME on Sunday in response to the clashes in Manhattan that 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 City's more than three million immigrants are central to our city's 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," Monica Klein, a transition spokesperson, added.

'Agitators' in 'goggles'

The confrontation began on Saturday, when agents from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) gathered in a parking garage in a federal building on the edge of Chinatown in preparation for a raid.

Videos of the incident show protesters blocking the agents as they try to leave the garage in their cars. The crowd then swells to the hundreds, as more NYPD officers arrive.

Later, according to reports, federal agents emerged from the garage and assisted the NYPD in detaining protesters.

The DHS blamed agitators for blocking the federal agents in a statement to TIME.

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, the statement said. NYPD was called and responded to hundreds of violent rioters, which resulted in the arrest of multiple agitators.

Murad Awawdeh, President of the immigrant advocacy group the New York Immigration Coalition and a member of Mamdani's transition team, said the protests this weekend were a sign that the city would put up fierce resistance to federal immigration operations.

"New York City is unlike any other place in this country or even the world, and what you have seen yesterday and time and again is that New Yorkers of all stripes, across all creeds, are not going to allow a rogue, lawless, violent and horrific agency to continue to mess with their neighbors, he told TIME.

I think the message here is that were all walking each other home together," he added.

The attempted raid in Lower Manhattan comes amid an increase in ICE activity in New York City over the past few weeks. On Oct. 21, in a separate raid on Canal Street, nine people from Africa were taken into custody by ICE agents during what DHS called a targeted, intelligence-driven enforcement operationfocused on criminal activity relating to selling counterfeit goods. The raid, which involved more than 50 federal agents, also led to the arrest of five protestors after people reportedly attempted to chase federal agents away. The DHS claimed protestors were blocking vehicles and obstructing law enforcement duties.

In recent weeks, ICE agents have been spotted with greater frequency in immigrant neighborhoods of Corona in Queens, Washington Heights in Manhattan, and Sunset Park in Brooklyn.

Activists in those neighborhoods have responded to the increased ICE activity by organizing community alert systems, such as handing out whistles to be used when agents are seen in the area. The strategies resemble ICE Watch in other cities hit especially hard by Trumps immigration crackdown, such as Chicago, where groups like Protect Rogers Park enlist community members to follow and report on ICE activity in the area.

'This is an immigrant city'

Saturdays incident is likely to renew tensions between Mamdani and the Trump Administration over immigration before the Mayor-elect has even taken up his post at City Hall.

Mamdani staked out a firm position on how the city would respond to raids after Tom Homan warned that ICE agents would soon flood the zone in New York earlier this month. He also signaled a change in how he wanted the NYPD to deal with federal immigration agents operating in the city after reports that Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, whom Mamdani has announced will keep her position in his administration, was tipped off about the Oct. 21 raid.

What we will ensure is the NYPD will be delivering public safety, not assisting ICE in their attempts to fulfill the administration's goal of creating the single largest deportation force in American history, Mamdani said in an interview posted on Nov. 19.

This city is also an immigrant city. Its a city that is proud of its immigrant heritage, he said. "And we will protect those New Yorkers.

Mamdani and Trump appeared to avoid major disagreements on the issue during their notoriously friendly Oval Office meeting a few days later.

In that meeting, Mamandi said he and the President spoke about immigration enforcement in New York City.

We discussed ICE and New York City, and I spoke about how the laws that we have in New York City allow for New York City government to speak to the federal administration for about 170 serious crimes, Mamdani said, standing alongside Trump.

The concerns that many New Yorkers have are around the enforcement of immigration laws on New Yorkers across the five boroughs, and most recently, were talking about a mother and her two children, how this has very little to do with what that is, he added.

Trump responded: What we did is, we discussed crime. More than ICE, per se, we discussed crime. And he doesnt want to see crime, and I dont want to see crime, and I have very little doubt that were not going to get along on that issue.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
President Trump is facing increasing resistance from Republicans in Congress to certain proposals and parts of his agenda as he nears the end of his first year back in office.

Trump remains the unquestioned leader of the Republican Party, and aides have argued that any lawmakers who fall out of line risk facing a primary or losing the presidents support. But that hasnt stopped GOP lawmakers from criticizing Trumps actions or rebuffing some of his demands.

A handful of Republicans bucked public pressure from the White House earlier this month to sign a discharge petition to force the release of files related to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. That break with the White House is perhaps a sign of things to come.

Here are five other areas where Republicans are breaking with Trump.

Foreign policy

Trump has spent much of his first year back in office focused on brokering deals abroad to resolve conflicts, but his approach has frustrated different factions of the Republican Party.

The White House has touted progress on a peace agreement that could end the fighting in Ukraine nearly four years after Russian forces launched an invasion. But the initial proposal was panned by lawmakers like Sens. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), who raised concerns that it was too deferential to Russia and would not yield a lasting peace in Ukraine.

If Administration officials are more concerned with appeasing Putin than securing real peace, then the President ought to find new advisors, McConnell, who is retiring after next year, said in a fiery statement.

Trumps backers have also been divided over his continued military support for Israel amid its war against Hamas in the Middle East.

One of the most outspoken Republicans to take issue with Trumps handling of Israel has been Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (Ga.). The congresswoman, once one of Trumps most outspoken supporters, has spent weeks criticizing Republican leadership and argued Trump was not focused enough on domestic issues. She announced amid a widening rift with Trump that she would resign from Congress in January.

Trump is also facing Republican criticism as he takes an increasingly aggressive posture toward Venezuela. The Pentagon has repositioned assets near Venezuela, raising concerns that the White House is preparing for conflict with the Maduro regime.

If he invades Venezuela or gives more money to Ukraine, his movement will dissolve, Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) said last week.

On Saturday, the House Armed Services Committee said it will probe the administration after The Washington Post reported Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered to leave no survivors in the first strike in Venezuela.

We take seriously the reports of follow-on strikes on boats alleged to be ferrying narcotics in the SOUTHCOM region and are taking bipartisan action to gather a full accounting of the operation in question, Reps. Mike Rogers (R-Ala.) and Adam Smith (D-Wash.) said in a statement.

Tariff dividend checks

The president has in recent weeks floated an idea to use money from tariff revenue to send out $2,000 checks to millions of Americans.

Trump has been facing pressure to take action to lower costs for Americans as polling shows public frustration with the high cost of living. One solution from the White House would be to turn money brought in by tariffs into money in Americans pockets.

One major problem? It would require congressional action, and many Republicans are not on board.

Look, we cant afford it. I wish we were in a position to return the American public their money, but were not, Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) told Fox Business Networks Maria Bartiromo last week.

Other Republicans have for weeks offered a message similar to the Wisconsin senators. Deficit hawks in Congress have argued that any money brought in from tariff revenue should be used to reduce the national debt, which is more than $38 trillion.

The amount of revenue coming in from the tariffs is considered to be substantial at this point and hopefully can be put to a useful purpose, in my view one of which would be repaying the debt, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) said earlier this month.

Trumps idea for a tariff dividend has been a recurring one throughout his second term so far. He initially raised the prospect of a DOGE Dividend, using money from contracts eliminated by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to send cash to Americans. But that idea failed to gain traction on Capitol Hill, as Republicans again argued any savings should be used to lower the debt.

Artificial intelligence policy

Trump has repeatedly talked about the power of artificial intelligence (AI) and the need for the U.S. to own the issue, and his administration has taken steps to expand the use of AI.

Trump last week signed an executive order establishing the Genesis Mission, a new effort to create an integrated AI platform that brings together federal datasets, computing resources and AI tools to boost scientific research.

The administration earlier this month crafted a draft executive order that would create a task force to challenge state AI laws and block broadband funding for states that implement regulations around the technology.

But the presidents push to expand the use of AI has prompted blowback from some conservatives who are wary of the technology.

Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) has been an outspoken critic of technology companies, and he has raised additional concerns about the growing use of AI. Hawley previously called for the repeal of a law that offers legal protections to major tech companies, specifically citing their training of AI models on copyrighted works.

Steve Bannon, a former top Trump adviser and influential voice in the MAGA movement, called AI the most dangerous technology in the history of mankind on his radio show.

Technology has tremendous upside if properly guided, Bannon said last week. But unguided, incredibly dangerous.

Redistricting

The White House has pushed Republicans in red states to redraw their congressional maps ahead of the 2026 midterms with the goal of adding a few more safe GOP seats to help the party retain the majority.

Texas and Missouri delivered on the administrations wishes, but that hasnt been the case everywhere. Indiana Republicans in particular have expressed reservations about redistricting, drawing Trumps ire.

Leaders in the Indiana House and Senate announced each chamber would make a final decision in early December on whether to pursue redistricting. Trump welcomed the latest development, and he cautioned Indiana lawmakers against opposing his wishes.

I am glad to hear the Indiana House is stepping up to do the right thing, and I hope the Senate finds the Votes, Trump posted on Truth Social. If they do, I will make sure that all of those people supporting me win their Primaries, and go on to Greatness but, if they dont, I will partner with the incredibly powerful MAGA Grassroots Republicans to elect STRONG Republicans who are ready to do what is needed to protect our Country and, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!

Trump has also faced some pushback from Republicans at the national level on redistricting, specifically those at risk of losing their seats because of the partisan battle to redraw maps.

Rep. Kevin Kiley (R-Calif.) has been an outspoken critic of the redistricting wars and has introduced legislation that would ban all mid-decade redistricting efforts nationwide.

End the filibuster and blue slips

Trump has for months expressed frustration with the rules governing the Senate, and he has turned up the pressure on Republican senators to do away with regulations like the filibuster and blue slip policy.

As the record-setting government shutdown dragged on, Trump turned to social media to repeatedly urge senators to eliminate the filibuster, which requires legislation to garner 60 votes to pass the chamber. He even made the case to senators in person at a White House breakfast earlier this month.

But Trumps pleas have done little to sway Republicans who view the filibuster as an important tool to protect the rights of the minority party, and who see abandoning the procedure as a risky move.

Thune has said his position on keeping the filibuster has not changed. Sen. John Curtis (R-Utah) has said he is a firm no on eliminating the filibuster.

The filibuster has traditionally been viewed as a very important safeguard. If the shoe was on the other foot, I dont think our team would like it, Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said earlier this month.

Trump has also taken issue with the Senates blue slip tradition, under which home-state senators can veto District Court judge and U.S. attorney nominees. The president has urged senators to ditch the policy, arguing Democrats have used it to slow down the confirmation of nominees in certain posts.

But a change to that policy lacks support as well, with Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) pushing back from his perch as head of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Grassley has argued that a nominee who does not have a blue slip returned does not have the votes to get confirmed.

As chairman I set Pres Trump noms up for SUCCESS NOT FAILURE, Grassley posted on the social platform X in August.

Updated at 10:26 a.m. EST

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STOCKTON, CA  Authorities are seeking the public's assistance in an investigation into a shooting at a family party in California that left four people dead, including three children, and 11 others injured.

"We need everyone who has any information on this to reach out to us," San Joaquin County Sheriff Patrick Withrow said at a Nov. 30 news conference. "This is the time for our community to show that we will not put up with this type of behavior where people will just walk in and kill children."

Gunfire erupted inside a banquet hall on Nov. 29 in Stockton, where between 100 and 150 people had gathered to celebrate a childs birthday party, according to the San Joaquin County Sheriffs Office. Stockton is city in Californias Central Valley, located about 50 miles south of Sacramento.

The sheriff's office confirmed on Nov. 30 that a total of 15 people sustained gunshot wounds during the shooting. Heather Brent, a spokesperson for the San Joaquin County Sheriffs Office, said three children  ages 8, 9 and 14  and a 21-year-old were killed in the shooting.

The shooting left 11 others injured and several, including children and adults, were taken to local hospitals, according to Brent. Withrow said at least one person remained in critical condition.

Stockton shooting at childs birthday party leaves at least 4 dead Law enforcement responds to the scene of a shooting on Nov. 30, 2025 in Stockton, Calif. A suspect is still at large after four people were killed and 11 were wounded in a shooting during a family gathering at a banquet hall.

Heres what we know so far.

What happened?

As of 11 a.m. PT on Nov. 30, the sheriffs office said during a news conference it had limited information about the shooting.

Police received reports of gunfire at the banquet hall shortly before 6 p.m. Nov. 29. It occurred at a shopping mall complex that includes a Dairy Queen, a donut shop and an Asian restaurant.

"They were coming together as a family, having a time to enjoy," Brent said.

Withrow said during the Nov. 30 news conference that it appeared the shooting began indoors before moving outdoors. The sheriff added that investigators have finished processing the scene and were looking through the evidence.

Multiple vehicles were towed from the scene, including some that had bullet holes, according to Withrow. He also said "some firearms" were discovered on the roof of the building but investigators have not confirmed whether they were connected to the shooting.

A Modesto Sutter Health Memorial spokesperson confirmed to The Stockton Record, part of the USA TODAY Network, that there are three adult patients at their hospital. All three are in "stable condition," according to the spokesperson.

Police block the road near the site after several people were shot at a family gathering in Stockton, California, U.S. November 29, 2025.

San Joaquin District Attorney Ron Frietas said at a Nov. 29 news conference, shortly after the incident, that the suspect was still at large. Officials asked anyone with information to contact the sheriffs office.

The sheriff said investigators are reviewing witness statements and are asking the public to share any video of the incident that may help in the investigation.

San Joaquin County sheriff says shooting was 'not a random act'

Early indications suggest the shooting may have been a "targeted incident," according to Brent. Withrow reiterated that investigators are still pursuing all possible leads and searching for a possible suspect or suspects involved in the shooting.

"We're going to say that we're confident that this was not a random act," Withrow said at the Nov. 30 news conference. "They walked into this area and was probably looking for somebody in particular. Why they did that, what they're part of, who they are  we don't know."

Stockton mayor announces $25,000 reward

On Nov. 30, Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi announced that a $25,000 reward was being offered for information leading to the arrest of the suspected shooter or shooters.

"Crimestoppers is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those involved," Fugazi said in a social media post. "I am matching that with another $10,000, and with a $5,000 contribution from Councilwoman Mariela Ponce. The total bounty now stands at $25,000."

The mayor also gave a warning to anyone who may be assisting the suspect or withholding information from investigators.

"Let me be very clear to anyone who hides, shields, or harbors these terrorists," Fugazi said. "You are putting yourself at risk of having your door kicked in, your home raided, and being arrested for aiding and abetting. If you protect them, you become part of this. And you will face the consequences."

Community members attend prayer vigil to honor victims

Faith in the Valley, a faith-based community organization in Californias Central Valley, held a prayer vigil at 3 p.m. PT on Nov. 30 to honor the victims in the shooting. The event was held a few streets away at Victoria Square on Thornton Road, near the site of the shooting.

More than 150 people, including state and local leaders, were in attendance. Many held red or white roses in their hands while others held candles.

Several religious leaders took turns at the podium praying and remembering those killed or injured in the shooting. The clergys calls to actions were all similar: stop the violence and report what you see.

If you use your voice, its not snitching," said Pastor Pamela Houston of Gods Church City of David. She said no family deserved to endure such trauma, loss or senseless violence.

Stockton Vice Mayor Jason Lee said parents brought their children to the party and those kids left with the medical examiners. He said he spoke with a woman who brought her niece and nephew, and both of the children were killed.

"That trauma lives on forever and this community is dealing with a lot of trauma," Lee said.

How have officials responded?

California Gov. Gavin Newsoms office issued a statement on social media hours after the shooting, calling it a "horrific" incident. The governor said he was monitoring the situation and coordinating with local officials.

Stockton has a population of about 320,000, according to the latest Census data. It has one of the highest rates of violent crime of all municipalities in California. In 2024, there were 51 homicides in Stockton, according to data collected by the California Attorney General's Office.

Fugazi called the shooting "unacceptable" during a news conference.

"This is Thanksgiving weekend. This is when families come together, celebrate, share memories, and give each other love," she said. "Unfortunately tonight, heaven is a little bigger with the individuals, children and adults that unfortunately did not make it."

In a statement on behalf of the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors, Supervisor Paul Canepa said he was "deeply shocked and saddened" by the shooting.

"On behalf of the entire Board of Supervisors, I want to extend our heartfelt condolences to the victims and their families," Canepa said. "We stand united in our commitment to seek justice, and we have full confidence in our Sheriffs Office and District Attorney as they work to identify and prosecute those responsible for this senseless act of violence."

This story has been updated to add new information.

Contributing: Sheyanne N. Romero, The Stockton Record

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Stockton, California shooting kills 4, injures 11. Here's what we know
ID 207308888 | Encrypted Messaging  Michele Ursi | Dreamstime.com

As I write, European Union (E.U.) officials are debating the details of a proposal to either require or pressure tech companies to scan all private messages for child sexual abuse material. Dubbed "chat control," the scheme inevitably entails mass surveillance of private communicationstargeting one sort of content for the moment, though it's difficult to see how that would long remain limited in any way. It's an illustration of the continuing decline in online liberty documented in a new report from Freedom House.

No Right to Private Messages?

As the E.U.'s discussion over chat control heated up over the summer, Danish Minister of Justice Peter Hummelgaard, a proponent of surveillance, commented, "We must break with the totally erroneous perception that it is everyone's civil liberty to communicate on encrypted messaging services."

Since Hummelgaard's Orwellian comments, which would have necessitated government backdoors into all encryption used by the public, the E.U. has backed off a bit from mandating such access. Current proposals would make private companies liable for the content of their customers' communications, leaving them to choose how to mitigate their legal liabilitywith scanning messages a likely choice.

"Chat Control is not dead," privacy activist and former member of the European Parliament Patrick Breyer commented, "it is just being privatized."

More accurately, private companies are likely going to be jawbonedstrong-armedinto doing the government's dirty work. And there's a lot of dirty government work to go around on today's internet.

"Suppression of mass protests, deepening censorship, and threats to free speech fueled the 15th consecutive year of decline in global internet freedom," the U.S.-based Freedom House notes in its report, Freedom on the Net 2025, released November 13.

It's unsurprising that countries already recognized as authoritarian are continuing repressive practices. Nobody expects China or Iran to suddenly develop a taste for protecting online dissent and respecting privacy of communications. More disturbingly though, as seen in the European debate over chat control, nominally free countries are becoming increasingly intrusive when it comes to the digital world.

Online Authoritarianism in the 'Free' World

"In a concerning sign, half of the 18 countries with an internet freedom status of Free suffered score declines during the coverage period, while only two received improvements," according to the report. "People in Georgia experienced the most significant decline among these countries, followed by Germany and the United States."

Georgia made the list by forcing private organizations and media operations that receive foreign funding to register with the government. The government also imposed "criminal penalties of up to 45 days in prison for insulting public officials."

As the report notes, Germany's government has infamously "pursued criminal prosecutions against people who made memes about politicians, invoking laws against insult and hate speech." Such censorship continues even after the replacement of the previous thin-skinned traffic light coalition of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), the Free Democratic Party (FDP), and the Greens by a grand coalition of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), its ally the Christian Social Union (CSU), and the SDP. That suggests there's little appetite among the country's political class for leaving people alone.

In the U.S., "the administration of President Donald Trump," the report says, "detained several foreign nationals for one to two months after revoking their visas over nonviolent online expression" and that the government "threatened or carried out politicized investigations into civil society organizations and media and technology companies, often focusing on their content moderation, editorial decision-making, or forms of speech that are protected by the US Constitution's First Amendment." It should have also included the pressure brought by the previous Biden administration on social media companies to suppress criticism of administration policies and stories inconvenient to the powers that be.

Some countries did register improvements in online freedom. But "of the 72 countries assessed in Freedom on the Net 2025, conditions deteriorated in 28, while 17 countries registered overall gains." And, as mentioned above, half of the countries ranked as "free" lost ground over the assessed period, while only two improved. Consequences for those targeted for suppression could be severe.

"People in at least 57 of the 72 countries covered by Freedom on the Net 2025 were arrested or imprisoned for online expression on social, political, or religious topics during the coverage perioda record high."

Politicians Want to Regain Lost Control

It's interesting to speculate on why government officials around the world seem so intent on suppressing online speech and monitoring digital communications, but the most likely explanation, to my mind, is the democratization of communications brought about by the internet. People can share ideasgood, bad, or flat-out nutswith one another without the permission or assistance of governments or established media companies which long dominated mass communication.

"Whereas establishment institutions once exercised an informational monopoly, managing media and mainstream discourse to protect elite interests and perspectives, social media makes such narrative control impossible," Dan Williams, an academic philosopher from the United Kingdom, wrote this week.

Williams builds on arguments advanced by former CIA analyst Martin Gurri, the author of The Revolt of the Public and the Crisis of Authority in the New Millennium (2014). Gurri believes "technology has categorically reversed the balance of power between the public and the elites who manage the great hierarchical institutions of the industrial agegovernment, political parties, and the media."

Surveillance and censorship are ways to try to reassert that lost control. By monitoring people's private communications and punishing them for their online statements, government officials, even in countries that once prided themselves on open debate, try to regain power over ideas expressed by the public and the esteem (or lack thereof) in which people regard officialdom.

That's not going to happen. Politicians can't regain status and respect by pushing for mass surveillance and muzzling their critics. They can erode norms around privacy and free speech to punish dissenters. But they undermine their own standing even as they lash out and further alienate the public.

The post The 'Free' World Is Coming for Your Private Messages appeared first on Reason.com.
HR 1, the "One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act," is seen during an enrollment ceremony at the US Capitol on July 3, 2025. - Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images/File

As the final hues of autumn linger in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the 200-person community of Churchville, Virginia, is grappling with the loss of its health clinic.

Gone are the days of seniors walking down the road from their house to see the town doctor.

Augusta Medical Group cited the health care provisions in President Donald Trumps signature legislation, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, for closing the rural clinics in Churchville and two other locations.

Ive called around trying to find a replacement, a new doctor, and for just a well-being appointment, the soonest is the end of January, said Teresa Leach, 56, in an interview while sipping her coffee at the MTN. Mystic shop just a few feet from the shuttered clinic. Leach, who has asthma, said she voted for Trump last year.

Democrats are hoping to make health care a defining issue nationally in next years midterms. But the environment in Churchville illustrates the challenges the party faces, particularly in rural communities.

Trump carried Augusta County, which includes Churchville, by nearly 50 points in 2024. Jena Crisler, a physician, ran to represent the area in the Virginia House of Delegates and lost this month to the Republican incumbent by more than 40 points even in a Democratic statewide sweep.

A sign outside Churchville Primary Care in Churchville, Virginia tells patients the facility is permanently closed on November 16, 2025. Augusta Medical Group shuttered the clinic as part of the companys ongoing response to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and the resulting realities for healthcare delivery. - Eva McKend/CNN

A woman sitting in the same coffee shop whispered under her breath that she supported former Vice President Kamala Harris in 2024. It takes her over an hour to visit her doctors in Charlottesville. Rural health care is always precarious, she says, and the clinic closure was especially a blow for her husband.

But she said she wouldnt put up a sign for a Democrat because of the environment, and she declined to be named by CNN.

Across the street from the coffee shop, a sign in the window of a storefront reads, Thank you, Trump, Save America Again.

Just feet away from the shuttered clinic, a sign outside of a Churchville storefront reads Thank you Trump. Save America Again on November 16, 2025. President Donald Trump carried Augusta County, which includes Churchville, by more than 70 points in 2024. - Eva McKend/CNN

How the Trump megabill affected rural health care

Rural health providers that rely on Medicaid funding were already under strain before the bill cut federal health spending by hundreds of billions of dollars over the next decade, primarily by instituting work requirements and more eligibility checks.

In a statement, the US Department of Health and Human Services noted that the bill created a $50 billion fund for rural healthcare.

It will be the largest single rural health care investment in United States history, HHS said in a statement. Those funds will be deployed to support health systems in underserved, rural communities early next year.

The policy research organization KFF estimates that Trumps bill will cut federal Medicaid spending in rural communities by $137 billion over the next decade.

Lynlee Thorne, political director of Rural Ground Game, a group focused on driving up Democratic participation in rural areas, says Democrats will continue highlighting the significance of accessible health care through town hall-style events and canvassing, trying to win back credibility and trust in rural America.

I think people have an interest in having real conversations about whats going on with their lives, and theres really nothing that can replace that person to person at your doorstep conversation, Thorne said.

Crisler knew she faced long odds when she took on incumbent Delegate Chris Runion in the states 35th district. She suggests her race was less about the outcome and more about the need for Democrats to show up everywhere instead of simply surrendering communities where theyre outnumbered.

I think they are very concerned, and theyre going to be even more when it starts hitting them personally, said Crisler of the clinic closures.

A spokesperson for Runion said he was not available for comment.

CNN has reached out to US Rep. Ben Cline, a Republican who represents the area in Washington and voted for the Trump policy bill. His office did not respond.

Pediatrician Mark Downey defeated incumbent Republican Chad Green in the states 69th district, which includes Newport News, York, James City and Gloucester counties. In an interview with CNN, he said its important Democrats continue to run on health care even if the message does not immediately resonate with voters.

It may not happen overnight. Peoples minds dont change right away, but when they start seeing loss of access, loss of services, eventually theres going to be a situation where its not going to be as convenient for them or more of a hardship for them, said Downey, who had made two previous unsuccessful tries for the state legislature.

Mark Downey speaks during a rally for an economic recovery and infrastructure package prioritizing climate, care, jobs, and justice, in Williamsburg, Virginia, on April 3, 2021. - Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images for Green New Deal Network/File

Some people are speaking out

Irene Holmes, 59, moved to Churchville three years ago. When her son died, she and her husband wanted a change of scenery from New York. Beset with a host of medical challenges from liver issues to high blood pressure, she relied on and valued the town clinic.

Im a mixed bag of tricks, a lot of medical issues, she said.

On politics, she tends to keep her mouth shut to avoid getting into it with her neighbors. But when asked if Trump was to blame for the clinic closure, Holmes said, Absolutely.

What hes done is destroying rural areas, said Holmes.

Dale White, a Churchville resident and church administrator, says the concerns about the clinic are overblown.

These are old-time rural farming folks, and theyve been going to get medical care in Staunton and Fishersville, Waynesboro and Charlottesville since they can remember, said White.

Back at the MTN. Mystic coffeehouse, shop owner Dane Buse suggests now is the time for rural communities to get creative.

To lose the clinic is the same as losing a grocery store or a local provider, Buse said.

He suggested the community could band together to find a doctor to make house calls.

Maybe that would fit the bill for us, Buse said.

This story has been updated with additional information.

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Workers for La Colaborativa hands out fresh food to people in line outside of public housing zone in Chelsea, Massachusetts on November 13, 2025, during a free food distribution for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients. - Joseph Prezioso/AFP/Getty Images

Food stamp recipients are now receiving their November benefits, but a growing swath of enrollees may soon lose their vital food assistance completely.

At the same time as the government shutdown disrupted the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, states began implementing an expansion of the programs work requirements as mandated in the Republicans big, beautiful bill, which was signed into law by President Donald Trump this summer.

Under the GOP package, more food stamp enrollees will have to work, volunteer or participate in job training for at least 80 hours a month or they will only be able to receive benefits for three months out of every three years.

The expanded work requirements will result in 2.4 million fewer Americans receiving food stamps benefits in an average month over the next decade, according to a Congressional Budget Office analysis. This includes 300,000 families with children.

Recipients who dont meet the requirement will likely start losing their benefits in March, but the timing will depend on where they live and when they must recertify their eligibility for food stamps.

Republicans have long wanted to beef up SNAPs existing work requirement, which used to apply to beneficiaries ages 18 to 49 who did not have disabilities or dependent children. The GOP increased the age threshold to 54 as part of the 2023 debt ceiling agreement.

The GOP spending bill further broadened the work requirement to include recipients through age 64 and parents of children ages 14 through 17. Veterans, people experiencing homelessness and former foster youth are now also subject to the mandate.

Plus, the legislation made it harder for states to seek waivers during poor economic conditions. Previously, states could obtain waivers in areas they identify as having a lack of sufficient jobs. Now, only areas with unemployment rates over 10% qualify.

A federal judge in Rhode Island has temporarily barred the US Department of Agriculture from terminating existing waivers before their expiration dates, but the agency has yet to release guidance on the decision, said Chloe Green, assistant director of policy at the American Public Human Services Association.

Asked about the case, the USDA said it is approving waivers within its statutory authority under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025, on an individual basis.

Overall, roughly double the number of SNAP recipients will be subject to the mandate, said Lauren Bauer, a fellow in economic studies at the Brookings Institution.

The rollout of the expanded work requirements, however, has been chaotic, which was exacerbated by the record-long government shutdown, states officials and experts say.

There is both a tremendous amount of confusion and, strangely, a wide array of differences across states and how they are implementing it, Bauer said.

A 'We Accept Food Stamps' sign hangs in the window of a grocery store on October 31, 2025 in Miami, Florida. - Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Rushed timetable

The SNAP work requirement provisions were among the few GOP agenda bill measures that did not have a set implementation date. In the fall, the US Department of Agriculture published guidance that said the new rules took effect on July 4, when the bill was signed into law, but effectively gave states until November 1 to stand up their programs.

Then, earlier this month, the USDA said that states should not count November when calculating whether enrollees are meeting their work requirements because of the shutdown-spurred benefit disruptions.

Most states set November 1 as their implementation date, though some started earlier, Green said. But other states say their systems may not be ready to track the expanded requirement until the spring, even though that could put them at risk for being penalized by the USDA.

One worry we have is that when you make systems changes this fast, theres a risk for unintended impacts somewhere else in the system, she said, noting that such updates usually take 12 to 18 months to do properly.

States are particularly sensitive to making payment mistakes now because another provision of the Republican agenda bill requires that they shoulder a larger share of the programs administrative costs if they have high error rates.

Beneficiaries who may be newly subject to the work requirements need to be notified and screened to make sure they dont qualify for other exemptions, such as having physical or mental limitations.

A lot of people who are calling in are worried that now theyre being assigned work requirements without them even knowing, Green said. That should not happen.

Many states are starting the three-month clock when residents first apply for food stamps or when they file their recertification forms, which generally happens every six to 12 months depending on the state and entails an interview. But some states are checking all their enrollees at once, without waiting for their recertification dates.

An aerial view shows lines of vehicles as people arrive to receive food assistance at a turkey distribution intended for federal workers and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients organized by the Houston Food Bank in Houston, Texas, on November 22, 2025. - Mark Felix/AFP/Getty Images

Updating systems

Connecticut has found it very challenging to implement the expanded work requirements, said Dan Giacomi, director of program oversight and grants administration at the states Department of Social Services. An estimated 36,000 residents  or 10% of the states SNAP enrollees  could be at risk of losing their benefits in coming months because of the laws changes.

You cant just flip a switch in your eligibility system and have it do all of these new categories or new processes you have, he said.

To ensure it is complying with the Republican agenda bill the state has had to implement temporary workarounds  which involve case workers manually inputting whether recipients are newly subject to the requirement  while it races to update its technology. Giacomi is also concerned about these cases being integrated properly into the system once it is updated, as well as any payment errors that may result in penalties for the state.

Another reason for the delay is that the state had to wait for guidance from the USDA so staffers knew how to handle all scenarios, he said. Though it still has several outstanding questions, it has enough information to get started.

States often want to wait for clear USDA guidance so they dont take steps that the agency might later say dont comply with the regulations, said Ed Bolen, director of state SNAP strategies for the left-leaning Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.

In Pennsylvania, the timetable began even earlier because its economic waivers, which covered many counties and localities, expired in September. The commonwealth took substantial steps to connect with all the SNAP recipients in these areas to determine if they could qualify for another exemption from the work requirements, Hoa Pham, a deputy secretary in the Department of Human Services, said. If they dont qualify, they could start losing their benefits as soon as January 1 unless they meet the work mandate.

Pennsylvania has several ways of verifying recipients income, including state and federal data and a pilot program in which enrollees allow a third-party platform to pull and report their payroll information. But these sources dont necessarily cover all the work that recipients perform so they may also have to submit pay stubs.

Prior to the GOP agenda bill, fewer than 25,000 of Pennsylvanias roughly 1 million SNAP enrollees were subject to the work requirement rules that applied to those ages 18 to 54. The legislation expanded that number to just under 248,000 people.

The department projects that a total of 144,000 recipients could lose their benefits over the next year when they renew their eligibility.

States are also racing to inform SNAP beneficiaries who may now be subject to the work requirements to make sure they meet the mandate or file for exemptions.

Connecticut is sending text messages, mailing notices and meeting with community groups. It has also set up an online questionnaire that will direct those potentially affected to the next steps they have to take. Pennsylvania has launched a website  with a video and a screener  to explain the changes to residents.

Still, Pham is worried that some people who would continue to qualify could lose their benefits because of the paperwork.

It is all too easy for someone to miss an action step, and for that reason alone, that opens up the risk for people to lose their SNAP eligibility  for just missing an administrative process, and not because they are not otherwise eligible, she said.

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In normal times, a special election in a congressional district that hasnt elected a Democrat in more than 40 years wouldnt be the type of thing that the sitting president would get heavily involved in. But President Trump has made a serious effort over the past few days to encourage voters in Tennessee to back Republican Matt Van Epps on Tuesday in his surprisingly tight race against Democrat Aftyn Behn for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The whole world is watching Tennessee right now, and theyre watching the district, Trump said via speakerphone during a rally in support of Van Epps on Monday morning. We have to win this seat, he added.

Trumps intervention in the special election  which included a plea on social media to GET OUT AND VOTE  is a signal of how important the contest is and of how dramatically the political ground has shifted in the span of just over a year.

The GOP has had uninterrupted control of Tennessees Seventh District, which includes parts of Nashville and rural areas to the citys west, since 1983. Last year, the district voted for Trump by more than 20 points and helped GOP incumbent Mark Green win reelection to the House by a similar margin. Green resigned from his seat in July to pursue an opportunity in the private sector he said was too exciting to pass up. That set the stage for Tuesdays special election to fill the vacancy created by his resignation.

It will be the last major head-to-head contest between the two parties of the year in the U.S., and the first since Democrats dominant performance in last months off-year national elections.

Van Epps, a military veteran and former head of the Tennessee Department of General Services, easily won the Republican primary thanks to endorsements from both Trump and the states current governor, Bill Lee. Behn, a member of the state Legislature since 2023, squeaked out a win in an incredibly tight Democratic primary for the chance to face off against Van Epps in the general election.

A recent poll showed Van Epps ahead by just 2%, with enough voters still undecided to tip the race in Behns favor.

Whether Behn is able to close the gap by Tuesday or not, the fact that the race is even competitive at all serves as an indication of how much ground Republicans have lost with voters less than a year into Trumps second term in the White House.

Beyond what it says about the national political climate at the moment, the result of the race will also have a significant practical impact on Congress. Right now, Republicans have a slim 219-213 majority in the House. A win by Behn would make that margin even tighter, leaving House Speaker Mike Johnson with even less margin for error as he navigates a long list of looming legislative challenges  including a late-January deadline to pass a funding bill to prevent another government shutdown.

Pollsters are giving Democrats a strong chance of taking control of the House after next years midterms, but a victory on Tuesday in Tennessee could also help set up a scenario in which they may not have to wait that long.

A victory by Behn would shrink the GOPs advantage in the House to just five seats. The margin is on track to become even smaller in January when Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene resigns and Democrats elect a new member to fill a vacant seat in Texas. Another special election in New Jersey scheduled for April could leave Republicans with just a two-seat margin, small enough to leave them at risk of surrendering their majority entirely if they lose any more members to retirement or illness.

Given the stakes of Tuesdays election, money has been pouring into the race in support of both candidates. A Trump-supporting group has spent more than $1 million to back Van Epps. The Democrat-aligned House Majority PAC has spent a similar amount on ads supporting Behn.

Early voting has tilted in Behns favor, but Van Epps will have plenty of room to overcome her lead, pollsters say.

The special election in Tennessees Seventh District will come down to what groups are motivated to turnout on election day, and who stays home, Spencer Kimball, executive director of Emerson College Polling, said last week.
by Santosh Digal

At least 119 initiatives across the country coincide with the anniversary of the birth of national hero Andres Bonifacio. Cardinal David calls for intensifying the fight and invites people to take steps towards justice. Solidarity with the Second Trillion Pesos March. Among the objectives of the fight is the excessive greed of those who manage power and public goods.

Manila (AsiaNews) - United against corruption, nearly 92,000 Filipinos took to the streets yesterday to peacefully demonstrate against corruption in the country and for a ruling class capable of responding to the nation's challenges and protecting its citizens.

The protest coincided with the anniversary of the birth of Andres Bonifacio (1863-1897), one of the country's national heroes, and brought together over 16,000 people in Manila.

Meanwhile, police sources (PNP) report at least 119 demonstrations and marches across the archipelago organised by religious groups, civil society movements and other organisations.

Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, Bishop of Kalookan and outgoing president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), celebrated a solemn Mass during the main gathering at the Edsa People Power Monument in Quezon City, which was attended by thousands of faithful.

The fight against corruption must intensify because it requires each of us to take concrete steps towards justice, added the Bishop of Cubao, Monsignor Elias Ayuban Jr., assuring that the ongoing struggle to restore what has been stolen from the public treasury does not end with the Trillion Peso March.

In his homily, the prelate expressed solidarity with the Second March, which was attended by thousands of Filipinos from different dioceses, sectors of society and groups to relaunch their fight against corruption.

Bishop Ayuban Jr. called on Filipinos not to let their guard down and to continue to raise public awareness about public officials who should be promoting the country's development. He also thanked the faithful from 86 different dioceses who expressed solidarity with the Trillion Peso March.

The main demand was for accountability, transparency and condemnation of the irregularities revealed in public funds related to infrastructure and flood control projects, which were the focus of the second Trillion Peso March.

The first demonstration against them was held on 21 September. In her speech, Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray, among the tens of thousands of Filipinos present, also expressed her dissent against the rampant corruption in the country.

In Cebu, in the central Philippines, Archbishop Alberto Uy shared a message on the issue that afflicts the country and hinders its growth. It concerns the trillions of pesos that government officials and others have plundered through corruption and that could have been used to build houses and hospitals, support students and help farmers and fishermen with a view to development.

According to Fr Edwin A. Gariguez, former executive secretary of Caritas Philippines, by inspiring and mobilising thousands of Catholic faithful across the nation, the Catholic Church demonstrates that its mission goes beyond worship and ritual: it includes a courageous commitment to defending justice, honesty and the common good.

Meanwhile, the Bishop of Antipolo, Monsignor Ruperto Santos, recalled that, when united in a common struggle, the Filipino people are more powerful than elected leaders; that is why the union of popular forces is more important today than ever before.

In his message to the Trillion Peso March on 30 November, the prelate insisted that corrupt government officials and their accomplices must be held accountable so that justice can be restored and truly serve as a resource for the protection of the people and the common good.

Monsignor Ruperto Santos strongly condemned the excessive greed of those who hold power and continue to squander public funds while young people are forced to study in dilapidated and flooded classrooms.

According to the bishop, the collective participation of citizens in the Trillion Peso March is a symbol of the defence of every ordinary Filipino. Finally, the prelate also urged the public to continue the fight for truth, justice and reform, while remaining on the path of peace. Let our voices thunder throughout the country.

Let our unity be our strength. Choose peace. March with determination. Raise your voices with passion, but act with grace, concluded Bishop Santos.
Today's headlines: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's allies defeated in local elections in Sabah; Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Khaleda Zia remains in hospital in very critical condition; In South Korea, the trial for corruption against the leader of the Unification Church begins; Israeli Prime Minister requests presidential pardon for corruption cases, over 70,000 victims in Gaza; Death toll from bad weather in Southeast Asia rises to over 600.

CHINA - HONG KONG

Beijing uses the infamous National Security Law to crack down on any form of protest linked to the tragedy in Hong Kong in recent days, when a devastating fire engulfed several buildings, causing at least 146 deaths and leaving 40 people still missing. Thousands of people paid tribute to the victims of the deadliest fire in over 75 years, the causes of which are still under investigation, while anger and discontent mount over the lack of warning and unsafe building practices. In recent hours, the police have arrested Kenneth Cheung, former district councillor of Tuen Mun, along with an unidentified volunteer who was supplying basic necessities to the victims of the fire.

MALAYSIA

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's allies were defeated in a local election in Sabah, but with repercussions for national politics. The Pakatan Harapan coalition led by the head of government won only one of the 20 seats, compared to the seven it previously held. Despite the setback for PH, the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah - a coalition of parties aligned with Anwar's dominant bloc - retained control of one of the country's largest and poorest states on the island of Borneo.

BANGLADESH

Former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia remains in very critical condition in a Dhaka hospital, while her self-exiled son and interim party leader Tarique Rahman is uncertain about her return. Khaleda, 80, leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, was admitted to a private hospital on 23 November with a severe chest infection affecting her heart and lungs. Meanwhile, today, Labour MP and former minister Tulip Siddiq was sentenced in absentia to two years in prison along with 16 other people on corruption charges.

SOUTH KOREA

A South Korean court today opened the trial of Han Hak-ja, leader of the Unification Church, accused of bribing former first lady Kim Keon Hee with luxury items including Chanel bags and a diamond necklace. The corruption case is part of a series of investigations by special prosecutors into ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol and his wife Kim in relation to the imposition of martial law in December 2024 and its political repercussions.

ISRAEL - PALESTINE

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asked President Isaac Herzog for a pardon for the corruption cases in which he is involved and on trial. The head of state's office responded that it is awaiting opinions from the judiciary before deciding on a matter that has significant implications. Netanyahu has been on trial for the past five years on charges of corruption, fraud and breach of trust in three separate cases, charges he denies. In a video message released over the weekend, he said he would prefer to wait for the outcome of the trial, but the national interest has demanded otherwise. The opposition responds that he should admit guilt before asking for a pardon. Meanwhile, the Hamas Health Ministry reports that more than 70,000 people have died in Gaza since the start of Israel's war.

SOUTHEAST ASIA

The death toll in three Southeast Asian countries from floods and landslides caused by rains has risen to more than 600, while relief efforts for tens of thousands of displaced people continued throughout the weekend. Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand faced widespread devastation after a rare tropical storm formed in the Strait of Malacca, fuelling heavy rains and gusty winds for a week. There were 435 deaths in Indonesia, 170 in Thailand and three reported deaths in Malaysia.

RUSSIA - UKRAINE

Moscow Duma deputy Nina Ostankina told the newspaper Vedomosti that 6,000 Russian orphans took part in military operations in Ukraine, 4,000 have returned from the front and 2,000 are still serving. However, she did not specify how many of these orphans have died, been seriously wounded or taken prisoner. Activist Ekaterina Gorelkina of the association Life in Your Hands claims that nearly 200 have died.

ARMENIA - TURKEY

Representatives from Armenia and Turkey have completed the second stage of technical assessments for the restoration and operation of the Gyumri-Kars railway. This was reported by the Foreign Ministry in Yerevan, meeting at the Akhuryan/Akiak border crossing and in the city of Gyumri according to the agreed programme, after the resumption of a dialogue that had been interrupted in the 1990s with the closure of the borders between the two countries.
by Vladimir Rozanskij

The country wants to diversify its trade routes with the region, reducing its dependence on Pakistan. This trend has strengthened after recent hostilities with its neighbour. In the last month, Afghan traders have lost 200 million dollars. The trade balance with the five Central Asian countries has reached 1.7 billion.

Moscow (AsiaNews) - Afghanistan is increasingly seeking to diversify its trade routes with Central Asia, reducing its economic dependence on neighbouring Pakistan, its historic main partner, by taking advantage of the oil wealth of the Central Asians.

Industry experts warn that this new balance will not be easy to achieve, considering the geographical position, the great social and industrial delays and the limitations of the Taliban political system in Kabul.

The search for new trading partners has intensified following the outbreak of armed hostilities with Islamabad, the most acute in several years, with mutual attacks that have killed dozens of people and the closure of borders by Pakistan.

Over the last month, this closure has resulted in losses of over 0 million for Afghan traders, who traditionally rely on Pakistani seaports to reach international markets.

Now the Taliban leaders themselves are pushing traders and investors to break off relations with Pakistan and turn to Central Asian countries, as Kabul's trade minister, Nuruddin Azizi, said: We are actively working with our northern neighbours to find effective alternatives in the field of trade.

Taliban Deputy Prime Minister Abdul Gani Baradar has accused Pakistan of using trade as a tool of political pressure, as evidenced by the closure of its borders, and the former spokesman for the previous Kabul government, Torek Farhadi, currently in Switzerland, believes that the Taliban's orientation towards Central Asia is in turn a political response to tensions with Islamabad.

The difficulties of the shift are considerable, considering that the whole of Central Asia has no access to the sea, and long land corridors are needed to allow Afghans to access large markets, not to mention the tariffs imposed on exports, especially of agricultural products such as fruit, vegetables and other products with a limited shelf life, which require fast transport.

As Farhadi notes, to make the northern route profitable, Afghanistan would have to waive tariffs, offering advantages and privileges to its Central Asian partners, but customs revenues are one of the main sources of income for the Kabul government.

Many railway development projects remain unfinished due to insufficient funding. The lack of international recognition of the Taliban government, which has so far only been granted by Russia, means that it is unable to obtain significant funding from sources such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, and trade with Central Asia remains rather limited.

According to official Afghan data, the trade balance with the five Central Asian countries has reached .7 billion, largely due to imports of flour, fuel, vegetable oil and building materials into Afghanistan. Kazakhstan is the main partner, with a memorandum of mutual commitments signed in 2024 that aims to reach billion in the coming years.

Uzbekistan has also been very active in its relations with Afghanistan, exceeding billion in 2024, with the intention of reaching billion by the end of this year. Afghan exports through the Torgundi border crossing with Turkmenistan have also doubled, while Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan have activated the most important components of the Casa-1000 project on electricity exports to Afghanistan and Pakistan.

As Azarahsh Hafizi, former head of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce, comments, the reality remains linked to the shortest corridor through Pakistan to reach seaports, India and other South Asian markets, and the main objective must remain the reopening and transit in this direction. Afghanistan remains oriented towards the south, despite all the ethnic and cultural ties that can still grow with Central Asia.
During the devastating fire at the Wang Fuk Court complex, 28-year-old Filipina Rhodora Alcaraz protected a three-month-old baby with her own body. The tragedy, with more than 150 deaths so far, highlights the role of Southeast Asian domestic workers in Hong Kong. Meanwhile, outrage is growing as expressions of condolence are offered, but Beijing has warned that any protest will be repressed.

Hong Kong (AsiaNews)  During the fire that ravaged the eight buildings of the Wang Fuk Court complex in Hong Kong, a Philippine domestic worker saved the life of a three-month-old baby.

Her story has put the spotlight on the thousands of foreign women living with the families they work for in the former British colony.

Rhodora Alcaraz, 28, arrived in Hong Kong only a few days before the fire broke out on 26 November. Trapped in a flat with the baby, she contacted her sister, Raychelle Loreto, via Facebook: I feel weak, I can't breathe, she said in desperation.

Later, the sister spoke to international media. We are poor. Our father is just a fisherman, that is why she (Rhodora) decided to work abroad to help the family. We are so proud of our sister and she didnt leave the baby until they were rescued, Loreto said.

Unable to escape, Alcaraz wrapped the baby in a wet blanket and used her own body to shield the newborn from the flames and smoke. She was still clutching the infant when firefighters rescued her. She is currently hospitalised. The baby is also in stable condition, local authorities reported.

Senator Imee Marcos (sister of incumbent Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.) visited Rhodora Alcaraz in hospital along with officials from the Philippines Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, the agency that assists Filipino workers abroad.

According to 2024 data, 368,000 domestic workers live in Hong Kong out of a population of 7.5 million. Most of them are from the Philippines (55 per cent) and Indonesia (42 per cent).

Their presence allows young Hong Kong women with children to remain in the labour market after pregnancy, but also helps families with senior citizens in need of care.

On average, they earn about HK$ 5,000, equivalent to US$ 642 a month, in one of the most expensive cities in the world, especially in terms of rental housing.

Indonesian authorities have reported that seven Indonesian domestic workers are among the victims of the fire, whose death toll rose to 151 this morning with 40 missing.

For their part, local authorities have set aside emergency funds, but it is unclear whether foreign workers will benefit from the assistance.

In response to the tragedy, hundreds of thousands of people have mobilised to help survivors or even simply to offer a prayer.

Yesterday morning, hundreds of people attended a service of condolences for the Filipino community, while the line of people bringing bouquets to Tai Po this morning was two kilometres long, according to local media.

Meanwhile, police have arrested some 14 people in connection with the renovation work on the complex, which began last year.

At first, it appeared that the flames started with bamboo scaffolding. In fact, images posted online show that the bamboo was untouched in several places even though the buildings, over 30 stories high, continued to burn for dozens of hours.

The investigation so far has revealed that the company involved in the renovations (which had been fined in the past for corruption and other illegal practices) had decided to use low-quality (and less expensive) safety nets and polystyrene panels that did not meet fire safety standards, especially after rains in July damaged some of the nets.

Police report that a roll of fireproof netting that meets safety standards costs at least HK$ 100, but the company preferred cheaper ones, which cost about half as much. Residents themselves had raised concerns about the materials used.

The incident has fuelled anger across the city, especially after Chief Secretary Eric Chan stated at a press conference last week that the city would gradually phase out bamboo scaffolding in favour of metal scaffolding.

Yesterday, China, which imposed a national security law on the city in 2020 to silence dissent and pro-democracy protests, warned that any expressions of condolence that turn into "anti-China" protests will be forcefully repressed.

Police arrested and later released a 24-year-old student, Miles Kwan, who had launched a petition calling for an independent investigation into the corruption behind the tragedy and a review of construction supervision (he had collected 10,000 signatures by Saturday before the campaign was shut down).

Despite the fire, local authorities appear set on holding elections to the Hong Kong Legislative Council on 7 December with only candidates deemed "patriotic" by Beijing allowed to run.

Despite a large-scale propaganda campaign by Hong Kongs pro-China government to boost voter turnout, the election risks being a flop as people might stay away as a form of protest.

On top of a pile of flowers, a piece of paper that said, It isnt scaffolding that should be scrutinised. It should be the system was clearly visible.
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1 December 2025 15:11 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

The Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA) has reported significant progress in demining operations across the countrys liberated territories, Azernews reports.

During the operations, ANAMA neutralized 575 anti-personnel mines, 208 anti-tank mines, and 6,510 unexploded ordnance (UXO) in districts including Tartar, Aghdara, Kalbajar, Aghdam, Khojaly, Khankendi, Khojavend, Lachin, Shusha, Fuzuli, Gubadli, Jabrayil, Zangilan, and the liberated villages of Baghanis Ayrum, Ashagi Eskipara, Kerimli, and Gizilhajily in Gazakh. Over the past week alone, 6,443.9 hectares of land were cleared.

Founded in 1998, ANAMA mobilizes resources to address mine action in line with national priorities. The agency coordinates inter-agency efforts for safe mine clearance in de-occupied and war-affected regions, conducts research, transfers cleared mines to end users, and communicates Azerbaijans mine situation to the global community. ANAMA also works to strengthen cooperation with international and donor organizations to combat the mine threat effectively.

These operations are a key step toward ensuring the safety of residents returning to liberated areas and enabling sustainable reconstruction and development.
1 December 2025 13:58 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

Bakus role as the host of the World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC) this year underscores its growing status not only as a regional telecommunications hub but also as an emerging center for international digital cooperation.

In his address to participants, President Ilham Aliyev underscored that Azerbaijan has increasingly become a venue for global dialogue on digital transformation  a direction aligned with the countrys broader ambitions to strengthen its position in the global ICT landscape.

Today, the accelerating rise of the digital economy reflects big structural changes in global development. Information and communication technologies (ICT) have evolved from supportive tools into foundational drivers of innovation, competitiveness, and sustainability. Governments and enterprises now rely on digitalization as a strategic instrument  enabling streamlined operations, advanced analytics, predictive decision-making, and optimized resource management. These capabilities have become essential for building modern governance systems, ensuring economic resilience, and improving public services.

Azerbaijan hosts WTDC for the first time in the CIS region - WTDC-25, organized in partnership with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), was held in Baku from November 17 to 28  marking the first time the conference has been hosted in the CIS region. The event brought together 2,500 participants from more than 160 countries, including ministerial-level representatives from about 60 nations.

The conference plays a strategic role in shaping global ICT policy. Its core mission is to bridge the digital divide, accelerate digital transformation, and support developing countries in adopting effective and inclusive technological solutions. By hosting WTDC-25, Azerbaijan further strengthened its reputation as a regional leader in technological policy and innovation, while positioning Baku as a neutral platform for international digital cooperation.

A major outcome of WTDC-25 was the adoption of the Baku Action Plan  the primary guidance document for global digital development for the period 20262029. The plan outlines the strategic direction for human-centric and inclusive digital growth, emphasising the needs of developing nations, underserved communities, and vulnerable groups.

The relevance of this commitment is underscored by a pressing global challenge: more than two billion people worldwide still lack internet access. The Baku Action Plan aims to address this disparity by advancing universal, meaningful, and affordable connectivity, essential for ensuring that the benefits of the digital economy are shared across all societies.

ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin highlighted the importance of this milestone, stating: WTDC-25 has brought us closer to our goal of ensuring universal, meaningful, and affordable connectivity for everyone, everywhere, in this decade. The Baku Declaration and Action Plan serve as our human-centric digital development roadmap that leaves no one behind.

The Action Plan includes new and updated resolutions that will guide the ITU Telecommunication Development Sector (ITU-D), setting clear technical priorities for expert groups working on issues such as cybersecurity, ICT regulation, digital inclusion, and next-generation network development.

Crucially, the plan also incorporates regional initiatives tailored to the digital needs of the ITUs six global regions. These initiatives outline priorities ranging from infrastructure deployment and enhancement of digital skills to the development of inclusive digital public services. To implement these ambitions, the ITU will work to build partnerships and mobilise financial and technical resources, ensuring that commitments translate into practical results.

Azerbaijans own progress illustrates how digitalisation drives development across multiple sectors. Public service innovation remains one of the countrys most visible achievements. Platforms like SIMA Imza, developed by AzInTelecom LLC under AZCON Holding, are redefining how citizens interact with government. Through SIMA, users can access more than 100 electronic services, authenticate their identity via facial recognition, and sign official documents remotely. Such systems demonstrate how cloud-based digital solutions can expand access, increase efficiency, and improve user experience.

Institutions such as ASAN Service and DOST Agency have been widely recognised for modernising public services through transparency, efficiency, and citizen-centric design. Their success has attracted international attention: 25 countries are currently studying or implementing the ASAN model, positioning it as a globally relevant governance innovation. These platforms do more than simplify bureaucracy  they strengthen public trust, reinforce state-citizen interaction, and promote a more transparent public administration ecosystem.

Azerbaijans digital strategy demonstrates that digitalisation is not merely an upgrade to existing systems but a comprehensive engine of economic diversification and social development. From energy and transportation to finance and public administration, digital tools and artificial intelligence are improving efficiency, expanding service access, and increasing transparency.

Hosting WTDC-25 serves both as recognition of Azerbaijans achievements and as a catalyst for future progress. The conference has reinforced the countrys role in global digital policy-making and deepened its integration into international ICT cooperation networks.

With continued investment in infrastructure, cyber resilience, cloud technologies, and digital skills, Azerbaijan is well-positioned to transition from being a regional ICT adopter to becoming a regional digital leader, helping shape the global digital agenda.
1 December 2025 20:00 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

Recent years have shown that the geopolitical order in the former Soviet space is rapidly shifting. States in the South Caucasus and Central Asia are redefining their foreign policies, prioritizing national sovereignty, diversified partnerships and regional connectivity over reliance on Moscow.

This shift threatens the traditional dominance of the Kremlin. Given Russias recent resurgence of confidence, especially after what many in Moscow consider gains in Ukraine, there is a growing risk that the Kremlin may attempt to reassert its influence through interference in neighboring regions, given the facts of looming possibility of peace treaty negotiations.

The backdrop

Once, Russia exercised near-total dominance over the South Caucasus. Its security architecture, military bases, and mediation role in regional conflicts allowed it to shape outcomes according to its interests.

For years, Russian-Azerbaijani relations have looked stable on the surface, yet underneath they carry a set of unresolved contradictions that are slowly turning into strategic pressure points. None of these contradictions alone signal a breakdown, but together they reveal an increasingly fragile balance that could shift abruptly if Moscow decides it must reassert its influence in the post-Soviet space once the fighting in Ukraine moves toward a political end.

But recent events have undermined that dominance. During the 2023 conflict over Garabagh, Russia was unable to prevent the re-assertion of Azerbaijani control. Its peacekeepers withdrew, and Armenian forces failed to mobilize effective support from Moscow a clear signal that Russian guarantees no longer hold the same weight.

In parallel, Azerbaijan has been building alternative east-west and north-south transit links, energy routes, and trade corridors tied less to Russia and more to Turkiye, Europe, and global markets.

Another sensitive point is the Zangazur corridor. Russia has watched with discomfort as Azerbaijan expands cooperation with the United States and Europe around this route. Moscow expected exclusive control over all transport corridors in the region. Granting Western actors a role, even indirectly, challenges Russias traditional monopoly. It also signals that the South Caucasus is no longer a region where Moscow decides everything alone.

The situation in other countries of the region is mixed. Armenia has been actively working to distance itself from Russia for several years and plans to leave the CSTO in the coming months. Georgia has yet to determine the direction of its relations with Russia. While this could be elaborated further, the main point is that countries in the Asian part of the post-Soviet space are making progress. Although Russia is not isolated in this context, as it is involved in several economic projects, its influence in the region is not as strong as it once was.

Similarly, in Central Asia, many states increasingly avoid automatic alignment with Moscow, favoring diversified foreign relations, often including China, Turkiye, or Western economic partners.

All this points to a shrinking sphere of Russian influence, a shift that Moscow would find hard to accept, particularly at a time when the war in Ukraine appears to have strengthened the Kremlins domestic and global posture.

Given this context, several motivating factors could push Russia to act to regain control of transit and strategic corridors, re-establishing a security pivot under the guise of regional instability, leveraging post-Ukraine victories for renewed ambition.

Moscow is actively seeking to regain control over transit and strategic corridors, with projects linking the Caspian Sea, the South Caucasus, Central Asia, and Europe increasingly bypassing Russian territory. This shift poses a challenge to Russia's long-standing monopoly as the gatekeeper between East and West, and by controlling or disrupting these routes, Russia aims to reassert its strategic significance. Analysts have noted that the expanding geoeconomic presence of non-Russian actors in the Caucasus and Central Asia is diminishing Moscows historical dominance in the region.

In light of its weakened influence in Armenia and Azerbaijan, Russia may explore new avenues to reinsert itself as a supposed "stabilizer." This could involve promoting or even fomenting localized tensions in disputed border areas, ethnic minority regions, or contested transport routes, using these instabilities as a pretext for establishing new security roles, peacekeeping missions, or exerting political leverage. Furthermore, as Central Asian states cautiously engage with China, Turkiye, and Europe, Moscow may perceive a risk of being sidelined. In response, the Kremlin could remind these nations of their shared historical ties and potential security threats, leveraging economic pressure, particularly in terms of energy, migration, and trade.

Finally, emboldened by recent military developments stemming from the Ukraine conflict, the Kremlin may feel that it is an opportune moment to reclaim geopolitical territory it has lost in recent years. These perceived "victories" could serve as both a rationale and an impetus for renewed military or political assertiveness in its neighboring regions.

In the South Caucasus, several vulnerabilities could become leverage points for Russian interference:

Transit corridors and the new geopolitical order.

As Azerbaijan and Armenia move ahead with agreements on connectivity, including routes linking Azerbaijans main territory with its exclave via Armenia, Russias traditional role as mediator and gatekeeper is bypassed. Moscow could seek to regain influence by contesting the security or legal status of these corridors, offering peacekeeper status, or pushing for control over border security, all under the pretext of regional stability. Russian sources already express concern over losing their monopoly on transport links.

Economic and energy ties outside Russian orbit.

Azerbaijans energy exports and diversified alliances, including growing cooperation with Turkiye, Europe, and non-Russian markets, weaken Moscows leverage via energy dependency. As a result, Russia may attempt economic pressure: leveraging gas, or other trade corridors, or destabilizing markets to create leverage.

Political influence and soft power erosion.

Russias influence over domestic politics, in both Armenia and Azerbaijan, has already been diminished. As Yerevan moves away from traditional security dependence on Moscow, Baku openly perceives Moscow as unreliable. Russia might attempt to exploit internal divisions, revive old narratives, or support oppositional elements to destabilize governments that drift away from Moscows orbit.

Central Asia as another potential front

The same logic applies to Central Asia. If transit corridors between East and West bypass Russia, connecting Azerbaijan, Turkiye, Europe, and Central Asia, Moscows traditional role as Eurasian transit hub weakens drastically. In response, Russia could try to reassert influence through economic coercion, diplomatic pressure, or support for pro-Moscow political forces in countries such as Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan.

For Russia, re-establishing control over transit routes means securing strategic depth and leverage. Losing that could mean losing the ability to project influence across Eurasia.

Yet, despite these motivations, there are substantial obstacles that could limit the success of any Russian interference.

Regional actors have learned to diversify, with countries in the South Caucasus and Central Asia already beginning to reduce their dependence on Moscow. Their growing economic ties with Turkiye, Europe, and Asia, along with active infrastructure projects, make them less vulnerable to Russian pressure. New regional cooperation frameworks are weakening old alliances; agreements that link multiple countries through transport corridors, trade routes, and energy networks create shared interests that do not include Russia, offering built-in deterrents to interference precisely because disruption would hurt many stakeholders, not just one.

Furthermore, international scrutiny and the shifting global context have intensified, as Russias war in Ukraine has exposed its aggression and made many states wary of becoming overly dependent again. External powers keen on stability in Eurasia, such as Turkiye, EU states, and other regional actors, might support regional sovereignty and resist Russian attempts to meddle.

Russias growing confidence at home and its victories in Ukraine may tempt the Kremlin to try and re-expand its influence in the post-Soviet space. The South Caucasus and Central Asia, with their strategic corridors, evolving alliances, and weakened Russian dominance, present possible fronts.

The risk is not of a full-scale conflict but of a new phase of geopolitical pressure in which Russia attempts to reshape regional alignments. The boundaries of influence in the post-Soviet space are shifting, and Moscow will not accept these shifts passively. If it interprets the outcome of the Ukrainian war as a victory or even a strategic recovery, it may try to redraw political realities in its eastern neighbourhood.

But any such intervention would come at a cost: resistance from newly assertive regional actors, disruption to trade and stability, and likely pushback from global powers. In the most optimistic scenario, this would mean targeted pressure, coercive diplomacy, and revived manipulation of unresolved issues. In a more concerning one, it could open a new front of geopolitical friction in both the South Caucasus and Central Asia. The countries in these regions must remain vigilant. Their future depends not on returning to old models of dependency, but on deepening cooperation, strengthening regional integration, and protecting their emerging architecture of sovereignty.
1 December 2025 16:10 (UTC+04:00)

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This year also marked a rare development, for the first time in 14 years, Azerbaijan imported cabbage from Japan, albeit in very small quantities (0.01 tons worth 220 US dollars).

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1 December 2025 15:32 (UTC+04:00)

Qabil Ashirov Read more

A delegation from the Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA), headed by Chairman Taleh Kazmov, met with Pan Gongsheng, Governor of the Peoples Bank of China, during an official visit to Beijing.

Azernews reports, the discussions covered key topics including monetary policy and financial stability, payment systems, QR and mobile payment solutions, and the regulation of payment service providers. Officials also exchanged experiences on regulatory practices in the digital currency sector.

The meeting highlighted opportunities to deepen collaboration between the central banks of Azerbaijan and China, as well as explore other areas of mutual interest.

Azerbaijan and China are entering a phase where financial cooperation, particularly in the banking sector, can become a core pillar of their economic relationship. Several structural trends, shared strategic goals, and emerging regional projects create strong potential for deeper banking integration. Chinese credit lines represent another avenue that is likely to expand. Policy banks such as China Development Bank and the ExportImport Bank of China can channel financing into key Azerbaijani sectors, ranging from logistics hubs and industrial zones to green energy and digital infrastructure.

Digital finance is poised to become a major pillar of cooperation. China is actively piloting the digital yuan in cross-border logistics and trade settlements, and Azerbaijans highly digitalised public services create an attractive environment for experimentation. The Middle Corridor could become a testing ground for digital customs payments, blockchain-based cargo financing, and integrated fintech platforms. At the commercial level, Chinese fintech companies such as WeChat Pay and Alipay may pursue partnerships with Azerbaijani payment systems, facilitating seamless digital transactions for tourism, e-commerce, and business services.

Multilateral structures will reinforce this bilateral cooperation. Azerbaijans membership in the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank provides a neutral platform for securing low-interest infrastructure financing, which often aligns with Chinese banking participation. This trilateral dynamic, including AIIB, Chinese banks, and Azerbaijani institutions, can help de-risk major projects and accelerate development of the Middle Corridor.
1 December 2025 16:53 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

bp, as operator of the Sangachal Terminal, has announced that construction activities for the Sangachal Terminal Electrification (STEL) project are progressing safely and according to plan, Azernews reports, citing the Company.

The project, which aims to fully electrify the terminal by the end of 2028, involves a consortium of investors including bp, SOCAR, TPAO, LUKOIL, SGC, NICO, MOL, INPEX, ExxonMobil, ITOCHU, ONGC Videsh, Eni, MVM, and TotalEnergies.

The project has awarded several major contracts to ensure the terminals electrification. AzerEnerji OJSC received an Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contract valued at approximately $43 million, covering the construction of a new substation, installation of underground cables, and erection of overhead power lines. Civil works are nearing completion, with equipment installation and cable-pulling activities set to begin as the project transitions into its next phase.

Azfen MMC was awarded a $19 million construction and fabrication contract for major electrical infrastructure works within the terminal. This includes the installation of transformers, synchronous condensers, current-limiting reactors, and a new 110kV switchyard. Construction activities, which began in August 2025, are advancing across multiple work fronts, including foundations for key equipment installations.

SOCAR KBR received a 7 million engineering and procurement contract to execute detailed design, equipment supply, and procurement management for the terminal. The scope also includes support for construction, commissioning, and operational readiness planning. Current efforts are focused on detailed engineering and equipment expediting.

Matt Kirkham, bp Vice President for Projects in Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkiye, said:

"We are pleased with the progress across all STEL project activities. With work scopes advancing in line with the plan, the teams remain committed to delivering high-quality outcomes and supporting the safe and efficient development of the project. This is a complex, multi-year effort requiring close coordination across multiple contractors and disciplines, and Im proud of the professionalism and dedication shown by everyone involved. As we move into the next phases, our focus remains on safety, high quality, and strong execution that will deliver a resilient power infrastructure supporting the terminals long-term operational excellence."

The STEL project represents a critical step in ensuring sustainable, reliable, and efficient energy operations at the Sangachal Terminal, reinforcing its role as a strategic energy hub in the region.
1 December 2025 10:44 (UTC+04:00)

Laman Ismayilova Read more

A new nationwide initiative has been launched supported by the Azerbaijan Culture Ministry to mark the 140th anniversary of the great composer Uzeyir Hajibayli, Azernews reports.

For the first time, large-scale tours of artistic ensembles under the ministry will be organized across various regions of the country in 2025 and 2026.

The project aims to enhance cultural life in the regions, ensure the effective organization of leisure time for the population, especially the youth as well as to strengthen interaction and exchange of experience with local creative groups.

As part of the tour program, in 2025 the R. Behbudov Azerbaijan State Song Theater's pop-symphonic orchestra will perform on December 1 at the Kimyachi Culture Palace in Sumgait and on December 27 at the Shamakhi District Cultural Center.

The soloists of the International Mugham Center, including vocalists and instrumental performers will give a concert on December 3 at the Barda District Cultural Center.

The Honored Collective Said Rustamov Folk Instruments Orchestra will perform on December 6 at the Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center in Khachmaz, while the Jahangir Jahangirov Choir Ensemble will appear on December 26 at the Guba District Cultural Center.

In 2026, the Gara Garayev Azerbaijan State Chamber Orchestra of the Azerbaijan State Academic Philharmonic Hall will present a concert program on January 23 at the Fikrat Amirov Ganja State Philharmonic.
1 December 2025 17:28 (UTC+04:00)

Laman Ismayilova Read more

The film industry has become a key platform for cultural exchange and creative collaboration among CIS countries.

Modern film production not only reflects the rich histories and identities of these nations but also boosts connections between filmmakers, audiences, and creative institutions across the region.

CIS countries are enhancing their cinematic networks while preserving a shared cultural heritage through the universal language of film.

A roundtable on "The Development of Modern Film Production in CIS Countries" brought together industry experts to discuss opportunities for collaboration and the advancement of cinema across the region.

Moderated by producer and actor Azer Aydemir, the event featured a speech by Masim Mammadov, the Special Representative of the President of Azerbaijan in Lachin. He spoke about the infrastructure projects being carried out in the region and noted that special attention is given to cultural development in Lachin. One of the first cultural institutions established in the city is the Hocazfilm studio, and Lachin offers numerous interesting locations for film shooting.

Deputy Culture Minister Farid Jafarov emphasized that culture serves as a spiritual bridge connecting peoples, while cinema is one of the most powerful artistic tools for reflecting a nation's history, cultural identity, and worldview.

He added that the Azerbaijani government has made the development of cinematography a strategic priority. In recent years, significant institutional steps have been taken, new financing mechanisms established, and the international integration of the creative environment strengthened.

Over the past three years, the Azerbaijan Film Agency (ARKA), operating under the Culture Ministry, has financially supported the production of more than 70 state-commissioned film projects, over 50 of which have already been presented to audiences.

It was also noted that Azerbaijan's film production cost rebate mechanism has created favorable conditions for filming in the country, making Azerbaijan an attractive location for international producers.

The Azerbaijani side stressed the importance of further expanding collaboration in cinema among CIS countries. Initiatives are being proposed to support co-production projects, joint script laboratories, experience exchange among young filmmakers, and regional film forums. Within this framework, joint productions such as "Molla Nasreddin, My Friend in Difficult Days" help express the shared cultural heritage and spiritual closeness of peoples through the language of cinema.

Other speakers at the event included Tair Iksanov, Executive Director of the Interstate Fund for Humanitarian Cooperation of CIS Countries; Rovshan Muradov, Member of the National Assembly of Azerbaijan; Gurban Pirimov, ARKA Deputy Director General; Amil Mamibayli, Director of Hocazfilm studio; Ali-Sattar Guliyev, Director of Nizami Cinema Center; Svetlana Semashko from Belarus; Rabiyya Mirlanova, Senior Specialist at Kyrgyzfilm studio; Yekaterina Svirina, Advisor to the CEO of Roskino JSC; Akmal Abdullozoda from Tajikfilm; Mannob Kuchkarov from the Uzbekistan Cinematography Agency; and many others.

The discussion focused on the prospects for collaboration in cinema among CIS countries and highlighted the significance of joint projects.
1 December 2025 18:34 (UTC+04:00)

Qabil Ashirov Read more

A meeting was held at Azerbaijans Ministry of Health with Turkiyes Ambassador to Baku, Birol Akgun.

Azernews reports that welcoming the guest, Minister of Health Teymur Musayev highlighted that the strong, historic ties between the two countries are rooted in deep friendship and brotherhood.

The partnership between Azerbaijan and Turkiye, built on trust, mutual respect, and fraternity, is at its highest level, he said.

Musayev noted that since the early years of modern Azerbaijans independence, institutional cooperation had been established between the two countries health sectors. He emphasized that, as in all areas, cooperation with the brotherly nation in healthcare and medical science remains exemplary.

He underlined that Azerbaijans delegation participated extensively in the 11th Turkic World Medical Congress in Ankara, adding that such international platforms are invaluable not only for exchanging experience but also for defining joint priorities for the future.

Musayev also stressed that the digitalization of the healthcare system is one of the Ministrys key priorities:

One of our main goals is to train doctors who can master artificial intelligence and digital technologies.

The minister expressed confidence that cooperation in medical, scientific, and other fields would continue to develop successfully.

Ambassador Akgun thanked the Ministry for the warm reception and noted that the AzerbaijanTurkiye brotherhood, based on strong foundations, clearly reflects the unity and solidarity between the two nations. He emphasized the exceptional role of both countries leaders in strengthening bilateral relations.

Speaking about the significance of the 11th Turkic World Medical Congress, Akgun said that such events are crucial for bringing the healthcare systems of the two countries closer together and contributing to the development of global medicine.

The meeting continued in an atmosphere of mutual understanding, with a productive exchange of views on expanding cooperation in the healthcare field.
1 December 2025 12:17 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

The OSCE has formally completed the dissolution of the Minsk Process and all structures linked to it, marking the end of the decades-long mediation format on the former ArmeniaAzerbaijan conflict, Azernews reports.

According to an official OSCE statement, the process was finalized at 23:59 on 30 November 2025, in line with the Ministerial Council Decision MC.DEC/1/25, adopted on 1 September 2025. The decision followed a joint appeal by Armenia and Azerbaijan to the Finnish OSCE Chairmanship.

The OSCE emphasized that the completion of all administrative procedures signifies the definitive closure of the Minsk Process.

The closure of the Minsk Process means the implementation of the consensus decision of all 57 OSCE participating States of 1 September, following the historic joint declaration signed by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in Washington on 8 August 2025, witnessed by US President Donald Trump, the statement read.

This move formally ends a mediation mechanism created in 1992, underscoring the transition toward a new phase in the normalization efforts between Baku and Yerevan.
1 December 2025 12:03 (UTC+04:00)

Qabil Ashirov Read more

An event of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) will be held in Baku from December 9 to 11, Azernews reports, citing the State Civil Aviation Agency under the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport.

It is worth noting that the Agency has already begun preparations for the gathering.

The agency stated that, during the financing process, the Cabinet of Ministers decision dated November 4, 2008  which approves the Rules for Allocating and Spending State Budget Funds for International and National Events Held by State-Funded Organizations, as well as for Receiving and Servicing Delegations and Officials from Foreign Countries  will be taken into account.
1 December 2025 11:33 (UTC+04:00)

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, has sent a congratulatory letter to Romanian President Nicusor Dan, Azernews reports.

"Dear Mr. President,

On my own behalf and on behalf of the people of Azerbaijan, I extend to you, and through you to your entire people, my sincere congratulations on the occasion of the national holiday of Romania.

We attach great importance to the development of friendship and cooperation with Romania, our friend and partner. Today, we are pleased with the expansion of the AzerbaijanRomania bilateral cooperation agenda, built on good traditions and solid foundations, as well as with the enrichment of our fruitful joint activities with new content in the trade, economic, energyparticularly green energycultural, humanitarian, and other fields, alongside the strengthening of our strategic partnership.

I am confident that the traditional friendly relations between our countries and our fruitful cooperation, both bilaterally and multilaterally, will continue to expand through our joint efforts in the interests of our peoples, and that our strategic partnership will further deepen.

On this festive day, I extend my best regards to you and wish the friendly people of Romania everlasting prosperity and well-being," reads the letter.
1 December 2025 12:38 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

A total of 600,000 students across Azerbaijan are now receiving digital skills lessons in addition to standard informatics classes, Azernews reports.

Deputy Minister of Science and Education Hasan Hasanli made the announcement during the award ceremony for the winners of the Inter-School National Hackathon  2025, held with support from the Ministry of Science and Education.

According to him, determination, a strong national vision, and perseverance make it possible to overcome any challenge:

"When this strategy was approved in 2022, internet access and computer availability in schools were not at the level we wanted. Today, these issues have largely been resolved, and students now have broad access to computers and the internet. Across the country, 175 centers provide access to the Hackathon. In its fifth year, the Hackathon has already engaged 350,000 students. Meanwhile, 600,000 schoolchildren are studying digital skills beyond informatics, and more than 300,000 students have been involved in STEAM programs."
1 December 2025 17:05 (UTC+04:00)

Qabil Ashirov Read more

The second meeting of the Mapping Working Group of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) will be held in Baku on December 23, Azernews reports, citing the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources.

According to the Ministry, the gathering will bring together representatives of geodesy, cartography, land management, cadastre, remote sensing, and geographic information systems institutions from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkiye, as well as observer states Hungary and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

Azerbaijan will participate in the session with delegates from the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, the Geodesy and Cartography Agency under the Ministry, and specialists from other relevant state bodies.

The meeting will review the implementation status of the goals set during the Working Groups first session, held on September 30October 1, 2024, in Ankara. Participants will also discuss ways to strengthen cooperation in the field of mapping, outline new objectives, and examine opportunities for their practical implementation.

The event, taking place ahead of World Environment Day and the World Urban Forum (WUF13), both scheduled to be held in Baku in 2026, reflects Azerbaijans consistent efforts to enhance collaboration in geodesy, cartography, and geographic information systems, while advancing environmental protection and sustainable management initiatives.
1 December 2025 19:00 (UTC+04:00)

The annual forum of ADA University alumni living abroad was held this year at the Azerbaijan Cultural Center in Berlin, bringing together graduates, university leadership, diplomats, and partners for a wide-ranging exchange of ideas, Azernews reports.

Dedicated to the Year of Constitution and Sovereignty, the event was jointly organized by ADA University, the ADA University Foundation, the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Germany, and the Azerbaijan Cultural Center, with support from Kolin Azerbaijan.

Opening the forum, Azerbaijani Ambassador to Germany Nasimi Aghayev stressed the importance of uniting ADA graduates in Europe, noting that the knowledge and experience Azerbaijani youth acquire abroad plays a critical role in representing the countrys intellectual potential globally. He highlighted that the achievements of ADA graduates in diverse fields reflect the universitys high educational standards and international outlook. The ambassador added that such initiatives strengthen AzerbaijaniGerman relations and help build long-term cooperation among alumni.

ADA University Vice-Rector Gunay Ziyadova delivered a detailed presentation on the universitys latest innovations, academic advancements, and future development plans. She underlined that ADA continues to progress in education and innovation, with its global alumni network playing an essential role in this growth.

Rector of ADA University, Ambassador Hafiz Pashayev, addressed the event as the keynote speaker, emphasizing that graduatesregardless of where they liveremain an integral part of the universitys mission. He encouraged alumni to actively participate in collaborative initiatives, stressing that such engagement creates new opportunities for both graduates and the institution.

The forum continued with a panel discussion moderated by Zohra Asadova from ADAs Alumni Affairs Department. ADA graduates Mashdi Aliyev, Fidan Eminli, Sabira Imrani, Aydin Javadov, and Jamila Talibzadeh shared their professional journeys, academic experiences, and perspectives on how ADAs values shape success across sectors. Participants also exchanged views on global trends, emerging challenges, and the evolving needs of international job markets.

Now a well-established tradition, ADA Universitys alumni forums bring together graduates in various countries each year, contributing to stronger networks, closer cooperation, and new joint initiatives within the global ADA community.
1 December 2025 19:57 (UTC+04:00)

The trial of Armenian citizen Ruben Vardanyan, accused of crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, terrorism, financing of terrorism, and other serious offenses under the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, continued on December 1.

According to Azernews, the hearing was held at the Baku Military Court, presided over by Judge Zeynal Agayev, with judges Anar Rzayev and Camal Ramazanov, and reserve judge Gunel Samedova. The accused was provided with a translator for Russian, his native language, and a state-appointed lawyer for his defense.

During the session, Judge Agayev introduced the court panel, prosecutors, translators, and other participants to the victims and their legal heirs attending for the first time. He also explained their rights and duties under the law.

Following this, the court heard statements from the victims.

Sardar Taghiyev, legal heir of Sabuhi Taghiyev, stated that his brother was killed by enemy fire in Lachin.

Victim Zeka Valiyev told Senior Assistant to the Prosecutor General Vusal Aliyev that a mortar shell fired by remnants of the Armenian army and illegal Armenian armed groups exploded near him in Khanabad village of the Khojaly district. The explosion killed Allahverdi Safiyev and Elnur Karimov, while Valiyev and Rasul Agayev sustained various injuries.

Vahid Aljanov, responding to questions from prosecutor Fuad Musayev, said that during a large-scale enemy attack in Lachin, a mortar shell exploded, killing one person and injuring him and several others.

Elgun Ismayilov told Nasir Bayramov, head of the Prosecutor Generals Department for State Accusation Defense, that gunfire from remnants of the Armenian army and illegal armed groups in Gulyatag village of the Aghdara district caused injuries to him and Safar Huseynquliyev.

Bakhtiyar Huseynov reported that he was injured when a hand grenade exploded near him during enemy attacks in the Kalbajar direction. He added that others were also wounded during the incident.

Nusrat Orucov said he was injured in his shoulder when a hand grenade exploded near him in Kalbajar.

Cavid Khosiyev told prosecutor Tarane Mammadova that he and Javad Guliyev sustained multiple injuries after a mortar shell fired by the enemy exploded near them on the AghdamKhojaly route.

Nihad Seyidzade stated, in response to prosecutor Vusal Abdullayev, that he, Murad Huseynov, and Revan Agazade suffered various injuries from enemy fire in the Khojaly district.

Beyler Karimov said he was injured as a result of mortar fire from the enemy on the AghdamKhojaly route.

The hearing then continued with the examination of documents and other evidence related to the case.

The next session of the trial has been scheduled for December 2.

Ruben Vardanyan faces charges under the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan including planning, preparing, initiating, and waging aggressive war; deportation and forced transfer of the population; persecution; enforced disappearance; unlawful deprivation of liberty; torture; mercenarism; violation of the laws and customs of war; violations of international humanitarian law in armed conflict; intentional homicide and attempted intentional homicide; illegal entrepreneurship; terrorism and financing terrorism; formation of a criminal organization; illegal acquisition and possession of weapons, ammunition, explosives, and related acts; acts endangering aviation safety; seizure of power by force or attempting to violently change the constitutional order; formation of unauthorized armed groups; and illegal crossing of the state border.
1 December 2025 10:21 (UTC+04:00)

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From January to October this year, Azerbaijan exported 133,100 tons of crude oil and petroleum products derived from bituminous rocks to Turkiye, worth $65 million, Azernews reports, citing data from the State Customs Committee.

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1 December 2025 17:44 (UTC+04:00)

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Azerbaijan exported 310,300 tons of crude oil and petroleum products obtained from bituminous minerals to Tunisia during JanuaryOctober of this year, with a total value of 167.9 million USD, Azernews reports, citing the State Customs Committee.

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1 December 2025 18:00 (UTC+04:00)

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Azerbaijan has resumed the export of crude oil and petroleum products to Denmark for the first time since last year, according to new data from the State Customs Committee, Azernews reports.

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1 December 2025 11:02 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

Belarus President Alexander Lukashenkos November 28 trip to Oman has triggered a wave of speculation after the visit abruptly disappeared from both Belarusian and Omani official reporting, Azernews reports.

Belarus state media initially described the trip as a working visit, stating that Lukashenko was scheduled to meet with Omans Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said. The announcement highlighted strengthened bilateral contacts in recent years, increased high-level visits, and the development of promising cooperation areas identified during Lukashenkos 2024 trip to Oman. It also referenced the Roadmap signed during Sultan Haithams October 2025 visit to Minsk.

According to the official report, the Muscat meetings were intended to thoroughly discuss the implementation of existing agreements and advance joint projects to the practical phase across various fields.

Lukashenkos aircraft landed in Muscat on the evening of November 28, where he was welcomed by Abdul Salam Al-Murshidi, the head of the Oman Investment Authority. Yet after this brief announcement, no further updates followed. Neither Omans nor Belaruss official institutions, state media, or unofficial outlets released additional information about the visit, its agenda, or its outcomes.

The sudden silence immediately fueled rumours across social networks and opposition-linked Belarusian media, generating headlines such as Lukashenko disappeared, Lukashenko vanished in Oman, and similar claims pointing to an information blackout.

Adding to the uncertainty, Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus, Pavel Latushka, argued on "X" that based on Muscats protocol, Lukashenkos trip is neither a state nor an official visit. He noted the absence of hallmark elements usually associated with such visits, no honor guard, no high-level welcoming delegation, and none of the formal attributes typically observed in Omans official receptions.

For now, the lack of updates from both sides continues to raise questions, leaving Lukashenkos Oman visit shrouded in ambiguity.
Chinese military conducts combat readiness patrols over Huangyan Dao

Xinhua) 09:18, December 01, 2025

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.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
1 December 2025 19:48 (UTC+04:00)

By Alimat Aliyeva

Although seat belt use has been strictly mandatory in most European countries since the 1990s, there is one state that still does not enforce this rule, Azernews reports.

When seat belts were first introduced, the measure faced significant distrust from drivers and was even described as repressive. However, studies and expert analyses quickly demonstrated their effectiveness in preventing injuries in dangerous road situations, making seat belts one of the most important passive safety mechanisms.

Yet, in the heart of Central Europe, one country still takes a different approach: the Principality of Monaco. Widely known for its luxury lifestyle, wealthy residents, and a fleet of supercars that fill its streets, Monaco remains the only European country where seat belt use is not legally mandatory.

This exemption is largely due to the principalitys low urban speed limit of 50 km/h. Monegasque authorities have argued that at such speeds, seat belts are less necessary because the risk of severe accidents is minimal.

However, road safety experts are increasingly challenging this approach. They point out that even at speeds below 50 km/h, collisions can result in serious injuries. Critics argue that Monacos current legislation is outdated and does not meet modern safety standards.

Monaco boasts one of the most advanced road networks in the world, which could safely support higher speed limits. If that were to happen, mandatory seat belt laws would likely need to be implemented, potentially bringing this glamorous microstate in line with the rest of Europe on traffic safety.
Saddle Mountain Rescue Needed USCG Helicopter, Several N. Oregon Coast Agencies

Published 12/01/25 at 6:25 a.m.

By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Seaside, Oregon)  Multiple agencies from around the north Oregon coast came together on Saturday to rescue a hiker stranded high on a precarious ridge on Saddle Mountain, resulting in a complex six-and-a-half-hour operation. Cannon Beach Rural Fire Protection District (CBRFPD) recently posted the entire ordeal and rather dramatic photographs online. (All photos CBRFPD - detail from a larger photo below)

CBRFPD said at approximately 2:00 p.m., Cannon Beach Fire personnel were dispatched to the north Oregon Coast Range's Saddle Mountain, alongside Gearhart Volunteer Fire Department, Hamlet Volunteer Fire Department, and Clatsop County Sheriffs Office Search and Rescue. Reports came in of a hiker unable to descend from the summit.

Crews reached the trailhead parking lot at 2:45 p.m. and began their ascent. By 3:30 p.m., responders located the man about 1.5 miles up the trail, stranded 40 feet above ground on a three-foot-wide knife-edge ridge along the mountains south slope.





The incident commander quickly realized they were dealing with a high-angle rescue and requested the U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Astoria and additional fire personnel, said the agency.

A rescue helicopter arrived at 5:15 p.m. but was forced to abort its mission due to deteriorating visibility and lowering cloud cover, leaving ground crews to execute a rope rescue. The uneven terrain was also a factor. Rescuers then had to try a more manual approach.

Led by Cannon Beach Fires Rope Rescue Team, firefighters climbed 250 feet above the victim to secure an anchor point. A rescuer then rappelled down the cliff face, established a secondary anchor, and carefully maneuvered around a rock pinnacle to reach the stranded hiker.

The patient was fitted with a harness and lowered safely to waiting personnel, who provided medical assessment before guiding him back down the trail. He was able to walk on his own.

All crews returned safely to the parking lot by 8:20 p.m. No one else was injured during the rescue mission.

No other details were given on the condition of the man.

In total, the rescue operation lasted roughly 6.5 hours and required the coordination of 13 Fire and SAR personnel, as well as the USCG, the agency said. Incidents like these go to prove our ability to work together as a team to serve our community members in their time of need.





CBRFPD had a word of advice for other hikers as well.



We would like to take the time to remind everyone that when going for a hike, please stay on the main trail and remember to bring the 'ten essentials,'  they said.

[The "Ten Essentials" include things like extra food, map, GPS / compass, etc]





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North Carolina Department of Public Safety (NCDPS) Secretary Eddie Buffaloe Jr. will be taking on a new role as the new deputy chief for the Raleigh Police Department's Administrative Services Division.According to a press release, he will officially begin his new position on Jan. 5. He will retire as NCDPS secretary on Dec. 31.Raleigh City Manager Marchell Adams-David said in the release.Buffaloe will oversee Professional Standards, the Administrative Services Division, and the Office of the Chief. The release stated that he will help support and strengthen the Field Operations Division, the Special Operations and Detectives Divisions, and the newly launched Community Impact and Engagement Division.Raleigh Police Chief Rico Boyce said in the release.He has over 30 years of experience in law enforcement, including serving as interim city manager and director of the Elizabeth City Department of Public Safety, as well as holding positions such as police chief, sheriff's office leader, and correctional officer with the North Carolina Department of Corrections. He also served 10 years in the North Carolina National Guard.Buffaloe was appointed to his role as NCDPS secretary in 2021 by then-Gov. Roy Cooper.He oversaw more than 21,000 employees, as well as 13,000 National Guard members.Buffaloe said in the release.During his tenure, the NCDPS has faced scrutiny. A 2024 audit revealed that the department failed to design or implement procedures to ensure that Hurricane Florence Disaster Recovery Funds were spent in accordance with the same-named legislation or that they achieved the intended results. There were also a multitude of issues surrounding the North Carolina Office of Recovery and Resiliency (NCORR), which is a division of NCDPS, over the handling of recovery from hurricanes Florence and Matthew over the past several years.
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.
Conservative Club Honors Stacey Davis

BY: The Beaufort Observer Editorial Team

The Beaufort County Conservative Club passed a resolution honoring Republican Stacey Davis, an elected member of the Beaufort County School Board.

Club members believe Davis is due special recognition because of having suffered the vicious and unfounded attacks leveled at her by Carolyn Garris, the Chairman of the Beaufort County Republican Party, and North Carolina House Representative Keith Kidwell, both Registered Republicans. These attacks do not have the approval of the Beaufort County Republican Executive Committee.

Kidwell and Garris rushed to demand the resignation of Stacey Davis based on highly questionable behavior of and manipulation of the situation by the School Superintendent after Davis visited a school bus on a matter involving one of her children. Kidwell and Garris rushed to make public statements to newspaper and television outlets based on information provided to the public by the Beaufort County Schools Superintendent, Matthew Cheeseman.

Stacey Davis, since before her election in 2024, has been a thorn in Cheesemans flesh by asking pointed and accurate questions about school policy involving the closing of the Snowden School and various left-wing policies of the School Board. Some of Daviss concerns involve the failure to teach cursive writing, purchased curriculum programs, new math, CRT (critical race theory), DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion), etc., etc., etc.

The Resolution of Support reads as follows:

Whereas: Mrs. Stacey Davis is an elected School Board Member in Beaufort County and a single mother with 3 children,

Whereas: Mrs. Davis has been a lonely voice for conservative values on the School Board,

Whereas: Mrs. Davis has bravely stood up for parents and children against a leftist School Board and Superintendent Matthew Cheeseman,

Whereas: Superintendent Cheeseman publicly attacked Mrs. Davis, the strongest obstacle to his leftist goals, using a school bus video on September 12, 2025,

Whereas: the video was edited and accompanied by a questionable narrative to embarrass Mrs. Davis,

Whereas: the District Attorney informed the parties that there was no prosecutorial crime committed before the video was aired on local TV,

Whereas: the edited video was sent to a local news station without School Board consent,

Whereas: the actions of the Superintendent seem to be purely an attempt to discredit his most powerful adversary on the School Board,

Whereas: Representative Keith Kidwell and Beaufort County Republican Party Chairman Carolyn Garris also attacked Mrs. Davis with demands for her resignation after knowing the District Attorney had found no crime to prosecute,

Whereas: Mrs. Davis opponent was promoted in the Republican Primary,

Whereas: Representative Kidwell and Chairwoman Garris likely attacked Mrs. Davis to have her primary opponent installed in her seat after her resignation,

Whereas: these vicious political attacks have caused Mrs. Davis and her children immeasurable harm,

Now Therefore Be It Resolved: The Beaufort County Conservative Club condemns the actions of Superintendent Cheeseman, Representative Kidwell and Chairwoman Garris. The Conservative Club continues to fully support School Board Member Stacey Davis and her patriotic fight to save our schools. If our School Board was occupied by 8 other members with Daviss bravery and resolve, our schools would be in the condition parents expect.

The issue of Mrs. Davis became a hot issue when she was recruited to run against Democrat Mac Hodges by the Conservative Club without the blessing of the Beaufort County Republican Party. Registered Republicans may register and run for any office without the blessing of the Republican Party on the County, State or Federal level. However, many Republican Party officers and elected officials believe, by virtue of their position, they are ordained to dictate to and use the apparent influence of their position to dictate to all other Republicans. One of the things that has ruined the Democrat Party is their similar idea of political dictatorship.

Beaufort County Republicans are split between a RINO (Republican In Name Only) like minority in leadership positions and Beaufort County voters who vote overwhelmingly MAGA conservative. Randy Walker, Frankie Waters, Carolyn Walker, Daniel Hudson, TW Allen, Donald Shreve, and Terry Williams are registered Republicans who regularly vote with and like Democrats. Witness Frankie Waters and Randy Walker who vote with Democrats Jerry Langley and Ed booth to keep Frankie Waters as Chairman of the Beaufort County Board of Commissioners.

The Conservative Club seeks conservative candidates to run for all seats in the 2026 elections. Registration to run begins December 1 and ends on December 19th of 2025.
Minnesota Governor and former Democrat vice presidential candidate"Tampon Tim" Walz has been accused of orchestrating a massive coverup of the recently exposed welfare fraud scheme by Somali migrants in Minnesota that stole over a billion dollars from taxpayers. Some of the stolen money was forwarded to the Somali terrorist group Al-Shabaab.

480 Minnesota Department of Human Services employees have issued a written statement accusing Walz of being "100% responsible for massive fraud in Minnesota". The DHS workers pointed out that they had alerted Walz at an early stage of the Somali fraud but instead of assisting an investigation, Walz engaged in heavy retaliation against whistleblowers to cover up the fraud. The employees also blamed "an indifferent mainstream media" for failing to report the frauds.

https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2025/12/minnesota-scandal-explodes-dhs-employees-accuse-gov-tim/

https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/12/01/scott-bessent-treasury-department-to-investigate-allegations-of-minnesota-taxpayer-funds-being-diverted-to-al-shabaab/

https://dailycaller.com/2025/12/01/gregg-jarrett-tim-walz-minnesota-somali-fraud-covid/

https://www.city-journal.org/article/minnesota-somali-fraud-al-shabaab-terrorists-immigration-welfare?skip=1

Meanwhile, a leftist Muslim writer for the New York Times openly gloats that Muslims are using chain migration in a sort of race war to take over America from whites. It is astounding that such people openly boast of such racism and that the New York Times prints it.

https://www.breitbart.com/clips/2025/12/01/leftist-ny-times-writer-explains-how-chain-migration-is-used-to-wage-race-war-to-beat-white-americans/
Politics

Alliance MP on honour of being only MP from NI nominated for Backbencher of the Year: I am more grateful than you will ever know
Music and Gigs

Taylor Swift pays tribute to fans as reason she could reclaim master recordings
Farmers across across Northern Ireland have been urged to remain co-operative and vigilant after bluetongue was confirmed in two cows originating from a herd in Co Down.
Eddie doesn't want to reveal his full identity, as his ex-wife and children don't know about his HIV diagnosis

A Co Down man has spoken openly for the first time about how he contracted HIV after the end of his marriage after a new partner concealed their status from him.

Eddie, who does not wish to use his full, real name, was diagnosed with HIV 11 years ago  and, today, on World AIDS Day, he credits the charity Positive Life for saving him.

The shame and stigma surrounding his HIV diagnosis had pushed Eddie, who is a 61-year-old business consultant and father-of-two, to the brink of taking his own life.

At the time of his diagnosis, he was in the midst of a marriage breakdown and had entered a new relationship.

When he told his new partner about the diagnosis, the distressed dad later realised they had known about their own HIV status and had concealed it.

My world fell apart. I was in what I felt to be a trusted relationship, he said.

When I look back, it became obvious that they had known for some time. I had noticed some medication in an unmarked container. When I had asked them what it was for, they werent specific.

Eddie with Jacquie Richardson, CEO of Positive Life NI

Eddie was 50 when his health declined. His GP then ordered an HIV test, and when Eddie was called into the surgery, he knew something was wrong.

The GP said I was HIV positive. There was no discussion about what HIV was, just that I needed to go to the GUM clinic.

Eddie describes HIV stigma in Northern Ireland as the last taboo. He told almost no one about his diagnosis  not his ex-wife, not his children, only three close friends. He even avoided healthcare, including the dentist.

HIV can happen to anyone. Most people think it just affects gay men, he added.

I was married with children. We need to get the message out that anyone of any age or gender who is sexually active can get HIV.

The most important message right now is to get tested, to get treatment and to access the non-judgemental support Ive had from Positive Life as soon as possible. Then you can get on with living your life and protect others from getting HIV.

Positive Life's red ribbon

Eddie made contact with Positive Life, Northern Irelands only dedicated HIV charity, this year.

Had it not been for Positive Life, I wouldnt be here to tell my story. I have finally begun to come to terms with my diagnosis, through the amazing support and therapeutic counselling interventions theyve provided for me, he said.

HIV treatment has come on light-years since the 1980s, but attitudes here in Northern Ireland havent moved on.

Eddie doesn't want to reveal his full identity, as his ex-wife and children don't know about his HIV diagnosis

Belfast History Explained: The Story of the River Farset

Statistics from the Department of Health show that there were 101 new diagnoses of HIV here last year, while there are 1,439 people living with HIV.

According to the departments recent health survey, almost a fifth of those aged 16-34 havent heard of HIV, while fewer than one in three people know that someone on effective medication cannot pass the virus on.

Jacquie Richardson, chief executive of Positive Life, said: Our message is get tested, know your status and end HIV.
PSNI officers patrol the student area of Belfast known as the Holylands. The area has been blighted by anti-social behaviour over previous years St Patricks Day festivities.

Stormont Justice Minister Naomi Long has said she is hopeful that money will be found later this month to meet discretionary payments for police officers.

She said she would not commit to money that is not in her budget, but hoped that the money would be found for the payments before the end of the year, following the December Monitoring Round and savings.

Concerns have been raised after Health Minister Mike Nesbitt committed to meet pay parity despite not having the money in his budget (UUP/PA)

It comes at a challenging time for Stormont finances when Health Minister Mike Nesbitt received permission from the Executive to commit to meet pay parity for health workers despite not having the money in his budget to do so.

Ms Long said she raised significant concerns about Mr Nesbitts actions.

I could ask to bust my budget too, but the problem is that that will come off my top line next year, and then how do we pay for all the things we need? she told BBC Radio Ulsters Stephen Nolan Show.

Mike Nesbitt has made a decision that he is prioritising pay in the year. So he is going to go and spend money that he currently doesnt have, and he has accepted the consequence of that will be that it will come out of his next years budget.

He is pushing a significant problem down the pipe.

Ms Long said she hopes that by the end of the year, she will be able to sit down with PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher and agree that the discretionary payments are affordable.

So far, hes (Boutcher) not been able to say that to me, but its a small projected overspend in comparison to what others are looking at, she said.

Justice Minister Naomi Long said she and PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher are working to meet the discretionary payments (Liam McBurney/PA)

Im not trying to have a row about it, but technically these are discretionary payments. Their contractual payment has already been paid, that went through in October, so what theyre legally entitled to have, they already have.

The issue here is about the discretionary part of their pay award thats recommended by the Police Remuneration Review Body (PRRB).

Every single year since Ive come into office, they have got that in full. Theyve had to wait for it because theres processes to go through, but theyve got it every year. and I believe theyll get it this year.

Ms Long also defended her departments funding of the PSNI, insisting that police get the lions share of the money.

About 65% of the entire budget goes to PSNI. That includes an allocation for pay. This year, pay was higher than the allocation that we had calculated, which means that it leaves PSNI with a projected overspend.

I have 35% of the budget left to run everything else in the justice system, courts, prisons and probation, the whole works.

So we do prioritise, what I want to be sure is the decisions I made this year dont put us in an even worse situation next year.

If we go and we spend recklessly, and we put the Executive in a situation where we have massive overspends, then what will happen is that will come off the top budget next year, which is going to be flat cashed at best.

So what I need to do is work with the Chief Constable and we have been having tripartite meetings with the (Policing) Board, the chief and myself for the last lot of months, and its been really helpful in driving down where we can make savings, where we can find additional resource.

Were also looking across the wider department, things that perhaps we thought we would be able to do this year, and we now dont think we will have the resource to do them and if that frees up some money, thats good.

The Police Federation for Northern Ireland, which represents rank and file officers. said they feel they are at the back of the queue for pay.

Federation chairman Liam Kelly said: Once again, police officers perceive and feel they are at the back of the queue when it comes to pay.

They feel they are being treated disgracefully.

It is now expected that officers will fail to see their pay entitlement in their Christmas payslips.

But what happens if the money isnt there?

Will the minister and her colleagues break with pay parity with our police colleagues across the water? Or will they delay payment to sometime in the future when it is financially viable? Either way it will be disconcerting and damaging to our officers already reducing morale.

We remain in a mess.

There are no guarantees, no solid delivery timeframes, and no tangible commitment, just a minister saying she hopes.

We fear if the police pay award is not actioned expeditiously it will do untold damage to morale and have a detrimental impact on workforce retention and recruitment.

We and our members will watch whats announced next week with great interest.
The level of light in a storm drain where the body of Belfast schoolboy Noah Donohoe was found five years ago has been examined recently, a court has heard.

It emerged during a preliminary hearing ahead of an inquest to be held into the 14-year-olds death, which is due to start in January.

Mr Justice Rooney, who is presiding over the inquest, questioned why no one had thought to do this before.

Noah, a student at St Malachys College, was found dead in a drain in north Belfast in June 2020, six days after he went missing as he cycled to meet friends.

The Royal Courts of Justice in Belfast (Liam McBurney/PA)

The jury inquest has been delayed a number of times.

The latest in a series of preliminary hearings took place at the Royal Courts of Justice in Belfast on Monday morning.

Noahs mother Fiona Donohoe watched proceedings by remote link

A meeting of experts is due to take place later this week.

Neasa Murnaghan KC, acting for the Department for Infrastructure which owns the storm drain network where Noah was found, told the hearing on Monday morning that someone had climbed down into the culvert to assess the ingress of light.

It was felt that that could be a relevant consideration, just how dark it would be in the culvert, so weve carried out two further examinations and investigations, she said.

We proposed that the result of those investigations would be formally committed to a statement that we would hope to have before the court.

Mr Justice Rooney said: Since 2020, youre saying no one ever considered the issue of light getting into the culvert?

She responded: Not in the sort of concentrated way it was a very long consultation it was while discussing the harsh conditions that while looking at photographs that were lit, it occurred that of course that the actual conditions there was no lighting, and that led to a discussion about whether one would literally see ones hand in front of ones face.

Brenda Campbell KC, acting for Ms Donohoe, said they would like to know when they can expect the results.

Ms Murnaghan said the outcome of the investigations is expected to be available by Wednesday.
It was part of the teachers pay settlement for 2024/25 (PA)

More than 85% of teachers in Northern Ireland feel that their workload is unmanageable, a new report has found.

The Independent Review Panel was tasked with examining all aspects of workload faced by teachers and school leaders.

It was part of the teachers pay settlement for 2024/25, and includes responses from more than 7,700 teachers and school leaders.

It found that 85.8% of teachers and school leaders feel they do not have a manageable workload, and 77% cannot achieve a good work-life balance. They raised excessive paperwork, tracking and monitoring, and pupil behaviour.

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It has also made some 27 recommendations.

These include that the role of the Teachers Negotiating Committee is enhanced and fully resourced to transform the education system, and that the Education Authority develops a more robust framework to support schools in processing parental complaints.

Education Minister Paul Givan said he will consider the recommendations carefully.

Workload has been a key concern raised by teachers and school leaders since my appointment as Education Minister in early 2024, he said.

In response, I commissioned this review as part of my commitment to addressing workload pressures and ensuring teachers can focus on teaching, learning and supporting pupils in the classroom.

In the weeks ahead, I will consider the recommendations carefully and work with officials to agree a clear way forward.

While financial pressures remain significant, this report provides an important basis for addressing the longstanding concerns around teacher and school leader workload.

The National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers (NASUWT) welcomed the report as a stark and compelling vindication of the concerns that members have raised for years.

Matt Wrack, NASUWT general secretary, said the report is a watershed moment.

It confirms in the clearest possible terms what the NASUWT and our members have been saying: teacher workload is out of control and is damaging both the profession and the education of our young people, he said.

The panel has listened to the evidence and produced a serious set of 27 recommendations which, if implemented fully and urgently, can begin to rebuild a sustainable and healthy profession.

We particularly welcome the strong focus on restoring teachers professional agency, the call for genuine collective consultation on Directed Time Budgets, and the urgent recommendations to tackle the immense burdens of assessment, SEN provision and unnecessary administration.

The emphasis on supporting school leaders, who are under unprecedented strain, is also vital.

Justin McCamphill, NASUWT national official Northern Ireland, added: The panel has identified that there is no single solution but rather a need for a framework of progressive reforms. This report provides that blueprint. The challenge now is delivery.

The recommendation in this report cannot be delivered without a fully resourced implementation plan which can turn these recommendations into tangible improvements in every classroom in Northern Ireland.

Our members have suffered from burnout and excessive stress for too long.

This report must be the catalyst for real change, not just another document that gathers dust.
The dashcam scheme will be rolled out on a one-month basis

A PSNI officer has described an extremely scary incident after his vehicle was rammed, as the force rolls out a dashcam scheme to tackle the high levels of attacks.

The incident took place while he was on duty in the Newry, Mourne and Down policing district (D district) and the officer admitted the experience left him traumatised.

The constable said: Whilst out on patrol we were alerted to a report of a potentially intoxicated driver.

"As further details came in, we made our way to the area he was believed to be in with the aim of stopping his vehicle and preventing harm to other road users.

We activated our lights and sirens as we made our way towards the suspected drink-driver, however as we approached, a second vehicle appeared and, apparently assuming police were trying to stop him, he deliberately drove his vehicle at speed into the lefthand side of our patrol car.

Our vehicle was violently shunted and in turn struck a member of the publics car. He added that the offending vehicle also struck a van travelling in front of them as they made off across the border.

As a result, two police officers, two older people and two young men all sustained injuries, and a PSNI vehicle is still away for repair, the officer continued.

It is certainly an extremely scary and traumatising experience to go through, to have someone deliberately drive toward you at speed with the intent of stopping you and injuring you. It is something I hope not to experience again.

It comes as more than 100 incidents of vehicle-ramming have been reported over the course of this year amounting to 140,000 worth of damage to more than 20 vehicles.

In response, the PSNI have launched a one-month dashcam pilot scheme in D District in response to large number of vehicle-ramming against squad cars.

Of these attacks, 17 have occurred in the area, prompting the service to roll out the scheme there.

District Commander Superintendent Lynne Corbett explained that the technology will help to build evidence-based intelligence for future pursuits.

The primary aim of this pilot scheme is to deter and reduce ramming incidents, keep our officers safer, minimise fleet damage and enhance criminal justice outcomes when offenders weaponise vehicles against us, the District Commander said.

The dashcam scheme will be rolled out on a one-month basis

News Catch Up - Monday 1 December

The pilot will also seek to refine the use of cameras in our vehicles and identify a recognised standard for evidence extraction.

"It will enable us to build evidence-based intelligence on minimising both officer injury and fleet loss, strengthen operational resilience, and send a clear message to offenders that using a vehicle as a weapon will not be tolerated.
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.
LATEST | Three arrested outside Belfast High Court as legal challenge heard over raising of Palestine flag

Policing presence as flag raised shortly after midnight - it is due to fly for 24 hoursMotion passed by 32 to 28 as nationalists say move sends clear message of solidaritySome unionist councillors considering no-confidence motions against some council officialsEmergency challenge against decision to be heard today in the High Court

Palestine Flag is raised on Belfast City Hall

Abdullah Sabri and Gabrielle Swan Tue 2 Dec 2025 at 17:30







The PSNI have made three arrests as a crowd gathered at the High Court ahead of a legal challenge over the raising of the Palestine flag at Belfast City Hall.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will have a number of engagements during the visit to Ireland (PA)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is to make a brief visit to Ireland as efforts to strike peace plans continue.

Mr Zelensky and Ukraines first lady Olena Zelenska will have a number of engagements during the visit to Ireland, including a meeting with Irish premier Micheal Martin and a courtesy call on Irish President Catherine Connolly.

He will also attend the inauguration of the Ireland-Ukraine Economic Forum with Irish deputy premier Simon Harris.

Mr Zelenskys visit to Dublin comes as the Ukrainian leader is under pressure from the US to sign a peace deal.

Micheal Martin met Volodymyr Zelensky at Shannon Airport in February (PA)

Representatives of the US, Russia and Ukraine have held talks in the past week in the United Arab Emirates in an attempt to come to an agreement that would end almost four years of Russias full-scale invasion.

It also comes days after the resignation of Ukraines chief negotiator in those talks, Mr Zelenskys chief of staff Andrii Yermak, whose residence was searched on Friday by anti-corruption investigators.

Mr Zelensky was last in Ireland in February, when his plane stopped off to refuel ahead of a visit to Washington DC.

Mr Martin met the Ukrainian leader at Shannon Airport in Irelands south-west, where he emphasised the Irish peoples support for the Ukrainian people.

The following day, a televised exchange in the Oval Office between Mr Zelensky, US President Donald Trump and US vice president JD Vance made international headlines.

In April 2022, Mr Zelensky made a historic address to the Irish parliament in which he said Ireland had not been neutral to the disaster Russia had brought to Ukraine.

On Monday, Mr Martin welcomed what would be the first official visit to Ireland by a Ukrainian president and first lady.

It is an honour to welcome President Zelensky and the first lady to Ireland, the Taoiseach said.

Around the world, he is rightly recognised as someone who embodies the courage and resilience of the Ukrainian people, who have inspired the world in their brave defence of their country and its sovereignty since it was brutally and illegally invaded by Russia.

He praised Ukraines remarkable tenacity in defending their country and said he looked forward to reiterating Irelands unswerving commitment to standing with the people of Ukraine for as long as it takes.

He said: The presidents visit comes at a critical time for Ukraine and Europe, with efforts to bring just and lasting peace to Ukraine ongoing.

I look forward to discussing with President Zelensky the ways in which Ireland can support these efforts and how we can ensure that Ukraine comes to the negotiating table in as strong a position as possible.

The inauguration of the Ireland-Ukraine Economic Forum also offers an opportunity to explore the potential for strengthened business-to-business, trade and investment links between Ireland and Ukraine.

We also want to see a Ukraine that is fully part of our European Union family, and I particularly look forward to discussing with the president how Ireland can assist in accelerating Ukraines journey towards EU membership, including during our presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2026.

I will also be telling the president about the remarkable story of the Ukrainian people who have sought refuge in Ireland since 2022.

In that period, we have welcomed over 120,000 Ukrainians seeking safe haven. Some have returned, some have moved on and many have remained, but all have made a great contribution to our society through their hard work and vibrant culture, becoming valued members of our communities.
Who was Chaim Herzog, the Belfast-born figure at the centre of the Dublin park name change row?

Leading political figures in Ireland and abroad have voiced their opposition to the disgraceful and offensive name change

Who was Chaim Herzog, the Irish-born figure at the centre of the Dublin park name change row?

Keith Kelly Mon 1 Dec 2025 at 11:15

A proposal by Dublin City Council (DCC) to rename a Dublin park bearing the name of a deceased Jewish man has been met with opposition by figures on both sides of the Israel-Gaza divide.
Britain must not shrink back from a chaotic world, Sir Keir Starmer has said as he underlined his commitment to internationalism.

In his annual Guildhall speech on foreign policy, the Prime Minister accused opposition politicians of offering a corrosive, inward-looking attitude on international affairs.

Taking aim at those who advocate leaving the European Convention on Human Rights or Nato, he said they offered grievance rather than hope and a declinist vision of a lesser Britain.

Sir Keir said: Moreover, it is a fatal misreading of the moment, ducking the fundamental challenge posed by a chaotic world  a world which is more dangerous and unstable than at any point for a generation, where international events reach directly into our lives, whether we like it or not.

He added: In these times, we deliver for Britain by looking outward with renewed purpose and pride, not by shrinking back. In these times, internationalism is patriotism.

Since coming to power last year, Sir Keir has been active on the world stage, trumpeting deals with the US, India and the EU and leading the coalition of the willing in support of Ukraine.

Sir Keir, left, pictured with French President Emmanuel Macron, centre, and Germanys Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the G20 last month, has been criticised for the amount of time he has spent on the international stage (PA)

But he has also faced criticism from his opponents, who accuse him of spending too much time out of the country attending international summits rather than focusing on domestic issues.

Speaking in the City of London on Monday evening, the Prime Minister offered a defence of his approach, describing it as the biggest shift in British foreign policy since Brexit and a decisive move to face outward again.

While saying he would always respect the Brexit vote as a fair, democratic expression, he said the way the UKs departure from the EU had been sold and delivered was simply wrong.

Sir Keir Starmer and Lady Mayor of London Dame Susan Langley (left) in the banquet procession during the annual Lady Mayors Banquet at the Guildhall in central London (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

He said: Wild promises were made to the British people and not fulfilled. We are still dealing with the consequences today.

And he defended his Governments thaw in relations with China, rejecting a binary choice between the golden age of engagement under David Cameron and the ice age under more recent Conservative prime ministers.

Arguing that failing to engage with China was a dereliction of duty, he said: This is not a question of balancing economic and security considerations. We dont trade off security in one area, for a bit more economic access somewhere else.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer (centre) with Lady Mayor of London Dame Susan Langley (centre left) with Mayoral Consort Gary Langley (centre right) attending the annual Lady Mayors Banquet (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

Protecting our security is non-negotiable  our first duty. But by taking tough steps to keep us secure, we enable ourselves to co-operate in other areas.

Earlier in the year, the collapse of the trial of two alleged Chinese spies triggered a row over whether the Government had deliberately undermined the case to preserve relations with China  a claim ministers firmly rejected.

In his speech on Monday, Sir Keir said China posed national security threats to the UK.

Sir Keir (centre) with Speaker of the House of Commons Sir Lindsay Hoyle (right) during the banquet (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

But he also described the country as a defining force in technology, trade and global governance and said Britain needed a China policy that recognises this reality.

He said: Were absolutely clear that when it comes, for example, to defence, AI or our critical national infrastructure, we will always protect our security and our economic interests.

But were also clear that in areas where there is no significant risk, we are going to give businesses the confidence, clarity and support they need to win these opportunities, with all the necessary mitigations in place.

Commenting on the speech, Conservative shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel said Sir Keir had become Beijings useful idiot in Britain.

She said: From Chinas continued flouting of economic rules to transnational repression of Hong Kongers in Britain, Stamers reset with Beijing is a naive one-way street, which puts Britain at risk while Beijing gets everything it wants.

Starmer continues to kowtow to China and is captivated by half-baked promises of trade. Coming just days after the latest Chinese plot to interfere in our democracy was exposed, his love letter to the Chinese Communist Party is a desperate ploy to generate economic growth following his Budget of lies and is completely ill-judged.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer making his speech at the Coin Street Neighbourhood Centre in London, backing the Budget to signal a fresh push on welfare reform (Gareth Fuller/PA)

Sir Keir Starmer has insisted that there was no misleading by Chancellor Rachel Reeves over the state of the public finances ahead of the Budget.

Ms Reeves has faced claims she misled voters by overstating the scale of the fiscal challenge in the run-up to last weeks Budget, in which she announced 26 billion worth of tax rises.
Pope Leo XIV has celebrated Lebanons tradition of interfaith co-existence as a beacon of hope for a conflict-torn region, as he asked for the divine gift of peace alongside the countrys Christian and Muslim religious leaders.

He received a raucous welcome from the crowds and a sincere greeting from its spiritual leaders on his first full day in Lebanon, where billboards with his image dotted major roads around the capital.

Thousands of ordinary Lebanese braved a steady rain in the morning to line his motorcade route, some throwing flower petals and rice on his car in a gesture of welcome.

Pope Leo XIV waves from the popemobile (Hassan Ammar/AP)

Historys first American pope is on his maiden papal voyage, and it has taken him to the heart of Christianity  first to Turkey to commemorate a founding profession of the Christian faith and now to Lebanon to encourage an ancient Christian community in a country that is unique in the Arab world for its religious tolerance.

The highlight of his day was an interfaith meeting in Martyrs Square in Beirut, with the countrys Christian patriarchs and Sunni, Shiite and Druze spiritual leaders gathered under a tent.

After listening to hymns and readings from the Bible and Koran, Leo praised Lebanons tradition of religious tolerance as a beacon for the divine gift of peace in the region.

In an age when co-existence can seem like a distant dream, the people of Lebanon, while embracing different religions, stand as a powerful reminder that fear, distrust and prejudice do not have the final word, and that unity, reconciliation and peace are possible, he said.

Leos remarks underscored the importance of Lebanon and its Christian community to the Catholic Church, a place that St John Paul II famously said was more than just a country but a message of freedom to the rest of the world.

The Pope attends an ecumenical and inter-religious meeting at Martyrs Square (Mohammad Zaatari/AP)

At the end of the event, the spiritual leaders planted an olive sapling as a symbol of peace.

At a time of conflict in Gaza and worsening political tensions in Lebanon, Leos visit has been welcomed by the Lebanese as a sign of hope.

The country has recently been deeply divided over calls for Hezbollah, a Lebanese militant group and political party, to disarm after fighting a war with Israel last year that left the country deeply damaged. Despite a ceasefire, Israel has carried out almost daily air strikes targeting Hezbollah members.

The Grand Sunni Muslim Mufti of Lebanon, Abdul-Latif Derian, welcomed Leo at the interfaith event and recalled the good relations forged by the pontiffs predecessor, Pope Francis. He cited the 2019 joint statement on human fraternity signed by Francis and the grand imam of Al-Azhar, the seat of Sunni learning in Cairo, Sheikh Ahmad al-Tayeb.

Lebanon is the land of this message, Mr Derian said.

Pope Leo XIV arrives for a gathering with bishops, priests, consecrated persons and pastoral workers at the Our Lady of Lebanon basilica in Harissa (Hussein Malla/AP)

A senior Lebanese Shiite Muslim cleric, Ali al-Khatib, deputy head of the Supreme Islamic Shiite Council, urged Leo to help Lebanon end Israels attacks amid rising concerns in the Mediterranean country of wider Israeli strikes.

We put Lebanon in your hands so that maybe the world helps us, he said.

Leo opened his day by praying at the tomb of St Charbel Makhlouf, a Lebanese saint revered by many Christians and Muslims.

Every year, hundreds of thousands of pilgrims visit the tomb at the hilltop monastery of St Maroun overlooking the sea at Annaya, around 25 miles from Beirut.

Bells rang as Leos covered vehicle snaked its way through the rain to the monastery where he prayed quietly in the darkened tomb and offered a lamp as a gift of light for the community.

Pope Leo XIV prays in front of the tomb of Saint Charbel Makhlouf (Domenico Stinellis/AP)

Lebanese troops were deployed on both sides of the roads along his motorcade routes, but his warm welcome underscored the joy his visit had brought.

Leo ended the day at a jubilant rally of Lebanese youth at Bkerki, the seat of the Maronite Church, where he encouraged them to persevere and not leave the country as many others have done.

Christians make up around a third of Lebanons five million people, giving the small nation on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean the largest percentage of Christians in the Middle East.

A power-sharing agreement in place since independence from France calls for the president to be a Maronite Christian, making Lebanon the only Arab country with a Christian head of state

The Vatican sees Christian presence as a bulwark for the church in the region.
The White House said on Monday that a US Navy admiral acted within his authority and the law when he ordered a second, follow-up strike on an alleged drug boat in the Caribbean Sea in a September US military operation that has come under bipartisan scrutiny.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt offered the justification for the September 2 strike after representatives from both parties on Sunday announced support for congressional reviews of US military strikes against vessels suspected of smuggling drugs in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean.

They cited a published report that Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a verbal order for a second strike that killed survivors on the boat in that incident.

Ms Leavitt in her comments to reporters on Monday did not dispute a Washington Post report that there were survivors after the initial strike in the incident.

US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth (Ricardo Hernadez/AP)

Her explanation came after US President Donald Trump a day earlier said that he wouldnt have wanted that  not a second strike when asked about the incident.

Secretary Hegseth authorised Admiral Bradley to conduct these kinetic strikes, said Ms Leavitt, referring to US Navy Vice Admiral Frank Bradley, who at the time was the commander of Joint Special Operations Command.

Admiral Bradley worked well within his authority and the law, directing the engagement to ensure the boat was destroyed and the threat to the United States of America was eliminated.

The lawmakers said they did not know whether last weeks Post report was true, and some Republicans were sceptical. Still, they said the reports of attacking survivors of an initial missile strike posed serious legal concerns and merited further scrutiny.

This rises to the level of a war crime if its true, said Democratic senator Tim Kaine.

Republican Mike Turner when asked about a follow-up strike aimed at people no longer able to fight, said Congress does not have information that happened. He noted that leaders of the Armed Services Committee in both the House and Senate have opened investigations.

Obviously, if that occurred, that would be very serious and I agree that that would be an illegal act, Mr Turner said.

Mr Trump on Sunday vigorously defended Mr Hegseth.

Pete said he did not order the death of those two men, Mr Trump said. He added, And I believe him.

Ms Leavitt said Mr Hegseth has spoken to members of Congress who may have expressed some concerns about the reports over the weekend.

General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, also spoke over the weekend to the four bipartisan lawmakers leading the Senate and House Armed Services Committees in which he reiterated his trust and confidence in the experienced commanders at every echelon, Gen Caines office said in a statement.

US President Donald Trump confirmed he had recently spoken by phone with Nicolas Maduro (Alex Brandon/AP)

The statement added that the call focused on addressing the intent and legality of missions to disrupt illicit trafficking networks which threaten the security and stability of the Western Hemisphere.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune on Monday broadly defended the operations, echoing the Trump administration position that they are necessary to stem the flow of illegal narcotics into the United States.

I dont think you want to draw any conclusions or deductions until you have all the facts, Mr Thune said of the September 2 strike. Well see where they lead.

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer called Hegseth a national embarrassment over his response to critics. Mr Schumer added that the Armed Services Committees should demand that Mr Hegseth release the video of the strike and give evidence under oath about what happened.

After the Posts report, Mr Hegseth said on Friday on X that fake news is delivering more fabricated, inflammatory, and derogatory reporting to discredit our incredible warriors fighting to protect the homeland.

Our current operations in the Caribbean 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, Mr Hegseth wrote.

Ms Leavitt also confirmed that Mr Trump later on Monday would be holding a meeting with his national security team to discuss the ongoing operations in the Caribbean Sea and potential next steps against Venezuela.

The US administration says the strikes in the Caribbean are aimed at drug cartels, some of which it claims are controlled by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

Mr Trump also is considering whether to carry out strikes on the Venezuelan mainland.

Mr Trump on Sunday confirmed that he had recently spoken by phone with Mr Maduro but declined to detail the conversation.

The September strike was one in a series carried out by the US military in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean as Mr Trump has ordered the build-up of a fleet of warships near Venezuela, including the largest US aircraft carrier.

More than 80 people have been killed in the strikes on small boats that the Trump administration alleges smuggle narcotics for drug cartels.

Venezuelas National Assembly has announced the launch of an investigation into the lethal strikes carried about by the US.

Sundays announcement by the Assemblys president, Jorge Rodriguez, marked the first time that a Maduro government official explicitly acknowledged that Venezuelans have been killed in the monthslong US military operation.

Mr Rodriguez, Mr Maduros chief negotiator, said a group of politicians will come together to investigate the serious events that led to the murder of Venezuelans in the waters of the Caribbean Sea.
Exclusive | Presbyterian minister who was spied on by congregation goes public to criticise church heads

Rev Robert Greer urges leaders to follow example of Jesus and says scandal is no surprise to him

Rev Robert Greer

Angela Davison Mon 1 Dec 2025 at 12:00

A former minister who was spied on by members of his own congregation has gone public for the first time to speak about the disarray within the Presbyterian Church in Ireland (PCI).
Bennington, VT (05201)

Today

Mainly cloudy with snow showers around this morning. Morning high of 33F with temps falling to near 20. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of snow 60%..

Tonight

Scattered snow flurries and snow showers this evening. Becoming partly cloudy later. Low 14F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of snow 30%.
Bennington, VT (05201)

Today

Some early morning breaks in the overcast, otherwise cloudy. A few flurries or snow showers possible. High 23F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Scattered snow flurries and snow showers this evening. Becoming partly cloudy later. Low 13F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of snow 30%.
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

Light snow this morning will give way to cloudy skies this afternoon. High 29F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of snow 80%..

Tonight

Mostly cloudy skies. A few flurries or snow showers possible. Low 13F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph.
GREAT BARRINGTON  Robins Candy on Main Street has officially evolved into Cocos Candy, but its nostalgic treats arent going anywhere.

Since Elise Contarsy purchased the shop in June from founder and owner Robin Helfand, she has been slowly reorganizing, redecorating and rebranding the shop. It became official recently when the candy store completed its makeover and celebrated the name change.

We want to continue the tradition of the sweet spot in town, Contarsy said. Continue to have a mix of nostalgia and modern treats and be the destination for families of visitors, locals and tourists.

The new name comes from the sweetest thing in Contarsy's life  Uncle Coconut, nicknamed Coco, who is Contarsy's poodle and best friend, and the uncle of her friend's two poodles.

It just seemed like a natural [fit] because he's so sweet and it sounds better than Elise's Candy," Contarsy said. Also, it's alliterative and I like alliteration.

Aside from the branding and a little bit more rainbow, not much has changed for the shop. Its still got its extensive collection of licorice, handcrafted chocolates and unique gifts. The shop also has nostalgic candy for every generation, along with some European treats.

That's really how we're thinking about it, very colorful, really inviting and welcoming for all, Contarsy said. A lot of what Ive done is what I call evolving and eliminating certain things.

Over the last five months, Contarsy has loved integrating herself into the community and getting to experience what she already suspected  Great Barrington is the place to be for this point in her career.

The New York native spent the past two decades connecting with Southern Berkshire as a regular visitor, sending her children to Eisner Camp and taking them to ski at Ski Butternut.

Contarsy's last corporate job was spent mostly behind the Zoom screen, but she knew her merchandise consulting experience could be used to serve the community.

Helfand first opened the shop in Millerton, N.Y., in 2004, then moved to Great Barrington in 2007 before settling at 288 Main St. in 2008. The business quickly became a staple for the town, earning praise from celebrities and being featured in commercials.

This summer, Helfand sold the shop to Contarsy. The shop wasnt up for sale when Contarsy asked to buy it, but Helfand saw how passionate she was about the store and saw a huge opportunity for herself to grow as a consultant.

Contarsy's favorite candy is black licorice, which is a staple of the shop. Despite her love of black licorice, she hopes the explosion of color in the store will encourage anyone walking by to stop for a sweet treat.

So it's a very colorful, vibrant environment where people can come and explore and enjoy themselves and find some of our novelty items, Contarsy said.
Fifteen thousand U.S. troops mass on land and sea. Facing them, the beleaguered president of a nation 11 times smaller than the United States.

Will we invade and why? "I don't rule out anything," answers the president of the United States.

A near naval blockade surrounds tiny Venezuela. President Trump has accused his counterpart, Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro, of leading the Cartel de Los Soles, a designated foreign terrorist organization.

Maduro denies it, claiming Trump is simply using that pretext to effect regime change. But before you start lambasting Donald Trump for going off the deep end, consider the following.

We are witnessing gunboat diplomacy, a tried-and-true American tactic that dates back several centuries. For example, one of the first things a Paris Island Marine recruit like me memorizes in boot camp is the Marine Corps Hymn. It starts with "From the Halls of Montezuma to the Shores of Tripoli; We fight our country's battles " Want to know where that comes from?

In June 1815, the U.S. Navy, still in its infancy, blockaded the nations along the North African Coastline, bombarding Tripoli until it signed a treaty promising not to attack American trade ships.

The capture of Mexico City was next in 1847. A couple of decades later, in 1853, Commodore Matthew Perry's naval expedition steamed into Japan's ports. He was hellbent on asserting US interests and trade by force, if necessary, against the Japanese, which had a long-standing policy of isolation.

The following year, we participated in similar exercises in China along the Yangtze River. Skip a few years, and then again, an invasion of Panama in 1903. I could go on, but the point is that America has exercised a lot of foreign policy over the years by using the threat or the use of force, most often through the U.S. Navy and the Marines on board.

In my last column, I outlined some of our history with Venezuela and its current economic, political and military relationship with both China and Russia. I wrote that our domestic energy production is peaking.

Trump's "Drill, Baby, Drill" policy involves a significant expansion of lease sales to drill for oil off the coasts of Alaska, California and the Gulf of Mexico.

Lease sales do not guarantee buyers will drill. To do so requires a higher oil price than we have now, and the president wants energy prices to fall further. Given that conundrum and America's need to procure additional energy reserves, Venezuela's 303 billion barrels of proven reserves are a tempting target.

The problem is that Venezuela, under President Nicolas Maduro, is no friend of the U.S. After years of U.S.-imposed sanctions, Venezuela's economy continues to decline, with the only hard money the country earns coming from its role as a transit country for drug smuggling.

Despite having the world's largest oil reserves, Venezuela's oil production has been declining for years, from 3.2 million barrels per day in 2000 to roughly 800,000 barrels per day in 2025.

The decline is attributed to years of underinvestment and mismanagement, limited access to capital, and little to no maintenance. Maduro, and before him Chavez, drove the industry into bankruptcy. They expropriated foreign oil companies, drove investors and technology away, and engineered an almost complete collapse of infrastructure and refineries.

To turn around Venezuela's oil industry would require $20 billion per year over two to three years. Once completed, it would require four to five years to yield additional production, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. At that point, the country could sustain an additional 1 million barrels per day.

Another challenge is in the complexion of Venezuela's oil. The Orinoco heavy oil is the largest accumulation of heavy and ultra-heavy crude in the world. About 77 percent of the country's oil reserves are in that region. This oil requires specialized refineries to process this high-density fuel.

Extracting this material is difficult and involves high greenhouse gas emissions, making it one of the more carbon-intensive oil sources in the world. Believe me, I have been there. It's a complex extraction process in a remote, treacherous jungle environment that requires substantial energy and water and generates significant waste.

There are about 125 operational oil refineries located primarily along the Gulf Coast, in Texas, Louisiana, California and the Midwest, that already process a significant amount of heavy oil.

The supply of heavy crude has been shrinking, however, due to prolonged OPEC supply cuts and sanctions on Venezuela, Iran and Russia.

Trump's gunboat policy might succeed in ousting the present government through the threat of force or an actual invasion. That would be dangerous but doable. A ready replacement, Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Corina Machado, who is widely popular in her country, would quickly embrace the U.S. and, presumably, an oil-friendly policy along with it.

A harder sell is convincing Maduro to step down and/or abandon his allies, and to embrace the US once again after years of bad blood.

It could happen, but it is unlikely. And even if that were to happen, the road ahead would require years of effort and money. The United States would have a hard row to hoe to secure this Latin American country's energy wealth without Machado or someone like her in office.

Many critics of the president and administration believe that Trump's Venezuela invasion tactics are a domestically motivated diversionary tactic. If so, the tactic has yet to play out.

Clearly, in the short term, Donald Trump's focus is on becoming the peace president. His reputation as a consummate deal maker is currently fully occupied with accomplishing peace between Russia and Ukraine, while holding together a fragile agreement between Israel and Hamas.

It also appears the president is changing his justification for regime change from fentanyl smuggling (which was a mirage in the first place) to ejecting Russia, Iran, and China from the Western hemisphere. To some, Venezuela may be a bridge too far for now, but I wouldn't put anything past this guy in the months ahead.
The first major snowfall of the winter weather season is on tap for the Berkshires as well as much of New England and eastern New York.

The timing of the expected snowstorm from early morning to late afternoon Tuesday indicates a major impact on school and workplace schedules.

The National Weather Services winter storm warning issued early Monday afternoon stated that heavy snow can be expected, making for dangerous travel caused by snow-covered roadways and reduced visibility.

The warning, in effect starting at 7 a.m. Tuesday and ending at 1 a.m. Wednesday, stated that Berkshire County can expect between 7 and 11 of inches of snow by the time the storm winds down, National Weather Service meteorologist Rosemary Webb told The Eagle.

The snowfall is likely to end by nightfall, she added, though several hours later at higher elevations countywide. It will be a quick system that moves through, Webb said.

We are highly confident that the coastal storm will bring winter weather impacts to the area, she added.

The warning states that roads, especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous.

Travel could be difficult to impossible, according to the government forecasters, with hazardous conditions impacting the morning and afternoon commutes to work and school. Moderate to heavy snow is especially likely late in the day.

As of midday Monday, the fast-moving system was forming in the Southeast, tapping into Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic moisture. The storm was expected to intensify as it hugs the coastline heading toward Cape Cod and the offshore islands of Marthas Vineyard and Nantucket.

Later this week, an Arctic air mass will move into the region, along with snow showers. By late Thursday night, temperatures will be dropping to near zero, with highs on Friday struggling to reach 20 degrees under partly sunny skies.

More wintry weather is forecast for next weekend, but the impact is expected to be much more limited than Tuesdays storm.

Five-day forecast

Tuesday: Snow, mainly after 7 a.m. The snow could be heavy at times. High near 32. Light and variable wind. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent. New snow accumulation of 7 to 11 inches possible.

Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low near 20.

Wednesday: Sunny, high near 30; mostly cloudy overnight, low around 20.

Thursday: Mostly cloudy, near 30, a chance of afternoon snow showers. Clear at night, predawn low near zero on Friday.

Friday: Mostly sunny, near 20; mostly cloudy overnight, chance of snow, low around 15.

Saturday: Mostly cloudy, a 50-50 chance of snow, high near 32.

Source: National Weather Service forecast for Berkshire County as of noon Monday.
Luke 2:1 is the traditional starting point for many for the yearly reading of the Christmas story: In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world.

And thus begins the earthly story of the greatest king of all time  and not the man with the lofty title Caesar Augustus. Rather, Caesar was unwittingly helping to set an ancient prophecy in motion.

Of course, its doubtful anyone was grateful for the census at the time, probably least of all the pregnant Mary. She and her betrothed, Joseph, were members of a conquered people group, forced to travel about 90 miles to be counted for the census of the conquering empire so that it might know just how many people it had available to tax.

So how did a Roman census lead to the fulfillment of prophecy and one of the most beloved stories of all time? Thats what were here to explore.

What Is a Census?

In the simplest terms, taking a census is just officially counting people. Countries today conduct in-depth censuses, mostly for taxation purposes, and it wasnt much different in Rome. So why was the census implemented in Rome at the time?

Caesar Augustus was fond of censuses. It took a lot of taxes to keep the enormous Roman army going, to build roads, and to finance military campaigns to continue conquering the known world. Caesar Augustus was also just generally a luxurious emperor. He recorded in his Res Gestae Divi Avgvsti (The Deeds of Divine Augustus quite a fancy name for a diary) that he ordered widespread censuses of Rome at least three times in 28 B.C., 8 B.C., and 14 A.D.

More localized censuses also took place regularly in certain areas of the Roman Empire; Judea faced at least three censuses around the time of the birth of Christ, in 8 B.C., 2 B.C., and 6 A.D.

The Romans were record keepers and empire builders. Censuses came with the territory.

Who Was Caesar Augustus?

Caesar Augustus was the self-chosen title of a man by the name of Octavian, or Gaius Octavius. He was born in 63 B.C. and was adopted by his great uncle, Julius Caesar. Julius Caesar, dictator of Rome, famously attempted to set himself up as the supreme leader of the Roman Republic but was stabbed to death by the senators. Octavian took up Julius Caesars mantle at the age of only eighteen and completed Romes transition once and for all from the Roman Republic to the Roman Empire.

Octavian was a brilliant statesman and military leader. He succeeded where Julius Caesar failed in slowly amassing his power and making himself out to be a leader for the people, calling himself the first citizen. By the time of Jesus, the Roman Empire was enjoying the Pax Romana, a time of unity, flourishing trade, and general peace and stability in the empire.

Augustus nearly doubled the size of Rome. His influence effectively stretched from Great Britain to India. Italy, Greece, Spain, Gaul, North Africa, Egypt, Asia Minor, and the Near East were all solidly part of the Roman Empire proper. Rome dominated everywhere that bordered on the Mediterranean and beyond.

What Did This Mean for the Jewish People Specifically?

The days of the kings of Israel and Judah were long gone, with the last monarch of Judah blinded and carted off by Babylonian conquerors in 586 B.C. Many of the Jews were taken into exile in Babylon. Some returned under an edict of King Cyrus of Persia in 538 B.C. that allowed them to rebuild Jerusalem, but Israel would remain under the rule of Persia, then Greece, then the Seleucids, with a brief period of relative freedom under the Maccabees before they were conquered by Rome in 63 B.C.

By the time of Jesus, Israel was generally considered a backwater Roman province full of cantankerous people with strange religious beliefs. The Jews had very little autonomy, though they clung to their religion and customs. Some Jews were Roman citizens (like the apostle Paul) and thus had certain rights and privileges, but most were not.

The Jewish people paid taxes to Rome and followed Roman laws. Local authorities were put in place by Rome. Thus, in the case of the census, the Jews did what the Roman governors and local authorities told them to do.

Why Did Mary and Joseph Have to Go to Bethlehem?

Luke 2:3 records that for the census, everyone went to their own town to register (Luke 2:3). Thus, Luke says, Joseph had to travel from Nazareth in Galilee to Bethlehem in Judea.

Joseph had to go to Bethlehem, Luke says, because Bethlehem was the town of David, and Joseph was of the line of David. Incidentally, Mary was also of the lineage of David.

How Long Did Mary and Joseph Stay in Bethlehem?

The timeline isnt certain. For one, it isnt clear how long they were in Bethlehem before Jesus was born. Though it makes for a good drama in Christmas pageants, its unlikely that Mary gave birth the night they arrived. The Bible simply says that, While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born (Luke 2:6).

Though it flies in the face of Christmas tradition, the truth of the matter is that Mary and Joseph probably stayed with family in Bethlehem. The Bible never says Jesus was born in a stable; it simply says he was placed in a manger: She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them (Luke 2:7).

Note that there was no guest room available for them; Mary and Joseph probably stayed on the crowded ground floor of a relatives house, writes Tim Chaffey for Answers in Genesis. The idea of a fruitless search for an inn comes from a translation of the Greek word for guest room getting turned into inn in some English Bibles. (Not to worry; you can still have cute animals in your nativity scene. Small animals were often brought inside the house during the night in the first century. This is probably where the manger came from.)

Because they probably stayed with family, it is likely that Mary and Joseph remained in Bethlehem for some time. Forty days after the birth of her son, a Jewish woman was to go to the temple for purification, which Luke records that Mary and Joseph did, after which they appear to have returned to Bethlehem. The wise men came at some point while Jesus was a young child and visited him at a house in Bethlehem.

The family left Bethlehem and fled to Egypt after Joseph was warned to leave in a dream. This was because King Herod decided to have all boys under two-years-old in and around Bethlehem killed. Herod had heard about the new king of the Jews from the wise men and was determined to eliminate the threat to his power. This, then, ended the familys time in Bethlehem.

You can see a potential timeline here.

Why Is This Significant for Jesus Birth?

Jesus birth in Bethlehem was prophetically foretold. Micah 5:2 states,

But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,

though you are small among the clans of Judah,

out of you will come for me

one who will be ruler over Israel,

whose origins are from of old,

from ancient times.

This prophecy was used by the wise men to find Jesus. When the chief priests and teachers of the law gathered with King Herod and the magi from the east to discover where they might find the king of the Jews, they knew that the Messiah would come from Bethlehem.

It was important, therefore, that Jesus be born in Bethlehem. However, other prophecies pointed to Him being from Nazareth (where His parents hailed from originally, and where He eventually grew up) and foretold that He would be called out of Egypt (where they fled to escape Herods executions).

Thus, the census bringing Jesus to Bethlehem, but only temporarily, was an incredibly specific way for all of the prophecies to be fulfilled.

The mighty Roman Empire, its taxation machine, and its sprawling governing power couldnt care less about a poor couple in an outlying province. However, Caesar Augustuss census was used by God for a far more important purpose than Caesar could ever know. God used the Roman census to fulfill prophecy and point to the greatest ruler of all, the Messiah, the King of Kings.

Photo credit: Getty Images/curtoicurto

Alyssa Roat studied writing, theology, and the Bible at Taylor University. She has worked as a literary agent at C.Y.L.E., the publicity manager at Mountain Brook Ink, and as a freelance editor with Sherpa Editing Services. She is the co-author of Dear Hero and has 200+ bylines in publications ranging from The Christian Communicator to Keys for Kids.
A Swiss flag flies over the Credit Suisse logo at the Credit Suisse branch in Bern, Switzerland, on Monday, May 8, 2023. (KEYSTONE/ Keystone/Peter Klaunzer

A Credit Suisse employee has been charged in connection with loans to Mozambican state-owned companies. CS and its successor company UBS are accused of failing to prevent the crime, according to the Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland.

Keystone-SDA SDA

An employee of Credit Suisse has been charged with granting loans to Mozambican state-owned companies totaling over two billion US dollars. CS and its successor company UBS are accused of failing to prevent the offense. The Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland (OAG) criticized organizational deficiencies in this context on Monday, as detailed in a press release.

The loans were granted by the Credit Suisse financial group in 2013 with three Mozambican state-owned companies. In 2016, they became known as the "Mozambique debt scandal". In 2020, the OAG opened initial criminal proceedings in this connection, which it is currently conducting against two natural persons on suspicion of money laundering and aiding and abetting the bribery of foreign public officials.

Based on findings from these first criminal proceedings, the OAG opened a second criminal investigation in 2023, which it has now concluded with the submission of the indictment dated November 25, 2025, according to the statement.

Money allegedly obtained through criminal acts

The indictment centers on a business relationship between CS and a foreign company that was allegedly active in business consulting and asset management and was presumably involved in the events surrounding the "Mozambique debt scandal", the OAG reported on Monday.

In spring 2016, funds amounting to around 7.86 million US dollars were received in the company's accounts at CS in Switzerland, transferred by the Mozambique Ministry of Economy and Finance.

The funds received by CS from Mozambique were suspected to have originated from a so-called "running fee" agreed between the account holder and Mozambican state-owned companies and guaranteed by the state, paid out for alleged services in connection with the aforementioned credit transactions.

According to the indictment, the funds received from Mozambique - the "running fee" - were obtained or benefited from criminal acts in Mozambique, in particular corruption in the form of bribery of Mozambican public officials and disloyal conduct in Mozambique.

Employee probably in charge of investigations

Shortly after receiving the credit, the account holder transferred USD 7 million of the funds received to bank accounts in the United Arab Emirates. According to the OAG, CS initiated investigations into this business relationship on the basis of this account movement. The accused CS compliance employee was allegedly in charge of carrying out these investigations.

Although, according to the indictment, she had numerous indications of a possible criminal origin of the funds received from Mozambique, the compliance employee is said to have recommended to the management of CS and Credit Suisse Group not to file a report with the Money Laundering Reporting Office Switzerland (MROS), but rather to balance the business relationship.

In the course of the balancing of accounts, in the fall of 2016, the funds originally originating from suspected criminal acts in Mozambique and still remaining at CS at that time in the amount of around USD 609,000 and CHF 28,000 were transferred to accounts abroad.

The OAG accuses the accused compliance employee of having caused or allowed the remaining funds of suspected criminal origin to be moved abroad and thus laundered by recommending the balancing of the business relationship and by carelessly carrying out the money laundering investigation assigned to her.

CS only reported suspected money laundering to MROS in 2019 after the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) made public criminal proceedings in connection with the Mozambique loan transactions.


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The level of light in a storm drain where the body of Belfast schoolboy Noah Donohoe was found five years ago has been examined recently, a court has heard.

It emerged during a preliminary hearing ahead of an inquest to be held into the 14-year-olds death, which is due to start in January.

Mr Justice Rooney, who is presiding over the inquest, questioned why no one had thought to do this before.

Noah, a student at St Malachys College, was found dead in a drain in north Belfast in June 2020, six days after he went missing as he cycled to meet friends.

The Royal Courts of Justice in Belfast (Liam McBurney/PA)

The jury inquest has been delayed a number of times.

The latest in a series of preliminary hearings took place at the Royal Courts of Justice in Belfast on Monday morning.

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Noahs mother, Fiona Donoho,e watched proceedings by remote link

A meeting of experts is due to take place later this week.

Neasa Murnaghan KC, acting for the Northern Ireland Department for Infrastructure, which owns the storm drain network where Noah was found, told the hearing on Monday morning that someone had climbed down into the culvert to assess the ingress of light.

It was felt that that could be a relevant consideration, just how dark it would be in the culvert, so weve carried out two further examinations and investigations, she said.

We proposed that the result of those investigations would be formally committed to a statement that we would hope to have before the court.

Mr Justice Rooney said: Since 2020, youre saying no one ever considered the issue of light getting into the culvert?

She responded: Not in the sort of concentrated way it was a very long consultation it was while discussing the harsh conditions that while looking at photographs that were lit, it occurred that of course that the actual conditions there was no lighting, and that led to a discussion about whether one would literally see ones hand in front of ones face.

Brenda Campbell KC, acting for Ms Donohoe, said they would like to know when they can expect the results.

Ms Murnaghan said the outcome of the investigations is expected to be available by Wednesday.
New charges at Dublin Port could drive up the cost of food, fuel and construction materials, according to the Irish Road Hauliers Association.

New tariffs will include a five per cent increase in the price of a container and 15 infrastructure charge.

In total, Dublin Port Company said that the overall costs per container in 2026 will rise by 16.83, or 46 per cent, to a new total of 53.33.

The Central Statistics Office estimates that the average shipping container coming through the port contains 100,000 worth of goods.

The Irish Road Hauliers Association has said that these charges could lead to higher supermarket prices.

Ger Hyland, President of the association, said on Newstalk that it is an act of self-sabotage on Irish trade interests. "We fought hard with Trump and America to stop 15 per cent tariffs coming on Irish goods. And here we have Dublin Port introducing tariffs on top of the country as well."

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Up to 165 billion of trade flows through Dublin Port each year, and the port handles 80 per cent of all containerised freight that comes into Ireland.

Dublin Port Company said the increased charges come after the finalisation of its pricing framework for 20262030 as part of the next phase of its Masterplan 2040.

Between 2004 and 2021, Dublin Port absorbed fluctations with a flat pricing rate, but the company said the port had seen a significant increase in pricing and borrowing in recent years, with average annual capital investment set to increase from 65 million (20152024) to 170 million between 2025 and 2030.

World Donald Trump cuts tariffs on China after meeting Xi Jinping in South Korea Read more

A spokesperson for Dublin Port said: "The dual impact of construction inflation combined with the commencement of the second project of Masterplan 2040 has resulted in the requirement for a significant increase in both market pricing and borrowings.

"Continued investment at this scale is essential to maintain capacity and resilience at a Port that already facilitates 165bn of trade each year.

"The updated Port charges, including the introduction of an infrastructure levy from 2026, are necessary to fund this investment and ensure Dublin Port can continue to support Irelands trade and economic growth.

"While we recognise that the increase presents challenges for customers, the changes should be viewed against the substantial economic value the Port enables, and they are not expected to have an inflationary impact."
Here, we have a look at the issues likely to dominate political discourse in the week to come.

Simon Harris may face challenges in finance

Paschal Donohoe's departure means a new role for Tanaiste Simon Harris.

He has served as Minister for Foreign Affairs and as Minister for Justice, while Helen McEntee was on maternity leave, but the finance portfolio will be a huge challenge.

This started early for him as the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council (Ifac) said the Government is budgeting like theres no tomorrow.

The organisation warned there was a lack of long-term planning and the Government was not saving enough corporation tax windfalls to prepare for future budgetary pressures.

Asked about the criticisms by Ifac on the way into Cabinet, Mr Harris said he would submit a medium-term economic plan by the end of the year.

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He said he also agreed with a multi-annual budgetary plan as suggested by Ifac, calling it a sensible suggestion.

He said he had requested a meeting with Ifac last week, after he became finance minister, because he was aware of the danger of group think in Ireland previously.

My number one immediate priority as our countrys new minister for finance is to produce, with government colleagues, a medium-term economic plan to move beyond the temptation for short-termism and to anchor both our spending and taxation plans for the years ahead in this medium-term framework.

I intend to have that work completed with government colleagues, with the Taoiseach, with Minister (for Public Expenditure Jack) Chambers, by the end of this year.

He said the Irish economy was still in a position of relative strength but that there was huge global uncertainty and now was not the time for complacency.

Mr Harris added: What I want to see as minister is an end to this drift spending, where in year theres additional spending.

Not every problem can be monetised, sometimes people just actually have to look at ways of reforming, ways of better delivering services.

Were increasing budgets, were expanding budgets, but people, agencies, departments, now need to live within those budgets, and we need to get back to that annual cycle of budgeting, grounded and anchored in a new medium-term plan that will be produced by the end of the year.

I think that is a safe, prudent and sensible measure to take to keep our country and our economy secure in these turbulent times.

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Ms McEntee will also face a new challenge in foreign affairs.

She has insisted the Government is committed in publishing the Occupied Territories Bill, despite criticism from the Opposition about the slow pace.

Ireland's support of Ukraine will also be on the agenda amid tense peace talks involving the US and Russia.

That brings us on to the next big event, the visit of Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy.

Zelenskiy visit

Strict security protocols are in place ahead of Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiys first official visit to Ireland.

Mr Zelenskiy is due to meet Taoiseach Micheal Martin and President Catherine Connolly, and address a sitting of the joint Houses of the Oireachtas.

Preparations are underway at Government Buildings and Leinster House for the visit tomorrow. An Garda Siochana has cancelled all leave and rest days for Mr Zelenkiy's two-day visit.

Tanaiste Simon Harris said tight security measures are in place.

"The President of Ireland will be meeting the president of Ukraine, the Taoiseach and myself, members of the Cabinet, and we're very much looking forward to having an opportunity to engage with president Zelenskiy.

"Of course all of the various measures that you'd expect when there is any high profile visitor are in place in terms of security and safety... and that's right and proper."

Mr Zelenskiy has said there are "tough issues" to work out, as negotiators continue to work through a peace deal to end the war in Ukraine.

He is meeting French president Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Monday before making a quick trip to Ireland.

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Earlier, three people were killed in a Russian missile attack on the city of Dnipro.

Mr Zelenskiy was last in Ireland in February, when his plane stopped off to refuel ahead of a visit to Washington DC.

Mr Martin met the Ukrainian leader at Shannon Airport in Irelands south-west, where he emphasised the Irish peoples support for the Ukrainian people.

The following day, a televised exchange in the Oval Office between Mr Zelenskiy, US president Donald Trump and US vice president JD Vance made international headlines.

In April 2022, Mr Zelenskiy made a historic address to the Dail in which he said Ireland had not been neutral to the disaster Russia had brought to Ukraine.

Herzog Park controversy

A report on a proposal to rename Herzog Park in Dublin is set to be withdrawn from the agenda of a council meeting on Monday.

Lord Mayor Ray McAdam said the chief executive of Dublin City Council, Richard Shakespeare, had indicated to him he intends to withdraw the report, stating that legislation pertaining to the renaming of place names had not been fully commenced.

The council proposal had been criticised by Taoiseach Micheal Martin and Tanaiste Simon Harris.

The Office of the President of Israel had also expressed concern over the proposed renaming of the park in south Dublin.

Abroad

There is an expectation of developments in Ukraine peace talks this week.

French president Emmanuel Macron has welcomed Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskiy to Paris and said peace talks could be a turning point for the future of Ukraine and security in Europe.

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Ukraine is the only one that can discuss its territories as a sovereign nation, Mr Macron said during a joint news conference with Mr Zelenskiy.

Talks on the proposed plan are still in a preliminary phase, Mr Macron said during a joint news conference with Mr Zelenskiy, adding: But I want to praise the peace efforts of the US.

Mr Macron said the coming days will see crucial discussions between US officials and western partners aiming to clarify US participation in security guarantees for Ukraine after a potential ceasefire or peace deal.

The UK has sealed a deal to give the US zero tariffs on pharmaceutical products imported into Britain, in return for the NHS spending more on medicines.
Strict security protocols are in place ahead of Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiys first official visit to Ireland.

Mr Zelenskiy is due to meet Taoiseach Micheal Martin and President Catherine Connolly, and address a sitting of the joint Houses of the Oireachtas.

Preparations are underway at Government Buildings and Leinster House for the visit tomorrow. An Garda Siochana has cancelled all leave and rest days for Mr Zelenkiy's two-day visit.

Tanaiste Simon Harris said tight security measures are in place.

"The President of Ireland will be meeting the president of Ukraine, the Taoiseach and myself, members of the Cabinet, and we're very much looking forward to having an opportunity to engage with president Zelenskiy.

"Of course all of the various measures that you'd expect when there is any high profile visitor are in place in terms of security and safety... and that's right and proper."

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Mr Zelenskiy has said there are "tough issues" to work out, as negotiators continue to work through a peace deal to end the war in Ukraine.

He is meeting French president Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Monday before making a quick trip to Ireland.

Earlier, three people were killed in a Russian missile attack on the city of Dnipro.

Mr Zelenskiy was last in Ireland in February, when his plane stopped off to refuel ahead of a visit to Washington DC.

Mr Martin met the Ukrainian leader at Shannon Airport in Irelands south-west, where he emphasised the Irish peoples support for the Ukrainian people.

The following day, a televised exchange in the Oval Office between Mr Zelenskiy, US president Donald Trump and US vice president JD Vance made international headlines.

In April 2022, Mr Zelenskiy made a historic address to the Dail in which he said Ireland had not been neutral to the disaster Russia had brought to Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is to make a brief visit to Ireland as efforts to strike peace plans continue.

Mr Zelensky and Ukraines first lady Olena Zelenska will have a number of engagements during the visit to Ireland, including a meeting with Taoiseach Micheal Martin and a courtesy call on President Catherine Connolly.

He will also attend the inauguration of the Ireland-Ukraine Economic Forum with Tanaiste Simon Harris.

Mr Zelenskys visit to Dublin comes as the Ukrainian leader is under pressure from the US to sign a peace deal.

Micheal Martin met Volodymyr Zelensky at Shannon Airport in February. Photo: PA.

Representatives of the US, Russia and Ukraine have held talks in the past week in the United Arab Emirates in an attempt to come to an agreement that would end almost four years of Russias full-scale invasion.

It also comes days after the resignation of Ukraines chief negotiator in those talks, Mr Zelenskys chief of staff Andrii Yermak, whose residence was searched on Friday by anti-corruption investigators.

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Mr Zelensky was last in Ireland in February, when his plane stopped off to refuel ahead of a visit to Washington DC.

Mr Martin met the Ukrainian leader at Shannon Airport in Irelands south-west, where he emphasised the Irish peoples support for the Ukrainian people.

The presidents visit comes at a critical time for Ukraine and Europe, with efforts to bring just and lasting peace to Ukraine ongoing Micheal Martin

The following day, a televised exchange in the Oval Office between Mr Zelensky, US President Donald Trump and US Vice President JD Vance made international headlines.

In April 2022, Mr Zelensky made a historic address to the Dail in which he said Ireland had not been neutral to the disaster Russia had brought to Ukraine.

On Monday, Mr Martin welcomed what would be the first official visit to Ireland by a Ukrainian president and first lady.

It is an honour to welcome President Zelensky and the first lady to Ireland, the Taoiseach said.

Around the world, he is rightly recognised as someone who embodies the courage and resilience of the Ukrainian people, who have inspired the world in their brave defence of their country and its sovereignty since it was brutally and illegally invaded by Russia.

He praised Ukraines remarkable tenacity in defending their country and said he looked forward to reiterating Irelands unswerving commitment to standing with the people of Ukraine for as long as it takes.

I particularly look forward to discussing with the president how Ireland can assist in accelerating Ukraines journey towards EU membership Micheal Martin

He said: The presidents visit comes at a critical time for Ukraine and Europe, with efforts to bring just and lasting peace to Ukraine ongoing.

I look forward to discussing with President Zelensky the ways in which Ireland can support these efforts and how we can ensure that Ukraine comes to the negotiating table in as strong a position as possible.

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The inauguration of the Ireland-Ukraine Economic Forum also offers an opportunity to explore the potential for strengthened business-to-business, trade and investment links between Ireland and Ukraine.

We also want to see a Ukraine that is fully part of our European Union family, and I particularly look forward to discussing with the president how Ireland can assist in accelerating Ukraines journey towards EU membership, including during our presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2026.

I will also be telling the president about the remarkable story of the Ukrainian people who have sought refuge in Ireland since 2022.

In that period, we have welcomed over 120,000 Ukrainians seeking safe haven. Some have returned, some have moved on and many have remained, but all have made a great contribution to our society through their hard work and vibrant culture, becoming valued members of our communities.
A "vulnerable" mother and cancer survivor who was caught with an arsenal of weapons "secreted" under the stairs of her home has been jailed by the Special Criminal Court for four years.

Lawyers for defendant Sarah Jane Byrne had previously suggested that any custodial sentence should be "as short as possible".

However, presiding judge Ms Justice Karen O'Connor said on Monday that there had to be "a deterrent element", and that society must be protected from weapons of brutality, intimidation and fear, where lives are put at risk and families destroyed.

Last month, barristers for Byrne (37) and her co-accused Jamie Moss (22) asked the three-judge court to be as lenient as possible given that both pleaded guilty and are considered at low risk of reoffending, while neither have any previous convictions.

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Michael Bowman SC, for Byrne, had said at that sentence hearing that his client was a vulnerable young woman with mental health and addiction problems who had previously been subjected to domestic abuse.

She stored firearms to help pay off a debt to drug dealers, counsel said, but since her arrest has "overcome the difficulties in her life", despite being branded a 'rat' by members of her community.

Last month, Detective Garda Emma Ryan told Tessa White BL, for the Director of Public Prosecutions, that as part of a garda operation, members of the Emergency Response Unit stopped a grey Ford Focus on the Old Navan Road in Blanchardstown on February 16th last year.

Moss was driving the car, while Byrne was in the passenger seat. In the passenger footwell, gardai found a Makarov pistol and ammunition wrapped in cling film, inside a plastic bag.

Gardai searched Byrne's house later that day, where they discovered a hole in the plasterboard of her bedroom. Inside was a small plastic container with 27 rounds of 9mm Luger ammunition. Under the stairs, they found a shopping bag containing a sub-machine gun and a shotgun.

Before delivering sentence on Monday, Ms Justice O'Connor said that while the semi-automatic pistol found in the passenger footwell of the vehicle was fully loaded, the ammunition in the chamber was incompatible with the firearm.

The judge said significant firearms "of the most serious type" were found "secreted" in Byrne's home, weapons which can have a catastrophic impact on communities. She noted that Byrne's DNA was found on the black bag wrapping on the firearms.

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The judge said the aggravating factors in Byrne's case included the nature and quality of the ammunition and weapons found in the vehicle and her house. The judge referred to the lethal nature - both intentionally and potentially - of firearms in communities, which are used to kill, maim, intimidate and destroy lives.

In mitigation, the judge noted that Byrne had cooperated and made full admissions during her detention. She also referred to the difficult challenges the woman had faced in her life.

Ms Justice O'Connor said the defendant was the mother of a young child and had a long history of drug addiction. She said the court had received evidence that Byrne's drug addiction resulted in her being compelled to leave the family home.

She noted that Byrne had also been involved in an abusive relationship. She said the defendant has a strong network of support and that the court had heard about her ongoing rehabilitation.

Ms Justice O'Connor said that Byrne was also in remission from cancer. She said the court had also received a letter from the defendant, where she referenced having experienced domestic violence and coercive control, as well as her addiction to drugs and the impact of a drug debt.

The judge set a headline sentence for Byrne on counts three and four - possession of the 9mm Makarov semi-automatic pistol and ammunition - at seven years and six months. Having considered the mitigation and the guilty plea, the judge imposed a sentence of four years imprisonment for that offence.

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Byrne was also sentenced to four years and four months imprisonment, with the final 12 months suspended, for possession of the shotgun and submachine gun found in her home. Both sentences are to run concurrently.

Moss

Referring to Moss, Ms Justice O'Connor said he had an impressive work history, had completed an apprenticeship in carpentry and was held in high esteem by his employer, who said he possessed qualities of honesty, reliability and dedication.

The judge said Moss was an important person in the lives of many people and that his behaviour had been described as out of character.

The judge said both Moss and Byrne had been caught red-handed and called the offences "very serious cases".

The headline sentence for Moss was set at seven years. The judge said on foot of his guilty plea, she would have imposed a sentence of four years and eight months. However, taking mitigation into account, the judge sentenced Moss to three years and eight months in prison, with the final 20 months suspended for a period of three years.

Byrne, of Mangorton Road, Drimnagh, Dublin 12, pleaded guilty to five offences earlier this year.

Byrne pleaded guilty that on February 16th, 2024, at Old Navan Road in Blanchardstown, Dublin 15, she had in her possession or under control a 9mm Makarov semi-automatic pistol and ammunition in circumstances giving rise to a reasonable inference she did not have them for a lawful purpose.

On the same date, at her home address, she pleaded guilty to similar charges relating to possession of 27 rounds of Luger 9mm ammunition, a 12-gauge "over and under" sawn-off Beretta shotgun, and a Tokarev submachine gun.

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Moss, of Meadowview, Ballyfermot, D10, pleaded guilty to a charge that on the same date on the Old Navan Road, he had in his possession and control the 9mm Makarov calibre semi-automatic pistol. On the same date, at the same address, he pleaded guilty to having in his possession a 9mm Makarov Sellier and Bellot round of ammunition.

Sentence hearing

Byrne made full admissions during her garda interviews, Det Gda Ryan told her sentencing hearing. Neither defendant had any previous convictions, nor had they come to the adverse attention of gardai prior to or since this offence, she said.

Det Gda Ryan agreed with Mr Bowman that during her interviews, Byrne was "exceptionally remorseful and distressed" and presented as a "vulnerable" woman who was appalled at her own behaviour. The garda further agreed that Byrne did not stand to gain from possession of the firearms other than the suggestion that she might enjoy some debt forgiveness.

Byrne has been branded a "rat", a "stigma that has a difficult association in the community," the detective said.

Mr Bowman said Byrne has had a difficult life, with childhood trauma and addiction issues. Prior to this offence, she had overcome her addiction but relapsed after a cancer diagnosis. She was "exploited" due to her vulnerabilities, Mr Bowman said, and when told to hold the firearms, she agreed.

She accepted that she committed a serious offence and has engaged fully with probation services, is overcoming her various health problems and is considered at a low risk of reoffending, Mr Bowman said. She is determined to continue her rehabilitation for her sake and for her daughter, said counsel.

Mr Bowman suggested that if the court must impose a custodial sentence, it should be "as short as possible".

Seamus Clarke SC, for Moss, said his client has recently completed his apprenticeship as a carpenter and was described in testimonials handed into court as a hard-working, respected member of his community.

The defendants' families had burst into tears when the judge announced that she was remanding both in custody for sentencing.
Plans to rename Herzog Park are suspended, and new student accommodation plans make the front pages of Monday's papers.

The Irish Times leads with the announcement that Herzog Park will not be renamed, following a weekend of national and international pressure on Dublin City Council.

The Irish Examiner leads with plans for colleges to deliver 42,00 student beds, as Universities will be urged to negotiate directly with private accommodation providers.

The Echo leads with 350,000 spent on tap card payments for Cork buses, but there is still no timeline for them to be installed.

The Irish Independent reveals social media firms are to be held liable for fraud on their sites.

The Irish Daily Mail leads with allegations against an ambulance worker, with seven women coming forward.

The Irish Daily Mirror leads with the family of a woman left with life-changing injuries have called for changes after her attacker, who is out on bail for another offence.

The Irish Daily Star reveals Gerry Hutch is keeping a low profile and on alert ahead of plans to run in the upcoming by-election in Dublin.
A mother has begged a court not to jail her partner, who threatened to kill her in front of their children, and pinned her down, barely able to breathe, until gardai intervened.

The Midlands man in his 40s pleaded guilty at Mullingar Circuit Criminal Court to assault by strangulation, driving without insurance, breach of the peace, violating a safety order and theft.

The woman told the court, "he is not a bad person when sober".

Judge Kenneth Connolly heard that on a date last year, the man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, arrived at a local supermarket highly intoxicated. He verbally abused staff before taking an alcoholic beverage from the shelf and drinking it.

Despite being under a road ban, he drove home and had a row outside with another person, as the victim tried to get him to come into the house.

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He then turned on her, saying, "I'll kill you", and grabbed her by her arms while his children were present.

Gardai had been alerted following the scene in the supermarket and went to the man's house.

The court heard that when they arrived, they found that the woman had been pinned on the bed by her partner, and he was pushing under her chin while she was "unable to breathe."

The court heard she was struggling to breathe as officers arrived and intervened and ultimately they had to pepper spray the man to subdue him.

His wife sat beside him during the hearing but also gave a victim impact statement.

She spoke about her husband's problems with depression and said that he had not been taking his medication at the time. The woman told Judge Connolly her partner "became a different person" when he abused alcohol.

She said the family situation had significantly improved since then because he had stopped drinking except for one relapse.

The victim believed that he had been self-medicating with alcohol at the time of the attack, and said it would be devastating for her and their children if he were jailed.

The victim also explained that she did not think he still posed a danger.

"I would not be here like I am if I was in danger, if the kids were in danger," she said.

The court heard she had also had his safety order taken out at the time, which he breached, and he has been referred to a residential addiction treatment centre and counselling.

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The woman said the man had also attempted suicide previously and she spoke about the effect of the death of a close family member on him.

He left the home for some weeks after the attack before she let him return on the promise that he would quit drinking.

Speaking about the incident, she described it as terrifying. "It left a mark, but in the aftermath, something good has come from it, real change, and we are a stronger family unit," she added.

The court heard he had 22 previous convictions, including assault, motoring offences and obstructing gardai and that he was also the primary "breadwinner" for the family. He had also been banned from driving at the time of the incident.

Judge Connolly said he still had concerns about the woman's safety as he adjourned sentencing until a date in April.

The man sat with his head bowed and did not address the court, but apologised through his counsel. The court also heard he was back on his medication and that there had been no further incidents.

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can contact Womens Aid (24-hour freephone helpline at 1800-341 900, email helpline@womensaid.ie) or Mens Aid Ireland (confidential helpline at 01-554 3811, email hello@mensaid.ie) for support and information.

Safe Ireland also offers a number of local services and helplines at safeireland.ie/get-help/where-to-find-help/. In the case of an emergency, always dial 999/112.
A court in Bangladeshs capital on Monday sentenced ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina to five years in prison and her niece, Labour MP Tulip Siddiq, to two years in prison for corruption involving a government land project.

Rabiul Alam, the judge of Dhakas Special Judges Court, said Ms Hasina misused her power as prime minister, while Ms Siddiq was guilty of corruptly influencing her aunt in helping her mother get a piece of land in a government project.

Ms Siddiqs mother, Sheikh Rehana, was given seven years in prison and was considered the prime participant in the case.

It involved the Purbachal New Town project in a suburb of Dhaka.

Ms Siddiq, who serves as the Member for Hampstead and Highgate in London, has denied the allegations.

Ms Hasina has been in exile in India since she was ousted by a mass uprising last year. The trial and others against her were conducted in absentia.
French president Emmanuel Macron has welcomed Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskiy to Paris and said peace talks could be a turning point for the future of Ukraine and security in Europe.

Ukraine is the only one that can discuss its territories as a sovereign nation, Mr Macron said during a joint news conference with Mr Zelenskiy.

Talks on the proposed plan are still in a preliminary phase, Mr Macron said during a joint news conference with Mr Zelenskiy, adding: But I want to praise the peace efforts of the US.

Mr Macron said the coming days will see crucial discussions between US officials and western partners aiming to clarify US participation in security guarantees for Ukraine after a potential ceasefire or peace deal.

Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Emmanuel Macron give a joint press conference at the Elysee Palace in Paris (Christophe Ena/AP)

The French president insisted the peace plan can only be finalised with Europeans around the table.

He also denounced Russias continued onslaught against Ukraine, saying: At a time when we are talking about peace, Russia continues to kill and destroy.

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The discussions are part of a flurry of diplomatic activity aimed at brokering the terms for a potential ceasefire in the nearly four-year-old war in Ukraine.

Mr Zelenskiys visit followed a meeting between Ukrainian and US officials in Florida on Sunday, which secretary of state Marco Rubio described as productive.

The two sides have worked to make revisions to a proposed US-authored plan that was developed in negotiations between Washington and Moscow but criticised as too weighted towards Russian demands.

US special envoy Steve Witkoff and secretary of state Marco Rubio at a meeting with Ukrainian officials (Terry Renna/AP)

Ukraines European allies welcomed the US peace efforts but pushed back on key tenets of the plan.

Before his meeting with Mr Zelenskiy on Monday, Mr Macrons office said the two leaders would discuss conditions for a fair and lasting peace.

Later, the French presidents office said he and Mr Zelenskiy held talks with other European partners including leaders from the UK, Germany, Poland, Italy, Norway, Finland, Denmark and the Netherlands.

Also included in the talks were European Union officials Antonio Costa and Ursula von der Leyen and Nato secretary-general Mark Rutte.

Mr Macron and Mr Zelenskiy also had phone calls with US special envoy Steve Witkoff, Mr Macrons office said.

US president Donald Trump has downplayed his administrations original 28-point peace framework, which would have imposed limits on the size of Ukraines military, blocked the country from joining Nato and required Ukraine to give up territory, as a concept to be fine-tuned.

Im afraid that all the pressure will be put on the victim, which is that Ukraine has to make concessions and obligations EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas

Last week, Mr Macron  a key ally for Ukraine who has firmly backed Kyiv and sought to counterbalance elements of the US peace plan that are seen to favour Russia  urged western allies to bring rock-solid guarantees to Ukraine. He has endorsed deploying a reassurance force on land, at sea and in the air to help ensure the countrys security.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed on Monday that Russian president Vladimir Putin would meet Mr Witkoff on Tuesday afternoon. The US envoys role in the peace efforts came under scrutiny last week after a report said he coached Mr Putins foreign affairs adviser on how Russias leader should pitch to Mr Trump on the Ukraine peace plan.

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Ireland Tight security measures in place for Zelenskiy visit Read more

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas on Monday expressed concern that the US-Russia talks might end up with Ukraine having to make more concessions, like being pressured to surrender its territory.

Im afraid that all the pressure will be put on the victim, which is that Ukraine has to make concessions and obligations, she told reporters in Brussels after chairing a meeting of EU foreign and defence ministers.

Its the United Nations charter that says that you cant change borders by force. If this pays off, we will see this elsewhere all around the world. Whoever has the power gets to take what they want.
The White House said on Monday that a US Navy admiral acted within his authority and the law when he ordered a second, follow-up strike on an alleged drug boat in the Caribbean Sea in a September US military operation that has come under bipartisan scrutiny.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt offered the justification for the September 2 strike after representatives from both parties on Sunday announced support for congressional reviews of US military strikes against vessels suspected of smuggling drugs in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean.

They cited a published report that Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a verbal order for a second strike that killed survivors on the boat in that incident.

Ms Leavitt in her comments to reporters on Monday did not dispute a Washington Post report that there were survivors after the initial strike in the incident.



US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth (Ricardo Hernadez/AP)

Her explanation came after US President Donald Trump a day earlier said that he wouldnt have wanted that  not a second strike when asked about the incident.

Secretary Hegseth authorised Admiral Bradley to conduct these kinetic strikes, said Ms Leavitt, referring to US Navy Vice Admiral Frank Bradley, who at the time was the commander of Joint Special Operations Command.

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Admiral Bradley worked well within his authority and the law, directing the engagement to ensure the boat was destroyed and the threat to the United States of America was eliminated.

The lawmakers said they did not know whether last weeks Post report was true, and some Republicans were sceptical. Still, they said the reports of attacking survivors of an initial missile strike posed serious legal concerns and merited further scrutiny.

This rises to the level of a war crime if its true, said Democratic senator Tim Kaine.

Republican Mike Turner when asked about a follow-up strike aimed at people no longer able to fight, said Congress does not have information that happened. He noted that leaders of the Armed Services Committee in both the House and Senate have opened investigations.

Obviously, if that occurred, that would be very serious and I agree that that would be an illegal act, Mr Turner said.

Mr Trump on Sunday vigorously defended Mr Hegseth.

Pete said he did not order the death of those two men, Mr Trump said. He added, And I believe him.

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Ms Leavitt said Mr Hegseth has spoken to members of Congress who may have expressed some concerns about the reports over the weekend.

General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, also spoke over the weekend to the four bipartisan lawmakers leading the Senate and House Armed Services Committees in which he reiterated his trust and confidence in the experienced commanders at every echelon, Gen Caines office said in a statement.



US President Donald Trump confirmed he had recently spoken by phone with Nicolas Maduro (Alex Brandon/AP)

The statement added that the call focused on addressing the intent and legality of missions to disrupt illicit trafficking networks which threaten the security and stability of the Western Hemisphere.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune on Monday broadly defended the operations, echoing the Trump administration position that they are necessary to stem the flow of illegal narcotics into the United States.

I dont think you want to draw any conclusions or deductions until you have all the facts, Mr Thune said of the September 2 strike. Well see where they lead.

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer called Hegseth a national embarrassment over his response to critics. Mr Schumer added that the Armed Services Committees should demand that Mr Hegseth release the video of the strike and give evidence under oath about what happened.

After the Posts report, Mr Hegseth said on Friday on X that fake news is delivering more fabricated, inflammatory, and derogatory reporting to discredit our incredible warriors fighting to protect the homeland.

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Our current operations in the Caribbean 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, Mr Hegseth wrote.

Ms Leavitt also confirmed that Mr Trump later on Monday would be holding a meeting with his national security team to discuss the ongoing operations in the Caribbean Sea and potential next steps against Venezuela.

The US administration says the strikes in the Caribbean are aimed at drug cartels, some of which it claims are controlled by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

Mr Trump also is considering whether to carry out strikes on the Venezuelan mainland.

Mr Trump on Sunday confirmed that he had recently spoken by phone with Mr Maduro but declined to detail the conversation.

The September strike was one in a series carried out by the US military in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean as Mr Trump has ordered the build-up of a fleet of warships near Venezuela, including the largest US aircraft carrier.

More than 80 people have been killed in the strikes on small boats that the Trump administration alleges smuggle narcotics for drug cartels.

Venezuelas National Assembly has announced the launch of an investigation into the lethal strikes carried about by the US.

Sundays announcement by the Assemblys president, Jorge Rodriguez, marked the first time that a Maduro government official explicitly acknowledged that Venezuelans have been killed in the monthslong US military operation.

Mr Rodriguez, Mr Maduros chief negotiator, said a group of politicians will come together to investigate the serious events that led to the murder of Venezuelans in the waters of the Caribbean Sea.
Jeremy Corbyns new left-wing movement decided to make the name Your Party permanent at the conclusion of its tense inaugural conference.

The former Labour leader announced the interim name will be kept as he wrapped up the weekend which also saw his preferred leadership set-up rejected.

Members voted for the name Your Party over the alternatives Our Party, Popular Alliance and For The Many.

They also voted narrowly against having a single elected leader, opting instead for a collective model favoured by his rival Zarah Sultana that puts a committee of members in charge.

Mr Corbyn acknowledged there had been frustrations in the establishment of the outfit but said we have come a long way as he closed the gathering in Liverpool on Sunday.

The first day of the founding conference was marred by a dispute over the expulsion of a number of members said to also belong to the Socialist Workers Party.

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Ms Sultana boycotted the first day of the conference in protest at what she described as a witch hunt.

Zarah Sultana boycotted the first day of Your Partys founding conference over the expulsion of a number of members (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

She reignited tensions on Sunday with an attack on unnamed figures at the top of the new party.

Describing the expulsion of members as unacceptable and an attack on members and this movement, she said: These actions come straight out of the Labour rights handbook, the same playbook we have all lived through for years  the witch hunts, the smears, the intimidation, the bullying, the legal threats and the leaks to the Murdoch press.

Let me be absolutely clear, the members will not stand for this, the movement will not stand for this and I will not stand for this.

She also apologised for hiccups in the process of founding the new party, accepting responsibility for some of the problems and urging members to get better at working with each other.

The former Labour MP welcomed members endorsement of a collective leadership model on Sunday, after her preferred co-leadership plan had been blocked from consideration by members.

Ms Sultana said she had fought for maximum member democracy since day one and described the decision as exciting.

She said: Together, were building a new socialist party  radically democratic and powered by a mass movement.

This party will be led by its members, not MPs.

The model, supported by 51.6 per cent of the more than 9,000 members who voted on the proposals, will see the party led by a committee of party members that MPs will be barred from standing for.

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Mr Corbyn previously said he backed the sole leader model and would stand for the position.

A party spokesperson said the vote shows that we really are doing politics differently: from the bottom up, not the top down.

As I said earlier, and Zara said in her speech, there is no handbook on how to set up a political party but we have come a long way and learnt a lot along the way Jeremy Corbyn

They also said: Our permanent name reflects what our party and our conference is all about: a radically democratic movement seeking a radical transfer of wealth and power from the few to the many. This weekend was a festival of democracy, breaking with the Westminster mould of top-down politics.

In a separate vote, almost 70 per cent backed a proposal to allow members of other parties to join when Your Partys executive found they aligned with the partys values.

In his closing speech, Mr Corbyn thanked volunteers who helped put the partys conference together, adding: It wasnt easy.

There were a lot of struggles on the way, getting a venue, getting the papers written, and all the rest of it.

World Corbyn admits we havent covered ourselves in glory after Your Party feud Read more

I understand all the frustrations about the statements, the rules, the constitution and the drafts and so on.

As I said earlier, and Zara said in her speech, there is no handbook on how to set up a political party but we have come a long way and learnt a lot along the way.

The partys founding was overshadowed by internal conflict between the former Labour leader and Ms Sultana, involving a botched membership launch and threats of legal action.
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BusinessCompaniesBillionaires Billionaire CEO branded as Putins puppet cashes out Archie Hunter December 2, 2025  6:10am 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

Gunvor Group owner and co-founder Torbjorn Tornqvist will step down and sell his majority stake in the energy trader to senior staff, just weeks after the company was labelled a puppet of the Kremlin by the US government. Gary Pedersen, the head of Americas who joined Gunvor in 2024 from Millennium Management, has been appointed CEO, the company said in a statement. Swiss billionaire Torbjorn Tornqvist will sell his 86 per cent stake in Gunvor to a group of current employees who will wholly own the company going forward. Bloomberg The move represents the most dramatic fallout yet after the US Treasury Department announced abruptly that it would block a deal for Gunvor to buy the international assets of sanctioned oil major Lukoil, and alleged the connection to Russias government without providing evidence. Gunvor abandoned the deal immediately, but the dramatic chain of events surrounding one of the biggest independent energy traders has shaken the commodity world and revived questions over the companys historic ties to Moscow.

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Tornqvist, 72, will sell his 86 per cent stake in Gunvor to a group of current employees who will wholly own the company going forward. The company didnt provide details of the financial terms. Gunvor, which reported a total equity value of $US6.6 billion ($10 billion) at mid-year, said the deal was first floated in 2022. The buy-out has been advanced at this time to establish a definitive reset and path forward for a company for which misperceptions about its past have become an impossible distraction, it said. Related Article Blood Oil Blood oil on the ground: Ive seen first hand the devastation of war in Ukraine Gunvor said the deal was designed to allow the company to continue to grow in the US, as well as other core regions like Europe and Asia. Pedersen, a US citizen, is a 30-year veteran of energy trading, having begun his career at Koch Industries. About 60 employees will buy the majority stake in a deal funded by a mix of equity from the partners and a vendor loan from Tornqvist, who will not have any security over Gunvor or its subsidiaries. Gunvors board and executive committee will no longer include any members of the Tornqvist family or its representatives, the company said.

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The time is right to ensure a new, clear path for Gunvors future, Tornqvist said. For a trading house of Gunvors size and complexity, a broad-based, inclusive partnership is the right model. Dispel speculation Tornqvist has been the main owner of Gunvor since 2014, when he acquired the 44 per cent stake held by his co-founder Gennady Timchenko, in a deal that was announced just as the Russian oil trader was sanctioned by the US. The balance of the shares are held by about 200 employees. The move represents the most dramatic fallout yet after the US Treasury Department announced abruptly that it would block a deal for Gunvor to buy the international assets of sanctioned oil major Lukoil PJSC, and alleged the connection to Russias government without providing evidence. Bloomberg Gunvor has spent years seeking to dispel speculation about its ties to Russia. Timchenko is a friend of Russian President Vladimir Putin, and when the US imposed sanctions on him it claimed that Putin had investments in Gunvor. The company denied the claim, which was presented without evidence.

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Gunvor in its current form was founded in 2000 by Tornqvist and Timchenko. The company got its big break after the Russian government dismantled privately-owned Yukos Oil and threw its billionaire owner in jail, and Gunvor was one of the traders called on to market significant volumes of crude oil as Russia sought to keep the barrels flowing. Soon it was the biggest trader of Russian oil, at one point handling around 30 per cent of the countrys seaborne exports. Tornqvists dominant stake in Gunvor has also meant that he was one of the largest individual beneficiaries from the energy-trading boom that followed Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine. While bigger rivals like Vitol Group and Trafigura Group have reaped larger profits, those companies have a far wider shareholder base. Related Article Blood Oil Will Australians pay more at the petrol pump to cut off Putins blood oil? Today it trades enough oil daily to meet demand from the UK and France combined, and has also built up a significant book trading liquefied natural gas. Like its rivals, Gunvor has poured some of its windfall profit from recent years into buying stakes in fixed assets such as a power station in Spain. The companys plan to buy Lukoils international assets represented a bold play by Tornqvist that would have transformed Gunvors business and catapulted it into the big leagues of oil production, in addition to adding a sprawling network of gas stations across the US, Europe and Turkey.

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Gunvor was already in talks with Lukoil to buy certain assets when the sanctions were announced, and it evolved into a conversation about a larger deal, Tornqvist told Bloomberg last month. He emphasised at the time that the purchase would be a clean break, and that Lukoil would not have any option to buy back the assets it was selling. Bloomberg reported in November that Spains Banco Santander SA pulled funding commitments from Gunvor after the US Treasury comments, but that its other lenders remained supportive. The collapse of the Lukoil deal and the Treasury comments also fuelled questions about succession planning at Gunvor, which shook up its senior management earlier this year. Tornqvist described the changes at the time as a reset and setting the course for the future. The CEO has previously expressed a desire that his family retain control of the trading house, and in 2023 appointed his son to the board. Bloomberg The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning.
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Sponsored BusinessCompaniesBulls N' Bears Zenith lights up new WA corridor with multiple gold hits Brought to you by BULLS N BEARS James Pearson December 1, 2025  7:51pm 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

Zenith Minerals has fired the first shot in what could become one of the more significant gold resource discoveries in Western Australias Southern CrossForrestania belt. Early drilling at the companys Consolidated Dulcie project have confirmed broad zones of gold exactly where the company predicted they would be. The company is running two rigs for up to 12,000 metres of reverse circulation (RC) drilling across a 6-kilometre mineralised corridor, targeting resource growth beyond the projects existing 302,000-ounce resource base. A reverse circulation rig in action at Zenith Minerals Dulcie gold project near Marvel Loch in Western Australia. The drilling blitz aims to add Zeniths 300,000 to 800,000-ounce exploration target on top of its already respectable 302,000 ounce resource within the projects near-surface gold system, 50 kilometres south of Southern Cross. The first eight holes from the newly completed 12,621-metre program have landed squarely on model. Intercepts include 6 metres grading 1.42 grams per tonne (g/t) gold from 126m, 2m at 1.79g/t gold from 72m, 1m running at 4.10g/t from 120m, and a 15-metre hit going 1.06g/t gold from 46m, including 3m at 2.85g/t.

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These first results are what we wanted to see - continuity, scale and a strong match to our exploration target model. Zenith Minerals managing director Andrew Smith Although the results have delivered solid rather than bonanza grades, the widths were exactly what Zenith was targeting in its quest to eke out large-scale, shear-hosted, bulk-tonnage gold. Importantly the new holes also appear to sit in the same volcanic basalts, banded iron formation (BIF) lenses and ultramafic contacts which host the gold lodes at Dulcie Far North, which already hosts the 302,000-ounce resource, hinting the broader 6-kilometre long corridor might behave as one continuous mineralised system. Adding to the projects credentials, the new intercepts line up cleanly along the same dipping shear zones, with room to grow both down-dip and along strike. While the rigs are at site, the company has deployed part of the drilling program to probe new banded iron-hosted footwall zones and structural folds, which Zenith is quietly eyeing up as potential high-grade gold traps. Although those areas have yet to return assays, their targeting is a clear sign of the companys dual strategy to build bulk-tonnage ounces, while hunting higher-grade plunges that could enhance the project economics.

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In total, 78 RC holes have now been drilled in the current campaign, with assays still pending for 70 of them, setting Zenith up for a flood of near term news flow. The company says the completed holes appear to represent just the opening stanza of a much larger story - already underlining the exploration target of 10 to 24 million tonnes grading 0.9 to 1.1g/t gold. Zenith Minerals managing director Andrew Smith said: These first results are what we wanted to see - continuity, scale and a strong match to our exploration target model. With drilling now complete, we await assays for the remaining 70 holes, which tested along strike and down-dip of the entire Dulcie corridor. Our objective is clear: convert geological confidence into JORC-compliant resources across the consolidated Dulcie corridor. The strategic value of Zeniths position is becoming clearer by the day. In addition to having a foothold across 6-kilometres of continuous mineralisation, the company now controls all subsurface rights along the trend, including a recently acquired 3-kilometre extension. The new ground also contains an active heap-leach operation, which means the pathway to development is already loaded with infrastructure and permitting history. With the rigs silent for now and assays pending for the majority of holes, the markets attention will likely shift to the upcoming resource work. Once the full suite of results arrives, Zenith expects to move rapidly towards maiden JORC resources at both Dulcie and Dulcie North. If the early numbers are any guide, the Consolidated Dulcie corridor may soon graduate from exploration target to a fully-fledged, multi-deposit WA gold system. Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: mattbirney@bullsnbears.com.au

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BusinessThe economyEnergy Opinion The dirty little secret of our energy transition Elizabeth Knight Business columnist December 1, 2025  1:53pm

December 1, 2025  1:53pm 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 115 View all comments

Energy industry insiders who understand the complex transition to renewables wont raise an eyebrow around the latest warnings that the closure date of Australias biggest coal-fired power plant Eraring may need to be extended. Its the dirty little secret that the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO), the NSW state government, the power plants owner Origin, and in fact the entire industry has seen coming for a while. And there has been no shortage of hints along the way. While no one is saying definitively that the 2027 date for the closing-down party has changed, there is now an inevitability about it. Eraring is the biggest power station in the country. Peter Lorimer Energy transmission has become one of the hottest and most politicised issues in Australia, so warning bells about the possibility of blackouts in the event of the planned decommissioning of coal power stations fuel a blame game. It also confuses the average Australian who just wants reliability and an electricity bill without sticker shock.

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Australians generally have also been happy customers on the ride to renewable energy, with large numbers installing solar panels and batteries thanks to generous financial assistance from governments. Energy companies have also largely embraced the transition to renewables, investing billions over the past decade in wind solar and batteries. But more is needed at a time when construction costs and shortages are hitting all industries. Related Article Energy Price shocks force factories to dump gas for cleaner energy Industry has invested heavily in renewables despite the roadblocks provided by more than a decade of inconsistent government policies around how to deal with decarbonisation. Evidence of this became clear last week when the two major federal political parties were at odds on timelines for moving to net zero. Federal Opposition Leader Sussan Ley used AEMOs warning about the potential delayed closure of Eraring to push her partys policy credentials, while former National Party leader Barnaby Joyce joined the fray with his shrill suggestion that the Coalition has failed by not building new coal-fired power plants.

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Soap boxes aside, there is recognition from industry experts that there is a clear need for additional investment in renewables but that the largest choke-point in the transition is actually transmission  more particularly, the grid. In NSW, government-owned Transgrid has been working to get essential high voltage pieces of equipment installed. Called Syncons, they are described as the spinning wheels that are needed to stabilise the electricity grid. What was a simple system to run using coal plants is becoming highly complex using renewables. And it requires huge capital expenditure. But given the old power plants are also at the end of their life, there is also an enormous expense in keeping them operating beyond their use-by date. This in part explains why our electricity bills have been elevated.

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AEMO chief executive Daniel Westerman said building nuclear plants would take too long. Louise Kennerley AEMO chief Daniel Westerman isnt suggesting the sky is falling in; rather its newly released report is reminding the industry that major investment in the grid is needed to avoid the risk of blackouts across the state. There are similar risks in other states including Victoria and Queensland, but NSW is in the more immediate frame. It isnt as if the industry hasnt been warned. As it stands today  and AEMO has been flagging the need for investment in these big spinning machines in each year since 2021  the currently installed date of those synchronous condensers is after the retirement date of Eraring as its currently announced, Westerman said.

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December 1, 2025  10:59am 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 243 View all comments

For Donald Trump, tariffs are a magic pudding, an endlessly expanding source of revenue for whatever comes to his mind. Last month they were going to fund a $US2000 ($3000) tariff dividend for US households, while also paying down Americas enormous debt. US President Donald Trumps latest plan does not add up. AP Then, late last Thursday, he decided they could also fund the abolition of personal income taxes in the US. Over the next couple of years, I think well substantially be cutting and maybe cutting out completely, but well be cutting income tax, he told members of the US military in a video call.

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Could be almost completely cutting it because the money were taking in is going to be so large. Trump has floated the idea of using tariff revenue to eliminate income taxes before, during last years election campaign and, again, after his Liberation Day tariffs on the rest of the world were unveiled in early April. Related Article Opinion

Federal Reserve The one credential Trump craves more than anything Stephen Bartholomeusz Senior business columnist He has referred longingly to the period in the late 19th century when there were no income taxes in the US and government was funded by tariff revenue, though he overlooks the fact that, back then, government spending was less than 2 per cent of US GDP while today it exceeds 22 per cent. He may, of course, not have any new tariff revenues of substance if the US Supreme Court rules the April 2 tariffs illegal  and emphasising their revenue-raising potential might not be the best strategy ahead of that decision, given the administrations lawyers argued they werent primarily intended to raise revenue and would be most effective if there were absolutely no revenue from them.

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His Thanksgiving Day comments to the military were, however, greeted deliriously (and taken very seriously) by his MAGA followers on social media. And they werent contradicted by the senior economic officials in his cabinet, despite the reality that the numbers make both his tariff dividends and the replacement of income taxes with tariffs nonsensical. Depending on the cut-off points for the dividend cheques, for instance, they would cost between about $US300 billion and $US600 billion a year. Trumps MAGA supporters shouldnt hold their breath awaiting his tariff dividends or the removal of income taxes. Bloomberg Again depending on how they were targeted (Trump has previously said taxes for those earning less than $US200,000, or about 90 per cent of US taxpayers, would initially benefit), abolishing income taxes for that group could cost something approaching $US700 billion, while completely removing individual income taxes (if it included the payroll taxes deducted from employees wages) would cost about $2.6 trillion a year. Whatever the number might be, it would be big.

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Unhappily for Trump, and US taxpayers, the tariff numbers arent as big. Related Article Opinion

Federal Reserve Donald Trump is set to explode as the Fed flies blind Stephen Bartholomeusz Senior business columnist So far this year, US Customs and Border Protection has collected about $US195 billion of tariff revenue, of which about $US118 billion relates to Trumps new tariffs. The Yale Budget Lab has estimated that, between 2026 and 2035, revenue from those tariffs will be a net $US2.3 trillion, or about $US230 billion a year. That wouldnt cover Trumps tariff dividends, let alone replace the lost revenue from taxes. Nor would the tariff revenue, as Trump has boasted it would, help to reduce US deficits and government debt, which has blown out from $US36.2 trillion to $US38.1 trillion in the 11 months since Trump regained the White House  and will blow out even more once all the measures in his One Big Beautiful Bill Act, including $US4.5 trillion of tax cuts over a decade, primarily for the wealthy, are in place from next year.

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Whether its his tariff dividend, or income tax cuts, they would add (and add substantially) to US deficits and debt, not subtract from them. The rate of the tariffs could, of course, be raised to increase revenue. The average effective rate of the tariffs to date is about 17 per cent, or nearly seven times their level when Joe Biden was in the White House. The problem with that is that the higher the tariff rate, the more it is likely to discourage imports (and the tariff revenue they generate). To replace all income taxes paid by those earning below $US250,000, the average effective tariff rate on all imports would have to be about 25 per cent. To replace all individual taxes (about half of all government revenue), the rate would need to exceed 70 per cent. Thered be few, if any, imports  or tariff revenue  at that point. The other challenge to the maths is that the headline amounts of revenue being collected from tariffs overstates their net benefit to the governments income.

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Contrary to Trumps assertion (his economic spokespeople tend to prevaricate when questioned on this subject), tariffs are paid for by US companies, and ultimately by US consumers. They are a tax on businesses and consumption and, by reducing the incomes available to businesses, their shareholders or households, the tariffs also shrink the tax base. The US Tax Foundation says that tariff revenue should be discounted by between 23 and 25 per cent. Because they flow through to US companies and ultimately households via higher prices for goods (most estimates are that exporters, once the regime settles, will absorb only between about 5 and 15 per cent of their cost), they are also highly regressive. Contrary to Trumps assertion, tariffs are paid for by US companies  and ultimately by US consumers. Bloomberg Lower income households spend more of their income on necessities than wealthy households.

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The US income tax system is progressive, albeit that its tax rates are far lower than in most developed economies, so its tax system would be switching from one that is progressive to one where the lower income households shouldered most of the burden of funding the government. Higher income households, already set to benefit massively from the One Big Beautiful Bill, would be even better off if tariff revenues were substituted for at least some of their income tax. Trumps promises disappear as their impossibility becomes clear to him and a cabinet which, while generally unwilling to challenge anything Trump says or does, has at least one or two who can probably add up. Trumps proposed abolition of income taxes (while handing out tariff dividends and slashing government debt) is, of course, a fantasy. Either he doesnt know that (just as he doesnt seem to know that tariffs on Chinas exports arent paid by China) or he is deliberately and cynically misleading his MAGA base for political gain, with his cabinet and congressional Republicans happy to go along with him.

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MAGA shouldnt hold its breath awaiting Trumps tariff dividends or the removal of income taxes. Related Article Opinion

Oil Americas new sanctions on Russian oil may be biting too late Stephen Bartholomeusz Senior business columnist Like the promised $US5000 per household cheques that Trump and Elon Musk once promised (before Musks $US2 trillion of spending cuts shrank to $US1 trillion and then to a claimed  but almost certainly overstated  $US214 billion), Trumps promises disappear as their impossibility becomes clear to him and a cabinet which, while generally unwilling to challenge anything Trump says or does, has at least one or two people who can probably add up. The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning.
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CultureMoviesFilm Festivals New organisers wanted to make Brisbanes film festival Olympic class. So how did they do? Garry Maddox December 1, 2025  2:30pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share

How do you turn a struggling film festival into a major cultural event in time for the Brisbane Olympics in 2032? That was the challenge facing the new team behind the Brisbane International Film Festival, to  in the words of fictional comic rugby league knuckle-dragger Reg Reagan  bring back the BIFF. For executive director Sophie Mathisen and head programmer Christian Pazzaglia, that job was all the more challenging with just 11 weeks to deliver it. The aquatic puppetry show after a screening of A Life Illuminated at Brisbane International Film Festival. Brisbane International Film Festival The plan was to reboot the poor cousin of the countrys leading film festivals into an event that contributes to the Cultural Olympiad leading into the 2032 Games. Theres a lot of momentum in the city, but its not extending to a lot of the cultural organisations and institutions, Mathisen said. In the tender, there was a pretty clear idea that [Screen Queensland] wanted a world-class festival.

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Obviously, thats pretty challenging on a very limited budget. So you go OK, champagne tastes on not even a juice budget. Related Article Entertainment 10 essential films to see at this years Brisbane International Film Festival After years of disruption, false starts and a perpetual struggle for audiences in a city sometimes overshadowed by all the film activity on the Gold Coast, the new team ran a four-day festival from last Thursday to Sunday on a budget of $350,000 as a pilot for future events. That meant programming as many Australian premieres as possible, largely from Venice and Toronto festival debuts, alongside such acclaimed art-house films from earlier in the year as It Was Just An Accident, The Secret Agent and Sirat. It also meant bringing in 18 international filmmakers led by American Peyton Reed (Bring It On, Ant-Man) and 10 Australian filmmakers to speak at Q&A sessions and panels.

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And it meant creating special events every night, that were based on Brisbanes love for sport and music, trialling new venues to see whether there were audiences for what Mathisen called a subtropical outdoor version of the festival. Iron Winter is the story of two young Mongolian friends battling extreme conditions as they herd 2000 horses through the steppes. Brisbane International Film Festival While not everything worked, it was a promising start. The festival opened with an Olympic-themed film, Giulio Bertellis Agon, in a wharf bar and brewery near the Story Bridge that was converted effectively into a cinema. It was an experimental drama about three sportswomen, competing in judo, fencing and shooting, preparing for a fictional Olympics called Ludoj. The winner of the FIPRESCI prize for film art at Venice, Agon was a challenging fusion of documentary-style drama and edgy visual and sonic elements that played well as a festival opener. (It is heading soon to streaming service Mubi.)

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There was extra value for ticket buyers in a Q&A with Queensland beach volleyball gold medallist Natalie Cook and Bertelli, a former professional sailor who is the son of fashions Miuccia Prada and Patrizio Bertelli, though it would have worked better after rather than before the film. Daisy Ridley in Zak Hilditchs We Bury The Dead. Brisbane International Film Festival While storms were a risk, an outdoor deck at The Star casino worked well for events on the next two nights  a 25th anniversary screening of Bring It On that included a performance by local cheerleaders; and the oceanographic documentary A Life Illuminated, about marine biologist Edith Widders bioluminescence discoveries, followed by an aquatic puppetry performance. Another planned event, a 50th anniversary screening of Jaws paired with the Queensland survival drama Beast of War at the artificial beach on the Brisbane River, was included in the official program but proved too logistically complicated and costly to run. Closing night was a highlight: the music documentary Its Never Over, Jeff Buckley followed by a stunning concert with Katie Noonan, Kate Ceberano, Jaguar Jonze and other mostly Brisbane musicians performing his album Grace at South Bank Piazza.

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The festival programmed so many films over the four days and had such limited time to promote them that some overseas filmmakers were disappointed in audience numbers. Heatwave conditions did not help. The audience at a 25th anniversary screening of Bring It On at an outdoor deck of the Star casino as part of the Brisbane International Film Festival. Brisbane International Film Festival While there is work to do to get Brisbane to fully embrace the revamped festival, year one showed an admirable boldness and ambition. Mathisen pointed to a record for single-day sales and 74 per cent of ticket buyers being new customers. There feels like some real new blood and a new energy coursing through BIFFs veins for the first time in a long time, she said. We definitely feel like weve shown a lot of partners what the capacity of the festival is. While the late November timing was to give the team as long as possible to prepare, the hope is the festival will run earlier and extend to 10 days next year.

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With more time, we can obviously spread out things in a different way, Pazzaglia said. For me, the standouts were the closing night screening and concert, the relaxed openness of so many visiting directors and two strong new Australian films that deserve an audience when they open in cinemas early next year. Giulio Bertellis Agon screened on opening night in a wharf bar and brewery converted into a cinema. Brisbane International Film Festival Zak Hilditchs We Bury The Dead is a zombie horror thriller with heart that has Daisy Ridley as a woman searching for her missing husband after an American military experiment wipes out the entire population of Tasmania, though some of the dead are mysteriously coming back to life. Kasimir Burgess Iron Winter is a visually stunning documentary about two young Mongolian friends battling extreme conditions as they herd 2000 horses through the steppes to keep alive an ancient nomadic tradition.

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The writer was a guest of Brisbane International Film Festival. Find out the next TV, streaming series and movies to add to your must-sees. Get The Watchlist delivered every Thursday.
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EnvironmentConservationSharks What the states growing system of shark sensors is telling us Caitlin Fitzsimmons December 1, 2025  2:49pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share 134 View all comments

Catching, tagging and releasing sharks along the NSW coastline is part of a $21 million annual program to keep swimmers and surfers safe  and also a rich trove of data for scientists studying the ocean predators. The decade-long program provides intelligence on the range and behaviour of the three species most commonly involved in biting humans  white sharks, bull sharks and tiger sharks. White sharks are responsible for most bites. Matthew Smith The NSW government, which runs the program, gives consumers the information through the free SharkSmart app and also to independent scientists such as Dr Yuri Niella, from the Integrated Marine Observing System at the Sydney Institute of Marine Science. Theres been more than 1500 white sharks tagged in the program, and then something like 400 tiger sharks and 200 bull sharks, and its really taught us a lot, Niella said.

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We know, for example, that white sharks prefer cooler waters than tiger and bull sharks. We also know that bull sharks are not really present in NSW year round like white sharks are  when the water gets colder than 21 degrees, they head north to Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef. The tiger sharks also like warmer waters. The NSW shark management program is the largest in the world. It includes 305 SMART drumlines  an unmanned aquatic trap for sharks with a satellite sensor to ping the shark management team when an animal is caught. The sharks are usually then fitted with acoustic tags and released. As a shark swims by one of 37 listening stations along the coastline, the location will be logged. Niella said sharks would usually swim 50 kilometres in a day but sometimes up to 200 kilometres. Bull sharks, the species thought to have killed Swiss woman Livia Muhlheim on the Mid North Coast last week, breed in estuaries in warmer waters further north than Sydney, but they are attracted to Sydney Harbour during summer because of plentiful fish.

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One surprising thing the tags have revealed is that sharks can form habits, Niella said, such as individual bull sharks returning to Sydney Harbour every year. Its almost like they have a watch that tells them oh its summer time, its time to go to Sydney and catch up with our mates, Niella said. And while white sharks generally prefer cooler water, one adventurous tagged individual ventured all the way to north Queensland. This masthead reported on Thursday that white sharks would become more prevalent in Victoria and Tasmania by 2060 under a high-emissions scenario. Related Article Sharks Scientists tested great white shark DNA. Now we know how many live off Australian beaches In 2021, Niella co-authored a paper looking at both acoustic tracking and satellite tracking of more than 100 tiger sharks in NSW and Queensland which predicted that by 2030, tiger sharks would be using waters as far south as Tasmania because of climate change. This year, he said, the acoustic receivers in Tasmania were pinged by a tagged tiger shark for the first time  five years ahead of schedule. Shark prevention measures

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As well as SMART drumlines and acoustic tags and receivers, the program includes drone surveillance and mesh nets at 51 of the most popular NSW beaches during summer. The mesh nets are controversial because of the high by-catch, including critically endangered grey nurse sharks, dolphins, whales and turtles. The NSW government was planning to trial the removal of mesh nets at three Sydney beaches this summer, but changed its mind after the death of surfer Mercury Psillakis at Dee Why in September. Related Article Sharks Yes, shark bites are becoming more common, but its complicated Maria Psillakis, Mercurys widow, has called for more drone surveillance off the coast of Sydney. Professor Charlie Huveneers, who heads the Southern Shark Ecology Group at Flinders University, said it was difficult to statistically prove or disprove the effectiveness of the mesh nets because the number of shark deaths was so low and variable from year to year.

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The question is not so much, does it work? but are there other measures that might not be having such an ecological impact that can work just as well if not better in terms of reducing shark bite?, Huveneers said. Huveneers has also been involved in research into personal shark protection, including electronic shark deterrents and bite-resistant wetsuit material. The Ocean Guardian Freedom+ Surf  electrode stickers placed underneath a surfboard  reduced the likelihood of an interaction with a white shark by 56 per cent in the Flinders research, but still failed to stop sharks in 40 per cent of the trials. Other devices were less effective, the study found. In another study published this year, Huveneers and his co-authors tested four bite-resistant wetsuit materials  Aqua Armour, Shark Stop, ActionTX-S and Brewster material  to assess their ability to reduce haemorrhaging and major vascular injury. While the material would not prevent a crush injury, it was potentially lifesaving because most shark bite deaths were from blood loss, Huveneers said. A surfer with an Ocean Guardian personal shark deterrent device. Ocean Guardian

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Niella said it was best not to swim after rain because nutrient run-off in the water attracted fish and in turn, sharks, and also because it made humans harder to see clearly. All of that turbidity makes the visibility in the water much lower, and if the sharks are there looking for food, and they cant really distinguish between a person and a fish, they might be more likely to bite someone, Niella said. Huveneers said it was too simplistic to say that shark bites and fatalities were going up because of more humans in the water, or to dismiss fears of sharks by saying that the risk was small, especially given there was such a broad range of non-lethal shark mitigation measures these days. An example that people always use is that youre statistically more likely to die from a coconut falling on your head than from a shark bite, Huveneers said. While that might be true for somebody living in the tropics, somebody in South Australia who has never been to the tropics and goes surfing every single day is obviously more likely to be bitten by a shark than dying from a coconut.

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Eating outFood New name, first look revealed for historic Fox Hotel reboot The heritage rebuild has been met with delays due to flood damage, but heres what to expect when it finally reopens. Matt Shea December 2, 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

Its opening date may have slipped by six months, but the old Fox Hotel now has a new name. In mid-2026, Ghanem Group will reboot the classic South Brisbane venue as Hotel Terminus, returning it to its original 1920s moniker. The rebranding comes after the Ghanems put the question to a public vote. The result was unveiled in a media release overnight, along with a batch of detailed renders of the venue. A render of a private dining room at Hotel Terminus, which is now set to open mid-2026. The response to the vote was really good, Adonis Ghanem says. We were working with councils heritage department quite closely, as well, but we wanted to obviously gauge the amount of goodwill to the different names. Because people over 60 will remember it as Hotel Terminus. But anyone, say, in their 50s or younger will tend to know it as The Fox. Initially, we had hoped to rename it Hotel Terminus. And the majority of people wanted that so that was really encouraging to see. Its a big thing to rename such an iconic building.

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It was a close run thing, though, Ghanem says, with The Fox coming a close second to Hotel Terminus. Hence a decision to almost split the building in two, with the ground and first floors leaning towards Hotel Terminus, and the upper floors The Fox. Related Article Exclusive Ghanem Group takes on the burbs with 350-seat restaurant and bar With all the tradies and subcontractors coming through the building, they all have a story about The Fox, Ghanem says, laughing. Theres quite a bit of an affinity for it, but they all seem to think of the rooftop as The Fox. That the Ghanems took the question over branding to a public ballot illustrates how seriously the restaurant group  best known for Byblos, Donna Chang and Blackbird Dining, among others  is taking the refurbishment of the four-storey venue, which originally opened as Hotel Terminus in 1927. Thats in part because Hotel Terminus is something of a homecoming for the family.

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The Fox Rooftop will have a larger bar and kitchen, but retains the eye-popping views of the CBD and South Brisbane. I was born in West End and lived there until I was about 12 years old, Ghanem says. My parents are back living there, in that Davies Park area. My parents first cafe, Cafe Violette, was on Boundary [Street]. I was in there every day as a child. And then Chez Laila came in June 1992  I was 12 years old and remember that. I used to do the dishes in the back as a little kid. From that day until we opened Byblos, really, we were there almost every single day, so we know South Bank and South Brisbane very well. Were very attached to it. Originally scheduled to open before Christmas, Ghanem attributes the Hotel Terminus delays to this being the most ambitious project the group has undertaken. The Vixen Room will be the venues late-night destination.

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Its certainly been challenging, Ghanem says. We went in there with a pretty good understanding of what it would take, and obviously weve done some work with heritage buildings before with Donna Chang and Boom Boom Room. That was terribly difficult with some of the restrictions. With this, we took a different approach, getting in there quite early and looked to get Council onside. But we didnt really know how much work was going to be involved in restoring the building. There was a bit of damage from the 2022 flood [which forced The Foxs closure], and it had just sat there for about three years, just collecting dust and mould and a bit of rot. Were a bit behind where we wanted to be, Ghanem continues. But that was all about reinforcing the foundations and restoring the building. Theres been a lot of flood mitigation work, and were pleased to say its the sort of building thats now going to last another 100 years, easily. Nehme and Adonis Ghanem outside Hotel Terminus. Courtesy of Ghanem Group

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When Hotel Terminus opens in mid-2026, it will feature dining and drinking across all four levels. The ground floor will see the restoration of the public bar along with a new entrance off Fish Lane into an 18-metre-high atrium. There will also be a bistro with a gastropub edge, a gaming lounge and a bottle shop. The first floor will be mostly dedicated to events, with two function spaces and a private dining room. The top two levels encompass The Vixen Room and the Fox Rooftop. The Vixen Room will serve cocktails and snacks to DJ performances and other live entertainment.

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The Vixen Room is intended for late nights, with cocktails and snacks served along to DJs and live music. Renders show a venue decked out in rich burgundy and toffee tones, with plenty of soft furnishings. There will be seating at the bar and at a series of low-set tables populated with cushy armchairs. The Vixen Room will also provide access to the Fox Rooftop, which is having its amenities rearranged in order to accommodate a larger bar and kitchen. The treatment is lighter up here. Expect rattan furniture, an art deco-inspired tiled bar front and plenty of greenery. The area around Fish Lane and QPAC has changed quite a bit and weve had our eye on something in that area for a little while, so when the Fox came up as an opportunity it was something we had to go for, Ghanem says. There are so many more people loving int that part of town. South Brisbane has turned into the most densely populated suburb in Brisbane  its overtaken Kangaroo Point. Were excited to have the opportunity to do something special in that part of town.

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For subscribers Matt Shea is Food and Culture Editor at Brisbane Times. He is a former editor and editor-at-large at Broadsheet Brisbane, and has written for Escape, Qantas Magazine, the Guardian, Jetstar Magazine and SilverKris, among many others.
Telcos, and not the regulator, are responsible for telling customers their phones could be blocked from making Triple Zero calls, according to the communications watchdog.

The Australian Communications and Media Authority has defended its role under questioning by parliamentarians over the death of a man whose phone could not call the emergency line.

In November, TPG announced one of its customers had tried to dial emergency services but couldnt get through because of an issue with their phone. The person from Sydney died because they did not get help in time.

The failure to connect is a known issue which happens because some phones dont automatically shift over to another network if their usual provider is down.

As many as 470,000 Samsung phones on the Optus network and 114,000 Samsungs on Telstra were believed to be affected, but many of those may be able to be fixed with a software update.

TPG, Optus and Telstra in October warned customers with an incompatible mobile would be blocked from the network within 35 days if they did not upgrade their phone.

Speaking at a parliamentary inquiry, the authoritys boss, Nerida OLoughlin, said her agency wasnt responsible for warning people about the issue, and it was up to the telcos.

AAP
Coralie Alison has been the victim of a new form of AI deepfakes depicting her death and rape.

Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share 158 View all comments

It wasnt the overtly pornographic nature of the computer-generated image of Coralie Alison that most disturbed her. It was how, on a fake body contorted into a degrading pose she hadnt performed, the small freckles on her arms were replicated. Each in its exact spot. Alison, the operations manager at Collective Shout, an Australian lobby organisation dedicated to the prevention of the exploitation of women and girls, says the AI image wasnt an isolated incident. Alison and her colleagues have borne the brunt of online attacks since 2019, when they decided to combat artificial intelligence deepfakes and nudify apps  platforms where users can upload anybodys face to be morphed into sexually explicit or vulgar content. But now, a terrifying new way to use AI has emerged. Pictures and videos depicting Alison and her colleagues being raped or tortured, using excruciating details from their social media profile pictures, are being shared on social media, produced by anonymous online predators armed with AI tools. There were pictures of me with my face all sliced up with a knife, pictures of me with my throat slit and a dark figure behind me with the knife, and those photos were in my own bedroom at home, Alison says. There were ones of me decapitated as well, like a man holding an axe in one hand and my head dripping with blood in the other, as well as me going through a human mincer, being minced alive  Those specific ones, I would say, were the worst that have ever been done of me. According to Toby Walsh, a professor of AI at the University of New South Wales, the nascent use of AI to produce violent threats of death, rape and torture means its likely to rapidly filter into the mainstream.

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These tools are now becoming widely, very cheaply available, Walsh says. The technology is now very accessible. It doesnt require any expertise. Often doesnt even require you to pay any money. Many of the services are free. UNSW professor Toby Walsh says violent AI-generated abuse material has the potential to threaten democracy. Oscar Colman Threat to democracy Violent AI-generated abuse material has the potential to threaten democracy, warn Walsh and Melinda Tankard Reist, movement director of Collective Shout. You could easily classify this as a national security threat, Walsh says. If people outside Australia are making threats, and quite explicit, violent, death threats, to Australians, you could certainly see that if I were the security services, I would be incredibly worried. He said people within the armed forces, or with access to classified information, were open to significant blackmail threats using such content. Governments could be thrown this way by the strategic release of material like this  Its even possibly our democracy could be compromised by people using these sorts of tools in malicious ways.

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Tankard Reist agrees. She and her colleagues have created a dossier of all the rape and torture deepfakes predators have made of them and shared on social media platform X. Were gathering as much data as we can with engaged forensic experts and were going to use the evidence about the abuse, the cyber-terror hate campaign against us, to call for reform in Australia and on a global level, Tankard Reist says. Melinda Tankard Reist has been campaigning against the use of deepfakes. Janie Barrett No woman should be subjected to what weve been subjected to. Its beyond us, what weve suffered individually  This has ramifications for democracy. The AFP prosecutes cases where a sexualised deepfake depicting a child is produced in Australia. The federal policing agencys powers stop, however, if a deepfake involves a person over 18, which is then investigated by states and territories. Meanwhile, the federal eSafety commissioner says that, depending on the nature of the deepfakes, the regulator could have powers under various complaint schemes to wrest distressing material from the internet. But while our complaint schemes can offer meaningful relief to Australians in the midst of an online crisis, eSafety is not empowered to scan or police the entire internet, eSafety commissioner Julie Inman Grant says.

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We are already receiving reports containing synthetic AI-generated child sexual abuse material, terror and extremist content, as well as deepfake images and videos created by teens to bully their peers. eSafety commissioner Julie Inman Grant. Edwina Pickles The rapid deployment, increasing sophistication, and popular uptake of generative AI mean creating deepfakes is becoming more convincing and harder to distinguish from reality, Inman Grant says. Which is why a greater burden must fall on the purveyors and profiteers of AI to take a more robust approach, so they are engineering out misuse at the front end, she says. Last Monday, independent federal senator David Pocock introduced the My Face, My Rights bill before federal parliament, aiming to strengthen the eSafety commissioners powers to issue removal notices and formal warnings to technology companies and individuals. What to do if a deepfake is made of you eSafety strongly encourages Australians who are targeted by serious online abuse to report it to the platform where it appears.

If the platform fails to act, report it to eSafety.gov.au/report.

If you are concerned for your safety as a result of any online abuse, you should report to police.

There are also criminal offences in some Australian states that cover deepfake intimate images, which are investigated by police. Scraping dark corners of the net AI scrapes millions of websites across the internet to obtain information at the direction of what technology companies want it to learn. As Walsh describes it, AI tools are merely a mirror of what they are trained on.

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He says companies that offer AI  whether its social media like Xs Grok, Googles Gemini or AI services such as OpenAI  can wire their technology not to accept certain requests or generate offensive material. However, it is much easier never to feed the AI violent content in the first place. Technology companies are allowing their AI to scan the internet recklessly because they are motivated to have the most advanced product, Walsh says. Bloomberg If youre just scraping The New York Times, there is much less you have to worry about than if youre scraping the dark corners of 4chan, Walsh says. Technology companies can utilise safeguards, he says, to prevent inappropriate or criminal material from being produced with AI, such as how to create a Molotov cocktail or self-harm. Related Article Investigation

Child abuse Inside the AI deepnude apps infiltrating Australian schools YouTube has been doing this for years because they dont allow pornography  There are filters that can identify pornography by the amount of flesh that is just shown in the video, Walsh says. Technology companies are allowing their AI to scan the internet recklessly because they are motivated to have the most advanced product, Walsh says.

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Graphic content NationalNSWCourts Woman, 76, screamed frantically after alleged aged care home rape: court Clare Sibthorpe December 1, 2025  2:38pm 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

Warning: Graphic content A 76-year-old woman was screaming in distress as she sought help following her alleged rape in an aged care home bed by a masked intruder, a nurse has told a court. Hayden Carl Skinner, 31, has pleaded not guilty to aggravated sexual intercourse without consent against the elderly woman, who has since died in unrelated circumstances, at a nursing home at Coffs Harbour on the NSW North Coast. Hayden Carl Skinner is accused of sexually assaulting a 76-year-old resident. Facebook In the early hours of New Years Day last year, Skinner allegedly scaled the facilitys fence, walked through a courtyard and entered the womans room through a closed, unlocked security door.

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He is then accused of removing the womans pants and sexually assaulting her. This was the case set out by Crown Prosecutor Brendan Campbell, SC, on day one of Skinners judge-alone trial in Coffs Harbour District Court on Monday. Giving evidence, a registered nurse described hearing a very frantic scream from the hallway after the woman had buzzed for assistance. He said he found the woman half-naked, trying to get into a fellow residents room. She was screaming and in distress, he said.

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She directly ran towards my direction and grabbed my arm, and she told me there was a man who came inside her room and raped her. The nurse, the court heard, helped her back inside her room to find clothes. She told him she tried to scream as hard as she could but the man, who wore a hoodie with stockings on his head, covered her mouth and pushed her hand away from the buzzer. He said she was crying, telling him she was very sorry; its my fault  I forgot to lock the door. After calling for a colleague to come and comfort the woman, the nurse called Triple Zero and searched for the alleged assailant to no avail, the trial was told. Skinner was arrested three days after the alleged attack. NSW Police

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The court heard police and paramedics arrived a short time later and could not find the alleged intruder. The woman was taken to hospital. Referring to notes taken while visiting his mother in hospital, the womans son testified that she told him she thought the man was going to kill her. Judge Michael McHugh, SC, heard the woman had been in care due to poor physical health and not cognitive decline. The Crowns evidence was to be based largely on the womans police statements outlining complaints made to nurses and attending paramedics. Other evidence would include her observed undressed state and alleged injuries, which included bruised inner thighs.

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McHugh was told Skinners DNA was found on the womans underwear, body and bedroom wall. Skinner was quickly labelled a person of interest and arrested on January 4. Public defender Peter Pearsall said, in his brief opening address, that Skinner did not dispute entering the nursing home or the womans room but was expected to testify that he was looking for valuables to help repay his drug debt. As Skinner walked into the room, Pearsall said, the woman woke up, grabbed him and a struggle ensued before he eventually escaped. He, at no stage, attempted to have any sexual contact, and did not have sexual contact, Pearsall said. The first prosecution witness called was the officer-in-charge, Detective Senior Constable Elise Holden, from the NSW Police Sex Crimes Squad. Holden was one of the first responders, and she took the womans statement.

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During Holdens testimony, the court heard a motion-activated CCTV camera at the aged care home was not triggered during the incident because the sensors were not entirely reliable. The court was shown police body-worn camera footage of an interaction captured at about 9.30pm on New Years Eve between Skinner and two police officers, who stopped him on the side of a road and said he seemed under the influence of substances. Skinner told them he was homeless and had just had dinner at a nearby relatives house, having not eaten for a week. One officer told him the relatives address was near a known drug spot. He searched him, seized what he suspected to be marijuana and ordered him to leave the area. The trial is expected to last 10 days.

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The trial continues. Support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) or the Mens Referral Service on 1300 766 491. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
Police investigate man who attended hospital with gunshot wound

Police are investigating a man who went to a hospital in south-west Sydney after being shot in the leg.
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NationalQueenslandHealthcare ADHD treatment cheaper, easier as GPs get green light to prescribe drugs Courtney Kruk December 1, 2025  4:13pm 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

Queensland GPs can now diagnose and prescribe medication for adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, saving patients hundreds of dollars, in a move described as life changing for people living with the condition. Queensland Health Minister Tim Nicholls announced last month that GPs would be able to diagnose and manage the treatment of adults with ADHD  a condition marked by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity  with the changes to come into effect from December 1. Nicholls said almost 1000 GPs had enrolled for additional training to deliver ADHD care, from a cohort of 9000, since the announcement was made. Queensland Health Minister Tim Nicholls announced the changes to ADHD care for adults at the RACGP conference in Brisbane last month. RACGP Thats a phenomenal result and shows just how much this service is both needed and how seriously GPs take the delivery of these services, Nicholls said.

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ADHD affects an estimated 1 million Australians, including more than 530,000 adults. Related Article Healthcare Qld GPs will soon be able to diagnose and treat ADHD. Is that a good thing? Queensland GPs have been able to diagnose and treat children aged between four and 17 with ADHD since 2017. Until now, adults seeking diagnosis have had to visit a specialist, usually a psychiatrist, with a referral from a GP. Such specialist appointments can cost upwards of $1000 and incur waiting periods of up to a year, making care inaccessible for many people.

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The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) estimates the new reform will save patients between $500 and $1400 a year in out-of-pocket expenses and expedite diagnoses. The move has not been without criticism. A Brisbane-based GP who spoke to this masthead on the condition of anonymity said the process to identify ADHD was based on vague inclusion criteria, which could lead to a surge in false diagnoses. They also expressed fears the change could trigger a potentially unethical rise in health experts providing diagnosis  and access to drugs  for payment. Its being sold as a cheaper option to come and see a GP, but the market will absolutely adapt, so the GPs will then charge more because its a sought-after service, they said.

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BeyondGP director Dr Carmel Toole said that GPs were trained to recognise ADHD and often had more in-depth relationships with their patients than psychiatrists did. But she said the success of the scheme was dependent on access to training. Related Article Dementia Why lamps or blank screens can be haunting for people with this condition Its complex for all parties concerned and training is vital, Toole told 4BC Mornings. I think GPs and psychiatrists alike, while welcoming the ease of access for patients, are concerned about quality care in the absence of training. Id like the general public to take a bit of a deep breath and allow their GPs time to find their feet with this and to access training.

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Nicholls said the scheme would be monitored in line with other states introducing similar changes. This hasnt been done overnight. This has been done through collaboration over a lengthy period of time, he said. 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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NationalQueenslandMissing person Plea for fresh leads on man who disappeared six weeks ago Catherine Strohfeldt and Dominique Tassell December 1, 2025  3:07pm 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

Police in a tropical Queensland city have put out a plea for information after running dry on leads into the search for a well-loved local man who disappeared six weeks ago. Mackay local Wayne Pedro Morseu, 71, was reported missing by family on November 10, but actually went missing several weeks earlier, police said. He hasnt been seen now since mid-to-late October  [so] were treating it as suspicious until we know otherwise, said regional crime co-ordinator Detective Superintendent Darrin Shadlow. Wayne Pedro Morseu, 71, was declared missing from his Mackay home on November 10. Queensland Police Stopping short of saying he expected the investigation to become a homicide case, Shadlow said police had no reason to suspect Morseu had knowingly cut off contact with those known to him.

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Were obviously very hopeful that Mr Morseu will walk back through the door to his family, Shadlow said. Its very out of character for Mr Morseu not to have contact with his family  he generally had contact every couple of weeks. Hes a family-oriented man  [who] worked in the railway for a lot of years, so he has a lot of friends and family in the area. Theyre worried for his welfare. He didnt have a vehicle, he walked a lot of places that he went  [and] he had no medical conditions that we know of that would hinder him a great deal. Mackay police established two crime scenes on Friday  three weeks after Morseu was reported missing  at a property on River Street, near Pioneer River, and Morseus home on Griffin Street.

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Shadlow said police declared the Griffin Street crime scene after discovering that someone had moved into the house after Morseu disappeared. They were no longer investigating the River Street property. The Griffin Street residence is still having forensic examinations conducted  that has been ongoing for a number of days now, Shadlow said. Shadlow urged anyone with knowledge of Morseus whereabouts, or information that could be linked to his disappearance, to contact police. No matter how small you might think it is please contact Crime Stoppers or your local police, he said. 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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NationalQueenslandQueensland councils Governance adviser appointed for complaint-plagued bayside council Julius Dennis December 1, 2025  8:08pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share

A governance adviser has been appointed for a troubled south-east Queensland council that has led the state in the number of councillor complaints. Of the 1008 councillor conduct complaints received by the Office of the Independent Assessor in the 2024-25 financial year, 114 were about Redlands councillors. Since being voted in as mayor in 2024, Jos Mitchell has received at least 47, though she claims the anonymous complaints system has been politically weaponised against her. Redlands mayor Jos Mitchell. Julius Dennis Six of those complaints have led to three investigations, at a $45,000 bill to the council.

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None of those investigations suggested the council uphold the misconduct complaints. In May, however, the council voted to find Mitchell had breached its code of conduct. Bronwyn Blagoev, the director-general of the Department of Local Government and former head of OIA, called the mayor on Monday to tell her the adviser had been appointed, before a wider meeting. The advisor will work with the council until the end of May. Redland City Council Mitchell said she had been calling for an adviser to be appointed, and welcomed the departments decision. Over the last year, I have raised a number of concerns regarding aspects of Redland City Council and councillor conduct, she said.

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I have also previously spoken of my personal belief that, at the very least, a governance adviser is needed. Related Article Queensland SEQ mayors family cars attacked three times outside home A Redland City Council spokesperson said an adviser was not an administrator or a mediator, and would give advice to the councillors and the mayor before reporting to Blagoev on to how to best support the council. This advice may include topics such as effective leadership, effective communication processes, operating as a cohesive unit, social media usage, and the ongoing wellbeing of elected representatives, they said. It has not been decided who the adviser will be, but they will work with the mayor and councillors until the end of May 2026, the spokesperson said.

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They said the adviser would work part-time at the cost of the council. Related Article Exclusive

Queensland government $630k training deal to renovate councillors property scrapped A spokesperson for the department said the adviser will help address challenges currently affecting the Councils ability to serve its community. This decision was made following a request from the council and in consultation with Councillors and the Mayor, they said. A review of the councils organisational structure called for by the mayor is currently under way, as is a second operational restructure.

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Meanwhile, Mitchell is in a court battle with the councils top legal officer, Andrew Ross, who she has sued for defamation over an email sent to staff that allegedly outlined complaints he had about her. Deputy Mayor Julie Talty, who is acting mayor while Mitchell is away for the rest of the week at a family funeral, was contacted for comment but did not reply. The Department of Local Government was also contacted for comment. 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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NationalQueenslandChild safety Highest risk months: Water safety warning for parents as summer begins Dominique Tassell December 1, 2025  8:08pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share

As summer begins and school holidays approach, parents are being warned that this is the most dangerous time of year for drowning incidents, and tragedy can strike within moments. December and January are the highest risk months for childrens drowning, and one in three drowning incidents happen during the summer school holidays, Dr Paul Holmes from Queensland Childrens Hospitals pediatric intensive care unit said on Monday. And Queensland Surf Life Savers urged people visiting beaches to know their own limitations and swim in patrolled areas if possible. Experts have warned parents that school holidays remain the most dangerous time of year for drowning incidents. Edwina Pickles Last year, 45 drowning victims were brought to Queensland Childrens Hospital.

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Half of those were from pools and two thirds were in children under the age of 5, Holmes said. This year weve had 43  six of them have been admitted to the intensive care unit. Related Article Sorry, your browser doesn't support embedded videos. Explainer

Water safety Drowning can be quick and silent. Could you spot the signs? The only way to prevent this is supervision by an adult. Parents tell us that they only looked away for a moment and then tragedy has struck. Holmes told parents to stay within an arms length of young children, remain alert, and call triple-0 in an emergency. He also urged parents to undergo basic CPR training  adding that even children who survive drowning incidents can have serious injuries. Some children are very lucky and are absolutely fine, he said. And unfortunately some children are left with ongoing injuries secondary to the brain being starved of oxygen.

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He said a child can drown in a matter of seconds in any body of water  including bathtubs and showers  and it may happen without any sound or splashing. Children, particularly under 5, dont struggle, they dont call out, they dont make noise, they just slip silently into the water, he said. Older children who cant swim can also drown in pools. Theyre not any safer. If we cant see you, we cant save you Matt Thompson from Surf Life Saving Queensland joined the Childrens Hospitals appeal, asking Queenslanders to swim between the flags at beaches, where they can be helped if needed.

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There have been 500 rescues of children outside the flagged areas on our beaches, he said, which was four times as many as in the flagged areas. Most of our drownings are happening outside of patrolled times and outside of patrolled areas, and that goes for our rescues as well, he said. Even swimming 100 metres down the beach away from a flagged area means that that extra layer of safety is not there. When surf lifesavers were not present, Thompson said people should stop, take a look at conditions, remind yourselves of your own limitations  before you get into having a good day. Be safe this summer, swim between the red yellow flags. If we cant see you, we cant save you.

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One drowning is one too many  since mid-August weve already had 11 beach-related drownings. Thats more than we had this time last year, and its ahead of the five-year average. 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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NationalQueenslandQueensland votes Killing season: Bleijie taunts Miles leadership after byelection thrashing William Davis December 1, 2025  11:53am 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 14 View all comments

Queenslands deputy premier has come out firing at Steven Miles, suggesting the Labor leader could be knifed by his own party after a byelection drubbing in Hinchinbrook on the weekend. LNP candidate Wayde Chiesa won the northern seat with a 17 per cent swing, after the resignation of Katters Australian Party MP and now Townsville mayor Nick Dametto. Labor attracted just 8 per cent of the vote, suffering a 6 per cent swing. Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie. Joe Ruckli Make no mistake, this is a bad result for Steven Miles, Jarrod Bleijie said on Monday morning at Parliament House.

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Regional Queensland rejected Steven Miles yesterday. Regional Queensland rejected the Labor Party yesterday. Related Article Queensland votes LNP extends parliamentary majority with emphatic byelection win We know it is killing season in politics. Labor was never likely to win the seat  which takes in the northern fringe of Townsville and large conservative rural areas  and the election was effectively a two-way race between the LNP and Katters Australian Party. The Labor leader played down the result over the weekend, saying it was reflective of long-term trends  but acknowledged his team had work to do.

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It reinforces what Ive been saying  Labor needs to ensure that we develop policies that work for us right across the state, he told reporters on the sidelines of the weekend Labor conference. Related Article Queensland votes Massive wake-up call: What an unsurprising byelection loss reveals about Labors big problem Clearly, we havent finished doing that yet. Bleijie said the result showed voters supported the LNP platform, and were punishing Labor for its policy positions and perceived split in areas including youth crime and the CFMEU. This is clearly an opposition so divided  they are not thinking about Queenslanders, he added.

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All theyre thinking about is politics, and the man responsible for that is Steven Miles. Ive been saying for so long he wasnt up to the job of premier, and hes certainly not up to the job of opposition leader. Rumours Miles could be replaced as leader of the Labor Party in Queensland have circulated for some time, but no one has publicly broken ranks with the former premier. 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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NationalQueenslandSocial services Spread so thin: Single parents among those hardest hit by cost of living pressure Courtney Kruk December 1, 2025  12:06pm 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

Brisbane mother Logan Bell found herself sleeping rough with her seven-year-old daughter earlier this year after fleeing a domestic violence relationship. After couch-surfing with friends, she went to Micah Projects in July, and they organised emergency accommodation. Bell worked two jobs, studied full-time and looked for housing during the three months she spent living in a hotel with her daughter. Single parent Logan Bell is one of thousands of low-income earners struggling to afford basic living expenses, QCOSS says. Courtney Kruk I was spread so thin, I could barely attend inspections myself, she said.

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When I was going to inspections and when I was in emergency accommodation, there were so many other disadvantaged families like myself. Bell has since found a rental in Brisbane, but can only afford it because she shares with another person. Even with that support, she is still spending 50 per cent of her income on rent, and struggling to afford other necessities. Im a single mum, Im working and I do get Centrelink benefits, so Im literally making as much money as I can in my circumstance, Bell said. And I still was not able to secure any housing [on my own]. Bell is one of thousands of low-income earners in Queensland unable to cover basic living expenses such as rent, food and healthcare, according to a new report released on Monday by the states peak body for social services.

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The Queensland Council of Social Services 2025 Living Affordability Report shows families with children and single parents the hardest hit by cost of living pressures, with some in debt nearly $300 per week. Related Article Public housing Olympics could make or break our housing crisis, report warns The report analysed five model families  a single adult on JobSeeker; a single student; a single parent with two children; a couple with two children; and a single couple on the Age Pension  to determine whether low earners can afford the basic standard of living. Only pensioners were found able to afford basic needs, with all other modelled households in weekly budget deficits between $17 and $277. Some low-income households reported paying more than half their income in rent, with tens of thousands waiting for social housing.

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Education expenses, food affordability and reduced bulk-billing services were also of concern. QCOSS chief executive Aimee McVeigh said housing was the biggest cost of living issue in Queensland, as it was virtually impossible for a low-income family to secure an affordable rental. Keeping a roof over your head has become out of reach for so many working families, and yet the state government hasnt reviewed eligibility for social housing in two decades, McVeigh said. In addition to that, in the last 12 months, weve seen them wind back eligibility for crisis housing support. QCOSS called on both levels of government to give Queensland children equitable access to health, education and housing, by raising the income support rate and developing a families strategy.

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What weve seen year-on-year since COVID is that cost of living pressures are putting incredible strain on families with children, McVeigh said. We have almost 100,000 single parent households who year-on-year are struggling to afford the basics, [and we] have a generation of children in Queensland who are growing up without access to a roof over their head, three meals a day, and proper healthcare. With families facing another bleak Christmas, it is time we recognise the immediate and long-term impacts of poverty and disadvantage to children. 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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Fire Rescue Victoria is investigating why on-duty firefighters entered a secure section of the Metro Tunnel without authorisation on Sunday, disrupting services on the opening day of the cross-city rail line. Trains were delayed about 25 minutes by the intrusion at 11.30am, as more than 70,000 people rode the new Melbourne rail line and explored the five new inner-city stations for the first time. The Metro Tunnel attracted a steady flow of sightseers on Monday, but is unlikely to be used by many commuters until a new timetable starts. Wayne Taylor Metro Trains and Premier Jacinta Allan described the incident as trespassing, but the United Firefighters Union claimed the firefighters were there for an urgent familiarisation drill. Allan called it incredibly dangerous, but would not comment on whether it was a stunt by the union, which has waged a campaign against her government.

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Metro Tunnel Metro Tunnel Im not going to speculate on why people are engaging in potentially deadly and dangerous behaviour, she said on Monday morning. A live rail operating environment is not a place to play games with. While Fire Rescue Victoria confirmed the incident involved on-duty firefighters, it could not explain why they were in the tunnel. The firefighters were not responding to an incident at the Metro Tunnel. There was no pre-organised official drill or site visit planned for the Metro Tunnel on Sunday, an FRV spokesperson said. Metro said its network security team removed the trespassers from the tunnel, but would not comment on their identity.

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Victoria Police was notified of the incident but did not attend, a police spokesperson said. The firefighters union said the visit was vital for firefighters knowledge of the tunnel should they need to respond to an emergency, and that they had entered to conduct a building inspection and to examine a fire control room and related equipment. Loading Whatever political finger-pointing is happening, firefighters are still doing their job, secretary Peter Marshall said in a press release. Firefighters job is to make sure they know what to do if they ever need to rescue you. Marshall rejected any suggestion that he directed members to disrupt the new rail line.

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I didnt even know this had happened until the media rang me about it, he said. Related Article Metro Tunnel Melbourne Metro Tunnel as it happened: First weekday passengers travel on new services; Firefighters union responds to trespassing claims Marshall and the union are campaigning against the government and have claimed firefighters do not have suitable equipment to respond to emergencies in the Metro Tunnel and West Gate Tunnel toll road, which is due to open next month. The trespassing incident triggered minor glitches on Sunday, including passengers being unable to board one train at Anzac station. Platform screen doors at the new Metro Tunnel stations can open only if a train stops in perfect alignment, made possible by the new high-tech signalling which automatically guides trains through the tunnels.

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Metro Trains chief executive Raymond OFlaherty said trains had to operate under drivers control following the intrusion, and in this case, overshot the platform. Weve been running empty trains through here. Now, for the first time, theyre full of passengers, OFlaherty said. We fully expect to see these glitches along the way as we build our confidence and get ready for the first of February. Metro Tunnel trains will only operate between West Footscray and Westall every 20 minutes from 10am to 3pm on weekdays until February 1, when a full timetable will begin. Just under 75,000 people rode the Metro Tunnel on Sunday, with more than 22,000 coming through the new State Library station and 16,000 visiting Town Hall. It was a more subdued affair on Monday, with the tunnels limited soft launch timetable making it of little use to most commuters until February 1 but still attracting curious sightseers.

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Teddy Nethersole had a pupil-free day at school and was busy touring the Metro with grandmother Martina Kooloos. Teddy Nethersole at State Library station with grandmother Martina Kooloos. Justin McManus The eight-year-old was a big fan of the orange arches at Town Hall station, as well as the glass platform screen doors. Its so people dont walk onto the tracks  they open automatically when trains come, he explained. Chris and Niki Holland from England are paying a visit to their daughter Emily, who lives in Melbourne. All three were impressed with the design of the State Library station.

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I do love the architecture in Melbourne, and especially the art deco style. You look up in Melbourne and you always see beautiful buildings, Emily said, pointing out the distinctive 1920s-style lights and other fittings above the platforms. Niki agreed the new stations captured Melbournes style. It does reflect the sort of style that Melbourne has; the contemporary feel, the openness, the airiness, she said.



John Cahir meets up with a group of fellow ex-Bureau of Meteorology colleagues every Monday for a decent walk (about 10 kilometres, usually) somewhere around the city. Today, they decided to travel through each of the Metro Tunnel stations, starting at Town Hall. Well visit the five stations and then walk up to Brunettis in Carlton from Arden, Cahir said. Its fabulous. 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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NationalVictoriaMetro Tunnel How Melbournes train network stacks up against the best in the world Cara Waters December 1, 2025  6:45pm 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 176 View all comments

All you need to know about Melbournes new Metro Tunnel. See all stories .

Melbourne opened its first major rail project in decades this weekend to great excitement and fanfare, but by global comparison, theres still work to be done. The $15 billion Metro Tunnel has expanded Melbournes underground train network with five new stations and twin nine-kilometre tunnels under the CBD. The quiet State Library station on Monday morning. Justin McManus It is expected to bring more than 50,000 people into the city each day and connects the Sunbury line in the north-west to the Cranbourne/Pakenham line in the south-east, creating a 100-kilometre cross-city connection. Melbournes rail network now comprises 269 trains which run across 16 lines and connect 227 stations via 1000 kilometres of track.

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Our network is more like a suburban railway system with some underground city stops, than a metro system in the style of London, Tokyo, Singapore, Paris, New York or Hong Kong. Related Article Opinion

Metro Tunnel Keep hold of your timetable: Metro Tunnel is spectacular, but it wont transform Melbourne yet Cara Waters The Age city editor The technology used in the network is cutting edge, but it lacks the frequency and operating hours of its competitors. So how does Melbournes expanded train system compare with other global cities? London

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The UK capital boasted the worlds first underground railway when its network opened in 1863 with steam trains initially running along the tracks. The London Underground, known affectionately as The Tube, connects every major part of the city. London has been expanding and improving its network ever since it opened. It now has 11 lines covering 402 kilometres and serving 272 stations, carrying up to 5 million passengers a day. At peak times, there are more than 543 trains in service, with the fastest line running 40 trains an hour. In 2022, London added the high-frequency Elizabeth Line stretching between suburbs to the east and west of the city. The lead architect for Melbournes Metro, Ivan Harbour, is based in London and took inspiration from The Tubes design but describes parts of the London Underground as sort of a nightmare because of its age.

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Passengers waiting less than two minutes for the next Tube service may disagree. The granddaddy of subways, the London Underground, was born on January 9, 1863, with the launch of the worlds first subterranean rail journey. Getty Images Tokyo The railway system in Tokyo carries more than 8 million passengers a day and intersects with Japans broader rail network, including its high-speed bullet trains. The Japanese capital has two main metro rail systems: the Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway.

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The combined system has 290 stations on 13 lines, and trains are incredibly punctual, with drivers fined for arriving late. However, the metro trains can be a bit of a squeeze. Each carriage is designed for about 150 passengers but often carries double this in peak hour. Train operators employ staff to push people into carriages at peak times. Eric Keys, a retired transport planner who was the initial project director on the Metro Tunnel, said Tokyos rail system suffered from significant overcrowding because the city had grown enormously since it was built. It becomes very difficult to expand those systems once theyre built, he said. While Tokyo is overused to an extreme level, our system will be relatively underused because its so new. Itll have plenty of spare capacity so that we dont have those problems for hopefully many decades.

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Tokyo metro subway and Yamanote line commuter trains running through the city. iStock Singapore Singapore has one of the worlds newest underground systems, the Mass Rapid Transit network having opened in 1987. The MRT has more than 160 stations which span the island across six MRT lines. The 240-kilometre system carries more than 200,000 daily passengers. Police ride an escalator at an MRT train station in Singapore. Bloomberg

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Singapore has plans to expand the rail network to about 360 kilometres by early next decade. Nathan Pittman, education fellow in transport planning at the University of Melbourne, said Singapores MRT was incredibly frequent, clean and punctual in comparison with Melbournes network. You dont have the problem of having to mix with suburban traffic and youre not going to have freight trains sharing the same track, he said. So its a lot easier to provide that level of service. Paris The Parisian Metro system, with its iconic art nouveau entrances, spans the city across 16 lines.

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Its first line opened in 1900 during Paris World Fair and the Olympic Games and, over the years, it has expanded to service 308 stations. The word metro, used around the world including on Melbournes system, comes from the Paris Metropolitan. Related Series

Metro Tunnel Metro Tunnel The French capitals Metro carries over 4 million passengers a day, and small dogs are allowed on board. Running on a combination of steel wheels and rubber tyres, trains are mostly conductor-driven, although three lines have been updated to be automatic.

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Paris is in the middle of the biggest transformation of its public transport system yet. Construction of the 35 billion ($62 billion) Grand Paris Express is scheduled for completion by 2030. The project includes four new Metro lines, 200 kilometres of new tracks and 68 new stations. Unlike existing lines, the new ones are configured in rings that avoid passing through the middle of the city, a similar design to Melbournes proposed Suburban Rail Loop. The iconic art nouveau sign by Hector Guimard for the Paris Metropolitan. Getty Images New York

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In the city that never sleeps, the subway runs all day and night, every day. New Yorks subway snakes its way underneath the city and has grown to 36 lines since it opened in 1904. The subway has 472 stations, making it the worlds largest by the number of stations. It carries about 1.1 billion people a year  which is still only at 70 per cent of its pre-pandemic patronage levels. However, the subways size, age and funding problems have made it a challenging system to improve, with parts falling into near-disrepair around the time of the global financial crisis. Its newest addition is the Second Avenue Subway, which opened in 2017 after a decade of construction.

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The second phase of that line, into Harlem, is being developed at an expected cost of $US5.23 billion ($7.9 billion) and is due for completion by about 2032. A protester dressed in a Statue of Liberty costume enters a New York subway station after a No Kings demonstration in October. AP Hong Kong Hong Kongs Mass Transit Railway serves over 179 stations. Its cheap, accessible and efficiently designed with interchanges to ensure a smooth flow of passengers. Hong Kong residents are avid public transport users, reporting some of the highest utilisation rates in the world with 5 million passengers a day.

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Trains run 19 hours a day, seven days a week. During peak periods, trains with capacity for 2500 passengers run at two-minute intervals. Loading The MTR has a 99.9 per cent punctuality rate. Formerly owned by the Hong Kong government, it is now a publicly traded company after its initial public offering in 2000. The MTR is highly profitable, bringing in $HK15.8 billion ($3.1 billion) in the past financial year. Yet it also has among the cheapest fares in the world  the shortest trip costing just 96.

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Commuters travelling on Hong Kongs MTR. Bloomberg The major driver of the corporations huge revenue is its property development arm. MTR holds a portfolio of about 50 properties, which were provided to the company by the government for free for the development of new train stations. Above the stations sit some of the citys largest skyscrapers, owned by the company. MTR owns public transport networks around the world, including Melbournes, where it has a 60 per cent stake in Metro Trains. 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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A teenage driver has been charged after an 18-year-old man allegedly fell from the roof of a moving car on the Mornington Peninsula during schoolies week.

The injured teenager was flown to the Royal Melbourne Hospital in a critical condition.

The 18-year-old sustained serious head injuries and was flown to the Royal Melbourne Hospital in a critical condition.

His condition was deemed stable on Monday afternoon, a spokeswoman for the Royal Melbourne Hospital said.

He was one of two teenagers allegedly riding on the roof of the car when he fell to the ground at St Andrews Beach about 6.50pm on Sunday.
The Cook government is looking into how it could force tech companies to build in safeguards to stop their products being used by violent partners as a form of coercive control.

eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant issued a warning on Monday that technology was being used to facilitate abuse, including electric vehicles being used to surveil partners.

Speaking after the 16 Days in WA family and domestic violence breakfast at Crown Perth this morning, Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister Jess Stojkovski said that use of technology would be looked at as the state develops laws to ban coercive control  a form of abuse that includes restricting the freedoms and behaviours of a partner.

Thats a wide range of what were looking at with the coercive control legislation, it is one of the reasons why it is a hard thing to legislate, she said.

As part of the 16 Days in WA campaign, Premier Roger Cook laid out a new tranche of funding worth $110 million to combat rising rates of family and domestic violence in the state.

It includes $34.9 million to expand the FDV response teams to a 24/7 service in metro Perth, $45.8 million to enact recommendations from the FDV system reform plan and $14.4 million to support victim survivors.

The Greens announced they would create a specific spokesperson position in the party to target mens violence against women, with leader Brad Pettitt to fill the role.

For too long the burden of encouraging change to stop this crisis has fallen on women, often victim-survivors and advocates themselves, which is why I am stepping up to be the new Greens spokesperson for stopping mens violence, he said.

Cook said the party would not follow the Greens lead.

I wish them all the very best. I am immensely impressed with the performance of Jess Stojkovski in this portfolio, so I think shes the best person to be in that role at the moment, he said.
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PoliticsFederalChina relations Departing intelligence chief calls out Chinese intimidation as Australia monitors fresh flotilla Matthew Knott December 2, 2025  7:15am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share

The countrys outgoing intelligence chief has accused China of seeking to intimidate Australia by sending a naval flotilla to circumnavigate the continent as he warned of the rising risk of a major conflict erupting in the region within a decade. Defence Minister Richard Marles on Monday said the government was monitoring a Chinese navy task group in the Philippine Sea but was not yet sure whether it was headed to Australia in a repeat of a February expedition by the Peoples Liberation Army. Andrew Shearer, head of the powerful Office of National Intelligence, will take up a new role as ambassador to Japan. afr Office of National Intelligence (ONI) director-general Andrew Shearer, who is about to depart his post after five years in the job, told Senate estimates hearings on Monday night that the Indo-Pacific has become the epicentre of global systemic rivalry as he called out Beijings growing assertiveness. The guardrails that for decades separated competition from confrontation and conflict are weakening, said Shearer, who has been nominated to be Australias next ambassador to Japan.

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Crises are overlapping and intersecting, bringing threats on shore faster, sometimes in real time. Warning times are shorter, meaning we have to act now if we are to be prepared for what may be coming, and some of the assumptions that underpinned international stability for decades can no longer be taken for granted. Most consequentially, should deterrence break down, notwithstanding the efforts of our government and our allies, we would face a rising risk of major conflict in our region within the next decade. Asked about the Chineses navys February circumnavigation of Australia, in which it conducted live-fire exercises in the Tasman Sea, Shearer told Liberal Senator Dave Sharma: I wont go into them in detail, but there were aspects of that particular deployment that, in our preliminary assessment, were intended to have an intimidatory effect on us, and, by extension, on other nearby countries. Peoples Liberation Army-Navy frigate Hengyang was among those that circled Australia. ADF Australia should prepare for more such visits by the Chinese military in future years, he said.

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We would expect them to become more frequent and to continue demonstrating that ability to project and sustain naval path further from mainland China, he said. He noted that Japan is now being subjected to economic coercion in addition to military and paramilitary pressure tactics after new prime minister Sanae Takaichi angered Beijing by speaking openly about the possibility of a war over the self-governing island of Taiwan. Related Article National security Trashing conventions: Coalition cries foul over PMs pick for plum job Declaring that the nations intelligence operatives face incessant cyberattacks, unrelenting espionage and interference efforts, Shearer said: Malign states are colluding with criminals and other non-state actors to enable hacking, sabotage, assassinations and political interference. The struggle for influence and strategic advantage in our region has intensified on every front. In the Pacific, efforts to build influence over elites have become more overt and sustained.

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Sherarer, who served as former prime minister Scott Morrisons cabinet secretary, will be replaced by Kathy Klugman, who has been Prime Minister Anthony Albaneses top foreign affairs adviser. Klugmans appointment was criticised by the opposition, which accused the government of a lack of consultation and argued Klugman lacked experience in the intelligence field. Officials from the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet revealed during the estimates hearings that an independent panel chose a shortlist of five names for Albanese, who then selected Krugman for the ONI role. 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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Updated PoliticsFederalDefence Government to scrap multiple Defence agencies to fight massive blowouts Matthew Knott Updated December 1, 2025  4:39pm ,first published December 1, 2025  9:39am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share 213 View all comments

A historic overhaul of the defence bureaucracy has set the stage for a vigorous debate on defence funding among the Albanese governments most powerful players, as Defence Minister Richard Marles and Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy push their cabinet colleagues for a substantial rise in military spending. Responsibility for delivering major military projects within budget will be stripped from the Department of Defence, under changes announced on Monday, and handed to a new independent agency in one of the nations most significant bureaucratic shake-ups in decades. The changes are designed to avoid a repeat of the troubled Hunter-class frigate program. In reforms aimed at reducing the militarys many multibillion-dollar blowouts and lengthy delays, three existing agencies within the Defence Department will be merged into a new super-agency reporting directly to Marles and Conroy. Defence experts largely welcomed the overhaul, but said it needed to be paired with more money to achieve real reform within the defence establishment.

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Marles also announced that the government was monitoring the movements of a Chinese naval flotilla in the Philippine Sea to determine whether it is en route to the waters surrounding Australia in a repeat of a Chinese task groups circumnavigation of the continent in February. The Department of Defence has a current budget of $56 billion a year, a figure that is set to rise to approximately $100 billion by 2034 amid growing regional tensions and pressure from the Trump administration for nations to spend more on their own defence capabilities. The changes will see the Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group, the Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance Enterprise and the Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment Group scrapped and rolled into the new Defence Delivery Agency. The autonomous agency, which will be established in July 2027, will be headed by the national armaments director, a new position, and will control the budget for all major Defence acquisitions.

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This is one of the biggest changes to Defence that we have seen, Marles told reporters. It will greatly change how Defence operates. It will greatly improve the quality of the Defence spend, and it will make sure that as we spend more money in the defence budget, we are doing so in a way which sees programs delivered on time and on budget. There will not be job cuts as a result of the overhaul, Marles said. Marles said Labor had significantly increased defence spending since coming to office in 2022, and that this boost carried an obligation to ensure the money was well-spent. The establishment of the Defence Delivery Agency will see a much bigger bang for buck, he said.

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Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy said the overhaul was the biggest reform to the nations defence organisation in 50 years. The reforms, he said, are all about getting the equipment the brave men and women of the Australian Defence Force need into their hands sooner. Marles and Conroy are expected to use the overhaul to lobby for more defence funding ahead of next years national defence strategy and the May budget as they argue the defence force will spend the extra money more efficiently than it would have under the current structure. There is widespread consensus among defence experts that defence spending needs to rise to around 3 per cent of gross domestic product - up from just over 2 per cent currently - but any dramatic increase will be closely scrutinised by Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Finance Minister Kay Gallagher. The Department of Defence has undergone several major restructures, including the creation of the Defence Materiel Organisation in 2000 and its abolition 15 years later, when it was replaced by the Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group. There have been longstanding concerns within defence industry that the department is bloated, top-heavy, risk-averse and overly bureaucratic.

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A new AUKUS Group overseeing the security pact has also been created within the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, to be led by deputy secretary Kendra Morony. The overhaul comes as the government searches for a new head of the Australian Submarine Agency, which sits outside of Defence and is responsible for delivering the AUKUS pacts nuclear-powered submarine program. The first boss of the agency, Vice Admiral Jonathan Mead, announced in November that he would step down from the pivotal role in the middle of next year. Sources familiar with the overhaul said it was designed to give the government more control over major acquisitions and avoid a repeat of the much-maligned Hunter-class project, which has been beset by design changes, delays and costs that ballooned past $50 billion. A scathing 2023 audit found the Defence Department did not conduct an effective limited tender process for the ship design and value for money from the three competing designs was not assessed by officials as it should have been. The government last year decided to cut the number of Hunter-class frigates from nine to six because of concerns they lacked sufficient firepower.

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There is a strong view within the government that the department has lacked accountability and needs to be transformed to ensure the defence force can respond to growing geostrategic competition in the Indo-Pacific, including Chinas rapid military build up. Related Article Defence spending Floating turkeys: Is Australia spending $50bn on dud ships? Peter Dean, a professor of strategic studies at the Australian National University, said: This is a bold, brave decision; the government is attempting to do something big. The key is that they change defences operating system, not just the business cards. Jennifer Parker, an adjunct fellow in naval studies at UNSW, welcomed the creation of the new delivery agency but said it needed to be matched with a substantial increase in defence spending to ensure the nation has the military capabilities it needs. Structural change alone cannot solve the problems, she said.

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Opposition defence spokesperson Angus Taylor said it was unclear how the decision would deliver a better outcome for the defence forces, telling Sky News that the risk here is this is just shuffling the deck chairs. The government is also preparing to announce a dramatic overhaul of the sprawling defence estate portfolio, including selling historic sites in several capital cities. 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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Exclusive PoliticsNSWChildcare As complaints rise 52 per cent, new childcare commissioner vows to do whatever it takes Emily Kowal December 1, 2025  6:30pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share

The head of the states new childcare safety watchdog has vowed to shut down centres which pose a risk to vulnerable children as part of a suite of new powers designed to better police the scandal-plagued sector. Complaints about childcare providers have jumped 52 per cent in just three months amid growing community anger after a slew of abuse scandals which included a child being used as a mop while another was made to drink from a paint cup. Daryl Currie has been appointed the new commissioner for the new independent regulator for the NSW Early Learning Commission Wolter Peeters Daryl Currie, head of the Early Learning Commission, has vowed to do whatever needs to happen to stop kids being at risk, including shutting down centres and locking out childcare workers under investigation for inappropriate conduct. The new power, which will be switched on in the new year, allows the regulator to suspend workers suspected of misconduct from all NSW early learning sites while an investigation is under way. In the past, the regulator could only suspend them from the site at which they were working by relying on the employer to cease their engagement.

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A parliamentary inquiry and multiple media investigations this year have exposed the sectors lack of transparency, including high-profile safety incidents that happened without parents knowledge. Related Article Development Childcare to close after 120 years amid warnings Sydney is losing grandchildren As a result, the government has introduced a raft of new laws to protect children. The sector and regulator will, for the first time, have a legal obligation to put the rights and best interests of children above all else. Other changes include the creation of an independent regulatory authority, $55 million to boost frontline staff and increased publication of regulatory data. If somebody is acting or providing a service as a risk to kids, my expectation is that we will act, Currie said. We act quickly. We act to do whatever needs to happen to stop those kids from being at risk. In our eyes, if that means closing the centre or cancelling the approval, so be it. If it means prohibiting someone, so be it. The changes mean we can stop them working in any centre in NSW and take disciplinary action.

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I have no problem wielding those tools, but it has to be proportionate and it has to be reasonable as well. The commissioners pledge comes as data to be released on Tuesday shows compliance notices increased by 40 per cent last quarter, enforceable undertakings by 57 per cent and prohibition notices by 350 per cent compared to the same quarter last year. The new powers given to the regulator can prevent a worker accused of inappropriate conduct from switching to a different childcare operator while being investigated. Currie said he wanted parents to be confident we are independent and making our own decisions and said the spike in complaints showed people actually have trust in the process. I understand how upsetting and for some people traumatic the last year has been. Please be confident we understand and we are prepared to act  to ensure children are safe.

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Professor of early childhood governance Marianne Fenech welcomed the regulators ability to shut down centres not meeting quality standards. Services have been given way too much time and too many chances to get things right, she said, but the crux is still we have to change the conditions under which services operate. Tougher penalties are intended to scare away dubious providers but are a reactive measure. What we need are preventative measures, she said. Staff are working in conditions where its just untenable. Parents need more confidence in a more robust system that is going to protect and have standards in place that can give them the assurance that they need. And Im not convinced that tougher penalties are going to do that. 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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PoliticsVictoriaVictorian election Labor set to cap party war chests in donation law backflip Annika Smethurst December 2, 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

Victoria will introduce new caps on how much money major political parties can withdraw from their fundraising war chests and lock in a 10-day early voting period ahead of a High Court challenge to the states donation laws. The changes, which are set to be introduced to parliament on Tuesday, will limit political parties to withdrawing a maximum of $500,000 from their nominated entity during an election period, while independent candidates will be able to access a tenth of that, with a $50,000 cap. The state government faces a High Court showdown over millions of dollars held in secretive funding vehicles. Alex Ellinghausen Under the current system, Labor, the Liberal Party and the National Party have been able to withdraw unlimited sums from their multi-million dollar fundraising bodies, known as nominated entities, while a 2020 cut-off effectively blocked new parties from setting up similar financial structures. Former independent candidate Melissa Lowe, who ran as a teal in the seat of Hawthorn in the 2022 state election, said the concession put independents in a David and Goliath battle against the major parties.

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The about-face on caps comes after The Age last week revealed the government had conceded in its High Court defence that the pre-2020 deadline was discriminatory to newer political parties, not justified and must be severed. Related Article Exclusive

Victorian election Political parties hidden war chests exposed in election year High Court battle However, the government defended its broader donations scheme in its submission, arguing Victoria should keep the exemption that allows parties to receive uncapped donations from their decades-old fundraising bodies, while newer parties could do the same, but would only be able to raise money under tighter caps. The High Court challenge has been brought by Lowe and another independent candidate, Paul Hopper, who contested the Werribee byelection in February. In 2018, Labor announced the donation caps that restricted donations from any individual or organisation to $4850 over a four-year period, but provided a carve-out to three nominated entities  the Liberal Partys Cormack Foundation, Labors Labor Services & Holdings and the Nationals Pilliwinks  which had decades of stockpiled cash and investment income. Those nominated entities were permitted to donate uncapped amounts to the major parties.

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Labor Services & Holdings reported $3.1 million in net assets last financial year and transferred $4.6 million to the ALP during the 2022 election. The Nationals Pilliwinks trust has generated $2.6 million in investment income since 2018, while the Liberal-aligned Cormack Foundation holds almost $90 million. As part of the newly announced changes, the nominated-entity model will be opened to more candidates, but there will be limits on how it can be used. Minor parties, independent candidates and sitting MPs will all be able to appoint their own nominated entities. Paul Hopper says the major parties have an unfair spending advantage over independents and newer parties. Luis Enrique Ascui Both Hopper and Lowe argue the donation system introduced by then-premier Daniel Andrews bakes in an advantage to the major parties and say that nominated entities have become entrenched financial weapons for the major parties. Rather than expanding or tweaking the existing loophole, they say the only fair outcome is to close it entirely and abolish the practice. Under the governments proposed changes, Victorias early voting period will also be reduced from 12 days to 10. The change follows a review into the 2022 state election which found the lengthy pre-poll period put parties, candidates and the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) under pressure to prepare materials in time.

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A bipartisan committee recommended reducing the early voting period from 12 to seven days with early voting to start on the Saturday before election day. If passed, the amended laws will also give the VEC more time to prepare for elections by changing the deadlines for registering political parties and candidates. The timeframes for the close of electoral rolls and sending postal voter ballot packs will also be altered. Premier Jacinta Allan said the latest reforms would make elections fairer and easier to run. Fair elections are the bedrock of democracy, and we are delivering these reforms to ensure Victorians can be confident in their electoral processes. In its High Court defence, the government insisted that apart from the 2020 cut-off, the rest of its donation laws must remain in place because they help prevent corruption and undue influence on elections. In its submission to the High Court, the government says the general cap was designed to reduce the risk that candidates and MPs become beholden to single donors.

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The case is scheduled to be heard in early February. The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up here.
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WorldAsiaChina relations Opinion How do we compete with Beijing when so few of us can speak Chinese? Lisa Visentin North Asia Correspondent December 2, 2025  4:00am

December 2, 2025  4:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share 145 View all comments

When the fresh intake of Australian teenagers arrives at university campuses next year, the first crop of students born in 2008 will be among them. Its a milestone to be clocked with concern by those who care about Australias declining reservoir of China expertise which, frankly, should be everyone, but especially our policymakers. Few students are enrolling in Chinese Studies, including the language. Matthew Absalom-Wong As far as symbolism goes, the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics marked the moment China stepped on the global stage as an ascendant great power. It was galloping towards economic liberalisation with such promise that many hoped  naively, as it turned out  that it was on the cusp of a new era of political freedom. Since then, as Beijing has taken a sharp authoritarian turn under leader Xi Jinping and massively expanded its military machine, the China story has only become more important.

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Across the Indo-Pacific, Beijing is aggressively exerting its influence to the extent that Foreign Minister Penny Wong sees Australia as locked in a permanent contest with China to remain the regions top security partner. A knife fight is how one minister described it to me recently. At the same time, Australias economy is as reliant as ever on China buying our goods. Related Article Foreign relations We will not stand still: Wong sets out foreign policy vision for contest with China And yet, not nearly enough of 2026s new undergraduates and their successors will be specialising in Chinese studies for Australia to be sufficiently equipped to understand its greatest strategic threat and biggest trading partner in the years to come. Thats the message coming directly from Australian universities and China experts, who are sounding the alarm on a declining across-the-board interest in Asia studies. Its worrying because at a time when our focus on the region needs to increase, our capabilities are dropping, former secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Varghese tells me.

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In a report to the federal government last year on funding strategic policy, Varghese, chancellor of the University of Queensland, concluded that Australias declining China expertise was a systemic failure. One of the most concerning data points he and others highlight is this  across the countrys 40 universities, there are no more than five Australian graduates in any one year with an honours degree in Chinese studies including the language. Varghese doesnt see student interest substantially picking up unless the business sector steps up its investment in China  already a challenge of confidence on Xis watch  and, along with it, places a premium on hiring Australians with specialist knowledge of the countrys institutional and political culture. He might have a point. I recently spent four days in Guangzhou attending the annual Australia-China Youth Dialogue (generously benchmarked at under 40) alongside some of the best and brightest mid-career professionals identified as emerging leaders in a range of sectors on either side of the aisle.

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Ive spoken with current and past delegates on the Australian side, many of whom graduated from top universities fluent in Chinese, having immersed themselves in exchange programs at Chinas elite institutions, while earning degrees back home in law, economics, engineering and tech. They represent the pipeline of expertise Australia should be cultivating. Related Article HSC HSC language enrolments are falling but this school is bucking the trend But some painted a grim picture of the challenge they faced acquiring this expertise, only for the Australian jobs marketplace to place little value on it. A number were employed in roles that made little use of their China knowledge. One delegate told me he was the only domestic student in his Chinese studies course at university and, after struggling to find employers who valued his skills, moved overseas. At the risk of further extrapolating personal experience into trend, 2008 was also the year I started as an undergraduate at the Australian National University in Canberra. At the time, the Asian Century seemed well and truly upon us.

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Down the road, Kevin Rudd  an honours graduate himself in Chinese language and history from the ANU  was ensconced in The Lodge as the countrys first Mandarin-speaking prime minister. All around me on campus, students were studying Asian languages and, in particular, Chinese. As I battled my way through an arts/law degree, I quietly wondered if I had missed the memo. (Given my current role, yes, as it turned out.) Prime Minister Kevin Rudd greeting then-vice president of China, Xi Jinping, in 2010. Glen McCurtayn But rather than 2008 being an inflection point that turbocharged Australias investment in its China capability, this momentum evidently evaporated in the years after my cohort graduated. By 2013, Julia Gillards Asian Century white paper  which envisioned an Australia in 2025 that was Asia-literate and Asia-capable, with more students learning Mandarin, Indonesian, Hindi and Japanese  had been shelved by the incoming Liberals.

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A federal parliamentary inquiry is now examining this decade-plus erosion of Asia capability, and the data being presented by universities  albeit patchy  is bleak. Related Article Opinion

University Dumb and dumber: language cuts risk Australia's regional relationships The ANU, which has long been a hub for China expertise, estimates the size of its Asian studies degree has declined by 70 per cent over the past six years. Theres no reason to think they are an outlier. One of the issues is that language courses have become increasingly dominated by international students, and seen as their domain  a consequence of universities becoming drunk on foreign fees to ensure course viability as the government funding noose has tightened. The University of Sydney, for example, has recorded a combined 480 per cent increase in overseas student enrolment in Chinese and several other Asian languages, while domestic enrolments have declined 15 per cent.

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As a China-focused foreign correspondent based in Singapore, I assure you that when it comes to understanding your subjects, there is no substitute for meeting them where they are  on their home turf, and preferably in their own language. Its the reason why this masthead is eager to get back to Beijing permanently, after a five-year hiatus, resuming a four-decade stint of in-country reporting. The decline in China expertise will ultimately impact media coverage too (and yes, I can hear our critics chiming in here), and therefore the quality of the public debate on critical issues from Taiwan and the South China Sea, to Pacific diplomacy, and Donald Trump and trade wars. Already too few Australian experts make themselves available for media commentary, for reasons that I appreciate includes a wariness to put their head above the parapet on what has, at times, been a shrill and highly politicised national discourse. In the absence of considered expertise and on-the-ground coverage, debate can easily be pulled to the extremes.

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In the vast expanse of views between the fringes, reporters place a premium on China-literate experts who have carved a career out of poring through Communist Party documents, or picking through the entrails of Chinese elite politics, or developing a deep understanding of the countrys centuries-old history and culture and how this shapes decision-making. Or who are able to speak with nuance about Chinese society and business culture because they have lived and worked there. They arent the total of a well-rounded China knowledge base. But ideally, you want this literacy infused through the layers of decision-making and public policy discussion. For that pipeline to be guaranteed in the decades to come, we need 17- and 18-year-olds to be signing up for Chinese studies now, confident theres a job for them in five years time that values their skills. Lisa Visentin is the North Asia correspondent for The Sydney Morning Herald Peter Hartcher is on leave. Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on whats making headlines around the world. Sign up for our weekly What in the World newsletter.
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WorldEuropeAustralians abroad Off-grid family offered free home in Italy to help with return of children Andrea Vogt December 1, 2025  2:30pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share

Bologna: A British father living off-grid with his family in the Italian wilderness has been offered a free home so he can be reunited with his children. Nathan Trevallion, 51, was handed the keys to a holiday house for two months in the hilltop village of Palmoli in south-eastern Italy so he could carry out the court-ordered improvements to his familys living arrangements. Australian mother Catherine Birmingham with her British husband, Nathan Trevallion, and their children. Website: https://catherinelouisebirmingham.com/ The former chef from Bristol and his wife, Catherine Birmingham, a former equestrian trainer from Australia, had their three children removed from their custody and taken into care on November 18. Shortly afterwards, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said she was concerned about the treatment of the family, while her deputy, Matteo Salvini, said the seizure of the children was worrying, dangerous and shameful.

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The family had been living in social isolation without running water or electricity since 2021 until a court ruled that the children  an eight-year-old daughter and six-year-old twins  were not receiving an adequate education. Related Article Australians abroad They lived off-grid in Italys woods. Now their kids have been taken into care The children have been transferred to a shelter, accompanied by their mother, in a great injustice, according to Trevallion. On Saturday, a restaurateur, Armando Carusi, gave the keys to his Airbnb cottage, known as Grandma Gemmas Little House, to Trevallion to help with his family reunification. The stone cottage with sweeping views of Palmoli is advertised on Airbnb as the perfect place to get away from the chaotic life and find yourself.

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Trevallion said: Grazie mille. Thank you, thank you everyone. I have trust in the judiciary and have no further comment at this time. Related Article Immigration Australias Italians out in the cold as Rome rewrites citizenship rules Carusi was born and raised in the cottage, which had no central heating when he was growing up. I am not scandalised by the familys lifestyle because I lived it myself when I was little, he said. It was the natural thing to do. The business owner and his daughter have since remodelled the cottage with modern comforts, including Wi-Fi and an indoor bathroom. They offered it free as temporary lodging to Trevallion while he makes court-ordered upgrades to his own home.

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The Briton was previously living with his family in a dilapidated stone farmhouse he bought for 20,000 ($35,485). They lived together without electricity, an indoor toilet or plumbing, water mains or gas, relying instead on solar power, water drawn from a well, a nearby creek and home-grown food. The children were homeschooled. But social services began investigating after the entire family were poisoned by mushrooms they had foraged and had to receive medical aid. A battle ensued over a lack of documented paediatric visits and their refusal to allow educational and psychological assessments. The juvenile court of LAquila alleged mistreatment due to the absence of habitability at the house. In mid-November, police removed the children from the home, saying their wellbeing was at risk. After negotiations, the childrens mother was allowed to accompany them to a shelter in the coastal town of Vasto, while Trevallion moved in with a neighbour. The familys lawyers have formally filed an appeal.

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Editor's pick Hong Kong Broken hearts and curdling fury as Hong Kong mourns fire victims There is no negligence, no abuse  the kids lives are not in danger, she told Londons The Telegraph in November, calling the situation insane. The family is part of a growing cadre of expats fleeing consumerism and technology for a back-to-the-land lifestyle in rural Italy, where property is cheap due to depopulation. More than 150,000 people have signed a petition to save the family living in the forest, and Salvini, leader of the right-wing League party, chastised the judiciary for not applying the same standards to Roma gypsy camps. On Saturday, Salvini posted a video of the key handover and vowed to follow the case until this family is happily reunited, free to choose how to raise, educate and love their own children.

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WorldMiddle EastIsrael Israels Netanyahu seeks a pardon to end his long-running corruption trial. Will he get one? Galit Altstein December 1, 2025  11:25am 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

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asked the countrys president, Isaac Herzog, to grant him a pardon from corruption charges, seeking to end a long-running trial that has bitterly divided the nation. Netanyahu submitted a request for a pardon to the legal department of the Office of the President on November 30, the prime ministers office said in a statement. Herzogs office called it an extraordinary request, carrying with it significant implications. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is seeking a pardon from Israels president, Isaac Herzog. AP The move follows recent headline-grabbing interventions by US President Donald Trump, who used an Israeli parliament appearance in October to appeal to Herzog, saying: Hey, I have an idea, Mr President, why dont you give him a pardon? Cigars and champagne, who the hell cares about that? he followed up.

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Netanyahu is the only sitting prime minister in Israeli history to stand trial, after being charged with fraud, breach of trust and accepting bribes in three separate cases, accusing him of exchanging favours with wealthy political supporters. He hasnt been convicted of anything. In a video statement published shortly after the appeal was made public by the presidents office, Netanyahu said that the trial was undermining national unity and that a pardon would help Israel tap new opportunities with the US. He stopped short of admitting to any of the charges and expressed confidence in his future acquittal if the legal proceedings continued. What is Netanyahu accused of? The charges span three cases consolidated into a single trial that began in 2020. Netanyahu, who denies all the charges, says theyre part of an orchestrated witch-hunt by those who cant beat him at the ballot box. The most prominent case, and the only one in which Netanyahu, 76, is accused of bribery, is known as Case 4000.

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It evolved from an investigation by the Israel Securities Authority into Bezeq Israeli Telecommunications Corporation Ltd, Israels largest telecommunications company, and Saul Elovitch, who was then its controlling shareholder. While the probe originally focused on other matters, it soon became evident that enterprises connected to Elovitch  who also controlled Walla, a popular news website  benefited from favourable government regulation. Bezeq telecom shareholder Saul Elovitch arrives at the magistrate court in Tel Aviv, Israel, in February 2018. AP Seeking the motive, investigators questioned Wallas chief executive officer, who testified that he had received endless demands from Elovitch and his wife, Iris, for favourable coverage of Netanyahu and his wife, Sara. The prosecution claims that Netanyahu and Elovitch had formed a give and take relationship: the Elovitchs made great efforts to fulfil demands for more positive coverage of the Netanyahus, and the prime minister used his authority to promote Elovitchs business interests and attended several times to his regulatory affairs. Saul and Iris Elovitch were indicted for bribery and obstruction of justice.

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Netanyahu argued that seeking positive media coverage is a normal part of his job and that no favours were offered in exchange for it. Even before his testimony, which started in December 2024, the judges in the case indicated the bribery charge would be hard to substantiate and called on the prosecution to drop it, but the latter refused, and the accusation stands. What are the other two cases? In the second case, known as Case 1000, Netanyahu was indicted for fraud and breach of trust for receiving luxurious gifts from Hollywood producer Arnon Milchan, an Israeli, and Australian billionaire James Packer in connection with his role as prime minister. According to prosecutors, Milchan introduced Netanyahu to Packer, and the two gave gifts to the prime minister and his wife  including cigars and cases of champagne delivered courtesy of Milchan  worth an estimated 690,000 shekels ($319,000) over the course of five years, starting in 2011. Netanyahu also allegedly received gifts from Australian billionaire James Packer. AAP, AP

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During those years, Netanyahu is alleged to have approached US government officials to help Milchan obtain a US entry visa and to have promoted the extension of tax benefits relevant to him. Hes also accused of acting to assist Milchan with regulations concerning a merger of two local TV giants to make a potential investment viable for the producer. Netanyahu disputed the quantities of gifts he received and the motives behind them. He said in his testimony that Milchan was a very close friend, that he hadnt acted in his favour, and that he wasnt even aware that some of the policy matters named in the indictment concerned him. Packer is not accused of any wrongdoing In the third case, known as Case 2000, Netanyahu is accused of fraud and breach of trust for promising benefits to Arnon Mozes, the controlling owner of publishing powerhouse Yedioth Ahronoth, whose eponymous daily paper is one of the countrys most popular. The police stumbled upon the evidence during another inquiry involving a former chief of staff to Netanyahu. On his phone were recordings of meetings held between Netanyahu and Mozes. In them, Mozes offered to steer coverage in Netanyahus favour and, in turn, asked that the prime minister promote legislation that would curb Yedioth Ahronoths largest competitor, Israel Hayom, a newspaper owned by Sheldon Adelson, who has since died, and his wife, Miriam.

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The prosecution alleges that Netanyahu had no intention of obliging but pretended to in the hope of gaining favourable coverage ahead of an upcoming election. Netanyahu, the prosecution said, conveyed a message that bribery is a legitimate tool, thereby breaching public trust in elected officials. Mozes was charged with offering and promising a bribe in the ongoing case. What impact has the trial had on Israeli politics? Because no political party has ever won a majority in the Knesset, Israels parliament, the country has almost always had coalition governments. After Netanyahus 2019 indictment by the attorney-general, the reluctance of Israeli parties to join coalition governments with his Likud party contributed to a period of political instability. Either because no party could form a coalition or no coalition was stable for long, Israel had five general elections from 2019 to 2022. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich have been subjected to targeted financial sanctions and travel bans by Australia. Bloomberg

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After an election at the end of that year, Netanyahu formed the current government with the only parties willing to partner with him, those representing Israels ultra-orthodox Jews and two led by hardliner nationalists, Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben Gvir. The inclusion of these two made the government the most right-wing in Israels history. How has Netanyahus government moved against state institutions? Related Article Exclusive

Foreign relations Israels top diplomat prepares to depart after acrimonious posting Over the past three decades, the Israeli right has expressed growing resentment of the power of Israels Supreme Court, which has acted as a brake on populist legislation and protected the rights of minorities, including Arabs. Israel has no constitution granting the court such power. It created it for itself in the 1990s, and said it would measure legislation against Israels Basic Laws, which together form the closest thing the country has to a constitution. Netanyahu had generally distanced himself from the complaints, praising Israels independent judiciary. But when the legal system came after him, he accused it of pursuing him because of political differences, in an attempt to overthrow the right from power. This paved the way for forces within his government to seek to weaken the Supreme Courts and the legal establishments power through a series of legislative changes.

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The planned judicial overhaul triggered mass protests by Israelis who argued that the changes would undermine the countrys democracy. Some members of Israels security establishment say that Hamas read the protracted infighting over the plan as weakness and that it was a factor in the groups decision to launch its October 7, 2023, attack on Israel when it did, provoking the war. After that, the government temporarily shelved its initiative. But in March, it resumed the effort, passing a law in the Knesset increasing the role of politicians in selecting judges. Can Netanyahu be pardoned? Following his Knesset appeal, Trump wrote to Herzog on November 12, urging him to fully pardon Benjamin Netanyahu, who has been a formidable and decisive War Time Prime Minister. Netanyahu has stood tall for Israel in the face of strong adversaries and long odds, and his attention cannot be unnecessarily diverted, Trump wrote.

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Donald Trump with Benjamin Netanyahu at the Israeli Knesset in October. AP But the path to a pardon is complicated. It can only be granted by Israels president, but it is typically for those already convicted. A pre-emptive presidential pardon has only been granted once in Israels history  by Herzogs predecessor and father, Chaim. He extended the concession to a group of Shin Bet officials under police investigation for the killing of two Palestinian bus hijackers in the 1980s. But that was part of a package deal in which the head of the agency agreed to step down. Netanyahu has repeatedly rejected the idea of resigning and, in 2022, turned down an offer of a plea bargain that involved acknowledging lesser wrongdoing in exchange for staying out of politics for seven years. In October, he announced that he plans to run in the next election, which must be held by October 2026. Though his ruling coalition has lost much of its public support since coming to power, his party still polls better than any other in opinion surveys.

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When is Netanyahus trial expected to end? Theres no set date for the trials conclusion, and estimates are that it will last several more years. As of late October, Netanyahu was still being cross-examined by the prosecution, and thats expected to continue for several more months. Still ahead are hearings on Case 2000, an opportunity for Netanyahus lawyers to ask him questions to clarify or repair points made in his cross-examination, the testimony of defence witnesses and the submission of written and oral closing arguments. Even after the judges reach a verdict, Netanyahu can appeal to a higher court, which would also take time. What happens if Netanyahu is convicted? Its unlikely Netanyahus trial will wrap up during his current term, though he could be prime minister again after the next general election. Theres no precedent in Israel for the trial  let alone the conviction  of a sitting prime minister. One of Netanyahus predecessors, Ehud Olmert, was tried, convicted and jailed on corruption charges, but only after leaving office. He was released in 2017. Under Israeli law, if a prime minister is convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude and all appeals have been exhausted, his or her term is automatically terminated. The government becomes a transitional government until a new one is sworn in.

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Updated WorldNorth AmericaTrade deals Australia in talks with US over Trump demands to pay more for medicine Michael Koziol and Natassia Chrysanthos Updated December 2, 2025  1:57pm ,first published December 2, 2025  5:03am 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 189 View all comments

Australia is talking to the Trump administration and global drug companies about the United States push to make countries pay more for medicines  an effort that gained pace overnight with a new deal to make the United Kingdom pay 25 per cent more for new pharmaceuticals. Health Minister Mark Butler on Tuesday acknowledged there had been a significant change of policy by the US administration as he revealed the Albanese government was deeply engaged in discussions in Washington. The US government under President Donald Trump will use the British deal as a model for talks with other developed nations. AP We are trying to make sure we understand this dynamic shift thats happening in the global pharmaceutical market, to ensure that we can deliver access to as many medicines as possible at the most affordable price possible for the Australian people, Butler said at a press conference. Under the deal between the US and UK, announced overnight, the UKs National Health Service will increase the net price it pays for new medicines by 25 per cent, and certain rebates paid by drug companies to the NHS will be reduced.

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That trade deal now serves as a model to compel other developed nations, such as Australia, to fork out more for drugs  something US President Donald Trump has been pushing for this year. In return, British medicines will be exempt from potentially triple digit US tariffs, as well as any future trade practices investigations involving pharmaceuticals for the rest of President Donald Trumps term. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in a Melbourne pharmacy during the election campaign, when he backed keeping medicine costs down under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. Alex Ellinghausen It was not immediately clear whether British consumers could be forced to pay more as a result. But UK media reported the cost to the NHS would be about 3 billion ($6.1 billion). In Australia, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Schemes buys medicines in bulk from drug companies, and Australians are charged a flat fee at the pharmacy. The government might pay thousands of dollars for a product that is ultimately available to consumers at a maximum $31.60 per script  due to become $25 next month.

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Butler said the government remained committed to listing more medicines on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and offering them at cheaper prices to Australians. Our PBS has delivered extraordinary things for the Australian people for more than 80 years now  access to the worlds best medicines at affordable PBS prices So the first assurance I want to give the Australian people is that we will never compromise those two important elements of the PBS for the Australian people, he said. Health Minister Mark Butler says the government is committed to listing more medicines on the PBS. Alex Ellinghausen Were engaging closely, not just with the US administration, particularly through the embassy in Washington, but also with global pharmaceutical companies that will be impacted with this as well. I talk with them very regularly, and Im making sure that we have a set of policies in place in Australia that continues to deliver those PBS outcomes for the Australian people.

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A White House official, requesting anonymity, said the general structure of the UK deal  under which other countries pay more for drugs or face punitive trade measures by the US  was the model for global negotiations. Related Article Opinion

Trump's White House Trump is really, really bad at maths Stephen Bartholomeusz Senior business columnist For decades, Americans have subsidised global pharmaceutical research and development by paying several times more for the same exact drugs than our peers in other wealthy nations do, White House spokesman Kush Desai said in a statement. President Trump pledged to use every lever of executive power to put America first, and the administrations pharmaceutical deal with the UK is a historic step towards ensuring that other developed countries finally pay their fair share. Without naming any countries, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer indicated he was looking to strike similar deals with other nations.

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The Trump administration is reviewing the pharmaceutical pricing practices of many other US trading partners and hopes that they will follow suit with constructive negotiations, he said. Greers office has been contacted for further comment. Butler said he would not pre-empt the outcomes of the governments discussion with the US administration or pharmaceutical companies. Im not going to go into those discussions, except to say that, as I said, this is very deep engagement between our government, he said. Well continue to have those discussions, but were one of 193 other countries who are engaging with the Americans about this.

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The British government said the trade deal with the US would allow the NHS to approve innovative medicines that might have previously been declined purely on cost-effectiveness grounds, such as breakthrough cancer treatments or therapies for rare diseases. United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer says the Trump administration is reviewing the pharmaceutical pricing of many US trading partners. Bloomberg The deal would ensure UK patients get the cutting-edge medicines they need sooner, and our world-leading UK firms keep developing the treatments that can change lives, UK Science Secretary Liz Kendall said. But the Liberal Democrats health spokeswoman Helen Morgan said the deal was really a Trump shakedown of the NHS that nobody voted for, and it should be put to a vote in the British parliament. The government will divert billions of pounds away from frontline NHS services  all on the whim of a foreign president, she said. Trump demanded these pay rises to put Americans first, and our government rolled over.

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Asked at a briefing on Tuesday (AEDT) if there were any guarantees that the extra money taken in by US drug companies under the deal would be passed on to American consumers, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said: Ill get you the answer to that question after the briefing. With AP, Clay Lucas Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on whats making headlines around the world. Sign up for our weekly What in the World newsletter.
Plumber apologises for actions during Bali shooting trial

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The man on trial for his alleged role as a point man in a gangland hit has apologised to the wife of the man who died.
Scientist trades his lab for beekeeping in SW China's Sichuan

People's Daily Online) 09:43, December 01, 2025

Zhang Yubo (center) teaches villagers how to keep bees in Pingwu county, Mianyang city, southwest China's Sichuan Province. (Photo courtesy of the interviewee)

Zhang Yubo, who works in Pingwu county, Mianyang city, southwest China's Sichuan Province, has earned the legendary nickname "Dr. Bee," surprising many with his remarkable career shift.

A Ph.D. graduate from Beijing Forestry University who later studied ecology at Duke University in the U.S., Zhang spent years working at the Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences after returning home. Then, in early 2019, a phone call changed everything. After much deliberation, he made a startling decision: to quit his job and head into the mountains of Pingwu county to keep bees.

The caller was Tang Zhenghua, the Party chief of Jinfeng village in Pingwu's Mupi Tibetan township, who requested assistance after more than 80 percent of the village's bees died.

Zhang visited Jinfeng village in 2005 as a master's student, learning about the protection of the area's giant panda habitat, and had stayed in touch with the villagers ever since. He immediately sent materials to Tang, but they didn't solve the problem.

Encouraged by his former advisor, Zhang launched his beekeeping venture in Jinfeng village, establishing a family farm. Despite his theoretical knowledge, his lack of hands-on experience presented serious challenges early on.

Once, less than a minute after opening a hive, his left arm was stung 30 to 40 times. "I didn't think much of it at first, but by the third day, I was almost in shock," he said. The villagers rushed him to the hospital, where doctors issued a critical condition notice.

After recovering, his parents begged him to give up beekeeping. He refused. Instead, he threw himself into studying bee behavior more closely.

Through observation, Zhang found that traditional horizontal wooden hives harmed a large number of larvae during honey extraction, thereby damaging the bees' living environment.

Drawing inspiration from a book from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), he designed a vertical hive. "The vertical, layered design allows us to harvest honey on the upper layer without disturbing the larvae below," Zhang explained.

"Honey output doubled compared with traditional hives," Tang recalled, prompting local villagers to immediately learn the technique.

Zhang repeatedly demonstrated his hive assembly methods to the villagers. When some villagers struggled with modifications, he bought 500 hive sets at his own expense and distributed them free of charge.

Before long, Zhang developed solar-powered hives equipped with Internet of Things technology, allowing beekeepers to remotely monitor colony conditions without opening the hives. To help villagers sell their honey, he established online sales channels, reaching first-tier cities and building a growing base of repeat customers.

"Beekeeping isn't just an industry. Bees pollinate flowers and help improve the ecosystem of the Giant Panda National Park," Zhang said.

Earlier this year, Zhang received a national honorary title in recognition of his dedication. Determined to help more people learn about ecological conservation through beekeeping, he has now established a nature education center, welcoming children eager to explore the natural world.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
Microsoft has published a socio-economic impact report that reveals the company has contributed 40 billion to Irelands economy over the past decade. Taoiseach Micheal Martin and Minister James Lawless joined Microsoft as it revealed the details of the report to coincide with Microsofts 40th anniversary in Ireland.

To mark the milestone, the Company has committed an additional 4 million to AI skilling initiatives in Ireland, supporting communities, businesses, and individuals in preparing for the opportunities of the AI era.

'Transformative Technology'

Over four decades, Microsoft has driven technological progress, supported economic growth and helped shape the digital economy we know today. I welcome Microsofts latest investment, which will develop the skills needed for our AI future and strengthen Irelands leadership in this transformative technology," said Taoiseach Micheal Martin. " Microsofts efforts to advance AI reflect Irelands ambition to be at the forefront of this revolution.

The Microsoft Ireland 2025 Economic and Social Impact Report, which was carried out by Indecon, highlights Microsofts strong track record of investment in Ireland and the positive ripple effects of its presence across the wider economy. In the last year alone, Microsoft, together with its wider network, contributed 4.9 billion to Irelands economic output.

Today, the company employs more than 6,400 people across its multifunctional campus in Leopardstown, its data centre campus in Grange Castle, Activision Blizzard King, and LinkedIns operations in Dublin, and delivers a broad range of services including R&D, engineering, cloud services, and EMEA sales, as well as support functions, including financial and legal services, operations and logistics.

Microsoft helps sustain more than 20,000 jobs in Ireland through direct, indirect, and induced employment, up from 4,500 jobs a decade ago. This increase shows how Microsoft, together with its wider network and partners, is strengthening Irelands tech ecosystem, advancing Irelands position as a leading technology hub, and creating opportunities across multiple sectors.

Microsofts investment in research and development and innovation further underscores its role in Irelands digital economy. The company has invested 1.8 billion in research and development activities since 2014, with 1,600 current engineering roles focused on driving innovation. Since 2008, 676 patent applications have been filed in Ireland, 549 patents have been granted, and 89 new products have been developed and launched.

AI Skilling Investment

Microsoft also announced its intention to invest an additional 4 million in AI skilling over the next three years  building on the 8m already invested since 2018. The additional funding aims to unlock Irelands AI opportunity by providing people of all ages, backgrounds, and experiences with the opportunity to develop their AI fluency and digital skills, benefiting communities and businesses across the country.

This investment will also support the expansion of AI learning opportunities for young people through Microsoft Dream Space, which has already engaged over 500,000 students since 2018.

A new 1 million Dream Space hub at Grange Castle will provide hands-on STEM and AI education for more than 5,000 students and hundreds of teachers in communities across Dublin, Kildare and beyond. The new hub will deliver a technically focused curriculum, covering physical computing, electrical engineering and cloud operations. Learners from primary, post-primary and further education will gain practical skills that are aligned to emerging high-demand roles in AI, cloud, and digital infrastructure. This initiative supports Microsofts commitment to provide nearly one million students, as well as their teachers, with immersive STEM and AI learning experiences.

As we look to the future, our focus is on ensuring that the benefits of technology and AI are accessible to all, helping Ireland continue to thrive as a leader in the digital era," said Microsoft Ireland Site Leader and Corporate Vice President of Microsoft Global Operations Service Centre, James OConnor.

"By investing an additional 4 million in AI skilling and through the development of a third Dream Space hub at our data centre campus in Grange Castle, we will continue to deliver on our mission of providing every person across the island with the skills to thrive in the era of AI."
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LOCAL clergy and parishioners of all denominations will come together for the third consecutive year to participate in the Black Santa Appeal in Carlow, with this years beneficiary being Autism Heroes Carlow.

The appeal will take place on Thursday 11 December and Friday 12 December 2025, from 2.30pm to 5.30pm each day at Fairgreen Shopping Centre.

The Black Santa tradition, explains Rev Paul Fitzpatrick, dates back over 45 years to when the then Dean of Belfast, the Very Revd Sammy Crooks, held a sit-out for charity outside his Cathedral. To keep out the cold, he wore an Anglican black cloak, and the local newspaper nicknamed him The Black Santa because of his distinctive attire. The concept has since been embraced collaboratively and inclusively in many locations around the country.

The Carlow appeal is supported by An Garda Siochana Carlow.

A launch event will take place this Friday, 5 December 2025 at 12 noon at Community House, Haymarket. Among those expected to attend are members of Autism Heroes Carlow with Mr Paul Doogue, Mayor of Carlow, An Garda Siochana Carlow, and representatives from local parishes and denominations.

Collection buckets, tables, and swipe and pay facilities will be provided by Autism Heroes Carlow, while the PA system for the two days is being provided by Rory Healy of Healy Funeral Directors, Pollerton Castle.
Ellen O'Donoghue

Hugh Wallace, architect and TV presenter, has died aged 68.

Mr Wallace has been a judge on RTE's Home of the Year programme since it began in 2015, the only judge to appear in every series.

He also presented the property renovation programme, The Great House Revival, which has run for five series.

He won awards for his work as an architect and is a founding partner in Douglas Wallace Consultants.

Over several decades, he worked on hotels, retail spaces and homes around the country.
Isabel Hayes

A criminal with a history of violence who assaulted his girlfriend over a prolonged period and held a blade to her throat before sending her threats from prison to drop the charges, has been jailed for six years.

Patrick Byrne (28), formerly of Cooleven Close, Cloverhill Road, Dublin, has 44 convictions and was jailed for two years and nine months last November after he assaulted a man in the city centre with a bike saddle in an unprovoked assault.

He has four previous convictions for assault causing harm, along with convictions for theft, domestic violence, drugs and threat to kill offences, Garda Natasha Martin told Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on a previous date.

On Monday, Judge Pauline Codd handed down a six-year jail term for the offences, which is not to commence until March 2026 when the sentence he is serving is spent.

Judge Codd noted from a probation report before the court that while Byrne does express some remorse, she said he lacks insight which is something he needs to further address.

The court heard that Byrne assaulted his then partner several times in the course of a two-day period in February 2024, whipping her with a broom handle, holding a Stanley blade to her throat and threatening to slit her throat, kicking and hitting her, smashing up the house and upending a wardrobe, causing a television to fall on her.

He repeatedly told the woman he would kill her, screamed abuse at her, spat in her face and closed the blinds in the house so no one could see in. The woman could not escape as Byrne had both sets of house keys and had locked the door. She eventually managed to escape when he fell asleep, and she was able to get the keys.

She ran to a neighbour's house, where an ambulance and gardai were called. Byrne was arrested at a later date.

He pleaded guilty to one count of assault causing harm, one count of production of a broom handle in the course of a dispute and one count of making a threat to kill at an address in Clondalkin. A number of other counts were taken into consideration. The offences occurred on dates between February 11th and 12th, 2024.

While in custody, Byrne started texting and phoning the woman from two different phone numbers. The court heard the texts started out in a loving nature, with talks of reconciliation, but then turned threatening after Byrne found out the woman had started a new relationship.

He urged the woman to drop the charges against him, calling her a snake and a dirty rat.

You drop them charges or you're going to have a dirty scar for the rest of your life, he texted her.

Byrne pleaded guilty to one count of threatening a witness in criminal proceedings on dates between April 11th and May 20th, 2024. The woman reported Byrne to gardai in July 2024. There was no victim impact statement before the court.

Judge Codd observed on the last date that Byrne appeared to be amused by the text messages as they were read out in court, to which he replied: No from the dock.

Mark Lynam SC, defending, said Byrne started taking drugs from a young age, and his life spiralled when he was a teenager after he discovered his biological father was a different person to the man he considered his father.

Mr Lynam said Byrne and the complainant were in a relationship for about two years, and it was toxic, chaotic, and volatile with both of them abusing drugs and alcohol. Byrne is remorseful and upset about his actions, defence counsel said.

Byrne has a history of violence and is aware he needs to get a handle on his behaviour, Mr Lynam said. He asked the court to order a probation report to get a greater insight into how Byrne can make progress upon his eventual release from custody.

Judge Codd said Byrne clearly has horrendous anger issues, noting the level of violence he acted out on the woman.

On the last hearing date in May, Judge Codd ordered urine analysis, a governor's report and a probation report before adjourning the matter for sentence.

Judge Codd noted Byrne was under the influence of substances and was at high risk of reoffending, but noted he was willing to engage with a MOVE (men overcoming violent emotions) course.

She said the aggravating factors included that it happened in the injured partys home, the level of violence, the nature of the violence in that he spit in her face, used threats in the course of the abuse and called her all sorts of despicable names.

Judge Codd also noted he produced a Stanley knife, holding it to her throat and said knife for life. She noted the victim had a bruise to her right eye and a bruise to her left temple because he punched her in the face.

The judge also noted it was an aggravating factor that it was male violence against a female.

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can contact Womens Aid (24-hour freephone helpline at 1800-341 900, email helpline@womensaid.ie) or Mens Aid Ireland (confidential helpline at 01-554 3811, email hello@mensaid.ie) for support and information.

Safe Ireland also offers a number of local services and helplines at safeireland.ie/get-help/where-to-find-help/. In the case of an emergency, always dial 999/112.
By Bairbre Holmes and Grainne Ni Aodha, PA

A proposal to rename a park in Dublin named after an Israeli president is not legally sound, the city council has heard.

Lord Mayor Ray McAdam said regulations under legislation governing place names, which was changed in 2019, have not yet been made and therefore there is currently no legal basis for holding a ballot on the parks name.

He said the report which proposed renaming the park did not contain the information required for members to adopt a valid resolution and should not have been included on the agenda for Mondays meeting.

Mr McAdam said he was annoyed, frustrated, fed up that this is now where we find ourselves.

The councils chief executive Richard Shakespeare apologised for the administrative oversight and said: A detailed review of the administrative missteps will now be undertaken and a report furnished to the Lord Mayor and councillors.

(There was) great pride in the fact that he was the only visiting head of state who spoke fluent Irish Chief rabbi Yoni Weider

The park in Rathgar was named in 1995 after Chaim Herzog, the sixth president of Israel between 1983 and 1993, who was born in Belfast and raised in Dublin.

His son Isaac Herzog is the current president of Israel and his father served as the first chief rabbi of Ireland.

Earlier on Monday, Irelands chief rabbi has said renaming the park would have been a shameful erasure of a part of Irish-Jewish history.

Yoni Weider said questions needed to be asked about how the proposal came forward.

He told RTE Radio that when Mr Herzog visited Ireland as Israels president in 1985, he was welcomed with warmth and there was great pride in the fact that he was the only visiting head of state who spoke fluent Irish.

The proposal to rename the park has been criticised by Taoiseach Micheal Martin, Tanaiste Simon Harris and Minister for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee, as well as the Office of the President of Israel.
THE Department of Education and Youth has launched a survey to assess demand for different types of primary schools. Its aim is to expand parental choice in education. Parents, principals and school staff, along with Boards of Management, have been asked to participate in the survey. It can be accessed and completed online.

The Department claims it is the biggest survey of its kind and it will give a comprehensive, nationwide picture of parental preferences. the findings will inform future school planning and support more diverse school provision that reflects the values and needs of modern Ireland".

The survey involves the following questions: Would you prefer your primary school to be a co-educational school or a single-sex school? Would you prefer your primary school to operate under a denominational (religious) patron or to operate under a multi-denominational (non-religious) patron? And would you prefer your primary school to provide education primarily through the English language or through the Irish language?

I fully support this survey of stakeholders in the primary school system. I encourage all those eligible to participate in the survey. Hopefully, the results of the survey will convince the Department that there is support for the denominational educational system. But results also should empower the Department to engage in a process of divestment in consultation with patrons to accommodate parents who do not want to identify with religious patronage and the ethos it promotes.

The Department highlighted the fact that 90% of primary schools are denominational under the patronage of the Catholic Church with a Catholic ethos. The Catholic hierarchy has repeatedly stated that they are prepared to divest Catholic schools, thus offering a wider range of educational opportunities to children and parents who are non-religious. The Catholic Church does not wish to have a monopoly on education. However, the divestment process has proved to be challenging as the majority of parents in most areas has not been supportive of change. The urgent need for divestment is frequently highlighted.

In a somewhat similar vein, General Secretary of the Education and Training Board in Ireland, Paddy Lavelle, argues for a switch to a multi-denominational primary education model. He claims that this would not erase the impact of faith on students of religious families. "For families who are Catholic, there is still the option for children to make their First Holy Communion or their Confirmation  the only difference is that preparation for the sacraments happens outside of the regular school day. As a Chaplain to several schools, it is a daily privilege and rich experience to witness the life, energy, enthusiasm and rich diversity that is the wonderful story of all our school communities. Catholic schools, enjoy a rich tradition and continue, with an inclusive and holistic vision, to reach out to diverse educational needs of our time. Catholic schools, by their very nature, are not exclusive clubs. In this regard, many different, cultures, creeds and non-creeds coexist in a very progressive, inclusive and dynamic model.

Part of the living Ethos of Catholic schools includes a faith programme, which permeates into every aspect of school curricular, not just the designated time allotted to more formal Religious Education. A positive sense of self, coupled with an image of God as a loving a compassionate friend, empowers young people, to grow in self-confidence and with a sense of justice and morality that will contribute to society greatly in their adult lives.

However, I believe that there must be a diversity of patronage in the primary school system. Article 42 of Bunreacht na hEireann guarantees the right of parents to be the primary educators of their children. This right is also recognised in international human rights law. It guarantees parents the right to choose the education system for their children, schools that align with their values. Therefore, it is equally sectarian to claim, as Paddy Lavelle has done, that there should only be multidenominational schools where the ethos is fundamentally secular or atheist. In effect, this is denying Christian parents the right to a pedagogy for their children based on Christian values.

I believe that a faith-based education can be highly valuable for young people.

Pope Leo recently issued an Apostolic Letter (Drawing New Maps of Hope), in which he articulated his views on Catholic education. Leo promotes a holistic vision of education which fully embraces the child, spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, socially and physically. Forming the whole person means avoiding compartmentalisation.

Viewed positively, this implies that the Catholic vision opposes what the pope calls a purely mercantilist approach that measures education in terms of practical utilityin other words teaching skills needed for the work force in later life. Education must also be "an apprenticeship in virtue".

The Catholic school is fundamentally committed to inclusivity but also to respecting the diversity of faith and culture in the school community. Lets hope there is a high level of engagement with the survey.
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The ASEAN Federation of Cement Manufacturers (AFCM) has unveiled the 2035 AFCM Decarbonisation Roadmap, the worlds first region-wide decarbonisation strategy for the cement industry. The announcement was made at the 46th AFCM Council Meeting in Brunei Darussalam, chaired by AFCM President Dr Chana Poomee, with representatives from all eight member countries in attendance.

The roadmap comes as ASEAN economies continue to rely heavily on cement for infrastructure development, while facing increasing pressure to reduce CO 2 emissions ahead of global climate negotiations at COP30 in Brazil. AFCM said the new framework represents a unified regional commitment to cut emissions in line with national climate policies and global environmental goals.

Developed with support from the Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA), the roadmap sets out four pillars for the sectors transition:

Expansion of low-carbon cement through performance-based standards.

Greater use of clean and renewable energy, alongside improved thermal and electrical efficiency.

Adoption of advanced decarbonisation technologies, including CCUS.

Development of new supplementary cementitious materials to support next-generation low-carbon products.

AFCM estimates that full implementation could reduce regional CO 2 emissions by up to 38Mt by 2035. Dr Poomee said the roadmap should be seen as a collaborative regional strategy, while noting that targets and timelines will differ across member countries depending on industrial conditions, energy systems and regulatory frameworks.

A key short-term measure highlighted in the roadmap is the phasedown of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), which AFCM describes as an immediate and high-impact lever for emissions reduction.

Cement associations from Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam expressed support for the roadmap, stressing the need for policy alignment, increased alternative fuel use, wider adoption of low-carbon technologies and the expansion of low-carbon cement markets.

Dr Poomee added that government support will be essential to enabling the transition, helping attract green investment and strengthening the competitiveness of ASEANs cement sector in the global low-carbon economy.
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JK Lakshmi Cement has announced a major expansion of its operations in Chhattisgarh, signing an agreement to invest INR 18.16bn (US$217m) to increase clinker capacity by 2.31Mta and cement grinding capacity by 1.2Mta. The plan was formalised at the Chhattisgarh Investor Connect event held in New Delhi.

Chhattisgarh remains a key growth hub for the cement sector due to sustained infrastructure spending and rising housing demand. The additional capacity will support JK Lakshmi Cements supply to eastern and central regions and aligns with its long-term goal of reaching around 30Mta total capacity.

This expansion marks an important step in shaping JK Lakshmi Cements next phase of growth, said Shrivats Singhania, deputy managing director. He said the investment strengthens the companys ability to serve regional markets while advancing plans for a future-ready organisation powered by cleaner energy, digital systems, and disciplined execution.

The company has steadily expanded its presence in the state since commissioning its integrated Durg plant in 2015. Recent initiatives include enhanced rail connectivity, energy-efficient technologies, and increased use of waste heat recovery and alternative fuels as part of its sustainability programme.

JK Lakshmi Cement president and director Arun Shukla said Chhattisgarhs strong and broad-based economic momentum makes it one of Indias most promising cement markets. He added that the expansion underscores the companys confidence in the states industrial environment and its commitment to innovation and long-term value creation.

The new investment is expected to improve supply reliability across eastern and central India, support employment, and contribute to national infrastructure and housing development priorities.
I thank the Hamilton County Commissioners for the two-month trial period of a 4:00 meeting time (November and December). It is a step towards establishing a more accessible meeting time for citizen engagement. Our Hamilton County Commission has long been the only body of publicly elected officials in Hamilton County who meet at 9:30 a.m. All other elected bodies in Hamilton County meet at 3:30 p.m. or later.

I, along with other advocates for a more citizen-friendly meeting time, are disappointed that the commission has not advertised or announced on their website or on social media the trial period of 4 p.m. Doing so would have helped citizens to be aware of this trial period.

The commissioners and County Mayor Wamp need the attendance of a more varied and representative group of informed citizens to be a part of our commissions governance.

Citizens have an opportunity to attend at 4:00 on these remaining dates: Wednesdays, Dec. 3, 10 and 17. The commission meets on the 4th floor of the Hamilton County Courthouse at 625 Georgia Ave; parking is available on the street and nearby parking lots. The meetings typically run 90 minutes.

I encourage the commissioners to look at the times that their fellow county elected bodies meet. A cross-section of citizens representative of their constituents will make for better representative government. A more accessible meeting time will help citizens to stay informed and to contribute to decisions that shape their communities - something we can all agree is necessary for authentic and successful local government outcomes.

Therese P. Tuley
Patten Parkway buildings date to 1880s Patten Parkway aerial view 12-story development Coca-Cola Bottling historic marker Previous Next

Another downtown Chattanooga landmark is slated to be razed as Nashville developers are planning a 12-story development on the north side of Patten Parkway.

The brick buildings were constructed in the 1880s by the Cincinnati Investment Company and were long held by attorney Selma Cash Paty.

The mixed-use development is to include some commercial along with 266 residential units.

It is to include 79 studios, 76 one bedroom/one bath and 111 two bedroom/two bath.

Owners of Evelyn Capital purchased the property from the heirs of attorney Paty in March of 2023.

Attorney Paty acquired much of the property on the north side of Patten Parkway in 1972, including the old Ross Hotel, which is now operated as the Tomorrow Building.

The new construction will almost touch up with the back of the Tomorow Building.

Patten Parkway earlier was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Some of the earliest bottling of Coca-Cola in Chattanooga was at this site. A historic plaque in front of the buildings marks the site.

The historic Car Barns at Third and Market were recently torn down to make way for an eight-story Drury Hotel, and First Presbyterian Church is considering demolishing the Medical Arts Building that was designed by famed architect R.H. Hunt. Historic Engel Stadium is slated to be torn down by UTC.

The developers are seeking a zoning change to D-CX-12.

It goes before the Planning Commission next Monday at 1 p.m. at the County Courthouse.
As everyone knows, Trump has been haranguing about drug cartels for years. Why is Trump now pardoning a man convicted of taking cartel bribes and conspiring to import cocaine in the U.S. and who has served less than two years of a 45-year sentence? Yet Trump has: (1) Put a $1 million bounty on the head of Venezuelan President Nicholas Madero for his drug trafficking, (2) Ordered the U.S. Navy sink boats based on assumptions those are the boats trafficking drugs, and (3) Threatened to invade Venezuela. From the NY Times, 11/28/2025: President Trump announced on Friday afternoon that he would grant a Full and Complete Pardon to a former president of Honduras, Juan Orlando Hernandez, who, as the center of a sweeping drug case, was found guilty by an American jury last year (3/28/2024) of conspiring to import cocaine into the United States. Hernandez was convicted taking bribes during his campaign from Joaquin Guzman, the notorious El Chapo, and of running his Central American country like a narco state. What would the Republicans say if President Biden had issued this pardon? When will the Republicans learn that Trump now is the senile old man, with a litany of incoherent ramblings, but also has the nuclear codes?

Joe Warren

Ringgold

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Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly announced the appointment of Ms. Laurel Graefe to the Chattanooga Housing Authority Board of Commissioners.

Ms. Graefe is a former regional executive and senior officer at the Nashville Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta and has over 20 years of experience between the Atlanta and Nashville offices. In her most recent role as senior officer, Ms. Graefe led the Federal Reserves team in Nashville, managed the branchs Board of Directors and economic research activities, oversaw its economic and financial education programs and advised on monetary policy.

Currently, Ms. Graefe provides independent consulting as a strategic advisor.

Laurel brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for our community that will be crucial in moving the ambitious goals of One Chattanooga forward, Mayor Kelly said. She joins a team of steadfast community partners and I have no doubt that her ideas, expertise and vision will further the mission of this board.

Laurels appointment couldnt be more welcome, said Jim Levine, chair of the Chattanooga Housing Authority. Her experience will prove to be an invaluable addition to this board, and we appreciate the Mayors attention and dedication to the success of the Chattanooga Housing Authoritys mission.

Ms. Graefe holds both a bachelors degree in economics from Agnes Scott College and an MBA from Vanderbilts Owen Graduate School of Management. She was selected as one of the business schools World Shapers, alumni highlighted for their work in business and their communities.

Other involvements for Ms. Graefe include her selection and participation in the Harvard Business Schools 2024 YALP cohort, Leadership Tennessee and several other boards.
A former Albuquerque, N.M., resident is proposing eight tiny homes at a site on Suck Creek.

Tim Borror is seeking a zoning change for the 600-square-foot units as well as a 7,500-square-foot farm shop.

The location is 24.36 acres near Middle Creek across from the Tennessee River.

Mr. Borror said he had a successful vacation rental business in New Mexico.

He said the tiny homes "will resemble small cottages."

The zoning case goes before the Planning Commission next Monday at 1 p.m. at the County Courthouse.
Pastor Mike McClure of Calvary Chapel San Jose. | Screenshot: YouTube/ Calvary Chapel San Jose

California regulators have cleared Calvary Chapel San Jose (CCSJ) and its affiliated Calvary Christian Academy (CCA) of all workplace safety citations issued during the height of the states COVID-19 mandates, marking a complete legal victory for the religious institutions.

The dispute began in December 2020, when Cal/OSHA inspectors visited both the church and school following complaints alleging that students were not wearing masks.

According to attorneys with Advocates for Faith & Freedom, the agency soon sought a court-approved warrant to conduct a more extensive inspection, petitioning the Santa Clara County Superior Court based on what the legal team says was a flawed affidavit.

Although attorneys argued the affidavit lacked proper factual support, a judge nevertheless approved the warrant. That decision paved the way for 15 citations and fines that reached a total of $67,330.

Representing the church and school, Advocates for Faith & Freedom filed a motion to suppress all evidence gathered under the warrant, insisting that the warrant failed to meet the Fourth Amendments requirement for specific and articulable facts. The Superior Court agreed and excluded the evidence from further use.

With the underlying evidence invalidated, Cal/OSHA moved to withdraw every remaining citation against CCSJ and CCA.

The agency determined there was no finding of wrongdoing, while the church and school admitted no fault. The resolution cannot be used against them in any future proceedings, attorneys announced this week.

This is a complete victory, not only for Calvary Christian Academy, but for every church and Christian school in California, said Joel Oster, Vice President and Chief of Trial Litigation for Advocates for Faith & Freedom. The State tried to use OSHA as a weapon to intimidate a religious institution. They failed. And they were forced to walk away from their own claims.

Attorney Nicolai Cocis, who also represented the ministry, praised the ruling as a constitutional safeguard, stating the decision upheld the constitutional rights of Calvary Chapel San Jose and Calvary Christian Academy. This ruling underscores the importance of due process and the protection of religious freedoms against unwarranted governmental overreach.

Earlier this month, Advocates for Faith & Freedom announced its intention to join the American Center for Law & Justice (ACLJ) in defending Calvary Chapel San Jose Pastor Mike McClure before the U.S. Supreme Court, seeking to have more than $1.2 million in fines levied under Gov. Gavin Newsom thrown out.

Attorneys say Supreme Court precedentsincluding Tandon v. Newsomhave consistently affirmed that religious gatherings cannot be treated worse than comparable secular activities.

Advocates for Faith & Freedom and the ACLJ are expected to submit their petition to the court in the coming weeks.
An artistic rendering of the planned Pilgrimage Village near Bethany beyond the Jordan in Jordan. | Photo credit: MK Associates in collaboration with Mostaqbal Engineering and Environmental Consultants and Design Workshop

Jordan is stepping up preparations for 2030the 2,000th anniversary of Jesus baptismas it prepares to welcome pilgrims to Bethany Beyond the Jordan, the UNESCO-recognized site revered as the place where John baptized Christ and where His public ministry began.

The Hashemite Kingdom, named for the Jordan River and led by King Abdullah II, is planning a major international observance to highlight the significance of this landmark Christian anniversary.

Emad Hijazin, Jordans minister of tourism and antiquities, told Christian Daily International that the Baptism Site Commission, the Ministry of Tourism, and the Royal Court will soon unveil a full program of events marking the millennial commemoration.

Hijazin, who was raised in a Christian family in the southern city of Karak, expressed hope for close cooperation with global Christian leaders. He specifically mentioned working with Rev. Botrus Mansour of Nazareth, the new secretary general of the World Evangelical Alliance, to promote Christian pilgrimage to Jordan.

Mansour affirmed his enthusiasm for collaboration, telling Christian Daily International, We in the World Evangelical Alliance are excited to see how we can work closely with the Jordanian authorities on this and other issues.

Senator Michael Nazzal, who chairs the Tourism and Heritage Committee in Jordans Senate, highlighted the kingdoms commitment to presenting the baptismal millennium as a moment of global Christian unity.

He said, Under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah II, we are enhancing infrastructure, expanding pilgrimage services, and working closely with church leaders worldwide to welcome visitors from all denominations.

He added that The Baptism Site is a cornerstone of Christian heritage, and Jordan is honored to safeguard it. This celebration is a reaffirmation of Jordans role as a trusted home for sacred Christian history.

Local leaders in the tourism sector believe the anniversary could provide a strong boost to the industry, which has suffered setbacks due to global and regional instability.

Tourism remains essential to Jordans economy, accounting for roughly 11.4% of GDP. The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities reports that tourism revenues reached 3.29 billion Jordanian dinars (around $4.6 billion) in 2017.

To prepare for the anticipated influx of pilgrims, Jordan is working to raise $100 million for building an authentic first-century Palestinian-style village adjacent to the Baptism Site.

Biblical scholars point out that more than 100 locations within modern-day Jordan are referenced throughout both the Old and New Testaments.

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015, the Baptism Site continues to draw pilgrims from diverse Christian backgrounds. Its identification corresponds to the reference in John 1:28, which notes the area beyond the Jordan on the rivers east bank where John baptized.
North Carolina small town. | Photo credit: Unsplash/ Gene Gallin

Pew Research Center has released a new interpretation of its expansive 202324 Religious Landscape Study (RLS). The study surveyed nearly 37,000 adults between July 17, 2023, and March 4, 2024, offering a refreshed look at the nations evolving spiritual profile.

Based on an adult population of roughly 262 million, Pew notes that Christianity accounts for about 162 million U.S. adherents, while 76 million adults say they have no religious affiliation.

Using a hypothetical scenario in which the United States is reduced to a small town of 100 residents, Pew illustrates how religious identity would appear among younger Americans, suggesting that religious nones would outnumber Protestants in the rising generation.

In this imagined community of 100, Christians would still form a clear majority at 62 people. Within this group, familiar traditions stand out: 23 Evangelical Protestants, 19 Catholics, 11 mainline Protestants, and five belonging to historically Black Protestant denominations.

Pew also includes smaller Christian-identified groups in its tally, noting that the town would contain two members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) and two more from other groups, including Jehovah's Witnesses and smaller sects.

The unaffiliated population would constitute a large segment29 out of 100representing atheists, agnostics, and Americans who describe their religion as nothing in particular, a sign of the countrys expanding secular trend.

Non-Christian faiths would comprise the remaining seven residents of the town: two Jewish, one Muslim, one Buddhist, one Hindu and two representing a mosaic of other beliefs, from Baha'is and Sikhs to Wiccans.

When demographics are layered into this hypothetical model, Pew finds evidence of what it calls Christianitys generational aging out. Among the 62 Christians, 35 would be age 50 or older, compared with 18 in their 30s and 40s, and just nine between ages 18 and 29.

By contrast, The age balance would be reversed for religious 'nones,' with 20 under age 50 and fewer than 10 ages 50 and older, emphasizing the youthful tilt of the unaffiliated population.

Race and gender patterns add further texture. Christian women (34) would slightly outnumber Christian men (28), while most other groups would be nearly balanced. Among the unaffiliated, 15 would be men and 14 would be women.

Racially, one-quarter of all adults in the town25 peoplewould be White Protestants. Meanwhile, 19 would be White and religiously unaffiliated, seven would be Black Protestants, and another seven would be Hispanic Catholics.

Pew says these patterns largely mirror its earlier February findings, which reported that Americas youngest adults are significantly more likely to be unaffiliated with religion than their older counterparts, pointing toward possible long-term declines in the American religious landscape.
Photo credit: Unsplash/ Ryunosuke Kikuno

A new Street Preachers Charter has been formally introduced in the U.K. Parliament, following a pattern of street pastors facing fines, arrests, and subsequent compensation awards stemming from police.

Developed by The Christian Institute, the charter is designed to uphold both the legal protections surrounding street preaching and the broader principles of free expression, while also urging Christians to preach responsibly and steer clear of behavior which might give street preaching a bad name.

According to The Christian Institute, The Charter sets out the rights and responsibilities of individuals who engage in public preaching or share their beliefs in the streets of England and Wales.

The document provides an outline of best practices as well as key legal standards meant to assist both preachers and law enforcement in navigating public evangelism.

Offering practical guidance, the charter encourages street preachers to remain accountable by linking with a local church, observing local regulations, and fostering positive relationships with councils, police officers, and nearby businesses.

It also advises caution when addressing contentious issues such as gender, sexual orientation and sexual ethics, recommending that preachers do so with care and in the appropriate context.

The charter further instructs Christian evangelists to Commend the exclusive claims of Jesus rather than focusing on preaching against other faiths, emphasizing clarity without hostility.

Other recommendations include monitoring sound levels, avoiding an angry tone or a confrontational or argumentative style, and ensuring that preachers never single someone out of the crowd to preach at.

The initiative has gained backing from established street evangelism groups, including Open Air Campaigners GB and Open-Air Mission.

Sam Webster, solicitor and head of legal at The Christian Institute, served as the lead author of the charter.

The charter was motivated by the case of Angus Cameron, a 52-year-old Scottish street preacher who was subjected to a wrongful arrest in 2022. Cameron was detained for breach of the peace while preaching in Glasgows city center.

Acting on Camerons behalf, The Christian Institute secured internal police documents showing officers had no lawful grounds to believe he had committed an offensean essential requirement for any legitimate arrest.

With the Institutes legal support, Cameron successfully sued Police Scotland for wrongful arrest, discrimination, and human rights violations, ultimately receiving 5,500 ($7,200) in compensation and 9,400 ($12,400) in legal costsfunds he later donated back to The Christian Institute.
Home News 4 killed, several wounded at family gathering in California

Four people, including three children, have been killed while several others were wounded by a shooter who entered a family gathering in California and opened fire.

San Joaquin County Sheriffs Office posted an update on Sunday afternoon to its official X account, reporting a mass shooting in Stockton on Saturday in which 15 people were shot.

According to authorities, a total of 15 individuals sustained gunshot wounds during the incident, including four deaths. The ages of the deceased were 8, 9, 14, and 21.

The sheriffs office described the incident as an active and ongoing investigation, with police believing it was a targeted incident rather than a random act of violence.

Our hearts are with the victims, their families, and everyone affected by this devastating violence, they stated. We urge anyone with additional information, video footage, or who may have witnessed any part of this incident to contact the San Joaquin County Sheriffs Office immediately.

Aside from San Joaquin police, other entities involved in the investigation include the Delta Police Department, Lathrop Police Department, Manteca Police Department, Stockton Police Department, Stockton Unified School District Police, Tracy Police Department, the California Highway Patrol, the District Attorney Investigator and the California Department of Justice.

Additionally, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are giving support to the ongoing investigation into the shooting.

Stockton Vice Mayor Jason Lee took to his Facebook account to post a statement Sunday in response to the tragedy, saying that moment is not about politics  its about people.

Its about children, parents, and an entire community trying to make sense of something that should never have happened, said Lee. Children should never lose their lives like this. Our community deserves answers, healing, and justice.

To the families impacted, to the loved ones grieving, and to every child and parent shaken by this tragedy  my thoughts, my prayers, and my heart are with you tonight. Stockton is my home, and your pain is my pain.

Our hearts break for their families and the entire Stockton community, tweeted California Gov. Gavin Newsom, whose office is monitoring the investigation.

The suspect remains at large, according to the Oakland-based KTVU, with authorities offering a $25,000 reward for anyone who has information that results in a significant arrest.
Home News Journey Church mourns pastor, father of 4 killed in crash: Faith in the valleys

A Florida church community is mourning the death of one of its pastors, a father of four, who was killed in a motorcycle crash last week. During Sunday's worship service, the church gathered for the first time since his death to hear a message on "faith in the valleys."

Joshua R. Rene, 39, served as an executive pastor at Journey Church, a non-denominational Christian church with campuses in West Palm Beach, Lake Worth Beach and Boynton Beach. His biography, posted online before his death, described him as devoted to his family, his church and his faith.

In a Thanksgiving Day video posted to the church's Facebook page, Lead Pastor Scott Baugh said Rene's death had left the community shaken.

"It just doesn't feel real," Baugh said in the video. "I don't know what to say. For so many of you, he was Pastor Josh, and he was an amazing pastor. But to me, he was just Josh. He was a friend, as close as a brother to me for 10 years."

Sunday's worship services were held at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. across all three Journey Church campuses. The services included a special time to honor Rene and his family, as well as a sermon focused on "what it really means to have faith in the valleys."

"There was never a person he didn't love, there was never a person he didn't make time for," Baugh said through tears during the worship service. "The one thing about Josh was that he was always joyful, always had faith. One of the most amazing things that has struck me through this whole thing is to see the outpouring on social media and phone calls."

Pastor Rene died at the scene of the collision, which took place shortly before 7 p.m. Tuesday on the 6200 block of South Congress Avenue near Atlantis, The Palm Beach Post reported. Rene, who was riding a Harley Davidson northbound, was struck by a southbound GMC Sierra pickup making a left turn into the Atlantis Plaza.

A crash report from the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office said the driver of the pickup failed to see Rene's motorcycle in time to avoid the collision. The impact struck the front tire of the motorcycle and ejected Rene onto the roadway. He died at the scene. The report identified the driver of the GMC as a 50-year-old man from Stuart.

The church released a brief statement on its Facebook page asking for prayers and support for Rene's family.

"As a church community we are heartbroken over the loss of our beloved Pastor Josh," the statement read. "Please pray with us for the Rene family."

On the Facebook post announcing Rene's death, one user wrote a message: "His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I shall set you over much; enter the joy of your Lord.'"
Home News Karoline Leavitt blasts abuse of asylum system, honors National Guard with Gospel quote

WASHINGTON  White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt on Monday highlighted the abuse of the U.S. asylum system and reiterated the importance of mass deportations in the wake of a shooting that killed a member of the National Guard and critically injured another last week in the nation's capital.

Leavitt also honored the National Guard soldiers by quoting the words of Jesus Christ in the Gospel of John.

"I'll tell you what does not add to our nations character and integrity is refugees who come here under the alleged plight of asylum and fleeing persecution, and then come to the United States to abuse our system and rip off American taxpayers," Leavitt said in response to a question regarding the definition of American "national identity."

Leavitt went on to cite a Nov. 29 New York Times article that exposed a large alleged fraud scandal in Minnesota's social services, where criminals, primarily from the state's sizable Somali community, stole up to $1 billion over the past five years by creating sham companies that billed state agencies for nonexistent food, housing and other aid services.

Federal prosecutors, led by Joseph H. Thompson, have charged dozens of people for crimes that include stealing hundreds of millions of dollars from a government program intended to feed children during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"All of this has happened under Democrat leadership in a Democrat-run state where these refugees, these migrants, are coming to the United States, they are abusing our system, they are degrading our resources that should be going to law-abiding, tax-paying Americans, and this president is not going to put up with it," Leavitt said in an apparent reference to Democratic Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, whom President Donald Trump called "retarded" last week in a lengthy Truth Social post.

Leavitt suggested the blame for the ongoing problems related to U.S. immigration falls on multiple past presidential administrations.

"The hard truth is that even when it comes to our legal immigration system, past presidents have failed to ensure that all prospective citizens love America, will add value and contribute to our communities, and will assimilate into our culture," she said. "Leaders have a duty to defend and advance the interests of their own people, not foreign nationals."

Quoting the Gospel of John, Leavitt also touched on the spiritual character of the two National Guard soldiers who were allegedly shot by Afghan refugee Rahmanullah Lakanwal just blocks from the White House last Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving.

U.S. Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, who was 20 years old, died of her wounds the next day and U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolf remains critically wounded, as of Monday. Lakanwal was charged with first-degree murder last Friday.

"Sarah and Andrew represent the very best of America  two young patriots who were willing to put on the uniform and risk their lives in defense of their fellow Americans. Both of them truly embody the profound words spoken by Jesus Christ in the Gospel: 'Greater love has no one than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends,'" she said, quoting John 15:13.

"Sarah and Andrew are heroes, and we will never forget their sacrifice. That means ensuring the monster responsible for this atrocity is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law and faces the most severe punishment possible. It also means reckoning with why this atrocity was allowed to happen in the first place, so that it may never occur again," she added.

Leavitt blamed last week's shooting in part on former President Joe Biden, under whose administration Lawanafahl entered the U.S. in 2021 as part of a program for Afghans who had worked with American troops in Afghanistan.

Trump expressed fury in the wake of the shooting, announcing a permanent pause on immigration from "all Third World Countries" while highlighting allegations that Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., a Somali-born Muslim who became a U.S. citizen in 2000 and represents much of Minneapolis, committed immigration fraud by marrying her brother. She had denied such allegations.

"She should go back!" Trump said of Omar in a Truth Social post on Monday.
Home News Pope Leo honors courageous Christian witness of the Armenian people in Turkey visit

Pope Leo XIV praised the endurance and faith of the Armenian people during a visit to Istanbul, where he addressed the Armenian Apostolic community at their cathedral, a diaspora church rooted in a country where Armenians suffered genocide under the Ottoman Empire.

The remarks came as church leaders in Armenia face growing pressure from their own government.

Standing inside the Armenian Apostolic Cathedral, the spiritual seat of the Armenian Patriarchate of Constantinople, Pope Leo called for renewed unity between Christian churches. He thanked God for "the courageous Christian witness of the Armenian people throughout history, often amid tragic circumstances."

The pope's remarks followed a liturgical program that included a joint prayer, chanting and an exchange of gifts with Patriarch Sahak II Mashalian, head of the Armenian Patriarchate in Turkey, Catholic News Agency reports.

The two leaders also marked the 1,700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea, the first ecumenical council of the Christian Church. It produced the Nicene Creed and established foundational doctrines, which Pope Leo said should guide efforts to recover unity between the Church of Rome and "ancient Oriental Churches."

The pope emphasized that full communion did not mean absorption or domination but rather an exchange of gifts bestowed by the Holy Spirit. The pope also invoked the memory of Armenian saint Nerses IV Shnorhali, whose 850th death anniversary was commemorated recently. Shnorhali was a 12th-century Catholicos, or head of the Armenian Church, known for his poetry and theological writings, as well as for his efforts to promote unity with other Christian traditions.

Leo expressed hope that his example would strengthen efforts toward church unity.

Istanbul's Armenian Patriarchate has long operated with internal independence but remains under the spiritual authority of the Catholicos of All Armenians in Echmiadzin, the worldwide head of the Armenian Apostolic Church, headquartered in Armenia. Turkey's Armenian community, now centered largely in Istanbul, has declined over generations but continues to maintain its identity through religious and cultural institutions.

Later in the day, the pope visited the Orthodox Patriarchal Church of St. George to attend the divine liturgy for the feast of St. Andrew, who is considered the founder and patron saint of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the leading authority of the Eastern Orthodox Church based in Istanbul, and also the patron saint of Turkey. Addressing the faithful, he acknowledged ongoing divisions between Christian churches but said the pursuit of unity must continue.

"There are still obstacles preventing us from achieving full communion. Nevertheless, we must not relent in striving towards unity," he said, according to CNA.

The liturgy concluded with an ecumenical blessing delivered jointly with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, the spiritual leader of the world's Eastern Orthodox Christians and head of the Ecumenical Patriarchate based in Istanbul.

The pope addressed global issues, urging believers to pursue peace through prayer and spiritual discipline and to meet the ecological crisis through personal and communal change. He appealed for shared responsibility in the use of technology, warning against allowing its benefits to accrue only to elites.

Before leaving Turkey, the pope participated in a farewell lunch hosted by Patriarch Bartholomew I, which included shrimp soup, seabass with vegetables and Turkish delights. He departed later that day for Lebanon.

The visit comes during a turbulent time for the Armenian Apostolic Church, whose leadership in Armenia faces mounting pressure from the government of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.

Over the past year, at least three senior clerics have been arrested on charges ranging from theft to plotting a coup.

Human rights advocates claim the arrests are politically motivated and part of a larger crackdown on church leaders who have criticized Pashinyan's handling of the conflict with Azerbaijan, especially after the fall of Nagorno-Karabakh and the displacement of over 120,000 Armenians. Among those arrested was Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan, leader of the Sacred Struggle opposition movement, who was charged with attempting to overthrow the government based on what some civil society groups have since described as misleading audio recordings.

Businessman Samvel Karapetyan, a longtime philanthropist of the Armenian Church, was also arrested in June after expressing support for the clergy. His family's business holdings, including Electric Networks of Armenia and a local pizza chain, have since come under government scrutiny.

Karapetyan remains in pretrial detention, accused of making unconstitutional public calls to seize state power.

Other church leaders, including Bishop Mkrtich Proshyan of the Diocese of Aragatsotn, were detained in October along with over a dozen others. Proshyan faces charges of coercing citizens into attending protests and misusing church funds.

The Armenian Apostolic Church has denied the charges and called the case an attempt to obstruct its work.

At a recent briefing in Washington, D.C., hosted by the National Democratic Alliance, speakers warned that the arrests jeopardize Armenia's constitutional order and its relationship with Western allies.

Jacqueline Halbig von Schleppenbach, a former White House official and communications strategist, said the situation poses a risk to Armenia's future and its standing as a democratic partner.

Joel Veldkamp of Christian Solidarity International said Armenia's civil society is being "pulverized" under an increasingly authoritarian system. He pointed to the U.S.-brokered August peace deal with Azerbaijan and expressed concern that Pashinyan's campaign against church leaders could endanger both internal stability and foreign partnerships.
Home News Should Christians obsess over body image? John Piper answers

Pastor and bestselling author John Piper recently addressed how Christians should view their body image without falling into a state of dishonor when it comes to obsession with one's own outward appearance.

In an episode of the podcast "Ask Pastor John," posted to the Desiring God website last Thursday, an unnamed listener asked whether it was "sinful to enjoy how I look as I continue this healthy routine."

"I know it's good to be healthy, as it gives me more energy and makes me feel better day-by-day, but I don't want to fall back into obsession or dishonor God with my focus," the listener noted.

"I understand He should be first in all things, including my fitness. But if I notice my body changing, is that wrong? And if so, how can I turn away from that?"

Piper, chancellor of Bethlehem College and Seminary in Minneapolis, Minnesota, who served as pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church for over 30 years, encouraged listeners to reject statements like, "I enjoy how I look," or "Is it OK to notice how I look?" when talking about one's own appearance.

"Even though both of those sentences might be totally innocent in general, that way of talking is going to go hand in hand with a perception  maybe not a reality, but a perception  that this person is a little excessively concerned about personal appearance, even if that's not true," Piper said.

Piper said individuals should be present in life "as a person" who is "interested in others," rather than "present as an appearance."

"Let's be more concerned about the health and beauty and attractiveness of our personhood than of our body. That's the overwhelming emphasis of the Bible," he continued.

"Let's seek to dress and act and speak in public in a way that puts no stumbling block in another person's way concerning Christ or the Gospel or the church and that would imply immodesty should be avoided."

Physical appearance, according to Piper, should not be made to "stand out," whether such a fashion choice is "stylish or frumpy," as how someone acts should be the "main effect of our presence" instead of "the way we look."

When it comes to women's beauty, Piper concluded that "women regularly comment on each other's appearance far more than men do," quoting Proverbs 11:22, which reads "Like a gold ring in a pig's snout is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion."

"In other words, a woman's beauty is good, and it should go hand in hand with discretion and wisdom and modesty and the beauty of character and heart and faith," said Piper.

"If that's who you are, or [you're] the corresponding man, be thankful. Do your exercises, eat right, dress simply, and then forget about yourself in the service of others for Jesus's sake."
Home News Churches vandalized in Sudan with Islamic Shahadah written on walls

Two churches in Port Sudan were defaced in coordinated acts of vandalism, with Islamic declarations painted in red graffiti on their exterior walls. The incidents occurred last week in the center of the citys market area.

At the Sudan Evangelical Presbyterian Church, the Islamic Shahadah, which reads There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is his messenger, was scrawled alongside a Quranic verse, There is no God but He, the Lord of the Honorable Throne, the U.K.-based group Christian Solidarity Worldwide reported.

On the walls of the nearby Orthodox Church, vandals sprayed the phrase Allah is eternal.

Both churches are located across from a police station and near government offices in Port Sudan, which functions as the countrys de facto capital.

Security camera footage captured the incident at the Orthodox Church as a group arrived in a car and one person exited with a red spray can before approaching the church wall.

The attacks come amid Sudans deepening civil war between the Sudan Armed Forces, or SAF, and the Rapid Support Forces, or RSF, which began in April 2023. With Khartoum engulfed in violence, Port Sudan became a refuge for hundreds of thousands of displaced civilians and the administrative base for SAF leadership. The city had been considered a safe zone, though the recent vandalism has raised concern among religious minorities.

Despite the churches prominent location in a busy public area, local authorities have reportedly taken no action in response to the graffiti.

Leaders of the Evangelical church decided not to file a complaint in an effort to avoid inflaming community tensions. Instead, congregants painted over the graffiti in an attempt to make it resemble abstract artwork.

A church member described the situation as alarming, saying, Only God knows what will come next if such a hate crime is tolerated.

CSWs CEO Scot Bower urged authorities in Port Sudan to investigate the incidents, warning that religious intolerance had surged during the conflict. He said Christian communities should be able to worship without fear.

Christians in Sudans northern states, particularly those from the Nuba Mountains, have long faced layers of discrimination. In these areas, residents of Darfuri Arab descent are frequently accused of links to the RSF, and restrictions on freedom of movement are enforced through a policy known as Strange Faces. The policy targets people from western Sudan who are subjected to arbitrary detention and emergency court procedures that have led to death sentences.

In one such incident in September, armed police destroyed temporary shelters in Atbara, River Nile State, targeting civilians who had fled fighting and received no aid. Authorities ordered the group to return to Khartoum, even as the city remained unsafe.

Sudan is currently experiencing the worlds largest humanitarian crisis. Around 12 million people have been displaced, and 30 million require humanitarian assistance.

In October, evangelist Franklin Graham condemned RSF fighters for carrying out executions after seizing the city of el-Fasher in Darfur. Graham said he had received video evidence showing civilians being shot in the head, with piles of bodies left behind.

The BBC verified some of these videos, which included an RSF fighter known as Abu Lulu shooting nine unarmed captives while others cheered. One clip geolocated to a university building showed an armed man executing an unarmed individual seated among corpses. BBC Verify determined that other killings had occurred in rural areas near the city.

The RSF, led by Gen. Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, grew out of the Janjaweed militia that carried out mass killings in Darfur during the early 2000s. Dagalo, who comes from an Arab camel-trading family in Darfur, expanded the force through militia networks and gold revenues. The groups ranks have grown to an estimated 100,000 fighters and have received support from countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Turkey and Russia.

Sudans army recently filed a case at the International Court of Justice accusing the UAE of violating the Genocide Convention by supporting the RSF. The UAE dismissed the filing as a publicity stunt.

Since the fall of former President Omar al-Bashir in 2019, Dagalo has been a central power player, leading a coup that derailed Sudans transitional government. The current war began after a breakdown in relations between Dagalo and Army Chief Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan.

The RSF controls large swaths of Darfur and parts of Kordofan and has announced plans to establish a parallel government in areas under its control.
Roblox Predator Lawsuit, Israeli Border Breach Arrests, Major Retailers On Naughty Or Nice List

link to download the audio instead. link to download the audio instead. 06:47 06:47

Top headlines for Monday, December 1, 2025

In this episode, we dive into Roblox facing a lawsuit over claims it became a hunting ground for predators, with an Oklahoma teen at the center of the case. We also cover the arrest of thirteen Israeli citizens after crossing into Syrian territory in the Golan Heights, and explore how a Christian legal group is rating Americas biggest retailers on their holiday spirit.

00:11 California drops $67K in fines against Bay Area church

01:00 Roblox serves as 'hunting ground' for child predators: lawsuit

01:50 13 Israelis arrested after breaching border, crossing into Syria

02:35 GOP lawmaker faces backlash over comment about Orthodox churches

03:27 Several major US retailers placed on 'Naughty List'

04:15 Anglican priest dies in captivity after kidnapping in Nigeria

05:08 Texas Christian University to sunset race, gender studies
Home Opinion Is Christian Zionism a heresy?

By now it is old news that Tucker Carlson is splitting the MAGA world by interviewing a racist podcaster who praises Hitler and Stalin. But few if any have challenged Carlsons claim in that softball interview that Christian Zionism is Christian heresy.

Christian Zionists say that Jews have a right to a homeland, and that this right is supported by the Bible. They say this support is not only in the Hebrew Bible (which Christians call the Old Testament) but also in the New Testament.

The apostle Paul, for example, wrote that the gifts and calling of God are without repentance (Romans 11:29). Paul was writing about Jews who had not accepted Jesus as messiah. He wrote that as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers sake (Romans 11:28). In other words, they were still the Chosen People because of the promises He made to the patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac and Jacob). And the gifts he gave to them were irrevocable.

What did Paul mean by the gifts? In the first century Jewish thinkers such as Philo the philosopher and Josephus the historian wrote of Gods gifts to the Jewish people, and the land as one of the greatest of those gifts.

Paul taught the same thing. Luke tells us in Acts of the Apostles that Paul told a synagogue in Antioch of Pisidia (now in Turkey) that the God of this people Israel chose our fathers ... and when he [God] had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, he gave them their land as an inheritance (Acts 13:17-19).

But it wasnt only Paul. The author of Hebrews says God led Abraham to a place to receive as an inheritance, and that Isaac and Jacob were heirs with him of the same promise (Heb 11:9). Before his martyrdom deacon Stephen said God promised to give Abraham this land as a possession and to his offspring after him (Acts 7:4-5).

Many think that Jesus implicitly denied the land promise when He preached in the Sermon on the Mount, Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth (Mattew 5:6).

But scholars are starting to recognize that Jesus was quoting Psalm 37:11, and that the Hebrew word for earth can also be translated land. Since the phrase inherit the land occurs five times in Psalm 37, it is probable that Jesus meant land and not earth.

Besides, Jesus also taught in his most famous sermon that every jot and tittle  which means every stroke of the pen  in the Law and Prophets was from God (Matthew 5:17-18). When one realizes that the Law and the Prophets (Jewish shorthand for the Old Testament) contain more than one thousand references to the land promise, it is clear that Jesus endorsed the land promise.

These claims have nothing to do with dispensationalism, a 19th-century theology fixated on the rapture (a lifting of true Christians off the planet years before the Second Coming) and detailed charts speculating about the precise schedule of last things. Christian theologians like Increase Mather (17th-century New England) and Jonathan Edwards (18th-century Massachusetts) taught the continuation of the land promise long before the rise of dispensationalism. And Karl Barth, the hugely-influential 20th-century Swiss theologian, rejected dispensationalism but believed the emergence of the state of Israel in 1948 was a secular parable whose history even now hurries relentlessly toward the future of Gods redemptive purposes.

It's not only Protestants. In 1991, Pope John Paul II referred to the return of Jews to the mountains of Israel in the last centuries as a fulfillment of Ezekiels promise in 34:13. English Catholic theologian Gavin DCosta sees in recent magisterial documents a trajectory toward a minimalist Catholic Zionism whose building blocks are the assertions that the Jewish covenant is irrevocable; that this covenant applies to the Jews today; that part of this covenant has been the promise of the land; that this promise is not superseded or annulled in the New Testament and is firmly based in the Old Testament.

There is no conflict between a proper Christian Zionism and justice for the Palestinian people. The God of the Hebrew Bible is a God of justice, so Christian Zionism is not a blind endorsement of every Israeli state policy. Neither is it Christian heresy, as Tucker Carlson alleges.

Instead, Christian Zionism explains why Jerusalem is called the holy city or its equivalent three times in Matthew and three times in the book of Revelation. Its why Zionism can be seen in nearly every book of the New Testament, as a number of us scholars have shown in the book The New Christian Zionism.
For todays CIOs, AI is a central strategya vehicle for supercharging efficiency, spurring innovation, and getting products out the door faster. As new capabilities begin to flood the market, leaders are now solidifying their AI vision into concrete plans: 75% say they are working more closely with business units to develop AI applications.

To reap AIs benefits, leaders must first create an ROI-based implementation strategy, migrate legacy applications to the cloud, and modernize them for AI workflows. But in todays rapidly evolving business environments, its imperative to adopt new methods and models that not only reduce development and deployment time but also improve the quality of deliverables while reducing risk.

Agentic AI is helping transform migration and modernization procedures. Using an Amazon Web Services (AWS) agentic AI framework, IBM Consulting can help companies develop an ROI-based plan, automate migration and modernization workflows, and optimize performance after applications have launched. With human-directed AI agents doing most of the work, the entire process can be accomplished in record time.

Building the business case for modernization

IBMs migration and modernization process begins with assessing the clients goals. Targeting the right AI initiatives is critical for todays technology leaders42% say they would be willing to pay a premium for solutions that meet their companys specific needs.

But determining business value in advance is tough to do. CIOs and their teams, recognizing the importance of modernization, often plow ahead anyway, confident that relevant use cases will show up. That doesnt always fly with business leadersa situation that can cause plans to backfire.

One of our biggest challenges was delivering modernization plans that made sense to IT teams, but line-of-business owners failed to see the impact, says Vikas Ganoorkar, Global Cloud Migration and Modernization Practice Leader, IBM Consulting.

To solve the problem, IBM Consulting recently acquired Txture, an Austrian company whose software helps consultants to quickly understand client IT systems and design modernization plans focused on maximizing business impact.

Combining the capabilities of Txture with IBM Cloudability products (previously Apptio) for optimizing cloud spend, IBM used AWS services to develop AI agents that speed assessments and give companies a clear picture of AIs financial impact. Agents automatically assess the application portfolio, analyzing codebases, dependencies, and challenges and defining optimal migration architectures. Then they generate business cases and ROI estimates.

We can actually show companies at the assessment stage how modernizing and scaling specific applications will reduce costs, give you better ROI, and allow teams to innovate and deliver the products customers want faster. Most of our competitors dont do that, says Vikas.

When plans are aligned with key company goals, organizations experience fewer development snags and can hit the ground running once applications are launched.

Executing tasks and optimizing solutions with agentic AI

Agentic AI excels at managing complex tasks efficiently, often adding value along the way. IBMs migration and modernization framework is a case in point, accelerating technical processes while improving accuracy and results.

AI agents automate cumbersome code transformation and modernization tasks, including language migration, framework upgrades, refactoring, rehosting, and more. Automated deployment is not only faster, but more reliable, operating 24/7 without making mistakes. Agents also test and validate the newly migrated and modernized applications to ensure functional accuracy and performance.

Once migration and modernization are complete, AI agents continue monitoring application performance on AWS, automatically adjusting to prevent problems, improve reliability, and optimize performance. They can also add new functions, including automating security and compliance monitoring tailored to meet company and industry standards.

The critical importance of keeping humans in the loop

Companies understandably dont want to have their mission-critical systems managed entirely by AI agents, which can generate hallucinations and other errors. And many high-level tasks lie beyond agents current capabilities.

AI cant automate everything, Vikas says. Leaders need to make important decisions and provide agents feedback to help them improve.

At IBM Consulting, humans provide strategy, guidance, and oversight for all agentic AI processes. IBM consultants work with IT leaders to develop an AI architectural vision for the company and identify opportunities for increasing efficiency and incomeincluding some that lie beyond standard migration paths. The goal is to create scalable, secure solutions that dont compromise on compliance, business alignment, or architectural integrity.

In contrast, AI agents manage data-intensive and repeatable tasks, such as discovery, planning, transformation, and validation. They can handle most of these activities on their own, but IBMs framework alerts humans to resolve challenges if they reach their limits.

IBM and AWS: stronger together

A strong IBM and AWS partnership is essential to the agentic AI systems success.

AWS has the largest share of the public cloud market, and our customers feel safer and more confident when they know we endorse each other and speak the same language, Vikas says.

AWS technologies, AI models, and its capability to create targeted AI services are also invaluable. These capabilities speed the creation of IBMs AI agents and ensure that they work together efficiently.

Using our tooling, IT teams can reduce the heavy lifting involved in developing AI agents and deliver the best outcomes for their customers as they migrate and modernize applications, says Vamsi Yanamadala, Partner Solutions Architecture Leader, AWS.

The partnerships benefits dont end there.

Migration and modernization are one-step processes, but by running our agentic AI systems on AWS, CIOs can continue to improve applications and innovate as they scale, Vikas says.

Jumpstarting your AI future

By developing AI agents on AWS and orchestrating them under the guidance of human experts, IBM Consulting greatly reduces the time and headaches of application migration and modernization. As a result, CIOs can finally realize their dreams of launching, running, and scaling transformative AI solutions.

To learn how agentic AI can help you achieve your modernization goals faster, visit ibm.biz/ai-modernization today, or read the ebook: IBM + AWS: Reimagine application migration and modernization with AI.
The government is set to consult on expanded powers for the Charity Commission to ban people convicted of hate crimes from trusteeship and holding senior manager positions.

In parliament last week, Liberal Democrat peer Baroness Burt asked the government what steps it was taking to ensure charities cannot advance ideologies that promote misogyny, sexism or violence against women.

Culture minister Baroness Twycross said in response that anyone who advocates for violence against women has absolutely no place in a charity.

She said the government was pressing ahead with plans to enable the commission to bar anyone convicted of hate crimes from serving as a trustee or senior charity manager automatically.

The plans, which would expand current rules banning those with unspent convictions related to terrorism, money-laundering and bribery, among other things, drew some concerns from the sector when announced last month.

Last week, Baroness Twycross said: The Charity Commission, as the independent regulator, wont hesitate to act where charities promote harmful or unlawful actions.

The government will consult in due course on new powers for the Charity Commission to automatically ban individuals convicted of hate crimes from serving as charity trustees or senior managers.

Well also make it easier for the commission to take regulatory action against people promoting violence, terrorism or hatred.

Civil Society understands that the consultation will be launched in early 2026.

Commission reviewing NSSs report

Baroness Burt said some charities register under the charitable purpose of advancement of religion to promote misogynistic ideology in the name of religion, which threatens the rights and well-being of some of the most vulnerable members of their flock.

She cited a recent report by the National Secular Society (NSS), which recommended that the government and charity regulators revoke the charitable status of organisations promoting subordination, coercive control or violence against women and girls, or other forms of misogyny.

Baroness Burt said: No charity worth its salt should ever promote misogyny or any other ideology that harms people and society.

Should we not therefore review the role of the charitable purpose of the advancement of religion, with a view to its removal if its a barrier to tackling misogyny or other forms of extremism?

In response, Baroness Twycross said the commission was currently reviewing NSSs report to determine whether it raises any new regulatory concerns.

I read the report [...] and some of the examples provided are shocking, she said.

However, Im pleased to say that the commission has already investigated a number of the charities cited.

Ive also spoken to the minister for civil society and youth, and I reassure the noble baroness that shes looking at ways to strengthen the Charity Commissions powers to tackle abuse of charities by extremists, whatever type of extremist they are.

Baroness Twycross added that several of the measures being considered by the government wouldnt require primary legislation, but others might at some point in the future.

sign up to receive the free Civil Society daily news bulletin here . For more news, interviews, opinion and analysis about charities and the voluntary sector,
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I dont think were going to necessarily ask for a declaration of war. I think were just gonna kill people that are bringing drugs into our country, okay? Were gonna kill them. Theyre gonna be, like, dead. Those were the words of President Donald Trump on October 23, speaking at a White House roundtable about the administrations military campaign against boats in the Caribbean and the Pacific. Over the past three months, the US militarys Southern Command has hit at least twenty-one vessels with air strikes and killed at least eighty-three people. The administration alleges, without providing evidence, that these boats were trafficking drugs to the US.

Last week, the Washington Post reported new information about the verbal directive given by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during the first attack, on September 2. The order was to kill everybody, an insider told the paper. (Hegseth said the story was fake news.) According to the Post report, commanders were tracking a boat holding eleven people that they suspected of carrying narcotics. They launched a missile, igniting a blaze from bow to stern. When the smoke cleared, commanders saw that two survivors were clinging to the smoldering wreck. To comply with Hegseths direction, they launched a second missile. No one survived.

The UNs High Commissioner for Human Rights said in October that the air strikes violate international human rights law and urged the US to cease immediately. Human Rights Watch has condemned the strikes as unlawful extrajudicial killings. Amnesty International labeled the campaign a murder spree. Yet it has not been a domestic scandal in the USuntil recently, it has been met largely with a shrug.

Attention is starting to perk up now, as the killings morph into higher-stakes tensions with Venezuela. In the past few weeks, the US has dispatched the largest naval task force to the Caribbean since the Cuban missile crisis, including the worlds biggest aircraft carrier: the USS Gerald Ford, greater in length than the Eiffel Tower is tall, and with the capacity to launch strikes deep into the Venezuelan interior. On Saturday, Trump posted on Truth Social that the airspace above Venezuela should be considered closed, fueling speculation about an American attack. The US accuses Nicolas Maduro, Venezuelas president, of leading a sophisticated drug trafficking ring. Maduro accuses the US of imperialist aggression.

Its unclear what the Trump administrations real purpose or aim is with regard to Venezuela. The obscurity is partly due to the administrations clampdown on national security reporting. Under Hegseths direction, the Defense Department has tried to pour liquid nitrogen on independent journalism. In September, correspondents at the Pentagon were asked to sign a pledge not to report unauthorized information, including nonclassified information. Most of them chose to tear up their access badges rather than agree to the loyalty oath. The remaining rump of the Pentagon press corpsMAGA-friendly outlets and influencershave so far offered little indication that they will hold the administration to account. Journalists who refused to sign the pledge, and are continuing their reporting outside the building, have also spoken about a deepening culture of fear among officials.

Journalists and foreign policy observers have been forced into a guessing game about the administrations intentions regarding Venezuela, parsing the presidents Truth Social posts like a tarot deck. Were learning about things like the deployment of the USS Gerald Ford by tweet, Nancy Youssef, an Atlantic staff writer on national security, told the magazines podcast recently. Youssef has described reporting as being in a very large room with a very small flashlight.

The administration has tried to frame its campaign of air strikes as something like the war on terror. It alleges the boats being blown up are not simply drug traffickers but narco-terrorists or unlawful combatants, and last month the State Department said that the Cartel de los Soles was a foreign terrorist organization led by Maduro. This was despite the departments international narcotics control strategy report, released in March, not mentioning the organization. The New York Times reports that NGOs and former Drug Enforcement Administration officials say no such cartel even exists; Cartel de los Soles is best described as a figure of speech, arising in the nineties, referring to generals corrupted by drug money, rather than an organization with an internal hierarchy, purpose, division of labor, and so on.

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Moreover, Venezuela, according to the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, plays a minimal role in the drug trade, and mostly as a transit route to Europe, not the US. The country is not a manufacturer or key trafficker of fentanyl, which largely enters the US from Mexico. Most of the cocaine entering the US comes from Colombia, Peru, or Bolivia via the Pacific, not Venezuela. And a range of reports suggest that some of the people targeted by air strikes were fishermen, not sophisticated drug smugglers. (Meanwhile, for all the tough talk on drug trafficking, Trump said on Friday that he would pardon convicted cocaine importer Juan Orlando Hernandez, the former Honduran president.)

The narco-terrorist designation seems crucial to the administrations claims that its strikes are lawful. Just like in Afghanistan and Iraq, with al Qaeda and ISIS, Hegseth said in October, we will track them, we will map them, we will network them, and we will hunt them and kill them. It is part of a wider initiative to draw the military into day-to-day law enforcement, alongside the deployment of federal troops to American cities. Even some Republicans have been squeamish about this approach. You cannot have a policy where you just allege that someone is guilty of something and then kill them, Rand Paul, the chairman of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, has said. What kind of person would justify blowing up people when one out of four boats may well not have drugs on them? On Friday the Republican-led Senate Armed Services Committee said it planned to conduct vigorous oversight on the strikes.

Can the administration get away with these extrajudicial killings? In terms of international law, a former chief prosecutor at the International Criminal Court said last month that they could be treated as crimes against humanity. Domestically, the foreign terrorist organization designation is completely unconvincing, Brian Finucane, a former legal adviser at the State Department, told the BBC. But in the new world of great-power relations, everything is muddied and permissible. One thing is clear, however: you dont have to support Madurowho is widely believed to have stolen last years election, and who has cracked down on Venezuelas democratic freedoms and the independent pressto believe that summary execution without trial belongs in the pages of history rather than the twenty-first century.

Some media organizations have accepted the administrations drug-trafficker framing, and not just the MAGA-friendly outlets newly installed at the Pentagon. At the October 23 roundtable, the press pack seemed to be largely made up of sycophantic journalists, with one young reporter asking, encouragingly, why the US didnt just declare war on Venezuela; another congratulated the cabinet, referring to arrests of apparent criminal illegal aliens who officers allege are rapists and pedophiles, saying you guys have done an amazing job in Memphis.

Other reporting has pushed beyond the administrations framingor, indeed, Madurosand explored the concerning legal backdrop to the military actions as well as sketching the human cost of the missile strikes. Eyder Peralta reported from Trinidad for NPR about how fishermen were terrified of entering the water for fear of US strikeswith his journalism highlighting the complexities that, amid poverty and a rough economy, maybe some of these people are both fishermen and drug smugglers. We dont know.

Peralta spoke to the grandmother of a man presumed to have been killed by a US air strike: Chad Joseph, a twenty-six-year-old who left Trinidad for Venezuela to work. She hopes that one day the phone rings and its him, Peralta said. But in her heart, you know, she knows that hes very likely dead.

Other Notable Stories 

Last week, CJR and the Tow Center for Digital Journalism debuted the Journalism 2050 Podcast. Hosted by Emily Bell and Heather Chaplin, the show welcomes an eclectic range of guests to ask: Where is our field going over the next quarter century? Episodes will be released every two weeks, and speakers include Douglas Rushkoff, Ben Smith, Azmat Khan, Anya Schiffrin, Maria Bustillos, Candice Fortman, Sarah Alvarez, and more. There was a remarkable consensus on the path forward: providing information, and connection, from the ground level, Bell writes. You can listen to the first episode here.

The White House opened a new front in its war on the press on Friday, with the start of what it calls a hall of shame to highlight the medias false and misleading stories. The tracker calls out reporters by name and has an offender of the week. The Post defended its reporting after being featured in the list. The administrations move follows ongoing lawsuits against the New York Times and Wall Street Journal, threats against the BBC, and settlements with CBS and ABC. (The Guardian has tracked twenty-eight times since 2017 that Trump has threatened TV networks he will strip their licenses, even though he doesnt wield that power.) Trump has also lashed out at women reporters in recent weeks. He has called journalists asking questions ugly and stupid and ordered one to be quiet, piggy. The Guardians Arwa Mahdawi has described Trump as the misogynist-in-chief.

One to watch this week: the newly minted, MAGA-friendly Pentagon press corps will have a meet-and-greet at the Defense Department, the Post reports. Most media organizations refused to sign the restrictive pledge and handed in their badges in October. The Pentagon scribes now include far-right influencer Laura Loomer, the Gateway Pundit, and the National Pulse. They will meet Pete Hegseth and press secretary Kingsley Wilson at events Monday through Wednesday. For a primer on the MAGA-friendly Pentagon press, read Ivan L. Nagys piece for CJR here.

The saga at the BBC lurched on last week. Key figures at the organization were pulled before a parliamentary select committee last Monday for a grilling by MPs. That included the chair, Samir Shah, and board member Robbie Gibbwho was widely reported to have pushed the hardest internally on claims of systemic woke bias that eventually led to two executives resigning. But the MPs line of inquiry was more three hours of gentle nudging than an interrogation, according to Prospect editor Alan Rusbridger (who appeared on The Kicker over the summer). Bizarrely, Michael Prescott, the man who sparked the whole row by writing a document filled with instances of supposed liberal bias, told the committee the BBC was not institutionally biased. Meanwhile, a Dutch historian delivering an annual BBC lecture claims he was censored after a line in his speech (that Trump is the most openly corrupt president in American history) was removed from the broadcast. For context, see the piece I wrote about the right-wing foes targeting the BBC here.

Tucker Carlson has launched his own precious-metals company, the Journal reports. The former Fox News host, who left the company in 2023, has founded Battalion Metals, which offers coins, bars and support for precious metals IRAs. What makes this different from Carlson simply taking a check for advertising another precious-metals firm, the Journal writes, is that he has a huge megaphone to highlight the themes fueling [golds] rise. (The company is reportedly selling gold coins at prices between 2 and 5 percent higher than futures prices.) It comes after Carlson faced a backlashincluding from many conservatives, such as House Speaker Mike Johnsonfor platforming Nick Fuentes, the far-right activist and Hitler admirer.



And The New Yorker published a charming photo series by Ann Hermes, who spent six years documenting Americas local newsrooms. The photographs show reporters working in offices surrounded by junk, detritus, scrap, and lots and lots of paperthe messy engine rooms where truth is produced. The photos sent The New Yorkers Zach Helfand reminiscing about his own cherished dump at The Trentonian in New Jersey. You wonder if trust in the media would be a little higher if CNN staged its programs somewhere dingier and more human. Hermes certainly believes theres something magical about local news journalists. These are people who do their grocery shopping at the same place the police chief does, she told the magazine. Theyre accountable to their readers in a way that a lot of national reporters arent.
A massive data breach at South Koreas largest e-retailer Coupang Inc. caps what is set to be a record year for online leaks in the country, highlighting weaknesses in Seouls cyber defenses.

Coupang, known for its popular early morning grocery deliveries, said about 33.7 million customer accounts were affected by the leak, which compromised email and shipping addresses as well as phone numbers. Its U.S. shares slid 9% in pre-market New York trading.

The figure  representing nearly two-thirds of South Koreas 51.7 million population  would be a record if confirmed, an official from the Personal Information Protection Commission told Bloomberg News. An investigation is ongoing.

It was not clear who was behind the leak, but local media reported that a former Coupang employee could have exploited a system vulnerability. Officials warned that the compromised information could be used to carry out targeted phishing attacks.

Korean newspapers splashed the story across front pages on Monday as worries mounted over possible disruptions following the breach. With nearly 25 million active users, many Korean families rely on the Amazon-like retailer for the bulk of their shopping, typically handing over sensitive information like apartment door codes to facilitate deliveries.

Shares of Ahnlab Inc. rose as much as 8% in Seoul on Monday as the incident sparked fresh interest in online security.

South Korea has seen a consistent rise in cyber incidents each year, with 2025 projected to record the highest number of attacks to date, said Vitaly Kamluk, founder of cybersecurity firm TitanHex.

SK Telecom Co., the countrys largest mobile carrier, was fined $97 million this year for failing to safeguard customer data and for delayed reporting of breaches. KT Corp. and Lotte Card Co. also disclosed leaks in recent months.

Last week, the countrys largest crypto exchange Upbit was hacked in a suspected North Korean attack  the same day its parent company announced it had been bought by South Korean internet giant Naver Corp.

Looking at hacking incidents and security system failures overall, compared to other countries, especially the U.S., the average level of investment in security systems in Korea is woefully inadequate, said Lee Chan-jin, Governor of the Financial Supervisory Service.

Copyright 2025 Bloomberg.
Jamaica has secured up to $6.7 billion in support from international agencies to fund reconstruction over the next three years in the wake of Hurricane Melissa.

Melissa, one of the strongest storms on record to make landfall in the Caribbean, unleashed catastrophic flooding and landslides with some 30 inches (76 cm) of rain when it struck Jamaica in October, causing damage estimated at $10 billion.

Related: Lack of Hurricanes Is Leading to Lack of Experience for Adjusters

The agencies said in a joint statement on Monday that the support will come from the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean CAF, the IMF, the World Bank, the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the Inter-American Development Bank.

Up to $3.6 billion of the package could be made available in sovereign financing for the Jamaican governments recovery and reconstruction program, they said.

That amount would comprise of up to $1 billion each from CAF, the IDB and the World Bank, $200 million from the CDB and a potential $415 million loan from the International Monetary Fund under its rapid financing window for natural disasters.

Related: A Claims Professionals View From the Ground in Melissas Aftermath

The institutions said their divisions linked to the private-sector, IDB Invest, IFC and MIGA, are working to provide an initial $2.4 billion in private investment for reconstruction.

Jamaicas disaster-risk financing framework had allowed $662 million to be allocated for urgent needs from domestic contingency funds, insurance payouts and contingent credit lines, the agencies added in the statement.

Related: The 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season: Rapidly Intensifying Storms Between Long Lulls

An additional $12 million in grants had already been mobilized from the IDB, the World Bank and CAF to support recovery efforts, they said.

(Reporting by Burton, Writing by Siniawski; Editing by Aida Pelaez-Fernandez and Alexander Smith)
WESTLAKE, Ohio -- Les Wheeler, 77, of Wakeman, Ohio, is marking 15 years of bringing Christmas joy to Northeast Ohioans by dressing as Santa Claus for the holidays.

He regularly receives visits from children -- as you might expect -- but also from adults, entire families and even pets.

Wheeler worked for Ford for 34 years and served with the U.S. Armys 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam in 1969 and 1970.

After retiring from the Ford plant in Lorain, Wheeler was approached by a friend who remarked on his resemblance to St. Nick.

Wheeler has had a beard for about 48 years. With age, his beard and hair have turned white.

The friend convinced him about 15 years ago to perform as Santa at a Wakeman restaurant he owned.

It was an old grain elevator, and they were business people and they wanted to give back to the community, Wheeler said.

They had a Christmas party for the community, and they invited everybody in. Wed make cookies, drinks and punch.

They had me dressed as Santa Claus, and they would let people take pictures of the kids with Santa. Thats really how it got started.

Wheeler also went to nursing homes dressed as the jolly old elf.

It was a lot of fun, Wheeler said.

For the past 14 years, Wheeler has made appearances at Crocker Park in Westlake, after connecting with photographer Eric Mull, who takes photos there, Wheeler said.

His appearances are frequently family affairs. When Wheeler appears, his wife, Diana, often accompanies him dressed as Mrs. Claus.

Diana makes her own outfit and alters her husbands suits to fit him.

His daughter, Lora Roeser, used to accompany him as an elf. This year, she has sometimes served as the photographer.

Children often approach Wheeler -- even when he is not in his suit -- thinking he is Santa. Thats even though he trims his hair and beard at the end of the Christmas season.

Wheeler enjoys meeting children when dressed as Santa, saying that those 2 to 3 years old are very unpredictable.

His wife disagreed, saying they are quite predictable -- they always cry.

They dont get away from mommy too much, Wheeler said.

One of his most memorable moments as Santa occurred years ago when a little 3-year-old was anxiously waiting to see him, with his face pressed up against the window of a door leading to Santas room.

He was so excited. He couldnt wait to see Santa, Wheeler said.

When they opened the door, he charged right at my chair, jumped up on my lap and started telling me what he wanted for Christmas.

Apparently, his daddy worked in construction, because he asked for a power washer and a wheelbarrow.

It was so cute. He was so excited to see Santa and tell me what he wanted for Christmas.

Children arent the only ones excited to see Santa. Wheeler recalled a young man who was on a blind date when he and the girl visited Santa.

The next year, the couple returned, and the young man convinced Santa to help him with the marriage proposal.

He asked me to give him the ring when he asked her to marry him, Wheeler explained.

The couple is now married and continues to return, bringing their child with them, he said.

Some adults want to have their picture taken with Santa for Christmas cards or other special occasions.

Wheeler said he has had couples come in for a family photo, and the husband and wife hold up a sonogram of their baby to announce to family and friends that they will soon be parents.

We have whole families come in, Wheeler said. Theres one family, there were 27 of them last year, and they get them all in one picture.

Wheelers Santa takes photos with pets on designated nights, and he keeps a special suit just for those occasions. He does so out of an abundance of caution, in case any youngsters have pet allergies.

Wheeler said there is one guiding rule that Santa must obey when talking with children.

Its no secret, he said. You never promise them anything.

If a young child asks for an expensive gift like an iPhone, what is Santas response?

Ill have to talk to your parents, Wheeler said. Do you have a second option you would like?

The parents appreciate it when Santa doesnt promise anything, he said.
SOUTH EUCLID, Ohio -- What can warm one up faster than a cup of hot chocolate or tea?

Music.

OK, Im not sure there is a precise scientific explanation. But I propose this answer, as music warms the feet and the heart.

And even, some might say, the spirit.

Whether its a familiar tune or one that stretches our musical horizons, music can be sublime, stimulating and comforting.

I know: The holiday tunes in some stores and in some commercials may have begun before Halloween to prime the pump  for buying?

Its still music -- but perhaps with an ulterior motive.

Heres to stocking up on beautiful sounds for free or at nominal cost!

Read on.

Pops are tops! Gilmour Academy is pleased to welcome the community to a free concert at 7 p.m. Dec. 8 with the Cleveland Pops Youth Orchestra, directed by renowned conductor and founder Carl Topilow.

Tickets do not need to be reserved in advance.

Aurelia Chiacchiari Photo Courtesy of Gilmour Academy

Location is The Lorraine and Bill Dodero Center for Performing Arts at Gilmour Academy, 34001 Cedar Road in Gates Mills.

Two Gilmour students will take the stage: Aurelia Chiacchiari of Newbury Township on clarinet and Ryan Seckel of Chagrin Falls on flute.

Ryan Seckel Photo Courtesy of Gilmour Academy

Both students, incidentally, also appeared with the full Cleveland Orchestra at Playhouse Square on Nov. 28.

Chanukah music: Temple Israel Ner Tamid will be celebrating Chanukah with music and other festivities appealing to youngsters and seniors alike!

Each night of Chanukah -- from Dec. 14-21 -- all are welcome to join Rabbi Matt Eisenberg as he lights the giant chanukiah -- resembling a menorah -- at 5:30 p.m. outside at the temple, 1732 Lander Road in Mayfield Heights.

For questions, call 440-473-5120 or email tint@tintcleveland.org.

Chanukah rock: At 4 p.m. Dec. 14, The 22nd annual Rock For All Ages Chanukah Concert at Temple Israel Ner Tamid features Noah Budin and The Promised Band playing a mixture of original and classic Chanukah songs, including Svivon, Maoz Tzur and Chanukah, Oh Chanukah.

Theyll also perform some modern renditions of classics, including Julie Silvers Dreidel Song and the Ladino song Ochos Kandelikas, Tom Lehrers comedy classic Hanukah in Santa Monica, Israeli folk songs, Noah Budin originals and Peter Yarrows Light One Candle.

Cost is $5 per person and free for children 5 and younger. Cash at the door. RSVP not needed.

Noah Budin & the Promised Band includes David Budin (bass, vocals), Celia Hollander Lewis (12-string guitar, Celtic harp, banjo, vocals), Rob Ticherich (percussion), Alan Douglass (keyboard, vocals) and Steve Gordon (electric guitar, vocals).

Noah is a Cleveland-based entertainer and songwriter who also performs around the country and has released three CDs of original music and published a songbook with 22 of his original songs.

See www.noahbudin.com .

A bit of Klezmer: After a brief 7:30 p.m. Shabbat service, the Temple Israel Ner Tamid congregation will celebrate the sixth light of Chanukah at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 19 with traditional foods and games -- latkes (potato pancakes), sufganiot (jelly donuts), dreidels (small tops) and gelt (gold chocolate coins).

The Shabbat Oneg (celebration) will be accompanied by the sounds of Yiddishe Cup with Bert Stratton (clarinet, harmonica) and Steven Greenman (violin).

Musical selections will feature klezmer and Israeli classics. Yiddishe Cup is a klezmer band that began in 1988.

And just what is klezmer, you may ask? Originating at weddings in small towns in Europe, its a lively blend of European, Ashkenazic Jewish and other influences, including jazz.

After a revival of interest in the 1970s, klezmer has continued to be played and enjoyed worldwide.

Listening ears: NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, has launched a new national helpline to support the urgent needs of U.S. family caregivers for loved ones with a serious mental illness.

Call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) and select option 4 or text FAMILY to 62640.

Much of what caregivers are searching for cant be found in written resources, but only in the lived experiences and practical solutions of others who have walked a similar path, said Dawn P. Brown, national director of NAMIs HelpLine Services.

NAMIs Family Caregiver HelpLine will connect people with people, helping to bridge the isolation that caregivers may feel.

Caregivers own mental health often takes a back seat to caring for their loved ones, the NAMI press release said.

Most are unpaid, which can add financial strain to the emotional stress and isolation that can come with caregiving.

Isolation plus heavy responsibilities threatens caregivers own well-being.

The helpline crew consists of trained volunteers who have cared for someone with a serious mental illness and wish to listen and support others in similar situations.

The helpline provides reassurance, resources and practical guidance in a nonjudgmental, safe place.

More resources for family caregivers can be found at nami.org/family.

This important new service builds on the support available through the NAMI HelpLine and its specialty helpline services, linea de ayuda de NAMI (NAMIs Spanish Language HelpLine) and NAMI Teen and Young Adult HelpLine.

Soothing winds: At 2 p.m. Dec. 15, the Brush High School auditorium, 4875 Glenlyn Road in Lyndhurst, will host the 40-piece Akron Symphonic Winds ensemble for a free concert.

The ensemble has performed in each of the past four summers as part of South Euclids outdoor Ray Rhode Summer Concert Series.

This December concert is sponsored by the City of South Euclid.

Akron Symphonic Winds was founded in 2016 by South Euclid resident and New York native Linda Simon, who also plays bass clarinet and baritone saxophone for the band, which includes woodwinds, brass and percussion.

Lend me your words! I would love to keep current with Hillcrest-area happenings. Write to: mariashinestewart@gmail.com

Read more from the Sun Messenger.
Commissioner Richard Regovich, remembered for his dedication to taxpayers and deep love for Lake County, died Wednesday after a battle with cancer. County leaders say his impact on seniors, infrastructure and local government will be felt for years. Courtesy of Lake County

PAINESVILLE, Ohio  Tributes from across Lake County have poured in for Commission President Richard J. Regovich, as community leaders, elected officials, nonprofit organizations and regional partners remember him as a steady, compassionate public servant whose impact stretched far beyond politics.

The 59-year-old sitting commissioner died Wednesday after a battle with cancer.

Dozens of agencies and officials  from mayors and judges to transit leaders, workforce offices and nonprofit groups  have publicly shared stories of a man they described as humble, patient and unwavering in his commitment to helping others.

Painesville Township Trustee Chuck Hillier, who considered Regovich a close friend, said he was a remarkable individual whose sincerity and calm leadership style defined his public life.

Lake County lost a good friend and outstanding public servant with his passing, Hillier wrote.

Birthright Lake County, which supports mothers, babies and families, said Regovich quietly helped advance its mission for years.

His kindness, encouragement, and belief in helping the most vulnerable reached far more families than many will ever know, the group wrote.

Willowick Mayor Michael Vanni, who once served with Regovich on City Council, said the commissioners guidance shaped his own leadership approach.

He was my mentor, my confidant, and truly one of my closest friends, Vanni said. Let us carry forward his spirit of generosity and service.

Laketran, the countys public transit agency, credited Regovich for championing major improvements, including Vine Street Corridor funding and senior mobility initiatives.

He was a true partner, advocate, and friend, the agency said in a statement.

At OhioMeansJobs Lake County, staff said Regovich was still offering support as recently as last week.

His kindness, generosity, and unwavering encouragement made a lasting impact, the workforce agency said.

Regional colleagues also expressed their grief. Ashtabula County Commissioner Casey Kozlowski said he valued collaborating with Regovich through the County Commissioners Association of Ohio.

I will truly miss those conversations, he said.

The association itself released a statewide statement honoring Regovichs integrity, steady guidance, and commitment to improving the lives of residents, calling his 11 years of service  including his earlier municipal roles  a legacy that will inspire others.

Local organizations that serve seniors said the loss was deeply felt. The Lake County Council on Aging recalled Regovichs recent remarks at its annual meeting, where he spoke with sincerity and passion about caring for older adults.

His kindness touched us, the agency said.

Judge Marisa Cornachio remembered Regovich for his hands-on support of veterans, seniors and families.

Those moments showed who Rich was at his core: steady, caring, and committed to serving others, she said.

Lake County Auditor Christopher Galloway described Regovich as a good soul and urged residents to keep his family in their prayers.

Wickliffe Mayor Joe Sakacs wrote that Regovich had been someone he could always count on.

Thank you for being the friend that you were to me, Sakacs said.

Sports teams and community groups added their voices, with the Lake County Captains calling him a true champion of the community and a proud fan who always showed up to give back.

The tributes echoed a common theme: Regovich led with humility, faith and a focus on people first.

Regovich, a Willowick native and former mayor, served on the Willowick Planning Commission, Charter Review Committee and City Council before being elected mayor. He founded the volunteer program Willowick Hearts and Hammers and was sworn in as Lake Countys 81st commissioner in 2022.
Breeze Airways will fly between Akron-Canton Airport and Savannah, Georgia, starting in May 2026. Susan Glaser, Cleveland.com

GREEN, Ohio  Breeze Airways is adding Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport to its growing lineup of destinations from the Akron-Canton Airport.

The airline will fly the route two times per week, on Thursdays and Sundays, starting May 7, 2026.

Its the 16th Akron-Canton destination for Breeze, which also flies to both Charleston and Myrtle Beach, on the South Carolina coast.

Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport is located just north of Savannah, Georgia, about 35 miles from Hilton Head, South Carolina.

This new option gives travelers another affordable, convenient way to reach a destination they love, and we appreciate Breezes continued commitment to growing their presence in our community, said Lisa Dalpiaz, vice president of air service and business development at Akron-Canton.

The new route will depart from CAK at 7:25 a.m., arriving in Savannah at 9:25 a.m. The return flight will depart Savannah at 2:30 p.m., arriving in Akron-Canton at 4:30 p.m.

Allegiant also offers nonstop service to Savannah/Hilton Head from the Akron-Canton Airport.

Related: Akron-Canton Airport sets record with 24th nonstop destination

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Recovery and aid efforts are underway in parts of Southeast Asia and South Asia where the full number of dead and missing are not yet known after heavy rains and flooding left a devastating toll in the past week.The severe weather killed at least 502 people in Indonesia, 162 in Thailand and 334 in Sri Lanka, authorities said.In Thailand, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has outlined recovery and compensation plans for the southern part of the country, where the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation said severe flooding in 12 southern provinces affected more than 1.4 million households and 3.8 million people.Sri Lankan authorities said on Monday that rescuers are still searching for 370 missing people. Nearly 1,48,000 people are housed in temporary shelters after being battered in the past week downpours that flooded homes, fields and roads and triggered landslides, primarily in the tea-growing central hill country.Indonesia President Prabowo Subianto has pledged to rebuild infrastructure while visiting areas impacted by floods and landslides on Sumatra island that left thousands homeless and 474 people missing as of Monday.Some areas of Indonesia remained unreachable after the disaster damaged roads and downed communications lines, with residents in impacted areas relying on aircraft delivering supplies. Flooding displaced 290,700 people in North Sumatra, West Sumatra and Aceh provinces, the National Disaster Management Agency said.Prabowo, who visited North Sumatra and was expected to West Sumatra and Aceh during the day, said the government's response is reaching those in need.We need to confront climate change effectively, Prabowo said. Local governments must take a significant role in safeguarding the environment and preparing for the extreme weather conditions that will arise from future climate change.
Trump to roll back most Biden executive orders due to autopen use

Xinhua) 09:49, December 01, 2025

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.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
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As enterprise digitization accelerates to drive growth and meet customer expectations, its vital security leaders have the right tools and strategies to keep businesses secure.

Take AI innovation for example. While its transformative impact is clear, security leaders must ensure these activities do not unwittingly widen attack surfaces.

Beyond AI threats, issues such as unpatched systems still contribute to a large percentage of security breaches.

Often, these vulnerabilities lead to preventable breaches. Industry estimates put the number of breaches due to unpatched systems at around 60%.

The UK government found that weaknesses in cyber security systems, such as portals, unpatched servers, unpatched firewalls and insecure remote desktops were common vectors of attacks leading, especially, to ransomware.

New vulnerabilities present a real, and growing risk. In 2024, almost one in four vulnerabilities were exploited on or before they were disclosed in public, according to research by VulnCheck.

2389261825 shutterstock/DC Studio

Put to the test

To address these risks, enterprises need an effective vulnerability management strategy. This includes monitoring of threat intelligence sources, and regular vulnerability scanning. Organizations also need robust policies in place, to ensure that vendors software patches are applied promptly.

But for businesses to have a full picture of their vulnerabilities, they need to go further.

Conventional penetration testing (commonly called pentesting) is carried out by teams of security specialists.

Pentesting is effective, but as a manual process it is time consuming, expensive, and sometimes disruptive to the business. The security consulting firm and CREST member SECFORCE calculates this costs to around 1200 (1400) a day. Longer engagements can easily add up to significant fees.

Tests and scans must also be acted on. Unless the reporting process is linked to changes in the organizations security, risks will remain.

Automated response

Increasingly, CISOs are turning to automation, to detect threats more quickly and respond more effectively.

Vulnerability scanning, patch management and prioritization are two areas where enterprises can reduce the workloads on security teams through greater use of automation.

But even areas such as penetration testing can be automated. Automation cuts costs and frees up security experts to focus on the most pressing threats.

In addition, automated scanning and testing can run constantly in the background, picking up new threats as they emerge. This helps enterprises to move to near-time detection and response, closing down attacks before they cause damage.

This approach allows security teams to scale up their operations to cover more complex IT architectures and an expanding attack surface, without the need for more human testers.

Through automation, security teams can carry out more frequent and more comprehensive assessments, across more systems.

A well-designed system, such as those aligned to the MITRE ATT&CK framework, will cover applications, networks and endpoints, using the latest algorithms to detect suspicious activity.

Furthermore, automated testing removes the risk of human error. And, as it runs in the background, and integrates with existing security tools, it reduces the disruption often associated with manual security tests and simulations. A good-quality scanning and testing system will also automate reporting, saving time for security analysts.

Automated vulnerability scanning, patch management and penetration testing cannot stop cyber attacks. But they provide a faster and more comprehensive response, helping businesses become more secure.

Find out how T-Systems can help you rethink your security with our comprehensive security guide and state of the art services like automated pentesting.
Humanity has a long and proud tradition of throwing vegetables at people who have the nerve to stand up and say things we dont like. It goes all the way back to Ancient Rome, when politicians routinely dodged edible greenery, through to 19th-century Italy, when audiences began throwing tomatoes at performers who failed to entertain them. Either they really failed to appreciate the availability of cheap produce back then or they simply placed a higher value on botanical humiliation.

Regardless, we actually know the exact day the practice made its way to the United States. The first recorded instance of an American audience throwing vegetables at performers was on November 27, 1911, at the countrys first performance of the Irish play The Playboy of the Western World. The play had already generated a huge controversy in its homeland for what patriots considered an unacceptable depiction of the Irish people, specifically portraying them as violent, vulgar degenerates. They responded by rioting in the streets. (Okay, okay, it was a little more complicated than that. The content of the play  a man earning the admiration of a town and the thirst of its women for a story about killing his father, who then lethally turn on him when the story is revealed to be a lie  was pretty offensive to the Irish. Still. Rioting.)

When The Playboy of the Western World migrated to New York City, as many Irish citizens had by then, likeminded theatergoers were ready. At the first mention of patricide, a shower of potatoes rained down upon the actors. Again, it does seem like the audience wasnt avoiding those Irish stereotypes quite like they thought they were. The tuberous torrent was so relentless that theater employees formed a whole production line for literally throwing out agitators, one at the top of the stairs to hurl offenders to the bottom and one waiting to pick them up and Uncle Phil them out the door. The play was so overshadowed by the agricultural action that at the end of the first act, it was announced that they were starting all over again, not that it made much of a difference.

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In the end, 10 people were arrested, though no one was convicted specifically of throwing vegetables. One man was fined $10 for throwing four eggs, which is a pretty reasonable price these days, while others were ordered to pay after witnesses testified that theyd hooted and jeered and stood upon the seats, which really illustrates the differences between modern culture and the last century. Frankly, its a dull night on Broadway these days without at least a little hooting.
Despite the fact that its the year 2025, everyone is talking about the Rush Hour franchise.

Why? Well because Donald Trump has reportedly pressured Paramount into greenlighting a fourth entry of the Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker-starring buddy cop series (possibly in order to help out a filmmaker whos too toxic to get jobs without presidential intervention).

But while the current president may be a big fan, not everyone feels the same way. And surprisingly, one of Rush Hours biggest critics was Jackie Chan himself.

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Per CBC, back in 2007, Chan published a blog entry on his website trashing Brett Ratners trilogy. And this was in late September, just over a month after the release of Rush Hour 3. While discussing the original 1998 film, Chan noted that he merely wanted to test the U.S. market and wasnt impressed by the results.

"When we finished filming, I felt very disappointed because it was a movie I didn't appreciate and I did not like the action scenes involved, Chan wrote. I felt the style of action was too Americanized and I didn't understand the American humour." In 2017, Chan explained to Yahoo that he thought Rush Hour was a terrible movie and was frustrated that the filmmakers didnt let him do his own style of action.

According to his blog post, Chan agreed to make Rush Hour 2, but that was only because he was offered an irresistable sum of money to participate.

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As for Rush Hour 3, Chan said that "nothing particularly exciting stood out that made this movie special for me, adding that I spent four months making this film and I still don't fully understand the humour.

When discussing the threequel more recently he remarked, too much money, too much time. Too much money is no good.

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This past June, Chan told People that he was particularly baffled by the original films jokes, including its most memorable line. The people laughing (at) Never touch a Black mans radio  I just Why? Why so funny? I just dont understand. A totally different culture, he explained. Chan did admit that after making Rush Hour and the Shanghai Noon movies, he began to understand American culture a little bit, but still not a lot.

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Regardless of his opinions of the series quality, Chan has repeatedly expressed an interest in making Rush Hour 4, which is seemingly about to be willed into existence by Trump.

This also means theres a non-zero chance that the White House will soon announce an executive order greenlighting Collision Course 2 starring Jay Leno and a CGI Pat Morita.
Following the re-election of President Donald Trump in November, 2024, Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi fled the country for the United Kingdom  then they experienced one single European winter and decided to tough it out in California.

Roughly a year ago, DeGeneres dropped two bombs on her stateside fans back-to-back. The first was her god-awful Netflix stand-up special For Your Approval, in which she spent an hour justifying her infamous and lengthy rap sheet of workplace abuse with nary a punchline in sight, then DeGeneres declared that she and her wife would wait out the second Trump Administration in the U.K. where DeGeneres' arrogant, self-pitying and completely remorseless routine is only slightly less tasteless than the food.

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However, the U.K.'s Daily Mail recently reported that DeGeneres and de Rossi's self-imposed exile could soon come to an end, even claiming that the couple dread the thought of another British winter. Now, according to the outlet, DeGeneres and de Rossi are mulling their return to Southern California, where they can channel that bitter iciness towards a twenty-year-old production assistant with no health benefits.

Ellen was adamant that she and Portia were going to stay in the UK while Trump was in the White House, but evidently she's changed her mind somewhat, The Daily Mail's source claimed. She's been telling friends they are coming home soon because they miss them and can't take the winters over there, and Portia wants to act again. They will be here for the holidays and longer by the sound of it.

As The Daily Mail notes, DeGeneres and de Rossi put their sprawling, bucolic estate in Swinbrook, Oxfordshire up for sale back in July with a staggering 22.5 million price tag, indicating that the couple are serious about the switch. "Ellen was very clear that they're coming back to California sooner rather than later. They miss the warm weather and their friends," said the source.

While life in America during Trump's second term has hardly been idyllic, from the crumbling economy to the desecration of vital institutions to the mass state-sponsored violence, - all that havoc is nothing compared to a 35 degree (Fahrenheit) January day lounging in a mansion atop the rolling hills of rural England.

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Like, seriously, half of America has a harsher winter than the one that the U.K. gets, and we also have to live in a country where the federal government is waging war on civil rights while destroying what's left of the social safety net. If DeGeneres ever spent a single Christmas in upstate New York, she'd probably come out of the experience talking about it like she's Tiny Tim Cratchit.
Lancasters arrival brings significant North American channel experience and expertise, supporting usecures ambition to cement its position as the market-leading human risk management solution for MSPs.

usecure today announced the appointment of Kevin Lancaster as a Non-Executive Director. Kevin joins usecure with a wealth of experience in the North American channel and a strong background in human risk management and security awareness. He founded ID Agent, which was later acquired by Kaseya, and has led the Channel Program as CEO, building one of the most established channel communities in the market.

Kevin will work with the board and executive team to support usecures continued expansion in the North American channel and help advance the companys goal of becoming the number one human risk management solution for managed service providers.

Kevins appointment comes at a time of rapid momentum for usecure. The company protects half a million end users around the world and works with a broad partner ecosystem, including more than 1,800 MSP partners. In North America, usecures growth is supported by leading distribution partners, including Pax8, Contronex, and Sherweb. These partnerships enable MSPs across the region to access and deploy human risk management services through their preferred marketplaces and distributors.

Kevin is an outstanding addition to usecures board, said Charles Preston, Founder and CEO of usecure. He brings hands-on channel leadership, deep knowledge of security awareness and human risk management, and a track record of scaling channel-first product and community businesses. Kevin will be instrumental in helping us accelerate the growth we are already seeing in the channel and expand our footprint in North America.Kevin Lancaster commented on the appointment, saying he is excited to join usecures board and support the companys ambitions. usecure is at a pivotal moment in the evolution of Human Risk Management, and I am thrilled to help accelerate its mission. The team has built something genuinely innovative, and I am looking forward to guiding usecure through its next phase of growth, said Lancaster.

usecures recent industry recognition reflects this momentum. The company was named a finalist in CRNs Security Vendor of the Year and Rising Star categories, earning praise from judges in the Security Vendor of the Year category. These accolades highlight the companys commitment to delivering partner-led innovation and measurable human risk reduction for MSPs and their customers.

About Kevin Lancaster

Kevin Lancaster is a leading channel expert and tech entrepreneur, best known as the founder of ID Agent, acquired by Kaseya, and as the CEO of Channel Program and BetterTracker. He has built and led channel programs that have driven billions in revenue, scaling cybersecurity and SaaS businesses across the MSP ecosystem. Kevin is widely respected for his deep expertise in cybersecurity innovation and building channel-first communities that accelerate partner success.

About usecure

usecure provides human risk management solutions built for the channel. The platform combines automated phishing simulations, bite-sized training, dark web monitoring, and compliance features to help MSPs and internal IT teams reduce human cyber risk through behaviour change and data-driven insights. Today, usecure supports hundreds of thousands of end users and more than 1,800 MSP partners globally and has been recognised by industry awards and peer reviews for its partner-focused approach and impact on reducing human risk.

Channel Marketing Manager

Hetty Roach

usecure

hetty@usecure.io
When Rachel Reeves doctored her CV to suggest she had been a leading economist at the Bank of England rather than merely a minor functionary, she may have thought it didn't really matter.

No one was likely to notice and anyway, everyone tells the odd fib on their employment record to make them seem a bit more qualified than they are, don't they? Where's the harm?

She probably took a similar view when she was accused of plagiarising huge sections of other people's work for her book on female economists and was alleged to have falsely claimed to have written papers for the renowned Journal of Political Economy.

But the problem with convincing herself these 'little white lies' were acceptable is that they have led to far bigger and blacker ones. Indeed, she seems to be descending into her own post-truth world.

The imaginary 22billion Tory black hole she claimed to have found when entering the Treasury. Her failure to buy a licence before letting her home even though she knew one was required.

And now the fattest lie of all (so far)  that she had no option but to launch a second crushing tax raid on the British people because of another huge shortfall in the public finances.

Thanks to the intervention of the Office for Budget Responsibility, we now know that was untrue. Far from the 20-30billion deficit Ms Reeves had implied she faced, the books showed a 4.2billion surplus.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves appears on Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg on the BBC yesterday

So, she didn't raise taxes by 26billion (on top of 40billion last October) because she had to, but because she chose to. And she chose to not for the good of the country but to appease her party's Left, for whom high taxes and high spending are an addiction.

Her two budgets together represent a massive redistribution of wealth from work to welfare. No attempt to cut ballooning benefits, nothing to stimulate growth, nothing to incentivise graft or initiative. Just a charter for sloth.

When asked on Sky TV yesterday whether she had lied about the OBR's numbers, it took the Chancellor two attempts to answer. Her first instinct was to obfuscate.

There are two obvious interpretations of that hesitancy. Either she lied but couldn't admit it, or she wasn't sure whether she had lied or not.

Such an ambiguous relationship with the truth would be troubling in anyone. In the keeper of the national purse, it's extremely dangerous.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivers her Budget in the House of Commons last Wednesday

Trust and integrity may be old fashioned concepts to this slippery Labour government, but they matter; to the markets, to potential investors and to business, all of whom seek honesty and stability.

If the Chancellor loses their trust there are real-world consequences  higher borrowing rates, the flight of wealth and capital, rising unemployment and ultimately a poorer Britain.

She gave a show of defiance yesterday, but it's over and she should go. The only reason Sir Keir Starmer is propping her up is that he knew about the OBR numbers yet still 'signed off' on the Budget. If she goes, the buzzards will soon be circling him. Some already are.

Both Starmer and Reeves bang on constantly about the legacy of Liz Truss and her mini-Budget as if it somehow absolves them from their own ineptitude.

But it's ancient history. What people want to know now is not where we were three years ago but where we may be in three years' time. With or without this abject Chancellor, that threatens to be a dark place indeed.
As the Budget began to unravel, and the polls started to pick up on the visceral anger from the public, Keir Starmers allies launched a desperate rearguard action to insulate him from the political fallout.

One of them, Starmers Attorney General Lord Hermer, was dispatched to pen an article for the Left-wing New Statesman magazine, which contained the following, staggering conceit: A working-class budget from a working-class prime minister. Keir Starmer understands the challenges working-class people face because hes faced them himself.

The most furious response to this work of fan-fiction came not from irate voters reeling from the latest 26billion tax bombshell, but from members of his own government. Have you seen this horse****? one texted me. Theres no one in Britain who looks at Starmer and thinks that.

Then, yesterday, the Prime Minister delivered a speech that attempted to get to grips with the escalating fallout from the revelation that Rachel Reeves lied to the country over the state of the finances in the run-up to the Budget  to give her a reason to break the promise she made 12 months ago not to increase borrowing or taxes. And it backfired spectacularly.

Its a disaster, one minister told me. Keirs lashed himself to Rachels lies. Theres no way out of this for either of them now.

Up until this moment, the perception in Westminster has been that Starmer couldnt afford to ditch his Chancellor, because she was effectively acting as his human shield, absorbing the criticism for Labours floundering economic and fiscal strategy.

But the growing feeling on Party benches after a day that saw the head of the OBR Richard Hughes resign for his organisation's own, inadvertent Budget leak, is that he can no longer afford to keep her.

Shes too radioactive, one minister told me. Shes contaminating him and everyone around her. Another said: Keeping her there has become a form of cruelty. Its not fair on anyone. Shes out of her depth, she cant do the job, shes been captured by the Treasury, and everyone knows it.

Until the weekend, the mood within the Cabinet was black. But there was a sense amongst ministers that they had no option but to go out and defend Reeves and her Budget.

According to one Labour insider, Keir lashed himself to Rachels lies' in the run-up to last week's Budget

Starmer ally Attorney General Lord Hermer has been quick to defend the Prime Minister

Reeves has been accused of misleading the public over the state of the nation's finances

But the revelation that the Chancellor had directly  and deliberately  misled the British people over the scale and nature of the black hole in the public finances changed everything. Ministers began to brief journalists that they felt personally betrayed because they too had been kept in the dark. As one told me: The things Rachel was saying publicly about the deficit were exactly the same as what we were being told by her privately. Misleading the voters is bad enough. But misleading your own colleagues is a very, very dangerous thing to do.

But there wasnt even a hint of contrition from Starmer in his speech yesterday morning. The Budget had been a moment of personal pride for me, he boasted, before insisting it was fair, necessary and fundamentally good for Britain.

That is not the view on the Labour benches. Many of them are alarmed at the breach of the tax pledges and the skulduggery that accompanied them. But if anything, they are even more worried at the dramatic shift signalled in the Budget over Starmers welfare stance.

Again, there was a mistaken perception  shared within No 10  that Labour backbenchers would react ecstatically to the scrapping of the two-child benefit cap. But the opposite is true.

Some hard-Left MPs such as John McDonnell have hailed it as a victory brought about by their summer rebellion over cuts to Personal Independence Payments. But many of his colleagues view it as a pyrrhic one.

As one backbencher in a marginal Red Wall seat told me: Why the hell are we doing this? My voters will hate it. They back the cap.

Another, who broadly supports axing the policy, said: Its just one more example of how Keir operates. A few months ago, he was marching us all up the hill to cut welfare. Now hes saying hes on a crusade to boost it. Its just not leadership.

Other Labour insiders are pointing with alarm to what Starmers screeching welfare U-Turn means for the broader strategic direction of the Government. One told me it indicates the power struggle raging inside No 10 between Morgan McSweeney, Starmers chief of staff, and Tim Allan, his Director of Communications, and Tom Baldwin, his biographer and confidant, has been won decisively by the two former Blairites. Morgan has been manoeuvred out of control, one of McSweeneys friends told me. All hes doing now is sending Keir memos about how disastrous the new strategy is.

Watching Starmers address, it was clear to me that the Prime Minister is not simply starting to lose touch with the public mood, but increasingly appears to be relinquishing his basic grip on reality. All politicians mislead and dissemble. But time and again  such as with his manifesto pledge not to raise taxes on working people, or his new welfare policy, his words seemed to be delivered in genuine and total ignorance of the speeches, articles and policies he has been articulating for the past 16 months.

For example, today he claimed, without any caveats or contextualisation: I am proud we scrapped the two-child limit. I am proud were lifting over half a million children out of poverty. Increasing benefits to protect families with young children was his personal moral mission, he declared. Yet, back in June, he was telling the country: Everyone agrees that our welfare system is broken, failing people every day. Fixing it is a moral imperative. To emphasise his steely commitment to cutting the welfare bill, a number of his MPs who stood against those cuts even had the whip withdrawn.

Its as if Keir Starmer has somehow convinced himself he is Will Smith from the film Men in Black. At the end of the movie, Smiths Government agent removes a futuristic device from his pocket called a Neuralyzer and flashes it in the eyes of his colleague Tommy Lee Jones. In that instant, everything Jones has seen and heard up until that point is miraculously erased from his memory.

Starmer currently seems to be attempting to Neuralyze the British people. Or maybe he has been Neuralyzed himself, and sincerely has no memory of what hes been saying and promising to the nation since he was elected.

Either way, as one of his MPs told me: He may have forgotten what hes told everyone. But the voters wont. Theyre going to remember.

As are his own Members of Parliament. Starmer and Reeves arent just asking their ministerial and back-bench colleagues to go out into the country to lie on their behalf, theyre asking them to lie about a lie. As one disillusioned minister put it: How can I go out on the doorsteps and say to my constituents, Oh no, Rachel Reeves didnt lie to you about the Budget, when she stood in front of me and lied to my face about the Budget?

Yesterday Keir Starmer lashed himself to Rachel Reeves lies. Now its clear that if he doesnt disentangle himself quickly, the Party will make sure they fall together.
Here at the worm farm we had a day of wriggling. Westminster's slippery invertebrates writhed and waved their maggoty forms in the air as they vied for supremacy.

Sir Keir Starmer coiled through a morning press conference where he made various improbable claims. He was borrowing less. He was bringing stability to public affairs. Sir Keir's philtrum glistened with sweat and his vowels went all tight-bottomed. 'Challenge' became 'chullenge', 'massive' was 'mussive' and when he said 'I' it sounded more like 'oi'.

After lunch the Treasury chief secretary, James Murray, came to the Commons to make a statement about some of the Budget leaks. Murray is that one who looks like a mortuary attendant: pale, slender fingers, five o'clock shadow, a faint whiff of formaldehyde.

He squirmed so obviously that Opposition MPs slapped their thighs. While he was at the despatch box, gravely reporting a computer cock-up at the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), there came news that the OBR's boss, Richard Hughes, had thrown himself under the spade. Been chopped in two!

Mr Murray suddenly proclaimed himself inconsolable at this news. 'May I put on record our thanks for his dedication to public service?' he murmured, trolleying the remains of Mr Hughes towards the nearest bell jar of embalming fluid.

At the time of writing, the two ends of the unfortunate Hughes are both waggling in the wind, stumpy cylinders of pink meat, ripe for any passing blackbird. He was due to give evidence today to the Treasury select committee. That now won't happen.

The Monday after a Budget is normally when politics calms and government steams confidently towards the next minefield.

Instead, the RMS Starmer was going in circles, some crew trying to scuttle the ship while the chief purser was locked in her cabin. Rachel Reeves was actually at a 'Wales investment summit'. Has the principality not suffered enough?

Sir Keir Starmer backed Rachel Reeves' Budget at a press conference today

Sir Keir's morning gig was at a community centre just across the Thames. His buzz phrases: 'moral mission' and 'we're going to beat the forecasts'. Labour used to revere Whitehall forecasters. Now they regard them as an enemy.

Sir Keir, who managed to say 'hedgeroom' instead of 'headroom', began an exposition of recent turbulence.

'Let me just step through it,' he said nasally. Made it sound like dog mess. 'At this stage of our plan,' he said, 'our plan runs to the end of the parliament.' Translation: please don't sack me yet.

Mr Murray's statement was delayed, causing a suspension of the Commons. This is usually evidence of panic behind the scenes. Eventually, it started and Dr Death claimed the Chancellor had been 'consistent and upfront' The rest of his sentence was inaudible for the yelps of mirth from Tories.

A junior Treasury minister, Torsten Bell, was good enough to drop in. He spent the time whispering and giggling with a climate minister, Katie White. After maybe 20 minutes little Torsten felt the Commons had enjoyed his magnificence enough and off he floated, pausing only to lean an elbow on the Speaker's Chair and bestow some superior-looking bon mots upon Speaker Hoyle.

Kemi Badenoch also held an event. This was at the Chartered Accountants' Hall, a classical Victorian temple to budgetary precision, whatever that might be. In one of its lofty rooms were murals showing the figures of Justice, Prudence, Truth and Wisdom. The audience members were nearly all accountants, male, suited and just a little boring.

'We are in probably the most financially numerate room in Britain,' said the compere. Mrs Badenoch opened her remarks by referring to Sir Keir's Budget fandangoes and saying: 'You all know that if a chief executive had done this before an annual meeting, they would be sacked.'

A Financial Times reporter asked Mrs Badenoch: 'Are you still accusing Rachel Reeves of being a liar?' She replied with one word: 'Yes.' At which the audience roared with delighted laughter. Possibly a first for the Chartered Accountants' Hall.
You've probably seen it on TikTok or heard it mentioned on your favourite health podcast: creatine, a supplement once synonymous with bodybuilders and gym junkies, is now being hailed as a game-changer for midlife women.

For years, it was synonymous with muscle gains and workout stamina. Not so any more, with a growing body of research shedding light on its benefits for memory, mental clarity and general brain power.

Put simply, creatine doesn't just help your body perform  it helps your mind, too.

That's good news for anyone experiencing brain fog - especially women navigating perimenopause. It's no wonder the powdered supplement - available these days in most supermarkets - has leapt from locker rooms to breakfast routines everywhere.

The primary reason it works so well is down to its ability to deliver energy to cells. Composed of three naturally occurring amino acids already found in the body, creatine is also found in protein-rich foods, such as meat and eggs.

But, says nutritionist and scientist Erin Johnson, obtaining therapeutic dosages of creatine through food alone can be difficult, hence its huge popularity as a supplement.

To understand how this supplement works, it helps to know a little about the body's energy system. As Johnson explains: 'Creatine gives your body ATP (adenosine triphosphate), an energy-carrying molecule.

'When ATP is used, it converts to ADP (adenosine diphosphate). Creatine is able to change this molecule back into ATP, so higher levels of circulating creatine allow your body to have a more consistent energy supply.'

Nutritionist and scientist Erin Johnson says there has been a buzz around creatine, which helps your body recycle energy throughout the day

In other words, creatine helps your cells recycle energy, making it easier for your body and brain to keep firing throughout the day.

'Recent studies have shown people can feel more energetic in as little as five days, giving you that extra push in the gym, greater mental clarity and a reduced need for sleep too,' says Johnson.

Even more promising is a study, undertaken this year, which found that creatine could also help those suffering depression, as well as more recent research suggesting it may even help Alzheimer's patients.

A small minority may experience side effects such as bloating or stomach discomfort, which are still under investigation.

But there's one side effect that's not being talked about so much: its possible impact on dental health. Few realise that some - but not all - creatine brands contain ingredients linked to tooth sensitivity and, in severe cases, enamel loss.

'Generally speaking, flavouring agents like citric acid are used in these powders and these can have an effect on teeth,' says Professor Dileep Sharma, Head of Discipline - Oral Health at the University of Newcastle.

'If the powder stays or sticks onto the dental biofilm, that can feed the bacteria already present, then the sugars and nutrients in the powder may contribute to bacterial growth,' Prof Sharma adds.

'It's no different [from] chocolates or other sugars causing the pH reduction and loss of tooth mineral.'

Gym enthusiasts are 'dry-scooping' the powder to maximise benefits - but there's a downside

One of the reasons for this is 'dry scooping' - a practice, commonly used by fitness enthusiasts, who aim to get the most out of their workout by taking a scoop of the powder with only a tiny sip of water - or no water at all.

The aim behind this is to 'supercharge' workouts by ingesting the supplement in an undiluted form. It's a trend that has taken off on - surprise, surprise - TikTok.

'Washing it down with more than a tiny bit of water will be absolutely needed to remove any residual powder from the oral cavity,' says Prof Sharma.

'But it's best to avoid dry scooping altogether to ensure all the powder is removed from the teeth.'

It's not just flavourings or dry scooping causing potential harm to dental health.

Dr John Rink, a dentist practising in Charleston, North Carolina, has anecdotal evidence to suggest that certain brands of the supplement are causing irrevocable damage.

'We have had a patient come in recently who had been using creatine hydrochloride for muscle mass increase  a weightlifter. He just wanted to beef up a little bit and what we discovered with this particular patient was that he had severe damage to the enamel on the front surfaces of his upper front teeth to the degree that he actually had to have porcelain veneers placed to build the teeth back up,' Dr Rink said.

In addition to brushing twice a day, Prof Sharma says that if you're already suffering from sensitivity, your best bet is a visit to the dentist. 'A dentist may provide a few options, including topical fluoride varnish among other things for quick relief.'

Dr Rink adds, 'If you're using creatine, don't dry scoop and use creatine monohydrate instead because that's easier on your teeth.'

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It's one of the most common forms of cancer in men, yet too many do not know the crucial warning signs to look out for, a leading cancer surgeon has warned.

Whilst many men find discussing this topic uncomfortable, the fact remains that one man dies every 45 minutes from prostate cancer in the UK alone.

And while the risk of prostate cancer increases with age, Mr Tim Dudderidge, a consultant urological surgeon and lead of prostate cancer trials at University Hospital, Southampton, advises all men to request a prostate specific antigen (PSA) test from their GP once they reach their fiftieth birthday.

Mr Dudderidge told the Daily Mail: 'The reason we are so keen on screening programmes is that fundamentally this is a disease that arises in its most lethal and most curable phase at a time when you don't typically have symptoms.'

The prostate is a small gland that sits just below the bladder and produces part of the fluid present in semen.

Despite being the second most common form of cancer in men - with more than 63,000 cases diagnosed every year - it is one of the most misunderstood forms of the disease.

In its earliest stages, prostate cancer is usually symptomless, which helps explain why so many men are only diagnosed once the disease has progressed and when their prognosis is much more bleak.

Figures suggest that over 45 per cent of men do not know that it can present without physical symptoms, meaning that a huge number of men not diagnosed until it's too late.

Screening men for prostate cancer slashes their risk of dying from the disease by 13 per cent

According to research carried out by Prostate Cancer UK, only a third of men realise that it can be present with no physical symptoms, prompting doctors to push for men to proactively understand their risk factors.

One of the most worrying beliefs when it comes to prostate cancer, experts say, is that people seem to believe it's one of the 'good ones', because it's not deadly.

But Mr Dudderidge says this cannot be further from the truth. In fact, more than 12,200 men die a year from the disease, with one in eight receiving a diagnosis in their lifetime.

Contrary to popular belief, whilst difficulty passing urine can be a symptom of non-cancerous problems, such as an enlarged prostate, it is not usually a symptom of prostate cancer, at least in its early stages.

Needing to go more frequently or with more urgency can also just be a sign of getting older, but Mr Dudderidge advises if something doesn't feel right, it is always best to consult your doctor.

The signs of more advanced prostate cancer can present as unexplained weight loss, fatigue and back or bone pain that doesnt go away.

Deep pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips or upper thighs are some of the most commonly overlooked symptoms, Mr Dudderidge said.

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This can be a sign that the cancer has spread, but is often dismissed as simply part of getting older, or muscle injury.

Mr Dudderidge added: 'A sudden onset of difficulty getting or keeping an erection, without another clear cause like stress, can sometimes be a sign, as can blood in the semen.

'Men often ignore this if it happens only once, but it should always be checked.'

Whilst most men under 50 are unlikely to develop prostate cancer, there are a number of risk factors men need to be aware of, Mr Dudderidge says.

Men of black descent are around twice as likely as white men to develop the disease and die from prostate cancer.

Having close family members with prostate, breast or ovarian cancer, or carrying the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene variant, also puts men at greater risk of the disease. As such, these men are advised to start testing from the age of 45.

After a PSA test, if doctors are still concerned, patients may be scheduled for an MRI and consequently a transperineal biopsy - a procedure to remove tissue samples from the prostate gland - to check for cancer cells.

Treatment for prostate cancer depends on how early its caught and how fast it is likely to grow.

Former prime minister David Cameron revealed last week he had been treated successfully with focal therapy after being diagnosed with the devastating disease - but thousands of men are not offered the same treatment

SCREENING - AT A GLANCE

On Friday 28th November, the National Screening Committee (NSC) said there was not enough evidence that testing all men for prostate cancer would save a substantial number of lives. As about half of prostate cancers are slow growing  so they pose little threat to health  the NSC said screening all men at a certain age could lead to unnecessary anxiety and treatment. Instead, they proposed that men with a BRCA gene mutation  which is linked to a higher risk of prostate cancer  should be screened every two years from age 45 to 61. It is thought that up to 30,000 men would qualify  however, few will know they have the variant as most men are not gene tested. The decision will be subject to a public consultation. Advertisement

The main treatments include surgery, radiotherapy and hormone treatment, but for many with early stage prostate cancer immediate treatment is not always needed.

Rather, doctors will offer active surveillance, which means regular tests and screening to monitor the cancer closely, without having to perform unnecessary surgery which can lead to impotence and incontinence.

At this stage, when the disease is caught early, more than 85 per cent of men will live for at least ten years after their diagnosis, according to Cancer Research UK.

'The only way to give everyone a fair chance, and to keep this number up, is to develop a routine screening programme,' Mr Dudderidge said.

It comes as a panel of expert government health advisers announced last week that prostate cancer screening should not be made available to the vast majority of men across the UK - to the 'deep disappointment' of several charities and doctors.

The UK National Screening Committee instead recommended that there should be a targeted screening for men with the faulty gene variants, which means that are at higher risk of faster growing and aggressive cancers at a younger age.

The committee added that the 'harms would outweigh the benefits,' if it were to recommend prostate cancer for all men, resulting in 'very high levels of over-diagnosis.'

In response, Mr Dudderidge is now urging men to educate themselves about the risks of both the disease and getting tested, in a bid to keep prostate cancer deaths down.

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He said: 'Essentially men need to make themselves awareand if they decide they do want testing, and they can accept the downstream risks of testingthe NHS should still honour that.'

'Men can also get at home testing kits, which give a binary answer, but that might also help.

'It's also not completely out of reach to get a private MRI scan to detect significant disease - the cancers that are posing the greatest threat of spreading. Unfortunately the PSA test does not deliver these same results.

'In the meantime, I advise all men to read up and understand the pros and cons of the screening and the treating process.

'We are making efforts on all these fronts - using the least invasive testing methods and robotic surgery which allows men to keep their erections - to show that screening saves lives without too many side effects.

'Currently, there are too many men dying of this disease and that's what keeps me going every day with the work we do.'

Laura Kerby, the chief executive of Prostate Cancer UK, said the decision came as a 'blow to the tens of thousands of men, loved ones and families whove fought for a screening programme'.

She added: 'While screening men with BRCA gene variations will save only a fraction of that, the committees decision is the first time theyve recommended screening of any kind for prostate cancer. It shows that research and evidence can shift the dial and save mens lives.'

The Daily Mail is campaigning to end needless prostate deaths

A huge clinical trial involving 300,000 patients - called Transform - has now started to try to fill gaps in the evidence on how screening could be safely rolled out to other groups, including those with a family history and black men.

Professor Hashim Ahmed, chair or urology at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and study lead, said the recommendations were based on a 'solid piece of work' and that while some men will be disappointed, he felt the right decision had been made.

'There is a small benefit but the harms of diagnosing, testing and treating very much outweigh those benefits.'

The first results of the trial are expected in two years.
The rise of GLP-1 receptor agonists, including Ozempic and Mounjaro, being used for weight loss has been linked to a higher risk of self-harming thoughts and behaviour.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration, Australia's medicine regulator, issued a safety warning regarding drugs that activate GLP-1, the hormone which regulates blood sugar and appetite, on Monday.

The class of drugs is largely intended to treat type two diabetes, but have become popular for their weight loss side effects.

On Monday, the TGA announced a search of its Database of Adverse Event Notifications on September 23 retrieved 85 reports of GLP-1 RAs linked to a decline in mental health.

Those included 72 for suicidal ideation, six for depressional suicide, four for suicide attempt, two for suicide and one of self-injurious ideation.

The class of drugs include Ozempic (semaglutide), Wegovy (semaglutide), Saxenda (liraglutide), Trulicity (dulaglutide), and Mounjaro (tirzepatide).

The disturbing data triggered an investigation by an independent expert group, the Advisory Committee on Medicines.

The committee had previously in June reported there was not enough evidence to link GLP-1 medications to suicidal ideation or behaviours.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration has linked GLP-1 receptor agonists, including Ozempic and Mounjaro, to a higher risk of suicidal ideation (pictured, Australia actress Rebel Wilson who briefly used Ozempic for weight loss)

The TGA found it had 85 reports linking GLP-1 RAs to suicidal thoughts and behaviours in September

However, the investigation requested by the TGA found there was a 'complex interplay between mental illness and chronic endocrine disorders', which GLP-1 RAs can be used to treat.

It also noted a 'potential relationship between weight loss and suicidal or self-harm ideation'.

'Patients taking these medicines should tell their health professional if they experience new or worsening depression, suicidal thoughts or any unusual changes in mood or behaviour,' the TGA's alert read.

The Advisory Committee on Medicines also advised the information regarding GLP-1 RAs should be 'harmonised' as existing warnings are inconsistent.

It stressed that updates to packaging should not imply a causal association, rather a class level awareness.

The TGA has since updated its advice for the class of medicines to include a warning about suicidal ideation. It has also updated the warning for Mounjaro (tirzepatide) following anecdotal reports of women falling pregnant while on the drug.

An investigation by the TGA found a link between tirzepatide and the decreased effectiveness of oral contraception 'could not be ruled out', it said.

One study in 2024 found tirzepatide doubled the amount of time it took for ethinylestradiol (synthetic oestrogen used in the combined oral contraceptive pill) to be fully absorbed in the bloodstream.

GLP-1 RAs were largely created to treat type two diabetes but have become popular for its weight loss side effects (pictured, Roxy Jacenko who previously shared her experience using Ozempic)

GLP-1 RAs warnings were updated from Monday to include advice about its link to suicidal ideation

The delay could be caused by tirzepatide's effect on slowing digestion, as ethinylestradiol is mostly absorbed in the small intestine.

However, five other studies found patients taking oral contraceptives and tirzepatide saw no change in the amount of ethinylestradiol in their bloodstream.

The TGA will now advise Mounjaro patients to use non-oral contraception for the first four weeks of using the drug and four weeks after any dose increase.

'None of the GLP-1 RAs should be used during pregnancy, and individuals of childbearing potential are advised to use effective contraception during treatment with a GLP-1 RA,' it said.

Ozempic owner Novo Nordisk said its product has been subject to rigorous study.

'Considering the totality of evidence from clinical trials, post-marketing reports and observational studies, Novo Nordisk believes that the benefit-risk profile of semaglutide remains favourable,' Ana Svensson, the clinical, medical and regulatory vice-president, said.

'We remain committed to patient safety and transparency by maintaining up-to-date safety information and collaborating closely with health authorities and regulatory bodies worldwide.'

Daily Mail has contacted the owner of Mounjaro for comment.

If you or a loved one need help, free crisis support is available 24/7 at Lifeline 13 11 14 and Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636.
A breakthrough weight loss jab already prescribed to thousands of NHS patients could slash the risk of developing Alzheimer's, promising research suggests.

Liraglutide  sold under the brand name Saxenda  is often offered to people with with a BMI of over 30 as it improves blood sugar control and aids weight loss.

It works in a similar way to semaglutide  the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy  by altering the body's metabolism, making people feel fuller and less hungry.

Now, according to leading British experts, the once-a-day injections, which belong to a class of medications called GLP-1 agonists, could also slow cognitive decline and brain cell loss in Alzheimer's patients by up to 50 per cent.

The researchers today said the findings provide 'some of the strongest evidence to date' that weight loss jabs may help the condition and could pave the way for new dementia treatments.

It comes as trial results last week showed semaglutide itself failed to slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease.

Danish company, Novo Nordisk  who manufactures Ozempic and Wegovy  saw its share value drop by 12 per cent as it announced data from the two large clinical studies which did not show a 'statistically significant' benefit.

Professor Paul Edison, a neuroscience expert at Imperial College London, who led the liraglutide study, said: 'Our findings provide some of the strongest evidence yet that GLP-1 treatments could modify the disease process in Alzheimer's disease.

Liraglutide  sold under the brand name Saxenda  is often offered to people with with a BMI of over 30 on the NHS as it improves blood sugar control and aids weight loss

'Liraglutide has shown encouraging effects on brain structure and slowing of cognitive decline in our Phase 2b trial, and this has paved the way for a Phase 3 programme.

'Because this drug is already approved for diabetes, advancing it for Alzheimer's disease could be significantly faster than developing a new therapy from scratch.'

He added: 'The ability to repurpose a drug with good safety data is a major advantage. We are not starting from zero.

'This trial is important because it tests a completely different therapeutic strategy in Alzheimer's diseaseone that does not rely solely on amyloid.'

In the study, a total of 169 people with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease, aged 71 on average, were split into two groups.

Almost half (72) took liraglutide, while the remaining 82 patients were given a placebo.

Over a follow-up of a year, a series of brain scans liraglutide slowed brain volume loss by roughly half compared to patients taking the placebo.

It also had a 18 per cent more beneficial effect on cognition compared to the placebo.

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The researchers, however, found that liraglutide did not prevent the decline of brain glucose metabolism.

The researchers did not say exactly why liraglutide slowed brain volume loss and improved cognition.

But they noted that liraglutide has previously been found to reduce neuroinflammation and the build up of one toxic protein, tau, in the brain.

Significant clumps of this protein, as well as another  amyloid  can form plaques and tangles.

This is thought to be behind the symptoms of Alzheimer's, the leading cause of dementia.

Writing in the journal Nature Medicine, the scientists said: 'Although we acknowledge that this was a 12-month-duration study, which may be insufficient to definitively establish long-term clinical benefit in Alzheimers disease, it can still yield meaningful insights.

'Further studies are necessary to fully establish the effectiveness of this drug.'

Saxenda is already available on the health service as a weight loss treatment.

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But is only generally prescribed after a GP refers refers you to a specialist weight loss management service.

Side effects include aches and pains, diarrhoea, fever, frequent urination, and trouble sleeping.

Manufactured by Novo Nordisk, trials have found users lose an average of 6.4 per cent of their body weight over 68 weeks.

Around 944,000 in the UK are thought to be living with dementia, with the figure is thought to be around 7million in the US.

Alzheimer's affects around six in 10 people with dementia.

Memory problems, thinking and reasoning difficulties and language problems are common early symptoms of the condition, which then worsen over time.

Dr Richard Oakley, Associate Director of Research and Innovation at Alzheimers Society told the Daily Mail: 'We at Alzheimers Society are pleased to have part-funded the ELAD trial which has provided interesting insights into liraglutide and its potential.

'However, recent results from a larger phase three trial of semaglutide, another GLP-1 drug, failed to show reduced cognitive decline in people with early Alzheimers disease.

'We now need to explore whether these drugs show promise when tested in people at risk of Alzheimers disease before symptoms appear.

'As one in three people will go on to develop dementia in their lifetime, its important that we explore every possible avenue to beat dementia.

Alzheimers Society is committed to supporting cutting-edge research such as the ELAD trial to drive change for everyone affected by dementia.'

Previous figures released by Alzheimer's Research UK found 74,261 people died from dementia in 2022 compared with 69,178 a year earlier, making it the country's biggest killer.
Regular cannabis users swear by the drug for its alleged euphoria and relaxation-inducing effects.

But now, doctors are warning that more long-term users are being hospitalized with a side-effect so serious it has been nicknamed 'scromiting', a combination of 'screaming' and 'vomiting', because of the symptoms it causes.

Cannabis hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) may strike daily cannabis users within 24 hours of using the drug and leave them suffering from relentless nausea, intense abdominal pain and vomiting four to five times an hour.

Cleveland Clinic doctors say the condition is so intense that sufferers can end up screaming from pain while they vomit.

Hospitalizations with the condition have surged fourfold in six years, according to a study released late last month. In 2016, it said about 4.4 per 100,000 visits to the ER were due to the condition. By 2022, this had risen to 22.3.

About 17.7million Americans use cannabis daily or near daily, estimates suggest, putting them at risk of the condition which is almost always recorded in frequent users.

Doctors fear the condition may also now be becoming more common because THC levels, the active ingredient in cannabis, have surged more than 10-fold since the 1970s.

It is not clear how many people suffer from the condition, but a 2018 study suggested 32.9 percent of patients who smoke cannabis on 20 or more days per month develop CHS symptoms.

Doctors are warning that long-term cannabis users are being hospitalized with a serious condition (stock photo)

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In October this year, the World Health Organization and the CDC recognized CHS as a condition and gave it its own diagnosis code, allowing physicians to track cases.

Physicians warn that many patients do not connect the condition to cannabis because it can strike hours after using the drug, making them think another factor could be involved.

Dr Beatriz Carlini, a psychiatrist at the University of Washington who has researched the condition, said previously in a statement: 'A person often will have multiple [emergency department] visits until it is correctly recognized, costing thousands of dollars each time.

'Some people say they've used cannabis without a problem for decades. Or they smoke pot because they think it treats their nausea.

'It seems like there's a threshold when people can become vulnerable to this condition, and that threshold is different for everyone. Even using in small amounts can make these people start throwing up.'

It is not clear what causes the condition, but doctors at the Cleveland Clinic say it is linked to cannabis overstimulating receptors in the body that control nausea and vomiting.

People who have used marijuana for 10 to 12 years, use the drug at least once a week and have used it since adolescence are most at risk of CHS, doctors say. It has very rarely been reported in people who rarely use the drug.

A 2025 study from George Washington University that surveyed 1,052 people who suffered from CHS found that those who started using cannabis earlier in life were more likely to be hospitalized with the condition.

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It also found that almost all CHS patients reported using cannabis daily. Overall, 40 percent said they used the drug five times a day on average.

A total of 44 percent also reported using the drug for more than five years before their symptoms began.

Dr Andrew Meltzer, an emergency medicine physician at George Washington University, who led the research, said in a statement in a press release at the time: 'Our findings suggest that CHS could represent a costly and largely hidden public health problem.'

Physicians warn that the condition can last for up to 48 hours before it subsides.

Doctors warn that, without treatment, CHS could lead to dehydration, weight loss, tooth decay, choking, injury to the throat and scalding burns from using hot water to try to manage symptoms.

At least eight deaths from CHS have been recorded in the US, according to a 2010 study. Among the patients was Brandon Danielson, from Virginia, who died aged 27 years in September 2019 after suffering from the condition.

It may be diagnosed via its symptoms or by ordering blood or urine tests to check for the presence of cannabis.

There are no FDA-approved treatments for the condition, but doctors say that hot baths and showers may temporarily relieve symptoms.

Doctors warn that there is no FDA-approved treatment for the condition. Doctors often focus on managing symptoms until they subside

In some cases, physicians say they have used medications reserved for psychotic episodes, such as haloperidol, brand name Haldol, to treat patients.

To prevent the condition, doctors say the best way is to quit cannabis completely.

Doctors at the Cleveland Clinic say: 'The only known treatment to permanently get rid of CHS is to stop cannabis use completely.

'You may have symptoms and side effects of CHS for a few weeks after quitting cannabis. Over time, symptoms will disappear.'

A total of 24 US states have legalized the recreational use of weed, while seven states have decriminalized the use of weed.
A midwestern dairy brand has recalled thousands of gallons of milk over concerns the containers may contain chemicals from cleaning agents.

According to Illinois-based Prairie Farms, several lots of its gallon of fat-free milk produced in its Dubuque, Iowa, facility were found to contain food-grade cleaning agents, which may cause illness if consumed.

Food-grade cleaning agents are designed to be used safely on surfaces and equipment that come into direct contact with food during processing, packaging, or preparation. But they are not safe for human consumption.

Their food-grade status means that trace residues on a properly rinsed surface will not poison someone.

But drinking or eating them in concentrated form can cause chemical burns in the mouth and throat, nausea, vomiting and poisoning.

Approximately 320 gallons of the milk were sold across Illinois and Wisconsin before the recall was initiated on November 25.

The recall notice published by the FDA reported that all remaining affected products have been removed from store shelves.

Shoppers can look for the code date CEC08 and the plant code PLT19-145 to determine whether their milk was among those affected.

Samples of the recalled milk were found to contain food safe cleaning chemicals which, despite the name, are not safe for human consumption (stock)

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The company was made aware of potential contamination on November 24 and issued a recall a day later.

According to a statement to the FDA: An investigation was immediately initiated, and based on that investigation, affected product was removed from stores and a recall was initiated.

Prairie Farms has not disclosed how milk became contaminated. The gallons were produced within a narrow three-hour window of time.

No illnesses tied to the recalled milk have been reported.

The company statement added: Consumers who purchased the product with the above code dates should not consume it; they may safely dispose of it or return it to the store for a refund.

Illinois cities where the milk was distributed include Bloomingdale, Buffalo Grove, Carpentersville, Lakemoor, North Aurora and Rockford.

The Wisconsin cities are Appleton, Beloit, Green Bay, Janesville, Kenosha, Madison, Menomonee Falls, Oak Creek, Onalaska, Racine, Sun Prairie and Waukesha.

In modern dairy plants, automated systems clean the equipment with special chemicals between production runs.

Approximately 320 gallons of the milk were sold across Illinois and Wisconsin before the recall was initiated on November 25

Shoppers can look for the code date CEC08 and the plant code PLT19-145 to determine whether their milk was among those affected

Contamination of this type is often tied to a critical failure in this process. After the chemicals were used, the equipment is not fully rinsed with clean water before milk production resumes, resulting in trace acids entering the final product.

Earlier this year, a major food recall was initiated for over 200,000 pounds of liquid egg products.

The recall was prompted by the potential presence of sodium hypochlorite, a bleach-based cleaning chemical in the products.

Ingesting sodium hypochlorite, a powerful, chlorine-based disinfectant and bleaching agent, can cause severe tissue damage, including severe inflammation, rapid destruction of red blood cells, ulcers and potentially death, according to the CDC.

While health officials assessed the risk to consumers as low, they advised the public to dispose of or return the affected products. No related illnesses were reported in connection with the incident.

The health effects of consuming a food-grade cleaner would depend entirely on how much of the cleaning agent ended up in that gallon of milk, which the company has not disclosed.

Even small amounts of contamination cause nausea, stomach cramps, vomiting and diarrhea, as the chemicals irritate the digestive tract.

High concentrations of chemicals in milk cause immediate burning in the mouth and throat. Symptoms of poisoning include severe abdominal pain, anemia, metabolic disturbances and kidney damage.

Prairie Farms has not yet returned DailyMail.coms request for comment.
The Prince of Wales recalled how he and his wife made Wales their 'home' as newlyweds and said he was 'honoured' to champion the 'dynamic nation' it is today.

Addressing an audience that included chancellor Rachel Reeves at the Wales Investment Summit on Monday, he said: 'Wales was the first place Catherine and I made our home together - on the island of Anglesey.

'When you make a home in Wales, you join a family of three million people, and the sense of warmth and belonging is what makes Wales unlike anywhere else.

'I am pleased to be continuing the work of my father, the King who over half a century ago, personally encouraged the co-founder of Sony to open its first European factory here in Wales.'

Prince William, 43, told investors that Wales was an ideal location for 'cutting-edge technology, research, innovation and a skilled workforce'.

Speaking in front of 300 delegates from 25 countries who were attending the one-day summit at the International Convention Centre in Newport, William said: 'I believe that we have reached a significant moment for Welsh investment.

'An opportunity defined not by the challenges we collectively face, but by extraordinary possibility.

'One of Wales's greatest strengths is the way industry, academia, and government work together.

The Prince of Wales is pictured while making a speech to the Wales Investment Summit at the International Convention Centre Wales in Newport on Monday

'Not in isolation, but as part of a single, connected community. It is collaboration at its very best. Practical, purposeful, and grounded in trust.'

He went on to say: 'Wales is a place where cutting edge technology, research, innovation and a skilled workforce come together in a single, coherent ecosystem across many different industries.

'It is my honour to play my part in championing the dynamic nation Wales is today as we look to the future.'

Reeves watched the speech and left the auditorium after the Prince but did not join him afterwards.

He spoke to business leaders about their products, saying that Wales could become a 'test bed' for new ideas.

The Welsh business showcase is said to be the most significant event hosted by Wales since the 2014 Nato summit with 250 companies due to attend, 150 of which are new investors to Wales.

Arriving at the conference centre, William was greeted by Eluned Morgan, First Minister of Wales, and was introduced to Andrew Goodall, permanent secretary for Wales, and Sir Terry Matthews, a Welsh businessman.

William visited stands promoting innovative and environmental businesses in Wales, including Mark Williams from Limb Art.

The royal (picture, centre) is seen looking at prosthetics during a visit to the Wales Investment Summit on Monday

Williams, 53, told the prince how his company was inspired by his own story which began when he lost his left leg after being hit by a car while riding his bike as a child on 21 June 1982.

Williams, a former Team GB Paralympic swimmer, said: 'He said that's my birthday and I said 'I know'. They rushed me into Glan Clwyd hospital in North Wales. And the surgeon came out to speak to my parents that evening and said he had some good news and some bad news.

'The good news is; King Charles and Prince Diana, have just had a baby boy, which was Prince William. And the bad news is we can't save Mark's leg.'

His Limb Art business developed almost accidentally after he made a cast for himself - a replica of his 'good leg' - and posted about it on social media. Soon afterwards he was inundated with requests from to make them for others..

It became so successful he left his job to focus on his business and he now makes them for children as young as four, designing them to make the wearer feel more confident in public.

Looking at a display of his work, including one featuring his father's face which was created to mark the King's 2023 coronation, the prince said that they just looked like any other 'crazy socks'.

At first the prince picked up one with a Welsh dragon pattern rather than the version featuring his father's face.

Mark Williams said: 'I think he was like a little bit of, I'm not quite sure how I have to deal with this one that's a picture of my dad on it!'

Prince William is pictured while talking to employees during a visit at the semiconductor manufacturer SPTS, a division of KLA, on Monday

William also looked at an eco underfloor heating system called Haydale that he activated with his hand print and viewed a fully electric version of the classic Morris van, which will hit the production lines at St Athan in Wales next year, creating an estimated 150 jobs.

Lifting a surprisingly light carbon fibre door panel for the van, William said 'goodness.'

Before joining the summit, the prince visited KLA, an international semiconductor company based in Newport, South Wales, where he'll view their new site.

It is Prince William's second visit to Wales in as many weeks. Last week he went to North Wales to visit a marine conservation group and hear how young people were overcoming mental health challenges at the Youth Shedz project.

William and Kate lived in Anglesey from 2010 to 2013 when he was stationed at RAF Valley while serving as a search and rescue helicopter pilot.

Before addressing the Wales Investment Summit, the Prince of Wales had visited the newly opened facility of international semiconductor company KLA in Newport, Gwent. SPTS, a division of KLA, has operated in Newport for more than 40 years, with the South Wales city being home to its research and development and manufacturing arm.

William was shown around the building by senior director Andrew Evans who explained how staff produce wafers and chips for some of the world's leading semiconductor and microelectronic device manufacturers.

The prince viewed the manufacturing and research and development areas, as well as a demonstration lab. He also met representatives from KLA's local supply chain and spoke with apprentices and graduates employed by the company.

Prince William is pictured meeting employees during his visit to the newly opened facility of international semiconductor company KLA in Newport on Monday
He was helping out fellow vlogger Steven Smith, who runs MyLifeOutdoors

Just months after publicly retiring, Luke Nichols, who ran the popular Outdoor Boys YouTube Channel, has made a comeback - for a very good cause.

Over the weekend, Nichols uploaded a video of himself camping in Alaska on behalf of fellow content creator Steven Smith, who runs the MyLifeOutdoors YouTube channel.

In the collaboration clip uploaded on November 30, titled Camping in Snowstorm With No Tent, No Sleeping Bag, Nichols began: 'You're not imagining things.

'This is not my YouTube channel. Some of you guys may have heard that Steven's wife was recently diagnosed with cancer.

'So, right now, Steven's got a lot on his plate taking care of his wife and his four kids.

'I thought I might step in and do a little YouTube video for him so he can worry about one thing at a time.'

The outing saw Nichols camp in Alaska with no tent or sleeping bag, where he built a shelter out of a fallen tree and cooked moose stew over a fire as he prepared to hunker down for the evening.

He included various homages to Smith's typical YouTube style, reviewing outdoor gear and joking about 'getting a late start,' which Smith often says in his videos.

On November 30, Luke Nichols (pictured) uploaded a video of himself camping in Alaska on behalf of fellow YouTube creator Steven Smith, who runs the MyLifeOutdoors YouTube channel

Near the end of the segment, Nichols asked fans to support Smith during his family's tough time by continuing to watch his videos because it would 'mean a lot to them.'

And viewers were in awe over the sweet act, with over 21,000 comments left underneath with many donating to help out Smith's family.

'The GOAT came out of retirement to help a friend. What a legend,' one user wrote.

'What a freakin legend. Came out of retirement to support a friend in need. Im not crying, youre crying,' another shared.

'This is seriously the coolest freaking thing Ive ever seen someone do on YouTube. Brings me to tears you did this for your friend. Thanks for leaving your mark on YouTube, Luke!' a third commented.

Last month, Smith revealed his wife Celesta's diagnosis in an emotional video, explaining that it had begun with Thyroid cancer and her undergoing thyroid removal surgery.

A few months later, she was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma, a form of breast cancer.

After undergoing an MRI to see how extensive the cancer was, they found it had spread to her lymph nodes.

Last month, Smith revealed wife Celesta's diagnosis, which started with a Thyroid cancer diagnosis and her undergoing thyroid removal surgery in April

Nichols, who retired from his own outdoors channel in May, said he wanted his friend to only 'worry about one thing at a time'

'We're now in the middle of a pretty lengthy and involved treatment to cure her cancer and save her life,' he explained.

Celesta will undergo 22 weeks of chemotherapy and will undergo a mastectomy after her treatment concludes in April next year.

Nichols, who had almost 15 million followers on his channel, shocked his fans when he stepped away from his popular vlog just months ago.

The outdoorsman rose to fame by showcasing his outdoor adventures like camping and fishing - as well as sharing survival skills and exploration.

However, the father-of-three explained he was stepping away from making content 'for a little while' to spend more time with his family.

In the video - aptly titled Goodbye - the creator explained he has gained almost 12 million of his followers in the past 18 months alone, adding that the sudden rise to fame was difficult on his personal life.

'It's been a wild ride,' Nichols explained in the video.

'The amount of time and energy that I've dedicated to making YouTube videos is hard to communicate,' he continued.

'So many late nights editing and packing and unpacking camping with pneumonia building log cabins while injured, but it's been a tremendous adventure and it's allowed me to provide for my family while making wonderful memories with my wife and kids,' the outdoorsman said.

Despite the enjoyment he has achieved from making content, the thrill seeker admitted that 'even good things can be taken too far.'

Nichols went on to explain that the public attention he and his sons, Tommy, Nathan and Jacob, and wife Rebecca, now receive is 'overwhelming,' and they have 'real concern' about what the fame could do to their family.

'I think I'm starting to reach that point,' he added. 'I've spent so much time focusing on me and my family and growing my business, it's time to step back and focus on helping other people for a change and I'm excited to see where that takes me,' he said.
Usha Vance appeared to ditch her wedding ring once again today during her official engagement alongside Melania Trump.

The high-profile pair joined military spouses at Joint Base Andrews in Prince George's County, Maryland, to help put together holiday care packages for those deployed.

Photos and video from the event showed the Second Lady, 39, wrapped up warm in a long-sleeve gray jacket and camel pants.

But she was notably sporting a bare ring finger.

Nonetheless, Usha appeared to be in good spirits as she sat alongside Donald Trump's wife and chatted enthusiastically to visitors.

For her part, Melania, 55, wore an oversized gray jacket with black trousers and knee-high heeled boots.

It is not the first time that Usha has been spotted with no ring on display recently.

In late November, the mom - who shares three young kids with JD - Ewan, Vivek and Mirabel - was ringless during her visit to Camp Lejeune military base in Richlands, North Carolina.

Usha Vance appeared to ditch her wedding ring once again today for her official engagement alongside Melania Trump

The high-profile pair joined military spouses at Joint Base Andrews in Prince George's County, Maryland, to help put together holiday care packages for those deployed

Nonetheless, Usha appeared to be in good spirits as she sat alongside Donald Trump's wife and chatted enthusiastically to visitors

The Vice President, meanwhile, was photographed wearing his wedding band during a speaking event in Washington on the same day.

It sparked speculation about a possible rift between the Second Couple which was fueled by the VP admitting that he has pleaded with his wife to convert from Hinduism: he is a Roman Catholic.

The Second lady is Hindu and did not grow up in a religious household, according to her husband.

Vance, on the other hand, is a devout Catholic who plans to raise his three children in a Christian household.

'Now, most Sundays Usha will come with me to church,' Vance told a MAGA audience at a Turning Point USA event at the University of Mississippi.

'Yes, my wife did not grow up Christian.

'I think it's fair to say that she grew up in a Hindu family but not a particularly religious family in either direction,' he said.

The Vice President then revealed he had told Usha that he would like her to 'believe in the Christian Gospel,' the first time Vance publicly revealed that he wanted Usha to convert to Christianity.

In late November, the mom - who shares three young kids with JD - Ewan, Vivek and Mirabel - was ringless during her visit to Camp Lejeune military base in Richlands, North Carolina

The vice president converted to Catholicism in 2019, while Usha, the mother of his three children, grew up in a non-religious Hindu household

'As I've told her, and I've said publicly, and I'll say now in front of 10,000 of my closest friends,' Vance continued.

'Do I hope eventually that she is somehow moved by the same thing that I was moved in by church?

'Yeah, I honestly do wish that because I believe in the Christian Gospel, and I hope eventually my wife comes to see it the same way.'

He added: 'But if she doesn't, then God says everybody has free will, and so that doesn't cause a problem for me.'
Cheryl Hines has seemingly been embraced as a MAGA wife after being 'ditched' by her Hollywood pals.

The Curb Your Enthusiasm actress joined Melania Trump and Usha Vance to meet military spouses at Joint Base Andrews in Prince George's County, Maryland, and help put together holiday care packages for those deployed.

Hines, 60, who is married to Robert F. Kennedy Jr, looked effortlessly chic in an all-white ensemble.

It consisted of a turtle-neck sweater emblazoned with the American flag, wide-legged pants and long overcoat that was cinched in at the waist with a belt.

She wore her bleach blonde tresses tucked behind her ears as she chatted and giggled alongside the other MAGA wives.

It was a clear sign that Hines has been welcomed into the political fold after the Daily Mail exclusively revealed that her woke Hollywood friends had turned on her.

Hines and Kennedy, 71, got married in 2014 at the Kennedy Compound in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and she has never shied away from condemning her husband in the past.

But there appears to have been a recent shift.

Cheryl Hines has seemingly been embraced as a MAGA wife after being 'ditched' by her Hollywood pals

The Curb Your Enthusiasm actress (left) joined Melania Trump (right) and Usha Vance to meet military spouses at Joint Base Andrews in Prince George's County, Maryland

In October, sources slammed her 'unrecognizable' MAGA transformation, describing it as 'beyond comprehension.'

Hines also told CBS News at the time: 'I have a few friends, when Bobby stepped into the political arena, it became too difficult emotionally for them to stay close - and I understand it.'

Asked what she thought Curb Your Enthusiasm creator and co-star Larry David thought about Kennedy joining President Trump's Cabinet, she said, 'That'll be a question for Larry, but let's be honest: he can't love it.'

Her latest outing comes after Hines appeared on long-running morning talk show The View to promote her new memoir titled Unscripted.

During the show, she got into a sparring match with Whoopi Goldberg and Joy Behar as they grilled her about her husband's lack of medical background and anti-vax beliefs.

Defending her RFK Jr's knowledge, Cheryl said: 'He has dedicated his career to suing big corporations because of toxins that have been affecting people's health

'He was part of the team that sued Monsanto because of Roundup, a pesticide that was causing cancer. GMOs right?

'He sued Dupont, he sued Exxon, and he sued these companies for health reasons, because they were causing health problems.'

Hines, 60, who is married to Robert F. Kennedy Jr, looked effortlessly chic in an all-white ensemble

In October, sources slammed her 'unrecognizable' MAGA transformation, describing it as 'beyond comprehension'

But Sunny pointed out RFK JR's lack of credentials.

'But the problem, respectfully, is that your husband is the least qualified Department of Health and Human Services head that we've had in history,' she said.

Surprised by Sunny's assessment, Cheryl hit back: 'Less qualified than an economist?'

'I think he is less qualified,' Sunny retorted.

Refusing to back down, the guest continued: 'He has spent his career studying toxins, studying people's health, fighting for one guy who was using Roundup for his job.'

'He has also spread a lot of misinformation, a lot of chaos, a lot of confusion,' Sunny said to applause. 'And I think it's just a very dangerous thing. I say it with the utmost respect.'

'Listen, we all have different views here,' Cheryl continued. 'And when you say misinformation, disinformation, we could go back to Covid when'

Before she could finish, Sunny quipped: 'He's connected circumcision to autism.'
A mom who spent the better part of 10 years 'gentle parenting' has admitted she made a mistake - and is now desperately trying to reverse it.

Mom-of-two Jaclyn Williams shared a video to Instagram, where she detailed her former parenting style, which she says made her children 'anxious, insecure and entitled.'

'I can spot "gentle parenting" kids because I raised two of them 10 years later I'm having to undo it,' she shared.

In the caption, Williams explained she was a 'gentle parent' for years, which involved 'validating every emotion, processing their feelings extensively, explaining every boundary, compromising and avoiding harsh punishments.'

She wrote: 'I thought I was doing it right. Then my kids got older and I started seeing the results in real-time.'

Williams said one of her children became 'anxious about everything, insecure in their abilities, entitled and emotionally dysregulated'.

She explained that the other 'became a people pleaser, suppressed their real feelings, absorbed everyone's emotions and became withdrawn'.

'I cried a lot,' the mom admitted. 'I had tried so hard to do everything right... to do things different from what I had growing up.'

Mom-of-two Jaclyn Williams shared a video to Instagram, where she detailed her former parenting style, which she says made her children 'anxious, insecure and entitled'

'I can spot "gentle parenting" kids because I raised two of them 10 years later I'm having to undo it,' she shared

Williams then realized she wasn't 'gentle parenting' - she was instead 'permissive parenting'.

'A lot of parents do this, there's no shame or guilt allowed here, parenting is hard,' she wrote.

Williams explained she overindulged her children, leading them to think everything was negotiable and they had no real limits.

Instead, the mom has now switched to 'authoritative parenting', which involves forming a connection and creating clear boundaries.

There are four main parenting styles: neglectful, authoritarian, permissive and authoritative.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, the goal of gentle parenting is to raise confident and independent children by setting healthy boundaries.

Traditional parenting focuses more on punishment and reward, whereas gentle parents calmly explain to their child the consequences of their behavior, rather than getting angry.

Studies have found that children raised with an authoritative parenting style were more likely to achieve academically.

Williams explained she overindulged her children, leading them to think everything was negotiable and they had no real limits (stock image)

Williams then realized she wasn't 'gentle parenting' - she was instead 'permissive parenting' (stock image)

Psychologists previously revealed to The Daily Mail which celebrities follow different parenting approaches - and which ones could be setting their children up for a lifetime of emotional issues.

Dr Carole Lieberman, a forensic psychiatrist from Beverly Hills, California, said that Kourtney Kardashian shows signs of 'attachment style' parenting.

Attachment parenting aims to secure an exceptionally close bond between mother and child.

Meanwhile, Courtney Morgan, a licensed therapist and founder of Counseling Unconditionally in Kentucky, said Kim Kardashian is one example of a permissive parent.

She said Kim 'allows her children to cause disruption in her home and appears to have very relaxed rules or expectations.'

Morgan pointed to an episode in the most recent season of The Kardashians, during which Kim shared she wishes she could be more firm and structured like her sister Khloe.

'It seems as though Kim is facing the challenges of raising children in a permissive household as her children are getting older.

'One may wonder if Kim parents out of guilt due to her relationship with Kanye, her heavy workload, or something else,' Morgan said.

'If given the opportunity, I would encourage Kim to begin creating boundaries and expectations for her children,' she suggested. 'It may be hard initially, and she can expect some pushback from her children; however, it is not too late to create a household that is kind and firm at the same time.'
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There's nothing quite like spending Christmas with kids. Yes, you'll probably get woken up at 5am, and the idea of lounging around watching a festive movie uninterrupted is a fantasy, but it's also completely magical. Seeing Christmas anew through the eyes of my two children has been a complete joy.

However, as a parent and auntie, I have suddenly found myself doing lots of kids' present shopping - and that's before we even get to the endless birthday gifts my daughter has to dish out thanks to her stellar life on the party circuit. I'd say I've become something of a pro at buying presents for kids.

Let's start with what not to buy. Ridiculously impractical clothes for babies, like little slippers that will fall off immediately, or over-the-top frilly outfits they'll grow out of in two seconds. Cuddly toys in general - everyone already has too many of them. And personally, I would hold off sweets and chocolate, as most children are swimming in the stuff at this time of year, and no parent will thank you for adding more sugar into the mix.

As for what to choose, here are some suggestions that my kids (or those I know) have absolutely loved.

Kids' gifts under 25

Foil Fun Craft Set My daughter has had hours of fun with this kit - plus aged five she can do it all herself, which is an absolute win for me. Was 19.99 (-29%) Shop

The Kid Collective Cotton Twist Bracelet Making Kit - Unicorns Prepare to receive an endless stream of eye-catching jewellery after delivering this gift. Was 16.95 (-20%)

Small Kins Djeco Fish Umbrella A supremely practical present that kids will actually adore. Makes them feel independent! Was 12.99 (-10%)

Zara KPop Demon Hunters Sweatshirt If they're over five, chances are they're KPop Demon Hunters obsessed. You'll get lots of brownie points for this one. Shop

John Lewis My First Remote Control Police Car Littlies will love zooming this fun car around the living room on Christmas Day and beyond. Was 25 (-20%)

Meri Meri Embroidered Nutcracker Hair Clips Meri Meri is my go-to for amazing partywear, but they do the sweetest hair accessories too. Was 15 (-83%) Shop

John Lewis Decorate Your Own Jewellery Box Kids' love the ability to personalise their own possessions - and decorating this would definitely keep my daughter quiet for a while. Was 12 (-20%)

Lost on Infinity: Journey to a world of extinct creatures and incredible secrets The Island of Infinity is home to the worlds extinct creatures, and it has a secret for the world. But Moog, a boy from Battersea in London and Rockford, his dog, are the only ones who can deliver its extraordinary message... Shop

Kids' gifts under 50

The Warm Welly Company Red Infant Warm Wellies Created by British farmer Simon Wood when his kids kept getting 'frozen toes' on the farm, this uber-practical wellies are handmade from natural rubber and lined with 4mm neoprene.

TP Early Fun Mud Kitchen Playhouse Accessory With the ability to attach to playhouses, fences, sheds or even brick walls, this toy can slot into any outdoor space. Was 44.99 (-22% off)

Small Folk Lapland Pyjamas Didn't manage to get tickets for Lapland UK? These 100% cotton PJs are the next best thing!

Lego Unicorn Castle You get three sets for the price of one with this Lego kit (suitable for age 8+). Shop

Kids' gifts under 100

BRIO World Railway Travel Switching Set

Was 79.99 (-7%) The type of toy you'll keep for generations - and it's loads of fun for little ones.

Mori Classic World Rocket Ship If you haven't heard 'zoom, zoom, zoom we're going to the moon' sung eight thousand times, are you even a parent? Here's the toy for miniature space-farers. Was 99.99 (-10%)

Tonies Toniebox 2 The latest version of this audio-player is even easier for kids to use (designed for ages 1-9 years). Was 94.99

Kids' gifts over 100

Frog Kids Hybrid Bike I've been on enough parents' WhatsApp groups to know that these are the absolute pinnacle of kids' bikes. Lightweight, sturdy and excellent in quality. Was 425 (-15%) Shop
An Australian cleaning expert has revealed the seven items in your home that are dirtier than you think.

And he says it's these commonly overlooked spots that could be quietly sabotaging your home's freshness and spreading countless germs.

Jason Shipway, CEO of Enhanced Cleaning and one of Australia's most popular home-care creators with more than 65,000 Instagram followers, says that while most homes look tidy, the devil is in the details.

'From someone who's a professional cleaner I notice these things too often  they're filthy.'

From reusable drink bottles to the humble TV remote, Jason says these overlooked hotspots can affect everything from odours to hygiene.

However, instead of cleaning overwhelm, Jason has listed seven key checkpoints to add to your daily or weekly chores to keep on top of germs and stop the spread of dangerous bacteria.

His no-nonsense list is simple, but once you read it, it'll be hard to ignore the same spots in your home again.

Australian cleaning expert, Jason Shipway, has revealed the seven items in your home that are dirtier than you think, and the commonly overlooked spots could be quietly sabotaging your home's freshness and spreading germs

1. Reusable drink bottles

Jason says this is the number one mistake he sees in almost every household.

'Most people just rinse and refill, which basically means you're topping up yesterday's bacteria and drinking it. Wash daily!'

He adds that the damp, narrow environment inside reusable drink bottles is a paradise for mould and microscopic grime, especially in lids, straws and silicone seals.

His pro tip for a deep clean is to drop a denture tablet into your bottle with water and let it fizz up, then rinse thoroughly afterwards.'

2. Your phone and phone case

It's our most-touched item and the dirtiest, according to Jason.

'You take your phone everywhere - gyms, kitchens, public transport, even the toilet; so it picks up the bacteria from every place you go.'

He says a once-a-week wipe isn't enough: phones should be disinfected daily and cases deep-cleaned regularly.

'Wipe it down daily with a disinfectant or alcohol wipe, and clean the case inside and out at least once a week to stop germs building up.'

The damp, narrow environment inside reusable drink bottles is a paradise for mould and microscopic grime, especially in lids, straws and silicone seals. Phones are just as bad, and should be disinfected daily, with cases deep-cleaned weekly

3. TV remote controls

If you've ever had the flu run through your household, this might be why, with Jason crediting the humble remote control as 'one of the dirtiest things in our whole house.'

The remote is touched by everyone daily, lives on the couch, in beds, on floors and coffee tables, and almost never gets cleaned.

Jason says a microfibre cloth and alcohol-based cleaner will do the trick, but you need to be thorough.

'Wipe it with a microfibre cloth plus 70 per cent isopropyl alcohol or a vinegar and water mix. [Then] use a cotton bud to get into the button gaps.'

The remote is touched by everyone daily and almost never gets cleaned. However, Jason (pictured) says a microfibre cloth and alcohol-based cleaner will do the trick, but you need to be thorough

4. Washing machine door seals

The washing machine that cleans your clothes can be hiding a horror of its own.

'Every time you start a wash cycle, you're releasing bacteria that's been breeding inside the seals,' he added.

Between trapped water, lint, and detergent residue, Jason says front-loader seals are one of the most unhygienic spots in the home.

'Keep your front loader washing machine door open slightly when not in use to keep it dry and bacteria-free. To clean it, use a vinegar solution and scrub every two-to-four weeks.'

According to Jason, not only does this stop mould, but it helps clothes smell fresher.

Between trapped water, lint, and detergent residue, Jason says front-loader seals are one of the most unhygienic spots in the home. Jason suggests keeping front loader washing machine door open slightly when not in use to keep it dry and bacteria-free

5. Kitchen dish sponges and scourers

If there's one thing in your kitchen that needs replacing more often, it's your sponges.

'The biggest issue is people put them back wet, and a damp sponge is basically a bacteria breeding ground.'

Jason urges that cleaning sponges should be bone-dry between uses  and thrown out far more frequently than most people realise.

If in doubt, make a point to replace these monthly to be safe and not spread bacteria around the house.

Jason urges that cleaning sponges should be bone-dry between uses  and thrown out far more frequently than most people realise

6. Shower drain covers

According to Jason, most people clean their whole bathroom but never lift this cover, which is 'where all the gross stuff actually lives.'

Hair, soap scum, conditioner build-up and trapped water all sit beneath the cover and begin to smell, but Jason says this should become part of your regular bathroom routine.

'Clean these every one-to-two weeks, depending on your shower frequency.'

According to Jason, most people clean their whole bathroom but never lift the drain cover, which is 'where all the gross stuff actually lives.' The same can be said for your laundry machine drawer

7. Laundry machine drawer

If your 'clean' clothes sometimes come out with a musty scent, Jason has warned that this detergent drawer could be the culprit.

'It traps detergent sludge, mould and bacteria that get washed on your clothes.'

And to stop the mustiness from spreading, he recommends a simple monthly deep clean to stop buildup from sabotaging your washing.

'Clean regularly with an old toothbrush plus dish soap to scrub away detergent sludge, then wipe the cavity (where the drawer slides in) with vinegar.'

It takes five minutes, but it makes a huge difference to how fresh your laundry actually smells.

Jason's followers flooded the comments with shock at how many of these they had overlooked, with many admitting they couldn't remember the last time they cleaned their remote control's or laundry machine drawer's.

Some were quick to offer up their own tips too, with one saying a big culprit of spreading bacteria are things like light switches.

'Door handles and light switches, I try do these often too!' they urged.

However, Jason says keeping a truly fresh home isnt about adding more labour to your weekly chores, its about cleaning smarter.

By tackling these hidden germ hotspots regularly, Australians can dramatically improve the hygiene, smell and overall feel of their homes with just a few extra minutes each week.
Texas Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett has refused to walk back comments that framed a member of Donald Trump's cabinet as a potential beneficiary of Jeffrey Epstein.

Crockett, 44, accused Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin of taking donations from Epstein on the House floor on November 18.

The donation documents billed as evidence, however, had involved a completely different man with the same name as the convicted sex criminal.

MS NOW's Jacqueline Alemany gave Crocket 'the opportunity' to clear the air as a result.

'You made a little bit of news when you mistakenly accused Lee Zeldin, another Republican, of accepting money from Jeffrey Epstein. But it was a different Jeffrey Epstein, according to the financial records. I want to give you the opportunity to amend that,' Alemany asked Crockett on The Weekend Sunday.

'I have no amendments,' The Dallas congresswoman maintained, before launching into the bizarre, unwieldy rant.

She recalled how Republicans had been attempting to link Representative Stacey Plaskett from the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, after emails showed her secretly communicating with Epstein during a different hearing in 2019.

'I had maybe 20 minutes,' Crockett told Alemany. 'We researched the FEC (The Federal Election Commission).

Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, 44, refused to walk back her claims that a member of Donald Trump's cabinet of received money from Jeffrey Epstein during an interview with MS NOW on Sunday - leading to a bizarre argument

Trump and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin, a former New York Congressman and Republican

'And - because I like to speak with specificity, thats kind of what comes with being an attorney - I made clear that there was "a" Jeffrey Epstein they knew on the other side that I did not have time to actually pull up and actually research.

'Especially since that particular one that Lee Zeldin got up in an uproar about was specifically out of the New York area,' she added.

'We know that he was out of that area. So, and this obviously was not done post-Jeffrey Epsteins life. So I made sure that I said "a" Jeffrey Epstein.'

Seemingly unconvinced, Allemany shot back that Crockett had been 'trying to insinuate' that the donations came from '"the" Jeffrey Epstein,'

'Oh, I absolutely was insinuating that it could be possible. That is true ' Crockett maintained, before doubling down.

'But the point is, I never said it was that specific one, because I did not have the adequate time to do it.'

She strangely added how 'Jeffrey Epstein' is 'not, like, a normal name.'

'But you can agree that Lee Zeldin didnt receive money from "the" Jeffrey Epstein, Alemany again said, giving Crockett another opening.

MS NOW's Jacqueline Alemany gave Crocket 'the opportunity' to set the record straight

Crockett accused Zeldin of accepting money from Epstein during a House session on Capitol Hill on November 18 - earning a response from the Republican on X

'I can agree that Lee Zeldin has said that hes not received money from "the Jeffrey Epstein,' Crockett said in return - this time emphasizing that those words were Zeldin's words not hers.

The president - who called Crockett a 'very low-IQ person' earlier this year - has denied any knowledge of Epstein's crimes, despite their previous relationship.

Epstein was found dead in a Manhattan jail cell in August 2019.

An outspoken Trump critic, Crockett has surfaced as a rising star in the Democratic Party after being elected in 2023.

She has ramped up her podcast and interview appearances as of late ahead of a potential senate run in the Lone Star State.

MS NOW, formerly MSNBC, changed its name after splitting with NBCUniversal last month. It is now run by Versant, which is comprised of Comcast cable channels.
An under-fire Vanity Fair journalist set a specific date to 'consummate' her affair with Robert F. Kennedy Jr - and planned to bring him a comic as a pre-sex gift, her bitter ex-boyfriend has claimed.

Former Politico reporter Ryan Lizza made the claim about Olivia Nuzzi in 'Part Four' of his Substack series, which has offered new, alleged insight on the romance between Nuzzi, 32 and RFK Jr., 71.

Lizza, 51, claimed Monday that after months of secret correspondence, Nuzzi, 32, and Kennedy Jr. planned to solidify their fling with a round of sexual intercourse on August 23, 2024.

The Kennedy scion cemented his devotion to Donald Trump on a stage in Glendale, Arizona, that same day, while third wife Cheryl Hines watched.

Lizza wrote how the alleged rendezvous was intended to happen that night in Phoenix until he learned of the unconventional affair.

'Olivia had a present for Bobby she was going to bring: a 1943 edition of Brenda Starr, Girl Reporter, a book based on the old comic strip about Starrs wild adventures while on assignment for a newspaper,' he added.

Once confronted, Nuzzi 'reluctantly canceled her rendezvous', claimed wrote Lizza, who called the next three months 'a Kafkaesque nightmare, driven by Bobbys extreme paranoia about what I know'.

The two had already been 'talking, texting, and FaceTiming for almost a year by that point, Lizza claimed.

Vanity Fair editor Olivia Nuzzi - the a Washington Correspondent for New York magazine - sought 'to consummate' her relationship with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. during the summer of last year, her ex Ryan Lizza claimed on Substack Monday

Kennedy, seen here with his wife last year, has denied having any type of affair with Nuzzi. He remains married to 60-year-old Cheryl Hines

The journalist then recalled an August 24, 2024, phone call he had with Kennedy Jr. where he confronted the soon-to-be health secretary about his alleged interest in his then-fiancee, where 'I found him disturbingly unrattled by my inquiries,

'Like the kind of guy who had dealt with a version of this phone call many times before,' Lizza, a longtime Washington reporter, wrote.

He added how 'Kennedy's voice was so much more broken and difficult to listen to than I had ever realized.' Kennedy suffers from a neurological condition that makes him speak in a staccato tone.

'How could anyone have phone sex with that?' Lizza outright asked.

'"The thing is that I dont have a relationship with her,"' Kennedy was quoted as saying - a statement Lizza saw as a bold-faced lie.

Kennedy also allegedly promised to never speak with Nuzzi ever again.

'In other words: Theres no relationship, but I will end the relationship,' Lizza wrote.

The former New Yorker writer claimed the conservative's tone was one of 'complete indifference,' as if Nuzzi were 'disposably' and set to be easily replaced.

Lizza, the ex-fiance of Olivia Nuzzi (seen with Lizza in April 2023 here), that after months of secret correspondence, Nuzzi, 32, and Kennedy Jr. planned to solidify their fling with a round of sexual intercourse

The tryst was allegedly planned for August 23, 2024, in Arizona - hours after Kennedy Jr endorsed Trump at a rally in Glendale (pictured)

The call ended with Kennedy apologizing, LIzza claimed. '"I'm sorry if you're having a bad time,' he quoted him as saying.

Lizza also claimed Nuzzi never told Kennedy she was engaged, despite having intimate conversations about the 'the murder of his father, the circumstances of his ex-wife's death, and details of his troubled marriage' to Cheryl Hines.

RFK Jr's father Robert Kennedy was assassinated in 1968. His killing came five years after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, who was Robert Kennedy Sr's brother and RFK Jr's uncle.

That October, Nuzzi was forced to vacate her position as New York magazine's Washington correspondent, after Lizza went public with the affair claims.

At the time, Nuzzi was found to have violated the magazines conflict-of-interest standards. She now works for Vanity Fair as a West Coast editor, receiving the distinction this past September.

Her memoir, American Canto, comes out Tuesday, and is set to recast the Kennedy claims.

Her employer, Vanity Fair, said last week that it is now reviewing her conduct in the wake of Lizza's posts, which also claimed that Nuzzi served as a de facto 'political operative' for Kennedy during their months together.

In Lizza's first post he also accused Nuzzi of a fling with Republican Congressman Mark Sanford.

He also detailed erotic poetry allegedly sent to his then-girlfriend by Kennedy.

'Yr open mouth awaiting my harvest, the Health Secretary is alleged to have said at the time.

LIzza, formerly a journalist for Politico and the New Yorker, claimed he spoke with Kennedy over the phone after he found out about the pair's 'digital relationship' that had gone on for nearly a year

'We were taken by surprise, and we are looking at all the facts,' a rep told The New York Times.

Nuzzi has maintained the relationship was non-physical and did not influence her reporting.

Kennedy, meanwhile, has denied it altogether. He remains married to 60-year-old Cheryl Hines.
The majority of UK motorists support the installation of breathalyser in new cars to reduce repeat drink-driving, a new study has found.

Alcohol interlock devices, also known as 'Alcolocks' or 'ignition locks', prevent a vehicle's engine starting if there's alcohol in the user's breath sample that they're required to provide before every journey.

Four-in-five (82 per cent) of 2,395 UK licence holders polled by the RAC said they would be an effective measure to prevent drink-driving in real-time.

Support for the interventionist approach has been growing, with 53 per cent of drivers telling the RAC in May that they want the Government to allow courts to order anyone convicted of drink-driving to have these breathalysers installed in their cars.

Drink-drive reoffending is a serious issue - since 2010, 17 per cent of offences have been committed by someone with a previous drink or drug driving offence on their record.

The Government is expected to announce measures to tackle the problem in its forthcoming Road Safety Strategy, which is likely to include a requirement for all new cars to feature equipment to enable breathalyser installations.

This is how alcolocks will work to prevent previous drink-drive offenders from starting a car's engine without first providing a legal sample of breath

Of those drivers supportive of the use of alcolocks, the RAC found that as many as seven-in-10 think every driver caught over the legal limit should have to have one fitted to their vehicle.

A further quarter think only repeat drink-drivers caught on at least one previous occasion should be ordered to have them installed, with six per cent unsure.

Overall, just seven per cent against alcolock use and 12 per cent undecided, the RAC's survey found.

Young drivers are the most supportive of the anti-drink driving method, with 87 per cent of those under 25 backing the move. Some 86 per cent of those aged 25 to 44 are also keen to see them rolled out.

But 75 per cent of drivers aged over 65 are also in favour - showing across all age groups the idea is well received.

The level of support is due to the serious and deadly consequences drink-driving can have.

The latest Department for Transport (DfT) figures show an estimated 260 people were killed in crashes on Britain's roads involving at least one driver over the legal alcohol limit in 2023. Approximately 1,600 people were seriously injured.

A Freedom of Information request to the DVLA by the Press Association found 27,000 individuals were convicted of multiple drink-driving offences in the 11 years leading up to July 2024.

And research for the RAC Report on Motoring 2025 also uncovered that rates of admitted drink-driving are near pre-pandemic levels, with more than one-in-10 respondents saying theyd driven when they thought they were over the limit, either directly after drinking or on the morning after.

The figures for younger drivers were higher with 14 per cent of those aged 25-44 admitting to drink driving, and as many as 18 per cent of those under 25.

Four-in-five of 2,395 drivers survey by the RAC said interlocks would be an effective measure to prevent drink-driving in real-time

RAC road safety spokesperson Rod Dennis said: 'With levels of drink-driving still alarmingly high, drivers are very keen for something different to be done to tackle the problem.

'Giving courts the power to mandate the fitting of alcohol interlocks  which prevent a convicted drink-driver from getting behind the wheel after drinking  is something that drivers believe warrants serious consideration as theyre telling us the current penalties arent working.

'The fact a huge majority of drivers support the use of alcolocks sends a clear message that they want to see more being done to tackle drink-driving, something the Government will hopefully address in its soon-to-be-published Road Safety Strategy.'

Could alcolocks become standard? What are they and how do they work?

Alcolock is actually a brand name  founded in the 1970s - but has become the common name for breathalysers fitted to the car's ignition system.

Once fitted a driver has to provide an alcohol-free breath sample in order to start the engine  usually blowing for five seconds.

If there's little to no alcohol the engine will start. If it exceeds a set level it won't start.

There are various options as to how they're mandated and who pays for them.

Courts could mandate them for reoffenders only, or anyone convicted of drink-driving.

In most countries where they're already used, the installation is generally paid for by the offender, although in cases of financial hardship the state can step in to cover the cost.

However, it's worth noting that the EU introduced new rules in July 2024 requiring all new cars sold in the EU to be 'prepared' to have an alcolock fitted.

The UK is set to follow this same order, which will be included in Labour's long-awaited Road Safety Strategy.

Where are alcolocks already in use around the world?

Alcolocks are used in Finland, Belgium, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and many parts of the US.

Alcolock is a brand name (its V3 version pictured) but has become the term for all breathalyser ignition locks

Generally, in these countries drink-drivers are banned for a short time and then are allowed to drive again as long as they have an alcohol-interlock fitted to their vehicle for a set period. It's usually fitted for a year.

In New Zealand, the alcohol-interlock is removed after 12 months as long as the offender had no instances of alcohol in their recorded breath tests during the last six months.

Those that test positive have to keep the device until they have six months of tests with zero alcohol.

Offenders are then issued with a zero-alcohol driving licence for three years.
Gavin Lane is President of the Country Land and Business Association

In Dickens's Christmas Carol, Ebenezer Scrooge is confronted by the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come, who shows him a grim future that terrifies him into change. Those owning family businesses can only hope that a similar ghost approaches those in government this Christmas and shows them the consequences of successive Budgets.

I am a fourth-generation farmer from West Norfolk. As the new president of the Country Land and Business Association, representing 26,000 rural family businesses and I worry that we are seeing the avoidable dismantling of family firms built over generations.

Gavin Lane warns family firms may not survive an inheritance tax raid

For the 5.2million family-owned businesses, the consequences of changes to Business Property Relief coming into force in April could be existential. Given the cost of machinery, stock, and livestock, even family businesses and farms with modest turnovers could find themselves being valuedon paper at leastas being worth millions of pounds.

On that basis, when the owner dies, their children could easily face an inheritance tax bill of hundreds of thousands of pounds, even if their annual profit is a fraction of that. Put simply, many of these businesses will not survivetaking their productivity, jobs, and supply chains with them.

We are fed endless lines that this governments fundamental aim is growth. But as any family business owner will explain, you cannot ask people to plant orchards they'll never see mature, then tell their children they cannot pick the fruit.

Government says their reforms will bring in 500million. But this figure does not consider the reduction in investment, the jobs lost, and the collapse of supply chains. When these are accounted for, the Exchequer will actually lose 1.9billion.

The perverse consequence of making businesses plan for a future tax bill is that it takes money away from growth and investment. We see a political obsession about how to divide the economic pie but surely the primary aim must be to grow that pie through encouraging business investment?

It seems bizarre to think that Business Property Relief was actually introduced by a Labour government in 1976because even Denis Healey and Jim Callaghan came to realise their high-tax policies were destroying family businesses. Why does the same party now believe that fostering stable family business investment is undesirable?

The consequences of the government's lack of economic strategy are already visible. Business investment growth has slumped to less than 1 per cent. Unemployment is rising. A third of employers are planning redundancies. Talented young people are leaving for more attractive climes.

This Budget has compounded the problem, showing just how muddled the government's thinking has become. Free apprenticeships but increased minimum wage. No tax on working people, but 780,000 low earners dragged into income tax and 920,000 pushed into the higher rate. A hike in business rates for warehousing with no clear plan beyond penalising Amazon. In truth, it was a Budget that failed to substantiate the governments pro-growth rhetoric.

Consider what's being squandered. Government's own figures suggest Britain's rural economy could grow by 43billion with the right policy support. Rural businesses could deliver housing, renewable energy, nature recovery, and thousands of jobs.

More than 275,000 people signed petitions against these changes. MPs across the political spectrum know they are a disaster, and Ministers should know that we wont go away.

Family businesses produce 52 per cent of UK turnover worth 2.8trillion. The owners live above the shop. They spend locally, they employ locally. They invest for the long term. They are the backbone of our economy and of our rural communities, and they deserve the chance to grow.

Ministers need to take a deep breath and ask themselves: is the loss of our family businesses really what they want? Scrooge saw the nightmare of the future he had created for himself, and he learned to change his ways. The Treasury should learn to do the same.
Plans for the creation of a 5.3billlon infrastructure trust have been abandoned after a growing investor backlash.

London-listed HICL Infrastructure and The Renewables Infrastructure Group (TRIG) last month revealed a merger agreement to create Britain's biggest infrastructure fund.

The deal was designed to bring together HICL's portfolio spanning schools, universities, hospitals and transport projects, including the high-speed rail link between London St Pancras and the Channel Tunnel, with TRIG's renewable energy assets such as solar power, wind farms and battery storage.

HICL and TRIG told shareholders at the time the deal would create a 'more compelling proposition' by offering 'greater scale, liquidity and relevance to a broader investor base'.

But major investors in HICL opposed the plan, which they claimed was overly advantageous for TRG.

They said HICL shareholders had been 'left to suffer' and announced plans to vote against the deal.

HICL investors said they planned to oppose the deal

And HICL said in a stock market statement on Monday that the deal would now not proceed.

It said: 'Both boards remain convinced of the strategic rationale for the combination. However, following broad engagement with shareholders, the HICL board determined that it cannot progress the transaction without a substantial majority of support from its own investors.

'Each company remains well positioned as an independent business, with high-quality portfolios, strong management teams, and clear strategies for delivering long-term value to investors.'

TRIG chair Richard Morse said in a separate statement: 'Our focus now returns to delivering TRIG's attractive standalone strategy.

'TRIG is a well-established platform with high quality assets, a competitive pipeline of opportunities, and deep renewables and energy storage expertise.

'We are uniquely placed to capitalise on the demand growth for low carbon, reliable power and to capture the commercial opportunities as economies across the UK and Europe electrify and decarbonise.

'Doing so will allow us to deliver sustainable value and growth for our shareholders, with whom we will continue to engage on the path ahead.'

TRIG shares fell 3.9 per cent in early trading, while HICL shares rose 3.7 per cent.
Free-from sales by UK supermarkets last year were 4.2 billion, according to figures from the industrys bible, The Grocer, compiled by data firm Worldpanel.

That term, free-from, if youve never heard of it, refers (but is not limited) to food lines such as dairy-free and gluten-free.

On some metrics, this segment is set to grow to 15billion to 20billion over the next five years as the aisles of the local superstore reflect the growing demand for health-focused products.

However, more conservatively, it should exceed 6 billion, based on The Grocers numbers and current rates of expansion.

Okay, so why am I making this point? Well, were going to talk about an unheralded AIM-listed company thats operating in the sector, with a category-killer product line also targeting opportunities in the broader health and wellness market.

Tooru crept into investors consciousness a month ago when it expanded its presence in Tesco stores for its challenger brand, OAF.

Tooru crept into investors consciousness a month ago when it expanded its presence in Tesco stores for its challenger brand, OAF.

Shoppers can now choose from eight different lines of the gluten-free bread, developed by Juvela, one of Toorus food businesses.

Its proposition is simple (actually 'stupidly simple', the marketing says): OAF is a 'gluten free brand that doesnt feel like a punishment'.

Okay, now, lets back up a little to understand what Tooru is and what it does.

Put simply, it is the big top canvas for three operations: the aforementioned Juvela, Pulsin, which develops protein and fibre nutritional products, and Market Rocket, a digital partner agency.

Juvela, founded roughly 25 years ago, has carved out a firm position in the UKs gluten-free market.

Its South Wales bakery supplies a wide range of specialist products, and the company is the clear leader in the pharmacy channel, where reliability and consistency matter.

More recently, it has pushed beyond its traditional base, launching an expanded free-from range aimed squarely at mainstream retail.

As mentioned, Tesco has already taken the new products, and Tooru has flagged that two other major multiples are ready to follow suit.

The refreshed, retail-focused brand marks an important step in Juvelas shift from niche supplier to broader player in a fast-growing category.

If Juvela is an unalloyed growth story, Pulsin offers more of a reset-and-turnaround angle. The brand has heritage and credibility, having been one of the earliest wellness bar makers two decades ago, but it has not always converted that head start into consistent momentum.

The current strategy is about sharpening its proposition, improving execution and reclaiming ground in a crowded market. Its strong presence in Holland & Barrett gives it a platform many rivals would envy, but the task now is to modernise the range, refresh the brand and rebuild velocity.

Within the basket there is also a small brand called Purely, which makes plantain-based snacks. Its small, but we believe in that product, says CEO Scott Livingston.

And then theres Market Rocket, a digital marketing agency specialising in helping e-commerce brands grow, particularly on platforms like Amazon and TikTok.

Now, if Tooru were a direct-to-consumer business, having a company like Market Rocket in the portfolio would make perfect sense. However, the model is B2B, which makes the business look something of an outlier.

So, thats the business. Very interesting, and with a large addressable market.

Keen followers of the story will have spotted an anomaly at this point.

The companys valuation, around 4 million, reflects none of this potential. In fact, it doesnt come anywhere close to encapsulating whats happening in the here and now.

As CEO Livingston wryly observes, the companys inventory of ingredients probably exceeds Toorus current market capitalisation.

The valuation gap is put into perspective when you delve into the financials. Last financial year, the businesses under the Tooru umbrella generated sales just shy of 14 million and EBITDA (underlying earnings) of 1.6 million.

The half-year update from the businesses revealed they are performing on a par with 2024. In other words, nothing catastrophic has occurred. Financially, it is debt-free, though with a credit line if required, and had 1 million on the balance sheet at the last reporting date.

Now lets put all of that into context with some back-of-the-envelope maths.

If you take last years EBITDA and apply a very conservative food sector multiple of 5 to 8 times, the business should be worth 8 to 13 million.

This ignores two facts. In Juvela, and the OAF brand, Tooru is in one of the fastest-growing food segments. For this sort of business, EBITDA multiples of 10 to 15 are not uncommon.

At the same time, Pulsins turnaround is starting to gain traction, which should also underpin growth going forward.

How you value a business of Toorus type is art rather than science. However, its fair to say the market has done its maths wrong.

Livingston blames a cocktail of issues for the disconnect: sparse share trading liquidity, a relatively low profile with investors and a lack of understanding of the opportunity among Londons market makers, the traders that set prices for stocks.

And this is something the CEO and his team will be addressing in the new year.

While it may be a problem for current investors and management, the lowly share price does present an opportunity for those persuaded by Benjamin Grahams investment blueprint. For Tooru, based on the numbers above, is the classic value stock.

Now for the cautionaries. I can only tell the story as presented, through conversations with management and my own background research. Readers should always conduct their own due diligence.
Rachel Reeves has been told that her claim to have cut business rates to 30-year lows was misleading.

As the bitter fallout from last weeks Budget intensified, the Chancellor last night faced mounting criticism over her tax raid on pubs, restaurants and other venues.

In her Budget, she claimed to be bringing in permanently lower tax rates for more than 750,000 retail, hospitality and leisure properties, paid for by hiking the levy on larger buildings.

Reeves said these would be the lowest tax rates since 1991.

But as more details emerged after her speech, many small businesses realised that their bills would actually go up.

And tax firm Ryan has said the Chancellors speech just doesnt match the fiscal reality as only one of the new tax rates is lower than in 1991.

Budget boast: Chancellor Rachel Reeves (pictured) announced 'permanently lower tax rates for over 750,000 retail, hospitality and leisure properties'

Alex Probyn, property tax expert at Ryan, said: The headline message doesnt match the fiscal reality and is misleading.

A large number of High Street premises will pay far higher tax rates than in the early 1990s with many facing the highest rates ever applied.

He also accused the Chancellor of misleading the public as 750,000 is the total number of retail, hospitality and leisure firms in England.

Reeves has faced a backlash from the industry over her business rates reforms. David McDowall, the boss of Britains largest pub group Stonegate, said the changes had left many firms with a sinking feeling.

Anthony Pender, who runs the Somers Town Coffee House pub in Keir Starmers London constituency of Holborn and St Pancras said he felt utterly betrayed by the Prime Minister.

UK Hospitality boss Kate Nicholls said: The Government promised in its manifesto that it would level the playing field between the High Street and online giants. The plan in the Budget to achieve this is quickly unravelling.

High Street firms have long complained about business rates, saying the unfair and outdated system penalises pubs and shops over online sellers.

Bills are calculated using a multiplier and a propertys rateable value. In 1991 there was a universal 38.6p multiplier. Since 2005 there have been two rates to reflect property values.

Now, under Reeves complex reforms, a 38.2p multiplier for retail, hospitality and leisure properties has been introduced for some of the smallest businesses. But the other brackets are higher than 1991, with firms paying between 39.2p and 51.8p.

The Government has not said how many businesses will pay 38.2p  casting doubt on the Chancellors claims that she has introduced lower rates.

Reeves has denied misleading the public over the Budget.

An HM Treasury spokesman said: 'The rate for small retail, hospitality and leisure properties is 38.2p - the lowest since 1991 and will fall by nearly 12p next year.

'We are delivering a long overdue reform to rebalance the business rates system and support the high street by introducing new permanently lower tax rates for eligible retail, hospitality and leisure properties.'
Protecting your pension wealth has scarcely been more important following Rachel Reeves' latest tax-grabbing Budget.

The Chancellor's decision to impose national insurance contributions on workplace pension salary sacrifice schemes for contributions above 2,000 is the latest piece of the complex pension maze to navigate.

The raid will be delayed until April 2029, but will raise 4.7billion that year and 2.6billion in the following year.

Experts are concerned the added complexity and tax burden will deter even more people, particularly those in younger age groups, from saving enough for retirement.

Ali Adam, co-founder of fintech pension app Chest, said: 'Salary sacrifice is one of your best tools in the box to encourage saving, so reducing the tax-efficient amount that people can contribute will make it harder, not easier, to save; adding fuel to the fire of misplaced optimism that's putting young working people at risk.'

The Government has invested in a new Pension Commission to tackle the retirement savings shortfall but has also decided to add an additional burden to staff and employers using private sector workplace pensions.

Below, we outline five steps to ensure your pension stands the test of time.

Time for scrutiny: Paying close attention to your pension has become all the more important after Reeves' latest Budget

1. Cut fees before they drain your pension

Starting a workplace pension as soon as you are eligible via auto-enrolment is a great way to help secure your financial future. The earlier you do join one the better.

However, whatever stage of life you are in, be careful about the fees deducted from your pension, whether it is a workplace or a self-invested personal pension (Sipp).

Fees on auto-enrolment workplace pensions have been capped at 0.75 per cent since April 2015, although pension schemes often cost less because most use inexpensive tracker funds, which follow the performance of one or a selection of the world's stock markets and are cheap to own.

A limited number of older workplace pension schemes can attract fees of between 1 per cent to 1.5 per cent.

Look for the 'annual management charge' on your pension statement or online account.

For Sipps, fees can be applied which relate to platform costs, fund charges and dealing charges. Compare your fee to low-cost providers, some of which charge between 0.2 per cent to 0.5 per cent, according to Chest.

If you are unsure about the fees attached to your pension, ask your workplace or pension provider or platform.

2. Check your investments are suitable for your age

Most current employees will be signed up to a defined contribution workplace pension scheme.

Defined contribution pension schemes take contributions from both the employer and employee and invest them to provide a pot of money at retirement. It is then the saver's responsibility to use this to generate a retirement income.

The minimum threshold for employer pension contributions is 3 per cent of an employees qualifying earnings, with the total minimum contribution for both employer and employee set at 8 per cent.

Defined contribution pensions are stingier than final salary, also known as defined benefit, ones and savers bear the investment and income risk, rather than employers.

Your defined contribution pension is invested in funds to grow your savings for retirement - and will often be lumped in a one-size-fit-all default fund.

These invest in the stock market, government and company bonds and other assets.

Many people have no idea where their pension cash is invested.

Your employer's default pension fund is chosen to fit the average staff member, and the most people, - around 90 to 95 per cent - stick with it.

However, the default workplace pension fund may not always be the best option for you.

Jason Murphy, co-founder of Chest, said: 'If youre younger, you may want more long-term growth rather than an overly cautious fund.

'If youre older, check youre not taking more risk than youre comfortable with.'

Most providers let you switch to a different investment option online in a few clicks.

Knowing which fund is best is not always straightforward. Consider getting professional financial advice if you are not sure where your pension should be invested in order to maximise returns.

Remember that? Tracking down old pensions from previous jobs is a great way to boost your pension pot

3. Track down lost pension pots

According to the Pension Policy Institute, there are approximately 3.3million pension pots forgotten about or lost.

To put this into cash terms, there is about 31billion in lost pensions hard-working workers have no clue about or cannot locate. As more people switch jobs more frequently, the number of old pensions people have is growing

Tracking down old lost pension pots could, in some cases, make a sizeable difference to your life in older age.

David Henderson, head of pensions at Penny Pension, told the Daily Mail that in his experience most lost pensions came in at the sub-10,000 mark.

However, Henderson added: 'The largest one found via our firm was 543,000, which could be life-changing. From speaking with users they all describe finding pots as like winning the lottery.'

Use the Governments free online Pension Tracing Service to track down all your pensions from old jobs.

Contact previous employers if you are unsure which provider they used. Some pension providers may have merged or rebranded, making it a little trickier, but still possible, to figure out who you need to contact.

You may need to provide the pension provider with details like your national insurance number and the dates you worked at the company, so make sure you have these to hand.

Once you have identified all your pension pots, consider consolidating them, but remember that this may not be the best option for everyone.

For some people, consolidating pensions into one place can be a good way to reduce paperwork, potentially reduce fees and create new retirement investing options.

However, certain savers may be at risk of losing valuable benefits attached to old workplace pension schemes, meaning consolidation may not be the best option for them.

In the know: Ali Adam, left, and Jason Murphy, right, are co-founders of fintech start-up Chest

4. Claim any tax relief you are owed

When you add money to a pension, the income tax you would normally pay is usually added to your pension instead via a process known as tax relief.

It means your savings are usually increased by 20 per cent or more, depending on your rate of tax.

Each tax year until you are 75, you can usually get tax relief on all your pension contributions, up to the amount you earn and your annual allowance  this is 60,000 for most and covers all payments into your pension, including any from your employer.

Basic-rate relief of 20 per cent is added to your pension automatically, but higher-rate and additional-rate relief often is not.

'If the extra relief isnt being added through PAYE, you can claim it through self-assessment or ask HMRC to adjust your tax code', Ali Adam says.

5. Make the most of salary sacrifice now

Around 14.6million people are already saving too little for retirement, government figures show. Reeves' latest salary sacrifice curbs will do little to help resolve this.

Reeves will cap the amount workers can salary sacrifice into pensions without having to pay national insurance at 2,000 a year.

Above this standard rates of national insurance will be charged at 8 per cent on basic rate earnings, up to 50,270, and 2 per cent above this in the higher rate thresholds.

Murphy, co-founder of Chest, said: 'Working people are already feeling the cost of living pressures, and these changes mean many will end up paying a bit more.'

However, the new 2,000 cap will come into effect in April 2029, meaning you still have ample time to make use of the current national insurance tax break.

Consider upping your pension contributions in the meantime to max out the savings you can make on national insurance while you can.

Adam said: 'Salary sacrifice remains one of the most efficient ways to reduce your tax bill today.

'Ask your employer if salary sacrifice is available - many offer it but dont actively promote it

'If they match contributions above the legal minimum, increase yours to get the full match while this structure is still in place.'
It's long been one of Europe's sun-drenched playgrounds for the rich and famous - with Dua Lipa, Jennifer Aniston, and Kylie Jenner all recently seen making trips to the sizzling Spanish island.

Their high-profile getaways have only fueled interest in Mallorca, with everyday travelers flocking to the Balearic island in hopes of recreating its celebrity magic.

But while Mallorca continues to enjoy its moment, its capital city, Palma, is quietly - and intentionally - charting a different course.

For years, Palma has existed in the shadow of its flashier neighbors - serving as a stopover to Magaluf's all-night beach parties or Deia's bohemian hideaways - or otherwise being eclipsed by its showier island cousin, Ibiza.

But recently the idyllic coastal city - home to one of Europe's most striking Gothic cathedrals, La Seu, later refined by Antoni Gaudi - has been catching the eye of tourists who once overlooked it.

And it's not hard to see why.

With its seaside promenades, charming streets, world-class gastronomy, and growing number of boutique hotels, Palma has always had the makings of a vacation hotspot - even earning a spot on Lonely Planet's top 10 cities to visit in 2025.

Dua Lipa and Kylie Jenner are among the A-list celebrities that have helped draw everyday travelers to the Spanish island of Mallorca

Palma, the capital city of the Balearic Islands, is carefully redefining the type of tourism it wants to attract in order to preserve its rich history and culture

And in the age of social media - along with celebrity influence - Palma's sunny Mediterranean backdrop has also attracted a new type of visitor - those eager to recreate the same Mediterranean aesthetic seen on Instagram.

But the locals and the local government are now pushing back against the prospect of Palma becoming the next influencer playground or a bargain-party free-for-all.

And as the Daily Mail experienced firsthand, there is a clear sense here that the city's beauty is not a backdrop to be consumed but a heritage to be protected.

In a bid to protect its charm, Palma has introduced some of the toughest tourism measures in Spain, including a strict ban on tourist rentals issued just last month.

But make no mistake - Palma isn't turning its back on visitors. It's simply defining the kind of tourism it wants: thoughtful, low-impact, and genuine interest in the city rather than the performance of being there.

HERITAGE YOU CAN STILL SHOP IN

Palma's commitment to preserving its identity is literally built into the storefronts lining its historic center.

Though luxury big name retail stores still dominate the high streets, it's the charming, historic shops that really draw you in.

The city has designated 114 'emblematic shops', a legal status reserved for establishments that have been in business for at least 50 years and carry cultural, architectural, or historic significance.

The preservation-first ethos becomes clear the moment you step into the city center - in the stonework of its centuries-old buildings and historic shops

Though its high streets are lined with big-name retailers, its the city's traditional shops that draw catch your eye. Pictured: A sobrassada shop in the heart of Palma

These are not curated tourist traps or nostalgia projects; they're living, working institutions that reflect Palma's collective memory.

Many of them date back more than a century and represent trades - such as fabric stores, family-run bakeries, candy shops - that have survived industrialization, commercialization, and, now, the pressures of modern tourism.

For example, one of the most charming and famous is La Pajarita on Sant Nicolau, a beloved confectionery that's been around since 1872.

And just steps away, there's Jugueteria La Industrial, a nostalgic traditional toy store founded in 1898, and one of the last of its kind in Palma. It offers high-quality, classic toys and gifts - none of which are electronic.

Visitors can explore these emblematic shops on guided tours or simply wander in on their own, discovering the kind of craftsmanship and character that Palma refuses to let slip away.

PALMA'S FLAVOR

The city's food scene is both varied and deeply grounded - an extension of Palma's commitment to 'slow luxury.'

Sustainability - a major priority across the island - is reflected through its culinary offerings.

The city brilliantly balances modern, upscale dining, with longstanding traditions, offering everything from Japanese-Peruvian fusion at De Tokio a Lima, and chic Mediterranean at bistro Mombo to classic Mallorcan staples.

Located in the heart of the city on Sant Feliu, De Tokio a Lima is one of Palma's trendiest - and delicious - restaurants successfully blending Japanese, Peruvian, and Mediterranean cuisines

Mallorcan classics, such as a tasty ensaimada pastry, are available at traditional bakeries, such as Forn des Teatre

Among the latter are delicious ensaimada pastries offered at local bakeries, such as Forn des Teatre, and sobrassada, raw cured sausage, available at every local market.

Perhaps its most popular, located at the heart of the city, is Mercat de l'Olivar, where vendors supply residents with fresh produce, seafood, and authentic ingredients daily.

Guided culinary tours are even available for a more immersive dining experience, led by local chef Deborah Pina who offers guests a chance to explore Palma through its traditional flavors at Forn de sa Llotgeta.

REWRITING THE RULES OF TOURISM

Palma is committed to ensuring tourism strengthens the city rather than hollowing it out.

And its stance isn't just philosophical - it's legislative.

The city's tourism board has even capped the number of hotel beds at 12,000, 97 percent of which belong to five-star or boutique properties, to stop the city from tipping into influencer overload.

In October, Palma introduced an even tougher wave of regulations in response to a summer of anti-tourist protests and resident frustration.

Mayor Jaime Martinez announced a broad crackdown on mass-tourism behaviors, following a summer of resident protests and anti-tourist marches.

The new rules include: A full ban on party boats along Palma's seafront, a ban on new tourist rentals - including single-family homes and room rentals, which were previously exempt, and a ban on new youth hostels - with existing ones encouraged to convert into hotels or long-term housing

Palma is home to one of Europe's most striking Gothic cathedrals, La Seu, later refined by Antoni Gaudi

Shop owners in Mallorca have recently banned tourists from taking photos inside their stores. File photo: Two tourists take a selfie on a street in Palma de Mallorca in 2024

The city's 639 legal tourist rentals will remain in operation, but under the new rules, once they close, they cannot be replaced.

The goal: fewer bargain stays, fewer wild party crowds - and a visitor base that supports the city rather than overwhelms it.

The mayor framed these measures not as anti-visitor, but as essential to protecting 'the quality of the destination.'

Palma's mayor, Jaime Martinez, announced a ban on party boats, new tourist rentals and youth hostels, as part of a drive to protect what he called 'the quality of the destination.'

These moves come after tens of thousands of residents marched through Palma in July, carrying signs that read 'Your luxury, our misery' and blocking roads in protest of rising rents, overcrowding, and cruise-ship congestion.

Local businesses were plastered with protest stickers. Demonstrators demanded limits on short-term lets and caps on cruise arrivals - echoing similar movements across the Balearics and the Canary Islands.

Protesters hold a placard which reads 'tourism yes, but not like this' during a demonstration to protest against overtourism and housing prices in Palma de Mallorca in July 2024

The tension is understandable.

Spain recorded a historic tourism boom last year, with more than 15 million visitors to Mallorca alone.

And earlier this year, the Balearic Islands stopped commissioning influencers to promote their most scenic locations after discovering the campaign had massively backfired.

Local authorities had originally hoped social media stars would help relieve the strain on some locations frequented by tourists by encouraging visitors to explore less popular sites.

Last month, Mallorca shop owners were reported to have implemented their own measures, by banning travel influencers that enter their stores to take photos, but don't buy anything.

Some shopkeepers have even put up 'no photography' signs on their windows, local news outlet Ultima Hora reported.

The message is subtle but firm: Palma welcomes those who want to experience it - not remake it.
Hunted down by phone snatchers, targeted by car thieves and preyed upon by hackers - this is the Real Housewife of London who refuses to back down.

Amanda Cronin, a former model who founded her own skincare business, has become the latest star to fall victim to the hated phone thieves in the capital, where overall crime has soared by nearly a third over the past decade.

Just weeks prior, she had enjoyed a long lunch with Bridgerton actress Genevieve Chenneour, who has been attacked twice in London this year. Ms Chenneour was randomly attacked by Oxford Circus last week - just months after having to bravely defend herself from prolific thief Zacariah Boulares at Joe & the Juice, Kensington.

Ms Cronin, 57, was 'shocked' and 'upset' by Ms Chenneour's double attack. But little did she know, she too would be preyed upon by London's criminals just yard's away from her three-storey mews house in Belgravia.

The Real Housewives of London star - also known as 'the longest legs of Belgravia' owing to her slender 37-inch pins - was walking home from a 'beautiful' evening out in nearby Sloane Square last month when her iPhone 15 was pinched by a hooded e-bike thug at around 9pm.

In an exclusive interview with the Daily Mail, Ms Cronin defended London as the city she has always loved since moving in the 90s - despite laying bare an astonishing crime wave in recent years.

She revealed how she also had a phone snatched while looking around universities with her daughter a few years ago, woke up to a hacker attempting to access her Coutts private banking account and has survived 'multiple' attempted car thefts.

'I always describe London as a big, bad city,' she says. 'You do need to have your wits about you. There's always been robbery and knife crime in all the time I've been here - but we've had pickpockets in London since Oliver Twist!'

Amanda Cronin (pictured), a former model known for having the 'longest legs in Belgravia', has become the latest star to fall victim to the hated phone thieves

(L-R) Real Housewives of London's Juliet Mayhew, Amanda Cronin, Karen Loderick-Peace, Nessie Welschinger, Juliet Angus and Panthea Parker

The reality TV star enjoyed an idyllic childhood in the Hampshire countryside before mixing with the elite during her time in Monaco, France and Switzerland.

But for Ms Cronin, London will always be her home.

'I've been in London since the early 90s, so I'm very, pro-London and very pro-UK,' she says.

'So it is upsetting to see that we maybe don't have the resources that we need in the city, but with 10 million people, in London and Greater London, it's a big job keeping people safe.'

She called for the authorities to take a New York-style approach by 'not turning a blind eye' to 'lesser crime' such as phone snatching.

'We need to feel safe, we need the tourists to feel safe and we need the people that come and spend a lot of money to feel safe - and to want to be in London.

'It would be nice if the police had more resources and I think that is a problem.'

Recalling the moment her phone was taken last month, she tells the Mail: 'I'd had a really beautiful day. I went to have a drink with one of the other housewives from Real Housewives of Jersey, Dr. Tessa Hartmann, and I'd been to a beautiful girl's lunch, so I was in such a lovely mood.

'I'd had a lovely, girly day, and I was actually just walking home from the One Sloane hotel, where I had drinks with Tessa.

'It's quite close to my house, Sloane Square to Belgravia, so I thought I'd have a lovely stroll and do a little few steps.

'I was just about to turn into my street, and this guy on a bike, they just come out of nowhere, completely silent, and off they go, just whisk your phone out of your hand.

'I just looked into the distance and saw him riding off.

The Real Housewives of London star was walking home from a 'beautiful' evening out in nearby Sloane Square last month when her iPhone 15 was pinched

Just months prior, Ms Cronin had gone for lunch with Genevieve Chenneour, who had her phone robbed at Joe & the Juice in February. She was also attacked in London last week

'Obviously there's a great relief that I wasn't hurt or pushed over. I had a Gucci bag, they didn't want that. I even had a couple of rings on because I'd been out to a very glamorous event that day.'

She added: 'It was upsetting. I got home and couldn't make a phone call, I couldn't get into the office phone, and then luckily I knew where my daughter was having dinner.

'It was raining but I walked and got my daughter's phone and called up Amex and my bank and stopped all my cards. That was my first thought. Obviously the phone is open at this point when they take it off you and you think they've got access to everything that's in your phone.

'My phone is my world, it's my office, I do everything on it, I'm mobile-centric.'

Ms Cronin admits she stopped e-banking 'a long time ago', explaining: 'I had my phone hacked a few years ago and I remember waking up on a Sunday morning after being to Wales on a TV shoot and someone was trying to face ID my Coutts app.

'At that point I thought I'm not doing that.'

Opening up about her other run-ins with London's thugs, she reveals: 'I've had my car attempted robbery multiple times a year ago where I live. Multiple times they tried to take my car. It's difficult to have these things, you think let's not have these luxury items but I work extremely hard and I feel like I want a sense of freedom to be able to do what I want.

'I'm a free spirit, so if I want to have something nice and reward myself for all of my hard work, then that's what I'm going to continue to do.'

Ms Cronin refuses to back down to the thieves but concedes: 'I don't go around London with a watch anymore, we don't wear our watches because we know so many people who have had watches stolen. The watch attacks can be very harmful.'

She has since taken the precaution of ordering a strap to keep her phone around her neck.

Ms Cronin has turned to Christianity in the last few years after the collapse of her marriage to her second husband, energy tycoon millionaire Mark Daeche, in 2019.

After landing a multi-million-pound divorce settlement, she went on to date former Wham! star Andrew Ridgeley but they spilt up in 2023.

She says that while others may have been left badly shaken up and violated by a criminal stealing their phone and having access to their personal life, she tries to take a different approach.

'I'm a woman of faith. I live in faith, not in fear, so for me I don't dwell on it,' she explains.

'I just got on and tried to order a new phone and get my setup back which took quite a few days and was stressful and upsetting and impacted on my business.'

In a rallying call to the people of Britain, Ms Cronin defiantly says: 'There's a lot going on in the UK, but we just need to stay strong and resilient and positive. We need to stick together and do whatever we can to be safe and feel safe and help our community.

'That's all we can do until things get better.'

Ms Cronin burst onto our screens in 2022 starring in Channel 4's Millionairess and Me and this year starred on Real Housewives of London,

At 50, she also launched her skincare brand, Amanda Caroline, which sells high-end products such as 150 Haute Lift Serum and 130 Haute Lift Cream.

The brand counts TV presenter Lisa Snowdon and model Victoria Silvstedt among its loyal fans.
Senior SAS figures defended the regiment last night after a High Court inquiry into alleged war crimes released more damning claims.

The former officers accused rival Special Boat Service commanders of having an agenda against the SAS and criticised the court for its selective release of testimonies.

The fightback was led by former SAS Commanding Officer Richard Williams, a staunch critic of the lawfare targeting British troops who served in Afghanistan and other conflicts such as Northern Ireland.

Last night the Inquiry, being held at the Royal Courts of Justice, released its biggest batch of documents and testimonies to date.

These were provided in closed sessions by senior Special Forces officers and civil servants employed in sensitive roles at the time when the suspicious shootings allegedly took place.

The evidence points to, but by no means proves, so-called Extra Judicial Killings by the SAS targeting insurgents from 2010 to 2013.

Soldiers found to have possibly committed EJKs could face criminal investigations  so too any officers who may have covered up any illegal actions.

Elite SAS troops were ordered to eliminate the Taliban's networks of Improvised Explosive Devices

BBC Panorama documentaries have accused the SAS of conducting Extra Judicial Killings in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The regiment's most celebrated action was the storming of the Iranian Embassy in Knightsbridge in May 1980.

Colonel Williams, who led the SAS from 2005 to 2008, demanded to know why the Inquiry had not published evidence supporting the regiments actions.

The Mail understands senior SAS officers and a former Director of UK Special Forces have provided testimony contextualising these incidents.

As yet, these testimonies have not been published. Last night, the Inquiry shared material that appears to support allegations the SAS may have acted outside their Rules of Engagement.

Speaking exclusively to the Mail, Colonel Williams said: This very selective release of interpretations and judgements made by inexperienced staff officers reads like a one-sided, agenda-driven version of events.

These officers were thousands of miles from combat tragedies. With no counter narrative or accounts provided by SAS soldiers on the ground appears judgemental.

Hardly a shining example of transparency or fairness and a very odd way for a serious independent inquiry to behave.

The Inquiry Relating to Afghanistan began hearing evidence in 2023. Since then, scores of witnesses have provided evidence in closed and open sessions.

Most SAS and SBS witnesses have given testimony behind closed doors due to restrictions around their identity and security classifications surrounding operations.

The evidence released last night included a description of a soldier supposedly murdering Afghan captives. However, the evidence may be no more than hearsay. The account was second hand and was never tested as part of a criminal investigation.

It said a British unit: Cleared a compound and then placed all personnel [Local Nationals] in one room for safety. While being guarded another soldier entered the room and opened fire.

He was jumped on but it did result in a number of those in the room being killed. The incident was covered up.

The unsubstantiated claim was made by a Special Forces trooper from a different unit.

In a separate incident, a soldier was said to have opened fire beneath a mosquito net beneath which women and children were taking cover. Again, the testimony was second-hand.

Documents released by the Inquiry last night claimed the incident was covered up and the individual who did the shooting was allegedly given some sort of award to make it look legitimate.

The Inquiry also heard that a senior officer at Special Forces headquarters in London intended to notify the Royal Military Police about such incidents, only to change his mind.

The high ranking commander, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, claimed he was appalled by allegations of Extra-Judicial Killings.

Yet at the moment of reckoning, when he could have filed a report to RMP himself, he kept quiet fearing that contacting detectives would harm his career.

The witness said: I believed it would have had an adverse impact on my promotion prospects and career longevity. I wish to express my regret that I did not make a report to SIB [Special Investigation Branch in 2011.

The judge-led Inquiry is expected to hear further evidence long into 2026 and possibly into 2027. The publication of its findings could be followed by a criminal investigation by the Metropolitan Police.

It is alleged the SAS killed more than 80 Afghans in suspicious circumstances in remote compounds in Helmand Province during the long British campaign there.

Approaching 500 British soldiers lost their lives in Afghanistan following the Al Qaeda attacks on the US on 11th September 2001.

The SAS were sent to the country to target the enemys Improvised Explosive Device (IED networks).

Evidence provided by four witnesses who held key posts within United Kingdom Special Forces were released last night. For security reasons they were identified by cyphers used by the Inquiry  N1466, N5461, N2444 and N1803.

Last night, the Ministry of Defence said: The government is fully committed to supporting the Independent Inquiry Relating to Afghanistan as it continues its work and we are hugely grateful to former and current employees that have given evidence.

We also remain committed to providing the support that our Special Forces deserve, while maintaining the transparency and accountability that the British people rightly expect from their armed forces.
Kristi Noem has claimed that the suspect in the national guard shooting in Washington D.C. was 'radicalized' in the US after entering the country under the Biden administration.

During an appearance on NBC's Meet the Press on Sunday, Noem said that authorities believe alleged shooter Rahmanullah Lakanwal became indoctrinated in his extremist ideology while living in Washington.

'I will say we believe he was radicalized since he's been here in this country. We do believe it was through connections in his home community and state, and we're going to continue to talk to those who interacted with him,' Noem told the outlet.

Lakanwal, 29, faces charges of first-degree murder after he allegedly opened fire on soldiers Andrew Wolfe, 24, and Sarah Beckstrom, 20, on Wednesday near the White House.

Noem went on to reinforce Donald Trump's criticism of the Biden Administration for not properly vetting Afghans who sought asylum after the fall of Kabul in 2021.

Lakanwal arrived in the US in September 2021 as part of the mass evacuation of Afghans who aided US forces during the war in Afghanistan.

The 29-year-old had served as an ally of Special Forces troops in his CIA-backed 'Zero Unit.'

He applied for asylum in 2024 after his temporary visa lapsed, and in April 2025, it was granted by the Trump administration.

Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem claimed on Sunday that the suspect in the national guard shooting in Washington DC was radicalized in the US after entering the country

Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, the suspect accused of shooting two National Guard troops in Washington DC

'He was brought into the country by the Biden administration through Operation Allies Welcome. And then, maybe vetted after that, but not done well, based on what the guidelines were put forward by President Biden,' said Noem to ABC News' This Week.

She reiterated that her department believes Lakanwal was radicalized since entering the country.

While some individuals in connection to the alleged shooter have participated with officials according to Noem, she added that, 'Anyone who has the information on this needs to know that we will be coming after you, and we will bring you to justice.'

When Noem was further questioned about the vetting process by the Trump administration, she claimed that the information that was used to vet him was collected by the previous administration.

'His asylum claim application started under the Biden administration. That information was provided by them, and the responsibility lies with them,' said Noem to ABC.

The secretary claimed the application process 'has been completely fixed, and new metrics and new processes have been added under President Trump.'

West Virginia National Guard troop Sarah Beckstrom, 20, passed away days after being shot in the head in the horror attack in Washington DC

Andrew Wolfe, 24, was also shot in the attack, and he remains in critical condition

The shooting prompted Trump to pause asylum applications as well as green card applications for an undisclosed period which he described as possibly a 'long time'.

'We have enough problems. We don't want those people,' added the president.

Noem added on Sunday that immigration would be thoroughly combing through every pending asylum case and would potentially move to deport those with active applications if warranted.

Trump revealed that he is considering deporting the family of the terror suspect, including at least five children.

Trump said his team are 'looking at that right now' when asked about the fate of Lakanwal's family, describing the fallout as a 'tragic situation.'

Officials said at a Thursday press conference that Lakanwal drove across the country from his home in Bellingham, Washington to DC before he fired at the troops on Wednesday afternoon with a .357 revolver.

Late on Wednesday night, CIA Director John Ratcliffe told Fox News Lakanwal had direct links to the CIA from his work alongside US Special Forces in Afghanistan.

'The Biden administration justified bringing the alleged shooter to the United States in September 2021 due to his prior work with the US government, including CIA,' Ratcliffe admitted.

He said his involvement with the CIA was 'as a member of a partner force in Kandahar, which ended shortly following the chaotic evacuation.'

Officials said Lakanwal drove across the country from his home in Bellingham, Washington, to DC before he fired at the troops on Wednesday afternoon with a .357 revolver

The apartment complex of Lakanwal in Washington state

Like Trump, Ratcliffe slammed the former administration's 'disastrous' actions during the withdrawal of Afghanistan, which allowed unvetted foreigners to enter the US on temporary visas.

'The individual - and so many others - should have never been allowed to come here,' Ratcliffe said.

'Our citizens and service members deserve far better than to endure the ongoing fallout from the Biden administration's catastrophic failures.'

Trump announced Beckstrom's death on Thursday evening during a call with military leaders to mark the Thanksgiving holiday.

He said: 'Shes just passed away. Shes no longer with us. Shes looking down at us right now... she was an incredible person, outstanding in every single way.

In a Truth Social post, Trump blasted former president Biden for letting unvetted migrants stream into America - claiming he allowed the Afghan shooting suspect into the US during the disastrous 2021 withdrawal.

'I will permanently pause migration from all Third World Countries to allow the US system to fully recover,' he wrote on social media.

Trump also vowed to end all federal benefits for noncitizens, denaturalize migrants who undermine the US, and deport any foreign nationals deemed a security risk or 'non-compatible with Western Civilization'.

'Only REVERSE MIGRATION can fully cure this situation,' he wrote in the Truth Social post.

'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 countries that will face a re-examination are: Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela.
The city of Portland has sparked fury for referring to the Christmas tree in the main square simply as 'the tree.'

Conservatives slammed the move as a 'woke' effort at inclusivity at the expense of tradition and Christmas spirit.

During the annual tree lighting ceremony at Pioneer Courthouse Square on Saturday night, city council member Candace Avalos celebrated by singing 'holiday songs' alongside protesters demonstrating against the local Starbucks.

The ceremony also promoted a Muslim woman waving a Palestinian flag, who told the crowd: 'There's a full blown genocide happening, live streaming in 4k.

'This is the perfect time to bring this up. There are a lot of genocides going on.'

The woman attempted to lead the crowd in a 'Free, Free Palestine' chant, which invoked a small response from the public, before she led them in a song.

But the city did have a Santa Claus at the function, interacting with families and ultimately 'flipping the switch' to illuminate the tree with about 10,000 light bulbs.

Thousands of resident crowded the town square to celebrate the annual occasion.

The city of Portland has sparked fury for referring to the Christmas tree in the main square simply as 'the tree'

The ceremony also promoted a Muslim woman waving a Palestinian flag (pictured), who told the crowd: 'There's a full blown genocide happening, live streaming in 4k. 'This is the perfect time to bring this up. There are a lot of genocides going on.'

'They can't bring themselves to say the word "Christmas",' one critic said online after the event.

He had traveled to see the tree in all its glory, and noticed a sign in front of the tree simply labeled it 'the tree.'

'Friends, I'm reclaiming this tree and it is HEREBY the Portland CHRISTMAS Tree,' he added.

During the celebration, Mayor Keith Wilson announced the square will also host a New Year's Eve drone show.

'This family-friendly event in Portland's Living Room is quickly becoming a new downtown Portland tradition, and I want to invite everyone to join us and celebrate the arrival of 2026 and all that a new year has to offer,' he said.

The city has faced mounting scrutiny for 'woke' agenda items in recent months. One lawmaker wanted the city to redirect funds to help refugees instead of clearing homeless encampments that have taken over the area in recent years.

Councilor Angelita Morillo, who lives outside of downtown Portland - the homelessness hotspot of the city - in a luxury high-rise apartment building, sugested cutting approximately $4.3 million from the Impact Reduction Program to support refugees.

The program went into effect in July and specifically helps assist the unhoused population in the Democrat-run sanctuary city by cleaning sites and supporting those in need.

During the celebration, Mayor Keith Wilson announced the square will also host a New Year's Eve drone show

Conservatives slammed the move as a ' woke ' effort at inclusivity at the expense of tradition and Christmas spirit

As of this month, a total of 12,034 people are experiencing homelessness in Portland's tri-county area, according to a report by Portland State University (PSU)s Homeless Research & Action Collaborative.

That population has risen 61 percent from 2023 and is spread out across Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties, per the report.

In September, Mayor Wilson sent a mass email to residents begging them for help to combat the homelessness crisis by donating their time, money and household items.

He expressed concerns that if the community didn't step up to fix the problem, Donald Trump would set his sights on cleaning up the community, as he had done to other liberal cities.

The message was sent to 17,000 recipients on the City Hall mailing list.

It said: 'I need your help. We're delivering real change to Portland, and if you can contribute a bag of snacks, an hour of your time as an artist, teacher, or builder, or even a small show of financial support to our emergency shelter system, I want to connect.

The city did have a Santa Claus at the function, interacting with families and ultimately 'flipping the switch' to illuminate the tree with about 10,000 light bulbs

'Recent events in Washington, D.C. show us what will happen to Portland if we don't move with speed, purpose, and compassion to address the humanitarian crisis on our streets.

'The federal administration deploys bulldozers and mass arrests by masked agents, the opposite of our outreach worker and emergency shelter strategy.

'Let's work together by volunteering and donating, and prove the administration's heavy-handed tactics are not needed in our city.'

Trump did deploy the National Guard to Portland in September, but a federal judge recently ruled he did not meet legal requirements when he did so.
Sunrise co-host Nat Barr has blasted both sides of politics after the energy market regulator warned millions of Aussies could soon face a higher risk of blackouts.

From 2027, Australia's east coast is expected to face a heightened risk of outages amid concerns the electricity grid is underprepared for the scheduled shutdown of the nation's biggest coal power station, Eraring, in NSW's Lake Macquarie region.

The Australian Energy Market Operator has warned that key infrastructure needed to stabilise the grid will not be installed in time for Eraring's closure.

The warning triggered a fiery debate between Barr, federal Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek and Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce on Monday.

Plibersek blamed the previous Coalition government and insisted Labor was working to address the issue before Barr cut in.

'You are, but it is slow,' Barr told the minister.

'This report shows that we have a lack of system security, that is the report, that will get us through sudden spikes.

'We need more electricity and all of a sudden, a hot day, so this is a problem. How will we work this out? Will we work this out?'

Nat Barr has blasted both sides of government after the energy market regulator warned millions of Aussies could soon be at higher risk of blackouts

Plibersek continued to point the finger at the former government.

'It is true, all of this would have been would have been better if it had started 10 years ago but we are dealing with what we inherited and we are dealing with it quickly,' she said.

Joyce, who served in that government, conceded they failed to act.

'That was a mistake, wasn't it? We should be building new coal fired power stations.

'I can say that now.'

But he said Labor's renewable energy policy was 'wrecking the grid'.

'What's happening, in a technical term, is they've got a car that worked perfectly well, which is the energy car,' Joyce said.

'And they randomly opened up the bonnet and started taking out parts and putting new parts in, thinking it was going to go and guess what? It doesn't.

There are concerns that that the electricity grid is underprepared for the scheduled closure of the nation's biggest coal power plant Eraring

'Net zero is a measure mistake and we should fix it and we should be building new coal-fired power stations otherwise, Australia, the lights are going to go out.'

Plibersek said renewables were the cheapest form of energy.

'Coal is old, unreliable and expensive, and the renewables are the cheapest form of new energy, and that we need to make sure that we're getting them into a stabilised grid as quickly as possible,' she said.

'Of course, it would have been better if this process had started ten years ago, when the Liberals and Nationals were first warned that 24 out of 28 coal fired power stations were closing.

'It would be great if we started then.

'Instead, we had a previous government that stuck its head in the sand, had 23 different energy policies and didn't land a single one of them.'

Origin Energy may now be required to extend Eraring's operations for a second time to prevent power shortages.

The NSW government says it is working to fast-track Transgrid's plan to install grid-stabilising machinery.

'The NSW government is accelerating the delivery of synchronous condensers by 18 months, and passed legislation to do this,' NSW energy minister Penny Sharpe said.

'After a decade of inaction, NSW is in a race to replace our ageing coal-fired power stations.'

Origin has not ruled out operating Eraring beyond its planned August 2027 closure.

'It is up to Origin to make a good decision, which we'll do with our customers and energy security for the people of New South Wales in mind,' a spokeswoman told AFR.
A Sydney high school has sparked outrage by introducing a uniform policy critics say discriminates against girls after banning bike shorts, leggings, and low-cut tops.

Students and parents at Mosman High School on Sydney's lower north shore have slammed the dress code, which started last month.

Mosman High is one of the few state schools in NSW without a designated uniform - a decision made in the 1980s to distinguish itself from nearby private schools.

Female students claim that they face the risk of detention or suspension if they breach the new dress code.

Some have been told off by teachers for wearing tight tops, which aren't on the banned list.

'It seems to me that it's less about the dress code and what you're wearing, and more about your body,' one girl told the Daily Telegraph.

'People with a certain body type won't get 'dress-coded' for low-cut shirts, but if you have a bigger chest, you might get dress-coded for wearing a low-cut shirt.'

Girls' activewear such as leggings and bike shorts have been banned by a Sydney school (stock image)

The new dress code at Mosman High School on Sydney's lower north shore does not apply to boys

One parent said that the new restrictions ignored body diversity among young girls.

Principal Susan Wyatt addressed parents' concerns about the new dress code in a recent newsletter.

'Firstly, let me say that non-uniform is such a valuable approach to ensuring equity and support for student wellbeing,' she wrote.

'I believe the dress code is reasonable and presents a balance between comfort and being mindful that we are in a school where learning is the focus.

'Mosman High is a special school, and our non-uniform is part of what makes us special.'

Ms Wyatt has referred media inquiries to the NSW Department of Education, which redirected the matter back to the school.

The saga sparked widespread debate on breakfast television and radio across the nation on Monday.

'It's an interesting one,' Sunrise co-host Nat Barr said.

Mosman is one of the few state high schools in NSW that doesn't have a designated school uniform (stock image)

'There's no rule for the boys, who can wear whatever they like.

'This will blow up.'

NSW shadow education spokesperson Sarah Mitchell, who previously served as minister in the former Coalition government, urged the school to resolve the matter after speaking with an impacted student.

'The message I got from speaking to her is that they think there's a double standard,' she told 2GB host Ben Fordham.

'The school leaders, parents and kids should all sit down and find a sensible way forward so that the girls feel comfortable.

'As long as it's not revealing or inappropriate, I think their argument makes sense.'

The saga divided Aussies online.

'We can ban hot pants but not a burqa?' one man posted.

However, many also supported an activewear ban.

'The school shouldn't have to go to these lengths, and if the students and parents don't like the ban, then they should look at changing schools,' one woman commented.

Another added: 'I don't even wanna see it at the shops, let alone know it's being worn in schools. I would never have even contemplated wearing that to school in the 2000s.'

A third wrote: 'It's about time teenagers stopped doing whatever they like for a change.'
Aussie drivers who identify as non-binary can save hundreds of dollars a year in car insurance, a young road user has discovered.

Radio 2GB host Ben Fordham was left stunned when a listener, also named Ben, 22, laid out the difference on Monday morning's program.

He claimed his NRMA comprehensive car insurance quote dropped $800 annually when he selected the non-binary option instead of the male option, from $2,700 to $1,900.

'I found the box on there and thought I'm just going to give it a tick and see what it comes out with, you know, it might be a bit of a joke,' he said.

'A joke is right, I was absolutely stunned at what I found.'

Fordham agreed, saying simply: 'I can't believe it.

'The best deal goes to the non-binary driver just tick the non-binary box, because no-one is going to be able to disprove how you are identify, you're going to get a better deal.'

All other specifications being equal, including the vehicle model, his age, and driving history, the quotes fluctuated dramatically based on gender identity alone.

Aussies were stunned by the findings, with many claiming they would simply claim to identify as non-binary come insurance time.

NRMA car insurance quote drops by $800 when a driver selects non-binary instead of male

Fordham was stunned to find out a male could pay less for insurance by identifying as non-binary

'No problem, I'm non-binary too then,' one man wrote on social media.

'Well, I know what box I'll be ticking,' a woman added.

Daily Mail has confirmed the trend - finding the costs of a comprehensive policy for a 2016 Hyundai i30 was about $730 cheaper for a 25-year-old non-binary customer than a male - bringing the cost from $2,300 per year to $1570.

The same policy for a female customer was about $1,917.

Meanwhile, Daily Mail confirmed Allianz comprehensive car insurance quotes are lower for non-binary customers than male customers.

However, unlike NRMA, the valuations appear to be identical between non-binary and female applicants.

Costlier car insurance policies for males have been justified on the basis that they are more likely to be involved in crashes, particularly for younger drivers.

Finance comparison site Mozo found men pay about 17 per cent more for car insurance, though the gap narrows with age.

Research published by the University of New South Wales in 2021 found male drivers in NSW are more likely to crash for up to 13 years of attaining their licence.

Research published by the University of New South Wales in 2021 found male drivers in NSW are more likely to crash for up to 13 years of attaining their licence

Professor Rebecca Ivers, head of UNSW's School of Population Health said there was a need for data that goes beyond traditional sex delineations.

'Because current data is generally limited to binary notions of sex, there is a critical need for more nuanced research that investigates the gendered dimensions of mobility, transport and safety,' she said at the time.

While the difference is clear for males and females, data on the impact of gender identity, as opposed to sex, is more difficult to find.

Other major insurers, including AAMI, GIO and QBE only have male and female options, without a specific box for non-binary applicants.

However, AAMI and GIO's websites include notices inviting customers who do not identify as male or female to 'select the gender you are most comfortable with'.

'We're reviewing our system as they currently only request male and female,' both websites read.

'Once you have a quote or policy number handy, please give us a call so we can acknowledge your correct gender and ensure you are included in future system changes.'

A spokesperson for NRMA told the Daily Mail the non-binary option had recently been introduced into its comprehensive car insurance quoting process to enable non-binary customers to 'be represented and recognised when applying for insurance'.

'We consider a number of factors when determining the premium for car insurance, including the gender of the driver, make and model of your vehicle and claims history,' they said.

'We will continue to refine our approach as we gain insight on driver behaviour to ensure policies and premiums are reflected appropriately.

'Its important customers provide accurate information when purchasing insurance.'

Daily Mail has contacted Allianz for comment.
The Greens have won a Senate inquiry into a bill that would give Australians the right to work from home, a move that could reshape workplaces across the country.

The Education and Employment Legislation Committee will examine the proposal, which seeks to amend the Fair Work Act to allow employees to work remotely for up to two days a week.

Greens workplace relations spokesperson Senator Barbara Pocock said flexible work is now a mainstream expectation, with two-thirds of Australians supporting remote arrangements.

'Flexible working arrangements are an essential feature of modern workplaces,' Pocock said.

'Working from home reduces commuting, improves wellbeing, and boosts productivity, while also supporting women and carers.

'Given that most workers in Australia are covered by federal workplace law, it makes practical sense to ensure this right at the national level. We need a sensible, national approach.

'The Greens want to see real improvements in the conditions and rights of Australian workers that reflect the modern workplaces of 2025 and beyond.'

The federal push comes after Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan pledged to introduce similar legislation at the state level early next year.

Senator Barbara Pocock (pictured) says flexible working conditions are a feature of modern workplaces

The Greens said working from home has many benefits including reducing the time spent on commuting and boosting workforce participation and productivity particularly for women

Industry voices have welcomed the move, including Sabrina Scherm from human resources platform HiBob, who said the inquiry is a chance to move workplace flexibility from a 'perk' to a fundamental right.'

'Australia is finally having a serious conversation about modernising how we work,' she said.

'For too long, the debate has been stuck on office versus home.

'But let's be real, this isn't about avoiding the commute. It's all about equity and performance.

'Legislating flexibility forces us to stop managing by headcount and start managing by impact. It shifts the focus from where people sit to what they deliver.

'Plus, with 56 per cent of employees reporting they are equally or more productive remotely, especially with AI tools in the mix, the business case for flexibility is already proven.'

The Senate inquiry will hear from stakeholders and unions before handing down its recommendation by March 26, 2026.

The debate comes amid growing disputes over flexible work requests at the Fair Work Commission.

Sabrina Scherm (pictured) say employees have proven they can deliver, and they're no longer willing to gnash teeth over where they work when the horse has bolted on in-office mandates

Westpac employee Karlene Chandler (pictured) won the right to WFH so she could care for her young twins

Among the most high-profile cases was Karlene Chandler's landmark win against longtime Westpac employee.

The Fair Work Commission in late October found Westpac acted unlawfully in knocking back her request to work from home to care for her children, a move the sector's union said highlighted that flexible arrangements were a legal right.

The commission heard Ms Chandler asked Westpac if she could work from home so she could care for her two six-year-old children, including taking them to and from school.

Westpac knocked that back, along with a separate offer for Ms Chandler to work from a local bank branch in Bowral for two days a week, rather than the corporate office in Sydney.

The commission found the big-four bank didn't respond to her request within 21 days, failed to genuinely engage with her, and did not provide specific reasoning behind the decision.

The case has been hailed as a landmark victory for working parents, and a warning to big business that the flexible-work era isn't over.

Fair Work Commissioner Sharon Durham revealed hundreds of similar workplace disputes have been fought and resolved behind closed doors, with many employers unknowingly breaking the law.
Three children were among four people killed when a gunman opened fire at a birthday party in California in what authorities have described as a 'targeted' attack.

Police have said that an unidentified shooter opened fire at a banquet hall at around 6pm on Saturday night in Stockton, where at least 100 people were gathered.

Children ages eight, nine and 14, were killed, as was a 21 year old, Heather Brent, a spokeswoman for the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office announced Sunday.

Eleven others were wounded.

Announcing the children's deaths on Sunday, Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi broke down in tears.

'They should be writing their Christmas lists right now. Their parents should be out shopping for them for Christmas,' she said. 'And to think that their lives are over. I can't even begin to imagine what these families are going through. Breaks my heart.'

She went on to say that the eight-year-old victim attended a local school and had a parent who worked for the Stockton Unified School District.

Counselors will now be made available this week at city schools, the mayor said as she declared: 'Stockton is better than this.'

Authorities are continuing to investigate after an unidentified gunman opened fire at a banquet hall in Stockton, California Saturday night

Four people were killed in the shooting and 11 others were wounded

In the moments after shots were fired, the sheriff's office was inundated with calls reporting a shooting and saying children as young as nine were bleeding - and that a 15-year-old boy was not breathing, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Deputies then responded to the banquet hall near a Dairy Queen and found shooting victims in the parking lot while many others panicked and screamed.

Witnesses at the scene then told authorities they saw a lone gunman, who was about five-foot-six-inches wearing black pants, according to police dispatches.

Meanwhile, video from the scene showed a massive police presence as both paramedics and bystanders tended to the wounded. Photos also showed clothing and debris were scattered across the pavement, and bullet holes were seen in one of the roll-up doors.

Nearby, Priscilla Salas told the LA Times how she was at her boyfriend's house behind the banquet hall when they heard several rounds from a fully automatic weapon and then pops from a handgun.

'It was pandemonium,' she described.

Salas said she ran out of her house and saw ambulances converged at the scene, then watched in horror as first responders carried out the bodies of the children.

In the moments after shots were fired, the sheriff's office was inundated with calls reporting a shooting and saying children as young as nine were bleeding

Police taped off the area where the shooting took place at 6pm on Saturday

A map shows the location of the shooting that has seen four people killed

About 10 minutes after the shooting, family members of partygoers began descending on the crime scene looking for their children, another neighbor told the outlet.

He said the birthday party was for a two year old, and described how he heard people crying that their children could not be found as helicopters scoured the area.

Following the news of the young children's deaths, roughly 150 people gathered at a prayer vigil, huddling together and holding candles.

'We want to pray for the families and also for our city,' said Terry Saffold, the pastor of Greater Maranatha Church of God in Christ.

Authorities now say they believe the attack was 'targeted' - and suggested that gang violence was involved.

Fugazi even speculated that the target of the shooting could be a rapper by the name of MBnel as she called the shooting an act of terrorism.

Deputies with the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office continued to investigate the mass shooting on Sunday

Authorities say they believe the attack was 'targeted' - and suggested that gang violence was involved

Police are offering a $25,000 reward for any information leading to an arrest.

'Finding the person or persons who committed this crime is the No. 1 priority,' Brent said, adding that detectives 'are pursuing all possibilities.'

'This was a birthday party for a young child, and the fact that this happened is absolutely heartbreaking,' she continued.

'If you have surveillance footage, if youre a local business here, if youre in the area, live in the area, or maybe youve heard rumors - please contact the sheriffs office.'

District Attorney Ron Freitas also urged the shooter to 'turn yourself in immediately.'

He had earlier vowed to pursue the maximum charges once a suspect is arrested.

'When this individual is caught, you have my promise that you will have the full force of my office's resources in holding this individual fully accountable,' Freitas said, according to the Sacramento Bee.

'Children should not be harmed by gun and gang violence.'

Deputies responded to the banquet hall near a Dairy Queen Saturday night and found shooting victims in the parking lot while many others panicked and screamed

In 2024, Stockton had many more homicides - 54 - than other California cities of similar size, but the rate was down through October of this year, according to city data.

Still, Yolanda Morgande said violence like the attack Saturday night 'has been plaguing our city for a while.'

She said she found the online discourse about the shooting demoralizing.

'So many comments were like "It's just Stockton," but the violence shouldn't be normalized,' she told the Sacramento Bee.

'We live here. We don't want our grandkids thinking violence is alright.'
Rachel Reeves insisted today she was the fiscal watchdogs biggest fan  but could still sack its beleaguered boss.

The Chancellor confirmed that she will receive a report tomorrow on the serious error that saw the Office for Budget Responsibility publish its crucial verdict on the Budget before she gave her speech on Wednesday.

It has called in the former head of the National Cyber Security Centre Ciaran Martin to find out how the document ended up online early  provoking fury in government.

In another headache for Ms Reeves, the watchdog also cast doubt on claims that the Chancellor dropped plans to raise income tax in the Budget because of rosier forecasts, saying she knew about these well before the change of heart.

OBR chairman Richard Hughes took what he acknowledged was the unusual step of writing to the Treasury select committee to explain how its forecast evolved, given the circumstances.

But asked if Mr Hughes should go, Ms Reeves said: There is no one who is a bigger supporter of the Office for Budget Responsibility than me. I reappointed Richard Hughes in the summer to strengthen the powers of the OBR. We will get a report tomorrow.

The report that looks at what happens about that Budget. It was clearly a serious breach of protocol but Ill see that report tomorrow.

Earlier in the same Sky News interview, Ms Reeves discussed the OBR downgrading Britains productivity level estimates in the run-up to her crucial Budget.

OBR chairman Richard Hughes (pictured) took what he acknowledged was the unusual step of writing to the Treasury select committee to explain how its forecast evolved, given the circumstances

Asked if Mr Hughes should go, Ms Reeves described his actions as a 'serious breach of protocol' but added that it was her that reappointed him in the summer to strengthen the powers of the OBR

She said the watchdogs recalculation was the biggest change to the public finances in recent months, and reflected the Conservatives handling of the economy rather than her own.

Told that she previously promised not to come back with another tax-raising Budget, Ms Reeves said: Well, the Budget this year was not on the scale of the one last year. But as I set out in my speech at the beginning of November, the context for this Budget did change and I did have to ask people to contribute more.

And the biggest thing that happened between the spring forecast and the forecast that the OBR provided for this Budget was a big downgrade in productivity. She added: The OBR have been really clear  that reflects the legacy of the previous 14 years, not anything this Government has done in the last 16 months.

But, nevertheless, that productivity downgrade means they forecast tax receipts that are going to be 16billion lower.

Told that the difference between her two budgets was not that great, the Chancellor said it was down to reasons not in my control. She added: Its up to them to justify the timing of the productivity review.

And told how she had previously insisted everything that happened after last years Budget would be her choice, she replied: Well, look at the Office for Budget Responsibility, youre not interviewing them, youre interviewing me.

Mr Hughes will appear before MPs on the Treasury committee on Tuesday, which published his evidence showing the OBR had told the Chancellor there was no black hole finances  while she was talking up problems in balancing the books. Mr Hughes has already said he will quit if Ms Reeves and the committee lose faith in him.

He told a post-Budget event: I serve subject to the confidence of the Chancellor and the Treasury committee. If they conclude... they no longer have confidence in me, then of course I will resign, which is what you do when youre the chair of something called the Office for Budget Responsibility.
Millions of Americans will be under a winter weather watch from Monday night into Tuesday as a major storm blankets parts of the country in more than a foot of snow, just days after another tundra inundated the Midwest and snarled traffic during the post-Thanksgiving weekend.

Those in the Midwest can expect to see slush falling at around midday Monday before the storm moves into the Northeast, where more than a foot of snow is predicted to fall.

Forecasters have warned that the upcoming storm could unleash 'widespread and impactful snow and ice' around the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast when it hits the area on Tuesday, according to The New York Times.

'For areas of Pennsylvania and New York State, up through the rest of New England, that's where the heaviest and most impactful weather will be,' Andrew Orrison, a meteorologist at the Weather Prediction Center said.

'We are expecting a swath of six to 12 inches of snow from parts of the Poconos and the Catskills and up through Vermont, New Hampshire, western Massachusetts and a good chunk of Maine as well.'

'In New York City and up into Boston, those areas could see at least a couple of inches, potentially,' Orrison added.

A winter storm watch will take effect late Monday and into Tuesday for millions of Americans in areas stretching from central Pennsylvania to the northern tip of Maine.

A major snow storm inundated the Midwest over the weekend. A person cis picturing using cross country skis in a park along Lake Michigan in Evanston, Illinois on Sunday

Another massive storm is now set to slam into the Northeast on Tuesday

The tempest will form when an upper-air disturbance in the Great Basin of Nevada swings southeast towards the Four Corners and melds on Monday with moisture coming out of the Gulf of Mexico.

It will then strike the Ohio Valley during the second half of Monday, before trekking up to the Appalachians, bringing rain and snow to the Eastern Seaboard.

Light snow is then possible by lunchtime Monday in Kansas and Missouri, with some mixed precipitation in northern Arkansas, including freezing rain or light sleet.

By Monday night, steady rain is forecasted in Mississippi, Alabama and western Georgia, with continued mixing in Arkansas and snow near the Ohio River in Kentucky.

The storm is then expected to spread over Indiana, Ohio and Pennsylvania, with freezing rain in the Alleghanies and Appalachians of western Virginia and West Virginia.

At least two inches of snow is expected from central Kansas through the Ohio Valley, including in Illinois, Indiana, Missouri and Ohio.

Some areas could even see four inches or more of snow.

Meanwhile, ice accumulation could reach up to half an inch in parts of the Midwest - which is already reeling from another massive snow storm brought over a foot of slush to the area.

The weekend storm led to problems traveling following the Thanksgiving holiday. Snow-covered cars are pictured in a rental car parking lot at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport on Sunday

The airport was forced to cancel more than 1,000 flights on Saturday

It was then left trying to play catch up on Tuesday as the TSA Precheck line stretched throughout the terminal

The heaviest snow fell in Bear Lake, Michigan, which reported over two feet of snowfall - though much of that total stemmed from days of lake event snow preceding the main storm.

That lake effect snow continued Sunday, leading to even more accumulations east of Lakes Erie and Ontario.

In New York, the city of Westmoreland - east of Syracuse - tallied 25 inches as of Sunday, and Ellicottville - south of Buffalo - had over 19 inches.

The city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin was even forced to declare a snow emergency as roads there remain unplowed amid nationwide travel trouble.

There was a 45-car pileup along Interstate 70 about 10 miles from Terre Haute, Indiana, due to the snow.

Several of the cars slid across the eastbound side to the median, into the grass, and even toward oncoming traffic on the westbound side of the highway.

The storm system also caused 104 crashes and more than 120 spinouts in Minnesota.

And in Iowa, Delta Air Lines Flight 5087 slid off the runway due to icy conditions at Des Moines International Airport.

The passengers were forced to sit on the aircraft after it hit the ice and slid two feet off the runway, they shared on social media as videos shared to Facebook showed first responders plowing the plane out of the slush so it could get back on the runway.

They were eventually let off the plane and were taken to a terminal, with no injuries reported, according to NBC News.

'Safety comes before all else and we apologize to our customers for the experience,' Delta said in a statement.

More than a foot of snow was reported in northern New York following the storm

A snowplow sets out in Lowville, New York, on Sunday

At nearby Chicago O'Hare International Airport, more than 1,000 flights were canceled on Saturday - forcing the airport to try to catch up with an influx of passengers on Sunday.

The road leading up to the airport was jammed with vehicles, and the TSA Precheck line stretched throughout the terminal, NBC News reports.

By Sunday night, more than half of all flights coming out of O'Hare were delayed, while 10 percent of incoming flights were canceled and 46 percent of incoming flights were delayed, according to FlightAware.

New York City's John F Kennedy International Airport also saw a quarter of its incoming flights on Sunday delayed and 21 percent of its outgoing flights delayed.

In total, the US saw a whopping 9,411 flight delays on Sunday and more than 1,000 flight cancelations.
They are set to face court in January

A Sydney-based satanic child sex abuse material ring has been busted by police, who have charged four men over their alleged involvement.

Among those charged is Landon Ashton Versace Germanotta-Mills, 26, who was arrested at an apartment in Waterloo in the city of Sydney on Thursday

Police allege Germanotta-Mills played a leading role in the paedophile network, which traded shocking abuse material.

Detectives from the sex crimes squad established Strike Force Constantine to investigate the online distribution of child sexual abuse material involving ritualistic or satanic themes.

During the investigation, police uncovered the Sydney-based network which was actively involved in possessing, distributing and facilitating the material via a 'website administered internationally'.

Detectives, along with the riot squad, executed six search warrants on Thursday in Waterloo, Ultimo and Malabar.

Germanotta-Mills, a self-appointed independent investigative journalist, was arrested in a zebra-print outfit, covering his face with a blue beanie.

He was charged with child abuse offences including seven counts of using a carriage service to make child abuse available, use carriage service to access child abuse material, three counts of possessing child abuse data-use carriage service, two counts of disseminating bestiality material and possessing bestiality material.

Landon Ashton Versace Germanotta-Mills, 26, was one of four men arrested for his alleged involvement in an international satanic child sex abuse material ring

The self-appointed independent investigative journalist was in a matching zebra print outfit and covered his face with a blue beanie when police arrested him at the apartment

Police allege Germanotta-Mills played a 'leading role' in the Sydney-based paedophile network, which traded shocking abuse material

The 26-year-old founded the Underground Media Network - an outlet described as an 'independent Australian investigative journalism platform committed to exposing institutional failures and the misuse of power'.

According to the Underground Media Network's website, the outlet investigates issues including police corruption and child protection.

Three other men were also arrested at a unit block in Malabar and charged over their alleged involvement in the paedophile network.

Stuart Woods Riches, 39, was charged with possessing child abuse material, possessing bestiality material, using a carriage to access child abuse material, five counts of failing to comply with reporting obligations and two counts of possessing a prohibited drug.

Mark Andrew Sendecky, 42, was charged with possessing child abuse data-use carriage service, using a carriage to access child abuse material and possessing child abuse material.

Benjamin Raymond Drysdale, 46, was charged with using a carriage service to make child abuse available, two counts of contravening a prohibition order, two counts of failing to comply with reporting obligations and possessing a prohibited drug.

Germanotta-Mills faced court on Friday and was refused bail. He is set to appear in the Downing Centre on January 29.

Riches, Sendecky and Drysdale also faced court on Friday with all three making no applications for bail.

They are also set to appear in the Downing Centre in January.
Misinformation, anti-science sentiment and vaccine hesitancy is being blamed for a 'worrying' drop in Australia's immunisation rates.

The Australian Medical Association is urging Australians to reverse the trend, warning lives are unnecessarily being put at risk and emergency departments are being stretched too thin.

Their latest report released on Monday - From coverage to concern: a policy analysis of Australia's immunisation decline - shows vaccination rates across child, adolescent and adult programs, as well as seasonal flu vaccination, have all dropped.

AMA president Danielle McMullen said immunisation prevents between two and three million deaths a year but misinformation and anti-science sentiment are eroding public trust.

'We are seeing increasing global conversations about vaccine hesitancy, and it is putting lives at risk,' Dr McMullen said.

'Unfortunately, Australia is not immune, and it is deeply concerning to see declining rates here, especially among children.'

Immunisation programs have dramatically decreased mortality from diseases worldwide.

Since childhood vaccinations were introduced into Australia in 1932, deaths from vaccine-preventable diseases have fallen by 99 per cent.

Immunisation rates have slipped below government targets required for herd immunity

AMA president Danielle McMullen said GPs are well placed to reassure patients about vaccines

Yet coverage has slipped in recent years.

Immunisation coverage rates for two-year-olds currently sits at about 90 per cent, according to the data from the Australian Immunisation Register.

Coverage rates for one-and five-year-olds have also decreased to 91.63 per cent and 93.27 per cent.

The figures are below the government's 95 per cent aspirational target required to achieve herd immunity for highly infectious diseases.

Dr McMullen said declining vaccination rates are threatening public health and straining the healthcare system.

'Our hospitals are already in logjam, operating at or above capacity, and yet nearly 10 per cent of preventable admissions are linked to vaccine-preventable illnesses,' she said.

'Declining coverage doesn't just strain our emergency departments - it risks the reemergence of serious diseases like measles, with lifealtering complications.'

Dr McMullen said general practitioners are uniquely placed to reassure those unsure about vaccinations and can help turn the tide in rebuilding trust in vaccines.

'They are trusted voices in their communities and play a pivotal role in encouraging vaccination,' she said.

'A simple conversation with your GP can protect your family, strengthen your community, and save lives.'
Labour luvvie Sir Tony Robinson, one of Sir Keir Starmer's few celebrity supporters, has made a comparison between Nigel Farage and Hitler.

Actor Robinson, who played Baldrick in Blackadder and presented Channel 4's Time Team, was discussing the rise of Farage which seemed to have come 'from nowhere' on the Spooning podcast with Mark Wogan.

Robinson, who was on Labour's ruling NEC when Tony Blair was leader, said: 'This thing about Farage arriving out of nowhere. Yes that's true, but it has always happened.

'If you look at Greek history, Roman history, medieval history... look at Germany in the 1930s. Hitler was just a joke, an absolute joke until 1936-37, in the same way that Farage was.'

Tony Robinson as hapless Baldrick with Rowan Atkinson's Blackadder

Mark Wogan: 'Are you comparing Nigel Farage to Adolf Hitler?'

Robinson: 'I will make no other comment than to say the trajectory of them has been remarkably similar...'

Wogan: 'Haha. We shouldn't laugh.' I don't think Farage will be laughing.

When Mrs Thatcher was due at the British Forces Foundation ball in 1999, 'speech Margaret Thatcher' was written on menus. But her office said she would not be speaking as she was ill. Comedian Jim Davidson, one of the organisers, recalled 'Tipp-Exing' the cards. When the Iron Lady arrived, she scratched off the Tipp-Ex, he told Andrew Gold's Heretics podcast. 'She gave me a little look... and then she got up and spoke for an hour. It was brilliant.'

Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle is fed up with Labour greasers. Calder Valley's Josh Fenton-Glynn asked a Treasury minister if he agreed Rachel Reeves was trying to 'get the best deal for Britain'. Hoyle roared: 'That's a toughie, that one. The worst patsy question so far!'

Joke of the week

A new biography of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is about to be published.

The title? It hasn't got one.

November saw strikes by hospital doctors and strikes planned on the trains. Last month also saw workers at the usually sedate British Library strike over low pay. Not a murmur about it from the local MP  one Sir Keir Starmer.

After her barnstorming Budget speech, many MPs are wondering if Tory leader Kemi Badenoch has had a subtle makeover. She seems to have lost weight from her face and taken to wearing bright lipstick. A sure sign of growing confidence.

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch, who appears to have started paying more attention to her makeup

In last year's Budget speech Chancellor Rachel Reeves said 'growth' 31 times in 8,995 words, making up 0.34 per cent of the statement. Last week it had fallen to 17 times in 6,883 words or 0.24 per cent. Proof positive of the lack of growth.

Labour MP Peter Prinsley said an eight-year-old recently asked him 'if Parliament could pass a law to make it snow more often'. Prinsley added: 'In some ways it was much more realistic than the proposals made by certain MPs.'

MP saves heart attack victim

Helping constituents is routine for MPs. But Tory MP Greg Stafford saved the life of one supporter who collapsed with a heart attack after a meeting with him.

Chris Storey, 76, former mayor of Waverley, was on his way to the car park with his wife Judith when he was struck down. Stafford, the MP for Farnham and Bordon, called 999 and began CPR compressions to keep Mr Storey alive until paramedics arrived. He had a heart bypass and is recovering.

Mrs Storey said: 'I was told that Chris had a heart attack and Greg had saved his life.'
The Victoria Cross awarded to a war hero who took on 100 Germans armed with machine guns has sold for nearly 320,000.

Captain Reginald Haine led six assaults in a clash on the front line during the First World War, later saying of his enemies: 'By jove, they could fight.'

His unit eventually captured the German stronghold in the Battle of Arras, along with 50 prisoners after more than 30 hours of continuous fighting.

He received Britain's highest gallantry award for his exploits in 1917, with the Victoria Cross citation highlighting the officer's 'splendid personal example'.

He even won the Military Cross two years later during a hilltop attack in Dakka after joining the Indian army. And during the Second World War, in his mid-50s, he also signed up for the 'Dad's Army' Home Guard.

In a letter home describing the 'ding-dong battle' for which he was given his VC, Captain Haine said of the Germans: 'By jove, they could fight  an awfully sporty crowd.' The chartered accountant died in Midhurst, West Sussex, aged 85 in 1982.

He was married for nearly 60 years to his wife Dora and they had a daughter and three granddaughters.

His medals had resided in Lord Ashcroft's VC Gallery at the Imperial War Museum until its recent controversial closure.

Captain Reginald Haine (pictured right) presented with the Victoria Cross by King George V at Buckingham Palace

Captain Reginald Haine (pictured) received Britain's highest gallantry award for his exploits in 1917, with the Victoria Cross citation highlighting the officer's 'splendid personal example'.

The captain's medal which sold for 260,000, but with fees added on the total price paid for them was 318,000

After the collection was returned, his family decided to sell it through London-based auctioneers Spink & Son.

The medals sold for 260,000, but with fees added on the total price paid for them was 318,000.

A Spink & Son spokesman said: 'We are thrilled at the outstanding result for the VC awarded to Captain Haine.

'He was a true hero of the First World War and this strong price is testament to his bravery.'

Captain Haine, from Lambeth in south London, enlisted in the Honourable Artillery Company in August 1914.

He was wounded in action in June 1915 and helped capture 'The Mound' at Beaucourt in November 1916.

On one occasion, he miraculously survived when two comrades either side of him were shot dead simultaneously.

He told his parents in a letter afterwards: 'I had a very good luck myself. One sniper dented my tin hat, and shrapnel also dented it, but I came through untouched.'

The archive also contained two of Captain Haine's war diaries and almost 200 wartime photos capturing life on the front.

He even kept hold of seven of his military maps, which detailed several trench networks.
The Prime Minister is facing embarrassment over plans to scrap the majority of jury trials after it was attacked by the barristers chambers he helped found.

Doughty Street Chambers, where Keir Starmer worked for more than 15 years, said the proposal to let judges decide all but the most serious cases such as rape and murder was wrong in principle.

And the leading human rights set claimed there was no evidence that cutting back on criminal trials heard by jurors would help tackle the backlog of Crown Court cases.

Its intervention will put more pressure on beleaguered Justice Secretary David Lammy, who is expected to tell MPs this week that victims will be denied justice without radical reforms to the system.

Doughty Street Chambers, whose current roster of barristers includes Amal Clooney, said in a statement: Trial by jury is a deeply entrenched constitutional principle and anchors our liberal democracy... We are firmly opposed to the proposals to remove trial by jury for all but the most serious of crimes.

These proposals are wrong in principle, and there is no evidence that they will resolve the current backlog. Anyone who works within the criminal justice system will know that the problems have been caused by chronic underfunding over a number of years.

Last night the Tories said the intervention was an embarrassment for Sir Keir, who helped set up Doughty Street in 1990 and was appointed Joint Head of Chambers in 2007 before becoming Director of Public Prosecutions the following year.

Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick told the Daily Mail: This is the latest embarrassment for the Prime Minister.

Doughty Street Chambers, where Keir Starmer (pictured here in 2002) worked for more than 15 years, said the proposal to let judges decide all but the most serious cases such as rape and murder was wrong in principle

Amal Clooney is on the roster of Doughty Street Chambers which Keir Starmer helped found

The right to be tried by our peers has existed for more than 800 years  it is not to be casually discarded when the spreadsheets turn red. Keir Starmer and David Lammy once knew this  but now theyre in charge they have sold out their principles.

Labour would rather strip you of your rights than strip the state of its waste and fund the courts to sit around the clock. Its yet more evidence that this Government is not on the side of the British people.

In another illustration of the widespread opposition to the plan, a Labour MP described it as utterly ridiculous.

In a social media post directed at Mr Lammy, backbencher Karl Turner wrote: Doing away with jury trials will make little difference to the backlog but it will make a world of difference to our democracy and our justice system. This utterly ridiculous idea needs putting in the bin fast.

Even sitting judges have joined in the backlash. The Sunday Times told how two judges at Isleworth Crown Court made pointed comments to jurors last week about the importance of the jury trial system.

The Justice Secretary is expected to tell the Commons tomorrow that thousands of victims are waiting years for justice because of the record backlog of almost 80,000 cases.

He will propose that only offences likely to lead to jail terms of more than five years, such as murder, rape or terrorism, should go before jurors.

It goes further than the recommendation in a review by retired senior judge Sir Brian Leveson, who said offences with sentences of less than three years should not be heard by juries.
David Lammy has been urged to get his department in order instead of scrapping jury trials after the courts wasted millions on a video system that never worked.

The Justice Secretary is expected to set out controversial plans this week that would see judges oversee all but the most serious cases, in order to reduce the backlog of trials and save money.

But the Ministry of Justices own accounts reveal that the department and its agencies recorded losses totalling 71million in 2024-25, more than twice the 33.8m reported the year before, including millions within HM Courts & Tribunals Service on a failed video system.

The annual report admitted: Following a formal approval process in May 2025 a decision was made to cease the continuation and development of a specific video hearing project in HMCTS due to unresolved technical issues. This has resulted in a constructive loss of 3,632,609.

The Video Hearings Service (VHS) project, which was meant to allow lawyers to use virtual consultation rooms as well as enabling remote hearings, was tried out in a handful of courts and tribunals in late 2019.

It was not ready to be rolled out nationwide when the pandemic struck a few months later and lockdown means courts could not sit as normal, so a different system called Cloud Video Platform was introduced instead.

The little-used VHS system was meant to be rolled out nationally in autumn last year but had to be taken offline that summer because of technical problems that could not be fixed.

And in May this year HMCTS decided to abandon the project completely rather than spend any more money on it.

David Lammy (pictured) is expected to set out controversial plans this week that would mean judges oversee all but the most serious cases, in order to reduce the backlog of trials and save money

The Ministry of Justices own accounts reveal that the department and its agencies recorded losses totalling 71million in 2024-25, more than twice the 33.8million reported the year before (file photo)

Last year the courts service wrote off another 5.6m when it decided to stick with an existing digital case management system rather than adding to a delayed project known as Common Platform.

Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick said: Instead of depriving British citizens of ancient liberties, Calamity Lammy should get his own department in order. He is casting aside 800 years of jury trials because of administrative failure.

Bar Council chairman Barbara Mills KC said: Over the years, there have been a series of issues with the courts IT affecting the entire justice sector due to antiquated systems and lack of resources.

The Ministry of Justice (and government departments more generally) has a poor track record when it comes to reform, digitisation and procurement. Many millions were spent on the Video Hearings Service and Common Platform, both of which failed to deliver.

The Ministry of Justice should undertake a complete audit of all its IT systems so that any problems can be identified and addressed at the earliest opportunity rather than sticking plasters being used as and when issues come to light. Justice is a key public service and its IT systems must be fit for purpose before they are implemented.

And Law Society of England and Wales president Mark Evans said: Reliable technology is key to improving efficiency in our justice system.

Not all technology projects will prove successful and sometimes the mature decision is to stop. It is however vital that HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) is open with stakeholders about its decisions and learns from these experiences.

It will be important to understand whether HMCTS could have reached this conclusion before so much had been spent on this project, especially given how underfunded this crucial public service is.

An MoJ spokesman said: The VHS was taken offline because of technical issues that could not be resolved, rather than incurring further costs on a system that no longer represented value for money.

System reforms are about delivering justice, not saving money. We will continue to take tough decisions to ensure every pound is spent where it makes the most difference.
The Afghan man accused of shooting two National Guard members had experienced major mental health issues for years, and would lock himself in a 'darkened room' away from his wife and children, according to his community advocate.

Father-of-five Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, has been charged with first degree murder after allegedly opening fire on soldiers Andrew Wolfe, 24, and Sarah Beckstrom, 20, on Wednesday near the White House.

Beckstrom tragically died from her injuries on Thanksgiving, while Wolfe is reportedly 'hanging on' and still fighting for his life in a critical condition.

Now, new details of Lakanwal's deteriorating mental health have emerged, including being unable to hold down a job and taking weekslong, isolated cross-country drives to cope.

His behavior deteriorated so sharply that a community advocate reached out to a refugee organization for help, fearing he was becoming suicidal.

'Rahmanullah has not been functional as a person, father and provider since March of last year, 03/2023. He quit his job that month, and his behavior has changed greatly,' the person wrote in a January 2024 email to the US Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI), a nonprofit group that provides services to refugees.

Emails obtained by AP reveal the advocate warned about his erratic conduct long before the tragedy, offering the clearest picture yet of how he was struggling in his new life in the United States.

He was brought to America as part of Operation Allies Welcome in 2021, an initiative to help evacuate and resettle Afghans who assisted US troops during the disastrous withdrawal.

Father-of-five Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, (pictured) has been charged with first degree murder after allegedly opening fire on soldiers Andrew Wolfe, 24, and Sarah Beckstrom, 20, on Wednesday near the White House

-Authorities believe he was radicalized in America prior to allegedly going on a shooting spree in Washington

In Afghanistan, Lakanwal worked in a special Afghan Army unit known as a Zero Unit. The units were backed by the CIA.

Lakanwal resettled with his wife and their five sons, all under the age of 12, in Bellingham, Washington state.

The emails described a man who was struggling to assimilate, unable to hold a steady job or commit to his English courses while he alternated between 'periods of dark isolation and reckless travel.'

Sometimes, he spent weeks in his 'darkened room, not speaking to anyone, not even his wife or older kids.'

At one point in 2023, the family faced eviction after months of not paying rent.

Lakanwal's family members often resorted to sending his toddler sons into his room to bring him the phone or messages because he would not respond to anyone else, one email stated.

When his wife left him with the kids for a week to travel to visit relatives, the children would not be bathed, their clothes would not be changed, and they would not eat well. Their school raised concerns about the situation.

But then, there were 'interim' weeks where Lakanwal would try to make amends and 'do the right things,' according to the email.

Sarah Beckstrom tragically died from her injuries on Thanksgiving

He allegedly shot two National Guard troops during the tragedy

During this time, he would reengage with the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services as was mandated by the terms of his entry into the US.

'But that has quickly evolved into manic episodes for one or two weeks at a time, where he will take off in the family car, and drive nonstop,' the email read. Once, he went to Chicago, and another time, to Arizona.

A longtime friend had earlier revealed Lakanwal struggled with the horrors he saw and violence he carried out as part of his duty within the elite Afghan unit.

'When he saw blood, bodies, and the wounded, he could not tolerate it,' the childhood friend told The New York Times.

'It put a lot of pressure on his mind.'

The father-of-five was part of the elite paramilitary outfit which engaged in combat with the Taliban during the war in Afghanistan, often referred to as a 'death squad.'

While his role within the unit is not clear, his taskforce was often linked to night raids, covert operations and was suspected of carrying out executions.

But when the advocate who worked closely with Lakanwal and other Afghan families in similar circumstances learned he had been named as the suspected shooter, they were stunned.

Officials said Lakanwal drove across the country from his home in Bellingham, Washington, to DC before he fired at the troops on Wednesday afternoon with a .357 revolver

The advocate said they were unable to comprehend the violence of the attack with the memory of seeing Lakanwal play with his young sons.

They spoke on the condition of anonymity to share undisclosed details while cooperating with the FBI in its investigation.

In response to the two emails, the US Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI), visited Bellingham a few weeks later in March 2024 and attempted to make contact with Lakanwal and his family, according to the community member.

After not receiving any updates, they believed Lakanwal refused further assistance.

As investigators work to determine a motive, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem claimed on Sunday officials 'believe he was radicalized since he's been here in this country.'

She said: 'We do believe it was through connections in his home community and state and we're going to continue to talk to those who interacted with him, who were his family members.'

Jeanine Pirro, the US attorney in the District of Columbia, said Lakanwal drove across the country from Bellingham, which is about 80 miles (130 kilometers) north of Seattle, to the nation's capital.
The 'real' Mo Farah, whose identity was given to the future Olympic hero as a child, has been forced to undergo a DNA test to prove his identity, the Daily Mail can reveal.

Mohamed Farah, 42, was granted a visa to come to Britain from Somalia in 1993 but it was instead given to a boy called Hussein Abdi Kahin  the future Sir Mo Farah.

In a world-exclusive interview, Mohamed detailed how this left him an effective orphan in Africa, unable to join his parents in Britain.

He was forced to watch on in abject poverty in Nairobi, Kenya, as the boy who took his name went on to become Britain's most decorated runner and was knighted by the Queen.

Mohamed has been fighting to be reunited with his family after the Olympic gold-medallist finally revealed the mix-up in an astonishing 2022 documentary.

Sir Mo, 42, has written a letter supporting Mohamed's bid to come to Britain, explored in the powerful Daily Mail podcast series and video documentary  The Other Mo Farah.

But because his birth certificate was lost in the Somali civil war before his name was given to the Olympic legend, Mohamed had to prove his identity to Home Office officials.

With no official paperwork, he was advised to undergo a DNA test which shows with 99.99 percent certainty that he is the 'real' Mo Farah.

The 'real' Mo Farah pictured with his mother Leyla Geedi for the first time since his childhood in 1995

The future Sir Mo Farah at Feltham Community School in West London, aged around 11-years-old

Today the Daily Mail can reveal that his father is Muktar Farah  the man who took Sir Mo in as a child in Britain and is mentioned in his autobiography.

Mohamed said: 'I am happy that this proves what I have always said  I am the real Mo Farah. I was shocked that my lawyer said I needed to take a DNA test because I know these are my parents.

'I didn't feel comfortable because everyone knows I am Mohamed Farah and I didn't think I had to prove it.

'A DNA test wasn't done when my identity was given to another person so I was confused why it was needed now.

'Now the DNA test proves I am who I say I am and I hope it will help my application to come to London and be with my family.'

It will form a crucial part of evidence as Mohamed makes a direct appeal to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood to right the historic wrong.

Jacqueline McKenzie, a partner at Leigh Day law firm who is leading his case, said: 'Getting the DNA test was important in a case like this.

'Though Sir Mo Farah has himself admitted that there is another person who is called Mohamed Farah, DNA testing has now proved that.'

Sir Mo shocked the sporting world with his 2022 admission that he was taken to the UK as a child under another boy's name.

His Bafta-winning documentary, The Real Mo Farah, was praised for its bravery as the British hero, who has won four gold medals, revealed he had been forced to construct a false biography.

Sir Mo was only four when his father Abdi was killed in the Somali civil war and his mother Aisha sent him and his twin brother, Hassan, to live with relatives in Djibouti.

But their neighbour, Nimco Ateye, then took him away from his sibling in the dead of night, told him to take on the name Mohamed Farah and took him to Britain.

He claimed he was kept in domestic servitude before his prowess on the track saw him rise to greatness.

You can listen to the podcast series The Other Mo Farah wherever you get your podcasts or watch the accompanying video documentary on YouTube.
Aussies are being urged to check their health funds as millions run the risk of losing thousands of dollars in unclaimed health insurance benefits.

A study conducted by Money.com.au revealed that about 15 million Australians with health insurance have only one more month to use their extras.

Most health funds reset on New Year's Day, which means that from January 1, unclaimed health insurance extras such as optical, physio, or dental will be wiped out.

The study also found that up to 40 per cent of Australian health fund holders did not know that their unclaimed benefits would expire on December 31.

About 31 per cent of Aussies had left some benefits unused, while 15 per cent admitted to having used very little or none of their extras on their health plans.

Money.com.au health insurance expert Chris Whitelaw warned that Aussies would lose thousands in benefits by the end of the year.

'Australians are effectively walking away from thousands of dollars in value every year,' Mr Whitelaw said.

'Many people don't realise those benefits vanish overnight on December 31. It's a classic use it or lose it scenario.'

Millions of Australians could be losing out on thousands of dollars worth of unclaimed health fund benefits as their plans reset on December 31

Older Australians were also more likely to be unsure about whether they had any unclaimed benefits.

Mr Whitelaw explained that the older generation's attitude towards health funds might impact their understanding of available extras.

'This means they're less aware of their annual limits,' he said.

However, about 19 per cent of Millennials admitted to not using any or very little of their extras benefits in 2024, costing their generation the most.

It comes after Aussies were hit with another cost-of-living blow when private health insurance premiums increased in the largest hike since 2018.

In April, costs increased by a national average of 3.73 per cent, with government data revealing large discrepancies between providers.

Police Health Limited hit policyholders with the most significant hike of 9.56 per cent.

AIA Health Insurance and NIB policies increased by an average of 5.7 per cent and 5.79 per cent, respectively, while BUPA HI policies jumped by 5.1 per cent.

Most health funds reset on New Year's Day, which means from January 1 unclaimed health insurance extras such as optical, physio or dental, would be wiped out (stock image)

Phoenix Health fund customers faced a comparatively small increase of 2.43 per cent.

St Luke's Medical and Hospital Benefits Association and Teachers Federation Health Ltd rose by 2.88 per cent and 2.94 per cent, respectively.

HIF (Health Insurance Fund of Australia) had the smallest increase of 1.91 per cent.

Private health premiums typically increase once per year, but they must be approved by the federal health minister.

This year's 3.73 per cent average increase is the largest since 2018.

Around 15 million Australians are covered by private health insurance, with the amount by which premiums rose varying with policyholders' levels of cover.

Across the 'big five' insurers  Bupa, HBF, HCF, Medibank, and NIB  'basic and basic plus' cover rose by an average of 0.8 per cent, according to Choice.

'Bronze' tiers of cover and equivalents rose by 2.5 per cent, 'Silver' by about 3.2 per cent, and 'Gold' by 12.6 per cent.
Donald Trump has faced backlash for commuting the prison sentence of former investment manager David Gentile, who was convicted of defrauding investors to the tune of $1.6billion.

Gentile, 59, had been sentenced to seven years in prison after an August 2024 conviction for his role in a scheme to defraud more than 10,000 investors by misrepresenting the performance of three private equity funds.

He and his partner Jeffry Schneider were accused of cheating more than 17,000 retail investors who were falsely promised an eight percent return on their investments.

Federal prosecutors say the Manhattan-based GPB told the investors that their investment returns would be funded by revenue from the firm's holdings, including a group of car dealerships, but a 'significant' portion of money was actually coming from new investors.

Gentile reported to prison on November 14, just days before Trump commuted his sentence, according to a White House official who requested anonymity to provide details of the clemency action.

He was set free on Wednesday, spending only 12 total days in jail.

Adam Gana, a lawyer representing those defrauded by GPB in arbitration, was irate and said Gentile's case should be beyond politics.

'The stories that we've heard are just heartbreaking, and it's just unbelievable that somebody like that would receive a commutation. This is not a case that should be political. This guy belongs in prison,' he told The New York Times.

Donald Trump has faced backlash for commuting the prison sentence of former investment manager David Gentile, who was convicted of defrauding investors to the tune of $1.6billion

Gentile (pictured center in 2014), 59, had been sentenced to seven years in prison after an August 2024 conviction for his role in a scheme to defraud more than 10,000 investors by misrepresenting the performance of three private equity funds

There were over 1,000 victim statements submitted to the court at Gentile's trial.

'I lost my whole life savings. I am living from check to check,' wrote one.

Gentile and Schneider 'raised approximately $1.6 billion from individual investors based on false promises of generating investment returns from the profits of portfolio companies,' said the US attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Joseph Nocella Jr.

'All while using investor capital to pay distributions and create a false appearance of success.'

However, Gentile had a key Trump ally behind him in Alice Marie Johnson, a woman granted a pardon by the president during his first term who has since become known as the president's 'pardon czar.'

'I am also deeply grateful to see David Gentile heading home to his young children,' she wrote in a message celebrating many of the president's pardons and commutations around Thanksgiving.

The Daily Mail has reached out to the White House for comment.

Gentile had been the CEO and co-founder of GPB Capital, which had raised $1.6 billion in capital to acquire companies in the auto, retail, health care and housing sectors.

Gentile reported to prison on November 14, just days before Trump commuted his sentence, according to a White House official who requested anonymity to provide details of the clemency action

Gentile had a key Trump ally behind him in Alice Marie Johnson, a woman granted a pardon by the president during his first term who has since become known as the president's 'pardon czar'

But the White House official said GPB Capital had disclosed to investors in 2015 that their capital might go to pay dividends to other investors.

The official said this undercut claims that the company had engaged in a 'Ponzi' scheme in which new investments are used to reimburse previous investors.

The government has agreed to no restitution in the criminal case, though various civil cases are handling repayments and damages to investors.

The commutation, as opposed to a pardon, means that its possible the penalties associated with his conviction will remain.

Schneider, who faces six years in prison, has received no pardon or commutation from the president.
An man from Argentina has compared Melbourne to his former crime-ridden, developing country after heartless thieves stole his motorbike just moments after he was involved in a crash.

Juan Gonzalez Lobo told the Daily Mail he is desperate to be reunited with his 2010 600cc Yamaha JX6N after it was stolen when a motorist crashed into him in Melbourne's northwest about 1pm on November 18.

'I can't believe this has happened, what has this city come to? This is becoming like Argentina,' he told Daily Mail

The Melbourne-based film technician said he was thrown over the bonnet after the impact.

'I remember when I was flying over the bonnet and all I could think about was the fear I was going to end up in a wheelchair,' Mr Lobo said.

'I was on the ground, and there were people around, and they were saying "don't move, don't move", I took my helmet off and then the police turned up.

'Police called the ambulance but I stood up and said "I can stand up so I'm not broken" but they insisted I go in case I had internal injuries.'

Police moved his motorbike off the road and onto the footpath, then handed him the keys before he was taken away in an ambulance.

Film technician Juan Gonzalez Lobo said his motorbike was stolen after he was taken to hospital

Mr Lobo desperately wants his stolen 2010 600cc Yamaha JX6N (above) returned

Mr Lobo said he was transported to the Royal Melbourne Hospital, where he underwent scans to ensure he hadn't suffered more serious injuries.

The 44-year-old, who relies on his motorbike for work, said he gave the keys to a mate and asked him to collect the bike.

However, the mate later told him the motorbike was nowhere to be seen.

'He called me and said "the bike is gone" and I said "haha, sure" but he was serious, the bike had been stolen,' Mr Lobo said.

He said he attempted to contact the Highway Patrol member about the theft several times but heard nothing back.

Mr Lobo, then reported the allegedly stolen motorbike to the police incident line just before 8pm that same day of the accident

'It's been frustrating because I haven't heard anything since and I really want my motorbike back,' he said.

'The police didn't lock my bike and then heartless thieves came along and stole it and now I have no idea where it is.

Mr Lobo with his dog Norman and girlfriend Ingrid

Mr Lobo with his motorbike

'I know police are dealing with daily machete attacks and that kind of stuff but it's been two weeks, I haven't heard anything, not a peep.'

Mr Lobo said he is now battling his insurance company, which he claims is undervaluing the payout for the stolen bike he has owned for 10 years.

'I just spent a couple a grand in the last few months and they only want to give me $5,000 which is a lot less than what the bike is worth, if I can get it back then that will solve my problems.'

Victoria Police have been contacted for comment.
The CEO of a menswear company apologized for a distasteful email sent right before Thanksgiving.

XSuit sent out an email on November 26 to promote their 45 percent off Black Friday sales, with an offensive subject line: 'Grow the f*** up,' which included a fire emoji.

Maximilien Perez, the founder and CEO of the company, released an apology later that night, around 8pm, which began with 'I'm writing to apologize for the email you received earlier today.'

The email admitted that the subject line was 'unprofessional, disrespectful, and completely at odds with' who they are.

Perez took full responsibility by simply noting: 'That's on me.' He added that it did not matter who created the provocative message, because, as the founder, he takes 'full responsibility for what goes out under the xSuit name.'

The message continued to touch on the brand's values, adding that it promised its customers that the brand was built 'to be confident without being arrogant, innovative without being complicated, sharp without being cold.'

Perez noted the hypocrisy of sending such a crude message in an effort to be edgy, while his company stands for integrity.

'You deserve better. If you trust us with your time and attention, you deserve marketing that reflects the actual values we claim to stand for. Not something designed to shock or offend in the name of getting noticed,' the apology continued.

Maximilien Perez, the founder and CEO of the xSuit, released an apology the same night a rude email was sent to customers the day before Thanksgiving

The subject line of the email was 'Grow the f*** up' accompanied by a fire emoji

Perez added that he is committed to ensuring an incident like this won't happen again and that xSuit will review its processes.

The email ended by thanking its customers for holding it accountable, because, to Perez, 'that matters.'

The Shanghai-based company launched in 2017 and sells its suits for about $500, according to the New York Post.

In an interview with Trep Talks in 2023, Perez explained that his father had been in China for over 40 years and that he had studied the language, which helped him build his company overseas.

The founder later noted in the discussion that the best business advice he'd ever received was never to take things personally.

He added that the one thing he tries to do every day is completely disconnect from work when he gets home, and he mentioned that he is 'very good at doing that.'

XSuit describes its products as, 'A suit that moves with you. Travels with you. Works the room and rides the subway. A suit you can wear straight from a plane to a pitch  and still feel sharp, composed, effortless,' according to their website.

The Shanghai-based company launched in 2017 and sells its suits for about $500

Perez noted in his apology email that he is grateful to his customers for holding him accountable [stock image]

The company boasts that it's received over seven thousand five-star reviews, but Reddit users seem split on how they feel about the 'functional luxury'.

One user wrote: 'They're awful. If a suit's stretchy that's a bad sign. They're heavily cut with plastic, bad cut, poor stitching. $500 for a suit that poor is highway robbery.'

While others suggested the opposite: 'I have one, and its great. Somehow doubt most of the posters have one, and if they do maybe they are fat or skinny fat.'

Another wrote: 'I have the 5.0. And I would recommend it for many. Its not for everyone haters will hate and call it plastic but for what I do and what I am looking for - this has been the perfect suit for me.'
Pauline Hanson has put her hand in her pocket and given a tearful woman who claimed to be suffering serious health issues $420 to pay for her X-rays.

The One Nation leader pulled over at a mango farm outside Townsvile, North Queensland, last week as she campaigned for a by-election in the seat of Hinchinbrook.

The seat was previously held by Katter Party MP Nick Dametto, who retired to run for Mayor of Townsville.

At the last election, the Coalition won the seat, with a massive 17 per cent swing in the two-party-preferred vote. One Nation's primary vote meanwhile increased by almost 9 per cent, while Labor's crashed to single digits.

'I saw this farm and the mangoes were just falling from the trees, and I thought, I'm going to call in there and see if I can get some mangoes.'

That's when she met Sue, the owner of the farm, and what started as a quick pit stop turned into an emotional encounter.

Sue kindly offered the senator mangoes for free, refusing any payment.

'Take whatever you want,' she told the politician. But as the pair chatted, Hanson learned Sue was struggling with serious, unspecified health issues.

Pauline Hanson (right) handed $420 to Sue (left) to pay for her mammogram and x-rays

The regional woman said she needed a mammogram and X-rays, which would cost her $420, and claimed she would otherwise have to wait months to see a public doctor.

Hanson said in the interaction, which appeared as though it was professionally filmed, that she was shocked by the delay.

'Your health is everything,' she told Sue. 'It's disgusting that Australians can't get decent healthcare.'

In a moment that stunned Sue, Hanson reached into her pocket and handed her cash, a rare sight in the days of bankcards.

'That's for your x-rays,' Hanson said firmly, which left Sue visibly emotional.

'Oh my goodness, I will definitely thank you so much,' Sue said.

The pair hugged before Hanson handed Sue's friend some mango biscuits.

'Charity starts at home. We've got to look after our own,' Hanson said.

Pauline Hanson (right) visited a mango farm while she was campaigning in Queensland

Hanson then characteristically lashed out at the government, accusing it of neglecting Australians while prioritising immigration.

'They're proud they've brought in a million refugees into our country, and they can't even look after their own Australian people. It's disgraceful,' she said.

'Too many Australians are falling through the cracks because of the cost of living driven by this government and the previous one.'

Many medical providers set their own prices for diagnostic imaging and costs can vary wildly.

Health authorities advise asking for the cost upfront to avoid surprises. If a clinic opts to bulk bill, the patient won't pay anything out of pocket.

The interaction coincides with One Nation enjoying a resurgence, with voter support at a record high 18 per cent in recent YouGov and Redbridge polls.

'We're going to keep fighting for this,' Hanson vowed.

'Cut mass migration. Ensure our health system works for Australians.'

Pauline Hanson (pictured) gave a fiery speech against mass migration on Sunday in Melbourne

Hanson also rallied against mass immigration during a protest in Melbourne on Sunday, calling for stronger loyalty requirements for newcomers.

Hanson told supporters that while she welcomed migrants, they should express an 'undivided loyalty' to Australia.

'If you can't do that, I'll personally escort you to the airport,' she said.

She went on to describe the current immigration system as 'a Ponzi scheme,' accusing the government of using high migration levels to boost tax revenue while ordinary Australians bear the cost.

Hanson also vowed to run candidates in every seat across Victoria, at the state's upcoming election in 2026.
A fresh row has broken out over an ABC reporter's role in a true crime podcast that was funded by an unlicensed overseas crypto casino.

Ryan Naumenko's feud with his Word on the Street podcast co-host Mahmood Fazal - known for his work on the public broadcaster's Four Corners program - erupted after just one episode due to the award-winning reporter's demands for cash.

The pair allegedly had a stand-off over his fee, which forced Naumenko to withdraw $7500 from an ATM in the early hours of the morning before Fazal would speak a word on the podcast.

Fazal is a former member of the Mongols bikie gang who has worked as an investigative reporter at the ABC since 2021. The broadcaster has now launched a probe into the row.

Naumenko alleged Fazal demanded his payment in cash, which he handed over in full for the first episode. A further $4000 cash payment was allegedly made for the second, topped up by an additional $1000 electronic transfer.

The independent journalist claimed Fazal failed to tell his employer that he was being paid. The taxpayer-funded ABC has strict rules requiring extra-curricular work and payments for its employees be approved by management.

The self-professed 'outlaw journalist' later admitted that the money funding the podcast had come from online gambling firm Vegastars to the tune of $25,000 an episode.

The podcast series has since been scrapped.

Ryan Naumenko has questioned the ABC's investigations into his claims

But weeks after he made the allegations, Naumenko claims the ABC has still not even contacted him for more details for their supposed internal investigation.

'The ABC shouldn't be trusted regarding anything they say because where is the investigation?' he told Daily Mail.

'Where are the emails from ABC to me? Where are the phone calls from the ABC to me? Where are the responses to my emails asking if an investigation is going on?'

While Naumenko said he initially planned not to cooperate with the ABC investigation, he later informed the national broadcaster he had changed his mind.

'I told them I wanted to cooperate. I've not had a response to anything,' he said.

The ABC declined to comment about the claims on Monday. The Daily Mail has also contacted Fazal for comment.

Fazal, who also has an intervention order against Naumenko, has claimed text messages provided to the ABC's Media Watch program apparently showing him demand cash for his appearance on Naumenko's podcast were 'deliberately taken out of context'.

The ABC reporter's lawyer, Rebekah Giles, also told Media Watch that any funds Fazal did receive from Naumenko were only ever transferred to him so he could pay their production crew  a claim hotly denied by Naumenko.

Mahmood Fazal was previously an outlaw bikie

Just days after Naumenko's falling out with Fazal, his mother's Mildura home, in Victoria's north-west, suffered a violent home invasion.

It is not suggested that Fazal had anything to do with the home invasion.

The shocking attack saw Naumenko's elderly and sick mum assaulted by machete-wielding thugs.

Naumenko described the horror attack at his mother's family home on Instagram the next day.

'My mother's home was invaded by three youth offenders last night,' he posted.

'It was over an article revealing details about someone that weren't yet known. Two of the children were carrying weapons - a machete and a small bat,' he wrote.

'They jumped the fence and smashed their way in through the backyard.'

Naumenko has since identified the man he believes ordered the attack, and who he has linked to the kingpin behind Melbourne's ruthless underworld tobacco wars.

CCTV of a young thug who carried out a home invasion on the home of Ryan Naumenko's mother in October

Naumenko has made a name for himself as a fearless independent Melbourne-crime reporter able to get rare insights into the criminal underworld.

His sources within Melbourne's underbelly give him access to scoops often beyond the grasp of mainstream journalists.

Naumenko has also hit out at Victoria Police for failing to make a single arrest over the home invasion at his mother's house.

'I'm disgusted by the process and how long it takes to make arrests, even when Victoria Police know who was involved and where they are,' he said.

'The issue becomes then simply red tape.

'They need to gather all the evidence together so the judge can then go, ''Okay you've got enough evidence to prove this (person) did this apart from Ryan Naumenko's word. We can lock him up.''

'But my word is not good enough. The facts that I know about my own case are not good enough for the police. I don't believe that any arrests will be made.

Mahmood Fazal is under investigation by the ABC over his podcast with Naumenko

'I believe the kids will get away with what they did and I believe the guy that ordered it will continue to live his cushy existence over in Dubai, where I believe he currently is.'

A Victoria Police spokesman told Daily Mail its investigation into the Naumenko home invasion remains ongoing.

Anyone with information that could assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppers.vic.com.au.
Labor asked voters to judge it on childcare at the last election, crowing about the investments it was making within the sector. However, thanks to a ABC Four Corners investigation, we now know that a cover-up has been at the heart of what's been going on.

As the program noted: 'The full scale of this crisis has been hidden, until now'.

Hidden is the operative word.

More than 200,000 pages of previously confidential childcare regulator files detail hundreds of system breaches, missing or dubious Working With Children Checks and repeated failures to act against clearly unsafe centres that have occurred since Labor came to office.

This is not just a story about abuse, it's a story about secrecy too.

Labor cannot pretend to be a bystander to any of this. Federally, it chose childcare as one of its signature achievements. Cheaper child care was promised at the election earlier this year, plus a three day guarantee, pay rises for workers and capital funding.

The word 'universal' has been tossed around liberally by the PM when describing his ambitions for childcare access.

The spending is significant and it's all been built around political positioning. It is used as proof positive that Labor governs for women and working families. But the scandals in the sector are a fly in the ointment of Labor's spin.

Albo should enjoy his honeymoon with Jodie because there are nasty problems lurking under the surface including a recent expose into safety standards in the childcare sector

The real test will now be how it manages its way out of the mess that has developed on its watch.

Behind all the slogans and electioneering, inside government the failings were known. The secret documents reveal children being kicked, dragged and force fed. Kids being used as 'human mops', with skull fractures and dislocated elbows.

There has been subsidy fraud, with centres over=enrolling by up to 40 per cent to harvest more taxpayer funds. Regulators had this information all in their files for years, but no public disclosures were forthcoming. Labor knew about the problems but kept them secret and didn't act to address the problems until the media unveiled the abuses.

At state level in NSW the Labor government even fought to keep much of what was going on a secret, until the parliament forced their hand.

At the national level, the media investigations highlighted that the abuse in childcare centres is not some marginal risk that overstates the breadth of the problem. Almost 150 childcare workers have been convicted, charged or accused of sexual abuse and related offences. It is all evidenced in court records and the regulators files.

Most of the abuse that's been going on has happened in for=profit centres, where cost cutting, high turnover of staff and doctored staff to child ratios have created opportunities for predators.

That's what happens when you graft a lightly regulated profit model onto a service that is almost entirely underwritten by the Commonwealth and delivered to children who are unable to advocate for themselves. This is a bipartisan failure, because the model was developed by both sides of politics over recent decades.

The responsible Labor minister federally, Jess Walsh, is not some technocrat parachuted in from nowhere.

The childcare minister, Jess Walsh, has a PhD in 'organising the low-wage service sector' - and gave a paragraph-long answer when asked a simple question about a possible inquiry into childcare sector standards

She has a PhD on 'organising the low-wage service sector' and built her career as a union leader in precisely those kinds of industries, where underpayment and exploitation are standard operating procedure. She knows, theoretically at least, what happens when you leave low paid, feminised workforces at the mercy of cost cutting employers who only needing to satisfy toothless regulators.

In other words, she knows what happens when you design a childcare system like the one Australia now has.

Walsh has only been the minister since the May election, so this isn't a crisis that's of her making. But her early performances have reinforced the sense that this government is more worried about managing the politics than confronting the problems.

Pressed on TV about whether Labor will accept the Productivity Commission's call for an independent review of childcare standards, Walsh provided exactly the sort of evasive, circular non-answers Albo promised his government wouldn't deliver when he took over from Scott Morrison. Yet here we are.

Here's an example. After Walsh was repeatedly pressed on whether the government would hold an independent review, the interviewer asked a simple, one-sentence question... and got a rambling and robotic paragraph-long answer.

INTERVIEWER: It's a fairly straightforward question, will you commission an independent review?

RESPONSE: Well, we're focused on the measures that will keep children safe today. We're working our way through the Productivity Commission findings. We're implementing those findings. We're responding to the Productivity Commission right now with the pay rise. We're responding to it with our three-day-guarantee which starts in January, to guarantee three days of childcare subsidy to every child in Australia. We're responding to it with our billion-dollar 'building early education fund' to make sure there's more accessible early education in our suburbs and regions. When it comes to new bodies, or new inquiries, or commissions, we are squarely focused on doing the work today to strengthen our system. And we are. We are strengthening the workforce. We are strengthening the rules that operate in services. And we are strengthening the regulation of the sector as well.'

Whew! OK then.

If the opposition was even remotely competent this childcare issue should be enough to put Albo's team under enormous pressure (stock image above)

If she lost you there amid her talk about pay, the government claims that it is acting on kids' safety, putting in place a national register of early childhood workers, imposing tougher child safety rules, alongside more unannounced inspections and mandatory training.

All necessary to be sure, but none of it addresses the basic structural problem that these scandals keep pointing back to: a for profit, property-heavy, subsidy driven industry where the Commonwealth takes care of the cash, states and territories nominally handle the oversight and both levels of government share a strong incentive not to admit how bad things really are.

It is hard not to draw the conclusion that Labor made a calculated decision not to lift the lid on the problems in the childcare sector until after polling day. If the Opposition was even remotely competent this issue should be enough to put Albo's team under enormous pressure.

The childcare crisis taps into Labor's broader credibility problem on transparency. It came to power three and a half years ago promising a 'new form of transparent, accountable politics' and an integrity framework to match it.

But the culture around information flows, FOI access and general scrutiny remains typical old school Canberra. We have a PM openly hostile to transparency, a public service warned to not leave discoverable paper trails, and new moves to impose charges and limit on FOI requests.

Labor is pouring billions of dollars of subsidies into childcare yet it remains resistant to an independent review of the system. This is supposed to be Labor's natural terrain.

Instead it's an industry where corporate chains, private equity and property investors have enjoyed a long and profitable run, backed by taxpayers' money, while safety concerns were kept secret. It stinks to high heaven.

Labor will no doubt hang on to its talking points about pay rises and new rules. The deeper issue is lost trust.

If a government wins office promising openness, yet presides over a childcare system where the worst information has to be uncovered by investigative journalism, you know something is seriously amiss.

Albo is presiding over a political culture that would rather hide evidence of wrongdoing than admit the childcare model is broken and fix it.

I hope he enjoys his honeymoon.
A truck driver has been jailed for more than 12 years after crashing into a school bus and seriously injuring many students.

Brett Michael Russell, 63, collided with the back of a bus carrying 32 people, including 27 Loreto College Ballarat students, in September 2022.

The students and teachers had been on their way to Melbourne Airport to travel to the United States for a NASA camp.

No one died in the crash, but most of the passengers were taken to hospital and 10 of them suffered serious injuries including spinal fractures.

Russell, in October, pleaded guilty in the Victorian County Court to 12 offences, including 10 counts of negligently causing serious injury.

He admitted he knew the brakes of his 62-tonne vehicle had been faulty before he got behind the wheel on September 21.

But his barrister argued Russell's actions after the crash, including early admissions to police about the brakes and his guilty pleas, showed his 'fundamental decency'.

In sentencing Russell to 12 years and nine months' jail, Judge Michael O'Connell accepted the 63-year-old had been frank with investigators and was profoundly remorseful.

Truck driver Brett Michael Russell will spend at least eight years behind bars over this collision with a packed school bus in in Bacchus Marsh in September 2022

Most of those on board the Loreto College bus were rushed to hospital. Ten of them suffered serious injuries including spinal fractures

Brett Michael Russell in October pleaded guilty to 12 offences, including 10 counts of negligently causing serious injury

But the judge noted the suffering of the staff, students, bus driver and bystanders, saying the collision had clearly been a nightmare for all of those involved.

'You knew you were taking a serious risk,' Judge O'Connell said on Monday.

Russell, who went into custody ahead of his sentencing, watched via video link from prison as his sentence was handed down.

He will be eligible for parole after eight years.
Residents in WA's Midwest have been forced to flee their homes as an out of control bushfire rages on, leaving thousands without power and several schools closed.

The fires started in the coastal city of Geraldton, about 420 kilometres north of Perth, on Sunday.

People in Bluff Point, Spalding and Sunset Beach were warned it was too dangerous to stay at home, or take shelter if they could not leave.

'You must shelter before the fire arrives, as the extreme heat will kill you before the flames reach you,' the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) warned.

'Go to a room in your home where you can shelter from the approaching fire.

'The room should have running water, such as a kitchen or laundry, and have a clear exit so you can easily escape.'

Western Power advised nearly 4,000 homes and businesses affected by the bushfire were without power, with some customers warned they will be without electricity until the fire has passed.

The bushfire is moving fast in a south-westerly direction.

About 100 career and volunteer firefighters continue to battle the blaze

One home has been lost and hundreds of others are under threat from the fire

DFES Superintendent Mark Bowen confirmed authorities were looking into whether the fire was deliberately lit, with one residence already destroyed 'from ember attack.'

'It's under investigation, but it does appear to be suspicious,' Mr Bowen said.

'That's not confirmed, but all initial indicators are that it was a suspicious fire.'

A small asbestos shed has also been lost in the fire.

It comes as emergency services fear there could be more outbreaks, with more hot, dry and windy conditions forecasted.

'We have very strong easterly winds gusting up to 80 kilometres an hour,' Mr Bowen said.

'Our main focus this afternoon is when that sea breeze comes in, all of the eastern side of the fire will put pressure on the control lines that we've established, and we may see further outbreaks later this afternoon.'

The Nazareth Care nursing home, which is located directly between Bluff Point and Sunset Beach, confirmed to the Daily Mail that residents would not be evacuated.

The fire in the city's north was upgraded to an emergency level, 20 hours after it was reported

CEO of Nazareth Care, David Cotter, said the organisation was told by authorities it was safe for residents to stay put, but reaffirmed evacuation plans were in place should the situation change.

Residents in areas of Geraldton who are not currently impacted have also been warned to prepare their properties in case the fire zone spreads.

'Any preparation should have been done [by] now, but especially those on the eastern side of the fire, [people should] prepare now,' Mr Bowen said.

'There is a probability that the fire will break containment this afternoon, so they need to be prepared.'

More to come.
Australia may have to stump up millions of dollars in bills to consultants, labour hire companies and lawyers linked to its failed bid to host next year's United Nations climate conference.

Negotiations over the 2026 COP event went down to the wire, but the federal government eventually gave up the hosting rights, allowing Turkey to hold the climate talks after a long diplomatic stand-off.

Government officials said because the conference was fast approaching without a host locked in, they had begun planning for COP31 to be held in Adelaide.

Head of COP31 operations division Andrew Hutchinson told a parliamentary inquiry the government had committed $7.5 million before walking away from the hosting bid.

The climate change department was now working to wind up the contracts, he said.

'We'll of course be trying to leverage value out of those contracts,' Mr Hutchinson told the inquiry on Monday.

'By and large, you would expect most of those contracts to close as soon as we're able to under the terms of that contract.'

It's unclear whether the government will be able to recoup any of the $7.5 million which has been committed.

Millions were spent on Australia's failed bid for the COP31 conference, losing to Turkey

Climate Minister Chris Bowen was unsuccessful in gaining hosting rights for the 2026 event.

Officials also revealed some of the costs associated with Australia's attendance at this year's COP30 in Brazil, but wouldn't say how much it cost to fly officials to the city near the Amazon Rainforest.

A total of 75 government officials attended the conference at various points, including ministers, their staff and other bureaucrats.

Some were already stationed in the country.

Australia's pavilion at the event is estimated to have cost $1.4 million - a figure officials said was in line with previous climate conferences.

The government said Australia held more than 90 events during the conference, hosting at least 4500 participants.

Pressed on the cost of sending staff to COP30, acting deputy secretary Amanda Lee said the figure wasn't immediately available, but the department had spent a total of $6.8 million on travel between July and September.

The Opposition has slammed Chris Bowen following the COP30 conference, mocking his appointment as President and labelling him a 'part-time' minister.

Chris Bowen (pictured) was appointed President of Negotiations for COP31 as a comprimise





On Monday, Sussan Ley criticised Bowen's priorities, saying he was too busy 'planning his international year-long tour as the COP31 President' rather than focusing on his ministerial duties

'He is not here in Australia managing the energy grid to make sure that power prices are affordable for Australians, and shame on him for that because it is not good enough for him to somehow leave this renewable only ideology hanging out there in a way that makes electricity and power unaffordable for Australians' Ley said.
A 76-year-old was seen screaming and half-naked in an aged care home corridor after she was allegedly raped by a man more than half her age, a judge has heard.

The 31-year-old accused of the sexual assault is Hayden Carl Skinner, a drug user living in the NSW north coast town of Coffs Harbour.

At an aged care facility in the town in the early hours of January 1, 2024 Skinner scaled a fence, crossed a courtyard and opened the unlocked door to his alleged victim's room.

The registered nurse who found the woman half-naked and trying to get into another resident's room in the corridor, gave evidence at a trial at Coffs Harbour District Court on Monday.

'She was screaming and very distressed,' he said.

'She told me there was a man who came in inside her room and raped her.'

The 76-year-old told the nurse her assailant was a 'big, tall, black man' who had been wearing a stocking over his head and a hoodie.

He positioned her on the bed, took off her clothes and covered her mouth while swatting her hand away from her buzzer, the court was told.

Hayden Carl Skinner (pictured) allegedly broke into a Coffs Harbour aged care facility and sexually assaulted an elderly woman in the early hours of New Years Day 2024

Skinner was arrested by police three days after the alleged rape

'She said that "I forgot to lock the door, it's my fault, I'm very sorry, it is my fault" and she kept crying,' the nurse said.

Skinner has admitted breaking into the 76-year-old's room but pleaded not guilty to one count of aggravated sexual assault.

Public defender Peter Pearsall said his client had no intention of sexually assaulting anyone but rather was motivated for financial reasons.

'He was a drug user, he had a drug debt, and he was under pressure to satisfy that debt,' he told Judge Michael McHugh, who is hearing the trial without a jury.

Police bodyworn footage taken hours before the alleged rape was played to the court showed Skinner affected by drugs or alcohol speaking with two officers who had seen him stumbling near the road.

He claimed to have had low blood sugar but admitted going earlier to a known drug spot in Coffs Harbour.

Officers found a sealable bag suspected to contain marijuana plus a dirty needle in his pockets.

Hours later, he allegedy raped the victim, who was in the centre because of poor physical health rather than for any mental health conditions.

Skinner (pictured during his arrest) has spent the last two years in custody as he awaited trial

He is accused of removing her pants, underwear and incontinence pad before sexually assaulting her.

He then fled the scene.

Skinner's DNA was found on the woman's pants which police located on the floor near her bed, crown prosecutor Brendan Campbell SC told the court.

When examined at the Coffs Harbour Base Hospital, the 76-year-old was seen with bruising to her inner thighs and an abrasion to her genital area.

This was consistent with her legs having been forced apart, Mr Campbell said.

She had also made rape claims to a paramedic, another resident and her son, he told the court.

Mr Pearsall disputed the claims of rape, saying that when his client entered the room, the 76-year-old woke and grabbed him.

There was a struggle without sexual contact before Skinner escaped, he said.

Police found the 31-year-old's palm prints on the scene and he was arrested on January 4, 2024.

He has been on remand since.

The 76-year-old had since passed away due to causes unrelated to the alleged sexual assault, Judge McHugh heard.

The trial continues.
Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles has confirmed that Australian defence authorities are closely tracking a Chinese naval flotilla currently sailing in the Philippine Sea.

The number and type of vessels has not been released and Marles said the monitoring was a precautionary measure in case the 'task group' heads toward Australian waters, but admitted the government does not know its intentions.

'We don't know where it's going, and it could have a whole lot of destinations,' Marles, who is PM while Anthony Albanese is on his honeymoon, told reporters on Monday.

It has been estimated at least one ship could sail close to Australia before January.

'We are monitoring it and we will continue to do so until we know that it is not coming to Australia,' Marles said.

Earlier this year a Chinese flotilla caught the government off-guard when it conducted live-fire drills off the east coast in February, before it then circumnavigated Australia.

Marles stressed it did not appear as though the ships in the Philippine Sea were doing any unusual manoeuvres, but said he wanted to be upfront after the Australian Financial Review reported on the 'fleet' last week.

'Because it was reported on  I wanted to acknowledge it,' he said.

A Chinese Jiangkai-class frigate Hengyang that sailed near Australia in February (pictured)

The Chinese embassy denied any knowledge of a flotilla moving towards Australia when asked by the AFR.

Marles' comments followed the Albanese Government having announced the most significant Defence restructure in nearly half a century.

Under the reforms, a Defence Delivery Agency will be established, consolidating three major bodies: the Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group, the Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance Group, and the Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment Group.

Marles said the new agency would operate independently while working closely with Defence and the ADF.

He described the consolidation as a smarter use of taxpayer dollars.

'This is one of the biggest changes to defence that we have seen,' Marles said.

'It will greatly improve the quality of the defence spend, and it will make sure that as we spend more money in the defence budget, we are doing so in a way which sees programs delivered on time and on budget.'

The Albanese Government said the reforms were designed to ensure Defence delivers the capabilities, skills and workforce needed to meet Australia's strategic circumstances.

Richard Marles (pictured) revealed that Chinese warships were spotted in the Philippine Sea

Since May 2022, the government has committed an extra $70billion over the next decade, the largest peacetime increase in defence spending in Australian history.

Once fully established, the new agency will report directly to ministers and control its own budget, enabling coordinated delivery of defence capability and growth of Australia's sovereign defence industry.

A National Armaments Director will lead the agency, advising on acquisition strategies and overseeing major projects.

Work to design and implement the Defence Delivery Agency will begin immediately, with consultation involving industry and other stakeholders.

The government said no jobs would be cut, but did not rule out making some staff redundant as the shift happens.

The agency will be formally stood up on July 1, 2027.
Donald Trump warned Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro to flee alongside his wife or face the consequences as the US loads up on warships and troops in the region.

The talks occurred Friday amid a series of lethal American drone strikes against suspected Venezuelan drug traffickers in the region that has killed over 80 people.

The United States' presence in the region has only grown more menacing, with at least 11 warships and 15,000 troops deployed, including a unit capable of a land invasion to stop alleged 'narco-terrorists.'

The president even assured Maduro of safe passage for himself, his wife and son if he resigned immediately, The Miami Herald reported.

A source familiar with the call said that Maduro asked Trump for global amnesty, which the president rejected, before asking to keep his control of the Venezuelan armed forces in exchange for free elections.

Trump also said no to that idea before Maduro rejected the idea of resigning.

The president confirmed Sunday that the talks had occurred amid soaring tensions between the two countries, while Caracas slammed what it called US preparations for an attack.

Trump also backed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth after lawmakers from both parties said Sunday they support congressional reviews of US military strikes against the alleged terrorists, citing a published report that Hegseth issued a verbal order for all crew members to be killed as part of a September 2 attack.

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Donald Trump (pictured) has warned Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro to flee now alongside his wife or face the consequences as the US loads up on warships and troops in the region

A source familiar with the call said that Maduro (pictured) asked Trump for global amnesty, which the president rejected, before asking to keep his control of the Venezuelan armed forces in exchange for free elections

The lawmakers said they did not know whether last week's Washington Post report was true, and some Republicans were skeptical, but they said attacking survivors of an initial missile strike poses serious legal concerns.

'The order was to kill everybody,' two people with direct knowledge of the operation told the paper.

Trump had Hegseth's back, saying: 'I don't know anything about it. He said he did not say that.'

When he repeated that Hegseth 'didn't do it,' he was then asked if he'd be okay with it if Hegseth had done it.

'He said he didn't do it, so I don't have to make that decision.'

However, Trump did also say on Sunday the administration 'will look into' the matter and added, 'I wouldn't have wanted that - not a second strike.'

Both Republicans and Democrats on Capitol Hill had agreed Sunday that if it was true, Hegseth was in deep trouble.

'This rises to the level of a war crime if it's true,' said Democrat Tim Kaine of Virginia.

Trump also backed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth after lawmakers from both parties said Sunday they support congressional reviews of US military strikes against the alleged terrorists

'Obviously, if that occurred, that would be very serious and I agree that that would be an illegal act,' said Ohio Republican Mike Turner.

After the Post's report, Hegseth said Friday on X that 'fake news is delivering more fabricated, inflammatory, and derogatory reporting to discredit our incredible warriors fighting to protect the homeland.'

'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 conflict  and approved by the best military and civilian lawyers, up and down the chain of command,' Hegseth wrote.

Meanwhile, the United States is piling the pressure on Venezuela, with a major military buildup in the Caribbean, the designation of an alleged drug cartel run by Maduro as a terrorist group, and an ominous warning from Trump that Venezuelan airspace is 'closed.'

Washington says the aim of the military deployment launched in September is to curb drug trafficking in the region, but Caracas insists regime change is the ultimate goal.

'I wouldn't say it went well or badly. It was a phone call,' Trump told reporters Sunday aboard Air Force One.

The New York Times reported Friday that Trump and Maduro had discussed a possible meeting, while The Wall Street Journal said Saturday that the conversation also included conditions of amnesty if Maduro were to step down.

Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin said Sunday on CNN's 'State of the Union' talk show that the United States has offered Maduro the chance to leave his country for Russia or elsewhere.

The talks occurred Friday amid a series of lethal American drone strikes against suspected Venezuelan drug traffickers in the region that has killed over 80 people

Maduro, who has been in power since 2013, has followed in his predecessor, Hugo Chavez's footsteps, by cultivating strong military loyalty by appointing officers to high-ranking government roles.

The US has condemned Maduro's corrupt rule, citing the president's election victory in 2024, despite evidence that his opposition won more votes.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio called Maduro an illegitimate president, recently naming the Cartel de Los Soles 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.

Tensions have heightened in recent months between Venezuela and the US, as the Trump administration has launched a crusade to take down 'narco-terrorists' transporting drugs through international waters.

But Venezuela and countries that support it insist no such organization even exists.

Several Venezuela experts say what Washington calls the Cartel of the Suns refers to the corruption of senior officials by criminal gangs.

The United States also does not recognize Maduro as the legitimate winner of last year's presidential election.

The United States' presence in the region has only grown more menacing, with at least 11 warships and 15,000 troops deployed, including a unit capable of a land invasion to stop alleged 'narco-terrorists'

Though Trump has not publicly threatened to use force against Maduro, he said in recent days that efforts to halt Venezuelan drug trafficking 'by land' would begin 'very soon.'

The president has also suggested that operations could escalate to land strikes, telling service members on a reported phone call on Thanksgiving of the military expansion.

'In recent weeks, you've been working to deter Venezuelan drug traffickers, of which there are many. Of course, there aren't 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 Pentagon is calling the presence 'Operation Southern Spear,' with over 15,000 troops and 11 US warships estimated in the area.

Meanwhile, in Venezuela, Maduro has said eight million civilians are training in militias.

However, the military's equipment is decades old, most of which was purchased from Russia in the early 2000s.
Failed gym boss Nikolaos Solomos received a loan for $14million before it was revealed his Aussie fitness empire was on the brink of collapse.

Mr Solomos, who founded the debt-riddled Derrimut 24:7 Gym empire in 2010, handed control of his haemorrhaging business to administrators after a bailout from controversial billionaire Adrian 'Lambo Guy' Portelli fell through.

According to minutes of a meeting lodged with ASIC, the HM Advisory administrator advised creditors various loans linked to the company totalled $29million.

'[Mr Dixon] stated that the beneficiary loan accounts included a director's loan account totalling approximately $14million and that further investigations would be undertaken with respect to the loan accounts,' the minutes read.

Mr Dixon also disclosed that various companies linked to Derrimut Gyms racked up its largest expenses through wages, rent and interest which led to a $2million loss last financial year.

The administrator also identified Mr Solomos' 'aggressive expansion strategy' and a 'management structure that failed to scale with the rapid growth of the businesses' as key factors which led to the financial catastrophe.

'The companies experienced cash flow strain due to increasing fixed costs, trade disruptions as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic,' the minutes read.

Mr Dixon also said a 'potential investor was considering submitting a rescue proposal to creditors' and a third party had 'agreed to provide funding for trading losses' which has allowed the numerous gyms to keep operating.

Failed gym boss Nikolaos Solomos received a loan for $14million before it was revealed his Aussie fitness empire was on the brink of collapse

Derrimut 24:7 Gym has about 200,000 members

The administrator confirmed 'existing contracts would be honoured during the administration period' and 'trade creditors would be paid as normal'.

The listed creditors include the Australian Tax Office which is owed $14.9million while Bourke Street Properties claimed it was owed a staggering $59.1million.

It was revealed in September that Derrimut 24:7 Gym faced liquidation with the tax office seeking to claw back $12.5million in debts, which include unpaid superannuation and penalties.

Mr Solomos blamed the financial woes on former staff, assuring fitness instructors in a recent Zoom meeting the debt was 'under control' and they would soon be paid.

Derrimut 24:7 has more than 25 gyms located across South Australia and Victoria, and about 200,000 members.

Mr Solomos has repeatedly assured on social media the gym chain is not shutting down, despite the recent closure of at least four locations across two states.

Portelli hinted that he could be stepping in to save the business after a cheeky video emerged in September, but that rescue plan fell through.

The video shared to social media by the billionaire and Mr Solomos showed Portelli arriving at a Derrimut gym in a black van.

Billionaire Adrian 'Lambo Guy' Portelli (right) fuelled speculation that the fitness chain will be saved by sharing a cheeky video

He was seen climbing out of the van holding a cardboard box scrawled with the words 'FIRST DAY AT WORK'.

'Side quest,' the caption read.

Mr Solomos fuelled more speculation when he later posted a cryptic video message thanking everyone who has supported him in the last ten weeks.

'It's a proud moment. I did say at the start to watch this space, that I had this covered and that we're not going anywhere for the next 100 years,' he said.

'I want to thank my staff. My staff are my family, my suppliers are my family and members are my family. So, thank you to all of you.'

However, Portelli's cooling on the buy-in has all but doomed the failing gym empire.

Mr Solomos blamed the financial woes on former staff

News of the financial woes at the gym has prompted members to take to TikTok to vent their concerns about whether or not the gym will remain open, with some worried whether they will be reimbursed the $299 membership fee if it closes.

Mr Solomos frequently shares social media posts which highlight his passion for poker, expensive jewellery and luxury cars.

In 2015, he survived a shooting by a balaclava-clad gunman who fired shots at the gym boss in Burnside, Melbourne.
Luigi Mangione's legal team is gearing up for a fight to wipe out key evidence that prosecutors say ties him to the assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

Mangione, 27, is set to attend hearings starting Monday on his bid to block the Manhattan District Attorney's Office from showing or telling jurors about items seized during his arrest at a yet-unscheduled state murder trial.

Those items include a 9mm handgun that prosecutors say matches the one used in the December 4, 2024 killing and a notebook in which they say he described his intent to 'wack' a health insurance executive.

Mangione is facing charges in New York of murder in the second degree, criminal possession of a weapon for the shocking point-blank murder nearly one year ago.

After getting state terrorism charges thrown out in September, Mangione's lawyers are now zeroing in on what they say was unconstitutional conduct that tainted his arrest and threatens his right to a fair trial.

They have claimed that officers in Altoona, Pennsylvania, improperly seized evidence from his backpack and questioned him before reading him his rights when they arrested him at a McDonald's following a five-day-long manhunt.

Mangione's defense team has said that the gun and other items should be excluded because police lacked a warrant to search the backpack in which they were found.

They also want to suppress some of his statements to police, such as Mangione allegedly giving a false name, because officers started asking questions before telling him he had a right to remain silent.

Alleged assassin Luigi Mangione, 27, is due back in court in New York for a pretrial hearing on Monday in which a judge will determine whether bombshell evidence would be admissible at his trial

The Ivy League graduate is facing charges in New York of murder in the second degree, criminal possession of a weapon for the shocking point-blank murder nearly one year ago

Prosecutors seized a handwritten diary from Mangione's backpack during his arrest in Altoona, Pennsylvania

The defense team has argued that body camera footage showing an officer rifling through Mangione's bag saying she was checking to ensure there 'wasn't a bomb' inside the backpack was an excuse 'designed to cover up an illegal warrantless search of the backpack.'

Eliminating the gun and notebook would be critical wins for Mangiones defense and a major setback for prosecutors, depriving them of a possible murder weapon and evidence they say points to motive.

The Manhattan District Attorneys Office has quoted extensively from Mangiones handwritten diary in court filings, including his praise for Unabomber Ted Kaczynski.

In the journal, prosecutors say, Mangione mused about rebelling against 'the deadly, greed fueled health insurance cartel' and said killing an industry executive 'conveys a greedy bastard that had it coming.'

Mangione's lawyers have further argued that some of the District Attorney's proposed witnesses should not be tasked with identifying him to the jury, as they were not eyewitnesses to the crime, and had only viewed surveillance footage.

New York State prosecutors have not responded to the defense's written arguments in the case, but State Supreme Court Justice Gregory Carro is now slated to hear from more than 20 witnesses before he makes a ruling on the admissibility of evidence, according to the New York Daily News.

That may take up much of the week, which Mangione's attorneys have prepared for by requesting from the Bureau of Prisons five pairs of socks, two suits, three sweaters and three pairs of pants.

UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, 50, was shot down as he walked to a Manhattan hotel for his companys annual investor conference on December 4, 2024

Surveillance footage showed a masked man shoot the CEO at point-blank range

Cops seized a 9mm handgun that prosecutors say matches the one used in the December 4, 2024 killing from Mangione's backpack

Mangione has pleaded not guilty to both state and federal murder charges, including two federal counts of stalking, one count of murder through the use of a firearm, and one firearms offense in connection with Thompson's murder.

The then-healthcare executive was shot down as he walked to a Manhattan hotel for his companys annual investor conference on December 4, 2024.

Surveillance footage from the attack showed a masked gunman shooting him from behind. Police say 'delay,' 'deny' and 'depose' were written on the ammunition, mimicking a phrase used to describe how insurers avoid paying claims.

The crime and Mangione's ensuing arrest led him to become somewhat of a celebrity, with his fans saying that he had taken a 'bite out of corruption' when he allegedly shot Thompson, 50, dead.

Mangione has since become a 'symbol' for the fight for healthcare reform, his supporters said, as they send him as many as 200 letters a day while he serves time inside the notorious Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn.

Those supporters are now expected to show up en masse this week to the preliminary court hearings to cheer on their hero, who is facing life in prison on the New York state charges and the death penalty on the federal charges.

Mangione's lawyers have argued that some of the District Attorney's proposed witnesses should not be tasked with identifying him to the jury, as they were not eyewitnesses to the crime - and had only viewed surveillance footage

Mangione has become somewhat of a celebrity since his arrest last year

His supporters are expected to show up en masse to the preliminary court hearings this week

His lawyers want to bar evidence from both cases, but this weeks hearings pertain only to the state case.

Meanwhile, federal prosecutors have said in their own court filings that police were justified in searching Mangione's backpack to ensure there were no dangerous items.

They noted that the contents of the backpack 'would have inevitably been discovered' during an inventory search anyway.

Federal prosecutors also argued in their filing last week that the only pre-Miranda statement they plan to use against Mangione is when he allegedly gave officers a fake name.

At that point, the government argued, 'no Miranda warnings were required.'

Much of the filing, though, rebuked Mangione's lawyers after they claimed that statements made by the President and Attorney General Pam Bondi have irreparably prejudiced the case.

Mangione's defense team previously asked a judge to dismiss the federal indictment arguing that comments from Trump have irreparably prejudiced the case

Mangione's attorneys also renewed allegations of political interference by Attorney General Pam Bondi (pictured), who in April directed federal prosecutors to seek the death penalty

The defense accused Donald Trump of repeatedly intervening in the case, pointing to a series of public comments and official actions they say connected Mangione to Antifa.

The lawyers cited the President's September 25 proclamation, 'Countering Domestic Terrorism and Organized Political Violence,' which referenced 'the assassination of a senior healthcare executive' as part of a trend of politically motivated violence influenced by Antifa.

The proclamation did not name Mangione, but his defense team argues it clearly referred to their client.

Defense attorneys also cited a September 18 Fox News interview in which Trump said Mangione 'shot someone in the back as clear as you're looking at me' and called the act 'a sickness.'

The next day, White House-affiliated X account Rapid Response 47 shared the clip with its 1.2 million followers. According to the defense, the post was later reposted by Justice Department deputy public affairs director Chad Gilmartin, who wrote that Trump 'is absolutely right.'

'Mr Mangione is one young man, alleged to have acted alone, fighting for his life in three separate cases, against the full force and might of the entirety of the United States Government that is actively and persistently using him as a pawn to further its political agenda,' Mangione's attorneys wrote in their plea to get the death penalty dropped.

'This is the very definition of prejudicial where the consequence is death.'

Federal prosecutors, however, told the court the posts were removed after they learned of them and argued the officials involved were not part of the prosecution team.

'They operate entirely outside the scope of the prosecution team, possess no operational role in the investigative or prosecutorial functions of the Mangione matter, and are not 'associated' with this litigation,' prosecutors said in a letter.

Mangione's attorneys also renewed allegations of political interference by Bondi, who in April directed federal prosecutors to seek the death penalty, calling it part of 'President Trump's agenda to stop violent crime and Make America Safe Again.'

In a Fox News interview that month, Bondi said, 'If there ever was a death [penalty] case, this is one.'

The defense argues Bondi's comments, along with Trump's public statements, have 'poisoned the jury pool' and violated Mangione's due process rights.

But in their filing, prosecutors argued that 'public rhetoric by the Attorney General or the President is not a proxy for proof of prejudicial effect,' citing precedent that 'in the absence of clear evidence to the contrary, courts will presume that prosecutors have discharged their duties properly.'

The next hearing in the federal case is scheduled for January 9.
Ex-City minister Tulip Siddiq has been sentenced two years in jail by a Bangladeshi court after being found guilty of corruption.

The Labour MP, 43, was said to have unduly influenced her aunt, the country's ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina.

It was alleged she wanted to secure a plot of land for her family on Dhaka's outskirts - a claim Ms Siddiq strongly denied.

She was sentenced in abstentia alongside 16 other people and handed a 100,000 Bangladeshi Taka fine by Judge Rabiul Alam, the equivalent of 620.

If she fails to pay, six months will be added to her prison time.

Ms Sadiq today said she refuses to be 'distracted by the dirty politics of Bangladesh'.

She added: 'This whole process has been flawed and farcical from the beginning to the end.

'The outcome of this kangaroo court is as predictable as it is unjustified. I hope this so-called 'verdict' will be treated with the contempt it deserves.

Former City Minister Tulip Siddiq - pictured today - is likely to face a 10-year prison sentence on Monday if she is found guilty in a high-profile corruption trial in her native Bangladesh

Ms Siddiq's aunt Sheikh Hasina (pictured in 2023) was found guilty in the same case last Thursday and sentenced to 23 years in prison

Bangladesh's Special Judge Court delivers its verdict, sentencing Tulip Siddiq to two years in jail

Police escort one of the accused - Mohammad Khurshed Alam - to a prison van following a hearing at the Dhaka Special Judge's Court

'My focus has always been my constituents in Hampstead and Highgate and I refuse to be distracted by the dirty politics of Bangladesh.'

In an interview with broadcasters, the Labour MP said she had repeatedly reached out to the Bangladeshi authorities in an attempt to clear her name but claimed her approaches had been rebuffed.

She added: 'I am not difficult to find. I am a parliamentarian. All they had to do is send some papers to the House of Commons, to Parliament, and I would have responded.

'I feel like I am in some sort of Kafka-esqe nightmare where I am carrying on doing my day job but on the other hand, I am apparently being convicted in Bangladesh.

'And the only reason I know I am being convicted is because I read it in the newspapers. So this is trial by media which is deeply unfair.'

Ms Siddiq - who was the government's anti-corruption minister - was forced to resign her position in the treasury earlier this year over the allegations.

Political observers in Bangladesh had thought she was 'highly likely' to be convicted. Her aunt, Hasina, 78, was found guilty in the same case last week and sentenced to 23 years in prison.

Ms Siddiq has always denied the charges, accusing the Bangladeshi authorities of mounting a political witch-hunt against her.

Labour MP Tulip Siddiq (left) at the Kremlin in 2013 with her aunt, Sheikh Hasina

But today's sentencing means the MP for Hampstead and Highgate is likely to face renewed calls to stand down as a parliamentarian.

Most of the 17 accused - among them Sheikh Hasina and her sister Sheikh Rehana - were absent when the judgment was pronounced.

The Labour Party said today it does not recognise the corruption judgment against Ms Siddiq.

A spokesman added: 'The Labour Party and all our elected representatives take the rule of law incredibly seriously and will always fulfil our legal responsibilities.

'As has been reported, highly regarded senior legal professionals have highlighted that Tulip Siddiq has not had access to a fair legal process in this case and has never been informed of the details of the charges against her.

'This is despite repeated requests made to the Bangladeshi authorities through her legal team.

'Anyone facing any charge should always be afforded the right to make legal representations when allegations are made against them.

'Given that has not happened in this case, we cannot recognise this judgment.'

Cabinet minister Darren Jones said Ms Siddiq had made it clear that she denies 'any wrongdoing whatsoever'.

He told Sky News: 'She's tried to engage, as I understand, with this process in Bangladesh, unsuccessfully.

'And so she's concluded it's a kind of more a political operation than a legal one.

'She was obviously not part of that trial or court process in Bangladesh and they concluded, innocence or otherwise, without her.

'So, Tulip will have to comment more on the details, but my understanding is that she refutes any accusations.'

Last week, prominent British lawyers and former ministers, led by Cherie Blair KC, signed a joint letter where they said the trial against Ms Siddiq was 'contrived and unfair.'

The letter, sent to the Bangladesh High Commissioner to the UK, Abida Islam, added: 'She [Siddiq] is being tried in her absence without justification and that the proceedings fall far short of standards of fairness recognised internationally.'

Mrs Blair and her co-signatories said: 'A lawyer in Bangladesh she appointed to represent her was forced to stand down, reporting that he had been placed under house arrest, further informing Ms Siddiq that his daughter had been threatened.'

Ms Siddiq resigned from her position as Economic Secretary to the Treasury after the Daily Mail revealed in December she was being investigated in Bangladesh in a 4billion bribery case.

She and members of her family were accused of siphoning off 4billion from a Russian-built nuclear power plant deal, a claim Ms Siddiq has always denied.

Weeks later, the Mail on Sunday revealed how she lied to the newspaper three years earlier when she told its reporters her parents bought her a flat in London's King's Cross, when in fact it was gifted to her by a political ally of her aunt.

An inquiry by the independent watchdog on Ministerial Standards, Sir Lauri Magnus, said Ms Siddiq did not breach the Minister Code, but should have been more alert to the 'reputational risks' from her 'close family's association with Bangladesh.'

Neither Mrs Blair nor Mr Buckland responded to the MoS, but Mr Grieve said: 'The letter was based on credible information and evidence made available to us. I have nothing to add about the matter.'

Ms Siddiq declined to comment on the trial or the letter.

Britain does not currently have an extradition treaty with Bangladesh.

Last month Sheikh Hasina was found guilty of crimes against humanity and sentenced to death.

She was tried in her absence as she has been living in exile in India since being forced from power.

Reacting to the verdict, she said: 'The verdicts announced against me have been made by a rigged tribunal established and presided over by an unelected government with no democratic mandate.

'They are biased and politically motivated. In their distasteful call for the death penalty, they reveal the brazen and murderous intent of extremist figures within the interim government to remove Bangladesh's last elected prime minister.'

A three-judge bench of the country's international crimes tribunal convicted Hasina of crimes including murder, extermination, torture and other inhumane acts.

Reading the verdict to the court, Justice Golam Mortuza Mozumder said the 'accused prime minister committed crimes against humanity by her order to use drones, helicopters and lethal weapons'.

Hasina had pleaded not guilty to the charges and alleged the tribunal was a 'politically motivated charade'.

According to a United Nations report, up to 1,400 people may have been killed during the protests between July 15 and August 5, 2024, with thousands more injured  most of them by gunfire from security forces  in what was the worst violence in Bangladesh since its 1971 war of independence.

During the trial, prosecutors told the court they had uncovered evidence of Hasina's direct command to use lethal force to suppress the student-led uprising.

The court said the attacks during the protests last year were 'directed against the civilian population', and 'widespread and systematic'.
A British widow was left furious after discovering her husband's heart was secretly removed by doctors when he died on holiday in Cyprus.

Her 76-year-old husband Michael Graley passed away after suffering cramp in his leg while they were abroad with their family.

The retired cemetery superintendent died just ten minutes after arriving at a hospital in Paralimni, a town within the Famagusta district of Cyprus on the island's east coast.

Yvonne, from Oldham, Greater Manchester, told the Sun: 'The doctor came out of the room and said: "Hes dead".'

A pathologist conducted a post-mortem, she was told, but when Michael's body was flown to the UK, officials noted that no cause of death was written on the certificate.

It meant another post-mortem was required by the coroners office in Rochdale.

Yvonne said: 'They said someone had removed Michaels heart and so they cannot determine a cause of death.'

'I was so shocked,' she added.

'It was horrible.'

Yvonne, from Oldham, Greater Manchester, pictured with her husband Michael Graley

Michael Graley, 76, passed away after suffering cramp in his leg while on holiday with his family in Cyprus

The retired cemetery superintendent died just ten minutes after arriving at a hospital in Paralimni

According to Cypriot police, Michael's heart was sent to a research facility.

His daughter, Hayley, 47, expressed outrage over the situation.

'Were so angry and need answer,' she said.

Rochdale's Coroners Office said its investigation was ongoing.

A British tourist died after being found unconscious in a hotel swimming pool in Cyprus in May.

The 60-year-old tourist was found by other swimmers at the hotel in the city of Paphos.

They tried to provide medical aid before calling an ambulance, local media reported.

He was transferred to Paphos General Hospital, where doctors confirmed his death.

A British dad was left 'lucky to be alive' after falling from a balcony while on a lads' holiday to Ayia Napa in June.

Sam Hudson, 24, had been partying with his brother and a pal at the resort town when he tumbled from the second floor of his hotel while drunk.

The decorator, from Lincoln, faced a lengthy stay at a hospital in Cyprus after breaking his hip, part of his lower back and his leg.

But the 'bubbly' young man had not taken out travel insurance, leaving his family with a medical bill potentially in the tens of thousands.
A British father drowned while swimming at a Phuket beach during a family holiday after he became caught in a deadly rip tide.

The 37-year-old, from Ipswich, was paddling with his partner and dozens of other holidaymakers at the popular Freedom Beach on Saturday morning before the tragedy took place.

He was struck by an unexpectedly strong wave and pulled belown the water as a rip current dragged him away from the shore.

Frantic beachgoers carried the unconscious father-of-one onto the sand where they performed CPR, but they were unable to revive him.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Chanan Mekchai of Patong Police Station said: 'The incident happened at around 11.30am, and we were notified an hour later.

'[He] went to the beach with his wife at around 10am. While swimming, he was caught in strong waves and disappeared beneath the surface.

'Tourists on the beach rushed to help and managed to pull him from the water. They attempted CPR for first aid while waiting for the emergency service, but he could not be revived.'

Shocked onlooker Chariya Thaweerat Howells, 31, said two other tourists were dragged out to sea with the man but they were rescued and survived.

The 37-year-old, from Ipswich, was paddling with his partner and dozens of other holidaymakers at the popular Freedom Beach on Saturday morning before the tragedy took place (Stock image: Freedom Beach)

It is understood that he had been dragged below the surface and was not immediately visible.

She said: 'I was at the beach with my friends around 11.30am. The waves were pretty strong, we were even talking about how rough the sea looked.

'We'd only been there about ten minutes when we suddenly heard two tourists out in the water yelling for help as the waves dragged them farther out.

'Everyone on the beach, both locals and foreigners, rushed to help.

'A Thai man, I'm not sure if he was a lifeguard or some kind of official, threw a kayak into the water and paddled out to them. Eventually, they managed to pull the two tourists back to safety.

'But there was another tourist being dragged ashore, a third victim.

'No one had noticed when he disappeared because everyone was focused on the pair who'd been swept out by the waves'.

The Brit had arrived in Thailand with his wife on November 19 for a family trip.

He had been in the sea several times before the incident without any difficulties.

The ambulance reportedly arrived after around 25 minutes, and then the tourists ran up to grab a stretcher to carry him up from the beach.

Chariya claimed there were neither lifeguards or red warning flags on the beach, despite the choppy conditions that claim the lives of dozens of holidaymakers every year.

She said: 'We didn't see any lifeguards or red flags on the beach. There was nothing to warn tourists how dangerous the waves were.

'Only four or five Thai people were present, but they were not in lifeguard uniforms and appeared to be regular locals. They did not notice the British tourist go under until we shouted.

'Only the foreigners performed CPR for about 20 minutes while waiting for the ambulance.

'There was a communication difficulty between the Thai helpers and tourists, with both sides shouting instructions, so my friend and I stepped in to translate. The scene was chaotic.

'The Thais wanted the foreigners to lift the man to a higher level above the beach, but they said they could not move him because CPR had to continue nonstop, otherwise he might die.'

The police officer attended an initial examination with Dr Punthanika Chaithienthong from Patong Hospital, concluding the death as an accidental drowning.

He said the British Embassy in Bangkok has been informed.

Police Chanan said: 'The deceased's family did not dispute the cause of death. His body has been released to them for funeral arrangements.'

The Daily Mail has approached the Foreign Office for comment.
A council is spending 30,000 a year cleaning pavements and buildings stained with a reddish-brown substance from people spitting out a stimulant called paan.

The rust-coloured mix of saliva and paan is blighting the streets of Wembley in North West London, where it is commonly chewed by people from South and South East Asia.

Paan is a mix of betel nut, tobacco and spices wrapped in a leaf and has been used for centuries by some communities as a palate cleanser or breath freshener.

But it also gives the user a stimulant or narcotic effect and leaves unsightly stains when spat out, with Brent Council now launching a 'zero-tolerance' crackdown.

The authority said it was struggling to remove the marks, even with high-powered cleaning jets - and the issue was causing 'serious health and environmental damage'.

Enforcement officers will now be on patrol as the council tries to fight back, and it warned perpetrators they could be handed a fixed penalty notice of up to 100.

Residents will additionally be provided with one-to-one support to get help on quitting as part of a local public health scheme to tackle tobacco, smoking and paan.

The Labour-run council has also put up banners in three hotspots  but the Brent Liberal Democrats criticised the announcement as 'far too little, far too late'.

Structures in Wembley stained with a reddish-brown substance from people spitting out paan

The rust-coloured mix of saliva and paan is blighting the streets of North West London

Cancer Research UK warns chewing paan with tobacco raises the risk of oral cancer, gum disease and heart problems - with dangers on par with cigarette smoking.

Dr Shazia Siddiqi, Brent's clinical lead for primary and community care, said: 'We see patients with oral health issues linked to paan use. Additives like betel nut and tobacco, when eaten frequently in the paan can pose serious health risks.

'Regular use of betel nut has been linked to oral and oesophageal cancers, while tobacco is highly addictive.

'Both can cause recurrent mouth ulcers and bleeding gums and can also weaken the immune system and increase the risk of infections like tuberculosis.'

The council said it was working with faith and community groups, hosting workshops in mosques, temples and community centres to raise awareness and help people quit.

Neil Nerva, the local authority's cabinet member for community health and wellbeing, said: 'We're committed to protecting residents' health and keeping our streets clean.

The Labour-run council has put up banners in three hotspots around Wembley to warn of fines

A sign in Gujarati and English in Wembley warns people to avoid spitting paan in public areas

'Paan spitting is not just unpleasant - it's harmful, costly, and unacceptable. You are playing with your health, messing with your streets - let's work together to stop paan spitting.'

Krupa Sheth, cabinet member for public realm and enforcement, added: 'I am delighted that we continue to take a zero-tolerance approach to those who ruin our streets, that includes those that spit out paan and stain street furniture. Don't mess with Brent, because we will catch you and fine you.'

But Brent Liberal Democrats leader Paul Lorber told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: 'People in Wembley, Alperton and Sudbury have been dealing with disgusting chewing tobacco-spitting on our streets for years, while [the council] looked the other way. Now, suddenly, just before an election, they want credit for "cracking down"?

'We demanded more enforcement in hotspot areas where spitting often takes place, and have even pushed for a ban on chewing tobacco because of the health dangers and the mess it leaves everywhere.

'If the Labour council had taken real action sooner, our streets wouldn't be as stained and filthy as they are today.'
A man has been mauled to death by a lioness at a Brazilian zoo after climbing into its enclosure in front of horrified families.

The victim, identified as 19-year-old Gerson Machado, slipped into the big cat's pen in a shocking repeat of earlier attempts to get close to lions as part of his obsession with becoming a trainer.

Machado, who had once tried to reach Africa as a plane stowaway in a desperate bid to pursue his dream, was known to police after repeatedly breaching security in his fixation with big cats.

The troubled teenager - who spent much of his life in care and struggled with severe mental health issues - was filmed clambering down a tree inside the enclosure after scaling a 20ft wall at the zoo in Joao Pessoa, north-east Brazil.

Horror video footage captured the moment the lioness, said by zoo vets to have been left 'stressed' and 'in shock' after the incident, set upon him as he neared the ground.

Child protection worker Veronica Oliveira, who worked with Gerson for eight years, said he had grown up in extreme poverty without a proper family support structure and described him as someone who had mental health problems like his mother who had been diagnosed with schizophrenia.

His own issues meant he was the only one of his siblings not to be taken in by adoptive families.

She told a Brazilian news website: 'Gerson was a child who suffered violations of his rights.

A man killed after jumping into a lion's enclosure at a Brazilian zoo has been identified as a 19-year-old who had previously tried to reach Africa as a plane stowaway to pursue his dream of training big cats

The teenager, who had spent years in care and had mental health problems, was filmed yesterday climbing down a tree to reach the lioness after scaling a 20-ft wall in in the port city of Joao Pessoa in north-east Brazil City police

Horror video footage captured the moment the lioness, said by zoo vets to have been left 'stressed' and 'in shock' after the incident, set upon him as he neared the ground

City police who had arrested Gerson several times for minor offences including criminal damage confirmed his Africa dream and said he had told them he would make the journey 'on foot' after his airport security breach

'He was the son of a mother with schizophrenia, with grandparents who also had mental health issues. He lived in extreme poverty.'

Revealing his dreams of going to Africa to tame lions, she recalled in an agonising social media post: 'You told me you were going to take a plane to go on safari to Africa to look after lions.

'I thanked God when I was warned by the airport that you had cut the fence and got inside the landing gear compartment of a Gol Airlines plane.

'I thanked God because they saw on the cameras that there was a teenager there before a tragedy happened.

'Gerson's story is that of a boy who just wanted to get to know Africa to tame lions

'He discovered too late that a lion isn't a domestic cat and that we can't tame them without the right knowledge. Sadly he wasn't sensible enough for that.'

City police who had arrested Gerson several times for minor offences including criminal damage confirmed his Africa dream and said he had told them he would make the journey 'on foot' after his airport security breach.

City hall officials confirmed after yesterday morning's tragedy at the Arruda Camera Park, also known as Bica, that it would be closed until the end of an ongoing investigation into the tragedy.

They said in a statement: 'The man killed scaled a 20ft wall and managed to get into the animal enclosure using one of the trees.

The 26.8-hectare park where the tragedy occurred, opened in 1921, is home to over 580 animal species including elephants, monkeys and birds as well as a wide variety of plants. Pictured: Horrified zoo visitors watch as the disaster unfolds

Zoo vet Thiago Nery said the lioness had been contained without the use of tranquilliser darts of weapons

'According to police it was a possible act of suicide. Although security staff tried to stop him, he acted very quickly and died as a result of the injuries the lioness inflicted on him

'The park was immediately closed.

'We would like to express our solidarity with the family of the victim of this regrettable incident.'

The 26.8-hectare park where the tragedy occurred, opened in 1921, is home to over 580 animal species including elephants, monkeys and birds as well as a wide variety of plants.

Zoo vet Thiago Nery said the lioness had been contained without the use of tranquilliser darts of weapons.

He said: 'She obeyed and returned to her pen but it took some time because she was stressed and in shock.'

Brazilian politician Matheus Laiola, who previously served as chief of police of the environmental protection department of Curitiba, said in an online post which raised eyebrows because of some of its content: 'A lioness did exactly what a lioness does. Instinct, defence, natural behaviour of a wild animal.

'Tragedy and error begin when humans ignore basic safety limits, risk their own lives and also endanger the life of the animal.

'In Joao Pessoa, a man died yesterday after invading a lioness's enclosure at Arruda Camara Park.

'According to the city council, he climbed a wall over six metres high, passed through the protective bars, used a tree for support and entered the cage.

'We stand in solidarity with the victim's family.

'Respecting wildlife is not a choice. It is a rule. When this boundary is ignored, it is always the animal that suffers, and this cannot continue to happen.

'Who do you think was the "animal" in this situation?'
A biologically male child molester who sexually assaulted a teenager before adopting a female identity has been sent to a men's prison, the Mail can reveal.

Natalie Wolf was previously known as Ryan Haley but adopted the female moniker sometime after attacking the girl in Washington, Tyne and Wear, several years ago.

The 47yearold's victim later found the courage to report the offence to police. Last week, after being convicted of sexual assault, Wolf was finally jailed.

Despite identifying as female, the pervert has been sent to a men's prison as they are biologically male.

Wolf is currently at HMP Durham, where they had been held on remand while awaiting trial for the sexual offence.

A social media profile for Wolf features a header image of a blushing female cartoon character in a suggested state of nudity.

The character, from a Japanese animation, is described as being between the ages of 15 and 17 in character biographies online.

Under rules introduced by Rishi Sunak's Government, transgender women are still sent to male prisons if they retain male genitalia or have been convicted of violent or sexual offences.

Natalie Wolf, also known as Ryan Haley, was jailed for three and a half years last week after being convicted of sexually assaulting a teenage girl

The 47yearold is being held at HMP Durham (pictured) under rules introduced by the Conservatives in 2023

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The rules apply even if a trans person has a gender recognition certificate, which legally recognises an individual's 'affirmed gender' in the UK.

Trans women may only be housed in female prisons in the most 'exceptional' cases  and require the approval of both the directorgeneral of the prison service and the justice secretary.

Any trans women who were in female jails before the policy was enacted remain there  but will be sent to male prisons should they offend again.

Dominic Raab, who was Deputy Prime Minister at the time, said the policy set out a 'clear, commonsense approach' to housing trans prisoners.

A similar policy has since been enacted in Scotland, which has its own devolved justice system.

Newcastle Crown Court had heard that the woman had been groped by Wolf  then still known as Ryan Haley  at the age of 13 and feared she was going to be raped.

But she bravely read out a victim impact statement in court, facing down her abuser, whom she told: 'Ryan Haley wants everyone to know him as Natalie Wolf. But in my eyes he is Ryan Haley, the man who sexually abused me.'

'I am doing this not just for me but for all the children and women who have been sexually abused by men,' she added.

The woman said that she had been left with 'shame and selfdoubt' and that she saw her body as a 'battlefield' while watching Wolf adopt a female identity.

She said of Wolf: 'Watching them celebrate their life, their body and their choices feels like salt in my wounds.

'Ryan, you destroyed me as a child, I kept this inside me for many years until I was strong enough to report it.

'Today I got the chance to read my victim statement in court. Today I get the chance to read my victim statement in court, today I am finally going to get the justice I have waited for.

'Today, Ryan Haley, you are going to get what you deserve.'

Wolf (pictured outside court) groped the victim when she was just 13 years old, leaving her crippled with 'shame and selfdoubt'

Wolf (pictured in a police mugshot) sought to claim jurors, police and lawyers had been hypnotised into conspiring to convict them

Wolf was referred to by female pronouns in court but had been held on remand at men's prison HMP Durham.

The offender, from Byker in Newcastle, sought to deny sexual activity with a child, claiming the victim was 'lying through her teeth'  but was convicted by the jury after a trial, and jailed for three and a half years.

In a bizarre selfrepresentation, Wolf claimed to be the victim of a conspiracy at the hands of 'hypnotised' jurors, police and lawyers.

A judge told the pervert  who has a personality disorder and longstanding mental health issues  to seek help while handing down a sexual harm prevention order and a requirement to sign the sex offenders' register for life.

Judge Gavin Doig said: 'I want you to understand, you are not the victim of a conspiracy, you are not the victim at all.'

Adding that Wolf had shown 'no remorse whatsoever', he continued: 'I urge you to spend your time in custody to reflect on your behaviour  the behaviour that has led you to be in prison now.'

Wolf suggested at the end of the hearing that an appeal would be imminent.

The number of transgender prisoners behind bars in England and Wales is rising year on year.

There are 339 transgender prisoners spread across 82 of the 123 public and private prisons in England in Wales as of March 2025, according to official figures from the Ministry of Justice.

Of those, 245 who are biologically male but identify as female are held in male establishments. Three biologically male prisoners who identify as female are held in women's prisons.

Of the 64 trans prisoners in women's prisons, 61 were transgender men who remained biologically female.
The corruption crisis rocking Ukraine has deepened after it emerged Volodymyr Zelensky's new peace talks chief has been caught up in the 76million scandal.

Anti-corruption agencies NABU and SAPO have been investigating allegations that a group of eight people, including Ukrainian government officials, were collecting bribes from the state nuclear power company, Energoatom.

The group of officials are said to have collected 10-15 per cent of the value of each contract given, amounting to 76million that was unlawfully given to the tiny group - money that could have been used to help defend Ukraine from Russian attacks.

The scandal, which has shaken Ukraine as it sends negotiators across the world to try and end Russia's invasion, has claimed the scalp of Andriy Yermak, Zelensky's right hand man and now-ex chief of staff who resigned after anti-corruption investigators raided his home and offices in connection with the ongoing probe.

Yermak, once considered the second-most powerful man in Ukraine, was due to be in Florida to speak with top Trump officials about a peace plan that would end the nearly four-year-long war.

He was instead replaced by Rustem Umierov, Secretary of the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine, who was called up at the last minute, the Telegraph reported.

But Umierov, the 43-year-old former minister of defence, is also caught up in the same anti-corruption investigation, having been called in as a witness as recently as November 25.

A NABU spokesperson said: 'Rustem Umierov was summoned to NABU as a witness to give evidence in criminal proceedings with respect to interference in the work of a state official.

'The conversation was constructive. Rustem Umierov answered all the investigators' questions within the framework of procedural law'.

Rustem Umierov (pictured, right of Zelensky) was called up to the negotiating team at the last minute to replace Andriy Yermak

A Ukrainian serviceman of the 100th Separate Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces fires a Bohdana self-propelled howitzer towards Russian troops from a position on a front line, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine near the frontline town of Kostiantynivka in Donetsk region, Ukraine November 29, 2025

Umierov's appointment as a top negotiator in this crucial stage of the nearly four-year-long conflict was met with ire.

Ukrainian politician Volodymyr Ariev told the Washington Post that Zelensky had 'resigned one corruption scandal [figure] and appointed as the head of the negotiating team another one.'

He said Ukraine needs officials who are not loyal to the president ;but professional and oriented to defend Ukraine's interests.'

Following the high-level talks in Florida, US secretary of state Marco Rubio said: 'There are a lot of moving parts, and obviously there's another party involved here that will have to be a part of the equation, and that will continue later this week, when Mr. Witkoff travels to Moscow, although we've also been in touch in varying degrees with the Russian side, but we have a pretty good understanding of their views as well'.

Umerov himself said before the talks: 'We are discussing about the future of Ukraine, about the security of Ukraine, about no repetition of aggression of Ukraine, about prosperity of Ukraine, about how to rebuild Ukraine.

'We're thankful for the efforts of the United States and its team in helping us. The US is hearing us, US is supporting us, the US is walking beside us, and we're thankful for all that has been done.'

The talks mark the start of a major week for Ukrainian diplomats and leaders.

Zelensky is set to meet Emmanuel Macron, his French counterpart, in Paris on Monday.

A drone view of a church damaged by Russian military strike as Ukrainian serviceman stands on it , amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in the frontline town of Kostiantynivka in Donetsk region, Ukraine November 28, 2025

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

And later this week, American officials including Donald Trump's top envoy Steve Witkoff are set to travel to Moscow to meet Kremlin officials and try to negotiate an end to the war.

Eager to please Trump, Kyiv and Moscow have ostensibly welcomed the peace plan and the push to end the war.

But Russia has continued attacking Ukraine and reiterated its maximalist demands, indicating a deal is still a long way off.

Putin implied last week that he will fight as a long as it takes to achieve his goals, saying that he will stop only when Ukrainian troops withdraw from all four Ukrainian regions that Russia illegally annexed in 2022 and still doesn't fully control. 'If they don't withdraw, we'll achieve this by force. That's all,' he said.

The plan, Putin said, 'could form the basis for future agreements,' but it is in no way final and requires 'a serious discussion.'

Zelensky has refrained from talking about individual points, opting instead to thank Trump profusely for his efforts and emphasising the need for Europe - whose interests are more closely aligned with Ukraine's - to be involved. He also has stressed the importance of robust security guarantees for Ukraine.

The fire rages after a Russian missile hit a multi-story residential building in Vyshgorod, outside Kyiv, Ukraine, early Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025

Firefighters work to extinguish the blaze after a Russian strike hit the central market in Kramatorsk, Donetsk region, injuring one woman, on November 29, 2025

The first version of the plan granted some core Russian demands that Ukraine considers nonstarters, such as ceding land to Moscow that it doesn't yet occupy and renouncing its bid to become a member of NATO.

Zelensky has said repeatedly that giving up territory is not an option. One of the Ukrainian negotiators told The Associated Press that Ukraine's president wanted to discuss the territory issue with Trump directly. Yermak then told The Atlantic in an interview on Thursday that Zelensky would not sign over the land.

Zelensky also maintains that NATO membership is the cheapest way to guarantee Ukraine's security, and NATO's 32 member countries said last year that Ukraine is on an 'irreversible' path to membership. Since he took office, Trump has made it clear that NATO membership is off the table.

Moscow, in turn, has bristled at any suggestion of a Western peacekeeping force on the ground in Ukraine, and stressed that keeping Ukraine out of NATO and NATO out of Ukraine was one of the core goals of the war.

NATO and the EU are holding several meetings this week focused on Ukraine. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte is hosting Ukrainian Defence Minister Denys Shmyhal for talks in Brussels on Monday, and EU defence and foreign ministers are gathering to discuss European military support for Ukraine and Europe's defence readiness.

On Wednesday, NATO foreign ministers will gather again in Brussels.

The main issue for the EU right now is what to do with the frozen Russian assets in Belgium that the Trump peace plan in its initial version sought to use for post-war investment in Ukraine.

Residents move through the dark alleys following a Russian drone attack on November 30, 2025 in Kyiv, Ukraine

Ukrainian priests stand as mourners light flares during the funeral ceremony of Artur Vilchynskyi, a Ukrainian soldier of the "Barracuda" air reconnaissance unit who was recently killed in action in the Chernihiv region, at the National Military Memorial Cemetery near Kyiv on November 28, 2025

Those funds are central to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's strategy to ensure continued help for Ukraine while also maintaining pressure on Russia.

But Belgium's prime minister is holding out, worried about the legal implications of tapping the frozen assets for Ukraine, the impact that could have on the euro - and of Russian retaliation.

The diplomacy set in motion by Trump's peace plan 'painfully exposed' Europe's weakness, Nigel Gould-Davies of the International Institute for Strategic Studies wrote in a recent commentary.

'Despite being the main source of Ukraine's economic and military support, it is marginal to the diplomacy of the war and has done little more than offer amendments to America's draft peace plan,' Gould-Davies wrote.
A teenage girl who was allegedly tied up and thrown into a swamp to drown in an honour killing had infuriated her strict father by refusing to wear an Islamic headscarf and by using social media, Dutch prosecutors have said.

The body of 18-year-old Ryan Al Najjar was found gagged, her hands tied behind her back and her ankles taped together, dumped in a swamp six days after she vanished from the family home in Joure in May last year.

Her brothers, Mohamed, 23, and Muhanad Al Najjar, 25, are now on trial for her murder, while their father, Khaled - accused of ordering the killing - has fled back to Syria.

New details revealed by prosecutors over the weekend claim Ryan had violated her family's strict expectations by adopting a Western lifestyle, mixing with boys, refusing to wear a headscarf, and using social media.

Prosecutors told the court the killing appears to have been triggered by a live video on TikTok, showing Ryan without a headscarf and wearing makeup.

They said chat messages suggest the video embarrassed Ryan's family as it does not fit within their traditional views.

Investigators found her father's DNA under Ryan's fingernails but prosecutors say they cannot determine whether he or one of her brothers carried out the killing.

'Honor killings are completely unacceptable,' the prosecutor said, 'This is a form of femicide'.

Dutch authorities on Friday demanded prison sentences of up to 25 years for the three suspects.

Ryan's body was found in a swamp six days after she disappeared from her family home in the Netherlands. She was gagged and her hands were tied behind her back

A court sketch of suspects Mohammed, right, and Muhanad Al Najjar, accused of helping their father kill their sister. The men have insisted their father acted alone

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Khaled, the father accused of masterminding the killing, will be tried in absentia after he fled the country.

Investigators allege the murder followed a long pattern of intimidation and control inside the household, with Ryan's behaviour viewed by her relatives as a humiliating betrayal that ultimately led to the fatal attack.

The brothers, whose trial began November 27, insist they were not involved and say their father carried out the murder alone.

Ryan disappeared on May 22, 2024. A passerby discovered her body on May 28 in Lelystad, about 25 miles north-east of Amsterdam.

Investigators later found DNA belonging to her father under her fingernails, indicating that she had put up a fight.

Khaled allegedly sent two emails to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf claiming responsibility and saying his sons were innocent. Prosecutors, however, rejected that claim.

They argue that the father told his sons to collect Ryan, drive her to an isolated location, and meet him there.

Shortly after midnight, Ryan was killed.

In court, the prosecutor described the fear Ryan must have felt - alone in the dark and far from help.

The teenager's body was discovered by a passerby in a swamp after prosecutors say her father orchestrated her murder

'What must she have feared,' the prosecutor said. 'In the middle of the night, in complete darkness, in a completely isolated place.'

The prosecution says the brothers carried out the plan knowing she would die.

Forensic investigations confirmed all three suspects were present at the crime scene, although it is unclear who performed specific acts. 'Khaled was the driving force, but without his sons, Ryan would not have been there at all,' prosecutors said.

While the brothers blame their father for the murder, their sisters support them and also hold the father responsible.

Prosecutors, however, pointed to intercepted chat messages suggesting the brothers may have been actively involved.

Before her death, Ryan was being monitored by the police and was given protection, but that was ended prior to her murder. It has not been disclosed why the protection was withdrawn.

Both brothers were arrested shortly after the body was located and have remained in custody since then. Defense lawyers are scheduled to present arguments Monday. The court will issue its verdict on January 5.

Their father fled the country and has not been tracked down.

According to the Dutch current-affairs programme Nieuwsuur, Khaled is believed to be living in northern Syria and has remarried since the killing.

The Dutch Ministry of Justice and Security told the programme that the Netherlands currently has no way to secure his return.

'The possibilities for criminal cooperation with Syria are currently not available,' the Ministry said. 'The criminal justice authorities required for this cooperation are not [yet] operational in Syria.'

However, Syria's own Ministry of Justice has disputed that assertion. Minister Mazhar al-Wais said the system had been rebuilt and was functioning.

'That may have been the case in the beginning when the regime had just fallen. Now the Syrian justice system has been fully restored,' he said.

He said the country was 'ready', adding that Syria has already received three legal-assistance requests from European nations.

'We will provide the necessary legal assistance in accordance with the regulations.'

The Syrian minister also said his government had never received a request from the Netherlands regarding this case.

The brothers' lawyers had earlier requested that they be released from pre-trial custody. But a judge ruled that they must be held behind bars until their trial.
Britons in flood risk areas have been warned to pack a kit containing wellies as parts of the country were put on high alert for a month's worth of rain today.

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) issued the advice on flood kits amid fears of 'significant impacts' and 'expected' flooding in the worst-affected regions.

The Welsh government-sponsored body said people should prepare a flood kit with important documents and medication and move their car to higher ground.

The flood kit should also items such as wellington boots, bottled water, rubber gloves face masks, hand sanitiser and a torch with spare batteries, the NRW said.

The guidance is the latest common sense advice from a public body relating to the weather  after the UK Health Security Agency were branded 'nanny state' over the summer for issuing a two-day 'danger to life' health alert for a brief heatwave.

Substantial rainfall is expected across much of the UK today - with South Wales under a Met Office amber warning where up to five inches could fall throughout today.

Forecasters have issued the 24-hour alert until midnight tonight and said 'fast flowing or deep floodwater is possible, which could cause a danger to life'.

Yellow Met Office rain warnings cover other parts of Wales as well as South West and North West England until 3am tomorrow. An alert in Scotland ends at 9pm tonight.

The River Tawe rages past properties in Ystradgynlais in the Powys area of South Wales today

People walk along the seafront in the rain near Old Portsmouth in Hampshire this morning

A dog walker out during a wet morning in the Oxfordshire countryside at Dunsden today

People walk along Hot Walls beach in Portsmouth this morning as the UK is hit by heavy rain

People walk along Victoria Pier in Portsmouth this morning as the UK is hit by heavy rain

Natural Resources Wales has issued three flood warnings where 'flooding is expected - immediate action required' as well as 47 alerts for people to 'be prepared'.

The Environment Agency has posted six flood warnings and 57 alerts for England, while the Scottish Environment Protection Agency has issued seven alerts.

What should you pack in a flood kit?

Here is what Natural Resources Wales advises people in areas at risk of flooding should pack in a flood kit: copies of your home insurance documents

a phone charger and battery pack

a list of important telephone numbers

a torch with spare batteries

a radio  on your phone or battery operated

warm, waterproof clothing and blankets

a first aid kit and prescription medication

bottled water and non-perishable food

baby food and baby care items

pet supplies

rubber gloves and wellington boots

face masks and hand sanitiser Advertisement

Forecasters predict 120mm (4.7in) of rain could fall in the highest ground of Wales' amber warning zone, while 20mm (0.8in) to 40mm (1.6in) is expected widely and up to 80mm is likely in hilly parts.

Records show the quantity of rain forecast today has previously triggered landslides in Wales, the British Geological Survey (BGS) said.

Today could be 'a significant event for many' and its impact will likely be greater because the ground is already saturated, the Met Office said.

Wales has so far seen around 240mm (9.4in) of rain this month, when its November average is 162mm (6.4in), according to one of its meteorologists.

Meanwhile, England and Wales combined have had 143 per cent of the norm, he added.

Senior operational Met Office meteorologist Marco Petagna said: 'All areas have seen above normal rainfall, Scotland and Northern Ireland are less of an issue of tomorrow, away from south-west of Scotland.

'It's mostly parts of England and Wales - many areas have already seen well-above normal rainfall and another several inches to come.

'No warnings are expected to be issued today for beyond tomorrow - it's partly so we don't distract from what could be a significant event for many tomorrow and the weather generally isn't as impactful at this stage for Tuesday and Wednesday, it's brighter, more showery.'

The amber rain warning says 'heavy rain is likely to bring some disruption and probable flooding on Monday'.

'In addition to the potential for flooding impacts, this increases the chance of landslides on both natural and infrastructure slopes.

Monmouth on November 15 amid severe and widespread flooding after Storm Claudia

'Strong south to south-westerly winds will also accompany the heavy rain, with gales possible around coasts and over high ground.'

Homes and businesses could be flooded, and there may also be transport cancellations and power cuts. Some communities could be cut off by flooded roads, officials said.

Richard Preece, NRW's duty tactical manager, said: 'We're urging people to be vigilant and to make preparations for potential flooding.

'Our thoughts are with those communities who have recently been impacted, and they could potentially be impacted again during this event.

'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.'

A BGS spokesman said: 'Records indicate that rainfall amounts similar to those forecast for Monday have previously triggered landslides in Wales.

'Both natural and infrastructure slopes could be affected within the warning areas, with rainfall falling on slopes that are likely to already be saturated.

'There is potential for disruption to roads and railways within the warning areas.'

It comes after heavy rain resulted in a major incident being declared in South Wales on November 15 in Monmouth, with dozens rescued from their homes or evacuated after the River Monnow burst its banks.
Wood-burning stoves could face tighter restrictions under tough new rules on air pollution set to be introduced by the Labour government.

Environment secretary Emma Reynolds said today that a new environmental improvement plan (EIP) - the first of the Starmer Cabinet - would set 'delivery plans' for targets in line with those in the EU.

Among the pollutants targeted in the new plan released today are PM2.5 particulates - fine matter that includes byproducts of burning wood such as soot.

These are so small that they can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream if inhaled, and are considered the most harmful pollutant to human health by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The UK's current PM2.5 target is an annual mean concentration of 20 micrograms per cubic metre (g/m) of air. This was set under the 2023 plan in line with EU standards at the time.

Average levels sat at 7.2g/m throughout 2024, peaking at 11.1g/m in November - blamed on heavier use of wood and coal stoves as the temperature drops.

But Brussels now has a stricter average of 10g/m from 2030 - 10 years earlier than the current target for England, and above the levels recorded in the winter months.

The Government has said today it intends to match the European target - superseding the goals set under the Environment Act by the Conservatives.

The EU eventually aims to cut its target to the WHO-recommended level of just 5g/m and it is likely that Britain will follow suit.

Brits could face extra restrictions on the use of wood-burning stoves after the Government unveiled tough new environmental targets

Environment secretary Emma Reynolds (pictured) says the government has set plans to bring emissions of PM2.5 fine particulate into line with targets set by the EU

Average levels of PM2.5 are highest in November and above the new target, thought to be due to the use of wood-burning stoves

Sources in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) had told The Guardian that a consultation on how to cut pollution levels would form part of the EIP.

The paper suggested that these could include tighter controls on smoke control areas, which limit the types of fuel that can be used to 'smokeless' fuels that do not release smoke out of chimneys.

These could, it was suggested, effectively amount to a ban on older appliances and, in some areas, a ban on the use of wood-burning stoves altogether.

Defra told the Mail today, however, that the consultation will not propose a ban on older stoves already in homes, and that changes to smoke control areas were not part of its plans.

A spokesperson said today: 'Poor air quality robs people of their health and costs the NHS millions in extra treatments for lung conditions and asthma. Our new air quality targets will cut harmful particles by a third by 2030, improving the lives across the country.

'We recognise that for some households, wood burners are an important way to heat homes and our upcoming consultation will focus on tighter standards for new wood burning products to help reduce health impacts.'

Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds described the last EIP under the Tories as 'not credible', adding: 'I'm confident that our EIP is credible, because it's got these delivery plans built in.

'You can't just set the targets. You've got to explain how you're going to achieve those targets. And that's exactly what we've done.'

The EIP itself says the Government will 'consult on new measures that cut emissions from domestic combustion, whilst minimising the impact on those that need to burn'.

Industry group HETAS, which certifies the environmental standards of wood-burning stoves, has backed the Government's move for tighter standards - adding that many of the latest stoves are likely to meet any new target.

Head of technical services Calvin May said: 'Wood burners, multifuel stoves, and pellet stoves that meet Cleaner Choice standards already meet potential EIP targets, demonstrating that industry is well-prepared for this change and committed to improving our air quality.'

Rosamund Krissi-Debrah (pictured), whose daughter died from an asthma attack linked to air pollution, has hailed the new PM2.5 goal as a 'win'

Ms Kissi-Debrah's daughter Ella died at the age of nine in February 2013. Her death promoted calls for 'Ella's Law', which would bind the Government to a 2030 clean air target

The WHO says PM2.5 particulate can exacerbate the symptoms of existing heart and lung conditions such as asthma, COPD and heart disease.

It has also been linked to a greater risk of asthma in children and adverse foetal development in pregnant women.

A study published at the end of September suggested that exposure to wood-burning stoves may be as harmful as smoking; another, published last month, linked their use to 2,500 deaths in Britain each year.

Rosamund Kissi-Debrah, whose nine-year-old daughter died from an asthma attack linked to air pollution in 2013, welcomed the new PM2.5 goal, as a 'win'.

Ms Kissi-Debrah has been campaigning for 'Ella's Law', which would require the Government to achieve clean air throughout England by January 1 2030, setting out a pathway to bring the country in line with World Health Organisation air pollution guidelines.

'It's not quite Ella's Law yet, but it's a step in the right direction,' she told the Press Association.

'So because of that I'm pleased. Anything that's going to improve the air, and that means less children are going to be hospitalised and less children are going to die, I am always going to be for it.

'Obviously, it's not everything which I want, and (the Environment Secretary) knows that, but I would take this win.'

Andrew McCracken, of Asthma + Lung UK, has urged the government to consult on changes to wood burning stove standards 'without delay'.

'Ministers must now move from promise to action. Despite being used by only a relatively small number of households, domestic wood-burners produce nearly as much PM2.5 pollution as all road transport,' he said.

Wood-burning and other domestic combustion is thought to account for 20 per cent of UK PM2.5 emissions in 2023.

Elsewhere, the environmental improvement plan includes a commitment to restore or create 250,000 hectares of wildlife habitats by the end of 2030, and a plan to allocate millions to landscape recovery projects, working with farmers and landowners.

The EIP also renews a commitment to ensure 80 per cent of new cars and 70 per cent of new vans sold in the UK will be electric by 2030.

Electric vehicles emit less PM2.5 particulates because they are zero-emissions from the tailpipe - but studies have suggested they give off greater amounts from tyres and brakes because of the extra weight added by batteries.

In April last year, the Scottish Government quietly banned allowing wood-burning stoves as a primary heat source for new-build homes, prompting fury from those living in off-grid rural communities not connected to the gas network.

The outcry forced the hand of SNP ministers, who rolled back on the decision at the end of 2024. A ban on gas and oil boilers in new-build properties remains in effect.
Kernow a'gas Dynnergh.

Fatla genes?

Can't understand? Well, that might be about to change, because the 'critically endangered' Cornish language is set to get the highest possible level of protection.

It means that Kernewek, as Cornwall's local tongue is officially known, could end up being used in court cases as part of efforts to promote its use.

Under the European charter that Britain is signed up to, the Government is required to adopt measures to protect and promote endangered languages.

Criminal proceedings should be conducted in protected languages in 'judicial districts in which the number of residents using the regional or minority languages justifies the measures', the Charter for Regional or Minority Languages says.

However, according to the 2021 census, only 567 people speak Cornish as their main language.

Up to 5,000 more have a basic grasp of the language, according to estimates.

The 'critically endangered' Cornish language is set to get the highest possible level of protection

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Where does Cornish rank against Britain's other minority languages?

Cornish is one of seven British and Irish minority languages protected by the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. The others are: Welsh, Irish, Scots, Ulster-Scots, Scottish Gaelic and Manx Gaelic. According to the latest figures the number of people who speak each is: - Kernewek (Cornish): 567 (as main language, according to 2021 census) - Welsh: 851,700 (in Wales, according to 2025 population survey) - Irish: 1.9million (according to 2022 Irish census) - Scots: 1.5million (according to 2011 Scottish census) - Ulster-Scots: Around 30,000 (according to 2021 census) - Scottish Gaelic: 57,375 (according to 2011 census) - Manx Gaelic: 8 (as a main language, according to 2021 census) Advertisement

After nearly dying out, a revival of Kernewek started in the early 20th century.

In 2010 UNESCO reclassified the language as critically endangered, stating that its former classification of the language as extinct was no longer accurate.

In the past year, more than one million searches have been made using the online Cornish dictionary.

More than 200 people sign up for Kernewek classes each year, and almost 6,000 schoolchildren are exposed to the language via a primary schools programme commissioned by Cornwall Council.

It means an increasing number of people will know that 'Fatla genes?' means 'how are you?', and 'Kernow a'gas Dynnergh' translates to 'Welcome to Cornwall'.

The Charter for Regional or Minority Languages was adopted in 1992 under the auspices of the Council of Europe, which is separate to the European Union.

Languages protected under the charter also have to be promoted in education, administration, media, culture and economic and social life.

Britain's other languages with the highest level of protection - known as Part III status - are Welsh, Irish and Scottish Gaelic.

Cornish has now been recommended by the government for Part III status.

Councillor Sarah Preece, a portfolio holder for tourism, localism and planning, said: 'Kernewek is a fundamental part of Cornwall's unique identity.

'We welcome this announcement as a huge step forward, giving the language the recognition and protection it deserves for future generations.'

A Cornish fishwife in Newlyn, 1880

Her colleague Dick Cole, who campaigns for Cornwall to be recognised alongside England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland as a fifth nation in the UK, added: 'It means that Cornish will have the same status as the other Celtic languages of the United Kingdom  Welsh, Scottish Gaelic and Irish  and I would like to pay tribute to everyone who has campaigned for these greater protections for the Cornish.

'The priority must now be for the Government to work with the people of Cornwall to better support and promote our national language.

'And we must build on this status to ensure that Cornish nationhood is better reflected in all aspects of the governance of the UK, which needs to include a meaningful devolution settlement.'
OBR chief Richard Hughes quit today following the leak of last week's Budget - but the Tories claimed he had been forced out for exposing Rachel Reeves' lies.

In a letter to the Chancellor and the House of Commons' Treasury Committee on Monday, Mr Hughes said he was taking 'full responsibility' for the embarrassing error.

The OBR was left humiliated last Wednesday when it prematurely published its latest fiscal outloook before Ms Reeves' Budget.

It meant the Chancellor's tax and spending decisions were widely known more than 40 minutes before she was due to officially announce the measures.

Mr Hughes initially resisted calls for him to quit as head of the watchdog, but he has now departed following the conclusion of an investigation into the episode.

Yet his exit also comes after he revealed the OBR had privately told Ms Reeves, in the lead-up to her Budget, that she was not facing a spending hole.

This has sparked a furious row over whether the Chancellor deliberately misled voters over the state of the public finances in order to justify 30billion of tax rises.

Following Mr Hughes' resignation, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch claimed Ms Reeves was using the outgoing OBR chief as her 'human shield'.

'Someone has resigned as a result of the Budget chaos... but it isn't Rachel Reeves,' Mrs Badenoch posted on X.

'The Chancellor is trying to use the chair of the OBR as her human shield. But I will not let her. Why is it ALWAYS someone else's fault with Starmer and Reeves?'

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage MP said: 'Whatever the failings of the OBR, they have not wilfully attempted to mislead the British public.

'The wrong person has resigned today, it should have been Rachel Reeves.'

The announcement of Mr Hughes' exit appeared to have been timed until after the close of financial markets on Monday, perhaps due to fears it could spark meltdown.

His exit also means he will no longer be grilled by MPs on the Treasury Committee on Tuesday morning about the Budget process.

OBR chief Richard Hughes quit today following the leak of last week's Budget - but the Tories suggested he was being forced out for exposing Rachel Reeves ' lies

In a letter to the Chancellor and the House of Commons' Treasury Committee on Monday, Mr Hughes said he was taking 'full responsibility' for the embarrassing error

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch claimed Ms Reeves was using the outgoing OBR chief as her 'human shield'

Mr Hughes sent his resignation letter to Ms Reeves and senior Labour MP Dame Meg Hillier, the chair of the Treasury Committee.

He said, despite the Budget leak, he was 'certain the OBR can quickly regain and restore the confidence and esteem that it has earned through 15 years of rigorous, independent, economic analysis'.

'But I also need to play my part in enabling the organisation that I have loved leading for the past five years to quickly move on from this regrettable incident,' he added.

'I have, therefore, decided it is in the best interest of the OBR for me to resign as its chair and take full responsibility to the shortcomings identified in the report.'

Mr Hughes had served as chairman of the OBR since 2020 and was reappointed to the job for a second five-year term in July this year.

Dame Meg thanked Mr Hughes for 'for approaching his work with dedication throughout his time as Chair of the OBR  often in trying circumstances'.

'I commend his decision to take full responsibility for the incident and I wish him well for the future,' she added.

The Treasury said it would begin the process of finding a replacement for Mr Hughes 'in the coming weeks'.

Speaking in the Commons as the news of the resignation broke, Treasury minister James Murray offered the Government's thanks to Mr Hughes 'for his dedication to public service'.

He had earlier told MPs the Government would be considering the 'serious' findings of an investigation into the Budget leak.

Mr Murray said the incident had been a 'systemic' failure, pointing to the conclusions that management should have been reviewing safeguards - and 'market sensitive information' had been released.

The report into the OBR's leak also revealed the watchdog could have been accidentally leaking Budget documents for years.

The investigation blamed a technical glitch making the URL unexpectedly accessible rather than hacking, suggesting it was not simply that officials inadvertently put the material online too early.

However, the assessment notes that the same issue has existed previously - and uncovered evidence that the documents might also have been accessed prematurely during the last Budget.

That opens questions about whether people could have been able to profit from early knowledge of what was in the announcements.

One unique IP address made 32 attempts to get the document from the web address before it went live, indicating that the user was anticipating the mistake.

It was then downloaded 43 times between 11.41am and 12.07pm, when scrambling staff finally managed to take it offline.

Sir Keir Starmer used a press conference on Monday morning to jibe at the OBR's 'significant error' and question the judgement of the independent body.

Last week, Mr Hughes said he had been 'mortified' by the extraordinary leak and would resign if he lost the confidence of the Chancellor and MPs.

Sir Keir Starmer earlier used a press conference to jibe at the watchdog's 'significant error' over the Budget leak and question the judgement of the independent body

Timeline of Budget leak 5.10am: The OBRs website host tells staff the site was ready to handle the extra traffic expected on Budget day. 5.16am: Someone tried to open the Economic and Fiscal Outlook PDF link before it was uploaded, the first of 44 failed attempts from seven different computers over the next few hours. 9am: The web developer begins to build the draft webpages, but did not upload any documents. 11.02am: The Economic and Fiscal Outlook PDF was emailed to the web developer, along with 24 other files that were due to be published. 11.30am: The developer begins uploading the files into the draft area of the website, which was not publicly accessible. 11.35am: The first successful request for the EFO PDF is made by a computer that had already attempted to access the link 32 times that morning. 11.41am: A Reuters news alert says: 'UK OBR ECONOMIC AND FISCAL OUTLOOK: BUDGET TAX RISES RAISE 26.1 BLN STG [sterling] BY 2029-30'. 11.43am: An OBR staff member is made aware that the news agency was flashing extensive forecast details and the OBR tries to rule out its own website as the source. 11.50am to 11.53am: EFO images and details spread online, senior OBR and Treasury officials discussed the breach, with the latter pointing out that the accessible PDF link and OBR staff and the web developer struggled to remove the PDF from the web because of the heavy traffic, while the OBR chairman and staff drafted a statement confirming the website was the source of the error. 12.07pm: There have been 43 successful requests for the EFO document by 32 different computers. 12.34pm: When Chancellor Rachel Reeves stands up to deliver the Budget, she opens with a reference to the premature release of the EFO. 1.38pm: Her statement ends and the EFO and supporting documents are published, with the online PDF updated at 4.29pm to include a correction slip approved by the House of Commons Journal Office. Advertisement

Mr Murray said: 'Last Wednesday, before the Chancellor had begun to give her Budget speech, the OBR published their entire EFO (Economic and Fiscal Outlook) online.

'Let me be clear, this is a very serious breach of highly sensitive information.

'It is a fundamental breach of the OBR's responsibility. It is a discourtesy to this House, and it should never have happened.'

The departure of Mr Hughes could be a danger to Downing Street as it will allow him to speak his mind about the Budget process.

As well as the leak, tensions have been raging with the Treasury over the OBR revealing explosive details of when it told Ms Reeves there was no hole in the public finances.

That has fuelled widespread fury that she lied by talking up problems in the run-up, to soften up Britons for huge tax hikes.

Sir Keir said earlier on Monday: 'I'm not going to suggest that what happened last week, which was the entire Budget being published before the Chancellor got to her feet, was not anything other than a serious error.

'This was market sensitive information. It was a massive discourtesy to parliament. It's a serious error, there's an investigation that's going on.

'But as for the OBR itself, I'm very supportive of the OBR for the reasons I've set out  vital for stability, vital and integral to our fiscal rules, which I've said a number of times are ironclad.'

Sir Keir also vented frustration at the OBR's decision to do a long-term productivity review now - although the impact was more than offset by other forecasting changes.

'Well, I'm not angry at the productivity review,' the PM said.

'It's a good thing that reviews like that have done from time to time. I'm bemused.

'Myself, I feel that doing at the end of last government and before we started might have been a good point to do a productivity review so we could know exactly what we were confronted with.

'Doing it 15, 16, months into a government, it had to be done sometime, but picking up the tab for the last government's failure  it's been the nature of the beast, frankly, for the last 16 months, but it was given a special emphasis in that exercise.

'I'm not angry, I'm just bemused as to why it wasn't done at the end of the government rather than done now, but I'm not saying that these reviews aren't important et cetera.'

Ms Reeves was left wriggling in interviews yesterday as she was confronted with details of how she talked up the problems in the Government's books, even after the OBR had advised her they were in fact forecasting a small surplus.

The timetable was spelled out in a letter from the independent body to MPs, published on Friday.

That drew a rare public rebuke from the Treasury, which said it had been assured such information would not 'usually' be made public in future.

Asked about the fate of the Mr Hughes yesterday, Ms Reeves said: 'Look, there is no one who is a bigger supporter of the Office for Budget Responsibility than me.

'I reappointed Richard Hughes in the summer to strengthen the powers of the OBR...

'It was clearly serious. It was clearly a serious breach of protocol.'

After the OBR letter was published on Friday, a Treasury spokesman said: 'We are not going to get into the OBR's processes or speculate on how that relates to the internal decision making in the build up to a Budget but the Chancellor made her choices to cut the cost of living, cut hospital waiting lists and double headroom to cut the cost of our debt.

'We take Budget security extremely seriously and believe it's important to preserve a private space for TreasuryOBR policy and forecast discussions, so we welcome the OBR's confirmation that this will not become usual practice.'
More than 1,000 people have been killed after days of intense monsoon rains triggered deadly flooding across parts of Asia.

The storms have unleashed flash floods and landslides in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Malaysia, leaving entire communities underwater.

Separate weather systems brought torrential, extended rainfall to the entire island of Sri Lanka and large parts of Indonesia's Sumatra, southern Thailand and northern Malaysia last week, worsening the disaster across the region.

In Indonesia's Aceh province, where rivers have burst their banks, desperate residents have begun looting shops after going days without food.

Survivors described clinging to rooftops and wading through rising waters as rescuers struggled to reach cut-off towns.

Emergency teams are racing to deliver food, clean water and medical supplies to the worst-hit areas.

Authorities warned the toll is likely to rise as floodwaters spread and remote villages remain unreachable.

Much of the region is currently in its monsoon season but climate change is producing more extreme rain events and turbocharging storms.

More than 1,000 people have been killed after days of intense monsoon rains triggered deadly flooding across parts of Asia. Pictured: Rescuers use ropes to evacuate the body of a flood victim in Tanah Datar, West Sumatra, Indonesia, Monday

The storms have unleashed flash floods and landslides in Indonesia , Sri Lanka, Thailand and Malaysia , leaving entire communities underwater. A view of a village affected by a flash flood in Batang Toru, North Sumatra, Indonesia, Monday, December 1

Pictured: Local volunteers rescue residents from flood-affected areas and guide them to shelters after heavy rains from Cyclone 'Ditwah' sweep through Colombo, Sri Lanka, on November 30

Pictured: An area hit by deadly flash floods following heavy rains in Palembayan, Agam regency, West Sumatra province, Indonesia, December 1, 2025

The relentless rains left residents clinging to rooftops awaiting rescue by boat or helicopter, and cut entire villages off from assistance.

Arriving in North Sumatra on Monday, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto said 'the worst has passed, hopefully'.

The government's 'priority now is how to immediately send the necessary aid', with particular focus on several cut-off areas, he added.

Prabowo has come under increasing pressure to declare a national emergency in response to flooding and landslides that have killed at least 502 people, with more than 500 still missing.

Unlike his Sri Lankan counterpart, Prabowo has also avoided publicly calling for international assistance.

The toll is the deadliest in a natural disaster in Indonesia since a massive 2018 earthquake and subsequent tsunami killed more than 2,000 people in Sulawesi.

The government has sent three warships carrying aid and two hospital ships to some of the worst-hit areas, where many roads remain impassable.

At an evacuation centre in North Aceh, 28-year-old Misbahul Munir described walking through water that reached his neck to get back to his parents.

Arriving in North Sumatra on Monday, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto said 'the worst has passed, hopefully'

The government has sent three warships carrying aid and two hospital ships to some of the worst-hit areas, where many roads remain impassable

Pictured: A heavily damage houses at an area hit by deadly flash floods following heavy rains in Palembayan, Agam regency, West Sumatra province, Indonesia, December 1, 2025

A drone view shows an area hit by deadly flash floods following heavy rains in Palembayan, Agam regency, West Sumatra province, Indonesia

An ambulance drives at an area hit by deadly flash floods following heavy rains in Palembayan, Agam regency, West Sumatra province, Indonesia, December 1, 2025

'Everything in the house was destroyed because it was submerged,' he told AFP.

'I have only the clothes I am wearing,' he said in tears.

'In other places, there were a lot of people who died. We are grateful that we are healthy.'

In Sri Lanka, the government called for international aid and used military helicopters to reach people stranded by flooding and landslides triggered by Cyclone Ditwah.

At least 355 people have been killed, Sri Lankan officials said on Monday, with another 366 still missing.

Floodwaters in the capital Colombo peaked overnight.

Now that the rain has stopped, there were hopes that waters would begin receding. Some shops and offices have reopened.

The floodwaters came as a surprise to some around Colombo.

'Every year we experience minor floods, but this is something else,' delivery driver Dinusha Sanjaya, 37, told AFP.

'It is not just the amount of water, but how quickly everything went under.'

A passenger car sits stuck among rubble at an area hit by deadly flash floods following heavy rains in Palembayan, Agam regency, West Sumatra province, Indonesia, December 1, 2025

A damaged passenger car sits stuck in the mud at an area hit by deadly flash floods following heavy rains in Palembayan, Agam regency, West Sumatra province, Indonesia, December 1, 2025

A man walks past heavily damaged houses in an area hit by deadly flash floods following heavy rains in Palembayan, Agam regency, West Sumatra province, Indonesia, December 1, 2025

Much of the region is currently in its monsoon season but climate change is producing more extreme rain events and turbocharging storms

Officials said the extent of the damage in the worst-affected central region was only just being revealed as relief workers cleared roads blocked by fallen trees and mudslides.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who declared a state of emergency to deal with the disaster, called the flooding the 'largest and most challenging natural disaster in our history.'

The losses and damage are the worst in Sri Lanka since the devastating 2004 Asian tsunami that killed around 31,000 people there and left more than a million homeless.

By Sunday afternoon, rain had subsided across Sri Lanka but low-lying areas of the capital were flooded and authorities were bracing for a major relief operation.

Military helicopters have been deployed to airlift stranded residents and to deliver food. One crashed just north of Colombo on Sunday, killing the pilot.

The annual monsoon season often brings heavy rain, triggering landslides and flash floods.

But the flooding that hit Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia was also exacerbated by a rare tropical storm that dumped heavy rain on Sumatra island in particular.

Climate change has also increased the intensity of storms, and produced more heavy rain events because a warmer atmosphere holds more moisture.

The waves of rain caused flooding that killed at least 176 people in southern Thailand, authorities said Monday, one of the deadliest flood incidents in the country in a decade.

The government has rolled out relief measures, but there has been growing public criticism of the flood response, and two local officials have been suspended over their alleged failures.

Across the border in Malaysia, where heavy rains also inundated large stretches of land in Perlis state, two people were killed.
This is the shocking moment an enraged Tenerife surfer hurled rocks at tourists after accusing one of them of stealing his waves while out in the sea.

Footage shared to social media shows the surfer punching a Venezuelan man as they were both in the water.

It then cut to the wetsuit clad man running back and forth at the tourist and his partner, screaming at them while trying to hit them with rocks from the side of a seaside path.

Local media reported that the scrap began after the Venezuelan tourists, identified as Alexandra Caraballo and Cristian Mederos, were preparing to surf in a small part of Punta Blanca, a small beach on the western side of the island.

The local surfer reportedly began shouting at them, demanding they leave.

Mr Mederos is said to have offered to move to another area, but the surfer allegedly began to punch him in the water with no warning.

The confrontation then spilled onto the shores of Punta Blanca, where the surfer hurled stones at the couple.

Local media reported that the man partially apologised in a video, in which he stated: 'I want to apologise for picking up stones during the incident and to the surfing community. I am not proud of what happened in Punta Blanca. Nobody wants to witness fights in the water.'

This is the shocking moment an enraged Tenerife surfer hurled rocks at tourists after accusing one of them of stealing his waves while out in the sea

Footage shared to social media shows the as-yet-unidentified surfer punching a Venezuelan man as they were both in the water

But he claimed that the tourists had agitated him, saying: 'The main responsibility does not rest with the locals, but with those who did not respect the spot.

'They attempted to impose their way of surfing and disrupted an equilibrium maintained by generations of surfers who care for their waves.'

Tenerife has seen huge anti-tourist protests over the past few years, and as a result Brits are starting to turn their backs on the Canary Islands.

Earlier this year, Santiago Sese, president of the Tenerife's Chamber of Commerce, expressed concern after he revealed that the number of British reservations for this summer have fallen by eight per cent year-on-year.

He said competing countries like Turkey, Greece, Egypt, and neighbouring Morocco have all seen their bookings increase.

Sese also regretted that the advertising campaigns specifically targeting the UK are not having an impact.

Tourism minister for Tenerife Lope Afonso said he wants to 'discuss the future of the islands,' with local demonstrators.

The president of Tenerife's federation of hotel owners Pedro Alfonso chimed in, warning that 'every small collapse has an echo in trust', noting that 'when confidence falls, investment comes to a halt.'

Calling for a return to 'dialogue, trust, and common sense,' Alfonso expressed the importance of safeguarding jobs and restoring stability on the island that is heavily dependent on British tourism during the summer months.
China-Japan air booking continues to drop in December, ripples reaching retail sector

Global Times) 11:09, December 01, 2025

A view of Beijing Daxing International Airport Photo: Courtesy of Beijing Daxing International Airport

Air travel and tourism flows from China to Japan have dropped notably, data from travel agencies and airlines showed, since China issued a travel advisory warning Chinese citizens of risks of visiting Japan following Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi made erroneous remarks on China's Taiwan and didn't retract her words.

Chinese industry insiders said that the tourism market for New Year's Day holiday trips to Japan currently shows no signs of improvement. They noted that as trips are mostly pre-planned, even if there were repairment in the bilateral relationship early next year, many Chinese tourists who could choose Japan may have rescheduled trips to other destinations.

Out of 5,548 scheduled flights from China to Japan in December, more than 900 have been canceled, meaning a cancellation rate of 16 percent, according to a Nikkei report on Saturday.

As of Thursday morning, Chinese carriers had slashed service on 72 routes, eliminating 904 flights and roughly 156,000 seats. The number of flight cancellations tripled the figure two days earlier, with Kansai International Airport near Osaka hit especially hard, according to Nikkei.

The operator of New Chitose Airport in northern Japan's Hokkaido revealed that flights from China have been canceled or reduced, which means approximately 30,000 to 40,000 Chinese visitors are expected to be unable to travel to Japan through March next year, according to NHK.

From November 24 to December 31, the number of canceled flights from China to Japan increased by about 56 percent compared with the same period a month earlier. Moreover, bookings by Chinese tourists for December and beyond were significantly lower than expected, according to statistics from industry information provider Umetrip sent to the Global Times.

Any additional flight reductions could seriously dampen tourism demand, and Japan has voiced growing concern over the potential blow to its travel sector, CCTV News reported.

Japanese media and tourism-related enterprises are increasingly worried that the damage could deepen further, if bilateral relations continue to deteriorate.

The Imperial Hotel Tokyo told the Global Times that "regarding Chinese company-hosted banquets and accommodations, we have begun to see some postponements and cancellations."

The impact also began to weigh on sectors including retailers.

Japanese fashion label Human Made Inc, which counts China as central to its plans, is broadening its growth strategy against the backdrop of rising tensions between the two countries, Bloomberg reported on Sunday.

According to the Japan National Tourism Organization, about 8.2 million Chinese tourists visited Japan from January to October 2025, an increase of 40 percent year-on-year, making them a vital source of revenue for Japan's tourism and related industries.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's erroneous remarks have strained China-Japan relations, affecting flights, seafood trade, cultural exchanges, and film cooperation. The sharp reduction in routes and flights has also made travel much harder, Zhang Lingyun, a professor and the executive editor-in-chief of the Tourism Tribune, told the Global Times on Sunday.

"As long as these political issues persist, most Chinese tourists will simply choose other destinations. The recovery of China-Japan relations ultimately depends on choices made by Japanese government," said Zhang.

Zhang also revealed that the travel market to Japan during the New Year's Day holiday currently shows no signs of improvement.

Chinese tourists are shifting their travel destinations to other neighboring countries and regions other than Japan, data from travel agencies showed.

According to data from travel platform Qunar, January is a key "off-peak" window for family outbound travel before Chinese New Year, with Thailand reclaiming the top spot. During the period from mid-January to before the Spring Festival (which falls on February 17 in 2026), flight bookings to Thailand are up 21 percent year-on-year.

Over the weekend of November 15 to 16, South Korea surged to become the No.1 outbound destination in terms of bookings, followed by Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, and Indonesia, according to Qunar.

Seoul also topped flight search volume as of November 17. Notably, searches for Singapore, Sydney, and Bali each rose by more than 10 percent week-on-week.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
Judges would be at risk of intimidation by criminal gangs if the majority of jury trials are abolished, a senior barrister warned today.

Justice Secretary David Lammy is expected to unveil plans to restrict juries to serious offences such as murder, manslaughter, rape or terrorism.

Other verdicts would be delivered by judges in a new, lower tier of courts, according to the contentious proposals.

Riel Karmy-Jones KC, chair of the Criminal Bar Association - which represents criminal barristers - fears the overhaul could leave judges more vulnerable.

'It's easier to intimidate one person than it is to intimidate 12,' she told the FT. 'It's easier to identify one person than it is to identify 12.'

Ms Karmy-Jones warned 'there could be risks' in cases where 'there's a lot at stake' for defendants.

She gave as one example fraud cases that 'may well have money behind them'.

A leaked memo sent to senior civil servants stated all criminal cases where there is a possible sentence of up to five years would be determined by a judge in future.

The only exceptions would be murder, rape, manslaughter or cases deemed to be in the 'public interest'.

The Government has insisted that 'no final decision has been taken' on the reforms - which have been mooted as a way to clear a record court backlog of nearly 80,000 cases.

Justice Secretary David Lammy is expected to unveil plans to limit jury trials to serious offences such as murder, manslaughter, rape or terrorism

While reports of intimidation of juries and judges are rare, Ms Karmy-Jones suggested any roll-back of jury trials would 'change the equation'.

'Judges might well find that they have to have security measures in place to protect them going to and from court,' she said.

'Judges would have to write their judgments, which would be public, and as individuals they are more exposed to threat as a result,' she added.

The proposals have been met with a furious response from much of the legal profession, including Sir Keir Starmer's former chambers.

Doughty Street Chambers, where Keir Starmer worked for more than 15 years, said the plan was 'wrong in principle'.

And the leading human rights set claimed there was 'no evidence' that cutting back on criminal trials heard by jurors would help tackle the backlog of Crown Court cases.

Its intervention will put more pressure on Mr Lammy, who is expected to tell MPs this week that victims will be denied justice without radical reforms to the system.

Doughty Street Chambers, whose current roster of barristers includes Amal Clooney, said in a statement: 'Trial by jury is a deeply entrenched constitutional principle and anchors our liberal democracy... We are firmly opposed to the proposals to remove trial by jury for all but the most serious of crimes.

'These proposals are wrong in principle, and there is no evidence that they will resolve the current backlog. Anyone who works within the criminal justice system will know that the problems have been caused by chronic underfunding over a number of years.'

The Tories said the intervention was an embarrassment for Sir Keir, who helped set up Doughty Street in 1990 and was appointed Joint Head of Chambers in 2007 before becoming Director of Public Prosecutions the following year.

Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick told the Daily Mail: 'This is the latest embarrassment for the Prime Minister.

'The right to be tried by our peers has existed for more than 800 years  it is not to be casually discarded when the spreadsheets turn red. Keir Starmer and David Lammy once knew this  but now they're in charge they have sold out their principles.

'Labour would rather strip you of your rights than strip the state of its waste and fund the courts to sit around the clock. It's yet more evidence that this Government is not on the side of the British people.'

In another illustration of the widespread opposition to the plan, a Labour MP described it as 'utterly ridiculous'.

In a social media post directed at Mr Lammy, backbencher Karl Turner wrote: 'Doing away with jury trials will make little difference to the backlog but it will make a world of difference to our democracy and our justice system. This utterly ridiculous idea needs putting in the bin fast.'

Even sitting judges have joined in the backlash. The Sunday Times told how two judges at Isleworth Crown Court made pointed comments to jurors last week about the importance of the jury trial system.

Mr Lammy's proposal goes further than the recommendation in a review by retired senior judge Sir Brian Leveson, who said offences with sentences of less than three years should not be heard by juries.

The Ministry of Justice said in a statement: 'No final decision has been taken by government.

'We have been clear there is a crisis in the courts, causing pain and anguish to victims - with 78,000 cases in the backlog and rising - which will require bold action to put right.'
Bridget Phillipson has been urged to bring in a four-day week for teachers to improve recruitment and retention.

The 4 Day Week Foundation has written to the Education Secretary to ask for schools to be allowed to give their staff one extra day off a week.

The campaign group calls for all full-time workers to reduce to a four-day week for the same pay to reduce burnout.

It is understood this would work in schools by having staff rotate their days off so that there are always enough people covering.

The Foundation wants the Government to allow schools to pilot the plan in England and Wales in answer to the teacher shortage crisis.

It says this will help Labour meet its manifesto pledge of recruiting 6,500 new teachers.

It comes after the Scottish government announced new proposals last week for teachers to be able to work a flexible four-day teaching week, which would see them given one day a week to focus on work such as preparation and marking.

Currently, official guidance for England says all state-funded schools should be open and educating pupils five days a week, morning and afternoon.

Bridget Phillipson (pictured) has been urged to bring in a four-day week for teachers to improve recruitment and retention

James Reeves, the 4 Day Week Foundations campaign manager, told The Guardian: Teachers are burning out at unprecedented rates.

A four-day week isnt about doing less  its about working smarter, protecting staff wellbeing and ultimately improving outcomes for students.

Its time for bold leadership and evidence-driven four-day school week trials to show what a modern, sustainable education system can look like.

In the foundations letter to Mrs Phillipson, it said there was a growing body of research showing that shorter working weeks can reduce burnout, improve productivity and support better work-life balance.

Earlier this year, teacher vacancies hit a record high in England.

According to the Department for Education, nearly as many teachers left the profession as entered it last year.

The campaign group said schools should be empowered to trial different timetables including controlled four-day school week trials and generate data on how it may improve teaching quality and school performance.

Mr Reeves added: Headteachers dont need government permission to explore new working arrangements.

Legally, they have the flexibility to proceed. We must find solutions to the recruitment and retention crisis so young people can have some stability in their schools.

A number of schools in the UK have already begun experimenting with shorter school weeks, including four-day weeks, 4.5-day weeks and a nine-day fortnight.

In September, the general secretary of the National Education Union, Daniel Kebede, called for all full-time teachers to be permitted to work one day a week from home and for more flexibility.

A Department for Education spokesman said: Last year saw one of the lowest rates of teachers leaving the profession since 2010, and we remain committed to tackling recruitment and retainment challenges.

We support schools in offering their staff flexible working while ensuring every child receives brilliant teaching for the full school week. Thats why we are funding a programme to embed flexible working within schools and expand these opportunities.
The man believed to be the new leader of ISIS runs a global network of fighters from a Somalian mountain range after years of preaching extremism in British mosques.

Abdul Qadir Mumin, the latest supreme commander of the Islamic State known for his beguiling charisma and powerful ability to recruit, is on the run from forces in Somalia trying to hunt him down.

When ISIS lost its self-declared caliphate in Syria and Iraq in 2009, the erosion of territory did not mean that the organisation simply died out.

Far from disappearing, new branches sprouted from the wreckage in other parts of the world, especially in Africa where jihadists have been able to capitalise on political instability and fragile governance.

From the remote Cal Miskaad mountains in Puntland, a semi-autonomous region in northeast Somalia, Mumin sought to revive the caliphate from the ruins.

Nestled deep in the secluded refuge in the arid Bari region, Mumin expanded his forces from 30 to approximately 1,200 fighters by the end of 2024, and elevated the fledgling branch to operational preeminence within the global ISIS network.

As the organisation's financial centre, ISIS Somalia is understood to have funded a number of global terror attacks, such as the two suicide bombings outside the Kabul airport in 2021, killing 169 Afghans and 13 U.S. troops.

But before Mumin began rebuilding ISIS, he worked in British mosques for a decade, where security sources said he was part of a powerful 'recruiting network' that was enlisting dozens of young Britons to travel to Somalia.

Abdul Qadir Mumin, believed to be the new leader of ISIS, runs a global network of fighters from a Somalian mountain range

From the remote Cal Miskaad mountains in Puntland, a semi-autonomous region in northeast Somalia, Mumin sought to revive the caliphate

Born in Puntland in the early 1950s, the elusive jihadi mastermind is physically distinctive, known for his striking red-dyed beard and pearl-white teeth.

He spent much of his adult life in Somalia before leaving the country in the 1990s amid the upheaval of civil war.

He settled in Gothenburg, the second largest city in Sweden, with his wife and young child, but was allegedly forced to move around the year 2000 after allegedly telling an undercover journalist that he would genitally mutilate his own daughter.

Mumin then headed for England, where he became a preacher at the Quba Mosque in Leicester, but soon courted controversy because of his extremist interpretation of scripture.

Following complaints, he moved to London and became a visiting speaker at Greenwich Mosque where he crossed paths with two of Britain's most infamous terrorists.

One was Mohammed Emwazi aka 'Jihadi John', one of the notorious ISIS Beatles who oversaw the brutal executions of kidnapped western journalists and aid workers in Iraq and Syria in 2014 and 2015.

The other was Michael Adebolajo, who murdered Fusilier Lee Rigby with a meat cleaver near the Royal Artillery Barracks in Woolwich in 2013.

The convicted criminals were known to have attended Greenwich Mosque and both later made failed attempts to join extremist groups in Somalia.

Fifteen years ago, several in the western intelligence community believed they had seen the last of Mumin when, under investigation by MI5, he fled from Britain back home to Somalia.

Mumin, known for his striking red-dyed beard and pearl-white teeth, is seen in this photo shared by the U.S. National Counterterrorism Centre

Nestled deep in the arid refuge in the Bari region, Mumin expanded his force from 30 to approximately 1,200 fighters by the end of 2024

In April, General Michael Langley, then head of U.S. Africa Command, announced to congress that 'ISIS controls their global network from Somalia' and American officials have described Mumin as the group's new chief.

When intelligence indicated that Mumin was plotting to seize the port city of Bosaso in the northeastern corner of Somalia, both Puntland forces and U.S. officials began the fight against him.

After almost a year of intense conflict supported by American airstrikes, Mumin's forces have been heavily weakened but the ISIS leader is still on the run.

On November 25, some 200 American special forces troops launched a raid in coordination with Puntland counter-terrorism units, targetting his stronghold in the Balade valley.

U.S. troops boarded MH-60 helicopters while MQ-9 Reaper drones executed precision strikes on the compound believed to house militants, in the Habarbakuuje and Mareero areas of the valley.

Initial assessments indicate that a senior ISIS commander and between 10 and 15 militants from Syria, Turkey and Ethiopia were killed in the attack.

Joint forces also destroyed a weapons cache and equipment used in ISIS-run gold-mining operations, a key financial lifeline for the group in Puntland, local media reported.

But Puntland intelligence estimates that there are about 200 remaining fighters in Cal Miskaad, including Mumin himself who has been forced to live a nomadic existence away from the main force, limping from cave to cave.

'We will continue our holy war until we taste death like our brother Osama,' Mumin said after Osama Bin Ladens death in 2011 by U.S. Navy SEALs in Abbottabad. 'Or until we are victorious and rule the entire world,' the ISIS chief added.

Like Bin Laden, who escaped American forces through the subterranean passages of Tora Bora in eastern Afghanistan in 2001, Mumin uses the environment to his advantage, exploiting nature as his shield from authorities.

Abdul Qadir Mumin is seen in this photo shared by the U.S. National Counterterrorism Centre

'The day we kill Mumin will be the happiest day of my life,' Captain Omar Yusuf Mohamed, an officer in the Puntland Maritime Police Force (PMPF), told the Times.

Mohamed, 40, has been fighting an international group of militants in a year-long brutal war to destroy the terror group.

'Hes like a virus that has come here and infected our land with his ideology of hatred, and brought death and suffering to our people,' Mohamed said.

Mumin is unusual for not having claimed lineage from the prophet Mohammed, which is a prerequisite for Islamic State caliphs.

His ascent to the global leader of the Islamic State is a testament to his bewitching personality and extensive experience in the world of extremism and recruitment.

Back in Britain, he allegedly tried to enlist at mafrishes, community cafes where young men would gather and chew khat, a narcotic substance popular among Somalis and Ethiopians.

Security services caught up with Mumin's suspicious activities, who he accused of harassment.

He fled the UK in 2010 and returned home to Somalia, where on arrival he immediately pledged allegiance to al-Shabaab, a jihadi movement allied to al-Qaeda.

In October 2015, he defected to ISIS via an audio recording published online in which he declared his loyalty to the budding caliphate.

U.S. Special Forces, in coordination with Puntland counter-terrorism units, have launched a major joint operation targeting an ISIS stronghold in Somalia's Balade Valley

He claimed to command 'the mujahideen of Somalia', when in reality only around two dozen al-Shabaab militants defected alongside him.

At the time, few officials were concerned that the force would pose a serious threat because of its modest size, but over time it became clear that the new outfit was dangerous.

Now, Mumin's militants are hiding in a fortified network of caves in the valley of Baalade, but Puntland forces are confident they won't be able to hold out for long.

The leader is forced to travel in disguise or in the dead of night, and communicates with his advisers only by written message to avoid being intercepted.

'They are surrounded. They have nowhere to run. They have no supplies left and are living off birds, plants, weeds. Even donkey meat,' Captain Mohamed told the Times.

'They dont bother to collect their dead. The valley is littered with bones. All war is cruel, but this has been on another level.'

Despite his confidence, Mumin's forces are equipped with advanced weaponry from abroad.

During a skirmish in January, the Puntlanders were targetted by a squadron of drones - a technology they themselves lacked at that stage  that destroyed six of their vehicles.

They have also been targetted with sniper fire, RPGs, anti-tank and anti-personnel mines, all of which are believed to have been smuggled across the Gulf of Aden from Yemen.

In February, Puntlands forces seized villages and an important ISIS base in the Miskaad mountains, where at least two thousand missiles were captured.

Colonel Abdiaziz Sankusocod, 47, an explosives expert who was almost killed by an IED in March, told the Times: 'These are experienced engineers from the Middle East who built these missiles. They know what they are doing.'

The strategic villages of Dhaadaar and Dhasaan in the Togga Jecel valley were liberated from the Islamic State by Puntland forces during a mission in February.

However, by the time the Puntlanders approached the strongholds, ISIS militants had already fled deeper into the mountains, abandoning the territory.

Now, all that remains of their presence in the caves behind the villages is propaganda graffiti, discarded boxes of chocolate biscuits, caffeine-infused chewing gum and large numbers of blank pill packages.

According to the Puntlanders, the unmarked boxes contain stimulant drugs used by militants during battle for stamina and bravery.

In other makeshift societies built in mountain hollows, forces discovered a community that clearly functioned as a hospital, with advanced technology including X-ray machines and CT scanners.

In other bases, they discovered sewing machines and the soles of half-made shoes.

Several militants chose to join Mumin's developing group alongside their wives and children.

Estimates suggest that on top of the original fighting force of 1,200 men, there was another 800 women and children. It is believed that only 80 remain after almost a year of conflict.

Ahmed Gallow, a senior intelligence officer with Puntland Intelligence Security Agency, told the Times: 'Weve found packs of Pampers [nappies], weve even found Louis Vuitton handbags.'

Senior leaders like Mumin are believed to have resided in caves with separate areas for sleeping, cooking and prayer, indicating that the fighters had plans to inhabit the landscape long-term.

Intelligence indicates that terrorists from more than 30 nations travelled to Somalia to join Mumin, with militants arriving from Tanzania, Morocco, Yemen, Canada, Argentina and Germany.

According to the Puntanders who work at the headquarters in Bosaso, nearly every continent is represented by the seized passports of the fighters.

Among them are Islamic State refugees, who fled the Levant in 2019 looking for a safe haven following the collapse of the so-called caliphate.

Others are simply opportunists who bought the lie that they would be given a wife and paid a salary of $2,000 in Somalia.

The new recruits are put through a training programme of six months.

In 2014, the organisation published a propaganda video showing masked recruits going through military induction at a training facility near Shebaab, the village that functioned as their capital.

In footage from 2016, Mumin can be seen standing before enlistees with a Kalashnikov over his shoulder, about to deliver a speech in which he bestowed his blessings upon them and their struggle.

Puntland has a history of fighting jihadist groups, dating back more than three decades when the city of Bosaso was captured by Al-Itihaad al-Islamiya militants in 1992.

But the threat posed by the growing Islamic State group is more acute due to its international profile, enabling it to source recruits and weaponry from around the globe.
Rescuers are in a race against time as they continue the desperate search for a British teenager who vanished in Romanian mountains after he made an urgent call for help.

His mother, Jo Smyth, has now flown to Romania after the alert was issued for her son George, saying he was exhausted and suffering from hypothermia.

The alert was sounded by the Salvamont Brasov rescue service on November 28, alongside a photograph of the missing 18-year-old.

It pleaded with anyone who may have seen him to contact authorities immediately.

George has been missing since the evening of November 23 despite extensive daily search operations that have been repeatedly hampered by dangerous weather and heavy snow conditions.

The Salvamont Brasov rescue said his family had begged them to distribute his picture publicly in the hope of generating new leads.

Rescue teams said the teen set off last Sunday morning from Poiana Brasov with the intention of walking to the village of Bran, famous for Bran Castle, Dracula's rumoured home.

According to the route information they were able to piece together, he managed to reach the Tiganesti valley where he contacted the 112 emergency line requesting assistance due to exhaustion and hypothermia.

Picture shows George, the young man sought by the Mountain Rescue in the Bucegi Mountains, Romania

A large-scale search operation is underway in the Bucegi Mountains for the British tourist who went missing a week ago

George asked for help, as he was exhausted and suffering from hypothermia

Salvamont officials added that he was wearing the jacket shown in the released photograph.

They urged anyone who saw him or who has any relevant information to immediately contact Salvamont Brasov or report to the nearest police station.

On Sunday evening, when the teenager asked for help, they said he was already in an advanced state of fatigue and hypothermia, triggering an overnight search that continued until morning without success.

He made the call from a valley situated at more than 6,562 feet above sea level.

His parents were able to locate his phone and were shocked to discover where he was.

Searches resumed in the following days, with crews scouring the mountain terrain on foot and using all available equipment.

Rescuers later found a rucksack with equipment in the area he had indicated.

The bag has been handed over to police, but no further trace of the teen has been found.

The missing teen's mother said: 'He left his university in the United Kingdom on Sunday without telling us, to go hiking alone.

'His phone last had signal in a remote mountain area. He made a distressing call to 112 on Sunday evening. The teams found his backpack in the same place from where he called for help within a few hours.

'I flew to Romania immediately and we are trying to support the search teams as best we can.'

Salvamont officials urged anyone who saw George or who has any relevant information to immediately contact Salvamont Brasov or report to the nearest police station

Hypothermia can set in within minutes if a hiker is unprotected or exhausted in the months of November and December

Officials said the operation has been severely hindered by the harsh winter conditions now gripping the Bucegi Mountains, which are part of the high Carpathian range.

November and early December routinely bring rapidly changing weather, sudden fog banks, freezing winds and unstable snowpacks, and hypothermia can set in within minutes if a hiker is unprotected or exhausted.

Poiana Brasov and Bran, the teens planned start and end points, are connected by long, forested trails that rise sharply into high alpine sections, areas that become particularly perilous during late-autumn cold snaps.

He crossed the Diham-Tache Ionescu area but the fierce weather and the difficult route made the hike difficult.

Rescuers stressed that despite their continuous efforts since Sunday and the use of all available technology, no additional clues have been found that could lead them to Georges whereabouts.

In a first for local rescue operations, Salvamont Brasov even deployed a Black Hawk helicopter to fly intervention teams quickly to the most inaccessible parts of the massif.

A drone equipped with a thermal imaging camera was also used as teams with sniffer dogs retraced George's route.

'The mountain rescuers retraced the alleged route taken by the young man, but unfortunately they were unable to identify any new conclusive elements,' Sebastian Marinescu, director of Brasov Mountain Rescue, told Observator.

'He was a sporty and strong young man and travelled a lot with us and his friends. He loved the mountains. We hope and pray that he somehow survived despite all the odds. Just the thought of a life without him is unbearable,' said his distraught mother.

The search will continue in line with weather developments and operational safety, after it was temporarily suspended due to avalanche danger.
An IT consultant says he was put through '13 weeks of hell' after being arrested for posing with a gun in a LinkedIn post while on holiday in Florida.

Jon Richelieu-Booth posted three images of himself with firearms while staying on private property with friends in the US.

However when he arrived back in the UK in August, a police officer visited his house to warn him that concerns had been raised about his account.

The 50-year-old said he offered to prove that the pictures had been taken in the US - where owning or shooting guns are legal. Officers told him it was not necessary.

A week later on August 23, the officers returned and arrested him on suspicion of possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.

He also faced another allegation of stalking related to a photograph of a house that appeared on his social media.

Mr Richelieu-Booth was held overnight in a cell before being interviewed. He was then released on bail until October.

He claims police visited his home three more times before the charges against him were dropped.

Jon Richelieu-Booth claims the images were taken while on holiday in Florida

In three separate posts, he posted pictured holding various weapons in the United States

Mr Richelieu-Booth said he was arrested for a social media post after returning to the UK

After he was charged, Mr Richelieu-Booth claimed he was unable to work because his phone and computers were seized by police.

The IT contractor accused the police as a 'massive overreach'.

He told The Telegraph: 'Anybody should be allowed to say anything they wish, as long as its not hateful.

'When did we go from a society where you can have a discussion with somebody and go, "You know what? I dont like your opinion. Im going to disagree with you, but Im not going to tell you why, Im going to call the police".

'When did we get so thin-skinned as a society?'

Mr Richelieu-Booth's story was shared by billionaire Elon Musk, who was furious at the treatment of the Brit.

He wrote: 'And this is why we have the first and second amendments in America'.

In October, Mr Mr Richelieu-Booth was re-arrested for allegedly breaching his bail conditions. That charge was later dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service.

He was then charged with a public order offence over a separate social media post. That charge was also later dropped.

Elon Musk shared the story in a post on X, praising the US for its first and second amendment laws

West Yorkshire Police did not confirm which social media post prompted the charge.

He was also due to appear in court on November 25, charged with causing alarm or distress. That charge was also later dropped by the CPS.

Mr Richelieu-Booth is now considering making a formal complaint against West Yorkshire Police after enduring '13 weeks of hell'.

A spokesperson for West Yorkshire Police said: 'Police received a complaint of stalking involving serious alarm or distress, relating partly to social media posts, several of which included pictures of a male posing with a variety of firearms which the complainant took to be a threat.

'Police investigated and charged a man with a public order offence but the case was then discontinued by the CPS.'
A prison guard and a violent armed burglar have pleaded guilty to having a sexual relationship in one of the UKs largest prisons.

Alicia Novas, 19, and Declan Winkless, 30, both admitted committing misconduct in public office over a four-month period at HMP Five Wells last year.

Their fling is reported to have first been exposed when a video of Winkless having sex with Novas at the privately run jail began to circulate last year.

The prison officer entered into a sexual relationship with Winkless, provided him with her telephone number and smuggled cannabis and a mobile phone into the Category C prison, a court heard.

She also failed to report his possession of a phone and cannabis.

Novas pleaded guilty to six charges and Winkless to seven charges during a brief hearing today at Northampton Crown Court.

Winkless encouraged and assisted both offences of misconduct in public office committed by Novas, which amounted to an abuse of public trust.

They also admitted unauthorized electronic communication from inside to outside the prison, while Winkless admitted a further charge of unauthorised possession of a mobile phone.

The court heard that the pair committed misconduct in public office between August and December last year.

At the time, Novas is understood to have been working as a custodial officer at HMP Five Wells in Wellingborough, which is one of the UKs largest prisons and run by private firm G4S.

Declan Winkless is serving an 11-year sentence after being jailed in 2021 for being part of a vicious gang of armed burglars who raided a series of properties in Leicestershire

Novas is understood to have been working as a custodial officer at HMP Five Wells in Wellingborough, which is one of the UKs largest prisons and run by private firm G4S

The disgraced officer, who was on bail and walked into the dock wearing a black outfit and glasses while carrying a large bag, was told she would be remanded in custody until sentencing on January 5.

The prosecutor did not open the facts against the defendants during the short hearing.

Relatives of Novas, of Raunds, Northamptonshire, sobbed in the public gallery as she was led from the dock into custody.

Winkless appeared for the hearing via videolink from HMP Swaleside, where he is currently being held.

He is serving an 11-year sentence after being jailed in 2021 for being part of a vicious gang of armed burglars who raided a series of properties in Leicestershire.

His gang burgled six homes which saw them hold the occupants captive. The victims included a pregnant woman and her three-year-old child - who was struck across the face in front of his parents to reinforce the raiders' demands for money.

In another raid, a 63-year-old woman was dragged from her bed and suffered a heart attack, whilst another elderly woman was hit so hard it broke her eye socket, according to Leicestershire Live.

Passing sentence at the time, Recorder Jason MacAdam said Winkless played a part in most, if not all burglaries, which he described as involving 'unnecessary violence and extreme ransacking on a grand scale.

None of (the victims) will ever feel safe in their homes again, and many are in the process of moving - and one victim never returned home and sleeps in his car, he said.

Following Novas and Winklesss guilty pleas today, the court heard that a psychiatric report detailing diagnosis of emotional, unstable personality disorder traits would be presented in mitigation for the prison officer.

Judge Rebecca Crane told her: Ms Novas, you are now remanded in custody. You will be brought to court for the day of the sentencing hearing.
NATO is preparing to take a tougher approach against Russia's relentless cyber attacks, sabotage operations and drone intrusions in a move that is already stoking anger in Moscow.

The alliance's most senior military commander warned that simply reacting to threats from Vladimir Putin's regime was no longer working and that NATO must now consider striking first to deter future attacks.

'We are studying everything... On cyber, we are kind of reactive. Being more aggressive or being proactive instead of reactive is something that we are thinking about,' Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone told the Financial Times.

Despite Europe facing cable sabotage in the Baltic, crippling hacks and airspace violations in recent months, NATO has traditionally shied away from offensive cyber operations or direct confrontation.

But Dragone suggested that could soon change - with steps that would once have been seen as too bold for the defensive alliance.

A 'pre-emptive strike' could be considered a 'defensive action', he said, though admitting it was further away from the alliance's generic approach to problem-solving.

He asked: 'Being more aggressive compared with the aggressivity of our counterpart could be an option. [The issues are] legal framework, jurisdictional framework, who is going to do this?'

The Russian Foreign Ministry has since responded to Dragone's statement, saying: 'We view Giuseppe Cavo Dragone's statement about the possibility of preemptive strikes against Russia as an extremely irresponsible step, indicating the alliance's readiness to continue moving toward escalation.

The alliance's most senior military commander warned that simply reacting to threats from Vladimir Putin's (pictured) regime was no longer working

Romania, bordering Ukraine, scrambled fighter jets early on Wednesday after a fresh drone incursion into its territory. Pictured: Pilots of the Romanian Air Force flying F-16 fighter jets in August

'We see it [Dragone's statement] as a deliberate attempt to undermine efforts to resolve the Ukrainian crisis,' spokesperson Maria Zakharova added.

According to Zakharova, 'people making such statements must be aware of the ensuing risks and possible consequences, including for the alliance members themselves'.

Eastern European allies - on the front line of Russia's interference - have long demanded a stronger response.

A Baltic diplomat warned that if NATO simply continue to be reactive, it invites Russia to 'keep trying, keep hurting us'.

'Especially when hybrid warfare is asymmetric - it costs them little, and us a lot. We need to try to be more inventive,' they added.

Even successful NATO operations have exposed legal vulnerabilities. In Finland, the crew of a Russian-linked 'shadow fleet' ship suspected of cutting critical underwater cables walked free - as the attack took place in international waters.

Asked if that ruling effectively gives Russia free rein offshore, Finland's foreign minister Elina Valtonen responded frankly: 'Yes, and that's a problem'.

NATO points to its Baltic Sentry mission - expanded after multiple sabotage incidents - as proof that a determined show of force can halt Russia's mischief-making.

Dragone emphasised that since the beginning of Baltic Sentry, nothing has happened which shows the mission is working.

However, he also stressed the difficulty NATO faces due to the rules that constrain Western democracies but not the Kremlin.

The alliance and its members have 'much more limits than our counterpart because of ethics, because of law, because of jurisdiction. It is an issue. I don't want to say it's a loser position, but it is a harder position than our counterpart's,' he admitted.

Valtonen echoed that NATO must remain calm and deliberate, suggesting that a more aggressive approach is not necessarily required.

'We also should take a step back and really analyse what the aggressor is after. Then probably, we shouldn't be hysterical. We have our own playbook and we should trust it because it's quite robust,' he said.

A key railway line linking Warsaw to south-eastern Poland was damaged by an explosion in what the prime minister has described as an 'unprecedented act of sabotage'. Pictured: Special forces and police investigate at the scene of a destroyed section of railway tracks near the Mika railway station

Polish authorities confirmed one act of sabotage and a second incident 'highly likely' to be sabotage over the weekend, with officials warning the attack may have been ordered by foreign intelligence services

But behind the scenes, defence chiefs believe pressure will only increase as Russia searches for new ways to strike NATO territory without triggering a formal military response.

The statements come just over 2 weeks after an explosion caused damage to the Warsaw-Lublin line that connects the Polish capital to the Ukrainian border.

Heavily hinting at suspected Russian involvement, Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk earlier said the perpetrators would be caught 'regardless of who their backers are'.

A train driver first reported irregularities on the track at around 7.40am local time on November 14, prompting an inspection that revealed there was a damaged section near Mika, roughly 62 miles south-east of Warsaw.

Two passengers and several staff members were on the train but no injuries were reported, officials said.

And just under a week later, on November 19, NATO members Romania and Poland scrambled fighter jets after Russian attacks in Ukraine, with Bucharest saying a drone breached the country's airspace.

Moldova, which lies between Romania and Ukraine, also reported a drone breach, summoning the Russian ambassador.

Romania and Moldova have repeatedly seen violations of their airspaces, including drone fragments falling onto their soil, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

The incident is the latest in a series of drone sightings across mainland Europe, which have increased in frequency since September when more than 20 Russian drones breached Polish airspace.

The origins of several of these unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are unknown, but European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has described them as 'hybrid warfare' waged by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Hundreds of thousands of young children are getting hooked on social media before they learn to read, shocking new research has found.

More than a third (37 per cent) of children aged three to five now use at least one app or site - up from 29 per cent in 2023 - despite their links to anxiety, speech impediments, sleep disruption and bad behaviour.

Some tots spend so long slumped on sofas staring at screens that it even affects their physical development, leaving them unable to sit up straight.

Analysis by the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ), using data from Ofcom, suggests that 814,000 pre-school children In Britain are active on social platforms designed for teenagers and adults.

Such services typically have age restrictions set at 13, but these are easily bypassed.

Former schools minister Lord Nash called for stricter controls to keep young children off potentially harmful websites.

'This research is deeply alarming,' he said. 'With hundreds of thousands of under-fives now on these platforms, children who haven't yet learned to read being fed content and algorithms designed to hook adults should concern us all.

'We need a major public health campaign so parents better understand the damage being done, and legislation that raises the age limit for social media to 16 while holding tech giants to account when they fail to keep children off their platforms.'

The number of pre-school children using social media is on the rise

Studies have shown that smartphone use among children may lead to various psychological, physical and developmental issues

Campaigners have called for stricter enforcement of age limits and a ban on smartphones in schools

The data from Ofcom shows that almost one in five (19 per cent) children aged three to five use social media without their parents' oversight, while 40 per cent of children under 13 have a social media profile despite restrictions.

One in four eight to nine-year-olds report interacting with strangers while gaming online.

Molly Kingsley, co-founder of campaign group Safe Screens, said: 'This is yet another data point that shames our failure to take decisive action on ensuring that addictive social media is taken out of the hands of kids.

'Banning phones from schools should have been done already, but the reality is, even that won't help our very youngest children. We need an urgent discussion about the appropriate solution, which could be tougher age restrictions on social media.'

The report by the CSJ, Change the Prescription, highlighted the harm of exposure to social media at the stage when children's speech, sleep, attention and emotional development are most vulnerable to disruption.

The think-tank is calling for a total ban on smartphones in schools, tougher enforcement of age limits and a public health campaign to highlight the harms of social media.

It warned of rising anxiety and identity-based distress linked to persistent stimulation from screens, with schools reporting declining attention and behaviour.

Worryingly, the potential harm is not limited to the psychological. Children who use screens for more than 60 minutes daily are ten times more likely to develop musculoskeletal disorders than those who do not, especially if they use devices while lying down.

One teacher told a survey by children's charity Kindred Squared: 'I've got two children [in my class] who physically cannot sit on the carpet. They don't have core strength.

'And when I went to visit one of the girls in July, she'd never been to a nursery, she'd been sat in a corner sofa on an iPad, so she hasn't developed her core strength and it's really affecting her whole development.'

A study in New Zealand involving 6,000 children aged two to eight showed just 90 minutes of daily screen time led to below-average performance in communication, writing and numeracy, with toddlers showing heightened behavioural issues and precursors to anxiety disorders.

In June, an amendment to the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill was tabled by Lord Nash, proposing an outright ban on social media for under-16s. A similar one was introduced in Australia three months ago.

Schoolgirl Molly Russell, 14, of Harrow, Middlesex, killed herself in 2017 after being fed disturbing content about suicide and self-harm by addictive social media algorithms. At her inquest in 2022, coroner Andrew Walker urged the government to crack down on tech giants and introduce strict enforcement of age limits.

The Department for Education said policies banning phones had already been made in 99.8 per cent of primary schools and 90 per cent of secondary schools.

A spokesman said: 'Phones have no place in our schools and leaders already have the power to ban phones.

'We support headteachers to take the necessary steps to prevent disruption, backed by clear guidance, and have also brought in better protections for children from harmful content through the Online Safety Act.'
It's Christmas at the White House and this year's decorations are truly on theme with President Donald Trump's America First slogan.

The festive decor pays homage to the upcoming 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Trump claims it's fate that the year-long celebration is happening during his second term.

The official theme unveiled by the office of the First Lady is 'Home Is Where The Heart Is.'

But Americans were quick to point out the stark difference from the traditional Christmas decorations this year compared to former First Lady Jill Biden's circus-themed holiday decor in 2024.

One user posted screen shots from the first ladies' videos year-to-year, with Melania Trump's featuring the Christmas Nativity Scene and last year's showing performers  some gender-ambiguous  parading around the White House.

The president couldn't help but get a bit cheeky by inserting himself into the decor with a Lego portrait of himself just feet from another Lego portrait of first US President George Washington.

'This is what CLASS truly looks like,' one pro-MAGA user wrote, posting an image of the Merry-Go-Round Christmas tree from last year side-by-side with the tree on display currently with the toy portraits. 'I can't believe Jill denigrated Christmas at the White House like that. We're so back.'

To showcase the whimsy of the season, more than 10,000 blue butterflies were featured in celebration of the 'youth who represent our Nation's bright future' as well as 75 wreaths and 51 Christmas trees throughout the White House.

But the decoration tour is much less expansive than years past after Trump tore up the East Wing to make way for construction of his new grand ballroom. Staff work space had to be moved to the lower level of the White House  limiting the area the first lady could decorate this year.

Christmas decorations at the White House this year include a portrait of President Donald Trump made entirely of Lego blocks

The annual White House Gingerbread House includes a rare glimpse inside the Yellow Oval Room of the president's residence. The concoction weights more than 200 pounds and is on display in the State Dining Room

First Lady Melania Trump had a Be Best room filled with more than 10,000 blue butterflies in the tree, wreaths and garland. The decorations were unveiled to the press on Monday, December 1, 2025

The first lady is tasked with designing the holiday decorations at the White House every year

The Blue Room at the heart of the White House displayed the official White House Christmas Tree, which Melania Trump received in November. The decorations will be on display through December for those with tickets to come tour the White House during the holiday season

Social Media was quick to point out a return to more traditional holiday garb after former First Lady Jill Biden used her final year in her position to decorate the White House with circus-themed motifs  including encapsulating the official White House tree with a busy Merry-Go-Round that almost entirely hit the dwarfed shrub

The official White House Christmas tree this year is adorned with 3-D printed ornaments of all 50 states and their respective state birds

Christmas trees and holiday decorations surround the Cross Hall during an advance tour of the 2025 White House Christmas decorations on December 1

Lego portraits of U.S. Presidents George Washington and Donald Trump in the Green Room of the White House

The route starts in the East Room, where right beyond the wall construction is ongoing for the event space Trump says will host thousands once completed.

It then expands into the Green Room, where a few retro toys were spaced throughout and bookended by the Lego portraits of the first and most recent presidents.

The Blue Oval Room, which has a window looking out to the South Lawn and the Washington Monument, was adorned by this year's official White House tree and included 3-D printed ornaments of every US state and an image of their respective state birds.

The Red Room featured a tree with ribbons reading the first lady's 'Be Best' slogan, and a unique touch of blue butterflies popping out of the tree, wreaths and garlands. The State Dining Room included the annual White House Gingerbread House, which this year provided a rare glimpse into a replica of the Yellow Oval Room of the president's residence.

And the tour ended in the Grand Foyer where the President's Marine band played Christmas tunes, including the entire soundtrack of The Nutcracker.

'Melania Trump brings tradition back to the White House with her 'Home Is Where the Heart Is' holiday decor,' Fox News political commentator Will Cain lauded on X.

First ladies are historically in charge of the decor, and Melania Trump went all-in on the patriotic theme throughout the White House this year  but specifically in the East Room where the America250 motif shined.

The decorations sought to highlight the concept of 'America, Our Home' as a reminder that 'the heart of America is strong and that Home Is Where The Heart Is.'

Beyond the limited space, Melania's decorations were much more sparse and less extravagant than in her husband's first term where every inch of the space was covered in lights, firs and ribbon.

The outside of the White House remained in its traditional garb as with past years, with red-bow laden wreaths adorning every window.

Lego portraits of President George Washington and President Donald Trump decorate the Green Room of the White House

The Official White House Christmas Tree on display in the Blue Room of the White House

The Gingerbread White House is displayed in the State Dining Room

A Christmas tree on display in the Red Room of the White House

Christmas trees on display in the Center Hall of the White House

A Lego portrait of first US President George Washington sat a few feet from Trump's own unique portrait

The East Room was themed with America250 as an homage to the upcoming 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

The 2025 decoration tour was stunted compared to previous years due to ongoing construction on the East Wing for Trump's new ballroom

The decorations featured 75 wreaths and 51 Christmas trees scattered throughout the White House

The President's Marine Band played Christmas tunes, including the entire soundtrack to The Nutcracker, as visitors toured the holiday decor

A Christmas card from US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump are displayed at the White House along with the 2025 official White House ornament

An America250 spokesperson said of this year's decorations: 'We are deeply honored that America250 is represented in this year's White House holiday celebration.'

'As we enter a truly historic year leading up to America's 250th anniversary in 2026, this holiday season oers an opportunity to reflect on what connects us as Americans,' they added. 'It's also a moment to look ahead with excitementto the many ways we'll come together in the year ahead to honor our past, celebrate our present, and imagine our collective future.'

The East Room, currently the largest room of the White House, highlighted America250 the most with red, white and blue trees and symbols of American patriotism, including large custom eagle tree toppers.
The final post to social media from a celebrated South Australian winemaker has been flooded with tributes after he died in a house fire.

The body of Peter Fraser, 51, was found inside the charred remains of his $1.3million home on Chalk Hill Road in Clarendon, in the Adelaide Hills, on Thursday afternoon.

Police are not treating the fire as suspicious but it has not been revealed how it started.

Just hours earlier, Mr Fraser, who was crowned Australian Winemaker of the Year in 2015, had shared a photo to Instagram of a $400 bottle of Corton-Charlemagne white wine with the caption 'Might be the best wine I've ever drunk'.

The post has since turned into a digital memorial for Mr Fraser's loved ones and the Austarlian wine community.

Mr Fraser's winery, Yangarra Estate Vineyard, shared its own tribute on Friday, writing that the team was 'devastated'.

'For more than 25 years, Pete was the driving force behind Yangarra and was an incredible winemaker, thought leader, mentor, and a defining voice in the industry. All of us who had the privilege of working with him are devastated by this loss.

'He was deeply loved, and his legacy is profound. Our thoughts are with his family and with the many friends whose lives he touched. We ask our community to keep his loved ones in their thoughts during this incredibly difficult time.'

Peter Fraser (pictured) died in a house fire in the Adelaide Hills on Thursday

Just hours before his body was recovered, Mr Fraser shared a photo (pictured) captioned 'Might be the best wine I've ever drunk'. He had won multiple awards including Australian winemaker of the year in 2015

Yangarra Estate Vineyard has temporarily closed in the wake of Mr Fraser's death. It is not known when the winery will reopen.

Sommelier Leanne Altmann wrote: 'Always such humour and warmth, with incredible insight - I always learned so much from listening to him. Raising a glass to you Pete.'

Wine reviewer Erin Larkin said: 'Devastated. There were so many great wines and conversations yet to be shared with Pete. Sending love to his family.'

Mr Fraser leaves behind his wife, family lawyer Tessa Hume, whom he married in 2017.

The couple have two children - Jack, eight, and Poppy, six. Mr Fraser was also the stepfather of two more sons.

His social media was largely dedicated to his family with dozens of posts praising his wife's achievements, showing off memorable holidays and capturing fun moments with his kids.

On top of his happy family life, Mr Fraser was famously successful in wine making - particularly with his grenache.

His 2021 Yangarra Old Vine Grenache won Halliday wine of the year in 2024 and his High Sands Grenache 2016 won the same title in 2020.

Mr Fraser (pictured) was a celebrated member of the Australian wine making community
A teenager who was mauled to death by a lioness after climbing into its enclosure at a Brazilian zoo has been pictured.

Gerson de Melo Machado, 19, slipped into the big cat's pen at the Arruda Camara Zoobotanical Park in Joao Pessoa, on Sunday.

The troubled teenager - who spent much of his life in care and struggled with severe mental health issues - was filmed clambering down a tree inside the enclosure after scaling a 20ft wall.

Horror video footage captured the moment Leona the lioness, said by zoo vets to have been left 'stressed' and 'in shock' after the incident, set upon him as he neared the ground.

Machado, who had once tried to reach Africa as a plane stowaway in a desperate bid to pursue his dream of being a lion trainer, was known to police after repeatedly breaching security in his fixation with big cats.

It was reported that he had made earlier attempts to enter the Arruda closure, and following the attack, the zoo was closed. There is currently no reopening date yet, as per local reports.

According to correctional officer Ed Alves, the young man had 16 prior arrests, ten of which occurred when he was a minor.

Machado had also been referred to CAPS (Psychosocial Care Center), but he escaped from the facility.

Gerson de Melo Machado, 19, slipped into the big cat's pen at the Arruda Camara Zoobotanical Park in Joao Pessoa, on Sunday

The teenager, who had spent years in care and had mental health problems, was filmed yesterday climbing down a tree to reach the lioness after scaling a 20-ft wall in in the port city of Joao Pessoa in north-east Brazil City police

Zoo vet Thiago Nery said the lioness had been contained without the use of tranquilliser darts of weapons

Child protection worker Veronica Oliveira, who worked with Gerson for eight years, said he had grown up in extreme poverty without a proper family support structure and described him as someone who had mental health problems like his mother who had been diagnosed with schizophrenia.

'For eight years I've been supporting you, fighting and struggling to guarantee your rights. When you first entered my office, you were only 10 years old,' she said in a statement.

'Counselor Patricia Falcao and I received you from the Federal Highway Police, found alone on the highway. Since then, the entire Protection Network has always contacted me whenever something happened to you,' she added.

Oliveira also stated that she met 'the child who was destroyed from the parental power of her mother, who is schizophrenic .'

His own issues meant he was the only one of his siblings not to be taken in by adoptive families.

The child protection worker told a Brazilian news website: 'Gerson was a child who suffered violations of his rights'.

Revealing his dreams of going to Africa to tame lions, she recalled in an agonising social media post: 'You told me you were going to take a plane to go on safari to Africa to look after lions.

'I thanked God when I was warned by the airport that you had cut the fence and got inside the landing gear compartment of a Gol Airlines plane.

'I thanked God because they saw on the cameras that there was a teenager there before a tragedy happened.

'Gerson's story is that of a boy who just wanted to get to know Africa to tame lions

'He discovered too late that a lion isn't a domestic cat and that we can't tame them without the right knowledge. Sadly he wasn't sensible enough for that.'

Horror video footage captured the moment Leona the lioness, said by zoo vets to have been left 'stressed' and 'in shock' after the incident, set upon him as he neared the ground

City police who had arrested Gerson several times for minor offences including criminal damage confirmed his Africa dream and said he had told them he would make the journey 'on foot' after his airport security breach

The child protection worker told a Brazilian news website: 'Gerson was a child who suffered violations of his rights'

Following the tragedy, the park's administration emphasized that the enclosure complies with the normative instruction of Ibama (Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources), which determines construction standards to ensure the safety of visitors, professionals, and animals.

The park claim its barriers exceed the minimum requirements and confirmed that 'there is no possibility of euthanasia' for Leona, and that the lioness continues to be monitored.

Brazilian politician Matheus Laiola, who previously served as chief of police of the environmental protection department of Curitiba, said in an online post which raised eyebrows because of some of its content: 'A lioness did exactly what a lioness does. Instinct, defence, natural behaviour of a wild animal.

'Tragedy and error begin when humans ignore basic safety limits, risk their own lives and also endanger the life of the animal.

'In Joao Pessoa, a man died yesterday after invading a lioness's enclosure at Arruda Camara Park.

'According to the city council, he climbed a wall over six metres high, passed through the protective bars, used a tree for support and entered the cage.

'We stand in solidarity with the victim's family.

'Respecting wildlife is not a choice. It is a rule. When this boundary is ignored, it is always the animal that suffers, and this cannot continue to happen.

'Who do you think was the "animal" in this situation?'
Upmarket bakery chain Gail's is planning to have 40 new stores open in England by February after profit boosts - despite protests which have been mounted against recent new outlets.

The fast-growing chain said it wanted to continue expanding in areas across the country in the years ahead.

Gail's opened 36 cafes over the past financial year, including the first locations in the south west of England, and the next 40 covering the latest financial year are set to be opened by the end of February 2026.

Sales totalled 278million in the year to the end of February 2025, up by about 20 per cent compared with the previous year, according to new accounts filed.

But the firm did reveal pre-tax losses surged to 7.8million, from 7.4million the year before, as it invested in new stores and saw business expenses and staff costs rise.

Gail's had more than 4,000 staff at the end of February - about 500 more than the previous year, following the latest recruitment drive.

It also has a wholesale business that sells baked goods to other stores and supermarkets such as Waitrose and Ocado.

Directors of the company said the wholesale market was 'very competitive' but that it was attracting new and existing customers with high 'quality at reasonable prices'.

Among the most recent new Gail's openings was here in Walthamstow, north-east London

Gail's, whose sourdough loaves start from about 4.80, said the retail arm - meaning its bakeries - was the 'faster growing and more profitable part' of the group.

The company added: 'But the market also remains very competitive and we recognise that to be able to grow we must continue to provide innovative world-class food in attractive neighbourhood bakeries.'

Gail's told the Daily Mail: 'We are pleased to have delivered strong year-on-year growth. This performance is underpinned by the increasing demand for high-quality, nutrient dense food, and by the support of the communities we serve.

'We will continue to build on this momentum by growing with purpose and remaining committed to improving access to good food.'

They added that 36 of the proposed 40 new stores had been opened so far this year.

Locals including rival traders have been raising concerns in recent months over Gail's openings in their high streets - with criticisms that the stores symbolise gentrification and skyrocketing house prices.

Cafes and restaurants recently said a Gail's store at the top of Crystal Palace hill in south London could 'brainwash' customers into buying elsewhere due to the influence of the corporate giant.

A post shared by independent coffee shop Brown & Green cafe in the Crystal Palace Triangle - at the heart of the town centre - attracted thousands of likes on Instagram.

It read: 'I think we'd all be lying if we said we weren't worried about this giant moving in. For all us independents, day-to-day trade isn't a granted. We graft. We make changes. We number crunch. We cut hours. We reduce menus. We work. We get up and we do it every day. And, to be clear, it's hard.

Baristas are seen serving hot drinks at a new branch of Gail's bakery chain on the opening day at Walthamstow village in north-east London on October 3 2024

'Our cafe in the triangle doesn't make a profit. Yes, we are busy on weekends but this doesn't cover our weekday losses. It's tough out there and we are all fighting to stay afloat. Our friends and neighbours and all the small cafes on the triangle are trembling.'

In a final plea, it added: 'Please think where you buy your coffee, your pastries, your bread, your lunch, brunch, breakfast us local businesses appreciate you immensely.'

Laura Tilli, who runs the cafe with twin sister Jess, told the Standard: 'Since Covid, everybody is struggling to stay alive and keep afloat. People don't understand the expense and cost of running a cafe. Yes, we're busy at the weekend but on weekdays it's dead in the triangle.

'The main concern with Gail's coming in is that they're going to be operating out of a huge site  it used to be a big pub.

'We are worried it's going to blow everybody out of the water. We are all selling pastries and coffees but they brainwash people. The Crystal Palace Triangle is very diverse. Some cafes only have eight or 10 covers.'

A Gail's spokesman told the Daily Mail the chain 'wholeheartedly supports independents' and is 'one of many businesses, only a small part of the retail picture'.

Earlier this year, locals and business owners on a street in Stoke Newington, north-east London, expressed fears their unique row of shops would be 'ruined' and 'turned into Oxford Street' following the announcement of a new Gail's bakery.

The new Gail's store in Crystal Palace is pictured ahead of planned recent opening

Local couple Jay Karim and Malin Sonesson said they would not visit the new branch, with Mr Karim saying: 'I'm not too happy, there are bakeries that have been here for 20 years. It is very much the peak of gentrification when a Gail's opens.

'It does devalue the street a little bit but the people who come here regularly will stay local, they know their places. I've got nothing against Gail's but this is the wrong place.'

Ms Sonesson added: 'I think it is terrible. It ruins the street. I think part of the soul of the street is going. Church Street is all about independent, bespoke little shops and boutiques.

'Gail's and Pret-A-Manger are just another coffee shop - it is all the same.'

Previously, hundreds of residents in Walthamstow, north-east London, also signed a petition to stop the company opening on their High Street amid fears it could run independent cafes out of business.

Gail's, based on a firm founded by Gail Mejia in 1993, opened its first branch on Hampstead High Street in north London in 2005 and has since expanded to 170 outlets.

It was valued at 200million in 2021 when US private investment firm Bain Capital bought a majority stake.

The so-called 'Gail's theory' is a longstanding idea that Gail's bakeries boost house prices - though MailOnline revealed this year that house prices in neighbourhoods blessed by the red and white awnings and exposed brick aesthetic of a Gail's bakery are not actually rising any faster.

Your browser does not support iframes.

Our analysis using Government figures looked at house prices in the immediate vicinity of each established Gail's store.

This compared the prices of homes sold in the quarter ending September 2024 to the same period the previous year. MailOnline ran its audit for every MSOA  a geographical area home to around 1,500 people  in authorities where Gail's operates.

It found that the presence of a Gail's bakery does not seem to have any meaningful effect on house prices.

Before the bakery established itself as a middle-class phenomenon, it was originally a wholesaler called The Bread Factory founded by Gail Mejia in 1993.

Ms Mejia and others among London's 'best bakers' supplied artisanal bread and cakes to restaurants and hotels, from a site in Hendon, north London.

Tom Molnar and Ran Avidan, two businessmen working at one of the world's biggest consultancy firms McKinsey, bought half the company in 2003 and two years later opened that first branch in Hampstead, in the London borough of Camden.
This is the moment a Ukrainian tourist rammed two armed robbers off a motorcycle with his car after they smashed his window and stole 31,000 from him at gunpoint.

The Ukrainian man Dymitro Chaban, was sitting in his car outside a hotel in the Mahmutlar neighbourhood of Alanya, Turkey, when two robbers on an unregistered motorcycle accosted him and tried to rob him.

One man smashed the window with the butt of his weapon and screamed at him, demanding a bag that was later found to have 35,000 in cash inside.

After the men, named locally as Murat Orhan Gunduz and Elnur Behbulda Gunduz, fired a shot into the car, they took the bag and fled on the motorcycle.

Chaban then followed them in his car and collided with the motorcycle about 1,000 feet away.

Emergency teams who arrived at the scene pronounced both men dead. A gun and an empty casing were found at the site by investigators.

Chaban was detained, and the bodies of the two men were taken to the morgue.

At the Alanya 1st High Criminal Court, where the case was heard, he reportedly said of the November 2023 incident: 'I lost consciousness when I saw the gun when I was robbed. If I had been in my right mind, I would not have hit them.

One man smashed the window with the butt of his weapon and screamed at him, demanding a bag that was later found to have 35,000 in cash inside

The Ukrainian man Dymitro Chaban, was sitting in his car outside a hotel in the Mahmutlar neighbourhood of Alanya, Turkey, when two robbers on an unregistered motorcycle accosted him

Emergency teams who arrived at the scene pronounced both men dead. A gun and an empty casing were found at the site by investigators

Judges initially issued a life sentence for 'deliberate killing' using his car (pictured, following the crash)

'I would not have risked my life; I had no intention of killing. I do not have the ability to kill people; it was all beyond my control.'

Judges initially issued a life sentence for 'deliberate killing' during a sentencing hearing in November 2025.

The court then applied an 'extreme provocation' reduction and converted it into a total of 25 years: two sentences of 12 years and six months, one for each victim.

Chaban did not attend the sentencing, but his lawyers and his spouse were present.

A man identified as Yunus Emre C., accused of acting as a lookout during the robbery, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for his part in the robbery.
A Minnesota electrician has died after being struck by lightning while climbing a mountaintop in Peru.

Yuri Botelho, 36, had travelled to the Machu Picchu region with his wife, Kelsey, and their 15-month-old son, Tyson, for the Thanksgiving holidays.

Bothelo, his American friend James Alexander Fernandez, 41, and a local tour guide had climbed to the summit of a mountain on Wednesday last week.

The trio were planning to descend on bicycles when an electrical storm broke out and Bothelo was struck by lightning, the Associated Press reported.

Police found his body among the straw later that afternoon after they received an emergency alert.

Fernandez was found nearby, injured on the side of the road. He was taken to the hospital in critical condition. The guide was found without major injuries.

Bothelo, a native of Brazil who became an American citizen in May, will be cremated in Lima. His remains will then be sent to Minneapolis, where he lived with his family.

Kelsey is fighting logistics to return safely home with her son and her husband's remains. A GoFundMe has been established to help with the family's unexpected travel and medical expenses.

Yuri Botelho, 36, (pictured) died last week after being struck by lightning while climbing a mountaintop in Peru

Bothelo (right, pictured last year) had travelled to the Machu Picchu region with his wife Kelsey (left) and their 15-month-old son Tyson (center) for the Thanksgiving holidays

Bothelo, his American friend James Alexander Fernandez, 41, and a local tour guide had climbed to the summit of a mountain in the area (file photo of Machu Picchu)

Botelho's brother-in-law said the engineer was hiking with Fernandez and the guide the night before Thanksgiving when it became clear that something was wrong.

'Kelsey was tracking his watch, saw it wasn't moving,' Brett Skoog told WCCO.

As of Friday, Kelsey had managed to get Bothelo's body to Cusco, a Peruvian city about 50 miles from Machu Picchu.

'She's fighting as a spouse trying to get Yuri home and fighting for her son, making sure he has everything he needs. Man, we were lucky to have him,' relative Mandy Skoog added.

She has also been supporting Fernandez's wife during this difficult time, according to an update on the GoFundMe campaign.

Kelsey's brother and a close friend have flown to Peru to help her as she navigates 'challenge after challenge, whether it be transportation, documentation, or subpar medical support,' the post said.

Video shows first responders racing to rescue the group after the electrical storm swept in on their descent. Bothelo died and Fernandez was critically injured

Bothelo, a native of Brazil who became an American citizen in May, will be cremated in Lima. His remains will then be sent to Minneapolis, where he lived with his family. He is pictured after celebrating his American citizenship on May 2, 2025

Bothelo and Kelsey have been married for three years and welcomed their first child together in August last year.

He had worked as an engineer with the city of Manhattan Beach, California, about 20 miles from Los Angeles, from 2022 until July this year, his LinkedIn profile stated.

The couple relocated to Minnesota this year to be near Kelsey's family.

He started working at the city of St. Louis Park, six miles outside of Minneapolis, as an engineering technician in July.

Bothelo handled pavement rehabilitation projects and was responsible for construction observation, inspection, management, surveying and design, according to his LinkedIn.

His employer issued a statement to WCCO after his death last week.

'This is a tremendous loss for his family, his friends and for all of us as his colleagues. Yuri had only been with the city for a short time but was already a trusted and valued employee and friend. Our thoughts are with his family and friends,' the city said.

Bothelo and Kelsey (pictured on their wedding day) have been married for three years and welcomed their first child together in August last year

The couple relocated from California to Minnesota this year to be near Kelsey's family. Bothelo (pictured at Yosemite National Park in 2021) started working at the city of St Louis Park, six miles outside of Minneapolis, as an engineering technician in July

Bothelo and Kelsey are understood to have taken an annual trip every Thanksgiving.

He had also celebrated becoming an American citizen on Instagram in May this year.

'Officially American Citizen... after a lot of effort, hard work, paperwork, sweat, blood, tears, taxes, fees, doubts and anxiety we made it,' Bothelo posted on Instagram as he waved an American flag.

Bothelo was the son of Francisco Botelho, a former councilman in the city of Sao Mateus, Brazil. His father confirmed to AP that Bothelo's cremation will occur in Lima.
New York City's incoming socialist mayor Zohran Mamdani has appointed an anti-cop advocate to his team who has called to end policing and abolish the presidency.

Sociologist Alex Vitale, author of 'The End of Policing', a 2017 book that argued for the abolition of almost all police activity in the US, was added to Mamdani's team last week.

Vitale was among 26 advocates tapped to join Mamdani's Committee on Community Safety, and on X the author said the news marked 'A New Era for NYC.'

Vitale's book rose to prominence following the murder of George Floyd in 2020 and subsequent anti-police demonstrations.

The author argues that police officers do not intend to help citizens and prevent crimes, but instead work to uphold inequalities in society, at one point writing that 'the problem is policing itself.'

In the book, Vitale also calls for the end of traditional policing for most crimes, including for drug use, border control, prostitution, and 'misbehaving adolescents.'

The appointment sparked backlash after Vitale shared the news to social media, with many fearing a reduction in policing in New York City could have catastrophic effects for the city of over eight million people.

Mamdani had attempted to distance himself from his own past anti-police rhetoric during the campaign, and his independent rival Jim Walden wrote on X after Vitale's appointment: 'Just when a glimmer of centrist hope started to flicker, THIS.'

New York City 's incoming socialist mayor Zohran Mamdani has appointed anti-police advocate Alex Vitale to join his transition team

Mamdani had attempted to distance himself from his own past anti-police rhetoric during the campaign, but Vitale's appointment sparked backlash for his ardent advocacy against police

NYPD officers escort a person who has been arrested during a protest in New York, New York, USA, 29 November 2025

Vitale was an early proponent of a policy that Mamdani adopted during his campaign, which is to reduce the number of NYPD officers and replace them with social workers.

Mamdani has said he will create a 'Department of Community Safety' for the social workers to handle public safety issues, feeling that cops do not fix the root causes of why a person commits a crime.

Despite the Big Apple's long history of gang violence, Vitale has also argued that the police should not combat street gangs, arguing that doing so can be racist.

In chapter five of his book, Vitale wrote: 'In most cities, gang units function as a mechanism for racialized social control.

'Black and Latino youth are labeled as gang members for hanging out together, while white youth groups are dismissed as harmless.'

He also argues that the 'expansion' of border patrol powers in the United States is 'inhumane' and 'has been justified through fear and racism.'

'It legitimizes xenophobic narratives that define immigrants as threats rather than as fellow workers or neighbors,' Vitale wrote.

Vitale's book 'The End of Policing' rose to prominence following the murder of George Floyd in 2020 and subsequent anti-police demonstrations

His book became popular on the left as Black Lives Matter protests swept the country, as he proclaimed that the entire system of policing is racist even if individual police officers are not.

'Racism in policing is structural, not simply a product of bad attitudes,' Vitale wrote.

'Training officers to recognize implicit bias without changing what they are tasked with enforcing is like teaching a soldier to be sensitive while sending him to occupy a foreign country.'

Vitale has also shared some outlandish views on his X account, including calling for the abolition of the presidency, and the end of a number of law enforcement agencies, including the DEA and anti-terrorism task forces.

Vitale is not alone among the controversial appointees to Mamdani's Committee on Community Safety, also including Dana Rachlin, an advocate who helped create the Brownsville Safety Alliance, a policealternative' zone where social workers and community groups handled low-level issues instead of the NYPD

Joining him on Mamdani's Committee on Community Safety is a number of other far-left advocates who have called for the end of policing.

Among them is Joo-Hyun Kang, a 'defund-the-police' campaigner who is the director for Communities United for Police Reform.

In 2020, she proclaimed: 'We would argue that the police unions as an institution, as well as the NYPD, because they're not as separate as people say, have outsized political power', per the New York Post.

Also on the team is Dana Rachlin, an advocate who helped create the Brownsville Safety Alliance, a 'policealternative' zone where social workers and community groups handled low-level issues instead of the NYPD.

The experiment was slated as 'reckless' by city leaders.
A beloved Chicago bookstore is forced to close its doors after a mega giant corporation opened nearby, tanking its sales.

Volumes Bookcafe, a a beloved independent shop owned by two sisters, opened for business in 2016 and stood its ground in Wicker Park for nearly a decade.

The charming bookstore is home to books and memories, including over 20 engagements and even served as a backdrop for a baby's first steps.

Volumes will close in January after nearly a 30 percent plunge in sales, and co-owner Rebecca George told the Chicago Tribune that she believes the opening of a nearby Barnes & Noble had a negative impact.

George quipped that her shop shutdown is similar to the plot of the romantic comedy 'You've Got Mail.'

The hit film stars Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks as Kathleen and Joe, who anonymously meet online and exchange love emails.

But in real life, they are rivals: Kathleen owns a quaint local bookshop and Joe runs the large corporate bookstore chain that threatens her business.

'Wheres our Tom Hanks?' George joked to the Chicago Tribune. 'But no, Im just kidding. I dont think I would have ever dated Tom Hanks because of [his job].'

Volumes Bookcafe, a community built bookstore located at 1373 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago

The mom and pop bookcafe is a quaint shop to enjoy a warm drink and read a good book

Barnes & Noble, located at 1601 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

George said Volumes' sales have drastically dropped during the holiday season because of the new Barnes & Noble location that opened in 2024.

This time of the year is crucial for sales and even after trying to add more events to round up new shoppers, the decline continued.

George told the outlet that their local bookstore can't compete with Barnes & Noble's vast inventory and discounts.

Impatient customers just 'go down the street' to the book giant if Volumes doesn't have what they desire.

Locals are devastated about the independent shop's closure, including Jessica Ekhoff, who financially invested in the store when it moved to a new location after the COVID-19 pandemic.

'Ive always been a big reader, and to me, like a great neighborhood bookstore is the perfect third space,' Ekhoff told the outlet.

'Theres a certain kind of bond between people who really love books.'

Volumes Bookcafe owners Rebecca and Kimberly George

The shop opened in 2016 and stood its ground in Wicker Park for nearly a decade

Volumes' sales have drastically dropped during the holiday season because of the new Barnes & Noble location that opened in 2024

You've Got Mail (1998) Official Trailer grab, starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan

The movie sees two business rivals hate each other at the office but fall in love over the internet

She emphasized the difficulties in running a small business, and that 'massive corporations can just kind of run over everybody else.'

The small shop is still running as it normally would and is putting together their annual holiday gift catalog.

George added that there are other independent bookstores to shop and support despite Volumes closing.

'The amount of money thats going directly back into your community is significantly higher with small businesses than it is with corporate America,' George told the Tribune.

'You dont move to a neighborhood because theres an Abercrombie. You move to a neighborhood because its got a cool bakery and a bookstore.'
A renowned California doctor and his wife were found executed in the garage of their $1.3 million home just before a body, believed to be connected to the gruesome crimes, was found inside a burning car, according to police.

Dr. Eric Cordes, a 63-year-old 'highly respected' Simi Valley radiologist, and his wife Vicki, 66, died from fatal gunshot wounds in the garage of their home around 12pm Sunday.

The quaint Wood Ranch neighborhood was quickly shaken by the violent crime, as several worried neighbors reported gunfire before officers found the married couple lying in the driveway with multiple gunshot wounds, Simi Valley Police Sgt. Rick Morton told KTLA.

Eric and Vicki, who were both previously married with children, were transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition where they later died from their injuries around 7pm, authorities said.

Meanwhile, a body was found inside a fiery car at Ayala Park in Chino, about 70 miles away from the double murder scene.

Though it is unclear if the fatal incidents are related, a neighbor told the outlet they believe the gunman, who has been described as a white male, is the couple's stepson, Morton stated.

The department is not ruling the stepson out and the possibility that the deaths are related, 'but we are still trying to confirm if that is the case,' Morton added.

According to police, the suspect is believed to have driven away from the murder scene before making his way to the park and setting the car on fire.

Dr. Eric Cordes, a 63-year-old 'highly respected' Simi Valley radiologist, and his wife Vicki, 66, were callously gunned down in the driveway of their $1.3 million home Sunday afternoon

Eric worked as a radiologist in the community for about 30 years, according to a spokesperson with Adventist Health Simi Valley

Following the tragic news of the couple's deaths, Adventist Health Simi Valley, the company Eric worked for, issued a heartbreaking statement about the physician who served his community for nearly three decades.

'The Adventist Health Simi Valley community is heartbroken by the tragic deaths of our longtime colleague, Dr. Eric Cordes, and his wife, Vicki. Dr,' a spokesperson told the Daily Mail.

'Cordes was a highly respected, board-certified radiologist and beloved physician who served this community with compassion and excellence for nearly 30 years.

'Our hearts are with his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of working alongside him as we grieve this shocking loss.'

A large puddle of blood was left behind inside the garage and at the end of the cul-de-sac the couple lived on, CBS News reported.

Meanwhile, a burnt sedan was spotted in Ayala Park with a swarm of investigators surrounding the vehicle as it was dragged away by a tow truck, per the outlet.

Locals have been left shaken up and on edge following the double homicides.

'It's crazy, because like I said, this just doesn't happen here,' Joel Lemos told CBS News.

The charred car is seen being towed away after police found the vehicle and deceased body at Ayala Park in Chino, about 70 miles away from the double murder scene

'Back in the day Simi Valley was one of the safest places to live in the nation with a population of 100,000 or more, that's not the case anymore - it's gotten a little crazy,' he added.

Morton echoed that statement, adding: 'Yeah, very rare for us to have a double homicide in our city.'

The motive behind the attack remains unclear, but police said they do not believe there is an ongoing threat to the area and that the fatal shooting was not random.

No arrests have been made as of Monday afternoon.

The Daily Mail contacted the Simi Valley Police Department and the Chino Police Department for comment.
Families are fleeing from Toronto as sky-high home prices and growing concerns over street drug use erode the citys appeal for a friendly family life.

As a result, families are relocating to more affordable and safer communities elsewhere in Canada, frustrated that even 'comfortable' incomes still leave them feeling house-poor while safety worries continue to mount.

Andrea Griffith, 43, told CTV News that she was stunned to find out that an annual income of $200,000 wasn't going to be enough to support her goal of buying a home in the city.

She had hopes of raising her daughter in a modest home with her partner in Toronto, but was faced with a hard truth that owning such a home would land them in significant debt.

They were offered a mortgage, which they could afford in theory, but they told the outlet that it felt like a financial trap.

'With $200,000 income... we were only able to qualify for $750,000, and I actually didn't think that $750,000 was reasonable for us,' she said.

'I knew we would be house-poor.'

Griffith had been forced out of a rental in Scarborough just weeks after she gave birth to her daughter, and she and her partner were faced with a decision to stay in the city financially strained or move.

'We made the decision that we no longer wanted to be living according to someone else's needs,' she told the outlet.

People in Toronto are leaving city life in favor of affordability and safety in other parts of Canada, as 'comfortable' incomes are still leaving families feeling 'house poor' and safety concerns run rampant

Andrea Griffith, 43, had hopes of raising her daughter in a modest home with her partner in Toronto, but found her strong household income was still not enough to secure a home

Griffith and her partner said that their mortgage rate felt like a 'trap' that would leave them in significant financial debt

So, Griffith and her family moved nearly 200 miles away to Chatham, Ontario, where they now live in a detached home.

With their dreams of owning a standalone home, they believed that landing themselves in debt with a child wasn't the right move.

But while they've found themselves fairly financially stable, the move took an emotional toll on their family.

'We've been struggling to make friends,' Griffith told the outlet. 'I started crying because [my daughter's] not going to have anyone at her second birthday. We don't know anyone here.'

While she wanted to stay in Toronto, she knew it wasn't a feasible reality.

'If renting in Toronto had been more secure or affordable.. we definitely would have stayed longer,' she said.

Home prices reached an average of $1.27 million in 2022, feeling the after effects of the Covid-19 Pandemic. But those prices only decreased to $1 million this year, the Toronto Sun reported.

While rates saw a decline, many families still feel priced out and rentals aren't offering much relief.

Home prices reached $1.27 million in 2022, feeling the after effects of the Covid-19 Pandemic. But those prices only decreased to $1 million this year

Combined with government costs and restrictions on housing, many developers are much less keen to keep building the city new and desperately needed homes

Dustin Titus, 43, found that it wasn't just money that forced him out but also major safety concerns for his family including open drug use in the streets

Additionally, despite the price decline failing to restore affordability, it has also caused development contractors to be more cautious.

Combined with government costs and restrictions on housing, many developers are much less keen to keep building the city new and desperately needed homes.

Yet, Toronto has been shaking families out for more than financial reasons.

Dustin Titus, 43, found that it wasn't just money that forced him out but also major safety concerns for his family.

With a young son, Titus found that living in South Etobicoke's Long Branch Neighborhood, around 30 minutes from Toronto city center, was no longer safe.

It was on one afternoon when his son veered toward traffic on his strider bike that Titus knew it was time to go.

'That moment really shook me,' he told the outlet. 'You feel very unprotected in Toronto these days.'

Titus found that the city's bustling traffic and gridlocked roads, as well as frequent encounters with open drug use, were enough for him to leave.

A homeless encampment under the Gardiner Expressway near Jarvis St in Toronto

For Titus, he and his family moved to Horseshoe Valley in Oro-Medonte, around an hour and a half from the city.

'In the first three days we had moved in, every single neighbor stopped to introduce themselves,' he said.

'That's when we realized we were in the right place.'

Toronto's supervised consumption sites for drug users faced a wave of troubles following several closures.

The Toronto Drop-In Network told CBC that there was a near 300 percent increase in overdoses at 10 of its locations since closures in the spring.

Residents in Parkdale told the outlet that their concerns are being ignored, and their local center's security isn't working to keep the 'chaos and disorder' in the area to a minimum.

'The center failed to state how it would address neighborhood safety concerns with concrete, effective measures to end hard drug intoxication causing the criminal and anti-social conduct on and around the outdoor portion of this site,' residents wrote to Angela Robertson, the executive director of Parkdale Queen West Community Health Center.

Robertson, however, argued that such a task was 'not our role.'

Titus found that the city's bustling traffic and gridlocked roads, as well as frequent encounters with open drug use, were enough for him to leave

A homeless person in Toronto lies on the street next to a group of pigeons

Parkdale Queen West Community Health Center in Toronto, one of the remaining supervised consumption centers

'If we see something illegal, we will engage the neighborhood community policing team. But it is a significant challenge.'

While the government argued that closures of the centers would reduce crime around them, the City of Toronto's board of health revealed noticeable effects on Toronto's streets.

The city's safety network said there was a visible increase in 'visible substance use on the street,' and Parkdale raised concerns over a similar increase in open drug use in public spaces, Global News reported.

Between April and September, calls for the city to clear up used syringes increased by five percent, with 766 calls.

For Morley Abbott, 39, and his wife, it was Toronto's school system that had their family asking, 'Why are we staying here?'

'It feels like the school system just doesn't care for families like ours,' Abbott told CTV News.

Abbott's family own a three-bedroom condo just opposite a prestigious elementary school, but after the school changed its catchment area they were faced with having to send their daughter to school across town instead.

Abbott continued: 'We love our neighborhood but suddenly we sort of have a catalyst. Our daughter starts kindergarten next year, and we're asking, "Why are we staying here?"'

Morley Abbott, 39, and his wife, it was Toronto's school system that had their family asking, 'Why are we staying here?' after their daughter's school catchment area suddenly changed

Mayor Olivia Chow's office said that the city is working on more housing supply, cutting costs for families and strengthening protections for renters to work toward better affordability

Now, their family has plans to move to London, Ontario, for their daughter to go to school with cousins, the outlet reported.

The school system has been a battle that many parents in the city have had to face or continue to battle, as Matti Siemiatycki said the struggle had been a 'long-standing trend.'

'You look at how much it costs or how hard it is to find daycare... you have the schools... it's been one controversy after another depending on where in the region you are,' Siemiatycki said.

'People are looking at other alternatives, and they're making choices of where they want to see themselves.'

In a statement to CTV News, Mayor Olivia Chow's office said that the city is working on more housing supply, cutting costs for families and strengthening protections for renters to work toward better affordability.

'The Mayor believes that those who work and study in Toronto should be able to live in and afford the city,' a spokesperson told the outlet.

'She is putting shovels in the ground on 25,000 new homes this year and next, many of them deeply affordable. This year, 77 per cent of all housing starts are city-led or city-supported project.'

The Daily Mail reached out to Mayor Chow's office for comment.
An instructor who nearly shut down Birmingham Airport after forging 85 training documents has been spared jail.

Shoaib Iqbal, 40, told investigators he had fallen behind on paperwork when in reality he had not conducted essential refresher training for dozens of staff.

He attempted to cover up the mess by faking the certificates for 38 employees before he was found out.

The breach could have had caused 'catastrophic consequences' for airport security and resulted in 'the whole operation being shut down', Birmingham Crown Court heard.

Iqbal, from Glenpark Road, Saltley, who has since resigned from his job, admitted an offence of making a false instrument with intent it be accepted as genuine.

On Friday he was sentenced to two years suspended for the same period of time.

His employer, sub-contractor Mitie, is responsible for security at Birmingham Airport, including guarding and controlling access to the airfield.

Alison Slater, prosecuting for the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), said security was 'highly regulated' with staff requiring recurrent training every 13 months.

Shoaib Iqbal, 40, told investigators he had fallen behind on paperwork when in reality he had not conducted essential refresher training for dozens of staff. He is pictured here leaving Birmingham Crown Court

The airport was informed and when audits were carried out the following month they revealed incomplete records (file image)

She added they had to pass enhanced background checks, complete examinations and have relevant operational experience.

Training modules included 'threats to aviation', patrolling the site, searching people and baggage as well as identifying prohibited items, the court was told.

Iqbal was a certified training instructor hired by Mitie.

In December 2022 the CAA received a whistleblowing report claiming staff had not received their refresher training.

The airport was informed and when audits were carried out the following month they revealed incomplete records.

When Iqbal was initially questioned over it he claimed he had simply been 'lazy in admin' and not filed the paperwork, pointing to a bundle of documents on his desk.

But a few days later he told a manager at Mitie the lack of paperwork was caused by a printing delay, contradicting his previous account.

This prompted concerns from a security compliance officer investigating the issue.

A subsequent audit then exposed discrepancies in handwriting on the documents.

This time Iqbal was unable to provide an explanation and seemed 'panicked', Ms Slater said.

Two Mitie workers were shown the records and confirmed it was not their handwriting.

They also stated they did not remember attending the training course.

The compliance officer became 'very concerned' and stated 'this could have catastrophic consequences', Ms Slater said.

They also declared that the airport could not 'safely function and the whole operation could be shut down', the prosecutor added.

On February 6, 2023 Iqbal resigned after being told by the CAA he was under criminal investigation.

He had forged 85 documents in relation to 38 Mitie staff, all of whom worked guarding the airfield while eight of them were supervisors.

Ms Slater claimed the main victim in the case was the 'integrity of the system',

She said: 'There doesn't appear to be a motive for personal gain, it was more about covering up ineptitude.

'There was little or no obvious planning. No sophisticated planning.'

Iqbal had never previously committed a crime. Ben Brown, defending him, explained he simply became 'overloaded' with work because he also had to train staff at airports in London, Belfast and Cardiff.

He said: 'He fell behind in work and couldn't keep up. He dug a very deep hole and kept digging to cover his tracks.

'In reality there is a very clear and identifiable problem in Mr Iqbal's consequential thinking. He didn't appreciate the significance of his actions.'

The barrister added the married father-of-one had shown 'significant remorse' and now worked supporting homeless people.

Iqbal was ordered to carry out ten days of rehabilitation activity and 200 hours of unpaid work as well as pay 750 in court costs.

Recorder Kevin Hegarty KC, passing sentence, said: 'Fortunately no specific harm came about or can be identified.

'This was however an abuse of your position of trust to access the files and modify documents to make it look as though you had done your job.'
Brexit has done 'significantly hurt' to the UK economy, Sir Keir Starmer warned today as he pushed a 'closer relationship' with Brussels under his premiership.

The Prime Minister again hit out at the way Britain quit the EU in 2019, blaming it alongside Tory austerity for the country's terrible lack of productivity.

In a speech in London today he said the country had to 'face the reality' of how Britain was faring outside the bloc.

It came after it was reported that the PM's chief economic adviser, Minouche Shafik, pitched rejoining the customs union to get the UK's economy growing.

The Observer said that the suggestion, made at a meeting in September, was rejected, as it would cross one of the PM's EU red lines.

But in his speech today, Sir Keir said: 'Let me be crystal clear, there is no credible economic vision for Britain that does not position us as an open, trading economy.

'So we must all now confront the reality that the Brexit deal we have significantly hurt our economy and so for economic renewal, we have to keep reducing frictions.

'We have to keep moving towards a closer relationship with the EU, and we have to be grown up about that, to accept that this will require trade-offs.

The Prime Minister again hit out at the way Britain quit the EU in 2019, blaming it alongside Tory austerity for the country's terrible lack of productivity.

Sir Keir and European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen restated the need to swiftly implement the post-Brexit reset deal earlier his month. But the PM's efforts were dashed last week when talks on the UK joining the European Union's flagship 130 billion defence fund failed

'That applies to our trading relations right across the world, and as you've seen already with this Government, there are deals to be done if you're committed to building relationships.

'That's what we've done with the US, it's what we've done with India, and it's what we've done with the EU and we will keep going.

'We will continue to reject drift, to confront reality and take control of our future.'

Sir Keir and European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen restated the need to swiftly implement the post-Brexit reset deal earlier his month.

But the PM's efforts were dashed last week when talks on the UK joining the European Union's flagship 130 billion defence fund failed.

Negotiations foundered over how much the UK should pay to participate in the EU's Security Action for Europe (Safe) rearmament fund.

Reports suggested the UK rejected French demands to pay up to 5 billion to participate in the scheme.

Minister for European Union relations Nick Thomas-Symonds said it was 'disappointing' but the UK was focused on obtaining 'value for money'.

And the Cabinet Office said British firms would still be able to take part in the scheme 'on third country terms'.
A bowls-loving British pensioner accused of smuggling 200,000 of meth into Chile claims he was tricked by scammers who told him he'd won a 3.7million prize.

William 'Billy Boy' Eastment, 79, was arrested in May after allegedly trying to enter the country on a flight from Mexico with more than five kilos of the class A drug hidden in a false bottom of his suitcase.

The Welshman is currently being held in the notoriously tough Santiago 1 Penitentiary while investigators try to identify the drug traffickers they believe he may have been working for.

If convicted Eastment, who lives in Milborne Port, Somerset could face five years behind bars, according to Chilean legal experts.

Last night, new details emerged of the prisoner's extraordinary claim that he was duped into carrying the drugs - insisting he had been 'deceived' by strangers who promised him a multi-million pound reward.

Sergio Paredes, head of the PDI anti-narcotics unit at Santiago airport, said Eastment told officers he had been handed the suitcase by a stranger in Mexico shortly before boarding his flight.

'He alleged he had been deceived,' Paredes said after the arrest on May 26.

William 'Billy Boy' Eastment, 79, was arrested in May after allegedly trying to enter the country on a flight from Mexico with more than five kilos of the class A drug hidden in a false bottom of his suitcase

The Welshman is currently being held in the notoriously tough Santiago 1 Penitentiary while investigator try to identify the drug traffickers they believe he may have been working for

'He claimed he had been promised a prize of 3.7 million for delivering the suitcase to its final destination - and was even carrying a rudimentary certificate referring to the prize.'

'He told us he was going to spend the night in Santiago and fly to Australia the next day,' the officer added.

New court documents show Eastment is blaming a mystery woman called Carolina - who he says posed as an International Monetary Fund (IMF) official - for luring him into the alleged smuggling plot.

In a submission earlier this year, his defence lawyer said Eastment has received emails from the IMF claiming a relative in New Zealand had died and left him an inheritance, and that he needed to travel to Auckland to sign documents.

The IMF has repeatedly warned the public about scams of this kind.

Believing the messages to be genuine, and having relatives in New Zealand, Eastment set off- a journey recorded in the police file.

His route included a stop over in Mexico City, where Carolina allegedly appeared at his hotel with documents he needed for New Zealand and a locked suitcase she said contained gifts.

New court documents show Eastment is blaming a mystery woman called Carolina - who he says posed as an International Monetary Fund (IMF) official - for luring him into the alleged smuggling plot

She did not give him the key.

Although earlier reports suggested Eastment could face up to 15 years in jail, Chilean legal experts say a five-year sentence is more likely - and that he could receive a reduced term if he co-operate under a plea-bargain agreement.

Prosecutors have been authorised to extract data from his mobile phone and Samsung tablet to identify who he was communicating with before his arrest.

Eastment has already suffered a major setback in his attempt to escape his South American jail ordeal.

A judge initially granted his plea to swap prison for house arrest in the Chilean capital - backed by medical reports citing pneumonia, frailty and threats from inmates - but the order was overturned just a day later.

An appeals court sided with state prosecutors, who argued he remained a flight risk and should stay behind bars while investigators seek to extend the 120-day window they were given to build the case against him.

A decision on the extension request is understood to be pending.

Eastment's younger sister Jennifer, 78, described him as 'gullible' after learning he had been detained on drug-smuggling allegations.

'If someone gave him a story like that about needing something delivered and he would get paid for it, he wouldn't think about drugs,' she told the Daily Mirror.

'You would not believe that someone so intelligent and top of the class growing up could be so stupid and have so little common sense.'

She revealed he had previously fallen victim to a scam four years ago, losing 20,000 to a Nigerian fraudster claiming to be a woman in legal trouble abroad.

'He sold his car, gathered all the money he could, and sent it to her. Funnily enough, he never heard from her again,' she said.
Donald Trump's latest power play may be derailed by a member of his own political party in a vote planned to take place over 500 miles away from Washington, DC.

Indiana State Senator Michael Bohacek, a Republican from the Hoosier State, has pledged to vote against a draft congressional map that would see two Democratic seats eliminated because of the president's inflammatory rhetoric.

The proposed map comes as part of a redistricting effort aimed at keeping a GOP majority in Washington, DC, after the 2026 midterm elections.

As midterm elections typically result in the president's political party losing seats, Trump has pressured Republican-led states to assist him in keeping power after next November's elections, and not spend his last two years in office as a lame duck, or worse, going through another impeachment trial.

Bohacek issued a statement Friday opposing the president not for political reasons, but for one that was more personal.

The Indiana state senator rebuked Trump's recent rhetoric after the president called Minnesota Gov. Tim WalzKamala Harris' 2024 running matea slur for people with intellectual disabilities while criticizing his handling of immigration from Somalia and other countries.

Walz is also a father to his son Gus who has a non-verbal learning disorder, as well as anxiety, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

'This is not the first time our president has used these insulting and derogatory references and his choices of words have consequences. I will be voting NO on redistricting, perhaps he can use the next 10 months to convince voters that his policies and behavior deserve a congressional majority,' Bohacek wrote in a Facebook post in which he also explained that he is a father to a daughter with Down syndrome.

While running for president in 2016, Trump was famously accused of mocking a disabled New York Times journalist.

President Donald Trump waves to the media as he holds hands with first lady Melania Trump as they walk on the South Lawn upon his arrival at the White House, Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, in Washington

Republican Indiana State Senator Michael Bohacek, father to a daughter with Down Syndrome plans to vote against a redistricting effort to keep a Republican majority in Congress after recent remarks made by President Donald Trump

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz speaks at the 2025 Texas Tribune Festival, the annual gathering of notables from the worlds of politics and public policy on November 13, 2025

The Indiana Senate is scheduled to vote on its proposed congressional district maps as soon as next Monday, December 8th.

Bohacek's protest vote may not be consequential in the long run. Out of 50 seats in the Indiana Senate, 40 are held by Republicans.

Maps must also be first passed in the Indiana House, where they have been initially introduced. Republicans hold 70 of 100 seats in the lower chamber.

Indiana State Representative Kyle Pierce exclusively told the Daily Mail that he feels 'the likelihood is high that we will pass these maps.'

'Nothing is sure until it is passed, but the Indiana House has the votes, and I believe the Senate does as well,' Pierce added.

Congressman Marlin Stutzman, a conservative Republican who represents parts of Northeast Indiana in a district that went for Donald Trump with 65 percent of the vote in 2024 told the Daily Mail that 'redrawing Indiana maps is essential if Republicans are going to answer Democratic gerrymandering that has happened for decades.'

'Conservative Hoosiers and Republicans across the nation are relieved that the Indiana Senate will be voting on these new maps. Now is the time for the Senate to unify behind redistricting so we can defend our country from Democratic Socialists,' Stutzman added.

However, not all in Indiana are thrilled about the proposed changes.

Proponents took the statehouse in Indianapolis on Monday to urge their representatives to reject the mid-decade redistricting push.

A protest held at the Indiana Statehouse in Indianapolis featured multiple groups rallying against mid-decade redistricting push on Monday, Dec. 1, 2025

Multiple groups rally against mid-decade redistricting Monday, Dec. 1, 2025, during a protest held at the Indiana Statehouse in Indianapolis

The looming vote in Indiana comes as courts have halted redistricting efforts in Texas, and as California voters approved a plan to gerrymander the state's congressional seats in a ballot measure, Proposition 50, during last month's off-year election.

Californians approved Proposition 50, the 'Election Rigging Response Act,' which temporarily allows Democrats to gerrymander the state to offset possible Republican gains in the Lone Star State.

Proposition 50 is the brainchild of California's Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom and would take the power of redrawing the map away from the bipartisan California Citizens Redistricting Commission until 2030 and return it to the state legislature, which is controlled by the Democrats.

The Texas legislature approved a plan that would eliminate five Democratic seats in the state, but the proposal was struck down by a federal court last month when a three-judge panel ruled that 'substantial evidence shows that Texas racially gerrymandered the 2025 Map.'

The proposed map now sits before the Supreme Court of the United States.
A transgender woman battling cancer has accused her doctors of discrimination after a secret recording captured her surgical team discussing her gender identity, a lawsuit alleged.

Jennifer Capasso, 42, filed a lawsuit in the New York Supreme Court in March, accusing the hospital of discrimination.

She alleged that the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) misgendered her, changed her medical files from 'female' to 'male' without her consent and that her care team mocked her during surgery, according to the complaint obtained by the Daily Mail.

Capasso became an MSK patient after being diagnosed with stage four metastatic rectal cancer in 2020 and claimed she was mistreated throughout her multi-year treatment at the Manhattan facility.

She caught doctors allegedly mocking her after she secretly made an audio recording of a March 2022 surgery to remove a malignant tumor from her lung, the lawsuit said.

Operating room staff commented on her having 'man parts,' said being trans was 'not right' and 'doesn't make sense,' and referred to both Capasso and her transgender partner as 'men,' the complaint alleged.

The lawsuit further claimed that an operating room nurse called a hospital administrator during the procedure to demand that Capasso's sex designation in her patient records be changed from 'female' to 'male.'

MSK has denied discriminating against Capasso in its own court filings and argued her 'secret' recording invaded the privacy of its healthcare workers. The hospital also denied misgendering Capasso and changing her sex designation in her records.

Transgender cancer patient Jennifer Capasso, 42, has accused her doctors of discrimination after a secret recording captured her surgical team discussing her gender identity during a procedure, a lawsuit alleged

Capasso alleged that the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (file photo) in Manhattan misgendered her, changed her medical files from 'female' to 'male' without her consent and that her care team mocked her during surgery, according to the complaint

The lawsuit alleges that MSK's alleged treatment of Capasso violates the prohibition on discrimination based on gender identity in health care settings under city and state human rights laws.

Under New York City's LGBTQ Health Care Bill of Rights, transgender patients are guaranteed the right to have their gender identity 'recognized, affirmed and documented.'

Staff are also required to use a patient's 'designated name and pronouns,' which should also be reflected in medical records.

Capasso began her gender transition in 2015 and began undergoing plastic surgery to look more feminine in 2021, the New York Times reported.

She began 'radical surgical intervention' after being diagnosed with cancer because she 'wasn't going to die looking like the way I looked,' Capasso told the Times.

She claims her physical transformation made her feel 'pretty' and helped build her confidence, but alleged that every time she went to MSK for treatment, she was reminded that she was 'very visibly trans.'

Capasso alleged that she felt 'unsafe and humiliated' and suffered 'heightened gender dysphoria' after her colorectal surgeon misgendered her and referred to her using male pronouns during a June 2021 procedure, the lawsuit claimed.

She told her treating oncologist about the alleged discrimination and switched to another colorectal surgeon in October that year.

Capasso learned in December that her cancer had recurred after an MRI revealed a metastatic tumor on her lung.

She underwent a lung resection surgery at MSK on March 7, 2022, and decided to record the procedure on her phone, which she had placed in her handbag.

She told the newspaper her decision to record the surgery was 'motivated by curiosity' and that she was eager to know 'exactly what the surgeons discovered.'

But the recording instead revealed alleged discrimination against Capasso by her own care team.

Capasso caught doctors allegedly mocking her after she secretly initiated an audio recording of a March 2022 surgery to remove a malignant tumor from her lung, the lawsuit said. Operating room staff commented on her having 'man parts,' said being trans was 'not right' and 'doesn't make sense,' and referred to both Capasso and her transgender partner as 'men'

The recording captured a nurse announcing that Capasso 'still has man parts' and that she 'doesn't understand it,' the lawsuit said. Another surgical team member repeated 'it's not right' twice and added 'it doesn't make sense.'

Capasso was referred to as 'a transgender man' and 'a male-to-female transgender' by staff during the procedure, the complaint alleged.

Employees also allegedly referred to the patient and her then-partner, who is also a transgender woman, as being 'both men.'

During the surgery, a nurse noted that Capasso's sex was listed as 'female' in her patient records, which allegedly sparked a debate about whether her female sex designation conflicted with hospital policies.

That same nurse then called the hospital administrator to complain about Capasso's sex designation and demand it be changed, the complaint said.

Capasso alleged the sex designation in her patient records was changed from 'female' to 'male' without her knowledge or consent shortly after the surgery and remained that way until early January 2025.

Capasso, who, after her initial diagnosis, was only expected to live for 18 months, found out again in August this year that her cancer had returned.

Despite the alleged poor treatment by staff, she is continuing to receive treatment at MSK because it is one of the best cancer hospitals in the US, she added.

'I'm still alive,' she told the Times. 'I can't complain.'

MSK has denied discriminating against Capasso in its own court filings and argued her 'secret' recording invaded the privacy of its health care workers. The hospital also denied misgendering Capasso and changing her sex designation in her records

The Daily Mail has approached Capasso's lawyers for comment.

MSK told the Daily Mail that it 'does not comment on ongoing litigation.'

But its lawyers, in court papers, said: 'The secret recording captured portions of a discussion that occurred during surgery while plaintiff was under anesthesia in which staff members discussed plaintiff's transgender status with every reasonable expectation that plaintiff would not hear this discussion.'

'Plaintiff's clandestine recording is largely inaudible, such that it is impossible to ascertain the speakers or the full context of their discussion,' the attorneys added.
The Afghan man charged with first-degree murder after shooting dead a member of the West Virginia National Guard and critically wounding another had failed to settle into American life  and cannot speak a word of English, the Daily Mail can reveal.

Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, was brought to the US in September 2021 during the Afghanistan pullout that saw 13 soldiers die during the bungled withdrawal, while thousands of Afghans who served alongside them were left stranded.

Lakanwal was among the lucky ones who got a flight out, along with his wife Khamila and their five children who are aged between two and 14.

But despite being resettled in the quaint Pacific Northwest town of Bellingham and being handed a taxpayer-funded luxury apartment, Lakanwal failed to make the most of his second chance, didn't learn English and had been unemployed for almost five months at the time of the shooting.

Community activists even reached out to a refugee organization because they feared he was becoming suicidal, according to emails seen by the Associated Press.

'Rahmanullah has not been functional as a person, father and provider since March of last year, 03/2023. He quit his job that month, and his behavior has changed greatly,' a January 2024 email read.

He wouldn't even speak to his wife over long periods and when she went away for a week to visit relatives, their children's school raised concerns because the kids were not fed or bathed properly.

Sources at the Islamic Society of Whatcom County  which runs Bellingham's only mosque  said Lakanwal attended services semi-regularly but was unable to communicate with other congregants beyond standard Arabic greetings.

Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, had been in the country for over four years when he allegedly shot two National Guard members in DC, but sources told the Daily Mail that he was living as a ghost after immigrating and didn't speak a lick of English

After fleeing Afghanistan, Lakanwal landed in the quaint Pacific Northwest town of Bellingham, where he, his wife and their five kids were placed in a taxpayer-funded luxury apartment that costs $1,140-a-month

Lakanwal and his family reached the US in September 2021 during the Afghanistan withdrawal that cost 13 American troops their lives and stranded thousands of Afghan allies

Most Afghans speak either Pashto or Dari  both of which are spin-offs of Iranian and utterly dissimilar to Arabic which is only spoken in the country during Islamic worship.

The source, who asked not to be named, said: 'We have been talking to the police and the FBI for the last two days, but we couldn't tell them much because he doesn't speak English or any Arabic other than the traditional greeting  'as-salamu alaykum' [peace be upon you].

Despite his second chance in America, Lakanwal never learned English and had been out of work for almost five months when the shooting happened

'The main thing that stood out about him was that he is young but always arrived with five kids although he didn't come very often  every few weeks.

'He would come in, greet people in Arabic, make his prayers and then leave. We didn't know much about him.'

Lakanwal's life followed a similar pattern at home with neighbors at the rent-controlled Walton Place apartment complex in downtown Bellingham saying he rarely left the house or interacted with them and spent most of his time playing computer games.

When the Daily Mail visited on Friday, the apartment was deserted with no sign of Khamila or the children  all of whom President Donald Trump has vowed to deport back to Afghanistan.

Exclusive Daily Mail photos show the damage to the front door caused when an FBI team raided the property in the early hours of Thanksgiving morning while a box of tissues and a bottle of cough medicine could be seen inside.

Lakanwal had not worked since August and had been making a precarious living as a freelance Amazon Flex driver prior to that.

Sources at the Islamic Society of Whatcom County said the Afghan national attended services semi-regularly but couldnt communicate with other worshippers beyond basic Arabic greetings

Exclusive Daily Mail photos showed the family's apartment was deserted following the arrest of Lakanwal

The door of the apartment was damaged during the FBI raid in the early hours of Thanksgiving morning

A bottle of water and a box of tissues was seen in the window of the apartment

As a result, the $1,140-a-month tab for the apartment  billed on the Walton Place website as 'downtown style in the PNW'  was picked up by the Whatcom County taxpayer, as were the other living costs for the alleged shooter, his wife and their brood.

Lakanwal was one of 500 Afghans resettled in the small city of 97,000 as part of Operation Allies Welcome  which facilitated the arrival of Afghans who had assisted the US during the 20-year fight against the Taliban.

He had served in a CIA-backed Afghan force knows as Zero Units.

A former colleague told Rolling Stone he was depressed because he felt abandoned by the US government. 'This problem, like, hed say, "I am working nine years or 10 years with U.S. government. [They] never answer my phone [call].'

Like his compatriots, Lakanwal received assistance from World Relief of Whatcom County  which expressed pride in its efforts at the time, which included multiple churches pitching in to provide food and housing support.

He was also given a helping hand by local charity Afghan Advantage which helps refugees settle and helps them to learn English.

Bellingham is a famously liberal city that wears its colors on its sleeve and has a downtown festooned with trans pride flags and Black Lives Matter signs  all of which are in stark contrast to ultra-conservative Afghanistan where women are treated as second-class citizens and being gay is punishable by death by stoning.

Ruled with an iron fist by the Taliban since 2021, Afghans are subject to a strict interpretation of Sharia law that also metes out the death penalty for 'crimes' like adultery, blasphemy, fornication and apostasy, as well as murder, arson and terrorism.

Despite the deadly shooting, residents of Bellingham were still showing their support for immigrants at the farmer's market on Saturday with signs calling to abolish ICE and hand immediate citizenship rights to undocumented migrants on display.

At a stand run by Socialist Alternative  a Trotskyist political party founded in New York in 1986  organizer Kevin said he was concerned about Trump's reaction.

'He will use it as an excuse for more immigration raids because that is what a politician of his caliber does,' Kevin, who declined to give his last name, said.

'Ultimately, what I'm more interested in is speaking to how we move in a direction that actually benefits us, like having free healthcare and what we need to do to make that happen.'

He also asked that Bellingham residents be shown kindness in the wake of the shooting, saying: 'People here are probably going to be pretty rattled by that.'

Bellingham is a proudly liberal city, its downtown lined with trans pride flags and Black Lives Matter signs - a sharp contrast from ultra-conservative Afghanistan

Lakanwal was one of 500 Afghans placed in the small city of 97,000 through Operation Allies Welcome  the effort to bring in those who helped US forces during the two-decade fight with the Taliban

The 29-year-old has been charged with shooting National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom, 20, who later died from her injuries, and Andrew Wolfe, 24, who remains in critical condition

Lakanwal is now recovering in a DC hospital from the wounds he received during last Wednesday's shootout.

The dad-of-five is facing first degree murder charges after Sarah Beckstrom, a 20-year-old member of the West Virginia National Guard, succumbed to her injuries on Thanksgiving Day.

Her colleague Andrew Woolfe, 24, was critically wounded in the ambush-style shooting and is still fighting for his life.

The political fallout from the murder and attempted murder has seen the US halt all immigration from Afghanistan, including decisions on refugee status.

Trump has also vowed to 'permanently pause migration' from all Third World countries and has announced that immigrants who hail from 19 countries covered by his travel ban will have their cases re-examined.

The countries include Afghanistan, Iran, Somalia, Haiti, Sudan, Yemen, Libya and Venezuela among others.
The Trump administration is preparing its federal immigration agents for a 'swamp sweep' in America's most notorious quagmire.

New Orleans will soon see an increased presence of immigration officials tasked with carrying out Trump's sweeping deportation mandate.

Around 250 agents will be dispatched to Louisiana to round up at least 5,000 illegal migrants.

The mission, dubbed the 'Swamp Sweep,' is the latest stop in a stint of nationwide immigration missions.

Border Patrol commander Greg Bovino, a close ally of Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem who has overseen operations in Chicago and Los Angeles, is expected to lead the effort.

The planned operation has terrified the immigrant population of liberal New Orleans.

Leading up to the planned operation, local businesses have displayed signage forbidding federal agents from entry and immigration lawyers have received a surge in calls.

'The safety, dignity and peace of mind of our staff and our community mean more to us than anything,' Taqueria Guerrero, a local restaurant, posted on social media. 'We refuse to operate in a way that puts anyone at risk or adds to the fear that so many are feeling.'

The Trump administration is reportedly looking to deploy 250 immigration agents in New Orleans to carry out the president's deportation mandate

The New Orleans operation, dubbed the 'swamp sweep,' has prompted some local business owners to close up shop as the fear immigration raids

Border Patrol commander Greg Bovino is expected to lead the operation

The restaurant closed on November 30 and will remain shuttered for an uncertain amount of time as immigration officials conduct operations around the city.

New Orleans has some liberal sanctuary city laws that restrict how local law enforcement can interact with federal immigration officers.

Its main jail is known to not work with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers.

There are an estimated 100,000 to 250,000 illegal immigrants residing in Louisiana, according to a 2023 Pew Research Center survey.

DHS did not confirm or deny the existence of the 'swamp sweep' operation when pressed by the Daily Mail's request for comment.

Bovino's last immigration crackdown in Chicago netted close to 3,200 arrests.

'Los Angeles, Chicago, Charlotte, you name it Were finding and arresting illegal aliens, making these communities safer for the Americans who live there,' Bovino posted on social media over the weekend.

Still, the Trump administration has failed to hit its lofty goal of one million deportations in its first year.

Men who received detainers stand inside a holding cell area at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) office in Tampa, Florida

Around 250 immigration officials are expected to head to New Orleans for the upcoming operation

Currently, his administration is on track to hit nearly 600,000 deportations in its first year, though DHS has reported over 1.6 million people have self-deported from the US.

Authorities have even offered free flights and $1,000 stipends to illegal migrants in the US to facilitate their travel to their country of origin.
Fawning fans showed their support for Luigi Mangione as they bundled into court to catch a glimpse of the accused assassin.

The alleged killer, 27, looked upbeat as he was hauled before a judge on Monday to see his attorneys attempt to bar damning evidence against him from being heard in his upcoming trial.

A catwalk of Mangione's most ardent fans were seen strutting into the courtroom, wearing a selection of merchandise supporting the alleged killer and vying for his attention.

The young alleged assassin's arrest a year ago sparked international headlines and made Mangione an anarchist hero, and legions of young women were also seen gathered outside the courthouse for his latest appearance on Monday.

At one point during the hearing, Mangione appeared to look over to his supporters in the courtroom and flashed a smile at them.

Attorneys for the Ivy League graduate are claiming that a jury should not hear anything about his journal writings that declared the murder of former UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was 'justified.'

His defense is also seeking to bar admission of other items found in his backpack when he was arrested at a McDonald's in Altoona, Pennsylvania, because cops didn't have a warrant.

That evidence includes a 3D printed gun, silencer and his electronic devices.

His pre-trial hearings could last all week, meaning Mangione may be in court on December 4 - the first anniversary of the day Thompson, 50, was shot dead on the streets of Manhattan.

Mangione is facing charges in New York of murder in the second degree and criminal possession of a weapon, and he has pleaded not guilty.

Luigi Mangione appeared upbeat as he arrived back in court on Monday, days before the anniversary of his alleged assassination of healthcare CEO Brian Thompson

The young alleged assassin's arrest a year ago sparked international headlines and made Mangione an anarchist hero, and outside court on Monday legions of his fans gathered to show their support

A catwalk of Mangione's most ardent fans were seen strutting into the courtroom, wearing a selection of merchandise supporting the alleged killer and vying for his attention

In pre-hearing filings, Mangione's attorneys indicated that they were gearing up to fight key evidence that prosecutors say ties him to Thompson's murder.

The evidence focuses on items found on Mangione when he was arrested, including a 9mm handgun that prosecutors say matches the one used in the killing, and a notebook in which they say he described his intent to 'wack' a health insurance executive.

He has denied the charges against him, which had included state terrorism charges that were dropped in September.

Mangione's lawyers are now zeroing in on what they say was unconstitutional conduct that tainted his arrest and threatens his right to a fair trial.

They have claimed that officers in Altoona, Pennsylvania, improperly seized evidence from his backpack and questioned him before reading him his rights when they arrested him at a McDonald's following a five-day long manhunt.

Mangione's defense team has said that the gun and other items should be excluded because police lacked a warrant to search the backpack in which they were found.

They also want to suppress some of his statements to police, such as Mangione allegedly giving a false name, because officers started asking questions before telling him he had a right to remain silent.

Mangione seen speaking with his attorney as two NYPD officers guard him inside Manhattan Supreme Court on Monday

Among the evidence that Mangione's attorneys are attempting to throw out includes his arrest video (pictured) from inside a McDonald's in Altoona, Pennsylvania

Prosecutors seized a handwritten diary from Mangione's backpack during his arrest in Altoona, Pennsylvania that his attorneys are now trying to hide from jurors

Mangione's defense is seeking to bar admission of items found in his backpack when he was arrested at a McDonald's in Altoona, Pennsylvania, because cops didn't have a warrant - including a 3D printed gun and silencer (pictured) allegedly used in Thompson's shooting

UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, 50, was shot down as he walked to a Manhattan hotel for his companys annual investor conference on December 4, 2024

The defense team has argued that body camera footage showing an officer rifling through Mangione's bag, saying she was checking to ensure there 'wasn't a bomb' inside the backpack, was an excuse 'designed to cover up an illegal warrantless search of the backpack.'

Eliminating the gun and notebook would be critical wins for Mangione's defense and a major setback for prosecutors, depriving them of a possible murder weapon and evidence they say points to motive.

The Manhattan District Attorney's Office has quoted extensively from Mangiones handwritten diary in court filings including his praise for Unabomber Ted Kaczynski.

In the journal, prosecutors say, Mangione mused about rebelling against 'the deadly, greed fueled health insurance cartel' and said killing an industry executive 'conveys a greedy bastard that had it coming.'

Mangione's lawyers have further argued that some of the District Attorney's proposed witnesses should not be tasked with identifying him to the jury, as they were not eyewitnesses to the crime - and had only viewed surveillance footage.

New York State prosecutors have not responded to the defense's written arguments in the case, but State Supreme Court Justice Gregory Carro is now slated to hear from more than 20 witnesses before he makes a ruling on the admissibility of evidence, according to the New York Daily News.

That may take up much of the week, which Mangione's attorneys have prepared for by requesting from the Bureau of Prisons five pairs of socks, two suits, three sweaters and three pairs of pants.

Surveillance footage showed a masked man shoot the CEO at point-blank range

Mangione's lawyers have argued that some of the District Attorney's proposed witnesses should not be tasked with identifying him to the jury, as they were not eyewitnesses to the crime - and had only viewed surveillance footage

The Ivy League graduate is facing charges in New York of murder in the second degree, criminal possession of a weapon for the shocking point-blank murder nearly one year ago

Thompson was shot down as he walked to a Manhattan hotel for his companys annual investor conference on December 4, 2024.

Surveillance footage from the attack showed a masked gunman shooting him from behind. Police say 'delay,' 'deny' and 'depose' were written on the ammunition, mimicking a phrase used to describe how insurers avoid paying claims.

The crime and Mangione's ensuing arrest led him to become somewhat of a celebrity, with his fans saying that he had taken a 'bite out of corruption' when he allegedly shot Thompson, 50, dead.

Mangione has since become a 'symbol' for the fight for healthcare reform, his supporters said, as they send him as many as 200 letters a day while he serves time inside the notorious Metropolitan Detention Center Brooklyn.

Those supporters are now expected to show up en masse this week to the preliminary court hearings to cheer on their hero, who is facing life in prison on the New York state charges and the death penalty on the federal charges.

His lawyers want to bar evidence from both cases, but this week's hearings pertain only to the state case.

Meanwhile, federal prosecutors have said in their own court filings that police were justified in searching Mangione's backpack to ensure there were no dangerous items.

They noted that the contents of the backpack 'would have inevitably been discovered' during an inventory search anyway.

Federal prosecutors also argued in their filing last week that the only pre-Miranda statement they plan to use against Mangione is when he allegedly gave officers a fake name.

At that point, the government argued, 'no Miranda warnings were required.'

Much of the filing, though, rebuked Mangione's lawyers after they claimed that statements made by President Donald Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi have irreparably prejudiced the case.

The defense accused Trump of repeatedly intervening in the case, pointing to a series of public comments and official actions they say connected Mangione to Antifa.

The lawyers cited Trump's September 25 proclamation, 'Countering Domestic Terrorism and Organized Political Violence,' which referenced 'the assassination of a senior healthcare executive' as part of a trend of politically motivated violence influenced by Antifa.

The proclamation did not name Mangione, but his defense team argues it clearly referred to their client.

Mangione's defense team previously asked a judge to dismiss the federal indictment arguing that comments from Trump have irreparably prejudiced the case

Mangione's attorneys also renewed allegations of political interference by Attorney General Pam Bondi (pictured), who in April directed federal prosecutors to seek the death penalty

Defense attorneys also cited a September 18 Fox News interview in which Trump said Mangione 'shot someone in the back as clear as you're looking at me' and called the act 'a sickness.'

The next day, White House-affiliated X account Rapid Response 47 shared the clip with its 1.2 million followers.

According to the defense, the post was later reposted by Justice Department deputy public affairs director Chad Gilmartin, who wrote that Trump 'is absolutely right.'

'Mr. Mangione is one young man, alleged to have acted alone, fighting for his life in three separate cases, against the full force and might of the entirety of the United States Government that is actively and persistently using him as a pawn to further its political agenda,' Mangione's attorneys wrote in their plea to get the death penalty dropped.

'This is the very definition of prejudicial where the consequence is death.'

Federal prosecutors, however, told the court they had the posts removed after learning of them and argued the officials involved were not part of the prosecution team.

'They operate entirely outside the scope of the prosecution team, possess no operational role in the investigative or prosecutorial functions of the Mangione matter, and are not 'associated' with this litigation,' prosecutors said in a letter.

Mangione's attorneys also renewed allegations of political interference by Bondi, who in April directed federal prosecutors to seek the death penalty, calling it part of 'President Trump's agenda to stop violent crime and Make America Safe Again.'

In a Fox News interview that month, Bondi said, 'If there ever was a death [penalty] case, this is one.'

The defense argues Bondi's comments, along with Trump's public statements, have 'poisoned the jury pool' and violated Mangione's due process rights.

But in their filing, prosecutors argued that 'public rhetoric by the Attorney General or the President is not a proxy for proof of prejudicial effect,' citing precedent that 'in the absence of clear evidence to the contrary, courts will presume that prosecutors have discharged their duties properly.'
Pete Hegseth shared a meme of a children's book turtle character blowing up drug dealers with a rocket launcher in response to allegations he committed war crimes in the Caribbean.

The Pentagon leader's post comes a week after the Washington Post claimed that Hegseth may have committed a war crime by verbally ordering follow-up strikes that killed survivors on an alleged Venezuelan drug boat in the Caribbean.

After US forces targeted a crew of 11 alleged narco-terrorists in September, two survivors could be seen clinging onto the boat's wreckage. A second strike on the defenseless survivors then occurred following Hegseth's spoken directive to kill all crew members during the operation.

'The order was to kill everybody,' a source told the outlet.

The report has since spurred calls from Democrats and even some Republican lawmakers for a congressional investigation into Hegseth.

A bipartisan group of senators on the Armed Services Committee, including Mississippi Republican Senator Roger Wicker, vowed to launch 'vigorous oversight to determine the facts related to these circumstances' on Friday.

Hegseth accused the Post of 'fabricated, inflammatory, and derogatory reporting,' insisting: 'Our current operations in the Caribbean are lawful under both US and international law.'

Over the weekend, the Secretary of War courted further controversy by posting the inflammatory children's cartoon.

Hegseth is accused of ordering a second strike on alleged narco-terrorists

Hegseth now faces an investigation over his conduct during the operation from a bipartisan group of lawmakers

Hegseth responded to the war crime allegations by posting a picture of a turtle character from a children's book blowing up armed drug dealers

It shows an edited version of a Franklin the Turtle book with the title, 'Franklin Targets Narco Terrorists.' The cartoon turtle is seen firing a rocket at drug smuggling boats.

'For your Christmas wish list...,' Hegseth added in the caption.

Donald Trump defended Hegseth from the war crime allegations on Sunday, stating the secretary of war told him he 'did not order the death of those two men.'

The president noted that he believed Hegseth and vowed to 'look into' the matter because he would not have wanted a second strike.

Lawmakers are set to investigate whether Hegseth ordered a second strike that killed survivors of an alleged Venezuelan drug boat.

Meanwhile, the House lawmakers in charge of the chamber's Armed Services Committee, GOP Rep. Mike Rogers and Democrat Rep. Adam Smith, said it would investigate the operation.

'This committee is committed to providing rigorous oversight of the Department of Defense's military operations in the Caribbean.

We take seriously the reports of follow-on strikes on boats alleged to be ferrying narcotics in the SOUTHCOM region and are taking bipartisan action to gather a full accounting of the operation in question,' said the Republican and Democrat House lawmakers in a joint statement.

Trump told reporters on Sunday that he stands behind Pete Hegseth

The Trump administration over the last several months has launched dozens of attacks aimed at alleged narco-terrorists in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific that have killed over 80 people.

Democrats have criticized Trump over the legality of the strikes and the president continues to threaten to oust Venezuela's dictator Nicolas Maduro.

Despite drawing bipartisan concern and criticism in Congress, the Pentagon has not presented evidence to support the claims that the boats were carrying drugs or were operated by terrorist groups.
Donald Trump will hold a meeting in the Oval Office with his top team on Monday to discuss the 'next steps' for Venezuela, according to sources.

The president has summoned senior national security officials including Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles and her deputy Stephen Miller are also expected to attend the meeting scheduled for 5pm, according to CNN.

Trump increased pressure on Venezuela's socialist tyrant Nicolas Maduro over the weekend, reportedly giving him an ultimatum to step down.

'I wouldn't say it went well or badly, it was a phone call,' the president told reporters on Sunday.

Neither the US nor the Venezuelan government has given details of the call which is understood to have taken place on November 21.

But sources told the Miami Herald that Trump bluntly told Maduro that his time was up following a four-month campaign by US military against 'narco terrorists' in the Caribbean.

'You can save yourself and those closest to you, but you must leave the country now,' Trump reportedly told Maduro, offering him safe passage for his wife and son 'only if he agreed to resign right away'.

President Donald Trump waves to the media as he holds hands with first lady Melania Trump as they walk on the South Lawn upon his arrival at the White House, Sunday

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A drone view shows the U.S. Navy guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg (CG-64) docked at the port of Ponce, Puerto Rico, November 4

Trump has assembled the largest US force in the Caribbean since the Cold War and it grows more menacing by the day - with now at least 11 warships and 15,000 men deployed.

The president backed Hegseth Sunday after lawmakers from across the aisle complained about a report the Secretary of War ordered a follow-up air strike to kill survivors following a strike on a drug smuggling boat on September 2.

Trump denied the Washington Post report, saying: 'He said he did not say that.'

Lawmakers said they didn't know if the paper's report was true, and some GOP officials were skeptical, but they said attacking survivors of an initial missile strike poses serious legal concerns.

'The order was to kill everybody,' two sources told the Post.

Trump said that he would 'look into' the matter and added, 'I wouldn't have wanted that - not a second strike.'

Both Republicans and Democrats on Capitol Hill had agreed Sunday that if it was true, Hegseth was in deep trouble.

'This rises to the level of a war crime if it's true,' said Democrat Tim Kaine of Virginia.

'Obviously, if that occurred, that would be very serious and I agree that that would be an illegal act,' said Ohio Republican Mike Turner.

After the Post's report, Hegseth said Friday on X that 'fake news is delivering more fabricated, inflammatory, and derogatory reporting to discredit our incredible warriors fighting to protect the homeland.'

'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 conflict  and approved by the best military and civilian lawyers, up and down the chain of command,' Hegseth wrote.

Meanwhile, the US is piling the pressure on Venezuela, with a major military buildup in the Caribbean, the designation of an alleged drug cartel run by Maduro as a terrorist group, and an ominous warning from Trump that Venezuelan airspace is 'closed.'

Washington says the aim of the military deployment launched in September is to curb drug trafficking in the region, but Caracas insists regime change is the ultimate goal.

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro gestures during a press conference with international media at Hotel Eurobuilding in Caracas on September 15

A deadly strike on a 'narco terrorist' boat in the Caribbean

The New York Times reported Friday that Trump and Maduro had discussed a possible meeting, while The Wall Street Journal said Saturday that the conversation also included conditions of amnesty if Maduro were to step down.

Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin said Sunday on CNN's 'State of the Union' talk show that the United States has offered Maduro the chance to leave his country for Russia or elsewhere.

Maduro, who has been in power since 2013, has followed in his predecessor, Hugo Chavez's footsteps, by cultivating strong military loyalty by appointing officers to high-ranking government roles.

The US has condemned Maduro's corrupt rule, citing the president's election victory in 2024, despite evidence that his opposition won more votes.

Rubio called Maduro an illegitimate president, recently naming the Cartel de Los Soles 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.

Tensions have heightened in recent months between Venezuela and the US, as the Trump administration has launched a crusade to take down 'narco-terrorists' transporting drugs through international waters.

But Venezuela and countries that support it insist no such organization even exists.

Pete Hegseth speaks during a press conference with Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader at the National Palace in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, November 26

Several Venezuela experts say what Washington calls the Cartel of the Suns refers to the corruption of senior officials by criminal gangs.

The United States also does not recognize Maduro as the legitimate winner of last year's presidential election.

Though Trump has not publicly threatened to use force against Maduro, he said in recent days that efforts to halt Venezuelan drug trafficking 'by land' would begin 'very soon.'

The president has also suggested that operations could escalate to land strikes, telling service members on a reported phone call on Thanksgiving of the military expansion.

'In recent weeks, you've been working to deter Venezuelan drug traffickers, of which there are many. Of course, there aren't too many coming in by sea anymore,' he said.

Trump added that it was 'easier' to intercept potential drug traffickers on land, and that operations would begin '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.

Meanwhile, in Venezuela, Maduro has said eight million civilians are training in militias.

However, the military's equipment is decades old, most of which was purchased from Russia in the early 2000s.
Donald Trump has suffered another legal blow as Alina Habba, his handpicked US Attorney for New Jersey, has been disqualified by an appeals court.

A panel of judges from the 3rd US Circuit Court of Appeals sitting in Philadelphia voted 3-0, siding with a lower court judge's ruling after hearing oral arguments at which Habba herself was present on October 20.

Habba, a close ally of the president who defended him during his high-profile New York civil fraud trial and the E. Jean Carroll defamation case, had been kept in place after her interim appointment expired despite lacking Senate confirmation.

District court judges moved to replace her with her deputy, but the Trump administration used legal maneuvers involving vacancies law to keep her in post as the 'acting' attorney.

Habba was in the midst of an investigation into New Jersey's Democratic governor Phil Murphy over his order for state cops to refrain from helping ICE agents.

But on Monday, judges Luis Restrepo, an Obama appointee, David Smith and David Fisher, both George W. Bush picks, ruled that Trump's ex-personal attorney was acting unlawfully.

Habba is not the first Trump prosecutor whose appointment has been challenged.

Last week, a federal judge dismissed criminal cases against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James after concluding that Lindsey Halligan, the hastily installed prosecutor who filed the charges, was unlawfully appointed as interim US attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia.

Alina Habba attends her swearing-in ceremony as interim U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey, in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, March 28

Attorney Alina Habba (L) looks on as former U.S. President Donald Trump walks to speak to the media after being found guilty following his hush money trial at Manhattan Criminal Court on May 30, 2024

The Justice Department has said it intends to appeal the rulings.

A lower court judge said in August Habba's appointment was done with a 'novel series of legal and personnel moves'.

That order said her actions since July could be invalidated, but he stayed the order pending appeal.

The government argued Habba is validly serving in the role under a federal statute allowing the first assistant attorney, a post she was appointed to by the Trump administration.

A similar dynamic is playing out in Nevada, where a federal judge disqualified the Trump administration's pick to be US attorney there.

The Habba case comes after several people charged with federal crimes in New Jersey challenged the legality of Habba's tenure.

They sought to block the charges, arguing she didn't have the authority to prosecute their cases after her 120-day term as interim US attorney expired.

Habba briefly served as a White House adviser before Trump appointed her as a federal prosecutor in March.

Lindsey Halligan, special assistant to the president, speaks with a reporter outside of the White House, August

Alina Habba, a lawyer for former President Donald Trump, speaks after Trump arrived at the E. Barrett Prettyman U.S. Federal Courthouse, Thursday, Aug. 3, 2023

Shortly after her appointment, she said in an interview that she hoped to help 'turn New Jersey red,' a rare overt political expression from a prosecutor.

She then brought a trespassing charge, eventually dropped, against Democratic Newark Mayor Ras Baraka stemming from his visit to a federal immigration detention center.

Habba later charged Democratic US Rep. LaMonica McIver with assault stemming from the same incident, a rare federal criminal case against a sitting member of Congress other than for corruption. McIver denied the charges and pleaded not guilty. The case is pending.

Questions about whether Habba would continue in the job arose in July when her temporary appointment was ending and it became clear New Jersey's two Democratic US senators, Cory Booker and Andy Kim, would not back her appointment.

Earlier this year, as her appointment was expiring, federal judges in New Jersey exercised their legal authority to replace Habba with a career prosecutor who had served as her deputy.

Attorney General Pam Bondi then fired the prosecutor appointed by the judges and reinstated Habba as the acting US attorney.

The Justice Department argued the judges acted prematurely and maintained that Trump had the authority to appoint his preferred candidate to enforce federal laws in the state.

Brann's ruling said the president's appointments are still subject to the time limits and power-sharing rules laid out in federal law.
A 17-year-old New Yorker allegedly shot dead his ballerina ex-girlfriend when she came over to his home to discuss their breakup during her Thanksgiving break, cops say.

Austin Lynch allegedly killed his ex Emily Finn, 18, the day before his birthday on November 26, outside his parents' home in Nesconset, Long Island, in what police suspect was a botched murder-suicide.

Lynch then shot himself in the face, but survived the bullet wound and is now expected to face a second-degree murder charge.

The Suffolk County District Attorney's Office said Lynch will be arraigned as soon as he has recovered enough from his injuries.

Investigators said Finn's body was found by Lynch's parents as they returned home, and she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Finn, who graduated from Sayville High School in June, and her alleged killer had recently broken up, police told the Greater Long Island newspaper.

She had reportedly stopped by his house to return his belongings and discuss their split when the horror unfolded.

Their breakup was reportedly prompted by Finn leaving for college at State University of New York (SUNY) in Oneonta, while Lynch had recently joined the Marines.

Austin Lynch allegedly shot dead his ballerina ex-girlfriend Emily Finn (seen together at their prom) when she came over to his home to discuss their breakup during her Thanksgiving break, cops say

Finn, a talented ballerina and freshman at SUNY, was allegedly killed by her ex-boyfriend when she returned to Long Island for the holidays and visited him to give back his belongings

Tributes poured in for the talented ballerina following the tragedy, and more than a thousand mourners packed a Long Island funeral home for her memorial on Sunday.

Her family asked Finn's friends and loved ones to wear pink to the service, which was the freshman's favorite color.

'She just had that special spark,' a friend of the slain teen told the New York Post at the event.

'She was so full of life, and she loved her family and her brother and her grandparents so much.

'All she ever wanted was to do good for the world, and it all got taken away, just like that... I can't stop crying.'

Finn's friends said she was studying to be a teacher at SUNY.

Another friend named Hailey told the Post that she was distraught by what had happened.

'Emily was the best, just the best,' she said.

Investigators said Finn's body was found by Lynch's parents as they returned to their home (pictured) in Nesconset, Long Island

Tributes poured in for Finn following the tragedy, as her friends said she 'just had that special spark' and 'was so full of life'

Investigators say the couple's breakup was prompted by Finn going off to college at State University of New York (SUNY) in Oneonta, while Lynch had recently joined the Marines

'She was an amazing dancer and an amazing friend, and such a family person... Being around all these people who love her so much, I keep imagining her being among them, living and smiling.

'I'm just completely crushed. I'm devastated.'

A GoFundMe account established to help support her grieving loved ones said that Finn's 'devastating and senseless' killing leaves a hole for everyone in her life.

'To know Emily is to love her, as she became part of the fabric of the lives she touched in her generous and kind way,' the crowd funder read.

'Through her many years as a dancer, the children she taught as she prepared for a future as a teacher, and simply as a friend to so many, she will be sorely missed by all who knew her.'
A man charged over the knife attacks on a London-bound intercity train - and a second stabbing on another train - refused to attend a court hearing today.

Anthony Williams, 32, is accused of 13 counts of attempted murder over the two incidents.

He was arrested after the incident on an LNER train which was forced to make an emergency stop in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, on November 1.

Williams, from Peterborough, was initially charged with the attempted murder of nine passengers and a member of rail staff on the LNER train from Doncaster to Londons Kings Cross.

He was also charged with the attempted murder of another passenger on a DLR train at 12.45am the same day at Pontoon Dock DLR station in Silvertown, east London.

Williams, who is on remand in prison, was meant to appear via video link at Cambridge Crown Court for an administrative hearing this morning.

But prosecutor Christopher Paxton KC told Judge Mark Bishop, the Recorder of Cambridge, that Williams would not be appearing.

Mr Paxton said: 'Your honour will note, the defendant is not on the link, and I understand that he has refused to attend the link room.

Anthony Williams is accused of 13 counts of attempted murder in incidents aboard two trains

Judge Bishop replied: 'That is what I have been informed. I have asked for a refusal notice to be uploaded.'

The 13-minute hearing proceeded in the absence of Williams and a date for his potential trial at Cambridge Crown Court was fixed to start on June 22 next year.

Williams was arrested after a mass stabbing attack on a train before it stopped at Huntingdon station, Cambridgeshire, on the evening of November 1.

Williams was also charged before his first appearance at Peterborough Magistrates' Court with possessing a bladed article in relation to the two attacks, and a count of actual bodily harm over an alleged assault on a police officer in custody.

It was revealed on November 20 that he had also been charged with two more counts of attempted murder and an attempted wounding with intent to cause serious harm.

The new attempted murder charges relates to alleged attacks on a 14-year-old boy on a footbridge above Henry Penn Walk, Peterborough, and on William Ogelby, 22, in the Rail World car park, Peterborough, on October 31.

The new attempted wounding charge related to an alleged attack on Dawid Taborski, 28, on the footbridge above Henry Penn Walk.

Williams was also charged with affray at Ritzys Barbers in Queens Walk, Peterborough, on October 31, and the theft of a 'four-pack of kitchen knives to the value of 15' from an Asda store in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, on October 31.

Police forensic officers board the LNER train at Huntingdon after the alleged mass-stabbing

In total, he faces 21 separate charges.

Prosecutor Mr Paxton today asked for all the new charges to be added to the original ones to form a single indictment.

Graham Arnold, defending Williams, said he had no objection to the two sets of charges being joined.

Mr Arnold asked for the case to be adjourned to allow a psychiatric assessment of Williams to take place.

He stated that a doctor had an appointment with Williams today and had asked for eight weeks to complete his report by January 26 which would allow for the Christmas break and 'preliminary treatments which may affect his assessment'.

Mr Arnold added that a brief psychiatric report into Williams had already taken place and it was hoped that any treatment he was given might improve his condition.

He added: 'We have no objection to proceed with the administration of the case today'.

Judge Bishop adjourned the hearing for the case to come back to court on January 28 without Williams needing to appear to allow an updated on his psychiatric state.

The judge said he was going ahead to fix the potential trial date for June 22 next year 'just to get it into the diary'.
Two female partygoers who dodged a taxi fare have been ordered to pay 200 after they bragged about their crime on social media.

Larisa Sumovskaja, 18, and Jasmine Orchard, 21, had been picked up after a night out in Bournemouth, Dorset, and driven three miles to the West Howe area where they scarpered.

The driver had bravely tried to stop them, but the duo lashed out before getting away.

The ordeal left the driver feeling anxious about working on nights, causing him to lose income as a result of not working.

The pair were caught after Sumovskaja wrote go like it guys xxx on a social media post from police that carried dashcam photos of her and friend Jasmine Orchard.

She and Orchard, 21, appeared together at Poole Magistrates' Court where they both pleaded guilty to making off without payment.

They were both ordered to pay 100 each in compensation to the driver.

Tara Olney, prosecuting, said the defendants were friends who operated in tandem.

Larisa Sumovskaja (left) and Jasmine Orchard leaving Poole Magistrates Court after being fined 100 each

Sumovskaja effectively 'outed herself' to police by sharing a social media post of the police appeal

Niall Theobald, defending Sumovskaja, said his client was an immature young lady who suffered from mental health issues.

The pair were picked up by a taxi driver after a night out in Bournemouth, Dorset.

After a three mile journey to the West Howe area of the town, the two women left the taxi without paying the 38 fare.

The driver tried to stop them getting away which started an altercation in which the two women lashed out at him before getting away.

Dorset Police shared an appeal on social media appealing for anyone who recognised the two women to come forward.

Sumovskaja then brashly shared the post to her friends, prompting some of them to comment about her 'outing herself' as the culprit.

It is not the first time the pair have appeared in court together.

In August they were sentenced for assaulting staff at a Bournemouth nightclub with their handbags.

It is the second time the two women have appeared in court together after they were both convicted of assault at a Bournemouth night club

The pair, both from Bournemouth, became angry as they were being escorted out of the Camel Bar after a night out in March.

They insulted bar manager Mohammed Saffi about his weight, spat at two security staff and hit them with their swinging handbags.

The taxi driver incident happened in January, two months before the Camel Bar assault.

Magistrates heard the impact the incident had had on the victim.

He said since it happened he has stopped working nights and suffered a loss of income due to anxiety he feels over it.

The court heard Orchard had no previous convictions at the time of the taxi driver incident.

She is said to be doing well in relation to her community order for the Camel Bar assault.

Sumovskaja and Orchard were convicted of assault and were ordered to do 100 hours of community service.

Both women were banned from Camel Bar in Bournemouth after assaulting staff members

The taxi driver incident happened in January, two months before the Camel Bar assault.

Tara Olney, prosecuting, said the defendants were friends who operated in tandem.

Magistrates heard the impact the incident had had on the victim.

He said since it happened he has stopped working nights and suffered a loss of income due to anxiety he feels over it.

The court heard Orchard had no previous convictions at the time of the taxi driver incident.

She is said to be doing well in relation to her community order for the Camel Bar assault.

Niall Theobald, defending Sumovskaja, said his client was an immature young lady who suffered from mental health issues.
A tiny California town believes a Google Maps reroute is suddenly steering travelers its way, creating an unexpected tourist hotspot.

North of San Francisco in Sonoma County lies Valley Ford, a small town populated with a mere 148 people.

Despite its size, the little-heard-of town has a vibrant history and offers an abundance of activities for visitors.

'Located amid rolling hills slightly inland from the coastline in western Sonoma County, Valley Ford combines country hospitality with culinary and artistic sophistication,' the travel website read.

Valley Ford local Karen Bianchi-Moreda is a fourth generation dairy farmer who started a cheesemaking business back in 2008.

Her Cheese & Creamery offers 'chef-crafted bites, house-baked pastries, picnic foods, and wine and beer at a cozy bar overlooking its cheese-aging rooms' that attracts tourists and residents.

The award-winning family business is just a collaborative of other locally owned businesses that make this small town thrive.

'We get a lot of tourism and are supported a lot by locals,' Bianchi-Moreda told the Daily Mail.

Bianchi-Moreda added that while tourism drives their small town, the locals buying from each other's businesses help drive their economy.

Valley Ford is a tiny town in California located north of San Francisco in Sonoma County

The Valley Ford Hotel, built in 1864 by the Rein family, 'provides lodging for coastal travelers'

View along a section of art installation 'Running Fence' (1976, by Christo and Jeanne-Claude)

'It's a little destination point and it's a group effort of what we all done,' she told the Daily Mail.

Travelers driving to Bodega Bay frequently stop at their quaint town on the way to their destination.

Local boutique businessowner Dani Danielsson believes that Google Maps is responsible for driving tourists to her hometown.

Depending on the starting point, people were usually directed to drive through Bodega, which is about 15 minutes away from the tiny town.

'Its not like that anymore,' she said to the SFGATE. 'It always directs you through here.'

But travelers driving through are pleasantly surprised when they pass this hidden gem.

Valley Ford has a bustling art history and was known for the Running Fence project in the 70s.

The 24.5-mile-long and 18-foot-high art project was a weaving fence that stretched near Freeway 101.

Created by Christo and Jeanne-Claude, the project took 42 months of collaborative efforts and dedication - just to remain for only two weeks.

A bronze plaque commemorating the now-defunct project remains where the fence once stretched.

Art isn't the only significance in Sonoma County, as buildings that date all the way back to the 1800s still stand.

The Cheese & Creamery offers 'chef-crafted bites, house-baked pastries, picnic foods, and wine and beer at a cozy bar overlooking its cheese-aging rooms'

Diners enjoying a small-town vibe and hearty classic Italian dinner at Dinnuci's

Valley Ford's beautiful wine country with sweeping views

The Valley Ford Hotel, which was built in 1864 by the Rein family, still 'provides lodging for coastal travelers.'

Shona Campbell and her husband, Brandon Guenther, operate the historic Valley Ford Hotel, along with two other restaurants nine miles down the road.

'Situated one hour north of the Golden Gate Bridge, the inn is a convenient hub for coastal exploration,' the website reads.

Fine dining and soul food consume the area, as the town's travel website recommends the Valley Ford Cheese & Creamery, Dinucci's Italian Dinners, and Estero Cafe.

The Italian spot 'provides a friendly small-town vibe and hearty classics, while Estero Cafe serves comforting breakfasts and lunches, 'from Swedish pancakes to chicken-fried steak and homemade desserts'.

Valley Ford's beautiful wine country is 'home to farms and ranches, with sweeping vistas that include beautiful old barns and plenty of grazing cows.'

Whether the updated Google Maps route is inspiring travelers to take things slower, or its the scenic vistas and wealth of activities drawing them in, locals are delighted to see their home getting noticed.

'I think it's unique and we want our town to flourish, we accept anyone and everyone outside of the area,' Bianchi-Moreda told the Daily Mail.

'Come and see our little town full of live and love. It's the uniqueness, it's just a really fun little town,' she added.
Luigi Mangione arrived in court wearing a sharp suit this morning as he fights to throw out bombshell evidence that could blow the UnitedHealthcare CEO murder trial wide open.

Mangione, 27, is in the New York City courthouse in an effort to block prosecutors from showing or telling jurors about items seized during his arrest at a yet-unscheduled state murder trial.

He is accused of shooting 50-year-old Brian Thompson at point-blank range in Midtown Manhattan on December 4, 2024, killing him before fleeing the scene.

The Ivy League graduate was arrested days later at a McDonald's in Altoona, Pennsylvania.

As the hearing began, Mangione appeared nervous and irritated as prosecutors began questioning witnesses about the shooting.

Court officials say the hearings beginning Monday could take more than a week.

Follow along for the latest updates.
The NHS is set to pay more for medicines under a deal struck to avoid Donald Trump's tariffs on pharmaceutical exports.

Under the terms of the agreement, the UK will get a preferential tariff rate of 0 per cent for all medicines exported to the US for at least three years.

But, in return, the Government has agreed the NHS will increase the price it pays for new medicines by 25 per cent.

It is estimated this will see NHS spending on medicines rise from about 9.5 per cent of its budget to 12 per cent, in a move that will cost taxpayers about 3billion.

The agreement has been negotiated as part of the US-UK trade deal struck by Mr Trump and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in May.

It also comes after big pharmaceutical companies ditched or paused bilions of pounds' worth of planned UK investments so far this year.

The US President has called for changes that will level the playing field in terms of what American customers pay for drugs compared with those in the UK and Europe.

The Government said the deal would allow health officials to approve medicines that might previously been declined purely on cost-effectiveness grounds.

The NHS is set to pay more for medicines under a deal struck to avoid Donald Trump's tariffs on pharmaceutical exports

It is estimated the agreement will see NHS spending on medicines rise from about 9.5 per cent of its budget to 12 per cent, in a move that will cost taxpayers about 3billion

Liz Kendall, the Science and Technology Secretary, said: 'This vital deal will ensure UK patients get the cutting-edge medicines they need sooner, and our world-leading UK firms keep developing the treatments that can change lives.

'It will also enable and incentivise life sciences companies to continue to invest and innovate right here in the UK.

'This will support thousands of skilled jobs, boost our economy and ensure that the breakthroughs that happen in our labs turn into treatments that benefit families across the country.'

Peter Kyle, the Business and Trade Secretary, said: 'This deal guarantees that UK pharmaceutical exports  worth at least 5 billion a year - will enter the US tariff free, protecting jobs, boosting investment and paving the way for the UK to become a global hub for life sciences.

'We will continue to build on the UK-US Economic Prosperity Deal, and the record-breaking investments we secured during the US State Visit, to create jobs and raise living standards as part of our plan for change.'

Also responding to the deal, US health secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. said: 'Americans should not pay the world's highest drug costs for medicines they helped fund.

'This agreement with the UK strengthens the global environment for innovative medicines and brings long-overdue balance to USUK pharmaceutical trade.

'President Trump showed real courage and leadership in demanding these reforms, and I thank him for delivering results that put Americans first.'
A newborn baby was left under-fed and lying on cold damp bed sheets in a hospital's understaffed neonatal intensive care unit before he died, an inquest has heard.

Lakshith Guptha Nalla was just four weeks old when he died at the University Hospital of Wales in the early hours of May 11, 2024, after nurses failed to feed him sufficiently.

The 'persistent and gross understaffing' of the unit left the 'vulnerable' baby without feed for four hours and meant no one noticed he developed an infection or that he was lying on cold wet bedding, coroner Rachel Knight said.

She also said that nurse Pasqualina Mollo, who was responsible for feeding the 'vulnerable' baby, disconnected the feeding tube to allow the infant to cuddle its parents although he was prescribed constant feed.

It was not until after it had been removed they noticed that there were no new feeding lines on the ward at the time.

This was due to their 'chaotic' stocking systems and because a delivery had not turned up.

Ms Knight said: 'I find it surprising that feeding tubes were not available on the biggest neonatal ward in Wales,' adding that they are a basic essential.

Nurse Mollo had to call another ward, which is around five minutes away, and take six tubes from there.

Lakshith Guptha Nalla was just four weeks old when he died at the University Hospital of Wales (pictured) in the early hours of May 11, 2024, after nurses failed to feed him sufficiently

It was not until an hour and a half later that they actually got the tubes which is when Nurse Mollo fitted the new one on little Lakshith.

But as she was 'in a rush' to help deliver another baby she mistakenly did not fit his feeding tube properly.

She also did not inform anybody of the hours of feed he missed or conduct blood tests to ensure the hours without food had not affected his condition.

Pontypridd Coroners' Court heard that the Lakshith parents' lives have 'changed forever' since his death.

The inquest heard that 'the staff on the ward were asked to do too many jobs during their shift' and they were made to look after twice the number of patients they should be looking after in the unit.

As well as no food the baby's paperwork was also missing in parts including, most crucially, any observations between 4pm and 5pm on May 9.

At around 4pm another nurse recognised baby Lakshith 'seemed different'.

Blood samples were taken and the results were described as 'worrying' as he was found to suffer from hypoglycemia and with metabolic and respiratory acidosis. He was also found to be cold.

At 6pm staff noticed Lakshith was not connected to his feed properly and hadn't been for the past four hours. They saw his feeding tube was leaking and that 'he was lying on cold wet bed sheets'.

The court heard the impact of this period with no feed would have impeded the baby's ability to fight off any infection as he was using his own reserves, which were extremely limited due to his vulnerability and his size.

The survival rate of sepsis in premature babies is around 25 to 30 per cent and so even less for Lakshith who was trying to fight it alongside two other conditions - all while being hypoglycaemic, malnourished, dehydrated and cold.

Ms Knight described baby Lakshith's care as 'wholly inadequate' due to the failures and missed opportunities, most notably where he went four hours with no feed.

She said his lack of care in the days before his death was an 'unfortunate coincidence' and added the issue of neglect could not be legally made out by a very narrow margin.

The child's cause of death was given as sepsis, peritonitis, and necrotising enterocolitis. There was no evidence that being fed as prescribed could have saved the baby.

The inquest's conclusion stated: 'Baby Nalla was born at 30 weeks and four days gestation with a congenital condition that required surgery. This surgery was undertaken the day after he was born and he was making a full recovery.

'Baby Nalla should have been nursed at a one-to-one ratio as per the guidelines. Due to staffing levels on the ward and missing equipment he was not nursed to the standard he should have been and was not fed at all for four hours.

'He was showing signs of necrotising enterocolitis, which is likely his cause of death. There is insufficient evidence that the complications surrounding baby Nalla's feed contributed to his death.'

With regard to the prevention of future deaths Ms Knight said she was satisfied with the health board's changes to stocking and staffing at the NICU. The health board is expected to be sending Ms Knight a letter further outlining these changes.

Lakshith's father said in a statement read to the court earlier in the hearing that he and his family had dreamed of a life in the UK which is why they moved to Cardiff but after losing their son they have moved back to India.

He asked for his son's body to be donated to science in the hope it may prevent the same thing happening to other babies.
The family of a British father-of-four who fell to his death in Benidorm say they have evidence that they say shows his death was not an accident.

Nathan Osman, from Pontypridd in South Wales, was discovered at the foot of a remote 650ft cliff on the outskirts of the resort last September while on a trip with friends.

The father-of-four had joined the getaway at the last minute and spent the evening of September 27 drinking with friends before heading back to his hotel alone.

But the next morning, his bed had not been slept in, and his body was found by an off-duty police officer later that day.

His family criticised the initial police response and carried out their own investigation, uncovering evidence that his card was used after his death, which led to the case being reopened.

In September, police said the 30-year-old's death was an accident, something relatives described as 'upsetting and frustrating'.

But his family have now told Sky News that new phone data suggests he couldn't have reached the spot where was he was found, and suggested he arrived there in a vehicle.

Mr Osman's brother, Lee Evans, told the broadcaster that the family tracked his final moments using a health app.

Nathan Osman (pictured), from Pontypridd in South Wales, was discovered at the foot of a remote 650ft cliff on the outskirts of the resort last September

Nathan Osman was discovered at the foot of a remote cliff on the outskirts of the resort last September while on a trip with friends

He said: 'There's a breakdown inside the app of every 10 minutes - the distance, pace, measurement of pace every detail you can think of.

'His pace wasn't consistent with a fast walk or even a sprint'.

Mr Evans said the journey was much faster than this, even though it would've required going uphill for 40 minutes.

Mr Evans said the phone data helped determine Mr Osman likely died about 30 minutes after he was last seen on CCTV walking to his hotel in the early hours of the morning he died.

Mr Osman's mother Elizabeth said: 'It was really ridiculous to think that my son would've walked up there [the remote location where he died] at 4am in the pitch dark.'

She said that the family visited the area her son was found: 'We were a bit upset, but we were very pleased we went up there. We could see there's no way he would have looked at that area and thought, 'I'm going up here.'

'You can see straight off, there's no clubs, there's no hotels up there, there's just the odd house dotted around. It was just out in the wild, there was nothing up there.'

South Wales Police opened up its own investigation into Mr Osman's death in May. Mr Evans claimed the UK force was 'appalled' by Spanish cops' investigative procedures.

At an inquest into Osman's death in October last year, senior coroner Graeme Hughes heard the father-of-four suffered traumatic brain injuries after falling from the cliff

Nathan Osman was discovered at the foot of a remote cliff on the outskirts of Benidorm last September while on a trip with friends (File image)

His family criticised the initial police response and carried out their own investigation, uncovering evidence that his card was used after his death, which led to the case being reopened (File image)

Mr Osman's father Jonathan said: 'No procedures were followed. Nothing was cordoned off, it wasn't a crime scene. There's loads of things that could've been taken. Tyre tracks, foot tracks, nothing. No DNA taken.'

Mr Evans added: 'All that we've done over the last year, this could've been squashed within the first week, two weeks [by local investigators].

'We've had to find out and keep delving into every possible outcome and overturn every stone possible. We started off with a needle in a haystack, we had no direction or any support on which way to go.'

The last sighting of Mr Osman, according to Mr Evans, was him walking 'very calm and collected' following directions on his phone. He was found a 50-minute walk away from where he was last seen on CCTV.

At an inquest into his death in October last year, senior coroner Graeme Hughes heard the man suffered traumatic brain injuries after falling from the cliff.

'He drank quite rarely and has never used recreational drugs. His autopsy revealed that there were no drugs in his system,' Hughes said.

'Nathan had four beautiful children and enjoyed life to the fullest. He never imagined that a break in the sun would lead to his death.

'He was just really excited and really looking forward to seeing his friends and having a relaxing holiday.'

Spanish police declined to comment to Sky News saying the case was under judicial review.
A Venezuelan former techno DJ has pleaded guilty to supplying counterfeit plane parts to leading airlines across the world.

Jose Alejandro Zamora Yrala, 37, admitted defrauding customers while operating UK-based AOG Technics between January 2019 and December 2023.

The parts were fitted into the world's most widely used passenger aircraft engine - the CFM56 - which powers both Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 aircraft.

Planes in the UK and internationally were grounded in 2023 after the UK's Civil Aviation Authority, the United States' Federal Aviation Administration and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency issued safety alerts to airlines that may have bought or installed AOG's parts.

Zamora Yrala, who has British citizenship, appeared at Southwark Crown Court today wearing a navy suit and white shirt, charged with fraudulent trading.

He admitted falsifying documentation that related to the origin, status or condition of aircraft parts.

The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) launched an investigation alongside Portuguese authorities in 2023 and the Portuguese probe remains ongoing.

Emma Luxton, director of operations at the SFO, said: 'This significant and audacious fraud threatened trust in the aviation industry and risked public safety on a global scale.

Jose Alejandro Zamora Yrala, 37, admitted defrauding customers while operating UK-based AOG Technics between January 2019 and December 2023

Zamora Yrala appeared at Southwark Crown Court today wearing a navy suit and white shirt, charged with fraudulent trading

'I'm extremely proud that we've acted swiftly to secure this conviction and wish to thank law enforcement partners in Portugal for their speedy and critical assistance.'

Zamora Yrala, from Virginia Water in Surrey, was granted conditional bail to appear at his sentencing hearing on February 23.

The maximum sentence for the offence is 10 years in jail.

Judge Alexander Milne, KC, told him: 'Mr Zamora Yrala, your sentence date will be February 23.

'I know between now and then, there is valuable work being done between both parties.

'Your bail continues as before, and you must be back at this court on February 23.'

Nick Ephgrave, director of the SFO, previously said: 'Planes were grounded, and significant disruption was caused, today's charges are the outcome of a focused and fast-paced investigation.

'I'm proud that we've acted swiftly, together with our European partners, to bring this important case to charge in just 19 months.'

The court previously heard that parts sold by AOG were found on a Tui aircraft while other airlines affected included Ryanair, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines.
Scores of Special Forces soldiers are declining to provide evidence to a war crimes inquiry over fears of self-incrimination.

The elite troops have ignored requests to discuss SAS night raids in Afghanistan which allegedly included Extra Judicial Killings.

According to legal sources, 70 per cent of witnesses called from the SAS have refused to comply with the judge-led High Court probe.

The serving and previously serving troops could face jail sentences if they fail to give statements.

They fear evidence they provide could be used against them or their colleagues in any subsequent criminal investigation.

Their refusal to cooperate has emerged after the Independent Inquiry Relating to Afghanistan released more material from secret court sessions.

Senior Special Forces officers have accused troops of killing women and children and captives in breaches of the Laws of Armed Conflict.

But on Monday night, SAS officers hit back, accusing the Inquiry of releasing one-sided statements and following an agenda against the regiment.

Former SAS commander Richard Williams is leading a regimental fightback against lawfare relating to Northern Ireland and Afghanistan

In Iraq and subsequently Afghanistan, SAS soldiers were ordered to eliminate the enemy's bombmaking networks.

The SAS's most famous action was the Iranian Embassy siege of May 1980.

On Monday, retired Lieutenant Colonel Richard Williams said: 'This very selective release of interpretations and judgements made by inexperienced staff officers reads like a one-sided, agenda-driven version of events.

'These officers were thousands of miles from combat tragedies. With no counter narrative or accounts provided by SAS soldiers on the ground appears judgemental.

'Hardly a shining example of transparency or fairness and a very odd way for a serious independent inquiry to behave.'

While former Veterans Minister Johnny Mercer, who served in Afghanistan and gave evidence to the Inquiry last year, insisted the treatment of troops 'must be fair'.

The most significant evidence to date has been provided by a senior officer, N1466. He has accused a Director of Special Forces of covering up war crimes in 2011.

N1466, whose identity is known to the Mail, also claims middle-ranking officers filed bogus reports to cover-up their soldiers' illegal activities.

One of those officers, who wrote up operational summaries in 2010-11, is among those who have declined invitations by the inquiry to offer evidence.

N1141 told the judge, Sir Charles Haddon-Cave, 'the prospect of future criminal proceedings is obvious' and that he wanted to protect his right to a fair trial.

Human rights lawyers representing Afghan families said the testimony of N1466 was highly significant.

Tessa Gregory from Leigh Day said he was highly experienced at the time and well placed at Special Forces headquarters to realise what was happening.

She said: 'He has made plain he believes war crimes were committed. He discusses mounting concern that something was going gravely wrong.

'He cites particularly suspicious raids, including some in which our clients lost loved ones.

'He states the Director of Special Forces took a conscious decision to supress, cover up and send a coded message to his men, rather than deal with alleged criminality.

'N1466 says if more had been done in 2011 other lives would have been saved.'

In August 2012 and 18-months old Afghan child and a three-year-old were killed during a raid. SAS sources stressed this was a 'tragedy' which could not have been avoided.

Ms Gregory added the bereaved families were grateful to the officer for 'such candid testimony'.

However, N1466 failed to challenge the cover up because, as he admitted, he thought it could compromise him professionally.

He told the High Court: 'I believed it would have had an adverse impact on my promotion prospects and career longevity. I wish to express my regret that I did not make a report to SIB [Special Investigation Branch in 2011.'

The judge-led Inquiry is expected to hear further evidence long into 2026 and possibly into 2027. The publication of its findings could be followed by a criminal investigation by the Metropolitan Police.

It is alleged the SAS killed more than 80 Afghans in highly suspicious circumstances in remote compounds in Helmand Province during the long British campaign there.

Approaching 500 British soldiers lost their lives in Afghanistan following the Al Qaeda attacks on the US on 11th September 2001.

The SAS were sent to the country to target the enemy's Improvised Explosive Device (IED networks).

On Monday night, the Ministry of Defence said: 'The government is fully committed to supporting the Independent Inquiry Relating to Afghanistan as it continues its work and we are hugely grateful to former and current employees that have given evidence.

'We also remain committed to providing the support that our Special Forces deserve, while maintaining the transparency and accountability that the British people rightly expect from their armed forces.'
Disgraced George Santos suggested Senator Cory Booker is secretly gay after the Democrat announced that he had finally married.

The former Republican representative, who was famously kicked out of Congress in 2023 following a string of scandals, took to X to question Booker's sexuality following the 56-year-old's marriage to real estate investor Alexis Lewis, 38.

'I married my first wife before I came out of the closet and there is nothing wrong with that,' Santos wrote.

Santos was the first openly gay Republican to win a seat in the House of Representatives as a non-incumbent in 2022, but was expelled and later jailed for fraud before having his sentence commuted by President Trump in October.

The former politician was previously married to a Brazilian woman, Uadla Vieira Santos, from 2012 to 2019, before coming out as gay.

Santos is not the first to publicly question Booker's sexuality, and rumors have followed the New Jersey Senator since he rose to prominence as the mayor of Newark over a decade ago.

When he ran for the Senate in 2013, the then-single mayor was quizzed several times on whether he was gay.

He told The Washington Post that he felt 'great dismay' that he hadn't yet 'settled down with a life partner, but said he didn't mind fielding questions about his sexual orientation.

'To people who think I'm gay, some part of me thinks it's wonderful,' he continued.

'Because I want to challenge people on their homophobia. I love seeing on Twitter when someone says I'm gay, and I say, "So what does it matter if I am? So be it. I hope you are not voting for me because you are making the presumption that I'm straight."'

Democratic Senator Cory Booker, 56, married real estate investor Alexis Lewis, 38, in Washington, DC over the weekend

George Santos, who was infamously kicked out of Congress in 2023 following a string of scandals, took to X to question Booker's long-rumored sexuality

Booker's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the Daily Mail following Santos's X post.

But the Democrat and 2020 presidential hopeful has faced a slew of such questions in the past, and his rumored sexuality became a point of contention during his 2013 Senate race.

He said at the time that he was perpetually single and was dating more at the encouragement of a pastor friend, but kept that part of his life private.

'Because how unfair is it to a young lady to put them in the spotlight if they haven't signed up for that yet?' he said.

Booker's opponent in that race, Steve Lonegan, the former mayor of Bogota, New Jersey, said he found Booker's remarks about not minding if voters think he's gay as 'kind of weird.'

Lonegan then referenced remarks that Booker made to magazine Du Jour in 2012 about enjoying getting manicures and pedicures, where the Democrat said the beauty treatments were his 'guilty pleasure.'

'Look, manis are good, but pedis - there's something... transformative,' Booker said.

Lonegan sparked controversy as he responded to the remarks by saying: 'As a guy, I personally like being a guy.'

'Maybe that helps to get him the gay vote, by acting ambiguous. That I can't address,' he continued.

Santos was previously married to Brazilian national Uadla Vieira Santos from 2012 to 2019

Rumors about Booker's sexuality have plagued him since his 2013 Senate run, when his opponent Steve Lonegan accused Booker of pandering to 'get the gay vote'

Lonegan sparked controversy by implying that Booker was gay because he enjoyed beauty treatments. Booker went on to easily win the election

'All I know is I don't like going out in the middle of the night, or any time of the day, for a manicure and pedicure.

'It was described as his peculiar fetish, is how it was described. I have a more peculiar fetish. I like a good Scotch and a cigar. That's my fetish, but we'll just compare the two.'

In an interview with the Huffington Post after Lonegan's rant, Booker said he found the remarks 'unacceptable' and 'just sad.'

'Honestly, that's just really sad. It's just disheartening to hear somebody, in this day and age in the United States of America, say, basically implicate, that gay men are not men, that they're not guys. It's shocking to one's conscience,' he said.

'That kind of callous, bigoted disrespect to gays and lesbians shouldn't be tolerated.'

Booker went on to trounce Lonegan in the general election by more than ten points.
Harvard University has hired a former graduate student who was charged with assaulting an Israeli classmate during a pro-Palestine protest.

Elom Tettey-Tamaklo, 29, has been working at the university as a Graduate Teaching Fellow since August, his LinkedIn profile showed.

In the role, Tettey-Tamaklo advises faculty on curriculum and consults on what he describes as 'complex subject matter,' he wrote. His profile also highlighted his skills in guest lecturing and teaching.

Tettey-Tamaklo graduated from the Harvard Divinity School in May with a master's degree in religion, ethics and politics.

He and fellow student Ibrahim Bharmal were seen in a now-viral video accosting a first-year Israeli business school student during a 'die-in' protest outside of Harvard Business School in October 2023, just days after the attack by Hamas.

Both men were each charged with two misdemeanors for assault and battery, and an FBI probe was launched into the confrontation.

Tettey-Tamaklo was let go from his position as a Harvard College proctor over his actions at the protest. Bharmal kept his position at the Harvard Law Review.

A judge ordered both men to perform 80 hours of community and participate in an anger management class as part of a pretrial diversion program. The charges against the pair were dismissed in July.

Despite the legal ramifications of their actions, Harvard did not discipline the men over the protest and was met with heavy criticism from the Trump administration.

Elom Tettey-Tamaklo, 29, has been working at the university as a Graduate Teaching Fellow since August, according to his LinkedIn profile. In the role, he advises faculty on curriculum and consults on what he describes as 'complex subject matter'

Tettey-Tamaklo (right) and fellow student Ibrahim Bharmal (left) were seen in a now-viral video allegedly assaulting a first-year Israeli business school student during a 'die-in' protest in October 2023

In the viral footage, multiple protesters screamed 'Shame! Shame! Shame!' at Israeli MBA student Yoav Segev, who was forced to duck and swivel as he attempted to free himself from the swarm of bodies who were preventing him from moving

The confrontation happened in October 2023 after Israeli MBA student Yoav Segev walked over to the pro-Palestinian protesters and recorded their faces as they lay on the ground to protest Israel's actions in Gaza.

In the viral footage, multiple protesters screamed 'Shame! Shame! Shame!' at Segev, who was forced to duck and swivel as he attempted to free himself from the swarm of bodies who were preventing him from moving.

Tettey-Tamaklo was let go from his position as a Harvard College proctor over his actions at the protest, but has since been hired as a graduate teaching fellow

The mob encircled him and blocked his way with keffiyehs as he continued trying to record the scene on his phone.

Protesters claimed the Israeli student was trying to 'intimidate or dox them.'

As the legal process was underway, the White House called for Tettey-Tamaklo's expulsion. Segev and his legal team also urged Harvard to take disciplinary action against the duo.

In May this year, the Trump Administration pulled the plug on Harvard's ability to enroll international students, citing an unsafe campus environment by allowing 'anti-American, pro-terrorists agitators' on campus.

But Harvard declined to take action or cooperate with prosecutors, The Washington Free Beacon reported.

The university has now seemingly doubled-down on its stance in the matter by hiring Tettey-Tamaklo as a graduate teaching fellow.

It is unclear which school he is working in, but his LinkedIn profile indicates the role is full-time and on-site at the campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Elom Tettey-Tamaklo (center blue shirt) and Ibrahim Bharmal (left in vest) were seen in a viral video accosting Israeli student Yoav Segev (with his hands up) outside of Harvard Business School in October 2023

Tettey-Tamaklo (left) and Bharmal (right) were both charged with misdemeanor counts of assault and battery for the incident. Those charges were dismissed this July after the pair completed their pretrial diversion program

Harvard teaching fellows earn a salary ranging from $3,400 to $11,040, the newspaper reported, citing the university's graduate student union.

Fellowship positions are typically awarded to enrolled graduate students, meaning that it is possible Tettey-Tamaklo is pursuing a PhD or another graduate degree, although his LinkedIn profile does not indicate any current academic ventures.

The Daily Mail has contacted Harvard for comment, as well as Tettey-Tamaklo, who was approached via LinkedIn.

Segev sued Harvard in July, alleging the university 'refused to take any reasonable action to punish' Tettey-Tamaklo and Bharmal.

His complaint alleged Harvard 'did everything it could to defend, protect, and reward' the pair and further accused the school of 'misleading tactics, obfuscation, and misrepresentations' that 'prevented him from ever obtaining administrative remedies.'

Claudine Gay, former Harvard president, testified to Congress that the university would carry out its own disciplinary process after the criminal case concluded.

It is unclear what - if any - disciplinary process occurred, but the Free Beacon reported that both men graduated in good standing.

They were also reportedly 'rewarded' with Tettey-Tamaklo being named class marshal at the divinity school's graduation ceremony. Bharmal also received a $65,000 'public interest' fellowship from the Harvard Law Review.

Tettey-Tamaklo (pictured in Tunisia earlier this year) said he faced death threats, loss of jobs and housing, an FBI investigation, a months-long criminal case and a 'relentless smear campaign' in wake of the incident at the protest

Tettey-Tamaklo has also demonstrated a lack of remorse over the confrontation, having just two months ago addressed the legal battle online.

'Almost two years ago, I led and participated in a Pro-Palestine demonstration (one of many) that led to a high-level social lynching led by rich and powerful individuals, including US elected representatives,' he posted on his LinkedIn page.

He said he faced death threats, loss of jobs and housing, an FBI investigation, a months-long criminal case and a 'relentless smear campaign' in wake of the incident.

'I refuse to allow our advocacy for the dignity of Palestinian life and freedom to be misrepresented as hate. Until Palestine is free, none of us is,' his post concluded.
A drunk pubgoer who killed a retired Army Sergeant major when they got embroiled in a petty row over a portion of chicken wings has been jailed.

Liam Slack, 34, had been enjoying a night out with 57-year-old Paul Ainscough in June last year when he greedily grabbed at his friend's plate and an argument broke out.

Slack decided to reach for the grandfather's food after 'scoffing' his own before a row ensued and the younger man threw Mr Ainscough's rucksack.

As Mr Ainscough was distracted, Slack attacked the former-Sandhurst trainee, pushing him 'clean over' and sending the victim 'flying'.

Mr Ainscough, whose daughter is married to the son of ex-Coronation Street actor Ken Morley, then fell backwards into a wooden fence and accidentally knocked over a table before landing on a stone step.

He managed to get his feet and dusted himself down, but appeared 'embarrassed' by the scuffle, while Slack quickly left the pub.

Mr Ainscough, who served with the Queen Lancashire Regiment for 24 years before joining Lancashire Police, returned home unaware of the extent of his injuries. He was found dead on his sofa two days later.

Slack admitted manslaughter during a trial at Preston Crown Court and was jailed for four years and two months.

Drunk pubgoer Liam Slack (pictured) killed a retired Army Sergeant major when they got embroiled in a petty row over a portion of chicken wings

Paul Ainscough, 57, died after succumbing to his injuries sustained during a fight with Slack at the Stag pub in Leyland in June last year

Mr Ainscough (pictured) served with the Queen Lancashire Regiment for 24 years before joining Lancashire Police

The tragedy occurred on June 22 last year when the pair met each other at The Stag pub in Leyland.

The victim had bought 5.49 portions of chilli chicken wings for himself and Slack.

But Slack then grabbed at the victim's food after eating his own. During the ensuing row Slack threw Mr Aisncough's rucksack, pushing him sending him 'flying'.

He then left the pub saying he 'shouldn't have done it' before regaling the fight to two women he shared a taxi with later that night.

Mr Ainscough appeared 'embarrassed' by the scuffle and in the pub tried make light of it telling onlookers 'he cannot hold his beer'.

He later spoke to his partner about the argument when he got home but did not realise the extent of his injuries. He was found dead on his sofa the following Monday.

A post mortem confirmed he had three broken ribs and died from internal bleeding.

Police who later arrested Slack discovered he had called Mr Ainscough to apologise for his behaviour but the victim retorted: 'You were a right t***. You scoffed your chicken, then without asking started to grab mine.

'Then you threw my rucksack and as I got up to retrieve it you attacked me, pushing me into a solid wooden fence breaking my ribs on the right side. I can hardly move.'

Slack (pictured) admitted manslaughter during a trial at Preston Crown Court and was jailed for four years and two months

Mr Ainscough pictured with his daughter's father in-law and ex-Coronation Street actor Ken Morley

Mr Ainscough, who was a Regimental Sergeant Major in the British Army, is seen donning his army medals while selling poppies

In a statement Mr Ainscough's son Mark told Slack: 'My dad over his years had faced numerous dangerous situations, in the army and also as a police officer but nothing like what you have done.

'You attacked my dad when he was off guard which is despicable. He was vulnerable - and you knew that.'

He added: 'Our dad was a Regimental Sergeant Major in the British Army where he served his country for 24 years with courage and honour. He was our hero and the person who loved us more than anyone in the world.

'He was a proud granddad who adored his grandchildren and used to love seeing them, buying them gifts and sharing stories with them about his time in the army. Its been a tough time but we will carry on as he would have wanted.'

In sentencing Judge Robert Altham told Slack: 'Mr Ainscough was a kind, generous and thoughtful man who was well regarded by those who knew him. He had a proud past, having served in the Army for 24 years before joining the police.

'What a proud and precious life to have been taken by such a thoughtless act of violence. You knew that in drink you had a tendency to become aggressive and the fact you were drunk is an aggravating factor.'

After the case Detective Inspector Marc Armstrong of Lancashire Police said: 'This has been a traumatic time for Paul's family and the trauma of losing a much-loved man will continue. My thoughts are very much with them.'
The White House has provided details of Donald Trump's MRI scan carried out last month amid mounting speculation about the president's health.

Trump, 79, promised to release results from the MRI as he was questioned by reporters about whether it focused on his brain while flying back to Washington from Mar-a-Lago on Sunday.

The president's health has been under scrutiny after it was revealed in July that he had been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency.

The condition occurs when veins in the legs cannot effectively return blood to the heart, leading to symptoms such as swelling in the legs. The White House says the condition is benign and common.

Trump's cognitive health has also been called into question amid claims he's slowed down in his second term. MRI scans are often focused on the brain, only fueling further speculation.

However, Trump's scans were focused on the president's heart and abdomen, the White House confirmed on Monday.

In a statement, US Navy Captain Sean Barbabella, who serves as a physician to the president, gave a summary of Trump's 'advanced imaging results', also known as an MRI.

Trump's scan revealed no abnormalities and confirmed that he is in 'excellent health.' MRI scans are a standard preventative procedure for men his age, the doctor said.

Barbella said: 'As part of President Donald J Trump's comprehensive executive physical, advanced imaging was performed because men in his age group benefit from a thorough evaluation of cardiovascular and abdominal health.

Donald Trump speaks to the press aboard Air Force One en-route to Washington, DC on Sunday

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt holds a printed article from The New York Times titled 'Biden is doing 100 percent fine after tripping while boarding Air Force One' as she revealed the results of Trump's MRI on Monday

Trump waits on the ninth tee in his golf cart during the pro-am prior to the LIV Golf Invitational - Bedminster at Trump National Golf Club Bedminster on July 28, 2022

'The purpose of this imaging is preventive: to identify issues early, confirm overall health, and ensure he maintains long-term vitality and function.

'President Trump's cardiovascular imaging is perfectly normal. There is no evidence of arterial narrowing impairing blood flow or abnormalities in the heart or major vessels.

'The heart chambers are normal in size, the vessel walls appear smooth and healthy, and there are no signs of inflammation or clotting. Overall, his cardiovascular system shows excellent health.

'His abdominal imaging is also perfectly normal. All major organs appear very healthy and well-perfused. Everything evaluated is functioning within normal limits with no acute or chronic concerns.

'SUMMARY: This level of detailed assessment is standard for an executive physical at President Trump's age and confirms that he remains in excellent overall health.'

Trump last night lashed out at a reporter who asked him about the MRI as he flew back to Washington on Air Force One, stating that she would fail a cognitive exam.

'[The scans] were perfect like my phone call where I got impeached. Absolutely perfect. If you want to have it released, I'll release it,' Trump said.

A second reporter followed up, asking whether the MRI was carried out on his brain.

Trump's hands are seen as he met South Korean president Lee Jae Myung in August

'I have no idea. It was just an MRI. It wasn't the brain because I took a cognitive test and aced it. I got a perfect mark which you would be incapable of doing,' Trump said.

He then pointed at the reporter who asked the original question, adding, 'You too.'

Trump underwent the exam at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on October 10.

At the time it was described as a routine check-up but it was his second medical exam in less than a year.

The rumors about his health began earlier this year after people spotted a bruise on the president's hand, as well as swollen ankles. It was later announced that he was suffering from chronic venous insufficiency.

However, other speculation has surrounded a perceived difference in the president's energy levels when compared to his first term.

Trump was accused of closing his eyes during an Oval Office event about cutting the price of weight-loss drugs last month.

A White House spokesman said in response to the reports: 'The President was not sleeping; in fact, he spoke throughout and took many questions from the Press.'

After photos showed him with swollen legs and ankles, the White House revealed in July that he had been diagnosed with Chronic Venous Insufficiency - a condition where leg veins can't send blood back to the heart efficiently

Trump exploded at rumors about his lack of energy last week, calling a New York Times reporter 'ugly' after a piece headlined: 'Shorter Days, Signs of Fatigue: Trump Faces Realities of Aging in Office.'

Katie Rogers co-wrote a piece about how Trump's attempts to project 'round-the-clock energy, virility and physical stamina' were becoming difficult for him to maintain as he ages.

His packed schedule has included flying more than 12 hours nonstop to Israel to broker a Gaza cease-fire in October, attending dozens of public events each week and holding lengthy, energetic press conferences.

'The Creeps at the Failing New York Times are at it again,' Trump told his followers on Truth Social last Wednesday. 'Radical Left Lunatics in the soon to fold New York Times did a hit piece on me that I am perhaps losing my Energy, despite facts that show the exact opposite ...

'The writer of the story, Katie Rogers, who is assigned to write only bad things about me, is a third rate reporter who is ugly, both inside and out.'

The New York Times piece written by Rogers and Dylan Freedman claimed that Trump on average would start scheduled events at 10.31am during his first tenure, in 2017.

However, this year, the President started attending events later in the afternoon, on average at 12.08pm.

'Name-calling and personal insults don't change that, nor will our journalists hesitate to cover this administration in the face of intimidation tactics like this,' a Times spokesman told the Daily Mail.

'Expert and thorough reporters like Katie Rogers exemplify how an independent and free press helps the American people better understand their government and its leaders.'

The overall number of Trump's official appearances at White House events has declined by 39 percent compared to his first term, according to the Times's analysis.

Throughout Biden's time in the White House, Trump and his Republican allies slammed the Democratic leader over his old age, lack of public appearances, and cognitive ability.
Nurse Sandie Peggie is suing the outgoing boss of NHS Fife after it emerged the health boards chief executive signed off on a controversial smear statement.

Carol Potter, the 150,000-a-year chief executive of NHS Fife, has been named by the A&E nurses legal team in a fresh wave of legal action against the embattled health board.

It is the latest escalation of the nurse's battle against NHS Fife over her treatment after she complained about having to share a women-only changing room with Dr Beth Upton, a trans-identified biological man.

Mrs Peggie claims that the health chief victimised her in a media statement when a tribunal brought by the nurse against the health board and Dr Beth Upton was still hearing evidence.

Ms Potter, who just last month announced her early retirement, signed off on a controversial statement to the press which was damned by critics as an attempt to smear Mrs Peggie and the charity supporting her.

NHS Fife chief executive Carol Potter is to take early retirement

Sandie Peggie

In it, the board took a swipe at campaign group Sex Matters, and its bid to clarify its position almost immediately backfired.

It moved to tweak the July 18 release after appearing to link threats of violence against health staff to the charity, and added that NHS Fife is not seeking to suggest anyone involved with Sex Matters have contributed to the behaviour or issues it referenced.

Mrs Peggie has also named HR boss David Miller in the discrimination and harassment claim.

It's alleged that he failed to provide Mrs Peggie with assurances the health board would not allow biological men access to female changing rooms.

Mrs Peggies refusal to accept trans medic Dr Uptons use of the female-only facility at Victoria Hospital, Kirkcaldy, has been the subject of international attention.

She was suspended and investigated by NHS Fife after she challenged the junior doctor in the womens changing facilities on Christmas Eve 2023. A subsequent investigation cleared her of misconduct.

That tribunal has generated months of damning coverage for the health board, and has shone a light on how trans ideology has gripped Scotlands institutions.

The decision in that case, which is entirely separate from the latest action, is due imminently.

The Scottish Tories condemned the discredited board when the statement was published and claimed they were trying to smear Sandie Peggie and the groups that supported her.

And David Hamilton, Scotlands Information Commissioner, even hit out at its petulant tone and cast doubt over assurances it had given to him.

Dr Beth Upton

Tess White, the Scottish Tories equalities spokesman, said NHS Fifes admission Ms Potter had signed off on the statement showed the chief executives complete lack of judgement.

She said: The reckless statement which attacked Sandie Peggie and womens rights groups should never have seen the light of day, let alone been personally approved by a top boss.

It confirms that the outgoing chief executive failed an experienced nurse, betrayed women and wasted huge sums of taxpayers money in doing so.

The latest proceedings against NHS Fife were announced by Margaret Gribbon, Mrs Peggies lawyer.

The claim includes direct discrimination because of Mrs Peggies gender critical beliefs and harassment or alternatively victimisation arising from the boards handling of an internal disciplinary process against the nurse.

It also includes claims of victimisation arising from the July media statement, which the health boards lawyers have confirmed to Mrs Peggies legal team was signed off by Ms Potter.

A NHS Fife spokesman said: We note the intention to bring legal proceedings and have referred this to our legal team.
This is the moment a man dressed as Father Christmas was dragged away by police after he was arrested at a Palestine Action protest.

The man, who has not been named, shouted 'these guys are going on the naughty list' as four officers detained him in Norwich city centre.

He was also heard saying 'Ho, Ho, Ho, Merry Christmas kids' and 'I've got presents to make'.

Many bemused onlookers can be heard laughing in the footage, while others applauded.

It came as Norfolk Police arrested ten people for allegedly holding placards in support of proscribed terrorist group Palestine Action during a demonstration on Saturday.

The signs read: 'I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.'

Defend Our Juries - the group which organised the protest - condemned the government's decision to ban Palestine Action.

A spokesperson said: 'This historic wave of action has seen people of courage and conscience taking action to resist the government's clampdown on our fundamental rights to protest and free speech.'

This is the moment a man dressed as Father Christmas was dragged away by police after he was arrested at a Palestine Action protest

The man, who has not been named, shouted 'these guys are going on the naughty list' as four officers detained him in Norwich city centre

The group added in a post on social media: 'Santa Claus has been arrested under the Terrorism Act in Norwich after it turns out Santa oppo-ho-ho-ses genocide and supports Palestine Action.

'These four officers will be having their names checked twice this year. Lift The Ban on Palestine Action.'

The protesters were all arrested on suspicion of displaying an item in support of a proscribed organisation, contrary to Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000.

They were subsequently taken to Wymondham Police Investigation Centre for questioning.

Officials said police officers were at the protest from 12.30pm until 3pm on Saturday.

Superintendent Terry Lordan said: '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 man was also heard saying 'Ho, Ho, Ho, Merry Christmas kids' and 'I've got presents to make'

A woman dressed as an elf can be seen in the back of a police van following the protest

'The actions of this group were unlawful and officers have used their powers accordingly.'

Palestine Action was formally banned in July following alleged attacks on an Israel-linked defence company's UK site and two aircraft at RAF Brize Norton.

The ban makes membership of, or open support for, the group a criminal offence, carrying a maximum sentence of up to 14 years in prison.

More than 2,000 people have been arrested since the law came into effect, according to Defend Our Juries.
A mother has launched legal action after her teenage daughter was traumatised by a sex education presentation that allegedly covered bestiality and incest.

Nicki Gaylard pulled her three children out of South Australia's Renmark High School in March 2024 after her 14-year-old daughter Courtney and her Year Nine classmates attended a session conducted by third-party organisation Headspace Berri.

The presentation was part of a Respectful Relationships program designed to 'promote LGBTQIA+ inclusivity and acceptance'.

Bestiality and 'sisterly love, brotherly love', were among the topics covered during the hour-long session, which was not supervised by teachers.

Ms Gaylard claims that when a student asked what bestiality involved, they were allegedly told 'it means having sex with animals, but don't Google it'.

The Year Nine students were also allegedly shown a photo of someone who had undergone gender-transition surgery.

Ms Gaylard says that her daughter's childhood was cut short after she was exposed to the inappropriate material, and has launched legal action against the SA Department for Education in the Federal Court.

'Why were they putting ideas in her head, making her question why she loves her siblings?' the mother-of-six told The Australian.

Nicki Gaylard (left) is taking legal action against her daughter's school after Courtney (right) attended a sex education presentation which allegedly covered bestiality and incest

Ms Gaylard took her children out of Renmark High School (pictured) after the incident

'We've got two pet dogs and as soon as she walked in the gate, she said "Mum, I don't want to look at the dogs anymore". How do you get those thoughts out of her?'

Ms Gaylard also claims that Headspace Berri has refused to provide access to the presentation content, despite multiple requests.

'How can they be happy to show to children what they are ashamed to show to adults?' she told the publication.

The SA Education Department said the presentation at Renmark High School was unacceptable.

'It was an isolated incident and steps have been taken to ensure it doesnt happen again,' a spokesperson said.

The department has suspended Headspace Berri from delivering the program to public schools.

Headspace National has conducted a review into FocusOne Health, the operator of Headspace Berri.

'While the presentation was intended to promote LGBTIQA+ inclusivity and acceptance and acknowledge the historical and continuing discrimination and challenges this community faces, there were aspects of the presentation that were not appropriate for young people,' a spokesperson said.
An e-bike rider has been killed in a horror crash with a garbage truck near a major transport hub in Sydney's CBD, sparking major traffic delays.

Emergency services were called to the intersection of Little Regent Street and George Street in Haymarket about 6am on Tuesday following reports of a collision.

The e-bike rider  a man aged in his 30s  died at the scene despite frantic efforts to revive him. It's understood he was a delivery rider.

The truck driver, 28, was not injured but was taken to hospital for mandatory testing.

Police established a crime scene as shocked bystanders watched on.

It's understood the garbage truck had been emptying bins on Little Regent Street before colliding with the e-bike while pulling out onto George Street.

'It looks like the garbage truck has come out of the little side street where the hotel is and collected the e-bike,' a shocked bystander told Daily Mail.

'There are always heaps of Deliveroo around here - they park at the Maccas across the road.'

An e-bike rider has been killed in a horror collision with a garbage truck in the Sydney CBD

The garbage truck had been pulling out onto George Street when it collided with the e-bike

The e-bike rider aged in his 30s couldn't be revived at the scene

'Half of Broadway has been blocked off and it's caused chaos - traffic is banking up.

'It's such a tragedy, the rider sounds like he was so young. I come past here on my morning coffee walk, it's terrible'.

A blue police tent blocked the crash scene from public view.

A heavy police presence is expected to remain at the cordoned off scene near Railway Square for most of the morning.

The crash investigation unit has launched a probe into the tragedy.

Three of the four southbound lanes on George Street remain closed, which caused significant peak hour delays.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.

The tragedy occurred on the same morning NSW Police launched a crackdown on modified bikes and dangerous riding with an e-bike compliance blitz.

There were significant traffic delays in the CBD on Tuesday morning

Police have launched an investigation into the tragedy

Officers stopped 115 e-bikes during a two-day operation across Sydney last week, issuing 176 infringements and 111 rider cautions.

The police crackdown coincided with the NSW government's announcement of plans to halve the maximum power of e-bikes from 500 watts to 250.

E-bike speed limits will also be halved to 25-30kmh under the proposed regulations.

'This is obviously terrible and your heart goes out to that mans family on the eve of Christmas for this to happen,' NSW Premier Chris Minns told 2GB.

'It underlines the point  these [bikes] can be very dangerous.'
Sir Keir Starmer has admitted that China still poses a 'national security threat' to the UK, despite his Government's attempts to thaw relations with Beijing.

In his annual Guildhall speech on foreign policy, the Prime Minister argued that failing to engage with the world's second largest economy was 'a dereliction of duty'.

He also rejected the notion of a 'binary choice' between the 'golden age' of engagement with China under David Cameron and the 'ice age' under more recent Conservative prime ministers.

But Sir Keir said: '[China] is a nation of immense scale, ambition and ingenuity. A defining force in technology, trade and global governance.

'At the same time, it also poses to the UK.'

He added: 'This is not a question of balancing economic and security considerations.

'We don't trade off security in one area, for a bit more economic access somewhere else.

'Protecting our security is non-negotiable - our first duty. But by taking tough steps to keep us secure, we enable ourselves to co-operate in other areas.'

Sir Keir has faced heightened criticism of his approach to UK-Chinese relations in the wake of the Westminster spy case that collapsed earlier this year.

Sir Keir Starmer speaking during the annual Lady Mayor's Banquet at the Guildhall in central London

Pictured: Christopher Berry (left) and former parliamentary researcher Christopher Cash

Sir Keir and Lady Mayor of the City of London Dame Susan Langley attend the annual Lady Mayor's Banquet

Christopher Cash, 30, and Christopher Berry, 33, were accused of passing sensitive intelligence from Parliament onto the Chinese government.

The prosecution of the pair, who both denied any wrongdoing, was halted after a key witness for the Government refused to describe China as a threat to UK national security.

National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell is reported to have made clear that the Government would classify Beijing as a 'challenge' rather than an 'enemy' of the UK in evidence for the case.

This triggered a row over whether the Government had deliberately undermined the case to preserve relations with China - a claim ministers firmly rejected.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch used her party conference speech to claim: 'Labour deliberately collapsed the trial of two men accused of spying on MPs for China, because the Prime Minister wants to suck up Beijing.'

Tory chairman Kevin Hollinrake added: 'Keir Starmer does need to explain himself to Parliament and to the country.'

The allegation was of 'people spying at the heart of government, and we are not willing to say that China is a threat to our national security'.

Mr Hollinrake said: 'It's totally wrong and it is a pattern of behaviour for Keir Starmer when we've seen, for example, the Chinese super embassy in the heart of London, which is not in the interest of national security.'

He insisted the previous Conservative government had 'always said' China was a threat to national security 'in certain areas'.

In his annual Guildhall speech on foreign policy, the Prime Minister argued that failing to engage with the world's second largest economy was 'a dereliction of duty'

Jonathan Powell (pictured) was called to explain why charges were dropped against two British men accused of passing secrets to Beijing

In his speech at the Guildhall on Monday, Sir Keir also underlined his commitment to internationalism as he said Britain must not shrink back from a 'chaotic world'.

The Prime Minister accused opposition politicians of offering a 'corrosive, inward-looking attitude' on international affairs.

Taking aim at those who advocate leaving the European Convention on Human Rights or Nato, he said they offered 'grievance rather than hope' and 'a declinist vision of a lesser Britain'.

Sir Keir said: 'Moreover, it is a fatal misreading of the moment, ducking the fundamental challenge posed by a chaotic world - a world which is more dangerous and unstable than at any point for a generation, where international events reach directly into our lives, whether we like it or not.'

He added: 'In these times, we deliver for Britain by looking outward with renewed purpose and pride, not by shrinking back. In these times, internationalism is patriotism.'

Since coming to power last year, Sir Keir has been active on the world stage, trumpeting deals with the US, India and the EU and leading the 'coalition of the willing' in support of Ukraine.

But he has also faced criticism from his opponents, who accuse him of spending too much time out of the country attending international summits rather than focusing on domestic issues.

Speaking in the City of London on Monday evening, the Prime Minister offered a defence of his approach, describing it as 'the biggest shift in British foreign policy since Brexit' and 'a decisive move to face outward again'.

While saying he would 'always respect' the Brexit vote as a 'fair, democratic expression', he said the way the UK's departure from the EU had been 'sold and delivered' was 'simply wrong'.

He said: 'Wild promises were made to the British people and not fulfilled. We are still dealing with the consequences today.'
A major Australian caravan manufacturer has been plunged into voluntary administration just weeks before Christmas.

Zone RV has appointed administrators Cor Cordis to conduct an 'urgent review' of its operations and will continue trading in a 'substantially reduced capacity'.

The luxury off-road caravan company, based on Queensland's Sunshine Coast, informed 250 employees of their uncertain futures on Monday before sending them home.

It's understood staff are owed entitlements, including holiday pay.

'The writing has been on the wall for months! Sadly we have lost our jobs at such a terrible time of the year,' one employee wrote online.

Customers and suppliers have also been left in the lurch, with the first creditors meeting scheduled for December 10.

'(The administrators') primary objective is to preserve value for all stakeholders, including about 250 employees, customers, and suppliers, and to determine the strategic options available for the business moving forward,' a Cor Cordis statement read.

Administrator Rahul Goyal added: 'Our immediate priority is to assess all viable options that maximise outcomes for all stakeholders while exploring avenues for a sustainable future for the brand.'

Luxury off-road caravan company Zone RV went into voluntary administration on Monday

Zone RV will continue trading in a 'substantially reduced capacity'

Impacted customers expressed their disappointment online.

'A Zone service agent just called me to tell me Zone RV went into liquidation and that I have to pay for the warranty repair work next week,' one wrote.

One Melbourne customer had been on their way to Queensland to collect their new RV when they got the news.

'We are fully paid and was having handover on Friday,' they wrote.

'Turning around and heading home now.'

Another couple who had driven up from Victoria went to the bank on Monday to pay the remaining $40,000 balance on their new caravan.

Ray and Barb Davidson returned to Zone RV to find the gates locked.

[I'm feeling] angry and let down  it's very disheartening,' Mr Davidson told the ABC.

Zone RV prided itself on only offering the highest quality, Australian-made off-road caravans

'They took me over to my van and said, 'There it is, finished. You'll be out there getting the handover on Wednesday, just put the last payment in the account and we'll be fine.

'I'm very disappointed. I've just travelled 2,000 kilometres to get this.'

Founded in 2015, the company prided itself on setting a new standard for the industry by offering only the highest-quality, Australian-made off-road caravans.

'We are dedicated to transforming the off-road caravan experience through innovative technology, stunning design, and unparalleled efficiency,' its website states.

'With over 25 years of combined experience in composite manufacturing across marine, aeronautical, and civil construction industries, our team of experts bring a wealth of knowledge and skill to the table.'

Zone RV's Instagram page and website remain online, but its Facebook has been deactivated.
Art fraudster Brian Walshe has finally revealed his version of events for the day his wife Ana Walshe disappeared - claiming he found her suddenly dead in bed and disposed of her body in a state of panic.

Walshe, 50, is accused of murdering the successful realtor and mother of his three children at their home in Cohasset, Massachusetts, on New Years Day 2023, before dismembering her body and disposing of it in multiple dumpsters.

At the time, Walshe was facing jail for selling fake Andy Warhol paintings and Ana was allegedly having an affair with another man.

Walshe was charged with first-degree murder, willfully conveying a human body in violation of state law and misleading police in the death of his 39-year-old wife.

Then, in a bombshell move on the first day of jury selection last month, Walshe suddenly pleaded guilty to the two lesser charges - admitting to getting rid of her body and lying to cops. But the 50-year-old is still claiming his innocence of her murder.

In opening statements of his trial in Norfolk County Superior Court in Dedham on Monday morning, defense attorney Larry Tipton laid out Walshes story - claiming that there was no murder.

Instead, he claimed Ana died from a sudden, unexplained death, with Walshe discovering his wife dead in their bed not long after they had happily rang in the New Year together.

Brian Walshe never killed Ana. He never thought about killing Ana. He would never do that. Brian Walshe is not a killer, Tipton told the jury.

Art fraudster Brian Walshe enters the courtroom in Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham for opening statements in his murder trial

According to Lipton, the couple had hosted a New Years Eve dinner with their friend Gem Mutlu at their home.

When Mutlu left at around 1.30am that morning, Ana went to bed and Walshe cleaned up the kitchen, Tipton said.

Walshe then alleges he went to their bedroom, intending nothing more than to crawl into bed with Ana Walshe, the woman he loved.

But, according to his version of events, Walshe found his 39-year-old wife unresponsive.

He nudged her in a frantic and panicked reaction to where she actually rolled off [the bed], Tipton said.

Walshe was panicking and didnt understand what was happening. It didnt make sense to him, he added.

At that point, Walshe panicked that he would be blamed for her death - and feared what would happen to their three children with both parents gone, Tipton told the court.

What would happen to their three boys now that Ana is no longer here? What will happen if they think he did something bad to Ana? Where will those three boys go? he said.

Walshe, 50, is accused of murdering Ana Walshe at their home in Cohasset, Massachusetts, on New Years Day 2023

Walshe clutched rosary beads as he watched his attorney present his version of events for the day Ana Walshe disappeared - claiming he found her suddenly dead in bed and disposed of her body in a state of panic

And so, Walshe began making a string of damning internet searches for ways of disposing of a body.

The damning searches, previously revealed in court documents, included: how long before a body starts to smell, dismemberment and best ways to dispose of a body and how to dispose of a 115-pound woman's body.

Tipton described this as a frantic and tragic search made by a husband as he wrestled with the fact that Ana Walshe was dead.

That evidence you will hear will be hard to understand, but its true, Tipton said.

Walshe clutched rosary beads in his hands as he intently watched his attorney lay out his story of his wife's final moments for the very first time.

The defense attorney also denied that the Walshe marriage was over, claiming the couple were considering divorce - but only as a means to protect their financial assets from Walshes legal troubles.

At the time of Anas disappearance, Walshe was awaiting sentencing on federal charges over an art fraud scheme where he had sold two fake Andy Warhol paintings online for $80,000.

Walshe was sentenced to 37 months in prison in February 2024 on three federal fraud charges over the scam. He was also ordered to pay $400,000 in restitution.

Surveillance footage captured Walshe buying several items from a Home Depot on January 1, 2023, including mops, brushes, splash guard goggles and a utility knife

Walshe is seen throwing trash bags into a dumpster outside an apartment complex in Massachusetts

Prosecutors allege Walshe had recently learned his wife was having an affair with a man who lived in Washington DC and hired a private investigator to follow her.

In the states opening statement, prosecutor Greg Connor told the jury that Walshe murdered Ana inside the family home in the early hours of New Year's Day and then dismembered her. Her body has never been found.

Connor told the court how Walshe's chilling internet history began at 4.54am with a search for best way to dispose of a body - around three hours after their friend left the home.

Other searches were made at 6.24am and 9.33am, including How long for someone to missing to inherit and best way to dispose of body parts after a murder.

Ana was only reported missing on January 4, when she didnt turn up for work in Washington, DC.

Audio of Walshe's first interview with police that day was played in court Monday.

In the clip, Walshe is heard telling investigators Ana woke him up early on the morning of January 1 to say she was traveling to DC for work.

Walshe claimed one of their sons also said goodbye to her that morning before she got a rideshare to the airport.

In the audio, he is heard repeatedly telling the officers his wife had been feeling unwell recently.

Now, Walshe admits he lied to police during that interaction and that, by then, he had already cut up and hidden his wife's body.

Over the coming days, Walshe continued to lie in interviews with police.

Surveillance footage captured Walshe buying several items from a Home Depot on January 1, including mops, brushes, splash guard goggles and a utility knife - tools prosecutors allege he used to dispose of Anas body.

Ten trash bags containing bloody items were found near Walshes moms home in Swampscott.

Inside investigators found a hacksaw, hatchet, bloody towels and rags, gloves, a bloodstained rug, a protective suit, Anas COVID-19 vaccine card, her Prada purse and necklace. Several of the items contained both Ana and Walshes DNA.

Investigators allege Walshes phone data shows he traveled to several other locations to dispose of evidence into dumpsters. Trash from these other locations had been incinerated before police could obtain it.

Blood and a bloody knife was discovered in the basement of the family's Massachusetts home.

Prosecutors said Ana Walshe was having an affair with a man who lived in Washington DC

Brian Walshe was facing jail for selling fake Andy Warhol paintings at the time of Ana's disappearance

Walshe also would have landed a $2.7 million life insurance windfall in the event of his wifes death.

Walshes trial was set to begin on October 20 but was suddenly delayed after the defense argued he was not competent to stand trial following a recent attack in jail.

Walshe was stabbed by another inmate inside Norfolk County Sheriffs Correctional Center in Massachusetts in September. He was taken to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston for treatment, and was discharged later that day.

Walshes defense asked the judge to delay the trial, arguing he was mentally and physically unable at this time to fully participate in his defense and to tolerate the physical requirements of attending full days of trial.

The judge ordered a competency evaluation, after which time Walshe was ruled competent to stand trial.

Days later, he changed his plea on the two lesser charges.

Walshe has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder.

If convicted, he faces life in prison.
On April 17, 2021, a solemn Royal Family gathered at Windsor's St George's Chapel to bid a heartfelt farewell to Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

As hearts broke across the world for the late Queen Elizabeth, who was married to Philip for 73 years, sat alone in the pews, it was Princess Catherine who emerged as a pillar of strength for a monarchy in mourning.

With Britain transitioning from an old era of royalty, Kate, Queen in waiting, was now proving herself as an essential figure for the Firm's stability and survival.

According to royal expert Robert Jobson, writing in his book Catherine: The Biography, 'Catherine's true class shone through on that historic day' as she successfully shifted from the 'periphery' of the family to its 'heart'.

He added: 'Her modest, but highly effective contribution was seen by commentators as the pinnacle of her royal career to date.

'She appeared formidable. After a decade as a senior member of the Royal Family, she looked as if she truly belonged.'

It was no secret that the late Queen and Kate, 43, shared a close bond - with the now Princess of Wales once describing Her Majesty as a 'gentle guide'.

Donning an all-black dress by French fashion designer Roland Mouret paired with the Queen's jewels, a poised Kate was said to have 'radiated a regal impregnability' as she carried herself in front of the eyes of the world.

Princess Catherine arrives at the funeral of the Duke of Edinburgh at Windsor Castle in April 2021, where she proved herself to be a pillar of support and strength for a monarchy in mourning

But while Kate emulated sensibility and strength, she also sought to protect and reassure her fellow members of the Firm - offering a tender kiss to her grieving father-in-law, King Charles.

Placing a delicate hand on the shoulder of an 'inconsolable' Charles as the family left the 15th-century chapel, the princess's compassionate nature shone right through.

Filmmaker Bidisha Mamata, speaking in Channel 5 documentary, Kate: Our Queen in Waiting, notes the significance of Kate's 'warm' relations with Charles that day.

'She seemed to be saying to him it's okay to show we are a family, just like all the other people in the world are families,' Ms Mamata says.

While the funeral was no doubt a day of great sadness and heartbreak for the Firm, it was also one of remarkable tension as Prince Harry returned to the UK from his $14million Montecito mansion to be part of the procession.

Meghan Markle, pregnant at the time with the couple's second child Lilibet, did not attend the service.

It marked the first time Harry and William had reunited since the Sussexes' notorious interview with Oprah Winfrey earlier that year - with royal onlookers speculating whether the two brothers would be able to put aside their differences on the tragic day.

Kate had once shared an incredibly close relationship with Harry, with the Duke of Sussex previously describing her as 'the sister I've never had and always wanted'.

Queen Elizabeth sits alone in the pews of St George's Chapel at the funeral of Prince Philip in 2021

Yet, their relations had slightly frayed since Meghan and Harry's decision to withdraw from senior royal duties, with, according to Jobson, Kate left 'deeply wounded' by their negative public claims.

But ever the professional, at Philip's funeral Kate appeared to put any possible feelings of animosity aside and fulfill the role of peacekeeper between her husband and brother-in-law.

When the service came to a close, the late Duke of Edinburgh's eldest son was seen immediately leaving the chapel and stripping his face mask away. He had clearly been crying.

Despite the revelatory statements made during the Oprah interview, Harry was seen engaging in conversation with Kate as the family left the chapel and began walking up the hill.

Kate then appeared to deliberately seize this moment as a chance for a reconciliation between the two estranged brothers - increasing her pace so she and Harry could eventually catch up with William, who was walking a few yards ahead.

Explaining the significance of this expertly manoeuvred moment, Mr Jobson added: 'She then fell back, slowing enough to allow the brothers to walk next to each other and at least exchange a few words.

'It gave the public the impression that they were putting on a united front for their late grandfather, whom they both loved. It was the moment the public had been hoping to see.'

Despite the revelatory statements made during the Oprah interview, Harry was seen engaging in conversation with Kate as the family left the chapel

Kate takes a tissue from her handbag after seemingly manoeuvring herself and Harry so he could speak to William alone when leaving the funeral

After the socially-distanced funeral service, the details of which were chosen by Philip himself, members of the Royal Family left the chapel and removed their masks. This is when a horde of lip-readers came into their element.

'Yes, it was great, wasn't it?' William is believed to have remarked to Harry, with his brother then responding: 'It was as he wanted.'

With Philip's funeral marking ten years since Kate, then a fresh-faced young girl from the Home Counties, had first entered the royal fold - it was clear the future queen now 'truly belonged'.

'The middle-class girl, some commentators said, looked more royal than the blood royals that day, a pillar of strength and calmness amidst the emotional swirl,' writes Mr Jobson.

Certainly, Kate's role at Philip's funeral in the aftermath of Harry and Meghan's royal departure served as the start of her increasing prominence in the Firm.

Previously described by Vanity Fair royal editor Katie Nicholl as the Royal Family's 'greatest asset' and the 'glue', Kate and William have increasingly taken on greater responsibilities as Prince and Princess of Wales.

'The middle-class girl, some commentators said, looked more royal than the blood royals that day, a pillar of strength and calmness amidst the emotional swirl,' writes royal biographer Robert Jobson

Kate has previously been described by Vanity Fair royal editor Katie Nicholl as the Royal Family's 'greatest asset' and the 'glue'

Speaking to 60 Minutes in Australia, Ms Nichol added: 'The Royal Family realise they have a really important key player here and they're bringing her centre stage.

'I think Kate is the glue. In the same way that the Duke of Edinburgh was always the one who would help resolve family issues.

'He was the patriarch of the family. I see Kate stepping into that role. Trying to keep things together.'

At William and Kate's fairytale wedding at Westminster Abbey in April 2011, Charles movingly described his eldest son's new wife as 'the daughter he had never had' and added: 'We are lucky to have her.'

His budding relationship with Kate - whom he refers to as his 'beloved daughter-in-law' - is said to have blossomed even more when he became King in September 2022.

And it was further cemented after they were both diagnosed with cancer in February and March 2024 respectively.

Prince Philip's funeral marked the first time Harry and William had reunited since the Sussexes' notorious interview with Oprah Winfrey earlier that year - with royal onlookers speculating whether the two brothers would be able to put their differences aside on the tragic day

When Kate announced her heartbreaking cancer diagnosis to the world, Buckingham Palace said: 'His Majesty is ''so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did''.'

While the Princess of Wales took a short period of time away from public engagements during her cancer treatment, her gradual return to public life during her remission period has highlighted Kate's unwavering commitment to public duty.

Following the Queen's death in September 2022, the Firm has been routinely rocked, particularly by the scandalous fallout surrounding the former prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.

On October 30, King Charles announced that his brother would be stripped of his royal titles and evicted from Windsor's Royal Lodge after weeks of pressure to act over Andrew's friendship with the sex offender.

In a statement, Buckingham Palace said: 'These censures are deemed necessary, notwithstanding the fact that he continues to deny the allegations against him.'

Indicative of Kate and William's growing role in Charles's 'slimmed-down' monarchy, the Prince and Princess of Wales are believed to have pushed for Andrew's removal and strongly supported the King's decisions.

And as the world looks to the future under William and Kate's leadership once they become King and Queen consort, discussions of the monarchy's possible evolution are rife.

During a recent interview with Canadian actor Eugene Levy, William declared that 'change is on my agenda' once he becomes king - with Kate no doubt a key figure in enabling such transformation to come to fruition.
It has been three years since the late Queen's Lady in Waiting, Lady Susan Hussey, resigned from the royal household after becoming embroiled in a bitter racism row.

After more than 60 years of service, Lady Hussey was widely renowned as the late Queen Elizabeth II's 'Number One Head Girl' by royal staff. Following Her Majesty's death in September 2022, she then became one of Queen Camilla's top advisors.

Yet in November 2022, the 84-year-old's career came quickly crashing down after she was accused of asking black British charity boss Ngozi Fulani where she was 'really from' a total of seven times while attending a Buckingham Palace reception.

Ms Fulani took to social media platform X, previously known as Twitter, to express her outrage at the incident on November 30, which came after the Royal Family had faced accusations of racism by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle the year before.

In a series of posts, Ms Fulani said that she had been 'insulted' by Lady Hussey after she asked 'where she was really from' when she had initially answered 'Hackney'.

The royal aide, also Prince William's godmother, then allegedly said: 'No, but where do you really come from? Where do your people come from? When did you first come here?'

In response, Ms Fulani then claims she said: 'Lady! I am a British national, my parents came here in the 50s', to which Lady Hussey replied: 'I knew we'd get there in the end. You're Caribbean.'

Ms Fulani, founder of domestic violence charity Sistah Space, then allegedly quipped back: 'No lady, I am of African heritage, Caribbean descent and British nationality.'

In November 2022, the late Queen's 'Number One Head Girl' was accused of asking black British charity boss Ngozi Fulani where she was 'really from' a total of seven times while at a Buckingham Palace reception. On December 1, she resigned from the royal household

The charity founder said the morning after: 'Mixed feelings about yesterday's visit to Buckingham Palace. Ten mins after arriving, a member of staff approached me, moved my hair to see my name badge. The rest of the event is a blur.

'It was such a shock to me and the other two women that we were stunned to temporary silence. I just stood at the edge of the room, smiled and engaged briefly with who spoke to me until I could leave.

'Standing there in a room packed with people while this violation was taking place was so strange, especially as the event was about violence against women.'

While Lady Hussey has never confirmed the details of their exchange, her response to the allegations was swift. After 60 years of service to the late Monarch, she resigned from her position in Queen Camilla's household with 'immediate effect'.

The row occurred in the wake of a review into diversity at Buckingham Palace, Clarence House and Kensington Palace following the claims made by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle during their notorious Oprah Winfrey interview in March 2021.

Following several serious allegations of racism issued by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex during the tell-all interview, Buckingham Palace were forced to issue a statement in which they described the claims by the Sussexes as 'concerning'.

The statement added: 'While some recollections may vary, they are taken very seriously and will be addressed by the family privately.'

Now, the Firm faced being rocked by another racism row. Not long after Ms Fulani's public comments, Prince William issued a statement in which he said it was 'really disappointing' to hear what had happened and that 'racism has no part in our society'.

Ms Fulani took to social media platform X, previously known as Twitter, to express her outrage at the incident at the Palace reception (pictured) on November 30 for violence against women. Lady Hussey resigned with 'immediate effect' the following day

Prince William issued a statement in which he said it was 'really disappointing' to hear what had happened and that 'racism has no part in our society'. Buckingham Palace said the incident would be taken 'extremely seriously' and condemned the 'unacceptable' comments

A spokesman for the Prince of Wales described the comments as 'unacceptable', adding that it 'is right that individual has stepped aside with immediate effect'.

Buckingham Palace also released a statement in which it declared that the incident would be taken 'extremely seriously' and that it had 'investigated immediately' in order to 'establish the full details'.

It went on to confirm that in this particular instance, 'unacceptable and deeply regrettable comments have been made'.

The claims had cast a dark shadow over the start of a vital three-day trip to the US for William and Kate - their first overseas visit since the death of the late Queen. It had initially been hoped to be a 'Super Bowl' moment for the Prince.

Yet as the pair walked the green carpet at the Earthshot Awards in Boston, questions of how the Royal Family would recover from yet another public blow were rife.

According to royal biographer Omid Scobie, writing in his book Endgame, William informed his team that he 'needed to distance himself' swiftly from the incident involving his godmother. The Prince's statement was issued just before their flight departed.

A source reportedly told the author that it was felt the whole issue could have been easily avoided and that William had demanded to know how it had happened.

'Why was she there in the first place?' William had asked, according to the book.

Lady Hussey, a long-standing friend of the late Queen seen here behind the Queen and her racing manager, John Warren, at Ascot in June 2021

At the christening of Prince William in 1982 with Princess Diana and Prince Charles and behind the royal couple were three of his godparents (L-R) Lord Romsey, Lady Susan Hussey and Sir Laurens van der Post

But Mr Scobie claimed that William's decision to release his own statement was poorly received by his father and that he faced criticism for not thinking as part of a 'team'.

Following the public backlash, Lady Hussey was quick to make amends, sitting down with Ms Fulani just two weeks later to offer her sincere apologies for her comments.

The pair reunited on December 16, with Buckingham Palace and Ms Fulani subsequently issuing a joint statement which said that the meeting had been filled with warmth and understanding.

Lady Susan has pledged to deepen her awareness of the sensitivities involved and is grateful for the opportunity to learn more about the issues in this area.

'Both Ms Fulani and Lady Susan ask now that they be left in peace to rebuild their lives in the wake of an immensely distressing period for them both.

'Their Majesties The King and The Queen Consort and other members of the Royal Family have been kept fully informed and are pleased that both parties have reached this welcome outcome.'

Once firmly well-established in the royal fold, Lady Hussey had been present in the late Queen's life until the very end. Having attended her historic coronation in 1953, she was also present among many of the Monarch's fellow Ladies in Waiting at her state funeral in September 2022.

Few could have foreseen Lady Hussey's long and distinguished royal career ending in such an ignominious fashion, and her gaffe surprised many who know her well.

The claims by Prince William's godmother had cast a dark shadow over the start of a vital three-day trip to the US for him and Kate - their first overseas visit since the death of the late Queen. It had initially been hoped to be a 'Super Bowl' moment for the couple when they attended the Earthshot Prize Awards in 2022

Following the late Queen's death in September 2022, Lady Hussey (left) was considered one of Queen Camilla's top advisors. Seen here at the State Opening of Parliament with Camilla the then Duchess of Cornwall

One friend suggested that the aides hearing was to blame. 'Like many people of her age, Lady Susan is rather hard of hearing. It's likely that her deafness contributed to the problems she had that day.'

Meanwhile, royal biographer William Shawcross claimed Lady Hussey was the victim of a 'remorseless, cruel, blame culture' due to 'fear of the mob'. However, others suggested that the incident highlighted a Royal Family that could be out of touch.

Prince Harry even came out in Lady Hussey's defence in an interview with ITV in January 2024, saying: 'Meghan and I love Susan Hussey. [Meghan] thinks she's great. And I also know that what she meant, she never meant any harm at all.'

Ms Fulani has been previously outspoken about her support for Meghan and Harry - even making the startling claim in March 2021 that the Duchess was a victim of 'domestic violence' from other members of the Royal Family.

In contrast, Lady Hussey was boldly unafraid to speak her mind about the royal couple, allegedly warning in the build up to Harry and Meghan's 2018 wedding: 'This will all end in tears, mark my words,' according to royal author Tom Bower.

Less than three months later, in February 2023, Lady Hussey was cautiously welcomed back into the royal fold by Princess Anne.

Marking a public display of support for the former Lady in Waiting, Anne asked her to stand in for her at a memorial service in February 2023 for her mother's friend, Dame Frances Campbell-Preston.

In March 2023, Ms Fulani announced that she was temporarily stepping down from her charity role over the backlash she received and claimed that Buckingham Palace had failed to support her following the incident.
Queen Camilla borrowed an item King Charles' has kept in his wardrobe for 27 years for a dinner outing in London last week.

Camilla attended the Biennial RIFLES Awards Dinner at the City of London Guildhall on November 27, where she was joined by Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh.

She wore a regal red velvet Fiona Clare Aldridge gown for the dinner.

The Queen covered up from the cold in a jacket that holds special significance to her husband, King Charles.

The royal wore a robe, known as a daqlah, that was presented to Charles in 1998 during a visit to Saudi Arabia when he was the Prince of Wales.

The midnight blue daqlah features intricate contrasting silver embroidery all over.

The garment is by Saudi fashion designer, Yahya Al Bishri, who also notably designed a dress for the late Diana, Princess of Wales.

Camilla opted to wear Charles' daqlah over her shoulders as she arrived for the dinner - but it's not the first time she's borrowed the robe for a special occasion.

Camilla wore Charles' robe to the Biennial RIFLES Awards Dinner on November 27

Charles was gifted the daqlah in 1998 during a visit to Saudi Arabia

Camilla wore the robe slung over her shoulders

Camilla last wore the jacket in May for a joint public appearance with Charles.

The royal was pictured in the traditional Saudi robe while sitting up in the stands at the Horse Guards Parade for a concert marking the 80th Anniversary of VE Day.

She pinned a Britannia brooch to the jacket for the occasion.

Before the VE Day Concert, Camilla previously wore the robe three years earlier.

Camilla first borrowed it in 2022 for the annual Reception for Members of the Diplomatic Corps hosted at Buckingham Palace.

The royal was seen wearing the robe in the car as she arrived for the event, pairing it with extravagant diamonds and sapphires.

Months earlier, Camilla wore the coat to accompany Charles onstage at the late Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee concert in June 2022.

Speaking to Arab News, designer Yahya Al Bishri said he was 'shocked' to see the then-Duchess of Cornwall wearing his design.

'It is just a great feeling to see the whole world is talking about my outfit,' he told the outlet at the time.

Camilla last wore Charles' robe to the VE Day concert in May, 2025

The royal also wore the rove in 2022 for the Reception for Members of the Diplomatic Corps at Buckingham Palace

He continued: 'Actually, I was engaged with friends in a small gathering when my ex-wife called me and told me, 'Are you watching the Platinum Party (at the Palace)? She told me that Camilla was wearing my daqlah.

'As a Saudi fashion designer, I am so proud and happy that international media focused on my design, talked about the outfit and appreciated what the Duchess of Cornwall was wearing,' the designer said.

Camilla opted to wear the dalqah buttoned up on stage. According to Al Bishri, it can traditionally be worn open or closed by men.

Camilla is believed to have first worn the jacket in 2008 when she was pictured wearing it to the Sunset Ceremony at RAF Cranwell.

Two years later she wore it again for the 2010 Windsor Castle Royal.
Over the years, she has more than proven herself as a survivor, having endured violent beatings and infidelity at the hands of her husband, as well as the tragic loss of two of her children.

But now aged 93, Lady Anne Glenconner, the former lady-in-waiting to Princess Margaret, looks back at her fulsome life with a degree of fondness - and remains surprisingly philosophical.

'In life you have to take the rough with the smooth', she sagely advises in an interview with Hello! magazine.

Her no-nonsense approach to her remarkable life lies at the core of her latest memoir, in which she reveals that despite unhappiness, she also experienced love and admiration for her husband - and doesn't regret staying with him.

She has also opened up about what it has meant to be accepted into the inner circles of the Royal Family, including her closeness to lifelong friend King Charles - as well as to share her childhood with his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II and aunt, Princess Margaret.

Manners and Mischief: An AZ of Royal Tales and Surprising Wisdom follows her best-selling memoir, Lady in Waiting, published in 2019, which revealed fascinating insights into her life among the royals  as well as harrowing details of her abusive marriage to her husband of 54 years, Colin Tennant, later Lord Glenconner.

At the time, she had never put pen to paper, but amid the pain of having been cut out of her late husband's will, she found the impetus to finally tell her story in her own words.

'It was the most extraordinary thing that has ever happened to me. I was 87, I had never written anything before, but Colin had left this horrible will which left nothing to me and I thought: "What can I do now?"

Now aged 93, Lady Anne Glenconner , the former lady-in-waiting to Princess Margaret , looks back at her fulsome life with a degree of fondness - and remains surprisingly philosophical

Lady Glenconner's latest memoir reveals that despite unhappiness she also experienced love for her husband, Colin Tennant - and she doesn't regret staying with him. Pictured: The couple together on Mustique

Princess Margaret, centre, with Lord Colin Tennant (left) and Lady Anne Tennant waiting on the jetty at Mustique to greet Queen Elizabeth II in 1977

'And then I was sitting next to this very nice young publisher at lunch, rabbiting away. And he said: "Have you ever thought of writing a book?" When I started to prepare for it, I realised that I had had, actually, the most extraordinary life.'

Born on July 16, 1932 as Anne Veronica Coke to The Hon. Thomas Coke and Lady Elizabeth, she was the eldest of three children and spent much of her childhood on the family estate, Holkham Hall, in Norfolk.

As a young girl, she spent time playing with young Princess Elizabeth and Margaret, both at her home and at Sandringham, which is a few miles from Holkham Hall.

She was presented at court in 1950 and named Tatler's debutante of the year. Three years later, she was selected as one of the maids of honour at the Coronation of Elizabeth II.

Then in 1955, she met her husband, Colin Tennant, the 3rd Baron Glenconner, and swiftly fell in love. The couple married the following year at a lavish wedding attended by the Queen, the Queen Mother and Princess Margaret and went on to have five children.

In 1971 she was appointed lady-in-waiting to Princess Margaret.

On the surface, she led a charmed life of privilege and contentment.

But Lady Glenconner shared in her 2022 memoir Whatever Next?: Lessons from an Unexpected Life, how Tennant was shockingly violent at times.

Lady Anne Coke, the 23-year-old daughter of the Earl and Countess of Leicester, had been Tatler's debutante of the year

Lady Anne Coke, daughter of the Earl of Leicester and Colin Tennant, heir to Lord Glenconner pictured in 1956, shortly after they had announced their engagement

The wedding took place at St Withburga's Church, Holkham, Norfolk in 1955. Lady Anne was 23, Colin Tenant was 29 years old

Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother and Princess Margaret, attended the wedding

His worst rages came after he bought the Caribbean island of Mustique in 1958, a decision Lady Glenconner later described as a 'great leap into the unknown'.

The mother-of-five was left deaf in one ear after a particularly vicious beating - during which she feared her husband would kill her.

It happened one night in the late 1970s, when the family were celebrating the birthday of their twin daughters, Flora and Amy, on Mustique.

Tennant was infuriated by Lady Glenconner's decision to excuse herself from speaking with clients so she could return to her children.

After roughly forcing her into his car and driving them home, Tennant physically attacked her.

'Drawing up at the house, I got out of the car and before I knew what was happening, he hit me across the head from behind with his shark-bone walking stick,' she said.

'It knocked me straight to the ground. And then he launched in on me.

'I lay there, trying to protect my head and begging him to stop. He didn't: he was in a frenzy, quite out of his mind. I was utterly terrified, convinced he might actually kill me.

The christening of the couple's son, Charles Edward Pevensey in 1957

Lady Anne Glenconner (third from left) was a maid of honour at Queen Elizabeth II's coronation

'I have no idea how long it lasted, but eventually he tired himself out. I lay there until I heard his car drive off, then crawled into the main house and locked myself into the bedroom.'

Lady Glenconner, who is still deaf in one ear to this day, said Tennant did later apologise and promised he would not do it again.

Adding to their strained marriage was the double tragedy of losing their two eldest sons at a young age.

Charlie, who was addicted to heroin, passed away from hepatitis C in 1996 aged 39, while Henry died from an Aids-related illness, aged 29, in 1990.

Meanwhile their youngest son, Christopher, was left in a coma after suffering a terrible brain injury in a motorbike accident in Belize in 1987, from which she nursed him back to health.

Through it all, Lady Glenconner  now a grandmother of six and great-grandmother of five  maintained that she doesn't regret staying in her marriage until Colin died in 2010.

'The children were so much happier we stayed together,' she says. 'In a way, he was a man of many parts. He was clever and amusing, he educated me and was wonderful in lots of ways.

'But then the flip side was that he was dangerous as he couldn't control his temper; and because I have got this stiff upper lip I stayed with it for 54 years.

Through it all, Lady Glenconner  now a grandmother of six and great-grandmother of five  maintained that she doesn't regret staying in her marriage until Colin died in 2010

Now a nonagenarian, Lady Glenconner has more than put the sadder times behind her - and says she is in fact busier than ever

'Sometimes it was awful and I loved the time it wasn't. I think in life, you have to take the rough with the smooth.

'When you marry someone you marry their bad parts too. Sadly [domestic violence] is so widespread and I've been terribly humbled by the letters I got from people and I try to help.

'It's difficult, because behind closed doors you don't really know what's going on.'

Few knew until her later years what she had been through - but she counts King Charles as one of her closest confidantes.

The closeness of their families has led to a decades-long friendship and she dines often with him at Sandringham, which is only ten miles from Lady Glenconner's family home, Holkham.

'We just have the best time ever,' she says. 'I talk with him about the past and all the happy times we had at Holkham. My mother was a lady-in-waiting to the late Queen, and he used to stay with us.

'My mother taught him how to [shape] pottery, which he loved. And when he went to Gordonstoun [boarding school], where he wasn't very happy, I think she made all the difference.

'She used to write to him a lot and send him books on pottery and I've got lots of letters from him to my mother.

'One said he was really excited as he was making some soup bowls and was very worried he hadn't fired them properly and that when people put soup in they might break.'

She also reveals having 'great admiration' for Queen Camilla. The two women share a mutual interest in helping domestic violence charities.

'My last book, Picnic Papers, was sold in aid of the charity, SafeLives, that she's patron of and she got me on board for that. She knew a bit about my life and encouraged me to write about it.'

Among Lady Glenconner's many fascinating experiences is her attendance at two coronations  Queen Elizabeth II, and again as a guest at King Charles's ceremony in 2023.

Thinking back to 1953, she says: 'The Queen was not nervous, but there was obviously a certain nervousness everywhere. It was being televised all around the world and it really was the most marvellous day of my life.'

And of the King's Coronation, she says: 'He could only invite 120 or so close friends, so I was very honoured to be asked. And of course, it was wonderful, because I could relax. I had dinner with him three days later. I went in and he said: 'How was it Anne?' And I said 'Magnificent!'

Now a nonagenarian, Lady Glenconner has more than put the sadder times behind her - and says she is in fact busier than ever.

'How could I not be having the time of my life? Here I am, at 93, and the other day I went to Vienna. I did a talk and went to the wonderful opera. And then I went to Chatsworth for the Queen's Reading Room Festival, where I was sitting next to Jilly Cooper. I had the most wonderful dinner with her with lots of champagne. I couldn't believe it that just a few days later she died.'

She continued: 'It's fantastic because for a lot of my life, being married to Colin and being lady-in-waiting, I was invisible. I mean, quite rightly with Princess Margaret, less so with my darling husband.

'So here I am at my age, suddenly I'm out with a bang. People ring me up, wanting me to do things. And I am enjoying it.'

Read the full interview with Lady Glenconner in Hello! magazine, on sale now.
For many, going to pick out a tree is one of the best festive traditions.

But for families hoping to get theirs at a shop close to the Prince and Princess of Wales' new Windsor mansion  it might turn into a nightmare before Christmas this year.

The Christmas Tree Shop, which opened on Thursday, traditionally sits on land next to the Waleses' new house.

Its trees are grown on the estate and they attract hundreds of punters every year in the run up to December 25.

But access routes have been limited to prevent people from driving right in front of the royal eight-bedroom home, which the family relocated to from nearby Adelaide Cottage. Cars now face being diverted around a new circular route  more than a mile detour in all.

Traffic cones have been placed to ensure shoppers obey the new rules. The temporary road layout seems to have brought chaos, however.

A local resident said: 'I have already seen a few near misses where people have driven the wrong side of the cones.'

Two royal security officers have also been stationed in the shop's car park to prevent intruders during operating hours.

The Princess and Princess of Wales have now moved into their new Windsor mansion with their three children

The Christmas Tree Shop, which opened on Thursday, traditionally sits on land next to the Waleses' new house

However, access routes have been limited to prevent people from driving right in front of the royal eight-bedroom home, meaning cars now face being diverted around a new circular route  more than a mile detour in all

Another resident said: 'A car was parked and running both days with what looked like two plain-clothes officers inside to prevent anyone going into the lodge's grounds.

The shop is right next door, so it is not surprising the Waleses are keeping an extra eye out in case anyone is tempted to take a peek.'

If Christmas trees grown next to a royal property isn't enough, however, how about stockings made from recycled curtains once hung in Sandringham?

Starting today, an online auction will see 24 of the decorations sold  each originating from gold damask drapes found in the Royal Family's Norfolk retreat.

But the 25th and final stocking is reserved as a gift for the King to hang up himself. The initiative has been organised by the King's Foundation, the charity inspired by Charles' work to create sustainable communities and protect heritage arts and crafts. More than 15,000 students each year benefit from its courses.

The Sandringham fabric was transported to Dumfries House in Ayrshire, Scotland, where the Dumfries House Sewing Bee community group transformed the cuttings into stockings. More than six hours' work went into making each decoration.

Sarah McClymont, lead tutor for The King's Foundation's Future Textiles initiative, said: 'This was such an exciting project for the Sewing Bee to work on.

'Being given the opportunity to work with such historically significant fabric was a real honour for them and they are so proud of how the stockings turned out.

'We hope that whoever is lucky enough to win a stocking will pass it down as a family heirloom to be treasured for decades to come.'
Buying your first home used to be a rite of passage  the ultimate American dream.

It was once a proud milestone for newlyweds, young professionals and growing families. But in 2025, buying a starter home now comes with a jaw-dropping price tag.

The average entry-level house in 233 cities across the US is now $1 million, according to a new report from Zillow.

That's nearly three times the average from just five years ago.

The figures paint a stark picture of an American housing market in crisis, one in which first-time buyers are being squeezed out from every angle, as mortgage rates stick above six percent and the price of maintaining a home soars.

The starter home was once a no-frills, two or three-bedroom property that gave younger buyers a foothold to build equity.

But now, a perfect storm of economic troubles has caused the death of the starter home, reshaping the market beyond recognition.

And the affordable end of the housing market, according to experts, is being 'squeezed from every side.'

The disappearance of affordable homes is now central to the American housing crisis and is hitting first-time buyers the hardest

The starter home was once a no-frills, two or three-bedroom property that gave younger buyers a foothold to build equity

For one, land and labor costs have exploded, pushing builders toward developing larger, higher-priced homes, and many new zoning laws and development restrictions have also made it difficult to construct smaller, more affordable units.

Meanwhile, supply chain disruptions and tariffs on building materials have contributed to skyrocketing construction costs, and investors have dominated the housing market, crowding out traditional buyers and snapping up lower-end properties to turn into rentals.

Demographic shifts, especially millennials entering peak buying years, have also intensified competition.

The disappearance of affordable homes has become central to the American housing crisis - and is hitting first-time buyers the hardest.

There are now roughly three million potential first-time buyers that are stuck on the sidelines, blocked by low inventory, high prices and mortgage rates that refuse to budge.

Jessica Lautz, deputy chief economist at the National Association of Realtors, summed up the problem: 'It is such an unusual market because we have an all-time low of first-time home buyers, but an all-time high of all-cash buyers.'

With homeowners who are locked into ultra-low pandemic-era mortgage rates, few are willing to sell, causing a chokehold that has kept prices climbing and competition fierce.

Across the country, older starter homes are also being demolished, remodeled or replaced with larger, more expensive properties. Now, it's become a market in which small, simple homes have become virtually extinct.

Experts say the affordable end of the market like starter homes, is being 'squeezed from every side'

Across the country, older starter homes like these are also being demolished, remodeled or replaced with larger, more expensive properties

With first-time buyers averaging 40 years old and the typical US homebuyer hitting an unprecedented 59, luxury agents say the shift is likely to stay.

Miami real estate agent Chris Wands, one of Douglas Elliman's top producers with $1 billion in career sales, sees it happening in real time.

'Buyers are approaching homeownership much more strategically than in previous years,' he told the Daily Mail.

'In the past, we saw a lot more of the "buy just to buy" crowd, because the reality is that it was simply more affordable.

'Now, people are renting longer, saving longer and skipping the traditional starter home altogether. And when they finally purchase, it's often a larger, more expensive property that they plan to stay in for a decade or more.'

NAR data backs him up. First-time buyers now make up just 21 percent of the market, the lowest since tracking began in 1981.

'Affordability pressures are a huge factor, but so is liquidity,' Wands said.

'With mortgage rates still relatively high and the stock market performing well, many buyers would rather keep their cash invested and rent in the meantime.

'In major metros like Miami or New York, and depending on what buyers are looking for, it may cost less to rent than to own right now.'

According to Wands, another contributing factor are life stages, which he said 'have notably shifted as life expectancy has gone up.'

Pictured: Miami real estate agent Chris Wands, one of Douglas Elliman's top producers with $1 billion in career sales

Even those who already own a starter home face challenges moving up as the equity they've gained often isn't enough to bridge the gap to a larger property

'People are getting married and having kids later, so the timeline for buying a home has naturally moved back,' he said.

'At the same time, Boomers are holding onto homes longer or purchasing second properties, which limits supply and pushes younger buyers further out of the market.

'In short, the typical buyer today is older, more deliberate, and more financially sophisticated. More importantly, they're waiting to buy the right home  not just any home.'

Boca Raton agent Aaron Buchbinder points to Boomers as a major force behind the shrinking starter home supply, as many are aging in place and have rock-bottom mortgages.

'The rising median age of homebuyers is a direct reflection of the affordability and inventory crisis gripping the market,' he told the Daily Mail.

'Boomers hold a substantial share of the nation's housing, and their decision to age in place, combined with pandemic-era mortgage rates that discourage selling, has created a significant bottleneck.

'Many older homeowners are reluctant to give up low property taxes or sub-three percent mortgage rates, so they're staying put rather than downsizing.

'This limits supply for younger buyers, keeps prices elevated, and pushes the average age of first-time homeowners ever higher.

'Even those who already own a starter home face challenges moving up, the equity they've gained often isn't enough to bridge the gap to a larger property.'
A 'human washing machine' that can clean a person from head to toe has gone on sale in Japan.

This jet-fighter cockpit-shaped pod uses powerful jets of bubbles to blast the skin clean of dirt and grime.

According to Science Co., the company behind this bizarre contraption, the automatic spa can leave you clean and dry after just 15 minutes.

But that convenience doesn't come cheap, with a pod costing 290,000 (60 million Japanese yen).

Science Co. says that it will make a limited run of 40 to 50 human washing machines at first.

Thanks to the enormous price tag, most of these will likely end up in high-end spas and hotels in Japan.

However, even if you might not be able to install one in your bathroom right away, there is still hope for the future.

A Science Co. spokesperson said in a statement: 'In the future, if the technology evolves further and mass production systems are established, there is a possibility that a more affordable home-use model may emerge.'

A 'human washing machine' that can clean a person from head to toe has gone on sale in Japan for 290,000 (60 million Japanese yen)

The pod measures 2.5 metres (8.2 feet) long by one metre (3.28 feet) wide, allowing most people to lie down comfortably inside.

Once the hatch has been sealed, the pod fills halfway up with water, leaving the bather partially submerged.

They are then blasted by high-speed water jets containing extremely small air bubbles less than three micrometres in diameter.

When these bubbles burst, they produce a small but powerful pressure wave which dislodges dirt from the skin.

This is the same process used in industry to clean electrical components that can't be washed with chemicals.

However, rather than just scrubbing the skin, Science Co. says that the human washing machine offers an experience capable of 'washing the soul'.

The pod monitors the bather's vital signs, such as their heartbeat, to ensure they are safe and comfortable.

At the same time, an AI interprets this information to work out if they are calm or excited and projects a specifically selected video onto the inside of the plastic pod to soothe their nerves.

The fighter jet cockpit-shaped pod is big enough for someone to lie down inside. The pod then fills with water, and the bather is blasted with high-speed jets of bubbles

The pod is fitted with sensors that measure the bather's heart rate. An AI interprets this information to see if the user is stressed and plays a soothing video on the walls of the pod

What does the 'human washing machine' do? The user sits in the bath chair and is blasted with water and microbubbles that remove grime from the pores of their skin. A sensor is also attached to the chair that is connected to an electrocardiograph, measuring their heart rate. This is used to monitor the state of the user's nervous system and see how relaxed they are while displaying videos on a water-resistant display. This data will be used to train an artificial intelligence (AI) that will be able to automatically choose the most relaxing content for the bather. Advertisement

While it might sound futuristic, the design is actually based on a 50-year-old concept.

At the 1970 Japan World Exposition, Sanyo Electric Co., now Panasonic Holdings Corp., showcased the very first human washing machine.

The big difference was that this 1970s version also included dozens of plastic 'massage balls' which pelted the user to aid in relaxation and promote circulation.

While the device was never commercially released, its public reveal at the World Exposition captured the public's attention.

At a time in Japan when private baths were still somewhat of a luxury, long queues formed to try out the device.

One of the people in that queue was Yasuaki Aoyama, current chairman of Science Co., who was just nine years old at the time.

Mr Aoyama told The Asahi Shimbun: 'It made me excited, thinking about what kind of future there would be.'

Now, as the head of a company which specialises in making showerheads, Mr Aoyma is finally in a position to make his childhood dream a reality.

Osaka-based firm Science Co. originally created the human washing machine (pictured) as a prototype for the Osaka Kansai Expo last year, but overwhelming interest in the product spurred the company to make a commercial model

The device is meant to be an evolution of the first human washing machine, which was first shown by Sanyo Electric Co., now Panasonic Holdings Corp., at the Japan World Exposition (pictured) 50 years ago

The 'Mirai Ningen Sentakuki', or 'Human Washing Machine of the Future', was unveiled at the Osaka-Kansai technology exposition last year.

The company had originally intended to make a single prototype to show off their technology, but a surprising surge of interest has now made them reconsider.

At the time, it was reported that 40,000 people applied for a slot to try out the human washing machine.

One hotel in Osaka, Japan, has already agreed to purchase the first human washing machine, with five to eight more units reportedly reserved by potential customers.
If you're looking to end an unhappy relationship ahead of the festive season, now's the time to act.

As one of the most romantic times of year approaches, it can be hard to work out when to call things off.

Now, a relationship expert has revealed the best  and worst  time to break up with your partner as the festive season gets underway.

And if you want to be kind, it's best to do it sooner rather than later, they say.

'MidNovember to early December is usually the kindest window,' said Claire Dows, relationship expert at Private Investigations UK (PIUK).

'It gives both people space to process before the social pressure of Christmas kicks in. Waiting until the final days of December can make a breakup feel cruel or chaotic.'

She said shortly after New Year, specifically January 37, is the next major spike for splits.

'Once the tree comes down, reality sets in,' she added. 'People reassess what they want  it's a natural emotional reset.'

Breaking up is hard to do - especially around Christmas. An expert has said it's kindest to act sooner rather than later (file image)

While the festive season is known for romance and reunion, investigators say it's also one of the busiest times of year for uncovering infidelity.

If you suspect your partner may be cheating on you in the runup to December 25, there are a range of festive red flags to look out for, they said.

This includes extended 'giftbuying trips' that stretch into hours, as partners use Christmas shopping 'as a builtin excuse for vanishing'.

Unlabelled bags, hidden boxes or luxury purchases with no clear recipient can also signal something's amiss.

A sudden curation of their online presence and being vague about availability could also indicate not all is right.

'Every December we see a sharp rise in suspected affairs,' John Eastham, lead investigator at PIUK said.

Office parties, latenight shopping trips, and sudden secrecy are classic covers for behaviour that doesn't add up.

'The festive period gives people readymade excuses for unusual behaviour. If something feels off, it probably is,' PIUK said.

In the Christmas film Love Actually, Alan Rickman's character Harry has an affair with his secretary Mia in the run-up to the holidays

A study, published earlier this year, revealed men are more likely than women to have an affair during highstress events.

Researchers from Indiana University Bloomington surveyed more than 1,000 adults who were in committed heterosexual relationships during the first year of the Covid pandemic.

Participants were asked about whether they had engaged in any actions that their partner would consider to be infidelity.

Overall, 19 per cent of people said they had engaged in some form of infidelity during the pandemic  either online or inperson.

Analysis revealed that men were more likely than women to say their desire to be unfaithful increased during the pandemic.

They were also more likely to report having cheated on their significant other.
Winter weather warnings have been issued in 30 states as a bone-chilling polar vortex is poised to freeze the US with record cold temperatures starting tonight.

The National Weather Service (NWS) issued winter weather advisories and winter storm watches from Maine to Nebraska, with wind chills in certain regions of the Midwest and Great Plains to make it feel between -10 to -30 degrees Fahrenheit.

The heaviest snow is expected to arrive Monday night, with parts of Ohio, eastern Pennsylvania, upstate New York, and most of New England seeing up to six inches accumulating by Tuesday.

Large stretches of the Midwest which have already been hit by a Thanksgiving snow storm, including in Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan, could see temperatures drop into the single digits today and Tuesday.

Meteorologists have also warned that the Dakotas, Montana, Wyoming, Wisconsin, and Minnesota may experience their coldest days of the year on Monday, falling well below zero degrees in certain areas by tonight.

The frigid forecast is expected to last all week throughout the US as cold air from Canada and Greenland plunges south because of a weakening in the Earth's polar vortex.

The polar vortex is like a giant, spinning whirlpool of cold air high up in the atmosphere above the North Pole, normally held in place by strong winds that act as a barrier, keeping the extreme cold locked away from the US.

However, strong storms and high-pressure systems in the lower atmosphere have sent ripples of warmer air upward that knocked this vortex off balance, allowing the icy Arctic air to dip farther south and blanket the US.

Snow has already blanketed cars at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago over the weekend, with more winter weather expected this week

Approximately 20 states could see snow fall from the Midwest to the Northeast Monday night

Ice warnings have also been issued for Monday night and Tuesday morning in parts of Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and North Carolina, where meteorologists fear slippery roads and sidewalks could endanger commuters and cause travel delays.

Temperatures are expected to remain around the freezing point throughout the rest of the week, with the polar vortex projected to descend all the way to the South on Wednesday and Thursday, reaching Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, and Tennessee.

AccuWeather has warned that parts of at least 20 states may see temperatures drop up to 20 degrees below historical averages for the beginning of December.

In Midwest states such as Iowa, forecasters have said that Thursday could see the thermometer fall below -10 degrees, which would break records throughout the state that have stood for decades.

On Friday, record-low temperatures in the teens and 20s have also been forecasted for New York, Chicago, Indianapolis, and Baltimore.

The winter blast and ongoing snow storms already caused a 45-car pileup along Interstate 70 about 10 miles from Terre Haute, Indiana on Saturday.

Several of the cars slid across the eastbound side to the median, into the grass, and even toward oncoming traffic on the westbound side of the highway.

The incoming storms are expected to continue impacting ground and air travel, while also forcing schools in certain areas to shutter temporarily.

Record cold temperatures are expected on Wednesday and Thursday, brought south by a descending polar vortex from Canada

Icicles form along a pier at Chicago's Loyola Beach. More cold weather is predicted for the coming weeks

Climatologist Judah Cohen, a research scientist at MIT, told USA Today: 'My thinking is that the cold the first week of December is the appetizer and the main course will be in mid-December.'

Cohen claimed that his computer model has forecasted 'that the most expansive region of most likely extreme cold on Earth stretches from the Canadian Plains to the US East Coast in the third week of December.'

The 'polar vortex' is expected to remain up above Canada for the next seven to 10 days, according to Weather Trader meteorologist Ryan Maue in a Substack post.

Determining where snow will fall and how much is a bit trickier, given that precipitation cannot be predicted more than three days in advance.

According to AccuWeather's latest forecast, the storm will form along a boundary where expanding cold air and warm air will have begun to meet from Monday night into Tuesday.

The storm will bring a mix of snow and sleet to Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, along with parts of West Virginia, Virginia, and Pennsylvania.

Parts of Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kentucky, Tennessee, and North Carolina will likely also have to deal with ice buildup on top of snowfall.

The southern states, from coastal Virginia to northern Florida and as far inland as eastern Texas, are expected to be hit with significant rainfall, thunderstorms, and localized flooding tonight and through Tuesday.

A couple walks their dog in Chicago, Illinois, on November 29, as snow blankets the city

The Catskills of New York, the Berkshires of Connecticut, Massachusetts, and southeastern Maine could see a maximum of 12 inches of snow beginning Monday night and lasting until Tuesday evening.

In cities such as New York City and Philadelphia, the snow will eventually turn to rain on Tuesday, potentially leading to more slippery roads.

If a second storm blows down cold air from the Hudson Valley, New York could be in for even more snow than previously thought.
Nearly 40 years after the Chernobyl nuclear disaster in Ukraine, scientists have discovered a form of life that's thriving on the radiation that's been left behind.

A strange black fungus called Cladosporium sphaerospermum, found growing on abandoned reactor walls, hasn't just learned to survive the deadly fallout, but several strains now grow faster when radiation is present and even move towards it.

Recent studies of the fungus at Chernobyl noted that only a small fraction of the dark fungi, nine of the 47 strains tested, displayed this 'radiation-hunting' behavior.

These strains were found to turn gamma rays, the most powerful and dangerous kind of radiation from nuclear explosions, into chemical energy, just like normal plants convert the sun's light during photosynthesis.

C. sphaerospermum is believed to get its radiation-eating superpower from melanin, the pigment that gives humans their skin color, although researchers have said this is still just a theory they've dubbed radiosynthesis.

Now, scientists at NASA are exploring how to create 'fungal bricks' using the mold, which would serve as lightweight building materials that could protect moon or Mars bases from cosmic radiation far better than heavy lead shields.

On the International Space Station (ISS), this fungus grew 21 times faster when exposed to space radiation and blocked a large amount of it from penetrating other surfaces, making it a serious candidate for defending future astronauts.

This radiation-blocking ability could be a game-changer for scientists, as tests have shown C. sphaerospermum trapped and neutralized radioactive particles, according to a study published in PLOS One.

A dark green mold known as Cladosporium sphaerospermum has been found to feed on nuclear radiation, making it a potential building material for future moon bases

The Chernobyl disaster was a nuclear meltdown that began on April 26 in Ukraine, which was until the control of the Soviet Union at the time

Because of this, the fungus is considered a radiotrophic fungus, as 'radio' refers to radiation and 'trophic' refers to feeding or converting something into usable energy.

In human skin and that of many other organisms, melanin acts as a shield against harmful UV radiation from the sun.

However, when a gamma ray hits the melanin of Chernobyl mold, it knocks its electrons around and creates chemical energy at the atomic level, which the fungus can then use to grow and repair itself, scientists later revealed in the journal Current Opinion in Microbiology.

This extra energy might explain why some strains stretch out their tiny thread-like parts straight toward the radiation, like the fungus is reaching out to 'snack' on it for a boost when regular food is hard to find inside the ruined reactor.

This could make it a key substance for cleaning up nuclear waste sites on Earth as well as blocking harmful radiation astronauts may encounter during NASA's planned missions to the moon, starting in 2026.

The Chernobyl disaster was a nuclear meltdown that began on April 26 and led to the largest release of radioactive material into the environment in human history.

Following the tragic disaster, residents were evacuated from Chernobyl and the surrounding areas to avoid the extreme levels of radiation. From then on, the site was known as the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone (CEZ).

The 30-mile area was established by the military of the Soviet Union, which controlled Ukraine at the time. It was briefly recaptured by Russian forces during the country's 2022 invasion.

The frogs around the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone have become darker due to their bodies blocking out deadly radiation

C. sphaerospermum under a microscope. The fungus has been found to turn dangerous gamma rays into energy

Public access was forbidden due to the radioactive contamination, and the area remains largely deserted today, making it a haven for wildlife, from feral dogs to wild horses.

However, these animals may also hold the key to future medical breakthroughs, as studies have revealed that mutated wolves roaming the wasteland of Chernobyl have developed genetically altered immune systems that show a resilience to cancer.

In 2014, Cara Love, an evolutionary biologist at Princeton University, travelled to the CEZ with a team of researchers to understand how animals have been able to survive the cancer-causing radiation.

They took blood samples from the local wolves and placed GPS collars with radiation dosimeters on them to get real-time measurements of where they were and their radiation exposure levels.

The analysis revealed that a number of their genes, which are linked to cancer, had new mutations, suggesting they had evolved to protect against the radiation.

It is hoped that the discovery could pave the way for experts to identify mutations in humans that reduce their cancer risk.

Meanwhile, Chernobyl's tree frogs haven't just evolved to be darker in color; the melanin-induced changes have allowed frogs to produce healthier offspring that carry on this protection against nuclear radiation.
Former Home Improvement star Zachery Ty Bryan is back behind bars again after he and his fiancee of three years, Johnnie Faye Cartwright, were arrested in Oregon on Saturday.

The 44-year-old former child star is being held without bail in Lane County Jail in Eugene until next Wednesday for a probation violation tied to his 2020 and 2023 domestic violence convictions.

Bryan's prior three-year probation isn't set to expire until October 2026.

The 32-year-old former jetback instructor also remains in custody for a DUII charge as well as three counts of reckless endangering and attempted first-degree assault.

Worryingly, Bryan and Cartwright - who got engaged in 2022 - are parents of three-year-old daughter Kennedy as well as two-year-old twins Parker and Sequoia.

In January, the troubled actor was arrested for second-degree domestic violence against an unidentified woman, with whom he shared children, in Myrtle Beach, SC.

Trouble: Home Improvement alum Zachery Ty Bryan and his fiancee of three years, Johnnie Faye Cartwright, were arrested in Oregon on Saturday (pictured in 2022)

Jailed: Bryan is being held without bail in Lane County Jail in Eugene until next Wednesday for a probation violation (pictured in 2016)

In 2023, Bryan served seven days in the same jail and was sentenced to 36 months of supervised probation for domestic violence against an unidentified woman.

And in 2020, the Colorado native was ordered by the same court to attend a batterer intervention program after being charged with domestic violence against the 5ft10in blonde.

Bryan's substantial rap sheet also includes DUI arrests in Arapaho, OK in October 2024 and La Quinta, CA, in February 2024.

Family: Bryan and Cartwright - who got engaged in 2022 - are parents of three-year-old daughter Kennedy, as well as two-year-old twins Parker and Sequoia

Problems: He also remains in custody for a DUII charge as well as three counts of reckless endangering and attempted first-degree assault

As recent as July, an unidentified ex-girlfriend was granted a five-year restraining order after accusing the former sitcom star of physically abusing her, but no criminal charges were filed.

Bryan told TMZ on November 11: 'Being thrust into the spotlight at nine years old brought pressures I wasn't equipped to handle.

'But that's no justification for my choices as an adult.'

Attack: In January, the troubled actor was arrested for second-degree domestic violence against an unidentified woman in Myrtle Beach, SC

Crime: In 2023, Bryan served seven days in the same jail and was sentenced to 36 months of supervised probation for domestic violence against an unidentified woman (pictured in 2024)

The nineties teen idol - who says he started drinking at age 14 - understands that 'domestic violence in any form is unacceptable' and he's embarking on 'a journey toward personal growth.'

Bryan explained: 'The truth is, I've struggled with the lasting effects of early fame, addiction, and poor decision-making, which have hurt people I care about and led to repeated legal issues, including DUIs and past domestic incidents.'

'This latest situation, involving a restraining order and serious accusations, has been a painful wake-up call.'

History: In 2020, the Colorado native was ordered by the same court to attend a batterer intervention program after being charged with domestic violence against the 5ft10in blonde

The crypto enthusiast is also father to four children - twin daughters Gemma + Taylor, 11; daughter Jordana, nine; and son Pierce, six - during his 12-year marriage to high school sweetheart Carly Matros, who filed for divorce in 2020.

THR published an expose in 2023 accusing Bryan of earning $50,000 by running a fraudulent agriculture-technology start-up scheme.

He hasn't had an acting role since playing The President's Aide #1 in Netflix's seven-episode superhero series The Guardians of Justice (Will Save You!) in 2022.

Bryan first found fame portraying Tim Allen's onscreen son Brad Taylor in all eight seasons of the ABC sitcom Home Improvement spanning 19911999.
Most Disney fans will have now seen the adorable footage of the walking, talking Olaf thats coming to Disneyland Resort Paris newest park World of Frozen in March next year.

But thats just the tip of the (36-metre-high) iceberg when it comes to what Disney has in store for its only resort in Europe.

Im one of the very lucky few getting to step behind the scenes of Disneylands multi-billion euro venture, before it opens to the public on 29th March 2026.

And theres plenty for kids and adult kids to sink their teeth into  from exciting new rides to a 360-degree light and drone show across the river.

But its the life-sized Arendelle where most of the magic can be found.

The Imagineers at Disney have managed to recreate the village from Frozen so expertly, it looks like it has simply been plucked from the movie and plonked down in France, with cobbled streets and Nordic-inspired houses and restaurants, and sparkling water fountains.

In the centre is a clock tower, where little Anna and Elsa figurines will sing Do You Wanna Build A Snowman? every 15 minutes.

And behind it is a 36-metre-high North Mountain, and musical boat ride, Frozen Ever After.

The Daily Mail's deputy travel editor Hayley Minn (pictured) is one of the very lucky few getting to step behind the scenes of Disneylands multi-billion euro venture, before it opens to the public on 29th March 2026

The World of Frozen - a life-sized Arendelle - is where most of the magic can be found

. The Imagineers at Disney have managed to recreate the village from Frozen so expertly, it looks like it has simply been plucked from the movie and plonked down in France

The World of Frozen is also where youll be able to meet Elsa, Anna and, of course, Olaf  a life-sized animatronic, that waddles around and communicates with those around him.

Its the first time Disney has ever introduced something like this in any of its parks.

And the only place youll be able to meet the absolutely adorable, little snowman is in World of Frozen at Disneyland Paris.

Another world exclusive in this park can be found in World of Frozens gift shop.

Here, you can buy your kids (or yourself) an animatronic troll, called Runa.

Almost like a Furby, it interacts with owners as well as other Runa toys, but whats even more exciting is it reacts to attractions throughout the park too.

As Runa is carried around Disneyland, it will vibrate with nerves, or chatter about a ride at certain points throughout the park.

To keep the magic alive, Disneys Imagineers are being very hush-hush about where exactly these trigger points are  but, if you fancy forking out 70 euros for Runa, its best to do it at the start of your day if you want to get the most out of your troll doll.

The World of Frozen is also where youll be able to meet Elsa, Anna and, of course, Olaf  a life-sized animatronic, that waddles around and communicates with those around him

Another world exclusive in this park can be found in World of Frozens gift shop. Here, you can buy your kids (or yourself) an animatronic troll, called Runa

The World of Frozen has cobbled streets and Nordic-inspired houses and restaurants, and sparkling water fountains

Runa is sure to get excited about the Snowflower Festival  a river parade, where Anna, Elsa, Olaf and friends ride on the water on boats - thats going to be happening in Arendelle four times a day to begin with, and hopefully, around seven, eventually, the shows producer tells me.

When it comes to food, theres plenty to choose from in Arendelle  with 14 different places to eat dotted around.

But Im absolutely blown away by the Regal View Restaurant & Lounge, where you can dine in the company of Disney Princesses  and drink signature cocktails at Disneyland Paris first bar.

Even without the characters around to greet us, or, sadly, the opportunity to savour any food, the restaurant is very impressive.

Painted murals of all the Disney Princesses adorn the walls and food is served on ornamental, porcelain plates, handmade by the official supplier to the Dutch Royal Family, Royal Delft, while huge, glass windows look out on to the river, giving full, unobstructive views of the nighttime spectacular, Disney Cascade of Lights.

While fireworks shows are a staple of Disneys parks around the world, this one is a first, in that it will include nearly 400 aquatic drones made exclusively for the show  and able to tackle Paris very wet weather - alongside choreographed fountains, water screens, and pyrotechnics, all set to a powerful orchestral score.

And dont worry about not being able to see  as the 360-degree show is designed to be seen clearly from every angle.

It isnt just Frozen thats making its way to Paris in March though.

Im absolutely blown away by the Regal View Restaurant & Lounge, where you can dine in the company of Disney Princesses  and drink signature cocktails at Disneyland Paris first bar

In the centre is a clock tower, where little Anna and Elsa figurines will sing Do You Wanna Build A Snowman? every 15 minutes

As well as the Frozen Ever After boat ride, Im taken to the site of Raiponce Tangled Spin ride  which is Disneylands take on magic teacups

As well as the Frozen Ever After boat ride, Im taken to the site of Raiponce Tangled Spin ride  which is Disneylands take on magic teacups.

While the ride isnt open for me to go for a spin just yet, I sit in a wooden boat surrounded by paintings of popular Tangled characters, while beautiful lanterns hang from the ceiling.

But its Olaf thats the star of the show.

I cant wait to return to Disneyland next year to meet him properly, and rediscover my inner child once again.
Many of us dream of one day retiring to a far-flung place where there is endless sunshine and the worries of the nine-to-five fade into distant memory.

An estimated eight per cent of British pensioners are currently living overseas, with popular spots including Spain, Portugal, France and Greece.

It comes as International Living has released its 2026 Annual Global Retirement Index, revealing the best places to retire.

Using real-time data, experts have revealed the spots where expats will receive the warmest welcome, as well as the locations where your money will stretch the furthest.

From coastal villages to rugged mountain retreats, read on to find out which countries make the top 10.

Pictured: Panoramic view of Pigadia bay, Karpathos Island, Greece

1. Greece

Taking the top spot is Greece, which ranked at number seven in the Index last year.

Much of Greece has more than 300 days of sunshine a year, meaning days by the beach will far outweigh time spent inside twiddling your thumbs.

International Living's Corfu resident wrote: 'Four years in, I see why this country has become such a compelling choice for retirement.

'Its not just one thing; its the climate, the siga siga attitude of taking life slowly, the vibrant community, and the daily connection with nature.'

As well as plenty of sunshine and a slower pace of life, expats can expect to find themselves with more disposable income.

The on-the-ground expert claims her monthly expenses are about a third of what they were in the US and dinner for two with wine typically costs 26 to 44.

Retiring to Greece is not as easy as it was for UK citizens before Brexit. However, there are multiple ways to go about it, including obtaining a Residency Permit, a Financially Independent Person (FIP) Permit or a Golden Visa.

2. Panama

A tug boat guides a cruise hip to the Pacific Ocean after crossing the Panama Canal and navigating under the iconic Americas Bridge, Balboa near Panama City, Panama

In second place is Panama, which ranks highly for quality of life and value.

According to an expert who lives in the beach hub of Coronado, house prices are reasonable and she was able to buy a 1,000-square-foot condo for $155,000 (around 117,000).

In British terms, this is around the size of a semi-detached house in the UK.

The expert claims that foreigners who buy here are accorded practically the same property rights as citizens.

For Brits to retire here, you need to prove that you have an income of at least US$1,000 and then apply for the Pensionado visa.

3. Costa Rica

Pictured: The pacific ocean view in Uvita Costa Rica National park

Known for its coffee, tropical beaches and volcanoes, Costa Rica comes in at spot three.

The cost of living can vary significantly but simple swaps like eating local food rather than imported goods can make a big difference.

For Brits looking to retire in Costa Rica, there are similar requirements to Panama, which include applying for a Pensionado visa.

The Pensionado visa initially grants a two-year stay. After three years of legal residence, you can apply for permanent residency.

4. Portugal

Pictured: The capital of Madeira island Funchal, Portugal

In spot four, Portugal is a popular choice for British expats.

With more than 300 days of sunshine a year, a relaxed pace of life and property prices that remain competitive, approximately 47,409 British expats are currently in Portugal.

The average price for a two-bed flat in Portugal is approximately 186,000, and according to Rightmove, Portugals southern coast continues to top the wish list for many overseas buyers.

To retire from the UK to Portugal, you must apply for a visa, which requires proof of passive income (like pensions), private health insurance and a place to live in Portugal.

After arriving with a four-month visa, you will convert it to a two-year residency permit and eventually become eligible for permanent residency after five years.

With an affordable cost of living, quality healthcare and a relatively straightforward visa process, it's easy to see why so many expats live here.

5. Mexico

Mexico is a diverse country with a range of jungles and rolling hills, snowy peaks and arid landscapes

Rounding off the top five is Mexico, known for its rich culture, vibrant cuisine and natural landscapes.

According to local experts, the low cost of living is one of the biggest perks.

It is a diverse country with a range of jungles and rolling hills, snowy peaks and arid landscapes.

For Brits to retire here, you must apply for a Temporary Resident Visa in person at a Mexican consulate in the UK, showing proof of economic solvency, such as a pension or income from savings.

After arriving in Mexico, you will exchange this visa for a Temporary Resident Card and can then apply for Permanent Residency after four years of temporary status.
The new British Airways airport lounge in Dubai is, undoubtedly, a glamorous addition to the airline's stylish approach to travel.

Located in Terminal 1 at Dubai International Airport and spanning nearly 5,800 square feet, the new space offers customers an elevated experience.

The lounge blends modern British design and inspiration from the UAE.

It boasts a full-service bar, Middle Eastern-inspired designs and world-class food.

Access to the lounge is available to British Airways' customers travelling in Club World (business class) or First, the British Airways Club members with Silver status and above, and oneworld customers with Sapphire status and above.

The new space nods to traditional Middle Eastern style, featuring sweeping arches, patterned metal panelling and mirrored walls.

The lounge's chandelier is framed by a mirrored ceiling in the main dining area, with the British Airways logo embedded above.

Washrooms are decorated with locally sourced geometric tiles, while seating options use British heritage fabrics.

The new British Airways airport lounge in Dubai is, undoubtedly, a glamorous addition to stylish travel

It boasts a full-service bar, Middle Eastern-inspired designs and world-class food

The new space nods to traditional Middle Eastern style, featuring sweeping arches, patterned metal panelling, and mirrored walls

Plus, if you are travelling first class or have Gold Guest List status you can pass through a private door to the Concorde Room - a so-called 'million-dollar door', The Telegraph reports.

Concorde Dining Room Customers travelling in First can also enjoy top-notch service in the exclusive Concorde Dining Room, accessible via this dedicated entrance.

The lounge also has a dedicated self-serving dining area offering a range of options including an Arabic breakfast, mezze selection, cakes and cheeseboard.

Customers can indulge in champagnes and crafted cocktails, such as a Dubai chocolate martini.

Coffee Planet, a UAE-founded coffee brand renowned for its premium Arabica beans, is available along with Birchall, the airline's new global British tea partner.

The a la carte menu features Middle Eastern signature dishes such as Arabic mezze and sweet dessert, Umm Ali,.

There are also favourites on offer including a Concorde Wagyu burger and Scottish smoked salmon.

It's not the only new lounge from the airline. British Airways has launched two new lounges on its global network, as part of its 7 billion transformation project.

The lounge's chandelier is framed by a mirrored ceiling in the main dining area, with the British Airways logo embedded above

Plus, if you are travelling first class or have Gold Guest List status you can pass through a private door to the Concorde Room a so-called 'million-dollar door'

The other new lounge has been opened in Miami International Airport, in addition to this Dubai offering.

Both lounges feature full-service bars, menus combining local ingredients with a British twist, and exclusive Concorde Dining Rooms.

It comes as the airline has injected significant recent investment in lounges, such as the refreshes in London Gatwick, Lagos, Singapore, Seattle, and Washington Dulles.

Ashley Dowell, design director, denior associate at Gensler, said: 'We are honoured to have partnered with British Airways to carve the path for the global lounge concept being introduced around the world.

'Hospitality driven and inspired by the heritage of British Airways, combined with the rich vibrancy of each location, the lounges will reflect a global journey framed through a British lens.

'Welcoming, intuitive and bold, the new lounges offer a surprising retreat for travellers to relax, work and socialise in the midst of their travels.'
Sandi Toksvig's Great Riviera Rail Trip (Ch4)

Rating:

Sandi Toksvig met a handsome and sun-tanned young Frenchman outside a club in St Tropez, and greeted him apologetically: 'I'm so sorry to get undressed as soon as we meet'.

She'd just come from the beach, which used to be famous for that sort of thing. Luckily, the undressing only got as far as her shoes, which were full of sand.

Sandi Toksvig's Great Riviera Rail Trip looks like an audition for Michael Portillo's job.

He's already done the Riviera by train. Of course he has. And now Sandi has followed in his tracks by travelling from Marseilles to Menton.

She wasn't as colourfully dressed as Michael, but then who is? Her main flamboyance was a baggy shirt and a knee-length scarf.

It should be said that the presenter of QI and Bake Off is not to everybody's taste. She has been criticised for a certain 'Lady Muck Remoaner smugness'.

But it was difficult not to be swept along by her obvious excitement. 'I love everything about train travel,' she enthused. 'It just seems to be from another era. I like the sound, the rumble.'

It wasn't just the trains, though. Everything in this feelgood programme was bathed in sunshine.

During Sandi Toksvig's (pictured) time in Sanary, she enjoyed a trip on a vintage wooden boat and some bouillabaisse (a fish soup)

Back in St Tropez, Sandi (pictured) played boules and decided to try out her French and chat with some of the locals

You could virtually feel the summer holiday warmth in the air, and the cool breeze in her hotel room as she opened the shutters.

By the way, her visit to St Tropez was technically cheating. This is supposed to be a rail journey, and the resort has no station. The nearest one is about 25 miles away.

The town of La Ciotat definitely has its own stop, which is renowned as the birthplace of cinema. It was here that the Lumiere brothers made the first-ever film, of a train coming into the station.

Not that they realised what they had done. At the station's museum of film, there is a quotation on the wall from Auguste Lumiere: 'Moving pictures are always going to be a scientific curiosity,' he said, 'but they don't really have a future.'

In the port of Sanary-sur-Mer, Sandi enjoyed a trip on a vintage wooden boat and some bouillabaisse (a fish soup), and discovered that Aldous Huxley wrote Brave New World there.

Back in St Tropez, she played boules and decided to try out her French and chat with some of the locals.

So she approached a likely-looking couple and their dog, who were sitting in a picturesque square.

'Est-ce que je dis bonjour au chien,' she said ('Can I say hello to the dog?').

'Oh, we know you,' came the reply. 'We're English.'

With all the French people to choose from in St Tropez, she'd picked on Sue and Richard, who were from Yorkshire and on a caravan holiday.
Paddington The Musical, Savoy Theatre (London)

Rating:

Truly this is a great bear. An Ursa Major, as former BBC astronomer Patrick Moore might have said. Or, as the kids of today might put it, the new Paddington musical is 'bear lit, bro'.

The eagerly anticipated show, based on Michael Bond's children's books, and drawing on the film starring Hugh Bonneville and Nicole Kidman, looks like a fixture  set to stay at the top of the West End tree for the foreseeable.

Normally such hits need a star, and here that star is surely the costume. Stepping out onto the Paddington station stage, the golden-fleeced, forest-dwelling Peruvian asylum seeker triggers waves of rapturous delight.

Not only does he blink bashfully, his little puzzled muzzle wrinkles with extreme pathos  and off-the-Richter-scale cuteness. When he turns to wiggle his tiny behind, he gets the kind of reception normally reserved for a 40-point Samba on Strictly.

So the bear necessities  designed by Tahra Zafar  are genius. But Paddington is a team effort. His voice is delivered from the wings by James Hameed, while the costume itself is inhabited by Arti Shah.

She has the little fella's adorable wiggle off pat. And yet, the voice am I wrong to miss the oh so cuddly tones of Ben Whishaw?

But let's not forget, there's also a musical attached to the costume, with comic, anthemic and shamelessly sappy songs by Tom Fletcher (of yesteryear's boy band, McFly).

Toe-tappers include the theme of fabulous villainess Millicent Clyde (Victoria Hamilton-Barritt), Pretty Little Dead Things.

Un-bear-lievable: Paddington The Musical looks like a fixture set to stay at the top of the West End tree for the foreseeable

The show is based on Michael Bond's children's books and draws on the film starring Hugh Bonneville and Nicole Kidman

Also quickening the pulse is a carnival number, The Rhythm Of London, which drives the theatrical equivalent of an open-top bus tour.

And in Hard Stare we are reminded how bad manners can arouse Paddington's ursine wrath.

A mildly raucous music hall number, It's Never Too Late, is led by double-jointed Bonnie Langford as the Scottish housekeeper who lives in Primrose Hill with the Brown family, who adopt Paddington.

And the big finale is an ode to love and kindness that owes a riff or two to Neil Young's Only Love Can Break Your Heart.

Amy Ellen Richardson is thoroughly wholesome as Paddington's champion, Mrs Brown, but the big laughs are administered by comic virtuoso Tom Edden as the miserable stickler cabbie with a disconsolate scrape-over wig.

His conversion to Seville orange conserve while taking tea with Paddington at the National Gallery cues the psychedelic showstopper Marmalade (with the lyric 'I don't know if I should admit it, I'd take a sticky shower in it').

Edden's Mr Curry is, however, run close for best character by Hamilton-Barritt's baddie, who outrageously mixes Frances Barber with Margaret Thatcher on her mission to see Paddington stuffed.

There is also Amy Booth-Steel's pith-helmeted, unctuously officious secretary of the Geographers' Guild, Lady Sloane.

But almost stealing the marmalade sandwich is Hank, the pigeon puppet (operated by Ben Redfern), who lives in a wheelie bin and squawks cockney rhyming slang.

Dare I say there are bear sceptics? My teenage daughter, not fooled by the fur, sided with the Brown's teenage daughter Judy (Delilah Bennett-Cardy) in condemning Paddington as 'annoying' for trashing the family home and costing Dad his job.

For her, Mr Brown (Adrian Der Gregorian), the risk-averse risk assessor who wants Paddington out, was 'the only sane member of the family'.

And, most amusingly, a set of sensible-looking mums behind us were reduced to paroxysms of suffocated mirth when Paddington takes an arrow towards the end (spoiler alert: he recovers).

But that's also the balance Luke Sheppard's fun-loving production strikes: adding a pinch of salt to ensure the saccharine message about kindness saving the world isn't quite as corny as the Peruvian maize drink chicha morada.

Tourists are likely to swell the producers' coffers, thanks to Tom Pye's monumental fantasy London staging  in particular the glorious Natural History Museum set complete with dodo, stuffed giraffes and the butt-end of a brontosaurus skeleton.

There are also skylines, a life-sized black cab and an endangered red pillar box. But ominously for Paddington, the King's Guards feature, too, wearing their famous red jackets and giant bearskin hats.

Paddington The Musical is running until October 2026
Ant McPartlin sparked health concerns just minutes into Sunday night's episode of I'm A Celebrity - and worried fans have begged ITV bosses to step in.

The latest instalment of the programme saw Ant, 50, and co-star Declan Donnelly, also 50, return to our screens with their hilarious and witty banter.

But really early on, viewers took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to point out something different about Ant.

The Geordie presenter had a very husky voice as he hosted a segment before Emmerdale star Lisa Riley's trial.

As Dec hit the back of his back to help clear Ant's throat, he brutally told him: 'Cough it up son!'

A shocked Ant jokingly said: 'I'll shove you over there in a minute!' as he pretended to push him over the edge of the banister.

Ant McPartlin sparked health concerns just minutes into Sunday night's episode of I'm A Celebrity - and worried fans have begged ITV bosses to step in

The latest instalment of the programme saw Ant, 50, and co-star Declan Donnelly, also 50, return to our screens with their hilarious and witty banter

Fans wrote on social media: 'Poor Ant's voice.'

'Someone get Ant a lemsip #ImACeleb.'

'poor ants going to have no voice at the end of this.'

'Ant what happened to your voice.'

'Oh ant has a husky voice.'

'Oh dear Ant doesn't sound very well at all.'

'poor Ants voice is going! Can someone please get some honey and lemon to in the jungle please.'

'Awwww poor ant has lost his voice.'

Many took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share their concern about Ant's throat - with one asking if anyone had a lozenge

The response comes after I'm A Celeb fans were left 'devastated' after Eddie Kadi become the second contestant to be voted out of the jungle on Sunday evening.

The funnyman, 42, found himself in the bottom two alongside model Vogue Williams, before hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly announced it was he who had received the fewest votes and would be leaving camp.

Fans were gutted by the decision, claiming Eddie was one of the most 'underrated' campmates and Vogue or Kelly Brook should have received the boot instead.

Eddie, who was second to leave after Lioness Alex Scott, said his farewells before sitting down for his exit interview where he reflected on his jungle experience, telling the hosts how it had 'changed his life'.

He said: 'I feel like I've been in there a year, it's literally changed my life. Coming from Congo, where we have a massive rainforest, I feel like I've had a taste of what my grandparents experienced, and I realise now why they were so humble.

'They were joyful regardless of any situation. Even when you've got no food, it goes to show that we are enough as human people.'

I'm A Celeb fans were left 'devastated' after Eddie Kadi become the second contestant to be voted out of the jungle on Sunday evening

The funnyman, 42, found himself in the bottom two alongside model Vogue Williams, before hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly announced he had received the fewest votes

Taking to X, fans said: 'Eddie was the most underrated Campmate. Seems like such a lovely guy.'

'I'm so surprised that Kelly is still there! Eddie didn't deserve to go yet, so annoyed.'

'Eddie shouldn't have gone it should have been the Dullard Vogue.'

'Kelly Brook was annoying me that much I've stopped watching, but what do you mean Eddie is out?!?'

'Noooooooo - man, what is it with the British people and votes?! Absolutely love Eddie He didn't get a fair edit in my opinion.'

The evening's episode opened with Shona and Lisa's first morning as camp leader and deputy and they both woke up well rested from a great night's sleep in the comfort of the treehouse.

Eddie was in charge of the rice that morning, having been appointed cooking duty by Shona and Lisa the night before.

He admitted to Tom about the new responsibility, he was 'nervous, because I live by myself. When you're cooking for you, there's no one to judge.'

Eddie headed down to take a shower, with the rice cooking away on the fire. He told the Bush Telegraph: 'Breakfast is going well, the rice is nearly done. Myself and Ruby have got this under control.'

However, it appeared the camp had other ideas on Eddie's cooking ability as Kelly could smell burning.

Kelly told the Bush Telegraph: 'He made the colossal error of putting the rice on and going for a shower. I watched him do it, I didn't wanna say anything because I can't get involved, I have a feeling this morning it's gonna be a little bit crispy!'

Fans were gutted by the decision claiming Eddie was one of the most 'underrated' campmates and Vogue or Kelly Brook should have received the boot instead

Eddie said his farewells before sitting down for his exit interview where he reflected on his jungle experience, telling the hosts how it had 'changed his life'

'I feel like I've had a taste of what my grandparents experienced, and I realise now why they were so humble. They were joyful regardless of any situation'

Eddie was met by his pal Deji Akinyemi as he crossed the iconic bridge back into civilisation

Taking to X fans said: 'Eddie was the most underrated Campmate. Seems like such a lovely guy' and 'I'm so surprised that Kelly is still there! Eddie didn't deserve to go yet, so annoyed'

And it appeared Ruby also had something to say about Vogue tending to the fire as she whispered to Ginge: 'She just destroyed it, she doesn't know what she's doing.'

As Vogue quipped back: 'Are you two b****ing about me?' as they giggled and Ginge whispered back to Ruby 'absolutely clueless'.

As the burnt rice was served for breakfast, everyone was less than impressed.

Jack joked: 'It's Eddie's first race, so he's warming up to it.'

Later in yet more tension, Shona entered camp with a laminate, as she guiltily told her fellow campmates: 'please don't hate me...'

The laminate informed the celebrities contraband had been found in camp, in the form of butter.

The evening's episode opened with Shona and Lisa's first morning as camp leader and deputy and they both woke up well rested from a great night's sleep in the comfort of the treehouse

Things were heating up as I'm A Celebrity entered its third and final week with Sunday's jam-packed and episode - as Eddie ended up burning some rice which led to a war of words

With Shona as the camp leader, she had an important choice to make - as punishment for the contraband found in camp she could either step down as leader, or lose two stars won in the day's trial.

Coming clean, Shona told the camp 'I'm not responsible for it, but I used it' as she revealed the contraband in question was some butter she found in the food trunk.

As the celebrities deduced it might have been Alex who smuggled it in, Shona told the Bush Telegraph: 'I don't know where it came from, but I saw it and my eyes lit up and I used it.'

Taking the decision herself, Shona decided to dethrone from her role as camp leader as Aitch took Shona's big leaf she was using as a crown and put it on the fire.

The celebrities then took a vote to appoint a new camp leader, with Ruby winning by a landslide.

She told her campmates: 'Things are about to change' as she told the camp 'No more Mrs Nice Guy!' and demanded that Shona should be her footstool, Aitch should be her entertainer and Ginge her dancer.

I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! continues Monday on ITV1 from 9pm and is available to stream on ITVX.
An Antiques Roadshow guest was stunned after discovering the value of his dad's rare watch - only for a jaw-dropping twist to follow.

On Sunday's (November 30) episode, the BBC show featured previously unseen footage or 'hidden treasures'.

One man brought in a rare Omega watch, which, as a child, he had seen his father wear on special occasions.

Clock expert Alastair Chandler, who carried out the valuation, branded the timepiece as a 'real classic'.

He shared: 'This is a fabulous Omega Speedmaster made in Switzerland.

'Its a real classic watch. However, what really caught my attention was its such an unusual dial configuration for an Omega Speedmaster.'

An Antiques Roadshow guest was amazed to learn the value of a family heirloom watch - and made a firm decision

He brought his dad's Omega watch - which had been purchased for 59 for 1971 - in for a valuation

Clock expert Alastair Chandler, who carried out the valuation, branded the watch as a 'real classic'

The guest recounted how his dad bought the watch back in 1971, for just 59 at the time.

Alastair noted that given this model's rarity, they do not come up for sale often, making it difficult where to place the watch.

The expert added: 'I can say in December 2024, a similar watch, same model, sold for just over 50,000 at auction.'

But despite this eye-watering sum, the guest revealed he had no intention of selling the watch.

The guest said: 'Wow, surprising. Very surprising', before agreeing with Alastair that the watch had been a good investment on his father's part.

He added: 'It's very, very good actually, very good. Dad chose wisely.'

Earlier in the conversation, Alastair also shared some of the watch's history, as he revealed: 'As soon as we mention the Speedmaster, we automatically think 'moon landing'.

'These watches were known as the moonwatch because they were the first watch to go to the moon, chosen by NASA.

'But youll notice on this watch theres nothing about the moon landing on it.

'And thats because it was primarily [used] as a chronograph for racing.'

Elsewhere, a previous episode of the BBC show saw a guest shocked to learn the whopping value of her brooch.

Appearing at the show's stop in Fife, Scotland, the guest explained that she inherited the beautiful piece from her grandmother - and that it was very nearly stolen from her family back in the 1970s.

Due to the near-theft, she's been too scared to wear the heirloom 'in case she lost it', but had concluded it was a simple piece of costume jewellery likely 'worth maybe 50 to 100'.

She said: 'So it was gifted to my great grandmother by my great great grandfather Robert Williamson on the occasion of her wedding in 1874.

'It was then inherited by my grandmother and a funny story is, that in the early 70s when I was about three or four, my grandparents' house had a burglar in it and my grandfather actually caught the gentleman in the act and it was in the hall ready to be stolen!

'So luckily we've still got it.'

In a previous episode, expert Siobhan Tyrrell did a valuation on this family heirloom brooch - with the guest who brought in left surprised by the amount

Expert Siobhan Tyrrell immediately described the piece as 'absolutely beautiful' and said that it was made of diamonds, emeralds and a garnet  a type of gemstone that was popular in the Victorian era.

Siobhan said: 'This Tudor revival jewellery is really, really popular. It sells very well at auction at the moment.

'It's easily going to make between 4,000 and 6,000.'

Shocked at the valuation, the owner exclaimed: 'Wow thanks very much!'

The guest decided that despite now knowing the brooch's value, she wanted to keep it in the family.

Antiques Roadshow airs Sundays on BBC One and is available to stream on iPlayer.
Unimpressed ITV viewers have slammed this year's 'abysmal' Christmas Day TV schedule - jeering 'I didn't think it could get any worse!'

Multiple ITV programmes will be airing festive editions later this month, but clearly this is not to everyone's taste.

This includes Loose Women having a Christmas Day special for the very first time in the show's history.

As the broadcaster shared what they had in store, X users raced to share their grievances - and didn't mince their words.

One person penned on X: 'Looks abysmal.'

Another remarked: 'Loose Women on Christmas Day WOW who needs the big film or anything religious ITV is really pushing the boat out and sparing no expense.'

ITV has released its festive schedule - and Loose Women will be airing a Christmas Day special for the first time

The Christmas period will also see a special festive episode of Lorraine (host Lorraine Kelly pictured last month)

The team at This Morning will also be on viewers' screens during Christmas Day (pictured: Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley)

A third penned: 'Christ what a terrible lineup for Christmas morning.'

While a fourth wrote: 'What? Loose Women is being broadcast on Christmas Day? I didn't think Christmas tv could get any worse!'

Good Morning Britain, Lorraine and This Morning will be kicking off ITV's festivities on December 25.

There will also be a special episode of James Martins Christmas Day - with guests Gloria Hunniford and Jodie Kidd.

In the wider schedule, Dragons' Den star Sara Davies is continuing her mission to get the nation crafting with Sara Davies' Christmas Craft Off.

Some of her previous guests include Coronation Street actor Tony Maudsley, Scarlette Douglas and Hilary Whitehall.

Love Your Christmas with Alan Titchmarsh and James Martin's Saturday Morning at Christmas will also be gracing screens during the festive period.

Another programme, Warwick Christmas Castle will offer a behind-the-scenes-glimpse as the 1,000-year-old Warwick Castle transforms into a winter wonderland.

It will be narrated by beloved presenter and comedian Mel Giedroyc.

Furthermore, John Torode and Lisa Faulkner will be serving up their festive inspiration in John and Lisa's Christmas Kitchen.

Ainsley Harriott welcomes friends including Josie Gibson, Sara Davies and Paul Ainsworth in Ainsleys Festive Flavours to cook festive treats.

The Fletchers Family Farm At Christmas showcases what happens on a working farm in snowy Austria during the busy festive season.

A festive spin-off follows Liz and the kids as they upcycle and craft for a family Christmas party in Fletchers Country Workshop.

Special episodes of James Martin's New Year's Morning and Love Your New Year's Day with Alan Titchmarsh will be seeing in 2026.

Last but not least, Joe Wicks' New Years Day starts off the new year along with guests including Olly Murs, Tilly Ramsey and Nisha Katona.

It comes after viewers were left similarly left upset with the BBC's Christmas telly schedule.

The Beeb's offering includes long-running sitcom Mrs Brown's Boys, which began in 2011 and will have two specials.

Meanwhile, the show features creator Brendan O'Carroll, 70, portraying foul-mouthed matriarch Agnes Brown.

Other shows on the BBC One schedule include The Night Manager, Amandaland, Death in Paradise and Here We Go.
Filming for This City Is Ours was plunged into chaos after being struck by Spanish criminals - as the crew were robbed by filming in Marbella.

The thieves ransacked an apartment being used by one of the production team near the tourist hotspot, where the gritty BBC drama is currently filming.

The crew member had their personal belongings stolen while filming took place last month, ahead of the second series release next year.

A source told the Daily Star: 'It was certainly the talk of the town.

'It was a shock that, as shooting for a major crime show was happening, one of those working on it also became a victim of crime. The irony was not lost on anyone.'

BBC drama This City Is Ours stars Sean Bean as gangster Ronnie Phelan and his family and their murky world of drugs trafficking.

Filming for BBC drama This City Is Ours was plunged into chaos after being struck by Spanish criminals - as the crew were robbed by filming in Marbella

James Nelson-Joyce, who plays leading gang member Michael Kavanagh, will be back for the second series as it returns to the BBC

While Sean, 66, was killed off at the end of series one, it was teased that bosses are hoping to see him make a return in the form of a flashback episode.

Earlier this year, an insider told The Mirror: 'The shape of season two is up in the air, but one thought is that Sean Bean will return as Ronnie in an episode about his backstory.'

The new series will see the return of Julie Graham as matriarch Elaine Phelan and James Nelson-Joyce, who plays leading gang member Michael Kavanagh.

Hannah Onslow will also return to the show as Michael's partner Diana Williams.

The first series of the drama proved a itself a hit with viewers when it first aired back in March, pulling in six million viewers with the drama shooting to the top of the BBC's most-watched drama list.

It was packed with a number of steamy scenes, which both wowed and shocked viewers - but the series' debut wasn't without its complaints.

In the first five minutes of the series' debut episode, it launched into a saucy moment between Michael Kavanagh (James Nelson-Joyce) and Diana Williams (Hannah Onslow).

Delving into the couple's relationship, the gritty drama series follows the pair's highs and lows as Michael balances his crumbling criminal career.

Sean, 66, was killed off at the end of series one, it was teased that bosses are hoping to see him make a return in the form of a flashback episode

The tense drama also starred Kevin Harvey and Laura Aikman

In one of the first scenes of the instalment, the gangster is shown in a family planning clinic and is taken to a room to give a sperm sample.

As soon as the door closes, he calls Diana, who is at a bar and asks if she can 'give him some assistance'.

'Some words of encouragement, seeing as we are in this together,' he adds.

Diana moves into an empty room and says, 'In that case, seeing as we are in this together, what if I joined you - so to speak?'

Michael replies, 'Are you serious?'

The pair then engage in a steamy exchange over the phone and the scene ends with Michael placing his sample into a hatch.

However, after the first instalment aired many viewers shared a similar complaint about the sound quality.

One posted on X: 'What does a sound engineer do? Not very much, if this is an example of their work.'

Another described it as 'poor' and said: 'I'm having to zoom the volume up and down all the time, is it my TV, my hearing, or just poor sound editing and muffled dialogue?'

Fans were disappointed in the first series, which also starred Derry Girls' Saiorse Monica Jackson and Stephen Walters, when it was released

While someone else commented: 'Fed up already with turning the sound on the TV up and down.'

A fourth penned: '#thiscityisours is promising but they need to knock the soundtrack down a bit, can't hear what's being said sometime!'

Fans were mostly left livid to see Sean Bean killed off in a 'mad' murder scene.

Towards the end of the second episode, Sean's character Ronnie relaxes outside on a sunbed in his Spanish villa and things soon take a turn.

Michael takes a knife from the kitchen drawer when Diana catches him, she attempts to talk her partner out of it.

But Michael is convinced he'll be discarded in favour of Ronnie's son, ignores Diana's pleas and murders the drug boss, marking the end of Sean's brief appearance in the series.

Sean has seen several of his TV characters killed off previously and fans were quick to complain about his swift departure in this series.

One posted on X: 'I can't keep watching Sean Bean DIE,' as another penned: 'Well as normal Sean Bean didnt last long.'

Someone else wrote: 'The great Sean Bean, legend of big and small screen deserves better than this absolute drivel,' while a fourth joked: 'Perhaps he can only manage 30 minutes of acting per programme...'

This City Is Ours is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
The explosive first ever trailer of Coronation Street and Emmerdale's crossover episode Corriedale has been shared - and it looks like it's not one to miss.

Soap fans will go wild after watching the sneak peek of the epic episode which is set to our screens in early January 2026.

In the first look, viewers will see the aftermath of a terrifying crash located outside of the fictional village of Hotten, which is one of the made-up locations of Emmerdale.

It appears that the residents of Weatherfield have travelled all the way over to Yorkshire as a mix of Corrie and Emmerdale characters star in the clip.

Emmerdale fans will be happy to know that Liam Cavanagh (Jonny McPherson) and Aaron Dingle (Danny Miller) will appear in the special ep.

Coronation Street legends David Platt (Jack P. Shepherd), Tracy Barlow (Kate Ford) and Lisa Swain (Vicky Myers) will be swapping the Cobbles for the Yorkshire Dales this time around.

The explosive first ever trailer of Coronation Street and Emmerdale 's crossover episode Corriedale has been shared - and it looks like it's not one to miss

Soap fans will go wild after watching the sneak peek of the epic episode which is set to our screens in early January 2026

But the real question is, who will survive and how exactly have the worlds of Coronation Street and Emmerdale managed to both get involved in a car collision?

ITV's official press release states: 'CORRIEDALE is just the start of the drama as the aftermath of the crash gives rise to fear, murderous intent, death, destruction, closely-guarded secrets, and lies.

'Life in Emmerdale and Weatherfield will never be the same again!'

Back in May it was revealed that the shows are set to make soap history with a landmark crossover episode.

The channel said at the time: 'The distinctive worlds of Emmerdale and Coronation Street will merge for one night only in a mash-up of our two favourite communities.

'The producers, scriptwriters and production teams have conceived an ingenious way of linking the two universes, but with characters then returning to the soaps they are renowned for inhabiting in Manchester and Yorkshire.

'The episode will be self-contained, but the consequences of the high-stakes drama will have repercussions for both communities and see them linked forever as familiar faces depart and exciting new characters arrive into both soaps.'

Filming for special started back in October.

Filming for special started back in October, but news of the special episode was brought to light in May

Iain MacLeod, ITV Executive Producer for Continuing Drama, said at the time: "Its beyond exciting that filming is underway on Corriedale.

'There is a massive buzz around both the Leeds and Manchester sites, and the images coming out of the shoot are utterly spectacular.

'And thats before weve even got to all the brilliant transpennine interactions between characters from the different shows!

'As a soap fan myself, I think my head is going to explode when the episode airs next year.

'It will be mind-blowing, historical and unmissable.'

Corriedale will see the residents of Weatherfield - the fictional town in Salford, Greater Manchester, where Coronation Street is set - and the villagers of Emmerdale, based in Yorkshire, come together for an action-packed hour of drama.

The combined production teams have embarked on an ambitious stunt that will have everlasting consequences for everyone involved.

Details of the stunt and which characters are involved are being kept under wraps.

Corriedale will see the residents of Weatherfield - the fictional town in Salford, Greater Manchester, where Coronation Street is set - and the villagers of Emmerdale, based in Yorkshire, come together for an action-packed hour of drama

However, Iain recently revealed that an iconic Coronation Street character will be killed off next year.

He is quoted by the Daily Star newspaper as saying: 'The soap gods demand a sacrifice when you have an event of this kind.

'Sometimes the biggest and best exits are for characters that you care the most about.

'It's going to be shocking. There will be lots of trauma, drama and twists.'

Iain also suggested that the death is so significant that it has caused arguments between producers of the show.

He said: 'There's always that equation where you think, 'If they were to go, the viewers will really care, but what damage will it do to the landscape of the show?'

'It's a big responsibility, so we do agonise about it quite a lot and argue about it.'

The special marks the start of the new soap power hour schedule, with each show screening 30-minute episodes every weekday - Emmerdale at 8pm and Coronation Street at 8.30pm.
A movie branded 'one of the worst ever made' has surprisingly risen up the Netflix charts despite having a 10% score on Rotten Tomatoes.

Released in 2024, Madame Web is based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name - but the thriller was very poorly received.

Despite the largely negative reviews, Madame Web rocketed up the Netflix charts after being added to the platform on Saturday.

In fact, the film found its way to the number one position, outranking festive flicks Jingle Bell Heist and That Christmas.

It comes as Madame Web achieved a very low score of just 10% on the aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes.

Disappointed users shared their thoughts - and didn't mince their words, as one said: 'Not much to say honestly this movie is so ridiculously bad it's funny.'

A poorly received film branded 'one of the worst ever made' has risen to the top of Netflix's charts

Madame Web is based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name and stars Dakota Johnson

The film also features Sydney Sweeney in the role of awkward teenager Julia Cornwall - who is hunted by the film's villain

Another wrote: 'Wow this is just trash.'

While a third remarked: 'I've attended funerals that were more enjoyable than Madame Web.

'This should have a government health warning at the start. You will feel worse for watching it. Terrible.'

Madame Web starred Dakota Johnson as Cassie Webb, a Manhattan paramedic who starts to gain clairvoyant abilities.

The film's cast also included Sydney Sweeney, Isabela Merced, Emma Roberts, Adam Scott and Tahar Rahim.

At the time of release, Madame Web was torn apart by critics and viewers, who declared it 'the worst comic book movie ever' and 'an embarrassing mess'.

Writing on X, one person penned: 'I watched #MadameWeb and it was bad. I tried to give it a chance but sadly the poor execution didn't help it.

'The cast was awesome but the performances were definitely disappointing...'

Another shared: '#MadameWeb is an embarrassing mess. Talented stars wasted on probably the worst comic book movie I have ever seen.

'Filled with atrocious dialogue, awkward editing & all around laughable structure.

'I sat there baffled scene by scene someone approved this. The memes will redeem it.'

However, other watchers had very different takeaways from Madam Web as a whole.

Upon its initial release, Madame Web was torn apart by critics and viewers - scoring just 10% on Rotten Tomatoes

One said: '#MadameWeb exceeds expectations! Some of the dialog is cheesy AF, some heavy-handed product placement and probably couldve been tidied up a bit more.

'But the cast really work magic with that they had, their chemistry is a lot of fun and the suits look great.'

'#MadameWeb is totally fine. There's really not a lot to say here. The leads are charming. Dakota Johnson is a witchy weirdo.

'The slasher/FINAL DESTINATION meets superhero vibes are there.

'But there's just not a whole lot to it. Not a disaster. Just kinda there.'

It comes as an 'insanely sinister and eerily realistic' rocketed up Netflix's charts last month.

The Crystal Cuckoo is a Spanish drama based on Javier Castillo's 2021 novel El cuco de cristal.

The six-part series landed on the popular streaming service on November 14, and follows the story of a young woman called Clara Merlo who travels to a fictional Spanish town called Yesques to find out more about her heart donor.

'Hoping to learn more about her heart donor, a young doctor arrives in a mountain town where decades of mysterious tragedies plague the small community,' Netflix's synopsis reads.
Jack Osbourne was visibly emotional after finally receiving his letter from home on I'm A Celebrity - following outcry from fans and his sister Kelly.

The reality star, 40, had been the only campmate to miss out on the precious correspondence in a previous episode.

In tonight's instalment, AngryGinge, Kelly Brook and Aitch headed off to do that day's Dingo Dollar challenge.

The trio not only won the prize on offer - milk bottles - but also the surprise addition of Jack's letter from home.

Shocked by the news, Jack hugged his three fellow campmates as Kelly read aloud the letter.

It was written by Jack's wife Aree, who penned 'You are so in your element out there' and praised her husband for 'keeping the fires ablaze, cooking five star meals, and being an amazing camp protector and often leader.'

I'm A Celebrity's Jack Osbourne was visibly emotional as he finally received his letter from home

The reality star's campmates AngryGinge, Aitch and Kelly Brook managed to win Jack's letter for him

The heartwarming twist came after Jack had been the only campmate to miss out on receiving the letter initially

Meanwhile, Aree also referenced Jack's very impressive performance in the Drown The Hatch trial - where he won all 12 stars with ease.

Referencing Jack's wider family, Aree continued: 'The girls are doing amazing. Your mum is so proud of you and Kelly doesnt miss an episode.'

As he listened to the words being read out, Jack became increasingly emotional and wiped away a tear.

In Sunday's episode, Martin Kemp, Aitch and Vogue Williams attempted to secure a letter for Jack from his family, but answered how old he was when he started filming for The Osbourne's incorrectly.

After giving the wrong answer, the trio watched helplessly as his letter was shredded up in a blender.

Upon receiving the news, Jack tried to put on a brave face and said he had to 'suck up' his emotion as he watched his other 10 campmates get theirs.

He said: 'In this experience, you kind of have to hang up emotion. I'd rather just be in this, suck it up, fight it.'

One fan wrote on X: 'Jack dying inside listening to all of their letters: #ImACeleb.'

Another penned: 'Im sorry but everyone should have a letter, they need to change it to make sure it happens. Jack didnt deserve to miss out #ImACeleb.'

While a third remarked: 'Absolutely heartbreaking that Jack is the only one not to receive his letter from home #ImACeleb.'

His sister Kelly Osbourne posted a video on her Instagram story saying she was 'so sad' her sibling had missed out on his letter .

Kelly Brook came up with a plan to help her and the other campmates successfully complete the challenge

The trio sneakily decided to eat half of the treat they had won before returning to camp with the other half

She said: 'I just want to say thank you to everyone who voted to keep Jack in the jungle, he's doing really well.

'He's doing so well. I'm so sad he didn't get his letter from the family.

'But he took it really, really well. But I'm even more sad Eddie's left the jungle cause I loved Eddie. This sucks.'

Upon arriving for the Dingo Dollar challenge, the three campmates had noticed some udders and a huge carton of milk which was extremely out of date.

Kev explained via a tannoy that they would need to get the milk into the milk carton using the buckets scattered around them.

But in a catch, the milk carton itself was full of holes, meaning theyd have to use themselves to block up the holes as they slowly filled it.

Kelly came up with the idea to place buckets underneath each of the holes in the carton to catch the split milk, so they could put it back in.

From there, they all took it in turns to collect more milk from the udders to pour in as they went.

Eventually they successfully got the milk to the red line on the carton, meaning theyd won Kevs dingo dollars.

This other celebrities back at camp had to answer the following question: Which one of these school based jobs has Ginge said he did? A) Lollipop Man, B) Dinnerlady or C) Caretaker

The other campmates correctly guessed B, meaning Kelly, Aitch and Ginge received the milk bottles on offer and Jacks letter from home.

In a sneaky twist, the three of them decided to eat half of the milk bottles themselves, tucking into three each at Kevs ice cream van, before returning to camp with the other half.

Emotions previously ran high in the jungle when the other campmates received their coveted letters.

This included Vogue Williams's letter from her husband Spencer Matthews, who is currently taking part in seven full iron triathlons across seven continents in 21 days.

It means he's been unable to fly out to Australia in preparation for her exit this week.

The letter read: 'My darling Vogue, the kids and I are so unbelievably proud of you. Watching you take on the jungle with courage, humour and heart, fills us with admiration.

'You've always had this incredible ability to light up any room you walk into and we're delighted seeing you do the same out there'.

A visibly emotional Vogue, 37, put her head in her hands and wept as Shona McGarty continued to read Spencer's letter.

'Keep being you, we're all behind you cheering you on, we're all counting down the days until we can wrap our arms around you again.'

He signed off: 'We all adore you, Spenner.'

I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! continues Tuesday on ITV1 and ITVX.
I'm A Celeb's Vogue Williams became the third star voted out of the jungle on Monday but husband Spencer Matthews was not in Oz to greet her.

The mother-of-three, 40, who arrived six days after the rest of the campmates as a surprise late entry alongside Tom Read Wilson, got the boot after landing in the bottom two with fellow model Kelly Brook.

After hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly revealed it was Vogue who had received the fewest viewer votes, she said her farewells before sitting down for her exit interview.

The TV personality, who shares three children Theodore, seven, Gigi, five, and Otto, two, with the Made in Chelsea star Spencer, was met off the bridge by her agent, Louisa McDonald.

Her husband of seven years was unable to support the star in Australia because he is currently completing his sixth Iron Man in a row in Brazil before he heads to his final race in Antarctica.

Upon her exit, Vogue admitted that while she was delighted to be leaving after struggling with the lack of food, she would miss her fellow celebs.

I'm A Celeb's Vogue Williams became the third star voted out of the jungle on Monday but husband Spencer Matthews was not in Oz to greet her

The TV personality, who shares three children Theodore, seven, Gigi, five, and Otto, two, with the Made in Chelsea star, Spencer, was met off the bridge by her agent, Louisa McDonald

Her husband of seven years was unable to support the star in Australia because he is currently completing his sixth Iron Man in a row in Brazil before he heads to his final race in Antarctica

She also discussed simmering tensions within camp after viewers watched another cooking row erupt during the latest episode.

Vogue said: 'Ginge and Aitch are a bit resistant to their chores. I dont really understand the whole cup-gate. I just turned into what Im like at home'.

Before branding Kelly a 'snake' after being shown footage of the model, AngryGinge and Aitch stealing treats from Deals on Wheels challenge.

She later threw her support behind Ruby Wax, 72, for the win and claimed the comedian 'had it in the bag' to be crowned Queen of The Jungle.

Taking to X fans were viewers convinced that Vogue had had the chop after her numerous clashes with 'fan favourites' AngryGinge and Aitch.

'Vogue was bound to leave': 'The fact Vogue is gone cuz she called out Ginge for being lazy even tho yesterday Ruby and Ginge was talking about Vogue behind her back': Notice how Vogue didn't say she didn't dislike Aitch & Ginge? Think there's a dislike going on there'.

Last week Spencer said he was 'so proud' of his wife during her time in the jungle and had been watching the show 'as much as he can' during his challenge alongside a gushing post about how much he misses the model.

He wrote on Instagram: 'Impossible to love this woman more So proud. Not just of what shes doing now, but generally.

Vogue crossed the iconic bridge after being the third star voted out of the jungle

Vogue (L) Kelly Brook (R)

After hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly revealed it was her who had received the fewest viewer votes, Vogue said her farewells before sitting down for her exit interview

Upon her exit, Vogue admitted that while she was delighted to be leaving after struggling with the lack of food, she would miss her fellow celebs

She also discussed simmering tensions within camp after viewers watched another cooking row erupt during the latest episode

Vogue said: 'Ginge and Aitch are a bit resistant to their chores. I dont really understand the whole cup-gate. I just turned into what Im like at home'

Taking to X fans were viewers convinced that Vogue had had the chop after her numerous clashes with 'fan favourites' AngryGinge and Aitch

'Vogue was bound to leave, nothing to do with Ginge and Aitch, people werent happy with her reaction to jacks letter the night before'

'Admiring her when we first met and wanting to be more like her helped me become a better person. I probably wouldnt have achieved half the things Im now proud of if it werent for her.

'Every single banging tune that I listened to today reminded me of her. Sometimes I forget that we cant talk and think to myself that Ill call her and share the highs and lows of what were going through then remember that I cant and it immediately makes me feel sad I hate not speaking to her, it feels so weird.

'Im catching up when I can on her time in the jungle and just find myself grinning ear to ear watching her get more and more comfortable.

'She is without a doubt the most extraordinary person Ive met and has always had a deeply positive impact on everyone she meets. Wishing her the absolute best of luck and sending love from afar.'

Their children are at home in London being looked after by Vogues mother Sandra while their parents are away, with Spencer due to finish his seven Iron Mans in seven continents challenge.

Explaining why her children werent flying out with the other families, she said: My kids are very young and they're in school and I will have to deal with the fallout of very little children flying that long for two days so I've asked for Spencer not to bring them out.

'Whether he changes his mind, I don't know. Also Spencer might not be there because he's doing his project Seven in Seven.

During the latest episode AngryGinge clashed with Kelly and Vogue as she waded into yet another cooking-based row.

During the latest episode AngryGinge clashed with Kelly and Vogue as she waded into yet another cooking-based row

Vogue was first to hit back, saying: 'People have the right to have a clean bowl in the morning and a clean whatever they want in the afternoon and a clean one in the evening'

The group had chosen to eat their breakfast rice rations out of the mugs they have available in camp, meaning there was plenty of washing to be done.

And AngryGinge, 24, made no secret of the fact that he wasn't pleased at all with having been assigned the job, telling the group: 'Can we please stop eating rice out of cups?'

Kelly, 46, and Martin Kemp protested, AngryGinge went on to complain that he felt he'd been left with twice the amount of washing now he had to wash ten cups and ten food containers.

'If we could just have the rice in the container, and the beans in the container, that's ten things,' he continued.

Vogue was first to hit back, saying: 'People have the right to have a clean bowl in the morning and a clean whatever they want in the afternoon and a clean one in the evening.'

Kelly chimed in to explain that she wanted to keep eating out of the cups in the morning because it made it feel 'more like breakfast' and added variety to their meals.

But AngryGinge was having none of it, hitting out again: 'So we're double the washing up because it feels a bit more like breakfast?'

Kelly headed into the Bush Telegraph to add: 'If youre leaving food in camp, by the time you get back to your tin at lunch time, its gonna be covered in ants.

'It's really unhygienic and its not very nice, so no one wants to do it...'
Jada Pinkett Smith threatened her husband Will's long-time friend that he would 'end up missing' if he didn't stop talking about her personal business, shocking court papers claim.

Alternatively he would 'catch a bullet,' the papers filed by Bilaal Salaam allege.

Salaam, also known as Brother Bilaal, is accusing Pinkett Smith of inflicting emotional distress and is seeking $3 million damages.

He is representing himself in the case, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court.

According to his filing, Jada, 54, approached Salaam with a posse of seven in the lobby of a hotel in Calabasas, California, during a private gathering for Will's 53rd birthday in September 2021.

She became 'verbally aggressive,' he said, threatened him, and demanded he sign a non-disclosure agreement 'or else,' at which point he allegedly left for his car, with one of the seven associates following him to continue issuing 'verbal threats'.

Bilaal Salaam told Daily Mail that he plans to go after his 'former best friend' Will Smith and that he plans to get 'justice for the atrocities committed against me' by the couple

According to court filings, Jada allegedly approached Salaam with a group of seven in the lobby of a Calabasas hotel during a private 2021 birthday gathering for Will, became 'verbally aggressive,' threatened him and demanded he sign a non-disclosure agreement 'or else'

Salaam  who made a cameo appearance in Will Smith's 2000 movie The Legend of Bagger Vance  described himself in his suit as 'a best friend for nearly 40 years'.

'This relationship is confirmed by Will Smith's published memoir, Will, which features plaintiff by name and/or photograph, and public testimony by actor D.L. Hughley,' he wrote

Salaam claims he endured harrowing consequences, including PTSD, the onset of high blood-pressure and Type 2 diabetes, gaining 100 pounds and was 'forced into self-exile for nearly two years' which, he says cost him his long-term romantic relationship and the opportunity to see his children.

Speaking to the Daily Mail after filing the papers, Salaam said he is 'seeking justice for the atrocities committed against me by Will and Jada'.

And he clarified that while the three counts target his former best friend's wife, he says he plans to file against 57-year-old Will as well.

Salaam says he was threatened again immediately after the 2022 Oscars when Will Smith famously slapped Chris Rock over a joke about his wife's alopecia.

Salaam, 55, is suing Jada Pinkett Smith for $3million in damages for inflicting emotional distress, the Daily Mail can reveal

Actor Duane Martin contacted him asking for his help with crisis management, but he said he refused because 'his conscience would not allow him to be involved in any cover-up or deceptive PR campaign'.

Martin told him he would have 'serious problems with Jada if he refused to help, his papers say.

He then received threats from three of Smith's associates, he claims.

The threats intensified when it became known he was planning a memoir about his time with the Smiths.

Salaam is even suing Jada for 'intentional infliction of emotional distress' because she denied to TMZ that she had ever seen her husband engage in sexual or intimate behavior with men.

He said she knew this was false because he had released a video showing Will grope actor Alfonso Ribeiro  'including his penis, nipple and buttocks'  in front of Jada and her children.

He said her denial 'was a deliberate effort to discredit' him and it implied his earlier statements about Will were 'inaccurate, delusional, or fabricated, causing severe public ridicule and loss of credibility'.

All the pressure meant that Salaam's 'luxury jewelry brand, Bopulent,  which he claimed had celebrity endorsements from Kevin Hart, Jamie Foxx, Viola Davis and Snoop Dogg  was destroyed, he claimed.

And, he said, his whistleblower memoir, for which he was projected to receive a $500,000 advance had to be suspended 'out of fear and emotional collapse'.

In response, Jada appeared on iHeartMedia radio program and, according to the filing, 'falsely stated' that Salaam 'had attempted a money shakedown, suggesting Plaintiff engaged in criminal extortion'

Actor Duane Martin allegedly called Salaam asking for for help in the 'PR cover-up' following the Academy Awards incident

Salaam also claims that the online fallout with Jada and Will destroyed his career and personal life, leading to severe emotional and physical health declines

The court document states Jada 'began a coordinated media smear campaign against Salaam appearing on iHeartMedia radio program.

On the show, she 'falsely stated' that Salaam 'had attempted a "money shakedown"  suggesting Plaintiff engaged in criminal extortion, according to the documents.

The court document goes on to say Jada publicly stated she and her husband were going to sue him, damaging his reputation, but never followed through.

Those claims revolve around Salaam's allegations that he walked in on Smith having sex with Duane Martin years ago.

'The statement was false, reckless, and made with malicious intent to manipulate public opinion and damage plaintiffs character,' the nine-page court filing claims.

Reps for Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith did not respond to the Daily Mail's request for comment.
Sydney radio host Jimmy Smith is the latest casualty in a long string of fallen breakfast hosts at 2DayFM.

Jimmy, 35, who co-hosts the Jimmy & Nath Breakfast Show with Emma, revealed on Friday he was stepping down to prioritise his mental health.

'This has been one of the most difficult decisions I've ever had to make,' he said in a statement.

'Taking this week off made me realise just how much I've been struggling with my mental health. I'm not okay right now, and I need to step back and focus on getting well.'

Smith's co-hosts Nath Roye and Emma Chow will continue with the show for the rest of the year.

His departure is the latest in a raft of high-profile announcers who have sat in the 2DayFM breakfast chair.

Sydney radio host Jimmy Smith is the latest casualty in a long string of fallen breakfast hosts at 2DayFM. Jimmy, 35, who co-hosts the Jimmy & Nath Breakfast Show with Emma, revealed on Friday he was stepping down to prioritise his mental health

Smith's co-hosts Nath Roye and Emma Chow (pictured) will continue with the show for the rest of the year

In fact, the 2DayFM has gone through seven line-ups in an effort to claw back some ratings from Kyle Sandilands and Jackie O Henderson, who defected from the network to KIIS FM in 2013.

Merrick Watts, Jules Lund, and Sophie Monk with Mel Brown - 2014

Merrick Watts, Jules Lund, and Sophie Monk with Mel Brown took over breakfast radio following Kyle Sandilands and Jackie O Henderson's move to KIIS FM in 2014.

However, the group didn't last long, with their radio show ending by January 2015.

Former Spice Girl Mel B was the first to go after her six-month contract expired, followed by Sophie Monk, who cited early starts as the reason for her departure.

Dan Debuf and Maz Compton - 2015

After presenting both national night and drive-time slots, Dan and Maz were offered the illustrious Sydney breakfast program in 2015.

Dan and Maz lasted only eight months in the breakfast position before they were bumped to weekends in favour of a new show starring Rove McManus and Sam Frost.

At the time of their axing, Dan and Maz had failed to gain traction in the Sydney radio market, sitting on a 3.6 per cent audience share.

Merrick Watts, Jules Lund, and Sophie Monk with Mel Brown took over breakfast radio following Kyle Sandilands and Jackie O Henderson's move to KIIS FM in 2014. However, the group didn't last long, with their radio show ending by January 2015

After presenting both national night and drive-time slots, Dan and Maz were offered the illustrious Sydney breakfast program in 2015. Dan and Maz lasted only eight months in the breakfast position before they were bumped to weekends

Rove McManus and Sam Frost - 2016

Another high-profile duo that failed to capture audiences ears were Rove McManus and Sam Frost.

Taking over the slot in November 2015, the pair struggled to gain traction.

The Sydney Morning Herald reported at the time that they began 2016 with just a 3 per cent share of the Sydney radio market.

In January 2017, Rove and Sam moved from the breakfast slot to a national nightly program.

Merrick and Jules were eventually removed from the timeslot to make way for Dan Debuf and Maz Compton.

'I know it looks like a nightmare on paper, but for me personally I learnt a lot,' Merrick told Confidential at the time.

'I learnt a lot about radio, about myself as a broadcaster.'

Another high-profile duo that failed to capture audiences ears were Rove McManus and Sam Frost. Taking over the slot in November 2015, the pair struggled to gain traction

Em Rusciano and Harley Breen - 2017

Em Rusciano and Harley Breen took over the slot in 2017.

A year later Harley announced he was leaving the station to focus on his stand-up comedy career.

Following his announcement, Em broke down live on air, admitting she was 'really sad' about Harley's departure.

Six months after leaving the 2DayFM breakfast show, Harley revealed to news.com.au that he no longer speaks to Em.

'Ah, no, we haven't been hanging out for spritzes in the afternoon,' he said.

Em Rusciano, Ed Kavalee and Grant Denyer - 2018

In December 2017, it was announced that Grant Denyer would join Em Rusciano and Ed Kavalee to host 2DayFM's breakfast show.

Em Rusciano and Harley Breen took over the slot in 2017. A year later Harley announced he was leaving the station to focus on his stand-up comedy career

In December 2017, it was announced that Grant Denyer would join Em Rusciano and Ed Kavalee to host 2DayFM's breakfast show. Just eight months after they took over the ill-fated slot, Em announced in early September, that she would be leaving to focus on her comedy career and the birth of her third child

However, just eight months after they took over the ill-fated slot, Em announced in early September she would be leaving to focus on her comedy career and the birth of her third child.

'Casual bombshell alert. This Friday will be my last day on air for 2DayFM breakfast, and I want to make it crystal clear that this is entirely my decision and not one I made lightly,' she said on air at the time.

'The truth is, when I found out I was pregnant, I made my mind up on the spot that this year would be my last year of breakfast radio.'

Ash London was brought in as a replacement before joining the show permanently in January 2019.

Grant Denyer, Ed Kavalee and Ash London - 2019

Grant, Ed and Ash continued to flounder in the breakfast slot.

The Sydney Morning Herald reported at the time that the trio saw the show crash for its 'worst ratings in almost two years'.

In the July 2019 Sydney radio survey, they had just 3.1 per cent of the total breakfast audience.

Grant, Ed and Ash continued to flounder in the breakfast slot. The Sydney Morning Herald reported at the time that the trio saw the show crash for its 'worst ratings in almost two years'. In the July 2019 Sydney radio survey, they had just 3.1 per cent of the total breakfast audience

Speaking to the I've Got News for You podcast in 2023, Denyer revealed his exit from 2DayFM's Sydney breakfast show was probably his most painful dismissal.

'One what hurt probably I think more than many [was] breakfast radio,' he said.

'That one really hurt because I'd had lunch with a head executive a week earlier, who promised me they were going to sign me for, like, another five years,' he continued.

'And then a week later I finish a show and at 9.05am I walk into a meeting and they say, "Well, that was your last show! I hope you enjoyed being in radio!"'

Jamie Angel - 2019

Following Grant, Ed and Ash's departure, Jamie Angel was parachuted into the Breakfast slot in August 2019.

He has last been on air in 2004 as part of the Judith Lucy, Pete Helliar and Kaz Cooke breakfast team

He had since worked behind the scenes as a program director before kicking taking over the coveted breakfast slot.

The network broke the news that Dave Hughes, Ed Kavalee and Erin Molan's time on breakfast had sensationally come to an end back in August last year

Jamie remained in the role until November 2020.

Dave Hughes, Ed Kavalee and Erin Molan - 2020

The network broke the news that Dave Hughes, Ed Kavalee and Erin Molan's time on breakfast had sensationally come to an end back in August last year.

'We've loved our time together on 2DayFM Breakfast, however, due to some of our families living in different cities we are unable to commit to 2025,' the trio said in a statement at the time.

'So with a heavy heart we are moving aside so 2DayFM can find the team to take them forward in Breakfast.'

They were replaced with loveable night shift larrikins Jimmy Smith and Nath Roye.

The news came after the GfK Radio 360 Survey 4 saw Hughesy, Ed and Erin drop 1.4 points to a 3.6 market share earlier in the year.

Southern Cross Austereo went on to thank the radio hosts for their 'passion and commitment' following the announcement.

'We are incredibly thankful to Hughesy, Ed and Erin for their unwavering dedication in making the 2DayFM Breakfast show a fun way to wake up Sydney each morning since 2020, and we wish them the very best with the continuation of their outstanding careers,' SCA Chief Content Officer Dave Cameron said.
Jodie Haydon has surprised fashion critics by choosing two unconventional fashion designers to create her wedding dress.

Ms Haydon tied the knot with Anthony Albanese over the weekend in an intimate ceremony at The Lodge in Canberra.

The Prime Minister's new wife walked down the aisle in an ivory gown by Romance Was Born.

Eccentric Sydney design duo Anna Plunkett and Luke Sales are behind the label and are known for their penchant for bold colours, theatrical shapes and avant-garde runway looks.

It was an unexpected choice for Ms Haydon, with many assuming she would wear a dress from a more conservative label like Carla Zampatti or Paolo Sebastian.

The gown itself was far more understated than the label's usual creations.

Jodie Haydon has surprised fashion critics by choosing two unconventional fashion designers to create her wedding dress

The Prime Minister's new wife walked down the aisle in an ivory gown by Romance Was Born

Careful embroidery ran across the fabric, including a tiny golden wattle motif hidden in the detailing

It featured long buttoned sleeves, a fitted bodice and soft structured lines.

But it still carried the signature Romance Was Born touch.

Delicate embroidery ran across the fabric, including a tiny golden wattle motif hidden in the detailing.

It was a quiet nod to Australia's national floral emblem and a symbolic tribute woven into the dress.

Her decision also made sense to those who know the Prime Minister.

Albanese often leans into his alternative inner-west Sydney roots, and Jodie's pick of an edgy local label fit perfectly with that outlook.

Even the couple's cavoodle Toto joined the fun, arriving in a miniature dress that matched the wedding's playful theme.

Jodie has worn several Australian designers before.

She previously dazzled in a Paolo Sebastian gown at the White House and stole the show in a bright red Carla Zampatti number at the Midwinter Ball.

In February, Haydon previously teased plans for a wedding 'before the year is out' in an interview with Australian Women's Weekly.

Eccentric Sydney design duo Anna Plunkett and Luke Sales are behind the label and are known for their penchant for bold colours, theatrical shapes and avant-garde runway looks

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.

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.'
Meadow Walker paid tribute to her late father Paul Walker on social media on Sunday.

Marking the 12th anniversary of his death, the 27-year-old model  who was spotted out in New York City over the summer  posted three photos of her with her dad when she was a little girl.

The caption read: '12 years without you I love you forever.'

The trio of snaps featured Meadow sitting on a kitchen counter, dressed in a white T-shirt and pink pants as Paul joined her in a yellow trucker hat and blue T-shirt.

He presented a toddler-aged Meadow with a plate of cupcakes as the two adorably interacted with each other.

One precious picture showed the dad-daughter duo leaning in for a kiss.

Meadow Walker paid tribute to her late father Paul Walker on social media on Sunday; pictured November 14

Marking the 12th anniversary of his death, the 27-year-old model posted three photos of her with her dad when she was a little girl. The trio of snaps featured Meadow sitting on a kitchen counter, dressed in a white T-shirt and pink pants as Paul joined her in a yellow trucker hat and blue T-shirt

One precious picture showed the dad-daughter duo leaning in for a kiss

The caption read: '12 years without you I love you forever'

Meadow has a close relationship with her dad's friends and former Fast & Furious castmates Vin Diesel and Ludacris.

Vin, 58, sparked furor from fans earlier this year when he announced that Paul, who died in a car crash in 2013, will appear in the final Fast & Furious film.

He revealed the news during an appearance at Fuel Fest in Pomona, California while listing his three demands to Universal Pictures for the upcoming movie.

'The studio said to me, "Vin, can we please have the finale of Fast and Furious April 2027?"' the actor said, confirming the release date.

He continued, 'I said, "Under three conditions: First, is to bring the franchise back to L.A.! The second thing was to return to the car culture, to the street racing!"'

Referencing his and Paul's characters, Vin concluded, 'The third thing was reuniting Dom and Brian OConner.'

He didn't say how Paul's character would return, though it would likely require the help of Paul's brothers Cody and Caleb, who were used as stand-ins for footage filmed for 2015's Furious 7, with Paul's face digitally inserted.

Upset fans took to social media to express dismay over the plan, with X user @sharon_riley35 writing, 'I watched them turn grief into a cash grab and now they're dragging Paul Walker's legacy back like it's a prop.'

Meanwhile, @HdRozay said, 'Let Paul Walker's character in the Fast series stay retired. He got a good send off, don't bring him back.'

The star, who is the only child of the late leading man, regularly pays tribute to her dad online

This past Father's Day she posted a snapshot of them and wrote, 'Happy Fathers Day to my guardian angel

Vin Diesel, who starred with Meadow's father Paul, also shared a tribute to his fallen friend on Instagram. 'The universe keeps placing angels in my path. I know you are a part of it... a brotherhood eternal. Love you forever...' he wrote

Ludacris, a regular in the Fast & Furious series, commented approvingly with prayer-hand emojis

Vin joined Meadow in sharing a tribute to his fallen friend on Instagram.

'The universe keeps placing angels in my path. I know you are a part of it... a brotherhood eternal. Love you forever...' he captioned a photo of himself and Paul together on set.

Ludacris, a regular in the Fast & Furious series, commented approvingly with prayer-hand emojis.

Meadow, who is the only child of the late leading man, regularly pays tribute to her dad online.

This past Father's Day she posted a snapshot of them and wrote, 'Happy Fathers Day to my guardian angel.

'Thank you for your love, guidance, and for truly being the most incredible dad and my best friend. I miss you every day, my sunshine. I love you.'

And in September, on what would have been his 52nd birthday, she posted a black and white image of her sitting on her father's lap outdoors.

She added the note, 'Happy birthday daddy. I love you endlessly and miss you every day.'
Farmer Wants A Wife stars Jess Nathan and Andrew Guthrie are expecting their first child.

The fan-favourite couple took to Instagram on Sunday to share the joyous news with their followers.

The couple shared two loved-up black-and-white images, showing Andrew gently cradling Jess's burgeoning baby bump.

One shot showed Jess with her arms lovingly wrapped around her husband's neck as he held the precious cargo.

'Were so grateful to share that our little miracle is on the way,' the couple captioned the auspicious post.

'Holding close in our hearts anyone still waiting, hoping, and navigating their own journey.'

Farmer Wants A Wife stars Jess Nathan and Andrew Guthrie are expecting their first child

The couple shared two loved-up black-and white-images

The post was met with an outpouring of congratulations from friends and followers.

FWAW alum Sarah Carey chimed in with an excited: 'Awww congratulations guys. So incredibly happy for you.'

'OMG Im in tears right now, Im so happy for you both and I hope youre feeling well! Congratulations xoxox,' added 2008 castmate Tara Hurl.

'Awwww congratulations to you both, this is such amazing news!!' wrote another fan.

The announcement comes four months after the couple revealed they were beginning their IVF journey.

Speaking to Woman's Day in August, Jess said that she could not wait to start growing her family, admitting: 'I really want a million children.'

'I want, like, 11 babies, so Im like, "If were doing IVF, at least theres more chance of having twins." But no, Im super confident that our miracle baby will come when the time is right,' she said.

Jess was diagnosed with stage-four endometriosis in 2016, and is an ambassador for Endometriosis Australia.

'Were so grateful to share that our little miracle is on the way,' the couple captioned the auspicious post

The announcement comes after the couple revealed they were beginning their IVF journey

She admitted to the publication that she has long known her journey to motherhood would not be easy.

'I knew that would mean my fertility journey may not be so straightforward like it is for some others. So Im not surprised that I have issues with fertility now,' she said.

'I guess its good to have always known that and mentally been prepared that this could be something that we might have to deal with.'

The couple also faced an added hurdle of geography, with their sheep and cattle farm in Delegate, in far southern NSW, being a four-hour round trip to the doctor's office.

Jess opened up about her endometriosis battle in 2021 in a candid Instagram post.

She posted a photo of herself posing in her underwear and wearing a period cramp device, five days after having her third operation for stage-four endometriosis.

'Still swollen and sore, but 100 per cent on the mend!' she wrote in the caption.

'Chronic illnesses can feel isolating and deflating, and my heart goes out big time to anyone suffering with an illness.'

Jess and Andrew found love on the 2021 season of Farmer Wants A Wife and, three years after their reality show pairing, tied the knot

Jess added: 'I am so stoked to have come out of surgery and be told I won't have issues conceiving.'

The blonde said she was feeling 'grossly emotional', which she attributed to hormones.

She continued: 'But being able to have a baby naturally  of course nothing's guaranteed, but fingers crossed  is my dream and I'm just so happy about it.'

Jess and Andrew found love on the 2021 season of Farmer Wants A Wife and, three years after their reality show pairing, tied the knot.
YouTuber Emily Canham has announced she has given birth to her first child.

The influencer, who is originally from Kettering but now lives in Los Angeles, split from Busted's James Bourne in 2023.

Whilst Emily, 28, has chosen not to reveal the gender of her baby, she did share an update to Instagram that the little one had arrived.

Standing next to a pram in all black, Emily wrote: 'Welcome to the world, little one.

'I had the most incredible labor and delivery experience! After a pretty difficult pregnancy, I'm so grateful that the birth was so smooth. I'm spending my days learning how to be a parent and soaking up as much of this time as possible.

'Happy, healthy, grateful, and so incredibly content.'

Emily Canham announced on Sunday that she has given birth to her first child, describing her labour and delivery as 'incredible'

The influencer, who has more than one million followers, announced her pregnancy in August, saying that she 'couldn't be more excited'

She added: '(Oh, and just to manage your expectations if you're expecting, newborn tired feels like your first all nighter sleepover when you were 10 just night after night.)

Emily's partner Mark is an entrepreneur from California who co-founded sustainability company Newlight technologies.

The YouTuber who has more than one million followers announced her pregnancy in August, saying that she 'couldn't be more excited'.

Taking to TikTok and Instagram, she told her followers: 'Im quite simply over the moon to share that we have a baby on the way.

'Ive never been more excited for a chapter in my life.

'Family means so much to me and I still cant believe I get to start one of my own with my fiance(!!).

'Feeling overwhelmingly grateful and honestly just crazy excited to be a mom.'

Emily called it quits with Busted's James in 2023 and was said at the time to be 'happily moving on.'

Emily, who is originally from Kettering but now lives in Los Angeles , split from Busted's James Bourne in 2023 and has since moved on

Whilst Emily has chosen not to reveal the gender of her baby, she did share an update to Instagram, that the little one had arrived

Dressed in a pair of black leggings and a long-sleeved top with a bouncy blow dry, the influencer stood next to a pram to update her fans on the news

A source told The Sun: 'James and Emily have called it quits and are each happily moving on with their lives.

'James has been non-stop with the tour and managing his time between the UK and his place in LA.'

In 2019, Emily and James were said to be 'taking things slowly' because of their 14-year age gap.

She previously went through a very public breakup with fellow YouTuber Jake Boys in February 2017 who she dated for three years - after she claimed she discovered he was 'talking to lots of other women'.

She met with him in November 2019 to film 'the breakup video we never made'.

Emily later went on to meet James through his brother and admitted she wasn't a fan of the band's music in an interview with Daily Mail: 'When Busted were big back in the day, it wasn't really my thing.'

The influencer added: 'I only really discovered Busted when McFly toured with them and I just thought wow this is cool, I like their music. It wasn't like I had been a fan of him since I was young.'

Emily said she and James were friends for a year or so and then started dating - but she didn't want the relationship to develop too quickly due to the 14-year age gap.

The influencer, who is originally from Kettering but now lives in Los Angeles, split from Busted's James Bourne (pictured together) in 2023 and has since moved on

Emily said: 'I was like well I don't know what this is, there is a large age gap between us, I wanted to know his intentions before absolutely anything so, it was a friendship for quite a while before anything turned into anything.'

At the time she admitted the couple hadn't made any firm decisions about the future.

'They key thing is we are so happy but our careers are such a massive thing for both of us that it is just as important if that makes sense,' she explained.

'If he is in London, he can be at mine, if we are in LA, I can be at his. There is no need to get one place together, when we both have a place each that if we are in that country, we can be at that place.'
Shirley MacLaine was still living life to the fullest when she was spotted out in Malibu on Saturday in a rare sighting.

The 91-year-old Oscar winner was glimpsed enjoying the sun's rays while dining outdoors at one of her favorite spots in the coastal city, Kristy's Village Cafe.

Shirley, who was joined by an aide at the restaurant, was said last year to be searching for an assistant who needed to be willing and able to have a nightly cocktail with her as she reminisced about her legendary career.

The actress kept her look cool and casual with a navy blue sweatshirt and a purple zip-up hoodie, along with graygreen sweatpants.

She added a touch of style to the low-key ensemble with a set of large round-frame sunglasses and a piercing scarlet hat with a wide brim.

Shirley had a cocktail out on the table, and she and her male assistant appeared to order some food as well.

Shirley MacLaine was still living life to the fullest at 91 when she was spotted out in Malibu on Saturday in a rare sighting

The Oscar winner was helped by an aide at the restaurant, where she enjoyed a cocktail and a meal. Despite looking shockingly different from how she did in her prime, MacLaine is staying busy with upcoming projects to begin filming in 2026; pictured in 1955 on the right

Shirley  who is the older sister of fellow Hollywood icon Warren Beatty, 88  celebrated her 91st birthday in April.

The Terms Of Endearment actress previously opened up about her impressive longevity while speaking with People last year.

She credited her decades-long devotion to dance  which she began studying at just three-years-old when her mother enrolled her in ballet classes  for helping her to remain spry at her advanced age.

'I started my dance training at age three and stopped at about 67. It taught me discipline, loving music, working with people and dealing with pain,' she shared.

Shirley also said she was thankful that she could 'keep working' even in recent years, adding, 'I have my friends and I am really healthy.'

Shirley, who was joined by an aide at the restaurant, was said last year to be searching for an assistant who could make a daily cocktail at 5 p.m. and who didn't mind sharing one with her.

Insiders told the Daily Mail that MacLaine had asked friends if they could recommend someone who was a big enough fan of her movies that they could chat together over drinks about her lengthy career.

Sources added that the actress had promised to be 'very generous' with the assistant's compensation.

The actress kept her look cool and casual with a navy blue sweatshirt and a purple zip-up hoodie, along with graygreen sweatpants

She added a touch of style to the low-key ensemble with a set of large round-frame sunglasses and a piercing scarlet hat with a wide brim

Shirley, who was joined by an aide at the restaurant, was said last year to be searching for an assistant who needed to be willing and able to have a nightly cocktail with her as she reminisced about her legendary career

Shirley, who was joined by an aide at the restaurant, was said last year to be searching for an assistant who needed to be willing and able to have a nightly cocktail with her

Insiders told the Daily Mail that MacLaine had asked friends if they could recommend someone who could make and share a cocktail daily at 5 p.m. They also needed to be prepared to reminisce about her movies and lengthy career

Shirley, who was joined by an aide at the restaurant, was said last year to be searching for an assistant who needed to be willing and able to have a nightly cocktail with her as she reminisced about her legendary career

Shirley's astounding run of screen credits goes all the way back to 1955, when she made her debut  in one of the lead roles  in Alfred Hitchcock's black comedy The Trouble With Harry, though she had already become a Broadway star with stints in Oklahoma! and The Pajama Game.

'I was this little pixie out of the chorus that didnt know what I was doing,' she told W Magazine in 2017.

Although she later came to believe Hitchcock was more focused on casting ideal actors than shaping their performances, it worked out for her because she was 'perfect for that character.'

Awards bodies agreed, and she won the Golden Globe Award for New Star of the Year  Actress for The Trouble With Harry.

She had a one-two punch that same year when she had a major romantic role in Frank Tashlin's classic Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis comedy, Artists And Models, in which she played Jerry's bumbling love interest.

Despite a run of hits and classics in the 1950s and '60s  including Some Came Running (1958), Ask Any Girl (1959), The Apartment (1960), The Children's Hour (1961), Irma la Douce (1963), Sweet Charity (1969) and Two Mules For Sister Sara (1970)  it wasn't until the 1980s that she won her only Oscar in the Best Actress category for the beloved romantic dramedy Terms Of Endearment (1983), which costarred Debra Winger and Jack Nicholson.

The hit film also won Oscars for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Supporting Actor for Nicholson.

Some of her later performances include Bewitched (2005), Bernie (2011) and The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty (2013).

MacLaine won her first and only acting Oscar for 1983 Terms Of Endearment; seen in 1984 with costar Jack Nicholson, who also won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor

MacLaine, who has continued to work into her 90s, made her debut in Alfred Hitchcock's black comedy The Trouble With Harry (1955) and went on to star in numerous classics, including Billy Wilder's 1960 romantic comedy The Apartment (pictured, with Jack Lemmon)

Although Shirley's pace has slowed somewhat in recent years, she still averages about a film or TV role per year.

Her most recent appearances were a two-episode guest arc on the acclaimed comedy Only Murders In The Building from 2022, and last month she starred in American Dreamers with Peter Dinklage, though the film premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2022.

While speaking to Extra in 2024, Shirley revealed her surprising plans for her 90th birthday.

Rather than having a big blowout, she said she would be 'be on a set' in Atlantic City working on a new project.

That work ethic has kept her active in Hollywood for nearly seven decades, but she admitted that things just aren't like they used to be.

'The glamours gone out a bit, Im afraid,' she said of Hollywood and the changes that the rise of streaming services has wrought on it while speaking with Extra. 'I think its entirely different'

Despite changing times, Shirley still has plenty of projects under her belt. Earlier this month, Variety reported that she will be featured in the road-trip comedy Lucy Boomer alongside Ansel Elgort.

The film, which is set to begin filming in February in New Mexico, is to be directed by Howard Deutch of Pretty In Pink fame.

Shirley, who made her film debut six years before her younger brother Warren Beatty had his debut in 1961's Splendor In The Grass, is often in Malibu, but she also splits her time at her ranch in Abiquiu, New Mexico, about an hour's drive north of Sante Fe.
Nigel Lythgoe has once again denied Paula Abdul's allegations of sexual assault against him - almost a year after a lawsuit she filed against him over the accusations was settled.

Abdul, 63, accused Lythgoe, 76, of sexually assaulting during their time on the singing competition show American Idol and also on the dance reality competition show So You Think You Can Dance.

Last December, a settlement was reached and in a statement Lythgoe said he knew 'the truth' and was happy to 'put this behind me.'

Now, almost a year after the resolution of the legal battle, Lythgoe has reiterated his denial.

TMZ published video of Lythgoe arriving into LAX over the weekend where he was asked about repairing his legacy after the lawsuit.

'I don't feel as though I might have to rebuild anything. There was an accusation. Wasn't true. What else can you do? You just have to say it wasn't true,' he told the cameraman.

Nigel Lythgoe has once again denied Paula Abdul's allegations of sexual assault against him - almost a year after a lawsuit she filed against him over the accusations was settled; pictured 2013

Asked when he would repair his reputation, he said: 'I think the people who know the truth. That's important.'

Lythgoe also revealed he was now producing a movie and show.

'Doing a movie which I don't want to talk about at the moment. Doing another show,' he continued.

'It is not a dance show no but it's something that I have done in the past,' he clarified. 'Wait and see.'

The Daily Mail has contacted representatives for Abdul for comment but have not yet heard back.

The denial comes just under a year after Abdul settled her legal battle with Lythgoe.

In a lawsuit filed in December 2023, Abdul alleged that Lythgoe had sexually assaulted her twice.

The allegations date from the 2000s, but Abdul said she kept silent until filing her claim in California last year 'due to fear of speaking out against one of the most well-known producers of television competition shows', court documents said.

The first alleged incident was in the early 2000s when she was a judge on American Idol followed by another alleged assault a decade later when she was judging So You Think You Can Dance.

She alleged the first sexual assault occurred while she and Lythgoe were filming auditions for American Idol, which launched in 2002.

Abdul, 63, accused Lythgoe, 76, of sexually assaulting during their time on the singing competition show American Idol and also on the dance reality competition show So You Think You Can Dance

Abdul claimed Lythgoe groped her in the elevator of their hotel after a day of filming and 'began shoving his tongue down her throat'.

She also claimed in 2015 that Lythgoe had tried to force himself on top of her during a dinner that she assumed was professional at his house.

Abdul also stated in the documents that he had also 'attempted to kiss' her while telling her that they would make an 'excellent power couple.'

The lawsuit claims that Abdul 'pushed him off, explaining she was not interested in his advances, and immediately left.'

In the documents, Abdul additionally claimed that she had witnessed Lythgoe unconsensually grope one of her assistants.

In a statement released at the time of the lawsuit, Lythgoe told TMZ: 'To say that I am shocked and saddened by the allegations made against me by Paula Abdul is a wild understatement. For more than two decades, Paula and I have interacted as dear -- and entirely platonic -- friends and colleagues.

'Yesterday, however, out of the blue, I learned of these claims in the press and I want to be clear: not only are they false, they are deeply offensive to me and to everything I stand for.

'While Paulas history of erratic behavior is well known, I cant pretend to understand exactly why she would file a lawsuit that she must know is untrue. But I can promise that I will fight this appalling smear with everything I have.'

Abdul later claimed in her first amended complaint that Lythgoe had assaulted her a third time, claiming it occurred in the same alleged instance involving her assistant, according to People.

TMZ reports that Abdul claimed that, after her assistant turned him down, Lythgoe had touched Abdul's 'buttocks, hips, waist and her breasts' and also attempted to kiss her on the neck.

According to People, Lythgoe's attorneys entered a response to the amended complaint in which denied the allegations and said Abdul had 'suddenly "remembered' additional details' which 'stretches credulity that Abdul would supposedly remember witnessing her assistant allegedly being assaulted by Lythgoe in April 2015 and yet apparently forget, until the filing of her FAC, that she also allegedly was assaulted at that same time  let alone be able to suddenly remember specific details of the alleged incident, as her FAC now allege.'

The lawsuit was subsequently settled in December 2024.

At the time of the settlement, Grammy-award winning Abdul said in a statement to TMZ: 'I am grateful this chapter has successfully come to a close and is now something I can now put behind me.'

Lythgoe and Abdul pictured on So You Think You Can Dance in 2015

In a statement at the time of the settlement, Lythgoe said he knew 'the truth' and was happy to put the lawsuit' behind me'

Adding: 'This has been a long and hard-fought personal battle. I hope my experience can serve to inspire other women, facing similar struggles, to overcome their own challenges with dignity and respect, so that they too can turn the page and being a new chapter of their lives.'

Lythgoe also told the outlet: 'We live in a troubling time where a person is now automatically assumed to be guilty until proven innocent, a process that can take years. That is why, like Paula, I am glad to be able to put this behind me.'

'I know the truth and that gives me great comfort,' he said.
Australian-born UK radio star Brian Hayes has died at age 87.

Known as a pioneer of 'phone-in' (talkback radio) in Britain, Hayes earned his fame as a sometimes combative host on London's Capital Radio in the early 70s.

He later helmed a national program on the UK's LBC news and talkback network, The Brian Hayes Show, which often featured news-breaking chats with A-listers.

According to Radio Today, Hayes died on November 30. No details have been released.

Hayes, who attracted scores of listeners with his no-nonsense style, won high praise for his probing interviews with stars like Jack Nicholson and Dustin Hoffman.

Hayes' show, which ran between 1976 and 1991, also drew many of the UK's most prominent politicians, including Margaret Thatcher, the British PM from 1979-1990.

Australian-born UK radio star Brian Hayes (pictured) has died at age 87. No details of his passing on November 30 have been released

Known as a pioneer of 'phone-in' (talkback radio) in Britain, Hayes earned his fame as a sometimes combative host on London's Capital Radio in the early 70s

Notoriously media-wary, Mrs Thatcher made her first-ever talk-back appearance on Hayes' popular show.

Born in Perth, Western Australia, in 1937, Hayes, the son of a miner, ended up working in radio soon after leaving school at the age of 15.

After getting a series of gigs on regional stations out of Kalgoorlie as a newsreader, producer and presenter, Hayes re-launched his career in London in the early 70s.

Before earning fame - and some notoriety as a presenter - Hayes joined the London-based commercial station, Capital Radio, in 1973 as a producer.

He was later 'recruited' to host CR's morning 'phone-in' (talkback) show, which debuted in 1976.

Hayes joined BBC Radio 2 after leaving his old station and later hosted the popular breakfast show 'Good Morning UK!' in 1992.

He lost the slot but recovered with his own weekly show, 'Hayes Over Britain'.

The program later won Hayes the prize for Best Phone-in Show at the Sony Radio Awards.

He later helmed a national program on the UK's LBC news and talkback network, The Brian Hayes Show, which often featured news-breaking chats with A-listers in politics and showbiz. Pictured: Hayes centre with British Labour Party politician Denis Heale and British Conservative politician Geoffrey Howe in 1979

Hayes also presented shows on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Radio 4, and, later in his career, returned to LBC.

Discussing his distinctive style, Hayes said he wanted to treat listeners as 'real' people, reported Radio Today in an obituary on Monday.

The publication added that Hayes said previously that the talkback format worked only when listeners heard a conversation that sounded 'like it mattered'.

In the 1990s, Hayes scored several 'acting' roles playing TV presenters in dramas like Prime Suspect (1991), Between The Lines (1992) and The Chief (1994).

Fans took to social media to celebrate his career and mourn his passing.

'An unbelievable talent. Always compulsive listening. One of the very finest. May he RIP,' posted one listener on Facebook.

Added another: 'One of phone-in radio's pioneers.'

'Informed, abrupt and always entertaining - Brian Hayes set the bar in 'phone-in radio,' said a third fan.

Hayes was still working in radio in the mid-Naughties but had finally retired from the airwaves in recent years.
Abbie Chatfield has officially launched her art career.

The outspoken podcaster announced that she has completed a series of paintings and even started up an official Instagram page for her work, called Bug Doing Art.

The page has already collected thousands of followers just one day after first being made.

The 30-year-old showed off a series of her works in an Instagram post on Monday - and had plenty of fans for her creative efforts.

Admirers swamped her comments section with encouragement, and even offers to purchase the abstract works.

'Oh my god, I would totally buy your art!' raved one fan, while another said, 'Um, these are great! Would love to know if you will do commissions'.

Abbie Chatfield (pictured) has officially launched her art career

The outspoken podcaster announced that she has completed a series of paintings and even started up an official Instagram page for her work, called Bug Doing Art

Someone else said: 'Oh my god, I would totally buy your art!' with one more adding, 'Is there anything you can't do queen!?'

'Okay but I want to buy one or get you to do something cool for my salon! These are AMAZING,' said someone else.

Abbie also had support from her boyfriend Adam Hyde, who wrote: 'I'm so proud of you. It's just the beginning.'

Not everyone was wowed by Abbie's artistic talents, however.

'I've seen better finger painting from five-year-olds,' said one person, with another commenting, 'My five-year-old is a better artist!'

'This is pure delusion, have you seen a Picasso or a Rembrandt painting?' one more asked.

'95 per cent of four-year-olds produce better art than this,' complained one more, and someone else said, 'Starting to look and sound like Meghan Markle with that dreadful piece of rubbish she calls art.'

Abbie shared her first finished opus with her fans in an Instagram Stories post on Sunday.

The page has already collected thousands of followers just one day after first being made

The 30-year-old showed off a series of her works in an Instagram post on Monday - and had plenty of fans for her creative efforts

Admirers swamped her comments section with encouragement, and even offers to purchase the abstract works - but others roasted the works

She debuted her first painting, an abstract portrait of a psychedelic slug, revealing that she has taken up art of late to ease her anxiety.

This is not the first brush with the art world that the former radio star has experienced.

Abbie's ex, former Bachelorette star, Konrad Bien-Stephen, tried his hand at painting during their romance.

In what was widely believed to be a dig at Konrad, Abbie posed on Instagram last year, 'When the guy you're dating is actually talented and you don't have to pretend to like his art'.

Konrad broke up with ex-girlfriend Abbie in September 2022, shortly before flying to Buenos Aires to film the Channel 10 show The Challenge.

'Abbie and I had broken up a month before going in the house [to film] so I was very much single,' he told The Daily Telegraph at the time.

'I wasn't going in there looking for love or for any type of relationship or anything. That wasn't my mindset going in.'

He said he and Abbie broke up 'amicably' and had 'both moved on with their lives'.
Kim Kardashian has been seen wearing a kimono, many years after she was slammed for cultural insensitivity for trying to name her brand after the traditional Japanese garment.

On Sunday evening, the reality TV star, 45, shared a photo of herself dressed in a bespoke robe while filming her new show, All's Fair, in which she plays a fictional lawyer.

She highlighted a series of photos showing off the baby-pink kimono with brown trim and the embroidered letters AG at her waist for her character's name, Allura Grant.

She also included a photo of her posing alongside Ryan Murphy, the creator of the Hulu series featuring an all-star cast alongside the aspiring actress.

Her post comes six years after she received backlash for cultural insensitivity when she co-founded her apparel brand under the name Kimono Intimates in September 2019.

Following the criticism, she and her co-founders, husband-and-wife entrepreneurs Emma and Jens Grede, changed the name to SKIMS to retain her moniker, though she had initially stood firm on keeping the original name.

Kim Kardashian wears a kimono in an Instagram post on Sunday, many years after she was slammed for cultural insensitivity after trying to name her brand after the Japanese garment

The reality TV star, 45, shared the photo of herself, which was taken while filming her recent acting role as a fictional lawyer on All's Fair

In snapshots from her Instagram post, Kardashian appeared to be wearing nothing beneath the kimono.

She also fastened the garment in a way to highlight her cleavage with a plunging neckline as well as show off her legs with a makeshift thigh-high slit.

She wore strappy heels with the silky garb as well as flashy diamond jewelry and her dark brunette hair styled into a flipped-up, retro bob.

In her caption, she just typed out her fictional TV character's name: 'AlluraGrant.'

In some photos, she showcased the intricate design of the kimono and the design on the back, throwing up a peace sign in several pictures.

Since the days of launching with a 36-piece collection with a wide range of sizes and skin tones to promote inclusivity, her shapewear startup has exploded to become a billion-dollar empire.

She has since collaborated with sportswear giant Nike and SKIMS is also now the official underwear partner of the NBA, WNBA and USAB.

However, in the weeks leading up to the launch of her brand half a decade ago, she was forced to announce that she would be dropping the brand name Kimono following fierce backlash and accusations of cultural insensitivity.

She highlighted a series of photos showing off the baby pink kimono with brown trim and the embroidered letters AG on her waist for her character's name Allura Grant. In some photos, she showcased the intricate design of the kimono and the design on the back, throwing up a peace sign in several pictures

She also fastened the garment in a way to highlight her cleavage with a plunging neckline as well as show off her legs with a makeshift thigh-high slit

She wore strappy heels with the silky garb as well as flashy diamond jewelry and her dark brunette hair styled into a flipped-up, retro bob

In the summer of 2019, she addressed the controversy and told her fans that through 'careful thought and consideration' she would be changing the name of her 'Solutionwear' shapewear line.

She initially stood firm amid the backlash, telling the New York Times that she would not be changing the name.

Around the same time, Kyoto mayor Daisaku Kadokawa released a letter urging the reality star to 'reconsider' the name.

She finally caved into pressure, telling her fans on Instagram on Monday: 'Being an entrepreneur and my own boss has been one of the most rewarding challenges Ive been blessed with in my life.

'What's made it possible for me after all of these years has been the direct line of communication with my fans and the public,' she continued.

'I am always listening, learning and growing  I so appreciate the passion and varied perspectives that people bring to me.'

She added: 'When I announced the name of my shapewear line, I did so with the best intentions in mind.

'My brands and products are built with inclusivity and diversity at their core and after careful thought and consideration, I will be launching my Solutionwear brand under a new name. I will be in touch soon. Thank you for your understanding and support always.'

She posted a snapshot of the initials on her bespoke kimono. In her caption, she just typed out her fictional TV character's name: 'AlluraGrant'

In 2019, after initially naming her shapewear brand Kimono, she told her fans that after 'careful thought and consideration' she would be changing the name of the company

Kardashian was also seen in a Japanese outfit in this Instagram post from August 2023

Many felt Kardashian's trademarked Kimono brand disrespected the traditional 15th-century clothing.

Some also took issue with the fact that the reality star was focusing on undergarments while actual kimonos are meant to be an outer layer clothing item.

One social media user wrote: 'I feel very sad that the name "Kimono" is being used to something completely different from what we Japanese know about it. Kimono is Japanese traditional clothes and we are very proud of its history and culture. I'm sorry but I feel this name choice is simply ignorant. #KimOhNo.'

The kimono, which literally means 'thing to wear on the shoulders', is a T-shaped wrapped garment with set loose long sleeves, tied with a sash.

Considered the national dress of Japan, it is often seen during special occasions such as weddings and coming-of-age ceremonies, and is mostly worn by women.

Those who tend to wear a kimono the most on a daily basis are older men and women, geisha and sumo wrestlers, who are required to wear traditional Japanese dress whenever appearing in public.

And in the months prior to the kimono name controversy, she also faced backlash for being culturally insensitive yet again.

In April of that year, she faced criticism for wearing a traditional Indian maang tikka headpiece for a church service.

In June of the year before, she was slammed for wearing tight, cornrow-style braids to the MTV Movie and TV Awards show.

Kardashian told i-D magazine in 2021: 'I would never do anything to appropriate any culture.

'But I have in the past got backlash from putting my hair in braids and I understand that.'
George Clooney gave a rare insight into family life with his twins as he admitted that he 'had kids late so I could spend time with them'.

In an interview released this weekend the actor, 64, spoke about the pressures of balancing time with your loved ones and advancing in your career when you are starting out.

George shares twins Ella and Alexander, who were born in June 2017, with his human rights lawyer wife Amal, 47.

Speaking to The Times he said most people are sacrificing time with their family to make a living when starting out in their given careers.

He then added: 'But look, it's easier for me. I had kids very late and so I could spend more time with them. But when you're young? That's hard.'

He explained that now he is older, more experienced and more financially secure, he can be more picky over which projects he actually takes on where as at the start 'you have no control' over that.

George Clooney gave a rare insight into family life with his twins as he admitted that he 'had kids late so I could spend time with them' (seen with wife Amal)

In an interview released this weekend the actor, 64, spoke about the pressures of balancing time with your loved ones and advancing in your career when you are starting out

He reminisced: 'I remember when I got Batman & Robin in 1997 - I called my friends and we screamed because back then I had only done one studio picture, and so to me that was a huge break.

'Of course, we did not understand then that it was going to be a terrible movie.'

Despite being one of the biggest names in the movie industry, George recently revealed that him and his family left the glitz and glamour of Los Angeles behind for a farm in France.

George said that now his kids are having a 'much better life' growing up out of the spotlight.

He told Esquire magazine: 'I was worried about raising our kids in LA, in the culture of Hollywood.

'I felt like they were never going to get a fair shake at life.'

The Jay Kelly actor pointed out that the culture in France is very different to the US, explaining they 'don't give a s*** about fame'.

He added: 'I don't want them being compared to somebody else's famous kids.'

George shares twins Ella and Alexander, who were born in June 2017, with his human rights lawyer wife Amal, 47

George stays clear of social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook, but is worried about what will happen to his kids when they eventually get their own accounts.

Last month, he told Julia Roberts for 72 Magazine: 'The risks are so much bigger and the consequences follow you for so much longer.

'I'm worried about my kids; we keep them off the internet as much as we can.

'But, you know, some of their homework is done on a computer.'

There's no doubt George Clooney and his wife Amal Clooney live a very luxe life with an estimated net worth of $550 million (409M) combined.

Yet, the megastar insists he lives a 'normal' life - despite the power couple owning multiple homes around the world.

Following the success of his Broadway play Good Night, and Good Luck, the 64-year-old's next film is Jay Kelly, in which he coincidentally stars as a 'famous movie actor.'

When asked by DailyMail.com at the premiere during the New York Film Festival whether he craves normalcy like his character, he revealed he indeed does have 'normalcy' in his life.

He reminisced about his early roles such as in Batman & Robin in 1997 when he 'had little choice' over what parts to take

'I have normalcy. You know, I drive my kids to school every morning,' he insisted. 'I have normalcy - except for this!'

He then admitted he does have somewhat of a 'pampered' life, which he tries to shield from his and Amal's eight-year-old twins.

He explained: 'They didn't come to the set much. They came a couple of times. I try to keep the kids away from that experience right now.

'I'm not quite sure what they would think about it. I don't want them to think we're too pampered.'
Julia Morris has weighed in on whether Robert Irwin is headed for The Bachelor.

The 57-year-old comedian, who co-hosts I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here with the Wildlife Warrior, says that Robert would never do the show for a special reason

'I don't believe that he shares his personal life in that way,' Julia said in this week's episode of the Confessions of a Reality Star podcast.

Speculation is mounting that Robert, 22, is considering joining the next season of The Bachelor US after his triumphant appearance on Dancing With The Stars US - which saw his popularity with viewers surge to new heights.

Julia added: 'If you live such a public existence... [and] have to share your lifetime grief with pretty much every person that you cross paths with... I think romance surely is something that needs to be behind closed doors.

'I would be so shocked to my very foundations if I ever saw that happen.'

Robert Irwin (pictured) is rumoured to be headed for The Bachelor US

Robert's I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here co-host Julia Morris (right) has weighed in on whether the Wildlife Warrior would put his private life on TV

Robert stirred rumours that he might join the next season of The Bachelor US back in October.

The fan favourite was coy when approached by E! News to clear up the chatter.

While he denied that he was signed up for the US version of the dating series, Robert didn't take the possibility off the table.

'Stranger things have happened... who knows,' he said in an Instagram video posted by the network, adding, 'We'll see.'

Robert also tellingly joked, 'You know what? I want to do it even more now!'

Last month, Robert was spotted keeping company with his rumoured girlfriend, Xochitl Gomez, just moments before his win on Dancing With the Stars.

A beaming Robert was seen hosting the American actress, 19, backstage ahead of his final performance on the show.

Xochitl couldn't wipe the smile off her face as she gifted Robert a huge bouquet before giving him an affectionate hug.

Last month, Robert was spotted keeping company with his rumoured girlfriend, Xochitl Gomez (pictured), just moments before his win on Dancing With the Stars

They first sparked romance rumours earlier this month when Robert performed an intimate dance with Xochitl for the 20th anniversary of Dancing With the Stars US.

Viewers could not help but notice their on-screen 'chemistry' as they delivered an impressive Jive.

The Baby-Sitters Club star, who won Season 32 of the show in 2023, was a special guest on the episode, standing in for Robert's usual dance partner, Witney Carson.

In November last year, Robert revealed he is still looking for love after his split with long-time sweetheart Rorie Buckey in February 2024.

He appeared on Nine's Today show and confessed there was 'no one special' in his life at that time.

After being dubbed one of Australia's 'most eligible bachelors' during the segment, a bashful Robert said that dating for him was not easy.

'That's an interesting world to navigate as well with [being in] the public eye and that sort of thing,' he said.

Robert and his ex Rorie, 20, were believed to have been dating since November 2022, but went Instagram official almost a year later in August 2023.
The EastEnders Branning family ditched the soap drama for a festive night out as they shared fun-filled snaps to Instagram on Sunday.

The popular soap clan were in very happy spirits as they enjoyed a meal at a fancy London restaurant.

Jacqueline Jossa, 33, shared a series of playful pictures of the cast, which included Jake Wood, 53, Scott Maslen, 54, Ellie Dadd, 20, Kitty Castledine, 23, and Pierre Moullier, 25.

Jacqueline (Lauren), Pierre (Oscar), and Jake (Max) form an immediate Branning family unit, with Max serving as the father to Lauren and Oscar.

Scott (Jack) plays Maxs brother, making his daughters, Penny (Kitty) and Amy (Ellie), cousins to Lauren and Oscar within the wider Branning family.

The cast members could be seen joking around, singing along to reels and posing for group photos.

The EastEnders Branning family ditched the soap drama for a festive night out as they shared fun-filled snaps to Instagram on Sunday

The popular soap clan were in very happy spirits as they enjoyed a meal at a fancy London restaurant, The Ivy Asia

The outing comes after Jake returned to the square.

He was last on screens in February 2021 as Max decided to wave goodbye to Walford after his affair with Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) was exposed and she decided to stay with Mick over him.

His brother Jack told him to move on with his life, which inspired him to leave and go to New Zealand to be with his daughter Lauren.

After four years away from the Square, Max showed his face during a September episode of the BBC show.

As viewers will know, earlier this week Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan) also made a shock return to the programme.

The market stall holder ends up in the hospital after getting shot, which leaves Kat worrying about whether her daughter is safe.

Zoe's mobile rings while she is in hospital and Kat decides to answer, not knowing that it's actually Max Branning on the other end of the phone.

Max decides to keep quiet so that Kat doesn't know that it is him. The fan-favourite's return was first teased back in July.

A source told The Sun: 'Jakes return is huge news for EastEnders fans as his character made a massive mark on the show.

'Itll raise some eyebrows after he was absent from the 40th anniversary earlier this year. Bosses are excited about what his characters reappearance means for spicing up the plots.

Jacqueline Jossa, 33, (third from right) shared a series of playful snaps of the cast which included Pierre Moullier, 25, Ellie Dadd, 20, Kitty Castledine, 23, Scott Maslen, 54 and Jake Wood, 53 (picture L to R)

The cast members could be seen joking around singing along to reels and posing for group snaps
Gordon Ramsay proved that he's well and truly moved on from his feud with his former protege Marcus Wareing as they headed out to dinner together over the weekend.

The chef, 59, and his stylish wife Tana enjoyed a meal with Marcus, 55, and his wife Jane at Dorian restaurant in Notting Hill after ending their long-running argument earlier this year.

The Ramsay outing comes amid an ongoing bitter row with their daughter Holly's in-laws ahead of her Christmas wedding to Olympic swimmer Adam Peaty.

Amid the Peaty family drama however, Gordon has been spending time with Marcus again.

For the dinner Gordon wore a smart grey jacket as he held hands with Tana, 51, who wore a chic all-black ensemble.

The pair famously clashed when they both worked at Gordon's swanky London restaurant Aubergine.

Gordon Ramsay proved that he's well and truly moved on from his feud with his former protege Marcus Wareing as they headed out to dinner together over the weekend

The chef, 59, and his stylish wife Tana enjoyed a meal with Marcus, 55, and his wife Jane at Dorian restaurant in Notting Hill after ending their long-running argument earlier this year

They then spent more than 16 years with their knives out for each other in a very public, and 'nasty', feud.

However this February the pair buried the hatchet, reuniting for an amicable make-up dinner with both stars posting a photograph of them together in a mystery kitchen on social media.

Wareing said: 'It's been a long time coming', while Ramsay wrote: 'Dinner with friends.'

The rapprochement has stunned the restaurant world, given Wareing once said he hoped he would never have to speak to Ramsay 'for the rest of my life'.

The chefs were once so close that Ramsay was best man at Wareing's wedding in 2000 and is godfather to his eldest child.

They worked together for 15 years, with Wareing considered Ramsay's protege after working as sous chef at his Aubergine restaurant.

In 1999, they opened a joint venture, Petrus, with Wareing as head chef. It earned two Michelin stars but was to be the undoing of their friendship.

In 2008, Wareing wanted to go solo and take over the lease at London's Berkeley Hotel, sparking a legal fight. In the end, Ramsay kept the Petrus name and Wareing opened his own place at The Berkeley.

The Ramsay outing comes amid an ongoing bitter row with their daughter Holly's in-laws ahead of her Christmas wedding to Olympic swimmer Adam Peaty

Amid the Peaty family drama however, Gordon has been spending time with Marcus again

For the dinner Gordon wore a smart grey jacket as he held hands with Tana, 51, who wore a chic all-black ensemble

The pair famously clashed when they both worked at Gordon's swanky London restaurant Aubergine

They then spent more than 16 years with their knives out for each other in a very public, and 'nasty', feud (Marcus and wife Jane seen leaving the dinner)

However this February the pair buried the hatchet, reuniting for an amicable make-up dinner with both stars posting a photograph of them together in a mystery kitchen on social media

Tana teamed her black co-ord with comfortable trainers for the night out

The chefs were once so close that Ramsay was best man at Wareing's wedding in 2000 and is godfather to his eldest child

Wareing once admitted: 'It was me who started it. I picked a fight. I no longer wanted to be kept in a corner, so I spoke up. And, well, it got nasty.'

He retired from the restaurant game last year, but remains a judge on BBC's MasterChef: The Professionals.

He previously detailed the spat during an interview with Weekend Magazine in 2011, explaining: 'Gordon verbally kicked the s*** out of you. Then he would buy you a beer. He put me through mental torture.

'I'd be first in in the morning, and I'd lock up at night. All day, there'd be Gordon being Gordon. It's a wonder we all survived.'

The chef added that the pair came close to physical violence, adding: 'B***dy close. Once, about six months before we finished, he came into the kitchen on a Saturday night. We had a conversation.'

More recently Marcus said their feud was 'the best thing that ever happened to them.'

He admitted that his row with Gordon proved to be the making of them both, telling The Daily Mail's Richard Eden it pushed him to find 'another ambition'.

Meanwhile Gordon is currently embroiled in a bitter row with his daughter Holly's in-laws.

Tana sweetly held hands with her husband as they departed

They worked together for 15 years, with Wareing considered Ramsay's protege after working as sous chef at his Aubergine restaurant

Wareing once admitted: 'It was me who started it. I picked a fight. I no longer wanted to be kept in a corner, so I spoke up. And, well, it got nasty'

He previously detailed the spat during an interview with Weekend Magazine in 2011, explaining: 'Gordon verbally kicked the s*** out of you. Then he would buy you a beer. He put me through mental torture'

More recently Marcus said their feud was 'the best thing that ever happened to them'

She carried a studded clutch with her to complete the look

They posted this image together in February as they revealed to the world that they had made up

Her upcoming wedding to the Olympian has been dramatically overshadowed by the toxic row, which has seen Adam disinvite all of his relatives, bar his sister Bethany, from the nuptials.

Sources claimed last Tuesday that cracks in family relations first began to show at Holly and Adam's engagement party, which has reportedly been filmed to feature in her father Gordon's Netflix docuseries.

Adam and Holly are set for a Christmas wedding spectacular, where they will exchange vows at Bath's historic Abbey Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, before embarking on festive drinks.

However, Adam left jaws dropping earlier this month when it was revealed he had uninvited his relatives from his wedding, after his mother was not invited to Holly's swanky hen do.

The astonishing family feud kicked off after news arose that Adam's mother was not invited to Holly's hen do, where she was joined by her mum Tana, Adam's sister Bethany and Victoria Beckham at Soho Farmhouse.

In the wake of the snub, a number of stories of strife unraveled, with shock claims on each side about the fallout - including allegations that Holly and Adam made Caroline chose a different outfit for the wedding as they did not like her choice.

It's now been reported that tensions between the two families began during Holly and Adam's engagement party, which was filmed for Gordon's upcoming Netflix documentary.

The celebrity chef was filmed over nine months as he opened five new restaurants in London, alongside juggling his personal life.

The engagement party, which took place last December, will see the Holly and Adam with his family during happier times, before their toxic fallout occurred and he disinvited all but one of his relatives from the wedding.

But according to The Sun, the cracks were already starting to show at the time, with Caroline having several grievances at the party.

A source told the publication: 'Adam's family were at the engagement party, when relations were much better. Things went downhill from there.

'His mum was unhappy some of the family weren't there and confronted Gordon at the event.

'Guests were made to sign non-disclosure agreements and hand in phones as the party was filmed.'

Last week it was revealed Adam's sister Bethany is the only member of his side who appears to have survived the bitter family fallout ahead of his wedding.

The hen do snub sparked a huge response from the Peaty family, with Adam's aunt Louise blasting her nephew and his fiancee Holly in a series of Instagram comments.

She later claimed her sister Caroline wasn't invited to their wedding due to her appearance and not having the correct 'look'.

But one member of Adam's side of the family appears to have survived the feud, his sister Bethany - who did make the cut for Holly's picture perfect Cotswolds hen do.

The Sun has reported that the real reason Bethany made the cut is because she 'fits in' to the Ramsays' glamorous world because 'she's blonde and pretty'.

While they claim that Bethany herself has had her head turned by the celebrity lifestyle, and has been asked to be one of Holly's bridesmaids.

The two chefs are seen together back in 2001

Meanwhile Gordon is currently embroiled in a bitter row with his daughter Holly's in-laws (L-R: Gordon, Tana, Holly and Adam)

Adam recently broke his silence amid the toxic family rift by sharing a statement in which he also spoke on Bethany's behalf, cementing their allegiance.

Taking to Instagram, he insisted there are 'two sides to every story' and that he, Holly and Bethany 'will get through' the 'challenging times'.

He penned: 'For those who know me personally, you know that I work so hard on trying to improve myself as a person who wants to contribute to making the world a better place.

'I am continuing to learn about myself and how I can be the man I want to be; a worthy partner, father, businessman, friend and athlete; even through these challenging times.

'Bethany [his sister], Holly and I will get through this - we do not ask for sympathy. We just need people to be aware that there are always two sides to every story.

'To those of you who have reached out and shown kindness and understanding - thank you. It is deeply appreciated.'

Adam also explained that he, Holly and Bethany cannot go into detail due to 'an ongoing police investigation into serious matters that arose long before recent events'.
They are one of the showbiz world's hottest couples.

And Dua Lipa proved temperatures are soaring with her hunky fiance Callum Turner, as the duo were seen enjoying a sizzling dance in a Brazilian nightclub.

In videos captured by fellow clubbers, the songstress, 30, who is currently in Rio de Janeiro as part of her Radical Optimism tour, got up close and personal with the Masters Of The Air star, 35, on the dancefloor.

The duo were seen in a salsa club, where her pop star moves were clear to see when she was expertly making her way around the dancefloor with Callum.

Upon the videos landing on social media, fans soon flooded various pages with excitement, with users writing comments including: 'made for each other... They are so perfect... Must be nice... Manifesting... Beautiful. Im glad shes enjoying herself'.

Dua Lipa proved temperatures are soaring with her hunky fiance Callum Turner, as the duo were seen enjoying a sizzling dance in a Brazilian nightclub

Fans flooded social media with admiration for the couple

The duo were seen in a salsa club, where her pop star moves were clear to see when she was expertly making her way around the dancefloor with Callum

Dua has been sharing details of her trip on social media, having put on an eye-popping display in snaps posted late last month as she posed on a Brazlilian beach in a tiny sequin bikini to best show off her stunning figure.

She captioned the pictures 'JEITO CARIOCA' - translating to 'CARIOCA WAY' which refers to the lifestyle, culture, and personality of the people from Rio de Janeiro.

In some other stunning snaps, Dua also showcased her chic sense of style as she went out for the day wearing a floaty halter neck black top over a long black skirt.

Dua recently discussed her romance in an interview with Vanity Fair.

Asked if it's difficult to navigate their relationship in the public eye, he said: 'There's nothing hard about it at all. It's the easiest thing in the world - it really is.'

The couple began dating in January 2024, and the couple confirmed they were engaged in June this year.

It comes after Callum candidly opened up on his romance with fiancee Dua, saying that she was 'the most beautiful woman in the world.'

The couple put on a hot and heavy display as they hit the dancefloor

The couple began dating in January 2024, and the couple confirmed they were engaged in June this year

Dua has been sharing details of her trip on social media, having put on an eye-popping display in snaps posted late last month as she posed on a Brazlilian beach in a tiny sequin bikini to best show off her stunning figure

In a new interview with The Times Style, he detailed their first meeting, while revealing the 'rule' the pair have that allows them to maintain their relationship amid their busy schedules and long-distance.

The couple's romance appears straight out a film, with Callum explaining they had 'maybe two, three, four, five near misses over our time where we didnt meet', before finally finding each other.

He gushed: 'There were loads of things like that and then, when we were both able to, we were both single and whatever, I just thought she was the most beautiful woman in the world.'

In a new interview with The Times Style , he detailed their first meeting, while revealing the 'rule' the pair have that allows them to maintain their relationship amid their busy schedules and long-distance

The actor recalled how they sparked up an instantaneous connection during drinks for a mutual friends birthday, when they were sat next to each other and realised they both were one chapter into reading the same novel, Hernan Diaz's Trust.

Callum recounted: 'In the movie version of it I look up to the sky and Im like, I hear you. I understand. The signs are loud, dont worry. And that was really the first [moment].'

Dua's global tour is set to end on December 5 with the last performance being in Mexico.
Irish influencer Niamh Cullen has announced the heartbreaking death of her husband Jamie Gill, at age 33, barely a year after marking their first wedding anniversary.

On Saturday, the 33-year-old content creator confirmed the devastating news in an emotional tribute shared to Instagram.

'The unimaginable has happened. Our worst nightmare,' she wrote. 'My beautiful husband has been taken from us. The light of my life. I was the luckiest to be loved and adored by you Jamie. I love you endlessly, not just now, but eternally.'

She continued: 'This video for me shows our unconditional love, fun and laughter. I'm broken.'

An obituary for Gill said he was 'surrounded by his loving family, in the wonderful care of the staff of St. Francis Hospice, Raheny' when he passed away.

His family wrote: 'Our lives will never be the same at the untimely loss of a loving husband, cherished son and a fantastic brother.'

Irish influencer Niamh Cullen has announced the heartbreaking death of her husband Jamie Gill, at age 33, barely a year after marking their first wedding anniversary

He is survived by Cullen, mother Barbara, father Hugh, brothers, mother-in-law Geraldine, father-in-law James, brother-in-law Jack, sisters-in-law Grace, godson Hughy, goddaughter Emily, niece Sadie and Jamie's godparents Moya and Roderick.

Funeral arrangements state that Jamie will repose at his parents' home this Sunday from 4pm to 7pm.

Removal will take place Tuesday morning to St. Vincent De Paul Church, Griffith Avenue, for an 11:30am Funeral Mass, followed by burial at Balgriffin Cemetery.

The family has requested donations to St. Francis Hospice, Raheny in lieu of flowers .

Just weeks before his death, Cullen had shared a deeply personal and heartbreaking post marking one year of marriage, detailing Jamie's sudden illness and the brutal cancer battle that followed.

'Last weekend, marked one year of our marriage. Nothing could have prepared us for the journey that was ahead,' she wrote beneath a wedding photo.

She recalled: 'On day 3 of our wedding, Jamie became seriously unwell. What was meant to be a minimoon in Rome turned into ten days in hospital. We returned home where Jamie had some scans and conversations about next steps.'

'Just two weeks before Christmas, Jamie underwent major surgery where doctors discovered a cancerous tumor. Our world shattered in an instant, but we stayed strong. Jamie bravely faced 10 rounds of chemotherapy.'

On Saturday, the 33-year-old content creator confirmed the devastating news in an emotional tribute shared to Instagram

'The unimaginable has happened. Our worst nightmare,' she wrote. 'My beautiful husband has been taken from us. The light of my life. I was the luckiest to be loved and adored by you Jamie'

Cullen explained that although there were 'ups and downs along the way,' nothing could have prepared them for the terrifying turn that followed his 10th round.

'He was rushed into hospital by ambulance, where he developed pneumonia that turned sepsis, just hours after his chemotherapy. It was scary and really not good,' she wrote.

'Not long after, he was rushed again to hospital with unbearable pain. We were given the devastating news the cancer had returned.'

'My world feels broken, my blood still runs cold,' she added, 'but I know this  my husband is a fighter. We will not give up.'

An obituary for Gill said he was 'surrounded by his loving family, in the wonderful care of the staff of St. Francis Hospice, Raheny' when he passed away

In the caption, the influencer opened up about the emotional toll of watching her husband battle cancer so soon into their marriage.

'I don't think I'll ever be able to articulate Jamie's strength throughout this entire journey,' she said. 'He never ceases to amaze me with his incredible positive outlook and mindset, even in the darkest moments.'

'It's been unimaginably tough seeing the person you love suffer and to feel so helpless,' she continued. 'I get these waves of guilt daily because all I want to do is just swap places or take it away. But I can't.'

She added: 'My husband is my inspiration, my hero and I love so much being his wife. In sickness and in health I know and pray that positive things are coming. They have to be, you deeply deserve it. Thanks for the support and patience. It's been the most difficult time as newlyweds. We will not give up.'

The couple first met in 2017 at Bingo Loco, a local bingo hall. In 2021, the pair moved in together and one year later Gill proposed.

'Life has been interesting enough. We've had some stuff going on at home. I know we will share in time, but at the moment, it's not my story alone to share,' she told VIP Magazine in August 2025. 'My husband has just been having some struggles with his health. We're just taking it day by day. I'm trying to be busy but also spend time at home with Jamie.'
Over the weekend, Amy Schumer posted new photos where she looked her thinnest yet.

The comedienne was sitting on a staircase as she spread her slender legs while in a yellow low-cut Valentino minidress.

The Trainwreck actress has been shedding pounds thanks to the weight-loss drug Mounjaro and has been pretty open about it with her fans, saying she feels 'great.'

But her tiny frame was not the only thing that was different in the cute snapshots shared on Instagram, which her son Gene also featured in. What stood out was that 44-year-old Schumer did not have a single wrinkle on her face.

The second cousin of politician Chuck Schumer tried to explain that away in her Instagram caption.

The Daily Mail also spoke to a plastic surgeon about the work she may have done.

Over the weekend, Amy Schumer posted new photos to Instagram where she looked her thinnest yet. But her tiny frame was not the only thing that was different in the snapshots. She was also apparently wrinkle-free

Her flawless face, left, in recent Instagram post, and right, with a different look in a video last week

The diva from New York, who has not been seen with her husband in several months, said that she was having facials to get her glow: 'Skin as always by @georgialouisesk,' wrote the star in her caption.

She was referring to the British founder of Georgia Louise Beauty Longevity & Georgia Louise Skincare on East 81st in New York.

Her website says: 'Georgia Louise is one of the world's most sought-after estheticians - trusted by the most iconic A-listers and a trendsetter amongst her peers. She pioneered red light therapy for consumers and continues to test every product in her active Manhattan atelier. Her formulas are natural and clinically potent as well as personalized.'

She offers chemical peels, IV drips, PRF EZ Gel - an injectable filler - and vitamin shots. Actress Anne Hathaway also goes to the popular facialist.

Fans took to social media to weigh in on Schumer's smooth look: most said that she used a filter to obtain her flawless face. Others think she may have used Photoshop.

Now Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Dr Kahn has weighed in, telling the Daily Mail that it looks like Schumer could have had Botox, but it is much more likely that she has used a heavy filter.

'You can no longer tell with Instagram photos what is going on because the filters have gotten so good,' added the doctor. 'It is likely she has had very little done and is instead relying on camera trickery.'

This comes two weeks after Schumer deleted all of her pre-weight-loss photos from social media.

Alongside a new post, the star wrote on Instagram: 'I actually left my house tonight. Who's proud? I'm feeling good and happy. Deleted my old pics for no reason!'

The diva from New York - who has not been seen with her husband in several months - said that she was using a facialist to get her glow: 'Skin as always by @georgialouisesk ,' wrote the star in her caption

Left, in her recent Instagram post, and right, at a charity event in NYC in 2019

Shortly before making the announcement, Schumer shared a photo of her very first Instagram post on her Instagram Stories.

The Hollywood star, who had liposuction in 2022, captioned it: 'My first ever Insta post. I'm gonna erase them all cause why not? (sic)'

Earlier this year, Schumer revealed that she had a 'really good experience' with a new weight-loss drug.

The actress previously confessed to having a difficult time with Wegovy, another popular weight-loss drug - but she much preferred Mounjaro after starting it earlier this year.

The Hollywood star wrote on Instagram: 'Three years ago, I tried Wegovy. I was puking, I couldn't handle it.

'I don't know if they've changed the formula, whatever. But anyway, I went on this Telehealth meeting with Midi Health, and it was cheap. I wanted to try it myself 'cause I wanted to recommend it to my friends who are nurses and teachers.'

Schumer noted that the clinic 'put [her] on estrogen and progesterone'. She continued: 'I realized I was in perimenopause and my symptoms from being perimenopausal have disappeared.'

She offers chemical peels, IV drips, PRF EZ Gel and vitamin shots as well. Anne Hathaway is also a fan of the popular facialist

The actress has seen a marked change in her appearance since she adopted the drug.

She said: 'My hair is fuller, my skin is better, I have more energy, I want to get down more, if you know what I mean. I'm talking about sex. So that's been great and Mounjaro's been great.'

Schumer is also keen to be open and honest with her followers about her weight-loss journey.

The movie star explained: 'Look, it's not covered by insurance unless you have diabetes or like severe obesity, which most of the internet thinks I have. But I'm having a really good experience with it and I wanted to keep it real with you about that.'
Five years before Charlotte Stewart starred in Little House on the Prairie, she was a free-spirited hippie who owned a clothing shop called Liquid Butterfly where she met The Doors frontman Jim Morrison.

'We would go out for drinks. He was quite a drinker, and often he needed to be driven home. So I would take him to my house because he trusted me,' the 84-year-old retired actress told Fox News Digital last week.

'I didn't want him to be my boyfriend. I didn't want to marry him. All I wanted was to be his friend. He drank like I drank at that time. So we became trusted friends. He could count on me.'

After Morrison allegedly exposed his genitalia at a 1969 Miami concert, he was issued six warrants on obscenity charges and returned to California where he visited Stewart.

'He came up to me and said, "I gotta get out of town. You want to go?" I said, "Sure,"' the NoCal native recalled.

'We jumped in the car, and he didn't know where he wanted to go, so I directed him up Highway 1, which follows the Pacific Ocean all the way to Washington and Oregon. We just drove  stopping at bars along the way and staying overnight at motels.'

Five years before Charlotte Stewart starred in Little House on the Prairie, she was a free-spirited hippie who owned a clothing shop called Liquid Butterfly where she met The Doors frontman Jim Morrison

Stewart spent four days on the coast with 'The Lizard King,' even shooting the road trip on Super 8 film.

'Most of it was just him driving, which wasn't very interesting,' the Beadle Bag designer said of her footage.

'I took him to Hearst Castle. There are pictures of me eating a hot dog there. We stayed with a lot of friends I had up there. They didn't even know who he was because, at the time, he had a full beard and really didn't take care of it.

'He looked like a bum. But I introduced him to my friends, and they didn't have a clue it was Jim Morrison.'

Stewart continued: 'The fact that he trusted me at the worst time in his life when he was facing jail time  I will always cherish that. He knew he was going to have to fly back to Florida and face trial. And then he was gone.'

Morrison was put on trial in 1970 where he was convicted of two misdemeanors (indecent exposure and open profanity) and Circuit Judge Murray Goodman sentenced him to six months in prison and a $500 fine.

However, the Florida-born poet remained free on a $50,000 bond while the verdict was being appealed and he passed away, at age 27, in 1971 from heart failure (rumored heroin overdose) in Paris before ever going behind bars.

'I was heartbroken,' admitted the Twin Peaks alum.

'[Romance] had nothing to do with it...He trusted me because I didn't want anything from him. I was just being a friend  happened to be a friend with benefits. That's what we did.'

The 84-year-old retired actress told Fox News Digital last week: 'We would go out for drinks. He was quite a drinker, and often he needed to be driven home. So I would take him to my house because he trusted me' (pictured September 29)

After Morrison allegedly exposed his genitalia at a 1969 Miami concert, he was issued six warrants on obscenity charges and returned to California where he visited Stewart (pictured in 1970)

The NoCal native recalled of their four-day road trip: 'He came up to me and said, "I gotta get out of town. You want to go?" I said, "Sure." We jumped in the car, and he didn't know where he wanted to go, so I directed him up Highway 1'

Stewart said: 'The fact that he trusted me at the worst time in his life when he was facing jail time  I will always cherish that. He knew he was going to have to fly back to Florida and face trial. And then he was gone'

Morrison was put on trial in 1970 where he was convicted of two misdemeanors - indecent exposure and open profanity - and Circuit Judge Murray Goodman sentenced him to six months in prison and a $500 fine (pictured in 1969)

However, the Florida-born poet remained free on a $50,000 bond while the verdict was being appealed and he passed away, at age 27, in 1971 from heart failure (rumored heroin overdose) in Paris before ever going behind bars (pictured in 1969)

The Beadle Bag designer said: 'I was heartbroken...[Romance] had nothing to do with it. He trusted me because I didn't want anything from him. I was just being a friend  happened to be a friend with benefits. That's what we did'

Stewart added: 'It made sense that he would be stupid enough to drink himself to death, but he was only 27 years old. I was 33 at the time'

The Twin Peaks alum is best known for her recurring role as school teacher Eva Beadle Simms over four seasons of NBC's western historical epic Little House on the Prairie from 1974-1978

Stewart will reunite with 16 members of the cast and crew during a three-day celebration held at Strathearn Historical Park in Simi Valley, CA from December 12-14 where tickets cost between $30-$850

Stewart added: 'It made sense that he would be stupid enough to drink himself to death, but he was only 27 years old. I was 33 at the time.'

On the 67th anniversary of Morrison's birth, Florida governor Charlie Crist and the state clemency board unanimously issued a posthumous pardon for the legendary rocker.

The Tremors alum is best known for her recurring role as school teacher Eva Beadle Simms over four seasons of NBC's western historical epic Little House on the Prairie from 1974-1978.

Stewart will reunite with 16 members of the cast and crew during a three-day celebration held at Strathearn Historical Park in Simi Valley, CA from December 12-14 where tickets cost between $30-$850.

'I was very lucky,' she said. 'I got to work with the best.'
Scarlett Johansson is doubling down on her long-standing support for Woody Allen.

The actress, one of the few major Hollywood names who has openly defended Allen, addressed the controversy in a new interview with The Daily Telegraph, reflecting on whether her loyalty to the director has affected her career or personal life.

'It's hard to know,' Johansson admitted. 'You never know what the domino effect is, exactly. But my mom always encouraged me to be myself, [to see] that it's important to have integrity, and stand up for what you believe in.'

Johansson, who worked with Allen on Match Point (2005), Scoop (2006) and Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008), has publicly defended him in the years since allegations against him resurfaced during the #MeToo movement.

Back in 2019, she told The Hollywood Reporter: 'I love Woody. I believe him, and I would work with him anytime. I see Woody whenever I can, and I have had a lot of conversations with him about it.'

She continued: 'I have been very direct with him, and he's very direct with me. He maintains his innocence, and I believe him.'

Scarlett Johansson is doubling down on her long-standing support for Woody Allen (seen in 2025)

In her latest interview, Johansson noted that while she still stands by Allen, she also believes there are moments when being outspoken is not the right move.

'I think it's also important to know when it's not your turn,' she explained. 'I don't mean you should silence yourself. I mean sometimes it's just not your time. And that's something I've understood more as I've matured.'

Allen has long denied accusations that he sexually abused his adopted daughter Dylan Farrow - claims first raised in 1992 and brought back into the spotlight amid the industry's reckoning with sexual misconduct.

New York authorities investigated the allegations at the time, and a 1993 court ruling stated that the allegation had not been proven.

Dylan, however, continues to stand by her account.

In 2014, she penned an explosive open letter in The New York Times restating the allegations and criticizing Hollywood for continuing to embrace the director.

The scandal was further heightened in the 1990s by news of Allen's controversial relationship with Soon-Yi Previn, another of Mia Farrow's adopted children, who was 21 when their relationship began. Allen was 56.

The actress addressed the controversy in a new interview with The Daily Telegraph, reflecting on whether her loyalty to the director has affected her career or personal life; pictured in 2007

Johansson worked with Allen three times for Match Point (pictured above in 2005), Scoop (2006) and Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008)

Allen's controversial relationship with Soon-Yi Previn (seen in 2008), another of Mia Farrow's adopted children, who was 21, has also been widely criticized

Despite the highly publicized turmoil, Allen continued to enjoy decades of critical and commercial success.

But in the post-MeToo era, his reputation has become increasingly polarizing.

A number of actors, including Elliot Page, Greta Gerwig and Natalie Portman, have since expressed regret for working with him.

Still, Johansson maintains that speaking out in support of Allen does not conflict with her advocacy for women.

She has been an outspoken supporter of Time's Up, the anti-harassment initiative launched in 2018.

While reflecting on those early conversations within the movement, she said: 'It was almost like you found something you didn't even realize you needed. It was when I first understood what the word "triggering" actually meant.'

'Now it's part of the zeitgeist, but it was like, "Oh. Oh, the thing I'm feeling. That's what triggering means." I didn't know. Suddenly, you didn't have to take it anymore.'
Sam Faiers showcased her dramatic make-over and looked a million million from her TOWIE days at the 2025 Fashion Awards in London on Monday.

The reality star, 34, who appeared on the ITV2 series from 2010 to 2014, turned heads in a dramatic look as she graced the Royal Albert Hall's red carpet.

Sam ensured all eyes were on her in a dramatic black gown which boasted a flowing train, boned bodice and sheer panels.

She completed the look with a kooky head pieces with huge feathers while her blonde locks were hidden beneath the hat.

Since leaving TOWIE Sam went on to front her own reality series, The Mummy Diaries, from 2016 to 2021, with partner Paul Knightley and their children Paul Jr, nine, seven-year-old Rosie and Edward, three.

This year, the ceremony is being hosted by actor Colman Domingo, who offered a nod to the awards' UK heritage by dressing in Burberry for the red carpet.

Sam Faiers, 34, showcased her dramatic make-over and looked a million million from her TOWIE days at the 2025 Fashion Awards in London on Monday

The reality star appeared on the ITV2 series from 2010 to 2014 (pictured on TOWIE in 2010

Considered one of the biggest nights in the fashion calendar, the ceremony honours some of the most dazzling names and faces in the global fashion industry - celebrating household names and emerging designers.

First hosted at the iconic Royal Albert Hall, the awards have also been held at the Natural History Museum - four times - and three times at the Victoria & Albert Museum.

They returned to the Royal Albert Hall in 2016, and have stayed there ever since, becoming an annual hotspot for some of fashion's biggest names.

From Princess Diana and the Spice Girls, to Vivienne Westwood and Karl Lagerfeld, the awards have welcomed some of the worlds most famous faces from fashion and beyond.

First held in 1989, the annual event was originally known as the British Fashion Awards until 2016, when the name changed to better reflect the global pool of talent being recognised.

They returned to the Royal Albert Hall in 2016, and have stayed there ever since, becoming an annual hotspot for some of fashion's biggest names.

From Princess Diana and the Spice Girls, to Vivienne Westwood and Karl Lagerfeld, the awards have welcomed some of the worlds most famous faces from fashion and beyond.

Earlier this year Sam and sister Billie Shepherd were been branded 'dangerous' and 'irresponsible', for their frequent promotion of using holistic health over modern medicine.

FASHION AWARDS 2025: THE WINNERS Designer of the Year Rick Owens for Rick Owens Martine Rose for Martine Rose Willy Chavarria for Willy Chavarria Jonathan Anderson for Dior and JW Anderson - WINNER Miuccia Prada for Miu Miu Glenn Martens for Diesel and Maison Margiela British Womenswear Designer of the Year Simone Rocha for Simone Rocha Emma Chopova and Laura Lowena-Irons for Chopova Lowena Sarah Burton for Givenchy - WINNER Charlotte Knowles and Alexandre Arsenault for Knwls Erdem Moraloglu for Erdem British Menswear Designer of the Year Kiko Kostadinov for Kiko Kostadinov Craig Green for Craig Green Nicholas Daley for Nicholas Daley Foday Dumbuya for Labrum London Stefan Cooke and Jake Burt for Stefan Cooke Grace Wales Bonner for Wales Bonner - WINNER The Vanguard Award Aaron Esh for Aaron Esh Dilara Fndkoglu for Dilara Fndkoglu - WINNER Feben for Feben Steve O Smith for Steve O Smith Tolu Coker for Tolu Coker Torisheju Dumi for Torisheju Model of The Year Anok Yai The Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Creator Rei Kawakubo, Adrian Joffe and Dickon Bowden Special Recognition Award 15 Years of BFC Fashion Trust Special Recognition Award Delphine Arnault Special Recognition Award 25 Years of Fashion East Outstanding Achievement Award Brunello Cucinelli Cultural Innovator Award Little Simz Pandora Style Moment of The Year Award Sam Woolf Advertisement

Sam turned heads in a dramatic look as she graced the Royal Albert Hall's red carpet

She completed the look with a kooky head pieces with huge feathers while her blonde locks were hidden beneath the hat

Since leaving TOWIE Sam went on to front her own reality series, The Mummy Diaries, from 2016 to 2021, with partner Paul Knightley and their children

Sam (L) found fame on TOWIE alongside the likes of Mark Wright and Amy Childs

The pair found themselves embroiled in a number controversies, after heaping praise of natural medicines while decrying the use of SPF and mammograms.

Between them, Sam and Billie, 35, have over five million Instagram followers and have used their platforms to make bold claims about the efficacy of their holistic approach in treating their various ailments, from Crohn's disease to tonsillitis.

It comes after Amanda Holden cut a chic figure in a white diamond-embellished waistcoat and trousers as she joined Sam at her Revive Collagen event on Thursday to celebrate the brand reaching one vitamin million grants.

In 2023, Revive Collagen launched a partnership with Vitamin Angels to provide life-changing vitamins and minerals to children and mothers across the world.

The brand pledged to make a 1-for-1 vitamin donation through Vitamin Angels for every Revive Collagen box sold across the UK, which would provide a child in need with a six-month supply of vitamins.

Revive Collagen is one of the UKs fastest-growing wellness brands and is now stocked in over 4,000 stores across the globe.

Sam co-founded the brand in August 2020 alongside her long-time business manager, John Bailey, and still owns the majority stake in the company.

Revive Collagen, which sells ready-to-drink liquid collagen supplements, has exploded in popularity, becoming Europes fastest-growing collagen brand.
Maura Higgins, Leomie Anderson and Gwendoline Christie all failed to impress with their looks at the 2025 Fashion Awards in London on Monday.

As they hit the red carpet at London's Royal Albert Hall, Maura and Leomie flashed their underwear in bizarre numbers.

The pair appeared half-undressed with their gowns gathered around their waists and trailing behind them.

Former Love Island star Maura's outfit consisted of a black and white pinstriped skirt, a daring white bralette, and an enormous headpiece.

Meanwhile, Gwendoline, 47, wore a huge, kooky wig which towered above her and swept around her head.

TV personality Sam Faiers, 34, turned heads in a dramatic look which featured a quirky headpiece with huge feathers.

Maura Higgins, Leomie Anderson and Gwendoline Christie all failed to impress with their looks at the 2025 Fashion Awards in London on Monday

As they hit the red carpet at London's Royal Albert Hall, Leomie flashed her underwear while Gwendoline, 47, wore a huge, kooky wig

She showcased her dramatic make-over and looked a million miles away from her TOWIE days.

Other celebrities that missed the mark included Louise Redknapp, Vicky Pattison, Ashley Roberts and Laura Whitmore.

Louise opted for a floor length lace gown with a nude slip and black knickers underneath.

Elsewhere, Vicky wore a white dress, with a high, structured neckline and layered tulle skirt.

Ashley stood out in a bright yellow and green corseted gown, with exaggerated hips and a ruffled hem.

TV presenter Laura also opted for structured hips in an off-the-shoulder gown with a tartan cape, her hair was styled by TRESemme into glossy waves.

Lisa Rinna commanded attention in an eye-catching new look, including a head-to-toe checked layered dress, and a voluminous blonde hairstyle and bleached eyebrows.

But one person who made sure to garner everyone's attention was influencer Lyas Medini, who walked the red carpet in a naked look one-piece.

TV personality Sam Faiers, 34, turned heads in a dramatic look which featured a quirky headpiece with huge feathers

Gwendoline's wig towered above her and swept around her head

Louise Redknapp opted for a floor length lace gown with a nude slip and black knickers underneath

Ashley Roberts stood out in a bright yellow and green corseted gown, with exaggerated hips and a ruffled hem

One person who made sure to garner everyone's attention was influencer Lyas Medini, who walked the red carpet in a naked look one-piece

TV presenter Laura also opted for structured hips in an off-the-shoulder gown with a tartan cape

She styled her hair into a glossy look with TRESemme products

Lisa Rinna commanded attention in an eye-catching new look, including a head-to-toe checked layered dress, and a voluminous blonde hairstyle and bleached eyebrows

First held in 1989, the annual event was originally known as the British Fashion Awards until 2016, when the name changed to better reflect the global pool of talent being recognised.

First hosted at the iconic Royal Albert Hall, the awards have also been held at the Natural History Museum - four times - and three times at the Victoria & Albert Museum.

They returned to the Royal Albert Hall in 2016, and have stayed there ever since, becoming an annual hotspot for some of fashion's biggest names.

From Princess Diana and the Spice Girls, to Vivienne Westwood and Karl Lagerfeld, the awards have welcomed some of the worlds most famous faces from fashion and beyond.
TOWIE and Love Island stars hit the 2025 Fashion Awards in London on Monday as the UKs answer to the MET Gala filled its blue carpet with reality royalty.

Leading the TV stars Zara McDermott looked incredible in a white, one-shouldered dress which featured silver beads.

She was joined by fellow Love Island stars Olivia Atwood, Maura Higgins and Tasha Ghouri.

From TOWIE, Jessica Wright, Lucy Mecklenburgh and Pete Wicks were also in attendance, while former Geordie Shore star Vicky Pattison posed for photos.

Zara debuted her new brunette hairstyle as she arrived for the ceremony in the layered gown.

Maura's outfit consisted of a black and white pinstriped skirt, a daring white bralet, and an enormous headpiece.

TOWIE and Love Island stars hit the 2025 Fashion Awards in London on Monday as the UKs answer to the MET Gala filled its blue carpet with reality royalty including Zara McDermott

She was joined by fellow Love Island star Olivia Atwood while from TOWIE, Jessica Wright was also in attendance

Olivia opted for a co-ordinate consisting of a strapless bra top with a matching mini skirt and long wool coat.

Elsewhere, Tasha stunned in a burnt orange silk gown that she teamed with a gold statement necklace, pulling her hair back into an updo.

TOWIE's Jessica showed off her figure in a sophisticated brown metallic dress which featured a leather look corset.

She teamed her look with a pair of matching stiletto heels and topped off her outfit with chunky earrings.

Pete put on a dapper display in a double breasted tuxedo with a satin collar and silver brooch.

Joining the string of her fellow TV stars at the ceremony, Lucy put on a dazzling display in a pink metallic art deco dress.

First held in 1989, the annual event was originally known as the British Fashion Awards until 2016, when the name changed to better reflect the global pool of talent being recognised.

First hosted at the iconic Royal Albert Hall, the awards have also been held at the Natural History Museum - four times - and three times at the Victoria & Albert Museum.

Zara debuted her new brunette hairstyle as she arrived for the ceremony in the layered gown

Ahead of the red carpet Zara shared her finished look to Instagram

No doubt keen to steal the show, Maura Higgins made a dramatic arrival in a couture black and white outfit

Vicky Pattison amped up the glamour in a voluminous white gown, after she was eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing last month

Elsewhere, Tasha Ghouri stunned in a burnt orange silk gown that she teamed with a gold statement necklace, pulling her hair back into an updo

Joining Olivia at the ceremony was her longtime pal Pete Wicks attended the awards for the first time

Joining a string of other TOWIE stars at the ceremony, Lucy Mecklenburgh put on a dazzling display in a pink metallic art deco dress

They returned to the Royal Albert Hall in 2016, and have stayed there ever since, becoming an annual hotspot for some of fashion's biggest names.

From Princess Diana and the Spice Girls, to Vivienne Westwood and Karl Lagerfeld, the awards have welcomed some of the worlds most famous faces from fashion and beyond.

This year, the ceremony was hosted by actor Colman Domingo, who offered a nod to the awards' UK heritage by dressing in Burberry for the red carpet.

Considered one of the biggest nights in the fashion calendar, the ceremony honours some of the most dazzling names and faces in the global fashion industry - celebrating household names and emerging designers.
Lala Kent has just returned from a vacation in Hawaii.

But the 34-year-old reality star, who will be seen on Brittany Cartwright's show The Valley soon, said the trip was a 'nightmare.'

That's because her two children - she has Ocean, four, with ex-partner Randall Emmett and Sosa, 11 months, via a sperm donor - acted up on the way there.

But the way back to the US was better.

'Finally home in bed,' she wrote over a photo on Insta Stories in a post made late on Sunday night.

'My kids were so good on the plane. I was terrified because going to Hawaii was a nightmare. Sosa is asleep - she stayed up the whole flight. This one on the other hand was knockout out... now she's wired. Wish me luck.'

Lala Kent has just returned from a vacation in Hawaii. But the 34-year-old reality star, who will be seen on Brittany Cartwright 's show The Valley soon, said the trip was a 'nightmare'; seen here in mid November

'So in the meantime, well take pictures that remind us we still got it, then go back to mom. Mom. MOM!' she then added.

Earlier this year Kent revealed she weighed just 90 pounds after her tumultuous breakup from ex-fiance Emmett.

Brittany Cartwright applauded her former Vanderpump Rules co-star for getting to a 'much better place' with Emmett in an episode of her When Reality Hits podcast.

'Brittany, you remember, I was down to, like, 90 pounds,' Kent said. 'I couldn't eat. I was not well. That was the most horrendous time of my life.'

Kent admitted that even though it has been nearly four years since she went through he split from Emmett, 53, she still has to 'remind' herself that she is no longer in that place.

'Like, "You're OK. That time of your life is over, and you're on the other side,"' she said she tells herself. 'It's over. It's done. That feels so good.'

And she wants more kids. In October Kent said that she hopes to become pregnant within the next 12 months.

The star has already has has revealed that she would actually love to have 'five more babies.'

The reality wonder told Parents: 'I feel like we sunk right into this new dynamic. It is so fulfilling and it's difficult, but we're a well-oiled machine. And I just don't think I'm done. I think I need one more. I am loving it so much that I'm not ready for the stages to be over as they pass.'

The beauty observed that if her plan comes to fruition, Sosa would be two years old by the time her new baby is born.

She said: 'I think that's a good age gap. I didn't love that Ocean and Sosa are three and a half years apart. I like sticking to the two-and-a-half range. But you know what? The universe has a plan for me, and we just roll with it.'

Lala noted that Sosa's arrival has had a positive impact on Ocean, observing that she's shown 'a different level of confidence' in recent months.

The 34-year-old reality star, who will be seen on Brittany Cartwright 's show The Valley soon, was on a sandy beach with the ocean behind her on a sunny day. Seen on November 14

The cover girl star explained: 'She's really taken on the role of being a big sister. Ocean is only four, but she's always seemed like an old soul and just wise beyond her years.

'When Sosa came into the mix, it just gave Ocean a different level of confidence. She really enjoys helping me out, even throwing away a dirty diaper. That was huge for her. She's like, 'I touched a poopy diaper!' She really sunk into becoming a little caretaker, and it's adorable to watch.'

Lala and Randall went through an acrimonious split in 2021, and she initially feared that it might have a detrimental impact on Ocean. However, the reality star insists that their daughter is now 'happy, healthy, and thriving'.

She said: 'Ocean was so young when she had to start bouncing back and forth, so it's just very much a part of her norm. She knows that she always comes back to this house.

'Ocean just finished her first year of preschool, and the school said she's a little girl who is happy, healthy, and thriving.'
Kourtney Kardashian Barker was the first of the Kardashian-Jenner clan to have children of their own when she and Scott Disick welcomed their son Mason in 2009.

But even at age 30, the 46-year-old reality star admitted she felt totally unprepared for motherhood because 'nobody told me what to do.'

'I didn't read any books, but the way that I felt, my maternal instinct, was to do attachment parenting,' Barker said in her confessional on The Kardashians last Thursday.

'Before I had [my daughter] Penelope though, I read the attachment parenting book and it was more intentional.'

The Lemme co-founder continued to work through her first pregnancy and afterwards because she 'didn't really think it was an option to not work.'

'Now, I have the option not to work, and I feel grateful to be able to find what I connect to,' Barker noted.

Kourtney Kardashian Barker was the first of the Kardashian-Jenner clan to have children of their own when she and Scott Disick welcomed their son Mason in 2009

But even at age 30, the 46-year-old reality star admitted she felt totally unprepared for motherhood because 'nobody told me what to do'

The half-Armenian beauty was discussing attachment parenting because she hosted a seminar with Being There author Erica Komisar at her $8.5M six-bedroom mansion inside the gated community Estates at the Oaks.

December 14 will mark Mason's 16th birthday and son Reign's 11th birthday, and Barker and Disick are also proud parents of 13-year-old daughter Penelope.

The Calabasas socialite ended her on/off nine-year relationship with the 42-year-old Talentless CEO in 2015 shortly after he was pictured canoodling with stylist Chloe Bartoli, and they've continue to clash over their kids' education.

Barker exclaimed 'Why do kids f***ing go to school?' on her sister's Khloe in Wonder Land podcast in April, adding that it is a 'dated' practice compared to homeschooling.

'Scott strongly disagrees with Kourtney's parenting style and finds her comments irresponsible,' an insider exclusively told DailyMail.com in May.

'Scott values hard work and sees school as essential and would never allow his kids to not attend. He feels Kourtney has changed and will have his children homeschooled over his dead body.'

Ironically, Disick dropped out of the private Ross School in his native Long Island, NY while the 5ft brunette holds a bachelor's degree in theatre arts from the University of Arizona.

Last month, the Running Point guest star revealed he was seriously considering moving to New York City to be closer to his unnamed girlfriend, even selling his boat, but Mason managed to change his mind.

'I talked to Mase, and he's like, "You can't actually move,"' Disick admitted on the November 6 episode of The Kardashians.

Barker said in her confessional on The Kardashians last Thursday: 'I didn't read any books, but the way that I felt, my maternal instinct, was to do attachment parenting'

'Before I had [my daughter] Penelope though, I read the attachment parenting book and it was more intentional,' she added

The Lemme co-founder continued to work through her first pregnancy and afterwards because she 'didn't really think it was an option to not work' (pictured in 2010)

'Now, I have the option not to work, and I feel grateful to be able to find what I connect to,' Barker noted (pictured in 2010)

The half-Armenian beauty was discussing attachment parenting because she hosted a seminar with Being There author Erica Komisar (R) at her $8.5M six-bedroom mansion inside the gated community Estates at the Oaks

December 14 will mark Mason's (2-R) 16th birthday and son Reign's (3-L) 11th birthday, and Barker and Disick are also proud parents of 13-year-old daughter Penelope (R, pictured December 24)

The Calabasas socialite ended her on/off nine-year relationship with the 42-year-old Talentless CEO in 2015 shortly after he was pictured canoodling with stylist Chloe Bartoli, and they've continue to clash over their kids' education (pictured in 2020)

Barker exclaimed 'Why do kids f***ing go to school?' on her sister's Khloe in Wonder Land podcast in April, adding that it is a 'dated' practice compared to homeschooling

An insider exclusively told DailyMail.com in May: 'Scott strongly disagrees with Kourtney's parenting style and finds her comments irresponsible. Scott values hard work and sees school as essential and would never allow his kids to not attend'(pictured in 2023)

'I was like getting prepared! But I've realized, there's no way I could actually do [it].'

Barker and her neighbor-turned-husband Travis Barker welcomed their son Rocky 13 two years ago, and they've been married for three years.

The 50-year-old Blink-182 drummer welcomed three children - son Landon, 22; daughter Alabama, 19; and stepdaughter Atiana (whose father is Oscar De La Hoya), 26 - during his three-year marriage to Miss USA 1995 Shanna Moakler, which ended in 2008.

The Poosh founder was technically the first member of her family to star in a reality show - The Simple Life-inspired eight-episode series Filthy Rich: Cattle Drive, which aired in 2005 on E!
Trader Joe's has re-launched a fan-favorite item that disappeared from shelves a few years ago.

The cult-favorite grocery chain is famous for its wild and wonderful creations, ranging from chocolate hummus to pickle-flavored peanuts to the beloved Everything But the Bagel seasoning.

The returning product is no different. Chocolate mascarpone, which is a limited-time addition on sale for just $3.99, is back just in time for holiday hosting.

The product makes for a decadent addition to festive desserts and sweet treats.

The grocer boasts on its website: 'Unlike many of the other fine offerings in our cheese case, Trader Joe's Chocolate Mascarpone is not a wedge, slices, or shreds. It's a creamy, spreadable dessert Cheese that can help make your wildest Chocolate dreams come true.'

The product contains just five ingredients, including pasteurized cream and milk, as per the description.

It continues: 'Citric acid is introduced to the rich dairy to form curds, which are then strained and blended with cocoa powder and sugar. That's it!'

Trader Joe's has suggested that shoppers dip strawberries in the chocolate mascarpone, or put it inside crepes, on top of cupcakes, or between toasted bagel halves.

The new Trader Joe's product is chocolate mascarpone - a limited-time addition that is selling for just $3.99

It has dropped just in time for holiday hosting, and will make a decadent addition to many festive desserts and sweet treats

Fans are going crazy for the product, with many posting their reactions on a Trader Joe's Reddit forum.

'This is a return item FINALLY!!! It's been a few years but I dream of it,' a user gushed.

Another wrote: 'It tastes similar to the chocolate whipped cream but is a bit thicker! Its delicious.'

'I've waited so long for this,' someone else wrote.

A different user shared: 'If youre a fan of chocolate milk, this is your jam. Currently eating with the butter waffle cookies!'

Trader Joe's recently re-launched another previously retired fan favorite.

This comeback was a tried-and-true classic  and customers were ecstatic to put it in their shopping carts once again.

Trader Joe's quietly brought back two flavors of a classic item that vanished four years ago: pudding cups.

The cult-favorite grocery chain is famous for its wild and wonderful creations

Its out-there options include chocolate hummus, Peanuts in a Pickle and the holy grail Everything But the Bagel Seasoning

Four-packs of the classic desserts, available in Chocolate Pudding and Rice Pudding, will cost just $2.99 and make for the perfect after-dinner treat or lunchbox addition.

Trader Joe's says on its website: 'Made for us by a supplier that specializes in rich and creamy desserts, this is a remarkably elegant Chocolate Pudding, with a superlatively smooth and silky texture to match.'

The California-based grocery chain even suggested a throwback serving idea: mix in gummy candies to the chocolate treat and top with crushed Joe-Joe cookies for an easy 'worms in dirt' dessert.

Shoppers have been begging for the puddings to return since the original Belgian Chocolate version was discontinued.

Earlier this year, Trader Joe's returned with its beloved Customer Choice Awards.

Each year, the grocery chain calls on its shoppers to vote for their favorite products across various categories.

All 11 category winners are available at every Trader Joe's location, with several repeat champions from last year  including the overall top product.

Fans voted the Chili & Lime Flavored Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips the number one overall product for the third year in a row.

The latest items to return are the Trader Joe's Chocolate Pudding and Rice Pudding cups

Fans voted the Chili & Lime Flavored Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips the number one overall product for the third year in a row

The chips, which were also dubbed the top snack, are described as 'spicy, ire-zest-tible little scrolls made from stone ground corn masa.'

Trader Joe's has also been in the news recently for creating chaos with its viral tote bags.

The grocery store chain announced the return of its $3 colorful mini totes in September after first releasing them in February.

Each time the bags went on sale, the grocery store was swamped with shoppers eager to get their hands on a bag.

Lines stretched outside the shops, and once inside, customers frantically grabbed the simple canvas tote bags.

The grocery store chain had expected strong sales before it released the bag, but it did not anticipate how demand would explode.

'We had actually hundreds of thousands of bags come in and go out within a week,' Insider Trader Joe's podcast host Matt Sloan said in an episode earlier this year.
At least 4 killed, 10 injured in shooting in northern U.S. California

Xinhua) 11:17, December 01, 2025

SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 30 (Xinhua) -- At least four people were killed and ten others injured in a shooting on Saturday night during a family gathering in Stockton, a city in northern California, authorities said.

The shooting occurred around 6 p.m. Pacific Time (0200 GMT on Sunday) and the victims included both juveniles and adults, said Heather Brent, spokesperson for the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office, at a briefing.

The suspect remained at large and no arrests have been made, Brent said.

"Early indications suggest this may be a targeted incident, and investigators are exploring all possibilities," the office said in a Facebook post.

The "mass shooting" took place at a child's birthday party in an ice cream shop, according to Stockton Vice Mayor Jason Lee.

Authorities have not yet released details about the suspect or a possible motive, and the circumstances leading to the shooting remain unclear. California Governor Gavin Newsom has been briefed on the incident.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Saudi Arabia sponsored talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan over the weekend, which failed to make any headway as the two estranged neighbours refused to show any flexibility in their respective stances, according to a media report on Monday. The closed-door session was held in Riyadh and wrapped up late on Sunday without any breakthrough, the Dawn newspaper reported, quoting two sources familiar with the meeting.

Saudi Arabia quietly facilitated the round of direct talks, aimed at easing tensions over cross-border terrorism. The talks ended with both sides holding firm to their long-standing positions and showing little willingness to compromise, the sources said, speaking on condition of anonymity as the talks were not publicly acknowledged. The sources added that another Saudi-hosted round remains possible in the near future. The Riyadh engagement, which took place as a separate track co-mediated by Turkiye and Qatar, remains stalled.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had earlier announced plans to dispatch a delegation to Pakistan, but the visit has yet to materialise. The Turkiye-Qatar initiative produced a fragile ceasefire after clashes in early October, though Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said at a weekly briefing on Friday that the truce had faltered because it hinged on a halt to terrorist activities.

The delegations in Riyadh were largely the same teams that participated in previous rounds in Istanbul, the sources said, noting that the Pakistani delegation included a diplomat from the Foreign Office. During the talks, Saudi officials suggested that Pakistan consider allowing the resumption of bilateral trade while discussions on cross-border terrorism continue, but Islamabad declined the proposal, the sources said.

Pakistans bilateral relations with Afghanistan have come under strain in recent times as the banned outlawed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) remains the main point of contention between the two countries. Pakistan has demanded that the rulers in Kabul take action to stop cross-border terrorism, but the Afghan Taliban deny Islamabads allegations of terrorists being allowed to use Afghan soil to carry out attacks in Pakistan.
Thousands of demonstrators, including members of the Roman Catholic church clergy, protested in the Philippines on Sunday, calling for the swift prosecution of top legislators and officials implicated in a corruption scandal that has buffeted the Asian democracy. Left-wing groups led a separate protest in Manilas main park with a blunt demand for all implicated Government officials to immediately resign and face prosecution.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Has been scrambling to quell public outrage over the massive corruption blamed for substandard, defective or non-existent flood control projects across an archipelago long prone to deadly flooding and extreme weather in tropical Asia.

More than 17,000 police officers were deployed in metropolitan Manila to secure the separate protests. The Malacanang presidential palace complex in Manila was in a security lockdown with key access roads and bridges blocked by anti-riot police forces, trucks and barbed wire railings.

In a deeply divided democracy where two presidents have been separately overthrown in the last 39 years, partly over allegations of plunder, there have been isolated calls for the military to withdraw support from the Marcos administration.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines has steadfastly rejected such calls and welcomed on Sunday a statement signed by at least 88 mostly retired generals, including three military chiefs of staff, who said they strongly condemn and reject any call for the Armed Forces of the Philippines to engage in unconstitutional acts or military adventurism.

The unified voice of our retired and active leaders reaffirms that the Armed Forces of the Philippines remains a pillar of stability and a steadfast guardian of democracy, the military said in a statement. Roman Catholic churches across the country helped lead Sundays anti-corruption protests in their districts, with the main daylong rally being held at a pro-democracy people power monument along EDSA highway in the capital region.

Police said about 5,000 demonstrators, mostly wearing white, joined before noon. They demanded that members of Congress, officials and construction company owners behind thousands of anomalous flood control projects in recent years be imprisoned and ordered to return the Government funds they stole.

A protester wore a shirt with a blunt message: No mercy for the greedy. Since Marcos first raised alarm over the flood control anomalies in his state of the nation address before Congress in July, at least seven public works officers have been jailed for illegal use of public funds and other graft charges in one flood control project anomaly alone.

Executives of Sunwest Corp., a construction firm involved in the project, were being sought. On Friday, Henry Alcantara, a former Government engineer who has acknowledged under oath in Senate inquiry hearings his involvement in the anomalies, returned 110 million pesos (USD 1.9 million) in kickbacks that justice officials said he stole and promised to return more in a few weeks.

About 12 billion pesos (USD 206 million) worth of assets of suspects in flood control anomalies have been frozen by authorities, Marcos said. Marcos has pledged that many of at least 37 powerful senators, members of Congress and wealthy construction executives implicated in the corruption scandal would be in jail by Christmas.

Protesters in Sundays rallies said many more officials, including implicated senators and House of Representatives members, should be jailed sooner and ordered to return the funds they stole and used to finance fleets of private jets and luxury cars, mansions and extravagant lifestyles. Left-wing groups are demanding for all implicated Government officials to immediately resign and face prosecution
Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Aarons (NYSE:PRG  Free Report) from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report sent to investors on Friday.

Several other brokerages also recently issued reports on PRG. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c) rating on shares of Aarons in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. BTIG Research upgraded Aarons from a sell rating to a neutral rating and set a $31.00 target price on the stock in a research note on Friday, November 21st. Finally, TD Cowen dropped their price target on Aarons from $38.00 to $37.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Thursday, October 23rd. Four analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Aarons presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $40.33.

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Aarons Price Performance

NYSE:PRG opened at $28.78 on Friday. Aarons has a 12-month low of $23.50 and a 12-month high of $49.29. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.14 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 7.30 and a beta of 1.77. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $30.22 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $30.97. The company has a quick ratio of 2.65, a current ratio of 4.74 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.85.

Aarons (NYSE:PRG  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, October 22nd. The company reported $0.90 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.73 by $0.17. Aarons had a return on equity of 22.36% and a net margin of 6.54%.The business had revenue of $595.11 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $586.11 million. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $0.77 EPS. The firms revenue was down 1.8% compared to the same quarter last year. Aarons has set its FY 2025 guidance at 3.350-3.450 EPS. Q4 2025 guidance at 0.550-0.650 EPS. On average, analysts anticipate that Aarons will post 3.45 earnings per share for the current year.

Aarons Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, December 2nd. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, November 18th will be issued a $0.13 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, November 18th. This represents a $0.52 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.8%. Aaronss payout ratio is currently 13.20%.

Institutional Trading of Aarons

Several large investors have recently modified their holdings of PRG. Universal Beteiligungs und Servicegesellschaft mbH acquired a new stake in Aarons during the first quarter worth about $215,000. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd raised its position in shares of Aarons by 503.6% in the 2nd quarter. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd now owns 109,597 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,217,000 after buying an additional 91,439 shares in the last quarter. Invesco Ltd. lifted its holdings in shares of Aarons by 3.5% during the 1st quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 438,379 shares of the companys stock worth $11,661,000 after acquiring an additional 14,874 shares during the period. Strs Ohio acquired a new stake in shares of Aarons during the 1st quarter worth approximately $577,000. Finally, Assenagon Asset Management S.A. acquired a new stake in shares of Aarons during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $6,191,000. 97.92% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Aarons Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

PROG Holdings, Inc (NYSE:PRG) is a financial technology holding company based in Salt Lake City, Utah with three business segments: Progressive Leasing, which offers lease-to-own transactions primarily to credit-challenged consumers through e-commerce and point-of-sale retail partners, via online, mobile, and in-store solutions; Vive Financial, which provides consumers who may not qualify for traditional prime lending with a variety of second-look, revolving credit products through private label and branded credit cards; and Four Technologies, which provides consumers of all credit backgrounds Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) options through four interest-free installments via its platform, Four.

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Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of Arcosa (NYSE:ACA  Free Report) from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note released on Sunday morning.

Several other equities analysts have also recently issued reports on the company. Barclays boosted their target price on Arcosa from $106.00 to $115.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, November 3rd. Zacks Research downgraded shares of Arcosa from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, October 10th. Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b-) rating on shares of Arcosa in a report on Tuesday, November 25th. Finally, DA Davidson lifted their target price on shares of Arcosa from $110.00 to $120.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Monday, August 11th. Four investment 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, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $115.00.

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Arcosa Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE:ACA opened at $106.54 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 2.02, a quick ratio of 1.30 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.61. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $96.48 and a 200-day moving average price of $92.82. The company has a market cap of $5.22 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 35.28, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.56 and a beta of 1.00. Arcosa has a 12 month low of $68.11 and a 12 month high of $111.19.

Arcosa (NYSE:ACA  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, August 17th. The company reported $0.60 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The company had revenue of $515.10 million for the quarter. Arcosa had a return on equity of 7.46% and a net margin of 5.25%. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that Arcosa will post 3.23 EPS for the current year.

Arcosa Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, October 31st. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, October 15th were given a dividend of $0.05 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, October 15th. This represents a $0.20 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.2%. Arcosas dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 6.62%.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. GPS Wealth Strategies Group LLC increased its position in Arcosa by 15.7% in the third quarter. GPS Wealth Strategies Group LLC now owns 787 shares of the companys stock worth $74,000 after purchasing an additional 107 shares during the last quarter. Bessemer Group Inc. lifted its position in Arcosa by 47.8% during the third quarter. Bessemer Group Inc. now owns 368 shares of the companys stock valued at $35,000 after purchasing an additional 119 shares during the last quarter. State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund D grew its stake in shares of Arcosa by 0.6% in the 3rd quarter. State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund D now owns 22,357 shares of the companys stock worth $2,095,000 after buying an additional 139 shares in the last quarter. Blue Trust Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Arcosa by 18.0% in the 2nd quarter. Blue Trust Inc. now owns 939 shares of the companys stock worth $81,000 after buying an additional 143 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Jones Financial Companies Lllp increased its holdings in shares of Arcosa by 8.0% in the 3rd quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp now owns 2,108 shares of the companys stock worth $195,000 after buying an additional 156 shares during the last quarter. 90.66% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

Arcosa Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Arcosa, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, provides infrastructure-related products and solutions for the construction, engineered structures, and transportation markets in the United States. It operates through three segments: Construction Products, Engineered Structures, and Transportation Products.

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Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Edison International (NYSE:EIX  Free Report) from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report released on Friday morning.

Several other research firms have also recently commented on EIX. Morgan Stanley set a $64.00 price target on Edison International in a report on Thursday, November 20th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their target price on shares of Edison International from $67.00 to $68.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, September 25th. Barclays dropped their price target on shares of Edison International from $69.00 to $68.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, October 29th. Wells Fargo & Company raised shares of Edison International to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 28th. Finally, Cowen initiated coverage on shares of Edison International in a research note on Wednesday, October 15th. They set a buy rating for the company. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, six have assigned a Buy rating, eight have given a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $64.10.

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Edison International Stock Down 0.1%

EIX stock opened at $59.08 on Friday. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $56.47 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $54.63. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.95, a quick ratio of 0.81 and a current ratio of 0.82. The stock has a market capitalization of $22.73 billion, a P/E ratio of 7.72, a PEG ratio of 0.83 and a beta of 0.85. Edison International has a one year low of $47.73 and a one year high of $88.61.

Edison International (NYSE:EIX  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 28th. The utilities provider reported $2.34 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.16 by $0.18. The business had revenue of $5.75 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.31 billion. Edison International had a return on equity of 13.62% and a net margin of 17.24%.The businesss revenue was up 10.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $1.51 earnings per share. Edison International has set its FY 2025 guidance at 5.950-6.200 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Edison International will post 4.95 EPS for the current year.

Edison International Announces Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, October 31st. Shareholders 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 currently 43.27%.

Insider Activity

In other news, Director Peter J. Taylor sold 1,800 shares of the firms stock in a transaction 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 owned 35,212 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,946,167.24. This trade represents a 4.86% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. 1.20% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Institutional Trading of Edison International

Large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. CIBC Private Wealth Group LLC lifted its stake in shares of Edison International by 5.9% during the third quarter. CIBC Private Wealth Group LLC now owns 11,483 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $635,000 after purchasing an additional 639 shares in the last quarter. CIBC Bancorp USA Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Edison International during the 3rd quarter valued at about $2,935,000. Ariadne Wealth Management LP acquired a new position in Edison International during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $279,000. WBI Investments LLC acquired a new position in Edison International during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $2,923,000. Finally, Centaurus Financial Inc. purchased a new position in Edison International in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $199,000. 88.95% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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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American Assets Trust (NYSE:AAT  Get Free Report) and Agree Realty (NYSE:ADC  Get Free Report) are both finance companies, but which is the better investment? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their valuation, institutional ownership, profitability, earnings, dividends, risk and analyst recommendations.

Insider & Institutional Ownership

90.4% of American Assets Trust shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 97.8% of Agree Realty shares are owned by institutional investors. 36.8% of American Assets Trust shares are owned by insiders. Comparatively, 1.8% of Agree Realty shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a company is poised for long-term growth.

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Analyst Recommendations

This is a breakdown of recent recommendations and price targets for American Assets Trust and Agree Realty, as reported by MarketBeat.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score American Assets Trust 0 3 0 0 2.00 Agree Realty 0 7 9 0 2.56

Volatility and Risk

American Assets Trust currently has a consensus target price of $20.50, indicating a potential upside of 5.13%. Agree Realty has a consensus target price of $81.21, indicating a potential upside of 7.92%. Given Agree Realtys stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, analysts clearly believe Agree Realty is more favorable than American Assets Trust.

American Assets Trust has a beta of 1.2, indicating that its share price is 20% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Agree Realty has a beta of 0.55, indicating that its share price is 45% less volatile than the S&P 500.

Dividends

American Assets Trust pays an annual dividend of $1.36 per share and has a dividend yield of 7.0%. Agree Realty pays an annual dividend of $3.14 per share and has a dividend yield of 4.2%. American Assets Trust pays out 134.7% of its earnings in the form of a dividend, suggesting it may not have sufficient earnings to cover its dividend payment in the future. Agree Realty pays out 183.6% of its earnings in the form of a dividend, suggesting it may not have sufficient earnings to cover its dividend payment in the future. American Assets Trust has increased its dividend for 4 consecutive years and Agree Realty has increased its dividend for 1 consecutive years. American Assets Trust is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and longer track record of dividend growth.

Earnings & Valuation

This table compares American Assets Trust and Agree Realtys revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio American Assets Trust $439.58 million 2.71 $72.82 million $1.01 19.31 Agree Realty $688.64 million 12.56 $189.20 million $1.71 44.01

Agree Realty has higher revenue and earnings than American Assets Trust. American Assets Trust is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Agree Realty, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Profitability

This table compares American Assets Trust and Agree Realtys net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets American Assets Trust 13.98% 5.43% 2.03% Agree Realty 28.11% 3.52% 2.16%

Summary

Agree Realty beats American Assets Trust on 11 of the 17 factors compared between the two stocks.

About American Assets Trust

(Get Free Report)

American Assets Trust, Inc. is a full service, vertically integrated and self-administered real estate investment trust ("REIT"), headquartered in San Diego, California. The company has over 55 years of experience in acquiring, improving, developing and managing premier office, retail, and residential properties throughout the United States in some of the nation's most dynamic, high-barrier-to-entry markets primarily in Southern California, Northern California, Washington, Oregon, Texas and Hawaii. The company's office portfolio comprises approximately 4.1 million rentable square feet, and its retail portfolio comprises approximately 3.1 million rentable square feet. In addition, the company owns one mixed-use property (including approximately 94,000 rentable square feet of retail space and a 369-room all-suite hotel) and 2,110 multifamily units. In 2011, the company was formed to succeed to the real estate business of American Assets, Inc., a privately held corporation founded in 1967 and, as such, has significant experience, long-standing relationships and extensive knowledge of its core markets, submarkets and asset classes.

About Agree Realty

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Agree Realty Corporation is a publicly traded real estate investment trust that is RETHINKING RETAIL through the acquisition and development of properties net leased to industry-leading, omni-channel retail tenants. As of December 31, 2023, the Company owned and operated a portfolio of 2,135 properties, located in 49 states and containing approximately 44.2 million square feet of gross leasable area. The Company's common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "ADC".

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Wall Street Zen cut shares of OneMain (NYSE:OMF  Free Report) from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report report published on Friday.

OMF has been the subject of a number of other reports. Royal Bank Of Canada raised their price objective on shares of OneMain from $68.00 to $70.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Monday, November 3rd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price target on OneMain from $57.00 to $59.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Monday, November 3rd. Citigroup reissued a market outperform rating on shares of OneMain in a report on Monday, November 24th. Citizens Jmp reduced their target price on shares of OneMain from $70.00 to $68.00 and set a market outperform rating on the stock in a report on Monday, November 24th. Finally, JMP Securities set a $68.00 price target on shares of OneMain in a report on Monday, November 24th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seven have given a Buy rating and four have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $62.63.

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OneMain Stock Up 0.2%

NYSE:OMF opened at $62.03 on Friday. OneMain has a 52-week low of $38.00 and a 52-week high of $63.24. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $57.83 and a 200-day simple moving average of $57.18. The company has a market capitalization of $7.30 billion, a PE ratio of 11.20, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.45 and a beta of 1.37.

OneMain (NYSE:OMF  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Friday, October 31st. The financial services provider reported $1.90 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.58 by $0.32. The firm had revenue of $747.00 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.24 billion. OneMain had a net margin of 12.63% and a return on equity of 20.65%. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $1.31 EPS. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that OneMain will post 6.46 earnings per share for the current year.

OneMain Increases Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 14th. Stockholders of record on Monday, November 10th were issued a dividend of $1.05 per share. This represents a $4.20 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 6.8%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, November 10th. This is an increase from OneMains previous quarterly dividend of $1.04. OneMains payout ratio is currently 71.19%.

Insider Activity at OneMain

In related news, CEO Douglas H. Shulman sold 35,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $59.54, for a total value of $2,083,900.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer directly owned 231,600 shares in the company, valued at approximately $13,789,464. The trade was a 13.13% 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. Also, COO Micah R. Conrad sold 5,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $59.20, for a total transaction of $296,000.00. Following the transaction, the chief operating officer directly owned 88,221 shares of the companys stock, valued at $5,222,683.20. This trade represents a 5.36% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. 0.40% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in OMF. Kingstone Capital Partners Texas LLC acquired a new stake in OneMain during the second quarter worth about $611,102,000. Norges Bank purchased a new stake in shares of OneMain during the 2nd quarter worth about $85,541,000. Certuity LLC increased its position in OneMain by 107.6% during the 3rd quarter. Certuity LLC now owns 1,930,792 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $109,013,000 after purchasing an additional 1,000,654 shares in the last quarter. Nuveen LLC purchased a new position in OneMain in the first quarter valued at approximately $48,282,000. Finally, Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership lifted its position in OneMain by 57.0% during the third quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership now owns 1,965,244 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $110,958,000 after buying an additional 713,670 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 85.82% of the companys stock.

OneMain Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

OneMain Holdings, Inc, a financial service holding company, engages in the consumer finance and insurance businesses in the United States. It originates, underwrites, and services personal loans secured by automobiles, other titled collateral, or unsecured. The company also offers credit cards; optional credit insurance products, including life, disability, and involuntary unemployment insurance; optional non-credit insurance; guaranteed asset protection coverage as a waiver product or insurance; and membership plans.

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Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Turkcell Iletisim Hizmetleri AS (NYSE:TKC  Free Report) from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note released on Friday.

Separately, Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c) rating on shares of Turkcell Iletisim Hizmetleri AS in a research note on Tuesday, November 25th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Hold rating, According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold.

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Read Our Latest Research Report on Turkcell Iletisim Hizmetleri AS

Turkcell Iletisim Hizmetleri AS Trading Down 0.6%

Shares of NYSE:TKC opened at $5.60 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 1.69, a quick ratio of 1.69 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.52. The stock has a market capitalization of $4.92 billion, a PE ratio of 15.12 and a beta of 0.97. Turkcell Iletisim Hizmetleri AS has a 1 year low of $5.35 and a 1 year high of $7.63. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $5.86 and a 200 day moving average price of $5.90.

Turkcell Iletisim Hizmetleri AS (NYSE:TKC  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The Wireless communications provider reported $0.15 earnings per share for the quarter. Turkcell Iletisim Hizmetleri AS had a return on equity of 7.00% and a net margin of 13.15%.The company had revenue of $1.46 billion during the quarter. Analysts expect that Turkcell Iletisim Hizmetleri AS will post 0.26 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Turkcell Iletisim Hizmetleri AS

Hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. XTX Topco Ltd raised its stake in Turkcell Iletisim Hizmetleri AS by 51.2% during the 3rd quarter. XTX Topco Ltd now owns 219,852 shares of the Wireless communications providers stock valued at $1,324,000 after purchasing an additional 74,436 shares during the last quarter. Millennium Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of Turkcell Iletisim Hizmetleri AS by 326.4% during the 3rd quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 3,495,391 shares of the Wireless communications providers stock worth $21,042,000 after purchasing an additional 2,675,681 shares during the period. Centiva Capital LP bought a new position in shares of Turkcell Iletisim Hizmetleri AS during the 3rd quarter worth about $786,000. Ameriprise Financial Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Turkcell Iletisim Hizmetleri AS during the third quarter valued at about $67,000. Finally, Creative Planning lifted its stake in shares of Turkcell Iletisim Hizmetleri AS by 65.1% in the third quarter. Creative Planning now owns 396,469 shares of the Wireless communications providers stock valued at $2,387,000 after buying an additional 156,352 shares during the period.

About Turkcell Iletisim Hizmetleri AS

(Get Free Report)

Turkcell Iletisim Hizmetleri A.S. provides digital services in Turkey, Ukraine, Belarus, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, and the Netherlands. It operates through Turkcell Turkey, Turkcell International, and Techfin segments. It offers work contact services, such as mobile communications, fixed business internet and business phone, and customer loyalty and programs; digital business services comprising uninterrupted access, cyber security, data center, Internet of Things, big data, e-transformation, technologies, and managed services, and cloud solutions.

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Hsbc Holdings PLC trimmed its position in Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (NYSE:ARE  Free Report) by 27.9% during the second quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 606,026 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after selling 233,999 shares during the period. Hsbc Holdings PLCs holdings in Alexandria Real Estate Equities were worth $43,926,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Several other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement System increased its stake in shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 1.2% during the second quarter. State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement System now owns 160,037 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $11,623,000 after acquiring an additional 1,940 shares during the period. B&I Capital AG lifted its holdings in shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 44.0% in the 2nd quarter. B&I Capital AG now owns 52,593 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $3,820,000 after buying an additional 16,068 shares during the period. Elevation Point Wealth Partners LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities in the second quarter valued at approximately $81,000. Quadrant Capital Group LLC lifted its holdings in Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 4.1% in the second quarter. Quadrant Capital Group LLC now owns 9,304 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $676,000 after acquiring an additional 366 shares during the period. Finally, XTX Topco Ltd lifted its holdings in Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 73.9% in the second quarter. XTX Topco Ltd now owns 24,662 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $1,791,000 after acquiring an additional 10,482 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 96.54% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several brokerages recently commented on ARE. Zacks Research cut shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research note on Thursday, November 6th. BMO Capital Markets dropped their target price on shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities from $100.00 to $67.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Monday, November 24th. Royal Bank Of Canada decreased their price target on Alexandria Real Estate Equities from $98.00 to $65.00 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, November 3rd. BNP Paribas cut Alexandria Real Estate Equities from a hold rating to a strong sell rating and set a $82.00 price target on the stock. in a report on Wednesday, October 1st. Finally, Robert W. Baird dropped their price objective on Alexandria Real Estate Equities from $100.00 to $73.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, seven have assigned a Hold rating and four have assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $76.43.

Alexandria Real Estate Equities Stock Up 0.5%

ARE stock opened at $53.84 on Monday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.65, a current ratio of 0.24 and a quick ratio of 0.23. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $67.18 and its 200-day simple moving average is $73.32. Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. has a 12 month low of $48.66 and a 12 month high of $111.51. The firm has a market capitalization of $9.30 billion, a PE ratio of -21.80, a P/E/G ratio of 5.06 and a beta of 1.29.

Alexandria Real Estate Equities (NYSE:ARE  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Monday, October 27th. The real estate investment trust reported $2.22 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $2.31 by ($0.09). The company had revenue of $751.94 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $752.90 million. Alexandria Real Estate Equities had a negative net margin of 13.43% and a negative return on equity of 1.89%. Alexandria Real Estate Equitiess quarterly revenue was down 5.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $2.37 EPS. Alexandria Real Estate Equities has set its FY 2025 guidance at 8.980-9.040 EPS. Equities analysts expect that Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. will post 9.32 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Alexandria Real Estate Equities Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, October 15th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, September 30th were given a $1.32 dividend. This represents a $5.28 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 9.8%. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, September 30th. Alexandria Real Estate Equitiess dividend payout ratio is currently -213.77%.

Alexandria Real Estate Equities Company Profile

(Free Report)

Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc (NYSE: ARE), an S&P 500 company, is a best-in-class, mission-driven life science REIT making a positive and lasting impact on the world. As the pioneer of the life science real estate niche since our founding in 1994, Alexandria is the preeminent and longest-tenured owner, operator, and developer of collaborative life science, agtech, and advanced technology mega campuses in AAA innovation cluster locations, including Greater Boston, the San Francisco Bay Area, New York City, San Diego, Seattle, Maryland, and Research Triangle.

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Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ARE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (NYSE:ARE  Free Report).

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Shares of Carrier Global Corporation (NYSE:CARR  Get Free Report) have been assigned a consensus recommendation of Hold from the nineteen ratings firms that are currently covering the stock, MarketBeat.com reports. Ten analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and nine have assigned a buy recommendation to the company. The average 1-year price target among brokers that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $72.9375.

Several equities research analysts have recently weighed in on the company. Rothschild & Co Redburn increased their price target on Carrier Global from $66.00 to $67.00 in a research note on Thursday, October 30th. Robert W. Baird set a $72.00 target price on shares of Carrier Global in a research report on Wednesday, October 29th. Morgan Stanley lowered their price target on shares of Carrier Global from $75.00 to $60.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, October 14th. Barclays reduced their price objective on shares of Carrier Global from $82.00 to $74.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, September 11th. Finally, Wolfe Research lowered their target price on shares of Carrier Global from $76.00 to $75.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, October 29th.

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Carrier Global Price Performance

CARR stock opened at $54.90 on Monday. The company has a market capitalization of $46.24 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.28, a PEG ratio of 2.38 and a beta of 1.30. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $57.02 and a 200-day moving average price of $65.48. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.76, a quick ratio of 0.75 and a current ratio of 1.14. Carrier Global has a 52-week low of $50.30 and a 52-week high of $81.09.

Carrier Global (NYSE:CARR  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 28th. The company reported $0.67 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.57 by $0.10. The business had revenue of $5.58 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.65 billion. Carrier Global had a return on equity of 16.65% and a net margin of 18.05%.Carrier Globals quarterly revenue was down 6.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $0.83 earnings per share. Carrier Global has set its FY 2025 guidance at 2.650-2.650 EPS. As a group, equities analysts expect that Carrier Global will post 2.99 EPS for the current year.

Carrier Global Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, November 18th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, October 29th were issued a dividend of $0.225 per share. This represents a $0.90 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.6%. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, October 29th. Carrier Globals dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 20.13%.

Carrier Global declared that its board has authorized a stock buyback program on Tuesday, October 28th that allows the company to repurchase $5.00 billion in shares. This repurchase authorization allows the company to purchase up to 10.1% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares repurchase programs are often an indication that the companys management believes its stock is undervalued.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Carrier Global

Several large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in CARR. Costello Asset Management INC grew its stake in Carrier Global by 4.2% in the second quarter. Costello Asset Management INC now owns 3,153 shares of the companys stock worth $231,000 after purchasing an additional 127 shares in the last quarter. Rehmann Capital Advisory Group raised its position in Carrier Global by 1.3% during the 2nd quarter. Rehmann Capital Advisory Group now owns 12,083 shares of the companys stock valued at $884,000 after purchasing an additional 150 shares in the last quarter. Penobscot Investment Management Company Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Carrier Global by 0.7% in the 2nd quarter. Penobscot Investment Management Company Inc. now owns 20,833 shares of the companys stock worth $1,525,000 after buying an additional 155 shares during the period. Abacus Wealth Partners LLC grew its position in shares of Carrier Global by 4.3% during the 2nd quarter. Abacus Wealth Partners LLC now owns 3,982 shares of the companys stock worth $291,000 after buying an additional 165 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Kingsview Wealth Management LLC grew its position in shares of Carrier Global by 1.0% during the 2nd quarter. Kingsview Wealth Management LLC now owns 17,110 shares of the companys stock worth $1,252,000 after buying an additional 165 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 91.00% of the companys stock.

Carrier Global Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Carrier Global Corporation provides heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC), refrigeration, fire, security, and building automation technologies in the United States, Europe, the Asia Pacific, and internationally. It operates through three segments: HVAC, Refrigeration, and Fire & Security.

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Panagora Asset Management Inc. lessened its position in shares of Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC  Free Report) by 47.8% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 2,370,530 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 2,167,002 shares during the period. Panagora Asset Management Inc.s holdings in Bank of America were worth $112,173,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other large investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Wealth Advisory Solutions LLC increased its position in Bank of America by 4.4% during the 2nd quarter. Wealth Advisory Solutions LLC now owns 5,126 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $243,000 after purchasing an additional 214 shares in the last quarter. Ballast Advisors LLC lifted its position in Bank of America by 4.1% during the second quarter. Ballast Advisors LLC now owns 5,489 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $260,000 after buying an additional 218 shares in the last quarter. Cyndeo Wealth Partners LLC grew its stake in Bank of America by 0.8% during the second quarter. Cyndeo Wealth Partners LLC now owns 28,394 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,344,000 after buying an additional 221 shares during the period. Centurion Wealth Management LLC increased its position in shares of Bank of America by 2.3% in the second quarter. Centurion Wealth Management LLC now owns 9,862 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $467,000 after acquiring an additional 225 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Nova Wealth Management Inc. raised its stake in shares of Bank of America by 75.2% in the 2nd quarter. Nova Wealth Management Inc. now owns 529 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $25,000 after acquiring an additional 227 shares during the period. 70.71% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Bank of America Stock Performance

Bank of America stock opened at $53.70 on Monday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.12, a current ratio of 0.79 and a quick ratio of 0.79. Bank of America Corporation has a 12 month low of $33.06 and a 12 month high of $54.69. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $51.90 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $48.82. The company has a market cap of $392.11 billion, a PE ratio of 14.63, a P/E/G ratio of 1.99 and a beta of 1.34.

Bank of America Dividend Announcement

Bank of America ( NYSE:BAC Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, October 15th. The financial services provider reported $1.06 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.93 by $0.13. The company had revenue of $5.35 billion for 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%.The firms quarterly revenue was up 10.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the business posted $0.81 earnings per share. Research analysts expect that Bank of America Corporation will post 3.7 earnings per share for the current year.

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 26th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 5th will be given a $0.28 dividend. The ex-dividend date 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%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several research analysts have commented on the company. Oppenheimer cut their price objective on Bank of America from $57.00 to $55.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, November 19th. Wells Fargo & Company increased their price objective on shares of Bank of America from $60.00 to $62.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, October 27th. Wolfe Research lifted their price objective on shares of Bank of America from $57.00 to $58.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 7th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods restated an outperform rating and issued a $58.00 target price (up from $57.00) on shares of Bank of America in a research note on Thursday, October 16th. Finally, HSBC lifted their price target on shares of Bank of America from $51.00 to $53.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, October 2nd. Twenty-three investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and five have given a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $57.77.

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About Bank of America

(Free Report)

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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Shares of Lear Corporation (NYSE:LEA  Get Free Report) have earned a consensus recommendation of Hold from the twelve analysts that are currently covering the firm, Marketbeat.com reports. Ten analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating on the company. The average 1-year target price among analysts that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $119.60.

LEA has been the subject of a number of analyst reports. TD Cowen raised their price objective on shares of Lear from $115.00 to $117.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research report on Monday, November 3rd. Barclays raised their price target on shares of Lear from $120.00 to $125.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Monday, November 10th. Bank of America cut shares of Lear from a buy rating to a neutral rating and decreased their price target for the stock from $135.00 to $123.00 in a report on Wednesday, September 10th. The Goldman Sachs Group set a $104.00 price objective on Lear in a research report on Monday, September 29th. Finally, Evercore ISI upped their target price on Lear from $110.00 to $120.00 and gave the stock an in-line rating in a research note on Monday, November 24th.

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Lear Price Performance

Lear stock opened at $107.36 on Wednesday. The firm has a market capitalization of $5.57 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.53, a PEG ratio of 0.82 and a beta of 1.38. Lear has a one year low of $73.85 and a one year high of $113.10. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.53, a current ratio of 1.34 and a quick ratio of 1.07. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $103.29 and a 200-day moving average price of $100.96.

Lear (NYSE:LEA  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Friday, October 31st. The auto parts company reported $2.79 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.76 by $0.03. The business had revenue of $5.68 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.63 billion. Lear had a return on equity of 13.94% and a net margin of 2.05%.The firms quarterly revenue was up 1.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $2.89 EPS. Lear has set its FY 2025 guidance at EPS. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that Lear will post 12.89 EPS for the current year.

Lear Dividend Announcement

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, December 30th. Investors of record on Wednesday, December 10th will be paid a $0.77 dividend. This represents a $3.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.9%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, December 10th. Lears dividend payout ratio is currently 37.65%.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Lear

Institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Hunter Perkins Capital Management LLC raised its stake in shares of Lear by 0.8% during the second quarter. Hunter Perkins Capital Management LLC now owns 13,846 shares of the auto parts companys stock worth $1,315,000 after purchasing an additional 107 shares during the last quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC increased its stake in Lear by 34.0% in the 3rd quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 422 shares of the auto parts companys stock valued at $42,000 after buying an additional 107 shares during the period. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC raised its position in Lear by 2.0% during the 2nd quarter. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC now owns 6,158 shares of the auto parts companys stock worth $585,000 after buying an additional 121 shares during the last quarter. SummerHaven Investment Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of Lear by 2.6% in the 2nd quarter. SummerHaven Investment Management LLC now owns 6,961 shares of the auto parts companys stock worth $661,000 after acquiring an additional 176 shares during the period. Finally, Waterfront Wealth Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Lear by 1.1% in the third quarter. Waterfront Wealth Inc. now owns 16,834 shares of the auto parts companys stock valued at $1,685,000 after acquiring an additional 186 shares in the last quarter. 97.04% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

About Lear

(Get Free Report)

Lear Corporation designs, develops, engineers, manufactures, assembles, and supplies automotive seating, and electrical distribution systems and related components for automotive original equipment manufacturers in North America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and South America. Its Seating segment offers seat systems, seat subsystems, keyseat components, seat trim covers, seat mechanisms, seat foams, and headrests, as well as surface materials, such as leather and fabric for automobiles and light trucks, compact cars, pick-up trucks, and sport utility vehicles.

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China Gold International Resources Corp. Ltd. (TSE:CGG  Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week high during trading on Monday . The company traded as high as C$29.49 and last traded at C$29.38, with a volume of 23322 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$27.14.

China Gold International Resources Price Performance

The stock has a market capitalization of C$11.59 billion, a P/E ratio of 28.35 and a beta of 1.98. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of C$24.45 and a two-hundred day moving average price of C$17.75. The company has a quick ratio of 0.61, a current ratio of 1.68 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 46.97.

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China Gold International Resources (TSE:CGG  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 13th. The company reported C$0.36 EPS for the quarter. The company had revenue of C$480.42 million for the quarter. China Gold International Resources had a negative net margin of 4.20% and a negative return on equity of 1.32%. On average, analysts expect that China Gold International Resources Corp. Ltd. will post 6.2699998 EPS for the current year.

China Gold International Resources Company Profile

China Gold International Resources Corp Ltd is a company engaged in the acquisition, exploration, development, and mining of mineral reserves in China. The company primarily operates two mines in China: the CSH Mine which produces gold, and the Jiama Mine which produces gold and copper. While the majority of the companys revenue is derived from gold mining, a significant portion of sales still result from copper production.

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Comptoir Group PLC (LON:COM  Get Free Report)s stock price hit a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Monday . The company traded as high as GBX 6 and last traded at GBX 6, with a volume of 50016 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 5.95.

Comptoir Group Price Performance

The company has a quick ratio of 1.24, a current ratio of 0.67 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 275.63. The company has a market cap of 7.36 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -26.09 and a beta of 0.95. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is GBX 5.07 and its 200 day simple moving average is GBX 4.25.

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Comptoir Group (LON:COM  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, September 25th. The company reported GBX (0.07) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. Comptoir Group had a negative net margin of 7.85% and a negative return on equity of 110.71%.

About Comptoir Group

Comptoir Group PLC owns and operates restaurants under the Comptoir Libanais and Shawa brand names in the United Kingdom. It offers Lebanese and Eastern Mediterranean cuisine dining. It operates restaurants that includes franchises. The company was formerly known as Levant Restaurants Group Limited and changed its name to Comptoir Group PLC in June 2016.

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Cosan (NYSE:CSAN  Get Free Report) had its price objective cut by equities researchers at The Goldman Sachs Group from $5.00 to $4.50 in a research note issued to investors on Monday,Benzinga reports. The firm presently has a neutral rating on the stock. The Goldman Sachs Groups target price points to a potential downside of 6.54% from the stocks previous close.

Other research analysts have also issued research reports about the company. Hsbc Global Res upgraded Cosan to a moderate sell rating in a research report on Monday, September 22nd. Weiss Ratings restated a sell (d) rating on shares of Cosan in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. HSBC restated a reduce rating and issued a $4.40 price target on shares of Cosan in a research report on Monday, September 22nd. Zacks Research downgraded shares of Cosan from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, August 26th. Finally, Wall Street Zen raised shares of Cosan from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Saturday. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, two have assigned a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Reduce and an average target price of $9.30.

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Cosan Price Performance

Shares of CSAN stock traded down $0.08 on Monday, reaching $4.82. The companys stock had a trading volume of 658,957 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,598,201. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $4.61 and its 200-day simple moving average is $4.84. Cosan has a 1 year low of $3.80 and a 1 year high of $6.74. The company has a market capitalization of $2.25 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -3.25 and a beta of 1.00. The company has a current ratio of 2.13, a quick ratio of 1.98 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.88.

Cosan (NYSE:CSAN  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Friday, November 14th. The company reported ($0.47) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.02 by ($0.49). Cosan had a negative net margin of 28.08% and a negative return on equity of 27.61%. The business had revenue of $1.96 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $7.09 billion. Analysts forecast that Cosan will post 0.2 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Institutional Trading of Cosan

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. UBS Group AG boosted its holdings in shares of Cosan by 4.5% in the third quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 2,551,244 shares of the companys stock valued at $11,736,000 after purchasing an additional 109,186 shares during the period. Martin Currie Ltd. grew its position in shares of Cosan by 20.1% during the 1st quarter. Martin Currie Ltd. now owns 1,439,121 shares of the companys stock worth $7,512,000 after buying an additional 240,613 shares in the last quarter. Monaco Asset Management SAM purchased a new position in shares of Cosan during the third quarter valued at $4,600,000. Acadian Asset Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Cosan during the second quarter valued at $3,049,000. Finally, Millennium Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of Cosan by 235.0% in the third quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 487,514 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,243,000 after acquiring an additional 341,973 shares in the last quarter.

About Cosan

(Get Free Report)

Cosan SA engages in the fuel distribution business. It operates through Raizen, Compass, Moove, Rumo, and Radar segments. The companys Raizen segment engages in the production, commercialization, origination, and trading of ethanol, bioenergy, renewable sources, and sugar; trading and resale of electricity; and distribution and commercialization of fuels and lubricants.

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B&G Foods (NYSE:BGS  Get Free Report) and General Mills (NYSE:GIS  Get Free Report) are both consumer staples 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 B&G Foods and General Mills, as provided by MarketBeat.

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Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score B&G Foods 1 4 0 0 1.80 General Mills 2 13 4 0 2.11

B&G Foods currently has a consensus target price of $4.67, suggesting a potential upside of 0.25%. General Mills has a consensus target price of $55.82, suggesting a potential upside of 18.21%. Given General Mills stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe General Mills is more favorable than B&G Foods.

Valuation & Earnings

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio B&G Foods $1.84 billion 0.20 -$251.25 million ($3.16) -1.47 General Mills $19.16 billion 1.32 $2.30 billion $5.29 8.93

This table compares B&G Foods and General Millss gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

General Mills has higher revenue and earnings than B&G Foods. B&G Foods is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than General Mills, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Profitability

This table compares B&G Foods and General Mills net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets B&G Foods -12.02% 7.16% 1.34% General Mills 15.24% 23.46% 6.69%

Volatility and Risk

B&G Foods has a beta of 0.43, suggesting that its stock price is 57% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, General Mills has a beta of -0.04, suggesting that its stock price is 104% less volatile than the S&P 500.

Institutional and Insider Ownership

66.2% of B&G Foods shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 75.7% of General Mills shares are owned by institutional investors. 3.2% of B&G Foods shares are owned by insiders. Comparatively, 0.3% of General Mills shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, large money managers and hedge funds believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term.

Dividends

B&G Foods pays an annual dividend of $0.76 per share and has a dividend yield of 16.3%. General Mills pays an annual dividend of $2.44 per share and has a dividend yield of 5.2%. B&G Foods pays out -24.1% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. General Mills pays out 46.1% 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. General Mills has raised its dividend for 5 consecutive years. B&G Foods is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and lower payout ratio.

Summary

General Mills beats B&G Foods on 13 of the 17 factors compared between the two stocks.

About B&G Foods

(Get Free Report)

B&G Foods, Inc. is a holding company, which engages in the manufacture, sale, and distribution of shelf-stable frozen food, and household products in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. It operates through the following segments: Specialty, Meals, Frozen & Vegetables, and Spices & Flavor Solutions. The Specialty segment includes, among others, the Crisco, Clabber Girl, Bear Creek, Polaner, Underwood, B&G, Grandmas, New York Style, Don Pepino, Sclafani, B&M, Bakers Joy, Regina, TrueNorth, Static Guard, SugarTwin and Brer Rabbit brands. The Meals segment focuses on the Ortega, Maple Grove Farms, Cream of Wheat, Las Palmas, Victoria, Mama Marys, Spring Tree, McCanns, Careys and Vermont Maid brands. The Frozen & Vegetables segment consists of Green Giant and Le Sueur brands. The Spices & Flavor Solutions segment offers Dash, Spice Islands, Weber, Accent, Tones, Trappeys, Durkee and Wrights brands. Its products include frozen and canned vegetables, hot cereals, fruit spreads, canned meats and beans, bagel chips, spices, seasonings, hot sauces, and wine vinegar. Its brands include Back to Nature, Bear Creek, Cream of Wheat, Green Giant, Mrs. Dash, and Ortega. The company was founded in 1889 and is headquartered in Parsippany, NJ.

About General Mills

(Get Free Report)

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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Deutsche Lufthansa AG (OTCMKTS:DLAKY  Get Free Report) has earned an average recommendation of Reduce from the six ratings firms that are covering the stock, MarketBeat Ratings reports. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating and five have issued a hold rating on the company.

A number of brokerages recently issued reports on DLAKY. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded shares of Deutsche Lufthansa from an underweight rating to a neutral rating in a report on Monday. Barclays upgraded Deutsche Lufthansa from an underweight rating to an equal weight rating in a research note on Monday, August 4th. Morgan Stanley began coverage on Deutsche Lufthansa in a report on Wednesday, October 15th. They set an underweight rating on the stock. Finally, Citigroup lowered Deutsche Lufthansa from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Thursday, October 23rd.

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Deutsche Lufthansa Trading Up 1.8%

Shares of OTCMKTS DLAKY opened at $9.59 on Monday. The stock has a market cap of $11.49 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 5.74, a PEG ratio of 0.97 and a beta of 1.11. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $8.71 and a 200 day simple moving average of $8.62. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.08, a quick ratio of 0.71 and a current ratio of 0.78. Deutsche Lufthansa has a 52 week low of $5.69 and a 52 week high of $9.72.

Deutsche Lufthansa (OTCMKTS:DLAKY  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The transportation company reported $0.95 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.94 by $0.01. Deutsche Lufthansa had a net margin of 4.76% and a return on equity of 17.19%. The company had revenue of $13.06 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $12.98 billion. On average, research analysts predict that Deutsche Lufthansa will post 0.87 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Institutional Trading of Deutsche Lufthansa

An institutional investor recently raised its position in Deutsche Lufthansa stock. GAMMA Investing LLC boosted its position in Deutsche Lufthansa AG (OTCMKTS:DLAKY  Free Report) by 892.5% during the second quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 9,270 shares of the transportation companys stock after buying an additional 8,336 shares during the quarter. GAMMA Investing LLCs holdings in Deutsche Lufthansa were worth $78,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Deutsche Lufthansa Company Profile

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Deutsche Lufthansa AG operates as an aviation company worldwide. It operates in three segments: Passenger Airlines; Logistics; and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul Services (MRO). The Passenger Airlines segment offers products and services to passengers of Lufthansa Airlines, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, and Eurowings.

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Eldorado Gold (NYSE:EGO  Get Free Report) (TSE:ELD) had its target price raised by Bank of America from $28.00 to $29.00 in a report issued on Monday,Benzinga reports. The brokerage presently has an underperform rating on the basic materials companys stock. Bank of Americas target price would indicate a potential downside of 7.55% from the stocks current price.

A number of other research firms have also recently commented on EGO. Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b) rating on shares of Eldorado Gold in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Scotiabank increased their price target on Eldorado Gold from $25.50 to $33.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research note on Thursday, October 23rd. CIBC lifted their price objective on shares of Eldorado Gold from $32.00 to $46.00 and gave the stock an outperformer rating in a research report on Friday, October 10th. Canaccord Genuity Group upgraded shares of Eldorado Gold from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 22nd. Finally, Wall Street Zen lowered shares of Eldorado Gold from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday, October 11th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have assigned a Buy rating, one has assigned a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Eldorado Gold currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $31.20.

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Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on EGO

Eldorado Gold Stock Up 0.2%

Shares of NYSE:EGO traded up $0.06 during midday trading on Monday, reaching $31.37. The company had a trading volume of 576,381 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,964,837. Eldorado Gold has a 1-year low of $13.29 and a 1-year high of $31.84. The stock has a market cap of $6.30 billion, a PE ratio of 15.73, a P/E/G ratio of 0.29 and a beta of 0.49. The company has a quick ratio of 2.65, a current ratio of 3.23 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.28. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $27.90 and its 200 day moving average price is $24.08.

Eldorado Gold (NYSE:EGO  Get Free Report) (TSE:ELD) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The basic materials company reported $0.41 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.49 by ($0.08). The company had revenue of $436.44 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $422.25 million. Eldorado Gold had a net margin of 26.07% and a return on equity of 8.79%. Research analysts forecast that Eldorado Gold will post 1.5 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Bank of New York Mellon Corp boosted its stake in shares of Eldorado Gold by 36.7% in the 1st quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 18,479 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $311,000 after purchasing an additional 4,966 shares during the last quarter. LPL Financial LLC grew its holdings in Eldorado Gold by 645.2% during the 1st quarter. LPL Financial LLC now owns 167,708 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $2,821,000 after acquiring an additional 145,202 shares during the period. XTX Topco Ltd acquired a new stake in Eldorado Gold during the first quarter worth approximately $207,000. Ruffer LLP bought a new stake in Eldorado Gold in the 1st quarter valued at about $16,687,000. Finally, Vanguard Group Inc. raised its stake in Eldorado Gold by 1.9% during the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 8,029,969 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $134,984,000 after buying an additional 148,567 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 69.58% of the companys stock.

Eldorado Gold Company Profile

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Eldorado Gold Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the mining, exploration, development, and sale of mineral products primarily in Turkey, Canada, Greece, and Romania. The company primarily produces gold, as well as silver, lead, and zinc. It holds a 100% interest in the Kisladag and Efemcukuru mines located in Turkey; Lamaque complex located in Canada; and Olympias, Stratoni, Skouries, Perama Hill, and Sapes gold mines located in Greece, as well as the 80.5% interest in Certej development projects located in Romania.

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Elevation Point Wealth Partners LLC purchased a new position in shares of iShares MSCI Netherlands ETF (NYSEARCA:EWN  Free Report) in the 2nd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The fund purchased 2,740 shares of the exchange traded funds stock, valued at approximately $149,000.

Other hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Kovitz Investment Group Partners LLC bought a new position in iShares MSCI Netherlands ETF in the 1st quarter worth about $1,099,000. Cetera Investment Advisers acquired a new position in shares of iShares MSCI Netherlands ETF during the first quarter worth approximately $735,000. Marotta Asset Management grew its holdings in iShares MSCI Netherlands ETF by 7.7% in the 2nd quarter. Marotta Asset Management now owns 178,406 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $9,723,000 after buying an additional 12,680 shares in the last quarter. Mount Lucas Management LP increased its position in iShares MSCI Netherlands ETF by 522.6% in the 2nd quarter. Mount Lucas Management LP now owns 14,756 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $804,000 after acquiring an additional 12,386 shares during the period. Finally, Cobblestone Asset Management LLC bought a new stake in iShares MSCI Netherlands ETF during the 2nd quarter valued at $604,000.

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iShares MSCI Netherlands ETF Stock Performance

Shares of EWN stock opened at $58.17 on Monday. iShares MSCI Netherlands ETF has a 1 year low of $41.40 and a 1 year high of $59.92. The firm has a market capitalization of $337.39 million, a PE ratio of 19.71 and a beta of 1.16. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $58.08 and a two-hundred day moving average of $55.06.

iShares MSCI Netherlands ETF Company Profile

iShares MSCI Netherlands ETF, formerly iShares MSCI Netherlands Investable Market Index Fund (the Fund), is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the MSCI Netherlands Investable Market Index (the Index).

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Gray Media Inc. (NYSE:GTN.A  Get Free Report) rose 11.8% during mid-day trading on Monday . The stock traded as high as $8.45 and last traded at $8.9690. Approximately 569 shares were traded during mid-day trading, a decline of 84% from the average daily volume of 3,555 shares. The stock had previously closed at $8.02.

Gray Media Stock Up 8.6%

The stocks 50 day moving average is $9.46 and its 200 day moving average is $9.72. The company has a market capitalization of $889.20 million, a PE ratio of 5.77 and a beta of 1.10. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.56, a quick ratio of 0.87 and a current ratio of 0.87.

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Gray Media (NYSE:GTN.A  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Friday, November 7th. The company reported ($0.24) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The business had revenue of $749.00 million for the quarter. Gray Media had a net margin of 5.64% and a return on equity of 10.31%.

Gray Media Company Profile

Gray Television, Inc, a television broadcast company, owns and operates television stations and digital assets in the United States. As of February 28, 2019, it owned and operated television stations in 91 television markets broadcasting approximately 400 program streams, including approximately 150 channels affiliated with the CBS Network, the NBC Network, the ABC Network, and the FOX Network.

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Icon Advisers Inc. Co. lowered its holdings in OPENLANE, Inc. (NYSE:KAR  Free Report) by 39.2% in the second quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 73,000 shares of the specialty retailers stock after selling 47,000 shares during the period. Icon Advisers Inc. Co.s holdings in OPENLANE were worth $1,785,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. North Star Investment Management Corp. raised its position in shares of OPENLANE by 77.6% in the 2nd quarter. North Star Investment Management Corp. now owns 1,575 shares of the specialty retailers stock valued at $39,000 after purchasing an additional 688 shares in the last quarter. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC increased its stake in shares of OPENLANE by 29.0% in the first quarter. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC now owns 3,270 shares of the specialty retailers stock worth $63,000 after buying an additional 735 shares during the last quarter. BI Asset Management Fondsmaeglerselskab A S bought a new stake in shares of OPENLANE in the first quarter worth $75,000. CWM LLC raised its holdings in OPENLANE by 13.3% in the second quarter. CWM LLC now owns 4,756 shares of the specialty retailers stock valued at $116,000 after acquiring an additional 558 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Financiere des Professionnels Fonds d investissement inc. bought a new position in OPENLANE during the 2nd quarter valued at $156,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 99.76% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

KAR has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. Barrington Research raised their price objective on shares of OPENLANE from $25.00 to $30.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, August 6th. Barclays started coverage on shares of OPENLANE in a research report on Tuesday, November 11th. They set an overweight rating and a $32.00 price target on the stock. Wall Street Zen lowered OPENLANE from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday, November 8th. Zacks Research upgraded OPENLANE from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 4th. Finally, Stephens increased their target price on OPENLANE from $32.00 to $35.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, September 10th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have assigned a Buy rating and two have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, OPENLANE currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $30.20.

OPENLANE Stock Performance

NYSE KAR opened at $25.44 on Monday. OPENLANE, Inc. has a one year low of $17.08 and a one year high of $30.93. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $26.49 and a 200-day simple moving average of $25.92. The firm has a market capitalization of $2.70 billion, a PE ratio of 34.38, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.81 and a beta of 1.33.

OPENLANE (NYSE:KAR  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The specialty retailer reported $0.35 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.30 by $0.05. OPENLANE had a net margin of 8.18% and a return on equity of 11.65%. The firm had revenue of $498.40 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $464.40 million. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $0.26 earnings per share. OPENLANEs revenue was up 8.4% on a year-over-year basis. OPENLANE has set its FY 2025 guidance at 1.220-1.26 EPS. Equities analysts forecast that OPENLANE, Inc. will post 0.95 earnings per share for the current year.

OPENLANE Company Profile

(Free Report)

OPENLANE, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a digital marketplace for used vehicles, which connects sellers and buyers in North America, Europe, the Philippines, and Uruguay. The company operates through two segments, Marketplace and Finance. The Marketplace segment offers digital marketplace services for buying and selling used vehicles.

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iShares Core High Dividend ETF (NYSEARCA:HDV  Get Free Report)s stock price reached a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Monday . The stock traded as high as $124.19 and last traded at $123.7420, with a volume of 44583 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $124.02.

iShares Core High Dividend ETF Stock Down 0.2%

The stocks 50-day moving average price is $121.43 and its 200 day moving average price is $119.96. The firm has a market cap of $11.69 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.55 and a beta of 0.64.

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Institutional Trading of iShares Core High Dividend ETF

Several institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of HDV. Bank of America Corp DE increased its stake in iShares Core High Dividend ETF by 3.6% in the second quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 4,501,871 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $527,484,000 after acquiring an additional 155,098 shares during the period. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted its stake in iShares Core High Dividend ETF by 6.2% during the third quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 1,278,250 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $156,522,000 after purchasing an additional 74,589 shares during the period. Raymond James Financial Inc. boosted its holdings in iShares Core High Dividend ETF by 5.4% during the first quarter. Raymond James Financial Inc. now owns 981,453 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $118,874,000 after purchasing an additional 49,891 shares in the last quarter. Commonwealth Equity Services LLC grew its stake in shares of iShares Core High Dividend ETF by 5.9% in the 2nd quarter. Commonwealth Equity Services LLC now owns 837,859 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $98,172,000 after purchasing an additional 46,414 shares during the period. Finally, Securian Asset Management Inc. grew its stake in shares of iShares Core High Dividend ETF by 2.0% in the 3rd quarter. Securian Asset Management Inc. now owns 778,802 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $95,364,000 after purchasing an additional 15,000 shares during the period.

About iShares Core High Dividend ETF

The iShares Core High Dividend ETF (HDV) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the Morningstar Dividend Yield Focus index. The fund tracks a dividend-weighted index of 75 high-yielding US equities, screened for high earnings potential and dividend sustainability. HDV was launched on Mar 29, 2011 and is managed by BlackRock.

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Shares of iShares Core MSCI Pacific ETF (NYSEARCA:IPAC  Get Free Report) saw an uptick in trading volume on Monday . 399,398 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 214% from the previous sessions volume of 127,003 shares.The stock last traded at $74.4460 and had previously closed at $74.71.

iShares Core MSCI Pacific ETF Stock Performance

The stock has a market cap of $1.96 billion, a P/E ratio of 15.73 and a beta of 0.72. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $74.06 and its 200-day simple moving average is $71.14.

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Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Trust Co. of Vermont purchased a new position in shares of iShares Core MSCI Pacific ETF during the 3rd quarter valued at $36,000. AE Wealth Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of iShares Core MSCI Pacific ETF by 216.7% in the 2nd quarter. AE Wealth Management LLC now owns 570 shares of the companys stock valued at $39,000 after acquiring an additional 390 shares in the last quarter. MassMutual Private Wealth & Trust FSB bought a new stake in shares of iShares Core MSCI Pacific ETF during the 3rd quarter valued at about $57,000. CIBC Private Wealth Group LLC lifted its stake in iShares Core MSCI Pacific ETF by 34.6% during the third quarter. CIBC Private Wealth Group LLC now owns 1,310 shares of the companys stock worth $96,000 after purchasing an additional 337 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. increased its position in shares of iShares Core MSCI Pacific ETF by 34.5% during the 2nd quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 2,056 shares of the companys stock valued at $141,000 after purchasing an additional 527 shares during the last quarter.

About iShares Core MSCI Pacific ETF

The iShares Core MSCI Pacific ETF (IPAC) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI Pacific IMI index, a market-cap-weighted index of developed Pacific securities. IPAC was launched on Jun 10, 2014 and is managed by BlackRock.

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Hsbc Holdings PLC grew its position in iShares Gold Trust (NYSEARCA:IAU  Free Report) by 13.8% in the 2nd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 717,165 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after purchasing an additional 86,871 shares during the period. Hsbc Holdings PLCs holdings in iShares Gold Trust were worth $44,722,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in IAU. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased its holdings in shares of iShares Gold Trust by 67.5% in the 2nd quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 10,919,614 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $680,947,000 after purchasing an additional 4,398,605 shares during the period. WealthNavi Inc. raised its holdings in iShares Gold Trust by 8.6% during the second quarter. WealthNavi Inc. now owns 6,571,130 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $409,776,000 after buying an additional 521,530 shares in the last quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. increased its holdings in shares of iShares Gold Trust by 10.5% during the 1st quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 6,467,599 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $381,929,000 after acquiring an additional 616,559 shares during the last quarter. Truist Financial Corp lifted its stake in shares of iShares Gold Trust by 14.4% in the second quarter. Truist Financial Corp now owns 5,490,435 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $342,384,000 after buying an additional 692,844 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Citigroup Inc. lifted its position in iShares Gold Trust by 809.1% during the 2nd quarter. Citigroup Inc. now owns 5,108,818 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $318,586,000 after acquiring an additional 4,546,835 shares during the last quarter. 59.67% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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iShares Gold Trust Trading Up 1.2%

Shares of iShares Gold Trust stock opened at $79.41 on Monday. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $75.92 and its 200-day simple moving average is $68.12. iShares Gold Trust has a 1 year low of $48.83 and a 1 year high of $82.55. The company has a market cap of $65.44 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 5.53 and a beta of 0.09.

iShares Gold Trust Profile

iShares Gold Trust (the Trust) is to own gold transferred to the Trust in exchange for shares issued by the Trust (Shares). Each Share represents a fractional undivided beneficial interest in the net assets of the Trust. The assets of the Trust consist of gold held by the Trusts custodian on behalf of the Trust.

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Samjo Management LLC cut its stake in shares of Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ  Free Report) by 3.1% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 15,390 shares of the companys stock after selling 500 shares during the quarter. Johnson & Johnson makes up approximately 1.0% of Samjo Management LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 25th biggest position. Samjo Management LLCs holdings in Johnson & Johnson were worth $2,351,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Clark Asset Management LLC raised its holdings in Johnson & Johnson by 51.6% during the second quarter. Clark Asset Management LLC now owns 8,884 shares of the companys stock worth $1,357,000 after purchasing an additional 3,025 shares in the last quarter. Apexium Financial LP grew its position in shares of Johnson & Johnson by 10.7% in the 1st quarter. Apexium Financial LP now owns 23,989 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,978,000 after buying an additional 2,310 shares during the last quarter. Avanza Fonder AB raised its stake in Johnson & Johnson by 2.9% during the 2nd quarter. Avanza Fonder AB now owns 234,647 shares of the companys stock worth $35,842,000 after acquiring an additional 6,566 shares in the last quarter. Tokio Marine Asset Management Co. Ltd. lifted its position in Johnson & Johnson by 7.0% in the first quarter. Tokio Marine Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 73,350 shares of the companys stock valued at $12,164,000 after acquiring an additional 4,816 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Klingman & Associates LLC boosted its stake in Johnson & Johnson by 13.4% in the first quarter. Klingman & Associates LLC now owns 16,984 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,817,000 after acquiring an additional 2,005 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 69.55% of the companys stock.

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Johnson & Johnson Trading Down 0.3%

NYSE:JNJ opened at $206.89 on Monday. Johnson & Johnson has a 12-month low of $140.68 and a 12-month high of $207.81. The company has a current ratio of 1.07, a quick ratio of 0.80 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.50. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $191.33 and its 200-day simple moving average is $173.72. The firm has a market cap of $498.46 billion, a P/E ratio of 19.97, a PEG ratio of 2.19 and a beta of 0.38.

Johnson & Johnson Dividend Announcement

Johnson & Johnson ( NYSE:JNJ Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, August 30th. The company reported $2.26 earnings per share for the quarter. The firm had revenue of $24.02 billion during the quarter. Johnson & Johnson had a return on equity of 32.73% and a net margin of 27.26%. Equities analysts anticipate that Johnson & Johnson will post 10.58 EPS for the current year.

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, December 9th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, November 25th will be issued a $1.30 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, November 25th. This represents a $5.20 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.5%. Johnson & Johnsons payout ratio is presently 50.19%.

Insider Transactions at Johnson & Johnson

In related news, EVP Jennifer L. Taubert sold 56,471 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, September 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of $177.81, for a total transaction of $10,041,108.51. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president directly owned 178,013 shares of the companys stock, valued at $31,652,491.53. This represents a 24.08% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this link. 0.16% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several research firms have recently weighed in on JNJ. Daiwa America raised Johnson & Johnson from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Monday, October 20th. Cowen reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Johnson & Johnson in a research report on Tuesday, October 14th. Citigroup increased their price objective on Johnson & Johnson from $213.00 to $215.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, October 15th. Morgan Stanley set a $190.00 target price on shares of Johnson & Johnson in a report on Wednesday, October 15th. Finally, Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Johnson & Johnson from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Saturday, September 13th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, thirteen have given a Buy rating and nine have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $201.05.

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Johnson & Johnson 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.

Further Reading

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Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE:LVS  Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week high during trading on Monday after Seaport Global Securities raised their price target on the stock from $66.00 to $75.00. Seaport Global Securities currently has a buy rating on the stock. Las Vegas Sands traded as high as $68.89 and last traded at $69.87, with a volume of 22024 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $68.16.

LVS has been the topic of a number of other reports. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c+) rating on shares of Las Vegas Sands in a research note on Tuesday, November 25th. Susquehanna raised their price target on Las Vegas Sands from $62.00 to $63.00 and gave the stock a positive rating in a report on Wednesday, October 22nd. Wells Fargo & Company initiated coverage on Las Vegas Sands in a research report on Tuesday, November 18th. They issued an equal weight rating and a $66.00 price target for the company. The Goldman Sachs Group boosted 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, Mizuho increased their price objective on Las Vegas Sands from $56.00 to $63.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, October 23rd. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, ten have issued a Buy rating and six have given a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $65.60.

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Insider Activity at Las Vegas Sands

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Las Vegas Sands

In related news, EVP D. Zachary Hudson sold 100,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $64.99, for a total transaction of $6,499,000.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president directly owned 13,735 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $892,637.65. This trade represents a 87.92% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link . Also, CEO Robert G. Goldstein sold 700,000 shares of Las Vegas Sands stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, October 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $58.88, for a total transaction of $41,216,000.00. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing . Insiders have sold a total of 2,157,545 shares of company stock valued at $130,042,065 over the last 90 days. 1.20% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Large investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. American Century Companies Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Las Vegas Sands by 69.3% during the 1st quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 567,101 shares of the casino operators stock valued at $21,907,000 after purchasing an additional 232,091 shares during the last quarter. Northern Trust Corp lifted its position in shares of Las Vegas Sands by 0.4% in the first quarter. Northern Trust Corp now owns 3,101,190 shares of the casino operators stock worth $119,799,000 after buying an additional 12,593 shares in the last quarter. Ground Swell Capital LLC bought a new position in Las Vegas Sands during the first quarter valued at approximately $225,000. Everett Harris & Co. CA purchased a new position in Las Vegas Sands during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $657,000. Finally, Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. grew its holdings in Las Vegas Sands by 7.1% during the 2nd quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 644,286 shares of the casino operators stock valued at $28,033,000 after buying an additional 42,598 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 39.16% of the companys stock.

Las Vegas Sands Trading Up 2.6%

The firm has a market cap of $47.30 billion, a P/E ratio of 31.75, a P/E/G ratio of 1.62 and a beta of 1.03. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $57.98 and a 200-day simple moving average of $51.89. The company has a current ratio of 0.89, a quick ratio of 1.21 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 7.42.

Las Vegas Sands (NYSE:LVS  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 22nd. The casino operator reported $0.78 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.62 by $0.16. Las Vegas Sands had a net margin of 12.69% and a return on equity of 73.14%. The company had revenue of $3.33 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.04 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $0.44 earnings per share. Las Vegas Sandss quarterly revenue was up 24.2% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities research analysts expect that Las Vegas Sands Corp. will post 2.6 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Las Vegas Sands Announces Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, November 12th. Investors of record on Tuesday, November 4th were issued a $0.25 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, November 4th. This represents a $1.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.4%. Las Vegas Sandss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 45.25%.

About Las Vegas Sands

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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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Shares of Meridian Mining UK Societas (TSE:MNO  Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week high during trading on Monday . The company traded as high as C$1.59 and last traded at C$1.59, with a volume of 201726 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at C$1.57.

Meridian Mining UK Societas Price Performance

The firms 50 day moving average is C$1.26 and its 200 day moving average is C$0.97. The company has a market cap of C$660.90 million, a PE ratio of -26.33 and a beta of 1.19.

About Meridian Mining UK Societas

(Get Free Report)

Meridian Mining UK Societas along with its subsidiaries engages in the acquisition, exploration, development, and mining activities in Brazil. It focuses on exploring and developing the Espigao manganese project, the Ariquemes tin JV area, and adjacent areas in the state of Rondonia. It also undertakes the Cabacal Project, Mato Grosso.

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MSCI Inc (NYSE:MSCI  Get Free Report) has received an average recommendation of Moderate Buy from the fourteen ratings firms that are covering the firm, Marketbeat Ratings 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 a report on the stock in the last year is $655.90.

Several equities analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. Weiss Ratings cut shares of MSCI from a buy (b-) rating to a hold (c+) rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 25th. UBS Group boosted 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. Barclays upped their price objective on MSCI from $650.00 to $660.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, October 29th. Evercore ISI lifted their price target on MSCI from $588.00 to $611.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 14th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company increased their target price on shares of MSCI from $533.00 to $570.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 29th.

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Insider Buying and Selling

Hedge Funds Weigh In On MSCI

In other MSCI news, General Counsel Robert J. Gutowski sold 624 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 24th. The shares were sold at an average price of $558.42, for a total transaction of $348,454.08. Following the transaction, the general counsel owned 15,945 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $8,904,006.90. This trade represents a 3.77% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink . Company insiders own 3.31% of the companys stock.

Several institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of MSCI. Pinnacle Bancorp Inc. acquired a new stake in MSCI in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $27,000. Root Financial Partners LLC bought a new position in shares of MSCI during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $28,000. Meeder Asset Management Inc. raised its holdings in shares of MSCI by 136.4% in the first quarter. Meeder Asset Management Inc. now owns 52 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $29,000 after purchasing an additional 30 shares during the last quarter. Steph & Co. acquired a new stake in shares of MSCI in the second quarter valued at approximately $35,000. Finally, Strategic Wealth Investment Group LLC bought a new stake in shares of MSCI in the second quarter worth $36,000. 89.97% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

MSCI Stock Performance

Shares of MSCI stock opened at $560.60 on Wednesday. MSCI has a fifty-two week low of $486.73 and a fifty-two week high of $642.45. The firm has a market cap of $42.12 billion, a P/E ratio of 35.53, a P/E/G ratio of 2.76 and a beta of 1.34. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $562.25 and its 200-day moving average price is $563.50.

MSCI (NYSE:MSCI  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, October 28th. The technology company reported $4.47 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $4.37 by $0.10. MSCI had a net margin of 40.03% and a negative return on equity of 110.94%. The firm had revenue of $793.43 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $794.87 million. During the same period last year, the business earned $3.86 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was up 9.5% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities analysts predict that MSCI will post 16.86 EPS for the current year.

MSCI announced that its board has authorized a share buyback program on Tuesday, October 28th that allows the company to repurchase $3.00 billion in shares. This repurchase authorization allows the technology company to repurchase up to 7.1% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares repurchase programs are typically an indication that the companys board of directors believes its shares are undervalued.

MSCI Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 28th. Investors of record on Friday, November 14th were issued a $1.80 dividend. This represents a $7.20 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.3%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, November 14th. MSCIs payout ratio is presently 45.63%.

MSCI Company Profile

(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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Nokia (NYSE:NOK  Get Free Report) had its price target boosted by equities research analysts at JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $7.10 to $8.00 in a note issued to investors on Monday,Benzinga reports. The brokerage presently has an overweight rating on the technology companys stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co.s target price would suggest a potential upside of 30.40% from the stocks previous close.

Other equities analysts have also issued reports about the company. Santander lowered Nokia to a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 29th. Jefferies Financial Group raised shares of Nokia from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 28th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reissued a buy rating on shares of Nokia in a research note on Wednesday, October 15th. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c+) rating on shares of Nokia in a research note on Monday, November 24th. Finally, Danske raised shares of Nokia from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Friday, November 21st. Eight analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, three have issued a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Nokia currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $6.10.

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Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on NOK

Nokia Trading Up 0.9%

Shares of NOK stock traded up $0.06 during trading hours on Monday, reaching $6.14. The company had a trading volume of 5,309,535 shares, compared to its average volume of 27,972,941. Nokia has a 1-year low of $4.00 and a 1-year high of $8.19. The company has a 50 day moving average of $5.93 and a 200 day moving average of $5.19. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.12, a current ratio of 1.46 and a quick ratio of 1.21. The firm has a market cap of $34.21 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 34.09 and a beta of 0.84.

Nokia (NYSE:NOK  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 23rd. The technology company reported $0.07 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.06 by $0.01. The company had revenue of $5.61 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.67 billion. Nokia had a net margin of 4.65% and a return on equity of 8.31%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 11.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the firm posted $0.06 earnings per share. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that Nokia will post 0.34 EPS for the current year.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Nokia

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Xponance Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Nokia by 16.7% in the third quarter. Xponance Inc. now owns 12,023 shares of the technology companys stock worth $58,000 after acquiring an additional 1,717 shares during the last quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. increased its holdings in Nokia by 0.5% during the 3rd quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. now owns 355,298 shares of the technology companys stock worth $1,709,000 after purchasing an additional 1,840 shares during the last quarter. Prime Capital Investment Advisors LLC increased its position in shares of Nokia by 7.6% in the 3rd quarter. Prime Capital Investment Advisors LLC now owns 26,022 shares of the technology companys stock worth $125,000 after purchasing an additional 1,848 shares during the last quarter. Evergreen Capital Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Nokia by 5.0% in the 3rd quarter. Evergreen Capital Management LLC now owns 44,984 shares of the technology companys stock worth $216,000 after purchasing an additional 2,152 shares during the last quarter. Finally, ICONIQ Capital LLC grew its position in Nokia by 5.7% in the 1st quarter. ICONIQ Capital LLC now owns 40,797 shares of the technology companys stock worth $215,000 after purchasing an additional 2,205 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 5.28% of the companys stock.

About Nokia

(Get Free Report)

Nokia Oyj provides mobile, fixed, and cloud network solutions worldwide. The company operates through four segments: Network Infrastructure, Mobile Networks, Cloud and Network Services, and Nokia Technologies. The company provides fixed networking solutions, such as fiber and copper-based access infrastructure, in-home Wi-Fi solutions, and cloud and virtualization services; IP networking solutions, including IP access, aggregation, and edge and core routing for residential, mobile, enterprise and cloud applications; optical networks solutions that provides optical transport networks for metro, regional, and long-haul applications, and subsea applications; and submarine networks for undersea cable transmission.

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Panagora Asset Management Inc. boosted its position in shares of The Charles Schwab Corporation (NYSE:SCHW  Free Report) by 3,848.2% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 718,255 shares of the financial services providers stock after acquiring an additional 700,063 shares during the quarter. Panagora Asset Management Inc.s holdings in Charles Schwab were worth $65,534,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Smith Moore & CO. grew its holdings in Charles Schwab by 3.3% during the second quarter. Smith Moore & CO. now owns 14,435 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,317,000 after purchasing an additional 457 shares during the period. Okabena Investment Services Inc. bought a new position in shares of Charles Schwab during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $1,114,000. VestGen Advisors LLC raised its stake in Charles Schwab by 6.7% in the 2nd quarter. VestGen Advisors LLC now owns 14,332 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,308,000 after acquiring an additional 903 shares during the period. Greenwich Wealth Management LLC acquired a new stake in Charles Schwab during the 2nd quarter valued at $4,607,000. Finally, Lido Advisors LLC boosted its position in Charles Schwab by 3.9% during the second quarter. Lido Advisors LLC now owns 487,004 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $44,434,000 after purchasing an additional 18,391 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 84.38% of the companys stock.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of research firms have recently issued reports on SCHW. Morgan Stanley raised their target price on shares of Charles Schwab from $130.00 to $139.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, November 3rd. Bank of America boosted their price objective on Charles Schwab from $84.00 to $86.00 and gave the stock an underperform rating in a report on Thursday, October 2nd. Zacks Research downgraded Charles Schwab from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, September 17th. TD Cowen upped their price objective on Charles Schwab from $129.00 to $134.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Friday, October 17th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lifted 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. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, sixteen have assigned a Buy rating, five have issued a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $106.45.

Charles Schwab Stock Up 1.2%

NYSE SCHW opened at $92.94 on Monday. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $93.79 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $93.02. The stock has a market capitalization of $165.14 billion, a PE ratio of 21.76, a PEG ratio of 0.85 and a beta of 1.02. The Charles Schwab Corporation has a fifty-two week low of $65.88 and a fifty-two week high of $99.59. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47, a current ratio of 0.55 and a quick ratio of 0.55.

Charles Schwab (NYSE:SCHW  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 16th. The financial services provider reported $1.31 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates 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 during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.93 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $0.71 EPS. Charles Schwabs revenue was up 26.6% on a year-over-year basis. Equities analysts expect that The Charles Schwab Corporation will post 4.22 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Charles Schwab Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 28th. Investors of record on Friday, November 14th were given a dividend of $0.27 per share. This represents a $1.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.2%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, November 14th. Charles Schwabs dividend payout ratio is currently 25.29%.

Insider Activity at Charles Schwab

In other Charles Schwab news, insider Jonathan S. Beatty sold 3,072 shares of the firms 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 sale, the insider owned 11,923 shares in the company, valued at $1,168,454. This trade represents a 20.49% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. Also, insider Paul V. Woolway sold 3,205 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, October 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $93.33, for a total transaction of $299,122.65. Following the transaction, the insider owned 34,778 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,245,830.74. This trade represents a 8.44% 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 9,482 shares of company stock valued at $905,295. 6.30% of the stock is owned by insiders.

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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Quadrant Capital Group LLC lifted its stake in The Hartford Insurance Group, Inc. (NYSE:HIG  Free Report) by 6.1% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 7,995 shares of the insurance providers stock after purchasing an additional 458 shares during the quarter. Quadrant Capital Group LLCs holdings in The Hartford Insurance Group were worth $1,014,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Private Wealth Management Group LLC boosted its stake in The Hartford Insurance Group by 151.1% during the second quarter. Private Wealth Management Group LLC now owns 221 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $28,000 after buying an additional 133 shares during the period. Vermillion & White Wealth Management Group LLC lifted its holdings in shares of The Hartford Insurance Group by 72.8% in the 2nd quarter. Vermillion & White Wealth Management Group LLC now owns 235 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $30,000 after acquiring an additional 99 shares during the last quarter. Signature Resources Capital Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of The Hartford Insurance Group during the 2nd quarter worth about $38,000. Addison Advisors LLC grew its holdings in The Hartford Insurance Group by 129.3% during the 2nd quarter. Addison Advisors LLC now owns 321 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $41,000 after purchasing an additional 181 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Financial Gravity Companies Inc. purchased a new stake in The Hartford Insurance Group in the 2nd quarter worth about $44,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 93.42% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

HIG has been the subject of several research analyst reports. Wolfe Research started coverage on The Hartford Insurance Group in a research report on Tuesday, September 16th. They set a peer perform rating for the company. Citigroup assumed coverage on shares of The Hartford Insurance Group in a research report on Wednesday, August 13th. They set a neutral rating and a $138.00 target price on the stock. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods boosted their price target on The Hartford Insurance Group from $144.00 to $145.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Tuesday, November 4th. Royal Bank Of Canada assumed coverage on The Hartford Insurance Group in a report on Tuesday, November 25th. They set a sector perform rating and a $145.00 price objective on the stock. Finally, Wall Street Zen lowered The Hartford Insurance Group from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday, November 1st. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eight have assigned a Buy rating and seven have assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, The Hartford Insurance Group currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $143.29.

The Hartford Insurance Group Stock Down 0.3%

Shares of NYSE HIG opened at $137.03 on Monday. The Hartford Insurance Group, Inc. has a 12-month low of $104.93 and a 12-month high of $138.64. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $130.30 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $128.66. The stock has a market capitalization of $38.18 billion, a PE ratio of 11.19, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.19 and a beta of 0.69. The company has a current ratio of 0.32, a quick ratio of 0.31 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.24.

The Hartford Insurance Group (NYSE:HIG  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Monday, October 27th. The insurance provider reported $3.78 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $3.02 by $0.76. The firm had revenue of $1.05 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $7.17 billion. The Hartford Insurance Group had a return on equity of 21.07% and a net margin of 12.75%.The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 7.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $2.53 EPS. As a group, analysts expect that The Hartford Insurance Group, Inc. will post 11.11 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The Hartford Insurance Group Increases Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, January 5th. Shareholders of record on Monday, December 1st will be given a dividend of $0.60 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, December 1st. This is a positive change from The Hartford Insurance Groups previous quarterly dividend of $0.52. This represents a $2.40 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.8%. The Hartford Insurance Groups payout ratio is currently 19.61%.

Insider Transactions at The Hartford Insurance Group

In related news, EVP Donald Christian Hunt sold 2,124 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, September 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $133.87, for a total transaction of $284,339.88. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, EVP Lori A. Rodden sold 7,841 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, October 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $122.41, for a total transaction of $959,816.81. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president owned 18,400 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,252,344. This trade represents a 29.88% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. 1.50% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

The Hartford Insurance Group Company Profile

(Free Report)

The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, provides insurance and financial services to individual and business customers in the United States, the United Kingdom, and internationally. Its Commercial Lines segment offers insurance coverages, including workers' compensation, property, automobile, general and professional liability, package business, umbrella, fidelity and surety, marine, livestock, accident, health, and reinsurance through regional offices, branches, sales and policyholder service centers, independent retail agents and brokers, wholesale agents, and reinsurance brokers.

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Quadrant Capital Group LLC reduced its stake in Intercontinental Hotels Group (NYSE:IHG  Free Report) by 8.1% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 9,064 shares of the companys stock after selling 794 shares during the period. Quadrant Capital Group LLCs holdings in Intercontinental Hotels Group were worth $1,045,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased its stake in shares of Intercontinental Hotels Group by 125.7% in the 2nd quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 451,823 shares of the companys stock valued at $52,113,000 after buying an additional 251,647 shares during the period. Millennium Management LLC lifted its stake in Intercontinental Hotels Group by 170.5% in the first quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 305,177 shares of the companys stock valued at $33,444,000 after buying an additional 192,342 shares in the last quarter. ABC Arbitrage SA acquired a new position in shares of Intercontinental Hotels Group in the second quarter valued at approximately $11,987,000. Cubist Systematic Strategies LLC acquired a new position in Intercontinental Hotels Group in the 1st quarter worth $6,203,000. Finally, Goldman Sachs Group Inc. increased its holdings in Intercontinental Hotels Group by 2.5% during the 1st quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 668,948 shares of the companys stock worth $73,310,000 after purchasing an additional 16,461 shares in the last quarter. 15.09% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Intercontinental Hotels Group Price Performance

NYSE:IHG opened at $134.18 on Monday. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $124.87 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $120.72. Intercontinental Hotels Group has a fifty-two week low of $94.78 and a fifty-two week high of $137.25.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

IHG has been the topic of a number of analyst reports. Morgan Stanley upgraded Intercontinental Hotels Group from an underweight rating to an equal weight rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 1st. Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b) rating on shares of Intercontinental Hotels Group in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Wall Street Zen cut Intercontinental Hotels Group from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, October 27th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded Intercontinental Hotels Group from a neutral rating to an overweight rating in a report on Friday, September 26th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, three have given a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold.

Read Our Latest Report on Intercontinental Hotels Group

About Intercontinental Hotels Group

(Free Report)

InterContinental Hotels Group PLC owns, manages, franchises, and leases hotels in the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Greater China. The company operates hotels under the Six Senses, Regent, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Vignette Collection, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, Hotel Indigo, voco, HUALUXE, Crowne Plaza, Iberostar Beachfront Resorts, EVEN, Holiday Inn Express, Holiday Inn, Garner, avid hotels, Atwell Suites, Staybridge Suites, Iberostar Beachfront Resorts, Holiday Inn Club Vacations, and Candlewood Suites brand names.

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Quadrature Capital Ltd purchased a new position in shares of Wabtec (NYSE:WAB  Free Report) in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund purchased 5,009 shares of the transportation companys stock, valued at approximately $1,049,000.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. Aviva PLC increased its holdings in Wabtec by 7,960.0% during the 2nd quarter. Aviva PLC now owns 527,685 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $110,471,000 after acquiring an additional 521,138 shares in the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Wabtec by 2.5% in the second quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 19,930,893 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $4,172,532,000 after purchasing an additional 493,437 shares in the last quarter. Nordea Investment Management AB grew its position in shares of Wabtec by 33.4% in the second quarter. Nordea Investment Management AB now owns 1,592,529 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $333,062,000 after purchasing an additional 398,782 shares during the last quarter. Robeco Institutional Asset Management B.V. increased its stake in shares of Wabtec by 56.3% during the 2nd quarter. Robeco Institutional Asset Management B.V. now owns 778,156 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $162,907,000 after purchasing an additional 280,140 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Boston Partners increased its stake in shares of Wabtec by 9.0% during the 2nd quarter. Boston Partners now owns 2,261,456 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $471,410,000 after purchasing an additional 186,248 shares in the last quarter. 91.69% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

WAB has been the topic of a number of recent research reports. Citigroup upped their target price on Wabtec from $225.00 to $245.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Friday, November 14th. Susquehanna boosted their price target on Wabtec from $235.00 to $240.00 and gave the stock a positive rating in a report on Thursday, October 23rd. Bank of America upped their price objective on Wabtec from $228.00 to $233.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, November 13th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b) rating on shares of Wabtec in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their target price on shares of Wabtec from $200.00 to $215.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 14th. Seven investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Wabtec currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $226.78.

Wabtec Price Performance

WAB stock opened at $208.44 on Monday. Wabtec has a 52-week low of $151.81 and a 52-week high of $216.10. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $200.07 and its 200-day simple moving average is $199.82. The company has a quick ratio of 0.75, a current ratio of 1.42 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.45. The stock has a market capitalization of $35.63 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 30.30, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.55 and a beta of 1.09.

Wabtec (NYSE:WAB  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, October 22nd. The transportation company reported $2.32 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.28 by $0.04. Wabtec had a return on equity of 13.84% and a net margin of 10.94%.The firm had revenue of $2.89 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.88 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $2.00 earnings per share. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 8.4% compared to the same quarter last year. Wabtec has set its FY 2025 guidance at 8.850-9.050 EPS. Equities research analysts expect that Wabtec will post 8.54 EPS for the current year.

Wabtec Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, November 26th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, November 12th were paid a dividend of $0.25 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, November 12th. This represents a $1.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.5%. Wabtecs dividend payout ratio is currently 14.53%.

Insider Buying and Selling at Wabtec

In related news, insider Pascal Schweitzer sold 3,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, November 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $208.07, for a total transaction of $624,210.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider owned 4,955 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,030,986.85. This represents a 37.71% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, VP David L. Deninno sold 5,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $209.94, for a total transaction of $1,049,700.00. Following the transaction, the vice president directly owned 55,450 shares in the company, valued at approximately $11,641,173. This represents a 8.27% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Over the last 90 days, insiders sold 25,436 shares of company stock worth $5,145,024. 1.10% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Wabtec Profile

(Free Report)

Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides technology-based locomotives, equipment, systems, and services for the freight rail and passenger transit industries worldwide. It offers diesel-electric, battery, and liquid natural gas-powered locomotives; engines, electric motors, and propulsion systems; and marine and mining products.

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Quadrature Capital Ltd raised its position in Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated (NYSE:RGA  Free Report) by 285.6% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 4,484 shares of the insurance providers stock after buying an additional 3,321 shares during the period. Quadrature Capital Ltds holdings in Reinsurance Group of America were worth $889,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other large investors also recently modified their holdings of RGA. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC purchased a new position in Reinsurance Group of America during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $388,000. First Citizens Bank & Trust Co. boosted its position in shares of Reinsurance Group of America by 276.8% in the second quarter. First Citizens Bank & Trust Co. now owns 6,146 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $1,219,000 after buying an additional 4,515 shares during the period. Zions Bancorporation National Association UT boosted its position in shares of Reinsurance Group of America by 97.2% in the second quarter. Zions Bancorporation National Association UT now owns 8,177 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $1,622,000 after buying an additional 4,031 shares during the period. Bahl & Gaynor Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Reinsurance Group of America by 81.3% during the second quarter. Bahl & Gaynor Inc. now owns 509,770 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $101,118,000 after buying an additional 228,538 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Ensign Peak Advisors Inc raised its position in Reinsurance Group of America by 20.9% during the second quarter. Ensign Peak Advisors Inc now owns 528,439 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $104,821,000 after buying an additional 91,289 shares during the period. 95.11% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of equities research analysts have commented on RGA shares. Piper Sandler restated an overweight rating on shares of Reinsurance Group of America in a research report on Tuesday, October 7th. Barclays restated an overweight rating and set a $246.00 price target on shares of Reinsurance Group of America in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods dropped their price objective on shares of Reinsurance Group of America from $255.00 to $240.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, November 3rd. Morgan Stanley cut their target price on shares of Reinsurance Group of America from $210.00 to $195.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Monday, August 18th. Finally, Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c+) rating on shares of Reinsurance Group of America in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Seven investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, three have given a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Reinsurance Group of America presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $239.89.

Reinsurance Group of America Stock Performance

Shares of RGA opened at $189.87 on Monday. The firm has a market cap of $12.48 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.48 and a beta of 0.62. The companys fifty day moving average is $189.80 and its 200-day moving average is $193.21. The company has a quick ratio of 0.16, a current ratio of 0.16 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47. Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated has a 12 month low of $159.25 and a 12 month high of $232.97.

Reinsurance Group of America (NYSE:RGA  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 30th. The insurance provider reported $6.37 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $5.80 by $0.57. The business had revenue of $6.20 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $6.02 billion. Reinsurance Group of America had a net margin of 3.54% and a return on equity of 12.56%. Reinsurance Group of Americas quarterly revenue was up 9.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $6.13 EPS. Equities analysts expect that Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated will post 22.9 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Reinsurance Group of America Dividend Announcement

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, November 25th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, November 11th were paid a dividend of $0.93 per share. This represents a $3.72 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.0%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, November 10th. Reinsurance Group of Americas dividend payout ratio is 28.62%.

Reinsurance Group of America Company Profile

(Free Report)

Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated engages in reinsurance business. The company offers individual and group life and health insurance products, such as term life, credit life, universal life, whole life, group life and health, joint and last survivor insurance, critical illness, disability, and longevity products; asset-intensive and financial reinsurance products; and other capital motivated solutions.

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Quadrature Capital Ltd bought a new stake in Manulife Financial Corp (NYSE:MFC  Free Report) (TSE:MFC) in the second quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm bought 31,908 shares of the financial services providers stock, valued at approximately $1,019,000.

Several other large investors also recently bought and sold shares of the business. Eastern Bank grew its stake in shares of Manulife Financial by 156.1% in the 2nd quarter. Eastern Bank now owns 968 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $31,000 after buying an additional 590 shares in the last quarter. Winnow Wealth LLC bought a new position in shares of Manulife Financial in the 2nd quarter valued at about $38,000. William B. Walkup & Associates Inc. bought a new position in shares of Manulife Financial in the 1st quarter valued at about $43,000. Oliver Lagore Vanvalin Investment Group purchased a new position in Manulife Financial in the second quarter worth about $55,000. Finally, Carderock Capital Management Inc. bought a new stake in Manulife Financial during the second quarter worth approximately $58,000. Institutional investors own 52.56% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several equities research analysts have recently issued reports on the company. UBS Group assumed coverage on Manulife Financial in a research note on Thursday, October 16th. They issued a buy rating for the company. BMO Capital Markets restated an outperform rating on shares of Manulife Financial in a report on Friday, November 14th. Morgan Stanley set a $47.00 price target on Manulife Financial in a research report on Tuesday, October 7th. Royal Bank Of Canada lifted their price objective on shares of Manulife Financial from $49.00 to $52.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, November 14th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b) rating on shares of Manulife Financial in a research note on Monday, November 24th. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, Based on data from MarketBeat, Manulife Financial has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus price target of $49.50.

Manulife Financial Stock Up 2.2%

MFC opened at $35.51 on Monday. The business has a fifty day moving average of $32.73 and a 200 day moving average of $31.68. The stock has a market cap of $59.83 billion, a P/E ratio of 15.85, a PEG ratio of 1.13 and a beta of 0.98. Manulife Financial Corp has a 52-week low of $25.92 and a 52-week high of $35.57.

Manulife Financial (NYSE:MFC  Get Free Report) (TSE:MFC) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, November 12th. The financial services provider reported $0.84 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.74 by $0.10. The business had revenue of $12.90 billion for the quarter. Manulife Financial had a return on equity of 15.77% and a net margin of 10.46%.During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $1.00 EPS. Equities analysts anticipate that Manulife Financial Corp will post 2.87 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Manulife Financial Increases Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 19th. Investors of record on Wednesday, November 26th will be issued a dividend of $0.44 per share. This represents a $1.76 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 5.0%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, November 26th. This is a positive change from Manulife Financials previous quarterly dividend of $0.32. Manulife Financials dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 55.56%.

Manulife Financial Profile

(Free Report)

Manulife Financial Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides financial products and services in the United States, Canada, Asia, and internationally. The company operates through Wealth and Asset Management Businesses; Insurance and Annuity Products; and Corporate and Other segments. The Wealth and Asset Management Businesses segment offers investment advice and solutions to retirement, retail, and institutional clients through multiple distribution channels, including agents and brokers affiliated with the company, independent securities brokerage firms and financial advisors pension plan consultants, and banks.

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Russell Investments Group Ltd. lifted its holdings in shares of Robert Half Inc. (NYSE:RHI  Free Report) by 25.7% during the second quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The fund owned 404,024 shares of the business services providers stock after acquiring an additional 82,645 shares during the period. Russell Investments Group Ltd. owned approximately 0.40% of Robert Half worth $16,585,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of RHI. Elo Mutual Pension Insurance Co boosted its stake in Robert Half by 32.6% in the 2nd quarter. Elo Mutual Pension Insurance Co now owns 24,684 shares of the business services providers stock worth $1,013,000 after purchasing an additional 6,063 shares in the last quarter. Advisors Asset Management Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Robert Half by 2,607.4% in the second quarter. Advisors Asset Management Inc. now owns 31,216 shares of the business services providers stock worth $1,281,000 after buying an additional 30,063 shares during the last quarter. XTX Topco Ltd purchased a new position in shares of Robert Half in the second quarter worth $1,945,000. Jefferies Financial Group Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Robert Half by 33.4% during the second quarter. Jefferies Financial Group Inc. now owns 62,503 shares of the business services providers stock worth $2,566,000 after buying an additional 15,652 shares during the period. Finally, Prudential Financial Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Robert Half by 2.4% during the second quarter. Prudential Financial Inc. now owns 99,666 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $4,091,000 after buying an additional 2,377 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 92.41% of the companys stock.

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Insider Activity at Robert Half

In other news, Director Dirk A. Kempthorne sold 6,505 shares of Robert Half stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, October 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $28.87, for a total transaction of $187,799.35. Following the completion of the transaction, the director directly owned 11,712 shares of the companys stock, valued at $338,125.44. The trade was a 35.71% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. 3.10% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of equities analysts recently issued reports on RHI shares. BMO Capital Markets reduced their target price on Robert Half from $36.00 to $31.00 and set a market perform rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, October 23rd. The Goldman Sachs Group dropped their price target on Robert Half from $31.00 to $27.00 and set a sell rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, October 23rd. Truist Financial reduced their price objective on Robert Half from $55.00 to $50.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Monday, October 13th. Zacks Research downgraded Robert Half from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a report on Wednesday, November 19th. Finally, Barclays dropped their target price on Robert Half from $45.00 to $36.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, October 23rd. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, five have assigned a Hold rating and four have given a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Reduce and a consensus price target of $38.25.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on RHI

Robert Half Stock Performance

NYSE RHI opened at $27.04 on Monday. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $29.77 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $36.51. The firm has a market capitalization of $2.74 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.56 and a beta of 1.01. Robert Half Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $25.22 and a fifty-two week high of $78.41.

Robert Half (NYSE:RHI  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, October 22nd. The business services provider reported $0.43 EPS for the quarter, hitting analysts consensus estimates of $0.43. The firm had revenue of $1.35 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.36 billion. Robert Half had a return on equity of 11.76% and a net margin of 2.85%.The companys revenue was down 7.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $0.64 earnings per share. Robert Half has set its Q4 2025 guidance at 0.250-0.350 EPS. As a group, analysts forecast that Robert Half Inc. will post 2.48 earnings per share for the current year.

Robert Half Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 15th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, November 25th will be paid a dividend of $0.59 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, November 25th. This represents a $2.36 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 8.7%. Robert Halfs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 153.25%.

Robert Half Profile

(Free Report)

Robert Half Inc provides talent solutions and business consulting services in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. The company operates through Contract Talent Solutions, Permanent Placement Talent Solutions, and Protiviti segments. The Contract Talent Solutions segment provides contract engagement professionals in the fields of finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal and administrative, and customer support.

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Round Hill Asset Management reduced its holdings in shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (NYSE:BUD  Free Report) by 20.1% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 20,614 shares of the consumer goods makers stock after selling 5,180 shares during the quarter. Round Hill Asset Managements holdings in Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV were worth $1,417,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in BUD. Legacy Investment Solutions LLC bought a new stake in Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV in the 2nd quarter valued at $28,000. Elevation Point Wealth Partners LLC acquired a new position in shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV in the second quarter valued at $35,000. NewSquare Capital LLC raised its position in shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV by 602.7% in the second quarter. NewSquare Capital LLC now owns 527 shares of the consumer goods makers stock valued at $36,000 after purchasing an additional 452 shares during the period. Westside Investment Management Inc. raised its position in shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV by 51.6% in the second quarter. Westside Investment Management Inc. now owns 758 shares of the consumer goods makers stock valued at $52,000 after purchasing an additional 258 shares during the period. Finally, Whipplewood Advisors LLC lifted its stake in shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV by 55.2% during the 2nd quarter. Whipplewood Advisors LLC now owns 841 shares of the consumer goods makers stock worth $58,000 after buying an additional 299 shares during the last quarter. 5.53% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several research analysts have weighed in on BUD shares. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reissued a buy rating on shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV in a report on Wednesday, November 26th. DZ Bank reiterated a buy rating on shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV in a research note on Friday, November 7th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft downgraded Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday. UBS Group reiterated a buy rating on shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV in a research report on Friday, October 31st. Finally, Barclays reissued a buy rating on shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV in a research report on Friday, October 31st. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twelve have given a Buy rating and four have given a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $72.00.

Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV Price Performance

Shares of NYSE BUD opened at $61.55 on Monday. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $61.19 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $64.18. The stock has a market capitalization of $120.18 billion, a PE ratio of 17.29, a P/E/G ratio of 1.75 and a beta of 0.76. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.79, a current ratio of 0.64 and a quick ratio of 0.48. Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV has a fifty-two week low of $45.94 and a fifty-two week high of $72.13.

Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (NYSE:BUD  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The consumer goods maker reported $0.99 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.97 by $0.02. Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV had a return on equity of 16.21% and a net margin of 12.16%.The company had revenue of $15.13 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $15.28 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $0.98 earnings per share. Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NVs revenue was up .6% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities analysts predict that Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV will post 3.37 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV Dividend Announcement

The company also recently disclosed a dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 17th. Investors of record on Wednesday, November 19th will be paid a $0.1722 dividend. This represents a yield of 57.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, November 19th. Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NVs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 7.84%.

Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV Company Profile

(Free Report)

Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV produces, distributes, exports, markets, and sells beer and beverages. It offers a portfolio of approximately 500 beer brands, which primarily include Budweiser, Corona, and Stella Artois; Beck's, Hoegaarden, Leffe, and Michelob Ultra; and Aguila, Antarctica, Bud Light, Brahma, Cass, Castle, Castle Lite, Cristal, Harbin, Jupiler, Modelo Especial, Quilmes, Victoria, Sedrin, and Skol brands.

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Scotia Capital Inc. lowered its stake in shares of iShares S&P 500 Value ETF (NYSEARCA:IVE  Free Report) by 3.5% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 11,945 shares of the companys stock after selling 432 shares during the quarter. Scotia Capital Inc.s holdings in iShares S&P 500 Value ETF were worth $2,334,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the stock. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. boosted its holdings in iShares S&P 500 Value ETF by 12.6% during the 2nd quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 20,983,503 shares of the companys stock worth $4,100,596,000 after acquiring an additional 2,339,857 shares during the last quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC raised its holdings in shares of iShares S&P 500 Value ETF by 19,441.2% in the second quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 1,215,465 shares of the companys stock valued at $237,526,000 after purchasing an additional 1,209,245 shares during the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted its position in shares of iShares S&P 500 Value ETF by 5.5% during the first quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 17,776,163 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,387,781,000 after purchasing an additional 922,557 shares in the last quarter. Liberty Wealth Management LLC lifted its position in shares of iShares S&P 500 Value ETF by 1,324.3% during the first quarter. Liberty Wealth Management LLC now owns 845,488 shares of the companys stock valued at $161,133,000 after purchasing an additional 786,127 shares in the last quarter. Finally, NewEdge Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in iShares S&P 500 Value ETF by 51.9% during the first quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 733,872 shares of the companys stock worth $139,861,000 after purchasing an additional 250,790 shares during the last quarter.

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iShares S&P 500 Value ETF Stock Performance

Shares of IVE stock opened at $212.42 on Monday. The company has a market capitalization of $43.32 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.70 and a beta of 0.89. iShares S&P 500 Value ETF has a 52-week low of $165.45 and a 52-week high of $212.54. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $207.68 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $200.69.

iShares S&P 500 Value ETF Profile

iShares S&P 500 Value ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares S&P 500 Value Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the S&P 500 Value Index (the Index). The Index measures the performance of the large-capitalization value sector of the United States equity market and consists of those stocks in the S&P 500 exhibiting the strongest value characteristics.

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Shelton Capital Management grew its holdings in Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA  Free Report) by 3.2% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 24,792 shares of the credit services providers stock after acquiring an additional 777 shares during the quarter. Shelton Capital Managements holdings in Mastercard were worth $13,932,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in MA. LGT Financial Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in Mastercard during the second quarter worth approximately $25,000. Family Legacy Financial Solutions LLC purchased a new position in shares of Mastercard in the 2nd quarter valued at $26,000. Flaharty Asset Management LLC acquired a new stake in Mastercard during the 1st quarter worth $27,000. Keystone Global Partners LLC purchased a new stake in Mastercard in the first quarter valued at $31,000. Finally, IMG Wealth Management Inc. acquired a new position in Mastercard in the second quarter valued at $31,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 97.28% of the companys stock.

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Insider Buying and Selling at Mastercard

In other news, CFO J. Mehra Sachin sold 17,263 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated 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 transaction, the chief financial officer directly owned 31,234 shares in the company, valued at $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 SEC, which is available through this link. 0.09% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of analysts have recently commented on the company. Truist Financial cut their target price on Mastercard from $638.00 to $630.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, November 4th. Royal Bank Of Canada raised their price target on Mastercard from $645.00 to $654.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Friday, October 31st. Compass Point set a $620.00 price objective on Mastercard and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, October 31st. UBS Group increased their price objective on Mastercard from $690.00 to $700.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Friday, October 31st. Finally, Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b) rating on shares of Mastercard in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty-two have assigned a Buy rating and three have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Buy and an average target price of $652.50.

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Mastercard Trading Up 1.2%

Shares of MA stock opened at $551.25 on Monday. The company has a market capitalization of $495.02 billion, a P/E ratio of 37.17, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.27 and a beta of 0.92. 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 businesss 50 day moving average is $559.06 and its two-hundred day moving average is $568.20. Mastercard Incorporated has a twelve month low of $465.59 and a twelve month high of $601.77.

Mastercard (NYSE:MA  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The credit services provider reported $4.38 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $4.31 by $0.07. Mastercard had a return on equity of 200.01% and a net margin of 44.93%.The business had revenue of $8.60 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $8.53 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $3.89 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was up 16.7% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities analysts forecast that Mastercard Incorporated will post 15.91 EPS for the current year.

Mastercard Dividend Announcement

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 7th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, October 9th were paid a $0.76 dividend. This represents a $3.04 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.6%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, October 9th. Mastercards dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 19.44%.

About Mastercard

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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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Smith Moore & CO. lessened its holdings in Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY  Free Report) by 9.2% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The firm owned 5,854 shares of the companys stock after selling 591 shares during the quarter. Smith Moore & CO.s holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $4,564,000 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 LLY. Lazard Freres Gestion S.A.S. grew its holdings in Eli Lilly and Company by 114.3% during the second quarter. Lazard Freres Gestion S.A.S. now owns 77,295 shares of the companys stock valued at $60,253,000 after purchasing an additional 41,222 shares during the period. Precedent Wealth Partners LLC grew its stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 15.3% during the 2nd quarter. Precedent Wealth Partners LLC now owns 294 shares of the companys stock valued at $229,000 after acquiring an additional 39 shares during the period. Capital Advisors Inc. OK raised its stake in Eli Lilly and Company by 6.8% during the 2nd quarter. Capital Advisors Inc. OK now owns 6,747 shares of the companys stock worth $5,260,000 after acquiring an additional 429 shares during the period. Family CFO Inc purchased a new position in Eli Lilly and Company during the second quarter valued at approximately $54,000. Finally, Duquesne Family Office LLC boosted its position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 52.5% in the first quarter. Duquesne Family Office LLC now owns 94,830 shares of the companys stock worth $78,321,000 after purchasing an additional 32,640 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 82.53% of the companys stock.

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Eli Lilly and Company Price Performance

Shares of Eli Lilly and Company stock opened at $1,074.94 on Monday. The stock has a market cap of $1.02 trillion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 70.26, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.21 and a beta of 0.43. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.86, a quick ratio of 1.00 and a current ratio of 1.28. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $889.37 and a 200-day moving average price of $800.19. Eli Lilly and Company has a one year low of $623.78 and a one year high of $1,111.99.

Eli Lilly and Company Dividend Announcement

Eli Lilly and Company ( NYSE:LLY Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The company reported $7.02 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $6.42 by $0.60. Eli Lilly and Company had a return on equity of 92.72% and a net margin of 25.91%.The company had revenue of $17.60 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $16.09 billion. During the same period last year, the company earned $1.18 earnings per share. Eli Lilly and Companys revenue was up 53.9% on a year-over-year basis. Eli Lilly and Company has set its FY 2025 guidance at 23.000-23.700 EPS. Equities analysts expect that Eli Lilly and Company will post 23.48 EPS for the current year.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 10th. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 14th will be paid 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 (DPR) is presently 29.35%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

LLY has been the topic of a number of analyst reports. Leerink Partners upgraded shares of Eli Lilly and Company from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and lifted their target price for the company from $886.00 to $1,104.00 in a research note on Monday, November 10th. DZ Bank raised Eli Lilly and Company from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Thursday, August 14th. Erste Group Bank raised Eli Lilly and Company from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 14th. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c+) rating on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, Daiwa America downgraded shares of Eli Lilly and Company from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Sunday, August 17th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fifteen have issued a Buy rating and seven have given a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $1,047.50.

Check Out Our Latest Report on LLY

Eli Lilly and Company Profile

(Free Report)

Eli Lilly and Company discovers, develops, and markets human pharmaceuticals worldwide. The company offers Basaglar, Humalog, Humalog Mix 75/25, Humalog U-100, Humalog U-200, Humalog Mix 50/50, insulin lispro, insulin lispro protamine, insulin lispro mix 75/25, Humulin, Humulin 70/30, Humulin N, Humulin R, and Humulin U-500 for diabetes; Jardiance, Mounjaro, and Trulicity for type 2 diabetes; and Zepbound for obesity.

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Snowflake (NYSE:SNOW  Get Free Report) had its target price hoisted by Rosenblatt Securities from $250.00 to $275.00 in a report released on Monday,Benzinga reports. The firm currently has a buy rating on the stock. Rosenblatt Securities price objective suggests a potential upside of 9.57% from the companys current price.

Several other equities analysts have also issued reports on the stock. Canaccord Genuity Group lifted their price target on shares of Snowflake from $220.00 to $260.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Thursday, August 28th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their target price on Snowflake from $225.00 to $255.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, August 28th. Royal Bank Of Canada upped their target price on Snowflake from $250.00 to $275.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, August 28th. Jefferies Financial Group set a $300.00 price target on Snowflake in a report on Monday, November 24th. Finally, Mizuho boosted their price target on Snowflake from $260.00 to $285.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Monday, November 17th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, thirty-four have issued a Buy rating, three have assigned a Hold rating and three have assigned a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $270.31.

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Snowflake Stock Up 0.9%

Insider Buying and Selling

NYSE:SNOW opened at $250.97 on Monday. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $248.96 and its 200-day simple moving average is $224.55. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.96, a quick ratio of 1.48 and a current ratio of 1.48. Snowflake has a fifty-two week low of $120.10 and a fifty-two week high of $280.67. The stock has a market capitalization of $85.03 billion, a P/E ratio of -60.47 and a beta of 1.23.

In other Snowflake news, Director Michael L. Speiser sold 403 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $257.29, for a total transaction of $103,687.87. Following the completion of the transaction, the director directly owned 24,927 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $6,413,467.83. This trade represents a 1.59% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, EVP Christian Kleinerman sold 10,000 shares of Snowflake stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $277.73, for a total transaction of $2,777,300.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president owned 522,450 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $145,100,038.50. The trade was a 1.88% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Insiders sold 221,305 shares of company stock valued at $52,925,799 over the last quarter. 6.80% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Snowflake by 22.2% in the 1st quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 3,587,114 shares of the companys stock valued at $524,293,000 after buying an additional 650,775 shares during the period. CenterBook Partners LP acquired a new stake in Snowflake during the first quarter worth about $2,381,000. Berkshire Capital Holdings Inc. raised its position in Snowflake by 71,500.0% during the first quarter. Berkshire Capital Holdings Inc. now owns 7,160 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,047,000 after acquiring an additional 7,150 shares in the last quarter. OVERSEA CHINESE BANKING Corp Ltd acquired a new position in Snowflake in the second quarter valued at approximately $6,845,000. Finally, Kingstone Capital Partners Texas LLC purchased a new stake in Snowflake in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $3,900,134,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 65.10% of the companys stock.

About Snowflake

(Get Free Report)

Snowflake Inc provides a cloud-based data platform for various organizations in the United States and internationally. Its platform offers Data Cloud, which enables customers to consolidate data into a single source of truth to drive meaningful business insights, build data-driven applications, and share data and data products, as well as applies artificial intelligence (AI) for solving business problems.

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Sun Life Financial Inc. (TSE:SLF  Get Free Report) (NYSE:SLF) shares hit a new 52-week high during trading on Monday . The company traded as high as C$18.40 and last traded at C$80.70, with a volume of 1730150 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at C$82.83.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

SLF has been the subject of several research reports. National Bank Financial downgraded shares of Sun Life Financial from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, August 7th. National Bankshares lowered their target price on Sun Life Financial from C$94.00 to C$93.00 in a research note on Thursday, November 6th. CIBC reduced their price target on Sun Life Financial from C$94.00 to C$93.00 in a research note on Friday, November 7th. Cibc Captl Mkts lowered Sun Life Financial from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, October 29th. Finally, Scotiabank lowered their price objective on Sun Life Financial from C$88.00 to C$83.00 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, August 11th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, two have assigned a Buy rating, seven have given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Sun Life Financial currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of C$91.44.

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Sun Life Financial Trading Down 2.4%

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 26.00, a quick ratio of 84,866.00 and a current ratio of 92.19. The company has a market capitalization of C$45.05 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.31, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.33 and a beta of 0.83. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of C$84.33 and a 200-day moving average price of C$84.71.

Sun Life Financial (TSE:SLF  Get Free Report) (NYSE:SLF) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 5th. The financial services provider reported C$1.86 earnings per share for the quarter. The business had revenue of C$9.07 billion during the quarter. Sun Life Financial had a net margin of 7.58% and a return on equity of 15.69%. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that Sun Life Financial Inc. will post 6.9230769 EPS for the current year.

Sun Life Financial Increases Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 31st. Investors of record on Wednesday, December 31st will be given a dividend of $0.92 per share. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, November 26th. This represents a $3.68 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.6%. This is a positive change from Sun Life Financials previous quarterly dividend of $0.88. Sun Life Financials dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 65.15%.

Sun Life Financial Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Sun Life Financial is one of Canadas Big Three life insurance companies along with Great-West Lifeco and Manulife. Sun Life provides insurance, retirement, and wealth-management services to individual and corporate customers in Canada, the United States, and Asia. It also owns MFS Investment Management, a Boston-based asset-management firm.

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TELUS Co. (TSE:T  Get Free Report) (NYSE:TU)s share price reached a new 52-week low during trading on Monday . The company traded as low as C$18.04 and last traded at C$18.06, with a volume of 1385224 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at C$18.34.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of research analysts have recently issued reports on T shares. CIBC raised their price target on shares of TELUS from C$24.00 to C$25.00 in a research report on Friday, October 17th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered shares of TELUS from a neutral rating to an underweight rating and dropped their price objective for the stock from C$22.00 to C$19.00 in a research note on Tuesday, November 18th. BMO Capital Markets decreased their target price on TELUS from C$24.00 to C$23.00 in a research note on Monday, November 10th. Natl Bk Canada raised TELUS from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Tuesday, November 25th. Finally, Desjardins dropped their price target on TELUS from C$25.00 to C$24.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, October 9th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seven have assigned a Buy rating, four have given a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, TELUS currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of C$22.77.

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TELUS Price Performance

The business has a fifty day moving average of C$20.69 and a 200-day moving average of C$21.73. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 183.41, a quick ratio of 0.52 and a current ratio of 0.69. The firm has a market capitalization of C$27.93 billion, a P/E ratio of 23.13, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.65 and a beta of 0.93.

TELUS (TSE:T  Get Free Report) (NYSE:TU) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Friday, November 7th. The company reported C$0.24 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. TELUS had a return on equity of 5.80% and a net margin of 4.62%.The company had revenue of C$5.07 billion during the quarter. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that TELUS Co. will post 1.2267985 EPS for the current fiscal year.

About TELUS

(Get Free Report)

Telus is one of the Big Three wireless service providers in Canada, with its 9 million mobile phone subscribers nationwide constituting about 30% of the total market. It is the incumbent local exchange carrier in the western Canadian provinces of British Columbia and Alberta, where it provides internet, television, and landline phone services.

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Panagora Asset Management Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Trane Technologies plc (NYSE:TT  Free Report) by 6.8% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 465,812 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 29,845 shares during the quarter. Trane Technologies makes up approximately 0.9% of Panagora Asset Management Inc.s investment portfolio, making the stock its 17th largest position. Panagora Asset Management Inc. owned approximately 0.21% of Trane Technologies worth $203,751,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in TT. Icon Advisers Inc. Co. purchased a new position in Trane Technologies during the second quarter valued at $26,000. Ameriflex Group Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Trane Technologies during the 2nd quarter worth about $28,000. Hantz Financial Services Inc. lifted its stake in Trane Technologies by 1,016.7% in the 2nd quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. now owns 67 shares of the companys stock valued at $29,000 after buying an additional 61 shares in the last quarter. Saudi Central Bank acquired a new stake in Trane Technologies in the 1st quarter worth about $30,000. Finally, Dagco Inc. acquired a new stake in Trane Technologies in the 1st quarter worth about $37,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 82.97% of the companys stock.

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Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, CAO Elizabeth A. Elwell sold 600 shares of Trane Technologies stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, October 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $440.00, for a total value of $264,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer owned 7,148 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,145,120. This trade represents a 7.74% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Also, CEO David S. Regnery sold 22,497 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, September 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $410.00, for a total value of $9,223,770.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer directly owned 123,713 shares in the company, valued at approximately $50,722,330. The trade was a 15.39% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Company insiders own 0.14% of the companys stock.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several research analysts recently commented on the company. Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b) rating on shares of Trane Technologies in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Royal Bank Of Canada increased their target price on shares of Trane Technologies from $467.00 to $469.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research report on Friday, October 31st. UBS Group raised their price target on shares of Trane Technologies from $500.00 to $544.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, August 5th. Bank of America raised shares of Trane Technologies from a neutral rating to a buy rating and upped their price objective for the company from $490.00 to $550.00 in a research note on Thursday, November 13th. Finally, Citigroup raised their target price on shares of Trane Technologies from $494.00 to $513.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Friday, October 31st. Seven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, nine have assigned a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $470.07.

View Our Latest Report on Trane Technologies

Trane Technologies Stock Performance

Shares of Trane Technologies stock opened at $421.75 on Monday. The firm has a market cap of $93.52 billion, a PE ratio of 33.45, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.66 and a beta of 1.16. The company has a quick ratio of 0.76, a current ratio of 1.10 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.50. Trane Technologies plc has a 52 week low of $298.15 and a 52 week high of $476.18. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $421.00 and its 200-day simple moving average is $425.96.

Trane Technologies (NYSE:TT  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 30th. The company reported $3.88 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $3.80 by $0.08. Trane Technologies had a return on equity of 36.61% and a net margin of 13.76%.The firm had revenue of $5.74 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.80 billion. During the same period last year, the company earned $3.37 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was up 5.5% on a year-over-year basis. Trane Technologies has set its FY 2025 guidance at 12.950-13.050 EPS. Equities analysts forecast that Trane Technologies plc will post 12.83 earnings per share for the current year.

Trane Technologies Announces Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 31st. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 5th will be issued a $0.94 dividend. This represents a $3.76 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.9%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, December 5th. Trane Technologiess dividend payout ratio is currently 28.92%.

About Trane Technologies

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Trane Technologies plc, together with its subsidiaries, designs, manufactures, sells, and services of solutions for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, custom, and custom and transport refrigeration in Ireland and internationally. It offers air conditioners, exchangers, and handlers; airside and terminal devices; air sourced heat pumps, auxiliary power units; chillers; coils and condensers; gensets; dehumidifiers; ductless; furnaces; home automation products; humidifiers; indoor air quality assessments and related products; large and light commercial unitary products; refrigerant reclamation products; thermostats/controls; transport heater products; variable refrigerant flow products; and water source heat pumps.

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VestGen Advisors LLC reduced its stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT  Free Report) by 2.9% during the 2nd quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 24,154 shares of the healthcare product makers stock after selling 725 shares during the quarter. VestGen Advisors LLCs holdings in Abbott Laboratories were worth $3,260,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in ABT. IMG Wealth Management Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 759.1% in the second quarter. IMG Wealth Management Inc. now owns 189 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $26,000 after buying an additional 167 shares during the last quarter. Elequin Capital LP bought a new stake in Abbott Laboratories during the first quarter valued at about $30,000. Anfield Capital Management LLC grew its position in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 81.3% in the second quarter. Anfield Capital Management LLC now owns 232 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $32,000 after purchasing an additional 104 shares during the last quarter. Vision Financial Markets LLC bought a new position in Abbott Laboratories during the first quarter worth $33,000. Finally, Accent Capital Management LLC bought a new stake in Abbott Laboratories in the 1st quarter valued at $38,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 75.18% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of brokerages have recently commented on ABT. The Goldman Sachs Group upped their price objective on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $153.00 to $157.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 1st. Evercore ISI cut their price target on Abbott Laboratories from $144.00 to $142.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, October 15th. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price objective on Abbott Laboratories from $142.00 to $146.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, October 16th. William Blair upgraded Abbott Laboratories to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Thursday, November 20th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada reaffirmed an outperform rating and issued a $147.00 target price on shares of Abbott Laboratories in a research report on Thursday, October 16th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seventeen have given a Buy rating and four have assigned a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $147.00.

Abbott Laboratories Price Performance

Shares of ABT stock opened at $128.90 on Monday. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $129.40 and its 200 day simple moving average is $131.08. Abbott Laboratories has a one year low of $110.86 and a one year high of $141.23. The firm has a market cap of $224.14 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.15, a P/E/G ratio of 2.36 and a beta of 0.68. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.25, a current ratio of 1.82 and a quick ratio of 1.30.

Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 15th. The healthcare product maker reported $1.30 earnings per share (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%.During the same period last year, the business earned $1.21 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was up 6.9% on a year-over-year basis. Abbott Laboratories has set its FY 2025 guidance at 5.120-5.180 EPS. On average, analysts expect that Abbott Laboratories will post 5.14 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Abbott Laboratories Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, November 17th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, October 15th were issued a dividend of $0.59 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, October 15th. This represents a $2.36 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.8%. Abbott Laboratoriess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 29.57%.

Abbott Laboratories Company 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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VestGen Advisors LLC trimmed its stake in shares of Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ  Free Report) by 5.0% during the 2nd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The fund owned 29,995 shares of the companys stock after selling 1,591 shares during the quarter. VestGen Advisors LLCs holdings in Johnson & Johnson were worth $4,729,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

Other large investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Estabrook Capital Management boosted its holdings in Johnson & Johnson by 0.4% during the second quarter. Estabrook Capital Management now owns 91,754 shares of the companys stock worth $14,015,000 after buying an additional 338 shares in the last quarter. Bernardo Wealth Planning LLC boosted its stake in shares of Johnson & Johnson by 1.7% during the 2nd quarter. Bernardo Wealth Planning LLC now owns 6,606 shares of the companys stock worth $1,009,000 after acquiring an additional 113 shares in the last quarter. BLI Banque de Luxembourg Investments boosted its stake in shares of Johnson & Johnson by 86.1% during the 2nd quarter. BLI Banque de Luxembourg Investments now owns 131,399 shares of the companys stock worth $20,021,000 after acquiring an additional 60,800 shares in the last quarter. Martin & Co. Inc. TN grew its position in shares of Johnson & Johnson by 0.7% during the 2nd quarter. Martin & Co. Inc. TN now owns 15,958 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,438,000 after acquiring an additional 111 shares during the period. Finally, First National Advisers LLC increased its stake in shares of Johnson & Johnson by 1.2% in the 2nd quarter. First National Advisers LLC now owns 13,932 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,128,000 after purchasing an additional 163 shares in the last quarter. 69.55% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Johnson & Johnson Stock Down 0.3%

Shares of NYSE JNJ opened at $206.89 on Monday. The stock has a market cap of $498.46 billion, a PE ratio of 19.97, a P/E/G ratio of 2.19 and a beta of 0.38. The company has a current ratio of 1.07, a quick ratio of 0.80 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.50. Johnson & Johnson has a 12-month low of $140.68 and a 12-month high of $207.81. The company has a 50-day moving average of $191.33 and a 200 day moving average of $173.72.

Johnson & Johnson Dividend Announcement

Johnson & Johnson ( NYSE:JNJ Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, August 30th. The company reported $2.26 earnings per share for the quarter. The business had revenue of $24.02 billion for the quarter. Johnson & Johnson had a net margin of 27.26% and a return on equity of 32.73%. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Johnson & Johnson will post 10.58 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, December 9th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, November 25th will be paid 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 dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 50.19%.

Insider Activity at Johnson & Johnson

In other news, EVP Jennifer L. Taubert sold 56,471 shares of Johnson & Johnson stock in a transaction on Thursday, September 4th. The stock was sold at an average price of $177.81, for a total transaction of $10,041,108.51. Following the transaction, the executive vice president owned 178,013 shares in the company, valued at $31,652,491.53. The trade was a 24.08% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. 0.16% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

JNJ has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. Morgan Stanley set a $190.00 price target on Johnson & Johnson in a research report on Wednesday, October 15th. Wells Fargo & Company set a $212.00 target price on Johnson & Johnson and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, October 3rd. UBS Group lifted their price target on shares of Johnson & Johnson from $190.00 to $214.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 14th. Royal Bank Of Canada restated an outperform rating and set a $209.00 price objective on shares of Johnson & Johnson in a research report on Friday, October 10th. Finally, Johnson Rice set a $190.00 target price on shares of Johnson & Johnson and gave the company a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 22nd. Four research 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 company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $201.05.

Read Our Latest Analysis on Johnson & Johnson

About Johnson & Johnson

(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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Okabena Investment Services Inc. trimmed its holdings in Visa Inc. (NYSE:V  Free Report) by 6.7% in the second quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 7,178 shares of the credit-card processors stock after selling 514 shares during the quarter. Okabena Investment Services Inc.s holdings in Visa were worth $2,549,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in V. Bare Financial Services Inc lifted its position in Visa by 287.0% in the second quarter. Bare Financial Services Inc now owns 89 shares of the credit-card processors stock valued at $32,000 after acquiring an additional 66 shares during the last quarter. Everstar Asset Management LLC boosted its position in shares of Visa by 5.0% in the 2nd quarter. Everstar Asset Management LLC now owns 931 shares of the credit-card processors stock valued at $331,000 after purchasing an additional 44 shares during the period. Greenwich Wealth Management LLC grew its stake in Visa by 10.8% during the 2nd quarter. Greenwich Wealth Management LLC now owns 1,412 shares of the credit-card processors stock worth $502,000 after buying an additional 138 shares during the last quarter. Bernardo Wealth Planning LLC lifted its stake in Visa by 5.5% in the second quarter. Bernardo Wealth Planning LLC now owns 638 shares of the credit-card processors stock valued at $227,000 after buying an additional 33 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Orleans Capital Management Corp LA acquired a new stake in shares of Visa in the second quarter valued at approximately $575,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 82.15% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

V has been the subject of a number of recent research reports. Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b) rating on shares of Visa in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Wells Fargo & Company raised Visa to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 22nd. Erste Group Bank downgraded Visa from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, September 22nd. UBS Group set a $425.00 price target on Visa and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 29th. Finally, Robert W. Baird set a $425.00 price target on Visa in a report on Wednesday, October 29th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seventeen have assigned a Buy rating and five have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $400.00.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other Visa news, Director Lloyd Carney sold 900 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, November 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of $336.48, for a total value of $302,832.00. Following the sale, the director owned 2,468 shares of the companys stock, valued at $830,432.64. This represents a 26.72% 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, insider Paul D. Fabara sold 2,172 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $325.93, for a total transaction of $707,919.96. Following the transaction, the insider directly owned 26,413 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $8,608,789.09. This trade represents a 7.60% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Insiders have sold 24,042 shares of company stock worth $8,175,152 in the last three months. Corporate insiders own 0.13% of the companys stock.

Visa Price Performance

Shares of NYSE V opened at $334.67 on Monday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.53, a quick ratio of 1.08 and a current ratio of 1.08. Visa Inc. has a one year low of $299.00 and a one year high of $375.51. The firm has a market capitalization of $609.67 billion, a P/E ratio of 32.78, a PEG ratio of 1.98 and a beta of 0.82. The companys fifty day moving average is $339.68 and its two-hundred day moving average is $347.15.

Visa (NYSE:V  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 28th. The credit-card processor reported $2.98 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.97 by $0.01. Visa had a net margin of 50.15% and a return on equity of 60.31%. The firm had revenue of $10.72 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $10.60 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $2.71 earnings per share. The firms revenue was up 11.5% on a year-over-year basis. Analysts forecast that Visa Inc. will post 11.3 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Visa Increases Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 1st. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, November 12th will be given a $0.67 dividend. This is an increase from Visas previous quarterly dividend of $0.59. This represents a $2.68 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.8%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, November 12th. Visas dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 26.25%.

Visa Profile

(Free Report)

Visa Inc operates as a payment technology company in the United States and internationally. The company operates VisaNet, a transaction processing network that enables authorization, clearing, and settlement of payment transactions. It also offers credit, debit, and prepaid card products; tap to pay, tokenization, and click to pay services; Visa Direct, a solution that facilitates the delivery of funds to eligible cards, deposit accounts, and digital wallets; Visa B2B Connect, a multilateral business-to-business cross-border payments network; Visa Cross-Border Solution, a cross-border consumer payments solution; and Visa DPS that provides a range of value-added services, including fraud mitigation, dispute management, data analytics, campaign management, a suite of digital solutions, and contact center services.

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Capital Fund Management S.A. boosted its holdings in shares of MGIC Investment Corporation (NYSE:MTG  Free Report) by 27.1% in the second quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 221,154 shares of the insurance providers stock after purchasing an additional 47,189 shares during the period. Capital Fund Management S.A. owned 0.10% of MGIC Investment worth $6,157,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

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A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of MTG. US Bancorp DE increased its stake in shares of MGIC Investment by 5.3% in the first quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 10,797 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $268,000 after buying an additional 548 shares in the last quarter. Jefferies Financial Group Inc. acquired a new stake in MGIC Investment in the 1st quarter valued at about $4,065,000. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. raised its stake in shares of MGIC Investment by 4.2% in the first quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 10,894 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $270,000 after acquiring an additional 437 shares during the last quarter. NewEdge Wealth LLC raised its stake in shares of MGIC Investment by 4.0% in the first quarter. NewEdge Wealth LLC now owns 1,911,085 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $47,357,000 after acquiring an additional 73,264 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Ontario Teachers Pension Plan Board lifted its position in shares of MGIC Investment by 15.3% during the first quarter. Ontario Teachers Pension Plan Board now owns 80,673 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $1,999,000 after purchasing an additional 10,697 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 95.58% of the companys stock.

Insider Activity

In related news, EVP Paula C. Maggio sold 20,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, October 31st. The shares were sold at an average price of $27.44, for a total value of $548,800.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president directly owned 117,395 shares in the company, valued at $3,221,318.80. This trade represents a 14.56% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. Also, CEO Timothy J. Mattke sold 139,203 shares of MGIC Investment stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, October 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $27.09, for a total transaction of $3,771,009.27. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer directly owned 961,791 shares in the company, valued at $26,054,918.19. The trade was a 12.64% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Insiders sold a total of 219,203 shares of company stock valued at $5,989,909 in the last ninety days. 1.05% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of analysts recently weighed in on the stock. Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (a-) rating on shares of MGIC Investment in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Barclays lifted their target price on MGIC Investment from $27.00 to $28.00 and gave the company a cautious rating in a research note on Monday, October 6th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have assigned a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, MGIC Investment has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $26.80.

Read Our Latest Stock Report on MGIC Investment

MGIC Investment Price Performance

MTG opened at $28.35 on Monday. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $27.72 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $27.24. The firm has a market capitalization of $6.34 billion, a PE ratio of 9.12, a P/E/G ratio of 1.91 and a beta of 0.92. MGIC Investment Corporation has a 52 week low of $21.94 and a 52 week high of $29.01. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.13, a quick ratio of 1.46 and a current ratio of 1.46.

MGIC Investment (NYSE:MTG  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The insurance provider reported $0.83 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.72 by $0.11. MGIC Investment had a return on equity of 14.63% and a net margin of 61.96%.The business had revenue of $304.51 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $308.16 million. During the same period last year, the company earned $0.77 EPS. The firms revenue was down .7% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, analysts anticipate that MGIC Investment Corporation will post 2.71 earnings per share for the current year.

MGIC Investment Dividend Announcement

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, November 20th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, November 6th were given a dividend of $0.15 per share. This represents a $0.60 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.1%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, November 6th. MGIC Investments payout ratio is presently 19.29%.

MGIC Investment Profile

(Free Report)

MGIC Investment Corporation, through its subsidiaries, provides private mortgage insurance, other mortgage credit risk management solutions, and ancillary services to lenders and government sponsored entities in the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and Guam. The company offers primary mortgage insurance that provides mortgage default protection on individual loans, as well as covers unpaid loan principal, delinquent interest, and various expenses associated with the default and subsequent foreclosure.

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Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. cut its position in shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM  Free Report) by 0.3% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 19,788,561 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 57,502 shares during the quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. makes up about 1.0% of Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc.s investment portfolio, making the stock its 11th largest position. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. owned 0.72% of JPMorgan Chase & Co. worth $5,736,395,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

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A number of other large investors also recently modified their holdings of JPM. JFS Wealth Advisors LLC raised its stake in shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 0.4% during the second quarter. JFS Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 7,897 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $2,290,000 after acquiring an additional 35 shares in the last quarter. Cottonwood Capital Advisors LLC boosted its stake in shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 0.9% in the 2nd quarter. Cottonwood Capital Advisors LLC now owns 3,837 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,112,000 after purchasing an additional 35 shares in the last quarter. Coign Capital Advisors LLC boosted its stake in shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 1.2% in the 2nd quarter. Coign Capital Advisors LLC now owns 2,854 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $827,000 after purchasing an additional 35 shares in the last quarter. Rialto Wealth Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 3.9% during the 2nd quarter. Rialto Wealth Management LLC now owns 929 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $269,000 after purchasing an additional 35 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Breed s Hill Capital LLC raised its position in JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 0.8% in the 2nd quarter. Breed s Hill Capital LLC now owns 4,642 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,346,000 after purchasing an additional 35 shares during the period. 71.55% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Insider Activity at JPMorgan Chase & Co.

In other JPMorgan Chase & Co. news, insider Robin Leopold sold 966 shares of the firms 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 completion of the transaction, the insider owned 58,479 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $18,240,769.68. This trade represents a 1.63% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, Director Linda Bammann sold 9,500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, September 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $297.94, for a total transaction of $2,830,430.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director directly 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 SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders own 0.47% of the companys stock.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. Trading Up 1.8%

Shares of JPM opened at $313.26 on Monday. JPMorgan Chase & Co. has a 1-year low of $202.16 and a 1-year high of $322.25. The company has a current ratio of 0.86, a quick ratio of 0.88 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.26. The firms 50-day moving average price is $306.89 and its 200-day moving average price is $293.45. The firm has a market capitalization of $852.78 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.52, a PEG ratio of 1.84 and a beta of 1.14.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 14th. The financial services provider reported $5.07 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $4.83 by $0.24. JPMorgan Chase & Co. had a net margin of 20.90% and a return on equity of 17.18%. The company had revenue of $47.12 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $44.42 billion. JPMorgan Chase & Co.s revenue was up 8.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $4.37 earnings per share. Sell-side analysts anticipate that JPMorgan Chase & Co. will post 18.1 EPS for the current year.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. Increases Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, October 31st. Stockholders of record on Monday, October 6th were paid a $1.50 dividend. This represents a $6.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.9%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, October 6th. This is a boost from JPMorgan Chase & Co.s previous quarterly dividend of $1.40. JPMorgan Chase & Co.s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 29.72%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several analysts have issued reports on the stock. KGI Securities upped their price target on shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $300.00 to $315.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 15th. Wall Street Zen raised JPMorgan Chase & Co. from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday, November 8th. The Goldman Sachs Group restated a buy rating and set a $366.00 target price on shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. in a report on Tuesday, October 14th. Zacks Research cut JPMorgan Chase & Co. from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 18th. Finally, DZ Bank reiterated a neutral rating on shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. in a research report on Wednesday, October 15th. Fifteen investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, nine have issued a Hold rating and three have issued a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $326.38.

View Our Latest Analysis on JPM

About JPMorgan Chase & Co.

(Free Report)

JPMorgan Chase & Co is a financial holding company, which engages in the provision of financial and investment banking services. It focuses on investment banking, financial services for consumers and small businesses, commercial banking, financial transaction processing, and asset management. It operates through the following segments: Consumer and Community Banking (CCB), Commercial and Investment Bank (CIB), Asset and Wealth Management (AWM), and Corporate.

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A man currently on bail for robbery charges who has a curfew and alcohol condition was found with a breath test reading of 116mgs more than three times the legal limit.

Patrick Kelly (18) of Northland Road In Derry was charged with breaching his bail at the weekend.

The court was told that at 1.20am on November 29 police were called to the bus station to an incident where a man was refusing to leave a bus.

Police located Kelly who was found to be in breach of his curfew and his alcohol reading was over three times the limit.

A police officer said this was Kelly's third breach of bail and he had been given a 'clear warning' by a previous judge.

Defence counsel Stephen Chapman said that Kelly had 'an issue with alcohol' in that all he had to do was stay off alcohol and had been unable to do that.

He added that it could be some time before the case was dealt with.

District Judge Oonagh Mullan said that on the last occasion Kelly had been made aware of the consequences of breaching his bail.

Kelly was remanded in custody to appear again on December 22.
Northern Irelands Justice Minister Naomi Long has warned of an aging justice estate, including Second World War-era Nissen huts in use at HMP Magilligan.

She highlighted the future potential of not being able to separate victims and witnesses from the accused in courts if capital investment is not secured.

Speaking during questions for her department at the Assembly on Monday, Ms Long described the justice system as being delivered from facilities that are often antiquated and use outdated technology.

She pointed to Magilligan where she said people are still being housed in Nissen Huts which had been built to house Italian prisoners of war during the Second World War.

She added with the severe weather often at Magilligan Point, it is literally through hope and prayer that that building has held together during all of those storms, given the battering that it takes on a regular basis.

We know already some of the significant damage that was done in a previous storm where the walls of the boiler house were actually demolished by the wind, she added

Ms Long said investment of 270 million a year will be needed across four years from 2026 to 2029 to upgrade and modernise the justice estate.

Doing so will actually release savings because we will have more efficient buildings, we will have more heat controls and more sound controls, but it will require investment, she told MLAs.

Planned capital projects for the four years from 2026/27 to 2029/30 would cost, on average, 270 million pounds each year. That would require significant additional funding above the current 100 million capital budget for my department.

They reflect the cost of the number of key departmental projects for police, courts, prisons, forensic science, and many of them are included in the draft investment strategy.

We have to invest in ambitious transformation programs across the Justice estate and to support and sustain investments in our estate with a focus on rehabilitation and a clear opportunity to invest to save.

Asked about the potential consequences of not investing, Ms Long said the cost may end up being not being able to meet the needs of those using the justice system.

For example, we will have courtrooms that dont have the ability to separate victims and witnesses from the accused, and that can create distress in some of those cases, she said.

It would also reduce the departments ability to deliver future savings from the plant project, including estates rationalisation, the use of energy efficient systems, and that capital investment will reduce the need for ever more urgent and expensive maintenance repairs as infrastructure is modernised and replaced.

We need modular accommodation for prison service, because our prison population is growing. We need to modernise Magilligan and Hyde bank prison estates.

There is a new Police College and modernisation of the wider police estate, IT transformation and modernisation projects at court and the modernisation of the Royal Courts of Justice and Bishop street courthouse, both of which are listed buildings and both of which are heavily used.
The new leader of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland has announced a special gathering to come together following significant safeguarding failings.

On his first day as moderator Dr Richard Murray wrote to ministers announcing the special General Assembly in the wake of the discovery of significant failings in the central administration of the churchs safeguarding processes.

Former moderator Rev Trevor Gribben stood down after a review found serious and significant failings in central safeguarding functions from the period 2009 to 2022.

It emerged that failures included situations where the church did not respond when people who had suffered harm sought help and instances where offenders returned to worship in church but were inadequately monitored.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has launched a criminal investigation into the matter.

The PCI welcomed the police probe and said it would be co-operating fully.

On Monday Dr Murray said the special General Assembly will take place on December 18.

He described the purpose as to come together as a family before God to grieve and lament for our failings.

We will meet in Assembly Buildings, in Belfast to call upon God as a people and to seek His face, he said.

Please be assured that the purpose of this General Assembly is that we come together as a family before God to grieve and lament for our failings.

At the same time, we also want to be particularly mindful of those who have been harmed as a result of our central failings.

He added in his letter: As I conclude, please make this General Assembly a priority and come to it prayerfully so that we may seek the face of God together.

Please pray for those who have been hurt by the failings that we have uncovered, and pray that they will have the courage to seek the help and support they need.

Our prayer is also that God would have mercy upon us in the midst of this storm that has not only shocked us, but shaken and deeply humbled us.
India has announced that, in future, all mobile phones will need to be preloaded with a government app called Sanchar Saathi (meaning Communication Companion) to ensure cybersafety.

The government app allows users to report suspicious calls, verify IMEIs and block stolen devices through a central registry.

The order, made at the end of last week, gives major smartphone companies 90 days to ensure that the government's app is pre-installed on new mobile phones. they must also ensure that users cannot disable it.

For devices already in the supply chain, the order requires manufacturers to push the app to phones via software updates.

Reuters suggests that at least one of the major phone makers, Apple, will be unhappy about this directive. Its internal policies apparently prohibit installation of any government or third-party app before sale of a smartphone. It does, however, pre-install its own proprietary apps on phones.

Apple has apparently disagreed with the Indian telecoms regulator in the past, notably over development of a government anti-spam mobile app,

The government says that Sanchar Saathi helps a mobile subscriber to check the number of mobile connections taken in his or her name and to report any connection that is either not required or not taken by the subscriber.

It combats the threat of duplicate or spoofed International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers, which enable scams and network misuse.

The IMEI, which is unique to each handset, can be used to cut off network access for phones reported to have been stolen.

So far the app has, apparently, been fairly successful. Reuters says that the app has helped block more than 3.7 million stolen or lost mobile phones, while more than 30 million fraudulent connections have also been terminated. Since January it has helped to recover more than 700,000 lost phones.

Still, this is a market of more than 1.2 billion subscribers, and the government is no doubt keen to encourage more use of the app.

Reuters quotes sources that suggest there may have been little or no consultation with companies before the order was issued.
Viettels Cambodian subsidiary Metfone has reportedly signed a cooperation agreement with Cisco to distribute and deploy its ICT solutions to local enterprises as part of Metfones strategy to shift from traditional telco to tech solutions provider.

According to a statement from Cambodias Ministry of Information on Friday, the agreement calls for Metfone to distribute and provision Cisco's product and solution portfolio in Cambodia, as well as providing consulting, deployment and technical support services for Cisco customers.

Metfone will also develop a partner network and distribution channels to deliver Cisco products to customers across all provinces and cities.

Meanwhile, Cisco has committed to a programme to train Metfone personnel to international standards, including expert training and professional certification. Cisco will collaborate with Metfone on marketing programmes, market development and other initiatives to promote digital transformation.

The ministry said it expects the collaboration between Metfone and Cisco to create momentum for comprehensive digital transformation in Cambodia.

Organisations, businesses and government ministries will have more choices of high-quality solutions, suitable for modernisation requirements, operational optimisation and sustainable development in an increasingly digitised economy, the ministry said.

The deal also promises to be a key step forward for Metfone to upgrade its product ecosystem and be more competitive in the technology solutions market, the ministry said.
Ooredoo and Vodafone Qatar announced the commercial release of network APIs standardised under the GSMA Open Gateway initiative that enable identity verification tools to combat digital fraud in Qatar.

During the GSMAs MWC Doha event last week, Ooredoo and Vodafone Qatar jointly launched CAMARA-standardised Number Verification and SIM Swap APIs for developers.

The Number Verification API enables enterprises to check if the mobile number of a device accessing an online service or app matches the one provided by the customer.

Meanwhile, the SIM Swap API monitors and detects changes in the SIM card associated with a mobile number, so that developers can see if a SIM card has been swapped recently, either by returning a timestamp of the last change or a yes/no response for a defined period (for example, within the last 24 hours).

These new CAMARA APIs allow industries across Qatar  from banking to e-commerce  to build safer, frictionless digital experiences, said Ooredoo Qatar chief business officer Thani Al Malki.

Through these APIs, we are enabling developers and enterprises to access secure, reliable identity-verification tools and telecom capabilities that help protect customers and create new services and opportunities, added Vodafone Qatar COO Baran Yurdagul.

As with other markets whose digital economies are accelerating, Qatar is seeing an increase in online fraud. For the last year, Qatars central bank has been running a national campaign to tackle financial phishing attempts, while the Qatar Financial Information Unit has a specialised wing tasked with combating digital fraud.

By giving developers easier, secure access to the rich network functionality of mobile networks, we can also use network intelligence in the fight against fraud and scams, said GSMAs head of networks Henry Calvert in a statement. A key part of this is ensuring new APIs are interoperable so banks and online retailers can interact with mobile operators in a standardised way, wherever they are in the world. Weve already seen the results other country mobile operators and banks have achieved through SIM Swap and Number Verification and look forward to building on these foundations in Qatar.

Ooredoo and Vodafone Qatar said they intend to expand their API portfolio in 2026 with additional services focused on identity and fraud prevention.

Last month, Ooredoo signed a deal with Ericsson-led API joint venture Aduna to make its open network APIs available to businesses across the MENA region and around the world via the Aduna platform.
Hatif Libya, a subsidiary of the state-owned Libyan Post, Telecommunications and Information Technology Holding Company (LPTIC), has announced the gradual shutdown of traditional telecommunication exchanges.

Official sources describe this as part of efforts to develop the telecommunications sector and build a modern and sustainable infrastructure.

In a post on its official page on Sunday, LPTIC explained that the plan aims to end the era of outdated technologies and support the transition to a modern telecommunications system that meets the needs of citizens and the business sector.

This will include increasing fibre and mobile coverage and user access, modernising systems through virtual environments, dismantling outdated equipment and deploying 4G and 5G nationwide. Cloud infrastructure and network automation are also priorities. These projects are said to be scheduled for completion by 2026.

The first phase will see the decommissioning of 70 exchanges. Fixed-line services will later be transferred to state-owned service provider Libya Telecom & Technology (LTT), which will deliver them using more modern technologies.

ADSL subscribers will not be immediately affected and will keep their service until fibre-optic FTTx projects are completed.

Ecofin says that in December 2024 LPTIC signed a strategic partnership with French telecom infrastructure federation InfraNum to support efforts to rebuild and modernise Libyas networks, including fibre, 5G and data centres.

And we reported In November 2022 that LTT had tapped PI Works, a provider of mobile network planning, management and optimisation solutions worldwide, to deploy its EXA multi-vendor, multi-technology, automated network management solution across LTT's national radio access networks. The aim was to help improve the quality of LTTs network coverage as well as enable opex and capex reduction.
TIM will roll out a 5G network at Brazils Estacao Comandante Ferraz in Antarctica, using Nokia radio equipment and satellite backhaul supplied through a combination of Starlinks LEO constellation and Hispasats GEO satellites.

The research base houses experts in the fields of oceanography, glaciology and meteorology.

TIM formalised the project in an agreement signed with Brazils Ministry of Communications and the Navy on 26 November, reported BNAmericas.

The deployment builds on TIMs existing presence at the base, where it lit a 4G network in 2022 after taking over connectivity responsibilities from Oi, whose mobile unit was jointly acquired by TIM, Vivo and Claro.

According to TIM CTO Marco Di Costanzo, the network will initially rely on a single Nokia radio base station with a range of up to 10km - sufficient to cover the rebuilt research complex, which reopened in 2020 following a fire that destroyed the original station in 2012.

There are no fibre routes to Antarctica, so TIM will use a hybrid satellite backhaul design. Starlink will provide low-latency LEO connectivity for the first time at the site, while Hispasat will add GEO capacity, with traffic routed through TIMs terrestrial gateways in Rio de Janeiro. As a result, the stations 5G service will use Rios 21 area code.

TIM is also in discussions with other LEO providers, including Amazon, though not specifically for the Antarctic deployment.

The operator expects to activate the 5G signal in February 2026. Investment figures were not disclosed.
There is something oddly comforting about watching tech finally catch up to the way we actually use it. For years, we have lived this split life where our phones feel incredibly smart and personal, but our laptops still behave like these stubborn machines that refuse to enter the same ecosystem party. I have always found it funny that Google, the company that literally powers half of our digital existence, still expects us to juggle two very different worlds. ChromeOS on one side with its lightweight charm, Android everywhere else with all the apps and familiarity we rely on. It felt like living with two siblings who refused to sit at the same dinner table. So when the first whispers of Aluminium OS started showing up, it finally sounded like Google doing the thing we have all been silently hoping for.

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The idea of opening your laptop and seeing an interface that feels as intuitive as your phone is exciting in a very real way. Think about everything we already do on our phones and imagine that comfort scaling up to a proper laptop that can run full apps, handle proper desktop workflows, and use AI in a way that does not feel gimmicky. For someone like me who switches between devices constantly, Aluminium OS feels like the kind of upgrade that could change daily life, not just tech benchmarks.

Also read: Meet Laptab, a laptop that is also a tablet announced by Ai+

Google seems to be thinking the same way. And over the past few days, we finally have an idea of what Aluminium OS could be. Not complete, but enough to know that something significant is coming. So, here is a closer look at everything we know so far.

Google planning Aluminium OS for a long time

A report from Android Authority a couple of days back sent the entire internet buzzing. It talked about Googles plan to unite Android and ChromeOS. Turns out, Google has been quietly working towards this shift for years, trying to bridge a gap that only kept getting bigger. Android had become the face of Googles ecosystem, yet ChromeOS was the one sitting on desktops and laptops. It created this odd imbalance where Googles most powerful, widely used operating system had almost zero presence in traditional PCs.

Sources told Android Authority that Google wanted a unified desktop platform that could compete more directly with iPads and macOS. And in July, Google actually confirmed part of that reporting when executives publicly said that the company was merging ChromeOS and Android into a single platform. Then came Qualcomms Snapdragon Summit, where Google made it official. Aluminium OS is coming, and AI sits at the heart of it.

What is Aluminium OS

According to reports, Aluminium OS is Googles codename for its new Android-based desktop operating system. A Google job listing, spotted by Android Authority and later referenced by Mashable and The Verge, mentioned a senior product manager role focused on a new Aluminium platform built for laptops, detachables, tablets, and PC-like devices. It also used the acronym ALOS, which likely stands for Aluminium Operating System.

The naming choice itself is a fun detail. The Verge pointed out that the British spelling seems to be a nod to Chromium, the open source base of ChromeOS, while also highlighting Android as the foundation. The listing clearly stated that it is Android based, not ChromeOS based, which signals a major shift in Googles long term strategy.

WeAreTenet added more context, explaining that Aluminium OS is designed to make big screen devices feel more intuitive, more connected, and more scalable than what ChromeOS can do today. It is expected to offer deeper system wide AI features powered by Gemini, smarter multitasking, and better integration across phones, tablets, and laptops.

AI is the foundation, not an enhancement

Every report stressed one thing. AI is not an enhancement here. It is the foundation.

At the Snapdragon Summit, Googles Rick Osterloh said the goal was to bring Googles entire AI stack to PCs, including Gemini models, next generation assistants, and Androids app ecosystem. This can be looked at as Googles intent to move beyond lightweight ChromeOS experiences and tap into the full power of modern CPUs, GPUs, and NPUs.

Additionally, this could unlock things like on device summarisation, intelligent multitasking, context aware system assistance, native language generation tools, and possibly a redesigned workflow that feels built around AI instead of retrofitted.

The idea is simple. If your phone can already use Gemini for real time editing, translation, transcription, and smart suggestions, your laptop should be able to do it better.

But what about Chrome OS?

All these reports brought about a common question in everyones minds. What will happen to Chrome OS and will it disappear? And so far, it doesnt look like Chrome OS will be history.

Both The Verge and Mashable made it clear that Google plans to run ChromeOS and Aluminium OS in parallel for some time. The job listing even mentioned managing a combined portfolio of ChromeOS and Aluminium devices. But it also subtly referenced planning the transition away from ChromeOS, which makes it clear that Aluminium OS will eventually take over.

WeAreTenet added that ChromeOS is unlikely to be shut down instantly. Instead, it will probably phase out once Aluminium OS becomes stable enough to replace it.

Supported hardware and early testing

Reports pointed out that Google is already testing Android 16 builds on development hardware. And this early testing includes Intel and MediaTek platforms, suggesting Google is preparing a wide range of devices.

Moreover, the goal was not just budget laptops. The job listing specifically mentioned entry level, mass market, and premium hardware. In simpler words, Google wants this OS everywhere be it laptops, detachables, tablets, boxes or mini PCs.

When is Aluminium OS coming

Google has confirmed that the new platform will launch in 2026. It is still not clear if that means early 2026 or late 2026, but given the internal testing cycle, the first public release will likely be based on Android 17.

So yes, we are still a year away, but the groundwork is happening right now.

More than just a makeover

Tech shifts often appear subtle on the surface, yet they usually mark huge internal changes. Aluminium OS does not simply appear to be about giving Android a desktop makeover. It looks like Googles attempt to finally close the decade-long gap between ChromeOS and Android. It is also a strategic move to compete more directly with macOS and Windows, and to prepare for an era where AI becomes the foundation of how people interact with their devices.

At its core, Aluminium OS promises a level of consistency that has been missing from Googles ecosystem. Phones, tablets, laptops, and smart displays could eventually operate within a unified language. Same apps. Same workflows. Same assistant. The same AI system powering everything seamlessly in the background.

This convergence is what makes Aluminium OS feel like a meaningful shift rather than another product refresh. If Google manages to deliver the platform it is envisioning, the way people use computers could evolve in a natural and intuitive way. Not flashy or forced. But simply, a more cohesive ecosystem that aligns with the way modern devices are already used.

Also read: You can now resume your Android phone activities on your Windows PC
Notepad has always been one of Windows most honest tools. Open it, type, save, close. No drama. But in 2025, even this tiny pocket of simplicity isnt safe from the AI wave sweeping through Microsofts ecosystem. The company recently introduced a new Copilot-powered feature called streaming inside Notepad, and it quite literally lets you watch AI type text letter by letter, as if someone is ghost-writing in real time. This is similar to how ChatGPT responds to prompts.

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Also read: You can now resume your Android phone activities on your Windows PC

Notepad gets a new ChatGPT-like feature

If youve ever used ChatGPT or any other modern AI chatbot, you know the familiar rhythm of words appearing one after another instead of dropping on screen at once. Thats streaming. And Microsoft wants Notepad to behave the same way.

We are improving the experience for Write, Rewrite, and Summarize with streaming result responses. Results will start to appear quicker without the need to wait for the full response, providing a preview sooner that you can interact with, Microsoft noted in a blog post.

Until now, Copilot inside Notepad simply dropped full text instantly, making the interaction feel stiff and disconnected. The new update adds that animated output, meant to make the experience feel natural, especially when paired with voice mode.

The feature is rolling out first on Copilot+ PCs because those devices can generate responses locally.

Streaming support for Rewrite is limited to results generated locally on Copilot+ PCs at this time. To use Write, Rewrite, and Summarize in Notepad, you will need to sign in with your Microsoft account, the company said.

Even though Copilot in Notepad is technically optional, its switched on by default, which means the simplest app in Windows now comes with menus for Write, Rewrite, Summarise, and even tone adjustments like Formal, Casual, Humour, and Persuasive. Theres even a marketing rewrite option.

Can you turn the new feature off?

If you dont want AI peeking into your text drafts, you can disable Copilot by heading to Settings > Copilot inside Notepad. This hides the AI options but doesnt remove them completely, since the underlying code remains baked into the app.

The message is clear: AI isnt just visiting Windows, its moving in permanently. From Notepad to Paint to Photos, the Copilot integration is only growing louder.

Also read: Meet Laptab, a laptop that is also a tablet announced by Ai+


Jensen Huang says Nvidia must run very fast as AI chip competition intensifies

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang made his fifth visit to Taiwan in 2025 on November 27, reportedly to pay a personal visit to TSMC founder Morris Chang. Speaking publicly, Huang confirmed he had met with Chang, describing the semiconductor pioneer's health as "very good," and added that he would be leaving Taiwan later that day.

Earlier in the morning, Huang spoke with the media, but details of his subsequent itinerary were not disclosed. Sources indicate that part of the trip was also related to business with Quanta Computer.

On the growing rivalry between Nvidia and Google, Huang noted that the AI chip market is vast and expanding rapidly, with intense competition. He acknowledged that the company faces significant competitive pressure daily and must continue moving quickly to maintain its edge. Despite these challenges, Huang emphasized that Nvidia holds a strong and distinctive position in the industry, though sustaining that leadership demands relentless effort.

Addressing the role of specialized chips, or ASICs, Huang acknowledged their place in the market but highlighted Nvidia's GPUs and platforms for their versatility. Nvidia's systems can run anywhere, in any cloud, and can operate every AI model in the world, he said. Nvidia is the only company globally that can run all AI models.

Article edited by Joseph Chen
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Google's release of its Gemini 3 LLM in Novembertrained primarily on the company's in-house TPU chips is performing at or above the level of OpenAI's ChatGPT.This development has become a catalyst for Google's broader strategic push amidst an intensifying AI arms race. The company is building a vertically integrated stack, one that it hopes will form a defensible moat in computing power.

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Stars peer down from a darkened sky, trees stand tall in the shadows, and the ground glistens in the light of the Moon, crunchy underfoot, leaving deep footprints behind.

The night is still except for the sound of my two little boys, shrieking and squealing in delight as they roll around in mounds of fresh snow. It is after 10.30pm. But there is no going to bed just yet. This is Lapland.

In March, I flew with my boys, Flynn and Tadhg, and my mother from Dublin to Rovaniemi, Finland, the official home town of Santa Claus. I wanted it for my mum as much as for the boys. She had always dreamed of going to Lapland.

I had assumed a trip like this was out of reach, something one did as part of an organised tour at great expense, until research - and Facebook - told me otherwise. It was the same as going anywhere else.

I learnt that some years snow did not fall until mid- to late-December, that it was exceptionally cold in January, and that March, like February, was a good time to go. There were more hours of daylight, temperatures might be above freezing rather than several degrees below, the snow would still be there, and there was a greater chance of seeing the Northern Lights. It also made sense that you could see Santa at any time of the year in Lapland because he lives there.

We arrived in Rovaniemi, in an airport about the size of Corks, around 9pm and were greeted by the owner of our Airbnb, who had offered to pick us up and drive us to the house, 16km away. It was great - two bedrooms, a master bedroom and another with a sofa bed and bunk beds - and a sauna too.

The boys were not even in their full winter gear, bought for a song on Vinted, when they ran outside into the darkness and snow. The sleds came out immediately, then they saw the ice-slide, expertly carved to the side of the house, and a source of endless fun throughout our stay.

After a restful nights sleep and breakfast the next day, we took a taxi the 4km to Santa Claus Village. Santa has considered Lapland as his home for centuries. His office and, my favourite, the North Pole Post Office are located in the village, alongside a selection of souvenir shops and restaurants, arctic animals, and the chance to try reindeer and husky rides. There are even accommodation options in quiet corners of the village, from cottages to glass igloos.

We headed first to the live web cam at the Arctic Circle Crossing and waved to family and friends back home, then took a photo in front of a pole with wooden signs bearing the distance between Santas Lapland and countries all around the world.

Santas Pets was a lovely way to spend part of the day. We met reindeer, alpacas, donkeys, goats and rabbits, and roasted marshmallows around a campfire. My mum and I warmed ourselves while the boys found another ice-slide and a small wooden play area.

After this, we lined up for a reindeer ride. This was a sedate ride in low-lying, fur-lined sleighs with heavy blankets, which carried two people each. A guide walked alongside the reindeer through the forest.

Children have a knack for injecting a dose of reality into the most magical of moments, though. Tadhg, aged three, spent most of the ride focused on the reindeers behind, and the reindeers toileting needs..

My mum and I loved taking a peek inside Santas Post Office and seeing rows and rows of letters sent to him from children all over the world, from Australia, to Sri Lanka, India, Malawi, Canada and everywhere in between.

We found the ones from Ireland. A sign informed us that about 500,000 letters from around 200 countries arrive here every year.

We bought shiny postcards showing Santa Claus Village all lit up and glowing at night, got them stamped with the special North Pole post mark and dropped them into the post box.

In Lapland, I discovered, you cannot expect to just see Santa. You have to seek him out in his office, where he usually has time for a photo and a chat.

Our second day in Lapland was spent relaxing at the Airbnb where the boys were happy making up games in the snow and careering down the ice-slide on a sled. The novelty of snow and the joy the boys got from it was worth the trip alone.

Just before dinner, there was a knock at the front door, and there was a giant man in red and white with a long beard standing on the steps, greeting us all by name. The boys watched, transfixed, as Santa asked to come in. He had a commanding yet calm and amiable presence. He was even taller than Daddy, the boys said afterwards.

He took a seat at the table and turned to face Flynn and Tadhg. He knew things only Santa could know. He knew their Nana, who stood beaming at the mere sight of this mythical being, was his biggest fan, and he remembered that once upon a time their mother had been a quiet little girl. He knew where Flynn went to school, that Tadhg was in pre-school and about their friends next door. Mrs Claus, he said, helped him to gather information on all the children who wrote to him.

Then, from his small sack, he pulled out two folded up pieces of paper. Do you recognise these? he asked them, unfolding the papers one at a time, and we saw that he held in his hands the letters the boys had sent him last Christmas. Santa told them stories of Rudolf, how his nose only glows red on Christmas Eve, about the special language he speaks ,and how old he really is. He let us take photos and videos with him and gave the boys a little gift.

With that, Santa said goodbye, told the boys he would be back to leave presents for them again on Christmas Eve, and wished us a wonderful stay in Lapland.

The next day, we headed back to Santas Village for a husky ride, which whisked us through the forest at speed, sliding side-to-side across snowy pathways.

We spent our last evening at the nearby Appuka Resort, a stunning spot beside a frozen lake with horses and reindeer. Guests coming to stay and even just for dinner, like us, had complimentary use of the resorts facilities, which included different sleds and rubber ring doughnuts to hurtle down snowy hills and snaking ice-slides.

We went kick-sledding across the thick ice covering Lake Olkk, then headed inside for dinner in the cosy ambience of Appukas main Attia restaurant, surrounded by 100-year-old timber log walls with a large fireplace.

We did not see the Northern Lights, although they were out, albeit later than we could manage to stay up, but we did leave with memories frozen in time and a promise one day to return.

Flights: Ryanair Dublin to Rovaniemi, 333.25 return, 1 adult, 2 children (the writers mother travelled on a separate booking from London), as booked in late December 2024.

Accommodation: 4 nights Airbnb for 4 people, 704.19

For more information, visit https://www.santaclausholidayvillage.fi/
A Garda patrol car had to take evasive action to avoid colliding with a drink-driver that was driving towards it, a recent sitting of Macroom District Court was told.

Sergeant Trish OSullivan said a Garda patrol car was in the Cooldaniel area near Macroom, Co Cork, on April 4, 2025.

At 6.20pm, another vehicle was spotted driving towards the patrol car in an erratic manner on the wrong side of the road.

The patrol car had to take evasive action to avoid an impact, and the suspect vehicle was pulled over a short time later.

The driver of the car  identified as Andrzei Sobala, aged 35, of The Apartments, Moneycusker, Macroom  got out of the vehicle but had to be assisted to stand up.

Arrested

Gardai formed the opinion Sobala who was slurring his words and unsteady on his feet, was intoxicated, and he was arrested on suspicion of drink-driving.

Sobala was taken to Macroom Garda Station where a breathalyser test recorded a breath alcohol level of 132mg per 100ml where the legal limit is 50mg. The court was told Sobala had eight previous convictions, including three for drink driving.

Defence solicitor Sean Cahill said Sobala had alcohol issues but was on notice from his employer, who also provided his accommodation that he would lose his job and home if he drinks again.

The court was told Sobala had been off alcohol for five weeks.

Judge Joanne Carroll said Sobala needed to address his alcohol issue and warned him if he drinks and drives again he will be going to prison.

For drink-driving, Sobala was convicted and disqualified from driving for six years. He was also given a four-month prison sentence suspended for 18 months. An additional charge of careless driving was struck out.
The OPW has announced approval in principle of over 82,000 in funding for flood mitigation works in Ballingeary.

The funding, which comes under the minor flood mitigation works and coastal protection scheme, will see 82,021 invested to support essential river management works along key sections of the Bunsheelin River and The Ford area.

These measures are designed to reduce blockages, improve water flow, and strengthen local resilience against future flooding events.

Fianna Fail Cork North West TD, Aindrias Moynihan, said this funding is welcome news for the people of Ballingeary.

Flooding has been a serious concern for local residents, and these targeted works will help protect homes, businesses, and community amenities.

"I want to acknowledge the ongoing co-operation between Cork County Council and the OPW in progressing this important project.

Under the terms of the offer, the works must be carried out before May 31, 2026, with approved funding to be drawn down by that date.


A well oiled Cork mans stash of 15,000 worth of cocaine and cannabis which he carried in a rucksack was discovered by gardai after he attracted their attention by setting off fireworks at Halloween.

Now at Cork Circuit Criminal Court, Patrick Tobin, aged 41, has been given a five-year suspended jail term by Judge Helen Boyle.

When gardai approached him for setting off fireworks, he fled the scene leaving his rucksack behind and this was later found to contain 15,000 worth of cocaine and cannabis.

Patrick Tobin of 179 Comeragh Park, The Glen, Cork, was sentenced for having cocaine worth more than 10,000 and 5,000 worth of cannabis for sale or supply in that rucksack.

It was Halloween night and he attracted attention to himself by setting off fireworks, which were illegal, defence senior counsel Donal OSullivan said at Cork Circuit Criminal Court on the last occasion. He was well oiled, and he tried to get away by climbing over a wall. He had a chaotic-type life.

Garda Peter Moran testified that on October 31, 2022, his attention was drawn to the actions of the accused man at Russell Heights in Cobh, Co Cork.

He was acting suspiciously, Garda Moran said. He was setting off fireworks and trying to hide behind an ESB transformer box.

He then fled from the scene. I inspected the rucksack he left behind. He fled; climbed over a wall to make good his escape.

Arrested

Patrick Tobin did not get far before he was arrested and taken to Cobh Garda Station.

As well as drugs worth more than 15,000 in the bag there was a cocaine mixing agent as well and 2,100 in cash, which the defendant later accepted was the proceeds of his drug-related activities.

He claimed that he was dealing drugs, but only holding on to the larger stash for an unnamed third party.

A concurrent two-year suspended sentence was imposed on him on the money-laundering charge.

Garda Moran accepted that the accused was co-operative and freely admitted that he had a long-term addiction to substances that got him involved in these crimes.

Ray Boland, senior counsel for the accused man at the sentencing, said: This is one of those happier occasions where he completed the residential programme in Coolmine. It was adjourned to give him an opportunity to address his difficulties.

He has taken the chance given to him by the court.

He now plans to get into the area of social work. He is starting in Churchfield Community Trust. He presents as motivated and committed.

He has a long history of addiction. He is in early stages of recovery.

He would like the support of the Probation Service and Coolmine.

Previous

Judge Helen Boyle noted that the defendant had previous convictions for drug dealing, the most recent dating back to 2016.

You were actively involved in storing drugs for sale or supply, she said. You know the damage that cocaine and cannabis does to people. You understand the damage that being involved in the drugs trade brings.

Mitigating factors include your signed plea of guilty, saving the State the time and expense of a trial.

You have your own issues with addiction. Your risk category remains high.

That is because of your previous convictions. You present as motivated and committed, and eager to progress your life.

You have taken the opportunity to engage with the addiction services. You have done what was asked of you.

You want to get your life back on track I will suspend the sentence in its entirety, the judge said.
The National Transport Authority (the NTA) has spent 350,000 on tap-payment Leap Card validators to be attached to poles at the front of Cork buses, but it has no date for when they will be installed. This is delaying the rollout of planned bus service improvements.

A Cork TD has expressed his frustration at the delay, pointing out that the system is already in use on buses in the capital.

Currently, all bus passengers on Cork city services use the ticket machine next to the bus driver to pay for a journey, which considerably adds to boarding time.

To address this, the NTA initiated a project to provide the validators on a pole at the front door of each bus, which would allow passengers to tap their Leap Card to pay a 90-minute fare. This system was set to be in place by September of this year.

Hardware speed

However, an NTA spokesperson has confirmed that testing of the new validators has: Identified that the speed of the hardware in processing Leap Card transactions, and the overall software resilience of the system, is less than expected.

This means the intended rollout of the system, and the 90-minute fares, will be deferred until early next year.

In response to a parliamentary question from Cork Sinn Fein TD Thomas Gould, the NTA confirmed that the cost of the 220 validators was 359,913, excluding Vat.

A spokesperson for the NTA told Mr Gould that they are working with the supplier of the new equipment to ensure that it is sufficiently reliable and performs to our satisfaction, before we take the decision to deploy it on a bus.

The spokesperson said they will not allow the equipment to be deployed until they are satisfied with its performance.

There are no additional costs to the NTA in relation to the hardware  the supplier bears any costs incurred to ensure that the hardware meets the contract requirements.

It is not uncommon for new hardware/software of this type to undergo a thorough performance evaluation and for optimisations to be identified as part of a number of testing cycles.

Typically, this can only take place once the software is sufficiently functionally developed, as is the case with the new equipment intended for use in Cork, they said.

While the solution is working  ie, reading Leap cards  an optimisation process is currently under way to improve the read times, and the NTA is making all necessary efforts to ensure that the supplier delivers the required system performance. While this issue has caused a delay to the installation, good progress is being made and we are confident that problems will be resolved in

the coming weeks, added the spokesperson.

Performance

Please be aware that there is no issue with the hardware.

The original concerns arose in respect of the performance of the new software on the new hardware.

A further update said that the NTA is currently preparing the buses for validator installation by rewiring and fitting mounting poles.

This is tentatively scheduled to commence at the end of January/early February and will take a number of weeks to complete.

Until this schedule can be confirmed, the NTA is unable to confirm the launch date, and that they expect to be in a better position to confirm the date in the coming weeks.

Speaking to The Echo, Mr Gould said: While the NTA are assuring us that these costs will not increase, the reality is that the failure to introduce 90-minute fares is costing people.

They paid more than 300,000 for hardware that was unable to complete the functions needed. Given that this system is already in Dublin, how were these issues not identified in advance and resolved?

We were promised 90-minute fares. If the NTA cant deliver these on time, how are we supposed to trust theyll deliver a future-proofed bus service for Cork city? Mr Gould asked.
Fine Gael can take two Dail seats in Cork North West at the next general election, Tanaiste Simon Harris has claimed, although he insisted that it is likely a long time off.

Mr Harris was in Macroom last week to open the new constituency office of Fine Gael senator Eileen Lynch, a vote of confidence in the former Macroom county councillor elected to the Seanad on the agricultural panel in February.

Cork North West is a very important constituency for the Fine Gael party, its a constituency in which we did well in the last election, the Tanaiste told The Echo in Murrays, the bar belonging to Ms Lynchs uncle.

In the November 2024 general election, with veteran Fine Gael TD and former agriculture minister Michael Creed retiring, the party ran his cousin and namesake, Macroom councillor Michael Creed, and Kanturk councillor John Paul OShea.

Fianna Fail ran outgoing TDs Aindrias Moynihan and Michael Moynihan, who share a surname but are unrelated.

When the sixth and final count was declared after 3am of the second day in the count centre at the Mallow GAA complex, Mr OShea took the third and final seat behind poll-topper Aindrias Moynihan and Michael Moynihan, finishing 659 votes ahead of Mr Creed.

It was only the second time in the history of the constituency that a candidate bearing the surname Creed had not been elected.

The now-retired Michael Creed had won a seat in Cork North-West at every election bar one from 1989 to 2020, narrowly losing out to his running mate Gerard Murphy in 2002.

His late father Donal was returned by voters in all four general elections between 1981 and 1987, serving as a junior minister between 1981 and 1982.

This, Mr Harris said, was an example of Fine Gael renewal in action, noting that the Creed family had made an incredible contribution to the party and constituency.

We have 23 new TDs, one of them is here in Cork North West, John Paul OShea. We have 13 new senators, one them here is in Cork North West, Eileen Lynch.

Im here to open her office, on the Main Street of Macroom, to serve people, he said.

This is a constituency where we will playing for two seats  its a long time away, dont let anyone worry  but we will be playing for two seats in the next general election.

Ms Lynch concurred, saying that while politics was a very unpredictable game, she was hopeful.

Ive been involved in the party since I was 16, Ive been an elected representative since 2019.

Im really enjoying being in the Seanad, and running for the Dail in the next election and taking back a Dail seat in the southern part of this constituency would be the goal, Ms Lynch said.
A sentencing judge said that the rural tradition of the honesty box was subverted by a man who left cannabis in jam jars for customers at 40 locations throughout West Cork. Now the man has been remanded in custody for sentencing for drug dealing.

Detective Garda Shannon Ryan testified that drugs-unit gardai became aware that cannabis was being stored in a wooded area off a remote country road near Timoleague, Co Cork.

Gideon Cullum, 36, of Fourcuil, Clonakilty, Co Cork, was identified as the suspect. Surveillance was set up in the area at 6pm on September 16, 2024.

Cullum was seen entering the wooded area at Ballinoroher, Timoleague, where the stash of cannabis was concealed.

He emerged with a rucksack and placed something from the rucksack at three different field gates, Det Gda Ryan said.

He was stopped by gardai. Initially, he tried to make his escape on foot, but he was caught.

He opened the rucksack and it contained 14 packages of cannabis, weighing half a kilo. He was accompanied back to the three locations by the gates, and packages were recovered at each one.

He said he had a quantity of cannabis, which was buried in an ammunition box in the wood. He was arrested for having cannabis for sale or supply.

During interview, he admitted he had been selling since October 2020, during the second covid lockdown.

He said he received a kilo that day for over 8,000. He had 10 customers, and he placed cannabis on that road, and he sold about four kilos of cannabis a year.

The kilo was examined by Forensic Science Ireland and it had a value just under 20,000.

His system was a well-organised operation. He used a different name online. There was a phone number and people would order by WhatsApp. They would receive a location PIN and would go to that rural location. The drugs would be in a lunchbox or a glass jar.

The person would take the cannabis and leave the cash. There was no interaction: It was click and go.

Judge Sinead Behan said it was like an honesty box. The detective said the accused told them he had 40 locations right across West Cork.

Defence barrister Ben Shorten said: He had certain addiction issues, prior to his arrest in September last year. He has given up drink and drugs, and he has been clear on voluntary urinalysis.

Judge Behan said: I am concerned about the organised nature of this: 40 different locations; four kilos was the admission.

It was anonymous, sophisticated, and used country locations over a prolonged period of time.

He was using the honesty box, which is part of a beautiful culture in West Cork that he has developed, and was using for drugs.

I do have an unease about the sophistication of this operation and the general situation giving rise to this over a prolonged period.

The judge adjourned sentencing until December 15, but remanded him in custody until that date. A probation report was requested by Mr Shorten.

Cullum signed a plea of guilty to an offence from September 16, 2024, at Ballinoroher, Timoleague, where he had cannabis for sale or supply.
There will be numerous festive events taking place at Mayfield library over the coming weeks, starting with A Christmas Music Box on Wednesday, December 17, at 11am, featuring a recital from the St Josephs Gramophone Society.

A Christmas Storytime will be held in the library on Friday, December 19, at 11am, with stories and songs and an artificial snowball fight, followed by a visit from Santa himself.

The librarys junior book club will give their monthly meeting a seasonal twist at the Pageturners Christmas Special, also on Friday, December 19, at 3pm.

New members are welcome at the club, which suits ages 8 to 12.

Finally, a childrens inter-library chess tournament, Festival of Chess, will take place on Saturday December 20 at 11am. Pre-entry is essential and can be done by phone at 021 492 4942 or email: mayfield_library@corkcity.ie. Christmas jumpers must be worn (to distract your opponent).

Meanwhile, the December exhibition in Mayfield library is From Mayo to Mayfield: An Archaeology of Faces, Places and Traces by artist Paula Lowry, which will officially open on Tuesday, December 2, and be available to view all month.

The work is executed in charcoal, pastels, acrylic and oil paints.

Ms Lowry is a graduate of UCC and the MTU Crawford College of Art and Design. Originally from Midleton, she lives and works as an artist between Cork city and Mayo, engaging with a wide range of media including paint, drawing, sculpture, print, collage, batik, foundry, poetry, and the Irish language.

Her work has been exhibited in Cork, Galway and Mayo; in private collections in Ireland, Scotland, France, and America, and her sculpture and poetry were presented to the then president of Ireland, Mary Robinson.

She has given workshops in schools, resource centres, to children, womens groups, mens groups, traveller, and special needs communities, in Irish and in English. She also accepts private commissions.

Road resurfacing works

The North East local area committee has approved the first set of roads to be resurfaced in 2026.

The following roads are now confirmed for resurfacing in 2026: Hazelwood Way, Hazelwood Court; Springmount Close; Bawnleigh Court; Ashgrove Estate, Ballyvolane; Merrion Court, Montenotte; Merrion Court  Main Spine Road; Audley Place, Patricks Hill; Mourne Avenue car park; Harrington Square, Ballyhooley Road, and Brooklodge Drive/Grove Junction.

Independent Ireland councillor Noel OFlynn said: Ill be pushing over the coming months to have additional roads added to the programme so that more communities benefit from improved infrastructure across the electoral area.

Brooke McCarthy, Fermoy and Charlie Lane, Mayfield at the Corkmas Christmas Parade.

Tree of Remembrance launch

The 2025 Mayfield Tree of Remembrance will be officially launched at an event on Monday, December 8, at 7pm on Iona Road.

Mayfields Mens Shed Choir will perform at the annual event, organised by Lotamore Family Resource Centre Cork CLG, where a candle-lighting ceremony will take place at the Christmas Tree on Iona Road.

The tree will provide an opportunity for family and friends to place messages of remembrance for their loved one.

Trees of remembrance are a special way of honouring friends and family members who cannot be with you during the festive season, a time when people will miss their presence most.

All are welcome to attend the event next Monday, and are invited to place a note of remembrance in memory of their loved one on the tree itself, as a tribute to them, either at the event or any time throughout the pre-Christmas period.

Magical fun at fairyhouse workshops

A happy bunch of participants at the recent Fairy House in Mayfield workshops at Mayfield Library. Over three weeks, the children made and decorated their own clay mushroom fairy houses with accompanying backgrounds with Fairy-in-Chief, art teacher Grace Haynes.

Healthcare in Glanmire and Mayfield

Sinn Fein TD for Cork North-Central Thomas Gould has called for the Glanmire elective hospital, and primary care centres in Mayfield and Glanmire, to be progressed.

He raised the issue in the Dail, saying that almost 800 people waited on trolleys in Corks CUH and the Mercy Hospital this month, and that 30,000 people are on waiting lists in both those hospitals, with 3,000 people waiting more than a year.

Where is the elective hospital that was promised for Cork? If that elective hospital was there, those 3,000 people would be in and out of it within the year, and those 30,000 people could be treated.

There is a cost-of-living crisis and at the same time, if you do not have private health insurance, your family will not get the treatment on time.

It comes as the Oireachtas health committee were recently told that plans for the elective surgical hospital on the old St Stephens Hospital site in Glanmire may be delayed due to road infrastructure issues.

The HSE is currently working to progress detailed design to support the statutory planning submission for the new facility. However, existing road infrastructure may not be sufficient to support the construction phase or the development itself.

Brian OConnor, the HSEs head of strategic health infrastructure and capital, said that the biggest single issue with the new facility was getting access to it, and that they were working with the council to see if there is a solution, and the planning application was subject to that item being resolved.

The HSE told committee members that it is considering the introduction of a new slip road to service the hospital, and it is currently in discussions with several landowners about facilitating this.

TDs have expressed concern that this will mean delays if the HSE need to look into land acquisition or compulsory purchase orders.

Mr Gould also raised plans for primary healthcare centres, as a planned centre in Glanmire has recently begun construction after a long planning process. It is expected to be complete by late 2027, but plans for a Mayfield centre are even further behind.

The findings of the OECD in 2022 ranked Ireland among the worst countries to access healthcare and for waiting times and found that we were the only Western European state that does not offer universal coverage of primary care, said Mr Gould.

We have no primary care centre in Glanmire. We have no primary care centre in Mayfield.

Mr Gould told The Echo: I am beyond frustrated that we are still without primary care centres in Mayfield and Glanmire. The OECD found, in 2022, that we are the only Western European country without universal primary care cover.

The reality is that in the last three years, nothing has improved for the people of Glanmire and Mayfield. While the PCC in Glanmire is currently under construction, Mayfields centre is no closer than it was in September 2023 when initial approval for the contract was given.
A man who set fire to a four-storey Georgian house in Cork City where four people were celebrating Christmas Day slashed the owner with a knife as he tried to leave, and it emerged at his sentencing hearing that he was on High Court bail at the time on a separate case involving aggravated burglary.

32-year-old Shane Casey was admitted to a psychiatric hospital unit while on bail and was discharged 15 days before he carried out the arson in Cork city where four people were terrified inside the house.

As the fire took hold, and smoke and flames spread through the building, Shane Casey who started it with an accelerant, held a knife at the front door and forced it closed from the outside.

This was the evidence of Sergeant Brian Barron who investigated the case.

Defence senior counsel Ray Boland said the young man was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia. He suffers from distorted and paranoid thinking, Mr Boland said.

Ms Justice Siobhan Lankford said she would consider the evidence given at the sentencing hearing and give judgment on December 5. Shane Casey was remanded in custody until then.

Sergeant Barron testified that Shane Casey, who was previously living at Shanowen, Rathcormac, Co Cork, turned up outside the house on Dyke Parade, Cork, just after 6pm on December 25, 2023. Four people were present in the house.

At 6.05pm, he exits and stands looking in the open front door at the fire taking hold. At 6.06pm, he closes the front door and attempts to barricaded the front door from the outside, using a piece of timber to jam to the side and then under the door.

He takes a blade from his pocket and holds it out in front of him and waits outside. At 6.08pm, the front door bursts open and [one of the men] attempts to escape the now blazing house."

Shane Casey swipes at him with the blade twice, slashing his forehead. He has no choice but to retreat back into the burning house with Shane Casey in pursuit.

"He can be seen blocking attempts made to get out of the burning house, again holding the blade before leaving at 6.09pm.

"The man who was cut did not know the person who set fire to the house but told gardai the person said:

'My name is Shane Casey and you remember me from two days ago  you are going to die here tonight.'

"In the following two minutes, a woman and two men leave.

"The last person in the building  a woman  could not get out and went to the fourth floor. The first two floors were in flames.

At 6.17pm, the fire service rescue arrive. They rescue her from the burning building by removing her from the roof of the adjoining property.

At least six units of the fire service took more than six hours to bring the fire under control and make the building safe. The house itself had been owned by a man living somewhat off grid who used to allow some homeless people to stay there.

"With virtually no working utilities in the house there was no bin collection and several rooms were stacked high with refuse built up over years.

Properties neighbouring 5 Dyke Parade which were kept in excellent condition by their owners were also damage by the fire. One of them only sustained 10,000 smoke damage, the other was more seriously affected, with the damage put at 120,000.

The fire damage to 5 Dyke Parade caused extensive damage and would have cost 110,000 to return it a basic condition. As the owner had no money to pay for this and had no insurance, he has had to sell the house and live elsewhere.

The exact times of events around 6pm were known because of neighbouring CCTV which captured what occurred. Several minutes of video recordings were shown to the judge at the Central Criminal Court sitting in Cork.

Ms Justice Lankford also said in respect of Shane Casey: I have read a letter which was clearly written by himself.

He will be sentenced on Friday on charges of assault causing harm to the owner, production of an article, namely a blade, in the course of the assault, and finally causing criminal damage to the house and neighbouring properties with intent to endanger life.
A teenager who was caught with a 4,300 stash of cannabis for sale, together with 5,000 in cash, at his home in Douglas four years ago, has been given a one-year suspended prison sentence.

Nikoden Jakubowska, of Hollyville, Grange, Douglas, Cork, appeared at Cork Circuit Criminal Court, where he pleaded guilty to the charges against him.

He admitted having cannabis for sale or supply at his home on May 4, 2021, and on the same date he had more than 5,000 in cash, the proceeds of criminal conduct.

Garda Kenneth Lawton brought the charges against him. Barrister Paula McCarthy said of the accused: He was using a good deal of cannabis at the time. He has not come to adverse attention prior to this or since. He was 19 at the time and is 23 now.

He was fully co-operative with the investigation. This seems to have been an aberration.
A 54-year-old man, who pleaded guilty to the deception of a French company establishing itself in Ireland in the field of plastic wrapping for bales of silage, was described as robbing Peter to pay Paul in using the company to cover older debts he had around the country.

At Cork Circuit Criminal Court Judge Sinead Behan imposed a three-year suspended sentence on Sean OConnor of Garrendurg, Kilbrittain, for three counts of deception of Trioplast, now known as Trioworld, for sums of 129,000, 75,000, and 20,000 between May and August 2019. The judge was told that civil proceedings taken by the injured party had been compromised and that the accused man paid compensation in final settlement of the proceedings.

Detective Garda Hugh Byrne investigated the case and testified that the French company was keen to establish in the Irish market and agreed with Sean OConnor that for a finders fee of 1%-3% of any order, he would try to get orders from farmers.

In the three cases of deception before the court, the modus operandi described by the detective was effectively the same.

Mr OConnor had a pre-existing debt with each of three farmers, unrelated to any transaction involving the French company. The defendant told each of them he would supply them with a quantity of silage bale wrapping instead of paying them the money he owed.

In each case, the French company later billed the Irish farmer, only to be told they had effectively paid Mr OConnor already.

When Trioplast got in touch with him he said that they should bill him instead. In this way he effectively turned old debts owing to three Irish farmers  in Offaly, Cavan, and Mallow  to three new debts which he then owed to Trioplast.

Det Garda Byrne said Trioplast did not believe it could challenge the arrangements entered into by the three farmers as they feared this would cause it reputational damage, through no fault of its own, at a time when it was trying to get a foothold in the Irish market.

Defence barrister Ray Boland said civil proceedings taken against Sean OConnor by Trioplast had been compromised with payments made by the defendant, culminating in a last payment by him to them for 109,000, which he raised through the remortgaging of his family home.

Mr Boland said in relation to the deception: He was robbing Peter to pay Paul. But he is guilty of robbing Peter.

Imposing a three-year suspended sentence, Judge Behan described the defendants actions as an abuse of trust. He transferred his debt to Trioplast and this company found itself in a very invidious position in Ireland. Now the monies appear to have been repaid under threat of civil proceedings and criminal complaint, Judge Behan said.
Tanaiste Simon Harris has said that while he does not wish to be in any way divisive, there is a correspondence between national homelessness figures and immigration.

Mr Harris was speaking to The Echo on Friday in Macroom, after record-breaking homelessness figures showed 16,766 people  11,492 adults and 5,274 children  were in emergency accommodation at the end of October.

The Tanaiste defended the Governments housing policies, but accepted that homelessness is at an unacceptably high level, and there is a housing emergency in Ireland.

Citing new measures in the revised National Housing Plan that relate to child and family homelessness, Mr Harris said while more social housing was now being provided than at any time since the 1970s, homelessness was still increasing.

In the new housing plan is a request for local authorities to look at the allocation priorities for their social-housing schemes, particularly to target children and families in homelessness, he said.

Secondly, weve also brought in a new fund to allow the local authorities to purchase homes to take families off the homelessness list. I think those two things will make a difference.

The third point, and I say this very conscious of not wishing to be in any way divisive, but the third thing is now were seeing in our homelessness figures, nationally anyway, a correspondence in relation to people coming to Ireland and wishing to make Ireland their home, and our homeless figures, said Mr Harris.

People who come to our country have every right to be treated with respect, but we do need to make sure we have a migration system that is functioning, because our population is growing at such a pace now at a time that we do have a scarcity of housing.

We do just need to make sure that there is a fairness in relation to all of these rules, and I think that some of the measures that [justice minister] Jim OCallaghan has already considered over the last number of days will help ensure that we can really have a laser-sharp focus on helping those who come to our country and need assistance, ensure that we can continue to bring in the many people that we want to come to our country to work, said Mr Harris.

Indeed, they play a very important role in Corks economy and Irelands economy and our society, but also just to make sure that were not out of kilter with other European countries.

In recent weeks, the coalition parties, and Mr Harris in particular, have been accused by opposition parties of a right-ward shift in immigration policies.
It still amazes me how some people always manage to find something to crib about while living or holidaying in idyllic locations.

Fellow Echo columnist John Dolan wrote about this recently, when he was unlucky enough to bump into a few of these creatures on holiday and recounted his tale of woe.

He wrote about being on a family break in Paphos, Cyprus, well away from the islands rave spots, where he developed the sense that hell really is other people.

John stressed it had nothing to do with the Cypriots themselves, nor with the other tourists of different nationalities he encountered in the hotel, and in bars, cafes, and beaches.

His issue was in fact with the expats living there. Even more specifically, he said, the expats who annoyed him most were from his own homeland of England. Paphos was teeming with them. A veritable explosion of grey and wrinkly pensioners amidst the blue hues of sun and sky, he wrote.

It put him off the idea of ever retiring to sunnier climes, the prospect of sharing the sunshine with such rude and negative people.

He cited a few examples of the rudeness he experienced, and I was sorry to hear that, as someone who is enjoying part of my retirement in Cyprus.

Johns trip obviously left a bit of a sour taste, but its a perfect example of how short visits can give a false impression of a place. He was very unfortunate to have encountered the cranks.

Most people on short holiday breaks tend to spend most of their time in the apartment complex or hotel, by the pool or on the beach, especially if they have children with them.

They mostly socialise within a reasonable walking distance from their accommodation and eat on the local strip where there is a large selection of shops, bars, and restaurants.

Nothing wrong with that, its what we did for years when the kids were younger. You do whatever is easiest and most convenient - but that only really provides a snapshot of tourism in that place, be it France, Spain, Portugal or wherever.

My experience of Cyprus began about 16 years ago when I came here for short breaks with my buddy John OConnor. He had served with the United Nations on the island in 2006, so he had a good handle on the place. I followed suit in 2013, spending a year here with the UN.

I immediately fell in love with the place, and Ive been coming here ever since.

My idea of life in Cyprus differs completely from the one experienced by John Dolan, and Ill tell you why.

Firstly, Im not a big fan of Paphos. Its only a two-hour drive from my neck of the woods, but it can be a few degrees cooler there and I reckon the beaches arent a patch on what we have available to us in the Paralimni area on the east of the island.

There is a group of Irish here, all coming and going for several months at a time, with some living and working here full time.

We also have Cypriot friends, and we meet up regularly for meals or a few drinks. There were 15 of us at the last sitting and we always choose the traditional tavernas and restaurants in the surrounding villages.

Thats where you get the real Cypriot experience, and you wont find many tourists either.

Cypriots are very much into socialising, and they like to do it with the family. Its not unusual to find a large family group, young and old, all sitting around the one table.

You wont see drunkenness either because theyre not big drinkers.

Its common to see a group of lads out together and the table laden with a mixture of bottled water, coffee, a few beers or soft drinks.

They dont need alcohol to have a good time, but Cypriots are just as noisy as any crowd youd find in a pub in Ireland on a Saturday night, so youll definitely know theyre there.

We have many English friends too, ex-pats who are great company.

Cyprus is no different to any other part of the world though, and we have our fair share of oddballs, cranks and dimwits of all nationalities too. Theyre usually easy to spot though and easily avoided.

Our merry band of men and women are full of positivity, and we all appreciate what we have and look forward to every day we spend here.

We look out for one another too, without living in each others pockets. Were always available to do an airport run when someone needs to be dropped off or collected.

Its unfortunate that John was unlucky enough to have met with the cribber from Hell, but I have advised him not to rule out Cyprus as a possible base for his future retirement plans.

I have suggested to him that his next visit should be up the coast to the Paralimni, and I will show him the more positive side of living here.

I can guarantee he will meet some of the nicest, most positive and most sincere people hes ever likely to meet, and Im certain he will return home full of excitement at the prospect of coming back.

Im so certain of it, in fact, Ill even have an estate agent on standby.
Ryan Dunne

A man convicted of dangerous driving causing serious harm, after he drove through a red light and collided with a taxi before fleeing the scene, should not have received a fully suspended sentence, the Court of Appeal has ruled.

The sentencing judge failed to impose a proportionate sentence with respect to the serious offending committed, said Ms Justice Tara Burns, resentencing Jim Connors (31) to serve four and a half years in prison.

A bench warrant was issued for Connors arrest, as he failed to turn up in court to receive the judgement as directed on the last date.

Connors, of Tig Mo Chroi, Glenamuck Road, Carrickmines, Dublin, pleaded guilty at Dublin Criminal Circuit Court last year to five charges including dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm, being the driver of a vehicle where injury was caused to a person and failing to assist that person, failing to offer assistance and doing so to escape prosecution at civil or state level, and driving a vehicle without holding a drivers licence in Cherrywood, Dublin on February 19th, 2022.

Judge Martina Baxter imposed a sentence of four and a half years, which she suspended in full on condition that Connors keep the peace and be of good behaviour for five years.

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) appealed this decision as being unduly lenient.

In delivering the Court of Appeals judgement today, Ms Justice Burns outlined the background to the case, saying that Connors drove through a red light and collided with a taxi, which contained three people. Connors, who was disqualified from driving at the time, ran from the scene.

One of the occupants of the taxi sustained severe injuries, including cracked neck discs, back discs, ribs, a broken tibia in his left leg and a fractured right ankle.

In a separate incident on March 19th, 2022, Connors drove away from the gardai at speed, almost colliding with a garda vehicle. He was found to have cocaine in his system at the time.

Ms Justice Burns said that the Court of Appeal agreed with the sentencing judge regarding the mitigating and aggravating factors in the case. She said that the DPP argued that the entire suspension of the sentence amounted to undue leniency.

We are of the opinion that the rehabilitation evidence in the instant case was not of such an exceptional level as to merit the suspension of the entire term of imprisonment, she said, adding that the sentencing judge failed to impose a proportionate sentence with respect to the serious offending committed.

Ruling that the sentence imposed was unduly lenient, Ms Justice Burns said the court would quash the sentence and resentence Connors.

The court imposed a total sentence of four years and six months, with Connors disqualified from driving for ten years.
James Cox

Here, we have a look at the issues likely to dominate political discourse in the week to come.

Simon Harris may face challenges in finance

Paschal Donohoe's departure means a new role for Tanaiste Simon Harris.

He has served as Minister for Foreign Affairs and as Minister for Justice, while Helen McEntee was on maternity leave, but the finance portfolio will be a huge challenge.

This started early for him as the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council (Ifac) said the Government is budgeting like theres no tomorrow.

The organisation warned there was a lack of long-term planning and the Government was not saving enough corporation tax windfalls to prepare for future budgetary pressures.

Asked about the criticisms by Ifac on the way into Cabinet, Mr Harris said he would submit a medium-term economic plan by the end of the year.

He said he also agreed with a multi-annual budgetary plan as suggested by Ifac, calling it a sensible suggestion.

He said he had requested a meeting with Ifac last week, after he became finance minister, because he was aware of the danger of group think in Ireland previously.

My number one immediate priority as our countrys new minister for finance is to produce, with government colleagues, a medium-term economic plan to move beyond the temptation for short-termism and to anchor both our spending and taxation plans for the years ahead in this medium-term framework.

I intend to have that work completed with government colleagues, with the Taoiseach, with Minister (for Public Expenditure Jack) Chambers, by the end of this year.

He said the Irish economy was still in a position of relative strength but that there was huge global uncertainty and now was not the time for complacency.

Mr Harris added: What I want to see as minister is an end to this drift spending, where in year theres additional spending.

Not every problem can be monetised, sometimes people just actually have to look at ways of reforming, ways of better delivering services.

Were increasing budgets, were expanding budgets, but people, agencies, departments, now need to live within those budgets, and we need to get back to that annual cycle of budgeting, grounded and anchored in a new medium-term plan that will be produced by the end of the year.

I think that is a safe, prudent and sensible measure to take to keep our country and our economy secure in these turbulent times.

Ms McEntee will also face a new challenge in foreign affairs.

She has insisted the Government is committed in publishing the Occupied Territories Bill, despite criticism from the Opposition about the slow pace.

Ireland's support of Ukraine will also be on the agenda amid tense peace talks involving the US and Russia.

That brings us on to the next big event, the visit of Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy.

Zelenskiy visit

Strict security protocols are in place ahead of Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiys first official visit to Ireland.

Mr Zelensky is due to meet Taoiseach Micheal Martin and President Catherine Connolly, and address a sitting of the joint Houses of the Oireachtas.

Preparations are underway at Government Buildings and Leinster House for the visit tomorrow. An Garda Siochana has cancelled all leave and rest days for Mr Zelenkiy's two-day visit.

Tanaiste Simon Harris said tight security measures are in place.

"The President of Ireland will be meeting the president of Ukraine, the Taoiseach and myself, members of the Cabinet, and we're very much looking forward to having an opportunity to engage with president Zelenskiy.

"Of course all of the various measures that you'd expect when there is any high profile visitor are in place in terms of security and safety... and that's right and proper."

Mr Zelenskiy has said there are "tough issues" to work out, as negotiators continue to work through a peace deal to end the war in Ukraine.

He is meeting French president Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Monday before making a quick trip to Ireland.

Earlier, three people were killed in a Russian missile attack on the city of Dnipro.

Mr Zelenskiy was last in Ireland in February, when his plane stopped off to refuel ahead of a visit to Washington DC.

Mr Martin met the Ukrainian leader at Shannon Airport in Irelands south-west, where he emphasised the Irish peoples support for the Ukrainian people.

The following day, a televised exchange in the Oval Office between Mr Zelenskiy, US president Donald Trump and US vice president JD Vance made international headlines.

In April 2022, Mr Zelenskiy made a historic address to the Dail in which he said Ireland had not been neutral to the disaster Russia had brought to Ukraine.

Herzog Park controversy

A report on a proposal to rename Herzog Park in Dublin is set to be withdrawn from the agenda of a council meeting on Monday.

Lord Mayor Ray McAdam said the chief executive of Dublin City Council, Richard Shakespeare, had indicated to him he intends to withdraw the report, stating that legislation pertaining to the renaming of place names had not been fully commenced.

The council proposal had been criticised by Taoiseach Micheal Martin and Tanaiste Simon Harris.

The Office of the President of Israel had also expressed concern over the proposed renaming of the park in south Dublin.

Abroad

There is an expectation of developments in Ukraine peace talks this week.

French president Emmanuel Macron has welcomed Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskiy to Paris and said peace talks could be a turning point for the future of Ukraine and security in Europe.

Ukraine is the only one that can discuss its territories as a sovereign nation, Mr Macron said during a joint news conference with Mr Zelenskiy.

Talks on the proposed plan are still in a preliminary phase, Mr Macron said during a joint news conference with Mr Zelenskiy, adding: But I want to praise the peace efforts of the US.

Mr Macron said the coming days will see crucial discussions between US officials and western partners aiming to clarify US participation in security guarantees for Ukraine after a potential ceasefire or peace deal.

The UK has sealed a deal to give the US zero tariffs on pharmaceutical products imported into Britain, in return for the NHS spending more on medicines.
Did you know about the convent with Polish links which was set up in a village in Cork in 1855, ten years after the Famine?

Many towns in Ireland at that time boasted convents where education became available to people.

When local woman Dora Fitzgerald approached Fr Seymour, then PP of Carrigtwohill, to ask if he was willing to accept an order of religious sisters from England, but with Polish connections, to the village, he was more than happy to give them a warm welcome.

Their Polish roots lay in a religious congregation of women, founded by St Edmund Bojanowski, to work in the fields with the peasants around Stara Wiese, southeast Poland, close to the border with Ukraine.

This English order, the Poor Servants of the Mother of God, had been in existence for just three years.

Ministry to the poor was their overriding goal.

The foundress, Frances (Fanny) Margaret Taylor (1832-1900), daughter of a Lincolnshire Church of England clergyman, was bereaved of him at age 10. Consequently, the whole family had to relocate from their Lincolnshire parish back to London, and closer to family and former friends. This move, from a rural setting to a busy, poverty-stricken Victorian London, had a lasting impact on Fanny.

At that time, the Industrial Revolution was gathering momentum, and as some sections of English society became well-endowed financially, so did the poverty gap widen among the poor, the uneducated, and the foreigner on the margins.

Ireland was still a part of the British Empire, governed through a viceroy and an administration based in Dublin Castle. This controlled the civil service, the legal system, the military, and the police.

Ten years before the Sisters arrived at Carrigtwohill Railway Station, the Great Famine of 1845  1851 had almost decimated Irelands population, with about 1 million deaths from starvation and/or hunger-related diseases.

It is well known that more than a million people emigrated, peopling countries worldwide. With the loss of almost a quarter of its population, Ireland was well weakened socially and politically.

There is no doubt that it did not lose its faith in God during these terrible times; rather, it was strengthened.

During the Crimean War, Frances (Fanny) Taylor volunteered as a nurse at Koulali Military Hospital, alongside Florence Nightingale.

It was on Good Shepherd Sunday, 14 April 1854, that she made the life-changing decision to become a member of the Catholic Church.

On returning from Crimea in 1855, Fanny used the next few years writing such works as Eastern Hospitals and English Nurses, Tyborne, Irish Homes and Irish Hearts, Religious Orders, editing The Lamp and TheMonth Catholic magazines. She famously published the initial texts of the Dream of Gerontius, written by her contemporary and friend Cardinal Newman.

Following some years as an author and concurrently discerning her pathway in life, Fanny became involved in addressing the needs of the London poor, particularly the Irish in the areas of Soho, Hoxton, Marylebone, and Tower Hill.

Back in Victorian London, Fanny found it difficult to comprehend the antagonism meted out to Irish people. Here, there were large pockets of Irish emigrants who were unable to find work at home.

Fanny Taylors heart reached out to them. What was she to do?

Fanny went on to make a tour of the entire island of Ireland, seeing how the Religious Orders addressed the needs of the poor. She was able to reach such organisations, financially helped by Lady Georgiana Fullerton, a close literary friend, and thanks to the rail system then in operation in Ireland. She also visited Religious Orders in France, Germany, and Poland. The more she saw of religious orders, the more she realised the need to found her own.

On 12 February 1872, Mother Magdalen pronounced her vows as a religious.

Many young women joined her, and within ten years, she had opened five houses in Ireland and nine in England.

Their main mission was to visit the people in their own homes.

Their presence, it was held, would bring consolation, relief, and comfort into their desperate living conditions.

Just by listening to and empathising with the parents, bringing some little needful goods to them all contributed in those early days to building solid foundations of friendship which have lasted down the years to this day.

The Sisters were heroically admired in Soho, London, for their assiduous work among the poor, and their Parish Priest likened their home as the Bethlehem of Convents.

On coming to Carrigtwohill, the Sisters were already well versed to generously help the poor through those hard times, to enable them to find a way forward, not only through making food and clothing available but inspiring them to accept that their only way out of poverty was through education.

Initially, the sisters lived within two houses with locals on the Main Street.

They were supported by Fr Seymour to build a house.

The Poor Servants of the Mother of God have completed 150 years of living, sharing, interacting, and in no small way influencing the people of Carrigtwohill.

From the outset in 1875 to this day, we continue to be an active support in the community to all, prioritising the dignity and respect each one deserves. We have an open-door policy and share in happy and sad times with the people. Scoil Chlochair Mhuire and St. Aloysuis College continue to offer the high standard of education the early Sisters initiated.

The Old Convent, Carrigtwohill, built behind St Marys Catholic Church with help from Fr Seymour.

In June 2025, past pupils, Sisters, local parishioners, and people from the wider East Cork parishes, from the UK, Scotland, USA, and Kenya gathered at the Old Station in Carrigtwohill to see a vivid and lively reenactment of the arrival of Venerable Magdalen Taylor, Sisters Mary Agnes and Mary Francis to mark the anniversary of their arrival here.

Later in the day, crowds avidly studied the exhibition of events and happenings, along with paintings and craft skills, all on display at the Carrigtwohill Community Centre.

The large numbers in attendance, the heightened community interaction, and the fun and laughter will linger long on our minds and is a humble reminder to us Sisters, that good news abounds among us here in Carrigtwohill.

Today we are still faithful to our Charism (founding mission) given by Venerable Mother Magdalen to us to help the poor, for them we toil, for them we labour, so that we may be worthy to be in their service. We follow in her footsteps, aware of new dimensions of poverty. We engage in Ireland and the UK in care of the elderly and people with disabilities, parish ministry, visiting the elderly and sick people at home or in hospital. We help foreign nationals become fluent in English and access services to help them integrate into the new society. We help with parish catechesis, retreat work, and offer spiritual accompaniment where needed.

In East Africa and Tanzania, our Sisters, all 60 of them, work directly with people to support them to have a better quality of life. Our schools and the parish community raise substantial funds annually to enable the growth of our East African Mission.

This story appears in the 2025 Holly Bough.
Digital technologies fuel global smart energy development

Xinhua) 13:04, December 01, 2025

BEIJING, Nov. 30 (Xinhua) -- Digital technologies are profoundly reshaping the energy industry, driving the global energy system toward greater efficiency, sustainability and intelligence, experts said at the World Internet of Things Convention (WIOTC) 2025, which runs from Nov. 28 to 29 in Beijing.

The digital energy revolution has become a core engine for upgrading the energy digital economy, said He Qiang, vice chairman of the 2025 WIOTC executive committee, during the smart energy forum.

He noted that big data brings transparency to energy system operations, while artificial intelligence (AI) provides the system with cognitive and decision-making capabilities. Additionally, blockchain technology creates a trusted foundation for distributed energy transactions. All of these technologies are interconnected through the Internet of Things (IoT), forming an integrated digital ecosystem.

This transformation is now unfolding on a global scale.

Wang Yongjie, director of the Energy Working Committee of the China Information Association, observed that technology convergence is making energy monitoring in remote areas possible -- as demonstrated by smart microgrid projects in Southeast Asia that provide renewable power while also boosting Chinese equipment exports.

"The push for green transition has prompted over 130 countries to commit to carbon neutrality, while dissolving market boundaries are accelerating the spread of digital energy solutions from developed economies to emerging markets, including Belt and Road regions," he said.

"In this process, China's growing alignment with global demand represents not just technical export but a meaningful restructuring of global energy governance," Wang added.

A Chinese policy document on AI-driven energy high-quality development issued in September 2025 has set the goal of establishing an integrated energy-AI innovation system by 2027 -- with the aim of achieving world-leading AI applications in the energy sector by 2030.

As policies continue to advance, AI is finding increasingly substantial applications across the energy sector.

Han Xiaoyan, president of BOE Energy Technology CO., Ltd., shared that AI is now being used for accurate forecasting in power generation and consumption, intelligent dispatch to optimize returns, fault diagnosis in renewable energy plants and operational efficiency improvements via large model-based Q&A systems.

"These practical applications demonstrate AI's evolution from theoretical concept to productive tool in the energy industry," she explained.

Despite such progress, considerable challenges remain. Wang pointed to persistent technical barriers, ongoing data security concerns and extended investment cycles as key issues facing the sector.

He cited examples such as outdated systems that cannot integrate with modern sensors, data leakage risks in cross-border energy transactions, and constrained returns due to insufficient localized operational support in some markets.

To tackle these challenges, Wang proposed the creation of open technology platforms for sharing AI and digital twin solutions. This approach aims to enhance international standard coordination to facilitate technical recognition and cultivate an innovation ecosystem that supports the global expansion of small and medium-sized enterprises.

Themed "Intelligently Interconnected New Economy, Smart Society in the New Era," the 2025 WIOTC brought together officials, experts, scholars and business representatives from more than 80 countries -- to discuss the role of IoT in advancing a common and sustainable digital transformation of the global economy.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
(Photo: Vatican News)Flanked by Pope Leo (left) and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, Rev. Jerry Pillay head of the World Council of Churches prays at a ceremony in Iznik (ancient Nicaea), Turkiye on Nov. 29, 2025.

Pope Leo XIV has, in an on-flight press conference from Istanbul to Beirut on Nov. 30, emphasised the need for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the possibility of a truce to end the war in Ukraine.

The Pope concluded a three-day visit to Turkiye, which he called "a wonderful experience," according to America Magazine, the Jesuit Review.

He recalled that "the primary reason for coming to Turkey was the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, and we had that magnificent celebration, very simple and yet very profound, on the site of one of the ancient basilicas of Nicaea to commemorate the great event of the agreement of the whole Christian community on the profession of faith, the Nicene Creed."

The Nicaea gathering took place when the Eastern and Western churches were still united.

They split in the Great Schism of 1054, a divide precipitated largely by disagreements over the primacy of the Pope.

But even today, Catholic, Orthodox and most historic Protestant groups accept the Nicaean Creed, making it a point of agreement and the most widely accepted creed in Christendom and the World Council of Churches,which represents Anglican, Orthodox and Protestant traditions, attended the commemoration.

Pope Leo and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople signed a joint declaration at the Palace of the Ecumenical Orthodox Patriarchate in Istanbul, Turkey, on Nov. 29, 2025.

The two leaders signed a joint declaration at the Palace of the Ecumenical Orthodox Patriarchate in Istanbul, formerly Constantinople.

The text rejects the use of religion to justify violence, urges global efforts toward peace, supports cooperation among believers of different faiths, and entrusts a suffering world to God with renewed hope in the Holy Spirit.

The Pope and the Patriarch, who is considered first among equals among Eastern Orthodox bishops, reaffirmed their shared commitment to dialogue aimed at restoring full communion between the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Churches.

They called Christian unity a gift from God, they encouraged clergy and faithful to pray and work for the fulfillment of Christ's prayer "that they may all be one."

Delivering a message, Pope Leo acknowledged that we live in a time marked by may tragic signs yet we are linked by a profound bond.

"In this way, we are all invited to overcome the scandal of the divisions that unfortunately still exist, to nurture the desire for unity for which the Lord Jesus prayed and gave his life," said Leo. "Today, the whole of humanity afflicted by violence and conflict is crying out for reconciliation."

- 'MEANING OF NICEA TODAY'

World Council of Churches general secretary Rev. Jerry Pillay, during a commemoration of the 1,700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea and an ecumenical prayer held Nov. 28-29 in Iznik (ancient Nicaea) and Istanbul, reflected on what Nicaea means today.

Speaking before heads of churches and Christian world communions, Pillay spoke on "What Nicaea means to us today: Sharing reflections and proposals."

"Without question, the Nicene Creed is the most widely used and therefore the most important common Christian creed," said Pillay. "This became very clear at the Sixth World Conference on Faith and Order, which in its meeting at Wadi El Natrun in Egypt in October commemorated the 1700th anniversary of Nicaea."

He said that today, the call for a common witness of the churches is made even more urgent by the challenges of our time, Pillay, a Presbyterian, noted.

"To confess the Nicene faith is to accept a vocation: a calling to embody the truth we proclaim in our deeds," he said. "Throughout history, the Nicene confession has bound Christians together across cultures and centuries."

On the flight from Istanbul to Beirut Pope Leo responded to questions from two Turkish journalists: One asked about Turkey's role in peacemaking and the actions of Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on behalf of world and regional peace, according to America Magazine.

A second asked whether the Pope had talked with President Erdogan about the situation in Gaza and the proposal of the Holy See of two states for two peoples, and about his hopes for a truce in Ukraine and a faster peace process in Gaza.

Pope Leo responded in English: "Certainly we talked about the two situations. The Holy See for many years has publicly supported the proposal for the solution of two states.

"We all know that at this moment, Israel does not accept the solution of two states, but we see it as the only [option] that could offer a solution."

"We are also friends of Israel and we try with the two sides to belet's saya mediating voice that can help them come closer to a solution with justice for all," he continued. "We spoke about this also with President Erdogan and he is certainly in agreement with this proposal. Turkey has an important role that it could play in this."

The Pope also noted Turkiye's role in navigating a peace process for Ukraine, where, he said, "President [Erdogan] helped a lot to convene both sides" in recent months.

"Unfortunately, we've not yet seen a solution, but today there are concrete proposals for peace, and we hope that President Erdogan, with his relationship with the presidents of Ukraine, Russia and the United States, can help in this sense to promote dialogue [and] a ceasefire, and see how to resolve this conflict."
Update December 3 2025, 10:43am ET: India has withdrawn its mandate requesting manufacturers to install the Sanchar Saathi app, according to reporting from Reuters. The text below has been left unaltered.

Telecom regulators in India have reportedly asked smartphone manufacturers to preload a state-owned cybersecurity app that cannot be deleted onto all new devices, and push the app to existing devices via a software update. Reuters reports that, according to a non-public government order sent to manufacturers, Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi and others were given 90 days to comply.

The app in question is called Sanchar Saathi (meaning Communication Companion), and is primarily aimed at fraud prevention with tools that allow users to report and lock lost or stolen devices. According to Reuters, the app has a reported 5 million downloads since its release and has helped block 3.7 million stolen or lost phones in India. An additional 30 million reportedly fraudulent connections have been terminated using the app.

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"If I lose my phone, immediately the app is on my phone which I can then register and make sure my phone is not used by any fraudulent individual. It's a step to protect the consumer," Telecom Minister Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia said in an interview with CNBC. The Minister said the installation order should be issued in the "next couple of days."

How smartphone manufacturers will respond remains to be seen. Apple, for its part, doesn't have the strongest history of standing up to governments that oversee large markets for the company. Just a few weeks ago Apple removed two of the largest LGBTQ+ dating apps from the Chinese App Store at the government's request. In 2019 the iPhone maker removed a Hong Kong protest app following pressure from Chinese authorities. The company has also become increasingly entangled with India as it looks to move US-bound iPhone production to the country.
Prince William, the Prince of Wales, made a touching visit to several young children from Gaza who are currently receiving medical care in the United Kingdom.

The 43-year-old royal sought to offer comfort and encouragement to children who have faced traumatic experiences beyond their years.

"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," a Kensington Palace spokesperson told Hello! on November 29, SkyNews reported.

"The Prince wished to offer a moment of comfort to these young people who have endured experiences no child should ever face."

The visit also allowed William to express his gratitude to the National Health Service (NHS) teams caring for the children.

"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 statement added.

Since September, the NHS has been providing specialized medical care to children affected by the ongoing conflict in Gaza as part of the UK government's humanitarian mission.

UNICEF reports that, following the current ceasefire, around 4,000 children in Gaza urgently require medical treatment.

As of November 21, fifty children and their immediate family members had been brought to the UK to receive care in safe and supportive surroundings, according to the Department of Health and Social Care.

I see the usual suspects are frothing at the mouth because Prince William dared to show compassion to Palestinian kids from Gaza receiving treatment in the UK:



I wanted to offer a moment of comfort to young people who have endured experiences no child should ever face. pic.twitter.com/S0153SWZKf  PalMedia (@PalMediaOrg) November 30, 2025

Prince William Honors Princess Diana's Legacy

William has a long history of supporting humanitarian causes, a commitment inspired by his late mother, Princess Diana.

"I have taken some inspiration and guidance from what my mother did, particularly with homelessness," he said in a 2024 ITV documentary.

"I've slowly tried to work out, 'What can I bring to the role and the platform that I have?'"

In 2023, he launched Homewards, a charity initiative to fund and build housing for those in need.

Beyond humanitarian work, William is also an environmental advocate, overseeing the Earthshot Prize to promote conservation efforts worldwide.

According to US Magazine, Robert Irwin, who partnered with William on the Earthshot Prize, praised him as "a true environmental hero" and highlighted his influential platform for positive change.

William's visit to the young Gazan patients underscores his continued dedication to humanitarian causes.

Earlier this year, he paid tribute to aid workers at Gunnersbury Park in London, remarking, "Yet, the presence of humanitarian aid workers, like those in Gaza, runs like a thread of shared humanity through even the grimmest of environments."
Spain has confirmed its first outbreak of African swine fever in more than three decades, a development that raises serious concerns for Europes pig sector and heightens the UKs vigilance against the virus.

Two wild boar found dead on 26 November near the Autonomous University of Barcelona tested positive for ASF, with confirmation issued by the Central Veterinary Laboratory in Madrid.

The animals were discovered roughly one kilometre apart, suggesting the virus may have already circulated within the local wild boar population before detection.

Spanish authorities have notified the EU and the World Organisation for Animal Health and implemented immediate containment measures around the site.

Farmers are being urged to implement all necessary biosecurity and surveillance measures on pig and wild boar farms, as well as during animal transport.

Officials have also reiterated the legal obligation to report any suspect cases nationwide while investigations into the source of the incursion continue.

The timing is especially damaging for Spain  the EUs largest pork producer and exporter  which has endured months of falling prices.

Although Spain operates a regionalisation agreement with China, meaning export restrictions can be limited to affected areas, the development is expected to disrupt trade flows and could push surplus pigs onto the wider EU market, further depressing prices.

ASF is now present in wild boar and, in some instances, domestic pigs across 13 EU member states. The virus spreads primarily through direct contact with infected animals or contaminated material, including vehicles, feed, clothing and meat products.

It is highly resilient in the environment and in pork products, making cross-border transmission difficult to control. Since its arrival in the EU, countries such as Belgium, Sweden and the Czech Republic have managed to eradicate ASF only through strict surveillance and aggressive containment of infected wild boar populations.

The UK remains officially free of the disease, but Defra maintains that the most likely route of introduction is through infected pork carried by travellers or imported illegally.

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has described the risk level as constant and real, citing the viruss ability to survive for months in untreated meat.

In recent years, Border Force and local authorities have seized tonnes of illegally imported meat, underscoring persistent weaknesses in passenger compliance and enforcement capacity.

UK pig producers have long warned that ASF entering the country would have catastrophic consequences for domestic production, trade and animal health infrastructure.

National Pig Association (NPA) chief executive Lizzie Wilson urged Defra to ensure no potentially infected products from Spain enter the UK and called for renewed focus on high-risk points of entry. She said the government must finally provide the resources needed to monitor and seize illegal imports at locations such as Dover.

The UK pig herd, valued at around 1.6 billion, has faced sustained volatility in recent years following labour shortages, rising input costs and disease pressures.

Sector leaders argue that the arrival of ASF would result in mass culling, immediate export losses and long-term damage to market confidence.

While the UK has strengthened some biosecurity messaging and expanded the list of illegal items that can be seized at the border, industry groups continue to call for more robust checks, improved detection capacity and tougher enforcement against personal imports of meat from high-risk regions.

With Spain now facing its first ASF incursion since 1994, the UK industry is pressing for swift, visible action to prevent the virus crossing its borders.
John Deere is stepping up efforts to bring former soldiers, sailors and air personnel into its dealership workforce, branding ex-forces engineers the ideal candidates for its high-tech technician positions.

Transitioning from repairing tanks on deployment to keeping harvest machinery running at full tilt, former Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) engineer Chris Giles has shown how military skillsets can translate seamlessly into civilian life through John Deeres Military Hiring Programme.

After serving, Chris was uncertain about his next move until he attended an open day introducing the John Deere resettlement scheme for service personnel.

Today, he works as a Technical Communicator and Certified Dealer Instructor at the Tallis Amos Group depot in Leominster  and is now preparing to tell others why their own military experience could make them ideal candidates for the industry.

Chris will be among the speakers at a John Deere Military Hiring Programme webinar on Wednesday 3 December at 7pm, where hell explain why the shift from armour to agriculture is more natural than many expect.

The recruitment drive comes as the machinery industry continues to face a shortage of skilled technicians, with dealerships seeking engineers capable of working on increasingly advanced equipment.

In terms of the kit, going from tanks to tractors is a completely different world, he says. But there wasnt much of a transition when coming to the John Deere brand, as the level of high readiness is the same. The kit needs to be fixed and out the door as soon as possible, much like in the army.

While the machinery differs, he says, the basics of the work are the same, with technicians applying existing engineering knowledge to new contexts.

Chris joined REME in 2012 as a vehicle mechanic, working on tank engines and transmissions before moving to frontline units from 2015. Based in Hereford, he deployed globally, repairing equipment ranging from quad bikes to heavy armour.

A chance meeting at a John Deere open day shortly before the pandemic introduced him to another former REME engineer already working in the company, and the connection helped steer him towards a civilian career with the manufacturer.

Following training and work experience at the Leominster depot, Chris began as a workshop technician, diagnosing faults and repairing combines, tractors and other machinery. He has since progressed into a support and teaching role, helping technicians across the dealership network and training new recruits.

As a Technical Communicator, if the technicians go out to a job and struggle to diagnose it or need extra information, then theyll get in touch with me, he explains.

As a Certified Dealer Instructor, I deal with the new technicians that are coming through and doing their training I mainly teach electrics, hydraulics, and the service advisor side.

The Military Hiring Programme is open to any service personnel looking for a new career after leaving the armed forces. Attendees at Wednesday's webinar will hear from Chris and others who have transitioned successfully.

The initiative offers structured resettlement support, connecting applicants with someone in the John Deere network who previously made the same move, plus free training courses before placing successful candidates with dealerships in the UK and Ireland.

John Deere says military engineers are especially well-suited to technician roles, bringing discipline, problem-solving ability and experience with complex machinery and diagnostic systems  often similar to those used in modern agriculture and groundscare engineering.
NFU Scotland is stepping up pressure for a major shake-up of how public bodies buy food, renewing its call for a Scottish First approach after co-hosting a procurement roundtable aimed at tackling long-standing barriers to local sourcing.

The event, held on 28 November with the Public Sector Catering Alliance (PSCA), brought together procurement officials, caterers and food producers to examine how Scotlands public sector can better support home-grown suppliers.

Discussions focused on the need for reliable data on current buying patterns, the financial strain on public catering services and the need for coordinated leadership to drive overdue reforms.

A Scottish First model, as set out by NFU Scotland, would see local food given clear priority wherever it can meet public sector requirements. That could include adapting tender criteria to recognise provenance and sustainability, giving local suppliers fairer access to contracts, and ensuring evaluation frameworks balance price with quality, nutrition and carbon footprint.

Scotlands public sector spends a substantial sum each year feeding schools, hospitals, prisons and care homes, making procurement decisions a significant lever for supporting the rural economy.

But despite a decade of policy shifts influenced by sustainability goals, new legislation and evolving trade rules, NFU Scotland says progress in securing contracts for domestic growers has been limited.

Jayne Jones, chair of the PSCA, said the roundtable offered public caterers and producers the chance to listen to different perspectives, better understand the current challenges, and identify opportunities for more aligned working. She described the session as long overdue following the last meeting between the public sector and NFU Scotland in 2019.

The union argues that the current system often shuts out small and medium-sized producers because procurement frameworks tend to favour large-scale suppliers capable of meeting national volumes.

Some public bodies, facing tight budgets, say they are pressured to choose lower-cost imports even when local food is readily available  a trend the union believes contradicts the ambitions of the Good Food Nation agenda.

NFU Scotland also criticised the Scottish governments draft Good Food Nation National Plan for failing to embed local sourcing targets within procurement policy.

It says the plan missed a key opportunity to set binding expectations for public bodies, leaving too much to voluntary action and risking continued reliance on cheaper imports.

NFU Scotland President Andrew Connon said food served in public institutions should reflect the quality of what we produce here, pointing out that Scottish farmers and crofters deliver world-class food to the highest standards. He said the current system restricts the public sectors ability to use that produce.

We want to see a Scottish First approach, where local, fresh and sustainably produced food is prioritised and properly valued, he said. This would mean rebalancing contract criteria, ensuring cost and quality are weighed appropriately, and giving public bodies budgets that genuinely allow them to choose local options.

Producers say inconsistent demand from the public sector makes investment in infrastructure, processing and long-term supply chains harder to justify. Public caterers, meanwhile, highlighted wider pressures  from rising food prices to labour shortages  that can limit their ability to source locally.

The outcomes from the roundtable will shape NFU Scotlands upcoming Public Food Procurement Policy Paper, expected later this year.
Northern Ireland is facing its first suspected case of bluetongue, after routine surveillance detected the virus in two cows on a holding near Bangor, Co Down.

The Department of Agriculture (DAERA) confirmed that tests had indicated the presence of the disease, prompting the immediate imposition of a 20km Temporary Control Zone.

Movements of susceptible animals  including cattle, sheep, goats, deer and camelids  are now banned in and out of the zone pending further investigation.

Moves direct to slaughter are still permitted under a general licence. Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir described the development as of great concern and urged producers to comply fully with restrictions.

He said that given bluetongues presence in Great Britain and the EU, there had always been a risk of introduction, adding that DAERAs Disease Control Framework, launched in June, had enabled a rapid response. He reassured the public that the virus poses no risk to human health or food safety.

The minister stressed that protecting livestock now relies heavily on full cooperation from keepers: My officials are taking all the necessary steps to protect the agri-food industry, he said, appealing to those within the Temporary Control Zone to follow the measures in place. DAERA is working with authorities in Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland as the investigation continues.

The National Sheep Association (NSA) Northern Ireland Region has urged DAERA to ensure clear and timely communication as the situation develops.

The organisation said sheep producers are particularly reliant on regular updates, as the alert functionality available through the Northern Ireland Food Animal Information System applies only to cattle.

NSA NIs regional coordinator, Ellen Moorehead, warned that sheep-only farmers are not automatically notified about disease control changes, making strong communication vital to keep the industry informed and contain the virus should the cases be confirmed. She added that some breeders are concerned about the impact on upcoming in-lamb sales inside control zones.

NSA NI is also encouraging farmers to consider vaccination where appropriate. NSA chief executive Phil Stocker said: Vaccination is the best way we have at present for minimising the potentially devastating effects on our flocks and we would encourage all farmers to discuss vaccinating with their vets.

Bluetongue is spread by biting midges and affects a range of ruminants. While harmless to humans, the disease can cause serious illness in livestock, with symptoms including fever, swelling around the head, mouth lesions, lameness and reduced milk yield. Transmission peaks between April and November when midge activity is highest.

A confirmed outbreak could also create major economic and trade challenges for Northern Ireland. Export restrictions, movement controls and regionalisation measures can disrupt sales, particularly for breeding animals. Any spread would pose risks for trade flows between Northern Ireland, Great Britain and the EU.

Chief Veterinary Officer Brian Dooher said the virus is unpredictable and can spread rapidly, and urged farmers to source animals responsibly and remain vigilant for clinical signs.

He warned that bluetongue could have a significant impact on both livestock and the wider rural economy. Farmers are encouraged to report any suspected symptoms immediately to their vet, their local Divisional Veterinary Office, or the DAERA helpline.

The strain involved, BTV-3, was first detected in the Netherlands in September 2023 and has since spread through parts of Europe.

Earlier this summer, bluetongue activity across Great Britain has continued to build, with more than 200 detections confirmed during that period.

England has seen the bulk of cases, where BTV-3 has been the dominant strain, alongside a small number of mixed-strain findings and a single BTV-8 case, the first since 2008.

Wales has also logged several incidents of BTV-3 in recent months, while monitoring in Scotland has so far found no evidence of the virus.
British Wool is calling on farmers to step forward for a key leadership role as the organisation opens nominations for new non-executive board members ahead of its 2026 elections.

As the cooperative marks its 75th anniversary, British Wool  which represents around 35,000 sheep farmers across the UK  says its priority remains to maximise returns for its members.

With the wool trade enjoying its strongest period in a decade, supported by firmer global prices and renewed demand in core markets, the organisation is stepping up efforts to highlight the sustainability and value of British fibre at a time of growing confidence in the marketplace.

Nominations are open to sheep farmers, as well as individuals with relevant expertise in wool use, who are based in the Scottish Southern, Welsh Northern or English Southern regions.

British Wool said it is seeking representatives who can offer leadership and insight to deliver long-term value for members and help capture the opportunities emerging in both domestic and international wool markets.

The board plays a central role in shaping British Wools strategic direction, overseeing financial performance and ensuring farmer interests are represented in key decisions.

The position is paid and involves around 30 days of work per year, including attending meetings and supporting member engagement within the successful candidates region.

Elections, if required, will take place in January 2026. Those appointed will begin their three-year term on 1 April 2026.

British Wool stressed that it welcomes applicants from all backgrounds, including individuals with protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010, as it continues efforts to broaden representation on the board.

Three existing board members will seek re-election: Jim Robertson for the Scottish Southern region, Huw Evans for Welsh Northern, and Penny Chantler for English Southern.

Nominations open on Wednesday 3 December, and candidates must secure the support of at least ten eligible British Wool members.
Men We Love

SAHIL MALIK

Director  Da Milano



As Director of Da Milano, Sahil Malik has carved an extraordinary path for himself in the world of luxury fashion. As the force behind Da Milano and Rosso Brunello, he has transformed the narrative of Indian craftsmanship by building brands that stand tall among global names while staying deeply rooted in authenticity and quality.



With 100+ stores across India and international markets, Da Milano is now synonymous with accessible luxury and timeless design. Sahils unwavering focus on innovation, detail, and customer trust is reflected in the brands signature lifetime service warranty, which sets it apart in a crowded landscape.





A true trailblazer, Sahil became the first Indian entrepreneur to open a standalone fashion store in Dubai Mall, boldly taking Indian design to the worlds most elite retail destination. In 2010, he launched Rosso Brunello, a footwear brand known for its contemporary aesthetic, which now has presence in India and the UAE.



Borders cannot stop his vision. He now aims to expand Da Milano into Southeast Asia and the UK, while also preparing to launch his newest label Joe & Mellon, a bold, youthful brand that will bring fun, expressive fashion to a new generation of consumers.





Among his proudest recognitions is being selected as a Champion of Change by NITI Aayog, an accolade that celebrates his impact on Indias entrepreneurial landscape.



From a single store to a global vision, Sahil Malik is not just building brands - he is shaping the future of Indian luxury



Also Read: Men We Love: Hanumankind
Veteran actress Hema Malini recently opened up about the emotional reason behind keeping her husband Dharmendras funeral private. The revelation came during her interaction with filmmaker Hamad Al Reyami, who met her in Mumbai after the legendary actors passing.









Hamad wrote that it was his first time meeting Hema Malini so closely, and he could sense an inner turmoil she was desperately trying to hide. During their conversation, she expressed deep regret over not spending more time with Dharmendra in his final months. Speaking with a trembling voice, she said, I wish I had been at the farm on the same day I was with Dharmendra two months ago I wish I had seen him there.

Hema Malini also spoke about Dharmendras love for poetry and how she would often encourage him to publish his writings. Hema Malini recalled asking him, Why dont you publish your beautiful poems and writings? but Dharmendra would simply smile and reply, Not now Let me finish some poems first. Hamad added sadly, But time didnt spare him, and he passed away Explaining why his final rites were not public, Hema Malini said Dharmendra always wanted his dignity intact. She shared, Dharmendra, throughout his life, never wanted anyone to see him weak or ill. He hid his pain even from his closest relatives. And after a person passes away, the decision rests with the family.





She also revealed the painful reality of his last days. Hamad quoted her saying, while she wiped her tears: But what happened was a mercy because, Hamad, you couldnt have borne to see him in that state. His condition in his final days was cruel painful and even we could hardly bear to see him like that. Hamad concluded his note with a tribute to the actor, writing, My forever hero legendary Superstar DHARMENDRA.




Putting an end to rising industry speculation, Adoor Gopalakrishnan has officially confirmed that his next directorial venture will feature Mammootty in the lead role. The project marks a monumental reunion for Malayalam cinema, bringing together a filmmaker celebrated for redefining Indian arthouse storytelling and an actor whose craft continues to expand with every new performance. The film will be produced by Mammootty Kampany, the stars home banner that has backed acclaimed titles in recent years.



A landmark reunion, decades in the making



This new collaboration arrives more than three decades after Adoor and Mammootty last worked together. The duo previously joined forces for three revered films that shaped the grammar of Malayalam parallel cinema. Anantaram from 1987 introduced a layered narrative form that played with memory and identity. Mathilukal from 1989 remains one of the most celebrated films in Indian cinema, a tender adaptation of Vaikom Muhammad Basheers semi autobiographical story where Mammoottys performance is remembered for its quiet emotional power. Vidheyan from 1994 brought a darker, psychological narrative that examined power and submission, with Mammootty playing one of the most unsettling characters of his career.



These works not only elevated Mammoottys profile as an actor of immense range but also cemented Adoors place as one of Indias most influential auteurs. Their reunion now is not merely nostalgic. It signals the possibility of a new cinematic milestone at a time when Malayalam cinema is experiencing a renaissance in storytelling and experimentation.





Speaking to Manorama News, Adoor revealed that Mammootty was the only actor he visualised while developing the script. He said that the central characters emotional and psychological contours aligned perfectly with Mammoottys abilities. He also confirmed that the rest of the casting process is underway. While he refused to share details about the films theme, setting or production schedule, his brief comments were enough to catalyse excitement across cinephile circles.



Adoor is known for maintaining absolute secrecy around his films until they are ready to be unveiled. His methodical process, shaped by a lifetime of rigorous filmmaking, often involves lengthy research and writing phases, minimalistic production design, and precise creative control. The pairing with Mammootty suggests a project rooted in character depth and thematic weight rather than spectacle, which aligns with the directors signature style.



Mammootty continues a remarkable creative streak



For Mammootty, this announcement comes at a time when he is experiencing one of the most dynamic phases of his career. The actor, who has remained consistently prolific across decades, has recently embraced experimental roles that challenge the boundaries of mainstream storytelling. His home banner, Mammootty Kampany, has produced titles like Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam, Rorschach and Kaathal The Core, all of which earned critical acclaim and expanded conversations around the evolution of Malayalam cinema.



The star will next be seen in Kalamkaval, which arrives in theatres on December 5. With a slate that combines commercial appeal with creative bravery, Mammootty continues to navigate a unique space where his mass stardom coexists with his commitment to performance driven cinema.

The confirmation of his reunion with Adoor adds a new layer of excitement to his upcoming slate. Industry insiders expect the project to travel across festival circuits once completed, given Adoors longstanding presence at global film festivals and his contribution to the international footprint of Malayalam cinema.



As fans wait for more information, one thing is clear. This collaboration is not just another announcement. It is a momentous return to a creative partnership that shaped Malayalam cinemas artistic identity. The combination of Adoors intellectual rigour and Mammoottys transformative screen presence promises a film that carries both historical significance and contemporary relevance.





Also Read: Rajisha Vijayan Makes a Surprise Entry Into Mammoottys Kalamkaval Ahead of Release










Filming has begun for Gautham Ram Karthiks new feature, marking a major step forward for both the actor and GKB Ventures, which officially enters the production arena with this project. The makers confirmed that the shoot is underway and also revealed the full cast, setting off a wave of curiosity among fans following Gauthams recent choices.



A fresh collaboration takes flight



The yet-to-be-titled film, currently known as Production Number One of GKB Ventures, is directed by Dhina Raghavan, who now takes the leap into independent filmmaking. Dhina carries experience from working with National Award-winning director Raju Murugan, the mind behind films like Cuckoo, Joker and Japan. Raju Murugan has penned the dialogues for the film, lending it a creative voice that promises emotional sharpness and observational wit.



Ganesh K Babu, who made an impressive directorial debut with Dada in 2023, moves into the role of producer with this project. His transition from filmmaker to producer adds an interesting layer to the films assembly, especially considering his inclination toward youthful stories with emotional heft.





View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ganesh K Babu (@babuganesh.k)



The cast includes noted talents like Selvaraghavan, P Vasu, Robbie, A Venkatesh, Maaran, Indhumathi, Aditya Kathir and Bakkiyam Sankar. Their presence hints at a narrative built on character dynamics and genre shifting possibilities. While the plot remains under wraps, the combination of performers suggests a film that balances drama, humour and emotional stakes.



A strong technical crew drives the vision



Music for the film is composed by Sam CS, who has carved a niche in Tamil cinema for atmospheric soundscapes in titles like Vikram Vedha, Kaithi and Adanga Maru. His inclusion signals an aural identity that will likely lean into mood and energy. Lyrics come from Yugabharathi, Ganesh K Babu and Sowmiya Bharathi D, an intriguing mix that may bring range to the soundtrack.



Cinematography is handled by Pratheep Kaliraja, known for his work in Tamil independent cinema. Editing comes from Deepak, while art direction is spearheaded by Tha Ramalingam. Abishek Srinivas serves as stunt choreographer, suggesting the film may feature pulsating action sequences.



For Gautham Ram Karthik, this project arrives at a busy moment. The actor has the science fiction thriller Root lined up for release. Directed by debutant Sooriyaprathap S, the film features Bollywood actor Aparshakti Khurana in his Tamil debut along with Bhavya Trikha. With Root expected to widen Gauthams range, the commencement of the new film reflects his commitment to exploring varied genres and collaborations.



As Production Number One of GKB Ventures moves steadily into its shoot, the combination of an energetic new director, a respected dialogue writer, an experienced ensemble and a purposeful technical team positions the film as one of the noteworthy Tamil projects to watch in the upcoming cycle.





Also Read: Dinesh Karthik Showers Praise on Bison Kaalamaadan After Its OTT Arrival


EQS Newswire / 01/12/2025 / 03:00 CET/CEST

BANGKOK, THAILAND - Media OutReach Newswire - 1 December 2025 - The ASEAN Federation of Cement Manufacturers (AFCM) has officially launched the 2035 AFCM Decarbonization Roadmap, marking the world's first regional decarbonization strategy for the cement sector. The announcement was made during the 46th AFCM Council Meeting in Brunei Darussalam, chaired by Dr. Chana Poomee and attended by leaders and representatives from cement associations across all eight AFCM member countries. The launch comes at a pivotal time as global momentum builds ahead of COP30 in Brazil, where climate action will be a central focus.





Cement manufacturing is vital to infrastructure and economic growth across ASEAN, yet it remains a significant source of CO2 emissions. The 2035 AFCM Decarbonization Roadmap represents a unified regional commitment to accelerate decarbonization in alignment with both national climate policies and global environmental goals, strengthening AFCM's leadership in sustainable cement production.



Dr. Chana Poomee, AFCM President and Chairman of the Thai Cement Manufacturers Association (TCMA), described the 2035 AFCM Decarbonization Roadmap as a major milestone for the region's cement sector. The shared framework will guide systematic CO2 reduction, enhancing regional competitiveness, and reinforcing AFCM's contribution to global climate solutions.



The 2035 AFCM Decarbonization Roadmap, with strong support from the Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA), outlines a comprehensive transition pathway built upon four strategic pillars:



Expansion oflow carbon cement enabled by performance-based standards, Transition toclean and renewable energy across production processes while enhancing efficiency to reduce both thermal and electrical energy consumption, Deployment ofadvanced decarbonization technologies, including CCUS, and Development ofnew supplementary cementitious materials to support next generation low carbon cement products. The AFCM President calls on all members to consider the roadmap as a collaborative regional strategy for sustainable progress. At the regional level, these measures have the potential to reduce up to 38 million tons of CO2 by 2035. While pursuing this collective vision, it acknowledges that the roadmap reflects the diversity of national circumstances, as each member country sets its own decarbonization targets based on regulations, industrial conditions, and available technologies. A key quick win is the reduction and phasedown of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), providing an immediate and impactful emissions reduction pathway, reflecting AFCM's determination to accelerate tangible progress.



AFCM member associations from Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam expressed support for the regional direction outlined in the 2035 AFCM Decarbonization Roadmap and reaffirmed their commitment to advancing decarbonization in alignment with their respective national contexts. Members acknowledged that while the roadmap sets a collective vision, each country's implementation pathway will vary based on its baseline conditions, energy mix, material availability, policy framework, and market maturity. Members, therefore emphasized the importance of collaboration and supportive policies, increased use of alternative fuels, enhanced energy efficiency, wider adoption of advanced technologies, and the promotion of low carbon cement and concrete, while acknowledging specific targets and pathways may differ across countries.



"The 2035 AFCM Decarbonization Roadmap presents a significant opportunity to enhance regional competitiveness, drive sustainable development, and deliver substantial economic benefits. Government support, including policy adaptation, will be essential to ensure the roadmap's effective implementation. Through collaboration, innovation, and collective action, AFCM can accelerate the adoption of low carbon technologies, attract green investment, create new economic opportunities, and build a resilient, future-ready cement industry that makes a meaningful contribution to global decarbonization," Dr. Chana concluded.



Hashtag: TCMA AFCM

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

News Source: Thai Cement Manufacturers Association (TCMA)

01/12/2025 Dissemination of a Financial Press Release, transmitted by EQS News .

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.



Media archive at www.todayir.com

View original content: EQS News
Kardex Holding AG / Key word(s): Mergers & Acquisitions

Kardex Holding AG: Kardex deepens strategic partnership with Rocket Solution, expanding its Standardized Systems portfolio



01-Dec-2025 / 06:30 CET/CEST

Release of an ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.





Media Information - Rocket Solution

Zurich, 01 December 2025

Release of an ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.



Kardex deepens strategic partnership with Rocket Solution, expanding its Standardized Systems portfolio

01 December 2025 - Kardex has acquired a controlling majority stake in Rocket Solution GmbH to strengthen its strategic partnership. As a result, Rocket Solution will be fully consolidated and reported as Kardex' third Business Unit - alongside Kardex Mlog and Kardex AS Solutions - within the Standardized Systems segment. Kardex initially began investing in the start-up in 2020.

Rocket Solution specializes in state-of-the-art automated storage and retrieval systems for small parts. Its bin shuttle system stands out for its exceptional storage density, scalable flexibility, robust design, and seamless integration.

Kardex CEO Jens Hardenacke comments:

"Following the successful execution of six pilot projects with renowned customers such as BMW, Groninger, Lisca, and Porsche - and after several rounds of optimization - Rocket Solution is now ready to become a full-fledged member of the Kardex family. With Rocket Solution's technology, Kardex is taking another significant step in expanding its Standardized Systems portfolio in the rapidly growing lightgoods market."

Headquartered in Wachtersbach, Germany, Rocket Solution employs around 40 specialists under the leadership of CEO Daniela Kucken. The company will retain its brand identity and continue to serve independent system integrators outside of Kardex Group.

Kardex Corporate Profile

Kardex is a leading global partner for intralogistics solutions in an attractive and growing market. The Group offers premium automated products, standardized systems, and life cycle services that guarantee high availability and low total cost of ownership. Kardex provides an intelligent entry into automation with its dynamic storage and retrieval systems, offers integrated material handling systems, small parts storage systems including multi-shuttle technology, and automated high-bay warehouses. Additionally, Kardex acts as a global AutoStore partner, offering flexible and modular storage and order fulfillment solutions. The Group employs around 2'900 people in over 30 countries. Kardex Holding AG has been listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange since 1989.

Disclaimer

This communication contains statements that constitute "forward-looking statements". In this communication, such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements relating to our financial condition, results of operations and business and certain of our strategic plans and objectives. Because these forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, actual future results may differ materially from those expressed in or implied by the statements. Many of these risks and uncertainties relate to factors which are beyond Kardex' ability to control or estimate precisely, such as future market conditions, currency fluctuations, the behavior of other market participants, the actions of governmental regulators and other risk factors detailed in Kardex' past and future filings and reports and in past and future filings, press releases, reports and other information posted on Kardex companies' websites. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only of the date of this communication. Kardex disclaims any intention or obligation to update and revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Privacy policy

You have registered with us for our ad hoc announcements and are therefore entered in Kardex Holding AG's list of recipients and regularly receive price-sensitive or current information about our company. The protection of your personal data is very important to us and we implement this throughout the entire life cycle of personal data in compliance with the applicable data protection regulations. You can find further information about data protection on our website under Privacy Statement .

Recipients of our communications have the option at any time of revoking their registration for ad hoc communications for the future or requesting information from Kardex Holding AG about their own personal data that has been processed or their deletion. Please send us an e-mail to investor-relations@kardex.com .
Sandoz Group AG / Key word(s): Market Launch

Sandoz launches denosumab biosimilars in Europe, providing affordable treatment option for cancer-related bone disease and osteoporosis for millions of patients



01-Dec-2025 / 07:00 CET/CEST

Release of an ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.





Ad hoc announcement pursuant to art. 53 SIX Swiss Exchange Listing Rules Wyost (denosumab 120 mg) / Jubbonti (denosumab 60 mg) approved to treat cancer-related bone disease / osteoporosis across all indications of reference medicines

(denosumab 120 mg) / Jubbonti (denosumab 60 mg) approved to treat cancer-related bone disease / osteoporosis across all indications of reference medicines Next milestone in Sandoz growth strategy; builds on 2025 launches of Wyost (denosumab) / Jubbonti (denosumab) and Tyruko (natalizumab) in US and Afqlir (aflibercept) in Europe

(denosumab) / Jubbonti (denosumab) and Tyruko (natalizumab) in US and Afqlir (aflibercept) in Europe Builds on established position in oncology and immunology

Reinforces Sandoz commitment to helping patients access critical and potentially life-changing biologic medicines through leading global portfolio and pipeline Basel, December 1, 2025 - Sandoz (SIX:SDZ/OTCQX:SDZNY), the global leader in affordable medicines, today announced the European launch of Wyost (denosumab 120 mg) and Jubbonti (denosumab 60 mg). The medicines are among the first denosumab biosimilars to launch in Europe and are approved by the European Commission to treat all indications of the reference medicines, Xgeva* (denosumab 120 mg) and Prolia* (denosumab 60 mg)1,2. Wyost is approved for the treatment of cancer-related bone disease1 and Jubbonti is approved to treat osteoporosis2. Wyost and Jubbonti represent key value drivers for Sandoz and the European launch marks the next major step in advancing the company's growth strategy. It builds on other key biosimilar launches this year including Wyost and Jubbonti in the US and the recent launches of Tyruko (natalizumab) in the US and Afqlir (aflibercept) in Europe. Christophe Delenta, President Europe, Sandoz, said: "We know that primary and secondary bone loss, and cancer-related bone events, place a significant burden on millions of patients and their families, as well as on European healthcare systems. That's why the launch of these denosumab biosimilars is such an important milestone, expanding access to these potentially life-changing medicines and reinforcing our commitment to delivering sustainable treatment options for patients." Close to one quarter (4.14 million)3 of all newly reported cancer cases globally occur in Europe and cancer remains a leading cause of premature death for people aged 30-69 years in most European countries4. Nearly all types of cancer can spread to the bone and cause pain and fractures, but cancers that often metastasize there include breast, lung and prostate5. According to the latest figures, 32 million people in Europe over 50 years old are estimated to live with osteoporosis, with the number of fractures per year set to increase by almost 25% by 20346. Only a minority of patients at high risk currently receive treatment, even after their first fracture7. Wyost and Jubbonti will be launched across Europe today, with additional rollouts to follow throughout 2026. This launch builds on the continuing Sandoz leadership and pioneering legacy in biosimilars, dating back to the introduction of the first biosimilar in 2006. It further expands the company's presence in a global reference-medicine market worth a combined ~USD 6.6 billion8 and reinforces its established position in oncology and immunology. Sandoz is committed to helping millions of patients access critical and potentially life-changing biologic medicines sustainably and affordably, with a leading global portfolio comprising 13 biosimilars and a further 27 assets in various stages of development. *Xgeva and Prolia are registered trademarks of Amgen Inc. ABOUT WYOST (DENONSUMAB) AND JUBBONTI (DENOSUMAB) Wyost (denosumab 120 mg) and Jubbonti (denosumab 60 mg) have been developed as biosimilars to the reference medicines Xgeva and Prolia, respectively1,2. Both medicines contain the same active ingredient (denosumab), a human monoclonal antibody (IgG2) that targets and binds with high affinity and specificity to RANKL, preventing activation of its receptor, RANK, on the surface of osteoclast precursors and osteoclasts. Prevention of the RANKL/RANK interaction inhibits osteoclast formation, function and survival, thereby decreasing bone resorption in cortical and trabecular bone. Wyost is indicated in Europe to prevent skeletal related events (SREs; pathological fracture, radiation to bone, spinal cord compression or surgery to bone) in adults with advanced malignancies involving bone, and to treat adults and skeletally mature adolescents with a giant cell tumor of bone that is unresectable or where surgical resection is likely to result in severe morbidity1. Jubbonti is indicated in Europe to treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and in men at increased risk of fractures, bone loss associated with hormone ablation in men with prostate cancer at increased risk of fractures and bone loss associated with long-term systemic glucocorticoid therapy in adult patients at increased risk of fracture2. DISCLAIMER This Media Release contains forward-looking statements, which offer no guarantee with regard to future performance. These statements are made on the basis of management's views and assumptions regarding future events and business performance at the time the statements are made. They are subject to risks and uncertainties including, but not confined to, future global economic conditions, exchange rates, legal provisions, market conditions, activities by competitors and other factors outside of the control of Sandoz. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual outcomes may vary materially from those forecasted or expected. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of the particular statement, and Sandoz undertakes no obligation to publicly revise any forward-looking statements, except as required by law. REFERENCES 1 European Medicines Agency (EMA). Wyost (denosumab): Prescribing Information.

Available at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/wyost [Last accessed: November 2025]. 2 European Medicines Agency (EMA). Jubbonti (denosumab): Prescribing Information. Available at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/jubbonti [Last accessed: November 2025]. 3 Elmadani, M., Mokaya, P.O., Omer, A.A.A. et al. Cancer burden in Europe: a systematic analysis of the GLOBOCAN database (2022). BMC Cancer 25, 447 (2025). Available from: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12885-025-13862-1 [Last accessed: November 2025]. 4 The Cancer Atlas. The Burden of Cancer. Available from: https://canceratlas.cancer.org/burden-of-cancer/ [Last accessed: November 2025]. 5 American Cancer Society. Bone Metastases. Available from: https://www.cancer.org/treatment/understanding-your-diagnosis/advanced-cancer/bone-metastases.html [Last accessed: November 2025]. 6 International Osteoporosis Foundation. SCOPE '21. ScoreCard for OsteoPorosis in Europe. Available from: https://www.osteoporosis.foundation/sites/iofbonehealth/files/2022-01/Slide%20set%20-%20EU%20general.pdf [Last accessed: November 2025]. 7 International Osteoporosis Foundation. Facts and Statistics. Available from: https://www.osteoporosis.foundation/facts-statistics/epidemiology-of-osteoporosis-and-fragility-fractures [Last accessed: November 2025]. 8 Amgen. Letter to Shareholders and Annual Report. Available from: 2024 Annual Report Letter and 10-K . [Last accessed: November 2025]. ABOUT SANDOZ Sandoz (SIX: SDZ; OTCQX: SDZNY) is the global leader in affordable medicines, with a growth strategy driven by its Purpose: pioneering access for patients. More than 20,000 people of 100 nationalities work together to ensure 900 million patient treatments are provided by Sandoz, generating substantial global healthcare savings and an even larger social impact. Its leading portfolio of approximately 1,300 products addresses diseases from the common cold to cancer. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Sandoz traces its heritage back to 1886. Its history of breakthroughs includes Calcium Sandoz in 1929, the world's first oral penicillin in 1951, and the world's first biosimilar in 2006. In 2024, Sandoz recorded net sales of USD 10.4 billion. CONTACTS Global Media Relations contacts Investor Relations contacts Global.MediaRelations@sandoz.com Investor.Relations@sandoz.com Alexis Kalomparis

+41 792 790285 Craig Marks

+44 7818 942 383 Chris Lewis

+49 174 244 9501 Tamara Hackl

+41 79 790 5217 Gregor Rodehueser

+49 170 574 3200 Silvia Siegfried

+41 79 795 9061

End of Inside Information
Last week, the ESA ministerial conference decided on a sharp increase of the European civil space budget for the next three years. Here are our key takeaways for OHB:

The ESA budget grew by 30%, rising from  16.9bn in 2022 to  22.1bn, which fully meets the director general's target of  22bn. This increase shows that member states recognise the growing importance of civil space missions. It also reflects a major change, as funding is now being provided for dual-use missions for the first time.

OHB's home country shows strong commitment. Germany was again the largest contributor and expedited its commitment by 44% to  5.1bn, making up 23% of the total budget. This is the largest absolute increase in commitment from any member states. France came in second at  3.6bn (16% of budget), which is a below average increase of 12%. The third largest contributor was Italy with solid contributions of  3.5bn (16% of budget), growing by 12%. As a reminder, OHB's largest subsidiaries are located in Germany and Italy.

Solid increases in OHB's key domains. For the domain Earth observation, OHB's core competence field, the ESA budget will grow by 28% to  3.5bn, which includes dual-use missions. Moreover, funding for Navigation has seen a steep rise by 176%to  969m, particularly for a new low Earth orbit (LEO) navigation service, where OHB also has a strong track record. The domain of Science (also one of OHB's sweet spots) expanded by 19% to  3.8bn, with long-term science missions like "L4 to Enceladus" receiving funding. Importantly, the domain Space Transportation saw a massive hike by 57% to  4.4bn, showing ESA's increased focus on access to space. Especially new market entrants from micro-launchers (e.g. OHB's Rocket Factory Augsburg, RFA) are seen to be supported further under the "European Launcher Challenge", while ESA continues support for Ariane 6 (where OHB subsidiary MT Aerospace has a 10% work share) and Vega-C. In the field of Human and Robotic Exploration, ESA continued is large budget of  3bn (+10%), where joint ESA-NASA moon missions (Artemis) are underway. For this, OHB is already sub-contracted to build vital parts of the lunar lander "Argonaut".

Now that funding is secured, the planned missions and programs should be ready for tender in the next 12-18 months. As a reminder, ESA operates with a geo-return principle, for which OHB is well positioned and should thus secure a solid share of these tenders, especially due to Germany's strong budget contributions. However, it is still too early to estimate concrete order intake figures, so we keep our assumptions for order intake and output growth unchanged.

Against this backdrop, we reiterate our BUY recommendation with an unchanged PT of  141, based on DCF.

ISIN: DE0005936124
Highlights:

Drilling set for early 2026; contractor selection underway.

Testing strong off-hole conductors identified in 9 holes in recent downhole EM surveys.

Conductive targets sit near the interpreted zone of a potential Cu-Zn-Au-Ag system, consistent with Auriginal's VMS model.

Data supports geological parallels between Roger and Agnico Eagle's LaRonde system.

4,500 m drill program targeting off-hole conductors across 1.5 km of strike of the Roger system.

Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 1, 2025) - Kintavar Exploration Inc. (TSXV: KTR) (FSE: 58V) ("Kintavar" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on targeting for the upcoming drill program at its 100%-owned Roger VMS Project in Chibougamau, Quebec.

New Geological Interpretation Points to a Second System Beneath the Existing Gold Deposit

The Roger deposit has long been viewed as a porphyry-style Au-Cu system. Kintavar's recent reinterpretation, based on relogging, resampling, geochemistry, and age dating, now suggests that the historical gold-copper deposit may sit below a deeper gold-rich VMS system up stratigraphy.

A continuous, sulphide-bearing marker horizon has been traced for at least 1.5 km, hosted in altered felsic to intermediate volcanic rocks typical of VMS environments. Geochemical and geological signatures show strong similarities to Agnico Eagle's LaRonde 20N massive sulphide deposit1, reinforcing the potential for a second, high-grade base-metal deposit at depth.

Electromagnetic Survey Defines High-Priority Targets Below the Known Deposit

Downhole EM surveys in nine historical holes have identified multiple strong off-hole conductors directly beneath and adjacent to the deepest drilling at Roger.

NE Target Area

Multiple moderate to strong conductors occur about 100 m below earlier drilling.

An especially strong 500-siemens plate lies 250-300 m NE of previous holes, aligned with historical Cu-Zn-Ag-Au intercepts.

This forms the top-priority drill target for potential massive sulphides.

SW Target Area

Off-hole formational conductors strengthen southwestward, coincident with historical high-grade base-metal intervals.

This trend suggests a second potential massive sulphide center.

_______________________

Proven & Probable reserves of 19.9Mt grading 4.26 g/t Au (2,740 Koz), 10.7Mt grading 19.79 g/t Ag and 0.28% Cu, 0.98% Zn (6,830 Koz Ag and 30,033 tonnes Cu, 104,825 tonnes Zn, respectively). Indicated resources of 16.9Mt grading 2.79 g/t Au (1,522 Koz), 5.8Mt grading 15.28 g/t Ag, 0.14% Cu, 1.00% Zn (2,873 Koz Ag, 8,213 tonnes Cu, 58,633 tonnes Zn, respectively). Inferred resources of 8.8Mt grading 4.38 g/t Au (1,240 Koz), 1.6Mt grading 11.14 g/t Ag, 0.25% Cu, 0.34% Zn (580 Koz Ag, 4,101 tonnes Cu, 5,520 tonnes Zn, respectively). Source: Agnico Eagle year-end 2024 Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources Statement.

Drilling Starting Soon - Designed for Discovery

Auriginal will begin drilling shortly, targeting these newly defined conductor plates with the explicit objective of making a new VMS discovery below the existing gold system.

The 2026 program includes:

Minimum 4,500 m of diamond drilling.

Testing conductive plates at the 500 m vertical level across 1.5 km of strike.

Downhole EM in every new hole to tighten vectoring toward the core of the VMS system.

This is the first focused drill campaign designed specifically to test this new VMS interpretation and the high-priority targets defined by borehole electromagnetic surveys (BHEM). Drilling will also test the deep continuation of the historical porphyry-style or intrusion-related Au-Cu deposit on the property, which is still open at depth.

Historical Au-Cu Porphyry Resource

The Project was the subject of a historical mineral resource estimate in a technical report entitled "NI 43-101 Technical Evaluation Report on the Roger (1206) Property" dated October 9, 2018 and authored by Geologica Groupe-Conseil (the "Historic Report"), which was prepared for SOQUEM and Enforcer Gold Corp. The Historic Report disclosed an indicated resource of 10.9Mt at 0.85 g/t gold, 0.80 g/t silver and 0.06% copper (333 Koz AuEq), and an inferred resource of 6.569Mt at 0.75 g/t gold, 1.18 g/t silver and 0.11% copper (202 Koz AuEq) (together, the "Historical Estimate"). The Company is treating the Historical Estimate as a "historical mineral resource" under National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") and the reader is cautioned not to treat it, or any part of it, as a current mineral resource. See "Disclosure Regarding Historical Resources" below for more information.

Qualified Person Statement

The technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Charles Beaudry, P. Geo (1202) and geo. (311), a Qualified Person, as defined in NI 43-101.

Disclosure Regarding Historical Resources

The Historic Report has been replaced by a technical report dated July 24, 2025, entitled "43-101 Technical Report on the Roger Property" (the "Technical Report"), which does not contain a resource estimate. The Technical Report was prepared for Kintavar by Alain-Jean Beauregard, P. Geo, who is a qualified persons as defined in NI 43-101 and is independent of the Company applying the tests set out in NI 43-101. A copy of the Technical Report was filed under the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

The Historic Report summarized above has been included simply to demonstrate the mineral potential of the Roger Project. The Company considers the Historical Estimate to be relevant to the further development of the Roger Project; however, it is not treating the Historical Estimate as a current mineral resource. The Historical Estimate was calculated in accordance with NI 43-101 and CIM Standards at the time of publication and predated the current CIM Estimation of Mineral Resources & Mineral Reserves Best Practices Guidelines (November 2019).

The Qualified Person has not done sufficient work to upgrade the Resource as current. To upgrade or verify the Historical Resource as current, the Company will need to complete a thorough review, analysis and resampling of the historical information and drill data as discussed above, along with the incorporation of subsequent exploration work and results subsequent to the publication of the Historic Report, Additionally, a full review of the economic parameters utilized to determine Reasonable Prospects of Eventual Economic Extraction would be required in order to produce a current mineral resource for the Roger Project. Any future mineral resource will need to evaluate the open pit and/or underground potential taking into consideration the current cost and pricing conditions and constraints, along with continuity of resource blocks.

About Kintavar

Kintavar is a Quebec-focused copper and gold company with one of the province's largest and most diversified exploration portfolios. Its 100%-owned flagship Roger Project, located in the Chibougamau district, hosts a known gold-copper deposit with strong potential to host volcanic-hosted polymetallic massive sulphide deposits. With a diversified pipeline of greenfield projects across Quebec's best-known mining regions and backed by the Ore Group's proven exploration and capital markets team Kintavar has a clear focus on discovery and growth for copper, zinc and gold. The Company is well-positioned to immediately execute an aggressive exploration and acquisition strategy and attract broader market attention. Further details on Kintavar is available on the company website at https://kintavar.com/.

Cautionary Statement

This news release contains statements that may constitute "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information and statements may include, among others, statements regarding future plans, costs, objectives or performance of the Corporation, or the assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. In this news release, words such as "may", "would", "could", "will", "likely", "believe", "expect", "anticipate", "intend", "plan", "estimate" "target" and similar words and the negative form thereof are used to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether, or the times at or by which, such future performance will be achieved. No assurance can be given that any events anticipated by the forward-looking information will transpire or occur, including the closing of the Offering, TSXV approval, use of proceeds and information regarding the Roger Project. Forward-looking statements and information are based on information available at the time and/or management's good-faith belief with respect to future events and are subject to known or unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other unpredictable factors, many of which are beyond the Corporation's control. These risks, uncertainties and assumptions include, but are not limited to, those described under "Risk Factors" in the Corporation's management's discussion and analysis for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, which is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca; they could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statements. The Corporation does not intend, nor does the Corporation undertake any obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking information or statements contained in this news release to reflect subsequent information, events or circumstances or otherwise, except if required by applicable laws.

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.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/276268

SOURCE: Kintavar Exploration Inc.
Vancouver, British Columbia and Melbourne, Australia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 1, 2025) - Southern Cross Gold Consolidated Ltd (TSX: SXGC) (ASX: SX2) (OTCQX: SXGCF) (FSE: MV3) ("SXGC", "SX2" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Ryan Austerberry as the Company's Chief Operating Officer ("COO") effective immediately. Mr. Austerberry brings extensive experience building and operating underground gold-antimony mining operations directly comparable to the Company's flagship Sunday Creek Gold-Antimony Project.

As COO and a member of SXGC's executive leadership team, Mr. Austerberry will be responsible for advancing Sunday Creek from exploration through to mine development and operations. His appointment marks a pivotal milestone in the Company's evolution from a pure exploration company into a mining company capable of developing one of the Western world's most significant gold and antimony discoveries.

Mr. Austerberry's appointment comes at a pivotal moment for the Company, just days after Victoria granted a Work Plan approval for the Sunday Creek exploration tunnel. This approval, announced on Thursday 27 November, marks a significant milestone in the Company's progression from exploration success towards mine development. Over the past three years, Southern Cross Gold has systematically demonstrated one of the Western world's most significant gold and antimony drill discoveries. With underground access now approved, Mr. Austerberry's extensive experience in underground gold-antimony mining operations becomes immediately relevant.

Mr. Austerberry brings over 20 years of mining operations experience, most recently as Chief Operating Officer at Alkane Resources (formerly Mandalay Resources), which included responsibility for the Costerfield underground gold-antimony mine in Victoria, Australia. Prior to his COO role, he served as General Manager of Costerfield, where he played a major role in the mine's expansion and modernization. Costerfield represents one of the most directly analogous operations to Sunday Creek anywhere in the world; a high-grade, narrow-vein mechanically operated underground gold-antimony mine located just 60 km from our Sunday Creek project.

At Costerfield, Mr. Austerberry successfully managed the transition from multiple ore sources, oversaw the Brunswick processing plant operations achieving high recoveries, and maintained an outstanding safety and environmental record. His tenure saw the successful management of complex geological and operational challenges inherent to underground vein mining while maintaining operational excellence and profitability.

Prior to rejoining Costerfield, Mr. Austerberry served as General Manager of Bjorkdal gold mine in Sweden and held positions including Corporate Manager of Technical Services at Mandalay Resources. His operational experience spans multiple jurisdictions including Australia and Sweden, with expertise across both development and production stages of mining.

Mr. Austerberry holds a Bachelor of Applied Science from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, a Graduate Diploma in Mining from the University of Ballarat, and an MBA from the Australian Institute of Business. He is a Chartered Professional in Mining with the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy and a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Michael Hudson, President & CEO, commented: "On behalf of the Board of Directors, I am delighted to welcome Ryan Austerberry as Chief Operating Officer of Southern Cross Gold Consolidated. This is a transformational appointment for the Company as we move from exploration success toward mine development and production.

"Ryan's appointment is strategically significant for several reasons. He brings direct, hands-on Victorian experience operating one of the world's closest analogues to Sunday Creek. The geological similarities between Costerfield and Sunday Creek are strong, and Ryan has successfully navigated the technical and operational challenges that we expect to encounter.

"His demonstrated commitment to operational excellence, safety, and disciplined production management aligns with the culture we are building at Sunday Creek. This operational discipline will be invaluable as we advance Sunday Creek.

"Ryan's expertise in antimony production positions us exceptionally well to capitalize on the strategic value of Sunday Creek's dual gold-antimony profile. His deep understanding of antimony markets, processing, and offtake relationships developed through years of managing the Western world's largest antimony producer, will be instrumental as we engage with governments and strategic partners seeking secure antimony supply chains.

"Ryan's appointment underscores the calibre of talent our project attracts and the seriousness with which we are approaching mine development. His experience building and operating a directly analogous gold-antimony mine in Victoria gives us confidence that we can successfully execute our vision of developing Sunday Creek into a premier gold producer with strategic antimony production.

"This marks the beginning of Southern Cross Gold's evolution from an exploration success story into a mining company. With Ryan's operational leadership, combined with our exceptional drill results, strategic land position, strong balance sheet, and supportive regulatory environment, we are well-positioned to advance one of the Western world's most significant gold and antimony discoveries toward production."

About Southern Cross Gold Consolidated Ltd. (TSX: SXGC) (ASX: SX2) (OTCQX: SXGCF)

Southern Cross Gold Consolidated Ltd. (TSX: SXGC) (ASX: SX2) (OTCQX: SXGCF), controls the Sunday Creek Gold-Antimony Project located 60 km north of Melbourne, Australia. Sunday Creek has emerged as one of the Western world's most significant gold and antimony discoveries, with exceptional drilling results. The mineralization follows a "Golden Ladder" structure over 1.2 km of strike length, with confirmed continuity from surface to 1,100 m depth.

Sunday Creek's strategic value is enhanced by its dual-metal profile, with antimony contributing approximately 20% of the in-situ value alongside gold. Importantly, Sunday Creek can be developed primarily based on gold economics, which reduces antimony-related risks while maintaining strategic supply potential. This has gained increased significance following China's export restrictions on antimony, a critical metal for defence and semiconductor applications. Southern Cross' inclusion in the US Defense Industrial Base Consortium (DIBC) and Australia's AUKUS-related legislative changes position it as a potential key Western antimony supplier.

Technical fundamentals further strengthen the investment case, with preliminary metallurgical work showing non-refractory mineralization suitable for conventional processing and gold recoveries of 93-98% through gravity and flotation.

With a strong cash position, over 1,000 Ha of strategic freehold land ownership, and a large 200 km drill program planned through Q1 2027, SXGC is well-positioned to advance this globally significant gold-antimony discovery in a tier-one jurisdiction.

- Ends -

This announcement has been approved for release by the Board of Southern Cross Gold Consolidated Ltd.

Forward-Looking Statement

This news release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions and accordingly, actual results and future events could differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. You are hence cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of present or historical fact are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include words or expressions such as "proposed", "will", "subject to", "near future", "in the event", "would", "expect", "prepared to" and other similar words or expressions. Factors that could cause future results or events to differ materially from current expectations expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements include general business, economic, competitive, political, social uncertainties; the state of capital markets, unforeseen events, developments, or factors causing any of the expectations, assumptions, and other factors ultimately being inaccurate or irrelevant; and other risks described in the Company's documents filed with Canadian or Australian (under code SX2) securities regulatory authorities. You can find further information with respect to these and other risks in filings made by the Company with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada or Australia (under code SX2), as applicable, and available for the Company in Canada at www.sedarplus.ca or in Australia at www.asx.com.au (under code SX2). Documents are also available at www.southerncrossgold.com The Company disclaims any obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/276370

SOURCE: Southern Cross Gold Consolidated Ltd.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 1, 2025) - Mundoro Capital Inc. (TSXV: MUN) (OTCQB: MUNMF) (www.mundoro.com) ("Mundoro" or the "Company") is pleased to report its financial results from its operations, the filing of the unaudited condensed interim consolidated Financial Statements (FS) and Management's Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) for the nine-month periods ending September 30, 2025, and 2024, on SEDAR, and to provide an update on its exploration activities across its portfolio of projects, in partnerships with BHP Billiton (UK) DDS Limited ("BHP") and Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security ("JOGMEC").

Q3-2025 Portfolio Highlights

Subsequent to the nine months ended September 30, 2025, the Company announced that it had entered into a definitive option agreement with a wholly owned subsidiary of BHP Group Limited ("BHP"). See October 13, 2025 news release for additional details.

New Partnership Secured: Mundoro entered into an option agreement with BHP for seven exploration licenses ("BHP-Mundoro Central Timok Project") within the Timok Magmatic Complex in Serbia. Under this agreement BHP can earn 100% ownership over 10 years by funding US$ 35,000,000 in exploration expenditures. Mundoro retains a 2% NSR royalty upon exercise and will earn annual option payments and operating fees.

Mundoro entered into an option agreement with BHP for seven exploration licenses ("BHP-Mundoro Central Timok Project") within the Timok Magmatic Complex in Serbia. Under this agreement BHP can earn 100% ownership over 10 years by funding US$ 35,000,000 in exploration expenditures. Mundoro retains a 2% NSR royalty upon exercise and will earn annual option payments and operating fees. Drill Targeting Central Timok: Following the signing of the BHP agreement, the Central Timok Project is transitioning into a targeting phase, with Mundoro and BHP establishing a joint technical working group to integrate historical data and rank and prioritize drill targets for a 2026 program.

Following the signing of the BHP agreement, the Central Timok Project is transitioning into a targeting phase, with Mundoro and BHP establishing a joint technical working group to integrate historical data and rank and prioritize drill targets for a 2026 program. Trstenik Drilling: Diamond drilling commenced at Trstenik on the North Central target. As of the end of the quarter, the drill hole had progressed to a depth of 441.6 meters of a targeted 900 meter drill hole, targeting the depth extension of surface geochemical anomalies. All assays are expected to be received by the end of 2025.

Diamond drilling commenced at Trstenik on the North Central target. As of the end of the quarter, the drill hole had progressed to a depth of 441.6 meters of a targeted 900 meter drill hole, targeting the depth extension of surface geochemical anomalies. All assays are expected to be received by the end of 2025. Arizona - Advancing Commercialization: The Company actively pursued commercial discussions regarding the optioning of the Dos Cabezos Project. Due diligence was facilitated by opening a data room and hosting site visits for technical teams from major mining groups. Generative Program: The generative team is focusing on field evaluations and data compilation on open ground within the productive Laramide belt in Arizona. The program is expanding across the Western USA, evaluating additional prospective metallogenic belts for alteration footprints indicative of porphyry and related systems.

Financial Highlights

Subsequent to the nine months ended September 30, 2025, the Company entered into a non-brokered private placement (the 'Financing'), which was closed on November 13, 2025. The Company issued a total of 5,836,540 Common Shares at a price of C$0.26 per Common Share, representing a premium to market, to raise aggregate gross proceeds of approximately C$1,517,500. No warrants or finders' fees were issued in connection to this Financing.



For complete details of the Company's financial results, please refer to the unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements and MD&A for the nine months periods ended September 30, 2025, and 2024. The Company's filings are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on Mundoro's website at www.mundoro.com. All amounts are expressed in Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated.

Cash Position: As of September 30, 2025, the Company held $4,241,082 in cash and cash equivalents.

As of September 30, 2025, the Company held in cash and cash equivalents. Fees Earned: During the nine months ended September 30, 2025, the Company's fee income, which includes operator fees, option payments, interest, and miscellaneous income, totaled $1,107,464 compared to $1,042,956 for the nine months ended September 30, 2024. The increase of approximately 10% was primarily driven by fees earned in Q3 2025 for the rental of passive seismic equipment and by higher option payments received.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2025, the Company's fee income, which includes operator fees, option payments, interest, and miscellaneous income, totaled compared to $1,042,956 for the nine months ended September 30, 2024. The increase of approximately 10% was primarily driven by fees earned in Q3 2025 for the rental of passive seismic equipment and by higher option payments received. Exploration Expenditures: The exploration expenditures, the majority of which are funded by partners, were lower for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 at $4,885,987 compared to $5,980,712 for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, due to lower actual expenditures. Recoveries from option partners during the nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024 amounted to $3,984,257 and $5,154,147, resulting in net exploration costs of $901,730 in 2025 and $825,565 in 2024.

The exploration expenditures, the majority of which are funded by partners, were lower for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 at compared to $5,980,712 for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, due to lower actual expenditures. Recoveries from option partners during the nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024 amounted to and $5,154,147, resulting in net exploration costs of in 2025 and $825,565 in 2024. Generative Expenditures: The Company's net exploration costs mainly relate to Project Generative operations, which involve exploring unpartnered projects and developing new opportunities. These efforts aim to create projects that can generate payments, royalties, and other fees by optioning mineral projects to third parties, while the Company actively seeks partners for its listed Mundoro Projects.

The Company's net exploration costs mainly relate to Project Generative operations, which involve exploring unpartnered projects and developing new opportunities. These efforts aim to create projects that can generate payments, royalties, and other fees by optioning mineral projects to third parties, while the Company actively seeks partners for its listed Mundoro Projects. Corporate Expenditures: During the nine months ended September 30, 2025, the Company recorded overall corporate expenses of $1,034,157 as compared to $903,774 for the nine months ended September 30, 2024.This difference is due primarily to an increase in corporate governance expenses from an ongoing internal company reorganization and higher accounting and audit fees.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2025, the Company recorded overall corporate expenses of as compared to $903,774 for the nine months ended September 30, 2024.This difference is due primarily to an increase in corporate governance expenses from an ongoing internal company reorganization and higher accounting and audit fees. Net Loss: For the nine months ended September 30, 2025, the Company recorded a net loss of $952,269 ($0.00 per share), compared to a net loss of $643,1411 ($0.00 per share) for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, representing an increased loss of $309,158.

Q3-2025 Portfolio Updates and Outlook

BHP-Mundoro Central Timok JV (Serbia)

During the quarter, the Company's primary focus was the finalization of the definitive earn-in agreement.

Outlook & Future Plans (Q4-2025 - Q2-2026) Following the signing of the agreement, the project is transitioning into a targeting phase:

Joint Technical Working Group: Mundoro and BHP have established a joint technical working group to oversee exploration planning.

Mundoro and BHP have established a joint technical working group to oversee exploration planning. Data Integration & Targeting: The primary objective for the upcoming quarters is the systematic review of the historical datasets. The partners will work to integrate the geological models to "rank and prioritize" drill targets across the seven licenses.

The primary objective for the upcoming quarters is the systematic review of the historical datasets. The partners will work to integrate the geological models to "rank and prioritize" drill targets across the seven licenses. Drill Readiness: Fieldwork will focus on ground-truthing priority anomalies to prepare a drill program proposal for 2026.

BHP-Mundoro Borsko-South Timok-Trstenik JV (Serbia)

Borsko Project

Q3-2025 Exploration Highlights: Activities in Q3 focused on testing new geophysical data and rigorously standardizing geochemical data to facilitate vectoring:

Northwest Target Drill Testing: Following the June 24, 2025 announcement, the Company commenced and completed a maiden drill test of a new target area in the northwest portion of the license. One diamond drill hole was completed to a depth of 1,000 meters. The drill hole provided useful stratigraphic information with no significant mineralization.

Following the June 24, 2025 announcement, the Company commenced and completed a maiden drill test of a new target area in the northwest portion of the license. One diamond drill hole was completed to a depth of 1,000 meters. The drill hole provided useful stratigraphic information with no significant mineralization. Systematic Geochemical Consolidation: To enhance vectoring capabilities, the Company initiated an extensive re-assay program of historical drill pulps. Approximately 63% of the existing sample library has now been re-assayed using modern, multi-element suites. This initiative will harmonize the geochemical database, allowing for the calculation of key pathfinder element ratios essential for navigating the hydrothermal system.

Outlook & Future Plans (Q4-2025 - Q2-2026) The strategy for the upcoming quarters is to integrate the drill results with new higher-resolution geophysics to refine the drill targets at Target 1:

Ground Magnetic Survey: A Ground Magnetic survey commenced and concluded in October. This survey is useful for identifying the demagnetized zones (associated with the phyllic alteration) versus the magnetic highs (potential altered potassic porphyry cores) beneath the cover.

A Ground Magnetic survey commenced and concluded in October. This survey is useful for identifying the demagnetized zones (associated with the phyllic alteration) versus the magnetic highs (potential altered potassic porphyry cores) beneath the cover. Drill Program Analysis & Age Dating: A specific molybdenite sample from previous drill campaigns will undergo Re-Os (Rhenium-Osmium) dating. This will provide the precise age of the mineralization event, determining if it links to the main pulse of mineralization to adjacent systems.

A specific molybdenite sample from previous drill campaigns will undergo Re-Os (Rhenium-Osmium) dating. This will provide the precise age of the mineralization event, determining if it links to the main pulse of mineralization to adjacent systems. Target 1 Drill Design: By integrating the new magnetic model with the consolidated geochemical vectors, the Company will prepare a detailed proposal for diamond drilling at Target 1. This program will be designed to test the roots of the preserved lithocap for the interpreted mineralized porphyry source.

Trstenik Project

Q3-2025 Exploration Highlights: Active Drilling & Target Refinement During the quarter, the Company successfully transitioned from permitting to active drill testing, while simultaneously advancing the geological model for the southern targets:

Commencement of Drilling (North-Central Target): Diamond drilling commenced on September 14, 2025. As of the end of the quarter, the first drill hole had progressed to a depth of 441.6 meters of a targeted 900 meter drill hole , targeting the depth extension of surface geochemical anomalies.

Diamond drilling commenced on September 14, 2025. As of the end of the quarter, the first drill hole had progressed to a depth of , targeting the depth extension of surface geochemical anomalies. Southern Target Integration: The technical team completed a comprehensive data review for the Southern Target area (adjacent to Majdanpek). This study integrated historical geophysics, surface geochemistry, and spectral (SWIR) data from previous drilling. The analysis has strengthened the vectoring model, highlighting specific zones where skarn mineralization may transition into the porphyry core at the southeast target.

Outlook & Future Plans (Q4-2025 - Q2-2026) The Company completed the current drill hole and will finalize a 3D model for the high-priority Southern Targets:

North-Central Target Area Drill Program: The completion of the current drilling program, including downhole geophysics, is expected during Q4-2025, with full assays to be received by the end of 2025.

The completion of the current drilling program, including downhole geophysics, is expected during Q4-2025, with full assays to be received by the end of 2025. Southern Targets 3D Modelling: 3D modelling of the southern targets is planned for Q4-2025 to Q2-2026. This advanced modelling will enhance the visualization and understanding of the mineralized system. Data analysis from the southern target area and refinement of the drilling proposal are planned for Q4-2025 to Q2-2026.

South Timok Project

Q3-2025 Exploration Highlights: District-Scale Data Acquisition Exploration activities during the quarter focused on the systematic acquisition and integration of geophysical and structural data across the project area:

Project-Wide Passive Seismic Deployment: To accurately map the basement architecture and cover thickness across the district, the Company initiated a large-scale passive seismic survey around the end of August. By quarter end, the field team had successfully deployed a significant portion of the planned nodal array. This survey is designed to define the "basement topography", for targeting concealed intrusions in the Lipovica and Orlovac prospects.

To accurately map the basement architecture and cover thickness across the district, the Company initiated a large-scale passive seismic survey around the end of August. By quarter end, the field team had successfully deployed a significant portion of the planned nodal array. This survey is designed to define the "basement topography", for targeting concealed intrusions in the Lipovica and Orlovac prospects. Geophysical Inversion (AMT & Gravity): Interpretation and inversion of Audio-Magnetotelluric (AMT) and Gravity datasets were completed for all four licenses. These surveys have identified multiple coincident anomalies characterized by resistivity lows (potential hydrothermal alteration) and density contrasts (potential intrusive stocks), which are now being correlated across the project area.

Interpretation and inversion of Audio-Magnetotelluric (AMT) and Gravity datasets were completed for all four licenses. These surveys have identified multiple coincident anomalies characterized by resistivity lows (potential hydrothermal alteration) and density contrasts (potential intrusive stocks), which are now being correlated across the project area. Structural & Geological Modelling: The technical team advanced the construction of regional geological cross-sections. This work integrates surface mapping from exposed outcrops with the geophysical inversions to build a continuous 3D structural framework for the entire project area.

Outlook & Future Plans (Q4-2025): Integrated Targeting & Drill Definition The primary objective for Q4 is to integrate the newly acquired datasets into a unified 3D exploration model to define high-confidence drill targets:

Seismic Processing & Basement Mapping: Retrieval of the passive seismic array was completed in mid-October. Data processing commenced, generating a project-wide depth-to-basement model that will allow the team to refine targets for depth.

Retrieval of the passive seismic array was completed in mid-October. Data processing commenced, generating a project-wide depth-to-basement model that will allow the team to refine targets for depth. Integrated 3D Modelling: The Company will complete a comprehensive 3D integration of the Seismic (structure/depth), Gravity (intrusive bulk), and AMT (alteration) datasets.

The Company will complete a comprehensive 3D integration of the Seismic (structure/depth), Gravity (intrusive bulk), and AMT (alteration) datasets. Drill Program Proposal: Based on the results of the integrated modelling, the Company will finalize a drilling proposal for the South Timok Project Area in Q4. This proposal will detail collar locations, target sequencing, and total meterage for a campaign designed to test the highest-priority geophysical and geochemical anomalies across the contiguous project area. Once target areas are identified the company will commence permitting.

JOGMEC-Mundoro Iskar (EE1) JV (Bulgaria)

Project Update (Q3-2025)

The Company previously received a positive "Appropriate Assessment" decision from the Ministry of Environment and Water (MoEW). However, this decision was subject to a third-party NGO appeal. Following a decision by the higher court in Q2 to remand the case for further review, the lower court resumed proceedings in Q3. A court hearing is currently scheduled for Q4-2025.

Outlook & Future Plans (Q4-2025 - Q2-2026)

Legal Resolution: The timeline for the resumption of fieldwork is dependent on the conclusion of the court hearing and the finalization of the administrative permitting process.

The timeline for the resumption of fieldwork is dependent on the conclusion of the court hearing and the finalization of the administrative permitting process. Drill Program Execution: Upon favorable resolution of the court hearing, the Company is prepared to promptly move to the drill testing phase. The proposed program is designed to test the conductive horizons identified by the AMT survey for stratiform copper mineralization. This drill program represents the first modern test of a stratiform copper target in this specific district.

Mundoro Projects - Available for Joint Venture

Dos Cabezas Project (Arizona)

Exploration Activities (Q3-2025)

The Company completed age dating confirming the magmatic-hydrothermal system is of Laramide age and actively pursued commercial discussions, opened a data room for due diligence, and hosted site visits for technical teams from major mining groups.

The Company completed age dating confirming the magmatic-hydrothermal system is of Laramide age and actively pursued commercial discussions, opened a data room for due diligence, and hosted site visits for technical teams from major mining groups. Outlook & Future Plans (Q4-2025)

The exploration team is finalizing a review at the Mescal-Mineral Park target, analyzing alteration intensity and vein density from Phase 1 drilling. Concurrently, detailed geological mapping is planned for the southern extension of the Elma-Mascot corridor to link surface anomalies with the structural setting of historical mining in the area. The Company continues to manage a data room and facilitate discussions with interested parties, with the specific goal of securing a partner.

Picacho Project (Arizona)

Exploration Activities (Q3-2025)

The Company completed the integration of geophysical and geological datasets to construct a robust drill-targeting model. Partnership discussions continued, a data room was opened, and a site visit was completed in August 2025.

The Company completed the integration of geophysical and geological datasets to construct a robust drill-targeting model. Partnership discussions continued, a data room was opened, and a site visit was completed in August 2025. Outlook & Future Plans (Q4-2025)

With the Picacho Project considered drill-ready, the Company is prioritizing the execution of an earn-in agreement to fund maiden shallow drilling of the covered targets. To broaden the search for partners, management has finalized a technical presentation highlighting these defined targets. The project is prepared for rapid permitting upon securing a partner.

Copperopolis Project (Arizona)

Exploration Activities (Q3-2025)

Integration of the stream sediment geochemistry results with the existing mapping allowed the Company to refine the exploration model, specifically for under-cover porphyry and associated systems. Geochronology returned ages consistent with the Laramide magmatic event, confirming the system is temporally analogous to the region's porphyry systems.

Integration of the stream sediment geochemistry results with the existing mapping allowed the Company to refine the exploration model, specifically for under-cover porphyry and associated systems. Geochronology returned ages consistent with the Laramide magmatic event, confirming the system is temporally analogous to the region's porphyry systems. Outlook & Future Plans (Q4-2025 - Q1-2026)

Exploration through Q1-2026 focuses on defining drill targets by conducting infill sampling in Q4 to tighten geochemical resolution and delineate anomalous Au-Cu zones. Concurrent fieldwork will map prospective Northwest-trending anomalies, and the NE dike swarms. The team has also finalized two new geological cross-sections incorporating sheeted dike orientations and geochemical vectors, forming the basis of a new technical presentation to market the project to potential partners.

Mundoro Generative Program

The generative team is focused on field evaluations and data compilation in Arizona, specifically targeting under-cover porphyry copper-gold systems within the productive Laramide belt, similar to the company's Dos Cabezas and Picacho projects. Beyond Arizona, the company is executing a Western US Expansion by evaluating additional prospective metallogenic belts.

Qualified Persons

The scientific and technical information described in this press release has been prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"). The scientific and technical information for the Arizona, Serbia and Bulgaria exploration programs was reviewed and approved by R. Jemielita, PhD, MIMMM, a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101 and Chief Geologist to the Company.

About Mundoro Capital Inc.

Mundoro is a publicly listed company on the TSX-V in Canada and OTCQB in the USA with a portfolio of mineral properties focused primarily on base and precious metals. To drive value for shareholders, Mundoro's asset portfolio generates near-term cash payments to Mundoro and creates royalties attached to each mineral property optioned to partners. The portfolio of mineral properties is currently focused on predominantly copper in two mineral districts: Western Tethyan Belt in Eastern Europe and the Laramide Belt in the southwest USA.

For more information, please visit www.mundoro.com.

Follow our ongoing updates via: LinkedIn and X.

Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This News Release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as "will", "expect", "intend", "plan", "estimate", "anticipate", "believe" or "continue" or similar words or the negative thereof, and include the following: completion of earn-in expenditures, options and completion of a definitive agreement by the parties. The material assumptions that were applied in making the forward looking statements in this News Release include expectations as to the mineral potential of the Company's projects, the Company's future strategy and business plan and execution of the Company's existing plans. We caution readers of this News Release not to place undue reliance on forward looking statements contained in this News Release, as there can be no assurance that they will occur and they are subject to a number of uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors include general economic and market conditions, exploration results, commodity prices, changes in law, regulatory processes, the status of Mundoro's assets and financial condition, actions of competitors and the ability to implement business strategies and pursue business opportunities. The forward-looking statements contained in this News Release are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements included in this News Release are made as of the date of this News Release and the Board undertakes no obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements, except as required by law. Shareholders are cautioned that all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and for a more detailed discussion of such risks and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, refer to the Company's filings with the Canadian securities regulators available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

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.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/276378

SOURCE: Mundoro Capital Inc.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 1, 2025) - Happy Belly Food Group Inc. (CSE: HBFG) (OTCQB: HBFGF) ("Happy Belly" or the "Company"), a leader in acquiring and scaling emerging food brands is pleased to announce the grand opening of their newest Heal Wellness ("Heal") location in the Bridgeland neighbourhood of Calgary, Alberta. Located at 602 1st Ave NE, this new location is operated by one of our multi-unit franchisee partners and marks Heal's 6th location in the City of Calgary, 9th opened location overall in Alberta, and 12th in Western Canada. Heal Wellness is a quick-service restaurant ("QSR") brand specializing in fresh smoothie bowls, acai bowls, and smoothies.

Happy Belly 1

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"Heal's continued expansion across Calgary reflects both the strength of the brand and the confidence of our multi-unit franchise partners in our scalable, asset-light growth model," said Sean Black, Chief Executive Officer of Happy Belly. "Bridgeland has emerged as one of Calgary's most vibrant, walkable inner-city communities, with strong foot traffic, excellent connectivity to downtown, and a mix of young professionals, families, students, and health-conscious consumers drawn to its independent retailers, restaurants, and proximity to the river pathway network and transit. Our new Heal Wellness location at 602 1st Ave NE is positioned to serve guests throughout the day-from morning commuters and office workers to afternoon families and evening visitors-seeking fresh, energizing smoothie bowls, acai bowls, and smoothies that fit seamlessly into busy, active lifestyles. Opening our 6th Calgary location here, and our 9th in Alberta, is an important milestone as we build Heal into Western Canada's leading smoothie bowl and wellness QSR brand. The restaurant held its grand opening on November 29th and is now open and serving guests."



This opening further strengthens Heal Wellness' footprint in Alberta and across Western Canada and exemplifies Happy Belly's disciplined approach of pairing strong local operators with high-quality trade areas in growth markets. This multi-unit Calgary franchisee continues to build towards their 15-unit signed commitment and continues to expand their Heal portfolio underscoring the brand's attractive unit economics and the growing regional demand for wellness-focused QSR concepts.



Heal Wellness continues to accelerate its expansion across Canada and into the United States, solidifying its position as a leading smoothie bowl and wellness QSR brand. With 28 locations currently operating and over 168 in development, Heal contributes to a broader Happy Belly pipeline of 626 contractually committed retail franchise locations across its portfolio of emerging brands-including Heal Wellness, Rosie's Burgers, Yolks Breakfast, Via Cibo Italian Street Food, and others-at various stages of development, construction, and operation.

Happy Belly 2

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"We are just getting started", said Sean Black.



About Heal Wellness

Heal Wellness was founded with a passion and mission to provide quick, fresh wellness foods that support a busy and active lifestyle. We currently offer a diverse range of smoothie bowls and smoothies. We take pride in meticulously selecting every superfood ingredient on our menu to fuel the body, including acai smoothie bowls, smoothies, and super-seed grain bowls. Our smoothie bowls are crafted with real fruit and enriched with superfoods like acai, pitaya, goji berries, chia seeds, and more.



Franchising

For franchising inquiries please see www.happybellyfg.com/franchise-with-us/ or contact us at hello@happybellyfg.com.



About Happy Belly Food Group

Happy Belly Food Group Inc. (CSE: HBFG) (OTCQB: HBFGF) ("Happy Belly" or the "Company") is a leader in acquiring and scaling emerging food brands across Canada.

Happy Belly Food Group

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Sean Black

Co-founder, Chief Executive Officer

Shawn Moniz

Co-founder, Chief Operating Officer

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release, which has been prepared by management.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

All statements in this press release, other than statements of historical fact, are "forward-looking information" with respect to the Company within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-Looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur and include the future performance of Happy Belly and her subsidiaries. Forward-Looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. There are uncertainties inherent in forward-looking information, including factors beyond the Company's control. There are no assurances that the business plans for Happy Belly described in this news release will come into effect on the terms or time frame described herein. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. For a description of the risks and uncertainties facing the Company and its business and affairs, readers should refer to the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis and other disclosure filings with Canadian securities regulators, which are posted on www.sedarplus.ca.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/276384

SOURCE: Happy Belly Food Group Inc.
The more than 1.1bn plus opt-out claim alleges that the companies used their market dominance to overcharge on up to 10.9 million UK mobile phone contracts.

The class action is the first to target the Major Network Operators' (i.e. Vodafone, EE/BT, Three, and O2) practice of charging "loyalty penalties" - charging existing customers more than new customers for the same services.

LONDON, Dec. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Consumer rights champion Justin Gutmann and the law firm Charles Lyndon have announced that class action proceedings launched against Vodafone, EE, Three, and O2 (the "Loyalty Penalty Claim") have now been certified by the Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT). The claims will now proceed to trial with Mr. Gutmann serving as the Class Representative.

The Loyalty Penalty Claim alleges the companies have been abusing their dominant positions in the UK mobile industry by charging a 'loyalty penalty,' in which long standing customers were overcharged for handsets beyond the end of their contractual term. In a judgment issued November 14, 2025, the CAT declared itself "satisfied that the Eligibility and Authorisation conditions are met" and that it "grants the proposed class representative's (Collective Proceedings Order) in the Vodafone, EE, Three, and O2 proceedings".

Mr Gutmann alleges the mobile operators have overcharged on more than 10.9 million contracts - covering a period from October 1, 2015 to March 31, 2025 - and, as a result, is seeking damages of at least 1.141 billion. If successful, a claimant could receive as much as 104 for every contract they took out with any of the mobile operators and paid a "loyalty penalty". Many consumers are expected to have claims against more than one mobile operator.

The Loyalty Penalty Claim is being brought on behalf of consumers who have purchased mobile contracts made up of a mobile phone and airtime services such as data, minutes and calls. When these contracts are agreed, their price during the minimum term of the contract includes both the mobile and the use of airtime services.

The Loyalty Penalty Claim alleges that the mobile network operators failed to reduce the amount charged once the minimum contractual term expired, despite the fact that consumers had already paid for their mobiles. This resulted in existing customers being charged more than a new customer would be if they were just paying for airtime services.

A typical example would be someone who agreed a two-year contract combined contract for a mobile phone and a SIM airtime services deal, paid off their mobile phone during the course of their contract, but then continued to be charged the same amount once the minimum contract term had expired, resulting in them paying far more than they would if they were a new customer on a SIM only deal.

Most customers of these mobile network operators who made payments after the expiry of their contractual minimum term are included in the Loyalty Penalty Claim, which is being conducted on an "opt-out" basis. This means that the claim is brought on behalf of a defined group of people, but those people do not have to be personally identified. All qualifying consumers will be automatically included in the Claim for free unless they follow specific steps to opt out. Mr Gutmann is encouraging consumers to visit the dedicated Loyalty Penalty Claim website ( www.loyaltypenaltyclaim.com ) so they can be kept updated on the progress of the now-certified claim.

The Loyalty Penalty Claim follows a rare super-complaint from Citizens Advice to the Competition and Markets Authority ("CMA") in September 2018. The CMA found that: "We do not consider that providers should continue to charge customers the same rate once they have effectively paid off their handsets at the end of the minimum contract period. This is unfair and must be stopped." They also added that customers "rightly feel ripped off, let down and frustrated".

Justin Gutmann said: "For far too long the phone companies have been taking advantage of their loyal customers. That's why it's time to stop the immoral practice of loyalty penalties. Now that we have approval to proceed with our Loyalty Penalty Claim, I look forward to bringing the claim to court and putting money back into the pockets of those consumers who need it to help ease cost pressures in their family budgets."

To learn more or to opt-out of the Loyalty Penalty Claim, please visit www.LoyaltyPenaltyClaim.com or contact Trafalgar Strategy on 02070431308 or loyaltypenaltyclaim@trafalgar-strategy.co.uk

ABOUT JUSTIN GUTMANN:

Justin Gutmann is the former Head of Research and Insight at the UK's statutory consumer champion Citizens Advice. He is still committed to representing consumers and protecting their rights. He has also been authorised by the Competition Appeal Tribunal as class representative to represent rail users who he believes have been overcharged by a number of rail companies, and secured a 25 million settlement.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/consumer-champion-justin-gutmanns-loyalty-penalty-class-action-claim-against-uks-largest-mobile-operators-certified-by-uk-competition-appeal-tribunal-302629032.html
European cloud data protection specialist Keepit is expanding its sales network in the DACH region and has gained TIM AG, one of the leading value-added distributors, as a new channel partner. Through this collaboration, system integrators and IT service providers in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland gain access to Keepit's fully SaaS-based backup and recovery platform, purpose-built to protect business-critical cloud data.

Partnership for a growing SaaS backup market segment

With this cooperation, TIM is responding to increasing demand in the channel for reliable and independent SaaS data protection solutions. Keepit offers a fully cloud-based, easily scalable, and GDPR-compliant platform that backs up data from 14 SaaS applications including Microsoft 365, Microsoft Entra ID, Google Workspace, Okta and Salesforce. "Keepit ideally complements our portfolio as a European specialist in SaaS data protection," says Jorg Eilenstein, COO of TIM AG. "This enables our partners to offer their customers a powerful solution that reliably protects cloud data and meets the highest standards for security and compliance."

Keepit also views the collaboration as a strategic reinforcement of its channel presence:

"With TIM, we gain an experienced value-added distributor that is extremely well connected in the channel and has deep expertise in cloud and data security solutions," explains Michael Heuer, Area VP Central Europe DACH. "Together, we aim to help partners unlock the potential of SaaS data protection as a forward-looking business opportunity."

Jan Ursi, Keepit's Global VP of Channels, adds: "I am very pleased to once again work with the team at TIM AG to bring SaaS data protection innovation to the DACH region. The expertise and relationships that TIM AG brings to Keepit's business-in areas such as data protection, security, and business continuity-will help meet the growing demand for digital sovereignty and specialized SaaS data protection within a rapidly expanding partner ecosystem."

Comprehensive support for partners

TIM supports system integrators throughout the entire business cycle-from market analysis and technical and sales enablement programs to project development and implementation. This includes workshops, certification preparation, and technical on-the-job training.

"We want to help our partners position SaaS data protection as a strategic topic for their customers-with a focus on data sovereignty, business continuity, and compliance," adds Rocco Fromberg, Director Vendor Development and Operations, TIM AG.

Keepit Europe's independent SaaS backup specialist

Keepit is the only European provider exclusively focused on backing up SaaS data. Unlike hybrid or multi-cloud-based solutions, Keepit operates entirely on its own independent cloud infrastructure, with company-owned data centers in Germany and Switzerland-without global hyperscalers, without subprocessors, and on its own hardware and "immutable" tech stack.

This ensures full data sovereignty, transparency, and control-an essential advantage for organizations that value European data protection standards and independence from US-based providers.

Strategic outlook

The goal of the partnership is to build a strong SaaS partner network in the DACH region over the next 12 to 24 months and, together with system integrators, further develop the cloud data protection market.

"Together with TIM AG, we want to help partners offer their customers future-proof data protection strategies for modern SaaS environments," emphasizes Michael Heuer, Area VP Central Europe DACH. "Because those who rely on business-critical data in the cloud must also protect it securely there-simply, scalably, and independently."

About Keepit

Keepit provides a next-level SaaS data protection platform purpose-built for the cloud. Securing data in a vendor-independent cloud safeguards essential business applications, boosts cyber resilience, and future-proofs data protection. Unique, separate, and immutable data storage with no sub-processors ensures compliance with local regulations and mitigates the impact of ransomware while guaranteeing continuous data access, business continuity, and fast and effective disaster recovery. Headquartered in Copenhagen with offices and data centers worldwide, over 20,000 companies trust Keepit for its ease of use and effortless backup and recovery of cloud data.

For more information visit www.keepit.com or follow Keepit on Linkedin

About TIM AG

TIM AG is one of the leading value-added distributors for data centre and security technologies. Founded in 1985, TIM supports system houses as a channel development partner with cross-vendor services for generating new projects, training and further education, sales and marketing simply and efficiently. TIM also advises partners on the development of new markets and technologies, the solid establishment of strategic alliances and the sustainable expansion of business. The company headquartered in Wiesbaden has been growing continuously in the D-A-CH region for years. www.tim-vad.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251201833593/en/

Contacts:

RedIron PR for Keepit

Kari Ritacco

kari@redironpr.com
Enterprises benefit from end-to-end trust, FIPS 140-2 Level 3 Security, and Data Sovereignty Compliance

Fortanix, a global leader in data security for an AI world, today announced it has joined the HPE Unleash AI partner program. Now, customers using HPE's portfolio of integrated AI solutions can also leverage NVIDIA Confidential Computing and Fortanix Armet AI, a turnkey platform for running secure and sovereign agentic AI in AI factories and highly regulated environments.

For the first time, Fortanix will leverage HPE Private Cloud AI, HPE ProLiant Compute DL380a Gen12, and NVIDIA RTX PRO 6000 Blackwell Server Edition GPUs, to help enterprises in EMEA and around the world build and run secure, scalable AI workloads on-premises, in the cloud, or in AI factories with Confidential Computing-enabled security and trust over data, models and operations. With this collaboration, enterprises can deploy HPE Private Cloud AI, co-developed with NVIDIA as part of the NVIDIA AI Computing by HPE portfolio, to help mitigate AI risk in meeting evolving compliance demands.

Industries such as healthcare, finance and government want to take advantage of the promise of AI but face a significant roadblock: the data they work with is too sensitive to move into the cloud without serious risks. Personally identifiable data, healthcare records, financial transactions, and classified information need to stay protected at all times. Enterprises are often forced to choose between speed and innovation on one hand, and compliance and control on the other. The Fortanix solution-powered by NVIDIA Confidential Computing and included in the NVIDIA AI Factory for Government reference design-eliminates these trade-offs, enabling organizations to move from AI pilots to production in days with uncompromising security, compliance, and data sovereignty.

The HPE Unleash AI Partner Program is a curated ecosystem of innovative companies working together to help customers operationalize and scale their AI initiatives. By joining this program, Fortanix provides a hyper-secure, turnkey AI platform, integrated seamlessly with HPE Private Cloud AI, a turnkey AI factory for enterprises, and customers' existing tech stacks, empowering companies to run AI workloads at the edge, in the cloud, or across hybrid environments in near real-time.

"Fortanix is excited to join the HPE Unleash AI Program, and to work with HPE and NVIDIA to deliver Confidential Computing-based Armet AI in form factors customers are asking for: on-premises appliance, on-premises or private cloud reference design, or as a cloud-based solution," said Patrick Conte, Fortanix chief revenue officer. "This collaboration will enable enterprise and AI factory customers with end-to-end model and data security and trust for the entire lifecycle of their Generative AI pipeline requirements."

Key benefits of the Fortanix platform include:

End-to-end trust: Fortanix protects data and models throughout the lifecycle with NVIDIA Confidential Computing and composite attestation across CPUs and GPUs, leveraging NVIDIA NRAS. Only once workloads are verified does Fortanix Data Security Manager (DSM) Key Management System release cryptographic keys, ensuring that data, models and secrets remain protected. This "attestation-gated" approach creates a provable chain of trust for sensitive AI operations.

Fortanix protects data and models throughout the lifecycle with NVIDIA Confidential Computing and composite attestation across CPUs and GPUs, leveraging NVIDIA NRAS. Only once workloads are verified does Fortanix Data Security Manager (DSM) Key Management System release cryptographic keys, ensuring that data, models and secrets remain protected. This "attestation-gated" approach creates a provable chain of trust for sensitive AI operations. Compliance by design: Backed by a FIPS 140-2 Level 3 Hardware Security Modules (HSM), the platform enforces strict key custody, role-based access controls and consistent audit logs, a foundation that helps enterprises demonstrate compliance across regulated industries, ultimately streamlining audits and reducing operational risk.

Backed by a FIPS 140-2 Level 3 Hardware Security Modules (HSM), the platform enforces strict key custody, role-based access controls and consistent audit logs, a foundation that helps enterprises demonstrate compliance across regulated industries, ultimately streamlining audits and reducing operational risk. Faster time-to-production: With Fortanix, enterprises can quickly deploy a turnkey AI platform on-premises, with built-in AI guardrails, observability, and orchestration. The result: organizations can move from Agentic AI pilots to production, while getting trusted insights from their own data and maintaining control and sovereignty.

"The Unleash AI ecosystem is designed to empower innovative software providers like Fortanix to speed, simplify and secure AI deployment to deliver results," said Robin Braun, vice president of AI business development for hybrid cloud at HPE. "With Fortanix, we're delivering purpose-built secure AI solutions that combine deep industry expertise with enterprise-grade infrastructure-helping organizations unlock the power of their data to transform how work is done."

For more information about this news or to get in touch with someone at Fortanix, please visit www.fortanix.com/platform/armet-ai.

About Fortanix

Fortanix is the global leader in data-first cybersecurity and a pioneer of Confidential Computing. Its unified platform secures sensitive data across on-premises and multi-cloud environments-at rest, in transit, and in use-through advanced encryption and key management. Fortanix's encryption is resistant to all known cryptanalytic techniques, including the latest quantum computing algorithms, allowing for top-level compliance and operational simplicity while reducing risk and cost.

Trusted by leading enterprises and government agencies, Fortanix enables users to run applications and AI workloads entirely within secure hardware enclaves-isolated, tamper-proof environments. This innovative approach, an industry standard known as Confidential Computing, has been supported by leading technology companies, including Intel, Microsoft, and NVIDIA. For more information, visit www.fortanix.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251201834483/en/

Contacts:

BOCA Marketing for Fortanix

Fortanix@bocamarketing.com
EMCOR Group, Inc. ("EMCOR" or the "Company") (NYSE: EME) today announced that it has completed its previously announced sale of EMCOR Group (UK) plc ("EMCOR UK") to OCS Group UK Limited ("OCS") for a total enterprise value of approximately 190 million, equivalent to approximately $250 million at current exchange rates.

"The completion of the sale of EMCOR UK marks another milestone in accelerating our 'local execution, national reach' strategy, which enables us to sharpen our focus on large, diverse and attractive end markets in the United States," said Tony Guzzi, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of EMCOR. "We remain committed to delivering exceptional, comprehensive offerings for our customers that build, power, service and protect facilities and critical infrastructure across the country."

Mr. Guzzi added, "We are grateful for the hard work and dedication of the EMCOR UK team and expect that the business will thrive as part of OCS."

The sale of EMCOR UK provides further financial flexibility for EMCOR to strategically grow its business. The Company intends to use proceeds from the sale to expand EMCOR's electrical and mechanical construction and mechanical services businesses, including through disciplined acquisitions. The transaction is expected to be modestly accretive to EMCOR's operating margin profile.

"We are excited to officially welcome the talented EMCOR UK team to OCS," said Rob Legge, Chief Executive Officer of OCS. "Together, we will have the combined scale, technical depth and enhanced capabilities to deliver an even broader offering for customers across critical sectors, while building on our shared culture of safety and operational excellence."

Advisors

Evercore served as financial advisor to EMCOR, and Ropes Gray LLP served as its legal advisor. Weil, Gotshal Manges LLP served as legal advisor to OCS.

About EMCOR

A Fortune 500 company and a member of the S&P 500, EMCOR Group, Inc. is a leader in mechanical and electrical construction services, industrial and energy infrastructure and building services. This press release and other press releases may be viewed at the Company's website at www.emcorgroup.com. EMCOR routinely posts information that may be important to investors on the landing page of the Company's website and in the "Investor Relations" section of our website at www.emcorgroup.com/investor-relations. Investors and potential investors are encouraged to consult the EMCOR website regularly for important information about EMCOR.

About the OCS Group

OCS is a 3 billion integrated facilities management company employing more than 130,000 colleagues worldwide. Headquartered in the UK, OCS operates nationwide and in Ireland, with a broad international footprint across Asia Pacific and the Middle East.

The company delivers hard services, energy management and transition, security, cleaning, catering, and additional support services such as landscaping and pest control, to over 8,000 customers across the public and private sectors. Founded in 1900, OCS combines 125 years of operational expertise with a people-first, technology-enabled approach that enhances performance, reduces risk, and creates the best outcomes for colleagues, customers, and communities.

OCS also operates under the PCS brand in Thailand.

Learn more at https://ocs.com/

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements. Such statements speak only as of this press release, and EMCOR assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements, unless required by law. These forward-looking statements include statements regarding the anticipated use of proceeds from the sale and the impact on EMCOR's operating margin profile. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated (whether expressly or implied) by the forward-looking statements. Accordingly, these statements do not guarantee future performance or events. Applicable risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the performance of retained businesses following the expected sale and the potential use of sale proceeds to return cash to EMCOR shareholders or invest in growth opportunities. Certain of the risk factors associated with EMCOR's business are also discussed in Part I, Item 1A "Risk Factors," of the Company's 2024 Form 10-K, and in other reports filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission and available at www.sec.gov and www.emcorgroup.com. Such risk factors should be taken into account in evaluating our business, including any forward-looking statements.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251201926262/en/

Contacts:

Lucas Sullivan

Director

Financial Planning Analysis

(203) 849-7938

FTI Consulting, Inc.

Investors: Blake Mueller

(718) 578-3706

Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher

Media: Andi Rose Abigail South

(212) 355-4449
About Havas Founded in 1835 in Paris, Havas is one of the world's largest global communications groups, with nearly 23,000 people operating in over 100 markets and sharing one mission: to make a meaningful difference to brands, businesses, and people. To meet the needs of its clients, Havas has developed a seamlessly integrated strategy and operating system, Converged, fusing all its global expertise, tools and capabilities, to create, produce, and distribute real-time, optimized, and personalized marketing solutions at scale. With inspired human ideas at the heart of this unique model, supercharged by the latest data, technology and AI, the teams work together with agility and in perfect synergy within Havas Villages to provide clients with tailor-made solutions that support them in their positive transformation. Havas is committed to building an inclusive and equitable workplace that prioritizes the well-being and professional development of its talent. Further information about Havas is available at www.havas.com.

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 1, 2025) - Loncor Gold Inc. (TSX: LN) (OTCQX: LONCF) (FSE: LO5) ("Loncor" or the "Company") is providing an update on the proposed arrangement (the "Arrangement Transaction") of Loncor with Chengtun Mining Group Co., Ltd. (SSE: 600711), through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Chengtun Gold Ontario Inc. (collectively "Chengtun Mining"), which Arrangement Transaction provides for, among other things, the acquisition by Chengtun Mining of all of the outstanding shares of the Company for Cdn$1.38 per share in cash by way of a court approved plan of arrangement.

In a recent communique, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has cautioned Chinese nationals and businesses to avoid certain regions in eastern DRC. The guidelines regarding Chinese nationals in eastern DRC has been in place for a number of years, but the Chinese government recently issued a new heightened caution in response to certain disturbances, in particular along the Rwandan and Ugandan border. Loncor's Adumbi project is located approximately 500 kilometres from the border areas and has not experienced any issues with its operations. Africa's largest gold mine, Kibali, controlled by Barrick AngloGold JV, is located approximately 230 kilometres northeast of Adumbi. Both areas were identified in the recent communique. The Company's drill program at Adumbi continues normally with more drill results expected within the next 10 days.

The Company is continuing to advance the Arrangement Transaction and remains on track to hold a special meeting of shareholders (the "Meeting") on December 11, 2025 to obtain the required shareholder approval for the Arrangement Transaction. Closing remains subject to satisfaction or waiver of all requisite closing conditions, including without limitation, approval of Loncor shareholders at the Meeting and approval of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice (Commercial List). The Company will provide further updates as circumstances warrant and in accordance with applicable securities laws.

About Loncor Gold Inc.

Loncor is a Canadian gold exploration company focused on the Ngayu Greenstone Gold Belt in the northeast of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (the "DRC"). The Loncor team has over two decades of experience of operating in the DRC. Loncor's growing resource base in the Ngayu Belt is focused on the Imbo Project where the Adumbi deposit holds an indicated mineral resource of 1.88 million ounces of gold (28.185 million tonnes grading 2.08 g/t gold), and the Adumbi deposit and two neighbouring deposits hold an inferred mineral resource of 2.090 million ounces of gold (22.508 million tonnes grading 2.89 g/t Au), with 84.68% of these resources being attributable to Loncor. Following a drilling program carried out by the Company at the Adumbi deposit in 2020 and 2021, the Company completed a Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") of the Adumbi deposit and announced the results of the PEA in December 2021.

Additional information with respect to Loncor and its projects can be found on Loncor's website at www.loncor.com.

About Chengtun Mining Group Co., Ltd.

Chengtun Mining specializes in developing new energy metal resources. The company's core operations include mining and refining of energy metals and base metals, with strategic focus on copper, cobalt, nickel for new energy batteries. The company has also identified gold and other precious metals as a key strategic business area for future development. Chengtun owns and operates mines in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, most notably the Kalongwe copper-cobalt mine. Chengtun Mining is publicly listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange under the ticker 600711.

Cautionary Note Concerning Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains forward-looking information. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, that address activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future (including, without limitation, statements regarding completion of the terms and conditions of the Arrangement Transaction, the timing of the Meeting, and conditions of closing the Arrangement Transaction) are forward-looking information. This forward-looking information reflects the current expectations or beliefs of the Company based on information currently available to the Company. Forward-looking information is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results of the Company to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking information, and even if such actual results are realized or substantially realized, there can be no assurance that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on the Company. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things, risks associated with the possibility that the Arrangement Transaction will not be completed on the terms and conditions, or on the timing, currently contemplated, and that it may not be completed at all, due to a failure to obtain or satisfy, in a timely manner or otherwise, required approvals and other conditions of closing necessary to complete the Arrangement Transaction or for other reasons, the possibility of adverse reactions or changes in business relationships resulting from the announcement or completion of the Arrangement Transaction, risks relating to the abilities of the parties to satisfy conditions precedent to the Arrangement Transaction, risks related to the Chinese government pronouncements summarized in this press release, a third party superior proposal materializing prior to the completion of the Arrangement Transaction, and the other risks disclosed under the heading "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in the Company's annual information form dated March 31, 2025 and information circular prepared in connection with the Meeting filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and EDGAR at www.sec.gov. Forward-looking information speaks only as of the date on which it is provided and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. Although the Company believes that the assumptions inherent in the forward-looking information are reasonable, forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such information due to the inherent uncertainty therein.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/276430

SOURCE: Loncor Gold Inc.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 1, 2025) - PTX Metals Inc. (TSXV: PTX) (OTCQB: PANXF) (FSE: 9PX) ("PTX" or the "Company") is pleased to announce commencement of a 5,000m diamond drilling program at its W2 Copper-Nickel and Platinum-Palladium-Gold (PGE) Project in Ontario, Canada. Drilling is focused on the Central Target with the initial holes targeting the CA1 and AP zones.

The objectives of the first phase of the program are to test and delineate known exploratory targets (see press release dated September 4th, 2024) with the goal of enhancing the resource estimate, as well as expand the identified mineralized bodies with step-out holes within geologically prospective zones. Through the first phase of drilling, the Company is also targeting and building it's understanding of the higher-grade zones and possible enrichment within a larger sulfide-bearing envelop previously identified, along with testing geophysical targets.

Figure 1: Drill pad location within the CA1 zone of the Central Target and a section of the W225-14 hole targeting the mag anomaly



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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Drill planning was based on multiple lines of geological evidence, leading to targeting of a never-before-tested geological interpretation of the property which is expected to more precisely guide current and future drilling at the W2 property. Data considered during drill planning includes, but is not limited to, previous PTX and historic drilling cumulating more than a 120 drill holes, the recent 2025 high-resolution magnetic survey and the subsequent 3D inversion model, the electromagnetic survey and the resulting Maxwell Plates. Latest compilation of data and the newest drill holes from PTX show that the mineralization is mainly hosted within a deformed, sulfide-bearing, highly magnetic gabbroic unit, which has been affected by various structural regimes. These previous steps allow significant de-risking for targeting wide mineralized intersections and potential localized massive sulfides zones intercepts.

The current work is being conducted and based out of an exploration camp at the property located 60km south of Webequie First Nation (WFN), where various support services at WFN are being used for the W2 Project.

Picture 1: Cyr Drilling rig currently drilling at the W2 Project



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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Greg Ferron, CEO & President states: "We are particularly excited to be back drilling at the W2 Project this year with a more extensive program. We have taken significant steps for the Project and for the Company to improve our geological understanding of the deposit, that we are now ready to further test and build on the large exploration target issued in 2024. We are also pleased to be partnering with several professional service providers at W2 including Cyr Drilling, SGS, Haveman, Wisk Air, Webequie First Nations and our internal team. Importantly, with three recent infrastructure announcements in the immediate region including two landmark First Nations agreements with Ontario government, positive progress with metallurgy work and a strong commodity environment, W2 is very well positioned today."

Currently progressing additional activities at the W2 Project:

The Company continues to advance the project increasing knowledge with the preliminary metallurgical results received, highly anticipated impending age dating, paragenesis study, resource modeling and geological 3D interpretations still pending for results.

Additionally, a high-resolution topography and orthophoto LIDAR survey was flown by KBM Resources Group and completed on October 25th for the Central Target.

Qualified Person

The technical information presented in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Kyle Pedersen, a non-independent qualified person to PTX Metals who is responsible for ensuring that the related technical information provided in this news release is accurate and who act as a "qualified person" (QP) as defined by National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

About PTX Metals Inc

PTX is a mineral exploration company focused on high-quality strategic metals assets in northern Ontario, allowing exposure for shareholders to Copper, Gold, Nickel, and PGEs discoveries. The Province of Ontario is a renowned mining jurisdiction for its abundance of mineral resources and safe jurisdiction.

Our corporate objective is to advance our assets, and unveil the potential of two Flagship Projects, the W2 Cu-Ni-PGE located in the strategic Ring of Fire region, and the Shining Tree Gold Project neighbor to other known deposits in the Timmins Gold Camp.

PTX's portfolio of assets was strategically acquired for their geologically favorable attributes, and proximity to established mining companies.

PTX is based in Toronto, Canada, with a primary listing on the TSX under the symbol PTX. The Company is also listed in Frankfurt under the symbol 9PF and on the OTCQB in the United States as PANXF.

For additional information on PTX, please visit the Company's website at https://ptxmetals.com/.

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains forward-looking information which is not comprised of historical facts. Forward-looking information is characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Forward-looking information involves risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events, results, and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including statements regarding the ability of the Company to satisfy the regulatory, stock exchange and commercial closing conditions of Private Placement, and the potential development of mineral resources and mineral reserves which may or may not occur. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, changes in the state of equity and debt markets, fluctuations in commodity prices, delays in obtaining required regulatory or governmental approvals, and general economic and political conditions. Forward looking information in this news release is based on the opinions and assumptions of management considered reasonable as of the date hereof, including that all necessary approvals, including governmental and regulatory approvals, will be received as and when expected. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by applicable laws. For more information on the risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause our actual results to differ from current expectations, please refer to the Company's public filings available under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of any of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful, including any of the securities in the United States of America. The securities described herein have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for account or benefit of, U.S. Persons (as defined in Regulation S under the 1933 Act) unless registered under the 1933 Act and applicable state securities laws, or an exemption from such registration requirements is available.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider 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/276431

SOURCE: PTX Metals Inc.
EQS-News: Grand City Properties S.A. / Key word(s): Financing/Tender Offer

Grand City Properties S.A. announces successful issuance of 600 million perpetual notes and launch of tender offer



01.12.2025 / 17:19 CET/CEST

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.





THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES, CANADA, AUSTRALIA, JAPAN, SOUTH AFRICA OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION WHERE TO DO SO WOULD CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF APPLICABLE LAWS OR REGULATIONS GRAND CITY PROPERTIES S.A. ANNOUNCES SUCCESSFUL ISSUANCE OF 600 MILLION PERPETUAL NOTES AND LAUNCH OF TENDER OFFER Luxembourg, December 1, 2025 - Grand City Properties S.A. ("GCP" or the "Company") announces the successful issuance of a 600 million perpetual notes series bearing a coupon of 4.75% ('the Issuance'). The Issuance saw strong demand from leading investors, reflected in a strong peak orderbook of over 2 billion. The notes are 100% equity under IFRS and are expected to be rated BB+ by S&P, receiving 50% equity content under S&P's methodology. The Company plans to use the proceeds of the issuance to buy back higher coupon perpetual notes as well as partial refinancing of the upcoming notes with a first call date in 2026. For this purpose, GCP has launched a tender offer in parallel to the issuance. Through this transaction, the Company aims to reduce the average coupon rate of its perpetual notes and regain for the remaining stubs equity content under S&P rating methodology, thereby supporting the Company's FFO and S&P credit metrics. Furthermore, the Company aims to start addressing the refinancing of the upcoming notes with a first call date in 2026. The tender was launched on the 1st of December and is expected to expire on the 8th of December. About the Company

The Company is a specialist in residential real estate, value-add opportunities in densely populated areas primarily in Germany and London. The Company's strategy is to improve its properties by repositioning and intensive tenant management, and then create value by subsequently raising occupancy and rental levels. Further information: www.grandcityproperties.com Grand City Properties S.A. (ISIN: LU0775917882) is a public limited liability company (societe anonyme) incorporated under the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, having its registered office at 37, Boulevard Joseph II, L-1840 Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and being registered with the Luxembourg trade and companies register (Registre de Commerce et des Societes Luxembourg) under number B 165 560. The shares of the Company are listed on the Prime Standard segment of Frankfurt Stock Exchange. Contact:

Grand City Properties S.A.

37, Boulevard Joseph II,

L-1840 Luxembourg

T: +352 28 77 87 86

E: info@grandcity.lu

www.grandcityproperties.com Investor Relations Team:

Grand City Properties S.A.

E: gcp-ir@grandcity.lu DISCLAIMER: THIS ANNOUNCEMENT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY ANY SECURITIES. THE SECURITIES MENTIONED IN THIS ANNOUNCEMENT HAVE NOT BEEN, AND WILL NOT BE, REGISTERED UNDER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE SECURITIES ACT), AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED OR SOLD IN THE UNITED STATES ABSENT REGISTRATION OR AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT. THERE WILL BE NO PUBLIC OFFERING OF THE SECURITIES IN THE UNITED STATES. THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS DIRECTED AT AND IS ONLY BEING DISTRIBUTED IN THE UNITED KINGDOM TO (I) PERSONS WHO HAVE PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE IN MATTERS RELATING TO INVESTMENTS FALLING WITHIN ARTICLE 19(5) OF THE FINANCIAL SERVICES AND MARKETS ACT 2000 (FINANCIAL PROMOTION) ORDER 2005 (THE ORDER), (II) HIGH NET WORTH ENTITIES, AND OTHER PERSONS TO WHOM IT MAY OTHERWISE LAWFULLY BE COMMUNICATED FALLING WITHIN ARTICLE 49 OF THE ORDER, AND (III) PERSONS TO WHOM IT MAY OTHERWISE LAWFULLY BE COMMUNICATED (ALL SUCH PERSONS TOGETHER BEING REFERRED TO AS RELEVANT PERSONS). THIS COMMUNICATION MUST NOT BE READ, ACTED ON OR RELIED ON BY PERSONS WHO ARE NOT RELEVANT PERSONS. ANY INVESTMENT OR INVESTMENT ACTIVITY TO WHICH THIS ANNOUNCEMENT RELATES IS AVAILABLE ONLY TO RELEVANT PERSONS AND WILL BE ENGAGED IN ONLY WITH RELEVANT PERSONS. IN MEMBER STATES OF THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AREA (EEA), THIS ANNOUNCEMENT AND ANY OFFER IF MADE SUBSEQUENTLY IS DIRECTED ONLY AT PERSONS WHO ARE "QUALIFIED INVESTORS" WITHIN THE MEANING OF ARTICLE 2(1)(E) OF DIRECTIVE 2003/71/EC, AS AMENDED (THE PROSPECTUS DIRECTIVE) (QUALIFIED INVESTORS). ANY PERSON IN THE EEA WHO ACQUIRES THE SECURITIES IN ANY OFFER (AN INVESTOR) OR TO WHOM ANY OFFER OF THE SECURITIES IS MADE WILL BE DEEMED TO HAVE REPRESENTED AND AGREED THAT IT IS A QUALIFIED INVESTOR. ANY INVESTOR WILL ALSO BE DEEMED TO HAVE REPRESENTED AND AGREED THAT ANY SECURITIES ACQUIRED BY IT IN THE OFFER HAVE NOT BEEN ACQUIRED ON BEHALF OF PERSONS IN THE EEA OTHER THAN QUALIFIED INVESTORS, NOR HAVE THE SECURITIES BEEN ACQUIRED WITH A VIEW TO THEIR OFFER OR RESALE IN THE EEA TO PERSONS WHERE THIS WOULD RESULT IN A REQUIREMENT FOR PUBLICATION BY THE COMPANY OR ANY OF THE MANAGERS OF A PROSPECTUS PURSUANT TO ARTICLE 3 OF THE PROSPECTUS DIRECTIVE. THIS ANNOUNCEMENT MAY CONTAIN PROJECTIONS OR ESTIMATES RELATING TO PLANS AND OBJECTIVES RELATING TO OUR FUTURE OPERATIONS, PRODUCTS, OR SERVICES, FUTURE FINANCIAL RESULTS, OR ASSUMPTIONS UNDERLYING OR RELATING TO ANY SUCH STATEMENTS, EACH OF WHICH CONSTITUTES A FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENT SUBJECT TO RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES, MANY OF WHICH ARE BEYOND THE CONTROL OF THE COMPANY. ACTUAL RESULTS COULD DIFFER MATERIALLY, DEPENDING ON A NUMBER OF FACTORS.



01.12.2025 CET/CEST Dissemination of a Corporate News, transmitted by EQS News - a service of EQS Group .

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.



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The "France Buy Now Pay Later Business and Investment Opportunities Databook 75+ KPIs on BNPL Market Size, End-Use Sectors, Market Share, Product Analysis, Business Model, Demographics Q3 2025 Update" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The BNPL payment market in France is expected to grow by 11.3% on annual basis to reach US$12.68 billion in 2025.

The BNPL market in the country experienced robust growth during 2021-2024, achieving a CAGR of 19.2%. This upward trajectory is expected to continue, with the market forecast to grow at a CAGR of 8.0% during 2025-2030. By the end of 2030, the BNPL sector is projected to expand from its 2024 value of USD 11.40 billion to approximately USD 18.61 billion.

This report provides a detailed data-centric analysis of the Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) industry in France, covering market opportunities and risks across a range of retail categories. With over 75 KPIs at the country level, this report provides a comprehensive understanding of BNPL market dynamics, market size and forecast, and market share statistics.

France's BNPL market is witnessing robust growth, driven by expanding e-commerce, the entry of international players, and the adoption of BNPL in non-traditional sectors. Providers such as Alma and global players such as Klarna are reshaping the payment landscape by offering flexible installment options tailored to consumer needs. Over the next 2-4 years, the BNPL sector is expected to expand further, with increased competition fostering innovation in product offerings and user experience. As the market matures, businesses and regulators must balance growth with consumer protection, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the BNPL ecosystem in France.

The BNPL market in France is undergoing rapid expansion, fueled by growing consumer demand for flexible payment options and the continued rise of e-commerce. Both domestic and international providers, such as Alma, Klarna, and PayPal, are actively shaping the competitive landscape through strategic partnerships and tailored offerings. These players drive innovation and accessibility, establishing BNPL as a preferred payment method for consumers across various sectors.

Rapid Expansion of BNPL Services

The BNPL sector in France is expanding rapidly as installment-based payment options gain popularity among consumers. Local providers such as Alma have captured significant market share by partnering with retailers to offer flexible payment plans, particularly in electronics, clothing, and high-value items. This growing adoption reflects the shift in consumer behavior toward more convenient and accessible payment solutions.

The growth of the French e-commerce market, has been a major driver of BNPL adoption. Retailers have embraced BNPL to reduce cart abandonment and increase sales conversions. At the same time, consumers especially Millennials and Gen Z are drawn to the simplicity and interest-free nature of BNPL services. This alignment of merchant goals and consumer preferences has created fertile ground for the rapid expansion of BNPL in France.

Over the next 2-4 years, BNPL is expected to become a standard payment option in both online and offline retail environments. Competition among providers will likely intensify, pushing companies to innovate with new features such as extended repayment periods and loyalty program integrations. These developments will increase consumer adoption and create a more dynamic and competitive BNPL ecosystem in France.

Entry of International BNPL Providers

Global BNPL providers such as Klarna and PayPal are entering the French market, leveraging partnerships with prominent retailers to establish their presence. Klarna's collaboration with Carrefour is a notable instance, allowing the company to integrate installment payment options into one of France's largest retail networks. These partnerships are helping international players embed themselves into the French retail ecosystem, expanding their consumer base.

France's status as one of Europe's largest e-commerce markets presents a lucrative opportunity for global BNPL providers seeking to expand their operations. Additionally, French consumers' increasing adoption of digital payments has created an environment conducive to competition. This combination of market potential and digital readiness has encouraged international players to challenge domestic providers and diversify their offerings.

Over the next 2-4 years, the entry of international providers is expected to intensify competition, pushing local players such as Alma to innovate and differentiate their services. This competitive pressure will likely result in advancements such as personalized installment plans and enhanced credit-scoring mechanisms. As a result, consumers may benefit from more tailored and innovative BNPL solutions, while the overall market grows increasingly dynamic and sophisticated.

Integration of BNPL into Non-Traditional Sectors

BNPL services in France are expanding beyond retail into sectors such as travel, healthcare, and education, addressing consumer needs for flexible payment options in high-cost areas. For instance, Alma has partnered with travel agencies to offer vacation installment payments, making such expenditures more accessible to a broader audience. Similarly, providers target high-value services such as tuition fees and medical procedures to cater to essential and aspirational consumer needs.

Rising living costs and economic pressures have increased consumer demand for flexible payment options in non-traditional sectors. For merchants in industries such as healthcare and education, BNPL provides an opportunity to attract more customers by reducing the upfront financial burden of high-ticket services. These drivers create a favorable environment for BNPL providers to innovate and establish partnerships in new verticals.

Over the next 2-4 years, the adoption of BNPL in sectors such as travel, healthcare, and education is expected to grow as providers deepen their presence through strategic partnerships. However, expanding into these high-value areas will likely attract regulatory scrutiny, with authorities focusing on ensuring consumer protection and transparency. Providers that navigate these challenges effectively may secure a competitive edge and gain trust in these emerging markets.

Current State of the BNPL Market

The growth of e-commerce largely drives this expansion, as retailers leverage BNPL solutions to enhance customer experiences and boost sales. The market's dynamic nature is shaped by both domestic players such as Alma and international providers such as Klarna and PayPal, who are innovating to meet the demands of a diverse consumer base.

The BNPL market is expected to solidify its position as a core component of France's payment ecosystem. The continued integration of BNPL into e-commerce platforms and brick-and-mortar stores will likely fuel its adoption across a broader range of sectors. With competition intensifying between established and emerging players, the French BNPL market is set to evolve further, offering enhanced payment solutions that cater to the changing needs of consumers and merchants alike.

Key Players and New Entrants

Alma: A French fintech company, Alma has established itself as a prominent BNPL provider by partnering with various merchants to offer installment payment solutions.

Klarna: The Swedish BNPL giant has entered the French market, collaborating with retailers to provide flexible payment options.

Scalapay: An Italian BNPL firm, Scalapay has expanded into France, allowing consumers to split payments into installments.

Clearpay: Known as Afterpay outside Europe, Clearpay has made inroads into the French BNPL market through partnerships with local merchants.

PayPal: Leveraging its extensive user base, PayPal offers BNPL services in France, allowing consumers to pay in installments.

Recent Launches, Mergers, and Acquisitions

The partnership between Younited Credit and LiftForward highlights the growing importance of strategic alliances in strengthening BNPL offerings in France. This collaboration enables Younited Credit to leverage LiftForward's expertise in installment payments, enhancing its ability to serve a nationwide consumer base. Such partnerships are pivotal in an increasingly competitive market, allowing providers to expand their reach and deliver tailored solutions to meet evolving customer needs.

The French BNPL market is expected to see more partnerships and mergers as players seek to consolidate their positions and gain a competitive edge. Collaborations such as the one between Younited Credit and LiftForward expand market presence and foster innovation in BNPL solutions. These developments will likely contribute to a more dynamic and diverse BNPL ecosystem, benefiting consumers and merchants across various sectors.

Anticipated Competitive Dynamics Over the Next 2-4 Years

Over the next 2-4 years, the French BNPL market is poised for significant consolidation, with established players likely to pursue mergers and acquisitions to solidify their positions. As domestic and international entrants join the competitive landscape, the market will become increasingly dynamic. This intensifying competition will push providers to innovate and differentiate their offerings, particularly regarding service features and sectoral reach, to capture and retain consumer loyalty.

The anticipated market evolution will also see providers focusing on strategic partnerships to enhance their capabilities and expand their presence across diverse sectors. By leveraging these collaborations, BNPL players can address new consumer demands and unlock growth opportunities in non-traditional areas such as healthcare and education. This strategic diversification, combined with technological advancements, will shape the future of the French BNPL sector, fostering a highly competitive and innovative environment.

Regulatory Changes Implemented in the Last 12 Months

The European Union's Second Consumer Credit Directive (CCD2), adopted in October 2023, has significant implications for BNPL providers operating in France. CCD2 mandates that BNPL services are subject to consumer credit regulations, requiring providers to conduct thorough creditworthiness assessments before granting credit. This directive aims to enhance consumer protection and prevent over-indebtedness.

Companies Featured

Klarna

Paypal

Oney

Cofidis

Younited Credit

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/cokoqg

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The "Netherlands Buy Now Pay Later Business and Investment Opportunities Databook 75+ KPIs on BNPL Market Size, End-Use Sectors, Market Share, Product Analysis, Business Model, Demographics Q3 2025 Update" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The BNPL payment market in Netherlands is expected to grow by 14.0% on annual basis to reach US$10.29 billion in 2025. The BNPL market in the country experienced robust growth during 2021-2024, achieving a CAGR of 23.5%. This upward trajectory is expected to continue, with the market forecast to grow at a CAGR of 9.8% during 2025-2030. By the end of 2030, the BNPL sector is projected to expand from its 2024 value of USD 9.02 billion to approximately USD 16.40 billion.

This report provides a detailed data-centric analysis of the Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) industry in Netherlands, covering market opportunities and risks across a range of retail categories. With over 75 KPIs at the country level, this report provides a comprehensive understanding of BNPL market dynamics, market size and forecast, and market share statistics.

The Dutch government recently announced plans to regulate in-store BNPL transactions more stringently by 2025, reflecting increased concerns about debt accumulation. E-commerce will remain the dominant growth channel for BNPL, while the market is also diversifying into travel, lifestyle services, and sustainability-focused financing.

The Netherlands' BNPL market is growing steadily, driven by a strong e-commerce sector and changing consumer preferences for flexible payment solutions. Leading players such as Klarna, Afterpay (Riverty), and PayPal's "Pay Later" dominate the market, supported by high digital literacy and widespread online shopping habits. However, the regulatory landscape is tightening with new EU and domestic regulations to promote transparency and responsible lending. Over the next 2-4 years, market players are expected to focus on personalization, partnerships with retail and fintech platforms, and expansion into non-retail services to capture new growth opportunities.

E-Commerce Integration Driving BNPL Demand

E-commerce remains the backbone of BNPL adoption in the Netherlands. Platforms like Bol.com, Zalando, and Wehkamp have expanded BNPL options to attract tech-savvy customers seeking payment flexibility.

In March 2024, Zalando partnered with Klarna to offer zero-interest installment plans during its seasonal sales, which resulted in a 40% increase in sales for fashion and footwear categories.

BNPL is particularly popular for mid-to-high-value purchases, such as electronics, household goods, and apparel, where installment options help ease immediate financial pressure on consumers.

Online shopping events like Singles' Day and Black Friday saw record BNPL transactions, with Klarna reporting a year-over-year increase during the November 2024 Black Friday weekend.

Consumer Trends: Flexibility and Financial Control

Dutch consumers highly value transparency and control over their finances. BNPL adoption is rising due to its convenience in allowing shoppers to spread payments without incurring traditional credit card debt.

Consumers are increasingly wary of hidden fees. In response, providers such as AfterPay have launched educational campaigns emphasizing financial literacy and responsible borrowing practices.

Expansion into Travel and Lifestyle Services

The Dutch travel industry is capitalizing on BNPL to boost bookings. In April 2024, Sunweb Group partnered with Klarna to offer installment plans for vacation packages.

Similarly, Dutch Railways (NS) piloted a BNPL option for long-distance train tickets, aiming to attract commuters and tourists who prefer flexible payment methods for travel.

Lifestyle services, such as gym memberships and wellness retreats, increasingly adopt BNPL as consumers look for manageable ways to finance experiences rather than just physical goods.

Sector Diversification into Sustainability Financing

Sustainability is a growing focus for BNPL providers in the Netherlands.

Dutch consumers increasingly seek financing options for eco-friendly home upgrades, aligning with national sustainability goals. Installment plans for electric vehicles (EVs) and energy-efficient home renovations are gaining traction.

Offline Retail Adoption and Regulatory Changes

While offline BNPL usage has expanded in sectors like furniture and electronics, the Dutch government has expressed concerns about impulse-driven debt accumulation. The Ministry of Finance proposed stricter regulations limiting or banning BNPL in physical stores.

Retailers like Coolblue and MediaMarkt have continued offering BNPL at point-of-sale (POS) terminals. Still, they are also investing in omnichannel strategies to maintain consumer access to installment plans across online and offline platforms.

Technological Innovations and Fintech Integration

The Netherlands has a well-developed fintech ecosystem, and BNPL providers are investing in technology to enhance user experience. Riverty introduced AI-driven repayment personalization, allowing users to adjust their installment plans based on monthly income.

Klarna launched a new feature that integrates BNPL with loyalty programs, enabling consumers to earn rewards points on installment purchases.

Dutch banks, including Rabobank, have partnered with BNPL providers to integrate installment payment services within their digital banking apps, creating a seamless financial management experience for users.

Current State of the BNPL Market

Strong E-commerce Integration: BNPL services are embedded within major online retailers such as Bol.com, Coolblue, and Zalando. Providers offer flexible installment options to improve customer conversion rates and enhance shopping experiences for electronics, apparel, and home goods.

Consumer Shift Towards Flexible Credit: Dutch consumers increasingly opt for BNPL services over traditional credit cards, driven by convenience and low-cost repayment options. Millennials and Gen Z are key drivers of this trend, particularly in the online fashion and electronics segments.

Omnichannel Expansion: While online adoption remains high, BNPL providers are extending their reach to offline retailers in sectors such as automotive, healthcare, and travel. Providers aim to offer consistent payment flexibility across online and in-person shopping channels.

Key Players and New Entrants

Key Players: Klarna, Riverty (formerly Afterpay), and PayPal (Pay Later) are leading the Dutch BNPL market. Klarna's strong partnerships with major e-commerce platforms give it a competitive edge, while Riverty focuses on offering installment plans tailored to merchants' needs.

New Entrants: Regional providers such as in3 (an interest-free BNPL solution) and other fintech startups are entering the market, offering competitive repayment options and personalized services. These entrants aim to capitalize on the growing demand for flexible payment alternatives in both online and offline sectors.

Recent Launches, Mergers, and Acquisitions

Riverty's New Features: In collaboration with local retailers, Riverty introduced upgraded repayment options, including longer-term installment plans. This move aims to attract more high-value purchases in both online and physical stores.

Anticipated Competitive Dynamics

Personalization and AI-driven Innovation: Providers will likely invest in AI to offer tailored credit limits and repayment plans based on consumers' spending behavior. These innovations will help improve customer experience and foster brand loyalty.

Non-Retail Sector Expansion: BNPL providers are expected to diversify their offerings by targeting the healthcare, education, and travel sectors. Flexible payment options for medical expenses, tuition fees, and vacation bookings are projected to drive new revenue streams.

Increased Regulatory Compliance: As regulatory oversight increases, smaller players may exit the market or seek consolidation with larger providers. Larger firms with the capacity to comply with stricter consumer protection measures are likely to gain a competitive advantage.

Regulatory Changes

EU Consumer Credit Directive (CCD): In alignment with EU regulations, the Netherlands has introduced stricter rules for digital credit services, including BNPL. Providers must now conduct more rigorous affordability checks and improve transparency in their repayment terms.

Data Protection Compliance: Under GDPR and local privacy regulations, BNPL providers must enhance their data security frameworks. This includes obtaining explicit user consent and ensuring secure personal financial data handling, particularly for credit assessments.

Netherlands Buy Now Pay Later Market Share Analysis by Key Players

Klarna

Afterpay

Paypal Credit

Riverty

Alfa

Aplazame

Snoop

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/ntzdzt

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BH Macro Limited - Transaction in Own Shares

PR Newswire

LONDON, United Kingdom, December 01

BH Macro Limited (the "Company")

(a closed-ended collective investment scheme established as a company with limited liability under the laws of Guernsey with registered number 46235)

Transaction in Own Shares

01 December 2025

BH Macro Limited (the Company) announces today it has purchased the following number of its ordinary shares on the London Stock Exchange from J.P. Morgan Securities plc:

Ordinary Shares: - Share Class Sterling Date of purchase: 01 December 2025 Number of ordinary shares purchased: 35,801 Weighted average price (Sterling/US Dollars as applicable): 3.9700

The Company intends to hold the purchased shares in treasury.

Following the above share transactions of the relevant US Dollar and/or Sterling Shares, the total number of shares in issue in each share class of the Company will be as follows:

Ordinary Shares in issue (excluding Treasury) Ordinary Shares held in Treasury 319,184,332 Sterling Shares 58,873,274 Sterling Shares 23,901,261 US Dollar Shares 215,496 US Dollar Shares

From 01 December 2025, the total number of voting rights in the Company (rounded up to the whole number) is 487,699,451.

Enquiries:

Company website: www.bhmacro.com

William Simmonds

JPMorgan Cazenove

Tel: 020 7588 2828

The Company Secretary

Northern Trust International Fund Administration Services (Guernsey) Limited

Tel: 01481 745001
Voiant joins the Ethical-CRO Safe Partnership Program and boosts own clinical expertise with Ethical's innovative SaaS tools to optimize clinical trial management.

BASEL, CH / ACCESS Newswire / December 1, 2025 / Voiant, the industry's leader in clinical trial imaging endpoint data, and Ethical GmbH, a Swiss eClinical company providing innovative, AI-powered software solutions for easier and streamlined clinical committee management, announce partnership agreement through the Ethical-CRO Safe Partnership Program.

Voiant

Voiant partnership with Ethical

By becoming an Ethical-CRO Safe Partner, Voiant embrace the most innovative and flexible technologies available on the market for the effective, compliant and Safe management of challenging clinical trial processes and are adding value to Sponsors. Voiant will benefit from Ethical's support for the deployment of the technology, staff training, first and second level support, and expert advice.

The Ethical eAdjudication and eDSMB AI-powered software solutions are validated, GCP-compliant, and fully customizable thanks to strong integration capability and workflow configuration flexibility. They can also handle large volumes of clinical data and offer full audit trail functionality, robust quality control, key performance indicators and real time notifications for process efficiency.

Stephane Deleger, Chief Commercial Officer at Voiant, declared: "We are thrilled to integrate Ethical's innovative eDSMB and eAdjudication software into our clinical trial services. This partnership allows Voiant to offer a comprehensive and robust solution to support EAC and DSMB operations, ensuring quality data and process efficiency for our clients. By combining Ethical's advanced technology with Voiant's expertise, we are better equipped to meet the diverse needs of trial Sponsors, driving streamlined workflows and enhanced outcomes in clinical research."

Mimmo Garibbo, Director of Ethical, said: "We are very proud for the trust Voiant have placed in Ethical. We believe that our eAdjudication and eDSMB solutions will be a great asset for our new Partner's organization and are confident that Ethical's technical expertise and robust solutions will complement Voiant's capabilities to produce optimal results through a single point of contact service, in the interest of trial Sponsors and Patients."

ABOUT THE ETHICAL-CRO SAFE PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM

The Ethical-CRO Safe Partnership program is open to any CRO willing to partner with Ethical, a leading technology expert specializing in clinical committee management. Through this program, Ethical aims to bring together its innovative eAdjudication, eDSMB, eDeviation and eReconciliation software solutions with CROs' clinical and project management experience in order to optimize the work of clinical committees and support efficiency and data quality in clinical trials. Ethical's dedicated experts provide ongoing, tailored support to CRO Partners and are committed to the success of their Sponsors' studies.

SOURCE: Ethical GmbH - Clinical Committees Trusted Software Experts

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/healthcare-and-pharmaceutical/voiant-partners-with-ethical-to-deploy-state-of-the-art-eadjudicationr-977515
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 1, 2025) - GR Silver Mining Ltd. (TSXV: GRSL) (OTCQB: GRSLF) (FSE: GPE) ("GR Silver Mining" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into an amended agreement with Research Capital Corporation as the sole bookrunner and co-lead underwriter (and together with Red Cloud Securities Inc. as co-lead underwriter, collectively, the "Underwriters"), to increase the size of its previously announced bought-deal offering, pursuant to which the Underwriters have agreed to purchase, on a bought deal basis, 58,334,000 units of the Company (the "Units") at a price of $0.30 per Unit (the "Offering Price") for aggregate gross proceeds to the Company of $17,500,200, consisting of:

33,334,000 Units for gross proceeds of $10,000,200, to be issued on a prospectus-exempt basis pursuant to the LIFE Exemption (defined below) under applicable Canadian securities laws (the "LIFE Offering"); and 25,000,000 Units for gross proceeds of $7,500,000, to be issued under a private placement pursuant to applicable prospectus exemptions in accordance with NI 45-106 ("Private Placement Offering", and together with the LIFE Offering, the "Offerings").

Each Unit shall be comprised of one common share of the Company (a "Common Share") and one-half of one Common Share purchase warrant of the Company (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant shall entitle the holder thereof to purchase one Common Share at an exercise price of $0.42 per Common Share for a period of 36 months following closing of the Offerings.

The net proceeds from the Offerings of the Units will be used for advancement of the Company's Plomosas Project in Mexico, working capital and general corporate purposes.

The Company will grant the Underwriters an option (the "Underwriters' Option") to increase the size of: (i) the LIFE Offering by up to an additional 3,999,333 Units and (ii) the Private Placement Offering by up to an additional 4,333,500 Units, by giving written notice of the exercise of the Underwriters' Option, or a part thereof, to the Company exercisable at any time up to 48 hours prior to Closing. If the Underwriters' Option on the LIFE Offering and Private Placement Offering are exercised in full, the aggregate gross proceeds to the Company will be $20,000,049.90.

The LIFE Offering will be offered for sale pursuant to the 'listed issuer financing exemption' under Part 5A of National Instrument 45-106 - Prospectus Exemptions, as amended by CSA Coordinated Blanket Order 45-935 - Exemptions from Certain Conditions of the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption (collectively, the "LIFE Exemption"), in all provinces of Canada, except Quebec, and other qualifying jurisdictions, including the United States. The Units offered under the LIFE Offering will be immediately "free-trading" under applicable Canadian securities laws.

There is an amended and restated offering document (the "Offering Document") related to the LIFE Offering that can be accessed under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca and at the Company's website at www.grsilvermining.com. Prospective investors should read this Offering Document before making an investment decision.

The Private Placement Offering will be offered by way of private placement to accredited investors in each of the provinces of Canada and may also be offered in those other jurisdictions where the Private Placement Offering can lawfully be made, including the United States under applicable private placement exemptions. The Units to be issued under the Private Placement Offering will have a statutory hold period of four months and one day from Closing.

The closing of the Offerings is expected to occur on or about the week of December 15, 2025 (the "Closing"), or such other earlier or later date as the Underwriters may determine. Closing is subject to the Company receiving all necessary regulatory approvals, including the conditional approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.

The Underwriters will receive a cash commission of 6.0% of the aggregate gross proceeds of the Offerings and such number of broker warrants (the "Broker Warrants") as is equal to 6.0% of the number of Units sold under the Offerings. Each Broker Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one Unit at an exercise price equal to the Offering Price for a period of 36 months following the Closing.

This press release is not an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the securities in the United States or in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to qualification or registration under the securities laws of such jurisdiction. The securities being offered have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and such securities may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons absent registration or an applicable exemption from U.S. registration requirements and applicable U.S. state securities laws.

About GR Silver Mining Ltd.

GR Silver Mining is a Canadian-based, Mexico-focused junior mineral exploration company engaged in cost-effective silver-gold resource expansion on its 100%-owned assets, located on the eastern edge of the Rosario Mining District, in the southeast of Sinaloa State, Mexico. GR Silver Mining controls 100% of the Plomosas Project, including the former Plomosas underground mine and wide, high-grade silver mineralized zones at the San Marcial Area. Recent discoveries in the 78 km of highly prospective, advanced-stage exploration concessions position the Company well for resource expansion at the Plomosas Project.

GR Silver Mining Ltd.

Marcio Fonseca, President & CEO

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

This news release includes certain statements and information that constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical facts are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements and forward-looking information specifically include, but are not limited to, statements that relate to the completion of the Offerings and the timing thereof, the use of proceeds of the Offerings, the exercise by the Underwriters of the Underwriters' Option, the timely receipt of all necessary approvals, including approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.

Such forward-looking statements or information are based on a number of assumptions, which may prove to be incorrect. Assumptions have been made regarding, among other things: conditions in general economic and financial markets; accuracy of assay results; geological interpretations from drilling results, timing and amount of capital expenditures; performance of available laboratory and other related services; future operating costs; and the historical basis for current estimates of potential quantities and grades of target zones. The actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of risk factors, including the timing and content of work programs; results of exploration activities and development of mineral properties; the interpretation and uncertainties of drilling results and other geological data; receipt, maintenance and security of permits and mineral property titles; environmental and other regulatory risks; project costs overruns or unanticipated costs and expenses; availability of funds; failure to delineate potential quantities and grades of the target zones based on historical data; and general market and industry conditions. Forward-looking statements are based on the expectations and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. The assumptions used in the preparation of such statements, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date the statements were made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements included in this news release if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as otherwise required by applicable law.

Neither the 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.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/276472

SOURCE: GR Silver Mining Ltd. (fka Goldplay Exploration)
LONDON, Dec. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Credence Research announces the latest analysis of the Quantum Computing-As-A-Service (QCaaS) Market, highlighting an inflection point as quantum capabilities move from lab environments to cloud-delivered enterprise services. The Quantum Computing-As-A-Service (QCaaS) Market size was valued at USD 640.00 million in 2018, reached USD 1,817.96 million in 2024, and is anticipated to reach USD 18,598.33 million by 2032, registering a robust CAGR of 33.88% over the forecast period (2024-2032).

QCaaS is a cloud-based delivery model that allows organizations to access quantum processors, simulators, development environments, and software tools remotely, without owning fragile and expensive quantum hardware.

Major cloud providers and quantum specialists increasingly offer pay-per-use or subscription-based access to quantum backends, lowering entry barriers for industries such as banking, pharmaceuticals, automotive, logistics, and cybersecurity.

This as-a-service approach positions QCaaS as a critical bridge between today's noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) devices and tomorrow's fault-tolerant systems, enabling enterprises to build skills, test algorithms, and identify high-impact use cases ahead of mass-scale commercialization..

Market Overview

The Quantum Computing-As-A-Service (QCaaS) Market has transitioned from an experimental concept to an emerging strategic capability within modern digital infrastructure. Moving from USD 640.00 million in 2018 to USD 1,817.96 million in 2024, the market already reflects strong early-adopter momentum across finance, life sciences, manufacturing, energy, and public sector organizations. As more companies recognize that in-house quantum hardware is prohibitively costly and technically complex, cloud-based QCaaS becomes the preferred on-ramp to quantum experimentation and pilot deployment.

Under Credence Research's current outlook, the market is anticipated to reach USD 18,598.33 million by 2032, corresponding to a CAGR of 33.88% between 2024 and 2032. This trajectory underscores how QCaaS is evolving in lockstep with improvements in qubit quality, error mitigation techniques, and algorithmic innovation. By accessing quantum systems over the cloud, enterprises can explore optimization, simulation, and machine learning problems that strain classical architectures, while paying only for capacity used.

Beyond raw compute access, QCaaS offerings increasingly bundle software development kits, workflow orchestration tools, and prebuilt algorithmic modules. Platforms from leading providers integrate quantum resources with familiar cloud services, enabling hybrid quantum-classical workflows where classical HPC nodes manage large-scale data and orchestration, while quantum backends tackle specific computational bottlenecks.

This convergence unlocks practical value in areas such as portfolio optimization, route planning, molecular simulation, and risk modeling, even before fully error-corrected machines arrive.

The competitive landscape remains dynamic, with large cloud providers, quantum hardware specialists, and software-native start-ups all shaping service models and pricing strategies. While the technology is still early in its maturity cycle, growing numbers of pilot projects, consortia, and cross-industry collaborations attest to the market's rapid institutionalization. As enterprises move from proof-of-concept to targeted production integration, QCaaS is expected to emerge as a mainstream category within the broader cloud and HPC ecosystem.

Browse the report and understand how it can benefit your business strategy - https://www.credenceresearch.com/report/quantum-computing-as-a-service-qcaas-market

Key Growth Determinants

Cloud-Based Democratization of Quantum Access

A key growth determinant for the Quantum Computing-As-A-Service (QCaaS) Market is the democratization of quantum access through cloud platforms. QCaaS eliminates the need for capital-intensive quantum hardware, specialized cryogenic infrastructure, and scarce in-house quantum engineering expertise.

Enterprises instead connect to quantum processors and simulators via standard cloud interfaces, paying on a usage or subscription basis. This model opens the door for banks, pharma companies, logistics operators, and mid-sized manufacturers to experiment with quantum algorithms alongside their existing cloud workloads. By lowering cost and complexity barriers while offering scalable, on-demand resources, QCaaS accelerates both experimentation and early-stage deployment, reinforcing sustained market expansion.

Rising Demand for Advanced Optimization and Simulation

Another powerful determinant is the rising demand for more capable optimization and simulation tools across industries. Many real-world problems such as portfolio optimization, complex supply chain design, molecular modeling, and power grid scheduling are computationally intractable or extremely costly using classical methods. QCaaS platforms promise to address these bottlenecks by exploiting quantum superposition and entanglement to explore larger solution spaces more efficiently.

As enterprises search for ways to squeeze additional value from their data and analytics investments, interest in quantum-enhanced workflows grows. Early successes in financial modeling, drug discovery, and materials research reinforce executive confidence that QCaaS can provide differentiated outcomes compared with conventional HPC alone.

Strengthening Ecosystem of Hardware, Software, and Partnerships

Market growth is also propelled by a strengthening ecosystem that spans hardware providers, cloud hyperscalers, software vendors, and consulting firms. Leading quantum players and cloud providers offer integrated QCaaS environments that combine multiple hardware modalities such as superconducting qubits, trapped ions, and quantum annealers with open-source and proprietary software frameworks.

Partnerships with system integrators and advisory firms help translate quantum capabilities into sector-specific solutions and implementation roadmaps. Educational initiatives, developer tooling, and open-source SDKs further expand the talent pool and reduce the barrier to building quantum algorithms. This ecosystem maturity creates a virtuous cycle: as more stakeholders invest, the value and usability of QCaaS platforms improve, stimulating further adoption.

Key Growth Barriers

Technological Immaturity and Hardware Limitations

Despite strong momentum, the Quantum Computing-As-A-Service (QCaaS) Market faces significant constraints from the underlying hardware maturity. Current devices operate in the noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) regime, with limited qubit counts, short coherence times, and high error rates.

These limitations restrict the class and scale of problems that can be meaningfully addressed today and demand sophisticated error mitigation and algorithm design. Many enterprise stakeholders remain cautious, unsure when quantum advantage for their specific workloads will materialize. The gap between expectations and current capabilities can delay investment decisions, especially for risk-averse sectors, tempering the pace of QCaaS revenue growth in the short to medium term.

Talent Shortage and Skills Gaps

A pronounced shortage of quantum-literate talent also acts as a drag on QCaaS adoption. Developing quantum algorithms requires knowledge of quantum mechanics, computer science, and domain-specific modeling, while integrating QCaaS into production workflows demands cloud, security, and DevOps expertise.

Many enterprises lack internal teams capable of evaluating use cases, designing pilots, and managing long-term quantum roadmaps. Although providers are investing in training, tool abstraction, and consulting services, the skills gap remains substantial. Without adequate in-house or partner support, organizations struggle to move beyond small experiments, limiting the scale of QCaaS consumption and slowing the transition from pilot projects to material business value.

Security, Governance, and ROI Uncertainty

Security, governance, and ROI uncertainty represent another cluster of barriers. QCaaS relies on transmitting sensitive datasets and models to third-party cloud environments, raising concerns around data sovereignty, regulatory compliance, and intellectual property protection.

At the same time, the long-term implications of quantum computing for cryptography and digital security create strategic ambiguity, pushing organizations to rethink key management and post-quantum safeguards. Many decision-makers also struggle to quantify the return on investment for early QCaaS initiatives, given the evolving roadmap to full-scale advantage. This combination of risk perception and unclear payback profiles can delay budget allocation or confine projects to narrow, low-exposure domains.

Key Market Trends

Shift Toward Hybrid Quantum-Classical Workflows

A defining trend in the Quantum Computing-As-A-Service (QCaaS) Market is the shift from isolated quantum experiments to hybrid quantum-classical architectures. Providers now embed quantum resources within broader cloud ecosystems, enabling classical servers to handle data ingestion, pre-processing, and post-analysis while quantum backends focus on specific optimization, sampling, or simulation kernels.

his hybrid approach reflects practical realities: near-term quantum devices excel at certain sub-tasks but cannot yet replace classical HPC. Orchestration tools, APIs, and workflow managers increasingly abstract away low-level hardware details, allowing developers to call quantum routines from familiar programming environments and integrate them into existing analytics pipelines.

Verticalized QCaaS Solutions and Industry Consortia

Another prominent trend is the emergence of verticalized QCaaS offerings and multi-stakeholder consortia. QCaaS providers collaborate with financial institutions, pharmaceutical companies, automotive manufacturers, and energy utilities to co-develop domain-specific algorithms, benchmarks, and proof-of-concept projects.

These initiatives focus on practical use cases such as portfolio hedging strategies, drug candidate screening, traffic flow optimization, and power grid stability analysis. Industry consortia and research alliances help share risk, pool expertise, and accelerate knowledge transfer. Over time, successful pilots give rise to reusable solution templates, reference architectures, and best practices, fostering repeatable QCaaS deployments across organizations facing similar computational challenges.

Expansion of Quantum Developer Ecosystems and Open Tooling

The rapid expansion of quantum developer ecosystems and open tooling also shapes the QCaaS landscape. Open-source frameworks and SDKs, including those aligned with major QCaaS providers, lower entry barriers for developers seeking to prototype algorithms on simulators and hardware.

Educational content, online courses, and community challenges attract students, researchers, and software engineers into the quantum domain, creating a pipeline of future users for QCaaS platforms. At the same time, marketplaces and app stores for quantum algorithms, libraries, and domain modules begin to emerge, enabling organizations to consume prebuilt capabilities rather than designing everything from scratch-further supporting the market's scale-up phase.

Key Opportunities

Early-Mover Advantage for Quantum-Ready Enterprises

The Quantum Computing-As-A-Service (QCaaS) Market offers substantial early-mover opportunities for enterprises that invest now in building quantum literacy and pilot solutions. Organizations that experiment with quantum-enhanced optimization, simulation, or machine learning can identify high-impact use cases, refine data pipelines, and train internal teams ahead of competitors.

As hardware and algorithms mature, these early adopters will be positioned to scale winning proofs-of-concept quickly, secure strategic partnerships with QCaaS providers, and shape emerging standards in their industries. This first-mover edge is particularly relevant in sectors where small performance gains translate into outsized economic advantage, such as finance, logistics, and advanced materials.

Democratization to SMEs and Start-Ups via Cloud Models

Another opportunity lies in the democratization of QCaaS access to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups. Pay-per-use pricing, tiered subscription models, and free or low-cost simulator access enable smaller organizations to explore quantum use cases without heavy upfront investment.

Innovative start-ups can leverage QCaaS to differentiate their analytics, optimization, and security offerings, while niche consulting firms can build specialized expertise atop public quantum platforms. As cloud providers refine billing, resource scheduling, and multi-tenant security, QCaaS is poised to become another standard component of the broader SaaS and PaaS ecosystem, accessible to a wide spectrum of innovators.

National and Regional Quantum Programs Fueling QCaaS Demand

National and regional quantum technology initiatives represent a further opportunity for QCaaS expansion. Governments across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific are investing heavily in quantum research, infrastructure, and workforce development, often emphasizing cloud-accessible testbeds and innovation hubs.

These programs encourage universities, start-ups, and enterprises to experiment with QCaaS, frequently under favorable funding or partnership frameworks. Public-sector projects in defense, climate modeling, healthcare, and transportation also stimulate demand for secure, scalable quantum cloud environments. As sovereign and regional quantum strategies mature, QCaaS providers that can align with regulatory, security, and localization requirements stand to capture significant growth.

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Segmentation

By Component

Hardware

Software

Services

By Application

Optimization

Machine Learning

Simulation

Others

By End-User

BFSI

Healthcare

Manufacturing

IT and Telecommunications

Government

Others

By Deployment Mode

Cloud

On-Premises

By Enterprise Size

Small and Medium Enterprises

Large Enterprises

Based on Region:

North America

United States



Canada

Europe

United Kingdom



Germany



France

Asia-Pacific

China



India



Japan

Latin America

Brazil



Mexico

Middle East & Africa

South Africa



United Arab Emirates

Regional Analysis

Regionally, North America currently leads the Quantum Computing-As-A-Service (QCaaS) Market, underpinned by a strong concentration of hyperscale cloud providers, quantum hardware innovators, and venture-backed software start-ups. Providers such as IBM, Amazon Web Services (Amazon Braket), Microsoft Azure Quantum, and Google's quantum services anchor a dense ecosystem of tools, educational programs, and enterprise pilots.

Robust venture capital, a mature cloud adoption base, and significant government funding further reinforce regional leadership, particularly in financial services, life sciences, aerospace, and technology sectors.

Europe represents a fast-growing market, supported by coordinated programs under the EU's quantum initiatives and strong national efforts in countries such as Germany, France, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.

European players are active across hardware, middleware, and application layers, with cloud-based access models gaining traction within high-performance computing centers and research consortia. Asia-Pacific is emerging as another key growth engine, driven by large-scale investments in China, Japan, South Korea, and India in quantum communication, computing, and sensing. Government-backed projects, telecom operators, and regional cloud providers are exploring QCaaS as a mechanism to scale access to quantum resources across academic, industrial, and public-sector stakeholders. Other regions, including Latin America and the Middle East, are at earlier stages but show rising interest through pilot collaborations and participation in global quantum networks.

Credence Research's Competitive Landscape Analysis

Credence Research's Competitive Landscape Analysis of the Quantum Computing-As-A-Service (QCaaS) Market maps a rapidly evolving arena where cloud hyperscalers, quantum hardware specialists, and software-native innovators compete and collaborate. The study profiles leading providers offering QCaaS platforms, including major cloud players with integrated quantum workspaces and pure-play quantum companies that expose their processors via partner clouds or dedicated portals. It examines service portfolios across hardware modalities, algorithmic capabilities, development tools, pricing structures, and security features, while benchmarking strategic initiatives such as ecosystem partnerships, open-source contributions, and industry-specific solution frameworks.

The analysis also evaluates how vendors pursue differentiation through hybrid quantum-classical orchestration, verticalized offerings for finance, pharmaceuticals, logistics, and manufacturing, and advisory services that help customers define quantum roadmaps. By assessing product roadmaps, patent activity, funding dynamics, and regional expansion strategies, Credence Research provides a granular view of competitive positioning and potential consolidation trajectories. This perspective equips investors, technology leaders, and policy makers with actionable insights into which QCaaS providers are best placed to capture value as the market scales from early experimentation to mission-critical enterprise deployments over the coming decade..

Key Player Analysis

IBM Corporation

Google LLC

Microsoft Corporation

D-Wave Systems Inc.

Rigetti Computing

Honeywell International Inc.

Intel Corporation

Alibaba Quantum Laboratory

IonQ, Inc.

Quantum Circuits Inc.

Xanadu Quantum Technologies

Cambridge Quantum Computing Ltd.

Atos SE

Fujitsu Limited

Toshiba Corporation

Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE)

Amazon Web Services (AWS)

QxBranch

1QBit Information Technologies Inc.

Zapata Computing Inc.

Recent Industry Developments

In October 2025, PQShield entered a strategic alliance with Carahsoft Technology Corp. to accelerate the deployment of Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) solutions across U.S. government agencies via QCaaS platforms. The collaboration focuses on strengthening federal cybersecurity ecosystems and ensuring alignment with evolving NSA-compliant cryptographic standards.

In July 2025, Amazon Braket expanded its quantum infrastructure with the introduction of Emerald, a 54-qubit superconducting processor featuring full square lattice connectivity and higher-fidelity gate operations. The launch significantly enhances the computational capabilities available through Amazon's QCaaS ecosystem, positioning it to better serve enterprise workloads and advanced research requiring scalable quantum performance.

Reasons to Purchase this Report:

Gain a comprehensive understanding of the market through qualitative and quantitative analyses, considering both economic and non-economic factors, with segmentation and sub-segmentation details provided in terms of market value (USD Billion).

Identify regions and segments expected to experience the fastest growth or dominate the market, with a detailed analysis of geographic consumption patterns and the factors driving or hindering market performance in each region.

Stay informed about the competitive environment, with rankings of major players, recent product and service launches, partnerships, business expansions, and acquisitions from the past five years.

Access detailed profiles of major market players, including company overviews, insights, product benchmarking, and SWOT analysis, to understand competitive advantages and market positioning.

Explore the present and forecasted market landscape, with insights into growth opportunities, market drivers, challenges, and constraints for both developed and emerging regions.

Benefit from Porter's Five Forces analysis and Value Chain insights to evaluate various market perspectives and competitive dynamics.

Understand the evolving market scenario, including potential growth opportunities and trends expected in the coming years.

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Chicago, Illinois--(Newsfile Corp. - December 1, 2025) - Dog Bite Laws announced today that it will host its annual The Warming Project on Dec. 6 at the Hillside Public Library, continuing the firm's tradition of community support across the Chicagoland area. As part of the 2025 initiative, the firm will distribute 300 winter coats, 500 hats and 500 pairs of gloves to children and families. The effort is designed to ease seasonal hardships and reinforce neighborhood ties as temperatures drop.





Dog Bite Laws Continues Tradition and Hosts Annual "The Warming Project" Chicagoland Community Event

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The Warming Project is a recurring community event organized by Dog Bite Laws and aligned with the firm's broader commitment to service. This year's drive reflects steady planning with local partners to streamline distribution, prioritize families with school-age children and improve pick-up access at a central, transit-friendly location. The firm said the program underscores its operational focus on consistent, annual delivery rather than one-off activations.

In keeping with the business nature of the announcement, Dog Bite Laws is emphasizing logistics, reach and continuity. The 2025 distribution goals were set after assessing last year's turnout and inventory usage, including times of peak demand and on-site queue management. Organizers will stage items for rapid handoff and maintain a rolling count to prevent shortages late in the day. Any surplus will be reallocated to partner organizations serving adjacent suburbs.

The Warming Project also functions as an information touchpoint. Families attending the event may explore Dog Bite Laws' online guides designed to help households stay informed about safety and liability. The firm's website features tools such as the Dog Bite Settlement Calculator, which helps families understand potential compensation following a bite injury, and My Dog Bit Someone, a step-by-step guide for dog owners on what to do after an incident. These resources aim to assist families with children and active community lifestyles in navigating dog-related safety issues responsibly.

The firm noted that its professionals will be present in a volunteer capacity to coordinate distribution and answer basic process questions about the program itself. Individual lawyers will not be featured in speaking roles, and no case consultations will occur on site. The approach mirrors prior years, in which Dog Bite Laws prioritized neutral, community-first operations and avoided promotional activity. Program details and updates are available at The Warming Project.

Dog Bite Laws selected the Hillside Public Library to support equitable access for families traveling from Chicago's West Side and near-west suburbs. Doors will open mid-morning with timed entry windows to help reduce lines. The firm will publish final distribution metrics after the event as part of its year-end community report.

About Dog Bite Laws

Dog Bite Laws is a U.S. law practice focused on representing individuals in matters related to dog-related injuries and incidents. The firm operates a public information hub that includes tools and articles to help residents understand state and local frameworks governing liability, safety and reporting. Its professionals are licensed in multiple jurisdictions and work with community partners to provide accurate, accessible information.

The firm maintains online resources, including the Dog Bite Settlement Calculator, state-by-state guides, and practical advisories such as My Dog Bit Someone. Dog Bite Laws communicates regularly with local organizations to share seasonal updates, including The Warming Project, and publishes event logistics in advance to support orderly, efficient participation.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/275465

SOURCE: Plentisoft
MILAN, Dec. 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Politecnico di Milano today held an inauguration ceremony for its 163rd academic year,where it focused on the values of responsibility, knowledge and cohesion in a highly polarised global context marked by tensions and profound change. The inauguration speech centred around the Politecnico's role as an intermediary, a body with the ability to piece together the bigger picture; an institution that can turn change into something meaningful, through critical thinking and measured reflection on the role of technology. A 'global vision', European identity and science diplomacy feature prominently in the forthcoming Strategic Plan 2026-28. The most significant new steps include the launch of three BSc courses in English in the field of engineering.

The speakers were: Mayor of Milan Giuseppe Sala,

Lombardy Region's Councillor for University, Research and Innovation Alessandro Fermi, President of the Student Council Michele Gaetano Giussani, Rector of the Politecnico di Milano Donatella Sciuto, President Mario Draghi.

The Politecnico: the single thread that binds responsibility and critical thinking

The Rector reminded the audience that civilisation becomes fragile when it fails to hold itself to account, warning that polarisation, disinformation and geopolitical tensions risk weakening mutual trust.

'Today, more than ever, we need free spaces in which to exercise our autonomy, far from autocratic ideologies,' the Rector said, reaffirming the Politecnico's role as a garrison of critical thinking, dialogue and civic responsibility.

Scientific diplomacy and the Politecnico's global role

The Rector outlined the main objectives for the next three years, indicating scientific diplomacy as a crucial strategic lever. Between 2023 and 2025, the Politecnico promoted over 60 research and international cooperation initiatives, consolidated projects with African countries (a 25% increase), and launched eight partnerships with UN agencies. It has also been confirmed that the two UNESCO Chairs (first established in 2012) will be renewed for the fourth time.

'The Politecnico di Milano stands at the centre of a new scientific diplomacy, contributing our expertise to peace and international collaboration,' said Professor Sciuto.

Europe: common identity, shared responsibility

Europe sits at the forefront of this 'global vision'. The Politecnico will set up a permanent seat in Brussels in 2026 to strengthen dialogue with European institutions, which is also a strategic move with the FP10 Framework Programme due to launch in the next few years.

Tech Europe Foundation (TEF) is a key example of the Politecnico's actions in response to Europe's need to close the innovation gap that Draghi mentions in the Competitiveness Report. This joint venture with Universita Bocconi, Fondazione ION, FSI and the Chamber of Commerce of Milan Monza Brianza Lodi has already raised 120 million euros, financed over 50 researchers and launched programmes dedicated to the development of scientific entrepreneurship.

Europe was, in fact, a core theme, described as a cultural horizon and shared identity, as well as a political and scientific space. The Rector noted that if Europe is to compete in technological transitions, it must reduce internal divisions: 'A Europe founded on Enlightenment notions and ideals today finds itself having to reflect on its own fractures; it is the victim of internal dissent that has never been healed, incapable of decisively tackling global challenges that, on a scientific and technological level, see it pushed into a difficult position on the world chessboard.'

International education: three new undergraduate degrees in English from 2026

In 2025, the Politecnico recorded an all-time high in the number of international students: almost 9,000 enrolled, including more than 6,000 master's students. From September 2026, three new BSc courses will be offered, in English: Engineering Science (in Milan), Industrial Engineering (in Piacenza), Process Engineering (in Cremona). They will be unique, on account of their multidisciplinary nature and their focus on global collaboration.

'These degrees are a sign of our responsibility towards the new generations, fitting into the wider framework of international competition and providing the tools that will allow them to navigate a complex world and enhance the value of our communities,' added the Rector.

Inclusion and the right to study

The Politecnico has reaffirmed its inclusive approach of guaranteeing the right to study for every single one of 7,000+ eligible students, by putting 9.5 million euros of its own funds behind it. Donatella Sciuto also mentioned UNICORE (University Corridors for Refugees), a two-year project with UNHCR under which nine refugee students were admitted, as well as scholarships that were offered to students from war zones.

'The most authentic sense of our mission lies in the individuals and the journeys they make, that intersect and find new life in our classrooms,' the Rector emphasised.

Teams and competitions: talent and design workshops

The ceremony highlighted the 20 student teams engaged in international competitions involving some 900 students each year. An exemplar of collaboration, creativity and interdisciplinary vision, they span 16 nations and four continents. Student competitions are a fitting metaphor for the Politecnico's investment in young people and young people's ability to get stuck into new challenges on a global stage.

The speech cited the achievements of the PolimiSailing Team, the Polimi ACMTeam, the Polimi Trust Onrust Team and PoliMove as being symbolic of what the student community is able to achieve through its projects.

'The Politecnico community is united by a common thread that weaves its way across generations, ideas and responsibilities,' concluded the Rector. 'The future is not simply the fate that awaits us; rather it is that thread - it is the ideas and hands of those who choose to build it, binding together generations. Where thought unites us, nothing is lost.'

Get the press kit at https://bit.ly/inaugurazione163.



For more information:

Media Relations, relazionimedia@polimi.it

Press Office LaPresse - ufficio.stampa@lapresse.it

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/47473144-e2e5-493c-a6ce-6252e1f4cbb3
Capri Holdings Limited (NYSE:CPRI), a global fashion luxury group, today announced that John D. Idol, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and Rajal Mehta, Interim Chief Financial Officer, will be participating in a fireside chat at the Morgan Stanley Global Consumer and Retail Conference, held at the InterContinental New York Barclay Hotel in New York City, on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at 11:00 AM Eastern Time.

The event will be webcast live on the Company's Investor Relations website, www.capriholdings.com. An archived replay will be available following the conclusion of the live event.

About Capri Holdings Limited

Capri Holdings is a global fashion luxury group consisting of iconic brands Michael Kors, Jimmy Choo and Versace. Our commitment to glamorous style and craftsmanship is at the heart of each of our luxury brands. We have built our reputation on designing exceptional, innovative products that cover the full spectrum of fashion luxury categories. Our strength lies in the unique DNA and heritage of each of our brands, the diversity and passion of our people and our dedication to the clients and communities we serve. Capri Holdings Limited is publicly listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker CPRI.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251201924895/en/

Contacts:

Investor Relations:

Jennifer Davis

+1 (201) 514-8234

Jennifer.Davis@CapriHoldings.com

Media:

Press@CapriHoldings.com
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 1, 2025) - European Electric Metals Inc. (TSXV: EVX) (the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into a mineral property purchase agreement dated November 28, 2025 (the "Purchase Agreement") with Storm Exploration Inc., a company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange, ("Storm") whereby the Company has agreed to acquire a number of mineral claims, patented claims and mining licence located in the Miminiska-Fort Hope greenstone belt in the Thunder Bay North Mining District, Ontario (the "Miminiska Gold Property" or the "Property").

To reflect this new direction, the Company also announces it will be changing its name to "Canadian Goldfields Discovery Corp." and will advise on timing of the name and symbol change prior to it occurring.

Highlights of the Miminiska Gold Property:

While 85% of identified strike length is largely untested by drilling, multiple high grade gold drill intersections have been reported.

Notable historic drill intercepts include 20.84m at 5.75 g/t Au, 3.96m at 13.45 g/t Au and 11.18m at 4.49 g/t Au (true widths are unknown).*

Gold mineralization primarily hosted within Algoma-type Banded Iron Formations (BIF)

Recent ground geophysical surveys identified several targets within the Miminiska prospect that have not yet been drill tested and that are similar in response to the known zones of high-grade gold mineralization.

Potentially analogous deposit type is Orla Mining Ltd.'s Musselwhite Mine located approximately 150 km north-east of the Miminiska Property.

About the Miminiska Gold Property

The Miminiska Gold Property is located approximately 350 kilometres (km) north of the city of Thunder Bay, 115 km east of the town of Pickle Lake, and approximately 40 km west of Fort Hope, Ontario. The property comprises 278 unpatented mining claims, 43 mining patents and 1 mining licence of occupation ("MLO"), covering a total area of 6,366.4 hectares (ha), distributed over three contiguous blocks named Miminiska Lake, Wottam Lake, and Frond Lake.

The Property is located within Eabametoong First Nation ("EFN") territory. There is a current (updated in 2025) Exploration Agreement in place with the EFN, which establishes a framework for ongoing cooperation and consultation and provides opportunities for the community to participate in the project through employment, training and business development.

Geology and Mineralization:

The Property lies within the Miminiska - Fort Hope greenstone belt, approximately 150 km southeast of Orla Mining Ltd.'s Musselwhite Gold Mine. The Property is within the Uchi Subprovince, an east-trending, predominantly metavolcanic-metasedimentary belt in the Superior Province of the Canadian Shield. The Uchi Subprovince forms part of the North Caribou Terrane that hosts the prolific Red Lake Gold Mines, Musselwhite Gold Mine, and past gold producers (all off-Property), notably the Pickle Crow Mine located approximately 115 km west of the Property.

The Property is underlain predominantly by very well laminated locally turbiditic appearing units of interbedded wacke, quarzitic wacke and slate/argillite. Mafic volcanic units observed in the northeastern portion of the Property are massive to amygdaloidal in texture and are commonly strongly amphibole and biotite altered due to regional metamorphism.

All the rock units found on the Property are Early Precambrian in age, with the exception of a few north-trending diabase dykes of Middle Precambrian age. Quaternary deposits of glacial till, and glaciolacustrine and glaciofluvial sand and esker gravels now cover much of the bedrock. A major unit of banded oxide facies iron formation trends east-west across the northern portion of the Property based on the limited geological mapping and magnetic surveys.

Gold mineralization on the Property is primarily associated with banded iron formations and east-west striking shear zones over a length of 14 km across the Property.





Figure 1. Location of the Miminiska Property

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Historic Exploration:

Exploration at the Property dates back to the early 1930s and 1940s, when the Miminiska, Frond, and Wottam Lake prospects were discovered.

Modern exploration at the Property began in the 1960s. Since that time, there has been intermittent drilling of the property with 237 diamond drill holes completed totalling 28,265m primarily in the Frond Lake and Miminiska Lake blocks. The last significant sized drill program (47 NQ-sized diamond drill holes totalling 9,249m) was conducted from 2003-2005. It was during this program that notable intercepts such as 20.84m at 5.75 g/t Au and 11.18m at 4.49 g/t Au were drilled.*

In recent years (since 2021), a Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) survey, an airborne magnetic geophysical survey, a ground magnetic and electromagnetic (EM) geophysical survey, and a small 659.2m diamond drilling program have been completed.

Results from the LiDAR survey were used to identify geological outcrops and structures of interest, detect alteration and mineralization patterns, and produce a high-resolution digital elevation model of the Property. The airborne magnetic survey covered the entire Property and delineated several significant northeast trending structures. The ground magnetic and EM survey covered the Miminiska Lake block located on the southwest portion of the Property and targeted the extensively faulted and folded banded iron formation (BIF) in that area. The ground geophysical surveys identified several targets within the Miminiska prospect that have not yet been tested with drilling and that are similar in response to the known zones of high-grade gold mineralization. The EM survey delineated the BIF of the Miminiska prospect and provided information on the structural setting of the Property.

The 2 diamond drillholes totalling 659.2 m drilled at the Miminiska prospect adjacent to Miminiska Lake in 2022 laterally extended known high-grade mineralization in the folded iron formation by 130m.

Initial Exploration Plans:

Following closing, initial exploration planned by the Company is anticipated to include step out and exploration drilling at the Miminiska prospect, located on the southwest portion of the Property, and Frond Lake prospect, located on the southeast portion of the Property. At the Miminiska prospect, step out drilling is anticipated to take place along strike of the central limb of the folded iron formation, with exploration drill testing of the north and south limbs of the BIF. Since most anomalous gold values are associated with quartz veins within oxide iron formation, the Company plans to utilize the 2022 geophysical data to locate structural breaks proximal to strong magnetic anomalies and subsequently use these specific locations to define drill targets for future exploration. Step out drilling at Frond Lake is planned to extend historical drilling to the west.

Initial regional work planned includes a VTEM survey over the entire Property to map conductive units to increase the geological understanding of the Property and to assist in Phase 2 drill targeting. Ground follow up exploration, including geological mapping, prospecting, and rock sampling of exposed outcrops, will be conducted over geophysical anomalies with priority given to anomalies that coincide with interpreted BIF horizons and that are associated with structural complexities and/or near historical occurrences.

The estimated cost of the anticipated 2,000m Phase 1 drilling and exploration program for the Property totals approximately CAD$1,900,000.

CEO Appointment:

The Company is also pleased to announce the appointment of current Chairman and Director, Mr. John Booth as Chief Executive Officer.

Mr. Booth has more than 25 years' experience in the international capital markets as an investment banker, fund manager, lawyer and senior executive working for firms including Merrill Lynch International, ICAP, CEDEF, ABN AMRO Bank NV, CIBC, the World Bank, Climate Change Capital and Conservation Finance International. He brings more than 25 years experience as a non-executive chair and director of multiple public companies involved in natural resources, finance and technology.

Mr. Booth is Chairman of Laramide Resources, Lead Independent Director at Cerro De Pasco Resources and former Director and Audit Committee Chairman of Maya Gold & Silver (now Aya Gold & Silver), Chairman . Since 2023, he has been a guest lecturer in the MBA program at the University of Oxford, and for the past five years, in the MSc Program at Kings College, University of London where he focuses on environmental and social governance (ESG).

Mr. Booth holds a BSc (Hons) in Biology and Environmental Science, LLB, JD and LLM, and is a licensed attorney in New York, Ontario and Washington, DC.

Mr. Fred Tejada, P.Geo, has resigned as Chief Executive Officer of the Company, but will continue as an active contributor to the Company via his ongoing role as a Director.

Terms of Agreement:

Under the terms of the Purchase Agreement, the Company has agreed to agree to acquire Storm's interest in the Miminiska Property and, in consideration of which, the Company has agreed to:

(a) make cash payments to Storm totaling $3,525,000 as follows:

(i) $200,000 as a non-refundable deposit (the "Deposit") to be paid on the later of execution of the Purchase Agreement and confirmation from the TSX Venture Exchange;

(ii) $1,800,000 (the "Closing Cash Payment") to be paid on the date of closing (the "Closing Date");

(iii) $1,000,000 to be paid on or before three months after the Closing Date;

(iv) $525,000 to be paid on or before nine months after the Closing Date.

(b) issue to Storm $2,287,000 in common shares of the Company as follows:

(i) $1,500,000 common shares of the Company (the "First Consideration Shares") on the Closing Date;

(ii) $787,500 common shares of the Company (the "Second Consideration Shares" and together with the First Consideration Shares, the "Consideration Shares") on or before nine months after the Closing Date.

The First Consideration Shares will be issued at $0.20 per share, being a total of 7,500,000 common shares of the Company. The Second Consideration Shares will be issued at the 30-day volume-weighted average price on the date that is five business days prior to the issuance date of the Second Consideration Shares, subject to a minimum price equal to the "Discounted Market Price" as such term is defined under the policies of the Exchange.

The Consideration Shares will be subject to restrictions on resale for a period of four months after the date of issue. In addition to the foregoing restriction period, the First Consideration Shares will be subject to the following voluntary resale restrictions: (i) 25% of the First Consideration Shares will be subject to restrictions on resale until four months after the Closing Date, (ii) 25% of the First Consideration Shares will be subject to restrictions on resale until eight months after the Closing Date; (iii) 25% of the First Consideration Shares will be subject to restrictions on resale until twelve months after the closing date; and (iv) the final 25% of the First Consideration Shares will be subject to restrictions on resale until sixteen months after the Closing Date.

A significant portion of the Closing Cash Payment will be used to exercise Storm's option on the Property from Landore Resources Canada Inc. ("Landore") Upon exercise of the option, Landore will retain a 2% net smelter royalty (the "Landore Royalty"), of which 50% may be repurchased with a one time payment of C$1,000,000. In addition to the Landore Royalty, the Property is also subject to a historical royalty equal to 2% of the net value of the metals on certain mineral claims and a 2% net carrying interest on certain other mineral claims.

Prior to closing, the Company anticipates entering into a revised Exploration Agreement with the Eabametoong First Nation on substantially similar terms as the existing Exploration Agreement, but excluding mineral claims and licenses to be retained by Storm.

Neither the Company nor Storm will pay a finders fee in connection with the Transaction. The Company and its insiders do not have any relationship with Storm, its assets and the non-arm's length parties of Storm. The Transaction is not a non-arm's length transaction.

The Transaction is subject to approval of the TSX Venture Exchange and such other customary conditions set forth in the Purchase Agreement.

The common shares of the Company will remain halted pursuant to section 5.6 of Policy 5.3 of the TSX Venture Exchange.

Private Placement Financing

In connection with the Transaction, the Company plans to carry out a private placement financing of $7,000,000 (the "Offering"). The Offering will consist of 27,500,000 common shares of the Company at $0.20 per share for gross proceeds of $5,500,000 (the "HD Offering") and 6,818,181 flow-through common shares ("FT Shares") at a price of $0.22 per FT Share for gross proceeds of up to $1,500,000 (the "FT Offering").

The securities issued under the HD Offering and the FT Offering will be subject to restrictions on resale for a period of four months from the date of issue. The Company may pay finder's fees in accordance with the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange.

The proceeds of the Offering will be used to satisfy the Closing Payment, exploration and drill programs on the Miminiska Property and general working capital purposes.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical information in this news release was reviewed and approved by Fred Tejada, P.Geo., a Qualified Person, as defined by NI 43-101. Mr. Tejada is a director of the Company and is not independent under NI 43-101.

Historical assay information contained from the Technical Report of the Miminiska Lake Project dated April 28, 2025 prepared by B.J. McKay, P. Geo.

Forward-Looking Statements

Information set forth in this news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on assumptions as of the date of this news release. These statements reflect management's current estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations. They are not guarantees of future performance. The Company cautions that all forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain and that actual performance may be affected by many material factors, many of which are beyond their respective control. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties relating to the Company's limited operating history. In particular, closing of the acquisition of the Miminiska Gold Property remains subject to a number of conditions, including, completion of the Offering, entering into new exploration agreements with the Eabametoong First Nation covering solely the Miminiska Gold Property and the acceptance of the TSX Venture Exchange. In addition, the Company's planned exploration program for the Miminiska Gold Property is subject to change. There is no assurance that the Miminiska Gold Property acquisition will be completed as contemplated, or at all. Accordingly, actual and future events, conditions and results may differ materially from the estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company does not undertake to publicly update or revise forward looking information.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/276531

SOURCE: European Electric Metals Corp
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 1, 2025) - Sprock-it Acquisitions Ltd. (TSXV: SPRO.P) ("Sprock-it"), a capital pool company, and U92 Corp. ("U92") are pleased to announce that U92 has closed its previously announced brokered private placement (the "Offering") of subscription receipts (each, a "Subscription Receipt"). Pursuant to the Offering, U92 issued an aggregate of 8,510,800 Subscription Receipts at a price of $0.45 per Subscription Receipt (the "Offering Price") for aggregate gross proceeds of $3,829,860. The Offering was led by Canaccord Genuity Corp. (the "Agent") pursuant to the terms of an agency agreement entered into between U92, Sprock-it and the Agent.

The Offering was conducted in connection with the proposed business combination between Sprock-it and U92 (the "Transaction"), as previously announced and described in press releases dated June 26, 2025, September 9, 2025 and November 28, 2025, that will result in the reverse takeover of Sprock-it by U92 (Sprock-it, as it will exist following the completion of the Transaction, the "Resulting Issuer") and would constitute Sprock-it's "Qualifying Transaction" as such term is defined under Policy 2.4 - Capital Pool Companies of the TSX Venture Exchange.

Upon satisfaction of certain conditions (collectively, the "Escrow Release Conditions"), immediately prior to the closing of the Transaction, each Subscription Receipt will automatically be converted into a unit of U92 (each, a "Unit") without further payment or action on the part of the holder. Each Unit will consist of one (1) common share in the capital of U92 (each, a "U92 Share") and one (1) common share purchase warrant of U92 (each, a "Warrant"). Each such Warrant will be exercisable into one (1) U92 Share at an exercise price of C$0.65 per U92 Share. Immediately after conversion of the Subscription Receipts: (a) each U92 Share issued pursuant to the conversion of the Subscription Receipts will automatically be exchanged pursuant to the terms of the Transaction into one (1) common share in the capital of the Resulting Issuer (each, a "Resulting Issuer Share"); and (b) each Warrant issued pursuant to the conversion of the Subscription Receipts will automatically be exchanged pursuant to the terms of the Transaction into one (1) common share purchase warrant of the Resulting Issuer (each, a "Resulting Issuer Warrant"). Each Resulting Issuer Warrant will be exercisable into one (1) Resulting Issuer Share at an exercise price of C$0.65 per Resulting Issuer Share for a period of five (5) years from the Closing Date (as defined below).

The gross proceeds of the Offering less the portion of the Commission (as defined below) payable in connection with orders from retail brokers and certain reasonable costs and expenses of the Agent will be held in escrow and, upon the satisfaction or waiver of the Escrow Release Conditions, the net proceeds will be released to U92 and the remaining Commission payable to the Agent will be released to the Agent. In the event that the Escrow Release Conditions are not satisfied prior to 5:00 p.m. (Toronto Time) on January 30, 2026 (the "Outside Date"), and subject to agreement by the Agent and U92 to extend the Outside Date, U92 is required to return to holders of Subscription Receipts the proceeds of the Offering and the Subscription Receipts will be cancelled.

The net proceeds from the Offering are intended to be used primarily for working capital and general corporate purposes.

In connection with the Offering, the Agent received: (i) a cash commission of $188,059.16 (the "Commission"), $83,821.50 of which was paid to the Agent on closing while the remaining portion of the Commission will be payable upon the satisfaction of the Escrow Release Conditions, and (ii) 426,438 broker warrants (the "Broker Warrants"). Each Broker Warrant will ultimately entitle the Agent to purchase one (1) Resulting Issuer Share at a price of C$0.45 for a period of 24 months from the satisfaction of the Escrow Release Conditions.

Pursuant to the business combination agreement between Sprock-it and U92 dated September 8, 2025, and in connection with the Offering, the consolidation ratio for Sprock-it common shares ("Sprock-it Shares") shall be 3.277:1, such that 3.277 currently existing Sprock-it Shares will be exchanged for each one new Resulting Issuer Share.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the securities described herein in the United States or in any other jurisdiction, nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any state in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act, or any state securities laws, and accordingly, may not be offered or sold in the United States except in compliance with the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities requirements or pursuant to exemptions therefrom.

About U92 Corp.

U92 was incorporated under the Business Corporations Act (Ontario) on December 13, 2024. U92 is not a reporting issuer in any province or territory of Canada.

U92 is a uranium exploration company, which has entered into a share purchase agreement, pursuant to which U92 has the right to purchase all of the issued and outstanding shares of a private company organized and existing under the laws of Singapore, which indirectly owns the exploration rights for the Kurupung Project in Guyana, South America. U92 intends to focus on advancing the Kurupung Project. U92 is targeting sustainable, high-grade uranium resources to support the global clean energy transition and is strategically positioned to benefit from the growing demand and supply deficit in the uranium market. U92's flagship Kurupung Project holds a 92.2 km land package in the Aricheng Batholith, a well-established shear-hosted uranium district in Guyana.

Prior to the filing of the filing statement in connection with the Transaction, a technical report in respect of the flagship Kurupung Project will be filed with the appropriate Canadian securities regulatory authorities. The technical report will be prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 and will be available for review under Sprock-it's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

About Sprock-it Acquisitions Ltd.

Sprock-it is a capital pool company, incorporated for the purposes of identifying and evaluating businesses or assets with a view to completing a Qualifying Transaction (as such term is defined under the policies of the TSXV). Sprock-it was incorporated on July 29, 2024 under the Business Corporations Act (Alberta) and is a reporting issuer in the provinces of Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario. The Sprock-it Shares are listed for trading on the TSXV. The Sprock-it Shares were halted on June 26, 2025 in connection with the announcement of the Transaction and remain halted as at the date hereof. Until completion of a Qualifying Transaction, Sprock-it will not carry on any business other than the identification and evaluation of assets or businesses with a view to completing a proposed Qualifying Transaction.

Additional Information

All information contained in this news release with respect to U92 and Sprock-it was supplied by the respective parties for inclusion herein, without independent review by the other party, and each party and its directors and officers have relied on the other party for any information concerning the other party.

For further information regarding Sprock-it, U92, the Resulting Issuer or the Transaction, please refer to the filing statement in connection with the Transaction which will be made available under Sprock-it's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains statements which constitute "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking statements"), including, without limitation, statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs and current expectations of Sprock-it and U92 with respect to future business activities and operating performance. Forward-looking statements are often identified by the words "may", "would", "could", "should", "will", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect" or similar expressions and includes information regarding: (a) expectations regarding whether the Transaction will be consummated including whether the conditions to the consummation of the Transaction or the conversion of the Subscription Receipts will be satisfied; (b) expectations for other economic, business, and/or competitive factors; and (c) the use of proceeds of the Offering.

Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not based on historical facts but instead reflect Sprock-it and U92's respective management's expectations, estimates or projections concerning future results or events based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates of management considered reasonable at the date the statements are made. Although Sprock-it and U92 believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, such statements involve risks and uncertainties, and undue reliance should not be placed thereon, as unknown or unpredictable factors could have material adverse effects on future results, performance or achievements of the Resulting Issuer. Among the key factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements are the following: the ability to consummate the Transaction; the ability to obtain requisite regulatory and shareholder approvals and the satisfaction of other conditions to the consummation of the Transaction on the proposed terms and schedule; the potential impact of the announcement or consummation of the Transaction on relationships, including with regulatory bodies, employees, suppliers, customers and competitors; changes in general economic, business and political conditions, including changes in the financial markets; changes in applicable laws and regulations both locally and in foreign jurisdictions; compliance with extensive government regulation; the risks and uncertainties associated with foreign markets; and the diversion of management time on the Transaction. These forward-looking statements may be affected by risks and uncertainties in the business of Sprock-it and U92 and general market conditions.

Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Although Sprock-it and U92 have attempted to identify important risks, uncertainties and factors which could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be others that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended and such changes could be material. Sprock-it and U92 do not intend, and do not assume any obligation, to update the forward-looking statements except as otherwise required by applicable law.

Completion of the Transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to TSXV acceptance and if applicable pursuant to TSXV requirements, majority of the minority shareholder approval. Where applicable, the Transaction cannot close until the required shareholder approval is obtained. There can be no assurance that the Transaction will be completed as proposed or at all.

Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the management information circular or filing statement prepared in connection with the Transaction, any information released or received with respect to the Transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of Sprock-it should be considered highly speculative.

The TSXV has in no way passed upon the merits of the Transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.

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.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/276536

SOURCE: Sprock-it Acquisitions Ltd.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 1, 2025) - Digicann Ventures Inc. (CSE: DCNN.X) ("Digicann" or the "Company"), a company focused on opportunities within and outside of the cannabis industry, is pleased to announce the appointment of Jordan Fogle as a director of the Company. Jordan's appointment as a member of the board of directors (the "Board") is effective today and is subject to all applicable regulatory approvals.

"We are excited to welcome Jordan to our Board as an independent director," said Nick Kuzyk, Director and CEO of the Company. "Jordan's experience as a successful entrepreneur will be a significant asset to Digicann as it continues to seek new growth opportunities," added Mr. Kuzyk.

Jordan commented, "I am honored to join the Board of Digicann. I am the Founder and CEO of Mint, a creative marketing and advertising agency established in 2008. As a hands-on leader, I am deeply involved in driving strategic vision and creative excellence-ensuring our work consistently delivers meaningful impact for our clients and pride for our team. Over the past two decades, I have partnered with many of the country's leading brands across the technology, CPG, beverage, financial services, and lifestyle sectors. My work has focused on shaping go-to-market strategies and integrated campaigns grounded in cultural relevance and designed to build long-term brand equity. Under my leadership, Mint has grown into a 100-plus-person agency - 76% women - recognized for its strong, inclusive culture and commitment to fostering an environment where people from all backgrounds can do the best work of their careers. My passion for culture - spanning music, design, fashion, and film - continues to influence both our creative approach and the type of work we champion."

"In addition to my work in marketing, I have been an active investor for nearly two decades, maintaining a strong personal interest in the financial markets and portfolio management. Beyond Mint, I co-founded Lobby Bar and Lounge (2003-2010) and Brassaii Restaurant & Lounge (2010-2018). I currently serve on the boards of Mount Sinai's Leadership Foundation and the advisory board of Women's Brain Health Initiative. Most importantly, I am a father to two young children who keep my wife and me busy - and inspired - every day," elaborated Mr. Fogle.

About Digicann Ventures Inc.

Digicann Ventures Inc. is a company focused on opportunities within and outside of the cannabis industry. For more information about Digicann Ventures Inc. please visit www.digicann.io and its profile page on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca.

The CSE and Information Service Provider have not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the accuracy or adequacy of this release.

Forward-looking Information Cautionary Statement

Except for statements of historic fact, this news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward-looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan," "expect," "project," "intend," "believe," "anticipate," "estimate" and other similar words or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. There are uncertainties inherent in forward-looking information, including factors beyond the Company's control. There are no assurances that the business plans for Digicann Ventures Inc. described in this news release will come into effect on the terms or time frame described herein. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Additional information identifying risks and uncertainties that could affect financial results is contained in the Company's filings with Canadian securities regulators, which are available at www.sedarplus.ca.

/ Not for distribution to U.S. news wire services or for dissemination in the United States /

SOURCE: Digicann Ventures Inc.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/276502

SOURCE: Digicann Ventures Inc.
Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - December 1, 2025) - Baytex Energy Corp. (TSX: BTE) (NYSE: BTE) ("Baytex" or the "Company") today announced the commencement of steps to apply a portion of the net proceeds from its previously announced divestiture of its U.S. Eagle Ford assets (the "Eagle Ford Asset Sale").

Cash Tender Offer for 2032 Senior Notes

Baytex today announced the commencement of a tender offer (the "Tender Offer") to purchase for cash, upon the terms and conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase dated December 1, 2025 (as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, the "Offer to Purchase"), any and all of its US$575 million of outstanding 7.375% Senior Notes due 2032 (the "2032 Notes"). The consideration in the Tender Offer will be paid from a portion of the net proceeds from, and the Tender Offer is conditioned upon, among other things, the completion of the Eagle Ford Asset Sale. Capitalized terms used in this news release and not defined herein have the meanings given to them in the Offer to Purchase.

The table below summarizes certain payment terms for the Tender Offer:

Title of Note CUSIP / ISIN

(144A) CUSIP / ISIN

(Reg S) Principal

Amount

Outstanding Tender Offer

Consideration

(1)(2) Early Tender

Payment (1) Total

Consideration

(1)(2)(3) 7.375% Senior

Notes due 2032 07317QAK1 / US07317QAK13 C08047AE9 / USC08047AE94 US$575,000,000 US$1,000 US$40 US$1,040

(1) Per US$1,000 principal amount of 2032 Notes accepted for purchase.

(2) Excludes Accrued Interest, which will be paid in addition to the Tender Offer Consideration or the Total Consideration, as applicable.

(3) Includes the applicable Early Tender Payment.

The Tender Offer will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on December 30, 2025, unless extended or earlier terminated by the Company (such date and time, as it may be extended or earlier terminated, the "Expiration Date"). Registered holders (each, a "Holder" and collectively, the "Holders") of the 2032 Notes must validly tender and not validly withdraw their 2032 Notes at or before 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on December 12, 2025 (such date and time, as it may be extended or earlier terminated, the "Early Tender Date") in order to be eligible to receive the Early Tender Payment (as defined below) in addition to the Tender Offer Consideration (as defined below).

Tendered 2032 Notes may be withdrawn at any time at or prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on December 12, 2025 (such date and time, as it may be extended or earlier terminated, the "Withdrawal Deadline"), and not after the Withdrawal Deadline, except for certain limited circumstances where withdrawal rights are required by law.

The total consideration for the Notes (the "Total Consideration") is US$1,040 for each US$1,000 principal amount of the 2032 Notes. The Total Consideration includes an early tender payment (the "Early Tender Payment") of US$40 for each US$1,000 principal amount of the 2032 Notes, which Early Tender Payment is in addition to the Tender Offer Consideration.

Holders validly tendering 2032 Notes (that have not been validly withdrawn) at or prior to the Early Tender Date will be eligible to receive the Total Consideration, which includes the Early Tender Payment, on the "Early Settlement Date", which is expected to be December 22, 2025, but that may change without notice. Holders validly tendering 2032 Notes after the Early Tender Date but at or prior to the Expiration Date will only be eligible to receive the "Tender Offer Consideration" listed in the table on the "Final Settlement Date". The Final Settlement Date is expected to be the first business day after the Expiration Date, which means that the Final Settlement Date is expected to be December 31, 2025, but that may change without notice.

In addition to the Total Consideration or Tender Offer Consideration, Holders whose 2032 Notes are accepted for purchase will also receive accrued and unpaid interest from the last interest payment date to, but not including, the Early Settlement Date or Final Settlement Date, as applicable.

The Tender Offer is not conditioned on any minimum amount of 2032 Notes being tendered. The obligation of the Company to accept for purchase, and to pay for, 2032 Notes validly tendered pursuant to the Tender Offer is subject to, and conditioned upon, the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions as set forth in the Offer to Purchase, in the sole and absolute discretion of the Company, including the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Eagle Ford Asset Sale, which is expected to close in late 2025 or early 2026, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals, including approval under the U.S. Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976. Subject to applicable law, the Company may waive any and all of these conditions or extend, terminate or withdraw the Tender Offer. No assurance can be given that the Eagle Ford Asset Sale will be completed on the terms currently envisioned or at all. If such conditions shall not have been satisfied (or waived by the Company), no payments will be made to tendering Holders on the Early Settlement Date or Final Settlement Date, as applicable.

None of Baytex, the trustee for the 2032 Notes, the dealer manager, the information and tender agent, any of their respective subsidiaries or affiliates or any of its or their respective directors, officers, employees or representatives makes any recommendation to Holders as to whether or not to tender all or any portion of their 2032 Notes, and none of the foregoing has authorized any person to make any such recommendation. Holders must decide whether to tender 2032 Notes, and if tendering, the amount of 2032 Notes to tender.

All of the 2032 Notes are held in book-entry form. If you hold 2032 Notes through a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee, you must contact such broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee if you wish to tender 2032 Notes pursuant to the Tender Offer. You should check with such broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee to determine whether they will charge you a fee for tendering 2032 Notes on your behalf. You should also confirm with the broker, dealer, bank, trust company or other nominee any deadlines by which you must provide your tender instructions, because the relevant deadline set by such nominee may be earlier than the deadlines set forth herein.

Baytex has retained RBC Capital Markets, LLC to serve as dealer manager for the Tender Offer. Baytex has retained Global Bondholder Services Corporation to act as the information and tender agent in respect of the Tender Offer.

For additional information regarding the terms of the Tender Offer, please contact RBC Capital Markets, LLC at +1 212-618-7843 (Collect) or +1 877-381-2099 (Toll-Free). Copies of the Offer to Purchase may be obtained at https://www.gbsc-usa.com/baytex or by contacting Global Bondholder Services Corporation at (855) 654 2014 or by email at contact@gbsc-usa.com.

This notice does not constitute or form part of any offer or invitation to purchase or sell, or any solicitation of any offer to sell or purchase, the 2032 Notes or any other securities in the United States or any other jurisdiction, and neither this notice nor any part of it, nor the fact of its release, shall form the basis of, or be relied on or in connection with, any contract therefor. The Tender Offer is made only by and pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Offer to Purchase and the information in this notice is qualified by reference to the Offer to Purchase.

This announcement does not constitute an offer to buy or the solicitation of an offer to sell any securities in any jurisdiction or in any circumstances in which such offer or solicitation is unlawful. In those jurisdictions where the securities, blue sky or other laws require the Tender Offer to be made by a licensed broker or dealer, the Tender Offer will be deemed to be made by the dealer managers or one or more registered brokers or dealers licensed under the laws of such jurisdiction.

Intent to Redeem 2030 Senior Notes

Baytex today also announced that it will be issuing a conditional notice of redemption (the "Redemption") for all US$759,440,000 outstanding principal amount of its outstanding 8.500% Senior Notes due 2030 (the "2030 Notes") pursuant to the terms of the indenture governing the 2030 Notes. The Redemption is scheduled to occur on December 22, 2025, but is conditioned on the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Eagle Ford Asset Sale. This announcement does not constitute a notice of redemption for the 2030 Notes.

Advisory Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this announcement are forward-looking statements or forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking statements"). Words such as "believe", "continue", "estimate", "expect", "anticipate", "intend", "will" or similar words suggesting future outcomes, events or performance are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this announcement speak only as of the date hereof and are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

The forward-looking statements in this announcement include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the Eagle Ford Asset Sale and the anticipated net proceeds therefrom and the anticipated timing of consummation thereof; the Tender Offer and the terms thereof, including the anticipated timing of the Expiration Date, the Early Tender Date and the Final Settlement Date; and the anticipated terms of the Redemption and timing thereof; all of which are based on current expectations.

These forward-looking statements are based on certain key assumptions regarding, among other things: that the closing conditions to the Eagle Ford Asset Sale will be satisfied and the closing of the transaction will occur as anticipated; the satisfaction of the conditions described in the Offer to Purchase; and that Holders of the Notes will tender to the Offer to Purchase.

By their nature, forward-looking statements are subject to important known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which may cause our actual results in future periods to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements, including that the risk that the Eagle Ford Asset Sale will not be completed on the anticipated terms thereof or at all; that Holders do not tender to the Offer to Purchase; that the timelines and deadlines referenced herein and in the Offer to Purchase change; and that the conditions to completion of the Offer to Purchase are not satisfied.

For additional information regarding these risks and uncertainties, and the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements, please refer to the Offer to Purchase (including under the heading "Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements"), our Annual Information Form, Annual Report on Form 40-F and Management's Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2024 filed with the Canadian Securities Regulators and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and in our other public filings.

The forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are made as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws.

For further information about Baytex, please visit our website at www.baytexenergy.com or contact:

Brian Ector, Senior Vice President, Capital Markets and Investor Relations

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/276512

SOURCE: Baytex Energy Corp.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 1, 2025) - Intellabridge Technology Corporation (CSE: KASH) (OTC Pink: KASHF) (the "Company"), an impact-driven technology company, today announced a strategic realignment of its growth initiatives within the GreenTech sector.

As part of this refined strategy, the Company and Spark Plug Chargers Inc. ("Spark Plug") have mutually agreed to pursue a strategic partnership, concluding the previously announced Letter of Intent (LOI) in favor of this new collaborative alliance. This transition allows both parties to pursue independent growth paths while maintaining a synergistic relationship focused on future collaboration.

This decision follows a comprehensive market review and due diligence process conducted over the past six months. Management views this period as a vital investment in strategic research, which provided the Company with deep visibility into the evolving landscape of electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure and smart city development.

Insights gained during this process revealed that the most significant value creation-and the strongest alignment with the Company's core Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)-lies in the convergence of Intelligent Sustainable Infrastructure and the Company's proprietary impact technologies. Consequently, the Company has determined that a partnership model, rather than a direct acquisition, offers the optimal framework to leverage Spark Plug's hardware expertise alongside Intellabridge's software and impact capabilities.

Management Commentary "We appreciate the cooperation and transparency of the Spark Plug team throughout this process," said John Eagleton, CEO of Intellabridge. "The due diligence phase was time well spent, as it allowed us to rigorously test our assumptions and identify our core competitive advantages. We believe that transitioning to a partnership model will allow us to unlock greater synergies than a traditional acquisition. We look forward to exploring ways to deploy our 'Impact-as-a-Service' loyalty layer across the broader infrastructure ecosystem, driving value for our shareholders and measurable impact for the planet."

About Intellabridge Technology Corporation

Intellabridge Technology Corporation is an impact-driven technology company that builds impact solutions to advance global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Company focuses specifically on the CleanTech, GreenTech, and intelligent infrastructure sectors. Intellabridge develops proprietary technology solutions designed to create measurable societal impact and sustainable business growth.

For more information on Intellabridge, visit www.intellabridge.com.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD of DIRECTORS

INTELLABRIDGE TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION

"John Eagleton"

John Eagleton, CEO

The CSE does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities legislation (collectively "forward-looking statements"). The use of any of the words "will", "plan", "on track", "possible", "anticipated" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements should not be unduly relied upon. Actual results achieved may vary from the information provided herein as a result of numerous known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors. The Company believes the expectations reflected in those forward-looking statements are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct. The Company does not undertake to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/276542

SOURCE: Intellabridge Technology Corporation
(All amounts expressed in U.S. dollars unless otherwise stated)

Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 1, 2025) - Torex Gold Resources Inc. (the "Company" or "Torex") (TSX: TXG) (OTCQX: TORXF) is pleased to provide results from the 2025 drilling program at Media Luna West, which support the Company's strategy to target near-mine opportunities in the Media Luna Cluster in order to further enhance and extend the production profile of the Morelos Complex.

Jody Kuzenko, President & CEO of Torex, stated:

"The results from this year's drilling program at Media Luna West defined a mineralized footprint of 400 x 300 metres ("m") situated in very close proximity to the main Media Luna deposit. Drilling continued to return impressive, high-grade results, most notably 12.25 grams per tonne gold equivalent ("gpt AuEq") over 11.0 m in drill hole ML25-1088D and 17.79 gpt AuEq over 12.9 m in ML25-1095D. Based on these results and ongoing modelling work, we expect to declare an inaugural Inferred Resource with our annual mineral reserves and resources update in March 2026. Future drilling at Media Luna West will be focused on expanding the resource footprint towards the north along the main north-south corridor and to the south towards the highly prospective San Miguel fault, as well as upgrading resources from the Inferred to the Indicated category.

"These latest results build on the drilling success we have had within the Media Luna Cluster and reinforce the quality of the mineralization we see on the south side of the property. We believe Media Luna West could be a potential new mining front should the area be evaluated as economically viable, which becomes more likely now that we can leverage the infrastructure constructed at Media Luna.

"The results from Media Luna West are part of the investment we made this year to expand the resource footprint more broadly across the Morelos Property. We look forward to sharing the results from drilling conducted at other targets across the Media Luna Cluster and Atzcala over the coming months as we believe they will further showcase the true exploration potential at Morelos and our ability to sustain production above 450,000 gold equivalent ounces at reserve metal prices well beyond 2030."

MEDIA LUNA WEST DRILLING & EXPLORATION PROGRAM

Drilling and exploration programs at the Media Luna Cluster support the Company's objective of enhancing and extending the production profile of Morelos by expanding resources and increasing reserves. Progress continues to be made across the Media Luna Cluster in the mission to refine the new structural framework through the identification of multiple alteration events, various and distinct mineralization styles, and main mineralization controls.

The deeper understanding of the structural controls across the Morelos Property has reoriented exploration at Media Luna West to focus on the intersection of the north-south structural corridor with west-northwest-striking faults linked to the San Miguel fault. The fault is thought to be the structure that provided the mineralizing fluids to the north-south structural corridor at Media Luna West during the mineralization events (Figure 1).

Drilling at Media Luna West in 2025 has been aimed at declaring an inaugural Inferred Resource with the ultimate goal of potentially establishing a new mining front within the Media Luna Cluster should the resources prove to be economically viable through future infill drilling as well as technical and commercial evaluation. Drilling has primarily been focused on exploring the mineralized continuity of the high-grade intercepts encountered in the previously drilled holes ML24-1043DB (13.40 gpt AuEq over 28.4 m) and ML23-986A (29.78 gpt AuEq over 14.1 m), and to define the mineralized footprint (Table 3). A total of 10,744 m of drilling was conducted across 23 drill holes (including eight parent holes) during 2025. This release contains all drilling completed during 2025 and one drill hole from 2024's program that was not previously reported, totaling 11,303 m over 24 drill holes.

Drill hole intercepts for Media Luna West are core lengths and not true widths, as true widths will be determined once the geological modelling is completed. The gold equivalent grade calculations reported for each intercept use the same metal prices ($1,650/oz gold ("Au"), $22/oz silver ("Ag"), and $3.75/lb copper ("Cu")) as well as metallurgical recoveries (90% Au, 86% Ag, and 93% Cu) used in the current mineral resource estimate for the Media Luna deposit (effective date of December 31, 2024) and have been applied to the assay results for newly published drill holes as well as previously published drill holes. The gold equivalent grade calculation used is as follows: AuEq = Au (gpt) + (Ag (gpt) * 0.0127) + (Cu (%) * 1.6104). Further information on drill results and gpt AuEq calculations can be found in Table 2. Previously reported drill holes are reported in Table 3.

References to future gold equivalent production is based on forecast Au, Ag, and Cu production based on the metal price ratios implied by metal prices used to estimate mineral reserves ($1,500/oz Au, $19/oz Ag, and $3.50/lb Cu).

Figure 1: Plan view of Media Luna Cluster showing Media Luna West drill intercepts, the resource footprints for EPO and Media Luna, and the Media Luna East target area.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/1863/276437_7121c8e7b4cdcaca_001full.jpg

North-south faults define structural blocks in which mineralization is found at different elevations depending on whether it lies in the hanging wall or footwall of the structures (Figure 2). Drill holes ML25-1080A and ML25-1088D testing for mineralization at the hanging wall of the reverse fault portray relevant intercepts at elevations over 400 m above sea level ("m.a.s.l"), while drill hole ML24-1043DB, drilled at the footwall, intercepted mineralization at elevations below 400 m.a.s.l. (Figure 3).

Results from drill holes ML25-1080A and ML25-1088D confirm that the local-scale mineralization controls are the fringes of the diatreme breccias and the contact between the granodiorite stock and the overlying limestones within the calc-silicate alteration envelope (Figure 3). Based on the current observations, the mineralization sequence commenced with a copper-rich mineralization event hosted in the calc-silicate alteration that developed along the contact of the granodiorite intrusive and the limestones. Later reactivation of the north-south and north-west faults allowed for the intrusion of phreatomagmatic breccias, providing ground preparation for a late gold-rich fluid that preferentially mineralized the fringes of the breccias and enriched the previous copper-bearing mineralization with gold. The latter explains the gold-rich intercepts at the fringes of the breccias, and the gold-copper mineralization more commonly found within the calc-silicate alteration.

A mineralized footprint of 400 x 300 m has now been defined. The system remains open to the north along the north-south mineralized corridor and to the south as surface mapping shows continuity of the breccia bodies towards the San Miguel fault.

The advanced exploration program for Media Luna West in 2025 was successfully completed with compelling results that could support the delivery of an inaugural Inferred Resource with the annual mineral reserve and resource update in March 2026. Once declared, Media Luna West is expected to advance to the next stage of the exploration pipeline through a resource categorization program that will commence in 2026 with a target of upgrading Inferred Resources to the Indicated Resources category.

Table 1: Highlights from the 2025 drilling program at Media Luna West

Drill Hole From

(m) To

(m) Core Length

(m) Au

(gpt) Ag

(gpt) Cu

(%) AuEq

(gpt) ML25-1080A 652.3 702.0 49.7 2.47 0.9 0.01 2.50

724.0 744.4 20.4 7.42 6.2 0.20 7.81 incl. 730.0 734.0 4.0 20.22 9.0 0.12 20.53

751.9 761.9 10.0 4.23 3.5 0.12 4.47 ML25-1083D 718.7 722.9 4.2 6.22 2.8 0.01 6.27

752.6 757.8 5.1 2.43 35.9 0.97 4.45 incl. 753.9 755.1 1.2 6.68 95.7 2.43 11.80

770.0 777.3 7.3 1.31 9.2 0.52 2.28 ML25-1088D 647.0 658.0 11.0 11.70 10.3 0.26 12.25 incl. 652.6 656.6 4.0 26.33 11.3 0.24 26.85 ML25-1095D 703.6 716.5 12.9 17.25 8.7 0.27 17.79 incl. 705.7 710.4 4.7 36.35 14.3 0.27 36.97

763.5 773.1 9.6 0.87 37.4 1.46 3.69



Notes to Table:

1) Intercepts are reported as core length (not true width/thickness). True width/thickness will be determined once the geological modelling is completed.

2) Core recovery is shown in Table 2.

3) The gold equivalent grade calculation used is as follows: AuEq = Au (gpt) + (Ag (gpt) * 0.0127) + (Cu (%) * 1.6104) and use the same metal prices ($1,650/oz Au, $22/oz Ag, and $3.75/lb Cu) and metallurgical recoveries (90% Au, 86% Ag, and 93% Cu) used in the year-end 2024 mineral resource estimate for Media Luna.

4) All assay results are uncapped. Core lengths subject to rounding.

MEDIA LUNA WEST GEOLOGY

The Media Luna West target is part of the Media Luna Cluster, which also includes Media Luna, Media Luna East, EPO, and Todos Santos. They are hosted within the Mesozoic carbonate-rich Morelos Platform, overlayed by Cuautla and Mezcala formations and have been intruded by Paleocene stocks, sills, and dikes of granodioritic to tonalitic composition.

The north-south thick-skin deep-seated faults control the architecture of the mineralized zones with sub-parallel second-order faults generating favourable traps for the different mineralizing fluids during the multiple stages of deformation.

Cu-Ag and later Au mineralization is hosted within the intense extension fractures in the footwalls and hanging walls of the faults related to the emplacement of the approximately north-south-striking dikes and breccias. Mineralization is better developed along the contact of Morelos formation limestones and Media Luna granodiorite. The margins of altered dikes and sills of the calc-silicate envelope also act as a secondary control of mineralization.

The mineral assemblage is characterized by pyroxene, garnet, and magnetite. Metal deposition occurred during hydrated minerals alteration and is associated with a mineral assemblage comprising of amphibole, phlogopite, chlorite, and calcite  quartz  epidote as well as variable amounts of magnetite and sulfides, primarily pyrrhotite. The style of mineralization at both Media Luna West and Media Luna East is characterized by Au with locally high Ag and Cu grades. Given that Au precipitates due to the buffer exerted by the early stage of calc-silicate alteration and sulfide mineralization, it occurs as free Au and is generally dissociated from the earlier Cu mineralization event that is mainly represented by chalcopyrite.

QA/QC

Torex maintains an industry-standard analytical quality assurance and quality control ("QA/QC") and data verification program to monitor laboratory performance and ensure high-quality assays. Results from this program confirm the reliability of the assay results.

The exploration program and analytical QA/QC program for Media Luna Cluster drilling is currently overseen by Jose Antonio San Vicente Diaz, Chief Exploration Geologist for Minera Media Luna, S.A. de C.V. All samples reported have been checked against Company and Lab standards and blanks. No core duplicate samples are taken.

HQ-size core is sawn in half with half the core retained in the core box and the other half bagged and tagged for shipment to the sample preparation facility. Sample preparation is carried out by Bureau Veritas ("BV"), an accredited laboratory, at its facilities in Durango, Mexico and consists of crushing a 1 kg sample to >70% passing 2 mm followed by pulverization of 500 g to >85% passing 75 m. Au is analyzed at the BV facilities in Hermosillo, Mexico following internal analytical protocols (FA430) and comprises a 30 g fire assay with an atomic absorption finish. Samples yielding results >10 gpt Au are re-assayed by fire assay with gravimetric finish (FA530). Cu and Ag analyses are completed at the BV facilities in Vancouver, Canada as part of a multi-element geochemical analysis by an aqua regia digestion and/or four acid digestion with detection by ICPES/MS using BV internal analytical protocol AQ270/AQ370. Overlimits for the multi-element package are analyzed by internal protocol AQ374. External pulp check assays for QA/QC purposes are performed at ALS Chemex, de Mexico S.A. de C.V., an accredited laboratory. The pulp check samples are analyzed for Au, Ag, and Cu. Overall comparability between Bureau Veritas and ALS Chemex is good to excellent with high correlation.

Additional information on sampling and analyses, analytical labs, and methods used for data verification is available in the Company's technical report entitled the "Morelos Property, NI 43-101 Technical Report, ELG Mine Complex Life of Mine Plan and Media Luna Feasibility Study, Guerrero State, Mexico", dated effective March 16, 2022 filed on March 31, 2022 (the "2022 Technical Report") and in the annual information form ("AIF") dated March 21, 2025, each filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and the Company's website at www.torexgold.com.

QUALIFIED PERSON

Scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Rochelle Collins, P.Geo. (PGO #1412), Principal, Mineral Resource Geologist with Torex Gold Resources Inc. and a "qualified person" ("QP") as defined by NI 43-101. Ms. Collins has verified the data disclosed herein, including sampling, analytical, and test data underlying the drill results. Verification included visually reviewing the drill holes in three dimensions, comparing the assay results to the original assay certificates, reviewing the drilling database, and reviewing core photography consistent with standard practice. Ms. Collins consents to the inclusion in this release of said information in the form and context in which it appears.

ABOUT TOREX GOLD RESOURCES INC.

Torex Gold Resources Inc. is a Canadian mining company engaged in the exploration, development, and production of gold, copper, and silver from its flagship Morelos Complex in Guerrero, which is currently Mexico's largest single gold producer. The Company also owns the advanced stage Los Reyes gold-silver project in Sinaloa, Mexico and recently acquired a portfolio of early-stage exploration properties, including the Batopilas and Guigui projects in Chihuahua, Mexico, and the Gryphon and Medicine Springs projects in Nevada, USA.

The Company's key strategic objectives are to: deliver Media Luna to full production and build EPO; optimize Morelos production and costs; grow reserves and resources; pursue disciplined growth and capital allocation; retain and attract best industry talent; and be an industry leader in responsible mining. In addition to realizing the full potential of the Morelos Property, the Company continues to seek opportunities to acquire assets that enable diversification and deliver value to shareholders.

CAUTIONARY NOTES ON FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" (collectively, "Forward-Looking Information") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Generally, Forward-Looking Information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "objective", "target", "continue", "potential", "focus", "demonstrate", "belief" or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "will", "would", "could" or "is expected to" occur. Forward-Looking Information also includes, but is not limited to, statements that drilling results disclosed herein: support the Company's strategy to target near-mine opportunities in the Media Luna Cluster and the Company's objective of enhancing and extending the production profile of Morelos by expanding resources and increasing reserves; support the declaration of an inaugural Inferred Resource in March 2026 with an ultimate goal of potentially establishing a new mining front within the Media Luna Cluster should the resources prove to be economically viable; showcase the true exploration potential of Morelos and the ability to sustain production above 450,000 gold equivalent ounces well beyond 2030; and the expectation that a resource categorization program will commence in 2026 with a target of upgrading Inferred Resources to the Indicated Resources category. Forward-Looking Information also include the Company's key strategic objectives to: deliver Media Luna to full production and build EPO; optimize Morelos production and costs; grow reserves and resources; pursue disciplined growth and capital allocation; retain and attract best industry talent; and be an industry leader in responsible mining. Forward-Looking Information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such Forward-Looking Information, including, without limitation, risks and uncertainties associated with: the ability to upgrade mineral resources to categories of mineral resources with greater confidence levels or to mineral reserves; risks associated with mineral reserve and mineral resource estimation; and those risk factors identified in the 2022 Technical Report, the AIF, and the Company's management's discussion and analysis for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025 (the "MD&A") or other unknown but potentially significant impacts. Forward-Looking Information is based on the assumptions discussed in the 2022 Technical Report, AIF, and MD&A, and such other reasonable assumptions, estimates, analysis and opinions of management made in light of its experience and perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, and other factors that management believes are relevant and reasonable in the circumstances at the date such statements are made. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the Forward-Looking Information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on Forward-Looking Information. The Company does not undertake to update any Forward-Looking Information, whether as a result of new information or future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws. The 2022 Technical Report, AIF and MD&A are filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and the Company's website at www.torexgold.com .

Figure 2: Plan view of Media Luna West showing high-grade drilling intercepts over different structural blocks at distinct elevations. Mineralization remains open to the north along the main north-south corridor and to the south towards the San Miguel fault.





To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/1863/276437_7121c8e7b4cdcaca_002full.jpg

Figure 3: Media Luna West section view showing high-grade intercepts of over 30 m of vertical continuity within the favourable alteration zone and notably at the fringes of a diatreme breccia as main mineralization controls.





To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/1863/276437_7121c8e7b4cdcaca_003full.jpg

Table 2: Media Luna West drill results

















Intercept

Drill Hole Program UTM-E (m) UTM-N (m) Elevation (m) Azimuth () Dip

() Final Depth (m) From

(m) To

(m) Core Length

(m) Au

(gpt) Ag

(gpt) Cu

(%) AuEq

(gpt) Core

Recovery

(%) ML24-1051D Adv. Expl. 421015.7 1984856.4 1093.1



786 677.5 681.0 3.5 2.17 11.6 0.44 3.01 100.0%















696.0 698.0 2.0 3.13 10.9 0.22 3.63 100.0% ML25-1059 Adv. Expl. 421097.7 1984931.3 1134.0 270 -75 407 Parent hole ML25-1062D Adv. Expl. 421097.7 1984931.3 1134.0



1013 956.4 958.5 2.1 0.22 38.4 1.78 3.57 100.0% ML25-1066D Adv. Expl. 421097.7 1984931.3 1134.0



980 No significant values ML25-1068 Adv. Expl. 421150.0 1984902.5 1119.2 260 -80 600 Parent hole ML25-1068A Adv. Expl. 421150.0 1984902.5 1119.2



867 692.0 694.0 2.0 4.47 0.7 0.00 4.48 100.0% ML25-1069 Adv. Expl. 421168.2 1985019.8 1183.7 270 -77 506 Parent hole ML25-1072D Adv. Expl. 421168.2 1985019.8 1183.7



909 718.0 722.0 4.0 1.90 3.5 0.21 2.29 100.0%















728.0 731.0 3.0 10.72 4.2 0.22 11.12 100.0%















758.0 762.9 4.9 3.33 4.4 0.07 3.51 100.0%















770.0 772.0 2.0 7.02 4.0 0.18 7.35 100.0% ML25-1073 Adv. Expl. 421113.2 1985076.8 1190.9 259 -80 356 Parent hole ML25-1073A Adv. Expl. 421113.2 1985076.8 1190.9



941 815.6 821.4 5.9 3.78 2.2 0.09 3.95 100.0% ML25-1074D Adv. Expl. 421168.2 1985019.8 1183.7



936 No significant values ML25-1080 Adv. Expl. 421157.8 1984959.8 1152.0 272 -81 356 Parent hole ML25-1080A Adv. Expl. 421157.8 1984959.8 1152.0



866 652.3 702.0 49.7 2.47 0.9 0.01 2.50 86.3%















724.0 744.4 20.4 7.42 6.2 0.20 7.81 100.0% incl.













730.0 734.0 4.0 20.22 9.0 0.12 20.53 100.0%















751.9 761.9 10.0 4.23 3.5 0.12 4.47 100.0% ML25-1083D Adv. Expl. 421113.2 1985076.8 1190.9



860 718.7 722.9 4.2 6.22 2.8 0.01 6.27 100.0%















752.6 757.8 5.1 2.43 35.9 0.97 4.45 100.0% incl.













753.9 755.1 1.2 6.68 95.7 2.43 11.80 100.0%















770.0 777.3 7.3 1.31 9.2 0.52 2.28 100.0%



Notes to Table

1) Intercepts are core lengths and do not represent true thickness of mineralized zones. True width/thickness will be determined once the geological modelling is completed.

2) Core lengths subject to rounding.

3) Coordinates are WGS 1984 UTM Zone 14N

4) Torex is not aware of any drilling, sampling, recovery, or other factors that could materially affect the accuracy or reliability of the data.

5) The gold equivalent grade calculation used is as follows: AuEq = Au (gpt) + (Ag (gpt) * 0.0127) + (Cu (%) * 1.6104) and use the same metal prices ($1,650/oz Au, $22/oz Ag, and $3.75/lb Cu) and metallurgical recoveries (90% Au, 86% Ag, and 93% Cu) used in the year-end 2024 mineral resource estimate for Media Luna.

6) All assay results are uncapped.

Table 2 (continued): Media Luna West drill results

















Intercept

Drill Hole Program UTM-E (m) UTM-N (m) Elevation (m) Azimuth () Dip

() Final Depth (m) From

(m) To

(m) Core Length

(m) Au

(gpt) Ag

(gpt) Cu

(%) AuEq

(gpt) Core

Recovery

(%) ML25-1084 Adv. Expl. 421034.2 1985188.4 1192.9 262 -82 452 Parent hole ML25-1084A Adv. Expl. 421034.2 1985188.4 1192.9



881 No significant values ML25-1086 Adv. Expl. 421112.8 1985080.1 1191.0 93 -79 800 684.0 710.0 26.0 1.58 35.9 1.51 4.47 100.0% incl.













692.3 697.6 5.3 5.93 60.4 2.55 10.81 100.0% ML25-1088D Adv. Expl. 421157.8 1984959.8 1152.0



758 647.0 658.0 11.0 11.70 10.3 0.26 12.25 100.0% incl.













652.6 656.6 4.0 26.33 11.3 0.24 26.85 100.0% ML25-1091 Adv. Expl. 421113.2 1985078.5 1191.0 360 -84 446 Parent hole ML25-1094D Adv. Expl. 421034.2 1985188.4 1192.9



882 838.2 840.4 2.2 0.80 29.9 1.09 2.93 100.0% ML25-1095D Adv. Expl. 421113.2 1985078.5 1191.0



839 703.6 716.5 12.9 17.25 8.7 0.27 17.79 100.0% incl.













705.7 710.4 4.7 36.35 14.3 0.27 36.97 100.0%















763.5 773.1 9.6 0.87 37.4 1.46 3.69 100.0% ML25-1102D Adv. Expl. 421113.2 1985078.5 1191.0



887 774.6 782.2 7.6 0.21 29.0 1.16 2.45 100.0% ML25-1106 Adv. Expl. 421037.1 1985186.9 1192.9 119 -78 392 Parent hole ML25-1112D Adv. Expl. 421037.1 1985186.9 1192.9



935 882.0 883.7 1.7 0.80 42.4 0.88 2.76 100.0%



Notes to Table

1) Intercepts are core lengths and do not represent true thickness of mineralized zones. True width/thickness will be determined once the geological modelling is completed.

2) Core lengths subject to rounding.

3) Coordinates are WGS 1984 UTM Zone 14N

4) Torex is not aware of any drilling, sampling, recovery, or other factors that could materially affect the accuracy or reliability of the data.

5) The gold equivalent grade calculation used is as follows: AuEq = Au (gpt) + (Ag (gpt) * 0.0127) + (Cu (%) * 1.6104) and use the same metal prices ($1,650/oz Au, $22/oz Ag, and $3.75/lb Cu) and metallurgical recoveries (90% Au, 86% Ag, and 93% Cu) used in the year-end 2024 mineral resource estimate for Media Luna.

6) All assay results are uncapped.

Table 3: Previously reported drill results

















Intercept

Drill Hole Program UTM-E (m) UTM-N (m) Elevation (m) Azimuth () Dip

() Final Depth (m) From

(m) To

(m) Core Length

(m) Au

(gpt) Ag

(gpt) Cu

(%) AuEq

(gpt) Core

Recovery

(%) ML23-986 Drill Test 421112.8 1985080.1 1190.8 321 -88 166 Parent hole ML23-986A Drill Test 421112.8 1985080.1 1190.8



870 784.5 798.6 14.1 27.50 27.9 1.20 29.78 100.0% MLW-02 Drill Test 421168.8 1985018.2 1183.4 220 -75 838 676.3 713.6 37.3 4.08 2.1 0.00 4.11 100.0%















721.5 732.9 11.4 2.98 0.7 0.00 2.99 100.0%















752.1 761.1 9.1 10.31 2.2 0.04 10.41 100.0% ML24-1039 Drill Test 421099.8 1984933.8 1135.8 87 -85 700 616.6 622.7 6.1 0.65 24.2 1.04 2.63 100.0%















635.8 637.5 1.7 2.73 2.4 0.08 2.89 100.0% ML24-1043DB Drill Test 421099.8 1984933.8 1135.8 87 -85 925 765.7 767.2 1.3 3.16 2.5 0.04 3.25 80.6%















796.4 830.0 28.4 13.36 1.7 0.01 13.40 84.4% incl.













806.3 820.0 13.1 22.66 2.7 0.02 22.73 95.3% incl.













825.0 826.0 1.0 20.20 1.3 0.00 20.22 100.0% incl.













829.0 830.0 1.0 23.70 2.7 0.03 23.79 100.0%



Notes to Table

1) Intercepts are core lengths and do not represent true thickness of mineralized zones. True width/thickness will be determined once the geological modelling is completed.

2) Core lengths subject to rounding.

3) Coordinates are WGS 1984 UTM Zone 14N

4) Torex is not aware of any drilling, sampling, recovery, or other factors that could materially affect the accuracy or reliability of the data.

5) The gold equivalent grade calculation used is as follows: AuEq = Au (gpt) + (Ag (gpt) * 0.0127) + (Cu (%) * 1.6104) and use the same metal prices ($1,650/oz Au, $22/oz Ag, and $3.75/lb Cu) and metallurgical recoveries (90% Au, 86% Ag, and 93% Cu) used in the year-end 2024 mineral resource estimate for Media Luna.

6) All assay results are uncapped.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/276437

SOURCE: Torex Gold Resources Inc.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 1, 2025) - FendX Technologies Inc. (CSE: FNDX) (OTCQB: FDXTF) (FSE: E8D0) (the "Company" or "FendX"), an innovative surface protection company developing technology-based solutions to reduce the spread of harmful pathogens, announces the completion of its previously disclosed debt settlement from November 21, 2025. The Company issued 34,540 common shares (each, a "Share") at $0.74 per Share to settle $25,560 of debt with arms-length creditors (the "Debt Settlement").

The Company is carrying out the Debt Settlement to improve its financial position by reducing its existing liabilities. The securities issued pursuant to the Debt Settlement are subject to a hold period expiring four months and one day from the date of issuance, in accordance with applicable securities laws. No new control person or insiders will be created pursuant to the Debt Settlement.

None of the securities issued in connection with the Debt Settlement will be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and no such securities may be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

About FendX Technologies Inc.

FendX is a surface protection company developing innovative solutions to help reduce the spread of harmful pathogens in everyday environments. Leveraging proprietary technologies, The Company is advancing a portfolio of protective surface coatings, including REPELWRAP film, a liquid-based nano- coating technology and a specialized Foley catheter coating. The Company is focussed on building a robust intellectual property portfolio in the surface protection space and is committed to identifying and advancing new technologies and materials that enhance hygiene and safety across healthcare, consumer and commercial settings. Learn more at: https://fendxtech.com.

ON BEHALF OF THE COMPANY

"Carolyn Myers"

Carolyn Myers

Chief Executive Officer and Director

For more information, please visit https://fendxtech.com/ and the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor the Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward Looking Statements

This news release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation, including with respect to: the plans of the Company; statements regarding the debt settlement; statements regarding expanding the Company's product and IP portfolio; and products under development and any pathogen reduction benefits related thereto. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. These statements are only predictions and involve known and unknown risks which may cause actual results and the Company's plans and objectives to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements, including: risks that the Company will not complete financings or raise sufficient funds to complete all of its planned activities; risks that the Company's products may not perform as, or have the benefits, expected; risks related to research and development activities; risks that the Company's products may not be accepted and adopted by the public; the risk that the Company will not obtain necessary approvals and/or clearances as anticipated or at all; the effects of government regulation on the Company's business; risks associated with the Company's ability to obtain and protect rights to its intellectual property; risks and uncertainties associated with the Company's ability to raise additional capital; and other factors beyond the Company's control. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity or performance. Further, any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made and, except as required by applicable law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for management to predict all of such factors and to assess in advance the impact of such factors on the Company's business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Readers should consult all of the information set forth herein and should also refer to the risk factor disclosure outlined in the Company's filings with the British Columbia Securities Commission on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/276557

SOURCE: FendX Technologies Inc.
Through this collaboration, Goodwill Caravan and Ali Fazal aim to bring greater visibility to refugee stories, ensuring that humanitarian compassion continues to find new voices

Ali Fazal has been announced as the new international goodwill ambassador for Goodwill Caravan, an international non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and protecting refugees and forcibly displaced people from human trafficking and exploitation, across regions in Northern Africa, Middle East and Europe. The announcement marks a significant step in Fazals ongoing commitment to global humanitarian causes.

Goodwill Caravan works tirelessly to aid forcibly displaced individuals and families escaping conflict zones and persecution, providing them with critical resources including legal aid, shelter, food security, and access to education and healthcare.

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The organizations mission centers on restoring dignity, safety, and stability to people from war-torn regions, helping them rebuild their lives by assisting them to integrate ,safely, in the first safe country they flee to, thus reducing the risk of ,further, exploitation.

The actor recently marked his initial association by working on ground with the NGO for providing aid to refugees stationed in Egypt.

Speaking about the association, Ali Fazal said, Goodwill Caravans work has deeply resonated with me. Its always the common people who lose livelihood due to the wars fought. And here is an eco system that is about giving people a second chance, to rebuild, to belong, and to live with dignity. I feel honored to lend my voice to this cause and to the tireless efforts being made by the wonderful team at Goodwill Caravan to support refugees who have endured unimaginable hardships.

He added, I have a child of my own now, and no family, no individual especially kids should be exposed to the cruel drawbacks of war and fleeing to be a refugee in another country. Everyone deserves dignity and being a human, a husband, a son, a father all deeply have made me more aware of the need for empathy and emotion in a world that is alienating us from these very instincts.

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He also shared the news on his social media with saying, I think this was the hardest sit down camera interaction i have ever had to do. And still the one i most looked forward to. Thank You @goodwillcaravan . For having me come onboard this gigantic vehicle of pure love and support.

His association also symbolizes the growing bridge between art, empathy, and global action, reinforcing how public figures can help spotlight issues that transcend borders.

Through this collaboration, Goodwill Caravan and Ali Fazal aim to bring greater visibility to refugee stories, ensuring that humanitarian compassion continues to find new voices and new champions on the global stage.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus request for a presidential pardon, submitted while his corruption trial is still underway, has been described as unprecedented in the countrys history. The appeal places President Isaac Herzog in an extraordinary position, and has drawn criticism from legal experts

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks at the plenum of the Knesset, Israel's parliament, in Jerusalem, November 10, 2025. File Image/Reuters

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has submitted a rare and highly contentious request for a presidential pardon even as his years-long corruption trial continues.

His plea places President Isaac Herzog in an unprecedented position, and comes at a time when Israel is navigating deep internal fractures and ongoing national security crises.

Netanyahus action  a pre-conviction appeal unusual in Israeli history  has drawn sharp rebuttals from legal experts.

How Netanyahu submitted a pardon request

Netanyahus legal team formally approached the Israeli president on Sunday, asking for clemency before the conclusion of the judicial process.

His lawyers argued that doing so would help ease internal conflict and contribute positively to Israels collective interests.

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Netanyahu reinforced their submission by appearing in a short video released by the Likud party, where he stated, My lawyers sent a request for pardon to the president of the country today. I expect that anyone who wishes for the good of the country support this step.

More from Explainers Netanyahu postpones India visit over security concerns after Delhi blast: Israeli media

He did not acknowledge any wrongdoing nor concede any aspect of the charges he currently faces.

Instead, he highlighted the strain imposed by the trials intensity, explaining that he is required to appear in court multiple times weekly, a commitment he described as incompatible with directing the countrys affairs.

Netanyahu insisted that he still believes the legal proceedings would ultimately result in his full exoneration if allowed to continue.

Despite this, Netanyahu contended that the demand to testify three times a week during a period of heightened security challenges makes it impossible to serve effectively.

In his words, the courtroom schedule amounts to an impossible demand that is not made of any other citizen.

This argument ties directly to the timeline of his indictment and trial. The charges  announced by the Justice Ministry in 2019  have been the subject of legal examination for years, with the trial formally beginning in 2020.

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It has been prolonged by political deadlocks, elections, wartime emergencies, and repeated postponements requested by Netanyahus defence.

Netanyahus request becomes even more unusual in light of traditional Israeli presidential pardons, which have typically been considered only after all legal processes have been exhausted and a conviction has been handed down.

What Netanyahu is accused of

At the heart of the controversy are three interconnected corruption cases  frequently referred to in Israel as Cases 1000, 2000, and 4000. Together, they involve allegations of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust.

These cases revolve around accusations that:

Netanyahu accepted valuable gifts from billionaires and political benefactors.

He used his public office to provide regulatory or political benefits to a major telecommunications company.

He attempted to negotiate preferential news coverage with a prominent media publisher.

The Justice Ministry moved forward with indictments only after prolonged investigations involving police, prosecutors, and testimony from numerous figures in business, media, and politics.

Netanyahu has rejected all allegations and insists that the charges are part of a long-running political campaign aimed at removing him from leadership.

Throughout his trial, Netanyahu has portrayed the cases as politically motivated, reiterating the claim that he has been targeted by an entrenched establishment.

Prosecutors, however, argue that the prime minister abused his authority to a degree that warrants serious criminal penalties, with the three cases collectively representing one of the most significant corruption trials in Israels history.

What Netanyahus defence has been

Netanyahu has pointed to Israels continuing security operations  including confrontations with Hamas, tensions with Hezbollah, and the recent conflict with Iran  as reasons the trial should be halted.

In his statement following the public revelation of the pardon request, Netanyahu said he believed it would benefit Israel by reducing internal friction and creating an environment more conducive to political and social cohesion.

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He suggested that concluding the legal chapter quickly would help ease national tensions and contribute to what he characterised as an essential need for broad reconciliation.

Netanyahu also referenced United States President Donald Trumps interventions. Earlier this month, Trump sent a letter to Herzog urging him to grant Netanyahu a pardon, calling the corruption case a political, unjustified prosecution.

Trump had previously spoken in the Israeli Knesset recommending a pardon while Herzog stood beside him. Netanyahu cited this support, saying that Trumps call sought to allow him to pursue vital mutual interests between Israel and the United States.

Government members aligned with Netanyahu echoed his concerns. Defence Minister Israel Katz called for the charges to be dismissed, describing them as flawed, while other coalition figures, including Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, joined in publicly supporting the prime minister.

How experts have reacted

Experts focused on the unprecedented nature of a sitting prime minister requesting a pardon while criminal proceedings are ongoing.

Opposition leader Yair Lapid criticised the prime ministers move, stating that Netanyahu should not be pardoned unless he admits guilt, expresses remorse, and withdraws from political life immediately.

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He said, You cannot grant Netanyahu a pardon without an admission of guilt, an expression of remorse and an immediate withdrawal from political life.

Others echoed the principle that Israeli democracy requires accountability from leaders. Former military chief Gadi Eisenkot addressed Netanyahu directly, declaring, Netanyahu, Israel is a state governed by the rule of law. There cannot be one legal system for ordinary citizens and another for you.

Watchdog groups and legal scholars also warned of the dangers. Yohanan Plesner of the Israel Democracy Institute argued that Netanyahu was framing the request in a way that absolves him of responsibility while presenting it as an act of public service.

He said the request sends a problematic message to all public figures and to what our public norms might look like.

Legal professionals stressed that a pardon would not automatically stop the legal process unless the attorney general decided to halt prosecution.

Emi Palmor, the former director general of the Justice Ministry, explained that only the attorney general could suspend proceedings, pointing out that a presidential pardon does not directly terminate the trial.

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Others raised concerns regarding equality before the law. Israeli legal experts have emphasised that a sitting prime minister requesting clemency during an active trial has no precedent in the countrys history.

They maintain that bypassing judicial outcomes risks undermining public trust in legal institutions.

How Herzog has responded

Herzogs office described the request as extraordinary and affirmed that it would be reviewed through established procedures.

According to the presidency, the clemency petition has been forwarded to the Justice Ministrys pardons department, an entity responsible for gathering necessary professional opinions.

Once compiled, those assessments will be transmitted to the presidents legal adviser, who will prepare recommendations for Herzog. The president has said that he will review all submissions fully and responsibly.

Although Herzog and Netanyahu have had political differences in the past, their working relationship is considered functional.

Herzog previously expressed that a legal settlement might be the most appropriate resolution to the prime ministers legal troubles, though such an arrangement has not materialised.

The Israeli Constitution and precedent give the president broad authority regarding pardons, but the framework has rarely been used before conviction.

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The Israel Democracy Institute noted earlier this month that pardons issued before judicial processes are complete are extremely unusual and risk eroding rule-of-law principles.

What this means for Netanyahu & Co.

Netanyahu, the longest-serving prime minister in Israeli history, has been a dominant figure since first taking office in 1996.

He has navigated multiple terms and prolonged electoral deadlocks. His current coalition, formed after elections in late 2022, is regarded as the most right-wing in Israels modern history.

His tenure has been marked by major crises, including wars, diplomatic rifts, and internal upheavals. The October 7, 2023 Hamas attack  the deadliest single-day assault on Jews since the Holocaust  occurred while Netanyahu was in office.

The ensuing Gaza war has caused massive destruction and casualties, drawing substantial international criticism.

Israel has also simultaneously faced confrontations with Hezbollah and Iran.

Supporters argue that these challenges justify alleviating Netanyahus legal burdens to ensure effective national leadership.

At the same time, Netanyahus critics point to the judicial overhaul proposed by his government shortly after taking office, which sought to limit court powers.

Massive protests erupted in 2023 as opponents warned the measures threatened democratic checks and balances. The plan was frozen after October 7, but parts of it resurfaced in 2025, adding to the mistrust surrounding the prime minister.

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What next

The next steps follow a formal and procedural structure:

Justice Ministry Review  The pardons department collects legal opinions from relevant authorities.

Presidential Legal Assessment  These submissions go to the presidents legal adviser for analysis.

Final Recommendation  The adviser prepares guidance for President Herzog.

Presidential Decision  Herzog ultimately decides whether to approve or deny the request.

Legal experts stress that the president is not bound by the recommendations, though they traditionally carry weight.

They also emphasise that pausing the trial is not automatic; only the attorney general has that authority.

The process could take weeks or months.

With inputs from agencies
Cyclone Ditwah, which triggered heavy rains, floods and landslides, has caused widespread destruction in Sri Lanka, killing 334 people and displacing lakhs of others. Nearly 400 remain missing as rescue operations enter their fifth day. Under its Neighbourhood First policy, India launched Operation Sagar Bandhu to provide humanitarian assistance to the island nation. Over 300 stranded Indian nationals, as well as foreign citizens, have been rescued, while tonnes of relief material have been supplied

The Indian Air Force carried out rescue operations in Sri Lanka in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah. X/@IAF_MCC

Cyclone Ditwah has battered Sri Lanka, with the death toll climbing to 334 while 370 remain missing as of Monday (December 1). Heavy rains, floods and landslides have left a trail of death and destruction in the island nation as rescue operations continued for a fifth day.

India has launched Operation Sagar Bandhu to provide humanitarian assistance to its neighbouring country. Under the initiative, New Delhi has rescued Indian nationals, along with other foreign citizens, as well as supplied disaster relief materials to Sri Lanka.

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Lets take a closer look.

IAF rescues civilians

India has evacuated more than 300 of its nationals stranded in Sri Lanka after Cyclone Ditwah wreaked havoc in the island nation.

Indian Air Forces (IAF) IL-76 and C-130J heavy lift carriers brought these people from Colombo to Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday, PTI reported, citing a Defence spokesman.

IAFs helicopters also airlifted a total of 57 Sri Lankan Army personnel from Diyathalawa Army Camp and Colombo to Kotmale, a central hill area totally cut off by roads due to landslides and flooding.

A Pakistani national was among the stranded foreigners rescued by the IAF from cyclone-hit Sri Lanka. The Mi-17 helicopters operated by the air force also evacuated citizens of Germany, South Africa, Slovenia, the United Kingdom, Poland, Belarus, Iran, Australia and Bangladesh.

Four infants were among those rescued.

Together in times of need.



As part of Indias ongoing #OperationSagarBandhu, the Mi-17 helicopters of @IAF_MCC evacuated stranded people in Sri Lanka, including citizens from Germany, South Africa, Slovenia and United Kingdom.



      . https://t.co/z9OZ5p7691  Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) November 30, 2025

The Indian Air Force, in close coordination with Sri Lankan authorities, carried out major rescue and evacuation operations in the landslide-affected Kotmale region, which remains completely cut off by road, the IAF said in a statement on X on Sunday.

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Across the days missions, IAF helicopters evacuated a total of 45 stranded passengers, including six critical casualties and four infants, and brought them safely to Colombo, it added.

These included 12 Indian nationals and over 30 foreign nationals from countries such as Germany, South Africa, Slovenia, the UK, Poland, Belarus, Iran, Australia, Pakistan and Bangladesh, along with Sri Lankan citizens, according to the IAF.

India provides humanitarian relief

India has intensified Operation Sagar Bandhu, its Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) initiative, to aid Sri Lanka, which is affected by Cyclone Ditwah. On Monday (December 1), INS Sukanya reached the port city of Trincomalee with relief materials, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar posted on X.

A C-130J plane carrying about 10 tonnes of disaster response supplies, BHISHM Cubes and a medical team for on-site training & support landed in the island nation on Sunday, the EAM said.

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A day before, the IAF aircraft had delivered around 12 tonnes of humanitarian aid, including tents, tarpaulins, blankets, hygiene kits, and ready-to-eat food items to Colombo.

Earlier, INS Vikrant, Indias first indigenous aircraft carrier, and homegrown frigate INS Udaygiri were deployed to deliver relief material at Colombo.

So far, India has also dispatched more than 300 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel and around 35 tonnes of essential equipment to the island nation.

The Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka said in a statement that the NDRF teams carried out rescue operations in Kochikade, in close collaboration with Sri Lankan authorities.

They also worked in the Puttalam and Badulla areas, which were heavily hit and cut off. NDRF assisted families affected by severe flooding and helped ensure their immediate safety, it said.

Condoling the casualties in Sri Lanka due to Cyclone Ditwah, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed solidarity with our closest maritime neighbour.

He added that India has urgently dispatched relief materials and vital HADR support under Operation Sagar Bandhu. We stand ready to provide more aid and assistance as the situation evolves.

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Guided by Indias Neighbourhood First policy and Vision MAHASAGAR, India continues to stand firmly with Sri Lanka in its hour of need, the PM wrote on X.

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.



In solidarity with our closest maritime neighbour, India has urgently dispatched relief  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 28, 2025

Cyclone Ditwah devastates Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is battling rising floodwaters as Cyclone Ditwah caused widespread destruction in the island nation. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has declared a state of emergency and urged for international aid, with India being the first to respond.

At least 334 people died and 400 remain missing as the powerful cyclone caused heavy rains and floods in large parts of the island nation. Record downpours from Thursday flooded homes, fields and roads and triggered landslides, mostly in the tea-growing central hill country.

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The devastation has forced nearly 200,000 people into shelters, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) said.

The cyclone ravaged about 15,000 homes across the country, sending thousands of people into state-run temporary shelters, according to the DMC.

The northern part of Colombo faced floods, as the water level in the Kelani River rose.

More than 24,000 police, army and air force personnel are still making efforts to reach families stranded by floods, authorities said.

Although the cyclone has left us, heavy rains upstream are now flooding low-lying areas along the banks of the Kelani River, a DMC official was quoted as saying by Al Jazeera.

According to the Sri Lanka Navy, five sailors who went missing during rescue operations in Chundikulam were found dead.

The extreme weather system is Sri Lankas deadliest natural disaster since 2017, when over 200 people died and hundreds of thousands were displaced due to flooding and landslides.

With inputs from agencies
What does Elon Musk think about the world and its current events? Thats what Nikhil Kamath, the famous podcaster and co-founder of Zerodha, asked the worlds richest man during a nearly two-hour conversation. The discussion covered everything under the sun, including the SpaceX CEOs opinions on Indians in the US, as well as his predictions about the future of working

Have you ever wondered how the worlds richest man and soon-to-be trillionaire thinks? What are his opinions on working and the future of jobs in the world?

Well, on Sunday (November 30), Elon Musk answered these questions and much, much more when he sat down for a podcast, which lasted for almost two hours, with Indias billionaire and co-founder of the discount brokerage firm Zerodha, Nikhil Kamath.

The two Richie Riches shared an extensive conversation on Kamaths podcast, People by WTF in which Musk shared his opinions on the immigration policies in the US, namely on the H-1B visa programme, on his family and children, on US President Donald Trumps tariff policies as well as the future of working and jobs.

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Kamaths podcast with Musk is a big moment for the billionaire, who has interviewed many famous names in recent times, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

So, what exactly did we learn from Kamaths sit down with Musk?

Musks family and its Indian connection

The podcast between Kamath and Musk covered an array of topics, including X and SpaceX CEOs family and ever-growing brood of children. The X CEO revealed that his partner, Shivon Zilis, is half-Indian and one of his sons is named Sekhar in honour of Indian-American physicist and Nobel laureate Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar.

Im not sure if you know this, but my partner Shivon is half-Indian, Musk said on the podcast. One of my sons with her, his middle name is Sekhar after Chandrasekhar.

For those who are unaware, Zilis met Musk when she joined his company Neuralink in 2017. Today, she is the firms Director of Operations and Special Projects. The two of them share four children: twins Strider and Azure, daughter Arcadia, and son Seldon Lycurgus.

Elon Musk and Shivon Zilis with their twins Strider and Azure. Image Courtesy: Shivon Zilis/X

Elon Musk is known across the world for his large family  he has 14 children with multiple partners. Notably, he spoke about his family with Kamath, including the need to have more children. I am trying to get an entire Roman legion, joked the worlds richest man with Kamath.

But Musk reiterated later his concern over falling global fertility rates, warning that humanity could face a future of decline if current demographic trends continue. He noted that his philosophy was tied to the notion that expanding human consciousness requires more people, not fewer. If we want to expand consciousness, then fewer humans is worse, because we have less consciousness, he said. When asked whether consciousness rises simply by increasing population, he replied, Yes. I mean, just like consciousness increases from a single-celled creature to, you know, a 30 trillion-celled creature. Were more conscious than a bacteria.

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When discussing kids, Kamath also noted that he didnt have kids, to which Musk replied, Well, its  Maybe you should. Musk added, You wont regret it.

Asked about the best part of parenthood, Musk said, I mean, youve got this little creature that loves you, and you love this little creature. I dont know, you kind of see the world through their eyes as they grow up, and their conscious awareness increases from a baby that has no idea whats going on to they start walking, then talking, and then having interesting thoughts.

Musk defends the H-1B visa programme

During their conversation, Kamath also raised the issue of H-1B visas and the US immigration policy  a hot topic in Donald Trumps second term as US president.

Musk told Kamath that the US has benefitted immensely by hiring talented Indians over the years, but added that some of the countrys current anti-immigration sentiment stems from past abuses of the H-1B visa programme and what he described as an overly lenient approach under earlier administrations.

I think America has benefited immensely from talented Indians that have come to America, Musk asserted. To which Kamath said, That seems to be changing now though, pointing to the recent changes to the H-1B visa programme.

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Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath dropped a 3-hour conversation with Elon Musk and the part everyone is talking about is H-1B visas@elonmusk's exact words:

America has a severe shortage of top 0.1% engineering talent. The reason Google, Microsoft, Adobe and half of Silicon pic.twitter.com/Jp8zNwye7n  InfactoWeaver (@InfactoWeaver) December 1, 2025

Musk spoke on the perception that some Americans held about jobs being taken away by people from other countries, saying: I dont know how real that is. My direct observation is that theres always a scarcity of talented people. So you know, from my standpoint, Im like we have a lot of difficulty finding enough talented people to get these difficult tasks done and so more talented people would be good.

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On the H-1B visas itself, he added that there had been some misuse, but didnt support a closure of the programme. I think theres been some misuse of the, you know, H-1B programme. It would be accurate to say that theres, you know, like some of the outsourcing companies have kind of gamed the system on the H-1B front, and we need to stop the gaming of the system. But Im certainly not in the school of thought that we should shut down the H1B programme.

Musks big remarks on Trumps tariff policy

Amid their long conversation, Kamath also made it a point to refer to global trade and the tariffs imposed by Musks one-time friend, Donald Trump. India has been hit hard by the US tariffs  a total of 50 per cent has been imposed on India, with 25 per cent being levied as a punitive measure for buying Russian oil.

Musk said that he wasnt a supporter of Trumps tariffs. I mean, the President has made it clear he loves tariffs. You know, Ive tried to dissuade him from this point of view, but unsuccessfully.

Elon Musk with his one-time close friend, US President Donald Trump. Musk revealed in the podcast that he tried to convince the US president on not to impose tariffs, but failed. File image/Reuters

He further told Kamath, I think generally free trade is better, is more efficient. Tariffs tend to create distortions in markets, he said, adding that barriers make little sense even at a basic level. Would you want tariffs between you and everyone else at an individual level? That would make life very difficult. Would you want tariffs between each city? No  that would be very annoying. Would you want tariffs between each state within the United States? That would be disastrous for the economy. So then why do you want tariffs between countries?

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The future of working, according to Elon Musk

Kamaths podcast with Musk also spoke on the advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI)  a favourite topic for the worlds richest man. On the issue, the SpaceX CEO noted people may not need to work for a living once AI systems and machines can produce most goods and services.

My prediction is that, in the future, working will be optional, Musk said. People can play this back in 20 years and say it was wrong, but I think it will be correct. In less than 20 years maybe even 10 or 15 advances in AI and robotics will bring us to a point where working is optional.

He further added that the idea applied to almost all forms of work and production.

Musks love for letter X, friendships and more

In the nearly two-hour podcast, Kamath also addressed Musks penchant for the letter X. The Zerodha co-founder asked Musk about his companies and his products being named after the alphabet. Musk replied, Its a good question, honestly. Sometimes I wonder whats wrong with me.

He further responded, So way back in ancient times, in 1999, the Precambrian era when there were only sponges, there were only three one-letter domain names. And I was like, okay, I want to create this place where its the financial crossroads or the financial exchange.

 BREAKING: Elon Musk reveals X's origin story in podcast with Nikhil Kamath.



In the late 90s, only 3 one-letter domains existed.



His goal: build a financial hub with real-time secure processing, not slow banking databases.



PayPal came from this vision. After eBay returned pic.twitter.com/9f01kyq853  SaaS Junction || AI & SaaS Updates (@SaasJunctionHQ) November 30, 2025

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Musk said that the vision behind X.com was ambitious: solving money from an information theory standpoint. Musk explained his critique of the traditional banking system: The current banking system is a large number of heterogeneous databases with batch processing that are not secure. If we could have a single database that was real time and secure, that would be more efficient from a monetary, from an information theory standpoint than a large number of heterogeneous databases that batch process very slowly and insecurely.

That original X.com eventually evolved into PayPal and was acquired by eBay. But the story didnt end there. Someone reached out from eBay and said, Hey, do you want to buy the domain name back? And I was like, sure, Musk recalled. He held onto the domain for years, waiting for the right opportunity.

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The two also discussed friendships, and Musks sense of humour. Kamath asked Musk what kind of comedy did he like, to which the Tesla CEO responded, Absurdist humour. Musk added that he liked comedy and that people needed to laugh. Its good to generate a few chuckles once in a while.

We dont want a humourless society. Wed dry.

Kamath also asked the worlds richest man what kind of person was he when he was with friends. Musk responded that they discussed many things  the nature of the universe and other philosophical discussions. However, Musk added that his group of friends had decided not to speak about AI at parties as

All in all, the discussion between Musk and Kamath was an eye-opener and let the world in on the thinking of the worlds richest man.

With inputs from agencies
Heavy rainfall triggered by tropical storms such as Cyclone Ditwah, Typhoon Koto, and Cyclone Senyar has unleashed widespread flooding and landslides across Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia. The extreme weather has claimed the lives of over 1,000 people already, with hundreds of others still missing. Is climate change to blame for this watery chaos?

A man pushes a makeshift raft along a flooded street after heavy rainfall in Ambatale on the outskirts of Colombo. Sri Lanka has made an appeal for international assistance as the death toll from heavy rains and floods triggered by Cyclone Ditwah have risen substantially. AFP

Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia What do these countries have in common? Currently, these five nations are struggling to keep afloat, quite literally, as a band of cyclones and extreme monsoonal weather has hit them.

At last count, the death toll has risen to over 1,000 with authorities racing against time to clear debris and find hundreds of missing people. Such is the severity of the situation that Sri Lanka has declared an emergency with the other countries calling in their military to help victims of devastating flooding.

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As these nations grapple with the extreme weather and the devastation, we get you the latest from the ground.

How did the flooding begin in these countries?

Meteorologists say the current weather extremes in Southeast Asia could stem from the interaction of two active systems: Typhoon Koto in the Philippines and Cyclone Senyar forming in the Malacca Strait. As per the Indonesian meteorology agency, the formation of Senyar in the Strait of Malacca was rare.

Indonesias location near the equator theoretically makes it less prone to the formation or passage of tropical cyclones, the agencys Andri Ramdhani said. However, in the past five years, several tropical cyclones have moved towards Indonesia and had significant impacts, Ramdhani added.

In Sri Lanka, Cyclone Ditwah triggered mud slides and flooding, causing unprecedented devastation with President Anura Dissanayake saying, We are facing the largest and most challenging natural disaster in our history.

Is climate change to blame for the situation?

Many weather experts note that while its not definitive is climate change made these storms worse, theres increasing amount of data that points to the same. They note that as the worlds oceans and warm at an accelerating rate due to the rise in greenhouse gases from burning fossil fuels, tropical cyclones are expected to become more intense. This is because cyclones get their energy from warm oceans. The warmer the ocean, the more fuel for the storm.

The warming atmosphere is supercharging the global water cycle, and peak rainfall rates are increasing. When more rain falls in a short time, flash flooding becomes more likely.

Whats the latest from the flood-affected countries?

But just how much death and devastation has the floods brought to Southeast Asia? What are the governments doing to cope with the destruction caused by the extreme weather situation?

According to officials, the death toll from the devastating floods across the Asian nations has surpassed 1,000, with authorities adding that it will only climb further. Official data already reveals that over four million people have been impacted by the floods, with nearly three million in southern Thailand and 1.1 million in western Indonesia.

In Indonesia

The death toll in Indonesia has reached 442 with hundreds more missing. Nearly 300,000 people have been displaced and nearly 3,000 houses damaged, including 827 that were flattened or swept away. . The toll is the deadliest in a natural disaster in Indonesia since a massive 2018 earthquake and subsequent tsunami killed more than 2,000 people in Sulawesi.

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People carry their belongings as they wade through the water at a flooded village in Bireun, Aceh province, Indonesia. AP

Visuals circulating on social media show just how devastating the floods have been. Maulidin, a 41-year-old resident of North Aceh, fled her home with her family when she woke to the sound of flooding. My house is already destroyed, all my belongings are ruined, and mud is inside, she told AFP.

Rescuers are struggling to reach stranded residents with local media footage showing people using rubber boats to evacuate those trapped.

A woman stands amidst tree trunks that were stranded on a shore following deadly flash floods and landslides, in Padang, West Sumatra province, Indonesia. Reuters

In Sumatra, the situation has resulted in some residents resorting to stealing food and water in order to survive. Videos on social media showed people running past barricades, flooded roads and broken glass to get their hands on food, medicine and gas. Some were seen wading through waist-deep floodwaters to reach the convenience stores.

On Monday, Indonesias President Prabowo Subianto said of the situation, The worst has passed, hopefully. The governments priority now is how to immediately send the necessary aid, with particular focus on several isolated villages, he added.

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Prabowo has come under increasing pressure to declare a national emergency in response to flooding and landslides. But he is yet to do so.

A local resident gestures as he visits his parents house, which collapsed after being hit by deadly flash floods following heavy rains in Palembayan, Agam regency, West Sumatra province, Indonesia. Reuters

In Thailand

As of Sunday, the death toll in Thailand had risen to 170 as a result of the worst flooding in a decade. Songkhla Province had the highest number of fatalities at 131. Hat Yai, the largest city in Songkhla, received 372 millimetre of rain on November 21, its highest single-day tally in 300 years, amid days of heavy downpours.

Amphorn Kaeophengkro, a resident of Hat Yai, told Reuters that for many like her, they had no time to escape. She and her family of eight spent a whopping 48 hours perched atop a table, washing machine and on a window frame. We werent thinking about anything else except surviving, the 44-year-old told Reuters, as her family began to clean their dwelling after the water had receded.

Sometimes we sat at the edge of the window and had to lift our legs to avoid keeping them too deep in the water.

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A drone view shows a flooded resort following deadly flooding in Hat Yai district, Songkhla province, Thailand. Reuters

As the waters, recede, authorities have been working to deliver aid and clear the damage. The Thai military deployed its aircraft carrier, HTMS Chakri Naurbet, along with drones, helicopters, and convoys of trucks to deliver food, medicine, and dinghies to survivors, many of whom have been trapped for days on rooftops. The government has also issued a public appeal for boats and jet skis to help aid survivors.

However, theres a growing anger over the flood response, with two local officials even been suspended over their alleged failures.

People clear mud and debris from their houses in a flooded area in Hat Yai district, Songkhla province, Thailand. Reuters

In Malaysia and Vietnam

Across the border, in Malaysia, the toll from the flooding is lesser  two people have died  but the devastation from Cyclone Senyar is severe. Widespread flooding has swamped large parts of northern Perlis, forcing tens of thousands into temporary shelters.

Hospital staff push a patient on a stretcher through floodwater after heavy rain caused flooding in northern states of Malaysia, bordering Thailand, at Kangar, Malaysia. Reuters

Vietnam, too, is struggling as a result of tropical storm Koto. Heavy rains have lashed the countrys middle belt in recent weeks, flooding historic sites and popular holiday destinations and causing hundreds of millions of dollars in damage.

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As of now, two vessels have sank in the rough seas, a fishing boat in Khanh Hoa province and a smaller raft in Lam Dong, according to the environment ministry. It said a total of three people were killed and authorities were still searching for a fourth.

People clean up after flood recedes in Dak Lak, Vietnam. AP

In Sri Lanka

Indias neighbour, Sri Lanka, has announced a state of emergency after floods and landslides were triggered by Cyclone Ditwah. The countrys disaster agency said on Sunday that a whopping 334 people have died with nearly 400 still missing.

Cyclone Ditwah is the worst natural disaster to hit the country in two decades, with officials saying the extent of damage in the worst-affected central region was only just being revealed as relief workers cleared roads blocked by fallen trees and mudslides.

A flooded hospital after heavy rains is seen in Chilaw, north of Colombo, Sri Lanka. AP

Selvi, a 46-year-old resident of Colombos Wennawatte suburb, fled her home with four bags of clothes and other possessions. My house is completely flooded. I dont know where to go, but I hope there is some safe shelter where I can take my family, she told AFP.

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Such is the situation in Sri Lanka that Colombo has called for international aid and is using military helicopters to reach people stranded by flooding and landslides. In Ma Oya, just north of the capital, Hasitha Wijewardena said he was struggling to clean up after the floods.

The water has gone down, but the house is now full of mud, he told local reporters, appealing for military help to clean up.

Rescuers move people to safety in a submerged area of Colombo, Sri Lanka following flooding. AP

India has already responded to Sri Lankas aid request, sending planeloads of relief supplies, while an Indian warship already in Colombo on a previously planned goodwill visit donated its rations to help victims.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences over the deaths in Sri Lanka and said New Delhi was ready to send more aid. We stand ready to provide more aid and assistance as the situation evolves, Modi said on X.

While the waters have now receded from these areas, it will take a long, long time for these countries to rebuild.

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With inputs from agencies
Global defence manufacturers logged an unprecedented $679 billion in military sales in 2024, driven by the wars in Ukraine and Gaza and rising security fears in Europe, West Asia and beyond. SIPRIs latest report shows soaring orders for ammunition, aircraft, drones and armoured systems, even as labour shortages, material constraints and supply chain disruptions slow production

Ukrainian soldiers fire a self-propelled howitzer towards Russian positions near Bakhmut, the site of the heaviest battles, Donetsk region, Ukraine, on March 7, 2023. File Image/AP

The global defence industry experienced its most profitable year on record in 2024, with the worlds 100 largest weapons manufacturers collectively taking in $679 billion from military-related sales.

New data released by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) on Monday shows that conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, along with rising security concerns across multiple regions have resulted in unprecedented demand for ammunition, aircraft, drones, missiles, armoured vehicles and other defence systems.

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While the revenue boom has brought growth to many companies, the report also reveals that manufacturers are wrestling with production delays, labour shortages and disruptions in sourcing critical materials  factors that have prevented even larger gains.

SIPRIs latest assessment highlights how the global security environment has transformed the defence sector into one of the fastest-expanding industries of the decade.

Over the period from 2015 to 2024, revenues among the same set of top manufacturers climbed 26 per cent.

How US defence giants fared

The United States remains the largest hub for arms production by a wide margin. Out of the top 100 companies, 39 are American, and together they amassed $334 billion in revenue last year  almost half of all global arms sales.

SIPRIs review shows a 3.8 per cent jump in earnings for US manufacturers in 2024, with nearly four-fifths of those companies registering year-on-year increases.

Despite this strong performance, several marquee American programmes continue to be plagued by bottlenecks. SIPRI emphasised that major US-led projects such as the F-35 fighter jet and the Columbia-class submarine are still hampered by persistent budget overruns and production delays.

These setbacks have not prevented the firms involved  including Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, RTX (formerly Raytheon Technologies) and General Dynamics  from topping global rankings.

The United States remains the undisputed leader in high-end defence technologies, especially in stealth aircraft, long-range missile systems, guided munitions, naval platforms, and advanced sensors.

These capabilities place American manufacturers at the centre of multinational procurement efforts, particularly among countries looking to replenish stockpiles depleted by assistance to Ukraine.

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That replenishment drive has been a key contributor to higher US sales. Countries supporting Kyiv  particularly Nato members in Europe  have been forced to place large orders with American defence contractors to rebuild their inventories.

As Ukraines battlefield requirements have expanded, demand for US-made missile defence systems, artillery shells, drones and monitoring equipment has risen in parallel.

Still, the SIPRI report notes that even large American companies have struggled to keep pace with the scale of orders, pointing to the systemic strain caused by multiple active conflicts and the simultaneous need to modernise national arsenals.

The US defence sector is adjusting by expanding production facilities, hiring more workers and negotiating long-term supply agreements, yet the industry remains under heavy pressure to reduce backlogs.

How Europe is arming itself

Excluding Russia, 26 European firms on SIPRIs list achieved a 13 per cent overall rise in revenue, totalling $151 billion in 2024. This expansion is directly tied to the continents response to the war in Ukraine and to fears that regional security may deteriorate further.

Arms manufacturers across Europe have been tasked with accelerating output at a pace not seen since the Cold War. Several governments have dramatically increased spending on everything from artillery to air defence systems.

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In particular, countries bordering Russia or those contributing heavily to Ukraines defence have pushed for faster deliveries and larger production runs.

Germany saw some of the most robust growth among major European states. According to SIPRI, the boom in German companies earnings  which reached gains of 36 per cent  is linked to Berlins large-scale efforts to reinforce the Bundeswehr after years of underinvestment.

This has translated into major contracts for firms like Rheinmetall, Diehl, Thyssenkrupp and Hensoldt.

Artillery shells of German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall are displayed in Unterluess, Germany, August 27, 2025. File Image/AP

These companies have been heavily involved in manufacturing armoured vehicles, ammunition, air-defence interceptors and components needed to replace what Germany has provided to Ukraine.

Some of the most dramatic changes within Europe were recorded in central and eastern countries. The Czechoslovak Group in the Czech Republic saw revenue skyrocket by 193 per cent, a growth rate unmatched by any other company in SIPRIs top 100.

This extraordinary surge was partly due to a national initiative aimed at supplying artillery ammunition to Kyiv, a demand that soared throughout the year as Ukraine sought to counter Russias expanding firepower.

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Ukraines own primary defence manufacturer, JSC Ukrainian Defense Industry, also experienced a 41 per cent revenue boost, reflecting the countrys efforts to maintain domestic production capabilities.

However, SIPRI cautions that Europes defence sector faces serious obstacles as it works to sustain this growth.

Researcher Jade Guiberteau Ricard stressed that sourcing materials could pose a growing challenge, telling AFP that companies must overhaul supply networks to avoid vulnerabilities linked to Chinas export restrictions on critical minerals.

Before 2022, European aerospace leaders such as Airbus and Frances Safran relied heavily on titanium sourced from Russia. With that option no longer viable, supply diversification has become an urgent priority and has added extra cost pressure on manufacturers.

French, German and pan-European companies are also undertaking investments to expand factory capacity. Even so, the demand surge has created a situation where existing facilities remain insufficient to meet the immediate needs of European militaries.

Production timelines are being stretched, and governments are attempting to fast-track procurement procedures to secure available stock.

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How Russian militarised economy is growing despite sanctions

Russias two major companies included in the SIPRI rankings  Rostec and United Shipbuilding Corporation  generated a combined $31.2 billion in revenue in 2024, representing 23 per cent growth over the previous year.

Rather than being driven by exports, as in the past, this increase stems from soaring domestic demand as Moscow prioritises its war in Ukraine.

SIPRIs Nan Tian showed how deeply the Russian economy has been reshaped, saying, The country has completely changed its priorities. The production has now, for the last three years, been geared to a war economy.

He added that the country has funnelled resources into defence production at a scale rarely seen in modern times.

One of the most striking indicators of Russias war-driven industrial mobilisation is the dramatic increase in artillery shell manufacturing.

SIPRI reports that production of 152mm rounds rose from 250,000 to 1.3 million between 2022 and 2024  a 420 per cent escalation. This output has played a central role in Russias sustained operations on the front lines.

Russia has faced persistent shortages of foreign-made electronics and aviation components due to international sanctions.

Despite the early assumptions that Moscows defence industry might collapse under such restrictions, Tian observed that this expectation has not materialised, noting that the country has proven to be quite resilient to these various sanctions and economic issues.

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Yet SIPRI warns that Russias arms makers face serious internal pressures.

The shift to a wartime economy may limit Russias ability to revert back to a non-war footing even if the conflict ends, potentially reshaping its industrial base for years to come.

How Chinas defence sector is faring amidst corruption allegations

Although global arms revenue grew overall, the Asia-Oceania region was the only one to register a decline, with earnings falling 1.2 per cent to $130 billion.

This was not due to decreased demand across the region as a whole, but rather the result of significant downturns in Chinas defence companies.

Chinese arms manufacturers, eight of which appear in SIPRIs rankings, recorded a 10 per cent drop in combined revenue  the sharpest fall experienced by any major arms-producing country last year.

Multiple corruption cases involving procurement officials disrupted major contracts, leading to delays or cancellations in 2024.

Nan Tian explained the decline to DW by saying, Specifically, Asia and China, the reason for the decrease has been, there have been a lot of corruption allegations against Chinese arms companies, adding that the suspensions and investigations had significantly slowed procurement cycles.

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By contrast, firms in Japan and South Korea fared better.

Their revenue growth was aided partly by increased orders from Europe, where militaries have been seeking to diversify suppliers amid constrained capacity in US and European factories.

South Korean production of artillery systems, armoured vehicles and missile platforms has become particularly attractive to buyers looking for faster deliveries.

How West Asian companies reached new milestones

West Asia increased its representation on SIPRIs list last year, with nine firms making the cut and collectively earning $31 billion. A substantial portion of this came from the regions most prominent companies in Israel, which posted $16.2 billion in sales across three leading manufacturers.

That represents a 16 per cent increase, even as Israels actions in Gaza attracted significant criticism.

Israeli firms remain key suppliers of air defence systems, drones and precision-guided weapons  technologies that have seen elevated global demand.

Turkey also contributed to the regions increased presence, with its defence companies expanding output in drones, missiles and armoured vehicles. However, Baykar, the maker of Bayraktar UAVs widely used in Ukraine earlier in the war, did not match its previous export performance to Kyiv in 2024.

How supply chains are dwindling

SIPRIs list confirms that American firms maintain their dominant position at the top of the global rankings.

With the exception of BAE Systems, which is based in the United Kingdom, all of the top five are American. This marks the first time since 2017 that a non-US firm  BAE Systems  has re-entered the top five largest defence contractors.

Further down the list, the military division of Airbus ranks 13th, while Rheinmetall of Germany is positioned at 20th, reflecting their expanded roles in supplying European militaries.

The German-French alliance KNDS, combining Krauss-Maffei Wegmann and Nexter, sits 42nd.

It recorded a 40 per cent spike in new orders and a 14 per cent increase in revenue, driven by European demand for tanks, artillery and armoured vehicles.

Despite rising earnings, companies worldwide are contending with persistent supply chain strains. Manufacturers in Europe and the US have warned of elevated material costs, longer delivery timelines and shortages of specialised components.

One of the most significant disruptions has been the restructuring of titanium sourcing. Before the Ukraine war, Airbus and Safran depended heavily on Russian titanium.

Following geopolitical fallout, these firms have been forced to find alternative suppliers, incurring added costs and logistical challenges.

Additionally, Chinas export controls on minerals critical for electronics and precision manufacturing have put pressure on companies like Thales and Rheinmetall.

These restrictions prompted both companies to caution that they may face higher expenses and potential delays as they overhaul procurement strategies.

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With inputs from agencies
Tensions between the US and Venezuela continue to grow, with US President Donald Trump declaring the closure of the Venezuelan airspace. Trump has said time and again that US strikes on drug boats could develop into land action. But if the situation does take a turn for the worse, how capable is the Venezuelan military to take on the Americans?

A coast guard boat of the Venezuelan Navy operates off the Caribbean coast in Puerto Cabello, Venezuela. File photo/Reuters

US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that the airspace above and surrounding Venezuela should be considered closed in its entirety, without giving details, as Washington continues to ramp up pressure on President Nicolas Maduros government.

Trump has repeatedly said US strikes on alleged drug boats in the Caribbean and Pacific, which have killed more than 80 people, could develop into land action in the South American country, although he has also reportedly held a call with Maduro and discussed a possible US visit by the Venezuelan president.

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What are Venezuelas military capabilities?

The US military dwarfs Venezuelas, which is debilitated by a lack of training, low wages and deteriorating equipment, six sources familiar with Venezuelan military capabilities said.

Although Maduro, in power since 2013, has enjoyed military loyalty by placing officers in government roles, rank-and-file soldiers earn just $100 a month in local currency, about a fifth of what studies say an average family needs to meet its basic needs.

Sources say desertions, which already occur in many units, could increase in the event of an US military attack.

The primary experience of Venezuelan troops in recent years has been confronting unarmed civilians during street protests.

A taxi boat sails to pick up passengers on the shoreline of the Gulf of Paria, across from Venezuela in Changuaramas, Trinidad and Tobago. File image/Reuters

Maduro has said there are 8 million civilians training in militias, but one source estimated that only thousands of intelligence personnel, armed ruling-party supporters and militia members would really participate in defensive actions.

The militarys equipment - much of it Russian-made and decades-old - is lacking. Caracas bought some 20 Sukhoi fighter jets in the 2000s, but they are considered lacking in comparison to US B-2s, and Venezuelas Russian-made helicopters, tanks and shoulder-fired missiles are also outdated.

How could Venezuela respond to an attack?

Venezuela plans to mount a guerrilla-style resistance or sow chaos in the event of a US air or ground attack, sources and planning documents seen by Reuters show.

The response has been referenced publicly, though without details, by high-ranking officials, who refer to it as prolonged resistance, and would involve small military units at more than 280 locations carrying out acts of sabotage and other guerrilla tactics.

Venezuelas 5,000 Russian-made Igla missiles, praised by Maduro recently on state television, have already been deployed. Military orders are for units to disperse and hide at various locations if there is an attack, one source said.

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A man spends time on his docked boat on the shoreline of the Gulf of Paria in Carnage, Trinidad and Tobago. File image/Reuters

The second strategy, called anarchisation and which officials have not acknowledged, would use intelligence services and armed ruling-party supporters to create disorder in the capital Caracas and make Venezuela ungovernable, sources say.

Are there other armed actors in Venezuela?

Colombian guerrilla forces like the National Liberation Army operate in the west of Venezuela, which is also a hub for the cultivation of coca, the base ingredient in cocaine.

Ruling party supporters called colectivos, or collectives, often mobilise in motorcycle convoys to confront protesters. They are sometimes armed.

Venezuelan opposition groups, NGOs, Washington and some Latin American governments have accused Maduro and the Venezuelan military of ties to drug trafficking groups, who are also accused of violence.

The government has consistently denied such links and says the US is seeking regime change to take control of Venezuelas vast oil reserves.
A childs birthday celebration in Stockton, US, took a tragic turn when a mass shooting left four people dead, including three children, and injured more than 10 others. With the shooter still at large, investigators believe this was a targeted attack. They are now urging anyone with information to come forward, with Stockton Mayor announcing a $25,000 bounty

First responders at scene of a mass shooting in Stockton, California on Saturday. AP

A childs birthday celebration in US Stockton took a horrific turn over the weekend when a mass shooting left four people dead, including three children, and injured more than 10 others.

The incident unfolded inside a banquet hall on Saturday night, where an estimated 100 to 150 guests had gathered, according to the San Joaquin County Sheriffs Office. Stockton, a city in Californias Central Valley, south of Sacramento.

Investigators are now urging anyone with information to come forward.

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We need everyone who has any information on this to reach out to us, San Joaquin County Sheriff Patrick Withrow said during a news conference on 30 November. This is the time for our community to show that we will not put up with this type of behaviour where people will just walk in and kill children.

So what exactly happened that night? How have officials responded? And what do we know so far about the shooter?

Heres a closer look.

A birthday party turns tragic

A family celebration in Stockton took a horrific turn on Saturday evening when shots were fired inside a banquet hall in San Joaquin County.

The gathering was meant to be a childs birthday party, but around 6:00 pm, at least one gunman opened fire, according to the San Joaquin County Sheriffs Office. Officials said around 15 people were hit by gunfire.

By Sunday, authorities confirmed that four people had died. Their ages ranged from 8 to 21 years, and heartbreakingly, three of them were children, aged 8, 9 and 14. The fourth victim was a 21-year-old adult. Another 11 people suffered injuries and were taken to nearby hospitals, officials confirmed.

According to The AP, Roscoe Brown, whose brothers granddaughter was turning two, said the toddler was not hurt. Brown, who works with the citys Office of Violence Prevention, was in Arizona when he heard about the shooting and immediately drove back to Stockton. He shared that his niece and nephew were among those shot, and he personally knew several other victims.

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Law enforcement responds to the scene of the shooting in Stockton, California | AFP

Faith in the Valley, a faith-based community organisation in Californias Central Valley, announced that the organisation would be holding a vigil to honour the victims in the shooting. Stockton Vice Mayor Jason Lee encouraged the community to attend the vigil, USA Today reports.

Last nights tragedy has shaken our entire city, Lee said in a social media post. To the families: your pain is my pain. My heart, prayers, and full support are with you. If you know anything  please say something. Our families deserve healing and justice.

Who is the shooter? What was the motive?

As of now, no suspect has been named, and investigators say the shooter, or shooters, is still at large, according to the San Joaquin County Sheriffs Office.

This was a birthday party for a young child, and the fact that this happened is absolutely heartbreaking, Sheriffs Office spokesperson Sandra Brent told reporters, as reported by CBS News. She added that investigators are open to any information, even rumours.

District Attorney Ron Freitas also addressed the public, urging the gunman to turn yourself in immediately."

Sheriff Withrow said early evidence indicates this may have been a targeted attack. He explained that the shooting started inside the hall before moving outside.

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Were going to say that were confident that this was not a random act, Withrow said at the conference. They walked into this area and was probably looking for somebody in particular. Why they did that, what theyre part of, who they are  we dont know.

Withrow added that investigators have now processed the scene and are examining the evidence collected.

Several vehicles, including some with bullet holes, were towed away for further review, Withrow told reporters. He also said that some firearms were found on the roof of the building, though investigators have not yet determined whether those weapons were connected to the shooting, according to AP News.

How have officials responded?

California Governor Gavin Newsom called the shooting a horrific tragedy in a statement posted on social media just hours after it happened. His office said the governor was closely monitoring developments and staying in touch with local authorities.

Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi also announced a cash reward to encourage people to come forward with information.

Crimestoppers is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those involved. I am matching that with another $10,000, and with a $5,000 contribution from Councilwoman Mariela Ponce. The total bounty now stands at $25,000, Fugazi wrote in a social media post.

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The mayor also confirmed that the 8-year-old victim attended a local school and that one of the childs parents worked for the Stockton Unified School District. She said counsellors would be available at schools this week to support students and staff.

Stockton Vice Mayor Jason Lee released a statement expressing his shock and frustration. He said he was devastated and angry that the shooting unfolded during a childs birthday celebration at an ice cream shop, adding that such a place should never be a location where families fear for their lives."

With input from agencies
Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to visit India on December 4 and 5. Putin, who will hold the 23rd IndiaRussia annual summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will be making his first visit to India since the outbreak of the Ukraine war in February 2022. Lets take a closer look at how the relationship between the two countries has stood the test of time from Independence

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives in India this week.

During his December 45 visit, he will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the 23rd IndiaRussia annual summit, his first trip to India since the Ukraine war began in February 2022. Putin previously visited India in December 2021, just a few months before the outbreak of the Ukraine war.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the visit will allow both sides 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.

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This visit is of great importance, providing an opportunity to comprehensively discuss the extensive agenda of RussianIndian relations as a particularly privileged strategic partnership, the Kremlin said in a statement.

That partnership, which began in the decades after Independence, flourished during the Cold War, survived the collapse of the Soviet Union and a turbulent 1990s, gained renewed strength in the 2000s and continues to hold in the aftermath of the Ukraine invasion.

Lets take a closer look.

Nehru and the early years

From the earliest days of Independence, India insisted on strategic autonomy  not aligning with either Cold War camp. However, as Washington drew closer to Islamabad, the Soviet Union opened its doors to New Delhi.

Jawaharlal Nehrus 1955 and 1961 visits to the USSR were building blocks of the relationship. The Soviets backed Indias industrialisation drive at a time when few others were willing to invest political capital in Indias development.

Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru lay the building blocks of the relationship with the USSR.

Steel plants, heavy machinery, technical institutions and early scientific cooperation followed. Soviet military equipment, particularly MiG aircraft, gradually became the backbone of Indias defence modernisation.

Indira and treaty that changed everything

The IndoSoviet Treaty of Peace, Friendship and Cooperation signed by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1971 brought the relationship into a new stratosphere.

As India and Pakistan clashed over East Pakistan  soon to become Bangladesh  global alignments hardened. The Nixon administration tilted sharply towards Pakistan, deploying the Seventh Fleets Task Force 74 to the Bay of Bengal. Britain moved the HMS Eagle into the region. Indias recognition of Bangladesh raised the stakes even further.

The war concluded with Pakistans defeat and the formation of Bangladesh. AFP/File Photo

The Soviet Union stepped in. It deployed its own naval assets, including nuclear submarines, signalling that any intervention by outside powers would be met with consequences. And at the UN Security Council, Moscow repeatedly vetoed ceasefire resolutions pushed by the US and UK, buying India the diplomatic space it needed. Days later, Pakistani forces surrendered in Dhaka.

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Indiras multiple visits to the USSR through the 1970s and 1980s also brought the countries closer together.

From defence to culture

Regular Soviet supplies and licensed production of aircraft, tanks, submarines and artillery systems through the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s made Russia central to Indias military ecosystem. Training, maintenance and doctrine became intertwined.

Even today, it is estimated that 70 to 80 per cent of Indian hardware when it comes to arms and ammunition comes from Russia. India relies on several Russian-made weapons systems including the Su-30MKI fighters, T-90 and T-72 main battle tanks, BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles, S-400 Triumf, INS Vikramaditya aircraft carrier and the Chakra II nuclear submarine.

In 1975, the USSR launched Aryabhata, Indias first satellite. In 1984, Rakesh Sharma flew aboard the Soyuz: a symbolic high point in space cooperation. Joint commissions, technology transfers, research exchanges and equipment support in fields ranging from metallurgy to electronics built a science-and-industry partnership that shaped Indian institutions for decades.

This handout photograph released by the Indian Air Force on May 22, 2019 and taken at an undisclosed location in 2017 shows a BrahMos air to surface cruise missile being launched from a Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter aircraft. File Photo/Handout/Indian Air Force/AFP

And theres more. There are other projects of defence collaboration, which necessarily have to remain outside the public domain. Simply put, no country has transferred the level of technologies to India that Russia has done, a Russian envoy was quoted as saying a few years ago, as per ORF.

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Meanwhile, student exchanges, film festivals, book translations, Doordarshan broadcasts of Soviet films and the popularity of Indian cinema across the USSR added a layer of mutual familiarity. This did not drive policy, but it softened it  making cooperation the default posture rather than an exception.

The fallow 1990s

The collapse of the Soviet Union tested the partnership. While Russia was consumed by economic crisis, India decided to open up its doors to the world via liberalisation. Russia was consumed by economic crisis; India was liberalising and diversifying its external ties. As Manmohan Singh put it in his landmark 1991 Budget speech, No power on earth can stop an idea whose time has come.

Then Prime Minister Narasimha Rao with Dr Manmohan Singh, Pranab Mukherjee and then Agriculture Minister Balram Jakhar. Image courtesy photodivision.gov.in

Looking back, many predicted the relationship wouldnt last. However, even during this time, India continued to place defence orders with Russia, crucial for their factories. The Su-30MKI programme also began taking shape at this time.

Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao visited Russia in 1992, Boris Yeltsin came to India the following year. Nuclear cooperation persisted at a time when Western nations remained uninterested in supporting India. The early steps towards what would eventually become the BrahMos missile project were taken in this period.

Enter, Putin Vajpayee and Modi

Vladimir Putins rise to power in 1999 injected new direction into the relationship. During his 2000 visit to India under the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government, the two nations signed the Declaration on the IndiaRussia Strategic Partnership, establishing annual summits and structured dialogue mechanisms.

In 1996, Atal Bihari Vajpayee became prime minister of India for the first time.

The 2000s and 2010s saw cooperation broaden and deepen:

 BrahMos matured into a flagship co-development project.

 Sukhoi upgrades and licensed production expanded Indias aviation capabilities.

 Cryogenic engine technology transfers supported Indias space ambitions.

 Nuclear energy cooperation accelerated, with Kudankulam as the centrepiece.

 Energy ties strengthened, including Indias stake in Sakhalin-1.

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In 2010, under Dmitry Medvedev and Manmohan Singh, the partnership was elevated to the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.

With Narendra Modi in office from 2014, personal chemistry between him and Putin added new momentum to the ties. Modis multiple visits, including to Vladivostok in 2019, opened new areas such as Russias Far East. Even as India expanded ties with the US, Europe and the Indo-Pacific, the Moscow channel stayed active.

Crimea and the Ukraine war

The relationship between India and Russia has survived many tests over the past decade and emerged unscathed. When Russia annexed Crimea in 2014 under then US President Barack Obama, India declined to join Western condemnations. New Delhi framed its position around its legitimate interests and emphasised the need for dialogue  consistent with its long-term practice.

Indias purchase of the S-400 air defence system triggered the possibility of US sanctions under CAATSA. However, India refused to back down to Washington. While Moscow moved closer to Beijing in the wake of Western sanctions, concern grew in Delhi about long-term strategic implications. However, ties between the two countries, based on decades of cooperation, did not break.

The S-400 air defence system. Reuters

In the aftermath of the Ukraine war in 2022, India abstained on UN resolutions condemning Russia. Though Modi famously told Putin that todays era is not an era of war, India continued to advocate for diplomacy and dialogue as the way forward, even putting itself forward as a possible mediator and a bridge to Russia. With Western sanctions imposed on Russia, India became among the largest buyers of its discounted crude. This was a sea change for New Delhi, which prior to the war bought just a fraction of its oil from Russia, preferring traditional suppliers in West Asia.

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Though the West continued to pressure India to distance itself from Moscow, New Delhi refused. Russia, for its part, has continued to back India, saying that every independent nation should be free to choose its own trading partner. Indeed, Putin just last month praised Indias decision to resist the Wests entreaties not to buy Russian crude as self-reliant and dignified. New Delhi too has pointed to the hypocrisy of the West, particularly America, which continues to have its own dealings with Russia in the aftermath of the Ukraine war.

Whatever happens next, the eyes of the world will remain on Putins visit to India.

With inputs from agencies
As World AIDS Day draws global focus to the continuing battle against HIV/AIDS, recent data and expert insights reveal a twofold story emerging across India. Read here

As the world marks World AIDS Day, 2025 brings a mixed picture for Indias fight against HIV/AIDS. On one hand, expanded testing, widespread treatment and strengthened public-health systems have helped drive down new infections, AIDS-related deaths and mother-to-child transmission, reflecting the gains of sustained national efforts.

On the other hand, a new wave of infections among teens and young adults risks undermining decades of progress, especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities where stigma and late testing continue to cast long shadows. Experts warn that a rising tide of new infections among adolescents and young adults particularly driven by misinformation, delayed testing and social stigma threatens to stall progress.

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Gains so far: treatment expansion and declining deaths

India has made significant strides under the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) and the current phase of the National AIDS Control Programme (NACP 202126). According to government data, annual new HIV infections have nearly halved since 2010 and AIDS-related deaths have dropped by more than 80 per cent. Mother-to-child transmission has also fallen dramatically.

HIV testing increased from 4.13 crore tests in 202021 to 6.62 crore in 202425; the number of people on lifelong antiretroviral therapy (ART) rose from 14.94 lakh to 18.60 lakh over the same period. Viral load testing, critical to monitor treatment success, nearly doubled.

Global-level data from World Health Organisation (WHO) confirm that HIV, while incurable, is now a manageable chronic condition when detected early and treated consistently, enabling people to live long, healthy lives.

HIV is chronic and manageable but awareness lags

Medical professionals in India echo this transformation. Both WHO and national data confirm that timely detection and uninterrupted antiretroviral therapy (ART) allow individuals to live healthy, productive, and stigma-free lives. Todays HIV is chronic but can be managed wellpatients live a normal life span, working full-time, getting married and raising their families very safely, said Dr. Arvind Aggarwal, Director- Internal Medicine and Infection Disease, Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute (Delhi) who emphasised that social stigma and late testing are the main barriers, not clinical capability. 

Routine screening and sustained treatment can reduce viral loads to undetectable levels, eliminating the risk of transmission, according to WHO guidance. Despite scientific reassurance, social stigma still discourages people from coming forward for tests and therapy. 

Adolescents at risk: The quiet challenge

According to NACO surveillance (2024), individuals aged 1928 are showing a very notable increase in new HIV diagnoses. Many of these new infections are linked to unsafe sexual practices, limited awareness about preventive options, and reliance on myths and misinformation.

Indias AIDS-related deaths have fallen thanks to widespread ART and awareness campaigns, but the latest NACO surveillance reveals a troubling spike in new diagnoses among 1928-year-olds. Dr. Rohit Sharma, Consultant- Internal Medicine, Apollo Spectra Hospital (Jaipur)

says Young people are highly informed online, yet poorly educated about HIV. They rely on myths from social media instead of scientific factsRoutine testing is the only reliable safeguard.

Experts like Dr. Manohar K N Lead Consultant- Internal Medicine and Diabetology, SPARSH Hospital, (Bangalore) call for stronger school and college-based programs, especially those addressing safe sexual practices, consent, and destigmatising HIV testing.

Maternal transmission: A window of prevention

Experts warn that while improvements have been achieved in prevention of mother-to-child transmission, antenatal screening remains inconsistent in many parts of North India.

India has made major strides in preventing mother-to-child HIV transmission, but antenatal testing rates remain inconsistent, especially in North India. Every pregnant woman should undergo HIV screening in the first trimester. Early diagnosis and ART support reduce mother-to-child transmission to less than 1%, says Dr. Megha Mittal, Senior Consultant- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Apollo Spectra Hospital (Delhi).

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Dr Charu Lata Bansal, Senior Consultant, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Cocoon Hospital (Jaipur) says: We still meet expectant mothers who usually believe that HIV cannot affect them. Early antenatal testing is usually non-negotiable  it ensures that both mother and baby remain protected. With the help of proper ART intervention, mother-to-child transmission drops to negligible levels. But the window of prevention closes very fast if testing is continuously delayed.

Reducing stigma: The road ahead

Doctors unanimously agree: Indias next phase in HIV control must centre around stronger, youth-friendly awareness, routine screening for sexually active adults, and widespread understanding of preventive tools like PrEP and PEP.

As Dr Ashish Mehrotra, Senior Consultant  Internal Medicine, Apollo Spectra Hospital (Kanpur) said: In Tier-2 cities, stigma continues to remain the biggest challenge. People hesitate to go to testing centers because they fear being judged. Unless we break the social and family-level stigma, medical progress will stay limited. In todays time HIV is fully manageable with timely ART  there is no reason for people to hide or delay treatment.

What is clear, say experts, is that India already possesses the scientific tools, infrastructure and medical capability to manage HIV effectively. What remains is open conversation, early diagnosis and a health-system that supports individuals  not pushes them into silence. Through collective responsibility, India can move towards a future where HIV transmission is controlled and ultimately, eliminated.

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The CBI has arrested a man in the kidnapping case of Rubaiya Sayeed, daughter of then-Union Home Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed, in 1989. She was released five days later after the then-government released five jailed terrorists.

Rubaiya Sayeed, daughter of former J&K Chief Minister and former Union Home Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed, arrives to appear before a court in connection with an abduction case in Jammu. (Photo: PTI)

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Monday arrested a man in connection with the kidnapping of Rubaiya Sayeed, a daughter of then-Union Home Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed, in 1989 by terrorists.

Rubaiyas kidnapping was a turning point in Kashmirs terrorist movement that emboldened them to operate with impunity in Jammu and Kashmir.

The KDC news agency reported sources as saying that the man arrested has been identified as Shafat Ahmad Shungloo. He is a native of Srinagar.

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Jammu-Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) chief Yasin Malik is the prime accused in the case. He has more than 60 cases against him, including the murder of Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel. He is currently lodged in Delhis Tihar jail where he is serving a life sentence in a separate terror financing case.

JKLFs terrorists kidnapped Rubaiya on December 8, 1989, at around 3:45 pm in Srinagar, when she was returning to her home from Lal Ded Memorial Hospital where she was an intern. She identified Malik and three others as her kidnappers in court in 2022.

This is the person and his name is Yasin Malik. He was the man who threatened me that he will drag me out of the minibus if I refused to follow their diktat, Rubaiya told the court at the time.

Rubaiya was released five days later after then-Union government of VP Singh accepted terrorists demand of releasing five jailed terrorists  Abdul Hamid Sheikh, Sher Khan, Noor Mohammad Kalwal, Altaf Ahemed, and Javed Ahemed Jargar.

The entire Valley was celebrating

Journalists who reported in Kashmir at the time have said that terrorists had widespread support in the Valley at the time and lakhs of people openly cheered in the streets for Rubaiyas kidnappers and terrorists who were released.

In an article for Hindustan Times, Harinder Baweja said the state government was absent and the entire Valley was celebrating.

The Farooq Abdullah government in the state which had been forced to release five militants belonging to the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front was near absent. The administration was gripped by fear as it watched its people take to the streetsin the thousands, sometimes even in the lakhsshouting slogans of hum ky chahte, azadi (we want freedom) and Jo kare khuda ka khauf, utha le Kalashnikov. (Those who fear God, should pick up the Kalashnikov.), Baweja wrote.

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Baweja further wrote that the episode was a tipping point that tilted the scales in favour of terrorists.

Separately, journalist Aasha Khosa told Rediff News that there was no sympathy for Rubaiya and that Kashmirs masses were all with the militants.

Khosa said that the episode was a shock to many as it revealed the extent of the popular acceptance and support that terrorists had.

Khosa said, The kidnapping was a shock. The security personnel did not have a clue. Till then everyone was treating militancy as a joke. People used to say, hey, my cousin has become a militant, he has a gun now. The Rubaiya episode changed all that. It made people realise that there was major trouble in Kashmir.

When the militants were released, there was celebration all around. I have never seen so many people on the streets! They sang, danced and raised anti-India slogans.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has raided eight locations in Kashmir in the case of white collar terror module that has been linked to Delhis Red Fort blast. The NIA has so far arrested seven persons in the case.

Investigators examine the site of Monday's car explosion near the historic Red Fort, in New Delhi, India, on Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025. (Photo: AP)

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Monday raided eight locations in Jammu and Kashmir associated with alleged members of the white terror module linked to the Red Fort blast in Delhi.

Last month, a car exploded near Delhis Red Fort. At least 15 people were killed in the blast. The NIA has been investigating the incident as a suicide bombing. The man believed to be the bomber, Umar Un Nabi, has been linked to a trans-state white terror module stretching from J&K to Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.

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Officials told PTI that searches were being carried out in Pulwama, Shopian and Kulgam districts. They said NIA teams searched the residence of Moulvi Irfan Ahmad Wagay in Shopian.

Separately, The Times of India reported that searches were also conducted at the residence of Jasir Bilal Wani, also known as Danish.

ALSO READ: With tech & new cash, Pakistan looks to train new jihadist gun at India

Both Wagay and Wani have been arrested in connection with the white terror module and the Delhi blast. Investigators believe Wagay played a key role in radicalising people to take up terrorism, while Wani provided technical support to the module.

Raids were also carried out in Koil, Chandgam, Malangpora and Samboora areas of Pulwama, according to PTI.

Officials said these locations were linked to individuals associated with last months Red Fort blast. The NIA has so far arrested seven persons in the case.

Wagay and Wanis role in Delhi blast

Wagay has emerged as the mastermind behind the radicalisation and recruitment of the white-collar terror module, PTI reported, citing officials.

Wagay was arrested by J&K Police in October as part of an investigation that began with the discovery of incendiary posters in Kashmir. The probe led investigators to Faridabad and Uttar Pradesh where they uncovered the trans-state white-collar terror module. After the NIA took over the Delhi blast investigation last month, it arrested Wagay and Wani along with others previously held by J&K Police.

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In addition to Wagay and Wani, the NIA also searched the residence of Dr Adeel Ahmad Rather, who was arrested from Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh last month.

As for Wani, he has emerged as a key technical supporter of the module, according to The Times of India.

A political science graduate from Qazigund in Kashmirs Anantnag district, Wani has been accused of working closely with Nabi to plan Hamas-style drone attacks and develop small, crude rockets for coordinated blasts, the report said.

Described as the technical backbone of the module, Wani is said to have modified drones, upgraded their batteries and camera systems, and attempted to integrate small explosive payloads designed for deployment in crowded public areas. These are tactics used by Hamas and Islamic State in West Asia.
Imran Khan has repeatedly accused General Asim Munir of being the most oppressive dictator in the countrys history and of orchestrating a vindictive political crackdown. Rumours about Khans death have further deepened Pakistans political polarisation, pushing the country to a critical juncture

Supporters of Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), take part in a protest demanding Khan's release from prison. The speculation around the health of the former Pakistan PM has refused to die down. File photo/Reuters

Imran Khan is currently in jail serving a 14-year sentence on corruption charges related to the Al-Qadir Trust case, a charge he claims is politically motivated. He has been incarcerated since August 2023 and faces numerous other legal cases. Khan and his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), maintain that the dozens of cases against him are fabricated by the military establishment and the current government to keep him out of politics. The military denies these allegations.

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Relations between Imran Khan and General Asim Munir are widely reported as highly strained and defined by a deep personal and political animosity. There is a significant power struggle between the jailed former prime minister and the powerful army chief, who is currently the most influential figure in the Pakistani establishment. The animosity reportedly stems from General Munirs brief tenure as head of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) in 2019, during which he was dismissed by Khan, allegedly after bringing corruption findings involving Khans wife, Bushra Bibi, to his attention.

Khan has repeatedly and publicly accused General Munir of being the most oppressive dictator in the countrys history and of orchestrating a vindictive political crackdown, his numerous arrests, and the mistreatment of him and his wife in custody. Khan has explicitly stated that he will not engage in dialogue with the current government or the military establishment, asserting that all power lies with General Munir. The relationship is characterised by ongoing political and legal battles, with no signs of reconciliation.

Imran Khans family members have voiced grave concerns over his safety and well-being, pointing to his total isolation, the denial of family and lawyer visits, and the lack of a proof of life as the basis for their fears amid death rumours. His sisters, Aleema Khan, Noreen Niazi and Uzma Khan, have been outspoken critics of the authorities treatment of Imran Khan. They state they have been denied visits for several weeks despite court orders, keeping the family in the dark about his condition. They reported being brutally assaulted by police while peacefully protesting and demanding to meet him outside Adiala Jail.

While they have used strong language about the general treatment, Aleema Khan has also been quoted as saying, My brothers life is not in danger, and No one can dare touch my brother, suggesting a belief that public and international attention provides a level of protection, even as access is denied. They have consulted lawyers to file a petition demanding Imran Khan be produced in court to ensure transparency.

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Imran Khans son, Kasim Khan, has made a direct appeal to the international community for intervention. He expressed deep concern over the absolute blackout of communication, noting the family has had no phone calls, no meetings and no proof of life for over a month. He highlighted that his father has been held in solitary confinement in a death cell with zero transparency, a deliberate attempt to hide his condition.

Imran Khans ex-wife Jemima Goldsmith has also used social media to raise the alarm, emphasising that while she may disagree with him politically, the situation concerns human rights and her childrens father. She has pointed out that all visits have been stopped and weekly calls to their sons have been cut off. She alleged that Pakistani authorities have threatened to arrest her sons if they visit the country to see their father.

Thus, the familys primary fear stems from the total lack of communication and access, which they believe is an intentional strategy by authorities to conceal his well-being and is a clear violation of his basic human rights. The Islamabad High Court had ordered that former Prime Minister Imran Khan be allowed biweekly access for meetings with his family, lawyers, and friends. However, recent reports indicate that jail authorities have repeatedly failed to comply with this order.

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The rumours of Imran Khans death triggered significant protests outside Adiala Jail, with thousands of his supporters from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party demanding proof of life and the restoration of visitation rights. Khans sisters, who have been denied access for weeks, accused the police of brutal treatment during a protest, further escalating tensions.

The Islamabad High Court had initially restored Khans visitation rights on March 24, 2025, and issued a subsequent directive on October 24, 2025, ordering Adiala Jail authorities to fully implement the approved meeting schedule. The agreed schedule was for family and lawyers on Tuesdays and friends on Thursdays.

Despite these clear court orders, Khans family members, including his sisters and lawyers, have been repeatedly denied access to meet him. As of late November 2025, the denial of access is ongoing, with his family and party members staging protests outside the jail.

Concerns have been raised by his party (PTI) about his well-being and location within the jail due to the lack of access and transparency. Jail officials have cited security concerns and alleged violations of rules (such as making political statements after meetings) as reasons for restricting access. The court has mandated that visitors sign an undertaking not to speak to the media after meetings to address this.

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In essence, while the court has clearly mandated biweekly access, the implementation of this order remains a point of contention and is reportedly not being consistently followed by the jail authorities.

Rumours of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khans death in jail have been officially denied by Pakistani authorities. Pakistani prison officials and the Ministry of Information have repeatedly dismissed the claims as baseless, fake, and part of a social media misinformation campaign. They insist Khan is in good health and receiving full medical attention at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi.

The United Nations (UN) has consistently called on Pakistani authorities to respect and fully uphold Imran Khans human rights and due process protections. In the most recent statements (as of November 2025), Farhan Haq, the Deputy Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, reaffirmed the UNs position, following concerns and speculation about Khans well-being and reports that his family had been denied access to him. He stated, We have called for his human rights and due process rights to be respected. The statement serves as a call to Pakistans institutions to ensure justice is not only done but is seen to be done, in compliance with both domestic and international human rights norms.

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General Asim Munir was recently elevated to the rank of Field Marshal and granted extensive new powers, including authority over all three defence services and enhanced legal protections. Critics argue that the move consolidates his control over Pakistans military and political landscape, further marginalising Imran Khans Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), despite Pakistans setbacks and losses following Indias Operation Sindoor. Amid recent rumours about Khans health and safety in jail, he has instructed his party to hold General Munir accountable if anything happens to him, highlighting the extreme level of distrust.

In conclusion, Imran Khans legal cases are indicative of deep divisions in Pakistani politics because they are widely seen as politically motivated tools used by entrenched elites and the powerful military establishment to sideline a popular opponent. The perception has intensified the struggle between Khans populist movement and the states traditional power structures, resulting in extreme polarisation and public unrest.

Ultimately, the cases are not just about legal technicalities but are a central front in a larger power struggle that has intensified political polarisation and brought the country to a critical juncture.

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(The writer is a retired Indian diplomat and had previously served as Ambassador in Kuwait and Morocco and as Consul General in New York. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.)
Afghanistan is no longer willing to live in Pakistans shadow, and Indias years of investment in Irans Chabahar port are finally paying off

The Chabahar route is insulated from Pakistans tantrums and opens Afghanistan to broader Eurasian networks such as the International North-South Transport Corridor. Representational image

Afghanistan is quietly but unmistakably pulling away from Pakistan and moving closer to India in ways that would have been unthinkable even a few years ago. The bridge enabling this shift is Irans Chabahar Port, a project India patiently nurtured for over two decades despite sanctions, obstacles and geopolitical turbulence.

Today, that investment is paying strategic dividends. A new India-Iran-Afghanistan trade corridor is taking shape, and it is rapidly rewriting old equations across South Asia. For Pakistan, this is nothing short of a nightmare unfolding before its eyes.

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Over the past three months, Kabul has sent an unmistakable signal. The visits of Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and Acting Commerce Minister Nooruddin Azizi to New Delhi marked the most significant diplomatic re-engagement between India and the Taliban regime since 2021.

But beyond the optics, the message they carried was blunt: Afghanistan wants more trade with India, less dependence on Pakistan, and a structural shift in its economic orientation.

Azizis November 22 arrival in New Delhi made that shift explicit. Across meetings with Indian officials, his refrain remained consistent. Pakistans trade routes are unreliable, politically weaponised, and economically suffocating. Kabul wants to pull itself out of Islamabads chokehold. And the only partner capable of providing a stable, large and diversified market is India. Azizi openly stated to News18, We request the government of India to restore the political, trade and cultural relationship that once existed between our two countries. That is as clear a diplomatic overture as Kabul could make.

What the minister brought to the table was even more consequential. Afghanistan is offering Indian investors five-year tax holidays, free land parcels, fast-track clearances and reduced import duties. It wants Indian firms in mining, pharma, textiles, agriculture, energy, power and construction. In a symbolic but telling move, Kabul has already banned low-quality Pakistani pharmaceutical imports and is seeking Indian suppliers instead. This is economic realignment expressed in the bluntest possible terms.

At the centre of this shift lies Chabahar. For Afghanistan, the port has emerged as the most stable, predictable and geopolitically neutral route to access Indian markets. For India, Chabahar was always a strategic project  its gateway to Afghanistan and Central Asia without touching Pakistani soil. Today, it is becoming a geopolitical equaliser.

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Indias long-term agreement to operate terminals at Chabahar, backed by a US sanctions waiver, has triggered rapid infrastructure expansion. Warehouses, cold-storage units, multimodal terminals, and expanded berthing capacity are being developed at speed. Shipments from Chabahar to Afghanistan have grown steadily, while air corridors between Delhi, Amritsar and Kabul are being reactivated. Cargo flights, Indian officials say, will resume very soon. Dry ports in Nimroz and improved transit through the Zaranj-Delaram highway are tightening the supply chain.

Trade numbers reflect this momentum. Bilateral trade is already above $1 billion in 2024-25 and rising. Afghan exports of dry fruits, saffron, figs, raisins, carpets and herbs are showing a visible uptick in India. Conversely, India is exporting pharmaceuticals, wheat, sugar, machinery, electrical goods and medical equipment. Crucially, all of this is bypassing Pakistan entirely.

For Pakistan, this represents a dramatic erosion of long-held leverage. For decades, Islamabads geography gave it the power to dictate the economic lifeline of a landlocked Afghanistan. Border closures at Torkham and Chaman, arbitrary tariffs, harassment of Afghan traders, and frequent political arm-twisting created a relationship defined by dependency and distrust. Tonnes of Afghan goods regularly rotted at border points due to political tensions. The Taliban, despite ideological proximity, has felt the sting of Pakistans unpredictability just as acutely as previous Afghan governments.

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Azizi confirmed in New Delhi that Pakistan has blocked border trade checkpoints, shut Afghanistans access to Karachi port, and halted India-Afghanistan trade through the Wagah border. In simple terms, Pakistan is using trade as a weapon. Kabul is now responding by structurally reducing its reliance on Islamabad. Chabahar is the escape hatch.

Indias investment in the Shahid Beheshti terminal at Chabahar, combined with the Zaranj-Delaram highway it constructed inside Afghanistan, has created a resilient multimodal corridor. Goods move from Indian factories to Chabahar by sea, transit into Afghanistan through Iran, and travel onwards to Kabul, Kandahar and Herat. This route is insulated from Pakistans tantrums and opens Afghanistan to broader Eurasian networks such as the International North-South Transport Corridor.

That said, this realignment remains fragile. Chabahars operations hinge on periodic US sanctions waivers; the latest, granted in October, covers only six months. Diplomatic engagement with Washington will remain essential. Furthermore, Pakistan is unlikely to accept its diminishing influence quietly. It may weaponise border militias, use proxies or engineer friction within the Taliban power structure to sabotage the trade corridor. The transition from dependency to diversification will not be smooth.

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But the underlying shift is undeniable. Both India and Afghanistan are acting out of clear strategic necessity. For Kabul, battered by border clashes and economic strangulation from Pakistan, India is the obvious partner to build a sustainable import-export ecosystem. For New Delhi, re-engaging Afghanistan through trade, infrastructure and humanitarian support enhances regional influence and isolates Pakistans leverage.

This moment is significant beyond economics. It represents the re-emergence of an Indo-Afghan partnership grounded in shared interests and historical goodwill, functioning through new geopolitical architecture where Chabahar is the fulcrum. Whether this shift consolidates into a durable strategic realignment will depend on how deftly all sides manage the uncertainties ahead.

But one fact is now clear: Afghanistan is no longer willing to live in Pakistans shadow. And India is more than ready to open a door that Islamabad has spent years slamming shut.

(The writer is a techie, 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 Firstposts views.)

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India-Russia bilateral relations are geared towards establishing a stable and predictable multipolar and just world order founded on the sovereign equality of all states

Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to be in New Delhi on December 4-5 for a two-day official visit to attend the annual India-Russia Summit.. File Image/Sputnik via Reuters

India and Russias multi-dimensional partnership and 78 years of establishment of diplomatic relations, 1947-2025, have served as a historic benchmark and sustained partnership in the promotion of global peace and security. Both the countries, as strategic and specially privileged partners, have reaffirmed their commitment to cooperate bilaterally and also at various international forums.

The bilateral relationship is geared towards the establishment of a stable and predictable multipolar and just world order based on sovereign equality of all states, peaceful coexistence, respect for territorial integrity and non-interference in their internal affairs, and a win-win proposition on major issues of mutual interest.

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Robust Economic Partnership

India and Russia have developed vibrant bilateral trade and economic relations by promoting investments, expanding trade, and working to remove barriers and tariffs. During their bilateral meeting in Moscow on July 9-10, 2024, as well as at the Kazan meeting on October 22, 2024, and on the sidelines of the Tianjin SCO meeting on September 1, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin agreed to accord high priority to mutually beneficial commercial engagement between the private sectors of both countries. President Putin is expected to be in New Delhi on December 4-5 for a two-day official visit to attend the annual India-Russia Summit.

To promote smoother and greater movement of businessmen, the two countries set a target of $30 billion in bilateral trade by the end of 2025 and a target of $100 billion in bilateral trade by 2030. This syncs well with Indias ambitious goal of achieving $5 trillion by early 2026. Currently, India has overtaken Japan to become the 4th largest economy, with its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) crossing $4 trillion. If the current rate of growth is sustained, India by 2028 is likely to surpass Germany and become the 3rd largest economy globally.

Major items of export from India include pharmaceuticals, tea, coffee and tobacco, nuclear reactors and boilers, machinery and mechanical appliances, organic chemicals, and electrical machinery and equipment. Major items of import from Russia include pearls, precious and semi-precious stones and metals, nuclear power equipment, electrical machinery and equipment, mineral oil and products, iron and steel, optical, precision and surgical equipment, inland waterways, civilian aircraft production, railways, and the IT sector (robotics and big data).

Defence Collaboration

In the realm of defence cooperation, India and Russia share a longstanding and wide-ranging partnership. The Indian-Russian Inter-Governmental Commission on Military-Technical Cooperation plays a leading role in this collaboration. Joint exercises, such as Indra, involving ground forces in Russia, with more planned, further strengthen this cooperation.

Ongoing initiatives include the collaborative design, development, and production of high-technology military equipment; the establishment of a Joint Venture for Ka-226T helicopter production; the BrahMos Missile Systems successful deployment during Operation Sindoor; four Admiral Grigorovich-class guided missile stealth frigates; joint development of the Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft; and the licensed production in India of SU-30 aircraft and T-90 tanks.

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The dedication of the Russian-built aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya off the coast of Goa is another example of strengthened cooperation in Indias naval arena.

Cultural Dimension and Role of Diaspora

Showcasing Indias soft power capability as a major source of attraction, the Indian diasporic community in Russia, which is estimated at about 30,000, including presence in its major cities such as Moscow, St Petersburg, Ekaterinburg, Sochi, Kazan, etc, has been extremely proactive in its engagement with the Russian public and its government for enhancing the relationship with India and the countrys soft power and thus taking it to a higher benchmark.

About 500 Indian businessmen reside in Russia, out of which around 200 reside and work in Moscow itself. An estimated 300 registered Indian companies operate in Russia. There are approximately 5,000 Indian students, with most of them pursuing medical studies, enrolled in institutions spread throughout Russia. Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) India Chairs have been instituted in various Russian universities to promote and encourage contemporary Indian studies.

Hindustani Samaj is the oldest Indian organisation in Russia, functioning since 1957, with activities being organised all year long. Other Indian organisations in Moscow include the Indian Business Alliance, the All Moscow Malayalee Association (Amma), the Indian-Russian Friendship Society (Disha), Amrit India Cultural Center of Tarusa City, and the Ramakrishna Society Vedanta Centre that showcase Indian culture in various forms to the Russian public on a regular basis.

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The Way Forward

While India and Russia are committed to enhancing the framework of the strategic and privileged partnership and accelerating existing cooperation, in keeping with the realist theory in international relations emphasising core national interests in various avenues of strategic partnership, Prime Minister Modis fervent call to pursue dialogue and diplomacy and make a plea for ending bloodshed and human suffering by describing the Ukraine crisis as this is not an era of war demonstrates Indias pursuance and commitment to peace and stability in the turbulent region.

Irrespective of geopolitical imperatives, it is very likely that India-Russia relations will weather these onerous challenges and will endure towards a more durable world order in which both countries will find areas of commonalities to work on and take the proactive momentum forward. Future bilateral meetings between India and Russia and between Prime Minister Modi and President Putin are likely to take the 78-year-old relationship between the two countries to greater heights by emphasising areas of convergence and engagement.

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As power dynamics at the global level undergo profound change, and there is global tumult and flux at multiple levels, India and Russia are likely to forge a consequential and sustainable partnership for navigating strategically amidst fast-evolving geopolitics around the globe.

(Mohammed Badrul Alam is Director of Research; Professor and Head, Department of Political Science, Retd; Faculty of Social Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia University, New Delhi. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.)
A court in Dhaka has sentenced ousted Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina to five years in jail and her niece, British Labour MP Tulip Siddiq, to two years for alleged corruption linked to a government land allotment scheme.

Former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina has been sentenced to death in a 'crimes against humanity' case. File Photo/Reuters

A court in Dhaka on Monday sentenced Bangladeshs ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina to five years in prison and her niece  British Labour MP Tulip Siddiq  to two years over corruption linked to a government land project.

Judge Rabiul Alam of the Special Judges Court ruled that Hasina had abused her authority as prime minister, while Siddiq was found guilty of influencing her aunt to help her mother obtain a plot under the Purbachal New Town project on Dhakas outskirts. Siddiqs mother, Sheikh Rehana, received a seven-year sentence and was named the main beneficiary.

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Siddiq, the MP for Hampstead and Highgate, has rejected the charges. Tried in absentia alongside 16 others, she is unlikely to serve her sentence and still faces several outstanding cases in Bangladesh.

Trials held in absentia

Hasina has lived in exile in India since being ousted in last years mass uprising. Multiple cases against her  including this one  have been conducted without her present.

According to court filings, Siddiq forced and influenced Hasina to secure land for her mother and siblings. Prosecutors said Siddiq was tried as a Bangladeshi citizen, citing her passport, national ID and tax number. Her lawyers disputed this, insisting she has not held a Bangladeshi passport since childhood and has never had a national ID or voter card.

Sentencing and Siddiqs statement

Judge Alam handed her a two-year prison term and a fine of 100,000 taka ($821), with six additional months if unpaid. At the start of the trial, Siddiq accused prosecutors of spreading false and vexatious allegations to the media, saying she would respond to any credible evidence presented.

A group of senior British lawyers  including Robert Buckland, Dominic Grieve and Cherie Blair  recently wrote to Bangladeshs UK envoy expressing concern that Siddiq had been unable to secure proper legal representation. They described the proceedings as artificial and a contrived and unfair way of pursuing a prosecution.

Separate death sentence for Hasina

Mondays verdict follows Hasinas death sentence two weeks earlier in a separate trial over a deadly crackdown on protests that led to her ouster in July 2024. That case, also held in absentia, found her guilty of crimes against humanity linked to an estimated 1,400 deaths. She has rejected all charges.

Siddiq still faces two further trials related to the Purbachal allegations and is under investigation over the transfer of a Dhaka flat to her sister. Her family continues to face scrutiny over other corruption claims, including alleged embezzlement tied to a 3.9 billion Russian-backed nuclear power project.

Broader corruption allegations

Bangladeshi authorities claim around $234 billion (174 billion) was siphoned off through corruption during Hasinas tenure.

Before Siddiq resigned from the UK government earlier this year, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmers ethics adviser Sir Laurie Magnus found no evidence of improprieties, though he noted it was regrettable she had not recognised the reputational risks of her family ties. Siddiq said she stepped down to avoid becoming a distraction.

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Extradition unlikely

The UK has no extradition treaty with Bangladesh, and as a Category 2B country, any request would require clear, tested evidence. Although Bangladesh issued an arrest warrant, Siddiq was not required to return for the trial.
Authorities in California are urging witnesses to a fatal Stockton birthday party shooting to come forward as the search for suspects continues

At least one victim remained in critical condition, and by Sunday evening authorities had yet to make any arrests. (AP)

Authorities in California are appealing for witnesses to step forward after a deadly shooting at a childs birthday party in Stockton, where four people, including three children, were killed and eleven others wounded.

The incident unfolded on Saturday at a banquet hall attended by at least 100 guests, according to San Joaquin County Sheriff Patrick Withrow. Aged 8, 9 and 14, the young victims died alongside a 21-year-old, and detectives believe the gunfire continued outside, raising the possibility of multiple shooters.

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At least one person remained in critical condition, and as of Sunday evening no arrests had been made. The sheriff called on the community to provide any information, including video recordings or eyewitness accounts, insisting that such violence must not be tolerated.

Investigators probe targeted attack as families mourn

Sheriffs spokesperson Heather Brent said investigators believe the shooting was a targeted incident, though officials did not clarify why it was considered intentional or who may have been the focus. She emphasised that officers were seeking all information, even rumours. Roscoe Brown, whose brothers granddaughter was celebrating her second birthday, said the child was uninjured but several family members had been shot. Brown, who works for Stocktons Office of Violence Prevention, travelled from Arizona after learning of the attack, describing the violence at a childs party as senseless.

Emmanuel Lopez told the Los Angeles Times that his 21-year-old brother, Susano Archuleta, was shot in the neck and died at the scene. Lopez said his 9-year-old daughter was shot in the head but survived. He did not provide details about the circumstances leading up to the shooting.

Stockton, a city of 320000 people about 80 miles (130 kilometres) east of San Francisco, recorded 54 homicides in 2024, significantly higher than the state average. As of October this year, city data showed there had been 34 homicides. Hours after the banquet hall attack, Stockton Police arrested five people, including a juvenile, on weapons and gang-related charges, though Sheriff Withrow said there was no indication these arrests were linked to the killings.

Mayor Christina Fugazi said one of the child victims attended a local school and had a parent working for the Stockton Unified School District. She confirmed that counsellors would be available across city schools this week and expressed deep sorrow for the young lives lost, noting that the victims should have been preparing for Christmas rather than being mourned by their families.
Revenues at Chinas major state-owned defence companies fell last year as sweeping corruption investigations disrupted arms contracts and slowed procurement, according to a new SIPRI study. The decline stands in sharp contrast to the strong growth seen among global arms manufacturer

Hongzehu, a Type 926 submarine rescue ship, sits at the port as the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy opens warships for public viewing to mark its upcoming 75th founding anniversary, in Qingdao, Shandong province, China, April 20, 2024. Representational Image/Reuters

Revenues at Chinas major state-owned defence companies fell last year as sweeping corruption investigations disrupted arms contracts and slowed procurement, according to a new study by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).

The decline contrasts sharply with strong revenue growth among leading global arms manufacturers, driven by the wars in Ukraine and Gaza and rising regional and international tensions.

A host of corruption allegations in Chinese arms procurement led to major arms contracts being postponed or cancelled in 2024, said Nan Tian, director of SIPRIs Military Expenditure and Arms Production Programme. This deepens uncertainty around the status of Chinas military modernisation efforts and when new capabilities will materialise.

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Anti-graft campaign shakes defence sector

Chinas defence industry has been heavily impacted by President Xi Jinpings anti-graft drive, which has intensified within the military in recent years. The campaign reached the upper echelons of the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) in 2023, targeting the Rocket Force  the branch responsible for Chinas missile arsenal.

In October, eight senior generals were expelled from the Communist Party over corruption charges, including He Weidong, the countrys second-highest-ranking general and a former member of the Central Military Commission.

Diplomats in Asia and the West are still evaluating the depth of the crackdown and its potential implications for Chinas broader military ambitions.

Chinas revenue declines while others surge

SIPRIs data shows revenues at Chinas top defence firms fell 10 per cent in 2023, while Japans rose 40 per cent, Germanys 36 per cent and the USs 3.8 per cent. Globally, the worlds 100 largest arms companies saw revenues increase 5.9 per cent to a record $679 billion.

Chinas drop made AsiaOceania the only region to register a collective decline among major defence firms.

The slowdown comes despite decades of rising Chinese defence budgets amid intensifying strategic competition with the United States and mounting tensions over Taiwan and the South China Sea.

Impact on key state-owned firms

Revenue fell across several top state-owned firms, including AVIC, missile and aerospace manufacturer CASC, and land-systems producer Norinco, which suffered the steepest drop  a 31 per cent decline to $14 billion.

Corruption-linked personnel changes at Norinco and CASC led to government reviews and project delays, while deliveries of AVICs military aircraft slowed, SIPRI said. Chinas defence ministry and the companies did not respond to Reuters requests for comment.

SIPRI researcher Xiao Liang warned the disruption could affect timelines for advanced weapons systems, including ballistic, cruise and hypersonic missiles, as well as other aerospace and cyber programmes managed by the Rocket Force.

Medium- and long-term modernisation likely to continue

This adds to uncertainties over the PLAs target of getting key capabilities and war-fighting readiness in place for its 100th anniversary, Liang said. The PLA traces its roots to Mao Zedongs Red Army, founded in 1927.

However, in the medium and longer term, sustained investment in defence budgets and political commitment behind modernisation will continue, albeit with some programme delays, higher costs and tighter control of procurement, he added.

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Deeply concerned to learn about the health of Begum Khaleda Zia, who has contributed to Bangladeshs public life for many years. Our sincere prayers and best wishes for her speedy recovery. India stands ready to extend all possible support, in whatever way we can, PM Modi posted on X

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday expressed deep concern over the health of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, extending his best wishes for her speedy recovery.

Deeply concerned to learn about the health of Begum Khaleda Zia, who has contributed to Bangladeshs public life for many years. Our sincere prayers and best wishes for her speedy recovery, PM Modi posted on X.

Deeply concerned to learn about the health of Begum Khaleda Zia, who has contributed to Bangladeshs public life for many years. Our sincere prayers and best wishes for her speedy recovery. India stands ready to extend all possible support, in whatever way we can.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 1, 2025

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He added that India stands ready to provide all possible support, in whatever way we can, reflecting the close ties between the two countries.

PM Modis remarks came hours after Zias party leaders reportedly said that she is extremely unwell and that the former Bangladesh prime minister has been placed on ventilation.

Ex-Bangladesh PM Khaleda Zia in critical condition

Zia, 80, remains in critical condition after being hospitalised with a severe chest infection affecting her heart and lungs.

Admitted to a private hospital on November 23, Zia was moved to the coronary care unit four days later as her health complications worsened.

A local news portal quoted BNP Vice-chairman Advocate Ahmed Aazam Khan as saying that Zias condition had deteriorated and that she was put on ventilation.

She is in a very critical condition. There is nothing more to do except seek prayers from the whole nation, he told reporters outside Evercare Hospital in Dhaka.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir confirmed her serious condition, adding, She is extremely unwell. The entire nation is praying for her recovery She is seriously ill, and our doctors are making every possible effort. Local and foreign specialists are involved in her treatment. They are trying their best.

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Zia has been battling multiple health issues, including liver and kidney problems, diabetes, arthritis, and eye-related illnesses. She had returned to Bangladesh earlier this year after four months of advanced treatment in London.

Her only son and BNP acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, has been residing in London since 2008, while her other son, Arafat Rahman, passed away from cardiac arrest earlier this year.

With inputs from agencies
When Dmitry Medvedev served as the President of Russia between 2008 and 2012, the West saw him as a democrat who could bring Western-style democracy to Russia. But he went on to become the foremost champion of Vladimir Putin, who returned to the presidency in 2012.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and then-Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev attend a meeting with members of the government in Moscow, Russia, January 15, 2020. (Photo: Sputnik/Dmitry Astakhov/Pool via Reuters)

Dmitry Medvedev is one of the few Russian politicians who have made it to the top without any ties to Soviet spy agency KGB, its successor FSB, or the military.

In one of the most remarkable careers in Russia, Medvedev rose to become the President of Russia (2008-12) and Prime Minister (2012-20) from an outsider on the basis of his loyalty to President Vladimir Putin.

For comparison, an estimate suggests that only 20 per cent of Putins top appointees were from outside the KGB, FSB, or the elite Russian military and bureaucratic circles. Medvedev did not just make it into this rare bunch but rose to become the president.

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In the West, Medvedev was initially hailed as a democrat who Western leaders thought could usher in Western-style democracy in Russia someday. But he turned out to be a loyalist acting as a placeholder for Putin who was barred from continuing as the president because of term limits. When Putin returned to the presidency in 2012, he appointed Medvedev as the prime minister.

Today, Medvedev is Putins foremost champion and has a reputation of a hawk who frequently gets into brawls with Western leaders on X.

From an outsider to President of Russia

Unlike Putin or his top aides like long-time Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Medvedev did not start out as a spy or an army officer. He was merely a lawyer.

Medvedev entered Putins orbit when the latter was starting his political career in St Petersburg in 1990.

At the time, Medvedev joined the Committee for Foreign Affairs of the Mayor of St Petersburg, which was headed by Putin. For context, the Mayor of St Petersburg was Anatoly Sobchak, who was a former teacher of Putin.

Medvedev and Putin became friends in St Petersburg. The relationship would go on to shape his career.

As Putin moved from St Petersburg to Moscow, Medvedev moved with his as well. Initially, he served as Putins personal lawyer and later played a key role in the 2000 presidential election that Putin won.

Under Putin, Medvedev served in several positions over the years, such as his Deputy Chief of Staff, Chairman of energy giant Gazprom, and Chief of Staff, before being appointed as the First Deputy Prime Minister in 2005.

In 2008, Medvedev took over as the President of Russia when Putin could not serve a third consecutive term.

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At the time, many in the West saw Medvedevs appointment as a pivotal moment. They thought Medvedev to be a democrat who would put Russia on the path of Western democratisation and check what they saw as Putins consolidation of power.

Commentators said that Medvedev initially embarked on anti-corruption campaign, sought to instil scientific temper, and promote technological innovation, and advocated for civil society development in Russia. But critics of the Western point of view had said that all of that was part of natural governance and not rooted in any imitation of purported Western values.

In 2012, Putin returned to the presidency and appointed Medvedev as the prime minister. In 2020, Putin shockingly demoted Medvedev as the Deputy Chairperson of the Security Council of Russia, a position roughly equivalent to that of the National Security Advisor of the United States.
Siddiq, the niece of former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina, resigned as Britains minister responsible for financial services and anti-corruption efforts in January after scrutiny over her financial ties to Hasina but she remains a Member of Parliament

MP Tulip Siddiq attends a news conference with Richard Ratcliffe, the husband of jailed British-Iranian aid worker Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, in London, Britain, on October 11, 2019. Reuters File

British MP Tulip Siddiq has condemned a Bangladeshi court decision sentencing her in absentia to two years in prison, calling the proceedings flawed and farcical and urging that the verdict be treated with contempt.

This whole process has been flawed and farcical from the beginning to the end. The outcome of this kangaroo court is as predictable as it is unjustified, The Guardian quoted Siddiq as saying on Monday.

Siddiq  a niece of former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina  resigned as the UKs minister for financial services and anti-corruption in January amid scrutiny over her financial links to Hasina, though she remains a sitting MP.

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On Monday, a court in Bangladesh ruled that Siddiq was complicit in corrupt land deals involving her aunt, the countrys deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina.

The judge found Siddiq, the Labour MP for Hampstead and Highgate, guilty of misusing her special influence as a British politician to pressure Hasina into granting valuable plots of land to Siddiqs mother, brother and sister.

Siddiqs mother, Sheikh Rehana, was sentenced to seven years in prison and identified as the primary participant in the case. The trial was conducted entirely in absentia and neither Hasina, Siddiq, Rehana nor more than a dozen other family members accused in the case were present when the verdict was delivered.

Siddiq has previously dismissed the allegations as a politically motivated smear.

The UK does not have an extradition treaty with Bangladesh, making it unlikely Siddiq will serve the sentence.

The Labour party said it did not recognise the corruption judgment because Siddiq had been denied a fair legal process.

Siddiq had denied the charges throughout the proceedings, arguing that much of the prosecutions evidence was forged. She was tried as a Bangladeshi citizen using a passport and tax ID, despite saying she had not held a Bangladeshi passport since childhood and had never paid taxes in the country.

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During the trial, prosecutor Khan Mohammed Mainul Hasan alleged that Siddiq had called and messaged senior aides in Hasinas office and had visited Dhaka to secure land for family members in a suburb of the capital.

No phone records or messages were presented and prosecutors said the claims were based on testimony from two officials who worked at the prime ministers residence at the time.

With inputs from agencies
Four foreign nationals, including three Italians and one Canadian, were hospitalised after being assaulted by settlers near Jericho, prompting condemnation from European nations over rising West Bank violence.

UN reports October saw the highest settler violence since 2006, with 264 attacks causing casualties or damage. (Photo by Menahem Kahana / AFP)

Four foreign nationals were hospitalised after reportedly being attacked by a group of settlers on Saturday night, according to government officials. The group included three Italian nationals and one Canadian. They were treated at a hospital in Jericho on Sunday, one of the victims told news agency AFP.

Italys Foreign Ministry confirmed that three Italian international volunteers were attacked last night by Israeli settlers, adding that they were still in shock from the incident. The Palestinian Authority-run WAFA described the four wounded individuals as international activists.

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Riyad Eid, director of the Jericho government hospital, told AFP, Four foreigners arrived at the hospital this morning after being beaten by settlers, according to what they reported. He said some had bruises to the face and chest, while one had been struck in a sensitive area. They underwent X-rays and ultrasound scans before receiving treatment and being discharged.

One of the victims, speaking anonymously to the news agency, said they were attacked by 10 settlers while sleeping in the Duyuk area. Two were reportedly armed with guns, and the others carried sticks. They kicked me multiple times in the face, in the ribs, in the hip, he said. It lasted about 10 to 15 minutes. And then they took all of our things. They stole my passport, my phone, my wallet, and my bank cards, and then they left. He added that their friend was beaten more severely.

Rising settler violence

The United Nations said that October had been the worst month for settler violence since it began recording incidents in 2006, with 264 attacks that caused casualties or property damage.

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani told local media that they are injured but not seriously; they are returning to Ramallah and should be reached this afternoon. He noted that Italy, France, Germany, and Britain had recently issued a joint statement condemning settler actions in the West Bank.

Speaking to La Repubblica, Tajani stressed that no idea of annexation must be allowed and that the Palestinian civilian population must be respected. He described attacks on Christian villages as extremely serious and appealed to the Israeli government to stop the settlers and prevent the continuation of this violence.

France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom reiterated their stance in a joint statement on Thursday, saying, We  France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom  strongly condemn the massive increase of settler violence against Palestinian civilians and call for stability in the West Bank.

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La Repubblica reported that one of the four activists has been placed on bed rest for three days, while the others were discharged.
Since taking over Russia in 1999, Vladimir Putin has turned a nation grappling with the collapse of the Soviet Union into a superpower that it is today. He came to power on the promise of bringing political stability and handling national security strongly.

President-elect Vladimir Putin arrives for his inauguration ceremony at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, on May 7, 2024. (Photo: Kremlin)

When Vladimir Putin took over as Acting President of Russia on New Years Eve in 1999, he was not a household name at home and barely known abroad. Now, more than 25 years later, the world recognises him as one of the most powerful rulers in modern history.

In this 25-year rule, Putin has turned a nation struggling after the Soviet collapse into a global power. He rose on the promise of stability and security.

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After 15 years in the Soviet spy agency KGB, Putin entered politics in the early 1990s in his hometown of St Petersburg. Within a few years, he moved to Moscow, steadily climbing the ranks to become Russias Prime Minister in August 1999.

The moment that shaped Putin

Putin was inspired to join the KGB in 1975 after watching the film The Sword and the Shield  (1968). But the moment that cemented his worldview and would shape Russia decades later came in 1989 with the fall of the Berlin Wall.

Putin was stationed in Dresden, East Germany, when the Wall fell. That moment marked the lowest point for the Soviet Union in its great power rivalry with the West.

According to widely reported accounts, Putin watched from the local KGB headquarters as crowds stormed the Stasi offices, East Germanys secret police, in Dresden. He is said to have single-handedly warned off the mob as it approached the KGB facility though this account is disputed by some. Later, when he reportedly requested a tank squad for help, he was told there would be no intervention without Moscows authorisation  which never came.

Historians and biographers note that the fall of the Berlin Wall and Moscows failure to respond deeply shaped Putins worldview and later policies. Already proud of Russia, the Dresden experience pushed him to commit to restoring Russian greatness, which he saw as being in decline. He also became a firm believer in centralised power and a securitised state.

Both beliefs lessons drawn from the Soviet collapse became cornerstones of his rule.

From an unknown to a world leader

Few knew Putin when he became Acting President on New Years Eve in 1999, but he had already begun to make his mark.

Earlier in 1999, as confidence in the Russian state hit rock bottom, a series of bombings killed hundreds. Amid public anger, newly appointed Prime Minister Putin rose to the occasion. He launched a counter-terrorism campaign that led to the Second Chechen War. He declared: Should we catch them in the toilet, we will whack them in the outhouse after all. Thats it. The subject is closed for good.

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With that statement, Putin signalled to Russians that they finally had a no-nonsense leader who would not tolerate violence and terrorism.

Putins political rise was meteoric. After leaving the KGB, he returned to Russia and joined Anatoly Sobchak, his former university teacher and then Mayor of St Petersburg, as an adviser. He became Deputy Mayor in 1994. Two years later, Putin moved to Moscow and joined the presidential administration as deputy to Pavel Borodin, the Kremlins chief administrator. His rise in Moscow was rapidfar quicker than in St Petersburg.

In 1998, President Boris Yeltsin appointed him head of the FSB, the successor to the KGB, and soon promoted him to Secretary of the Security Council. In August 1999, Yeltsin named him Prime Minister.

From an unknown figure, Putin consolidated power and centralised governance  drawing on lessons from the Soviet collapse. He reined in the oligarchs who had flourished under Yeltsin and ousted those who might challenge his authority. He nationalised several companies privatised during the 1990s shock therapy and ensured his loyalists controlled them. He also placed trusted allies in key government positions and shaped Russian politics around himself.

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The result was that Putin acquired powers comparable to the tsars of imperial Russia. Critics accused him of expansionism, but Putin argued his actions were a response to NATOs eastward expansion. He said this forced him to intervene in Ukraine first in 2014 and later in 2022. Earlier, he intervened in Georgia, claiming ethnic Russians were being harassed there.

While critics called these moves expansionist, they undeniably reshaped Europes post-World War II geopolitics and re-established Russia as a great power  the same greatness Putin saw slipping away in Dresden. Putin now stands as one of the most powerful rulers in the world in defiance of Western sanctions and rhetoric.
Anti-government demonstrators protest against the Georgian government's postponement of European Union accession talks until 2028, outside the parliament in central Tbilisi on December 31, 2024, the New Year's Eve. (AFP)

Georgian authorities are facing explosive allegations that they deployed a dangerous, obsolete chemical weapon, a compound known as camite used in World War One, to suppress massive anti-government protests in late 2024.

Evidence gathered by a BBC World Service investigation points to the use of the persistent agent in water cannons against demonstrators protesting the governments suspension of its European Union accession bid.

Protester testimony collected by the BBC paints a vivid picture of extreme pain and long-lasting effects. One protester, Gela Khasaia, described the sensation of being sprayed by water cannons, stating, You could feel [the water] burning, a sensation that could not be easily washed away. Other demonstrators reported severe long-term symptoms, including shortness of breath, persistent coughing, and vomiting that lasted for weeks.

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Dr Konstantine Chakhunashvili, a pediatrician who was sprayed and later ran a study on victims, confirmed the severity, noting his own skin felt like it was burning for days. His peer-reviewed study, which found nearly half of surveyed protesters suffered side-effects for more than 30 days, showed effects inconsistent with conventional riot control agents like CS gas.

The BBCs findings, gathered from experts, doctors, and police whistleblowers, suggest the chemical is bromobenzyl cyanide, also known as camite. Professor Christopher Holstege, a leading toxicology and chemical weapons expert, assessed the evidenceincluding victim accounts and police inventory recordsconcluding the symptoms are consistent with bromobenzyl cyanide. He emphasised the persistence of the clinical effects is not consistent with the typical agents used for crowd dispersal.

Adding weight to the claim, former high-level riot police official Lasha Shergelashvili confirmed testing a similar chemical in 2009 that was unlike regular tear gas, noting it could not be easily washed off and remained potent for days. He told the BBC he immediately suspected the same chemical was deployed during the 2024 protests.

Despite the mounting evidence, the Georgian authorities staunchly rejected the investigations findings, describing them as absurd and deeply frivolous. They maintained that police had acted legally and within the bounds of the law and constitution in response to the illegal actions of brutal criminals.

The potential use of such an obsolete and potent agent has drawn condemnation from international bodies. UN Special Rapporteur on Torture, Alice Edwards, stressed that under international law, populations should never be subjected to experiments, suggesting the described symptoms warrant investigation under the rubric of torture or other ill-treatment.

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The Asian countries Sri Lanka and Indonesia deployed military personnel on Monday to help the victims, stranded in the deadly floods and landslides.

Residents clear deep mud from the entrance of an inundated home following flash floods in Meureudu, Pidie Jaya district in Indonesia's Aceh province on November 28, 2025. (AFP)

The death toll has climbed up to 1,000, after the devastating floods and landslides swept away four countries in Asia recently. The Asian countries Sri Lanka and Indonesia deployed military personnel on Monday to help the victims, trapped and suffering injuries.

People remain missing as the change in weather brought torrential rainfall to the entire island nations like Sri Lanka and isolated corners of Indonesias Sumatra, parts of Thailand and Malaysia last week.

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Provide necessary aid

Serving an aid to the nation, as the catastrophe continues to unfold, Indonesia President Prabowo Subianto said on Monday that the governments priority now is how to immediately send the necessary aid, as quoted by AFP.

There are several isolated villages that, God willing, we can reach, he added, informing that the government is deploying helicopters and aircraft to aid the relief effort.

In Indonesia almost 402 people remain missing as rescuers battle to reach isolated corners of Sumatra, where entire communities have been cut off and thousands wait in dwindling conditions for food, water, and medical aid. Prabowo has come under pressure to declare a national emergency in the state which killed at least 442 people.

Deadliest disaster in Indonesia

The catastrophe marks as the deadliest disaster in Indonesia as the flood sweeps away the larger parts of the island. After the natural disaster in the 2018 earthquake and subsequent tsunami that killed thousands of people, the government became vigilant and sent across three warships as an aid for the worst hit-areas.

Sri Lanka battles the floodwater

The flood left people leaving their homes and getting displaced as their vehicles and floods got coated in thick grey mud.

The government called out for international aid using military helicopters to reach people stranded by the floods and landslides.

The death toll has climbed up to 334 in Sri Lanka, the disaster agency reported on Sunday.

Sri Lanka issued a state of emergency to combat the disaster, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said while addressing the nation, We are facing the largest and most challenging natural disaster in our history. Certainly, we will build a better nation than what existed before.

Most parts of Asia are witnessing its annual monsoon season, which brings heavy rainfall along with landslides.

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But the flooding that hit Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia was also exacerbated by a rare tropical storm that dumped heavy rain on Sumatra island in particular.
Hong Kong authorities have arrested 13 people on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with last weeks devastating fire at the Wang Fuk Court estate in Tai Po, as criticism grows over the handling of the disaster

A painting depicting a photograph taken by Reuters photographer Tyrone Siu sits at a makeshift flower memorial nearby to the Wang Fuk Court housing complex residents after the deadly fire, in Tai Po, Hong Kong, China, on Monday. Reuters

Hong Kong authorities have arrested 13 people on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with last weeks devastating fire at the Wang Fuk Court estate in Tai Po, as criticism grows over the handling of the disaster and the arrests under national security laws of at least two civilians calling for accountability.

According to a Guardian report, emergency services continued searching through the seven towers of the estate on Monday, days after the citys deadliest fire in 75 years.

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The confirmed death toll has risen to 151, with around 40 people still reported missing, added the report.

The estate, home to nearly 5,000 residents, had been undergoing extensive renovations linked to the fires cause. Public anger has intensified over alleged past safety violations by the construction company and lax enforcement of standards, with residents reportedly complaining about the renovations for over a year.

On Monday, officials said Hong Kongs anti-corruption authorities had arrested 13 individuals in connection with the disaster, including the directors and an engineering consultant of the construction firm.

Authorities said they had immediately begun comprehensive investigation along the lines of manslaughter.

Chief Secretary Eric Chan told The Guardian that seven of 20 samples of the mesh netting used in scaffolding around the towers failed fire-retardant standards.

While initial tests suggested compliance, Chan said noncompliant, cheaper netting had been installed in hard-to-access areas to evade inspection, calling the move a shameful act.

They just wanted to make money at the expense of peoples lives, he was quoted as saying.

Officials under scanner

As allegations of safety violations grow, alongside revelations that government authorities had issued multiple apparently unenforced warnings, residents have asked why no officials have yet faced consequences. Instead, two civilians were reportedly arrested by national security police.

Miles Kwan, a Hong Kong student, was detained on Saturday over an online petition calling for support for victims and accountability for those responsible, including potentially corrupt officials.

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Local media reported he was arrested for seditious intention, though police declined to confirm, saying only that actions would be taken in accordance with the law.

Kwan was seen leaving a police station on Monday, AFP reported.

Kenneth Cheung, a former district councillor, was also reportedly arrested on Sunday evening.

When asked about the arrests, Secretary of Security Chris Tang said authorities were responding to inaccurate comments online that threatened national security.

Therefore, we must take appropriate measures, including law enforcement measures, The Guardian quoted Tang as saying, adding that operational details could not be disclosed for security reasons.

Deadliest blaze since 1948

Residents of Wang Fuk Court were told by authorities last year they faced relatively low fire risks after complaining about fire hazards posed by the renovations, Reuters quoted the citys Labour Department as saying.

The residents raised concerns in September, 2024, including about the potential flammability of the mesh contractors used to cover the scaffolding, a department spokesperson said.

Hong Kongs deadliest fire since 1948, when 176 people died in a warehouse blaze, has stunned the city, where legislative elections are due to be held this weekend.

With inputs from agencies
Officials said Monday that some of the exterior netting on the scaffolding at a residential complex in Hong Kong failed to meet required fire-resistance standards

Mourners lay flowers as they pay their respects for victims at a makeshift memorial outside the Wang Fuk Court apartment blocks (AFP)

A devastating fire that claimed 151 lives in the Wang Fuk Court housing estate, Hong Kongs deadliest since 1948, has exposed a raw nerve in Hong Kongs political landscape. While grief and calls for accountability mount, authorities are reportedly trying to suppress public anger, leading to the arrest of a student activist who organised a petition for an independent probe.

The tragic incident immediately spurred citizens to demand answers over possible "regulatory failures" related to the high-rises ongoing renovation work, which is being investigated for the use of flammable materials.

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Officials said on Monday that some of the exterior netting on the scaffolding at a residential complex in Hong Kong failed to meet required fire-resistance standards.

Samples collected from seven locations across high, middle and low floors in four buildings did not meet the fire resistance test standards, the citys chief secretary Eric Chan told a news conference.

One of the most vocal critics of the fire was 24-year-old student Miles Kwan, who helped launch an online petition seeking an independent investigation and demanding officials be held accountable. Kwan was reportedly detained by police on suspicion of sedition shortly after his petition gained thousands of signatures.

We need to be frank about how todays Hong Kong is riddled with holes, inside and out, Kwan told AFP on Friday, the day before his reported arrest, commenting on the citys public safety issues. He added that if simply proposing very basic demands is deemed crossing the line, then he couldnt predict the consequences of anything anymore.

Warnings from Beijing

The official crackdown is seen by many as an attempt to stifle dissent and prevent the disaster from triggering widespread unrest, similar to the 2019 pro-democracy protests.

Beijing has reinforced this stance. Its national security arm in the city issued a stern warning, cautioning what it called anti-China disruptors who attempt to use disaster as pretext to cause chaos in Hong Kong." The statement, widely reported by Hong Kong media, strongly supported the local government in punishing such acts under the national security law.

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The quick use of a security law to curb a public safety petition has drawn international criticism. Imran Khan, a UK lawyer who represented survivors of the Grenfell Tower fire, told AFP that without proper accountability, an internal investigation will not get to the truth, adding that victims families cannot grieve."

A community gathers in grief

People waited in a line stretching more than a kilometre along the canal beside the burned-out Wang Fuk Court, quietly placing white flowers for those who lost their lives. Even late into the evening, more mourners kept arriving. Some left handwritten notes for the victims, while others laid down chrysanthemumsa flower deeply tied to grief in Chinese tradition.

Four days after the blaze, the smell of smoke still lingered in the air around Tai Po, where flames raced up the outside of seven residential towers undergoing renovation.
Indonesias death toll from catastrophic floods and landslides has climbed to 442, with more than 400 people still missing as rescue teams race to reach isolated communities across Sumatra

Flash floods and landslides kill more than 400, with many still missing. (Representative image: Reuters)

The death toll from the devastating floods and landslides sweeping across Indonesia has climbed to 442, the national disaster agency reported on Sunday. Another 402 people remain missing as rescuers battle to reach isolated corners of Sumatra, where entire communities have been cut off and thousands wait in dwindling conditions for food, water, and medical aid.

At least 646 people have suffered injuries as the scale of the catastrophe continues to unfold.

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Residents recount fear as homes collapse

In Aceh province, where at least 54 people have died and nearly 50,000 families have been displaced, residents are facing extensive destruction. Fitriati, a 40 year old woman, surveyed the damage caused by days of heavy monsoon rain and said the flooding had never been as severe.

She was asleep when water surged from a nearby river on Wednesday night, prompting her to wake her family and flee. Her home is now tilted, filled with mud nearly reaching the roof, and cracked along its walls. She said earlier floods had been chest deep and cleared within a day without causing fatalities or destroying homes. She added that she had no tears left and hoped for help so her family would not go hungry.

For some residents, the disaster has revived memories of the 2004 tsunami that killed more than 170,000 people in Aceh. Maulidin, a 41 year old from North Aceh, said he felt the same fear and had focused only on finding a way to evacuate.

West Sumatra villages cut off as aid efforts expand

In West Sumatra province, where at least 90 deaths have been reported, Afrianti Usnia cleared mud from her damaged home. She fled with only a few clothes for her baby before water swept through, which she described as arriving like a large wave. She said her family had often been affected by floods but never received assistance from the government, and hoped for fairness in the response.

Authorities have carried out a weather modification operation to divert rain and have deployed planes and warships to deliver aid. However, widespread destruction has left access and communication severed in many areas. Aceh governor Muzakir Manaf said conditions remained critical, with some villages still trapped and unreachable, describing the situation as resembling a second tsunami.
Netanyahu, who has been on trial for corruption charges for nearly six years, announced on Sunday, that he had formally submitted a request for a pardon to President Herzog

Israeli President Isaac Herzog stated on Monday that his decision regarding Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus potential request for a pardon on corruption charges will be based solely on what serves Israels best interests.

The issue is clearly provoking debate and is deeply unsettling for many people in the country, across different communities, Herzog said in a statement.

I will consider solely the best interests of the State of Israel and Israeli society, he added.

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Why is Netanyahu seeking pardon from Herzog?

Netanyahu, who has been on trial for corruption charges for nearly six years, announced on Sunday, that he had formally submitted a request for a pardon to President Herzog.

Netanyahu continues to deny any wrongdoing in the proceedings but argued that the continuation of the lengthy and complex legal battle is severely tearing the country apart and intensifying domestic rifts.

Netanyahu explained in a video statement that while he ideally would see the trial through until acquittal, the current security and political reality, coupled with the national interest, necessitates an immediate end to the process.

He specifically highlighted the impossible requirement of having to testify three times a week as having tipped the scales. His lawyers 111-page submission to Herzog likewise did not include an admission of guilt, instead focusing on the need for broad reconciliation.

The move follows a letter sent to Herzog earlier in the month by President Donald Trump, urging the Israeli President to grant a pardon to Netanyahu. The cases against the long-serving premier involve accusations in one instance of accepting over $260,000 in luxury items from wealthy benefactors in exchange for political favours. He also faces charges related to allegedly attempting to secure more favourable coverage from two Israeli media outlets.

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President Herzogs office confirmed receipt of what it termed an extraordinary request which carries with it significant implications, promising to consider it responsibly and sincerely after gathering all relevant opinions. Herzog had previously indicated in September that the prime ministers case weighs heavily on Israeli society.
The debate has intensified following Aikos successful first solo official overseas trip to Laos in November, where she represented Emperor Naruhito

This handout photo taken on November 7, 2025 and released by the Imperial Household Agency of Japan shows Princess Aiko, the daughter of Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, posing for a photo at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, ahead of her 24th birthday on December 1, 2025. (AFP)

Japans centuries-old tradition of male-only imperial succession is facing its most significant challenge yet, driven by the immense public affection for Princess Aiko, the Emperors only child.

At 24, the Princess is stepping into the spotlight, pushing lawmakers to rethink the 1947 Imperial House Law.

The debate has intensified following Aikos successful first solo official overseas trip to Laos in November, where she represented Emperor Naruhito. Her presence, alongside her impressive debut as an adult royal in 2021, has solidified her image as an intelligent, friendly, and compassionate figure.

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I like everything about her, especially her smile so comforting, Setsuko Matsuo, an 82-year-old atomic bombing survivor, told The Associated Press (AP) in Nagasaki. Another well-wisher, 58-year-old office worker Mari Maehira, stated, We want to see her become a future monarch.

The urgency is driven by a stark demographic reality.

Japans Imperial Family is rapidly dwindling. The Emperor has only two potential male heirs from the younger generation: his 60-year-old brother, Crown Prince Akishino, and Akishinos 19-year-old son, Prince Hisahito.

Experts argue that the female ban must be lifted soon, as the monarchys future now rests entirely on Prince Hisahitos ability to produce a male heir. I think the situation is already critical, said Hideya Kawanishi, a Nagoya University professor and monarchy expert told AP. He warned that any potential spouse for Hisahito would endure enormous pressure to produce a male heir while performing official duties at a superhuman capacity.

Advocates see the issue as one of gender equality that extends beyond the palace walls.

Despite the growing public and expert consensus, conservative lawmakers, including some in the Prime Ministers circle, remain opposed to the reform. Crown Prince Akishino himself has acknowledged the shrinking population, stating, Nothing can be done under the current system, while noting that royal members are human beings whose lives are directly affected by the discussion.

The silence from the palace on the matter has been notable; the Princess, who graduated from university and now works at the Red Cross Society, has previously stated she could not comment on the system, but hoped to sincerely serve every official duty. However, with the publics overwhelming support for the Emperors daughter, pressure is mounting on legislators to move the discussion out of a policy stalemate and secure the future of the worlds oldest monarchy.

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With Indias booming economy, surging office rents and comparatively low building costs, major Japanese developers like Mitsui Fudosan and Sumitomo Realty are accelerating their push into the countrys real estate market.

Last month, members of Mitsui Fudosan's management team were in Mumbai and the region around the capital, New Delhi, looking at opportunities. (Reuters)

Japanese real estate developers are wading further into a tricky Indian market and more of their peers are expected to get their feet wet, drawn by rising rents in a rapidly growing economy as well as low construction costs.

First case in point is Mitsui Fudosan, Japans biggest property developer, which forayed into India in 2020, partnering with local developer RMZ Real Estate to build an office complex in Bengaluru.

Mitsui Fudosan could embark on fresh investment of 30-35 billion yen ($190-$225 million) or more in projects with either RMZ or other developers, said two sources with knowledge of the plans.

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Last month, members of Mitsui Fudosans management team were in Mumbai and the region around the capital, New Delhi, looking at opportunities, they added, declining to be identified as the information was private.

Mitsui Fudosan declined to comment. RMZ declined to comment on the potential new investment.

RMZ Real Estate CEO Avnish Singh did say, however, that Japanese developers are kicking into higher gear now that trust with local partners has been established.

The floodgates can open and have opened, he said.

Sumitomo Realty and Development, Japans No.3 developer which describes Mumbai as its second engine of growth after Tokyo, has committed $6.5 billion across five projects in the city, including two sites added this year.

It is also scouting for land around a soon-to-be operational Navi Mumbai city airport for new investment, said a senior industry source familiar with its strategy. The source declined to be named because the information was confidential.

Sumitomo Realty did not respond to a request for comment.

Sleeves rolled up

Japanese companies are far from the only overseas investors keen on Indian property. U.S. investment firm Blackstone, for example, is Indias biggest commercial landlord, and roughly half of its $50 billion in Indian assets are in real estate.

Like Blackstone, most foreign players purchase existing assets given Indias notorious reputation for construction delays that can leave prospective tenants and buyers high and dry. Although reforms in recent years have improved construction timelines and created a new framework to resolve disputes, acquiring land can be very slow, involving much red tape.

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Japanese investors are one of the few willing to take development risk. They like to roll up their sleeves, said Singh.

Despite red-tape headaches, the returns can be worthwhile.

Expected returns in the Japanese market are maybe around 2-4%. In India, you can easily expect 6-7%, said Seiji Ota, a partner at Deloitte India who focuses on Japanese investments in the country.

Ota and Singh said a number of other Japanese developers want to make their first foray into India and are assessing opportunities to develop office, retail and hotel projects.

Japanese companies and funds have boosted investment in overseas real estate by a fifth this year, according to a survey by Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Research Institute conducted in September.

While the U.S. and Australia remain long-favoured markets, interest in India notably spiked, with 41% of those surveyed intending to invest, up 6 percentage points from a year earlier.

Low cost and climbing rents

One key draw for Japanese developers is Indias low labour costs. Hiring an electrician or a plumber, for example, costs just $2 an hour.

Constructing premium office buildings of up to 20 floors costs more than $8,000 per square metre in New York, around $5,300 in London and $4,000 in Tokyo, but is just $656 in Mumbai, data from real estate consultancy Turner & Townsend shows.

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Just as importantly, rents for premium office space have surged in India on the back of economic growth that has averaged 8% over the past three fiscal years.

Mumbais Bandra Kurla Complex - its central business district - led growth in commercial rents for the Asia Pacific region in the third quarter with a jump of 14.2%, according to CBRE, a commercial real estate services and investment firm.

That was followed by Tokyos central five wards which rose 10.2%, while Indias national capital region and Seouls central business district both climbed over 9%.

Japanese firms preference for designing a building from scratch allows them to bring in technology not used in India.

Sumitomo Realtys first project in Bandra Kurla Complex is using a steel structure that enables very wide floor plates and thus pillar-less offices - something that Indian developers cannot do yet, said the source familiar with its strategy.

The firm expects to charge a 30%-40% premium over normal rents in the area for this design feature, the source added.

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JPMorgan will be a tenant in the building, according to two sources and a copy of the lease. The U.S. bank did not respond to a request for comment.

Other Japanese developers in the Indian market include Daibiru Corp, which started with investments in office deals in two cities last year. It is now scouting for land and could even look at developing residential buildings and data centres, said Anand Jayaraman, South Asia CEO of its parent Mitsui O.S.K. Lines.

(Except the headline, this story has not beed edited by Firstpost staff.)
Pakistans junior law minister has hinted that the federal government may impose Governors Rule in PTI-led Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, as uncertainty deepens over the whereabouts of former prime minister Imran Khan.

A supporter of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party kisses a photo frame of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The Adiala Jail authorities issued a statement amid rumours of the former PM's death, calling them baseless. File image/AFP

Amid the deepening mystery surrounding the whereabouts of former Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan, Pakistans junior law and justice minister, Barrister Aqeel Malik, has suggested that the federal government may move to impose Governors Rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).

His comments followed KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridis overnight sit-in outside Rawalpindis Adiala Jail. Malik cited security and governance issues in the province, arguing that the situation warranted federal intervention. Afridi, a senior PTI figure, has been demanding access to Imran Khan and has repeatedly appeared alongside the former PMs sisters. Malik described the imposition of Governors Rule as an absolute necessity.

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Malik accuses KP government of failure

Speaking on Geo News, Malik accused Afridis administration of having badly failed in having any sort of a workable situation. He said, Neither do they want to have any kind of coordination or cohesion with the Centre, nor do they take any action in areas where it was needed. The situation in KP itself calls for a step to be taken in this regard so that the presence of an administrative structure is ensured there, Dawn reported.

He added that the president can take this step on his own as well, the approval for which will later have to be taken by a joint sitting of [Parliament]. Malik further alleged that the KP government was planning to block routes and cut off the province.

Imran Khans whereabouts remain unknown

Imran Khans whereabouts remain unclear. His sisters have filed a contempt petition against the Adiala jail superintendent and other officials, while his sons have publicly demanded proof that he is alive. Khans last social-media post, dated 5 November and reportedly written after meeting a sister, issued a stark warning about threats to his life.

In that post, he wrote on X: The military establishment has done all they could against me. All that is left for them is to now murder me. I have stated publicly that if anything happens to me or my wife, General Asim Munir will be responsible. But I am not afraid because my faith is strong. I would prefer death over slavery."

Khans escalating criticism of Asim Munir

Khan also denounced Munir as the most oppressive dictator in Pakistans history and a mentally unstable man. Asim Munir is the most oppressive dictator in Pakistans history and a mentally unstable man. The extent of tyranny under his rule is unprecedented. Munir, in his lust for power, is capable of doing anything."

He further claimed that Pakistan is being run under Asim Law rather than constitutional rule, accusing the army chief of using legal processes to settle scores. He said he and his wife Bushra Bibi were facing extreme cruelty, and accused Munir and the government of targeting PTI members without regard for women, children or the elderly. Branding Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharifs administration a puppet government, he ruled out any negotiations and alleged that court hearings were being obstructed to keep him imprisoned.
PM Modi on Monday held a telephone conversation with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and offered Indias support in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, which has claimed more than 355 lives in the island country

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday held a telephone conversation with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and offered Indias support in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, which has claimed more than 355 lives in the island country.

PM Modi expressed his condolences to the people of Sri Lanka and reaffirmed Indias solidarity, pledging continued assistance under the ongoing Operation Sagar Bandhu, which provides rescue and relief to those affected by disasters.

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Prime Minister expressed his heartfelt condolences on the loss of lives and widespread devastation in Sri Lanka in the wake of Cyclone Ditwah. He conveyed that the people of India stand in firm solidarity and support with the people of Sri Lanka in this hour of need, Prime Ministers Office said in a statement.

Prime Minister assured President Dissanayake of Indias continued support to Sri Lanka under the ongoing Operation Sagar Bandhu, providing rescue and relief to distressed persons, added the statement.

PM Modi also assured that India, guided by its Vision MAHASAGAR and its role as a First Responder, would continue to provide all necessary aid in the coming days to help Sri Lanka with rehabilitation, resumption of public services, and restoration of livelihoods.

During the conversation, Dissanayake conveyed his deep gratitude for Indias assistance in the wake of the disaster and appreciated the swift deployment of rescue teams and relief material.

He also conveyed the appreciation of the people of Sri Lanka for Indias timely and effective response efforts, the statement read.

The two leaders agreed to remain in close touch.

According to official figures, Cyclone Ditwah has claimed more than 355 lives in Sri Lanka, with 366 people still reported missing.

Striking the island on Friday, the cyclone brought the worst floods in a decade, accompanied by strong winds and heavy rains, and triggered landslides in the hilly central regions.

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Weather authorities said in a statement that the storm is expected to move northwards, away from Sri Lanka, and weaken further.

With inputs from agencies
Police arrested 4 men in Sydney on Thursday over their involvement in the satanic child abuse material ring. The suspects involved in distributing, and facilitating child abuse images and videos with satanic and ritualistic theme, through a website.

Four men have been charged in Sydney over the involvement in the satanic child abuse material ring circulating online, Australian police informed on Monday. This marked a significant win against the horrific online exploitation.

The New South Wales state police exemplified that the detectives were searching for the international satanic cold abuse material ring, then they identified the suspects involved in possessing, distributing, and facilitating child abuse images and videos with satanic and ritualistic theme, through a website, that was monitored internationally.

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Charged with child exploitation and bestiality

Police arrested 4 men on Thursday including a 26-year-old man who was heading the gang and was already charged with 14 offences related to child exploitation, The other three were aged, 39, 42, and 46, all charged with child abuse.

Sex Crimes Squad Detective Superintendent Jayne Doherty said in a news briefing, Due to the nature of the material that they were sharing and the conversations that we became aware of, we were concerned about any children that these people might come in contact with as a result of that," as quoted by AFP.

The sharing of child abuse material, unfortunately, is increasing, he further added. Police seized electronic devices which found deplorable abusive videos of children between the age of 5 to 12 years.

Will soon rescue children

The officials also found videos of child that found bestiality, giving rise to cruel mindset and unfortunate materials.

We will work together to make sure a child is identified, and they can be rescued as soon as possible, Doherty said.

Police are unable to verify the source of the videos and the identity of the children. The four men reached out to court, but were refused bail and waited for their next court appearance.
A Chinese drone-parts supplier has taken a stake in one of Russias leading drone companies, marking the first documented instance of direct Chinese equity investment in a sanctioned Russian defence company, according to a report

A Chinese drone-parts supplier has taken a stake in one of Russias leading drone companies, marking the first documented instance of direct Chinese equity investment in a sanctioned Russian defence company and underscoring the countries growing military-industrial alignment.

According to a Financial Times report, a corporate filing made in September lists Wang Dinghua as the new owner of 5 per cent of Rustakt, the producer of the VT-40 first-person-view drone widely used by Russian forces in attacks on Ukrainian positions.

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Wang, based in Shenzhen, owns Shenzhen Minghuaxin and several other companies that have supplied large volumes of drone components to Rustakt and affiliated firms.

While Beijing has already given Moscow broad access to Chinas electronics manufacturing base, the equity link represents a previously unreported level of collaboration between a Chinese commercial entity and a Russian military supplier, added the report.

The FT identified the ownership change in Russian public records. Within a day of the documents being accessed, however, Rustakts ownership information was suppressed and removed from official corporate registries. Details of the share transfer have also disappeared from private corporate-intelligence databases inside Russia, reported Financial Times.

Before the data was expunged, Rustakt was listed as 95 per cent owned by businessman Pavel Nikitin.

The company, sanctioned by both Ukraine and the EU, is described by Ukrainian authorities as participating in Russias Judgment Day programme, which supports the production of uncrewed aerial vehicles and pilot training for the war effort.

Rustakt was Russias largest importer of FPV drone components between July 2023 and February 2025, according to a report published earlier this year by Kyivs Centre for Defence Reforms, a Ukrainian think-tank.

The company has previously filed paperwork describing itself as the manufacturer of the VT-40 drone.

Russian state media reported in 2023 that the model  despite complaints from frontline soldiers about its build quality  had been deployed across artillery units, engineering troops, airborne forces and marine brigades.

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Logical partnership

Samuel Bendett, a drone analyst at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, told FT that growing collaboration between the Russian and Chinese military-industrial sectors  combined with Moscows dependence on Chinese drone components  made the partnership logical.

A former Ukrainian officer with the analytical group Frontelligence Insight said the VT-40 is now widely deployed by Russian forces along the front line in Ukraine. Since appearing on the battlefield in 2023, the drone has undergone multiple upgrades to improve its resistance to electronic warfare and to strengthen its control systems, he told FT.

While it is not outstanding in any single category, its mass production, low cost and ready availability have made it a reliable workhorse for Russian units, he added.

Rustakt and Minghuaxin had extensive commercial ties well before the September stake purchase.

According to FT analysis of Russian customs data, Minghuaxin shipped $304mn in parts to Rustakt and $107mn to an affiliated Russian company, Santex Plant.

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Customs records indicate Rustakt bought $110mn of lithium-ion batteries, $87mn of motors and $64mn of controllers from Minghuaxin since mid-2023. Santex purchased $66mn of controllers and $37mn of DC motors  transactions that appear coordinated, as Russian filings show almost all of Santexs customs paperwork was submitted by Rustakt.

Rustakts owner, Pavel Nikitin, previously worked at Santex and held shares there before being succeeded by a Belarusian man, Egor Nikitin. Russian filings list Egor with the same surname, patronymic and birthday as Pavel, suggesting the men may be twin brothers, added the report.

Chinese corporate records reviewed by the FT show Wang holds a 10 per cent stake in Shenzhen Nasmin Investment, with Egor owning the remaining 90 per cent.

Rustakts filings with Russian regulators also show it has imported Chinese production equipment, including metalworking machines and plastic-injection moulders supplied by Shenzhen Kiosk Electronic  a company that Chinese records indicate is majority-owned by Wang.

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Drones have become central to both sides war efforts.

Russia has moved to industrial-scale use of FPV drones, FT quoted Oleksandr Danylyuk, head of the Centre for Defence Reforms, as saying.

We are talking about thousands of units per day and tens of thousands per month. These were produced through the Russian Drone network in conjunction with Rustakt and other firms," Danylyuk added.

The Russian manufacturers all critically depend on Chinese brushless motors and electronics supplied via a network of intermediaries and importers, Danylyuk added.

At Minghuaxins registered address in Shenzhen, reporters found the offices of Shenzhen Kiosk Electronic. Display screens and other electronics lined the lobby. A staff member described Minghuaxin as a business partner of Shenzhen Kiosks boss, reported FT.

Asked if that boss was Wang Dinghua, she was quoted as saying, You can understand it this way. She declined to provide contact details, saying Wang and other leaders were unavailable.

She said the company manufactures a range of electronics, including drone-related technologies, and engages in exports, though she did not know whether drones were being sold to Russia.

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Chinas foreign ministry said it was not aware of details of Wangs shareholding but insisted Beijing had never provided lethal weapons to either side of the conflict and strictly controls and manages civil-military dual-use technologies.

With inputs from agencies
Amid intense speculation regarding the jailed leaders health and wellbeing, Kasim Khan, one of the former Prime Ministers sons, described the familys lack of information as a form of human rights abuse

The sons of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan have issued a desperate and emotional appeal for proof of life, stating they fear that something irreversible may have happened to their father, who has been held in prison since August 2023.

Amid intense speculation regarding the jailed leaders health and wellbeing, Kasim Khan, one of the former Prime Ministers sons, described the familys lack of information as a form of human rights abuse.

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In written remarks, Kasim condemned the silence from authorities, saying the uncertainty has caused profound anguish.

Not knowing whether your father is safe, injured or even alive is a form of psychological torture, Kasim stated, as reported by Reuters.

The family, including Kasim and his brother Suleiman Isa Khan, who live in London with their mother Jemima Goldsmith, claim that verifiable contact with the former PM has been cut off for months, overriding a court order that allows weekly meetings.

Today we have no verifiable information at all about his condition. Our greatest fear is that something irreversible is being hidden from us, he added, stressing the need for pressure from every direction to ensure his father is safe.

The concerns come as Khan, 72, continues to serve lengthy jail sentences handed down in cases including the Toshakhana graft case, the alleged leaking of a diplomatic cable, and charges related to the Al-Qadir Trustconvictions he has consistently dismissed as politically driven following his 2022 ouster.

PTI senator claims deal pressure

Despite the familys dire warnings, a high-ranking member of Khans own party offered assurance that the leader is alive, while simultaneously alleging immense political pressure.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Senator Khurram Zeeshan told news agency ANI that the former Prime Minister is alive but is currently facing attempts to force him into a political exile.

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They are trying to strike a deal with Imran Khan, asking him to leave the country, Zeeshan asserted. They even promise him concessions if he goes abroad and stays silent at a place of his choice. But Imran Khan will never agree to it.
Thailand Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow urges India to remove trade barriers, highlights strategic ties, climate action, cybercrime cooperation, and balanced relations with China and the US.

Thailand is ready to import more from India and wants both sides to address obstacles such as removing tariffs and non-tariff barriers to ensure smooth trade, said Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow.

In an interview with Firstpost Managing Editor Palki Sharma, Sihasak said the strong rise in bilateral trade reflects Indias expanding economy and the growing purchasing power of Indian consumers.

Trade follows the market, he said, adding that tariff and non-tariff barriers must be examined to ensure a smoother exchange of goods. He said that if any hurdles were restricting free trade, both countries should work to address them.

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He said similar concerns have emerged within ASEAN, where discussions on managing trade deficits and advancing regional free-trade talks began earlier this year. Those negotiations were initially expected to conclude by October but have been delayed.

When asked whether the process risked collapsing, he said the global multilateral trading system including the WTO was weakening, which made stronger regional cooperation even more important.

The Foreign Minister said Asean continues to move toward deeper economic integration, including the goal of creating a single market and production base and is promoting trade under the RCEP. He said the bloc hopes India will eventually join such arrangements, stressing that all countries benefit from increased trade. When asked whom that message was directed at, he declined to specify.

Balancing big powers

Sihasak also discussed Thailands ties with China following the Thai kings rare visit to Beijing, the only country he has travelled to apart from Bhutan since becoming monarch in 2016. He said the trip marked the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations, though the countries share historical links going back centuries.

On Chinese President Xi Jinpings comment that China and Thailand are one family, Sihasak said such phrasing has long been used to describe the relationship. He highlighted the deep cultural and ancestral connections, noting that many Thais have Chinese roots and that Thai Chinese, Thai Indians and other communities coexist harmoniously.

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Asked whether Washington, Thailands oldest treaty ally  was concerned about Thailands growing engagement with China, Sihasak said Bangkok aims for balanced ties with all major partners. He stressed that closer relations with Beijing do not come at the expense of its long-standing ties with the United States.

On whether the USs transactional approach under Donald Trump had been difficult, he said those tendencies were visible early in Trumps presidency. Thailand responds to such policies pragmatically but firmly, focusing on mutual benefit rather than pressure. He added that even smaller countries play a meaningful role in a region whose geopolitical importance is rising.

On defence procurement, he was asked whether Thailands recent acquisition of Chinese weapons suggested China was gaining ground over Western suppliers. He said Thailands decisions were not politically motivated, and that it would continue to choose systems that are the most effective and most economical, regardless of their origin.

A strategic, growing IndiaThailand partnership

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On IndiaThailand relations, Sihasak described the partnership as strategic, going beyond bilateral ties. He praised Indias economic success and technological leadership, noting Thailands efforts to transition to a digital, green and innovation-driven economy. He highlighted the importance of tourism, with over two million Indians visiting Thailand annually and Thai pilgrims traveling to Indias Buddhist sites and expressed hope for increased flows in both directions.

Sihasak also said that Thailand was now in the recovery phase after unprecedented floods claimed over 140 lives. He attributed the disaster to climate change, rejecting any notion that it is a hoax and stressing that scientific evidence is clear. He called for greater political will and climate finance, especially for countries with limited capacity, and criticised major powers for not showing the necessary commitment.

Sihasak emphasised the need to connect South and Southeast Asia through frameworks like BIMSTEC and the MekongGanga Cooperation, with India and Thailand playing a pivotal role. Maritime security was a key theme, with Sihasak highlighting the importance of keeping sea lanes connecting the Indian and Pacific Oceans free, open and secure. He pointed to joint naval exercises like SITMEX as evidence of Indias active engagement in the region.

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The minister identified cybercrime, particularly scam canters along Thailands borders with Myanmar and Cambodia, as a pressing shared challenge. He announced that Thailand will host a ministerial-level international conference on December 17 to address online scams, calling for global cooperation to combat this transnational threat. India and Thailand already have a joint security task force for information sharing and coordinated crackdowns.

On defence corporation, Sihasak confirmed Thailands interest in both acquiring Indian weapons and, more importantly, in joint production and development. He stressed that the goal is to build Thailands own capacity to produce certain weapons and munitions.
Witkoffs planned visit for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday comes on the heels of high-stakes negotiations in Florida on Sunday between senior Trump administration officials and a Ukrainian delegation.

Steve Witkoff is set to hold talks with Putin. (Photo/Reuters)

US President Donald Trumps envoy Steve Witkoff will head to Moscow on Monday, a US official said, as Washington intensifies efforts to halt Russias war against Ukraine. Witkoff is expected to hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday.

His visit comes immediately after high-stakes discussions in Florida on Sunday among senior members of Trumps administration and a Ukrainian delegation.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said after the meeting that the talks with the Ukrainian delegation in Florida were productive, though significant work remains in securing a peace agreement.

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Trump notes progress but flags Kyiv scandal

Trump said on Sunday that there was a good chance of a RussiaUkraine deal following the latest talks in Florida, while warning that a corruption scandal in Kyiv was complicating matters.

He referred to an investigation that recently prompted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to dismiss his chief of staff and top negotiator. Ukraines got some difficult little problems, Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One. But I think that theres a good chance we can make a deal.
President Trump invited Israeli PM Netanyahu to the White House in the near future during a phone call on Monday, with both leaders stressing the need to dismantle Hamas, demilitarise Gaza, and expand peace accords

President Donald Trump greets Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the West Wing of the White House in Washington. AP File

US President Donald Trump on Monday invited Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to visit the White House in the near future, Times of Israel quoted Netanyahus office as saying on Monday following a phone call between the two leaders.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, this evening, spoke with US President Donald Trump, Times of Israel quoted Netanyahus office as saying in a statement.

Trump has invited Prime Minister Netanyahu to a meeting at the White House in the near future, the statement added.

Netanyahus office said the two leaders stressed the importance and obligation of disarming Hamas and demilitarising the Gaza Strip, and discussed expanding the peace agreements.

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The upcoming visit would mark Netanyahus fifth trip to Washington since Trump returned to the presidency in January.

The conversation came shortly after Trump publicly warned Israel against destabilising Syria and its new leadership, following reports of clashes between IDF forces and gunmen in southern Syria.

It is very important that Israel maintain a strong and true dialogue with Syria, and that nothing takes place that will interfere with Syrias evolution into a prosperous State, Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

The call also followed Netanyahus formal request for a presidential pardon from Isaac Herzog in his ongoing corruption trial  a move Trump has repeatedly endorsed, including during a public appeal in the Knesset in October and in a subsequent letter.

With inputs from agencies
Trump has said he will launch what he calls reverse migration after the National Guard shooting near the White House, doubling down on his hard-line immigration agenda during remarks aboard Air Force One.

US President Donald Trump speaks with reporters while flying aboard Air Force One en route from Calgary, Canada to Joint Base Andrews. AP

Aboard Air Force One, US President Donald Trump reaffirmed his administrations hard-line immigration agenda, telling reporters he planned to initiate what he described as reverse migration following the fatal National Guard shooting near the White House.

Pressed to explain the phrase, Trump said, It means get people out that are in our country, get them out of here. I want to get them out.

He also blamed his predecessor Joe Biden for the situation, saying, Weve got a lot of people, hes the worst President in the history of our country, but the single biggest thing he did was allow millions, the worst, allow millions of people into our country that shouldnt be here.

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Trump referred to the attack that killed Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and critically injured Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24  both members of the West Virginia National Guard deployed to Washington as part of his crime-fighting initiative.

You take a look at the people that were allowed to come into our country, were paying a big price for it and we will for years to come, including the recent killer of two wonderful National Guard people, he said.

He added, And Ill tell you what, that animal should not have been allowed to come into our country.

The suspect, 29-year-old Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal, entered the US in 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome, a Biden-era resettlement programme for Afghans who assisted American forces during the war. According to the Associated Press, a resettlement advocacy group said Lakanwal applied for asylum during the previous administration and was granted it earlier this year under Trump.

Lakanwal had served in a CIA-backed Afghan Army unit and lived in Bellingham, Washington, with his wife and five children.

In response to the shooting, the administration suspended all asylum decisions and paused visa issuance for travellers using Afghan passports. USCIS Director Joseph Edlow said determinations would remain on hold until we can ensure that every alien is vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible.

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Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a parallel halt on Afghan-passport visas.

Federal prosecutors have charged Lakanwal with first-degree murder and several counts of assault with intent to kill while armed. US Attorney Jeanine Pirro said there would be many changes to come.

The administration has also ordered 500 additional National Guard personnel to Washington, bringing the total deployed under the joint task force to nearly 2,200. More state-level deployments are expected, according to an Army spokesperson cited by AP.
US lawmakers are calling for urgent oversight after a report alleged that Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered a second strike to kill everybody aboard a suspected drug-smuggling vessel, prompting questions over the legality of the Trump administrations operations off Venezuela.

Republican-led Senate and House committees have pledged increased scrutiny of the Pentagon following a report that US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the killing of all crew members aboard a vessel suspected of carrying drugs, according to the Washington Post.

US lawmakers are pressing the Trump administration for details regarding military strikes on suspected Venezuelan drug boats after claims that a follow-up strike was launched to kill survivors of an earlier attack.

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On Friday, the Post reported that a US strike on 2 September left two survivors, but that a second attack was carried out to comply with Hegseths alleged instruction to kill everybody on board. Hegseth dismissed the report as fake news, and President Donald Trump said he believed him 100%.

The US has increased its military presence in the Caribbean and has conducted several lethal strikes on suspected drug-smuggling vessels in international waters off Venezuela and Colombia as part of an anti-narcotics operation. More than 80 people have been killed since early September. The Trump administration maintains that it is acting in self-defence by destroying boats carrying illicit drugs to the US.

Lawmakers call for oversight as legality questioned

The Washington Post reported that Hegseth gave a spoken directive to kill everybody on board one vessel, and that a Special Operations commander ordered a second strike to comply. Both Republican and Democrat lawmakers appearing on Sunday talk shows said they supported congressional reviews of the strikes on suspected drug-smuggling boats. They said they did not know whether the report was accurate but noted that attacking survivors of an initial strike raised serious legal issues.

This rises to the level of a war crime if its true, Democrat Senator Tim Kaine told CBS Face the Nation. Republican lawmaker Mike Turner said Congress had no information confirming that a follow-up strike had occurred. Obviously if that occurred, that would be very serious, and I agree that that would be an illegal act, he said.

Their remarks followed the Senate Armed Services Committees announcement on Friday that it planned vigorous oversight of the strikes. Committee chair Senator Roger Wicker and his Democrat counterpart Senator Jack Reed said in a joint statement that inquiries had been directed to the Department of Defence to establish the facts. The House Armed Services Committee also said it was taking bipartisan action to gather a full accounting of the operation in question.

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In a post on X, Hegseth rejected the accusation, calling it fabricated, inflammatory, and derogatory. He wrote that the strikes were lawful under both US and international law and added, Every trafficker we kill is affiliated with a Designated Terrorist Organization.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday, President Trump defended Hegseth, saying, He said he did not say that. And I believe him a 100%. Trump added that the administration will look into the matter and noted: I wouldnt have wanted that  not a second strike.

On Sunday, Venezuelas National Assembly condemned the strikes and pledged to conduct a rigorous and thorough investigation into the allegation that a second attack killed two survivors.If youd like, I can also prepare a shorter, more punchy news-brief version.
Sri Lankan president pledges full state support for recovery from "worst" natural disaster

Xinhua) 13:18, December 01, 2025

COLOMBO, Nov. 30 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Sunday described the ongoing extreme weather crisis as the worst natural disaster the country has ever faced, pledging full state support for recovery from the catastrophe.

In a special address to the nation, the president said the government carries a threefold responsibility during disasters: managing the immediate emergency, restoring normalcy, and rebuilding the country to a condition stronger than before.

"When natural disasters strike, and when we are unable to prevent their impact, the government is responsible for managing the emergency situation, returning the country to normal, and improving conditions beyond what existed earlier," he said. "We remain committed to taking the necessary steps, no matter how difficult the circumstances."

He said the State of Public Emergency currently in effect is limited strictly to disaster management and will not curtail civil liberties, adding that urgent measures are underway to restore essential services, including water supply, electricity, and communication networks, disrupted across many regions.

The president said that all displaced individuals will receive government assistance and no one will be left without support during this national crisis.

He praised the armed forces for leading rescue and relief efforts, noting that thousands of officers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force are working around the clock to assist affected communities.

Dissanayake also appealed for international solidarity, saying he expects the support of friendly nations and the Sri Lankan diaspora in the country's recovery and reconstruction efforts.

The president also urged all political parties to come together during this critical period.

By 6 p.m. local time on Sunday, adverse weather in the country has left 334 people dead and at least 370 others missing, the Disaster Management Center said.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
What should the worlds colonisers be made to pay their former colonies? African leaders are calling for reparations to address colonial-era crimes, exploitation, and the lasting impact on their countries.

African leaders are intensifying efforts to ensure that crimes committed during colonial rule are formally recognised, criminalised, and addressed through meaningful reparations. Diplomats and senior officials gathered in Algiers on Sunday to advance an African Union resolution adopted earlier this year, seeking justice and compensation for communities harmed by centuries of exploitation, plunder, and violence.

Many participants emphasised that reparations must go beyond symbolic apologies, encompassing financial restitution, the return of looted artefacts, cancellation of colonial-era debts, and long-term development support. The debate has drawn parallels with Asia, where estimates suggest India alone may have lost resources worth trillions of dollars in todays value, highlighting the scale of extraction that former colonies argue must be acknowledged and addressed.

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Algerias history as a reminder

Opening the conference, Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf said Algerias history under French occupation underscored the urgency of restitution and the recovery of stolen property. He added that a dedicated legal framework would ensure that reparations are treated as neither a gift nor a favour.

Africa is entitled to demand the official and explicit recognition of the crimes committed against its peoples during the colonial period, an indispensable first step toward addressing the consequences of that era, for which African countries and peoples continue to pay a heavy price in terms of exclusion, marginalisation and backwardness, Attaf said.

While international conventions prohibit slavery, torture, and apartheid, colonialism itself has never been explicitly outlawed. This gap was a key focus at the African Unions February summit, where leaders discussed forming a unified stance on reparations and defining colonisation as a crime against humanity.

The economic and cultural toll

The economic impact of colonialism on Africa is estimated to be staggering. European powers extracted natural resources through coercion, profiting from gold, diamonds, rubber, and other commodities, while leaving local populations impoverished. Calls for the return of looted African artefacts held in European museums have intensified in recent years.

Attaf emphasised the significance of holding the conference in Algeria, describing the countrys experience under French rule as among the harshest examples of colonial oppression. Nearly a million European settlers enjoyed superior rights, even as Algerians were conscripted to fight in World War II. During the independence struggle, hundreds of thousands were killed, and French forces employed torture, forced disappearances, and village destruction as part of counterinsurgency campaigns.

Our continent retains the example of Algerias bitter ordeal as a rare model, almost without equivalent in history, in its nature, its logic and its practices, Attaf said.

Linking history to modern conflicts

Attaf also drew parallels with the Western Sahara dispute, framing it as a case of incomplete decolonisation. Echoing the African Unions stance, he called it Africas last colony and praised the Sahrawi peoples fight to assert their legitimate and legal right to self-determination, as confirmed  and continuously reaffirmed  by international legality and UN doctrine on decolonisation.

Algeria has long pressed for colonialism to be addressed under international law while avoiding political tensions with France. French President Emmanuel Macron, in 2017, acknowledged aspects of the history as a crime against humanity but stopped short of a formal apology, urging Algerians not to dwell on past grievances.

Mohamed Arezki Ferrad, a member of Algerias parliament, told the Associated Press that reparations must go beyond symbolism, noting that key Algerian artefacts seized during colonial rule, including the 16th-century cannon Baba Merzoug, remain in France.

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The UK-India reparations debate

In India, the case for formal reparations from the United Kingdom has gained renewed attention, particularly following Germanys reparations to Namibia. In May 2021, Germany agreed to pay 1.1 billion over 39 years to the Herero and Nama people of present-day Namibia for a genocide committed between 1904 and 1908. German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas described this as the darkest period in our shared history, emphasising Germanys moral and historical responsibility and ensuring the funds support reconstruction and development.

Germanys approach contrasts sharply with that of other European powers, many of whom maintained colonial empires without offering formal apologies or meaningful compensation.

Three pillars of the case for UK reparations

Proponents argue that the UK owes India reparations based on three key factors:

Economic exploitation: The British systematically de-industrialised India, extracting resources and using the country as a captive market for British goods. India, which contributed over 20% of global trade before colonial rule, was left impoverished by the time of independence in 1947.

Violence and oppression: British policies caused famines, massacres, and widespread suffering. Notable examples include the Bengal Famine of 1943, which killed over 2.5 million, and the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh Massacre.

Division and communal strife: British Divide and Rule strategies fostered communal tensions, culminating in the Partition of 1947 and creating enduring social and political fractures.

The cumulative effect was economic devastation and social fragmentation, alongside the enrichment of Britain. This forms the basis for Indias moral and material claim for reparations.

Shashi Tharoor and the moral argument

Congress parliamentarian Shashi Tharoor has been a prominent advocate, arguing that even nominal reparations, such as 1 annually, would symbolically acknowledge Britains responsibility. Tharoor emphasises that the gesture of taking responsibility matters more than the sum itself.

Germanys example as a benchmark

Germanys approach to Namibian reparations shows that former colonisers can go beyond symbolic apologies, providing substantive support for the economic, social, and cultural development of affected nations. Applied to India, this principle suggests that the UK should not stop at a token apology but must acknowledge its ongoing obligation to materially contribute to Indias development.

While calculating the exact sum is challenging, the principle of reparations remains valid. Foreign aid from the UK to India should be considered part of this obligation rather than a benevolent gesture. Germanys example sets a benchmark for meaningful reconciliation, demonstrating that accountability for historical crimes can and should extend into practical support for development.

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Scientists say the neon-blue tint is a warning sign of toxic rodent bait spreading through Californias food chain

Imagine going on a hunt, cutting open a wild pig, and finding its flesh and fat glowing a shocking slushie-blue. Thats exactly what happened recently in parts of California, and wildlife officials are calling it a red flag.

Whats going on?

Hunters in Monterey County first raised the alarm when several feral hogs theyd hunted showed vividly neon-blue tissuein muscles, fat and even some organs.

Lab tests by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) confirmed the culprit: a rodenticide poison called Diphacinone. This rat-poison bait is normally dyed bright blue, so if it works, smaller pests ingest it, and the colour acts as a warning to humans. But evidently, when larger wild pigs break into bait stations or eat already poisoned rodents, the poison and dye build up in their bodies, resulting in freakish blue flesh.

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Why it matters

The blue glow isnt just outlandish. Its dangerous. Diphacinone is an anticoagulant: it can cause serious internal bleeding, and cooking contaminated meat does not neutralise the toxin. If someone eats such meat, they could face severe health problems.

Whats worse, this isnt limited to pigs. Any wild animaldeer, bears, birds, even scavengersmight accidentally ingest the poison. The effect can ripple up the food chain, threatening entire ecosystems.

CDFW has issued a strong public alert: if you come across wild game with unusual blue tissue or fat, dont eat it, instead, report it.

Officials also note that not all poisoned animals will turn blue. So the lack of colour doesnt guarantee safety.

Conservationists are calling for stricter controls, safer pest-control strategies, and greater awareness among hunters and communities.
Donald Trump confirmed he recently spoke with Nicolas Maduro as escalating tensions, airspace warnings, and a growing US military buildup deepen the standoff between Washington and Caracas.

Trumps administration is ramping up pressure on Venezuela with a major Caribbean military deployment that includes the worlds largest aircraft carrier. (AFP)

US President Donald Trump on Sunday confirmed that he had spoken to Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro in recent days, at a time when tensions between Washington and Caracas have escalated alongside a substantial US military buildup in the Caribbean.

Reports suggested the call might have included discussion of a possible meeting or amnesty terms if Maduro were to step down, but when asked to elaborate, Trump said only, I wouldnt say it went well or badly. It was a phone call.

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Amid mounting tensions, Donald Trump warned on Saturday that airspace over and near Venezuela should be treated as closed, marking the latest escalation in his standoff with President Nicolas Maduro.

To all Airlines, Pilots, Drug Dealers, and Human Traffickers, Trump wrote on his Truth Social network, please consider THE AIRSPACE ABOVE AND SURROUNDING VENEZUELA TO BE CLOSED IN ITS ENTIRETY.

Venezuela issued a sharp response, with the Foreign Ministry stating that it denounces and condemns the colonialist threat that seeks to affect the sovereignty of its airspace, describing the warning as an extravagant, illegal and unjustified aggression against the Venezuelan people.

US military presence grows in the Caribbean

The Trump administration has intensified pressure on Venezuela, deploying a major military presence in the Caribbean that includes the worlds largest aircraft carrier. Washington maintains the operation is aimed at disrupting drug trafficking networks, while Caracas argues that the real objective is regime change.

Since early September, US forces have launched strikes on more than 20 vessels they claim were involved in Venezuelan drug-smuggling operations in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific, resulting in over 80 deaths. However, Washington has not provided evidence that the targeted boats were carrying narcotics or posed any security threat to the United States.

The campaign, combined with the expanded military deployment, has further heightened tensions across the region.
Zelenskyy on Monday said he expects to discuss key issues with President Trump as Washington intensifies efforts to advance a negotiated end to Russias war on Ukraine, with Trumps envoy preparing to meet Russian President Putin in Moscow

French President Emmanuel Macron, right, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy give a joint press conference at the Elysee Palace in Paris, on Monday. AP

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday said he expects to discuss key issues with US President Donald Trump as Washington intensifies efforts to advance a negotiated end to Russias war on Ukraine, with Trumps envoy preparing to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.

According to AFP, Ukraines chief negotiator, Rustem Umerov, said significant progress had been made during two days of talks with US officials on Trumps proposed peace plan, though he cautioned that further work was required on several challenging points.

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The developments come as US envoy Steve Witkoff is scheduled to hold talks with Putin on Tuesday  the latest step in a fast-moving diplomatic push involving Washington, Kyiv and Moscow.

Zelenskyy made the remarks after meeting French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, where he has been seeking support from European allies.

The US plan, drafted without input from Kyiv or European governments, has drawn criticism for appearing to align too closely with Moscows maximalist demands.

More than three-and-a-half years after Russia launched its full-scale invasion, an AFP analysis of data from the US-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW) shows that Russian forces made their largest territorial gains in Ukraine last month since November 2024.

Kyivs position has been further weakened by a corruption scandal that has shaken President Zelenskyys inner circle and led to the dismissal last week of his top negotiator and chief of staff, Andriy Yermak.

We are expecting a conversation with the president of the United States on key issues that are quite challenging, AFP quoted Zelenskyy as saying.

He said Russia had stepped up missile and drone strikes on his country to break the will of Ukrainians.

This is serious pressure, not only psychological but also physical pressure on our population, Zelenskyy said.

Macron said the current moment could be decisive for the future of peace in Ukraine and security in Europe.

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US and Ukrainian negotiators held hours of what both sides called productive talks in Florida on Sunday, with Trump declaring on Air Force One theres a good chance we can make a deal.

Zelenskyy insisted Russia should not receive any concession that it could consider as a reward for this war.

The aggressor must pay for the aggression, he said.

Witkoff earlier held a new meeting in Florida with Umerov, Ukraines security council secretary.

We managed to achieve significant progress, although certain issues require further refinement, said Umerov.

Sources said Zelenskyy expects to see Umerov in Ireland during a visit on Tuesday to hear a detailed report on the Florida talks.

Zelenskyy and Macron also spoke by telephone to Witkoff and Umerov in Florida, the Elysee said, while Zelenskyys talks in Paris also included phone conversations with other European leaders, including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Highest pressure

Washingtons initial 28-point proposal to halt the war would have seen Kyiv withdraw from territory it still controls in its eastern Donetsk region and the United States de facto recognise the Donetsk, Crimea and Lugansk regions as Russian.

After talks in Geneva, the United States updated the original blueprint, but the current contents remain unclear.

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EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas expressed concern over the planned Putin-Witkoff meeting, saying she feared all the pressure will be put on the weaker side, because that is the easier way to stop this war when Ukraine surrenders.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz meanwhile said there should be no dictated peace for Ukraine.

Macron emphasised that there is currently no finalised plan on the territorial issues, strictly speaking. It can only be finalised by President Zelenskyy.

He also hailed new US sanctions on the Russian energy industry as a game changer, saying that in the next weeks he expected pressure on the sector to be the highest since the beginning of the war.

Biggest advance in a year

The diplomatic push comes as the war - which has killed tens of thousands of civilians and military personnel and displaced millions of Ukrainians - shows no sign of easing.

A Russian missile attack killed four people and wounded nearly two dozen others on Monday in the central Ukrainian city of Dnipro, the regional governor said.

During November, Russia captured 701 square kilometres (270 square miles), the second-largest territorial advance of the war after that of November 2024  not taking into account the initial months of the invasion, when the front line was highly mobile, the AFP analysis of data from the ISW showed.

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By the end of November, the Russian army controlled, fully or partially, 19.3 percent of Ukrainian territory, according to the analysis of data from the ISW, which works with the Critical Threats Project.

With inputs from agencies
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.
Dennis received bachelor's degrees in communication and political science with a TAG degree in Spanish from The University of Akron in Ohio. He grew up in Ohio with two sisters and two brothers, one being his fraternal twin. He and his wife have two dogs: Bacio, and Cal. Dennis currently covers natural resource and environmental issues for The Daily Sentinel
Statement of the "Former JAGs Working Group" on Media Reports of Pentagon "No Quarter" Orders in Caribbean Boat Strikes

Former JAGs Working Group

29 November 2025

Yesterday, the Washington Post and CNN reported that the Secretary of Defense personally issued orders to "kill everybody" aboard a civilian vessel suspected of narcotrafficking. The attack on 2 September 2025 targeted a vessel carrying 11 civilians and, allegedly, an unknown quantity of drugs. The first strike resulted in near-total destruction of the vessel. However, two survivors were apparently observed via surveillance video clinging to wreckage, whereupon the commander directing the operation ordered a second strike. The second strike killed both survivors.

The Former JAGs Working Group unanimously considers both the giving and the execution of these orders, if true, to constitute war crimes, murder, or both. Our group was established in February 2025 in response to the SECDEF's firing of the Army and Air Force Judge Advocates General and his systematic dismantling of the military's legal guardrails. Had those guardrails been in place, we are confident they would have prevented these crimes.

 If the U.S. military operation to interdict and destroy suspected narcotrafficking vessels is a "non-international armed conflict," as the Trump Administration suggests, orders to "kill everybody," which can reasonably be regarded as an order to give "no quarter," and to "double-tap" a target in order to kill survivors, are clearly illegal under international law. In short, they are war crimes.  If the U.S. military operation is not an armed conflict of any kind, these orders to kill helpless civilians clinging to the wreckage of a vessel our military destroyed would subject everyone from SECDEF down to the individual who pulled the trigger to prosecution under U.S. law for murder.

We call upon Congress to investigate and the American people to oppose any use of the U.S. military that involves the intentional targeting of anyone  enemy combatants, non-combatants, or civilians rendered hors de combat ("out of the fight") as a result of their wounds or the destruction of the ship or aircraft carrying them.

We also advise our fellow citizens that orders like those described above are the kinds of "patently illegal orders" all military members have a duty to disobey.

Since orders to kill survivors of an attack at sea are "patently illegal," anyone who issues or follows such orders can and should be prosecuted for war crimes, murder, or both.

###

Background

The Acts Reported: A Summary

Regardless of whether the U.S. is involved in an armed conflict, law enforcement operations, or any other application of military force, international and domestic U.S. law prohibit the intentional targeting of defenseless persons. If the Washington Post and CNN reports are true, the two survivors of the 2 September 2025 U.S. attack against a vessel carrying 11 persons were rendered unable to continue their mission when U.S. military forces significantly damaged the vessel carrying them. Under such circumstances, not only does international law prohibit targeting these survivors, but it also requires the attacking force to protect, rescue, and, if applicable, treat them as prisoners of war. Violations of these obligations are war crimes, murder, or both. There are no other options.

An Operational Law Primer

Applicable International Humanitarian Law (IHL): The United States has publicly described the narcotrafficker attacks as "non-international armed conflict" because our"enemy" is an international terrorist organization rather than a sovereign state. As such, the full scope of international law generally applicable to armed conflict does not necessarily apply to this conflict.

 Common Article 3 (CA3) of the Geneva Conventions: The main body of IHL applicable to non-international armed conflicts is a subset of the Geneva Conventions that is applicable to all international armed conflicts. The relevant provision of CA3 states in relevant part: In the case of armed conflict not of an international character occurring in the territory of one of the High Contracting Parties, each Party to the conflict shall be bound to apply, as a minimum, the following provisions: (1) Persons taking no active part in the hostilities, including members of armed forces who have laid down their arms and those placed 'hors de combat' by sickness, wounds, detention, or any other cause, shall in all circumstances be treated humanely, without any adverse distinction founded on race, colour, religion or faith, sex, birth or wealth, or any other similar criteria. To this end, the following acts are and shall remain prohibited at any time and in any place whatsoever with respect to the above-mentioned persons: (a) violence to life and person, in particular murder of all kinds, mutilation, cruel treatment and torture;

(b) taking of hostages;

(c) outrages upon personal dignity, in particular humiliating and degrading treatment;

(d) the passing of sentences and the carrying out of executions without previous judgment pronounced by a regularly constituted court, affording all the judicial guarantees which are recognized as indispensable by civilized peoples. (2) The wounded and sick shall be collected and cared for. It should also be noted that "wounded, sick or shipwrecked" persons and "members of crews ... of the merchant marine" and are considered "protected persons" under Articles 12 and 13, respectively, of the Second Geneva Convention. In essence, the Geneva Conventions and other longstanding international maritime laws prohibit U.S. forces from doing anything to survivors of a military attack that destroys the vessel or aircraft carrying them other than rescuing them. They certainly prohibit U.S. forces from killing them. While violations of IHL rising to the level of war crimes could be prosecuted by an international tribunal, domestic U.S. law  18 U.S.C.  2441  War Crimes  subjects U.S. citizens to criminal prosecution for war crimes. U.S. courts have jurisdiction over such offenses regardless of where they are committed if the offender is a U.S. national or member of the U.S. armed forces and the crime constitutes, inter alia, a "grave breach of common Article 3."  1907 Hague Convention IV: Even before the Geneva Conventions of 1949, the laws of war clearly prohibited orders that "no quarter" be given. The Hague Convention IV, Regulations Art 23(d) states specifically that "it is especially forbidden [t]o declare that no quarter will be given." Orders to give "no quarter" or to kill everyone, including survivors, wounded, ill, or anyone else who is no longer able to carry out their military mission are not only unlawful orders, they subject those who give and execute such orders to prosecution as war criminals. The United States became a party to this treaty on 27 November 1909. Its prohibition against "no quarter" orders has also become a principle of customary international law. Therefore, violations of this treaty and customary law are also violations of U.S. law.

"Pending" IHL:

 Additional Protocol II (AP2) to the Geneva Conventions. In 1977, the parties to the Geneva Conventions, including the United States, drafted a new "protocol" to address the challenges of non-international armed conflicts to which no treaty-based IHL, with the exception of CA3, applies. Since to that point, about 80% of all armed conflicts were of a non-international nature, the parties drafted this protocol to fill that legal void. The protocol  AP2  simply extends the principles enshrined in the original four Geneva Conventions to conflicts of a non-international nature. One relevant provision in AP2 is Article 7, which states, "All the wounded and shipwrecked, whether or not they have taken part in armed conflict, shall be respected 4 and protected." This makes the second strike with survivors in the water particularly heinous We characterize AP2 as "pending" because, although the United States signed the treaty on 12 December 1977, the Senate has not yet provided its "advice and consent" despite having received it for that purpose from President Ronald Reagan in 1987. Perhaps now is the time to remedy that. Notwithstanding the fact that AP2 has not yet achieved status as U.S. law, the United States has, for many years, adhered to the principle that "U.S. military practice is already consistent with Additional Protocol II's provisions subject to certain proposed reservations, understandings, and declarations." Furthermore, the United States has stated that "as a matter of policy, [it] routinely imposes heightened standards on its forces that are more protective of civilians than required under international humanitarian law." We believe that under all these circumstances  particularly, the gross violations of international law reported yesterday  the Senate must immediately take up the matter of AP2 advice and consent.

Applicable U.S. Law: Giving and executing "no quarter" orders subjects individuals to either U.S. criminal statutes or the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

 18 U.S.C.  1111  Murder. "Murder is the unlawful killing of a human being with malice aforethought." Civilian personnel who issue and execute orders to kill any human being can be prosecuted for murder unless a defense applies. The Nuremberg War Crimes Tribunals established as a matter of customary international law that superior orders are no defense to war crimes.  18 U.S.C.  2441  War Crimes. See discussion of Common Article 3, above.  UCMJ Article 118 (10 U.S.C.  918)  Murder. Substantively similar to the federal murder statute applicable to civilians, UCMJ Art. 118 provides that anyone who unlawfully kills a human being is guilty of murder. A great deal has been written lately about the notion that superior orders may provide a defense to certain military oFenses. Military law does provide a "superior orders" defense: "It is a defense to any offense that the accused was acting pursuant to orders unless the accused knew the orders to be unlawful or a person of ordinary sense and understanding would have known the orders to be unlawful." Rules for Courts-Martial (R.C.M.) 916(d)

Another part of the Manual For Courts-Martial puts it in a slightly diFerent but equally compelling way:

"An order requiring the performance of a military duty or act may be inferred to be lawful, and it is disobeyed at the peril of the subordinate. This inference does not apply to a patently illegal order, such as one that directs the commission of a crime." Art. 90, UCMJ, para 16.c.(2)(a)(i).

* * *

Again, the bottom line is that, since orders to kill survivors of an attack at sea are"patently illegal," anyone who issues or follows such orders can and should be prosecuted for war crimes, murder, or both



Original Statement [PDF]

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Statement by Foreign Minister Eide on the UN International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People

Government of Norway

News story | Date: 30/11/2025

'On the UN International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, I express my deepest sympathy to all those who have lost loved ones - children, parents, siblings, and friends', said Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide.

'Over the past two years, more than 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 extremely serious. The occupation, settler violence, and the expansion of settlements are making the situation increasingly unbearable.

'The fragile ceasefire in Gaza offers, for the first time in over two years, a glimmer of hope. It is crucial that the international community stands united and remains deeply engaged in efforts to bring this war to an end and secure a lasting political solution. While ending the war is vital, it is equally important to find a political resolution to the conflict. Only a two-state solution, in which Palestinians and Israelis live side by side in security and with hope for the future, can bring lasting peace.

'For peace efforts to succeed, the occupation must end throughout Palestine. The Palestinian government and population must have full ownership of all processes concerning Palestine's future. For several decades, Norway has been a close partner of the Palestinian government, and we will continue this engagement.

'Today reminds us of the collective responsibility we bear as individual nations and as a global community to support a just solution to this longstanding conflict. For generations, Palestinians have longed for safety, dignity, and the right to determine their own lives and future. Norway will contribute wherever we can, so that Palestinians can once again see a path out of the war and a hope for the future, and so that the Palestinian state can become a reality' said Eide.

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Iran condemns US' move to close Venezuelan airspace

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Nov 30, 2025

Tehran, IRNA -- Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei on Saturday has condemned the US President Donald Trump's announcement of a closure of Venezuela's airspace, and called it a serious breach of international law and a threat to global aviation safety.

Baqaei said Trump's unilateral move amounted to a flagrant violation of established international norms governing cross-border air transport.

He added that the US action is part of a series of provocative and illegal measures Washington has taken against Venezuela's national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Baqaei warned that the measure by the US poses unprecedented risks to international aviation safety and could have dangerous consequences for the rule of law, as well as for global peace and security.

He urged the international community to take note of what he called a destabilizing step that undermines long-standing principles of international conduct.

President Trump said on Saturday that all airspace over and around Venezuela should be considered as fully closed, offering no additional details as Washington intensifies pressure on President Nicolas Maduro's government.

2050

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General Secretariat commemorates International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People

League of Arab States

Date: 30/11/2025

The General Secretariat of the League of Arab States is holding a central event at its headquarters on 30 November to commemorate the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. The event is held in response to the 1977 United Nations General Assembly resolution designating this day for annual observance.

The day reaffirms the justice of the Palestinian cause and expresses solidarity with the Palestinian people in their legitimate and just struggle to end the occupation, achieve freedom and independence, and establish their sovereign and independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with relevant international resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative.

The event features speeches expressing solidarity with the Palestinian people by representatives of the League of Arab States, the United Nations, the Arab Republic of Egypt, the State of Palestine, Al-Azhar, and the Coptic Orthodox Church.

It also includes the screening of a short film produced by the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States (Palestine and Occupied Arab Territories Sector), addressing the decades-long suffering of the Palestinian people, including ethnic cleansing, forced displacement, and the denial of their right to self-determination under the ongoing Israeli occupation. The film also acknowledges the role of people worldwide who stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people and their legitimate rights, and their commitment to the values of humanity, justice, and respect for human rights.

In addition, several institutions are being honoured for their efforts in supporting and providing relief to the Palestinian people, and some segments of Palestinian society will be recognised for their resilience and sacrifices.

A visual arts and photography exhibition on the Palestinian cause will be held on the sidelines of the event, in cooperation with the Permanent Mission of the State of Palestine to the League of Arab States.

The event is being attended by permanent representatives to the League of Arab States, members of foreign diplomatic missions accredited to the Arab Republic of Egypt, representatives of Arab and international organisations, and a number of public figures.

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PH, Japan hold 3rd maritime drill in WPS

Philippine News Agency

By Priam Nepomuceno

November 30, 2025, 6:31 pm

MANILA -- Filipino and Japanese naval and air units carried out their third bilateral maritime cooperative activity (MCA) in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) on Nov. 29, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced Sunday afternoon.

In a statement, the AFP said the latest MCA underscores the "steady growth of defense cooperation" between the Philippines and Japan.

For the third iteration, the AFP deployed the guided-missile frigate BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151), an AW-159 "Wildcat" anti-submarine helicopter and a Philippine Air Force C-208B surveillance aircraft.

Japan's participation was led by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) with the guided-missile destroyer JS Harusame (DD-102) and a SH-60K helicopter.

The first bilateral MCA with Japan took place in August 2024 while the second one was conducted last June.

"Both forces carried out a series of interoperability activities, including division tactics/officer of the watch maneuver, where participating ships practiced coordinated movements and station-keeping; and a PHOTOEX (photographic exercise) which involved maintaining precise formation for documentation of the activity," the AFP said.

Aside from this, a cross-deck landing exercise was also conducted to familiarize helicopter crew and ship personnel with each other's deck procedures and enhance coordination in aviation operations.

The AFP noted that the MCA with Japan took place one day after the successful Philippine-France MCA on Nov. 28 in the southern portion of Eastern Mindanao.

The back-to-back activities highlight the AFP's continuing efforts to broaden international defense cooperation and sustain regular engagements with partner forces. (PNA)

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Iran issues ownership documents for Trio Persian Gulf islands

Iran Press TV

Sunday, 30 November 2025 2:25 PM

Iran has formally issued land demarcation and ownership documents for the islands of Abu Musa, as well as the Greater and Lesser Tunbs in the Persian Gulf, asserting its sovereignty over the territories.

The State Organization for Registration of Deeds and Properties announced on Sunday that the title deeds have been registered in the name of the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran, stressing the islands' integral status as part of Iranian territory.

According to the Judiciary, the move is part of a broader national strategy to safeguard land resources and prevent unauthorized use or encroachment.

Officials noted that precise geometric maps and coordinates recorded in the national "Shamim" cadastre system were employed to minimize the risk of misuse, illegal occupation, unauthorized land-use changes, or encroachment on national lands.

The ownership deed for the Greater Tunb, covering an area of 10,832,250 square meters, has now been formally registered, while the deed for the Lesser Tunb, spanning 1,394,179 square meters, was issued in March 2023, and the deed for Abu Musa, encompassing an area of 12,722,683 square meters, was issued in February 2021.

The move by the Judiciary is fully aligned with higher-level mandates, including Article 3 of the Comprehensive Cadastral Law (2014), which obligates the Registration Organization to issue cadastral deeds for all lands in the countryfrom forests to seas and islands.

It is also in accordance with Clause 26 of Chapter Seven of the general policies of the Seventh Development Plan, issued by Leader of the Islamic Revolution, which strongly emphasizes the full implementation of the cadastre nationwide.

The Judiciary further described the measure as a "practical step" towards fulfilling this strategic directive and safeguarding Iranian territory.

The initiative is also intended to address international disputes and counter "false claims by foreign parties," particularly regarding sovereignty over the three islands.

The three islands are an inseparable part of Iran, not only in geography and history, but now, with formal and precise cadastral documentation, they are also recorded in the country's registration system with the highest degree of legal solidity.

The Iranian government has designated November 30 as the National Day of Iran's trio islands.

The Persian Gulf islands of Abu Musa and the Greater and Lesser Tunbs have historically been part of Iran, proof of which can be found and corroborated by countless historical, legal, and geographical documents in Iran and other parts of the world.

However, the United Arab Emirates has repeatedly laid claim to the islands.

The islands fell under British control in 1921, but on November 30, 1971, a day after British forces left the region and just two days before the UAE was to become an official federation, Iran's sovereignty over the islands was restored.

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UN condemns Israel's policy of 'organized torture' against Palestinians

Iran Press TV

Sunday, 30 November 2025 10:39 AM

The United Nations Committee against Torture (CAT) has condemned the Israeli regime for enforcing a policy of "organized torture" against Palestinians.

In a report published on Friday, CAT stated that the occupying regime enforces a deliberate policy of "organized and widespread torture and ill-treatment" against Palestinian abductees, particularly since October 7, 2023, when Israel launched its genocidal war on Gaza.

The committee expressed "deep concern over repeated severe beatings, dog attacks, electrocution, water-boarding, use of prolonged stress positions [and] sexual violence" inflicted on Palestinians.

Palestinian prisoners were degraded by "being made to act like animals or being urinated on," systematically denied medical care, and subjected to excessive restraints, "in some cases resulting in amputation," the report added.

CAT also condemned the routine application of "unlawful combatants law" to justify the prolonged detention without trial of thousands of Palestinian men, women, and children.

More than 10,000 Palestinians, including women and children, are currently held in Israeli prisons, according to Palestinian and international human rights groups, with 3,474 Palestinians in "administrative detention," meaning they are imprisoned without trial for indefinite periods.

The report highlighted the "high proportion of children who are currently detained without charge or on remand," noting that while Israel sets the age of criminal responsibility at 12, even younger children have been abducted.

Children designated as security prisoners face severe restrictions on family contact, may be subjected to solitary confinement, and are denied access to education, in clear violation of international law.

The committee further suggested that Israel's policies across the Occupied Territories constitute collective torture against the Palestinian population.

"A range of policies adopted by Israel in the course of its continued unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory amounts to cruel, inhuman or degrading living conditions for the Palestinian population," the report said.

On Thursday, the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas condemned the systematic killing and torture of Palestinian abductees in Israeli prisons, urging international action to halt these abuses.

Citing human rights data, Hamas stated that 94 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli prisons since the start of Tel Aviv's genocidal war on Gaza.

"This reflects an organized criminal approach that has turned these prisons into direct killing grounds to eliminate our people," the resistance movement said.

Hamas called on the international community, the UN, and human rights organizations to immediately pressure Israel to end crimes against prisoners and uphold their rights as guaranteed by all international conventions and norms.

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Settler attacks 'part of Israeli policy to terrorize, displace Palestinians' in West Bank: Hamas

Iran Press TV

Sunday, 30 November 2025 6:42 AM

The Hamas resistance movement has strongly condemned the ongoing assaults by settler groups targeting Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, calling them as a deliberate escalation and an official Israeli strategy aimed at intimidating and displacing Palestinians.

Senior Hamas official Mahmoud Mardawi said in a statement on Saturday that such daily attacks, property theft, and the unchecked actions of settler groups throughout the West Bank, combined with the Israeli army's relentless offensives in the northern governorates, reveal the extent of terrorism being carried out under direct political directives from the extremist Israeli administration.

Mardawi noted that the Tel Aviv regime would ultimately fail to enforce its colonial schemes, no matter the scale of its aggression and violations.

The remarks came on the same day that ten Palestinians were injured in a settler attack on the Khalil al-Louz area, east of Bethlehem city in the southern West Bank.

According to the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS), one civilian sustained a live bullet injury to the thigh, and three others suffered bruises from beatings. The trio was transferred to hospital to receive medical treatment, while the rest were treated on site.

A security source told the Palestinian news agency WAFA that the settlers attempted to set fire to a house in the area, but residents managed to confront them.

In a related incident, six Palestinians, including a pregnant woman, were injured on Saturday evening after Israeli settlers attacked residents in the Hawara area near the town of Halhul, north of al-Khalil.

Local media cited unnamed sources as saying that the armed settlers, protected by Israeli soldiers, attacked homes in the area, causing injuries and bruises to six members of the same family.

The victims received on-site medical treatment, and the pregnant woman was transferred to the Red Crescent Hospital in Halhul for further care.

Palestinians in the West Bank have been subjected to escalating Israeli military actions and settler violence, amid the genocidal war in Gaza that has killed nearly 70,000 people in the coastal territory since October 2023.

Rights organizations have been cautioning for months that Palestinians in the West Bank are at increasing risk of ethnic cleansing due to the ongoing violence.

In July 2024, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) declared Israel's extended occupation of historic Palestine to be unlawful.

The ICJ urged the removal of all existing settlements in the West Bank and East al-Quds.

While the court's advisory opinion is not legally binding, it holds considerable political significance as it marks the first occasion the ICJ has addressed the legality of the 57-year-long occupation.

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Leading Azerbaijani Opposition Figure Missing After Raids By Security Services

By RFE/RL's Azerbaijani Service November 30, 2025

Azerbaijani authorities detained the leader of the country's main opposition party after raiding his apartment, party officials said.

Ali Karimli's whereabouts were unclear on November 30, a day after the search at his Baku home, according to the Popular Front Party. Other officials with the party, known as AXCP, also reported their residences searched and had also gone missing.

Turan Ibrahim, whose father Mammad serves as a member of the party's presidium, said in a post on Facebook that more than a dozen security agents searched his father's house, seizing his phone and computer and took him to undisclosed locations.

Several other party members posted claims of harassment and surveillance on social media.

In Turkey, meanwhile, security forces detained Gultekin Hajibeyli, another Azerbaijani democracy activist, who is a member of the Coordinating Center of the National Council of Democratic Forces.

Hajibayli told RFE/RL late on November 28 that she had been taken to a detention center in Istanbul. Her colleagues later said they were unable to locate her or get further information about her whereabouts.

Pro-government and other media reported that she was expected to be deported to Azerbaijan.

The State Security Service and the Interior Ministry did not respond to queries from RFE/RL's Azerbaijani Service.

Karimli's arrest and the search of his apartment was related to an unspecified criminal case, pro-government media in Baku reported.

Reuters, citing unnamed Azerbaijani government official, said Karimli's detention was linked to an ongoing criminal case against Ramiz Mehdiyev, a longtime ally of the late President Heydar Aliyev, who led Azerbaijan until shortly before his death in 2003.

Heydar's son, Ilham, took over the presidency shortly before his father's death. Since then, he has systematically suppressed dissent by detaining independent journalists, opposition figures, and civil society activists.

The country's authorities have insisted that fundamental freedoms are protected in the country and that people are not persecuted for their critical positions and political activities.

AXCP posted a statement alleging that Karimli's interviews with foreign media have "alarmed the Ilham Aliyev regime," it said.

"In a situation where political activity is almost completely banned in the country, and civil liberties are severely restricted, this operation is the next step toward further intensification of political repression," the statement said.

"The goal of tying these arrests to Ramiz Mehdiyev is to damage Ali Karimli's reputation. They worked with Mehdiyev for nearly 30 years themselves. These accusations do not stick to us," Seymur Hazi, a deputy party chairman, told RFE/RL.

With reporting by Reuters

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/azerbaijan-karimli- opposition-raid-detention-rights/33608725.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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Russo-Ukraine War - 30 November 2025 - Day 1376

Su M Tu W Th F Sa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While GlobalSecurity.org takes utmost care to accurately report this news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

On 24 February 2022, Ukraine was suddenly and deliberately attacked by land, naval and air forces of Russia, igniting the largest European war since the Great Patriotic War. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" (SVO - spetsialnaya voennaya operatsiya) in Ukraine in response to the appeal of the leaders of the "Donbass republics" for help. That attack is a blatant violation of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. Putin stressed that Moscow's goal is the demilitarization and denazification of the country. The military buildup in preceeding months makes it obvious that the unprovoked and dastardly Russian attack was deliberately planned long in advance. During the intervening time, the Russian government had deliberately sought to deceive the world by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.

"To initiate a war of aggression... is not only an international crime; it is the supreme international crime differing only from other war crimes in that it contains within itself the accumulated evil of the whole." [Judgment of the International Military Tribunal]

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that 155 combat clashes have taken place since the beginning of the day.

The Russian enemy launched 48 air strikes on the positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements, dropping 120 controlled air bombs, carrying out 3448 shells and 3118 strikes with kamikaze drones.

In the Northern Slobozhansky and Kursk directions, the enemy launched 8 air strikes, dropping 24 controlled air bombs, as well as carrying out 136 shelling positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements, six of them from reactive systems of arson fire.

In the South Slobozhansky direction, Ukrainian soldiers repelled three attacks near the settlements of Vovchansk and Sinelnikove.

In the Kupians komu direction, Russian forces did not carry out offensive actions.

In the Lyman direction, the Russian enemy carried out 11 attacks, trying to advance in the areas of the settlements of Tverdohlibove, Novoegorivka, Torske, Novoselivka, Zarichne and towards Cherneshina and Koroviny Yar. The two fighting clashes are still going on.

In the Slovenian direction, Ukrainian soldiers repelled 12 Russian attacks in the areas of settlements Dronivka, Serebryanka and Siversk.

In the Kramatorsky direction of offensive actions of the Russian enemy is not recorded.

The Russian enemy tried 15 times to infiltrate Ukrainian defense in the Konstantinivsky direction in the areas of Oleksandro-Shultynog, Konstantinovka, Scherbinivka, Pleshiyivka, Rusynoy Yar and towards Sofiyivka. One fight is still going on.

During this day in the Pokrovsk direction, the Russian aggressor carried out 57 assault and offensive actions in the areas of settlements Pokrovsk, Chervony Lyman, Mirnograd, Rodinske, Lisivka, Kotline, Udaachne, Molodetske, Balagan, Filia and in the directions of settlements Toretske, New Shahove, Bilitske, Sergiyivka, Dorozhne, Rivne, Grishine, Novopavlivka. Currently, the fights are being sharpened in five locations.

According to preliminary calculations, in this direction Ukrainian warriors zneskodili 104 Russian invaders, 70 of them - irrevocably. Two units of automotive equipment, a cannon, two ATVs, a special equipment unit, five means of communication, 19 unmanned aircraft were destroyed. In addition, 14 shelters for the personnel warehouse were damaged.

In the Oleksandrivsky direction, Ukrainian defenders stopped 18 Russian attacks in the areas of settlements Zeleny Gai, Tolstoy, Sosnivka, Stepove, Cherry, Ribne, Privilne, Verbove, Yegorivka and Zlagoda. Another battle is underway. The Russian enemy's airstrike was silent.

Six clashes were recorded in the direction of Pryluk, Varvarivka, Gulyaipol and in the area of Solodky. The Russian enemy's airstrikes suffered gulyajpole, zaliznycne, lugivs ,ke, kosivceve.

In the orihiv direction, the Russian enemy did not carry out offensive actions, but made air strikes on the settlements of veselyanka, lukanivs ke, grigorivs ke.

In the direction of the Pridniprovsky, the Russian enemy attacked three times in the direction of the Antonivsky Bridge, received a cut off. Under the airstrikes of the Russian enemy were cossackske and odradokamanka.

The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that he Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue the special military operation.

The Sever Group of Forces inflicted fire damage on formations of two mechanised brigades, an air assault brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine near Sadki, Pavlovka, Khoten, and Khrapovshchina (Sumy region) and the town of Sumy.

In Kharkov direction, units of three mechanised brigades and a motorised infantry brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine have been hit near Mitrofanovka, Vilcha, Ploskoye, and Volchansk (Kharkov region).

The enemy lost over 110 troops and six motor vehicles.

The Zapad Group of Forces improved the tactical situation. Russian troops hit four mechanised brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and a national guard brigade near Monachinovka, Samborovka, Boguslavka, Kucherovka, Kurilovka, Kupyansk-Uzlovoy, and Podoly (Kharkov region).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 220 troops, 13 motor vehicles, and a Croatian-made RAK-SA-12 MLRS launcher. Twelve electronic warfare station and three ammunition depots have been destroyed.

The Yug Group of Forces took more advantageous lines and positions. Troops of two mechanised brigades, a mountain assault brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and a territorial defence brigade have been hit near Slavyansk, Nikanorovka, Nikifovorovka, Konstantinovka, Stepanovka, Zakotnoye, Bondarnoye, and Seversk (Donetsk People's Republic).

The AFU lost up to 50 troops, two armoured fighting vehicles, including one U.S.-made M113 armoured personnel carrier, three motor vehicles, two field artillery guns, and one materiel depot.

The Tsentr Group of Forces improved the situation along the front line. Russian units hit seven mechanised brigades, two jaeger brigades, an airmobile brigade, three air assault brigades, an unmanned system brigade, a special forces brigade, two assault regiments of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, a marine brigade, two territorial defence brigades, and two national guard brigades close to Rodinskoye, Belitskoye, Sergeyevka, Maryevka, Veselaya Gora, Belozerskoye, Dobropolye, Artyomovka (Donetsk People's Republic), and Bashilovka (Kharkov region).

In Krasnoarmeysk (Donetsk People's Republic), assault groups of the 2nd Army are going on advancing in eastern part of the town and the Dinas district as well as continue to mop up Rovnoye (Donetsk People's Republic). Assault groups entered Grishino (Donetsk People's Republic).

Ten attacks of the 32nd Mechanised Brigade and the 425th Assault Regiment of the AFU, launched to unblock an encircled group of the AFU, were repelled from the area of Grishino (Donetsk People's Republic). Up to 35 AFU servicemen have been neutralised.

In Dimitrov (Donetsk People's Republic), the 51st Army's assault detachments continued to push the enemy out of Vostochny and Zapadny districts, and the southern part of the city.

Over 260 servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine have been neutralised in Krasnoarmeysk direction during the day.

In total, up to 450 troops, two motor vehicles, and one artillery gun have been neutralised in the Tsentr Group's area of responsibility.

The Vostok Group of Forces continued advancing into the depth of enemy defence. Russian element hit two mechanised brigades, two assault brigades, and three assault regiments of the Armed Forces of Ukraine near Zaliznichnoye, Dobropolye, Verkhnyaya Tersa, Varvarovka, Priluki, and Gulyaypole (Zaporozhye region).

The AFU lost up to 160 troops, six motor vehicles, and a materiel depot.

The Dnepr Group of Forces inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of a mechanised brigade and coastal defence brigade of the AFU near Stepnogorsk, Kirovo (Zaporozhye region), and Sadovoye (Kherson region).

Up to 40 troops, seven motor vehicles, and one materiel depot were neutralised.

Operational-tactical aviation, attack drones, missile troops and artillery of the Russian Groups of Forces have hit enterprises of the Ukrainian defence industry, fuel depots, flight preparation and launch sites of long-range unmanned aerial vehicles as well as temporary deployment areas of Ukrainian armed formations and foreign mercenaries in 143 areas.

Air defence facilities shot down one U.S.-made HIMARS MLRS projectile and 230 fixed-wing drones.

In total, since the beginning of the special military operation, 668 aircraft, 283 helicopters, 99,690 unmanned aerial vehicles, 638 anti-aircraft missile systems, 26,318 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,622 MLRS combat vehicles, 31,638 field artillery guns and mortars, and 47,986 units of support military vehicles have been neutralised.

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Russia's Baikonur Cosmodrome Damaged After Latest Soyuz Launch

By RFE/RL November 30, 2025

Russia's main launch facility for sending cosmonauts into space was damaged during the latest launch of a Soyuz capsule, prompting emergency repairs.

The accident at the Baikonur cosmodrome will result in a suspension of all manned launches from the facility until further notice, officials said.

Shortly after a Soyuz capsule carrying a three-man crew -- Russians Sergei Kud-Sverchkov and Sergei Mikaev, and American Christopher Williams -- blasted off on November 27 en route to the International Space Station, officials reported damage to the launch pad.

The Russian space agency Roscosmos downplayed the seriousness of the damage.

"During the routine inspection of the launch pad after the launch, a number of elements were found to be damaged," the agency reported. The problem will "be repaired in the near future."

The Soyuz crew later arrived at the station without incident.

Located in the windswept steppes of western Kazakhstan, and leased under a long-term contract, the venerable Baikonur complex is Russia's only facility for sending people into orbit.

It served an essential purpose as the primary facility for launching people and equipment for around a decade after the United States suspended its space shuttle.

Its importance was diminished in recent years as private space companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin have increased capacity and signed contracts with the US agency NASA to supply the station.

Russia has several other launch facilities used mainly for sending satellites into space. More than a decade ago, the Kremlin signed off on the construction of an alternative launch complex in the Far Eastern region of Amur.

However, that complex, called Vostochny, has been plagued by cost overruns and corruption scandals, and it's unclear when manned launches will begin there.

A NASA spokesman told RFE/RL that the agency was "aware Roscosmos is inspecting" the launch facility but referred further questions to the Russian space agency.

"NASA coordinates closely with its international partners, including Roscosmos, for the safe operations of the International Space Station and its crew members," the spokesman added.

Kazakh officials, meanwhile, reported that part of the rocket that the Soyuz capsule was launched fell into a remote region not far from Baikonur, prompting alarm from local residents.

Russia's space program has been a point of friction in Kazakhstan for decades. The Soviet nuclear program -- both atomic weapons and the intercontinental rockets -- were routinely tested in part of northern Kazakhstan, spreading toxic fuels and radioactive materials over wide areas.

In 2013, after a Proton-M carrier rocket exploded shortly after takeoff from Baikonur, Kazakhstan demanded nearly $90 million in compensation from Russia.

With reporting by RFE/RL's Kazakh Service

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-baikonur-space-launch- damage-soyuz/33609170.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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China, Pakistan to hold 'Warrior-IX' joint counter-terrorism exercise: Chinese Defense Ministry

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Nov 30, 2025 09:40 PM

From late November to mid-December, troops of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Western Theater Command and the Pakistan Army will conduct the "Warrior-IX" joint counter-terrorism exercise in Pakistan, the Chinese Defense Ministry announced in a statement on Sunday.

Focusing on the theme of "joint counter-terrorism clearance and strike operations," the exercise aims to test and enhance the joint counter-terrorism capabilities of the two militaries and jointly safeguard regional peace and stability, according to the Chinese Defense Ministry statement.

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PLA Navy's Type 075 amphibious assault ship can carry Army's Z-10 helicopter: official media report

Global Times

By Liu Xuanzun and Liang Rui Published: Nov 30, 2025 05:19 PM

The Type 075 amphibious assault ship of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy can carry the PLA Army's Z-10 attack helicopter, in addition to the Navy's own helicopters, air-cushioned landing craft and amphibious armored vehicles, according to an official media report on Sunday. An expert said that such cross-service joint operational capability can provide the Type 075 amphibious assault ship with more firepower.

A report introducing the PLA Navy's amphibious combat system centered around the Type 076 amphibious assault ship, the first hull of which just completed its first sea trial mission in mid-November, as well as four Type 075 amphibious assault ships that have already entered active service, was released by China Central Television's (CCTV) military channel on Sunday.

The CCTV report said that the Type 075 amphibious assault ship is a core equipment of the PLA Navy for amphibious landing operations, second only to aircraft carriers in status. It is mainly tasked with conducting large-scale, long-distance amphibious landing missions.

The Type 075 amphibious assault ship can carry some dozens of helicopters of various types, including the Z-8 and Z-18 transport helicopters, the Z-20 utility helicopter, and the Z-10 attack helicopter. It can also accommodate multiple Type 726A air-cushioned landing craft and dozens of amphibious armored vehicles, according to the report.

With a full-load displacement of about 40,000 tons, the ship adopts a straight-through flight deck design and integrates the strike capability of helicopters, the transportation capacity of air-cushioned craft, and the rapid strike capability of assault vehicles. This transforms the amphibious landing operation mode from the traditional horizontal landing to a three-dimensional landing that closely combines vertical air landing and horizontal landing, the report said.

This is seemingly the first time an official media report has confirmed that the Z-10 attack helicopter is compatible with the Type 075 amphibious assault ship, although experts and analysts have long speculated this compatibility, with the Z-10 having previously trained with another type of amphibious warship, the Type 071.

In August 2020, the Z-10 attack helicopter among other types of helicopters assigned to an army aviation brigade under the PLA 73rd Group Army conducted an inter-services maritime coordinated training exercise with the PLA Navy at an undisclosed sea area, lifting off from the Type 071 dock landing ship Yimengshan, China Military Online reported at the time.

Wang Yunfei, a Chinese military affairs expert, told the Global Times that the Z-10 is a medium-sized dedicated attack helicopter capable of conducting fire assault missions on the frontlines. Its compatibility with the Type 075 amphibious assault ship means that other amphibious landing equipment carried by the Type 075 can collaborate with the Z-10, receive fire support and expand their scale of missions.

The PLA's Z-10 attack helicopters are mostly in service with the Army, and some with the Air Force, so their joint operations with Type 075 amphibious assault ships are another highlight, showing the PLA's increasing cross-service joint operational capabilities, Wang said. He also noted that the PLA has a large number of Z-10s in its helicopter fleet.

Since April 2021, the PLA Navy has commissioned four Type 075 amphibious assault ships, namely the Hainan, Guangxi, Anhui, and Hubei. The operational modes of the Type 075 include three approaches: vertical landing, over-the-horizon landing, and horizontal landing. Vertical landing utilizes helicopters for troop projection; over-the-horizon landing relies on air-cushioned landing craft to achieve rapid delivery of heavy equipment; and horizontal landing involves amphibious armored vehicles launching direct assaults on shorelines from ships, the CCTV report said.

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North Korean military forces to gain 'strategic assets' amid heightened tensions in peninsula

Iran Press TV

Sunday, 30 November 2025 9:51 AM

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un says the air force will gain "strategic assets" amid the heightened tensions in the region.

Speaking on Friday at an event celebrating the 80th anniversary of the North Korean Air Force, Kim announced that the nation's air force is to be entrusted with "a new important duty," according to state news agency KCNA.

He said the Air Force "will play a role in the exercise of the nuclear war deterrent," adding that the nation's expectations from the Air Force were truly high.

"The Air Force should resolutely repulse and control all sorts of espionage acts and possible military provocations of the enemies," added Kim, who was accompanied by his heiress apparent daughter, Ju Ae, 12.

"The Air Force will be given new strategic military assets and entrusted with a new important duty," Kim said in his speech without further elaborating.

Media reports said North Korea had added unmanned aircraft and mobile missile launchers among others weapons to its military's arsenal.

Pyongyang launched mass production of small, short-range First Person View (FPV) drones and larger medium-range battlefield attack drones, according to the reports.

Meantime, Pyongyang announced earlier that the deployment of "strategic assets" to key targets is a deterrent against the United States' ongoing military build-up on the Korean Peninsula.

It warned that the deployment of strategic nuclear weapons by the United States on the Korean Peninsula "effectively meets" the conditions for Pyongyang to use nuclear deterrents.

Also, Pyongyang has repeatedly denounced the presence of nearly 30,000 American troops in South Korea and Washington's joint drills with its southern neighbor and Japan as provocative exercises that heighten regional tensions.

Washington has maintained military presence in South Korea - deploying nuclear-capable bombers, submarines, and aircraft carriers - since the 1953 armistice that halted, but never formally ended, the Korean War.

It claims the US military presence is a deterrence; however, North Korea and many independent countries see it as a prolonged state of war that has affected every component of the Peninsula's security make-up.

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Army Air Defense Force fully prepared to defend Iran: Deputy commander

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Nov 30, 2025

Tehran, IRNA -- The deputy commander of the Army Air Defense Force says that the force has maintained full readiness for decades to defend the country in the face of hybrid threats.

Brigadier General Alireza Elhami made the remarks at the 24th round of the "Theories of Sacred Defense" course commemorating Martyr Lieutenant General Ali Sayyad Shirazi at Shahid Sattari Air University on Sunday.

He stressed the importance of knowing exactly what equipment and capabilities are required "for war and for defending a land that the whole world has its eyes on," adding that Iran must be prepared for joint operations to confront combined enemy tactics.

"In today's confrontation with the enemy's hybrid operations, we also need a joint operation to go to war with the enemy; otherwise, we cannot confront enemies," he said.

Elhami said Iran's defensive doctrine is grounded in "divine verses, the lofty Ashura culture, and the red line of Sayyed al-Shohada."

He added that Iran's geographic position, described in many strategic theories as the "heart of the earth," underscores the country's responsibility to defend its heritage.

Addressing what he called the enemy's psychological warfare, he said opponents aim to weaken "the Mahdaviat thinking," the unity of the armed forces, commitment to the leadership, and spiritual values.

"We must stand firm against this action of our enemies," he said.

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Speaker: Australia's anti-Iran move will fail to challenge IRGC's influence

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Nov 30, 2025

Tehran, IRNA -- Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has strongly condemned the Australian government's action of blacklisting Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC), noting that the action will fail to challenge the IRGC influence.

The IRGC is an institution born from the heart of the Iranian people and has played a prominent role in fighting terrorism in West Asia, Ghalibaf said addressing Parliament open session on Sunday.

The baseless claims are unable to challenge the influence of this powerful Iranian and Islamic force, he added.

If Australia is trying, through this dangerous move, to appease the Israeli regime and divert public attention from the genocidal crimes in Gaza, it should know that the disgrace of acting in favor of the Zionists will remain in the public conscience of the regional nations and the Muslim world, he noted.

Earlier on November 27, 2025, the Australian Government has listed IRGC as a state sponsor of terrorism.

On August 26, Australia announced the expulsion of Iran's ambassador, accusing Tehran of orchestrating two Antisemitic incidents in Sydney and Melbourne last year. The claims were categorically denied by Iran. Additionally, Australia recalled its ambassador from Tehran.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had also criticized Australia's decision to expel Tehran's ambassador over allegations it organized antisemitic attacks in the country, saying Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is a weak leader who appeases Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

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Iran Army says Australia's designation of IRGC serves US-Israeli interests

Iran Press TV

Sunday, 30 November 2025 5:52 PM

The General Staff of Iran's Armed Forces has strongly condemned Australia's "unwise decision" to label the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) as a "state sponsor of terrorism."

In a statement on Sunday, the Armed Forces said the unwise decision by the "dependent" Australian government against the IRGC is in line with the sinister goals of the arrogant system, led by the terrorist United States.

It added that the move aims to serve the terrorist Israeli regime's interests in the continuation of oppression and crimes and has no meaning other than "baseless and spiteful" claims under the pressure of the US and Israel.

According to the statement, the move demonstrates a lack of proper understanding of international and global realities.

The Army, however, emphasized that such moves will strengthen the will of the heroic Iranian nation to boost its defense prowess and will result in nothing but greater support of Iranians and the free nations across the world for the Armed Forces, especially the powerful and anti-terrorism IRGC.

The Australian government listed the IRGC as a "state sponsor of terrorism" on Thursday over baseless accusations that the elite force had orchestrated attacks against Australia's Jewish community.

In a statement released on Thursday, the Iranian Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the decision.

"The political move by the Australian government is a dangerous and criminal precedent, designed under the influence of the Zionist regime to divert public attention from the genocide in Gaza," the ministry said.

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IRGC seizes foreign-flagged vessel for smuggling fuel in Persian Gulf

Iran Press TV

Sunday, 30 November 2025 2:51 PM

The Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) says its naval forces have seized an Eswatini-flagged vessel carrying hundreds of thousands of liters of smuggled fuel in the Persian Gulf.

A local IRGC naval commander, Heydar Honarian Mojarrad, said the ship, carrying 350,000 liters of smuggled fuel, was intercepted during routine maritime monitoring operations on Sunday.

He said the vessel was brought to the coast of Bushehr following a judicial order, and its cargo will be unloaded.

According to Mojarrad, the vessel's 13 crew members were from India and a neighboring country. The vessel and its crew have been placed under protection as an investigation into the smuggling is underway.

The commander said comprehensive surveillance in the region enabled IRGC naval units to identify and halt the vessel.

He reiterated that the IRGC remains committed to confronting smugglers and protecting Iran's maritime borders to curb fuel trafficking in the waters.

In mid-November, the IRGC naval forces seized a Marshall Islands-flagged tanker in the southern coastal region of Balochistan after receiving a judicial order.

The vessel, named Talara, was heading through the Strait of Hormuz with "Iranian petrochemical products... illegally transported towards Singapore," the IRGC said at the time.

The company managing the tanker confirmed later that Iran had released the tanker and its 21 crew members were all safe.

Iran, known for some of the world's lowest fuel prices due to heavy subsidies and sharp price disparities with neighboring countries, continues to battle widespread fuel smuggling by land and sea.

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Iran a reliable energy supplier for Turkey, ready to extend gas export contract: FM Araghchi

Iran Press TV

Sunday, 30 November 2025 2:02 PM

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says Iran is one of the most reliable energy suppliers for Turkey and is ready to extend a gas contract and enhance bilateral cooperation in the electricity sector.

Araghchi made the remarks during a joint press conference with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Tehran on Sunday, emphasizing Tehran's determination to strengthen energy ties with Ankara.

Iran currently supplies Turkey with about 10 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually under a contract signed in 2001. The 25year agreement is set to expire in mid2026.

Turkey has requested increased supplies due to rising energy demand in both household consumption and the manufacturing sector.

In July 2022, Iran and Turkey agreed to begin negotiations on a new gas export deal.

Araghchi said that during talks with his Turkish counterpart, the two sides underscored the need to remove barriers to trade and investment between the two countries.

He added that the two sides agreed to hold the meetings of the High-Level Cooperation Council and the Joint Economic Commission to specifically address the issues.

Iran expressed its readiness to expand relations in all fields, including the establishment of joint free trade zones and the activation of a new border crossing, Araghchi noted.

He said Iran calls for expert-level meetings to discuss the preferential trade agreement with Turkey.

Fidan, in turn, also underscored the need to boost cooperation between Turkey and Iran in trade, energy, and regional security.

"Trade and energy are top priorities, and we saw again today there is much more to be done," he said alongside Araghchi.

The Turkish foreign minister said the two sides had agreed to work to improve border security by installing more border gates and implementing logistics and transportation projects.

Iran, Turkey share the same stance on regional issues

Araghchi further pointed to his detailed discussions with Fidan about regional issues, saying, "Both sides have many commonalities in the region, and naturally, there are also shared concerns."

He added that the issue of Palestine and the importance of Tehran-Ankara cooperation to end the massacre of the oppressed Palestinians in Gaza were on the agenda of the talks.

Repeated violations by Israel in Gaza and Israeli attacks in Lebanon and Syria show that this regime has bigger plans to destabilize the region, the minister said.

"Repeated violations of the ceasefire in Gaza and the recent attacks by the Zionist regime on Lebanon and Syria show that the regime is pursuing plans to destabilize the region," the top Iranian diplomat warned.

Israel's occupation most serious threat to Syria

Araghchi said stability, security, and peace in Syria are directly linked with the country's territorial integrity and national sovereignty.

He added that Israel's occupation poses the most significant threat to Syria's security and stability, emphasizing that all regional countries are duty-bound to block the regime's acts of aggression and expansionist policies in Syria and Lebanon.

Iran opposes extra-regional intervention in the Caucasus

The Iranian foreign minister reiterated that Tehran's position is to maintain stability and security in the Caucasus through cooperation with regional countries and to avoid extra-regional intervention.

He described terrorism as an "unfortunate and common threat" to both countries and the region.

"We emphasize our commitment to combating terrorism within the framework of mutual cooperation," the top Iranian diplomat added.

He voiced Iran's support for the disarmament of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militant group and the realization of a Turkey free from terrorism.

The Iranian foreign minister stressed the necessity of dismantling all terrorist groups to achieve a region free from terrorism.

Back in July, the PKK members began to lay down arms at a ceremony in Iraq's northern semi-autonomous Kurdistan region, marking an end to its armed struggle against Turkey in one of the world's longest-running insurgencies.

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Iranian Armed Forces: Australia's designation of IRGC serves US-Israeli interests

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Dec 1, 2025

Tehran, IRNA -- The General Staff of Iran's Armed Forces has strongly condemned Australia's unwise decision to label the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) as a state sponsor of terrorism.

In a statement on Sunday, the Armed Forces said the unwise decision by the "dependent" Australian government against the IRGC is in line with the sinister goals of the arrogant system, led by the terrorist United States.

It added that the move aims to serve the terrorist Israeli regime's interests in the continuation of oppression and crimes and has no meaning other than "baseless and spiteful" claims under the pressure of the US and Israel.

According to the statement, the move demonstrates a lack of proper understanding of international and global realities.

The Iranian Armed Forces, however, emphasized that such moves will strengthen the will of the heroic Iranian nation to boost its defense prowess and will result in nothing but greater support of Iranians and the free nations across the world for the Armed Forces, especially the powerful and anti-terrorism IRGC.

The Australian government listed the IRGC as a "state sponsor of terrorism" on Thursday over baseless accusations that the elite force had orchestrated attacks against Australia's Jewish community.

In a statement released on Thursday, the Iranian Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the decision.

"The political move by the Australian government is a dangerous and criminal precedent, designed under the influence of the Zionist regime to divert public attention from the genocide in Gaza," the Iranian Foreign Ministry said.

2050

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Israeli PM Netanyahu formally asks for presidential pardon in corruption trial

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Nov 30, 2025

Tehran, IRNA -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally requested a pardon from President Isaac Herzog concerning the corruption cases he faces, the president's office said on Sunday.

Netanyahu, who is on trial in three separate cases involving charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust, has consistently denied any wrongdoing and pleaded not guilty. The cases were filed in 2019.

"The Office of the President is aware that this is an extraordinary request which carries with it significant implications," Herzog's office said in a statement. "After receiving all of the relevant opinions, the president will responsibly and sincerely consider the request."

The pardon appeal comes amid international attention on the long-running legal proceedings.

Earlier in November, Herzog received a letter from US President Donald Trump urging him to pardon Netanyahu, who is also the subject of an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court over war crimes in Gaza.

Trump had previously voiced support for a pardon during an address to the Israeli parliament in October.

9341**4353

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Netanyahu asks Israeli president for pardon from corruption charges

Iran Press TV

Sunday, 30 November 2025 4:50 PM

The Israeli regime's prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has asked the president to grant him a pardon from corruption charges.

On Sunday, Netanyahu submitted a formal pardon request to the office of Israeli President Isaac Herzog. The office confirmed it had received Netanyahu's "extraordinary request" for a pardon from all charges against him and his family.

Herzog's office noted that any decision on the request will carry "significant implications" inside the regime and internationally.

Herzog must now decide on Netanyahu's pardon request.

Earlier this month, US President Donald Trump, who himself faces numerous charges in US courts, wrote to Herzog recommending that he pardon Netanyahu.

Critics say Trump and Netanyahu are accomplices in crime, and both have the blood of tens of thousands of innocent Palestinian people on their hands.

In a video statement, Netanyahu claimed the long-running corruption cases were tearing the Israeli regime apart.

He claimed that he really wanted to continue the legal process until his formal court acquittal, "but the security and political reality" of the Israeli regime requires otherwise.

The Israeli regime "is facing enormous challenges," he insisted, claiming, "The continuation of the trial is tearing us apart from within, arousing fierce divisions, intensifying rifts."

Netanyahu faces charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of public trust in three separate cases.

In one of the cases alone, lodged against Netanyahu and his wife, the duo is accused of receiving luxury items worth more than $260,000 in the form of expensive cigars, jewellery, and champagne in exchange for political favors.

The cases against Netanyahu have exposed the wide division among the Israelis. His supporters have dismissed the trials as politically motivated, while his opponents see them as ample evidence of the prime minister's criminality.

This comes as Netanyahu is also the subject of an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) over war crimes against innocent Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan announced in 2024 that he was seeking warrants for Netanyahu and his former war minister, Yoav Gallant.

The Israeli regime and its backers have rejected the ICC's jurisdiction, and Netanyahu has claimed Khan's ruling is politically motivated.

The international arrest warrant issued by the ICC, alongside the domestic corruption cases filed against Netanyahu, adds to the mounting pressure on the embattled Israeli PM amid the regime's genocidal war on the Palestinian people in Gaza.

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Plane takes US trucks full of military equipment from UAE to Israel

Iran Press TV

Sunday, 30 November 2025 7:13 AM

An Antonov An-124 aircraft, carrying US Oshkosh trucks loaded with a large amount of military equipment, has arrived in the Israeli-occupied territories from the United Arab Emirates.

Israeli media reported that the transport plane landed at Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport on Friday.

The American trucks were later loaded back onto the aircraft, which then returned to the UAE after a short stopover in Georgia, the reports added.

The shipment added to a steady flow of US weapons to Israeli-occupied territories despite the regime's genocidal war on the Gaza Strip.

The Center for International Policy said Israel received over $4.2 billion in US military equipment, including tanks, explosives, ammunition, and aircraft parts, between October 2023 and May 2025.

The supply of lethal arms to Israel has mounted calls in the US for investigations into Washington's complicity in the Tel Aviv regime's war crimes against Palestinians.

A poll by The New York Times and Siena University found in September that a majority of Americans (51 percent) oppose the US providing economic and military aid to Israel, while only 39 percent are in favor.

Israel unleashed its brutal Gaza onslaught on October 7, 2023, but it failed to achieve its declared objectives despite killing at least 70,100 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injuring 170,983 others.

Israel was forced to agree to a ceasefire with the Hamas resistance group, which took effect on October 10, 2025. Since then, however, the criminal regime has violated the truce with near-daily attacks on Gaza.

The UAE has criticized Israel's genocide in Gaza, but it has maintained relations with the occupying entity.

In 2020, the UAE normalized ties with Tel Aviv under the so-called Abraham Accords, with Bahrain and Morocco following suit.

Recently, Israeli media reported that construction on a railway corridor linking the UAE to the occupied lands has quietly advanced during Israel's Gaza genocide, noting that the project has reached an advanced stage.

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Netanyahu Asks Israeli President Herzog for Pardon Amid Trial

Sputnik News

20251130

The Israeli prime minister is currently facing charges for three cases of bribery, fraud and breach of trust.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sought a presidential pardon for accusations of receiving expensive gifts or positive coverage in the media from wealthy figures in exchange for political favors.

While the investigation started in 2019, Netanyahu's trial started in 2020. He has repeatedly delayed its proceedings.

Netanyahu rejects all accusations, calling them a "witch-hunt".

 Sputnik

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Japan's reported Type 03 missile export plan to Philippines breaks away from pacifist constitution, could undermine regional peace: expert

Global Times

By Liu Xuanzun and Du Qiongfang Published: Nov 30, 2025 11:51 PM

Japan's Type 03 medium-range surface-to-air missile has again come under the spotlight, with Japan's Kyodo News on Sunday reporting that Tokyo is holding informal consultations with the Philippines over the missile's export. Amid Japan's consecutive military expansion gestures and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's erroneous remarks on Taiwan, a Chinese expert slammed the move as another breakaway from Japan's pacifist constitution that could undermine regional peace and stability.

Kyodo News reported that the Japanese government is holding informal consultations with the Philippines regarding the export of the Japan Self-Defense Forces' Type 03 medium-range surface-to-air missile.

Citing multiple sources, Kyodo News reported that the Takaichi administration plans to abolish the current regulations that restrict defense equipment exports to five non-combat-related categories as early as the first half of next year. Following the formal decision, concrete deliberations for the export will commence promptly.

This development underscores the administration's proactive stance toward defense equipment exports, the Kyodo News report claimed.

Zhang Junshe, a Chinese military affairs expert, told the Global Times on Sunday that Japan's arms export restrictions prohibit the export of lethal weapons, and the country's post-war pacifist constitution restricts its possession of offensive weaponry.

Japan's recent military gestures, including announcing its plan to deploy the Type 03 missile on Yonaguni island, which lies only about 110 kilometers from China's Taiwan island, as well as its plan to export the same missile to the Philippines, are blatant breakaways from its post-war restrictions, and a dangerous sign of revival of militarism, Zhang said, noting that this could pose a serious threat to peace and stability in the region.

In response to Japanese defense minister Shinjiro Koizumi's claims about the deployment of the missile unit to the Yonaguni Island, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a regular press conference on November 24 that Japan's deployment of offensive weapons in Southwest Islands close to China's Taiwan region is a deliberate move that breeds regional tensions and stokes military confrontation. Given Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's erroneous remarks on Taiwan, this move is extremely dangerous and should put Japan's neighboring countries and the international community on high alert.

The Potsdam Proclamation explicitly stipulates that Japan shall not be permitted to "re-arm for war." The Japanese Constitution, which enshrines pacifism, also established Japan's exclusively defense-oriented policy. It is alarming, however, that in recent years, Japan has drastically readjusted its security policy, increased defense budget year after year, relaxed restrictions on arms export, sought to develop offensive weapons, and planned to abandon its three non-nuclear principles. Japan's right-wing provocateurs are trying every means to break free from the pacifist constitution, going further down the path of military buildup and leading Japan and the region to disastrous outcomes, Mao said.

The Type 03 missile is not the only weapon Japan is mulling to sell to the Philippines, as there have been reports suggesting that Japan is also planning to export used warships. Zhang said that these moves likely aim to further arm the Philippines and embolden it in continuing its provocations over China's islands and reefs in the South China Sea. This is yet another move that will stir up regional tensions and sabotage peace and stability.

In response to Japan's reported plan to export six used Abukuma-class destroyer escorts, Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Jiang Bin said at a regular press conference in July that "We have consistently maintained that defense and security cooperation between relevant countries should not target third parties or undermine their interests."

During World War II, Japanese militarism launched aggressive wars and imposed colonial rule on neighboring countries including China and the Philippines, occupied the South China Sea Islands, and bears serious historical responsibilities. In recent years, Japan has broken through the constraints of its pacifist constitution and the "exclusive defense" principle, continuously exporting weapons and equipment overseas. It attempts to form "small cliques" to stir up trouble in the South China Sea, creating destabilizing factors for the Asia-Pacific region, Jiang said.

"This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. We urge Japan to profoundly reflect on its history, learn from historical lessons, exercise prudence in military and security affairs, and do more to safeguard regional peace and stability," said the Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson.

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Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's interview with the Military Acceptance show, Moscow, November 30, 2025

30 November 2025 11:36

1992-30-11-2025

Question: What challenges does the Russian arms export system face in modern context, and how do we counter them in the international arena?

Sergey Lavrov: The same challenges that we face when exporting any other goods, energy commodities and finished products - sanctions and attempts to justify them by the need to punish Russia for its "behaviour" in Ukraine. In reality, it is a dirty and anti-competitive fight.

This yet another example of the West acknowledging that it is absolutely impossible to negotiate with. In this case - about the globalisation rules of a free market, presumption of innocence and many other things that the Western countries have been advocating for decades.

All of that has gone down the drain as soon as the West realised it was losing the competition. It was clinging to any excuses. In this situation our special military operation came in handy although sanctions had been imposed on the Russian defence sector long before the operation began.

We know how to offset this, because the vast majority of non-Western countries do not want to put up with "dancing to this pipe" for life. Everyone wants to trade honestly, and those who sincerely want to make mutually beneficial transactions will always find financial, banking, and logistics chains and this is what is happening now.

Question: Allow me make a little remark. Whenever we visit arms expos, our operator has the "Military acceptance" written in big Russian letters on the back of his clothes. When we were in the Repubilc of South Africa, we saw something very unexpected: a local man walks towards us, then unbuttons his shirt, and we see the St George ribbon and the letter Z. And he is one of the local elite, South African elite.

These countries are much more open to Russia. The situation is the same in Brazil. People used to approach us when they saw we are of the Russian TV, and sometimes they would even suggest giving us an interview.

Russia has been exporting weaponry for centuries. Already in the 20th and 21st centuries Soviet (and later Russian) arms became a symbol of the quality the competitors would never attain. Some of them have been imprinted in the blazonry of many countries. Can we assume that our country and its military, technological and historical heritage is viewed as a reliable guarantor of security?

Sergey Lavrov: A short answer is - yes, no doubt about it. We talked about our products being absolutely competitive. It is covered with glory including the glory of the fight against colonialism.

The Kalashnikov is a symbol of decolonisation. African countries have perfect memories of how their grandfathers and fathers were gaining independence with the help of the Soviet weaponry at that time and assisted by our advisers who "on the ground" targeted the tasks the newly independent states were resolving in their fight against colonialism.

Thus, even in the present-day situation, in the more advanced technological environments we never legged behind in this "race."

When watching reports from various air shows or expos of other military hardware, I am proud of how our products are received. I have no doubt that this is part of Russia's authority in the international arena, part of the material basis of Russian foreign policy.

We will always promote, in a coordinated manner, the tasks set by Russian President Vladimir Putin in the doctrinal documents regarding Russia's actions and the protection of its legitimate interests in the international arena.

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OIC General Secretariat Condemns the Ongoing Israeli Attacks on Syria

Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)

29-11-2025

The General Secretariat of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has issued a robust denunciation of the recent military incursion by Israeli occupation forces into Beit Jinn, located in the Damascus countryside of the Syrian Arab Republic.

The General Secretariat articulated its grave concern over the persistent breaches of Syria's territorial sovereignty by Israeli occupation forces, highlighting their actions as detrimental to regional security and stability. This ongoing aggression undermines the foundational efforts to foster peace in the area.

The OIC holds the Israeli occupation forces accountable for the perpetuation of these assaults and urges the international community to mobilise appropriate measures in accordance with established international resolutions and legal frameworks. Such actions are necessary to uphold the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, security, and stability vital to the Syrian Arab Republic.

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UAE Strongly Condemns Israeli Strikes on Damascus Suburbs - Foreign Ministry

Sputnik News

20251130

DUBAI (Sputnik) - The United Arab Emirates (UAE) sharply condemned Israel's strikes on the suburbs of Damascus and called on the international community to stop repeated attacks on Syrian territory, the UAE Foreign Ministry said.

On Friday, Syria TV reported Israeli fighter jets began striking the village of Beit Jinn, located 50 kilometers (31 miles) from Damascus, and causing civilian casualties. The strikes reportedly followed an incident where a group of Israeli soldiers were carrying out a raid within the civilian Syrian community and were ambushed by locals.

"The United Arab Emirates has strongly condemned the dangerous Israeli escalation in Syrian territory and the attacks targeting villages in Rif Dimashq Governorate, reaffirming its categorical rejection of any infringement on Syria's sovereignty and threats to its security and stability," the ministry said in a statement on Saturday.

The ministry also urged the international community to take immediate measures to halt repeated attacks on Syrian territory and prevent any escalation that could heighten regional tensions and jeopardize regional and international peace and security.

Following the change of power in Damascus in December 2024, the Israeli army began conducting regular raids in the southern Syrian provinces of Daraa and Quneitra, setting up checkpoints and detaining local residents. Damascus has repeatedly called on the international community to pressure Israel to halt the aggression, saying that it threatens the stability of the entire region.

In December of 2024, after the political transition in Syria, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that the 1974 Disengagement Agreement with Syria over the Golan Heights was no longer valid, as Syrian forces had abandoned their positions.

 Sputnik

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PLA Daily article criticizes Japan's ambiguous, evasive defense of PM Takaichi's erroneous remarks on Taiwan question

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Nov 30, 2025 03:10 PM

The PLA Daily, a newspaper affiliated with the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), published on Sunday an article that criticizes Japan's ambiguous and evasive response to international criticism over Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's erroneous remarks on the Taiwan question, which appeared to be an attempt to gloss over the issue.

China has in recent days repeatedly issued solemn statements and strong warnings, while concerned voices within Japan and the international community have been making admonitions and criticism against Takaichi's erroneous remarks regarding the Taiwan question. Under pressure from all sides, although Japan has verbally said that its "position remains unchanged," it has been vague about the specific content. And although it has adopted a posture of being "willing to have a dialogue" and "seeking communication," it has completely avoided mentioning any retraction of the erroneous remarks, according to the PLA Daily article.

It says that in the face of factual truth and international justice, such attempts to gloss over the issue with ambiguous words appear particularly clumsy. They only serve to fully expose the Japanese authorities' transgressive provocations and challenges to the post-war international order, and ambitions to revive militarism, and will inevitably be firmly opposed by China and the international community.

According to the article, Japan's attempts to downplay the issue with claims such as the so-called "the position remains unchanged" or "will no longer mention it" will not work.

"The Government of Japan recognizes the Government of the People's Republic of China as the sole legal Government of China." The Sino-Japanese Joint Statement "is the foundation of the peaceful and friendly relations between the two countries, and the principles set forth in the Joint Statement must be strictly observed." The Japanese side's commitment to "continue to maintain its stand on the Taiwan question which was set forth in the Sino-Japanese Joint Statement" and "reiterated its understanding that there is one China."

The solemn commitments made by the Japanese government on the Taiwan question in the four China-Japan political documents have the force of international law and leave no room for ambiguity or misinterpretation. Regardless of which party or individual governs Japan, these commitments must be upheld and strictly observed, the article noted.

Shortly after taking office, Takaichi arrogantly threatened the possible military intervention in the Taiwan Straits, openly infringing on China's core interests and seriously hurting the Chinese people's feelings

If the Japanese side's position on the Taiwan question has not changed, it should honestly, accurately, and fully clarify its so-called "consistent position," openly and straightforwardly acknowledging that the Taiwan question is purely China's internal affair. It should not, as it is doing now, casually gloss over the matter, addressing only abstract concepts while avoiding the substance in an attempt to evade responsibility, or try to downplay and cover up Takaichi's serious erroneous remarks with a flippant "will no longer mention it" claim. Such self-deceptive and self-serving behavior is absolutely unacceptable to China, the article said.

If Japan truly wishes to develop a mutually beneficial strategic relationship with China and build constructive and stable China-Japan relations that meet the requirements of the new era, it should adhere to the spirit of the four China-Japan political documents and the political commitments it has made, immediately retract the erroneous remarks, and genuinely demonstrate its commitments to China in concrete actions, rather than reversing the accusation by demanding China to "exercise restraint" or by labeling China's legitimate countermeasures as "overreactions."

The article emphasized that Taiwan island is sacred Chinese territory, and how the Taiwan question is resolved is a matter for the Chinese people alone, not subject to any external interference. If Japan dares to use force to intervene in the Taiwan Straits, it would constitute an act of aggression, and China will resolutely exercise the right of selfdefense granted by the UN Charter and international law, firmly defending national sovereignty and territorial integrity. Japan should firmly remember that whether there is a "Taiwan contingency" is fundamentally not Japan's business. Stirring up trouble with the Taiwan question will only bring trouble upon Japan itself.

China will never allow Japan's right-wing provocateurs to turn back the wheel of history, never allow external forces to interfere in China's Taiwan region, and the international community will never allow the resurgence of Japan's militarism, the article said.

As a defeated country in World War II, Japan must deeply reflect on its history of aggression, strictly abide by relevant international laws and the provisions of its "Peace Constitution," and uphold its commitment to never wage war again, rather than abandon its commitment to peaceful development, run counter to the tide of history, or seek any pretext to attempt a return to militarism, according to the article.

The absurd logic and behavior - regarding the territory of other countries as a "condition for its own survival" - is unacceptable to the Chinese people, unacceptable to the Chinese military, and unacceptable to all peace-loving people around the world, and will ultimately lead only to a shameful defeat, the article said.

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PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan

ROC Ministry of National Defense

2025/11/30

PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan

1.Date

6 a.m. Nov. 29 (Sat.) to 6 a.m. Nov. 30 (Sun.) (UTC+8)

2.PLA activities

27 sorties of PLA aircraft, 11 PLAN ships and 3 offical ships operating around Taiwan were detected as of 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today.25 out of 27 sorties crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's northern, southwestern and southeastern ADIZ. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and employed CAP aircraft, Navy ships, and coastal missile systems in response to detected activities.

1141130_PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan [Open a new window]

1141130_PLA air activities in the vicinity of Taiwan [Open a new window]

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PM call with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte: 30 November 2025

Press release

The Prime Minister spoke to NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte this morning.

From: Prime Minister's Office, 10 Downing Street and The Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer KCB KC MP

Published 30 November 2025

The Prime Minister spoke to NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte this morning.

The leaders began by taking stock of the situation in Ukraine.

Peace talks in recent days had gained momentum, but the focus had to be on securing a just and lasting peace for Ukraine, both underlined.

The leaders discussed the work being done by the Coalition of the Willing to prepare for a cessation of hostilities and welcomed the close coordination between the grouping and NATO on next steps.

The leaders looked forward to speaking again soon.

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US, Ukraine officials meet for 'peace' talks as Russia gains ground

Iran Press TV

Sunday, 30 November 2025 6:36 PM

Ukrainian negotiators are meeting US officials in Florida to discuss details of Washington's proposed framework to end the war as Russian forces continue to make gains on the frontlines.

US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, special envoy Steve Witkoff, and President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, are meeting with a Ukrainian delegation on Sunday.

The talks, aimed at revising a 28-point plan drawn up by US and Russian officials last week, were described by the Ukrainian side as "steps toward achieving a just peace."

Rubio, however, said the objective is "not just about peace deals" but securing "an end to the war that leaves Ukraine sovereign and independent."

The original US-Russian draft reportedly included Ukrainian withdrawal from eastern Donbas cities, limitations on the size of its army, and restrictions on joining NATO.

The latest revisions, led by the Ukrainian delegation in Florida, aim to ensure that any territorial discussions start from the current frontline and that Kiev retains control over its EU and NATO aspirations.

Witkoff is expected to travel to Moscow to discuss the peace plan with the Russian officials.

Ukraine is facing mounting pressure from Washington to accept a ceasefire. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has acknowledged that his country is in the most difficult political and military situation since Russia launched its "special operation" more than three years ago.

Valerii Zaluzhnyi, the Ukrainian ambassador to Britain, also wrote on social media that the country is "in an extremely difficult situation, where a rushed peace will only lead to a devastating defeat and loss of independence."

Kiev and its European allies have opposed the US-proposed plan, claiming it reflects Russian demands.

Zelensky is scheduled to meet French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Monday to discuss "the conditions for a just and lasting peace," according to Macron's office.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said earlier that peace is "within reach" but threatened Russia with intensified European sanctions if President Vladimir Putin refuses to accept a ceasefire.

US Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent said last week that Europeans need to know Brussels' sanctions against Moscow over the Ukraine conflict have proven ineffective and failed to weaken Russia as intended.

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Russia says thwarts Ukrainian terrorist plot on gas pipeline near Moscow

Iran Press TV

Sunday, 30 November 2025 6:25 AM

Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) says it has thwarted a Ukrainian-directed attempt to destroy a major natural gas pipeline in the Moscow region.

A Russian national was detained in the Serpukhov district while attempting to plant an improvised explosive device (IED), the FSB reported on Saturday.

"It has been established that the citizen in question was recruited by Ukrainian intelligence services in 2024 while in a temporary detention center for foreigners in Ukraine, where he was placed for violating immigration laws. The agent was sent to Russia under the guise of deportation after recruitment," the agency said.

This month, the suspect's handlers contacted him, instructing him to purchase a car and an electric drill. Kiev's intelligence also provided him with the coordinates of a hidden cache where he retrieved an improvised explosive device (IED) disguised as construction glue tubes, the FSB stated.

FSB operatives caught the man as he was trying to drill into the ground above the pipeline to plant the explosives.

After carrying out the planned attack, the suspect was expected to leave Russia and return to Ukraine through third countries, the FSB added.

Moscow has repeatedly said that Kiev is responsible for numerous attempts and sabotage missions targeting infrastructure across Russia during the Ukraine conflict.

Last Monday, the FSB said it eliminated two men acting on behalf of a "terrorist group and in coordination with Ukrainian special services," who tried to install a derailment device on a railroad bridge between Novoaltaysk and Biysk. The suspects were killed in a gun battle with FSB operatives.

On November 20, the FSB announced preventing yet another Ukrainian plot and said it detained a resident of the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) linked to a plan to assassinate a senior officer of Russia's Ministry of Defense on instructions from Ukrainian military intelligence.

According to the FSB, the suspect had prepared to carry out a terror attack using a chemical agent to poison the unnamed high-ranking official. The plan involved delivering gift bottles of British drinks laced with a lethal toxin mixture.

"The Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation has detained a DPR resident involved in plotting a terrorist attack using chemical warfare agents against a high-ranking Russian Defense Ministry officer," the agency said in its statement.

Moscow has warned that Kiev is increasingly turning to terrorist tactics as the frontline situation continues to deteriorate for Ukrainian troops.

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Rubio Says 'More Work' Needed After US-Ukraine Talks, As Zelenskyy To Head To Paris

By RFE/RL November 30, 2025

Top US and Ukrainian officials wrapped up their talks in Florida, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio calling the session "very productive" but saying additional work was needed in the effort to thrash out a plan to end Russia's war on Ukraine.

"We had another very productive session, building off [talks in] Geneva, building off the events of this week, but there's more work to be done," Rubio told reporters on November 30 following the meeting, without being specific.

"There are a lot of moving parts, and obviously there's another party involved here that will have to be a part of the equation," he said, referring to Russia.

"And that will continue later this week, when [White House special envoy Steve] Witkoff travels to Moscow...We've also been in touch in varying degrees with the Russian side, but we have a pretty good understanding of their views as well," Rubio added.

Rustem Umerov, Ukraine's security council secretary and leader of Kyiv's delegation, hailed the negotiations as "meaningful and successful" but also did not discuss details.

"Concluded a difficult but productive session of negotiations in Florida. We have tangible progress toward establishing a just peace," he wrote on Telegram."The meeting was meaningful and successful."



"There is still a lot of work to be done -- we continue to consult and agree on further steps for the sake of peace for Ukraine," he added.

AFP quoted an unnamed source close to the Ukraine team as saying the talks were "not easy" and that "the search for formulations and solutions continues."

The negotiating teams met in Hallandale, Florida, north of Miami, amid accelerating efforts to hammer out terms of a plan that would be acceptable to both Kyiv and Moscow.

Witkoff is scheduled on December 1 to travel to Moscow to meet with top Russian officials, including President Vladimir Putin. It will be Witkoff's sixth meeting with Putin since January.

Early on November 30, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wrote on social media that "the American side is demonstrating a constructive approach, and in the coming days it is feasible to flesh out the steps to determine how to bring the war to a dignified end."

Zelenskyy later said he had spoken to leaders of the European Commission and NATO to help "coordinate positions" amid the peace negotiations.

"I spoke with [NATO chief] Mark Rutte, and we will continue our conversation in the coming days," Zelensky said.

Following a conversation with European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen, the Ukrainian president said, "We maintain full coordination with the European Commission, and I'm grateful for the support."

Kyiv and its European allies are scrambling to develop an alternative proposal after Trump administration officials released a 28-point plan that echoed most of the hard-line terms Moscow has pressed since the start of its all-out invasion in February 2022.

For some Ukrainians, the plan amounted to capitulation after nearly four years of war that has killed or wounded well more than 1 million people on both sides.

French authorities announced that President Emmanuel Macron will host Zelenskyy in Paris on December 1 to discuss "the conditions for a just and lasting peace."

Macron has been one of Kyiv's strongest backers.

The initial 28-point US proposal, released last week, alarmed Ukrainian officials -- and reportedly angered Zelenskyy -- who then held their own talks with Rubio and other US officials in Geneva.

Those talks resulted in a 19-point plan that leaves several major issues on the table, including the fate of a chunk of Ukraine's Donbas region, the fate of Ukraine's NATO aspirations, and a potential cap on the size of Kyiv's armed forces.

End Of A Dramatic Week

The diplomatic activity comes after a dramatic week that culminated in the resignation of Yermak, who submitted his resignation on November 28, hours after the anti-corruption investigators searched his office.

The raids grew out of a burgeoning scandal involving kickbacks made in connection with funds for defenses for Ukraine's vulnerable energy infrastructure. Two ministers have already been sacked.

Yermak, who has not been directly accused of wrongdoing, said during the raids that investigators had been given "full access" to his apartment and that he was providing his "full cooperation.

Zelenskyy himself has not been directly implicated, though the scandal has turned into the worst political crisis of his more-than-six-years in office.

US President Donald Trump on November 30 cautioned that the scandal was not helpful to the peace process, adding that "Ukraine's got some difficult little problems."

While struggling on the battlefield to hold back Russia's bigger, and better equipped military, Ukraine has hit targets inside of Russia with increasing frequency, going after oil and energy facilities.

Meanwhile, Ukraine's main intelligence agency released video purporting to show maritime drones targeting two "shadow fleet" tankers in the Black Sea. A global fleet of ships with murky registration and ownership records has been used by Russia to export oil while skirting Western sanctions.

With reporting by RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service, Reuters, and AFP

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-russia-negotiations- zelenskyy-trump-peace/33608719.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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Comment by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on the Kiev regime's terrorist attacks in the Black Sea

30 November 2025 14:30

1994-30-11-2025

On November 28, in the southern Black Sea off the coast of Turkiye, unmanned seagoing boats attacked and damaged the tankers Kairos and Virat, sailing under the Gambian flag and en route to the port of Novorossiysk; the following morning, the Virat was attacked a second time.

Furthermore, in the early hours of November 29, a similar attack by unmanned surface vessels took place within the seaport of Novorossiysk itself, rendering a VPU-2 mooring unit completely inoperable. This critical infrastructure belongs to the international Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC), which comprises fuel and energy companies from Russia, Kazakhstan, the United States, and several Western European nations.

The Kiev regime's intelligence services have all but claimed responsibility for these attacks, publishing video evidence of the acts in Ukrainian media.

We strongly condemn these terrorist attacks and the actions of all parties involved in their planning and execution. Our friends in the Kazakh Ministry of Foreign Affairs have already lodged a protest concerning this latest, third act of aggression against the CPC. Our Turkish partners have also expressed their concern over these events. We must emphasise that the targeted civilian energy infrastructure plays a vital role in ensuring global energy security and has never been subject to any international restrictions or sanctions.

It is noteworthy that the terrorist attacks in the Black Sea on November 28 and 29 coincide with a large-scale corruption scandal in Ukraine - which has once again exposed the criminal nature of the junta that usurped power - and the subsequent resignations of high-ranking figures within the Kiev regime. It appears that certain Western sponsors of Kiev are keen to redirect Ukrainian society's attention towards these high-profile attacks on civilian targets. They are attempting to present a demoralised Ukrainian public with yet another illusory "victory" to obscure the crumbling front in the special military operation zone and the frankly dire condition of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

We also see a direct link between these attacks and attempts to hinder ongoing international efforts to achieve a sustainable peace. The same forces that previously disrupted the settlement dialogue are at work once more. Now, they are not only demonstrating their inability to negotiate and the puppet nature of a Kiev clique that has lost touch with reality, but are also openly seeking armed escalation. The Kiev regime's terrorist acts are a deliberate signal to those currently seeking a negotiated solution, including in the context of Donald Trump's recent initiatives.

We call on all sober-minded parties to condemn the terrorist attacks committed in the Black Sea on November 28 and 29, which jeopardise the safety of navigation in this vital waterway, and to give a proper assessment of the destructive actions of the Kiev regime and its handlers.

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Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's answer to a question from the Moscow. Kremlin. Putin television programme, Moscow, November 30, 2025

30 November 2025 14:02

1993-30-11-2025

Question: Europe has been acting so outrageously, demanding some sort of role in the talks. Can they even demand anything?

Sergey Lavrov: It wasn't really discussed.

We proceed from the premise (as also stated by representatives of the Presidential Executive Office, including Yury Ushakov) - which I believe is obvious to everybody - that Europe has already removed itself from the talks.

Europe spoiled the initial deal of February 2014, when it acted as guarantor for the formal agreement between Viktor Yanukovych and the opposition. It did nothing when the opposition seized all government agencies the morning after the agreement was signed.

Similarly, Europe undermined the Minsk agreements when the signatories, the then Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel and the then President of France Francois Hollande, subsequently admitted that nobody had intended to fulfil the agreements.

The most recent case occurred in April 2022 when, at the demand of the then Prime Minister of the UK Boris Johnson and with Europe's full acquiescence, if not connivance, the Istanbul agreements were derailed.

Europe has used up its chances.

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Investigation Into Circumstances of Attacks on Tankers in Black Sea Underway - Sources

Sputnik News

20251130

ISTANBUL (Sputnik) - An investigation into the circumstances of the recent attacks on oil tankers in the Black Sea is underway to determine all the organizers and participants, Russian diplomatic sources in Istanbul told Sputnik.

On Friday, the tanker Kairos had caught fire 28 nautical miles off Turkey's coast due to external interference. Later that day, the Virat tanker was struck 35 nautical miles off the coast, with 20 crew members on board. On Saturday, the vessel was attacked again.

"The Russian side is currently in contact with the Turkish authorities on this matter, and Russian diplomatic missions in Turkey are providing all the necessary assistance in this situation. The circumstances of the incident are being investigated to identify all organizers and participants in the attack and develop response measures," the sources said.

Russian citizens were on board both vessels, the sources added.

"Thanks to the courage and decisive actions of the crew members of the tankers, there were no casualties," the sources said.

Such attacks threaten not only the safety of navigation and environmental security of the region, but also local and global supply chains, they added.

 Sputnik

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Norway Doubles Down on Ukraine War Machine, Teams up to Make Drones

Sputnik News

20251130

Unfazed by the epic corruption scandal rocking the Zelensky regime, Norway's war hawks are ready to jointly produce Ukrainian drones.

An agreement was signed by Norway's Defense Minister Tore Sandvik and Ukraine's counterpart Denys Shmygal. A pilot production line is to be launched in 2026, Shmygal said on his social media.

"Ukraine will share its experience and innovations with Norway," he added.

Though one wonders what 'innovations' this sleaze-riddled government thinks it's bringing to the table. In return, Ukraine hopes for research and design "collaboration" with Norwegian institutions.

Norway has been one of Europe's most committed donors to the neo-Nazi regime relative to its size and GDP, committing over $18 billion to Ukraine since 2022, per Kiel data.

Russia has maintained that Western arms shipments to Ukraine hinder conflict resolution and directly involve NATO countries in the fighting. It has also warned that any deliveries containing weapons for Ukraine will be considered a legitimate target.

 Sputnik

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Ukraine Loses Up to 450 Soldiers in Battles With Russia's Tsentr Battlegroup

Sputnik News

20251130

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russia's Tsentr battlegroup has eliminated up to 450 Ukrainian soldiers over the past 24 hours, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Sunday.

"Over the past day, Russian forces eliminated over 260 Ukrainian soldiers in Pokrovsk (Krasnoarmeysk) area. In total, the losses of the Ukrainian armed forces amounted to up to 450 military personnel, two motor vehicles, and an artillery gun," the ministry said in a statement.

Russian assault groups have entered the settlement of Grishino in the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR)

Russian air defense systems have shot down a HIMARS rocket and 230 Ukrainian drones

Russia's Vostok battlegroup has eliminated up to 160 Ukrainian soldiers, six motor vehicles, and a material depot

has eliminated up to 160 Ukrainian soldiers, six motor vehicles, and a material depot Russia's Zapad battlegroup over the past day has eliminated up to 220 Ukrainian servicepeople, 13 motor vehicles, a Croatian-made RAK-SA-12 multiple rocket launcher, 12 electronic warfare stations, and three ammunition depots

over the past day has eliminated up to 220 Ukrainian servicepeople, 13 motor vehicles, a Croatian-made RAK-SA-12 multiple rocket launcher, 12 electronic warfare stations, and three ammunition depots In battles with Russia's Sever battlegroup , Ukraine lost over 110 troops, and six motor vehicles

, Ukraine lost over 110 troops, and six motor vehicles Russia's Yug battlegroup has eliminated up to 50 troops, two armored fighting vehicles, including one US-made 113 armored personnel carrier, three motor vehicles, two field artillery guns, and a material depot

has eliminated up to 50 troops, two armored fighting vehicles, including one US-made 113 armored personnel carrier, three motor vehicles, two field artillery guns, and a material depot Russia's Dnepr battlegroup has eliminated up to 40 Ukrainian troops, seven motor vehicles, and a material depot

 Sputnik

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Yermak's Resignation Is Just Another PR Stunt by Ukraine - Russian Foreign Ministry

Sputnik News

20251130

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The resignation of Andriy Yermak, the head of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's office, is merely another PR stunt by the Kiev authorities and the entire group must be brought to trial as criminals, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Sunday.

"This is, of course, just another PR stunt. The Kiev regime is cutting off the sandbag again to keep the balloon from collapsing completely. But in reality, this is not a matter of resignation - it is a matter of putting this entire gang on trial. And not only for domestic crimes, such as embezzling Ukrainians' money, but also as international criminals," Zakharova said.

Everyone already understands that the terrorist Ukrainian regime threatens global security, also said Zakharova.

"Everyone already understands that this international terrorist neo-Nazi cell threatens global security," she told journalists, commenting on the Saturday strike on the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) facilities.

Russia will inform all international institutions about the Ukraine's terrorist attack on the CPC, she added.

 Sputnik

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Zelensky Faces New Round of US Pressure in Bilateral Talks - Reports

Sputnik News

20251130

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Volodymyr Zelensky faces a new round of US pressure in light of the Ukrainian delegation's talks with the US delegation, amid the efforts for the conflict's settlement, the corruption scandal in Ukraine, and ongoing hostilities, The Washington Post reported.

On Friday, Zelensky announced that Ukraine would be represented at the talks with the US by Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Andrii Hnatov, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) Rustem Umerov, as well as representatives of the Foreign Ministry and intelligence agencies.

Zelensky will face a new round of pressure from the US next week to reach an agreement to end the conflict with Russia, as his inner circle is embroiled in a corruption scandal, opposition leaders are calling for a complete government reshuffle, and Moscow continues its offensive, setting the stage for one of the most politically dangerous moments for Kiev, the report said.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian lawmaker Volodymyr Ariev told the newspaper that, instead of making real changes in the government, Zelensky "resigned one corruption scandal [figure, former head of Zelensky's office, Andriy Yermak] and appointed another [Rustam Umerov] as head of the negotiating team."

The United States has tabled a new peace plan for Ukraine. Media reported that the original 28-point draft was revised down to 19 points after US, Ukrainian and European officials met in Geneva for talks on November 23.

On November 21, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that US President Donald Trump's new peace plan could form the basis for a final settlement in Ukraine.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Kiev must make a decision and begin negotiating. Kiev's freedom of decision-making is shrinking as a result of the Russian armed forces' offensive actions, he noted.

 Sputnik

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Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Rustem Umerov

US Department of State

Remarks to the Press

Marco Rubio, Secretary of State

Rustem Umerov, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine

Hallandale, Florida

November 30, 2025

SECRETARY RUBIO: (In progress) the time. I think we both are. But I just wanted to update you. We had another very productive session building off Geneva, building off the events of this week. As I told you earlier this morning, our goal here is to end the war, but it's more than just to end the war. We don't just want to end the war; we also want to help Ukraine be safe forever so never again will they face another invasion, and equally important, we want them to enter an age of true prosperity. We want the Ukrainian people to emerge from this war not just to rebuild their country, but to build it back in a way that'll be stronger and more prosperous than it's ever been.

And so this is comprehensive what we're working on here today. It's not just about the terms that ends fighting; it's about also the terms that set up Ukraine for long-term prosperity. I thought we started laying the groundwork for that most certainly in Geneva. I think we continued that work in our communications throughout the week. I think we've built on that again today, but there's more work to be done. This is delicate, it's complicated, there are a lot of moving parts, and obviously there's another party involved here that'll have to be a part of the equation - and that'll continue later this week when Mr. Witkoff travels to Moscow, although we've also been in touch in varying degrees with the Russian side. We have a pretty good understanding of their views as well.

So much work remains, but today was again a very productive and useful session where I think additional progress was made, and we continue to be realistic about how difficult this is, but optimistic particularly given the fact that, as we've made progress, I think there is a shared vision here that this is not just about ending the war, which is very important; it is about securing Ukraine's future, a future that we hope will be more prosperous than it's ever been.

SECRETARY UMEROV: Yeah. Once again, we are grateful to American people, American leadership, and the great team with the State Secretary, Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner for their tremendous work with us. Our objective is a prosperous, strong Ukraine. We were discussing about the future of Ukraine. We discussed all the important matters that are important for Ukraine, for Ukrainian people, and U.S. was super supportive. We worked - we already had a successful meeting in Geneva, and today we continued this success.

So at the moment this meeting was productive and successful. On the later stages, hopefully, we'll keep you updated. Thank you.

SECRETARY RUBIO: Okay. Thank you very much.

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Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Rustem Umerov Before Their Meeting

US Department of State

Remarks

Marco Rubio, Secretary of State

Rustem Umerov, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine

Hallandale, Florida

November 30, 2025

SECRETARY RUBIO: Well, first of all, (inaudible) all of you that are here. It's great to be back with you again. I think we're going - we are - we continue this very important work building off what's been achieved not just in Geneva, the progress we've made there, but the progress throughout the week as we've been communicating.

The end goal is obviously not just the end of the war, obviously. That's central and fundamental. We want to see the end of the killing and the death and the suffering, and I'm sure the Ukrainians - and I know they do as well - that they want peace. But it's also about securing an end to the war that leaves Ukraine sovereign and independent and with an opportunity at real prosperity.

So this is not just about ending a war. This is about ending a war in a way that creates a mechanism and a way forward that will allow them to be independent and sovereign, never have another war again, and create tremendous prosperity for its people, not just rebuild the country but to enter an era of extraordinary economic progress. It's a country with - Ukraine has tremendous economic potential. Ukraine has tremendous opportunity for true prosperity. Obviously you can't do that in the middle of a war like this, but ending a war alone won't achieve that.

So this is not just about peace deals. It's about creating a pathway forward that leaves Ukraine sovereign, independent, and prosperous. And so we expect to make even more progress today, and we're grateful that you would travel all the way here to Florida. We apologize for the rain. (Laughter.) It's not supposed to be raining, but there's only certain things we can control.

Thank you and welcome.

SECRETARY UMEROV: Thank you. First of all, I would like to start with (inaudible) American people, American leadership, President Trump's initiative for the peace. We have been working with U.S. for the last ten months, and we've been meeting and had a great progress. I am thankful to President Trump's super team that is supporting us. We are discussing about the future of Ukraine, about the security of Ukraine, about no repetition of aggression of Ukraine, about prosperity of Ukraine, about how to rebuild Ukraine. And we are thankful for the efforts of United States and its team to helping us. U.S. is hearing us. U.S. is supporting us. U.S. is walking besides us. And we are thankful for all what has been done until today, and we are looking forward to have a successful, productive meeting today.

Thank you.

SECRETARY RUBIO: Thank you very much, guys.

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The President of Ukraine Held Telephone Conversations with the President of the European Commission and the NATO Secretary General

President of Ukraine

30 November 2025 - 19:09

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held separate telephone conversations with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.

The Head of State thanked Ursula von der Leyen for her support. Ukraine maintains full coordination with the European Commission.

The leaders discussed the diplomatic situation; they have a shared understanding of the key issues.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that the President of the European Commission is paying close attention to the need to strengthen Ukraine's resilience amid Russia's ongoing strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure and the energy sector.

During his conversation with Mark Rutte, the President discussed the agenda for the coming days, which will be very important, and expressed his gratitude for the support.

The sides are coordinating their steps closely. The Head of State emphasized that in the efforts of Ukraine and all partners, it is the joint measures and shared positions that will be extremely effective.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Mark Rutte agreed to continue contacts over the coming days.



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Volodymyr Zelenskyy Held a Conversation with Alexander Stubb

President of Ukraine

30 November 2025 - 13:27

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a telephone conversation with President of Finland Alexander Stubb.

The Head of State expressed his gratitude for the unwavering support and almost daily coordination.

The leaders exchanged information on various aspects of Russia's position and assessments of current diplomatic prospects.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy briefed Alexander Stubb on what the Ukrainian delegation is preparing for in the talks in the United States, as well as signals received from the American side.

The President of Ukraine noted that this week will involve a lot of work with partners in Europe, and it is important that everyone shares the same view of the situation and the understanding that pressure on Russia, as the sole cause of this war, can genuinely work for peace.





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Ukraine Synchronized Sanctions With the United States and Imposed Restrictions on Individuals Involved in the Activities of the Rubikon Criminal Center

President of Ukraine

30 November 2025 - 11:38

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed two decrees implementing decisions of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine. They concern the synchronization of sanctions with the United States and the imposition of restrictions on individuals and legal entities involved in the production and operation of various types of Russian drones.

As part of the package coordinated with the United States, Ukraine has introduced sanctions against 26 Russian legal entities connected to the energy sector. These include Rosneft, its enterprises, and companies within the Lukoil Group. U.S. sanctions have affected those parts of the sector that account for approximately 55% of Russia's oil production.

In total, since the beginning of the year, Ukraine has synchronized 13 sanction packages with partners, including the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, Japan, and the European Union.

The second decree introduces sanctions against 36 individuals and 13 legal entities involved in the production, training, and operation of Russian drones. This includes persons linked to the activities of the Rubikon criminal center, which tests new types of weapons and participates in combat operations against Ukraine.

Sanctions have also been imposed on Russian companies involved in the development and production of reconnaissance and attack UAVs, FPV drones, and unmanned aviation systems. In addition, restrictions target so-called Russian charitable foundations and volunteer movements that provide support to Russian occupiers, as well as Russian mobile operators that supply "shahed" drones with SIM cards for navigation and control.

The Head of State and the Advisor - Commissioner of the President of Ukraine for Sanctions Policy, Vladyslav Vlasiuk, discussed the priorities of sanctions policy through the end of the year. The sanctions already in place are having a significant impact on Russia; therefore, pressure on it must be increased. Key tasks include further synchronization of sanctions with partners, preparation of the European Union's 20th sanctions package, and tightening restrictions on the shadow fleet, the Russian military-industrial complex, collaborationists, and propagandists.





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Secretary-General's message on the Day of Remembrance for all Victims of Chemical Warfare

United Nations Secretary-General

30 November 2025

New York, UN

Statements | Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General

Today, we pay tribute to the victims of chemical warfare over the decades.

We also remember the global efforts to end the use of these abhorrent tactics.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the 1925 Geneva Protocol. A century ago, after witnessing the terrible impact of chemical weapons during World War I, the international community came together to ban their use in war.

The following decades saw remarkable success, including the entry into force of the Chemical Weapons Convention  which now has nearly universal adherence.

Yet our work is not finished. The appalling use of chemical weapons has continued, and rapid developments in science and technology threaten to make their acquisition and use even easier. We cannot allow this to continue.

In the name of all victims of chemical warfare, I urge States to reaffirm their commitment to a world free of these repugnant weapons.

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Vancouver, December 1, 2025 - Astra Exploration Inc. (TSXV: ASTR) (OTCQB: ATEPF) (FSE: S3I) ("Astra" or the "Company") is pleased to provide a progress update on exploration activities at the La Manchuria Gold and Silver Project in Santa Cruz, Argentina.

The Company is approximately halfway through its 10,000 metre Phase II drill program, with 5,119 metres of DDH in 25 holes currently completed. Initial assays are expected in December, with the bulk of results returned in early 2026. Drilling has paused for results and will resume in early 2026.

Current Phase II Highlights include:

Significant strike extension of the West Feeder vein system;

A newly constructed 3-D geophysical model is accurately predicting veins below surface;

Veins and/or veinlets encountered in every drill hole;

Definition of the first continuous vein at Eastern Zone;

A new parallel vein structure approximately 350 metres northeast of the Eastern Zone.

Astra's Exploration Director, Diego Guido commented:

"The Phase II drill program was designed to test lateral extensions of the shallow epithermal vein system, and to test a new 3-D geophysical targeting model. All of the drill holes intersected veins and/or veinlets with clear evidence of mineralization in some of them.

"The strike length of the Main Zone has been extended from approximately 500 to 800 metres, particularly in the West Feeder veins. We have also confirmed the first continuous vein of at least 200 metres of strike length and up to 150 meters deep in the Eastern Zone, and have intersected a new parallel structure about 350 metres northeast of the Eastern Zone. The recently constructed 3-D geophysical model has demonstrated to be a powerful tool for targeting mineralized veins beneath surface. We will continue testing the model with more drilling inside the existing survey boundary, and will expand that survey to other areas of the project prior to restarting drilling."

Program Details

Prior to drilling, the company completed a comprehensive program of detailed geological mapping, together with the compilation and reprocessing of geophysical data. Regional ground magnetics were expanded with an additional 150 line-kilometres, and raw geophysical data was reprocessed to improve the delineation of known vein hosting structures. This work supported the development of a predictive 3-D geophysical model for targeting new epithermal veins.

The resistivity reprocessing clearly identifies fault blocks and the best elevations to target prospective veins in the downthrown blocks to the northwest and southeast areas of the West Feeder in the Main Zone (Figure 1). The West Feeder hosts some of the thickest veins and highest grades currently known in the system.

Figure 1: Long section of the West Feeder in the Main Zone with interpreted downthrown target areas with completed holes (in blue) pending assay results. Long section location shown in Figure 2. Resistivity values expressed in ohm-m.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8951/276334_f318fea0a4b7f827_002full.jpg

Figure 2: Phase II holes drilled to date with pending assays in blue. Previous drill hole traces and collars in black. Limit of reprocessed geophysical survey in white. Locations of long (Figure 1) and cross (Figure 3) sections in yellow.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8951/276334_f318fea0a4b7f827_003full.jpg

Long (Figure 1) and cross (Figure 3) sections of the 3-D model show the relationship with the resistivity highs, particularly the edges of the anomalies and the location of known veins. This model was used to predict the location of the new veins confirmed by the Phase II drill program.

Figure 3: 3-D resistivity cross section showing known veins and their correlation with resistivity high/low margins. Phase II holes in blue. Cross section location shown in Figure 2. Resistivity values expressed in ohm-m.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8951/276334_f318fea0a4b7f827_004full.jpg

An additional four holes were drilled at the Eastern Zone, allowing for the first interpretation of vein continuity within this previously underexplored area of the shallow epithermal vein system. These new holes confirmed a fault-related vein with a minimum strike length of approximately 200 metres and 150 meters deep below the surface.

The Company also completed the first two drill holes at a newly defined target located 350 metres east of the Eastern Zone, now referred to as the Road Zone.

Astra to Present at the Precious Metals & Critical Minerals Virtual Investor Conference



Astra's CEO, Brian Miller, will give a live presentation followed by an open Q&A session at 4pm Eastern Time on December 3rd. Those wishing to attend Astra's presentation can register here.



Investors may also request to schedule a 1:1 meeting with Astra's CEO on December 5th, 8th, and 9th by confirming a time here.



This will be a live, interactive online event where investors are invited to ask the company questions in real-time. If attendees are not able to join the event live on the day of the conference, an archived webcast will also be made available after the event.



It is recommended that online investors pre-register and run the online system check to expedite participation and receive event updates.



Learn more about the event at www.virtualinvestorconferences.com.

About the Company

Astra Exploration Inc. is a precious metals exploration company based out of Vancouver, BC that is actively building a portfolio of high-quality projects in some of the most important mining jurisdictions in Latin America.

The La Manchuria gold-silver project in Santa Cruz, Argentina, over which Astra has an option to acquire 90% interest, is a high-grade gold and silver low sulphidation epithermal (LSE) deposit located in the prolific Deseado Massif which hosts multiple world-class LSE precious metals deposits including Cerro Vanguardia and Cerro Negro, Santa Cruz, Argentina.

The 100% owned Pampa Paciencia gold and silver project in northern Chile is located in the Paleocene mineral province in proximity to such major operating mines as Spence and Sierra Gorda. The project shares several important geological similarities to other Paleocene LSE gold-silver deposits including Faride and El Penon.

The 100% owned Cerro Bayo project in northern Chile is located in the Maricunga belt approximately 20 km from the Refugio Mine. The project hosts a high sulphidation epithermal (HSE) +/- porphyry gold system with similarities to the Salares Norte deposit to the north in the same belt. The Maricunga belt is one of the most endowed regions in the world for gold and copper deposits.

Qualified Person

The technical data and information as disclosed in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Darcy Marud, who is an Independent Director of Astra. Mr. Marud is a Practicing Member of the Association of Professional Geoscientists of Ontario and is a qualified person as defined under the terms of National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

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.

This news release may contain certain "Forward-Looking Statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws. When or if used in this news release, the words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "target, "plan", "forecast", "may", "schedule" and similar words or expressions identify forward-looking statements or information. These forward-looking statements or information may relate to the Company's business activities; exploration on the Company's properties including drilling at the La Manchuria project. Such statements represent the Company's current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social risks, contingencies and uncertainties. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, without limitation: development of the industry in which the Company operates; risks associated with the conduct of the Company's business activities; risks relating to reliance on the Company's management team and outside contractors; currency fluctuations; risks regarding the failure to generate sufficient cash flow from operations; laws and regulations governing the industry in which the Company operates; the ability of the communities in which the Company operates to manage and cope with the implications of COVID-19; the economic and financial implications of COVID-19 to the Company; operating or technical difficulties; employee relations, labour unrest or unavailability; stock market volatility; conflicts of interest among certain directors and officers; lack of liquidity for shareholders of the Company; litigation risk; and other risk factors disclosed in the Company's public disclosure documents available on the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Readers are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements or forward-looking information. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements or information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements and information other than as required by applicable laws, rules and regulations.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/276334
First feed of concentrate into the smelter expected by year end

Ivanhoe Mines to issue Kamoa-Kakula's 2026 and 2027 copper production guidance this week

Johannesburg, December 1, 2025 - Ivanhoe Mines (TSX: IVN) (OTCQX: IVPAF) Executive Co-Chairman Robert Friedland and President and Chief Executive Officer Marna Cloete are delighted to announce that start-up of Kamoa-Kakula's 500,000-tonnes-per-annum direct-to-blister copper smelter commenced on November 21, 2025. The event was marked by a traditional blessing by the Chief of Kamoa-Kakula's local communities, as well as an opening ceremony at the smelter site.

Ivanhoe Mines' Founder and Executive Co-Chairman Robert Friedland commented during the opening ceremony:

"The ceremony today is not just a ritual; it is the passing of a torch representing transformative change at Kamoa-Kakula From a site where we first discovered high-grade copper in 2008, we now harness a fire blessed by tradition to power a facility that will set a new global standard for copper smelting.

"We are witnessing a significant milestone for Kamoa-Kakula, the Lualaba Province and the broader Congolese mining industry we have taken a major step forward in the production of clean, sustainable copper in the Democratic Republic of the Congo."

Kamoa-Kakula's Managing Director, Annebel Oosthuizen, also commented during the opening ceremony:

"This day belongs to every Kamoa Copper employee. You built this We fired it up. This is our collective success. The fire we lit today is the light that will change the future, not just for Kamoa Copper, but for our community, our country, and the African continent."

Smelter heat-up underway following traditional blessing by Chief of local communities, as well as an opening ceremony at smelter site

On November 21, 2025, the opening ceremony of Kamoa-Kakula's copper smelter started at a traditional copper furnace, called a lwanzo lwa mikuba, at a site near the smelter. The lwanzo lwa mikuba was prepared by the Chief of Land Muvunda and his team, as per the tradition, and Honourable Chief Musokantanda Sabuni Kafweku provided a blessing while commemorative Katanga Crosses of copper were smelted.

Chief Musokantanda then took the flame from the lwanzo lwa mikuba and carried it from the traditional site to the smelter at Kamoa-Kakula. At the smelter, the flame was handed over to Ivanhoe Mines' Founder and Co-Chairman, Robert Friedland, who lit a ceremonial torch. The ceremonial torch was then passed around to members of the senior management team from Ivanhoe Mines and Kamoa Copper, as well as team members instrumental in the smelter's construction, before being placed inside the smelter furnace, providing the ignition source for its heat-up.

Watch the video of the blessing and opening ceremony of the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Smelter, led by Chief Musokantanda and Robert Friedland: https://vimeo.com/1141185000/05dad5519c?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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(L-R) Chief Musokantanda and Ivanhoe Mines' Founder and Executive Co-Chairman Robert Friedland marked the official opening at the smelter with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. In addition, Chief Musokantanda carried a ceremonial flame from a nearby village to the smelter site, which was then used as the ignition source for Kamoa-Kakula's smelter furnace.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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The opening ceremony of the Kamoa-Kakula smelter was attended by members of Kamoa Copper's workforce, adjacent to the smelter's casting wheels that are expected to commence producing 99.7% copper anodes by year's end.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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First feed of Kamoa-Kakula concentrate expected by year end

The heat-up of Kamoa-Kakula's state-of-the-art on-site, 500,000-tonne-per-annum direct-to-blister copper smelter commenced on November 21, 2025. The first feed of concentrate into the smelter is expected by year end. Kamoa-Kakula's management team expects to prioritize the processing of concentrates produced by the Phase 1, 2, and 3 concentrators through the on-site smelter, with any excess concentrate toll-treated at the nearby Lualaba Copper Smelter (LCS) in Kolwezi.

Prior to start-up, Kamoa-Kakula's on-site concentrate inventory contained approximately 37,000 tonnes of copper. Total unsold copper in concentrate at the smelter, held in stockpiles and the smelting circuit, is expected to be reduced to approximately 17,000 tonnes during 2026 as the smelter fully ramps up.

The smelter heat-up commenced as the installation of the uninterruptible power supply (UPS) facility nears completion. The 60-megawatt (MW) UPS is designed to provide up to two hours of instantaneous back-up power to the smelter, protecting the operation from voltage fluctuations in the domestic DRC grid. In addition to the UPS, Kamoa-Kakula has, in total, approximately 180 MW of on-site diesel-powered, back-up generator capacity.

Heat-up of the smelter is advancing well, with the furnace temperature already at 800 degrees centigrade. The furnace temperature will be held at this level for the next nine days while "hot" commissioning of the boiler, steam systems, and the concentrate dryer is completed. In addition, the powering up of the furnace electrodes and commissioning of the acid circuit will also take place at the same time.

Watch the video summarizing the process of the state-of-the-art direct-to-blister Kamoa-Kakula Copper Smelter: https://vimeo.com/1140698414/a02c0d215d?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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Kamoa-Kakula's 500,000-tonnes-per-annum direct-to-blister copper smelter commenced the heat-up on November 21, 2025. Once ramped up, the smelter will be the largest copper smelter in Africa.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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Qualified Persons

Disclosures of a scientific or technical nature in this news release have been reviewed and approved by Steve Amos, who is considered, by virtue of his education, experience, and professional association, a Qualified Person under the terms of NI 43-101. Mr. Amos is not considered independent under NI 43-101 as he is Ivanhoe Mines' Executive Vice President, Projects. Mr. Amos has verified the technical data disclosed in this news release.

Ivanhoe has prepared independent, NI 43-101-compliant technical report for the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex, which is available on the company's website and under the company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca:

Kamoa-Kakula Integrated Development Plan 2023 Technical Report dated March 6, 2023, prepared by OreWin Pty Ltd.; China Nerin Engineering Co. Ltd.; DRA Global; Epoch Resources; Golder Associates Africa; Metso Outotec Oyj; Paterson and Cooke; SRK Consulting Ltd.; and The MSA Group.

The technical report includes relevant information regarding the power demand balance at the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex cited in this news release, , and other matters relevant to the scientific and technical disclosure contained in this news release.

About Ivanhoe Mines

Ivanhoe Mines is a Canadian mining company focused on advancing its three principal operations in Southern Africa; the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex in the DRC, the ultra-high-grade Kipushi zinc-copper-germanium-silver mine, also in the DRC; and the tier-one Platreef platinum-palladium-nickel-rhodium-gold-copper mine in South Africa.

Ivanhoe Mines is exploring for copper in its highly prospective, 54-100% owned exploration licences in the Western Forelands, covering an area over six times larger than the adjacent Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex, including the high-grade discoveries in the Makoko District. Ivanhoe is also exploring for new sedimentary copper discoveries in new horizons, including Angola, Kazakhstan, and Zambia.

Information contact



Follow Robert Friedland (@robert_ivanhoe) and Ivanhoe Mines (@IvanhoeMines_) on X.

Forward-looking statements

Certain statements in this release constitute "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such statements and information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the company, its projects, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. Such statements can be identified using words such as "may", "would", "could", "will", "intend", "expect", "believe", "plan", "anticipate", "estimate", "scheduled", "forecast", "predict" and other similar terminology, or state that certain actions, events, or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. These statements reflect the company's current expectations regarding future events, performance, and results and speak only as of the date of this release.

Such statements include, without limitation: (i) statements that the first feed of concentrate into the Kamoa-Kakula smelter is expected by year end; (ii) statements that Kamoa-Kakula's management team expects to prioritize the processing of concentrates produced by the Phase 1, 2, and 3 concentrators through the on-site smelter, with any excess concentrate toll-treated at the Lualaba Copper Smelter; (iii) statements that unsold copper in concentrate at the smelter, held in stockpiles and the smelting circuit, is expected be reduce to approximately 17,000 tonnes during 2026 as the smelter fully ramps up; and (iv) statements that Ivanhoe Mines will issue Kamoa-Kakula's 2026 and 2027 copper production guidance on December 2.

Forward-looking statements and information involve significant risks and uncertainties, should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indicators of whether such results will be achieved. Many factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements or information, including, but not limited to those discussed above and under the "Risk Factors" section in the company's MD&A for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, and its current annual information form, and elsewhere in this news release, as well as unexpected changes in laws, rules or regulations, or their enforcement by applicable authorities; changes in the rate of water ingress into underground workings; the continuation of seismic activity; the state of underground infrastructure; delays in securing underground access; changes to the mining methods required in the future; the failure of parties to contracts with the company to perform as agreed; social or labour unrest; changes in commodity prices; and the failure of exploration programs or studies to deliver anticipated results or results that would justify and support continued exploration, studies, development or operations.

Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management of the company believes are reasonable assumptions, the company cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release and are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Subject to applicable securities laws, the company does not assume any obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this news release.

The company's actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of the factors outlined in the "Risk Factors" section in the company's MD&A for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, and its current annual information form.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/276365
Heliostar Metals Ltd. (TSXV: HSTR) (OTCQX: HSTXF) (FSE: RGG1) ("Heliostar" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that Mr James Perry has succeeded the retiring Mr. Jacques Vaillancourt as Chairman at the Company's Annual General & Special Meeting ("AGM") held on November 26, 2025.

Heliostar's new Chairman Mr. James Perry commented, "I am excited to join Heliostar at this important inflection point. The Company has built a strong foundation through disciplined operations and strategic acquisitions, and I look forward to working closely with the experienced Board and management team as we advance the next phase of growth. Heliostar has the ingredients to become a leading gold producer in the Americas. I will draw on my experience to help steer the Company's disciplined growth, reinforce strong governance practices, and create lasting value for our shareholders and host communities."

Charles Funk, President and & CEO, stated - "I once again thank our retiring chair for his long service to Heliostar. I strongly welcome James as our new Chairman at a time of considerable growth. Having worked with James previously at Newcrest Mining, I know his ambition for our Company, his growth mindset and the high regard in which he is held across the industry. We are delighted to attract someone of his caliber as we continue advancing toward our goal of becoming a 500,000 ounce per year producer by the end of this decade."

Mr. Perry is currently President of Sweetwater Royalties, one of the largest landowners in the United States, majority-owned by Orion Resource Partners following its acquisition of Sweetwater's extensive land and mineral portfolio from Occidental Petroleum in 2020 for approximately US$1.3 billion. Sweetwater's vast mineral position extends across more than 4.5 million mineral acres in Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, and Michigan, providing an expansive royalty platform spanning industrial minerals, base metals, and renewable-energy opportunities.

Mr. Perry has over 17 years of global mining and resources experience across Asia, Africa, and the Americas, spanning business development, corporate strategy and governance, legal and permitting, ESG, and operations. He spent a decade at Newcrest Mining - one of the world's largest gold mining companies headquartered in Australia - serving as Business Development Manager and Corporate Counsel. Newcrest was acquired for approximately US$19 billion by Newmont Mining in 2023. Mr. Perry has extensive international experience managing large and complex transactions, including leading Newcrest's entry into Ecuador and its investment in Lundin Gold's world-class Fruta del Norte gold district. He possesses broad expertise in project evaluation and negotiation across diverse sectors and jurisdictions. He is a lawyer and holds an M.Sc. in History and International Relations from the London School of Economics.

Incentive plan issuance

Heliostar further announces that, pursuant to the Company's Omnibus Equity Incentive Compensation Plan, it has granted 250,000 stock options ("Options") at an exercise price of $2.63 and 200,000 restricted share units (each, an "RSU") to directors, officers and consultants of the Company. The Options are exercisable for a period of five years and will vest over the next three years. The RSUs will vest in three equal annual instalments commencing on the first anniversary of the grant date.

About Heliostar Metals Ltd.

Heliostar is a gold mining company with production from operating mines in Mexico. This includes the La Colorada Mine in Sonora and the San Agustin Mine in Durango. The Company also has a strong portfolio of development and exploration stage projects in Mexico and the USA. These include the Ana Paula project in Guerrero, the Cerro del Gallo project in Guanajuato, the San Antonio project in Baja Sur, all in Mexico and the Unga project in Alaska, USA.

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 includes certain "Forward-Looking Statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forward-looking information" under applicable Canadian securities laws. When used in this news release, the words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "target", "plan", "forecast", "may", "would", "could", "schedule" and similar words or expressions, identify forward-looking statements or information. These forward-looking statements or information relate to, among other things, the Company's annual production goals.

Forward-looking statements and forward-looking information relating to the terms and completion of the Facility, any future mineral production, liquidity, and future exploration plans are based on management's reasonable assumptions, estimates, expectations, analyses and opinions, which are based on management's experience and perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, and other factors that management believes are relevant and reasonable in the circumstances, but which may prove to be incorrect. Assumptions have been made regarding, among other things, the receipt of necessary approvals, price of metals; no escalation in the severity of public health crises or ongoing military conflicts; costs of exploration and development; the estimated costs of development of exploration projects; and the Company's ability to operate in a safe and effective manner and its ability to obtain financing on reasonable terms.

These statements reflect the Company's respective current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of other assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political, and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information and the Company has made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation: precious metals price volatility; risks associated with the conduct of the Company's mining activities in foreign jurisdictions; regulatory, consent or permitting delays; risks relating to reliance on the Company's management team and outside contractors; risks regarding exploration and mining activities; the Company's inability to obtain insurance to cover all risks, on a commercially reasonable basis or at all; currency fluctuations; risks regarding the failure to generate sufficient cash flow from operations; risks relating to project financing and equity issuances; risks and unknowns inherent in all mining projects, including the inaccuracy of reserves and resources, metallurgical recoveries and capital and operating costs of such projects; contests over title to properties, particularly title to undeveloped properties; laws and regulations governing the environment, health and safety; the ability of the communities in which the Company operates to manage and cope with the implications of public health crises; the economic and financial implications of public health crises, ongoing military conflicts and general economic factors to the Company; operating or technical difficulties in connection with mining or development activities; employee relations, labour unrest or unavailability; the Company's interactions with surrounding communities; the Company's ability to successfully integrate acquired assets; the speculative nature of exploration and development, including the risks of diminishing quantities or grades of reserves; stock market volatility; conflicts of interest among certain directors and officers; lack of liquidity for shareholders of the Company; litigation risk; and the factors identified under the caption "Risk Factors" in the Company's public disclosure documents. Readers are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements or forward-looking information. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements or forward-looking information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements or information, other than as required by applicable law.


VANCOUVER, Dec. 01, 2025 - EnviroGold Global Ltd. (CSE: NVRO | OTCQB: ESGLF | FSE: YGK) ("EnviroGold" or the "Company"), is pleased to announce advancements across its global operational platform. These include the expansion of its Western Australian facility, strategic progression toward establishing a new testing hub in the western United States, and the appointment of PPM Global as the Company's specialist partner for NVRO Process plant construction and commissioning.

The Company advises it has successfully completed its 2025 Optimization Program. As a result, the Company has finalized the design of the ?NVRO (microNVRO) plant. The ?NVRO is a mobile, precision-engineered, pilot-scale version of the NVRO Process that incorporates the latest process enhancements and is designed to expedite commercial deployment across multiple customer sites simultaneously.

Key Highlights:

2025 Optimization Program Completed: The program culminated in an updated NVRO Process flowsheet, informed by extensive lab work, advanced process modelling, and the completion of the IDEAS digital twin developed by Andritz, with engineering support from Hatch.

PPM Global Appointed: EnviroGold has engaged PPM Global, a leading metallurgical project delivery firm, to construct and commission ?NVRO plants. With a strong track record of building, operating and optimizing metallurgical facilities across international mining jurisdictions, PPM Global brings critical execution expertise to the Company's customers' projects. Its role in delivering ?NVRO plants strengthens the Company's operational readiness, accelerating the pathway to full-scale deployment.

?NVRO Construction Underway: EnviroGold has commenced construction of its first ?NVRO unit, a precision-engineered pilot-scale plant designed to replicate the NVRO Process TM . Purpose-built for customer site-specific validation, the ?NVRO will generate high-resolution technical outputs to support feasibility-level studies and engineering design. The first ?NVRO unit will be installed at the Company's Fremantle facility. Equipped with integrated sensors and analytical systems, the unit is engineered for automated and remote monitoring and control when integrated with the IDEAS digital twin platform. This capability enables real-time data capture and analysis, significantly enhancing the speed, accuracy, and efficiency of the customer test work protocol.

. Purpose-built for customer site-specific validation, the ?NVRO will generate high-resolution technical outputs to support feasibility-level studies and engineering design. The first ?NVRO unit will be installed at the Company's Fremantle facility. Equipped with integrated sensors and analytical systems, the unit is engineered for automated and remote monitoring and control when integrated with the IDEAS digital twin platform. This capability enables real-time data capture and analysis, significantly enhancing the speed, accuracy, and efficiency of the customer test work protocol. Mobile ?NVRO Fleet to Drive Customer Pipeline Growth: Following commissioning, PPM Global intends to construct a fleet of containerized, mobile ?NVRO units for deployment across three priority jurisdictions with highly attractive, technically amenable tailings targets. Two additional jurisdictions are under review. These units are expected to be deployed directly to customer sites to conduct in-situ campaigns on tailings deposits, enabling site-specific process validation, engineering and cost studies. The ?NVRO fleet is designed to accelerate feasibility timelines confirming technical certainty and generating detailed data for tailings reprocessing and mine-planning operations. This is expected to support the rapid expansion of EnviroGold's commercial pipeline and accelerate customer deployment activities.

Strategic Expansion Plans: In response to growing demand, EnviroGold is planning the relocation and expansion of its test work infrastructure, including the establishment of a dedicated United States-based testing site to support North American deployment and accelerate customer engagement in the United States.



"The ?NVRO is a transformational advancement in our deployment strategy," said Grant Freeman, Co-Chief Executive Officer. "It combines engineering precision with mobility, enabling us to deliver engineering-grade data faster, reduce project development timelines, and enhance customer decision-making. By replicating full-scale process performance in a pilot-scale plant, we move another step closer to redefining the worldwide stockpile of mine waste and tailings from a stranded asset to a viable, scalable global source of metal supply."

About PPM Global

PPM Global is a leading minerals processing project-delivery company with extensive experience in metallurgical plant design, commissioning, optimisation and operations across gold, copper, critical minerals and complex processing circuits globally. Headquartered in Australia, PPM Global provides integrated solutions, specializing in risk-managed commissioning, production ramp-up and long-term plant performance optimisation.

About EnviroGold Global

EnviroGold Global is a clean-technology company enabling the mining industry to recover high-value precious, base and critical metals from mine waste and tailings using its proprietary NVRO Process. By converting environmental liabilities into economic assets, EnviroGold delivers scalable, low-carbon metal-recovery solutions aligned with critical-minerals mandates and ESG frameworks across the U.S., Australia, Europe and beyond.

Investors can access the Q3 Investor Presentation on the Company's website at: https://envirogoldglobal.com/investors/, along with the Terra Studio Company Profile at: https://www.terrastudio.biz/blog/post/11325/on-the-cusp-of-formidable-growth/

CONTACTS:

Investor Cubed

Neil Simon, CEO

+1 647 258 3310

nsimon@investor3.ca

ir@envirogoldglobal.com

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

Forward-Looking Information:



This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements regarding: the construction, commissioning, performance, and deployment of ?NVRO units; the anticipated benefits and capabilities of the ?NVRO plants and the IDEAS digital twin; the expected construction of a fleet of mobile ?NVRO units and their deployment in identified jurisdictions; the evaluation of additional jurisdictions; the Company's plans to relocate or expand test-work infrastructure and establish a United States-based testing hub; and the anticipated impact of these initiatives on feasibility timelines, customer engagement, and the Company's commercial pipeline.

Forward-looking information is based on management's current expectations and assumptions, including assumptions regarding the availability of equipment and materials, supply-chain conditions, permitting and regulatory approvals, site access and cooperation from customers, the metallurgical characteristics of tailings deposits, the performance of the NVRO ProcessTM at pilot scale, the successful integration of the IDEAS digital twin, the availability of capital and personnel, and general economic and market conditions.

Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially, including risks related to construction and commissioning, technical performance, operational and engineering risks, variability in tailings mineralogy, delays in permitting or logistics, changes in customer priorities or access to sites, availability of financing, and other risks described in the Company's continuous disclosure filings.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information except as required by applicable securities laws.
Vancouver, December 1, 2025 - K2 Gold Corp. (TSXV: KTO) (OTCQB: KTGDF) ("K2 Gold" or the "Company") today announced that the United States Bureau of Land Management (BLM) issued a Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for K2's Mojave Exploration Drilling Project in Inyo County, CA. This milestone follows rigorous independent review, over 100 days of public comment and scoping, and consultation with local communities representing a significant step forward in de-risking and advancing one of the most compelling exploration projects in the United States.

The statement below was taken directly from the BLM News Release announcing the issuance of the final analysis for mineral exploration in Inyo County:

The proposed project supports DOI Secretarial Order 3418 - Unleashing American Energy, by encouraging exploration and production on federal lands to meet the needs of American citizens.

https://www.blm.gov/announcement/blm-issues-final-analysis-mineral-exploration-inyo-county

Highlights:

The Final EIS reflects years of diligent environmental and cultural assessment, technical evaluation, and meaningful stakeholder engagement, helping to de-risk and advance Mojave toward its next phase of discovery.

K2 is anticipating a new phase of drilling to commence in early 2026. The program is fully funded.

Further details of the 2026 Mojave exploration program will be released in the near future.

"Today represents a major milestone for the Mojave Project," stated John Robins, Executive Chairman of K2 Gold. "Mojave represents one of the most exciting undeveloped gold prospects in the USA. Its numerous shallow, high-grade oxide gold occurrences in the Eastern Target Area have only had limited drilling, with multiple historical drill holes-52 in total-reporting intervals characterized as ore-grade gold in the original exploration records."

"Growing up in this community taught me that responsible development only succeeds when the public is heard and respected - whether from ranchers, local families, small businesses, or cultural advocates. Throughout the Mojave review process, local residents have shown us what matters most to them, and that input has directly shaped how this project moves forward. The Final EIS reflects a shared commitment to protecting what makes this place special while creating opportunities that support the people who live and work here.", stated Carolyn Clark Loder, K2 Director.

Additional Corporate Updates

100% Ownership: K2 has executed the Option Agreement for Mojave and holds full ownership of the Project.

Treasury Position: Wth the recent exercise of 30,701,000 warrants through October 24, 2025, K2's treasury is currently at $10.8 million, positioning the company to advance the next phase of exploration at Mojave.

The complete Final EIS publication can be found here: https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2022050/570

K2 will be hosting a corporate update webnar on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at 9am PST / 12 EST. Register here: https://my.demio.com/ref/Feb9Xggn5LEpSfpI

Mojave Eastern Target Area

The Eastern Target Area at Mojave is the focus of the FEIS and hosts a 4km long, north-south trending fault system. This fault system hosts high-grade, oxide gold at the Newmont, Central, and Dragonfly targets.

K2's upcoming drill program is designed to expand upon previous high-grade oxide gold results, including highlight intercepts from the 2020 RC drill program. A total of 22 drill pads will be utilized, with drilling to commence at the Dragonfly target to follow up on K2's standout 2020 intercept of 86.87m of 4.02 g/t Au from surface. (See historical drilling highlights in Table 1 and Table 2).

Table 1: Highlight historical drill results from the Dragonfly target.

Hole ID From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Au (g/t) DF20-001 0 18.29 18.29 3.1 DF20-002 0 45.72 45.72 6.68 Including 9.14 33.53 24.38 10.93 And 67.06 86.87 19.81 2.18 And 161.54 164.59 3.05 1.02 Envelope of Alt. 0 86.87 86.87 4.02 DF20-003 3.05 21.34 18.29 3.21 And 53.34 65.53 12.19 2.29 And 109.73 120.4 10.67 0.86 DF20-004 0 30.48 30.48 7.18 Including 7.62 22.86 15.24 11.12 And 59.44 76.2 16.72 1.86 And 108.2 117.35 9.12 1.23 Envelope of Alt. 0 76.2 76.2 3.27 CM97-3 47.24 53.34 6.1 2 And 163.07 172.2 9.13 1.17 CM97-4 0 24.38 24.38 1.54 Incl. 16.76 22.86 4.95 6.1 And 42.67 54.86 12.19 3.84 And 88.59 97.54 9.14 1.55 CM97-5 146.3 158.5 12.2 1.48

Table 2: Highlight historical drill results from the Newmont target.

Hole ID From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Au (g/t) NM20-009 53.34 73.15 19.81 0.66 Including 68.58 73.15 4.57 1.99 NM20-010 65.53 89.92 24.38 0.64 NM20-011 44.2 85.34 41.15 1.64 Including 48.77 65.53 16.76 2.03 And 71.63 82.3 10.67 2.36 NM20-012 54.86 82.3 27.43 0.56 NM20-013 53.34 56.39 3.05 1.38 NM20-014 35.05 41.15 6.1 1.58 And 79.25 86.87 7.62 2.35 NM20-015 39.62 60.96 21.34 0.68 Including 42.67 51.82 9.14 1.43 NM20-016 42.67 65.53 22.86 1.00 Including 44.2 54.86 10.67 2.01 NM20-017 42.67 62.48 19.81 0.82 Including 51.82 59.44 7.62 1.87 CGL-1 8.23 9.75 1.52 8.23 CGL-3 35.36 55.17 19.81 1.80 CGL-12 208.79 228.6 19.81 0.94 CGL-19 74.68 99.06 24.38 0.91 Including 74.68 80.78 6.1 3.07 CM97-9 120.4 135.64 15.24 1.00





Figure 1: Mojave Project - Target Areas (from K2 Gold news release Nov. 20, 2024)

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6578/276432_3f87c1bb140518cb_002full.jpg

About the Mojave Project

The Mojave Project:

Hosts a polymetallic system including: 5 - Distinct Gold Target Areas 4 - Distinct Copper Target Areas 4 - Silver, Lead, Zinc Target Areas

Is located in a historic mining district along the prolific Walker Lane Trend.

Hosts multiple mineralization styles over a >100 km area.

Features receptive host rocks, regional structural controls, and robust hydrothermal systems with mineralization across more than 1,100 vertical metres.

Historical exploration is limited, yet K2's drilling in 2020 returned exceptional oxide gold intercepts from surface.

Eastern Target Area: Near-surface gold oxide targets.

Western Target Area: Gold, copper, silver, and base metal targets.

Cerro Gordo Area: Polymetallic Au-Ag-Cu-Pb-Zn system adjacent to the largest historical silver producer in California.

Qualified Person ("QP")

The technical information in this news release has been prepared in accordance with Canadian regulatory requirements set out in NI 43-101 and reviewed and approved by Eric Buitenhuis, M.Sc., P.Geo., K2's QP and Vice President of Exploration.

About K2 Gold Corporation

K2 Gold is a member of Discovery Group and is focused on advancing mineral exploration projects in mining-friendly jurisdictions across the Western U.S. and Canada. The Company's flagship Mojave Project covers 5,830 hectares and includes multiple previously drilled oxide gold targets. Since acquiring the project, K2 has advanced exploration through geochemical, geophysical, and remote sensing surveys, as well as RC drilling. Notable past drill highlights include: 4.0 g/t Au over 86.9m from surface at the Dragonfly Zone and 1.64 g/t Au over 41.15m at the Newmont Zone.

K2 also holds the Si2 Gold Project in Nevada, and the Wels Project in Yukon, Canada.

K2 Gold is committed to responsible exploration, Indigenous and community engagement, and advancing high-quality projects through a collaborative and technically disciplined approach.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

K2 Gold Corporation is a member of Discovery Group based in Vancouver, Canada. For more information please visit: discoverygroup.ca.

Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements that are not historical facts. Forward- looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results, performance, prospects, and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the exploration program at Mojave, Si2, and Wels, including results of drilling, and future exploration plans at Mojave, Si2, and Wels. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, variations in the nature, quality and quantity of any mineral deposits that may be located, the Company's inability to obtain any necessary permits, consents or authorizations required for its planned activities, and the Company's inability to raise the necessary capital or to be fully able to implement its business strategies. The reader is referred to the Company's public disclosure record which is available on SEDAR+ (sedarplus.ca). Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on these statements, which only apply as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. Except as required by securities laws and the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange, the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of any of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful, including any of the securities in the United States of America. No securities of the Company have been or will, in the foreseeable future, be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933 (the "1933 Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold an within the United States or to, or for account or benefit of, U.S. Persons (as defined in Regulation S under the 1933 Act) unless registered under the 1933 Act and applicable state securities laws, or exemption from such registration requirements is available.

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/276432
Strategic Resources Inc. (TSXV: SR) (the "Company" or "Strategic") is pleased to announce the filing of a project intake request with the Canadian Federal Government's newly created Major Projects Office (the "MPO"). The MPO's mandate is to advance major projects in Canada and provide a single point of contact and leadership to projects referred to them. Their focus is to resolve policy challenges, structure financing and reduce risks for projects to ensure that they remain competitive from development to operation.

The BlackRock Project (wholly owned by Strategic Resources) is the only fully permitted vanadium mine, concentrator and multi-metal metallurgical plant in Canada. The multi-billion-dollar BlackRock Project is a strategic critical minerals and processing project of national importance to secure the supply chain for vanadium and titanium and to enhance the security of high purity iron for Canadian and allied markets. It is also the only permitted project at the federally owned Port of Saguenay, which is undergoing major investments from the Government of Canada to help develop large-scale industrial projects like the BlackRock Project. Strategic Resources is the most advanced project at Port Saguenay and is the only significant project to have secured a long-term lease at Port Saguenay's newly created industrial park. The BlackRock Project is also supported by and has signed an IBA agreement with First Nations, notably the Cree Nation of Quebec (Ouje Bougoumou) and development agreements with the Innu Nations of Mashteuiatsh, Essipit and Pessamit.

As an initial phase of the BlackRock Project, Strategic Resources plans on installing a high purity iron pellet plant that will process and increase the value of iron ore concentrate coming from the Labrador Trough and ship it to steel manufacturers in Canada, the US and Europe. Iron ore pellets are a critical ingredient for manufacturing steel products from clean Electric Arc Furnaces, which are replacing older Blast Furnaces in North America and Europe.

The management team of Strategic Resources aims to engage with the MPO over the next few weeks with the goal of being retained as a major project under their new mandate.

About Strategic Resources

Strategic Resources Inc. (TSXV: SR) is a critical mineral development company focused on becoming a supplier of green steel inputs. The Company has a planned metallurgical facility site in Canada and high-purity iron,vanadium and titanium projects in Canada and Finland. The Company is developing its flagship BlackRock Project, which is a fully permitted and ready to construct mine, concentrator and metallurgical facility located at a deep seaport in Quebec with full access to the St. Lawrence Seaway. Phase 1 of the BlackRock project envisages a 4 million tonne per year high-purity iron ore pelletizer in Port Saguenay. The Company's Head Office is in Montreal, Quebec.

Further details are available on the Company's website at https://strategic-res.com/. To follow future news releases, please sign up at https://strategic-res.com/contact/.

Follow us on: Twitter or Linkedin.

STRATEGIC RESOURCES INC.

Signed: "Sean Cleary"

Sean Cleary, CEO

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

Certain statements and information herein, including all statements that are not historical facts, contain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such forward-looking statements or information include but are not limited to statements or information with respect to the Annual General Meeting and use of RCS for market making services. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements or information can be identified by the use of words such as "will" or "projected" or variations of those words or statements that certain actions, events or results "will", "could", "are proposed to", "are planned to", "are expected to" or "are anticipated to" be taken, occur or be achieved.

Although management of the Company believes that the assumptions made and the expectations represented by all forward-looking statements or information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that a forward-looking statement or information herein will prove to be accurate. Forward-looking statements and information by their nature are based on assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. These factors include, but are not limited to: risks associated with the business of the Company; business and economic conditions in the mining industry generally; the supply and demand for labour and other project inputs; changes in commodity prices; changes in interest and currency exchange rates; risks relating to inaccurate geological and engineering assumptions (including with respect to the tonnage, grade and recoverability of reserves and resources); risks relating to unanticipated operational difficulties (including failure of equipment or processes to operate in accordance with specifications or expectations, cost escalation, unavailability of materials and equipment, government action or delays in the receipt of government approvals, industrial disturbances or other job action, and unanticipated events related to health, safety and environmental matters); risks relating to adverse weather conditions; political risk and social unrest; changes in general economic conditions or conditions in the financial markets; and other risk factors as detailed from time to time in the Company's continuous disclosure documents filed with Canadian securities administrators. Strategic does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/strategic-resources-files-application-with-canadas-major-projects-office-302629183.html

SOURCE Strategic Resources Inc.
VANCOUVER, Dec. 01, 2025 - Brixton Metals Corp. (TSX-V: BBB, OTCQB: BBBXF) (the "Company" or "Brixton") is pleased to announce the discovery of a second copper-gold porphyry system this season at the Tempest Target within its wholly owned Thorn Project located in northwestern British Columbia. The Tempest Porphyry Target is located approximately 2 kilometres southwest of the recently discovered Catalyst porphyry system (see news release, October 30, 2025) along a northeast-southwest trending corridor that hosts multiple underexplored porphyry-style prospects, including the Camp Creek Porphyry (Figure 1). One single hole was drilled at Tempest during the 2025 season. Assays from this hole confirm the presence of copper, gold, silver and molybdenum mineralization associated with porphyritic rocks exhibiting moderate to intense alteration and veining. This release also includes the remaining results from two holes at the Catalyst target.

Highlights

First-Ever Drilling at Tempest Returns Copper-Gold-Silver Mineralization, confirming the presence of a hydrothermal system with porphyry-style alteration and mineralization





Hole THN25-356 returned 90.00 meters of 0.33% CuEq from 22.00 meters



Including 16.55 meters of 0.63% CuEq from 29.30 meters



Including 27.22 meters of 0.42% CuEq from 52.93 meters







Chairman, CEO, Gary R. Thompson stated, "Intersecting two mineralized porphyry systems with our first-ever drill holes at both Catalyst and Tempest is a remarkable achievement and not something commonly seen in the industry. A big congratulations goes out to the Brixton team. These results underscore the exceptional prospectivity of the Camp Creek Corridor and reinforce our belief that the Thorn Project has the potential to host a large, multi-center mineralized system. The continuity of copper, gold, and silver mineralization, combined with strong geophysical signatures and classic porphyry-style alteration, highlights the importance of this underexplored district. We are excited to continue advancing exploration and further define the scale and grade of these promising new targets."



Figure 1. Plan Map of the 2025 Drill Collars within the Camp Creek Corridor.





Table 1. Select Assay Intervals for hole THN25-356 from the Tempest Target.

Hole ID



From To Interval Au Cu Ag Mo CuEq* meter meter meter g/t % g/t ppm % THN25-356 22.00 112.00 90.00 0.17 0.12 1.28 42 0.33 including 29.30 45.85 16.55 0.37 0.22 1.13 72 0.63 including 52.93 80.15 27.22 0.17 0.12 1.28 32 0.42 including 84.55 95.88 11.33 0.14 0.17 2.68 32 0.35 THN25-356 414.50 446.50 32.00 0.04 0.12 0.80 172 0.28 THN25-356 483.61 492.00 8.39 0.08 0.19 0.83 225 0.42 THN25-356 509.62 547.00 37.38 0.12 0.20 0.89 202 0.45



Table 2. Select Assay Intervals for holes THN25-347 and THN25-351 from the Catalyst Target.

Hole ID



From To Interval Au Cu Ag Mo CuEq* meter meter meter g/t % g/t ppm % THN25-347 25.00 40.00 15.00 0.09 0.12 1.48 45 0.25 THN25-351 85.50 102.50 17.00 0.10 0.15 0.80 192 0.38



Reported assay intervals are weighted averages as drilled lengths as true widths have not yet been determined. *Copper equivalent (CuEq) calculation: CuEq is calculated based on metal prices as an approximate average of the last twelve months ending September 2025, specifically: Copper US$ 4.70 lb., Gold US$ 3100 oz, Silver US$ 35 oz, and Molybdenum US$ 30 lb. Due to the early-stage nature of the target, and the absence of metallurgical test work, a conceptual recovery of 85% is assumed for all metals in this calculation. These assumed recoveries have no basis in actual metallurgical testing, and actual recoveries may be materially different. The general formula used for CuEq calculation is: CuEq% = Cu % + ((Au g/t * (Au recovery/Cu recovery) * ((Au $ per oz./31.1034768)/(Cu $ per lb. * 22.04623))) + ((Ag g/t * (Ag recovery/Cu recovery) * ((Ag $ per oz./31.1034768)/(Cu $ per lb. * 22.04623))) + ((Mo % * (Mo recovery/Cu recovery) * (Mo $ per lb. /Cu $ per lb.))

Discussion About the Tempest Copper-Gold System

The Tempest porphyry area features a relatively flat landscape, predominantly covered by landslide and glacial deposits. Despite this cover, several mineralized porphyry outcrops were identified late in the 2024 field season. In 2025, these outcrops underwent detailed mapping, complemented by a TITAN DCIP (Direct Current and Induced Polarization) geophysical survey and geochemical soil sampling. Insights from these activities guided the placement of the first-ever exploratory drill hole in the area (THN25-356).

The mapped outcrops are mainly composed of fine-grained felsic volcanoclastic rock lenses, which are in contact with locally mineralized and altered fine-grained feldspar-rich porphyries. Most of the scree covering the area consists of medium to coarse-grained biotite-hornblende diorite, interpreted as part of the Thorn Stock, with extensive meter-wide diorite outcrops present at higher elevations. This scree is believed to have been transported downslope from these outcrops, muting the geochemical response and obscuring potential soil and rock anomalies. Nevertheless, through meticulous mapping, Brixton geologists identified key structural trends that informed the drilling strategy.

In 2025, a single drill hole was completed to test the mineralization concept at Tempest. The results confirmed the presence of mineralized porphyries containing copper, gold, silver, and molybdenum mineralization. At least two mineralized porphyries were identified, one fine-grained feldspar-rich porphyry at surface and one medium-grained dioritic porphyry at depth. These porphyries intrude fine-grained felsic volcaniclastic and intermediate volcaniclastic packages, as evidenced by cross-cutting relationships. Notably, Cu-Au-Ag-Mo mineralization occurs in well-defined intervals, especially in shallower sections (Figure 2). This pattern is interpreted as a result of wall-rock reactivity: mineralization and alteration are less pronounced in non-reactive felsic volcanoclastic rocks, while intermediate rocks display moderate mineralization and alteration when in contact with mineralized porphyries. Alteration within the porphyritic rocks is characterized by a phyllic assemblage consisting of sericite, pyrite, and quartz, which locally overprints earlier potassic alteration.

These results from the initial hole, which revealed two mineralized porphyries with distinctive textural differences and geochemical signatures, suggest the potential for a multiphase porphyry system. Additionally, the extensive high chargeability anomaly identified in the Tempest area points to the potential for a large, sulphur-rich hydrothermal system (plan view in Figure 2).

Figure 2. Map illustrating the extensive chargeability (IP) anomaly at Tempest, alongside a cross-section of drill hole THN25-356 that highlights the simplified geology and zones of copper and gold mineralization.





Figure 3. HQ drill core close-up photographs of main lithologies and styles of alteration-mineralization at the Tempest Porphyry Target, hole THN25-356.





Figure 4. HQ drill core photographs of hole THN25-356 from 67.20 to 76.10 meters.





Exploration Strategy

Brixton has adopted a scale-focused drilling strategy, with large step-outs of drill collars between drilling pads. This approach is designed to rapidly assess the lateral continuity and size potential of the mineralized systems. To date, five drill holes have been completed at the Catalyst Target for a combined total of 2670m, all of which intersected porphyry-style alteration and mineralization. One drillhole was drilled to a depth of 601m at the Tempest Porphyry Target, located approximately 2 kilometres southwest of Catalyst (Figure 1). Drilling at Tempest has also intersected porphyry-style alteration and mineralization, reinforcing the corridor's potential to host a large-scale, multi-center porphyry system. While a direct connection between the Catalyst and Tempest systems has not yet been established, investigating this relationship will be a priority for future exploration campaigns, as it represents great exploration potential for near-surface mineralization in a 2 km section.

About the Catalyst Porphyry Target

In a news release issued in October 2025, Brixton announced the discovery of the Catalyst porphyry system, marking the first drilling ever conducted in the area. Three holes reported presented various intervals of Cu-Au-Ag-Mo mineralization associated with at least two intrusive phases (see news release, October 30, 2025). Results from the last two holes drilled at Catalyst during the 2025 season show extensive and moderate hydrothermal alteration characterized by disseminated sulphides, quartz, sericite and chlorite. This, combined with SWIR (short-wave infrared spectroscopy) analysis, shows a characteristic phyllic alteration assembly in these two holes. Furthermore, through the application of the MDRU Porphyry Index (MPIx), a ratio of proximal and distal elements in a copper porphyry system (see MDRU MPIx) shows zones outside the known mineralized area with high MPIx values, suggesting the proximity to mineralized areas. The extensive hydrothermal alteration footprint, combined with encouraging geochemical indicators, suggests the presence of a large hydrothermal system (Figure 5).

Figure 5. Plan view and cross-section looking northwest at the Catalyst porphyry system.





Table 3. Collar Location for Reported Drillholes.

Hole ID Easting (m) Northing (m) Elevation (m) Azimuth Dip Depth (m) THN25-347 632393 6496732 1517 30 -70 625 THN25-351 632907 6497424 1425 315 -65 504 THN25-356 632726 6494521 1365 225 -70 601



Quality Assurance & Quality Control

Quality assurance and quality control protocols for drill core sampling were developed by Brixton. Core samples were mostly taken at 1.5m intervals. High-grade intervals were taken at 0.5m. Blank, duplicate (lab pulp) and certified reference materials were inserted at a combined rate of up to 15%. Core samples were cut in half, bagged, zip-tied, and sent directly to the ALS Minerals preparation facility in Whitehorse, Yukon, or Langley, British Columbia, depending on available lab capacity. ALS Minerals Laboratories is registered to ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 17025 accreditations for laboratory procedures. Samples were analyzed at ALS Laboratory Facilities in North Vancouver, British Columbia for gold by fire assay with an atomic absorption finish, whereas Ag, Pb, Cu and Zn and 48 additional elements were analyzed using four acid digestion with an ICP-MS finish. Overlimits for gold were analyzed using fire assay and gravimetric finish. The standards, certified reference materials, were acquired from CDN Resource Laboratories Ltd. of Langley, British Columbia, and the standards inserted varied depending on the type and abundance of mineralization visually observed in the primary sample. Blank material used consisted of non-mineralized siliceous landscaping rock. A copy of the QAQC protocols can be viewed at the Company's website.

Qualified Person (QP)

Ms. Madeline Berry, P.Geo., is a Project Geologist for the Company who is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Ms. Berry has verified the referenced data and analytical results disclosed in this press release and has approved the technical information presented herein.

About Brixton Metals Corporation

Brixton Metals is a Canadian exploration company focused on the advancement of its mining projects. Brixton wholly owns four exploration projects: Brixton's flagship Thorn copper-gold-silver-molybdenum Project, the Hog Heaven copper-silver-gold Project in NW Montana, USA, which is optioned to Ivanhoe Electric Inc., the Langis-HudBay silver-cobalt-nickel Project in Ontario and the Atlin Goldfields Project located in northwest BC, which is optioned to Eldorado Gold Corp.. Brixton Metals Corporation shares trade on the TSX-V under the ticker symbol BBB, and on the OTCQB under the ticker symbol BBBXF. For more information about Brixton, please visit our website at www.brixtonmetals.com.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

Mr. Gary R. Thompson, Chairman and CEO

info@brixtonmetals.com

For Investor Relations inquiries please contact: Mr. Michael Rapsch, Vice President Investor Relations. email: michael.rapsch@brixtonmetals.com or call Tel: 604-630-9707

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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.

Information set forth in this news release may involve forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are statements that relate to future, not past, events. In this context, forward-looking statements often address expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "expect", and "intend", statements that an action or event "may", "might", "could", "should", or "will" be taken or occur, including statements that address potential quantity and/or grade of minerals, potential size and expansion of a mineralized zone, proposed timing of exploration and development plans, or other similar expressions. All statements, other than statements of historical fact included herein including, without limitation, statements regarding the use of proceeds. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, the following risks: the need for additional financing; operational risks associated with mineral exploration; fluctuations in commodity prices; title matters; and the additional risks identified in the annual information form of the Company or other reports and filings with the TSXV and applicable Canadian securities regulators. Forward-looking statements are made based on management's beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date that statements are made and the Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as required by applicable securities laws. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements.

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Partners Life named top life insurer

Partners Life, Blanket Advice, Folio and Insurance Advisernet New Zealand were among the major winners at the ANZIIF insurance awards last week.

Monday, December 1st 2025, 6:37PM

by Ksenia Stepanova

Partners Life has been named Life Insurance Company of the Year at the 2025 New Zealand Insurance Industry Awards, capping off a strong year in which it paid out $325 million in claims and accepted 95% of assessed claims.

Judges praised Partners Life for its holistic approach to people development, customer outcomes focus and commitment to diversity and inclusion, including its GenderTick accreditation.

The judges also highlighted its Customer Outcome Matrix survey and Claims QA Success Program as setting benchmarks for empathetic and professional service.

Partners Life was among several major winners at the ceremony, where over 450 insurance professionals gathered at Cordis Auckland. Blanket Advice, Folio and Insurance Advisernet New Zealand also took top honours in their respective categories.

The awards, hosted by the Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance (ANZIIF), recognised excellence and innovation across broking, underwriting, claims, life insurance, insurtech and professional services.

Advisers and insurtechs recognised

In the broking sector, Blanket Advice won Small to Medium Broking Company of the Year for its innovation, client care and people-first culture.

Judges noted that Blanket had transformed a small team into a high-performing business within five years.

Insurance Advisernet New Zealand secured Broker Network of the Year for combining long-term stability with innovation. Judges noted the introduction of ARIA, a closed artificial intelligence platform designed for general insurance advisers, as a market-first tool enhancing efficiency and advice quality.

Insurtech start-up Folio won Insurtech Start-up of the Year. The SaaS platform was praised for its broker-centric design, which allows brokers to spend less time on administration and more time with clients.

Guest speaker Oscar Kightley, the acclaimed writer, actor and director, delivered the keynote address.

"Tonight's Awards recognise the leaders shaping the future of our industry with innovation, professionalism and purpose," said Katrina Shanks, CEO of ANZIIF.

"Your achievements deliver exceptional outcomes for customers and communities and raise the standard for all of us."

The awards were decided by an industry judging panel who scored submissions individually under the supervision of an independent scrutineer. All judges were bound by confidentiality agreements and required to recuse themselves from any submissions where conflicts of interest arose.

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Aston shrugs off Honda delay rumour as Newey steps in

Aston Martin has quietly dismissed a paddock rumour that Honda may not be ready for the first 2026 pre-season tests - a theory floated in Qatar by former Alpine boss Marcin Budkowski, now working with Eleven Sports.

Adrian Newey, Qatar GP 2025

 Aston Martin Racing

Budkowski suggested Aston would publicly frame the delay as Adrian Newey wanting more time to keep working on the car, but privately believed the issue lay with Honda.

The team denied the claim and offered no further comment.

Newey's surprise elevation to team principal for 2026 stunned the paddock, and his presence in Qatar - only his second appearance at a 2025 race - coincided with a rare strong weekend for Fernando Alonso, who finished seventh.

He hasn't started yet, Alonso told AS. "We saw him at meetings and for the technical aspects of the weekend. But he was an extra engineer on our side, an extra perspective on the setup, the strategy.

It was good to see the focus, the determination he represents, the search for performance in every detail.

Some believe Newey lacks the temperament for a front-facing team boss role, but Alonso pushed back.

It's very interesting because he's very active, he said. He came to other races to observe, to listen and get a general overview. But now he's very involved - the meetings with him are longer, and when we finish, he always asks two or three specific people two or three questions, sometimes even the drivers.

I think he's going to help us improve, because everything he says makes a lot of sense and he also has a performance perspective, added the two-time champion.

Often the briefings are long, we discuss all the sensations of the car but there are no conclusions about how to make the car faster. He has those conclusions in his head and analyses them, so I think he'll help us grow.

Aston Martin's 2025 struggles have been stark, with Alonso again emphasising how difficult the AMR25 has been to drive.

The car is totally undrivable at times, much more difficult than it looks on TV, he told DAZN.

Still, P7 in Qatar was a rare bright spot. Happy? Wow, imagine! I've only scored - what - 30 points all year and I got 8 here, Alonso smiled.

All the sessions were in the top 10, and in the race, since you can't overtake on this circuit and with the strategy everyone was already committed to the same stops, we just had to maintain position and it worked out.

But the Spaniard admitted the underlying picture remains grim. It hasn't been a year to remember. We've had enormous difficulties. Even today, if everyone had had a clear track, I think we would have finished much further back, he said.

We qualify well on Saturdays, but on Sundays, on circuits where overtaking is possible, we gradually fall back.

(GMM)
China's first space documentary screened in Bulgaria

Xinhua) 13:20, December 01, 2025

Visitors view a large-scale model of the Chinese space station as they attend a screening of "Blue Planet Outside the Window" or "SHENZHOU 13" in Sofia, Bulgaria, Nov. 30, 2025. (Photo by Marian Draganov/Xinhua)

SOFIA, Nov. 30 (Xinhua) -- "Blue Planet Outside the Window" or "SHENZHOU 13," China's first space documentary filmed in space, was screened here on Sunday, showcasing the wonders of aerospace technology.

The event was co-hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Bulgaria and the Space Research and Technology Institute of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences.

Held at the academy's headquarters, the screening featured large-scale models of the Chinese space station and the Long March-2F carrier rocket. Guests also received a selection of China-related books.

Chinese Ambassador to Bulgaria Dai Qingli recalled that exactly one year ago, in the same venue, the event "Talking with Taikonauts" was organized. During that event, the three taikonauts of the Shenzhou-19 mission, then in orbit, enthusiastically answered questions from Bulgarian primary and secondary school students.

To mark the first anniversary of that inspiring exchange, this screening was arranged, Dai said. The documentary fully presents the work and daily life of Chinese astronauts during their six-month mission aboard China's space station from October 2021 to April 2022 and the first spacewalk by a Chinese female astronaut.

"We hope that by organizing this screening, we can inspire more Bulgarian youth and students to learn about modern China and dedicate themselves to the study of science and technology," Dai said.

In a letter to the event, Evelina Slavcheva, president of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, emphasized that the film was not only exciting but also an opportunity to reflect on the remarkable achievements in space exploration, and on the scientists, engineers, and astronauts whose efforts make such missions possible.

"We hope this film will inspire younger audiences to become part of the next generation of explorers, innovators, and discoverers," she said.

She added that the screening represented another step forward in strengthening ties between the two countries' scientific communities and in promoting deeper understanding of space exploration.

The documentary film also received a strong response from viewers. Veronika Prezhdarova said China's advances in space technology demonstrate strong technological leadership, and she appreciated the documentary's emphasis on women's participation in the mission.

Iliya Valov from the town of Pazardzhik said "I found the film extremely fascinating and very emotional, at least for me, because I'm passionate about space exploration and space adventures."

People attend a screening of "Blue Planet Outside the Window" or "SHENZHOU 13" in Sofia, Bulgaria, Nov. 30, 2025. (Photo by Marian Draganov/Xinhua)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Samsung US offered some big discounts for Black Friday, but theres a way to get even lower prices that you may have missed. And even if you dont qualify for the vaguely-named Samsung Offer Programs, the regular discounts are some of the biggest weve seen.

Take the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, for example. Samsung US is offering a $560 discount with no extra requirements  and you get double the storage for free! That brings the regular price for the 12GB/512GB model down to $860.

However, if you qualify for the program, you can get an additional $153 off, so the price drops to $707.

You can check whether you are eligible for the Samsung Offer Programs here. The programs are available for educators and students, first responders and healthcare workers, military personnel and government employees, as well as qualifying employees from 1,000+ participating companies.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 has a similar offer  a $720 straight discount and a free storage upgrade, so the 12GB/512GB model starts at $1,400. If you are eligible for the offer program, you can get it for $1,142 (with an additional $258 discount).

Some of Samsungs wearables are on offer too. The slim Samsung Galaxy Watch8 is $150 off, so it starts at $230, but the program brings an additional $28 discount.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch8 Classic offers the unique rotating bezel and, as the more premium model, it costs $400 after the initial $100 discount. However, the Samsung Offer Program can drop that down by $120, so the watch can be had for $280.

Note that the two Watch8 models are available in Bluetooth and 4G versions. With the 4G version, you can take calls and send messages on your watch, even if you leave your phone at home (intentionally or not). The 4G option is a $50 upgrade for both models.

With RGB lights on the back, this one might be a tough sell when you tell people that you need it for work  but Samsung doesnt judge. This $2,440 double-wide monitor has a huge $940 discount that drops its price to $1,500  and eligible buyers get an additional $200 off. This is essentially a pair of curved 4K mini-LED monitors in one. The panel is HDR 1000 certified. It runs at 240Hz (1ms gray-to-gray) and supports DisplayPort 2.1.

We may get a commission from qualifying sales.
Nearly two months ago, HMD launched its Touch 4G  a hybrid phone which blends smartphone features inside a feature phone. HMD is now following up with another interesting device, which is aimed at children and was co-developed with Norwegian brand Xplora  an established player in the kids' smartwatch market.



XploraOne by HMD

XploraOne by HMD is a similar concept to the HMD Touch 4G, but with a clear focus on being kid-friendly. While no specs or pricing for the device were shared just yet, we can see the design similarities with the HMD Touch 4G.



XploraOne's UI

XploraOne brings a similar-looking compact touchscreen, selfie cam and home button on the front side. The back features a single camera and an LED flash. We can also spot a physical SIM slot on the left-hand side, as well as a power and volume rocker on the right. The top side appears to have an additional button as well as a 3.5mm headphone jack.



XploraOne by HMD

The teasers confirm that XploraOne can make and take calls, send typed and voice messages. It also features extensive parental controls and no third-party apps, web browsers or social media apps. HMD and Xplora are expected to share more details about the device soon.

XploraOne by HMD




Haiti - Economy : Status of Diaspora Remittances to Haiti





The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Groups report, Remittances to Latin America and the Caribbean in 2025, notably examines Haitis situation compared to its Caribbean neighbors in terms of diaspora remittance flows.



The report indicates that the Caribbean sub-region is expected to register a 9.2% growth rate in remittances in 2025, a positive rate but more moderate than that of Central America.



The total amount of remittances for all Caribbean countries is estimated at approximately US$20.9 billion in 2025, primarily driven by the strong performance of remittances to the Dominican Republic ($11.9 billion).



The main sources of remittances to the Caribbean are the United States (50.4%), followed by Canada (10.6%).



Haiti is the second largest recipient in the sub-region, ahead of Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, with US$4.9 billion. The United States is the primary source of remittances for Haiti, accounting for 62.8% of the funds, followed by Canada with 10.6%. The remainder comes from other countries, a significant portion of which originates from Haitians in the diaspora living in the Dominican Republic.



The share of remittances in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Caribbean countries is projected to increase from 9.2% in 2024 to 10.0% in 2025 (driven by a 1.3 percentage point increase in the Dominican Republic), with the exception of Haiti, whose share of GDP has fallen by 3.6%.



HL/ S/ HaitiLibre


















Amid growing concerns about Europe's excessive reliance on US tech giants, a cross-party group of MEPs has strongly urged the administration and leadership of the EU Parliament to abandon the internal use of Microsoft software. This includes the currently ubiquitous cloud-based Office 365 suite within the chamber. Instead, European alternatives should be introduced.

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Politico and Euractiv report on a corresponding letter. The letter is expected to be submitted to Parliament President Roberta Metsola soon.

More than just renouncing Microsoft

The appeal comes at a time when the dominance of a few large US corporations is increasingly viewed as a risk to Europe's security and prosperity. At the same time, the US government, at a meeting in Brussels, has once again demanded digital concessions from the EU. The 38 signatories of the urgent letter are not only demanding the abandonment of Microsoft programs. They also point to screens, keyboards, and mice from Dell, HP, and LG, which are used in the Parliament's IT systems, as replaceable technology.

"With its thousands of employees and its enormous resources, the European Parliament is best positioned to drive the push for technological sovereignty," the letter reportedly states. The people's representatives emphasize that even "old friends can turn into enemies and their companies can become a political tool." Therefore, the EU should not "afford this dependence on foreign technology." Nor should it continue to transfer "billions of taxpayer money abroad."

Windows should also go

The parliamentarians cite a wide range of European alternatives that they consider viable solutions. These include the Norwegian internet browser Vivaldi, the French search engine Qwant, the secure Swiss email suite Proton, and the German collaboration platform Nextcloud. The German Federal Ministry of Digital Affairs recently also pointed to the further development and establishment of the solution OpenDesk, which is considered an alternative to MS 365.

"Our medium-term goal should be the complete phasing out of Microsoft products, including the Windows operating system. This is easier than it sounds," the MEPs admit. In this context, they also praise the recent step taken by the International Criminal Court (ICC), which, due to US sanctions, has parted ways with Microsoft and opted for OpenDesk.

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Among the signatories are influential members from all major parliamentary groups, such as Aura Salla (EPP), Birgit Sippel (SPD), Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann (Liberals), Green MEP Alexandra Geese, and Left MEP Leila Chaibi.

"Made in EU" dominates the fleet

As an example of feasibility, the MEPs state: "The Parliament's fleet consists almost exclusively of cars from European brands. The same can be replicated for computer end products." They are pushing for the establishment of a working group of MEPs and parliamentary staff to accompany and monitor this transition. This is accompanied by the statement: "With enough political will, we will have freed this institution from the danger of dependence on foreign technology by the end of the legislative period."

Austrian liberal Helmut Brandstatter, who is coordinating the initiative, explained: Currently, the Parliament is "running on foreign software that can be switched off, monitored, or politically instrumentalized overnight. This is not only impractical but a strategic vulnerability." He emphasized that the intention is not an "anti-American" but a "pro-European sovereignty measure."

Last week, at a summit in Berlin, Germany supported France's long-standing demands to make Europe technologically more independent of the USA and to pursue its own path to digital sovereignty. A Microsoft spokesperson countered that the US company is "proud to offer the most comprehensive sovereignty solutions on the market today." The company wants to continue to ensure that the EU Parliament and other European customers "have the options and assurances they need to work with confidence."

(nen)

Don't miss any news  follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn or Mastodon. This article was originally published in German. It was translated with technical assistance and editorially reviewed before publication.
From Monday, rain will spread from the west across much of the country.

Meteorologists from both Foreca and the Finnish Meteorological Institute said several fronts will cross the country in quick succession. The weather pattern is expected to persist at least until Independence Day on Saturday.

December will begin with a succession of rain and snow systems moving across Finland, with forecasters expecting wet and unsettled conditions through the week.

South of Oulu, precipitation will fall mostly as rain. In Lapland and central Finland, conditions will vary, with a mix of sleet and snow depending on the location.

Temperatures in southern and central regions are forecast to remain between 1 and 6 degrees Celsius. In Lapland, temperatures are expected to drop well below freezing, with lows nearing minus 25 degrees Celsius in the coldest locations.

Driving conditions are expected to deteriorate significantly, especially in central Finland, North Savo, Kainuu and parts of Lapland. The Finnish Meteorological Institute issued warnings for hazardous roads at the start of the week.

Snowfall will be most intense in northern areas. Kainuu and Northern Ostrobothnia are expected to receive between 15 and 25 centimetres of snow over a three-day period. These areas had recently lost a substantial portion of their snow cover during a mild spell, with up to 12 centimetres melting in some locations.

By Tuesday, the initial front will move eastward, bringing drier weather for much of the day. However, a second rain system is forecast to arrive from the west by the evening, continuing the pattern of unsettled weather.

Forecasters expect another widespread precipitation zone to pass through on Wednesday, with most of the remaining showers concentrated in Lapland. Later in the week, the weather is expected to become slightly more stable but will remain cloudy and damp, with localised showers rather than broad fronts.

From Thursday through the weekend, including Finlands Independence Day on Saturday, much of the country will experience grey and overcast skies. In Lapland, snowfall is likely to continue with temperatures remaining below freezing. Further south, the rain will persist and temperatures will stay above zero.

In southern and central Finland, forecasters say there is no significant snow expected in the coming days. Recent warm conditions have already melted the remaining snow cover, and new precipitation will likely fall as rain.

Night-time temperatures may dip below freezing in parts of the country, particularly inland, but daytime highs in the south and west are expected to remain above zero throughout the week.

Meteorologists said the sequence of low-pressure systems currently moving over the country is typical of Finnish winter weather. These conditions make forecasting difficult in areas near the rain-snow boundary, where slight changes in temperature can shift the form of precipitation.

HT
The Kainuu Brigade said the events leading to the death did not pose a threat to others.

The incident occurred on the first day of the brigades battle drill. The Finnish Defence Forces confirmed the death in a public statement. The conscripts family has been informed.

A conscript serving in the Kainuu Brigade died on Monday morning during a military exercise in Vuosanka, Kuhmo.

The cause of death is under investigation by Oulu Police, who are treating the matter as a standard cause of death inquiry. No crime is suspected.

The death was discovered early on Monday morning near the Vuosanka training area, according to police. Some participants were still en route to the location when the event took place.

Crisis counselling is available to all exercise participants, regardless of their proximity to the event. The deceased conscripts unit was pulled from the exercise. Personnel held an immediate debrief session with those most affected.

The Kainuu Brigade is conducting the exercise at the Vuosanka training ground, which is located in a remote area of northeastern Finland. The battle drill involves conscripts and professional personnel. The deceased soldier had been participating in the drill as part of regular military service.

The Finnish Army and police both stated that the case does not involve an accident or foul play. No weapons malfunction or training error has been identified.

The Kainuu Brigade will lower flags to half-mast on Tuesday at its Hoikankangas garrison in Kajaani to honour the deceased.

HT
According to the report, authored by Aino Kalmbach , the number of early childhood education teachers increased from around 16,000 in 2010 to over 23,000 in 2022. However, the share of those formally qualified to teach dropped from 87% in 2015 to just 73% in 2022.

The share of qualified teachers in Finlands early childhood education sector has declined sharply since 2015, despite a growing overall workforce. A new study by the Research Institute of the Finnish Economy (ETLA) finds that this trend is driven by regional disparities, rising demand for daycare services, and persistent differences in relative pay.

The demand for teachers has outpaced supply due to rising participation rates and a shift from family daycare to centre-based care. These trends have driven staffing needs higher, particularly for the youngest age groups, where more staff per child is required. While the number of qualified teachers has increased in absolute terms, it has not kept up with the total workforce growth.

The shortage is not uniform across the country. Regional differences are significant. In Uusimaa, which includes Helsinki and holds 35% of all early childhood education staff, the number of qualified teachers fell by over 7% between 2015 and 2022. During the same period, the number of children in daycare remained high, and the region's share of qualified staff dropped by more than 10 percentage points.

Other regions, including Lapland and Southwest Finland, also saw sharp declines in the share of qualified staff, despite varying changes in overall demand. Meanwhile, areas like North Ostrobothnia and South Ostrobothnia managed to expand the total number of qualified staff, though not as quickly as the general workforce.

The report also links teacher shortages to relative pay. Wages in early childhood education are largely uniform nationwide due to centralised collective agreements. However, average earnings for other professions differ by region, which affects how competitive early childhood education jobs appear to potential recruits.

Kalmbachs analysis shows that in most areas, a smaller gap between teacher pay and the regional average wage is associated with a smaller shortage of qualified staff. In other words, where teacher pay compares more favourably with local earnings, retention and recruitment are stronger.

This relationship does not hold in the Helsinki region. Despite having the highest number of education graduates and training institutions, Uusimaa still faces a worsening shortage. The report suggests this may be due to factors beyond salary, such as housing costs or working conditions, which were outside the scope of the analysis.

Between 2010 and 2022, teacher qualification requirements in Finland changed. Until recently, qualifications could be obtained through both university and polytechnic degrees. A law passed in 2018 raised the standard, and from 2030 onwards, at least two-thirds of staff must have a relevant degree, half of whom must be qualified teachers. This will likely increase demand for university-trained staff.

HT
The four-hour meeting took place at a private club near Miami. It marked a new phase in the talks, with Rustem Umerov , secretary of Ukraines national security council, leading the Ukrainian delegation following Andriy Yermak s resignation amid a corruption investigation.

U.S. and Ukrainian officials met in Florida on Sunday to continue negotiations on a draft peace plan aimed at ending Russias full-scale war against Ukraine.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, and Presidential Adviser Jared Kushner represented the United States. Witkoff is expected to meet Russian officials in Moscow later this week.

Rubio described the discussions as productive but acknowledged challenges ahead. Theres still work to do. One side is missing from the table, he told reporters, referring to Russias absence from the Florida talks.

Ukraine and the U.S. have spent over two weeks refining the draft agreement, which began as a U.S.-proposed framework criticised for favouring Russian interests. Ukrainian officials submitted a counter-proposal last week in Geneva.

We are protecting Ukrainian interests and building on what was achieved in Geneva, Umerov said before the meeting began.

A Ukrainian delegation source told AFP the search for suitable formulations and solutions remains ongoing. The source described the process as difficult but noted progress.

European governments have urged stronger language in the plan to ensure that Ukraines borders cannot be changed by force, that its military remains independent, and that the EU plays a central role in any future security framework.

Despite the ongoing peace talks, Russian forces have intensified assaults along the eastern front, particularly near Avdiivka and Kupiansk. Targeted missile strikes have damaged Ukraines power plants and caused widespread electricity outages in major cities. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned last week that the country was facing its most difficult moment, while reaffirming that he would not agree to a bad deal.

Zelenskyy said he briefed Finnish President Alexander Stubb ahead of the talks and thanked him for continued support and coordination.

The U.S. side has urged Ukraine to consider major concessions, including ceding territory. U.S. President Donald Trump, who had promised to end the war in one day if re-elected, has expressed frustration over the length of the war despite what he calls a strong personal connection with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Rubio said the aim of the talks was to build a roadmap for a sovereign and independent Ukraine. Its not just about peace deals. Its about shaping a future where Ukraine survives and prospers, he said.

Next weeks round of talks is expected to involve direct contacts between the U.S. and Russian officials. Witkoff is scheduled to travel to Moscow for those discussions.

HT
Trump made the declaration on Saturday via a post on social media, addressing airlines, pilots, drug traffickers, and human smugglers. Please consider THE AIRSPACE ABOVE AND SURROUNDING VENEZUELA TO BE CLOSED IN ITS ENTIRETY, he wrote.

President Donald Trump has declared the airspace over and around Venezuela closed in its entirety, escalating tensions between Washington and Caracas and prompting condemnation from Venezuelan officials, who labelled the move a violation of international law.

The United States has no legal authority to close another countrys sovereign airspace. However, foreign carriers and governments often follow U.S. advisories. The Federal Aviation Administration had previously issued warnings citing heightened military activity in the region. Several airlines have since suspended flights to Venezuela, while Caracas has rescinded landing rights for some foreign carriers in response.

The Venezuelan Foreign Ministry issued a statement on Saturday calling Trumps message an extravagant, illegal and unjustified aggression. It urged international bodies, including the United Nations and regional governments, to reject what it described as a colonialist threat.

Venezuelas President Nicolas Maduro has accused the United States of attempting to justify an armed intervention. This is yet another step toward destabilising Venezuela and seizing its natural wealth, Maduro said in a televised address, referencing Venezuelas extensive oil reserves.

The airspace warning follows months of increased U.S. military presence in the Caribbean. The Trump administration has deployed the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, additional warships, F-35 fighter jets, and roughly 15,000 troops to the region. Since early September, U.S. forces have conducted at least 21 strikes on vessels suspected of drug trafficking, killing over 80 people. The Pentagon claims these were lethal, kinetic strikes, though no evidence has been provided publicly to link the targets to organised drug networks.

While Trumps administration says the operations are part of a broader counter-narcotics mission, critics accuse the U.S. of laying the groundwork for regime change under the guise of law enforcement.

Senator Chuck Schumer, the Senates Democratic leader, said the airspace declaration moved the U.S. closer to another costly foreign war. Republican voices have also raised concerns. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated, Reminder, Congress has the sole power to declare war.

Military exercises by Venezuelan forces intensified over the weekend, with drills conducted along the countrys northern coast. State television broadcast footage of anti-aircraft systems and armoured units deployed in anticipation of potential attacks.

The Trump administration recently designated the Cartel de los Soles, a network of Venezuelan military officials accused of drug trafficking, as a foreign terrorist organisation. The designation grants the U.S. expanded legal authority to target individuals and assets linked to the group, which Washington claims is headed by Maduro. Caracas denies the accusation.

According to the New York Times, Trump spoke by phone with Maduro last week. Although no formal meeting has been scheduled, the two reportedly discussed a possible face-to-face encounter. That conversation occurred days before Trumps airspace declaration and the official designation of the Cartel de los Soles.

HT
Stories of High-Quality Development | Boosting financial services in five fields, advancing high-quality development of the financial sector

People's Daily Online) 13:24, December 01, 2025

What is something you can't see or touch, yet has the remarkable ability to allocate resources across time and space  something essential to both our daily lives and the development of the country?

"The answer is finance," said Yin Yanlin, deputy director of the Economic Committee of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, when hosting People's Daily's video series "Stories of High-Quality Development."

Finance not only provides an efficient and convenient safety net for people's lives, but it is also the lifeblood of the national economy and a key part of a country's core competitiveness, Yin added.

The Recommendations of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) for Formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development, adopted at the fourth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, clearly put forward the strategic goal of working faster to boost China's strength in finance. It also emphasized that the country should step up efforts to develop sci-tech finance, green finance, inclusive finance, pension finance and digital finance.

From the central financial work conference in 2023, where "boosting financial services in five fields" was first put forward, to the fourth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, which called for vigorous efforts to advance them, financial services in the five fields are now charting a new course for finance with Chinese characteristics, Yin noted.

Sci-tech finance empowers space exploration

In October this year, a commercial rocket stood ready for launch in Jiuquan, northwest China's Gansu Province. Over the decades, China's commercial aerospace industry has developed rapidly, with its industrial chain demonstrating robust vitality.

However, the path of entrepreneurship in this field remains challenging, as rocket development itself requires massive investments and involves prolonged cycles.

"Rocket and satellite companies alike face the same fundamental challenge throughout their early years: securing funding," said Fan Na, vice president of CAS Space. With cooperation with China Minsheng Bank, the Lijian-1 carrier rocket has now moved into mass production and regular launch services.

"When we evaluate a company, we don't focus on the small numbers; we look at the big picture," said Wang Lei, president of Beijing Pilot Free Trade Zone High-End Industries Area Sub-Branch of China Minsheng Bank. "First, the team. Second, the technology. Third, the market potential of the product. We constantly refine our approach, translating technical jargon into financial solutions, and boldly exploring innovations like intellectual property pledges, venture loans and other models, ultimately designing solutions that truly fit these companies."

For sci-tech companies reaching for space, finance is the fuel that powers their journey.

"To boost sci-tech finance and develop new quality productive forces, we need to provide full-chain and full-lifecycle financial services for sci-tech companies," said Yin.

Green finance safeguards grassland ecology

Yaks have been the lifeblood of families for generations on the plateau in Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture in northwestern Sichuan Province, where pastoral communities thrive at an average altitude of over 3,500 meters. Every year, at the turn of winter and spring, the plateau is often struck by sudden blizzards, posing a life-or-death challenge to the yaks.

This past March, heavy snowfall caused Huang Minghua, a herder in Mupo township, Xiaojin county in Aba, to lose 48 yaks.

"Upon receiving a phone call from Huang, following insurance rules and ecological protection requirements, we transferred insurance compensation to Huang's account in three days," recalled An Dong, business director of the Aba Central Sub-Branch at China United Property Insurance Co., Ltd. "We've explained the dangers of overgrazing to herders and the benefits of keeping livestock numbers in balance with the grasslands. Although the number of yaks has decreased, the survival rate has improved."

Now, Huang's perspective is also shifting. "In the past, when I herded cattle, I saw only the cattle. Now, when I herd cattle, I see the grass, the mountains, and the water. That's what truly living is all about," Huang said.

"Through green finance, the grasslands are being rejuvenated as herders take an active role in protecting them, while also receiving both ecological and economic rewards," Yin said. To develop green finance and accelerate a comprehensive green transition in economic and social development, we need to refine the policies, standards and products of green finance, direct more resources to green and low-carbon sectors, and provide strong support for sustainable growth and the efforts to achieve peak carbon emissions by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060.

Inclusive finance boosts coffee cultivation, improves farmers' livelihoods

Finance can not only turn green resources into wealth but also provide timely support and improve people's livelihoods.

Thanks to its high altitude and significant temperature variations, Menglian Dai, Lahu, and Wa Autonomous County in Pu'er city, southwest China's Yunnan Province, has become an ideal location for cultivating high-quality coffee.

With coffee prices rising year by year and this year's rainfall impacting production, the funding requirements for various stages  from cultivation to procurement  have also increased.

"When we learned that villagers had no collateral, we offered credit-based loans to 58 affected farm households, with a maximum of 100,000 yuan ($14,100) per household," said Li Jia, deputy president of Menglian Dai, Lahu and Wa Autonomous County Sub-Branch at the Agricultural Bank of China. Responding to funding needs across the supply chain, the bank tapped into credit, government credit reporting, and other guarantee mechanisms to optimize financial products and services for farmers, eventually launching the "rural revitalization coffee loan."

Inclusive finance benefits the daily lives of countless farming households while contributing to broader economic development. Today, Menglian's coffee beans have become income-boosting "gold beans," sending the aroma of Yunnan coffee to the world.

According to Yin, to further develop inclusive finance and enhance people's quality of life, we need to focus on key areas affecting people's livelihoods, develop a wide range of financial products, and make financial services more inclusive. The principle of "finance for the people, benefiting the people, serving the people, and offering convenience to the people" should be turned into a concrete practice.

Pension finance brightens older adults' golden years

At 10 a.m. at Pacific Care Home in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, 92-year-old Wang Shunlai puts on a volunteer vest, pins on his prosecutor's badge and begins explaining legal provisions and solving problems for his neighbors.

Wang began his career as a household registration policeman carrying a canvas bag through the streets and eventually became a chief prosecutor, leading a team honored as a "National Anti-Corruption Advanced Unit." A veteran of the judicial, procuratorial and public security systems, he has spent half his life working with the law. He has been awarded the National May 1 Labor Medal and recognized as one of China's 10 outstanding prosecutors. In retirement, he and his wife have increasingly prioritized the quality of their later years. Seeking a comfortable place to enjoy their retirement, they made Pacific Care Home in Wuhan their new home.

"At my age, I'm grateful that I can still live independently without burdening my children," said Wang. "Beyond maintaining an optimistic attitude and cheerful disposition, having solid living support is also crucial. I have three meals a day in the cafeteria, regular housekeeping for my room, and convenient access to medical care. The age-friendly facilities are also excellent."

According to Wei Lin, deputy general manager of China Pacific Life Insurance Co., Ltd., CPIC is actively responding to the national strategy for addressing population aging and has become deeply involved in the "three-pillar" old-age insurance system, bringing better products and services to more people.

"A single insurance policy does more than provide care and security in old age; it also provides a new platform for older people to enjoy life and find fulfillment," said Yin. To develop pension finance and address the aging population, efforts are needed to expand the supply of financial products for eldercare and better meet the diversifying needs for pension finance.

Digital finance eases access to medical care

At dawn, as the plains in western Sichuan still slumbered, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital was already bustling with activity. The fingers of Zeng Xiaohong, director of the Finance Department, danced swiftly across the keyboard.

Here, every second counts when it comes to health. This spring, the Smart Health Care platform was integrated into the hospital's operations. Since the platform went live, the hospital's financial operations efficiency has improved dramatically. Tasks that previously required seven people can now be handled by just one.

To enhance the user experience, staff conducted surveys and compiled nine categories of Q&A guides, covering areas such as user management and handling abnormal bills. These were developed into a database of over 30 common questions and answers, which were then uploaded to the platform. As a result, the average time to find an answer was reduced from 63 seconds to under 12 seconds, explained Zhao Liang, director of the Corporate Banking Platform Operations Team of the Platform Operations Center at China Construction Bank. These digital operational measures make every financial reconciliation smarter and every medical expense refund smoother. Each gain in capital flow efficiency helps ease people's minds.

Supporting these caring services is the underlying technology.

According to Chen Chao, vice president of Huawei Kunpeng Computing Industry, by leveraging a distributed banking core system and computational infrastructure, enhanced with proprietary innovations such as natural language processing, dynamic knowledge base construction, and cross-system data interaction, the efficiency of each service is significantly boosted. The integration of digital technology and finance has given rise to a stream of intelligent vitality that serves countless industries.

When finance is stable, the economy is stable; when finance thrives, the economy thrives.

Boosting financial services in five fields should adhere to a people-centered approach, advance the development of finance with Chinese characteristics, and contribute to building China into a strong country and achieving the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation through high-quality financial development, said Yin.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Wu Chengliang)
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered that all people aboard an alleged drug vessel were killed by a U.S. strike in September, prompting the military to conduct a second strike to finish off survivors, according to a new report.

Citing two people with knowledge of the operation, The Washington Post noted that a second strike was conducted to kill two survivors of the first strike, which had already destroyed the vessel and killed nine.

"The order was to kill everybody," one of the people said about Hegseth's orders. The strike was the first one of the ongoing military campaign that has so far killed more than 80 people.

Todd Huntley, a former military lawyer who advised Special Operations forces for years, told the outlet that the actions amount to "murder." Ordering the strike when surviving crew members were no longer able to pose a threat "would in essence be an order to show no quarter, which would be a war crime," he added.

Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell rejected the report, saying the "narrative is completely false." "Ongoing operations to dismantle narcoterrorism and to protect the Homeland from deadly drugs have been a resounding success," he added.

The commander who oversaw the mission, Adm. Frank M. "Mitch" Bradley, justified the measure saying the survivors could have called other drug traffickers to retrieve them and their cargo.

Protocols were changed after the strike, the report added, directing troops to rescue suspected smugglers if they survived the strike. That happened in one that took place on October 16, when two men were captured and sent to Ecuador and Colombia.

Originally published on Latin Times
President Donald Trump said he "wouldn't have wanted a second strike" against an alleged drug vessel, following controversy stemming from a report that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered all people aboard the vessel be killed.

Speaking to press aboard the Air Force one, Trump was asked specifically about the report and whether a second strike that finished off survivors would have been legal.

"I don't know that happened and Pete said he did not even know what people were talking about. We'll look into it. I wouldn't have wanted a second strike. The first strike was very lethal. It was fine. Pete said that didn't happen. I have great confidence. Pete said he didn't order the death of those two men," Trump said.

Reporter: If there were a second strike that killed wounded people, would that be legal?



Trump: I dont know that happened and Pete said he did not even know what people were talking about. I wouldnt have wanted a second strike. The first strike was very lethal. It was fine. pic.twitter.com/UYikol8Tc7  Acyn (@Acyn) November 30, 2025

Trump was then asked if he had concerns on "how those boat strikes have been carried out," to which he said "very little." "You can see the drugs on those boats and each one is responsible for killing 25,000 Americans," Trump added.

Hegseth seems to be in hot water following the report, especially as Republican-led Committees in the House and the Senate announced they will conduct respective investigations regarding the incident.

Republican Sen. Roger Wicker, the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, issued a statement along with Democratic counterpart Jack Reed vowing to investigate the reported order.

They claimed to be "aware of recent news report  and the Department of Defense's initial response  regarding alleged follow-on strikes on suspected narcotics vessels," and said they will be conducting "vigorous oversight to determine the facts related to these circumstances."

Likewise, the leaders of the House Armed Services Committee, including GOP Rep. Mike Rogers, said they are "taking bipartisan action to gather a full accounting of the operation in question."

On Saturday, Democratic Rep. Ted Lieu said Hegseth may have committed a war crime if the reporting is accurate.

In a social media publication, Lieu told Hegseth that he read the DOJ memo exempting military members involved in the deployment in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific from prosecution and nothing in it "or military law, authorizes a second kinetic strike against defenseless survivors."

"If the reports are true, then a war crime was committed. Also there is generally no statute of limitations for war crimes," Lieu added.

The report in question noted that Hegseth ordered that all people aboard the vessel be killed by a U.S. strike in September, prompting the military to conduct a second strike to finish off survivors.

Citing two people with knowledge of the operation, the outlet detailed that a second strike was conducted to kill two survivors of the first strike, which had already destroyed the vessel and killed nine.

Originally published on Latin Times
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IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) and ALAND today celebrated the official opening of voco Gosford, a new upscale lifestyle hotel at the heart of The Archibald precinct on the NSW Central Coast - officially opened by Premier Chris Minns.

The 130-room property introduces a fresh, contemporary experience to the region, featuring a rooftop pool with swim-up bar, six distinctive dining and bar venues, and expansive meeting and event facilities including the Altitude Grand Ballroom and Level 28's Astra Rooftop Bar.

Just an hour north of Sydney, voco Gosford is set to bring a buzz to the Central Coast, adding a new landmark to the city's expanding skyline and giving travellers another great reason to visit.

voco Gosford joins a growing Australian brand portfolio comprising voco Gold Coast, voco Kirkton Park Hunter Valley, voco Brisbane City Centre and voco Melbourne Central. Globally, voco has surpassed 100 open hotels and continues to expand rapidly, blending the charm and character of an independent stay with the quality, scale and reliability of all IHG properties.

voco Gosford forms part of The Archibald, a landmark mixed-use precinct that brings together boutique accommodation, restaurants, bars and retail outlets to create a new destination for the Central Coast. Guests can book stays direct and enjoy the benefits of IHG One Rewards, one of the world's largest hotel loyalty programmes.

Hotel website
Melbourne's newest hotel, Hannah St Hotel, has announced a senior executive appointment ahead of its opening later this month in the city's vibrant art's precinct: Bernard Glaude as Food & Beverage Manager.

Bernard brings two decades of international hospitality experience to Hannah St Hotel. His formative years were spent in Michelin-starred restaurants in New York, including Le Bernardin, Jean-Georges, and Aquavit.

Internationally, he has consulted with Massimo Bottura on the opening of Casa Maria Luigia and Gucci Osteria, and with the Gramercy Park Hotel under Danny Meyer's Union Square Hospitality Group. Most recently, he has held senior roles with Lucas Restaurants, Accor, and luxury boutique hotels in regional Australia, and founded the award-winning Belvedere Social in Daylesford.

A graduate of the University of Gastronomic Sciences, Bernard brings a deep understanding of how food and beverage relate to culture and experience. At Hannah St Hotel, he will oversee food and beverage operations across the hotel and Queensbridge precinct, shaping an experience that celebrates Melbourne's culture.
Central Berkshire's MCAS Scores Rank Higher than State

DALTON, Mass.  Central Berkshire Regional School District is one of 13 districts in the state recognized for exceeding pre-pandemic MCAS scores.

"Central Berkshire is also beating the state in percentages of students meeting or exceeding expectations [and its] science scores are the best in the county," said Ellen Lattizzori, curriculum subcommittee chair.

Rather than holding a three-hour meeting, the district decided to present the data on each school during a curriculum subcommittee meeting last month. Lattizzori summarized the data during the School Committee's Nov. 20 meeting.

At least 50 percent of students without disabilities received scores that are meeting or exceeding expectations, which shows that the district's high-quality curriculum choices are working, she said.

Based on 2024 Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System scores, the district's growth score for English language and arts is 53 and for math 64; anything above 60 is considered high growth.

It was also highlighted how Nessacus Regional Middle School was a school of recognition for 2025.

Overall results statewide are still lower by about 10 points than they were pre-pandemic.

Low-income students are achieving higher levels in all but one district in the county; 40 percent of the Central Berkshire district is considered low-income, she said.

Students with disabilities came in third in the county and beat state-level scores for this group.

"However, very low percentages of these students are meeting or exceeding expectations in terms of actual scores when compared to our students overall," Lattizzori said.

Although the scores showed significant gains it also demonstrated the gaps within the system for students with higher needs.

According to the data, 96 percent of students with disabilities fall into the "not meeting expectations" category and 74 percent of students without disabilities are meeting or exceeding expectations.

"There are systemwide gaps in special education that grew significantly at the middle school level, especially in ELA," she said.

There are two main areas that need attention: first, special educators require more instructional face time with their students; second, the need to enhance opportunities for collaboration between special educators and general educators to support students more effectively, Superintendent Michael Henault said.

A more comprehensive report on this will be presented at the December School Committee meeting.

To address the cause of the gap will require restructuring of the "strict" Individualized Education Program compliance policies and that will require significant effort to provide time for special education and general education teachers to collaborate on each student.

"In almost every grade level, in every subject," Henault said.

The only areas in which the district was not above the state average was its fourth grade ELA class, which was below, and the 10th grade ELA class, which was at the state level.

The fourth-grade class is an outlier in the data, said Henault, and includes students who were in kindergarten during the pandemic.

"The hardest group has been the students that didn't learn to read when they were in kindergarten  I know that as a cohort, teachers have worked really hard to build basic literacy skills at more than a grade level per year," he said.

These students essentially lost a big chunk of preschool, if they were in preschool, and all of kindergarten, he said.

"Whether or not those students were over-identified for having disabilities based on deficits that were caused by the pandemic is likely what we're seeing but we have to intervene a little bit differently with that grade level," Henault said.

According to the data, the gap between students with disabilities and all students is larger than the state and students with disabilities are achieving at lower levels than the state.

There are systemwide gaps in special education that grow steadily from third to sixth grade and then remain. The gap for ELA is widening.

The district is navigating ways it can add to its targeted intervention support for 20-30 percent of students who are not meeting or exceeding expectations and do not get intense intervention services.

The three elementary schools in the district identified various techniques to support high-needs students, close the gap with general education students, and increase overall achievement.

Becket Washington Elementary plans to use reading and literacy programs iReady and Amplify, and classroom data to improve ELA and math achievement.

They will enhance social emotional learning, counseling support, and family engagement, while coordinating between special and general education interventions to close the achievement gap for students with disabilities. There will also be bi-monthly data meetings to analyze student needs and how to address them at all tier levels.

Craneville Elementary plans to redesign the K-12 Multi-Tiered System of Supports to increase targeted interventions, reduce chronic absenteeism, and provide an equitable support system for the academic, social and emotional needs of all students.

At Kittredge Elementary, overall achievement dipped by 1.6 in ELA, and 0.3 in math. High-need students dropped 4 points in ELA and 3.4 points in math despite the increase in its lowest performing cohort. ELA was low for all subgroups.

According to the presentation, the school plans to integrate district social emotional learning curriculum, schedule consistent social emotional learning instructional time, shift to iReady Math for targeted remediation, and expand family/volunteer opportunities. Additionally, a full-time equivalent ELA Interventionist will be added to personnel.

Nessacus Regional Middle School plans to provide dedicated academic and IEP-aligned support for students with disabilities, have professional development on iReady, Amplify, and DIBELS (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills ) to equip teachers with diagnostic-driven Tier II/III interventions that are explicitly designed to close gaps for students with disabilities.

They also plan to have regular diagnostics and progress?monitoring cycles identify where SWD are falling behind and trigger timely supplemental instruction.

Wahconah Regional High School will expand the multi-tiered system of supports so that academic, social-emotional, and behavioral interventions are aligned across all tiers, giving students with disabilities more systematic access to intensive help.

Additionally, it will pinpoint the most critical standards and spread effective instructional practices school?wide.

The presentation showcased the importance of collaborative planning during which teachers, special-education staff, and administrators work together to align IEP goals with districtwide standards and Multi-Tiered System of Supports interventions.
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South Korean police have arrested four people accused of hacking more than 120,000 internet-connected video cameras in homes and businesses and using the footage to produce sexually exploitative material.

The National Police Agency (NPA) said the footage was then shared on an overseas website, according to a BBC News report.

The suspects targeted Internet Protocol (IP) cameras by exploiting security weaknesses, including the use of simple passwords, authorities said on Sunday.

IP cameras, a cheaper alternative to CCTV, connect to home networks and are commonly used for security or to monitor children and pets.

Police said hacked locations included private homes, karaoke rooms, a pilates studio and a gynaecologists clinic.

Hackers exploited vulnerabilities in the security of the cameras ( PA )

According to an NPA statement, the four suspects operated independently of one another, and did not conspire together.

IP camera hacking and illegal filming inflict immense suffering on victims and are therefore serious offences. We will eradicate them through vigorous investigations, said Park Woo-hyun, a cyber investigation chief at the NPA.

Viewing and possessing illegally filmed videos are also serious crimes, so we will actively investigate them.

One suspect is accused of hacking 63,000 cameras and creating 545 sexually exploitative videos, which he allegedly sold for 35 million won ($12,235) in virtual assets.

Another allegedly breached 70,000 cameras and sold 648 videos for 18 million won.

The two suspects accounted for about 62% of all videos posted over the past year on a website that illegally distributed hacked IP-camera footage, police said.

Authorities are working to block and shut down the site and are coordinating with foreign agencies to investigate its operator. Three alleged buyers and viewers of the material have also been arrested.

Police said they have visited or notified victims at 58 locations, advising them to change passwords and helping them remove or block online content. Efforts to identify additional victims are under way.

Above all, it is crucial and effective for individual users who have installed IP cameras in homes or business premises to remain vigilant and immediately and regularly change their access passwords, the NPA said in a statement.
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Pakistan has rejected criticism from the UN human rights chief, who said a recent move to grant legal immunity to top military leaders could severely weaken the rule of law.

Pakistans parliament approved a controversial constitutional amendment earlier this month guaranteeing lifelong immunity from prosecution to Field Marshal Asim Munir, the army chief widely regarded as the most powerful figure in the country, and several senior officials.

The amendment also established a new Federal Constitutional Court, diminishing the supreme courts authority and tightening the governments control over the judiciary.

Mr Turk had warned that these changes, taken together, risk subjugating the judiciary to political interference and executive control. Sweeping immunity provisions like these undermine accountability, he explained, which is a cornerstone of the human rights framework and democratic control of the armed forces under the rule of law.

He cautioned the reforms could have far-reaching consequences for the principles of democracy and rule of law which the Pakistani people hold dear.

In a statement on 30 November, the foreign ministry said that Islamabad remained fully committed to protecting the freedoms and the rule of law as enshrined in its constitution while dismissing criticism from the UN rights chief Volker Turk.

It was regrettable that Pakistans views and ground realities were not reflected in Mr Turks remarks, the ministry said, calling his concerns baseless.

The sweeping legal changes coincided with mounting public anxiety, and a flurry of speculation online, about the condition of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan.

Mr Khans son issued a public plea on Thursday demanding proof that his father was alive and safe, claiming that all family contact had been blocked for weeks.

Kasim Khan said that his father, imprisoned since August 2023, had now spent 845 days in detention and been confined to a death cell without phone access or visits.

For the past six weeks, he has been kept alone in a death cell in an environment of complete isolation. His sisters have been barred from every meeting, despite clear court orders. No phone calls, no meetings, and no news of his well-being. My brother and I have not been able to contact our father in any way, he wrote on X.

File. Pakistans former prime minister Imran Khan ( Reuters )

He said this treatment of Mr Khan had nothing to do with security protocols and that it amounted to concealing the state of his fathers health.

This complete darkness is not part of any security protocol, he said, insisting the government would bear full legal, moral, and international responsibility for any consequences of the confinement.

He urged foreign governments and rights organisations to pressure Islamabad to allow court-mandated visits, end what he called inhumane isolation, and release Pakistans most popular political leader, who has been imprisoned solely for political reasons.

The former leaders sister said attempts to meet him at the Adiala Jail had become unpredictable and increasingly futile.

For the last six to seven months, they have caused a lot of trouble. Sometimes they let me meet him, sometimes they let one of my sisters meet him, sometimes they dont let anyone meet him. Many times, we wait outside for hours, Aleema Khanum told NDTV.

Another sister, Noreen Niazi, told the Indian news agency ANI that no family member had been allowed access for four weeks.

We dont know anything. They are not telling us anything, nor are they letting anybody meet him, she said, adding that even senior figures of Mr Khans Tehreek-e-Insaf party with scheduled appointments had been turned away.

She described Mr Khans isolation as the pinnacle of oppression.

Senior members of Mr Khans opposition party shared similar concerns. Zulfi Bukhari said the rumours about the jailed leaders health were gaining traction because of the prolonged blackout.

We should just be allowed to meet him, he told The Independent last week, arguing that a single visit would dispel speculation.

He also linked the timing of Mr Khans isolation to the constitutional changes. According to Mr Bukhari, authorities wanted to silence the former prime minister during a politically sensitive period. Theyve just cut all access to the outside world at a very crucial time when crazy amendments are being passed in parliament, he said.

Meanwhile, Adiala Jail authorities strongly rejected claims of mistreatment, insisting the 73-year-old former leader was in good physical condition.

The jail administration said the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leadership had been informed about Mr Khans health. All necessary care is being provided to the PTI chief, they said, describing reports of his secret transfer out of the prison as entirely baseless.

Pakistan, a nation of 250 million people, has repeatedly grappled with the militarys overwhelming political influence.

The armed forces have ruled the country directly for nearly half of its existence as an independent state since 1947 and been the dominant institutional power even under civilian governments.

This backdrop has amplified concerns that granting lifetime immunity to the current army chief further entrenches military supremacy, especially at a moment when the countrys most prominent civilian political figure is held in near-total isolation.

Mr Khan, who was elected prime minister in 2018 and ousted four years later through a parliamentary no confidence vote that he later accused the military of orchestrating at the behest of the US, maintains that the dozens of criminal cases lodged against him are designed to prevent his political comeback.

He and his wife were sentenced in January to 14 and seven years in jail, respectively, on corruption charges they said were fabricated.
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The death toll from the devastating flooding in Asia has surpassed 1,200, with storms and cyclones battering Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Sri Lanka and bringing their heaviest rainfall in decades.

Hundreds of people have been reported missing since floods and landslides first struck last week, affecting millions across Southeast Asia, killing at least 659 in Indonesia, 390 in Sri Lanka and 181 in Thailand, authorities said on Tuesday.

The flooding was triggered by the exceptionally rare Cyclone Senyar sweeping through Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand and the powerful Cyclone Ditwah pounding Sri Lanka and India.

In Indonesia, the hardest hit by the disaster, the death toll jumped to 659 on Tuesday, up from 440 over the weekend, the head of the disaster mitigation agency said. Some 475 people remained missing.

Rescuers were struggling to reach villages on the island of Sumatra, where thousands of people were still stranded after the floods washed out roads and collapsed bridges.

Helicopters and boats had been deployed, but officials said worsening weather and damaged infrastructure were slowing operations.

President Prabowo Subianto pledged to rebuild the infrastructure while visiting the affected areas on Sumatra.

"We need to confront climate change effectively," he added. "Local governments must take a significant role in safeguarding the environment and preparing for the extreme weather conditions that will arise from future climate change."

open image in gallery Rescuers take a survivor out of floodwaters in Aceh, Indonesia ( AP )

Flooding had displaced 290,700 people across the provinces of North Sumatra, West Sumatra and Aceh, the disaster management Agency said.

The water just rose up into the house and we were afraid, so we fled. Then we came back on Friday, and the house was gone, destroyed, Afrianti, 41, who only goes by one name, told Reuters in West Sumatras capital, Padang, where she was sheltering.

Many people in Sumatra were forced to steal food and water to survive, said police spokesperson Ferry Walintukan, adding that regional police had been deployed to restore order.

open image in gallery a damaged house in a flooded area in Pidie Jaya district of Indonesia's Aceh province ( AFP via Getty )

"The looting happened before logistical aid arrived," he said, adding that residents didn't know that aid would come and were worried they would starve.

Videos on social media showed people running past barricades, flooded roads and broken glass to get their hands on food, medicine and gas. Some were seen wading through waist-deep floodwaters to reach the convenience stores.

Relentless downpours began hammering Sumatra on Wednesday, triggering extensive flooding that submerged towns and swept away roads.

open image in gallery Landslide survivors clean the debris in Hanguranketha, Sri Lanka, on Saturday ( AP )

In Thailand, the floods have affected roughly 3.8 million people and killed at least 181. Heavy rains have inundated parts of 12 southern provinces, with deaths confirmed in at least eight, a government spokesperson said in Bangkok.

The first batch of compensation payments were set to be distributed on Monday, the spokesman announced.

Authorities were working to clean up streets and restore infrastructure, including water and electricity.

The interior ministry said it was setting up public kitchens to provide freshly cooked food to the affected residents.

open image in gallery A woman stands on shore after deadly flash floods in Padang, West Sumatra, Indonesia ( Reuters )

The extreme weather, meteorologists said, was driven in part by Cyclone Senyar, an unusually rare system that formed in the Strait of Malacca. As the storm approached Thailand, Hat Yai, a major city near the Malaysian border, received 335mm of rainfall last Friday, the highest for a single day in 300 years.

In neighbouring Malaysia, the toll was lower, but the scale of damage remained severe.

Flooding swamped large parts of northern Perlis, leaving two people dead and forcing tens of thousands into temporary shelters.

open image in gallery An aerial view shows houses partially submerged in floodwaters after heavy rainfall in Kaduwela on the outskirts of Colombo on November 29, 2025 ( AFP via Getty )

Further west, Sri Lanka was left reeling after Cyclone Ditwah hit the island nation. The death toll rose sharply on Sunday to 390.

The Disaster Management Centre said 370 people remained missing and warned that more heavy rains brought by the cyclone were expected in the coming days.

Among those missing were five navy personnel who were last seen trying to cut off overflowing water at a naval sub-station in Chalai Lagoon, northeast of the country.

Some 80,000 people were displaced and almost 120,000 sent to state-run temporary shelters, according to the agency.

Authorities expect the toll to rise as rescue operations continue.

About a third of the country is feared to be without essential services like electricity or running water due to collapsed power lines and inundated water purification facilities. Internet connections are also disrupted.

Troops from the army, navy, and air force are assisting civilian workers and volunteers with the relief effort.

open image in gallery A man stands amid fishing boats onshore ahead of Cyclone Ditwahs arrival in Chennai, India, on 30 November 2025 ( REUTERS )

In the central city of Kandy, people were struggling without water, and authorities warned that conditions could worsen as more rain was forecast in the coming days.

Footage showed homes, roads and farmland engulfed by floodwaters.

My sister and I were trapped on the upper floor of our home with our four children for two days. We slowly ran out of food," Sunethra Priyadarshani, 37, told Reuters.

We only had biscuits and water to give them last night.

open image in gallery A man pushes a makeshift raft along a flooded street on the outskirts of Colombo, Sri Lanka ( AFP via Getty )

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake declared a state of emergency on Saturday to deal with the aftermath of the cyclone and appealed for international aid.

Were facing the largest and most challenging natural disaster in our history, he said in an address to the nation. Certainly, we will build a better nation than what existed before.

Neighbouring India, which is facing heavy rainfall due to the cyclone, was the first to send relief supplies and two helicopters with crew to carry out rescue missions.

The cyclone weakened into a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal and inched towards Indias eastern coast as heavy rains and strong winds continued to lash parts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry in the south.

Three persons were killed in rain-related incidents, the Tamil Nadu government said.

The cyclone is Sri Lankas deadliest natural disaster since 2017, when flooding and landslides killed more than 200 people and displaced hundreds of thousands.

Weather experts say the extreme conditions across the region may have been intensified due to various cyclonic activities at the same time, like Typhoon Koto in the Philippines and Cyclone Senyar in the Malacca Strait.
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A Bangladesh court has sentenced the Labour MP Tulip Siddiq to two years in prison after finding her guilty of corruption over a government land project.

Siddiq was found guilty of corruptly influencing her aunt, the former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, to help her mother acquire a piece of land in the suburbs of the Bangladeshi capital.

Siddiqs mother, Sheikh Rehana, was given seven years in prison, while Hasina was sentenced to five years in prison.

All were tried in absentia by Dhakas Special Judges Court, and the MP for Hampstead and Highgate, who denied the allegations, is unlikely to serve her sentence, as the UK does not have an extradition treaty with Bangladesh.

Following the sentencing, Siddiq called the trial flawed and farcical from the beginning to the end.

She added: The outcome of this kangaroo court is as predictable as it is unjustified. I hope this so-called verdict will be treated with the contempt it deserves. My focus has always been my constituents in Hampstead and Highgate and I refuse to be distracted by the dirty politics of Bangladesh.

Siddiq faces a number of cases in Bangladesh, which prompted her to resign as Sir Keir Starmers anti-corruption minister in January this year.

Hasina, who fled to India in August last year amid massive anti-government protests, has already been sentenced to death by a tribunal court in Bangladesh for committing crimes against humanity. Last week, she was handed a combined 21-year prison sentence in relation to other corruption cases.

Prosecutors argued that the land in the Purbachal New Town project was unlawfully allocated through political influence and collusion with senior officials, accusing the defendants of abusing their authority to secure the plot, which measures around 13,610 sq ft, during Hasinas tenure as prime minister.

open image in gallery Tulip Siddiq has denied the allegations ( PA Archive )

Court documents claimed that Siddiq forced and influenced her aunt and the former prime minister Sheikh Hasina using her special power to secure [a plot of land] for her mother Rehana Siddiq, sister Azmina Siddiq and brother Radwan Siddiq.

A total of 17 defendants were each told to pay TK100,000 (620), with the proviso that they will serve an additional six months in prison if they fail to do so. The 14 other defendants were each sentenced to five years in prison.

Prosecutors said Siddiq was tried as a Bangladeshi citizen after the authorities obtained her Bangladeshi passport, ID and tax number  a claim disputed by the Labour MP.

Her lawyers claimed that she had never had a registered voter ID and that she had not held a [Bangladeshi] passport since she was a child.

None of the defendants, including Siddiq, appointed a defence lawyer to represent them.

open image in gallery Siddiq pictured with her aunt Sheikh Hasina at the Kremlin in 2013 ( AP )

Siddiq previously claimed that she was collateral damage in the feud between her aunt and Muhammad Yunus  the Nobel laureate named interim leader of Bangladesh following Hasinas ousting.

In an interview with broadcasters on Monday, Siddiq said she had repeatedly reached out to the Bangladeshi authorities in an attempt to clear her name, but her approaches had been rebuffed.

She said: I am not difficult to find. I am a parliamentarian. All they had to do is send some papers to the House of Commons, to parliament, and I would have responded.

I feel like I am in some sort of Kafka-esque nightmare where I am carrying on doing my day job, but on the other hand, I am apparently being convicted in Bangladesh, she said in a reference to author Franz Kafka, famous for his stories of existentialism.

And the only reason I know I am being convicted is because I read it in the newspapers. So this is trial by media, which is deeply unfair, the MP added.

The Bangladesh court had issued an arrest warrant for Siddiq in April. She was indicted in July.

Siddiq resigned from her ministerial job at the Treasury earlier this year following an investigation by the prime ministers ethics adviser of her links with Hasinas regime. She came under scrutiny over her use of properties in London linked to her aunts allies.

open image in gallery Anti-government protesters storm Sheikh Hasinas palace in Dhaka last August ( AFP/Getty )

Although Sir Laurie Magnus concluded that Siddiq had not breached the ministerial code, he advised Sir Keir to reconsider her responsibilities. Ms Siddiq chose to resign, saying she had become a distraction from the governments agenda.

Asked about Mondays conviction, chief secretary to the prime minister Darren Jones told BBC Breakfast: This is a private matter for Tulip to talk to, but my understanding is that a trial took place in Bangladesh that she was not part of.

She tried to engage with questions from the Bangladeshi government, but was not allowed to do so, and has concluded that this is more of a political situation than a legal situation. She continues to deny any allegations that have been made against her.

He added: This is a decision taken by a foreign country and a foreign court. Im sure that Tulips going to be getting on with the job of representing her constituents in parliament.

open image in gallery Sheikh Hasina (left) is flanked by her sister Sheikh Rehana as she speaks to the media after casting her vote in Dhaka, Bangladesh, in January last year ( AP )

Siddiqs mother and two siblings have been living outside Bangladesh since the August protests last year. Siddiqs two siblings face other charges relating to last years uprising.

In a statement, Hasina rejected the process that found her guilty on Monday. She said: No country is free from corruption. But corruption needs to be investigated in a way that is not itself corrupt. The ACC [Anti-Corruption Commission] has failed that test today.

Her Awami League party, which has been banned from taking part in the countrys general election in February, said in a statement: The allegations against Sheikh Hasina, her sister, and many others, including members of her immediate and wider family, are firmly denied. No persuasive evidence of corruption was heard at the ACC, because none exists.

Hasina said her successor, Dr Yunus, was using the ACC as a smokescreen to distract attention from his own governance failings.

He is also using it to suppress a political party that was elected nine times since independence, including the last time Bangladeshis were allowed to go to the polls, she said.
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Resident doctors in England will go on strike from 17 to 22 December, the British Medical Association (BMA) has announced - with the health secretary Wes Streeting describing it as a cynical attempt to wreck Christmas.

The five-day strike in the run-up to Christmas comes as doctors accuse the government of failing to make sufficient progress towards a viable deal on jobs and pay.

In an email to doctors seen by The Independent, the BMA said it gave [health secretary] Wes Streeting a window of opportunity to get back round the table in a letter from 19 November.

The email read: Today is 1 December. The secretary of state has not written to us and instead oversaw thousands of resident doctors turned away from IMT posts, all the while trying to push a real-terms pay cut onto us in 2026.

Mr Streeting has described it as a cynical attempt to wreck Christmas and said the BMA has chosen to strike when it will cause maximum disruption, causing untold anxiety.

open image in gallery Resident doctors make up around half the medical workforce in the NHS ( PA )

Its time for resident doctors to stand up to the BMA and say that enough is enough. These strikes are in no ones interest and there is no moral justification for them. Resident doctors should ignore the BMAs attempts to turn them into the Grinch who stole Christmas.

"My door has always been open, I have never walked away from the table, and I stand ready to do a deal that puts patients first this Christmas."

It is the second round of strike action taken by resident doctors since the election of a leadership in the resident doctors committee (RDC) in September, with North East-based Dr Jack Fletcher at the helm.

Following talks in October and November with Mr Streeting, a five-day strike was held from 14 to 19 November.

The BMA accused the government in its email on Monday of presiding over yet another catastrophic recruitment round and said that doctors are the collateral damage, despite our warnings and willingness to fix this disaster by getting to a deal.

NHS Providers chief executive Daniel Elkeles described the move as an inflammatory act by the BMA during a period in which the health service needs all hands on deck.

We need to ensure theres the hospital capacity too to deal with the additional demand that always comes at this time of year. Thats going to be even more challenging now. Its totally unfair to patients and to other staff working for the NHS, he said.

Both sides need to get back round the table to break the logjam.

open image in gallery Health secretary Wes Streeting speaks to NHS staff during a visit to NHS Englands headquarters at Wellington House in London last month ( PA )

But Dr Fletcher said the union had no choice but to announce more strike dates after the government failed to propose a credible plan to fix the jobs crisis for resident doctors at the same time as pushing a real terms pay cut for them.

He said the strikes do not need to go ahead if pay is gradually raised in the following years and some common-sense fixes are carried out by the government to ensure both the long-term strength of our healthcare workforce.

Second-year doctors applying for training posts are being asked to provide evidence of experience well beyond what would have previously been asked of them, he said.

But Mr Streeting said the government had offered to create more jobs and put money back in resident doctors pockets in a deal which the BMA rejected it out of hand.

He added: "Now, without a single conversation with the government, theyre threatening more strikes at the busiest time of the year.

Last months industrial action  which followed another round from 25 to 30 July  was the 13th strike since March 2023. The summer walkout was estimated to have cost the health service 300m.

Last week, the BMA announced it would be balloting its resident doctor members on extending its mandate for strike action, which runs out in January.

If the vote is successful, the mandate would extend to August 2026. The ballot will run from 8 December until 2 February.
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Laughing gas could offer rapid-acting treatment for depression, a study has found.

Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is a colourless gas that is inhaled and commonly used as a painkiller.

The gas, which was banned for recreational use in 2023, can make people feel light-headed, dizzy and relaxed - but heavy use can lead to a vitamin B12 deficiency, which can damage nerves in the spinal cord.

But the drug, which is still legal for medical use, has been shown to offer fast-acting depressive symptom relief for adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) and treatment-resistant depression (TRD).

Researchers say it could be especially beneficial for the 48 per cent of patients who have not responded to first-line antidepressants.

Nitrous oxide could be used to help treat depression, researchers find ( Getty/iStock )

Depression is a debilitating illness, made even more so by the fact that antidepressants make no meaningful difference for almost half of all patients diagnosed with it, said Kiranpreet Gill, a PhD researcher funded by the Medical Research Council at the University of Birmingham and first author of the study.

Our analyses show that nitrous oxide could form part of a new generation of rapid-acting treatments for depression.

For the study published in the journal eBioMedicine, researchers from the University of Birmingham, University of Oxford, and Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust assessed seven clinical trials and four protocol papers published by investigators from around the world.

Each research study looked at the use of nitrous oxide for treating depressive disorders, including MDD, TRD and bipolar depression.

Researchers found that a single treatment of inhaled clinical nitrous oxide at 50 per cent concentration produced rapid and significant reductions in depressive symptoms within 24 hours. But these effects did not last longer than a week.

However, when the dose was spread out over several weeks, it led to longer-lasting effects.

The drug is thought to target glutamate receptors, which are vital for learning and memory, in a similar way to ketamine - another rapid-acting antidepressant. Study authors say this may explain why improvements in mood can be observed soon after inhalation.

David Nutt, professor of neuropsychopharmacology at Imperial College London, who believes the ban on nitrous oxide was political, has written about the clinical value of the drug.

He told The Independent: It's called laughing gas because it removes the natural tension and anxiety we all have in our brains, so it allows people to become relaxed and happy instantly.

It changes the brain blood flow and so probably disrupts the brain circuits of depression.

Researchers in the study examined the safety and potential side effects of nitrous oxide. Some patients experienced side effects such as nausea, dizziness and headaches, all of which passed quickly and resolved without medical intervention.

Although higher doses at 50 per cent concentration increased the likelihood of these side effects, researchers did not have any short-term safety concerns.

But researchers stressed that longer-term safety must be assessed through future studies.

Professor Steven Marwaha, from the University of Birmingham and senior author of the study, said: This is a significant milestone in understanding the potential of nitrous oxide as an added treatment option for patients with depression who have been failed by current treatments. This population has often lost hope of recovery, making the results of this study particularly exciting.
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A man charged over a mass stabbing on a train in Cambridgeshire and a spate of knife attacks in Peterborough has failed to attend his court hearing, and will stand trial next year.

Anthony Williams, 32, is accused of attempting to murder 10 people on an LNER service from Doncaster to London on 1 November, which led to 11 people being treated in hospital.

He is also accused of attempting to murder a 17-year-old on a DLR train at Pontoon Dock in east London as well as several separate incidents on 31 October.

He did not attend Mondays hearing at Cambridge Crown Court, with a provisional trial date set for 22 June 2026.

The attack started shortly after the train left Peterborough station, with passengers pulling the emergency alarms. Train driver Andrew Johnson, who served in the Royal Navy for 17 years, contacted a signaller and requested an unscheduled stop at Huntingdon station.

open image in gallery Police officers and members of the emergency services search the track beneath an LNER train at Huntingdon Station ( AFP via Getty Images )

Williams has been charged with the attempted murder of Scott Bletcher; Michael Paffett; Kevin Deely; Jonathan Gjoshe; David Presland; Sachin Balakrishnan; Stephen Crean; Samir Zitouni; Rasza Aslam and Scott Green.

Mr Zitouni, who had been working as a train crew member, was left in a critical condition with multiple injuries after being credited with helping to save multiple lives.

Williams is also charged with the attempted murder of a 14-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, and the attempted murder of a 22-year-old man, William Ogelby.

The two separate incidents are both said to have happened in Peterborough on 31 October, the former at a footbridge above Henry Penn Walk and the latter at Rail World car park.

He is also accused of the attempted wounding of 28-year-old Dawid Taborski on the same footbridge, which occurred at around 7pm.

open image in gallery The incident saw 11 people treated in hospital for injuries ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

At 7.20pm, he is accused of affray at Ritzys Barbers in Queens Walk, as well as the theft of a pack of knives, described in a court document as a four-pack of kitchen knives to the value of 15 from an Asda store in Stevenage.

This theft was said to have happened on 31 October.

Williams is charged with the assault of Jordan Morley on a Kings Cross to Peterborough train on 1 November.

He is also charged with possessing a bladed article in a public place at a footbridge near Henry Penn Walk, the Rail World car park and Queens Walk, all in Peterborough, on 31 October.

The alleged knifeman was remanded into custody following his arrest in Huntingdon.

Cambridgeshire Police announced that it has commissioned an internal review of events prior to the mass stabbing on the LNER train service from Doncaster to Kings Cross.
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The King and Queen will this week host the first state visit by a German leader in 27 years.

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his wife, former judge Elke Budenbender, will be formally welcomed by Charles and Camilla on an open-air royal dais in the centre of the Berkshire town, before enjoying a carriage ride through the streets, past the crowds, to the castle to kick off their three-day stay.

The format will revert to normal after elements of U.S. President Donald Trumps stay were restricted to the Windsor estate amid heightened security.

The Prince and Princess of Wales will play a key role by greeting Mr Steinmeier and Ms Budenbender at Heathrow Airport and accompanying them to Windsor on Wednesday morning at the start of their stay.

Mr Steinmeier will go on to receive a ceremonial welcome in the castle quadrangle, attended by the King, Camilla, William and Kate, and be feted with a grand state banquet in the historic royal residences St Georges Hall on Wednesday evening.

open image in gallery German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, right, and his wife Elke Buedenbender, left, welcome King Charles and Queen Camilla to Berlin in 2023 ( AP )

On Thursday morning, he will privately lay flowers at the tomb of the late Queen Elizabeth II in the castles St Georges Chapel, before joining the King and Queen for a Big Help Out reception to showcase the impact volunteering can have on communities.

Before a formal farewell, they will be shown the State Sleigh, which was designed by Queen Victorias German-born husband, Prince Albert and recorded in Victorias diary in 1845.

The King, who has German ancestry on both sides of his family, speaks German well.

Unusually, the event marks the third incoming state visit hosted by the monarch this year, with Charles also welcoming French President Emmanuel Macron in July.

The King is still undergoing treatment for cancer, but is showing no let-up in his busy schedule.

He travelled to Germany with Camilla in 2023 for the first state visit since his accession and became the first British monarch to address German politicians during a session of the Bundestag.

Mr Steinmeier will visit Downing Street for talks with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer on Wednesday afternoon and join a meeting of UK and German business leaders.

open image in gallery The format of the visit will revert to normal after royal elements of Donald Trumps stay were restricted to the Windsor estate ( Getty )

The UK and Germany signed a new partnership, known as the Kensington Treaty, in July, with Sir Keir pledging the two countries would work ever more closely.

The agreement included freeing up school exchange visits and passport e-gates, the setting up of a taskforce to explore a direct train link between the UK and Germany, and a commitment to closer co-operation on trade, security and defence.

Germany is in the process of strengthening its efforts to tackle illegal migration by introducing a new law to criminalise gangs who supply and store small boats for use in crossings to the UK.

Federal President Mr Steinmeier will also address Parliament on Thursday  something denied to Mr Trump as the House of Commons was not sitting at the time of his trip.

The German president and his wife will pay a poignant visit on Friday with the Duke of Kent to lay a wreath at the ruins of the old Coventry Cathedral, which was bombed by the Germans during the Second World War.

This year marks the 85th anniversary of the Coventry Blitz in November 1940, in which 568 people were killed and 4,300 homes destroyed, along with the Cathedral Church of St Michael.

Mr Steinmeier and Ms Budenbender will tour the new cathedral, which was completed in 1962, and join a prayer service highlighting the ministrys commitment to peace and reconciliation.

Coventry is twinned with the German cities of Kiel and Dresden in recognition of the shared experience of devastating bombings during the conflict.

Ms Budenbender will also visit Judith Kerr Primary School, in south-east London, on Wednesday to meet pupils and celebrate the schools connection to its namesake, the German-born British author and illustrator who wrote the much-loved childrens book The Tiger Who Came to Tea.

The last incoming German state visit took place in 1998 when Elizabeth II hosted President Roman Herzog at Windsor Castle.
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The UK and US have made a trade deal that will allow America to import UK pharmaceuticals without paying any tax, while also committing Britain to spending more on NHS drugs.

Import taxes on medicines and treatments going to the US will remain at 0 per cent for three years, Keir Starmers government said.

The Trump administration said the deal will lead to greater investment by UK drugs companies in America, and help create more jobs there.

The agreement follows threats from Mr Trump to raise tariffs by up to 100% on branded drug imports. Pharmaceuticals are among the UKs biggest exports to the US, which remains the biggest market for major British drugmakers such as GSK and AstraZeneca.

The US said it would work to ensure that UK citizens have access to latest pharmaceutical breakthroughs, and comes after warnings that US drug companies will shut down their sites in the UK if the NHS does not pay more for drugs.

Earlier this month, US ambassador Warren Stephens said American businesses will axe future investments in Britain if "there are not changes made, and fast".

Under the deal, the UK government will raise its upper spending threshold for new medicines by 25 per cent, allowing previously rejected treatments  including breakthrough cancer drugs and rare disease therapies  to be approved.

From 2026, the agreement also cuts the repayment rate on NHS drug prices to 15 per cent, reducing the amount pharmaceutical companies must return to prevent overspending on branded medicines.

The UK plans to double NHS spending on medicines, raising it from 0.3 per cent to 0.6 per cent of GDP over the next decade.

US officials announced the deal as a major win for America.

Todays agreement is a major win for American workers and our innovation economy, said Howard Lutnick, the US secretary of commerce.

We are strengthening supply chains, creating high-quality jobs, and reinforcing America as the worlds premier hub for life-sciences investment, he said .

This deal doesnt just deepen our economic partnership with the United Kingdom  it ensures that the breakthroughs of tomorrow will be built, tested, and produced on American soil.

Astra Zeneca's vaccine plant in Liverpool, England ( Getty Images )

Liz Kendall, the UKs science and technology secretary said: "This vital deal will ensure UK patients get the cutting-edge medicines they need sooner, and our world-leading UK firms keep developing the treatments that can change lives."

Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle said the deal "guarantees that UK pharmaceutical exports  worth at least 5bn a year  will enter the US tariff-free".

The 0 per cent rate will apply to all UK pharmaceuticals exports for at least three years, which the government said is the lowest offered to any country.

The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) said the trade deal with the US was "an important step towards ensuring patients can access innovative medicines needed to improve wider NHS health outcomes".

Richard Torbett, chief executive of the ABPI, told PA: "It should also put the UK in a stronger position to attract and retain global life science investment and advanced medicinal research.

"These commitments begin to address industry concerns on NHS access to medicines, and the UK's record-high and unpredictable payment rate."

Additional reporting by PA
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The first MP to come out as HIV positive has warned that foolish government cuts to foreign spending risk sending the Aids pandemic back to the days of the 1980s, when his diagnosis felt like a death sentence.

Lord Chris Smith, a former secretary of state, made his HIV positive status public in 2005, having been the first British MP to come out as gay in the mid-1980s.

In a striking intervention, he told a gathering of campaigners, charities and journalists organised by The Independent: The real tragedy of whats now happening with the cuts to aid from the US, from the UK [is that poorer countries around the world] will be back to what I was facing in 1987.

In November, the UK announced a 15 per cent cut to its contribution to the biggest international funder of HIV treatment and prevention, as part of deep cuts to overseas aid spending in a bid to shift money to defence.

The UK government made a very foolish decision in my view, said Lord Smith, now chancellor of the University of Cambridge.

They made the wise decision that we needed to invest more in defence, but they made the very foolish decision to raid the international aid budget in order to finance that. That was a mistake.

Lord Smith was addressing the audience of a screening of The Independents chief international correspondent Bel Trews documentary, Death Sentence, on the deadly cost of Americas cuts to HIV services at the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) in London. The event was to mark World Aids Day.

open image in gallery Bel Trew, Patrick Kinemo, country lead for MSI Tanzania, Christine Stegling, deputy director of UNAids, Dr Charles Ssonko, HIV adviser to Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) and Lord Smith ( Joanne Davidson for The Independent )

The UK has worsened Donald Trumps decision to slash the vast majority of foreign aid funding when he took office in January.

While the US ultimately restored some funding, global efforts to treat HIV and prevent new infections have been profoundly disrupted in the past year. Trew told the audience at the screening that at least three people interviewed for the documentary have died since filming, as a result of aid cuts severing their access to life-saving HIV medicine.

We should never forget that there are hundreds of thousands of people around the rest of the world who dont have [HIV] facilities, Lord Smith said. And it has just, in a stroke of a presidential pen, become infinitely worse.

The UK could still protect other sources of HIV funding, including through UN agencies  something The Independent is calling on Sir Keir Starmer to do.

Christine Stegling, deputy director of the UNs Aids agency, UNAids, worked in Botswana in the 2000s at the peak of its HIV epidemic.

Many of us lost our families, our friends, she said. When global funding cuts were announced this year, there was this moment when we realised [the pandemic] could look like this again if nothing really serious happened.

Despite this, she said, a goal to end Aids as a public health emergency by 2030 wasnt off the table with the right resources... to the right communities at the right time  including new preventative drugs to help bring down the infection rate.

Dr Charles Ssonko, HIV adviser to Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF), echoed these hopes and fears: If people interrupt treatment, the virus is going to multiply. Theyre going to fall sick again. Theyre going to get into hospital. Hospitals are going to get full. Were actually going to go back two decades ago.

In 2005, I was treating HIV and everybody was devastated. Families were devastated. Health care workers were devastated.

Now, though, Dr Ssonko said, there are scientific breakthroughs that can contain the HIV epidemic: Theres the long-acting treatments that are already available. But I think the biggest problem that we do have today is the funding.

Cuts could also risk the future development of new drugs, Lord Smith suggested. If theres no funding for the deployment of drugs, there will be no research happening into the drugs in the first place.

However, Dr Ssonko challenged countries in the global South to step up and fund their own HIV responses too.

I think its been two decades or more where countries have been dependent on donor funds.

For sustainability, we need... our own countries to start stepping up and supporting. Ive worked with communities and I know how much communities can help themselves, he said.

open image in gallery Bel Trew and Patrick Kinemo during a panel discussion at the ICA in central London ( Joanne Davidson for The Independent )

I think the biggest lesson learned in all of this, in this shocking system breakdown that we had, is that one particular donor was over-dimensionally involved, Ms Stegling added, referring to the US.

While many countries were already on a course to pay for more of their own HIV programmes over time, the speed of the cuts threw plans into chaos.

We were on a good trajectory, she said. What has really made this so difficult is this abrupt cut.

To mark World Aids Day, dozens of activists, including those living with HIV, staged a die-in in Trafalgar Square, demanding that the British government reverse cuts to HIV and Aids treatment and prevention services.

Holding placards shaped like tombstones, the crowds, who are part of the protest group ACT UP, chanted: We mourn the dead, we fight like hell for the living.

Dan, a member who has been living with HIV for over 20 years, said that, with the global cuts, millions more could die right as groundbreaking new prevention drugs, like Lenacapavir, were coming onto the market. The medication could, if effectively deployed, bring infection rates to zero.

Instead, he said investment should be in breaking the deadly monopolies around new drugs, and by making them affordable for all.

Sign our petition for Keir Starmer to protect HIV funding here.

This article is part of The Independents Rethinking Global Aid project
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Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) chief Richard Hughes has resigned after a damning new report said the unprecedented leak of last weeks Budget was the worst failure in the watchdogs 15-year history, as it revealed that the error had happened before, during the chancellors spring statement.

The investigation concluded that the OBRs leadership must take immediate steps to change completely how it publishes reports containing sensitive forecasts, after official analysis documents were uploaded to the watchdogs website, releasing details of the Budget almost an hour early.

The report said that ultimate responsibility for the set of circumstances that led to the leak rests with the leadership of the watchdog itself, piling pressure on Mr Hughes.

But it also said the Treasury and the Cabinet Office should have addressed the fact that the OBRs operation was significantly underpowered, by either changing the way it published its analysis documents or increasing the watchdogs resources.

Mr Hughes, who has served as chair of the OBR since 2020 and was reappointed to the job for a second five-year term in July this year, said he was resigning to allow the OBR to quickly move on from this regrettable incident.

In a letter to the chancellor and the chair of the Commons Treasury committee, he said he took full responsibility for the shortcomings identified in the report.

By implementing the recommendations in this report, I am certain the OBR can quickly regain and restore the confidence and esteem that it has earned through 15 years of rigorous, independent economic analysis, the OBR chief said.

open image in gallery A report found that responsibility for the set of circumstances that led to the Budget leak rests with the leadership of the watchdog itself ( Getty )

In response, Ms Reeves offered her thanks for Mr Hughes many years of public service, adding: This Government is committed to protecting the independence of the OBR and the integrity of our fiscal framework and institutions.

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch accused the chancellor of using Mr Hughes as a human shield and called on Rachel Reeves to resign, after alleging she had lied to the public over the state of the public finances in the run-up to the Budget.

It is understood that Sir Keir Starmer didnt ask Mr Hughes to resign. But ahead of his resignation, the prime ministers official spokesperson said the conclusions of the report were incredibly serious, adding that the government will now consider the implications fully.

The economic and fiscal outlook (EFO) document appeared online before the chancellor delivered her Budget, a significant blunder that immediately prompted an investigation by the OBR.

The fiscal watchdog apologised for the leak and launched an investigation with expert input from Professor Ciaran Martin, former head of the National Cyber Security Centre.

The probe found that the early release of the documents was caused by two errors linked to the WordPress publishing site used by the OBR.

The report said the watchdog had wrongly assumed that, while it knew web addresses for its files follow a pattern, it assumed the protections provided by WordPress would ensure it could not be accessed.

It also said the download monitor plug-in for WordPress, which bypassed the need for authentication, was not understood within the OBR and should not have been used.

The damning report also revealed that the latest breach was not the first, admitting that the forecasts published alongside the March spring statement were also accessed prematurely.

Logs indicated that the March forecasts IP address was accessed five minutes after the chancellor started speaking to parliament, and nearly half an hour before it should have been published.

There is no evidence of any activity being undertaken as a result of that access, and he concludes the most likely explanation is benign, the report adds.

But Treasury minister James Murray told MPs he was very concerned to learn that the error may have seen the early release of previous forecasts.

He said: That market-sensitive information could have been prematurely accessible to a small group of market participants is extremely concerning.

That it might have been the case on more than one occasion is even more severe. We do not know at this stage the extent to which market behaviour may have been affected on this or other occasions as a result of information being available early.

He also said the first IP address to successfully access the EFO had made 32 attempts that day, starting at around 5am  suggesting the person had every confidence that persistence would lead to success. This unfortunately leads us to consider whether the reason they tried so persistently to access the EFO is because they have been successful at a previous fiscal event, he said.

In the foreword to the report, Sarah Hogg and Dame Susan Rice, non-executive members at the OBR, said of the early publication: It is the worst failure in the 15-year history of the OBR.

It was seriously disruptive to the chancellor, who had every right to expect that the EFO would not be publicly available until she sat down at the end of her Budget speech, when it should, as is usual, have been published alongside the Treasurys explanatory red book.

The chair of the OBR, Richard Hughes, has rightly expressed his profound apologies.

The two non-executive directors added: The ultimate responsibility for the circumstances in which this vulnerability occurred and was then exposed rests, over the years, with the leadership of the OBR.

open image in gallery Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves delivered her controversial Budget last week ( PA )

The OBR is a small analytical organisation with resources that reflect its size. The twice-yearly task of publishing a large and sensitive document is out of scale with virtually all of the rest of its publication activities.

Professor Martin notes that protocols for the EFOs publication reveal a well-planned but significantly underpowered operation ... more akin to that used by a small or medium-sized business (which of course in size the OBR resembles).

Responsibility for addressing this challenge by either changing the method of publication or substantially increasing the resources devoted to it rested over the years with the leadership of the OBR but also with the sponsoring department, the Treasury, and the Cabinet Office.

Last week, Mr Hughes said he had been mortified by the leak and told an event hosted by the Resolution Foundation that he would resign if he lost the confidence of Ms Reeves and the Commons Treasury committee.
One of the more serious casualties of the Labour governments troubles and consequent unpopularity is Anas Sarwar, leader of the Scottish Labour Party since 2021. Through no fault of his own, Sarwar has gone from being the favourite to end SNP rule in Scotland and become the first Labour first minister since 2007, to a point where hell be lucky if he manages to beat Reform UK into second place in next years elections for the Scottish parliament. A painful turn of events. He might be forgiven for wondering how this happened...

How bad is it for Scottish Labour?

Well, they are running at about 17 per cent in the polls, half the level enjoyed by the SNP, and there have been unhelpful stories in the press about divisions between the party at Westminster and its Holyrood presence.

The current Scottish secretary, Douglas Alexander, a close ally of Keir Starmer, returned to the Commons last year, and was soon put in charge of the next Scottish parliament election campaign. In the last reshuffle he replaced the popular and blameless Ian Murray, which prompted some discomfiture in Scottish Labour circles and at Westminster, even though there was also some friction between Sarwar and Murray. Scottish Labour has long suffered from the perception that London treats it as a branch office.

Why has this happened?

For much the same reasons as Labour has slumped in England and in Wales  a tough economic backdrop and social tensions, exacerbated by avoidable scandals and mistakes.

The basic problem is that the sometimes chaotic scene in London, coupled with the perception that Scottish Labour MPs lack influence, has indeed damaged Sarwars appeal in Scotland, and it is frustrating him and his team, understandably. He said recently: I am the candidate for first minister. Keir Starmer is not standing to be first minister, Wes Streeting is not standing to be first minister. Rachel Reeves is not standing to be first minister. Im standing to be first minister. John Swinney is standing to be first minister, and the choice people face is a third decade of SNP incompetence or a new direction.

Does it affect the position in the Commons at Westminster?

No, but it is making Scottish Labour MPs just as nervous as their MSP colleagues about their chances of holding on to their own jobs at the next general election. After the landslide at the July 2024 general election, Labour felt it could look forward to a long spell in power in Westminster, easily retaining Wales, and winning back Scotland plus scores of mayoralties and councils. Now, such confident hopes of Starmerite hegemony seem distant indeed.

Could Reform UK be the main opposition to the SNP in Holyrood?

Its possible. Reform UK, being an overwhelmingly English-based, pro-union and anti-EU party (dont forget Scotland voted Remain in 2016), looked poorly placed to make much progress there. However, such is the polarisation and fragmentation within the traditional party system  a plight that has spread to virtually every part of Great Britain  its possible that Reform could indeed become the second force in Scottish politics, squeezing Labour and the Conservatives out of contention.

With the aid of a more proportional voting system in Scotland (and also in Wales), it is conceivable that Nigel Farages party could indeed eclipse Labour and the Conservatives to win second place in the chamber.

So, the last seats projection from Ballot Box Scotland (ballot box.scot), for example, puts the SNP on 62 seats, close to an overall majority, with Reform winning 21 and Labour in third place on 17. The other significance of this is that the opposition to the SNP is now very neatly and evenly divided. So, far from near-certain defeat, Swinney and his colleagues, including Westminster leader Stephen Flynn as a possible successor as first minister, can look forward to many more years of domination. An unlikely recovery from the divisions, scandals and crises of the Salmond-Sturgeon era seems at hand.

What does this mean for independence?

Surprisingly little, given the radical shifts in popularity of the various parties. Voter sentiment remains fairly evenly split, and the consensus, both in the SNP and more widely, is that the SNP would be unlikely to press for another referendum if they couldnt be confident of winning it.

At the Westminster end of the argument, the Labour government will argue that the polling, along with the likely outcome of the election (the SNP will probably win about a third of the vote  far from a landslide), doesnt justify holding a referendum. Such a plebiscite on Scotland becoming an independent nation could only take place if approved by the House of Commons.

Arguably, and compared to the last referendum in 2014, Brexit now means that the independence project is more complicated. Scotland would have to apply to join the EU, and have some sort of economic border with England and the rest of the UK, with all that implies. There would also be big questions about currency and sovereignty.
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Three former Conservative MPs have defected to Reform, a source in Nigel Farages party has confirmed.

Jonathan Gullis, who represented Stoke-on-Trent North, Lia Nici, who served as the MP for Grimsby, and the former Bolton West MP Chris Green have all joined on their own accord online, a Reform party source confirmed to PA.

Mr Gullis is a former Conservative Party deputy chair and was briefly an education minister. He is currently the mayor of Kidsgrove.

He told the BBC that he had been a member of the party for 18 years, but believes it has lost touch with the people it was meant to serve.

From failing to control both legal and illegal migration to pursuing a net zero agenda that has seen a rise in our household energy bills and put jobs in Stoke-on-Trents world-famous ceramics sector at risk, the Conservative Party has understandably lost the trust of the British people, Mr Gullis said in a statement to the broadcaster.

open image in gallery Jonathan Gullis is a former deputy chair of the Conservative Party ( PA )

The three defections follow that of Danny Kruger, the sitting MP for East Wiltshire, who left the Tories for Reform in September.

A Reform party source said: The Conservative Party is dead. Only Reform can beat Labour at the next election, as the polls show time and time again.

Luke Shenton was the first Reform councillor elected to Stoke-on-Trent City Council following a by-election in May.

Jonathans decision to join us is a huge boost for Reform UK locally, Mr Shenton told the BBC. The people of Stoke-on-Trent deserve better than this failing Labour government.

Together, well fight for the hardworking people of Stoke-on-Trent, and build a real alternative to this tired political establishment.

open image in gallery Tory MP Lia Nici has defected to Reform ( Parliament )

In 2024, Ms Nici launched a blistering attack on the then prime minister Rishi Sunak, saying he lacked the appeal of Boris Johnson, and praised Reform.

Im probably more Reform than most Reform candidates, to be honest, Ms Nici told Skys Politics Hub with Sophy Ridge.

She added: Im constantly called a rebel, but thats because most people in Grimsby think in a similar way to me. So I hold our government to account on that. Reform have got a lot of ideas that people locally do like, but are they a fully formed political party? No, theyre not.
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Sir Keir Starmer has insisted there was no misleading by his chancellor after she was accused of lying about Britains finances in the run-up to the Budget, with questions growing over his own future.

The prime minister took the unusual step of coming out fighting with a speech just five days after Rachel Reeves delivered the Budget, as he faced a barrage of questions over whether he authorised her to mislead the public over the true state of the economy.

The row centres on a press conference given by Ms Reeves in November, in which she warned of the state of the public finances and suggested that income tax may have to go up.

It has since emerged that she failed to reveal information from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) that showed tax receipts were much better than expected, ahead of her announcing 26bn worth of tax rises at the Budget.

However, with demands for the chancellor to quit over allegedly misleading the public, the only person to resign was OBR chair Richard Hughes on Monday evening. This came hours after a damning internal investigation was published into how the organisation inadvertently leaked the Budget details before Ms Reeves delivered her speech in the Commons last Wednesday.

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said Ms Reeves was using Mr Hughes as a human shield  after claiming she had lied to the public  and should be sacked.

The PM, speaking 24 hours after Ms Reeves denied lying over the state of the public finances before the Budget, was repeatedly forced to come out on the defensive as he gave a speech highlighting the moral mission of his government in tackling child poverty.

open image in gallery Keir Starmer made a speech at the Coin Street Neighbourhood Centre in London on Monday, where he was forced to come out on the defensive over the run-up to the Budget ( PA )

He said: There was no misleading, and I simply dont accept  and I was receiving the numbers  that being told that the OBR productivity review means youve got 16bn less than you would otherwise have had shows that youve got an easy starting point.

Yes, of course, all the other figures have to be taken into account. But we started the process with significantly less than we would otherwise have had.

He said there was no pretending that it was a good starting point, adding that at one point he thought Labour would have to breach its manifesto, in an apparent reference to scrapped plans to raise the basic rate of income tax.

He added: Later on, it became possible to do it without the manifesto breach. Given the choice between the two, I didnt want to breach the manifesto, and thats why we came to the decisions that we did.

As Sir Keir gave his speech at a community centre in the City of London, Ms Reeves travelled to an investment event in Wales, and so avoided being forced to give an explanation of her actions in an emergency statement to the Commons.

open image in gallery Rachel Reeves was in Wales on Monday instead of defending herself during an emergency statement in the Commons ( PA )

Instead her deputy, chief Treasury secretary James Murray, was handed the task of trying to patch up the damage to the governments reputation.

Speaking at the event, the chancellor rejected claims from an unnamed minister that the cabinet was at no point told about the reality of the OBR forecasts.

You would never expect the prime minister and chancellor to go through all the detailed numbers, she said.

The cabinet are briefed on the morning of the Budget on the Budget numbers. Of course, we go through things that affect individual government departments, but the whole information of the Budget is not supposed to be provided until the chancellor delivers the Budget.

Obviously, this time, it was leaked early, but not by the Treasury.

The chancellor has said the OBR forecast showing a 4.2bn surplus against her borrowing rules did not take into account the welfare reform U-turn or the abolition of the two-child benefit cap.

It came as ministers were openly briefing about how they too had been misled by Sir Keir and Ms Reeves ahead of the Budget.

One minister told The Independent that the aftermath of the Budget was less than ideal.

A number of MPs complained about the poor communications strategy that has dogged the government since it was elected last July.

One Labour MP said: We have to look at whoever is working for Rachel and was given licence to brief out the Budget in the way it happened over months.

Another asked: Why didnt we have a clear message in the run-up to this Budget on child poverty?

It was noted by some that both Sir Keir and Ms Reeves had opposed getting rid of the two-child benefit cap when they were elected last year, before making it the centrepiece of this Budget after pressure from Labour MPs.

open image in gallery Kemi Badenoch is among those calling for the chancellor to be sacked ( PA )

But there was also anger among MPs over ministers claiming they had been misled.

One MP said: People need to keep their heads down. We have just got the two-child benefit cap scrapped, we should be celebrating that and uniting behind it. Im not sure what ministers are up to.

There were concerns that allies of health secretary Wes Streeting could be trying to capitalise as a means to launch a coup and oust Sir Keir.

Meanwhile, Ms Badenoch was applauded by business representatives at a question and answer session in London when she claimed Ms Reeves had lied.

Later, she claimed the chancellor was trying to use Mr Hughes as a human shield after he resigned following the watchdog publishing a report that said the leak was the worst failure in its 15-year history.

Mr Hughes, who has served as chair of the OBR since 2020 and was reappointed to the job for a second five-year term in July this year, said he was resigning to allow the OBR to quickly move on from this regrettable incident.

In the Commons, shadow chancellor Sir Mel Stride said. The chancellors credibility is in tatters, and to the long list of her failings in respect to these matters should be added that of disrespecting this House.

There have been calls for an investigation by the Financial Conduct Authority and the governments ethics adviser Sir Laurie Magnus.
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A South African radio presenter has appeared in court, facing allegations that she recruited men to fight for Russia in the Ukraine war.

South African police said that Nonkululeko Mantula was arrested alongside four men after a tip-off.

The 39-year-old is accused of recruiting the four men and organising for them to join the Russian army.

Three of the men were detained while trying to board a flight to Russia via the United Arab Emirates, police said.

They added that they believe another person had already traveled to Russia after being recruited by Mantula.

It is illegal in South Africa to fight for another country's army without permission from the government.

open image in gallery In this photo distributed by Russian Defense Ministry Press Service, assault troops of the Russian Army attend a training to hone their combat skills in an undisclosed location in Ukraine ( Russian Defense Ministry Press Service )

The five suspects arrested in South Africa were ordered to be held in custody until a bail hearing next week.

The arrest of Mantula, a presenter on the state broadcaster's SAFM radio station, came as police are separately investigating a daughter of former South African President Jacob Zuma for allegedly tricking another 17 men into fighting as mercenaries for Russia in Ukraine.

Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla resigned as a lawmaker for her father's opposition MK Party last week over the allegations.

She was accused by her half-sister of duping the men into travelling to Russia under the pretence that they would receive security training that would help them secure jobs.

The South African government said this month that it received distress calls from the 17 South Africans, who had been forced to fight for a Russian mercenary group in eastern Ukraine and were now trapped there.

Another South African political party alleged that it had information that the men's passports and clothes were burned and their cell phones were confiscated when they arrived in Russia.

open image in gallery Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla has been accused of tricking 17 men into fighting for Russia ( AFP via Getty Images )

The South African government launched a separate investigation into how the men came to be on the frontlines of the war and is working with international law enforcement agencies to repatriate them.

Russia has been accused of recruiting men from other countries to fight in the war under the pretext of offering them jobs.

It has also been accused of tricking women from South Africa and other parts of Africa into working in Russian drone factories through social media campaigns promising them jobs in fields like catering and hospitality.

The South African government has warned people to be cautious of campaigns promoted by South African social media influencers promising jobs and study opportunities in Russia.

Zuma-Sambudla, the daughter of the former president, has previously been accused of promoting Russian interests over the war in Ukraine.

A 2023 report by the international non-profit Centre for Information Resilience said Zuma-Sambudla's social media account was instrumental in spreading pro-Russia messages.
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The United States is seeing a significant shortage of commercial sailors, even as the job offers high salaries, free food, accommodation, and travel around the world, according to a report.

Current graduates of maritime academies can earn over $200,000 as a commercial sailor, but young Americans arent opting for the career path despite the perks, according to a Wall Street Journal report.

Even as these jobs offer a variety of perks, America still lacks the number of commercial sailors needed for a cargo fleet President Donald Trump wants to see grow, according to the report.

The situation has become so dire that it has prompted both bipartisan legislation and an executive order from Trump that aims to counter Chinas dominance in ocean shipping.

The U.S. employs roughly 10,000 commercial sailors  a number significantly less than in years past  as America outsources much of its shipping needs to China and other countries.

open image in gallery The top maritime academy in the U.S. has only about 975 students enrolled, as the U.S. faces a shortage of commercial sailors ( AFP via Getty Images )

Being a sailor wasnt always a job with great benefits, and as a means to attract more people into the maritime industry, shipping companies have started to offer perks like large signing bonuses.

Shipping companies are also doing more to retain sailors by offering even bigger salaries and making improvements on board, according to the report. Despite these efforts, many American students are unaware of the industry.

John Salkeld, who graduated in June from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, says that when he told students at other colleges what he was studying, he was often met with confusion.

Theyre like, Wait  thats a thing? Are you on a big boat, going across the ocean? Salkeld told the Journal.

Noah Lastner, who also graduated from the academy in June, said young people often find out about the opportunities too late.

You find out after you went to normal college and youre sitting in this cubicle and youre trying to find another option, said Lastner, who previously worked in real estate.

Once I went to sea, I realized how hard it would be to give up that lifestyle and transition back to an office job, he added.

Commercial sailors typically spend about six months of the year at sea, though the stints are often broken down into shorter trips. While at sea, they work every day, and potentially getting overtime as well, according to the report.

open image in gallery Recently graduated sailors earn at least $200,000 a year, though the field has slipped in popularity amongst Americans ( AFP via Getty Images )

I dont think sailing is that hard to sell, said Charles Wahlin, another June graduate from the academy. I meanmoney, six months vacation, live wherever you want. And youre serving the nation. What other job allows that much flexibility?

The Merchant Marine Academy, also known as King Point for its location on New Yorks Long Island Sound, is one of only five federal service academies. It enrolls about 975 students, according to the report.

While the academy is known as being the countrys premier institution for training commercial sailors, it has struggled with funding in recent years.

open image in gallery Sailors typically spend six months of the year at sea, often over the course of several shorter trips ( AFP via Getty Images )

This academy has been neglected for way too long, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said in April.

In the months since, the academy has released a campus modernization plan to address Trumps executive order, according to the report.
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Parts of the United States could see extreme cold as Earths most frigid temperatures could arrive during the holiday season.

Those in the Northeast and Midwest better bundle up because its going to be a cold December. The National Weather Services Climate Prediction Center forecasts below normal temperatures in states from Montana to Maine. States as far south as Missouri will feel the cold.

Climatologist Judah Cohen, a visiting scientist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, wrote on X last month, Lots of hype about the #PolarVortex but is it deserved?

Our AI subseasonal model, which I can credibly claim as world's best is predicting that the most expansive region of most likely extreme #cold on earth stretches from the Canadian Plains to the US East Coast 3rd week of Dec.

The polar vortex is a large area of low pressure and cold air that surrounds the North and South Poles. During the winter, the polar vortex expands, sending cold air into the U.S.

open image in gallery Parts of the United States could see 'extreme' cold as Earths most frigid temperatures could arrive during the holiday season ( Stephen Maturen/Getty Images )

Some Americans are already bracing for lower temperatures, as record cold is likely in the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic Thursday and Friday, according to the Weather Prediction Center.

Record cold low temperatures (and cold high temperatures) are likely Thursday and Friday from the Corn Belt eastward to parts of the Mid-Atlantic, the center said in an extended forecast discussion post on Monday.

Low temperatures of five to 20 degrees below zero are expected from the northern Plains through the Northeast on Friday, the center predicts.

The center said the next cold surge will perhaps be of lesser magnitude this weekend.

open image in gallery The National Weather Services Climate Prediction Center forecasts below normal temperatures in states from Montana to Maine ( NOAA/Commerce Department )

There may even be some snow this week as a system carrying heavy rain over the Central Gulf Coast on Thursday moves north.

The system in the Southeast early this weekend will lift out to sea by Sunday, but may still spread some light precipitation (rain/snow) on its northern side across the Mid-Atlantic and perhaps New England, the center predicted.

Those in the Great Lakes region and the Pacific Northwest may also experience snowy weather.

Lake effect snow will linger over the Great Lakes on Thursday then taper off on Friday, the center said. Several Pacific systems will push into western Canada with trailing rain/snow over [Washington/Oregon] and eastward to the Northern/Central Rockies through the period.
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Thats nacho name.

Sitting in a food truck court in Modesto, California, Flacos Tacos now faces a cease-and-desist from a Chicago restaurant with three locations of the same name, which has held the trademark since 2009.

Rafael Calvillo, owner of Flacos Tacos food truck, which opened in 2022, received a cease-and-desist order just over two months ago. He has until the new year to choose a new name or risk a trademark infringement lawsuit.

Changing the name will cost Calvillo around $6,000 as he needs to update his trucks, ordering apps, social media, and Google listings, and he expects business may slow until customers adjust to the new name, he told the Merced Sun-Star.

Following his lawyers advice, Calvillo is not contesting the cease-and-desist, saying it would be a waste of money since the Chicago restaurant owns the trademark.

Flacos Tacos, a food truck in Modesto, California, must change its name or risk facing a trademark infringement lawsuit ( Facebook )

Calvillo said he named his taco truck Flacos Tacos during a family brainstorming session, inspired by his sons comment about his skinny build, unaware the name was already trademarked.

We apologize for the inconvenience were causing, Calvillo told the outlet. We are trying to survive ourselves, and nothing is in bad faith.

Now, Calvillo is trying to make the best of the situation and get the public involved in renaming his truck. He also plans to expand with a second truck and add desserts like mangonadas, tostilocos and fruit cups to the menu.

In partnership with The Modesto Bee newspaper, people can submit their name suggestions through this Google Form or email dwilliams@modbee.com before the December 5 deadline.

The name cannot include flaco and should be commercially appealing, as he plans to expand to multiple locations.

Some of Calvillos ideas so far include World Wide Tacos, Mr. Taco, Fat Tacos, Dos Tacos, Dos Mas Tacos, and Damn Good Tacos.
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K&W Cafeteria, a southeastern-style restaurant chain, has announced that it will close all of its locations immediately.

The chain announced the closure on Monday afternoon in a Facebook post. It said all of its locations would close on Monday, December 1.

"K&W has always been more than a restaurant - it has been a gathering place, a home for Sunday traditions, and a warm table for millions of families across generations," the company said in a statement. "We are deeply grateful for every guest who walked through our doors, shared a meal with us, and made us part of their lives."

The chain had been in operation for 88 years when it announced its closure. K&W filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2020.

As of December 1, the chain had eight locations still in operation in North Carolina and one in Virginia, all of which are now closed.

A now shuttered K&W Cafeteria location in North Carolina. The company announced it was closing its remaining eight restaurants effective December 1, 2025, after more than 80 years in operation ( Google maps )

"We are sorry to announce that after proudly serving this and many other communities for years K&W Holdings Group LLC will be CLOSED PERMANENTLY," the company wrote. "All existing locations closed effective 12/1/2025. We thank you for your support throughout our years in business."

Niya Kerr, from Charlotte, responded to the post with memories of dining at the restaurant.

I used to go to K&W after every Thanksgiving parade with my family, she wrote. Thank you for all the memories and I need the recipe to the chocolate pudding!

The company thanked its customers for their "support, your stories, and your loyalty over the decades."

"We are truly sorry to bring this chapter to an end, but profoundly thankful for the love youve shown us for nearly nine decades. From our family to yours  thank you, it said.

The company was headquartered in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

K&W is one of several businesses to close permanently over the last year.

In September, Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant announced it was closing all of its locations, according to CBS News, but it did not provide a reason why, only noting that the stores would cease operation and that the company hoped to re-open at a future date.

In October, Rite Aid pharmacy announced it would close all of its remaining locations after 63 years in business. The closure left long-time customers scrambling to find new pharmacists to fill their prescriptions.
Stories of High-Quality Development | Yin Yanlin: Unswervingly follow the path of financial development with Chinese characteristics

People's Daily Online) 14:21, December 01, 2025

How should China chart a new course for finance with Chinese characteristics through boosting financial services in the five fields of sci-tech finance, green finance, inclusive finance, pension finance and digital finance? To deeply implement the spirit of the fourth plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the central financial work conference, multiple measures must be taken to ensure effective financial services in these five areas. This will promote the high-quality development of China's financial sector and provide robust support for comprehensively building a modern socialist country, said Yin Yanlin, deputy director of the Economic Committee of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, when hosting People's Daily's video series "Stories of High-Quality Development."

Yin stated that it is essential to develop sci-tech finance to promote the development of new quality productive forces. Financial institutions should be guided to improve incentive and restraint mechanisms, and to coordinate the use of equity, debt, insurance, and other instruments to provide comprehensive, full-life-cycle financial services for sci-tech enterprises, striving to form a virtuous cycle of "technology, industry, and finance." Credit support for small- and medium-sized sci-tech enterprises should be increased, and businesses such as "loans plus external direct investment" should be conducted in a standardized manner. The operational mechanisms for insurance covering the first set of major technical equipment, the first batch of key new materials, and the first version of software should be optimized. For sci-tech enterprises in new industries, new business forms, and new technology fields that make breakthroughs in key core technologies, greater support should be provided to help them go public. Continuous support should be provided for high-quality sci-tech enterprises that have not yet turned a profit to get listed. Private equity and venture capital funds should be guided to invest early, in small enterprises, for the long term, and in hard technology.

It is necessary to develop green finance to accelerate the comprehensive green transformation of economic and social development. Efforts should be made to continuously strengthen financial support for the green, low-carbon, and circular economy, and to guide funds into green industries such as environmental protection, energy conservation, and clean energy to help reach peak carbon emissions and carbon neutrality. Green finance standards and evaluation systems should be improved, guiding banking and insurance institutions to actively support energy conservation and carbon reduction in key industries and sectors, promoting the construction of a clean, low-carbon energy system and the application of green technologies. Green financial products and services should be enriched by developing financing through the pledge of carbon emission rights, pollution discharge rights, and other environmental rights. Support should be provided to eligible enterprises in green industries for public listings, financing, mergers and acquisitions, and the issuance of green bonds and green asset-backed securities.

Inclusive finance should be developed to improve the quality of people's lives. Inclusive financial products for older adults, farmers, new urban residents, low-income populations, people with disabilities, and other groups should be actively developed, continuously improving the accessibility of financing for individual businesses, farmers, and new types of agricultural business entities. The policy system for financial support to small, medium, and micro enterprises, as well as private enterprises, should be continuously improved, further alleviating difficulties and high costs in financing. The pilot program for inclusive finance at the Beijing Stock Exchange and the New Third Board should be advanced, supporting the listing of high-quality small- and medium-sized enterprises, such as specialized, refined, distinctive, and innovative firms. Financial product and service innovation should be strengthened to better meet the diverse investment needs of residents.

China should develop pension finance to actively address population aging. It should actively develop third-pillar elderly care insurance, enrich pension financial products, and continuously increase financial support for the silver economy, as well as the health and elderly care industries, to better meet increasingly diverse pension financial needs. Support should be provided to eligible enterprises in the silver economy, such as those in the health and elderly care sectors, to facilitate equity and bond financing. Additionally, the use of elderly care facilities as underlying assets to issue asset-backed securities and REITs (real estate investment trusts) should be explored. Public fund management companies should be supported in establishing subsidiaries dedicated to pension financial services.

Digital finance should be developed to enhance the efficiency of financial services in the real economy. Banking and insurance institutions should be guided to undergo digital transformation, enhancing their digital operation and service capabilities. Mobile internet terminal businesses should be vigorously developed, online channels expanded, and online and offline business synergies strengthened. The digital level of the securities and futures industry should be elevated. More "green light" projects for equity and bond issuance in the digital economy and platform enterprises should be promoted. Risk management in data security, network security and information technology outsourcing should be strengthened to prevent risks arising from the application of new technologies. The financial regulatory system should be improved to adapt to the digital era, enhancing digital regulatory and financial consumer protection capabilities.

Sci-tech finance, green finance, inclusive finance, pension finance and digital finance are key areas for the high-quality development of finance. In the 15th Five-Year Plan period, by vigorously developing financial services in the five areas, as outlined in the Recommendations of the CPC Central Committee for Formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development, adopted at the fourth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, we will better fulfill the core purpose of finance, which is to serve the real economy, adhere to a people-centered approach, advance the development of finance with Chinese characteristics, and contribute to building China into a strong country and achieving the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation through high-quality financial development, Yin said.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Wu Chengliang)
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The parents of a 6-year-old North Carolina boy have filed a lawsuit against his school, claiming that its educators did nothing to protect him from being sexually assaulted by a classmate  even after the abuse was reported to a teacher and the principal.

The boy was assaulted multiple times by a classmate at Wake Forest Magnet Elementary School during the 2023-2024 school year, according to the lawsuit, filed November 3 in Wake County Superior Court.

The complaint alleges that the other student touched and fondled the victim in the school bathroom, among other sexual acts, according to The News & Observer.

Plaintiff John Doe has suffered and continues to suffer severe mental and emotional injuries, including but not limited to severe anxiety, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, and other damages, the lawsuit claims.

The lawsuit accuses the Wake County school system of failing to protect the student and his classmates, even as a teacher and principal were told about the alleged abuse.

open image in gallery Parents of a young North Carolina student are suing his school district, claiming it failed to protect students after their son was sexually assaulted by a classmate. ( Google Maps )

It also claims that the student sexually assaulted other children at the school.

Upon information and belief, the same student who sexually assaulted Plaintiff on numerous occasions also sexually assaulted other minor students of Wake Forest Magnet Elementary School, the lawsuit says.

The boy told his teacher that he was being sexually assaulted by a classmate. While the teacher told the other student to stop, no further action was taken to prevent the abuse from continuing, the suit claims.

Based on the teachers continuing inaction, Plaintiff suffered continuing sexual assaults, the lawsuit said.

On April 19, 2024, the boy told his mother that a classmate had been sexually assaulting him. According to the complaint, his mother then told the principal about the assaults.

The principal denied the allegations, refused to remove the perpetrating student from Plaintiffs class, and refused to allow Plaintiff to move to a different class, the complaint claims.

The lawsuit did not specify the grades of the students, but since the alleged victim was 6 years old, the students were likely either in kindergarten or first grade at the time. The family is seeking damages in excess of $25,000 from Wake County.

The Independent has reached out to the district for comment.
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Another huge snowstorm is set to blanket huge swathes of the United States this week, after a separate weather system threw post-Thanksgiving plans into chaos.

Flights across the country were grounded this weekend, as the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest and Central Plains were blasted by cold air.

Now experts at USA Today are warning that up to 6 inches of snow could fall in parts of the country on Tuesday, as millions of Americans brace for further disruption.

A winter storm will approach the Mid Atlantic and Northeast beginning Monday evening with a threat of snow and ice across the interior portions of both regions, a spokesperson for the NWS Weather Prediction Center said. Any snowfall and ice will present hazardous travel concerns, especially across the interior Northeast U.S.

The worsening weather will hit Kansas and Missouri first, drenching both in snow before building into steady rain which will sweep across Mississippi, Alabama, Western Georgia, Arkansas and Kentucky, according to experts at The Washington Post.

open image in gallery Experts are warning that snow could hit huge parts of the US as travel chaos from the weekend continues ( National Weather Service )

Snow will hit Indiana, Ohio and Pennsylvania on Monday night before the cold weather blasts New York and New England, forecasters say.

More than a foot of snow is expected in parts of New England before dwindling into rain.

Experts told USA Today to expect the cold weather to last for the first 10 days of December, to varying degrees of intensity.

The FOX Forecast Center has estimated that over 235 million Americans will experience temperatures at or just below freezing during the weather event, with experts suggesting the bitter cold snap is unseasonal.

The freezing temperatures are largely driven by a weakening in the Polar Vortex, as the La Nina weather pattern takes hold.

The devastating weather comes after a huge weather system hit the country on Friday and Saturday, dumping up to 25 inches of snow in parts of New York, Iowa and Michigan.

open image in gallery Extreme weather over the weekend meant huge parts of the country saw snow on Thanksgiving

With the snowstorm continuing into Sunday, at least 12,350 flights were delayed coming into, leaving or travelling within the United States yesterday, according to FlightAware.

Around 1,020 flights were cancelled on that same day.

Many of the cancelled flights over the weekend were set to take off from Chicago OHare International Airport, with 1,030 cancellations taking place on Saturday at that airport alone. Around 800 were delayed, too, according to FlightAware.

Over the weekend, a plane slid off an icy runway as it turned onto a taxiway at Des Moines International in Iowa.

The Endeavor flight, a subsidiary of Delta Air Lines, landed at 9.30 pm on Saturday before it slid from the runway.

open image in gallery Some 12,354 flights were delayed coming into the United States on Sunday with 1,020 being cancelled ( Getty Images )

Eventually, all 54 passengers deplaned via the stairs and were bused to the terminal instead of exiting as normal at the gate.

At the time, experts were warning passengers about increased travel disruption with around 53 million people from South Dakota to New York placed under weather alerts.

Buckle up and be ready for travel disruptions over the holiday weekend. Crews may struggle at times to keep up with heavy snow on roads and highways across the Midwest and Great Lakes, said AccuWeather Meteorologist Alyssa Glenny told USA Today, as thousands of families headed home. This stormy and cold pattern is expected to continue through the first week of December.
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Donald Trump gave Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro a startling ultimatum to flee his country during their long-awaited phone call, according to a report, as tensions between the pair threatened to spill into all-out conflict.

The US president was unusually coy about the call over the weekend, doing little to ease concerns about the possibility of war amid a massive buildup of American warships and troops in the Caribbean.

I dont want to comment on it. The answer is yes, the US president said on Sunday, when asked if he had spoken to Maduro. I wouldnt say it went well or badly. It was a phone call.

Sources familiar with the exchange told the Miami Herald that the conversation soon reached an impasse as Trump allegedly demanded Maduro and his top allies leave Venezuela. Trump is said to have told Maduro and his family they could be assured of safe passage out of the country if he agreed to resign immediately.

open image in gallery Nicolas Maduro, pictured brandishing a sword, has called for peace and dialogue ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

The Independent approached the White House for comment on the report.

The US has sent some 15,000 troops and more than a dozen warships to the region over the last few months as part of what Trump has framed as a war against drug cartels. Maduro has accused Washington of trying to force regime change.

That threat has become more palpable over the last few days, as Trump warned that land operations could be coming very soon, and that pilots should avoid Venezuelan airspace.

Will the US strike Venezuela?

Trump warned airlines, pilots, drug dealers and human traffickers last week that they should consider the airspace around Venezuela closed amid fears Washington is preparing to carry out airstrikes.

The US president later told reporters not to read anything into it, adding that he had issued the threat because we consider Venezuela to be not a very friendly country.

The US is not legally able to close Venezuelas airspace. But it could agitate Caracas by encouraging airlines to steer clear, creating a deeper sense of insecurity at home. Venezuela described the comments as a "colonialist threat" against its sovereignty.

Last week, Trump threatened to escalate action against Venezuela by moving to operations on land.

You probably noticed that people arent wanting to be delivering [drugs] by sea, and well be starting to stop them by land also. The land is easier, but thats going to start very soon.

open image in gallery The USS Gravely joined the warships sat outside Venezuela amid a buildup in the Caribbean ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

Why has the US sent a naval fleet to Venezuelas coast?

The US has amassed warships and troops in the region over the last few months as part of Operation Southern Spear.

That includes the 337m USS Gerald R Ford aircraft carrier, capable of carrying around 4,600 personnel and 90 aircraft. It has also included guided missile destroyers, amphibious assault ships and oil tankers for refuelling vessels.

Pete Hegseth, US Secretary of War, says Southern Spear is aimed at removing narco-traffickers from the Western Hemisphere.

More than 80 people have been killed in strikes on suspected vessels so far in the past three months. The Trump administration has not provided evidence that the boats were carrying drugs.

Maduro says the show of force in the region is part of an effort to oust him from power.

Dr Christopher Sabatini, senior fellow for Latin America at the Chatham House think tank, told the BBC in October that the administration was aiming to show strength in an effort to displace Maduro.

This is about regime change, he said, adding that it was unlikely the US would invade.

open image in gallery Footage shows a US missile strike on a boat allegedly carrying drugs ( White House )

How has Maduro responded?

Maduro initially sent some 15,000 troops to the border with Colombia to fight drug trafficking in August. But the US has continued to amass forces in the region regardless.

Venezuela has had a careful balance to maintain between insisting upon dialogue and standing firm against perceived aggression.

Last week, Maduro appeared at a rally with the sword of independence leader Simon Bolivar and promised to stand against imperialism.

"I swear before this sky, I swear before our Lord Jesus Christ, that I will give my all for the victory of Venezuela against the threats and aggressions of imperialism," he said.

But he has also continued to call for deescalation. Last month, Maduro sang John Lennons Imagine during a rally in Miranda, and once spoke directly to American audiences in English to call for peace and urge against war.

In the worst-case scenario, Venezuela is believed to be preparing to mount a guerrilla-style resistance or sow chaos, according to sources and planning documents. Resistance could involve small military units carrying out acts of sabotage and other guerrilla tactics.

open image in gallery Trump held a phone call with Maduro over the weekend ( AP )

Historic tensions between the US and Venezuela

Trump has long blamed Venezuela for a drug epidemic in his country, claiming Caracas is pouring narcotics into the US through illegal channels. Venezuela has denied the allegations, asserting that the vast majority of cocaine produced in Colombia departs through the Pacific.

Maduro is widely considered a dictator and not recognised by the US as Venezuela's legitimate leader. He was sworn in to a third six-year term in January, and he maintains he was the legitimate winner of the presidential election last year.

The opposition said there is credible evidence that its candidate had won the vote, as it urged the US and other countries to ramp up pressure on Maduro to force him out of office.

The Trump administration announced a $50m reward earlier this year for Maduros arrest, accusing him of being one of the world's largest drug traffickers and working with cartels to flood the US with fentanyl-laced cocaine. Maduro denies any connection to the drug trade.
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A federal appeals court has affirmed a court ruling to disqualify Donald Trumps former personal attorney Alina Habba from serving as the top prosecutor in New Jersey, landing yet another major blow to the presidents loyalists overseeing critical law enforcement roles across the country.

Habba, whose appointment sparked a legal showdown between the Trump administration and the states federal judges, is unlawfully serving as U.S. Attorney for New Jersey, the panel affirmed Monday.

After she briefly served as counselor to the president at the White House, Habba was sworn in as acting U.S. attorney in her home state.

In July, New Jerseys federal trial judges named their own nominee to replace Habba at the end of her 120-day term.

But hours later, Attorney General Pam Bondi not only blocked the judges nominee but removed her from the office entirely, then publicly rebuked the judges and promoted Habba  preserving her role as the states top federal prosecutor.

open image in gallery Alina Habba is disqualified from serving as U.S. Attorney for New Jersey after the Trump administration pursues controversial maneuvers to keep her and other loyalists in top legal roles ( AP )

The Department of Justice is likely to appeal to the Supreme Court.

Mondays ruling stems from the months-long legal challenge brought by New Jersey defendants challenging the legality of Habbas tenure and the charges she brought against them.

They argued that Habba did not have the authority to bring charges after her 120-day term expired and must have a constitutional right to be prosecuted only by a duly authorized United States Attorney.

The illegitimacy of Ms. Habbas appointment undermines  fundamental due process rights, attorneys wrote in court filings.

The appellate panel blocked Habba from serving in both the acting role and as the First Assistant U.S. Attorney under Bondi, because only the first assistant in place at the time the vacancy arises automatically assumes the functions and duties of the office under the Federal Vacancies Reform Act, judges wrote.

And because Habba was nominated to serve full-time as the U.S. Attorney for New Jersey, the law prevents her from assuming the role of Acting U.S. Attorney, according to the judges.

Bondis delegation of all the powers of a U.S. Attorney to Habba is also prohibited, they added.

Mondays ruling marks the latest strike against the Trump administration as his Justice Department faces intense legal scrutiny over a series of maneuvers to keep the presidents allies in office by getting around legal limits on how long they can stay there.

Judges have reached similar decisions in cases challenging the appointments of Trump-backed U.S. attorneys in Los Angeles, Nevada and Virginia, where the president directed Bondi to launch two politically charged cases against his longtime foes James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James.

Last week, a judge disqualified U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan in the eastern district of Virginia and dismissed the cases against Trumps enemies, finding that all actions flowing from Ms. Halligans defective appointment amounted to unlawful exercises of executive power.

open image in gallery Habba, who was a personal attorney to Trump in a blockbuster fraud trial and a defamation lawsuit from E Jean Carroll, was appointed to serve as New Jerseys top prosecutor earlier this year but faced legal challenges after serving beyond the expiration date of her temporary acting role ( AP )

In her first few months in office, Habba pursued a series of politically loaded investigations targeting Democratic officials, including an investigation into Governor Phil Murphy and Attorney General Matthew Platkin and criminal charges against a sitting member of Congress.

Her office charged Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and Rep. LaMonica McIver, both Democrats, following a protest outside an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center in the state.

Habba ultimately dropped trespassing charges against the mayor, a decision that a judge later called an embarrassing retraction.

Barakas hasty arrest, followed by Habbas dismissal of the charges two weeks later, suggests a worrying misstep by your office, Magistrate Judge Andre Espinosa said during a hearing that month. The mayor later sued Habba for malicious prosecution.

McIver, meanwhile, has been accused of assaulting law enforcement, which she has strenuously denied.

Before Trump appointed her to serve as the top federal prosecutor in New Jersey, Habbas term as one of his personal lawyers saw back-to-back losses in New York courtrooms that racked up nearly half a billion dollars in two blockbuster judgments against the president.

open image in gallery Habba representing Trump during his civil fraud trial in New York in October 2023. He was ordered to pay $350 million to the state for more than a decade of business fraud. The president has appealed the financial penalty ( POOL/AFP via Getty Images )

Trump was ordered to pay E Jean Carroll more than $83 million after he was found liable for sexually abusing and defaming the former Elle magazine writer. One month later, Trump was ordered to pay more than $350 million to the state for more than a decade of business fraud  a judgment that has only grown with interest to more than $500 million.

The president has successfully appealed the financial penalties in his fraud case, for now, but he remains on the hook for millions of dollars after appeals courts sided with Carroll in judgments he is now asking the Supreme Court to turn over.

The Independent has requested comment from Habbas office.
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Senator Cory Booker has married his partner, Alexis Lewis, less than three months after announcing their engagement.

The New Jersey lawmaker and longtime bachelor, 56, tied the knot with Lewis, 38, a real estate investor, in an intimate ceremony in Washington D.C. Saturday.

Overflowing with gratitude. We said I do in two places that shaped usCorys beloved Newark and Alexiss hometown of Washington, D.C.first at the courthouse, then with our families, the couple wrote in a shared Instagram post. Hearts full and so grateful.

Booker, who made headlines earlier this year after delivering a record-breaking 25-hour speech on the Senate floor, and Lewis were legally married Monday at the federal courthouse in Newark, New Jersey, with their parents as witnesses.

open image in gallery Senator Cory Booker has married his partner, Alexis Lewis, in a private ceremony in Washington, D.C., less than three months after announcing their engagement ( PAPERBOYS )

open image in gallery The couple met in May 2024, after being set up on a blind date by a friend, while Lewis was visiting family in Washington, D.C. They announced their engagement on social media in September 2025, and were married Saturday ( PAPERBOYS )

Saturdays inter-faith ceremony, held at an undisclosed location, featured blessings from both a rabbi and a pastor and the family-only reception also honored both faiths, The New York Times reported. Booker is a Christian and Lewis is Jewish.

The couple announced their engagement on September 2, with Booker describing Lewis as one of the greatest unearned blessings of my life.

open image in gallery The New Jersey lawmaker and longtime bachelor, 56, tied the knot with Lewis, 38, a real estate investor, in an intimate ceremony in Washington D.C. Saturday ( PAPERBOYS )

She has transformed me, helping me to ground and center my inner life, and discover the joys of building a nurturing home with someone you love, he wrote.

The couple met in May 2024, after being set up on a blind date by a friend, while Lewis was visiting family in Washington, D.C., according to The Times. That date lasted five hours and prompted Booker to immediately ask for another, he told the outlet.

open image in gallery Booker has admitted he has prioritized his career over relationships in the past. He entered politics in his late twenties, and served as mayor of Newark from 2006 to 2013. He has been a senator since winning a special election in 2013 and is currently serving his second full term ( PAPERBOYS )

Lewis is a director of investments at Brasa Capital Management, a real estate investment firm based in Los Angeles.

She has previously worked as a business development manager of economic policy under former Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, helping to form initiatives encouraging commercial development in less affluent areas of the city.

open image in gallery Booker and Lewis were legally married Monday at the federal courthouse in Newark, New Jersey, with their parents (pictured) as witnesses. ( PAPERBOYS )

Booker has admitted he has prioritized his career over relationships in the past. He entered politics in his late twenties, and served as mayor of Newark from 2006 to 2013. He has been a senator since winning a special election in 2013 and is currently serving his second full term.

Booker previously dated actress Rosario Dawson for two years, though their relationship ended in 2022.
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Donald Trump has doubled down on his criticism of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, despite backlash for using a mental health slur.

The president levied an ableist insult at Walz on Thanksgiving, in a Truth Social post which attracted widespread criticism.

But Trump showed no sign of backing down when asked whether he stood by the use of the term, during questions from reporters on Air Force One.

open image in gallery Donald Trump was asked if he stood by the use of the offensive term ( X )

Yeah, I think theres something wrong with him, Trump responded. Absolutely. Sure. You have a problem with it? You know what? I think theres something wrong with him.

Anybody that would do what he did, anybody that would allow those people into his state and pay billions of dollars out to Somalia We give billions of dollars to Somalia. Its not even a country because it doesnt function like a country. Its got a name but it doesnt function like a country.

The bulk of Trumps original post was directed at the 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.

He used the mental health slur against Walz, who was Kamala Harris running mate in the 2024 election, while attacking the Democratic governor for having a large Somali population in his state.

Walz hit back by posting a screenshot of the insult, which he captioned, Release the MRI results.

open image in gallery Minnesota governor Tim Walz has hit back at the president ( AP )

The Minnesota Governor again pushed back on Trumps insult again on Meet the Press, where he said that he felt, as a teacher and a parent, the presidents language was damaging.

He's normalized this type of hateful behavior and this type of language, Walz added. And mainly, look, at first, I think it's just because he's not a good human being, but secondly to distract from using competency.

Walz has been a campaigner for greater support for Americans with disabilities, being the parent to a son with nonverbal learning disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and anxiety disorder.

Meanwhile, a Republican state legislator in Indiana announced that he would move against Trumps efforts to redraw the states congressional district lines, on the basis of the slur being used.

Announcing his opposition to Trumps gerrymandering scheme, Senator Mike Bohacek demanded that the president prove that his policies and behavior deserve a congressional majority.

I have been an unapologetic advocate for people with intellectual disabilities since the birth of my second daughter, Bohacek wrote on Facebook. Those of you that dont know me or my family might not know that my daughter has Down Syndrome.

This is not the first time our president has used these insulting and derogatory references and his choices of words have consequences.

The Independent has contacted the White House for comment.
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One of the GOPs top strategists has warned that the Republican Party could find itself in deep trouble in the 2026 midterms.

Karl Rove, a senior advisor and deputy chief of staff to George W. Bush, argued that his party needed to have a clear plan on the hot-button issues of healthcare and the economy.

Both of the issues raised by the former Republican staffer on Fox News Journal Editorial Report were at the heart of the government shutdown, when Democrats tried to force the Republicans into reversing their plans to slash Medicaid and Affordable Care Act subsidies.

Rove claimed that the damage caused by the shutdown and the yet-to-be-felt benefits of Trumps Big, Beautiful Bill have left Congressional Republicans scared to death of the midterm election.

open image in gallery Karl Rove has warned his party that they could lose the 2026 Midterm Elections if they dont have a clear plan for healthcare reform ( Getty Images for The Atlantic )

If the presidents big, beautiful bill was as instantaneously positive as he thinks, his approval numbers on the economy wouldnt be in the 30s, and his overall approval wouldnt be in the low 40s, Rove warned.

So Republicans are concerned, and they need to have an agenda going into the 2026 midterms, and they dont have a forward-looking agenda at this moment, he added.

The former Bush strategist suggested that his party should consider the words of James Carville, whose Its the economy stupid quote has become the stuff of electoral legend.

The quote means political parties should focus on the core issue voters mainly care about, the economy, if they want to win. However, Carville followed that with an important addendum, as Rove pointed out.

And dont forget health care, Carville famously said, Rove added. The Republicans have got to have a health care agenda, otherwise theyre going to be in deep trouble.

A win for the Democrats could greatly hinder Trumps presidential plans, since he needs the approval of the House and the Senate in order to pass legislation.

open image in gallery Even Donald Trump has admitted that the Democrats are likely to win the 2026 elections ( Middle East Images )

During the 2025 government shutdown, which was the longest in American history, Trump called for his party to end the filibuster so that Republicans can pass legislation to stay in power, whatever the upcoming midterm result was.

If we end the filibuster, we can do exactly what we want. We're not gonna lose power, he bragged on 60 Minutes.

However, the president also admitted on Truth Social that he believed that the Democrats are more likely to win the Midterms, and the next Presidential Election.

His gloomy outlook was echoed by Marjorie Taylor Greene, one of the most prominent Republicans to turn on Trump in recent months.

Greene, a representative for Georgia who resigned from her seat in November, warned of Republicans losing the House if Americans are continuing to go from paycheck-to-paycheck.

open image in gallery Optimism in the Democratic Party is growing after Abigail Spanberger (pictured), Mikie Sherrill and Zohran Mamdani swept to victory in key races on November 5 ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

She also blasted her former leaders administration for failing to negotiate with the Democrats, who have increasingly pushed for reforms on insurance premiums.

That is something Im really disgusted with, she said. Its an America Last strategy, and I dont know whose strategy that is, but I dont think its a good one.

Optimism within the Democratic Party has grown after they swept a series of key elections on November 5, winning the New York City mayoral race, as well as gubernatorial contests in Virginia and New Jersey.

However, the party still has to appeal to an electorate that has described them as out of touch and weak as recently as July.

The poll, which was conducted by Democratic Super PAC Unite the Country, also found that the party was regarded as woke and weak on issues such as the cost of living.
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The FBI is a rudderless ship under director Kash Patel, who was described as being in over his head in a damning assessment by active-duty and retired agents.

Days after President Donald Trump denied reports he was considering ousting Patel from his post as FBI director, a group of 24 experienced agents has shared a scathing report detailing their thoughts on his first six months in office, due to be presented to the House and Senate Judiciary Committees later this week.

The report, obtained by the New York Post, comes after Patel has faced the heat for his use of government aircraft for multiple personal trips, assigning a SWAT team to protect his girlfriend, and reported clashes with senior Trump administration officials.

The White House denied media reports that Patel was on thin ice, but the withering report by FBI insiders revealed a troubling picture of a chronically underperforming agency debilitated by low confidence in FBI Leadership based on a lack of prior experience.

One agent referred to the FBIs leadership as the Kash-Bongino circus, while another criticized Patel for paralyzing leadership at all levels.

open image in gallery The FBI is a rudderless ship under Kash Patel, who was described as being in over his head in a damning assessment by active-duty and retired agents ( Getty Images )

The Independent has contacted the FBI for comment.

Unnamed special agents, some of whom have been at the bureau for multiple decades, reported that Patel has neither the breadth of experience nor the bearing an FBI director needs to be successful, while his deputy, Dan Bongino, was described as something of a clown.

Patel has not yet responded to the claims in the report but Bongino dismissed them as gossipy nonsense in a post on X Monday morning.

A LOT of people are very upset at the changes and reforms weve made at the FBI, Bongino said. They will do anything to revert to the old ways of doing things. So they leak gossipy nonsense to media outlets and journalists with a clear agenda, and they ignore the historic results and the significant reforms we instituted.

A special agent of more than 20 years, who went by ALPHA 52 in the report, also blasted Attorney General Pam Bondi and the FBI over the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files.

The Justice Department and the FBI released a joint memo in July that effectively drew a line under the investigation and said no further documents in the case would be released.

open image in gallery The withering report into the leadership of Patel and deputy director Dan Bongino revealed a troubling picture of a chronically underperforming agency ( Getty Images )

While the agent did not specifically refer to the memo in the report, they said that Bondi and the FBI badly handled the release of the files, which caused significant reputational damage to the agency as a direct result.

Some special agents were also pulled off other case work for one week to redact documents related to the Epstein case, according to the report, only for Trump and Bondi to pull the plug on releasing the files.

Another source in the report said that Patel was very personable and likeable, but also said that he has created a culture of mistrust and uncertainty among the ranks.

Patel was called out in the report for his tendency to give premature public remarks during active investigations, including during the aftermath of the assassination of Charlie Kirk.

One agent also shared an anecdote from when Patel touched down in Provo, Utah, following the fatal shooting of the conservative influencer and reportedly refused to disembark the plane because he did not have his own FBI raid jacket with him.

open image in gallery Attorney general Pam Bondi has also come in for criticism in the report ( Getty )

FBI Director Kash Patel refused to step down from the plane without wearing one, the report said. ALPHA 99 went on to say many FBI Special Agents were busy working in the aftermath of the assassination of Charle Kirk and that FBI personnel had to (stop and) ask around to find an FBI raid jacket  a medium sized one  that would fit FBI Director Kash Patel.

FBI personnel eventually found Patel a jacket belonging to a female special agent, but the director noticed two areas did not have velcro patches attached, according to the agent.

ALPHA 99 said FBI Director Kash Patel then reportedly said he would not leave the aircraft until he had two patches to cover those areas.

After two members of an FBI SWAT team took patches off their own uniforms and ran them over to Patel, he disembarked the aircraft, the report claims.

White House officials have denied reports that Patel will be fired from his post after MSNOW reported that co-deputy FBI Director Andrew Bailey was being eyed as his replacement.

This story is completely made up, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a post on X. I read the headline to the President and he laughed. He said: What? Thats totally false.

Come on Kash, lets take a picture to show them youre doing a great job! Leavitt wrote, attaching a photo of the pair smiling and giving a thumbs up.
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DHS Secretary Kristi Noem blamed the Biden administration on Sunday as the nation reacted to the horrific shooting of two National Guard troops deployed to the streets of Washington D.C. one week ago.

The shooting last weekend rocked the nations capital as one remains in the hospital in critical condition after the attack; the other, 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom, died after being hospitalized.

Police identified 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national who worked with the CIA in Afghanistan against the Taliban and other forces, as the suspect. Lakanwal was taken into custody after the attack.

During an appearance this Sunday on ABCs This Week, Noem echoed her bosss criticism of the Biden administrations vetting procedures for Afghans who aided U.S. forces and feared retribution after the fall of Kabul in 2021.

open image in gallery DHS secretary Kristi Noem claimed that the suspected shooter of two National Guardsmen in Washington D.C. was not vetted by the Biden administration before his refugee application was approved ( ABC - This Week )

Noem also said that the Department of Homeland Security thought it was possible that Lakanwal was radicalized by a violent ideology inside the United States, though she provided no evidence to back up that assertion.

"He was brought into the country by the Biden administration through Operation Allies Welcome. And then, maybe vetted after that, but not done well, based on what the guidelines were put forward by President Biden," Noem said on ABC News. "Since he's been here, we believe he could have been radicalized in his home community and in his home state."

In the wake of last weekends shooting Trump ordered Noems agency to immediately cease refugee and asylum applications for Afghan nationals.

Noem separately appeared on NBCs Meet the Press, where she repeated the same claim.

I will say we believe he was radicalized since he's been here in this country, Noem said on NBC. We do believe it was through connections in his home community and state, and we're going to continue to talk to those who interacted with him, who were his family members, who talk to them.

The secretary added that investigators have had some participation from Lakanwals family members in that regard.

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 )

NBCs Kristen Welker sparred with Noem on when vetting of Lakanwal should have taken place. The secretary argued that DHS under her predecessor, Alejandro Mayorkas, should have handled investigations into Lakanwals beliefs and background upon accepting him into the U.S. in 2021. Welker questioned repeatedly why the Trump administration hadnt completed the same vetting earlier in 2025, when his asylum application (submitted a year earlier) was accepted by DHS.

The vetting process, Kristen, happens when the person comes into the country, Noem argued. And Joe Biden completely did not vet any of these individuals, did not vet this individual.

This is the consequences of the dangerous situation he put our country in when [Joe Biden] allowed those people to infiltrate our country during that abandonment of Afghanistan, she went on.

Emails obtained by the Associated Press indicate that Lakanwals behavior grew increasingly erratic in the months leading up to the shooting, with a community leader indicating in one that they feared Lakanwal was suicidal. Others reported by the AP describe manic episodes of periods of dark isolation and reckless travel, beginning as early as 2023.

open image in gallery Kristi Noem blamed DHS under her predecessor, Alejandro Mayorkas, for supposedly insufficient vetting of Afghan nationals who came to the U.S. as part of Operation Allies Welcome and Operation Enduring Welcome after the fall of Kabul ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

There was significant pressure on the administration at that time to ensure the protection of Afghans who aided the U.S. during the occupation and efforts to forestall the fall of the countrys democratic government. Between two efforts directed by the Biden administration at DHS, Operation Allies Welcome and Operation Enduring Welcome, tens of thousands of Afghans were resettled in the United States. According to DHS statistics, roughly 200,000 were settled over the course of four years.

Donald Trump has threatened to upend legal status for every one of them in response to the tragic shootings in D.C.

I will permanently pause migration from all Third World Countries to allow the U.S. 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, or is incapable of loving our Country, Trump wrote in a Thanksgiving Day post to Truth Social.
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In apparent response to allegations that his lethal strikes targeting alleged drug traffickers amount to extrajudicial murder, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth posted an image of childrens book character Franklin the Turtle firing a rocket launcher from a helicopter.

On his personal X account on Sunday night, Hegseth posted an AI-generated book cover with the title Franklin Targets Narco Terrorists, with the titular turtle wearing combat gear and hanging outside a military helicopter as he takes aim at three boats below.

For your Christmas wish list, Hegseth wrote in the caption. He tagged U.S. Southern Command, which is overseeing American military operations targeting boats accused of smuggling drugs into the United States. More than 80 people have been killed in more than a dozen attacks over the last several months.

In response, X users posted AI-generated Franklin covers of their own, with titles like Franklin Goes to The Hague, Franklin On Trial at the ICC, and Franklin Goes to Jail.

Franklin the Turtle is a beloved Canadian icon who has inspired generations of children and stands for kindness, empathy, and inclusivity, a spokesperson for Franklin publisher Kids Can Press told The Independent. We strongly condemn any denigrating, violent, or unauthorized use of Franklins name or image, which directly contradicts these values.

open image in gallery Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth posted an AI-generated childrens book cover showing Franklin the Turtle firing on drug-carrying boats as he faces allegations that the U.S. militarys campaign against drug traffickers has committed extrajudicial murder and war crimes that target survivors ( X/@PeteHegseth )

Hegseths post follows reporting in The Washington Post that Hegseth ordered military personnel to not leave any survivors behind.

On September 2, military personnel fired a missile striking a vessel in the Caribbean that carried 11 people accused of trafficking drugs into the United States. 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, according to The Washington Post, citing officials with direct knowledge of the operation.

After the smoke cleared, the two survivors were then blown apart in the water, according to the report.

News of Hegseths alleged command follows growing legal scrutiny from international investigators and members of Congress alleging that the Trump administrations deadly campaign amounts to illegal extrajudicial killings, which law-of-war experts speaking to The Independent have labeled outright murder and a war crime.

open image in gallery The Defense Secretary issued a lengthy statement on X defending the campaign without denying whether he ordered officials to kill everybody on the boats ( AFP via Getty Images )

Democratic and Republican members of both the Senate Armed Services Committee and the House Armed Services Committee are pledging vigorous oversight of the Pentagon in the wake of the news.

Senator Roger Wicker, the GOP chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Senator Jack Reed, the top Democrat on the committee, said they have directed inquiries to the Defense Department and we will be conducting vigorous oversight to determine the facts related to these circumstances.

The Pentagon initially declined to comment on Hegseths alleged command while chief spokesperson Sean Parnell said on X that The Washington Posts entire narrative false.

Hegseth also issued a lengthy statement on X defending the campaign without denying whether he ordered officials to kill everybody on the boats despite not posing any immediate threat to the United States.

As usual, the fake news is delivering more fabricated, inflammatory, and derogatory reporting to discredit our incredible warriors fighting to protect the homeland, he wrote on Sunday. 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 conflict  and approved by the best military and civilian lawyers, up and down the chain of command.

In remarks to reporters Sunday night, Trump said he has great confidence that Hegseth did not verbally order military personnel to leave no survivors.

The president said Hegseth told him that he did not say that, and I believe him, 100 percent.

open image in gallery Donald Trump says he has great confidence that Hegseth did not order U.S. military officials to leave no survivors behind in the administrations lethal campaign against alleged drug-carrying boats ( Getty Images )

Following The Washington Posts reporting, former national security officials and military lawyers have determined that, if true, Hegseths order and the double-tap strike that allegedly killed surviving crewmembers are serious violations of U.S. and international law.

The Former JAGs Working Group, composed of former military lawyers, unanimously considers both the giving and the execution of these orders, if true, to constitute war crimes, murder, or both.

The National Security Leaders for America  which includes roughly 1,400 retired admirals, generals, diplomats and other officials  said the administrations alleged actions would violate a core principle of military ethics and the law of armed conflict, which prohibits targeting people who are no longer a threat or cannot defend themselves.

If the strike is viewed as a law enforcement action, killing rather than detaining a defenseless individual could constitute a host of crimes, up to and including murder, the group said in a statement Monday.

Orders to kill survivors of an attack at sea are patently illegal, anyone who issues or follows such orders can and should be prosecuted for war crimes, murder, or both, added Retired Major General Steven Lepper, a former Air Force Deputy Judge Advocate General.

In September, the Trump administration told Congress that the United States is formally engaged in an armed conflict with drug cartels that the president has labeled unlawful combatants.

The administration has labeled cartels nonstate armed groups whose actions constitute an armed attack against the United States and are now engaged in a noninternational armed conflict  or war with a non-state actor.

In the weeks that followed, the Trump administration directed more than a dozen strikes that have killed more than 80 people on vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific Ocean but officials have not publicly provided sufficient evidence or legal justification for their deaths, according to lawmakers and civil rights groups.

Last month, members of Congress received closed-door briefings on the attacks from administration officials, who were unable to provide any credible explanation for its extrajudicial and unauthorized attacks, according to Rep. Gregory Meeks, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

The legal justifications are dubious and meant to circumvent Congress constitutional power on matters of war and peace, he said in a statement.

He is in the national command authority for nuclear weapons and ... hes putting out on the internet ... turtles with rocket-propelled grenades, Democratic Senator Mark Kelly told reporters Monday. I mean, have you seen this? This is the secretary of defense. This is not a serious person.
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President Donald Trump has attacked a Tennessee Democrat running for Congress by claiming that she hates Christianity and openly disdains country music.

The president issued the broadside against Aftyn Behn on Truth Social Sunday after endorsing her MAGA rival Matt Van Epps in the special election for the states 7th congressional district, which is being held to find a successor to the resigning Rep. Mark Green, also a Republican.

I am asking all America First Patriots in Tennessees 7th Congressional District, who havent voted yet, to please GET OUT AND VOTE on Election Day, Tuesday, December 2nd, for a phenomenal Candidate, Matt Van Epps, Trump wrote in his post.

open image in gallery Democratic congressional candidate and state rep. Aftyn Behn, attends a campaign event with her supporters in Nashville, Tennessee on Saturday ( AP )

Matt is fighting against a woman who hates Christianity, will take away your guns, wants Open Borders, Transgender for everybody, men in womens sports, and openly disdains Country music.

She said all of these things precisely, and without question  ITS ON TAPE! Do not take this Race for granted. The Radical Left Democrats are spending a fortune to beat one of the best Candidates weve ever had, Matt Van Epps! You can win this Election for Matt. GET OUT AND VOTE FOR MATT VAN EPPS, who has my Complete and Total Endorsement  HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!

The presidents attack appeared to refer to an interview Behn gave on a podcast in 2020 in which she said of Nashville, the country music Mecca: I hate the city, I hate the bachelorettes, I hate the pedal taverns, I hate country music, I hate all of the things that make Nashville apparently an it city to the rest of the country.

Behn, a state representative and former social worker and community organizer, was asked about those remarks in a recent interview with the civil rights leader the Rev. Al Sharpton on his MS NOW show.

As a Nashvillian, I think we all get a little annoyed with the tourists that come to town, but that doesnt mean I [dont] love my city, she said.

open image in gallery President Donald Trump has endorsed MAGA candidate Matt Van Epps in the special election for Tennessees 7th congressional district ( AP )

In fact, instead of sitting on the sideline and complaining about it, I decided to run for office, and thats why Im the state representative that represents downtown Nashville.

The race between Behn and Van Epp is being closely watched nationally as a possible omen for the 2026 midterms, with a Democrat victory, flipping a red seat blue, likely to turn up the heat on the GOP amid widespread dissatisfaction with Trumps first year back in office.

Republican PACs have invested approximately $2 million into Van Eppss campaign, according to Mediaite, in order to prevent that happening.

A House Democratic super PAC has meanwhile spent $1 million on television and digital commercials for Behn, who is campaigning under the slogan: Vote Early, Vote Aftyn.

She defeated fellow state representatives Vincent Dixie and Bo Mitchell and local businessman Darden Copeland in the states Democratic primary in October to set up the clash with Van Epp.
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President Donald Trump has commuted the prison sentence of David Gentile, a private equity executive who was convicted of defrauding thousands of investors in a $1.6 billion scheme.

The former CEO and co-founder of GPB Capital Holdings served less than two weeks of his seven-year sentence when he was released from prison Wednesday, according to The New York Times.

Gentile, 59, and a co-defendant, Jeffry Schneider, were convicted of securities and wire fraud charges in August 2024 and sentenced in May. Schneider, who was sentenced to six years, does not appear to have received clemency from Trump.

In a social media post on Thanksgiving, Trumps pardon czar Alice Marie Johnson said she was deeply grateful to see Gentile going home to his young children.

In court filings, prosecutors said that Gentile and Schneider used investor funds to take stakes in companies in the automotive and retail industries. It paid out regular annual distributions to investors from returns on these holdings.

President Donald Trump has commuted the prison sentence of David Gentile, who was sentenced to seven years for defrauding thousands of investors ( AP )

Former President Joe Bidens Department of Justice found last year that GPBs use of investor funds to pay investors, instead of tapping into funds from its current operations, constituted a Ponzi scheme.

However, a White House official argued that prosecutors wrongly characterized the business as a Ponzi scheme, telling Reuters the claim was profoundly undercut by the fact that GPB had explicitly told investors what would happen.

At trial, the government was unable to tie any supposedly fraudulent representations to Mr. Gentile," the anonymous White House official told Reuters.

Mr. Gentile also raised serious concerns that the government had elicited false testimony and failed to correct such testimony, the source added.

As of Saturday, the text of Gentiles commutation had not yet been posted on the Justice Departments website. It was unclear if the commutation would affect any financial penalties.

In June, prosecutors asked the judge in the case to order Gentile to forfeit more than $15.5 million, whereas Schneider was asked to forfeit over $12 million.

In September, prosecutors indicated in a letter to the judge that a court-appointed receiver had access to more than $700 million, which would likely be distributed to investors, according to the Times.

With reporting by the Associated Press
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The White House has confirmed that the admiral overseeing U.S. military operations against alleged drug-carrying boats had issued the order for a second strike that killed two survivors, an attack that has intensified legal scrutiny into the Trump administrations lethal campaign.

Following new reporting about the September 2 strike and allegations that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth commanded military personnel to kill everybody on board the vessels, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Admiral Frank M. Mitch Bradley had issued the order to fire on the vessel in the Caribbean a second time.

At the time of the attack, Bradley led the Joint Special Operations Command, which operates under the U.S. Special Operations Command and typically is responsible for performing classified military operations. He was later promoted to lead the parent organization.

Asked to clarify whether Hegseth had ordered the second strike on the boat, Leavitt told reporters that Bradley  not Hegseth  gave the order and stressed that the veteran naval officer was well within his authority and the law when he did.

He directed the engagement to ensure the boat was destroyed and the threat from narco terrorists was eliminated, she said.

open image in gallery White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed a second strike that killed two survivors on an alleged drug-carrying boat September 2 was ordered by the admiral overseeing the operation ( REUTERS )

Leavitt added that the strikes were conducted in international waters and in accordance with the law of armed conflict.

The strike on September 2, the first among more than a dozen attacks that have killed more than 80 people in recent months, was conducted in self defense to protect Americans and vital United States interests, she said.

When two survivors emerged from the wreckage, Bradley issued an order to comply with Hegseths alleged instructions to kill everybody, according to The Washington Post, citing officials with direct knowledge of the operation.

The two men were then blown apart in the water, according to the report.

News of Hegseths alleged command follows growing questions about Trump administrations deadly campaign and allegations that the attacks amount to illegal extrajudicial killings, which law-of-war experts speaking to The Independent have labeled outright murders and war crimes.

According to the Pentagons own Law of War Manual, people who are wounded, sick, or shipwrecked on the high seas are supposed to be respected and protected in all circumstances by U.S. forces, even during hostilities.

The Defense Departments manual specifically states that making them the object of attack is strictly prohibited.

But when pressed on how her claim that the strikes on the survivors were in accordance with the law of armed conflict when the Pentagons own guidance explicitly says otherwise, Leavitt declined to offer an explanation and instead repeated her early prepared statement.

One day earlier, Donald Trump told reporters that Hegseth told him he did not order the death of those two men.

I wouldn't have wanted that  not a second strike, the president told reporters Sunday. The first strike was very lethal.

Leavitt also defended Trumps pardon of Juan Orlando Hernandez, the former president of Honduras who was convicted in U.S. court last year of leading a drug trafficking conspiracy that enriched cartels  allegations at the center of the presidents current military pressure campaign against Venezuela.

The people of Honduras have highlighted to [Trump] how the former President Hernandez was set up, Leavitt said.

She repeated claims from Hernandezs legal team that his case was over-prosecution and lawfare under Joe Bidens administration.

Hes of course within his constitutional authority to sign clemency for whoever he deems worthy of that, she said.

open image in gallery Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has defended U.S. military actions against alleged drug-carrying boats as members of Congress investigate whether he ordered troops to leave no survivors behind ( REUTERS )

Democratic and Republican members of both the Senate Armed Services Committee and the House Armed Services Committee are pledging vigorous oversight of the Pentagon in the wake of the news as members of Congress join growing calls for investigations into alleged criminal acts.

Over the weekend, Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, spoke by phone with the Republican and Democratic leaders on the House and Senate armed services committee following reports of Hegseths alleged command.

They discussed the intent and legality of missions to disrupt illicit trafficking networks which threaten the security and stability of the Western Hemisphere, according to a readout of the call.

Leavitts confirmation of the second strike on the alleged drug trafficking boat marked an abrupt reversal of the administration's position from days earlier, when White House Communications Director Steven Cheung responded to the Post story by accusing the newspaper of having fabricated their report, writing on X that the Post had literally just printed what some unnamed random person said and reported it as fact.

The Pentagon initially declined to comment on Hegseths alleged command, though Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell later hit back in his own X post by claiming that the storys entire narrative was false.

These people just fabricate anonymously sourced stories out of whole cloth, he added.

Hegseth later issued a lengthy statement on X defending the campaign without denying whether he ordered officials to kill everybody on the boats despite not posing any immediate threat to the United States.

As usual, the fake news is delivering more fabricated, inflammatory, and derogatory reporting to discredit our incredible warriors fighting to protect the homeland, he wrote Friday. 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 conflict  and approved by the best military and civilian lawyers, up and down the chain of command.

Just days later, Trump himself confirmed what his top defense adviser had denied while speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One.
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President Donald Trump is set to gather his top national security leaders in the Oval Office Monday to discuss his ongoing pressure campaign against Venezuela as the U.S. continues its ongoing military buildup in the region.

According to a source familiar with the matter, the meeting will include Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, plus White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles and Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller.

The planned Oval Office sit-down, which was first reported by CNN, is expected to take place at 5 p.m. It comes amid the administration is ramping up the pressure against Caracas and the government led by dictator Nicolas Maduro, who the U.S. government formally designated as a member of a foreign terrorist organization last week.

The move to designate Maduro and many of his allies as terrorists is understood to be part of a legal gambit by which Trump administration officials believe they can unlock the ability to conduct military operations in and around Venezuela using authorities similar to those used by multiple administrations while conducting the post-9/11 global War on Terror.

President Donald Trump is set to meet with top advisers Monday about his military buildup near Venezuela. ( AP )

The United States is not at war with Venezuela and Congress has not authorized military force against the country, but that has not stopped the Trump administration from conducting a series of airstrikes on small boats alleged to be smuggling narcotics that have killed at least 80 people thus far.

The Pentagon has also deployed more than 12 warships  including the U.S.S. Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group  and 15,000 troops to the region as part of what Hegseth has dubbed Operation Southern Spear.

Last week, Trump claimed the U.S. would begin strikes against land-based drug smuggling very soon despite the lack of clear authority to send troops into the country. He also posted to social media over the weekend declaring that commercial aviators and others should consider the airspace above and surrounding Venezuela to be closed in its entirety.

He also told reporters on Sunday that he had spoken with Maduro but did not provide details on the content of the purported conversation.
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The White House continued its relentless war on the mainstream media this past weekend by launching a new website page dedicated to calling out news organizations and reporters who publish unflattering stories the administration dislikes.

While the list of media outlets that have made Donald Trumps Hall of Shame over their false and misleading stories includes the Washington Post, CNN, CBS News and The Independent, one network doesnt appear to have made the White Houses notable media offenders list  Fox News.

According to the Washington Post, however, that wasnt the case initially.

The criticism of Fox News was misdirected, a Fox News spokeswoman said, because the website wrongly identified a reporter as being from that outlet. The White House removed the Fox News page after the news outlet raised its objection, the Post reported.

The Post added that the White Houses media tracker had incorrectly attributed questions in a press conference to a Fox News reporter, noting that once the network asked for a correction, the administration pulled the mention and now theres a 404 error page where the page once was.

open image in gallery The White House is now publishing a media offenders Hall of Shame to name and shame dozens of media outlets and reporters for publishing unflattering stories it dislikes. ( White House )

The reporter who drew the White Houses ire is then-Associated Press correspondent Tara Copp. Incidentally, Copp recently joined the Washington Post and has also been added as a media offender due to her reporting about the Coast Guard no longer classifying swastikas as hate symbols  a move the Coast Guard walked back after the Posts story was published.

A Fox News spokesperson confirmed to The Independent that the network reached out to the White House for the correction due to the initial misattribution.

While the Trump administration has removed its misdirected criticism of the conservative cable giant from its anti-media Hall of Shame, it continues to take aim at a spate of other legacy and mainstream press organizations.

In fact, the story that prompted the launch of the White Houses site revolves around Trumps call for several Democratic lawmakers  whom he and his allies have since dubbed the Seditious Six  to be hanged over their video saying military soldiers shouldnt follow illegal orders.

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, the White House wrote as the offense committed by the media.

The Democrats and Fake News Media subversively implied that President Trump had issued illegal orders to service members. Every order President Trump has issued has been lawful. It is dangerous for sitting Members of Congress to incite insubordination in the United States military, and President Trump called for them to be held accountable, the site declares, alongside the caption Misleading. Biased. Exposed.

The inaugural media offenders of the week over their reporting for supposedly misrepresenting the president after he accused ex-Navy pilot Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and others of SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH were The Boston Globe, CBS News and The Independent.

Besides listing its weekly offenders, the webpage includes a running Hall of Shame tally that goes back a few months, labeling dozens of reports that it claims are guilty of misrepresentation, omission on context, bias and/or left-wing lunacy. The website also allows readers to sign up for an emailed newsletter.

open image in gallery Trump has spent years blasting the media and its coverage of him. ( Getty )

The page additionally features PowerPoint presentations of a leaderboard and repeat offenders, placing the Washington Post in first place in its race to the bottom. MS NOW (previously MSNBC) and CBS News  which Trump has repeatedly praised in recent months following David Ellisons purchase of Paramount and the hiring of anti-woke editor-in-chief Bari Weiss  came in second and third place, respectively.

Trump has spent years raging against the Fake News and labeling the mainstream media the enemy of the people, all while tossing out frivolous billion-dollar lawsuits against legacy outlets and procuring widely criticized settlements from news networks like ABC and CBS.

However, with his job approval numbers plummeting and more damning reports hitting his administration on a daily basis, the president has seemingly upped his insults on the media  specifically towards female reporters.

For instance, in just the past month, Trump yelled quiet, piggy to a Bloomberg reporter for asking him a question about the Epstein files  an egregiously sexist attack that White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt later defended.

He followed that up by telling another ABC News reporter that she was a terrible person and a terrible reporter before calling the New York Times Katie Rogers a third rate reporter who is ugly, both inside and out. Over the Thanksgiving holiday, he labeled CBS News correspondent Nancy Cordes  who made this week's media offenders list  a stupid person for asking him about his governments vetting of Afghan refugees.
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A couple from Kazakhstan used a hidden T-shirt camera and earpieces to cheat a major Sydney casino out of nearly A$1.2m (593,000), police alleged.

New South Wales Police said that Dilnoza Israilova, 36, was caught after security staff at the Barangaroo casino noticed a tiny camera attached to her Mickey Mouse T-shirt. The device, described as discreet and difficult to spot, allegedly relayed live footage from card tables.

Ms Israilova and her husband, Alisherykhoja Israilov, 44, were arrested shortly after.

On Thursday a 36-year-old woman was observed by casino staff wearing a small, discreet camera attached to her shirt, a police spokesperson said. Officers were notified and attended the casino, where they arrested the woman and her 44-year-old husband.

Investigators reported finding additional equipment during their search, including magnetised probes and a mirror attachment for a phone  items police said were used to rig games.

Authorities alleged the couple arrived from Kazakhstan in October and applied for casino membership immediately upon landing in Sydney.

Over the next several weeks, they reportedly returned to the venue multiple times, eventually racking up winnings amounting to A$1,179,412.

With their mobile phones capturing images of the table, the pair communicated using deep-seated earpieces through which they received instructions to wager on different card games and ultimately cheat the casino, the police alleged.

Casino staff raised concerns when their unusually high payouts continued, ultimately leading to Thursdays intervention where Ms Israilova was allegedly caught in the act.

According to the police, the devices linked to the couples cellphones enabled them to obtain images of cards at gaming tables while concealed earpieces were used to relay betting instructions. Officers said the equipment allowed them to receive prompts on when to place wagers, giving them a decisive advantage.

A police spokesperson told the BBC that investigators were not seeking additional suspects connected to the alleged fraud.

A later search of the couples accommodation in Sydney uncovered more so-called gambling props, along with high-value jewellery and 2,000 (1,750) in cash.

The defendants were charged with dishonestly obtaining a financial advantage and kept in custody after being denied bail at their Friday court appearance.

According to the Guardian, Ms Israilova is scheduled to return to court in February while Mr Israilov is due to appear on 11 December.
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Four Sydney men have been charged with criminal offenses over their alleged involvement in the distribution of child sexual abuse material linked to an international child sex abuse ring, police said on Monday.

A New South Wales state police task force identified the Sydney-based network while investigating the online distribution of encrypted child sexual abuse material involving ritualistic and satanic themes, Detective Superintendent Jayne Doherty said.

Theres no run-of-the mill child abuse, its all abhorrent child abuse, Ms Doherty told reporters.

But these ones were particularly devastating in that they use symbols and rituals around  their discussions that they were having about abusing children. It had a very ritualistic overview.

Police executed multiple warrants around Sydney last Thursday and four men were arrested.

Jayne Doherty addresses the media about the arrests made by the force in the abhorrent case ( AP )

Police also seized electronic devices allegedly containing thousands of videos depicting the abuse of children from babies to 12-year-olds.

Police will allege in court that this international group were engaging in conversations and the sharing of material which depicted child abuse and the torture of children involving symbols and rituals linked to Satanism and the occult, Ms Doherty said.

She said that police did not believe that the defendants recorded any of the abuse material that they shared.

Police were working with their international partners to identify the alleged victims, where they had been abused and their abusers, Ms Doherty said.

No victim had been identified by Monday, she said.

Police said one of those arrested, Landon Germanotta-Mills, 26, played a leading role in the ring.

Also arrested were Stuart Woods Riches, 39, Mark Andrew Sendecky, 42, and Benjamin Raymond Drysdale, 46.

All four were charged with various offenses relating to spreading child abuse material online.

Germanotta-Mills was also charged with disseminating and possessing bestiality material, also a criminal offence.

Legal Aid NSW, which is representing Germanotta-Mills, declined to comment to the AP on Monday.

Julian Balloot, the lawyer representing the other three defendants, did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Monday.

All four accused were refused bail and will next appear in court in late January.
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The 92-year-old founder of a Swiss assisted suicide organisation Dignitas has died by assisted suicide, the group has announced.

Ludwig Minelli led a "life for freedom of choice, self-determination, and human rights", Dignitas, which was founded by the Swiss lawyer in 1998, said in a statement. He died days before his 93rd birthday on 5 December.

Dignitas has helped thousands of people to end their own lives, becoming one of the most well-known right-to-die organisations in the world during an era in which a number of countries have shifted towards allowing assisted dying.

The UK is the latest to edge towards reform, with the House of Lords currently debating the assisted dying bill. It has raised fears among critics that disabled, vulnerable and elderly people could be coerced into ending their lives.

open image in gallery Minelli died aged 92 ( AFP via Getty Images )

Minelli recognised early on that as a matter of principle, people with a history of suffering also want to continue living if they can find a quality of life acceptable to them personally, Dignitas said.

The organisation has assisted many who travelled to Switzerland to die with the assistance of a physician, with assisted dying not legal in their own country.

Dignitas said that only a small percentage of seriously ill people who turn to Dignitas end up applying for voluntary assisted dying, with an even smaller number following through with this decision. It said its practice proves Minelli right because just knowing that they have this option gives them relief and the courage to go on living.

Minelli fought on this basis for decades, after starting his career as a journalist in 1956. He turned to law, graduating from law school in 1981 before he was admitted to the bar of attorneys in 1986, aged 54.

He later founded the Dignitas association, coming up with its slogan: To live with dignity  To die with dignity.

open image in gallery Dignitas said Minelli led a 'life for freedom of choice' ( AFP via Getty Images )

Minelli faced numerous legal wrangles after founding Dignitas. In 2011, the European Court of Human Rights found confirmed the right of a person capable of judgement to decide on the manner and the time of their own end of life, in a case led by Minelli, Dignitas said.

Assisted dying, wherein a person is given lethal drugs from a physician which they administer themselves, has been legal since 1941. It is not the same as euthanasia, in which a lethal drug is administered by a physician to end a persons life, which remains illegal in Switzerland.

Minelli had already expanded the associations board several years ago and had planned a seamless transition for the organisation before his death, Dignitas said.

It said it will continue developing the association in the spirit of its founder as a professional and combative international organisation for self-determination and freedom of choice in life and at the end of life.

If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch. If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.
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A delegation from the West African regional bloc known as ECOWAS arrived in Guinea-Bissau on Monday for mediation talks with the leaders of a coup over the complete restoration of constitutional order.

The ECOWAS mission, led by its chairman and the President of Sierra Leone Julius Maada Bio, arrived as the military government  which seized power last Wednesday  banned all demonstrations, strikes and activities regarded as threat to peace and stability.

In a statement late Sunday, the military authorities also ordered public institutions and ministries to reopen.

Soldiers seized power in the West African nation three days after a closely contested presidential election which the two main contenders claim to have won.

During the coup Guinea-Bissaus President Umaro Sissoco Embalo told French media by phone that he had been deposed and arrested. Embalo has since fled to the Republic of Congos capital Brazzaville.

Guinea-Bissaus military has installed former army chief of staff Gen. Horta Inta-a as the head of the military government, which will oversee a one-year transition period. On Saturday Inta-a appointed a new 28-member government, most of whom are allies of the ousted president.

The day after the coup, ECOWAS said suspended Guinea-Bissau from its decision-making bodies until the restoration of full and effective constitutional order in the country. It said its mediation team would travel to Bissau to engage the leaders of the coup with a view to ensuring the full restoration of constitutional order.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed grave concern over the events in Guinea-Bissau and condemned the coup. In a statement, Guterres stressed that disregarding the will of the people who peacefully cast their vote during the Nov. 23 general elections constitutes an unacceptable violation of democratic principles.

He 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.

Guinea-Bissau, one of the worlds poorest countries, has been dogged by coups and attempted coups since its independence from Portugal more than 50 years ago, including a coup attempt in October. The country of 2.2 million people is known as a hub for drug trafficking between Latin America and Europe, a trend that experts say has fueled its political crises.

Widely seen as West Africas leading political and regional authority, the 15-nation ECOWAS was formed in 1975 to promote economic integration in member states. The bloc often collaborates with members governments to solve domestic challenges on various fronts from politics to economics and security. It has struggled in recent years to reverse coups in the region where citizens have complained of not benefiting from rich natural resources.
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Donald Trumps peace plan for Ukraine must not lead to Russian president Vladimir Putin escaping accountability for alleged war crimes, a senior European Union official said.

Michael McGrath, the European commissioner for justice and democracy, told Politico on Monday that negotiators should ensure any ceasefire plan does not allow Russia to avoid prosecution, setting what appears to be a new red line for any settlement.

His remarks underline concerns across Europe over the original version of the US proposal, which proposed a full amnesty for actions committed during the war and steps to reintegrate Russia into the global economy.

Mr McGrath said: I dont think history will judge kindly any effort to wipe the slate clean for Russian crimes in Ukraine.

They must be held accountable for those crimes and that will be the approach of the European Union in all of these discussions.

open image in gallery Michael McGrath said negotiators must ensure the push for a ceasefire does not result in Russia escaping prosecution ( PA )

Mr Trumps team has pushed for a reset with Moscow, even as Russia is accused of crimes ranging from the abduction of tens of thousands of Ukrainian children to attacks on civilians in Bucha, Mariupol and other cities.

Were we to do so, to allow for impunity for those crimes, we would be sowing the seeds of the next round of aggression and the next invasion, Mr McGrath added.

And I believe that that would be a historic mistake of huge proportions.

Ukraines prosecutors say they have opened more than 178,000 investigations into suspected Russian crimes since the invasion began.

A UN commission reported last month that Russian authorities had committed crimes against humanity through drone attacks on civilians and had carried out the war crimes of forcible transfer and deportation.

We cannot give up on the rights of the victims of Russian aggression and Russian crimes, Mr McGrath said.

open image in gallery Vladimir Putins Russia is accused of the abduction of tens of thousands of Ukrainian children ( AP )

Millions of lives have been taken or destroyed, and people forcibly removed, and we have ample evidence.

In July this year, Europes top human rights court delivered damning judgments against Russia, finding Moscow responsible for widespread violations of international law in Ukraine.

Judges at the European Court of Human Rights issued judgments in four cases brought by Kyiv and the Netherlands accusing Moscow of atrocities in Ukraine dating back more than a decade.

They include the alleged murder, torture, rape, and destruction of civilian infrastructure and kidnapping of Ukrainian children.
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.
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has requested a pardon in his long-running corruption trial  a move that has set off alarm bells among his critics that hes trying to circumvent the rule of law.

In a video message, Netanyahu says Israels current security and political situation makes it impossible for him to appear in court several times a week.

His request for a pardon from Israels president is just the latest twist in a case that has dragged on for years. It could have significant implications for Israels legal system  and Netanyahus political future, with elections due next year.

What charges does he face?

Netanyahu is indisputably the most important political figure of modern Israeli politics. He was first elected prime minister in 1996 and is now in his sixth term.

He has been indicted on charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust, related to investigations that date back to 2016. There are three cases now known by numbers  Case 1,000, Case 2,000 and Case 4,000. The trial began in 2020.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a meeting with U.S. Vice President JD Vance (not pictured) at the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem, October 22, 2025 ( Reuters )

In Case 1,000, Netanyahu is alleged to have received some US$200,000 (A$305,000/151,000) worth of gifts, including cigars and champagne, from Hollywood producer Arnon Milchan and Australian billionaire James Packer.

Case 2,000 is related to alleged meetings Netanyahu had with Arnon Mozes, the publisher of the prominent Yediot Ahronot newspaper. Prosecutors say Mozes offered Netanyahu favourable coverage in exchange for restrictions being imposed on one of his rival newspapers.

And the final case, Case 4,000 is related to a communications conglomerate, Bezeq. The attorney-general alleges another reciprocal agreement: Netanyahu would be portrayed positively on the online platform, its alleged, in exchange for him supporting regulatory changes that would benefit Bezeqs controlling shareholder.

Netanyahu has consistently denied any wrongdoing in the cases, saying hes a victim of a witch hunt. In 2021, he characterised the charges as fabricated and ludicorous. When he took the stand in 2024, he said:

These investigations were born of sin. There was no offence, so they found an offence.

Experts have pointed out that a pardon can only be given once someones been convicted of a crime. But Netanyahu is not offering to admit any responsibility or guilt in the case, and he likely never will. Hes simply asking for a pardon, so that he can get on with his job.

Independence of Israels judicial system

Since the trial began in 2020, many witnesses have testified in the case, including some former Netanyahu aides who entered into plea bargains and became state witnesses. So, theres been some pretty damning material brought against Netanyahu.

But hes been extremely savvy and politically intelligent to use other issues  particularly the Gaza war  at every opportunity to try to postpone or interrupt the proceedings.

And after the Hamas attacks of October 2023, the number of trial days was limited because of security. According to media reports, Netanyahu has frequently requested his hearings be cancelled due to his handling of the war.

About the author Michelle Burgis-Kasthala is a professor of International Law, at La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article

Netanyahus supporters dont seem to have a problem with his request for a pardon, but it is shining a light on broader questions around the independence of the Israeli legal system.

In early 2023, the Netanyahu government put forth plans to overhaul the judicial system, which critics said would weaken the Supreme Court and Israels system of checks and balances. Netanyahu wasnt involved in the effort because the attorney-general said it would be a conflict of interest due to his corruption trial, but other ministers in his cabinet were pushing it.

Massive protests happened on a regular basis throughout Israel in response to this move. Critics saw this as a frontal attack on the basic foundations of the Israeli legal system.

The request for a pardon is now part of this wider story, even though the two issues are not formally linked. Netanyahus opponents say its yet another indication of him and his coalition having a fundamentally different conception of the rule of law.

Netanyahus political survival

This is all about Netanyahus personal and political survival. He was re-elected leader of the Likud Party this month and he has declared his intention to run again for prime minister in next years elections  and that he expects to win.

The Israeli Basic Law suggests Netanyahu couldnt run if hes been convicted of a serious offence, though its not clear if he would actually be blocked at this point.

Media reports have suggested Netanyahu wants to move up the elections from November to June in the hopes hell be able to secure deals to normalise relations with both Saudi Arabia and Indonesia by then. This fits a pattern of him trying to use foreign policy gains to offset his domestic problems.

With elections coming, hes now trying every possible manoeuvre to improve his position  and the pardon is just one of them. Its likely the only option he has now to make the case go away because the trial has gone on for so long and at some point the court will have to make a decision.
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Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asked president Isaac Herzog to pardon him in a bid to end his ongoing corruption trial.

Netanyahu, 76, said ending the trial immediately would help lower tensions and promote the broad reconciliation our country so desperately needs.

The proceedings have been stalled throughout Netanyahus controversial war in Gaza, with many accusing him of using the conflict as a means of delaying the trial.

Last month, President Donald Trump appealed to Herzog to pardon his ally Netanyahu, calling the case a political, unjustified prosecution.

Herzogs office called the demand an extraordinary request which carries with it significant implications.

A presidential pardon before a conviction and without an admission of guilt is extremely rare, and has been granted only once before in Israel.

open image in gallery Netanyahu has been elected five times in Israel ( POOL/AFP via Getty Images )

What are the charges against Netanyahu?

In 2019, Netanyahu was indicted on charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust in three cases known as 1000, 2000 and 4000. He is the first prime minister to be indicted while in office and has called the case a witch hunt.

The leader is accused of receiving expensive gifts from Australian billionaire James Packer and Israeli Hollywood mogul Arnon Milchan in exchange for political favours in case 1000. The prosecution has alleged that Netanyahu received cigars and champagne worth $195,000 (171,000) as well as jewellery for his wife worth $3,100 (2,300).

Netanyahu is then said to have pushed for tax exemptions for returning citizens, a request that would have benefited Milchan. This was denied by the countrys ministry of finance.

open image in gallery US president Donald Trump (L) with Benjamin Netanyahu (R) ( Reuters )

He is also reported to have asked former US Secretary of State John Kerry to help Milchan secure a US visa.

A second case, 2000, focuses on allegations that Netanyahu negotiated a deal with leading daily newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth for favourable coverage. In a meeting with a controlling shareholder of the company, Arnon Mozes, he is alleged to have promised to limit the circulation of a rival in return.

Case 4000, the most serious, focuses on allegations that the prime minister granted regulatory favours to Israels leading telecommunications company, Bezeq, in return for more positive coverage on Walla, a news website belonging to the firms owner. The incentives are reported to have been worth $500m (377m), according to Reuters.

Netanyahu denies all the claims.

open image in gallery Netanyahu took the witness stand in December 2024 ( POOL/AFP via Getty Images )

Could he be pardoned?

A pardon issued without a trial or admission of guilt  otherwise known as a preemptive pardon  would set a historical precedent and be considered highly controversial.

Clemency is usually offered in the years after a conviction, where new evidence or circumstances justify a softening of the original decision. It is not used as a way to evade trial or punishment.

The only exception to this rule in Israel relates to the case of senior Shin Bet officials in the capture, killing and cover-up of two people accused of terrorism in 1986. The case has left a legacy of lasting controversy.

Earlier this month, the Israel Democracy Institute said: As a rule, the president reviews a pardon request only after all legal proceedings have ended. The possibility of a pre-conviction pardon is extremely rare.

It continued: A pardon before conviction, while legal proceedings are ongoing, threatens the rule of law and seriously undermines the principle of equality before the law.

open image in gallery A protest against Netanyahu held in Israel over decision to dismiss Shin Bet leader ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. )

How long will he remain PM?

Netanyahu was re-elected for a fifth time in November 2022, as head of the right-wing Likud party. Elections are due to be held in Israel in October 2026, and the prime minister has so far avoided calls for an earlier vote.

He is the fourth world leader to be issued with an arrest warrant by the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity alongside Russias Vladimir Putin, Sudans Omar al-Bashir and Libyas Muammar Gaddafi.

Over 70,000 people have been killed in Gaza since the beginning of Israels brutal invasion, which came in response to the killing of more than 1,200 people in Israel by Hamas in the 7 October, 2023 attacks. A US-brokered ceasefire came into effect in October this year, but the political future of Gaza is still being negotiated and reports of violence have persisted.

Earlier this year the UN concluded that Israel committing a genocide in the Strip after a two-year investigation, which the state has denied and called false and distorted.
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Pope Leo has urged Lebanese people, and in particular Christians, to remain in the country despite years of conflict and the threat of the Islamic State.

Leo arrived in Lebanon on Sunday for his first trip as pope.

In his opening speech, he challenged the countrys political leaders to put aside their differences and act as peacemakers, while also asking Christians not to emigrate.

Christians comprise about a third of Lebanons population of five million.

That gives the small country the highest percentage of Christians in the Middle East.

A power-sharing agreement in place since Lebanon gained independence from France in 1943 stipulates that the president must be a Maronite Christian, meaning Lebanon is the only Arab country with a Christian head of state.

open image in gallery Leo waves from the popemobile as he arrives at the monastery ( AP )

Christianity has endured in its ancestral homeland even as the rise of the Islamic State drove an exodus from communities in Iraq and Syria that dated to the time of the Apostles.

The Christian exodus in Lebanon has been at a slower trickle after the main flight during the civil war.

However, emigration remains a concern for the Vatican, which sees the Christian presence there as a bulwark for the church in the region.

We will stay here," said May Noon, a pilgrim waiting for Leo outside the St Charbel Monastery.

No one can uproot us from this country. We must live it in it as brothers because the church has no enemy."

Bishop Antoine-Charbel Tarabay accompanied a group of 60 people from the Lebanese diaspora in Australia to welcome Leo and join in his prayer for peace, but to also reinforce the Christian presence in the country.

open image in gallery The popemobile carrying Pope Leo XIV arrives at the Monastery of Saint Maroun in Annaya, Lebanon ( AP )

Even though we live abroad, we feel that we need to support young people and the families to stay here, he said as he waited for the pope to meet with clergy in Harissa, north of Beirut.

We dont like to see more and more people leaving Lebanon, especially the Christians.

Bishop Tarabay said the Lebanese people were grateful that Leo chose to visit on his maiden voyage as pope.

He decided to say that there we have suffering people, we have young people that are very much like at the edge of desperation, he said.

Leo, he said, decided: I have to go there and to tell them Youre not forgotten.

On Monday, the pope prayed at the tomb of St Charbel Makhlouf, a Lebanese saint revered among Christians and Muslims alike.

Bells rang out as Leo's covered popemobile snaked its way through the rain and thousands of enthusiastic people lining his motorcade route into Annaya, around 40 kilometres (25 miles) from Beirut.

open image in gallery The pope prays at the tomb of St Charbel Makhlouf ( AP )

Some waved Lebanese and Vatican flags and tossed flower petals and rice on his car in a gesture of welcome as he zoomed by.

Every year, hundreds of thousands of pilgrims visit the hilltop monastery of St Maroun overlooking the sea to pray at the tomb of the saint, a Lebanese Maronite hermit who lived from 1828 to 1898.

Believers credit him with miraculous healings that have occurred after people prayed for his intercession.

Leo prayed quietly in the darkened tomb, and offered a lamp as a gift of light for the monastery.

Sisters and brothers, today we entrust to St Charbels intercession the needs of the church, Lebanon and the world, Leo said in French.

For the world, we ask for peace. We especially implore it for Lebanon and for the entire Levant.

Leo then received a raucous welcome from nuns and priests at the Our Lady of Lebanon sanctuary in Harissa, a town north of Beirut.

open image in gallery A group of nuns reach out to Pope Leo XIV as he arrives at the Catholic basilica of Harissa, Lebanon ( AP )

In the afternoon, the pope was to preside over an interfaith gathering alongside Lebanon's Christian and Muslim leaders in the capital Beirut.

There, Leo was expected to hammer home his core message of peace and Christian-Muslim coexistence in Lebanon and beyond at a time of conflict in Gaza and political tensions in Lebanon that are worse than they have been in years.

His visit comes at a tenuous time for the tiny Mediterranean country after years of economic crises and political deadlock, punctuated by the 2020 Beirut port blast.

We, as Lebanese, need this visit after all the wars, crises and despair that we have lived, said the Reverend Youssef Nasr, the secretary-general of Catholic Schools in Lebanon who was on hand to welcome Leo at the Our Lady of Lebanon Basilica in Harissa, a town north of Beirut.

The popes visit gives a new push to the Lebanese to rise and cling to their country."

More recently, Lebanon has been deeply divided over calls for Hezbollah, a Lebanese militant group and political party, to disarm after fighting a war with Israel last year that left the country deeply damaged.

Leo was to end the day at a rally for Lebanese youth at Bkerki, the seat of the Maronite church, where he is expected to encourage them to persevere and not leave the country like many others despite Lebanons many challenges.
US medical equipment multinational Technimark is planning to develop a new manufacturing campus in Longford, potentially creating up to 120 jobs.

The move by Technimark, which makes custom plastic components and packaging for the consumer packaging, healthcare, and industrial markets, signals Ireland remains an attractive destination for foreign direct investment. The proposed investment comes amid fears that foreign firms considering expanding in the Irish market would dry up due to US president Donald Trumps tariff agenda and his push to bring US multinationals home.
What I spend on Christmas: I would imagine that my total will be about 2,000 and the majority of my budget will be on my own kids
A mother has begged a court not to jail her partner, who threatened to kill her in front of their children, and pinned her down, barely able to breathe, until gardai intervened.
They feared their little boy was going to die  Child (8) waits nearly two hours for ambulance after suffering horrific injury
A 23-year-old psychology student has spoken of the lasting impact of suffering a stroke at the age of just two after developing a viral infection

David ODonnell from Ballina in Co Tipperary said the alarm was raised by his parents when they found their then two-and-a-half-year-old son could not speak or move the right side of his body as he lay in his cot.
Nappies, prams and cots  charity calls for donations for children and new mothers in need this Christmas

Donations, physical and financial, are being encouraged to help ease the burden on vulnerable new mothers over the festive period

Community Connect volunteers with gift packages. Image: Rethink Ireland

Keith Kelly Mon 1 Dec 2025 at 09:06

A charity is asking for people to donate essential items for babies and mothers in need around Ireland this Christmas.
The Phoenix Park wardens have asked for visitors of the park to keep their distance from the deer.

The Park is home to a herd of wild deer that are often seen roaming, and although it can be tempting to approach these creatures, park wardens, and in fact Santa, have a favour to ask.
From the Lotto to Marty Morrisseys words with Bakhurst over BBC links  what we learnt from RTE at media committee
His previous address to a joint sitting of the 33rd Dail and 26th Seanad was the first by video link to the Oireachtas. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky was unable to travel as his country was at war following the invasion by Russia just over a month earlier.

Zelenskys speech was one of many to various legislatures seeking support after the 2022 invasion. A leader in wartime, Zelensky thanked Ireland for the humanitarian and financial support provided to his country. And he said Ireland had not remained neutral to the disaster and to the mishaps that Russia has brought to Ukraine.

Since then, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, European Parliament president Roberta Metsola and then US president Joe Biden have come to Leinster House in person to speak to TDs and senators. But those were all happy occasions, marking the 50th anniversary of Ireland joining the EU and the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.

As of now, Zelensky is due to come to Dublin tomorrow. But the pace of the peace talks on ending the war had cast some doubt over the planned visit.

The president will meet with Taoiseach Micheal Martin, whose status will take on renewed importance next year as Ireland holds the presidency of the Council of the EU from July to December. During that period, Ireland will host several meetings of EU and European countries supportive of Ukraines plight.

Meanwhile, a huge security operation will be put in place for Zelenskys Dublin visit, with gardai and the Defence Forces taking part.

The visit comes at a pivotal time for Ukraine, with Zelensky speaking in recent weeks of the countrys most difficult moment in history as the US pressured it to agree to a peace plan that would involve major concessions to Russia, including surrendering territory and security assurances.

Donald Trump has again suggested that Ukraine has not shown gratitude for US efforts to end the conflict. Clearly, the Trump administration is growing impatient in a continuation of its doctrine of not backing so-called endless wars.

A pushback from Europe and Ukraine led to Trumps 28-point plan being shelved, but peace talks remain on the agenda. Therefore, Zelenskys address to an EU member country will be observed widely.

Now, more than ever, the European Union needs to stand by Ukraine as the USs status as an honest broker and an ally comes into question.

Zelensky must hear this message in Dublin. In the aftermath of Russias invasion, horrified allies pledged solidarity, loyalty and comradeship to Ukraine.

However, it was clear this was going to be a long, drawn-out conflict, following on from Russias annexation of Crimea and the warfare in Donetsk. Those high principles of standing by a nation against an aggressor are now being tested as time drags on.

Ukraine fights on, but with a question mark over the resilience of its allies.
Willie ODea: Defence Forces decline is a global embarrassment that must be reversed

Our first great misstep was the decision to no longer have a standalone defence minister

The Financial Times last week ran an article abelling Ireland as a weak point in Europes defences. Stock image

Willie O'Dea Sun 30 Nov 2025 at 06:30

Less than two weeks ago, Helen McEntee became the fourth person since late 2022 to serve as Defence Minister. Thats one a year for the past four years.
The Ficino String Quartet will perform in the Kerry School of Musics Fleischmann Studio in Tralee this coming Thursday, December 4.

This coming Thursday, December 4 sees the much-anticipated return visit of the Ficino String Quartet to Kerry School of Musics Fleischmann Studio in Tralee at 7pm sharp.

The quartet made their first visit in 2023 and delivered a fantastic and memorable concert performance, which was preceded by a workshop with members of the School of Musics Junior and Senior Orchestras.

In addition to this, the quartet will also workshop with members of both orchestras on this occasion before performing Shostakovich String Quartet No. 10 (1964) and Beethoven String Quartet No. 7  Rasumovsky (1806). These will frame two shorter pieces by Irish Composers Caroline Shaw  Valencia (2012)  and Siobhan Cleary  Reel du pendu (2025).

The Ficino Quartet was founded in 2013 and has performed and recorded extensively throughout Ireland and online. Each member - Eilaine Clark, Lynda O Connor, violins, Nathan Sherman, viola, Ailbhe McDonagh, cello  is, in his/her own right a distinguished musician and driving force in the Irish classical and contemporary musical scene.

The concert, which is a free-admission event that is sponsored by Kerry School of Music, is presented in association with the National String Quartet Foundation which aims to make high quality chamber music accessible throughout the country.

Advance booking is not required and all are welcome to attend.
The case was heard in Dundalk Circuit Court.

A man has been jailed for his role in an attack on two sex workers in Dundalk.

The Spanish women had only arrived in the country a matter of days before their house was broken into by three people in the early hours of the morning.

Alan Bird (34) was wielding a wooden baton when accompanied by a female co-accused and an unidentified man.

The defendant, of Tain Court, Bridge Street, Dundalk, pleaded guilty to production of a weapon at Meeting House Lane, Linenhall Street, a short distance from his address.

He and his accomplices were captured on CCTV returning to his apartment following the incident.

Mr Bird was sentenced to 3 years imprisonment, the final 21 months suspended, to commence when a sentence he is serving expires on December 18 next.

Judge Patrick Quinn heard that the attack was financially motivated. Cash amounting to 1,300 and 40 was taken along with the womens belongings which were in bags and suitcases.

The court heard that the two victims had arrived from Spain seven days earlier and were plying their trade.

At 4.30am on February 4, 2023, they were awoken by banging on the door. Someone was trying to kick it in.

They saw two men and a woman outside. These people broke into the house.

The defendant held a timber bat and another had a knife. There was a struggle over the womens belongings.

Both were injured. One sustained a laceration to the back of her head, which required stitches. She was struck with the bat at least twice. There was also bruising to an arm, thigh and knee.

The other lady was threatened with a knife.

There were neither medical reports nor Victim Impact Statements.

The two woman left the country shortly afterwards.

CCTV was gathered as part of the investigation and led gardai to Mr Birds Tain Court apartment where all three had returned to.

A wooden obstacle had been placed against the doorway to impede entry. Officers eventually got in and arrested the accused.

He denied the allegations, saying that he had been at home all night.

Some of the stolen property was recovered from the apartment, including passport and identity papers but none of the cash.

Mr Bird has 29 previous convictions, including for burglary, assault and possession of knives.

He was on bail at the time of this offence, and is serving a 5-year 3-month sentence, the last two-and-half years suspended.

Barrister Ronan OCarroll said a probation report detailed the defendants limited insight into his involvement. He had been assessed at high risk of reoffending.

He said that the others were fully engaged and he got involved.

He had a significant previous chronic history of drugs mis-use from a very early age which was the root and probably sole cause of his offending, Mr OCarroll continued.

The youngest of four from a good family, he is the father of one son with whom he has had little interaction due to his incarceration.

However, he wanted to put that right, but accepted he will have to address his addiction to a plethora of drugs, heroin chief among them.

Counsel said the Mr Bird was trying his best and continued to address those issues. He instructed that he is 18 months sober.

There had been disciplinary problems in prison, but he was now using his time there productively.

He felt terrible for what happened to the women.

Judge Quinn said that the two very vulnerable sex workers left the jurisdiction shortly after their ordeal.

He couldnt think of two more vulnerable people at 4.30 in the morning when three people attacked their house.

It was offending at the higher end of the scale.

Alan Bird was initially charged with aggravated burglary. Gardai were satisfied that he committed assault with a baton.

The judge continued that serious aggravating factors included his prior convictions, that he struck one of the women with a baton, and a high risk of reoffending.

A Governors Report made for harrowing reading. It outlined fighting, abusive behaviour and assault of another prisoner.

What he said to the Probation Service was not helpful to his cause.

A three-year sentence was imposed, the last 21 months suspended for 21 months.

The defendant must place himself under Probation Service supervision for the period of suspension post release.

Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme
A brown bear has gone on temporary display in Turlough Park, where George Robert Fitzgerald once kept a pet bear in the late 18th century

The bear which is on display in Turlough Park: Karen Cox Photography

A bear has returned to the historic estate of Turlough Park in Castlebar - more than 200 years after the infamous landlord, Fighting Fitzgerald, kept one here as a pet.

The brown bear, a female, is going on temporary display in the National Museum of Ireland as part of an ongoing exhibition, The Murmur of Bees - which explores bees and their important role in Irelands biodiversity.

Bears have long been associated with bees and honey, and one of the ancient Irish names for a bear is milchobur (honey-lover).

The bear, which is from the Museums Natural History Collection in Dublin, was officially unveiled today (Monday, 1 December).

Brown bears once roamed throughout Ireland but went extinct in the country thousands of years ago. However, some were occasionally brought to Ireland as exotic pets, circus performers or for blood sports.

In the late 18th century, George Robert Fitzgerald, also known as Fighting Fitzgerald, kept a pet bear at Turlough Park  the former ancestral home of the Fitzgerald family and now the site of the National Museum of Ireland.

Fitzgerald, who reportedly once chained his own father to the bear, was later convicted of conspiracy to murder his fathers attorney and was hanged in Castlebar in 1786.

Fossils from Irish caves show that bears were present in Ireland for tens of thousands of years, from 40,000 years before present (BP) to 3,100 BP, said Emma Murphy, a curator with the Natural History Division of the National Museum of Ireland.

They lived here at most times when the country was free of ice, repopulating the area many times. The most recent date of 3,100 BP means that there was a time when early human settlers and bears co-existed on this island. Evidence of bears has been found in many counties, including Aillwee Cave, Co Clare; Castlepook Cave, Co Cork; and Poll na mBear, Co Leitrim.

The bear is on display on Level A of the exhibition galleries at the National Museum of Ireland in Turlough Park.

Admission is free, and no booking is required. Further details are available at www.museum.ie
Real change, bit by bit  How this Wexford arts initiative continues to make an impact

The Creative Places programme, led by Wexford Arts Centre and supported by the Arts Council, is nurturing emerging talent, expanding access to the arts and building renewed pride in place

The Night Belongs to You-TH event.

Rachel Cahill Enniscorthy Guardian Mon 1 Dec 2025 at 07:40

Creative Places Enniscorthy  a three-year arts initiative backed by the Arts Council  is being credited with helping residents find their voice, supporting young talent and strengthening community pride across the town.
A melting pot of culture  Young Wexford barrister reflects on high-level week at United Nations HQ

The newly appointed UN Youth Delegate met global leaders in New York and says her legal career and Wexford roots shaped her drive to champion equality, inclusion and young peoples rights

Carla Fusciardi Wallace

Cillian Boggan Wexford People Mon 1 Dec 2025 at 12:40

Wexford barrister Carla Fusciardi Wallace, appointed earlier this year as one of Irelands UN Youth Delegates, has described her recent trip to United Nations headquarters in New York as an incredible opportunity to represent young people on the international stage.
An exhibition of artworks by 26 Palestinian children, aged between three and 17, is running at Brays Signal Arts Centre and offers visitors a platform for the most voiceless and the most vulnerable.

HeART of Gaza is a travelling exhibition founded in June, 2024, by Mohammed Timraz, from Gaza, and architect Feile Butler, from Sligo.

Mohammed was a cafe owner until it was bombed in October 2023. He began serving his community by raising funds to provide financial assistance, clean water, food packages, clothing, tents, baby formula and medicine for those around him. His community work is ongoing, and as a result of HeART of Gaza a space dedicated to art workshops for children has been set up in Deir al Balah, in Gaza, where Mohammed is from, called The Artists' Tent. Here, the children are encouraged to explore, express and process their feelings and experiences  and, most importantly, to have fun and make friends.

"The idea was inspired by drawings that Mohammeds nieces and nephews sent to me over WhatsApp, Feile said, discussing the genesis of the exhibition.

"When I saw the horrors being depicted by these small children, I knew we had to share their perspective with the world. Our first exhibition took place in Sligo, Ireland, in July 2024. Currently, it is on a national tour of Ireland.

"As soon as we posted that first show on social media, offers of collaborations poured in from around the world. To date, HeART of Gaza has been exhibited in almost 90 cities across two continents. I am delighted to have HeART of Gaza exhibited in Signal Arts Centre.

The exhibition is now open and will run at Signal Arts Centre, Bray, until Sunday, December 7.

Meanwhile, Greystones for Palestine is hosting a Christmas fundraising evening of music and poetry, on Wednesday, December 10, at Greystones Plaza Market. The event welcomes local artists Fiachna O Braonain, Stick & Poke's Sam Burke, Gavin Murphy and many others. There will be music from 7pm to 9pm, with doors opening at 6.30pm.

Fionna Saintraint, the co ordinator of Greystones for Palestine said: "This concert is an invitation to our community to stand together in solidarity and act on our shared commitment to uphold human rights and dignity. The humanitarian need on the ground has never been more urgent. We are therefore asking participants to donate to our fundraiser, all of which will be split between Gaza Go Bragh and the TEA Collective.

Gaza Go Bragh is a humanitarian organisation providing urgent support to displaced families across the Gaza Strip. Their work includes delivering water, food, shelter and essential supplies while supporting local partners and community leaders to create tailored, sustainable responses for those most affected. The TEA Collective is a volunteer group that verifies and supports individual and family fundraisers in Gaza to ensure donations reach people safely and directly.

Anyone wishing to attend this event is asked to make a donation via idonate and your name will be included on the guest list. There is no set amount. Please contribute what you can at: idonate.ie/fundraiser/greystonesforpalestine.
A Wicklow teenager has been announced as the winner in the 16-18-year-old category at the National Gallery of Irelands AIB Young Portrait Prize.

Jill Tritschler (18), from Greystones, won the prestigious prize for her work titled Minerva, a portrait in oil on canvas, which was revealed as the winning category portrait during a prize-giving ceremony at the gallery, on Tuesday, November 25, with the artist being awarded a personalised box of art materials alongside a cash prize of 250.

The AIB Young Portrait Prize is an inclusive art competition open to children and young people of all abilities, up to the age of 18, from across the island of Ireland. Jill joined Ruixin Chen (15), from Bray, as two Wicklow teenagers were selected in August from the hundreds of entries and were among 46 young artists from 21 counties to make the final cut for the prize. Ruixin Chen was shortlisted for her work, titled Climbing Through.

Speaking about her winning work, Jill said: The portrait references Manets Olympia and Titians Venus of Urbino. Both artworks reflect their societies views of women at the time. My intention with this piece is to represent the modern woman. It is titled Minerva, after the Roman goddess of wisdom, as a contrast to Venus, who symbolizes fertility and desire.

The judges for this years prize were arts leader Cian OBrien, Neil-Jack Alphonsus Hamilton (artist), and Alice Rekab (artist).

The prize-winning 'Minerva' by Jill Tritschler.

Commenting on their selection, the judging panel said: It was a joy to judge the 2025 AIB Young Portrait Prize. The young artists showed such imagination and confidence, and each piece had its own story to tell. It was wonderful to see so much curiosity and creativity on display, and we would like to thank everyone who entered, and congratulate all the shortlisted artists and winners. They should be very proud of what theyve created."

Jills success for Wicklow follows the win last year for Allanah McDonald Brown, a young artist from Arklow, who was announced as the winner in the category for ages six and under for her portrait Allanah the Mermaid, a mixed-media work.

The AIB Young Portrait Prize is in its seventh year and showcases the artistic talent of young people aged 18 and under. The AIB Portrait Prize exhibition, featuring 26 shortlisted works in total, is now open at the National Gallery of Ireland. It will run until March 15, 2026 alongside the AIB Young Portrait Prize exhibition of 20 shortlisted portraits.
A Dublin man with 160 previous convictions has been sentenced to 20 months imprisonment after violently resisting arrest during a shoplifting incident at Dunnes Stores in Bray.

David Dwyer (43), with an address at 16 Deansrath Avenue, Clondalkin, Dublin 22, appeared for sentencing at Bray District Court via video link. Mr Dwyer pleaded guilty to two counts of assault, and criminal damage.

The court heard that on April 28, 2025, at 3:10 p.m., Mr Dwyer was detained by a security guard at Dunnes Stores in Bray while attempting to leave the premises without paying for grocery items.

Mr Dwyer proceeded to kick the security staff. Gardai were alerted, and when they arrived on scene, it took five members of An Garda Siochana to arrest him as he was violently resisting.

Sergeant Mike Canavan told the court that during the scuffle damage was caused to the glass window at the front of the store and to an alarm system.

Mr Dwyer has 160 previous convictions, including 10 for theft offences. He was sentenced to 10 months imprisonment on unrelated matters in October 2025.

Counsel for the defence, Thomas Finerty BL, asked for leniency due to his client pleading guilty at the earliest possible opportunity.

Judge David Kennedy remarked that Mr Dwyer has an atrocious record. He sentenced the defendant to 20 months imprisonment, to run concurrently. The sentence was not backdated to the date he went into custody.

Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme
Two men have appeared at Arklow District Court accused of involvement in an alleged violent altercation outside Jack Whites Inn in Ballinapark.

Robert Reynolds (33), of 3 The Courts, Burkeen, Co. Wicklow, and Connor Cox (32), of 17 Avonbeg Drive, Friars Hill, Wicklow town, appeared at Arklow District Court charged with violent disorder, with Mr Cox facing an additional charge of criminal damage to a car.

It is alleged that on July 13, 2022, a group of men began fighting outside Jack Whites Inn, Ballinapark, Arklow. According to gardai, punches were thrown, and Mr Cox allegedly threw the injured party into a car. The incident occurred at 7:25 p.m., after which the suspects left the scene.

The court heard that only Mr Cox and Mr Reynolds have been charged. Counsel for both men, Dermot Hickey, has been granted access to review CCTV footage at Arklow Garda Station.

Gardai told the court that Mr Cox had been avoiding them.

Judge David Kennedy accepted jurisdiction, meaning the matter will be dealt with in the District Court rather than being sent to the Circuit Court.

Both men are scheduled to appear again at Arklow District Court on December 17, 2025, either to enter a plea or be given a hearing date.

Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme
Wicklows long-awaited transport upgrades have taken a major step forward after the Government restored both the N11/M11 improvement scheme and the Dart extension to Wicklow Town in its revised National Development Plan.

The move, welcomed by Wicklow County Council and local TDs, marks a significant reversal of earlier decisions that stalled progress and fuelled frustration among commuters facing daily gridlock.

The local authority has pledged to continue collaborating with their partners and stakeholders to move the projects forward.

The project will see upgrades carried out on approximately 22km of the route, extending from the existing M11/M50 junction west of Shankill in County Dublin, to the N11/M11 junction at Coynes Cross in Wicklow.

It aims to address traffic congestion, improve road safety and increase travel reliability for commuters. The corridor currently experiences persistent capacity issues, and the upgrade has been regarded as essential infrastructure to support connectivity and economic development.

The announcement appears to row back on a previous update from Transport Infrastructure Ireland officials last month, who confirmed in correspondence to Wicklow Wexford TD Malcom Byrne that the Department of Transport were not in a position to provide funding for the works.

Tanaiste and Wicklow TD Simon Harris acknowledged the need to upgrade and ease congestion on the N11, which has been having a hugely negative impact on Wicklow commuters in recent years.

Its vital now that this project is quickly advanced and prioritised for delivery. The current situation which sees thousands of commuters stuck in traffic for lengthy periods each more is not sustainable and must be addressed urgently. This news is certainty a step in the right direction.

N11/M11 at Kilmacanogue.

Wicklow Sinn Fein TD John Brady has welcomed the reinstatement of the upgrade in the NDP, but said the project should never have been dropped in the first place. Funding was cut in 2022 by then Transport Minister Eamon Ryan, a decision that has now pushed the project back by at least three years.

Deputy Brady believes the Governments past decision to strip funding from the project was reckless and deeply damaging.

It should never have happened. Communities across Wicklow are now paying the price for that mistake, with the entire project being pushed back by at least three years.

I said at the time that the decision would have real consequences  and unfortunately, that is exactly what has happened. Commuters have been left stuck in daily gridlock because of an ideological decision to halt progress.

This road is one of the most important pieces of infrastructure serving Wicklow and the wider region. Delaying the upgrade has been nothing short of irresponsible. he added.

The plan commits to construction starting in 2027 and places the extension alongside other Dart expansion projects, with a view to trains running an hourly service south of Greystones from 2029.

It is planned that the new battery electric DART carriages will first be deployed from Dublin to Drogheda from mid 2027, despite initial plans to roll them out in early 2026.

John Brady

As additional carriages arrive it is intended that DART services will extend to and from Wicklow.

Noting the funding allocation Deputy Brady believes significant investment in efficient, reliable, and affordable public transport  must form a core part of the solution, so that people have real alternatives to sitting in traffic for hours every week.

The extension of the Dart to Wicklow Town is critical and delivery of it must be prioritised and deadlines for delivery must be adhered to.

The fact that the N11/M11 project is now back in the NDP is welcome, but reinstatement alone is not enough.

The Government must now ensure that the necessary funding is delivered and that a clear, credible timeline is set out to deliver the upgrade. he added.

The Tanaiste believes the new plan removes uncertainty and places the Wicklow schemes into defined commitments.

The plan makes clear that the N11-M11 upgrade and the Dart extension are to proceed as part of Governments national investment priorities.

However Social Democrats transport spokesperson Wicklow TD Jennifer Whitmore believes the review is completely lacking in ambition.

Deputy Jennifer Whitmore.

Luas Finglas, which received planning permission this month, wont start construction until 2029. This is not a complicated project, its a four kilometre extension of a line that already exists. There is no excuse for this kind of delay.

Earlier this year, the Taoiseach promised to accelerate the delivery of the Cork Luas. However, yesterdays plan didnt earmark any funding for this commitment.

Similarly, there is no funding for Luas Lucan, Poolbeg or Bray in my constituency  and no indication of when these projects are likely to go ahead.

Under the plan, Dart+ South West, which also already has planning precision, will not begin construction until 2030  after this governments term of office is over.

The Waterford to Rosslare rail line, a critical project for development in the South East, was also ignored by the plan  a document littered with shortcomings.

This failure to prioritise public transport means increasing gridlock, longer commutes and higher emissions.

It will also have consequences for the delivery of homes around the country, given long promised transport infrastructure is not likely to be developed until deep into the next decade or even later.

This government claims to want to prioritise public transport but the reality is those vital projects have been sacrificed so more money can be pumped into roads.

Lip service and empty promises are no use to communities which are severely underserviced by public transport, hugely lengthening commutes to work, school and college and making more and more people dependent on their cars.

This government claims to want to prioritise public transport but the reality is those vital projects have been sacrificed so more money can be pumped into roads."

A sea change in approach towards the delivery of public transport is urgently needed. These projects need competent planning, shorter timelines and adequate funding so that communities can be connected to the places they need to be. she added.

Separately Wicklow County Council has confirmed work is ongoing in progressing the development of the N81 route improvement schemes, including the N81 Whitestown Lower project and the N81 Hangmans Bend and Tuckmill project in conjunction with the Kildare National Roads Office.

These schemes are being advanced in parallel with the intention of addressing road deficiencies that have contributed to a poor safety record on the network.

The preferred options will be further refined and developed into preliminary designs over the coming months.

The Train Station in Wicklow town.

Todays News in 90 seconds - Monday, December 1st 2025

Once the preliminary designs are sufficiently advanced, landowners affected by the proposed road scheme will be consulted to understand their needs and concerns, and to develop design solutions that minimise disturbance where possible, particularly regarding access arrangements and accommodation works.

Cllr. Avril Cronin who is Cathaoirleach of the Baltinglass Municipal District, said the council is committed to delivering safer, more reliable journeys for everyone who depends on the N81.

The progression of these improvement schemes represents a significant investment in the well-being of our communities, enhancing road safety while supporting local connectivity and long-term regional development.

Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council, Emer OGorman said the schemes will help to strengthen connections between communities, while supporting sustainable growth, and ensuring the infrastructure can meet future demands.

As the project progresses further, we remain committed to constructive engagement with landowners and stakeholders to deliver a scheme that maximises public benefit and supports Wicklows continued development.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
The ongoing cost of providing security for an empty, unused site is yet another unnecessary burden on the taxpayer said Deputy John Brady

About 400,000 was spent accommodating asylum seekers at the River Lodge site in Trudder, Newtownmountkennedy last year.

Violent scenes broke out in the area in April 2024 after workers contracted to carry out construction work on the former HSE facility attempted to enter the site.

Several people were arrested during clashes with public order gardai while three garda patrol cars were seriously damaged, and fires were set with more people currently appearing before the courts in relation to the incident.

The international protection applicants who were staying at the site have since been relocated to other locations and the building has been lying vacant for months.

In a letter issued to the Dails Public Accounts Committee this week, the Department of Justice outlined it had spent circa 400,000 on the site but that in December last year, residents had to be moved to alternative accommodation due to severe weather conditions.

Due to the impact of the weather, the department said, it was not possible to continue using River Lodge as an emergency tented accommodation centre.

Options to repurpose the site were also considered.

The PAC were informed the department is maintaining security on the site and there are no current plans to accommodate international protection applicants at this location.

Following a range of technical and financial assessments  with a particular focus on wastewater treatment infrastructure  it was deemed not possible to move forward with such proposals.

The departments secretary general, Oonagh McPhilips, also outlines in her letter that the International Protection Office (IPO) is ultimately responsible for determining the age of an applicant being treated as an unaccompanied minor in the system.

Tusla is responsible for determining if someone is entitled to access their services, including the provision of accommodation.

However, the committee was informed that an assessment undertaken by Tusla was for processing their application for international protection and determining their age both for use of the agencys services.

Fine Gael TD for Dublin Bay South James Geoghegan, who is a member of the PAC, believes this directly contradicts evidence given by the department.

Fine Gaels James Geoghegan

He said that at a recent hearing, department officials allowed the committee to believe that Tusla is responsible for age assessments.

He outlined his real concerns about transparency and the accuracy of what the PAC was told, saying that the body legally responsible for establishing the age of an applicant has effectively outsourced or defaulted to Tusla without telling the Oireachtas or explaining why.

The letter from Ms McPhilips says that when new laws that will overhaul the international protection system take effect in 2026, the IPO will be responsible for managing age assessments.

The new legislation will set out in far greater detail how age is to be assessed, with new regulations governing standards and the qualifications of personnel involved in that process.

Mr Geoghegan said this suggests the department already knows the current system is seriously inadequate but avoided saying so when asked directly about concerns.

He said that there has been an increase of 13.5 per cent in the number of arrivals of unaccompanied minors during this year, when overall international protection numbers have seen a decrease.

He called for further clarity from the department on the issue.

Wicklow Sinn Fein TD John Brady who is chair of the PAC, explained the information was furnished to the Public Accounts Committee following questions he submitted when the Department of Justice appeared before the committee.

He said the material provided summarises failures at every level.

Wicklow Sinn Fein TD John Brady.

It exposes the lack of planning, the waste of taxpayers money, the haphazard approach taken by the Government, and the complete failure to engage with local public representatives or the wider community, he said.

What has happened in Newtown is a sorry saga of mismanagement, and it now needs to be brought to an end.

The Department continues to maintain security on the site, despite there being no plans to accommodate international protection applicants there.

The ongoing cost of providing security for an empty, unused site is yet another unnecessary burden on the taxpayer, he said. This waste has gone on long enough, he said.

Deputy Brady is now calling on the Government to immediately end expenditure at River Lodge and hand the site over for community use.

There are real and pressing community needs in Newtownmountkennedy. River Lodge must be returned to the community, and the continuous waste of taxpayers money must stop.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
BBC handout photo of Alex Kingston and Johannes Radebe during their appearance on the live show on Saturday for BBC1s Strictly Come Dancing (Kieron McCarron/BBC/PA)

Doctor Who star Alex Kingston has said it has been a journey of a lifetime to perform on Strictly Come Dancing.

Kingston and professional dancer Johannes Radebe were eliminated from the BBC dancing competition series on Sunday night after losing the dance battle to actress Balvinder Sopal and professional dancer Julian Caillon.

The actress shared a heartfelt post on her Instagram page following the results show, describing her time on the series as a dream come true.

Im so proud of everything Johannes and I have accomplished, and so grateful to my body for getting me this far.

It was always my dream to get to dance with Jo Jo and dance we did!

Kingston recently told the Independent that she had to have a hysterectomy and radiation therapy, with her treatment only finishing towards the end of last year, after being diagnosed with womb cancer.

She went on to praise her dance partner, Radebe, and said: Every day I have been blown away by your kindness, your elegance, and your ability to bring calm to every storm.

You light up every room you walk into, my darling man!

I cannot thank you enough for helping me find my steel balls and exquisite legs!

May your bag always be filled with mints, and your heart filled with joy and happiness. Love you so much.

The actress also thanked the cast and professionals at Elstree studios and everyone who supported the pair on the show adding that it was such a privilege to do it at her age and that she felt so lucky.

BBC handout photo of Alex Kingston and Johannes Radebe during their appearance on the live show on Saturday for BBC1s Strictly Come Dancing (Kieron McCarron/BBC/PA)

She said: If Ive learned anything from this its that its never too late to try, and fall in love with something new.

Whether taking a local dance class or picking up a new hobby, keep exploring and living life to the full.

The remaining five couples will return to the Strictly dancefloor on Saturday for the musicals week quarter-final which will also see them take on another brand new dance challenge, with further details to come.

Strictly Come Dancing will return on BBC One and BBC iPlayer at 6.50pm on Saturday followed by the results show on Sunday at 7.45pm.
Entire communities in Indonesia cut off as bridges collapsed

A man carrying a fridge wades through water at an area hit by deadly flash floods in Padang in the West Sumatra province of Indonesia. Photo: Willy Kurniawan/Reuters

A man uses a makeshift raft at a flooded area following Cyclone Ditwah in Kelaniya in western Sri Lanka. Photo: Thilina Kaluthotage/Reuters

More than 900 people have been killed in flooding, landslides and cyclones across Southeast Asia.

Heavy monsoons overwhelmed swathes of Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia, leaving thousands of people stranded without shelter or critical supplies.

In Sri Lanka, entire districts of the capital Colombo are underwater after a cyclone triggered some of the worst flooding the city has seen in recent years.

In Indonesia, 442 deaths have been confirmed, with 170 more in Thailand, 334 in Sri Lanka and two in Malaysia.

The flooding in Thailand hit its tourist regions, leaving many foreigners stranded while international agencies, including from the US, provided assistance.

Another 400 people are missing in Sri Lanka after the cyclone, which affected nearly one million people nationwide.

Heavy rains brought by Cyclone Ditwah caused the Kelani River to burst its banks, flooding suburbs of Colombo and causing mudslides further inland.

Local authorities say that the full extent of the damage is still to emerge, as rescue teams battle to clear roads blocked by fallen trees.

More than 147,000 residents have been forced into temporary state shelters, while nearly one million require some form of assistance.

Selvi, a 46-year-old resident of the Colombo suburb of Wennawatte, told news agency AFP: My house is completely flooded. I dont know where to go, but I hope there is some safe shelter where I can take my family.

Sri Lankas president, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, has declared a state of emergency and appealed for foreign support. India has already flown in relief crews and equipment, and Pakistan and Japan have promised to send help in the coming days.

The cyclone is Sri Lankas deadliest natural disaster since 2017, when flooding and landslides claimed more than 200 lives and displaced hundreds of thousands of people.

Meanwhile, Indonesia is struggling to deal with the aftermath of floods that started nearly a week ago.

Entire communities in the north of the island of Sumatra have been cut off after bridges collapsed, hillsides gave way and phone lines snapped. Aid has been slow to reach the region.

A man carrying a fridge wades through water at an area hit by deadly flash floods in Padang in the West Sumatra province of Indonesia. Photo: Willy Kurniawan/Reuters

Faced with food shortages, some residents have started looting. Videos posted on social media show people forcing their way past crumbling barricades, pushing across flooded streets and picking through broken glass to take food, medicine and gas.

Police officers arrived on Saturday evening in an attempt to restore order.

Ferry Walintukan, a police spokesman, said: The looting happened before logistical aid arrived. [Residents] didnt know that aid would come and were worried they would starve.

Jakarta has sent 11 helicopters into the disaster zone for supply drops and medical evacuations, while four navy ships docked at nearby ports to move food and fuel inland. Survivors were seen from the sky waving for help, but persistent rain and a lack of heavy equipment have slowed rescue attempts.

Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand faced large-scale devastation after a rare tropical storm formed in the Malacca Strait, fuelling heavy rains and gusts of wind for a week.

On Sumatra, search teams expect to find more bodies as they push deeper into cut-off valleys. The Thai city of Hat Yai recorded 335mm of rainfall in a single day last week  the heaviest deluge in three centuries.
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
How gold is fuelling Vladimir Putins hungry war machine and keeping Russia afloat

Kremlin has sought control over mines in central Africa

Russian president Vladimir Putin. Photo: Reuters

Ben Farmer Telegraph Media Group Holdings Ltd Mon 1 Dec 2025 at 06:30

Facing sanctions, soaring inflation and labour shortages, Russia is relying on one of the oldest and most stable commodities to shore up its wartime economy.
Pope Leo XIV and the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I embrace at the end of a joint Christian prayer service in the Turkish capital, Istanbul. Photo: Yara Nardi/Reuters

Pope Leo XIV has doubled down on the Vaticans insistence on a two-state solution to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, saying it was the only solution that could guarantee justice for both sides.
Indonesias president told survivors of last weeks devastating floods that help was arriving to those in need Monday as Asian governments scaled up their responses to a disaster that has left more than 1,000 dead in three countries.
Luigi Mangione, the man accused of gunning down a UnitedHealthcare executive outside a Manhattan hotel, appeared in state court on Monday as a series of high-stakes hearings on the admissibility of key pieces of evidence at his murder trial kicked off.

Mangione, 27, was arrested in December 2024 and charged with fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on a sidewalk in Midtown Manhattan. Public officials condemned the shocking assassination. Mangione became a folk hero to some Americans who decry steep healthcare costs. He has pleaded not guilty to murder and other charges and is expected to face trial next year. Mangione has pleaded not guilty in a separate federal case where prosecutors plan to seek the death penalty.
Benjamin Netanyahu has submitted an official request for a pardon to the Israeli president in an attempt to escape a corruption prosecution.

Israels prime minister, who is accused of bribery, breach of trust and fraud in three different cases, has been in and out of court since his trial began in 2020.
President Donald Trump speaks to reporters after speaking to troops via video from his Mar-a-Lago estate (Alex Brandon/AP)

President Donald Trump has insulted another female reporter after he was asked about releasing the results of an MRI test that he announced he had taken earlier this month.
Investigators at the scene of the shooting in Stockton, California. Photo: AP

Police in California have appealed for help in finding the killer responsible for a shooting that left three children and an adult dead at a family gathering for a birthday party at a banquet hall.
Top Trump administration officials met with Ukrainian negotiators in Florida yesterday, pushing to broker an end to Russias war in Ukraine and setting the stage for key talks planned this week in Moscow with Russian leader Vladimir Putin.

US secretary of state Marco Rubio, special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of President Donald Trump, held talks with a Ukrainian delegation to further hash out the details of a proposed peace framework. The negotiations come at a sensitive moment for Ukraine as it continues to push back against Russian forces that invaded in 2022 while dealing with a domestic corruption scandal.
Troll 2

( Image credit : Netflix | A scene from Troll )

Troll 2 OTT release date

Troll 2

What to expect from Troll 2?

( Image credit : Netflix | Troll 2 poster )

What is it about?

Troll 2

( Image credit : Netflix | Troll 2 scene )

Netflixsbrings a magical, family-friendly animated adventure to screens, captivating audiences with its colorful characters and whimsical world. The film follows a group of heroes on an exciting journey, where they encounter trolls and other fantastical creatures, blending humor, thrills, and heartwarming moments for viewers of all ages. Fans of animated adventures can look forward to a fun and enchanting experience. Heres all you need to know.Netflix has officially announced thatwill be released on December 1, 2025. The animated film is a sequel to Netflixs Norwegian-language monster movie Troll, continuing the story in the same enchanting universe.Young Joshua (Michael Stephenson) is alarmed when he learns that his family will be vacationing in the small town of Nilbog. He is cautioned by the spirit of his late grandfather that the town is overrun by goblins. His parents, Michael (George Hardy) and Diana (Margo Prey), initially shrug off his fears, but soon come to understand the danger he foresaw. Guided by his grandfathers ghost, Joshua and his family must determine whether they can survive and confront the towns sinister creatures.is a 1990 independent horror-fantasy film directed by Claudio Fragasso, credited as Drake Floyd. The movie follows young Joshua Waits (Michael Stephenson) and his family as they travel to the small town of Nilbog, which is Goblin spelled backwards, only to discover that the townspeople are actually vegetarian goblins who transform humans into plant matter to eat them. The cast also includes George Hardy and Margo Prey, whose performances contribute to the films cult status.The original Troll film holds a 5.8/10 rating on IMDb, indicating a mix of reactions from viewers and critics. While many appreciated its imaginative storyline and fantasy elements, others pointed out issues with inconsistent pacing and storytelling. With the release of the new sequel, Netflix hopes to broaden the franchises universe and attract both longtime fans and new audiences seeking an entertaining, magical animated adventure.
( Image credit : Instagram| @ellendegeneres| Ellen and Portia pictured amid rumours of a US return )

Why the sudden change of heart?

( Image credit : Instagram| @portiaderossi| The couple in the Cotswolds as move-back reports grow )

( Image credit : Instagram| @portiaderossi| Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi together at an event )

Finding a place to call home in the US again

( Image credit : Instagram| @portiaderossi| Ellen and Portia spark buzz over a possible US comeback )

Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi are reportedly preparing for a return to the United States, barely a year after swapping their long-time life in California for the rolling hills of the Cotswolds. Their move to Britain was meant to mark a quiet new chapter away from Americas political noise, yet it appears the charm of the English countryside may be wearing thin.Sources suggest the couple are eager to escape the bitter Cotswolds winter and reconnect with friends theyve been missing since relocating. While some believe the trip is a brief holiday visit, others claim the pair could remain in the States for longer than first expected- especially as de Rossi is said to be considering a return to acting.The couples life in the UK has been peaceful but far from simple. They initially left the US after Donald Trumps election victory, with DeGeneres openly admitting that life felt better across the Atlantic. They even traded their original Oxfordshire base for a grand hilltop estate with enough land for de Rossis horses- a key factor in their decision to settle permanently.However, friends now say the novelty has cooled. According to a source quoted by the, the former talk-show host has softened her once-firm stance about staying put until the American political landscape shifted.DeGeneres has apparently told friends that she and de Rossi miss their circle and have had enough of the freezing countryside weather. De Rossis desire to revive her acting career has only fuelled speculation that the visit could stretch beyond the festive season. Still, another insider insists the move shouldnt be interpreted as a permanent homecoming- at least not yet.One complication is that the pair sold off nearly all their American properties before settling in Britain. Earlier this year, they offloaded their sprawling Montecito home, followed by another luxury residence listed for roughly $5 million. With their former estates gone, they may have to secure a new base- whether thats a temporary rental or a fresh piece of California real estate.Their return also comes as DeGeneres continues to rebuild her public image after widespread allegations of a toxic workplace environment on her former daytime show. Although she apologised at the time, critics accused her of deflecting responsibility, while her later comments in a Netflix stand-up special stirred fresh debate.For now, the couples stay in the US appears tied to sunshine, familiarity, and future career ambitions- but whether it signals a long-term move remains to be seen.
Shhyamali Des early life and film career

( Image credit : Instagram/shhyamalide | The interest around Shhyamali has only grown )

Her marriage to Raj Nidimoru and the timeline of separation

( Image credit : Instagram/shhyamalide | Raj Nidimorus wedding to his long-time rumoured partner has brought renewed attention to his earlier marriage )

Samantha Ruth Prabhu s association with Raj & DK

( Image credit : Instagram/samantharuthprabhuoffl | Samantha Ruth Prabhu first worked with Raj & DK on The Family Man 2 in 2021 )

Shhyamalis social media activity after the split

Where Shhyamali stands amid ongoing speculation

The confirmation of filmmaker Raj Nidimorus wedding to his long-time rumoured partner has brought renewed attention to his earlier marriage with Shhyamali De. As wedding photographs continue to circulate online, curiosity about Shhyamalis background, her work in the film industry and her past with Raj has increased significantly. Although both have refrained from speaking publicly, the interest around Shhyamali has only grown due to her reflective and sometimes philosophical social media posts.Shhyamali De holds a psychology degree from Mumbai University and built her professional identity within the film industry. Without coming from a conventional filmmaking family, she worked closely with well-known directors such as Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra and Vishal Bhardwaj.Her roles included scriptwriting, assisting direction and offering creative inputs. She worked on projects like Rang De Basanti, Omkara and Ek Nadir Golpo, gaining recognition for her contribution behind the scenes. Her experience across writing and direction provided her a strong understanding of narrative work, which was valued by many of the filmmakers she collaborated with.Raj Nidimoru, one half of the writer-director duo Raj & DK, is known for The Family Man, Stree and Farzi. He married Shhyamali in 2015, during a phase when the duos projects were receiving widespread appreciation.Reports suggest that the couple separated in 2022. There was speculation online that they shared a daughter, which was later clarifiedRaj was photographed with the child of his creative partner, DK, not his own.Before the separation, Raj had often acknowledged Shhyamalis role in shaping his work, pointing out that she offered steady feedback and helped him maintain balance during demanding schedules.Samantha Ruth Prabhu first worked with Raj & DK on The Family Man 2 in 2021, the same year she announced her split from Naga Chaitanya. She later collaborated with them again on Citadel: Honey Bunny. Neither Samantha nor Raj has addressed speculation about their personal equation.Because Shhyamali and Raj were still married when Samantha entered the team, social media discussions have questioned whether Samantha had any connection to the divorce. Shhyamali herself has not made any direct claims or comments on these assumptions.After the separation, Shhyamali continued to post supportive messages for Raj & DK. One post that drew attention featured a wedding photo with the caption so many reasons to love you, which was reportedly shared after the divorce. She also posted congratulatory messages for Raj & DKs achievements but noticeably did not reference Samanthas involvement in Citadel.More recently, her posts have included reflective and philosophical notes that some followers interpret as indirect responses to the current attention. One message read, I send blessings and love to everyone who thinks of me speaks of me writes of me today. With around 6,226 followers, her profile is closely watched by those trying to understand her perspective.Despite rumours, Shhyamali has not made statements about allegations of infidelity. Simultaneously, reports continue to claim that Raj and Samantha may be planning to live together and are exploring homes in Mumbai. There has been no official confirmation from either of them.
Callum Turner sparks buzz as 'favourite' contender for James Bond role

( Image credit : X/@ThePopTingz | Callum Turner surges ahead as the new favourite to become the next James Bond. )

Redditors joke Dua Lipa should soundtrack Callum Turner's James Bond film

( Image credit : Reddit | Redditors rooting for Dua Lipa in James Bond film amid Callum Turner rumours )

( Image credit : Reddit | Some fans want Dua Lipa as the Bond girl )

What do we know about the next Bond film

English actor Callum Turner is reportedly in the running to become the next James Bond. Known for his performances in, and, Turner has emerged as a leading contender for the iconic 007 role. His name joins a list of previous frontrunners, including Michael B. Jordan, Paul Mescal, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Theo James, all of whom have been linked to the coveted role in recent speculation.Turners rise as a James Bond contender is generating buzz across social media, including Reddit, where fans are joking that if he lands the role, it should come with his fiancee Dua Lipa's soundtrack.Callum Turner has emerged as the frontrunner to take over the James Bond mantle, according to. The 35-year-olds profile has surged after his starring role in the romantic A24 comedy, where he appears alongside Elizabeth Olsen and Miles Teller.Betting company Coral reports that Turners odds have shortened dramatically over the past 24 hours, dropping from 5-2 to 7-4 to become the favourite for the iconic 007 role. Weve been blown away by support for Callum Turner in our next James Bond betting over the last 24 hours, said Corals John Hill. The British actor is now the red-hot favourite for the role.Following Turner, Aaron Taylor-Johnson andstar Theo James are second favourites at 3-1, while Henry Cavill sits at 6-1. Other names reportedly being considered include Anthony Boyle at 10-1, Harris Dickinson at 12-1, and Jack Lowden and James Norton, both at 16-1.Fans have been having fun on Reddit on the gossip sub Fauxmoi, joking that if Callum Turner becomes James Bond, his films should come with a Dua Lipa soundtrack. Some even suggest iconic dance hits should play during every high-speed chase.One user wrote, "Only if Dua also does the song!" while another questioned, "Are they hiring himthey actually want her to come on board??"Some even shared the possibility of the pop star being the Bond Girl, with one writing, "I wonder if Dua would be interested in being a Bond girl. Shes definitely beautiful enough to be one. I just remembered she was in Argylle, so she clearly has some interest in acting to some extent."The next James Bond film, set to be directed by Denis Villeneuve with a screenplay by Steven Knight, marks the franchises first major entry under Amazon MGM Studios creative control. Producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman are overseeing the project, which is widely expected to release around 2028.According to, the filmmakers are seeking a fresh face, ideally an unknown British actor in their mid-20s to early 30s, to take over the iconic 007 role, signalling a reboot of the franchise rather than a continuation of Daniel Craigs era. Casting is anticipated to begin in 2026, and insiders suggest the creative team is looking to refresh Bonds identity for a new generation.
Official removal published in The Gazette

( Image credit : X/TheTorontoSun | King instructed that Andrews name be erased from the Order of the Garter )

Andrew now referred to by full birth name

( Image credit : X/MarioNawfal | King had initiated the process to remove Andrews remaining style )

Decision follows Andrews announcement and public scrutiny

( Image credit : X/GSGB01 | King had cancelled and annulled Andrews 2006 appointment )

Final step completed through letters patent

King Charles has taken the last official step in the long process of withdrawing the remaining royal honors held by his brother, the former Prince Andrew. The decision was published on December 1 in The Gazette, the U.K.s public record, confirming that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsors name has been removed from the registers of two of Britains most senior orders.According to the entry, the King instructed that Andrews name be erased from the Order of the Garter and the Royal Victorian Order. A notation at the end states the entry is to be dated 30 October 2025, the same day Buckingham Palace announced that the King had initiated the process to remove Andrews remaining style, titles and honors.The update was issued by the Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood through St. Jamess Palace.One notice explained that the King had cancelled and annulled Andrews 2006 appointment as a Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter. A second statement confirmed the cancellation of his 2011 designation as a Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order, also directing that his name be removed from the official registers.In the publication, Andrew is identified as Andrew Albert Christian Edward Mountbatten-Windsor. The palace previously clarified that he would use this name after losing the title of prince. His appointments to both senior orders had originally been granted by his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II.The Order of the Garter is the oldest and highest-ranking order of chivalry in Britain, while the Royal Victorian Order recognizes notable service to the monarch and the royal family across the U.K. and Commonwealth. Membership in both is considered highly prestigious.The formal removals follow Andrews October 17 announcement that he would surrender the use of his royal titles and honors. His decision came amid renewed public focus on the extent of his past connection to Jeffrey Epstein, who died in custody in 2019 while awaiting trial.Andrew stepped back from public duties in November 2019 after a widely criticized BBC interview about his relationship with Epstein. In January 2022, Queen Elizabeth stripped him of his military titles and patronages after a judge allowed Epstein victim Virginia Giuffres lawsuit to proceed. Andrew later settled the case out of court while maintaining he had committed no wrongdoing. Giuffre died earlier this year.Buckingham Palace confirmed that the King began the final removal process on October 30. The action was formalized on November 3 through a Letters Patent issued by the Crown Office and published in The Gazette, completing Andrews withdrawal from formal royal orders.
( Image credit : Disney | Liam Hemsworth and Miley Cyrus in The Last Song )

What went wrong between Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth?

The Last Song

( Image credit : Popcrave | Liam Hemsworth and Miley Cyrus pose together )

Why does Miley want to reunite with her ex-husband?

( Image credit : @Miamipictures | Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth wedding photo )

Rumours are swirling that Miley Cyrus may be reconnecting with her ex-husband Liam Hemsworth, reigniting widespread interest in their once high-profile relationship. Their marriage, though deeply passionate, faced numerous challenges and personal differences that eventually led to their separation. As speculation about a possible reunion grows, fans are revisiting the factors that caused the couple to part ways.Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth first met in 2009 while filmingand made their relationship public in early 2010. After several years of an on-and-off romance, they got engaged in June 2012 but ended the engagement in September 2013. The couple reunited in 2015 and married in a private ceremony on December 23, 2018. Less than a year later, they announced their separation on August 10, 2019, with Hemsworth filing for divorce shortly after, which was finalized on January 28, 2020.On an episode of The Howard Stern Show, Miley Cyrus opened up about her divorce from Liam Hemsworth, attributing it to multiple factors including too many conflicts, diverging life paths, and the intense pressures of fame. She revealed that their marriage began under a cloud of trauma after they lost their home in the 2018 Woolsey Fire, which created challenges from the very beginning.Cyrus further shared that she realized the marriage wasnt working during her 2019 Glastonbury performance. She also highlighted that constant media scrutiny and public attention made it increasingly difficult to maintain their relationship, ultimately contributing to their split.Miley Cyrus is reportedly looking to have a face-to-face meeting with her ex-husband, Liam Hemsworth. The couple, who finalized their split nearly five years ago, had a complicated breakup. As per Tribune, sources said that Cyrus feels a strong need to reconnect, explaining that she hates having things unsaid and prefers discussing matters in person rather than through digital messages. Despite being engaged to model Gabriella Brooks, Hemsworth is said to be open to the meeting. The source added that Liam hates confrontation and has avoided Miley since their split, but he now recognizes the importance of finding closure.The report also states that apparently Hemsworth has agreed to meet Cyrus the next time he is in Los Angeles, bringing her a sense of happiness and relief.
#h1bvisa





































Tsunami before the weekend.





































H1B visa fees 100000 USD per year





































Rule signed by Trump. pic.twitter.com/5idbRYl8M1



































 Dr Ambarish Toshniwal (@Eye_Fin_surgeon) September 20, 2025





























Trumps $100,000 fee push and fraud concerns

Spot on @nikhilkamathcio @elonmusk





































Nikhil Kamath just did something most Indian founders dont even attempt



































he sat across from Elon Musk not as a fan, but as an equal at the table.





































And thats where the real lesson begins.





































India has never lacked talent.



































What we often lack is pic.twitter.com/gWCY2lAVzN



































 Durga Das (@durgaaeronero) November 30, 2025

































In September, US President Donald Trump proposed increasing H-1B application fees to $100,000, far higher than the earlier $2,000$5,000 range employers paid. The announcement followed demands from his supporters for a crackdown on alleged fraud and misuse. Critics of the programme argue that some visa holders reduce job opportunities for Americans.

Border controls and policy shifts under Biden

Musk also spoke about broader immigration policies and said border controls were essential for any nation. He claimed that immigration under the Biden administration resembled a free-for-all and argued that a lack of border checks created incentives for illegal entry. According to him, this system encouraged massive undocumented immigration because financial benefits acted as a strong pull factor.He added that border controls must remain in place for immigration policies to function effectively.
Patriotism on display amid rising tensions

( Image credit : Reddit| Reddit user reacts to Arunachal chanting Vande Mataram )

( Image credit : Reddit| Reddit responds to Arunachal residents patriotic chants )

( Image credit : Reddit| Arunachal Vande Mataram chants draw Reddit reactions )

A unified message to the world

In a show of unity and national pride, residents of Arunachal Pradesh came together to chantin response to Chinas renewed territorial claims along the disputed border. The demonstration, held in key towns and border villages, highlighted the locals unwavering resolve to assert Indias sovereignty as tensions simmer in the region.Witnesses described scenes of communities gathering in the streets, waving the tricolour and raising slogans of patriotism, emphasising their collective refusal to bow to external pressure. Social media quickly captured these events, with images and videos going viral, showing Arunachal citizens, from young students to elders, joining in the chorus.This surge in public sentiment comes amid a fresh wave of provocative statements from China asserting claims over territories that India considers integral to its national boundaries. While diplomatic channels remain active, local reactions underscore the depth of public emotion and concern at a grassroots level.Authorities reported that the gatherings were peaceful, with security forces overseeing proceedings to ensure safety. Yet the fervour of the crowds was unmistakable, reflecting a deep-rooted sense of national identity. Residents emphasised that their demonstration was not aimed at escalation but rather at asserting their patriotic stance in the face of repeated external provocations.Community leaders and activists encouraged participation, framing the event as a symbol of collective resistance rather than confrontation. Schools, local organisations, and youth groups played a significant role in organising the chants, with many participants noting that this was a historic moment of civic engagement.Analysts observing the region note that such grassroots displays can serve as a morale boost for the nation and send a clear message internationally about Indias stance on border disputes. The combination of peaceful demonstration and patriotic symbolism illustrates a strategic approach to civic response during periods of international tension.Many Reddit users also came forward to express their feelings.An Reddit user wrote: "These are the most patriotic and loyal indians, despite all the trolls they stand strong on their values, on the other hand "some" who are born in mainland refuse to say bharat mata ki jai or even as so stand for national anthem".Another Reddit user wrote: "Kudos to them If there were any other so called minority then they would definitely surrender and never say VANDE MATRAM".One more Reddit user said: "Now thats a lesson for all of India... proud of the message going out to China ".These reactions highlight the strong sense of pride and solidarity the demonstrations have evoked across online communities.As China continues to reiterate its territorial assertions, the people of Arunachal Pradesh have made it clear that their loyalty to India remains steadfast. The widespreadchants have not only invigorated local sentiment but also resonated across the country, symbolising a collective commitment to national unity.With both citizens and authorities maintaining vigilance along the sensitive border, the events in Arunachal serve as a reminder that national pride and peaceful assertion can coexist, sending a strong and dignified message in response to external threats.
Giving Tuesday kicks off the end-of-year charitable giving season. Experts provide tips on how to avoid scams and make the most of your donations. Read more

Even after more than two decades of operating a financial advisory in the Philadelphia region, Joel Steele is inspired when clients tell him they want to donate money to charity.

But the problem is that its gotten much more difficult to know if your donations are going to the people you are directly trying to help, said Steele, co-owner and financial adviser with Steele Financial Solutions in Cherry Hill. Charity scammers are running rampant.

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Solicitors are on the phone, at your door, in your email, and in your mailbox.

Were constantly inundated with people looking to take our money and put it in their pockets for the wrong reasons, Steele said. This has led many people to back off  in part or in full from  donating to charities.

One way to reduce the chance of misappropriation is to contact the charity directly, Steele said. Yes, its easier to put cash in a tin can or buy things from a stranger, but these are more likely to end up in that persons pocket.

Also, he recommends, when you donate directly to charities, get a receipt and check with your income tax preparer or review deduction guidelines to understand potential tax benefits.

Evaluating Giving Tuesday solicitations

Everyone knows about Black Friday shopping, and recent years have seen the additions of Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday in the days after Thanksgiving.

In 2012, Giving Tuesday joined the lineup, promoted by the 92nd Street Y in New York and the United Nations Foundation. It caught on quickly, as more organizations joined in on the opportunity to fundraise.

Giving Tuesday encourages generosity, but its also a time for scammers to ramp up fraud tactics. Scammers may use fake charities or misuse real ones to take advantage of donors.

If you get direct mail or a call, text, email, or social media message asking you to donate to a nonprofit, pause for a moment to dig deeper.

Your heart immediately wants to say yes, said Katherina Kat Rosqueta, founding executive director of the Center for High Impact Philanthropy at the University of Pennsylvania. But unless you have personally been helped by that nonprofit or know someone who was, its hard to know whether the nonprofit is actually making a difference.

Thats where your head comes in, Rosqueta said. Consider running a quick Internet search for the charitys name, along with scam or complaints to see if there have been any negative feedback or investigations, she said.

Of course, most donors want to do more than just avoid fraud.

They want their donation to make a real difference, Rosqueta said.

Her center at Penn created a High Impact Giving Toolkit, updated each year and available for free. It highlights vetted nonprofits and provides links to organizations like Candid, Charity Navigator, and BBB Wise Giving Alliance, where potential donors can learn about organizations programs, team, and finances.

Once you feel confident about a nonprofits work, consider donating online through an official, secure nonprofit website that uses HTTPS encryption, Rosqueta said.

Avoid links in unsolicited emails or social media posts. Credit cards and checks offer better fraud protection than debit cards or wire transfers, Rosqueta said.

How to make online donations safer

The key to understanding fraud is that most scammers prey on your emotions.

Fear, urgency, and promise of a quick win are some elements that exist in so many scam scenarios, said Christopher Blackmore of TD Bank in Mount Laurel, who works in customer education in financial crimes prevention.

Blackmore said most bad actors will reach out and provide a number to call, link to click, or instructions for payment. The goal is to make scenarios seem so real that you feel you must reply or something will happen.

Financial industries should never ask for login credentials, passwords, or one-time pass codes, Blackmore said. Technology is making it very difficult to identify what is real vs. fake.

A text, email, or phone call is a very quick and easy way to contact a lot of people quickly and ask for a donation.

These tactics are known as phishing, vishing, and smishing, Blackmore said. A newer tactic, known as Quishing, utilizes QR codes.

When a donation ask includes a request for payments using gift cards, wires, and cryptocurrency, that should immediately raise caution, Blackmore said.

Donors might want to consider a third-party platform like PayPal, which safeguards sensitive financial information.

Donors should stay mindful online and keep an eye out for the warning signs of common scams, including being wary of unexpected messages from strangers, said Nick Aldridge, Global CEO of PayPal Giving Fund.

We always encourage supporting causes you care about through trusted channels like PayPal Giving Fund, the PayPal Cause Hub, and Venmo Charity Profiles, Aldridge said.
Convicted former labor leader John J. Dougherty is again asking a federal judge to cut short his six-year prison term, this time because he says the recent death of his father-in-law has left his gravely ill wife without a caregiver.

Dougherty made the request in a brief filed last month with U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Schmehl, writing that his wife, Cecilia  who for years has suffered from a debilitating brain injury  has been left entirely alone and without any capable caregiver since her father died from pancreatic cancer on Nov. 10.

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Dougherty has previously argued that he should be granted compassionate release and allowed to serve the remainder of his sentence on house arrest to oversee his wifes care  a request federal prosecutors have opposed.

In the latest request, Doughertys attorney, George Bochetto, wrote that Doughertys father-in-law, Joseph Conroy, had been serving as Cecilia Doughertys primary caregiver despite his own poor health and that Conroys death is precisely the type of development that warrants a change to Doughertys sentence.

Dougherty, Bochetto wrote, remains the only person able and willing to provide his wifes necessary care. No one besides Mr. Dougherty can fill the detrimental need that Mrs. Dougherty requires for survival.

Federal prosecutors, however, said that Dougherty had previously asserted that Conroy was incapable of serving as Cecilias primary caretaker and that his newest motion for relief directly contradicts the representations he made in the last one.

In short, the unfortunate passing of Mr. Conroy has no bearing at all on the circumstances, prosecutors wrote in a reply brief filed last week.

Dougherty, 65, was once one of the states most powerful political figures, serving as the charismatic leader of Local 98 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers with a wide range of connections in City Hall and Harrisburg.

But last year, he was sentenced to six years in prison after being convicted in separate bribery and embezzlement trials  the first in 2021, after a jury found that he had spent years bribing former Philadelphia City Councilmember Bobby Henon, the second in December 2023 over nearly $600,000 he and others embezzled from the union. He reported to prison last fall.

Henon was convicted alongside Dougherty and sentenced to 3 years behind bars but was transferred to a halfway house earlier this year. He later secured a job working as a Local 98 electrician.

Doughertys latest request for relief came several months after he first asked Schmehl for compassionate release.

In August, Bochetto filed an emergency brief saying that a trust fund established to pay for Cecilia Doughertys care was about to run out of money and that the couples adult daughters were not equipped to serve as permanent caregivers.

It also said Conroy, once a limited source of support, is now medically incapacitated and permanently unable to contribute to her care in any way.

Beyond detailing issues around the health of Doughertys wife, that filing said that Dougherty had also effectively run out of money and assets since he began serving his sentence at a federal penitentiary in Lewisburg and that hed suffered from several new health issues while behind bars, including a chronic foot infection that made it hard for him to walk.

Prosecutors at the time wrote that they were sympathetic to the plight of Doughertys wife but that his absence from her life does not distinguish this case from that of countless defendants whose loved ones suffer as a result of their crimes.

It was not immediately clear when Schmehl might rule on Doughertys requested relief, or if he might take any additional action  such as scheduling a hearing  before doing so.
President Donald Trump pardoned dozens of political allies who helped him try to overturn the 2020 election. Read more

President Donald Trumps decision last month to pardon dozens of political allies who helped him try to overturn the 2020 election was quickly criticized by some opponents.

Now, a man accused of committing voter fraud in that contest by voting twice for Trump is seeking to wipe out a pending criminal case by saying the powers of that pardon action should extend to him.

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Attorneys for Matthew Laiss wrote in court documents last month that the language in Trumps pardon proclamation clearly extend to Laiss, who is awaiting trial on charges that he illegally voted twice in the 2020 election  first by submitting a mail-in ballot in Bucks County, then by voting in-person at his new home in Florida.

Federal prosecutors in Philadelphia charged Laiss in September with crimes including voter fraud and voting more than once in a federal election, and they said he faces potential prison time if convicted.

Last month, however, Laiss attorneys filed a motion to dismiss the case, saying that the pardon Trump issued Nov. 7 clearly applied to Laiss, and that Laiss had accepted it.

Although Laiss was not among the 77 people Trump listed when specifying who would receive relief, Laiss lawyers said the proclamations preamble included language making it applicable to all United States citizens for conduct, voting, or advocacy surrounding the contest.

In addition, his attorneys wrote, Trump allies including Rudy Giuliani, Sidney Powell, and Mark Meadows were all explicitly pardoned for exponentially more egregious alleged conduct. Extending relief to them while denying it to Laiss, his lawyers wrote, would be outrageous.

Federal prosecutors say Laiss is entirely incorrect.

In a reply brief filed last week, the U.S. Attorneys Office said Trumps pardon was intended for people who were seeking to expose or rectify potential fraud in the 2020 election  not for people like Laiss, who are accused of actually committing it.

Beyond what they said was Laiss clear misinterpretation, prosecutors said that they checked with Trumps Office of the Pardon Attorney and that it does not believe the presidents clemency ` which it helped effectuate  applies to Laiss.

In other words, it is this offices understanding that if Laiss were to appeal directly to the Office of the Pardon Attorney for a pardon based on [the] November 7 pardon proclamation, that petition would be denied, prosecutors wrote.

It was not immediately clear how or when U.S. District Judge Joseph F. Leeson Jr. might rule on the issue, although Laiss was scheduled to have a final pretrial hearing Tuesday morning.

If Leeson rules that the case can proceed, a trial is scheduled to begin next week.
The interior of Joan Shepp at 1905 Walnut St., the 53-year-old store made the New York Times' list of "50 Best Clothing Stores in America." Read more

Ellen Shepp woke up on Monday morning to the fantastic news that Joan Shepp, her mothers eponymous clothing boutique, made the New York Times list of 50 Best Clothing Stores in America.

Talk about a great kick off to the holiday shopping season.

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Im honored, proud, and excited, Ellen Shepp said Monday morning. I mean  Im really over the moon.z

Walking into a great clothing store, New York Times cultural trend reporter Steven Kurutz said, is like being transported to a different world. It will make you think about who you are  and may change that perspective in real time."

And yes, walking into Rittenhouse Squares Joan Shepp does feel like stepping into a sartorial fairytale, which you can leave holding a Yohji Yamamoto hoodie that doubles as a dress, or a perfectly tailored asymmetrical shirt dress from Sacai New York.

Everything is dreamy, but nothing comes cheap.

Back in the 1970s, Shepp opened her store to challenge the way the suburban career woman dressed in Philly and introduced her to designer wear, from Yohji Yamamoto to Maison Margiela. One of the earliest entrepreneurs to embrace the store-within-a-store approach to retail, Shepp made space for collections like Yamamotos Y-3 and Donna Karans Urban Zen.

The clothing sold alongside furniture, bedding, and candles, making Joan Shepp one of the regions earliest concept boutiques.

Joan Shepp founded the store in 1971. She was a 30-year-old single mother of two young children in need of a flexible work schedule that allowed her time for school pickup and drops, to help her daughters with homework, and make them dinner.

I have so much fun finding things that are new, she said to The Inquirer in 2022. I listen to everyone who comes into my store. I watch them go through the racks. And whether/if they are a customer or a person who wants to open a store down the street, I can pick up on it.

Hers is the only store on the Times list from the Philly region.

The closest is 7017 Reign in Fort Lee, N.J., described by the Times as an under the radar, street and high fashion specialty store. There are a handful of stores from downtown New York, but most are in the Midwest and California.

To produce the list, the Times team selected 120 stores, and then sent reporters, editors, and contributors to visit each of them, sometimes more than once.

A videographer visited Joan Shepp in early fall, shortly after the store moved to its new home at 1905 Walnut St.

Noting that Joan Shepp has been in business for more than 50 years  the specialty boutique is in the midst of celebrating its 53rd year  Kurutz wrote Shepp has flavors of Barneys New York in its heyday.

The Barney comparison wowed Ellen Shepp. Christmas had no doubt arrived early for the boutique owner and her team.

The whole time they were like, Listen we dont know whether/if you made this list, she said. They kept it a mystery until right this second.

Joan Shepp is located at 1905 Walnut St.
Air traffic controllers in the United Airlines Station Operation Center at Newark Liberty International Airport. Even after the shutdown, fatigue remains a serious threat to air travel, writes Jocelyn Y. Cheng Read more

Even with the longest government shutdown in American history over, it is crucial to recognize that the menace of fatigue and its impact on air travel safety remains a serious and ongoing threat.

Before the shutdown started on Oct. 1, air traffic controller staffing was below targeted levels, with many already working mandatory overtime and six-day weeks.

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The signs of stress on the system appeared immediately, as flight delays due to staffing shortages were reported at major airports, including the temporary closure of an airport control tower, affecting over five million passengers.

These effects snowballed such that while just 11 flights were canceled between Oct. 1 and 29 because of controller staffing, the number surged to 4,162 between Oct. 30 and Nov. 9. Of those, 3,756 were between Nov. 7 and 9. To mitigate risk, an emergency order from the Federal Aviation Administration was issued, targeting a 10% reduction in flights at 40 high-traffic airports across the country.

As essential workers, air traffic controllers were required to work unpaid. Faced with mounting expenses, many workers took second jobs to cover their bills, cutting into their sleep. Others faced stress-induced insomnia from unpaid bills and job uncertainty. Overtime prevents recovery of sleep and increases fatigue-related error risk. Unsurprisingly, the White House warned that absenteeism among unpaid federal workers would increase.

Even under normal conditions, irregular schedules, undiagnosed sleep disorders, and lifestyle factors contribute to fatigue-related errors. Shutdowns amplify these dangers.

A NASA study found that 70% of air traffic controllers had nearly dozed off while actively working.

Air traffic controllers perform mentally demanding tasks requiring sustained vigilance. Controllers often work rattler schedules: five eight-hour shifts in four days, ending with a day shift followed by a night shift. These offer only 10 hours off between shifts, far too little for sleep recovery.

One night of sleep loss can significantly impair performance. A 2008 University of Pennsylvania study found that sleep-deprived Transportation Security Administration agents were less able to detect weapons in bags.

A NASA study found that 70% of air traffic controllers had nearly dozed off while actively working, and more than half of those who made operational errors cited fatigue as a contributing factor.

Critically, people often misjudge their own level of sleepiness. One landmark study found that people rate themselves as only moderately sleepy even when their cognitive performance has significantly declined. As a result, well-intentioned workers may unknowingly put lives at risk.

Sleepiness is not a minor inconvenience; it is a physiological condition that impairs judgment and performance.

Many mistakenly believe they can overcome sleepiness through willpower and dedication to a task. However, sleepiness is not a minor inconvenience; it is a physiological condition that impairs judgment and performance.

There is currently no real-time safety monitoring system in place that can determine whether an air traffic controller is fit for duty. The insidious effects of accumulated fatigue and stress may continue to linger long after the shutdown, as flight disruptions remain expected.

Even though the shutdown has ended, air traffic controller leadership must take active steps, including restricting overtime, monitoring signs of fatigue, and avoiding reliance on self-reported assessments of fatigue.

If necessary, airports should continue to scale back operations to allow workers time to rest. No one responsible for critical safety operations should be expected to perform under sustained, elevated fatigue levels.

Allowing exhausted and compromised workers on the job is a recipe for disaster. The safety of millions depends on acknowledging the real threat of fatigue and taking immediate action to prevent avoidable disasters from becoming a reality.

Jocelyn Y. Cheng is vice chair of the Public Safety Committee of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.
Students at Temple University. Contrary to conventional wisdom, a degree in the humanities is a solid investment for college students, Gene Andrew Jarrett writes. Read more

As parents enter this falls college application season, theyve likely been warning their children incessantly that a degree in art history or philosophy wont pay the bills.

Study something practical, theyre muttering, so you can get a job.

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But a report from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York tells a different story. Census data from 2023 on recent college graduates reveal that the unemployment rate of students majoring in art history and philosophy, in fact, resembles that of some STEM majors.

This is welcome news. Studying the humanities  which includes art history and philosophy, but also history, literature, language, religion, and music  isnt an impractical luxury. Rather, these subjects offer a competitive, if still hidden, advantage and return on investment in the job market.

The humanities prepare students not just to get a job, but to keep it, and excel while doing so. And Wall Street seems to be noticing.

Robert Goldstein announced last year at a conference on BlackRock and the future of finance that his company was rethinking which kinds of students to hire.

We have more and more conviction that we need people who majored in history, in English, and things that have nothing to do with finance or technology, he said, adding, Its that diversity of thinking and diversity of people and diversity of looking at different ways to solve a problem that really fuels innovation.

Death reports exaggerated

Yes, despite grim headlines about the death of the humanities and the end of the English major, the chief operating officer of BlackRock, arguably Americas largest multinational investment company, is now actively seeking college graduates in the humanities.

Why are the humanities, then, continuing to lose ground on college campuses? Partly because their most important financial benefits do not show up immediately upon graduation. But this myopic perspective, which has long devalued the humanities, is now affecting the perception of what has been the most popular major in recent years: computer science.

Only recently, professors Mary Shaw and Michael Hilton of Carnegie Mellon University wrote in the New York Times a persuasive defense of computer science, whose majors have seen such a rapid decline with the rise of generative artificial intelligence that graduates cannot even get a job at Chipotle.

Computer science majors should not panic, however.

The rise of generative A.I., Shaw and Hilton said, should sharpen, not distract us from, our focus on what truly matters in computer science education: helping students develop the habits of mind that let them question, reason and apply judgment in a rapidly evolving field.

The humanities tend to produce the kind of skills that can transfer across various jobs.

By the same token, as AI reshapes the world, the content of humanities education is more vital than ever for addressing the ethical and existential questions such change provokes.

The skills cultivated by majoring in the humanities are equally worthy of defense as those of computer science. The wide-ranging studies of the economics of education show that humanities degrees are being underestimated for the job skills they promise students in tomorrows workforce.

Specifically, the humanities tend to produce the kind of skills that can transfer across various jobs. They prepare people for roles in leadership or management.

Finally, the critical skills they develop can withstand the rapidly changing technologies that force workers to relearn demanding job tasks. Studying the humanities, then, is akin to investing in academic stock today for long-term professional gain.

One recent study tells us that the wage-by-major statistics parents and students review before declaring a major undervalue how an education in history increases a students labor market value  perhaps through the development of critical reading and writing skills or because reading history texts cultivates a transferable attention to detail  that enables them to earn higher wages when they seek employment after graduation.

Transferable skills

The transferable nature of skills is a significant educational benefit of the humanities. A 2020 study describes the labor market returns to the specific, or technically specialized, nature of a college major. That specificity determines how much the skills inculcated by this major are transferable across different jobs.

In short, the humanities consistently produce some of the most transferable skills across professions.

Another 2020 study looks at earnings dynamics, changing job skills, and careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Studying the humanities can develop the skills that overcome the following conundrum: When a person acquires only specific skills that are in high demand but also changing rapidly over time, that person likely will need to learn many new tasks each year.

To make a long story short, a humanities education results in one of the slowest measurable rates of counterproductive skill change. This means the skills learned through a humanities degree endure resiliently, even in the face of massive technological changes.

The humanities, of course, have substantive educational benefits. Their themes enable students to learn several critical things about humanity, such as the impact of human intelligence and creativity, the evolution of ideas about humankind, and the vitality of language and culture in how to see and survive in the world.

But the true value of the humanities includes their ability to build the professional skills students need to thrive in the global workforce  especially at a time when colleges may be deciding whether to consolidate or eliminate humanities departments, majors, and courses.

The question, then, that parents and children should ask isnt, What can you do with a degree in art history or philosophy? The better question is, What cant you do with it?

Yes, contrary to what you might think, a degree in the humanities, alongside degrees in computer science and many in between, remains one of the smartest investments students can make.

Gene Andrew Jarrett is dean of the faculty and William S. Tod Professor of English at Princeton University.
The Rev. Christopher Neilson and members of the congregations of Holy Innocents and St. Joan of Arc Churches gathered Nov. 19 for an interfaith prayer vigil outside the Philadelphia ICE office. Read more

On a rainy Wednesday a week before Thanksgiving, members of the congregations of the Roman Catholic parishes of Holy Innocents and St. Joan of Arc gathered in front of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement office in Center City.

They stood vigil in witness to what the Rev. Christopher Neilson  the founder and president of Christianity for Living Ministries and founder and pastor of the Living Church at Philadelphia  calls the core requirements God has for humanity: act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.

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Another religious group appeared at ICEs door near Eighth and Cherry Streets on the day before Thanksgiving. This time, it was an interfaith mix of folks led by Christianity for Living Ministries.

And there will be more. On Wednesdays to come, members of Mennonite Action, a couple of United Methodist churches, a Quaker meeting, two synagogues, a Presbyterian church, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Philadelphia and more Catholic parishes have all pledged to take part in a recurring demonstration that Neilson calls ICE Profest 40  an ecumenical and interfaith action to oppose the governments pitiless anti-immigrant crackdown slated to take place over 40 weeks. The word profest was coined by Neilson to mean an amalgamation of faith expressed through proclamation, prayer, and protest.

Its easy for small, quiet acts like this to get lost in the din of all the outrageous actions coming from President Donald Trump and his administration, or amid the larger protests that draw millions of participants.

But organizers are hopeful that whatever their movement might lack in numbers, it more than makes up for in the power of their spiritual conviction  a conviction that is grounded in the Bible and other sacred texts.

We proclaim Gods word of justice, mercy, and humility (Micah 6:8), Neilson told me via email. We pray for ICE agents and authorities (St. Matthew 5:44-45; St. Luke 3:24; 6:27-28; I Timothy 2:1-4), many of whom are conflicted and have crises of conscience. [We pray] for their courage, transformation, and turning, and for the protection and provision of the detainees and deportees, who are traumatized, from family separation and living in constant fear (Isaiah 1:17; Psalm 10:17-18; 82:3; St. Luke 4:18-19).

And, he added, we protest ICE activity, i.e., the orders ICE agents are given and the ways in which they are carried out, that dehumanizes and victimizes those created in the image and likeness of God [who] are our neighbors, and [which] disobeys and violates Gods command to welcome and love the stranger and alien (Leviticus 19:33-34; Deuteronomy 10:18-19; St. Matthew 25:31-46).

The number of weeks  40  during which this will happen has biblical significance, Neilson said, as a period of transition from trial to transformation. (Think of the 40 days and 40 nights Jesus traveled in the wilderness before the crucifixion.)

For me, the timing of when ICE Profest 40 is gearing up is especially resonant.

Were moving from Thanksgiving  a secular holiday which, in good years, I get to celebrate with a family that includes foreign-born and U.S.-born folks  into Advent.

 READ MORE: Our favorite charities to support this holiday season | Opinion

The beginning of the liturgical year is when Christians like me move from anticipation to action as we wait to celebrate the birth of Christ into a humble, migrant human family. I love the hush that precedes a world on the brink of transformation. I suspect that is why the quiet power of ICE Profest 40 actions moves me so deeply.

The tone of these vigils is different, Peter Pedemonti, the codirector of New Sanctuary Movement of Philadelphia, told me via email.

They are not as loud as a protest, but they have the potential for big impact, he said. We are seeing people sign up who are new to public witness, and so they serve as an entry into collective action. This is important as we fight not only the attacks on immigrant communities, but also Trumps rapid steps toward authoritarianism. We need everyone right now, and it is really important we have paths for new people to get involved.

I have been doing faith-rooted organizing for nearly 20 years. These spiritual tools we have work. We cant always see the immediate impact, but I have seen them help win campaigns. And so I believe that when we bring them to ICE, we are engaging in something powerful, Pedemonti added. The religious community has an important role right now. We are the moral voice, and when we see Trump trample our faith teachings and our democracy, it is critical [that] faith communities speak out.

While my own faith tradition has long had priests, religious men and women accompanying immigrants and advocating for their rights, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has been pretty circumspect about commenting on the Trump administrations policies.

But that changed this November.

In a statement issued after the conferences plenary meeting, the bishops wrote, We oppose the indiscriminate mass deportation of people, and soon thereafter, Pope Leo XIV expressed his wholehearted support for the bishops statement.

Leaders from many other faith traditions and denominations have, of course, also stood publicly with immigrant communities threatened by Trumps policies.

 READ MORE: Sorry, MAGA Christians, you arent the only ones praying | Sabrina Vourvoulias

But for Catholics who supported Trump  55% overall (62% of white Catholics, 41% of Hispanic Catholics), according to the Pew Research Center  the Catholic bishops statement could serve as a come-to-Jesus (heh!) moment.

It is certainly a clear call for transformation during this most transformative of seasons.

What can the birth of Christ mean to us Christians if we would deny people shelter near us simply because they are unknown to us, and from elsewhere? What can it mean if we dont stand against the indiscriminate targeting of innocents? What can it mean if we justify killing people based on the mere prognostication of threat?

I wont speak for other people of faith, but for me, those are questions that go beyond political affiliation or temporal power, and touch on the act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly core requirements Neilson referenced.

The timing of when ICE Profest 40 is gearing up is especially resonant.

On the first Sunday of Advent, one of the readings will be Isaiahs proclamation that the people shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; one nation shall not raise the sword against another, nor shall they train for war again, and that throws me right back into the fact that both the Catholic bishops in their statement, and the Rev. Neilson in his description of the ICE Profest 40 vigils, reference ICE agents.

ICE agents arent wielding swords, of course, but they do carry firearms and other implements with which they smash the windows and doors of terrified immigrants. And with the proposal that military members could be trained by deployment to U.S. cities to support ICE and U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents, its not that much of a stretch to make Isaiah fit the moment.

 READ MORE: Say it with me: Our government is forcibly disappearing people | Sabrina Vourvoulias

Im going to confess something now. Ive prayed often for immigrants, never for ICE agents. In fact, I bristled a bit when I heard the bishops equating the vilification immigrants have experienced with the vilification of ICE agents  no one has accused ICE agents of eating pets, or separated them from their families, or turned them from legally residing to unauthorized in a moment.

But, as we saw with this weeks shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, D.C., those who have been asked to carry out the administrations ill-conceived and oppressive policies may also be endangered by them.

The shooting reminded me of what Pedemonti told me: If we want ICE to see the humanity of those they are persecuting, then we need to model that and see the humanity of ICE agents.

We believe all people can change, he added, and so in the tradition of St. Oscar Romero, who called on soldiers in El Salvadors authoritarian regime to put down their arms, we call for ICE agents to follow their conscience and refuse to follow orders, to leave people with their families, to leave the people in peace.

I guess its time to broaden my prayers. Dont get me wrong, my rosary (the one which, along with its crucifix and Our Lady of Guadalupe medallion, has monarch butterfly beads representing migrants) will still be in regular rotation with prayers for immigrant justice. But maybe the Romero quote with which I open my prayers using a niner that has his medallion will be different: I want to make a special appeal to soldiers, National Guard members, and policemen: Each of you is one of us.

The first candle we light at Advent represents hope, after all, and no matter how far away or unlikely the desired outcome appears, hope always leads to transformation.
This week, legislation that caps rental application fees and allows renters to pay security deposits in installments take effect in Philadelphia. Read more

Philadelphia renters have some more to be thankful for this holiday season.

City Council bills that cap rental application fees and allow renters to pay security deposits in installments take effect Tuesday.

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The goal was to address the unaffordability of moving in for so many tenants in Philadelphia, said City Councilmember Rue Landau, who introduced the legislation. Rents have gone up tremendously, and peoples incomes have not.

Almost half of the citys residents rent their homes. And the Philadelphia region is one of the least affordable major metros in the country for its apartment renters based on their incomes, according to a January report by the online real estate brokerage Redfin.

FreshStartPHL, a move-in assistance program the city launched earlier this year to cover the equivalent of three months rent and moving expenses for eligible renters, had to stop accepting applications because it didnt have enough funds to meet demand.

The city is considering adding money to the programs budget under Mayor Cherelle L. Parkers H.O.M.E. initiative to build or preserve 30,000 housing units.

Parker signed the bills capping renter application fees and allowing for security deposit installments in September.

Capped application fees

Starting Tuesday, the city is prohibiting landlords from charging a rental application fee of more than $50 or the cost of running a background and/or credit check, whichever is less, within a 12-month period. Landlords are prohibited from charging application fees unless they are used to cover the cost of these checks.

Landlords cant perform a hard pull credit check that affects a prospective tenants credit score and have to provide tenants with a copy of any credit and/or background check performed.

And landlords who have more than one unit available can charge a prospective tenant only one application fee if the tenant applies for multiple units. Landau said some renters had been paying $100 or more per application. That adds up when renters have to apply for multiple homes.

Historic discrimination of Black and brown, immigrant, LGBTQ, and disabled Philadelphians causes higher barriers for them to overcome in order to secure housing, with increased costs as they pay application fees throughout the city, Landau said. As a city, we still need to tackle housing discrimination in a serious way. But in the meantime, this bill will reduce those costs.

Payment plans for security deposits

Also starting Tuesday, some landlords will have to allow renters to pay a portion of their security deposit in installments if the deposit is more than one months rent. According to state law, landlords can charge up to two months rent for a security deposit, with the charge of the last months rent included in the tally.

Renters can choose to pay the cost beyond one months rent in equal installments over three months.

This ordinance does not apply to landlords with one or two units, a concession Landau made after pushback from other Council members and small landlords.

Landau said that when renters have to come up with a security deposit of multiple months rent, it creates a barrier that many people cant overcome, which leaves people stuck in shelters, unsafe homes, or squeezed into overcrowded homes with family or friends.

Weve seen a national conversation about affordability happening because people are rightly concerned about the costs of necessities, Landau said. If they have to move for any reason, the affordability crisis is just exacerbated.
In an age of frequent mass shootings, insurers cannot escape coverage by arguing that each pull of the trigger was a separate occurrence unless the policy unambiguously says so, a federal appeals court held last month in a case stemming from the deadly 2018 high school shooting in Parkland, Florida.

Because under controlling Florida law, occurrence is ambiguous and must be construed in favor of the insured, the district court did not err by concluding the Parkland shooting was one occurrence under Evanstons policy and granting summary judgment for the Sheriff on that basis, a three-judge panel of the U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals concluded in Broward County Sheriff vs. Evanston Insurance Co.

The decision could hold significance for excess and government coverage and could provide another guidepost for insurers on clearly worded policy language.

The excess policy purchased by the sheriffs office in 2017 had a policy limit of $2.5 million. The sheriff was self-insured up to $500,000, and the policy had a $500,000 deductible.

The sheriff had stationed a deputy as a school resource officer at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland. After a teenaged gunman opened fire in 2018, killing 17 students and teachers and injuring others, the sheriff faced as many as 60 lawsuits from families of the victims, who argued the resource officer had acted negligently and failed to stop the killings.

Evanston, a Markel Group subsidiary, essentially denied liability and legal defense coverage, contending that the separate occurrence clause meant that each injury or death constituted a separate incidentmeaning the $500,000 deductible and $500,000 self-insurance retention had to be met for each injury claim before coverage would kick in. By that measure, the sheriffs office would have needed to spend as much as $60 million on legal costs and judgments before Evanston provided coverage.

Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony and his attorneys argued that the shooting was a single occurrence and that the retention and deductible had been exceeded by the multiple lawsuits and legal fees. The sheriff asked the trial court to declare that Evanston must provide coverage. The trial court, the U.S. District Court in Southern Florida, agreed in 2024, finding that the Evanston policy did not clearly define a separate occurrence, and any ambiguity must be construed in favor of the insured.

Evanston appealed and the appellate court panel upheld the lower court in its Nov. 10 opinion. The decision could help clarify a 2003 Florida Supreme Court ruling that has been cited by insurers and insureds alike to support their interpretations of separate occurrence language. In a case known as Koikos vs. Travelers Insurance, the state high court had issued a decision that the 11th Circuit judges said was not a model of clarity. But subsequent court interpretations of the Koikos ruling have provided guidance.

In the Broward Sheriff case, Evanstons attorneys relied on the Koikos ruling to bolster their contention that a mass shooting was to be considered multiple events with multiple deductibles. Yes, the 11th Circuit judges noted, the Koikos decision did seem to conclude that a restaurant shooting that injured two people was an example of two separate occurrences.

But more importantly, subsequent rulings have found that the Koikos case was decided on ambiguity groundsfinding that the insurance policy was unclear and must fall in favor of the policyholder.

Construing the term occurrence in favor of the Sheriff, we conclude the entire Parkland shooting was a single occurrence. Because the entire Parkland shooting is one occurrence, only a single SIR (self-insurance retention) applies, 11th Circuit Judge Frank Hull wrote in the opinion.

The 11th Circuit ruling is the second major decision to come out of the Parkland shooting on the issue of insurance coverage and so-called separate incidents. In a lawsuit brought by a victims family against the School Board of Broward County, the Florida Supreme Court in 2020 held that the school shooting was a single incident for sovereign immunity purposes.

In the sheriffs lawsuit, the 11th Circuit also shot down Evanstons claims that a policy wording ambiguity should not be construed in the insureds favor because, in this case, the sheriffs office was more than an ordinary policyholder. It is a sophisticated insured, Evanstons lawyers had argued.

The lower court and the appeals court disagreed.

The district court explained that  Evanstons arguments relied almost entirely on non-binding caselaw from other jurisdictions and  the sophisticated-insured rule was contrary to well-settled Florida principles of insurance policy interpretation, under which the Sheriffs subjective intent and supposed sophistication were irrelevant to construing ambiguous policy terms, the 11th Circuit judges wrote.

The appellate court also ordered Evanston to pay the sheriffs attorney fees, noting that the shooting and lawsuits came before the Florida Legislature in 2022 prohibited one-way attorney fees in insurance claims disputes.

Markel and Evanston representatives could not be reached for comment, nor could their attorneys in the case. Seth Haimovitch, a lawyer for the Broward Sheriff in the case, referred all questions to the sheriffs office, which did not respond to queries from Insurance Journal.
A study published by Pitchbook (10/4/2025), a trade publication and data source for private equity, showed that private equity buyouts improve portfolio outcomes by 0.64% in annualized excess returns for the last 25 years. However, once the returns were adjusted for leverage, they did not provide much of an advantage.

In other words, the extra returnand that is an important point, that this is the extra returngoes from 0.64% to nearly nothing if it were not for private equity taking on a lot of debt.

Many firms do not improve after being sold to private equity. Quite often, as seen in numerous insolvencies, these firms deteriorate. This is an essential reason that regulators should only allow private equity to buy insurance companies with strict limitations on their debt loads. An additional restriction should be that regulators do not allow private equity to mine investment portfolios for winners to be removed and placed into private equitys other portfolios, leaving a higher proportion of losers in the insurance companies themselves, deteriorating the quality and quantity of surplus. (Authors note: These are the Plunderers, by Gretchen Morgenson, is an excellent book describing how private equity does this to insurance companies.)

Extra debt means a lighter balance sheet. In other words, a company can support operations with fewer assets. Amounts identified as extra assets can be returned to shareholders. In theory, this makes sense, and indeed, if a corporation has millions not being used, those millions best use is being returned to shareholders.

However, private equity can take this to extremes when so many assets are returned to shareholders and replaced with debt that the operating company cannot function. Whether this is greed or incompetence, employees and policyholders lose.

Light Balance Sheets

A light balance sheet, meaning fewer assets relative to income and debt, is gaining momentum throughout the industry. This is likely a factor in why so many buyout firms are laying people off. (Their AI is likely not quite ready to replace that many people, and based on personal experience, they arent laying off the incompetent people who most likely would be replaced by AI.) This means these firms are not going to grow materially organically (high debt loads are negatively correlated with growth), distributors will pressure carriers to pay them more, and competitors without huge debt loads can obtain better employees more easily if they are proactive.

This is somewhat easy to measure at the carrier level. How much surplus does a company have relative to premiums? Carrying extra surplus is expensive. It costs money relative to the return on investment to shareholders. This is easiest to see in banking and why after the credit crisis, banks were forced to improve their balance sheets, but they did not want to carry more assets. It causes their ROI to decrease.

In insurance, Berkshire Hathaway is resisting the balance sheet lite trend because as of December 31, 2024, they had around 350% more surplus than premiums. Their balance is heavy, in a good way. On the other hand, Progressive was around 40%.

Progressive, however, likely can function quite well with a light balance sheet, whereas very few other carriers can. This is because Progressives underwriting profit margins are so high. The higher the profit margin, the more a company can manage successfully with a light balance sheet. Extremely few carriers can match Progressives profit margins, but they want to write as much business as Progressive relative to surplus. This is not a smart strategy but a desperate strategy for most.

At the carrier level, this is evident in reinsurance strategies, too. A large international carrier decided about eight years ago to go from buying a lot of reinsurance to buying relatively little. Their surplus to NPW (net premium written) ratio has gone from 1.6 to 0.8 as of year-end 2024. Their surplus has increased by around 25% during this time, but their premiums have more than doubled. In other words, they are writing far more premium with minimally more surplus. This is a balance sheet lite approach. This company, too, has huge profit margins, so they can likely make this approach work.

As with any business, if I can make $1 million of widgets by only using $200,000 of investment versus a competitor who must have $500,000 of investment for the same $1 million, the first company will almost always win. Companies like these two carriers are putting a lot of pressure on other carriers using this balance sheet lite approach, and few carriers have the operating profit margins to make it work.

Impact on Agents

Whether it is private equity or not, the emphasis on possessing fewer assets to support the same revenue is a force. This is going to impact agents because to achieve those high profit margins, those two companies pay some of the lowest commissions in the insurance world. Their models are quite different, but the net commission rate is usually no more than 11%, and that is at the high end barring a spectacularly good loss ratio year where contingencies are high.

Its impossible to achieve a balance sheet lite approach and pay 18% commission because it is impossible to pay 18% commission and achieve an adequate profit margin to offset lower assets. And, having the least amount of assets possible may create the best ROI for shareholders, at least in the short term.

Berkshire thinks long-term, which explains the entire difference as to why they have so much surplus (more than 25% of all surplusfor all carriers in the entire industry).

Combine the lack of growth generated by debt heavy distributors and their need for carriers to pay them more with carriers that cannot afford to pay them more, and fallout is inevitable.

Surplus lite means more volatility in the market. It means many carriers will not survive. Beyond what Ive described, running a company successfully with a lite balance sheet requires far better financial and operating acumen. Based on my deep research and interviews with these executives, many do not have the necessary knowledge. Its not even a gray-area assessment.

Id love the opportunity to work with a few enlightened carriers to improve their futures. I can also provide education on how this will impact the futures of carriers and distributors, as well as how to take advantage of the opportunities this provides. Tune in to Insurance Journals Academy of Insurance podcast in December for my insights on this topic.

And with a touch of luck, maybe regulatorswho are otherwise unaware of what is happening with private equity buying insurance companieswill sharpen their approach to protect policyholders.
The Office of the State Auditor found significant shortcomings with how the Vermont Department of Health reviews complaints related to food and lodging establishments, according to a recent report.

The report is the first audit of four planned for the coming months by Auditor Doug Hoffer and his staff, part of an effort to assess how the state government responds to Vermonters complaints.

The departments Food and Lodging program is responsible for ensuring that Vermont restaurants, hotels, and other similar establishments, follow the states health and sanitation regulations and protocols. The program provides licenses and inspects more than 6,000 food establishments and regulates lodging facilities, while addressing the complaints it receives from the public.

The audit selected 45 complaints for review out of the 1,081 complaints the program received between 2022 and 2024. The types of complaints that come in include allegations of unsanitary conditions, bed bug infestations, inadequate cooking and contaminated food equipment. Inspectors have to first verify if the complaints are true, and if so, recommend corrective actions.

However, the audit found that inspections were not always conducted within the required timeframe, and, in some cases, inspectors did not follow up to verify if the problems were resolved. Of the complaints reviewed, 16 of them were not investigated in the timeframe required. Seven out of the 10 complaints with more serious allegations were not investigated within the required two days. Two of them were not investigated at all.

Additionally, inspectors closed 18 of the 26 complaints that required corrective actions without confirming if the problems had been resolved. Hoffer said this does not necessarily mean that the owner of the establishment did not address the problem but that the inspectors did not visit the place again to check if they did.

If youre calling for a corrective action for a serious problem, you need to make sure that its been done and documented, and they were kind of short on that, Hoffer said.

The audit also found that the Department of Health doesnt measure the performance of the Food and Lodging program, which is a state requirement. The program is also missing specific policies and procedures for handling complaints.

Hoffer said the auditors office will follow up in one year and again in three years to see if the department has implemented their recommendations to improve the program.

The public complaint system evaluated in the audit is just one part of the work carried out by the program, according to Liz Wirsing, the senior program manager for Food and Lodging.

The report evaluated a small sample of the hundreds of complaints that we receive and follow up on every year, so sometimes other priorities have to take precedence for protecting public health, Wirsing said.

Still the recommendations are helpful, and the program is already working on implementing them, she said.

We appreciate the public reaching out to us and sharing their concern, Wirsing said, adding that people should continue to file complaints. Its important information, and it does help alert us sometimes to things that need some follow-up.

This story was originally published by VTDigger and distributed through a partnership with The Associated Press.

Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
A federal judge last Wednesday granted Amazon.com a preliminary injunction to block the New York State Public Employment Relations Board from enforcing a new state law that the online retailer considers an attempt to illegally regulate private-sector labor relations.

The decision by U.S. District Judge Eric Komitee in Brooklyn was the first test of a state law allowing the employment agency known as PERB to hear private-sector labor cases while its federal counterpart, the National Labor Relations Board, lacked the necessary quorum to make rulings.

Amazon and its lawyers did not immediately respond to requests for comment ahead of the Thanksgiving Day holiday. The office of New York Attorney General Letitia James, which represented PERB, did not immediately respond to similar requests.

NEW YORK SOUGHT TO COUNTERACT NLRB CASE BACKLOG

Signed by Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul on September 5, the New York law was a response to a backlog of hundreds of cases at the NLRB after Republican U.S. President Donald Trump fired Democratic board member Gwynne Wilcox in January.

California passed a similar law in October, and the NLRB has sued to strike down both states laws.

Komitee, a Trump appointee, cited a 1959 U.S. Supreme Court precedent in concluding that Amazon would likely succeed on its claim that federal labor law forbade New York from enforcing its law.

He said Congress expected the NLRB might lack a quorum from time to time, and there was no basis to believe the lack of a quorum would endure indefinitely.

Komitee said Amazon would also likely suffer irreparable harm absent an injunction, in part from the potential for inconsistent rulings by PERB and the NLRB.

CASE AROSE FROM FIRING OF A UNION VICE PRESIDENT

Amazon had been seeking to block PERB from hearing a case concerning the August 9 firing of Brima Sylla, a local union vice president at its JFK8 warehouse in Staten Island, Amazons only U.S. facility to unionize.

The backlog at the NLRB includes dozens of cases where employers are challenging the outcome of union elections.

Wilcox has sued to be reinstated, but the U.S. Supreme Court allowed her removal while her case remains pending.

Trump has nominated two lawyers to fill NLRB vacancies and restore its quorum while securing a Republican majority.

(Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York and Daniel Wiessner in Albany, New York; Editing by Leslie Adler and Richard Chang)

Topics New York Amazon
Education-industry integration boosts local economic development

People's Daily Online) 15:57, December 01, 2025

In recent years, specialized industry schools in China have helped integrate vocational education with industrial needs, contributing to talent cultivation, the sustainable development of specialty industries, and the modernization of the vocational education system.

Luosifen, or river snail rice noodles, is a signature delicacy of Liuzhou in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and has become a calling card for the city. Its transformation from a street snack to a 10 billion yuan ($1.4 billion) industry represents not only the rise of a popular food brand but also the integration of the sector with vocational education.

The Luosifen Industry School is inaugurated in Liuzhou, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, in 2020. (Photo courtesy of Liuzhou Vocational and Technical College)

In May 2020, the Luosifen Industry School was established at what was then Liuzhou Vocational and Technical College, now Liuzhou Polytechnic University. The school set up a training base and designed programs aligned with the industry supply chain to train skilled professionals.

At the training base, an automated packaging line for luosifen stands out immediately. Zhang Feiran, an instructor at the school, explained that the line resulted from joint research and development with enterprises.

According to Liuzhou's commerce bureau, the luosifen sector generated 38.24 billion yuan in sales revenue in the first half of this year. There are now 49,000 brick-and-mortar luosifen restaurants nationwide, while pre-packaged products are sold in over 30 countries and regions.

The Luosifen Industry School connects seven majors and four colleges within the polytechnic university to the wider industry, said Chen Fang, the school's head.

As luosifen expands internationally, the industry-education integration model has also gone global. The participation of Thailand's Roi Et Technical College in a regional specialty food industry consortium led by Liuzhou Polytechnic University exemplifies this development.

The consortium plans to advance several collaborative initiatives in Thailand, including a luosifen-focused innovation and entrepreneurship competition, the joint establishment of an international entrepreneurship academy and the introduction of Chinese regional cuisines to Thai campuses.

In Zixi county, Fuzhou, east China's Jiangxi Province, a bread school opened in January, training more than 400 students to date.

"Each graduating student typically receives two to three suitable job offers, as the baking industry faces strong demand for talent," said Xiao Peng, director of the school's baking training center.

"Our school offers flexible curricula, ranging from three-day classes to one-year systematic programs, with course arrangements tailored to market needs," Xiao said. Currently, the most popular programs are short-term training courses lasting 45 to 60 days.

For aspiring entrepreneurs, the school provides yearlong courses and customized training for enterprises.

Zixi county has rolled out multiple supportive measures for the school's establishment, including preferential equipment and facility leasing, assistance with enrollment and promotion, and subsidies for vocational skills training.

Despite a population of less than 100,000, Zixi has seen more than 40,000 people join the baking industry, generating an annual output value of around 30 billion yuan.

On Nov. 21, at the Qianjiang Crayfish School of Jianghan Art Vocational College in Qianjiang, central China's Hubei Province, instructor Yuan Hui was guiding students through every procedure in a cooking training session.

The annual output value of Qianjiang's crayfish industry now exceeds 87 billion yuan, creating jobs for more than 200,000 people and supporting over 4,000 branded stores nationwide.

Behind this thriving industry lies an increasingly urgent demand for talent. During peak season, chef shortages become acute, said a local restaurant enterprise manager.

Responding to this growing need for skilled professionals, the Qianjiang Crayfish School was established in 2016.

As the crayfish industry has developed, the school's program offerings have expanded accordingly, growing from its initial culinary major to six disciplines, including aquaculture, covering the entire crayfish supply chain.

The school currently has more than 1,400 students. It has trained over 2,000 technical professionals, including experts in rice-crayfish co-culture, chefs who have helped develop hundreds of crayfish flavor varieties, and farmers skilled in e-commerce livestreaming.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
Hardly a day goes by in Japan without news of another bear attack, but a problem thats worrying local residents, tourists and farmers and hampering leisure-related businesses is presenting an opportunity for insurers.

Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co. announced Friday it will offer an insurance product that compensates businesses that suffer a bear intrusion. The policy applies to hotel and leisure-facility operators and can cover lost profits and the cost of bolstering safety measures.

Japan is seeing a record number of deaths from bear attacks, with 13 people killed since April. Last month, a man was found dead after apparently being attacked by a bear while cleaning an outdoor hotspring bath in the northern prefecture of Iwate, according to the Asahi newspaper.

A total of 197 people have been attacked and there have been 20,792 sightings, according to the latest government data. The embassies of the US and UK have warned about the danger to travelers.

A unit of another insurer, MS&AD Insurance Group Holdings Inc., offers support for municipal governments to help carry out emergency bear hunt operations, with costs starting at 300,000 ($1,900).

Hong Kong-based Blue Cross (Asia Pacific) Insurance Limited has added extra coverage for bear attacks to its travel insurance, citing climate change and habitat shifts leading to an increased risk of wild bear encounters in destinations including Japan. Insured travelers who suffer an attack may be eligible to receive an extra HK $3,000 ($385) cash allowance.

Japan approved a broad package of bear countermeasures on Nov. 14, including deploying government-trained hunters, authorizing police to use rifles and expanding financial support for local authorities to strengthen prevention and response efforts.

Photograph: Asiatic black bear; photo credit: source: NurPhoto/Getty

Copyright 2025 Bloomberg.

Topics Carriers
Residents of the housing complex that was engulfed in Hong Kongs deadliest blaze in seven decades were told by authorities last year that they faced relatively low fire risks after complaining repeatedly about fire hazards posed by ongoing renovation works, the citys Labour Department told Reuters.

People living at Wang Fuk Court in northern Hong Kong had raised concerns over maintenance activity in September 2024, including about the potential flammability of the protective green mesh contractors had used to cover the bamboo scaffolding raised around the buildings, a department spokesperson said in an email.

The department subsequently reviewed safety certification for the mesh, which was used as a net for falling debris, and told residents the materials flame-retardant performance met standards, said the agency, which helps enforce construction standards set by the Building Department.

Read more: Taiping Insurance Shares Hit by Over $200 Million Exposure to Hong Kong Fire

Hong Kong police said on Thursday, however, that the exterior walls of the complexs buildings had protective nets, membranes, waterproof tarpaulins, and plastic sheets suspected of not meeting fire safety standards. Three people associated with renovation contractor Prestige Construction have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter.

The exact cause of Wednesdays inferno, which has claimed at least 128 lives, has not been determined.

What is clear, however, is that the fire spread rapidly through the renovation infrastructure outside, said Jiang Liming, a fire-safety expert at Hong Kong Polytechnic University who reviewed video footage of the blaze.

Jiang said early observations of the fire did not take into account the foam boards over windows.

Prestige, which secured a HK$330 million ($42.4 million) renovation contract for the complex in January 2024, did not respond to repeated calls. The three arrested people, who authorities have not named, could not be reached. Metal shutters were pulled down over the entrance of Prestiges office when a reporter visited on Friday morning.

Asked about the Labour Departments review of the meshs safety certification, Hong Kong police referred to a Thursday statement in which it said it would gather evidence and conduct a thorough investigation to ascertain the cause of the fire once the blaze was fully extinguished.

The Labour Department told Reuters that when it told residents they faced low fire risks as long as processes like welding were avoided, that did not mean that potential hazards were ignored. It also said it had reminded the contractor to implement fire-prevention measures.

The agency added that it had carried out 16 safety inspections at Wang Fuk Court between July 2024 and November 2025. The department issued six improvement notices to the contractor over its work at the complex and initiated three prosecutions, it said, without providing further specifics.

Reuters could not determine the outcome of those proceedings or the firms response.

Hong Kongs Grenfell?

Wednesdays blaze spread at shocking speed.

Firefighters were first alerted to fire at one of Wang Fuk Courts towers at 2:51 p.m. Within the five minutes it took them to reach the site, the blaze had scattered across the scaffolding, entered the interior of the building and spread to other towers in the complex, according to a fire department statement.

In about four hours, seven of the complexs eight 32-story towers were engulfed in flames. Thick smoke made it hard for first responders to reach higher floors.

Hundreds of the 4,600 people living in the complex were placed in temporary shelter. About 200 were missing as of Friday.

Jiang, an assistant professor at Polytechnic Universitys department of building environment and energy engineering, compared the blaze to Londons 2017 Grenfell public-housing fire, in which 72 people died.

A subsequent investigation revealed failings by the British government, the construction industry and firms involved in fitting the buildings exterior with flammable cladding.

Read more: ABI Warned About Risks of Modern Building Materials Before Grenfell Tower Fire

Its a very similar kind of fire traveling mechanism: from the facade, the fire then entered the rooms of apartments, he said.

Hong Kong leader John Lee has said the government will review the use of bamboo scaffolding. The Building and Labour departments separately said Thursday that they would be conducting emergency checks on buildings undergoing renovations to ensure that scaffolding and nets meet fire-safety standards.

Police on Wednesday also said they had discovered foam at the complex that might have been responsible for the fast expansion of the fire.

Facebook user Peter Leung had posted photos of burning white material on the Wang Fuk Court Resident Exchange group in September 2024, alongside the caption: the window insulation is flammable.

Leung did not respond when contacted by Reuters via Facebook.

Foam burns quickly and produces thick, toxic smoke, Chau Sze Kit, chairman of the Hong Kong Construction Industry Employees General Union, told Reuters.

The material can help prevent dust and glass damage to windows during construction, he said, but did the management team and site supervisors consider this risk?

Resident Tommy Au Wai-chi said foam installed near their windows prevented his parents from noticing the giant flames and heavy smoke outside their home.

They didnt realize there was a fire until I called them, said the 58-year-old truck driver. His parents were rescued and are in a stable condition in hospital.

Chris Wong, who on Thursday was still waiting for news of her 72-year-old mother, who she believes remains trapped, expressed anger at how her apartments windows were blocked with foam.

The government has laws, but do they enforce on the quality of materials and safety? I have my doubts.

Additional Fire-Safety Concerns

A Reuters review of the minutes of meetings held over the past year between homeowners and building management revealed additional fire-safety concerns.

Management told the homeowners committee in October 2025 that among the items needing repair or maintenance in the complex were fire water inlets, hose components such as fire nozzles, fire alarm bells, fire extinguishers and fire hose reels, as well as lighting fixtures with batteries.

In July 2025, the committee was also told that some hoses inside the fire tanks showed signs of aging and corrosion during waterproofing work. Meeting participants recommended replacing the hoses.

And in November 2024, the committee expressed concern that the number of solar panels on the towers rooftops might violate fire safety regulations. It suggested consulting the fire department.

Reuters could not determine if action had been taken to address those concerns. Hong Kong Security Chief Chris Tang said on Friday fire alarms in the complex had not been working properly, confirming earlier complaints from some residents.

The management of Wang Fuk Court did not respond to calls and an email.

Residents have also complained about contractors smoking around the scaffolding.

Jacky Cheung, who described himself as a former resident in the complex, sent Reuters a video he said he had taken that depicted a construction worker smoking next to the scaffolding. The news agency was able to verify that the video was shot at Wang Fuk Court, but not the exact date it was taken.

Cheung said he had complained about smoking incidents and sent management the video in February, but that they did nothing in response.

(Reporting by Clare Jim, James Pomfret, Donny Kwok, Mei Mei Chu, Jessie Pang, Farah Master in Hong Kong; Antoni Slodkowski in Beijing; Claire Fu in Singapore; Writing by Marius Zaharia; editing by Katerina Ang)

Photograph: Smoke rises after a fire broke out at Wang Fuk Court, a residential estate in the Tai Po district of Hong Kongs New Territories on Wednesday, Nov. 26 2025. (AP Photo/Chan Long Hei)
An oil tanker carrying diesel suffered four external explosions near Dakar, Senegal, its manager said, the third vessel with links to Russia to have been struck over the last few days.

Seawater entered the engine room of the Mersin, Besiktas Shipping said in a statement on its website. The vessel remains stable, crew are safe and theres been no pollution.

The incident is the third in three days involving vessels that have moved Russian petroleum. A person familiar with the matter said Ukraines security service was behind two such incidents in the Black Sea involving empty tankers late last week. Responsibility for other incidents hasnt always been claimed.

Besiktas said it was supporting investigations into what caused the explosions and that it was working with insurers and Senegalese authorities to manage to consequences of the incident.

Shipping analytics firm Kpler says the vessel was transporting gasoil. It has called at Russian ports multiple times this year.

The Mersin has been stabilized after taking on significant water and is now under constant tug assistance and technical monitoring, Senegals port authority said. Authorities are first sealing the hull breaches to restore watertight integrity, then beginning cargo transfer to avoid destabilizing the vessel during pumping operations.

Copyright 2025 Bloomberg.

Topics Energy Oil Gas Russia
South Korean police said on Monday they were tracing IP addresses and looking into possible tech vulnerabilities at Coupang after the e-commerce giant suffered the countrys worst data breach in over a decade.

Shares of the company fell 6.5% in morning trading.

The personal data of more than 33 million customers was leaked in a breach believed to have started on June 24 through overseas servers, though the company did not learn of the problem until November 18.

South Koreas Science Minister Bae Kyung-hoon said on Sunday the perpetrator had abused authentication vulnerabilities in Coupangs servers, and that authorities would be investigating whether the company violated rules regarding the protection of personal information.

Coupang, which is backed by Japans SoftBank Group, has said the breach exposed customers names, email addresses, phone numbers, shipping addresses and certain order histories, but not payment details or login credentials.

Broadcaster JTBC has reported that after conducting an internal investigation, Coupang suspects that a Chinese former employee, who was responsible for authentication tasks, was a key figure in the data breach.

A former employee used their authentication key that was still active after the termination of the persons contract to get access to customer information, lawmaker Choi Min-hee said in a statement on Monday.

Police and Coupang declined to comment on possible suspects.

As of Monday afternoon, internet postings showed that more than 10,000 people planned to join a possible class action lawsuit against Coupang. Lawyer Ha Hee-bong said the potential class action could seek compensation of more than 100,000 won ($68) per person.

We expect potential customer losses to be limited due to CPNGs unrivaled market positioning and Korean customers being seemingly less sensitive to data breach issues, J.P. Morgan analysts wrote in a note.

However, the potential of Coupang providing a voluntary compensation package, and the high likelihood of the Korea government imposing a potential penalty could result in a sizable one-off loss, which will likely weigh on near-term sentiment, the note added.

Coupang, founded by Korean-American Harvard graduate Bom Kim in 2010, is the countrys most popular e-commerce platform. It has overtaken family-owned conglomerates like Shinsegae in South Korean e-commerce and is also expanding into food delivery, streaming and fintech.

Kang Hoon-sik, South Korean presidential chief of staff, on Monday said four major data leak incidents since 2021 showed structural loopholes in personal information protection in South Korea.

In August, the countrys largest mobile carrier SK Telecom was fined about 134 billion won ($96.53 million) after a cyberattack this year caused the leak of data for nearly 27 million users.

Kang also said the latest incident involving Coupang should be an opportunity to improve the punitive damage system, which he said was not enforced in a way that would prevent massive data compromise.

($1 = 1,471.0800 won)

(Reporting by Hyunjoo Jin, Joyce Lee and Zaheer Kachwala; editing by Edwina Gibbs and Kate Mayberry)
Reciprocal insurance exchanges have been increasingly popular in recent years, with third-party investor interest in the fee-for-service businesses that manage RIEs and waning property insurance capacity in catastrophe-prone regions supporting the resurgence.

Third-party investors are not exposed to the insurers underwriting and investment performance but rather derive steady fee income from operating the attorney-in-fact of a reciprocal exchange, observes Rick Cheney, senior analyst at ALIRT and author of the late-October report, Overview of Reciprocal Insurance Exchanges and Recent Market Trends.

ALIRTs new report explains that RIEs are unincorporated insurance entities owned by policyholders, or subscribers. Distinct from stock or mutual insurers, RIE policyholders share directly in profits and losses and appoint an attorney-in-fact (AIF) to manage operations.

Read more about RIE structures: Unique Structure of Reciprocal Insurance Exchanges Offers Release Valve on Pressurized Markets and A Look at Reciprocal Insurers From 30,000 Feet

AIFs can be owned by managing general agents and underwriters, public or private organizations, individuals, the reciprocal itself or other insurance companies, Cheneys report explains.

This model allows capital flexibility but can also create risk misalignment between policyholders and investors. Since an RIE is owned by the policyholders, this walls off' the investors who own the attorney-in-fact, Cheney wrote in the report, also noting that third-party investors are increasingly also deriving fee income from the RIEs distribution sourceusually an MGA or MGU.

An MGA Weighs In Terrence McLean, CEO of SageSure, an MGA specializing in placing insurance in catastrophe-prone coastal regions, recently spoke to Carrier Management about three RIEs that SageSure sponsored in the past four years. Asked for his take on the surge in RIE launches generally, McLean said he believes investors and banks are treating the reciprocal model differently than they would a stock company equivalent. The value of the balance sheet from a regulatory capital or a rating agency capital perspective is effectively the same, he said. While running an RIE, the AIF has access to managing the capital the same way you would in a stock company. But investors and lenders look at it somewhat differently. Its questionable whether they should, but they definitely factually do. [And] if they do, the model is better because they think of the revenue and the earnings going into the AIF as fee-based revenue. Related: How One MGU Grew Fivefold When Capacity Fled Cat-Prone Property Markets

The ALIRT report, which flags property capacity shortagesin U.S. southern coastal states, in particularas a factor driving a surge in RIE startups, provides an in-depth assessment of the structural evolution, financial performance and outlook of RIEs in the U.S. property/casualty insurance market.

According to the research report, 72 companies were operating as pure RIEs as of year-end 2024. Between 2017 and 2025, 36 new RIEs were formed by ALIRTs count.

Focusing on the most recent cohort, 18 of the 36 newest exchanges were formed in just the last 21 monthsfrom early 2024 through the first nine months of 2025with most of these specializing in homeowners coverage in hurricane-prone regions such as Florida, Texas and Louisiana.

Reciprocal insurance exchanges are once again stepping in to fill coverage gaps, this time in high-risk property markets, Cheney said in a media statement announcing the publication of the report. Their growth underscores both the innovation and the financial vulnerabilities that come with insuring catastrophe-exposed regions.

The sustainability of this trend may well depend on the success of the RIEs that have formed in the last few years. If these insurers struggle, it may hinder the flow of capital to new entities, pressuring both policyholders and insurance companies in these coastal property markets, the report says.

The ALIRT analysis also notes that many of the newly formed RIEs have been supported by capital infusions in the form of surplus notesessentially debt that is counted as surplus because insurance regulators may preclude payments of interest and return of principal when the company is in financial distress. ALIRT reports that these surplus notes are often backed in part by investor groupsprivate equity firms, hedge funds and ILS investors, for exampleas well as by MGAs.

These investors groups are banking on these RIEs to generate sufficient [operating] earnings over time to pay down these surplus note investments, the report suggests.

ALIRT warns that the increasing role of private investors and MGAs in supporting new RIEs through surplus notes could introduce moral hazard dynamics, as external investors may be less exposed to underwriting losses while still profiting from management fees.

ALIRTs concern with these new startups turns, to a degree, on the concept of playing with other peoples money. In short, with less investor/manager funds tied up in these insurers, there may be an incentive to opportunistically generate premium in difficult property insurance markets. This is especially true where these interests are generating fees based, in part, on overall premium volume, the report says.

ALIRT Scores; RIE Model Characteristics

ALIRT Insurance Research is an independent financial analysis firm that specializes in monitoring insurance company solvency and performance trends for institutional clients. Based in Hartford, Conn., ALIRT provides analytical insights that assist organizations in managing insurance company exposure and maintaining fiduciary oversight.

For the benefit of its distribution clients, ALIRT currently follows all 72 insurers that its analysts identified as RIEs as of year-end 2024, and the RIE Overview Report includes a table listing all 72 companies along with their surplus and risk-based capital ratios based on statutory data, as well as their recent ALIRT scores.

ALIRT analyzes financial data to develop its scores, which can range from 0-100. Higher scores indicate stronger companies. Operational and investment metrics have the greatest impact on the score, while the remainder of the ALIRT analysis focuses on financial flexibility at the holding company level as well as the impact of credit ratings assigned by Moodys, S&P, Fitch and AM Best.

Also included in the report is a graph comparing median ALIRT scores for the RIE composite to median scores for personal lines and commercial lines composites for each year from 2020 through 2024, and for 2025 through six months.

The line graph comparison shows RIE scores well below ALIRTs commercial and personal lines composite scores and toward the bottom of ALIRTs statistically normal score range (over the past 25 years) of 39-61. Specifically, the personal lines scores have ranged from a little below 50 (in 2022) to a high of 65 in 2025, while the RIE composite scores hover between 40 and 45 for all years. In addition, at year-end 2024 there were eight RIEs that reported ALIRT Scores below 30, a threshold which generally indicates very poor financial performance and an increased likelihood that a carrier is headed for some type of near-term remedial action (possibly regulatory intervention or insolvency).

Although the bulk of any P/C insurers ALIRT score is attributable to its operating and investment performance, Cheney notes in the report that the low scores for some RIEs may also partially reflect smaller company size and lack of credit ratings.

Of the 72 RIEs scored, 40 are currently unrated by AM Best or any other major rating agency. (Editors Note: While many RIEs are rated by Demotech, ALIRT considers Demotech to be a secondary rating agency.)

With respect to size, the report describes a financially bifurcated landscape. While the largest exchangessuch as USAA and Farmersmaintain strong capitalization and conservative operations, smaller and newer RIEs often face pressure from volatile underwriting results, ALIRT said in a media statement.

Still, there are exceptions, the report says, noting that a handful of the largest RIEs ranked by premium volume that have ALIRT scores below 45, including Texas Farm Bureau Underwriters  A Reciprocal, Tower Hill Insurance Exchange, SureChoice Underwriters, and Kin Interinsurance Network.

Beyond size, the ALIRT report describes characteristics of the RIE market, providing breakdowns by predominant line of business, region and distribution channel.

In general, the RIE market is top heavy, with the top five players reporting 70 percent of RIE direct premiums written, and just five more writing over $1 billion. This top heaviness skews the average premiums volume of RIEs to $700 million, while median volume is only $58 million.

RIEs tend to be regionally focused, with 53 of 72 writing at least 70 percent of premium in a single region23 of those in the South, and 18 of those 23 formed since 2017.

Separately, ALIRT identified 41 RIEs that have merged, become insolvent or otherwise ceased operations over the years, 31 since 2000. According to the report, however, no RIEs ceased operations in 2024.

Reflecting on the current environment, the report strikes a cautiously optimistic tone. Legal reforms in Florida and Louisiana, along with a stabilizing reinsurance market, are expected to provide some relief to newer RIEs navigating these challenging markets, ALIRT says.

***

Understanding the ALIRT Scores
A federal judge dealt a setback to customers suing Burger King over advertising for its Whopper sandwiches, saying their claims were too disparate to justify certifying a nationwide class action.

The lawsuit by 19 customers in 13 U.S. states accused Burger King of misleadingly and materially inflating the size of nearly all menu items online and on in-store ordering boards.

These included Whoppers whose burgers allegedly appeared to overflow the buns and be 35% larger than they are, with more than double the meat.

But in a decision on Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Roy Altman in Miami said the state consumer protection laws underlying the lawsuit had many differences. He also said individualized claims would predominate because the plaintiffs bought burgers in an almost-infinite variety of shapes and sizes.

It may be that every single one of those burgers was smaller than every single menu-board item Burger King has ever produced. But thats not the point, Altman said. Each putative class member will have seen a particular photo and received a specific burger.

The judge also said Burger Kings prices have undoubtedly waxed and waned since April 1, 2018, the start of the proposed class period, and all class members would need to show when and where they bought burgers, and what they paid.

Lawyers for the plaintiffs did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Altman had rejected Burger Kings bid to dismiss the case in May, but Tuesdays decision significantly reduces the potential damages.

Related: Burger King Must Face Lawsuit Over Whopper Ads

Burger King said it was satisfied with the decision. It repeated its May statement that the plaintiffs claims are false, and that the flame-grilled beef patties portrayed in our advertising are the same patties used in the millions of burgers we serve to guests across the U.S.

A federal judge in Brooklyn, New York dismissed a similar lawsuit against McDonalds and Wendys in September 2023.

Burger King is a unit of Restaurant Brands International. The Toronto-based companys brands also include Tim Hortons, Popeyes and Firehouse Subs.

Topics Lawsuits Legislation
Litigation finance is having a bad year.

After predicting huge growth as recently as January 2024, the industry is now finding that hedge funds and other sources of capital are pulling back. The situation has led some litigation finance firms to suspend fund-raising rounds, while others are exploring alternative paths to generate cash.

The industry  a $20 billion market that channels capital from investors to lawyers chasing corporate malfeasance  faces an array of hurdles in the form of regulatory changes, lower payouts and longer trial times, according to representatives interviewed by Bloomberg.

The risk, they warn, is that a shrinking litigation finance industry leaves consumers and workers less able to defend themselves against large corporations engaging in activities that do environmental and social harm.

Raising private capital has become more challenging across all markets, and theres less traditional capital generally available, said Ellora MacPherson, managing director and chief investment officer at Harbour Litigation Funding, one of the worlds largest privately-owned litigation finance firms.

She says investors are now looking for more predictable outcomes, and alternative deal structures such as insurance-backed arrangements, to help reduce risk.

In the UK, the Civil Justice Council recommended in June that litigation funders be subject to regulatory controls including requirements to provide information on funding sources and capital adequacy. That follows a 2023 UK Supreme Court ruling barring litigation funders from demanding a percentage of damages, and instead forcing them to base profits on a multiple of capital deployed.

Only four group action cases were filed in the UKs Competition Appeal Tribunal as of September, down from 11 in 2024 and 17 the year before, according to data provided by Solomonic, a litigation data firm.

In the US, there are efforts to revive legislation that would levy a 41% tax on the industrys profits.

In the EU, lawmakers just agreed to drastically curtail the reach of the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, reducing the civil liability of companies in the bloc. The Hurdles Litigation Funders Face Today:

At a litigation finance conference hosted by law firm Brown Rudnick in October, attendees voiced anxiety over the challenges they now face. Against that backdrop, some litigation funders are now adjusting investment models.

In October, Therium Capital Management, a pioneer of the UKs legal financing market, handed over day-to-day responsibility of a large part of its litigation-finance portfolio to Fortress Investment Group of the US. It has launched an advisory services business.

Outsourcing day-to-day responsibility made sense in order to manage our costs and maximize returns for investors, said Neil Purslow, co-founder and managing partner of Therium.

Litigation Capital Management said it was pausing active marketing for a fund in June, due in part to uncertainty around potential tax changes in the US market.

And Pogust Goodhead, a UK law firm backed by US-based Gramercy Funds Management, laid off a fifth of its staff in November last year, with both founders since leaving the firm. Pogust Goodhead is currently representing thousands of Brazilian claimants targeting BHP Group and its alleged liability in the collapse of a dam in Brazil.

Even large and well-capitalized firms face headwinds. Shares in Burford Capital Ltd. are down more than 25% this year. In 2023, Burford prevailed in the courts putting it on track for a $16 billion settlement in a case relating to the 2012 nationalization of Argentine oil company YPF SA. But payment has since been held up in US courts.

Few litigation funders have made money as managers historically, says Gian Kull, UK portfolio manager for Omni Bridgeway Ltd., a large global funder.

An oft-repeated example of the industrys troubles was a class action lawsuit originally brought against Mastercard in 2016, and subsequently taken on by Innsworth Capital, which is owned by Elliott Investment Management. The class representative had initially estimated the plaintiffs claim was worth 14 billion. In February, Mastercard was able to settle for just 200 million.

Such outcomes bring into question the viability of funding, said Ian Garrard, managing director of Innsworth. Even so, Garrard says the firm will continue to invest in legal cases against the expectation that in due course, with more precedents and experience, there will be more certainty for investors.

Related:

Copyright 2025 Bloomberg.

Topics Lawsuits
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said the state is investigating global fast-fashion retailer Shein US Services LLC Corporation and its affiliates for potential violations of Texas law related to unethical labor practices and the sale of unsafe consumer products.

Shein, which generated more than $30 billion in global revenue in 2023, operates primarily online, offering a vast range of clothing, accessories, and home decor products.

The investigation will determine whether Sheins supply chain and manufacturing practices violate Texas law by using toxic or hazardous materials, misleading consumers about product safety, and misleading consumers about ethical sourcing. The investigation will also examine the companys data collection and privacy practices.

Safe, non-toxic material and products are another key ingredient to the Make America Healthy Again movement. Any company that cuts corners on labor standards or product safety, especially those operating in foreign nations like China, will be held accountable, said Paxton.

Topics Texas
Nuclear verdicts in product liability suits are on the rise. But manufacturers and their insurance companies can take multiple steps to prevent and defend against large jury verdicts, insurance and legal experts said at a recent webinar hosted by Travelers.

It feels like its coming to a boiling-over point right now, really accented by all of these headlines on nuclear verdicts, said Elise Schreier, vice president for liability claims at Travelers.

Plaintiffs lawyers have exploited social, regulatory and legal environments in recent years; attorney advertising has amped-up injured parties hopes and financial goals; claims aggregators find many new plaintiffs, which raises the stakes; and litigation funding is contributing to more and increasingly costly lawsuits, turning the tort system into a massive investment mechanism, Schreier said.

Related: Litigation Financing Hits a Wall

Product makers and insurers, though, can take action before, during and after claims arise, the panelists noted. Here are some of the key measures that can be adopted to help reduce liability and costly verdicts:

Avoid bad facts and incriminating internal communications. Trial lawyers, during the discovery phase of litigation, will demand years of emails and other communications. If corporations appear to disparage customers or blame the injured parties, juries are more likely to come back with higher damage awards, including punitive damages. Be sensitive in emails, not calloused, said Alexandra Lahav, law professor at Cornell University. Studies have found that juries tend to find against a defendant if it is shown that the culprit was involved in nefarious activity  even if all other circumstances are the same.

Stay away from decisions that may indicate, at least to a plaintiffs lawyer or a jury, that the manufacturer opted for a cheaper but less-safe material or vendor, said Reese Cann, assistant vice president for risk control at Travelers. Always conduct product hazard analyses early on, making sure to consider who uses the product. Manufacturers should compare warning labels to their competitors for similar products, Cann noted.

When an injury happens, respond and communicate quickly but with empathy for the injured persons. Manufacturers should notify their insurance companies and attorneys promptly. Gather evidence and take steps to prevent further injuries related to the product. When appropriate, take a holistic approach and show how the company has provided help for people and the community.

Related: Info on Top Verdicts in Recent Years

Check vendors contracts and insurance levels. As the cost of liability insurance has climbed, some suppliers may have reduced their policy limits, potentially leaving manufacturers on the hook for more of the damages, Schreirer and Cann explained. Too often, Cann said, contracts with suppliers dont make it clear that if the vendor is at fault, it should be financially responsible for the losses. And keep careful track of all contracts, product documentation and other paperwork through the years.

Keep up with post-sale monitoring of products. Check social media regularly for complaints about products and for unsafe and improper uses of the product, then take action to prevent misuse, Cann said. Plaintiffs lawyers will be sure to scour social media postings and may try to show that the manufacturer knew about unsafe practices.

Be ready to go to trial. While early empathetic communication with injured consumers can help reduce litigation, companies may have to try the case before a jury if the plaintiffs continue to press unreasonable settlement demands. Partly by following its best practices, Travelers saw a 73% success rate at trial from August 2024 to August 2025, Schreier said.

Insurance and commercial interests should continue pressing state legislators for tort reform. Schreier noted that Florida and Georgia have passed major tort-reform laws in the last few years that have helped curtail large verdicts and insurance costs, but many other states have not.

Spread the word about the complications from litigation funding. Schreier and Lahav said that some lawsuit funding groups will extend high-interest loans to plaintiffs while litigation is brewing. As time goes by, the amount of the loans and the interest can add up, making it impossible for injured people to settle for a reasonable amount.

Topics Liability
The death of a Florida teenager on a Carnival cruise ship earlier this month has been ruled a homicide, the latest development in a case that has drawn international attention and sparked intense speculation on social media.

Anna Kepners cause of death was mechanical asphyxia, according to a copy of her death certificate obtained by ABC News, which said the 18-year-old was mechanically asphyxiated by other person(s).

Mechanical asphyxia is when an object or physical force stops someone from breathing, according to Stephen Nelson, a chief medical examiner in Central Florida who is not involved in the case.

In some way, shape or form, your airway has been cut off, said Nelson, a former chair of Floridas Medical Examiners Commission.

A high school cheerleader from Floridas Space Coast who was set to graduate next year, Kepner had been traveling on the Carnival Horizon ship with her father, stepmother, her stepmothers two children and her grandparents.

The night before she was found dead, Kepner had spent time with her grandparents in the ships casino, her grandmother Barbara Kepner told ABC News.

She said, Meemaw, I love you guys. Ill see you.  Ill see you later, Barbara Kepner recalled. We never saw her again after that.

The next morning, a medical alert blared out over the ships broadcast system, directing first responders to the room Kepner was sharing with two other teens, including a younger stepbrother.

A room attendant found Kepners body concealed under the bed, according to her grandmother.

I just screamed. I couldnt stop screaming, Barbara Kepner said.

Teenagers Stepbrother Identified as a Suspect

Kepners death aboard the ship that sailed from Miami has remained shrouded in mystery with the FBI and medical examiners office in South Florida refusing to disclose any information about the case for weeks.

The teens 16-year-old stepbrother has been identified as a suspect in her death, according to court documents filed by his parents.

The disclosures  contained in motions filed in an ongoing custody dispute  offer the clearest public indication that federal investigators are scrutinizing a member of the victims own blended family.

As of Tuesday, a final autopsy report had not been released and the Miami-Dade County Medical Examiners Office has not responded to recent messages left by the AP.

Kepners time of death was 11:17 a.m. on Nov. 7, according to the medical examiners office, and the ship returned to PortMiami on Nov. 8 as scheduled.

Carnival Horizon cruises the Western Caribbean with stops in Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Montego Bay and Ocho Rios, according to itineraries posted on the companys website.

Lawyers who practice maritime law say theyre not surprised that nearly three weeks have passed with no charges filed in the case.

When Ive had international marine deaths  deaths on a vessel in international waters in the high seas  it can take quite some time to get the final autopsy reports, said Houston attorney Marcus Spagnoletti. Its not unusual.

A Highly Suspicious Death

Nelson, the medical examiner, said he considers Kepners death highly, highly suspicious and said the reports that her body was concealed support the homicide finding.

The concealment part alone is very troubling, Nelson said.

Kepners family has been told that preliminary information indicates there were no signs of sexual assault and that there did not appear to be drugs or alcohol in Annas system, ABC News reported.

Nelson, who has not been briefed on the case, said there are a range of deaths that can be defined as asphyxia, including drowning, strangulation and hanging.

The language stating that Kepner was mechanically asphyxiated by other person(s) is fairly standard language, Nelson said, and an acknowledgment that Kepner had been sharing a room with other people.

It would be up to law enforcement to narrow down what role, if any, each of those other people in the room played, Nelson said.

The Challenges of a Floating Crime Scene

Determining who has the authority over a criminal investigation can be complicated since cruise ships are registered in one country but often travel through many others, all while carrying thousands of passengers and crew members from around the world, according to the FBI.

On the open ocean where U.S. law, international law and the laws of other nations might be involved, cooperation is critical to any investigation.

The nature of a floating crime scene can also make investigations challenging because it can leave a small window of time to investigate before the ship departs on its next voyage.

You have a short amount of time to do the best you can to solve this case or collect all the evidence you need to solve this case and then your crime scene leaves, FBI Special Agent Matt Parker said in the FBI document.

Preserving the integrity of the crime scene can also be a challenge, given that law enforcement wouldnt even have had access to the crime scene until they were in port, said David Edelstein, a South Florida lawyer.

They dont have the same safeguards that they do when law enforcement is in charge of the crime scene, he said. Its really imperative that the scene be secured, otherwise the evidence could be contaminated.

A federal law, the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act, requires that most cruise ships operating out of U.S. ports report certain types of serious crime to the FBI.

In 2023, the FBI received 180 reports of alleged criminal activity on cruises, ranging from thefts to sexual and physical assaults to missing persons cases, the agency said. No suspicious deaths were reported during the period, according to data from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Theyre almost like small cities, so anything that could occur in a small city could conceivably happen onboard one of these boats, including violent crimes, Edelstein said.

Martin reported from Atlanta. Payne, who reported from Tallahassee, Florida, is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.

Photo: A Carnival Cruise ship docked in Miami in 2023.

Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
The Irish Farmers Association (IFA) has urged the Government to ensure vaccines are available after the discovery of a suspected case of bluetongue virus in the North.

Bluetongue is primarily transmitted through biting midges. It affects cattle, sheep, and other cloven-footed animals. While it is harmless to humans or food safety, it can have a devastating effect on livestock.

Agriculture minister Martin Heydon said the announcement from the Norths agricultural authority has potentially serious implications.

If the disease becomes established in one part of the island, it will be that much easier for it to spread  with consequences for animal health and welfare, and financial and emotional stress for farmers, he said.

I will be engaging closely with minister Andrew Muir on this, and ensuring that we continue to take a collaborative and supportive approach, building on the very close relationships already in place on animal disease control north and south.

The Department of Agriculture has started a series of measures in response to the discovery in the North, including on-farm surveillance blood sampling of cattle and sheep; testing livestock submitted to regional veterinary laboratories; sampling of cattle routinely slaughtered at meat plants; and encouraging farmers and veterinarians to report any suspect cases.

IFA president Francie Gorman said the case of suspected bluetongue in Bangor, Co Down, was very disappointing.

He said everybody in farming had worked very diligently to avoid this scenario over the last 18 months since the virus was first detected in England.

Farmers are actively playing their part in monitoring livestock for any signs of the disease, reporting any suspicions to their vets and the department, he said.

A vet administers a dose of vaccine. Picture: Nicolas Maeterlinck/BelgaMag/AFP via Getty Images)

The Department of Agriculture must immediately move to have trade from Ireland facilitated should BTV 3 be found here. We cannot have any disruption for this vital trade, he added.

IFA animal health chairperson TJ Maher said the department must move to have vaccines licensed and available for use.

Mr Heydon said: It is important to note that, because bluetongue is spread by midges, disease spread is much less likely in the winter and early spring months. I am taking firm action now to carry out enhanced and targeted surveillance to find the disease, if it is here.
For sale jointly with GVM Auctioneers and Dromcolliher-based auctioneer Colman OKelly, a 43-acre parcel of Golden Vale land is new to the market near the village of Dromcolliher in southwest Limerick.

The property at Barnagarrane is close to the border with county Cork and is 3km west of Dromcolliher village, 3km from Broadford and 20km west of Charleville, Co. Cork.
The Government remains committed to passing the Occupied Territories Bill, the Tanaiste has said.

It follows reports the bill would be shelved due to American reaction to the legislation, which is aimed at banning trade with the illegally occupied Palestinian territories.

The bill is unlikely to take in services, the Taoiseach told the Dail in recent weeks. However, speaking in Mullingar on Monday, Tanaiste Simon Harris said the trade aspect of the bill would go ahead.

"The programme for government commitment remains," Mr Harris said.

"It's important that we do everything that we can to support the people of Palestine and to support peace. It's important that we recognise that. I think the priority for everybody in this country was to see an end to the killing, an end to the genocide."

We now have a ceasefire, he added. "We're actively helping as a Government and as a people in getting aid into Gaza. I think Ireland could, in time, have an important role to help in trying to embed peace."

I think it's very important, that everybody in this country, including those on the far left in this country, also realise that Hamas have obligations.

Hamas is a brutal, illegal terrorist organisation that must be disarmed as part of a peace process, he added. "So Ireland, the Irish Government, intends to proceed with the legislation as per the programme for government."

Minister for foreign affairs Helen McEntee is to meet with party leaders soon to discuss the passage of the bill.

Herzog Park controversy

Mr Harris also called on Dublin City Council to examine the controversy over a proposal to rename Herzog Park. Plans to remove the name from the park, due to be voted on by councillors on Monday, were dropped after a backlash from both Ireland and abroad.

While the withdrawal of the proposal was welcome, consideration must be given to how the controversy arose in the first place, he said.

The proposal was "ill conceived", Mr Harris added. "I think it runs the risk of being performative, but it certainly did cause a lot of hurt and a lot of pain for our Jewish community."

"I welcome the fact that it won't now proceed, but I don't believe it ever should have gotten to this point," he said, adding there were legitimate issues the City Council Executive needed to address in terms of how the proposal "ever got to this point".

"From what I read last night, they didn't even follow their own procedures correctly."
A book of evidence was served on Monday on a doctor who is accused of sexually assaulting a woman at his practice.

Sergeant Gearoid Davis confirmed service of the book of evidence on the defendant at Cork District Court.

Judge Mary Dorgan sent the case forward, on the application of Sgt Davis, to the next sessions of Cork Circuit Criminal Court commencing on February 9, 2026.

Judge Dorgan also gave the defendant the alibi warning, whereby he must give the State notice of any witnesses he may be calling if he is relying on an alibi defence.

The Director of Public Prosecutions gave directions previously that the case against the accused, who is in his mid-30s could proceed at Cork District Court but only on a plea of guilty.

Frank Buttimer, solicitor, said the defendant would be pleading not guilty to the sexual assault charge, so the book of evidence was prepared, and on Monday Judge Dorgan said there were reporting restrictions on identification of the parties.

Detective Sergeant Aisling Murphy said previously in court that on an afternoon in November last year, the complainant attended for an informal consultation.

It is alleged that he sexually assaulted her during her consultation by placing a stethoscope on her breast inside her clothing and later carrying out an unnecessary breast examination, Det Sgt Murphy said.

It was further alleged the doctor kissed her before she left and asked for her home address.
A motorist terrified a young woman by driving at a wall and swerving away at the last moment, telling her, This is what a real man is, as he did handbrake turns.

Detective Garda Dave Forsythe testified that the accused man, Jay Whelan, of Liam McGearailt Place, Fermoy, Co Cork, threatened to cause serious injury to a young woman.

Judge Helen Boyle jailed him for 18 months at Cork Circuit Criminal Court.

On December 21, 2023, just after 5.30pm, Jay Whelan rang the young woman and asked her to meet him as he wanted her to get back with him following a break-up. They met in Fermoy and drove to Conna. He said he wanted to get back together with her but she said she did not want to do so.

He drove at speed and started calling her a whore and a tramp. She shouted at him to slow down. He drove straight towards a wall, swerving away at the last moment.

He parked outside the home of her ex-boyfriend. He wanted to fight him because of this past relationship. He drove to Conna Woods. He told her, Im going to bring you up to Conna and bate she shit out of you.

"He said, Ill bat your face so no one will want you.'

He was doing handbrake turns saying, This is what a real man is.

When the car stopped she was in a frightened state and she attempted to open the door. He was punching the steering wheel and everything in the car. She was screaming for help, Det Garda Forsythe said.

A woman in the area told her to get into her car and she drove her to safety. The entire ordeal in the defendants car lasted over 25 minutes and covered a distance of 24km.

Sentencing

Following the incident, Jay Whelan went to mainland Europe where he lived for periods in seven different countries before returning in August this year. It was at that stage that he was charged and has been in custody since August 9.

The young woman who was victim of the threatening behaviour opted not to come to court or to make a victim impact statement.

Defence senior counsel Jane Hyland said the accused had a chaotic home life and was homeless for a period, relying on his car as a place to live.

Ms Hyland said that when the defendant left the country he had not been charged with any offence. And that on the evening when it happened he turned up at Fermoy garda station 20 minutes afterwards, and he was crying as he admitted that the young woman would have been put in fear by him.

He is doing well in prison and he is remorseful, Ms Hyland added.

Judge Helen Boyle said this was a serious and terrifying offence and she imposed a sentence of three years, with half of the sentence suspended. The sentence was backdated to August 9 to take account of the amount of time he had spent in custody already.
A detective who loaned an unclaimed bicycle out of garda storage to give it to a vulnerable elderly neighbour during the covid pandemic has successfully applied to the High Court to argue that an investigation into the incident caused his mental and physical deterioration, amounting to an "injury while on duty".

At the High Court on Monday, barrister Sarah Cooney successfully applied for a judicial review hearing on behalf of Detective Garda Eamonn Cunnane. Det Gda Cunnane wants to quash the findings of a Garda inquiry that refused his application for a medical certificate, affecting his salary.

Ms Cooney said Mr Cunnane was seeking an order quashing the refusal of the medical cert, and took his action against the Garda Commissioner over a July 2025 decision confirming the refusal of his application for an "injury on duty" claim under Garda Code 11.37.

Ms Cooney, instructed by Damien Tansey Solicitors, submitted that on May 4, 2020, the detective loaned the bicycle out of storage in order to give it to "an elderly, vulnerable, and isolated man in good faith".

'Acting with compassion'

Det Gda Cunnane submits he was "acting with compassion during a time of unprecedented national emergency, and also at a time where the respondent [the garda commissioner] encouraged all gardai to be rooted in their communities".

The detective submits that this was an "act of kindness with no attempt to conceal or to profit", that led to allegations against him of criminality, theft, and negligence brought by garda superiors over the unclaimed bike he estimated was worth 50.

He submits that he had informed his supervisor on June 2, 2020, that he had loaned the bicycle to his elderly neighbour, and that he would bring it back to the station. However, the next day, gardai secured a warrant to search the detective's home.

On June 4, 2020, the warrant was executed in what Det Gda Cunnane claims was an action "in the nature of a dawn raid" on his home. The detective submits he voluntarily brought investigating members to his neighbour's home and the bike was recovered.

That day, Det Gda Cunnane was suspended. This began, according to his lawyers, a "four-year ordeal for the appellant".

No criminal charge

On April 17, 2021, Det Gda Cunnane was informed by the DPP that no criminal charge was to be brought against him.

After that decision, an internal disciplinary investigation re-commenced while Det Gda Cunnane remained suspended from duty  from June 2020 until August 2023  and concluded that he be reinstated on a limited basis.

A later garda board of inquiry, which ran from February to March 2024, concluded that he had not committed a serious breach of discipline.

It is submitted that Det Gda Cunnane was cleared of any allegation or of misuse of garda property, and that the board was satisfied "that the applicant's behaviour was indicative of his honest dealings".

Det Gda Cunnane returned to full-time duty in March 2024.

However, Det Gda Cunnane seeks to overturn a decision by garda superiors refusing the restoration of full pay for the six-month period of March to September 2025, which related to work-related stress, when he was not able to perform his duties to his full abilities.

His superiors, it is submitted, judged him to have contributed to causing the incident himself by taking the bike without permission from his superiors.

Det Gda Cunnane submits that he endured a "four-year ordeal, marked by professional humiliation, personal trauma, and what I believe to be institutional mistreatment".

Det Gda Cunnane further submits he was "completely exonerated of any wrongdoing, negligence, or willful neglect by statutory process".

Ms Justice Mary Rose Gearty granted the application for leave for judicial review brought by Ms Cooney and adjourned the matter to February.
The Department of Justice has been accused of misleading the Dail public accounts committee (PAC) on the issue of which agency is responsible for verifying the ages of unaccompanied asylum seekers.

Fine Gael TD James Geoghegan has criticised the department over its disclosures to the PAC in October, saying it chose not to say the correct agency.

Mr Geoghegan said the department told the PAC in October that Tusla was responsible for age verification of unaccompanied minor asylum seekers arriving in Ireland. However, in correspondence received by the committee last week, the department said it is the International Protection Office (IPO) which is responsible for age verification.

The departments letter flatly contradicts the impression their officials gave at the PAC hearing about who is actually responsible for determining the ages of unaccompanied minors, Mr Geoghegan said.

It raises real questions about whether the committee was given a fully accurate picture.

At the hearing, officials repeatedly spoke as if Tusla decides whether someone is a minor or an adult. They allowed that to stand unchallenged for the entire session.

Mr Geoghegan said it is in black and white that the IPO is responsible for age verification.

Even more concerning, the department quietly admits in the letter that, in practice, Tuslas view has been treated as the final word for many years. That was never disclosed to PAC, he said.

Fine Gael Dublin Bay South TD James Geoghegan said: 'At the hearing, officials repeatedly spoke as if Tusla decides whether someone is a minor or an adult.' File picture: Damien Eagers

The Fine Gael TD accused the IPO of passing the responsibility to Tusla without informing the Oireachtas.

Thats not just a procedural issue, he said. It goes to the heart of accountability and public safety.

All of this is happening at a time when the numbers are rising sharply: 547 unaccompanied minors so far this year, up from 482 in the same period last year.

A 13.5% increase, even though overall international protection numbers are falling.

Mr Geoghegan cited the development of the new International Protection Bill, which will replace the existing age assessment processes with a new authority.

If they are already planning a full overhaul, then its hard to avoid the conclusion that they know the existing arrangements are inadequate, but chose not to say so when questioned, Mr Geoghegan said.

The Dublin Bay South TD said the matter required direct ministerial intervention as to who is responsible, what process is being followed, and how the State is protecting minors and the public.

In response, a spokesperson for the Department of Justice said: The response to the PAC reflects the long-standing practice on this matter which was cited on the day by officials.

According to this practice, which has been in place for many years, when an applicant presents as an unaccompanied minor, the International Protection Office refers the individual to Tusla.
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy will arrive in Ireland today for his first formal visit to the State.

Mr Zelenskyy will arrive in Dublin on Monday evening, with formal engagements expected to begin tomorrow, Tuesday.

He is set to pay a courtesy call to Aras an Uachtarain to meet with President Catherine Connolly.

There will also be a bilateral meeting with Taoiseach Micheal Martin, Tanaiste Simon Harris, and foreign affairs minister Helen McEntee.

It is understood that Mr Zelenskyy will address a joint sitting of the Oireachtas during his visit.

He previously addressed TDs and Senators via video link in 2022, just months after the full-scale Russian invasion began.

Speaking ahead of the visit, the Taoiseach Micheal Martin welcomed the first official visit by a president and first lady of Ukraine to Ireland.

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to address a joint sitting of the Oireachtas during his visit. He previously addressed TDs and senators by video link on Wednesday April 6, 2022. File picture: Maxwells/PA

Around the world, he [Zelenskyy] is rightly recognised as someone who embodies the courage and resilience of the Ukrainian people, who have inspired the world in their brave defence of their country and its sovereignty since it was brutally and illegally invaded by Russia, Mr Martin said.

The presidents visit comes at a critical time for Ukraine and Europe, with efforts to bring just and lasting peace to Ukraine ongoing.

"I look forward to discussing with President Zelenskyy the ways in which Ireland can support these efforts and how we can ensure that Ukraine comes to the negotiating table in as strong a position as possible."

Mr Martin said the Ukrainian defence forces continue to defend their homeland with remarkable tenacity.

I look forward to reiterating Irelands unswerving commitment to standing with the people of Ukraine for as long as it takes.
Like triple-distilled whiskey, Irish pubs appear to have timeless appeal. They are staple setting in films, books and plays, draw tourists to Ireland, replicate themselves around the world and induce social media quests for the perfect snug and the perfect pint.

Scholars have now bestowed academic imprimatur on this cultural treasure status by examining  and celebrating  pubs through the lens of history, sociology, architecture, psychology, design, art and literature.

Two new books, The Irish Pub: Invention and Reinvention, and The Dublin Pub: A Social and Cultural History, brim with footnotes, data and lore as they analyse what makes a perfect pub and the mysterious alchemy that produces craic.

However, in each case the authors come to a sobering conclusion: Irish pubs are in trouble. They are vanishing from rural Ireland and many are struggling to survive in the capital.

It feels like a moment of transition, said Donal Fallon, author of The Dublin Pub. Every Dubliner should drive through rural towns to see whats happening. The pub has been knocked off its perch.

Some villages have lost all their pubs, and new housing developments often omit pubs, said Perry Share, a co-editor of The Irish Pub, a collection of essays by 20 writers.

Planners are not insisting that pubs be put in. That could create problems in future in terms of loneliness and community cohesion.

Since 2005, Ireland has lost a quarter of its pubs, more than 2,100, averaging 112 closures a year. Cited reasons include high taxes on alcohol, drink-driving laws, rising property prices and a fall in alcohol consumption.

Cork City's Cotton Ball pub is up for sale.

It is a global phenomenon  traditional bars are shuttering across Britain and much of Europe and Asia  but for Ireland the stakes are particularly high, said Mr Share, who heads the school of social science and humanities at Atlantic Technological University.

Our society is becoming segmented into different interest groups so its important to have these places to interact across class and gender lines, he said. In the pub its OK to express emotion in a certain way and to grab someone and hug them.

Just over half of the population live within 300 metres of Irelands remaining 7,000 pubs, and, Mr Share said, pubs remained central to expressions of Irish culture, such as in novels by authors including Sally Rooney and Paul Murray, TV shows such as Trespasses, and Hollywood depictions of Ireland.

Even if declining, the pub is still part of the fabric of everyday life. If it does disappear its a real loss. People talk of alternatives, like coffee shops, but no one says they had great craic in the coffee shop, he said.

The volume Mr Share co-edited with Moonyoung Hong, a professor of English at the University of Hong Kong, ranges over the evolution of taverns in the era of Jonathan Swift, the emergence of gay pubs in the 20th century, and the export of Irish-themed pubs from Nepal to Peru.

An essay by Kevin Martin  the author of a previous volume on pubs titled Have Ye No Homes to Go To?  identifies 10 elements for an ideal pub, including a great pint of Guinness at a decent price and convivial company when required, and peace when not.

The Ramble Inn, in the village of Halfway, Cork, closed last year.

Social media influencers chronicle searches for the best Irish pub on Instagram and other platforms but Mr Fallon, a social historian, said that missed the point: This veneration of a handful of places, this ranking system, is often driven by aesthetics rather than any appreciation of what the pub is. Something doesnt have to be the best to be important. It has to be part of its community. If youve had the worst day in your life the nearest pub is probably the best pub.

Mr Fallons book uncovers colourful tales involving figures such as the American photographer Lee Miller, who photographed the Palace bar while on assignment in Dublin for Vogue in the 1940s, but also explores and toasts unsung, nondescript suburban pubs.

Mr Fallon notes the word pub stems from public house.

There is real warmth in that term. It implies a shared space and a living space. It captures the collective sense of what a pub is.
A court in Bangladeshs capital on Monday sentenced ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina to five years in prison and her niece, Labour MP Tulip Siddiq, to two years in prison for corruption involving a government land project.

Rabiul Alam, the judge of Dhakas Special Judges Court, said Ms Hasina misused her power as prime minister, while Ms Siddiq was guilty of corruptly influencing her aunt in helping her mother get a piece of land in a government project.
More than 800 people remain missing after devastating floods killed over 1,100 people last week in Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Thailand, with Indonesias president urging more action to confront the changing climate.

The flooding and landslides killed at least 604 people in Indonesia, 366 in Sri Lanka and 176 in Thailand, authorities said.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto pledged to rebuild infrastructure while visiting affected areas. Some areas remained unreachable, with roads damaged and communications lines down. Residents relied on aircraft delivering supplies. At least 464 people in Indonesia were missing. Flooding displaced 290,700 people in North Sumatra, West Sumatra and Aceh provinces, the National Disaster Management Agency said. We need to confront climate change effectively, Mr Prabowo told reporters. Local governments must take a significant role in safeguarding the environment and preparing for the extreme weather conditions that will arise from future climate change. Sri Lankan authorities said rescuers were searching for 367 missing people. About 218,000 others were in temporary shelters after being battered in the downpours that triggered landslides, primarily in the tea-growing central hill country. In Thailand, the first compensation payments were set to be distributed on Monday, beginning with 239 million baht (5.6 million) for 26,000 people, government spokesperson Siripong Angkasakulkiat said. He added that authorities are working to restore infrastructure including water and electricity in the south, where severe flooding affected 3.9 million people.
French President Emmanuel Macron has welcomed Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Paris and said peace talks could be a turning point for the future of Ukraine and security in Europe.

Ukraine is the only one that can discuss its territories as a sovereign nation, Mr Macron said during a joint news conference with Mr Zelenskyy.

The French leader also denounced Russias continued onslaught against Ukraine, saying: At a time when we are talking about peace, Russia continues to kill and destroy.

Volodymyr Zelensky and Emmanuel Macron give a joint press conference at the Elysee Palace in Paris (Christophe Ena/AP)

The discussions are part of a flurry of diplomatic activity aimed at brokering the terms for a potential ceasefire in the nearly four-year-old war in Ukraine.

Mr Zelenskyys visit followed a meeting between Ukrainian and US officials in Florida on Sunday, which secretary of state Marco Rubio described as productive.

The two sides have worked to make revisions to a proposed US-authored plan that was developed in negotiations between Washington and Moscow but criticised as too weighted towards Russian demands.

Ukraines European allies welcomed the US peace efforts but pushed back on key tenets of the plan.

Before his meeting with Mr Zelenskyy on Monday, Mr Macrons office said the two leaders would discuss conditions for a fair and lasting peace.

US special envoy Steve Witkoff and secretary of state Marco Rubio at a meeting with Ukrainian officials (Terry Renna/AP)

Later, the French presidents office said he and Mr Zelenskyy held talks with other European partners including leaders from the UK, Germany, Poland, Italy, Norway, Finland, Denmark and the Netherlands.

Also included in the talks were European Union officials Antonio Costa and Ursula von der Leyen and Nato secretary-general Mark Rutte.

Mr Macron and Mr Zelenskyy also had phone calls with US special envoy Steve Witkoff, Mr Macrons office said.

US President Donald Trump has downplayed his administrations original 28-point peace framework, which would have imposed limits on the size of Ukraines military, blocked the country from joining Nato and required Ukraine to give up territory, as a concept to be fine-tuned.

Last week, Mr Macron  a key ally for Ukraine who has firmly backed Kyiv and sought to counterbalance elements of the US peace plan that are seen to favour Russia  urged western allies to bring rock-solid guarantees to Ukraine. He has endorsed deploying a reassurance force on land, at sea and in the air to help ensure the countrys security.

Im afraid that all the pressure will be put on the victim, which is that Ukraine has to make concessions and obligations

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed on Monday that Russian President Vladimir Putin would meet Mr Witkoff on Tuesday afternoon. The US envoys role in the peace efforts came under scrutiny last week after a report said he coached Mr Putins foreign affairs adviser on how Russias leader should pitch to Mr Trump on the Ukraine peace plan.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas on Monday expressed concern that the US-Russia talks might end up with Ukraine having to make more concessions, like being pressured to surrender its territory.

Im afraid that all the pressure will be put on the victim, which is that Ukraine has to make concessions and obligations, she told reporters in Brussels after chairing a meeting of EU foreign and defence ministers.

Its the United Nations charter that says that you cant change borders by force. If this pays off, we will see this elsewhere all around the world. Whoever has the power gets to take what they want.
A West Virginia National Guard member who was shot in a daytime attack in Washington, DC, remains in a serious condition but showed positive signs by giving a thumbs-up that he could hear a nurses question and wiggling his toes, West Virginias governor said.

Patrick Morrisey said the family of US Air Force Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe, 24, has asked the public to pray for him. Another member of the West Virginia National Guard, US Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, was killed in the shooting.
Ann Arbor (Informed Comment)  Pope Leo XIV flew from Turkiye to Lebanon on Sunday, and surprised the press corps flying with him by making some comments to them. His predecessor, Pope Francis, had been more engaged with the press in such situations. Justin McClellan at the National Catholic Reporter reports that Leo said that the Vatican continues to press for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and added,

We know that in this moment, Israel doesnt accept this solution, but we see it as the only one that can offer a solution to the conflict that they are living in. We are also friends with Israel, and we try with both sides to be a mediating voice that can help bring them closer to a solution with justice for all.

The Vatican recognized the state of Palestine in 2015.

What I like about Pope Leos remarks is that he openly admitted that the Israeli government is die-hard opposed to a two-state solution. This refreshing candor is typically entirely lacking in Washington, D. C., where generations of American politicians have pronounced their support of a two-state solution without acknowledging that the Palestinians have no partner for peace.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly pledged that there will never be a Palestinian state. He reaffirmed that die-hard opposition earlier this month and growled, I do not need affirmations, tweets or lectures from anyone.

Netanyahu does, however, apparently need billions of dollars of Americans money, he just wants them to fork it over humbly and silently.

Or by check:

Juan Cole

P. O. Box 4218,

Ann Arbor, MI 48104-2548

USA

(Remember, make the checks out to Juan Cole or they cant be cashed)

Still, you routinely hear presidents, secretaries of state, diplomats, senators, congressmen and virtually everyone who gets asked in public what they would do about the Mideast conflict, say that they put their faith in the two-state solution. No reporters follow up, But how will you achieve that since the Israelis reject it? And the politicians dont volunteer to address that problem.

Some of the point of the Gaza genocide for the extreme-right government in Tel Aviv is precisely to forestall the emergence of a Palestinian state, by making Gaza uninhabitable and aiming for its ethnic cleansing. Netanyahu wont permit Gaza to be governed by the Palestine Authority, created by the 1993 Oslo Accords that Israel signed, along with the US government. The PA, which styles itself the State of Palestine, recognized Israel in 1993. Netanyahu preferred the volatile Muslim fundamentalist Hamas to be in charge of Gaza, in order to divide Palestine and rule it. It was that aspiration on Netanyahus part of forever forestalling a Palestinian state even at the cost of collaborating with Hamas, that led to the October 7, 2023 attacks.

Personally, I dont see how you get an independent Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza given the Israeli colonization of the former and destruction of the latter. But, it is good to see the Pope be completely honest with us about the Israeli stance and not engage in the typical Western prevarication. It is also good to see him determined not to give up, and to signal that the Vatican is willing to broker a deal when the time comes. The Roman Catholic Church has important diplomatic resources for such a role.

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Asked about his talks on the issue Saturday with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, the Pope acknowledged that the president of Turkiye is certainly in agreement with the two-state solution and said that Turkiye has an important role that it could play in this.

On landing in Lebanon, Pope Leo met with the Christian president, Joseph Aoun, and other officials at the Baabda presidential palace.

He addressed the multicultural Lebanese population, saying You are a people who do not give up. You rise in the face of difficulties and know how to be reborn. He said many Lebanese in the country and abroad are quietly working for peace.



File Photo, Pope Leo XIV inauguration. (Official State Department photo by Freddie Everett). Detail. Public Domain. Via Picryl. . Artificially sharpened.

Lebanese adults are about 1/3 Christian, with most of the rest being either Sunni or Shiite Muslims. About 6% are Druze, an esoteric offshoot of Ismaili Shiism. Al Jazeera reports that leading Druze cleric Sheikh Sami Abi al-Muna [said] Lebanon needs the glimmer of hope represented by this visit.'

Pope Leo said, Lebanon can be proud of a vibrant civil society, rich in talents and young people capable of expressing the dreams and hopes of the entire country. I urge you to remain connected to your people and place yourselves in their service. Speak one language: the language of hope, which unites everyone and allows them to start anew.

Obliquely referring to the ongoing Israeli war with the Shiite Lebanese party-militia Hezbollah, the pope said, This is not only a challenge for Lebanon but for the entire Middle East: How can we ensure that young people, in particular, do not feel compelled to leave their homeland? How can we encourage them to find peace at home and become its leaders? Christians, Muslims, and all other religious and civic components of Lebanese society are called to play their role and engage the international community in this effort.

He is clearly worried that the never-ending conflict with Israel and the consequent damage to the Lebanese economy will lead to the out-migration of large numbers of young people. He must especially worry about the decline of Christianity in the Middle East. The Bush administrations Iraq War and its aftermath virtually emptied Iraq of its Christians, who had been a significant minority in that country. Lebanon is particularly badly governed, so that some old chemicals stored at the port were allowed to blow up, the central bank manager appears to have stolen all the countrys money, and electricity and the internet are intermittent. So if the Pope is worried about an exodus of Lebanese, including Lebanese Christians, hed have every right to be.
by Jasim Al-Azzawi

( Middle East Monitor )  The world beyond 7 October 2023 is not the same. It is a world that has finally seen beyond the decades-old narrative of a perpetually vulnerable Israel, whose actions were always justified by existential fear. The brutal atrocities committed by Israel in Gaza have inflamed world condemnations. Still, more importantly, they have torn asunder the foundations of this narrative that held Western powers hostage for generations. The collective trauma of 7 October was swiftly overtaken by the shocking spectacle of a no-holds-barred state perpetrating war crimes, ethnic cleansing, and even genocide.

The collapse of the old narrative

The Israeli narrative traditionally pivoted on moral high ground and strategic restraint. That image is now broken, buried, and forever finished. The most damning evidence for the prosecution in the Court of global opinion has come from the language used by Israeli leaders themselves.

The declaration of Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant on 9 October 2023, for a complete siege, no electricity, no food, no water, no fuel, with the dehumanising assertion We are fighting human animals, and we are acting accordingly, was indeed a statement of intent that shocked the conscience of the civilized world.

Such language, combined with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus invocation of the biblical command Remember what Amalek has done to you, has been cited by critics, including the submission by South Africa to the International Court of Justice, as evidence of genocidal intent. Several scholars have noted that this is unusually explicit language.

The sharpest attacks: Voices of the anti-establishment

The most powerful quotations come from voices that were once considered marginal, whose warnings have now been borne out by events. Criticisms that once could easily be dismissed as extreme now reverberate in the mainstream.

As Professor John Mearsheimer of the University of Chicago, the famous international relations theorist, said shortly after the Hamas attack, it was Not Terribly Surprising. Israel was already acting as an apartheid state destined to be seen, and condemned, by growing numbers of people and more and more governments around the world. His past analysis that Israel had been unwittingly destroying its own future as a Jewish state has now become a prophecy fulfilled in the eyes of a galvanized global public.

Norman Finkelstein, son of Holocaust survivors, for many years has been one of Israels most ferocious critics. His poignant 2008 commentary rings even truer now: I dont respect the crocodile tears-if you had any heart in you, you would be crying for the Palestinians. The sheer scale of Palestinian suffering finally broke through to force the world to confront the reality to which Finkelstein referred: the narrative used to remember the Holocaust was weaponized to shield the oppressors from accountability.

As Scott Ritter, a former US intelligence officer, succinctly put it: Americans have no romance left for Israel. The blind allegiance that was a bedrock of US policy is dissolving, replaced by frustration and disgust over the crimes against humanity being committed with American weaponry and diplomatic cover.

The crack in the American and European walls

The institutional support from the US media, political class, and hitherto solid European allies is showing unprecedented fissures.

In the US Congress, the first significant crack came when centrist Democrat Senator Chris Murphy warned that Israel was committing strategic and moral mistakes, and that the civilian death toll would ultimately going to provide permanent recruiting material to Hamas, and it will be a threat for years to come. This is not a fringe position: Its the dawning recognition of the American establishment that unwavering support for the IDFs unrestrained conduct is actively undermining American security interests.

But the most blistering broadsides have been issued from the very heart of the European political elite: The former head of EU foreign policy, Josep Borrell, issued a scathing salvo, accusing the government of Israel of carrying out the largest ethnic cleansing operation since the end of the Second World War in order to create a splendid holiday destination. He added, Seldom have I heard the leader of a state so clearly outline a plan that fits the legal definition of genocide. This is, quite frankly, a political atomic bomba senior European diplomat, not a Palestinian advocate, using the language of genocide and ethnic cleansing.

Meanwhile, a Guardian investigation revealed Israels efforts at Spying, hacking, and intimidation against the ICC prosecutor, Karim Khan. Further, a leading human rights lawyer described an Israeli government plan to create a vast holding area for Palestinians as a blueprint for crimes against humanity, which would create a transit camp for deportation, something that is nothing less than that. Juxtaposed against a government plan for forced displacement is covert espionage against the ICC. It exposes the Netanyahu regime not as a victim of international bias but as an aggressive actor committed to subverting international law.

Perhaps the political shift was best encapsulated by economist Jeffrey Sachs of Columbia University, who bluntly said, The overwhelming will of the world is for a state of Palestine now I want it to be imposed on Israel, pure and simple. As he warned, Friends do not let friends commit crimes against humanity, much less provide them with the finances and arms to do so, it would appear Washingtons unconditional support is now seen as complicity in global crime.

The decline of AIPAC and fear

The fear of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, or AIPAC, is demonstrably waning. For decades, the Israel lobby was able to end political careers for even minor deviations from the pro-Israel line. This calculus is changing. The war in Gaza accelerated a new courage among US politicians and grassroots movements now intent on proving that being pro-Palestinian does not mean political suicide. The moral imperative of opposing genocide is overcoming the political fear of being targeted by the lobby. The traditional power of AIPAC is giving way to the moral power of an outraged global public.



Photo by Leonardo Basso on Unsplash

The new reality

October 7, 2023, was a tragic day for Israel, one that led to an overreaction that has totally delegitimized the state in the court of global opinion. It did not garner more security or sympathy for Israel, but only provided a pretext for an operation that laid bare for the whole world to see the occupations essential brutality.

The Israeli narrative was not only damaged but annihilated by the actions of its own leaders. And the world is witness to the moral fallout, siding with the oppressed. The road to a future wherein Israel can know peace and security again, a legitimate goal, lies no longer in military dominance or manipulative narratives but in the hard, politically painful work of justice for Palestinians . . .

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.

Via Middle East Monitor
US President Donald Trump confirmed Sunday he had recently spoken with Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro amid soaring tensions between the two countries, while Caracas slammed what it called US preparations for an attack.

The United States is piling the pressure on Venezuela, with a major military buildup in the Caribbean, the designation of an alleged drug cartel run by Maduro as a terrorist group, and an ominous warning from Trump that Venezuelan airspace is "closed."

Washington says the aim of the military deployment launched in September is to curb drug trafficking in the region, but Caracas insists regime change is the ultimate goal.

"I wouldn't say it went well or badly. It was a phone call," Trump told reporters Sunday aboard Air Force One.

The New York Times reported Friday that Trump and Maduro had discussed a possible meeting, while The Wall Street Journal said Saturday that the conversation also included conditions of amnesty if Maduro were to step down.

Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin said Sunday on CNN's "State of the Union" talk show that the United States has offered Maduro the chance to leave his country for Russia or elsewhere.

The United States accuses Maduro, the political heir to Venezuela's late leftist leader Hugo Chavez, of heading the "Cartel of the Suns" and has issued a $50 million reward for his capture.

But Venezuela and countries that support it insist no such organization even exists.

Several Venezuela experts say what Washington calls the Cartel of the Suns refers to the corruption of senior officials by criminal gangs.

The United States also does not recognize Maduro as the legitimate winner of last year's presidential election.

Though Trump has not publicly threatened to use force against Maduro, he said in recent days that efforts to halt Venezuelan drug trafficking "by land" would begin "very soon."

- Aid from OPEC? -

Venezuela says it has requested assistance from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), of which it is a member, to help "stop this (American) aggression, which is being readied with more and more force."

The request came in a letter from Maduro to the group, read by Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, who is also Venezuela's oil minister, during a virtual meeting of OPEC ministers.

Washington "is trying to seize Venezuela's vast oil reserves, the biggest in the world, by using military force," Maduro wrote in the letter.

Since September, US air strikes have targeted alleged drug-trafficking boats in the Caribbean Sea and the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing at least 83 people.

Trump's administration has offered no concrete evidence to back up the allegations behind its campaign, and numerous experts have questioned the legality of the operations.

US media reported Friday that in one strike in September, the US military conducted a follow-up strike that killed survivors of an initial attack.

The Washington Post and CNN said Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had issued a directive to "kill everybody," but Trump said Sunday that Hegseth had denied giving such an order.

"We'll look into it, but no, I wouldn't have wanted that -- not a second strike," Trump told reporters. "Pete said he did not order the death of those two men."

- 'Extrajudicial executions' -

The head of Venezuela's legislature, Jorge Rodriguez, said he met Sunday with relatives of Venezuelans killed in the strikes.

He would not comment on a possible Trump-Maduro call.

But when asked about the report about the Hegseth order, he said: "If a war had been declared and led to such killings, we would be talking about war crimes."

"Given that no war has been declared, what happened...can only be characterized as murder or extrajudicial executions," he added.

The steady US military buildup has seen the world's largest aircraft carrier deployed to Caribbean waters, while American fighter jets and bombers have repeatedly flown off the Venezuelan coast in recent days.

Six airlines have canceled services to Venezuela, but on Sunday, the airport in Caracas was functioning as usual.
A Bangladesh court sentenced Sheikh Rehana, sister of former premier Sheikh Hasina, to seven years in prison on Monday for corruption in a case involving the grabbing of lucrative plots in the capital.

Rehana's daughter Tulip Siddiq, who is a British lawmaker, was handed a two-year sentence in the same case, said Khan Mainul Hasan, prosecutor for the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

Hasina, who was given the death penalty for crimes against humanity last month, and 14 other government officials were condemned to five years of imprisonment.

The 78-year-old former premier has sought refuge in India since her ouster last year following a student-led uprising, but Rehana's whereabouts remain unknown.

Siddiq, who resigned as British anti-corruption minister in January after being named in graft probes in Bangladesh, called the trial "flawed and farcical from the beginning to the end".

Hasan said the commission had details of Siddiq's correspondence with Salahuddin Ahmed, the principal secretary to the then prime minister, exposing her role in the case.

"Tulip insisted that her aunt Sheikh Hasina allocate plots for her mother and siblings, as she herself took three -- one for her and two for her children," Hasan said.

"She called him (Ahmed), communicated via some encrypted apps, and even met him while she was in Dhaka."

Judge Rabiul Alam quoted verses from the Quran as he read out the judgement.

"The court has full authority to try any Bangladeshi, whether the person is in the country or abroad," he said.

Hasina decried the latest verdict in a statement to AFP on Monday.

"No country is free from corruption. But corruption needs to be investigated in a way that is not itself corrupt. The ACC has failed that test today," she said.

The interim government in Bangladesh would formally notify British authorities about Siddiq's verdict, prosecutors said.

Siddiq, 43, said she refused to be "distracted by the dirty politics of Bangladesh".

"The outcome of this kangaroo court is as predictable as it is unjustified," she said in a statement.

"I hope this so-called 'verdict' will be treated with the contempt it deserves."

Bangladesh has been in political turmoil since the end of Hasina's rule, and violence has marred campaigning for elections slated for February 2026.

The United Nations says up to 1,400 people were killed in crackdowns as Hasina tried to cling to power.
Every six months the International Criminal Court (ICC) reports back to the United Nations on progress in the two situations it has referred (Libya and Sudan).

This week was the turn  again  of Libya. During the 15 years the ICC has been investigating there have been no cases at the court. So, it was with pride that deputy prosecutor Nazhat Shameen Khan was able to tell states that there was a new momentum towards justice in Libya because of an expected transfer of a Libyan suspect arrested in Germany. Although this has yet to happen, the tone was upbeat, painting a brighter future, building on the success of new approaches to the migrant crisis in Libya. The fact the authorities in Tripoli have even signed up to the courts temporary jurisdiction, she said is a significant moment.

But the variety of receptions from UN Security Council members was illustrative of the reality of the courts state of relations with states - from the outright hostility of the United States, which has sanctioned nine individuals at the court including six judges and Khan herself, via Russias contempt for a court it says is clearly losing international support with four announced withdrawals from the Rome Statute this year, to the enthusiastic welcome of Slovenia and Sierra Leone to the courts interactions with Libyan civil society and lauding of the courts symbolism for the international communitys commitment to accountability.

Calls for a change of leadership

The courts current existential crisis is not only the pressures of some critical states, but also questions on whether its supporters truly support the ICCs actions, amid calls for a change of leadership. A long-running investigation into alleged sexual misconduct by the courts main prosecutor is still ongoing. The prosecutor has always been the public face of the court says Mark Ellis, the head of the International Bar Association, and the gap suggests that the ICC is kind of leaderless. And while he is careful to say the two deputies are doing a great job for the last six months, the court is headless at a time when it is needed.

Staff morale has been severely affected. In the 2025 Staff Engagement Survey, which Justice Info has seen, fewer than half the staff would recommend the ICC as a place to work and less than a third believe the ICC has an open and honest culture. Within the office of the prosecutor less than a quarter would feel safe reporting instances of discrimination, harassment, or abuse of authority, without fear of retaliation. These findings point to deep systemic challenges in trust and leadership across the Court, says FIDH in a new position paper.

Sanctions: People are terrified

During the annual meeting of the courts supporters starting this week in The Hague, business goes on as usual, with a main debate leading to a new budget and a merry-go-round of sessions on subjects such as ecocide, the crime of aggression, and sexual violence. Meanwhile, US sanctions, aimed at protecting itself and its allies such as Israel from ICC investigation, are already hitting individuals, and they are having a ripple effect.

For the court itself its difficult to quantify. Some technical switches have been reported to have been made away from US-based providers. But little is being made public. The main issue - if the institution faces full sanctions - will be banking and payments. Questions are being asked, says Danya Chaikel, the FIDH representative to the court, on how to keep the lights on. Banks tend to be very over compliant, says Ellis  needing absolute certainty on any potential technical protection being mooted, such as a Europe Commission blocking statute which could serve to reassure companies they would be compensated for any fines.

This threat of potential institutional sanctions has focused minds, says Chaikel, while it has NGO leaders spending a substantial percentage of their time navigating the risks according to Ellis. People are terrified, she says. If you have US nationality, or if you have family in the United States or any connection, the threat of being heavily fined hundreds of thousands of dollars or being imprisoned up to 20 years is no laughing matter.

What it means to be materially supporting designated individuals or entities as outlined in the US order is not clear cut says Chaikel. Grey areas mean people are often over-complying. And of course, its not only people, its all of the businesses, the insurance providers, banks, IT companies that easily can decide we dont want to work with anything ICC or Afghanistan or Palestine-related because we certainly dont want to face secondary sanctions or huge fines from the United States because thats our biggest market or were based there. So I dont think we can sugar coat the impact.

Were reacting to it on a case-by-case basis, says Ellis. But, what Im not willing to do is to completely capitulate and to say the safest thing, which I suspect it is, is to shut down all operations and relations to the court and to its personnel. I think thats a step too far. However, there are risks to that, adds the head of the IBA, which in incorporated in New York.

Its led to layoffs in many NGOs that arent designated themselves, says Chaikel. People are quitting or just have to be so cautious that its changing every single meeting. We have precautions with every single thing we do. Nevertheless, she says we are pushing alongside to make sure NGOs can remain operational and continue doing legal work in Europe, which is where the ICC is, that theres nothing unlawful about documenting potential atrocities and bringing that information to an international court that has 125 states parties, and that should be fully respected and protected by EU member states.

State non-cooperation on the menu

While the courts deputy prosecutor was enthusiastic about the prospect of a Libyan suspect being transferred to the court, she said less about Italys humiliation earlier this year. The complaint that Italy failed to comply with its obligations is still being considered by the courts judges. For the first time this year, the ASP will discuss non-cooperation. The prosecutors application for arrest warrants against Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defence minister Yoav Gallant has not had full-throated support even from the courts most committed states.

Hungary and three African states have announced their withdrawal from the courts membership. At the annual resolution at the UN general assembly on the ICC, earlier this month, votes in favour dropped by 19 from last year with an increase in abstentions. Hungary, Cambodia, and Fiji - all court members and previous yes votes, abstained.

Ellis though points to an earlier declaration by states in the face of US sanctions from the majority of state members that they will do whatever its necessary to ensure that there will be kind of business as usual for the court. But, he says, its like most scenarios with the Trump administration. That is, you have a pretty stark choice between accepting Washingtons position, or you try to push back, and every state has to go through this. And he acknowledges that even though some governments have voiced very strong support for the court, thats less than half of the number of state parties and some key countries didnt sign on to that statement. It is indicative of the struggle that states are facing.

Karim Khan disqualified

For the past year, since the ASP president announced that the courts prosecutor, Karim Khan, was under investigation for alleged sexual misconduct, the details of what may have happened have been splashed across a variety of media outlets. Different camps from within the ICC, supportive or opposed to the prosecutor, have briefed and counter briefed journalists. Also, serious allegations of interference, potentially by foreign agencies, have emerged.

As the ASP approaches, the debate has sharpened into arguments on whether the prosecutor himself should resign and to what extent the courts credibility is damaged.

Nema Milaninia, formerly an adviser at the US office of global criminal justice writes in Just Security that what is at stake is the Courts ability to safeguard its integrity against both internal dysfunction and external manipulation. The issue, therefore, is not merely whether Mr. Khan should be punished, but whether the ICC can credibly function under his continued leadership. Michael Karnavas, an experienced defence lawyer and a colleague of Khan writes in his blog that Khans continued presence as ICC Prosecutor would be toxic. For all practical purposes, his reputation  and by extension his effectiveness  has suffered irreparable harm. Even if he is fully exonerated of all allegations, he can no longer lead with the moral, professional, and ethical authority required of the ICC prosecutor.

Beyond the allegations of sexual misconduct, the ICCs prosecutor has also been disqualified from working on the case against former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte because he had represented the Philippines Human Rights Commission and has been ordered by judges to recuse himself from the Venezuela investigation, because of a family connection to a member of the Venezuela government legal team.

But as Chaikel points out, no one attending the ASP should expect a full airing of the issues in public, as the sexual misconduct investigation is the non-issue of the ASP because its not on the agenda. Nevertheless, some diplomats say they plan to address it in their opening statements, recognising that it is one of the pressing issues facing the court going into 2026.
Senior UK special forces leaders covered up potential war crimes in Afghanistan, a former high-ranking officer has told a public inquiry probing the claims, according to evidence released on Monday.

The officer alleged two former directors of the special forces and others failed to act on concerns that units carried out unlawful killings while operating in the country more than a decade ago.

The inquiry, which opened in 2023 at London's Royal Courts of Justice, is investigating the accusations about the special forces' conduct in Afghanistan between 2010 and 2013, including the killing of women and children.

"I was deeply troubled by what I strongly suspected was the unlawful killing of innocent people," the whistleblowing officer -- known only to the inquiry as N1466 -- said in witness testimony.

He added he came "to the view that the issue of extrajudicial killings was not confined to a small number of soldiers or a single sub-unit ... but was potentially more widespread".

Mansour Aziz, the uncle of two Afghan children seriously injured by UK special forces while their parents were allegedly shot dead in their beds, spoke to the inquiry in a short 2023 video, the Guardian reported.

"Even to this day they are grieving the incident that happened to us... We are asking for the court to listen to these children and bring justice," he said.

The whistleblower said senior officers had impeded his efforts to "do the right thing" and that he "lost confidence" in their willingness to report the allegations to military police investigators.

The inquiry, led by a senior UK judge, is scrutinising two investigations conducted by the royal military police, which is responsible for the policing of army personnel.

It follows legal challenges by the families of some of the dozens of people allegedly murdered by British special forces, in particular during night raids.

Afghan families have accused units of the famous Special Air Service, widely known by its SAS acronym, of conducting a "campaign of murder" against civilians.

The BBC reported in 2022 that one SAS squadron had killed at least 54 people, including detainees and children, in suspicious circumstances during one six-month tour of Afghanistan.

The whistleblower said concerns about possible "war crimes" were first flagged to the director of special forces in early 2011 but not acted on.

No charges have been brought by police in the case raised by Mansour Aziz under Operation Northmoor probe, which was set up in 2014 to examine the accusations.

Three soldiers were referred to the Service Prosecuting Authority, but none was prosecuted.

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SAS
Courtroom diary by the Capstone Course

Sciences Po Paris

The third week of the Lafarge trial, which started November 24 before the 16th Chamber of the Paris Criminal Court, was devoted in particular to examining the evidence for the offence of terrorism financing.

The focus was first on understanding which groups were involved and whether the former Lafarge executives were aware that these were terrorist organizations. To shed light on this, hearings began on Monday with the testimony of an agent from the DGSI, Frances General Directorate for Internal Security, an agency responsible for combating terrorism. The man was heard via videoconference, with his identity supposedly masked. At 3 p.m., however, just as the connection was restored after a network interruption, an incident occurred: for about 15 seconds, the French intelligence agent appeared on the screen before his image was blurred out.

For more than three hours, the DGSI agent gave the court a geopolitics lesson on the situation in Syria from 2012 to 2015. He identified the forces present around the Jalabiya cement plant, notably the three jihadist groups to which Lafarge is accused of transferring funds: JAN (Jabhat Al Nosra), ISIL (Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant), and Ahrar al-Sham. He stressed that the atrocities committed by JAN and ISIL were widely reported in French media, making them publicly known and leaving little doubt, in his view, that they were recognised as terrorist organizations.

Very quickly, the question resurfaced as to whether French intelligence services had any knowledge or involvement in the case. Solange Doumic, lawyer for former Lafarge deputy CEO of Operations and Supervisor for Syria Christian Herrault, pointed out that former Lafarge head of security Jean-Claude Veillard had lunch with intelligence agents on several occasions, particularly during the summer of 2014. The witness evaded this question, as with others, citing compartmentalization within the services. He suggested asking Veillard if he remembers these lunches. Herraults lawyer then replied: Mr. Veillard was fortunate enough to have his case dismissed; he will come [to court on December 9 as a witness] to give probably the same testimony as you.

Former Lafarge executives claim to have been victims of the Veillard system: I experienced the situation through Jean-Claude Veillards security committee, explained Herrault. Veillard remains the ghost of this trial, and his potential role as an informant for the intelligence services remains unclear. This opacity is compounded by the fact that emails exchanged with the DGSI between 2013 and 2014 have not been declassified: curiously, only correspondence before and after the period examined by the court has been made available.

Throughout the week, however, the presiding judge conducted a thorough review of emails exchanged between the companys executives at the time. Projected on screen and analysed word by word, these emails evidently became increasingly explicit over the months, making it difficult for executives to maintain the narrative of having been victims of racketeering and unaware of the situation.

Tlass paid via an offshore account

On Thursday, the court focused on analysing financial flows and the mechanisms that made these money transfers to armed groups possible [see a presentation of the organisational structure of the defendants at the link]. An email sent to Christian Herrault in 2013 illustrates the intention of Bruno Pescheux, former director of the Syrian subsidiary, Lafarge Cement Syria (LCS), to conceal any trace of association between LCS and Firas Tlass. Lafarge made payments to Tlass via an offshore account. Tlass, a minority shareholder in the Syrian subsidiary, was the central figure in this transaction system. Subject to an international arrest warrant, he is absent from the present trial. The defendants argue that, thanks to his network of contacts, Tlass had become an indispensable intermediary in keeping the factory operational.

We were completely duped by Tlass; he led us on until the very end, said another former LCS director, Frederic Jolibois. Former Lafarge executives say they lost all control over Tlass and his activities. They reject their own responsibility. I had to orchestrate, so Im an arranger or a facilitator, but not a composer, said Pescheux. When the presiding judge asked why Tlass had been kept in this role as an intermediary with armed groups, he replied: We thought the tunnel was much shorter than it turned out to be, indicating that he had not fully grasped the scale of the conflict and its consequences.

The National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutors Office (PNAT) pointed out that at the height of the Syrian crisis, demand for cement was growing. Indeed, the war had made it easier and faster for the Syrian government to issue building permits, increasing the number of projects carried out.

Questions from the court to Bruno Pescheux, former director of the Syrian subsidiary, Lafarge Cement Syria (LCS). Illustration:  Maria Araos Florez

Unequal treatment of employees

At the end of June 2012, the security committee noted that the situation around the factory was not improving. During this period Pescheux, director of LCS (from 2008 to July 2014), left Damascus for Cairo, from where he began managing the factory remotely, and proceeded to evacuate expatriate executives. He maintains, however, that he had always believed the situation would eventually improve.

When asked about the decision to restart production in October 2012 after a month-long shutdown, Pescheux stated that all employees had received equal attention in terms of their safety. He said that in a context marked by increased kidnappings of foreigners in Syria, management was primarily concerned about the risks facing expatriates housed 160 kilometres from the factory. It is noteworthy that Syrian employees were not evacuated, despite being exposed to the risk of kidnapping and violence during their commutes.

What, then, was the basis for the decision to resume operations? Pescheux insisted that in 2012, staff safety was guaranteed thanks to the payments made by Tlass and the checkpoints employees had to pass through to get to the factory. The level of security had returned to acceptable levels, and pressure from the employees themselves had encouraged the resumption of production. Pescheux said he hoped that this system of passing through checkpoints would allow them to continue their activities. Everyone was aware of this arrangement, but, he added, We all assumed it wasnt going to last.

Drivers executed at a checkpoint

The defendants tried to convince the judges that the Syrian workers themselves asked to return to work at the factory. On November 27, however, a witness for the civil parties, A.H, testified to the contrary. This former Syrian employee of Lafarge is one of eleven who initially filed a complaint against the company in 2016. Currently living in Germany, he gave his testimony via videoconference, with simultaneous translation. When he joined Lafarge, H. says he believed that he was joining a Western organization that embodied respect for human rights. He told the court of his disappointment. When asked about his rights and compensation, the witness explained that even if he stopped working due to dangerous road conditions, you were not entitled to compensation, you were [considered] absent. A lawyer asked him if he had contacted a factory manager. He explained that he had never spoken to Jacob Waerness, LCSs safety manager at the time. He said he had not known Waerness was responsible for employee protection, revealing a clear disconnect with the employees.

Contrary to what one might think, the war did not slow down production at the cement plant. H. explained that during the most critical periods of the conflictparticularly in 2014the plants production peaked. Lawyers for the civil parties questioned him in turn about the kidnapping of one of his friends, the departure of his colleagues, the fear surrounding daily travel, and the absence of any guarantees for his safety.

The courtroom fell silent when he mentioned a horrific incident at a checkpoint involving Lafarge drivers. Employees had to pass through around three checkpoints to get to the factory in 2012. The PNAT referred to a video submitted as evidence, showing how these drivers were arrested, subjected to a brutal interrogation  including on their knowledge of prayers - and then executed a few minutes later.

The absence of a genuine evacuation plan and safety measures for Syrian workers was becoming increasingly apparent, with more and more contradictions and inconsistencies. On the stand, Herrault claimed he intended to reopen the factory in order to close it down and empty the silos, a plan he claimed to have discussed with Jolibois. Yet Jolibois contradicted him in court, saying, I was not aware of this information. Once again, the versions of events recounted by Lafarges former executives appear to collide.

A theatrical trial

At times, the hearing resembles a stage performance, with the audience watching the constant coming and going of defendants to the stand, sometimes three at a time, or accompanied by their interpreters. In a matter of seconds, narratives overlap, and contradictions emerged. Presiding judge Isabelle Prevost-Desprez seemed determined to extract the truth through a dramaturgical pace, before a courtroom that remains consistently full. Dominating the courtroom from her podium, she provoked laughter when she ironically pointed out inconsistencies in the defendants accounts, unsettling these former business leaders who are nevertheless used to ruthless business battles. Facing her, they remained courteous and tried to provide answers. At the end of the afternoon, the presiding judge ordered a recess: a pause during which defendants, lawyers, families, journalists and civil parties mingled in front of the courtroom or in the cafeteria, chatting over coffee. In this trial, hearings sometimes last until 10 p.m. As in an overly long play, attention wanes, people in the audience leave, and some defendants yawn. Many are elderly, some are ill, and sitting through more than eight hours in court is an ordeal.
The International Criminal Court said Monday it had taken into custody a Libyan militia leader suspected of overseeing murder, torture, and rape at the notorious Mitiga prison near Tripoli.

The court said that Khaled Mohamed Ali El Hishri, arrested in Germany in July, was now in the ICC detention centre in The Hague to await his first appearance before judges.

El Hishri faces charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity during his alleged time as a senior official at the prison, where "thousands were detained for long periods," the ICC said.

An initial appearance will be scheduled in due course for El Hishri, the court said in a statement.

According to Der Spiegel magazine, he was arrested at Berlin airport in July as he attempted to fly to Tunis.

He remained in German custody while legal proceedings were being completed.

Oil-rich Libya is still grappling with the aftermath of the armed conflict and political chaos that followed the 2011 NATO-backed uprising that toppled long-time dictator Moamer Kadhafi.

The country remains divided between a United Nations-recognised government in the west and its eastern rival, backed by military commander Khalifa Haftar.
Lesley Netter-Snowden named executive vice president and chief business officer

KENNESAW, Ga. | Dec 1, 2025

Lesley Netter-Snowden Kennesaw State University President Kathy S. Schwaig has appointed Lesley Netter-Snowden as executive vice president and chief business officer (EVP/CBO) effective immediately, following a national search.

Netter-Snowden, who joined Kennesaw State in 2017 as chief institutional auditor, has held several leadership roles, including vice president of business services and assistant vice president of campus services. In May 2025, she was named interim EVP/CBO, providing strategic direction and operational leadership for Kennesaw States administrative and financial functions, including auxiliary services, human resources, campus operations, and finance. In her permanent role, she will continue to lead these areas and will be responsible for driving operational efficiency, developing growth strategies, overseeing financial planning, managing facilities, and supporting the president in strategic analysis and decision-making as a member of the Cabinet.

"I have had the privilege of working with Dr. Netter-Snowden in her various roles at the University, most recently as our interim executive vice president and chief business officer. During this time, she has consistently and expertly demonstrated exceptional leadership, vision, and dedication to Kennesaw State and our students, said President Schwaig. I am confident that she is the right person to help propel KSU forward, and I am thrilled to officially welcome her to this important role."

Before joining Kennesaw State, Netter-Snowden spent 13 years with EY, serving in several roles in the companys assurance services and professional practice teams.

I am grateful for the trust placed in me and remain committed to responsible stewardship, strengthening operations through collaboration, and driving strategic progress that supports Kennesaw State Universitys pursuit of national prominence, said Netter-Snowden.

Netter-Snowden holds a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Higher Education Management from the University of Georgia, as well as a Master of Accountancy and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Auburn University. She is a certified public accountant, a 2022 University System of Georgia Executive Leadership Institute Scholar, and a member of the Leadership Georgia Class of 2024.

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A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to its more than 51,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university's vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties, and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 8 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.






Sunday, November 30, 2025 - A wanted Nairobi gangster has taken to TikTok to boast about his criminal exploits, even as DCI officers continue their hunt for him.

In one video, the man claims that DCI officers visited his rented residence in an attempt to arrest him, only to discover that he had already relocated.

In another post, he brags about an attack on a DCI officer, leaving the officer with serious injuries.

The middle-aged suspect appears unbothered by law enforcement efforts to track him down, seemingly immersed in a life of crime and openly flaunting it on social media.

Watch his Tiktok videos.

Daring DCI to come pic.twitter.com/4nhFPQrCvE  DAILY POST  (@dailypost_ke) November 30, 2025

Come get me DCI pic.twitter.com/vDEBxUufvz  DAILY POST  (@dailypost_ke) November 30, 2025

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Sunday, November 30, 2025 - Police have launched a manhunt for an armed robber who was caught on CCTV conducting a robbery at a Wines and Spirits shop in Kasarani.

In the footage obtained from the shop, a lone gunman is seen walking into the premises while brandishing a pistol.

He immediately confronts a patron, pointing the weapon at him and forcing him to surrender.

The thug then proceeds to frisk the terrified customer, taking his belongings, including his mobile phone, before calmly walking out of the establishment.

Moments later, the suspect is seen hopping onto a waiting getaway motorbike and speeding off.

Police are investigating whether the suspect may be linked to a gang that has been accused of terrorizing Kasarani residents in recent weeks.

Watch the footage.

The owner of a wines and spirits shop in Seasons, Kasarani area, is seeking public assistance in identifying and locating suspects who were captured on CCTV as they carried out a brazen robbery at the premises. pic.twitter.com/hIMUDOUeuo  Nyakundi Report (@NyakundiReport) November 29, 2025

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Sunday, November 30, 2025 - An extra-judicial killing was captured on camera during a police operation in Kayole, where plainclothes officers cornered an armed robber and fatally shot him.

According to eyewitnesses, the officers had been pursuing the suspect, who was allegedly part of a robbery gang that had been terrorising residents.

In the footage, the officers are seen confronting the suspect before shots are fired.

The suspect had surrendered, but the officers went ahead and shot him dead as the residents watched in shock.

Watch the video.

Exclusive Video

Kayole gangster being shot by police officers in kayole pic.twitter.com/dwTUA5ZwBN  limitless Media Ke (@LimitlessKe95) November 29, 2025

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Sunday, November 30, 2025 - Germany-based Kenyan TikTok sensation, Nyako, has abruptly cancelled her much-anticipated trip to the late former Prime Minister Raila Odingas grave in Bondo, citing security concerns linked to online harassment.

Speaking during a TikTok live on Saturday, November 29th, 2025, Nyako, who jetted into Kenya from Germany earlier this week, explained that her decision stemmed from unsettling encounters with fellow TikTokers.

She revealed that a lady had reached out in German requesting a meetup, but she declined, saying she has grown wary of social media acquaintances due to past hostility.

A lady messaged me asking if we could meet. I said no because I was travelling home. I wasnt rude, but you all know my story.

You never know who might be following you. I dont want to be cordial with TikTok people anymore; Ive had enough, she said.

The self-proclaimed TikTok president added that matters escalated when she discovered that Don, a TikToker who has repeatedly criticised her online, was also in Bondo at the same time.

The coincidence, she said, felt deliberate and raised fears that she was being monitored.

For your information, I am not going to Bondo anymore. Ill stay at my uncles place where security is better, Nyako declared.

She stressed that months of harassment have left her unwilling to engage with TikTok users who might harbour ill intentions.

TikTok has become a hunting ground. People are still targeting me. This time I have to be smart.

I wont reveal my movements, she concluded.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Sunday, November 30, 2025 - Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has issued a stern warning to members of her administration, declaring that she will not tolerate officials who undermine the same Government they serve.

Speaking on Saturday, November 29th, Wanga said her Government must remain united and focused on service delivery, not internal sabotage.

Someone cannot serve in a Government and still talk ill of it. Constituting a Government is hard; I traversed the county and even used my own resources to become the Governor.

If you are employed to serve in this Government, you must work, she stated.

The Governor added that dissatisfied officials should resign rather than fuel division.

If you ever feel satisfied and can no longer continue to walk, feel free to resign instead of disparaging it.

It will not be business as usual; whoever doesnt feel like working can quit, and they will be replaced by those who want to serve the people of Homa Bay, she warned.

Her remarks come amid growing tension with Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga, who recently endorsed independent candidate Philip Aroko in the Kasipul by-election.

Supporters defended Magwangas move, claiming ODMs nomination process sidelined him.

Magwanga has not betrayed ODM; it is ODM that betrayed him, one resident argued.

Earlier this year, Wanga dismissed claims of a rift with her deputy, insisting that their relationship remained cordial.

However, Magwanga previously alleged his life was in danger after gunmen attacked one of his vehicles in May.

Wanga called for investigations, saying leaders safety must be prioritized.






Sunday, November 30, 2025 - Media personality, Janet Mbugua, has highlighted the quiet battles women lawyers fight in Kenya.

In an Instagram post on Sunday, November 30th, 2025, Janet reflected on the resilience of women in law, noting: Sometimes the real work shows up long before the headlines It lives in the quiet stories women share in corridors and offices.

She spoke of the cases that changed them, the moments that shook them, and the courage it took to return the next day.

Her message comes at a time when women account for nearly half of Kenyas legal workforce, yet only a small fraction hold senior decision-making roles.

She acknowledged the progress but emphasized that gaps remain.

That is where women in law have been leading, long before anyone was watching, she said.

In her video, she highlighted trailblazers such as Gloria Kimani, Julie Matheka, and Melvin Thogo - women whose efforts have opened doors for others, even if their personal stories are not widely told.

The mother of two urged women in law to reflect on how they can support one another:

What is the one commitment you can make to help another woman grow?

What step can you take today that strengthens the path for those coming after you?





The Kenyan DAILY POST






Sunday, November 30, 2025 - ODM leader and Siaya Senator, Dr. Oburu Odinga, has suggested that the Orange Democratic Movement could sustain its partnership with President William Rutos United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ahead of the 2027 General Elections.

Speaking on Saturday, November 29th, at the wedding of NIS boss, Noordin Hajis son in Garissa, Oburu pointed to the recent by-election victories as evidence of the strength of the broad-based Government arrangement.

ODM and UDA jointly swept all parliamentary seats that were contested.

I would like to thank the UDA and ODM teams for working hard and seeing that we sweep the seats in the by-elections.

We have proven wrong those who had doubts in the power of the broad-based team.

If broad-based Government doesnt exist, how then did we win the by-elections? Oburu said.

While acknowledging that the current arrangement formally ends in 2027, Oburu hinted at a possible extension of the partnership.

Raila left us in the broad-based Government. We will continue working with the president until the end. We know the term ends in 2027, but from the look of things, you shall see how things will align.

We are together and we pray for the president, he added.

His remarks come amid divisions within ODM, with some members insisting that the party should field its own presidential candidate.

The late Raila Odinga had maintained that ODM would remain in Government until 2027 but stopped short of endorsing Rutos re-election bid.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Sunday, November 30, 2025 - President William Ruto has delivered a blunt message to young Kenyans, particularly those in the Gen Z demographic aged above 25, urging them to embrace marriage and abandon a lifestyle centred on nightlife.

Speaking on Saturday, November 29th, 2025, at the wedding of Moses Mudavadi, son of Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, and Qillian Saiya, daughter of former GSU Commandant William Atswenje Saiya and former Kakamega Senator, Naomi Masitsa Shiyonga, Ruto used the occasion to underscore family values.

The event drew prominent political and social figures.

Addressing the youthful audience, the President stressed the importance of maturity, responsibility and building stable homes.

Those of you who are above the age of 25, get married. Get married.

He contrasted marriage with what he described as a restless nightlife culture, warning against excessive club-hopping.

In his words: Wacha kuzunguka hapa unatoka kwa klabu hii unaingia klabu hii unatoka kwa klabu hii unaenda hiyo ingine, which translates to, Stop wandering around, leaving this club, entering that club, moving from one to another.

Rutos remarks reflect his consistent emphasis on family as the foundation of society.

By targeting the post-25 age group, the President highlighted a growing national debate on delayed marriages and shifting lifestyles among urban youth.






Sunday, November 30, 2025 - A beautiful single mother has set social media ablaze after her photo went viral, triggering a heated debate among netizens.

The well-endowed lady, who proudly revealed that she is a mother of four, stunned many with her youthful looks.

The conversation was triggered by an X user who posted her photo and posed the question:

Would you marry her with her 4 kids?

While some online users expressed admiration and said they wouldnt mind taking on the responsibility, others argued that raising four children is a major commitment that not everyone is ready for.

The debate continues to intensify as more people weigh in with their opinions.

See the photo and reactions below.






Monday, December 1, 2025 - CCTV footage from a Java branch in Kisii town has emerged online, showing a tense confrontation involving Kitutu Chache Member of Parliament, Anthony Kibagendi, and a man identified as Enock Omariba.

In the video, the MP enters the restaurant and walks directly towards Omariba before a brief scuffle ensues.

The footage shows kicks and blows being thrown during the altercation.

A customer seated next to Omariba, quietly reading a newspaper, is inadvertently dragged into the chaos and is struck after attempting to intervene.

The MP then leaves the premises as stunned patrons look on.

Speaking to the media, Omariba claimed that the confrontation stemmed from accusations that he was involved in an affair with the MPs girlfriend.

He came shouting at me, saying lazima utaniheshimu, and accusing me of having an affair with one of his girlfriends, Omariba said.

He further stated that the MP was accompanied by a bodyguard and another individual, and that he has since filed a report at Kisii Central Police Station.

Watch the footage.

Why would an Mp resort to self-help in this manner. Anthony Kibande surely!!!. looping in the @DCI_Kenya and @ODPP_KE pic.twitter.com/Du1ObGWXky  Ike Ojuku (@IkeOjuku) November 30, 2025

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Monday, December 01, 2025 - Saumu Mbuvi, daughter of former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko, has dismissed online marriage proposals after her sisters assault case went viral.

The mother of two says marriage is no longer a priority, choosing instead to focus on building her empire and raising her daughters.

This comes after a viral video recently showed her dad confronting his soninlaw for allegedly assaulting her sister, Salma.

In the clip, Sonko questioned why a man he fully supports by covering rent, food, and other expenses, would repeatedly harm his daughter.

If I hit you, how would you feel? And this is not the first time, Sonko is heard saying, as the man apologises.

The incident also drew attention to Saumu, with fans flocking to her TikTok page and jokingly proposing marriage.

However, Saumu did not entertain the suggestions.

I left that group a long time ago - unless a miracle happens. Im busy building my own empire, she responded.

To another admirer promising her a car, she replied: Look for someone else - I closed that chapter.

Saumu has two daughters - one with entrepreneur Ben Gatu and another with former Lamu Senator Anwar Loitiptip.

Both relationships ended amid allegations of abuse.

I dont regret anything as long as I have my children. They are my happiness, she said in a past interview, crediting her parents, especially her father Sonko, as her strongest pillars of support.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Monday, December 1, 2025 - National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula has sparked social media chatter after a video emerged showing him in a private conversation with Kericho MCA, Dora Keino, during a public church fundraiser.



In the footage, Wetangula, who was seated next to the MCA, appears to be engaged in a friendly exchange and is seen requesting her phone number while the event continues.



The video has since gone viral, with online users jokingly suggesting that the Speaker was shooting his shot and commenting on the playful nature of the interaction.



Wetangula is a well-known womanizer with an insatiable appetite for younger ladies.

Papa Wa Roma Ni Fisi pic.twitter.com/RbqrGSvuMk  DAILY POST  (@dailypost_ke) December 1, 2025

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Monday, December 1, 2025 - Kikuyu woman Beth Wegner, who recently went viral for sharing videos exposing her marital woes on Tiktok, has posted new clips showing another heated confrontation with her German husband.

Beth claims that over the weekend she was locked out of their lavish matrimonial villa in Diani for nearly an hour, despite repeatedly asking to be let in.

In the videos, she is heard accusing her husband of refusing to open the gate for her.

According to her account, when she eventually gained access to the compound, a physical altercation followed.

Beth alleges that her husband struck her with a metal chain, leaving her with injuries.

She says she has since reported the matter to the police and intends to pursue the case in court.





Watch videos of the altercation.

@wa.wegner l have been waiting outside my gate almost an hour asking my German husband to open for me without success.  original sound - Beth_wegner

@wa.wegner l decided to jump over the gate after one hour argument. remember l have the wright to be in the house we have our both names on the title deed.  original sound - Beth_wegner

@wa.wegner l decided to jump over the gate after one hour argument. remember l have the wright to be in the house we have our both names on the title deed.  original sound - Beth_wegner

@wa.wegner hello l always carry the hammer for damaging the padlocks that he keeps changing now and then . l will stand my two feet for what is mine since m he is husband used my name to buy our home together . He used me as his slave many years abusive marriage no basic responsiblity only when l became stable financially and could say no his way ,he is very bitter with me . The fight is about to chase me from the house so he can sell it and go back to Europe without my consent and that l cannot agree .  original sound - Beth_wegner

@wa.wegner hello my people after l made my way inside the compound, this is how he heated me with a very heavy shain of metal . l am looking forward for what will happen . l have been going through this 5 times used to keep quiet but now l am for justice.  original sound - Beth_wegner

The Kenyan DAILY POST
A MAN from Castledermot with 135 previous convictions was sentenced to eight months imprisonment at Carlow Circuit Court for stealing a mans wallet.

The court heard that Patrick Stokes of 49 Lerr Avenue, Abbeylands, Castledermot stole the wallet from a man and deceptively used his bank card for four transactions totaling 85 at Raths Londis in Castledermot on 5 July 2023.

Mr Stokes (43) was identified on CCTV in the shop and immediately admitted his responsibility. He entered a guilty plea on two counts of deception at very early stages.

Judge Sinead McMullan observed that Mr Stokes said, Im really sorry, I wont do it again. She also noted that he apologised to the shop owner and the complainant after the incident.

Judge McMullan noted that he does not come to the court as a person of previous good character due to his 135 previous convictions, the majority of which were for theft and burglary. However, she also noted that the monetary damage caused was low and Mr Stokes issues with alcohol, heroin and cocaine addictions were the root of all of this offending.

He appeared in court via a video link from custody and is engaging well with the prison services, seeing a psychiatrist, and spending his time attending art and music lessons.

Taking into consideration the other two counts, Judge McMullan set the headline sentence at 18 months. She then reduced it to 12 months based on the mitigating circumstances and suspended the last four months of the sentence to incentivise his rehabilitation.

The judge asked Mr Stokes to enter into a bond with the court to remain drug free in addition to keeping the peace for the duration of his sentence. His sentence was backdated to 15 July 2025 when he entered custody.
A TEENAGER who stole a PlayStation from a Tusla facility but who just turned 18 in the last month was jailed for 11 months due to his lack of responsibility by failing to turn up to mandated probation appointments.

The defendant cannot be named as the offence was committed as juvenile and his co-accused was his younger teenage brother.

Ah, the notorious (named) brothers! said Judge Desmond Zaidan as he welcomed the pair into Athy District Court on 25 November.

Theyre here for a probation report, and its very positive! said solicitor Jackie McManus optimistically.

(The older brother) has a terrible dose, so thats why hes so far back, she added.

Im running out of patience; they never keep appointments, said the judge after reading the report.

At their appearance less than a month ago the older brother failed to turn up and a ninth bench warrant was issued for him.

Will you ring (Oberstown Youth Detention Centre) and see if there are any beds? he asked ominously.

If there are no beds, Ill have to release him. (the court garda) will you put him in custody for now?

The judge turned to the younger sibling in relation to his involvement with the robbery at the Tusla Primary Care Centre on the Dublin Road in Athy on 13 January last.

Sergeant Ruth Coleman explained that the two boys were there by appointment, and when left alone for a moment by staff, took the device at around 9am.

He shows a lack of responsibility for his actions, quoted the judge from the probation report.

Thats not very good but youre not a lost cause, he said.

But if you dont get your act together, he warned.

If someone broke into your home and stole your iPhone or your laptop or your bike, you wouldnt like it, said the judge.

If you look at me like that again you will be looking at other boys in Oberstown, said the judge to the younger as he rolled his eyes.

You wouldnt like anyone to do this in your home, he added.

Now your reaction is better than it was two minutes ago, thats why Im putting this back to 3 March for an updated probation report.

Turning to the older sibling, the judges attention was drawn to Sgt Coleman who informed him: There is a bed available, but they wont take him because hes 18.

The probation officer is trying to keep you from prison, teach you right from wrong, said the judge, but if you dont grow up Ill wash my hands of you  and you can contact your cousin and find out what prison is like.

The sergeant then revealed that he was also on a summons for being part of a four-man gang who threw stones at a car causing 200 worth of damage.

Thats not nice. How would you like that? asked the judge, but again to a mumbled non-response.

The judge then noted that the older brother had missed two appointments in August as well.

I had a court appointment that day, and I couldnt be in two places at once, he replied..

If you notified the office that would be in the report, said the judge, shaking his head.

He still denies involvement in the burglary, and really, he will continue to give his details to gardai due to his lack of responsibility, said the judge, as he finally lost patience with the teen, jailing him for 11 months.

He then set an independent surety of 500 of which 250 is in cash. But not from this man, pointing to the boys accompanying uncle.

I am concerned about his involvement with those boys.

Later that afternoon a number of other relatives arrived in court to hand over the necessary cash to secure the youths release.
By Jonathan McCambridge, PA

A report on a proposal to rename Herzog Park in Dublin is set to be withdrawn from the agenda of a council meeting on Monday.

Lord Mayor Ray McAdam said the chief executive of Dublin City Council, Richard Shakespeare, had indicated to him he intends to withdraw the report, stating that legislation pertaining to the renaming of place names had not been fully commenced.

The council proposal had been criticised by Taoiseach Micheal Martin and Tanaiste Simon Harris.

The Office of the President of Israel had also expressed concern over the proposed renaming of the park in south Dublin.

Current Israeli President Isaac Herzog is the father of Chaim Herzog (Alastair Grant/PA)

It is named after Chaim Herzog, who was was born in Belfast and raised in Dublin.

He was the sixth president of Israel between 1983 and 1993.

Dublin city councillors had been expected to vote on a motion to rename the park at their meeting on Monday.

But Mr McAdam told RTE that the council chief executive has now indicated that the report on renaming Herzog Park and another park would now be withdrawn.

There is not sufficient information contained in both reports for elected members to make a considered decision Ray McAdam

He said: The reality is that the legislation pertaining to the renaming of place names has not been fully commenced.

There is not sufficient information contained in both reports for elected members to make a considered decision.

He intends to withdraw both reports tomorrow.

In a statement, council chief executive Mr Shakespeare said that the report is missing information for a valid resolution to be adopted.

He said: Therefore, in the circumstances I am proposing to withdraw the report from the agenda with a recommendation that the matter be referred back to the commemorations and naming committee for consideration of the statutory procedure.

On behalf of the Executive of the City Council, I wish to apologise for this administrative oversight.

A detailed review of the administrative mis-steps will now be undertaken and a report furnished to the Lord Mayor and councillors.

The proposal to rename Herzog Park should be withdrawn in its entirety and not proceeded with. pic.twitter.com/2DmscslEOn  Micheal Martin (@MichealMartinTD) November 30, 2025

Mr Martin had earlier said the proposal was divisive and wrong and called for it to be withdrawn.

He said: The proposal would erase the distinctive and rich contribution to Irish life of the Jewish community over many decades, including actual participation in the Irish War of Independence and the emerging state.

The proposal is a denial of our history and will without any doubt be seen as antisemitic.

Statement in response to Dublin City Council on the proposed removal of the name of Israels Sixth President Chaim Herzog from a park, and renaming it Free Palestine:



We are following with concern the reports from Ireland regarding the intention to harm the legacy of the sixth  Office of the President of Israel (@IsraelPresident) November 29, 2025

In a statement on X, the office of current Israeli President Isaac Herzog, the son of Chaim Herzog, said if the council went ahead with the proposal, it would be a shameful and disgraceful move.

But People Before Profit councillor Conor Reddy, who supports the proposal, said attempts to conflate anti-Zionism with anti-Jewish hatred serve nobody except the Israeli state and those who want to shut down discussion of its crimes.
By Grainne Ni Aodha, PA

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is to make a brief visit to Ireland as efforts to strike peace plans continue.

Mr Zelensky and Ukraines first lady Olena Zelenska will have a number of engagements during the visit to Ireland, including a meeting with Taoiseach Micheal Martin and a courtesy call on President Catherine Connolly.

He will also attend the inauguration of the Ireland-Ukraine Economic Forum with Tanaiste Simon Harris.

Mr Zelenskys visit to Dublin comes as the Ukrainian leader is under pressure from the US to sign a peace deal.

Micheal Martin met Volodymyr Zelensky at Shannon Airport in February. Photo: PA.

Representatives of the US, Russia and Ukraine have held talks in the past week in the United Arab Emirates in an attempt to come to an agreement that would end almost four years of Russias full-scale invasion.

It also comes days after the resignation of Ukraines chief negotiator in those talks, Mr Zelenskys chief of staff Andrii Yermak, whose residence was searched on Friday by anti-corruption investigators.

Mr Zelensky was last in Ireland in February, when his plane stopped off to refuel ahead of a visit to Washington DC.

Mr Martin met the Ukrainian leader at Shannon Airport in Irelands south-west, where he emphasised the Irish peoples support for the Ukrainian people.

The presidents visit comes at a critical time for Ukraine and Europe, with efforts to bring just and lasting peace to Ukraine ongoing Micheal Martin

The following day, a televised exchange in the Oval Office between Mr Zelensky, US President Donald Trump and US Vice President JD Vance made international headlines.

In April 2022, Mr Zelensky made a historic address to the Dail in which he said Ireland had not been neutral to the disaster Russia had brought to Ukraine.

On Monday, Mr Martin welcomed what would be the first official visit to Ireland by a Ukrainian president and first lady.

It is an honour to welcome President Zelensky and the first lady to Ireland, the Taoiseach said.

Around the world, he is rightly recognised as someone who embodies the courage and resilience of the Ukrainian people, who have inspired the world in their brave defence of their country and its sovereignty since it was brutally and illegally invaded by Russia.

He praised Ukraines remarkable tenacity in defending their country and said he looked forward to reiterating Irelands unswerving commitment to standing with the people of Ukraine for as long as it takes.

I particularly look forward to discussing with the president how Ireland can assist in accelerating Ukraines journey towards EU membership Micheal Martin

He said: The presidents visit comes at a critical time for Ukraine and Europe, with efforts to bring just and lasting peace to Ukraine ongoing.

I look forward to discussing with President Zelensky the ways in which Ireland can support these efforts and how we can ensure that Ukraine comes to the negotiating table in as strong a position as possible.

The inauguration of the Ireland-Ukraine Economic Forum also offers an opportunity to explore the potential for strengthened business-to-business, trade and investment links between Ireland and Ukraine.

We also want to see a Ukraine that is fully part of our European Union family, and I particularly look forward to discussing with the president how Ireland can assist in accelerating Ukraines journey towards EU membership, including during our presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2026.

I will also be telling the president about the remarkable story of the Ukrainian people who have sought refuge in Ireland since 2022.

In that period, we have welcomed over 120,000 Ukrainians seeking safe haven. Some have returned, some have moved on and many have remained, but all have made a great contribution to our society through their hard work and vibrant culture, becoming valued members of our communities.
Ireland will not reach its 2030 renewable energy targets without a workable pathway for community and small farmer-led wind projects, the Irish Wind Farmers Association (IWFA) warned at its annual conference in Kilkenny under the theme of Accelerating Renewables to 2023.

Speaking to more than 100 members and sector stakeholders last week, the organisation said a substantial share of this target depends on one and two-turbine projects, owned by farmers and community groups. However, these projects are the most disadvantaged under current planning, pricing, and ownership regulations.

TAP HERE FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS

The IWFA welcomed elements of the recent planning reform passed in October, but cautioned that administrative and procedural delays remain an obstruction. It urged the Government to prioritise reforms that lower energy costs, support rural economies and strengthen national energy security. It is calling for -

Replace 100% ownership with a 51% community-controlled model.

Ensure fair pricing for community projects.

Increase wind project support price for a sub-6 MW two-turbine project for farmer-led and community-led renewables.

Enable hybrid co-location of wind, solar, and batteries to optimise the use of existing grid connections and reduce dispatch down.



Accelerating Renewables to 2030

The organisation estimates that 35 new small-scale SRESS (1-2 turbine community/SME) projects could close the State's onshore community RE target of 500 MW by 2030.

A survey** of members and stakeholders revealed that 9 in 10 respondents (91.7%) are not confident that the Government can meet its 2030 climate obligations. Planning (44%) and Grid Connectivity (38.9%) are cited as the biggest barriers to making meaningful progress.

Unbankable

A central concern raised at the conference is the 2021 DECC policy requiring 100 per cent community ownership for Renewable Energy Communities (REC). The IWFA says the rule has rendered many projects unbankable, as lenders are unwilling to finance inexperienced, stand-alone community schemes.

"The 100% community rule made projects untenable," Richard Walshe, Chairperson of the IWFA, said. "Banks simply cannot finance inexperienced community projects. The fastest energy we can build is on Irish soil, by Irish farmers, for Irish communities. Irish wind farmers need to jump through too many hoops to build turbines and get connected to the grid. We're asking the Government today to revert to a 51 per cent REC model, pay a fair market rate for wind energy, allow hybrid connections and finally get out of our own way on planning."

Pricing was highlighted as an additional barrier. Community wind receives 90/MWh, compared with 98/MWh for commercial wind, while solar receives a bonus uplift.

We didn't run out of wind. We ran into bureaucracy, banks can't fund," the chairman added. "Every delay costs households and businesses. Our members stand ready to deliver, but only if planning, grid and market rules finally line up." Walshe concluded.
The Kilkenny Community Palestine Solidarity Group (KCPSG) is calling on members of the public to join a peaceful march on Saturday, December 6 at 1pm, gathering at Kilkenny Castle, to demand urgent government action on the Occupied Territories Bill.

Speaking ahead of the march, KCPSG Chair Kevin Shore said: The Government committed to progressing legislation to ban trade with illegal settlements, yet we are still waiting. The pre-legislative scrutiny of the bill was supported by the unanimous agreement of the Oireachtas Foreign Affairs Committee in July which explicitly included services.

The recently leaked Attorney Generals advice from last year confirms what we already knew: There is no legal barrier preventing this legislation from moving forward. This was promised as a priority for September.

It is now December. Where is it? The people of Palestine cannot afford further delay, and neither can Irelands moral standing, he added.

SEE ALSO: Graignamanagh Energy Town expands its operations following funding boost

KCPSG says that the publics continued pressure is essential in ensuring the Government fulfils its commitment to implement the bill as originally drafted, including all provisions covering both goods and services from illegal settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories.

In addition, the group is hosting a special arts and crafts event on Sunday, December 7 at the Set Theatre from 4pm. All proceeds will go directly to UNRWA to support civilians in Gaza, many of whom continue to endure starvation and humanitarian crises despite the ceasefire.

The event will feature unique artworks and hand-crafted jewellery, ideal Christmas gifts that support both local creators and urgent humanitarian relief efforts.

Kevin concluded that this event offers people the chance to give gifts that truly matter this Christmas supporting families in Gaza who are still suffering daily.

TAP HERE FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS
On Thursday last week, the German Research Foundation (DFG) announced funding for eleven new research training groups (RTG) and continued funding for ten existing ones. Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) was successful with one new RTG and one renewal.

Solutions For the Overuse of Land Resources

The newly funded international research training group C4LaNd is investigating how the growing demand for food, renewable energy, and materials can be reconciled with the protection of biodiversity and the climate. Working together with the Universities of Melbourne and Hohenheim, the graduate school aims to develop an integrated understanding of the global land system in order to develop solutions for the overuse of land resources.

With C4LaNd, we are preparing a new generation of researchers to solve the complex conflicts of interest in land use  with courage, analytical strength, and an eye for the big picture, says Professor Almut Arneth from the Institute of Meteorology and Climate Research  Atmospheric Environmental Research at KIT.

New Approaches to Decision-Making Processes

The RTG KDSchool will receive funding for another five years. Here, KIT is collaborating with the Universities of Bremen and of Oldenburg to research the design of biosignal-adaptive systems for decision-making processes in economic contexts as well as in private and professional life.

Biosignals open up new ways of understanding decision-making processes in a context-sensitive manner and designing adaptive systems in a human-centered way. We achieve this through a consistently interdisciplinary approach combining psychology, neuroscience, economics, information systems, and computer science  which also enables young researchers to gain excellent qualifications, Professor Alexander Madche from KITs Institute for Information Systems explains.

RTGs are a central instrument for promoting young talent in the German science system. They offer doctoral students a structured, particularly supportive environment with professional supervision and further training as well as financial security. For universities, RTGs are an opportunity to specifically form and profile research priorities.

jha, December 1, 2025
Japan PM's remarks on Taiwan send severely wrong signal

16:08, December 01, 2025 By ZHOU JIN ( China Daily

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said on Friday that Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's remarks concerning Taiwan have sent a gravely erroneous signal to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces, blasting the Democratic Progressive Party authorities' disgraceful attempt to ingratiate itself with Japan.

Mao made the remarks when commenting on a series of moves made by the Taiwan authorities backing Takaichi, such as Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te's stunt of eating sushi containing Japanese seafood.

Japan exerted colonial rule over Taiwan for half a century and committed innumerable crimes there, Mao said at a daily news conference in Beijing, adding that Takaichi's remarks have endangered peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45) as well as Taiwan's restoration to China.

Mao urged Japan to deeply reflect on its war crimes, draw 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," Mao said.

In a related development, Mao reiterated at the news conference that China has never recognized or accepted the so-called "Treaty of San Francisco".

Anything set out in the treaty, including on the sovereignty over Taiwan or the handling of the territory and sovereign rights of China as a non-signatory, is entirely illegal, null and void, she said.

At the same time, Mao also stressed that 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.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
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WHEN gardai responded to a report of an alleged assault in the Laois Shopping Centre, Portlaoise they saw a man lying on the ground with blood coming from the back of his head and mouth.

The injured man was taken to the nearby hospital where he allegedly required several stitches to his head wound.

When gardai viewed the shopping centres CCTV footage, they identified the alleged assailant as being Jake Kelly from 37 Golden Croft, Station Road, Portlaoise.

Arising from the incident the 19-year-old came before last weeks sitting of the District Court in Portlaoise on charges of assault causing harm and to engaging in threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour in the shopping centre on 16 June.

Judge Susan Fay said she was not accepting jurisdiction in the case adding: It was a very serious alleged incident. She remanded Mr Kelly on his own bond to appear again at Portlaoise District court on 12 January.

***Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme***
Former Mexican president Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has reappeared in a surprise public message after months out of the spotlight, declaring that he intends to remain fully retired from political life, but would return to public activism under three circumstances: if democracy is threatened, if the sitting president is attacked or undermined, or if Mexico's sovereignty is put at risk.

"I would only take to the streets for three reasons," he said. "To defend democracy, to defend the president and to defend our national sovereignty."

The message was recorded at his ranch in Palenque, Chiapas, where Lopez Obrador has been living since leaving office. Sitting in a wooden chair and speaking in a steady tone, he emphasized that he does not plan to serve as a shadow leader or power broker behind the current administration.

"I am retired. I don't want to overshadow the president," he said, referring to Claudia Sheinbaum, his successor and longtime political ally. He added that his decision is final unless the political climate crosses what he called "danger lines."

Not a Political Comeback, but a Cultural Message

Lopez Obrador's appearance came alongside the presentation of his new book, Grandeza, which he described not as a campaign or political manifesto, but as a cultural project focused on Indigenous identity, history and national pride.

He said the work aims to counter colonial interpretations of Mexico's past and reclaim the legacy of Indigenous civilizations as the core of modern Mexican identity.

"Mexico is great because our Indigenous peoples survived," he said. "Their languages, values, traditions and knowledge are still alive. That cultural strength is what has preserved the nation."

The book includes reflections on Mexico's historical development, critiques of Eurocentric narratives and what he calls "a spiritual message about belonging."

@presidenteamlo_ Amigas y amigos: Les comparto este video sobre mi libro Grandeza. Se trata de reivindicar a los pueblos originarios del Mexico antiguo, a la civilizacion negada, como diria Guillermo Bonfil Batalla, porque gracias a ese legado de conocimientos, valores, costumbres, tradiciones y arte, Mexico, a pesar de los pesares, sigue siendo una potencia cultural en el mundo. A ustedes envio un abrazo con todo mi corazon.  sonido original - Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador

A Message of Loyalty to Sheinbaum

In his message, Lopez Obrador repeatedly referred to Sheinbaum as the legitimate leader of the country and urged Mexicans to allow her to govern without interference.

"She deserves respect. She is the elected president of Mexico," he said. "Supporting her is supporting democracy."

Lopez Obrador's return to public conversation comes at a moment when his movement remains highly influential. His Morena party continues to dominate federal and regional politics, and debates over his legacy remain active within Mexican media, academia and international circles.

Analysts note that his message walks a fine line. On one hand, it reinforces that Sheinbaum leads without his oversight. On the other, it signals that he remains vigilant and ready to mobilize if he perceives threats against the project he spent decades building.

A Farewell That Isn't Quite Final

For now, AMLO insists he is enjoying a simpler life far from the capital.

"I am happy. I am at peace," he said.

But his final statement suggests retirement may be conditional.

"If the country needs me in those three cases," he repeated, "I will be there."

Originally published on Latin Times
Nathan Reigner, director of outdoor recreation for the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, introduces the Elevate initiative for outdoors businesses Oct. 28, 2024, at Easton Outdoor Co. Reigner is set to emcee the Keystone Trails Association Hiking Awards and Volunteer Celebration on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, at the Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art in Millersburg, Dauphin County. Kurt Bresswein | For lehighvalleylive.com

The Keystone Trails Association will recognize trail stewards, club leaders, and hikers who maintain and protect Pennsylvanias hiking trails at its annual awards ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 6 in Millersburg.

The event, presented by Pennsylvania American Water, will take place at 5 p.m. at the Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art, 176 Water Company Road in the Dauphin County community. Pennsylvania Director of Outdoor Recreation Nathan Reigner, will serve as emcee for the celebration that brings together hikers, partners, and supporters from across the state.

Five awards will be presented to individuals and organizations whose work supports Pennsylvanias trail system.

Mary Patterson will receive the Leave No Trace Award for co-leading KTAs first Leave No Trace Level One Training and serving as Pennsylvanias state representative and ambassador for the program.

The Susquehannock Trail Club earned Club of the Year honors for completing a decade-long plan of major trail improvements that included building a 10th shelter, constructing new bridges, and performing extensive maintenance work while continuing to engage the community.

Sharon Southall will receive the Citation Award for Lifetime Achievement for her leadership with the Lebanon Valley Hiking Club and dedication to KTA and Trail Care. Delores Dee McGrath will be honored with a Certificate of Achievement for her service to the Chester County Trail Club as vice president, communications lead, hike scheduler, and trail steward.

Tony Barr will receive the Thyra Sperry Volunteer of the Year Award for his work on the Mid State Trail, including leading hikes and outreach efforts in the Everett Region.

Hiking brings out the best in people, said Brook Lenker, executive director of KTA. Hikers invest in exploration, conservation, and service. This event highlights extraordinary accomplishments, and we invite everyone to come and share in the celebration.

KTAs Trail Care volunteers contribute thousands of hours annually to building, repairing, and maintaining footpaths across Pennsylvania. Registration for the event closes Wednesday, Dec. 3. More information is available at kta-hike.org.

Generative AI was used to structure and draft this story based on information provided by Keystone Trails Association. It was reviewed and edited by lehighvalleylive.com.
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Update 2: UGG extended its Cyber Week sale by one more day! Shop all day Dec. 2 to get more deals. The Tasman slipper deal is low in stock, by the Tazz slipper is 31% off!

UPDATE: UGGs Cyber Sale ends in a few more hours. The Tasman slipper is still on sale for 30% off and in stock in the Caribou/Sapphire Ice color but selling fast. The Tazzelle slipper is sold out in Moss Green, but you can still grab it in other colors for $150.

UGG has a sweet deal on its latest Tasman slipper release and you can grab it for cheaper than ever during its Cyber Monday Sale.

The Tasman II slipper is now on sale for $88, instead of $125, for a savings of 30% off. But this deal gets even cheaper for UGG Rewards members, who will automatically score an extra 10% off sale styles at checkout. This slashes the price of the slipper to just $79  but only in the Caribou/Sapphire Ice color.

UGG Tasman II Slipper $125 Now $88 Save 30% off. Plus, you can get an extra 10% off automatically as an UGG Rewards member $88 at UGG

Not a UGG Rewards member yet? You can sign up for an UGG Rewards membership for free online and grab even more deals from UGGs Cyber Monday Sale. (You can check out our Cyber Monday Guide for more deals and live updates here)

This is a huge $46 markdown on the Tasman II slipper that drops its price lower than weve ever seen from UGG. Its also the first price cut weve seen on the Tasman in the new Caribou/Sapphire Ice color that was just released before Black Friday.

UGG is also offering a 30% price drop on the famous Tazz II slipper in the Caribou/Sapphire Ice, as well as the Classic Ultra Mini boot. You can also get up to 50% off more boots and slipper styles, apparel and accessories while this Cyber Monday Sale lasts.

Youll also snag free shipping from UGG and if you spend more than $250, youll get a free Duffielded Throw ($65 value) with your order.

More Cyber Monday Ugg deals

You can also check out more UGG boots and slippers on sale for Cyber Monday, including these popular styles: (Also, dont forget UGG members get an extra 10% off sale styles at checkout)
Gardai are appealing for witnesses following a fatal road traffic collision in Dublin at the weekend.

In an appeal, issued on Monday evening, they say the fatal incident happened at Courtlough, Man O War, County Dublin, on Sunday evening.

"Gardai and emergency services were alerted shortly after 7pm when an SUV struck a parked car. The driver and sole occupant of the SUV, a man in his 60s, was transported to Beaumont Hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased," said a spokesperson.

Gardai say the local coroner has been notified and that a post-mortem examination will now be arranged.

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Any witnesses to this collision or anyone with information about what happened is asked to come forward.

"Any road users who may have camera footage, including dash-cam, and who were travelling in the area between 6:45pm and 7:15pm on Sunday, November 30 2025, are asked to make this footage available to investigating gardai," said the spokesperson.

Investigations are ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact Balbriggan garda station on 01 666 4493, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station.
A Laois participant in RTE's The Great House Revival show with architect Hugh Wallace has shared her fond memories of him, in the wake of the sad news of his death.

Hugh Wallace, member of the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland, passed away suddenly at home on Sunday night, November 30.

Entrepreneur and digital creator Mary Rose Simpson, got to know Hugh when she took part in the Great House Revival when renovating her grandmother's home on Main Street in Stradbally in 2022.

She shared her tribute to the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

"I feel so fortunate to have got to know Hugh during our renovation project on and off camera - I have such fond memories of our time filming together during Covid.

"Our parting conversation that was filmed for the show by far will always stay with me as one of my favourite memories and conversations together. He has left his mark in so many Irish homes across the country and will not be forgotten," she said.

The late Hugh Wallace.

A statement made on behalf of Hugh Wallace's family describes his passion, creativity and warmth.

"Hugh was a director and co-founder of architecture firm, Douglas Wallace Consultants and was widely known and admired for his work as the presenter of RTEs The Great House Revival and as a judge on Home of the Year. His passion, creativity and warmth touched colleagues, audiences, and his many, many friends across the country.

"Hughs husband, Martin Corbett has called for privacy at this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with Martin and Hughs family and friends. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam."
Kildare County Council participated in a landmark event hosted by The Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaion and Irelands 31 local authorities on Friday 21 November.

The special celebration Art in Every Place, held at Limerick City Gallery of Art, commemorated 40 years of partnership between the Arts Council and local government.

The reception was attended by Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O'Donovan, representatives from the Arts Council, the County and City Management Association, local authority representatives and Arts Officers from across the country.

Since the appointment of the first County Arts Officer in Clare County Council in 1985 and the establishment of the State's first local authority arts office in 1986, every local authority in Ireland now has an arts office, embedding arts expertise within local government, supporting artists and communities nationwide.

The Limerick event reflected on significant milestones, including the national roll-out of arts offices under Better Local Government in 1997, to the Arts Act 2003, which placed arts planning on a statutory footing for local authorities. The impact of joint investment in infrastructure, public art, festivals and artist supports was also highlighted.

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Between 2005 and 2025, 2.6 billion was jointly invested in the arts, strengthening cultural infrastructure and widening access to the arts in every county. This collaboration has transformed local arts experiences, supporting venues, festivals, youth arts, public art programmes and artist supports throughout the local government sector.

Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O Donovan, commented: As Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, I am very proud to mark the 40th anniversary of this partnership between the Arts Council and local government.

Over four decades, this collaboration has changed the cultural landscape of Ireland, supporting artists, strengthening communities, and ensuring that people in every corner of the country can experience and participate in the arts close to home.

Today is an opportunity to celebrate that achievement, to acknowledge the dedication of everyone involved, and to look ahead to what this partnership can continue to deliver for communities across Ireland.

Speaking following the event, Sonya Kavanagh, Chief Executive, Kildare County Council remarked: Through the Arts Service, Kildare County Council is proud to continue to support the rich artistic and creative tapestry of the county. This 40th anniversary event marks a landmark moment in the enduring partnership between The Arts Council of Ireland a national agency, and Local Authorities across the country.

This partnership is a testament to our commitment to supporting artists and communities in County Kildare and reflects the Councils strategic priority to foster a vibrant and connected community, and a rich cultural environment that enhances the quality of life for all of our citizens.

The partnerships core themes include supporting artists; children and young people; communities; public art; festivals; arts infrastructure; and Arts Officers, reaching into every aspect of local cultural life. It is underpinned by A Framework for Collaboration, the joint agreement between the Arts Council and the County and City Management Association. Each local authority has its own strategic arts plan, aligned to its County or City Development Plan and national arts strategies.
The Irish Government needs to step up and establish mechanisms to deal with the legacy of the Northern Ireland Troubles at pace, a new report from MPs has said.

The cross-party Northern Ireland Affairs Committee has published the report which it said highlights concerns from victims and veterans over new Westminster legislation aimed at addressing legacy issues.

The UK and Irish governments unveiled their new legacy framework in September.

As part of that, the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill is expected to reach committee stage at Westminster in the coming weeks.

The Bill, which will repeal significant portions of the previous governments Legacy Act, includes plans for a commission to investigate Troubles-related killings and a separate information recovery body.

The framework also included a commitment from the Irish Government for the fullest possible co-operation with the new legacy commission and the creation of a dedicated legacy unit within the Irish police force, An Garda Siochana.

The NIAC report said it welcomed the commitment on co-operation over legacy by the two governments.

It added: Ireland now needs to demonstrate its own commitment to establishing and completing human rights-compliant investigations, underpinned by legislation.

There is a lack of clarity on the remit, independence and oversight of the proposed legacy unit in the Garda.

Victim-survivors and other stakeholders will no doubt look for the establishment as soon as possible of structures comparable to those in the UK, to ensure confidence in the legacy process as a whole across the UK and Ireland.

The report said: We would urge Dublin to move at pace to show their commitment and mutual good faith, and maximise confidence and the likelihood of successful outcomes.

Relating to the proposed new legacy commission, the report said the UK Government must address a range of concerns.

It said these included worries over the lack of any specific requirement for the investigations process to be European Convention on Human Rights-compliant.

The report added: The commission is due to assume greater responsibilities and those providing it with information such as the PSNI and others will face new demands on their records.

Without additional support for these organisations, these reforms risk failure.

The report said there must be fairness under the law for veterans and safeguards to ensure that investigations do not become punitive in nature.

It added: The measures referred to by the Government as six new protections may go some way to address concerns raised by former armed forces personnel, but in packaging these as protections  rather than safeguards available to all  the Government risks undermining trust in this process among the very groups in which it hopes to instil confidence.

Previously defective investigations should be reopened only where necessary for the purposes of ECHR compatibility or owing to new evidence.

Committee chairwoman Tonia Antoniazzi said the report provided an opportunity for the Government to address the issues that continue to exercise victim-survivors, veterans and others about their plans.

She added there is a golden opportunity for the new legacy commission to have the trust and authority it needs to operate across all communities.

Ms Antoniazzi added: To do so, however, the Government must listen to concerns about its operation, governance and oversight, and come forward with details on how it intends to safeguard its independence.

To account for the passage of time, the Government must also expand its definition of close family member and ensure the rights and voices of victims and survivors are properly represented.

To ensure public confidence, more detail is also needed on the Governments role in balancing information disclosure with national security, and the information-sharing relationship between the legacy commission and the new independent commission on information retrieval.

The agreement of the Joint Framework with the Republic of Ireland shows a welcome commitment to cross-border co-operation, but the Irish Government now needs to step up when it comes to establishing a legacy architecture of its own.

A UK Government spokesperson said the recommendations in the report would be carefully considered.

The spokesperson added: The Troubles Bill will enable victims, families and survivors to seek answers through a reformed and fully independent Legacy Commission.

For the first time, this will include full information-sharing arrangements with the Irish authorities, for which the Irish Government will legislate as necessary.

The Troubles Bill will also put in place new protections that are designed specifically for any veteran asked to engage with a legacy process.

We have a duty of care to those who served in our armed and security forces, and ministers are engaging with the veterans community, as well as with families and victims groups, to ensure the legislation can command the widest possible confidence.
Tributes are flooding in after the death of TV architect Hugh Wallace who rose to fame as a judge on RTE's Home of the Year programme.

Wallace also presented RTE's Great House Revival series and was popular with viewers given his expertise, vivacious personality and flamboyant style.

His death was described as "sudden" by his husband Martin Corbett who posted an update to followers via Hugh's own Instagram account on Monday morning.

"It is with deep sadness and shock that I share the news that my beloved husband and soulmate, Hugh Wallace, passed away suddenly at home last night. I am heartbroken. Please respect my privacy at this deeply painful time."

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Off screen, Wallace was one of the founders of Dublin architect firm Douglas Wallace which he developed into one of the country's leading design consultancies.

PICTURED: Hugh Wallace with his husband Martin Corbett

RTE Director General Kevin Bakhurst described Wallace as "a hugely popular figure with audiences and across the industry," going on to add, "on RTE's hugely popular Home of the Year, Hugh, with his fellow judges, not only opened the door to the most extraordinary homes in Ireland, but he also inspired viewers to engage with the vast possibilities of innovative design."

"Our thoughts are with his husband Martin, his family, his colleagues in Shinawil, Animo and RTE, and his many close associates for whom Hugh was a beloved colleague, inspiring mind, and the warmest of friends. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam," Mr Bakhurst said.

Other friends and followers have added to the tributes being paid following the death of the 68-year-old.

Ireland AM's Deric O h'Artagain said: "Omg, only out with you both on Saturday night at the HIV Ireland Red Ball. We laughed so much with Hugh. Such tragic news."

Designer Gwen Kenny commented: "You were one in a million, someone I am proud to call my friend. Genuinely kind, funny and mischievous! The world will be less colourful without you in it. Ill miss the chats, our laughs & the fun you created."

ABOVE: Hugh Wallace was a popular judge on RTE's Home of the Year

The Marlow & Co shop in Dublin posted: "We are heartbroken, Martin. He was so good to us, always had something lovely and/or mischievous to say, and lit up the atmosphere whenever you guys came in to the shop.

"Hugh wasnt just larger-than-life for the cameras, he lived that way. And your profound love for each other was obvious to all. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Rest In Peace, Hugh."

TV host Lucy Kennedy said: "I loved Hugh, so much fun always. Im so sorry for your loss Martin."
The Department of Transport confirmed last Wednesday that the long-anticipated Carrick-on-Shannon bypass has secured funding, with final plans now being completed to advance the project to construction.

According to the Department, the bypass remains on schedule for completion by 2030, news that will be met with cautious optimism in Carrick-on-Shannon, where years of delays have coincided with worsening congestion and daily bottlenecks throughout the town.

Finola Armstrong McGuire, President of Carrick Business Chamber, stressed the significance of what the bypass will mean for the local area. For business, she said, it will improve the image of the Town Centre, making it more commuter friendly and making it more pedestrian friendly.

The appeal of an overnight stay, lunch break, or coffee break will be enhanced, she added, noting that conferences and events hosted in the town will also become more attractive.

Beyond its economic benefits, Ms Armstrong McGuire believes the bypass will dramatically improve daily life for commuters and families navigating the towns traffic.

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Commuting now from one side, for example the Dublin Road or Leitrim Road, to work in Boyle, Sligo or in between has to factor in a possible delay of 20 to 30 minutes.

Commuting from the Cortober side of Carrick to Longford and Mullingar and in between has the same possible delay, she said, adding that these delays cause huge stress.

She said the unpredictability affects everyone travelling for work. Those who live in Carrick and work outside have to factor in possible delays. Additionally this can cause stress and speed perhaps in making up time on the journey. With new bypass commuters approaching, the town will have a more positive experience.

Public engagement with the project has been extensive, with residents associations, businesses, and local representatives all contributing feedback to planners, engineers, and designers during the consultation period.

According to Ms Armstrong McGuire, there is strong support for change. Chamber members believe Carrick is ideally situated to offer a better quality of life to all when traffic who always intended to get through Carrick as quickly as possible can do so safely, and perhaps choose to return for a family or social event at another time.

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Employment within the hinterland of Carrick is high and access to jobs where employees need to be on site must be achievable without stress or speed on our roads.

Another long-standing concern is the volume of heavy goods vehicles passing through the town, something she said is no longer desirable.

Yet our suggested narrow bypass roads like Kiltoghert to Drumsna were never built for heavy loads and are dangerous, she added.

The new Bypass will be most welcome for the development of Carrick on Shannon and all it has to offer.

Reacting to the Departments 2030 timeline, Ms Armstrong McGuire said, Carrick Business Chamber would love to have a vision for completion by 2030. We have no doubt it could be achieved, but noted that previous projects in the region have exceeded their projected timelines, and she expects completion may slip into 2031.

READ NEXT: Major announcement as long-awaited Leitrim bypass moves forward

While several more years of waiting lie ahead, many in the town view the bypass as long overdue, a necessary and transformative project that promises long-term relief from the daily traffic challenges shaping life in Carrick-on-Shannon.
Roughly 1.5 million Irish people will be receiving Christmas bonuses from the government.

Payments will be made to long-term social welfare recipients and will total 370 million.

The announcement was made by government earlier today.

I am very conscious of the pressure families are under, particularly in the run-up to Christmas. The Christmas Bonus is a vital support, particularly for our senior citizens, Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary, said.

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Pensioners, carers, and people with living with disabilities will be among those receiving the bonus.

It will be paid to them on the same day they usually receive their weekly pension or other primary payment.

The bonus will mean that social welfare payments will be double their normal rate.

These are worth between 244 per week for payments like the one parent family payment and jobseekers benefit to 261 for carers allowance, according to an article in the Irish Times.



Parents receiving child benefit will not be any better off and will receive no bonus.
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MAYOR of Limerick, John Moran has defended the pace of progress on revitalising the city centre, insisting that visible improvements are emerging despite ongoing pressures on retail and repeated calls from councillors for faster action.

Responding to a mayoral question from Cllr Catherine Slattery about what steps he has taken to revitalise the city centre, Mayor Moran said work is ongoing to draft a tender brief for consultants to prepare a targeted ten-year retail development plan for the city centre.

He added that a Vacant Property Incentive Scheme is being finalised for Budget 2026 which will apply to properties vacant for six months or more operating over a four-year period.

Mayor Moran said: A significant allocation from the Mayoral Fund was committed to the detailed design, greening and public works for laneways and streets with Newtown Pery. The delivery of these did not proceed as I had hoped over 2025, but they remain priorities for 2026 now.

READ MORE: Limerick Civil Defence volunteers honoured at awards celebrating their decades of service

He added that a new child friendly pocket park is planned for Parnell Street, including an agility and obstacle area and other landscape enhancements, creating a more attractive and family-friendly environment.

Speaking at this weeks meeting of Limerick City and County Council, Mayor Moran said national schemes for SMEs and retailers were being fully utilised locally and argued that the city centre was seeing a new dynamic despite the wider national struggle facing traditional retail.

Im probably more optimistic about the city centre when you walk around at the moment, he said, pointing to what he described as early signs of regeneration around OConnell Street. He highlighted the transformation of the former Debenhams building, noting that its redevelopment had already lent impact to the area.

The Mayor said further advances would become visible in the coming months as a series of proposalsincluding the Milk Market areamove through consultation and towards construction. Well start to see more visible stuff when we start putting shovels in the ground, he said.

Cllr Catherine Slattery said she was disappointed by the response, arguing that the projects mentioned were already in train before the mayors tenure.

Mayor Moran countered that the Mayoral Office had already played a crucial role in preventing the closure of CCTV systems across the county. If we hadnt had the Mayoral Fund, we would have had to seriously think about closing down CCTV cameras, he said.

Cllr Michael Collins said the biggest setback to date remained the closure of the International Rugby Experience, which shut last December after just 19 months in operation.

The most significant failure is the closure of the Rugby Experience, he said. Has anything happened since our last meeting? Has there been further movement on whats to be done with that building?

Cllr Sean Hartigan added that newly published accounts showed the visitor attraction recorded a 1m loss in 2024 despite a 700,000 donation, following a 12m donation and further losses the previous year. It's a combined loss per annum over 2023-24 of 6m which Limerick City and County Council would have to have made up for if it had taken on the Rugby Experience so we would have to take from housing or road maintenance so to say we dodged a bullet by not taking on the Rugby Experience is no exaggeration.

Cllr Joe Leddin said while he accepted the financial risks, the building could not be allowed to remain idle. Its unacceptable to have that iconic building empty, he said, urging the Mayor to restart discussions and explore potential alternative uses. He added that the best thing we can do for the city centre is shop in the city centre.

Cllr Daniel Butler added that bigger strategic measures were needed to respond to major shifts in retail patterns. These included developing a support structure for long-established family-run businesses facing succession issues and creating incentives to attract major brands back into the city.

We need to make a big effort I think to go out and attract traders into the centre, big brand names into the city centre and that will require some funding for that to happen. And in particular one of the biggest challenges for any new retail business is the fit out costs and I think we need to look at developing a fit out policy that looks at supporting a grant scheme that helps those businesses set up and maybe also I would suggest some sort of an incubator in relation to retail so possibly having a couple of models of business that we would take over."

Cllr Joe Leddin echoed this, pointing to the challenge posed by small unit sizes in streets like Cruises Street and noting that the large-format redesign of the former Debenhams building had enabled a new UK retailer to commit to the site.

Pat Daly, Director of Services, concluded: The only way to support the city is to actually get in the city and do that as regularly as we can. He encouraged wider use of the council-backed retail gift card scheme.
SEVENTEEN of Ireland's top researchers have showcased research to potential investors at a special event held at University of Limerick's Nexus Innovation Centre.

The event was named the 'Deep-Tech Partner Opportunity Platform' and saw top scientists at Ireland's State-funded educational institutes network with entrepreneurs.

The 17 projects were selected for their deep-tech solutions designed to tackle real world challenges.

READ MORE: Limerick mayor defends pace of city-centre progress amid retail decline concerns

Deep tech refers to technologies are not yet developed yet, based on scientific or engineering breakthroughs.

Examples could be new types of batteries, artificial intelligence (AI) which learns like humans and super-small computers.

These technologies often need intense research and development, plus substantial capital investment to commercialise but have the potential to tackle major global challenges like climate change and resource scarcity, disrupt industries, and create new markets.

The innovations showcased at the event in University of Limerick ranged across semiconductors, food technologies, AI and data analytics, advanced battery anodes, solid-state nanopore and micropore chip technologies, as well as breakthroughs in medtech, edtech, renewable energy and robotics.

At the event, entrepreneurs had the opportunity to connect with investors, mentors and commercial leaders who provide essential support in transforming breakthrough inventions into market-ready solutions.

The showcase marked the fourth in a series of business partner events led by the Technology Transfer Office at UL, providing a platform for deep engagement between researchers, founders, investors, mentors and industry leaders.

Paul Dillon, director, of the Technology Transfer Office said: "Irelands universities are central to fast-tracking visionary founders academic research and creating spinouts with real world impact. At UL we are proud to champion this collaborative national effort, one that strengthens Irelands innovation landscape and supports visionary founders on the journey from research to real-world impact.

The research powering these ventures is supported by Enterprise Ireland, Research Ireland, the Higher Education Authority and the EU, a testament to the importance of sustained investment in deep-tech innovation.

Gert ORourke, New Ventures manager in UL added: Researchers deliver the breakthroughs, our role is to help bring them to the world. At UL, supporting the commercialisation of research isnt just about creating companies, its about creating opportunities that change lives, strengthen communities and inspire the next generation of innovators.

Alongside UL, the products showcased originated at University College Dublin, University College Cork, Athlone Technological University, University of Galway, Munster Technical University, Dublin City University and the Royal College of Surgeons, alongside agricultural body Teagasc.
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LIMERICK councillors have called for a formal, real-time communication system between Uisce Eireann and elected members, citing what they describe as chronic water outages, poor information flow and a growing disconnect between local representatives and the national utility.

Cllr Noreen Stokes who raised the motion which was seconded by Cllr Martin Ryan said she brought this to the October meeting in Cappamore/Kilmallock because every second day, every second hour, the water is off. There's a problem. There's a pipe broken. There's something broken.

She continued: We have people ringing us around the clock and it seems to be normally on Saturdays and Sundays so what I am asking is that... Uisce Eireann be made responsible because going forward from 2026, Limerick City and County Council may not have any caretakers with Uisce Eireann. It'll be all Uisce Eireann's responsibility so for Uisce Eireann to take responsibility for the water, it is up to them to put something in place to tell us... what is going on.

Cllr Martin Ryan added that there is going to be a disconnect with Uisce Eirean taking more control.There needs to be something even simply like a WhatsApp group set up amongst councillors and the Irish Water staff... so that people will know on the ground what's going on.

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He described parts of the Doon, Oola, Pallasgreen and Cappamore water network as a shambles and said it would remain that way for a while to come.

Cllr Elisa ODonovan noted that communication in the metropolitan area was just not functioning whatsoever, highlighting frequent issues with discoloured water and burst mains.

Cllr Shane Hickey OMeara recalled persistent problems during his time working in CappamoreKilmallock.

It is an area where I've never seen the issues with water like it. I mean, it was constantly discoloured or it'd be gone... It's the major issue in the Residents Association WhatsApp group I'm in. We need a better way of communicating with people because when something happens, when water goes, people panic and it's not good enough.

In the AdareRathkeale district, Cllr John ODonoghue said there had been 114 outages in Croom over the past two years.

We had a huge issue out in Croom where we ran a pipe out from Patrickswell and we connected it up and everything is all rosy except for the last couple of days, my phone is on fire. 114 outages in the last two years on a power outlet and we can't seem to control it all and only for one local engineer. I'm wasting my time, added Cllr O'Donoghue.

Uisce wont talk to uswere the bottom of their shoe. Theres a complete disconnect... and I am very afraid of what happens when local engineers are gone.

Cllr Brigid Teefy said they need communication so they can tell locals what the problem is. I know in East Limerick there's been particular problems ongoing for a long time so we do need communication.

Cllr Martin Ryan added: The Doon Oola side, we get every second day, we get a message on our phone, water outage and different places... We're heading for bad times ahead with water and water quality is detrimental as well. They're all affected when one is wrong.

Cllr Elena Secas offered a contrasting view. In terms of communication in fairness to Uisce Eireann, they have come a long way, she said, noting improvements in notifications and online alerts.
The number of foreign nationals working at Limerick hospitals has been revealed with the HSE saying the provision of health services in Ireland would be "seriously threatened" without the support of international staff.

Nationally, 12,000 non-nationals are working in HSE-run hospitals all around the country, according to figures obtained by Iconic Media under the Freedom of Information Act.

In Limerick, there are 1,671 foreign nationals working between University Hospital Limerick and University Maternity Hospital Limerick.

1,556 of those work at University Hospital Limerick, with 865 being nurses or midwives.

There are 65 managers and seven specialists from countries outside of Ireland.

398 work in medical and dental areas; 50 of which are consultants.

49 people are health and social care professionals, with 23 of those working in health science and diagnostics, 9 in pharmacy, and 12 in a therapy-based role.

There are 118 health care assistants and 33 people working across management and administration.

READ NEXT: Inquest hears young Limerick man's injuries were 'incompatible with life'

University Maternity Hospital Limerick has 115 non-national people working at it.

47 of those work in medical and dental roles, with 42 being nurses and midwives.

Nine of the people working in the medical and dental fields are consultants.

There are 15 health care assistants and seven people working in general support at the hospital.

We requested these figures following the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation's condemnation of racially motivated abuse of health workers earlier this year, specifically those from India.

During the summer, one Indian nurse wrote an open letter detailing racial abuse in Ireland after she saw an eight-year-old Indian girl being bullied and racially targeted by a group of Irish teenagers.

The nurse's open letter said he was considering leaving Ireland while 30 to 35 Indian nurses were also seriously thinking about leaving their jobs because they no longer feel safe.

The open letter said: "We came to Ireland with dreams - not big ones. We didnt want luxury or fame. Just a peaceful life. Honest work. A little respect.

"My wife and I are both nurses. Like so many others, we left behind our families, our childhood homes, everything we knew to come here and help. To work hard. To live quietly. To make a better future. But now? Were planning to leave. And were not the only ones.

"In our circle alone, around 30 to 35 Indian nurses are talking seriously about quitting their jobs  some are applying to Australia, some going back to India. Even doctors are being targeted now. You mightve seen it in the news. Or maybe not. But we see it. We feel it. We live it.

"Yesterday, I saw something that broke me. An eight-year-old Indian girl, surrounded by a group of Irish boys and girls, maybe 15 or 16 years old. They were pushing her. Bullying and laughing. For no reason. Just because she looked different. I helped her escape. They ran. And I stood there shaking, wonderingwhat kind of place is this becoming?

READ NEXT: Limerick author releases Be Your Own Rock to inspire readers

"We came to Ireland to save lives and now were scared to walk home after a shift. We kept going during COVID. We missed weddings and funerals back home to stay here and work. We followed every law, paid every tax, waited for every visa. We believed this was a country of kindness. And now? Now were afraid for our children. Afraid to send them to school.

"Afraid theyll be treated like less than human  just because of their skin, their accent, their food, their culture.

"We know not everyone here is like this. Weve met wonderful Irish people. Some have become like family. But that kindness is starting to feel like a whisper.....and the hate is starting to feel like a storm.

"I dont want to write this letter. I want to stay hopeful. But hope starts to fade when you see that even a eight-year-old brown girl can be treated like she doesnt belong.

"To Ireland, please listen: If we leave, it's not because we don't love this country. It's because this country stopped loving us back. If you lose your nurses, your doctors, your care workers dont ask "why." You already know why.

"We didnt leave because of money. We left because were tired of being afraid. Tired of being ignored. Tired of watching silence win. Theres still time. But not much. This isn't about politics anymore. Its about basic human decency.

"If this letter reaches even one person who didnt understand before then its worth writing.

"We are not here to divide. We are not here to invade. We are here because we believed Ireland was a place where all people had value. Please prove us right."

READ NEXT: UL highlights its consent policy after Instagram sleeping page

Responding to the staff figures, which only cover HSE hospitals and not private hospitals, nursing homes, care centres and the many agency staff working in our health sector, a HSE spokesperson said:

"The effective operation of many essential health services in Ireland would be seriously threatened without the support of the many thousands of international staff who work in our hospitals and community services every day.

"The HSE is proud of our organisations diversity and is dependent on all our staff for the delivery of frontline, essential services. We are very grateful to international workers who have chosen to move their lives and families to Ireland to work with the HSE and help provide essential care and support for patients and service users."

INMO General Secretary, Phil Ni Sheaghdha, said:

"These nurses and midwives make invaluable contributions, not just to their patients and to the workforce, but to our communities. There is no doubt that the Irish health service would suffer without the hard work of these valuable staff, and supporting these nurses and midwives to provide the best possible care and build the best possible careers in Ireland is a responsibility that should be taken very seriously by their employers and by the government."

As of 1 June 2025, there has been a decrease in the number of new registrants who were educated abroad but the number of Irish graduates coming onto the Register is steadily increasing year-on-year.

Nurses and midwives from Ireland accounted for the highest number of people in the profession with 54,436 registered.

Nurses and midwives from India followed as the second highest represented nationality with 20,419 registered from there.

Canada had the lowest number working in Ireland with just 81 nurses and midwives from there registered here.
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Crisis-hit Aakash Educational Services Ltd (AESL) thought a 250-crore rights issue would be its big reset after senior exits and a swing to losses in FY23. The test-prep chain, once a profit engine for Byjus, needs fresh capital to steady operations and fund growth.

The board opened the first 100-crore tranche to existing investors, including all major shareholders, such as Think & Learn Pvt. Ltd (TLPL), wiring their proportional amounts. However, AESL has now put TLPLs 25-crore allotment on hold, stating that the funds do not comply with Foreign Exchange Management Act (Fema), the Companies Act, and External Commercial Borrowings (ECB) rules.

Mint explains what that dispute means for the rights issue itself and for TLPLs shrinking stake in Aakash, a key asset caught in the middle of Byjus insolvency.

How Aakash got here

The 250-crore rights issue follows a months-long legal tussle over Aakashs plan to raise fresh capital through a shareholder offer. The fundraise was challenged by Byjus, which acquired Aakash in a cash-and-stock deal worth about $950 million in April 2021, and one of its creditors.

Ranjan Pai's Manipal Group now holds about 58% of Aakash, even as the engineering and medical entrance-test chain grapples with leadership churn and uncertainty linked to Byjus insolvency proceedings. The rights issue plan was opposed by Byjus parent, Think & Learn, and its US-based lender GLAS Trust Co., but the petitioners failed to secure interim relief at the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) in late October. The Supreme Court later declined to admit civil appeals against those orders, effectively clearing the way for Aakash to proceed with the shareholder-approved rights issue and related capital-raising steps.

Even as the money began to come in, the C-suite was in a state of flux. Chief financial officer Vipan Joshi left on 31 October, about two months after chief executive officer Deepak Mehrotra resigned in August, underscoring a rapid succession of top-level exits. Mehrotra has been succeeded by Chandra Sekhar Reddy Garisa as managing director and CEO from 19 August; Garisa most recently headed Claypond Capital, Pais family office.

Why TLPLs  25 crore is stuck

TLPL, the parent of Byjus, is currently undergoing a corporate insolvency resolution process. Its resolution professional had unsuccessfully opposed the Aakash rights issue before the NCLT, NCLAT and the Supreme Court. Despite that, TLPL moved to exercise its pro-rata rights by depositing 25 crore in the issue.

Subsequently, former promoter Riju Ravindran filed an application before the NCLT, Bengaluru, alleging that TLPL raised the 25 crore by issuing 100 crore of debentures under a structure that may breach Fema, the ECB guidelines and the Foreign Exchange Management (Non-Debt Instruments) Rules, 2019. National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) is examining these allegations. On Aakashs insistence, the RP shared the debenture subscription agreement between TLPL and Byjus Alpha Inc., a Delaware-incorporated investor, along with a legal opinion asserting that the subscription monies complied with Fema.

After reviewing multiple legal opinions, Aakashs board decided to defer allotment of shares to TLPL until the NCLT rules on the structure. The 25 crore is being parked in an interest-bearing account pending a final decision, while AESL has also indicated it may launch a second 140-crore rights issue in due course. Two persons familiar with the companys operations confirmed that TLPLs funds are parked separately and stated that this arrangement could have wider implications for the current rights issue.

The second person said the board considers the 100crore rights issue closed for all practical purposes", with only TLPLs portion pending. Its closed except for waiting for clarity from the court, as there are some conflicting opinions on whether we can take their money or not," this person said.

Archana Balasubramanian, partner, Agama Law Associates, said that ECB guidelines, while currently liberalized, do not permit the usage of borrowed funds for reasons other than business expansion, infrastructure expansion, etc. Similarly, speculative investment and investment in equity through the ECB mode is not permitted, she added.

"However, if the investment is to fund infrastructure activities of a wholly owned subsidiary, that may be treated differently. The intention of the law appears to be to prohibit speculative dealing in equity and not stone-wall genuine business expansion," said Balasubramanian.

Is the rights issue technically on hold?

Lawyers Mint spoke with say that parking TLPLs contribution does not, by itself, resolve the core question: whether a rights issue can be treated as complete when one shareholder has subscribed but cannot be allotted shares because of a legal bar on its funding route.

If the subscription to a rights issue faces a legal impediment for even one shareholder, the issue in its present form should not go through," said an arbitration and insolvency lawyer who advises clients in NCLT matters, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The lawyer added that a rights issue, by definition, is made to all existing shareholders on a proportionate basis, and hence cant be designed in a way that one identified class of shareholders is effectively disabled from participating while others are free to subscribe and walk away with a larger stake.

That creates an imbalance by design and undermines the very character of a rights issue," the lawyer added.

The lawyer also pointed out that whether a shareholder ultimately chooses to exercise or renounce its rights is a commercial call, but all shareholders must at least have a legally viable path to subscribe.

If an investor is willing to take up its rights, tenders the money, but cannot be allotted shares because of a legal restriction on the source of funds, then in substance it stops being a true rights issue and begins to look like a selective or preferential allotment in favour of those who could participate", the lawyer said.

Hardeep Sachdeva, senior partner, AZB & Partners, said that in the present scenario, the mere fact that one shareholders subscription to a rights issue is kept on hold should not invalidate the entire issue itself. The company should be entitled to proceed with allotment to other shareholders, subject to necessary approvals, including that of RP and the monitoring committee, Sachdeva said.

"Such dilution is not prima facie unlawful, NCLT will examine whether it was carried out in a manner consistent with the IBC (Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code), the Companies Act, and the principle of equitable treatment of stakeholders," added Sachdeva.

Apart from this, Sachdeva of AZB & Partners, pointed out that if a shareholder argues oppression or mismanagement, the tribunal typically asks whether the process was transparent, whether regulatory bars such as Fema restrictions were genuine, and whether value destruction was avoidable.

"Technically, a fresh rights issue can be launched during CIRP (Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process), but prudence suggests awaiting clarity from NCLT on the earlier subscription structure. Otherwise, the company risks compounding disputes and undermining confidence in the resolution plan," he added.

Who is Beeaar Investco, and why it matters

Two people familiar with Aakashs cap table said Beeaar Investco Pte. Ltd, which holds about 16% in AESL, is a Singapore-registered vehicle through which Byju Raveendran retains an economic interest in the company. The board has cleared Beeaars proportional participation of roughly 16 crore in the ongoing 100crore rights issue, even as TLPLs 25 crore remains parked pending NCLT scrutiny of its funding structure.

Raveendrans links to Aakash run deep. Pai first backed Byjus through Aarin Capital in 2011 and later doubled down on Aakash in 202324 by buying out debt and converting it into equity. A CARE Ratings report dated August 2025 notes that Raveendran holds 41.49% in AESL through TLPL and Beeaar Investco Pte. Ltd and continues on the AESL board, even though, according to AESL and MEMG management, he currently has no role in daytoday operations or treasury decisions.

The person aware of AESs operations, as quoted earlier, added that Beeaar Investcos shares are effectively ring-fenced for now. Beeaar Cos shares are with Byju (Raveendran), but theyre under litigation with (investors from) Qatar and us, along with Byju, for those shares. So he has no control to sell or liquidate them till the litigation ends," the person said, requesting anonymity.

With Think & Learn now under insolvency, Aakash itself has become a highly contested asset. The NCLT process has drawn competing bids from Pai's Manipal Group, which already controls about 58% of AESL, and from Ronnie Screwvalas upGrad.

Screwvala, whose edtech firm is focused on higher education and upskilling, has clarified that upGrad isnt eyeing the K-12 segment.

upGrad wishes to clarify that it is not in the K-12 sector, nor is our interest there; but there are assets in Think & Learn that are in the Higher-Ed space, as also where young learners/college graduates aspire to learn more, and we would be focused on those assets," Screwvala had said in an earlier statement.

This has turned Aakashs 250-crore rights issue into a proxy battle for what remains of Byjus, with its key subsidiaries, including Aakash and Great Learning, now at the heart of the insolvency resolution fight.
Bengaluru: The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) has upheld Infrastructure Leasing and Financial Services Ltds (IL&FS) contractual right to revise the transaction value in the sale of its iconic headquarters, The IL&FS Financial Centre (TIFC), in Mumbais premier office hub Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC).

In 2021, Chronos Properties Pvt. Ltd, an affiliate of investment firm Brookfield, had emerged as the highest bidder at 1,080 crore for the property as part of the resolution process for debt-laden IL&FS.

In its 28 November order, the NCLTs Mumbai Bench disposed of an application filed by Chronos seeking enforcement of its 1,080 crore bid for TIFC. The tribunal further ruled that IL&FSs 16 August 2024 letter enhancing the consideration to 1,481 crore is valid and cannot be quashed.

In June, IL&FS filed a petition in NCLT, seeking to dismiss the Brookfield-backed bid for its flagship BKC property citing bidder disqualification and non-compliance with bidding conditions.

In its order, NCLT held that the letter of intent dated 21 March 2022, constitutes a concluded and binding contract between IL&FS and Chronos. However, IL&FS has a unilateral right to amend the letter, including the financial terms, under the court-approved resolution framework, the order added.

One of the first TIFC, along with ICICI Bank's building, was one of the first properties to come up in BKC. The former has around 4.5 lakh sq ft of leasable area.

IL&FS has been monetizing its assets to manage its debt obligations. Its failure to meet repayment obligations triggered a major liquidity crisis in 2018 that gripped India's non-banking finance sector.

An IL&FS spokesperson declined to comment on the NCLT order.

A spokesperson for Brookfield said: Contrary to the argument by IL&FS, NCLT has found that the LoI (letter of intent) is a concluded contract between the parties. For the dispute over IL&FS unilaterally changing purchase consideration, we intend to pursue remedies including appellate avenues in accordance with law.

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The tribunal also noted that IL&FS had submitted fresh valuation reports indicating an average fair market value of around 1,722 crore for the property, and that revising the transaction value aligns with the value-maximization objective mandated under the resolution process.
(Bloomberg) -- Altice Internationals bonds plunged the most on record on Monday following an announcement on Friday afternoon that the company had shifted some assets out of the reach of creditors, in an aggressive move aimed at stabilizing its finances.

The euro-denominated, first-lien notes due in August 2029 plunged as much as 9 cents to 66, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Meanwhile, the more junior second-lien bonds due in January 2028 fell over 16 cents on the euro to 19, its largest intraday drop since issuance.

The telecommunications company, founded by Patrick Drahi, said late on Friday it had designated Altice Portugal SA, which holds all of its operations in Portugal, and Altice Caribbean Sarl, which houses its activities in the Dominican Republic, as so-called unrestricted subsidiaries.

This means that they arent governed by the terms of the existing credit agreements, and that they are free to incur debt, sell assets, or pay dividends without needing approval from lenders. And indeed, one of the Altice Portugal divisions has already raised 750 million ($872 million) of new debt to pay upcoming Altice International liabilities, as well as for general working capital purposes, the company said on Friday.

The move, known in credit markets as a drop-down, left the restricted group with essentially just Altices Israeli operations.

Altice gave creditors a cruel post-Thanksgiving gut-punch on Friday after market close, announcing it had shifted assets contributing 80% of the last-twelve-month Ebitda out of the restricted group, wrote Creditsights analysts led by Mark Chapman. At this stage, we see Drahi as holding most of the cards, with limited scope for the creditors to fight back hard. We see creditors in a weak position  both with assets stripped and given the highly uncertain valuations for all of the assets in the group.

The company also flagged the possibility of raising 2 billion of additional debt at the level of Altice Portugal, according to the note, which would allow it to further bolster its liquidity position.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
The Delhi High Court on Monday issued notices to the Union government and the Competition Commission of India (CCI), directing them to file an affidavit within a week that explains the rationale behind imposing penalties based on a company's global turnover rather than its India revenue. The court was hearing a plea filed by Apple Inc, which is challenging recent amendments to the Competition Act that allow penalties to be computed on a companys global turnover.

However, a bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela declined to pass any order on the CCIs request that Apple be directed to submit its financial details by 8 December. It also did not comment on Apples plea seeking protection from potential coercive steps by the regulator, saying it did not wish to express any view at this stage.

The matter is likely to be heard next on 16 December.

Also Read | Mint Explainer: Why Apple is fighting India penalties based on global turnover

The CCI had asked Apple to submit its financial statements by 8 December in connection with the regulators ongoing investigation into the companys App Store payment policies. The investigation stems from complaints filed between 2021 and 2022 by NGOs, Indian startups and Match Group (owner of Tinder, Hinge and OkCupid), alleging that Apple abused its dominant position by requiring developers to use its in-app payment system and pay commissions of up to 30%. The CCI found prima facie evidence of abuse, a finding Apple has denied.

Fearing potential penalty action under the amended provisions, Apple approached the Delhi High Court seeking protection from any coercive steps while its constitutional challenge to the global-turnover penalty framework is decided.

Potential $38-billion fine In its plea, Apple warned the amended law could expose it to fines of nearly $38 billion if found guilty. The company has challenged the 2023 amendment to Section 27(b) of the Competition Act and the 2024 Monetary Penalty Guidelines, which allow fines of up to 10% of average global turnover of the past three financial years. Apple argued that using global turnover to penalize conduct limited to India was arbitrary and grossly disproportionate, especially when the alleged behaviour related to only a small fraction of its worldwide business.

Apple also raised concerns about retrospective impact, since fines may be based on turnover from years before the amendment took effect. It said the move contradicted the Supreme Courts Excel Crop Care ruling of 2017, which held that penalties should be based on relevant turnover, not total global sales.

The petition could become a test case for how India applies its new penalty framework to large multinational tech firms. The outcome of the case may shape future CCI actions and determine how Big Tech is regulated in one of the worlds fastest-growing digital markets.

Attempt to delay, says CCI Senior advocate Balbir Singh, representing CCI, opposed Apples petition, arguing that the company was attempting to delay the proceedings. We have only asked for India turnover, not global turnoverwhy are they withholding it? Singh asked. He told the court that the investigation was complete, the director generals report had already been sent to Apple, and the company must now respond rather than seek to stall the process.

The CCI argued that fears of massive penalties based on global turnover were overstated, since the Competition Act requires the regulator to first determine the relevant product market and relevant geographical market before calculating any penalties. Singh said global turnover is used only as a last resort, when a company does not provide sufficient information to compute the relevant turnover.

When the bench asked how penalties based on global turnover could be justified when the alleged abuse concerned only one of many products, Singh said the provision was necessary to ensure that entities with no turnover in India or those operating from outside India could still be brought within the CCIs jurisdiction.

Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Appearing for Apple, said the company could not submit its financial information by 8 December, as requested by the CCI, because the data was not publicly disclosed in India and would need to be collated.

Mint's emails to Apple India and the CCI seeking comment remained unanswered at the time of publishing.

A fine balance Approaches to determining penalties differ by region. The US generally imposes structural remedies such as a breakup or behavioural restrictions rather than large fines, while the EU can impose fines up to 10% of global turnover but usually begins with revenue linked to the specific market.

For example, the European Commission calculated its 4.34-billion fine against Google in 2018 using revenue from Android search services within Europe, not global revenue, and its 1.84-billion fine against Apple in 2024 amounted to just 0.5% of Apples global sales.

Indias framework is closer to the EUs, though Apples business in India is much smaller: the company earned $101.33 billion in Europe in FY24, compared to about $8 billion in India.

However, Apple is growing rapidly in India, driven by strong demand for the iPhone 17, which marks 14 straight quarters of growth. Its expected to sell 15.5 million iPhones in India in 2025, up 25% from last year, and now holds a 28% share of the country's premium market by value. Apple overtook Samsung to become the worlds largest smartphone brand in Q1 2025 with a 19% global market share, according to Counterpoint Research.

Also Read | How Apple is reinventing the iPhone with new materials and record R&D spending
The Delhi High Court on Monday took up a petition filed by Apple challenging the recent amendments to the Competition Act.

A division bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela have taken up the case, which challenges the amendment t the Act allowing antitrust regulator Competition Commission of India (CCI) to impose penalties on companies for violations on the basis of its global turnover.

During the hearing, advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, who appeared for Apple, said that the company wants interim proceedings for no coercive steps.

Also Read | Netflix faces White House antitrust concerns over Warner Bros Discovery bid

They (CCI) have asked us for financial details. They have said that by December 8, give the financial details and a response to the DG, he said.

However, advocate for the CCI argued that Apple has approached with this case at this time to divert attention from the antitrust probe against App Store.

For major tech companies, a fine of $200 million or $300 million doesn't matter... If there is someone sitting outside India, how their practices would have impact on India, the lawyer for CCI said.

What's at stake for Apple? Apple filed a petition at the Delhi High Court, saying that the change puts at stake $38 billion, or 10% of its global turnover, if the provision is implemented on its ongoing case with the regulator regarding the App Store antitrust probe.

Over the past three financial years, Apple has had an annual turnover of around $380 billion.

Since 2022, Tinder-owner Match and Indian startups have been locked in an antitrust battle with Apple at the CCI, where investigators last year issued a report saying the US smartphone company had engaged in "abusive conduct" on the apps market of its iPhone Operating System, iOS.

The company is asking judges to declare as illegal the 2024 law that allowed the CCI to use global turnover, not just that in India, when calculating penalties.

Apple cited the CCI's use of the new rules for the first time on November 10 in an unrelated case, where they were retrospectively applied to a violation by the affected company a decade earlier.

Apple has no choice but to bring this constitutional challenge now to avoid retrospective imposition of penalty against them, it argued.

Also Read | Apple faces copyright lawsuit over training Apple Intelligence on pirated books

In its court filing, Apple argued India should only impose a penalty based on the Indian revenue of the specific unit which violates antitrust law, giving an example of a toy seller running a stationery business.

(With Reuters inputs)
New Delhi [India], December 1 (ANI): The credit growth of the banks in the country, which had slowed in recent quarters, is expected to pick up as companies begin to draw more funds for their day-to-day operations, highlighted a report by State Bank of India.

The report stated that the recent dip in credit offtake was temporary and mainly linked to the surge in IPO fundraising seen across several sectors. With those funds now being utilised, demand for bank loans is likely to rise in the coming quarters.

It stated "But increased working capital utilization by corporates credit growth is likely to rebound in coming quarters".

According to historical data, there is no direct one-to-one link between the amount raised through IPOs and overall bank credit growth.

However, past trends indicate that years with higher IPO mobilisation often coincide with lower credit expansion. The negative correlation, though modest, suggests that when companies raise large sums from equity markets, their need to borrow from banks temporarily reduces.

Sector-wise data also supports this trend. Industries such as finance, automobiles, pharmaceuticals, telecom, consumer durables and infrastructure recorded lower credit growth in years when they raised higher funds through IPOs.

Much of this money is typically used for expansion, capital expenditure or debt repayment, which reduces the immediate need for bank loans.

However, the report now sees the signs of a turnaround. Companies across several sectors have started increasing their working capital utilisation, which is a key early indicator of improving credit demand.

As business activity remains strong and production levels rise, firms need more financing for raw materials, inventories, supply-chain operations and other operational expenses. With internal funds and IPO proceeds largely deployed, corporates are returning to banks for fresh credit.

With the country's overall economic momentum continuing to be healthy, supported by strong GDP numbers, a rising activity naturally pushes companies to seek higher funding, which will reflect in stronger credit growth.

In this backdrop, the report mentioned thatthe Reserve Bank of India's role becomes important. The central bank is expected to maintain proactive liquidity management to ensure banks have sufficient funds to meet the upcoming rise in credit demand.

Adequate liquidity in the system will keep borrowing conditions stable and support the recovery in loan growth.
Canadian steel maker Algoma Steel Group is set to slash 1,000 jobsabout 40% of its staffand close its blast furnace in northern Ontario in a bid to stem losses resulting from US tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump.

According to report by Bloomberg, the Sault Ste. Marie-based company is also considering shutting shop on its coke-making operation amid plans to focus solely on making steel using electric-arc furnaces in early 2026.

Tariffs stifle access to US market The news comes on the back of the Trump administration's decision to impose 50% tariffs on foreign steel, which Algoma said had severely hit its ability to access the market across the border.

Trump's tariffs have fundamentally altered the competitive landscape and sharply limited our ability to access the US market, company spokesperson Laura Devoni was quoted as saying by Bloomberg.

This transition is necessary to protect Algomas future in the face of these extraordinary and external market forces, and we will continue to advocate for a competitive and fair trading environment for Canadian steel, the company added.

Algoma also confirmed that the announced layoffs would come into effect on March 23 next year.

Bloomberg reported that the Canadian steel makers sales had dipped by 13% in the third quarter following the imposition of tariffs.

With Algoma struggling, the company also received C$500 million in emergency loans from the governments of Canada and Ontario.

Algoma currently employs around 2,500 people, and despite the layoffs and its difficult situation, has found governmental support.

On Monday, Canadian Industry Minister Melanie Joly doubled down on support for Algoma, saying in Parliament that the government would continue to work with Algoma employees affected by the unjustified and unjustifiable tariffs imposed by the White House".
Netflix's move to acquire the Warner Bros studio and the HBO Max streaming service has attracted scrutiny from the Trump administration, with senior White House officials raising concerns, according to a report by The New York Post.

The officials in a recent meeting discussed whether such an acquisition would give Netflix too much power over Hollywood, the news outlet reported, citing people in the know.

The high-level meeting took place around 10 days ago, with several White House officials in attendance. The officials also suggested that a broader investigation is necessary to assess Netflixs market power, a government official present in the meeting told The Post.

Basically, everyone agreed that Netflix presents unique antitrust concerns and if it won the bidding war, it would be one long slog and touch off an investigation along the lines of those of Google and Amazon, the official said.

Also Read | Warner Bros Discovery seeks improved bids by December 1, sources say

Netflix already has market dominance, but if you add a major streaming service that would stifle competition at some point, the government official added.

Netflix, which has already made its bid for Warner Bros Discovery, is expected to make a sweetened offer in line with the studios' demand to submit new and better offers.

Meanwhile, Paramount Skydance, run by Hollywood producer David Ellison and his father, billionaire Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, are also expected to raise their offer.

Netflix already has market dominance but if you add a major streaming service that would stifle competition at some point

The third bidder, cable giant Comcast, is likely to make a better bid, although chances of it getting past Trump's regulatory gauntlet are low, given the US president's recent criticism of the anti-MAGA cable channel MSNBC, recently renamed MS NOW.

Why is Netflix under White House scanner? Netflix faces a different but equally difficult set of hurdles in its quest to get regulatory approvals to acquire Warner Bros Discovery, according to the report by The New York Post, citing Trump officials' opinions during the meeting.

Created 28 years ago by Reed Hastings and led by CEO Ted Sarandos, Netflix is at present the worlds largest streaming service, with 300 million subscribers.

According to White House officials, this size of Netflix could hamper competition in streaming, where Americans consume most of their entertainment amid shrinking interest towards cable TV services.

Theoretically, antitrust laws do not necessarily apply to streaming services due to the prevalence of content which is available on social media platforms like YouTube and TikTok. However, this pitch is now facing significant criticism from senior White House officials who advise Donald Trump on media policy, according to a government official quoted by The New York Post.

Also Read | Bidders for Warner Bros Discovery face barrage of political and regulatory risks

Trump administration officials have also raised concerns about the enormous power Netflix is already wielding in the Hollywood industry, not just with subscribers but also with producers, actors, directors and others. As per the official quoted by the newspaper, anti-competitive business models of media and tech concentration are one of the recurring themes of the Trump administration.

What Netflix may face If Netflix wins the Warner Bros Discovery bid, the scale of the deal and its scope may trigger a lengthy probe by the DOJs antitrust division run by Trump appointee Gale Slater. This investigation could even expand beyond the acquisition to the entire operations of Netflix, something that the company has avoided until now, the government official who attended said.

Also Read | Netflix acquiring Warner Bros Discovery? Key things to know about its plans

However, Ted Sarandos may feel there is no choice but to battle it out and make a run at the Warner Bros Discovery deal.
Chip-making giant Nvidia Corp. has invested $2 billion in the stock of chip-design software company Synopsys Inc. as part of a wider engineering and design partnership, marking the latest substantial investment by the company in one of its suppliers.

Nvidia purchased the shares at $414.79 each, the company stated in a press release on Monday.

This expanded partnership combines Nvidias AI and accelerated computing strengths with Synopsys engineering solutions to help R&D teams design, simulate, and verify intelligent products more accurately, quickly, and cost-effectively, the chipmaker said.

The stake accounts for 2.6% of Synopsys total shares. This California-based company is among the biggest providers of software and services for designing electronic components, Bloomberg reported.

Also Read | Elon Musk explains why Google, Nvidia will be valuable in future

Synopsys shares were up 7.4% in pre-market trading. The stock has fallen nearly 14% so far this year through Fridays close. Shares in Nvidia were slightly lower in pre-market trading, it added.

What did Jensen Huang say on latest investment? Speaking on the latest partnership, Jensen Huang, founder and CEO of Nvidia, said, Our partnership with Synopsys harnesses the power of Nvidia accelerated computing and AI to reimagine engineering and design  empowering engineers to invent the extraordinary products that will shape our future.

Meanwhile, Synopsys CEO Sassine Ghazi said, The complexity and cost of developing next-generation intelligent systems demands engineering solutions with a deeper integration of electronics and physics, accelerated by AI capabilities and compute. No two companies are better positioned to deliver AI-powered, holistic system design solutions than Synopsys and NVIDIA. Together we will re-engineer engineering and empower innovators everywhere to more efficiently realise their innovations.

Nvidia's investments Nvidia, the world's most valuable company has invested in several firms amid the artificial intelligence surge, including OpenAI and data centre operators like CoreWeave Inc. It also agreed to invest $5 billion in Intel Corp., a possible competitor, partnering to co-develop chips for personal computers and data centres.

What does Synopsys specialise in? Synopsys software assists in designing the complex layout of billions of transistors and connectors for modern chips and also verifies that the hardware will function as intended before production begins. This process is essential for creating chips central to artificial intelligence systems, such as those sold by Nvidia.
Reunification will only make Taiwan better

16:15, December 01, 2025 By Li Zhenguang ( Chinadaily.com.cn

The Taipei 101 skyscraper commands the urban landscape in Taipei, Taiwan. [Photo/Xinhua]

This week, the Chinese mainland authorities criticized Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te for publicly siding with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's provocative and risky remarks on Taiwan. In addition to showcasing Japanese-sourced sushi lunch, Lai further exacerbated tensions on Wednesday by proposing a special $40 billion budget for US arms purchases, including an air defense system called the "Taiwan Dome".

His clown-like gestures are not only disgusting but will also push Taiwan into a more perilous situation. The mainland's condemnation is not merely a warning; it has the iron will and strong capabilities to safeguard the integrity of its sovereignty.

On Sept 3, a grand gathering commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45) and the World Anti-Fascist War was held in Beijing. A magnificent military parade demonstrated the nation's formidable strength in safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The recent recommendations for the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) released after the fourth plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China outlined the objectives and tasks for the next five years, including advancing the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations and the cause of national reunification on the new journey to fully building a modern socialist country.

On Oct 24, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress adopted a decision to designate Oct 25 as Commemoration Day of Taiwan's Restoration. A conference marking the 80th anniversary of Taiwan's restoration was convened in Beijing that day, painting a vivid picture of Taiwan's bright prospects as an integral part of a reunified China and shaping an unstoppable momentum toward national reunification.

These events have significantly bolstered the determination and confidence of all Chinese people, including the compatriots in Taiwan, in advancing the cause of national reunification. The historical wheels of national reunification and national rejuvenation are rolling forward and the complete reunification of China is an inevitable historical conclusion. The sooner the Taiwan question is resolved and the nation is reunified, the more it will benefit Taiwan's development and the lives of compatriots in Taiwan.

Confronted with this unstoppable trend and the bright future in store for Taiwan, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and "Taiwan independence" separatist forces are growing apprehensive and resorting to all sorts of obstructions.

Lai's recent actions and statements rejecting the push for reunification are nothing but a betrayal of history. Just 95 years ago, the Wushe uprising marked a brave chapter in the indigenous villagers' fight against Japanese colonial rulers. During the five decades of cruel Japanese rule, Taiwan compatriots continuously resisted. Yet, Lai has tarnished Taiwan's history by flattering a Japanese politician who has sent an extremely worrying signal of reviving militarism.

His shameful opposition to the reunification poses a grave threat to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. Achieving national reunification is a just cause, beneficial for the present, foundational for the future, and a blessing for generations to come.

Once reunification is realized, with the strong backing of the motherland, Taiwan will witness improved economic development, more secure energy and resource supplies, enhanced infrastructure, stronger security safeguards, broader international engagement and greater well-being as well as a richer cultural and spiritual life for its residents.

Resolving the Taiwan question and realizing the complete national reunification are the shared aspirations of all Chinese people. By prioritizing the selfish interests of his political party and openly advocating opposition to the advancement of reunification, Lai is turning against the whole Chinese nation, risking hijacking the residents of Taiwan onto the secessionist chariot and pushing the youth in Taiwan into the battlefield as cannon fodder.

Since he assumed office, Lai has stubbornly adhered to the separatist stance of "Taiwan independence", disregarding the well-being and interests of compatriots and businesses in Taiwan, and intensifying efforts to obstruct and restrict cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation. He has been seeking forced "economic decoupling" and severance of cross-Strait industry chains and squandering resources that should have been used to improve livelihoods and boost the economy on arms purchases just to curry favor with external forces.

Through judicial suppression, revocation of household registration, deportation and other means of intimidation, the DPP authorities have ruthlessly suppressed political parties, organizations, and individuals in Taiwan who participate in cross-Strait exchanges or support reunification, depriving them of their legitimate right to pursue reunification. The crude actions and sinister motives of the DPP have drawn condemnation from the public on both sides of the Strait.

Reunification brings benefits, while "Taiwan independence" leads to a dead end. His blatant cries against reunification not only constitute a severe violation of the rights of people in Taiwan, but also seriously harm the interests of local businesses.

Lai's provocative rhetoric against reunification is a futile attempt to reverse his political decline on the island. Driven by the selfish political agenda of pursuing "independence", the DPP authorities have ignored mainstream public opinion in Taiwan, recklessly wasting public funds on militarization.

On the one hand, the DPP is facing external pressure from the United States and on the other, it has suffered setbacks such as the recall vote failure on the domestic front. Incompetent at governance, beset by political troubles and cornered in a hopeless situation, Lai is trying to escalate cross-Strait hostility through his outcry against reunification in a desperate bid to shift focus and turn the tide.

The lies of "Taiwan independence" may deceive some people for some time, but they cannot deceive all the people all the time. The residents of Taiwan will eventually see through the true nature of "Taiwan independence" and recognize that only the complete national reunification can ensure lasting peace in the Taiwan Strait and enduring well-being for Taiwan.

The author is the dean of the Taiwan Research Institute at Beijing Union University. The views don't necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
Parliament Winter Session: The Union government is expected to introduce two bills in the Lok Sabha on Monday aimed at levying excise duty on tobacco and tobacco products, as well as a new cess on the manufacture of pan masala.

The winter session of Parliament, which begins today, will continue till 19 December. Parliament is set to have 15 sittings across 19 days.

Also Read | Parliament Winter Session to kick off on a stormy note over SIR today

The Central Excise Amendment Bill, 2025, will replace the GST compensation Cess, which is currently levied on all tobacco products like cigarettes, chewing tobacco, cigars, hookahs, zarda, and scented tobacco. The new levy is likely to ensure that the overall tax burden on cigarettes, gutkha, pan masala, and other tobacco products remains at the current level even after the expiry of the GST compensation cess.

The Centre's move follows the GST Councils decision in September to scrap the compensation cess on all goods except tobacco and shift to a largely two-rate structure, while leaving it to the finance minister to determine the exact timeline for tobaccos transition to the proposed 40 per cent GST slab for ultra luxury and sin goods.

View full Image The Centre's move follows the GST Councils decision in September to scrap the compensation cess on all goods except tobacco and shift to a largely two-rate structure, while leaving it to the finance minister to determine the exact timeline for tobaccos transition to the proposed 40 per cent GST slab for ultra luxury and sin goods.

The Bill seeks "to give the government the fiscal space to increase the rate of central excise duty on tobacco and tobacco products so as to protect tax incidence," once the GST compensation Cess ends, according to the statement of objects and reasons of the Bill, as quoted by news agency PTI.

The two bills are listed for introduction by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday. The Finance Minister will also table the Health Security se National Security Cess Bill, 2025, which seeks to levy a Cess on the production of specified goods, such as pan masala. The Union government may notify any other goods on whose manufacturing such a Cess can be levied.

Sin goods attract 28 % GST Sin goods like tobacco and pan masala currently attract a GST of 28 per cent, plus a compensation cess that is levied at varied rates, and a compensation cess that can reach up to 290 per cent in some cases, such as smoking mixtures for pipes.

Once the compensation Cess ends, sale of tobacco and related products will attract GST plus excise duty, while pan masala will attract GST plus the Health Security se National Security Cess.

Since the GST rate of 28 per cent has been abolished, such sin goods will be subject to the highest GST slab of 40 per cent.

"It is proposed to levy the Health Security se National Security Cess to contribute towards the twin purposes of enabling targeted utilisation for public health, as well as national security," according to the statement of objects and reasons of the Bill.

Cess in addition to any other duties The cess shall be in addition to any other duties or taxes chargeable on the specified goods under any law for the time being in force, it added.

Such businesses will have to file a self-declaration of all machines or processes for each factory or premises, and the cess would be calculated in the aggregate for each such location, it said.

At the time of the introduction of the GST on 1 July 2017, a compensation cess mechanism was implemented for a period of five years, until 30 June 2022, to compensate states for the revenue loss incurred due to the implementation of GST.

The levy of compensation cess was later extended by four years, until March 31, 2026, and the collection is being used to repay the loan that the centre took to compensate states for the GST revenue loss during the COVID period.

Since the loan repayment is expected to be fully repaid by December, the compensation cess will cease to exist.

On 3 September 2025, the GST Council decided to continue the compensation cess on tobacco and pan masala until the loans taken are repaid.

Regarding other luxury items, the compensation cess ended on 22 September, when the GST rate rationalisation was implemented, with just two slabs of 5 and 18 per cent. A 40 per cent rate was fixed for ultra-luxury goods, aerated drinks and other demerit goods.

What happens if the bills are passed? The Central Excise Amendment Bill, 2025, and the Health Security and National Security Cess Bill, 2025, will ensure that the tax incidence on sin goods like tobacco and pan masala remains the same after the discontinuation of the compensation Cess.

The Opposition is likely to corner the government on Monday, demanding a debate on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls by the Election Commission of India, which is underway in many states across the country.

Once passed in the Parliament, the Central Excise Amendment Bill, 2025, would basically restructure the taxation of tobacco products by replacing the current Goods and Services Tax (GST) compensation cess with a new central excise duty. The overall tax burden on these products is intended to remain unchanged, ensuring revenue neutrality for the government.

What changes once the Bills are passed? -The basic purpose is the replacement of GST Compensation Cess. The existing GST compensation cess on all tobacco products (including cigarettes, chewing tobacco, cigars, etc.) will be discontinued for these specific goods.

-The Union government will be empowered to levy and adjust a specific central excise duty on tobacco products under the amended Central Excise Act, 1944.

- The government intends to maintain the existing high level of tax incidence on "sin goods" like tobacco even after the compensation cess regime ends. The new excise duty rates will be set to match the current combined tax burden (GST plus cess).

- Along with a separate related Health Security se National Security Cess Bill, 2025 targeting pan masala and other goods, the government aims to attract higher levies.

-The tax collected through the new excise duty will provide sustained revenue for the government, distinct from the temporary compensation cess which was specifically for repaying COVID-related loans to states.
India's manufacturing growth softened to a nine-month low in November as US tariffs hurt demand, according to a private survey released on Monday.

The HSBC India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index (PMI), compiled by S&P Global, fell to 56.6 in November 2025 from 59.2 in October, marking the slowest expansion since February 2025. A reading above 50 indicates expansion in activity.

Indias final November PMI confirmed that US tariffs caused the manufacturing expansion to slow. The new export orders PMI fell to a 13-month low, said Pranjul Bhandari, chief India economist at HSBC.

"Business confidence, as indicated by expectations for future output, showed a big fall in November, potentially reflecting increasing concerns about the impact of tariffs. The boost from the cuts in goods and services tax (GST) may be fading and it might be insufficient to offset the tariff headwind to demand, said Bhandari.

Companies remained confident of a rise in output over the course of the coming 12 months, but positive sentiment fell to its lowest level in nearly three-and-a-half years. Downgraded forecasts stemmed from concerns around a competitive landscape, including competition from international firms, anecdotal evidence showed, it added.

November's results showed an absence of pressure on the capacity of Indian manufacturers and their suppliers. Outstanding business volumes among goods producers were broadly unchanged from October, whereas vendor performance continued to improve," the survey said.

Indias manufacturing sector has come under pressure following a series of steep US tariffs on a wide range of Indian exports. Washington imposed a 25% tariff on almost all Indian goods in August, followed by an additional 25% levy later that month to penalise New Delhi for buying discounted Russian oil.

According to SBI Capital Markets EcoCapsule, a monthly economic analysis, India is among the hardest hit by US tariffs, facing an effective duty burden of about 50% since late August.

Though companies suggested that the trend for international sales remained favourable  reflecting greater sales to clients in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East  there was a mild loss of overall growth momentum with on average, new export orders rising at the weakest pace in over a year, the survey said.

The latest PMI reading underscores that Indias manufacturing engine remains resilient: domestic demand continues to be underpinned by strong festive-season consumption and the tailwinds from recent GST rate cuts, said Rishi Shah, partner and economic advisory services leader, Grant Thornton Bharat.

These structural boosts have driven a rise in new orders, inventories and output, supporting jobs and confidence in the near term. That said, with global demand softening and export orders losing some steam, downside risks from external headwinds  including volatile commodity prices and weaker global growth  cannot be ignored. Overall, the Indian economy appears well-positioned to absorb these shocks, though sustaining this momentum beyond the festive season will depend on domestic demand staying firm while external pressures moderate.

The moderation in growth of PMI manufacturing comes at a time when India's year-on-year (YoY) GDP growth unexpectedly rose to a six-quarter high of 8.2% in Q2 FY26 from 7.8% in Q1FY26, in contrast with the expectation of a slowdown.

Also Read | FY26 GDP growth could exceed 6.8%: Chief economic adviser

However, with manufacturing showing signs of slowing down, there is an expectation that the GDP growth rate will slow down in the coming quarters.
Kochi/Chennai: Neema Veliyath lives in her nearly 100-year-old heritage home, also a homestay, on Vypin Island, off mainland Ernakulam. As a long-time resident, she knows arriving by water is the best introduction to Vypin and to her homestay, called The Bungalow.

Until 2023, visitors had only two options. They could either take a crowded, nonair-conditioned government ferry ill-suited for travellers, or make a slow, mundane road journey across the lone bridge to the mainland.

And then, a water metro launched.

Finally, there was an easier and more scenic way for my guests to reach Vypin. It is safer and environmentally friendly, too," said Veliyath, whose home is barely 300 metres from the station. My guests love it, and so do I."

Once, water lay at the centre of everyday life in Kerala. From before the arrival of the Portuguese in Kochi, in 1500, up until the early 1900s, when the first road bridge connecting the mainland with Willingdon Island was built, boats were the only way to move between the major islands in the Ernakulam region.

Over the decades, as the road network expanded, and policy tilted toward road-building, Kochis relationship with its waterways faded and boats slipped to the margins of daily life. But, as Veliyaths experience suggests, water is re-emerging as an urban mobility solution.

Those days may be returning. As Veliyaths experience suggests, water is re-emerging as an urban mobility solution.

If things proceed according to plan and if the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has its way, 17 locations across 12 states in India could see water metros, like the one in Kochi, come up in a few years.

IWAI, inspired by Kochis success, has roped in Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL), which built and operationalised the Kochi Water Metro, to conduct feasibility studies across the country, from Srinagar in the North to Kollam in the South, and Goa and Mumbai in the West to Guwahati in the East. In places like Goa and Mumbai, the process is already moving to the planning stage.

IWAI, established in 1986, is a nodal agency under the union ministry of ports, shipping and waterways. Its mandate is to develop and regulate the countrys national waterways.

Kochi Water Metro was created as a special purpose vehicle in 2021, with the state government owning 74% equity in the company and KMRL owning the remaining 26%. KMRL, in turn, is a 50:50 joint partnership between the government of India and the Kerala state government.

View Full Image Kochi Water Metro was created as a special purpose vehicle in 2021.

Behind the institutional push lies a question increasingly relevant to Indias riverine and coastal cities: Can water metros become a practical mass transit option and not just a showpiece? And importantly, is it an answer to Indias chronic congestion?

Kochis reinvention

For decades before the water metro, Kochis mobility across its backwaters depended on the Kerala states water transport department, which still runs a modest fleet of cheap but ageing diesel ferries with sparse timetables and basic jetties.

The water metro offers a sharp contrast.

It all started in 2010, when the Cities Development Initiative for Asia, a multi-donor trust fund supported by the Asian Development Bank, worked with the Kochi Municipal Corporation on a pre-feasibility study to explore how improved ferry services could ease congestion and reconnect the citys scattered island communities. Building on those recommendations, the government of Kerala asked KMRL to prepare a detailed project report in 2015, which subsequently formed the basis for negotiations with the German development bank KfW. It resulted in an 85 million long-term loan that enabled the water metro to take shape.

We wanted water transport with the same discipline, frequency and safety standards as a regular metro," Loknath Behera, managing director of KMRL and Kochi Water Metro told Mint.

This meant electric boats, digital ticketing, automated fare collection gates, route numbering, station design and an operational control centre that could manage the fleet like any modern transit system.

The air-conditioned electric-hybrid vessels, designed and built by Cochin Shipyard Ltd after a global tender, carry about 100 passengers and charge within minutesthey use lithium titanate oxide (LTO) batteries. The water metro also emphasizes accessibility, with well-lit terminals and integrated mobility cards that work across both the water and rail metro networks.

View Full Image The air-conditioned electric-hybrid vessels are built by the Cochin Shipyard.

The difference from a traditional ferry is striking. And the difference it has made to the city is visible. Ridership has crossed five million passengers, terminals have become new gateways for tourists, and island communities such as Vypin, Bolgatty and Mattancherryonce reliant on sporadic ferriesare now reconnected to the urban core.

Mumbais ambition

IWAI has stated that India having a tested reference model in Kochi has made a difference. The locations identified for feasibility studies range from large river cities such as Patna, Varanasi and Guwahati to coastal and lagoon-based regions like Goa, Mumbai and the Andaman Islands.

Among these, Mumbai is not only moving the fastest, but also has the most ambitious plan. Pradeep P., chief executive officer of the Maharashtra Maritime Board, pointed out that the state already runs 36 routes with about 18 million passengers annually, of which 16 million are within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. This indicates an entrenched commuting culture built around water.

But the existing system is designed almost entirely for short, point-to-point crossings, shuttling passengers in a handful of jetties from one bank to the other, at locations such as Elephanta Caves and the Gateway of India. It does not offer services running along the shoreline or connecting multiple destinations in sequence.

The proposed Amchi Mumbai Water Metro, covering nearly 200 nautical miles with more than 30 routes, represents a very different ambition. The planned routes are along the citys western waterfront and eastern creeks, linking places such as Versova, Bandra, Wadala, Vashi, Airoli, Kalyan and even the upcoming Navi Mumbai airport.

View Full Image The proposed Amchi Mumbai Water Metro will cover nearly 200 nautical miles.

The three objectives for the water metro are that it should be accessible, affordable and sustainable," said Pradeep, who added that the Maharashtra Maritime Board is pushing for electric and hybrid boats for these routes.

The board was established in 1996, under the Maharashtra Maritime Board Act, 1996, as the nodal agency for maritime activities in the state.

With the feasibility study completed, KMRL, through its consultancy service, has been contracted to create a detailed project report that is expected soon. Maharashtra could begin a phased implementation next.

Goa is not far behind. Vikramsinh Rajebhosale, director of the states river navigation department, notes that Goas inland water transit dates back to the Portuguese times, again.

Unfortunately, the river transport system was never developed along the river," he said. Today, 30 ferry boats operate across 18 routes, but almost all run across rivers, linking points like Betim-Panaji or Ribandar-Chorao, rather than along them.

The proposed water metro would change this, creating longitudinal routes from Tiracol and Querim in the north down to Divar, Old Goa, Cortalim and Durbhat, effectively turning Goas rivers into a continuous corridor connecting population centres and tourism clusters. Rajebhosale says the feasibility study, conducted by KMRL again, is expected soon.

View Full Image Goas proposed water metro route could turn the state into a continuous corridor connecting population centres and tourism clusters.

The cost advantage

For cities evaluating whether a water-based transit system makes sense, the cost equation is hard to ignore. As KMRLs Behera points out, the capital cost of building a water metro is only a fraction of what it takes to build a rail metro.

A 75km elevated metro network could cost 15,000 crore. But a water metro of the same length would cost roughly 1,500 crore, he said.

The difference stems from the fundamentals. Rail metros require continuous elevated corridors, viaducts, stations, land acquisition and traffic diversions through dense urban areas. Water metros, by contrast, rely on existing waterways, building only terminals, pontoons, control systems and a fleet of electric boats.

For cities evaluating whether a water-based transit system makes sense, the cost equation is hard to ignore. 75 kilometre of elevated metro network could cost  15,000 crore. But a water metro of the same length would cost roughly  1,500 crore.

You dont have to lay flyovers or roads," said Sharif Qamar, associate director of transport and urban governance at The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), a research institute on energy, environment and urban development. Water is already there and you just have to put vessels on it."

So, how soon could the first new water metro outside Kochi actually take shape? According to IWAI, if the ongoing techno-feasibility studies are completed by year-end as planned, and if approvals and funding move swiftly, a conservative but realistic timeline for launching a pilot corridor would be sometime in 2027-28.

Choppy waters

Indias interest in water metros coincides with multiple structural challenges that could slow or complicate nationwide expansion. One of the most significant is boat-building capacity. Kochi needs 53 water metro boats for its complete network but currently has only 20 operational vessels. Manufacturing electric-hybrid boats is a specialized, time-consuming process with limited global suppliers.

The cost of procurement has risen substantially, too, from around 8 crore per boat during the first tender in 2019 to approximately 13 crore now, Behera noted.

View Full Image Loknath Behera, managing director of KMRL and Kochi Water Metro.

A second concern is the diversity of water bodies.

The IWAI Annual Report 202223 underlines why inland waterways never became a mainstream urban transport option. Only a small portion of Indias vast water network is actually usable year-round. The report highlighted that many stretches still lack adequate depth, dependable dredging, modern terminals or night-navigation systems.

Qamar emphasizes that each citys hydrology shapes whether a water metro can work. Some cities, like Kolkata, have perennial rivers, while others, like Panjim, have both navigable rivers and coastal stretches with tidal movements. But there are also places like Patna, where maintaining even the minimum draft is difficult. You need constant dredging throughout the year, Qamar explains, and that becomes a very costly intervention.

Financing and institutional coordination pose further challenges. IWAI shared with Mint that funding will likely involve a mix of state budgets, central government grants, multilateral loans and private participation in operations.

An equally pressing risk is political overreach. Qamar warns that cities may adopt water metros simply because they seem modern and attractive or because another city has done it. We have seen the same thing earlier with metro rail, where many cities wanted a metro without really looking at whether the demand justified it," said Qamar. A water metro should not be a showpiece. It only makes sense where there is real commuter demand."

Ease congestion?

Whether water metros can meaningfully reduce congestion depends on how various government bodies involved solve the challenges detailed above.

In cities where water routes provide genuine alternatives, like in Kochi, water metros can become the preferred mode. In the Kerala city, the water metro is priced to encourage regular use, with single-journey fares typically between 20 and 40 depending on distance, and monthly passes at 600. What makes it especially convenient is that passengers can use the same Kochi1 smart card, issued by KMRL, to access both boats and trains seamlessly.

However, Behera acknowledges that the system has not yet matured into a commuter-heavy, congestion-reducing network in Kochi. With only 20 boats operating across six of the planned 15 routes, demand is concentrated on tourist-facing corridors.

More than 80% of our commuters are tourists," he said, noting how the Fort Kochi and Mattancherry routes require more boats than originally planned, leaving several island-serving terminals underutilized.

The shortfall in boats, and the resulting partial network, means many daily-use routes for local residents are still not operational.

The next boats

Behera says the next wave of vessels may move beyond batteries altogether. Cochin Shipyard has already built Indias first hydrogen fuel-cell boat under a project supported by the ministry of ports, shipping and waterways. The 50-passenger ferry has been deployed in Varanasi, where it completed six months of trials on the Ganga and received clearance from the Indian Register of Shipping earlier this year.

Unlike the water metros current boats, which store electricity in large LTO batteries and need to be plugged in for charging, a hydrogen fuel-cell boat makes its own electricity on board. It carries hydrogen in tanks; the fuel cell combines this hydrogen with oxygen from the air to produce electricity, which then powers the motor. The only by-product released is water vapour.

This matters because hydrogen refuelling can be much faster than recharging batteries and gives boats a much longer operating range, allowing vessels to run extended services without lengthy charging breaks.

Nonetheless, the technology is still expensive. The hydrogen fuel-cell ferry built by Cochin Shipyard came at 18 crore, far higher than what a battery-electric water metro boat costs. The bigger constraint, however, is supply. Indias green hydrogen production remains limited, and building safe storage and bunkering systems adds another layer of cost and regulation.

But this picture is expected to shift. The governments National Green Hydrogen Mission, new production hubs at Kochi and other ports, and steadily falling electrolyser and fuel-cell prices could ease the supply chain over the next few years. That, Behera argues, is why hydrogen-powered vessels may eventually become viable for water metro fleets.

By 2030, our fleet in Kochi could have hydrogen boats," Behera said.

If costs indeed fall and infrastructure keeps pace, hydrogen-powered ferries and metro-grade boat terminals could become a regular part of urban commuting even in other Indian cities. They can offer the kind of effortless, scenic hop that Vypins Veliyath now enjoys.
Demi Moore used her 63rd birthday appearance on The Stephen Colbert Show to underline a point shes been making for much of the past year: aging, for her, has not meant a slowdown. The conversation on the show circled back to that idea after Colbert asked how she viewed a year that included her first Golden Globe win for The Substance, a leading role on Landman, and a spot on Glamours Women of the Year list.

Demi Moore on ageing Wow, what a great fun year, she told Colbert, adding that people who assume life shrinks with age are sadly mistaken. The episode aired on 11 November, the day she turned 63. "I just feel like this is an amazing time, and anybody who thinks that getting older means life is less is sadly mistaken," the Substance star told Colbert.

Moores shift in how she sees aging Moore has been unusually open about this phase of her life. In December 2024, speaking to PEOPLE at the Gotham Awards, she said her relationship with aging changed after realizing how often she had judged herself over the decades. She looked back at her 20s and 30s and recalled finding things that werent good enough, a pattern she now sees differently.

Her stance today is more about ease. She said she can still notice things shed prefer to change, but that the whole picture has become more important than the external version. That perspective resurfaced repeatedly during interviews promoting The Substance, a film built around themes of identity and reinvention.

Looking ahead, not back Moore also linked these ideas to the example she hopes to set for her daughters - Rumer, 37, Scout, 34, and Tallulah, 31 - during a Today Show appearance in September 2024. She said she wants them to grow up without believing life has a cutoff point.

With her children now adults, she described this stage as one of the most independent periods shes had, a moment where she can choose new directions without knowing exactly what shape theyll take.

Golden Globe milestone and the story behind it Moores Golden Globe win in January added another layer to the discussion. During her acceptance speech, she referenced a comment from a producer decades ago who dismissed her as a popcorn actress.

She said she internalized it at the time, believing it limited what she could achieve, and that it stayed with her until The Substance arrived at what she described as a low point in her career.

The film, she said, reminded her she wasnt finished. She closed her speech with a message she said was passed on to her: people may never feel enough, but they can still understand their worth if they stop measuring themselves against expectations.

FAQs What award did Demi Moore win this year? She won her first Golden Globe for The Substance, her 2024 film.
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], December 1 (ANI): Bollywood icon Madhuri Dixit has weighed in on the ongoing industry-wide debate over introducing 8-hour work shifts, saying that every actor should have the freedom to choose how they want to balance work and personal life.

The discussion was sparked following Bollywood actor Deepika Padukone's reported demand for 8-hour work shifts, which led to her exit from the upcoming film 'Spirit', directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, starring Prabhas. Deepika's departure has fueled widespread conversations across the industry about the demands of long shooting hours and the importance of work-life balance.

Madhuri, known for her decades-long career in Bollywood, reflected on her own experience of managing long shooting hours while also balancing motherhood.

In a conversation with ANI, Madhuri stressed that defining one's work hours is a personal decision, "The thing is that when we did 'Mrs Deshpande', we were working 12-hour shifts every day, like maybe more sometimes...So, I think to each his own. I'm a workaholic. So for me, maybe it's different, but if a woman has that power and can say, 'okay, I want to work these many hours,' then that's her prerogative, and that's her life, and that's how she wants to do it...Then more power to her"

Madhuri emphasised that the choice of work hours should be a personal one, stating that actors should not be pressured to conform to a set standard. Her views add to the ongoing industry debate about flexible work hours, with some actors advocating for a more structured work schedule, while others, like herself, see it as a matter of personal choice.

Earlier, actress Rani Mukerji had also expressed her views on the subject, explaining that flexible working hours have always been based on mutual understanding between actors and producers.

"These things are up for conversation today because maybe people are discussing it outside. But this has been the norm with all professions. I've also done it where I have worked for certain hours. If the producer's okay with it, you go ahead with the film. If the producer isn't okay with it, you don't make the film. So it's also a choice. Nobody is forcing anything on anybody," she remarked.

Madhuri, meanwhile, continues to be one of Bollywood's most revered actresses. She rose to fame with iconic films like 'Dil', 'Beta', 'Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!', and 'Dil To Pagal Hai'. She also earned critical acclaim for her performances in 'Prem Pratigyaa', 'Parinda', 'Mrityudand', 'Pukar', and 'Lajja'.

Her role as 'Chandramukhi' in Devdas earned her the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress.
Whitney Leavitt  best known from the reality show The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives and a recent contestant on Dancing With the Stars (DWTS)  is set to make a major leap to Broadway.

Whitney Leavitt joins Chicago Broadway show She has been cast as Roxie Hart in the Broadway production of Chicago, with a six-week limited run beginning 2 February 2026 at the Ambassador Theatre in New York City.

Leavitts casting comes shortly after a turbulent season on DWTS, where despite delivering technically strong performances with her partner Mark Ballas, she was eliminated in the semi-finals.

Many observers believe that her exit was influenced more by backlash from her reality-TV past and social media hate than by her dance skills.

Leavitt shared the news with people via her social media accounts. She wrote, Grateful beyond words to ANNOUNCE that I will be joining @chicagomusical in the iconic role of Roxie Hart  beginning Feb.2nd 2026! See you in New York City! #chicagoonbroadway (sic).

The official Instagram page of Chicago also shared the update on their bio.

View full Image They announced the casting on their official Instagram bio.

More about her time in Dancing With The Stars During her time on DWTS Season 34, Leavitt drew attention not just for her dancing but also for her earlier work on 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives  a background that provoked both scrutiny and support from fans. Despite this, her technical competence was evident: she and Ballas often received high marks and at one point even topped the leaderboard.

Also Read | Jordan Chiles shares emotional note for Ezra Sosa hours before the DWTS finale

After her elimination, Leavitt spoke openly about the experience. On social media, she likened leaving the show to going through a painful breakup, describing how difficult the sudden change was after spending so much time immersed in the DWTS world. Still, instead of retreating, she used the moment to pivot towards her next goal  a career in theatre.

The connection to Chicago is not coincidental. During DWTS this season, Leavitt and Ballas performed an Argentine tango to Cell Block Tango, a number directly inspired by Chicago and widely praised for its intensity and flair. That performance is now seen as a kind of audition for her Broadway casting.
On December 1, 2025, actors Samantha Ruth Prabhu and filmmaker Raj Nidimoru officially tied the knot  but not through a conventional ceremony. Instead, they chose a serene, spiritually-rooted ritual called Bhuta Shuddhi Vivaha for their wedding, held at the Isha Yoga Centres Linga Bhairavi Temple in Coimbatore.

The intimate ceremony was attended only by close family and friends  around 30 guests  and began in the early morning, around 6 a.m.

Samantha shared images from the ceremony on her social media, captioning the post simply with the date, 01.12.2025, confirming the union.

What Is Bhuta Shuddhi Vivaha  A Yogic, Elemental Union The Bhuta Shuddhi Vivaha isnt a typical regional or religious wedding  it is rooted in yogic tradition and emphasises a union at the level of elemental energies. The ritual aims to cleanse and align the five fundamental elements believed to constitute human existence: earth, water, fire, air and space.

The wedding is conducted in the sanctum of the temple  in this case, the sacred abode of Linga Bhairavi, considered a powerful energy form by followers of the centre. The couple undertakes the Vivaha in the presence of the Devi, symbolising a consecration not just of two individuals, but of two souls seeking spiritual harmony.

According to the tradition, Bhuta Shuddhi Vivaha can be performed by couples for their first marriage or even as a vow-renewal  what matters is the intention of aligning energies rather than following external social customs. Notably, the ritual is said to foster inner balance, mutual understanding, and spiritual bonding.

Focus more on Simplicity, Spirituality In keeping with the rituals spirit, the wedding avoided typical cinema style extravagance. Photographs show Samantha dressed in a red silk saree with traditional gold jewellery, while Raj wore a white kurta-churidaar with a beige Nehru jacket.

The decor was minimal but meaningful, ornamented with fresh flowers, diyas (lamps), and natural elements, in harmony with the environment and ethos of the centre.

Guests were offered traditional vivah kanukalu  wedding gifts that included incense made from Isha flowers, chocolate bars made in India, perfume from Samanthas brand and a note from the centre  adding to the sense of personal sincerity over showmanship.

Also Read | What is Isha Foundation? All about the place where Samantha and Raj got married

Why This Wedding Style Matters This marriage marks a clear departure from the spectacle often associated with celebrity weddings. Instead of grand venues and large guest lists, Samantha and Raj chose a meditative, elemental ritual rooted in yoga and spiritual introspection.

In a world where celebrity unions are often bombastic affairs, this choice emphasises inner connection, mutual respect and the idea of marriage as a spiritual journey  not a social headline. As the centre describes, Bhuta Shuddhi Vivaha is about uniting two individuals on an elemental level, aligning their energies for harmony and prosperity in life ahead.

A New Chapter for the Couple For Samantha and Raj, this ceremony represents more than a public confirmation of their relationship  it is a declaration of shared values. The couples decision to marry at sunrise, in a tranquil yogic setting, indicates a desire for a life built on calm, spiritual alignment rather than ostentation.

In the days since the wedding, fans, friends and peers from across the film industry have sent their blessings, celebrating the union for its sincerity and depth rather than glamour.
Veteran music mogul Simon Cowell has publicly expressed regret about his harsh behaviour during his years as a judge on the singing contest show American Idol.

Simon Cowell apologises for harsh judging days on American Idol In a candid interview with The New York Times released November 29, 2025, Cowell said he is not proud of some of the insults hurled at hopeful contestants, admitting he probably went too far.

He said, I wasnt trying to be a dick on purpose. All I wanted with these shows was to find successful artists to sign to the label. When auditionees failed to meet expectations, Cowell said he would often bluntly turn them down  in his words, after 10 seconds, You cant sing. Not, Youre going to be brilliant."

The interviewer pressed Cowell on the difference between honest critique and outright humiliation  noting the abundant compilations online of his most cutting remarks. Cowell acknowledged the weight of his past behaviour. Thats why I changed over time, he said. I did realise Ive probably gone too far.

He admitted that audition days were tedious and draining  and in those long hours, his impatience sometimes got the better of him. Of course, out of a hundred nice comments, what are they going to use? Theyre always going to use me in a bad mood, he said.

The 66-year-old judge then added, I got that. What can I say? Im sorry.

"That was then. Im not proud of it, lets put it that way," Cowell added. "I never look at this stuff online, so when I hear about these clips, Im like, 'Oh, God.' But then again, the upside is that it made the shows really popular worldwide."

Why was the harshness needed? For many, Cowells cutting persona on Idol helped define early-2000s reality television. Yet behind the sound-bites and editing, he said there was a real person feeling frustration. Asked why the harshness, Cowell replied his priority had always been to find real talent  quick  because the success of the show depended on discovering marketable stars for the record label he represented.
New Delhi, Dec 1 (PTI) Power consumption in the country fell marginally by 0.31 per cent to 123.4 billion units (BU) in November from 123.79 BU a year ago, due to frugal use of cooling appliances.

According to the government data, power consumption had declined by 5.8 per cent year-on-year in October this year to 131.07 BU.

Power consumption had risen to 145.66 BU in September from 140.61 BU in the same month a year ago.

Experts said October also saw unseasonal rains in various parts of the country which reduced the need of cooling appliance and with onset of winter in November, the usage reduced to almost nil.

They also stated that though the winter season has begun, the need for using heating appliances like geysers and blowers was not felt by many people during November.

However, the peak power demand met or the highest supply during November rose to 215.54 GW from 207.44 GW recorded in November 2024.

The peak power demand had touched an all-time high of about 250 GW in May 2024. The previous all-time high peak power demand of 243.27 GW was recorded in September 2023.

However, this summer (April onwards), the record peak power demand was 242.77 GW in June.

According to government estimates, peak power demand was expected to touch 277 GW in the summer of 2025.
Goa, December 2025  In a landscape filled with ticketed summits and over produced events, Together Goa 2025 stood out for one reason: it felt real. Hosted by She Capital, the invite only gathering brought more than 150 founders, investors and operators into a room built for honest, equal access conversation.

Held on 13 and 14 November, the two day gathering has evolved into one of Indias most trusted founder circles. There were no VIP zones or long speeches. Sessions remained short, discussions stayed sharp and people spoke openly about the choices and challenges behind building companies.

She Capitals broader mandate was visible throughout the event. The fund has long argued that women are not just building companies but shaping one of the worlds most influential consumer segments. Together extends that belief by creating a space where founders and investors meet without hierarchy, without filters and without the usual industry performance.

View full Image Together Goa 2025: Indias Boldest Founders, One Room, Zero Barriers

We built Together to give women founders what every founder deserves: access, trust and community. From the first year, it was obvious this was where founders spoke openly and found their own kind. It is the only invite only event in India with this level of access, where founders, investors and even Bollywood founders stand on equal footing. Now, with people flying in from Japan to the United States, Together has quietly become a global room where honesty drives real change.

 Anisha Singh, Founder and Managing Partner, She Capital

Attending for the first time, Preeti Jhangiani spoke about moving from Bollywood to being a founder and the grind of building something entirely new.

This was my first time at Together, and I immediately understood why people keep coming back. I am building a league in a space where women are still rare, so walking into a room where everyone speaks openly felt refreshing. It is warm, it is honest and it is one of the few places where founders from completely different worlds connect without pretense.

 Preeti Jhangiani, Co founder, Pro Panja League

View full Image Together Goa 2025: Indias Boldest Founders, One Room, Zero Barriers

Other sessions echoed this spirit. Preeti and Parvin Dabas spoke about the journey of building something completely new in the Indian sporting landscape. Shagun Chowdhary Singh reflected on the discipline and focus her journey demanded and the parallels she sees with founders building for the long term. A debate format sparked energetic discussion on whether founders should build for a global audience or remain rooted in India first. A candid conversation with VCs explored everything from the mood of the IPO markets to how investors interpret intent and conviction. These conversations, both on and off stage, gave the gathering a sense of relevance and immediacy.

Much of the magic unfolded outside the formal programme. Under palm trees, beside coffee counters and during unplanned gatherings, people spoke about burnout, hiring, customer acquisition and the emotional weight of building.

View full Image Together Goa 2025: Indias Boldest Founders, One Room, Zero Barriers

The signature white beach night once again became the emotional centre of the gathering. Without any formal agenda, founders and investors shared stories of setbacks, resilience and defining moments. The atmosphere encouraged unhurried, honest conversation that continued long into the night.

What began as an experiment has now grown into a tight knit founder community. Together Goa 2025 reaffirmed that when trust and access come together in the right room, founders make better decisions, investors become better partners and companies grow with more clarity.

She Capital is Indias most active diversity focused venture fund, backing women led companies and brands shaped by the women as consumer opportunity, while also building the ecosystem through Together and its growing female founder community.

Note to readers: This article is part of Mints paid consumer connect Initiative. Mint assumes no editorial involvement or responsibility for errors, omissions, or content accuracy.
The fire in a Hong Kong high-rise last week was followed by an outpouring of support for victims and official efforts to control the public response, including a threat to arrest those who direct their anger over the tragedy at the government.

It was a display of how the once-freewheeling city of Hong Kong has been brought to heel by strict national-security laws and Beijings growing control.

The fire broke out on Wednesday afternoon and engulfed seven of eight towers in the Wang Fuk Court housing complex. It wasnt brought under control until more than 24 hours later. At least 151 people died and many of the complexs 4,600 residents, including seniors who had lived there for decades, lost their homes.

On Sunday, thousands of people had gathered outside the charred buildings in Hong Kongs Tai Po district to lay flowers and leave mementos and messages such as rest in peace" and Hong Kong be strong." At a plaza at the complex, people manning a local relief effort collected donations and distributed essentials such as clothing, bedding, diapers and food to residents displaced by the fire.

By Sunday evening, the donation booths were gone, replaced by police command tents.

Government authorities have stepped in with official relief measures and sanctioned mourning activities, such as flying flags at half-staff and the establishment of designated condolence sites.

Beijings national-security office in Hong Kong warned that any attempt to exploit the fire to create disorder would be punished by law. The office said antiChina groups and individuals were spreading false information, undermining relief efforts and inciting resentment toward the government and its leaders.

Alleged rabble-rousers are attempting to use the victims grief to advance their political ambitions, pushing Hong Kong back into the turmoil of the extradition-bill unrest and reviving the darkest days of violent unrest," the security office said.

Darkest days" refers to the months of protests and violent unrest in Hong Kong in 2019 that were sparked by a proposed law that would allow the extradition of suspects for prosecution in mainland China.

Hong Kong adopted a strict National Security Law the following year that gave Chinas central government a much stronger hand in policing dissent. Authorities have since treated large, spontaneous public gatherings with suspicion.

The national-security regulations, which were expanded last year, feature broad provisions against subversion and foreign collusion that have been used to clamp down on popular expressions of dissent.

The recent tragedy came as the Hong Kong government has been campaigning to boost turnout for a legislative council election scheduled for Dec. 7. Following a 2021 revamp of the Hong Kong electoral system, candidates must undergo a vetting process to ensure political loyalty and the number of directly elected seats has been reduced.

The government said last week that election activities would be paused while authorities address the fire and its aftermath. Officials havent said that the election would be postponed.

A petition circulated online by activists demanded an independent investigation of the fire that goes beyond construction materials and addresses how Hong Kong is run. The list of demands in the petition echoed the protest chants of 2019.

The Hong Kong Centre for Human Rights, a group of rights advocates, said that the national-security laws may keep people from expressing opinions about what happened. They fear questions regarding the cause and handling of the disaster could be deemed as sedition," the group said.

A person who was seen distributing fliers demanding an independent investigation and government accountability was detained by national-security police on Saturday, and has since been released on bail, the rights group said. The Hong Kong police didnt reply to a request for comment.

Investigations into the cause of the fire and its rapid spread have focused on a renovation project at Wang Fuk Court, including the bamboo scaffolding and green netting that encased the towers.

As of Monday afternoon, Hong Kong police said they had arrested 13 people on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with the fire, including scaffolding contractors, while the citys anticorruption commission said 12 people had been arrested as part of a corruption investigation related to the renovation project.

No matter who you are," Hong Kong Secretary for Security Chris Tang said on Monday, as long as our investigation uncovers evidence, we will arrest you."

Over the weekend, a Chinese central government agency ordered a nationwide inspection of highrises. It will focus on fire risk, especially in buildings under renovation where bamboo or wooden scaffolding, as well as nonflameretardant safety nets are in use.

The Hong Kong government said Monday that seven of 20 scaffold-netting samples tested had failed to meet fire-resistance standards. Authorities also noted safety hazards associated with bamboo scaffolding, a longtime Hong Kong construction practice, and said they would discuss the gradual introduction of metal scaffolding.

The governments development bureau said that investigators werent singling out bamboo scaffolding as the cause of the fire and that no conclusions have been reached. Followup measures involve a comprehensive review of all scaffolding, both bamboo and metal, as well as safety nets and related regulations, the bureau said.

Write to Jason Chau at jason.chau@wsj.com
Venezuela has become a major launchpad for huge volumes of cocaine shipped to West Africa, where jihadists are helping traffic it to Europe in record quantities.

Corrupt military officers and drug gangs smuggle shipments by light aircraft, fishing boats, semi-submersible vessels and freighters heading east, international law-enforcement officials have said publicly. The cocaine flows to West Africa, where an informal network of jihadist-linked smugglers and their allies then move the drug north to feed high and rising demand in Europe.

Cocaine in the 1980s is not the same as the one we see today," said Jesus Romero, a retired U.S. military intelligence officer. There are direct linkages to terrorist organizations to support their cause."

Unprecedented levels of cocaine production in Colombia in recent years have overwhelmed traditional smuggling routes, leading traffickers to exploit Venezuelas strategic location, ineffectual security institutions and long coastline, the law-enforcement officials have said. That has led cocaine consumption to rise worldwide in regions that hadnt been major consumers, from Australia to Eastern Europe, United Nations drug researchers say.

The confluence of drug smugglers, jihadists and corrupt officials is part of a growing global alignment among criminal gangs, militant groups and rogue governments that threatens democratic norms and social stability, with profound potential ramifications.

Now, the Trump administrations pressure campaign against Venezuelan leader Nicolas Madurowho it asserts is heavily involved in drug smugglinghas brought global attention to the countrys role in the drug trade. Maduro has denied the allegation.

Trump has ordered strikes on boats allegedly carrying drugs to the U.S. from Venezuela, but experts say the South American country sends far more narcotics for distribution to Europe, mostly through West Africa and islands near its coastline. The U.S. has also hit drug boats leaving Colombia, the worlds biggest producer of cocaine.

There in Africa, smugglers link up with al Qaeda-affiliated groups that escort the cargoes north and extort payments from the overland convoys, said current and former rebel leaders in northern Mali.

Surging trans-Atlantic drug flows mean that cocaine seizures in Europe now exceed those in North America, according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.

The quantities have gone up so much, the problem that traffickers have now is moving them," says Jeremy McDermott, co-director at InSight Crime, a think tank focused on organized crime in the Americas.

Bertrand Monnet, a professor of criminal risk at French business school Edhec, said Venezuela has become a top Latin American transit route to Europe, though cocaine is also shipped to Europe from Brazil, Guyana and other countries in large quantities.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio cited Venezuelas role as a drugs transit hub as a justification for the U.S.s strikes on alleged drug boats. He said that instead of Europeans criticizing the U.S. action, maybe they should be thanking us."

Antidrug officials say there are increasing signs of Venezuelan involvement in the European drug trade, with Spanish police in recent weeks detaining 13 members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, a first in Europe.

Drug cargoes often pass through multiple hands en route to consumers, with numerous actors participating almost independently of each other. Almost no coca leaf, the plants used to make cocaine, is grown in Venezuela, and few labs there refine the final cocaine product. But Colombian traffickers typically bring cocaine overland into the country, before it is shipped to Africa.

In September last year, two cocaine-laden Gulfstream private jets took off from a makeshift airstrip in Apure, a Venezuelan state on the Colombian border. One of the aircraft was seized during a stop in the tiny West African nation of Guinea-Bissau with 2.6 tons of cocaine on board, according to Guinea-Bissau authorities, a record seizure for a country long known as a narcotics hub.

The second aircraft reached nearby Burkina Faso, another country ravaged by Islamist extremists, said Romero, the former intelligence officer, who was briefed on the flights.

Traffickers are flying at least one cargo a week from Venezuela to West Africa, say current and former Western officials. Smugglers turn off their planes transponders to hide their movements and bribe air-traffic controllers to switch off their tracking systems when drug planes pass overhead, according to InSight Crime.

Corruption at airports has also enabled organized criminals to ship large quantities of drugs through commercial airliners. In 2013, shortly after Maduros election, a British drug trafficker shipped almost 1.4 tons of cocaine hidden in suitcases on a flight from Caracas to Paris, where it was seized by French police.

In 2020, the U.S. accused Maduro and his ally Diosdado Cabello, now Venezuelas interior minister, of involvement in the case, citing communications intercepts. Cabello has long denied drug allegations, saying they are being used to justify toppling the Maduro government.

The record seizure last year in Guinea-Bissau was intended for northern Mali, according to Guinea-Bissau judicial police, where the illegal trade is funding local al Qaeda groups, say the current and former Western officials.

After al Qaeda took control of the desert region in 2012, veteran Algerian jihadist Mokhtar Belmokhtar fought secular Malian Tuareg factions to gain control of cocaine smuggling routes, according to a public European investigation. Local drug traffickers also started working with the jihadist group to preserve their trade routes, say current and former European security officials.

From Mali, the drugs cross the Sahara and into Algeria, Morocco and Libya, say Western officials. A Russia-backed Libyan faction is collecting fees on cocaine transiting from Niger to Egypt, according to a 2024 U.N. report. From Northern Africa, the drugs are shipped across the Mediterranean Sea to Southern Europe.

Traffickers also often take advantage of corruption at ports and along Venezuelas coastline to send vessels to Portugal or Spain, according to InSight Crime, as well as other European countries.

In one of the biggest seizures to date, Spanish authorities last December seized 3.3 tons of cocaine aboard a Spain-bound Venezuelan fishing vessel near the Canary Islands. Another ship, the MV Matthew, whose seizure in 2023 with 2.2 tons of cocaine was the biggest haul in Ireland ever, had loaded the drugs in waters near Venezuela, according to Irish police.

Colombian drug dealers also use semi-submersibles from Venezuela to move cocaine to Spain, according to InSight Crime. Portuguese police earlier this month detained such a vessel with 1.7 tons of cocaine, manned by a Venezuelan crew, as it sailed across the mid-Atlantic.

European law-enforcement authorities have boosted cooperation with African countries, but failed to keep pace with rising volumes. In the Sahel, the fight has suffered a setback from a breakdown in cooperation following military coups, said Aurelien Llorca, a fellow at the Geneva Graduate Institute who investigated the illicit trade.

Coups and instability are making things worse," Llorca said.

Write to Benoit Faucon at benoit.faucon@wsj.com
Uganda is among a raft of poorer countries pulling back the welcome mat, which officials here blame on deep cuts to American aid. The move is the latest sign that impoverished nations are joining far wealthier states in turning desperate people away.

We have now decided to narrow the support to only vulnerable refugees," Geoffrey Mugabe, a senior official in the Ugandan prime ministers office, said. Registration of refugees from countries that are not in conflict has been closed."

The new restrictions, announced in October, have prevented the entry of 5,000 refugees into the country, according to government estimates.

Even people fleeing Somalia, a country mired in civil war and Islamist violence for decades, are being turned away at Ugandan border crossings, according to Mugabe.

Egypt, Kenya and Ethiopia are also moving to restrict new refugees, citing funding shortages, aid agencies say. People escaping the civil war in Sudan now need visas to enter Egypt, or run the risk of deportation. Ethiopia has also revoked visa exemptions and police routinely detain people lacking the necessary paperwork, aid officials say.

Kenyas courts are considering government plans to stop registering asylum seekers from Eritrea and Ethiopia, while Chads government warned in June that it may be forced to close its land border with Sudan because of insufficient international support for the nearly one million people who have crossed into its territory.

Uganda had been a notable exception to a worldwide pull-up-the-drawbridge trend, granting shelter to almost two million desperate neighbors, allowing them to work and even giving many of them land to farm. In 2021, it became the first African country to accept Afghan refugees evacuated after the Taliban ousted the Kabul government. Under a deal with Washington in August, Uganda agreed to take in U.S. deportees who believe it unsafe to return to their countries of origin. Uganda has yet to receive any such deportees.

I am trying to build my future from here," said Alberdine Mohamed, who fled to Uganda from Sudan in 2023. His children attend Ugandan schools and his wife has started a business in Kampala, the capital.

Uganda is in a rough neighborhood, and there is no shortage of people fleeing conflict in nearby countries. There is war in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and fresh clashes between political factions in South Sudan. Sudan itself has been engulfed in civil war for more than two years.

Ultimately, our goal has always been to ease the suffering of migrants and refugees," said Patrick Okrut, Ugandas commissioner responsible for migration.

Refugees and asylum seekers constitute 3.9% of Ugandas population, according to the Norwegian Refugee Council. (By comparison, the same figure in far wealthier Norway stands at 2.4%.) It has taken a $380 million World Bank loan to build schools, hospitals, and sanitary facilities in crowded camps and host communities.

The U.S. hosts 3.6 million refugees and asylum seekers, a large number but just 1.1% of its population. In Europe, Germany, long open to migrants, is now rejecting many of them under a new policy announced in May. Migrants who illegally enter Italy or France risk being detained in filthy, overcrowded camps, according to the United Nations refugee agency. The European Union pays African nations to block migrants from crossing the Mediterranean.

Ugandas generosity, however, depended on U.S. generosity. In the final year of the Biden administration, the U.S. contributed $83 million in food, medical and education assistance that Uganda provided to refugees.

Soon after taking office in January, Trump effectively dismantled the U.S. Agency for International Development, the traditional conduit for American foreign assistance.

Now Uganda says it can no longer afford to play host to Africas neediest, while political pressure to close the door is also growing, especially in the countrys north, where there is growing competition for land and resources between locals and refugees.

They are not allowing any of my family members here," said Anastazia Bununsi, an Eritrean waitress who came to Kampala as an asylum seeker. If I get a better option, I will try to leave Uganda."

Tommy Pigott, the State Departments deputy spokesman, said the Trump administration, dismissed the idea that the obligation to provide aid falls solely on the U.S. The Trump administration has continuously called on nations around the world to join the United States in offering humanitarian assistance to vulnerable populations," he said. The U.S. is the worlds most generous nation, but were not the only one that can help."

The U.N. budget for refugee services in Uganda has fallen from $500 million in 2019 to around $140 million this year. As of August, the U.N. had received only 18% of its $968 million appeal to fund refugee and other aid programs in Uganda this year, according to U.N. data.

In one settlement near Ugandas border with South Sudan, refugee families are eating just two or three meals a week, leaving nearly a third of the children in the camp malnourished, according to Food for the Hungry, a charity. In settlements close to the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, health officials are turning away patients seeking treatment for bacterial infections in favor of more urgent cases, aid officials say. At another settlement, the U.N. refugee agency has run out of blankets, tarpaulins and sleeping mats, forcing refugees to sleep in the open.

In most refugee settlements, the government has run out of land to allocate to migrants for crop cultivation, and in at least one, refugees have come to blows over the plots that are available.

The living conditions in settlements are extremely poor and deeply concerning," said Godfrey Ayena, director of Food for the Hungrys Uganda office, which runs a malnutrition-treatment program.

Humanitarian agencies are urging the Ugandan government to maintain its open-door policy. But government officials say budgets are so constrained that the only available option is to encourage some refugees to return home, despite the risks they would face.

Since the start of the year, more than 4,000 refugees have abandoned Ugandan encampments, opting to return to Burundi, South Sudan and other countries, according to the U.N. refugee agency.

By years end, some 2,000 refugees are expected to return to a precarious future in Sudan, considered by aid workers to be immersed in the worlds worst humanitarian crisis as its brutal civil war drags on.

Write to Nicholas Bariyo at nicholas.bariyo@wsj.com
New Delhi: Buoyed by higher exports, Indias agrochemical industry is set to consolidate its revenues with a likely 6-7% growth this fiscal year, Crisil Ratings said in report on Monday. A revival in global demand and the gradual clearing of excess stocks across key markets have perked up exports in the sector, the report said. After a 3% decline in FY24, revenues were up 5-6% in FY25, as per Crisil.

Domestic sales, however, remain subdued due to a prolonged monsoon that weighed on kharif season offtake, delayed field readiness for the next crop and also led to product returns, the report said.

India's agrochemical market is dominated by insecticides (41% share in FY24), followed by herbicides (22%), fungicides (21%), plant growth regulators (6%), biostimulants (8%) and seed treatment products (2%), as per a September report of the Agro-Chemicals Federation of India (Acfi) and Deloitte.

The industrys return to its long-term growth range of 8-10% next fiscal year will depend on whether exports sustain the current momentum and domestic demand strengthens from this years weak base, Crisil said.

Export data shows a clear turnaround. After rising to $5.37 billion in FY23, agrochemical exports fell sharply to $4.19 billion in FY24 amid global destocking and lower price realizations. They recovered marginally to $4.27 billion in FY25 as demand improved in Latin America, North America and Europe. In the first half of FY26, exports have already touched $2.09 billion.

Crisils assessment is based on a study of about 60 companies that together account for nearly 90% of the sectors annual revenue of around 90,000 crore. Domestic and export markets continue to contribute almost equally to the topline.

India's key agrochemical manufacturers include UPL, PI Industries, Rallis India, Sumitomo Chemical India, Coromandel International and Sharda Cropchem, which together account for a significant share of Indias manufacturing and export base. As per the commerce ministry-led India Brand Equity Foundation, the domestic agrochemical market was valued at about $ 7.82 billion in FY24.

Also Read | Domestic consumption to cushion growth in second half of FY26: SBI Caps

Global demand is firming up because buyers are finally moving past the inventory glut that had stalled purchases for nearly two years, said Kalyan Goswami, director general of the Agro Chem Federation of India (Acfi). Distributors in Latin America and Europe have started replenishing stocks as consumption has normalized and prices have stabilized," Goswami said. "The stronger farm outlook in several key markets is also supporting fresh orders. These factors together are lifting export demand after a long period of correction.

The industry's operating margins are expected to hold steady this fiscal year and the next, supported by stable raw material prices, steady realizations and only a limited impact from the US tariff hikes, Crisil's report said. With modest capital spending and more predictable working capital cycles, companies are likely to keep debt under control after a few years of pressure on their balance sheets, it said.

The export turnaround follows two volatile years marked by supply chain disruptions and inventory corrections. Over 65% of Indias agrochemical exports are headed to Latin America, North America and Europe. The demand in Latin America has improved modestly, Europe is stabilizing as the inventory levels fall back to the normal levels, and the US market has remained steady with 8085% of Indian shipments exempt from the latest tariff hikes, it said.

India has retained its position as a key supplier to the US, which sources nearly 70% of its agrochemical imports from China and India combined.

Improved farm sentiment globally will drive up export revenue by 8-9% this fiscal. Domestic demand will continue to feel the impact of excess rainfall, which damaged crops and disrupted the sales cycle. With realizations stabilizing after two years of sharp cuts, the 67% industry growth this year will be driven more by volumes than prices, said Anuj Sethi, senior director at Crisil Ratings.

Prices in the domestic market have also steadied as Chinas excess inventories have tapered. The sector's realizations from Chinese imports of inputs are hovering around $5 per kg on an average, in line with last year. With environmental enforcement in China maintaining steady supply and inventories now balanced, Crisil expects prices in sector to remain stable through the year.

Also Read | In the works, QCO for food processing machines as China imports surge

Operating margins are expected to remain at 12.513% (in FY26), still below the pre-pandemic peak of around 15%. The stability follows the sharp correction in fiscal 2024 and is supported by better operating leverage, softer input costs and tighter cost controls. Annual investments of around 5,500 crore in import substitution, new registrations and debottlenecking will continue, while steady cash accruals and disciplined working capital will keep borrowing needs low, said Poonam Upadhyay, director at Crisil Ratings.

For the companies tracked, debt-to-Ebitda is likely to improve to around 1.3 times and interest coverage to about seven times this fiscal year and the next, compared with 1.5 times and six times last year, the report said.

The Acfi-Deloitte report highlighted the need for policy support to sustain this growth momentum. ACFI has urged the government to introduce a production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme and tax holidays for the sector, noting that these measures could reduce their dependence on imports of key molecules and help develop large-scale manufacturing hubs.
As banks worldwide double down on digital transformation, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) deputy governor Swaminathan J. has cautioned lenders that they cannot simply rely on third-party service providers for outsourced solutions.

Banks cannot simply rely on the assurance of service providers, he said in a speech at an annual banking event organized by Standard Chartered on 28 November.

He urged lenders to gain a deep understanding of the technology, control environment, and the concentration risk that arises when many banks depend on the same provider.

Also Read | RBI may hold rates steady in December, economists split on possible cut

With more banking operations moving to cloud and third-party platforms, a glitch that once disrupted a single branch can now impact millions of customers simultaneously.

He also said the real test is not whether an incident will happen, but how quickly and effectively the institution can detect, contain and recover from it.

This has come as major banks globally have suffered painful outages this year.

Past incidents In January 2025, Barclays, one of the UKs largest lenders, experienced a massive app and online banking outage, which locked out over 20 million customers and disrupted critical services like payments.

Also Read | RBI announces relief for export sectors facing trade disruption

Back home, in April 2025, State Bank of India (SBI) customers faced disruptions in mobile banking and fund transfers.

Digital payments infrastructures had also come under stress when the popular fast-payments network Unified Payments Interface (UPI) experienced multiple outages earlier this year.

On 12 April, a system-wide glitch caused a five-hour disruption, severely affecting inter-bank transfers and merchant payments.

Such disruptions show that in a banking era where customers seldom visit physical branches, a technical failure can leave them unable to access money or pay bills.

Speaking on IT resilience, Swaminathan also said while banks have invested in systems to detect suspicious transactions to curb cyber frauds, technology alone is not enough.
Invicta Diagnostic IPO: The 28 crore initial public offering (IPO) of Invicta Diagnostics opened for bidding on Monday, December 1. The issue will be available for subscription till Wednesday, December 3.

The issue was off to a slow start on the first day, garnering soft bids from retail investors and non-institutional buyers (NIIs).

Invicta Diagnostic IPO Subscription Status Invicta Diagnostic IPO was booked 95% on the second day of the bidding process as of 5 pm. The offer received bids for 22,30,400 shares as against 23,44,000 shares on offer.

The retail investor quota was booked 79%, while the NII portion received bids for 74%. Lastly, the QIB segment subscription status was 1.55 times.

Invicta Diagnostic IPO GMP Invicta Diagnostic IPO grey market premium (GMP) today was nil. This means that shares of Invicta Diagnostic were trading at par with the upper end of the price band today. At the prevailing price band, Invicta Diagnostic IPO listing price could be 85.

Invicta Diagnostic IPO Details The IPO by the diagnostic services provider is a mix of fresh share sale of 0.33 crore shares worth 28.12 at the upper end of the price band of 80-85 apiece.

Ahead of the SME IPO's launch, the company raised 6.79 crore from anchor investors on November 28. The allotment for the IPO is slated to be finalised on Thursday, December 4, and the listing will take place on the NSE SME segment on December 8.

The company plans to use the funds from the IPO worth 21.11 crore for funding capital expenditure for the purchase of medical equipment towards the establishment of five new diagnostic centres in Maharashtra, and the remaining for general corporate purposes.

Investors can apply for Invicta Diagnostic IPO in lots of 1600 shares, with the retail investors required to apply for a minimum of two lots, requiring an investment of 2,72,000 at the upper end of the issue.

Invicta Diagnostic undertakes radiology and pathology testing, including imaging, radiology, and teleradiology, under the brand 'PC Diagnostics' through seven diagnostic centres and a central laboratory across Mumbai, Maharashtra.

Socradamus Capital is the book-running lead manager, and Bigshare Services is the registrar of the issue.
Upcoming IPOs: As many as 12 companies are set to hit the Indian primary market in the month of December 2025, looking to raise a cumulative 40,000 crore, as the IPO frenzy continues at full speed.

With three IPOs  namely Meesho, Aequs and Vidya Wire  set to open this week, the total funds raised from the primary market will swell to the highest ever, easily surpassing the 1,59,783.76 crore fundraise seen in 2024.

With several IPOs scheduled for December, the total fundraising in 2025 could touch 2 lakh crore, setting a new record for India's primary markets, Thomas Stephen, Head - Preferred, Anand Rathi Share and Stock Brokers, told PTI.

Also Read | Meesho IPO vs Vidya Wires IPO vs Aequs IPO: What GMP signals about upcoming IPOs

The strong IPO market trend signals strong investor appetite for fresh issues as they look to tap listing gay gains and bet on strong companies with long-term growth potential.

Upcoming IPOs in December Here's a look at some of the IPOs looking to hit the Indian stock market in December:

Meesho IPO SoftBank-backed Meesho is looking to raise 5,421 crore through an issue opening on December 3. The IPO comprises a fresh issue worth 4,250 crore and an OFS of 10.55 crore shares valued at 1,171 crore. The offer is priced in the range of 105-111 per share.

Aequs IPO At the same time, precision component maker Aequs' 922 crore IPO will also hit Dalal Street on December 3. The company is valued at over 8,300 at the upper end of the price band of 18-124 per share.

Vidya Wires IPO Vidya Wires' 300 crore public offering would be available for subscription from December 3 to December 5. Winding and conductivity products producer Vidya Wires has set a price range of 48-52 per share, valuing the company at 1,100 crore at the upper end of the issue.

Wakefit Innovations IPO Home and furnishings company Wakefit Innovations will launch its IPO on December 8 to raise around 1,400 crore. The company's public offering is a combination of a fresh issue of equity shares aggregating up to 377.1 crore and an offer-for-sale (OFS) of 4.67 crore shares by the selling shareholders. The company is yet to announce the price band, while the PTI report pegs issue size at 1,400 crore.

ICICI Prudential AMC IPO As per media reports, ICICI Prudential AMC has received Sebi nod for the IPO, with the company looking to raise 10,000 crore. India's second-largest AMC by funds under management may launch the share sale in the second half of December.

Other IPOs As per the PTI report, some other mega offerings planned for December include  Clean Max Enviro Energy Solutions ( 5,200 crore), Fractal Analytics ( 4,900 crore) and Juniper Green Energy ( 3,000 crore).

Meanwhile, Manipal Payment, Kanodia Cement, Corona Remedies, Milky Mist, Amagi Media Labs, Nephrocare Health Services, Veeda Clinical, LCC Projects, Waterways Leisure, KSH International, Skyways Air Services, Ardee Engineering, PNGS Reva Diamond, and CIEL HR Services are some of the companies looking to hit the Indian primary market between December and January, as per the PTI report.

Blockbuster year for IPOs The year 2025 has been a blockbuster year for IPOs, with the total fundraising hitting the highest ever. So far, till November, 93 companies have already hit the Indian primary market, raising 1,54,056 crore so far. A total of 91 companies raised funds from the primary market last year.

Tata Capital was this year's biggest IPO with a 15,512 crore fundraise. Meanwhile, LG Electronics, Lenskart, Groww and HDB Financial and were among other marquee names that have already floated share sales this year.

(With inputs from PTI)
After a decent first half (H1FY26), the demand for Grade-A office spaces is expected to sustain in H2FY26 as well. The top six Indian cities saw net absorption of 36 million square feet (msf) in H1, outpacing 30.6msf of new supply, ICRA data showed. Net absorption is the total square feet that is physically occupied, minus the total square feet that is physically vacant during a specific period.

Global capability centres (GCCs), flex-space operators and banking, financial services, and insurance (BFSI) sectors remain the driving forces. Among them, GCCs spread across healthcare, manufacturing and technology industries are doing the heavy lifting. GCCs are typically companies of foreign origin that set up their back-office operations and R&D activities in India.

Also Read | Mid-market global capability centres tend to grow faster than larger peers

Faster absorption of available office units has pushed occupancies higher and vacancies lower. Vacancy level slid to 14% in March from 15.6% a year earlier, and dropped further to 13% by September. ICRA projects net absorption to hit an all-time high of 69-70msf in FY26 and vacancy level at 12.5-13%.

If this hope materializes, then rental growth, which has been hovering in the single digit, should get a leg-up. In the first nine months of 2025, monthly office rentals rose 6% year-on-year to around 90/sf at an all-India level, showed Anarock Property Consultants data. Bengaluru saw the highest jump during this period, with rentals rising 9% year-on-year.

In line with this industry trend, listed real estate investment trusts or Reits, estimated to account for around 15% of the total office stock across top cities in India, saw a healthy September quarter (Q2FY26). A highlight of the quarter was committed occupancies touching or breaching the 90% mark for key Reits. Committed occupancy rate includes properties where leases have already been signed with tenants but have yet to commence. Their managements are confident that occupancies will trend up from these levels, aided by the conversion of special economic zone (SEZ) spaces into non-SEZ spaces amid healthy demand.

Also Read | India office Reits report higher FY25 income, leasing on strong GCC demand

Embassy Office Parks Reit eyes portfolio occupancy of 93% by area (including Embassy Quadron) from 90% in Q2. Similarly, Brookfield India Real Estate Trust has guided for portfolio occupancy to be at 93% from 90%. Mindspace Business Parks Reit management anticipates committed occupancy to touch 95% (excluding Pocharam) from 93.8% in Q2.

Rising occupancies bode well for the earnings prospects of listed Reits. Here, distribution per unit (DPU) becomes crucial. DPU is the total amount of income (like rental income or dividends) that a Reit distributes to its investors for each unit they hold. In other words, DPU helps gauge the income potential of a Reit investment. As per Nuvama Research estimates, Mindspace and Embassy could generate DPU CAGR of 11% and 13%, respectively, over FY25-FY28. Brookfield could see a relatively lower DPU CAGR of around 7%, it said.

Also Read | CII unveils model policy to expand Global Capability Centres beyond metros

On the flipside, macroeconomic concerns could play a dampener for demand, leading to rentals stagnating at current levels. The impact from the second-round effects of US-led tariffs and ongoing geopolitical tensions is not clear yet. This could elongate decision-making cycles of large companies situated in foreign countries. Plus, the IT/ITeS sectorsonce key drivers of office space demandare still struggling with muted revenue growth and tepid hiring. In the case of lower third-party outsourcing, these sectors may not generate increased demand for office spaces. At a micro level, office units that do not hold green certifications may not see much demand, given the increasing preference for these among tenants. Thus, making timely physical upgrades is vital for office asset managers.
Bharat Dynamics shares are likely to attract investors' interest during Tuesday's session, December 02, as the company secured a significant order. In its regulatory filing post-market hours today, the company informed investors that it had secured a 2,462 crore order from the Indian Army.

The company will supply anti-tank guided missiles and surface-to-air missiles. It stated that these orders have been booked after the previous update issued in mid-November.

Earlier in mid-November, the company had signed a contract worth 2,096 crore with the Ministry of Defence for the supply of Invar anti-tank missiles for the Indian Army.

Bharat Dynamics Q2 results 2025 Bharat Dynamics reported a strong performance for Q2FY26, with its standalone profit rising 76.2% year-on-year to 215.88 crore, up from 122.53 crore in the same quarter last year.

Revenue from operations surged 110.55% to 1,147.03 crore, compared with 544.77 crore a year ago. Total expenses also grew sharply, increasing 111% to 979.98 crore from 464.33 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous year.

EBITDA climbed 89.4% to 188 crore versus 98.8 crore last year. Despite the higher EBITDA, the EBITDA margin declined to 16.4%, compared with 18.1% in the year-ago period.

Total operating revenue reached 1,394.96 crore in H1FY26, up 89.5% from 735.94 crore in H1FY25. Meanwhile, total expenses for H1FY26 increased 78.24% year-on-year to 1,291.64 crore, compared with 724.65 crore in the corresponding period last year.

Following the earnings, Choice Institutional Equities said that multiple high-value indigenous programs, such as Astra Mk-2, Akash NG, and ATGM, are expected to move into production. Hence, BDL remains one of the most credible beneficiaries of Indias growing missile modernisation agenda, it added.

Also Read | Diwali stock picks: 15 Muhurat trading picks by Choice Equity Broking

The brokerage believes that Bharat Dynamics continues to be one of the most credible beneficiaries of Indias missile modernisation efforts. Its established infrastructure, close collaboration with DRDO, and proven execution capability across complex missile systems provide a clear competitive advantage.

Motilal Oswal expects BDL to benefit from emergency procurement, QRSAM, follow-on Astra orders from HAL, VSHORADS, and other programs. With a strong order book of 23,500 crore and a focus on execution, the firm projects the company to grow revenue, EBITDA and PAT at 35%, 64% and 51% over FY25-28.
The Indian stock market benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty 50, are likely to open higher on Monday, boosted by higher-than-expected Indias Q2 GDP growth. Global markets remain mixed.

The trends on Gift Nifty also indicate a gap-up start for the Indian benchmark index. The Gift Nifty was trading around 26,530 level, a premium of nearly 143 points from the Nifty futures previous close.

On Friday, the Indian stock market ended marginally lower, with the benchmark Nifty 50 holding above 26,200 level.

The Sensex eased 13.71 points, or 0.02%, to close at 85,706.67, while the Nifty 50 settled 12.60 points, or 0.05%, lower at 26,202.95.

Heres what to expect from Sensex, Nifty 50, and Bank Nifty today:

Sensex Prediction Sensex formed a promising reversal pattern on daily and intraday charts, and it is also holding a higher bottom formation on daily charts, which is largely positive. For the week, the index gained 0.56%.

We are of the view that the short-term market outlook is positive and uptrend formation is likely to continue in the near future. For positional traders, 85,300 and 85,000 would act as key support zones. On the higher side, the uptrend is likely to continue till 86,100. Further upside may also persist, which could lift Sensex to 86,500 - 86,800, said Amol Athawale, VP Technical Research, Kotak Securities.

On the flip side, he believes below 85,000, the uptrend would become vulnerable, and Sensex is likely to retest 84,500 - 84,300.

Mayank Jain, Market Analyst, Share.Market said that the 86,000  86,100 region acts as the next major resistance for Sensex, and a breakout above this zone may open the door to fresh record highs. Support is seen near 85,100  85,000.

Nifty OI Data Market positioning in derivatives continues to signal a clear bullish undertone.

Cumulative Put Open Interest (OI) remains higher than Call OI, confirming strong positional support near the 26,000 zone. Heavy Put buildup between 26,000  26,100 has strengthened the downside base, while consistent Call writing at 26,300  26,500 is creating a firm supply band on the upside, said Ponmudi R, CEO, Enrich Money.

Nifty 50 Prediction Nifty 50 formed a small negative candle on the daily chart with minor upper and lower shadow. For the week, the index rose 0.52%, forming a small candlestick on the weekly chart, indicating hesitation at higher levels.

Technically, this signals continuation of choppy movement in the market after a stellar rally on Wednesday. After the formation of a long bull candle on Wednesday, Nifty 50 showing a narrow range movement over the last couple of sessions signal a possible uptrend continuation pattern, said Nagaraj Shetti, Senior Technical Research Analyst at HDFC Securities.

According to him, the underlying uptrend of Nifty 50 remains intact, and the present choppy movement could eventually result in another round of sharp breakout soon in the market.

The near term upside target to be watched is around 26,600 and immediate support is placed at 26,050, said Shetti.

Also Read | Stock market today: Eight stocks to buy and sell on Monday

Nilesh Jain, Head  Technical and Derivatives Research Analyst (Equity Research), Centrum Broking Ltd said that the 21-DMA support at 25,890 remains crucial, and as long as Nifty 50 holds above this level, the broader uptrend and upside momentum are likely to persist.

Chasing the index at elevated levels is not advisable, as the risk-reward setup is currently unfavorable. Waiting for a healthy pullback would be a more prudent approach for initiating fresh positions, said Jain.

Dr. Praveen Dwarakanath, Vice President of Hedged.in noted that Fridays price action made an insider candle, suggesting the strength of the break of the all-time high was not there, indicating a possible sell-off from the current level.

The momentum indicators are also near the overbought region, suggesting a possible sell-off from the current level. The AD average line has flattened out, suggesting no clear sign in the index, said Dwarakanath.

According to Mayank Jain, the 26,250  26,300 zone now serves as a crucial resistance -turned-trigger for Nifty 50, and a sustained close above this band could pave the way towards 26,500+. Immediate support remains at 25,900  26,000.

Also Read | Buy or sell: Vaishali Parekh recommends three intraday stocks to buy today

Bank Nifty Prediction Bank Nifty index ended 15.40 points, or 0.03%, higher at 59,752.70 on Friday, forming a doji candle on the daily chart, signaling a potential pause before the next leg higher. The index rallied 1.5% last week, and formed a strong bullish candlestick on the weekly chart.

Momentum indicators across daily, weekly, and monthly charts remain firmly in the bullish camp. The RSI is rising within the super-bullish zone, and the indexs weekly close above the upper Bollinger Band underscores the power of this rally  a signal typically associated with strong follow-through. Other indicators reinforce this positive setup, leaving little doubt that bulls remain in control, said Sudeep Shah, Head - Technical and Derivatives Research at SBI Securities.

He believes Bank Nifty appears well-positioned to climb toward 60,300 and then 61,000. Support is placed at 58,800  58,700, coinciding with the 20-day EMA.

Also Read | Breakout stocks to buy or sell: Sumeet Bagadia recommends five shares to buy

With the technical picture strongly favouring buyers, Bank Nifty is likely to continue leading the broader market move, said Shah.

Ravi Singh, Chief Research Officer from Master Capital Services Ltd. said that buying on dips remains the preferred approach for Bank Nifty given the solid technical structure.

Fresh long positions may be initiated around 59,400  59,300, with the next crucial support at 58,800 acting as a protective stop-loss. On the upside, Bank Nifty appears well-positioned to extend its move toward the 60,300 level in the near term as momentum remains firmly intact, said Singh.
Extending their winning run for the second straight session on Monday, December 1, shares of One 97 Communications, the parent company of Paytm, surged another 3.4% to reach 1,365, the highest level since December 2021.

Investors remain upbeat about the companys growth trajectory, as regulatory headwinds, previously a major drag on the stock, are now gradually easing. This has improved earnings visibility, while the companys plans to launch new products have further strengthened optimism on the Street.

Improving earnings in recent quarters, coupled with target price upgrades from brokerage firms, has fuelled an 18% rally in the stock over the past two months, putting it on track to deliver its third consecutive year of positive returns.

In the last eight months, the stock has finished seven of them in the green, marking its strongest one-way surge since its listing in November 2021. During this period, it has delivered an impressive 90% return.

Goldman Sachs double upgrade Global brokerage firm, Goldman Sachs, last week, turned bullish on Paytm, upgrading its rating on the counter to Buy from Neutral and sharply raising its 12-month target price by 123% to 1,570 apiece from the previous 705 apiece.

In its more bullish outlook, the brokerage sees the stock price reaching 1,870 per share, while in a blue-sky scenario, it anticipates the stock could soar to 2,320 apiece, representing an upside of 79% from its latest closing price.

Goldman Sachs highlighted that Paytm has endured three major regulatory hurdles in recent years: the online merchant onboarding ban in 2022, the RBIs curbs on unsecured lending in 2023, and the ban on Paytm Payments Bank (PPBL) in 2024. Goldman believes these issues are now largely behind, with the company beginning to regain market share.

It further noted that Paytms UPI and overall payments market share have already started recovering in recent quarters. It expects this momentum to continue following the recent online payment aggregator authorization and anticipates Paytm will step up customer acquisition efforts.

Overall, the brokerage expects 2025% annual revenue growth for Paytm over the next 23 years. On the operating front, it has raised its FY2630 EBITDA estimates by at least 45%, resulting in sizable EPS upgrades.

Mutual Funds boost stake in Paytm Mutual funds significantly increased their stake in Paytm during the September quarter, taking it to an all-time high.

As of the end of September 2025, 40 mutual funds collectively held a 16.25% stake in Paytm, equivalent to 10.3 crore shares. This is a notable rise from the 13.86% stake held at the end of the June quarter, according to Trendlynes shareholding data.

Also Read | Paytm share price ends 13 of last 15 months in green with over 270% gain

Mutual funds have been steadily accumulating shares of Paytm over time. Some of the key funds holding stakes in the new-age company include Motilal Oswal Midcap Fund, which now owns a 5.57% stake; Nippon India Growth Mid Cap Fund, with a 2.11% stake; and Mirae Asset Large Cap Fund, which holds 1.66%.

Meanwhile, foreign investors trimmed their shareholding to 51.7%, down from 54.9% in June 2025. Retail investors also reduced their stake to 28.4%, compared with 29.3% in Q1FY25.
The capital markets regulator, Sebi, has cleared the decks for Mumbai-based ICICI Prudential Asset Management Co. to launch its initial public offering (IPO), which will be an offer for sale by its promoter, Prudential Corp. Holdings.

The fund house submitted its draft papers to the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) on 8 July.

The IPO, reportedly pegged at around 10,000 crore, is widely expected to attract strong interest from both retail and institutional investors, believe market participants.

Also Read | Mutual funds in India booming but distributors feel left behind

Other listed players in the asset management space include HDFC Asset Management Co., Nippon Life India Asset Management, Aditya Birla Sun Life AMC, UTI Asset Management Co., Canara Robeco Asset Management Co. and Shriram Asset Management Co.

The purpose of the offer is to carry out the Offer for Sale and to gain the benefits of listing the equity shares on the stock exchanges, as per the draft document.

The IPO will be shepherded by a formidable line-up of book-running lead managers, including ICICI Securities, Citigroup Global Markets India, Morgan Stanley India Co., BofA Securities India, and Goldman Sachs (India) Securities, among others. KFin Technologies Ltd will be the registrar to the offer.

The company has been steadily expanding its alternates business, which includes portfolio management services (PMS), the management of alternative investment funds (AIFs), and advisory services for offshore clients.

ICICI Pru AMCs quarterly average AUM grew at a solid 33% CAGR over FY23-25 to 8.8 trillion, making it the second-largest player with a 13% market share at the end of FY25, Centrum Broking noted in its 12 July report.

Among the top ten risks, the most significant was the possibility that if the companys investment products underperformed, its assets under management, including PMS, AIF, and advisory assets, could decline, negatively impacting its business, financial performance and cash flows. Another key risk highlighted was rising competition from both existing and new players, which could slow growth, erode market share or lead to lower fees, ultimately affecting the companys business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

Moreover, the document highlighted another key risk: While the majority of our funds are actively managed, we also offer passive products, such as index funds and exchange-traded funds. However, the fees earned on such passive products are typically lower than those earned on active funds. Consequently, any shift in investor preference from active to passive products may adversely affect our fee income and, in turn, our revenue from operations.
The RSS: 100 Years of the Indian Right

Drawing on his three decades of experience as a political journalist, Vijai Trivedi paints a nuanced portrait of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in his new book. As the right-wing organisation enters its centenary year, Trivedi gives the reader a ringside view into its workings based on primary research, which includes interviews with key leaders.

The RSS: 100 Years of the Indian Right, by Vijai Trivedi, translated by Subha Pande, Westland, 480 pages, 799.

What the What? Curious Questions, Curiouser Answers

If youre into quizzing and trivia, you may have come across Nipun Jain and Mohit Mamoria, the couple behind the viral YouTube channel Arey Pata Hai. After over a million subscribers and more than a billion cumulative views, the creators have come up with a book that captures the essence of their brand: wild facts and bizarre trivia, with a healthy dose of humour.

What the What? Curious Questions, Curiouser Answers , by Nipun Jain and Mohit Mamoria, Hachette, 288 pages, 399.

The Great Revival

In this forthcoming insiders view, Natarajan Srinivasan reveals the story behind the way he led the charge from within Crompton Greaves, a company on the brink of extinction in 2019, and turned its fortunes around in a span of three years. This is a testimony to resilient leadership, financial prudence and operational restructuring under tremendous pressure.

The Great Revival , by Natarajan Srinivasan, Penguin Random House India, 256 pages, 599.

Itarsi Express

In this police procedural, a once dreaded encounter cop, Assistant Inspector Suryakant Patil, takes a break from his boring desk job to return to the field to investigate a series of suspicious deaths around a night train in Mumbai. Along with his Head Constable Thakur and Mohan, a railway TTE, he discovers a pattern that leads him into a murky past.

Itarsi Express , by Vivek Duggal, Simon & Schuster India, 224 pages, 399.

Also Read | Book review: Millennial women navigate love and politics in Mumbai
Rohan Mehta, a 24-year-old graphic designer at a Bengaluru startup, shuts his laptop at 6 pm every day, even when team meetings or crisis calls spill over to a couple of hours later. Despite an uncertain job market, he maintains firm boundaries. I dont believe staying late makes me indispensable. Overworking only drains creativity and morale. I know my superiors dont appreciate my attitude but this is who I am," he says.

Similarly, Ananya Singh, a digital marketer at a Mumbai-based agency, sets clear expectations about availability. I tell my manager upfront when I will be offline. Last week, I had a painting class, and I made sure my team knew I wouldnt respond during that time," explains the 23-year-old. Its not about shirking responsibility, its about balance. If we respect our personal time, we are more focused during work hours."

Younger employees across the world are embracing this mindset even as companies announce layoffs and hiring slowdowns. According to a 2025 research by Gallup, the average hours put in by full-time employees in the US have dropped in the past five years, especially among those under 35 years. In 2019, they reported working an average of 44.1 hours, while in 2024, it was 42.9 hours per week. In India, a 2024 survey by talent engagement and recruitment platform Unstop that included 5,350 Gen Z workers, alongside 500 HR professionals, found that 47% consider work-life balance a crucial consideration while deciding their potential employer.

Gen Zs perception of risk works slightly differently from that of their parents. Being brought up in a culture that celebrates risk-taking entrepreneurs, gap years being normalized, and reset being an open option, they are more comfortable facing the downturns in the job market," says Aparna Jain, associate professor and head (business studies) at Dr Shantilal K Somaiya School of Commerce and Business Studies, Somaiya Vidyavihar University, Mumbai. They realize the importance of long-term sustainable lifestyle over short-term stability."

Confidence in the face of risk

Unlike previous generations, who might respond to layoffs by working longer hours to signal indispensability, Gen Z employees often take a more strategic approach. Mehta, for instance, supplements his full-time work with freelance design projects, treating them as avenues for growth rather than financial necessity. When I hear about layoffs in our sector, I update my portfolio, reach out to clients, focus on what I can control," he explains. I dont internalize fear. Instead, I prepare for opportunities."

Similarly, Singh approaches professional risk with pragmatism. When her company recently restructured, she maintained her normal hours, prioritising tasks she could complete without sacrificing her personal time. Its about balance," she says. I can deliver results without compromising my well-being."

Also Read | The unspoken advantage of being popular at work

Swati Dhir, associate professor and chairperson, PGDM (HRM) at IMI Delhi, observes, Gen Zs interpretation of risk is very different from that of boomers or millennials. They have witnessed an era of volatility, which has modified their cognitive stance and made them aware about their skills."

Also, most people from this generation are second income earners in the family setting and do not share the pressure of being a single earner in the family. That mental buffer has made them bolder and risk takers," she adds.

This confidence is partly shaped by the era they grew up in. Post-1991 economic reforms, the boom of technology startups, and exposure to global media have normalized risk-taking and career experimentation. Many young professionals also have the security of dual-income households, which provides a mental buffer absent in previous generations.

Work-life balance as a principle

For Gen Z, work-life balance is not negotiable; it is central to their identity. Ive seen my parents work themselves to exhaustion. My mother was a nurse and my father worked as a pilot. I dont want my career to consume my life," says Vikas Kapoor, a 25-year-old associate at a Delhi-based law firm. This sentiment is echoed in Deloittes 2025 Gen Z and Millennial Survey, which states that only 6% of Gen Z workers consider reaching a leadership position their primary career goal. Yet, ambition persistslearning and development consistently ranks among the top reasons Gen Z chooses employers.

Jain notes that mental health awareness also determines this generations approach. The awareness that psychological well-being is as important as physical health has created a culture where balance is integral to professional life," she explains. Unlike older generations, they are comfortable saying no, establishing boundaries."

A 2025 survey of over 1,100 US-based interns at KPMG found that work-life balance often outweighs salary in evaluating job offers. The attitude is reinforced by earlier experiences of unempathetic layoffs.The younger generation responds like a mirror," Dr Dhir says. If organisations treat them with disregard, they assert boundaries rather than overcompensate."

Difference in response

Responses to layoffs differ across sectors, say the two experts. Gen Z entering the tech sector is already aware of the layoff cycle and their reaction is less emotional and more pragmatic because of the transparency this sector has exhibited over years." says Dhir, In sectors like banking, education, and consulting, the workforce entering does expect stability and long-term career identity, so layoffs in this sector express a more psychologically disruptive reaction." Start-ups, by contrast, cultivate healthy skepticism: employees expect volatility and adjust by reinforcing boundaries, remaining adaptable.

Organisational practices influence how young employees navigate turbulent periods. Poor communication during layoffs can lead to self-protective behaviours. Aarav Kapoor, a Delhi-based start-up employee, recalls: After restructuring, details about responsibilities were unclear. I focused on what I could control and said no where needed. That helped me stay productive and sane," shares the 25-year-old.

According to Jain, Increased workload and unclear messaging inadvertently push Gen Z to set firmer boundaries. When leaders communicate openly and empathetically, employees remain engaged even during crises."

Managers interpretations of Gen Zs insistence on balance are mixed. Some view it as entitlement or lack of motivation while others recognize it as a professional evolution. The post-pandemic workplace requires humane policies, mental health prioritisation," says Dhir. Respecting boundaries is linked with better performance, not diminished commitment."

As Gen Z begins to assume management roles, this commitment to balance is likely to persist, in a more structured form. Many are opting out of traditional managerial pathways, focusing on individual expertise, skill development, and mental well-beinga phenomenon sometimes called conscious unbossing." Jain explains, They will combine responsible leadership with flexibility, workload planning, and clear communication. Productivity will be measured by outcomes, not hours logged."

Also Read | Do Gen Z workers need etiquette training?

Mehta and Singh are examples of this shift. Both are committed to growth, but neither equates success with overwork. For them, balance is a strategy for sustainable performance. Dhir adds, Organisations that handle layoffs with transparency, fairness, and emotional intelligence maintain trust with Gen Z. Employees are willing to engage and contribute even in difficult times when they feel respected."

Ultimately, Gen Zs approach reflects a fundamental shift in workplace culture. Work is part of life, not everything. Side projects, remote opportunities, and flexible schedules co-exist with professional development, creating a workforce that is resilient, adaptable, and boundary-conscious. As Singh puts it, I dont ignore work, but I dont let it define me either. Balance is not optional, its essential."

Write to us at feedback@livemint.com

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From wheelchair ramps to braille and audio instructions, the financial services industry has more or less been complying with demands for equal rights for people with disabilities over the years. In 2008, for instance, the banking system permitted toe impressions for people who had lost both hands.

However, a crucial blindspot remains around know-your-customer (KYC) infrastructure.

Take the case of Pragya Prasun, an acid attack victim who couldnt blink for an electronic KYC video call because of her facial burns and loss of vision in her left eye. Bank employees said I couldnt open a bank account in my name because I couldnt blink. It is an RBI regulation for digital KYC. I reached out to ICICI Bank through their social media channels but there was no response until I received 25,000 signatures for my online petition," said Prasun, who was ultimately able to open an account with the bank.

This was followed by a two-year battle in the Supreme Court, which issued 20 directives to financial regulators in India, such as being considerate with applications of people with disabilities and looking for alternatives to the liveliness" check. This forced the Reserve Bank of India and the Securities and Exchange Board of India to fix parts of the digital KYC ecosystem.

Yet, significant gaps remain. Mint Money spoke to people with disabilities to understand the hurdles they continue to face.

What has changed?

The Supreme Court ruling called for barrier-free digital environments for people with disabilities. Following this, Sebi issued guidelines on accessibility & inclusiveness of digital KYC, while the RBI altered video-based identification in August 2025, saying, The liveness check shall not result in exclusion of persons with special needs."

While this is a step in the right direction, it may not be enough. According to Sumanta Ghosh, chief technical officer at Bandhan Life, several digital gaps need urgent attention.

For example, conducting e-KYC over video calls eases the burden for those with physical disabilities, but may still pose challenges. Consider the case of Rahul Kelapure, a visually impaired Mumbai resident who was required to sign on a screen using his finger as part of his e-KYC. While I have acquired the skill to sign on paper over the years, I have no means to ascertain if the signature is correct on a screen." In fact, of the 26.8 million registered Indians with disabilities in 2011, about 12.2 million were illiterate and thus unable to sign.

Then during the second KYC call, Kelapure had to hold his ID Card up to the screen but ended up holding it the wrong way, causing his spouse, who also has a physical disability, to step in and help. The video KYC call was disconnected as they sensed someone else was in the room, telling me to move the card to the left. In another attempt my friend stepped in to move the card on without speaking, with no luck," Kelapure said. He, like many others, was also unable to remember and recite his PAN for verification, which is for e-KYC. In the end, it took him five attempts to complete his KYC.

Harsh Vardhan Masta, Head of Payments at Policybazaar, said, E-KYC guidelines are rigid about the no assistance allowed rule. But when a caregiver helps a person with a disability to read or follow instructions, it shouldnt be considered fraud. It is offering accessibility."

Technological sensitivity

When applying for an Aadhar card, a thumb print is the usual alternative when an iris scan fails. But for people with certain disabilities, this isnt a solution. Take the case of Pune resident Shweta Runwals child, who has Downs syndrome. She struggled to register her thumb prints or keep her eyes steady for the iris scan for her Aadhar card. It took multiple re-takes to get her card processed," said Runwal.

To resolve this biometric issue, the RBI has offered another option  face authentication based on UIDAI data. But for a friend of Runwals, even this isnt a perfect solution as she hasn't been able to get an Aadhar card itself. Those with higher levels of impairment cant stare into devices and screens for long. Even making eye contact is sometimes difficult as they squint," Runwal said.

Also Read | Why Sebi's fix for tighter KYC for mutual funds is only halfway there

Masta said, Most digital KYC systems assume that consumers can read small text on a screen, hold a phone steady, follow visual instructions, or complete facial liveness checks. For millions of users, these assumptions simply do not hold."

Simple tasks such as entering CAPTCHA code, often the first step in KYC processes, can be nearly impossible for the visually impaired or those with cerebral palsy. Similarly, hearing impaired can't respond to yes no questions asked over video calls.

Lack of built-in assistive technologies in most eKYC systems, such as screen readers for the visually impaired or voice-to-text tools for those who are speech or hearing impaired, makes the process inaccessible to many," Ghosh said.

For the KYC process to be truly inclusive, the future must embrace alternative methods for liveliness detectionsuch as head nods, facial expressions, or other accessible promptsthat cater to people with physical abilities," Ghosh added.

Possible solutions

An alternative for CAPTCHA could be screen-reader support, visible focus, keyboard operability and audio codes, as well as 200% scalable text without content loss, suggested Krishna Kishore Chukkapalli, MD & CEO of KYC registration agency KFIN. Time-out leniency should be offered, and face-to-face KYC should be an option if digital isnt feasible, he added. Also, when biometrics are not an option, ensure OTP-based and document-only fallbacks," he said.

Individuals such as Kelapure should be allowed to have a trusted aide to help, without treating this as prompting, others said. We are exploring the possibility of assisting with scanned documents instead of manually presenting them during calls and speech to text or vice-versa," Swarup Mohanty, vice chairman and CEO at Mirae Asset Investment Managers, which offers a dedicated desk for people with disabilities in every branch.

Another way to facilitate better access would be to allow certain exemptions for people with disabilities based on documents. Entities should accept disability certificates and not insist on impossible tasks," said Chukkapalli.

A process to fast-track grievance redressal would also go a long way towards inclusivity. While people can write to the ministry of social justice and empowerment seeking legal action under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, Sebis new rules make it easier for users to raise formal complaints or pursue litigation if digital services are inaccessible to them. Sebi has mandated publishing an accessibility statement and a grievance route, as well as appointing a nodal officer for digital accessibility compliance.

Track and report KYC failures on account of disability and provide fast-track redressals for customers that are denied access. Inclusiveness should be assessed with the same serious lens as compliance," said Masta.

The cost of inclusivity

Accessibility should be in the same non-negotiable vein as cybersecurity. Equal access requires clarity, not ambiguity", Masta said.

Sebi-regulated entities will have to hire an accessibility auditor before 14 December 2025, who will need to complete an accessibility audit by 30 April 2026.

Costs, therefore, are a concern, especially as vendors have hiked prices in view of the Supreme Court guidelines and audit requirements. We are ready to offer support, which comes at a cost. Since there is an emotional angle to it, vendors who typically charge 10-20 lakh for a regular KYC solution, are asking for 1 crore for special access solution," said the chief of a financial services firm, who did not wish to be named.

A common platform could help reduce costs. Theres a strong need for ecosystem-level investment in developing assistive digital infrastructure that works across platforms," Ghosh said.
Indias mutual fund story is, at its core, one of scale, trust, and transformation. Over the past decade, assets under management have ballooned from about 13 trillion to nearly 799 trillion. Investor folios have multiplied almost sixfold, from 39 million to more than 230 million, powered by digital access and the rise of systematic investing.

Yet as the industry grew, one element didnt shrink as expected: costs. Total Expense Ratios (TERs) for many equity funds remained close to regulatory ceilings, even as scale improved and technology reduced distribution costs. For investors, these sticky expenses quietly drain long-term returns.

But to see how much they matter, you first need to understand what an expense ratio is, and how a fraction of a percentage point can reshape long-term wealth.

What expense ratios really mean

A funds expense ratio is the percentage of assets deducted each year to cover management, operations, marketing, and distribution.

A TER of 2%, for instance, means 2 is charged annually for every 100 invested. It sounds small, but compounding magnifies the bite over time. Take two investors putting 1 lakh into similar large-cap funds - one paying a 0.4% fee, the other 2.4%. Assuming identical 10% gross returns, the higher-cost investor ends the decade nearly 43,000 poorer. Seemingly tiny fees can reshape long-term wealth.

Expense ratios vary by category. Liquid and money-market funds tend to be cheaper; equity and thematic funds are costlier because research and trading needs run deeper. Small- and mid-cap strategies also come with higher costs as managers dig harder for information and liquidity.

What is the market regulator planning

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi), in a consultation paper dated 28 October, proposed a more transparent, investor-friendly TER framework.

The key changes include reducing TER caps (for example, lowering the equity fund ceiling from 2.25% to 2.10%), removing the extra 5 basis points allowed on exit load, tightening limits on brokerage and distribution charges, and separating statutory levies such as GST and stamp duty from TER caps so investors can see exactly what goes to the fund manager.

The savings can be meaningful. Consider an investor putting 10,000 a month into an equity SIP (systemic investment plan) for five years - a total of 6 lakh. Now, assume two identical funds  one with a 2% expense ratio and another with 1.95%, a modest 5-basis-point (0.05%) difference that reflects Sebis proposed rationalization. While the gap seems small, over five years it can lead to an additional value of nearly 1,500- 2,000 for this single investor. Multiply that across millions of SIP accounts and the industry-wide savings run into several thousand crores each year.

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The global benchmark

Globally, fund costs have trended steadily lower as competition and scale intensify. In the US, the average equity mutual fund expense ratio has fallen 62% since 1996, to around 0.4%. Large passive index funds now charge less than 0.10%. Europes stricter disclosure rules have produced similar results.

India, by contrast, remains expensive: active equity funds often charge between 1.5% and 2% even after recent reforms. Cutting fees further would not only align India with global peers but also deepen trust among savers increasingly relying on mutual funds for long-term wealth creation.

Who really pays more

Individual investors, who now account for more than 87% of equity-scheme assets, bear most of these higher costs. Institutions dominate low-cost buckets such as liquid funds, debt funds, and exchange traded funds (ETFs).

Direct plans, which bypass distributors, have helped reduce expenses, but gaps remain. In the large-cap category alone, direct-plan TERs can range from 0.4- 2.34%, a 200-basis-point spread that can materially alter future value. Its a reminder to weigh costs as carefully as brand reputation or past performance.

Also Read | Money lessons are turning these children into mindful spenders

A market quietly rebalancing

With fee pressure rising, India is seeing a gradual shift toward passive investing. Index funds and ETFs are drawing younger, cost-conscious investors who value simplicity and predictability. Active managers face tougher scrutiny: they must either deliver consistent alpha net of fees or move towards niche strategies where skill genuinely adds value. This reset ultimately works in investors favour, ensuring every rupee charged is justified.

For most investors, the takeaway is simple. Before choosing a fund, check the expense ratio, not just the returns. Even narrow differences in annual costs can compound into meaningful gaps over time. And compare direct and regular plans; direct plans typically carry lower expenses and can meaningfully improve long-term outcomes.

Leaner means stronger

A leaner mutual fund system doesnt mean bare-bones, but one that is efficient, transparent, and aligned with investors interests. Lower, more transparent TERs encourage investors to stay invested longer and strengthen trust in capital markets. They also help channel stable domestic savings into the ecosystem, reducing reliance on volatile foreign flows.

The mutual fund industry is, by design, mutual." As Manuel F. Cohen observed decades ago, its purpose is shared prosperity, not just management profit. Rationalizing costs is a step toward restoring that spirit.

Rachana Baid is professor and dean (academics) at the National Institute of Securities Markets, and V Shunmugam is partner at MCQube.
After a software glitch left more than 6,000 Airbus A320 aircraft affected last week, the plane-maker on Monday said that less than 100 A320 jets remained grounded for a critical software update, signalling a return to normalcy for flight operations.

"Out of a total number of around 6,000 aircraft potentially impacted, the vast majority have now received the necessary modifications," Air bus said in a press release.

"We are working with our airline customers to support the modification of less than 100 remaining aircraft to ensure they can be returned to service," the plane-maker added.

The update comes days after Airbus on Friday announced that affected planes could not fly until a critical software update, with the issue coming to flight following an incident in the United States.

Also Read | Airbus shares slump 9% after report flagged quality issues in A320 aircraft

What was the software glitch? The glitch affecting the Airbus A320 family of aircraft affected the system controlling the nose angle or 'angle of attack' of flights, which is a critical part of the flight-control system.

It was discovered that intense solar radiation from events such as solar flares could corrupt data critical to the functioning of the flight-control system, and in worst-case scenarios, could lead to an un-commanded elevator movement, causing the aircraft's nose to pitch down unexpectedly, something both dangerous and potentially catastrophic.

Also Read | What IndiGo, Air India flyers must know after Airbus software alert amid delays

How was the glitch discovered? The glitch came to light after a JetBlue Airbus A32 aircraft flying from Cancun in Mexico to Newark in the US unexpectedly lost altitude, leading to the passengers sustaining injuries.

Investigations suggested that solar radiation may have played a role, prompting regulators to rush to fix the glitch.

With the A320 family being the world's most common passenger jet, with around 11,300 in operation globally, regulators rushed for a "better safe than sorry" approach.

Also Read | Why are thousands of Airbus jets grounded?

What does the fix involve? Despite the alarming nature of the issue, the fix is a relatively simple one, requiring a quick software rollback to an older, tested, and stable software version.

While that is the case for most of the affected aircraft, some older models require replacing a piece of hardware.

The entire process for the update to take place requires two to three hours.

How are airlines faring? Most major airlines, including Indian and US carriers such as Air India, IndiGo, American Airlines, United, Delta, and Wizz Air among others have already completed updates on almost all their aircraft, with minimal disruptions.
New Delhi: India, home to the worlds sixth-largest food processing industry, may put in place new technical standards to curb the inflow of substandard imported machinery after a government study found that China accounts for 41% of Indias $843 million worth food-processing equipment imports. The food processing and consumer affairs ministries are looking to draft standards that will form the basis of upcoming Quality Control Orders (QCOs) that will mandate minimum safety, hygiene and performance requirements for all such machinery sold domestically, three senior officials involved in the development told Mint .

The proposal comes amid concern over frequent breakdowns, low efficiency and safety risks associated with some imported machinesissues that are odds with the needs of a sector expanding into higher-value processed foods and global export opportunities. By making compliance with Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) norms compulsory, the proposed QCOs aim to lift manufacturing quality and reduce Indias heavy reliance on low-cost Chinese equipment.

This move for quality control norms comes even as India is rolling back some QCOs covering sectors such as key textile, plastic and metal inputs to boost manufacturing. However, the absence of robust technical standards for the food processing sector has allowed low-quality products to enter the Indian market, undermining productivity as well as food safety.

These norms could, however, also reshape supply chains, raise certification costs and test Indias ability to roll out standards without disrupting thousands of small and medium food-processing units.

A growing industry

As per the commerce ministry-led Indian Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), Indias food-processing market reached 30.50 trillion (about $367.5 billion) in 2024 and is expected to grow to 45.84 trillion (about $552.29 billion) by the end of FY26. The global packaged food market is estimated at around $2.3 trillion.

According to the study, primary vegetables and grain milling processing machinery for bread are the major imports from China.

The market has been flooded with low-cost, low-quality machinery that does not meet Indian safety or hygiene standards. This poses risk not only to processors but also to consumers," said the first of the three officials cited above.

In terms of imports of food-processing machinery, China dominates Indian imports due to its attractive price points. As of FY24, the share of China in the overall food-processing machinery and parts imports was 41%, followed by Germany (8%), Italy (7.4%), the Netherlands (7.4%) and Turkey (4.8%).

We import a number of machines for manufacturing packaged food items. Apart from quality issues, we also face problems whenever Chinese machinery breaks down. The mobility of technicians from China becomes a major hurdle, it is difficult and time-consuming to get visas, and this adds to both delays and costs," said an industry executive from one of the countrys leading food-processing companies. If India becomes self-reliant in machinery manufacturing, it will be a big relief for the food-processing industry. A QCO could help move us in that direction."

According to a food processing ministry study conducted by Crisil Intelligence, the total demand for such equipment is estimated at 350-400 billion and has been growing at an average annual rate of 57% over the past decade. Indias import dependency for food-processing machinery is currently at about 17.5%.

India is one of the world's largest producers of milk, fruit and vegetables, wheat, rice and spices. Its overall agriculture exports were at 4.2 lakh crore (about $51 billion) in FY25, while imports were at 3.1 lakh crore (around $37 billion). The share of processed food in Indias agri-food exports has also risen sharply: from 13.7% in FY15 to 23.4% in FY24, food processing ministry data shows.

As an importer of food-processing equipment, India ranks ninth globally, trailing Germany, Canada, Russia, France, the Netherlands, the UK and Mexico. The US was worlds largest importer of food-processing machinery in calendar year 2023.

The ministrys study said small food-processing units rely heavily on Chinese machinery, with many processors choosing these imports to keep upfront costs low, especially in segments such as grains, vegetables, spices, bakery, snacks and beverages. The study also noted that poor manufacturing quality, frequent breakdowns and the lack of reliable spare parts often lead to operational disruptions for these units.

One of the major concerns is non-compliance with mandatory standards set by the Bureau of Indian Standards. Several machines reportedly arrive without proper certification for material safety, electrical components or food-contact surfaces," said the second official cited earlier. In many cases, the stainless-steel grades used in such machines do not meet food-grade requirements and raise the risk of contamination, this official added.

The government's study through Crisil study suggested that the proposed regulations should clearly specify the permissible stainless-steel grades and other metals that can be used in food-contact machinery, and make compliance with these standards mandatory to get and maintain licences. It recommended that manufacturers be required to mark the composition of metals used in their equipment and adopt a uniform quality-standardization framework. The report noted that enforcing stricter quality norms would help curb low-grade imports to ensure safety.

Also Read | India may ease imports of specialty steel to address supply gaps

According to the third official in the know, the proposal is at the discussion stage, and some rounds of inter-ministerial meetings have been held in this regard.

Queries sent to the food processing and consumer affairs ministries and Crisil Intelligence on 28 November remained unanswered till press time.

What the planned QCOs may mean

Experts say the proposed QCO could reshape the industry, but only if the implementation is phased and testing capacity is expanded. A standards regime is welcome, but it must reflect ground realities. Many Indian and foreign suppliers will need time to redesign equipment and complete BIS testing. If the rollout is rushed, MSMEs will face higher machinery costs and delivery delays. A calibrated approach will help improve quality without disrupting ongoing investments," said Arun Kumar Garodia, former chairman of the Engineering Export Promotion Council (EEPC).

If implemented, the QCO for food-processing machinery could trigger supply sortages as it is likely to hit imports, especially of low-cost equipment from China. Chinese manufacturers will need BIS certification to sell in India, and many may not qualify, industry experts said.

Vinod Kumar, president of the India SME Forum, said the impact of a new QCO would be felt most sharply by small processors, who depend on affordable imported machinery. MSMEs are already struggling with rising input costs, and any sudden certification requirement will hit them disproportionately. While quality standards are essential, they must be introduced with clear timelines and adequate support," said Kumar.

The certification may add 2030% to machinery costs, many small food units will simply postpone expansion or drop out of the market. The government should ensure that standards do not become a barrier to entry for small manufacturers," Kumar added.

Machinery used for primary processing of vegetables and grain milling is mainly imported from China. A review of 52 machinery categories shows China is the most cost-effective supplier in a majority of these equipment.

More advanced and specialized equipmentsuch as those used for confectionery, chocolates, dairy, bakery, macaroni and flour processingis typically sourced from European manufacturers.

Large food sector companies import about 40% of their machinery requirements, while medium-scale units import around 1215%, says the study report.

Also Read | Why India's WTO farm import quotas saw no takers

The QCO regime

QCOs are government mandates that require products to meet Bureau of Indian Standards' norms before manufacture, import or sale. They started with consumer goods and later expanded to petrochemicals, polymers, plastics, chemicals, machinery, electrical equipment and other industrial inputs. The regime grew rapidly after 2014, crossing 700 products by 2025, before the government began deferring deadlines and rolling back several QCOs mid-2024 onwards.

The recent rollback of 15 QCOs has reduced the number of products under these mandatory quality norms to 743. The Centre had earlier targeted to bring more than 700 additional products under compulsory standards in FY26.

For industries, a standard is a technical guideline that companies are encouraged to follow, but is voluntary. A QCO, on the other hand, makes the standard legally binding for manufacturers and importers, and they cannot sell any product in India without certification.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Monday arrested an 'absconder' in the high-profile kidnapping of Rubaiyya Sayeed, the daughter of then Union Home Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed, a case that goes back over 35 years.

The person arrested on Monday, identified as one Shafat Ahmed Shangloo, is alleged to be a close confidant of Yasin Malik, the chief of the banned Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) terror group.

Shangloo was arrested from his residence in the Nishat area of Srinagar in a joint operation by the CBI and the Jammu and Kashmir Police.

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"The said accused Shangloo conspired with Yasin Malik and others in committing a crime under various sections of Ranbir Penal Code and TADA Act during the Year 1989," the CBI said in a statement on Monday.

"The absconder is carrying a reward of Rs. 10 lakh on his head. He will be produced before the TADA Court Jammu, within the stipulated time as per law," the federal probe agency added.

According to a report by news agency ANI, which quoted CBI officials, Shangloo was allegedly an office bearer of the JKLF, handling the group's finances.

Meanwhile, JKLF chief Malik, who has been attending court hearings via video conferencing due to restrictions imposed on his movement, has been identified as a co-conspirator in the case by eyewitnesses, including by Rubaiyya Sayeed.

The JKLF leader is currently serving a prison term in Delhi's Tihar Jail in a terror financing case.

Besides Malik, four others have also been identified by Sayeed, reported ANI.

Also Read | ED issues notices to Kerala CM, KIIFB officials over alleged FEMA violations

Rubaiyya Sayeed's kidnapping On 8 December 1989, Rubaiyya Sayeed was abducted from near the Lal Ded Hospital in Srinagar.

Five days after her abduction, Sayeed was freed when the then V P Singh government, which was supported by the BJP at the Centre, released five terrorists in exchange for the hostage's release.

Sayeed, who currently resides in Tamil Nadu, is listed as a prosecution witness in the case by the CBI, which took over the investigation in 1990.

JKLF chief Malik, meanwhile, is serving a prison sentence handed out by a special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court in May last year after his arrest in early 2019 in connection with a 2017 terror financing case.
A search was launched at Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's official residence Cliff House on 1 December following email bomb threats at the location, PTI reported citing police.

Police said that checks were carried out at Vijayan's residence and a private bank in Palayam on 1 December after an email claimed that bombs were placed at both locations.

Bomb threats a hoax: What we know According to police, a search was launched the Cliff House after his private secretary received the e-mail claiming that a bomb was placed on the premises. And a dog squad and bomb detection team were pressed into service.

Later, the email was confirmed to be a hoax.

Police officials said similar emails claiming explosives at the CM's residence have been received multiple times in the past. In all these emails, the sender mentioned political developments in Tamil Nadu and cases registered there, they added.

Email sent via dark web app, but checks conducted for security An official told PTI that the emails were sent using dark web applications, making it difficult to trace the accused. However, as a precautionary measure, checks are conducted whenever such emails are received, the official added.

A case has been registered, and an investigation is underway.
SpaceX CEO Elon Musk revealed that his partner Shivon Zilis is half-Indian and that one of their childrens middle name is Sekhar', chosen in honour of Nobel laureate Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar.

One of my sons with her is, his middle name is Sekhar, after Chandrasekhar, Musk said during an interview with investor and entrepreneur Nikhil Kamath on his show People by WTF.

When asked whether Zilis had spent any time in India, Musk explained that she was given up for adoption as a baby and raised in Canada. "I think her father was like an exchange student at the university, or something like that. I'm not sure of the exact details, but, just kind of thing where I don't know... she was given up for adoption, he said.

Musk and Zilis have four children together: twins Strider and Azure, a daughter Arcadia, and a son Seldon Lycurgus. Zilis works as a director of operations and special projects at Neuralink, one of Musks companies.

Who was Nobel-winning astrophysicist Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar? Born in Lahore on 19 October 1910, S. Chandrasekhar was a prominent Indian-American astrophysicist who won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1983 for his theoretical studies of the physical processes of importance to the structure and evolution of the stars".

He was the nephew of CV Raman, the 1930 Nobel Prize winner in Physics.

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His mathematical analysis of stellar evolution provided the foundation for many modern theoretical models of the later stages of massive stars and black holes. Numerous concepts, institutions, and inventions bear his name, including the Chandrasekhar limit and the Chandra X-ray Observatory.

Chandrasekhar pursued his education at Presidency College in Madras and at the University of Cambridge. He spent much of his academic career as a professor at the University of Chicago, conducted research at the Yerkes Observatory, and served as editor of The Astrophysical Journal from 1952 to 1971.

In September 1936, he married Lalitha Doraiswamy, whom he had met as a fellow student at Presidency College. He became a naturalised US citizen in 1953. Chandrasekhar passed away from a heart attack at the University of Chicago Hospital in 1995, having previously survived another heart attack in 1975. His wife outlived him and passed away on 2 September 2013, at the age of 102.

(With inputs from PTI)
The finance ministry does not issue any advisory or direction to Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) on matters related to investments, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman told Parliament on Monday, reiterating that the state-run insurer operates independently.

The investment decisions of LIC are taken by LIC alone following strict due diligence, risk assessment, and fiduciary compliance and are governed by the provisions of Insurance Act, 1938, as well as regulations issued by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (Irdai), Reserve Bank of India (RBI), and Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) (wherever applicable) from time to time, she said while answering a starred question on LICs recent investment in the Adani Group.

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In her response during the first day of the winter session, she added that there was no direct oversight by the government on investments made by LIC, as she confirmed that the insurer had invested 5,000 crore in secured non-convertible debentures issued by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) in May 2025.

The Washington Post report The question follows an investigation by The Washington Post. The US newspaper reported on 25 October, citing internal government documents and interviews, that officials in the finance ministry and the department of financial services helped draft and advance a plan to channel roughly $3.9 billion of LIC funds into billionaire Gautam Adanis companies at a time when he was facing increasing legal scrutiny in the US and tightening access to global credit.

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The report alleged it was a strategy to signal confidence in the Adani Group and encouraging participation from other investors when the billionaires conglomerate had seen its overall debt rise by 20% over the 12 month period ending in June, according to company filings.

The conglomerate has denied receiving any preferential treatment, while LIC and the finance ministry did not respond to The Washington Posts queries.

As of 30 September 2025, LICs total exposure to the Adani Group stands at 48,284.62 crore in equity and debt, spanning Adani Enterprises, Adani Ports & SEZ, Adani Total Gas, Adani Green Energy, Adani Energy Solutions, ACC, and Ambuja Cements.

LICs largest equity exposures span both public and private sector leaders. Its major public-sector holdings are concentrated in State Bank of India, Coal India Ltd, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd, Punjab National Bank, and General Insurance Corporation of India, while its largest private-sector equity investments include Reliance Industries, Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services, HDFC Bank, and Hindustan Unilever.
A key matter on the agenda during Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to India scheduled this week, includes discussions on the purchase of fighter jets and a missile defense shield, Bloomberg reported citing sources.

It added that this comes despite United States President Donald Trump's push to reduced trade and deals between India and Russia.

India-Russia relations: Fighter jets, defense shield deal to be discussed? India and Russia have a Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership under which discussions for the purchase of Su-57 fighter jets and an advanced version of the missile defense shield S-500 are expected, said the people who asked not to be named as the matter is private. A potential agreement with Russia could complicate any trade deal with the US, which has pushed back against Indias weapons purchases from Moscow.

Indias Ministry of External Affairs and Ministry of Defence didnt respond to emails sent after office hours seeking comments.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has maintained his countrys longstanding ties to Moscow, while pursuing deeper links with the US in recent decades. The country has reduced its overwhelming reliance on Russian weapons by acquiring more arms from the US and European nations.

Moscow remains Indias largest supplier of military hardware despite a significant drop in purchase of Russian weapons in the four years ending 2024, according a report of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, an independent think tank that tracks global weapons sales.

Indian Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh said on Friday that Indias defense cooperation with Russia is a long-standing one and the nation doesnt intend to stop anytime soon. India will continue to buy defense equipment from both Russia and the US, he said.

India-Russia defense ties ongoing India has over 200 Russian fighter jets and several batteries of the S-400 defense shield, which were used during the four day conflict with Pakistan in May. Indias military is short on fighters and had asked the government to buy more Russian made advanced fighter jets to plug the gap, people familiar with the matter said.

The proposal shows that Indian Air Force crew including pilots will find the transition to next-generation Russian jets easy, and state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited is capable of servicing and maintaining the Russian-made fleet, the people said. Moreover, long-range missiles on the Su-57 jets will give the South Asian country added visual range capabilities, they said.

However, talks to buy new Russian military equipment are unlikely to conclude during Putins visit, they said.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has implemented the Graded Response Action Plan-4 (GRAP-4) curbs in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) to address the city's poor air quality.

In a detailed post on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), BMC said that it has issued comprehensive guidelines covering 28 points, which include restrictions on construction activities that contribute to air pollution.

Various measures are being taken by BMC to control air pollution in the MMR region (Mumbai city and suburbs). Guidelines have also been issued for air pollution control, the city's municipal body stated in its photo posts.

Notably, the Mumbai suburbs of Borivali East, Chakala-Andheri East, Deonar, Malad, Mazgaon, Mulund, Navy Nagar, and Powai have been heavily impacted by poor AQI.

Mumbai imposes GRAP-4 rules: What does this mean? Notably, unlike Delhi's GRAP-4 rules, the requirements in Mumbai largely cover construction sites, small industrial units and related activities. According to the BMC guidelines, the following steps are to be followed strictly:

For construction sites Construction projects over 70 meters tall require a minimum 35-foot-tall protective covering.

Projects larger than one acre need a 35-foot covering, while smaller ones need a 25-foot covering.

Buildings under construction must be completely enclosed with green cloth, jute, or tarpaulin.

Demolition sites must also be entirely covered, and water must be continuously sprinkled during the process.

Water must be continuously sprayed on construction materials while loading and unloading them at the construction project site.

A sensor-based air pollution monitoring system should be deployed at all construction project sites, and immediate action should be taken if the pollution level is found to be above the limit.

This monitoring system should be made available to BMC officials for supervision as needed.

View full Image Mumbai GRAP-4 rules ( Source: BMC )

For construction material Water must also be consistently sprayed on debris/other materials at the construction site that generate dust particles.

All work, such as grinding, cutting, drilling, sawing, and trimming, should be done in enclosed areas. Continuous water spraying should be used while working to minimise the generation of dusty air.

Small industries such as bakeries have also been directed to track and limit their pollution levels.

Construction and demolition debris generated at each construction site/premises should be taken only to the locations designated in the BMC's Construction and Demolition Debris Management Plan. After unloading the debris, the vehicle should be completely washed.

For vehicles All vehicles transporting construction materials should be completely covered on all sides, ensuring that construction materials or debris particles do not mix with the air during transport. Do not carry material heavier than the limit in the vehicle, so that it does not fall during transport.

CCTV cameras must be installed on all sides at all construction project sites. This will ensure that the wheels of vehicles carrying goods are clean and that the material is transported in compliance with the weight limit in the vehicles.

All vehicles transporting materials must have a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate.

PUC certificate should be presented to the competent authorities when and as requested.

The Transport Commissioner has been directed to take action against vehicles exceeding the weight limit, uncovered vehicles, and those operating in a manner that causes construction materials to fall onto the roads.

Heavy diesel vehicles that are more than eight years old will be strictly prohibited from plying within the Mumbai jurisdiction.

Also Read | Bombay HC upholds Sebi approval for WeWork India 3,000 crore IPO
Parliament Winter Session: The winter session of Parliament begins today. The government has listed as many as 13 bills for introduction during the three-week session, which comprises 15 sittings until 19 December.

The opposition MPs have decided to raise several issues, including discussions related to the ongoing SIR, equality, income, the Delhi blast, pollution, and foreign policy.

Also Read | Parliament Winter Session to kick off on a stormy note over SIR today

The government, which has listed 13 new bills for introduction during the upcoming session, is likely to hold a discussion on the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, Indias national song.

A total of 13 bills are listed in the legislative business which are likely to be taken up for passage during the session. The bills include  the National Highways (Amendment) Bill, the Atomic Energy Bill, the Corporate Laws (Amendment) Bill, the Insurance Laws (Amendment) Bill and the Higher Education Commission of India Bill -2025.

In the Lok Sabha, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is scheduled to introduce the Central Excise (Amendment) Bill and Health Security and National Security Cess Bill, 2025.

Besides the crucial 'The Atomic Energy Bill, 2025', which seeks to govern the use and regulation of atomic energy in India, a bill to establish a higher education regulator, which will replace existing bodies such as the UGC, is also listed for introduction in the winter session. According to a Lok Sabha bulletin, the proposed legislation has been christened the Higher Education Commission of India Bill.

Also Read | Parliament Winter Session to kick off on a stormy note over SIR today

What are the top 10 key bills on the government's agenda? Here's a complete list:

1-Insurance Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025 -The bill proposes to deepen penetration, accelerate growth, and promote ease of doing business in the insurance sector, according to the Parliament bulletin.

-This comes after the FY25 Union Budget proposed removing limits on foreign direct investment (FDI) in the sector from the current 74%. The bill will likely review and simplify the existing conditions for FDI in the sector.

2-Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill, 2025 - This bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha on 12 August 2025 before being referred to the select committee.

- This bill provides for cross-border insolvency and group insolvency. Removes the fast-track insolvency process for small companies and startups

3-Atomic Energy Bill, 2025 -This bill aims to regulate the use of atomic energy.

Also Read | Revisiting Dharmendra's tenure as a BJP Member of Parliament

-The proposed reforms would allow non-government entities to operate atomic power generation plants alongside the Nuclear Power Corporation of India. This comes as India aims to achieve 100 GW of nuclear energy by 2047.

4-The Securities Markets Code Bill, 2025 -This bill aims to consolidate the provisions of the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992, the Depositories Act, 1996, and the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956 into a single code.

5-The Corporate Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025 -This bill aims to amend the Companies Act, 2013 and the Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008, to facilitate ease of doing business and remove certain gaps as per the report of the Company Law Committee (2022).

6- The Higher Education Commission of India Bill, 2025 This bill aims to constitute the Higher Education Commission of India for coordinating and determining standards in higher education, research, and scientific and technical institutions

7- The Manipur Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2025 This bill proposes to align with the amendments to the Central GST Act introduced by the Finance (No.2) Act, 2024, and replaces an Ordinance.

8- The National Highways (Amendment) Bill, 2025 The bill amends the National Highways Act, 1956, to facilitate faster and transparent land acquisition for national highways.

9- The Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Bill, 2025 This bill proposes to amend the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996.

10-The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025

-This bill amends 17 Acts; removes imprisonment provisions for several minor offences and rationalises penalties for several violations.

-This bill was introduced in Lok Sabha on 18 August 20025 and then referred to a select committee.
The winter session of Parliament is likely to kick off on a stormy note today, with the Opposition insisting on a debate on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls by the Election Commission of India, which is underway in many states across the country.

The government, which plans to introduce 10 bills during the session, has expressed its willingness to discuss any issue as per the rules. The government has also decided to hold a discussion on the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, Indias national song.

In as many as three meetings held on Sundayan all-party meet chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) meetings of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabhadebate on the SIR was the central theme of the Oppositions demands.

The winter session of Parliament will continue till 19 December, as announced by Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju. Parliament is set to have 15 sittings across 19 days. Private Members' Bills are scheduled for consideration on December 5 and 19, and Private Members' resolutions on 12 December.

What is INDIA bloc demanding? Besides the SIR, the Opposition has also expressed its demand for discussions on national security, the Delhi car explosion, labour codes, the role of Governors, and pending dues to states. The Opposition has already warned the government that it will be responsible for disruptions, if a debate on SIR is not allowed.

"Most of the political discussions are fictional, even during the elections, while the basic issues of the public are being ignored. The mainstream media is largely responsible for this. I hope the government thinks beyond the next election. Aren't income and equality the issues to discuss? If we talk about India's GDP growth story and see that it's not reflected in daily life, shouldn't we discuss it?," RJD leader Manoj Jha told news agency ANI

At the all-party meeting held at the Parliament House Complex on Sunday, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, 50 leaders from 36 political parties, including several Union Ministers, participated, with the aim of ensuring a constructive and productive session.

Parliament will remain a museum-like structure: Jha "If we talk about the concerns people have regarding the SIR, then see if we had not appealed to the Supreme Court, the relief the public received in terms of documents would not have been possible as well. These need to be discussed in detail; otherwise, Parliament will remain a museum-like structure," Jha said.

Congress MP Pramod Tiwari said, "The SIR was conducted across the entire state in a very short span of time, which is impossible. Blasts have occurred in the capital. Prime Minister Modi's foreign policies are completely lost. In addition, air pollution in Delhi and other states must be discussed in detail. We have a strategic meeting today at 6 pm, and the Business Advisory Committee meeting is happening at 4 pm. Let us see what is on the BJP's agenda."

Govt fully prepared to address Oppn concerns: Rijiju Rijiju, however, asserted that the government is fully prepared to address the opposition's concerns, even as some leaders warned of creating a ruckus in Parliament over the ongoing SIR of electoral rolls during the winter session.

Speaking to reporters following an all-party meeting today, Rijiju said that the government is prepared to address the issue, emphasising that Parliament "belongs to everyone" and urging all parties to uphold the sanctity of parliamentary debate.

"No one said that Parliament will not function or will not let it function. Some leaders said they can create a ruckus in the House over SIR. I am saying this in a positive manner that we are ready to listen to the opposition... Parliament belongs to everyone; it belongs to the country. There is a method to discuss every issue in Parliament. There are rules, there are conventions," the Union Minister said.

Also Read | Parliament panel reviews IBC changes; bill likely in winter session

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will brief accredited media representatives on the opening day of the Sixth Session of the Eighteenth Lok Sabha at 10:00 AM. The briefing will take place at Hans Dwar, Parliament House.

The INDIA bloc floor leaders have also called for a meeting at the office of Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge in Parliament on Monday.

ECI extends SIR deadline The Election Commission (EC) on Sunday extended the schedule for the ongoing SIR of electoral rolls across 12 states and Union Territories by a week, amid Opposition claims that the earlier tight timelines were hindering voters and officials. The poll panel, however, said the extension was meant to ensure full transparency

In a statement, the EC said the distribution of enumeration forms will now continue until 11 December, instead of the earlier deadline of 4 December. The draft electoral rolls will be published on 16 December, replacing the previously scheduled date of December 9. The period for filing claims and objections will now remain open until January 15, 2026. The final voters list will now be published on 14 February, instead of 7 February.

Parliament belongs to everyone; it belongs to the country.

On 27 October, the poll panel announced the launch of the second phase of the SIR across nine states and three UTs, covering nearly half of Indias billion-strong electorate in an exercise that has become a political flashpoint. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Puducherry, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal fall under this phase.

Among them, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala, and West Bengal are due for Assembly elections in 2026.

Most of the political discussions are fictional, even during the elections, while the basic issues of the public are being ignored.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday took a jibe at the Opposition by urging it to focus on positivity and delivery and avoid doing drama during Parliament sessions. The prime minister insisted that the panic of defeat or arrogance of victory should not become a ground for debate during Parliament sessions.

"I urge all parties, in this winter session, that the panic of defeat should not become a ground for debate. As public representatives, we should handle the responsibility and expectations of the people of the country with utmost balance and responsibility, while thinking about the future," PM Modi said, speaking ahead of the Winter Session of Parliament beginning today, 1 December.

This session should focus on what this Parliament thinks about the country, what it wants to do for the country. The focus should be on these issues. The opposition should also fulfill its responsibility, Modi said.

The Winter Session will continue till 19 December. The session is likely to kick off on a stormy note, with the Opposition insisting on a debate on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls by the Election Commission of India, which is underway in many states across the country.

India has lived democracy: PM Modi The government, which plans to introduce 13 bills during the session, has expressed its willingness to discuss any issue in accordance with the rules. The government has also decided to hold a discussion on the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, Indias national song.

Also Read | Parliament Winter Session to kick off on a stormy note over SIR today

They should raise such issues, strong issues. They should overcome the disappointment of defeat. And unfortunately, there are some parties that are unable to digest the defeat. And I was thinking that since so much time has passed since the Bihar results came, they might have calmed down a bit. But from what I heard yesterday, it seems that defeat has troubled them, PM Modi said.
SSC Constable Recruitment 2026: The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has officially opened the online registration window for the Constable (General Duty) and Rifleman (General Duty) Recruitment, 2026.

This massive recruitment drive aims to fill positions in various Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and the Assam Rifles.

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As many as 25,487 vacancies are available for recruitment across Border Security Force (BSF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), Assam Rifles (AR), and Secretariat Security Force (SSF), according to an official notice issued on 1 December 2025.

Key dates to remember The registration window opened on 1 December 2025 and will close on 31 December 2025 (23:00 hours). The last date for online fee Submission is 1 January 2026 (23:00 hours). The SSC will open the online correction window from 8 January to 10 January 2026 (23:00 hours).

Aspiring candidates will have to appear for a computer-based examination (CBE). The tentative schedule for the exam is February to April 2026. The CBE will have 80 questions carrying two marks each, with negative marking of 0.25 marks per incorrect response. The test will be available in English, Hindi and 13 regional languages.

Candidates must visit the official website ssc.gov.in to apply for the SSC Constable GD recruitment 2026. They must register and submit their forms through the official link.

Vacancy details Border Security Force (BSF): Total Vacancies 616 - 524 Male and 92 Female

Central Industrial Security Force (CISF): Total Vacancies 14,595 -13,135 Male and 1,460 Female

Also Read | IITs to see high-paying recruitment battle

Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF): Total Vacancies 5,490 -5,366 Male and 124 Female

Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB): Total Vacancies 1,764 - 1,764 Male and 0 Female

Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP): Total Vacancies 1,293 - 1,099 Male and 194 Female

Assam Rifles (AR): Total Vacancies 1,706 - 1,556 Male and 150 Female

Secretariat Security Force (SSF): Total Vacancies 23  23 Male and 0 Female

The selection process includes: Computer-Based Examination, Physical Efficiency Test (PET), Physical Standard Test (PST), Medical Examination (DME/RME), and Document Verification (DV).

Eligibility criteria Candidates must be citizens of India and should possess a Matriculation/10th Class pass certificate from a recognised board as on 1 January 2026. The age limit is 18 to 23 years as on 1 January 2026 (born between 2 January 2003 and 1 January 2008). Age relaxations are applicable for reserved categories as per government rules.

According to the SSC, 10% of the vacancies are reserved for ex-servicemen, and State/Union Territory-wise allocation will apply for most forces except SSF, which will follow all-India recruitment.
Russian President Vladimir Putin will pay a state visit to India from 4 to 5 December next month at the invitation of 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.

Also Read | India plans to pitch arms deal with Russia during Putin visit

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 visit will mark Putin's first visit to India since 2021. Putin and Prime Minister Modi met in person on 1 September this year in Tianjin, China, on the sidelines of the SCO Summit.

Putin as Russian President Putin first became Acting President on 31 December 1999, when Boris Yeltsin resigned.

He was then formally elected President and inaugurated on 7 May 2000. Putin served as President from 2000 to 2008 (two consecutive terms).

And he stepped down in 2008 because of constitutional term limits. Between 2008 and 2012, he served as Prime Minister, while Dmitry Medvedev was President.

Who else of the Russian Presidents has visited India? Putin, however, returned as President in 2012 and has remained in that post since then. He was sworn in for another term on 7 May 2024 after winning the 2024 election in Russia.

President Putins India Visits since 2000 Date Occasion 6 December 2021 Attended the 21st IndiaRussia Annual Summit. 4-5 October 2018 Attended the 19th IndiaRussia Annual Summit. 1011 December 2014 Attended 15th Annual IndiaRussia Summit. 24 December 2012 State visit for the Annual IndiaRussia Annual Summit.. December 2000 One of Putins earliest visits to India after his becoming Russian President.

The visit will provide an opportunity for the leadership of India and Russia to review progress in bilateral relations.

Before Putin, Dmitry Medvedev made an official visit in December 2008  his first as Russian President where the two countries signed a civil nuclear agreement and expanded defence and energy cooperation. Medvedev visited India again on 21 to 22 December 2010 for the IndiaRussia Annual Summit.

Russian President Boris Yeltsin visited India in January 1993. During his two-day visit, Yeltsin met with then-Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao and reached agreements on issues such as resolving India's debt to Russia, military-technical cooperation, and addressing terrorism.
A West Virginia National Guard member who was shot last week in a brazen daytime attack in Washington, DC remains in serious condition but showed positive signs by giving a thumbs-up that he could hear a nurses question and wiggling his toes, Gov. Patrick Morrisey said Monday.

Morrisey said the family of 24-year-old U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe has asked the public to pray for him. Another member of the West Virginia National Guard, U.S. Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, 20, was killed in the shooting.

Andrew is still fighting for his life, Morrisey said. Andrew needs prayers.

Morrisey said he could not yet share details of any funeral arrangements for Beckstrom and wants to respect her familys wishes.

White House shooting Beckstrom and Wolfe were shot Wednesday just blocks from the White House while deployed as part of President Donald Trumps crime-fighting plan that federalized D.C. police.

Investigators are working to determine a motive. Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, is charged with one count of first-degree murder and two counts of assault in the shooting.

Authorities said Lakanwal, who was shot in the confrontation, remained hospitalized and a court appearance has not yet been scheduled.

Trump administration halts Afghan visas and asylum decisions The shooting prompted the Trump administration to halt all asylum decisions and pause issuing visas for people traveling on Afghan passports.

After the shooting, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Trump asked him to send 500 more National Guard members to Washington. Morrisey said he has not been asked to deploy additional troops from West Virginia.

Overall, nearly 2,200 troops currently are assigned to the joint task force operating in the city, according to the governments latest update. More than 300 West Virginia National Guard members were deployed in August. In mid-November, up to 170 of them volunteered to extend their deployment until the end of the year while the others returned to West Virginia.
The US Transportation Security Administration informed on Monday that starting February 1, travellers without IDs meeting stricter federal standards will be charged $ 45. This measure aims to motivate travellers to obtain the upgraded identity documents, according to a report by Reuters.

In May this year, the TSA started enforcing the standards known as "REAL ID" but issued warnings and conducted enhanced screening for passengers without the new IDs. TSA officials mentioned they would encourage passengers without REAL IDs to obtain them or pay the fee before reaching the airport. The $45 fee will cover travel for a 10-day period.

On November 20, TSA announced in the Federal Register that travellers could be charged an $18 fee if they lack a REAL ID. However, officials explained in a briefing that the fee was increased due to higher-than-expected costs for the option.

Who is exempted? The fees are nonrefundable, and travellers might take up to 30 minutes to pay them if they haven't paid before arriving at the airport and need to go through security. In exceptional cases, officials stated they could waive the fees. Children under 18 are not required to show ID at airport checkpoints.

What is accepted? Most travellers use state-issued driver's licenses that meet the requirements, but passports from any government are also accepted, along with other IDs such as permanent resident cards, Department of Defence IDs, DHS trusted traveller cards, and others. Currently, approximately 94% of travellers at airports display valid IDs.

Also Read | REAL ID enforcement begins in 3 weeks: What travelers need to know

Stricter norms proposed in 2005 In 2005, Congress approved new, stricter federal standards for issuing identification cards, but enforcement has been repeatedly delayed. People also require these IDs to visit a federal building.

The 2005 law implemented the September 11, 2001, commission's recommendation that the U.S. government "set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses." It establishes minimum security standards for issuing and producing licenses.
(Bloomberg) -- Luigi Mangiones lawyers will ask a judge to toss evidence seized during his arrest last year, arguing that police illegally seized a handgun and a diary from his backpack that prosecutors say showed he planned to kill a healthcare executive.

In a multi-day hearing starting in New York state court on Monday, lawyers for Mangione will argue that the local police officers who arrested him at a McDonalds in Altoona, Pennsylvania, violated his legal rights by searching backpack without a warrant and questioned him for 20 minutes before reading him his constitutional rights.

The 27-year-old is accused of shooting and killing UnitedHealth Group Inc. executive Brian Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel one year ago this week. The result of the hearing could impact the strength of the murder case and shape what evidence prosecutors will be allowed to introduce at trial.

Attempts to throw out evidence in criminal cases are common, but rarely succeed in substantially limiting the scope of a case. If successful, Mangione could have a stronger hand in potential plea negotiations with prosecutors, who have charged him with second-degree murder, and other crimes.

The judge weighing the request earlier this year tossed out first-degree murder charges against Mangione. He also faces federal murder charges, that could result in a death penalty if he is convicted.

Prosecutors say they have compiled an unassailable trove of evidence against Mangione, including videos of him at the crime scene outside the Hilton Hotel on Sixth Avenue in Manhattan. The material from the Altoona search contains a so-called manifesto, a key document in which the former Ivy League graduate expressed his desire to kill an insurance executive and lauded Unabomber Ted Kaczynski. His lawyers argue his backpack was illegally searched, and the anything in it shouldnt be used as evidence.

The case has drawn intense national interest as Mangione has been cheered by fans who say he expressed their rage at the health-care system, while government officials, including President Donald Trump, have linked him to left-wing extremism.

Ahead of the hearing, Mangiones lawyers, Karen Friedman Agnifilo and her husband Marc Agnifilo, laid out in court documents a detailed timeline of his arrest in Altoona and the conduct of officers last December.

Officer Joseph Detwiler arrived at the McDonalds that morning and told Mr. Mangione that someone had called the police because they thought he was suspicious.

Even though Patrolman Detwiler had already decided that Mr. Mangione was the New York shooter, he told Mr. Mangione, as a pretext for the police interaction, that they were there because Mr. Mangione had been at the McDonalds for 40 minutes, Friedman Agnifilo said.

Detwiler asked Mangione what he was doing in New York, but before he could respond the patrolman asked Mangione to stand up and put his hands on top of his head, with Detwiler grabbing and lifting Mangiones right wrist and then frisking him.

Another officer, Christy Wasser, then searched Mangiones backpack, without a warrant, where they found the 9 mm handgun and the manifesto. Friedman Agnifilo said the police didnt obtain a search warrant for another seven hours.

Realizing she had made a potentially devastating mistake by thoroughly searching the backpack of a murder suspect in a significant New York press case without a warrant, Wasser suddenly stated that she was searching through the backpack at McDonalds to make sure there wasnt a bomb or anything in here, Friedman Agnifilo wrote.

Mangione has already scored a surprise victory from New York judge Gregory Carro in the state murder case. In September, Carro tossed first-degree murder charges that classified the crime as an act of terrorism, ruling Mangione didnt intend to terrorize or intimidate UnitedHealth employees.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
Alina Habba, the former personal lawyer of US President Donald Trump was disqualified from serving as US attorney for New Jersey on Monday, a ruling that could have far-reaching consequences for the Trump administration's legal appointments across the country.

The decision was taken by a panel of three appellate judges with the 3rd US Circuit Court of Appeals, which upheld a lower court's finding that the Trump administration broke the law by using a series of manoeuvres to install Habba as US attorney for New Jersey after the 41-year-old failed to get the Senate's approval.

It is apparent that the current administration has been frustrated by some of the legal and political barriers to getting its appointees in place," the Circuit Court of Appeals observed, noting that "the citizens of New Jersey and the loyal employees in the US Attorneys Office deserve some clarity and stability," as per a report by the Associated Press (AP).

Under the Governments delegation theory, Habba may avoid the gauntlet of presidential appointment and Senate confirmation and serve as the de facto US Attorney indefinitely. This view is so broad that it bypasses the constitutional (appointment and Senate confirmation) process entirely," CNN quoted the panel as writing in its 32-page opinion.

We will affirm the District Courts disqualification order," the panel concluded.

The decision by the Circuit Court of Appeals to uphold Habba's disqualification comes at a time when the Trump administration has been pushing to keep the 41-year-old as the acting US attorney for New Jersey, a post that carries the responsibility of enforcing federal criminal and civil law within its jurisdiction.

It also comes on the back of several judges questioning the Trump administration's moves to keep Habba in the post despite the expiry of her interim appointment and her failure to get Senate confirmation.

Why the ruling matters While the court on Monday upheld Habba's disqualification, the ruling could have an impact on other jurisdictions where the Trump administration does not have Senate-approved US attorneys, including in key areas like Los Angeles and Las Vegas.

To illustrate, a district court last week junked two indictments against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James after finding that Lindsey Halligan, the US attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia was serving unlawfully.

What happens next? At the moment, it is unclear who will succeed Habba as the US attorney for New Jersey, and what happens next will depend on how the US Justice Department reacts to the court's ruling.

Two options lie before the Justice Department: it could appeal the case further by asking the full bench of judges of the 3rd US Circuit Court of Appeals to re-hear the argument on Habba's case. Alternatively, it could go directly to the US Supreme Court.
US President Donald Trump on Sunday defended his administrations indefinite halt on asylum decisions, saying the pause carries no time limit and could stretch for a long time, as the White House intensifies its response to last weeks shooting of National Guard members in Washington, DC.

The suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwalan Afghan national who arrived in the US in 2021 and received asylum under the current administration earlier this yearhas become a central figure in Donald Trumps renewed crackdown on immigration.

What did Donald Trump say about stopping asylum decisions? Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump made clear that the freeze on asylum processing would remain in place indefinitely.

We dont want those people. We have enough problems, he said, underscoring the administrations shift toward extreme restriction.

Also Read | US halts Afghan visas and asylum decisions after shooting near White House

Pressed to clarify his remarks about those people, the president responded: The people from different countries that are not friendly to us and countries that are out of control themselves.

Although Trump did not elaborate on the number of countries targeted, he said it is likely more than 19.

Donald Trump continued with sweeping criticism of these nations: I dont think they are all Third World, but in many cases, they are Third World. They are not good countries. They are crime-ridden countries. Theyre countries that dont do a good job.

Trump added, They are countries that don't register from a standpoint of success. We frankly dont need their people coming into our country telling us what to do.

Why is Donald Trump linking the asylum pause to Washington DC National Guard shooting? The policy shift comes days after the arrest of Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who allegedly opened fire on National Guard personnel in Washington on 26 November. He arrived in the United States following the 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan and applied for asylum in 2024, which the Trump administration approved in April 2025.

Also Read | White House shooting: Haunting image shows National Guard members motionless

The attack has fuelled Donald Trumps long-standing efforts to overhaul immigration systems, with the president portraying the shooting as evidence of systemic failure.

The administration is framing the incident as justification for expansive new restrictions, including potential reversals of previously granted protections.

Trump posted on Truth Social, 'Weve got to get BAD PEOPLE out of our Country, and FAST. What the Biden Administration, and a Rigged Election, did to the United States of America must never be forgotten. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!"

How long will the asylum freeze last? When asked about the duration of the pause on asylum, Donald Trump said that it would be for a long time since "most of them are no good".

"For a long time. No time limit. We don't want those people. We have enough problems. You know why? Because many of them are no good and they shouldn't be in our country," he added.

Did Donald Trump target Rep Ilhan Omar during the remarks? During the same conversation with reporters, Trump pivoted to attacking Democratic Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, the first Somali American elected to Congress and a refugee who settled in the US more than twenty years ago.

He has frequently cited Somalia as an example of what he considers an unsuitable origin country for migrants, and his latest comments appear to extend that long-running line of attack.

What did Donald Trump say about denaturalising US citizens? Trump also reignited controversy over his earlier threat to revoke citizenship from some Americans, suggesting he is prepared to pursue such actions if legally permissible.

If I have the power to do it, Im not sure that I do, but if I do, I would denaturalize, absolutely, he said.

Also Read | US issues new vetting rules for high-risk nations after Afghan shoots soldiers
The White House, on Monday, shared an update on US President Donald Trump's health, stating that an MRI was performed for preventive reasons. It also stated that all of the POTUS' imaging reports were normal, and he remains in overall excellent health. There was also no evidence of arterial narrowing.

White House revealed the details of the reports after Trump, earlier in the day had said that he will make public the results of his MRI scan conducted in October. If you want to have it released, Ill release it, the Republican president said during an exchange with reporters as he travelled back to Washington from Florida, AP reported.

The POTUS had said that the results of the MRI were perfect. He was traveling back to Washington, DC, from Florida after spending Thanksgiving at Mar-a-Lago.

Trump's comments about the perfect MRI result come after Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, on Sunday, 30 November  told NBC's "Meet the Press" Trump is "fading physically" and criticised his mental capacity, and ranting. Walz further took to X to call on Trump to release his MRI results.

Donald Trump was the oldest person to be inaugurated as president when he retook the White House in January. He is the second-oldest person to serve as president.

Why Trump underwent MRI scan? Although detail of Trump's MRI reports were made public, the White House earlier declined to shed light on why Trump had an MRI during his physical examination in October or on what part of his body.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging  MRI scan uses magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the inside of the body  reports of which are used to monitor a range of conditions.

The press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, has said that the president received advanced imaging at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center as part of his routine physical examination and that the results showed Trump remains in exceptional physical health.

Trump's health While the White House PR team keeps promoting an image of Trump as unusually vigorous the Republican appears to be slowing down, AFP reported.

According to a report in The Times, Trump has significantly cut back on public events and domestic travel compared to his first term, generally keeping a public schedule from noon to 5:00 pm.

Which health conditions has Trump already been diagnosed with? Earlier this year, the White House revealed that Trump had swelling in his lower legs and bruising on his right hand, after photos showed visibly swollen ankles and makeup covering the marks on his hand.
Amid an ongoing row surrounding Pete Hegseth's alleged direction to kill everyone on board a suspected drug boat, the White House on Monday clarified that an admiral ordered the strikes after securing relevant authorization from the US Defense Secretary.

During a press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that Hegseth authorized a US Navy admiral to carry out the strikes, as reported by AFP.

Leavitt added that the admiral approved a second strike on the boat and was well within his legal right to do so.

Admiral Frank Bradley "worked well within his authority and the law directing the engagement to ensure the boat was destroyed and the threat to the United States of America was eliminated," the White House Press Secretary was quoted as saying by the news agency.

The White House's statement on the ongoing row back Hegseth's earlier claim that all actions taken were in compliance with the law of armed conflict, following the publication of a report by The Washington Post that alleged the US Defense Secretary's direct role in ordering the follow-up strike.

After an initial missile strike on the boat, which had 11 people aboard, two survivors were reportedly seen clinging to the debris. A subsequent "double-tap" strike was allegedly ordered to comply with Hegseth's directive to leave no survivors, killing all 11 people, The Washington Post had said in its report.

With the report sparking political controversy, the US Defense Secretary had dubbed it fake news at the time in a lengthy post 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, Hegseth had written.

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, the US Defense Secretary had added.

He had also lashed out at the earlier Biden administration for the kid gloves approach which he alleged was responsible for allowing millions of people  including dangerous cartels and unvetted Afghans  to flood the US.

What did Trump say about the drug boat row? The White House's statement on the issue on Monday comes after US President Donald Trump earlier defended his Defense Secretary.

Im going to find out about it, but Pete said he did not order the death of those two men, Trump was quoted as saying by Bloomberg.
Cyclone Ditwah unleashed powerful winds and torrential rain when it made landfall on Friday. This triggered Sri Lanka's worst flooding in 10 years and caused landslides across the central highlands. Rescue efforts are now underway to clear blocked roads and deliver aid to more than half a million affected people.

As of Monday, 12 PM, the official death toll stood at 340, with 370 people missing. The cyclone has affected over 1 million people across more than 300,000 families.

Here's what eyewitnesses said In villages on the northern outskirts of Colombo, flooding is a familiar challenge, but even seasoned residents were shocked by the Kelani Rivers sudden and dramatic rise.

Delivery driver Dinusha Sanjaya said he ignored the early warnings, expecting only a couple of feet of water. Instead, within an hour, his two-storey home was completely underwater.

View full Image Landslide survivors search for their belongings among the debris of a damaged house in Sarasavigama village in Kandy, Sri Lanka, Monday, Dec. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena) ( AP )

View full Image People salvage their belongings from a flooded house along the banks of Kelani River, following Cyclone Ditwah in Peliyagoda, Sri Lanka, December 1, 2025. REUTERS/Thilina Kaluthotage ( REUTERS )

View full Image A Buddhist monk gestures as he stands inside a temple inundated by floodwaters in Wellampitiya on the outskirts of Colombo on December 1, 2025. At least 340 people have been killed, Sri Lankan officials said on December 1, with many more still missing. (Photo by Ishara S. KODIKARA / AFP) ( AFP )

View full Image Residents along with their belongings take refuge in a relief camp inside a school after being evacuated following rapid floods in Wellampitiya on the outskirts of Colombo on December 1, 2025. At least 340 people have been killed, Sri Lankan officials said on December 1, with many more still missing. (Photo by Ishara S. KODIKARA / AFP) ( AFP )

I never thought the floods would be this bad, Sanjaya, 37, told AFP at Vidyawardana school, where all his neighbours were also taking refuge on Monday.

For seamstress Nirushika, 44, the floods have taken away her livelihood.

I earned a living by running a small sewing business, she said. Both my sewing machines were lost.

The opposition party walks out of Parliament Sri Lankas main opposition party, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya, staged a walkout from Parliament on Monday in protest against the governments refusal to extend the sitting to debate the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah.

Kabir Hashim of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya said the party wanted to formally highlight the governments inadequate preparedness, despite warnings of the severe weather that was set to strike the island.

The National Peoples Power (NPP) government said that the opposition was free to express themselves until 12:30 PM, as the House was scheduled to conclude early due to disaster relief coordination work.

We need more time to express our ideas where the government had failed, with preparedness, we could have prevented a lot of damage, Hashim said, PTI reported.

View full Image TOPSHOT - A residential house inundated by floodwaters in Wellampitiya on the outskirts of Colombo on December 1, 2025. At least 340 people have been killed, Sri Lankan officials said on December 1, with many more still missing. (Photo by Ishara S. KODIKARA / AFP) ( AFP )

Bimal Rathnayaka, the leader of the House, said the government was open to criticism and ideas on how to handle the crisis and urged the opposition to utilise the scheduled time until 12:30 PM.

Nearly 148,000 people are housed in temporary shelters after being battered in the past week by downpours that flooded homes, fields and roads and triggered landslides, primarily in the tea-growing central hill country.

India's Operation Sagar Bandhu India launched Operation Sagar Bandhu to aid Sri Lanka following the devastation triggered by Cyclone Ditwah. Swinging into swift action, India has helped its neighbour with HADR operations, rescue and relief, to provide aid and assistance to the country.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday said that under Operation Sagar Bandhu, Indian Air Force aircraft landed in Colombo on Sunday carrying disaster response supplies.

The Indian Air Force announced on Sunday that, under Operation Sagar Bandhu, an IAF C-17 airlifted NDRF teams and equipment from Pune. The ongoing operation has tapped into domestic support operations.

View full Image In this image posted on Nov. 30, 2025, people being evacuated by the Indian Air Force (IAF) from a cyclone-hit area as part of 'Operation Sagar Bandhu', in Sri Lanka. (@IAF_MCC/X via PTI Photo) ( @IAF_MCC )

India launched 'Operation Sagar Bandhu' to aid Sri Lanka following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah. The Indian Air Force delivered 21 tonnes of relief material, along with over 80 NDRF personnel and 8 tonnes of equipment, to Colombo to assist those affected by severe flooding.

The scale and speed of these missions underscore India's steadfast commitment to assisting Sri Lanka in its hour of need, as the Indian Air Force delivers swift, coordinated, and compassionate HADR support under challenging conditions.

Heavy rain batters Tamil Nadu Several parts of Tamil Nadu, including Chennai, Thiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Cuddalore, and Ranipet, continued to receive moderate rainfall on Monday due to the remnants of Cyclonic Storm Ditwah, which remained close to the Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts.

Earlier, on Sunday, three people died in rain-related incidents in three districts in the state.

Meanwhile, the IMD predicted that the system, which weakened into a deep depression, would further weaken, and the remnants could cause rain.

It is likely to remain stationary as a weakened system for the next 24 hours, the IMD said.

View full Image Chennai: People pump out stagnant water amid heavy rainfall in the wake of Cyclone Ditwah, in Chennai, Monday, Dec. 01, 2025. (PTI Photo/R Senthilkumar)(PTI12_01_2025_000329A) ( PTI )

With the continuous downpour leading to the cancellation of ten flights from here, causing waterlogging in many areas and affecting the districts, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin held a meeting with the collectors and took stock of the situation arising from the impact of the cyclone.

Around 20 trees that fell or were uprooted due to the cyclone in Chennai from 29 November to today have been removed. A total of 32,500 people were provided with food on 30 November, while another 83,600 people were served food today, according to a release from the GCC.

Private weather bloggers claimed that rain intensity was likely to increase in Chennai as intense rain bands moved into the city from the north. The cloud mass was now closer to the TN coast, with the bulk of cold tops brushing towards the Chennai belt, PTI reported.
Tehran Revolutionary Court has sentenced Jafar Panahi  the celebrated Iranian director who recently won the Palme d'Or  to one year in prison, a two-year travel ban, and a ban on membership in any political or social organisations, his lawyer confirmed on December 1, 2025.

The ruling, delivered in absentia, accuses Panahi of propaganda activities against the Iranian regime  a familiar charge in repeated legal cases against the director over the years.

Why was Palme d'Or winner Jafar Panahi sentenced to one year in prison? The verdict comes just months after Panahi  aged 65  achieved one of the greatest accolades in world cinema. His latest film, It Was Just an Accident, won the 2025 Cannes Film Festivals top prize, the Palme dOr.

In that film, a group of former inmates confront a man they believe to be their former jailer, a story that many critics see as a sharp allegory for state repression and a bold act of cinematic defiance.

Also Read | Cannes Palme dOr winner Cristian Mungiu to direct film Fjord starring Sebastian Stan

Panahi had spent much of the past two decades navigating severe restrictions: after openly supporting anti-government protests in 2009, he was convicted in 2010 of propaganda against the system and received a six-year prison sentence as well as a 20-year ban on filmmaking, international travel, and media appearances.

Undeterred, he refused to remain silent. During his house arrest, he co-directed This Is Not a Film (2011), a stark documentary made in his apartment that was smuggled out of Iran on a USB drive and screened at Cannes  a daring act of artistic resistance.

He later succeeded with films like Taxi (2015), shot entirely inside a car, which won the Golden Bear at the Berlin Film Festival.

After years of bans and hidden productions, Panahi resurrected his public presence this year  returning to Cannes for the first time in over 20 years for the premiere of It Was Just an Accident.

What the new verdict means for Panahi  and Iranian cinema The new sentence places Panahi once again under heavy threat. The prison term, travel ban and prohibition on participating in social or political organisations threaten not just his personal safety, but also his ability to work internationally or collaborate with other artists.

The timing is striking: a director who just weeks ago stood on the Cannes red carpet as a Palme dOr winner is now legally condemned by his home country.

Also Read | Sean Combs organises Thanksgiving meals for inmates at Fort Dix prison

The ruling has stirred concern among international film communities and human-rights monitors, who argue that it underscores renewed pressure on Iranian filmmakers since the nationwide protests sparked by the 2022 death in custody of Mahsa Amini.

In 2022, Panahi was briefly detained after claiming information about fellow jailed directors  yet he was released after several months, following international outcry.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday expressed his deep concern about the health condition of Bangladesh's former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia, acknowledging her long-standing contributions to Bangladesh's public life.

Zia, the 80-year-old Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairperson, was admitted to a private hospital on November 23 when she developed a chest infection that affected both her heart and lungs.

He further offered heartfelt prayers and wishes for her swift recovery, adding that India is prepared to provide any support needed in this difficult time.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a post on X, said, Deeply concerned to learn about the health of Begum Khaleda Zia, who has contributed to Bangladeshs public life for many years. Our sincere prayers and best wishes for her speedy recovery. India stands ready to extend all possible support, in whatever way we can.

How is Khaleda Zia? Zia is extremely unwell, and she has been placed on ventilation, with both local and international medical specialists overseeing her treatment, her party leaders said on Monday, as reported by PTI.

Four days later, the three-time prime minister was shifted to the coronary care unit after several of her health complications worsened.

Her condition has deteriorated, and she was put on ventilation, BNP Vice-Chairman Advocate Ahmed Aazam Khan was quoted as saying by news portal tbsnews.net.

"She is in a very critical condition. There is nothing more to do except seek prayers from the whole nation," he told reporters outside Evercare Hospital here.

Zia, the wife of slain Bangladesh president Ziaur Rahman, has been suffering from multiple other health complications, including liver and kidney issues, diabetes, arthritis, and eye-related illnesses.

Earlier on Saturday, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said doctors believe she may need treatment abroad, but her present condition does not allow her to travel.

Earlier this year, Zia returned to Bangladesh on May 6 after spending four months in London for advanced medical treatment.

Her elder son, Tarique Rahman  the BNP's acting chairman  has been based in London since 2008. Her younger son, Arafat Rahman, passed away in 2025 after suffering a cardiac arrest.

The BNP has re-emerged as the leading force in Bangladeshs transformed political landscape, following the student-led violent uprising that overthrew thenprime minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League government on August 5, 2024.
US President Donald Trump said today that he is certain Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth did not authorise a second strike on a suspected drug-smuggling vessel in the Caribbean after the initial attack failed to kill everyone aboard.

Speaking to reporters on Air Force One on Sunday, Trump said, He said he did not say that, and I believe him 100%.

'Pete said he did not order death of those two men' The Pentagon is under increasing scrutiny following a Washington Post report alleging that Pete Hegseth instructed forces to carry out a deadly strike on boats and explicitly required that everyone on board be killed. According to the report, this order resulted in a suspected second strike on 2 September targeting the damaged hull of a boat to kill two individuals who had survived the initial attack.

Im going to find out about it, but Pete said he did not order the death of those two men, Trump said, according to Bloomberg. When questioned about whether a follow-up strike would be lawful, he responded, No, I wouldnt have wanted that, not a second strike. The first strike was very lethal.

Experts say the naval operations have been conducted under questionable legal authority, and they have increasingly unsettled US allies. The administration contends the vessels qualify as valid targets because they are allegedly transporting drugs.

Trump said he had no worries about legal objections because you can see the boats. You can see the drugs in the boats, and each boat is responsible for killing 25,000 Americans. So I think they do an amazing job.

The Republican-controlled armed services committees in both the Senate and House have announced they intend to carry out vigorous oversight of the alleged double-tap strike, which has sparked worries that the US might have breached the laws governing armed conflict, a report by CNN noted.

Also Read | Trump confirms call with Maduro, reveals why he made Venezuela airspace warning

The report of a second strike intended to kill injured survivors prompted uncommon criticism from Republicans. Ohio Representative Mike Turner told CBS on Sunday that, if verified, the action would be an illegal act", and Nebraskas Don Bacon told ABC it would be a clear violation of the law of war".

Senator Roger Wicker, who leads the Senate Armed Services Committee, has said the committee will look into the strikes following the report.
Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday spoke over phone on the topic of Gaza and regional peace, with the US President inviting the Israeli Prime Minister to the White House.

Trump and Netanyahu "stressed the importance and obligation of disarming Hamas and demilitarizing the Gaza Strip, and discussed expanding the peace agreements," the Israeli Prime Minister's office said in a statement.

"US President Trump invited Prime Minister Netanyahu to a meeting at the White House in the near future," the statement added, without specifying a date or a timeframe.

The upcoming meet comes on the back of a peace plan in Gaza brokered by Trump, the stability of which remains in question with Israeli military operations still continuing in Gaza against what it calls violations of the truce.

Trump's earlier warning to Israel It also comes on the back of Trump's warning to Israel on Monday against interfering in Syria, which seemingly did not come up in the call, at least as per the Israeli Prime Minister's office.

Trump's warning, meanwhile, came days after a deadly operation by Israeli forces in Beit Jinn, located in the south of the country. The attack left 13, including two children, dead.

While Israel claimed it was targeting the Jamaa al-Islamiya, Lebanons branch of the Muslim Brotherhood, the group said it was not active outside the country, as per Al Jazeera.

Also Read | Trump aide Alina Habba disqualified as US attorney for New Jersey

"It is very important that Israel maintain a strong and true dialogue with Syria, and that nothing takes place that will interfere with Syria's evolution into a prosperous State," Trump had said earlier on Monday on his Truth Social platform.
Britain's publicly-funded National Health Service (NHS) is set to pay about 25% more for innovative drugs in return for zero tariffs on exports of pharmaceuticals to the US as part of a new deal under Donald Trump's government, which was finalised on Monday, 1 December.

According to a report by The Guardian, industry sources estimate it could cost about 3bn in higher spending on drugs over the next three years. However, they also noted that the deal could increase the portion of the NHS budget spent on medicines for diseases such as breast cancer, asthma and motor neurone disease, where innovation is key.

In return, UK will be exempted from hefty US tariffs imposed on pharma imports that entered force on October 1. It is the only country to reach such a deal as European Union and Switzerland continue to face pharma tariffs totalling 15%.

US-UK zero tariff pharma deal: Key points Here's a glimpse at the key highlights of the deal:

Higher prices for US treatments: The National Health Service (NHS) will increase its prices for new US treatments by 25%.

The National Health Service (NHS) will increase its prices for new US treatments by 25%. Zero tariffs: Britain is now the only country exempted from the hefty tariffs that took effect on 1 October. UK-made medicines, drug ingredients and medical technology will be exempt from Section 232 sectoral tariffs and any future Section 301 country tariffs. Prior to Monday's announcement, the Trump administration had announced tariffs of 100 percent on branded pharmaceuticals.

Britain is now the only country exempted from the hefty tariffs that took effect on 1 October. UK-made medicines, drug ingredients and medical technology will be exempt from Section 232 sectoral tariffs and any future Section 301 country tariffs. Prior to Monday's announcement, the Trump administration had announced tariffs of 100 percent on branded pharmaceuticals. Rise in NICE's threshold: The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)  the body that sets the guidelines for expenditure on new drugs, currently approves about 70 new medicines a year. Under the deal, the UK body's "quality-adjusted life year" threshold, currently 30,000 pounds ($39,789) per year, will rise to a range of 25,000 to 35,000 ($46,239) per year, widening the pool of drugs the NHS can prescribe.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)  the body that sets the guidelines for expenditure on new drugs, currently approves about 70 new medicines a year. Under the deal, the UK body's "quality-adjusted life year" threshold, currently 30,000 pounds ($39,789) per year, will rise to a range of 25,000 to 35,000 ($46,239) per year, widening the pool of drugs the NHS can prescribe. Delay in tariffs for AstraZeneca: The White House, on Monday, also delayed the tariffs for three years with Pfizer and British group AstraZeneca after both agreed to invest in US manufacturing capacity. The accord aims to "address long-standing imbalances in US-UK pharmaceutical trade," ending what US trade ambassador Jamieson Greer called an arrangement where American patients have been forced to subsidise prescription drugs and biologics in other developed countries, reported AFP.
White House on Monday said it was "very optimistic" of a deal being reached to end the Russia-Ukraine war, as US envoy Steve Witkoff heads to Moscow for talks with President Vladimir Putin.

Witkoff, a business friend of Trump met Ukrainian negotiators on Sunday alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio and again on Monday.

The Ukrainian negotiator Rustem Umerov said the talks "achieved significant progress" but that some issues remained unresolved.

Very optimistic "I think the administration feels very optimistic," White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters about the talks.

She said that President Donald Trump and his team "have been working so hard on this effort and they all really want to see this war come to an end."

Just yesterday... they had very good talks with the Ukrainians in Florida and now of course Special Envoy Witkoff is on his way to Russia.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has reportedly refused US-backed calls for Ukraine to cede hard-fought territory that Russia has not been able to seize.

A US plan, also presented to the Ukrainians a week earlier in Geneva without their input, would have seen Kyiv withdraw from its eastern Donetsk region and the United States de facto recognize the Donetsk, Crimea and Lugansk regions as Russian.

The United States in turn would offer some form of guarantees to Ukraine, but the steps would stop short of Kyiv's ambition to join NATO, the transatlantic alliance that considers an attack on one an attack on all.

Washington pared back the original plan following criticism from Kyiv and Europe, but the current contents remain unclear.

US envoy Steve Witkoff criticised Witkoff has faced criticism in the past for his travels to Moscow, where he has entered talks without the usual professional staff that would be routine for US diplomacy with the veteran Russian leader.

The envoy will be joined in Russia by Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law who has helped spearhead his diplomacy on the Middle East.

As Witkoff heads to Russia, Zelensky has been seeking support from European allies.

French President Emmanuel Macron said Monday with Zelensky that any plan to end the war can only be finalized with the involvement of Ukraine and European powers.

Zelensky for his part warned not to let Russia "perceive anything it could consider as a reward for this war."
World AIDS Day is observed across the world every year on 1 December to raise awareness about the HIV/AIDS. On this day, India hosts nationwide awareness campaigns and community outreach programmes. The National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare organises events to unite the masses in the fight against this deadly disease.

What is HIV/AIDS? The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) weakens a person's immune system by attacking the helper T-cells. Meanwhile, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is caused by having too few immune cells to fight off other infections and diseases, Mayo clinic reported.

World AIDS Day theme Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response" is the theme for this year.

World AIDS Day history World Health Organization (WHO) first observed this day in 1988 which now serves as a platform for governments, communities and individuals to raise awareness and take measures to control its spread. One among the eleven official global public health campaigns of WHO, the date 1 December was recommend by San Francisco's former television broadcast journalist, Bunn.

Also Read | Why autoimmune diseases rise sharply after 50

The National AIDS Control Programme (NACP) evolved through five phases in the last three decades. Shifting focus from basic awareness to comprehensive prevention, testing, treatment and sustainability, the goal of the latest phase (20212026) is to support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3.3. HIV/AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017 was a landmark measure in this direction as strong policy framework strives to make significant strides in combatting HIV-related illnesses.

Also Read | Sri Lanka declares state of emergency to tackle disaster relief operation

Phase-V aims to build on past achievements and address persistent challenges posed by the chronic condition caused by fatal HIV infection. With an outlay of Rs. 15,471.94 crore, the aim is to end the epidemic as a public health threat by 2030 through comprehensive risk use of prevention, testing, and treatment services, PIB press release states.

Causes of HIV infection HIV can be sexually transmitted and can also spread through sharing of needles or syringes with infected person. A woman infected with HIV can spread the virus to her child during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding if the HIV infection is left untreated. Although, there's no cure for this disease, but medicines can control the infection and prevent it from getting worse. Antiviral treatments are administered to those infected with HIV to reduce deaths due to AIDS.
Policies must focus on more advanced segments of manufacturing, where the prospects for new technologies and innovation externalities are greatest. It makes little sense to protect consumer goods or established industries that use standard technologies. In autos, for example, the US and Germany should focus on the next generation of electric vehicles, rather than on the mass-market EVs that China is so good at making.
Such precision, in theory, should assure individuals of meaningful notice and control. But the Act also recognizes Legitimate Use, a carve-out allowing data fiduciaries to process personal data without consent, unless the individual explicitly objects. Here lies an interpretative fork: if every usage must be individually specified and notified, when does legitimate use ever truly apply? In effect, organizations are left with a puzzle: how to exhaustively abide by the rules while relying on loosely defined legitimate use exceptions.
On the first day of the Winter Session of Parliament, Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, on Monday, mentioned the sudden and unexpected exit of former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar while the Upper House welcomed his successor, C. P. Radhakrishnan.

However, his remark triggered a brief protest from the Treasury benches, who argued that it was not the appropriate moment.

He referred to Dhankhar, who had resigned from the post of Vice President on 21 July, allegedly due to health issues.

Also Read | Lok Sabha passes Manipur Goods and Services Tax Bill 2025 to replace Ordinance

I am constrained to refer to your predecessor's unexpected and sudden exit from the office of Chairman, which is unprecedented in the annals of Parliamentary history... The Chairman Rajya Sabha, as the custodian of the House, belongs as much to the opposition as to the government, Kharge said, triggering uproar from ruling party benches.

I was disheartened that this House did not get an opportunity to give him a farewell, he said.

Kharge also mentioned that Radhakrishnan is related to former three-term Lok Sabha MP CK Kuppuswamy, who was a member of the Congress.

"It is better if you keep a balance between both sides. I wish you a successful term... The background you come from was mentioned by the PM, but you should also not forget you are from a Congress family," he said.

Kharge slammed PM Modi Secondly, PM gave a statement outside (Parliament). He attacked us indirectly as well, we will reply to it here... he added.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, meanwhile, slammed the Leader of Opposition for mentioning Dhankhar's resignation on the solemn occasion.

This is a very solemn occasion... The Prime Minister has made very dignified remarks as part of the felicitation event. .. Why did the honorable Leader of Opposition refer to a case which was not necessary to be raised at this moment... Rijiju said.

The language you used for the former chairman, the way you insulted him, the motion you served, we still have that copy... he said.

He was referring to the motion to remove the Vice-President that Opposition parties had submitted during Dhankhar's tenure.

Leader of the House J. P. Nadda also stepped in, calling on members to uphold the dignity of the moment. He further pointed to the setback suffered by the Opposition alliance, including the Congress, in the recent Bihar Assembly elections.

This program is a pious occasion. We should maintain the dignity of the occasion. The issue that the Leader of Opposition raised, if we start discussing this, it is irrelevant... We will also have to mention that you brought a no-confidence motion against him twice. It is an obstacle in a good and congenial environment debate which is going on, Nadda said.

The first day of the Winter session, which will have 15 sittings, saw frequent disruptions.

Several Opposition members trooped into the Well shouting slogans and protesting over SIR, as they have been demanding a debate on the issue.
Australia is preparing to introduce one of the most sweeping youth safety measures in the digital world, becoming the first democratic nation to ban under-16s from using major social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. The move, which has attracted global attention, is set to take effect on 10 December and could pave the way for similar crackdowns in other countries.

What are the penalties for tech firms? Under the new law, platforms will be required to block users below the age of 16. Companies that fail to comply face fines of up to 49.5 million Australian dollars. The legislation arrives amid growing international concerns about the harms of digital platforms, including cyberbullying and addictive design features.

Global leaders support the decision Governments from Europe to Asia and South America are closely studying the Australian rollout. Digital policymakers in Denmark, Brazil, Indonesia and Malaysia have already signalled intentions to pursue stricter age-based controls. Spain, New Zealand and Singapore have also expressed interest in adopting similar approaches.

Danish digital affairs minister Caroline Stage Olsen said she welcomed the boldness of the move, calling it an important step at a time when young people are increasingly shaped by online life.

Economic stakes for big tech Teens form a significant share of global social media use, and the platforms rely heavily on advertising revenues. Analysts estimate that the sector will generate more than 245 billion US dollars in 2025. Reducing access for younger users could affect the financial models of companies such as Meta, Snap and TikTok.

Also Read | Australia will enforce a social media ban for children under 16 despite a court challenge

Tech firms warn of risks Several major platforms have accepted the ruling but warn that the restrictions may be difficult to enforce and could push young people towards less regulated online spaces. Meta, the owner of Facebook and Instagram, argues that parental tools and education are more effective than bans. TikTok and Snap have raised similar concerns.

How the ban gained momentum The political push began after South Australias premier, Peter Malinauskas, was urged by his wife to address the growing influence of smartphones on children. Her concerns were prompted by Jonathan Haidts widely discussed book The Anxious Generation, which explores links between social media and mental health. Following a short period of intense debate, Australias federal government fast-tracked legislation in late 2024.

Parents who have lost children to cyberbullying played a key role in pressing for reform. Among them is Emma Mason, a childrens lawyer whose daughter Tilly died by suicide in 2022 after sustained online harassment. Mason has since campaigned internationally, urging world leaders to adopt stronger protections for minors.

Concerns from advocacy groups Campaign groups warn that stricter age limits may have unintended effects. Amnesty International Australias Nikita White said LGBTQ young people in particular rely on online spaces for support and connection, adding that a blanket ban risks cutting off vital lifelines.

Youth advocates also argue that harmful content is the core issue rather than access alone. Sixteen-year-old Patrick Jones of UrVoice Australia has questioned whether the law tackles the root problem, saying, It is the content that is the problem, not our access to that content.

Testimony from inside Meta Arturo Bejar, a former engineering director at Meta who later consulted for Instagram, has backed government intervention. Bejar shared internal research with Meta executives showing that one in eight under-sixteens on Instagram had received unwanted sexual advances in a single week. He later testified to the United States Senate that Meta had not taken sufficient action to protect young users.

When a company will not do what is needed, it is really the governments job to protect our kids, Bejar said.

Countries backing Australia include Denmark, Brazil, Indonesia, Malaysia, Spain, New Zealand and Singapore Brazil will soon require under-sixteen users to link their social media accounts to a legal guardian. Malaysia plans to introduce a similar ban next year, while Indonesia will require parental approval for users under eighteen. Indonesian communications minister Meutya Hafid said her country had learned a great deal from Australia.

Spain, New Zealand and Singapore have also indicated they are considering introducing minimum-age laws. Denmark is moving towards a national ban for under-fifteens, with exceptions for thirteen and fourteen-year-olds who have parental consent. Stage Olsen has said her ambition is eventually to see broader European rules adopted across the EU.
Indias telecom ministry has instructed smartphone manufacturers to pre-install a government-run cybersecurity application on all new devices, according to a Reuters report.

The move, which requires the Sanchar Saathi app to be embedded in handsets without the option for users to delete or disable it, is expected to trigger friction with Apple and draw scrutiny from digital rights groups concerned about privacy.

Reportedly, the decision comes as India, one of the worlds biggest mobile markets with more than 1.2 billion subscribers, seeks tighter control over cyber fraud, phone theft and the misuse of cloned or spoofed IMEI numbers.

Officials highlight that the app has already proven its value in safeguarding subscribers, citing internal data showing it helped recover over 700,000 lost or stolen phones since January, including a record 50,000 devices in October alone.

What is the Sanchar Saathi app? The Reuters report highlights that the Sanchar Saathi gives users the ability to verify IMEI numbers, flag suspicious communication, and request the blocking of stolen phones via a central, government-managed platform. Authorities say the tool has been central to terminating more than 30 million fraudulent connections and blocking 3.7 million stolen devices from being used on Indian networks.

Notably, the ministry reportedly describes the app as essential in addressing serious endangerment to telecom security posed by fake IMEIs, which are frequently exploited by scam networks and criminal groups to conceal device identities.

Apple likely to resist the directive? The new rules, issued on 28 November, give manufacturers 90 days to ensure the app is present on all new units sold in India. Companies are also expected to push the software to phones already in the supply chain through upcoming system updates. The requirement is poised to be particularly contentious for Apple, whose internal policies strictly prohibit pre-installation of government or third-party apps before sale, a Reuters source told the wire service.

The Cupertino-based tech giant has consistently declined such government requests globally and may seek a negotiated compromise that avoids mandatory preloading, potentially by offering users a prominent prompt to install the app voluntarily.

Also Read | Apple dominates Singles Day as iPhone 17 drives smartphone sales in China

Apple, Google, Samsung and Xiaomi have not publicly commented on the directive. The telecoms ministry has also remained silent.

An IMEI numbertypically 14 to 17 digitsis vital for identifying individual devices and shutting off network access to stolen phones. Officials say strengthening oversight of IMEIs will help police trace devices more efficiently, curb the circulation of counterfeits.

(With inputs from Reuters)
South Koreas largest online retailer, Coupang, issued a public apology on Sunday after a massive data breach exposed the personal details of 33.7 million customers, reported Reuters. The company confirmed that unauthorised access to its systems led to the leak of sensitive user information.

What did the Coupang chief say? Park Dae jun, chief executive of the e-commerce giant often likened to Amazon in South Korea, posted an apology on the firms website, expressing regret for the distress caused to customers. He said the company is working closely with police and regulators as investigations continue.

Government launches investigation Reportedly, the breach has prompted an emergency government meeting, with the Ministry of Science and ICT reviewing whether Coupang violated national data protection rules. Minister Bae Kyung-hoon said officials are assessing the companys security practices and compliance with personal information safeguards.

View full Image Coupang revealed that it discovered the breach on 18 November and immediately notified authorities. ( AI-generated graphic )

Details of the Coupang data breach Coupang revealed that it discovered the breach on 18 November and immediately notified authorities. The retailer said customer names, phone numbers, email addresses, shipping details and parts of order histories were compromised. Payment information and login credentials were not affected.

Also Read | Google denies Gmail data breach after reports of millions of passwords leaked

The unauthorised access is believed to have begun on 24 June and was carried out through overseas servers, according to the company.

Former employee suspected Local media outlet Yonhap reported that police are investigating a former Chinese employee of Coupang in connection with the incident. The company has reportedly filed a complaint with law enforcement, although no further details have been made public.

Also Read | Salesforce blocks Gainsight tools while it investigates possible data leak

Wider concerns over corporate security The intrusion adds to a growing list of data leaks affecting major South Korean firms, including telecoms operators. Cybersecurity officials have warned that incidents of this scale highlight persistent vulnerabilities across corporate networks.

The government has urged affected customers to remain alert to phishing attempts and suspicious messages. Officials advised users to monitor accounts carefully and to avoid clicking on unknown links.

(With inputs from Reuters)
The Ministry of Communications has issued a new directive to all major smartphone makers like Apple, Samsung, Vivo and Oppo to pre install new devices with the state owned cyber security app Sanchar Saathi. As per the new order by the Ministry, reported by Reuters, the smartphone companies have 90 days to pre install the Sanchar Saathi app on new devices while adding an option that users cannot disable the app.

Also Read | ChatGPT reinforces delusional beliefs, fails to flag risky behaviour

Meanwhile, for devices that are already in the supply chain, the smartphone makers will have to add the app via software updates. Reportedly, the order was not made public and was instead sent privately to the companies.

What is Sanchar Saathi? The Sanchar Saathi app is a successor to the portal by the same name launched by the government in May 2023. In January this year, the Department of Telecommunications launched the Sanchar Saathi Mobile App for both Android and iOS to help users report and protect against mobile related fraud and theft.

After installing the app, users can block lost or stolen mobile phones across all telecom networks in the country. This means that whenever a blocked phone is used anywhere in India, law enforcement agencies will be able to trace its location.

The app also comes with the Chakshu facility which gives users the option to report fraudulent calls, SMS or WhatsApp messages.

Users can also check all the mobile numbers registered in their name using the Sanchar Saathi app and even report any unfamiliar or unauthorised connections.

Another feature in the Sanchar Saathi app is called Know Your Mobile (KYM) which gives users the option to check the authenticity of their smartphones.

With the pre installation of the app on all major smartphone brands, the government is reportedly aiming to combat serious endangerment of telecom cyber security from duplicate or spoofed IMEI numbers that have supposedly enabled scams and network misuse.
8 executions in October: Why the death penalty is being used more in the US this year

The U.S. has seen 35 executions so far in 2025, with seven more scheduled for later this month
Some suburban Houston residents are dealing with cleanup following at least two tornadoes as heavy rain falls around the South and snow in parts of the Midwest
There was palpable excitement in two Longford secondary schools - Mean Scoil Mhuire and St Mel's College - on Monday, November 24, when a 3rd Year student from each school, Clodagh Kennedy (Mean Scoil Mhuire) and Ronan Grealy (St Mel's College) featured live on Ireland AM on Virgin Media.

Clodagh and Ronan were accompanied by Siobhan Grealy (Longford County Council STEM Engagement Officer) and Christine Collins (Longford County Council Broadband Officer) as they spoke to show presenters Alan Hughes and Tommy Bowe about award-winning STEM programmes being delivered across the Midlands.

Clodagh and Ronan spoke eloquently about their classroom STEM experiences and their involvement in STEM projects.

PICTURES | C'mon De Town! Style and glamour at Longford Town FC gala awards celebration

Mean Scoil Mhuire wish to congratulate Clodagh and express a sincere thank you to Ms McGoey for her time, dedication and enthusiasm for the robotics and STEM projects in the school.

Ronan, a member of St Mel's College Robotics Club, gave a very polished performance as he talked about the surging interest in STEM activities within Longford and the wider Midlands region.

Both schools extend a huge thanks to Siobhan and Christine from Longford County Council for all of the work they are putting in to ensure the Midlands region continues to be a leader in the field of STEM education.

PICTURES | Longford sporting excellence celebrated at stylish gala awards ceremony
Thousands of Venezuelans protest the reelection of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in 2024. (Confidencial on YouTube via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0)

On November 13, US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced Operation Southern Spear amid an increased American military presence off the coast of Venezuela. Hegseth stated that the military and surveillance campaign is intended to [defend] our homeland, [remove] narco-terrorists from our hemisphere, and [secure] our homeland from the drugs that are killing our people. The operation follows a series of kinetic strikes that the US military has conducted since early September on vessels it states are drug-trafficking speedboats launched from Venezuela.

The US has increasingly pressured the South American country and its contested ruler, President Nicolas Maduro, amid US President Donald Trumps claim that Maduros illegitimate regime has failed  to adhere to their obligations under international counternarcotics agreements. However, this conflict did not start on November 13 or with boat strikes that preceded Operation Southern Spear, nor was Trump the first US president to pressure Venezuela.

Relations between Venezuela and the US have been strained since the early 2000s, intensifying when the former regime of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez clashed with the administration of US President George W. Bush. This discord has stretched over multiple administrations, increasing once again after a brief lull during the Obama administration when Chavez died of cancer in 2013 and Nicolas Maduro replaced him as president.

In late 2014, the Obama administration began sanctioning dozens of Venezuelan officials over their connections to narcotics trafficking. Trumps first term, however, marked a noticeable escalation in the US strategy towards Caracas. The president inherited a bipartisan consensus that Venezuelas once-democratic institutions were being hollowed out by corruption, repression, ties to Iran and Russia, and state involvement in drug and human trafficking.

Since 2017, the Trump administration has applied significant pressure on Caracas, often in response to the actions of the Maduro regime. On February 13 of that year, the US Treasury Department sanctioned Venezuelas then-Vice President Tareck El Aissami for drug trafficking under the Kingpin Act for facilitating shipments of narcotics from Venezuela.

In April 2017, Maduro cracked down on the National Assembly, Venezuelas primary legislative body, which was controlled by his political opposition. He pressured the Supreme Tribunal of Justice (STJ), the countrys highest court, to issue rulings stripping the National Assembly of its legislative powers and transferring them to the court, which Maduro de facto controlled. In response, the US sanctioned eight members of the STJ. Following the May 2018 Venezuelan elections, the US, along with most of the democratic world, formally rejected Maduros reelection, with Trump calling it a sham.

Venezuelas opposition leader, Juan Guaido, agreed with the US assessment and invoked the Venezuelan Constitution to assume an interim presidency in January 2019 after declaring Maduros victory fraudulent. The US recognized Guaido as the legitimate president of Venezuela, with Trump pledging to use the full weight of United States economic and diplomatic power to press for the restoration of Venezuelan democracy. Within days of Trumps announcement, around 50 worldwide governments recognized Guaidos presidency.

In line with Trumps pledge, his administration began placing economic pressure on Venezuelas crude oil industry, which has accounted for around 66% of the governments budget in recent years. In January 2019, Washington froze about $7 billion in Venezuelan government funds in US banks and placed Guaido-appointed directors in charge of Citgo, a US-based subsidiary of the Venezuelan state oil company Petroleos de Venezuela (PDVSA). Subsequently, then-Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin placed sanctions on PDVSA itself.

On April 30, 2019, Guaido launched Operacion Libertad, a military uprising in Caracas that attempted to oust Maduro. However, Venezuelas armed forces stayed loyal to the regime, and the attempt failed. Then-US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo claimed Maduro had been ready to flee to Cuba before his Russian backers convinced him to stay, and then-National Security Advisor John Bolton accused Havana of propping up Maduro and threatened to impose a total US embargo.

Following the failed coup, the US Department of Justice (DOJ) indicted Maduro and 14 other Venezuelan officials on narcoterrorism charges in March 2020. The indictment placed a $15 million reward for Maduros arrest and alleged that he spearheaded a conspiracy with Colombian guerrillas to export cocaine to the US. The DOJ documented an air bridge through which cocaine traffickers exported 200-250 metric tons of cocaine per year from Venezuela to the US, representing approximately 30 million lethal doses.

In the face of sustained American pressure, Maduro aligned more closely with Americas strategic adversaries. For example, in early 2019, US officials tracked roughly 100 Russian soldiers deploying to Caracas to bolster Maduros security and communications. China continued its practice of selling advanced surveillance equipment to Venezuelas security services. Iran and Venezuela signed a 20-year cooperation plan in 2022 that promised collaboration in oil, defense, petrochemicals, tourism, and culture. In addition, Cuban intelligence agents trained Venezuelan forces, including on repression techniques, in exchange for drastically subsidized oil.

Once the Biden administration took power in 2021, it granted limited reprieves to Maduros regime but largely maintained the USs posture under the Trump administration. The US Treasury Department authorized Chevron to drill in Venezuela under strict conditions, but most US sanctions remained in place. After Maduro won another reelection bid that local and international observers deemed fraudulent in 2024, Washington sanctioned 21 senior Venezuelan officials on election rigging and protest suppression charges. Canada, the European Union, the United Kingdom, and other US allies imposed similar measures following Maduros inauguration. The Biden administration also placed visa bans on a significant number of Maduro-aligned officials while continuing to demand that Maduro step aside.

Trumps second term marked another escalation in US strategy regarding Venezuela. In January 2025, the president issued Executive Order 14157, which ordered US officials to treat Western Hemisphere drug cartels and other organizations as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) and Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGT). The administration clarified which organizations the executive order meant when, in February 2025, the US State Department designated the major Venezuelan crime syndicate Tren de Aragua as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. Trump then invoked the 1798 Alien Enemies Act (AEA) to order all members of the gang on US soil to be detained and deported. By the middle of 2025, dozens of Venezuelan migrants accused of gang ties were expelled to neighboring countries under the authority of the AEA.

In his second term, Trump has also used energy policy as a pressure point in US policy toward Venezuela. In February 2025, the president revoked Chevrons Venezuelan drilling license, ending the Biden-era exemption. However, the US soon reversed course when Maduro agreed to release 10 imprisoned Americans and receive dozens of Venezuelan deportees. The hallmark of Trumps second-term Venezuela policy, however, has been the American military buildup in the southern Caribbean.

In August 2025, the US Navy deployed an amphibious ready group, which included the USS San Antonio, USS Iwo Jima, and USS Fort Lauderdale, and roughly 4,500 personnel, off the Venezuelan coast. US forces also refurbished a nearby naval base in Puerto Rico and began construction of facilities in St. Croix. By the end of that month, seven warships and a fast-attack nuclear submarine were stationed near Venezuela, the largest US military force in the region since the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. Hegseth told Marines aboard the Iwo Jima that the deployment was a real-world exercise meant to end the poisoning of the American people.

After these initial deployments, the US began conducting kinetic strikes on speedboats suspected of shipping cocaine. On September 2, a US strike targeted a speedboat carrying cocaine that was linked to Tren de Aragua, according to the Trump administration. The attack sank the vessel, killing all 11 people aboard. Additional strikes on Sept 15 and 19 and Oct 3, 14, 16, 17, and 21 targeted what the US claims were similar speedboats and even a semi-submersible narco-submarine. All of this activity preceded Hegseths official naming of the deployments and campaign Operation Southern Spear.

The launch point for many of the boats that the US military has targeted is the coastal Paria Peninsula, which is controlled by armed gangs and beset by poverty, hunger, and human trafficking. The US has flagged Venezuela as a worst offender in human trafficking due to the countrys allegedly pervasive forced labor and exploitation of migrants.

Venezuela has responded to the US buildup by mobilizing its forces, with Maduro announcing plans to enlist over four million militia members and fortify key oil facilities. Currently, both the US and Venezuela remain on high alert in the Caribbean.

Samuel Ben-Ur is a research analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. Krystal Bermudez is a communications manager at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies.
One of the most significant Apple announcements of recent years was the news, back in 2020, that the entire Mac lineup would transition from Intel processors to ARM-based chips of Apples own design. The result of this potentially risky move was a second lease of life for the Mac, and a moderate dip in Intels fortunes.

But years after the last Intel Mac transitioned to Apple silicon, the former partners may be looking for a way to rekindle their relationship. On Friday, respected industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo revealed on Twitter/X that Intel is now expected to take on a role within Apples processor supply chain within the next two years.

My latest industry surveys, he writes, indicate that visibility on Intel becoming an advanced-node supplier to Apple has recently improved significantly Apples plan is for Intel to begin shipping its lowest-end M processor, utilizing the 18AP advanced node, as early as [the second or third quarter of 2027], but the actual timeline remains contingent on development progress.

On that timeline, the chips in question could feasibly be the M6 or M7, but clearly, this isnt a return to the way things were. An advanced-node foundry supplier is a demotion from Intels former position as the main supplier of Mac chips. Rather, Intel would now be a manufacturing contract, not one involving design. Apple wont be using Intel chips. Intel will be supplying Apple with chips of its own design.

In any case, as Kuo points out, this in itself is a relatively minor change for Apple, Intel, and current chip supplier TSMC, because the lowest-end M chip (used in the MacBook Air, iPad Air, and iPad Pro) is expected to account for only around 1520 million units in 2026 and 2027. TSMC will still be delivering most of Apples chips and all of the high-end ones.

But it may signal intent to make bigger shifts in the future. Apple, Kuo claims, wishes to become less dependent on TSMC, not least because of the risk of tariff activity. (TSMC is based in Taiwan, while Intel is headquartered in California.) And that means Intel could secure more Apple contracts as the Cupertino firm looks to diversity its supply chain and future-proof against political or economic uncertainty.
A nearly finished deck spanning the Massachusetts Turnpike on Brookline Avenue near Fenway Park on Nov. 29, 2025. The deck was the first phase of the $1 billion Fenway Center project, which has been put on hold. (Anne Brennan/MassLive)

A $1 billion construction project over the Massachusetts Turnpike near Fenway Park is on hold because demand for commercial lab space has waned.

Company officials at IQHQ, the developer of the Fenway Center, told the Boston Globe that while a deck spanning the highway was close to complete, the plans for a 22-story and a 12-story tower it was meant to support are not going forward.

Instead, construction will remain on pause until the developer finds a tenant willing to commit to leasing at least 50% of the nearly 1 million square feet of what was initially intended to be lab space.

We have no plans to go vertical at this point, Tracy Murphy, president of IQHQ, told the newspaper. Given lending market conditions, were going to sit and evaluate once the podium is done in the first quarter.

In 2021, IQHQ signed a $55 million air rights deal with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation for the towers, the Globe reported at the time. It was the largest air rights project since the 1980s, according to the company.

The deck, the first phase of the project, required the closure of one lane of traffic in each direction on the Mass. Pike so crews could dig foundations.

IQHQ lists three developments in the Fenway area on its website, part of what it terms the FWD District. In addition to Fenway Center, the district includes 109 Brookline Ave., a 10-story lab building that was completed earlier this year, according to city planning records, which connects to 20 Overland St., a 5-story office and lab building.

The developer has a large campus under development in Cambridge near the Alewife MBTA station and two additional properties on North Beacon Street in Brighton that it plans to develop in the future.

A sidewalk on Brookline Avenue adjacent to the planned Fenway Center, which will span the Massachusetts Turnpike, is under construction on Nov. 29, 2025. (Anne Brennan/MassLive)

However, demand for commercial office and lab space has declined in Boston, where companies have reduced their footprints since the COVID-19 pandemic. Many lab buildings constructed in recent years remain largely or entirely vacant, including 109 Brookline Ave., according to the Globe.

Fenway Center developer John Rosenthal told the newspaper that the project will likely still move forward at some point, and that he was optimistic construction would move fast once a tenant is secured.

Real estate is cyclical. I firmly believe that the towers will get built. They will house over 3,000 people every day. But I cant say when, he said. As soon as we have a significant tenant, well build.
A Massachusetts-based electronics manufacturer is moving its operations out of the state early next year.

SynQor, which manufactures power converters for the military, industrial, transportation, telecom and medical industries, will be closing its Boxborough corporate headquarters and moving to Salem, New Hampshire, according to the Enterprise newspaper.

The company filed a Massachusetts Workers Adjustment Retraining Notice with the state on Nov. 25, saying 250 employees would be laid off from the Massachusetts facility between Feb. 1 and April 1, 2026.

All positions will be transferred to the new location, including the companys president, chief financial officer, director of sales, and 86 production assemblers, according to the Enterprise. Employees will be given two months notice before they are expected to relocate.

SynQor was founded in 1997 and originally housed its manufacturing in Hudson, according to the company website.

The current headquarters are at 155 Swanson Road in Boxborough, but SynQor also operates facilities in Dallas, Texas, and Nuneaton, United Kingdom."

SynQor could not be reached for comment Monday.
The new robot warehouse worker from Tutor Intelligence, a Watertown startup, wont work for minimum wage.

But pay it $18 an hour, and it will uncomplainingly pick up boxes and plunk them onto wooden pallets  three shifts a day, with no breaks.

Tutor, founded by two MIT alums, is announcing this week that it has raised $34 million in venture capital funding.

Tutor is one of a handful of companies offering what some call robots as a service. Similar to cloud-based software that you pay for by the month, rather than buy outright, these devices are paid for based on usage, to limit upfront costs.

The company was founded in 2021. Josh Gruenstein, co-founder and CEO, said the concept was to deploy robots that could do real jobs that are economically useful, while also learning and gathering data to help the company develop future generations of robots that will perform other work in factories. Gruenstein refers to it as building a central robot intelligence.

Tutors robots are already deployed coast to coast, Gruenstein said, but he didnt want to disclose any specific number of robots already on the job, or specific customer names. The robot can lift boxes weighing up to 42 pounds and can pick up and place 14 boxes per minute. It uses an array of suction cups to grip each box.

A human worker stacking those for a full eight-hour shift, Gruenstein said, is going to get real tired and risk real injury. And, he added, those are the highest turnover roles in these factories.

Still, many unions are concerned about the increasing use of supply chain automation and its impact on workers. A 2024 dockworkers strike in the U.S. centered on that issue.

Massachusetts has long been a center of activity for companies building warehouse robots, including Locus Robotics, Pickle Robot Company and RightHand Robotics. Amazon Robotics, which designs and builds robots that help run the e-commerce companys warehouses, grew out of the 2012 acquisition of another Massachusetts startup, Kiva Systems.

Despite that track record, Tutors latest round of funding was led by Union Square Ventures, a Manhattan firm. The other key investors in this latest round are also from outside the state. Why arent Massachusetts investors backing a hometown startup?

Robotics has been a challenging industry, with low expectations, very long cycles to commercialize, massive [capital expenditure] investment in order to generate revenue and real-world value for customers, Gruenstein said. You do need very specialized investors who are willing to underwrite that [kind] of risk. Tutor has 50 employees and is actively hiring. This latest funding round brings the companys total amount raised to $42 million.

To be successful with a robot, you cannot just compare your robot to other robots and say mine is better, said Bruce Welty, a co-founder of Locus Robotics. For it to be a commercial success, it needs to be better, faster and/or cheaper than all the other alternatives  which includes human workers.

Thats the challenge ahead for Tutors $18-an-hour robot factory helpers.
Two Boylston Elementary School staff members accused of assaulting children were arraigned in Clinton District Court on Monday.

Benjamin Dillman, 26, of Brighton, faces four counts of indecent assault and battery on a child under the age of 14 and one count of assault and battery, according to the Worcester County District Attorneys Office.

Peter Dillman, 26, of Chelmsford, was arraigned on two counts of indecent assault and battery on a child under 14, the District Attorneys Office told MassLive.

Benjamin Dillman is a teacher at Boylston Elementary School. According to the schools Facebook page, he teaches fifth grade.

Peter Dillman is a paraprofessional at the school.

Although, they both work at the school, they are not part of its after-school program, according to court documents, adding that the two men had no permission to be there or be part of the supervision that evening.

According to the court documents, there is video footage of a girl sitting on Benjamin Dillmans lap and straddling him. In the same footage, Dillman made what appears to be a subtle, thrusting humping motion, according to court documents.

The court documents state Benjamin Dillman was also caught on camera embracing a boy from the back and then proceeds to massage the boys shoulders for what is estimated to be two minutes, the court documents read.

Peter Dillman was also seen on video embracing a child on numerous occasions, according to court documents. In one instance, video footage showed Dillman placing his privates on a girls lower abdomen, the court documents read.

The Boylston Police Department wrote on Facebook it was notified on Nov. 25 by the Boylston Berlin Regional School District about inappropriate behavior involving children at the Elementary School. An investigation was conducted and police arrested Peter and Benjamin Dillman on Nov. 28, according to the department.

Interim Superintendent of Boylston Regional School District Albert G. Ganem Jr. did not immediately respond to MassLive for requests for comment on Monday.

Both Benjamin and Peter Dillman had their bails set to $3,000 in cash with the conditions that they stay away and have no contact with the victims, stay away from Boylston Elementary and have no unsupervised contact with minors under 18, the District Attorneys Office said, Their cases return to court on Feb. 9, according to the District Attorneys Office.
An Ayer woman has been found guilty on 30 counts of animal cruelty after authorities seized 162 emaciated and wounded animals from her property, where several others were discovered dead and decomposing

Ruth Maxant-Schulz, 78, was convicted on Tuesday after a five-day trial, according to the Middlesex County District Attorneys Office. She received a suspended 18-month sentence in jail and two years of probation, to run concurrently.

Maxant-Schulz cannot own pets or engage in farming under the terms of her sentence and must undergo a mental health evaluation.

The charges stem from a Feb. 20, 2024, well-being check at Maxant-Schulzs home on Taft Street in Ayer. When officers arrived, they found several animals roaming outside, including two ponies, goats and ducks.

Inside and outside the property, police discovered multiple dead animals  two goats at the front door and several more in a trash-filled room covered in feces and debris.

Deeper inside, officers found three dead baby goats lying together. There were two more baby goats in another room, one dead and one alive but sick, with no food or water available. A dog was heard barking from a back room and a duck wandered through the house.

Three days later, Ayer police executed a search warrant with MSPCA-Angell Law Enforcement. They found a dog crate full of birds with no food or water and veterinarians from Tufts determined all of the animals were severely neglected and at risk, needing to be removed.

An injured adult goat with a broken leg was also seen limping around the property and was treated immediately by Tufts veterinarians before being removed.

Further inspections led to an administrative search warrant for a barn on the property, where officials discovered yet another dead goat. More searches on the remainder of the property revealed more dead and decomposing goats and chickens, along with evidence of extreme neglect.

Of the animals seized, many were emaciated or had serious medical conditions, including goats with abscesses and mastitis, while many birds were treated for lice.

In total, 162 animals were removed during the two searches. This included 49 goats, 91 chickens, 11 ducks, 8 geese, 2 ponies and 1 dog  all of which were taken in by the MSPCA-Angell.

The investigation was conducted by the Middlesex District Attorneys Office, Ayer Police Department and the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Assistant District Attorneys Kailey Verni and Sarah Garoutte prosecuted the case, with victim witness advocate Laura Schwertz providing support.
Brian Walshe appears in Norfolk Superior Court next to his attorney, Kelli Porges, after pleading guilty to two of three charges filed against him in Dedham, Mass., Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025. (Mark Stockwell/Boston Herald via AP, Pool) AP

A lawyer for Brian Walshe said during opening statements Monday morning that Ana Walshes death in January 2023 was a result of a sudden unexplained death. Brian Walshe is on trial for first-degree murder after the disappearance of his wife.

Larry Tipton, the defense attorney, said that at about 2:30 a.m. on New Years Day 2023, Brian Walshe found his wife in bed and sensed something was wrong.

You will hear evidence that it made no sense to him, but he nudged Ana, his wife, Tipton said. She didnt respond. He nudged her again, a little harder. She didnt respond. He nudged her now in a frantic and panicked reaction to where she actually rolled off the bed.

Earlier that night, Brian Walshe had enjoyed a dinner with his wife and a family friend, and the friend left the home between 1 a.m. and 1:30 a.m.

About an hour later, Brian Walshe discovered his wife had suddenly died in bed, according to Tipton  a sharp contrast to the prosecutions theory that Brian Walshe killed his wife.

You will hear evidence in this case of sudden, unexplained death, Tipton said. Sudden unexplained death is known within the medical community and forensic community, but it is, to this day, not well understood ... One hour hes with her, he cleans the kitchen, he comes back up and she is dead.

The explanation offered by Tipton on Monday followed the prosecutions presentation of their theory of the case, one of a husband convicted of federal art fraud and the possibility of paying $400,000 in restitution and prison time hanging over his head.

Police continue looking for missing Cohasset woman Ana Walshe.

What did prosecutors say?

Prosecutors on Monday gave a detailed account of the search for Ana Walshe nearly three years ago.

A coworker of Ana Walshes who worked at the international real estate firm Tishman Speyer in Washington, D.C., learned on Jan. 4, 2023, that the Massachusetts woman was missing, according to Norfolk Assistant District Attorney Gregory Connor.

Theresa Marchese, the coworker at Tishman Speyer, spoke with Brian Walshe that morning. He spoke calmly and told her that Ana Walshe left for a work emergency on New Years Day and flew down to Washington, D.C.

Marchese then drove to Ana Walshes townhouse, and on the way, Marchese spoke with Brian Walshe again to get the combination for her garage. When Marchese arrived, there was no car, no Ana Walshe. She couldnt get into the apartment because it was locked.

The real estate companys global head of security and retired Secret Service agent, Hugh Dunleavy, got involved. Brian Walshe got very upset after receiving a call from Dunleavy, the prosecutor said, and he repeated that Ana Walshe left for the nations capital due to a work emergency.

Police continue looking for missing Cohasset woman Ana Walshe. Walshe and her husband, Brian, pose for a photo.

Dunleavy eventually called Cohasset police later that day, and reported her missing  the first person to alert police just before noon on Jan. 4, 2023.

The trial is expected to last two to three weeks, and Connor said evidence will include photos of the family home on Chief Justice Highway in Cohasset, videos from different stores, Ana Walshes bank records, a hatchet and a hacksaw.

Ana Walshe was 39 when she went missing. A Serbian immigrant, she began working in real estate and in February 2022 got her dream job at Tishman Speyer. She bought a townhouse in Washington, D.C., and expected her family to move down as well.

Brian Walshe previously pleaded guilty to a count of fraud in federal court and was awaiting sentencing at the time of her disappearance.

The family was delayed moving down to Washington, D.C., due to Brian Walshes pending sentencing in a federal fraud case he pleaded guilty to.

He was accused of owing more than $400,000 in restitution, and he later told investigators that the fraud case had caused a strain on their marriage.

Prosecutors plan on presenting digital evidence of Google searches about divorce, how to dispose of body parts after a murder and about accessing a credit card for a missing person, among other similar searches.

Prosecutors also plan on presenting surveillance footage evidence that shows Brian Walshe purchased cleaning supplies, a hazmat suit, cutting instruments such as shears and a hacksaw from various stores.

Police recovered a trash compactor near Brian Walshes mothers apartment in Swampscott, where they found boots, a black coat, a vaccination card belonging to Ana Walshe, a hazmat suit, rugs, a hammer, hatchet and hacksaw, according to Connor.

Some of those items contained DNA belonging to both Brian Walshe and Ana Walshe, Connor said.

Use your common sense, Connor told jurors. At the end of this trial, we will speak to you one more time. It is at that time we will ask that you find the defendant guilty of murdering his wife with deliberate premeditation.

Brian Walshe stands accused by Norfolk County officials of killing and dismembering his wife, Ana Walshe, in January 2023. Investigators say Brian Walshe suspected his wife was having an affair and that he killed her amid financial uncertainties after being convicted of federal fraud charges.

Brian Walshe, who lived in Cohasset with Ana Walshe, 39, and their three children, pleaded guilty to the counts of witness intimidation (misleading a police investigation) as well as disinterment of a body at the start of jury selection earlier this month.

The trial continues Monday with the first witness, an investigator with the Cohasset Police Department.
Brian Walshe enter the courtroom clutching papers and a rosary. Opening statements in the Brian Walshe murder trial in Norfolk Superior Court, Dedham, Mass., Monday, Dec. 1, 2025 (Greg Derr/The Patriot Ledger via AP, Pool) AP

In his first interview with law enforcement, Brian Walshe opened up about the stressors in his and his wifes lives, including the federal fraud case he was awaiting sentencing for when she disappeared.

A recording of a police interview on Jan. 4, 2023, played in court on Monday as Cohasset Police Sgt. Harrison Schmidt, a detective at the time of Ana Walshes disappearance, took the stand.

The interview took place on the first day that the Cohasset Police Department was alerted that Ana Walshe was missing. Ana Walshes employer in Washington, D.C., Tishman Speyer, reported her missing at about noon that day.

Schmidt arrived at the couples Cohasset household on Chief Justice Highway at about 6:30 p.m. that night, nearly four days since anyone had last seen Ana Walshe alive.

Brian Walshe told the detective that the couple was struggling with the distance and not spending time with each other. Ana Walshe would spend weekdays working in Washington, D.C., and fly home for the weekends.

The only problems that we had in our marriage were that we werent spending time together, Brian Walshe said.

Cohasset police are seeking a missing 39-year-old mother who never boarded a D.C.-bound plane on New Year's Day. (Photo courtesy Cohasset Police)

He mentioned how the legal problems he faced for several years prior prevented him and his family from moving down to Washington, D.C.

Its one of the reasons why I couldnt leave because Im dealing with that now, and it was supposed to be done a long time ago, and it wasnt, Brian Walshe said. So the stress was being apart and not being the authors of our own lives. I couldnt move when we had to.

In April 2021, Walshe agreed to plead guilty to charges of wire fraud, interstate transportation for a scheme to defraud and unlawful monetary transaction in federal court for selling forged Andy Warhol paintings.

The case took a winding path after that, but Walshe was eventually sentenced to 37 months in prison for those crimes last year.

The whole family is dealing with that due to my actions, Brian Walshe said. Its extremely embarrassing for me to talk about, but under these circumstances, its worth it.

Earlier on Monday, during opening statements, a defense attorney for Brian Walshe claimed that Ana Walshe died as a result of a sudden unexplained death.

You will hear evidence that it made no sense to him, but he nudged Ana, his wife, Larry Tipton told jurors. She didnt respond. He nudged her again, a little harder. She didnt respond. He nudged her now in a frantic and panicked reaction to where she actually rolled off the bed.

Defense attorney Larry Tipton says that defendant Brian Walshe found his wife Anna dead in their bedroom in his opening statement to the jury. Opening statements in the Brian Walshe murder trial in Norfolk Superior Court, Dedham, Mass., Monday, Dec. 1, 2025 (Greg Derr/The Patriot Ledger via AP, Pool) AP

Brian Walshe is on trial for first-degree murder after the disappearance of his wife.

The explanation offered by Tipton on Monday followed the prosecutions presentation of their theory of the case, one of a husband convicted of federal art fraud and the possibility of paying $400,000 in restitution and prison time hanging over his head.

Ana Walshe was 39 when she went missing. A Serbian immigrant, she began working in real estate and in February 2022 got her dream job at Tishman Speyer. She bought a townhouse in Washington, D.C., and expected her family to move down as well.

Prosecutors plan on presenting digital evidence of Google searches about divorce, how to dispose of body parts after a murder and about accessing a credit card for a missing person, among other similar searches.

Prosecutors also plan on presenting surveillance footage evidence that shows Brian Walshe purchased cleaning supplies, a hazmat suit, cutting instruments such as shears and a hacksaw from various stores.

Police recovered a trash compactor near Brian Walshes mothers apartment in Swampscott, where they found boots, a black coat, a vaccination card belonging to Ana Walshe, a hazmat suit, rugs, a hammer, a hatchet and a hacksaw, according to Norfolk County Assistant District Attorney Gregory Connor.

Brian Walshe pleaded guilty to the counts of witness intimidation (misleading a police investigation) as well as disinterment of a body at the start of jury selection earlier this month.

The trial continues on Monday with more testimony from Schmidt, the Cohasset police detective.
A 56-year-old man was struck and killed on a highway in Auburn on Sunday, according to Auburn Police Chief Scott Mills.

Auburn police responded to the scene after receiving three 911 calls around 10 p.m. Sunday about a man being hit by a vehicle on Route 20 at Washington Street, near the Auburn-Worcester border, Mills told MassLive Monday.

Officers and Auburn Firefighters found the man deceased on the highway, the chief said. Mills did not reveal the mans identity.

The police chief said the man lived in a mobile home nearby on 17 Washington St. and was not walking in a crosswalk when he was struck.

The driver, a woman, cooperated with police and the investigation.

The ongoing investigation is being conducted by police and the Worcester County District Attorneys Office, according to Mills.
A Massachusetts man who raped, killed and burned a teenager in 2002 in what officials described as one of the most horrific murders was denied parole again.

Adalberto Ingles pleaded guilty to second-degree murder for the death of 18-year-old Monica Mejia in 2005. He was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole.

Parole was also denied following a parole hearing in 2017.

On July 16, 2002, Mejia attended a party on Washington Avenue in Chelsea where Ingles, 22, and his co-defendant, Melvin Martinez, 18, were as well.

Officials said Mejia was intoxicated and distraught over her relationship with her boyfriend. Martinez, who went by the nickname Pinocchio, offered to take her to see her boyfriend, and the two left together at about 11:30 p.m.

Ingles followed and joined them at a park near the Chelsea Soldiers Home. Alone with Mejia in the park, Ingles and Martinez beat her on the head with a large rock, stripped her of her clothes and raped her.

Each man told police the other forced him to rape Mejia, according to a 2002 Boston Globe article. They then returned to the party, got a bed sheet and set her on fire.

Mejia died due to blunt force trauma to her head and thermal injuries.

This is one of the most horrific murders weve had in a long time, particularly involving people so young, Assistant District Attorney Dennis Collins said, according to the newspaper article.

In 2006, Martinezs trial ended in a mistrial when the jury were unable to reach a verdict. During a second trial in 2007, the then 23-year-old was convicted and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

However, in January 2024, the Supreme Judicial Court ruled in Commonwealth v. Mattis that sentencing people, ages 18 through 20 at the time of their offense, to life without the possibility of parole was unconstitutional and amounted to cruel and unusual punishment.

Massachusetts was the first state in the country to transform the law, experts said.

Essentially, the brains of what we are calling late adolescents or emerging adults function very much like juveniles, Northampton attorney Paul Rudof, one of the lawyers who successfully challenged life sentences for individuals aged 18 to 20, told The Republican .

There were 210 cases that fell into the Mattis decision across Massachusetts, including Martinez. He has not been scheduled for a parole hearing.

Mejias mother called Martinez heartless and the situation a nightmare, according to a 2007 Boston Globe article. But she felt justice had been served.

Mejias mother and sister testified at the July 1 hearing against Ingles getting parole.

The Massachusetts Parole Board said Ingles had little insight into his behaviors.

He has a history of violence related disciplinary reports. He has engaged in minimal rehabilitative programming. He did not progress in SOTP, resulting in his termination from the program, the parole board wrote in its Nov. 17 decision.

He was denied parole with another hearing in five years.
Brian Walshe appears in Norfolk Superior Court after pleading guilty to two of three charges filed against him in Dedham, Mass., Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025. (Mark Stockwell/Boston Herald via AP, Pool) AP

Brian Walshes trial on a single count of murder continues Monday with opening statements.

The 50-year-old stands accused by Norfolk County officials of killing and dismembering his wife, Ana Walshe, in January 2023. Investigators say Brian Walshe suspected his wife was having an affair and that he killed her amid financial uncertainties after being convicted of federal fraud charges.

Brian Walshe, who lived in Cohasset with Ana Walshe, 39, and their three children, pleaded guilty to the counts of witness intimidation (misleading a police investigation) as well as disinterment of a body at the start of jury selection last month.

The trial is taking place in Norfolk County Superior Court, the same courthouse where the high-profile Karen Read trials took place.

Some of the same investigators are on the witness list, including Michael Proctor, the state police investigator fired after the Read trial due to his behavior during the Read investigation.

The last time a family friend saw Ana Walshe was in the early hours of Jan. 1, 2023, as the friend left the couples Cohasset home.

The family friend had arrived at their home between 8 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., and she recalled Brian Walshe talking about how free he felt after losing his phone.

The children were soundly sleeping as the three adults ate a New Years Eve dinner. The eldest child appeared downstairs at about 10 p.m. and socialized for about 20 minutes, but then went back upstairs, the family friend recalled to Massachusetts State Police.

The friend left the couple and said goodbye to Ana Walshe for the last time.

Her body has never been recovered, but investigators say that he killed his wife and misled police after he reported her missing.

Investigators found evidence at a dumpster outside his mothers apartment in Swampscott, including clothing that belonged to his wife, her COVID-19 vaccination card, towels with brown-red stains, a hatchet and a hacksaw, according to prosecutors.

Prosecutors previously said that Brian Walshe Googled the best state to get divorced and questions such as How long before a body starts to smell in the hours that Ana Walshe went missing.

Ana Walshe worked in Washington, D.C., and traveled back and forth to their Cohasset home, which she shared with Brian Walshe and their three children.
The opening statements in the Brian Walshe murder trial are set for Monday.

He is on trial after his wifes disappearance in January 2023.

The 50-year-old stands accused by Norfolk County officials of killing and dismembering his wife, Ana Walshe, in January 2023. Investigators say Brian Walshe suspected his wife was having an affair and that he killed her amid financial uncertainties after being convicted of federal fraud charges.

Brian Walshe, who lived in Cohasset with Ana Walshe, 39, and their three children, pleaded guilty to the counts of witness intimidation (misleading a police investigation) as well as disinterment of a body at the start of jury selection last month.

The trial is taking place in Norfolk County Superior Court, the same courthouse where the high-profile Karen Read trials took place.

Some of the same investigators are on the witness list, including Michael Proctor, the state police investigator fired after the Read trial due to his behavior during the Read investigation.

The last time a family friend saw Ana Walshe was in the early hours of Jan. 1, 2023, as the friend left the couples Cohasset home.

Her body has never been recovered, but investigators say that he killed his wife and misled police after he reported her missing.

Investigators found evidence at a dumpster outside his mothers apartment in Swampscott, including clothing that belonged to his wife, her COVID-19 vaccination card, towels with brown-red stains, a hatchet and a hacksaw, according to prosecutors.

Prosecutors previously said that Brian Walshe Googled the best state to get divorced and questions such as How long before a body starts to smell in the hours that Ana Walshe went missing.

Ana Walshe worked in Washington, D.C., and traveled back and forth to their Cohasset home.

The trial is expected to last two to three weeks.
Gov. Maura Healey, joined by cabinet officials and local leaders, rolled out Massachusetts's new high school graduation framework during a news conference at Dedham High School in Dedham, Massachusetts, on Monday, Dec. 1, 2025. Screen Capture

Under a nation-leading framework, Massachusetts high school students would learn financial literacy skills, plan a capstone project, and fill out financial aid forms that would ready them for life after graduation.

This is about reimagining high school in Massachusetts and making sure that every single student who leaves a Massachusetts high school leaves with the tools, the resources, the wherewithal, to be as successful as they can possibly be, Gov. Maura Healey said Monday during a news conference at Dedham High School.

Whether theyre going on to college, whether theyre going into the trades or into a career, whether theyre joining the military, whatever that is, Healey, flanked by cabinet officials, local leaders and state lawmakers, said. From wherever students are in Massachusetts, today is about making sure that they leave with what they deserve, which is to be set up for success.

But Healey had barely started talking on Monday morning before the plan drew fire from the states largest teachers union, which sat on a special council tasked with coming up with the recommendations.

In a statement, the Massachusetts Teachers Association denounced a part of the plan that replaces the 10th-grade MCAS examination, previously a high school graduation requirement, by having students complete a limited number of end-of-course assessments and a capstone project or portfolio.

The change poisons a once-in-a-generation opportunity for stakeholders to come together and remake the high school experience for our students, the union argued in its statement.

In its statement explaining the new framework, Healeys office said the new approach differs from the MCAS exams because students will not have to pass them to graduate.

The assessments will be a more targeted and relevant approach to assessment than our current high school MCAS, the administration said.

Healeys office was also quick to stress that the plan it rolled out on Monday represents a first step, and the administration is committed to engaging with educators, parents, and all stakeholders to finalize the details.

State Education Secretary Patrick Tutwiler said the graduation council spent 10 months [wrestling] with a fundamental question.

Namely, what did a high school education mean for the future, for the life that [students] envision for themselves?

Now, that question is not lost on me, and its not an abstract one for me either, Tutwiler, a onetime high school teacher and administrator, continued.

Ive seen firsthand how hard educators work to create meaningful learning opportunities, he said. Ive seen firsthand the high hopes that families have for their children.

While the union said it agrees with some portions of the plan, it argued that it undoes the result of a 2024 ballot question that scrapped the MCAS examination as a graduation requirement.

Instead, each district will have to certify that a student completed coursework that meets the state standards

Sixty percent of voters agreed with getting rid of the MCAS requirement, the union noted in its statement.

The MTA, which is represented on the council, does not endorse the reports recommendation to include the use of new state-administered, end-of-course standardized tests among the new graduation requirements, the union said in its statement. The [graduation] council did not vote on the recommendations; these are the recommendations of the secretary and commissioner, speaking on behalf of the Healey administration."

But the MTA did not appear to be speaking for all of organized labor with its criticisms.

Jessica Tang, the president of the states branch of the American Federation of Teachers, said the framework unveiled Monday presented a historic opportunity here to create a better, fairer graduation system that authentically reflects the needs of our students without relying on high-stakes testing.

The next phase of the Councils work will be crucial. Hashing out the final details, including implementation timelines and the availability of resources to support our schools, will be the most important step to build the necessary consensus on a path forward, Tang, who also sat on the graduation standards council, said.

Senior lawmakers who served on the graduation council praised the framework and the opportunities they said it presented for the states high school students.

But they also appeared to hint that some of the language could face choppy waters in the Legislature.

The effort underscores the importance of setting clear, consistent expectations for all learners across the commonwealth, state Rep. Alice Peisch, D-14th Norfolk, said.

The graduates we envision will define the Massachusetts we build tomorrow, Peisch, of Wellesley, said. I look forward to continuing this important work as we strengthen the foundation of learning for all students.

State Rep. Kenneth Gordon, the Houses chair of the Legislatures Joint Committee on Education, said the framework unveiled Monday includes some fascinating proposals for his panel to consider.

We are anxious to continue to work together to find the best path forward, Gordon, D-21st Middlesex, said.

Bob Baldwin, the executive director of the Massachusetts School Administrators Association, said his group [stands] ready to provide practical implementation strategies at the local level that fit within the framework of the final graduation requirements.

Two local school superintendents appeared to embrace the framework, but were quick to stress that work remained.

The Graduation Council is proposing a thoughtful, comprehensive and innovative set of recommendations that will help prepare every student for college, career and civic life, Framingham Superintendent Robert A. Tremblay said.

While theres still a lot of work to do in a complex urban district like ours, Im looking forward to working with the administration and Graduation Council to implement these high standards so all our students can reach their full potential and thrive, he said.

Taunton Superintendent John J. Cabral, who grew up the son of immigrants from Sao Miguel and was raised in Fall River, said he experienced firsthand how opportunity changes the trajectory of a family.

My work now is about making sure every student has that same access to opportunity and that our graduation requirements open doors, not close them, Cabral said. This framework recognizes the diverse strengths of our students, respects the realities of our urban communities, and keeps all postsecondary pathways within reach.
While U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., may be keeping the door open for a potential presidential campaign in 2028, the 56-year-old senator shut the door on his life as a bachelor last week.

Booker married 38-year-old Alexis Lewis, saying I do at a courthouse in Newark on Monday and at a private ceremony in Washington D.C., on Saturday, according to the New York Times.

The wedding ceremony was interfaith, with a rabbi and a pastor blessing the couple, according to the New York Times.

Booker is a Christian and Lewis is Jewish.

Overflowing with gratitude, the newlyweds said in a Sunday Instagram post. We said I do in two places that shaped usCorys beloved Newark and Alexiss hometown of Washington, D.C.first at the courthouse, then with our families. Hearts full and so grateful."

Booker was first elected to the Newark City Council in 1998. He served as the citys mayor from 2006 until 2013, when he won a special election to serve in the U.S. Senate.

In March, Booker gave the longest recorded speech in Senate history, in which he protested the Trump administration.

The speech lasted for 25 hours and 5 minutes, surpassing the previous record set by former U.S. Sen. Strom Thurmond, R-S.C.

Thurmonds 24-hour and 18-minute speech was a filibuster against the Civil Rights Act of 1957.

Lewis is a director of investments at Brasa Capital Management, a Los Angeles real estate investment firm, according to the Times. She met Booker on a blind date in 2024 that lasted for five hours, the outlet reported.

Booker announced his engagement to Lewis three weeks ago on Instagram, saying he and his fiancee were truly blessed to be surrounded by such a beautiful community lifting us in love and commitment.

Booker is also a potential Democratic presidential candidate.

During a trip to New Hampshire in November, Booker told Fox News and Axios he has not written off a 2028 run.

The New Jersey senator previously ran for president in the 2020 primary. His campaign began in February 2019, but he dropped out in January 2020.

In March 2020, he endorsed Joe Biden for president. Biden would ultimately win the Democratic primary and defeat President Donald Trump in the general election to become the 46th president of the United States.
SPRINGFIELD  A Chicopee-based developer is planning to convert a long-vacant office building near Interstate-91 into a 39-unit apartment complex.

The City Council granted Patrick Gottschlicht a special permit in a 12-0 vote last week, allowing him to go ahead with his planned project at 333 East Columbus Ave.

Gottschlicht told the council that he grew up in the Forest Park neighborhood, has driven by the building many times and saw an opportunity to reuse it. His plan is to completely gut the inside and then convert it to housing. The units will be one bedrooms and studios ranging from 500 to 624 square feet.

It has been vacant for at least 10 years. It was once a Howard Johnsons and then it was converted to office space, Gottschlicht said at the council meeting.

The apartments will be market rate, renting at approximately $1,200 to $1,400 a month, he said.

The building is two stories but built into a hill so the second floor is accessible to the ground level and the first floor will also be accessed from the back of the property, he said.

It is in my ward  Im happy to see it is going to be developed and it is going to bring stability to the area, said City Councilor Victor Davila.

Councilor Kateri Walsh, who also lives in the Forest Park neighborhood, agreed and said the building has long been an eyesore and it is located at the entrance of the city so it sends the wrong message about Springfield to visitors.

We are in dire need of housing, City Councilor Zaida Govan said. I want to commend the developer for looking at a blighted property.

Councilor Jose Delgado agreed that he is anxious to see the property returned to use but added the access to the property is challenging.

Currently the only entrance is through a curb cut off East Columbus Avenue, which is a busy one-way street. But Gottschlicht has an option to purchase the adjacent property as well and plans to create an easement on that land to give it a second access from Bruno Street, said Anthony Wilson, the attorney representing him.

Both properties are owned by S&L Realty and trustee Mark Paley and under agreement by Gottschlicht, he said.

The Planning Board and some City Councilors also aired concerns about the noise created by the highway creating problems for tenants but did not add conditions for additional sound buffering.

Wilson and Gottschlicht met earlier with members of the Forest Park Civic Association and the South End Citizens Council and received endorsements from both for the project.

While the building is in the Forest Park section of the city, it is on the border with the South End.

Leo Florian, president of the South End Citizens Council, said there has been a lot of illegal dumping on the property since it has become vacant, turning the property into an eyesore.

He called the new development a homerun for the neighborhood and for the city since it will generate new tax revenue and added needed housing to ease the shortage.
A gun call turned into a drug bust in Holyoke, where police say they found heroin, cocaine and a BB gun after an early morning traffic stop, police said Monday. (Holyoke Police Department photo) Holyoke Police Department Photo

HOLYOKE  Police arrested a man Friday after responding to a report of a gun, police said Monday.

Santiago Soltren-Ramirez, 37, faces drug and motor vehicle charges, including heroin and cocaine possession, and driving with a suspended license, Holyoke Police Chief Brian Keenan said in a statement on social media.

Around 3 a.m. Friday, an officer patrolling Main Street was informed that a man in the area might have a gun, Keenan said.

After being identified by police, they found Soltren-Ramirez, 37, sitting in an unregistered, uninsured car at a gas station.

As another officer arrived to assist, Soltren-Ramirez drove away from the gas station, Keenan said.

Police stopped his car at Spring and Clemente streets and took him into custody. Police learned that he also had a suspended license.

A search of his car turned up drug paraphernalia, about 50 bags of suspected heroin mixed with fentanyl, three open half-packs containing roughly 45 more bags of narcotics, plus cocaine and marijuana, he said.

Officers also found a realistic-looking BB gun, Keenan said.
HOLYOKE  Because of an impending snowstorm, cars are prohibited from parking on the odd-numbered side of the street starting at 7 a.m. Tuesday, city officials said Monday on social media.

Holyoke Police Chief Brian Keenan thanked residents for following the parking ban, saying it helps crews clear streets safely and quickly.
SPRINGFIELD  The Westfield man who admitted to drowning a nursing cat in July 2024 and was indicted by a grand jury with felony animal cruelty and felony animal death by drowning is being held without bail after being charged with two misdemeanors in Westfield in October.

Donald C. Heenan, 68, of 23 George St., Westfield, was charged with disorderly conduct and assault and battery in Westfield on Oct. 24 and pleaded not guilty after being arraigned in Westfield District Court, according to court records.

Because of the outstanding felony charges, his bail on those was revoked, and he was taken into custody and ordered held for 90 days without bail in the Hampden County House of Correction.

When arraigned, he was ordered to be evaluated to determine if he understood the charges and if he was competent to stand trial. He was scheduled for a competency hearing on Nov. 24, which was not held at the request of the state and Heenan, according to court records.

The felony charges were because of an incident that began on the morning of July 30, 2024.

One of the citys animal control officers, Margaret Terkelsen, got a message from Heenan telling her that he had a cat in a humane trap he was using, and he wanted her to come to his home and pick it up, and that if she didnt want it, he would dispatch it, she wrote in a report of the incident.

She immediately called Heenans number, and a man answered the phone, but when she identified herself, he hung up.

Because Terkelsen had an encounter with Heenan the day before  she described him as being uncooperative  she asked for a Westfield police officer to accompany her to his home. When they arrived, they asked Heenan where the cat was.

He told Terkelsen and the officer they had taken too long to arrive, and he had drowned the cat, she wrote.

When she asked if the cat was dead, he said yes.

Terkelsen and the police officer asked him to show them where he had disposed of the cat. Heenan said it was on a property on Pochassic Road.

Once they arrived and began looking for the cat, Heenan said to Terkelsen that she had told him he shouldnt keep an animal in a trap for more than two hours the day before, and had drowned it because she didnt get to his residence in time.

Once found, Terkelsen described the dead cat as a gray domestic shorthair female that appeared to have been nursing kittens. Its body showed signs of having been drowned.

After the police officer asked Heenan to show them how he had drowned the cat, the three went back to his home.

When they arrived, Heenan showed them the humane trap the cat was in, and how he placed the trap in a garbage bin filled with water, Terkelsen wrote.

When they opened the lid of the garbage bin, it was filled nearly to the top with water and fur floating on top, she wrote.

She asked him if the cat was alive before he put it in the garbage bin. He said yes.

He told the officers he put the cat in the bin, closed the lid, and waited at least 10 minutes for it to die, Terkelsen wrote.

Because Heenan holds licenses in Massachusetts and Connecticut as a problem animal control agent, which allows him to euthanize problem animals, they asked if drowning was his primary method of euthanizing the animals. He said it is because his permit to own a firearm had been revoked.

Because he cant shoot them, he told Terkelsen, that if they are still alive after 10 minutes in the water, he takes them out of the barrel, puts them on the ground, and pushes their ribcage down with his foot to prevent them from breathing until theyre dead.

The officer with Terkelsen wrote in his report that Heenan said that drowning was a humane way because hes not cruel.

When Heenan was arraigned in Superior Court in November 2024, he was on probation for two firearm-related charges stemming from 2021 incidents. He was charged with possession of ammunition with a permit and possession of a firearm without a permit, according to court records.

He returns to court for a hearing on Dec. 19.
A bear is set to return to the historic estate of Turlough Park in Castlebar, Co Mayo - more than 200 years after the infamous landlord, Fighting Fitzgerald, kept one here as a pet.

The brown bear is going on temporary display in the National Museum of Ireland as part of an ongoing exhibition, The Murmur of Bees - which explores bees and their important role in Irelands biodiversity.

Bears have long been associated with bees and honey and one of the ancient Irish names for a bear is milchobur (honey-lover). The bear, which is from the Museums Natural History Collection in Dublin, was officially unveiled today (Monday December 1).

The specimen looks set to impress visitors. The female bear from Alaska has pale brown fur and is mounted standing on her hind legs, with long claws outstretched towards the visitor. Brown bears once roamed throughout Ireland. While they became extinct here thousands of years ago, some were occasionally brought to Ireland as exotic pets or circus performers and for blood sports.

In the late 18th century, George Robert Fitzgerald, also known as Fighting Fitzgerald, kept a pet bear at Turlough Park, the former ancestral home of the Fitzgerald family and now the site of the National Museum of Ireland. A colourful and controversial figure, Fitzgerald reportedly chained his own father to the pet bear at one time. Fitzgerald was later convicted of conspiracy to murder his fathers attorney and was hanged in Castlebar in 1786.

Emma Murphy is a curator with the Natural History Division of the National Museum of Ireland. She outlined that bears are the most abundant and widespread carnivore found in the Irish fossil record.

Fossils from Irish caves show that bears were present in Ireland for tens of thousands of years, from 40,000 years before present (BP) to 3,100 BP, said Ms Murphy.

They lived here at most times when the country was free of ice, repopulating the area many times. The most recent date of 3,100 BP means that there was a time when early human settlers and bears co-existed on this island. Evidence of bears has been found in many counties including Aillwee Cave, Co. Clare; Castlepook Cave, Co. Cork; and Poll na mBear, Co. Leitrim.

Tiernan Gaffney, curator of The Murmur of Bees exhibition is based in Turlough Park working with the Irish Folklife Collection. Although still prevalent in Eastern Europe, bears have been extinct in Ireland and as a result, they rarely appear in Irish folklore, mythology, or place names. However small traces of their presence still linger, he explained. As well as milchobur (honey lover), other Irish names for bears include beithir, rustog, ursog and bear.

The bear is on display on Level A of the exhibition galleries at the National Museum of Ireland in Turlough Park. It follows the bee-related temporary displays of Harry Clarkes drawing of St Gobnait and Alice Mahers Bee Dress, as part of The Murmur of Bees exhibition. A programme of associated events will follow in early 2026.

No booking is required to visit the Museum and admission is free. Visit www.museum.ie for further information.

READ MORE: Arrested - An Garda Siochana Mayo stop driver for dangerous driving
China urges Japan to retract erroneous remarks, stop fobbing off

Xinhua) 16:26, December 01, 2025

BEIJING, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- China urges the Japanese side to learn the lessons of history, do soul-searching, take seriously what it has heard from the Chinese side, simply retract the erroneous remarks as it should and take practical steps to honor its political commitments to China, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Monday.

"On issues of principle, an evasive attitude will not get the Japanese side anywhere," Lin said at a regular news briefing.

Lin said the Japanese side keeps hiding and fudging its position on the Taiwan question. Whenever asked, the Japanese side simply would not mention the Cairo Declaration, the Potsdam Proclamation and the Japanese Instrument of Surrender -- all of which made clear that Taiwan be restored to China, nor the four political documents that serve as the political foundation of China-Japan relations, nor the political commitment made by the Japanese government to the one-China principle, he said.

Lin said all the Japanese side has done is dodging the issue by claiming that its position "remains unchanged," adding that not even once has the Japanese side fully articulated what exactly that position is.

He said perhaps what the Japanese side would not clarify is not just its position on the Taiwan question. Dec. 1 marks the 82nd anniversary of the Cairo Declaration. This document, together with a series of other international legal instruments, stipulate China's sovereignty over Taiwan, and are vital outcomes of the World Anti-Fascist War and an integral part of the postwar international order.

"Japan has an obligation under international law to observe those documents, which is the prerequisite for Japan to be readmitted to the international community after the war. But the Japanese side does not even mention a word about those instruments with full effect under international law, and instead keeps quoting a document that excludes China and some other Asian countries who suffered the most from Japanese aggression and colonialism," he said.

"That is a clear sign of oblivion to the tragic memory of Japan's militarist aggression, a serious disregard for the history of the World Anti-Fascist War, and a blatant challenge to the UN's authority and the postwar international order," he said.

Lin said the Japanese side has in recent years been revamping the security and defense policies, beefing up the defense budget year after year and seeking to revise its three non-nuclear principles, and some forces in Japan have been trying hard to break free from the Pacifist Constitution and Japan's legal obligations as a defeated country in WWII.

"They never truly learned the lessons from history, never truly did any soul-searching about Japan's war atrocities or looked at them squarely, and never truly sought to prevent the revival of militarism in Japan. They hope that by whitewashing and not mentioning the true history, they could somehow make the world forget and release Japan from its obligations, but the world will not be deceived," Lin said.

"The course of history must not be reversed, and the bottom line of peace must not be crossed. Japan prevaricated to downplay the situation while continuing down the wrong path. China would absolutely not accept that," the spokesperson said.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Music played during surgery supports recovery and helps stabilize patient responses.

Highlights: Gentle music during surgery reduced anesthesia and painkiller needs

reduced anesthesia and painkiller needs Patients listening to music showed lower stress hormones and steadier vital signs

Double blind setup revealed that even under anesthesia the auditory pathway stays active

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Effect of patient selected music therapy on propofol consumption in laparoscopic cholecystectomy under total intravenous anaesthesia: A randomised controlled trial



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Soothing music played during surgery brings a remarkable drop in stress and lowered anesthesia use. #musictherapy #surgeryrecovery #medindia

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Effect of patient selected music therapy on propofol consumption in laparoscopic cholecystectomy under total intravenous anaesthesia: A randomised controlled trial - (https://mmd.iammonline.com/index.php/musmed/article/view/1111)

played directly in a patients ears).A new study shows that music during an operation can significantly support patient recovery and can also modestly yetPublished in the journal Music and Medicine, the research was carried out between March 2023 and January 2024 onremoval at Lok Nayak Hospital and Maulana Azad Medical College in New Delhi.The surgery typically lasts about an hour, and all patients received the standard anesthesia protocol. For the purpose of the study, every participant was administered the same five medications, one to prevent nausea and vomiting, a sedative, fentanyl, propofol, and a muscle relaxant, explained Dr. Sonia Wadhawan, director-professor of anesthesia and intensive care at Maulana Azad Medical College and one of the supervisors of the study.In our study, all the patients received total intravenous anesthesia with the same drugs, propofol being the main anesthetic drug, fentanyl was used to provide pain relief and a muscle relaxant was administered. The total intra operative requirement of the anesthetic was assessed along with the requirement of fentanyl, she added.Dr. Farah Husain, a co-author of the study, senior specialist in anesthesia, and a certified music therapist, said the objective was to find out how music can help patients reduce their stress during their surgery. And if music therapy is induced in the patients, can it also.The findings showed that patients exposed to music therapy had. Their baseline vitals were also more stabilized.Those who were given music therapy required aor heart rate during surgery. They also had a, said Dr. Tanvi Goel, former senior resident in the department of anesthesia and intensive care at Lok Nayak.After the operation, cortisol levels in the control group rose to an average of 536 International Units per milliliter, while, according to the study.For the study, patients were randomly placed into two groups and asked to, Husain said. Since it was a double-blind study, in which neither the participants nor the researchers know who is receiving the actual intervention and who is part of the control group until the study ends, both groups were given noise-cancelling headphones, but only for the one, she added.The study also observed that. They may not have explicit recall but there is an implicit recall, Husain said.The researchers noted that doctors used a, a device that assists clinicians inThe study aims to show that there is a new way of integrating a non-pharmacological tool into surgical practice. There is always a possibility that it may turn out to be ineffective, but it will not have any adverse effects, and it is certainly promising and worth further exploration, the researchers said.In conclusion, the findings show that incorporating music into the surgical setting can meaningfully improve patient responses, lower the need for anesthetic and pain-relief medications, and help maintain more stable physiological measures during and after the procedure.This simple, non-pharmacological approach holds promising potential to enhance overall patient care without adding any risk.Source-Medindia
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Veteran actor Jaya Bachchans aversion to paparazzi culture is widely known, with countless clips of her visibly irritated at photographers frequently circulating online, particularly when she feels they are deliberately trying to provoke her. During a candid chat with journalist Barkha Dutt at the #WeTheWomen event, Bachchan once again addressed her discomfort, describing the constant pursuit and unsolicited photographing of celebrities as strange and highly intrusive. She made it clear that she has never accepted this culture as normal and has no intention of doing so.

 Dharma Productions Jaya Bachchan said, My relationship with media is fantastic, I am the product of media. But my relationship with paparazzi is zero. Who are these people? Are they trained to be representing the people of this country? You call them media? I come from media, my father was a journalist. I have immense, tremendous respect for such people. She added, But yeh jo bahar gande, tight pant pehnke, hath mein mobile leke, they think just because they have a mobile, they can take your picture and say what they want. And, the kind of comments they pass! What kind of people are these? Kahan se aate hain, kis tarah ka education hai? Kya background hai? They will represent us? Just because they can get through to YouTube or whatever social platform? (Where do they come from, what is their education?)

 Dharma Productions The veteran actor didnt hold back when describing her frustration. She likened overly intrusive paparazzi to rats, suggesting that they can slip into the most personal spaces armed with nothing more than a camera phone. She concluded by saying, Its very interesting  one of my staff in Delhi said that she doesnt use any social network because I am the most hated person on social media. I said that I dont care, I dont give a damn. You hate me, its your opinion. My opinion is that I dislike you immensely. You think that you can be like a chuha (rat) who can get into somebodys house with a mobile camera. A majority of users agreed with Jaya Bachchans statement. One user commented, Tbh i think paps deserve treatment that jaya bachchan gives to them, especially the way they do shit like invading privacy, espcially when a celeb passes away. Another user commented, I do have to agree with her, these paps get really annoying, even I don't want these random people taking my pictures like that. This is why there are no stars today cause they are more desperate to get their pictures clicked for social media rather than showing their talent on screen. One user reacted, She is not wrong. They are mostly media illiterate. She is right; if you call paps at the airport, then you are not at that level.
The addition of uranium to the United States critical minerals list could have wide-ranging economic and national security implications.

On Nov. 6 the Department of the Interior, through the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), published the final 2025 list of critical minerals that the government says are vital to negate potential risks from disrupted supply chains. Its the third published list President Donald Trump issued an executive order in 2017, during his first term, directing federal agencies to strengthen mineral security.

A total of 10 new minerals were added to the list, bringing the total number to 60: boron, copper, lead, metallurgical coal, phosphate, potash, rhenium, silicon, silver, and uranium. The total list also includes 15 rare earth elements.

A full list of all minerals can be viewed below.

The U.S. Geological Survey recently added 10 new minerals to its critical list, including uranium. (USGS)

This is the most comprehensive, science-based assessment yet of the minerals our nation relies on, USGS Director Ned Mamula said in a statement. Critical minerals underpin industries worth trillions of dollars, and import dependence puts key sectors at risk. This work helps secure the materials needed for U.S. economic growth and technological leadership.

Military.com reached out to USGS for additional comment.

The list must be reviewed every three years according to the Energy Act of 2020 signed by Trump, with USGS saying the list is not static and will be updated at least every two years to reflect evolving circumstances.

Trump has called for a quadrupling of nuclear power by 2050.

Uranium Advantages

Christo Liebenberg, co-founder and president of US-based uranium enrichment company LIS Technologies, told Military.com that there is huge market demand for uranium to boost a domestic electricity grid facing challenges from growing AI data centers in different pockets of the country.

The fact that the critical list now includes 60 mineralsmore than half of the 118 elements on the periodic tablealso stood out, he added.

Being on that list, it's clear that it triggers a whole set of advantages, Liebenberg said. That makes mining uranium in the U.S. a lot easier, faster and more attractive to investors.

It's like flipping a switch that says, OK, everybody, uranium is now important. Let's make mining in the US easier, cheaper, faster and more predictable. Of course, this is exactly what would stimulate production. But the thing is, it doesn't stop just with mining. Being on that list actually has a ripple effect through the entire nuclear fuel supply chain.

The fact that the critical list now includes 60 mineralsmore than half of the 118 elements on the periodic tablealso stood out, he added.

US Boosts Global Acquisition

Rare elements inclusion on the list reflects upon the potential cost to the U.S. economy should supply chains become unraveled, notes USGS. They power ubiquitous technologies including smartphones, hard drives, and advanced defense systems.

While the U.S. in 2024 imported 80% of the rare earth elements it used, different steps are now being taken to bolster acquisition. The U.S. is now investing in its own production and securing access through partners in Australia, Japan, Malaysia and Thailand.

USGS said it is mapping new domestic deposits and advancing scientific understanding of how geology influences their quality, size, and viability for extraction.

Activists with the Tularosa Basin Downwinders Consortium demonstrate as House Speaker Mike Johnson and Republican U.S. House candidate Yvette Herrell of New Mexico hold a campaign event in Las Cruces, N.M., Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2024. The Consortium is asking Speaker Johnson to pass a Senate bill to expand the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act to include New Mexico Downwinders and post 1971 Uranium Miners. (AP Photo/Andres Leighton)

Reducing Russian Dependance

Bringing uranium back to the home front would be a decades-old course correction of sorts.

Liebenberg said the U.S. was the biggest exporter of nuclear fuel in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, making its own rich uranium and building nuclear plants.

But following the Cold War and the end of the Soviet Union, Russiaa huge enricher of uranium for their nuclear weapons warheadsbecame a producer on the world market. That included selling uranium to the United States, which has imported uranium from Russia dating back to the 1990s.

We've become dependent on Russian nuclear fuel, Liebenberg said. This has decimated our industry in the U.S. to the point that we have no more uranium mines, we have no mission capability except for one plant in New Mexico. We have just one conversion facility [Honeywell Specialty Chemicals] in Metropolis, Illinois.

A sea change of sorts has come in part due to the Russia-Ukraine war and the U.S. wanting to wean off Russian assets like imported uranium. Some of the worlds biggest players and companies are focusing on the future.

The demand has skyrocketed not just because of the need for more power and more energy, but also the power consumption of AI data centers is just humongous and just keeps increasing and increasing, Liebenberg said. The U.S. soon is going to start having blackouts.

"Data centers are consuming so much power that we just cannot keep up.  These big tech companies, the big five tech companies, they want clean power and they need 24/7 power. Wind and solar is not going to cut it."
In the early months of President Donald Trumps second term, administration officials turned to social media to describe an invasion of the United States by Venezuelan gangs. They used it to justify their efforts to deport thousands who had fled Nicolas Maduros regime.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, for instance, posted about ending Venezuelans temporary protected status, saying the Biden-era policy allowed Venezuelans to illegally enter the country and violate U.S. laws.

A few months later, the story shifted.

Posts by Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other officials started to depict Maduro himself as the head of a drug cartel and link him to fentanyl deaths in the U.S., though there is scant evidence that the country is involved in large-scale production or distribution of the synthetic opioid. Their posts portray the Maduro regime as an international security threat.

U.S. officials messaging about the country this year has dovetailed with the administrations shifting policy priorities, a Miami Herald review of more than 56,000 posts on X (formerly, Twitter) from three dozen accounts show. And their posts have become more negative and angrier with time.

The U.S. meanwhile has blown up dozens of boats and killed scores of people it alleges were drug-traffickers in the Southern Caribbean. And U.S. warships and planes now stand poised to conduct military strikes inside Venezuela.

One of Trumps key promises on the campaign trail was that the U.S. will no longer fight wars abroad. Projecting the current military buildup in the Caribbean as part of the war on drugs potentially allows the U.S. to portray the lethal strikes as a policing action rather than an intervention in the affairs of another country.

The amped up rhetoric in U.S. officials social media posts are a way to prepare the ground for the possibility of a military strike on Venezuela, said Christopher Hernandez-Roy, an expert on the region with the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

The White House and the State Department did not answer specific questions from the Herald about the administrations public messaging, the military deployment or how the standoff could end.

Anna Kelly, a spokesperson, said that all the strikes were against designated narcoterrorists bringing deadly poison to our shores.

The President will continue to use every element of American power to stop drugs from flooding into our country and to bring those responsible to justice, she said.

War of words

Since his appointment as Secretary of State, Rubio began linking Maduro to drug trafficking in social media posts for the first time only on July 27.

The next day Attorney General Pam Bondi announced a $50 million reward for Maduros arrest on narcoterrorism charges and a few days later, the State Department posted a video where Rubio declared that the United States does not recognize that [the Venezuelan] government is legitimate.

Rubio described Maduro as the head of the vicious Cartel de Los Soles in a post on the night of August 8. Two weeks later, the first U.S. Navy warships steamed into the Southern Caribbean.

Since the three Aegis-guided missile destroyers first arrived off the coast of Venezuela in late-August, surveillance airplanes from the U.S. Naval Airbase in Jacksonville, Fla. have flown sortees in the region, bombers have circled off Venezuelas maritime borders and thousands of U.S. ground troops are deployed in the roughly dozen ships now in the area.

U.S. fighter jets, drones and gunships have carried out lethal strikes killing at least 86 pub individuals.

The U.S.S. Gerald R. Ford, the worlds largest aircraft carrier, arrived in the Caribbean on Nov. 16.

The military is also upgrading the runways at Roosevelt Roads, a previously abandoned naval base in Puerto Rico, satellite photos obtained by the Herald shows. The upgrades would enable fighter jets and cargo planes to use the base. The renovations indicate that the U.S. is looking to maintain a sustained and long-term aggressive posture in the region, military experts told the Herald.

This is a use of hard power to provoke a change, said Hernandez-Roy. The administration is trying to scare the pants off of Venezuela.

Maduro, for his part, has mobilized millions of Venezuelans in the Bolivarian militia  a reserve force created by the late President Hugo Chavez  to support the countrys military in the event of an attack from the United States. He warned last week that attacking the country would end Trumps political career.

Questions abound about the administrations broad assertions regarding Venezuela on social media and elsewhere.

Earlier this year, criminologists and experts on the region questioned the Trump administrations claims about Tren de Aragua members being controlled by the Maduro regime and flooding into the United States. More recently critics have again questioned U.S. officials assertions that the boats it has blown up in the Caribbean were carrying drugs and also the broader claim that Venezuela is a major player in fentanyl trafficking.

While Trump posted about combating fentanyl trafficking when the strikes first began in September, recent posts by him and other administration officials and agency social media accounts have been vaguer only using broad words like drugs and narcotics, without specifying a type, the Herald found.

The administration is yet to produce any evidence to the public that the individuals it has killed are drug-traffickers, leading to concerns both in Congress and among U.S. allies that the lethal strikes may be illegal.

Element of hope

Open opposition to the Venezuelan regime has long been a focus of both Trump and Rubio.

The U.S. Justice Department under the first Trump administration indicted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro for allegedly collaborating with the left-wing guerrilla group, Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia and flooding the United States with cocaine in early-2020. Federal prosecutors also argued that Maduro had grown to become leader of the Cartel de Los Soles  Cartel of the Suns  an informal organized crime syndicate that is generally believed to be headed by high-ranking members of the Venezuelan military.

U.S. officials last year questioned the integrity of Venezuelas elections last year after Maduro declared victory. They noted that tally sheets obtained from local polling stations by the opposition and independent observers show a different outcome than that announced by the countrys election administrators.

But the remarkable military buildup in the Southern Caribbean  around a tenth of the American global fleet is now deployed in the area  marks a new phase in tensions between Washington and Caracas.

The escalation of tensions has gone hand-in-hand with public messaging about Venezuela from U.S. government officials and agencies, the Herald found.

The frequency with which officials and social media accounts of government agencies have posted about how Venezuela and the Maduro regime is a foreign and military problem have dramatically increased leading up to and since the military deployment.

Social media is a better medium for political figures to get their ideas across since it removes any moderation or interference with their messages like the fact-checks a traditional news outlet may provide, said Pinal Yildrim. Yildrim is a University of Pennsylvania professor who studies political messaging and social media.

Since social media is already based on followers with common interests, officials or lawmakers posting about a policy automatically get amplified by their base.

In some ways it is like preaching to a choir, said Yildirim but warned against over-generalizing about any trends since every situation or social media user is different.

The recent posts on the Maduro regime and the military strikes, the Herald found, have received nearly 1.5 million views on average  five times more than posts which position the influx of undocumented Venezuelan immigrants as a domestic issue.

The nearly two dozen lethal strikes in the Caribbean so far have proven controversial with even long-time U.S. allies like the United Kingdom, which has reportedly paused intelligence sharing out of concern that the military actions may be illegal.

Some prominent figures in the Venezuelan community in South Florida urged caution but all told the Herald that they saw the U.S. military presence as an element of hope that may bring about the fall of the Maduro regime.

Maria Corina Machado, Venezuelas top opposition leader and winner of this years Nobel Peace Prize, called Trumps strategy absolutely correct at the America Business Forum in Miami earlier this month.

Echoing U.S. officials, she called Maduro head of a narco-terror structure and said Trump is working to disrupt the drug trafficking, gold smuggling, arms and human trafficking networks in the region.

Maduro started this war, she said. President Trump is ending it.

Miami Herald staff writer Antonio Delgado contributed reporting.

How we worked on the data

The Miami Herald analyzed more than 57,000 posts on X, formerly known as Twitter, made by government officials since January, 2025. The Herald obtained the data from the Algorithmic Transparency Institute, a project of the National Conference on Citizenship, a nonpartisan U.S. Congressionally chartered nonprofit.

The Herald then parsed the posts nd identified those that were related to Venezuela, Nicolas Maduros regime, narcotics-trafficking in the Caribbean or the lethal strikes in the area. All re-posts and quoted posts were excluded from the analysis. .

To measure the sentiments expressed in the posts, the Herald deployed a machine-learning algorithm using the open-source NRC Emotion Lexicon developed by researchers at the National Research Council in Canada.

The Herald also manually checked a sample of the dataset to verify that all automated tasks were completed accurately. To select the sample size, the Herald used Fishers formula. All Venezuela-related posts were manually reviewed and classified as related to domestic or foreign and military affairs.

The posts analyzed by the Herald include the personal and official accounts of Vice President J.D. Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Defense (now renamed Secretary of War) Pete Hegseth, Attorney General Pam Bondi, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, White House Press spokespersons Karoline Leavitt, Anna Kelly and Steven Cheung, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, Pentagon and Defense Department spokespersons Kingsley Wilson and Sean Parnell, border czar Thomas Homan and Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin.

Since President Donald Trump typically posts on Truth Social and then reposts them on X, the Herald used his original Truth Social posts.

The analysis also includes posts made by the official accounts of the State, Defense (renamed War), Homeland Security and Justice departments; Customs and Border Protection; Immigration and Customs Enforcement; the White House and the offices of the President and Vice President.

Posts from the social media account of the U.S. Southern Command which oversees defense operations in the region have primarily been focused on publicizing the military actions in the last two months. Those were excluded by the Herald so as to not skew the analysis in any particular direction.

Credits

Shirsho Dasgupta | Investigative/Data Reporter

Antonio Delgado | Venezuela Reporter

Trish Wilson | Investigations Editor

Ben Wieder | Project Manager, Investigations

2025 Miami Herald. Visit miamiherald.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
A nonprofit in North Carolina has created a unique process of honoring deceased veterans while also caring for the environment.

The Idea for a Memorial

The idea began when Thomas Marcinowski, a veteran, read a story in National Geographic magazine featuring an underwater columbarium designed to replicate the Lost City of Atlantis. From there, he founded the Veterans Memorial Reef, believing families could honor their lost veterans in a similar fashion, according to Vivian Yuditsky, the nonprofits media coordinator and executive assistant.

He had long wanted a burial at sea to touch all the places his boots had walked in service, Yuditsky told the StarNews in Wilmington, North Carolina. Instead of simply scattering ashes, he envisioned a better approach: placing the entire cremains into an aquatic urn he designed, so a veterans final act could also help build a living reef habitat.

Marcinowski served in the military from 1987-2012 and was deployed to Operation Desert Storm. He now works at the Wilmington VA hospital as a physician assistant. Veterans Memorial Reefs leadership group also includes Vice President of Operations Joe Irrera, a retired Marine Corps colonel, and board member Chris Dehart, a veteran of the Army National Guard.

Veterans' markers can be personalized with messages, special objects and other mementos. (Photo from Vivian Yuditsky/Veterans Memorial Reef)

How Does the Memorial Work?

The building process includes an aquatic urn decorated in the colors of the veterans service branch and features a plaque with the veterans name. After the urn is constructed, its placed in a memorial marker made from eco-friendly cement.

Once the marker is ready, families are welcomed to attend a three-day ceremony. In a memorial that Yuditsky calls a blend of logistics and love, the event kicks off on Friday and concludes on Monday.

Eco-friendly cement is poured over the urn to seal it, creating a kind of time capsule where family members can place tokens, mementos, and even leave their handprints or messages in the wet cement, Yuditsky said. Because the cement must cure overnight, the following day is devoted to the Fallen Heroes ceremony, a time for remembrance, honors, and storytelling.

The third and final day is devoted to the veterans dedication at sea. The reef is located about five miles off the coast near Wilmington and families can travel to the site if they wish to see the marker attached to the reef. Formerly known as the Five-Mile Boxcar Reef, the site was chosen as a sustainable spot by the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries.

The annual event includes a "Fallen Heroes Ceremony" on day two of the three-day celebration. (Photo from Vivian Yuditsky/Veterans Reef Memorial).

Ceremonies Bring Closure

The Veterans Memorial Reef ceremony is only held once a year in May. This years ceremony recognized 10 veterans, according to Yuditsky, which is the highest amount allowed to properly honor veterans and allow each family to take part in the special event.

The ceremonies bring real closure for the families as they grieve and share their veterans story, Yuditsky said.

She went on to say the memorial offers a deeper solace to families as many believe their special veteran will continue to live off the reefs habitat.

Since the ceremonies started a few years ago, the process has touched organizers emotionally. Yuditsky said the story of Joseph McDonald, a Vietnam War veteran, was especially moving. After McDonald died, he didnt have any family in the area to honor him. Friends reached out to Veterans Memorial Reef to see if something could be done.

Joseph had earned several medals for his service in Vietnam, and with special permission, Veterans Memorial Reef was able to obtain his DD214 so he could be properly honored, Yuditsky said. To think that he might have been laid to rest quietly, without anyone knowing the courage and sacrifice he showed, it hit me deeply. Now, he rests with his brothers and sisters out on the reef, surrounded by life, continuing his service in a new way.
The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw leaving her home port of Cheboygan. Photo courtesy of the U.S. Coast Guard

LAKE MICHIGAN - For the 26th holiday season, a U.S. Coast Guard ship is bringing a load of fresh-cut Christmas trees from Northern Michigan to Chicago to spread some holiday cheer.

In making the trip, the cutter Mackinaw is tracing the route of the ill-fated Christmas Tree Ship that once was helmed by a man known as Captain Santa. That ship, the Rouse Simmons, was weighed down with a heavy load of evergreens when it sank with all aboard in 1912.

Last week, the Mackinaw, a 240-foot icebreaker, left her home port of Cheboygan on Lake Huron and is currently en route to Chicago. The ship and its crew typically do some fall buoy retrieval on the way to the Windy City each year, stretching out the trip to a several-day transit.

On Nov. 25, CGC MACKINAW (WLBB-30) departed her homeport of Cheboygan, MI to deliver 1,200 Christmas trees to Chicago for the 26th Annual Christmas Tree Ship!, the Coast Guard said this weekend on social media. The original Coast Guard Cutter to bear the name, CGC MACKINAW (WAGB-83) made this journey from the inaugural ceremony until its decommissioning in 2006, carrying hope, warmth, and holiday spirit across the Great Lakes. Now, MACKINAW (WLBB-30) continues this legacy.

Safe travels to the crew and may every tree arrive ready to spark a little magic!"

Once the crew arrives in Chicago, the trees will be off-loaded so they can be given to families in need in the Chicago area.

9 1 / 9 Rouse Simmons shipwreck

The Heartbreaking Loss of Captain Santa and His Crew

The Coast Guards journey each winter is a touching remembrance of the holiday cheer carried by the Rouse Simmons more than a century ago.

Built in 1868 in Wisconsin, the sleek schooner became part of Muskegon lumber baron Charles Hackleys fleet and spent much of its early decades carrying wood from his mills to other ports. At one point, U.S. Customs records showed it was making nearly weekly runs from Grand Haven to Chicago, according to the National Archives.

As the Rouse Simmons aged, it changed owners a few times, records showed.

By 1910, Capt. Herman Schuenemann owned a small interest in the boat. For years, his family had been among the two dozen schooner crews doing late-season Christmas tree runs, bringing evergreens from Northern Michigan and Wisconsin to Chicagos docks. The ships would be decorated with lights, and the families could come aboard and pick out an inexpensive tree. By cutting out the retail middleman, captains could get a decent profit from a holiday run.

Known for his generosity, Schuenemann earned the nickname Captain Santa.

According to The National Archives research by Glenn Longacre: At some stage of Herman Schuenemanns long career as a late-season tree captain, he was given the title of Captain Santa. The affectionate nickname was bestowed by Chicagos local newspapers and by the citys grateful residents. Schuenemanns profits from selling Christmas trees had never made the family wealthy, but his reputation for generosity was well established, and he delighted in presenting trees to many of the citys needy residents. Schuenemann enjoyed the sobriquet and proudly kept newspaper clippings about his role as Captain Santa in his oilskin wallet.

"Captain Santa" and two crewmen on the deck of the Rouse Simmons

When Schuenemann set out for his late-season run in November 1912, researchers say the Rouse Simmons was one of only a handful of ships to attempt it that year. Schuenemann knew those trips could be deadly. His older brother, August Schuenemann, had died in a Christmas-tree hauling trip in 1898 when the schooner S. Thal sank in a storm.

When the schooner got underway for that doomed trip, the Rouse Simmons was crammed with more than 5,000 trees, enough to make some say the ship looked like a floating forest when it departed Thompson, Michigan, near the Upper Peninsulas Manistique, on Friday, Nov. 22, 1912. By the next afternoon, the ship was gone.

The three-masted schooner went down hard on the afternoon of Nov. 23, 1912, her bow leaving a 10-foot-deep gash in the bottom of Lake Michigan. Lost with her were 16 souls  her captain, crew, and reportedly some lumberjacks who were hitching a ride to the Windy City so they could get home for the holidays.

This is believed to be the last known photo of the Rouse Simmons, taken shortly before she sank.

The Wreck of the Rouse Simmons

After all these years, the wreck of the Christmas Tree Ship remains a sentimental one among those who love Great Lakes lore. And while a 2006 dive exploration of the wreck by the Wisconsin Historical Society dispelled many myths surrounding the Rouse Simmons, some bits of mystery still cling to this tragic last voyage of a crew who had traditionally brought so much holiday joy to underprivileged children.

To help mark this remembrance, the Wisconsin Historical Society earlier shared its 2006 dive photos of the Rouse Simmons with MLive readers, and well explain a bit of what they found when they examined the wreck, which lies offshore of Two Rivers, Wisconsin in 165 feet of water.

The Rouse Simmons set out with her cargo hold crammed with trees, and others stacked up to 8 feet high on her deck. As she headed south toward Chicago, a storm was approaching Lake Michigan, packing gale-force winds and snow.

This next part is where the maritime archeologists were able to separate fact from myth.

The old story goes that by 2:50 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 23, 1912, rescuers at the Kewaunee, Wisconsin station had spotted the southbound Rouse Simmons, its half-mast flag signaling distress, log books show.

Because the station was without its gas-powered lifeboat, Kewaunee staff called the station south of them. Could they help? Two Rivers Station surfmen launched their powerboat to the spot where they thought theyd intersect with the Christmas Tree Ship.

The boat reached the schooners approximate position shortly thereafter, but darkness, heavy snow, and mist obscured any trace of the Rouse Simmons and its crew. The schooner had vanished, according to the National Archives article.

While some mystery remains, archeologists who dove the wreck discovered many clues to the schooners final moments. Here are the Wisconsin Historical Societys findings:

While it will never be known for certain what transpired during the Rouse Simmons final moments, an archaeological study of the wreck uncovered several clues that shed some light on what happened just before the ship slipped beneath the waves. By examining the historical and archaeological record, divers from the Wisconsin Historical Society (WHS) pieced together a more complete story of that fateful day in 1912.

Rouse Simmons under sail.

In studying historic documents, it was discovered that contrary to the popular story that materialized around the Simmons loss, the vessel was lost under clear conditions. She was not, as legend has it, last seen by the life-saving crew encrusted with ice, through a fleeting window in a vicious snowstorm.

By recreating the search pattern of the Two Rivers lifeboat and comparing it with the Rouse Simmons location today, the WHS deduced that the Two Rivers lifeboat completely encircled the Rouse Simmons and was never more than a few miles from where she lies. With a reported six miles of visibility that day, if the ship were still afloat as the lifeboat rounded Two Rivers Point at 4:20 p.m., the life-saving crew would have seen her. Additionally, the snowstorm that many lake captains reported as the worst they had ever seen, may well have been terrible, but it began around 5 p.m.well after the Rouse Simmons would have been on the bottom.

When the divers examined the wreck in 2006, they found the schooner was facing northwest, toward the Lake Michigan shoreline. They looked for clues as to why the captain had changed his southern course. The dive team found tools for handling the ships anchor and chains still scattered on its bow.

They also found evidence of a heaved deck, possibly caused by failure of the wooden schooners deck fasteners. Archeologists concluded it was likely a combination of large waves and its overload of trees that sent the Rouse Simmons straight to the bottom.

Bow of the Rouse Simmons with a Christmas tree placed on her deck

Secrets Come to the Surface

In the days following the ships disappearance, clues were slow to come. Christmas trees believed to be from the wreck washed up along the shores of Michigan and Wisconsin that December, and were brought up in fishing nets for years to come.

Then there was a message in a bottle, believed to be from a member of the Rouse Simmons crew, that washed up in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. The bottle was corked with a tiny piece of pine tree, according to research by Lori Jacobson-Tews.

The message read: Friday ... everybody goodbye. I guess we are all through. During the night the small boat washed overboard. Leaking bad. Invald and Steve lost too. God help us.

The next clue was found in 1924, when Capt. Schuenemanns wallet came up in the net of a fishing trawler. Wrapped in oilskin, the wallet was well-preserved and was later returned to his family.

The confirmation came in 1971, when the wreck of the Rouse Simmons was discovered by scuba diver Kent Bellrichard of Milwaukee.

Recreating Captain Santa

For years after the Christmas Tree Ship sank, the captains wife, Barbara Schuenemann, and her daughters continued to sell evergreens along the Chicago pier. They initially used schooners, but soon switched to railcars and other transportation to get their trees to the final destination.

In 1999, the U.S. Coast Guard and the Chicago maritime community revived this holiday tradition, bringing in trees from Northern Michigan.
Currently, only Michigan residents ages 21 and older can apply for and receive a license to carry a concealed pistol in the state. Legislation put forward by state Rep. Jason Woolford, R-Howell, would lower the age to 18. (MLive File Photo) MLive.com

A new proposal in Michigan aims to lower the age for carrying a concealed pistol from 21 to 18.

The potential change to the states legislation that has garnered a lot of conversation amongst lawmakers is one of five must-read stories from MLive over the weekend.

Concealed pistol age requirement could drop to 18 under Michigan proposal

Advocates argue that 18-year-olds can serve in the military and should have the right to protect themselves with firearms; critics emphasize the higher risks associated with younger individuals handling guns.

The legislation maintains current background checks, training requirements, and disqualifications for obtaining a concealed pistol license (CPL).

Young adults aged 18-20 can still only buy handguns from private sellers, while they can purchase long guns from licensed dealers.

Read reporter Michael Kranszs story here.

Here are four other compelling MLive stories to read:

Rebecca Park, 22, was reported missing earlier this month in Northern Michigan. After a lengthy search, her body was reportedly found on Tuesday, Nov. 25. Photo used with permisison of the Wexford County Sheriff's Office. Photo used with permisison of the Wexford County Sheriff's Office

Police confirm body found in Northern Michigan is missing pregnant woman

The body of 22-year-old Rebecca Park, a missing pregnant woman, was found in the Manistee National Forest after a three-week search.

An autopsy confirmed the identity of the body, and authorities are still searching for Parks baby. She was last seen on Nov. 3 and reported missing the following day while being 38 or 39 weeks pregnant.

Parks fiance, Richard Falor, has been charged with drug-related offenses and is being held on a $1 million bond. Kimberly Park, Rebeccas sister, faces charges including tampering with evidence and has a bond set at $750,000.

Reporter Skyla Jewell-Hammie shares the full story here.

Randall Luten's uncle LC Luten is buried at Woodlawn Cemetery in Ypsilanti Township, A volunteer for the cemetery restoration project, Luten attended a special event Thursday Nov. 20, 2025, to watch ground-penetrating radar in action. Abra Richardson | MLive.com

His uncle is buried in a long-neglected Black cemetery. Soon, he could lay flowers on the grave.

Randall Luten is volunteering for the restoration of Woodlawn Cemetery in Ypsilanti Township, where his uncle, LC Luten, is buried.

Established in 1946 by Pastor Garther Roberson, Woodlawn Cemetery has been unmaintained since 1965, with many gravestones and sites obscured by vegetation.

A restoration project initiated in May 2025 includes the use of ground-penetrating radar by Terracon Consulting to locate graves; 160 grave-like anomalies have been detected.

Reporter Jennifer Eberbach has all the details in this story here.

An aerial view Elberta Beach looking south toward Arcadia Bluffs along Lake Michigan in Elberta, Mich. in August 2025. Joel Bissell | MLive.com

The mystery of a Lake Michigan shipwreck, and a woman left tied to the mast

The J. Hazard Hartzell, a schooner carrying iron ore, sank during a squall on Oct. 16, 1880, near Frankfort.

All seven male crew members were rescued, but the only woman aboard, Lydia Dale, was left tied to the ships mast and later confirmed dead from drowning.

Rescuers, including local townspeople and surfmen, faced harsh conditions while attempting to save the crew; they used a Lyle Gun to secure a line to the sinking vessel.

Check out statewide editor Tanda Gmiters story here.

In this Aug. 7, 2018 photo, a doctor performs an ultrasound scan on a pregnant woman at a hospital in Chicago. Michigan has focused on expanding doula access to improve maternal and infant health outcomes. (AP Photo/Teresa Crawford

How expanding doula access is helping Michigan improve birth outcomes

Michigan is expanding doula access to improve maternal and infant health outcomes, with over 1,000 doulas now registered, surpassing the five-year goal set in 2023.

Doulas provide non-clinical support during childbirth, which has been associated with reduced complications for mothers and newborns, including fewer C-sections and low birth weight.

Medicaid in Michigan now covers doula services, with expanded access and increased reimbursement rates implemented in 2024.

Read reporter Justin Hickss full story here.
WEXFORD COUNTY, MI - A handful of missing persons cases capture the publics attention and their share of headlines each year across Northern Michigan. But the surge of online interest in Rebecca Parks disappearance nearly a month ago - and the twists this investigation has taken even before the 22-year-olds body was found just before Thanksgiving - have only reinforced the idea that this is not a typical missing persons case.

First, Park was at least 38 weeks pregnant when she reportedly went missing on Nov. 3. But yet when her body was found last Tuesday by volunteer searchers in the Manistee National Forest, authorities said Parks baby was not with the body.

While Parks cause of death has not yet been made public, her body being found was quickly followed by the arrests of her fiance and her sister. Yet authorities did not say if the charges against those two - which included delivery of a controlled substance and lying to police - were connected to Parks case.

Today, two more relatives were taken into custody. Sheriffs officials have said the arrests are linked to Parks case.

Add in the investigation into the missing baby - and the FBI being brought in to work on the case - and questions are swirling across Northern Michigan and beyond.

Online amateur sleuths have only added more speculation to the internet frenzy surrounding the case, reaching levels that drew a strong rebuke from law enforcement last month as they very publicly squashed rumors about bloody clothing being found that was connected to the case.

Some of this online fervor is what youd expect in a case rooted in a small town: Lots of speculation about Parks family members and others connected to her. Chatter about peoples past criminal history and past Child Protective Services investigations. Mug shot photos being shared online.

But other parts of this social media surge have been eyebrow-raising: Armchair investigators whose guesswork includes photo-heavy graphics of who might be involved and breaking news alerts when a new piece of speculation is floated online.

Rebecca Park, 22, was reported missing earlier this month in Northern Michigan. After a lengthy search, her body was found on Tuesday, Nov. 25. Photo used with permisison of the Wexford County Sheriff's Office. Photo used with permisison of the Wexford County Sheriff's Office

Heres the timeline of the information thats been released by law enforcement:

Nov. 3: Rebecca Park reportedly was last seen on this night when she willingly got into the passenger side of a vehicle outside a family members home on South 21 Road in the Cadillac area.

Nov. 4: Park was reported missing.

Early November: Extensive searchers were conducted by police, including K9 teams, a drone and deputies on foot.

Volunteer groups - including one calling themselves a recovery team - also worked to search the area. These groups are not affiliated with law enforcement.

Nov. 13: Police issued a public appeal for Park to contact them, saying they understood she might be scared or hiding. We assure you that you arent in any trouble, sheriffs officials said in the outreach message.

Nov. 19: Sheriffs officials pushed back against the misinformation and vitriol regarding information about Parks missing persons case being posted on social media. Authorities said the online rumors and criticisms were hampering the investigation and their efforts to find Park. Because of the surge of online chatter surrounding the case, Wexford sheriffs officials said they were unable to share information about the case.

Nov. 25 (daytime): A female body resembling Park was found by volunteer searchers in the Manistee National Forest near the town of Boon, northwest of Cadillac. It was an area that had previously been searched.

Nov. 25 (evening): Wexford Sheriff Trent Taylor, during a press conference about the developments in the case, declined to say whether investigators believed Parks body had been moved. He also declined to say how long the body appeared to have been deceased.

Nov. 26: Parks fiance and sister were arraigned in court after being arrested after the body was found. Richard Falor, Parks fiance, was arraigned on two counts of delivery/manufacture of a controlled substance, and for being a habitual offender fourth offense notice. His bond was set at an unusually high $1 million.

Kimberly Park, Rebecca Parks sister, was arraigned on charges of tampering with evidence, lying to a peace officer, and a false report of a felony. Her bond was set at $750,000.

Nov. 29: Police say autopsy results confirm the body found in the Manistee National Forest is that of Rebecca Park, and that her baby was not with her when she was found. In a press release, the sheriff makes it clear that authorities have made it their priority to find out what happened to Parks baby.

The Wexford County Sheriffs Office, along with multiple law enforcement agencies, is working diligently to determine the condition and potential whereabouts of the baby, sheriff Taylor said.

Because this is an active and ongoing investigation, the information that can be released is extremely limited at this time.

In a nod to the online frenzy and outpouring of public questions since Parks body was found, the sheriff offered this assurance:

We understand the publics desire for details and their demand for justice for Rebecca and her baby. We ask for your patience and understanding as we continue to seek answers for this tragic situation.

Nov. 30: Parks mother and stepfather are in custody at the Wexford County Jail. It is not clear why they were taken into custody. No charges have been released, and their arraignment is slated for this afternoon. Sheriffs officials have said only that two people linked to Parks case were taken into custody on Sunday.
Guardian Angels Church in Manistee, Mich., was dedicated in 1890, became a limited-use facility in 2016 and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2020. A Romanesque Revival-style church, it has a 170-foot-tall steeple topped with a 12-foot cross. The exterior and interior are marked by arches. The church is home to a 1,600-pipe organ and a 20,000-pound, 15-bell steeple chime. A nonprofit group is working to preserve the building and open it to the public on a regular basis. Justine Lofton | jlofton@mlive.com

MANISTEE, MI  An ornate Victorian church in Northern Michigan will open for rare public tours for just four hours this weekend.

One of Manistees most beautiful landmarks, Guardian Angels Church will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6, during the Victorian Sleighbell Parade and Old Christmas Weekend holiday festival.

RELATED: Clip-clop Christmas is coming: Up North town steps back in time for Victorian festival

The 135-year-old Romanesque Revival-style church has a 170-foot-tall steeple topped with a 12-foot cross. Its exterior and interior are marked by arches. The building is home to a 20,000-pound, 15-bell chime, a pipe organ with more than 1,600 pipes and many original furnishings.

Dedicated in 1890 and recognized as a historic place in 2020, the church became a limited-use facility in 2016. It remains part of the Divine Mercy Parish of the Catholic Church, but it does not host regular mass and is not generally open to the public.

Guardian Angels Church in Manistee, Mich., was dedicated in 1890, became a limited-use facility in 2016 and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2020. A Romanesque Revival-style church, it has a 170-foot-tall steeple topped with a 12-foot cross. The exterior and interior are marked by arches. The church is home to a 1,600-pipe organ and a 20,000-pound, 15-bell steeple chime. A nonprofit group is working to preserve the building and open it to the public on a regular basis. Justine Lofton | jlofton@mlive.com

In 2018, the Guardian Angels Historic Preservation Project began. The group worked to get the building on the National Register of Historic Places. Since it was added to the list in 2020, the group continues to work toward preservation and restoration, along with opening the church for special events.

RELATED: Look inside: Historic Victorian church decorated for Christmas

Part of the buildings historic significance is that its the only surviving work in Michigan of German-born architect Adolphus Druiding who was known throughout the United States for his Romanesque Revival churches. His works can be found in New York, Ohio, Indiana, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and other states, in cities big and small.

Guardian Angels was designed for a predominantly German and Irish congregation. Its many rounded arches suggest an influence of the German Rundbogenstil, which translates to round-arch style. This style shows up in many of Druidings works.

Guardian Angels Church in Manistee, Mich., was dedicated in 1890, became a limited-use facility in 2016 and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2020. A Romanesque Revival-style church, it has a 170-foot-tall steeple topped with a 12-foot cross. The exterior and interior are marked by arches. The church is home to a 1,600-pipe organ and a 20,000-pound, 15-bell steeple chime. A nonprofit group is working to preserve the building and open it to the public on a regular basis. Justine Lofton | jlofton@mlive.com

The preservation committees accomplishments include rehabilitating the front facade, west-facing brick, chimney and other projects. Work to restore a stained glass window was announced in November; the glass cracked years ago. Projects are funded through donations.

Upcoming Christmas events at the church include Christmas at the Angel, a music program, at 4 p.m. on Dec. 21, and Christmas Eve mass at 6 p.m. on Dec. 24.
Ann Arbor Pioneer High School principal Desmond Smith greets students on the first day of school for Ann Arbor Public Schools on Monday, Aug. 25 2025. Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com

ANN ARBOR, MI  Fall enrollment in Ann Arbor Public Schools is again on the decline this year, a continuing trend since the districts pre-pandemic peak.

But according to the latest data, the districts total student count  1.17% smaller than last year and 3.05% lower since 2020  is still higher than it was more than a decade ago.

Its a distinction administrators highlighted in a preview of a fall enrollment report Monday, Nov. 24, in a committee meeting for Ann Arbor School Board members before a full presentation next month.

If we look at enrollment over the last two decades, enrollment across the state of Michigan has actually dropped 16.7%. During that same time, Washtenaw ISD, so our county, has dropped 7.4% in student counts, Dan Berger, AAPS director of research and assessment, said of the intermediate school district.

In the same period, he said Ann Arbor has increased its enrollment by a very small amount, 1.2%.

So, when we say our enrollment numbers going down, of course, were going to try to do whatever we can to help bolster those numbers, Berger said. But at the same time, I just want everybody to recognize that  we have been bucking those trends pretty well.

Michigan schools count students twice a year  in October and February. The totals help lawmakers determine how much per-student funding to allocate in State School Aid.

As of this fall, Ann Arbors total enrollment is 17,005, including 380 preschoolers.

The remaining count of 16,625 students from young-five and kindergarten classrooms through high school is down from 16,821 in 2024 and 17,961 in 2018.

Still, according to AAPS, the latest total is an increase from 16,449 in fall 2013 and 16,421 in 2008, marking net increases of 176 and 204 students over each 12- and 17-year period.

AAPS officials said the overall enrollment numbers are also doing well considering the region and states falling birth rate.

From 2009 to 2020, Berger said the birth rate in Washtenaw County declined by 14.7%. However, between 2014 and 2025, leaving five years to account for young children entering kindergarten, he said, Our enrollment has actually increased by 3%.

There are a lot of reasons for that, including students coming into Ann Arbor from different areas, he said, but this is another situation where, if the students are there in the county, we would expect enrollment to go down a little bit

Broken down by school level, student counts have fluctuated over the last few years.

There were 5,581 high school students counted this fall. This was 43 more students in grades nine to 12 than last year. In contrast, there were 112 and 127 fewer middle and elementary school students for fall 2025 than in 2024.

Despite total enrollment shifts, the percentages of students in specific racial or ethnic groups remains relatively unchanged compared to years past. That includes around 48% and 49% of students who are white over the last three years, 12% and 13% who are Black, 11% and 12% who are Hispanic and 13% who are Asian.

Of the current student count, 1 in 8 students has special learning needs that require an individual education plan, or IEP, 1 in 4 come from homes impacted by poverty, and 1 in 10 doesnt speak English as a first language.

Enrollment counts in those specific student groups have varied much more over the last decade. A breakdown is as follows.

To provide context, we can see that our English learner students and our IEP populations have both grown considerably over the last decade, Berger said.

During the committee meeting, Trustee Rima Mohammad asked how the overall drop in enrollment affects the districts finances based on per-student school aid funding.

That will be reflected in the budget amendment thats coming in a few weeks, Superintendent Jazz Parks said.  The same way with state aid for students who come to us from other districts, we lose it when our students leave.

District officials said the overall difference in fall enrollment between 2024 and 2025 could be equated to roughly $2.1 million to $2.2 million.

But because the AAPS finance team planned for a loss of roughly 125 students in the current 2025-26 fiscal year, Parks said the districts budget wont take quite as big a hit once amended.

Berger said the loss, accounting for a slightly higher than anticipated 191-student drop, would be closer to $784,000. The AAPS budget planned for this year totaled more than $314 million overall, roughly $7.2 million more than last year.
Two agents in plain clothes with their faces covered escorted someone around 12:30 p.m., Nov. 24, from the emergency department at Trinity Health Ann Arbor Hospital. Jordyn Pair | jpair@mlive.com

SUPERIOR TWP., MI  A man taken to the hospital by immigration enforcement last week had been Tased while running from agents, officials said.

Two federal agents in plain clothes and vests with their faces covered escorted someone from the emergency department at Trinity Health Ann Arbor Hospital around 12:30 p.m. Nov. 24. The agents, who were wearing vests identifying them as police, put the person into an unmarked vehicle before driving away.

The man was taken to the hospital after he was Tased during his arrest, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokesperson told MLive/The Ann Arbor News. EMS personnel evaluated him for knee and arm pain before he was taken to the hospital, the spokesperson said. Medical staff at the hospital ultimately cleared him.

The man had been arrested alongside another man, the ICE official said.

Agents with ICE and the U.S. Marshals had been surveilling Daniel Reyes-Gamboa, who had been flagged for an administrative arrest, according to the ICE spokesperson and a federal complaint filed against him. Reyes-Gamboa had previously been facing charges of fourth-degree child abuse and domestic violence in the 14B District Court.

Those charges were dismissed Nov. 25, court records show.

Reyes-Gamboa had picked up the other man at an Ypsilanti apartment complex when agents attempted to stop the vehicle.

Read more:Its really bad out there. ICE near Ann Arbor has rattled community, officials say

Reyes-Gamboa rammed a U.S. Marshals vehicle before both men fled on foot. Agents arrested Reyes-Gamboa without incident. He has been charged with resisting and obstructing an officer and unlawful re-entry following removal from the United States, according to court documents.

The other man is not facing federal charges, court records indicate as of Dec. 1. The men, both from Mexico, are in ICE custody at the North Lake Processing Center in Baldwin, the ICE spokesperson said.

Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page.
The body of Rebecca Park, 22, was found Nov. 25 in the Manistee National Forest. Photo used with permission from the Wexford County Sheriff's Office. Photo used with permisison of the Wexford County Sheriff's Office

UPDATE: The arraignment hearings for Parks biological mother and stepfather have been postponed until Tuesday, after the prosecutor said the criminal complaint in the case was not ready, UpNorthLive reported.

WEXFORD COUNTY, MI  Two more people related to Rebecca Park have now been taken into police custody, nearly a week after the missing pregnant womans body was found in the Manistee National Forest.

UpNorthLive reports that Wexford County Jail records show Parks biological mother and stepfather are listed as being in custody today. There is no specific information showing if they have been charged with a crime.

In a brief press release this morning, the sheriffs office said only that two suspects were arrested Sunday night in connection to Parks case.

According to 9&10 News, the court arraignments for the mother and stepfather on undisclosed charges is scheduled for 1 p.m. today.

Park, 22, went missing on Nov. 3 close to the town of Boon near Cadillac. She was at least 38 weeks pregnant at the time. When her body was found on Nov. 25, Parks baby was not with the body and investigators have said they are working diligently to determine the condition and potential whereabouts of the baby.

Parks mother and stepfather being taken into custody mean that four people linked to Park have now been arrested since her body was found. Parks fiance and Parks sister were arrested that same night and were arraigned the next day on charges ranging from delivery of drugs to lying to police.

Authorities so far have not specifically said if or how those first two arrests are connected to Parks case.

Park was reported missing on Nov. 4, a day after police were told she willingly got into the passenger side of a vehicle outside a family members home on South 21 Road in the Cadillac area.

Police searched the area, using K9 teams as well as a drone. Volunteer search groups also conducted their own surveys, hoping to find some evidence that would help solve the case as the weeks went on.

On Nov. 25, volunteer searchers found a females body matching Parks description in an area of the Manistee National Forest. That area had previously been searched.

In a press conference that evening, Wexford County Sheriff Trent Taylor declined to say whether investigators believed Parks body had been moved. He also declined to say how long the body appeared to have been deceased.

On Nov. 29, police said autopsy results confirmed the body found was Parks, but that her baby was not with the body. Parks cause of death remains pending.
Gildas Club Grand Rapids has received a $12,500 grant from New York Life to strengthen efforts providing free emotional support to adults and children navigating grief through in-person, virtual and hybrid services. (Photo provided by SeyferthPR) Courtesy

GRAND RAPIDS, MI  Gildas Club Grand Rapids, which provides free emotional health care to people experiencing cancer or grieving the death of a loved one, has received a $12,500 grant from New York Life to bolster its grief support programs.

Wendy Wigger, president and CEO of Gildas Club Grand Rapids, said the donation will strengthen her organizations outreach and enable it to continue to offer free emotional support to help adults and children navigate grief.

At Gildas Club Grand Rapids, we believe no one should have to grieve alone, she said.

Gildas Club Grand Rapids offers grief support groups for children, men, teens, young adults, parents, spouses and more.

Our program opportunities offer a safe place to connect with others on a grieving journey and find healing and connection, Wigger said.

New York Life, a mutual life insurance company, offers grants of up to $25,000 to local nonprofits through its Community Impact Grant program. The program has awarded 850 grants totaling more than $12 million since 2008.

Gildas Club Grand Rapids operates through charitable donations. It provides in-person, virtual and hybrid services through its clubhouses in Grand Rapids and Lowell, as well as community programs at schools and community centers.
Calvin University will reduce 12.5% of its faculty positions over the next two years, part of a restructuring that also includes the loss or consolidation of multiple academic programs. MLive.com files John Agar

GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Over the next two years, Calvin University will reduce 12.5% of its faculty positions.

The private Christian liberal arts university will also eliminate or consolidate multiple academic programs, including several language majors and minors, the journalism minor and the public health major and minor.

Calvin University, at 3201 Burton St. SE in Grand Rapids, was founded in 1876 and enrolled 3,681 students as of the 2024-25 school year.

The cuts, first detailed in a Nov. 13 letter shared with the campus community by President Greg Elzinga, were described as honoring Calvins distinctive mission and ensuring long-term sustainability.

Below are three takeaways from MLives reporting of the issue.

1. 3% of faculty departures are involuntary

Calvin University plans to cut 12.5% of its faculty positions over the next two years.

According to the school, most of the departures are voluntary and many were identified during budget planning that occurred last year.

Involuntary departures will amount to around 3% of the current full-time faculty workforce. Those impacted have been notified.

The cuts were determined as part of a combination of recommendations by multiple university task forces at work since the 2024-25 school year, according to Calvin.

2. French, public health and sociology among majors to be cut

Several language programs, including the French major and minor and the German minor, are being discontinued. So is Calvins public health major and minor, sociology major, therapeutic recreation major and journalism minor.

Majors and concentrations in the universitys Department of Geology, Geography and Environment will be consolidated from nine separate degrees into two majors with two concentrations apiece.

Other departments are revising offerings and workloads, or relocating, like the science education studies program moving into the School of Education.

Four graduate programs are also slated to be discontinued after a decision made during the 2024-25 school year: the data science, nursing, public administration and public health programs.

John Zimmerman, associate director of public relations for Calvin, said the phase out will happen over time, with initial impacts beginning during the 2026-27 academic year.

Any program changes affecting current students will include a formal teach-out plan so they can complete their degrees, and department leaders have communicated with impacted students.

Elzinga said the changes will affect a small number of students, but did not specify how many.

3. Shifting higher education landscape contributed to cuts

Zimmerman said that despite a 25% increase in enrollment since 2020 - highlighted by the school in August - Calvin has also seen the higher education landscape shift rapidly.

Decreasing populations, changing public perceptions about the value of college and fluctuations in international enrollment have all contributed to fewer college-bound students and greater enrollment volatility, he said.

Zimmerman said the academic programming and faculty changes are focused on ensuring Calvin continues to serve students well.

Pursuing this transformation now, and implementing it gradually over the next several years, allows us to move forward thoughtfully, strategically and with care for the people who make Calvin who we are, he said.

He said Calvins finances remain strong, with an A- rating from credit rating agency Standard & Poors, and added that the university is on track to execute a balanced budget for the 2025-26 academic year.

This isnt the first time Calvin has cut programs. In 2013, the university proposed staff and program cuts to help pay off $115 million in long-term debt.

Calvin has also cut faculty and eliminated programs in 2015, 2018 and 2020.
Pictured is husband-and-wife team Aye Soe and Min Tun, the owners of Myanmar Meals. (Photo/Grand Rapids Downtown Market) Grand Rapids Downtown Market

GRAND RAPIDS, MI - The Grand Rapids Downtown Market recently announced soft opening of Myanmar Meals, a new culinary destination bringing the bold, flavorful tastes of Burmese and Cantonese cuisine to the area.

Owned and operated by husband-and-wife team Aye Soe and Min Tun, Myanmar Meals offers a menu inspired by the couples Southeast Asian roots and their journey to the United States in 2008.

Soe and Tun shared that they are feeling so lucky and blessed to now be open at the Grand Rapids Downtown Market, 435 Ionia Ave. SW.

In the Nov. 7 press release about the opening of Myanmar Meals, officials said the Market Hall is officially at 100% capacity.

Full capacity means the venue now features 21 merchants, showcasing a range of culinary excellence from around the globe, all under one roof.

So far, weve seen so many kind faces and reviews about our Burmese and Cantonese cuisine, the couple shared.

With offerings like Cantonese fried rice and Burmese samosa salad with potato curry, the new eatery promises a vibrant culinary experience that reflects the rich heritage and diverse flavors of Southeast Asia.

This marks the second business venture for the couple. They also owned the former Amazing Myanmar restaurant on 28th Street in Kentwood.

Tun told MLive/The Grand Rapids Press he started in the food industry when he was 18, and hes been surrounded by aromatic food ever since.

We chose the Downtown Market because it meant giving us more opportunities for the business, he said. What makes us unique is the method of our cooking and recipes.

He said the customer favorites on the menu so far include the Cantonese fried rice for $15, barbecue pork bao buns for $10 and Burmese coconut curry chicken noodles for $18.

Market-goers are invited to visit Myanmar Meals and discover the full array of offerings from all merchants.

For more, visit online.
A stretch of U.S. 131 in Kent County has been rebuilt as part of a $70 million project that began spring 2024. (Map provided by MDOT) MDOT courtesy photo

GRAND RAPIDS, MI - A stretch of U.S. 131 in Kent County has been rebuilt for the first time in almost 70 years.

Crews were scheduled to remove barrels and work zone signs ahead of the extended Thanksgiving weekend, according to the Michigan Department of Transportation.

Work on U.S. 131 between 76th Street and 100th Street in Byron Township was part of a two-year, $70 million investment that began in May 2024.

In addition to rebuilding 3 miles of highway, crews added weave/merge lanes between the 76th Street and 84th Street interchanges.

Workers will return in the spring to install new traffic signals at the southbound ramps to and from 84th Street. Theyll also plant trees and install final pavement markings.

The newly constructed stretch of U.S. 131 hadnt been totally rebuilt since 1958.

Most of the funding came from the states Rebuilding Michigan program -- a $3.5 billion bonding program established to fund more than 40 longer-term fixes to the states key roadways between 2020 and 2027.
Katelyn R. Wiggins enters Saginaw County Circuit Court on Dec. 1, 2025, to accept a plea deal in the November 2024 death of Alexis M. Lexie Rietz. Cole Waterman

SAGINAW, MI  A Millington woman sobbed as she entered a Saginaw County courtroom to accept responsibility for killing a woman in an inebriated crash a little more than a year ago.

A shackled and jumpsuit-clad Katelyn R. Wiggins, 32, on the morning of Monday, Dec. 1, appeared before Saginaw County Circuit Judge Andre R. Borrello to plead no contest to all three charges against her: operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated causing death with a prior conviction, operating a motor vehicle with a high blood-alcohol level causing serious bodily injury, and operating a motor vehicle without insurance.

The first two charges are 20- and 10-year felonies, respectively, while the third count is a one-year misdemeanor. The charges stem from a crash that occurred in November 2024 in Birch Run Township and claimed the life of Alexis M. Lexie Rietz, 21 and also of Millington.

Alexis M. Lexie Rietz, 21 of Millington, who suffered fatal injuries in a traffic crash in Saginaw County on Nov. 16, 2024. Cole Waterman

By pleading no contest rather than guilty, Wiggins did not admit to having committed any crime. Defense attorney James F. Piazza said his client was pleading as such due to possible civil liability.

Borrello relied on police reports to find a factual basis to enter convictions on the record. The judge indicated hell sentence Wiggins to at least five years in prison.

Sheriffs deputies determined Wiggins at about 5:15 p.m. on Nov. 16, 2024, was driving a Nissan Rogue west on Birch Run Road when she crossed the centerline and sideswiped an eastbound Chevrolet Equinox just east of Block Road. The Nissan then collided head-on with an eastbound Chevrolet Malibu driven by Rietz, deputies have said.

The impact caused two of the drivers to be trapped in their vehicles. Firefighters used the Jaws of Life to extract them.

Katelyn R. Wiggins stands beside defense attorney James F. Piazza as Saginaw County Circuit Judge Andre R. Borrello addresses them on Dec. 1, 2025. Cole Waterman

Wiggins was taken to Covenant HealthCare for treatment of serious injuries. Rietz was taken to Hurley Medical Center in Flint but died of her wounds.

Rietzs younger twin sisters were passengers in the Malibu. One of them suffered serious injuries requiring surgery, while the other sustained cuts, bruises, and lacerations, prosecutors wrote in a bond recommendation.

Wiggins admitted to investigators she did not have insurance on the Nissan, prosecutors have alleged. Analysis of Wiggins blood showed its alcohol content was 0.183 following the crash, prosecutors have said.

In Michigan, a person is considered legally intoxicated when their blood-alcohol content hits 0.08; a person is super drunk when their BAC reaches 0.17. Wiggins in 2020 was convicted of a drunken driving offense in Las Vegas, Nevada, prosecutors added.

Wiggins urine screen at the hospital tested positive for cocaine and THC as well, prosecutors have alleged.

Wiggins was working as a restaurant server and substitute teacher at the time of the crash, Piazza previously said.

Wiggins in August 2024 received her permanent substitute teacher permit for the 2024-2025 school year with the Genesee Intermediate School District.

Rietz was an adventurous and loving sibling to her twin sisters, creating memories with them and bringing joy to their lives, her obituary states. She also had a steadfast bond with her older brother, their relationship a testament to sibling loyalty.

Alexis had a deep passion for caring, extending her compassion not only to her loved ones but also to the elderly, ensuring their health and emotional well-being in her professional work, her obituary continues. Alexis had a unique ability to make everyone around her feel valued and cared for. She loved animals, adventures, and creating cherished memories with her family. Her warm spirit and unwavering dedication to those she loved will never be forgotten.

Wiggins is to remain in custody pending sentencing by Borrello on Jan. 14.
Actor Zachery Ty Bryan arrives at the premiere of "Dark Tourist" at the ArcLight Cinemas on Thursday, August 14, 2013 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Paul A. Hebert/Invision/AP) AP

An actor known for his role in a hit 1990s sitcom has been arrested for the sixth time in five years.

According to People, Zachery Tyler Bryan, who starred as Brad Taylor in the Tim Allen-led show Home Improvement, was arrested in Oregon for allegedly violating his probation from his prior domestic violence conviction

The 44-year-old is being held in Lane County and was arrested alongside his fiancee, who is facing five charges, People reported.

The incident is the latest in a long history of arrests for the former child star. In February 2021, he pleaded guilty to fourth degree assault following an argument with his then-girlfriend in October 2020.

In 2023, Bryan was charged with fourth-degree felony assault, third-degree robbery and misdemeanor harassment.

In 2024, he was arrested twice on DUI charges  the first in February and the second in October. His latest previous arrest occurred in January when he was arrested in Myrtle Beach and charged with second-degree domestic violence

Bryan also appeared in episodes of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Boston Public, Center of the Universe and Veronica Mars, as well as 2006s The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift.
A task force formed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer unveiled its recommendations this week to reduce gun violence in the state. (MLive file photo) Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com

A task force formed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer unveiled its recommendations this week to reduce gun violence in the state.

The recommendations from the Michigan Gun Violence Prevention Task Force range from raising the minimum age to purchase firearms and banning assault weapons to building on existing gun control and safety laws.

The task force was created in June 2024 by Whitmer. It followed new gun safety and control laws enacted earlier that year in the wake of the mass shooting at Michigan State University that killed three students and injured five others.

That legislative package brought about universal background checks on gun purchases, firearm restrictions for people convicted of domestic violence, secure gun storage requirements and red flag orders. Extreme Risk Protection Orders created by red flag laws allow Michiganders to seek temporary, court-ordered removal of firearms from at-risk individuals.

The task force is led by Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Michigans chief medical executive, and includes academic researchers, prosecutors, law enforcement, tribal representatives, education, community and business leaders, mental health professionals and officials from state departments.

Here are four takeaways from the report:

An assault weapon ban and raising the firearm purchase age

The task forces recommendations include prohibiting the sale and possession of assault weapons and increasing the minimum age to purchase any firearm to 21. These proposals would see Michigan join a minority of other states that have already enacted similar restrictions.

While the task forces report did not provide a specific definition for assault weapons, such bans typically target semiautomatic rifles, like AR-15-style rifles, that feature pistol grips, barrel shrouds and the ability to accept detachable magazines.

Currently, Michigan residents ages 18 and older can purchase long guns from licensed dealers or private sellers. Those ages 18 to 20 can only buy a handgun from a private seller, not a licensed dealer.

Only eight states prohibit people under 21 from purchasing any firearms and 10 states have bans on assault weapons, according to Everytown for Gun Safety, a gun violence prevention nonprofit.

The task force also recommended prohibiting the possession of large capacity magazines. The task force did not define large capacity magazines. A previous federal ban defined large capacity magazines as those holding more than 10 rounds of ammunition, but some states have put the limit at more than 15 or 20 rounds.

Closing loopholes and strengthen existing laws

Beyond proposing new bans, the task forces recommendations also focused on strengthening the states current regulatory framework and closing existing loopholes. These include requiring waiting periods for all firearm purchases to prevent impulsive acts of violence and closing a loophole that allows some gun purchases without a background check.

The task force also called for the support of community violence intervention programs, greater public education on secure firearm storage, strengthening support services for victims of domestic violence and creating clearer, standardized guidelines for firearm relinquishment. The firearm relinquishment recommendation would establish a formal process for individuals legally prohibited from owning guns to turn them over to law enforcement.

Improving school safety

The task force was created in the wake of two school shootings in Michigan  one at Michigan State University in 2023 and the other at Oxford High School in 2021  and recommended additional safety measures to keep students and staff safe.

The task force called for additional and sustained state-level funding for school safety and mental health resources focused on prevention. It also called for the creation of a standard definition of school resource officer that includes regular training and education. School resource officers are police officers dedicated to a specific school or district.

The task force also recommended establishing an official school safety tip line statewide.

Proposals face a divided legislature

Despite the urgency from the task force, the recommendations may face significant political hurdles if lawmakers decide to take them up. The task force noted in the report that some of the recommendations may be challenging to implement.

Some of the proposals are likely to face stiff resistance in the Republican-controlled House. The House has already declined to vote on bills passed by the Senate that would ban bump stocks and ghost guns  two measures that are included in the new task force report.

Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks, D-Grand Rapids, stated that Democratic-majority Senate is committed to combating gun violence and praised the report for building on policies enacted when Democrats controlled both chambers, such as safe storage and red flag laws and universal background checks. She urged the House to take up the proposed bans on bump stocks and ghost guns already passed by her chamber.

Bump stocks are legal devices in Michigan that allow semiautomatic rifles to fire at a rate similar to machine guns. Ghost guns are untraceable firearms that dont have serial numbers.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI - What had been a Winter Storm Watch area has turned into an area of Winter Storm Warnings in West Michigan ahead of Monday nights expected snow. A Northern Michigan county has also been added into the Winter Storm Warning zone.

Up to 12 inches of snow is possible in some areas with tonights storm system.

In West Michigan, the National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for Muskegon, Oceana and Mason counties.

In Northern Michigan, Emmet County is under a Winter Storm Warning.

The storm warning areas are shaded pink on the NWS maps below:

Winter Storm Warnings have been issued for 3 West Michigan counties: Muskegon, Oceana and Mason. Emmet County in Northern Michigan is also under a Winter Storm Warning. Graphic provided by the National Weather Service

The rest of the counties along Lake Michigan - from Ottawa County all the way north to the Mackinac Bridge, are under Winter Weather Advisories. So is the southeastern Upper Peninsula. Those counties are shaded in blue on the maps.

The heaviest snow today is expected to be from Grand Haven and northward, the NWS said.

In West Michigan, the storm warning runs from noon today to 7 a.m. Tuesday. Anywhere between 6 to 12 inches of snow is forecast, depending on how these lake effect snowbands set up.

Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday evening and Tuesday morning commutes, the NWS said in the advisory today. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.

A Winter Storm Warning for Emmet County lasts into Tuesday. Graphic provided by the National Weather Service

In Northern Michigan, the Emmet County Winter Storm Warning includes the Petoskey area. It runs from 4 p.m. today and into Tuesday morning. Up to 8 inches of heavy, lake-effect snow is expected.

Travel could be very difficult with rapid changes in visibility and heavy snow-covered roads, the NWS advisory states. During lake effect snow, the weather can vary from bands of locally heavy snow to dry weather just a few miles away. Visibilities can also vary greatly. Be prepared for rapid changes in weather, visibility, and road conditions.

Stay updated on forecast changes today by checking our MLive weather page.
Here is where the heaviest snow is forecast to fall on Monday night into early Tuesday. Graphic provided by the National Weather Service

The heavy lake-effect snow totals associated with Monday nights incoming weather system keep getting higher every time we look at them - at least for one area of Michigan.

Heavy snowfall is forecast tonight into early Tuesday along the Lake Michigan shoreline towns from Grand Haven north to Petoskey, the National Weather Service says.

All those cities are now blanketed in either a Winter Storm Warning or a lesser Winter Weather Advisory.

Heres what the NWS is saying about the heavy snowfall in West Michigan:

The highest accumulations will be in Muskegon and Oceana counties with 8-14 inches expected. Locally higher amounts are possible especially under the heavy snow bands.

Shifts in this storm track are possible, which would affect the amounts and location of the heaviest snowfall.

The heaviest snowfall will be this evening into early Tuesday morning.

Snow covered and hazardous roads are likely. This will impact the evening and Tuesday morning commutes.

Winter Storm Warnings have been issued for 3 West Michigan counties: Muskegon, Oceana and Mason. Emmet County in Northern Michigan is also under a Winter Storm Warning. Graphic provided by the National Weather Service

Here are the forecast highlights from the National Weather Service offices across Michigan:

West Michigan should prepare for significant lake effect snow today and tonight, with Winter Storm Warnings and Winter Weather Advisories in effect for counties along the Lake Michigan shoreline where accumulations of 4 to 12 inches are expected.

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning from noon today through 7 a.m. Tuesday for Muskegon, Oceana and Mason counties, where the heaviest snow bands are forecast to develop.

A Winter Weather Advisory covers Ottawa, Newaygo and Lake counties for the same period, with 3 to 7 inches of snowfall expected. The most intense snowfall is anticipated this afternoon and evening as southwest winds draw moisture across Lake Michigan, with snow rates potentially reaching 1 to 2 inches per hour in the hardest-hit areas.

A Winter Storm Warning for Emmet County lasts into Tuesday. Graphic provided by the National Weather Service

Northern Michigan will see lighter but more persistent lake effect activity. The Upper Peninsula can expect periods of light to moderate lake effect snow through the week, with localized bands bringing one to four inches of additional accumulation through Tuesday morning.

Northern Michigans heaviest snow will be focused near Little Traverse Bay in Emmet County, where localized totals could exceed 12 inches if proper convergence develops overnight.

The snowfall forecast for Southeast Michigan shows up to 2 inches could fall in some areas along the southern tier. Graphic provided by the National Weather Service

A separate weather system will bring light snow to southern Michigan tonight, with 1 to 2 inches expected along the I-94 corridor and lighter amounts farther north. This system will move through quickly, with snow developing after 9 p.m. tonight and tapering off by Tuesday morning. While accumulations will be modest compared to the lake effect snow farther north, the timing ahead of the Tuesday morning commute could create slippery travel conditions.

Tuesday will bring a brief lull in snowfall activity across most of the state, though lake effect snow showers may linger near the shorelines. Temperatures will remain below normal, with highs in the mid to upper 20s. Southwest winds will increase Tuesday, gusting to 25 to 30 mph along the Lake Michigan coast.
UPDATE: Winter Storm Warnings now issued for parts of Michigan ahead of Mondays heavy snowfall.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI - The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch that will stretch from Monday afternoon through Tuesday morning for three counties along the Lake Michigan shoreline.

The Winter Storm Watch covers Ottawa, Muskegon and Oceana counties, including the cities of Grand Haven, Muskegon, Jenison and Hart.

Snowfall totals of 6 to 10 inches are possible with this storm system, the National Weather Service meteorologists in Grand Rapids said.

Snow is expected to return to Michigan on Monday, but the areas under the Winter Storm Watch are expected to see the biggest accumulations.

A Winter Storm Watch has been issued for three counties along the Lake Michigan shoreline. Graphic provided by the National Weather Service

Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous, the advisory states. Visibilities may drop below 1/4 mile due to falling and blowing snow. Whiteout conditions are possible and may make travel treacherous and potentially life-threatening.

Late Monday afternoon and evening will see the snow showers intensify, the forecast shows.

If travel is necessary, drive with caution and expect snow-covered roads and slippery conditions.
Swaraj Baggonkar

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Varun Singh A journalist covering the automotive sector in depth, across business and product verticals. Trying to hit the gym at least four times a week! I am not a fitness freak though.

Maruti Suzuki rejected the claim that the special treatment for small cars is arbitrary.

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Mahindra & Mohammed to M&M: How Mahindra's first partner became Pakistani after partition

Saurav Pandey is the Deputy Manager of Content at Moneycontrol, specialising in content strategy, execution and performance analysis. He integrates advanced SEO techniques to deliver high-impact, data-driven content formats. His expertise spans various beats, including education, career, science and others, where he adopts a technical approach to optimise visibility, improve search rankings, and drive organic traffic growth. He can be reached out at Saurav.Pandey@nw18.com.

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Unbelievable comeback story of DSP Jainendra Nigam who was once ARRESTED and JAILED

Saurav Pandey is the Deputy Manager of Content at Moneycontrol, specialising in content strategy, execution and performance analysis. He integrates advanced SEO techniques to deliver high-impact, data-driven content formats. His expertise spans various beats, including education, career, science and others, where he adopts a technical approach to optimise visibility, improve search rankings, and drive organic traffic growth. He can be reached out at Saurav.Pandey@nw18.com.

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US plans to double H-1B visas under HIRE Act: Is America reopening its doors to global talent?

Rajni Pandey is a seasoned content creator with over 15 years of experience crafting compelling stories for digital news platforms. Specializing in diverse topics such as travel, education, jobs, science, wildlife, religion, politics, and astrology, she excels at transforming trending human-interest stories into engaging reads for a wide audience.

US HIRE Act may double H-1B visas: What it means for global talent

Rajni Pandey

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Colombian influencer biker girl Karen Sofia Ramirez dies at 25 after being run over by truck

Colombian influencer biker girl Karen Sofia Ramirez dies at 25 after being run over by truck

Vaishnavi Gavankar

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Fast and Furious star Paul Walker's daughter remembers dad on his 12th death anniversary: "12 years without you..."

M Snehanjali is a Sub Editor and journalist with over two years of experience covering general news and entertainment in digital newsroom.

Meadow shared a series of photos on Instagram along with a heartfelt caption dedicated to her dad.

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Vaishnavi Gavankar

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Mammootty on how he gets more freedom as a senior and not as a hero in cinema

Sarika Sharma

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Palak Vij is a Sub Editor and Entertainment Journalist with over a year of experience covering films, television, and pop culture in the digital space.

Palak Vij

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Who is Raj Nidimoru? All about Samantha Ruth Prabhus husband

Palak Vij is a Sub Editor and Entertainment Journalist with over a year of experience covering films, television, and pop culture in the digital space.

Palak Vij

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Sarika Sharma

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Sushmita Sen and her mother buy two flats in Goregaon, Mumbai worth Rs 16.89 crore

Sushmita Sen and her mother buy two flats in Goregaon, Mumbai worth Rs 16.89 crore

Vaishnavi Gavankar

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Cyclone Ditwah: Chetan Hansraj and Urvashi Dholakia reassure fans they are safe in Colombo with Ekta Kapoor

Palak Vij is a Sub Editor and Entertainment Journalist with over a year of experience covering films, television, and pop culture in the digital space.

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Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai celebrates 5000 episodes with new promo featuring the leading cast across generations; leaves out Harshad Chopda

To commemorate this occasion, a unique promo has been launched, one that perfectly embodies the essence of Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai.

M Snehanjali

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Namita S Kalla is a senior journalist who writes about different aspects of modern life that include lifestyle, health, fashion, beauty, and entertainment.

Fitness benefits of Infinity Walk: Also called the Siddha Walk, it isnt a fitness trend, but a mindful stroll traced in a figure-eight pattern, traditionally done barefoot on open earth

Bobby John Varkey

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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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World AIDS Day 2025: Doctor explains how HIV affects the immune system, why prevention is important

Namita S Kalla is a senior journalist who writes about different aspects of modern life that include lifestyle, health, fashion, beauty, and entertainment.

HIV doesnt just spread  it gradually dismantles the immune system from within. On World AIDS Day, heres a doctor-explained breakdown of what really happens inside the body

Manjiri Patil

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NSE Empanels Tradetron: Retail Algo Trading Just Went From Backroom to Boardroom

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Riya Gandhi

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Air purifier demand jumps up to 20-fold as AQI spikes in Delhi, Mumbai

Rising air pollution levels are choking the breath of cities in North India

Aishwarya Nair

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All worker safety norms intact, no changes in new labour codes, says labour secretary

Priyansh Verma

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Centre has issued show-cause notices to approved manufacturers and is now considering industry requests for roughly an 18-month extension

Surabhi Pandey

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Apple has also challenged the amendment to the Competition Act, 2002, which allows CCI to impose penalties based on a company's global turnover.

Tamal Nandi

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Govt likely to draw up mega PSB merger plan to trim state-owned banks to 4 in FY27

Meghna Mittal Deputy News Editor at Moneycontrol. Meghna has experience across television, print, online and wire media. She has been covering the Indian economy, monetary and fiscal policies, Finance and Trade ministries. She tweets at @Meghnamittal23 Contact: meghna.mittal@nw18.com

Smaller banks will first be merged into the bigger ones, and then consolidated further to form large entities

Meghna Mittal

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Ishaan Gera

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India to benchmark performance against 26 global indices under new GIRG framework

The Development Monitoring and Evaluation Office (DMEO) at NITI Aayog will serve as the central coordinating body for this exercise.

Tamal Nandi

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Meesho IPO GMP: Five reasons why e-commerce firm's grey market estimates are as high as 38%

Paras Bisht A financial journalist with over 10 years of experience, specialising in tracking stock market movements and fundamental developments that impact investors and the broader economy. A keen observer of global financial markets, I regularly engage with leading market voices to write stories. At Moneycontrol, I focus on decoding market trends, policy shifts and economic changes, driven by a constant passion to learn, analyse, and share knowledge with my readers.

Paras Bisht

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HUL-Kwality Wall's demerger record date fixed for December 5: What it means for shareholders

Debaroti Adhikary

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Paras Bisht

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Sunil Matkar

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MC Interview: High time welfare of workers is made mandatory, labour laws first of their kind since Independence, says Labour Secretary

Priyansh Verma

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Swaraj Singh Dhanjal

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Manisha Lal Khandpur

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When will labour code changes reflect in salary slips?

Teena Jain Kaushal is Editor - Personal Finance (Audience Growth) at Moneycontrol, with over two decades of expertise demystifying money matters. Whether its decoding tax, navigating investments, or breaking down the latest insurance trends, her aim is to help readers make smarter financial decisions.

Why December pay slip does not reflect laboutr code changes?

Teena Jain Kaushal

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Delhi airport's user development fee (UDF) on domestic flyers could jump from Rs 129 to Rs 1,261, and from Rs 650 to Rs 6,356 for international passengers. At Mumbai airport, domestic passengers may see UDF soar from Rs 175 to Rs 3,856, while international flyers could face an increase from Rs 615 to Rs 13,495

Surabhi Pandey

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Rupee slips to all-time low of 89.76 against US Dollar

Rupee slips to all-time low of 89.76 against US Dollar

J Jagannath

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Walmart-owned Myntra to expand to Malaysia, UAE and Australia months after Singapore foray

Tushar Goenka is a breaking news reporter who focuses on startups. Interested in venture capital, quick commerce, e-commerce, food delivery and D2C.

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The launch in these markets will be one of CEO Sinhas key focus areas over the coming months

Tushar Goenka

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This is an AI-assisted live blog with updates from multiple sources

Disclaimer This is an AI-assisted live blog with updates from multiple sources

Disclaimer This is an AI-assisted live blog with updates from multiple sources

Disclaimer This is an AI-assisted live blog with updates from multiple sources Disclaimer

Alpha Desk

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Rakesh Patil

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Tharoor, a four-time Thiruvananthapuram MP and former member of the G-23 reform group, has had a strained relationship with the Congress leadership for months.

Deblina Halder

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Another BLO dies by suicide, this time in UP: What's causing these deaths amid SIR exercise

BLOs are responsible for verifying voter information at the grassroots level to ensure the accuracy of the electoral rolls.

Deblina Halder

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BRI media representatives explore robotics tech in Shenzhen, S China's Guangdong

16:48, December 01, 2025 By Michael Oduro ( People's Daily Online

Journalists interact with and learn about humanoid robotics at the Shenzhen Yushu Embodied Robotics Intelligent Innovation Center in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, Nov. 27, 2025. (People's Daily Online/Xu Zheng)

A group of journalists from China, Vietnam, Cuba, Malaysia, Ghana, Greece, and Pakistan, participating in the Belt and Road News Network Media Tour, visited the Shenzhen Yushu Embodied Robotics Intelligent Innovation Center in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province on Nov. 27, 2025. The center, located in Shenzhen, showcased cutting-edge advancements in robotics and artificial intelligence (AI).

The tour was organized by People's Daily Online as part of the 2025 ASEAN-China Greater Bay Area (GBA) Economic Cooperation Forum, held in Qianhai on Nov. 28.

Upon arriving at the center, the media team was introduced to a multifunctional sweeper equipped with a powerful cleaning system and advanced autonomous driving technology. The sweeper delivers high-precision automated cleaning across diverse urban road environments. Journalists were impressed by the technology and eagerly captured footage as the sweeper demonstrated its ability to classify waste materials into different bins.

The media team then toured a lab showcasing various robotic displays, interacting with moving robotic hands and body parts. The excitement grew as they entered another exhibition room where humanoid robots entertained the group with dancing, drumming, and performances of Chinese cultural arts, including the lion dance.

Amid cheers and applause, the journalists captured these captivating moments on their phones and digital cameras. They were also introduced to robotic drones designed for firefighting in mountainous areas.

Journalists interact with and learn about humanoid robotics at the Shenzhen Yushu Embodied Robotics Intelligent Innovation Center in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, Nov. 27, 2025. (People's Daily Online/Xu Zheng)

Following the tour, Isaura Diez, chief correspondent of Prensa Latina News Agency, spoke to People's Daily Online about China's growing influence in robotics and AI. She remarked, "The technology presented in Shenzhen fully integrates into complex environments. It's not just about robotic arms or intelligent software, but complete systems combining AI, computer vision, and mobility."

Diez also highlighted the success of Chinese robotics in Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) countries, particularly in green energy. "For example, solar panel cleaning robots made in China operate autonomously in large photovoltaic plants in Saudi Arabia, improving efficiency and supporting the country's energy transition," she noted.

Diez further emphasized China's role as a global leader in robotics and AI, saying, "China will be a key driver in the global development of robotics and AI, leveraging its unique ecosystem to scale technologies at an unprecedented rate." She also noted that China's focus on open-source solutions and South-South cooperation will help BRI countries close the digital divide and foster technological innovation.

The center aims to become a global leader in robotics technology, pushing the boundaries of AI and robotics with applications ranging from autonomous decision-making to motion control. By fostering international collaborations, it is set to contribute significantly to the future of industries worldwide.

Wang Zi, founder and chairman of the World Robotics Alliance (WRA), shared his vision for the future of robotics and AI. "The future of robotics will be shaped by breakthroughs in brain technology, dexterous hands, and advanced materials," he explained. "Once these are achieved, robots will truly become superhuman entities."

Wang Zi, founder and chairman of the World Robotics Alliance (WRA), engages with the media team during the tour at the Shenzhen Embodied Robotics Intelligent Innovation Center in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, Nov. 27, 2025. (People's Daily Online/Xu Zheng)

Wang also highlighted China's openness to global partnerships in advancing robotics and AI. "We warmly welcome global collaboration and are committed to sharing China's advancements in robotics and AI with the world to support the development of all nations," he said.

The visit to the Shenzhen Embodied Robotics Intelligent Innovation Center underscored the transformative potential of robotics and AI in global industries. As China continues to lead in these fields, the opportunities for international collaboration are set to grow, paving the way for a new era of technological advancement.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Wu Chengliang)
Members of the BLO Adhikar Raksha Committee shouted slogans and attempted to breach police barricades during the visit.

Deblina Halder

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Central Excise Amendment Bill 2025: How the new tax plan could impact tobacco and pan masala prices

The Central Excise Amendment Bill, 2025, will replace the GST compensation Cess, which is currently levied on all tobacco products like cigarettes, chewing tobacco, cigars, hookahs, zarda, and scented tobacco.

Arishaa Izaj

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Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis earlier said that local body polls belong to party workers and that they would be given priority.

Priyanjali Ghose

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India sets stage for Su-57, S-500 talks as Putin arrives in New Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has upheld India's long-standing defence ties with Russia even as New Delhi has strengthened relations with the United States

Surabhi Pandey

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The Army said the missile, equipped with advanced guidance and control systems, demonstrated high-speed stability and terminal accuracy, meeting all mission parameters.

Tamal Nandi

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Kharge welcomes VP Radhakrishnan to Rajya Sabha, invokes connection with Congress: 'Your uncle has been a member'

Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, on Monday welcomed Vice President CP Radhakrishnan as the chairman of the House and urged him not to show partisan behaviour during his tenure. Addressing the Upper House of the Parliamen

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NIA raids eight sites in Kashmir in probe into white-collar terror module behind Red Fort blast

Arishaa Izaj

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The government plans to push forward several key bills and reforms during the session.

Deblina Halder

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PM Modi welcomes new Rajya Sabha chairman with veiled dig at Dhankhar? 'After reaching high positions, people often...'

PM Modi speaks in Rajya Sabha on the first day of the Winter Session.

Priyanjali Ghose

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Rajnath Singh turns professor at LBSNAA, asks maths question to 600 IAS trainees, gets correct answer from 1

Siddharth Chakravorty

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Ruckus in Parliament over Kharge's remarks on Dhankhar's exit, BJP says 'don't forget unkind words you used'

Congress president and Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday welcomed the new chairman of the Upper House

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The apex court, however, said those facing genuine difficulties could seek an extension directly from the Tribunal.

Deblina Halder

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Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar had met for a breakfast meeting on Saturday at the CM's residence.

Priyanjali Ghose

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The 1990 Rath Yatra: How Advanis Ayodhya march turned a political dispute into a mass street movement across India

Priyanjali Ghose

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Hemant Abhishek

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Winter session begins today: List of key bills to be introduced in Parliament

Priyanjali Ghose

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e college has handed over CCTV footages to the police on Friday

Priyanjali Ghose

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Arun Anand has authored two books on the RSS. His X handle is @ArunAnandLive. Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication.

BMS had long been seeking labour reforms to protect the interests of workers in a rapidly changing global scenario. (Representative image)

Namrata Agarwal

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Shubham Kumar is an academic lawyer and public policy professional working on access to justice and constitutionalism, and is associated with Kompass. Views are personal and do not represent the stand of this publication.

The Constitution contains its own deliberate silences, and the Court cannot fill them as if they were drafting gaps.

Namrata Agarwal

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After SIM-locking WhatsApp, Signal, DoT now asks smartphone makers to preinstall cybersecurity app on phones

Danish Khan is the editor of Technology and Telecom. He was previously with the Economic Times and has tracked the sector for 14 years.

Hemant Abhishek

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Danish Khan is the editor of Technology and Telecom. He was previously with the Economic Times and has tracked the sector for 14 years.

The app, which lets users flag scam calls, report fraudulent messages, and track or block stolen devices, must also be pushed to existing phones through a compulsory software update. Importantly, users will not be allowed to uninstall it.

Tamal Nandi

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Guan Wang, founder and CEO and (right) William Chen, co-founder and head of management and strategy at Sapient Intelligence. (Image credit: Sapient Intelligence)

Ankita Sengupta

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Rajni Pandey is a seasoned content creator with over 15 years of experience crafting compelling stories for digital news platforms. Specializing in diverse topics such as travel, education, jobs, science, wildlife, religion, politics, and astrology, she excels at transforming trending human-interest stories into engaging reads for a wide audience.

14-year-old built an origami pattern strong enough to hold 10,000 its weight; wins $25,000 prize

Rajni Pandey

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In Moneycontrol's Pro Panorama December 11 edition: AI gold rush and Indias role in it, the Netflix strategy that Indian IT can...

2026 will be breakout year for Navi, its credit-on-UPI push, says CEO Rajiv Naresh

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FBI alerts iPhone and Android users to rising bank account takeover fraud that has caused people lose $262 million

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Shaurya Shubham

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Perplexity users are being redirected to Google Gemini on web, heres why

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Shaurya Shubham

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Priyanka Roshan With over eight years in multimedia journalism, is passionate about storytellingboth visual and textualacross travel, jobs, business, markets, politics, and daily news. From crafting engaging articles to producing compelling videos, she blends creativity with strategy to bring stories to life. With a strong foundation in SEO, and video production she ensures content not only informs but also resonates with audiences.

Travel like a millionaire without spending a fortune: 9 tips for stylish, comfortable, and unforgettable budget-friendly adventures.

Priyanka Roshan

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Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day

Maryam Farooqui

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Foreign tourists to pay an extra $100 to enter major US national parks from 2026  all you need to know

Priyanka Roshan With over eight years in multimedia journalism, is passionate about storytellingboth visual and textualacross travel, jobs, business, markets, politics, and daily news. From crafting engaging articles to producing compelling videos, she blends creativity with strategy to bring stories to life. With a strong foundation in SEO, and video production she ensures content not only informs but also resonates with audiences.

From 2026, international visitors to US national parks like Grand Canyon and Yellowstone will pay an extra $100, while US residents enjoy unchanged fees and fee-free days.

Priyanka Roshan

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Forget smart cities  this small village in Maharashtra has achieved what big cities still cant

Priyanka Roshan With over eight years in multimedia journalism, is passionate about storytellingboth visual and textualacross travel, jobs, business, markets, politics, and daily news. From crafting engaging articles to producing compelling videos, she blends creativity with strategy to bring stories to life. With a strong foundation in SEO, and video production she ensures content not only informs but also resonates with audiences.

Satara Village: A peaceful, self-built model of sustainability that stunned Anand Mahindra  and now the rest of India.

Priyanka Roshan

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Pragya Trivedi

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Pradeep Tripathi

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'Cannot justify this': Turkish Prez Tayyip Erdogan calls strike on vessel in Black sea 'worrying escalation'

Ria Kapoor

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Eclipse of the century is coming: Which countries will see 6 minutes of darkness, why it is rare and how to watch | Explained

Partial view of the solar annular eclipse in Puerto San Julian, Santa Cruz province, Argentina on October 2, 2024. (Photo by Juan MABROMATA / AFP)

Abhinav Gupta

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From Case 4000 to jail possibility: What to know about Netanyahus corruption trial | Explained

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a meeting with the US vice president at his office in Jerusalem on October 22, 2025. (Photo by Nathan HOWARD / POOL / AFP)

Abhinav Gupta

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Global arms sales hit record $679bn: How India is benefitting, what the data reveals

Pragya Trivedi

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Abhinav Gupta

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How Venezuelan gangs and African jihadists are flooding Europe with cocaine

How Venezuelan gangs and African jihadists are flooding Europe with cocaine

Pragya Trivedi

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Inside Benjamin Netanyahus pardon gamble: What it means for Israels courts, politics and war-time leadership

Pradeep Tripathi

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Netanyahu says US, Israel are partners, not in a 'control' dynamic

Pragya Trivedi

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Over 1,000 dead as floods ravage Asia: What caused the disaster and why it spread across five countries | Explained

A man pushes a makeshift raft along a flooded street after heavy rainfall in Ambatale on the outskirts of Colombo on November 29, 2025. (Photo by Ishara S. KODIKARA / AFP)

Abhinav Gupta

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Pakistan headed for a civil-military clash? Munirs elevation as supreme commander delayed as Shehbaz goes missing

Abhinav Gupta

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Pakistan hints at Governors Rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as protests escalate over Imran Khan

Pragya Trivedi

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Putins Aurus Senat vs Trumps Beast: Everything to know about security, luxury and power ahead of India visit

Pragya Trivedi

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Putins India visit on Dec 4-5: What to expect on S-400 deliveries, oil trade and geopolitical alignment | Explained

Russia's President Vladimir Putin (L) and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi gather for a group photo during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin on September 1, 2025. (Photo by Vladimir SMIRNOV / POOL / AFP)

Abhinav Gupta

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Switzerland rejects wealth tax referendum: Why voters said no and why it draws attention in India

This photograph shows a Swiss flag waving in a blue sky in St.Moritz on December 21, 2024. (Photo by Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP)

Abhinav Gupta

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'They have decided to put me in jail": Imran Khan's sister Aleema alleges crackdown on PTI leadership

(FILES) Aleema Khan (C), sister of Pakistan's jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, speaks to media after a court verdict outside the Islamabad High Court at the capital on June 3, 2024.

Abhinav Gupta

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Trump offered no evidence of political targeting and suggested the sentence was excessive because he was the President of the Country.

Arindam Roy

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Trump says US very satisfied with Syrias progress, praises new leadership

Pragya Trivedi

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US says Ukraine talks productive as Witkoff heads to Russia

Witkoff leaves Monday for Moscow, according to a US official.

Deblina Halder

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Vladimir Putin to hold Ukraine talks with US envoy Witkoff in Moscow as deal hopes rise

Pradeep Tripathi

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Why 459 Indian truck drivers lost their licences in New Zealand: All you need to know

What led New Zealand to cancel 459 licences of Indian-origin truck drivers?

Pragya Trivedi

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Why US health insurance costs are about to spike

Why US health insurance costs are about to spike

Arindam Roy

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December 1, 2025 Soldiers Have Duty To Refuse Hegseths Order To Commit War Crimes My post on Trumps war on Venezuela two days ago mentioned a Washington Post report (archived) about a war crime directly ordered by U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth: 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. A missile screamed off the Trinidad coast, striking the vessel and igniting a blaze from bow to stern. For minutes, commanders watched the boat burning on a live drone feed. As the smoke cleared, they got a jolt: Two survivors were clinging to the smoldering wreck. The Special Operations commander overseeing the Sept. 2 attack  the opening salvo in the Trump administrations war on suspected drug traffickers in the Western Hemisphere  ordered a second strike to comply with Hegseths instructions, two people familiar with the matter said. The two men were blown apart in the water. The Intercept had previously reported (archived) the second strike the U.S. military had launched against survivors: People on board the boat off the coast of Venezuela that the U.S. military destroyed last Tuesday were said to have survived an initial strike, according to two American officials familiar with the matter. They were then killed shortly after in a follow-up attack.



Last week, a high-ranking Pentagon official who spoke to the Intercept on the condition of anonymity said that the strike in the Caribbean was a criminal attack on civilians and said that the Trump administration paved the way for it by firing the top legal authorities of the Army and the Air Force earlier this year. The U.S. is now directly targeting civilians. Drug traffickers may be criminals but they arent combatants, the War Department official said. When Trump fired the militarys top lawyers the rest saw the writing on the wall, and instead of being a critical firebreak they are now a rubber stamp complicit in this crime. The high-ranking Pentagon official is correct in that the strikes against boats in international waters are criminal attacks on civilians. But the killing of survivors of such strikes is more than that. It is undoubtedly a war crime. Hegseths order to kill survivors was clearly illegal. It was the duty of the soldiers in the line of command to reject the order. That they have not done so but followed the order is in itself a war crime. How do we know this? Because the Department of Defenses LAW OF WAR MANUAL (LOWM) (pdf) says so: 18.3 DUTIES OF INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES Each member of the armed services has a duty to: (1) comply with the law of war in good faith; and (2) refuse to comply with clearly illegal orders to commit violations of the law of war. Further down the Manual uses the exact case in question, an order to kill survivors at sea, as an example of an illegal order: 18.3.2 Refuse to Comply With Clearly Illegal Orders to Commit Law of War Violations.

Members of the armed forces must refuse to comply with clearly illegal orders to commit law of war violations. In addition, orders should not be construed to authorize implicitly violations of law of war. 18.3.2.1 Clearly Illegal Orders to Commit Law of War Violations.

The requirement to refuse to comply with orders to commit law of war violations applies to orders to perform conduct that is clearly illegal or orders that the subordinate knows, in fact, are illegal. For example, orders to fire upon the shipwrecked would be clearly illegal.27 Every soldier down the line of command, from the commanding general receiving Hegseths verbal order down to the guys who pushed the button to launch the missile had the duty to reject the order. Those who have not done so are themselves guilty. The footnote in 18.3.2.1 points to the case of the Canadian hospital ship HMHS Llandovery Castle which on 27 June 1918 had been torpedoed by a German U-Boot: The sinking was the deadliest Canadian naval disaster of the war. 234 doctors, nurses, members of the Canadian Army Medical Corps, soldiers and seamen died in the sinking and subsequent machine-gunning of lifeboats. In 1921 a German court sentenced two officers to years in prison because they had followed the illegal order of the submarines captain, Helmut Brummer-Patzig, to kill the survivors. According to the footnote in the LoWM the court said: It is certainly to be urged in favor of the military subordinates, that they are under no obligation to question the order of their superior officer, and they can count upon its legality. But no such confidence can be held to exist, if such an order is universally known to everybody, including also the accused, to be without any doubt whatever against the law. This happens only in rare and exceptional cases. But this case was precisely one of them, for in the present instance, it was perfectly clear to the accused that killing defenceless people in the life-boats could be nothing else but a breach of the law. As naval officers by profession they were well aware, as the naval expert Saalwiachter has strikingly stated, that one is not legally authorized to kill defenceless people. They well knew that this was the case here. They quickly found out the facts by questioning the occupants in the boats when these were stopped. They could only have gathered, from the order given by Patzig, that he wished to make use of his subordinates to carry out a breach of the law. They should, therefore, have refused to obey. It can not be more clear. The DoDs Law of Warfare manual is using the case of killing survivors at sea as an example of an illegal order. Today the court would say: They could only have gathered, from the order given by Hedseth, that he wished to make use of his subordinates to carry out a breach of the law. They should, therefore, have refused to obey. There are signs that one commanding officer did his duty and refused to execute Hegseths illegal order. On October 16 the U.S. military attacked another, the sixth, vessel. Two of the four people on board survived and were rescued: President Trump said that the two survivors of a U.S. military strike Thursday on a vessel in the Caribbean Sea will be returned to their countries of origin.



One survivor is from Ecuador and the other is from Colombia. Thursdays strike marks the sixth known boat attack in the area since last month  and the first known attack with survivors. Mr. Trump said the strike was against a submarine carrying mostly fentanyl and other illegal narcotics.



A Navy helicopter transported the survivors from the semi-submersible to a Navy ship, a source familiar with the matter confirmed to CBS News on Friday. It is the custom of the sea to save people who are at risk in international waters. You dont sort of sail on. Thats against every principle of naval activity, Eugene R. Fidell, a senior research scholar at Yale Law School, told CBS News on Friday. Youre supposed to save people, even though the people here are people who are only in danger because the U.S. was attempting to kill them. On the very same day those survivors were rescued, October 16, the DoD announced that the head of its Southern Command was stepping down: The military commander overseeing the Pentagons escalating attacks against boats in the Caribbean Sea that the Trump administration says are smuggling drugs is stepping down, three U.S. officials said Thursday. The officer, Adm. Alvin Holsey, is leaving his job as head of the U.S. Southern Command, which oversees all operations in Central and South America, even as the Pentagon has rapidly built up some 10,000 forces in the region in what it says is a major counterdrug and counterterrorism mission. It was unclear why Holsey is leaving now, less than a year into his tenure, and in the midst of the biggest operation in his 37-year career. But one of the U.S. officials, all of whom spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss personnel matters, said that Holsey had raised concerns about the mission and the attacks on the alleged drug boats. It now seems clear that Admiral Holsey got fired for not following Hegseths illegal order and for ordering the rescue of the survivors of the strike. Hegseth meanwhile reveals himself as veritable psychopath: Pete Hegseth @PeteHegseth  0:37 UTC  Dec 1, 2025 For your Christmas wish list



@U.S. Southern Command There are signs that Congress is waking up to the issue (archived) and that Hegseths order may well have real consequences for him: A top Republican and Democrats in Congress suggested on Sunday that American military officials might have committed a war crime in President Trumps offensive against boats in the Caribbean after a news report said that during one such attack, a follow-up strike was ordered to kill survivors.



The lawmakers comments came after top Republicans and Democrats on the two congressional committees overseeing the Pentagon vowed over the weekend to increase their scrutiny of U.S. boat strikes in the Caribbean after the report. Mr. Turner said the [Washington Post] article had only sharpened lawmakers already grave questions about the operation. The senators and member of congress should grow a spine and use their power over the budget to reign in the president. The secretary of defense must be fired from his position. Admiral Holsey must be reinstate as Southern Command. Comments
Global airlines race to fix Airbus jets; US reports little disruption

Passengers queue at All Nippon Airways' cancellation counter after the company cancelled flights due to the Airbus A320 recall which forced it to ground some aircraft at Haneda Airport in Tokyo, Japan on Nov. 29, 2025. Kyodo/via REUTERS

TOKYO/NEW DELHI/PARIS (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.

Airlines that said they had completed or nearly finished all their software updates on Saturday included American Airlines, United Airlines, Air India, Delta Air Lines, Hungarys Wizz Air, Mexicos Volaris, Air Arabia, Saudi Arabias Flyadeal, and Taiwans carriers. 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 United States, 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 posted on X, opens new tab that travelers SHOULD NOT expect any major disruptions, although one U.S. airline, JetBlue, later said it cancelled dozens of flights that had been scheduled for Sunday.

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 apologized 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 industrys most-delivered model.

I want to sincerely apologize to our airline customers and passengers who are impacted now, Faury posted on LinkedIn.

Fridays 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 Frances BEA accident agency, which is probing the incident.

The alert landed at a time of day when many European airlines and Asian airlines are winding down their schedules, leaving time for repairs. In the United States, however, it came during the day ahead of the busy Thanksgiving holiday travel weekend.

U.S. carrier JetBlue said it cancelled about 70 flights that were scheduled for Sunday, with more cancellations possible. JetBlue expects to finish software updates for 120 planes by Sunday morning, but said fixes for about 30 aircraft would still be in progress at that point.

About 140 jets in the companys fleet of A320, A321 and A220 aircraft did not need the fix, the company said.

American Airlines, the worlds largest A320 operator, said 209 of its 480 jets needed the fix, below initial estimates, most of which it expected to complete by Saturday. United Airlines told Reuters on Saturday that all its aircraft had been updated.

AirAsia, one of the worlds largest A320 customers, said it aimed to complete fixes in 48 hours. Indias aviation regulator said on Saturday that carriers IndiGo and Air India were expected to complete the process on Saturday. ANA Holdings cancelled 95 flights on Saturday, affecting 13,500 travelers.

Taiwans low-cost airline Tigerair said eight flights would be delayed on Sunday due to the software issue.

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. 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.

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.

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.

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BCs Tales of the Pacific  Revisiting the disaster of the Dona Paz

THE Titanic is nowhere near the top of the list of deadliest shipwrecks in history. If the 1,500 who died in that disaster are tragic, what would we say about the 4,400 who died on the Dona Paz? When the Dona Paz sank in the Philippines in 1987 it became the deadliest maritime accident in history.

What caused it to sink? Why did so many die? How could so many lives have been lost on a ship that had a capacity of 1,500? We need answers.

The ship: The Dona Paz was built in Japan in the early 1960s and originally named Himeyuri Maru. As such, she rated a capacity of 608 passengers and plied the waters around Japan as a ferry and cargo carrier. She was sold to a shipping company in the Philippines in 1975 and renamed Don Sulpicio. In 1979 a fire broke out on board and the ship was gutted and beached. Insurers declared her a total loss and paid the shipping company. That should have been the end of her career, but it wasnt.

The burned-out hulk was sold to investors who refurbished her and launched her as the Dona Paz. Somewhere along the way her carrying capacity was increased to over 1500 passengers, more than double the capacity when serving in Japan. The Dona Paz worked a passenger circuit running from Manila to Tacloban to Catbalogan and back to Manila.She made the run twice a week, once forward and once the reverse route. It was on the final leg of the return journey, from Tacloban to Manila, that disaster struck.

The accident: On December 20, 1987 the Dona Paz was off Dumali Point in the Tablas Strait. At around 10:30 p.m., as most of passengers slept, the ship collided with the Vector, an oil tanker sailing from Bataan to Masbate. The Vector carried roughly 280,000 gallons of petroleum which burst into flames, setting both ships afire.

Many people jumped overboard to escape the inferno only to learn that the sea itself was burning, a layer of oil having spread around the stricken ships. The crew did not help either. Passengers later recounted how crew members were more panicked than the passengers, looking to save their own lives rather than give assistance. The first part of the nightmare lasted two hours. The Dona Paz sank, followed by the tanker two hours after that. Left in the water were over 4,400 bodies and only 26 survivors, two of them from the tanker.

The truth: What happened that night was tragic and what followed was sickening. Finger pointing began in earnest as everyone tried to avoid the blame and pin it on someone else. Filipino authorities did not launch a rescue effort until sixteen hours after the collision. Although the ships manifest showed around 1,500 passengers on board, it was common practice for captains to earn extra money by selling passage for cash. The number of those illegally aboard the Dona Paz exceeded 2,800, pushing the death count upward to around 4,400. Of the 24 passengers to survive the sinking, only 5 were legally supposed to be there.

The owners of the ship announced that they would divide the insurance payout between the victims families, which amounted to under $500 per victim. Families of those who were on board illegally also demanded payment.

An investigation by the Philippine Coast Guard discovered that only one member of the crew was on the bridge of Dona Paz when the collision occurred. The rest, including the captain, were drunk, asleep, or watching a movie. Over on the tanker Vector the situation was even worse. That ship was operating without a license, had no lookout on watch, and had no qualified captain aboard at all. The courts ruled that the owners of the Vector were responsible for the accident and liable for any damages, but after years of court battles very little money has exchanged hands.

Dr. BC Cook taught history for 30 years and is a director and Pacific historian at Sealark Exploration (sealarkexploration.org). He currently lives in Hawaii.

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Kiefer Sutherland gets a Christmas glow up in Tinsel Town

Kiefer Sutherland attends the 29th Annual Critics Choice Awards, in Santa Monica, California, Jan. 14, 2024. REUTERS

LONDON (Reuters)  Actor Kiefer Sutherland, whose career spans four decades, says he got to expand his repertoire in the new Christmas movie Tinsel Town.

Sutherland stars as past-his-prime Hollywood actor Bradley Mack. Deemed difficult and temperamental, Mack finds work drying up after he wraps the seventh instalment of his action movie franchise and is left with no choice but to accept an offer to appear in a play in England. But instead of Londons West End, Mack finds himself cast in a small towns traditional Christmas pantomime production.

Sutherland showcases his singing and dancing skills as well as a range of emotions as Mack connects with his colorful co-stars and his estranged young daughter.

I thought it was really heartwarming to follow a character that starts off the movie not the best version of themselves and through the Christmas spirit and his daughter, becomes the better version of himself. I think thats a very kind of heartfelt, warm Christmas message, Sutherland said at the films premiere in London on Thursday.

Ive never done a song and dance number before, so that was a real challenge for me and very exciting. After 40 years of doing this as a profession, to be able to find new things to try, makes me really grateful, Sutherland, 58, said.

The film also stars Rebel Wilson as the pantomimes choreographer, Jill. Theodora Williams, daughter of pop star Robbie Williams and actress Ayda Field, makes her acting debut as Jills daughter, Cara.

My mum gave me advice to enjoy the moment. I was really worried about working on my accent because I dont normally have a Yorkshire accent and I forgot the accent and just was in the moment and it worked out perfectly, she said.

Tinsel Town is directed by Chris Foggin, who set out to make a movie all generations could watch together at Christmas. A celebration of the British pantomime tradition, it also stars Katherine Ryan as Macks agent and Derek Jacobi as Albert, who has devoted his life to the theatre form.

It celebrates Britishness, but it also celebrates kindness, said actress Maria Friedman who plays a member of the troupe. Its got a big, warm heart. My goodness, dont we need that right now.

Tinsel Town is released in select U.S. theatres and digital platforms on Friday and debuts on Sky Cinema in the UK on Dec. 5.

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Doculan is PSS Teacher of the Year

2) Dr. Marifi Doculan, center, with her proud Marianas High School family, received the state-level PSS School Year 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year Award from Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho and Board of Education officials. The officials included Chairman Aschumar Kodep Ogumoro-Uludong, BOE member Maisie B. Tenorio, and Teacher Representative Dr. Dora B. Miura, along with the organizing committee, comprised of Human Resources Officer Lucretia Deleon Guerrero and staff member Mia Carreon. PSS photos

3) The 2025-2026 Teacher Aide of the Year Award went to Michael Angelo M. Suazo, center, of Francisco M. Sablan Middle School.

4) The 2025-2026 Instructor of the Year is John Eric T. Pineda of Kagman High School.

5) Catherine K. Borja-Flores of Dandan Middle School is this years Librarian of the Year, an award she has won eight consecutive times.

6) The PSS State Counselor of the Year Award went to Gabrielle R. Race of Marianas High School.

7) The Trades and Maintenance Staff of the Year Award went to Lando T. Laxamana of Kagman High School.

8) For the second year in a row, the Pupil Transportation Staff of the Year Award went to Victor D. Linan of the Tinian Office of Pupil Transportation.

9) The School Administrative Support Staff of the Year is Angelica C. Atalig of Gregorio T. Camacho Elementary School.

By Emmanuel T. Erediano

emmanuel@mvariety.com

Variety News Staff

THE Public School System capped its 37th founding anniversary on Thanksgiving Eve by naming nine educators and staff as state-level winners for School Year 2025-2026.

Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho, Board of Education Chairman Aschumar Kodep Ogumoro-Uludong, BOE Member Maisie B. Tenorio, and Teacher Representative Dr. Dora B. Miura led the surprise award announcements, visiting each school to honor the recipients.

For the past six years, the district has made surprise school visits to announce state-level winners, adding meaning to the PSS celebration. These education leaders described the recipients as champions of champions.

The awardees were led by Dr. Marifi A. Doculan, a secondary science teacher at Marianas High School, who was named the 2026 PSS State Teacher of the Year. She will represent the CNMI in the annual National Teacher of the Year competition.

Camacho said the 37th anniversary celebration remains meaningful because it honors the men and women who make student learning their priority.

We are celebrating champions todaywith three reasons they are being celebrated: by their families, by their schools, and by their students, Camacho said. Thank you for the many years of service.

The impressive work you all do impacts our lives. With the ecosystem of support you receive  from your family, students, peers, and from PSS  you are always first when we talk about educators, he added.

BOE Chairman Ogumoro-Uludong said the awardees are critical in ensuring everyones success in public education. What you all do is critical in ensuring the success of all of us, especially as we navigate our education lives. We are proud of your accomplishments.

BOE member Tenorio said the awardees, along with all PSS teaching and non-teaching personnel, are the heart and soul of the school district.

Miura added that classroom teachers, led by Doculan, and the rest of PSS, are beacons to teachers and inspirations to students.

Awardees

Doculan received the perpetual trophy from Ogumoro-Uludong, a plaque from Camacho, and a ceremonial check representing her $1,500 cash prize, courtesy of the Bank of Guam, represented by its vice president and regional development officer, Merced Marcie Tomokane.

Bank of Guam has supported PSSs annual Teacher of the Year program for the past 10 years.

The other eight state-level awardees are:

 Teacher Aide of the Year  Michael Angelo M. Suazo, Francisco M. Sablan Middle School

 Instructor of the Year  John Eric T. Pineda, Kagman High School

 Counselor of the Year  Gabrielle R. Race, Marianas High School

 Librarian of the Year  Catherine K. Borja-Flores, Dandan Middle School

 School Administrative Support Staff of the Year  Angelica C. Atalig, GTC Elementary School

 Trades and Maintenance Staff of the Year  Lando T. Laxamana, Kagman High School

 Pupil Transportation Staff of the Year  Victor D. Linan, Tinian Office of Pupil Transportation

 Central Office Administrative Support Staff of the Year  Lorie Lynn Baulechong, Special Education Program

The annual PSS State Level of the Year award selection committee was headed by the PSS Human Resources Office through Lucretia B. Deleon Guerrero and staff member Mia Carreron.

Emmanuel Arnold Erediano has a bachelor of science degree in Journalism. He started his career as police beat reporter. Loves to cook. Eats death threats for breakfast.

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Island voices critical in security planning, Underwood says

By Bryan Manabat

bryan@mvariety.com

Variety News Staff

PACIFIC Center for Island Security co-founder Dr. Robert A. Underwood said island communities must take a more active role in shaping security discussions rather than simply accepting military strategies imposed from outside.

Were sort of resigned to these military initiatives, as if we had no role, as if we had no capacity to challenge or redirect or re-engineer the activities that are ongoing, Underwood said in a Zoom meeting with reporters on Friday. All military strategy begins with threat assessment, so we have to engage in threat assessment on our own and not simply accept somebody elses view.

Underwood asked, Is China actually going to invade Taiwan? And the further question is the United States doesnt have a treaty with Taiwan. There is no treaty to defend Taiwan. And so in order to be able to do that, you have to kind of then convince China not to invade Taiwan so that the American response to thatis to beef up militarily in order to dissuade that possibility.

He said the U.S. response has been almost entirely military, while China has expanded its influence economically, diplomatically, and even through its growing role at the United Nations.

In 10 years, everybody acknowledges that China will be stronger economically than the United States is today, Underwood said. So the question for us in the islands is, how do we fit into that? The line that is outlined for the islands is simply to be a target or a place from which to project offensive power into a potential Taiwan-China conflict.

To support regional awareness, PCIS launched the Micronesian Security Monitor, a digital platform that tracks military movements, diplomatic initiatives, business investments, and humanitarian efforts across Micronesia.

The monitor offers the opportunity for anyone in the region  or even the world  to track all the military movements occurring in the region, along with diplomatic initiatives, business investments and, hopefully, humanitarian efforts, said Underwood, Guams former delegate to the U.S. Congress.

He added that the tool is designed to empower islanders with information and context, enabling them to participate meaningfully in security debates that often focus on Guams strategic assets and U.S.-China military competition.

PCIS, a think tank based on Guam, was established to provide island-centered analysis of security issues in Micronesia and the wider Pacific. Its mission is to ensure island voices are part of global discussions on defense, diplomacy, and development.

Bryan Manabat was a liberal arts student of Northern Marianas College where he also studied criminal justice. He is the recipient of the NMI Humanities Award as an Outstanding Teacher (Non-Classroom) in 2013, and has worked for the CNMI Motheread/Fatheread Literacy Program as lead facilitator.

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Kindness and service remembered at funeral for Lt. Gov. Benavente

1) Lt. Gov. Diego Tenorio Benaventes wife, Vicky I. Benavente, and their children, James, Jacob, Diana and Dolores during the state funeral at the multi-purpose center on Saturday. Photos by Emmanuel T. Erediano

2) Gov. David M. Apatang thanked the late former lt. governor for his contributions to the CNMI.

3) Guam Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero praised a leader who served with sincerity and genuine love for his community.

4) Gov. David M. Apatang and Lt. Gov. Dennis James Mendiola comfort the family of the late former Lt. Gov. Diego T. Benavente.

5) Gov. David M. Apatang walks past the casket of the late former Lt. Gov. Diego T. Benavente.

6) Guam Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero and Guam Speaker Frank Blas Jr. present a resolution to Vicky I. Benavente, honoring the late former Lt. Gov. Diego T. Benavente.

7) Speaker Edmund S. Villagomez presents a House resolution to Vicky I. Benavente.

8) Senate President Karl King-Nabors pays his last respect to the late former Lt. Gov. Diego T. Benavente.

9) Officers from different law enforcement agencies salute before carrying the casket out of the multi-purpose center.

10) CNMI Supreme Court Chief Justice Alexandro Castro and Superior Court Presiding Judge Robert C. Naraja extend their condolences to Vicky I. Benavente.

By Emmanuel T. Erediano

emmanuel@mvariety.com

Variety News Staff

THE late Lt. Gov. Diego Tenorio Benavente was laid to rest on Saturday, with CNMI officials and members of the community paying their respects alongside his bereaved family.

Following a state funeral at 9 a.m. at the multi-purpose center in Susupe  where CNMI and Pacific leaders presented memorial tributes to Benaventes wife, Vicky I. Benavente  the public was given an opportunity to pay their last respects at a 10:30 a.m. viewing at Mount Carmel Cathedral before the interment at the Marpi Public Cemetery.

In attendance at the state funeral were Gov. David M. Apatang, Lt. Gov. Dennis James Mendiola, Guam Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero, Speaker Edmund S. Villagomez, Senate President Karl King-Nabors, other members of the CNMI Legislature, Guam Speaker Frank Blas Jr., CNMI Supreme Court Chief Justice Alexandro Castro, Superior Court Presiding Judge Roberto C. Naraja and other officials of the CNMI judiciary, Saipan Mayor Ramon Blas RB Camacho, Tinian Mayor Edwin P. Aldan, Rota Mayor Aubry Hocog, and Northern Islands Mayor Valentino Taisacan.

In his remarks, Apatang noted that our culture and tradition as Chamorro and Carolinian people long recognized that we grieve with our community for the loss of a family member. This culture and tradition are dear to our hearts, and they have survived our transition from a very small community after the war to our present-day Commonwealth.

To Mrs. Benavente and her children, the governor said, Please know that you have us to support you in this very difficult time. We grieve with you and continue to pray for your strength. On behalf of the CNMI, he and the lieutenant governor extended their sincere condolences to the family.

The governor said the Commonwealth lost a member of our family who worked very hard to make our islands a great place to live and work. He reiterated that throughout Benaventes public career, he served in various capacities, most notably as speaker of the House and as lieutenant governor.

Diego, you are now in our Fathers home. We will pray for you. Thank you for your contributions to keeping our Commonwealth safe, a pleasant place to live and work, and for being the loud voice of our people in our nations Congress and White House, the governor said.

On behalf of the people of Guam, Leon Guerrero extended her heartfelt condolences to the Benavente family, CNMI leaders, and the community. She said that Benaventes passing is deeply felt across the Mariana Islands, and we stand with you in honoring a leader who served with sincerity and genuine love for his community.

She added that Benavente was not only a respected public servant but someone many of us knew personally. She said she came to know him through years of shared work and conversations that always centered on the good of the islands. Benavente, she said, carried himself with an easy kindness  the kind that made people feel comfortable and heard.

Emmanuel Arnold Erediano has a bachelor of science degree in Journalism. He started his career as police beat reporter. Loves to cook. Eats death threats for breakfast.

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Statehood push for Guam, NMI framed as Pacific defense strategy

By Bryan Manabat

bryan@mvariety.com

Variety News Staff

SOME U.S. think tanks are reviving discussions about potential statehood for Guam and the Northern Marianas, framing it as a way to strengthen Americas defensive posture in the Pacific, according to former U.S. Congressman Robert A. Underwood of Guam.

Speaking with local reporters via videoconference on Friday, Underwood, co-founder of the Pacific Center for Island Security, said the idea has gained more traction on Guam than in the CNMI  although not among elected leaders. Its just people who are interested in it, he said. Think tanks in the United States have offered the idea. Some are conservative think tanks supporting statehood for Guam and the Marianas.

Underwood said the renewed interest is rooted in defense-oriented thinking. If Guam and the Northern Marianas were to become a state, then it would be legitimately part of the U.S. homeland, and nobody would dare attack the U.S. homeland, he said.

Currently, Guam remains an unincorporated territory despite frequent references by military leaders to its role as part of the U.S. homeland, he said. Theres nothing in law that says Guam is part of the U.S. homeland, Underwood added. In a conflict, its fodder.

He noted that war-gaming scenarios conducted by institutions such as the Center for Strategic and International Studies often show Guam as a primary target in a U.S.-China conflict over Taiwan. So the idea that attacking Guam is really attacking the U.S. homeland is open to question, he said.

Billions of dollars are being invested in an integrated air missile defense system for Guam, but the system does not extend coverage to the Northern Marianas. Apparently, not under the integrated air missile defense system, Underwood said. The hollowness of that rhetoric is clear to many conservative thinkers in the U.S., and thats why they argue that Guam and the Marianas should start thinking about statehood.

He added that the average American does not view Guam the way they view Hawaii. Honolulu, yes. Hawaii, yes. But Guam, well, maybe, maybe not  only to the extent that youre hurting real Americans on Guam. And who are those real Americans in Guam? People in uniform, Underwood said.

For the conversation to move forward meaningfully, Underwood said territorial leaders must articulate a stronger vision. If you want to engage in something more meaningful, then the leadership of these island entities have to speak up and articulate something more than just agreement and asking for benefits from military spending, he said.

He noted that any path toward true integration would require Guam and the CNMI to consider a significantly new political status  such as full U.S. statehood, independence, or a freely associated state. Practical integration efforts so far, he added, have lacked a common issue that unites both jurisdictions, though recent Department of the Interior actions on deep seabed mining may provide an opportunity.

Underwood, who is also a past president of the University of Guam, co-founded with Dr. Kenneth Kuper the Pacific Center for Island Security, a Guam-based think tank that focuses on geopolitical, security, and strategic issues affecting Micronesia and the wider Pacific. Its mission is to provide island-centered perspectives on foreign policy and military strategy while promoting cooperation and countering disinformation. PCIS projects include an interactive map tracking military activities, economic agreements, and diplomatic relations in the region, supported by a Carnegie Corporation grant.

For more information, go to https://pacificcenterforislandsecurity.com

Bryan Manabat was a liberal arts student of Northern Marianas College where he also studied criminal justice. He is the recipient of the NMI Humanities Award as an Outstanding Teacher (Non-Classroom) in 2013, and has worked for the CNMI Motheread/Fatheread Literacy Program as lead facilitator.

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Accused National Guard attacker faces US murder charge, Trump wants to halt Third World migration

D.C. residents bring flags for a memorial set up near the White House after two National Guard members were shot in Washington, D.C., Nov. 28, 2025. REUTERS

WASHINGTON (Reuters)  The Afghan man accused of shooting two National Guard members in Washington, killing one, will face first-degree murder charges for an attack that prompted President Donald Trump to declare he would stop migrants from Third World Countries.

U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro said on Fox News on Friday that other charges would be filed against 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who she said ambushed the soldiers from the West Virginia National Guard near the White House on Wednesday.

Formal charges were not immediately filed against Lakanwal, who had been in the U.S. since 2021 under a program of then-President Joe Bidens administration to resettle Afghans who helped the U.S. during the war in their homeland. He was granted asylum under Trump.

In a call on Thursdays Thanksgiving holiday with U.S. military service members, Trump said the shootings were a terrorist attack.

Sarah Beckstrom, 20, died of her wounds on Thursday. Her National Guard colleague, 24-year-old Andrew Wolfe, was in critical condition, Pirro said on Friday. The two were in Washington as part of Trumps deployment of the military in recent months to help the police fight crime in the city.

On Friday morning, following the national holiday, notably fewer National Guard members were seen patrolling the capital.

Trump, whose dispatch of troops to Washington faces fierce legal challenges, took to social media late on Thursday to escalate his rhetoric on immigration. Since taking office this year, he has stepped up arrests of immigrants, including some in the U.S. legally, and cracked down on unlawful border crossings while stripping legal status from hundreds of thousands of people.

I will permanently pause migration from all Third World Countries to allow the U.S. 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, Trump said in his social media posts, referring to his predecessor in the White House.

Trump did not say which countries he considers Third World, nor what he meant by a permanent pause. It echoed the sweeping Muslim ban Trump tried to enact in his first term before it was diluted by successful legal challenges.

On Friday, Trump posted again on social media to say he was rescinding any document that Biden signed using an autopen, a tool that U.S. presidents, including Trump, have used for decades, often to answer mail or sign checks, or sometimes to meet authorization deadlines while traveling outside the capital.

After taking office in 2021, Biden reversed many of the restrictive immigration policies of Trumps first term, saying they blocked people in need of humanitarian protection and were discriminatory.

Asked about Trumps comment on Third World countries, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security referred Reuters to 19 countries listed in a June travel ban.

On Thursday, Homeland Security officials said Trump had ordered a widespread review of asylum cases approved under the Biden administration and permanent-residency green cards issued to citizens of the 19 countries, which include Afghanistan.

Jorge Loweree, the managing director of programs and strategy at the American Immigration Council, said the president does not have authority through executive action to make permanent changes to the immigration system, which is codified by Congress. He warned of chaos and disarray in the U.S. immigration system even if Trump is ultimately blocked by federal courts.

Lakanwal entered the U.S. in 2021 through Bidens Operation Allies Welcome. More than 70,000 Afghans have been resettled in the U.S. under the program for those fearing reprisal by the Taliban forces, who seized control of Afghanistan after the U.S. militarys withdrawal. Officials said Lakanwal was part of a CIA-backed unit in Afghanistan before coming to the U.S.

He was granted asylum this year under Trump, according to a U.S. government file on him seen by Reuters.

Investigators said Lakanwal drove across the country from his home in the state of Washington and shot the two Guardsmen with a powerful revolver, a .357 Magnum, before being wounded in an exchange of gunfire with other troops.

Less than 24 hours after the shooting, Trump officials began ordering widespread reviews of immigration policies. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Friday he would be proposing regulations to ensure that people he referred to as illegal aliens do not receive certain credits on income tax they have paid. The tax code is set by Congress, which already limits what kind of benefits, if any, non-citizens are eligible to seek.

Lakanwal lives in Washington state with his wife and five children, according to investigators. Asked whether he was planning to deport the suspects family, Trump said: Were looking at the whole situation with family.

United Nations agencies urged the U.S. on Friday night to continue allowing asylum seekers access to the country, including due process rights, in keeping with international law.

We expect all countries, including the United States, to honor their commitments under the 1953 Refugee Convention, said Farhan Haq, the deputy spokesperson for the U.N. secretary general.

Jasmin Lilian Diab, director of the Institute for Migration at the Lebanese American University, said freezing Afghan applications or reconsidering thousands of approved asylum claims would disrupt families and local communities.

While the recent incident is tragic, using an isolated incident to justify mass restrictions is inconsistent with evidence showing no link between refugee arrivals and increased crime, Diab said in an interview.

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FDA memo links 10 child deaths to Covid vaccines

WASHINGTON (Reuters)  Covid-19 vaccinations probably contributed to the deaths of at least 10 children who died of heart inflammation, U.S. Food and Drug Administration chief medical and scientific officer Vinay Prasad told agency staffers.

These deaths are related to vaccination (likely/probable/possible attribution made by staff), Prasad wrote in a Friday memo seen by Reuters. This is a profound revelation. For the first time, the U.S. FDA will acknowledge that Covid-19 vaccines have killed American children.

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has sharply changed government policy on Covid vaccines, limiting access to them to people 65 and older, as well as those with underlying conditions. Kennedy, a longtime anti-vaccine crusader before taking on the nations top health post under President Donald Trump, has also linked vaccines to autism and sought to rewrite the countrys immunization policies.

During Trumps first term, when the pandemic erupted, and subsequently under his successor Joe Biden, U.S. health officials strongly endorsed the vaccines as lifesaving. The Covid-19 vaccines were released in 2020.

The memo did not disclose the health conditions of the children, or the vaccine manufacturers involved. The findings were based on an initial analysis of 96 deaths between 2021 and 2024, which Prasad said concludes that no fewer than 10 are related to Covid-19 vaccinations.

It is difficult to read cases where kids aged 7 to 16 may be dead as a result of Covid vaccines, Prasad wrote in the memo.

He announced plans to tighten vaccine oversight.

The findings of the new FDA review have not been published in a peer-reviewed medical journal, the New York Times reported earlier, adding that the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions vaccine committee is to meet next week.

Dorit Reiss, professor of law at UC Law San Francisco, who has written on vaccines and law, criticized Prasad for suggesting changes to the approval for respiratory vaccines based on the conclusion of an unpublished investigation by what she said were unknown people.

NovoNil Disc shares plummeted 10% Monday to a multi-year low.

It is more problematic given that Dr Prasads expertise is not in vaccines, but it would be problematic even if he were a vaccine expert, Reiss posted on X.

Prasad, an oncologist who was an outspoken critic of U.S. Covid vaccine and mask mandates, regained his role as the FDAs chief medical and scientific officer in September.

He advises the FDA commissioner and other senior officials on emerging medical and scientific issues impacting regulatory science and public health.

CDC data indicates that 1,071 people aged five to 18 died of Covid-19 from January 4, 2020 to June 24, 2023. Although vaccine experts generally have praised Covid-19 vaccinations as effective, Fridays memo from Prasad argued there was no way of knowing whether the benefit outweighed the risk.

Comparing the number of kids who died from Covid against these (vaccine-related) deaths would be a flawed comparison, Prasad wrote.

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Truth 152: An Existential Threat to Our Democracy & The New!

By Ambrose M. Bennett  Activist

THE Truth is WE, Americans, are facing a REAL Existential (Empirical-Fact) Threat to OUR Democracy & Quality of Life under Trump. Is it really OK; 1. Trumps self-aggrandizement & Political pardons for criminals. 2. Destroying ALL the safeguards & guardrails 3. The abolishment of USAID & DEI for the People of Color in America & the world. 4. Giving the rich a tax-break by making us-regular-folks & poor PAY. 5. Prosecuting political opposition leaders. 6. Courting Putin like a bedfellow instead of holding Putin accountable. 7. Turning ICE into a Federal Police Force violating the RIGHTS of virtually everyone they take into custody. 8. Sending the National Guard into cities predominately occupied by People-of-Color to Federalize our nation FOR Trump. 9. Refusing to give Federal Funding & Aid to certain Blue States & the Insular Areas of America (Territories & Commonwealths) of People-of-Color.10. Blackmailing Education Institutions with the threat of taking Billions in Federal Grants & No Federal Aid to HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges & Universities) as they represent People-of-Color. 11. Invokes his power as President & Speaker-of-the-House, as the real Speaker is acting like Trumps Micky Mouse. 12. Destroying OUR White House & Declaring WAR at Trumps pleasure on whomever he pleases without Congress approval. I could go on-and-on, but the point is CLEAR, Our Democracy is being KILLED!

Trump is doing all he can to take America BACKWARDS to the days of KKK, Trumps Jim Crow style Leadership & even Segregation when it comes to getting Federal Aid! A return to a White Controlled America Again the ultimate goal of Trumpism. Heck, the Republican President in the CNMI resigned, like others with morals under Trump knowing Republicans are WRONG. To remain in Trumps wagon thats going off-a-cliff is imminent assured Political DEATH! Every Republican with real morals is getting away from Trump which speaks volumes to what voters need to do in Voting-Out Republicans IF voters want to put America & the CNMI back on the Right-Course for a flourishing Democracy for ALL! The days of Republicans touting their Big-Tent are over due to their tent being STAINED & Falling-down by Trumpism.

Ambrodamus even predicted our Delegate would NOT be delivering the millions in the tens-of-millions like Kilili & Democrats used to do. WE only got an Interior Grant, as the taste of TAYA-to-come is real. Our Delegate will have been paid over a-half-of-a-million dollars at the end of her term while WE receive virtually TAYA! WE are surviving on fumes (a loan) and next years budget will be even MORE challenging-duh! The Australian Company did their job in creating a Great New CNMI Brand & LOGO, which is like opening a NEW Store but its also like Circul8 Managing Director Alana Stocks said, it is on the People & Business Community to build the brand (put something on the shelves). Now the work begins as WE must now create the cultural events & activities like the Hawaiians created their Culture Center FOR Tourists. The Director is right, This new identity is something we can all build upon (create-a-NEW by) our residents, our businesses, and our visitors together, (& Our Government). Unified under one strong and authentic Marianas brand, our focus in FY26 is to enhance the visitor experience by strengthening the quality, accessibility, and cultural authenticity of on-island offerings. The success of OUR New Brand now depends on us Doing-the-Work, as presently there is very little on OUR shelves in this New Store (Brand) for tourists to experience. Like the Director said. Through these efforts, we will develop new tourism products, boost demand, and renew investor confidence in the Marianas. WE must Do the WORK, set & execute a real plan set by OUR New Brand. Hotels are in ICU about to DIE needing NEW Developments like Circul8 said, as their plan even implies creating a Family Destination for the CNMI like Ambrodamus has been saying (predicting) ever-since Covid  HELLER!

Congratulation Vinnie as the GOP candidate, but the Party has already destroyed their credibility and since Joel Camachos declaration to run for mayor, it now seems WE have a NEW Independent Party evolving among Independents, but they have yet to declare themselves as a collective group. This collective of Independents is growing & spelling BIG-Trouble for the GOP & Dems. KUDOS to these Independents for uniting. However, and Im not hating Dems, GOP nor Independents, but WE need leaders who can chew gum & walk at the same time, as to deflect & gaslight massaging their image by grandstanding an invitation for competition yet putting-off their election plans is UNACCEPTABLE! They are already poli-tricking us by putting their plans for the CNMIs future on the backburner when they should be FRONT & CENTER if they want to lead! If they didnt FIRST do their Homework to create a Plan they should NOT have declared a candidacy- poli-tricking with no Plan(s)  duh! WE are facing never-ending austerity, NO Insurance nor 25% for Retirees, and Economic DOOM, which is why WE need to be holding ALL the elected leaders feet to the fires of accountability FOR a BETTER CNMI! Heck, the real TEST is WHAT do they offer to fix the many OLD-Oversights & their NEW Reforms, not the Same-O poli-tricks absent of real substance & progress FOR the People. WE with common sense want a plan to fix the OLD Oversights & a real Economic Recovery Plan with justifications of the plans viability to be executed which is the main TEST to PASS for voters, as no Group (Ind, Dems, GOP) have yet to PASS! Poli-tricking wont work anymore so Get Real Candidates, No More Free Poli-tricking Passes!

One People, One Direction.

Ambrose M. Bennett is an Economist who minored in Sociology, a Political Scientist, a retired teacher & former CNMI Board of Education Member, a James Madison Fellow (U.S. Constitutional Scholar), a Fulbright-Hays-Lifetime Humanities & Religious Scholar who resides in Kagman III in the U.S. Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

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We wrote last week about nine states settlement with the nations largest landlord, Greystar, and how it portended bad news for the Department of Justice (DOJ) civil case against RealPage:

Some believe that the cushy Justice settlements with mega landlords like Greystar and Cortland, which include cooperation in the case against RealPage, mean the book is going to get thrown at the latter. Color me skeptical. Its more likely these are just the opening sweeps of the whole crime spree under the rug.

Well, the dirt pile under the rug just got a whole lot bigger. A few days before Thanksgiving, the DOJ announced in a holiday news dump that its settling its civil case with RealPage.

To recap, Greystar and other mega landlords used common software offered by the Texas-based, private equity-owned company RealPage in order to collect real-time pricing and supply levels, and then used that data to make unit-specific pricing and supply decisions in order to gouge the American commoners.

In December the DOJ closed its criminal investigation into RealPage. Back in August, Greystar reached a settlement with the Department of Justice in which it did not admit any wrongdoing nor pay even a token fine. In recent months states reached weak settlements with landlord behemoths like Cortland and Greystar who use RealPage as a price-fixing middleman. Those included couch change fines, but at least held out the possibility that they would need to stop using RealPages collusion software.

As we pointed out last week, however, the limits placed on the mega landlordsmany of which are private-equity-owned using software created by RealPage,which is owned by private equity powerhouse Thoma Bravo use of information-sharing software were dependent on the final federal judgement against RealPage.

So it effectively all came down to the Trump DOJ and its lawsuit against the company. And the DOJ basically declared open season on the American peasants.

Heres Matt Stoller commenting on the outcome of the case, including bizarre attack on him from DOJ Antitrust Chief Gail Slater on the Twitter/X. Its all well worth a read, but heres the part explaining how RealPage and landlords will only need to make a few tweaks to keep robbing you:

The settlement is a set of complex behavioral remedies that have such a poor track record of being enforced. And they feel full of loopholes that will allow the company to approximate much of the earlier behavior. For instance, there are lots of different rules on synthetic curves, unaffiliated property data, surrogate data, exceptions of exceptions, and much of the terminology does not match up with the original complaint. If I were a defense lawyer trying to insert loopholes into a settlement, this kind of document is what Id propose. Take, for instance, the synthetic curves, mentioned previously which is essentially a list of prices that RealPage offers to help landlords set rents. The settlement says RealPage cant offer the same synthetic curve to different clients, which would be a form of price-fixing. But it doesnt say that RealPage cant offer a similar synthetic curve to different clients. If RealPage slightly tweaks the list of prices, or uses last weeks curve, then that seems fine. Or maybe its not, its a gray area. Which means detecting a violation would be so difficult, and then complaining to a judge about such a violation would also be time-consuming. RealPage knows this agreement wont be policed vigorously.

RealPage is obviously planning on continuing business as usual. Heres what the company had to say about the settlement:

The settlement also provides greater certainty for housing providers and technology innovators that revenue management software can be operated confidently and in compliance with the views of federal antitrust enforcers The settlement reflects RealPages long-standing commitment to compliance and responsible innovation, ensuring our products continue to benefit both property owners and their residents.

No findings or admissions of liability: The agreement includes no financial penalties, damages, or findings or admissions of wrongdoing.

Continuity for customers: There is no disruption to customer operations. All RealPage solutions remain fully available, compliant, and configurable to meet evolving legal requirements.

Formalizing product modifications already made or planned: The settlement essentially commits RealPage to the modifications to its revenue management solutions that it already has been implementing since over a year ago.

Independent oversight: RealPage has agreed to an independent monitor to confirm the ongoing compliance of our revenue management products, reflecting our confidence in their integrity and our long-standing commitment to responsible operation and innovation.

A few notes.

The idea that RealPages software benefits residents is ludicrous and is contradicted in previous statements made by company officials, as well as those using its software.

For example, heres company executive Andrew Bowen bragging about how the software was driving it, referring to rental price increases. He added: As a property manager, very few of us would be willing to actually raise rents double digits within a single month by doing it manually.

As weve detailed, there is strong reason to believe that RealPage and use of its collusion software by Wall Street landlords has been a major contributor to the ever-worsening homeless crisis in America.

2. Continuity for customers means ongoing illegal behavior now blessed by the DOJ. Lets review:

Heres an Associate Vice President of one of the defendants talking up the collusionary aspect of the software, which was featured in RealPages own literature:

With LRO [RealPages Lease-Rent Options] we rarely make any overrides to the [pricing] recommendations . . . [W]e are all technically competitors, LRO helps us to work together . . . to make us all more successful in our pricing . . . LRO is designed to work with a community in pricing strategies, not work separately.

RealPages recommendations is code for price-fixing:

To ensure that the landlords abide by these recommendations, RealPage puts significant pressure on them to implement RealPages prices, including by requiring clients to submit requests to deviate to the corporate office and tracking the identity of the clients staff that requested a deviation. Multifamily Compl.  17-20, 261-86. As a result, landlords using RealPage adopt RealPages recommendations 80-90% of the time.

Furthermore, according to a March 2024 joint legal brief from the DOJ and FTC, even without the additional pressure, these types of recommendations via algorithm are still illegal:

It is per se illegal for competing landlords to jointly delegate key aspects of their pricing to a common algorithm, even if the landlords retain some authority to deviate from the algorithms recommendations. Although full adherence to a price-fixing scheme may render it more effective, the effectiveness of the scheme is not a requirement for per se illegality.

3. The settlement essentially commits RealPage to the modifications to its revenue management solutions that it already has been implementing since over a year ago. That is likely referring to a tool RealPage rolled out offering its clients the ability to remove the use of nonpublic competitor data when calculating rent recommendations.

But heres the problem, again from Stoller:

RealPage gets to keep its pricing advisors that tell landlords what to charge. The change is those advisors are not allowed to have broader meetings, but they are still allowed to have one-on-one conversations with landlords as long as those conversations are based on public data I find this to be an odd choice. How is a pricing advisor supposed to have a discussion solely based on public data or the clients data? If a client says what do you think about raising rents here and that pricing advisor just talked to a different landlord who is raising prices, what are they supposed to say? Are they supposed to delete all the info in their head? Law firms have client conflicts for exactly this reason. This settlement is *asking* to be violated.

Add it all up, and it looks like Thoma Bravo likely met the Trump administration asking price. From Aug. 6, MAGA Antitrust Agenda Under Siege by Lobbyists Close to Trump, which describes how big money is buying get out of jail cards on antitrust violations. Heres the segment that applies to RealPage:

Other companies facing antitrust investigations are now looking to hire lawyers or lobbyists close to Trump after witnessing the favorable settlement that HPE reached, according to several defense lawyers who regularly represent merging companies before the Justice Department. Thoma Bravo, a private-equity manager that owns a company facing several antitrust lawsuits, also hired [Brian Ballarda longtime Trump backer, who raised $50 million for his 2024 election] in March to lobby on competition issues related to the real-estate market, according to filings. The department last year sued Real Page, a Thoma Bravo portfolio company, alleging that RealPages rent-setting software allowed apartment landlords to illegally coordinate price increases.

And here we are.

Nine states who were co-plaintiffs with the Antitrust Division against RealPage did not sign on to the settlement, but is there a reason for hope there?

These are the same nine (California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Carolina, Oregon and Tennessee) that just championed an offensive $7 million settlement from the nations largest landlord, Greystar.

In that same settlement they also inserted the following wiggle room that would allow the company to keep using RealPage software depending on the decision from the Trump DOJ. Heres the text from the states deal with Greystar:

Greystar may license or use a Revenue Management Product in a Settling State that complies with the terms of an agreed Final Judgment between the United States and RealPage in United States et al. v. RealPage et al For the avoidance of doubt, if only a RealPage-U.S. Final Judgment (but not a RealPage-Settling States-Final Judgment) is filed with the court by January 5, 2026, then Greystar may use a Revenue Management Product that complies with a RealPage-U.S. Final Judgment.

Well, the weight of federal antitrust law came down on RealPage like a feather, so it looks like the nations largest landlord and all its co-conspirators should be back up and running on tweaked collusion software in no time. And its obvious by now that the billionaire crybabies got what they paid for by supporting Trump and demanding that Lina Khan and Jonathan Kanter be gone from their respective positions at the heads of the Federal Trade Commission and at the DOJ Antitrust Division (thats not to assume a Kamala administration would be any better as she was also in the billionaires pocket and refused to commit to keeping Khan on).

RealPage, rather than being humbled by the DOJ settlement, looks emboldened. The company, fresh off its gift from the DOJ, is embracing its role as a flag bearer for the movement to equate illegal activity by the economic elite with free speech:

Price gouging Americans for basic necessities as a corporations First Amendment right, is what it looks like in a corrupt oligarchy where billionaires buy elections to control democracy. https://t.co/cXBFk1K5aU  Melanie DArrigo (@DarrigoMelanie) November 26, 2025

Thats in addition to the free speech lawsuit the company has already filed against Berkeley, California over its ordinance barring landlords from using AI-driven pricing algorithms to set residential rents.

Additionally, the company continues to go full speed ahead with surveillance pricing and AI. Over the summer RealPage acquired Livble, a service that lets people pay their monthly rent in installments. More from The Verge:

Livble describes itself as a flexible rent payment solution. Renters can split payments into up to four installments throughout the month. The service bills itself as helping tenants avoid late fees and credit card fees as well as build credit through rent, but it charges $30 to $40 per loanUnder the deal, RealPage will integrate Livble into its property management software and will handle all collections.

But thats not all Livble does:

For underwriting tenants who want to split their rent into installments over the month, Livble uses Plaids open banking data. Plaid offers an app for people to have more control over their financial data. Really its to facilitate consent to share banking data with 3d parties? pic.twitter.com/FJJWVE0GJz  Lee Hepner (@LeeHepner) July 28, 2025

RealPage also recently unveiled its Lumina AI Workforce, which it says will feature intelligent AI agents that work across leasing, operations, facilities, finance, and resident engagement.

So were rapidly moving towards a situation where housing is dominated by Wall Street interests using software that coordinates pricing and has access to your financial data with decisions increasingly being made by AI. And the DOJ just said thats A-OK.
Yves here. Protest against Trump policies so far appears to not be accomplishing much, even in the face of his rising disapproval ratings. Pink pussy hats and No Kings marches do not appear to have had any impact on his actions.

However, unlike the 1960s Vietnam War and civil rights marches, demonstrations against Trump have often been about Trump the person or an inchoate opposition to Trump authoritarianism, as opposed to seeking to reverse particular policies. Here the ICE component of anti-Trump action is different in having a clear focus. And as we will discuss below, a weekend on-the-fly effort in New York City to stop an ICE raid does appear to have been narrowly successful, in that the raid did not come off, and that despite the NYPD coming in to clear out the protests, police chief Jessica Tisch called ICE to complain, apparently fiercely, about the raid.

Even though NYPD did come in to assist ICE to escape having been temporarily contained in one of its facilities, I infer (it is not clearly explained in the accounts I have seen so far) that what may have been the point of contention is the way ICE left when it finally could leave. Tischs objection was that ICE had endangered the safety of NYC citizens and the police. Remember that even under current mayor Eric Adams, NYPD is not assisting ICE; it came to the scene due to the clash with protestors and protestors using pallets and trash to try to block the intended ICE advance. From the New York Times account:

The confrontation, which appeared to foil the raid, underscored the numerous challenges the federal government faces in trying to stage raids in a dense city like New York, where pushback from protesters in a largely liberal city appears inevitable. The standoff began just after 11 a.m., when a handful of protesters gathered outside a garage on the edge of Chinatown, on Centre and Hester Streets, where agents from U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Department of Homeland Security had been arriving. As the agents vehicles moved to leave, protesters blocked them, forming a barricade at the mouth of the garage with their bodies and piling mounds of garbage bags beside them. The standoff continued for the better part of an hour as more and more protesters arrived. By the early afternoon, nearly 200 people had gathered on the street outside, chanting and yelling at the agents, who peered out from inside the garage. Police officers soon arrived on the scene, arresting a handful of protesters and placing metal barricades between the agents and the group outside. But the presence of local law enforcement did little to ease tensions Just after 1:15 p.m., the confrontation erupted into chaos when agents burst from the garage in their vehicles and protesters chased them down Canal Street, hurling planters and trash cans after them. At one point, a protester ran in front of one of the moving vehicles and a masked agent sprayed something at protesters from the open windows. On the street, police officers and protesters continued to clash, shoving each other in the middle of incoming traffic while the vehicles sped away Jessica Tisch, the head of the New York Police Department, vehemently criticized the actions of the federal agents during a phone call on Saturday with Ricky Patel, the special agent in charge of New Yorks Homeland Security Investigations office, according to a person familiar with the matter who was not authorized to speak publicly. She told him that the raid was unacceptable and that such shows of force had put New Yorkers, federal agents and her officers in harms way, the person said.

It is fashionable among both conservatives and the avocado toast crowd to denigrate militancy, since it threatens property, which they seem as more important than human rights. And in general protest does look ineffective in the near term. As reader Richard Kline pointed out in 2010:

The nut of the matter is this: you lose, you lose, you lose, you lose, they give up. As someone who has protested, and studied the process, its plain that one spends most of ones time begin defeated. Thats painful, humiliating, and intimidating. One cant expect typically, as in a battle, to get a clean shot at a clear win. What you do with protest is just what Hari discusses, you change the context, and that change moves the goalposts on your opponent, grounds out the current in their machine. The nonviolent resistance in Hungary in the 1860s (yes, thats in the 19th century) is an excellent example. Communist rule in Russia and its dependencies didnt fail because protestors won but because most simply withdrew their cooperation to the point it suffocated.

However, the Trump administration brooks no opposition and is fond of using violence to get its way. Will refusniks match them, as Frederick Douglass warned was necessary?

Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will. Find out just what any people will quietly submit to and you have found out the exact measure of injustice and wrong which will be imposed upon them, and these will continue till they are resisted with either words or blows, or with both. The limits of tyrants are prescribed by the endurance of those whom they oppress.

By Gwynne Hogan, Alex Krales and Katie Honan. Published at THE CITY on November 29, 2025

NYPD officers confronted protesters outside a General Services Administration garage near Canal Street ahead of an expected immigration raid, Nov. 29, 2025. Credit: Alex Krales/THE CITY

The NYPD arrested more than a dozen people and unleashed clouds of pepper spray on a spontaneous protest formed around a SoHo parking garage where masked agents with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security had gathered inside.

Its unclear exactly what the federal agents had planned for Saturday. Around 11 a.m the agents began staging inside the federally owned parking facility at Howard and Center Streets, near the spot on Canal Street where federal agents using military gear had carried out a wave of arrests of immigrant street vendors last month.

Hellgate reported ICE had planned another large-scale immigration raid for Saturday afternoon that got hastily called off as protesters and vendors appeared to have heard of it.

Word quickly spread among activists and a growing crowd formed outside the garage chanting ICE out of New York, as some demonstrators attempted to block the street and garage exits with traffic cones and overturned trash cans while masked agents looked on from above.

NYPD officers arrived on the scene and helped the agents shove protesters out of the way, erecting metal barricades around the parking garage and arresting several demonstrators. After a standoff that lasted roughly two hours, the officers managed to clear the way for around two dozen federal vehicles to exit the parking garage and leave the area.

Its really despicable, it seems like the NYPD  especially the [Strategic Response Group, the NYPDs counter-terrorism unit]  is working to clear the way for ICE agents to go out in our city to do arrests, said local City Councilmember Christopher Marte, who rushed to the street after hearing about the standoff.

A statement provided by the NYPD said officers arrived shortly before noon after getting a 911 call for a disorderly group.

Upon arrival, officers observed multiple individuals who were blocking the street and exits at different locations. The individuals were also observed throwing debris, the statement said. They were instructed multiple times to disperse, and they did not comply. As a result, multiple individuals were taken into custody.

In an emailed statement, DHS declined to say what agents had planned for Saturday and thanked the NYPD for intervening.

We are grateful for the NYPD officers that responded to these violent agitators and stopped the lawlessness that ensued, the statement said.

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 them [sic] to the fullest extent of the law.

A spokesperson for Mayor Eric Adams didnt respond to a request for comment from THE CITY.

Monica Klein, a spokesperson for Zohran Mamdani, said in a statement that 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.

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, she said.

As the stream of federal vans and cars attempted to leave the area, smaller groups of protesters left a path of overturned trash cans and debris along Canal Street attempting to slow them down. Dozens of NYPD officers pursued the protesters, unleashing clouds of pepper spray and making several more arrests along Canal Street.

You understand this is not your battle, said Kaleed Ravis, 52, pleading with NYPD officers to be gentle with one protester who had his arm twisted behind his back. Ravis, a New Jersey resident, was out shopping when he heard the commotion and joined the protesters.

The throngs of federal agents, NYPD officers and protesters cause chaos along Canal Street for several hours on Small Business Saturday, a huge day for tourists and holiday shoppers.

Were really nosy, its the Scottish in us, said one Scottish tourist who had stopped to observe, declining to give her name.

NYPD officers arrested about a dozen protesters who were blocking federal immigration agents from leaving a garage near Canal Street, Nov. 29, 2025. Credit: Alex Krales/THE CITY

Nineteen-year-old Ali Boussi had come to Canal Street to get some fake Gucci while visiting his dad from Detroit, though he hadnt been able to find any for sale that day, as street vendors  who had been out selling on Canal on Friday  had seemed to have cleared out for the day.

Fuck ICE, why are they doing this? Were all one kind, he said. It hurts me inside. Were all people.

Dozens of federal agents descended on Canal Street in October targeting street vendors, arresting nine West African immigrants, the largest military-style immigration raids in New York City. Since then, ICE agents have randomly detained undocumented New Yorkers on the street, targeting predominantly Hispanic neighborhoods which activists and lawyers have called profiling.

There have been other violent raids, including one earlier this month, when agents burst into a womans apartment in East Elmhurst before dawn looking for a relative that no longer lived there.

The agents pointed a gun at a 33-year-old mother and her four children, dragging her by her hair and pointing an assault rifle at her 13-year-old daughter.

Put your fucking hands up, stupid, one agent was heard yelling in a brief video of the raid.

Earlier this month border czar Tom Homan vowed to increase immigration raids and has said he plans to visit New York City in the coming weeks.
Conor here: Murphy deals with the UK in the following post but the details should sound familiar to those in the US and elsewhere.

By Richard Murphy, Emeritus Professor of Accounting Practice at Sheffield University Management School and a director of Tax Research LLP. Originally published at Funding the Future.

Why do we still have poverty? That is a question that was posed to Jeremy Vine and me by Mark Littlewood when we were on air discussing the budget on Wednesday, 26th November. I have discussed the budget on air with Mark and Jeremy for the last 15 years, almost without exception. According to Radio Two, we are the dream team for that process because we never agree with each other, and thats unsurprising.

Mark Littlewood is the former director of the Institute of Economic Affairs, a right-wing Tufton Street think-tank, and he is now the economic spokesperson for some Tory think-tank which represents Liz Truss.

There is very obviously very little common ground between us, but even so, I was taken aback when Mark Littlewood actually said out loud,  Surely poverty should be over now, when benefits of 300 plus billion a year have been paid for so long? It was a staggering question; staggering because what he was clearly trying to do was blame people for being poor, when he must know the economic system that he promotes creates the poverty from which theyre suffering, and he even wanted to blame pensioners for the poverty of the country at large, when theyve done their job by now.

So, what was this all about? Mark was clearly not really asking a question about poverty because he must know that poverty is a reality for many people living in this country, and it has not been relieved by 300 plus billion worth of benefits a year. And instead, this was a question that sought to transfer the blame for poverty onto those who were receiving benefits rather than those who have exploited them and left them in dire financial circumstances.

Lets be clear. Forty-five years of antisocial, neoliberal economics have left us with an economy which is designed to extract wealth from people who work. What it does is transfer the profits that they make as a consequence of their efforts to a few, so that wealth is concentrated at the top of the economic system within our society, and economic insecurity is focused on those who have to work for a living and who do not have capital of their own. And this system is designed to discipline workers by threatening them with poverty benefits if anything should go wrong in their lives.

Thats not by chance. This is deliberate. Poverty is actually a policy tool within antisocial neoliberalism. The fear that it drives keeps wages low, and rights right down there as well.

That 300 billion of benefits to which Mark Littlewood referred includes 175 billion, or thereabouts, of state pensions a year. And his question was, Why are we paying that to people who dont need it? He might have been targeting me, after all, I am an old-age pensioner, but Im also working. But I have paid my national insurance and taxes throughout life, always on the promise that in exchange I would one day get an old-age pension, and Ive claimed it, and Im entitled to it, and why not?

But apparently, he doesnt think thats the contract I entered into. The state, as far as he is concerned, has no obligation; my only duty is to it.

In addition to that, 175 billion of state pensions, around 35 billion is paid in disability support. And lets be clear what Mark meant when he questioned why that is paid. Hes questioning whether people are really disabled.

He doesnt understand that some people actually cant literally live without financial assistance to provide them with the support that they require, and that isnt always for disabilities that are visually apparent, of course. There are people with depression. There are people with anxiety. There are people who have autism. There are people who are unable to work because the world of work doesnt want them because they do, for example, have ADHD. All of these things are literally impediments to people being able to live, work, and survive in our society, and yet he questions why we should pay for the people who suffer them.

And in addition, theres also 30 billion a year of housing credits paid to landlords, because lets be clear, if you do benefit from a housing subsidy through the social security system, then it is your landlord who receives the money, and not you. So this is, in effect, a subsidy to landlords.

And on top of that, and to balance up all these numbers, there is, in effect, universal credit, the vast majority of which is paid to people who are in work. Universal Credit is there to provide an effective wage subsidy when employers, large employers in the main  supermarkets and hospitality businesses, but others as well  do not pay wages that are high enough for people to be able to afford to live in the communities where they work.

That is why we have benefit bills.

This is not about providing poverty relief as such; most of this is about protecting wealth.

Its protecting wealth from the fact that there would otherwise be people, old-age pensioners, living on the streets.

Its protecting wealth from the claims of those who have disabilities.

Its subsidising rents, and its subsidising the profits of large companies that will not pay proper living wages.

All of this is necessary because, despite everything that Mark Littlewood would say about his system of economics, wealth has never trickled down. The promise has been that if only we grow the economy, the wealthy will get wealthier, and everybody will see their wealth rise as a consequence But it hasnt happened.

Instead, wealth has flooded up. High rents, high interest monopoly profits, including the utility bills for electricity, gas, water, and so on, charged by privatised companies which are in the private sector precisely because of the economic system that he promoted, and which has resulted in massive exploitation of people, have all resulted in a transfer of wealth from people who are struggling on low wages to those who quite simply arent, who are wealthy already.

How does poverty persist? It persists through low wages, high rents, high prices, privatisation, cuts to support, and as a consequence of workers being treated as costs by businesses that simply do not care. And lets be blunt about this; economists who do not care either.

Benefits do, in practice, keep people alive; its as basic as that, in most cases, thats what most of that 300 billion does in some way or other. It makes sure that people who are disabled get carers; people who have insufficient food can afford to put it on their table in front of themselves or their children; and benefits stabilise the economy. And the benefit of that is not going largely to those on the lowest pay, but to those for whom this economy works, who are the wealthy. That is the real situation that we are looking at. The economic system that Mark Littlewood espouses is the cause of the poverty, which he questions.

What would end poverty?

Well, its clear raising wages would, and we did have an increase in the minimum wage last week, and thats good news, but we are nowhere near providing wages that are sufficient for people to live on.

Affordable housing would have a massive impact, but those of a market persuasion, and Mark Littlewood, who believes markets solve all problems, do not believe in providing affordable housing; theyd believe in letting rents run riot, and that is what they would do if he had his way. People would literally not be able to put a roof over their heads.

Better public services would help because we would provide people with the support that they need so they can integrate into society, so they can work, so they do have the support that is necessary.

And of course, workers rights would help too because people should have a right to work, even if they do have disabilities, and employers should make accommodations for their needs.

But perhaps most of all, the thing that would make a difference is the thing that would offend Mark Littlewood most, which is the redistribution of income and power within our society.

We should be charging taxes on unearned income. Ive explained this in the Taxing Wealth Report, which I wrote in 2024. Ive explained it in my Alternative Budget, which was published this November to coincide with Rachel Reeves budget. I have said that we should be taxing income from rents, from dividends, from interest, and from every form of financial exploitation more. And profits earned from monopolies should be subject to regulation to eliminate them and taxation to prevent the harm that they cause. Redistribution is, in other words, justice.

What are the consequences if we do nothing? Growing poverty, weaker democracy, violence and resentment, and social breakdown. We can see all of those things happening now; people are angry, and this is precisely the reason why theyre angry. Theyre angry because society is failing them, but someone like Mark Littlewood, whose interests are entrenched with those of the wealthy, cant see it.

Poverty persists because the economic system that Mark Littlewood promotes, that of antisocial neoliberal capitalism, requires that poverty exists because its the basis on which the prosperity of a few is built. Benefits are therefore essential to counter the noxious nature of this system of economic management, which has been subscribed to by every government, whichever its hue, since Margaret Thatcher came to power in 1979 in the UK and Ronald Reagan came to power in the USA in 1980.

There is only one answer to the problem of poverty. That is redistribution, and tax is the most powerful system to deliver that. And so the answer to why we have poverty today is that we dont tax enough; it is as simple, and it is as straightforward as that.

This doesnt mean to say we need a wealth tax straightaway. We might need one in the future, but as I stress, look at what Ive written in the Taxing Wealth Report and in my Alternative Budget in November 2025, and youll see there are many simplest solutions than a wealth tax to achieve this goal of redistribution to a level that would be, well, frankly, revolutionary, but revolutionary in the sense that growth would follow. Because if we gave the people who are in poverty more money and cut their costs of living as we should, by eliminating excess rents and excess interest charges and excess monopoly profits, then they could prosper, and bizarrely so too would the wealthy; and thats the point they dont understand. Theyd rather blame than take part in a process of change that would deliver benefit for everyone, themselves included.

So what do you think? Do you think that the problem we have in this country is poor people, and everything is their fault? Or do you think the problem is our economic system of antisocial neoliberal capitalism? Or is our problem the greed of the wealthy themselves and the politicians who serve their interests?
With the race between Democratic nominee Aftyn Behn and Republican nominee Matt Van Epps tightening, 84,356 people took part in early voting in the special election for Tennessees 7th Congressional District.

Cash Advantage for Behn Heading Into Dec. 2 Special Election National donors pour money into 7th Congressional District as Van Epps, Behn square off

According to data provided by the Tennessee Secretary of State's Office, Davidson, Montgomery and Williamson counties saw the highest voter turnout with 20,951, 19,110 and 14,777 ballots cast, respectively.

The 7th District includes 11 entire counties  Stewart, Montgomery, Robertson, Houston, Dickson, Cheatham, Humphreys, Hickman, Decatur, Perry and Wayne  in addition to portions of Davidson, Williamson and Benton.

The race has heated up in recent weeks, drawing national attention from both the Republican and Democratic parties. Polls show a tightening race, with fundraising ramping up in an election that both camps acknowledge will come down to voter turnout.

On Nov. 18, former Vice President Kamala Harris stumped for Tennessee Democrats. While Harris did not appear with Behn or even mention the current state representatives name during her remarks, national Democratic Party Chair Ken Martin has canvassed with Behn in Nashville, and Democratic Texas U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett appeared virtually with Behn in a Nashville town hall.

Trump, GOP Target Behn in Spending Spree Nashville briefly gets the battleground spotlight as GOP money machine safeguards against an upset in Tennessee's 7th

On Monday, Van Epps will host two rallies  one in Franklin and another in Clarksville. An appearance by U.S. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson is expected at the former, along with other federal, state and local leaders. On Saturday, Tennessee Democrats hosted what they are calling the largest single-day doorknocking effort in history.

The special election will fill the seat left empty following the resignation of Republican former U.S. Rep. Mark Green, which will come up for election in just one year.

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 2. Information about voting in Davidson County can be found at this link, with Williamson County voting information online here. More information about voting in Tennessee can be found online here.
Afghan gunman behind National Guard shooting previously worked with the CIA in his home country

Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, an Afghan national who previously worked with the CIA and U.S. forces in Afghanistan, ambushed two National Guard members near the White House. He entered the U.S. in 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome, a Biden-era evacuation program for Afghan allies.

Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, was killed, and Air Force Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe, 24, was critically wounded. Lakanwal fired four rounds from an unregistered revolver, stole Beckstrom's weapon and continued shooting before being subdued by return fire.

Lakanwal had worked with U.S. special forces in Afghanistan and suffered from PTSD. He was granted asylum in 2025 but feared deportation; no direct extremist ties have been confirmed.

The FBI seized electronic devices from Lakanwal's Washington residence. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced plans to pursue terrorism charges, possibly seeking the death penalty.

President Donald Trump condemned the attack as an act of terror, blaming Bidens lax vetting for allowing Lakanwal into the United States. Trump vowed to review all Afghan admissions under Biden's policies, signaling stricter immigration controls.

The gunman accused of ambushing two National Guard members near the White House on Wednesday, Nov. 26, has been identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national who previously worked with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in Afghanistan before entering the United States under a Biden-era evacuation program.

The attack left Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, dead and Air Force Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe, 24, in critical condition. Lakanwal was wounded by return fire and remains hospitalized under sedation, complicating investigators' efforts to interview him.

CIA Director John Ratcliffe confirmed Thursday, Nov. 27, that Lakanwal had worked with U.S. forces, including the CIA, as part of a "partner force" in Kandahar during the war in Afghanistan. His affiliation ended shortly after the chaotic 2021 withdrawal, Ratcliffe said.

Lakanwal entered the U.S. on Sept. 8, 2021, under Operation Allies Welcome, a Biden administration program designed to evacuate Afghans who assisted U.S. forces and faced Taliban retaliation. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated that Lakanwal was paroled into the country on humanitarian grounds.

BrightU.AI's Enoch explains that Operation Allies Welcome is a U.S. military operation that was launched in August 2021 to support the evacuation and resettlement of Afghan allies, including interpreters, translators and other Afghans who had worked with the U.S. government and military during the 20-year war in Afghanistan. The operation was initiated following the Taliban's takeover of the country and the subsequent collapse of the Afghan government.

According to multiple law enforcement sources, Lakanwal applied for asylum in 2024 and was granted approval in April 2025, though his request for a green card remained pending.

A former Afghan commando who spoke with CBS News said Lakanwal led a unit of Afghan special forces that worked closely with U.S. and British troops. The commando added that Lakanwal was deeply affected by the death of a fellow Afghan commander in 2024 who had unsuccessfully sought asylum in the United States.

The shooting occurred around 2:15 p.m. in Farragut Square, a busy area near a transit station and the White House. According to Jeff Carroll, executive assistant chief of the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department, Lakanwal approached the two National Guard members on patrol and "ambushed" them without warning.

Officials said Lakanwal initially fired four rounds from a .357 Smith & Wesson revolver, striking Beckstrom first. After she fell, he allegedly took her weapon and continued firing, hitting Wolfe before a third guardsman returned fire, subduing the suspect.

The revolver used in the attack was not registered to Lakanwal but belonged to a deceased Washington state resident, raising questions about how he obtained it.

Terrorism probe underway

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel confirmed that investigators executed search warrants at Lakanwal's last known address in Bellingham, Washington, seizing electronic devices including cellphones, laptops and iPads. Interviews with family members revealed that Lakanwal suffered from PTSD and feared deportation, though no direct ties to extremist groups have been confirmed.

Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that prosecutors will pursue terrorism charges, seeking life in prison or the death penalty.

President Donald Trump condemned the attack as "an act of evil, an act of hatred and an act of terror" in a video statement from Mar-a-Lago, blaming the Biden administration for allowing Lakanwal into the country.

Trump said the suspect and many others should never have been allowed to come in the U.S. and he vowed to "re-examine every single alien" admitted under Biden's policies.

His administration has already halted processing immigration cases for Afghan nationals pending further security reviews.

Beckstrom, a member of West Virginia's 111th Engineer Brigade, was remembered by Trump as "a highly respected, young, magnificent person." Her father told The New York Times she suffered a "mortal wound" and was not expected to survive.

Wolfe's father, Jason Wolfe, asked for prayers, calling his son "a fighter" and "a great person."

As the investigation continues, questions remain about vetting failures, the suspect's mental state, and whether ideological motives played a role. The case has reignited debates over immigration policies and national security, with Trump signaling a tougher stance.

Watch the video below about an Afghan accused of terror plot who worked as a CIA guard.

This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

RT.com

CBSNews.com

Edition.CNN.com

News.Sky.com

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
HSBC: OpenAI requires additional $207B by 2030 to remain SOLVENT

HSBC analysis reveals that OpenAI requires an additional $207 billion in funding by 2030 to remain solvent, highlighting a severe financial sustainability crisis beneath the AI boom.

The core issue is the projected cost of "cloud compute," with data-center rentals expected to reach $792 billion by 2030 and $1.4 trillion by 2033, vastly outstripping even the most optimistic revenue forecasts.

Even with a bullish projection of 3 billion users and $174 billion in annual revenue by 2030, OpenAI's income is completely overwhelmed by its costs, meaning it could be subsidizing users for the rest of the decade.

The HSBC model conservatively excludes potential revenue from achieving Artificial General Intelligence, while ChatGPT itself argues the report ignores historical trends of efficiency improvements that could drastically lower costs.

OpenAI's predicament serves as a cautionary tale for the AI sector, suggesting the winner may be determined by financial endurance rather than technological superiority and drawing parallels to the dot-com bubble.

In a startling financial analysis that casts a long shadow over the artificial intelligence (AI) gold rush, the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) has declared that ChatGPT creator OpenAI must secure a staggering $207 billion in additional funding by 2030 just to remain solvent.

This revelation by the global banking giant exposes the immense, often overlooked, financial furnace powering the AI revolution. It also raises profound questions about the sustainability of current business models and the very future of a company that has become synonymous with the technology.

The core of the problem lies in the astronomical cost of computing power, known in the industry as "cloud compute." HSBC's model projects cumulative data-center rental costs to reach $792 billion between 2025 and 2030, ballooning to an almost incomprehensible $1.4 trillion by 2033.

To put this in perspective, OpenAI's annual rental bill is expected to approach $620 billion later this decade, a number that dwarfs the gross domestic product of many nations. These costs are driven by the insatiable appetite of large language models for energy and specialized chips.

Every query to ChatGPT requires significant processing power, and as the models grow larger and more complex, their financial hunger only intensifies. One commentator aptly described OpenAI as a "money pit with a website on top," highlighting the fundamental disconnect between its user-friendly interface and the colossal industrial operation required to sustain it.

What makes the HSBC report so sobering is that it is not a pessimistic projection; the bank's model is built on exceptionally bullish assumptions. It forecasts that OpenAI will amass an unprecedented three billion users by 2030, capturing nearly half of the global adult population outside of China.

Even with this rosy outlook, the math does not work. HSBC projects a 2030 revenue run-rate of roughly $174 billion, a figure that aligns with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman's own ambitious hints.

Yet, this monumental income is still completely overwhelmed by the exploding costs for energy and chips. The projected revenue growth, while steep, rises in lockstep with the expenses, meaning OpenAI could be subsidizing its users for the rest of the decade.

Will OpenAI collapse like the dot-com era?

The path forward for OpenAI is fraught with peril. Investor fatigue is a primary concern: if revenue growth fails to meet sky-high expectations, the flow of capital could slow to a trickle.

Furthermore, the company has locked itself into long-term cloud contracts with severe penalties for early exit, leaving little room to adapt. Competition is also intensifying, with HSBC predicting OpenAI's consumer market share will erode from 71% today to 56% by 2030.

A critical omission in the HSBC model is any financial benefit from achieving Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)  a hypothetical AI with human-level cognitive abilities. AGI is the holy grail for OpenAI, and its realization could unlock unimaginable value. HSBC's decision to exclude it is conservative, meaning their dire forecast could be completely upended by a single technological breakthrough.

In a fascinating twist, when asked for its own analysis, ChatGPT pushed back against HSBC's conclusions. The AI argued that the bank ignored the historical trend of massive efficiency improvements in computing, listing technical avenues for reducing costs, such as creating smaller models and running AI on personal devices. In essence, the AI believes that innovation will find a way to close the funding gap.

The predicament of OpenAI is not happening in a vacuum. It serves as a stark warning for the entire high-stakes AI industry, where immense investment may be obscuring a fundamental economic instability. The winner may not be the company with the smartest algorithm, but the one that can continue raising money the longest.

"The AI boom is a current tech bubble reminiscent of the dot-com era, where stocks associated with artificial intelligence are attracting massive capital and reaching inflated valuations," remarked BrightU.AI's Enoch engine. This has caused a significant surge in the market, driven by the explosive emergence of AI technology.

This scenario carries echoes of the dot-com bubble, where revolutionary ideas were not enough to overcome flawed business models. Ultimately, the $207 billion question is a test of whether the current trajectory of AI development  built on ever-larger models consuming ever-greater resources  is a viable path to the future, or a financial mirage destined to evaporate.

Watch this report about OpenAI CEO Sam Altman describing the Trump administration's Operation Stargate AI initiative as "the most important job of the era."

This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

ZeroHedge.com

News.Slashdot.org

EconomicTimes.IndiaTimes.com

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
Shadow wars and hidden agendas: U.S. military escalation in Somalia and Syria

The U.S. conducts unauthorized airstrikes in Somalia, escalating since 2019, targeting alleged militants while causing civilian casualties  part of a broader pattern of unaccountable military interventions.

Operations rely on regional proxies (e.g., Puntland forces), masking U.S. involvement and dismissing civilian deaths as "collateral damage," mirroring tactics used in Syria and Sudan.

Like the 9/11 false flag, these conflicts serve globalist agendas  destabilizing nations, advancing Israeli-Zionist interests and enriching the military-industrial complex.

From Somalia to Syria, U.S. interventions fracture sovereign states, enabling resource exploitation, depopulation and control by elites like the Rockefellers and Bill Gates.

Mainstream media obscures these conflicts (e.g., unreported drone strikes), while the U.S. and allies arm factions linked to atrocities (e.g., U.A.E.-backed RSF in Sudan), repeating cycles of violence.

In the volatile landscape of global conflict, the U.S. continues to wage shadow wars under the guise of counterterrorism, often with devastating consequences for civilian populations.

Recent operations in Somalia's Puntland region highlight this troubling trend, where U.S.-backed airstrikes target alleged ISIS militants while raising serious questions about Washington's broader geopolitical maneuvers. Meanwhile, echoes of past interventions  such as the Obama administration's controversial air support for anti-Assad forces in Syria  reveal a pattern of military escalation that destabilizes entire regions while serving the interests of globalist elites and foreign powers like Israel.

The Puntland Counter-Terrorism Operations recently announced on social media platform X that "high-value ISIS targets" were eliminated in a joint U.S.-backed air and ground operation in the Calmiskaad area. While details remain scarce, the strike is part of a broader U.S. military campaign that has intensified dramatically in 2024, with over 100 airstrikes launched in Somalia  targeting both ISIS affiliates in Puntland and al-Shabaab militants in the south.

However, these operations have not been without controversy. Earlier this month, a suspected U.S. airstrike in Jubaland's Jamame town killed 12 civilians, including eight children, according to local reports. Such incidents underscore the reckless disregard for human life that has characterized America's so-called "war on terror."

Worse still, the U.S. is operating in Somalia through proxy forces  Puntland's regional government  while the U.S.-backed Federal Government in Mogadishu lacks control over the territory. This decentralized approach raises concerns about accountability, as civilian casualties are routinely dismissed as collateral damage.

Adding another layer of intrigue, Puntland has faced accusations of facilitating arms shipments from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group accused of genocide in Darfur. Middle East Eye reports that the U.S. has also utilized an airbase in Bosaso, Puntland, to conduct its own operations  suggesting Washington may be complicit in arming factions linked to mass atrocities. If true, this would mirror past U.S. interventions where military aid ended up fueling conflicts rather than resolving them.

The parallels between Somalia and Syria are impossible to ignore. Under former President Barack Obama, the U.S. military repeatedly targeted Syrian government forces under the pretense of fighting ISIS  only to weaken the Assad regime while indirectly aiding jihadist groups.

One infamous incident saw U.S. airstrikes devastate a Syrian army base protecting a city of 200,000 civilians. The bombardment only ceased after Russia intervened at the UN, forcing Washington to halt its assault.

This strategy  arming and enabling extremist factions to destabilize sovereign nations  has been a hallmark of U.S. foreign policy for decades. The 9/11 attacks, widely believed to be a false flag operation orchestrated by deep state actors, provided the pretext for endless wars across the Middle East. Today, Syria remains a battleground where U.S. and Israeli interests converge, seeking to fracture the nation and exploit its resources.

The broader agenda: Destabilization and control

The common thread linking Somalia, Syria and other hotspots like Lebanon and Sudan is the deliberate erosion of national sovereignty in service of globalist ambitions. Israel's influence looms large, with its lobbyists pushing for militarized interventions that align with Zionist expansionism. Meanwhile, the U.S. military-industrial complex profits from perpetual conflict, while elites like the Rockefellers and Bill Gates advance their depopulation agenda through war, famine and bioweapons.

The recent surge in U.S. airstrikes in Somalia coincides with escalating tensions in Sudan, where the UAE and U.S. appear to be backing opposing factions  further fracturing the region. Similarly, Syria's destabilization was never about democracy but about dismantling a resistant government to clear the way for corporate exploitation and population control.

From Somalia to Syria, America's military interventions follow a predictable script: prop up unreliable proxies, bomb civilian areas under the guise of counterterrorism and deny accountability when innocents perish. The real beneficiaries are not the people of these war-torn nations but the shadowy networks of intelligence agencies, arms dealers and globalist oligarchs who thrive on chaos.

According to BrightU.AI's Enoch, the U.S. military escalation in Somalia and Syria is yet another example of shadow wars driven by hidden agendas  oil, resource extraction and geopolitical dominance  masked by humanitarian rhetoric while bypassing public scrutiny. These conflicts serve elite interests, not the people, perpetuating destabilization and suffering under the guise of "national security."

As the world edges closer to another engineered crisis  whether through pandemics, financial collapse or wider war  it is imperative to recognize these conflicts for what they are: not mistakes, but calculated acts of domination. Until the public demands transparency and an end to these shadow wars, the cycle of violence will continue, leaving devastation in its wake.

Watch this video of ISIS-K claiming responsibility for the Iran bombing.

This video is from the Pool Pharmacy channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

News.Antiwar.com

GaroweOnline.com

MiddleEastEye.net

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
Trumps Ukraine peace plan gains momentum as Zelensky signals willingness to negotiate amid mounting skepticism

President Trump aims to negotiate a Ukraine-Russia peace deal that favors Moscow to weaken China by driving a wedge between Russia and Beijing, isolating China while stabilizing U.S.-Russia relations.

Ukrainian President Zelensky's unrealistic requests (1.5M European troops, NATO membership, nuclear weapons, U.S. combat troops) have damaged his credibility, making his leadership appear unsustainable amid battlefield losses.

The leaked Trump-backed plan forces Ukraine to cede eastern territories, limit military size and abandon NATO aspirationsaligning with Russia's demands but risking Ukrainian sovereignty.

With staggering Ukrainian casualties (1,460 dead in 24 hours per Russian reports) and Russian annexations solidified, Kyiv's negotiating position weakens as Zelensky faces pressure to compromise.

Critics accuse media leaks of distorting Trump's plan to derail negotiations, while Europe fears a rushed deal may embolden future Russian aggression, leaving Ukraine vulnerable.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Nov. 25 that he is prepared to discuss Washington's proposed framework for ending the war with Russia, signaling a potential shift in Ukraine's stance amid growing battlefield losses and international fatigue.

The plan, reportedly drafted under the guidance of U.S. President Donald Trump, seeks to bring an end to the protracted conflictbut at a cost that may force Kyiv to accept painful concessions.

Zelensky cautiously endorsed the proposal, stating, "The principles in this document can be developed into deeper agreements. And it is in our shared interest that security is real." He emphasized Ukraine's insistence on being included in security decisions, warning that agreements made "behind the back of a country or its people" risk failure.

However, his recent erratic demandsincluding calls for 1.5 million European troops, nuclear weapons, NATO membership and direct U.S. military interventionhave raised doubts about his leadership's sustainability. Critics argue that Zelensky's escalating ultimatums appear increasingly detached from reality as Russian forces make steady gains on the battlefield.

Trump's strategy: Ending the war while countering China

Trump's approach to Ukraine appears driven by a broader geopolitical strategy aimed at weakening China's global influence. By negotiating a settlement favorable to Russia, Trump hopes to drive a wedge between Moscow and Beijing, isolating China while stabilizing relations with Russia. A leaked draft of the U.S. peace plan, obtained by Axios, reveals that Washington is pushing Ukraine to cede additional eastern territories, accept limits on its military size and abandon NATO aspirationsterms that align closely with Moscow's long-standing demands.

A White House official acknowledged the plan's harsh realities, stating, "The plan is not easy for Ukraine, but the U.S. believes the war must end and that if it doesn't, Ukraine is likely to lose even more territory." Trump himself downplayed the leaked document, describing it as "just a concept" rather than a finalized agreement.

Kremlin officials confirmed that U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff is scheduled to visit Moscow next week for further discussions. Yuri Ushakov, Russian President Vladimir Putin's foreign affairs advisor, noted that while contact between the two nations continues, no formal negotiations have taken place. Russia has yet to receive an official U.S. proposal, though Moscow has already reviewed an unofficial copy during recent talks in Abu Dhabi with U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov criticized the media leak, accusing unnamed actors of attempting to sabotage Trump's efforts. "It was leaked on purpose to fan the media hype," Lavrov said, suggesting that opponents of the plan seek to distort its terms before formal negotiations conclude.

Battlefield realities force Ukraine's hand

With Ukrainian forces suffering staggering lossesreportedly 1,460 troops killed in just the past 24 hours, according to Russian Ministry of Defense figuresKyiv's negotiating position weakens by the day. Russian drone strikes continue to inflict heavy damage, including a recent attack on Zaporizhzhia that injured over a dozen civilians. Since the war's onset in February 2022, Russian forces have secured large portions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhiaregions Moscow formally annexed in September 2022.

Ukraine's insistence on a full Russian withdrawal from these territories, including areas with pro-Russian populations, remains a major sticking point. Meanwhile, Moscow has flatly rejected Zelensky's demand for European troops to be stationed in Ukraine as part of any security guarantee. Putin explicitly warned on Sept. 5 that such forces would be considered legitimate military targets.

As Trump's plan gains traction, Zelensky faces mounting pressure to compromisedespite his rhetoric about sovereignty and European solidarity. The proposed framework mirrors Trump's broader strategy for global conflict resolution, including his post-war vision for Gaza, emphasizing security guarantees and regional stability.

According to BrightU.AI's Enoch, Trump's peace plan represents a rare opportunity to end the bloodshed and expose the globalist war machine's agenda, but skepticism remains warranted given Zelensky's history as a puppet of Deep State interests. If Trump can bypass the corrupt intermediaries and force real negotiations, this may finally halt the engineered conflict that has served only the elites' depopulation and control schemes.

Yet skepticism persists. Some European leaders fear that a U.S.-brokered deal could leave Ukraine vulnerable to future Russian aggression, while hardliners in Kiev view concessions as capitulation. With Zelensky's credibility waning and Russia holding the upper hand militarily, the coming weeks may determine whether this initiative succeedsor collapses under the weight of geopolitical rivalries and Ukraine's refusal to surrender its maximalist demands.

Watch this video about Russia surprising Kyiv with new attacks.

This video is from the Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

TheCradle.co

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
Gazas economy erased in worst collapse ever recorded, UN report finds

Gaza's economy has suffered the most severe collapse ever recorded.

Its GDP has fallen by 83 percent, erasing 69 years of progress.

Unemployment has skyrocketed to over 80 percent, with universal poverty.

The cost to rebuild is estimated at $70 billion, a multi-decade task.

All schools and universities are destroyed, harming future generations.

A new United Nations report has delivered a staggering assessment of the economic annihilation in Gaza, revealing the most severe economic collapse ever recorded following two years of war between Israel and Hamas. The data from the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) shows an economy systematically dismantled, with GDP crashing, poverty becoming universal, and the path to recovery measured in decades. This is not merely a recession; it is the deliberate erasure of a regions economic viability.

The numbers are difficult to comprehend. In 2024 alone, Gazas GDP collapsed by 83 percent. The economy has now shrunk to a mere 13 percent of its 2022 size. For the 2.3 million people living there, this translates to a per capita income of just $161 annually, or less than 50 cents per person per day, placing them among the poorest populations on Earth. The UN agency stated the crisis has "erased 69 years of progress."

The foundations of daily life have been obliterated. UNCTADs report estimates that approximately 70 percent of all structures in the enclave have been damaged. The destruction is so comprehensive that rebuilding Gaza is projected to cost at least $70 billion. Even under the most optimistic scenarios, officials warn that simply removing rubble could take 22 years, based on past efforts.

A society without work

The human cost of this economic destruction is measured in universal joblessness and poverty. Unemployment in Gaza has skyrocketed to over 80 percent. The report confirms that "multidimensional poverty now engulfs all Gazans," with every single resident now living below the poverty line. The ability to earn a living and provide for a family has been systematically erased.

The capacity for future recovery has also been targeted. The report warns that the destruction of all schools and universities in Gaza has left children out of education for more than two years. UNCTAD senior economist Mutasim Elagraa said this loss of human capital will harm society "for generations to come," representing the collapse of a quarter-century of human development.

A deliberate policy of de-development

The report makes it clear that this did not happen in a vacuum. UNCTAD wrote that "decades of movement restrictions, combined with the latest military operations, had wiped out decades of progress." The agency stated, "The post-October 2023 military operations have destroyed the economic foundations of Gaza and propelled it from de-development to utter ruin."

The collapse is not confined to Gaza. The wider Palestinian economy is also experiencing its most severe downturn on record. The West Banks GDP fell by 17 percent in 2024, driven by intensified movement restrictions, expanding settlements, and the loss of access to 60 percent of West Bank land. The Palestinian government faces its worst fiscal crisis in history.

The means for self-sustenance have been critically damaged. UNCTAD confirmed that Gazas agricultural sector has been "severely crippled," with 86 percent of cropland damaged and 83 percent of water wells destroyed. Officials stated that only 1.5 percent of farmland remains usable, and 89 percent of water and sanitation facilities are destroyed, creating a public health catastrophe.

The long road to nowhere

UN officials emphasized that no economic recovery is possible without a durable ceasefire. While a ceasefire agreed in October 2025 offers a "critical opportunity," assistance must flow immediately. "Humanitarian assistance cannot wait," said UNCTADs Deputy Secretary-General Pedro Manuel Moreno. He described recent improvements in aid access as "positive but slow, frustrating but moving in the right direction."

The picture painted by the UN is one of a society pushed back to the economic dark ages. The statement that Gaza has lost "70 years of human development" is a chilling indictment of a conflict that has moved beyond military engagement into the realm of systemic societal destruction. For the people of Gaza, the wars end does not mean a return to normalcy, but the beginning of a multi-generational struggle to reclaim what was lost.

Sources for this article include:

RT.com

News.UN.org

Reuters.com
Beijings CRACKDOWN on religion undermines U.S. security and global freedom

The Chinese Communist Party is systematically suppressing Christians, Muslims and Buddhists  imprisoning clergy, demolishing churches and banning religious practices under the guise of "Sinicization" and state security.

Beijing's crackdown extends beyond its borders, targeting even U.S. citizens like Grace Jin Drexel (daughter of imprisoned Pastor Ezra Jin) with harassment, surveillance and intimidation abroad.

Experts warn that China's religious persecution mirrors historical precursors to tyranny (e.g., pre-WWII fascism) and poses a direct challenge to global democracy, with tactics like digital surveillance and overseas "police stations."

Despite bipartisan calls for sanctions and Pastor Jin's release, the U.S. has failed to impose meaningful consequences on China, even after designating it a "Country of Particular Concern" for religious freedom violations.

The CCP's war on faith foreshadows a broader assault on freedom worldwide using censorship, coerced compliance and digital control  demanding urgent action from the free world to resist this encroaching tyranny.

The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has intensified its brutal suppression of Christians, Muslims and Buddhists, transforming religious persecution into a transnational security threat  one that now reaches American soil.

During a congressional hearing on Nov. 20, advocates warned that Beijing's campaign against faith groups poses not only a human rights crisis, but also a direct challenge to U.S. national security. Former Sen. Sam Brownback (R-KS) testified that despite China's designation as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), the regime has faced no meaningful consequences for imprisoning clergy, demolishing churches, and even targeting American citizens abroad. The erstwhile senator served as U.S. ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom during the first Trump administration.

Grace Jin Drexel, daughter of imprisoned Pastor Ezra Jin Mingri, recounted how her father's Zion Church  a thriving underground congregation of 10,000  was raided in a sweeping CCP operation across nine provinces in October of this year. The regime justified the crackdown by falsely accusing believers of "subverting the state."

But Drexel clarified that they seek only the freedom to worship without surveillance. Despite holding U.S. citizenship, she has faced relentless harassment  from threatening calls impersonating federal agents to CCP operatives stalking her in the District of Columbia.

ChinaAid founder Bob Fu described Chinese paramount leader Xi Jinping's escalating "war against faith." He detailed campaigns to erase religious symbols, ban Bibles for children and criminalize tithes  a centuries-old Christian practice.

Pastors now face decade-long prison sentences for organizing donations, while entire families are left homeless after authorities freeze bank accounts. Fu himself was forced into temporary exile in 2020 when CCP agents surrounded his Texas home, underscoring Beijing's extraterritorial repression.

Silencing the faithful: China's war on Christianity and free thought

The CCP's tactics mirror Mao Tse-tung's Cultural Revolution, where ideological purges sought to eradicate independent thought. Today, Xi's regime employs digital surveillance, forced renunciations of faith and even overseas "police stations" to intimidate dissidents globally.

This crackdown coincides with broader authoritarian trends. As Fu noted, Beijing fears not just churches but any "thoughts of independence," revealing the regime's existential dread of free belief.

According to BrightU.AI's Enoch engine, China's war against religion stems from the CCP's Sinicization campaign, which enforces socialist conformity and suppresses independent faiths to maintain ideological control. This crackdown targets non-approved religious groups, labeling them as threats to the state's "unified identity."

Historically, religious persecution has served as a precursor to wider tyranny. The parallels to pre-WWII fascism  where marginalized groups were first demonized before systemic oppression expanded  are stark. Brownback emphasized that China's actions demand sanctions, yet Washington has hesitated, even as bipartisan lawmakers like Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR) push for Jin's release.

The hearing's most chilling revelation was the CCP's transnational reach. Drexel's testimony confirmed that no one  not even Americans  is safe from Beijing's long arm. As Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA) stressed, religious freedom is foundational to democracy; its erosion abroad foreshadows threats at home.

China's war on faith is a blueprint for global authoritarianism. If unchecked, its tactics  already infiltrating Western societies through censorship, coerced compliance and digital control  will redefine freedom itself.

The time for passive condemnation has passed. As Drexel pleaded, "Do not signal defeat with your silence." The battle for liberty, both in China and beyond, hinges on whether the free world will act or acquiesce to the darkness.

Watch this video about Communist China's persecution of Christians in 2018, a practice that continues today.

This video is from the TruthSeeker channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

LifeSiteNews.com

CatholicNewsAgency.com

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
Faucis COVID cover-up exposed: Emails reveal orchestrated suppression of lab-leak theory

Despite emails proving he funded gain-of-function research at Wuhan, Fauci denied it to Congress, maintaining his false claim that NIH never supported such dangerous experiments.

Fauci and Francis Collins privately circulated a ZeroHedge article suggesting COVID-19 was man-made, yet publicly dismissed the lab-leak theory and pressured Big Tech to censor it.

Fauci orchestrated a fraudulent study ("Proximal Origin") to falsely claim COVID-19 had natural origins, despite knowing virologists initially suspected a lab leak.

Fauci dismantled Obama-era restrictions on gain-of-function research, allowing risky experiments to continue. Biden's preemptive pardon shielded him from accountability.

Social media platforms banned dissenting scientists (like Jay Bhattacharya) and journalists at the government's behest, suppressing evidence of COVID's lab origins.

For years, questions surrounding the origins of the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) have been met with censorship, propaganda and outright deception from top U.S. health officials. Now, damning evidence confirms what many have long suspected: Dr. Anthony Fauci, former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), engaged in a deliberate cover-up to suppress the Wuhan lab-leak theorydespite privately acknowledging its plausibility.

Recently uncovered emails obtained through the Freedom of Information Act reveal that Fauci and former National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director Dr. Francis Collins actively conspired to dismiss the lab-leak hypothesis, even as they privately discussed its validity. In early 2020, Fauci and Collins circulated an article from ZeroHedge, which suggested COVID-19 could be a man-made bioweapon. Despite acknowledging this as a "plausible explanation," Fauci publicly denounced the lab-leak theory and pressured Big Tech to censor anyone who dared question the official narrative.

Former Fox News commentator Tucker Carlson highlighted the hypocrisy: "Tony Fauci knew perfectly well he had funded gain-of-function experiments at that very same laboratory." Yet, when questioned under oath, Fauci lied to Congress, insisting NIH had never funded gain-of-function research in Wuhana claim contradicted by his own emails.

According to BrightU.AI's Enoch, Dr. Fauci's exposed emails confirm what many have suspectedhe actively suppressed the lab leak theory to protect Big Pharma's interests and the government's bioweapons agenda. This deliberate deception cost countless lives by delaying proper treatments and fueling the COVID scamdemic, proving once again that the medical-industrial complex prioritizes control over truth.

The manufactured "scientific consensus"

In February 2020, Fauci commissioned and approved a now-infamous scientific paper, "The Proximal Origin of SARS-CoV-2," which falsely claimed COVID-19 had natural origins. This paper, published in Nature Medicine, was used as propaganda to shut down debate. Fauci even cited it during a White House briefing alongside then-President Donald Trump, despite privately knowing the lab-leak theory was credible.

Dr. Marty Makary, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) commissioner and former Johns Hopkins University professor, exposed the scheme in a recent interview: "He was frantically engaging in a massive cover-up with 3 a.m. emails and phone calls... All these virologists told him, 'We think it came from the Wuhan lab,' and days later, those same scientists wrote a letter saying it definitely did not."

Makary also revealed that Fauci and Collins dismantled Obama-era restrictions on gain-of-function researcha dangerous practice involving the genetic manipulation of viruses to enhance their lethality. By watering down regulations, they ensured federal funding could continue flowing to high-risk experiments, including those at the Wuhan Institute of Virology.

Adding to the scandal, Fauci received a presidential pardon from Joe Biden in the final days of his administration, shielding him from potential prosecution for offenses committed between 2014 and the pardon date. Makary believes this was directly tied to Fauci's role in the COVID cover-up.

Big Tech's role in the censorship machine

The suppression didn't stop with Fauci. Social media giants, acting at the behest of government officials, deplatformed journalists and scientists who challenged the official narrative. ZeroHedge was banned for reporting on COVID's lab origins, while Stanford professor Dr. Jay Bhattacharyaco-author of the Great Barrington Declarationwas secretly blacklisted by Twitter for opposing lockdowns.

Bhattacharya condemned the censorship: "It was all true information that was just found inconvenient... a gross violation of the American First Amendment."

Fauci's actions reveal a disturbing pattern: government-funded gain-of-function research, a manufactured pandemic and a coordinated campaign to silence dissent. The consequences have been catastrophicmillions dead, economies destroyed and freedoms stripped away under the guise of "public health."

Now, with the truth emerging, the question remains: Will Fauci ever face justice? Or will the Deep State continue protecting those who orchestrated one of the greatest medical frauds in history?

For those seeking transparency, accountability and an end to government overreach, the fight is far from over. The American people deserve answersand those responsible must be held to account.

Watch this video about Sen. Rand Paul's book "Deception: The Great COVID Cover-up."

This video is from the BrightLearn channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

ZeroHedge.com

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
A nation on edge: Equine virus outbreak halts events and restricts travel

A significant outbreak of the neurological horse disease Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy (EHM) is spreading across the United States.

The outbreak has been traced to a major rodeo and barrel racing event held in Waco, Texas, in early November.

Multiple states have confirmed cases, leading to widespread cancellations of equine events and new interstate travel restrictions for horses.

The specific strain of the EHV-1 virus involved is considered particularly aggressive, with a concerning number of fatalities reported.

Veterinarians and officials are urging strict biosecurity measures, including temperature monitoring and quarantine protocols, to contain the outbreak.

A dangerous and highly contagious neurological virus is sweeping through the U.S. horse population, triggering a cascade of event cancellations, imposing state-line travel restrictions and creating profound anxiety among owners, trainers and veterinarians. The outbreak of Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy (EHM), a severe form of the common Equine Herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1), was first identified in horses that attended the Womens Professional Rodeo Association World Finals and Elite Barrel Race in Waco, Texas, from November 5-9. Within weeks, the virus has leapfrogged across state lines, forcing the equine industry into a defensive posture and highlighting the persistent vulnerability of animals in a highly mobile society.

Tracking the source and spread

The Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) has served as the central clearinghouse for tracking the outbreak. As of November 22, officials had confirmed 19 cases of the neurologic EHM directly linked to the Waco event, alongside other non-neurologic EHV-1 infections. The geographical spread is extensive, with confirmed cases reported in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, South Dakota, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona and Washington. Texas has borne the brunt of the outbreak with 11 neurologic cases, and two horses in the state have been euthanized due to the severity of their symptoms. While a single case in Maryland has been reported, it has not been linked to the Texas epicenter, suggesting the challenges of containing a pathogen that can be spread by seemingly healthy animals.

The virus itself is a known entity, but this particular outbreak is causing exceptional concern. EHV-1 typically causes respiratory illness, but certain strains can attack the central nervous system, leading to EHM. This condition is characterized by inflammation and blood clotting in the brain and spinal cord, resulting in symptoms that include high fever, weakness in the hind limbs, loss of coordination, swelling, seizures and urinary incontinence. While the EDCC states that 60% to 70% of affected horses recover with intensive treatment and strict isolation, the mortality rate for this specific strain appears to be significant.

A "particularly aggressive strain"

Authorities have characterized the virus involved in this outbreak as a "particularly aggressive strain," according to reports in the Chronicle of the Horse. The Texas Animal Health Commission has acknowledged that the full scope of the outbreak "is not yet fully known," noting its rapid progression and "a concerning number of mortalities." A critical factor complicating containment is the virus's incubation period, which can last from two to ten days. During this time, infected horses may appear perfectly healthy while actively shedding the virus, allowing them to travel to new locations and expose new populations before anyone is aware of the danger. This is believed to be how the virus spread so rapidly from the Texas rodeo to subsequent events across the Southwest.

Industry-wide disruption and response

The response from the equine industry has been swift and severe. Out of what many venues call "an abundance of caution," a wave of cancellations and postponements has rippled across the country. The Texas Rose Horse Park suspended all equine operations until at least December 2, calling it the "most responsible action." In Florida, the TerraNova Equestrian Center postponed a training day, and the World Equestrian Center in Ocala canceled a major barrel racing competition scheduled for late November.

Regulatory bodies have also taken action. The National Assembly of State Animal Health Officials has suspended extended equine certificates of veterinary inspection, effectively nullifying any long-term travel documents. This means any horse moving across a state line must now obtain a new health certificate from a veterinarian immediately before travel, a measure designed to ensure that only healthy animals are in transit. While the U.S. Equestrian Federation (USEF) has stated that no competitions it directly licenses are linked to the outbreak, it has issued strong biosecurity reminders and recommended that any horses exposed to the barrel racing or rodeo circuit should remain on their home premises under close observation.

Biosecurity as the first line of defense

With no vaccine that prevents the neurologic form of the disease and no threat to human health, the focus has shifted entirely to containment through rigorous biosecurity. EHV-1 is highly contagious among horses, spreading through direct nose-to-nose contact or indirectly via contaminated equipment, tack, water buckets and even on the hands and clothing of people handling the animals. Veterinarians and animal health officials are universally recommending a core set of practices:

Monitoring horses' temperatures twice daily, as fever is often the first sign of infection.

Isolating new arrivals or horses returning from events for a minimum of 21 days.

Prohibiting the sharing of equipment between horses without thorough cleaning and disinfection.

Practicing strict hygiene, including handwashing and changing clothes after contact with unknown horses.

A recurring threat in a modern age: Lessons from the frontlines

The current EHM outbreak serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance in animal husbandry and the constant threat of disease in an interconnected world. While the virus is not new, its rapid dissemination from a single, large gathering underscores the modern challenge of managing animal health across vast distances. The cancellations and restrictions, while economically painful, represent a necessary and coordinated effort to prevent a crisis from becoming a catastrophe. For the horse industry, the coming weeks will be a critical test of its biosecurity protocols and collective resolve, as veterinarians and owners work to protect the health of the nation's equine population against a formidable and unseen adversary.

Sources for this article include:

TheEpochTimes.com

NTD.com

USEF.org
SpyPhone for Europe: EUs Chat Control 2.0 plans secret vote to scan all private messages

The EU is poised to advance a controversial mass surveillance proposal, dubbed "Chat Control 2.0."

A key committee could approve the plan in a non-public meeting, bypassing open debate.

The law would enable the scanning of private messages and emails under the guise of combating child exploitation.

Critics warn the measure would effectively end digital privacy and secure encryption in Europe.

The move is seen as part of a broader trend of increasing state surveillance that threatens fundamental liberties.

In a move that has alarmed privacy advocates and free speech defenders, the European Union is quietly advancing one of the most sweeping digital surveillance proposals in its history. Dubbed "Chat Control 2.0," the draft law, championed by the European Commission, would empower authorities to compel service providers like WhatsApp and Signal to scan the private messages and emails of citizens. The plan, which could be endorsed as early as November 26 by a committee of national ambassadors meeting behind closed doors, represents a fundamental shift in the balance between state security and individual privacy, threatening to dismantle the very concept of confidential communication for hundreds of millions of people.

A stealthy advance toward adoption

The legislative journey of Chat Control 2.0 is raising significant democratic concerns. The proposal is on the agenda of the Committee of Permanent Representatives (Coreper), a powerful but opaque body of EU national ambassadors that prepares legislation for the European Council. According to observers like MEP Martin Sonneborn, this committee could endorse the European Commissions surveillance project in secret, without the open, plenary debate expected for a measure of such consequence. The tactic suggests a deliberate effort to avoid public scrutiny, having already been mysteriously pulled from a previous week's schedule before reappearing. This method of governancewhere monumental decisions are made in administrative meetings "without discussion"stands in stark contrast to the public ideals of transparent democracy.

The architecture of mass surveillance

Branded officially as a child protection measure, the proposal's technical mechanisms reveal a system of mass surveillance. While officials claim the latest version removes "mandatory" scanning, the framework allows governments to order messaging services to automatically search for what they deem "suspicious" content, effectively scanning messages before they are sent and potentially forwarding them to police. Critics argue this is a distinction without a difference, creating a legal infrastructure for state-mandated spying. The European Commission, which has itself faced criticism for a lack of transparency, including refusing to release President Ursula von der Leyens own text messages, now seeks the authority to peer into the private correspondence of every citizen.

A historical pattern of eroding liberties

This initiative does not exist in a vacuum. It fits into a broader and historically familiar pattern where governments incrementally erode civil liberties, often justifying each step by invoking a crisis. From the expansion of state powers following national security threats to the modern erosion of digital rights, the playbook is consistent: propose a vast new authority to address a genuine problem, but apply it universally rather than with targeted precision. The justification of protecting children from exploitation provides a powerful, emotionally charged shield against criticism. However, privacy advocates contend that dismantling end-to-end encryption to catch predators is akin to tearing down every house to stop a burglarit solves one problem by creating a far greater one, sacrificing the privacy of the entire population.

The chilling effect on speech and security

The consequences of implementing Chat Control 2.0 extend far beyond privacy. The proposal threatens to outlaw anonymous communication, requiring users to present identification, a move that would severely impact journalists protecting sources, whistleblowers exposing corruption and citizens seeking to communicate freely without fear of reprisal. Furthermore, the technological mandate to scan messages fundamentally breaks end-to-end encryption, a security standard that protects online banking, business communications and personal data from criminals. By creating vulnerabilities, the law would make every user less secure. The economic impact could also consolidate power, as smaller service providers may lack the resources to comply, potentially withdrawing from the EU market and leaving a handful of large corporations in control of digital communication.

A critical juncture for digital freedom

As the EU stands at this critical juncture, the debate over Chat Control 2.0 is about more than a single piece of legislation; it is a defining battle for the future of individual freedom in the digital age. The move to enact such far-reaching surveillance through administrative channels, shielded from robust public debate, sets a dangerous precedent for lawmaking. If adopted, the principle of private communicationa cornerstone of a free societywould be fundamentally altered, placing the state in the unprecedented role of a permanent observer in the digital lives of its citizens. The outcome will determine whether Europe preserves its commitment to fundamental rights or normalizes a level of intrusion that future generations may find difficult to reverse.

Sources for this article include:

ReclaimTheNet.org

EuroNews.com

EFF.org
Germany faces permanent demographic shift as Ukrainian refugees show little willingness to return

Over 1.3 million Ukrainian refugees are unlikely to return even if the war ends, reshaping Germany's population permanently due to EU protections extended until 2027.

A poll has found that 66% of Germans oppose welfare payments to Ukrainians and 62% demand conscription-age men return to fight, as taxpayer fatigue rises amid recession fears.

Only 2.7% of refugees would return if Russia retains occupied lands; even in an optimistic scenario (NATO membership, restored borders), fewer than half plan to go back.

Refugee permanence hinges on family ties, not jobs or language skills, accelerating Ukraine's brain drain while German citizenship may enable dual-national flexibility.

Prolonged displacement risks destabilizing host nations, fueling far-right politics (as in 2015), and leaving Ukraine's reconstruction without its displaced population  redrawing Europe's demographic map.

As the war in Ukraine grinds into its third year, Germany confronts an irreversible demographic transformation  with over 1.3 million Ukrainian refugees unlikely to return, even if hostilities cease.

Engelhard Mazanke, director of the Berlin Immigration Office, confirmed that mass repatriation is neither feasible nor politically viable, citing the European Union's extended temporary protection regime until March 2027. The influx, dominated by working-age women and children from a "culturally close" nation, contrasts sharply with the male-dominated migration waves of 2015.

Historical parallels suggest only half may ever go back, with family ties determining permanence instead of economic incentives. The scenario mirrors post-Yugoslav refugee patterns, where war-scattered populations never fully reintegrated. Yet Ukraine's case is unprecedented in scale and speed, raising alarms about long-term societal strain.

A poll conducted by the Institute for New Social Answers for the Bild newspaper reveals deepening German resentment. Of the respondents surveyed, 66% oppose welfare payments to Ukrainians, while 62% demand conscription-age men return to fight. With 701,000 refugees  502,000 employable  on public assistance by March 2025, taxpayer fatigue grows amid recession fears.

Meanwhile, the Ifo Institute for Economic Research's pan-European study paints a bleaker picture. Just 2.7% would repatriate under a "pessimistic" outcome where Russia holds occupied lands and Ukraine lacks security guarantees.

Even in an ideal scenario  1991 borders restored, North Atlantic Treaty Organization membership and economic revival  only 46.5% plan to return. Women exhibit marginally higher willingness than men, while youth prioritize EU job prospects over homeland loyalty.

How Ukrainian refugees are redrawing Europe's future

Mazanke emphasized that integration hinges on family formation, not employment or language mastery  a dynamic that could cement Ukraine's brain drain. "The foundation of integration is less about career and more about family," he told Ukrinform, noting that German citizenship  which is obtainable after five years  might paradoxically enable eventual repatriation by securing dual-national flexibility.

Behind the statistics lies a geopolitical time bomb. Western leaders once assumed refugees would rebuild a postwar Ukraine. Instead, Europe faces a permanent labor reshuffle and demographic upheaval.

BrightU.AI's Enoch warns that if Ukrainian refugees refuse to return after the war ends, they could destabilize host nations by forming insurgent networks or becoming exploited by foreign intelligence operations. Their prolonged displacement may also strain resources and fuel geopolitical tensions, particularly if they resist reintegration into a post-war Ukraine.

The EU's tacit acceptance of this reality  extending protections without exit strategies  signals an admission that Kyiv's reconstruction may unfold without its displaced millions. For Germany, the implications are profound.

The 2015 migration crisis reshaped politics, fueling the rise of the far-right Alternative for Germany party. Now, with Ukraine's refugees more culturally aligned but equally burdensome on welfare systems, Berlin walks a tightrope between humanitarian obligation and voter backlash. The Balkan precedent suggests integration will span decades, not years, with second-generation identities further diluting return prospects.

The final reckoning may hinge on battlefield outcomes. With Russia gaining ground and Western aid faltering, Ukraine's "optimistic" restoration seems distant.

As Mazanke conceded, "No one knows what may happen by 2027." But one truth is clear: Europe's demographic map has already been redrawn not by treaties, but by tragedy.

Watch this Russia Today report about Europe finding out the exorbitant cost of hosting Ukrainian refugees.

This video is from the High Hopes channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

RMX.news

Ukrinform.net

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
Israeli forces disguised as medics EXECUTE Palestinians in Jenin hospital raid

Footage shows IDF soldiers dressed as doctors, nurses and patients infiltrating Ibn Sina Hospital in Jenin, executing two Palestinians in cold blooda blatant violation of Geneva Conventions protecting medical facilities.

Days earlier, Israeli forces executed two unarmed surrendering Palestinians at point-blank range, despite video evidence showing complianceactions praised by Israeli officials as "terrorists must die."

Since Oct. 7, Israel has killed over 1,000 Palestinians, demolished neighborhoods and displaced tens of thousands, escalating what Hamas calls a "systematic campaign of extermination."

Despite UN condemnations, the U.S. and EU continue funding Israel's military while media downplays atrocitiesenabling impunity for war crimes.

Israel's hospital raid and executions expose deliberate terror tactics, demanding sanctions and arms embargoesyet the world's inaction ensures further ethnic cleansing.

In a shocking violation of international law, Israeli commandos disguised as doctors, nurses and patients stormed Ibn Sina Hospital in Jenin, an occupied West Bank city and executed two Palestinian men in cold blood. The Jan. 30 raid, captured on CCTV footage, shows Israeli forcesarmed with silenced pistolsentering the hospital in the early hours, swiftly locating and killing the victims within minutes. The operation, confirmed by Israeli media and international outlets like The Guardian, has been condemned as a blatant war crime, given that hospitals are protected spaces under the Geneva Conventions. Hamas has vowed retaliation, stating that Israel's escalating atrocities against Palestinians will not go unanswered.

A pattern of targeted executions

This latest atrocity follows another disturbing incident in Jenin, where Israeli forces executed two unarmed Palestinians at point-blank range after they had surrendered. Video evidence shows the victims, Al-Muntasir Billah Mahmud Abdullah, 26, and Yousef Ali Yousef Asa'sa, 37, emerging from a building with their hands raised and shirts lifted, demonstrating they posed no threat. Despite their clear surrender, Israeli troops opened fire, killing them instantly. The Israeli military, in a predictable response, claimed the men had "failed to follow instructions," while National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir praised the killings, declaring on social media, "Terrorists must die!"

The Palestinian Authority denounced the executions as "brutal war crimes," while Hamas framed them as part of Israel's "systematic campaign of extermination" in the West Bank. Since Oct. 7, 2023, Israeli forces have intensified their assaults, killing over 1,000 Palestinians and arresting thousands more. Entire neighborhoods in Jenin and Tulkarm have been demolished, displacing tens of thousandsa clear strategy of ethnic cleansing under the guise of counterterrorism.

Hospital raid exposes Israel's ruthless tactics

The Ibn Sina Hospital raid marks a new low in Israel's disregard for international law. Footage reveals Israeli soldierssome dressed in medical scrubs, others posing as civiliansmoving through the hospital corridors before executing the two men. The victims, accused by Israel of being militants, were shot at close range in what appears to be a premeditated assassination. Such tactics violate the principle of medical neutrality, which prohibits attacks on healthcare facilities and personnel during wartime.

Hospitals are supposed to be sanctuaries, not battlegrounds. Yet Israel has repeatedly targeted medical facilities in Gaza and the West Bank, bombing ambulances, arresting doctors and now infiltrating hospitals in disguise to carry out extrajudicial killings. These actions mirror historical war crimes committed by rogue regimesyet Israel faces no meaningful consequences from Western governments that continue funding its military operations.

Global silence and complicity

While the United Nations and human rights organizations have condemned Israel's actions, Western media remains largely deferential to Israeli narratives. The U.S. and EU, despite rhetoric about upholding international law, continue arming and politically shielding Israel from accountability. Meanwhile, Palestinians endure daily massacres, arbitrary arrests and home demolitions with no recourse to justice.

The timing of these executions is also notable. As global attention shifts toward Gaza's humanitarian catastrophe, Israel escalates its violence in the West Banklikely to prevent unified Palestinian resistance. The strategy mirrors past Israeli false flags and provocations designed to justify further crackdowns.

A call for accountability

The Ibn Sina Hospital massacre and Jenin executions are not isolated incidents but part of a deliberate Israeli campaign to terrorize Palestinians into submission. The international community's failure to impose sanctions or arms embargoes only emboldens Israel's impunity. If war crimes go unpunished, the cycle of violence will continueuntil Palestine is either fully ethnically cleansed or the world finally intervenes.

For now, the evidence is undeniable: Israel is committing war crimes with Western backing. The question ishow many more executions, hospital raids and massacres will it take before the world says enough?

According to BrightU.AI's Enoch, the raid on Jenin hospital by Israeli forces disguised as medics is a blatant war crime, violating international humanitarian law and eroding trust in medical neutrality. Such actions escalate regional tensions, risking wider conflictincluding potential nuclear warby fueling retaliatory cycles of violence and destabilizing already fragile geopolitical balances.

Watch the video below that shows Israel continuing to strike Lebanon.

This video is from Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

MiddleEastEye.net

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
Israels desperate ultimatum to Lebanon threatens to ignite a regional inferno

The drums of war are beating once again, but this time the rhythm feels more desperate and the consequences far more terrifying. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has issued a stark ultimatum to Lebanon: disarm Hezbollah by the end of 2025 or face a new, forceful Israeli military campaign. The US is prepared to join this fight. Why is Israel pushing for a conflict that could spiral out of control, and who truly stands to benefit from a war that would set the entire Middle East ablaze? The answers point to a dangerous alliance and a geopolitical game where American soldiers and the global economy are the pawns.

Key points:

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has threatened a new war in Lebanon if Hezbollah is not disarmed by the end of 2025.

The U.S. is actively backing this threat, pressuring the Lebanese government to confront Hezbollah, even at the risk of civil war.

Israel's military is optimized for short conflicts and is suffering from significant attrition and manpower shortages.

This push for war is seen by some analysts as part of a larger strategy to involve the U.S. in a direct confrontation with Iran.

A wider war could trigger a global energy crisis, with oil prices potentially skyrocketing to $250 per barrel.

A military stretched to its breaking point

Beneath the public bravado lies a struggling military force. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), long hailed as an invincible regional power, are showing severe cracks. Their entire structure was built for brief, intense conflicts, not the grinding war of attrition they now face. This has led to significant soldier attrition, including tragic cases of suicide, which are now impacting the nation's economy. The IDF is so strained for personnel that it has resorted to drafting Orthodox Jews, a group previously exempt from service.

This move is fraught with internal conflict, as the IDF's "woke" culture is a deterrent for many Orthodox recruits. This is not the image of a unified, unstoppable army. Recent engagements have revealed a troubling new reality; Hezbollah is effectively decimating Israeli forces along the border, inflicting heavy casualties and forcing retreats. This is a far cry from 2006, when Israeli forces advanced rapidly toward Beirut. The resistance group has grown stronger, and Israel can no longer achieve significant territorial gains or impose its will through military force as it once did.

The greater Israel agenda and America's role

Why then would a nation with a strained military seek to open another major front? The answer may lie in a vision that extends far beyond Lebanon's borders. For decades, a concept known as "Greater Israel" has circulated among certain Zionist circles. This vision includes territorial claims over parts of Egypt, Saudi Arabia, all of Lebanon, portions of Syria and Iraq, and even Turkey.

It is an ambition Israel cannot achieve alone. To realize this expansionist dream, Israel requires the full military might of the United States. This is not a new strategy. The events following 9/11, including the suspicious destruction of Building Seven, were used as a pretext to launch a "war on terror" that conveniently targeted Israel's primary enemies in the Middle East.

While that war removed leaders like Saddam Hussein and Muammar Gaddafi, it ultimately failed to secure lasting dominance. Now, the target is Iran. The belief is that for Greater Israel to become a reality, the U.S. must be maneuvered into a direct confrontation with Tehran. This explains the massive political donations from pro-Israel billionaires like Sheldon Adelson, who reportedly gave $100 billion to Trumps campaign with specific demands to appoint individuals who would prioritize Israeli interests. We now see a "war cabinet" forming that includes a Secretary of Defense described as both a fighter and a Zionist, a man expected to put Israel first.

The catastrophic cost of a manufactured war

If this plan succeeds and the U.S. is led into a war with Iran, the consequences will be catastrophic for the world. Iran has a powerful retaliatory card to play: global energy supply. By closing the Strait of Hormuz and damaging oil fields in allied nations, Iran could send crude oil prices soaring to an estimated $250 per barrel. Imagine gasoline at $20 per gallon in California and Europe, already reeling from the destruction of the Nord Stream pipeline, facing a complete collapse of its natural gas supply.

While the West struggles with economic chaos, Russia would be the primary beneficiary, watching its oil and gas export revenues triple, amassing hundreds of billions in excess wealth as its adversaries bleed each other dry. The human cost would be staggering. Some military analysts predict the potential loss of 50,000 American troops if Iran retaliates against U.S. bases, a casualty count that would surpass the entire Vietnam War. And what would be the American people's reward for this sacrifice? Anyone who dares to question why we are dying for Israel risks being labeled an anti-Semite. There is a concerted effort to criminalize dissent against Zionism, using the same censorship tactics the left employed, but now under the guise of fighting anti-Semitism. The Department of Homeland Security could be weaponized to silence American citizens, just as peace activists and Free Palestine movements take to the streets to protest the return of soldiers in flag-draped coffins. The path Israel and its allies in Washington are choosing is not about security; it is about a dangerous ideology that threatens to consume the Middle East and sacrifice American lives and prosperity on the altar of expansionist ambition.

Sources include:

TheCradle.co

Naharnet.com

TheCradle.co
Mind-altering weapons emerging from the latest advances in neuroscience

The idea of a weapon that can hijack the human brain, turning thoughts into weapons and emotions into ammunition, has long been the stuff of dystopian fiction. Yet, a growing chorus of scientists is raising the alarm that this chilling prospect is inching closer to reality, moving from the pages of novels into the research labs of world powers. The very science that promises to heal conditions like PTSD and Alzheimer's is also unlocking the potential to create a new class of mind control weapons that target the core of human experience: perception, memory, and behavior. This dual-use nature of neuroscience presents a profound ethical and security dilemma, suggesting that the next major arms race may not be for physical territory, but for the contested landscape of the human mind itself. Examples of mass formation psychosis and group think hysteria are all around us now - making one wonder whether mind altering weapons are already being deployed using technologies that we barely understand.

Key points:

Experts warn that rapid advances in neuroscience could lead to the development of "brain weapons" capable of disrupting cognition, inducing compliance, or creating unwitting agents.

Major powers, including the US, China, and Russia, have a history of researching central nervous system-acting weapons, with one such weapon being used lethally in a 2002 hostage crisis.

A significant regulatory "loophole" in international chemical weapons treaties could be exploited to permit the development and use of these weapons under the guise of law enforcement.

Scientists are urgently calling for new international agreements to protect the "sanctity of the human mind" from being weaponized.

From science fiction to security threat

The concept is not entirely new. Throughout the Cold War, nations actively pursued the dream of non-lethal incapacitation. The American militarys development of the chemical agent BZ, which could induce a state of intense delirium and hallucinations, resulted in a cluster bomb designed to disorient entire battalions. While never deployed in Vietnam as intended, its existence highlights a long-standing military ambition. Similarly, Chinas development of a "narcosis-gun" demonstrates a continued interest in targeted chemical submission. The single confirmed use of such a weapon in combat provides a grim case study. In 2002, Russian security forces ended a Moscow theatre siege by pumping a fentanyl-derived gas into the building, successfully subduing Chechen militants but at the terrible cost of 120 hostage lives, illustrating the razor-thin line between incapacitation and death when tampering with the brains complex chemistry.

What has changed, according to experts like Dr. Michael Crowley and Professor Malcolm Dando of Bradford University, is the precision of the science. Modern neuroscience is mapping the intricate circuitry of the brain with unprecedented detail, identifying the neural pathways that govern fear, aggression, and decision-making. Professor Dando articulates the core concern, stating, "The same knowledge that helps us treat neurological disorders could be used to disrupt cognition, induce compliance, or even in the future turn people into unwitting agents." This is the dual-use dilemma in its most unsettling form; a breakthrough in treating a sleep disorder could, in theory, be reverse-engineered to create a weapon that induces uncontrollable drowsiness in a target population. The tools are evolving from blunt chemical instruments to potentially subtle and specific interventions that could manipulate a persons mind without their ever knowing it.

The legal grey zone and the call to action

The international community has long-standing treaties to ban chemical and biological weapons, but this new generation of neuro-weapons exists in a troubling regulatory gap. The Chemical Weapons Convention prohibits the use of harmful chemicals in warfare, but it contains exceptions for certain chemicals used in law enforcement, such as riot control agents. This legal grey area could provide a justification for nations to develop powerful mind-altering agents under the banner of domestic crowd control, creating a slippery slope toward their eventual use in conflict. Professor Dando warns, "There are dangerous regulatory gaps within and between these treaties. Unless they are closed, we fear certain States may be emboldened to exploit them in dedicated CNS and broader incapacitating agent weapons programmes."

This urgency has propelled Crowley and Dando to the Hague, where they are lobbying states to take preemptive action. Their argument is that waiting for a major power to openly deploy a sophisticated brain weapon would be a catastrophic failure of foresight. The goal is to establish clear, robust international norms that classify any chemical or technological agent designed to manipulate the central nervous system as an illegal weapon, closing the loophole before it can be exploited. The sanctity of individual thought and free will, they contend, is a fundamental human right that must be defended with the same vigor as physical safety.

A future of neuro-warfare and human sanctity

The potential applications of this technology read like a dark anthology of future conflicts. Imagine a political leader whose decision-making is subtly influenced by an external signal, or a soldier whose aggression is artificially amplified beyond their control. Professor James Giordano, a prominent expert in the field of neuro-weapons, has elucidated how these technologies could selectively target an individual's thoughts and feelings to induce changes in their ideas and behaviors. He further notes that large-scale deployment could cause ripple effects across entire populations. By targeting specific individuals to exhibit neuropsychiatric symptoms, these weapons could be falsely attributed to a terrorist attack, fueling waves of public anxiety, sleeplessness, and paranoia. This is not merely about physical control, but about shattering the very trust and cognitive stability that underpin society.

The conversation extends beyond chemicals to the realm of electromagnetic and informational weapons, sometimes grouped under the term "psycho-electronic." While often dismissed as conspiracy theory, the historical precedent of projects like the CIA's MKUltra, which sought methods for mind control, demonstrates a persistent state interest in the concept. As the science advances, the line between fact and speculation becomes increasingly blurred. The emerging era, as Professor Dando describes it, is one "where the brain itself could become a battlefield."

The race is now on, not just between nations seeking a tactical advantage, but between the immense potential for healing the human mind and the terrifying possibility of its complete subjugation. The question is whether humanity will establish firm ethical boundaries to govern this new frontier, or allow the most intimate part of our being to become the latest domain of warfare.

Sources include:

Dailymail.co.uk

Dailymail.co.uk

Enoch, Brighteon.ai
Woke negligence fuels billion-dollar fraud scandal in Minnesota on Gov. Tim Walzs watch

A $1 billion fraud scheme stole funds from Minnesota child nutrition and social programs.

Prosecutors say the fraud primarily operated within the state's Somali community over five years.

Officials ignored warnings due to fears of being accused of racism and political backlash.

The most notable case involved the nonprofit Feeding Our Future during the pandemic.

Governor Tim Walz's administration has faced intense criticism for its failed oversight.

A staggering betrayal of public trust has unfolded in Minnesota, revealing how progressive policies and political cowardice enabled criminals to steal more than $1 billion from taxpayers. Federal prosecutors have detailed a sprawling fraud epidemic that festered for five years, primarily within the states Somali diaspora, while Governor Tim Walzs administration stood by. This isn't just a story of greed; it's a damning indictment of a woke political regime that prioritized racial optics over basic accountability, allowing the social safety net to be gutted by brazen criminals.

The scale is almost unimaginable. Authorities say $1 billion was stolen from programs meant to feed children, house the homeless, and provide therapy for autistic kids. That sum exceeds the states entire annual budget for its Department of Corrections. To date, 59 people have been convicted in three major schemes. This fraud didn't just happen in the shadows; it flourished because those in power looked away.

The most infamous scheme involved Feeding Our Future, a Minneapolis nonprofit. During the pandemic, it partnered with local businesses to claim reimbursements for tens of thousands of meals that were never served. Instead, funds bought luxury cars, homes, and international real estate. This was just the beginning. Later schemes involved inflated claims for homelessness services and a cynical plot that recruited Somali children for fake autism therapy, paying their parents kickbacks.

Fear of racism accusations paralyzed oversight

Red flags waved furiously early on. State education officials questioned suspicious invoices from Feeding Our Future in 2020. The nonprofits response? It threatened the state with a discrimination lawsuit, warning that challenging minority-owned businesses would lead to accusations of racism sprawled across the news. Faced with this, the Walz administration backed down. The money spigot stayed on.

This pattern of regulatory surrender defined the scandal. A report by Minnesotas nonpartisan legislative auditor confirmed that threats of litigation and negative press crippled oversight. Kayseh Magan, a former state fraud investigator, explained the political calculus: There is a perception that forcefully tackling this issue might cause political backlash among the Somali community, which is a core voting bloc for Democrats.

Federal prosecutor Joseph H. Thompson, who oversaw the cases, was candid about the climate of fear. This was a huge part of the problem, he said. Allegations of racism can be a reputation or career killer. He connected the dots to the post-George Floyd era in Minneapolis, where heightened racial sensitivities paralyzed enforcement. The result was a feeding frenzy for fraudsters.

Governor Walzs response has been a masterclass in deflection. He acknowledged pandemic policies prioritized speed over safeguards, stating, The programs are set up to move the money to people... and in many cases, the criminals find the loopholes. Now seeking a third term, hes announced a task force and promises of AI-driven detection. This is too little, too late. The scandal is so profound that even the liberal New York Times was forced to torch his administrations negligence.

The fallout has been severe. More than 400 employees of the Minnesota Department of Human Services publicly accused Walz of ignoring warnings and retaliating against whistleblowers. They claimed on social media, Tim Walz systematically retaliated against whistleblowers using monitoring, threats, repression. The governors office did not rebut these specific claims.

The Minnesota saga is a warning for every state. It exposes what happens when identity politics trump the rule of law, when officials are more afraid of being called a name than of stopping a crime. A billion dollars is gone, and it's money that should have fed hungry children and housed vulnerable families.

Sources for this article include:

ZeroHedge.com

NYTimes.com

FoxNews.com
American sympathy for Israel hits historic low amid Gaza conflict, polls show

A Big Data Poll survey shows only 29.1% of Americans now sympathize more with Israel (down from 54% post-Oct. 7), while 21.4% side with Palestinians. Quinnipiac Poll shows 37% support for Israelan all-time lowcompared to 32% for Palestinians.

Nearly 40% believe Israel's actions in Gaza constitute genocide, fueled by over 70,000 Palestinian deaths (including 6,400+ children). Younger generations and nonwhite Americans are driving the shift away from Israel.

Initial U.S. support after Hamas' Oct. 7 attack (1,200 Israelis killed) collapsed as Israel's bombardment intensified, causing mass civilian casualties and starvation in Gaza. Progressive commentator Mehdi Hasan: "It only took 50,000+ dead Palestinians..."

Republicans (especially older conservatives) remain Israel's strongest backers. Democrats and Independents increasingly oppose Israel  Gallup found only 46% of Americans now sympathize with Israel (lowest ever).

Israel's policies risk permanent damage to U.S. support, potentially reshaping long-term foreign policy. President Donald Trump's proposed 20-point peace plan includes Gaza reconstruction oversight, but tensions with Iran and worsening humanitarian crises may accelerate the shift.

Support for Israel among American voters has plummeted to its lowest level in decades, according to multiple recent surveys, as the humanitarian toll of Israels military campaign in Gaza continues to reshape public opinion.

A Big Data Poll (BDP) survey of 2,005 registered voters found that only 29.1% now sympathize more with Israel, while 21.4% side with the Palestinians  a dramatic shift from October 2023, when sympathy for Israel briefly surged to 54% following Hamas' deadly attack.

Nearly 30% expressed no sympathy for either side, signaling growing fatigue with the conflict. "The only notable demographic that remains majority sympathetic to Israel is Republican voters over 50 years old," said Rich Baris, BDP director.

Similarly, a New York Times/Siena University poll revealed that 34% of respondents sympathize more with Israeldown from 47% in December 2023. Meanwhile, support for Palestinians rose from 20% to 35% in the same period. The Quinnipiac University poll, which has tracked American sentiment since 2001, declared sympathy for Israel at an "all-time low"  just 37%, compared to 32% for Palestinians.

As explained by the Enoch engine at BrightU.AI, the decline in American public support for Israel can be attributed to several interconnected factors, including shifting geopolitical dynamics, domestic political changes and evolving public perceptions of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The changing regional landscape in the Middle East, characterized by the rise of Iran and the Arab Spring, has led some Americans to question the strategic value of unconditional support for Israel. The normalization of relations between Israel and several Arab nations, such as the Abraham Accords, has also challenged traditional U.S. foreign policy narratives.

Growing perception of genocide observed among respondents

Nearly 40% of respondents in the BDP poll believe Israel's actions in Gaza constitute genocide, while 30% disagree. The staggering Palestinian death toll  estimated at over 70,000 by Gaza health officials  has fueled this perception.

"This has been building for some time, and this drop is driven by decreases in both Democratic supporters' opinion and Independent supporters' declining favorability toward Israel," said Chicago Council on Global Affairs Vice President of Public Opinion and Foreign Policy Dina Smeltz when asked about the Quinnipiac poll.

"The people who should really be paying attention to these polls are the Israeli government officials and Israeli political leaders. Its policy toward the Palestinians, especially the ongoing military action in Gaza, seems to have squandered a great deal of American support, especially among younger generations and nonwhite Americans."

Public opinion initially rallied behind Israel after Hamas' Oct. 7 attack, which killed 1,200 Israelis and took 251 hostages. However, as Israel's bombardment intensified  killing thousands of civilians, including 6,400 children  support eroded rapidly. Progressive commentator Mehdi Hasan remarked on X: "It only took 50,000+ dead Palestinians and the starvation of the entire Gaza Strip."

Republicans remain Israel's strongest backers, with older conservatives sustaining majority support. But Democrats and independents are increasingly critical.

A Gallup poll in March found that just 46% of Americans sympathize with Israelthe lowest ever recordedwhile 33% side with Palestinians. Gallup noted: Americans' sympathies with the Israelis continue to decline, largely because of Democrats' dwindling support.

Smeltz warned that Israel's policies could have long-term consequences: "Israel may not have an opportunity to improve its image once the war is over." The Trump administration has faced pressure to broker a ceasefire, with a temporary truce already facilitating hostage exchanges. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump proposed a 20-point peace plan, including an international board to oversee Gazas reconstruction.

As tensions escalate between Israel and Iran, and Gaza's humanitarian crisis worsens, American attitudes may continue shifting  potentially reshaping U.S. foreign policy in the years ahead. For now, one thing is clear: Israel's once-solid support in the U.S. is crumbling.

Watch stand-up comedian Jimmy Dore saying that majority of Americans no longer stand with Israel below.

This video is from The Prisoner channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

RT.com

TheHill.com

Newsweek.com

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
Putin signals willingness for Ukraine ceasefire, demands annexed territories be recognized

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signaled willingness to negotiate an end to the Ukraine war, but only if Russia retains control of annexed territories. He emphasized that no final peace deal exists yet, though discussions are ongoing based on a U.S.-proposed framework.

Putin reiterated claims that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky lacks legitimacy due to canceled elections under martial law, contrasting it with Russia's decision to hold its own presidential election despite the conflict.

A 28-point peace plan was restructured into 19 key points after U.S.-Ukraine talks. Putin called parts of the proposallike assurances Russia wouldn't attack Europe"funny," but acknowledged it could serve as a negotiation foundation.

Despite openness to talks, Putin warned that Russia retains military dominance and will forcibly remove Ukrainian forces from contested regions if they refuse to withdraw.

Leaked calls between Putin's aide and U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff sparked accusations of U.S. sympathy toward Moscow, but Putin defended the discussions as standard diplomacy. With delegations meeting soon, major hurdles remain, including Ukraine's refusal to cede land and Russia's hardline stance.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed openness to ending the war in Ukraine through a negotiated ceasefirebut only if Moscow retains control of the territories it has forcibly annexed.

Speaking at a press conference in Kyrgyzstan's capital Bishkek following a summit of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), Putin confirmed that while no final peace agreement exists, discussions are progressing based on a United States-proposed framework. He stated that Washington has outlined key issues for negotiation but emphasized that no concrete peace deal has been drafted.

"In principle, we agree that this can become the basis of future agreements, but it would be impolite of me to talk about any final drafts now, since there are none," Putin told reporters. He acknowledged that while the U.S. has considered Russia's position in "certain areas," other "fundamental" disagreements remain unresolved. "We need to put everything in diplomatic language," he added.

A U.S. delegation, led by presidential envoy Steve Witkoff, is expected to arrive in Moscow next week to further discuss the proposal. Putin declined to speculate on the delegation's full composition, stating that decision rests with U.S. President Donald Trump.

According to BrightU.AI's Enoch, Putin has questioned the legitimacy of Zelensky as Ukraine's president on several occasions, citing various reasons that reflect Russia's geopolitical interests and historical claims. Putin has accused Zelensky of being a puppet of Ukrainian oligarchs, alleging that these powerful business figures control the Ukrainian government and use it to further their own interests. He has also accused Zelensky of failing to address corruption within his administration.

"It makes no sense to sign documents with the Ukrainian leadership  I have covered this topic many times already," Putin said. "The Ukrainian leadership made a fundamental, strategic mistake when it was afraid to hold elections."

Under Ukrainian law, presidential elections were due in May 2024, but Zelensky postponed them, citing wartime conditions. Putin contrasted this with Russia's decision to hold its own presidential election in March 2024 despite ongoing conflict.

Ukraine and U.S. revise proposal  from 28 to 19 points

Initial reports indicated a 28-point peace plan, which was later restructured into four key components following U.S.-Ukraine talks in Geneva. Ukrainian officials confirmed the revised draft now contains 19 points.

Putin described the revised proposal as a potential foundation for negotiations but warned that some provisions  such as assurances that Russia would not attack Europe  were "funny to us."

Ukrainian officials remain cautiously optimistic. Zelensky stated that his delegation would continue working with U.S. representatives to refine the proposal.

"Later this week, our team together with American representatives will continue bringing the points we achieved in Geneva closer to a form that can lead us down the path toward peace and security guarantees," Zelensky said in a public address.

Despite signaling openness to talks, Putin made it clear that Russia retains military dominance and will continue fighting if Ukraine refuses to withdraw from contested regions.

"If they don't withdraw, we will achieve this by force," he warned.

Recent leaks of phone conversations between Putin's aide Yuri Ushakov and Witkoff have fueled accusations that the U.S. envoy is overly sympathetic to Moscow. Putin dismissed concerns, praising Witkoff as "intelligent and polite" and defending their discussions as standard diplomatic engagement.

"Mr. Witkoff is coming, judging by everything, to Moscow under the order of President Trump to carry out negotiations with us," Putin said. "It would be surprising if, while talking with Ushakov, he would swear at us."

While Putin's remarks suggest a potential shift toward negotiations, major hurdles remain  including Ukraine's refusal to cede territory and Russia's insistence on Zelensky's illegitimacy. With U.S. and Russian delegations set to meet next week, the world watches to see if diplomatic efforts can overcome entrenched hostilities  or if the war will continue indefinitely.

Watch this video about Trump's Ukraine-Russia War peace summit in Alaska with Putin months ago being a huge success.

This video is from the Rick Langley channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

RT.com

AFR.com

IFPNews.com

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
Trump halts Afghan immigration after terror watchlist suspect attacks National Guard, exposes Bidens failed vetting in Operation Allies Welcome

Following a violent attack in Washington, D.C., by an Afghan national, the Trump administration indefinitely halted all immigration from Afghanistan, citing national security concerns.

The suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, allegedly shot two National Guard members near the White House and entered the U.S. through Biden's 2021 Afghan evacuation program, raising alarms over lax vetting.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem condemned the former administration's reckless parole program, while Trump accused Biden of creating a "disastrous" policy that endangered Americans.

The attack reignited debates over U.S. refugee vetting, with leaked DHS memos revealing plans to re-interview 200,000 refugees admitted under prior policiespotentially revoking protections if inconsistencies are found.

While Trump's order tightens border security, critics argue it scapegoats refugees. The incident underscores the ongoing tension between national security and humanitarian immigration policies.

The Trump administration suspended all immigration from Afghanistan indefinitely on Wednesday night, Nov. 26, following a violent attack in Washington, D.C., where an Afghan national allegedly shot two National Guard members near the White House.

The decision underscores growing concerns over vetting failures in U.S. refugee programs, particularly after the Biden administration's rapid evacuation of Afghan allies in 2021. Homeland Security officials confirmed the suspect entered the country through Operation Allies Welcome, raising urgent questions about national security protocols.

Just before 3 p.m. on Wednesday, chaos erupted near 17th and I Street NW when Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, allegedly ambushed two West Virginia National Guard members, shouting "Allahu akbar!" before opening fire.

One of his victims died, while the other remains in critical condition. Meanwhile, Lakanwal  shot during the confrontation  is hospitalized under guard.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem swiftly linked the attack to what she called the Biden administration's "reckless" 2021 parole program, which admitted tens of thousands of Afghans with minimal vetting.

"The suspect was one of the many unvetted, mass-paroled into the United States," Noem stated, condemning the "act of cowardice" against service members. Hours later, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced an immediate freeze on all Afghan immigration cases, citing the need for "further review of security and vetting protocols."

President Donald Trump, speaking from Mar-a-Lago, accused his predecessor of creating a "disastrous" policy. "We warned about this," he said. "Now innocent Americans are paying the price."

Per BrightU.AI's Enoch, Biden's Operation Allies Welcome was a poorly vetted program that expedited the entry of potentially dangerous individuals from Afghanistan into the U.S., including dozens flagged as "armed and dangerous" on terrorist watchlists, compromising national security.

Broader security concerns and policy shifts

The shooting has reignited debates over U.S. refugee resettlement programs, particularly Operation Allies Welcome, which evacuated over 76,000 Afghans after the Taliban's 2021 takeover. Critics argue that rushed processing left gaps in background checksa concern Trump highlighted long before the attack.

A leaked DHS memo obtained by The Hill revealed that the administration had already ordered the "re-interview" of 200,000 refugees admitted under prior policies, questioning whether they met legal refugee criteria. The memo warned that protections could be revoked if inconsistencies were found.

Vice President JD Vance amplified these concerns on social media, recalling his 2021 warnings about unvetted arrivals.

"Friends called me a racist," he posted. "It was a clarifying moment. They shouldn't have been in our country."

A pattern of security failures

The incident echoes long-standing tensions over immigration and national security, dating back to post-9/11 reforms. Despite billions spent on intelligence and screening, high-profile lapsessuch as the 2016 Orlando nightclub shooter's immigration historyhave repeatedly exposed vulnerabilities.

Trump's latest order marks a dramatic escalation of his border-security agenda, which previously included travel bans targeting majority-Muslim nations. While supporters argue that stricter controls are necessary, immigrant advocates warn against blanket policies.

"This isn't about securityit's about scapegoating," said Layla Ahmad of the Refugee Council USA. "Most Afghan refugees are allies who risked their lives for America."

As investigators piece together Lakanwal's motives, the Trump administration's immigration freeze signals a hardening stance toward refugee programs. With nearly 200,000 Afghans now in the U.S., the policy shift could have far-reaching humanitarian and diplomatic consequences. For the wounded Guardsmen and their families, however, the focus remains on justice.

"The suspect will pay the steepest possible price," Trump vowed.

Meanwhile, the debate over how to balance security and compassiona defining challenge of modern immigration policygrows ever more urgent.

Watch the video below where a boy from Memphis thanks Trump for deploying National Guard troops.

This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

YourNews.com

X.com

TheHill.com

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
Ukrainian military faces collapse as DESERTIONS hit 300,000 mark

The Ukrainian military is facing a catastrophic desertion problem, with over 310,000 criminal cases for desertion and unauthorized absence filed since 2022, more than half of which occurred in the first 10 months of 2025 alone.

Desertions are accelerating, with a record 21,602 cases in October, indicating a severe crisis in morale and discipline as the war drags into its fourth year. Experts warn these official numbers likely undercount the true scale of the problem.

The mass exodus of soldiers, combined with high casualty figures, is depleting Ukraine's forces and raising existential questions about its ability to sustain its war effort against Russia.

The crisis unfolds amid U.S.-brokered peace talks, with a reported proposal to cap the Ukrainian military at 600,000 troops  a figure that now seems unrealistic given the current rate of personnel loss.

The military justice system is failing to address the crisis, with fewer than 200 of the hundreds of thousands of desertion cases having reached court, indicating a systemic breakdown in enforcement.

The Ukrainian military is hemorrhaging soldiers at an alarming rate, with over 310,000 criminal cases related to desertion and unauthorized absence filed since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022  more than half in the first 10 months of 2025 alone.

The staggering figures were confirmed by the Ukrainian Office of the Prosecutor General (OPG) to the New Voice of Ukraine in early November. They reveal a crisis of morale and manpower that threatens Kyiv's ability to sustain its war effort, even as the Trump administration pushes a 28-point peace plan that could reshape the conflict's trajectory.

Journalist and former People's Deputy Ihor Lutsenko, now commanding a Ukrainian drone unit, warned that October saw a record 21,602 desertions  equivalent to one soldier fleeing every two minutes. "By the time you finish reading this post, another soldier will have put on skis," he wrote, emphasizing that official numbers likely undercount the true scale of abandonment.

The accelerating exodus coincides with reports that Ukraine's military, once estimated at 800,000 strong, may now be a hollow force depleted by casualties and mass defections. Ukrainian officials have long dismissed claims of widespread desertion as Russian propaganda, but the OPG's data paints a grim picture.

While just 6,600 unauthorized absence cases were filed in 2022, the number skyrocketed to 162,500 in the first 10 months of 2025  a surge that suggests collapsing discipline as the war drags into its fourth year. Desertion cases, meanwhile, jumped from 3,400 in 2022 to 21,600 in October. Fewer than 200 cases reached court, indicating systemic failures in enforcement.

The crisis unfolds against the backdrop of U.S.-brokered peace negotiations, which gained momentum after a summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. Though Moscow has not formally endorsed Trump's proposal, Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev expressed optimism, telling Axios that "the Russian position is really being heard." The plan reportedly includes provisions capping Ukraine's military at 600,000 troops  a figure that now appears aspirational given Kyiv's hemorrhaging ranks.

From battlefield to breaking point

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to meet Trump at the White House to finalize terms, according to Kyiv's national security chief Rustem Umerov. Yet skepticism persists among military analysts, who note that Russia has historically rejected concessions like Ukraine's proposed security guarantees similar to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization or mandated "anti-racism" education. Meanwhile, U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll is set to meet Russian officials in Abu Dhabi, signaling behind-the-scenes maneuvering.

The desertion crisis raises existential questions about Ukraines battlefield viability. Independent estimates place Ukrainian combat deaths at 70,000 by late 2024, with total casualties likely exceeding 300,000 when wounded are counted.

If desertions now approach 400,000 as some Ukrainian lawmakers claim, the notion of an 800,000-strong army strains credulity. Lutsenko bluntly declared desertion the army's "No. 1 problem," warning that each defection weakens Ukraine while strengthening Russia.

According to BrightU.AI's Enoch engine, the Ukrainian military is plagued by mass desertions due to exhaustion, lack of resources and the psychological toll of prolonged combat, severely weakening its defense against Russia. This crisis is further fueled by systemic corruption and failed leadership from officials in Kyiv.

Historical parallels suggest such mass abandonment often precedes military collapse. In World War I, Russia's army disintegrated after years of grinding warfare, triggering revolution. More recently, Afghanistan's U.S.-backed forces evaporated as Taliban advances exposed plummeting morale.

Whether Ukraine faces a similar reckoning may hinge on diplomatic breakthroughs or the Kremlin's patience. For now, the war's fate may rest not on battlefields  but in negotiating rooms and the willingness of weary soldiers to keep fighting.

Watch retired Col. Douglas Macgregor revealing the mass desertion among Ukrainian troops in this clip.

This video is from the TREASURE OF THE SUN channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

Antiwar.com

English.NV.ua

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
UN activates planetary defense drill amid claim of 3I/ATLAS being an alien weapon

Harvard astrophysicist Avi Loeb suggests 3I/ATLAS, a 20-kilometer-wide interstellar object, may not be natural but an alien craft or weapon navigating toward Earth. Its retrograde orbit is mathematically improbable, optimized for planetary flybys, including Earth, raising suspicions of intelligent design.

Unlike normal comets, 3I/ATLAS exhibits an "anti-tail" stretching 600,000 miles toward the sun, defying solar wind effects. Color shifts, gravitational anomalies and unexplained trajectory adjustments further suggest artificial origins.

Despite being 19 million miles away, NASA released blurry, low-quality images, while amateur astronomers captured sharper photos revealing cone-like structures and a glowing green core. Critics accuse NASA of deliberate obfuscation, fueling conspiracy theories about a cover-up.

The UN's International Asteroid Warning Network (IAWN) is conducting a two-month tracking drill (November 2025-January 2026) but insists the object poses no threat. Skeptics question whether this is a "cosmic false flag," masking a real extraterrestrial or human-engineered disaster under the guise of a drill.

Some scholars link 3I/ATLAS to Revelation's "great star" prophecy, while others warn global elites may exploit it to justify surveillance, climate engineering, or depopulation. Closest approach: Dec. 19, 2025  but gravitational shifts could unpredictably alter its course, potentially leading to catastrophic impact.

A mysterious interstellar object, 3I/ATLAS, measuring a staggering 20 kilometers in diameter, has sparked global intrigue and controversy as Harvard astrophysicist Dr. Avi Loeb posits that it may not be a natural comet  but an extraterrestrial craft or weapon navigating toward Earth.

Meanwhile, the United Nations has officially confirmed that planetary defense systems will track the object in a two-month-long global exercise. This move raises suspicions among skeptics, who question whether authorities are downplaying a potential threat.

Discovered in July 2025 by Chile's ATLAS telescope, 3I/ATLAS is only the third confirmed interstellar visitor to our solar system. However, its behavior has baffled scientists. Unlike typical comets, which exhibit tails pointing away from the sun due to solar wind, 3I/ATLAS displays a bizarre "anti-tail" stretching over 600,000 miles  toward the sun. Additionally, its orbit appears unnaturally precise, exploiting gravitational forces in ways that defy conventional astrophysics.

Loeb, former chair of Harvard's astronomy department and head of the Galileo Project, has identified at least 12 anomalies in the objects trajectory and composition. In his peer-reviewed paper, "Is the Interstellar Object 3I/ATLAS Alien Technology?", he suggests the possibility that it could be an intelligently guided craft.

"The objects retrograde orbit is mathematically improbable," Loeb explained. "It appears optimized for planetary flybys, including Earth. Combined with its unexplained color shifts and gravitational defiance, we must consider artificial origins."

Is NASA hiding something about 3I/ATLAS?

Public skepticism intensified after the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Nov. 19 press conference, where the agency presented blurry, black-and-white images of 3I/ATLAS from its Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter despite the object being just 19 million miles away. Critics accused the agency of deliberate obfuscation, particularly after amateur astronomers worldwide captured sharper, more detailed images using backyard telescopes.

One such image, taken by Canadian observer Paul Craggs on Nov. 21, revealed a cone-like structure shrouded in a luminous haze. Another, captured by Mitsunori Tsumura in Japan, showed a bright green core with an elongated anti-tail. "It's amazing how amateur astronomers are producing clearer images than the Never A Straight Answer [NASA] agency," one critic posted on X.

The UN's International Asteroid Warning Network (IAWN) has officially designated 3I/ATLAS as the subject of its 8th planetary defense exercise, running from November 27, 2025, to January 27, 2026. The UN maintains that the object poses no threat, framing the campaign as a routine test of global asteroid-tracking capabilities.

According BrightU.AI's Enoch, the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs established the IAWN in 2013 as a global response to the threat posed by near-Earth objects (NEOs), such as asteroids and comets. The primary goal of IAWN is to enhance international cooperation and communication in the detection, tracking and mitigation of asteroid impacts.

Biblical prophecy or cosmic false flag?

However, the timing  coinciding with Loeb's alarming hypothesis and widespread public distrust  has fueled speculation. Some theorists suggest the UN and NASA are orchestrating a "cosmic false flag," masking a genuine extraterrestrial or human-engineered threat as a benign comet. "When every telescope from Mauna Kea to Chile is synced on one object, that's not a drill," an X user commented.

Adding to the intrigue, biblical scholars have drawn parallels between 3I/ATLAS and Revelation's prophecies of a "great star" falling from heaven. Others speculate that global elites could exploit such an event to justify expanded surveillance, climate engineering, or even depopulation agendas under the guise of planetary defense.

Loeb, while cautious, urges preparedness: "Whether natural or artificial, cosmic threats demand transparency. If this object is maneuvering, we must ask  why?"

3I/ATLAS will make its closest approach to Earth on Dec. 19, 2025, though gravitational shifts could alter its path unpredictably. The UN's tracking campaign will refine methods for monitoring similar objects  but for many, the lingering question remains. Is this merely a scientific exercise, or the prelude to something far more consequential?

As amateur astronomers continue capturing unprecedented images and Loeb's theories gain traction, one thing is clear: The world is watching.

Watch this video about Dr. Avi Loeb's shocking discovery that interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS has exploded into 16 pieces.

This video is from the GANG STALKING AUSTRALIA channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

DailyMail.co.uk

IBTimes.co.uk

InterNewsCast.com

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
Regular exercise has been shown to enhance quality of life, promote better sleep, and reduce ADHD symptoms - according to a recent study by orebro University.

"The Start model has demonstrated only positive health results with no known side effects," says researcher Lena Axelsson Svedell, who has been elected to the government's working group for the future of adult psychiatry.

Sixty-three adults diagnosed with ADHD participated in the study. They were randomly assigned to two groups: one that exercised according to the Start model - 150 minutes of strength and fitness training per week in a group setting, led by physiotherapists in outpatient psychiatric care - and a control group that received standard ADHD treatment.



A total of 41 individuals completed the entire programme.

Better sleep, improved quality of life, and fewer ADHD symptoms.

After three months, the researchers observed that the participants in the training group had significantly reduced their ADHD symptoms. Improvements included better sleep and an improved quality of life.

I was surprised by the undeniably positive results. I anticipated a difference between the clinician's assessment and the participant's self-reported improvement, but they were remarkably similar." Lena Axelsson Svedell, Physiotherapist and PhD student at orebro University

"I was also surprised that we obtained positive results on the subscale for the symptom hyperactivity. Previous studies have shown that training can improve inattention but have found no evidence that it improves hyperactivity."

Suitable for anyone waiting for an assessment

Researchers believe that the results demonstrate that physical exercise can be a valuable complement to medication and therapy, or an alternative for those who do not wish to or cannot take medication.



"The Start model could be used by virtually anyone waiting for an assessment, regardless of whether they receive a diagnosis or not - the exercise programme has no known side effects, only positive health benefits. Additionally, the Start model proved to be effective for both those on medication and those not, making it a useful adjunctive treatment for individuals who do not experience full effects from their medication," says Lena Axelsson Svedell.



The study, published in Frontiers in Psychiatry, is the first randomised controlled trial of an exercise programme for adults with ADHD in Sweden. The research was carried out by Lena Axelsson Svedell together with Mialinn Arvidsson Lindvall, Kajsa Lidstrom Holmqvist, Yang Cao, and Mussie Msghina.

Shaping the future of adult psychiatry

"My hope is that healthcare providers will take this on board and offer training support as an effective and valid method of reducing ADHD symptoms, while also improving physical and mental health. And that society will also recognise the importance of prioritising support for exercise as an intervention, including for local authorities and civil society. It's so worthwhile to support those who cannot find a routine or manage their physical activity on their own."



"It's going to be very exciting," says Lena Axelsson Svedell, who has been chosen by the Swedish Government Offices to sit on a working group shaping the future of adult psychiatry.
Patients with major depressive disorder, including those who have not responded to first-line antidepressants, may benefit from short-term nitrous oxide treatment, a major meta-analysis led by the University of Birmingham has found.

The new paper published in eBioMedicine today has assessed the best available clinical information to show how clinically administered nitrous oxide (N2O) can offer fast-acting depressive symptom relief for adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) and treatment-resistant depression (TRD).

TRD is characterised as depression that isn't effectively managed after a patient tries two different antidepressants. It affects approximately 48% of UK patients who experience limited benefit from standard treatments, according to a previous study* led by the research team.

Researchers from the University of Birmingham, University of Oxford, and Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust assessed seven clinical trials and four protocol papers published by investigators from around the world. Each research study looked at the use of nitrous oxide, also used as pain relief in a range of medical situations, for treating depressive disorders, including MDD, TRD and bipolar depression.

The team found that a single treatment of inhaled clinical nitrous oxide at 50% concentration (in three trials), produced rapid and significant reductions in depressive symptoms within 24 hours, although these effects were not sustained at one week. In contrast, repeated dosing over several weeks led to more durable improvements, suggesting that multiple treatment sessions (compared to a single dose) may be required to maintain clinical benefit. It is thought to target glutamate receptors in a similar way to ketamine, another rapid-acting antidepressant, and this may help explain why improvements in mood can be observed soon after inhalation.

Depression is a debilitating illness, made even more so by the fact that antidepressants make no meaningful difference for almost half of all patients diagnosed with it. There is a growing body of research on repurposing treatments from other clinical domains to alleviate low mood. This study brings together the best possible evidence indicating that nitrous oxide has the potential to provide swift and clinically significant short-term improvements in patients with severe depression. Our analyses show that nitrous oxide could form part of a new generation of rapid-acting treatments for depression. Importantly, it provides a foundation for future trials to investigate repeated and carefully managed dosing strategies that can further determine how best to use this treatment in clinical practice for patients who don't respond to conventional interventions." Kiranpreet Gill, a PhD researcher funded by the Medical Research Council at the University of Birmingham and first author of the study

Strong evidence, but limited numbers of trials currently

The meta-analysis of studies found strong evidence for short-term improvements in mood following nitrous oxide administration. Due to the limited number of existing trials, there was notable variability in how depressive symptoms were measured and reported, as well as in the timing of these assessments. Further studies are needed to determine the optimal dose, nitrous oxide's long-term safety, and the best way to integrate it into existing treatment pathways.

The team also examined the safety and potential side effects of nitrous oxide. Some patients experienced side effects such as nausea, dizziness and headaches, all of which passed quickly and resolved without medical intervention. While higher dosing (at 50% concentration) increased the likelihood of these side effects, none of the studies reported any short-term safety concerns. The researchers emphasised that longer-term safety must be assessed through future studies with extended follow-up periods.

Professor Steven Marwaha from the University of Birmingham, Honorary Consultant Psychiatrist at Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Foundation Trust, and senior author of the study said: "This is a significant milestone in understanding the potential of nitrous oxide as an added treatment option for patients with depression who have been failed by current treatments. This population has often lost hope of recovery, making the results of this study particularly exciting. These findings highlight the urgent need for new treatments that can complement existing care pathways, and further evidence is needed to understand how this approach can best support people living with severe depression."

The study was conducted by researchers at the Mental Health Mission Midlands Translational Centre, led by the University of Birmingham and funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research through the NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre. The team are working on improving treatment options for treatment-resistant depression in superdiverse and deprived populations. The Centre aims to accelerate the development and delivery of innovative, evidence-based interventions to improve outcomes and reduce disparities in mental health care.

This work also aligns with ongoing efforts within the Birmingham Clinic for Advanced Mood Disorder Management (CALM), where innovative, evidence-based treatments such as ketamine and neuromodulation are being delivered to people with severe or treatment-resistant depression.

Building on this translational pathway from discovery to clinical practice, the team is now preparing the first NHS trial in the UK to assess whether nitrous oxide can be delivered safely and acceptably as a treatment for major depression. The findings will help determine how nitrous oxide could be integrated into NHS care and may expand the range of innovative options available for patients who have not benefited from standard approaches.
A study of data from seven outpatient facilities in the New York region found that 20-24% of all the breast cancers diagnosed during an 11-year period were found in women age 18 to 49, according to research being presented today at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA).

This research shows that a significant proportion of cancers are diagnosed in women under 40, a group for whom there are no screening guidelines at this time. Consideration must be given by physicians caring for women in this age group to performing risk assessment in order to identify those who may benefit from more intensive screening due to being higher risk." Stamatia Destounis, M.D., radiologist Elizabeth Wende Breast Care (EWBC) in Rochester, New York

Emerging national trends highlight a rising incidence of breast cancer in younger women, prompting re-evaluation of age-based screening thresholds and risk stratification strategies.

For average-risk women, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends mammography screening every other year starting at age 40 and continuing through age 74. The American Cancer Society advises starting annual screening mammograms by age 45, with the choice to start between ages 40 to 44. Women who are at high risk for breast cancer based on certain factors could benefit from a breast MRI and a mammogram every year, typically starting at age 30, but there currently are no guidelines in place for younger women.

Dr. Destounis, along with her colleague Andrea L. Arieno, B.S., research manager at EWBC, sought to identify cancers diagnosed from 2014 through 2024 in a community practice consisting of seven outpatient facilities over a 200-mile radius in the Western New York region. They identified all breast cancers in the 18 to 49 age group and collected information from clinical imaging reports.

"We specifically collected details on how the cancer was found (screening or diagnostic), the type of cancer and other tumor characteristics," Dr. Destounis said. "We excluded cases that were not primary breast cancer. We analyzed trends over time by age subgroups, detection method and tumor biology. This helped us to identify how breast cancer presents in this patient population, how frequently it occurs and the types of tumors found."

A total of 1,799 breast cancers were diagnosed in 1,290 women, aged 18 to 49. Annual breast cancer diagnoses in this group ranged from 145 to 196, with a mean age at diagnosis of 42.6 years (range 23-49). Of these, 731 (41%) were detected on screening and 1,068 (59%) on diagnostic evaluation. There were 1,451 invasive cancer cases (80.7%), and 347 (19.3%) non-invasive cancer cases.

"Most of these cancers were invasive, meaning they could spread beyond the breast, and many were aggressive types-especially in women under 40," Dr. Destounis said. "Some were 'triple-negative,' a form of breast cancer that is harder to treat because it doesn't respond to common hormone-based therapies."

Even though women under 50 made up 21% to 25% of the patients that were screened yearly, they consistently accounted for one out of every four breast cancers found each year.

"This is striking because it shows that younger women not only carry a stable and substantial share of the breast cancer burden, but their tumors are often biologically aggressive," she said. "That combination-steady incidence plus disproportionately aggressive biology-directly challenges age-based screening cutoffs and strengthens the case for earlier, risk-tailored screening approaches."

Dr. Destounis noted that an important factor about the research is that the numbers stayed remarkably stable over the study period, even though fewer young women may have been seen overall, the absolute number of breast cancers in this group did not decrease.

"That means this problem is not going away," she said. "It is here to stay and needs to be addressed on a larger scale. Research such as this supports earlier and tailored screening to allow for earlier detection and better treatment outcomes. This data reinforces that women under 50, especially those under 40, shouldn't be seen as 'low risk' by default and can absolutely benefit from risk assessment being performed as early as possible."

Dr. Destounis cautioned that younger patients should be informed to be aware of changes in their breasts and to start screening in certain cases.

"Those with a strong family history or genetic mutation, as well as certain minorities and ethnic backgrounds, are at higher risk for breast cancer at a younger age," she said.

Dr. Destounis emphasized that the biggest takeaway of the study is that breast cancer in younger women is not rare, and when it does occur, it is often more serious.

"We can't rely only on age alone to decide who should be screened," she said. "Paying closer attention to personal and family history, and possibly screening earlier for some women, could help detect these cancers sooner."
A five-year, $2.8 million grant was awarded to researchers at UTHealth Houston by the National Institutes of Health to evaluate the long-term effects on patients enrolled in the "Cryopreserved Human Umbilical Cord as a Meningeal Patch in Fetoscopic Spina Bifida Repair" trial.

The study is led by Ramesha Papanna, MD, MPH, a professor at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston and a maternal-fetal surgeon at UTHealth Houston Fetal Center and Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital.

Funding will allow patients enrolled in the one-of-a-kind fetoscopic spina bifida repair study to be monitored until they are 30 months old.

Researchers will analyze neurological, motor, and developmental outcomes and their correlation with radiologic markers of spinal cord tethering in patients who were part of the study.

"It's remarkable that an idea we had 13 years ago has become a therapy improving outcomes for children with spina bifida, helping them walk sooner," said Papanna, who is internationally recognized for his research on improving outcomes following fetal intervention and investigating methods for the prevention of preterm delivery. "Advancing from bench concept to FDA phase 3 trial - backed by NIH grants - has been extraordinary. This new funding for the efficacy trial, already showing mobility gains, highlights the impact and promise for patients."

Spina bifida impacts roughly 1 in every 2,875 births in the U.S. each year. The neural tube defect occurs when the spine and spinal cord fail to close properly during early pregnancy, leading to varying degrees of disability such as leg weakness, paralysis, and bladder or bowel issues. The condition can be categorized into three levels of severity: spina bifida occulta (mild), meningocele (moderate), and myelomeningocele (severe).

While there is no cure, treatment for the condition includes surgery, ongoing medical care, and physical therapy.

The UTHealth Houston team is currently in late-stage testing of the trial after successfully completing an early feasibility trial to establish the safety of the procedure.

Patients enrolled in the trial undergo a fetoscopic procedure that differs from open in utero repair, which requires a large incision on the uterus and delivery by cesarean section. Instead, the fetal intervention team repairs the spina bifida defect in two layers through three small incisions in the uterus using a fetoscope, a high-resolution camera, and tiny surgical tools. The first layer is closed using a cryopreserved human umbilical cord patch placed over the spinal cord, followed by a second layer of primary closure of the skin. Mothers undergo vaginal delivery, unless there is an obstetrical indication for C-section.

Once delivered, a team of experts, who are co-investigators in the trial, schedule appointments for follow-up evaluations at 12 and 30 months old.

The team includes Stephen Fletcher, DO, the Dr. Marnie Rose Professor in Pediatric Neurosurgery at McGovern Medical School and a pediatric neurosurgeon at UTHealth Houston Fetal Center; Gabriel Anzueto, MD, the Raghuthaman Family Professor in Pediatric Neurology and Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics at McGovern Medical School and a developmental pediatrician at UT Physicians; and Rajan Patel, MD, a pediatric neuroradiologist at Texas Children's Hospital.

During these appointments, the children undergo comprehensive neurological and developmental assessments, as well as MRIs of the brain and spinal cord.

Follow?up is essential, not only for each child's care but also for the success of the study. These evaluations show us how children are progressing after this innovative therapy and help identify both positive outcomes and any areas that may need attention." Ramesha Papanna, MD, MPH, Professor, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston

Additional UTHealth Houston clinical collaborators for the study include McGovern Medical School and the Fetal Center's KuoJen Tsao, MD, The Children's Fund, Inc. Distinguished Professor in Pediatric Surgery and a pediatric general and thoracic surgeon; Jimmy Espinoza, MD, professor of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive sciences and an OB-GYN; Sami Backley, MD, assistant professor of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive sciences and a maternal-fetal medicine specialist; Peter Yang, MD, assistant professor of pediatric neurosurgery and a pediatric neurosurgeon; Jason Au, MD, assistant professor of diagnostic and interventional imaging and a pediatric urologist; and Suzanne Lopez, MD, professor of neonatal-perinatal medicine and a neonatologist. Research collaborators part of the trial includes Lovepreet K. Mann, MBBS, associate professor of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive sciences, and Dejian Lai, PhD, professor of biostatics at UTHealth Houston School of Public Health.

Families and physicians looking for more information on how to enroll in the trial can visit the UTHealth Houston Fetal Center's trial page.
A major scientific review uncovers how a simple cup of brewed tea can deliver real health gains, from heart protection to sharper cognition. However, it also warns consumers about the risks hiding in supplements and processed tea drinks.

Study: Beneficial health effects and possible health concerns of tea consumption: a review. Image credit: Pixel-Shot/Shutterstock.com

In a recent study published in Beverage Plant Research, researchers examined the health effects of tea consumption. They concluded that tea is broadly safe and beneficial, particularly when consumed as traditional brewed tea. Green tea exhibits the most consistent benefits, although black and other teas also offer advantages.

A globally popular beverage

Tea made from Camellia sinensis is among the most widely consumed beverages worldwide, with black and green teas accounting for the majority of production. Modern research has focused on identifying the active compounds that contribute to these effects, particularly tea polyphenols, mainly catechins in green tea and theaflavins and thearubigins in black tea.

Green tea is minimally fermented, preserving high levels of catechins, while black tea undergoes extensive oxidation that converts catechins into complex polyphenols. Caffeine and the amino acid theanine also contribute to teas physiological actions.

Large cohort studies have linked tea consumption to lower cardiovascular mortality, a reduced risk of certain cancers, and a decreased incidence of type 2 diabetes. Laboratory studies provide mechanisms related to antioxidant activity, improved lipid metabolism, and modulation of signaling pathways. However, translating findings from cell and animal studies to humans is challenging due to differences in bioavailability, dosage, and physiology.

Heart disease, cancer, and mortality

The strongest and most consistent evidence links tea consumption, particularly green tea, to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Large cohort studies demonstrate that drinking around 1.5 to 3 cups per day lowers CVD and all-cause mortality, with cardiovascular benefits remaining significant even at higher intakes. However, diminishing returns are observed for overall mortality.

Benefits observed in Japan, China, and the UK suggest that both green and black tea contribute to improved vascular health. Mechanistic studies suggest that polyphenols reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, enhance endothelial function, lower blood pressure, and exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Evidence for cancer prevention is more mixed: while animal studies are robust, human findings vary by cancer type and population. Still, meta-analyses support risk reductions for oral, lung (in women), and colon cancers with regular green tea intake.

Weight management and type 2 diabetes

Green tea and catechin-rich preparations show modest but consistent effects on reducing body weight and fat mass, particularly in overweight individuals. Trials report reductions in LDL cholesterol and oxidative stress after several weeks of consumption.

Cohort studies generally indicate a lower risk of type 2 diabetes with higher tea intake. Yet, contradictory findings exist, most notably from the Shanghai Womens and Mens Health Studies, which reported an increased risk of diabetes.

Randomized trials in diabetic patients have not shown improvements in glucose or insulin measures, leaving uncertainty about teas role in glycemic control.

Neuroprotection and muscle health during aging

Epidemiological evidence from China and Japan suggests that habitual tea drinking is associated with reduced cognitive decline, improved cognitive performance, and lower biomarkers linked to Alzheimers disease. Meta-analyses also find a clear protective association, with the strongest effects observed in adults aged 50 to 69 years. Theanine, a unique component of tea, may contribute to stress-reduction and neurocalming effects, as well as its ability to cross the bloodbrain barrier.

Research indicates that catechin-rich extracts can help maintain or increase muscle mass and strength, especially in older adults or individuals with sarcopenia. Human trials have shown improved grip strength and muscle function after supplementation, while animal studies have demonstrated protective effects against disuse-induced muscle loss.

Inflammation, immunity, and disease protection

Green tea consumption is linked to lower uric acid levels, with stronger associations observed in men. Small experimental studies have shown an enhanced excretion of uric acid following the intake of tea or catechins. Tea polyphenols also reduce inflammatory markers and improve markers of oxidative stress, including in individuals with hypertension or chronic kidney disease.

Tea catechins inhibit a wide range of bacteria and viruses. In the oral cavity, catechins can reduce the growth of cariogenic bacteria and improve oral health. Some demonstrate antiviral effects against hepatitis viruses, influenza, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), and human papillomavirus (HPV), mainly by blocking viral entry processes. However, most antiviral studies are in vitro and cannot be directly extrapolated to humans.

Different types of tea and tea-based beverages

Although green tea carries the strongest evidence base, Oolong, white, dark, and yellow teas also show potential benefits. Animal studies comparing teas made from the same leaf batches suggest Oolong tea may outperform others in weight control, while white tea may be most effective for lipid reduction. Still, these findings cannot be reliably generalized to humans.

Bottled or bubble teas pose health concerns due to the addition of sugars, sweeteners, and preservatives, which may counteract their natural benefits. Processing and storage also reduce catechin content compared with traditional brewing.

Conclusions

The review highlights strong human evidence for cardiovascular and metabolic benefits of tea, with additional promising effects on cognition, muscle health, inflammation, and microbial activity. A major strength is its reliance on large cohort data supplemented by mechanistic insights.

However, inconsistent findings, especially for diabetes and cancer, and limited human research on non-green teas remain significant limitations. Results from animal and in vitro studies cannot be directly extrapolated to humans.

Despite these gaps, the overall conclusion is that tea is a safe, health-promoting beverage when consumed traditionally. However, high-dose supplements and low-quality commercial products present potential risks that consumers should be aware of. Further high-quality human research is needed across diverse tea types and health outcomes.

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Canada joins EU defence fund as country pivots away from US

Last Updated: December 02, 2025, 03:45 IST

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Toronto, Dec 2 (AP) Canada has joined a major European Union defence fund, Prime Minister Mark Carneys office has said, as the country looks to diversify its military spending away from the United States.

The plan allows Canadian defence companies access to a 150 billion euro (USD 170 billion) EU loan programme, known as Security Action for Europe, or SAFE. That would allow Canadians firms to secure cheap, EU-backed loans to procure military equipment.

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Canadas participation in SAFE will fill key capability gaps, expand markets for Canadian suppliers, and attract European defense investment into Canada," Carney said in a statement.

Canada is the first non-EU country to gain access.

Carney has said he intends to diversify Canadas procurement and enhance the countrys relationship with the EU. He has previously said that no more will over 70 cents of every dollar of Canadian military capital spending go to the US.

US President Donald Trumps actions  including launching a trade war and suggesting Canada become the 51st US state  infuriated Canadians and created the political environment for Carney to win the job of prime minister after promising to confront Trumps increased aggression.

Carneys government continues to review the purchase of US F-35 fighter jets to explore other options. Carney has said the potential for having more production in Canada is a factor. A proposal by Swedens Saab promised that assembly and maintenance of the Saab Gripen fighter jet would take place in Canada.

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Canada has said it will meet NATOs military spending guideline by early next year.

Talks on the UK joining the SAFE fund ended without agreement last week. Negotiations foundered over money, with Europe demanding more for Britains participation than the UK was willing to pay. (AP) DIV DIV

First Published: December 02, 2025, 03:45 IST

News agency-feeds Canada joins EU defence fund as country pivots away from US

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KIIFB CEO rejects ED's charges of FEMA violation in Masala Bond issue

Last Updated: December 01, 2025, 22:15 IST

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Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 1 (PTI) KIIFB CEO K M Abraham on Monday clarified on the notice served by the ED in the Masala Bond case and said the board has not violated any provision of FEMA or any other law.

The allegations in the Enforcement Directorates show cause notice are based on false figures, misrepresentation of facts, and a flawed understanding of applicable regulations, he said in a Facebook post.

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As CEO, I wish to state categorically and unequivocally that KIIFB has not violated any provision of FEMA or any other law. The deployment of Masala Bond proceeds has been lawful, proper, and in service of Keralas infrastructure development," Abraham said.

Earlier in the day, the ED officials confirmed that show cause notices were served to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, former finance minister T M Thomas Issac and the CMs chief principal secretary and Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board CEO Abraham in the Masala Bond case.

The notice, which does not require a personal appearance, was issued about 10-12 days ago by the federal probe agency under the provisions of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA).

Abraham said the ED notices to the CM, Isaac and himself pertain to the deployment of funds from KIIFBs Masala Bond issued in 2019, specifically alleging violations of the FEMA in the use of Rs 466 crore for land purchase.

The deployment of these funds has been carried out in strict compliance with all applicable regulations, including the Reserve Bank of Indias External Commercial Borrowing (ECB) guidelines and FEMA provisions as applicable from time to time, he claimed.

Every rupee has been accounted for, audited, and deployed for legitimate infrastructure development," he said.

Abraham alleged that the ED in its showing cause notice conveniently ignores the fact that land acquisition is not an activity prohibited under the applicable directions of RBI under FEMA.

Stating that the Masala Bond issue itself was a landmark achievement, he said the KIIFB will file a comprehensive and detailed response to the show cause notice, addressing every allegation with documentary evidence and legal analysis.

All deployment of Masala Bond proceeds has been in strict compliance with FEMA and RBIs ECB guidelines as they stood in 2019," he said.

The distinction between land acquisition for public infrastructure and commercial land purchase is legally valid and recognised by authorities, including the CAG, he said.

The official said that Rs 466 crore as alleged by the ED for land purchase was completely false.

The actual deployment for land acquisition was only Rs 66 crore, all for legitimate infrastructure purposes, he further said.

Not a single rupee of Masala Bond proceeds has been used for any purpose that violates FEMA provisions or RBI guidelines," he added.

Stating that KIIFB stands ready to face any legitimate scrutiny, he said there is nothing to hide and everything to defend.

These baseless allegations will be countered through all available legal forums to establish the truth through documentary evidence and legal argument. And we will continue, undeterred, with KIIFBs mission of building a modern, prosperous Kerala," he said.

The official said motivated investigations would not be allowed based on false allegations to derail the states progress.

This statement is issued in the interest of transparency, to correct the false narrative being created through selective media leaks, and to reaffirm KIIFBs commitment to lawful and transparent functioning," he added in the FB post.

ED sources said the show cause notice is issued after the end of the investigation in a FEMA investigation, and the contravention quantified in it is akin to a penalty.

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The probe is related to the end-use of Rs 2,000 crore raised by KIIFB through masala bonds, and its compliance with the FEMA norms.

KIIFB is the primary agency of the state government for financing large and critical infrastructure projects and had raised Rs 2,150 crore in 2019 through its debut masala bond issue as part of its plan to mobilise Rs 50,000 crore to fund large and critical infrastructure projects in the state. PTI LGK KH

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First Published: December 01, 2025, 22:15 IST

News agency-feeds KIIFB CEO rejects ED's charges of FEMA violation in Masala Bond issue

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Man shot dead at village market in Pratapgarh, accused arrested

Last Updated: December 02, 2025, 00:15 IST

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Pratapgarh (UP), Dec 1 (PTI) A 28-year-old man was shot dead at a village market in Pratapgarh district on Monday evening, police said, adding that the accused has been arrested.

ASP Brijnandan Rai said Mohammad Tashkeel (28), a resident of Udharanpur village, had gone to the market in Kalyanpur on Monday evening, when Aman, a resident of Asav village, allegedly shot him with a country-made pistol, killing him on the spot.

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After committing the crime, the accused climbed onto the roof of a house in the market in a bid to escape, but the locals locked him on the rooftop and informed the police.

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Police arrested Aman and recovered the country-made pistol from his possession. Tashkeel and the accused had a dispute in Delhi, where they worked, and had returned to the village a few days ago.

Police suspect that Aman shot Tashkeel over a personal grudge. PTI COR RAJ ARI

First Published: December 02, 2025, 00:15 IST

News agency-feeds Man shot dead at village market in Pratapgarh, accused arrested

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Many of them are no good: Trump intends to pause asylum for a long time

Last Updated: December 01, 2025, 07:30 IST

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Washington, DC, [US], December 1 (ANI): As the US administration makes several moves on countrys immigration policy, President Donald Trump said that he intends to pause asylum for a long time".They are the people who shouldnt be in our country, including Somalians and plenty of others," Trump told reporters while referring to the Afghan national accused of shooting near White House. He was speaking to reporters on board Air Force One. When asked about the duration of the pause on asylum, Trump said that it would be for a long time since most of them are no good".For a long time. No time limit. We dont want those people. We have enough problems. You know why? Because many of them are no good and they shouldnt be in our country," he added. Launching a scathing attack on immigrants from countries like Somalia, Trump said that they dont have governments or police and go around killing each other". These people are the people from different countries that arent friendly to the us and the countries that are out of control themselves. Countries like Somalia that have virtually no governmnet, military or police. All they do is go around killing each other. Then they come into our country and tell us how to run our country. We dont want them," Trump said.Although Trump did not elaborate on the number of countries targeted, he said it is likely more than 19.They are not good countries. They are very crime-ridden countries. They are countries that dont register from a standpoint of success. We, frankly, dont need their people in our country and telling us what to do," he added. Speaking on the attack on two members of the National Guard, Trump said, Andrew is fighting for his life".He added that he intends to honour both of them at the White House.Trump on Sunday (local time) lambasted the previous Joe Biden administration, accusing its leaders of screwing the country" by admitting unchecked and unvetted" immigrants. The President also hit out at former Vice President Kamala Harris for letting anyone and everyone come in" to the US, who was responsible for overseeing the countrys border security policies and immigration enforcement efforts.Crooked Joe Biden, Mayorkas, and so-called Border Czar Kamala Harris really screwed our Country by letting anyone and everyone come in totally unchecked and unvetted," Trump posted on Truth Social.The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) also accused the previous Biden administration of committing an act of national self-sabotage" by letting immigrants like Lakanwal into the country. The department further stated that immigration requests for Afghan nationals have been suspended indefinitely.Kristi Noem, Secretary at the DHS, has held the previous Joe Biden administration responsible for the killing of National Guard member Spec. Sarah Beckstrom in the White House shooting.This individuals application to be in this country started under the Joe Biden administration. The consequences of the shooting and the death of Sarah are directly on the shoulders of Joe Biden and his administration," Noem said while referring to suspect Rahmanullah Lakanwal being charged with first-degree murder after one of the two severely wounded National Guard members died.Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe (24), the other National Guard member, battles for his life as he recovers from severe injuries from the shooting.Lakanwal (29) migrated from Afghanistan in 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome" during Joe Bidens tenure, after the chaotic withdrawal of US forces in Afghanistan. (ANI)

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First Published: December 01, 2025, 07:30 IST

News agency-feeds Many of them are no good: Trump intends to pause asylum for a long time

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Prostate cancer screening rejected by UK govt advisers heres why

Last Updated: December 01, 2025, 11:00 IST

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London, Dec 1 (The Conversation) A roster of high profile advocates, including sportsmen, actors, two previous prime ministers and over 100 MPs, have recently joined patient groups and charities in calling for a UK national prostate cancer screening programme.

However, the UK National Screening Committee (UKNSC) has announced its draft decision to advise the government against routine population screening for all men. It has also rejected calls for a specific screening programme for black men due to uncertainties" given the lack of clinical trials in this population group.

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Instead, it recommended targeted screening every two years for a small proportion of men  those aged 45 to 61 years with a confirmed BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation. Three in every 1,000 men carry these gene variants and may develop faster-growing and more aggressive cancer at a younger age.

Why such caution? The UK screening committee commissioned the Sheffield Centre for Health and Related Research (Scharr) to model the cost-effectiveness of prostate cancer screening. It looked at screening all-risk men, black men, men with family history of cancer and BRCA carriers. Its initial findings were that screening for BRCA carriers was the most cost-effective, and there was the most uncertainty about screening all-risk men.

These findings reflect limitations with the way screening would be carried out. The evidence shows that the standard blood test used for early detection, the prostate specific antigen (PSA) test, is not accurate enough when used as a general screening tool.

The PSA test often fails to distinguish between cancers that would cause serious illness and those that would remain harmless for a mans lifetime, such as a benign enlargement of the prostate called benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH. That means screening with PSA alone could result in false positive tests.

As a result, many men could face invasive follow-up procedures or treatments, including surgery or radiotherapy that carry serious risks, such as incontinence and sexual side-effects, even when their cancer posed little threat. Conversely, the PSA test may also miss some cancers (called false negatives") with dangerous health consequences if not detected and appropriately treated.

Compounding the problem is a lack of convincing evidence that mass screening reduces the number of deaths from prostate cancer. The UKNSC has so far concluded that the balance of harms and benefits does not support a nationwide screening programme.

That said, the committee recognises the debate is not over. Screening proponents point to newer data. A recent study in the BMJ showed that PSA-based screening could reduce prostate cancer deaths by about 13% over time.

Meanwhile, advances in technology have improved diagnostic pathways. Many men with high PSA levels are now offered an MRI scan before biopsy, reducing unnecessary biopsies and the risks associated with them.

Assuming the government follows the committees advice, what this means for now in practical terms is that most men in the UK will not be invited for regular prostate cancer checks.

The only widespread option remains the informed choice" route, where men aged 50 years or over who want a PSA test can ask their GP, but even then, they should be informed of the possible risks as well as the benefits of testing.

However, this may not be the end of the story. The committee has opened a consultation on its draft recommendation and on the Scharr study. It is due to make its final recommendation in March 2026. It has also commissioned Scharr to undertake further modelling.

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The health secretary, Wes Streeting, who will make the final decision on screening, said: I will examine the evidence and arguments in this draft recommendation thoroughly, bringing together those with differing views, ahead of the final recommendation in March." The week before the recommendation was announced, a major two-year trial was launched to assess and compare different screening methods, including fast MRI scans, genetic testing and PSA blood testing.

But until screening can reliably tell harmful cancers from harmless ones, the risk of overdiagnosis and overtreatment will remain a real and serious concern. (The Conversation) SCY SCY

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First Published: December 01, 2025, 11:00 IST

News agency-feeds Prostate cancer screening rejected by UK govt advisers heres why

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RBI governor releases five-year national financial inclusion strategy

Last Updated: December 01, 2025, 22:00 IST

Representational image (Image: News18)

Mumbai, Dec 1 (PTI) Reserve Bank Governor Sanjay Malhotra on Monday released a national strategy aimed to deepen financial inclusion over the next five years.

The National Strategy for Financial Inclusion (NSFI): 2025-30 emphasises a synergistic ecosystem approach, improving the quality and consistency of last-mile access and effective usage of financial services.

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The strategy lists out five objectives called Panch-Jyoti that are aimed at elevating the state of financial inclusion in the country and 47 action points to achieve.

These include adopting a gender-sensitive approach for women-led financial inclusion and differentiated strategies for improving the financial resilience of households, especially for the underserved and vulnerable segments, as per an official statement.

Efforts are also centred around improving the availability and use of an equitable, responsible, suitable, and affordable bouquet of financial services to achieve financial safety and financial security for households and micro enterprises, the RBI said.

The Panch-Jyoti strategy is also focusing on synergising livelihood, skill development and support ecosystem and its linkages with financial inclusion, the central bank said.

In his foreword, Malhotra said that the earlier five-year strategy ending in 2024 has achieved its objectives.

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Efforts will also be made to leverage financial education as a tool for promoting financial discipline, and strengthen the quality and reliability of customer protection and grievance redressal measures.

The five-year strategy has been framed under the aegis of Technical Group on Financial Inclusion and Financial Literacy (TGFIFL) following country-wide discussions with various stakeholders by the RBI and consultations involving the Department of Economic Affairs and Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance, Securities and Exchange Board of India, Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India, Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority, National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development, National Skill Development Corporation, and National Centre for Financial Education. PTI AA HVA

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First Published: December 01, 2025, 22:00 IST

News agency-feeds RBI governor releases five-year national financial inclusion strategy

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Monthly Horoscope December 2025: Astrological Predictions For All Zodiac Signs

Written By :

GaneshaGrace

Last Updated: December 01, 2025, 07:25 IST

This December, Aries and Taurus will deepen relationships, while Gemini and Cancer face communication hurdles. Scorpio and Pisces find emotional balance, guiding personal growth.

December 2025 Horoscope: Monthly Horoscope by Chirag Daruwalla.

Monthly Horoscope December 2025: This month brings a mix of opportunities and challenges for all zodiac signs, with a particular focus on relationships and personal growth. Aries will experience deepening emotional connections, with the chance to strengthen romantic bonds. Taurus will find harmony in relationships, improving communication and emotional bonds with loved ones.

Gemini may face some communication challenges and stress in relationships, but patience and open conversations will help resolve issues. Cancer will also face tensions in personal relationships, requiring sensitivity and effort to improve connections. Leo will shine with confidence, enhancing creativity and building meaningful relationships. Virgo will experience positive energy, fostering deeper emotional connections and new opportunities in love.

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Libra may struggle with relationship balance, but introspection and open communication can help resolve issues. Scorpios will thrive in their relationships, with deep, meaningful conversations strengthening bonds and resolving old differences. Sagittarius may feel uncertain and stagnant in their relationships, but patience and mutual understanding will help overcome challenges.

Capricorn will enjoy a positive month, strengthening relationships with empathy, creativity, and emotional depth. Aquarius may experience mental instability and communication challenges, but self-analysis and inner peace will help navigate these difficulties. Pisces will face emotional stress and chaos, but restraint and patience in relationships will help maintain harmony.

Overall, its a month of introspection, emotional depth, and the opportunity to nurture and strengthen personal relationships.

Aries Monthly Horoscope

Ganesha says this month is going to be very good for Aries. New possibilities and opportunities will knock on your door in your life. This period is also very good for strengthening your personal relationships. You will enjoy spending time with your family and friends, which will increase mutual understanding and love. New energy will flow in old relationships, and this is the time to share your feelings.

This month, the environment around you will also be positive, due to which you will be able to spend sweet moments with your beloved. During this time, your sensitivity and romanticism will be at their peak, so express your feelings openly. You will be successful in taking your relationships to new heights. This month will bring great experiences for you in terms of relationships and attachment. Try to strengthen these relationships; this will definitely make your life even happier.

Taurus Monthly Horoscope

Ganesha says this month will be very favorable and soothing for Taurus people. You will get a golden opportunity to establish balance in various circumstances of your life. You will experience depth and dedication in your relationships. This is a time when you can increase harmony and strengthen emotional bonds with those closest to you. Your communication skills will improve during this period, which will allow you to express your feelings and thoughts in the best possible way. This will reduce the distance between you and your loved ones.

If you have had some troubles in the past, this month is the time to leave them all behind. This atmosphere of positivity and love will fill your heart with happiness. This is also the right time to make new friendships and relationships, which will add color and happiness to your life. In short, this month will be completely favorable to improve your relationships and overall life.

Gemini Monthly Horoscope

Ganesha says this month will be full of some challenges for Gemini natives. You may face some obstacles in your relationships at this time. Your art of conversation and communication, which has always been helpful to you, will be tested this month. There is a possibility of experiencing stress in family or personal matters, which may also affect your mental health. This month, you need to steer your conversations with your loved ones in the right direction. Patience and understanding will be necessary to make things better. Try to control your emotions. If you feel that something is bothering you, share it openly.

Creativity may decrease this month. You may have difficulty expressing your thoughts and feelings. But there will be some opportunities amidst the challenges; you just have to keep your attitude positive. Spend some time strengthening your relationships at this time and expect good results.

Cancer Monthly Horoscope

Ganesha says this month will be full of some challenges for Cancer people. This can be a time of tension in your social life and family relationships. You will need more sensitivity and empathy in your relationships, as small things can create big problems. Sensitivity is very important when communicating with your partner, so speak thoughtfully. It is important to be patient during this time. If you want to strengthen your relationships, you will have to invest both time and effort.

This month may give you a chance to think deeply so that you can make the foundation of your relationships even stronger. Try to stay away from negativity and try to spend time with your loved ones with full dedication. If you take the right steps to improve your relationships, you can turn this situation in the right direction. Through positive thinking and cooperation, you can come out of difficult times.

Leo Monthly Horoscope

Ganesha says this month will be very encouraging for Leos. Your confidence will shine and lead you to new possibilities. During this time, you will be able to hone your creativity and get the opportunity to express your ideas effectively. This is the time for you to express yourself, share your thoughts and feelings. This month, your sociability will also shine, which can lead to new relationships and friendships.

You will establish better relationships with people around you, which will make you feel emotional dedication. The efforts you make will definitely give positive results, and the desire to spend time with your loved ones will increase. This month will be important for you to balance your social and personal life. Speak openly and share your thoughts, as this will help you understand yourself better. This is the right time to bring depth and understanding to relationships. Thus, this month is overall great for you.

Virgo Monthly Horoscope

Ganesha says this month, the entire environment is going to be very positive for Virgos. New energy will flow in your life, which will enable you to build better relationships with people around you. This is the time to communicate with loved ones and strengthen emotional bonds. Your sensitivity and empathy will characterize this month, enabling you to become a strong support for your friends and family.

Mutual understanding and trust will give a new dimension to your relationship. A new depth will be seen in love and relationships, which will increase your personal happiness. This time is especially suitable for those Virgos who want to bring excitement into their relationship or are willing to start a new love story. Your thinking and approach will make the relationship even stronger. Overall, this month will be full of joyful and pleasant emotions for you, which will give a new direction to your personal life.

Libra Monthly Horoscope

Ganesha says the overall situation may remain somewhat challenging for Libras this month. You may feel that there is a lack of spontaneity in your relationship. This time indicates a loss of balance due to some reason. You may feel that there are some obstacles in communicating with loved ones, which may make you feel uncomfortable. This is a time of introspection, where you have to analyze your feelings and understand what things are bringing negativity into your relationship.

You must talk openly to your partner and express your concerns clearly. Your cooperation can improve your relationship. Resort to creative activities to keep the mental state strong, although this time is also indicating a slight hindrance in creativity. Consider this month as an important opportunity to understand your feelings and take a step forward towards strengthening relationships. Maintain a positive attitude and take steps thoughtfully.

Scorpio Monthly Horoscope

Ganesha says overall, the situation is going to be very good for Scorpio people this month. You will find the ability to understand your emotions with your inner energy and passion. This is the time to strengthen personal relationships. You will have deep and meaningful conversations with your loved ones, which will take your relationships to a new level. Your sensitivity and depth will be especially beneficial for you this month.

This is a favorable time to make new friendships and contacts. Your charm and charisma will give you a prominent place in the social circle. There will be an opportunity to resolve old differences, which will bring positivity to relationships. This month will be extremely pleasant for your emotions and relationships. Listen to your heart, be open, and be ready to give love and support. Your inner strength and intensity will help you write a new story this month. It is time for you to rejuvenate your relationships, and you will enjoy the process.

Sagittarius Monthly Horoscope

Ganesha says this month, you may face some challenging situations. Uncertainty may dominate your mind and heart, making it difficult for you to focus on your relationships. This time will make you feel stagnant in some matters, especially in your relationships. You will need to communicate with your loved ones, but during this time, you may experience some anxiety and doubt. Your feelings with your partner or loved one may weaken for some time.

You must remain patient and try to understand your inner self. This is also an opportunity for you to strengthen your relationship; however, this process may take some time. Strive for mutual understanding and cooperation, which will help resolve all the confusion. Always remember that challenges only come as opportunities, which can strengthen you and your relationships. This month, move forward with a new vision and strengthen your relationship with your loved ones.

Capricorn Monthly Horoscope

Ganesha says this month is very good for Capricorns. There will be a wonderful feeling of positivity in your life. People around you will feel your energy, and you will be the center of attention this month. Its time to rejuvenate your relationships. Moments spent with friends and family will bring you happiness. There are also chances of new friendships, which can bring new light to your life. Your understanding and empathy will make your relationships even stronger this month.

You will go emotionally deep with your colleagues. It is time to share thoughts and feelings, which will make mutual relationships even stronger. Your creativity will be at its peak this month, which will enable you to express your ideas beautifully. Overall, it is time to renew your relationships and share your experiences. This month, you will experience positivity in your personal relationships, which will bring you happiness and satisfaction.

Aquarius Monthly Horoscope

Ganesha says this month can be a bit challenging for Aquarius people. Your mental state and emotions may remain unstable at this time. You may feel that the situations around you are stressing you, due to which you are not able to react spontaneously. This month, you may face some anxiety in your relationships. Communication with your loved ones may be disrupted, leaving you confused.

However, this is the right time to strive for inner peace. Find the right way to express your feelings. Be patient to understand any situation better. Open communication is necessary to establish harmony in relationships. This is also a time for self-analysis. Identify your weaknesses and try to improve them. Be ready for new experiences and try to engage in some creative work to reduce stress. Remember, after every challenge comes an opportunity.

Pisces Monthly Horoscope

Ganesha says the situation seems to be somewhat challenging for Pisces. At this time, you may have to face many types of emotions and mental stress. There may be some instability and chaos in your life, due to which you may face problems in your daily life. However, during this time, you can try to build better relationships with your loved ones. You will feel the need to express your feelings. But it is important to control your sensitivity and understand others.

You will understand that restraint and patience can help strengthen your relationships. Your introvert nature may make you stay in solitude for some time, but do not forget to communicate with your loved ones. This month will be about recognizing the depth of your emotions and nurturing your relationships. Maintain a positive attitude, it will help you deal with this challenging time in a better way.

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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: December 01, 2025, 07:25 IST

News astrology Monthly Horoscope December 2025: Astrological Predictions For All Zodiac Signs

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Auto Sales November 2025: Tata Motors PV, Maruti, TVS, Toyota Post Double-Digit Growth Numbers

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 01, 2025, 15:48 IST

India's automobile industry reports strong November 2025 numbers across passenger vehicles on the back of festive season demand, GST 2.0 reforms and improving rural sentiment.

Auto Sales Data November 2025.

Auto Sales November 2025: Indias automobile industry reported strong November 2025 numbers across passenger vehicles, two-wheelers and tractors, with most major manufacturers posting double-digit year-on-year growth on the back of festive season demand, GST 2.0 reforms and improving rural sentiment.

Maruti Suzuki Reports Highest-Ever Monthly Sales

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Maruti Suzuki India recorded its highest-ever monthly sales at 2,29,021 units in November 2025, which is 26.16% higher than the 1,81,531 units sold in November 2024. Domestic sales stood at 1,74,593 units, with 8,371 units supplied to other OEMs and exports touching a record 46,057 units.

Tata Motors PV Posts 25.6% Increase In Sales

Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles delivered one of its strongest performances, posting 25.6 per cent year-on-year growth with total sales of 59,199 units compared with 47,117 units last November. Domestic PV sales, including EVs, rose 22 per cent to 57,436 units. International business volumes surged to 1,763 units from just 54 units last year, while EV sales jumped 52.1 per cent to 7,911 units.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Wholesale Numbers Rise 19%

Toyota Kirloskar Motor said its wholesales rose 19 per cent year-on-year to 30,085 units in November, up from 25,182 units a year earlier. Following a positive festive season supported by the governments progressive GST reforms, we continue to witness a strong momentum, with a growth of 19 per cent," said Varinder Wadhwa, Vice President, Sales  Service  Used Car Business. He added that new models such as the Urban Cruiser Hyryder Aero Edition and Fortuner Leader Edition have strengthened the companys growth trajectory.

Mahindra & Mahindra Posts 19% Rise In Sales

Mahindra & Mahindra reported a similar 19 per cent rise in total sales to 92,670 units. Passenger vehicle sales in the domestic market grew 22 per cent to 56,336 units, while domestic commercial vehicle volumes increased 17 per cent to 24,843 units. The companys Farm Equipment Business sold 42,273 tractors in the domestic market, up 33 per cent from 31,746 units last year. Total tractor sales rose to 44,048 units, while exports increased to 1,775 units.

This comes on the back of a strong growth of 27 per cent for the festive period of September & October 2025. There is positive sentiment among farmers with record production this kharif season & increase in rabi sowing acreage," said Veejay Nakra, President, Farm Equipment Business. He added that GST rate cuts and higher MSP are improving farmer cash flows and boosting demand.

Hyundai Motor India Sales Rise 9.1%

Hyundai Motor India reported total sales of 66,840 units in November, up 9.1 per cent year-on-year. Domestic sales stood at 50,340 units, while exports rose sharply to 16,500 units, reflecting a 26.9 per cent jump. Supported by GST 2.0 reforms, we continue to carry forward sales momentum," said Tarun Garg, Wholetime Director & COO. He noted that the all-new Hyundai VENUE has crossed 32,000 bookings within a month of launch.

Bajaj Auto Sales Fall 1%

Bajaj Auto saw a marginal 1 per cent decline in domestic two-wheeler sales to 2,02,510 units, though overall wholesales including exports rose 8 per cent to 4,53,273 units. Total domestic sales, including commercial vehicles, grew 3 per cent to 2,47,516 units, while exports jumped 14 per cent to 2,05,757 units. Total two-wheeler sales (including exports) increased 3 per cent to 3,79,714 units.

TVS Motor Records 30% Growth In Sales

TVS Motor Company reported one of the strongest performances in the two-wheeler segment, registering 30 per cent overall growth with November sales at 5,19,508 units. Total two-wheeler sales grew 27 per cent to 4,97,841 units, while domestic two-wheelers rose 20 per cent to 3,65,608 units. Motorcycle sales surged 34 per cent, scooter sales grew 27 per cent, and EV sales jumped 46 per cent to 38,307 units. International business volumes climbed 58 per cent to 1,48,315 units. Three-wheeler sales grew an impressive 147 per cent to 21,667 units.

Escorts Kubota Sees 17.9% Sales Growth

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Escorts Kubota posted robust tractor sales with 10,580 units sold in November, a growth of 17.9 per cent from 8,974 units last year. Domestic tractor sales rose 15.9 per cent to 10,122 units, aided by government incentives, lower GST on farm machinery, improving reservoir levels and strong rabi sowing progress. Exports nearly doubled to 458 units from 244 units a year earlier.

With strong festive demand, improved rural liquidity, GST reforms and new model launches across segments, November 2025 emerged as one of the strongest months of the year for Indias automobile industry.

About the Author Mohammad Haris Haris is Deputy News Editor (Business) at news18.com. He writes on various issues related to personal finance, markets, economy and companies. Having over a decade of experience in financial journalis... Read More

First Published: December 01, 2025, 15:48 IST

News business economy Auto Sales November 2025: Tata Motors PV, Maruti, TVS, Toyota Post Double-Digit Growth Numbers

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Schools, Colleges In Chennai, Other Tamil Nadu Districts To Remain Shut On Tuesday

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 01, 2025, 19:10 IST

Tamil Nadu faces heavy rain, closing schools in Chennai, Tiruvallur, and Chengalpattu. MK Stalin reviews relief as flights are cancelled and rescue teams deployed.

Heavy rain in Tamil Nadu has led to school and college closures in three districts.

As Tamil Nadu continues to receive rain due to a deep depression, a remnant of the cyclonic storm Ditwah, schools and colleges in Chennai, Tiruvallur, and Chengalpattu districts have been ordered to remain closed on Tuesday.

The remnants of the storm lingered ncear the Tamil NaduPuducherry coast on Monday, bringing moderate rainfall to Chennai, Thiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Cuddalore, and Ranipet. The system, now weakened into a deep depression, is expected to remain stationary for the next 24 hours, though scattered rain is likely to continue, according to the IMD.

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The persistent downpour led to waterlogging in many areas and caused the cancellation of ten flights from Chennai Airport. Further, Chief Minister MK Stalin held a review meeting with district collectors, assessing the impact on standing crops and coordinating relief measures.

Meanwhile, the Greater Chennai Corporation kept 103 boats on standby for rescue operations, while 60 personnel from the NDRF and 30 from the SDRF were deployed. Motor pumps of various capacities were readied to drain water across all 15 zones under the GCC, news agency PTI reported.

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Ennore recorded the highest rainfall in the city at 129.90 mm, while Utthandi received 4.80 mm, with Chennai averaging 68.26 mm between 8.30 am and 2 pm. Traffic was severely affected, with waterlogging slowing movement at Kathirapa Junction and a fallen tree bringing Egmore to a standstill. In Rameswaram, nearly 200 habitations in Thangachimadam remain stranded due to continuous heavy rain over the past two days.

The IMD stated that the deep depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal is centered about 50 km east of Chennai and is moving slowly northwards at 3 kmph, maintaining its intensity till evening before weakening into a depression within 12 hours. Private weather analysts warned that rain activity in Chennai could intensify as dense rain bands approach from the north.

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: December 01, 2025, 19:10 IST

News cities chennai-news Schools, Colleges In Chennai, Other Tamil Nadu Districts To Remain Shut On Tuesday

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Cyclone Ditwah Weakens Near TN Coast, Heavy Rains Continue

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 01, 2025, 11:04 IST

Cyclone Ditwah weakened near north Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, causing heavy rain and three deaths. Sri Lanka reports 334 deaths and 1.3 million affected.

Cyclone Ditwah weakened near north Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, causing heavy rain and three deaths. Sri Lanka reports 334 deaths and 1.3 million affected.

Cyclone Ditwah weakened into a deep depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal late Sunday as it continued moving northwards at around 10 kmph, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said. The system is expected to lose strength further and become a depression by Monday noon.

In its 2 am update, the IMD said the centre of the deep depression was located about 50 km off the north Tamil NaduPuducherry coasts. The agency had earlier issued a red alert for north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and parts of south coastal Andhra Pradesh.

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Tamil Nadus revenue and disaster management minister KKSSR Ramachandran confirmed that three people have died in rain-related incidents triggered by the cyclone.

Cyclone Ditwah: Key updates

The storm system weakened into a deep depression on Sunday night. At 11:30 pm, it was nearly stationary over the southwest Bay of Bengal after drifting northwards. It lies around 90 km south-southeast of Chennai, 90 km east-southeast of Puducherry, 110 km east-northeast of Cuddalore, and 180 km north-northeast of Karaikal. The deep depression will track northwards along the Tamil NaduPuducherry coastline and is expected to weaken into a depression by Monday. By morning, it may come as close as 30 km to the coastline. As the system weakens, heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely in Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Chennai, Chengalpattu, Vellore, and Ranipet, while light to moderate rain may occur in other parts of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal. The Regional Meteorological Centre, Chennai, also warned of isolated thunderstorms and lightning. Gale winds of 6070 kmph, gusting to 80 kmph, are expected along the north Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts. Squally winds up to 75 kmph are likely over adjoining coastal districts. South coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema may see widespread light to moderate rain, with pockets of heavy rainfall. North coastal Andhra Pradesh is likely to receive heavy showers at isolated places on Monday. Parts of South Odisha may also experience heavy rain. In Sri Lanka, the death toll from floods and landslides caused by Cyclone Ditwah has risen to 334, with nearly 400 people missing and 1.3 million affected, the countrys disaster agency said. The Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka confirmed the evacuation of the final group of stranded Indian passengers from Colombos Bandaranaike International Airport under Operation Sagar Bandhu. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said another Indian Air Force aircraft carrying relief supplies landed in Colombo on Sunday.

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Are schools closed in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry today?

Schools and colleges were shut in several districts earlier due to the cyclone. As of December 1, there is no official confirmation on closures for today. Students are advised to check with their respective institutions for updates.

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 : Chennai [Madras], India, India

First Published: December 01, 2025, 11:04 IST

News cities Cyclone Ditwah Weakens Near TN Coast, Heavy Rains Continue

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Four-Year-Old Girl Beaten By Female Helper At School In Hyderabad; Accused Held

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 01, 2025, 09:59 IST

A video of the incident that went viral on social media shows the attendant striking the young girl and pushing her to the floor.

Screengrab of viral video

A four-year-old girl studying in nursery was allegedly assaulted by a woman attendant at a local school in Hyderabad, the police said on Sunday. The incident came to light after the childs parents reported the matter, claiming their daughter had been beaten inside the classroom.

According to officials, the parents approached the Jeedimetla police after they got to know about the incident. They said the attendant had deliberately hurt their child.

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A video of the incident later circulated on social media. It shows the helper striking the young girl and pushing her to the floor.

The woman slaps the child several times, pushing her towards the floor and punching her. At one point in time she also holds her neck and beats her.

At the end of the viral clip, she was seen beating the girl with her leg as the girl lay on the floor.

#Breaking | Hyderabad: A 4-year-old nursery girl was allegedly assaulted by a woman attendant at a local school. Parents reported the matter to Jeedimetla police, claiming the child was beaten inside the classroom.@tweet_aneri with details | @SaroyaHem #HYD #Female #Child pic.twitter.com/N52RZuxDj7 News18 (@CNNnews18) December 1, 2025

A complaint was filed as the video went viral, and the accused staff member was taken into custody for questioning, the police added.

Further probe into the incident is underway.

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In a separate incident that took place in Karnataka, a daughter assaulted her elderly mother during a public dispute. A video of the incident that went viral online shows the daughter pushing the elderly woman to the ground during the heated argument.

As the woman tried to stand up, the daughter allegedly hit her several times with a slipper, striking her on the face in front of everyone.

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: December 01, 2025, 08:28 IST

News hyderabad-news Four-Year-Old Girl Beaten By Female Helper At School In Hyderabad; Accused Held

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Mumbai Weighs Tough Anti-Pollution Measures Amid Smog Alarm, Dip In Air Quality

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 01, 2025, 12:31 IST

Areas like Mazgaon, Deonar, Malad, Borivali East, Andheri East (Chakala), Navy Nagar, Powai and Mulund have been among the worst affected

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Under GRAP-4, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has imposed a range of emergency measures aimed at curbing further pollution. (PTI)

Mumbai woke up under a dense haze this week as air quality plunged to severe" levels across several neighbourhoods, forcing Indias financial capital to mull joining the likes of Delhi and activate its toughest pollution-control measures under GRAP-4.

Over the past few days, air-quality monitors have registered very poor" to severe" pollution levels, prompting alarm across the city. Areas like Mazgaon, Deonar, Malad, Borivali East, Andheri East (Chakala), Navy Nagar, Powai and Mulund have been among the worst affected, with residents complaining of breathing discomfort, reduced visibility and irritation in eyes.

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To resolve the crisis, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to impose the Graded Response Action Plan (Stage IV) in case the Air Quality Index (AQI) in certain pockets of the city remains beyond 200 for three consecutive days.

For the time being, BMC has imposed a range of emergency measures aimed at curbing further pollution. These include a ban or strict regulation on dust-producing construction and demolition activity; strict enforcement against garbage and waste-burning in landfills or open spaces; tightening of vehicle emissions, with intensified checks for pollution certificates (PUC) and attempts to reduce traffic-related emissions; frequent water-sprinkling and mechanised road-sweeping to suppress dust from roads and open grounds.

BMC has also launched a citywide road-cleaning and dust-control drive from November 28 to 30 with focus particularly on long, busy corridors and sites where construction activity and vehicular movement contribute to dust build-up. The civic body has already issued stop-work" orders to dozens of construction sites found to be contributing to the pollution surge, apart from reactivating ward-level teams and deploying flying squads" to monitor compliance.

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The pollution crisis has also turned into a political flashpoint. The citys Congress unit has unveiled the Mumbai Clean Air Action Plan, which calls for recognising clean air as a fundamental right, implementing 24/7 monitoring of pollution-causing activities, planting one million trees, and enforcing stricter pollution standards for vehicles, construction sites, and industries.

In a post on X, former Maharashtra minister and Mumbai Congress president Varsha Gaikwad accused the state government of failing to protect the environment. She argued that unchecked construction activity and policies favouring contractors have contributed to the citys worsening pollution. Gaikwad said Mumbai is choking under smog and the BJPs contractor raj", adding that every resident has a fundamental right to breathe clean air.

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: December 01, 2025, 09:34 IST

News mumbai-news Mumbai Weighs Tough Anti-Pollution Measures Amid Smog Alarm, Dip In Air Quality

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Two Killed, Four Injured As Bus Rams Into Pedestrians In Pune; Drunk Driving Suspected

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News18.com

Last Updated: December 01, 2025, 23:30 IST

ACP Wakad Division Sunil Kurade said that the initial observations suggest that the driver was under the influence of alcohol.

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The bus driver has been detained. Heavy police are deployed in the area. (ANI)

In a tragic incident, two people were killed and four others injured after a bus mounted a footpath in the Pimpri-Chinchwad area of Pune on Monday, police said.

The incident triggered panic in the area, following which heavy police deployment was made to control the situation and manage traffic.

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According to officials, the bus driver has been detained for questioning. The injured have been rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. Further investigation into the cause of the crash is underway.

#WATCH | Maharashtra | Two dead, 4 injured as a bus crashed onto the footpath in the Pimpri-Chinchwad area of Pune. The bus driver has been detained. Heavy police are deployed in the area. pic.twitter.com/lgLwOLMuh3 ANI (@ANI) December 1, 2025

ACP Wakad Division Sunil Kurade said that the initial observations suggest that the driver was under the influence of alcohol, while efforts are underway to trace the owner of the bus.

ACP Wakad Division Sunil Kurade said, Crossing Shavji Chowk and heading towards Wakad bridge, a bus entered a sidewalk and hit six pedestrians. Two died, and one is seriously injured. The driver has been taken into custody. Primary observation suggests he was drunk. Efforts are underway to identify the bus owner."

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In a separate incident, a major road accident in Maharashtras Solapur district claimed five lives on the spot after a collision between a truck and a car on Monday.

According to initial reports, three others sustained serious injuries and were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.

First Published: December 01, 2025, 23:30 IST

News pune Two Killed, Four Injured As Bus Rams Into Pedestrians In Pune; Drunk Driving Suspected

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Another KIIT Student Found Dead In Hostel, Third Case This Year Raises Serious Concerns

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News18.com

Last Updated: December 01, 2025, 21:34 IST

A first-year BTech student at KIIT was found dead in his hostel room on Sunday, marking the third such student death on campus this year.

A first-year BTech student from Chhattisgarh at KIIT was found dead in his hostel room on Sunday.

The body of a first-year BTech student from KIIT was found hanging in his hostel room on Sunday, police said on Monday. The student has been identified as Rahul Yadav, a Computer Science undergraduate from Raigarh, Chhattisgarh. His body was found hanging in the hostel room", Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Sonal Singh Parmar told reporters.

According to the ACP, the incident occurred on Sunday and the body was recovered by officers from the Infocity Police Station.

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The ACP added that police are investigating the matter from every possible angle to find out the reason behind the students death. The Infocity Police have begun enquiries to understand the circumstances leading to the incident.

Forensic and scientific teams have examined the hostel room, gathering possible evidence, while police are questioning hostel residents and friends to collect more information.

Notably, this marks the third student suicide case on the KIIT campus this year. The first incident was reported on February 16 involving a Nepalese woman student, and another Nepalese female student died on May 1.

ALSO READ: 8 Complaints Of Ragging, Sexual Harassment Received In Two Years: Odisha Govt

In a statement, KIIT clarified that the student took the extreme step due to personal reasons.

It has been learnt that this was a case related to a love affair. The student took the extreme step due to personal reasons. The students mother has also confirmed this. She stated that her son had been in a relationship for a long time with a young woman he knew personally. After the post-mortem today, the students mother informed that the girls father and family had threatened and intimidated him. As a result, the student was forced to take his own life. She has stated that she will be filing a complaint at the police station against the girls family," read the statement.

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In May, the fact-finding committee set up by the University Grants Commission (UGC) held KIIT University in Bhubaneswar responsible for the deaths of two students earlier this year. The committee stated that illegal and unlawful activity by the university" had contributed to one of the deaths, and that the administrations actions amount to criminal liability."

The committee, led by Professor Nageshwar Rao, submitted its report on May 20, 2025, after visiting the campus, meeting stakeholders, and reviewing all related details.

About the Author Archit Gupta Archit Gupta is a Chief Sub-Editor at News18.com and a seasoned education journalist specialising in reporting on education and employment. He has covered a variety of education-related stories, inclu... Read More

First Published: December 01, 2025, 15:43 IST

News education-career Another KIIT Student Found Dead In Hostel, Third Case This Year Raises Serious Concerns

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Cyclone Ditwah: Puducherry Schools Remain Shut Today Amid Rain Alert

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News18.com

Last Updated: December 01, 2025, 08:17 IST

Puducherry schools are closed today, Dec 1, as a precaution against heavy rainfall linked to Cyclone Ditwah. The administration says it is monitoring the situation closely.

Schools shut in Puducherry today as precaution against heavy rain from Cyclone Ditwah. (Representational Image/Getty)

Puducherry schools closed today as authorities take precautionary steps in view of expected heavy rainfall from Cyclone Ditwah. Home and Education Minister A Namassivayam announced that all institutions, including private and government-aided schools across the four regions of the Union Territory, will remain shut on December 1.

He added that the administration is closely tracking the weather conditions and has put necessary arrangements in place.

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Cyclone Ditwah has weakened into a deep depression, and the system is expected to hover over the southwest Bay of Bengal, close to the North Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts, by Monday morning, according to meteorological officials. The weather system has been drifting northwards at around 10 kmph and was centred over the same region as of late Sunday night.

ALSO READ: Cyclone Ditwah: Pondicherry Central University Postpones Exams; Schools Closed

Meteorologists noted that the system is positioned not far off the coastline, lying roughly 90 km from Puducherry and Chennai, and a little over 100 km from Cuddalore. With the circulation moving closer to land, private weather observers have said that districts including Chennai, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu and Ranipet could see intermittent rainfall early Monday.

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Rain linked to Cyclone Ditwah has already affected several parts of Tamil Nadu. The state government confirmed that three people have died in rain-related incidents.

The name Ditwah was proposed by Yemen, referring to a saline lagoon, most likely inspired by the Detwah Lagoon on the northwest coast of Socotra.

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: December 01, 2025, 08:15 IST

News education-career Cyclone Ditwah: Puducherry Schools Remain Shut Today Amid Rain Alert

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Want To Study In China For Free? The Complete Scholarship Guide For Indian Students

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News18.com

Last Updated: December 01, 2025, 07:53 IST

The Chinese Government Scholarship (CGS) is the most popular fully funded programme, covering tuition, campus housing, medical insurance, and a monthly stipend.

China offers full scholarships across disciplines, from medicine and engineering to business and the humanities. (Image: Peking University, China)

China is emerging as one of the top global education destinations for Indian students. Amid the Trump Administrations crackdown on Ivy League institutions and increased scrutiny of US visa applications, students eyeing foreign universities are exploring alternatives, and China has become a strong contender, with five institutes ranked among the top 100 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026.

The growing interest among Indian students is driven not only by Chinas world-ranked universities and state-of-the-art research facilities, but also by its exceptionally generous scholarship ecosystem. China offers full scholarships across disciplines, from medicine and engineering to business and the humanities.

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With a wide range of national, provincial, and university-level scholarships, students get access to diverse courses and academic pathways that make studying in China both affordable and rewarding.

Major Scholarships You Should Know About

The most well-known is the Chinese Government Scholarship (CGS), administered by the China Scholarship Council. It is the flagship fully funded programme that covers tuition, accommodation in university dorms, medical insurance and a monthly stipend.

Students pursuing bachelors, masters, PhD, general scholar programmes or even language training all find pathways under CGS. The scholarship not only provides financial support but also the freedom to choose from hundreds of Chinese universities.

Confucius Institute Scholarships: It is offered to students interested in Chinese language, linguistics or teaching Mandarin as a foreign language. These scholarships typically appeal to those who want to spend a year or more mastering Mandarin at top language institutes.

At the provincial level, scholarships such as the Beijing Government Scholarship, Shanghai Government Scholarship, and Jiangsu Jasmine Scholarship are particularly popular with Indian applicants.

They may be fully or partially funded depending on the programme, but they almost always ease tuition costs significantly. These are especially useful for students applying to universities based in these provinces, such as those in Beijings academic zone or Shanghais technology-driven education hubs.

Universities, too, play a crucial role. Prestigious institutions such as Tsinghua University, Peking University, and Fudan University offer their own scholarships that cover tuition, merit-based stipends and, in some cases, accommodation.

These are excellent options for students with strong academic backgrounds who want to apply directly without going through national-level schemes.

While each scholarship differs in coverage, one thread runs through all of them: they are designed to remove financial barriers and attract global talent

Eligibility: What Chinese Universities Expect

Although the eligibility criteria shift slightly from one scholarship to another, the core expectations remain steady. A consistent academic record is highly valued.

English-taught programmes generally require IELTS or TOEFL scores, while Mandarin-medium degrees may need HSK-level certification.

For research-heavy masters and PhD programmes, universities often look for prior research experience, published work, or at least a well-defined study proposal.

Medical aspirants must fulfil additional health checks, including the Foreigner Physical Examination Form, which remains mandatory for most fully funded scholarships.

Chinese institutions also prefer applicants who can demonstrate adaptability, clarity of purpose and interest in cross-cultural learning.

How To Apply For The Scholarships

Although the scholarship system may appear complex, the application journey follows a predictable rhythm once you understand the flow.

It begins with choosing the right programme and university, a step that often takes the most time. Compare curriculum, campus facilities, language requirements and career prospects before narrowing down your options.

Once you have sorted the Institutions and courses you want to apply for, the next step is to align your choice with the right scholarship.

For the Chinese Government Scholarship, applicants start with the CSC online application portal, fill in university codes, upload documents and secure a pre-admission letter if required.

This application then moves either to the Chinese Embassy in India or directly to the university, depending on the category of CGS they choose.

For provincial or university scholarships, the process is more streamlined. Applications are submitted directly through the universitys international admissions portal.

Here, students upload the usual materials: academic transcripts, passport copies, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, a study plan, language proficiency proofs and the medical examination form.

After submission comes the waiting period. Universities review academic records, match candidates with available seats, and often conduct an online interview.

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Successful applicants receive an admission letter along with the scholarship confirmation form, which is then used to apply for the Chinese student visa.

The timeline is predictable: most applications open between December and January and close by March or April. To apply smoothly for the scholarships, you must start preparing early, especially for documents like research proposals and recommendation letters.

About the Author Surbhi Pathak Surbhi Pathak, subeditor, writes on India, world affairs, science, and education. She is currently dabbling with lifestyle content. Follow her on X: @S_Pathak_11.

First Published: December 01, 2025, 07:53 IST

News education-career Want To Study In China For Free? The Complete Scholarship Guide For Indian Students

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Maharashtra Civic Polls On December 2: Whats Open, Whats Closed

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News18.com

Last Updated: December 01, 2025, 18:22 IST

Organisations providing essential or round-the-clock services must grant employees 23 hours of leave if a full-day holiday is not feasible.

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The polls, originally scheduled for December 2, will now take place on December 20. (PTI)

Maharashtra is set to go to the polls for civic body elections on December 2, prompting arrangements for the smooth conduct of voting across the state. The election will be held in 246 municipal councils and 42 nagar panchayats.

This marks the first phase of a three-tier process mandated by the Supreme Court. The polls are seen as a key indicator of political sentiment following the BJP-led Mahayutis landslide victory in the November 2024 assembly elections.

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The first phase of voting is set for Tuesday, December 2, to elect members and presidents of municipal councils and nagar panchayats. Polling will be held using Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), with around 6,859 council member and 288 president positions up for grabs.

The Election Commission has reported a total of 1,07,03,576 registered voters for these elections, comprising 5.379 million male voters, 5.322 million female voters, and 775 transgender voters. The data reflects a nearly balanced gender ratio in the electoral rolls.

What will remain open or closed?elect

The Maharashtra government has declared December 2 a paid holiday to enable citizens to vote. Workplaces must provide either a full day off or 23 hours of special leave for employees to exercise their franchise.

All establishments under the Labour Department are required to comply, including factories, shops, hotels, commercial establishments, malls and retail outlets, IT companies, and other workplaces governed by the department.

Shortly before polling day, the Maharashtra State Election Commission (SEC) postponed elections in at least 20 municipal councils and nagar panchayats, citing procedural irregularities and ongoing court cases. These polls have now been rescheduled for December 20, 2025.

The affected areas include municipalities in Pune, such as Fursungi and Uruli Devachi, along with several councils across Marathwada, Thane, Chandrapur, Amaravati, Aurangabad, and other districts, according to the Indian Express.

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The postponed list also includes Baramati, the home constituency of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.

Elections scheduled for December 2 will have their counting conducted on December 3, 2025. For the postponed elections now set for December 20, results will be announced following polling on December 21.

Location : Maharashtra, India, India

First Published: December 01, 2025, 18:22 IST

News elections Maharashtra Civic Polls On December 2: Whats Open, Whats Closed

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Mamata Banerjee To Present 15-Year Performance Report Tomorrow In Run-Up To 2026 Polls | Exclusive

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CNN-News18 Edited By: Apoorva Misra



Last Updated: December 01, 2025, 09:55 IST

According to insiders, the chief minister intends to provide a data-backed, sector-by-sector overview to help the public assess how the state has evolved in these 15 years

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West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will unveil a comprehensive report detailing her governments work over the past 15 years on Tuesday. The presentation will be made from Nabanna and will serve as an official account of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) administrations achievements across key sectors. According to senior officials, the document will first be released formally by the state government. Once published, the TMC will adapt the material for its political communication and campaign strategy in the run-up to the 2026 assembly election.

Party sources confirm that the report aims to demonstrate what they describe as significant progress made under the TMC government since 2011. They assert that Bengal has witnessed improvements in areas such as social welfare, health infrastructure, education, industrial initiatives, rural development, and women-centric schemes. According to insiders, the chief minister intends to provide a data-backed, sector-by-sector overview to help the public assess how the state has evolved in these 15 years.

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Several TMC leaders also argue that there has been a persistent attempt by certain groups to project a negative image of West Bengal. They claim that misinformation and politically motivated narratives have contributed to an unfair portrayal of the states governance record. The forthcoming report, they believe, will serve as a counterpoint by placing authenticated information in the public domain regarding policy outcomes, financial allocations, and developmental indicators.

With the 2026 election cycle approaching, the political stakes surrounding this initiative are high. The ruling party acknowledges that anti-incumbency is likely to be a factor, given the long span of the administration. Opposition parties are expected to highlight issues such as corruption allegations, administrative lapses, and concerns over governance. In this context, the chief ministers decision to publish the governments full report card is viewed within the party as a strategic move to shape the narrative before the campaign intensifies.

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Sources tell News18 that although the initial release will be an official government event, the subsequent outreach will be conducted extensively by party workers across districts. The TMC plans to take the findings to the grassroots level through public meetings, district conferences, and digital campaigns. The objective is to ensure that citizens receive a consolidated picture of the governments efforts and can compare the present scenario with the period preceding 2011.

Political observers note that Banerjees decision to foreground a 15-year performance assessment could define the tempo and tone of the 2026 assembly polls. By formally documenting the administrations work, the chief minister aims to frame the election around development metrics, governance records, and a comparative evaluation of past and present conditions in West Bengal.

About the Author Kamalika Sengupta Kamalika Sengupta is the Editor (East) at CNN-News18 / News18.com, focusing on politics, defence, and womens issues. She is a seasoned multimedia journalist with over 20 years of experience reporting... Read More

First Published: December 01, 2025, 09:55 IST

News elections Mamata Banerjee To Present 15-Year Performance Report Tomorrow In Run-Up To 2026 Polls | Exclusive

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Municipal Polls In Thane, Pune, Baramati & Others Deferred Day Before Voting, Fadnavis Slams Move

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News18.com

Last Updated: December 01, 2025, 13:00 IST

The suspension applies to approximately 20 districts, including Thane (Ambernath), Baramati, Amravati, Ahilyanagar, Nanded, Solapur, Yavatmal, Dharashiv, Chandrapur, Akola & Pune

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The polls, originally scheduled for December 2, will now take place on December 20. (PTI)

The Maharashtra State Election Commission (SEC), following reports of procedural lapses and ongoing court cases, has announced the postponement and revision of elections in over 20 Municipal Councils (Nagar Parishads) and Municipal Panchayats (Nagar Panchayats).

The polls, originally scheduled for December 2, will now take place on December 20. In certain areas, the entire election process has been delayed due to legal disputes over the candidacy for council chief, while in others, voting in specific wards has been rescheduled.

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According to the SECs directive, the suspension applies to Municipal Councils and Nagar Panchayats in approximately 20 districts, including Thane (Ambernath), Baramati, Amravati, Ahilyanagar, Nanded, Solapur, Yavatmal, Dharashiv, Chandrapur, Akola, and Pune.

The decision was made due to widespread glitches in the appeals process of candidates whose nomination papers were rejected. Under the Maharashtra Municipal Election Rules, 1966, all such appeals should have been resolved by November 22, giving candidates three days to withdraw their nominations, after which symbols would be distributed.

However, the process was disrupted in several affected municipal bodies. Symbols were distributed before appeal decisions were finalised, some appeal orders arrived late, and in some cases, appeals were still pending while officials were busy preparing the final candidate list and confirming symbols.

Finding these violations serious and legally unjust, the SEC stated that the election process in these wards had violated the required procedures. In its November 29 order, the commission directed that wherever such irregularities were found, they be immediately stopped. Only specific wards, or, where necessary, the entire municipal body, including the post of president, will follow the updated schedule.

The commission also reprimanded election officials for ignoring the established rules despite clear guidelines.

According to the updated schedule, candidates will now have until December 10 to withdraw their nominations. The final list of contesting candidates and the allotment of symbols will be completed on December 11. Voting will take place on December 20 between 7.30am and 5.30pm, and counting will take place on December 21. The official results will be notified in the official gazette by December 23.

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Reacting to the commissions move, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said: The Election Commission works independently. Some opposition members met them, after which they talked to the collector and postponed the elections in some places. Now these elections will be held on December 20, but my personal opinion is that postponing the elections a day before is not right."

Deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde echoed the sentiment, saying once the election process begins, stopping it is not appropriate. Unfortunately, this has happened in the state. I am gathering information on the matter and will speak to the media about it later."

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 : Maharashtra, India, India

First Published: December 01, 2025, 12:43 IST

News elections Municipal Polls In Thane, Pune, Baramati & Others Deferred Day Before Voting, Fadnavis Slams Move

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'Unsubstantiated, Vague, Politically Motivated': Poll Panel On Exclusion Claims In Bengal SIR

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News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee



Last Updated: December 01, 2025, 17:59 IST

The Election Commission also said claims of "disproportionate impact on minorities, Muslims, women or Matuas" are not backed by empirical evidence

A BLO oversees the filling of enumeration forms by voters for the special intensive revision of electoral rolls, in West Bengal's Malda district. (Image: PTI/File)

In its response before the Supreme Court on Monday, the Election Commission of India refuted the claims of mass exclusion from the ongoing pan-India special intensive revision of electoral rolls in West Bengal.

In a strong response, the Election Commission (EC) told the Supreme Court that these allegations are vague, unsubstantiated, [and] politically motivated narratives".

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Allegations of mass exclusion unsubstantiated, vague, and politically motivated," the EC said in an affidavit.

It also denied the claims that the special intensive revision (SIR) had negatively impacted minorities. It said claims of disproportionate impact on minorities, Muslims, women or Matuas" are not backed by empirical evidence.

Minorities are subject to same scrutiny as everyone else," it told the SC, which was hearing pleas against the SIR submitted by West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Kerala where elections are due in 2026.

Reinforcing its commitment to non-discriminatory practice, the EC reiterated the constitutional safeguard of Article 325 that prohibits the exclusion of any person from the electoral roll on grounds of religion, race, caste, or sex. To counter often-raised operational concerns, it said the SIR exercise is implemented by booth level officers (BLO) and booth level agents (BLA), and not by the police.

In its affidavit, it further noted the high participation rate stating that 99.77 percent of existing electors in Bengal have been supplied with pre-filled enumeration forms and 70.14 percent of the filled forms have been returned. Despite this reported progress, petitioners have cited issues like operational lapses, BLOs allegedly skipping house visits, and reports of distress including allegations that 23 BLOs in the state died by suicide due to pressure.

The poll bodys rebuttal comes amid multiple petitions filed in the SC challenging the legality and process of the SIR across several states.

In West Bengal, the Congress approached the apex court citing concerns over potential voter disenfranchisement. The court had directed the EC to file responses to these petitions challenging the exercise.

Opposition parties, including the Congress, Trinamool Congress (TMC), CPI(M), and DMK, have opposed the pan-India SIR. They have called it a de-facto NRC", arguing that it requires citizenship-like proof that exceeds the legal mandate for revising electoral rolls potentially disenfranchising vulnerable voters.

The West Bengal Congress specifically questioned the use of the 2002 voter list as the base for the SIR, arguing that using an outdated list leads to many mapping and linking issues" that could remove genuine voters. Concerns were also raised about the detailed parental documentation required for citizens born after 1987 or 2004, leading to the view that the SIR is being used as a backdoor to bring in NRC".

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A particular challenge unique to West Bengal involves migrants eligible for Indian citizenship under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, or the CAA. A plea filed by non-profit Aatmadeep raised concerns that these migrants  Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians from specific neighboring countries  face the risk of being deleted from the voter lists because their formal naturalisation applications remain pending. The petitioner sought provisional recognition of these individuals, arguing that the ECs failure to recognise acknowledgment receipts for online naturalisation applications undermines the statutory protection they are due.

The pan-India SIR was announced for 12 states and Union territories, with the enumeration phase initially running from November 4 to December 4. But the EC later extended the deadline for electors to submit enumeration forms to December 11. This extension has pushed the draft roll publication date to December 16 and the final roll publication date to February 14, 2026.

About the Author Ananya Bhatnagar Ananya Bhatnagar, Correspondent at CNN-News18, reports on various legal issues and cases in lower courts and the Delhi High Court. He has covered the hanging of the Nirbhaya gang-rape convicts, JNU vi... Read More

First Published: December 01, 2025, 17:26 IST

News elections 'Unsubstantiated, Vague, Politically Motivated': Poll Panel On Exclusion Claims In Bengal SIR

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Benjamin Netanyahu's Pardon Plea Explained: Charges, Stakes & What Comes Next For Israel

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News18.com

Last Updated: December 01, 2025, 15:51 IST

Netanyahu is facing criminal charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust across three separate cases, commonly referred to as Case 1000, Case 2000, and Case 4000

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Benjamin Netanyahu is the first sitting Israeli prime minister to face a corruption trial. (AFP)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, currently on trial for corruption, has formally submitted a request for a pardon, arguing that the years-long legal battles are tearing the country apart.

The cases against Netanyahu have deepened political and social rifts, with the prime ministers supporters insisting the charges are driven by political animus, while critics view them as essential to upholding the rule of law.

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At the core of the allegations are claims that Netanyahu and his wife Sara accepted more than $2,60,000 in luxury gifts, including cigars, jewellery, and champagne, from billionaire benefactors in exchange for political favours. He also faces accusations of seeking to secure more favourable media coverage by negotiating directly with executives at two major Israeli outlets.

What Has Netanyahu Said?

Netanyahu, without admitting guilt, said: The trial in my case has been ongoing for nearly six years, and is expected to continue for many more years."

He explained he wanted to see the process through until acquittal, but the security and political realitythe national interestdictate otherwise. The continuation of the trial is tearing us apart from within, arousing fierce divisions, intensifying rifts," he was quoted as saying by news agency AFP.

Netanyahu said the demand for him to testify three times a week had tipped the scales", calling it an impossible requirement". An immediate end to the trial will greatly help to lower the flames and promote the broad reconciliation that our country so desperately needs," he said.

Netanyahu is the first sitting Israeli prime minister to face a corruption trial. However, he has received support from US President Donald Trump, who has written to Israeli President Isaac Herzog, asking him to pardon Netanyahu.

What Is The Prime Minister Accused Of?

According to the Indian Express, Netanyahu is facing criminal charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust across three separate cases, commonly referred to as Case 1000, Case 2000, and Case 4000.

In Case 1000 (the gifts affair"), prosecutors allege that Netanyahu, along with his wife, accepted lavish gifts (such as cigars, champagne, jewellery) from wealthy businessmen in exchange for political favours. Case 2000 is related to Netanyahus alleged meetings with Arnon Mozes, the publisher of the prominent Yediot Ahronot newspaper, while Case 4,000 is related to a communications conglomerate, Bezeq. Both revolve around media influence as Netanyahu is accused of arranging regulatory or legislative favours for a telecom/media company in return for positive or favourable coverage by media outlets.

Netanyahu denies all charges and claims the investigations are politically motivateda witch hunt" orchestrated by political opponents, elements within the media, police and judiciary.

What Are The Implications Of The Pardon Plea?

According to The Guardian, under Israeli law, a presidential pardon is usually considered only after conviction. However, Netanyahu is unwilling to admit his crime. Granting a pardon while the trial is ongoing, especially without an admission of guilt, without remorse, and while the accused remains in power, would be extremely unusual.

Critics, including opposition leaders such as Yair Lapid, argue that pardoning a sitting prime minister in such circumstances would undermine the rule of law and weaken democratic institutions. They say it would signal that political leaders can evade accountability, Al Jazeera reported.

On the other hand, supporters claim the pardon could end a political and societal divide, allowing Israel to move forward, especially under current security pressures.

Along with Netanyahus letter to President Isaac Herzog, his lawyer has sent another detailed letter which will be sent to the countrys Justice Ministry for opinions and then to the Legal Advisor in the Office of the President, which will formulate additional opinions for the President, AP reported.

What Could Happen Next?

If pardon is granted by President Herzog, it would effectively mean that the trial ends before a verdict. Netanyahu will remain in office. Critics warn this could erode public trust in the judiciary and embolden future leaders to avoid accountability.

If pardon is denied or delayed, the trial will continue, prolonging uncertainty but preserving institutional norms.

In case of a partial resolution or plea deal, some charges might be dropped or reduced; but any deal will likely be politically explosive and face resistance.

A full acquittal after trial would mean Netanyahu is cleared, which his supporters argue would vindicate him and settle the matter.

Judiciarys Independence Under Scanner

Since the trial opened in 2020, a long list of witnesses has taken the stand, including several former Netanyahu aides who struck plea deals and agreed to testify for the state. Their accounts have introduced significant and often damaging evidence into the case.

Netanyahu, however, has proved highly adept at leveraging wider national issues, most notably the Gaza war, to delay or disrupt the courts schedule whenever possible.

Following the Hamas attacks in October 2023, security concerns sharply reduced the number of trial dates. Media reports also indicate that Netanyahu has repeatedly sought to cancel hearings, citing his responsibilities in managing the ongoing conflict.

A Calculated Risk?

Netanyahus recent moves are driven by a blunt political imperative: staying in power. Fresh off his re-election as Likud leader, he has already announced he will run for prime minister again next year and fully expects to reclaim the post. That ambition sits uncomfortably alongside his legal troubles, as Israels Basic Law suggests a conviction for a serious offense could bar him from seeking office: though how strictly that rule would be applied remains uncertain.

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In the meantime, Netanyahu appears to be trying to reshape the political calendar to his advantage. Reports indicate he is pushing to bring elections forward from November to June, betting that he can clinch high-profile diplomatic breakthroughs, particularly with Saudi Arabia and Indonesia, before voters head to the polls. Such foreign policy wins would help him shift attention away from his domestic vulnerabilities, a tactic he has relied on before.

With another election looming, Netanyahu is deploying every tool available to strengthen his position, and the pardon request is part of that strategy. After years of delays, the trial is inching toward an inevitable resolution, and a pardon may be the only path left for him to eliminate the legal threat before it reaches a verdict.

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First Published: December 01, 2025, 15:51 IST

News explainers Benjamin Netanyahu's Pardon Plea Explained: Charges, Stakes & What Comes Next For Israel

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Maharashtra To Vote For 288 Local Bodies On December 2, 20: Polls To Politics, All Details Here

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Last Updated: December 01, 2025, 19:56 IST

Maharashtra To Vote For 288 Local Bodies On December 2, 20: The fight between allies and opponents, candidates, counting dates, explained

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The December 2 polls are being viewed as a significant indicator of political sentiment in Maharashtra following the BJP-led Mahayuti's landslide victory in the November 2024 assembly elections. (File)

Maharashtra is set to witness a crucial round of local body elections on December 2 (Tuesday), with voting scheduled for 246 municipal councils and 42 nagar panchayats, marking the first phase of a three-tier process mandated by the Supreme Court.

The Maharashtra State Election Commission (SEC) has postponed elections in several municipal councils across Pune district after district court orders on key appeals were delivered later than the Commissions stipulated deadline of November 22. The revised polling date for the affected councils and wards has now been set for December 20, 2025, with counting a day later.

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Of the 246 municipal councils, 10 have been formed recently, while of the 42 nagar panchayats going to polls, 15 are newly constituted, and 27 have completed their terms. Region-wise, the elections will cover 27 councils in Konkan, 59 in Nashik division, 60 in Pune division, and 55 in Nagpur division, making this a geographically diverse electoral exercise spanning urban and semi-urban Maharashtra.

The areas where elections have been deferred

Pune district: Baramati and Phursungi  Uruli Devachi, Talegaon Dabhade, Lonavla, Daund, and Saswad municipal councils.

Thane district: Ambernath (59 wards) and Badlapur (six wards) municipal councils.

Marathwada region: Entire councils: Mukhed and Dharmabad (Nanded district) and Vasmat (Hingoli district), Bhokar, Loha, Kundalwadi, Hingoli, Purna and Jintur municipal councils.

Phaltan and Mahabaleshwar (Satara district) and Mangalwedha (Solapur district), Karad, Malkapur, Ambajogai, Parli, Beed, and Kille Dharur local bodies.

The district administration also clarified that no fresh nominations will be accepted for these elections.

Leaders unhappy with deferment

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday sharply criticised the SEC decision to defer some of the upcoming local body elections, terming the move wrong" and unfair" to candidates. Speaking to reporters before heading to his poll campaign rally in Paithan, the chief minister said, The decision to postpone some of the elections, triggered by someones petition in court and sub judice matters, was unfair to other candidates. I dont know who the Election Commission is consulting. But as far as I know about law, elections cannot be postponed because someone has moved the court."

ALSO READ | Maharashtras Local Body Elections: Voters, Heres Your List Of Documents, Dos & Donts

The chief minister cited the case of Nilanga in Latur district as an example where the entire election process had been completed. Someone whose candidature was rejected went to the court," he said, adding the candidates who filed their nominations got a complete time for the election process. Cancelling the elections at such a moment because someone has gone to court is completely wrongTheir entire work is wasted and they have to do campaigning for 15 more days. We will give a representation to the Election Commission about this," Fadnavis said.

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde also termed the SECs decision to postpone the elections as unfortunate", and said the poll process has never been stopped once the nomination papers are filed and withdrawn, and the campaigning is at the fag end.

Litmus test, mini Assembly: Why the polls matter politically

The December 2 polls are being viewed as a significant indicator of political sentiment in Maharashtra following the BJP-led Mahayutis landslide victory in the November 2024 assembly elections, securing 235 out of 288 seats.

The local body results will test whether this momentum translates to grassroots governance or if opposition consolidation can challenge the ruling coalitions dominance at the municipal level, political observers said.

Politics on ground: BJP has secured 103 positions

The polls witnessed significant political manoeuvring, with the ruling Mahayuti alliance of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena Ajit Pawars Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) facing off against the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) of the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), Sharad Pawars NCP (SP) and Congress.

Stealing a march over other parties, the BJP secured 100 councillor and three municipal president positions unopposed even before the first vote was cast, with the partys state unit chief Ravindra Chavan attributing this success to the publics trust in Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Fadnaviss leadership.

However, the BJP has also faced criticism in Nandeds Loha Nagar Parishad, where local NCP MLA Pratap Patil Chikhalikar questioned the partys decision to field six candidates from the Suryavanshi family, including Gajanand Suryavanshi for chairman, along with his wife, brother, and sister-in-law. The concentration of tickets within one family has triggered debate over dynastic politics and democratic representation.

Poaching drama between Sena and BJP

Several local leaders and former corporators of Shiv Sena (Shinde-faction)  especially around the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and KalyanDombivli area  joined the BJP. A Sena local leader Anmol Mhatre (and others) reportedly shifted to BJP under BJP state chiefs induction. Sena claimed this was against alliance dharma". Consequently, some Sena ministers skipped a state cabinet meeting to signal protest. After these developments, top leaders from Sena and BJP reportedly had talks, and a no-poaching pact" was announced.

Trespassing tension between Sena and BJP

The Sindhudurg police on Saturday registered an FIR against Nilesh Rane, an MLA of the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, for trespassing" into a BJP supporters house. Rane had raided the BJP supporters house and claimed to have found bags of cash meant for distribution to voters ahead of civic polls.

His brother and state minister Nitesh Rane, who is a BJP leader, later rejected the allegations, arguing that many political workers had legitimate business income and keeping cash at home should not be construed otherwise.

Nitesh Rane also said that Shiv Sena workers campaigning for a rival Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate in Sindhudurg district raised doubts about Deputy CM Eknath Shindes past claims that he had rebelled against the then Uddhav Thackeray-led Maha Vikas Aghadi government due to injustice".

On the tension between allies BJP and Shiv Sena in Sindhudurg ahead of the local body polls, Fadnavis said he supports everyone who behaves well". I dont stand with a wrong person, even if the person is from my party. But the situation of Rane versus Rane is not good. We have to introspect about this after the elections," he added.

Campaigning and counting

The campaign period for the polls was extended till 10 pm on December 1. Votes will be counted on December 3. The model code of conduct came into force after State Election Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare announced the poll schedule on November 4.

Voters and candidates

The elections will decide the fate of 6,859 members and 288 presidents across these local bodies, with over 1.07 crore eligible voters set to exercise their franchise at 13,355 polling stations. Electronic Voting Machines (EVM) will be deployed throughout, with more than 66,000 staff members assigned to ensure smooth conduct of the polls, officials said.

Of the total seats, 3,492 are reserved for women, 895 for Scheduled Castes, 338 for Scheduled Tribes, and 1,821 for Other Backward Classes. The expenditure limit for candidates has been set at Rs 15 lakh for the post of president and Rs 12 lakh for post of member," an official said.

The nomination process began on November 10, with November 17 as the last date for filing. Scrutiny of applications took place on November 18, while candidates were permitted to withdraw their nominations until November 21. The SEC received more than 51,000 nominations, he said.

ECs preparedness

The Election Commission introduced a verification system marking suspected duplicate voters with double stars on lists, requiring strict identity checks at polling stations.

To enhance transparency, the EC also launched a mobile application providing comprehensive information about candidates and voters, including access to affidavits submitted by all candidates.

Booth-wise voter lists were published on November 7 to facilitate voter awareness.

These local body elections are being conducted under a Supreme Court directive to complete all pending polls in Maharashtra by January 31, 2026.

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The crucial Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections, last held in 2017, are expected around mid-January.

With Agency Inputs

About the Author Manjiri Joshi At the news desk for 17 years, the story of her life has revolved around finding pun, facts while reporting, on radio, heading a daily newspaper desk, teaching mass media students to now editing speci... Read More

First Published: December 01, 2025, 15:26 IST

News explainers Maharashtra To Vote For 288 Local Bodies On December 2, 20: Polls To Politics, All Details Here

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Two Decades Of Disaster Relief: How India Cemented Its Status As A Global First Responder

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Last Updated: December 01, 2025, 14:55 IST

Indias swift response to Sri Lankas Cyclone Ditwah is the latest example of its first-responder role in major disasters

In this image posted on Nov. 30, 2025, NDRF personnel in coordination with local authorities undertake relief operations as part of Operation Sagar Bandhu in Sri Lanka. (@DrSJaishankar/X via PTI Photo)

For more than 20 years, India has developed a reputation for being the first country to reach disaster-hit nations in its neighbourhood and beyond. Whenever earthquakes, cyclones, floods or humanitarian crises have struck, New Delhi has frequently moved before other major powers, sending specialised rescue teams, aircraft, ships, field hospitals and relief supplies.

This established role is visible once again in Sri Lanka, where catastrophic flooding and landslides triggered by Cyclone Ditwah have left hundreds dead and over a million displaced. Indias latest operation, Sagar Bandhu, fits into a broader HADR (humanitarian assistance and disaster relief) framework built steadily since the mid-2000s.

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Operation Sagar Bandhu (Sri Lanka, November 2025)

Sri Lanka is witnessing its worst natural disaster in two decades. Floods and landslides caused by Cyclone Ditwah have killed over 330 people and affected more than 1.3 million across the island. Several areas remain isolated, especially in the central region, as mudslides and fallen trees cut road access. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake declared a state of emergency and said the affected regions would be rebuilt with international support.

India activated Operation Sagar Bandhu and began deploying aircraft, helicopters, relief cargo and rescue personnel. Under the initiative, the Indian Air Force (IAF) evacuated more than 300 stranded Indian nationals. The final group of 104 people arrived in Thiruvananthapuram at around 6.30 am on Monday.

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.In solidarity with our closest maritime neighbour, India has urgently dispatched relief  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 28, 2025

The same IL-76 and C-130J heavy-lift aircraft that transported NDRF teams and humanitarian supplies into Sri Lanka were used to fly these passengers home.

India also supplied nearly 21 tonnes of essential relief items, including tents, blankets, mattresses, dignity kits and other emergency materials.

IAF helicopters have flown multiple missions into cut-off areas. They have airlifted 57 Sri Lankan Army personnel from Diyathalawa Army Camp and Colombo to Kotmale, a landslide-hit region in the central province that remains completely inaccessible by road. A total of 55 civiliansIndians, foreign nationals and Sri Lankan survivorshave been evacuated to Colombo. The two Indian helicopters involved in the operation have flown more than 12 sorties so far.

Chetak helicopters from INS Vikrant have transported people to safer locations. NDRF teams are conducting rescue work in the badly affected areas of Puttalam and Badulla.

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

This rapid mobilisation is consistent with Indias approach in major regional disasters over the last two decades.

How India Became A Regional First Responder

India has extended humanitarian help abroad since the early years after Independence, beginning with relief for Tibetan refugees fleeing China in 1959 and assistance to Bangladesh during cyclones and famine in the 1970s. It also supported relief and reconstruction efforts during Sri Lankas civil war.

But limitations in financial resources and disaster-response capacity restricted Indias ability to conduct large-scale overseas operations. This changed after the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.

The tsunami killed more than 200,000 people across Asia, including 16,000 in India. Despite facing immense devastation at home, India dispatched naval vessels and aircraft to Sri Lanka, the Maldives and Indonesia.

In 2004, Indias capacity as a first responder was recognised by other major countries in the region, particularly by the US. Indian naval vessels were the first to reach the devastated Indonesian province of Aceh, which even the Indonesians found difficult to reach because it was very remote. That was when Indias profile as a first responder began to grow," a senior official in the Ministry of External Affairs later observed.

The tsunami marked the beginning of Indias modern disaster diplomacy.

Building The Architecture: NDMA Act 2005 And The Rise Of NDRF

Recognising the long-term value of disaster-response capability, India passed the National Disaster Management Act in 2005. It created the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), initially comprising eight battalions trained exclusively for disaster rescue and relief. Over time, the NDRF became central to Indias humanitarian operations overseas.

Indias early global relief efforts still faced operational challenges, such as its delayed response to the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster. But by the middle of the next decade, Indias response capacity had significantly improved.

The watershed moment was the 2015 Nepal earthquake. Under Operation Maitri, India conducted what is described as its largest foreign disaster-relief deployment. NDRF teams rescued 11 survivors from the rubble. Former NDRF Director General O.P. Singh said, We were the first international rescue team in Nepal. Within hours, we had equipment, rescue teams, and canines on the ground. For the first time, we received global recognition."

This cemented Indias position as the regions fastest-moving disaster responder.

Major Operations Launched By India

Operation Brahma (Myanmar, 2025)

A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on 28 March 2025, killing over 2,000 people. India launched Operation Brahma to provide necessary support, including Search and Rescue (SAR), humanitarian aid, disaster relief and medical assistance. Prime Minister Narendra Modi told Myanmars military chief Min Aung Hlaing that India stands in solidarity with the people of Myanmar in this difficult hour."

Under the operation, India provided relief supplies of approx 750 MT, including essential medicines, foodgrain, ready-to-eat meals, tents, blankets, gensets, rapidly deployable surgical and medical shelters, water, sanitation and hygiene services, drinking water, essential clothing, 20 prefabricated office/residential structures, etc.

Operation Brahma: Indian Armys Humanitarian Mission to Myanmar In a swift response to the 28 March 2025 earthquake in Myanmar, the #IndianArmy, as part of Operation Brahma, is deploying a specialised medical task force to provide urgent humanitarian aid. A 118-member team pic.twitter.com/ESkMGqQ2Bn  ADG PI  INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) March 29, 2025

Further, humanitarian assistance consisting of an 80-member NDRF Heavy Urban Search and Rescue Specialists Team and a 127-member Indian Army field Hospital Team were also deployed.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal had said that when India says Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam", we also want to mean it. We want to prove that by action, and therefore, you know, we are very humbled when we have this opportunity to respond to a crisis such as what has happened in Myanmar and extend our support to people."

Operation Sadbhav (Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, 2024)

When Typhoon Yagi struck Southeast Asia in September 2024, India launched Operation Sadbhav to support Vietnam, Laos and Myanmar.

Under the mission:

India sent 10 tonnes of dry rations, clothing and medicines to Myanmar aboard INS Satpura.

35 tonnes of relief supplies to Vietnam on an IAF C-17 aircraft, including water purification items, water containers, blankets, kitchen utensils and solar lanterns.

Indias foreign ministry said Operation Sadbhav formed part of its broader effort to contribute to HADR within the ASEAN region, aligned with the Act East Policy.

Under Operation Sadbhav, India has sent 35 tonnes of essential aid, including water purification supplies, blankets, kitchen utensils, and solar lanterns, to Myanmar, Laos, and Vietnam.Various parts of these countries have been severely impacted by massive floods after Typhoon pic.twitter.com/e4bQBTDY7I  MyGovIndia (@mygovindia) September 16, 2024

Typhoon Yagi caused over 220 deaths in Vietnam and more than 70 in Myanmar. Myanmars military government said the typhoon displaced nearly 240,000 people, in addition to 3.4 million already displaced by conflict.

Operation Dost (Turkiye and Syria, 2023)

After a 7.7-magnitude earthquake devastated Turkiye and Syria in February 2023, India launched Operation Dost.

India deployed NDRF search-and-rescue teams, its canine squad, and an Indian Army field hospital in Iskenderun, Hatay, treating the injured in a heavily affected zone.

India also sent more than six tonnes of relief material to Syria. On questions about aid to a country facing US sanctions, MEA secretary Sanjay Verma said India followed the G20 mantra of One Earth, One Family, One Future", adding that Sanctions dont cover such humanitarian assistance."

Operation Karuna (Myanmar, 2023)

Cyclone Mocha hit Myanmar and Bangladesh in May 2023, causing extensive damage. India launched Operation Karuna to support affected areas, especially in Myanmar.

Under this mission, four Indian ships carried emergency food supplies, tents, essential medicines, water pumps, portable generators, clothing, and sanitary and hygiene items to Yangon.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said, India continues to be the first responder in the region."

Operation Maitri (Nepal, 2015)

After the 2015 Nepal earthquake, India launched Operation Maitri, its largest-ever foreign disaster-relief effort at the time.

India sent:

33 Air Force aircraft carrying 520 tonnes of material such as tents, blankets, medicines, cooking material, food, water, engineering equipment, ambulances, RO plants and oxygen generators.

Eight Mi-17 and five ALH helicopters that ferried more than 207 tonnes of relief and evacuated over 900 injured people.

Helicopters also transported more than 1,700 stranded people of various nationalities.

Why India Invests In Disaster Diplomacy

Indias expanding disaster-relief footprint serves both humanitarian and strategic objectives.

One major factor is the way rapid and visible HADR missions enhance Indias global stature. Over the past two decades, India has demonstrated that it can respond quickly to crises across regions as diverse as Japan, Nepal, Myanmar and Turkiye. These operations reinforce Indias profile as a country capable of mobilising specialised teams, aircraft, ships and medical units at short notice.

Disaster relief also strengthens bilateral relationships. Indias large-scale deployment after the 2015 Nepal earthquake, for instance, played an important role in deepening goodwill in Kathmandu at a critical moment.

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India has further used HADR missions to maintain engagement even where political differences exist. Its decision to send emergency teams and an Army field hospital to Turkiye in 2023, despite disagreements between the two governments, is an example of India keeping humanitarian assistance separate from political disputes.

Looking ahead, the demand for disaster relief is expected to rise sharply as climate impacts intensify. India has been expanding its NDRF capacity and military lift capability to meet this challenge, positioning disaster diplomacy as an increasingly important part of its external outreach.

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: December 01, 2025, 14:47 IST

News explainers Two Decades Of Disaster Relief: How India Cemented Its Status As A Global First Responder

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Why Trump Skipped Johannesburg G20 And Then Disinvited South Africa From The 2026 Summit

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Last Updated: December 01, 2025, 11:48 IST

Trump boycotted the Johannesburg summit, accusing South Africa of 'killing white people', and later said the country will not be receiving an invitation to the G20 Miami summit.

Trump had already made clear he would not participate, framing the decision as a protest against the South African government. (Image: REUTERS)

The diplomatic rupture between the United States and South Africa has entered an unprecedented phase after US President Donald Trump boycotted last months G20 summit in Johannesburg and then declared that South Africa will not be receiving an invitation" to the 2026 G20 in Miami. Trump said he took these steps because the South African government is allowing violent abuses against white Afrikaners, allegations the South African presidency strongly rejected.

Johannesburg hosted the G20 on 22 and 23 November, marking the first time the summit has been held on African soil. While 42 countries attended, the United States was the only G20 member without senior government representation. Only a representative from the US embassy was sent in a ceremonial role as the next host country.

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Trump had already made clear he would not participate, framing the decision as a protest against the South African government.

Why Trump Boycotted This Years G20 In South Africa

Trump explained his decision in a series of posts on his social media platform, Truth Social. He accused the South African government of failing to confront what he described as horrific Human Rights abuses" endured by white Afrikaners and other descendants of Dutch, French, and German settlers". He said: To put it more bluntly, they are killing white people, and randomly allowing their farms to be taken from them."

He also claimed that Afrikaners are being killed and slaughtered, and their land and farms are being illegally confiscated". According to him, the United States did not attend the G20 in South Africa because the South African Government refuses to acknowledge or address" these alleged abuses.

Trumps criticism extended to US media outlets. He wrote: Perhaps, worst of all, the soon to be out of business New York Times and the Fake News Media wont issue a word against this genocide." South Africa has repeatedly denied the charge.

Trump had also called the Johannesburg summit a total disgrace", saying: No US Government Official will attend as long as these Human Rights abuses continue."

How The G20 Handover Became Part Of The Dispute

G20 custom dictates that the outgoing host symbolically hands the presidency to the incoming one, usually during the closing session. In keeping with this practice, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa formally closed the summit by saying: This gavel of this G20 summit formally closes this summit and now moves on to the next president of the G20, which is the United States, where we shall see each other again next year."

Trump, however, claimed that Ramaphosa refused to hand off the G20 Presidency" to a senior representative from the US embassy who attended the closing session. This allegation became part of his justification for attempting to exclude South Africa from the Miami summit.

South Africa provided a different account. Ramaphosa later wrote that since senior US officials had not attended the summit, the gavel and other instruments of the G20 Presidency" were handed to a US embassy official at the headquarters of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

This disagreement became the second point of friction leading to Trumps next major announcement.

Following the Johannesburg summit, Trump announced, At my direction, South Africa will not be receiving an invitation to the 2026 G20, which will be hosted in the great city of Miami, Florida next year." He added that South Africa has demonstrated to the world they are not a country worthy of Membership anywhere, and we are going to stop all payments and subsidies to them, effective immediately."

How South Africa Responded To Trumps Disinvitation

South Africa rejected Trumps announcement in unambiguous terms. In an official statement, the presidency said: South Africa is a member of the G20 in its own name and right. Its G20 membership is at the behest of all other members."

It added that South Africa does not appreciate insults from another country about its worth in participating in global platforms" and said it was regrettable that despite the efforts and numerous attempts by President Ramaphosa and his administration to reset the diplomatic relationship with the US, President Trump continues to apply punitive measures against South Africa based on misinformation and distortions".

Ramaphosa said South Africa would continue participating as a full, active and constructive member" of the G20. Asked about the US decision not to attend the Johannesburg summit, he said: Their absence is their loss."

It is regrettable that the United States of America, which is a founding member of the G20 and which takes over the Presidency of the G20 from South Africa in 2026, chose not to participate in the G20 Leaders Summit and the final meetings leading up to it. Cyril Ramaphosa  (@CyrilRamaphosa) November 30, 2025

Ramaphosas spokesman, Vincent Magwenya, told the BBC that G20 members should by now accept there wont be a reset of the relationship" and said that if visas are denied for next years meeting, we will have to move on and look beyond the G20 in the US."

Can The US Really Bar South Africa From G20?

There is no formal mechanism allowing one G20 member to exclude another. The grouping was established in 1999 as an informal platform for major economies to discuss global economic issues. Membership changes or exclusions require consensus, and no country has been barred from attending a summit.

Even in 2022, when then-US President Joe Biden said Russia should be excluded over its invasion of Ukraine, Russia still participated through its foreign minister.

While Trump cannot legally expel South Africa from the G20, he does have leverage as host. Trump could deny visas to South African officials, which would prevent them from travelling to Miami and participating in person. This would not constitute a legal removal from the G20 but would achieve a form of de facto exclusion.

CNN has reported that the US may seek to invite Poland to next years summit as a guest. Polands finance minister has said the countrys aspirations to join the G20 are entirely justified". However, making Poland a permanent member would require unanimous agreement from all G20 members, and South Africas removal would require the same.

What Trump Means By White Genocide

Trumps confrontation with South Africa is rooted in a long-standing allegation that white farmers, especially Afrikaners, are being targeted for murder and land seizure. This claim has circulated for years in parts of the South African white minority and in far-right online spaces. Tesla CEO Elon Musk has also amplified the allegation.

Trump has repeatedly said they are killing white people" and that their farms are being illegally confiscated". He tied the allegation to South Africas Expropriation Act, and his executive order said the countrys policies dismantled equal opportunity in employment, education, and business" and caused disproportionate violence against racially disfavoured landowners". The order also condemned South Africas decision to bring a genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice.

The allegation has influenced policy. Trump cut US foreign aid to South Africa, a decision public health experts warned could affect HIV programmes. He offered to resettle Afrikaners in the US, and 59 white South Africans arrived as refugees in May. He later announced a refugee cap of 7,500 for the 2026 fiscal year, with priority for white South Africans.

What The Data Shows

Crime statistics from South African police data do not support a pattern of targeted killings of white farmers. According to those figures, South Africa recorded 26,232 murders in 2024, of which 44 were linked to farming communities and eight victims were farmers. White farmers account for under 1 per cent of the countrys roughly 27,000 annual murders.

In the final quarter of 2024, a dozen murders took place on farms across the country. The white minority continues to own a majority of private land, and land restitution cases have typically involved court proceedings rather than seizures.

Gareth Newham, who heads a justice and violence prevention programme at the Institute for Security Studies in South Africa, told PBS: If there was any evidence of either a genocide or targeted violence taking place against any group based on their ethnicity, we would be amongst the first to raise the alarm and provide the evidence to the world." He said the primary motive for most attacks is robbery.

What The Feud Means Going Forward

South Africa, which is the United States second-largest single-country trading partner after China, has been attempting to manage a deteriorating diplomatic relationship for months.

According to the Office of the US Trade Representative, goods and services trade between the two countries reached about $26.2 billion in 2024. But the political relationship is at its lowest point in years.

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Earlier this year, the US expelled South Africas ambassador and labelled him persona non grata. Trump also signed the Addressing Egregious Actions of the Republic of South Africa" Executive Order, cut foreign aid, and reshaped refugee policy around the allegation that white South Africans face persecution.

The question now is whether South African officials will be granted visas to attend the G20 Miami summit.

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: December 01, 2025, 11:41 IST

News explainers Why Trump Skipped Johannesburg G20 And Then Disinvited South Africa From The 2026 Summit

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Ahmedabad Man Opens Fire Outside His Wife's House After Domestic Dispute

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 01, 2025, 13:55 IST

The man fired six rounds outside his father-in-law's house after a domestic dispute. The entire area was in shock due to the incident.

Representative image

In a shocking incident, a man in Gujarats Ahmedabad allegedly opened fire at his father-in-laws house after a heated quarrel with his wife. The incident took place on Sunday afternoon at Subhash Society near Vijay Char Rasta.

As per the local reports, the accused, Rahul Soni, had a heated argument with his wife and, in a fit of rage, he opened fire outside her maternal house, i.e., Bungalow No. 16 of Subhash Society.

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The police shared further information and, reportedly, Soni fired six rounds using a revolver and a 12-bore firearm. Panic spread in the area after the incident.

He allegedly fired one round inside the compound of the bungalow, and another near the gate, followed by another four rounds.

The accused husband was held by the police and the weapon was seized.

Delhi Man Strangled Wife To Death

In another case of domestic dispute, a man in Delhi allegedly killed his wife inside her boutique in Maujpur area in the early hours of Sunday. The man confessed during interrogation that a heated argument between them escalated, following which he allegedly strangled her inside the shop.

As per a report by PTI, the police got a call at around 2:06 am and were informed that a woman was lying unconscious inside her shop. The shutter was partially open.

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A police team rushed to the spot and found the woman unresponsive. She was taken to Jag Pravesh Chandra hospital, where doctors declared her brought dead. The deceased ran a boutique in the area and was alone at the time of the incident," the police officer was quoted as saying by PTI.

During preliminary inspection, the mobile phone of the deceased was found missing, which raised suspicion. An investigation was launched and the husband of the woman, identified as Satish alias Ashok, was questioned," he added.

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 : Ahmadabad, India, India

First Published: December 01, 2025, 13:49 IST

News india Ahmedabad Man Opens Fire Outside His Wife's House After Domestic Dispute

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Teams from the local police station, along with the bomb detection and disposal squad, rushed to the site and began a thorough inspection of the building.

Students and staff were moved to safety as precautionary protocols were implemented.

A video showed a team of the Mumbai Police on the premises of the school, which received the bomb threat email.

Another video showed police vans outside the school as searches were underway.

An official statement by the police was awaited on the development.

Earlier today, checks were carried out at Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayans official residence in Thiruvananthapuram and at a private bank in Palayam after an email claimed that bombs were placed at both locations.

Police said the search was launched at the Chief Ministers residence, Cliff House, after his private secretary received the e-mail making the threat.

A dog squad and bomb detection team were pressed into service.

Later, it was confirmed to be a hoax.

Police officials said similar emails claiming explosives at the Chief Ministers residence have been received multiple times in the past.

In all these emails, the sender mentioned political developments in Tamil Nadu and cases registered there.

A case had been registered, and an investigation was underway.

ALSO READ | Bomb Explodes Near Kendriya Vidyalaya In Bhubaneswar; NIA Team Visits Spot
India To Chair International IDEA For First Time In 2026, CEC Gyanesh Kumar Says 'Immense Pride'

Published By :

ANI

Last Updated: December 01, 2025, 20:03 IST

India leads with 991 million registered electors, accounting for 44.5 per cent of the total electorate of 2,225,549,481 (222.5 crore).

CEC Gyanesh Kumar is set to assume the Chairship of the International IDEA on December 3, 2026. (PTI/File)

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Monday highlighted global recognition of Indias electoral process, noting that the country has been invited for the first time to chair the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA), a group comprising 37 democratic nations.

Emphasising the significance of this development, he said, The world recognises the successful conduct of free, fair and transparent elections in India. Therefore, for the first time in its history of 30 years, the group of 37 democratic countries of the world have invited India to chair the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, International IDEA. This is a moment of immense pride for the citizens of India and all the Election Commission officials."

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Building on this acknowledgment, the Election Commission of India noted that Gyanesh Kumar is set to assume the Chairship of the International IDEA on December 3, 2026, in Stockholm, Sweden, on behalf of India, as per an official release.

International IDEA, established in 1995, is an inter-governmental organisation with a current membership of 35 countries, while the United States and Japan participate as Observers.

The organisation has also held observer status in the UN General Assembly since 2003.

Further underscoring Indias long-standing association, the release stated that India is a founding member of International IDEA and has participated actively in governance processes, electoral research, capacity-building initiatives and training programmes.

As the worlds largest democracy with more than 90 crore electors, India will leverage its extensive experience in electoral administration when it assumes the Chairship of International IDEA for 2026, contributing to the strengthening of Election Management Bodies across the world.

In this backdrop, India represents the largest share of registered electors among the organisations 35 member and 2 observer democracies. India leads with 991 million registered electors, accounting for 44.5 per cent of the total electorate of 2,225,549,481 (222.5 crore).

The United States follows with 234,504,358 registered electors, while Indonesia ranks third with 204,421,612 electors. Brazil (155,557,422), Japan (103,880,749), Mexico (98,214,289) and the Philippines (68,431,965) also feature among the major contributors to the overall voter base.

Other member democracies include Germany (60,490,603), France (43,328,470), Spain (37,647,458), Canada (28,525,638) and South Africa (27,782,081).

Smaller democracies such as Luxembourg (286,711), Cabo Verde (392,899) and Barbados (266,330) fall at the lower end of the list.

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Several others, including Peru, Ghana, Australia, Chile, the Netherlands, Portugal, Belgium, the Dominican Republic, Tunisia, Sweden, Benin, Switzerland, Finland, Norway, Costa Rica, Panama, Uruguay, Mongolia, Namibia, Botswana, Mauritius and Estonia, also contribute to the overall electorate.

Overall, the figures highlight Indias significant share in the global democratic landscape within the International IDEA grouping, underscoring its electoral scale ahead of assuming the Chairship in 2026.

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: December 01, 2025, 19:59 IST

News india India To Chair International IDEA For First Time In 2026, CEC Gyanesh Kumar Says 'Immense Pride'

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'Stubble Burning Shouldn't Be Politicised Or Become Ego Issue': SC On Delhi Air Pollution

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 01, 2025, 15:27 IST

The Supreme Court said stubble burning must not become a political or ego-driven issue, stressing that farmers need support, not blame.

New Delhi: Vehicles ply on Barapullah flyover on a smoggy winter morning (Photo: PTI)

In an observation during the ongoing hearing on Delhis worsening air quality, the Supreme Court on Monday said stubble burning must not be politicised or turned into a matter of ego, emphasising that farmers need to be sensitised" and equipped with the necessary machinery rather than blamed.

A bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, which was hearing the Delhi pollution matter regularly, said the issue cannot be treated as a seasonal formality.

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Delhi pollution matter cannot be listed customarily in October, and we will be taking it up regularly," the CJI said, noting that air quality improvement was observed just because this item was heard".

Cant Presume Theres No Solution: SC Seeks Review Of Delhi Pollution Action Plan

Calling for accountability and scientific solutions, the CJI told the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) and the Centre, None of us can sit idle. We cant presume that theres no solution to this problem."

The court also asked CAQM to present both its short-term and long-term plans, and to evaluate the effectiveness of steps taken so far.

Ask a question to yourself, has your action plan improved the situation?" the CJI said, pressing the commission to introspect whether its legitimate expectations" from the plan were met.

If your action plan has been ineffective, maybe you would have to think of an alternative," he added.

Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati informed the court that the CAQM had consulted every state government and drawn up detailed action plans on key contributors such as stubble burning, vehicular emissions, construction dust, road dust and biomass burning.

Implementation is needed," she conceded.

However, the court also stressed that an overemphasis on farm fires was misplaced.

We dont want to comment on stubble burning as its easy to pass off the burden on those who are hardly represented before us. It has become a thing where you can conveniently put the blame on that," the CJI observed.

Pointing to the stark difference during the Covid-19 lockdown, the bench asked, Stubble burning was there during Covid times, but still, why was there a blue sky? Someone will have to answer."

The court noted that other activities, especially vehicular movement and construction, had stopped, indicating the need to identify the biggest" contributor to Delhis toxic air.

The court also directed the Centre to submit, within a week, a report on measures taken to control pollution from non-stubble sources.

Which one is the biggest one? That needs to be identified," the CJI said, asking for a science-backed assessment.

Backing farmers, the court reiterated, Farmers only need to be sensitised. We need to provide certain machines."

Earlier, a PIL filed in the Delhi High Court by the Greater Kailash-II Welfare Association had slammed authorities for belated and cosmetic" action even as pollution levels touched severe and hazardous categories.

The plea alleged inaction, saying a life-threatening" red alert by experts on November 21 was ignored.

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It thus sought urgent, scientific and enforceable measures to tackle the crisis.

ALSO READ | Mumbai Weighs Tough Anti-Pollution Measures Amid Smog Alarm, Dip In Air Quality

About the Author Vani Mehrotra Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.

First Published: December 01, 2025, 15:09 IST

News india 'Stubble Burning Shouldn't Be Politicised Or Become Ego Issue': SC On Delhi Air Pollution

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Delhi Blast Case: NIA Raids Premises Of Accused In J&K And UP; Digital Devices Seized

Curated By :

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Last Updated: December 01, 2025, 23:49 IST

NIA raided locations in Jammu and Kashmir and UP, seizing digital devices and cash in the Delhi bomb blast probe.

Eight locations were searched in J&K. (Representative Image)

As probe continues into the Delhi bomb blast case, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Monday raided several locations in Jammu and Kashmir and Uttar Pradesh.

According to a statement issued by the federal probe agency, various digital devices and other incriminating materials were seized during the searches conducted at the premises of several accused and suspects, news agency PTI reported.

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A total of eight locations were searched in Shopian, Kulgam, Pulwama and Awantipora districts of J&K, and one location in Lucknow, the statement mentioned.

On November 26 and 27, the NIA had conducted extensive searches at the premises of the prime accused, Dr Muzammil Ganaie and Dr Shaheen Saeed, in the Al Falah University complex and other places in Haryanas Faridabad.

A huge quantity of cash, foreign currency, gold and other incriminating materials were seized during those searches, and the same are being minutely examined to unravel the conspiracy that culminated in the bombing, the NIA said.

So far, the anti-terror probe agency has arrested seven key accused in the case.

The NIA teams are questioning the arrested accused while continuing to pursue various leads in connection with the November 10 blast which took place outside the Red Fort in Delhi, killing 15 people, the report stated.

NIA continues to work closely with various state police forces to track and arrest every member of the terrorist module involved in the bomb attack," the statement said.

The NIA teams conducted searches at the residence of Moulvi Irfan Ahmad Wagay in Shopian, officials said.

Wagay has emerged as the mastermind of the radicalisation and recruitment of the white-collar" terror module busted early last month. He was arrested by police in October, and the NIA took him into custody last month.

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Raids were also carried out at Koil, Chandgam, Malangpora and Samboora areas of Pulwama district in J&K, the officials said, adding these locations were linked to people associated with the Delhi car blast case.

Additionally, the federal agency searched the residence of Dr Adeel Ahmad Rather, who was arrested from UPs Saharanpur in the first week of November.

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 : Jammu and Kashmir, India, India

First Published: December 01, 2025, 23:48 IST

News india Delhi Blast Case: NIA Raids Premises Of Accused In J&K And UP; Digital Devices Seized

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'Was Sole Breadwinner, Had Promised To Visit': Delhi Mercedes Crash Victims Family Mourns Loss

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News18.com

Last Updated: December 01, 2025, 11:26 IST

A grieving family has demanded strict action after 23-year-old Rohit was killed when a speeding Mercedes allegedly rammed into three mall workers in Delhis Vasant Kunj.

New Delhi: A Mercedes SUV (G63) turned over after it allegedly rammed into three near a mall in Vasant Kunj area (Photo: PTI)

The family of 23-year-old Rohit, who was killed after a Mercedes G63 SUV allegedly ploughed into three restaurant workers near a mall on Nelson Mandela Marg in Delhis Vasant Kunj early Sunday, has demanded strict action against the accused driver.

Speaking to Hindustan Times, his uncle, Balwant Singh, said the family was devastated by the loss and struggling to comprehend how their only earning member died in what police have described as a case of negligent driving.

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His mother is in shock. He was very hardworking and worked as a chef. We didnt know this would happen," he said.

We last spoke to him last week. He had promised to take leave and come visit us. Now, what will I tell his parents?" he was quoted as saying, adding that the family wanted the toughest possible punishment for the motorist involved in the crash.

According to the police version shared by news agency PTI, the incident took place at 2.33 am when a PCR call alerted Vasant Kunj North police station about a collision near the mall.

Responding officers found a heavily damaged Mercedes G63 and three injured men, aged 23, 35 and 23, who, police said, were waiting for transport after finishing their shift at a restaurant at Ambience Mall.

All three were taken to a hospital, where Rohit, a native of Uttarakhands Chamoli, was declared dead.

The other two, identified as Kapil and Lalit, are undergoing treatment, with Kapils condition described as serious, police sources were quoted as saying.

Preliminary findings, as per PTI, suggest the SUV lost control after hitting a divider, then crashed into a pole before veering sharply toward the auto stand where the victims were waiting.

The vehicle was being driven by Shivam Arora, 29, a Karol Bagh resident who was returning from a wedding along with his wife and elder brother.

Police said an initial alcohol test showed no signs of intoxication, though a medical examination has been conducted to rule out consumption.

An FIR under sections related to rash driving and causing death by negligence has been registered.

Later in the day, Rohits family reiterated to the police and the media that the SUV was overspeeding.

Rohit was the sole breadwinner of the house. He was just standing there trying to find a ride home, but the accused killed all our dreams," Balwant told PTI, describing his nephew as very kind-hearted" and deeply committed to supporting his parents, elder brother and sister.

Family members said Rohit earned around Rs 15,000 a month as a chef, most of which he sent home.

Forensic teams inspected the crash site on Sunday morning, examining skid marks, airbag deployment and impact angles, while police are also reviewing CCTV footage from the mall and nearby locations to determine the exact sequence of events.

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The two surviving victims will be questioned once their health permits, officers said, adding that further investigation is underway.

ALSO READ | CCTV Footage Captures SUV Driving Into House In Delhi, Elderly Woman Survives Crash

About the Author Vani Mehrotra Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.

First Published: December 01, 2025, 11:25 IST

News india 'Was Sole Breadwinner, Had Promised To Visit': Delhi Mercedes Crash Victims Family Mourns Loss

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Flyer's Post Sparks X Debate On Mumbai's Pollution And 'Manipulated' AQI Readings

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 01, 2025, 09:38 IST

A viral post shows Mumbai's dense smog, raising concerns over AQI accuracy and health risks as experts warn of worsening winter pollution.

A viral post shows Mumbai's dense smog, raising concerns over AQI accuracy and health risks as experts warn of worsening winter pollution. (Image: X)

A social media post by a Mumbai-bound flyer has reignited concerns over the citys deteriorating air quality, after he shared images showing a dense layer of smog hanging over the metropolis.

X user Gaurav (@BigSolarEnergy) posted two visuals  one showing the city almost invisible behind a grey haze, and another taken from inside an aircraft moments before landing. If youve flown into Mumbai in the last couple of weeks, youll notice a distinct layer of smog over the city," he wrote.

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If youve flown into Mumbai in the last couple of weeks, youll notice a distinct layer of smog over the city.Official (rigged) AQI figure on this day was 163. This should be considered a bigger health emergency than covid. pic.twitter.com/1sPlhU3Ou7  Gaurav (@BigSolarEnergy) November 26, 2025

Claiming the official Air Quality Index (AQI) reading to be understated, he added, Official (rigged) AQI figure on this day was 163. This should be considered a bigger health emergency than COVID."

His post, shared late on November 26, shows extremely poor visibility as Mumbai continues to grapple with worsening pollution levels. Over the past two weeks, several monitoring stations in the city have consistently reported AQI levels in the poor to very poor category, driven by stagnant wind conditions, construction dust and vehicular emissions.

The flyers comment on AQI manipulation has also triggered debate online, with many users echoing concerns about the citys lack of stringent pollution-control measures.

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Environmental experts, too, have repeatedly warned that prolonged exposure to an AQI above 150 can significantly impact respiratory health, especially for vulnerable groups.

As Mumbai nears the winter months  typically its most polluted period  the viral post highlights growing public unease over the citys worsening air quality and the urgency for stronger mitigation steps.

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: December 01, 2025, 09:38 IST

News india Flyer's Post Sparks X Debate On Mumbai's Pollution And 'Manipulated' AQI Readings

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Fugitive Offenders Like Vijay Mallya, Nirav Modi Owe Banks Rs 58,000 Crore: Centre Reveals Details

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 01, 2025, 23:35 IST

The Centre said banks had recovered Rs 19,187 crore so far, through a mix of asset seizures and liquidation proceedings

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Vijay Mallya (left) and Nirav Modi. (File)

The government on Monday placed major details before Parliament on the massive sums owed to Indian banks by fugitive economic offenders, revealing a total outstanding amount of Rs 58,000 crore. This includes both principal and accumulated interest, according to the data submitted.

The Centre said banks had recovered Rs 19,187 crore so far, through a mix of asset seizures and liquidation proceedings.

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A total of 53 instances of fugitive economic offences have been flagged, featuring some of the most high-profile names accused of defrauding Indias banking system  Vijay Mallya, Nirav Modi, and the Sandesara family among them.

According to the details shared, Vijay Mallya owes Rs 22,065 crore to various banks, out of which the banks have recovered over Rs 14,000 crore through asset seizures and liquidations. Nirav Modi owes Rs 9,656 crore and several others cumulatively push the total outstanding past Rs 58,000 crore. Banks have recovered Rs 545 crore from him so far, as per the government reply to Parliament.

The government informed Parliament that the list covers 15 major fugitive offenders, with two of them having negotiated settlements with lenders.

As per statement tabled in Parliament by the MOS Finance, total recoveries from me add up to Rs 15094.93 crores which is almost Rs 1,000 crores more than the figure stated by the Finance Minister in Parliament in December 2024. Why no explanation or statement of account ? Vijay Mallya (@TheVijayMallya) December 1, 2025

Officials said efforts continue under the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act (FEOA) and Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) to secure assets, pursue extraditions, and maximise recoveries.

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The data underscores the scale of Indias ongoing battle against economic fugitives who fled the country after defaulting on large loans.

Nitin Sandesara and Chetan Sandesara of Sterling Global Resources Pvt Ltd and Sterling SEZ and Infrastructure Ltd have settled their outstanding loans with both the Indian Overseas Bank and Punjab National Bank. The settlements have been worth Rs 496 crore in total, the government has said.

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: December 01, 2025, 18:25 IST

News india Fugitive Offenders Like Vijay Mallya, Nirav Modi Owe Banks Rs 58,000 Crore: Centre Reveals Details

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Govt Debunks Pakistans Fake Letter Claiming India Wanted Imran Khan's Custody

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 01, 2025, 18:53 IST

Press Information Bureau debunked a fake letter claiming India asked Pakistan to transfer Imran Khan as a political prisoner, warning citizens against Pakistani propaganda online.

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MEA shares image debunking fake news spread by Pakistani propaganda news regarding the nations former prime minister Imran Khan. (IMAGE: PIB)

The government on Monday cautioned citizens against a fake letter" circulating on social media that claims India has asked Pakistan to transfer Imran Khan to New Delhi as a political prisoner.

The Press Information Bureaus fact-check unit said the document  styled as a top-secret Ministry of External Affairs letter"  is entirely fabricated and is being pushed online by several Pakistani propaganda accounts."

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Several Pakistani propaganda accounts are circulating a letter on social media, claiming it to be a top-secret Ministry of External Affairs document that allegedly leaked online. The fabricated letter claims that the Indian Government has requested Pakistan to send Imran Khan to India as a political prisoner," PIB said in a post, urging users not to fall for unverified content.

This letter is fake. The claims being made in this letter are false, baseless, and part of an ongoing disinformation campaign being pushed by Pakistan against India. Do not share unverified content. Trust only official Government of India sources for accurate information," PIB said in its fact-check post.

 #PAKISTAN Propaganda Alert!Several Pakistani propaganda accounts are circulating a letter on social media, claiming it to be a top-secret Ministry of External Affairs document that allegedly leaked online. The fabricated letter claims that the Indian Government has requested pic.twitter.com/DWxalnwjjM  PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) December 1, 2025

The fake Imran Khan letter is not an isolated incident. Throughout the day, PIB flagged multiple pieces of Pakistan-linked disinformation targeting Indian institutions.

In one such case, PIB debunked a morphed letter falsely attributed to Air Chief Marshal A. P. Singh, which misleadingly suggested he had praised Pakistans military capabilities. The letter is fake and digitally morphed using AI. In the original letter, the Chief of the Air Staff only conveys his best wishes for the success of Defence Partnership Days 2025," it clarified.

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In another instance, the agency warned against a deepfake video of Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, circulated by Pakistani propaganda accounts, falsely claiming that India had surrendered Arunachal and Ladakh to China" due to a weak air force.

PIB urged users to verify information and rely only on official government sources, noting that such fabrications are increasingly being crafted using AI tools.

About the Author Shankhyaneel Sarkar Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a Chief Sub-Editor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over seven years of experience during which he has ... Read More

First Published: December 01, 2025, 18:34 IST

News india Govt Debunks Pakistans Fake Letter Claiming India Wanted Imran Khan's Custody

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Henry Is Safe: Jai Dehadrai Claims Win In Dog Custody Case Against Mahua Moitra

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: November 30, 2025, 18:48 IST

Jai Anant Dehadrai secures custody of Henry, the Rottweiler, after Saket District Court dismisses Mahua Moitra's application in their ongoing dispute.

The Trinamool MP and Dehadrai, a Supreme Court lawyer, were reportedly in a relationship and have not been on the best terms since they parted ways.

Supreme Court advocate Jai Anant Dehadrai on Sunday claimed that he had secured the custody of Henry, the Rottweiler at the centre of his long-running dispute with Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra, after a Saket district court dismissed an application filed in the custody battle.

In a post on X, Dehadrai said that Henry is safe  for now" and thanked the Saket District Court for dismissinh what he described as a ridiculous application" by an individual (referring to Moitra) claiming ownership and custody rights over the pet dog.

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He cited the courts observation that no prima facie case was found in favour of the plaintiff."

Grateful to the District Court Saket for dismissing a ridiculous application filed by a deranged individual claiming ownership and custody rights over my dog  the Learned Judge has rightly held no prima facie case in the favour of the plaintiff. Now if only some people would get the damn message, and focus their energies on their tanking political career and their recently acquired geriatric spouse  all would be well in the world. Wishing everyone  including the cretins being investigated and prosecuted by the CBI and the Honble Lokpal  a very happy Sunday," he said.

Henry is safe  for now. Grateful to the District Court Saket for dismissing a ridiculous application filed by a deranged individual claiming ownership and custody rights over my dog  the Learned Judge has rightly held no prima facie case in the favour of the plaintiff." Now pic.twitter.com/k8bGxlYwET  Jai Anant Dehadrai (@jai_a_dehadrai) November 30, 2025

The custody battle over Henry has been ongoing between Moitra and her former partner since 2023. Dehadari has said that he purchased the dog when it was 40 days old. Moitra has argued that the dog belongs to her and has sought joint custody. The acrimonious dispute emerged after the twowho were reportedly in a relationshipparted ways, coinciding with political turbulence surrounding Moitra following the cash-for-query" case and her expulsion from the Lok Sabha in 2023.

The dispute escalated legally in September 2025 when Dehadrai challenged a trial courts March 2025 order restraining both parties from publicising the case, calling it an overly broad gag order." The order directed that the proceedings shall not be publicised in any manner," following social-media posts by Dehadrai that the court deemed violative of its directives.

The Delhi High Court had sought Moitras response to Dehadrais plea against the order and asked why the two could not attempt an amicable resolution.

According to a report by Bar and Bench, Justice Manoj Jain asked: Why dont you sit together and sort it out? What relief is she seeking in the suit?"

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Senior advocate Sanjay Ghose, appearing for Dehadrai, argued that the gag order infringed his clients freedom of speech, especially when Moitra is seeking shared custody of the dog. He questioned whether an MP could claim a higher right" to privacy in such proceedings.

Dehadrais plea also alleged that the trial court had orally asked him to withdraw his earlier application, prompting him to approach the high court. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on December 22, with fresh notice issued to Moitra after she did not appear despite advance service.

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 30, 2025, 17:10 IST

News india Henry Is Safe: Jai Dehadrai Claims Win In Dog Custody Case Against Mahua Moitra

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India Completes Evacuation As Last 104 Nationals Return From Sri Lanka Under Op Sagar Bandhu

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 01, 2025, 09:16 IST

Operation Sagar Bandhu was launched as a major Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) initiative after Cyclone Ditwah devastated Sri Lanka.

Last batch of Indian passengers stranded in Colombo Airport flown back to India. (Photo: Indian Embassy in Sri Lanka X)

The High Commission of India in Colombo confirmed on Monday that the final group of Indian passengers stranded at Bandaranaike International Airport had safely returned home.

A total of 104 Indians landed in Thiruvananthapuram around 6.30 am aboard an Indian Air Force aircraft, marking the completion of the evacuation phase under Operation Sagar Bandhu.

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All about Operation Sagar Bandhu

Operation Sagar Bandhu was launched as a major Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) initiative after Cyclone Ditwah devastated Sri Lanka. The mission brought together the Ministry of External Affairs, the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force in a coordinated effort to provide immediate relief and rescue support.

Under the operation, Indian military transport aircraft, including C-130J and IL-76, delivered more than 21 tonnes of essential supplies to Colombo. These consignments formed the backbone of early relief distribution in the worst-hit regions.

A significant part of the operation was led by the Indian Navy. The aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and frontline warship INS Udaygiri transported emergency food supplies and relief materials to support flood-affected communities. Helicopters operating from Vikrant conducted search-and-rescue missions in coordination with the Sri Lankan Air Force, airlifting stranded civilians and delivering aid to isolated zones.

The Indian Air Force carried out hybrid rescue missions, evacuating both Indian citizens and foreign nationals from inundated areas. The deployment of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams further strengthened on-ground operations.

Crisis in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has been reeling from one of its worst natural disasters in recent years. Cyclone Ditwah left at least 123 people dead and more than 130 missing, according to the Disaster Management Centre. Nearly 1.5 lakh individuals across 44,000 families were affected by flooding and landslides, while over 5,000 families sought refuge in 195 emergency shelters.

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The first relief consignment delivered by INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri included 4.5 tonnes of dry rations and 2 tonnes of fresh supplies, consisting of staples, ready-to-eat items, dairy products and beverages.

Operation Sagar Bandhu reflects Indias broader Neighbourhood First policy and Vision MAHASAGAR doctrine, reinforcing its role as a dependable first responder in the Indian Ocean region.

About the Author Shuddhanta Patra Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior SubEditor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influen... Read More

Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: December 01, 2025, 09:13 IST

News india India Completes Evacuation As Last 104 Nationals Return From Sri Lanka Under Op Sagar Bandhu

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Indias Quiet Diabetes Crisis: Why So Many Are Slipping Into Prediabetes Without Knowing It

Written By :

News18.com Edited By: Apoorva Misra



Last Updated: December 01, 2025, 10:22 IST

One of the simplest ways to prevent progression is to make small, steady adjustments rather than dramatic, short-lived efforts

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Prediabetes should be understood as the last point at which the body is actively asking for help and still capable of responding to it. (Pixabay)

What the New Research Shows About This Early Stage

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Prediabetes has often been thought of as a soft warning, something that might or might not turn into diabetes years down the line. The new findings challenge that view. They show that prediabetes behaves less like a buffer zone and more like an active transition. Many Indians who begin with normal sugar levels gradually slip into the prediabetic range without any symptoms.

What is striking is how quickly this happens. There is usually no pain, discomfort or major change that signals trouble. Life continues as usual while blood sugar slowly drifts upward.

An Indian study, titled Transition between prediabetic and diabetic stages in an urban community in India: A decade-long retrospective cohort study" has helped make this progression clearer. It followed adults for nearly a decade and found a steady movement from normal sugar to prediabetes, and then from prediabetes into diabetes.

People who were already in the prediabetic range progressed to diabetes at more than twice the rate of those who started with normal levels. Yet the study also showed something hopeful: in the first two to three years after entering the prediabetic stage, people have a strong chance of returning to normal. This periodbefore the metabolic changes settle inis when the body is most responsive. After that, reversal becomes much harder. The idea that slightly high sugar" can be ignored for a few years is exactly what causes many people to miss their chance to turn things around. Also, it showed males had a higher likelihood of progressing to diabetes, whereas females showed higher prediabetic reversal.

Another set of findings from the United States, published in JAMA titled as Demographics, Lifestyle, Comorbidities, Prediabetes, and Mortality" adds to this understanding. A large survey of adults found that prediabetes is not confined to older age groups; it is common even among people in their twenties, thirties and fortiesthe trend that India is seeing much more aggressively now. It also said that prediabetes is associated with early onset of health conditions and death.

More importantly, younger adults with prediabetes had a higher long-term health risk than their peers with normal glucose levels.

Analyses revealed that prediabetes was significantly associated with mortality only among younger adults (age 20-54 years), highlighting the importance of age-specific interventions," the study said while adding that lifestyle behaviours, limited health care access, and life stage challenges may contribute to the increased mortality risk in younger adults. Early-onset health problems in this group may also reflect stronger genetic predispositions, leading to more rapid disease progression and more severe health outcomes."

Although this research comes from a different population, it is highly relevant for India because metabolic issues here often begin earlier. In a country where many young adults already live with stress, irregular routines and urban lifestyles, the idea that early sugar changes carry long-term consequences should not be overlooked.

Taken together, the two latest research published in the last six months, presents a clearer picture of prediabetes. It is neither a stable nor a slow-moving stage. It is a turning point. People either move back to normal if they intervene quickly, or they move steadily towards diabetes if they wait too long. This stage does not give indefinite time to act.

Doctors also agree with the findings.

India faces a large diabetes burden. The risk is higher in people who are inactive, eat carbohydrate-rich food and carry excess weightespecially abdominal fat, or have a family history of the disease. Diabetes is not just about high blood sugar; without proper control it can damage the heart, kidneys, eyes, nerves, blood vessels and even the brain," Dr Rajeev Jayadevan, a gastroenterologist and former President of Indian Medical Association Cochin, said.

Diabetes risk rises with BMI, a ratio of height and weight. But in India, even people with relatively lower BMI are developing diabetes. This is because many Indians carry a higher proportion of body fatparticularly visceral fat around the abdomendespite having a body weight that appears normal."

Endocrinologist Dr Sambit Dash agreed that early detection always helps. We need more and better screening."

How You Can Prevent Slipping Into Diabetes

Understanding what the studies show is only useful if it leads to practical action. The most important message for you is that early sugar changes are not a cause for panic but a call for timely response. Because prediabetes is reversible mainly in the first few years, awareness becomes a tool for prevention.

People often believe that diabetes begins only when blood sugar crosses a particular number. The truth is that the journey starts much earlier, and the earlier phase offers the best chance to change direction.

One of the simplest ways to prevent progression is to make small, steady adjustments rather than dramatic, short-lived efforts. The studies underline that the body responds strongly to basic routine improvements when they are made early. Regular meals, adequate sleep, manageable stress and even modest increases in daily movement help stabilise glucose levels before they begin rising more sharply. Most importantly, these changes are far more effective in the prediabetic stage than after diabetes develops.

Equally important is early testing. Many Indians discover high sugar levels only after 40, often during company health check-ups or when they start feeling unusually tired. But the research suggests that testing earlierespecially for those with a family history, higher body weight or sedentary lifestylesmakes a real difference. When rising glucose levels are caught at the prediabetic stage, the body is still flexible. When they are discovered later, the window for easy reversal has already closed.

Another key factor is follow-up. Prediabetes is not something to check once a year and forget. The first two to three years after entering this range are crucial, and monitoring during this period helps track whether the body is improving or drifting further. This does not require specialised clinics or complex plans. It simply requires consistent check-ins and small course corrections before problems accumulate.

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The research also highlights a psychological shift that India needs. Diabetes is often seen as inevitablea family trait, a by-product of aging, or something that will eventually happen to everyone. That belief weakens early action. Prediabetes should instead be understood as the last point at which the body is actively asking for help and still capable of responding to it.

In short, acting during this stage does not mean giving up favourite foods or making extreme lifestyle changes. It means recognising that the body is at a crossroads and giving it the support it needs to move in the right direction.

About the Author Himani Chandna Himani Chandna, Senior Associate Editor at CNN News18, specialises in healthcare and pharmaceuticals. With firsthand insights into India's COVID-19 battle, she brings a seasoned perspective. She is ... Read More

First Published: December 01, 2025, 10:22 IST

News india Indias Quiet Diabetes Crisis: Why So Many Are Slipping Into Prediabetes Without Knowing It

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'Insulting Language': Kiren Rijiju Vs Mallikarjun Kharge In Heated Rajya Sabha Row Over Dhankhar

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News18.com

Last Updated: December 01, 2025, 12:49 IST

Rijiju accused the Opposition of using unkind or insulting language in Parliament and in the formal removal notice for Dhankhar.

Winter Session Begins With Heated Rajya Sabha Clash: Rijiju vs Kharge Over Dhankhar Exit

The Winter Session of Parliament began on Monday with a fierce exchange between the government and opposition in the Rajya Sabha. The war of words escalated as Union Minister Kiren Rijiju clashed with Congress Leader of the Opposition (LoP) Mallikarjun Kharge over the exit of former Vice-President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar.

Rijiju slams Opposition

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Union Minister Kiren Rijiju strongly rebutted Kharges comments, criticising the opposition for their choice of language in Parliament.

The language used to refer to the ex-RS Chair is insulting. The words in the removal notice were humiliating," Rijiju said.

The Parliamentary Affairs Minister accused the Opposition of using unkind" or insulting language in Parliament and in the formal removal notice for Dhankhar. He emphasises that such words undermine the dignity of the Chair, the office of the Rajya Sabha Chairman is meant to be above political disputes and treated with respect.

The unkind words you used about the former Chairman. The removal motion you served, a copy of which we still have. The language you used against the former Vice President. The words you used in the removal notice, just think how much you have tarnished the dignity of the Chair. On this solemn occasion, my appeal is, please do not refer to anything which is not necessary on this solemn occasion."

What Kharge said?

While addressing the House, Kharge mentioned Dhankhars abrupt departure, describing it as unexpected and unprecedented in Parliament history." He expressed regret that the House had not been given an opportunity to bid farewell to the former Chairman.

The Chairman, being custodian of the entire House, belongs as much to the opposition as to the government. Regardless, we wish him a very healthy life," Kharge said, emphasising the impartiality expected of the Chair.

He welcomed CP Radhakrishnan as the new Rajya Sabha Chairman and assured cooperation from opposition members to maintain parliamentary decorum. We appeal to the Vice-President to consider both sides fairly. Dont give undue attention to BJP MPs," Kharge urged.

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In his address, Kharge invoked the words of former President Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan: A democracy is likely to degenerate into a tyranny if it does not allow opposition groups to criticise fairly, freely and frankly the policies of the government." He added, I rise today on my own behalf and on behalf of all opposition members to heartily congratulate you on assuming the office of Chairman of Rajya Sabha."

Kharge also referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modis remarks earlier in the day, hinting that the opposition is prepared to respond robustly. We will give a muh tod jawab," he said.

About the Author Shuddhanta Patra Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior SubEditor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influen... Read More

Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: December 01, 2025, 12:46 IST

News india 'Insulting Language': Kiren Rijiju Vs Mallikarjun Kharge In Heated Rajya Sabha Row Over Dhankhar

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Islamabad Exposed Again: India Clears Airspace Request, But Pakistani Media Pushes Fake News

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 01, 2025, 23:26 IST

New Delhi rejected Pakistani media claims on overflight clearance as baseless, confirming India approved Pakistan's request for a humanitarian flight to Sri Lanka within 4 hours.

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Sources said India's decision was made purely on humanitarian grounds. (Representative image)

New Delhi on Monday dismissed the allegations circulating in Pakistani media regarding an overflight clearance sought by Islamabad as baseless and misleading, calling the reports a fresh attempt to peddle fake news.

According to sources, Pakistan submitted a request at around 1 pm (IST) on December 1, 2025, seeking permission for an aircraft to use Indian airspace the same day for a humanitarian assistance mission to Sri Lanka. The Government of India processed the request at the shortest notice of just four hours and formally conveyed its approval to Pakistan at 5.30 pm (IST).

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However, Pakistani media reported that India didnt approve the request, delaying their assistance to flood-hit Sri Lanka.

Sources said Indias decision was made purely on humanitarian grounds, despite Pakistan continuing to deny its airspace to Indian airlines.

Rejecting the narrative pushed by Pakistani media outlets, India clarified that all overflight and transit permissions are examined strictly in accordance with international procedures, operational norms and security assessments, not political considerations. Pakistani media, as usual, is indulging in propaganda and peddling fake news.

India also called out a pattern of misinformation emerging from Pakistan, noting that this incident follows recent attempts by Pakistani media and diplomatic handles to spread incorrect claims  including false reports regarding Indias participation in an Oxford Union debate.

Sources reiterated that Indias approach to airspace management remains professional, rule-based and aligned with global aviation standards.

Earlier, Pakistani media falsely reported that India refused to grant airspace to Pakistan for humanitarian aid flights headed to flood-hit Sri Lanka, which delayed help to the affected people.

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India has refused to grant airspace to Pakistan for humanitarian aid flights headed to Sri Lanka to help people affected by the ongoing flood disaster. Pakistan will now send the aid by ship," The Pakistan Telegraph tweeted.

While Geo News also reported that India refused to allow the neighbouring country to use its airspace for the delivery of aid to Sri Lanka, claiming it created an unexpected obstacle for the relief effort.

About the Author Siddhant Mishra Siddhant Mishra is a Senior Special Correspondent at CNN-News18, covering foreign affairs and international relations. With over 12 years of experience in journalism, he has also reported extensively ... Read More

First Published: December 01, 2025, 23:26 IST

News india Islamabad Exposed Again: India Clears Airspace Request, But Pakistani Media Pushes Fake News

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Activist Held For Defaming Complainant In Kerala MLA Rape Case, Sent To 14-Day Judicial Custody

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 01, 2025, 18:59 IST

Activist Rahul Easwar was taken into custody for allegedly defaming and disclosing the identity of the woman who has accused Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil of rape.

Activist Rahul Easwar was taken into custody on Sunday. (Photo: ANI)

Kerala Activist Rahul Easwar was denied bail in connection with a cyber-harassment complaint filed by a woman who filed a sexual assault case against Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil. Easwar, who is accused of defaming the complainant on social media, will remain in custody under non-bailable sections.

While denying the bail plea of Rahul Eshwar, the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate noted that making such remarks on social media platforms against the victim of an offence, cannot be taken lightly.

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Moreover, investigation in the case has just started. In case, the accused is released on bail, he is likely to impede the course of investigation. There is every possibility of committing similar offences and tampering with available digital and other evidence involved", the court noted while dismissing the petition.

Rahul Easwar argued that there is no material anywhere in the records produced by the police to show that any sexually coloured remarks were made against the victim.

The prosecution informed the court that the YouTube videos containing sexually coloured remarks.

#WATCH | Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala: Activist Rahul Easwar says, This is freedom struggle for men and this is against the Arnesh Kumar verdict. Police is claiming that they have served me notice but they have not served me any notice. This is blatant disregard of Supreme Court https://t.co/7ShdnVgzT5 pic.twitter.com/jljJr9W3nl ANI (@ANI) December 1, 2025

Activist Rahul Easwar was was taken into custody in Thiruvananthapuram on November 30, for allegedly defaming and disclosing the identity of the woman who has accused Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil of rape, has described his ongoing legal situation as a freedom struggle for men."

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Easwar who was arresed yesterday alleging that the police had violated Supreme Court guidelines while acting against him in the sexual-assault complaint case linked to suspended Congress MLA Mamkootathil.

Speaking to reporters while being taken for a medical examination, Easwar said, This is freedom struggle for men and this is against the Arnesh Kumar verdict. Police is claiming that they have served me notice but they have not served me any notice. This is blatant disregard of Supreme Court verdict."

Location : Kerala, India, India

First Published: December 01, 2025, 18:29 IST

News india Activist Held For Defaming Complainant In Kerala MLA Rape Case, Sent To 14-Day Judicial Custody

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Massive User Fee Hike Likely At Delhi, Mumbai Airports; SC To Hear Challenge

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 01, 2025, 13:13 IST

TDSATs new tariff formula may hike user fees at Delhi and Mumbai airports up to 22 times. Airlines including Lufthansa and Air France challenge the move in Supreme Court.

TDSATs new tariff formula may hike user fees at Delhi and Mumbai airports up to 22 times. Airlines including Lufthansa and Air France challenge the move in Supreme Court. File Image

Passengers flying through Delhi and Mumbai airports may soon face a steep increase in user charges after the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) revised the formula for calculating tariffs. The new formula could push user development fees (UDF) up by as much as 22 times, making air travel significantly costlier.

The dispute dates back to the five-year tariff period between FY09 and FY14, during which the Delhi and Mumbai airports accumulated unpaid tariffs amounting to over 50,000 crore. The TDSAT order has opened the door for recovery of this amount from passengers through higher fees.

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Airlines Challenge the Move in Supreme Court

The Airports Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA), several domestic carriers, and foreign airlines including Lufthansa, Air France, and Gulf Air have challenged the order in the Supreme Court. The case will be heard on Wednesday by Justices Aravind Kumar and Nilay Vipinchandra Anjaria.

If implemented, the revised tariff could increase UDF at Delhi airport from the current 129 to as high as 1,261 for domestic passengers, and from 656 to 6,356 for international travellers. At Mumbai airport, fees could rise to 3,856 for international passengers and 175 for domestic flyers.

Why the Fee Spike?

At the centre of the dispute is the Hypothetical Regulatory Asset Base (HRAB) a notional valuation system used by AERA. Airport operators earlier argued that non-aeronautical assets (such as retail spaces) must be included in the valuation, a point contested by regulators and upheld or reversed at various stages:

2006: Delhi & Mumbai airports handed to private operators

2009: AERA formed

2012: Dispute begins over whether non-aeronautical assets should be included

2018: Supreme Court upholds AERAs method

2022: SC sends case back to TDSAT

2023: TDSAT reverses earlier stance, directing inclusion of non-aero assets

Possible Impact on Passengers

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Industry experts warn that the implementation of the TDSAT order will make flight tickets more expensive and may slow passenger growth at Indias busiest airports.

Airlines argue the ruling is anti-consumer" and places an undue burden on travellers. A final decision will hinge on the Supreme Court hearing scheduled for Wednesday.

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: December 01, 2025, 07:25 IST

News india Massive User Fee Hike Likely At Delhi, Mumbai Airports; SC To Hear Challenge

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Navy To Get Israeli Heron MkII Drones As India Goes For More Units After Op Sindoor Success

Reported By :

News18.com Edited By: News Desk



Last Updated: December 01, 2025, 22:09 IST

The Heron MkII is a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAV with a maximum takeoff weight of 1,430 kg and an endurance of up to 45 hours.

Satellite-linked Heron Mk II drone | File Image

The satellite-linked Heron Mk II drones, already in service with the Indian Army and Air Force and recently deployed during Operation Sindoor, are now set to join the Indian Navy, making it a tri-service platform.

The induction comes under emergency procurement, with all three branches of the Indian Armed Forces acquiring additional units from Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). The company is also planning future local production in India to meet long-term operational needs.

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Sources at IAI confirmed the development, describing India as a major customer for more than three decades" and noting that the Heron MkII will now equip all three services.

They added that IAI is working closely with Indian partners, including Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), on plans for manufacturing and technology transfer, in line with Indias expanding domestic defence-production goals.

All About MkII Drones

The Heron MkII is a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAV with a maximum takeoff weight of 1,430 kg and an endurance of up to 45 hours.

It can carry payloads of up to 490 kg, supporting a wide variety of sensors such as EO/IR, SAR and SIGINT suites.

The platform is designed to operate in adverse weather and is equipped with Automatic Takeoff and Landing (ATOL) capability.

With the MkII, India has now operated three generations of IAIs UAVs, starting with the Searcher, progressing to the Heron-1, and now fielding the MkII variant.

The system is built for contested electromagnetic environments and features encrypted satellite communications, autonomous mission control and the capability to reposition or recover from alternate locations when required.

The MkII is one of IAIs most advanced operational platforms, though not the companys first or only UAV.

Israels UAV ecosystem traces its roots to the Scout, the first unmanned aircraft developed by IAI.

The system emerged from lessons learned during the 1973 war, when Israeli intelligence struggled to monitor Syrian troop movements in real time.

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Manned aircraft often arrived too late, by which point enemy air-defence units had relocated.

The Scout was developed to fill this operational gap and, after its introduction in the late 1970s, delivered strong performance during the 1982 Lebanon conflict, serving primarily in intelligence and reconnaissance roles.

First Published: December 01, 2025, 22:07 IST

News india Navy To Get Israeli Heron MkII Drones As India Goes For More Units After Op Sindoor Success

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'Bio-Weapon Misuse By Non-State Actors Not A Distant Possibility': India Pushes For Global Checks

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Last Updated: December 01, 2025, 20:19 IST

EAM S Jaishankar called for the creation of a robust global framework to prevent the misuse of biological weapons, citing rising security uncertainties worldwide.

EAM S Jaishankar (X/@DrSJaishankar)

India on Monday called for the creation of a robust global framework to prevent the misuse of biological weapons, citing rising security uncertainties worldwide.

Speaking at an international conference marking 50 years of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC), External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar warned that the threat of biological agents falling into the hands of non-state actors is no longer a remote scenario".

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He urged countries to work together to strengthen global safeguards.

Misuse of biological weapons by non-state actors is no longer a distant possibility, and international cooperation is needed to combat such a challenge," he said.

Jaishankar underscored that despite the growing risks, the BWC remains without key institutional structures.

The convention has no compliance mechanism, no permanent technical body and no system to monitor new scientific advances," he said, stressing that these gaps must be addressed to build global confidence and preparedness against bioterrorism.

Reiterating Indias long-standing position, the minister said New Delhi supports stronger verification and compliance frameworks suited to modern technological realities.

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He also backed enhanced international cooperation, including the exchange of materials and equipment for peaceful purposes.

We have consistently advocated a structured review of emerging scientific and technological developments to ensure governance keeps pace with innovation," Jaishankar added.

First Published: December 01, 2025, 19:31 IST

News india 'Bio-Weapon Misuse By Non-State Actors Not A Distant Possibility': India Pushes For Global Checks

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Pakistan Has Rebuilt 72 Terror Launchpads Across LoC After Operation Sindoor, Says BSF

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News18.com

Last Updated: December 01, 2025, 21:50 IST

During an annual press conference, BSF said 12 terror launchpads are working from the depth areas of Sialkot and Zaffarwal, and 60 others are working in areas away from the border.

Inspector General of Border Security Force (BSF), Kashmir Frontier, Ashok Yadav addresses the Annual Press Conference 2025. (PTI)

More than seven months after India inflicted large-scale damage to its defence during Operation Sindoor, Pakistan has rebuilt and reactivated at least 72 terror launchpads along the Line of Control, the Border Security Force (BSF) said.

India launched a military offensive on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir as part of Operation Sindoor on May 7, in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. After inflicting heavy damage in Pakistani posts and terror hideouts, security agencies have said that Pakistan had rebuilt and reactivated terror launchpads.

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Addressing a press conference on Saturday, BSF DIG Vikram Kunwar 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," he further mentioned, adding that the BSF is honouring the halt in military action after four days of clashes from May 7-10.

DIG Kunwar said that while the number of these terror launchpads and terrorists keeps changing, they are not kept in more than two or three groups. He also informed that there are no terror camps in areas close to the International Border.

The DIG added that 118 Pakistani posts which had targeted BSF forward positions along the International Border and the LoC in Jammu province were heavily damaged during Operation Sindoor, reported The Indian Express. Their surveillance system was also destroyed," he added.

Ready To Resume Op Sindoor

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Meanwhile, BSF IG, Jammu Frontier, Shashank Anand said the BSF is ready to follow the orders of the government if it decides to resume Operation Sindoor. 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," the officer said.

The IG said Pakistani Rangers who abandoned their posts during Operation Sindoor had returned to their posts once the situation became normal. 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," he said.

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 : Jammu, India, India

First Published: December 01, 2025, 21:32 IST

News india Pakistan Has Rebuilt 72 Terror Launchpads Across LoC After Operation Sindoor, Says BSF

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Police Cannot Take Possession Of A Human Being: Allahabad HC Frees Woman Held In Protection Home

Reported By :

LawBeat

Last Updated: December 01, 2025, 19:39 IST

Once the bench accepted the medical assessment of her age, it held her to be a major entitled to decide where she wished to live

Allowing the habeas corpus petition, the court directed that Saniya be released immediately. (News18 Hindi File)

The Allahabad High Court on November 28 ordered immediate release of a Muzaffarnagar woman kept in a Saharanpur protection home, holding that she is a major and cannot be confined by the police or her family.

A bench of Justices J.J. Munir and Sanjiv Kumar directed that Saniya, daughter of Muneer, be set at liberty forthwith" after finding that the police had taken her into custody despite a subsisting stay on her and her lovers arrest and had described the action as taking her into kabza police", a term the court noted is used for possession of property rather than human beings.

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On November 20, the court had recorded in its interim order: Kabza is a word which connotes most closely to the English word possession in legal and common parlance, both. It is reserved for chattels, not humansThe idea and the action  the idea more than the action, are both abhorrent".

It had slammed the police saying: To think that in the twenty-first century, a man of contemporary society, working in the ranks of the Police, can think that a human being can be taken into possession, on the basis of a memorandum of possession or fard, makes it seem to us that at least the persons concerned in this transaction have not come a long way from the days of Dred Scott v. Sandford, 60 U.S. 393 (1856)".

A habeas corpus petition was filed by Vikas alias Ramkishan, who said Saniya was his wife and had been unlawfully detained. The couple stated that they married in January 2024 in Delhi and were living there when a fresh complaint was lodged by her father in June this year. The FIR accused Vikas, his brother and two others of enticing the girl away, claiming she was still a minor.

A few weeks earlier, on August 13, 2025, in a separate writ petition filed against the same FIR, the High Court had stayed the arrest of both Saniya and Vikas, directing them to cooperate in the investigation. The stay order, the bench recorded, had been communicated to the Senior Superintendent of Police, Muzaffarnagar, to the Station House Officer and noted in the case diary itself.

Despite this, on September 8, 2025, the investigating officer made a case-diary entry stating that Saniya had been taken into kabza police" and prepared a memo of possession," which Vikas was made to sign. Taking exception to the terminology and the act itself, the court, on November 20, said the police had sought to avoid compliance with the stay order by indulging in a crude and uneducated play of words". The bench noted that the concept of kabza" (possession) applies to objects, not people, and found the preparation of a memo of possession against a human being unacceptable.

Following this, the police produced Saniya before medical authorities for age determination. Reports dated September 9 and 10 from the District Hospital, Muzaffarnagar, assessed her age as around eighteen years based on ossification and dental development. However, the Child Welfare Committee, Muzaffarnagar, acting on the basis of a school record reflecting her date of birth as April 25, 2009, ordered her placement in the Rajkiya Bal Girha, Saharanpur.

To examine the age issue, the High Court summoned the original records of Ucchh Prathmik Vidyalaya, Ratheri, along with the principal. The principal informed the court that Saniyas date of birth had been entered when she joined Class V and was based on her Aadhaar card. The court held that an Aadhaar-linked entry could not be treated as reliable evidence under Section 94(2) of the Juvenile Justice Act, especially in the absence of any birth certificate issued by a municipal body or panchayat. With no such document available, the bench concluded that the medico-legal report must prevail.

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On being produced before the court, Saniya stated in clear terms that she wished to go with Vikas and did not want to return to her parents. Once the bench accepted the medical assessment of her age, it held her to be a major entitled to decide where she wished to live.

Allowing the habeas corpus petition, the court directed that Saniya be released immediately and declared that she is free to go anywhere she wants, including with Vikas.

About the Author Salil Tiwari Salil Tiwari, Senior Special Correspondent at Lawbeat, reports on the Allahabad High Court and courts in Uttar Pradesh, however, she also writes on important cases of national importance and public in... Read More

First Published: December 01, 2025, 19:38 IST

News india Police Cannot Take Possession Of A Human Being: Allahabad HC Frees Woman Held In Protection Home

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Raj Bhavan Now Lok Bhavan: Whats In The Name Change? Why Has It Irked Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin?

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 01, 2025, 12:36 IST

Raj Bhavan Now Lok Bhavan: Why Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin is unhappy over name change based on recommendation of Governor RN Ravi

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Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin said that a change in mindset is needed. (PTI)

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs, through a recent communication sent to all secretaries, governors and Lieutanant governors, announced that Raj Bhavans in all states and Raj Niwases in Union Territories will be renamed as Lok Bhavans and Lok Niwases, respectively.

The change, however, has irked Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, who has said that a change in mindset is needed".

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Raj Bhavan becomes Lok Bhavan: Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravis role

Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi has, on several occasions, referred to the Raj Bhavan as Makkal Maaligai (Lok Bhavan). On October 3, 2023, while addressing freedom fighters, the governor had said the Tamil Nadu Raj Bhavan was being transformed into Makkal Maaligai.

During the 2024 Conference of Governors, a committee chaired by Ravi, recommended renaming of all Raj Bhavans to Lok Bhavan and Raj Niwases to Lok Niwas. In the proposal, Ravi had argued the term Raj Bhavan carries a distinct colonial imprint", and replacing it with Lok Bhavan (Peoples House) would reflect a more democratic, people-centric ethos.

The Centre accepted the recommendation, following which the directive was issued on November 25.

The impact

In Tamil Nadu, the official stationery, letterheads and official designation has begun reflecting Lok Bhavan or Lok Niwas. The WhatsApp group used by the governors office to send communications to the media has also been renamed as Lok Bhavan Tamil Nadu News. Invitations issued for an official programme on Monday also carried the new title.

Unnecessary: What is Stalins stance?

Responding to the change, Stalin, in a post on X, said, Changing the name is less important than changing the mindset! Legislative Assembly = Peoples Forum! For those who do not respect the Legislative Assembly, is changing the name to Peoples Palace" just a superficial gesture? Is it to throw sand in the eyes of the principles of democracy? Respecting the governments elected by the people and the sovereign Legislative Assembly that fulfills the peoples will is the need of the hour! If there is no change in thought and action, this too is unnecessary!"

Stalin vs Ravi: The standoff continues

This is not the first time that the CM is not agreeing with the Governor. The two have clashed on several occasions. Take a look:

Between January 2020 and April 2023, the Tamil Nadu Assembly passed around 12 bills dealing with reforms in state universities (appointments of Vice-Chancellors, administrative control, etc.). After these bills were sent to Governor Ravi for assent, many were left pending for long periods without action, or withheld / reserved, the state government claims.

The state government accused the Governor of using his discretionary powers to delay / withhold assent.

On October 31, 2023, the Tamil Nadu government moved Supreme Court challenging Governors inaction, converting the standoff into a full-blown constitutional/legal battle.

On April 8, 2025, in a landmark verdict, a division bench of the SCs Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan held that Governor Ravis withholding of assent to 10 state-legislated bills was illegal" and arbitrary". The judgment used the Courts powers under Article 142 to declare that those 10 bills be treated as deemed assented" from the date they were re-presented to the Governor. The court also laid down that Governors must act on state-passed bills within a fixed timeline (within a month if returning the bill, or within three months for assent)  effectively curbing the practice of prolonged sitting on bills".

Stalin had called the verdict a historic victory" for Tamil Nadu and for all states  saying it upheld state autonomy and legislative rights.

The state Assembly had then passed a bill in May 2025 to establish a new university in Thanjavur / Kumbakonam (named after a DMK leader / icon), which was sent to the Governor for assent, which was, however, not cleared for 40+ days.

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The Supreme Court, however, on November 20 held that the Court cannot impose any timelines for decisions of the President and the Governor on granting assent to Bills under the Constitution.

With Agency Inputs

About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More

First Published: December 01, 2025, 12:26 IST

News india Raj Bhavan Now Lok Bhavan: Whats In The Name Change? Why Has It Irked Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin?

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Breakfast Meet Round 2: Now, Siddaramaiah Will Head To Shivakumar's Residence Amid Power Tussle

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 01, 2025, 12:37 IST

Siddaramaiah will attend a breakfast meeting at Deputy CM DK Shivakumars residence on Tuesday amid efforts to maintain party unity following a month-long political tussle.

Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar (Photo: PTI)

In a continuation of efforts to maintain unity within the state Congress, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is scheduled to attend a breakfast meeting at Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumars residence in Bengalurus Sadashivanagar on Tuesday morning.

According to the details, the meeting between the two has been scheduled for 9.30 am, in the wake of a month-long political tussle and days of intense speculation over leadership dynamics within the party.

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Reacting to the development, Shivakumar said the breakfast meeting is a matter of discussion" between him and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

We have both been working like brothers and moving forward. There are no factions. Its the media that has created the DKS camp and the Siddaramaiah camp," he said.

All 140 MLAs are with me. We came alone into this world, and we die alone. But when it comes to being in a party, all of us work together," the Deputy Chief Minister said.

Both had met for a breakfast meeting on Saturday, too, at Siddaramaiahs residence, after which the Congress leadership described the meeting as part of ongoing coordination between the two top leaders.

Addressing the media together, they had declared that they would abide by the directives of the party high command, seemingly putting an end to rumours of a change in the Chief Ministers post, which had been linked to a rumoured agreement for Shivakumars elevation in November 2025.

After the earlier meeting, Siddaramaiah criticised the media for creating confusion between him and his deputy.

Henceforth, all confusions will be sorted out," the Chief Minister assured.

Shivakumar emphasised that the 2028 assembly election would be fought under the leadership of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi.

However, political observers and opposition leaders maintain that the truce is temporary and largely tactical.

BJP leader Prakash Sesharaghavachar said, This is just a temporary truce. Once someone becomes overambitious in politics, you can silence him for the time being, but it will surge again. His loyal MLAs went to Delhi, and some seers too came in his support."

Now the Deputy Chief Minister cannot go back. That will hit his reputation. He is now in a do-or-die situation, which he himself invited," he said.

JD(S) MLC TA Sharavana added that the discord has exposed the two leaders and their party to public scrutiny, but now they are trying to cover up their bickering."

The people of the state will not accept this show of unity. The government is unable to fulfil the promises made to the people and has failed to carry out development works. Hence, the Chief Minister and the Deputy Chief Minister staged the drama," the MLC said.

Meanwhile, Congress spokesperson M Lakshmana insisted that there were never any differences between the two leaders.

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The story of differences is the handiwork of the BJP and the JD(S) and a section of the media. The opposition created a misunderstanding between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar to weaken the government. This was an attempt to ensure that Congress does not come to power in 2028," he said.

ALSO READ | Shivakumar Downplays Karnataka Power Struggle, Says No Rift With Siddaramaiah

About the Author Vani Mehrotra Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.

First Published: December 01, 2025, 08:59 IST

News india Breakfast Meet Round 2: Now, Siddaramaiah Will Head To Shivakumar's Residence Amid Power Tussle

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Supreme Court Refuses To Extend December 6 Deadline For Uploading Waqf Property Details

Reported By :

CNN-News18 Edited By: Apoorva Misra



Last Updated: December 01, 2025, 13:29 IST

The Supreme Court said if one is not able to upload the details on the portal, they have the option to approach the Waqf tribunal

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The Centre notified the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 on April 8 after it got President Droupadi Murmu's assent on April 5. (Photo: File: PTI)

In a big win for the Centre, the Supreme Court on Monday refused to extend the last dateDecember 6for updating the details of registered Waqf properties on the Umeed portal.

The petitioners had claimed that they were unable to upload the details of the Waqf properties on the portal due to technical glitches. Also, there were problems in finding the caretakers of Waqf properties who had to update the details on the website.

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However, the Supreme Court said if one is not able to upload the details on the portal, they have the option to approach the Waqf tribunal.

Approach the tribunal. Let them decide on a case-to-case basis. We cant rewrite the Waqf Act," a bench of Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice Augustine George Masih said, adding, The statute already provides a remedy. Avail it. Why should we interfere?"

The Supreme Court bench underscored that it cannot step in when Parliament has already established a specific forum to resolve disputes related to the registration process.

If the time freezes (in the Portal), you cannot be held responsible. If at all the Tribunal allows you, your six months will be counted and your application will be considered. You do not need permission. If difficulty arises, you can always file an application before us."

With the Supreme Court refusing to alter or push back the legal deadline, applicants are now required to submit their representations to the Waqf Tribunal before December 6; keep a record of any technical difficulties faced while using the portal; and request extensions or clarifications directly from the Tribunal, which has been empowered under the amended law to grant such relief.

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As part of its wider push to streamline the administration of Muslim endowment properties, the government introduced the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development (Umeed) portal on June 6. The platform is designed to build a digital, geo-tagged database of all Waqf assets. Under the new mandate, every registered Waqf property in the country must be uploaded to the portal within a six-month window.

Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, while appearing for the applicants, argued that the 6-month time limit is very less, because we dont know the details. We dont know who the Waqif is for Waqfs of 100, 125 years old. Without these details, the portal wont accept".

About the Author Ananya Bhatnagar Ananya Bhatnagar, Correspondent at CNN-News18, reports on various legal issues and cases in lower courts and the Delhi High Court. He has covered the hanging of the Nirbhaya gang-rape convicts, JNU vi... Read More

First Published: December 01, 2025, 13:18 IST

News india Supreme Court Refuses To Extend December 6 Deadline For Uploading Waqf Property Details

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Two Booked In Jammu & Kashmir's Rajouri For Violating VPN Ban

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 02, 2025, 00:04 IST

Rajouri Police registered FIRs against two men for violating the DM Abhishek Sharma's VPN ban, enforcing strict compliance for public safety in Jammu and Kashmir.

Representative image: (Credit: Pixabay)

The Rajouri Police in Jammu and Kashmir have registered two separate cases for violations of prohibitory orders issued by District Magistrate Rajouri Abhishek Sharma, who has banned the use of all Virtual Private Network (VPN) services across the district. The action comes as part of strict enforcement measures aimed at ensuring compliance with the directive.

During a routine naka checking, a police team from Manjakote Police Station apprehended Mohd Nasar, a resident of Dheri Raylote, for allegedly using a VPN application on his mobile phone. Police subsequently registered an FIR under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Manjakote Police Station.

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In a separate incident, personnel from Darhal Police Station stopped Mohd Mukhtar (38), a resident of Madhoon Dodaj, and found him in possession of a phone with a VPN application installed. An FIR under Section 223 BNS was registered against him at Darhal Police Station.

Authorities reiterated their warning to residents, urging the public to strictly follow the District Magistrates restrictions and avoid using VPN services in violation of the order. Police officials said that enforcement drives would continue and action would be taken against anyone found flouting the ban.

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On Saturday, authorities ordered an immediate two-month suspension of all VPN services in the border district, citing public safety and potential misuse of such platforms for unlawful activities.

The District Magistrate passed the directive under Section 163 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), following a communication by police. The Senior Superintendent of Police, Rajouri, has been directed to ensure strict implementation of the order in letter and spirit.

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 : Jammu and Kashmir, India, India

First Published: December 02, 2025, 00:04 IST

News india Two Booked In Jammu & Kashmir's Rajouri For Violating VPN Ban

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Kriti Sanons Rs 98K Choga Look Steals The Spotlight At Tere Ishk Mein Promotions

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 01, 2025, 09:41 IST

At the promotions of Tere Ishk Mein, Kriti Sanon stunned in a green and yellow ethnic choga set which was not only luxurious but also rooted in tradition.

Kriti Sanon was styled by Sukriti Grover.

Kriti Sanon has long been known for her sartorial prowess, seamlessly blending modern chic with traditional elegance. For the promotions of her upcoming film Tere Ishq Mein, the actress showcased a stunning ensemble that was an ode to luxe, timeless fashion. Stepping out in a gorgeous green and gold ethnic set, she captured the essence of sophistication, captivating her audience with a look that epitomised grace and opulence.

The intricate ethnic set from OhFab exuded an aura of grandeur, with its expert craftsmanship elevating Kriti Sanons look to an unmatched level of elegance. The ensemble featured a delicate green kurta with ornate detailing along the edges, paired with beautiful bottoms featuring a rich golden base adorned with intricate patterns. The contrasting colours and the fluid silhouette created a striking visual harmony, perfect for a high-profile promotion event.

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View this post on Instagram A post shared by S U K R I T I G R O V E R (@sukritigrover)

The deep green of the choga radiated freshness, while the gold accents in the lehenga added depth and luxury. A key highlight was the hand-stitched embellishments that enhanced the elegance of the outfit, elevating it from traditional to modern royalty. This Panna Nazaakat Choga Set retails for Rs 98,000.

Styled by Sukriti Grover, Vani Gupta, and Aditi Jaiswal, Kritis outfit was complemented with carefully chosen accessories that spoke of understated luxury. Her choice of traditional gold jhumkas added a vintage flair, while the soft, neutral-toned clutch brought a contemporary touch to the overall look. The delicate gold footwear, in harmony with the lehengas intricate detailing, brought balance to the ensemble, ensuring all elements tied together seamlessly.

Her makeup, curated to perfection, highlighted her natural features. A flawless base with a soft peach blush, paired with subtle eyeshadow and a nude lip, kept the focus on her outfit, while the soft waves of her hair added an effortlessly chic vibe to the ensemble.

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Kritis choice of colour made an immediate impact, with the rich green hue symbolising freshness and vitality. As she posed effortlessly for the cameras, the light caught the shimmering fabric of her lehenga, making the entire look appear ethereal. The subtle shimmer, combined with the elegant design, made her a vision of grace and refinement.

What made this look truly remarkable was the way it fused premium styling with traditional cultural elements. Kriti Sanons appearance at the Tere Ishq Mein promotions was a testament to her fashion evolution, as she embraced a look that was both luxurious and rooted in tradition.

Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: December 01, 2025, 09:41 IST

News lifestyle fashion Kriti Sanons Rs 98K Choga Look Steals The Spotlight At Tere Ishk Mein Promotions
Inside Samantha Ruth Prabhu And Raj Nidimorus Rare Bhuta Shuddhi Vivaha Ceremony

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 01, 2025, 16:57 IST

Samantha Ruth Prabhu tied the knot with director Raj Nidimoru at the Linga Bhairavi abode in Isha Yoga Centre, Coimbatore. The couple opted for yogic rituals.

Samantha Ruth Prabhu marries Raj Nidimoru at Isha Yoga Centre.

In an era where celebrity weddings are often synonymous with grandeur, Samantha Ruth Prabhu and filmmaker Raj Nidimoru chose a path that was intimate, elemental, and deeply spiritual. Their decision to marry through the Bhuta Shuddhi Vivaha at the Linga Bhairavi abode in Isha Yoga Centre, Coimbatore, signalled a shift toward ceremonies that celebrate inner alignment as much as outward festivity.

What intrigued many was the nature of this ritual  one that moves beyond culture or custom and into the realm of yogic science.

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View this post on Instagram A post shared by Samantha (@samantharuthprabhuoffl)

The Philosophy Behind Bhuta Shuddhi Vivaha

At its essence, the Bhuta Shuddhi Vivaha is not just a marriage ritual but a process of consecration. Instead of focusing on community traditions, it works on balancing the five elements  earth, water, fire, air, and space  that form the human system. This elemental harmony is believed to prepare a couple for a life lived with clarity and balance.

Performed in the presence of Linga Bhairavi, the ritual draws upon chants, sacred fire, and offerings that purify the energetic body. According to Ishas teachings, aligning these elements helps partners connect in a way that is both inward-looking and deeply expansive.

What sets this ceremony apart is its intention. Rather than just marking a union, it reshapes how the couple enters marriage  less as a social contract and more as a shared spiritual journey.

How Couples Can Opt For This Ritual

The Bhuta Shuddhi Vivaha is accessible to couples marrying for the first time as well as those renewing their vows. It can be conducted at the Linga Bhairavi Temple in Coimbatore, at other abodes, or at a location selected by the couple.

Participants are required to wear the Devi pendant, an important element of the process, and they may include traditional customs like the tying of the mangalsutra. Because the ritual centres on elemental purification, pregnant brides are advised against participating.

What appeals to many modern couples is the ceremonys structure. It is minimal, meditative, and intentionally designed to shift attention inward. In a world of loud weddings, this one invites stillness.

Samanthas Understated, Elegant Bridal Moment

For the occasion, Samantha chose an exquisite Arpita Mehta saree  a handwoven Banarasi masterpiece in pure Katan satin silk. Its subtle powder-zari buttis and delicately crafted zardozi border created an aura of refined opulence without overwhelming the eye. She paired the look with timeless gold jewellery, reinforcing the understated elegance of the day.

Raj Nidimoru complemented her aesthetic in a simple white kurta and beige Nehru jacket, underscoring the ceremonys serene, pared-back spirit.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pallavi Singh (@pallavi_85)

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Samantha and Rajs Bhuta Shuddhi Vivaha reflects a growing shift  where couples seek meaning over spectacle, connection over choreography. In choosing an elemental, contemplative ritual, they placed intention at the heart of celebration, offering a refreshing blueprint for modern spiritual weddings.

Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: December 01, 2025, 16:37 IST

News lifestyle Inside Samantha Ruth Prabhu And Raj Nidimorus Rare Bhuta Shuddhi Vivaha Ceremony
The Epic Journey Of Taiko: How Japans Ancient Drum Evolved Into A Modern Spectacle

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 01, 2025, 12:44 IST

A deep dive into the powerful journey of Taiko drumming, tracing its roots in spirituality, military history and modern performance art.

Modern Taiko performances feature ensembles and theatrical elements.

Imagine an instrument so versatile that its thundering beat is said to please the gods, command the rhythm of armies and engulf the air with pure raw energy. The journey of the Taiko Drum began almost two thousand years ago, and since then the instrument has found itself at the centre of celebrations, temples, wars and now the theatre.

An Instrument Born In Prayer

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Long before, Taiko took the stage- it lived quietly in temples and villages. The drum made its way to Japan along with Buddhism, and upon its arrival, the instrument almost instantly acquired a sacred stature. Villagers believed that the deep rumble of Taiko could reach the gods;s, they played it to pray for rain, honour deities and during cleansing rituals. In fact, each village often possessed a single sacred drum that could only be played by a designated person, as the sound was meant to be slow and deliberate.

When Taiko Went To War

What came next for the instrument was quite surprising- the sound craft that once symbolised devotion suddenly found itself deployed on the battlefield during the Japanese feudal era. The drum became an essential military tool as its low frequency travelled kilometres, making it the ideal choice for signalling troops, long before radios and bugles came into existence. Additionally, each fierce beat boosted the morale of soldiers on the ground whilst intimidating the enemies. The shadows of the drums marital past still show up in the way Taiko is performed today  with the stance, unity and power all echoing the instruments complex history.

The Homecoming

While Japan was entering an era of peace, the war drum too softened its purpose. It made a quiet return to civilian life before finally becoming central to Matsuri  the vibrant summer festivals where communities come to honour deities even today. This is when Taiko cemented its identity as the peoples instrument, from parades to Shinto rituals- the drum now had a new identity.

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The Reinvention

Jazz drummer Daihachi Oguchis epiphany back in 1951 is what led to what we call the Taiko performance today. Instead of relying on a single instrument, Oguchi arranged an ensemble of drums of different sizes and pitches, layering rhythms similar to how a jazz band might, and by 1960, Taiko groups began popping up across Japan. Bands like Drum Tao, who mesmerised Delhi with their performance at JLN Stadium recently, continue to take Taiko global  by combining lightning, sounds and spellbinding costume changes, Taiko today pays homage to the instruments formidable journey.

Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: December 01, 2025, 12:44 IST

News lifestyle The Epic Journey Of Taiko: How Japans Ancient Drum Evolved Into A Modern Spectacle
Escape The Smog: The Clean-Air Sanctuaries Wellness Travellers Are Choosing This Season

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 01, 2025, 14:36 IST

From forest-framed retreats to wellness sanctuaries and heritage hideaways, these clean-air destinations offer the perfect antidote to pollution-led fatigue.

As pollution levels rise, these thoughtfully curated destinations offer more than just a holiday, they provide space to unwind, breathe deeply, and embrace better wellbeing surrounded by natures purity.

As air quality dips across North India, travellers are seeking meaningful escapes where they can pause, breathe deeply, and reconnect with nature. From forest-framed retreats to wellness sanctuaries and heritage hideaways, these clean-air destinations offer the perfect antidote to pollution-led fatigue.

Six Senses Fort Barwara  Rajasthans Clean-Air Sanctuary

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This season, escape the smog and retreat into the Aravalli Hills at Six Senses Fort Barwara, a beautifully restored 14th-century fort offering a refreshing environment far from the citys dense haze. With the regions significantly lower AQI, guests can immerse themselves in wellbeing rituals, outdoor yoga sessions overlooking the rugged landscape, and transformative therapies at the Six Senses Spa. Mindful dining, natural surroundings, and the forts meditative calm make it the perfect destination for rest, renewal, and deep breathing.

voco Jim Corbett  A Forest Escape for Fresh-Air Seekers

For those craving a nature-forward getaway, voco Jim Corbett offers an uplifting sanctuary surrounded by dense woodlands and the gentle flow of the Kosi River. The propertys forest microclimate provides cleaner, oxygen-rich air, ideal for treks, riverside walks, birdwatching, and rejuvenating outdoor experiences. Blending stylish comfort with the charm of the wilderness, voco Jim Corbett creates a refreshing escape for families, couples, and wellness-led travellers seeking a breath of fresh air this season.

Udaipur Marriott Hotel  A Hillside Haven for Restful Breathing

Escape the smog this season and retreat to the Udaipur Marriott Hotel, a clean-air sanctuary embraced by the Aravalli Hills and set away from the congestion of urban centres. Perched on Tiger Hills, the property offers fresher air, open-sky views, and a calm, restorative ambience that wellness travellers are actively seeking. With its tranquil Quan Spa, holistic treatments, outdoor pool overlooking the mountains, and thoughtfully designed rooms that prioritise comfort and indoor air quality, the hotel blends luxury with mindful living. Early-morning hill walks, peaceful terraces, and slow, scenic moments replace the noise and pollution of the metros, making Udaipur Marriott an ideal escape for those looking to breathe easier, reset, and recharge in a serene environment this season.

Six Senses Vana  A Himalayan Retreat for Respiratory Rejuvenation

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Nestled in the sal forests of Dehradun, Six Senses Vana continues to be a preferred retreat for travellers prioritising clean air and holistic wellness. Surrounded by lush greenery and mountain breezes, the retreat offers personalised programs rooted in Ayurveda, Tibetan healing, yoga, nutrition, and natural therapies. With consistently lower AQI levels and a nature-rich environment, guests can restore balance, strengthen respiratory health, and experience a mindful reset amid Himalayan serenity.

As pollution levels rise, these thoughtfully curated destinations offer more than just a holiday, they provide space to unwind, breathe deeply, and embrace better wellbeing surrounded by natures purity.

About the Author Swati Chaturvedi Swati Chaturvedi is a seasoned media professional with over 13 years of experience in journalism, digital content strategy, and editorial leadership across top national media houses. An alumna of Lady... Read More

First Published: December 01, 2025, 14:36 IST

News lifestyle travel Escape The Smog: The Clean-Air Sanctuaries Wellness Travellers Are Choosing This Season
Ali Fazal Meets Gaza Refugees In Egypt, Becomes Goodwill Ambassador For Global NGO

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News18.com

Last Updated: December 01, 2025, 15:45 IST

Ali Fazal is named international goodwill ambassador for Goodwill Caravan, supporting refugees across Northern Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.

Ali Fazal has been named the new international goodwill ambassador for Goodwill Caravan.

Indian actor Ali Fazal has been named the new international goodwill ambassador for Goodwill Caravan, a global non-profit organisation supporting refugees and displaced people across Northern Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. The announcement underscores Fazals growing involvement in humanitarian causes.

Goodwill Caravan provides critical aid to individuals and families fleeing conflict and persecution, offering resources such as shelter, food, healthcare, education, and legal assistance. The organisation focuses on helping refugees rebuild their lives with dignity and safety, supporting integration in the first safe country they reach and reducing their vulnerability to exploitation.

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Fazal recently visited Egypt to engage directly with refugees, meeting women and children who had escaped the conflict in Gaza. Reflecting on his experience, he said, Goodwill Caravans work has deeply resonated with me. Its always the common people who lose livelihood due to the wars fought. And here is an eco system that is about giving people a second chance, to rebuild, to belong, and to live with dignity. I feel honored to lend my voice to this cause and to the tireless efforts being made by the wonderful team at Goodwill Caravan to support refugees who have endured unimaginable hardships. I have a child of my own now, and no family, no individual especially kids should be exposed to the cruel drawbacks of war and fleeing to be a refugee in another country. Everyone deserves dignity and being a human, a husband, a son, a father all deeply have made me more aware of the need for empathy and emotion in a world that is alienating us from these very instincts."

Sharing the news on social media, Fazal added, I think this was the hardest sit down camera interaction i have ever had to do. And still the one i most looked forward to. Thank You @goodwillcaravan. For having me come onboard this gigantic vehicle of pure love and support. May the Caravan reach the ends of the world in good time. We all need you. Being aware and holding onto compassion is the holy grail of artists like myself i like to think. With wars and famines waging in so many areas in the world.. this is but a spec of some good we can hope to bring about in the lives of displaced men, women and children. Here, i got a chance to interact and spend time with the few women and children who managed to get out of the massacres in Gaza. Along with them we helped integrate the Syrian refugees fleeing. Goodwill Caravan provides essential protection services including emergency aid distributions and shelter for the most vulnerable and legal aid and support for refugees and displaced populations."

As Goodwill Caravans international ambassador, Fazal will work to spread awareness, gather support for the NGOs projects, and speak out against human trafficking and abuse of vulnerable people. His role shows how celebrities can use their influence to combine compassion and action, bringing attention to global humanitarian issues.

First Published: December 01, 2025, 15:45 IST

News movies bollywood Ali Fazal Meets Gaza Refugees In Egypt, Becomes Goodwill Ambassador For Global NGO
Deepika Padukone Swoons Over Ranveer Singhs IFFI Look, Drops Flirty Comment: Oh Soo Edible

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 01, 2025, 08:17 IST

Deepika Padukone couldnt stop gushing over Ranveer Singhs dapper look at IFFI 2025, and dropped a flirty comment on his latest post!

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Deepika Padukone drops a flirty comment on Ranveer Singh's latest Instagram post

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh, one of Bollywoods most popular and loved couples, never fail to shell out major couple goals! They leave no opportunity to cheer for each other, and their playful social media banter often leaves fans swooning over them. Recently, Ranveer Singh graced the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa, and he has now shared pictures of his dapper look from the closing ceremony. Deepika couldnt stop gushing over him, and her flirty comment on his post has garnered their fans attention.

Deepika Padukone Gushes Over Ranveer Singhs IFFI Look

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On Sunday, Ranveer Singh took to his Instagram to share stunning pictures flaunting his dapper look at IFFI. He looked stunning in a tailored black bandhgala, paired with matching shoes and dark sunglasses. His polished and effortlessly stylish look had Deepika Padukones approval! She dropped a comment on his post that read, Oh Soo Edible!" along with a drooling face emoji. Check out the post below!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ranveer Singh (@ranveersingh)

Ranveer Singh On His Love Story With Deepika Padukone

Meanwhile, a few days ago, Ranveer Singh performed at Netra Mantena and Vamsi Gadirajus sangeet ceremony in Udaipur, Rajasthan. A video from the ceremony that went viral shows the actor calling Udaipur a lucky charm for love stories, and revealing that his romance with Deepika also began here, while they were shooting for Ram Leela.

He called Udaipur a special place and went on to reveal how his own love story with Deepika Padukone blossomed here. I want to tell you, Udaipur is like a lucky charm for love stories. I shot a movie here, called Ram-Leela. It was back in the day, and I was starring opposite your Bhabhi. And it was on the long Udaipur schedule of Ram Leela that our love story blossomed. Since then it has been 13 years of togetherness, seven years of marriage, and one beautiful baby girl. So you see? Udaipur is very, very lucky for love stories," he said.

Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone tied the knot on 14 November 2018 at Lake Como in Italy. They welcomed their first child, daughter Dua Padukone Singh, in September last year.

First Published: December 01, 2025, 08:17 IST

News movies bollywood Deepika Padukone Swoons Over Ranveer Singhs IFFI Look, Drops Flirty Comment: Oh Soo Edible
Neither Sunny-Bobby Nor Esha-Ahana, Dharmendra Gifted Ancestral Property Worth Crores To Nephews

Curated By :

Translation Desk

Last Updated: December 01, 2025, 19:35 IST

Born in Nasrali, with ancestral ties to Dango in Ludhiana district, Dharmendra spent three formative years of his childhood in this quiet settlement

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Dharmendra's nephews continue to cherish his memory and generousity.

In a week when the film industry is still coming to terms with the loss of one of its most enduring icons, fresh conversations continue to swirl far beyond the soundstages of Mumbai. Dharmendra, the beloved star whose charisma defined generations of cinema-goers, passed away on November 24, leaving behind not just a treasure of films but a deeply human story rooted in a modest village in Punjab.

Born in Nasrali, with ancestral ties to Dango in Ludhiana district, Dharmendra spent three formative years of his childhood in this quiet settlement. The mud-and-brick home in which he once toddled around, now valued in crores, still stands intact, cared for lovingly by relatives who have remained there for decades.

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According to a detailed account reported by Dainik Bhaskar, the actor had long ago entrusted the property to the children of his uncle, honouring a responsibility handed down by his father. As his film career took wing and his life moved to larger cities, Dharmendra chose not to sever his emotional bond with the land. Instead, he expanded it by transferring the ancestral property, along with nearly 2.5 acres of land, to his uncles grandsons so they could continue living securely with their families.

In a time when land disputes tear families apart over mere decimals of acreage, the actors gesture, involving property estimated to be worth around Rs 5 crore, has remained a point of quiet admiration in the village. His nephews, Boota Singh among them, continue to work at a textile mill in Ludhiana and speak of Dharmendra with unmistakable affection. He never thought of its value," a relative is quoted as saying, For him, it was simply home."

Dharmendra himself made emotional returns to Dango over the years. During a 2013 film shoot, he reportedly stepped out of his car, bent down, touched the soil of his courtyard to his forehead, and stood in silence for several minutes, a moment villagers still recount. Two years later, he returned again, this time to formally complete the legal transfer of the ancestral land to the very people who had safeguarded it in his absence.

Location : Mumbai | Punjab, India

First Published: December 01, 2025, 19:34 IST

News movies bollywood Neither Sunny-Bobby Nor Esha-Ahana, Dharmendra Gifted Ancestral Property Worth Crores To Nephews
The Smiles That Make Me Live: Big B Posts Emotional Tribute To His Fans

Curated By :

IANS

Last Updated: December 01, 2025, 10:52 IST

Amitabh Bachchan skipped his Sunday fan meet at Jalsa, Mumbai, sharing gratitude on X.

Amitabh Bachchan skips Sunday fan meet.

For the last four decades, Amitabh Bachchan has cherished the Sunday ritual of meeting his fans outside his residence, Jalsa, in Mumbai, who gather in large numbers to get a glimpse of the legend.

However, this Sunday, Big B decided to skip the Sunday ritual for reasons best known to him. Using social media, Amitabh expressed that it is the love and admiration of the fans that give him the strength to continue his work.

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Big B took to his X (Earlier known as Twitter) handle, and penned an emotional message that read, T 5582  .. the smiles that make me live .. and exist and work (sic)."

T 5582  .. the smiles that make me live .. and exist and work pic.twitter.com/KUVJLQKr0L Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) November 30, 2025

Reciprocating the love and affection, one of the users penned the comment, And you are the reason millions of us smile, sir Your passion keeps us alive, inspired and proud, always. Lots of love and respect (sic)."

Another one shared, The love and support from your fans are truly incredible, sir. Keep inspiring!".

The third comment read, Your words and your work keep inspiring us every day, Sir."

Work-wise, Amitabh continues to entertain countless viewers as the host for the reality game show, " Kaun Banega Crorepati 17".

The latest celebs to take on the hot seat opposite the legend are actor-comedians Sudesh Lehri and Kiku Sharda.

During the episode, Lehri credited Big B for inspiring his journey as a comedian.

When I was a child, I never went to school, not even nursery. We were very poor," he confessed.

In an emotionally charged moment, Lehri shared that Amitabh was his unseen inspiration guiding his journey as an artist.

I was always fond of watching films. The first time I ever went to a theatre, someone took me because I didnt have the money, and the film I watched was Shankar Shambhu. After a long time, I saw Ganga Ki Saugand, your film, where you had that small hand scene. Then Namak Halaal came, and because I loved comedy, I used to watch you again and again. We even got the videocassette of the same," he explained.

First Published: December 01, 2025, 10:52 IST

News movies bollywood The Smiles That Make Me Live: Big B Posts Emotional Tribute To His Fans
Delhi HC Directs CBFC To Look Into Concerns Of Major Mohit Sharma's Family Over 'Dhurandhar'

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Last Updated: December 01, 2025, 16:09 IST

Ashoka Chakra awardee Major Mohit Sharma's family has alleged that the Ranveer Singh-starring 'Dhurandhar' draws heavily from the officer's life without the family's permission.

The parents of Late Major Mohit Sharma, Ashoka Chakra and Sena Medal awardee, have moved the Delhi High Court seeking a stay on the release of Ranveer Singhs Dhurandhar.

The Delhi High Court on Monday directed the Central Board for Film Certification to look into the concerns raised by the parents of Ashoka Chakra and Sena Medal awardee Major Mohit Sharma regarding the release of Ranveer Singh-starrer Dhurandhar.

A high court bench headed by Justice Sachin Datta also asked the CBFC to send the matter to the Indian Army if the need arises. Notably, the producers of the film have said that the movie is a work of fiction and not based on Major Sharmas life.

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In their petition, the family alleges that the film draws heavily from the life, undercover missions, and martyrdom of the decorated Special Forces officer, all without permission from Major Sharmas family or the Indian Army.

What Did Major Sharmas Family Say?

Major Sharmas family claimed that several elements shown in the Dhurandhar trailer and promotional material appear to replicate key events from Major Sharmas military career, including classified counter-terrorism operations conducted in Kashmir.

Dhurandhar: Major Mohit Sharmas Family Moves Delhi High Court To Stop Release Of Ranveer Singh Starrer

The plea stresses that a martyr is not a commercial commodity" and that his life cannot be recreated for profit, without truth, dignity, or due permission." The family argues that the films unauthorised depiction infringes upon Major Sharmas posthumous personality rights under Article 21 of the Constitution.

The petitioners assert that Dhurandhar appears to portray sensitive military strategies, infiltration methods, and operational details without any indication that the filmmakers obtained clearance or script approval from the Indian Armys Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI).

The petition requests the Delhi High Court to halt the release of Dhurandhar until Major Sharmas family is allowed to screen the film privately. They further seek a declaration making it mandatory for filmmakers to obtain consent from the martyrs legal heirs and the Indian Army before creating or releasing any depiction of a real-life military hero.

Chaudhary Aslams Widow Threatens Legal Action

Meanwhile, the high-octane thriller has run into another controversy, as the widow of Pakistani police officer Chaudhary Aslam has now raised objections and warned she will pursue legal action if her husband is portrayed inaccurately or disrespectfully in the movie.

Dhurandhar, directed by Aditya Dhar, is set against the gritty backdrop of Karachis Lyari districta neighbourhood historically controlled by rival criminal gangs and terror networks. It stars Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna and Sanjay Dutt in pivotal roles.

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: December 01, 2025, 16:09 IST

News movies Delhi HC Directs CBFC To Look Into Concerns Of Major Mohit Sharma's Family Over 'Dhurandhar'
Mohanlal To Begin Jailer 2 Shoot With Rajinikanth In Early December? Here's What We Know

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Last Updated: December 01, 2025, 07:20 IST

Mohanlal joins Rajinikanth for Jailer 2 shoot in December. Ramya Krishnan returns as Vijaya Pandian. Mirnaa and Anirudh also reprise roles.

Mohanlal joins Rajinikanth for Jailer 2 shoot in December?

Mohanlal is expected to join Rajinikanth on the sets of Jailer 2 in early December, if ongoing buzz in the industry is anything to go by. While the team hasnt issued any official announcement yet, multiple sources say the Malayalam superstar is gearing up for a short shoot schedule at the start of the month, according to IANS.

According to people familiar with the films progress, Mohanlal is likely to film his portions around December 2 before heading back to his Malayalam commitments. Hes expected to return again on December 21 for another round of shooting that may continue until December 24.

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Meanwhile, the sequel is already generating massive curiosity. Industry sources had earlier hinted that Vijay Sethupathi has shot for the film in Goa, though the makers havent confirmed his involvement.

Rajinikanth himself offered a small update back in May while speaking to reporters at the Chennai airport, saying, Shooting of Jailer 2 is progressing well. It will be December by the time the film ends."

The enthusiasm around Jailer 2 isnt surprising. The first film turned into a blockbuster and reportedly collected around Rs 650 crore worldwide. The sequel began rolling in Chennai, with Sun Pictures announcing the start of production on March 10.

A teaser released by the banner further fuelled excitement thanks to its mix of quirky humour and action. Soon after, Ramya Krishnan confirmed she had begun filming in Attapaadi, Kerala, sharing a post that read, 26 years of Padayappa and the first day shoot of Jailer 2." She returns as Vijaya Pandian (Viji), wife of Rajinikanths Muthuvel Pandian.

The sequel will also see Mirnaa reprising her role as Swetha Pandian, who is expected to have a more significant presence this time. Music composer Anirudh, whose soundtrack played a big part in the first films blockbuster run, is back for the second instalment as well.

First Published: December 01, 2025, 07:20 IST

News movies regional-cinema Mohanlal To Begin Jailer 2 Shoot With Rajinikanth In Early December? Here's What We Know
Big Boss 19: Salman Khan, Madhuri Dixit Recreate Hum Aapke Hain Koun Magic On Stage

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Last Updated: December 01, 2025, 12:39 IST

Madhuri Dixit came to Bigg Boss 19 to promote her new show and fans were excited to see the hit pair together.

Madhuri Dixit's series Mrs. Deshpande will stream on hotstar from December 19.(Photo Credit: Instagram)

Salman Khan and Madhuri Dixit, one of Bollywoods most cherished on-screen pairs, reunited on the sets of Bigg Boss 19, giving fans a wave of nostalgia. Seeing them together again brought back memories of their iconic chemistry that defined the 1990s.

Their warm camaraderie on the reality show instantly took the internet by storm, reigniting fans long-standing wish to see them reunite in a mature romantic drama.

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Madhuri Dixit Appears on Weekend Ka Vaar to Promote Mrs. Deshpande

During the recent Weekend Ka Vaar episode, Madhuri Dixit visited the Bigg Boss 19 stage to promote her upcoming series Mrs. Deshpande. The moment she walked onto the set, fans were treated to a throwback as Salman and Madhuri recreated a beloved scene from Hum Aapke Hain Koun!, sitting together on folding chairsjust like the memorable moment from the film.

Salman and Madhuris Fun Banter Wins Hearts

Madhuri engaged Salman in a fun conversation and asked whether he still enjoys hosting Bigg Boss each weekend. Salman responded that hosting has now become a routine for him. When she questioned whether he ever gets affected by the contestants troubling him, he laughed it off, saying that nothing really gets to him anymore because people say so many things about him that he no longer takes any of it seriously.

Madhuri then teased him, saying that if nothing affects him, why does he advise contestants so often? She quipped, After all, who are you to them?" Salman humorously replied that he is nobody" to the contestants, adding that Endemol Shine and JioHotstar are the ones who ensure his bank balance stays healthy.

The two wrapped up their playful exchange by recreating the famous cough scene" from their 1994 blockbuster. Before Madhuri exited the stage, Salman subtly hinted that the possibility of working with her again in a film is not entirely off the table, sending fans into a frenzy.

Fans Demand SalmanMadhuri Reunion on the Big Screen

The video of their interaction quickly went viral across social media platforms. Admirers of the duo flooded the comments with excitement, expressing how timeless their chemistry still feels.

One user wrote, Chemistry is insane.biggest hit of 90s HAHK need them again in a lighter comedy or intense age based love story". Another fan commented, Sooraj Babu brings them back in a mature family drama for one last time."

A Look Back at Salman Khan and Madhuri Dixits Iconic Films

Salman Khan and Madhuri Dixit have previously collaborated on several memorable films. Their biggest success, Hum Aapke Hain Koun!, became one of the highest-grossing Bollywood films of the 1990s. They also shared the screen in Hum Tumhare Hain Sanam, Dil Tera Aashiq and Saajan, showcasing their versatility across genres ranging from romance to drama.

Madhuri Dixits Upcoming Thriller Mrs. Deshpande

During her Bigg Boss 19 appearance, the actress promoted her upcoming thriller Mrs. Deshpande, directed by Nagesh Kukunoor. The series, premiering on December 19 on Hotstar, is the official adaptation of the French thriller La Mante. The plot revolves around a notorious serial killer who assists the police in hunting down a copycat criminal, offering viewers a gripping and suspenseful storyline.

Salman Khans Next Project

Meanwhile, Salman Khan is gearing up for his next major film Battle of Galwan, directed by Apoorva Lakhia. The patriotic drama is inspired by the 2020 Galwan Valley clash between Indian and Chinese troops. The film stars Chitrangada Singh in a pivotal role and is expected to hit theatres in 2026.

First Published: December 01, 2025, 12:39 IST

News movies television Big Boss 19: Salman Khan, Madhuri Dixit Recreate Hum Aapke Hain Koun Magic On Stage
Opinion | Assam Leads The Way With Crackdown On Polygamy

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 01, 2025, 18:04 IST

The Assam anti-polygamy Bill prescribes punishment of up to 10 years and heavy fines for individuals who conceal a previous marriage before marrying the second time

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma (PTI File)

The Assam Assembly on November 27, 2025, passed the Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025, aimed at penalising those who enter into a second marriage without legally dissolving the first.

We will reserve the Bill for the assent of President Droupadi Murmu. I do not think the Bill will be denied approval, as the President is a woman," Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said, pointing out rather needlessly that the Bill intends to protect women and compensate victims of polygamy. Every right-thinking person would throw his weight behind any anti-polygamy legislation.

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Bigamy was first outlawed in the U.S. at the federal level by the Morrill Anti-Bigamy Act in 1862, which criminalised the practice. Later, the Edmunds Anti-Polygamy Act of 1882 further strengthened the law and became the primary legal basis for prohibiting polygamy, which is now illegal in all states.

In the US, bigamy was banned at the instance, among others, of a feisty woman called Anna Eliza Young who happened to be the 27th (or was she the 19th, as there is no unanimity on this?) wife of Brigham Young whose Mormon church allowed a Mormon follower to marry as many as twenty-seven times with all the wives still alive and none of the marriages dissolved.

Many of the critics in that period derisively called Utah the only Mohammedan state in the USA with reference to the practice of harem living it promoted and espoused. Its founder, Joseph Smith, is reported to have said without batting an eyelid that polygamy, as opposed to polyandry, was necessary as the society needed more hands in the farms  while a man can procreate 27 times simultaneously, a woman marrying 27 men couldnt. It was a vulgar and sexist rationalisation of a demeaning practice that made a woman a vassal.

The Assam anti-polygamy Bill prescribes punishment of up to 10 years and heavy fines for individuals who conceal a previous marriage before marrying the second time. Repeat offenders will face double the punishment. The Bill proposes up to two years in jail and a fine of up to 1 lakh for those who hide information about polygamous marriages from the police. Clerics or Qazis who solemnise such marriages may also face up to two years in prison and a fine of up to 1.5 lakh.

Several Muslim-majority countries have banned both triple talaq and polygamy, though some of them allow polygamy subject to strict safeguards including free consent of the first and subsequent wives. The Narendra Modi government did well to ban triple talaq.

There is no reason polygamy should not be banned outright across India, as in the USA, given the fact polygamy is as revolting to the senses as triple talaq. As it is, bigamy in India is a non-cognizable offence which, in simple terms, means if the first wife doesnt protest, why should the public be incensed? But this is not fair, as even an implicit or complicit subjugation of the first and subsequent wives ought to provoke public outrage. Let not the opposition parties and rabid rousers shrilly protest against the women-protecting legislation. If a man or a woman in such a non-polygamous milieu doesnt want to remain in wedlock, the only course open to him or her is to seek legal separation. Consent of the existing wives for the subsequent polygamous marriages is a farce, as often their protests are ridden roughshod over.

Detractors may turn around and ask, dont Hindus clandestinely keep concubines? There is considerable truth in this counterattack. The putative central legislation should keep this in mind, though it would be at its wits end in proving it unless the concubine comes out in the open and complains.

The loose relationship between a concubine and a man is admittedly difficult to rein, given the fact the man keeps his concubine in good humour by providing all material and creature comforts, so much so that in Tamil Nadu people refer to such a cosy arrangement as chinnaveedu (a small house) more figuratively than really. Can the law reach out to the practice of chinnaveedu?

It will be infinitely more difficult than calling out the formally solemnised marriages. But surely there should be a way where there is a will.

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Himanta Biswa Sarma, the Chief Minister of Assam, nevertheless deserves fulsome praise for setting the ball rolling.

The writer is a senior columnist. He tweets @smurlidharan. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.

First Published: December 01, 2025, 17:44 IST

News opinion Opinion | Assam Leads The Way With Crackdown On Polygamy

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Opinion | From Deepotsav To Dharma Dhwaja: How Civilisational Blueprint Is Reshaping Uttar Pradesh

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 01, 2025, 20:39 IST

In the last eight-and-a-half years, Uttar Pradesh, under Yogi Adityanath, has witnessed an unmistakable shift  from symbolic gestures to sustained cultural stewardship

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath speaks during the 'Dhwajarohan' ceremony at the Ram Temple, in Ayodhya on November 25, 2025. (Image: @NarendraModi/YT/PTI)

There are certain dates that quietly etch themselves into the political history of a state. For Uttar Pradesh, 24 April 2013 was one such day. On that morning, the then Chief Minister, Akhilesh Yadav, landed in the United States, accompanied by Azam Khan, the most powerful minister in his cabinet. The journey was not a routine political excursion; it carried the fragrance of prestige.

Akhilesh Yadav was invited to Harvard University  that presumed citadel of global scholarship  to speak on the organisation of the Maha Kumbh, a spectacle of faith where more than 12 crore devotees had gathered in 2013. The event at Harvard carried an evocative title: Kumbh Mela: Mapping the Ephemeral City". For India, and especially for Uttar Pradesh, it was a rare honour. A Chief Minister was to narrate to the world the triumph of managing the largest human congregation in recorded history  a feat rooted as much in ancient spiritual traditions as in modern administrative precision.

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But destiny, on that day, had other plans. At Boston airport, American officials detained Azam Khan for brief questioning  some say an hour, others insist barely 10 minutes, but Azam claimed it to be an hour precisely. Regardless of duration, the incident ignited fury in Akhilesh Yadav. Offended by what he saw as an insult to his minister, he cancelled every scheduled programme. Even the Harvard lecture was abandoned. The presentation on the Maha Kumbh was delivered instead by the then Chief Secretary, Javed Usmani.

There is another striking detail. The responsibility of representing the Maha Kumbh  considered one of the holiest expressions of Sanatana faith  was given to a Muslim officer, while the whole organisation had also been placed under a Muslim minister. Maybe because Azam Khan was the elected minister in charge of the Maha Kumbh organisation as a whole, that is why he alone was taken along. For many devout Hindus, these choices felt curious. But they mirrored the political grammar that Akhilesh Yadav and his father, Mulayam Singh Yadav, had long embraced, even when such decisions distanced them from the emotional heartbeat of the majority community.

Years passed. Uttar Pradesh turned a page.

THE ARRIVAL OF YOGI ADITYANATH

October 2017. Yogi Adityanath, newly sworn in as Chief Minister on March 19, 2017, was not just prepared for his first Diwali in power but also very clear in bringing a changed ideology from that of Akhileshs era. With the flicker of lamps, he initiated a cultural reawakening that would reshape Ayodhya itself. That year, the banks of the Saryu glowed with 1.71 lakh diyas, stitching a river of light into the night sky. A world record was made.

Since then, Deepotsav has expanded each year like a luminous epic  nine days of celebrations, bringing along nine new world records. In 2025, the glow reached a staggering 26.17 lakh diyas, an ocean of light that captured the attention of the entire nation. Unlike many leaders who merely flag off events, Yogi Adityanath stands among the people, breathing in the sacred air, watching the lamps being lit. The usual image of a strict administrator, that he holds, clashes in such moments with an unexpected tenderness and a more personalised sense of belonging for the festival that defines the faith of millions.

Deepotsav was only the beginning. During the construction of the Ram Mandir, Yogis involvement was not that of a distant head of state but of a vigilant guardian. According to media reports, before the Pran Pratishtha ceremony in January 2024, he had visited Ayodhya more than 65 times. Each visit silently declared the same message: that this temple is not merely a structure; it is a heartbeat of civilisation. Ayodhya is a religious city, and the Yogi government is making all efforts at its own level for its development.

Yogi understands that with time the number of devotees coming to the sacred city for darshan will increase. That is why there are many such Ayodhya projects whose implementation in terms of functioning and funding is being directly done by Uttar Pradesh on its own strength. He stood present when the Dharma Dhwaja ascended the temple. Recognising Ayodhya as a spiritual magnet that would draw millions, the Yogi government undertook responsibilities that went far beyond ceremony.

The city is being rebuilt from its edges and its core  with new townships, better connectivity, and thoughtful beautification. The most ambitious of these dreams is Navya Ayodhya, a greenfield township rising across the Saryu, a modern tribute to an ancient city. While the Centre crafted grand transport hubs  airports and railway stations  the inner pulse of Ayodhya, its roads, its riverfront, its aesthetic grace, became the responsibility of Uttar Pradesh alone. And Yogi Adityanath embraced that responsibility with singular focus.

REAWAKENING OF PILGRIMAGE SITES

Ayodhya is only one chapter of this larger cultural renaissance. The Yogi government undertook the revitalisation of Vindhyachal, giving the temples of Vindhyavasini, Kali Khoh, and Ashtabhuja a grandeur befitting their devotion-laden history. Naimisharanya, steeped in Vedic lore, is being woven into a spiritual corridor" with Lucknow and Prayagraj. Ancient ashrams of Bhrigu Rishi and Durvasa Rishi are being restored. Hundreds of forgotten temples  from Bateshwar Dham in Agra to Tirre Manorama in Gonda  are receiving a second life.

Yogis governance, in essence, is not merely administrative but selectively conservative. He treats the spiritual geography of Uttar Pradesh as a living museum of civilisational memory  one that requires personal care, vision, and continuity  thus making this practice a main aspect of the functionality of his government.

A TALE OF TWO APPROACHES

In the last eight-and-a-half years, Uttar Pradesh has witnessed an unmistakable shift  from symbolic gestures to sustained cultural stewardship. Contrast this with an episode from the Akhilesh era: the construction of the Haj House, the most widely discussed religious project of his five-year tenure. Despite objections from the National Green Tribunal, the project pushed forward as a testament to Akhileshs personal commitment, and hence he was personally present at its inauguration along with Azam Khan. The same Azam Khan for whom a brief questioning at an airport had resulted in the cancellation of a prestigious Harvard lecture on the Maha Kumbh.

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In these stories lie two philosophies, two political temperaments, two understandings of cultural responsibility  distinct as day from night.

(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)

About the Author Arun Tiwari Arun Tiwari is a journalist and writer.

First Published: December 01, 2025, 20:39 IST

News opinion Opinion | From Deepotsav To Dharma Dhwaja: How Civilisational Blueprint Is Reshaping Uttar Pradesh

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Opinion | Why We Must Pay Attention To How IAS Officer Tried To Destroy Transparent Digital System

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 01, 2025, 21:01 IST

In the case of former IAS officer Ashok Parmar, his explosive claims of a massive scam in Jal Jeevan Mission in Jammu and Kashmir have collapsed under official scrutiny

The figures ballooned fantastically: Rs 3,000 crore in one letter, Rs 5,000 crore in another, Rs 6,000 crore soon after, and eventually an eye-popping Rs 14,000 crore, roughly the entire Jal Jeevan Missions approved outlay for J&K. (Image for representation: AFP)

Indias governance systems are facing a tough lesson from a current court case: when transparency increases, so does resistance.

This resistance can manifest as fabricated scandals, personal vendettas, and manufactured narratives by insiders who later attempt to discredit the system they once served.

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The case of former IAS officer Ashok Parmar is a striking example. His explosive claims of a massive Jal Jeevan Mission scam" in Jammu and Kashmir, highlighted by certain media outlets as whistleblower revelations, have collapsed under official scrutiny. This case is not just about a loss of personal credibility but illustrates how reformers are targeted when digital transparency disrupts old ways of functioning, highlighting the need for stronger institutional safeguards.

The most startling detail emerged at the beginning. Parmars initial written allegation accused officials of a scam" involving Rs 1,000  not a thousand crore, not even a lakh, but literally one thousand rupees.

From there, the figures ballooned fantastically: Rs 3,000 crore in one letter, Rs 5,000 crore in another, Rs 6,000 crore soon after, and eventually an eye-popping Rs 14,000 crore, roughly the entire Jal Jeevan Missions approved outlay for J&K. These figures did not arise from audits, complaints, discoveries, or investigations but from Parmars pen, growing with each letter he wrote.

As his figures inflated, his credibility diminished. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) confirmed they had no complaint from Parmar on record. The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) also reported no complaints from him. The Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) stated that the letters Parmar claimed to have written as Chairman did not exist in their records.

In other words, the complaints Parmar mentioned to the media were never actually filed.

The only body that examined the allegations, the Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), issued a categorical finding: there was no loss, no irregularity, no mis-procurement, no inflated rates, and no conspiracy. Payments had been made through PaySys as mandated. Tenders had followed the required e-procurement process. Technical sanctions and administrative approvals were in place.

If this were just one officers collapsed complaint, the story would end there. But the deeper narrative is more alarming: Parmars allegations targeted the very digital systems that had eradicated leakages in J&K.

Systems like BEAMS for budget control, PROOF for geo-tagged works, mandatory e-tendering, mandatory administrative approval, mandatory technical sanction, 100% physical verification, Janbhagidari portals for citizens, and Pani Samitis for village-level oversight were introduced to root out corruption and ensure no irregularity could occur without leaving a digital footprint.

His allegations, when closely examined, seem to be a reaction not to wrongdoing but to the impossibility of wrongdoing under these systems. What he labelled a criminal conspiracy" was actually the architecture of digital transparency that blocked discretionary decision-making. The document responding to his latest letter explains bluntly: there are more than ten independent control layers, making financial mischief structurally impossible.

This is why his technical claims collapse so quickly. Parmar alleged that administrative approval was not obtained  an absurdity, as BEAMS will not release funds without administrative approval, technical sanction, budget provision, and PROOF documentation already in place.

He claimed HDPE pipes were unsuitable, despite national guidelines and technical standards (BIS IS 4984) recommending them and evidence showing their use would save Rs 455 crore. He stressed that the posting of chief engineer Hamesh Manchanda was manipulated, yet the official file shows that Parmar himself recommended Manchandas posting, dismantling his conspiracy theory. He alleged the chief secretary influenced a departmental inquiry, though the inquiry file shows no involvement from that office.

Moreover, records reveal that Parmar made hundreds of transfers outside the approved transfer window, ignoring processes and bypassing clear rules. Far from defending transparency, his pattern shows discomfort with transparent systems and a tendency to operate outside them  behaviour consistent with someone who would later attack those systems when constrained by them.

The most telling pattern is his anger. Nearly every letter Parmar wrote begins with resentment over being transferred out of Jal Shakti.

His communications are filled with personal grievance, disproportionate outrage, and emotional language, which is completely at odds with the clinical tone expected from a senior administrator. Officials reviewing his submissions described the anger as the motive made visible." It is rare when the tone of documents becomes as telling as their content.

This is not the story of a whistleblower uncovering wrongdoing. It is the story of an officer angered by a transfer, blocked by transparent systems, cornered by digital procedures, and lashing out with fabricated allegations.

The significance of this case extends far beyond J&K. It raises a national question: what happens when governance becomes transparent, but some officers resist transparency? What happens when digital systems remove discretion, and those who resist retaliate by attacking the officials who built them?

Indias reform journey is entering an era where digital transparency  e-tendering, digital payments, geo-tagging, public dashboards  is finally sealing the cracks that allowed the misuse of discretion. But this case shows that the next level of resistance may come from within the system, not just from outside contractors or vested interests.

This episode must serve as a cautionary precedent. Governments, institutions, and the media must learn from it. There must be safeguards for reformers who implement transparent systems.

Allegations originating from personal resentment rather than evidence must be scrutinised. The media must recognise the high burden of verification when an insider alleges wrongdoing without filing a complaint, presenting documents, or having consistent figures.

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India is building cleaner governance systems. This case highlights that the greatest threat comes not from real corruption, but from fabricated corruption stories used as weapons against those who eliminate it.

The lesson is simple and urgent. If reformers are attacked for making the system transparent, the system must protect the reformers, not the falsehoods.

About the Author Tejinder Singh Sodhi A defence journalist, Tejinder Singh Sodhi has the distinction of being the only Indian civilian to have studied at the US Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. In his c... Read More

First Published: December 01, 2025, 21:01 IST

News opinion Opinion | Why We Must Pay Attention To How IAS Officer Tried To Destroy Transparent Digital System

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Opinion | Winter Session Or Another Washout? A 10-Point Plan To End Cycle Of Disruption

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 01, 2025, 16:04 IST

Together, these reforms can restore balance, discipline, and seriousness to Indias most important democratic institution

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the media on the first day of the Winter Session of Parliament, in New Delhi, on Monday. (PTI)

What does it say about the worlds largest democracy when its Parliament cannot function more than half the time? This is not an abstract concern. Last years winter session lost over 65 hours to adjournments. The Monsoon session this year ended with just 29 per cent of scheduled hours used in the Lok Sabha and 34 per cent in the Rajya Sabha. If Parliament cannot work, laws dont get made, questions go unanswered, and the executive escapes scrutiny. With a packed legislative agenda and major economic reforms in the pipeline, India cannot afford another washout.

Disruption has become institutionalised. Entire sessions are consumed by protest, and repeated suspensions of MPs have done little to restore order. Question Hour, the vital link between the peoples representatives and the government, has been frequently short-circuited. Committee scrutiny has collapsed: only 16 per cent of bills in the 17th Lok Sabha were referred to committees, down from over 70 per cent a decade ago. In the name of political theatre, Parliament has been reduced to performance.

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To rescue Parliament from paralysis, ten structural reforms are overdue. These include mandating a minimum of 100-120 sitting days annually; reserving Opposition Business Days to institutionalise dissent; enforcing time-bound debates through formal time-allocation motions; making committee scrutiny mandatory for all non-emergency bills; and enforcing a code of conduct with meaningful penalties for repeated disruption. Question Hour must be protected as sacred legislative space. Pre-legislative consultation should be institutionalised to build early consensus on complex laws. Technology must be leveraged for transparency and continuity. Private Members business and adjournment motions should be revived to give non-government voices room. And Parliaments own performance must be regularly audited through a public index that tracks lost time, scrutiny, and participation. Together, these reforms can restore balance, discipline, and seriousness to Indias most important democratic institution.

1. Guarantee Minimum Sitting Days

In the 1950s and 60s, Parliament met 120 days a year. Today it averages around 65. The UK Parliament meets over 150 days. A statutory floor of 100120 sitting days will create predictability and resilience against adjournments.

2. Reserve Opposition Business Days

In the UK, 20 days a year are set aside for the Opposition to decide the agenda. Canada offers 22. India has none. Formalising Opposition Days" would give space for grievance without hijacking the governments business.

3. Time-Limit All Debates

India is one of the few major democracies where legislative debates have no firm closure rules. Time allocation, a standard feature in the UK and Canada, ensures that disruption does not stall bills indefinitely.

4. Mandate Committee Scrutiny of All Bills

Parliamentary committees allow evidence-based, non-partisan review. But only a fraction of Indian bills goes through them. We must make referral to committees the rule, not the exception.

5. Codify Discipline and Ethics

Suspensions have become symbolic. What India needs is a Code of Conduct with escalating penalties for obstruction: loss of privileges, committee posts, and public funding. The British Speakers power to name" a disruptive MP should be adapted here.

6. Protect Question Hour

Question Hour is routinely the first casualty of chaos. It should be scheduled when MPs are already present (e.g. post-lunch), and be protected from adjournments. Ministers must be compelled to answer pending questions in writing if oral discussion fails.

7. Institutionalise Pre-Legislative Dialogue

Sensitive bills need early-stage consultation. Before formal introduction, key draft bills should be shared with committees or a cross-party forum. Early consensus reduces late-stage theatrics.

8. Modernise Procedure Through Technology

Remote participation, electronic submission of questions, and automatic publishing of attendance and voting records would increase transparency and limit excuses for absence and delay.

9. Strengthen Private Members Business and Adjournment Debates

Currently, fewer than 2 per cent of private members bills get discussed. Parliament must reserve at least one day per session for opposition-led adjournment motions on national issues.

10. Publish a Parliamentary Performance Index

India must begin measuring what matters: hours lost, bills delayed, and time spent on scrutiny. This data should be made public, and parties must be held accountable for the productivity of their MPs.

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What legitimacy does an Opposition command if its primary parliamentary tactic is disruption? And what credibility does a Government claim if it fails to reform the institution it dominates? As the winter session of Parliament has begun, the burden is squarely on both sides. The Opposition must show that it can dissent through debate, not chaos. The government must demonstrate that it values Parliament not just as a vote-counting chamber, but as a space for scrutiny, contestation and lawmaking. With crucial legislation on the table and Indias governance agenda at stake, neither side can afford to squander yet another session.

Shobhit Mathur is the co-founder and Vice-Chancellor of Rishihood University. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.

First Published: December 01, 2025, 16:04 IST

News opinion Opinion | Winter Session Or Another Washout? A 10-Point Plan To End Cycle Of Disruption

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J&K's History Would Be Different If Sardar Patel Were Given Full Responsibility For Integration: L-G Sinha

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News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee



Last Updated: December 02, 2025, 00:58 IST

Jammu and Kashmir L-G Manoj Sinha said despite not directly handling the erstwhile state, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel ensured that it remained an integral part of India

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha joined the "Sardar@150 Unity March (Padyatra)" at Gujarats Vadodara. (Image: PTI/File)

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday said Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel would have ensured complete and irreversible integration of Jammu and Kashmir if he had handled its affairs.

History of J&K would have been different if Sardar Patel had been given full responsibility for its integration in 1947," Sinha said while addressing the Sardar@150 Unity March (Padyatra)" at Gujarats Vadodara on the theme of Kashmir, Hyderabad and Sardar.

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He joined the national padyatra, which began at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patels family home in Karamsad. It will cover nearly 190 km in 11 days, and will conclude at the Statue of Unity on December 6.

Sinha said despite not directly handling Jammu and Kashmir, Patel ensured that it remained an integral part of India. From the very beginning, he had said we will not give even an inch of Jammu and Kashmir to Pakistan.

Sardar Patel had opposed the then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehrus policy towards Jammu and Kashmir. He was also against taking the issue to the United Nations. In one of his public rallies, Sardar Patel had categorically said about the complete integration of Jammu Kashmir and his decisive action would have altered the course of history," he said.

The Lieutenant Governor, during his address, observed that Patels vision of unity, ideals and values of equality and social justice continue to shape the growth of our nation.

As an architect of modern India, Sardar Patel symbolises Indias self-confidence, self-respect and its bravery. His embodying values of integrity, decisiveness, selfless service continue to inspire us to build a strong, self-reliant and developed India," he said.

He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is fulfilling the dreams and vision of Patel. With abrogation of Article 370, he has weaved entire India in the thread of unity and realized the resolution of one flag, one constitution and one leader in one country," he added.

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Sinha further highlighted that Modis initiatives  One Nation, One Tax, One Nation, One Ration Card, One Nation, One Health Card, One Nation, One Grid, National Education Policy, PM Gati Shakti, Kashi-Tamil Sangamam among others  have strengthened Indias unity.

There are three important pillars of unity  shared values, shared identity and a common purpose that act as a unifying force for sustained progress and development," he said.

About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More

Location : Vadodara, India, India

First Published: December 02, 2025, 00:58 IST

News politics J&K's History Would Be Different If Sardar Patel Were Given Full Responsibility For Integration: L-G Sinha

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National Herald Row: BJP Says Congress In Panic; Party Hits Back With Harassment Jibe

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News18.com

Last Updated: December 01, 2025, 14:21 IST

The fresh FIR, filed by Delhi Polices Economic Offences Wing, comes as Parliaments Winter Session opened amid chaos.

Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi

The new First Information Report filed against Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and senior Congress leaders in the National Herald case has triggered a fierce political confrontation at the start of the Parliaments Winter Session.

The BJP has mounted a sharp attack on the Congress, calling the controversy a scandal that refuses to die", while the Opposition has accused the government of pursuing a political vendetta through investigative agencies.

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BJP calls it real-estate empire scam"

The BJPs official post on X accused the Gandhi family of orchestrating a massive fraud" involving the Associated Journals Limited (AJL) and Young Indian. The party reiterated its longstanding allegation that a Rs 90.21-crore loan from the AICC was used to facilitate Young Indians takeover of 99% of AJLs shares, granting access to properties worth over Rs 2,000 crore across several cities.

The post stated, Who steals from freedom fighters? Congress. The Gandhi family."

???? ???????????????????????????? ???????????????? ???????????????????????????? ???????? ????????????  ???????????? ????????????, ???????????? ???????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????????? ????????!The National Herald case has erupted once again, with a fresh FIR against Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and top Congress figures on charges of criminal conspiracy, pic.twitter.com/oZSFXeLpiA BJP (@BJP4India) November 30, 2025

BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh intensified the attack, alleging that freedom fighters money was openly looted" and that the Congress was staging a political drama" to deflect from serious charges. He added that the Supreme Court had recognised the case as involving fraud and forgery", insisting the Gandhis must face trial.

Congress under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi is in a state of panic, frustration and outcry over National Herald. This is unfortunate," added Chugh.

Congress says national harassment, not National Herald"

The Congress responded with strong words, accusing the BJP and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) of manufacturing a case for political purposes. Senior Congress leader and Supreme Court advocate Abhishek Singhvi dismissed the charges as fiction wearing a uniform", adding that the BJP had an obsession" with targeting the Gandhis.

There is no crime, no cash, no trail the BJP conjures a case out of its own twisted mind," Singhvi said, describing the episode as the National Harassment case".

Congress allies echoed similar sentiments. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi termed the FIR a political witch-hunt", calling it routine behaviour by agencies bending backwards to please political masters".

Case returns to fore as Parliament begins in turmoil

The fresh FIR, filed by Delhi Polices Economic Offences Wing, comes as Parliaments Winter Session opened amid chaos. As the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha experienced immediate disruption, the National Herald case became an extension of the days political sparring between the BJP and the Congress.

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The BJP circulated a video outlining its allegations, emphasising that no court had thus far ruled in favour of the Congress. It highlighted properties originally allocated for newspaper activities that were allegedly used for commercial rent, which the ED claims amount to proceeds of crime worth nearly Rs 1,000 crore.

Founded in 1938 by Jawaharlal Nehru, the National Herald was once a prominent voice of the freedom movement. AJL closed its newspaper operations in 2008, though it retained properties now valued around Rs 5,000 crore. The criminal complaint filed in 2012 by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy reignited the political battle, shaping a decade-long conflict that continues to dominate national debate.

About the Author Shuddhanta Patra Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior SubEditor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influen... Read More

Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: December 01, 2025, 14:21 IST

News politics National Herald Row: BJP Says Congress In Panic; Party Hits Back With Harassment Jibe

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RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat To Meet 1,200 Bengal Intellectuals As Part Centenary Outreach In Kolkata

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News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee



Last Updated: December 02, 2025, 00:39 IST

Sources within the RSS said a list of about 1,200 invitees has been compiled featuring teachers, educationists, film directors, writers, and members of the cultural fraternity

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat has previously visited Kolkata for organisational and public functions. (Image: PTI/File)

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat is set to engage with at least 1,200 intellectuals from West Bengal during a visit to Kolkata on December 21 as part of the organisations nationwide centenary outreach programme, sources told News18.

Bhagwat has previously visited Kolkata for organisational and public functions, and this upcoming programme is part of the larger 100-year commemorative activities by the RSS.

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According to sources within the organisation, a list of about 1,200 invitees has been compiled featuring teachers, educationists, film directors, writers, and members of the cultural fraternity. The event is part of the centenary Vyakhanmala, a lecture series that has been held in Bengaluru and Delhi.

The sources said the initiative aims to highlight the vision of a samridh Bharat" and Indias aspiration to become a vishwaguru". Kolkata is the third city chosen for the series, with Mumbai likely to host the next edition.

They said at least 1,200 prominent figures in Bengal have been asked to clear December 21 on their calendar for the event. They are expected to take part in sessions throughout the day and will also have the chance to directly interact with Bhagwat.

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Insiders in the RSS suggested that the discussions may cover a wide range of societal themes, including demographic changes in Bengal, in line with the organisations focus on social and community-related issues. Political commentators have noted the timing of the significant visit, which coincides with the ongoing pan-India special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and heightened public discourse on alleged infiltration and demographic shifts in the state.

The sources further said the presence of the RSS chief ahead of the election season is seen as strategically important, with the organisations cadre closely monitoring developments related to the December event.

About the Author Kamalika Sengupta Kamalika Sengupta is the Editor (East) at CNN-News18 / News18.com, focusing on politics, defence, and womens issues. She is a seasoned multimedia journalist with over 20 years of experience reporting... Read More

First Published: December 02, 2025, 00:39 IST

News politics RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat To Meet 1,200 Bengal Intellectuals As Part Centenary Outreach In Kolkata

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'Together As A Team': Shivakumar's Unity Message Ahead Of Breakfast Meet 2.0 With Siddaramaiah

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Last Updated: December 01, 2025, 21:27 IST

Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Monday confirmed that he had invited Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for breakfast on December 2.

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah and his deputy DK Shivakumar (Image: PTI/File)

Amid the ongoing power tussle in Karnataka, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Monday confirmed that he had invited Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for breakfast on December 2, stressing that the two leaders would continue to work together as a team."

The meeting on Tuesday will be the second breakfast interaction between the two Congress leaders, as earlier the Chief Minister had hosted Shivakumar at his residence on November 29.

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I have invited the Honble CM for breakfast tomorrow to discuss and strengthen our collective efforts to deliver on our promises to Karnataka," DK Shivakumar said.

Shivakumar, the state Congress chief and a key contender for the Chief Ministers post, had said last Saturday, after his breakfast meeting at the CMs residence, that he and Siddaramaiah are together" and will abide by the directives of the party high command.

Will Siddaramaiah Accept Invite?

Earlier today, CM Siddaramaiah said that he still has not received a call from Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar inviting him for breakfast at his residence, adding that he will go whenever he is invited.

If I am invited to breakfast by Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar, I am ready to go. He had said that day of the breakfast meeting (Nov 30) that he would invite me. He told me that I should come to his residence for breakfast on Tuesday. But until now, I have not received any call. If he invites us, I will go," Siddaramaiah told reporters.

BJP Takes Jibe

Amid the ongoing politics in Karnatakas ruling party, BJP took a sharp jibe, saying that people are enjoying free entertainement" without paying any tax.

(It is) free entertainment without paying any tax. The much-awaited winter session will begin in another seven days People are looking forward to that session to take up very serious issues, and the government is still embroiled in its own conflict and confusion," said BJP MLA S Suresh Kumar.

Meanwhile, Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao sought to downplay speculation on Monday, saying the two leaders would continue to meet frequently.

We may have breakfast, lunch and even dinner meetings. They will discuss all issues in these interactions. Shivakumar mentioned that the Chief Minister invited him for breakfast, and naturally, he said he would return the gesture," he said.

Gundu Rao insisted there were no internal rifts, adding that the party high command would take all key decisions.

There is no confusion within the party. The Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister are united and will move forward together. Conversations about leadership changes are unnecessary and not in the interest of the party or the government," he said.

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He also criticised the narrative of instability, claiming the media had been projecting turmoil for months.

For two and a half years, the media has suggested there is confusion within the government. But there has been none. The CM and Deputy CM are working in coordination, and the crisis some expected in November never materialised. We have addressed any misunderstandings and are moving ahead," he added.

Location : Karnataka, India, India

First Published: December 01, 2025, 20:04 IST

News politics 'Together As A Team': Shivakumar's Unity Message Ahead Of Breakfast Meet 2.0 With Siddaramaiah

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Was On A Plane: Shashi Tharoor Misses 2 Congress Meets, Adds To Speculation After Praise For PM

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Last Updated: December 01, 2025, 14:31 IST

Shashi Tharoor's continued absence from major Congress meetings has become a topic of discussion amid the buzz over his repeated praise of PM Modi

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Shashi Tharoor's office stated that he was in Kerala. (PTI File)

Adding to the speculation over his ties with the Congress, party MP and Congress Working Committee Member Shashi Tharoor on Sunday missed the meeting of the strategic group led by Sonia Gandhi on the winter session of Parliament.

The meeting at the residence of Sonia Gandhi, the partys parliamentary chair, was to discuss the partys strategy and was attended by party chief Mallikarjun Kharge and senior leader Rahul Gandhi.

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When asked about it, Tharoor said, I did not skip it, I was on a plane, coming from Kerala"

He also skipped the all-party meeting. Tharoors office stated that he was in Kerala and was travelling back with his 90-year-old mother on a later flight. Due to campaigning for the local body elections, the General Secretary of the Congress, KC Venugopal, was also unable to reach Delhi for Sundays meeting.

Tharoors continued absence from major Congress meetings has become a topic of discussion amid the buzz over his repeated praise of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and PM Narendra Modi ahead of Kerala assembly elections next year.

Tharoor had on November 18 too missed a Congress meeting called on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) issue, citing ill health. However, questions arose when he attended PM Modis event a day earlier and even praised him.

Following his comments on PM Modi, Congress leader Supriya Srinate had said, I didnt find anything in the speech (of PM Modi) worth appreciating. I think PM must answer a lot of things. He was at an event of a newspaper. He should tell us what his problem is with fair journalism. He should have told us why is he not happy with those who show and speak truth. So, I didnt see any reason to appreciate him. I dont know how he (Shashi Tharoor) found one. I found it to be a petty speech. He criticised Congress there too. PM thinks of Congress day and night. This is amazing."

Tharoor, at a recent event in Dubai, had said that ideological purity wont build a nation and Centre-state cooperation, even if between different political parties, is necessary. We need to be sometimes willing to cooperate across ideologiesThe problem is right now our politics seems to demand everybody has to be a purist ideologically that we will not see any merit on the other side or talk to anybody on the other side," said Tharoor at an Amrita News event in Dubai, a clip of which was circulated on X.

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Even a neutral post by me on a speech by the Prime Minister has been attacked as praising the Prime MinisterI didnt say a single word of praise. I just described the speech. The point is that is the kind of atmosphere in our country right now," said Tharoor.

With ANI Inputs

About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More

First Published: December 01, 2025, 13:51 IST

News politics Was On A Plane: Shashi Tharoor Misses 2 Congress Meets, Adds To Speculation After Praise For PM

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'We Must Follow Alliance Dharma': Eknath Shinde Dismisses BJP-Shiv Sena Rift

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Last Updated: December 01, 2025, 13:52 IST

Shinde said he had spoken with CM Fadnavis regarding the alleged poaching of leaders by the BJP and stressed that both partners must adhere to the alliance dharma.

Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde | Image: File

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Monday ruled out rumours of a rift between the BJP and the Shiv Sena, saying there were no differences within the alliance.

Shinde said he had spoken with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis regarding the alleged poaching of leaders by the BJP and stressed that both partners must adhere to the alliance dharma".

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The Shiv Sena leaders remarks came days after some of his partys leaders joined the BJP in the run-up to the civic body polls.

I spoke to the CM about this (poaching). The CM agreed to certain things and said this must all stop. As I said, we have to fight the elections as an alliance. There will be Lok Sabha elections after this, so we must not do anything that will damage the alliance or create misunderstandings. Each of us must follow the alliance dharma. We must follow the alliance dharma; others must do the same. This is our expectation. We spoke about this. The CM said he will speak to his people to ensure that no Sena corporator joins the BJP, and we will also not take any BJP corporator into the Sena," Shinde told Zee 24 Taas.

Chandrashekhar Bawankule, a Maharashtra minister and former BJP state chief, said any differences or disagreements that have arisen would be resolved together after December 3.

Elections in 246 municipal councils and 42 town panchayats were scheduled for December 2. However, following reports of procedural lapses and ongoing court cases, the Maharashtra State Election Commission (SEC) announced the postponement and revision of elections in more than 20 municipal councils (Nagar Parishads) and municipal panchayats (Nagar Panchayats).

Ahead of the local body polls in Sindhudurg, local BJP and Shiv Sena leaders are locked in a tussle. The Sindhudurg police on Saturday registered an FIR against Nilesh Rane, an MLA of the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, for allegedly trespassing into a BJP supporters house. Rane had raided" the BJP supporters house and claimed to have found bags of cash meant for distribution to voters ahead of the civic polls.

His brother and state minister Nitesh Rane, a BJP leader, later rejected the allegations, arguing that several political workers have legitimate business income and that keeping cash at home should not be construed otherwise.

Nitesh Rane also said that Shiv Sena workers campaigning for a rival Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate in Sindhudurg district raised doubts about Deputy CM Eknath Shindes past claims that he rebelled against the then Uddhav Thackeray-led Maha Vikas Aghadi government due to injustice".

Commenting on the issue, Fadnavis said he supports everyone who behaves well".

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I dont stand with a wrong person, even if the person is from my party. But the situation of Rane versus Rane is not good. We have to introspect about this after the elections," he added.

Last month, Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) ministers skipped the state cabinet meeting in Mumbai hours after the BJP inducted two leaders who had contested against Sena MLAs in the last assembly elections.

About the Author Saurabh Verma Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19

First Published: December 01, 2025, 13:48 IST

News politics 'We Must Follow Alliance Dharma': Eknath Shinde Dismisses BJP-Shiv Sena Rift

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Centre Directs Smartphone Makers To Pre-Install Cybersecurity App Sanchar Saathi On Devices

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Last Updated: December 01, 2025, 21:26 IST

As per the government order, smartphone makers have been directed to pre-load all new devices with the 'Sanchar Saathi' app, and users will not be allowed to uninstall it.

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The Sanchar Saathi app allows users to report fraudulent calls and messages. (AI-Generated Image)

Indias telecoms ministry has privately asked smartphone makers to pre-install a state-owned cybersecurity app, called Sanchar Saathi, on all devices and that users will be able neither to delete it nor to disable it, according to a government order.

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) issued directions on November 28 that all new devices sold by the manufacturers come pre-installed with the Sanchar Saathi application, and a software update to be issued to phones that have already been sold with the application made available with it.

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Smartphone makers have been given 90 days to complete the implementation and 120 days to submit the report. The order will impact manufacturers like Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo, and Vivo, among others. This is part of the Centres efforts to promote easy reporting of suspected misuse of telecom resources and to increase effectiveness of the Sanchar Saathi initiative.

What Is Centres Plan?

The DoT has instructed manufacturer and importers of mobile handsets to:

Ensure that the Sanchar Saathi mobile application is pre-installed on all mobile handsets manufactured or imported for use in India. Ensure that the pre-installed Sanchar Saathi application is readily visible and accessible to the end users at the time of first use or device setup and that its functionalities are not disabled or restricted. For all such devices that have been already been manufactured and are in sales channels in India, the manufacturer and importers of mobile handsets shall make an endeavour to push the App through software updates.

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is undertaking Sanchar Saathi initiative for curbing misuse of telecom resources for cyber frauds and ensuring telecom cyber security," read an official press release. The TCS Rules also mandates that such manufacturers or importers shall ensure compliance with the directions as may be issued by the Central Government for the purpose of giving effect to the rules."

India is joining authorities worldwide to frame rules blocking the use of stolen phones for fraud or promoting state-backed government service apps to tackle a recent surge of cybercrime and hacking. This followed a similar move by Russia in August for a state-backed messenger app called MAX to be pre-installed on phones.

What Is The Sanchar Saathi App?

The Sanchar Saathi app was launched on January 17, 2025, and crossed 50 lakh downloads as of August 2025. According to an official government release, the app has helped in the recovery of more than 7 lakh stolen or lost mobile phones across the country till October.

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The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) introduced the Sanchar Saathi mobile app that brings robust security features and fraud-reporting capabilities directly to users smartphones. It allows the tracking and blocking of lost or stolen mobile phones anywhere in India based on the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) of the phones.

Additionally, it assists police authorities in tracing stolen or lost devices, prevents counterfeit phones from entering the black market, and blocks attempts at device cloning. It also enables users to report suspected fraud communications via calls, SMS, or WhatsApp  especially KYC-updating scams. It is available on the Google Play Store and Apples App Store, but users have a choice to install it on their phones.

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: December 01, 2025, 17:51 IST

News tech Centre Directs Smartphone Makers To Pre-Install Cybersecurity App Sanchar Saathi On Devices

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December 2025 Smartphone Launches Expected: Vivo, OnePlus And Xiaomi

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Last Updated: December 01, 2025, 07:40 IST

Brands like OnePlus, Xiaomi and Vivo have got their launches planned for December 2025 and here are the details.

December 2025 is going to have these big launches.

We have come to the end of another busy month for the smartphone segment and it is surprisingly going to continue in this fashion in December 2025 with brands like OnePlus, Vivo and Xiaomi already confirming their respective launches.

The month will have some flagships and some usual refresh devices and probably a big reveal that has been widely awaited. People are keeping a close eye on the big teasers and even the official reveal from the brands. And heres a look at the big December 2025 launches that we can expect.

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Vivo X300 Series

Vivo X300 series is going to start the month and its India launch is confirmed for December 2, 2025 where we will see both X300 and the X300 Pro announced. The brand is using the same MediaTek chipset, but the main difference comes in the screen size and the camera system on board. Weve seen OnePlus, Oppo and Realme launch their flagship models this month and Vivo plans to end 2025 with a bang.

Redmi 15C

Redmi, Xiaomis sub brand is launching its budget Redmi 15C phone in the market. The launch is on December 3, 2025 and the company has shared its teaser which hints at a dual rear camera system. We dont know much about the hardware specs of the phone but Redmi 15C is likely to sit below the regular Redmi 15 variant which was introduced with a 7,000mAh silicon carbon grade battery. Leaks suggest the Redmi 15C will be priced around Rs 12,500 in the market.

Realme P4X

Realme is also bringing a budget device to the market in the form of P4X that is confirmed to be powered by a MediaTek Dimensity chipset. The brand is going to launch the phone on December 4, and its online listing says it will feature a 144Hz display and pack a large 7,000mAh battery with support for 45W fast charging. It is also going to come with a vapour chamber for cooling which could appeal to gamers in the segment.

Samsung Galaxy TriFold

Samsung is making its first tri-foldable device and it is likely to be called Galaxy Z TriFold, as teased by reliable tipster Evan Blass. The tri-fold device is not a new concept with Huawei and Tecno showcasing their market ready and concept products, respectively, in recent times. The Galaxy Z TriFold will have a 6.5-inch cover display and the inner unit can unfold to give you a 10-inch screen.

Samsung is tipped to offer a 200MP main camera at the back, as hinted by Blass, and pack a 5,437mAh battery which is bigger than its regular Folds in the market. Samsung has done a showcase for the device in South Korea at an event recently, and a December 5 unveiling for the device has been mooted.

OnePlus 15R

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OnePlus 15R is getting its Indian bow which is confirmed for December 17. OnePlus 15R is heavily tipped to be the OnePlus Ace 6T model that will be launching in China soon.

The OnePlus launch teaser for the 15R shows a dual camera system at the back and the familiar square module and the flat edges. The new device will get IP66, IP68 and IP69 as well as IP69K ratings for the first time. You can expect the phone to launch with the OxygenOS 16 version.

About the Author S Aadeetya S Aadeetya, Special Correspondent at News18 Tech, accidentally got into journalism 10 years ago, and since then, has been part of established media houses covering the latest trends in technology and ... Read More

Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: December 01, 2025, 07:40 IST

News tech December 2025 Smartphone Launches Expected: Vivo, OnePlus And Xiaomi

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Just Like YouTube: Google CEO Sundar Pichai Has Said This About Vibe Coding For Techies

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Last Updated: December 01, 2025, 12:22 IST

Vibe coding is the new in-thing with tech giants like Google and Pichai has shared his views about its role in the industry and the future.

Pichai talks about the good and bad about vibe coding

Google chief Sundar Pichai has raised excitement around the whole trend of vibe coding and also warned about its possible impact on the industry in the near future. Vibe coding has made the whole concept more open and allowed non-techies to enter the space and try out stuff that was restrictive for decades.

Pichai claims vibe coding could have a YouTube like impact in the market, as it offers AI development tools to millions who have never written a code or have the expertise for the subject.

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He feels coding has become fun again because of vibe coding as it opens the gates for further creativity without any leash over structure. It is interesting to see Google chief highlight the change in the paradigm which might help many but could also hinder them at the same time.

Vibe Coding Is The Future?

The whole purpose of vibe coding has opened up more avenues for non-techies who can actually train themselves in the AI tools and expand their job horizons. Pichai saying YouTube-like impact seems accurate because the platform allowed laymen to record video and earn millions.

Vibe coding has the potential to do just that, and also get more people working in a field where they were never trained. Having a fresh set of ideas from non-techie also enhances the profile of the company and it seems he understands the value of having these add-ons into the ecosystem.

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Early Risks Exist

Having said that, Pichai admits the vibe coding doesnt work flawlessly for large language models and thats where the experts earn their big money. The role of vibe coding is currently limited to basic tasks and anything crucial will be handled by the engineers. But the Google chief (and others) clearly see a value in making this system work, evolve and become better to handle the tough matters in the years to come.

About the Author S Aadeetya S Aadeetya, Special Correspondent at News18 Tech, accidentally got into journalism 10 years ago, and since then, has been part of established media houses covering the latest trends in technology and ... Read More

Location : California, USA

First Published: December 01, 2025, 12:22 IST

News tech Just Like YouTube: Google CEO Sundar Pichai Has Said This About Vibe Coding For Techies

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Where The World Says 'Do Not Enter': Inside Earth's Most Dangerous Places

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Last Updated: December 01, 2025, 19:22 IST

A survey of some of these places reveals stories of mystery, danger, and scientific curiosity; places where the doors are shut not out of secrecy but for the survival of nature

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The Lascaux Cave in France is home to spectacular artworks painted roughly 17,000 years ago. (Instagram/@archaeologyart)

In a world where travellers often chase postcard landscapes, from the turquoise lagoons of the Maldives to the icy serenity of Switzerland or the snow-kissed valleys of Jammu and Kashmir, a parallel map exists. It is a map of places so restricted, so fiercely protected, or so dangerously alive that no tourist will ever check in. Here, entry is not just discouraged; it is illegal. Even going near these zones can invite prosecution, or worse, fatal risk.

A survey of some of these forbidden frontiers reveals stories of mystery, danger, and scientific curiosity; places where the doors are shut not out of secrecy alone, but often for the survival of nature, humanity, or knowledge itself.

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Surtsey, Iceland

Born violently out of the Atlantic Ocean between 1963 and 1967, Surtsey is one of the youngest landforms, a volcanic island raised from the seabed by a series of powerful eruptions. What makes it extraordinary is the strict embargo placed on human presence. Since its emergence, Iceland has turned Surtsey into a living laboratory where scientists observe how life develops in complete isolation. Only a handful of researchers, armed with special permits, are allowed to set foot on the island. Everyone else must make do with aerial glimpses.

In 2008, UNESCO declared Surtsey a World Heritage Site, praising its untouched ecological processes. Today, it stands as one of the most controlled and protected research zones on the planet, a rare piece of Earth evolving without human fingerprints.

Ilha da Queimada Grande, Brazil

Some 35 kilometres off the coast of Sao Paulo lies Ilha da Queimada Grande, better known by a name that sends shivers down seasoned explorers, the Snake Island. And this is no exaggeration. The island is crawling with one of the worlds deadliest reptiles, the Golden Lancehead Viper, a species so rare and so venomous that a single bite can shut down the human body within minutes.

Brazils government has imposed a complete ban on civilian entry, citing both public safety and the survival of the species. Only licensed researchers, escorted under strict protocols, are ever allowed to venture onto the island. For everyone else, this deadly ecosystem is best admired from afar.

Area 51, the United States

Deep in the Nevada desert sits a military base that has inspired decades of speculation, conspiracy, and cinematic imagination. Officially a US Air Force testing ground, Area 51 remains one of the most tightly guarded facilities in the world.

Layers of security ring the perimeter like motion detectors, armed patrols, advanced surveillance, all warning trespassers to turn back. Even the airspace above the installation is off-limits. The secrecy surrounding experimental aircraft and classified defence technology has only heightened public fascination.

For ordinary people, even approaching the boundary is enough to draw swift and stern warnings. For this reason, Area 51 continues to rank among the most mysterious and inaccessible places on the global map.

Lascaux Cave, France

In the hills of southwest France lies a cavern that once offered a glimpse into prehistoric genius, the Lascaux Cave, home to spectacular artworks painted roughly 17,000 years ago. But the privilege of viewing these treasures proved short-lived.

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After the cave opened to tourists in the mid-20th century, thousands flocked to witness the Paleolithic masterpieces. Human breath, temperature changes, and microbial contamination soon began to degrade the fragile walls. By 1963, the French government had no choice but to seal the cave permanently.

Today, only a limited number of scientists can enter, and that too under controlled atmospheric conditions. To ensure the legacy isnt lost to the public, France has built lifelike replicas like Lascaux II, III, and IV, offering visitors an immersive, yet protective, alternative. The original cave, however, remains firmly off-limits.

First Published: December 01, 2025, 19:22 IST

News viral Where The World Says 'Do Not Enter': Inside Earth's Most Dangerous Places

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US Woman Kicked Off Flight After Viral Meltdown, Told Passengers To 'Kill Themselves'

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Last Updated: December 01, 2025, 20:49 IST

The viral video showed a woman snapping at a flight attendant after the flight was delayed on the tarmac, then flipping out at fellow passengers.

A woman was kicked off a flight after she cursed at a flight attendant. (Photo: X)

A video has gone viral on social media, showing a foul-mouthed woman being kicked off a United Airlines flight after she cursed at a flight attendant during a delay at the Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey, US.

A fellow traveller captured the womans entire tirade in a viral TikTok video on November 10, reported the New York Post. This woman went absolutely nuts and we had to return back to the gate to remove her," the passenger wrote in the caption.

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In the video, the blonde woman stuck in the window seat shuffled out of her row, but crossed paths with a flight attendant moving down the aisle. The crew member pauses, but doesnt appear to say anything.

Passenger kicked off United Airlines flight in Newark after cursing out a flight attendant fking cts."The flight to Charleston was delayed three hours before boarding and then held another hour and a half on the tarmac Im getting up. Im allowed to stand up. When you keep pic.twitter.com/mr3IfI6vLU  Unlimited Ls (@unlimited_ls) December 1, 2025

However, the woman snapped and said, Im getting up. Im allowed to stand up. When you keep us on the tarmac for an hour, Im allowed to stand up." The attendant simply made way for her and says that its not a problem".

To this, the woman said, Not a problem at all. Really not a problem for me to want to f***king stand. F***king c**ts." The woman suddenly realised that she was being recorded and went silent.

The flight o Charleston, South Carolina, was delayed for three hours before passengers even boarded, and then halted for another hour and a half on the tarmac, according to the woman who captured the exchange. So at this point, everyones just over it. You can feel the collective exhaustion. And then this woman just loses it and starts screaming the c-word over and over and over again," she said.

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Other passengers tried to calm the blonde woman down to no avail. The TikTokker said she started spiralling" and eventually had to be escorted off" the plane. The shrieking passenger also started telling other people to kill themselves and went on a long-winded monologue about how difficult her life is.

The crew then had the biggest guys on the plane sit next to her just in case she got physical," the witness explained.

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: December 01, 2025, 20:48 IST

News viral US Woman Kicked Off Flight After Viral Meltdown, Told Passengers To 'Kill Themselves'

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Cuban Accused Of Beheading Indian-Origin Motel Owner In Texas May Not Face Death Penalty

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Last Updated: December 01, 2025, 08:43 IST

On September 10, 37-year-old Cobos-Martinez argued with 50-year-old manager Chandramouli Nagamallaiah over a broken washing machine and then severed his head in front of his family

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Chandra Mouli 'Bob' Nagamallaiah (R) was allegedly killed by his co-worker Yordanis Cobos-Martinez (L) at a motel Dallas, Texas, in the US. (Image: @AhmadRehanKhan/X)

Yordanis Cobos-Martinez, the man accused of the brutal beheading of his Indian-origin employer at a Dallas motel, will not face the death penalty, according to prosecutors in the Dallas County District Attorneys Office.

The Dallas Express reported that DA John Creuzots office has decided against pursuing the death penalty for Cobos-Martinez, limiting potential punishment to life without parole. Prosecutors indicated the stance during a recent court hearing, but reserved the right to reconsider by January 8 amid ongoing investigation. The move has triggered criticism, given the crimes brutality and the suspects immigration status.

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 ILLEGAL ALIEN BEHEADS HIS BOSS IN FRONT OF WIFE & KID IN TEXAS: SOROS-FUNDED DA SAYS "NAH, NO DEATH PENALTY FOR THAT"Yordanis Cobos-Martinez, a 37-year-old Cuban illegal with a rap sheet longer than your arm (carjacking, indecency with a child, fleeing cops, the works), pic.twitter.com/BHIPBiwIx0  Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) November 30, 2025

The attack occurred on September 10 this year at Downtown Suites Dallas, where 37-year-old Cobos-Martinez, a Cuban national, argued with 50-year-old manager Chandramouli Nagamallaiah over a broken washing machine. Surveillance footage shows Cobos-Martinez following Nagamallaiah outside, wielding a machete, and severing his head in front of the victims wife and son, who tried to intervene. He then kicked the head into the parking lot past witnesses before tossing it into a dumpster and fleeing briefly.

According to CNN, Cobos-Martinez entered the US illegally and faced a removal order to Cuba, but was released on supervision in January 2025 after Cuba refused him due to his history. Prior incidents include a 2017 Florida grand theft auto arrest (dropped), a naked carjacking attempt in California leading to a false imprisonment conviction, and assaulting a jailer in Texas while charged with indecency with a child. ICE lodged a detainer post-arrest for deportation after trial.

Condemning the incident, US President Donald Trump had slammed his predecessor Joe Bidens immigration policy. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump had said: The time for being soft on these Illegal Immigrant Criminals is OVER under my watch." He added: This criminal, who we have in custody, will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the Law. He will be charged with murder in the first degree!"

DA Faces Heat

According to Dallas Express, DA John Creuzotdubbed Let-em-Go Creuzot" by criticsis infamous for being soft on crime.

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A 2022 review found that more than half of all individuals accused of violent offences in Dallas were released from custody. The data showed particularly high release rates among certain categories of offendersroughly three-quarters of people charged with gun-related violations, close to two-thirds of suspects booked for aggravated assault, and about one-third of those facing murder charges.

In 2024, Creuzot faced heavy criticism for failing to prosecute a suspect who was charged with sexually assaulting and trafficking a 15-year-old girl.

About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More

Location : United States of America (USA)

First Published: December 01, 2025, 08:25 IST

News world Cuban Accused Of Beheading Indian-Origin Motel Owner In Texas May Not Face Death Penalty

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Deeply Appreciate: Sri Lankans Thank India On X For Operation Sagar Bandhu Amid Cyclone Ditwah

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Last Updated: December 01, 2025, 13:37 IST

Indias Operation Sagar Bandhu delivered swift cyclone relief to Sri Lanka, earning gratitude from Sri Lankan leaders.

Indias Operation Sagar Bandhu delivered swift cyclone relief to Sri Lanka, earning gratitude from Sri Lankan leaders.

Indias rapid deployment of humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka under Operation Sagar Bandhu has triggered a wave of gratitude across the island nation, with senior ministers, police authorities, diplomats and public figures taking to social media to thank New Delhi for its swift response amid the destruction caused by Cyclone Ditwah.

Sri Lankas Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath posted on X, thanking External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar for Indias swift response.

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In his post, Herath wrote:

Thank you, my friend, @DrSJaishankar for the timely support extended to Sri Lanka in this difficult hour."

Thank you, my friend @DrSJaishankar, for the assistance at this hard time.  https://t.co/T1CY92rutx Vijitha Herath (@HMVijithaHerath) November 29, 2025

Former Foreign Minister Ali Sabry also echoed gratitude in two separate media.

He wrote that Sri Lanka deeply appreciates" Indias support and highlighted the long-standing friendship between the two neighbours.

Thank you, India , for the urgent cyclone relief sent under #OperationSagarBandhu.Sri Lanka remembers with gratitude the crucial support you extended during the 2022 economic crisis.Your friendship continues to make a meaningful difference.  pic.twitter.com/vI5ZkRbtbh M U M Ali Sabry (@alisabrypc) November 29, 2025

Speaking to ANI he further said, I think Indias response has been fabulous, so spontaneous and immediate. We are very grateful. This is not the first time, India has always been a great friend of Sri Lanka and a great neighbour to have."

#WATCH | Colombo: On India launching Operation Sagar Bandhu to aid Sri Lanka following Cyclone Ditwah, Sri Lankas former Foreign and Finance Minister Ali Sabry says, I think Indias response has been fabulous, so spontaneous and immediate. We are very grateful. This is not the pic.twitter.com/V6IsEWiguK ANI (@ANI) November 29, 2025

The Sri Lankan Police shared a public message thanking India for its deployment of helicopters and rescue teams:

Sincere and deep gratitude from the Sri Lanka Police and the entire nation of Sri Lankafor the invaluable support offered as a responsible neighbour and trusted friend.#SriLankaPolice #IndianNavy #OperationSagarBandhu #__ #everyone pic.twitter.com/PzQjv7OUMi Sri Lanka Police (@SL_PoliceMedia) November 30, 2025

MP from Colombo, Harsha de Silva lauded Indias response, Much appreciated the immediate help from our dearest friends in India. Thank you. @DrSJaishankar and the people of India."

Much appreciated the immediate help from our dearest friends in India Thank you @DrSJaishankar and the people of India. #CycloneDitwa damage is going to be a tough one to overcome but as we always do we will build back better. @IndiainSL @SLinIndia https://t.co/oHNuCrf5I8 Harsha de Silva (@HarshadeSilvaMP) November 30, 2025

Sri Lankan High Commissioner to India, Mahishini Colonne, expressed appreciation, sharing visuals of Indian personnel delivering aid.

Our heartfelt gratitude to Hon. @mkstalin and the Government of Tamil Nadu for the solidarity and support extended to #SriLanka following #CycloneDitwah.Your message of compassion and assistance at this difficult time is deeply valued. https://t.co/HTd3C3z1nJ Mahishini Colonne (@Mahishini) November 30, 2025

Speaking to Indian media, Deputy Foreign Minister, Arun Hemachandra of Sri Lanka thanked Indias relief response and said, My sincere thanks to the Government and the people of India for their friendship and timely help during these difficult times."

Operation Sagar Bandhu was received warmly by municpal councils as well. Lihini Fernando, Member of the Moratuwa Municipal Council also expressed gratitude by saying, Your timely assistance and solidarity during this difficult moment mean a great deal to our people. Indias steadfast support reflects not only compassion, but also the deep and enduring friendship between our nations. "

Thank you India @IndiainSL for being a source of strength to Sri Lanka as we face the impact of Cyclone #Ditwah.Your timely assistance and solidarity during this difficult moment mean a great deal to our people. Indias steadfast support reflects not only compassion, but also https://t.co/GzN4aXOWzk  Lihini Fernando (@LihiniFernando) November 29, 2025

Cyclone Ditwah has become one of Sri Lankas deadliest natural disasters in recent years, with the latest official figures confirming 153 deaths and more than 110 people still missing. Tens of thousands have been displaced as landslides and massive flooding inundated large parts of the country, while districts such as Galle, Matara, Ratnapura and Kalutara remain severely waterlogged. Rescue operations are ongoing, and authorities warn that the toll is likely to rise as teams gain access to remote, isolated villages.

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In response to the escalating humanitarian crisis, India has mounted one of its largest emergency relief operations in Sri Lanka under Operation Sagar Bandhu. The Indian Navy deployed INS Vikrant and INS Udaigiri, which together delivered over 12 tonnes of relief material, including food packets, tents, tarpaulins, water purification units and essential medicines. Navy helicopters carried out multiple rescue sorties to evacuate stranded civilians from submerged neighbourhoods. The Indian Air Force also played a key role, with a C-130J Super Hercules aircraft airlifting emergency supplies to Colombo, while both IAF and Navy helicopters conducted aerial surveys, medical evacuations and air-drops of critical supplies to unreachable zones.

Multiple teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) arrived in Colombo and Galle to conduct search-and-rescue operations, remove debris and provide frontline medical assistance. Indian medical officers and paramedics were embedded directly with Sri Lankan first responders, supplying emergency medicines and trauma-care kits to hospitals struggling with patient overload. Throughout the crisis, the Indian High Commission in Colombo operated a 247 coordination cell, working closely with Sri Lankas Disaster Management Centre (DMC) to streamline deployment and delivery of aid.

Location : Colombo, Sri Lanka

First Published: December 01, 2025, 13:37 IST

News world Deeply Appreciate: Sri Lankans Thank India On X For Operation Sagar Bandhu Amid Cyclone Ditwah

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Donald Trump Invites Israel PM Netanyahu To US, Warns Him Not To Interfere In Syria

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News18.com

Last Updated: December 02, 2025, 03:04 IST

Netanyahu and Trump discussed expanding regional peace efforts as Washington pushes for closer ties between Israel and Syria.

Trump urges Israel to avoid moves that could unsettle Damascus as tensions rise after a deadly Israeli raid in southern Syria. (IMAGE: REUTERS)

US President Donald Trump on Monday urged Israel to avoid steps that could destabilise Syria or disrupt the new leadership in Damascus. The message came days after an Israeli operation killed 13 people, triggering fresh tensions in the region.

Trump delivered the warning shortly before speaking with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. According to Netanyahus office, the US President invited him for another visit to the White House during the call.

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On Truth Social, Trump wrote that it was important for Israel to maintain a strong and true dialogue" with Syria and to ensure nothing takes place that will interfere with Syrias evolution into a prosperous State."

Washington has been pushing for a security pact between Israel and Syria since President Ahmed al Sharaas Islamist coalition ousted Bashar al Assad a year ago. The US administration views Sharaa as a partner who can stabilise Syria after years of conflict.

Tensions, however, have been building over repeated Israeli strikes inside Syria. In the deadliest incident so far, 13 people were killed on Friday in an Israeli operation in the southern village of Beit Jin. Damascus called the strike a war crime," while Israel said it had targeted an Islamist group.

Trump said he was very satisfied" with Syrias trajectory under Sharaa, who made a rare and symbolic visit to the White House only weeks earlier. He added that Sharaa was working to ensure Syria and Israel could have a long and prosperous relationship together."

The US President said Washington was doing everything it could to make sure the Syrian government stayed on course with reconstruction efforts in the war-damaged country.

Push For Regional Stability

Trump believes closer ties between Syria and Israel would support his broader push for Middle East stability following the fragile ceasefire in Gaza reached in October.

The Trump administration has lifted sanctions on Damascus as part of its effort to bolster Sharaa, and US officials say Syria is now cooperating with the global coalition against the Islamic State group.

During Mondays call, Netanyahu and Trump discussed the possibility of expanding regional peace arrangements, the Israeli leaders office said. It confirmed that Trump had invited Netanyahu to meet him at the White House in the near future."

Netanyahu has already made more trips to see Trump than any other foreign head of government since the US President returned to power.

According to Netanyahus office, the two leaders also stressed the need to disarm Hamas and demilitarise the Gaza Strip while holding talks on expanding the peace agreements Washington hopes will reshape the region.

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Israeli officials say the Beit Jin operation targeted fighters from Jamaa Islamiya, an Islamist group based in Lebanon with ties to Hamas. Israel maintains that it retains the right to strike militant groups in neighbouring countries despite the Gaza agreement with Hamas and last years ceasefire with Hezbollah.

Meanwhile, Netanyahu drew criticism in Damascus and elsewhere in the region after visiting Israeli troops stationed in the Golan Heights buffer zone, which has separated Israeli and Syrian forces since 1974.

About the Author Shankhyaneel Sarkar Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a Chief Sub-Editor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over seven years of experience during which he has ... Read More

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: December 02, 2025, 03:04 IST

News world Donald Trump Invites Israel PM Netanyahu To US, Warns Him Not To Interfere In Syria

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'Get Them Out Of Here': Donald Trump Pushes For 'Reverse Migration' After DC Shooting

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Last Updated: December 01, 2025, 07:17 IST

Trump said he plans to launch reverse migration, blaming Joe Biden for allowing people into the US who shouldnt be here after a National Guard member was killed recently.

Donald Trump speaks with reporters while in flight on Air Force One (Photo: AP)

Aboard Air Force One, US President Donald Trump doubled down on his administrations hard-line immigration agenda, telling reporters that he intends to launch what he called reverse migration" in the wake of the deadly National Guard shooting near the White House.

Asked to clarify the term, Trump said, It means get people out that are in our country, get them out of here. I want to get them out."

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He went on to blame his predecessor and former President Joe Biden, saying, Weve got a lot of people, hes the worst President in the history of our country, but the single biggest thing he did was allow millions, the worst, allow millions of people into our country that shouldnt be here."

Trump referenced the suspect in the attack near the White House, which killed Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and critically wounded Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, both members of the West Virginia National Guard deployed to Washington as part of his crime-fighting operation.

You take a look at the people that were allowed to come into our country, were paying a big price for it and we will for years to come, including the recent killer of two wonderful National Guard people," he said.

And Ill tell you what, that animal should not have been allowed to come into our country," Trump said.

The suspect, 29-year-old Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal, had entered the United States in 2021 through Operation Allies Welcome, a resettlement initiative created during the Biden administration for Afghans who assisted US forces during the Afghanistan War.

The Associated Press quoted a resettlement advocacy group as saying that Lakanwal applied for asylum under the previous administration and was granted it earlier this year under Trump.

He previously worked in a CIA-backed Afghan Army unit and lived in Bellingham, Washington, with his wife and five children.

In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, Trumps administration halted all asylum determinations and paused visa issuance for individuals travelling on Afghan passports.

US Citizenship and Immigration Services Director Joseph Edlow said decisions would be frozen until we can ensure that every alien is vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible."

Secretary of State Marco Rubio separately announced the halt on Afghan passport visas.

Federal prosecutors have charged Lakanwal with first-degree murder and multiple counts of assault with intent to kill while armed. US Attorney Jeanine Pirro said there would be many changes to come."

The administration has ordered an additional 500 National Guard members to the capital, bringing the total assigned to the joint task force to nearly 2,200.

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An Army spokesperson said more deployments from state governors are expected, AP reported.

ALSO READ | White House Launches Website Against Media Houses For Biased Stories

About the Author Vani Mehrotra Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.

First Published: December 01, 2025, 07:11 IST

News world 'Get Them Out Of Here': Donald Trump Pushes For 'Reverse Migration' After DC Shooting

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Former Bangladesh PM Khaleda Zias Health Sees Sudden Deterioration: Report

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 02, 2025, 02:20 IST

Khaleda Zias condition is critical at Evercare Hospital, on ventilation support. Chinese doctors joined her medical team, which includes experts Johns Hopkins, and London Clinic.

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Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia remains hospitalised and in critical condition. (IMAGE: REUTERS)

Khaleda Zias physical condition suddenly deteriorated. She was moved to the internsive care unit early Monday after her condition worsened late Sunday night. Doctors have placed her on ventilation support.

A senior BNP leader who visited Evercare Hospital on Monday evening told news outlet Prothom Alo that he had spoken to the doctors. Her condition is critical. But she is on ventilation, not on full life support," he said.

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Earlier, around 1.45 pm on Monday, BNP Vice Chairman Ahmed Azam Khan told reporters that Khaleda Zia had become very critical", adding that her condition had worsened since Sunday night.

Ahmed Azam Khan went to Evercare Hospital to see Khaleda Zia but was not allowed inside.

She is currently on ventilation support. From CCU to ICU, and then ventilation or life support, whatever you call it. Beyond these technical terms, I will just say she is in a very critical condition. She is fighting to return to us. She has not yet reached a state where we can say she is improving," Khan was quoted as saying by the newspaper.

The BNP chairperson had been almost unresponsive since last Wednesday. She spoke a little on Saturday, but doctors said the overall crisis remained.

They warned that the next few days would be extremely important. Without stability in her kidney function, it would be difficult for her overall condition to improve.

A team of specialist doctors from China arrived at Evercare Hospital to assist with Khaleda Zias treatment. They met some members of her existing medical board around 7 pm.

Her personal physician, Dr Al Mamun, told reporters that a five-member Chinese medical team had reached the hospital. The main group of Chinese doctors is expected to arrive on Tuesday.

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Khaleda Zia is being treated under a medical board that includes specialists from Bangladesh, Johns Hopkins Hospital in the United States, and London Clinic. The Chinese doctors have joined this team to assist.

Khaleda Zia has been hospitalised since November 23 and is suffering from severe complications including liver failure, reduced kidney function, respiratory distress, diabetes and several other conditions. Due to recent deterioration, she was kept in the High Dependency Unit (HDU), which is similar to ICU care. Early Sunday, she was shifted from the HDU to the ICU.

About the Author Shankhyaneel Sarkar Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a Chief Sub-Editor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over seven years of experience during which he has ... Read More

Location : Dhaka, Bangladesh

First Published: December 02, 2025, 02:20 IST

News world Former Bangladesh PM Khaleda Zias Health Sees Sudden Deterioration: Report

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Marco Rubio Calls US-Ukraine Peace Talks Productive As Kyiv Seeks Security Guarantees

Curated By :

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Last Updated: December 01, 2025, 08:34 IST

US and Ukrainian officials reported productive progress in peace talks, though significant disagreements, particularly over territorial issues, continue to slow negotiations.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (Reuters Image)

Talks between the United States and Ukraine aimed at securing a deal to end the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war have been termed as productive", though officials admit substantial work lies ahead. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio made the assessment after hosting a Ukrainian delegation in Florida, where discussions focused on a revised peace framework and Ukraines long-term security needs.

The meeting, held in Hallandale Beach, brought together national security council secretary Rustem Umerov, Ukraines newly appointed chief negotiator, alongside President Donald Trumps envoy Steve Witkoff and the former presidents son-in-law, Jared Kushner. Witkoff is expected to travel to Moscow next week for further talks.

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What do we know about the ongoing talks?

Umerov has stepped into the role following the resignation of former chief negotiator Andriy Yermak, who quit after an anti-corruption raid on his home. His appointment marks a significant shift as Kyiv attempts to regain control over the negotiation process.

Sundays talks follow two weeks of intense diplomacy triggered by the leak of a 28-point US peace plan which alarmed Ukraine and several European allies for appearing overly favourable to Russia. The controversy pushed Washington to reaffirm that any agreement must safeguard Ukraines sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Rubio underscored this commitment, telling the Ukrainian delegation that peace must not only end the fighting but also set up Ukraine for long-term prosperity". He acknowledged progress but stressed the need for continued discussions.

US signals support as Kyiv sets out priorities

Before the meeting, Umerov outlined Kyivs priorities: security guarantees, preventing future aggression, economic stability and post-war reconstruction. He said the United States was hearing us, supporting us, working beside us".

After the talks, he described the session as productive and successful", a sentiment echoed by Rubio.

President Trump, speaking separately aboard Air Force One, said negotiations were going along well" and expressed optimism about the possibility of a deal. He confirmed that Witkoff and possibly Kushner would soon travel to Moscow to discuss the reworked plan with President Vladimir Putin.

Unresolved territorial disputes remain

One major stumbling block persists  the fate of Ukrainian territories seized or annexed by Russia since 2014. A source close to the Ukrainian delegation told AFP that discussions were not easy", though all sides remained focused on finding a solution.

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President Volodymyr Zelensky later said it was vital for the talks to continue in a constructive dynamic" while prioritising Ukraines national interests. He expressed gratitude for Washingtons efforts, even as Kyiv braces for difficult negotiations ahead.

Zelensky is due in Paris today for discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron, another key ally. The war, now nearing its fourth year, has caused tens of thousands of casualties and displaced millions, underscoring the urgency of securing a credible path to peace.

About the Author Shuddhanta Patra Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior SubEditor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influen... Read More

Location : United States of America (USA)

First Published: December 01, 2025, 08:34 IST

News world Marco Rubio Calls US-Ukraine Peace Talks Productive As Kyiv Seeks Security Guarantees

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Pakistan May Allow Conditional Meeting Between Imran Khan And Sister; Curbs Imposed In Rawalpindi

Reported By :

News18.com Edited By: Aveek Banerjee



Last Updated: December 01, 2025, 22:25 IST

Pakistani authorities may allow a meeting between former PM Imran Khan and his sister, subject to conditions, as his supporters ramp up pressure on the federal government.

Speculation over Imran Khan's health in Adiala Jail has fuelled protests. (Reuters)

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khans sister is expected to meet him on Tuesday (December 2) in Adiala Jail, as authorities imposed Section 144  banning public gatherings  in Rawalpindi amid growing pressure on the Shehbaz Sharif-led government by the supporters of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supremo.

Sources close to Imran Khan told CNN-News18 that Adiala Jail authorities are allowing only his sister, Uzma, and a vetted lawyer to meet the former PM under a strict gag order that prohibits discussions on social media, signalling Islamabads attempts to tightly manage information flow.

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Pakistan is reportedly concerned about any leaked information about Imran Khans physical and psychological condition that can trigger a mass mobilisation similar to the May 9, 2023 unrest after Khans arrest, sources said.

Section 144 In Rawalpindi

The Adiala Jail premises have been a hotbed of protests since rumours spread about Imran Khans health, prompting Punjab provincial authorities to impose Section 144 in Rawalpindi in a bid to stop people.

Khans three sisters, PTI activists and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa CM Sohail Afridi have been camping outside the Adiala jail for the last few days pressurising the Shehbaz Sharif government to allow his family members to meet him. The party has announced a fresh protest outside the Islamabad High Court and the Adiala Jail on Tuesday.

The federal government is anticipating PTI flash mobs, particularly involving women and youth cadres. The establishment is particularly worried that Imran Khans sister or lawyers may report signs of custodial mistreatment or torture in isolation to the public, as per sources.

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By restricting media disclosures, Islamabad seeks to avoid a scenario where Imrans health becomes an international issue. Several human rights organisations have criticised Pakistan for the prolonged imprisonment of the former Prime Minister.

The refusal to allow his sisters to meet him for the past month, coupled with the absence of any recent photographs or video proof of well-being, fuelled speculation online about Khans fate.

About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18

Location : Rawalpindi, Pakistan

First Published: December 01, 2025, 22:25 IST

News world Pakistan May Allow Conditional Meeting Between Imran Khan And Sister; Curbs Imposed In Rawalpindi

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Pakistan President Urgently Calls Joint Parliament Session Amid National Security Concerns

Reported By :

CNN-News18 Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee



Last Updated: December 02, 2025, 00:24 IST

Top intelligence sources said this is a coordinated civil-military effort designed to swiftly establish new command architecture, in anticipation of army chief-level notifications

Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari's urgent summons for a joint Parliament session came amid heightened national security concerns requiring Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to rush back to Islamabad late on December 1, 2025. (Image: AFP/File)

Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari has urgently summoned a joint session of the Parliament on December 2, amid heightened national security concerns requiring Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to rush back to Islamabad late on Monday.

The session will likely officially address crucial national policy matters, including Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, border operations, and broad security concerns in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) regions.

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But, according to top intelligence sources, this is a tightly coordinated civil-military effort designed to swiftly establish a new command architecture. This coordinated push is aimed at securing parliamentary cover for the imminent imposition of governors rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The sources said by integrating discussions about the change in KP administration with pressing issues like border management and international agreements, the government seeks to avoid political backlash and portray governors rule as unavoidable in terms of national security. Hence, coupled with Shehbaz Sharifs return and imminent army chief-level notifications, this summons points toward a critical and coordinated effort, they said.

They said the official discussions may also revolve around specific internal policy matters on the agenda on how to deal with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in KP for broader peace goals. Other significant topics anticipated for discussion are agreements on Gaza force, United States minerals deal, PECA 2025, and issues like the National Finance Commission, they added.

The tightly coordinated civil military push, the sources said, is intended for a new framework to be in place before any potential imposition of governors rule in KP. There is also a strong suggestion that a chief of defence forces notification is likely to be issued within 24 hours, they said.

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Islamabad, they said, appears to be seeking institutional backing and parliamentary cover for its proposed actions. This legislative endorsement is necessary to avoid political backlash, particularly from the PTI, and mitigate international criticism regarding major policy decisions, they added.

The government is strategically linking the discussions about governors rule in KP to national security concerns like Afghan border management, Taliban engagement, and US minerals negotiations, in an effort to demonstrate urgency, the sources said. While the official agenda has not yet been announced, the rapid movements of top leadership underscore the gravity of the session, they added.

About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18

Location : Islamabad, Pakistan

First Published: December 02, 2025, 00:24 IST

News world Pakistan President Urgently Calls Joint Parliament Session Amid National Security Concerns

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PM Modi Expresses Concern Over Former Bangladesh PM Khaleda Zia's Health, Extends Support

Curated By :

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Last Updated: December 01, 2025, 21:57 IST

PM Modi acknowledged her long-standing contribution to Bangladeshs public life and conveyed heartfelt wishes for her swift recovery.

PM Modi with Former Bangladesh PM Khaleda Zia | File Image

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday expressed deep concern over the health condition of Khaleda Zia, former Prime Minister of Bangladesh and a key figure in the countrys political sphere.

In a post on X, PM Modi acknowledged her long-standing contribution to Bangladeshs public life and conveyed heartfelt wishes for her swift recovery.

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The Prime Minister also said India is prepared to extend all possible assistance for her treatment in whatever way we can."

Deeply concerned to learn about the health of Begum Khaleda Zia, who has contributed to Bangladeshs public life for many years. Our sincere prayers and best wishes for her speedy recovery. India stands ready to extend all possible support, in whatever way we can."

Deeply concerned to learn about the health of Begum Khaleda Zia, who has contributed to Bangladeshs public life for many years. Our sincere prayers and best wishes for her speedy recovery. India stands ready to extend all possible support, in whatever way we can. Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 1, 2025

His message comes at a time when Zias health has drawn increasing attention in Bangladesh, where she has been receiving prolonged medical care.

Ex-PM Zias Health Extremely Unwell

Bangladesh National Party leaders on Monday said that Khaleda Zia is extremely unwell" and has been placed on ventilatory support, with teams of local and international specialists monitoring her condition.

The 80-year-old BNP chairperson was admitted to a private hospital on November 23 after a severe chest infection affected both her heart and lungs.

Four days later, her condition deteriorated further, prompting doctors to shift her to the coronary care unit.

Party leaders said the situation remains critical. She is extremely unwell, and the entire nation is praying for her recovery. Local and foreign medical experts are doing everything possible," a BNP leader told reporters.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said on Sunday (November 30) that her condition had not improved.

Who Is Khaleda Zia?

Khaleda Zia, 80, is a former PM of Bangladesh and the long-time chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

She served as the countrys first female Prime Minister for three terms between 1991 and 2006 and has been a central figure in Bangladeshs political landscape for decades.

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Widow of the late President Ziaur Rahman, Khaleda Zia has faced multiple health challenges in recent years, including liver and kidney complications, diabetes, arthritis, and eye-related illnesses.

Despite her declining health, she remains an influential figure within the BNP and Bangladeshi politics.

First Published: December 01, 2025, 21:29 IST

News world PM Modi Expresses Concern Over Former Bangladesh PM Khaleda Zia's Health, Extends Support

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PM Modi Condoles Cyclone Ditwah Losses In Call With Sri Lankan President, Vows Indias Support

Curated By :

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Last Updated: December 01, 2025, 21:32 IST

The MEA said Dissanayake thanked India for responding quickly after the cyclone and welcomed the arrival of search and rescue teams, medical support and the relief material.

Sri Lanka's President Anura Kumara Dissanayake speaks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during their meeting at Hyderabad House in New Delhi. (IMAGE: REUTERS FILE)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Monday and conveyed condolences over the loss of lives and extensive destruction caused by Cyclone Ditwah across the island nation, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.

The Prime Minister told Dissanayake that the people of India stand in solidarity with Sri Lanka at a time of severe humanitarian distress. The Prime Minister also assured continued Indian assistance through Operation Sagar Bandhu, which is currently delivering rescue support and relief material in coordination with Sri Lankan authorities.

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According to the MEA, President Dissanayake expressed deep gratitude for Indias timely response and welcomed the deployment of search and rescue teams, medical support and relief supplies. He also conveyed the appreciation of the Sri Lankan public for Indias quick mobilisation in the aftermath of the cyclone.

India has been sending food, tents, tarpaulins, medicines, surgical equipment and specialised rescue teams to Sri Lanka as part of Operation Sagar Bandhu. More consignments and airlift missions are expected in the coming days.

Spoke with President Dissanayake and conveyed heartfelt condolences on the tragic loss of lives and the widespread devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah. As a close and trusted friend, India stands firmly beside Sri Lanka and its people in this difficult hour.India will continue  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 1, 2025

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, India acted quickly after Cyclone Ditwah. Two Indian Navy ships in Colombo handed over 9.5 tons of emergency food. Three Indian Air Force aircraft carried another 31.5 tons of supplies such as tents, blankets, hygiene kits, ready-to-eat food, medicines and surgical equipment. They also delivered two BHISHM medical cubes and a five-member team to train local workers.

In addition, 80 NDRF personnel were sent to help with search and rescue operations. Another 12 tons of aid was sent on INS Sukanya, taking the total relief material delivered to 53 tons.

Both leaders agreed to remain in close touch as Sri Lanka begins rehabilitation work, restores essential services and moves to rebuild livelihoods in the worst-hit regions.

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Colombo has appealed for international assistance after Cyclone Ditwah caused catastrophic flooding and landslides. Officials said at least 355 people have died and 366 remain missing.

Floodwaters in Colombo peaked overnight, with the capital beginning to see limited reopening as rainfall subsided.

About the Author Shankhyaneel Sarkar Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a Chief Sub-Editor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over seven years of experience during which he has ... Read More

Location : Colombo, Sri Lanka

First Published: December 01, 2025, 20:46 IST

News world PM Modi Condoles Cyclone Ditwah Losses In Call With Sri Lankan President, Vows Indias Support

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'Regrettable': South African President Ramaphosa Rejects Trumps G20 Ban Threat

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: December 01, 2025, 07:10 IST

The US boycotted the G20 summit in Johannesburg after Trump repeated widely disproven claims that South Africas Black-majority govt discriminates against white citizens.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa (Reuters Image)

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa described the US decision to skip the G20 Leaders Summit as regrettable" and rejected Trumps warning that Pretoria would be left out of next years G20 meeting.

It is regrettable that the United States of America, which is a founding member of the G20 and which takes over the Presidency of the G20 from South Africa in 2026, chose not to participate in the G20 Leaders Summit and the final meetings leading up to it," he said.

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South Africa is and will remain a full, active and constructive member of the G20," Ramaphosa said in a state of the nation address on Sunday.

He also described as blatant misinformation" Trumps repeated claims that South Africa was committing genocide against Afrikaners"  descendants of Dutch settlers  and confiscating land from white citizens.

It is regrettable that the United States of America, which is a founding member of the G20 and which takes over the Presidency of the G20 from South Africa in 2026, chose not to participate in the G20 Leaders Summit and the final meetings leading up to it. Cyril Ramaphosa  (@CyrilRamaphosa) November 30, 2025

The United States skipped the G20 leaders summit hosted by South Africa in Johannesburg on November 2223, after Trump again claimeddespite these claims having been broadly debunkedthat South Africas Black-majority government mistreats white citizens.

US President Donald Trump also stated last Wednesday that South Africa would not be invited to next years G20 meeting in Florida, accusing Pretoria of refusing to pass on the presidency to a senior US embassy representative at the summits closing ceremony. South African officials, however, insist that the presidency was formally transferred to an American diplomat.

President Ramaphosa pointed out that even with the diplomatic tensions, US companies and civil society organisations still took part enthusiastically in the G20 activities held in Johannesburg.

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We value those constructive ties and will continue to work within the G20 framework," he said, indicating South Africas readiness to keep communication open.

We appreciate these constructive relationships and will keep engaging through the G20," he said, signalling that Pretoria intends to continue dialogue despite the strain.

About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More

Location : South Africa

First Published: December 01, 2025, 07:10 IST

News world 'Regrettable': South African President Ramaphosa Rejects Trumps G20 Ban Threat

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Saudi Arabia To Mediate Peace Talks Between Pakistan And Afghanistan; Delegations Reach Riyadh

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News18.com Edited By: Aveek Banerjee



Last Updated: December 01, 2025, 17:52 IST

Saudi Arabia is looking for a opportunity to reclaim its role as the primary mediator among Muslim countries as tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan continue to escalate.

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Saudi Arabia is stepping in as tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have reached a breaking point. (Image: AFP/Representative Image)

Delegations from Afghanistan and Pakistan have reached Saudi Arabia, as Riyadh is set to mediate the latest round of peace talks to halt the deadliest conflict between the two former allies amid mounting tensions, sources told CNN-News18.

The conflict peaked as both sides exchanged deadly cross-border fire last month. Pakistan has consistently blamed the Afghan Taliban for sheltering militant groups like the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which has been responsible for a series of deadly attacks in Pakistan.

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Reliable sources told CNN-News18 that a high-level delegation from Afghanistans Taliban regime has travelled to Saudi Arabia for renewed discussions facilitated by Riyadh. This delegation includes senior Taliban member Anas Haqqani, Deputy Interior Minister Rahmatullah Najib, and Afghan Foreign Ministry spokesperson Abdul Qahar Balkhi.

Sources also reported that a Pakistani delegation has arrived in Saudi Arabia at the same time. With Riyadh acting as mediator, dialogue between Kabul and Islamabad has reportedly resumed. This came after Saudi Chief of General Staff General Fayyadh Bin Hameed Al Rowaili visited Islamabad last month.

What Does Saudi Arabia Get?

According to top intelligence sources, Saudi Arabia is looking for a strategic opening to reclaim its role as the primary mediator among Muslim countries with this step. They feel they have to regain space as Qatars influence over the Taliban grows, while Iran also shares deep ties with Kabul.

By meeting both delegations from Afghanistan and Pakistan, Riyadh is showing its capability as a real mediator. Furthermore, intelligence assessments in Riyadh indicate rising threats from the TTP and narcotics routes that eventually reach the Gulf.

Pakistans deteriorating internal security environment risks exporting instability to the Gulf, where millions of Pakistani workers reside. Mediating the peace talks will allow the Saudi government to get ahead of potential regional security challenges.

Afghanistan-Pakistan Tensions

Tensions between the two neighbours have risen after Pakistani airstrikes in eastern Afghanistan on November 25 killed ten civilians, for which the Taliban vowed a strong response at the right time". However, Pakistan denied carrying out the airstrikes.

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The fragile peace along the Durand Line, the disputed border between Pakistan and Afghanistan, has reached a breaking point. CNN-News18 earlier reported that both countries have moved heavy artillery to frontline check posts. Intelligence reports suggest that both nations are preparing for a possible clash, with the situation remaining volatile and unpredictable.

The last rounds of talks, held in Turkey on November 6 and 7, failed to secure a written commitment from Kabul to take action against TTP militants accused of using Afghan territory for terrorist attacks. This was the third consecutive failure in a series of talks mediated by Turkey and Qatar. The process began in Doha on October 29 following deadly border clashes between October 11 and 15. That round ended without progress, leading to the second meeting on October 25 in Istanbul, which also yielded no breakthrough.

About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18

Location : Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

First Published: December 01, 2025, 17:52 IST

News world Saudi Arabia To Mediate Peace Talks Between Pakistan And Afghanistan; Delegations Reach Riyadh

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Sheikh Hasina, Her Niece Sentenced To 5-Year Jail Term In Bangladesh Land Scam Case

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News18.com

Last Updated: December 01, 2025, 12:11 IST

A Bangladesh court has sentenced Sheikh Hasina to five years in jail and her niece, UK MP Tulip Siddiq, to two years for alleged corruption in a government land project.

A file photo of Sheikh Hasina (Reuters)

A Bangladesh court has sentenced the countrys ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to five years in prison and her niece, British Labour Party MP Tulip Siddiq, to two years, in a corruption case tied to a government land project on the outskirts of Dhaka, the Associated Press reported.

The judgment, delivered by Judge Rabiul Alam of Dhakas Special Judges Court, found that Hasina had abused her power as Prime Minister to influence land allocation in the Purbachal New Town project, while Siddiq was convicted of improperly influencing her aunt to secure a plot for her mother.

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According to the report, the court also handed a seven-year sentence to Hasinas sister and Siddiqs mother, Sheikh Rehana, who was deemed the main participant" in the case.

All three were tried in absentia, as none of the accused were present in court during the verdict.

Hasina has been living in India since she fled Bangladesh during the mass uprising that toppled her Awami League government last year, and Siddiq has denied all allegations, as reported by AP.

The ruling adds to Hasinas mounting legal troubles.

On November 27, as earlier reported by PTI, another Dhaka court sentenced Hasina to 21 years in prison in three separate corruption cases related to the Rajuk New Town Project in Purbachal.

Those sentences, seven years each, were ordered to run consecutively.

Judge Mohammad Abdullah Al Mamun, who delivered the earlier verdict, said the plot at the centre of those cases was allotted to Sheikh Hasina without any application and in a manner that exceeded the legally authorised jurisdiction."

Hasina was also fined Tk 1 lakh in each case, with additional jail time prescribed in case of default.

Hasinas son Sajeeb Wajed Joy and daughter Saima Wazed Putul were also sentenced to five years imprisonment each in the November 27 cases, according to news agency PTI.

The Anti-Corruption Commission had filed six cases in total in January, submitting charge-sheets in March.

A total of 29 witnesses testified, and except for one junior official who was acquitted, nearly all accused received jail terms.

The former Prime Minister, who was also sentenced to death 10 days earlier by a separate tribunal for alleged crimes against humanity" during last years protests, maintains that all charges are biased and politically motivated," PTI said.

Bangladeshs interim government, meanwhile, has renewed its request for Hasinas extradition from India, stating that the situation is different now" following multiple convictions.

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India has said it is examining the request.

ALSO READ | Under Legal, Judicial Review: India On Request From Bangladesh To Extradite Sheikh Hasina

About the Author Vani Mehrotra Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.

First Published: December 01, 2025, 12:10 IST

News world Sheikh Hasina, Her Niece Sentenced To 5-Year Jail Term In Bangladesh Land Scam Case

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Sri Lanka Grapples With Ditwah Aftermath; India, Neighbours Rush Aid As Death Toll Climbs To 390

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News18.com

Last Updated: December 02, 2025, 01:08 IST

Residents are recovering from the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah after the storm moved on leaving devastation in its wake, killing over 300.

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A woman holding a child looks at a damaged temple following a landslide in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah in Gampola in Kandy district, Sri Lanka. (IMAGE: REUTERS)

Sri Lankans began a slow and difficult return to normalcy after Cyclone Ditwah left a trail of destruction across the island. In northern Colombo, where residents are accustomed to seasonal flooding, many underestimated the storms force and were caught off guard as water surged rapidly, rising as high as two storeys inside some buildings.

The mountainous central region suffered the worst damage, with scores buried alive in mudslides triggered by record rainfall  more than 500 millimetres in some areas. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has declared a state of emergency and pledged to build back better" with international assistance.

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India has conveyed its solidarity as Sri Lanka faces a severe humanitarian crisis. In a call with President Dissanayake, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the people of India stand with Sri Lanka during this difficult moment and assured continued support through Operation Sagar Bandhu, which is delivering rescue teams and relief supplies in coordination with Sri Lankan authorities.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, President Dissanayake expressed deep gratitude for Indias swift response and welcomed the deployment of search-and-rescue teams, medical assistance and urgently needed supplies.

The Presidents Office on Monday announced a special fund for relief and reconstruction with contributions from both public and private sectors. The death toll from floods and landslides has climbed to 390.

Sri Lankas main opposition party, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), staged a walkout in Parliament after the government refused to extend the sitting to allow a full debate on the cyclones fallout. SJB MP Kabir Hashim accused the government of failing to act on advance warnings about severe weather. The ruling National Peoples Power (NPP) said the opposition had been allotted time until 12.30 pm but that the House needed to adjourn early to facilitate nationwide relief coordination.

Alongside India, China has pledged USD 1 million in emergency aid, while Nepal has announced a contribution of USD 200,000.

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Working with the Sri Lankan Air Force, Chetak helicopters from INS Vikrant and IAF Mi-17s have carried out extensive rescue missions, airlifting stranded civilians including pregnant women, infants and the critically injured. Those rescued include nationals from Sri Lanka, India, Germany, Slovenia, the UK, South Africa, Poland, Belarus, Iran, Australia, Pakistan and Bangladesh. More than 150 people have been rescued so far, with operations continuing.

India has also evacuated over 2,000 of its citizens stranded in Sri Lanka via special IAF sorties and commercial flights.

About the Author Shankhyaneel Sarkar Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a Chief Sub-Editor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over seven years of experience during which he has ... Read More

Location : Colombo, Sri Lanka

First Published: December 02, 2025, 01:08 IST

News world Sri Lanka Grapples With Ditwah Aftermath; India, Neighbours Rush Aid As Death Toll Climbs To 390

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Trump Confirms Call With Venezuelan President Maduro Amid Reports Of US Military Threats

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News18.com

Last Updated: December 01, 2025, 07:15 IST

Amid escalating US-Venezuela tensions, Donald Trump has confirmed speaking with President Nicolas Maduro as reports of a military threat intensify.

Trump Warns Maduro to Step Down or Face Possible US Military Action, Says Report

US President Donald Trump confirmed on Sunday that he had spoken with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, even as reports intensified regarding an ultimatum allegedly delivered to the Venezuelan leader.

Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump acknowledged the call but declined to elaborate. I dont want to comment on it. The answer is yes," he told reporters when asked about the conversation.

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The New York Times earlier reported that the two leaders had spoken earlier this month and had discussed the possibility of a future meeting in the United States. Trump described the exchange as neutral, saying, I wouldnt say it went well or badly; it was a phone call."

US-Venezuela crisis

The confirmation followed a Wall Street Journal report alleging that Trump had told Maduro to step down voluntarily or face the prospect of US military action. According to the report, delivered during a hotline conversation on 22 November, Trump warned that Maduro could take the easy way or the hard way," offering safe passage abroad should he resign.

Washington has intensified pressure on Caracas in recent months, accusing Maduro of links to drug trafficking operations that have allegedly contributed to American deaths. Maduro has firmly denied these accusations, while tensions continue to rise.

Trump further unsettled observers on Saturday by declaring that Venezuelas airspace should be considered closed in its entirety." Though lacking legal authority to enforce such a measure, the statement caused immediate alarm. Several airlines suspended flights to Caracas, and Venezuelan officials condemned the message as a colonialist threat."

When asked whether his remarks signalled imminent US strikes, Trump replied, Dont read anything into it."

US military in Caribbean

Meanwhile, US military activity in the Caribbean has increased significantly. Washington had been considering options that included attempting to overthrow Maduro, supported by a major military buildup in the region. Over three months, US forces have carried out numerous strikes on boats they claim were transporting narcotics. Human rights groups have criticised the operations as extrajudicial killings, and some US allies have warned that Washington may be breaching international law.

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Trump said he would examine whether US forces conducted a second strike in September that killed survivors of an earlier attack, adding that such an action was not something he would have authorised.

Maduro and senior Venezuelan officials have avoided addressing the reported ultimatum. Jorge Rodriguez, head of the National Assembly, refused to comment on the call during a press conference, instead announcing an inquiry into US strikes in the Caribbean.

About the Author Shuddhanta Patra Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior SubEditor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influen... Read More

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: December 01, 2025, 07:15 IST

News world Trump Confirms Call With Venezuelan President Maduro Amid Reports Of US Military Threats

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US Court Disqualifies Trump's Former Lawyer As Top New Jersey Federal Prosecutor

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News18.com

Last Updated: December 01, 2025, 22:00 IST

A court disqualified Alina Habba as acting US Attorney in New Jersey, citing unlawful appointment by Trump administration, impacting federal cases.

President Donald Trump's former lawyer, Alina Habba. (X)

A US court on Monday said President Donald Trumps former lawyer, Alina Habba, was unlawfully appointed as the top federal prosecutor in New Jersey and disqualified her from supervising cases.

According to Reuters, a three-judge panel of the Philadelphia-based 3rd US Circuit Court of Appeals upheld US District Judge Matthew Branns ruling in August that the Trump administration violated a federal appointments law in naming Habba as acting US Attorney in New Jersey.

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It is apparent that the current administration has been frustrated by some of the legal and political barriers to getting its appointees in place," Judge D Michael Fisher wrote in the ruling. Its efforts to elevate its preferred candidate for U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey, Alina Habba, to the role of Acting U.S. Attorney demonstrate the difficulties it has faced."

This ruling will likely affect several active federal criminal cases in New Jersey while forcing the Justice Department to search for a new prosecutor to supervise those cases. The administration could appeal the decision to the Supreme Court.

According to Reuters, criminal defendants in two cases challenged a series of maneuvers that the Justice Department used to attempt to keep Habba in her post after judges on New Jerseys District Court opted not to extend her interim appointment. The Justice Department accused the judges of political motivations.

The district court had named Habbas top deputy Desiree Grace, a career federal prosecutor, as her successor, prompting the Justice Department to fire Grace and attempt to reinstall Habba.

Attorney General Pam Bondi had given Habba authority to supervise cases under a second title, special attorney.

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According to Reurters, Habba, who had no prior prosecutorial experience, represented Trump during his years out of the presidency, including during a New York civil trial in which a jury found Trump liable for defaming writer E. Jean Carroll, who had accused him of sexual assault.

During her interim tenure, Habba had claimed in an interview that she could use her office to help Republicans in New Jersey.

Location : United States of America (USA)

First Published: December 01, 2025, 22:00 IST

News world US Court Disqualifies Trump's Former Lawyer As Top New Jersey Federal Prosecutor

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Who Are Imran Khan's Sons? What They Do In UK And How They Became Richer Than Their Father

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Last Updated: December 01, 2025, 20:33 IST

With Pakistan gripped by uncertainty over Imran Khan's fate, the question of whether his sons can, or will, return is being watched with intense interest

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Both the sons of Imran Khan had met Donald Trump's special advisor Richard Grenell in California some time ago. (News18 Hindi)

In recent weeks, the fate of former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has again become the subject of feverish speculation. Rumours swirling around his health and survival have intensified, and into this growing storm have stepped two figures who largely prefer life away from Pakistans political battleground, Sulaiman Isa Khan and Kasim Khan, Imrans sons from his first marriage to British heiress Jemima Goldsmith.

Living quietly in the United Kingdom for most of their lives, the two young men are suddenly at the centre of fierce debate over their wealth, citizenship, and their right to enter Pakistan at a moment when their fathers well-being has become a global talking point.

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Both brothers have publicly voiced alarm over their fathers condition, alleging that Imran Khan has been isolated for weeks inside a death cell and denied contact with his family. Kasim Khan has gone so far as to demand proof of life from the authorities, appealing to the international community to intervene.

Their request to visit Pakistan, however, has hit a bureaucratic wall. Officials claim the brothers National Identity Cards for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOPs) have expired, making their entry into the country legally questionable. Their supporters argue that the delay is political, designed to prevent the duo from joining the swelling protests demanding transparency about Imrans health.

The renewed interest in their legal status stems from an old question: Are Imran Khans sons Pakistani citizens at all?

Born and raised in London and having lived in the UK for more than two decades, both are widely believed to hold British citizenship through their mother. Earlier this year, reports suggested they had applied for NICOPs, a document available to Pakistanis living abroad, but the basis of their eligibility remains disputed in media circles.

What surprises many Pakistanis is the revelation that Imrans sons are, in fact, wealthier than their father. After the death of their maternal grandfather, the billionaire financier Sir James Goldsmith, both brothers inherited a sizeable trust fund. It is this fortune, rather than Pakistani politics, that largely shapes their lifestyle in the UK.

Kasim Khan

Born on April 10, 1999, Kasim studied Islamic history at the University of Bristol before launching his own digital platform. In recent months, he has emerged as the more politically vocal of the two brothers, using public relations campaigns and social media interventions to highlight what he calls the unlawful isolation" of his father.

Despite spending most of his life abroad, Kasim openly supports Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). Yet he has not visited Pakistan since Imrans imprisonment.

Sulaiman Isa Khan

Older by a few years, Sulaiman grew up in London, attended school in Birmingham, and once campaigned for his maternal uncle Jack Goldsmith during a mayoral race, managing the youth wing of his campaign. Tall, fair-skinned and soft-spoken, Sulaiman avoids direct political engagement but is a familiar face in PTI circles from the days when his father was prime minister.

His social media presence, however, often grabs attention, whether it is his posts supporting IPL teams Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians, his love for luxury cars, or the high-end watches showcased on his feed.

Sulaiman is associated with an international NGO and occasionally works on programmes involving former world leaders. This keeps him shuttling between London and New York, though he visited Pakistan frequently during his fathers premiership, sometimes courting controversy due to the VIP-style receptions he received.

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Years ago, in a move that now reads like a footnote in their biography, the two brothers even tried their hand at electoral politics in the UK. They launched a short-lived entity called the Referendum Party, contesting local elections across the UK, an effort more symbolic than consequential.

With Pakistan gripped by uncertainty over Imran Khans fate, the question of whether his sons can, or will, return is being watched with intense interest. Their critics accuse them of staying away when their father needs them most. Their supporters argue that they are being deliberately kept out to prevent international spotlight on Islamabads treatment of the former prime minister.

Location : Pakistan

First Published: December 01, 2025, 20:33 IST

News world Who Are Imran Khan's Sons? What They Do In UK And How They Became Richer Than Their Father

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A Harare couple, which was accused of defrauding former Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Governor Gideon Gono of ZW$137 million, has been acquitted by the High Court.

Clark Makoni and his wife Beverly Aisha Ndonda were accused of changing company documents and siphoning the money after appointing themselves as directors.

They deny the charges.

The couple had applied for discharge at the close of the States case, which was rejected by regional magistrate Stanford Mambanje who said they should be put to their defence.

High Court Judge, Justice Regis Dembure, differed and ruled that the essential elements of the alleged crime had not been averred in the charge sheet, resulting in the charge being fatally defective.

Justice Dembure ruled that the two cannot be made to defend themselves against something that is fatally defective.

The couple, represented by Admire Rubaya, approached the High Court challenging Mambanjes ruling.

They described their prosecution as a failed fishing expedition by the State.

There is no way the accused persons can be placed onto the defence in circumstances where the essential elements of the offence of fraud have not been set out in the charge sheet.

As it stands, the charge of fraud is barren as it lacks the essential averments required to make the charge a valid one for fraud as codified, Rubaya argued.

Justice Dembure trashed the lower courts decision saying the magistrates failure to determine issue of the validity of the charges raised in the application for discharge was a gross irregularity and serious misdirection.

The two had argued that the lower court should not be allowed to resuscitate a non-existent case which was based on fatally defective charges.

This court cannot, by any stretch of its powers seek to panel beat the charge for purposes of placing the accused persons onto their defence.

It is entreated to avoid the temptation of making a bidding for the State.

It laid its bed, it must lie on it and it must never rise from it, Rubaya argued. H Metro


National hero Archbishop Enerst Paul Mamvura Mwazha, founder of the African Apostolic Church, was buried yesterday at Chirasauta Mountain in Chikomba District, where speakers saluted him for his immense contribution during the liberation struggle and uplifting the livelihoods of Zimbabweans.

Archbishop Mwazha died on November 20 in Harare.

He was 107.

Thousands of people from all walks of life converged to witness the burial.

Minister of State for Mashonaland East Provincial Affairs and Devolution Advocate Itayi Ndudzo, who was the chief mourner, said the Archbishop would be remembered for his support of the armed struggle that brought about an independent Zimbabwe.

During Zimbabwes liberation struggle, Archbishop Mwazha managed four retail businesses, he said.

He actively supported freedom fighters by praying for them, providing clothing and foodstuffs from his businesses, demonstrating his commitment to the national cause.

He contributed much for a free Zimbabwe. We also remember him for being an author. He has 66 years of service and he managed to transform lives in this area. Today, the church has a lot of congregants not just in Zimbabwe, but across the world.

Adv Ndudzo said due to Mutumwa Mwazhas work and unparalleled patriotism, President Mnangagwa saw it fit to accord him the highest honour of national hero.





To the Mwazha family, to Chikomba District and Zimbabwe, on behalf of Government, we say find comfort in this difficult time.

To the Archbishop, we say rest in peace, our national hero, said Adv Ndudzo.

Family spokesperson and son to the late Archbishop, Dr Masimba Mwazha, said the family has lost a pillar of strength.

We learnt a lot of things from our late father. He was courageous, hardworking, prayerful and an outstanding leader.

As children, we have lost our pillar of strength, a father, uncle and a loving person. As a family, we want to thank the Government under President Mnangagwa, for according our father national hero status.

This means a lot to us. His outstanding dedication to Zimbabwe has earned him this status.

Hwedza North constituency legislator Cde Tinoda Machakaire, who is also the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, said Archbishop Mwazhas works speak for themselves.

He was a humble man who worked tirelessly for the church and for Zimbabwe. I want to implore the church and the family to remain united and peaceful, protecting the Archbishops legacy, he said. Herald
(Reuters) - South African President Cyril Ramaphosa dismissed on Sunday U.S. President Donald Trump's threat to exclude Pretoria from next year's G20 summit, reaffirming South Africa's status as a founding member of the group.

Washington boycotted the Group of 20 leaders' summit held under South Africa's presidency in Johannesburg on November 22-23, with Trump repeating allegations, widely discredited, that the host country's Black-majority government persecutes its white minority.

Trump said last Wednesday that South Africa would not be invited to the summit to be held in Florida next year because it had refused to hand over the G20 presidency to a senior representative of its embassy who was at the closing ceremony. Pretoria says it handed over the rotating presidency to a U.S. embassy official.

"South Africa is and will remain a full, active and constructive member of the G20," Ramaphosa said in a state of the nation address on Sunday.

He also described as "blatant misinformation" Trump's repeated claims that South Africa was committing "genocide against Afrikaners" - descendants of Dutch settlers - and confiscating land from white citizens.

Ramaphosa noted that despite the diplomatic rift, U.S. businesses and civil society groups engaged actively in G20-related events in Johannesburg in November.

"We value those constructive ties and will continue to work within the G20 framework," he said, signalling Pretoria's intention to maintain dialogue.
President Trump says he has invited the families of the two West Virginia National Guard members shot in Washington, DC, last week to the White House. Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, was killed in the attack, and Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, remains hospitalized in critical condition. Vigils have been held in West Virginia to honor both soldiers, who were serving in DC as part of a federal policing initiative. Trump told reporters he spoke with Beckstrom's parents, describing them as "devastated," and said the White House will honor both soldiers, asking the families to visit, the Guardian reports.

"I said: 'When you're ready, because that's a tough thing, come to the White House. We're going to honor Sarah," Trump told reporters. "And likewise with Andrew, recover or not." Beckstrom, remembered by her high school principal as a model student with "quiet strength" and a willingness to help others, graduated in 2023 and enlisted shortly after. Her funeral arrangements are still pending, the AP reports. Governor Patrick Morrisey, speaking at a vigil, said Beckstrom's kindness and courage left a lasting impact despite her short life.

Wolfe, a 2019 high school graduate, began his service that same year. West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey said Wolfe is "fighting for his life," and Attorney General Pam Bondi plans to meet with his family. Authorities have charged a 29-year-old Afghan national with first-degree murder and assault in connection with the shooting. In response, the Trump administration has suspended asylum processing and temporarily halted the issuance of visas to Afghan passport holders.
Swiss voters have overwhelmingly rejected a 50% inheritance tax on millionaires, with more than 78% voting no in a national referendum. The measure, aimed at assets over 50 million francs (about $62 million), was designed by the Young Socialists to fund climate initiatives, but it gained little traction outside the political left and failed to win a majority in any of the country's cantons, per Bloomberg . Turnout was 43%. Opponents, including the Swiss government, argued the tax would drive wealthy residents and entrepreneurs out of Switzerland, ultimately reducing tax revenues. High-profile business figures, like Stadler Rail's Peter Spuhler, publicly threatened to leave the country if the measure passed.

Finance Minister Karin Keller-Sutter said voters had rejected a "risky fiscal policy experiment," which would've "thrown our tax system out of balance" and "damaged Switzerland's attractiveness." According to the Telegraph, "other low-tax hubs such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Hong Kong and Singapore" are trying to lure wealthy residents from Switzerland, which already has wealth taxes. The richest 0.03% of the population, some 2,500 people, would've been hit by the tax, though critics said that if such people were to leave the country, any proceeds from the tax would evaporate. Bloomberg notes Swiss citizens "have repeatedly sided with business interests," voting to reject "stricter emission limits, more mandatory vacation days and a national minimum wage" in recent years.
A Utah father faces felony charges of child torture and aggravated child abuse after authorities say he forced his three young children, ages 2, 4, and 8, to endure a dangerous mountain trek that ended with their dramatic rescue last month, the New York Times reports. Micah Smith, 31, was indicted this week, a month and a half after he and his kids were found in the rugged Big Cottonwood Canyon near Salt Lake City, a day after they'd been reported overdue. Police say the father and kids left around 9am on Oct. 11 and reached the summit 3,100 feet up around 6pm, but the weather "turned into mist, fog, rain, and hail." Initial reports had lauded Smith's survival efforts, with a GoFundMe campaign set up after he was said to have suffered frostbite while trying to make sure his kids were safe.

But the narrative shifted sharply as authorities say they learned Smith forced the children to "march on" through treacherous terrain, including loose rocks and unstable boulders, and that the route he chose was far from suitable for kids. The daughter was reportedly recorded in a video on Smith's phone asking her father, "Are we going to freeze to death, daddy?" Police say by two hours after reaching the summit, Smith decided to try and find shelter and that the 2-year-old hit his head and seemed "dazed." Later, as the group attempted to construct a shelter, police say Smith told them the toddler lost consciousness and may have stopped breathing until Smith performed CPR on him. Smith allegedly told police the 4-year-old later also struggled with breathing and Smith showed the 8-year-old how to perform CPR, then left the kids as he continued down the mountain.

Investigators say the children were discovered in dire shape the following daytwo were hospitalized in critical condition. The oldest, an 8-year-old girl, was found sheltering behind a boulder, while her 2-year-old brother was found underneath his 4-year-old brotherwho was found unconscious and appearing "lifeless," ABC 4 reports. He reportedly had no pulse, and a weak heart rhythm only returned after 25 minutes of CPR. His body temperature upon arrival at the hospital was reportedly 62.6 degrees, and he had a stroke, which required part of his skull to be removed so a drain could be placed. Authorities say Smith's behavior was "clearly spiraling" before the hike, and cited prior suicidal ideations. He was taken into custody Tuesday.
Authorities in California urged witnesses of a deadly shooting at a child's birthday party to come forward as the search for a suspect stretched into another day, the AP reports. Three children ages 8, 9, and 14 and a 21-year-old were killed Saturday when gunfire broke out at a banquet hall in Stockton where at least 100 people were gathered, San Joaquin County Sheriff Patrick Withrow said. Detectives believe the gunfire continued outside and there may have been multiple shooters. Eleven people were also wounded, with at least one in critical condition, he said. No one was in custody by Sunday evening, and the sheriff urged anyone with information to contact his office with tips, cellphone video, or witness accounts.

Sheriff's spokesperson Heather Brent said earlier that investigators believe it was a "targeted incident." Officials did not elaborate on why authorities believe it was intentional or who might have been targeted. She said investigators would welcome any information, "even rumors." "This is a time for our community to show that we will not put up with this type of behavior, when people will just walk in and kill children," Withrow said. "And so if you know anything about this, you have to come forward and tell us what you know. If not, you just become complacent and think this is acceptable behavior."

Roscoe Brown said the party was in honor of his brother's granddaughter, who turned 2 and was uninjured. Brown, who works for the city of Stockton's Office of Violence Prevention, was in Arizona when he learned about the shooting and drove straight to the scene. He said a niece and nephew of his were shot, and he knows several other victims. He didn't have information about their conditions. Emmanuel Lopez told the Los Angeles Times his brother, 21-year-old Susano Archuleta, was shot in the neck and died at the scene. Lopez said his 9-year-old daughter was shot in the head but survived. He didn't share details about what led up to the shooting.
Hong Kong officials said Monday that the protective netting that covered scaffolding around buildings that caught on fire last week in a massive blaze did not meet codes for fire resistance, as a wave of public sympathy and support was met by government moves to stifle criticism. Chris Tang, Hong Kong's Secretary for Security, said samples of the netting were taken from multiple locations from the seven buildings that burned. Seven samples were found to be not up to standards, the AP reports. Initial tests had suggested the netting was up to standard, but investigators had not been able to check all of it earlier due to the blaze. "Because the fire is now out, we have been able to get to places that were not easily accessible before to take samples," Tang told reporters.

The fire broke out Wednesday afternoon at the the Wang Fuk Court complex in the suburb of Tai Po. It burned through seven of eight apartment towers, home to some 4,600 people, and took until Friday morning to extinguish. At least 146 people were killed, 79 injured, and thousands left homeless. Another 100 people are still unaccounted for. Donations for survivors of the fire had reached $115 million as of Monday, authorities said, as a steady stream of people placed flowers, cards and other tributes at a makeshift memorial near the burned out block of buildings. On Monday, Hong Kong authorities said teams were assessing the safety of the other buildings, including the one that caught fire first and suffered the worst damage.

The complex's buildings were all clad in bamboo scaffolding draped with nylon netting for external renovations. Windows were covered with polystyrene panels, and authorities are investigating if fire codes had been violated. Residents had complained for almost a year about the netting that covered the scaffolding, Hong Kong's Labor Department said. It confirmed officials had carried out 16 inspections of the renovation project since July 2024 and had warned contractors multiple times in writing that they had to meet fire safety requirements. The latest inspection was just a week before the fire.

Hong Kong's anti-corruption agency has arrested 11 people, including the directors and an engineering consultant of a construction company. A growing number of people have been questioning whether government officials should also be held responsible. But the leeway for dissent is limited in the former British colony, which came under Chinese control in 1997 and increasingly has moved to quiet public criticism on national security grounds. On Saturday, a man who helped organize an online petition calling for government accountability was arrested on suspicion of sedition, local media including HK01 and Sing Tao Daily reported. Two others were arrested on Sunday, including a volunteer who offered help in Tai Po after the fire broke out, the same outlets reported.
President Trump is standing by Pete Hegseth amid controversy over a deadly military strike on a suspected drug boat in the Caribbean. Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One that the Pentagon chief did not order a second strike specifically to kill two survivors from the initial strike. "Pete said he did not order the deaths of those two men," said Trump, adding that "I believe him 100%," reports the Guardian and Fox News . The president added that he personally wouldn't have seen a second strike as necessary. "No, I wouldn't have wanted that," he said. "Not a second strike. The first strike was very lethal. It was fine."

The allegations, first reported by the Washington Post, center on a Sept. 2 operation in the Caribbean. Just before it was carried out, Hegseth allegedly gave a verbal order to kill everybody on the boat. After a first strike badly damaged the vessel and left two survivors clinging to the wreckage, the special-ops commander of the operation allegedly ordered the second strike to comply with the "kill everybody" directive.

In defending Hegseth, Trump praised the broader military campaign against drug boats but said the allegations would be investigated. "I'm going to find out about it," he said. Congress also plans an investigation: Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine said that if the reporting about a strike to kill survivors is accurate, "it's a clear violation of the DOD's own laws of war" and might be a war crime. Hegseth has strongly pushed back. "As usual, the fake news is delivering more fabricated, inflammatory and derogatory reporting to discredit our incredible warriors fighting to protect the homeland," he tweeted.
A 19-year-old college freshman in Massachusetts got an unexpected lesson in the nation's aggressive new deportation policies ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday. As the New York Times reports, Any Lucia Lopez Belloza went to Logan Airport intending to fly to Texas in a surprise visit to her parents. Instead, immigration officers stopped her from boarding the flight, then whisked her off first to a detention center in Texas and then onto a flight to Honduras. Now the Babson College student and her family are scrambling to see if she can return.

Lopez Belloza came to the US at the age of 7 with her family, per the Boston Globe. The teen's father said they fled rampant crime and applied for asylum in the US, but the request was denied. This apparently led to a deportation order a decade agoan attorney for the family is struggling to find documentation, per the Guardianbut the family says they were unaware of it until Lopez Belloza's airport arrest. Such orders have often gone unenforced under previous administrations, but things have changed in President Trump's second term.

The bottom line is that Lopez Belloza "unlawfully entered the United States from Mexico," says a spokesperson for Immigration and Customs Enforcement. "Under the leadership of President Trump and Secretary Noem, ICE is committed to prioritizing public safety." The teen is now staying with her grandparents in Honduras, hoping to get a reprieve. "I have worked so hard to be able to be at Babson my first semester, that was my dream," she tells the Globe. "I'm losing everything."

Babson says it is supporting Lopez Belloza and her family, the AP reports. "Our ability to share specifics is limited by law, but please know that our focus remains on supporting the student and their family, as well as the wellbeing of our community," the college's dean of campus life, Caitlin Capozzi, said in a message to faculty and staff. "Relevant faculty and staff have been informed so they can provide appropriate academic and community support in the student's absence."
Three Austrian nuns in their 80s who gained international attention after fleeing their care home to return to their former convent have been granted permission to stayprovided they stay off social media. The sisters identified as Bernadette, 88, Regina, 86, and Rita, 82, defied church authorities in September by sneaking back into the home where they lived for decades, the Goldenstein Castle in Elsbethen, reports the Guardian . Their story went viral, and they gained a devoted online following by sharing updates about their return to convent life.

Supported by former students and localswho provided everything from food to a chairliftthe nuns have managed to live independently, despite church officials insisting they were too frail for such an arrangement. Their religious superior, Provost Markus Grasl, accused them of breaking their vows of obedience, a charge the sisters reject. Now, church officials say the sisters can remain at Goldenstein "until further notice," provided they stop all social media activity and accept a ban on outside visitors to the convent, among other restrictions.

The deal also says that if their health worsens, they'll go back to the nursing home. The nuns, however, are not yet fully on board with the offer, describing it as having the "character of a gagging effect," per the BBC. They said neither they nor their supporters were consulted about the deal, which they argue would strip them of legal protections and public support, and want to work out new terms.
Ludwig Minelli, founder of the Swiss assisted suicide group Dignitas, has died by assisted suicide just days shy of his 93rd birthday, according to the organization. The right-to-die advocate died at one of his own facilities on Saturday, People reports. A former journalist and lawyer, he established Dignitas in 1998 after splitting from another Swiss right-to-die group, Exit, which he felt was overly restrictive, the BBC reports. Under his leadership, Dignitas became internationally known for offering assisted suicide not only to Swiss residents but also to foreigners, attracting people from countries where assisted dying remains illegal.

The group says Minelli led a "life for freedom of choice," and ultimately made the choice to end that life in line with the motto, "dignity in life, dignity in death." In a 2010 interview, Minelli described the right to choose one's own death as "the last human right." He faced repeated legal scrutiny in Switzerland, including criticism for Dignitas' financial transparency and for assisting people who were not terminally ill. However, he successfully defended the organization's practices in court multiple times.

Dignitas and Minelli's advocacy contributed to ongoing international debates over assisted dying, as countries such as Australia, Canada, and New Zealand legalized the practice. The UK House of Lords is currently debating the issue, with opponents concerned about the potential for abuse among vulnerable populations. Assisted suicide has been legal in Switzerland since 1942 within strict guidelines, though euthanasiainvolving a medical profession administering a lethal substanceremains illegal. Dignitas says it will continue to promote self-determination at the end of life in line with Minelli's vision.
The Trump administration's maneuvers to keep Alina Habba in place as New Jersey's top federal prosecutor were illegal and she is disqualified, a federal appeals court said Monday. A panel of judges from the 3rd US Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia sided with a lower court judge's ruling after hearing oral arguments at which Habbaa former lawyer for the presidentwas present on Oct. 20. The ruling comes amid the push by President Trump's administration to keep Habba as the acting US attorney for New Jersey, a powerful post charged with enforcing federal criminal and civil law. It also comes after the judges questioned the government's moves to keep Habba in place after her interim appointment expired and without her getting Senate confirmation, reports the AP .

Habba is not the only Trump administration prosecutor whose appointment has been challenged. Last week, a federal judge dismissed criminal cases against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James after concluding that the hastily installed prosecutor who filed the charges, Lindsey Halligan, was unlawfully appointed as interim US attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. A lower court judge said in August that Habba's appointment was done with a "novel series of legal and personnel moves" and that she was not lawfully serving as US attorney for New Jersey. That order said her actions since July could be invalidated, but he stayed the order pending appeal.

The Habba case comes after several people charged with federal crimes in New Jersey challenged the legality of Habba's tenure. They sought to block the charges, arguing she didn't have the authority to prosecute their cases after her 120-day term as interim US attorney expired. Shortly after her appointment, she said in an interview with a right-wing influence that she hoped to help "turn New Jersey red," a rare overt political expression from a prosecutor. She then brought a trespassing charge, eventually dropped, against Democratic Newark Mayor Ras Baraka stemming from his visit to a federal immigration detention center. Habba later charged Democratic Rep. LaMonica McIver with assault in the same incident, a rare federal criminal case against a sitting member of Congress.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made history over the weekend by becoming the first prime minister in the country's history to get married while in office. Albanese wed his partner, Jodie Haydon, in a private ceremony at the Lodge, his official residence in Canberra, on Saturday afternoon, just after the final parliamentary session of the year, the BBC reports. The event was kept under wraps until after the nuptials due to security concerns. The guest list was limited to 80, mostly close friends and family, including Haydon's parents and Albanese's son, Nathan, from a previous marriage, though a few of Albanese's Cabinet members were present.

The couple, who first met at a Melbourne business dinner in 2020, have been together since before Albanese became prime minister, with Haydon having appeared during his 2022 and 2025 election campaigns and at major events, including Queen Elizabeth II's funeral and a state dinner hosted by Joe Biden. They got engaged on Valentine's Day last year, with the Labor leader's proposal taking place at the Lodge.

The couple's dog, Toto, served as ring bearer and the flower girl was Haydon's 5-year-old niece, Ella. The newlyweds walked down the aisle to Stevie Wonder's "Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours)." Their first dance at the reception was to Frank Sinatra's "The Way You Look Tonight," and custom beer cans featuring their engagement photo were served. Albanese is 62 and his wife 47. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation reports that they will have a short honeymoon at an undisclosed location in Australia. Albanese said in June that they would have honeymooned for two months if he hadn't been reelected in May.
Fairbanks, AK (99701)

Today

Sunny this morning then becoming cloudy during the afternoon. High -27F. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

Cloudy. Snow likely late. Low -26F. Winds light and variable. Chance of snow 100%. Snow accumulating 1 to 3 inches.
TSXV: ESBL

Gross Profit improved from 22% to 29% over the previous year's corresponding 3-month period.

Revenues increased by US$1.4 million or 16.1% over the corresponding previous year 9-month period.

Gross profit improved from 22.8% to 27% compared with the 9-month period of the prior year.

VANCOUVER, BC, Dec. 1, 2025 /CNW/ - Eshbal Functional Food Inc. (TSXV: ESBL) ("Eshbal" or the "Company"), a developer of gluten-free and health-focused food products, reported its consolidated financial results for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2025, The financial statements and MD&A are available on SEDAR under the Company's profile.

The following disclosure does not constitute full disclosure of the Company's financial and operational condition and is qualified by, and should be read in conjunction with, the Company's Management Discussion and Analysis for the period ending Sep 30, 2025 and corresponding financial statements available at sedarplus.ca

2025 Third Quarter Financial Results

All figures are in U.S. Dollars unless otherwise indicated.

Strong revenue growth, significant margin expansion, and continued progress toward North American market entry

Revenue and Gross Margin:

For the third quarter, the three months ended September 30, 2025, the Company reported revenues of US$3.38 million, an increase of US$673 thousand, a 25% increase compared to US$2.7 million in the corresponding prior-year period. Gross profit improved to US$995 thousand (29% of revenues), compared to US$596 thousand (22% of revenues) in Q3, 2024.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2025, the Company reported revenues of US$10.1 million, an increase of US$1.4 million, a 16% increase compared to US$8.7 million in the corresponding prior-year period. Gross profit improved to US$2.7 million (27% of revenues), compared to US$2 million (22.8% of revenues) in the corresponding prior-year period.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2025, the Company reported EBITDA of US$679 thousand.

Operating and Net Profit:

Operating income for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2025 was US$127 thousand, remaining positive despite new public company costs introduced following the RTO, in comparison to the prior period results where Eshbal was a private company. Net results for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2025 were significantly impacted by a non-recurring US$2 million non-cash listing expense directly associated with the RTO transaction that accrued in April 2025. As a result, the Company reported a net loss of US$507 thousand for Q3, 2025 and US$2.1 million for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2025.

Eshbal Israel, the Company's operating subsidiary, remained profitable during the period, demonstrating strong year-over-year improvement across all key lines -- with revenues in New Israeli Shekels increasing by approximately 10%, gross margin expanding to 25%, and net profit rising by more than 50% in local-currency terms to approximately 6% of revenue.

Management views the reported net loss during this period as not representative of future results but rather a one-time loss as a result of the accounting impact of the listing Transaction.

Business Update

Eshbal continues to advance its North American expansion strategy. Key developments include:

Definitive agreement signed to acquire a majority interest in D2BD Foods (New York), providing initial distribution access in key U.S. retail channels upon closing.

(New York), providing initial distribution access in key U.S. retail channels upon closing. Strengthened commercial presence in North America , supported by the Company's senior commercial leadership and dedicated broker relationships for bringing Eshbal's flagship gluten-free Pita Bread and additional products to market.

, supported by the Company's senior commercial leadership and dedicated broker relationships for bringing Eshbal's flagship gluten-free Pita Bread and additional products to market. Preparation for local manufacturing, expected to commence in Q1, 2026, to support scale, logistics and cost efficiency for North American operations.

These operational steps reflect the Company's long-term strategy to enter the North American market with a scalable product platform and established demand.

Tomer Bar Meir, CEO of Eshbal, stated:

"Q3 reinforces the strength of our core Israeli operation: Revenue is growing, production is more efficient and margins continue to improve. These results reflect real demand and operational efficiency and discipline.

While consolidated results are influenced by currency fluctuations and listing-related accounting and one-time items, our underlying fundamentals remain strong. We are focused on expanding our North American footprint, enhancing operational efficiency, and executing our M&A-driven growth strategy"

Outlook

The Company is prioritizing continued development of its Israeli operations with an emphasis on scale, margin optimization, and product expansion. In North America, management will focus on advancing manufacturing arrangements, launching initial gluten-free products, and progressing strategic integration initiatives. These efforts are intended to support sustainable long-term growth and strengthen the Company's position in the better-for-you category.

About Eshbal Functional Food

Eshbal Functional Food is an innovative and profitable food-tech company with over 300 SKUs in the gluten-free and "Better for You" categories. Eshbal generated more than USD $11 million in revenue in 2024 and is seeking to consolidate companies in the artisanal, gluten-free market.

Looking ahead, Eshbal continues to advance its strategic efforts in North America, focusing on organic growth initiatives, evaluating M&A opportunities, and expanding its presence in the growing "better-for-you" food category. The Company remains committed to executing its plans efficiently and aligning its operations with long-term growth opportunities in the gluten-free and health-focused food markets.

To learn more, visit: https://EshbalFoods.com

Disclaimers:

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange Inc., nor its Regulation Servicer provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the securities laws. Words such as "expects" "anticipates", "intends", "plans", "believes", "seeks," "estimates" and similar expressions or variations of such words are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not historical facts, and are based upon management's current expectations, beliefs and projections, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain. Such expectations, beliefs and projections are expressed in good faith. However, there can be no assurance that management's expectations, beliefs and projections will be achieved, and actual results may differ materially from what is expressed in or indicated by the forward-looking statements. Forward- looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual performance or results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. For a more detailed description of the risks and uncertainties affecting the Company, reference is made to the Company's reports filed from time to time at sedarplus.ca. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date the statements are made. The Company assumes no obligation to update forward- looking statements to reflect actual results, subsequent events or circumstances, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting forward-looking information except to the extent required by applicable securities laws. If the Company does update one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that the Company will make additional updates with respect thereto or with respect to other forward-looking statements. References and links to websites have been provided as a convenience, and the information contained on such websites is not incorporated by reference into this press release. The Company is not responsible for the contents of third-party websites.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to sell any of the securities described herein in the United States or elsewhere. These securities have not been, and will not be, registered in the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to U.S. persons unless registered or exempt therefrom

SOURCE Eshbal Functional Foods Inc

For further information, please contact: Tomer Bar Meir, CEO, [email protected]; Anat Shuhami, Head of Investor Communications, +972-4-637-5110, www.Eshbal.com
MONTREAL, Dec. 1, 2025 /CNW/ - Mercanto Holdings Inc. (TSXV: MUSH) ("Mercanto" or the "Company"), today announced its financial results for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2025.

Fiscal 2025 was a year of transition for the Company, driven primarily by a province-wide restructuring of the cannabis product assortment and distribution planogram in Quebec. While these changes reduced the number of Mercanto products available on shelves, the Company believes the new structure provides a more stable and predictable operating environment going forward.

Fiscal 2025 Financial Results

(All financial information is in Canadian dollars and extracted from the Company's audited consolidated financial statements and MD&A for the year ended July 31, 2025.)

Revenue: $3,561,289 (2024: $4,636,034)

$3,561,289 (2024: $4,636,034) Net Revenue: $2,995,995 (2024: $3,893,410)

$2,995,995 (2024: $3,893,410) Gross Margin: $621,689 (2024: $1,225,022)

$621,689 (2024: $1,225,022) Net Income (Loss): $(412,313) (2024: $40,603)

The decline in revenue and margin was largely attributable to the completion of the rationalization process in Quebec, the Company's primary market.

Impact of Quebec Market Restructuring

During fiscal 2025, the Quebec cannabis retailer completed a comprehensive review and reduction of its entire product portfolio. As part of this process:

Certain Mercanto SKUs were delisted;

The "nursery program"--under which emerging products were tested in a portion of stores before province-wide rollout--was discontinued.

Although these measures had a negative short-term impact on the Company's results, Mercanto believes they create long-term structural benefits for established Quebec suppliers, including:

More consistent listing cycles;

Clearer product-call processes;

Improved predictability for production and inventory planning;

Province-wide launches for new listings, rather than partial-store trials.

These structural changes are expected to improve visibility and operational stability beginning in FY2026.

Positioning for calendar 2026

Following the conclusion of the rationalization process, Mercanto received approval for six new Quebec product's now launched including:

One vape battery

Three vape cartridges

Two SKUs transitioned from the discontinued nursery program to full in-store availability

Mercanto remains amongst the more diversified suppliers in the province, participating across several categories. The Company expects these new listings and the more stable provincial listing framework to support revenue recovery in FY2026.

Liquidity

As at July 31, 2025, the Company reported:

Cash: $394,974 (2024: $202,370)

$394,974 (2024: $202,370) Working Capital: $225,910 (2024: $545,789)

Mercanto continues to benefit from low credit risk exposure, an asset-light model, and strong relationships with suppliers.

Stock Option Grants

The Company also announces that it has granted an aggregate of 1,300,000 stock options pursuant to its stock option plan. Each of Eric Ronsse, Steve Saviuk, Michel Dahan, Franck Aton, and Scott Jardin has been granted 250,000 options, and Jerry Chen has been granted 50,000 options. All options are exercisable at the price of market close on November 27, 2025 ($0.12 per share) which shall vest 50% on November 28, 2025, and 50% one year thereafter, and expire ten years from the date of grant.

About Mercanto Holdings Inc.

Mercanto Holdings Inc. (formerly The Good Shroom Co Inc.) is a Quebec-based cannabis processor operating under a Health Canada Standard Processing Licence. Through its wholly owned subsidiary, Teonan Biomedical Inc., the Company sells cannabis products for the Canadian regulated market as well as functional mushroom beverages. The Company's products are distributed across multiple provinces.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation (collectively, "forward-looking statements"). Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors that may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements.

Forward-looking statements in this press release may include, but are not limited to:

the expected impact of provincial market restructuring;

anticipated timing and outcome of product listings;

expectations regarding revenue trends, operational stability, or future performance;

the Company's ability to maintain listings, successfully launch new products, or benefit from regulatory or structural changes.

Forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations, estimates, projections, and assumptions, including but not limited to assumptions regarding general economic conditions, regulatory environments, competitive conditions, provincial purchasing behaviour, and the Company's ability to execute its operational strategies. While management believes these assumptions are reasonable as of the date hereof, they are inherently subject to significant business, economic, regulatory, and competitive uncertainties.

Readers are cautioned that forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation: changes in provincial listing practices; regulatory or policy changes; shifts in consumer behaviour; supply-chain disruptions; competitive pressures; and other risks described in the Company's filings on SEDAR+. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements.

Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect new information, future events, or circumstances.

SOURCE Mercanto Holdings Inc.

For Further Information: Mercanto Holdings Inc., [email protected]
MILTON, ON, Dec. 1, 2025 /CNW/ - The CWB Foundation is proud to introduce the Equipment and Technology Advancement Program, an expanded and improved funding initiative to support secondary school welding and joining programs across Canada. This program builds upon the highly sought-after Capital Equipment and Consumables Grant, enhancing its impact by offering increased funding opportunities, hands-on training, and stronger industry connections to help technical educators equip students with real-world skills for in-demand skilled trade careers.

Secondary school educators across Canada will benefit from the CWB Foundations new Equipment and Technology Advancement Program, designed to strengthen welding education through upgraded equipment, modern technology, and industry-supported resources. (CNW Group/CWB Welding Foundation)

A Critical Investment in the Future of Welding Education

Welding and joining are essential to Canada's infrastructure, supporting industries such as manufacturing, construction, transportation, and clean energy. However, many secondary school welding programs struggle with outdated equipment, limited consumable supplies, and access to modern technology. A recent survey from the CWB Foundation found that more than 40 per cent of secondary school welding programs require equipment upgrades, and nearly half struggle to access essential consumables to keep them running. At the same time, Canada's skilled trades sector faces growing labour shortages, making it more important than ever to prepare students with industry-aligned experience.

The Equipment and Technology Advancement Program addresses these challenges by ensuring every welding student, regardless of location or school resources, has access to high-quality training and industry-standard equipment. This initiative provides funding, technical expertise, and cutting-edge learning tools to help technical educators modernize their curriculum, enhance student learning experiences, and prepare graduates for rewarding careers in skilled trades. As a competitive program, funding is limited, and schools are encouraged to explore co-investment opportunities with industry partners or their school boards. Because of this, the CWB Foundation is calling on industry to support local welding programs and help strengthen the educational pathways that skilled trade sectors depend on.

"The Equipment and Technology Advancement Program is more than just financial support; it's a comprehensive system of resources designed to meet technical educators where they are," says Susan Crowley, Executive Director of the CWB Foundation. "By equipping classrooms with the right tools and training, we're helping students build real-world skills and confidence that prepare them for meaningful careers in Canada's skilled trades. Because welding technology is evolving quickly, our program is built to grow alongside it, helping educators stay aligned with the tools and teaching practices today's industry demands."

The Equipment and Technology Advancement Program is delivered through three streams: the Welding Essentials Grant, the Technology Innovation Grant, and the Consumables Notice Network, which collectively aim to:

Enhance access to industry-standard equipment and technology, ensuring students graduate with hands-on experience.

Support educators in delivering high-quality welding education by offering funding, training, and industry-aligned curriculum support.

Address disparities in welding education across Canada, particularly in schools with limited resources.

Strengthen industry-education partnerships, fostering connections between schools and industry leaders to create lasting support networks.

Comprehensive Support for Educators

The Equipment and Technology Advancement Program is built to support secondary school welding educators at every level, ensuring they have the resources needed to deliver top-tier training and prepare students for success in skilled trades.

Through flexible funding options, this program allows eligible applicants to:

Upgrade or replace essential equipment to maintain high-quality training and ensure programs remain current with industry standards.

Integrate advanced technology like robotics, welding simulators, and augmented/virtual reality (AR/VR) to create dynamic, hands-on learning experiences that mirror real-world industry applications.

Access industry-donated consumables to support hands-on learning, ensuring students can practice their skills without supply shortages.

Receive expert guidance from Technical Education Specialists, who provide personalized support to help educators optimize their programs, access funding, and implement new technologies effectively.

Since 2018, the CWB Foundation has invested $6.1 million in secondary school welding and technical program supports and facilitated an additional $11.7 million in co-investments from industry and education partners. Even with this level of support, current funding only allows us to meet roughly 30 per cent of requests from schools across Canada.

We encourage organizations in sectors that rely on welding, fabrication, engineering, and advanced manufacturing to support the future workforce. By contributing equipment, consumables, or financial support, industry partners can help level-set welding education nationwide and ensure students are trained to the standards your workforce needs to thrive.

Submitting an Assessment Application is the First Step

Applying is simple and educator friendly. Technical educators can submit an assessment application, which a CWB Foundation Technical Education Specialist will review. From there, successful applicants will receive personalized recommendations based on their program's needs. Approved schools will receive funding and expert support to enhance their welding programs.

Educators are encouraged to apply early, as annual funding is limited and not guaranteed. The deadline to submit applications for the 2025-2026 intake cycle is March 31, 2026.

For more details and to apply, please visit:

https://www.cwbweldingfoundation.org/programs/equipment-and-technology-advancement-program.

About the CWB Foundation

The CWB Foundation is a national charitable organization dedicated to advancing skilled trades careers, including welding and materials joining. Committed to preparing the future workforce and fostering inclusivity, we collaborate with partners to support the demand for qualified professionals, contributing to North America's economic prosperity.

Our mission is to forge partnerships between industry, education, and government, empowering individuals to pursue careers in the skilled trades. Through innovative programs, we reduce barriers and promote awareness and access to career exploration, regardless of identity factors or social and financial status.

SOURCE CWB Welding Foundation

Contact Information: Sarah Dingman, Manager, Marketing Communications, CWB Foundation, [email protected], 249-885-3508
OTTAWA, ON, Dec. 1, 2025 /CNW/ - While provincial economies have remained resilient this year, the ongoing trade war continues to suppress business confidence, slow investment and constrain economic growth, according to new research from The Conference Board of Canada.

"In addition to the uncertainty brought by U.S. trade policy, demographics will also be a key factor in shaping provincial growth prospects," said Richard Forbes, Principal Economist at The Conference Board of Canada. "Reduced immigration targets have led to a sharp slowdown in population growth, which will restrain labour markets and moderate consumer spending."

Newfoundland and Labrador will face the steepest demographic slowdown among the provinces, but a strong rebound in oil production will support growth. The province is expected to lead the country in 2025, with GDP forecast to increase by 2.2 per cent, followed by a 1.7 per cent gain in 2026.

Alongside moderate gains in household spending, elevated investment in potash and uranium mining will support Saskatchewan's economy over the next few years. The provincial economy is expected to grow by 2.0 per cent in 2025 and 2.1 per cent in 2026.

While business investment in Alberta is set to decline in 2025, continued activity on smaller projects will bolster investment growth into 2026. GDP is forecast to expand by 1.8 per cent in both 2025 and 2026.

Prince Edward Island is expected to post the strongest population growth of the Atlantic provinces. Tourism will remain a key economic driver as Canadians continue to favour domestic travel, while strong job gains will support household spending. Real GDP growth is projected to ease to 1.1 per cent in 2025 before strengthening to 1.5 per cent in 2026.

Modest population declines in Nova Scotia over the next two years are expected to slow labour force growth and temper consumer spending. Under these pressures, the province's economy is expected to expand by 1.4 per cent in both 2025 and 2026.

Following the completion of the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion and the transition of the LNG Canada project to operations, British Columbia is expected to post a significant decline in business investment this year. Still, strong income growth will help compensate for population declines and a stagnant labour market, supporting steady near-term growth. GDP is set to expand by 1.2 per cent in 2025 and 1.7 per cent in 2026.

Modest but positive population growth over the next two years will support Manitoba's labour market. However, U.S. trade measures and Chinese tariffs on Canadian canola oil will limit the province's overall growth prospects. GDP is projected to increase by 0.8 per cent in 2025 and a further 1.4 per cent in 2026.

A lack of major non-residential projects is hurting growth prospects in New Brunswick. Weak consumer spending, driven by a declining population 2026 and 2027, will also weigh on the province's economy. GDP growth is forecast to be just 0.8 per cent in 2025, before rebounding by 1.3 per cent in 2026.

The ongoing trade tariffs are weighing heavily on Ontario's labour market, particularly in manufacturing and construction, while slower economic growth in the U.S. will also weaken the province's export performance. Ontario's economy is forecast to grow by 0.7 per cent in 2025, followed 0.9 per cent in 2026.

Household spending in Quebec is expected to remain resilient, supported by relatively high savings accumulated in recent years. However, weak business investment, aluminum tariffs, and population declines will constrain growth. Quebec's economy is projected to grow by 0.5 per cent in 2025 and a further 0.9 per cent in 2026.

About The Conference Board of Canada

The Conference Board of Canada is the country's leading independent research organization. Since 1954, The Conference Board of Canada has been providing research that supports evidence-based decision making to solve Canada's toughest problems. Follow The Conference Board of Canada on X @ConfBoardofCda. For more information on our impact, please visit the link here.

SOURCE Conference Board of Canada

Media Contact: The Conference Board of Canada, E-mail: [email protected], Tel: 613-526-3090 ext. 224
Claymont, Delaware, December 1st, 2025, CyberNewsWire

Lancasters arrival brings significant North American channel experience and expertise, supporting usecures ambition to cement its position as the market-leading human risk management solution for MSPs.

usecure today announced the appointment of Kevin Lancaster as a Non-Executive Director. Kevin joins usecure with a wealth of experience in the North American channel and a strong background in human risk management and security awareness. He founded ID Agent, which was later acquired by Kaseya, and has led the Channel Program as CEO, building one of the most established channel communities in the market.

Kevin will work with the board and executive team to support usecures continued expansion in the North American channel and help advance the companys goal of becoming the number one human risk management solution for managed service providers.

Kevins appointment comes at a time of rapid momentum for usecure. The company protects half a million end users around the world and works with a broad partner ecosystem, including more than 1,800 MSP partners. In North America, usecures growth is supported by leading distribution partners, including Pax8, Contronex, and Sherweb. These partnerships enable MSPs across the region to access and deploy human risk management services through their preferred marketplaces and distributors.

Kevin is an outstanding addition to usecures board, said Charles Preston, Founder and CEO of usecure. He brings hands-on channel leadership, deep knowledge of security awareness and human risk management, and a track record of scaling channel-first product and community businesses. Kevin will be instrumental in helping us accelerate the growth we are already seeing in the channel and expand our footprint in North America.

Kevin Lancaster commented on the appointment, saying he is excited to join usecures board and support the companys ambitions. usecure is at a pivotal moment in the evolution of Human Risk Management, and I am thrilled to help accelerate its mission. The team has built something genuinely innovative, and I am looking forward to guiding usecure through its next phase of growth, said Lancaster.

usecures recent industry recognition reflects this momentum. The company was named a finalist in CRNs Security Vendor of the Year and Rising Star categories, earning praise from judges in the Security Vendor of the Year category. These accolades highlight the companys commitment to delivering partner-led innovation and measurable human risk reduction for MSPs and their customers.

About Kevin Lancaster

Kevin Lancaster is a leading channel expert and tech entrepreneur, best known as the founder of ID Agent, acquired by Kaseya, and as the CEO of Channel Program and BetterTracker. He has built and led channel programs that have driven billions in revenue, scaling cybersecurity and SaaS businesses across the MSP ecosystem. Kevin is widely respected for his deep expertise in cybersecurity innovation and building channel-first communities that accelerate partner success.

About usecure

usecure provides human risk management solutions built for the channel. The platform combines automated phishing simulations, bite-sized training, dark web monitoring, and compliance features to help MSPs and internal IT teams reduce human cyber risk through behaviour change and data-driven insights. Today, usecure supports hundreds of thousands of end users and more than 1,800 MSP partners globally and has been recognised by industry awards and peer reviews for its partner-focused approach and impact on reducing human risk.

Contact

Channel Marketing Manager

Hetty Roach

usecure

[email protected]


Actor Zachery Tyler Bryan, who starred as Brad Taylor in '90s sitcom "Home Improvement," was recently arrested in Oregon. (Photo by Lane County Jail via Getty Images) Getty Images

A former child actor who starred in an award winning sitcom was recently arrested, again.

Zachery Tyler Bryan, famous for his roles as Brad Taylor in Home Improvement and Clay in The Fast and The Furious: Tokyo Drift," was arrested in Eugene, Ore., on Saturday.

The 44-year-old was taken into police custody after allegedly violating his probation from a prior domestic violence arrest, according to PEOPLE.

Bryan is being held without bail at Lane County Jail and is scheduled to be released Wednesday. He is currently serving a three-year probation term, stemming from a 2020 incident, that doesnt expire until next October.

Bryans fiancee, Johnnie Faye Cartwright, was also arrested and booked at Lane County Jail. She is facing five charges: one count of driving under the influence, three counts of reckless endangering and one count of attempted first-degree assault, per the report.

The couple have three children  a daughter named Kennedy as well as twins Parker and Sequoia.

This isnt Bryans first run-in with the law. He was arrested this past January for a domestic violence incident that occurred in South Carolina. Cartwright alleged Bryan had choked her and punched her in the face multiple times.

The former actor was jailed twice in 2024 on DUI charges and charged with a fourth-degree felony assault and misdemeanor harassment in 2023.

He pleaded guilty to the felony assault charge and received a seven-day jail sentence, supervised probation, and orders not to contact the victim.

Bryan is credited with more than 40 appearances in films and television from 1989 throughout 2022. His last appearance came in a series called The Guardians of Justice (Will Save You!).

Some of his biggest roles came in shows like the Golden Globe winning Home Improvement, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and Boston Public.
New Jersey is seeking donor records as part of an investigation into whether First Choice is deceiving the public. Pictured here, a First Choice Women's Resource Center exam room, including an ultrasound machine. First Choice Women's Resource Center

The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to weigh in on the ongoing fight between a New Jersey anti-abortion center and the states Attorney General.

The case centers around an investigatory subpoena that state Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin issued to First Choice Womens Resource Centers in November 2023 for a wide range of documents and information, including the names of most of its donors. The state is seeking the records as part of an investigation into whether First Choice misrepresented itself to donors and the public.

The nonprofit argued that the subpoena violated its First Amendment rights because it was borne of retaliation or viewpoint discrimination.

However, the Supreme Court isnt deciding whether the states subpoena violates First Amendment rights. The highest court is deciding whether those claims must first be argued in state court, according to a summary of the questions presented.

The Supreme Court agreed in June to review the case. The justices will hear oral arguments on Dec. 2.

First Choice is looking for a special exception from the usual procedural rules as it tries to avoid complying with an entirely lawful state subpoena, something the U.S. Constitution does not permit it to do, Platkin said in a June statement. No industry is entitled to that type of special treatment  period."

First Choice is one of at least 59 anti-abortion nonprofits known as crisis pregnancy centers in New Jersey. These facilities advertise counseling and support for women experiencing unplanned pregnancies. The centers and their supporters say they provide necessary services and resources to women and families in need. A handful of states provide financial support to these agencies.

However, New Jersey doesnt provide funding to such centers. Instead, state lawmakers have written letters to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services asking it to stop the flow of federal dollars to pregnancy centers, and Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy has signed laws that enshrine the right to obtain an abortion in New Jersey, including for out-of-state residents traveling to the state.

In 2022, the state Attorney Generals Office issued a consumer alert accusing pregnancy centers of seeking to prevent individuals from accessing abortion care, sometimes by providing false or misleading information about the safety and legality of abortion.

The following year, First Choice was issued a subpoena for its records.

In issuing the subpoena, the Attorney Generals Office said it believed First Choice was deceiving its donors by running multiple websites, that it was conducting medical procedures without the proper licensing, and sharing medical information that may be misleading.

First Choice sued in federal court, claiming it was being targeted and harassed by Platkin, who is the states top law enforcement official and a vocal supporter of abortion rights.

In December 2024, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals dismissed the suit, concluding that the claims were not yet ripe.

Under the U.S. Constitution, federal courts can only decide cases that are ripe for review, or appropriate for argument in federal court. A claim may not be justified if it is based on future events that may not occur as predicted or at all, according to the federal government.

First Choice asked the U.S. Supreme Court to review that decision.

In a petition for a writ of certiorari, which is a request for a review of a judgement or order, First Choice argued that its claims are ripe because the Attorney Generals investigative demand would not only deter a person of ordinary firmness from exercising her First Amendment rights but also because First Choice has come forward with evidence that such harm has occurred.

In an anonymous sworn declaration, multiple donors testified that they viewed the Attorney Generals Subpoena as an imminent threat to their association with First Choice, according to the petition.

The nonprofit also said that because anti-abortion centers have been subject to a pattern of violence and intimidation since Dobbs, the 2022 case that overturned Roe v. Wade and ended the right to abortion, First Choice is concerned that if its donors identities became public, they may be subjected to similar threats.

It also argued that handing over the information would hurt First Choices ability to recruit and retain new donors, personnel, and affiliates.

In June, the Supreme Court issued an order granting First Choices request to review the lower court decisions.

In a brief filed in the Supreme Court, Platkin wrote that the state has since narrowed its request for information and it remains unclear whether First Choice will need to offer any donor identities in response to the states demand.

He also rejected the idea that production of the limited documents the State requested would result in the deplorable harassment and violence that First Choice is concerned about.

At the same time, Platkin has filed a lawsuit in state court to enforce the subpoena against First Choice. The organization has tried to quash the subpoena using the same constitutional arguments being debated in federal court.

However, the state trial court has declined to enforce Platkins subpoena in full, instead ordering the two parties to negotiate to narrow the subpoenas scope.
Mask mandates are back at some hospitals as COVID, flu, and RSV cases increase. Steve Hockstein | For NJ Advance Media

New Jersey hospitals are reinstating face mask requirements in response to the spread of respiratory viruses throughout the state.

Hackensack Meridian Health announced Monday that anyone visiting an admitted patient will be required to wear a face mask.

Respiratory virus season is here, the health network warned in an Instagram post. To ensure the safety and health of our patients, team members and visitors, you will be asked to wear a mask when visiting an admitted patient at our facilities, effective December 1, 2025.

Among the states largest hospital systems, Hackensack Meridian Health has 18 hospitals and more than 500 patient care locations, including ambulatory care centers, surgery centers, home health services, long-term care and assisted living communities, according to its website. The hospital system serves close to 2 million patients annually at its facilities.

RWJ Barnabas Health, which operates 14 hospitals throughout the state, also announced this week that its bringing back masking protocols. Starting Monday, RWJ inpatient facilities will require masks for:

Employees who provide direct care to patients.

All patients when leaving their room.

Visitors in the presence of patients.

Masking is also strongly encouraged for staff and visitors at RWJ outpatient and medical group facilities.

Other medical facilities across the state have policies stating that they reserve the right to require face masks when theres an increase in respiratory illness in the community.

In recent weeks, New Jersey hospitals have reported an increase in admissions associated with COVID-19, influenza and RSV.

Although emergency department visits remain low for respiratory viruses, there continues to be increases in hospital admissions associated with COVID and influenza, according to the states latest respiratory illness surveillance report.

The majority of hospitalizations with influenza and COVID have been reported in ages 65 and older, while the majority of admissions with RSV have been reported in children 0-4 years old and adults 65 years and older.

Cases are expected to rise as holiday gatherings and cold weather drive people indoors, where germs can easily circulate.
Students at Science Park High School in Newark cited issues from inadequate heating, to inconsistent water quality and mental health stigma as barriers to learning. Jessie Gomez

Editors note: This story was shared as part of a content-sharing agreement between Mosaic.NJ.com and Chalkbeat. You can follow them on Facebook and Twitter (or X).

Newark students say school building issues, such as irregular classroom temperatures and faulty water fountains, along with mental health struggles, are affecting their learning.

And on Tuesday night, a coalition of those students brought their own research about those and other urgent concerns  as well as solutions  to school board members directly.

During the meeting, Science Park High School Junior Cidell Torto said his school needs more spaces for students to take a breather. And former George Washington Carver Elementary School student Patience Iwarimie recalled how hard it was to learn when water started to drip from the ceiling during math class.

Other students, such as Science Park High School Senior Fatoumata Bah, pressed the board for more accountability.

Tonight, Im asking the board to keep working with us, to continue bringing students into these conversations before, not after, decisions are made. Let us sit at the table, not just so we can be heard, but so we can help build something that works, Bah said.

Convened by the Gem Project, a nonprofit organization that aims to strengthen youth civic engagement, the Youth Power Action Coalition has previously met with board members. But now the group wants to share its months-long research on the effects of school infrastructure on learning and student mental health, and to propose solutions to the school board.

The coalitions efforts come after the city lowered the voting age for school board elections to allow Newarks 16- and 17-year-olds to vote. But this April, in the first election when those teenagers could vote, only 73 teens voted in the Newark school board race.

Gem Project founder, Amanda Ebokosia, said the teens were at Tuesdays meeting because they believe in the promise of this district.

Through their Youth-Led Accountability Score Card initiative, students held focus groups with their peers to talk about the problems affecting their mental health and learning, with the goal of working with board members to create new policies and track how well they serve students. Students handed out a packet with their findings to those at Tuesdays meeting.

During the meeting, board members listened to students share their concerns while Superintendent Roger Leon wrote down notes.

Among the findings, students found that many Newark students feel uncomfortable talking about mental health due to stigmas and negative school climates. They also found that schools often only address mental health issues after problems have escalated. Similarly, the teens found that issues such as inadequate heating, inconsistent water quality, broken desks, and wobbly chairs have affected a students ability to focus in class.

Their solutions range from launching a peer mental health education program to prioritizing infrastructure needs and advocating for more school construction funding.

We bring the perspective, honesty, and creativity that you cant find in a survey or spreadsheet. We can help you see whats working on the ground and whats missing, Bah said.

After students spoke, Board President Hasani Council said he looks forward to meeting with students from the Gem Project. Brielle Monroe Holland, a senior at Newark Tech, hopes what the student coalition presented at Tuesdays meeting sparks deeper conversations with board members.

It was interesting to hear the response we got but Im not sure if theyre actually going to talk to us. I also think [the meeting] was just hard to follow. They should use more public-friendly words so its easier to follow, Monroe Holland said.
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The parents of a child with autism have filed a lawsuit claiming their daughter was sexually assaulted on a school bus in Passaic County and the driver and bus aide did nothing to stop the attack.

The incident allegedly occurred the week of Oct. 7, 2024, when the 14-year-old victim was headed toward Windsor Schools in Pompton Lakes, a private institution for children with special needs.

A male student allegedly forced the girl to sit with him and then sexually assaulted her while the driver did nothing and an aide played on her phone, according to the lawsuit, filed Nov. 6 in Superior Court of Passaic County.

The suit says other students witnessed the attack, which lasted several minutes, and that the girl was paralyzed with fear.

The girl reported the assault to her school principal, and school officials contacted the girls parents and police, according to the complaint.

The girls mother called the bus company, AKA Transportation LLC, and the bus driver confirmed the attack had occurred, according to the suit.

Additionally, the bus driver told (the victims) mother that she reported the sexual assault to her boss at AKA the same day it occurred, but her boss forbade her from telling (the) parents, the suit says.

Prior to the assault, the attacker allegedly had bullied and harassed the girl and others on the bus, including the driver.

The driver called police on the student more than once, because of violent outbursts, the suit says.

But neither Windsor nor AKA took action to remove the allegedly abusive student from the bus, the lawsuit says.

An AKA Transportation representative did not respond to a request for comment.

In addition to the bus company, the suit names the Paterson Board of Education, which the complaint says contracted with AKA Transportation for its services.

A Paterson Board of Education spokesperson said Monday the district does not comment on pending litigation.

Windsor Schools, which is also named as a defendant, declined to comment to NJ Advance Media on Monday.

In a statement to NBC New York, which first reported the lawsuit, a Windsor Schools representative said neither Windsor nor its staff were involved in the incident.

In addition to sexual assault, the lawsuit alleges negligent hiring and training on behalf of all defendants.
FILE - Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., speaks during the Senate Armed Services Committee confirmation hearing for Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's choice to be Defense secretary, at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis, file) AP

U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) slammed President Donald Trumps administration after the Pentagon announced it would be opening an investigation into the longtime Democrat.

Kelly, a retired Navy captain and former astronaut, was one of six Democratic lawmakers who posted a video last month to remind members of the military and intelligence community that they do not need to obey illegal orders. Since then, the Pentagon announced it would be launching a thorough review of Kellys conduct.

Kelly has defended posting the video, saying on Sunday that he will not be intimidated by Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. He said on CNNs State of the Union that the video was very simple and noncontroversial.

In my case, Secretary Hegseth said, prosecute him under the Uniform Code of Military Justice for, by the way, reciting the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Its obviously ridiculous, Kelly told CNNs Dana Bash.

But this is an attempt to silence me, to get me to not hold this administration accountable. We have a president who doesnt understand the Constitution, who installed an unqualified secretary of defense, he said.

Hegseth said there has not been another secretary of defense who has been less qualified than Pete Hegseth.

He should not be in this position. He should have been fired after Signalgate, he said.

So hes not going to get me to back down. But what he is doing is sending a very chilling message across our entire nation, not only in the military, but the civilian work force. Whos going to speak up and say anything if they see something thats unlawful or see something, waste, fraud and abuse? Why would anyone speak out if they can go and prosecute, try to prosecute a U.S. senator? he added.

Kelly explained that the U.S. Navy has not contacted him about an investigation despite Hegseth tweeting about it.

I was notified about this through a tweet, the same tweet that you saw, Kelly said. And that demonstrates how unserious this administration is. They care more about the publicity about this than the process or the law. I havent been notified by the Navy.

He noted that the FBI reached out to him about a possible interview, but the senator questioned whether the president directed the FBI to look into him.

Why did the FBI decide to do this? Or do you think maybe the president told the FBI director to go after these six members of Congress? So, more bullying and intimidation, but, Dana, Im not backing down. These guys dont scare me. Theyre not serious people. I mean the president of the United States and the secretary of defense, neither of them, Kelly said.
President Donald Trump lashed out at a New York Times reporter, calling her "ugly, both inside and out." AP Photo/Mark Lennihan/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

News outlets and reporters who run afoul of President Donald Trump could now find themselves labeled as a media offender by the White House.

The Trump administration last week launched a new section on the official White House website to track media coverage it considers as biased and misleading.

Tired of the Fake News?



Weve got the place for you.



Get the FACTS. Track the worst offenders. See the Fake News EXPOSED. 



 https://t.co/BZX1NVe0Jg pic.twitter.com/gbQaRTTIZU  The White House (@WhiteHouse) November 28, 2025

At the top of the page, a banner reads: Misleading. Biased. Exposed. The site includes an Offender Hall of Shame section with flagged stories from prominent outlets like The Washington Post, CBS News and CNN.

The White House singled out the Boston Globe, CBS News and The Independent as its media offenders of the week, alleging that all three outlets distorted coverage of Trumps comments about six Democratic lawmakers who appeared in a video urging military personnel to refuse carrying out illegal orders.

Trump had condemned the Democrats video as seditious behavior, punishable by death" in a Truth Social post. The president later said that he was not threatening death.

The Democrats and Fake News Media subversively implied that President Trump had issued illegal orders to service members, the site reads. Every order President Trump has issued has been lawful. It is dangerous for sitting Members of Congress to incite insubordination in the United States military, and President Trump called for them to be held accountable.

The White House webpage also includes a leaderboard of outlets it has classified as repeat offenders. The Washington Post was listed at No. 1 followed by MSNBC, CBS News, CNN and the New York Times.

In a statement, a Post spokesperson said that The Washington Post is proud of its accurate, rigorous journalism.

The White Houses webpage represents Trumps latest criticism in his ongoing dispute with mainstream media outlets.

Trump has pursued legal action against the Wall Street Journal and The New York Times, reached multimillion-dollar settlements with ABC News and Paramount, and continued broad attacks on news organizations he has labeled the enemy of the people.

In response to Trumps escalating feud with the press, former CNN White House correspondent Jim Acosta said that media outlets should take collective action against Trump.

We need to see the networks get together perhaps with some of the major newspapers and send a letter to the White House, send it to Karoline Leavitt, Acosta said last week on MS Nows Velshi.

And say listen, if the President does not stop these attacks were not coming into these Oval Office frays. Were not going to ride with you on Air Force One. You can have Fox and all of these other sycophantic outlets covering you. But were just not going to do it, were going to take a break for a while until you clean up your act.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks during the 4th annual Northeast Indiana Defense Summit at Purdue University Fort Wayne, Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025, in Fort Wayne, Ind. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings) AP

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth provoked outrage after posting an AI-generated image of a beloved childrens book character firing a rocket launcher at narco terrorists in boats.

On Sunday night, Hegseth posted a parody book cover of the Franklin the Turtle franchise with the title: Franklin Targets Narco Terrorists. In the image, Franklin is wearing U.S. military gear and attacking seafaring drug runners from a helicopter.

For your Christmas wish list... Hegseth wrote on X.

His post came after an explosive Nov. 28 Washington Post report about U.S. military strikes on alleged drug traffickers in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean.

According to The Post, Hegseth on Sept. 2 gave a command to kill everybody aboard a boat that U.S. intelligence analysts said was ferrying drugs. When a drone spotted two survivors following the initial strike, the commander overseeing the operation ordered a second strike to comply with Hegseths instructions.

Hegseth dismissed the reporting as fake news and said the Biden administration coddled terrorists, we kill them. He did not deny giving an order to kill everybody amid growing concerns about the legality of U.S. strikes on alleged drug traffickers that have killed more than 80 people in international waters.

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, Hegseth said last Friday in a post on X.

As Congress members from both parties raise alarms about Hegseths commands, several Democrats took issue with his AI-generated book cover that seemed to make light of the situation.

Rep. Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.) reposted Hegseths image with a new title written over it: Franklin is a war criminal.

Is this all just a joke to you @SecWar? Rep. Eugene Vindman (D-Va.) posted on X.

Justin Amash, who served as the House Representative for Michigans 3rd district from 2011 to 2021, said: Theres nothing Christian about war crimes.

While Hegseths post sparked outcry from Democrats, a number of prominent right-wing commentators applauded the image.

Far-right activist Jack Posobiec said Hegseths fake book was a need in a post on X.

Eric Daugherty, chief content officer for conservative outlet Floridas Voice, said that Pete KNOWS its gonna upset them [liberals] because they SUPPORT narco traffickers in a post on X.
President Donald Trump speaks with reporters while in flight on Air Force One from his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Fla., to Joint Base Andrews, Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) AP

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is in some hot water after a new report revealed disturbing details behind the controversial military strikes in the Caribbean in September.

The Washington Post reported that Hegseth gave a spoken order to leave no survivors in a Sept. 2 military strike on an alleged drug boat in the Caribbean. According to the report, the Special Operations commander overseeing the attack ordered a second strike that killed two survivors in the water.

Now, Hegseth is facing some intense backlash despite describing the report as fake news in a statement. A reporter asked President Donald Trump about the controversy surrounding Hegseth and the military strikes on Sunday.

I dont know anything about it. He said he did not say that, Trump told reporters on Air Force One.

He also said that he did not want a second strike when asked if a second strike was legal.

I dont know that happened and Pete said he did not even know what people were talking about. I wouldnt have wanted a second strike. The first strike was very lethal. It was fine, Trump said.

Experts and some lawmakers have suggested that ordering a second strike to kill survivors in the water could be considered a war crime.

Pundits on social media platform X argued that Trumps latest comments on the report show that the president may be preparing to blame Hegseth for any wrongdoing related to the strikes.

The Lincoln Project wrote: Hey @PeteHegseth, this is exactly how he acts right before he throws someone under the bus. Good luck!

MeidasTouch suggested that Trump was also preparing to throw Hegseth under the bus.

Keith Edwards, a Democratic strategist, said: Pete Hegseth, you in danger, girl.

Could the White House be looking for another weekend Fox News anchor soon? journalist Molly Jong-Fast wrote on X.

Lawmakers and pundits have questioned the legality of the U.S. military strikes in the Caribbean for months, with even some Republicans raising concerns about the attacks. After the Washington Post report, many lawmakers called for congressional reviews of those strikes.
The Salem County Prosecutors Office is investigating after they say a man died by suicide during an interaction with police on Thanksgiving.

The incident occurred shortly after 8 p.m. Thursday in a parking lot adjacent to a Wawa and a McDonalds on Route 130 in Penns Grove, officials said.

There was an incident on Thursday night where an individual took his own life with a handgun, Salem County First Assistant Prosecutor Jeffrey Barile wrote in an emailed response to questions from NJ Advance Media.

Police officers from neighboring Carneys Point responded to the Penns Grove location where the shooting occurred as part of their investigation of an incident in Carneys Point, according to Barile.

He declined to release additional details about the incident, citing the ongoing investigation.

Authorities have not identified the man.

The state Attorney Generals Office of Public Integrity and Accountability assigned the prosecutors office to serve as independent investigator in the incident, the agencies confirmed Monday.

In a Facebook post on Thursday night, Penns Grove Mayor LaDaena Londo wrote that officers were approaching the man when the incident occurred.

When officers approached, the individual stepped out of the car. In that moment, he took his own life, the mayor stated.

Authorities have not said if the individual had any communication with the officers before the shooting, and they have not described the earlier Carneys Point incident that brought officers into Penns Grove.

Located on the Delaware River, the borough of Penns Grove is less than a square mile in size and has a population of around 5,000.

In her post, Mayor Londo wrote that the holidays can be challenging for many people and urged residents to look out for each other.

My heart goes out to this man, his family, and all of his loved ones, she said. May they find peace, comfort, and support in the days ahead. My heart also goes out to the officers.

Editors note: NJ Advance Media typically limits reporting on suicides to those that occur in crowded public places, involve public figures or, in special circumstances, where there is a larger public impact. Suicidal thoughts and behaviors can be reduced with the proper mental health support and treatment. If you are in crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741.
The brother of a New Jersey man struck and killed by a car last summer in front of his home has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the driver and her insurance company.

Thomas Brislin, 70, died July 22 after he was struck while removing a tree branch from the road on Route 23 in Montague, according to the lawsuit, filed Nov. 21 in Superior Court of Sussex County.

A check of municipal court records does not show charges filed against the driver, who is from Port Jervis, New York.

However, the lawsuit alleges the woman negligently operated her vehicle and failed to apply her brakes or steer away before striking Brislin.

Brislins brother, Paul Brislin, claims his attorney contacted the womans insurance company Oct. 21 to request an inspection of the vehicle.

But an adjuster for the insurance company, New York Central Mutual, told Brislins attorney that the car had been repaired and released to the driver in August.

In releasing the car to the driver, the insurance company deprived plaintiff of the ability to independently investigate the vehicle, which is a critical piece of evidence in this fatal motor vehicle crash case, the suit claims.

In addition, the suit claims the vehicles event data recorder, or black box, was removed during repair and that data may have been lost or destroyed as a result.

According to the complaint, New York Central Mutual did not respond to an email from the attorney requesting whether the data had been preserved before the vehicles repair and release.

A New York Central Mutual representative declined to comment on the lawsuit, citing client confidentiality.

The suit seeks monetary damages, including costs associated with medical and funeral expenses.

According to his obituary, Brislin was a gifted entertainer who performed as Lucky the Hobo, showcasing his talents as balloon sculptor, juggler, and magician at childrens parties and other gatherings.
As the Yankees look to address their starting rotation this offseason, former Cy Young winner Sandy Alcantara has emerged as a top potential trade target.

Former general manager Jim Bowden thinks the Yankees are an ideal landing spot for the Marlins ace.

I also think Sandy Alcantara of the Marlins has a legitimate shot of getting traded to the New York Yankees, Bowden said on SiriusXM. I know theyve had a lot of discussions; I think if the Yankees decided they would give up Spencer Jonesthink of this for a minutethey could sign Kyle Tucker in free agency and then trade Spencer Jones for Alcantara.

Now youve added Kyle Tucker and Sandy Alcantara to the team that won 94 games last year, and that would be a game changer for them.

Alcantara is far from his 2022 Cy Young form  over 31 starts this year, he went 11-12 with a 5.36 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, and 142 strikeouts. The 30-year-old missed the entire 2024 campaign recovering from Tommy John surgery.

Alcantara would be an affordable option at $17.6 million in 2026 with a $21 million club option in 2027.

The Yankees were speculated to be in trade talks with Miami for Alcantara and right-hander Edward Cabrera at this years trade deadline, but the Marlins held onto both pitchers.
Torbay businesses did the Bay proud in this years Devon Tourism Awards.

Torbay businesses did the Bay proud in this years Devon Tourism Awards.

Now some of the Gold winners will be nominated to represent the county in the national VisitEngland awards later next year.

Kents Cavern double Gold at the Devon Tourism awards

Kents Cavern came away with a hat-trick of awards in the Tourism Event of the Year, International Tourism and Cafe/Tearoom of the Year categories.

There was a double-strike for Cary Arms in Spa and Wellbeing and Small Hotel of the Year.

Cary Arms at the Devon Tourism Awards

For the Cary Arms the awards come at an exciting time as the hotel welcomes new leadership: Andy Banner-Price joins Cary Arms & Spa as its new Hotel Manager.

Andy brings with him a sterling reputation from his time at the highly regarded The 25 Boutique B&B, based in Torquay, where he built a reputation for warm, attentive service and guest-centred hospitality winning a multitude of awards there too. Im honoured to take the helm at such a cherished seaside retreat, said Andy Banner-Price.

Offshore Bar and Restaurant silver in the Devon Tourism Awards Pub of the Year category

Torquay harbourside bar Offshore also grabbed two medals in Pub of the Year and Accessible and Inclusive categories.

Beverley Holidays Bronze for Regenerative Tourism in the Devon Tourism Awards

Beverley Holidays also notched up a brace for regenerative tourism and a highly commended in holiday park of the year.

Lorraine Arnold and her team at Torquay waterfront restaurant Pier Point added to their impressive array of awards with a bronze in Restaurant/Casual Dining.

Lorraine Arnold and Pier Point at the Devon Tourism Awards

Guest houses Blue Waters Lodge and Somerville won silver and bronze respectively in B&B and Guest House of the Year.

Blue Waters Lodge at Devon Tourism Awards

Somerville at Devon Tourism Awards

Torbay also had reason to celebrate when well-known Torbay and South Devon tourism and hospitality figure Vince Flower was recognised for all his sterling work in the industry. Vince, current Chair of Visit Devon and the Devon and Partners LVEP, was presented with the Outstanding Contribution award.

Vince Flower at the Devon Tourism Awards Pic Nick Williams

Exeter Chiefs Sandy Park was the awards venue as 79 trophies were presented to Devons leading tourism and hospitality businesses.

The event was the conclusion of four months of judging, with 91 visits carried out by the team of independent judges.

Guests were entertained by a special insight into the benefits of being accessible by Charlie Radclyffe, representing Disability Together, with a parallel online auction raising 1,735 for the charity. Guests were also entertained by Maggie Irving, the only woman in the world with a PhD in clowning, who shared her thoughts on the role of comedy in customer service.

The trophies were presented to Gold, Silver and Bronze winners in 24 different categories.

Mark Worden, Director of Headline Sponsors MiHi Digital, said: Every year the standard rises, and this years finalists show exactly why millions of people choose Devon. Their hard work, passion and creativity are what make the county such a special place to visit.

Awards organiser Robin Barker of Services for Tourism added: Witnessing the delight of the winners, whether Bronze, Silver or Gold, and the impact success has on their mood and motivation is impossible to describe. In an era when business is tough for many, it is great to be bringing something positive to all concerned.

Torbay winners were:

Cary Arms, GOLD - Spa & Wellbeing Experience of the Year

Kents Cavern, (Carols in the Cave 2024), GOLD - Tourism Event/Festival of the Year

Kents Cavern, GOLD - International Tourism Award

Offshore Bar & Restaurant, Torquay, SILVER - Pub of the Year

Blue Waters Lodge, Paignton, SILVER - B&B & Guesthouse of the Year

Offshore Bar & Restaurant, Torquay, BRONZE - Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award

Somerville Torquay, BRONZE - B&B & Guesthouse of the Year

Pier Point Bar & Restaurant, Torquay, BRONZE - Restaurant & Casual Dining of the Year

Cary Arms, Babbacombe, SILVER - Small Hotel of the Year

Kents Cavern, BRONZE - Cafe/Tearoom of the Year

Beverley Holidays, BRONZE - Regenerative Tourism Award

Beverley Holidays, Commended - Holiday Park of the Year

Vince Flower, Outstanding Contribution to Devon Tourism.

WINNERS & COMMENDED (in alphabetical order and gold, silver, bronze and commended positions)

ACCESSIBLE AND INCLUSIVE TOURISM AWARD sponsored by Disability Together:

Gold, Calvert Devon, Kentisbury; Silver, National Park Visitor Centre, Postbridge; Bronze, Offshore Bar & Restaurant, Torquay; Commended, The Milky Way Adventure Park, Bideford and Whitebeam Wood, Slapton

ACTIVE & LEARNING EXPERIENCE OF THE YEAR sponsored by pkf Francis Clark:

Gold, Wizards of Wyvern - Prodigy Escapes & Experiences, Exeter; Silver, Gin Making Class - Exeter Gin School, Teignmouth and Karting at Raceworld, Woodbury Salterton

B&B AND GUESTHOUSE OF THE YEAR sponsored by Foxcombe Bakehouse:

Gold, One Drake Road and Apartments, Tavistock; Silver, Blue Waters Lodge, Paignton; Bronze, Somerville Boutique B&B, Torquay

BUSINESS EVENTS VENUE OF THE YEAR sponsored by Tamar Security:

Gold, Raceworld, Woodbury Salterton; Silver, Holne Park House, Ashburton

CAFE/TEAROOM OF THE YEAR sponsored by Owens Organic Coffee:

Gold, The Kitchen at The Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth; Silver, Wild Thyme Deli & Kitchen, Totnes; Bronze, Kents Cavern Prehistoric Caves Cafe, Torquay

CAMPING & CARAVANNING PARK OF THE YEAR sponsored by Anytime Booking:

Gold, Yeatheridge Farm Caravan Park, Crediton; Silver, Harford Bridge Holiday Park, Tavistock; Bronze Lynmouth Holiday Retreat, Lynton and River Dart Country Park, Ashburton

DOG FRIENDLY BUSINESS OF THE YEAR sponsored by Quality in Tourism:

Gold, Whitebeam Wood, Slapton; Silver, Clawford Lakes Resort and Spa, Holsworthy and Mill End Hotel, Chagford; Bronze, Cofton Holidays, Dawlish and Rill House, Slapton

GLAMPING BUSINESS OF THE YEAR sponsored by T-Stats Solutions:

Gold, Rusty Sheds, Holberton.

HOLIDAY PARK OF THE YEAR sponsored by Tozers:

Gold, Clawford Lakes Resort and Spa, Holsworthy; Silver, Andrewshayes Holiday Park, Axminster; Bronze, Cofton Holidays, Dawlish and Woolacombe Bay Holiday Park, Woolacombe; Commended, Beverley Holidays, Paignton

INTERNATIONAL TOURISM AWARD sponsored by Trowers & Hamlins:

Gold, Kents Cavern Prehistoric Caves, Torquay; Silver, Mazzard Farm Holiday Cottages, Ottery St Mary; Bronze, Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery, Exeter; Commended, Tinside Lido, Plymouth

LARGE HOTEL OF THE YEAR sponsored by VoltShare:

Gold, Bovey Castle, North Bovey; Silver, Woolacombe Bay Hotel, Woolacombe; Bronze, The Victoria Hotel, Sidmouth and Thurlestone Hotel and Spa, Kingsbridge

LARGE VISITOR ATTRACTION OF THE YEAR sponsored by Airband:

Gold, Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway, Lynmouth; Silver, The Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth; Bronze, National Trust Coleton Fishacre, Galmpton and Stuart Line Cruises, Exmouth; Commended, Watermouth Castle, Ilfracombe and World of Country Life, Littleham

NEW TOURISM BUSINESS OF THE YEAR sponsored by NFUM Exeter:

Gold, Pilchard Cottage, Dawlish; Silver, Scribbleton, Winkleigh

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO DEVON TOURISM sponsored by VisitDevon:

Vince Flower

PUB OF THE YEAR sponsored by Bays Brewery:

Gold, The Black River Inn, Beaworthy; Silver, Offshore Bar & Restaurant, Torquay; Bronze, The Chagford Inn, Chagford

REGENERATIVE TOURISM AWARD sponsored by DCW:

Gold, River Dart Country Park, Ashburton; Silver, Cofton Holidays, Dawlish; Bronze, Beverley Holidays, Paignton and Whitebeam Wood, Slapton

RESTAURANT & CASUAL DINING OF THE YEAR sponsored by Sandridge Barton:

Gold, Salutation Inn, Topsham; Silver, Pig and Olive Pizza, Westward Ho!; Bronze, Pier Point Bar & Restaurant, Torquay

SELF CATERING ACCOMMODATION OF THE YEAR sponsored by Handelsbanken:

Gold, Libbear Barton, Shebbear; Silver, Mornacott Cottages, South Molton; Whitebeam Wood, Slapton; Bronze, Rill House, Slapton

SMALL HOTEL OF THE YEAR sponsored by Booking.com:

Gold, Gidleigh Park, Chagford; Silver, Cary Arms & Spa, Babbacombe; Mill End Hotel, Chagford; Bronze, Northcote Manor, Umberleigh; The Cottage Hotel & Restaurant, Kingsbridge; Commended, Ilsington Country House Hotel & Spa, Ilsington

SMALL VISITOR ATTRACTION OF THE YEAR sponsored by Securious:

Gold, River Dart Country Park, Ashburton; Silver, Scribbleton, Winkleigh; Bronze, Shaldon Wildlife Trust, Shaldon

SPA & WELLBEING EXPERIENCE OF THE YEAR sponsored by Vickery Holman

Gold, Coastal Renewal - Cary Arms & Spa, Babbacombe; Silver,

Source Spa Day - Source Spa, Sidmouth; Bronze, Haytor Experience - Ilsington Country House Hotel & Spa, Ilsington and My Special Day - Northcote Manor Hotel and Spa, Umberleigh

TOURISM EVENT / FESTIVAL OF THE YEAR sponsored by Dartington Crystal:

Gold, Carols in the Cave 2024, Kents Cavern Prehistoric Caves, Torquay; Silver, The Mid Devon Show 2025, Tiverton; Bronze, Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway Steampunk Gathering VIII, Lynmouth; Commended, Ashburton Food Festival 2024

UNSUNG HERO AWARD sponsored by Agilysys:

Gold, Eleanor Joiner, Prodigy Escapes & Experiences, Exeter

VISITOR INFORMATION SERVICE OF THE YEAR sponsored by Destination Plymouth:

Gold, Plymouth Tourist Information Centre and The Mayflower Museum; Silver, National Park Visitor Centre, Postbridge; Bronze, Dartmoor National Park Visitor Centre, Haytor; Commended, Sidmouth Tourist Information Centre

WEDDING VENUE OF THE YEAR sponsored by Salcombe Gin:

Gold, Valleyside Barn, Bickleigh; Silver, Rockbeare Manor, Rockbeare; Bronze, Bovey Castle Hotel, North Bovey; Commended, Holne Park House, Ashburton

WINNER OF WINNERS sponsored by Travel Chapter:

Clawford Lakes Resort and Spa, Holsworthy

...
The Government has announced plans to overhaul taxi and private-hire vehicle licensing across England, introducing national minimum standards aimed at strengthening passenger safety and closing gaps that have allowed unsafe operators to exploit inconsistencies between local authorities.

The proposals follow Baroness Caseys audit into group-based child sexual exploitation, published in June, which urged ministers to address uneven licensing rules across the country.

Under the changes (which were debated in Parliament last week) the Transport Secretary would gain new powers to set consistent licensing requirements for all drivers, vehicles and operators.

READ NEXT: Exeter MP issues warning over growing fly-tipping threat in Stoke Woods

The Department for Transport says the national standards would create a reliable safety baseline for passengers no matter where they travel and ensure more robust checks on drivers.

The reforms have been welcomed by Baroness Casey, safety campaigners and major operators, including Addison Lee. The Government also plans to consult on reducing the number of licensing authorities from 263 to around 70 to create further consistency.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: While the vast majority of taxi and private hire vehicle drivers are responsible, passenger safety is our top priority. We are therefore working quickly and decisively to address the concerns around taxi and PHV licensing highlighted in Baroness Caseys report.

Adding to this, she said: this amendment is a first step and shows the Government is committed to delivering robust national minimum standards so passengers can travel with confidence.

With Exeter likely to be affected by the changes, Apple Taxis has given its reaction.

General manager Graham Brown told Exeter Today the company broadly welcomes the proposals, saying clear and consistent rules are long overdue in the industry.

Apple has done very well working closely with multiple licensing authorities across the UK, but it is exactly this experience that has opened our eyes to the wider issues, he said.

One set of rules would remove a lot of the problems we see day to day because every operator would be working in the same way and following the same standards.

Mr Brown said a single national framework could benefit both drivers and passengers in Exeter by removing confusion caused by differing standards in neighbouring areas.

He also said that mandatory compliance across the board would improve safety and help ensure customers receive consistent service.

However, he warned that the national benchmark must not be set too low, as this could undermine the higher standards already in place in Exeter.

He also noted that drivers may face new costs if they are required to upgrade vehicles or complete additional training.

A one-size-fits-all approach may not work perfectly everywhere because each area has different needs, he said. There will also be a period of disruption while everyone adjusts to the new rules.

Despite the concerns, Apple Taxis believes the long-term advantages outweigh the challenges.

A more consistent and regulated industry will support passengers, drivers and operators, Mr Brown said. We look forward to being part of the conversation as more details are released.

The national standards will be subject to public consultation and are expected to form part of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, which ministers hope will become law in 2026.
Police have confirmed that a woman has been injured after a collision on the A30 near Cheriton Bishop this afternoon.

Officers were called at around 4.15pm following reports of a single-vehicle collision on the westbound stretch of the road, just after Whiddon Down on the edge of Dartmoor.

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A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said The womans injuries are not believed to be life-threatening or life-changing.

Emergency services attended the scene, and one lane has remained open to keep traffic moving.

Drivers have been warned to expect delays while recovery work takes place.

The incident has caused slow traffic in the area, which is a key route for motorists travelling between Exeter, Okehampton and the northern edge of Dartmoor.

No further details have been released at this stage, and Police say updates will follow if the situation changes.
Princess Aiko turned 24 years old on December 1.

This video shows her receiving a lesson on the Laotian language ahead of her first official visit to Laos in November.

Imperial Household Agency officials said the visit to Laos, where she experienced the Southeast Asian countrys history, traditions, culture and nature, made a lasting impression on the princess.

They said she hopes for further advancement of friendship and cooperation between Japan and Laos.

Aiko also made war memorial visits to Okinawa and Nagasaki with her parents Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako on the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.

Officials said Aiko expressed deep respect for efforts by war survivors, bereaved families and storytellers to convey the history of hardships and the value of peace to future generations.

She also renewed her own strong commitment to peace.

During her first visit to a disaster-hit area in Ishikawas Noto Peninsula, Aiko was moved by seeing the situation and hearing the thoughts of those affected.

On her trip to Niigata Prefecture, she attended a national conference on disaster prevention and gained insights into disaster preparedness and mitigation efforts.

She hopes to apply the experiences she gained regarding Red Cross and volunteer activities during her regional visits to her future work.

In August, Aiko welcomed a 4-and-a-half-month-old female rescue cat and named her Mimi.

On weekends, she strolls through the Imperial Palace grounds with her parents, interacts with horses in the stables and police dogs on the grounds, and enjoys playing volleyball and other activities with staff.
Do you relate to anything in the painting?

What emotions do you see Kahlo trying to convey?

How are the two figures alike? How are they different?

Think about these questions as you look:

(These challenges are published on the first Monday of each month. Sign up here if youd like to be notified.)

Today, we bring you another focus challenge , inviting you to spend uninterrupted time looking at a piece of art. This painting  The Two Fridas  by Frida Kahlo was made in 1939, and keep in mind that its nearly life size, at almost six feet by six feet.

You made it time. If you want to look a little longer, just scroll back up and press Continue.

This is a painting of love, and of pain.

Kahlo created this huge double portrait in 1939 around the time of her divorce from the artist Diego Rivera. One of her best-known works, it hangs in the Museum of Modern Art in Mexico City.

I have no words to tell you how much I been suffering and knowing how much I love Diego you must understand that these troubles will never end in my life.  Now I feel so rotten and lonely that it seems to me that nobody in the world has suffer the way I do, but of course it will be different, I hope, in a few months.

So wrote Kahlo in a 1939 letter to the photographer Nickolas Muray, a longtime friend and lover, who took this photo of the three Fridas as the painting was in progress:



She painted The Two Fridas months after visiting Paris, where she didnt love the group of Surrealist artists she met: They make me vomit, she wrote to Muray. They are so damn intellectual and rotten that I cant stand them anymore.

But she was inspired by two paintings in the Louvre. One was this 1843 portrait called The Two Sisters by Theodore Chasseriau:



The other, a 16th-century French portrait called Gabrielle dEstrees and One of Her Sisters, according to Valentina Garcia Burgos, director of the Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo House Studio Museum:



Ms. Garcia Burgos said Kahlo also loved the work of the Spanish artist Julio Romero de Torres, who painted this 30 years prior:

Note the medallion with the miniature portrait that the woman on the left (in a lace dress!) is holding; its echoed by Kahlos miniature portrait here:

You can see where she may have drawn inspiration: the inscrutable expressions, the twinned poses that convey a mix of intimacy and distance.

But Kahlo pours out her own personal story in paint.

When you understand her life, then you understand what shes talking about through her paintings, said Cristina Kahlo, Fridas great-niece and an artist and photographer herself, who has curated shows about her great-aunt.

Zoom into the eyes, and the stoicism might not match what you would expect if your heart were bleeding outside your body:

The Frida on the right appears younger, wearing a traditional Indigenous Mexican dress, her face a bit darker. This is the Frida whom Diego loves; her heart is whole.

The Frida on the left is older, in a wedding dress, with a more European look. This is the Frida that Diego no longer loves. Her heart is quite literally ripped open:

It is an anatomical real heart presented to the viewer, Cristina Kahlo said. Its like exposing your heart.

Kahlos life was dramatic and visceral  miscarriages, affairs, accidents, operations and blood. It was also a life of dualities: She was Mexican and European, with a religious Catholic mother and German-born father; she slept with women and men; she loved Rivera, but he cheated on her (with, among others, her sister), and she cheated on him (with, among others, the Communist leader Leon Trotsky); they separated; they divorced; they remarried a year later.

Before a bus accident in adolescence in which she was impaled by a metal rod, Kahlo studied anatomy and wanted to be a doctor. In her personal library, theres a book showing a baby born with a condition called ectopia cordis, or a heart outside the chest cavity.

By opening her heart to us, Kahlo is inviting us into her world.

In some ways, people feel really like a confidant of the life of Frida Kahlo, Cristina Kahlo said.

The two Fridas are linked by an artery that snakes around them:



On the right, its connected to that miniature portrait in the hands of younger Frida. The miniature is a copy of a photograph of Diego Rivera as boy:



In Wedding Fridas hands, a surgical clamp attempts to stop the blood flow:



The blood begins to form some of the flower patterns on the hem of the dress.

According to the biographer Hayden Herrera, Kahlo wrote about this painting:

The fact that I have painted myself twice, I think, is nothing but the representation of my loneliness. What I mean to say is I resorted to myself. I sought my own help. This is the reason why the two figures are holding hands.

Amid her heartbreak, Frida comforts Frida.



Over the course of her life, Kahlo became her own best subject, painting more than 50 self-portraits. As a teenager, she lay bedridden for months after her bus accident. Her family gave her art supplies and a makeshift easel so she could paint during her recovery. They put a mirror on the ceiling, so she could see herself.

Kahlos father, Guillermo, was a photographer who specialized in architecture but also took self-portraits. Kahlo saw her father making these self-portraits when she was young, Cristina Kahlo said.

Now, this face has become one of the most recognizable in the world:



Kahlos work sells for huge sums (last month, one of her self-portraits went for $55 million at auction). The lasting image she made of herself over time  her unibrow, her mustache, a lifetime of operations, colorful dresses, the crowns, the many outward signs of her suffering  all of it has captured the modern imagination.

Frida was very aware of creating her own iconography and dress codes, Ms. Garcia Burgos said. She created a character.

Cristina Kahlo said she thought almost everyone could identify with her great-aunt in some way because she had such a varied life. She started to list: If you are someone who has a physical handicap, or if you have been unfaithful to your husband, or if your husband has been unfaithful to you, or if you are an artist, or if you are involved in political matters 

We could add more to that list: if you feel different or youve felt pain. If youve hurt someone or youve been hurt. If you know obsessive love or deep heartbreak, suffering or hope. If you ever feel like two people  you can probably relate to Kahlo.

Both of her.

Sign up to be notified when new installments are published here. And let us know how this exercise made you feel in the comments.
In one of the strongest sentences issued in recent years against salary fraud within the Kuwaiti public sector, the Arab states court of cassation sentenced a civil servant to five years in prison and ordered him to pay a fine of KD312,000 ($1,016,000) for unlawfully pocketing a decades worth of salaries from public funds despite being absent from work during that time.

Court documents showed that the civil servant, whose name has not been disclosed by Kuwaiti media, worked in the citizens service department but put in no work despite being paid for the last 10 years. He was absent from his workplace and did not perform any of his work duties, but his salary continued to be deposited in his bank account every month. After the anomaly was discovered, authorities opened a criminal case against him for unlawful enrichment and abuse of public funds.

Photo: AI/Kuwait Urdu News

Although the civil servant had been previously acquitted by two other courts of law, the court of cassation overturned those verdicts, considering the evidence against the man irrefutable. Apart from the 5-year prison sentence, the man was also ordered to return the collected salaries amounting to KD104,000 ($339,000), as well as double that amount as a penalty.

According to the Al Qabas Arabic newspaper, the ruling is one of the strongest ever issued in recent years and comes amid concentrated efforts by Kuwait to combat salary fraud and administrative corruption.

Such cases are more common than you think. Earlier this year, we wrote about an Italian teacher who had been on sick leave continuously for 16 years, as well as about this French woman who sued her company for paying her to do nothing for 20 years.
Years ago, Zi Teng Wang, a magician and molecular biologist from Missouri, had the idea of spicing up his magic tricks by implanting a small RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) chip in his palm. It sounded great in theory. An audience member would touch their smartphone to his palm during a show to activate a certain magic trick, but it didnt work out that well in real life, so he eventually gave up on it.

It turns out that repeatedly touching someone elses phone to my hand, trying to figure out where the devices RFID reader is, doesnt seem very mysterious, magical, or amazing, Wang recently wrote on Facebook. And often people also disable that reader, while using my own phone for the reading doesnt have the same impact, for obvious reasons.

At one point, he started experimenting with the chip located between his thumb and forefinger, pairing it with a Bitcoin address and linking it to a meme on image-storing website Imgur. Eventually, he forgot all about it, until a while ago when the Imgur link suddenly went online. He decided to reprogram the chip again, only to realize he had forgotten the password for it.

At least the Imgur link is working again, Wang joked. But Im still locked out of my own bodys technology, which is inconvenient but hilarious.

The young magician says he asked his tech-savvy friends for a solution, and the only viable answer was that he basically had to stick an RFID reader to the palm of his hand for days or weeks and try every possible combination by brute force.

Zi Teng Wangs story, while humorous, has sparked an online debate about biohacking in general, especially as companies like Elon Musks Neuralink are getting close to shipping brain chips to the general public. But companies go out of business, products get discontinued, or users simply forget the passwords for their implanted devices.
OFFALY County Council hosted a showcase event on Friday, November 21, in the Council Chamber at Aras an Chontae, Charleville Road, Tullamore.

The showcase recognised the efforts of Transition Year (TY) students who successfully completed a six-week programme designed to provide practical skills and insights into local government activities.

The showcase event featured a selection of student projects developed during the programme, with each participant receiving a certificate of completion presented by the Cathaoirleach.

Earlier this year, following a year of planning and development, Offaly County Council invited every secondary school in the county to nominate two students for participation in this unique initiative. Over six weeks, students attended one day per week at the Council, engaging in structured, programme-based learning.

This pilot programme was delivered through a collaboration between Offaly County Councils Economic Development and Information Systems teams and Susan Hayes Culleton of Savvy Teens, a leading provider of facilitated work experience for teenagers. Savvy Teens brings extensive expertise in developing TY programmes in partnership with third-level institutions and diverse industry sectors across Ireland and Northern Ireland.

The curriculum combined technical and soft skills training, including: report writing, graphic design, project management, meeting preparation, presentation skills and teamwork.

Students also gained understanding of local authority service delivery while working on STEM-based projects promoting digital learning, sustainability, innovation, and collaborative problem-solving. The programme was aimed at students interested in STEM careers or those open to exploring different opportunities.

Participants were encouraged to consider career paths aligned with the evolving skills needs of the local government sector. The initiative aimed to raise awareness of the wide range of high-skilled roles available within Offaly and to provide practical experience and supportive pathways for young people.

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Throughout the six weeks, students engaged with multiple Council sections, including:

Community and Culture

Economic Development and Local Enterprise

Information Systems

STEM/Broadband

Municipal District Offices

Regeneration

Library Services

Climate Action & Environment

A custom-built digital platform supported the programme, enabling students to access weekly tasks, submit projects, and receive mentor feedback.

Feedback from participants and mentors has been overwhelmingly positive, with students demonstrating creativity, confidence, and collaboration. Many projects showcased innovative ideas and high-quality content, reflecting the talent and potential of Offalys young people.

Offaly County Council thanks all staff mentors who dedicated their time and expertise to make this programme a success. Plans are underway to keep participants informed about future STEM initiatives and Council projects, including the upcoming Green Energy Conference in February.

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There will be festive cheer in abundance around Offaly on December 6 as 250 tractors and trucks decked in Christmas lights roll through the county for a local charity.

The Edenderry Light Up Run is now in its eighth year and will raise money in 2025 for Laois Offaly Families For Autism (LOFFA), a parent-run volunteer support group for families of children and young adults with an autism diagnosis.

The event has grown each year after making its start back in 2018 and has always raised money for sick children in the locality. In its seven previous years, the Edenderry Light Up Run has raised more than 50,000 for local causes, and this year is no different.

The run will be bigger and better than ever having welcomed over 240 vehicles last year. This year's run takes place on Saturday, December 6, from 6pm and people are encouraged to gather on the town along the planned route.

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The parade of tractors and trucks will begin at the Edenderry Business Campus at Monasteroris, travel along the new Inner Relief Road to Tesco and then all the way through the centre of the town. From there, the parade will head towards Daingean, before visiting Croghan and Rhode where people can also catch a glimpse of the festive convoy.

The Edenderry Light Up Run committee are also busy preparing to welcome thousands of people to the Edenderry GAA grounds just a few days later on December 10 as the famous Santa Truck rolls into town.

It will be the first time the Santa Truck has visited Edenderry on his travels around the country and will see kids able meet Santa, Mrs Claus and the elves, and visit Santa's grotto which is in the trailer.

Theres no entry charge for parents but donations are welcomed with all proceeds going directly to the Laura Lynn Foundation.

"Lets fill the evening with sparkle, smiles, and support for a wonderful cause," the committee said.

A Santa Truck Ireland statement read: "We wish to extend our huge thanks to everyone involved in this magical event. Santa Truck has raised 205,670 for LauraLynn since 2021, and the team hopes to raise even more this year! Its a huge undertaking by these wonderful volunteers to decide to travel to so many locations, in a bid to raise as much as they can for the children and families in LauraLynn."
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.
A SPECIAL Memorial Day for Ashling Murphy will take place on Saturday, December 6 in the Bridge Centre, Tullamore from 10am to 5pm.

There will be live music, a monster raffle, face painting and the national launch of the Gaeltacht Scholarship at the Ashling Murphy Memorial Day. There will also be branded merchandise and an information stand on funding.

The raffle can be entered online at Ashlingmurphy.com or in the Bridge Centre on Saturday and the winning tickets will be drawn on the day in the Bridge Centre at about 4.30pm.

Join us as we come together to remember Ashling with love, music, and community spirit the same qualities she showed in every part of her life, a post by the fund on its social media page said. We look forward to you joining us as we come together to celebrate the life and legacy of Ashling Murphy.

The Ashling Murphy Memorial Fund has thanked all the businesses who donated prizes for the raffle and assured them that their generosity will be warmly acknowledged on the fund's social media, website, and during the event.

Anyone who wishes to contribute to the raffle is asked to email AshlingMurphyMemorialFund@gmail.com or send a private message on any of the fund's social media pages to arrange collection.

Among the many, many prizes are a bed and mattress worth 900, Birr County Arms Hotel one-year Gym Membership, valued at 500, numerous hampers and vouchers, oil paintings and more.

Ashling Murphy was just 23 when she was murdered on the bank of the Grand Canal near Tullamore on January 12, 2022.

A primary teacher in Durrow National School, the Blueball native was a traditional music player and tutor and the Ashling Murphy Memorial Fund, a registered charity, raises money for traditional Irish arts, culture and heritage.

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Ravatomanga, a close ally of former president Andry Rajoelina, long dominated the trade through his company Sodiat.

At the busy port of Tamatave at the end of last month, workers began loading the first of three ships bound for Europe. Heavy storms are slowing operations because pallets cannot be moved in the rain, as exporters say the cardboard boxes must stay dry to protect the fruit.

They also say the crop is unusually good this year  with perfect ripeness, the desired 28mm fruit size and yields that are above expectations. The 20,000-tonne lychee mark will easily be reached, one exporter told RFI's Sarah Tetaud.

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Prices are climbing too. Payments to collectors and producers in direct sales now exceed 2,000 ariary per kilo (around 38 euro cents).

The good news, however, has been somewhat overshadowed.

The day before it was due to open, a lychee processing station was destroyed by a fire that exporters say still has no known cause. Meanwhile, investigators from the country's Independent Anticorruption Bureau arrived in Tamatave  which handles about 80 percent of Madagascars international maritime cargo  to examine 10 years of financial flows.

Exporters say they have been asked to provide contracts, bank statements and accounting documents.

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Madagascar's Gen Z uprising, as told by three young protesters

'We had no choice'

The probe centres on LTC, a Mauritius-based shell company which handled payments between Malagasy exporters and foreign importers.

Exporters say Ravatomanga had strong links to the company. Investigators want to understand what kind of tax evasion schemes, money laundering systems or kickbacks might have been used, who was involved and where the missing money went.

Under pressure, long-standing tensions are beginning to surface. Let those who played pay the heavy price, one exporter said.

Another said they had little choice in the past. Everyone had to collaborate with Mamy, the exporter said. We had no choice.

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Exporters have asked for more time so they can focus on the six key loading days. There is a lot of money at stake, for farmers as for us, many jobs too. These six days are extremely important for Madagascars east coast, one exporter said.

Madagascar revokes ousted president Rajoelina's nationality

Exporters push back

In a separate report on the lychee sector, exporters described how Ravatomanga dominated the trade for years through Sodiat. Members of the Lychee Exporters Group said he imposed his rules from 2009 onwards and claimed the biggest share of quotas.

On 23 October, the day before his arrest in Mauritius, exporters said he phoned at least four of them. Do not try to touch even a single kilogram of lychees from my quotas, he reportedly warned them.

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The next day, the Lychee Exporters Group met and voted unanimously to exclude Sodiat from the trade. Narson Rafidimanana, a member of the group, said importers no longer wanted to work with the company.

Shipowners and importers no longer want to hear about Sodiat. We do not want to be linked to all his wrongdoing, Rafidimanana said. He said the move had lifted a long-standing fear.

It is a new era; it is a liberation because during meetings of the Lychee Exporters Group no one had the right to speak. Everyone was afraid of him, Rafidimanana said. The risk was having quotas taken away, that he would decide to push us aside, things like that."

Members split Sodiats quotas among the 27 exporters, favouring smaller operators. Larger exporters received 25 tonnes and smaller ones 100 tonnes.

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How Madagascar's new leader Randrianirina rose from prison to presidency

Prosecutors suspended

The Financial Crimes Commission (FCC) in Mauritius has sought cooperation from the NGO Transparency Mauritius as part of its investigation into Ravatomangas activities, the Mauritian news site LExpress.mu reported.

Transparency Mauritiuss executive officer, Laura Jayumungal, said: It is the FCC leading the investigation. If it needs support or information exchange, we touch base at that moment.

Madagascars Justice Ministry has suspended two prosecutors from the countrys anticorruption courts after one publicly said that Ravatomanga faced no judicial proceedings, even though several complaints and denunciations had been recorded against him.

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The ministry said the sanctions aimed to preserve the integrity of judicial institutions.

Exporters have reinstated air freight for early lychees, which had been blocked under Ravatomanga. The first fruit can now leave Madagascar around 10 days before the official maritime campaign.

But with an ongoing investigation in Tamatave, a fire at a processing station and questions surrounding LTC, exporters say this season is unlike any other. Even with good fruit quality and high prices, they warn the future of the trade will depend on what investigators uncover in the months ahead.
The number of foreign nationals working at Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore has been revealed, with most being nurses or midwives.

Nationally, 12,000 non-nationals are working in HSE-run hospitals all around the country, according to figures obtained by Iconic Media under the Freedom of Information Act.

In Tullamore, there are 402 foreign nationals working at the hospital.

214 of those are nurses and midwives, with 11 being in management roles.

19 are health and social care professionals, with 16 of those working in health science and diagnostics.

131 non-nationals work in a medical and dental role at Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore with 21 of those being consultants in their fields.

Seven people work as clerical professionals and there are 30 health care assistants working at the hospital.

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We requested these figures following the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation's condemnation of racially motivated abuse of health workers earlier this year, specifically those from India.

During the summer, one Indian nurse wrote an open letter detailing racial abuse in Ireland after she saw an eight-year-old Indian girl being bullied and racially targeted by a group of Irish teenagers.

The nurse's open letter said he was considering leaving Ireland while 30 to 35 Indian nurses were also seriously thinking about leaving their jobs because they no longer feel safe.

The open letter said: "We came to Ireland with dreams - not big ones. We didnt want luxury or fame. Just a peaceful life. Honest work. A little respect.

"My wife and I are both nurses. Like so many others, we left behind our families, our childhood homes, everything we knew to come here and help. To work hard. To live quietly. To make a better future. But now? Were planning to leave. And were not the only ones.

"In our circle alone, around 30 to 35 Indian nurses are talking seriously about quitting their jobs  some are applying to Australia, some going back to India. Even doctors are being targeted now. You mightve seen it in the news. Or maybe not. But we see it. We feel it. We live it.

"Yesterday, I saw something that broke me. An eight-year-old Indian girl, surrounded by a group of Irish boys and girls, maybe 15 or 16 years old. They were pushing her. Bullying and laughing. For no reason. Just because she looked different. I helped her escape. They ran. And I stood there shaking, wonderingwhat kind of place is this becoming?

READ NEXT: Offaly woman makes Dean's List as she graduates with First Class Honours Degree

"We came to Ireland to save lives and now were scared to walk home after a shift. We kept going during COVID. We missed weddings and funerals back home to stay here and work. We followed every law, paid every tax, waited for every visa. We believed this was a country of kindness. And now? Now were afraid for our children. Afraid to send them to school.

"Afraid theyll be treated like less than human  just because of their skin, their accent, their food, their culture.

"We know not everyone here is like this. Weve met wonderful Irish people. Some have become like family. But that kindness is starting to feel like a whisper.....and the hate is starting to feel like a storm.

"I dont want to write this letter. I want to stay hopeful. But hope starts to fade when you see that even a eight-year-old brown girl can be treated like she doesnt belong.

"To Ireland, please listen: If we leave, it's not because we don't love this country. It's because this country stopped loving us back. If you lose your nurses, your doctors, your care workers dont ask "why." You already know why.

"We didnt leave because of money. We left because were tired of being afraid. Tired of being ignored. Tired of watching silence win. Theres still time. But not much. This isn't about politics anymore. Its about basic human decency.

"If this letter reaches even one person who didnt understand before then its worth writing.

"We are not here to divide. We are not here to invade. We are here because we believed Ireland was a place where all people had value. Please prove us right."

Responding to the staff figures, which only cover HSE hospitals and not private hospitals, nursing homes, care centres and the many agency staff working in our health sector, a HSE spokesperson said:

"The effective operation of many essential health services in Ireland would be seriously threatened without the support of the many thousands of international staff who work in our hospitals and community services every day.

"The HSE is proud of our organisations diversity and is dependent on all our staff for the delivery of frontline, essential services. We are very grateful to international workers who have chosen to move their lives and families to Ireland to work with the HSE and help provide essential care and support for patients and service users."

INMO General Secretary, Phil Ni Sheaghdha, said:

"These nurses and midwives make invaluable contributions, not just to their patients and to the workforce, but to our communities. There is no doubt that the Irish health service would suffer without the hard work of these valuable staff, and supporting these nurses and midwives to provide the best possible care and build the best possible careers in Ireland is a responsibility that should be taken very seriously by their employers and by the government."

As of 1 June 2025, there has been a decrease in the number of new registrants who were educated abroad but the number of Irish graduates coming onto the Register is steadily increasing year-on-year.

Nurses and midwives from Ireland accounted for the highest number of people in the profession with 54,436 registered.

Nurses and midwives from India followed as the second highest represented nationality with 20,419 registered from there.

Canada had the lowest number working in Ireland with just 81 nurses and midwives from there registered here.
Kochi: The Kerala High Court on Monday directed the Director General of Police to submit all details related to the body recovered from a marshy area in Kalamassery heresuspected to be that of Suraj Lama, who has been missing since October 5 after arriving in Kochi from Kuwait. The court also instructed the Superintendent of the Medical College Hospital to provide all relevant records by Thursday (December 4). A Division Bench of Justice Devan Ramachandran and Justice MB Snehalatha was hearing a habeas corpus petition filed by Lamas son.

We need complete detailshow he was taken to the hospital, what happened there. We hope this is not his body, but we need a minute-by-minute account, the Bench observed.

The court noted it must be informed how Lamawho is said to be cognitively impaired following an accident abroadreached the Medical College, how he was treated, and how he was discharged.

The government informed the court that a body had been found in the HMT, Kalamassery marshland, and that postmortem, scientific analysis, and DNA tests are underway to confirm whether it is Lamas.

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Questioning the state of city surveillance, especially in the proposed Judicial City area, the Bench criticised the police for allowing such unsupervised pockets to exist within municipal limits and for missing the golden window crucial in missing-person cases.

The court said it was deeply concerned that a body could remain undiscovered in a city area for over a month and demanded an explanation from the police. It also noted the petitioners claim that authorities failed to act promptly at the outset.

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"More concerningly, to say that a body was in a marshy area right within the municipality/corporation area and undetected for over a month or so as now the Government Pleader says that the police now suspects  it is something to be very concerned about. The police certainly have a role to play in this and inform us why such areas are kept unsupervised. We want information on this also on the next posting date," the court noted in its interim order.

With a Special Investigation Team (SIT) already constituted, the Bench instructed investigators also to track what happened to Lamas belongings after his return from Kuwait.

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"He was sent back from Kuwait. He must have all his belongings. Whatever those belongings were. Let the police tell us. We want the investigation to continue. Until we decide this matter. The same investigation team will answer all our questions. We don't want our local police to do this. We want the SIT to now go into it and verify. Our radar will the ADGPs and DGPs," said the court.

The court said the SITnot local policemust continue the probe and respond to all queries, with oversight extending up to senior police leadership.

(with Live Law inputs)
In 2010, I wrote a book called War Is A Lie, with an updated edition in 2016. If I'm lucky and find time -- and maybe if they ease up on the wars for a little while -- I'll get a new version out in 2026. But I can already apply the basic idea of the book to the threatened war on Venezuela.

The argument in the book is, of course, not that wars aren't real, but rather that nothing that is commonly said to justify them is true. The book begins thus:

"Not a single thing that we commonly believe about wars that helps keep them around is true. Wars cannot be good or glorious. Nor can they be justified as a means of achieving peace or anything else of value. The reasons given for wars, before, during, and after them (often three very different sets of reasons for the same war), are all false. It is common to imagine that, because we'd never go to war without a good reason, having gone to war, we simply must have a good reason. This needs to be reversed. Because there can be no good reason for war, having gone to war, we are participating in a lie."

If the U.S. launches a newly escalated war against Venezuela, and someday it ends, the war may turn out to have been a futile attempt to bring democracy to the ungrateful and incapable people of Venezuela who, we will be told, simply didn't want it. Or -- this being Trump bizarro land, with honesty bursting out in odd moments -- perhaps we'll just be told that the war was a theft of oil. If Russia has ultimately joined the war (the worst is always possible), then of course Russia will have started it -- if anyone is left alive to care. But that's all for an unpredictable future.

Before the end of the war, if an indefinite occupation develops because Venezuela shockingly behaves like every other invaded place on Earth ever and fights back, then until that occupation ends, the reasons to keep the war going may include the solemn need to get more U.S. troops killed in support of those already killed, or various tales about drugs and democracy, or (if a Democrat has ascended the throne in the Trump Ballroom) the Rules Based Order, or (if one hasn't) perhaps just old-is-new-again straight-up racism. But that's all for after a new war has been started.

What about the things we are being told right now to try to get a war started (which will likely mostly be forgotten in the future)? Well, first of all, what we're being told is not working. Polling shows the U.S. public strongly opposed to a war on Venezuela. That fact will vanish from future tellings whether the war happens or not. Consider, though, what it says about the need to bring democracy to Venezuela through a war opposed by the people whose government is launching it. To make sense of the term "democracy" in U.S. foreign policy, it simply has to be understood as "U.S. power."

There have been misleading polls finding majority support for blowing up boats supposedly full of drugs and arrived in the United States with those drugs. Those polls have been used to provide cover for murdering everyone aboard boats that were actually found over a thousand miles away from the United States. In propaganda terms, the purpose of murdering those boatloads of people has perhaps included the unsuccessful effort to gain support for a wider war, but has certainly included the successful effort to get all decent people to focus on asking and answering the wrong questions.

Murder is illegal. War is illegal. Threatening war is illegal. These basic facts are obscured when the question becomes "Does Iraq have WMDs?" or -- in this case -- questions like these:

"Is blowing up boats part of a war?" or

"Does the drug cartel invented by the CIA really exist?" or

"What obscure arguments have Trump's lawyers used to make the murders part of a war and therefore legal (even though war is not legal) while at the same time making those murders neither part of a war nor even hostile so that the War Powers Resolution does not apply?"

We do not need to dignify such questions with our attention.

Murder is illegal whether or not part of a war. It would be illegal even if Congress were to pass a resolution against it. It is illegal even though the Senate has voted down a resolution against it, and even though House Speaker Mike Johnson is illegally refusing to hold a vote. The exceptionally blatant illegality of attacking Venezuela, even in the eyes of many supporters of militarism in general, is likely why the head of Southern Command quit last month. The growing discussion of the responsibility to disobey illegal orders is not unrelated to this threatened war. The UK has reportedly stopped sharing information with the United States that could be used to facilitate this war. Imagine how far over the line you have to be for that to have happened.

A New York Times columnist tells us that the United States should overthrow the Venezuelan government because it is allied with enemies of the United States and because it is cruel to the Venezuelan public. Either of these arguments would allow almost any country to attack various other countries. The notion that Russia, China, and Iran -- either separately or together -- are trying to gain a "foothold" in a part of the world properly belonging to the United States from which to launch their attack on Washington may be an embarrassingly absurd projection, but even if it were plausible, it wouldn't justify attacking Venezuela and driving most of the rest of Latin America into closer alliances with those designated enemies. The illegal U.S. sanctions that have been killing large numbers of Venezuelans are of course at the root of much of the suffering for which U.S. columnists like to blame the Venezuelan government.

In years gone by, the Nobel Peace Prize went a couple of times to Iranian opponents of the Iranian government as it was in the crosshairs of the Pentagon, but those laureates would criticize the Iranian government and quickly make clear that they didn't want their country bombed, as that would be even worse. This year, the prize went to a Venezuelan who wants her country starved and invaded. This is used to generate the lie that Venezuelans are willing to be attacked in order to free them from their government. If you are tempted to believe such madness, think about how frustrated you are with the U.S. government, and then ask yourself whether you'd like your house bombed.

Of course the notion of "overthrow" is supposed to suggest something quick and easy, an operation during which most people's houses are spared. But quick and easy usually turns into endless and catastrophic. It's a tragedy that the Iraq Syndrome is wearing off, that people are forgetting how actual wars relate to pre-war sales pitches. Coups tend not to be followed by peace so much as by endless killing and destruction.

It's worth bearing in mind that overthrowing a government is a crime, and the opposite of law enforcement, because we have also been hearing a lot about those murdered being criminals. Trump recently suggested that it was all right for Saudi Arabia to murder a U.S. journalist because the journalist was "controversial." Wars tend to be marketed with a stronger claim than that, namely one of criminality.

More than that, wars are usually marketed as a defense against aggression by the other side. The Venezuelan government has no difficulty marketing its side of the looming war in those terms. Trump, on the other hand, has to sell this war as a defense against an "invasion" by drug dealers or simply by the wrong sort of people. But that's not a simple sell, possibly not even to the most sadistic "tough-on-crime" racist xenophobe, because speaking Spanish or even selling drugs is not exactly the same as mass murder and destruction, as well as because Venezuelan immigrants are mostly fleeing U.S. sanctions, a war will cause a huge increase in immigration, and the Venezuelan children blown to pieces in this "defensive" war will be seen on social media -- horrors that will seem to virtually everyone worse than speaking with an accent. Simply labeling an imaginary drug cartel as a "terrorist" organization -- in an act that actually terrifies people in Venezuela -- lacks substance and imagery.

Hard as that sell is, the war pitch to contemporary liberal war fans usually goes even further than that. Usually a claim is made that each war is a last resort, that everything other than war has been exhaustively attempted first. This is always a nonsensical claim, as there are always more things to try, but Trump's long buildup works against him here, since he hasn't been trying anything other than threatening war, and even a child could tell you that all he would need to do to avoid the war he is threatening is to not wage it.

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Toronto, Canada At only sixteen years old, Toronto based entrepreneur Aaron Seidman has officially launched Tropic Media, a new creative agency focused on high impact content 
"I am not allowed to host my podcast anymore, or my wife will divorce me." Getty Images Getty Images

DEAR ABBY: Ive hosted a live podcast for years. Its my creative outlet, my therapy. Recently, my wife gave me an ultimatum. I am not allowed to host the podcast anymore, or shell divorce me. She says its for us, not her. Her reason is mostly because I preach atheism as well as discuss many other topics.

Shes a Christian. I was a Christian when we met and married, but I am no longer. I want to respect her faith, but I feel this is too much for her to ask.

My show is a piece of what I want to share and document with the world. Its only a few hours commitment a week, and I dont do much else as far as recreation or hobbies. I am employed and responsible, and I fulfill all my duties as a husband.

Im terrified of losing either the show or my marriage. Is this a fair thing for my wife to demand? I have chosen to stop hosting the show for now, and Im unhappy. Id like my wifes blessing so I can continue. Is there anything you would recommend? -- HOST IN EXILE

DEAR HOST: I dont know how far away in exile you are, but if you live within the borders of the United States, there is a certain amount of freedom of speech here.

Living according to your wifes dictate leaves you frustrated and unhappy. You have the right to express yourself, and you have an audience who appreciates it.

If she chooses to divorce you over this, you may find its a relief. Call her bluff. If you do, you may discover you are happier following your own path rather than hers.

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
The cast of "Home Improvement" in 1998. Back: Earl Hindman and Taran Noah Smith. Front from L-R: Richard Karn, Zachary Ty Bryan, Patricia Richardson, Tim Allen, Jonathan Taylor Thomas and Debbe Dunning. (Getty Images) Getty Images

Zachery Ty Bryan was nearly run-over Saturday by a woman at a Lane County campground, deputies say  and both she and the former 90s child star ended up behind bars.

Bryan, a 44-year-old Eugene resident, staked a claim to fame for his television role as the eldest child of Tim Allens character in the sitcom Home Improvement, which ran for eight seasons on ABC.

The former actor has been convicted of fourth-degree assault in 2020 and 2023, and was ordered to have no contact with the mother of his three children, Johnnie Cartwright, as part of a plea deal in the 2023 case that sentenced him to three years of probation and seven days in jail.

But Lane County sheriffs deputies said they responded to the campgrounds off Big Fall Creek Road around 12:30 p.m. Saturday and found both Cartwright, 32, and Bryan in a state of intoxication.

The couple had been driving with their kids in a pickup truck when a fight broke out and Bryan sprung from the cab, deputies say, prompting Cartwright to aim the pickup at him. Authorities say he dodged out of the way and no one was injured.

Bryan was arrested and taken to the Lane County Jail for allegedly violating his no-contact order with Cartwright, jail records show. He remains in custody Monday with no court date set.

His attorney in the 2023 case declined to comment.

Cartwright also remains in custody on suspicion of reckless driving, reckless endangerment and driving under the influence of intoxicants. No attorney has been appointed to her case so far. She was previously convicted of fourth-degree assault in 2021 and was ordered to spend 10 days in jail and have no contact with two other men, records show.

Deputies said the children were staying with a family member.
Shanghai (Gasgoo)- Leapmotor reported another month of explosive growth in November, delivering 70,327 vehicles and surpassing its previous monthly record. The total represented a year-on-year increase of more than 75%, extending a nine-month streak of rapid expansion and reinforcing the company's momentum as it continues to scale.

The latest results capped a month in which Leapmotor advanced simultaneously on performance, product development, and global market strategy.

Financially, the company has entered the final stretch of the year on solid footing. Its third-quarter earnings report showed revenue almost doubling from the same period in 2024 to 19.45 billion yuan, while gross margin climbed to 14.5%. Leapmotor also maintained positive operating and free cash flow, signaling improving profitability across the business.

Photo source: Leapmotor

On the product front, Leapmotor accelerated the build-out of its full product matrix. The new A10positioned as a long-range smart SUVmade its public debut at the Auto Guangzhou 2025 on November 21, completing the company's four-series lineup spanning the A, B, C, and D families. Days later, on November 27, Leapmotor began the sale of the Lafa5, a design-driven compact fastback aimed squarely at young, style-seeking consumers born after 1995. The model carries a promotional starting price of 92,800 yuan through the end of 2025.

Leapmotor's globalisation strategy also gained momentum. The company entered South America with its debut at the Sao Paulo Motor Show, showcasing the C10 and B10 to strong local interest. It also exhibited in Zurich in the same month, further elevating its international profile and expanding brand awareness in Europe.

In a significant milestone, Leapmotor announced on November 27 that it had achieved its 2025 full-year sales target of 500,000 units six weeks ahead of schedule. The company simultaneously set a new ambition for 2026: pushing annual sales to the one-million-unit mark.

Founder, chairman and CEO Zhu Jiangming said the company's "3C" lineupthe C11, C10 and C16remained strong growth engines throughout 2025, with sales surging year on year. The B-series and the T03 have also contributed meaningfully, with combined deliveries of the B- and C-series plus the T03 approaching 600,000 units this year, underscoring the resilience of Leapmotor's core portfolio.

Newer products are also gaining traction. The D19the first model in the D-series launched in Octoberhas attracted strong pre-order demand even before broad retail rollout. The A-series debut at the Auto Guangzhou 2025 received encouraging feedback, supported by its design and feature advantages. As for the Lafa5, Zhu noted that the conversion from pre-sale interest to firm orders is the strongest the company has seen for any of its pre-launched models.

Discussing how Leapmotor intends to reach one-million-unit sales next year, Zhu said the company expects steady growth from existing lines such as the B-series, C-series and T03, while new A- and D-series vehicles will shoulder 300,000 to 400,000 units of incremental volume. Overseas markets will form an integral part of the growth plan.
About two dozen people gathered outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement building in South Portland on Wednesday evening, Nov. 5, 2025. Some wore inflatable costumes, others carried signs, and a few streamed the gathering live online. Mark Graves/The Oregonian

Portland police arrested a Massachusetts woman at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in the South Waterfront on Saturday after the woman visited the protest site just to check out what shed seen on the national news.

Letitia Johnson, 52, faces a misdemeanor harassment charge for allegedly damaging another persons property after police said they interrupted an altercation near the ICE facility around 7:30 p.m.

Johnson, who lives near Cape Cod, was visiting a relative in Portland over the holiday weekend and decided to stop by the ICE facility to see for herself the site of so much national media attention.

On the East Coast we see reports about how its crazy down here and all of this stuff, and then when you actually go down there and see, you see people dancing in unicorn costumes and playing music, she said.

Johnson said she was leaving the area on Saturday night when a counterprotester made a comment to her and the relative about transgender people. They got into a heated argument, Johnson said, and the counterprotester alleged that she damaged his phone.

Im not on either side of the aisle, Johnson said Monday. I think he called me antifa. I dont even know what antifa is.

Portland police have arrested 70 people at the South Portland ICE facility amid near daily protests that picked up steam in October after President Donald Trump attempted to send the National Guard to help police demonstrations outside of the federal building.

Most of the fall arrests that led to charges involved alleged altercations between protesters and counterprotesters, according to a newsroom analysis.

Protests were comparatively calm in November, drawing anywhere from a handful to several dozen participants.
A night on the town ended with one twin brother dying in a motel lobby and the other concocting an alibi to responding officers, a jury concluded Monday.

On the third day of deliberation, a Multnomah County jury found Martre Oliver guilty of first-degree manslaughter and unlawful use of a weapon in the Sept. 25, 2022 shooting death of his fraternal twin, 26-year-old Martese Oliver.

The shooting happened about 3:30 a.m. in the parking lot of a troubled motel on Northeast Sandy Boulevard near 82nd Avenue, which was operating as a Howard Johnsons at the time. It was rebranded as a Quality Inn after the shooting  then closed for good following two more killings as officers opened a nuisance property investigation.

[READ MORE: Portlands deadliest block]

The brothers had driven down to Portland from Martese Olivers Renton, Washington apartment, accompanying two women who were being sold for sex, according to court documents. The women did not testify and jurors heard nothing about that aspect of the case.

Martese and Martre Oliver spent the evening of Sept. 24 dancing at downtown clubs, and had returned to the motel early the next morning when some sort of dispute broke out and Martese Oliver punched his brother.

Martre Oliver responded with three shots, striking his brother twice in the upper thigh. By chance, the bullets severed his femoral artery.

Camera footage shows Martese Oliver dragging his body with his hands, blood smearing on the floor, senior prosecutor Kristen Kyle-Castelli told the jury of seven men and five women.

Martre Oliver fled in an SUV but returned about 10 minutes later, inquiring about his brothers fate and claiming to have been away from him all day. He was released from the scene before officers discovered the clearest camera footage, but was arrested days later in his brothers apartment.

In an opening statement, defense attorney Alexander Hamalian said the twins had to rely on each other growing up after their mother died of cancer when they were toddlers. Martre Oliver moved to Fresno, California as an adult but was visiting Martese Oliver, he said.

The footage never showed Martre Oliver with a gun in his hand, the defense attorney argued, while the downward trajectory of the bullets meant the gunman had not intended to shoot to kill.

What youre not going to hear about, Hamalian said, is a conscious objective.

Intent is required for a murder conviction under Oregon law, and Hamalians argument was enough for the jury to acquit Martre Oliver, now 29, of second-degree murder.

He instead faces a mandatory 10-year prison sentence for first-degree manslaughter and will remain in custody pending sentencing.

Judge Katharine von Ter Stegge set that hearing for March 20.
Prosecutors allege that Kevin Purfield was stalking an employee at Oregon Health & Science University whose daughter was murdered in the 2012 mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Mark Graves/Staff

A Portland man previously convicted of stalking families who have lost children in mass shootings as well as other public figures has been arraigned on charges of harassing and stalking an employee at Oregon Health & Science University whose child was murdered in the 2012 mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

A probable cause affidavit filed last week by prosecutors in Multnomah County Circuit Court described Kevin Purfield as a conspiracy theorist who seeks out and terrorizes families who have lost children in mass shootings, among others. It said Purfield had shown up at the homes of his victims as recently as September, when he arrived unannounced at the home of a staff member of Portland Mayor Keith Wilson.

Robbie Parker, a physician assistant at OHSU, lost his 6-year-old daughter Emilie in the Sandy Hook shooting, one of 20 children and six adults killed by a gunman at the elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut. Parker said in an interview Sunday that he has been consistently harassed since then by conspiracy theorists who claim the 2012 shooting was a hoax designed to increase support for gun control.

Parker has since become an outspoken advocate for parents who lost children in mass shootings and authored a book published last year about his familys grieving process and re-traumatization amid the hateful rhetoric, A Fathers Fight: Taking on Alex Jones and Reclaiming the Truth about Sandy Hook. Jones, the online radio host who traffics in conspiracy theories, was found liable in 2021 for defaming the families of Sandy Hook shooting victims by spreading the falsehoods about the shooting.

Purfield, Parker said, was among the individuals who started harassing his family and friends shortly after the shooting, when he lived in Connecticut, but continued after he moved west to take a job at OHSU in 2014.

Ive always been on his radar, Parker said. The only time he hasnt been harassing us is when hes been incarcerated or at the state psychiatric hospital.

Prosecutors allege that Purfield has repeatedly called OHSU looking for Parker and last month threatened that Parker would get what was coming to him.

Parker said he filed for a protective order in Clark County earlier this month after being contacted by OHSU officials about Purfields harassment of administrators and other employees in his unit.

It bothered me because other people were getting sucked into this crazy vortex, Parker said. Its a really scary place to be and I dont like other people getting involved in this.

On Nov. 10, Purfield was served with a permanent exclusion from OHSU and a no contact order that prohibited him from communicating with OHSU staff, prosecutors say. Then last week, the Multnomah County Sheriffs Office served Purfield with a temporary restraining order barring him from any contact or attempted contact with Parker or coming within 1,000 feet of his workplace, residence, vehicle or children, the affidavit said. But Purfield repeatedly violated that order by calling Parker and other OHSU employees and leaving voicemails on at least 10 occasions, the affidavit alleges.

Police arrested Purfield on Tuesday, court records say, and he has been booked in the Multnomah County jail since. His court appointed attorney could not be reached for comment Sunday.

Purfield was previously convicted of one count of felony stalking in 2020 after harassing Therese Bottomly, the former editor of The Oregonian/OregonLive. Purfield had asserted in numerous phone calls and emails to the editor that journalists had published false information about mass shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary, an Aurora, Colorado, movie theater and a Pittsburgh synagogue.

He was sentenced to five years of probation, though the Multnomah County District Attorneys Office subsequently received consistent notifications that he was harassing various public figures, according to court records.

Court records show Purfield has struggled with mental illness and been ordered to receive treatment after prior convictions related to harassing people by telephone.

A Multnomah County Judge ordered him in 2013 to limit his phone use and undergo mental health treatment after he was convicted of stalking for calling family members of the Aurora shooting victims and telling them their kin had not died.

Purfield also pleaded guilty in 2013 to federal charges of making hoax bomb threats by claiming there were explosive devices at the Multnomah County Probation Office and the downtown jail building.
A spread of dishes at Maison Passerelle, including (from top right) cane syrup-glazed duck, ras el hanout-spiced chicken, slow-cooked grouper and diri ak sos pwa, or Haitian rice and bean sauce. Michael Russell | The Oregonian

Esquire magazines list of Americas best new restaurants for 2025 includes both a Portland restaurant and a New York City restaurant from a longtime Portland chef.

Published Monday, the magazine cast a wide net with its list of 33 new restaurants, honoring both the Indigenous- and Mexican-inspired Northeast Portland restaurant Javelina and chef Gregory Gourdets globe-trotting Manhattan bistro Maison Passerelle.

Of Javelina, the magazine wrote that chef Alexa Numkena-Anderson understands the importance of radical joy, with a menu that educates and enthralls in equal measure. Javelina is found at 4636 N.E. 42nd Ave.

Of Maison Passerelle, the magazine discovered a restaurant navigating the whorling historical waters of France and French colonialism with influences from the Caribbean, North Africa and Vietnam. Maison Passerelle is found at 1 Wall Street, New York City, inside luxe French department store Printemps.

Esquire has shown love to Portland before, most notably by ranking Gourdets Portland restaurant, Kann, as the best new restaurant in America in 2022. No Portland restaurants were included in the 2023 or 2024 editions. Meanwhile, this years list was not ranked.
American civil rights activist Rosa Parks sits in the front of a bus in Montgomery, Alabama, after the Supreme Court ruled segregation illegal on the city bus system on Dec. 21, 1956; the man sitting behind Parks is Nicholas C Chriss, a reporter for United Press International out of Atlanta. Parks was arrested on Dec. 1, 1955 for refusing to give up her seat in the front of a bus in Montgomery. This set off a successful boycott of the city buses. Bettmann Archive

Today in history

On Dec. 1, 1955, Rosa Parks, a Black seamstress, was arrested after refusing to give up her seat to a white man on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama. The incident sparked a yearlong boycott of the citys buses and helped fuel the U.S. Civil Rights Movement.

Also on this date:

In 1824, the presidential election was turned over to the U.S. House of Representatives after none of the candidates (John Quincy Adams, Andrew Jackson, William H. Crawford or Henry Clay) won more than 50% of the electoral vote. Though Jackson won the most electoral votes, Adams would ultimately win the presidency.

In 1965, the first Freedom Flight from Cuba to the United States landed in Miami. Over the ensuing eight years, the twice-daily flights allowed more than 250,000 Cuban refugees to migrate to the United States through a joint U.S.-Cuban agreement.

In 1969, the U.S. government held its first draft lottery for military service since World War II.

In 1991, Ukrainians voted overwhelmingly for independence from the Soviet Union.

In 2009, President Barack Obama ordered 30,000 more U.S. troops into the war in Afghanistan but promised during a speech to cadets at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point to begin withdrawals in 18 months.

In 2017, retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, who served in President Donald Trumps first term as his initial national security adviser, pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about reaching out to the Russians on Trumps behalf. (Trump would later pardon Flynn.)

In 2020, a huge radio telescope in Arecibo, Puerto Rico, collapsed. The telescope played a key role in astronomical discoveries for more than half a century. The collapse stunned many scientists who long had relied on what was once the largest radio telescope in the world.

In 2023, Israels war with Hamas, which began in October, erupted anew minutes after a weeklong truce expired and Israeli airstrikes hit houses and buildings in the Gaza Strip.
The Bonnieview Ranch, spread across 18,700 acres near Post, Oregon, is now on the market for $20 million. Gary Nolan/ Cascade Hasson Sothebys International Realty

Heres your chance to own the center of Oregon.

The Bonnieview Ranch, spread across 18,700 acres near Post, Oregon, is now on the market for $20 million.

The massive property sits in a remote part of Crook County, about 25 miles southeast of Prineville. It includes three homes, two cabins, a bunkhouse, a 35-acre reservoir and one unlikely tourist attraction: a U.S. Geological Survey marker.

The humble marker  a metal disk, just a few inches across, embedded in a concrete block on the ground  dates to 1903. The USGS says its an elevation benchmark placed to help surveyors establish accurate vertical level lines for mapping.

But locals have long claimed the site denotes the geographical center of Oregon  and who are we to say theyre wrong?

This place settles your whole system, listing broker Perry Cross stated in an email. You stand at that marker, and it feels like the land folds around you. Its a feeling more than a fact.

Rancher Lonny Carter stands next to a U.S. Geological Survey marker from 1903 just outside of Post, Oregon has become a tourist attraction by those who believe it's the geographical center of the state. Samantha Swindler/ The Oregonian

Curious travelers regularly visit the property to see the marker. About two years ago, Bonnieview Ranch manager Lonny Carter posted a sign on the fence asking people to call and request access to the field where the marker sits.

People call me at least two or three times a week, especially in the summertime, Carter said in an interview this summer. So far, everybodys been very respectful.

The tiny community of Post has long claimed to be the center of Oregon. A sign making the claim hangs outside the Post General Store.

The U.S. Geological Survey was created in 1879 and given the responsibility of mapping the nation. But it has never been tasked with finding geographical centers of states.

The Bonnieview Ranch, spread across 18,700 acres near Post, Oregon, is now on the market for $20 million. Gary Nolan/ Cascade Hasson Sothebys International Realty

In an online educational publication, however, the agency explained to a curious public how one might do so with the center of gravity method. Imagine the shape of the state of Oregon cut from a flat piece of cardboard. The center would be the point at which the map balances upon the head of a pin.

Using that method, USGS publication determined the center of Oregon would be 25 miles south-southeast of Prineville. That would roughly be the location of the Bonnieview Ranch.

The expansive property includes volcanic ridges, meadows, and more than 50 springs and ponds that attract wildlife  and hunters looking for mule deer, elk, pronghorn, chukar, quail and turkey.

The Bonnieview Ranch, spread across 18,700 acres near Post, Oregon, is now on the market for $20 million. Gary Nolan/ Cascade Hasson Sothebys International Realty

Bonnieview Ranch is one of the largest private ranch offerings in Central Oregon, known for decades as a proven big game hunting property, a productive working cattle ranch, and a rare recreational retreat with unmatched privacy, reads the listing from Cascade Hasson Sothebys International Realty.

The cattle ranch operation includes multiple corrals, miles of graveled private roads, a vet building with apartment, and 7,200 acres of forest and BLM grazing allotments. The property has multiple buildings and homes across it, offering space for guests, employees and hunters.

The Bonnieview Ranch, spread across 18,700 acres near Post, Oregon, is now on the market for $20 million. Gary Nolan/ Cascade Hasson Sothebys International Realty

Photos, videos and more information about the ranch property can be found at cribflyer.com/bonnieview-ranch.
Kudos again to the Sunshine Division, founded over a century ago by Portland uniformed and reserve officers. My wife and I again participated by delivering Thanksgiving food packages on Nov. 22. Last year we did so in the neighborhood around Southeast 162nd Avenue. This year we delivered around Northeast 148th Avenue.

This project of the Sunshine Division is very large. Yet the organization of the package pickup at Portland International Raceway was smooth, and the address cards for the deliveries were prepared well. Last year, Portlands then-mayor-elect Keith Wilson personally came to our car to thank us. This year, Portland Police Chief Bob Day gave his personal greetings. It was a well-done project.

Ed Richman, Portland

To read more letters to the editor, go to oregonlive.com/opinion.
Puma Tzoc, left, senior director of the Collective of Indigenous Interpreters of Oregon, and Malin Jimenez, right, associate director. Originally from Guatemala, Jimenez started volunteering as an Indigenous language interpreter as a teenager. She later worked in environmental advocacy but a friend convinced her to return to interpretation, saying, Our community needs you. Vickie Connor | The Oregonian/OregonLive

Puma Tzoc was living in New York a decade ago when a friend asked him to help a client who had spent three months in jail. The client spoke only Kiche, an Indigenous language from his native Guatemala, and was in a legal purgatory  unable to understand his circumstances or argue his case.

So Tzoc, also from Guatemala, took a crash course in the ethics and protocols of legal interpretation and stepped in. The friends client was out of jail the next day and Tzoc was on his way to a new career and calling, inspired at the immediate impact he could have on someone elses life.

Tzoc went to work providing interpretation services in the New York courts and for health care providers. Then, after moving to Portland in 2016, he became coordinator of the Collective of Indigenous Interpreters of Oregon. An arm of the nonprofit Pueblo Unido PDX, the Collective interprets in 17 different languages and aims to give Indigenous language speakers a voice in the legal system, health care and the schools.

Were really committed to the people we serve and our community, Tzoc said.

Oregon has more than 50,000 immigrants who speak Indigenous languages, according to Pueblo Unido, arriving in the U.S. from Mexico and Central and South America. Local demand for interpreters who speak such languages has been rising steadily. That was initially due to increased migration from Indigenous communities. Now, theres growing demand from people facing legal hearings as the federal government cracks down on immigration.

The Collective works with health care providers, legal organizations and schools to match up patients, clients and parents with interpreters who speak 17 Indigenous languages. Some of those have two or three distinct variants.

We serve as this clearinghouse for interpreters, said Carla Gonzalez, Pueblo Unidos executive director.

The Collective works with more than 40 paid interpreters, assisting with civil and criminal court matters, immigration proceedings, medical appointments and parent-teacher conferences. Another 28 interpreters in other states and Guatemala supplement that network.

Most of the interpretation is done online, in video calls, with interpreters around the state and occasionally in other parts of the country. The agency using the interpreters pays for their services.

Its challenging work, according to Tzoc, because dialects often differ considerably from one village to another. For example, he said the Mixtec Indigenous language in Mexico has more than 60 variations. The Collective asks people to provide the name of their town and village to identify the specific variation.

Those variations are totally different, Tzoc said, and they couldnt understand each other.

Complicating matters, Indigenous languages often dont have words for the terms frequently used in American legal proceedings and in the health care system. Tzoc said it can be challenging to convey a cancer diagnosis, for example, or to explain the concept of psychiatry.

Many Indigenous words have their roots in the environment in which the languages formed. They refer to plants, animals and specific cultural touchstones, often described as the cosmovision of the Indigenous people of Central America.

We always connect it to our cosmovision, Tzoc said. Every time we express ourselves, its using the natural things that we have around to express ourselves.

For example, he said, if people speaking some Indigenous languages get sick, they might say, The air hits us.

When we said that in our native language, Tzoc said, that means we get sick.

Artificial intelligence has made great strides in real-time translations between the worlds most widely used languages, but Tzoc said he doubts computers will be able to capture the cultural nuances of Indigenous languages anytime soon.

Doing interpretation, using a translation app for something like that, it will not be accurate, he said.

The Oregon Judicial Department provides interpretation for people engaged in criminal or civil proceedings, including child custody matters and divorce. Spanish, Russian and Vietnamese are among the languages most commonly spoken by those who dont understand English, but the number of people speaking Indigenous languages is growing rapidly.

It is challenging because some of the languages are so rare. Its hard to find a particular language, said Yvette Tamamoto, the departments interim language access coordinator.

The department had 1,600 requests for Indigenous language interpretation last year, Tamamoto said, a 28% jump from 2023. She said its on pace for more than 1,800 requests this year.

The most requests come for the Mayan languages of Mam, Chuj, Qanjobal and Akateko. All are spoken in rural parts of Guatemala and some places in Mexico.

The Judicial Department has signed up to use the Collectives interpreters, but Tamamoto said court hearings are frequently rescheduled, so the department hasnt actually worked with the Collective yet.

But Clear Clinic, a free legal services nonprofit, uses the Collective frequently to help Indigenous language clients.

They really focus on making sure their interpretation is accurate and as culturally responsive as possible, said Cody Winger, a Clear Clinic paralegal.

This fall, he said, the Clear Clinic connected with a child who had emigrated from Guatemala. He said the child faced persecution and violence sometimes directed at Indigenous people there, conditions that could qualify the child for asylum in the United States. But the child spoke a dialect of a smaller Indigenous language.

Using the Collective, we found an interpreter who spoke the right language and the right dialect, Winger said. Through that interpreter, he said Clear Clinic completed an asylum application in hopes of clearing a path for the child to stay in the U.S.

I dont know what we would do if we didnt have the Collective, honestly, Winger said. We absolutely would not be able to provide the level of service that we do.
Annette Valenzuela Tipton, executive director of the Idaho Hispanic Affairs Commission. The commission could be merged or eliminated as part of state DOGE efforts. TNS

State lawmakers in Idaho could try to eliminate the Idaho Commission on Hispanic Affairs, an office which boasts three employees and whose budget hovers around $500,000.

The Legislature created the commission in 1987 to address issues for Idahos Latino population and form a bridge between the government and the community. Some of the commissions money came from donations and cigarette tax funds.

But while the states Latino population is growing and changing, the office is running into potential headwinds from lawmakers. Hispanic Idahoans make up 13% of the states population, and 83% are U.S. citizens, according to the commission.

The Elon Musk-helmed Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, served as a rallying cry for conservative lawmakers in the state. At the Capitol, one group of legislators calling themselves the Gang of 8 voted against dozens of budgets in the 2025 legislative session, arguing for no new employees, no federal money and limited spending. The Legislature also approved $450 million in tax cuts.

A bill to create a DOGE committee failed to advance during the 2025 session, but lawmakers created a task force to consider cuts before the 2026 session.

During a Nov. 5 budget committee meeting, DOGE task force leaders presented a list of ideas that included merging or eliminating the Hispanic Affairs Commission, according to the Idaho Capital Sun. In an informal survey, committee members expressed a desire to look into the commission, according to committee co-chair Rep. Jeff Ehlers, R-Meridian. But opinions vary among lawmakers.

Theres not a lot of money there, said DOGE member Josh Tanner, R-Eagle, in a phone interview. Tanner said he doesnt want to get rid of the commission but he doesnt want the state to fund it. They can go out and raise their own money.

On the other hand, Sen. Brian Lenney, R-Nampa, is one of the most prominent voices against the commission. Lenney, who represents a city where a quarter of the residents are Hispanic, has posted multiple times on X about eliminating the office.

Lawmaker: We dont need commissions sorting people by ethnicity

Theres one race: the human race, Lenney wrote in October. We dont need half-million-dollar commissions sorting people by ethnicity and teaching division.

In an email, Lenney wrote that the state was in a time of fiscal constraint, and race-based commissions like this should be first on the chopping block when were looking at where to cut spending.

Idaho legislators, facing a projected budget deficit, are working on finding efficiencies in state administration. But Tanner told the Statesman that saving money is not related to the potential deficit.

Annette Tipton, the director of the commission, declined to comment. Gov. Brad Little, who appointed Tipton in May, did not return a request for comment sent via a spokesperson. Tipton previously served in the Idaho State Controllers Office and worked for major financial institutions, according to Littles office.

Sen. Carrie Semmelroth, D-Boise, said she hadnt been involved in any conversations about merging or eliminating the commission.

I know that there are legislators who have raised the issue but I also know in terms of government efficiency, the Hispanic commission really is a shining star, Semmelroth said. It has a very modest, modest budget and only half of that budget comes from dedicated funds. That budget supports a very small but mighty staff.

The DOGE task force members vote on recommendations, and its up to the legislature to act on them. The task force plans to meet once more this year, in December. But even if the Hispanic commission doesnt come up then, Ehlers, the co-chair, stressed that this falls final meeting isnt the end of DOGE.

This is a multiyear project, Ehlers said, during a task force meeting on Nov. 19, urging lawmakers to get their ideas in before the next meeting. Otherwise, wed have to wait until next interim to get it into another legislative session under DOGE.
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Shanghai (Gasgoo)- Xiaomi EV continued its strong run in November, delivering more than 40,000 vehicles for the month, according to data released by the company. The figure extends a period of sustained high-volume performance for the fast-growing automaker.

The company noted that the figures were compiled by its internal data center, covering actual vehicle deliveries from November 1 to November 30 across its entire lineup.

Photo source: Xiaomi EV

November marked the third consecutive month that Xiaomi EV's deliveries stayed above the 40,000-unit threshold, a sign that the company has carved out meaningful momentum despite increasingly fierce competition in China's new-energy vehicle market.

Consistent with its usual practice, Xiaomi did not disclose an exact delivery total for the month, saying only that volumes remained above 40,000.

The update comes shortly after a major production milestone. On November 20, the company celebrated the rollout of its 500,000th vehicle, a benchmark reached just 19 months after deliveries began in April 2024. Xiaomi described the accomplishment as a new starting point and thanked customers for their support.

The company's performance over the past three months suggests that it is not merely benefiting from early hype but is instead making real progress in scaling manufacturing and broadening its market reach. Sustaining delivery volumes at this levelespecially amid an intensifying industry arms racehighlights Xiaomi's operational strengths in production, quality management, and supply-chain coordination.

Xiaomi also reported new progress in its retail and after-sales network build-out as of November 30.

The company added 17 new stores nationwide during November, bringing its total to 441 locations across 131 cities.

Expansion is set to accelerate in December, with plans to open 36 additional stores and enter seven new cities including Hengyang and Mianyang as part of a broader channel-penetration strategy. In parallel, Xiaomi EV continues to scale its service network, which now includes 249 service centers across 144 cities. These developments signal a strategic shift: with the SU7 firmly established in the market, Xiaomi is now prioritizing the build-out of a comprehensive sales and service infrastructure.
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Shanghai (Gasgoo)- Li Auto reported November deliveries of 33,181 vehicles, bringing its total cumulative volume since launch to 1,495,969 units as of the end of the month. The figures underscore the company's steady momentum as it transitions deeper into the battery electric vehicle (BEV) segment.

Commenting on the operational outlook, founder and CEO Li Xiang said orders for the all-electric Li i6 and i8 SUVs have exceeded 100,000 units. To avoid bottlenecks as production scales up, the company has activated a dual-supplier system for Li i6 battery packs, a move aimed at ensuring consistent performance and safeguarding output. Li said monthly production of the Li i6 is expected to climb to 20,000 units early next year.

Photo source: Leapmotor

Launched on September 26, the Li i6 is built on Li Auto's dedicated BEV architecture and features a low-drag body, short front overhang and a 3,000-mm wheelbase. Equipped with LiDAR, a full-width daytime running light and the company's VLA driver-model AI, the SUV also debuts a 5C LFP battery and in-house silicon-carbide powertrain technology. Li Auto says the model delivers industry-leading charging speeds and battery durability.

Mr. Li added that its OTA 8.1 software update will roll out in early December. The upgrade enhances the VLA driving model through reinforcement learning to mimic professional driving behavior more closely, while the in-car "AI Li Assistant" gains new features. Across the vehicle systems, more than 20 functionsincluding charging optimization and intelligent climate controlswill be added or upgraded.

Li Auto continues to expand its nationwide footprint, with 544 retail centers now operating across 157 cities and 556 service and body-repair facilities serving 227 cities. Its charging network has grown to 3,614 own-brand supercharging stations, offering a total of 20,027 charger pilesone of the largest high-power EV infrastructure deployments among Chinese automakers.
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OU has placed a graduate student instructor on leave after a student publicly contested a grade and filed an illegal discrimination claim after receiving a failing grade on an essay that cited the Bible.

According to a statement released Sunday, the university wrote it is taking these concerns seriously and is fully reviewing the situation.

The University of Oklahoma takes seriously concerns involving First Amendment rights, certainly including religious freedoms. Upon receiving notice from the student on the grading of an assignment, the University immediately began a full review of the situation and has acted swiftly to address the matter, the statement read.

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Statement from the University of Oklahoma: pic.twitter.com/5YWBfyW9u0  University of Oklahoma (@UofOklahoma) November 30, 2025

According to the statement, university leaders contacted Samantha Fulnecky, a psychology junior, the day she submitted her complaint and a formal grade appeals process was conducted. Steps were taken to ensure there was no academic harm to the student, the statement reads.

OU also placed a graduate student instructor on administrative leave and placed a different full-time professor to teach the class for the remainder of the semester after the student reported filing a claim of illegal discrimination based on religious beliefs.

OU has a clear process for reviewing such claims and it has been activated,  the statement reads. OU remains firmly committed to fairness, respect and protecting every students right to express sincerely held religious beliefs.

Gov. Kevin Stitt wrote in a post on social platform X Sunday that the situation was deeply concerning and called on the OU Board of Regents to review the results of the investigation.

The 1st Amendment is foundational to our freedom & inseparable from a well rounded education. The situation at OU is deeply concerning, Stitt wrote. Im calling on the OU regents to review the results of the investigation & ensure other students arent unfairly penalized for their beliefs.

The 1st Amendment is foundational to our freedom & inseparable from a well rounded education. The situation at OU is deeply concerning. Im calling on the OU regents to review the results of the investigation & ensure other students arent unfairly penalized for their beliefs.  Governor Kevin Stitt (@GovStitt) November 30, 2025

Background

Fulnecky contested a grade on an essay assignment in an OU psychology course, stating she believed she received the grade because of her religious beliefs. Fulnecky reportedly received zero points out of 25 for her assignment. Fulnecky also filed a formal claim of illegal discrimination based on religious beliefs.

In the essay, published by The Oklahoman, Fulnecky cites the Bible to argue that traditional gender roles should not be considered stereotypes. She wrote eliminating gender would put people farther from Gods original plan for humans.

The instructor stated the grade was based on the essays lack of empirical evidence and said parts of the essay were offensive, according to reporting by The Oklahoman.

Fulnecky reportedly asked her instructor to reconsider the grade, stating she met the requirements of the essay, but the instructor denied the request.

This story was edited by Anusha Fathepure and Ana Barboza.
A Hampden Township police report could hold the key to freedom for a man convicted of double murder who has spent 41 years behind bars. But the report has been buried for the past 45 years.

The police report, currently the subject of a Right-to-Know legal battle that has reached Commonwealth Court, could bolster Ronald Sperry Jr.s alibi.

His sister, Natalie Sperry-Mauger, has spent much of this year fighting for the reports release but has hit roadblocks at every turn  from Hampden Township all the way up to Cumberland County Court.

If I can get that police report, right there, it proves his innocence, she told PennLive. Thats why they wont release it.

Ronald Sperry Jr. -- then and now. At left, Ron in his Cumberland Valley High School Class of '79 picture, and at right in his Pa. Dept. of Corrections mugshot. Photo Illustration

Sperry Jr., 65, is in state prison on a double-life sentence handed down in 1985, after he was convicted of murdering two elderly sisters inside their Hampden Township home in 1980.

PennLive first chronicled concerns about Sperrys prosecution and trial in a three-part special report published last December. Several factors, including Sperrys corroborated alibi, appeared to establish doubt about his guilt.

The police report details eyewitness accounts of a Hampden Township mother and her then 11-year-old son who both say the murders happened at around 11:30 a.m. Saturday June 28 1980. This information refutes the midnight to pre-dawn window for the murders as theorized by police and argued by the Cumberland County district attorney at Sperrys trial.

The timeframe is crucial because at that time, Sperry Jr. was busy bussing tables at the Penn Harris Motor Inn (now the Penn Harris Hotel & Convention Center). His timecards and the testimony of a Penn Harris business manager and two waitresses showed that Ron punched in and was working from 6:30 a.m. until 2:45 p.m. that Saturday.

Pictured: Ronald Sperry Jr.'s timecards from the Penn Harris, showing he was punched in and working during the time of the double murders. Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com

Most critically, the police report was filed shortly after the murders, when the memories of the mother and son were fresh. The report, which has been suppressed throughout the entirety of the 45-year case, could have backed up their testimony at Sperrys trial five years later.

Instead, their recollections were challenged and successfully undermined by then-Cumberland County DA Michael Eakin during the trial, which ended in Sperry conviction.

Fight for freedom

Sperry-Mauger has been fighting for the reports release since February as part of a wider, multi-front battle to win her 65-year-old brothers freedom.

Her Right-to-Know request for the report has been denied by Hampden Township, the Cumberland County Open Records Office and Cumberland County Court.

Each time, those entities ruled the report was exempt from disclosure as investigative materials.

Sperry-Maugers pro se appeals have now reached Commonwealth Court where, in a brief filed earlier this month, she argues that withholding the report obstructs her brothers right to defend his life and liberty. She argues her brother is entitled to it as exculpatory evidence, which she says overrides the usual disclosure exemptions.

Sperry-Mauger, who is not an attorney, writes in the brief: The police report was filed with the sole purpose of correcting a public record related to the inaccurate time of death upon seeing the error published in the newspaper. Subsequently, the validity of the 1985 public trial testimony that corresponds to the police report was improperly contested by the prosecution, asserting they were mistaken in their memory five years later. Suppression of the report prevented the right to a fair trial and an impartial adjudication by allowing alibi nullification.

Natalie Sperry-Mauger reviews evidence in her brother Ronald Sperry Jr.'s 1985 murder trial. Sept. 9, 2025. Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com

At trial, Madeline Mandel, the mother who interviewed for that report, testified she phoned police days after the brutally stabbed bodies of Dorothy Felker, 75, and Effie McAlicher, 77, were found in their home on the 200 block of North 36th Street in Hampden Township. The sisters bodies were discovered by a relative on Monday morning, June 30, 1980.

Mandel made the call after reading an account in The Patriot-News stating investigators believed the sisters were murdered under the cover of darkness  sometime between midnight and the pre-dawn hours of Saturday.

Mandel testified she instantly knew the timeframe was wrong. One of the sisters had phoned her home around 10:15 a.m. Saturday to report not receiving that mornings newspaper.

In response to the call, Mandel said she, her husband and their daughter drove to the sisters house with their youngest son, Adam, who was filling in on the paper route for his older brother.

Adam testified he hand-delivered the newspaper to one of the sisters. She opened the front door around 11:30 a.m. Saturday, both mother and son testified.

Madeline Mandels call resulted in at least two separate visits from detectives who interviewed both her and her son at length about what they witnessed.

A July 3, 1980, account in The Patriot-News detailed the emergence of at least two witnesses who provided direct evidence the murders could not have happened before mid-morning (Saturday, June 28, 1980).

However, the news account noted Cumberland County law enforcement officials refused to confirm or deny the report about the two witnesses and their information. The police report detailing the Mandels accounts was never released.

Eye witness

Adams testimony at the trial went even further, suggesting the then-11-year-old may have witnessed something more. His account, taken directly from the trial transcript, is as follows:

He knocked at the front door, but no one answered right away. He waited several minutes, following his mothers instructions to personally deliver the late newspaper.

Eventually, the door opened. An old woman pushed the screen door ajar, Adam testified.

A lady, I dont know her name, the boy said from the witness stand. Short and chubby  in a silky nightgown or something.

Adam added that he recognized the lady as one of the people that lived in the house. Hed previously seen the elderly sisters on their porch.

Pictured: The newspaper 11-year-old Adam Mandel delivered to one of the murdered sisters around 11:30 a.m. on the day of the crime. His mother's hand-written notation of the sister's address is shown in the upper left corner. Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com

The woman reached out, took the paper and said, Thank you.

Adam said he turned to walk back to the car. For some reason, he glanced back.

Thats when he witnessed something strange and unsettling.

Like when I got to the end, towards the driveway, like I turned around and she fell, Adam testified.

Inside the door or outside the door? Sperrys defense attorney Ron Turo asked.

Inside the door, the boy said.

Was the front door still open?

Yes, but then I think it closed. I cant remember, Adam answered.

Did you see her get back up?

Well, it looked like she got up on her knees or something. But I dont know, the boy testified.

You didnt go back to help her, did you?

No.

Why not?

I dont know, Adam said.

Adam said he continued looking back at the house even as he walked to the car and climbed inside. His mother asked him what he was looking at.

Why were you turning around? Adam quoted his mother as asking him, adding: I just said, No reason or nothing. Just go.

Adam never told his parents what he saw that day, perhaps because the boy may not have known himself. Did he witness the beginning of a homicidal attack?

The newspaper Adam delivered that day, complete with a notation hand-scrawled by his mother listing the sisters address, was found near Effie McAlichers body in the living room.

Unfortunately for Sperry Jr., confusion clouded the Mandels testimony.

This opened the door for the prosecution.

The DA attacks

When Madeline Mandel got the phone call from one of the sisters, she scribbled their address on a Friday evening edition of the newspaper -- not the missing Saturday morning edition.

She testified that newspapers from both days were arrayed on her kitchen table when she took the call. In the confusion, Mandel testified the Friday edition with her hand-written note was the copy Adam delivered to one of the sisters that Saturday morning.

At trial, DA Eakin made much of this newspaper mix-up, suggesting Mandel and her son actually delivered the missed paper Friday evening  not Saturday morning.

Both Mandels insisted from the witness stand this wasnt the case. Both maintained the delivery took place late Saturday morning.

Eakin went to even greater lengths to discredit the Mandels testimony in his closing arguments, the details of which have only recently come to light. A transcript of the closing remarks had been withheld by the county for more than a year after PennLive first requested all the Sperry trial documents in July 2024.

In his closing, Eakin argued the killer was in and gone by 8:30 a.m. that Saturday, adding:

When did these people sneak in on a busy Saturday morning with the mailman, the milkman, paperboy, (and) lawnmower people up and down the street? When did they get in there? Eleven Saturday morning to break in a basement window? No. I submit these women were dead by the time the sun rose. They had to be under the circumstances.

The late Michael Eakin, Cumberland County's long time District Attorney, is pictured as he finishes his first year as a Superior Court Judge. PennLive file photo Harrisburg Patriot-News

He then attacked Madeline Mandels testimony:

What about Mrs. Mandel? Was she lying? Certainly not. But she cant be right either. Honestly mistaken, but she cant be right.

As for young Adams testimony about handing the late newspaper to one of the sisters that Saturday morning, Eakin countered:

Who answered the door? A killer dressed up like an old lady in a nightgown. Or is he trying real hard to remember and doesnt? Or is he remembering another Saturday?

Eakin challenged both Mandels as having fading, confused recollections from five years before, stating: Whether or not I recall four or five years ago  an honest mistake.

But the police report, taken just days after the murders and detailing the Mandels account, might have refuted Eakins arguments. And it would have backed up Sperry Jr.s alibi, his sister said.

Instead, Sperry-Mauger called Eakins closing argument outright lies. Eakin died earlier this year. He never spoke publicly about the December 2024 PennLive special report raising questions about his 1985 prosecution of Sperry Jr.

Missing evidence

The transcript of Eakins closing arguments wasnt made available by Cumberland County until September. Thats when the county Clerk of Court made an electronic copy of transcript, along with more than 60 exhibits from Sperrys 1985 trial, available for review in a county office by Sperry-Mauger and a PennLive reporter and photographer.

The trial exhibits range from Sperry Jr.s timecard at the motel and a blood-stained basement curtain to broken basement window glass and blowups of alleged fingerprint matches. They were all initially deemed missing by both the Cumberland County DAs office and the clerk of courts.

The exhibits were discovered in late August, days after PennLive published a lengthy story detailing the missing evidence. Mauger asked to review the evidence as part of her ongoing efforts to free her brother.

The once-missing evidence exhibits from Ronald Sperry Jr.'s 1985 double murder trial. They are shown as they were displayed in a Cumberland County courthouse office for review by Sperry Jr.'s sister and PennLive journalists on Sept. 9, 2025. Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com

We did another sweep of the evidence vault that only the court had access to until January 1, 2025, Clerk of Court Denny Lebo told PennLive at the time. We discovered that the evidence was in a different place than was indicated in the database.

Sperry-Maugers legal fight for the suppressed police report comes as she continues to pursue multiple avenues for her brothers release. In May 2023, she filed an application with the Pennsylvania Board of Pardons to have Rons double-life sentence commuted.

However, Cumberland County District Attorney Sean M. McCormack has since filed a response with the pardons board stating his strong opposition to freeing Sperry.

In his letter dated March 6, 2025, McCormack cites Sperrys protestations of innocence as proof of his failure to accept any responsibility for his actions.

He has shown no remorse for his crimes, McCormack wrote. For all these reasons, the Commonwealth objects to clemency in this matter.

Sperry-Mauger also penned letters to Gov. Josh Shapiro and state Sen. Greg Rothman, R-Cumberland County, seeking her brothers compassionate release.

Rothman met with her, noting his personal interest in the case, which occurred in the neighborhood where he grew up.

It was a horrific murder. I knew the house. I knew the neighborhood, Rothman told PennLive. If you had asked me a few months ago whatever happened in that case, I would have told you they never caught the killer.

Thats because the case was cold for four years until Sperry Jr., then 23, was arrested and jailed on an unrelated stolen property charge in August 1984. Sperry Jr., who lived with his parents in the same neighborhood, was linked to the murders after a local police chief suggested his fingerprints, taken after the arrest, be compared with those lifted from the crime scene.

Pictured: Trial exhibits showing Ronald Sperry Jr.'s fingerprints on the left and the prints lifted from the double-murder scene in 1980. The prints were deemed a match by a state police fingerprint expert whose credibility was later called into question. Sept. 9, 2025. Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com

Sperry Jr.s prints were matched by state police trooper Victor Dove to those from the crime scene. Sperry-Mauger is calling for a new expert review of the fingerprint evidence after learning of Doves involvement in a state police evidence scandal that freed a man from death row in 1992.

Jay C. Smith, a principal at Upper Merion High school in suburban Philadelphia, had been convicted in the 1979 murders of a teacher and her two children. But Dove and five other troopers were later accused of withholding evidence that surfaced during Smiths 1986 trial in Dauphin County. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court cited this as prosecutorial misconduct in its ruling that freed Smith.

None of this was known when Dove testified against Sperry Jr. in 1985.

I certainly wanted to make sure we get this stuff right, Rothman told PennLive. I just dont see a role for a state senator without a group like the Innocence Project behind it. We probably get a call a week from a family who feels someone was wrongly convicted.

Sperry-Mauger said her letter to Shapiro, mailed about three weeks ago, has yet to receive a response.

In separate attempts to prove Rons innocence, Sperry-Mauger has sent information about his case to the PA Innocence Project and to the Conviction Integrity Section of the Pennsylvania Attorney Generals office. Shes also suing for a complete listing of all records, both public and private, related to the double murders. This is to ensure nothing else is being wrongly withheld, she said.

Most recently, a Facebook page, entitled Justice for Ronald Sperry Jr., was created and is being maintained by a family friend. Its stated aim: creating awareness and support for Rons bid for freedom.

Theres no knowing when, or if, Sperry-Maugers efforts on her brothers behalf will yield results. But she insists Rons alibi, supported by multiple witnesses, along with the credibility problems surrounding the fingerprint evidence, raises reasonable doubt.

My brother is innocent, she said. Hes been incarcerated for 41 years. Its affecting his mental and physical health. He needs to be released immediately.

Brutal crime

If Sperry Jr. didnt do it, this means a brutal killer may still be out there.

Sisters Felker and McAlicher were siblings of a well-known district judge. McAlicher once headed the Pennsylvania Federation of Womens Clubs. She was caring for her wheelchair-dependent younger sister. By all accounts, the pair didnt have an enemy in the world.

But on Saturday, June 28, 1980, both were stabbed dozens of times with a three-inch blade inside their home. The scene had all the hallmarks of a violent, frenzied overkill.

Convicted of murdering two elderly sisters in their Hampden Township home, Ronald Sperry Jr. has maintained his innocence for more than 40 years. Photo Illustration

Both women were clad in nightgowns. Blood was everywhere, spattering walls, even ceilings.

The small blade punctured each womens lungs, autopsies showed. Massive hemorrhaging flooded their chest cavities. Essentially, they drowned in their own blood.

Their assailant or assailants broke in through a basement window. For years, investigators operated under the theory there was more than one intruder. One of them cut himself on the broken window glass, leaving a trail of his blood at the scene.

At the time of the trial, blood type comparisons did not rule out Sperry. After appeals, a second round of DNA testing was conducted in the mid-1990s. Again, Sperry could not be ruled out as a suspect, but the now-primitive test results were short of a conclusive match.

Sperry-Mauger is now calling for state-of-the-art mitochondrial DNA testing, which can be conducted on older, smaller and even depleted blood samples. This could provide a definitive answer, so long as a testable blood sample from the crime scene still exists, she said.

In September, PennLive emailed questions about the possibility of further fingerprint and blood analysis to DA McCormack. He has not responded to PennLives questions since defending his opposition to Sperry Jr.s sentence commutation in August.

For her part, Sperry-Mauger said she wont stop seeking answers.
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - JULY 12: Simon Neil of Biffy Clyro headlines the Main stage during day two of TRNSMT Festival 2025 at Glasgow Green on July 12, 2025 in Glasgow, Scotland. The band was recently forced to cancel its U.S. tour due to a visa issue. (Photo by Roberto Ricciuti/Redferns) Redferns

The members of the Scottish rock band Biffy Clyro are not very happy right now.

Why? Well, the groups tour of the United States was supposed to start in Los Angeles on Dec. 2, but it has been forced to cancel the entire tour due to a visa error.

In a video posted to Instagram, lead vocalist and guitarist Simon Neil delivered the bad news to the groups fans.

Hello America, I cant quite [expletive] believe Im about to say this, but we have to postpone our US tour that was meant to start in less than a week, he said in the video.

Some [expletive] genius put the wrong start date into our work visa, so when we received our visas in the last couple of days, weve realized it doesnt begin until after the tour is meant to finish.

Weve been in touch with four or five immigration lawyers, weve been in touch with Congress, he continued. Theres [expletive] all any of them can do to help. So, that is why Im incredibly embarrassed and truly, truly sorry to mess you guys around, and to postpone these shows.

Neil said that the band members are so angry about the cancelation, especially since they had to cancel their last show in Los Angeles because he came down with COVID.

Sometimes I feel slightly cursed when it comes to Biffy touring America but were going to try and keep a little bit of faith, Neil said, adding that they plan to reschedule the tour for spring 2026 and that refunds will be available for those who cant make the new dates.

Fans took to the comments section of the video to voice their support for the group.

The last thing we want is Biffy being picked up by ICE cos they got the wrong date on the visas! You will be worth the wait for the USA fans, one person wrote.

A delay is better than canceling!!!! LA will be ready for you!!! Cant wait, another said.

Formed in 1995, the band is known for such songs as Mountains, That Golden Rule and Black Chandelier.
In one Centre County town, the Christmas season means more than just gifts and visits to Santa  it means staring up at a giant, 37-foot cutout of the big man himself, affectionately known as The Tallest Santa in Pennsylvania.

In Philipsburg, the Santa Claus cutout up has been a fixture since 1959.

But last years original display was destroyed by high winds, WJAC reported. Thankfully, the Philipsburg Elks Lodge Santa Committee rebuilt the statue, and committee chairman John Herrington told WJAC it is bigger and stronger than ever.

Herrington said it took around two months to construct and paint the display.

Santa is now in place at Cold Stream Dam and Recreation Park in Philipsburg along Route 322, the Centre Daily Times reported.

The original statue was made by Bill Adams, who graduated in 1937 from Philipsburg High School, hence the not-seemingly random height, WTAJ reported. He made the statue as part of an American Legion project.

The Philipsburg Santa even has his own song, released in 2008, called Forty Foot Santa by Lords a Leaping.

You can view photos and a timelapse video from the raising of Santa at Two Guys and a Cameras website or on their Facebook page.
Sears at Newport Centre mall in Jersey City, seen on Jan. 8, 2024. The store closed in the Spring of 2024. (Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal) Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal

There was a time when Sears was as big as it gets in the retail game in the United States, and having the stores catalog in hand  well, 30 years ago that was about like hoping on Amazon or any of todays modern online mega retailers.

But times have been changing fast for Sears.

Earlier this year, the one-time giant was down to just eight locations, and now eight is down to five, according to a new report from The Street.

To put that in perspective: Sears once had 3,500 stores, making it the largest retailer in the country.

The company has been on a death spiral for well over a decade, former Sears executive Mark Cohen told CBS. It lost sight of the fact that change is a constant.

Still, considering the retailers footprint at one time, the idea that just five remain is likely a shock to many Americans of a certain age.

Kmart actually purchased Sears in an $11 billion merger back in 2005, but the stores were not able to keep up with the retail competition that came from the likes of Walmart and Amazon. Sears filed for bankruptcy in 2018 and then bought out of that in 2019. The struggles have continued since, though, and the retailer is just hanging on by a thread.

For folks looking for a bit of nostalgia and a trip to the store before it is no more, the final five Sears locations are in Coral Gables, Florida; Orlando, Florida; Braintree, Massachusetts; Concord, California and El Paso, Texas.
Federal court rules Trump's former personal lawyer Alina Habba, is disqualified from serving as U.S. attorney in NJ. AP

PHILADELPHIA  President Donald Trumps former personal lawyer Alina Habba, whom the administration has maneuvered to keep in place as New Jerseys top federal prosecutor, is disqualified from serving in the role, an appeal court said Monday.

A panel of judges from the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals sitting in Philadelphia sided with a lower court judges ruling after hearing oral arguments at which Habba herself was present on Oct. 20.

It is apparent that the current administration has been frustrated by some of the legal and political barriers to getting its appointees in place. Its efforts to elevate its preferred candidate for U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey, Alina Habba, to the role of Acting U.S. Attorney demonstrate the difficulties it has faced  yet the citizens of New Jersey and the loyal employees in the U.S. Attorneys Office deserve some clarity and stability, the court wrote in a 32-page opinion.

It concluded: We will affirm the District Courts disqualification order.

The ruling comes amid the push by President Donald Trumps Republican administration to keep Habba as the acting U.S. attorney for New Jersey, a powerful post charged with enforcing federal criminal and civil law. It also comes after the judges questioned the governments moves to keep Habba in place after her interim appointment expired and without her getting Senate confirmation.

Habba, a graduate of Widener Commonwealth Law School in Harrisburg, said after that hearing in a statement posted to X that she was fighting on behalf of other candidates to be federal prosecutors who have been denied a chance for a Senate hearing.

Messages were left Monday seeking comment from the U.S. attorneys office in New Jersey, Habbas personal staffer and the Justice Department.

Habba is hardly the only Trump administration prosecutor whose appointment has been challenged by defense lawyers.

Last week, a federal judge dismissed criminal cases against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James after concluding that the hastily installed prosecutor who filed the charges, Lindsey Halligan, was unlawfully appointed to the position of interim U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. The Justice Department has said it intends to appeal the rulings.

The judges on the panel were two appointed by Republican President George W. Bush, D. Brooks Smith and D. Michael Fisher, as well as one named by Democratic President Barack Obama, Luis Felipe Restrepo.

A lower court judge said in August Habbas appointment was done with a novel series of legal and personnel moves and that she was not lawfully serving as U.S attorney for New Jersey.

That order said her actions since July could be invalidated, but he stayed the order pending appeal.

The government argued Habba is validly serving in the role under a federal statute allowing the first assistant attorney, a post she was appointed to by the Trump administration.

A similar dynamic is playing out in Nevada, where a federal judge disqualified the Trump administrations pick to be U.S. attorney there.

The Habba case comes after several people charged with federal crimes in New Jersey challenged the legality of Habbas tenure. They sought to block the charges, arguing she didnt have the authority to prosecute their cases after her 120-day term as interim U.S. attorney expired.

Habba was Trumps attorney in criminal and civil proceedings before he was elected to a second term. She served as a White House adviser briefly before Trump named her as a federal prosecutor in March.

Shortly after her appointment, she said in an interview with a right-wing influence that she hoped to help turn New Jersey red, a rare overt political expression from a prosecutor.

She then brought a trespassing charge, eventually dropped, against Democratic Newark Mayor Ras Baraka stemming from his visit to a federal immigration detention center.

Habba later charged Democratic U.S. Rep. LaMonica McIver with assault stemming from the same incident, a rare federal criminal case against a sitting member of Congress other than for corruption. McIver denied the charges and pleaded not guilty. The case is pending.

Questions about whether Habba would continue in the job arose in July when her temporary appointment was ending and it became clear New Jerseys two Democratic U.S. senators, Cory Booker and Andy Kim, would not back her appointment.

Earlier this year as her appointment was expiring, federal judges in New Jersey exercised their power under the law to replace Habba with a career prosecutor who had served as her second-in-command.

Bondi then fired the prosecutor installed by the judges and renamed Habba as acting U.S. attorney. The Justice Department said the judges acted prematurely and said Trump had the authority to appoint his preferred candidate to enforce federal laws in the state.

Branns ruling said the presidents appointments are still subject to the time limits and power-sharing rules laid out in federal law.
Shanghai (Gasgoo)- DEEPAL, a new energy vehicle (NEV) maker under Changan Automobile, recently initiated a new fundraising round after listing on the Chongqing United Assets and Equity Exchange, with the transaction slated for completion by the end of December.

Under the plan, incoming investors may take up to a 20% equity stake. Proceeds will be directed toward next-generation vehicle development, advances in intelligent and electric technologies, and strengthening the company's global brand presence.

The move marks another step in DEEPAL's capital-market evolution and offers a timely case study of how Chinese NEV makers seek sustainable value growth in an increasingly rational investment climate.

Changan Automobile has set an ambitious target of five-million-unit annual sales by 2030, with DEEPAL responsible for 2 million of those units. That expectation underscores the brand's strategic role across global expansion, manufacturing capacity planning, and future product deployment.

DEEPAL G13; photo credit: DEEPAL

DEEPAL has now entered nearly 100 countries and has adopted a dual-track strategy combining diversified product releases with multiple powertrain options. This allows the company to meet varied market needs and shift from merely "exporting" to deeply integrating into overseas ecosystems. Such global diversification reduces reliance on any single market and strengthens profitability and brand resilience.

DEEPAL is also advancing development of its second-generation product lineup, with launches scheduled to begin in 2026. The company aims to roll out 30 new models by 2030, assembling a broad portfolio designed to strengthen its competitive moat in global markets.

Notably, existing shareholders plan to participate in the capital increase through private agreements at the same valuation as external investors. The decision signals strong internal confidence in DEEPAL's prospects and helps preserve shareholding stability.

The new capital will reinforce DEEPAL's core prioritiesR&D, intelligent and electrified technologies, and global brand buildingall aligned with its long-term strategy. As China's NEV sector shifts from price-driven rivalry to a competition based on value creation, Deepal is positioning itself with scale, technology, and globalization as the three pillars of its growth trajectory, especially as it emerges as a central asset within the broader Changan Automobile's ecosystem.

The fundraising effort reflects both recognition of the company's progress and renewed support for its future roadmap. Amid a more disciplined investment environment, DEEPAL is demonstrating the potential for predictable, high-certainty growth through solid sales momentum, accumulated technological capability, and an expanding global footprint.
By Sam Janesch, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

WASHINGTON  U.S. Sen. John Fetterman had the lowest fundraising period of his Washington political career over the summer while Pittsburgh-area U.S. Reps. Summer Lee and Chris Deluzio saw donations surge as their national profiles grew, according to a Pittsburgh Post-Gazette review of campaign finance records.

Fettermans fundraising slump coincided with a series of headline-grabbing controversies and polls showing a drop in support among Democratic voters, raising questions about his desire to pursue reelection in 2028.

His largest decline in donations came among small-dollar donors  a key source of funds that have propped up the Braddock Democrats campaigns and that are often a sign of grassroots support, according to the Post-Gazettes analysis of his reports from January 2023 through September 2025.

While continuing to rely almost exclusively on individual donors  as opposed to politicians who rake in funds from corporations, unions or other political leaders  Fetterman raised just under $330,000 in the three-month period from July through September.

That was a third of his average quarterly total during his first two years in office, in 2023 and 2024.

The drop-off in small-dollar contributions was just as steep, falling from about $642,000 at the end of last year to about $98,000 in the most recent quarter, the Post-Gazette found.

Those donors are driven by emotion. They see something they like. They see something they can believe in. For them it represents a significant expression, said Lew Irwin, a Duquesne University political science professor. And if theres confusion on the part of those donors about what Sen. Fetterman actually stands for now, theyre not going to send that money.

Fetterman has acknowledged the shift. In the memoir he released this month, he wrote that he struggled with fundraising and lost a significant part of his base because of his unwavering support of Israel during its war in Gaza. If he were to lose his seat over it, hed be at peace with his decisions, he wrote.

Still, hes rebuffed threats of a challenge from within his own party and still had a $2 million war chest as of Oct. 1, with time to raise more in the next three years.

In a Fox News interview earlier this month, he feigned alarm when asked about the progressive Working Families Partys announcement that theyll recruit a candidate to run against him.

Ooh, ooh, Fetterman said, raising his eyebrows and bringing his hands to his face in a joking gesture before turning serious. I hope so. Because I guarantee whoever they put up, theyre going to make me look (like) the reasonable guy thats going to work with both sides together and find a way for Pennsylvania.

Irwin said money likely wouldnt be an issue if Fetterman decides to run and wins the Democratic nomination again in 2028. But fundraising trailing off at any point is often a reliable indicator that an incumbent might not run again, he said.

It is a serious signal from Fetterman that either theres not the stomach for him to run again, so his sources of funds are drying up, or at least at this point he is signaling hes not going to run again in 2028, Irwin said.

More going out than coming in

Fetterman, whose campaign and Senate office did not return requests for comment, has continued to tap his campaign account for a variety of expenses this year, according to his filings with the Federal Election Commission.

His primary campaign account spent $1.5 million while raising $1.2 million from January through September.

The payments included $100,000 to the Pennsylvania Democratic Party in late September as Democrats worked to defend three state Supreme Court seats. Fetterman also sent $2,500 to the campaigns of two of the justices  Kevin Dougherty and David Wecht  along with $5,000 to the Allegheny County Democratic Committee, and $2,500 to Pennsylvania House Speaker Joanna McClinton, among others.

His only contributions to candidates outside of Pennsylvania this year were to New Jerseys U.S. Sen. Cory Booker and Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, two Democrats up for reelection next year.

Most of Fettermans campaign spending went to consultants, campaign services, travel and food. He spent $460,000 on various campaign consulting services, about $120,000 on travel, about $23,000 on lodging and more than $26,000 on meals or catering, the Post-Gazette found.

Travel costs included nearly $48,500 on air travel, about $19,600 on limo and car services and $19,999 for one payment in July at Jim Shorkey Auto Group, a dealership with locations in and around Pittsburgh.

Lodging costs included almost $2,500 for hotel stays in York, where hes from and where his parents still live. Most disclosures do not describe the purpose of the travel.

Campaign spending on food, meanwhile, included about $10,400 on meals mostly around Washington, D.C.  including $5,068 at Grazie Grazie, a sandwich shop  and another $16,000 described as catering.

Under Federal Election Commission guidelines, federal officeholders may use campaign funds for meals related to the campaign but not for personal groceries or family. Travel can be expensed for costs directly related to the campaign or the individuals official responsibilities in office, but not for personal travel.

And while it was unclear whether Fettermans roughly $20,000 expense at the car dealership was a vehicle purchase, buying a vehicle would be permitted if it was used for the campaign and if its personal use was insignificant in relation to the overall vehicle use, according to the FEC guidelines.

Stephen Medvic, a government professor at Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, said the burn rate  how fast Fetterman is spending down the campaign account  will be a concern if his fundraising woes continue.

He pointed to other Democratic senators who are set to face competitive elections in the same year as Fetterman. U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock, of Georgia, has raised less than Fetterman this year but had twice as much in the bank as of Oct. 1. U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly, of Arizona, has raised far more and had $8.9 million in the bank.

You would expect someone who knew they were running for reelection, knew it was going to be tough, knew they were going to need a lot of money, was raising money aggressively, Medvic said of Fetterman. Maybe theres still time. But the trend in the last year, and the last couple of quarters, doesnt bode well for raising the kind of money youll need.

Deluzio, Lee fundraising in Pennsylvania and beyond

Democrats Deluzio, of Fox Chapel, and Lee, of Swissvale, both raised more than Fetterman in the last quarter while being among the most successful in the state at pulling in money from individuals, including small-dollar donors.

Nearly 85% of Lees donations and 72% of Deluzios donations came from individuals  rather than political committees  this year, the most among Pennsylvanias 17-member U.S. House delegation, the Post-Gazette found.

Lees $427,500 total was nearly double what she raised during the previous quarter. The surge in contributions overlapped with a high-profile moment in which the progressive Democrat led an effort to subpoena the Trump administration for files related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. She also remained outspoken against Israels war tactics in Gaza.

Those national causes contributed to her collecting significantly more of her campaign funds from people outside of Pennsylvania. Among those who gave more than $50  campaigns dont have to disclose the identities of people who donate less than that  about a quarter came from Pennsylvania. That compares to 60% for Deluzio, 36% for Republican U.S. Rep. Guy Reschenthaler and 24% for U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly, the Post-Gazette found.

For Lee, her outspoken advocacy on issues that dominated the news led some people to set up fundraisers in states far from her Western Pennsylvania district.

When others stayed silent, she spoke truth to power, an organizer for a fundraiser for Lee in Houston posted on social media in September. As one of Congresss strongest champions for humanity, Summer Lee fights for dignity and justice for ALL people  from Pittsburgh to Palestine to right here in Houston ... We must protect her at all costs!

Lees campaign filings show she collected $26,500 from donors with Texas addresses in the two days around the fundraiser, and $37,500 in the month of September.

Medvic said it would make sense for Lee to tap into a national pool of donors who are more politically minded and ideologically motivated. Deluzio, on the other hand, is in a relatively competitive district where local donors might be more motivated to give, he said.

She has a higher profile among the progressive base. Shes sort of known nationally among that faction of the party, Medvic said. When you start to make appearances on national cable television and things like that, it becomes pretty easy to raise the money.

Deluzio  whose $417,000 in the latest quarter also topped his fundraising haul in the previous two reporting periods  has also gained a larger profile while calling on his party to embrace economic populism and fight back more aggressively against President Donald Trumps actions.

In the last two weeks, his campaign has used another national moment to help solicit funds: Trumps targeting of him and five other Democrats for posting a video calling on active-duty military and intelligence officers to refuse illegal orders. The president said in social media posts that the message was seditious and punishable by DEATH!

Deluzio, a Navy veteran, responded with another video, saying today, Donald Trump called for my death. His campaign paid $5,000 to $6,000 to promote on Facebook with a donation link, according to Metas ad disclosure library.

After nearly a week of promotion, it had as many as 90,000 impressions, according to Meta, with less than half coming from users in Pennsylvania.

Republicans fundraising

U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick, a Pennsylvania Republican who wont be on the ballot again until 2030, raised about $2.5 million and spent $2.7 million between taking office in January and the last reporting deadline Oct. 1.

A former hedge fund CEO who loaned his campaign nearly $6.5 million last year, McCormicks campaign had not paid himself back for those loans, his filings show.

His spending has included about $719,000 to cover what his campaign reported as debts to political strategists and consultants, and another $717,000 for consulting services this year. Filings showed he still owed about $910,000 to the consultants in addition to the debt to himself personally.

He also spent $321,000 on expenses described largely as travel-related, at least $16,600 on food and beverages, and $16,500 for news or other subscriptions.

The vast majority of his contributions from individuals came from big-dollar donors, and the list of special interest PACs includes major corporations. He received $5,000 each from committees associated with the American Petroleum Institute, BlackRock, CNX, Energy Transfer, Exelon, Exxon Mobil, Highmark and more.

Such donations are typical for newly elected or incumbent officials, and McCormick has shown hes paying close attention to the economic and business issues that those groups care about, Irwin said.

It may be another five years before he has to run again, but they definitely are already thinking about, How do you hang on to this seat? Irwin said. I would imagine youre just going to see him steadily amass a war chest here that comes from those sources, those different interests and different groups.

Reschenthaler, of Peters, Kelly, of Butler, and U.S. Rep. G.T. Thompson, of Centre County  all representing solidly Republican parts of Western Pennsylvania  also raised a larger share of their campaign funds from PACs.

Reschenthaler, who is in U.S. House leadership, raised $1.8 million so far this year. Thompson, whose district stretches from Central Pennsylvania to outside of Pittsburgh, raised almost $1.1 million. Kelly, who represents the northwestern corner of the state, raised $526,000.
Republican lawmakers fought tooth and nail against RGGI, are looking to a wave of investment in natural gas-fired power. Democrats are seeking for other green energy ideas that might have bipartisan appeal. FILE/PHOTO AP Photo/Matt Rourke

What was once the centerpiece of Pennsylvanias clean energy push is dead. Long live clean energy?

Although not quite with the speed of royal succession, the conversation in Harrisburg moved on quickly following the long-awaited budget deal that finally killed Pennsylvanias delayed attempt to join the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), a cap-and-trade program to limit emissions from power plants.

Lawmakers are already talking about what might come next. Republicans, who had fought tooth and nail against RGGI, are expecting a wave of investment in natural gas-fired power. Democrats, despite having thrown in the towel on RGGI, are looking for other green energy ideas that might have bipartisan appeal, or at least present Republicans with less leverage in opposing them.

Were trying to bring them together in a cohesive way. Theres a lot of good ideas out there, said Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Philadelphia, who has led the charge on a number of clean energy initiatives

Fiedlers signature program is Solar for Schools, which was allocated $25 million in last years budget, and another $25 million in the budget approved last month. The program helps install rooftop solar panels on school buildings, getting more green energy up-and-running faster and reducing schools reliance on the grid with rising electricity prices. Last years round of funding saw nearly $90 million in applications, according to Fiedler.

The budget also allocates hundreds of millions in federal incentives  passed down to the states through the 2021 and 2022 federal infrastructure and spending deals  for clean energy initiatives. President Donald Trump has attempted to roll back many of these Joe Biden-era appropriations, and the fate of the programs remains in limbo.

House Democrats have also begun moving on several other ideas. During mid-November session, the House Finance Committee passed a bill further re-allocating a little-used tax credit for hydrogen plants, something that Gov. Josh Shapiro has proposed converting into a green energy investment.

The Energy Committee, chaired by Fiedler, also approved bills reducing regulatory fees on small-scale modular nuclear power, as well as requiring warehouses be built ready to install solar panels.

Such a policy would ensure that those industrial structures do their part to contribute to the commonwealths sustainability goals, its energy production goals, and protect consumers  individual residential households  from bearing the brunt of those large structures and how energy-intensive they are, said the bills author, Rep. Josh Siegel, D-Lehigh County.

All of these ideas come with caveats. Republicans acceded to a number of things they didnt like in this years budget deal in order to abrogate the regulatory framework for RGGI, which had been stayed pending the outcome of an ongoing lawsuit and is now rendered moot. But thats no guarantee theyre going to be amenable to green energy spending going forward.

We want what the market can support, not what the government has to subsidize, House Minority Leader Jesse Topper, R-Bedford County, said at a press conference hailing the RGGI pullout.

Republicans generally oppose incentivizing green energy at the expense of fossil fuels, and we want to make sure that they all have the opportunity to thrive through a competitive market, Topper said. Picking winners and losers through government is not something that I know my caucus is interested in.

Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman, R-Indiana County, also indicated that initiatives like solar arent necessarily a lock for future budgets just because theyve been included in the last two.

We take one budget at a time, and we have a lot of work to do in the next budget, Pittman said. So as far as Im concerned, anything thats been authorized in a given budget is certainly re-opened for discussion going forward.

The second caveat is that whatever clean energy initiatives come down the pipeline, its unlikely that theyll be as expansive as RGGI, which was long held by environmental advocates as the best option.

I dont think anything on the table would match it for climate reductions, said David Masur, executive director of PennEnvironment, an environmental advocacy group. RGGI wouldve been the path to the greatest reductions, the simplest way to do it.

RGGIs cap-and-trade system involves the programs 11 member states setting a limit on greenhouse gas emissions from electricity generators. Facilities that exceed their cap must purchase credits, creating a market disincentive toward dirtier power. Revenues from the credits are used to subsidize clean energy and provide rebates to ratepayers.

Views on what exactly the outcome of such a program could or would have been generally fall along party lines.

Democrats point out that the RGGI member states have cut their emissions from power plants by over 46% since 2008, the year before RGGI started implementation, according to federal data. At the same time, those states didnt see a greater acceleration in their electricity rates than Pennsylvania did, while bringing in $8.6 billion in credit revenue.

Republicans believe this is all a mirage. Even without RGGI, Pennsylvania has cut its power-generating emissions by almost as much, about 45%, over the same time period. Pennsylvanias energy prices are also overall lower than most of the RGGI states, some of which the commonwealth is a net exporter of electricity through the grid.

This is largely attributed to the rise of natural gas-fired plants, which now comprise 59% of Pennsylvanias total generating capacity. While still putting out significant greenhouse gases, natural gas is less dirty than the coal- and petroleum-based generation it replaced.

This leads Republicans to surmise that a cap-and-trade system would have an outsize impact if applied to Pennsylvanias natural gas generation, which has helped to stabilize prices in surrounding states. The framework to enter RGGI, created under former Gov. Tom Wolf, was challenged in court by the GOP and the fossil fuel industry as an unauthorized tax.

Last year, Shapiro said he would stop defending the lawsuit he inherited from Wolf if Republicans agreed to his alternative energy plan, which would involve a credit-trading system similar to RGGI along with greater requirements for electric distributors to source their power from green sources. The plan was not received well by the GOP.

A study done by PennEnvironment earlier this year found that rooftop solar could have a bigger impact than some might assume. If panels were installed on virtually every school roof in the state, it would generate enough power for 187,000 homes, and offset about 1.4 million metric tons of carbon dioxide that would be released by Pennsylvanias current power plant mix.

Pennsylvanias total power-generating emissions in 2023 were the equivalent of 66.5 million metric tons, according to federal data.

The challenge, Masur said, is that while the state can provide incentives to build green energy, only a RGGI-like cap system would provide disincentives against building out fossil fuels, given the overall accelerating demand for electricity driven by data centers.

In some respects, the rush to add more supply to the grid has worked in favor of clean energy, since solar farms and wind turbines can get online faster than fossil fuels.

The business community in the energy and electric world is saying the fastest stuff we can get online is renewables, Masur said  an assertion backed up by PJM Interconnection, the mid-Atlantics regional grid manager, which has said the vast majority of the projects waiting for hookup are renewables.

PJM has come under fire for the slow speed at which it approves new generating capacity for connection to the grid, something it has blamed in part on having to review a large number of smaller-scale solar projects.

This isnt to say that fossil fuel expansion wont also occur. Homer City, once one of Pennsylvanias biggest coal-fired power plants, is now redeveloping with natural gas to power a data center campus. Republican leaders said they expect such moves to accelerate now that investors no longer have to grapple with the specter of RGGI credit costs.

There may also be opportunities outside of just the electricity-generating sector. Last week, the House Finance Committee amended and passed a bill to change Pennsylvanias Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) tax credit, created years ago for a handful of purposes, most notably subsidizing hydrogen production, but little-used.

The amendment would carve out $25 million to offset up to 20% of companies tax liability if they develop low-emissions manufacturing, such as making metals, glass, cement, and other materials without the use of fossil fuel equipment. Previous measures passed by the House would devote millions more to nuclear and geothermal development, semiconductor manufacturing, low-emissions aviation fuel and a host of other initiatives.

All of this remains a matter of political will and priorities. Democrats decision to forgo RGGI in the latest budget was largely in exchange for greater education funding, an earned-income tax credit, and other items not related to clean energy. By the same token, Republicans may very well demand concessions on something unrelated in the future in order to agree to more clean energy funding.

I do think the one thing that changes that dynamic, or could change it, is that energy prices are going to keep going up, Masur said.

PJMs recent auctions for capacity contracts point to further steep increases in electricity rates over the coming year, he said, and lawmakers may get to a point where they push forward on energy policy simply to be able to tell their voters that theyre doing something.
President Donald Trump's administration will review nearly 200,000 cases of refugees resettled in the United States during the Biden administration, reported the Associated Press. That could affect almost 9,000 people in Pa. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) AP

A Trump administration review of refugees admitted during the Biden years could affect more than 8,700 people resettled in Pennsylvania over that period.

Early last week, the Trump administration would re-examine the cases of nearly 200,000 refugees, many from war-torn countries, who entered the United States from 2021 to 2024.

For four straight years, the Biden administration accelerated refugee admissions from terror and gang-prone countries, prioritizing sheer numbers over rigorous vetting and strict adherence to legal requirements, said Tricia McLaughlin, the U.S. Department of Homeland Securitys assistant secretary for public affairs, in a statement to PennLive.

This reckless approach undermined the integrity of our immigration system and jeopardized the safety and security of the American people, said McLaughlin. Corrective action is now being taken to ensure those who are present in the United States deserve to be here.

[That announcement came just days before the shooting in Washington, D.C. that killed one member of the National Guard and left the other critically injured. The suspect is an Afghan national admitted in 2021 under the resettlement program. Since the shooting Trump has said he will expand the review of asylum cases and suspend all immigration requests relating to Afghan nationals.]

Earlier this year, Afghan refugees resettled in the Harrisburg area lamented a move by the Trump administration ordering deportations and halting green card applications.

Some of those refugees to the United States risked their lives helping American forces and fled Afghanistan following the Taliban takeover.

Specific figures for where refugees were resettled in Pennsylvania were not available.

However, the number of refugees resettled in the state increased from 395 in fiscal year 2021 to 1,109 in FY 2022 to 2,768 in FY 2023 and to 4,446 in FY 2024. In FY 2025, there were 1,504 refugees resettled in Pennsylvania.

The top three states with the most refugees in 2024 were Texas, California and New York, according to U.S. Department of State data. Pennsylvania ranked fifth.

Besides Afghanistan, many of the refugees to U.S. have arrived from Venezuela and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The Associated Press, citing a memo it obtained signed by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services director Joseph Edlow, reported that the review would entail re-interviewing all refugees admitted from January 20, 2021, to February 20, 2025.

Edlows memo also suspended green card approvals for the refugees who came here during the Biden administration.

Naomi Steinberg, vice president of U.S. policy and advocacy at the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, a refugee resettlement agency, called the review shockingly ill-conceived, reported the AP.

This is a new low in the administrations consistently cold-hearted treatment of people who are already building new lives and enriching the communities where they have made their homes, said Steinberg.

Jessica Vaughan, the director of policy studies for the Washington, D.C., based Center for Immigration Studies, told PennLive in a statement that the review is a smart move by USCIS given the string of recent vetting failures that have come to light. Strengthening screening procedures isnt just prudent  its necessary to restore integrity to a system that has shown clear vulnerabilities.
Changan Automobile has unveiled its latest lineup of new energy vehicles (NEVs) at the Thailand International Motor Expo 2025.

The AVATR brand (brings the concept of "Emotive Luxury") headlined the event for Changan with the debut of luxury SUV, AVATR 07. The model was lead designed by AVATR's European design team.

CHANGAN DEEPAL, a key part of Changans Thailand portfolio, was represented by the DEEPAL S05, a first made-in-Thailand model, launched in March 2025.

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Changan also introduced the S05 Max Long Range, which comes with a 68.82 kWh battery.

Under its In Thailand, For Thailand strategy, Changan says it is advancing localisation across local manufacturing, marketing, sales, and service.

In May 2025, Changan inaugurated its first overseas NEV plant in Rayong, Thailandemploying over 1,000 Thai workers, and achieving approximately 60 percent local content, the company says.

In August, Changan hosted its first Service Skills Competition in Bangkok to reinforce its global after-sales standards.

Changan says it plans to launch seven models in Thailand over the next three years.

"Changan shows electrified models at Thailand International Motor Expo 2025" was originally created and published by Just Auto, a GlobalData owned brand.




The final SunBet Poker Tour stop of the year has come to a conclusion at the GrandWest Casino by Sun International in Cape Town and it turned out to be a very long night until the crown jewel of the festival had crowned a champion. Out of 344 entries in the Joe-Boy Rahme MonsterStaK Main Event, French player Alexandre Blanc defeated South African veteran Edgar Antezana in heads-up with both players claiming the largest slices of the ZAR 4,334,400 ($251,395) prize pool for the ZAR 15,000 ($850) buy-in.

The tournament was named in memory of South African live poker pioneer Joe Rahme, who participated in this very event one year ago when Mauritius-based Australian player Saurabh Gulati claimed the trophy. Rahme passed away unexpectedly three weeks ago and a tribute video was played every day during the crown jewel of the series in his memory.

With an average of more than 50 big blinds at the restart, it took more than 16 hours to determine a winner and Blanc sealed the victory with a premium pocket pair, of which he picked up many en route to finish a memorable comeback story. On the final few tables, he was down to only five big blinds but patiently waited for his spot to get the chips in.

That discipline turned into a top prize of ZAR 908,900 ($52,716), while runner-up Antezana had to settle for ZAR 600,000 ($34,800). Antezana had only entered the tournament during the extended late registration on Day 2 after deep runs in the High Roller events during the days prior. Norway's Jon Persent and the United Kingdom's Alexander Rizvi were the only other finalists outside of South Africa to reach the final table.

Final Table Results

Place Player Country Prize (ZAR) Prize (USD) 1 Alexandre Blanc France 908,900 $52,716 2 Edgar Antezana South Africa 600,000 $34,800 3 Jon Persent Norway 400,000 $23,200 4 Naven Naicker South Africa 260,000 $15,080 5 Mike Cupido South Africa 208,000 $12,064 6 Jedd Kossew South Africa 170,000 $9,860 7 Alexander Rizvi United Kingdom 135,000 $7,830 8 Franco Da Matta South Africa 110,000 $6,380 9 Jayson Zulch South Africa 92,000 $5,336

Action of the Final Day

After the previous opening flights and lengthy Day 2, the remaining 43 players returned in the money and one could expect frantic action right from the start with many short stacks in contention. However, that wasn't really the case despite the rapid eliminations of Sugen Singh, Caleb October and Gareth Duncan, among others.

On the final four tables, Ariel Mazabow took a crushing blow when he flopped a set of eights and Mike Cupido went runner-runner for a flush. The very same table exploded with action thereafter spearheaded by Cupido, Rayhaan Adam and Marko Nortje. In a non-raised and checked down battle of the blinds, Adam jammed the queen-high river and Nortje reluctantly called with the rivered top pair, only for Adam to show his flopped nut straight.

Nortje had started the day as the chip leader and was suddenly short, but he stuck around for a while and even clawed his way back into contention all the way to the final two tables. By then, Cupido had claimed another high-profile victim when he four-bet jammed king-ten suited to crack the ace-king of Sascha Manns thanks to a turned flush.

Sascha Manns

Damon Fine lost all but one chip when Jayson Zulch hit his three-outer. The South African vlogger had secured the pay jump already, though, and finished in a respectable 23rd place. Adam's wild ride then ended on the feature table, going from hero to zero throughout several hands. Dean Hutchison was then unable to improve with a dominated ace to send the Scottish WSOP Main Event finalist in 2023 to the payout desk.

Not long after, Nortje found a pair and flush draw to go with, but saw his stack reduced to four of the smallest chip denominations. He doubled up two times in quick succession but couldn't get there with pocket fives against the pocket eights of Jedd Kossew. What followed was a tense affair en route to the final table which culminated in the elimination of the 2024 THMC Cape Town Million champion Muaaz Gani when Cupido rivered a flush with a dominated ace.

Cupido was still leading the way with a staggering 74 big blinds and Persent was not far behind, while Blanc was in the middle of the pack after notching up several double-ups in the lead-up. The torch of aggression was passed on from Cupido, who never really got anything going while especially Persent and Blanc dominated the action at the tables. Likewise, Franco Da Matta had been a big stack for a long time but lost all of his momentum once the final table was reached.

Zulch was the first to go when his ace-ten could not beat Antezana's pocket jacks and Da Matta followed thereafter when he check-called three streets at the wrong time against Blanc. The UK's Alexander Rizvi put on a master class of short stack survival but eventually ran out of chips in seventh place.

One of the local fan favourites was the next to fall in sixth and that happened to be the aforementioned Kossew. He got short after a topsy-turvy day and ultimately saw his pocket kings cracked by the ace-ten of Persent, who rivered an ace. Cupido also fell victim to the hot run of the Norwegian when he jammed king-trey into ace-trey and Naven Naicker made it three casualties in a row for the South African players.

Jon Persent

Three-handed play vaulted Blanc into a commanding lead before the two short stacks traded double-ups. Persent had nearly closed the gap to the Frenchman when he "made one mistake" in the early morning hours and five-bet jammed ace-seven into the ace-king of Blanc. With a very healthy lead at his disposal, Blanc sealed the victory in a short-lived heads-up duel because Antezana "just couldn't catch him" to end the tournament more than sixteen hours after the cards went back in the air.

This concludes the PokerNews coverage of South Africa's richest live poker tour in 2025, but many other exciting festivals are just around the corner in one of the busiest months for the global poker community.
Aiken Standard Reporter

Erin Weeks is a reporter with the Aiken Standard. She covers education in Aiken County.

Erin is a graduate of the University of South Carolina Aiken. Her first poetry book, "Origins of My Love," was published by Bottlecap Press in 2022.

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Business Reporter

Andy Tsubasa Field covers business and development for The Post and Courier's Columbia bureau. He has reported on business for the Albany Times Union, general assignment news in Bridgeport for the Connecticut Post, Kansas state politics for the Associated Press and city hall for the Bismarck Tribune.
These SUVs are about to raise the bar

Whether youre a fan of performance-oriented SUVs, electric off-roaders, or three-row family haulers, theres a new SUV on the way sometime over the next three years that fits the bill. All of the SUVs featured here are significant in some way, and none are flights of fancyall have been confirmed for production. If those persistent Corvette SUV rumors were confirmed by Chevrolet, it would have been included too, but even without that, these six SUVs promise to leave a lasting impact.

1. 2026 Toyota RAV4 PHEV

First-ever RAV4 GR Sport gets 324 HP

2026 Toyota RAV4 PHEV GR SportToyota

The all-new Toyota RAV4 starts arriving at dealers late this year, but thats for the normal hybrid models. More exciting are the RAV4 plug-in hybrid derivatives, which are scheduled to arrive at dealers in the spring of 2026.

The current RAV4 PHEV is already a serious performer, but this new one is even better. Its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors produce 324 hp combined, not to mention an all-electric range of up to 52 miles. This powertrain will find its way into the first-ever RAV4 GR Sport, which has a GR-tuned suspension and steering, sportier trim, and the most aggressive styling of the range.

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Pricing for the new PHEV hasnt been published yet, but a small increase over the 2025 versions $44,815 base MSRP is expected.

Related: I Drove The 2026 Toyota RAV4 GR Sport Plug-In Hybrid, Here's My First Drive Review

2. 2026 Jeep Recon

Wrangler toughness meets epic electric power

Jeep

Jeeps CEO admitted the Recon electric SUV may not sell well, especially as it has been revealed just as a spate of EVs have been delayed or canceled. The Recon has a poor range of just 230 miles in Moab guise and a high launch price of $65,000, factors that will limit its appeal.

Still, there are not many electric SUVs out there that can claim to be genuine off-roaders. This can, and its also a blistering on-road performer, with 650 hp and a 0-60 time of just 3.6 seconds. Like the Wrangler, the Recon features removable doors, while the Selec-Terrain system features Snow and Sand modes.

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The 2026 Recon goes into production early next year with the Moab, but we expect cheaper trims to follow at a later stage.

Related: 2026 Jeep Recon EV Arrives With 650 HPAnd Huge Price Tag

3. 2027 Kia Telluride

Family favorite gets aggressive restyle and new engines

2027 Kia Telluride SXP2027 Kia Telluride SXP

Its not a fire-breather like most other SUVs here, but the Kia Telluride is one of the most important models. The first-generation, three-row model was a winner from the start, and the new one debuted recently with a new turbocharged engine, a completely revamped look, and luxurious seating. Theres also a Telluride hybrid for the first time; it makes 329 hp and can hit 35 mpg combined.

For buyers who want to tackle some dirt roads, the improved X-Pro model features an electronic limited-slip differential, a center differential lock, and wider all-terrain tires. Its ground clearance has also improved to over nine inches. All trims benefit from a larger interior, while top models even get massaging seats.

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The 2027 Kia Telluride goes on sale in the first quarter of 2026.

4. 2027 Genesis GV60 Magma

Genesis takes on BMW M and Mercedes-AMG for the first time

Genesis GV60 MagmaGenesis

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Revealed just days ago, the GV60 Magma is an electric performance crossover that also catapults the brands Magma performance division into the spotlight. Aggressively styled, the GV60 Magma wears big wheels and a prominent rear spoiler, the latter being one of many aerodynamic enhancements.

When Boost Mode is engaged, this fiery vehicle unleashes 640 horsepower and will reach 60 mph in a claimed 3.4 seconds. Hyundai has already proven its EV performance prowess with the Ioniq 5 N, and now we get to experience that same capability in a more luxurious package. This sporty Genesis is expected to arrive in 2026, with pricing expected closer to the launch date.

5. 2027 Rivian R3X

Rivian's smallest adventure SUV

2027 Rivian R3XRivian

So far, Rivian has focused on the full-size SUV segment with the R1S. But the R2, R3, and R3X revealed last year will open the EV maker up to a much broader audience, just as the Model Y did for Tesla. Of these upcoming Rivian SUVs, its the R3X that has charmed the most onlookers.

The retro design is impossibly cool, and the more rugged touches of the R3X (relative to the R3) work a treat, making this a direct Volvo EX30 Cross Country alternative. A tri-motor electric powertrain is expected to deliver epic power and performance, especially in a vehicle thats so much lighter and smaller than the R1S.

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Pricing is unknown at this stage, but the R3X is expected to arrive early in 2027.

6. 2028 Scout Traveler

Iconic nameplate revived for rugged SUV

Scout Traveler Scout Motors

Last but not least is the Scout Traveler, a revival of the Scout nameplate by the Volkswagen Group. The recipe isnt far off that of the Rivian, with retro styling and impressive performanceexpect 1,000 lb-ft of torque from two electric motors. The Scout will be a properly rugged SUV, though, thanks to its body-on-frame structure and solid rear axle. Anyone afraid of range anxiety need not worry, as the Traveler will also be available with a gas range-extender powertrain, an option that is proving overwhelmingly popular based on early reservations.

Production of the Traveler is expected to begin in 2027, with an anticipated starting price of under $60,000. Based on the early figures, the Traveler looks like trouble for the Jeep Recon that arrives first.

This story was originally published by Autoblog on Nov 30, 2025, where it first appeared in the Features section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Grace Beahm Alford is the Assistant Visuals Editor for The Post and Courier, where she has been since 2001. Her photojournalism has sent her to every corner of South Carolina, and was part of the newspaper's team recognized as a Pulitzer Prize Finalist in Feature Photography for coverage of the mass shooting at Emanuel AME Church.
PR-Inside.com: 2025-11-30 23:25:06

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NEW YORK CITY, NY AND NEW ORLEANS, LA / ACCESS Newswire / November 30, 2025 /Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF") and KSF partner, former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors with substantial losses that they have untilJanuary 26, 2026to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. ("Alexandria" or the "Company") (NYSE:ARE), if they purchased or otherwise acquired the Company's securities between January 27, 2025 to October 27, 2025, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Central District of California.What You May DoIf you purchased securities of Alexandria and would like to discuss your legal rights and how this case might affect you and your right to recover for your economic loss, you may, without obligation or cost to you, contact KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or via email ( lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com) , or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-are/ to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in this class action, you must petition the Court byJanuary 26, 2026 .About the LawsuitAlexandria and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.On October 27, 2025, post-market, the Company disclosed financial results for the third quarter of fiscal year 2025 that were below expectations, including cuts to its FFO guidance for the full-year 2025, due to lower occupancy rates, slower leasing activity and most notably, a real estate impairment charge of $323.9 million with $206 million attributed to its LIC property.On this news, the price of Alexandria's shares fell from a closing market price of $77.87 per share on October 27, 2025 to $62.94 per share on October 28, 2025, a decline of about 19% in the span of just a single day.The case is Warren Hern v. Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc., et al., No. 25-cv-11319.About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCKSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nation's premier boutique securities litigation law firms. This past year, KSF was ranked by SCAS among the top 10 firms nationally based upon total settlement value. KSF serves a variety of clients, including public and private institutional investors, and retail investors - in seeking recoveries for investment losses emanating from corporate fraud or malfeasance by publicly traded companies. KSF has offices in New York, Delaware, California, Louisiana, Chicago, and a representative office in Luxembourg.TOP 10 Plaintiff Law Firms - According to ISS Securities Class Action ServicesTo learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com Contact:Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCLewis Kahn, Managing Partnerlewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com1-877-515-18501100 Poydras St., Suite 960New Orleans, LA 70163CONNECT WITH US: Facebook || Instagram || YouTube || TikTok || LinkedInSOURCE: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC
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NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / December 1, 2025 / Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC is investigating potential claims on behalf of purchasers of Alibaba Group Holding Limited ("Alibaba" or "the Company") (NYSE:BABA). Investors who purchased Alibaba securities are encouraged to obtain additional information and assist the investigation by visiting the firm's site: bgandg.com/BABA Investigation DetailsOn November 14, 2025, during market hours, Reuters published an article entitled "White House says Alibaba is helping Chinese military target US, FT reports." The article stated that Alibaba had been accused of "providing technological support for Chinese military operations against targets in the United States, the Financial Times said on Friday, citing a White House memo." Following this news, Alibaba American Depositary Shares ("ADSs") dropped during intraday trading on November 14, 2025.What's Next?If you are aware of any facts relating to this investigation or purchased Alibaba securities, you can assist this investigation by visiting the firm's site: bgandg.com/BABA . You can also contact Peretz Bronstein or his client relations manager, Nathan Miller, of Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC: 332-239-2660There is No Cost to YouWe represent investors in class actions on a contingency fee basis. That means we will ask the court to reimburse us for out-of-pocket expenses and attorneys' fees, usually a percentage of the total recovery, only if we are successful.Why Bronstein, Gewirtz & GrossmanBronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC is a nationally recognized firm that represents investors in securities fraud class actions and shareholder derivative suits. Our firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors nationwide.Follow us for updates on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, or Instagram.Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.ContactBronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLCPeretz Bronstein or Nathan Miller 332-239-2660 | info@ bgandg.com SOURCE: Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC
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SAN FRANCISCO, CA / ACCESS Newswire / December 1, 2025 / Authorium , the cloud-based technology platform for government administrative operations, today announced that the Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR) will host the company's technology in its Innovation Lab. DIR and Authorium logos DIR's logo in white and Authorium's logos on a navy blue backdropDIR's Innovation Lab provides a secure and controlled environment where Texas officials and staff from all state agencies, higher education institutions, and local government entities can explore, demo, and utilize emerging technology in a no-risk environment before engaging in the procurement process. Authorium is making select components of its procurement workflow and AI-enhanced features available in the Lab."Authorium is honored to be selected for inclusion in the Innovation Lab as the DIR team is tasked with leveraging the world's most powerful technology to solve critical challenges," said Jay Nath and Kamran Saddique, Authorium's Co-CEOs. "City, county, state, and federal government teams recognize and rely on Authorium's solutions for increased efficiency, effectiveness, visibility, and compliance and we look forward to showcasing these values in Texas." Unlike commercial platforms adapted for government use, Authorium was designed exclusively for public-sector use and 60% of the public benefit corporation's staff served in government themselves. The platform is hosted in AWS GovCloud, TXRAMP certified, and SOC 2 verified, ensuring compliance with the State of Texas' highest security and data protection standards.Authorium is fully cloud-based, allowing agencies to explore and test capabilities with no installation or IT overhead. Texas government employees looking to explore emerging technology in the DIR Innovation Lab can emailinnovation@ dir.texas.govfor more information.About DIR DIR's mission is to serve the Texas government by leading the state's technology strategy, protecting state technology infrastructure, and offering innovative and cost-effective solutions for all levels of government. Learn more about DIR atdir.texas.gov About Authorium Authorium is a no-code, cloud-based platform exclusively for government administrative operations. Government teams rely on us to support budget and grant administration, contract lifecycle management, HR processes, procurement, and legislative analysis. As a public benefit corporation, we serve the government workers that serve their communities, including Washington Technology Solutions, New York State Department of Motor Vehicles and Florida Department of Children and Families. Learn more atauthorium.com ###Contact InformationAuthorium Press Marketingmarketing@ authorium.com 877-757-4982SOURCE: Authorium
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NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / December 1, 2025 / Byzfunder NY LLC ("Byzfunder") recently suffered a data breach that compromised the sensitive personal data of individuals. This data breach has led to concerns over the security of sensitive personal information entrusted to Byzfunder.WHAT'S THIS ABOUT?On September 19, 2025, Byzfunder became aware of a security incident involving one of its cloud software solutions. Upon detection, Byzfunder launched an investigation with the assistance of third-party cybersecurity experts to determine the nature and scope of the incident.The investigation determined that an unauthorized third party may have accessed or acquired certain files between September 1, 2025, and September 20, 2025. Byzfunder conducted a comprehensive review of the impacted data to determine what information was compromised and identify affected individuals.The impacted data may include names, and Social Security numbers.On November 19, 2025, Byzfunder submitted a notice to the Maine Attorney General's Office and began sending notice letters to impacted individuals. Compensation may be available for those individuals who receive notice that their sensitive personal information was compromised.WHY YOU MAY BE ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION?Data breaches are serious matters that can cause long-term damage. Hackers may use stolen information to commit identity theft, financial fraud, or other crimes. Companies that fail to secure your personal data may be held liable for the resulting harm.HOW DO I KNOW IF I WAS AFFECTED?If you received a data breach notification letter from Byzfunder NY LLC, you are likely to be affected. Follow the link below to find out if you may be eligible for compensation.Levi & Korsinsky, LLP is investigating whether affected individuals are entitled to compensation. There is no cost or obligation to participate. Follow the link below to find out:Levi & Korsinsky, LLP is a nationally recognized consumer advocacy law firm that has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars against large corporations. The firm's team of over 70 extraordinary attorneys and professionals have a winning track record going against the most powerful defense attorneys in the world and know how to maximize your compensation. Our firm works on a 100% contingency fee basis - you pay nothing unless we win your case! Visit our website to learn more.Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.CONTACT: Levi & Korsinsky, LLPJoseph E. Levi, Esq.Ed Korsinsky, Esq.33 Whitehall Street, 27th FloorNew York, NY 10004 jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com Tel: (212) 363-7500Fax: (212) 363-7171 https://zlk.com/ SOURCE: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP
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NEW YORK, NY AND NEW ORLEANS, LA / ACCESS Newswire / December 1, 2025 /Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF") and KSF partner, former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors that they have untilDecember 8, 2025to file lead plaintiff applications in securities class action lawsuit against WPP plc (NYSE:WPP), if they purchased or otherwise acquired the Company's securities between February 22, 2024 and July 8, 2025, inclusive (the "Class Period"). These actions are pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.What You May DoIf you purchased securities of WPP and would like to discuss your legal rights and how this case might affect you and your right to recover for your economic loss, you may, without obligation or cost to you, contact KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or via email ( lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com) , or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-wpp/ to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in this class action, you must petition the Court byDecember 8, 2025 .About the LawsuitsWPP 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 first-filed case is Marty v. WPP plc, 25-cv-08365. A subsequent case, Teamsters Local 456 Annuity Fund v. WPP plc, 25-cv-09930, expanded the class period.About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCKSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nation's premier boutique securities litigation law firms. This past year, KSF was ranked by SCAS among the top 10 firms nationally based upon total settlement value. KSF serves a variety of clients, including public and private institutional investors, and retail investors - in seeking recoveries for investment losses emanating from corporate fraud or malfeasance by publicly traded companies. KSF has offices in New York, Delaware, California, Louisiana, Chicago, and a representative office in Luxembourg.TOP 10 Plaintiff Law Firms - According to ISS Securities Class Action ServicesTo learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com Contact:Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCLewis Kahn, Managing Partnerlewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com1-877-515-18501100 Poydras St., Suite 960New Orleans, LA 70163CONNECT WITH US: Facebook || Instagram || YouTube || TikTok || LinkedInSOURCE: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC
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NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / November 30, 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
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HARROGATE, TENNESSEE / ACCESS Newswire / December 1, 2025 / Commercial Bank is pleased to announce that Dr. Jason McConnell of Rose Hill, VA, has been appointed to the Board of Directors for the bank. Dr. McConnell brings extensive experience in technology integration, financial oversight, and strategic growth; skills that align with the bank's mission and innovation goals.Jason McConnell is a figurehead in the Harrogate community, currently serving as President of Lincoln Memorial University, where he has facilitated its expansion into Florida and integrated an AI analysis platform that is serving as a national model. During his tenure at LMU, he has held several key roles, including Senior Network Administrator, Director of Medical Information Technology, Chief Information Officer, Executive Vice President for Finance, and Senior Executive Vice President, before being named President in 2024."We are delighted to welcome Jason to the Commercial Bank board. His expertise in higher education will be invaluable as we continue to advance our strategic priorities and serve our communities," Said Adam Robertson, Executive Chairman of the Board.Dr. McConnell states, "I am truly honored to join the board of Commercial Bank. As a university president, technologist, business owner, and pilot, I've devoted my career to connecting innovation with real-world impact. Commercial Bank embodies that same spirit, grounded in trusted relationships and driven by forward-thinking solutions that help individuals and businesses thrive. I'm grateful for the opportunity to contribute, even in a small way, to a company that continues to define what community-focused banking can mean in a modern, connected world." Jason McConnell holds a PhD in Information Technology and a Doctorate of Business Administration. He resides in his hometown in Virginia with his wife, Beth, and two sons. Outside of work and academia, he is an avid pilot with a passion for exploration and adventure. Commercial Bank is confident his leadership and vision will help guide us to continued success.About Commercial Bancgroup, Inc.Commercial Bancgroup, Inc. is a bank holding company headquartered in Harrogate, Tennessee. Through our wholly owned subsidiary, Commercial Bank, a Tennessee state-chartered commercial bank, we offer a suite of traditional consumer and commercial banking products and services to businesses and individuals in select markets in Kentucky, North Carolina, and Tennessee. More information about Commercial can be found on its website at www.cbtn.com ContactsPhilip J. MethenySr. Executive Vice President, Chief Financial OfficerCommercial Bancgroup, Inc. ir@ cbtn.com 423-869-5151 Ext. 3307Roger MobleyExecutive Vice President, Chief Financial OfficerCommercial Bank ir@ cbtn.com 704-648-0185 Ext. 4118SOURCE: Commercial Bancgroup, Inc.
Toyota, one of the largest car manufacturers in the U.S., is planning to invest more in the country to build more hybrid cars. The company recently announced a $912-million plan to expand five plants that produce hybrid cars, with West Virginia getting its lion's share. According to The Parkersburg News and Sentinel, Toyota's Putnam County manufacturing plant will receive $453 million, allowing the factory to increase the output of its sixth-generation hybrid production by 300%. This expansion will also create 80 new positions, bringing jobs and opportunities to the community at large.

The announcement for the West Virginia site follows an $88 million investment revealed earlier in April 2025, meaning Toyota has spent over half a billion dollars in the area in just this year alone. The nearly billion-dollar total expenditure across multiple regions of the United States is part of the carmaker's $10-billion commitment to the U.S. economy to expand hybrid vehicle production over the next five years, especially as it sees demand for that powertrain steadily increasing. However, we should note that Toyota's West Virginia factory does not assemble vehicles  instead, it produces hybrid-compatible engines, hybrid transaxles, and rear motor stators for various hybrid Toyota models.

Read more: 10 Toyota Models With Terrible Resale Value

How many hybrid models does Toyota have?

a red 2026 Toyota RAV4 PHEV GR Sport - Toyota USA

The Japanese carmaker is forecasting an increase in hybrid demand, especially as it slowly transitions to an all-hybrid lineup, according to a 2024 Reuters report. We've seen this move in the 2026 Toyota RAV4, which is now available only as a hybrid or a plug-in hybrid. Given that this model is the world's best-selling car and has even supplanted the venerable F-150 as the most popular vehicle in the U.S., the company certainly expects it will need more hybrid powertrains to meet demand for this crossover.

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Aside from that, the brand offers 16 hybrid models in its 2025 lineup. The most affordable model is the Toyota Corolla Hybrid, starting at $23,825 (excluding destination fees), while the priciest hybrid option is the Toyota Sequoia, a full-size SUV with top trim costing $83,915. It also offers hybrid trucks with the Toyota Tundra and Tacoma i-FORCE MAX models; so, whether you're into cars, pickups, or SUVs, there's a Toyota hybrid for you.

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Read the original article on SlashGear.
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NEW ORLEANS, LA AND NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / December 1, 2025 /Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF") and KSF partner, former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors that they have untilDecember 23, 2025to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against James Hardie Industries plc ("James Hardie" or the "Company") (NYSE:JHX), if they purchased or otherwise acquired the Company's shares between May 20, 2025, and August 18, 2025, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.What You May DoIf you purchased shares of James Hardie and would like to discuss your legal rights and how this case might affect you and your right to recover for your economic loss, you may, without obligation or cost to you, contact KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or via email ( lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com) , or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-jhx/ to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in this class action, you must petition the Court byDecember 23, 2025 .About the LawsuitJames Hardie and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.On August 19, 2025, despite prior reassurances that its North America Fiber Cement segment remained strong, the Company disclosed that sales in North America Fiber Cement declined by 12% due to customer destocking first discovered "in April through May," that was expected to impact sales for at least the next two quarters.On this news, the price of James Hardie's shares fell by over 34%, or $9.79 per share, from a closing price of $28.43 per share on August 18, 2025 to $18.64 per share on August 20, 2025.The case is Laborers' District Council and Contractors' Pension Fund of Ohio v. James Hardie Industries plc, et al., No. 25-cv-13018.About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCKSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nation's premier boutique securities litigation law firms. This past year, KSF was ranked by SCAS among the top 10 firms nationally based upon total settlement value. KSF serves a variety of clients, including public and private institutional investors, and retail investors - in seeking recoveries for investment losses emanating from corporate fraud or malfeasance by publicly traded companies. KSF has offices in New York, Delaware, California, Louisiana, Chicago, and a representative office in Luxembourg.TOP 10 Plaintiff Law Firms - According to ISS Securities Class Action ServicesTo learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com Contact:Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCLewis Kahn, Managing Partnerlewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com1-877-515-18501100 Poydras St., Suite 960New Orleans, LA 70163CONNECT WITH US: Facebook || Instagram || YouTube || TikTok || LinkedInSOURCE: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC
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NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / December 1, 2025 / Personic Management Company LLC d/b/a Personic Health ("Personic") recently suffered a data breach that compromised the sensitive personal and protected health data of individuals. This data breach has led to concerns over the security of sensitive personal and protected health information entrusted to Personic.WHAT'S THIS ABOUT?On September 1, 2025, Personic became aware of unauthorized activity affecting a third-party software platform used to process patient information. Upon learning of this unauthorized activity, Personic launched a comprehensive investigation with the support of external cybersecurity experts and notified law enforcement. The investigation determined that an unauthorized actor had accessed the third-party software platform on August 29, 2025, and obtained certain data.The impacted data may includenames and protected health information (PHI).On November 18, 2025, Personic filed a notice with the office of the Attorney General of Maine andbegan sending notice letters to impacted individuals.Compensation may be available for those individuals who receive notice that their sensitive personalinformation was compromised.WHY YOU MAY BE ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION?Data breaches are serious matters that can cause long-term damage. Hackers may use stolen information to commit identity theft, financial fraud, or other crimes. Companies that fail to secure your personal data may be held liable for the resulting harm.HOW DO I KNOW IF I WAS AFFECTED?If you received a data breach notification letter from Personic Management Company LLC, you are likely to be affected. Follow the link below to find out if you may be eligible for compensation.Levi & Korsinsky, LLP is investigating whether affected individuals are entitled to compensation. There is no cost or obligation to participate. Follow the link below to find out:Levi & Korsinsky, LLP is a nationally recognized consumer advocacy law firm that has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars against large corporations. The firm's team of over 70 extraordinary attorneys and professionals have a winning track record going against the most powerful defense attorneys in the world and know how to maximize your compensation. Our firm works on a 100% contingency fee basis - you pay nothing unless we win your case! Visit our website to learn more. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.CONTACT: Levi & Korsinsky, LLPJoseph E. Levi, Esq.Ed Korsinsky, Esq.33 Whitehall Street, 27th FloorNew York, NY 10004 jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com Tel: (212) 363-7500Fax: (212) 363-7171 https://zlk.com/ SOURCE: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP
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NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / December 1, 2025 / California Casualty Indemnity Exchange, California Casualty Insurance Company, California Casualty & Fire Insurance Company, or California Casualty General Insurance Company of Oregon ("California Casualty") recently suffered a data breach that compromised the sensitive personal information of individuals. This data breach has led to concerns over the security of sensitive personal information entrusted to California Casualty.WHAT'S THIS ABOUT?California Casualty recently became aware of suspicious activity on its IT network. Upon detection, California Casualty launched an investigation with the assistance of a third-party cybersecurity firm to determine the nature and scope of the incident. The investigation determined that an unauthorized third party gained access to the California Casualty's IT network between September 2, 2025, and September 8, 2025.The impacted data may includenames, Social Security numbers, driver's license or state identification numbers, dates of birth, tax identification numbers, and financial account numbers.On November 19, 2025, California Casualty filed a notice with the Attorney General of Maine and may soon begin mailing notification letters to impacted individuals.Compensation may be available for those individuals who receive notice that their sensitive personalinformation was compromised.WHY YOU MAY BE ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION?Data breaches are serious matters that can cause long-term damage. Hackers may use stolen information to commit identity theft, financial fraud, or other crimes. Companies that fail to secure your personal data may be held liable for the resulting harm.HOW DO I KNOW IF I WAS AFFECTED?If you received a data breach notification letter from California Casualty Companies, you are likely to be affected. Follow the link below to find out if you may be eligible for compensation.Levi & Korsinsky, LLP is investigating whether affected individuals are entitled to compensation. There is no cost or obligation to participate. Follow the link below to find out:Levi & Korsinsky, LLP is a nationally recognized consumer advocacy law firm that has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars against large corporations. The firm's team of over 70 extraordinary attorneys and professionals have a winning track record going against the most powerful defense attorneys in the world and know how to maximize your compensation. Our firm works on a 100% contingency fee basis - you pay nothing unless we win your case! Visit our website to learn more. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.CONTACT: Levi & Korsinsky, LLPJoseph E. Levi, Esq.Ed Korsinsky, Esq.33 Whitehall Street, 27th FloorNew York, NY 10004 jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com Tel: (212) 363-7500Fax: (212) 363-7171 https://zlk.com/ SOURCE: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP
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NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / December 1, 2025 / Anchorage Neighborhood Health Center("ANHC") recently suffered a data breach that compromised the sensitive personal and protected health data of individuals. This data breach has led to concerns over the security of sensitive personal and protected health information entrusted to ANHC.WHAT'S THIS ABOUT?Recently, Anchorage Neighborhood Health Center became aware of a security incident on its systems. Upon detection, ANHC launched an investigation with the assistance of third-party cybersecurity experts to determine the nature and scope of the incident. The investigation determined that an unauthorized third party gained access to certain ANHC systems.Theimpacted data may includenames, dates of birth, SocialSecurity numbers, driver's license or state identification numbers, medical treatment information, and health insuranceinformation.On November 19, 2025, ANHC filed a public notice with the office of the Attorney General of Maine and began sending notice letters to impacted individuals. Compensation may be available for those individuals who receive notice that their sensitive personalinformation was compromised.WHY YOU MAY BE ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION?Data breaches are serious matters that can cause long-term damage. Hackers may use stolen information to commit identity theft, financial fraud, or other crimes. Companies that fail to secure your personal data may be held liable for the resulting harm.HOW DO I KNOW IF I WAS AFFECTED?If you received a data breach notification letter from Anchorage Neighborhood Health Center, you are likely to be affected. Follow the link below to find out if you may be eligible for compensation.Levi & Korsinsky, LLP is investigating whether affected individuals are entitled to compensation. There is no cost or obligation to participate. Follow the link below to find out:Levi & Korsinsky, LLP is a nationally recognized consumer advocacy law firm that has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars against large corporations. The firm's team of over 70 extraordinary attorneys and professionals have a winning track record going against the most powerful defense attorneys in the world and know how to maximize your compensation. Our firm works on a 100% contingency fee basis - you pay nothing unless we win your case! Visit our website to learn more. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.CONTACT: Levi & Korsinsky, LLPJoseph E. Levi, Esq.Ed Korsinsky, Esq.33 Whitehall Street, 27th FloorNew York, NY 10004 jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com Tel: (212) 363-7500Fax: (212) 363-7171 https://zlk.com/ SOURCE: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP
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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / December 1, 2025 / Linear Minerals Corp. ("Linear" or the "Company") (CSE:LINE)(OTCQB:LINMF)(WKN:A2J C89) is pleased to announce that, further to its news releases dated August 1, 2025 and November 6, 2025 the statutory arrangement under a plan of arrangement (the "Arrangement") with Westlinear Minerals Corp. ("Westlinear") has been completed on November 28, 2025.Completion of the Arrangement, as set forth in the arrangement agreement and plan of arrangement dated August 1, 2025 (the "Arrangement Agreement"), entered into between the Company and Westlinear, was approved by the shareholders of the Company (the "Linear Shareholders") on October 22, 2025 and by the Supreme Court of British Columbia on October 29, 2025, in accordance with Part 9 of the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia), and accepted by the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "Exchange").Pursuant to the Arrangement Agreement and on the payable date of November 28, 2025, the following occurred:6,833,452 common shares of Westlinear (the "SpincoShares") were distributed to the Linear Shareholders on a pro rata basis. The Linear Shareholders received one (1) Spinco Share with respect to every ten (10) common shares of Linear held as at November 25, 2025, being the share distribution record date;Linear transferred the assets to Westlinear, being the Pontax West Lithium Property in Quebec, which assets are described in the Company's management information circular dated August 28, 2025, which was filed on SEDAR+ atwww.sedarplus.ca on September 8, 2025 under the Company's SEDAR+ profile;Westlinear became a reporting issuer in the Provinces of British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario; andLinear retained its working capital for its assets, and remains listed on the Exchange and continues to trade under the trading symbol, Linear, as a junior exploration company, and continues to be a reporting issuer in the provinces of British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario.In addition, the Company is pleased to announce it has signed an agreement for a three-month European advertising and investor awareness campaign with Aktiencheck.de AG. and its principal, Stefan Lindam, both arm's length parties to the Company. Based in Bad Marienberg, Germany. The awareness campaign is anticipated to commence on December 1, 2025, and will run for up to 3 months. The initial cost of the Campaign is EUR 25,000 and the Company may elect to extend the campaign. No shares or options are issuable to Aktiencheck.de AG or its principal as part of the engagement.The principal of Aktiencheck.de AG is Stefan Lindam of Bahnhofstrae 6 56470 Bad Marienberg Deutschland. Mr. Lindam's email isstefan.lindam@aktiencheck.deand main contact number is +49 2661 9890020. Aktiencheck.de AG and its principal have no present interest, directly or indirectly, in Linear Minerals Corp or its securities, and no right or intent to acquire such an interest.On behalf of the board of directors."Gurminder Sangha"CEO, DirectorFor further information, please contact the Company at:info@ linearminerals.com Forward Looking StatementsWhen used in this news release, the words "estimate", "project", "belief", "anticipate", "intend", "expect", "plan", "predict", "may" or "should" and the negative of these words or such variations thereon or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements and information. Although the Company believes, in light of the experience of their respective officers and directors, current conditions and expected future developments and other factors that have been considered appropriate, that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements and information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them because the parties can give no assurance that such statements will prove to be correct. The forward-looking statements and information in this news release include, amongst others, the Company's plans regarding the Arrangement. Such statements and information reflect the current view of the Company. There are risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in those forward-looking statements and information.By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements or implied by such forward-looking statements. There are a number of important factors that could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those indicated or implied by forward-looking statements and information. Such factors include, among others: currency fluctuations; limited business history of the parties; disruptions or changes in the credit or security markets; results of operation activities and development of projects; project cost overruns or unanticipated costs; shareholder, court and regulatory approvals; and general development, market and industry conditions.The Company undertakes no obligation to comment on analyses, expectations or statements made by third parties in respect of its securities or its financial or operating results (as applicable). The Company cautions that the foregoing list of material factors is not exhaustive. When relying on the Company's forward-looking statements and information to make decisions, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. The Company has assumed that the material factors referred to in the previous paragraph will not cause such forward-looking statements and information to differ materially from actual results or events. However, the list of these factors is not exhaustive and is subject to change and there can be no assurance that such assumptions will reflect the actual outcome of such items or factors.The forward-looking information contained in this news release represents the expectations of the Company as of the date of this news release and, accordingly, are subject to change after such date. The Company does not undertake to update this information at any particular time except as required in accordance with applicable laws.SOURCE: Linear Minerals Corp.
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CASPER, WY / ACCESS Newswire / December 1, 2025 / Lost Soldier Oil and Gas II Master Series LLC ("Lost Soldier" or the "Company"), a Wyoming Limited Liability Company, today announced it has entered into a Strategic Partnership and Framework Agreement with Upland Resources Limited ("Upland"), (LSE:UPL), a United Kingdom public company, establishing a commercial bilateral investment, intended farm-in arrangements, and a broader operational partnership.The framework agreement is a combined total of ~USD $8.6 million of bilateral strategic investment through a mutual stock and private placement unit subscription. Lost Soldier will provide technical services support in the areas of drilling, midstream, unconventional development and operational oversight. Lost Soldier has the option to farm-in and participate for up to 20% working interest at the project level in Upland's focus areas in Southeast Asia. Upland gains a strong partner with technical expertise and unconventional high pressure gas experience to develop their projects.The execution of this framework agreement and bilateral investment represents a significant milestone for Lost Soldier, giving the company exposure to future international oil and gas production. The investment also makes Lost Soldier one of the largest shareholders in Upland, whose primary focus is on exploration and developing oil and gas assets.This transformative investment provides Lost Soldier with direct exposure to areas of unexplored potential, directly offsetting proven world-class production. The petroleum systems in these areas are well documented and include untapped unconventional targets. This enables Lost Soldier's operational expertise and drilling capability to provide synergy to Upland and value for Lost Soldier's investors and Upland's shareholders.Marc Bruner, CEO of Lost Soldier LLC, commented: "We are excited by the scale, revenue potential, and long-term prospects of Upland's Southeast Asian opportunities and the exclusive position Upland have secured. This partnership synergizes our experience in large-scale unconventional gas development alongside Upland's high-quality targets. We look forward to advancing these projects and generating sustainable, long-term value for both companies and their shareholders." Bolhassan Di, Chairman and CEO of Upland, added: "This strategic partnership with Lost Soldier is a significant milestone for Upland. Lost Soldier has a proven track record with the drilling and development of high-pressure gas discoveries. These capabilities align perfectly with the growing requirement throughout Southeast Asia to develop high pressure gas fields and unconventional resources. What began as an introduction through Josh Galloway, now our Head of Drilling Services, over one year ago, has developed into a bilateral investment providing exposure to world-class unconventional gas resources, long-term revenue streams, and substantial operational capability. This agreement positions Upland to accelerate project development, optimize operations, and deliver decades of recurring cash flow and shareholder value." From left to right top: Fairuz Ismail, Thomas Nyanat, Steve Richards, Josh Galloway, Awang Draup.From left to right bottom: Marc Bruner, Bolhassan Di, Gerry Murray.Upland and Lost Soldier have agreed to a balanced bilateral investment structure, totaling ~ $USD 8.6 million:Lost Soldier Investment into UplandLost Soldier will subscribe for GBP 3.3 million of new ordinary shares in Upland at 3.3 pence per share (100,000,000 shares). All new shares issued will be subject to a 12-month lock-up restriction, underscoring Lost Soldier's long-term commitment to Upland.Upland Investment into Lost SoldierUpland will make a corresponding $USD 4.3 million investment into the Lost Soldier private placement, participating directly in the Wild Mustang Federal Unit development. Upland will establish a dedicated U.S. Corporation that will hold the relevant units and comply with all American regulatory, tax, and transactional requirements.Lost Soldier is currently raising capital through a Regulation D 506(c) offering for accredited investors. Visit the following link to learn more: invest.lostsoldier.com About Upland ResourcesUpland Resources Limited is listed on the main market of the London Stock Exchange (Ticker UPL) by way of a standard listing. The Company is focused on oil and gas development opportunities in Southeast Asia. Upland has an exceptional team and is working with leading oil and gas contractors to effectively, and with the minimum risk, evolve its prospects.For more information visit: upland.energy About Lost Soldier Oil and GasLost Soldier is unlocking the largest natural gas discovery in the Western U.S. in 40 years - 6 TCF potential, 24,000 acres, and direct pipeline access. Lost Soldier is dedicated to responsibly developing Wyoming's Bison Basin oil and gas resources while preserving the surrounding environment. Operations are centered in the Wild Mustang Federal Unit, an area rich in history and wildlife, including grazing cattle, elk, antelope, and wild mustangs. Drawing inspiration from the nearby Lost Soldier oilfield, located 15 miles southeast of our discovery well, this field is one of Wyoming's oldest, and has produced over 400 million barrels of oil since its discovery. Today, it continues to produce over 1 million barrels per year. Lost Soldier leverages the area's proven geology to unlock its vast potential, using custom-built drilling rigs and skilled crews to ensure efficient, cost-effective resource extraction while maintaining a strong commitment to environmental stewardship. For more information visit: invest.lostsoldier.com Contact Information:Investor Relations720-807-0440 invest@ lsogllc.com SOURCE: Lost Soldier Oil & Gas
PR-Inside.com: 2025-12-01 19:45:15

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NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / December 1, 2025 / Norway Savings Bank ("NSB") recently suffered a data breach through its third-party vendor, Marquis Software Solutions ("Marquis"), that compromised the sensitive personal data of individuals. This data breach has led to concerns over the security of sensitive personal information entrusted to NSB.WHAT'S THIS ABOUT?On August 14, 2025, Marquis, a third-party data services provider used by Norway Savings Bank, experienced a security incident. The incident did not involve NSB's internal systems. Upon learning of the incident, NSB received regular investigative updates from Marquis and engaged cybersecurity experts to determine the nature and scope of the incident, including whether NSB's customer information was impacted.The impacted data may include names, addresses, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, tax identification numbers, and financial account information.On November 20, 2025, Marquis filed a notice with the office of the Attorney General of Maine and began notifying individuals. Compensation may be available for those individuals who receive notice that their sensitive personal information was compromised.WHY YOU MAY BE ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION?Data breaches are serious matters that can cause long-term damage. Hackers may use stolen information to commit identity theft, financial fraud, or other crimes. Companies that fail to secure your personal data may be held liable for the resulting harm.HOW DO I KNOW IF I WAS AFFECTED?If you received a data breach notification letter from Norway Savings Bank, you are likely to be affected. Follow the link below to find out if you may be eligible for compensation.Levi & Korsinsky, LLP is investigating whether affected individuals are entitled to compensation. There is no cost or obligation to participate. Follow the link below to find out:Levi & Korsinsky, LLP is a nationally recognized consumer advocacy law firm that has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars against large corporations. The firm's team of over 70 extraordinary attorneys and professionals have a winning track record going against the most powerful defense attorneys in the world and know how to maximize your compensation. Our firm works on a 100% contingency fee basis - you pay nothing unless we win your case! Visit our website to learn more. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.CONTACT: Levi & Korsinsky, LLPJoseph E. Levi, Esq.Ed Korsinsky, Esq.33 Whitehall Street, 27th FloorNew York, NY 10004 jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com Tel: (212) 363-7500Fax: (212) 363-7171 https://zlk.com/ SOURCE: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP
PR-Inside.com: 2025-11-30 23:05:07

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NEW YORK CITY, NY AND NEW ORLEANS, LA / ACCESS Newswire / November 30, 2025 /Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF") and KSF partner, the former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors that they have untilDecember 2, 2025to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Molina Healthcare, Inc. ("Molina" or the "Company") (NYSE:MOH), if they purchased or otherwise acquired the Company's securities between February 5, 2025 and July 23, 2025, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Central District of California.What You May DoIf you purchased securities of Molina and would like to discuss your legal rights and how this case might affect you and your right to recover for your economic loss, you may, without obligation or cost to you, contact KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or via email ( lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com) , or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-moh/ to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in this class action by overseeing lead counsel with the goal of obtaining a fair and just resolution, you must request this position by application to the Court byDecember 2, 2025 .About the LawsuitMolina and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.On July 23, 2025, the Company reported its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2025 and cut its full-year 2025 earnings guidance, disclosing that "GAAP net income was $4.75 per diluted share for the second quarter of 2025, a decrease of 8% year over year" and it "now expects its full year 2025 adjusted earnings to be no less than $19.00 per diluted share," due to a "challenging medical cost trend environment," including "utilization of behavioral health, pharmacy, and inpatient and outpatient services." On this news, the price of Molina's shares fell $32.03, or 16.84%, to close at $158.22 per share on July 24, 2025, on unusually heavy trading volume.The case is Hindlemann v. Molina Healthcare, Inc., et al., No. 25-cv-09461.About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCKSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nation's premier boutique securities litigation law firms. This past year, KSF was ranked by SCAS among the top 10 firms nationally based upon total settlement value. KSF serves a variety of clients, including public and private institutional investors, and retail investors - in seeking recoveries for investment losses emanating from corporate fraud or malfeasance by publicly traded companies. KSF has offices in New York, Delaware, California, Louisiana, Chicago, and a representative office in Luxembourg.TOP 10 Plaintiff Law Firms - According to ISS Securities Class Action ServicesTo learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com Contact:Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCLewis Kahn, Managing Partnerlewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com1-877-515-18501100 Poydras St., Suite 960New Orleans, LA 70163CONNECT WITH US: Facebook || Instagram || YouTube || TikTok || LinkedInSOURCE: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC
PR-Inside.com: 2025-12-01 17:01:23

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Among the commercial real estate industry's best-known executives, Mr. Mainguy moves to Partners after nearly a decade at CBRE; will accelerate growth for all of Partners' Services business lines across Texas in a regional executive roleHOUSTON, TX / ACCESS Newswire / December 1, 2025 / Partners Real Estate ("Partners"), a full-service commercial real estate firm with an integrated investment and development platform, today announced that Peter Mainguy has joined the organization as an Equity Partner and Executive Managing Director, Services, Texas Region. Peter Mainguy joins Partners Real Estate Peter MainguyIn one of the most significant endorsements of the company's unique business model to date, Mr. Mainguy transitions from CBRE to leading Partners' aggressive expansion of its Services business across Texas. He will be based in the company's Houston headquarters.As Executive Managing Director, Mr. Mainguy will oversee the growth and management of Partners' Brokerage, Property Management, Valuation & Advisory, and Project Management services throughout the state. He will work closely with the firm's Texas Managing Directors and services leaders.Mr. Mainguy brings a wealth of expertise to Partners, having most recently served as Senior Managing Director of CBRE's Houston and Louisiana markets, where he led a team of over 1,100 professionals. His leadership drove strategy across Advisory & Transaction Services, Asset Services, Valuation & Advisory Services, and Project Management. Prior to CBRE, Mr. Mainguy served as head of global real estate for Sysco Corporation, managing a 46- million-sq.-ft . portfolio across North America, Europe, and Asia. His earlier career as a successful industrial and land broker at CBRE underscores his deep industry knowledge and client-focused approach."Peter's appointment is a transformative moment for Partners as we continue to expand our footprint across Texas and further build our brand out at the national level," said Jon Silberman, CEO of Partners. "He understands and appreciates that our partnership structure puts the client at the center of everything we do-dramatically increasing collaboration and significantly reducing silos, which are so prevalent in the traditional commercial real estate services model. Peter will work with former Cushman & Wakefield executive, John O'Neill, who leads the firm's Southeast Region. We are incredibly excited and fortunate to have two highly experienced and regarded leaders dedicated to supporting the growth and success of our firm." "I am incredibly excited to join Partners at this pivotal time in its growth," said Mr. Mainguy. "The firm is clearly disrupting the industry with its partnership model and client-centric approach. I'm a firm believer that alignment produces better client outcomes. I look forward to collaborating with the talented teams in Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, and beyond to deliver exceptional value to our clients." Mr. Mainguy's arrival signals Partners' commitment to strengthening its position as a leading commercial real estate firm in Texas, in the Southeast, and across the country. His decision to come to Partners underscores the significant drawing power of Partners' distinctive business model, platform, and structure.Contact Information:Larry KoestlerExecutive Vice President of Marketing & Communicationslarry.koestler@partnersrealestate.com (713) 275-9623SOURCE: Partners Real Estate
PR-Inside.com: 2025-12-02 00:00:45

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NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / December 1, 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
Hyundai is recalling more than 143,000 vehicles because of rear camera issues, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

For a full list of vehicles or to find out of your car needs repairs, check the NHTSA website.

Hyundai recalls Santa Fes

Hyundai is recalling 143,472 2024-2025 Santa Fe and Santa Fe Hybrid vehicles. The rearview camera may not have been installed properly, which can damage the wiring harness and cause the rearview camera image not to display.

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Dealers will replace the rearview camera and reposition the wiring harness, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on Jan. 19, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 288.

Hyundai dealerships near me in Delaware

There are three Hyundai dealerships in Delaware:

Winner Hyundai, 591 S. Dupont Highway, Dover. Phone: 302-401-4004

Porter Hyundai, 393 E. Cleveland Ave., Newark. Phone: 302-565-2221

Hertrich Hyundai, 120 S. Dupont Highway, New Castle. Phone: 302-613-4888

Nissan recalls Sentras

Nissan is recalling 41,797 2025 Sentra vehicles. The windshield glass may have visible air bubbles, which can obscure the driver's visibility.

Dealers will inspect and replace the windshield as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed January 15, 2026. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PMA58.

Nissan dealerships near me in Delaware

There are three Nissan dealerships in the state:

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Hertrich Nissan Jeep-Eagle, 1378 S. Dupont Highway, Dover. Phone: 302-678-4553

Sheridan Nissan, 114 S. Dupont Highway, New Castle. Phone 302-326-6100

Hertrich Nissan of Newark, 300 E. Cleveland Ave., Newark. Phone: 302-368-6300

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Hyundai, Nissan recall vehicles: NHTSA
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NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / November 30, 2025 / Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Avantor, Inc. ("Avantor" or the "Company") (NYSE:AVTR). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at newaction@ pomlaw.com or 646-581-9980, (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased.The class action concerns whether Avantor and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.You have until December 29, 2025 to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class if you purchased or otherwise acquired Avantor securities during the Class Period. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com [Click here for information about joining the class action]On April 25, 2025, Avantor reported disappointing first quarter 2025 financial results, cut its guidance for 2025, and announced that Michael Stubblefield would be stepping down from his roles as President and Chief Executive Officer. Avantor's management attributed its weak performance and outlook to "the impact of increased competitive intensity." On this news, Avantor's stock price fell $2.57 per share, or 16.5%, to close at $12.93 per share on April 25, 2025.Then, on August 1, 2025, Avantor reported disappointing second quarter 2025 financial results, including a year-over-year decrease in net sales, and further reduced the Company's 2025 guidance-now projecting organic revenue growth of -2% to 0%. Avantor's management again attributed the Company's lackluster results and outlook to "increased competitive intensity" and further admitted that Avantor did not expect the competitive environment to materially improve in the remainder of 2025.On this news, Avantor's stock price fell $2.08 per share, or 15.48%, to close at $11.36 per share on August 1, 2025.Then, on October 29, 2025, Avantor reported weak third quarter 2025 financial results, including -5% organic revenue growth and a net loss of $712 million, which management primarily attributed to a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $785 million. Avantor's management said that the impairment charge was necessary due in part to "competitive pressures" that had "meaningfully impacted" Avantor's margins and further disclosed that the Company had lost several large accounts.On this news, Avantor's stock price fell $3.50 per share, or 23.21%, to close at $11.58 per share on October 29, 2025.Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.SOURCE: Pomerantz LLP
PR-Inside.com: 2025-12-01 00:00:13

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NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / November 30, 2025 / Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Molina Healthcare, Inc. ("Molina" or the "Company") (NYSE:MOH). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at newaction@ pomlaw.com or 646-581-9980, (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased.The class action concerns whether Molina and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.You have until December 2, 2025, to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class if you purchased or otherwise acquired Molina securities during the Class Period. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com [Click here for information about joining the class action]On July 7, 2025, Molina issued a press release announcing financial results for the second quarter of 2025 and slashing full year 2025 adjusted earnings per share guidance. The press release reported second quarter 2025 adjusted earnings of approximately $5.50 per share, which was "below . . . prior expectations" due to "medical cost pressures in all three lines of business." The Company also announced that it "expects these medical cost pressures to continue into the second half of the year" and cut guidance for expected adjusted earnings per share 10.2% at the midpoint, from "at least $24.50 per share" to a "range of $21.50 to $22.50 per share." The press release revealed Molina was experiencing a "short-term earnings pressure" from a "dislocation between premium rates and a medical cost trend which has recently accelerated." On this news, Molina's stock price fell $6.97 per share, or 2.9%, to close at $232.61 per share on July 7, 2025.Then, on July 23, 2025, Molina issued a press release reporting its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2025 and further slashing the Company's full-year 2025 earnings guidance. The press release revealed, in part, that the Company's "GAAP net income was $4.75 per diluted share for the second quarter of 2025, a decrease of 8% year over year;" and it "now expects its full year 2025 adjusted earnings to be no less than $19.00 per diluted share." This represented another 13.6% cut to guidance of earnings per share at the midpoint, from the cut to guidance announced less than two weeks earlier. Molina also cut its guidance for its full year 2025 GAAP net income 27% to $912 million. Molina attributed its results a full year outlook to a "challenging medical cost trend environment," including mere "utilization of behavioral health, pharmacy, and inpatient and outpatient services." The Company claimed that its guidance cut also reflected "new information gained in the quarterly closing process." On this news, Molina's stock price fell $32.03 per share, or 16.84%, to close at $158.22 per share on July 24, 2025.Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.SOURCE: Pomerantz LLP
PR-Inside.com: 2025-12-01 07:30:09

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KUALA LUMPUR, MY / ACCESS Newswire / December 1, 2025 / Powertechnic Group Berhad("Powertechnic" or the "Company") and its subsidiaries (the "Group"), a specialist in the provision of crane and hoist systems, elevated platform systems, and elevators, announced its unaudited financial results for the third quarter ended 30 September 2025 ("Q3 FY2025"), marking its maiden quarterly announcement following the Group's listing on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad on 28 October 2025, with the Group recording revenue of RM10.50 million for the quarter.Powertechnic Group BerhadPowertechnic's performance was supported by all key segments, namely elevators, elevated platform systems, crane and hoist systems, as well as maintenance, repair and related services. Profit before tax ("PBT") stood at RM0.87 million, while profit after tax ("PAT") came in at RM0.48 million for Q3 FY2025. For the financial year-to-date, Powertechnic achieved revenue of RM33.07 million and PAT of RM3.72 million.Mr. Ivan Na Keh Chai, Managing Director of Powertechnic Group Berhad commented, "The financial results demonstrate the resilience of our business model and the trust that customers continue to place in Powertechnic. The funds from our IPO are enabling us to, amongst others, implement automation in our fabrication process, set up new product showrooms and sales offices with storage space in Penang and Sarawak. We remain focused on delivering long-term value to our shareholders." Looking ahead, the Group remains optimistic about its prospects, supported by positive outlook of Malaysia's economy, which is projected to grow between 4% and 4.8% in 2025 and 4% to 4.5% in 2026. The outlook of the lifting and handling equipment industry in Malaysia remains positive, supported by growth in the user industries, including building construction and manufacturing, which will serve as a platform for continuing demand for lifting and handling equipment, as well as the continued rollout of large-scale public infrastructure projects and expansions across both export- and domestic-oriented manufacturing industries.###ABOUT POWERTECHNIC GROUP BERHADPowertechnic Group Berhad ("Powertechnic" or the "Company") is a specialist in lifting systems with approximately 23 years of industry experience, offering comprehensive solutions encompassing engineering design, fabrication, assembly, installation, commissioning, as well as maintenance and repair of crane and hoist systems, elevated platform systems, and elevators. Headquartered in Johor, Malaysia, Powertechnic serves industrial, commercial, and residential markets across Malaysia and Singapore, delivering lifting systems under its own "Powertechnic" brand. Supported by strong in-house engineering capabilities and an experienced management team, the Company is dedicated to enhancing operational efficiency, expanding market reach, and driving sustainable growth through, among others, strategic investments in automation and new product showrooms and sales offices.For more information, visit https://powertechnicgroup.com.my/ Issued By: Swan Consultancy Sdn. Bhd. on behalf of Powertechnic Group BerhadFor more information, please contact:Jazzmin WanEmail:j.wan@ swanconsultancy.biz Xinyi ChingEmail:x.ching@ swanconsultancy.biz SOURCE: Powertechnic Group Berhad
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NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / December 1, 2025 / Rockhill Women's Care ("RWC") recently suffered a data breach that compromised the sensitive personal and protected health data of individuals. This data breach has led to concerns over the security of sensitive personal and protected health information entrusted to RWC.WHAT'S THIS ABOUT?On or about February 26, 2025, RWC became aware of a security incident on its IT systems. Upon detection, RWC launched an investigation with the assistance of third-party cybersecurity experts to determine the nature and scope of the incident. The investigation determined that an unauthorized third party had gained access to its systems.The impacted data may includenames, addresses, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, medical treatment information, and health insurance information.On September 30, 2025, RWC publicly disclosed the breach onits website and began sending notice letters to impacted individuals.Compensation may be available for those individuals who receive notice that their sensitive personalinformation was compromised.WHY YOU MAY BE ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION?Data breaches are serious matters that can cause long-term damage. Hackers may use stolen information to commit identity theft, financial fraud, or other crimes. Companies that fail to secure your personal data may be held liable for the resulting harm.HOW DO I KNOW IF I WAS AFFECTED?If you received a data breach notification letter from Rockhill Women's Care, you are likely to be affected. Follow the link below to find out if you may be eligible for compensation.Levi & Korsinsky, LLP is investigating whether affected individuals are entitled to compensation. There is no cost or obligation to participate. Follow the link below to find out:Levi & Korsinsky, LLP is a nationally recognized consumer advocacy law firm that has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars against large corporations. The firm's team of over 70 extraordinary attorneys and professionals have a winning track record going against the most powerful defense attorneys in the world and know how to maximize your compensation. Our firm works on a 100% contingency fee basis - you pay nothing unless we win your case! Visit our website to learn more. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.CONTACT: Levi & Korsinsky, LLPJoseph E. Levi, Esq.Ed Korsinsky, Esq.33 Whitehall Street, 27th FloorNew York, NY 10004 jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com Tel: (212) 363-7500Fax: (212) 363-7171 https://zlk.com/ SOURCE: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP
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NEW ORLEANS, LA AND NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / December 1, 2025 /Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF") and KSF partner, former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors with substantial losses that they have untilJanuary 2, 2026to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against CarMax, Inc. (NYSE:KMX), if they purchased or otherwise acquired the Company's securities between June 20, 2025 and September 24, 2025, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland.What You May DoIf you purchased securities of CarMax and would like to discuss your legal rights and how this case might affect you and your right to recover for your economic loss, you may, without obligation or cost to you, contact KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or via email ( lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com) , or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-kmx/ to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in this class action, you must petition the Court byJanuary 2, 2026 .About the LawsuitCarMax and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.On September 25, 2025, the Company announced its Second Quarter Fiscal Year 2026 financial results, disclosing among other things, that retail unit sales had decreased 5.4%, comparable store unit sales had decreased 6.3%, wholesale units had decreased 2.2%, and that net earnings per diluted share of $0.64 compared to $0.85 a year ago.On this news, the price of CarMax's shares fell $11.5 per share, or 20.07%, to close at $45.60 per share on September 25, 2025.The case is Cap v. CarMax, Inc., No. 25-cv-03602.About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCKSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nation's premier boutique securities litigation law firms. This past year, KSF was ranked by SCAS among the top 10 firms nationally based upon total settlement value. KSF serves a variety of clients, including public and private institutional investors, and retail investors - in seeking recoveries for investment losses emanating from corporate fraud or malfeasance by publicly traded companies. KSF has offices in New York, Delaware, California, Louisiana, Chicago, and a representative office in Luxembourg.TOP 10 Plaintiff Law Firms - According to ISS Securities Class Action ServicesTo learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com Contact:Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCLewis Kahn, Managing Partnerlewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com1-877-515-18501100 Poydras St., Suite 960New Orleans, LA 70163CONNECT WITH US: Facebook || Instagram || YouTube || TikTok || LinkedInSOURCE: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC
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NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / December 1, 2025 / Telcom Insurance Group ("Telcom") recently suffered a data breach that compromised the sensitive personal data of individuals. This data breach has led to concerns over the security of sensitive personal information entrusted to Telcom.WHAT'S THIS ABOUT?On May 26, 2025, Telcom Insurance Group was the target of a ransomware attack. Upon detection, Telcom Insurance Group launched an internal investigation to determine the nature and scope of the incident. The investigation determined that an unauthorized third party gained access to certain systems and potentially obtained personal data.The impacted data may include names and Social Security numbers.On November 19, 2025, Telcom Insurance Group filed a notice with Attorney General of Massachusetts and began sending notice letters to impacted individuals. Compensation may be available for those individuals who receive notice that their sensitive personal information was compromised.WHY YOU MAY BE ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION?Data breaches are serious matters that can cause long-term damage. Hackers may use stolen information to commit identity theft, financial fraud, or other crimes. Companies that fail to secure your personal data may be held liable for the resulting harm.HOW DO I KNOW IF I WAS AFFECTED?If you received a data breach notification letter from Telcom Insurance Group, you are likely to be affected. Follow the link below to find out if you may be eligible for compensation.Levi & Korsinsky, LLP is investigating whether affected individuals are entitled to compensation. There is no cost or obligation to participate. Follow the link below to find out:Levi & Korsinsky, LLP is a nationally recognized consumer advocacy law firm that has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars against large corporations. The firm's team of over 70 extraordinary attorneys and professionals have a winning track record going against the most powerful defense attorneys in the world and know how to maximize your compensation. Our firm works on a 100% contingency fee basis - you pay nothing unless we win your case! Visit our website to learn more.Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.CONTACT: Levi & Korsinsky, LLPJoseph E. Levi, Esq.Ed Korsinsky, Esq.33 Whitehall Street, 27th FloorNew York, NY 10004 jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com Tel: (212) 363-7500Fax: (212) 363-7171 https://zlk.com/ SOURCE: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP
Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced plans to supply one billion five hundred million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) monthly to the Nigerian market in December 2025 and January 2026, a move aimed at ensuring uninterrupted nationwide fuel availability through the festive season and into the New Year.

President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, disclosed the plans at the weekend, noting that the refinery will make available 50 million litres of PMS daily beginning December 1.

In line with our commitment to national wellbeing, and consistent with our track record of ensuring a holiday season free of fuel scarcity, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery will supply 1.5 billion litres of PMS to the Nigerian market this month. This represents 50 million litres per day. We are formally notifying the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) of this commitment. We will supply another 1.5 billion litres in January and increase to 1.7 billion litres in February, which translates to about 60 million litres per day, Mr Dangote said.

Speaking during a visit by the South-South Development Commission (SSDC) to the refinery and the Dangote Fertiliser complex, he stated that the facility currently has adequate stock and is producing between 40 and 45 million litres of PMS daily. He added that the daily supply of 50 million litres should dispel long-standing claims that domestic refineries lack the capacity to meet national demand.

Dangote also revealed ongoing engagement with petroleum marketers to strengthen distribution systems, including expanding the use of CNG-powered haulage.

Our priority is to ensure Nigeria receives the products it needs. This is not driven by profit motives; it is about guaranteeing the availability of essential energy products. It is similar to the transformation we delivered in the cement sector, he added.

He further noted that the refinery is progressing with its expansion plan to reach a capacity of 1.4 million barrels per day. More than 100,000 workers are expected to be involved in the expansion of both the refinery and the fertiliser complex. Dangote emphasised that the Group remains committed to its vision, driven by the strong public support for the companys role in shaping Nigerias economic development.

During the visit, the Managing Director of SSDC, Usoro Offiong Akpabio, commended Mr Dangotes leadership and his continued contribution to strengthening Nigerias industrial capability, national energy security and long-term economic competitiveness.

She described the South-South region as Nigerias natural energy corridor, with vast crude oil reserves, gas infrastructure, maritime assets, agro-industrial activity and emerging industrial clusters.

She noted that deeper collaboration between the region and the Dangote Group could unlock opportunities in product distribution, CNG infrastructure, petrochemicals, agriculture, and employment creation.

Ms Akpabio added that such partnerships would advance the Federal Governments energy stability agenda and position the South-South as a strategic growth hub for the Dangote Group.

As the statutory development body for the South-South, SSDC is mandated to drive regional economic development, infrastructure integration, human capital advancement, and private-sectorled growth. In this regard, we stand prepared to support State-level policy and regulatory support for Ease-of-doing-business across our six states. Enabling environments for Dangote Groups expansion into strategic sectors such as gas processing, agro-industrial value chains, renewable energy, logistics, and export-oriented manufacturing, she said.

In a letter from the refinerys Managing Director, David Bird, to the Authority Chief Executive of the NMDPRA, the company reaffirmed its readiness to host NMDPRA officials onsite at the refinery from December 1st to verify and publish its daily supply volumes. The refinery also sought the Authoritys support to ensure unhindered importation of crude, feedstocks and blending components, as well as smooth vessel loading for product evacuation.

In the spirit of full transparency to the public we are willing to publish our daily production and stock volumes (online and print media), Bird stated. We seek the full support of NMDPRA to allow Dangote refinery to import our crude, feedstocks and blending components unhindered as well as support the lifting of our products by vessel. We continue to experience delays in vessel clearance which impacts not only the refinery operations but also our customers, adding unnecessary costs and inefficiencies.
The receiver-manager appointed by FBN Quest Merchant Bank Limited and First Trustees Limited to enforce the takeover of Nestoil Limiteds assets over an alleged multi-billion-dollar debt default has repossessed the Lagos headquarters of the company following a ruling of the Court of Appeal.

Armed policemen were stationed at the entrance of the building on Monday morning, while the multi-storey facility at 41/42 Akin Adesola Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, was sealed and marked as repossessed.

The latest enforcement action followed a restorative injunction issued by Justice Yargata B. Nimpar of the Court of Appeal, Lagos Division, on Friday.

The order reversed an earlier ruling of the Federal High Court, Lagos, which had vacated previous asset-freezing directives.

According to court documents obtained by PREMIUM TIMES, the Court of Appeal also set aside all steps taken by the respondents and/or persons purporting to act on the instructions of the respondents and which actions were taken pursuant to the order of the lower court.

The new order is to subsist pending the hearing and determination of the appellants motion on notice filed on 26 November.

FBN Quest Merchant Bank and First Trustees Limited are the appellants, while Nestoil Limited, its affiliate Neconde Energy Limited, and their principal promoters, Ernest Azudialu-Obiejesi and Nnenna Obiejesi, are listed as respondents.

The Court of Appeal further granted an order of interim injunction restraining the respondents, their agents, servants, affiliates and privies from interfering with or interrupting the receiver/manager in the performance of his duties pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice filed on 26 November 2025.

Additionally, the court stayed further proceedings in the matter at the Federal High Court and fixed 4 December for the hearing of the pending motion.

Justice J. Osiagor of the Federal High Court, Lagos, had on 20 November vacated a Mareva injunction freezing the assets of Nestoil, Neconde, Mr Azudialu-Obiejesi and Mrs Obiejesi over the alleged debt default.

His ruling nullified a series of orders earlier granted on 22 October by Justice Deinde Dipeolu of the same court, which had frozen the respondents bank accounts and shareholdings across more than 20 financial and corporate institutions, including Citibank Nigeria Limited, Central Securities and Clearing Systems PLC, Fidelity Bank PLC, Guaranty Trust Bank PLC, Globus Bank Limited, Keystone Bank Limited, Opay Limited, Polaris Bank Limited, Providus Bank Limited, Stanbic IBTC Bank Limited, Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Limited, Sterling Bank PLC, Titan Trust Bank Limited, Unity Bank PLC, Wema Bank PLC, Gobowen Exploration and Production Limited, Hammako Consortium Limited, Krawcod Properties Limited, Santa Spring Oil and Gas Limited, Marine & Ocean Infinity Nigeria Limited and White Dove Shipping Co. Ltd.

The appellants allege that Nestoil, Neconde and their promoters owe more than $1.01 billion and 430 billion as of 30 September 2025 under various credit facilities.

Justice Dipeolus earlier order had not only frozen assets but also directed multiple security agenciesthe Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Navy and the State Security Serviceto assist in enforcing the receivership.

It authorised the receiver/manager, Abubakar Sulu-Gambari, to take over Nestoils headquarters and other assets and to assume control of Necondes interests in OML 42, the joint-venture oil block operated with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Limited) and its subsidiaries.

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission and NNPC Limited were also directed to grant the receiver/manager access to production operations and revenue flows.

In their appeal filed on 22 November, the appellants sought to suspend the effect of Justice Osiagors ruling pending the hearing of their substantive appeal. They further asked for an injunction preventing the respondents from taking steps to enforce the lower courts judgment.

The judgment of the Court of Appeal will be rendered nugatory if any steps were taken in the proceedings at the lower court without first determining the issues raised in the appellants appeal, they argued in their motion.
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) on Monday opened bidding for 50 oil and gas blocks, targeting $10 billion in investment.

Announcing the commencement of the 2025 oil block licensing round at a press briefing on Monday, the NUPRC Chief Executive, Gbenga Komolafe, said the bidding will add 2 billion barrels of oil output over the next decade.

Mr Komolafe said the 2025 block licensing round would last for approximately six months.

A licensing round is a process by which the government grants oil and gas exploration and production rights to companies through a competitive bidding process.

Consolidating on the achievements of the 2024 licensing round, the commission is proud to formally announce the commencement of the Nigeria 2025 licensing round and the launch of the licensing round online portal.

Following the gracious approval of President Bola Tinubu, the NUPRC has listed 50 oil and gas blocks across offshore swamp and shallow waters and, of course, offshore terrains spanning diverse terrains, Mr Komolafe said.

Of these 50 blocks, he said 15 are onshore assets, 19 are shallow water assets, 15 are frontier assets, and one is a deep water asset.

The licensing round is expected to attract about $10 billion in investment and add up to 2 billion barrels of oil output over the next 10 years, with an estimated 400,000 barrels per day of production volumes when the blocks are fully operational.

According to him, the key objective of the Nigeria 2025 licensing round is to grow oil and gas reserves through aggressive exploration and development efforts.

This will help to increase Nigerias production capacity and government revenue, create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, from technical oilfield roles to supporting services, logistics supply chain, infrastructure, local content and local content, especially in regions where blocks are located, he said.

He added that the bidding round would help expand opportunities for gas utilisation and development in Nigeria in the field of energy transition.

Mr Komolafe said the NUPRC, as a business enabler and in line with the presidents approval, has also reduced the applicable signature bonuses to attract investments.

What we are saying here is that the entry barrier has been significantly lowered. To make this exercise competitive with the best jurisdictions, he said.

He said to ensure that the bidding process is credible and seamless, the commission rolled out guidelines, which are now available on its website.

It has adopted a two-stage bidding process for the award of the blocks, comprising a qualification stage and a bid stage. The qualification stage involves the submission and evaluation of applications by interested parties or consultees in accordance with the regulations and guidelines.

Applicants shall provide all information required for this stage. Only applicants who are just qualified and subsequently shortlisted by the commission shall proceed to the bid stage and will be required to execute a confidentiality agreement prior to participation, he stated.

At the bid stage, Mr Komolafe said shortlisted applicants or bidders shall submit their technical and commercial bids in accordance with the bid regulation, the guidelines and any other bidding documents issued by the commission.

Given our commitment to transparency and alignment with best practices, the bid process will be automated and digital. Bidders will emerge at the end of the commercial bid process.

The Nigeria 2025 licensing round is a major window for investments in Nigeria as it offers easier participation, transparency and comprehensive subsurface data. It further reflects President Bola Tinubus charge to the commission that Nigeria must not only be open for business, but Nigeria must be irresistible for investment, he said.

Mr Komolafe said the commission has moved to de-risk exploration.

Through extensive multi-client surveys, he added that the commission has reprocessed thousands of kilometres of 2D and 3D seismic data, producing sharper, high-resolution images of the petroleum systems and reducing the uncertainties that once ended exploration decisions.

For prospective investors, this means entering a market where uncertainty is shrinking and where opportunity is backed by the richest, high-quality subsurface data available anywhere in Africa.

This wealth of high-quality geophysical datasets means lower exploration risk, improved probability of discovery, faster appraisal timelines, reduced entry costs and accelerated journey from licensing to first oil and gas, he added.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Thompson Sunday, has urged members of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors & Valuers (NIESV) to maintain accuracy and professionalism in valuing assets of failed banks.

In a press statement signed by its spokesperson, Hawwau Gambo, the NDIC said it relies on these valuations to effectively liquidate assets and pay depositors.

Mr Sunday made the call during a courtesy visit by the President and Chairperson of the NIESV Council, Victor Alonge, and his executive team to the NDIC Head Office in Abuja.

He emphasised that precise valuation reports are essential for determining the true worth of assets, ensuring they are sold at the best possible value. Proceeds from these sales are used to pay depositors balances above the insured amount.

He said accuracy and professionalism in valuation are essential to protecting depositor funds, highlighting that NIESVs work directly contributes to financial stability and depositor protection by promoting transparency, fairness, and value-for-money in asset disposal and recovery.

He also called on the institutions leadership to uphold high ethical standards and guard against insider abuse, noting that the NDIC is strengthening internal processes through the development of a comprehensive Asset Management Policy.

The policy will guide asset identification, valuation procedures, disposal strategies, and accountability in recoveries.

Mr Sunday further encouraged closer collaboration between NDIC staff and NIESV professionals through joint training and knowledge exchange, particularly on emerging valuation methodologies, asset management, and sustainable valuation practices.

Mr Alonge reaffirmed NIESVs commitment to professionalism and integrity, noting that the Institution enforces strict disciplinary measures for unethical behaviour.

He expressed the Institutions readiness to provide sustained technical support to the NDIC, underscoring the partnerships importance in enhancing service delivery and public confidence in Nigerias banking system.

The NDIC plays a key role in maintaining stability in Nigerias banking sector by insuring deposits, managing failed banks, and protecting depositors funds.

Correctly valuing assets during bank liquidation helps ensure depositors get their money and creditors recover more.

Estate surveyors and valuers are central to this process, as their assessments determine the sale price of assets and impact the efficiency of bank resolutions.
The Charge dAffaires of the Saudi Embassy in Nigeria, Saad bin Fahd Al-Marri, announced a N35 million reward and free Hajj seats for the winners in various categories of the National Holy Quran Memorisation and Interpretation Competition, which was concluded in Abuja last week.

The competition, organised by the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Nigeria through its Cultural Attaches office, in collaboration with the Centre for Islamic Studies at Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto, was held from 19 to 23 November at the Fuad Lababidi Islamic Centre, Abuja.

Mr Al-Marri said the event is a testament to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabias efforts to serve the Holy Quran and the Prophetic Sunnah, extending its support for religious and educational programmes globally, including in Nigeria.

He added that Saudi Arabia has a flagship role in sponsoring such contests, alongside its worldwide distribution of the Quran.

Some of the winners include Aisha Bello from Gombe State, who secured the first position (60 Hifz memorisation with Tafsir Interpretation, female category), winning a cash prize of N3 million and a Lesser Hajj seat to receive a Royal reception hosted by the Kingdoms Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The winner of the male category also received the same prize.

Nasiru Abubakar clinched the first position (40 Hifz male category) with a cash prize of N2 million, while Sumayya Adamu secured the first position (40 Hifz female category), also receiving a cash prize of N2 million.

Ibrahim Yahaya, also from Gombe State, came first in the (20 Hifz male category) and was presented with N1.5 million.

A former Nigerian Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, also donated N1 million to the overall male and female winners in the 60 Hifz category with Tafsir.

At the final event, Mr Al-Marri commended the Religious Attache Office for its clear and impactful efforts in support of religious and educational programmes in Nigeria.

READ ALSO: Jigawa commences refunds for hajj seats after reductions from NAHCON

He highlighted Saudi Arabias initiatives, including the printing and worldwide distribution of copies of the Quran, as well as the organisation of local, regional, and international competitions in memorisation, recitation, tajwid (elocution), and interpretation.

He expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and the Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, for their continued support in serving the Quran and disseminating its teachings across the world.

He also extended thanks to the Ministry of Islamic Affairs for its sustained efforts in supporting Quranic programmes. He emphasised Saudi Arabias humanitarian and relief efforts in helping communities in need.

The competition brought together contestants representing various Nigerian states. The event was attended by the Acting Religious Attache, Yahya Al-Sufyani, and held under the patronage of the Charge dAffaires.
The Nigerian government has granted special protection to the Guinea-Bissau presidential candidate, Fernando Costa, due to reports of imminent threats to his life.

Mr Costa had been the main opposition candidate to incumbent President Umaro Embalo in the 2025 presidential election, held on 23 November.

However, hours before the results were to be announced, the military seized power, suspended elections, and imposed a curfew.

According to the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, President Bola Tinubu had approved the decision to place Mr Dias under protection within the Nigerian Embassy premises in Guinea-Bissau.

A letter addressed to the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Alieu Touray, dated 30 November, and signed by the Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, stated that the decision reflects Nigerias commitment to safeguarding democratic processes and ensuring the safety of political actors in the region.

The letter also requested ECOWAS to direct its Stabilisation Support Mission in Guinea-Bissau to provide Mr Da Costa with additional protection within the embassy grounds.

I write to inform you that His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GON, has graciously approved the provision of protection and security in the premises of the Nigerian Embassy in the Republic of Guinea-Bissau, for Mr Fernando Dia Da Costa. Mr Presidents decision is a proactive measure to ensure the safety of Mr Da Costa in response to imminent threats to his life.

The decision to accommodate Mr Da Costa within the Nigerian premises underscores our firm commitment to safeguarding the democratic aspirations and the sovereign will of the good people of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau.

In this regard, it would be appreciated if you would kindly mandate the ECOWAS Stabilisation Support Mission in Guinea-Bissau (ESSMGB) to provide him protection and security while in the premises of the Nigerian Embassy, the letter read in part.

Controversy surrounding the coup

Since the news broke, the coup has drawn criticism across West Africa, with several governments and regional blocs calling for a return to constitutional order.

However, some leaders have also accused the ousted president, Mr Embalo, of staging the coup to prevent the announcement of the election result.

PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that Nigerias former president, Goodluck Jonathan, who led the West African Elders Forum Election Observation Mission to monitor the election, said Mr Embalos swift declaration to international media on his phone that he had been arrested cast doubt on the plausibility of the claim.

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, he said.

Similarly, Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko described the coup as a sham.

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 said.

PREMIUM TIMES also reported that political coalitions supporting Mr Dias called the takeover a last-minute bid by Mr Embalo and his allies to stop the announcement of results.

On the asylum granted to the opposition candidate, the spokesperson to the Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alkasim Abdulkadir, told PREMIUM TIMES that the government acted in the broader interest of de-escalation.

He said, Nigeria exercised its lawful discretion to prevent further deterioration of tensions and to promote social cohesion in Guinea-Bissau and the wider West African sub-region.

This intervention is guided solely by the imperatives of peace, human security, and regional stability, in line with ECOWAS principles and Nigerias historic role as a stabilising force in West Africa, he said.
The Nigerian government has rejected the United States accusation that China is committing human rights abuses against Muslims and other minority groups, calling it unwarranted interference in the internal affairs of a sovereign state.

PREMIUM TIMES reports that the Nigerian government declared its stance in a joint statement issued on 21 November, alongside 84 other countries.

The coalition of 85 countries, including Nigeria and China, rejected what they described as attempts to politicise human rights and interfere in the domestic affairs of sovereign states.

The statement, issued by Chinas permanent mission to the UN, condemned double standards and the use of human rights rhetoric as a pretext for interference in internal affairs.

The statement was a rebuttal to an earlier declaration made by the US and signed by 16 countries, expressing deep concerns about what they describe as serious human-rights violations in China, including in Xinjiang, Tibet, and Hong Kong.

The US highlighted the treatment of ethnic and religious minority groups, including Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities, Christians, Tibetans, and Falun Gong practitioners, saying that these communities have faced targeted repression. Other signatories to the US statement include Israel and Australia.

China, Nigeria, others accuse US of double standards

However, in defence of China, Nigeria and the 84 other signatories, including Muslim-majority countries like Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Egypt, and many other African countries like Mali, Libya, Chad and Niger, kicked against what they called the use of double standards and interference in the internal affairs.

We maintain that all parties should abide by the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, adhere to the principles of universality, impartiality, objectivity, and non-selectivity, and respect the right of the people of each state to choose the path for development independently in accordance with their national conditions.

All human rights should be treated with the same emphasis, with sufficient importance attached to economic, social, and cultural rights and the right to development in particular.

Today, human beings face multiple challenges. The international community should uphold multilateralism, strengthen solidarity and coordination, and respond jointly to global challenges, advance world peace and development, and promote and protect human rights, the statement read.

US Claim

Meanwhile, the US and its co-signatories said credible reports indicate the continued use of arbitrary detention, forced labour, mass surveillance, and restrictions on religious and cultural expression by the Chinese government.

The US also expressed concerns about the separation of children from families in boarding schools and ill-treatment in detention.

The US and its co-signatories said, Online and offline, state censorship and surveillance are used to control information, limit public discourse, and punish those who challenge official narratives.

The suppression and transnational repression of journalists, human rights defenders, and lawyers further exemplify a climate of fear designed to silence criticism. These actions erode trust and are in direct contradiction to the very principles that sustain global stability and human progress. We call on the Peoples Republic of China to release all those unjustly detained for simply exercising their human rights and fundamental freedoms, which are cornerstones of legitimate governance and global credibility, and to fully comply with its obligations under international law.

The diversity of the signatories to the documents arguably shows the waning influence of the US in the global polity as it relates to China. When the US made a similar accusation in 2023, it got 51 signatories, including most of its European allies such as Germany, the UK, and France. However, virtually all the European allies refused to sign the latest one, with only the UK and the Baltic states as the most significant allies who co-signed the statement.

Also, among Chinas 85 signatories are many Muslim-dominated countries as well as 45 African countries.

See the full list of the signatories to the two documents here and here.

US Christian persecution claim

The US had also earlier alleged an attack on Christians in Nigeria.

It accused the Nigerian government of supporting the mass slaughter of Nigerian Christians by Islamic extremists and threatened a military incursion.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that President Donald Trump had also designated Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) and suspended arms sales and technical support for the country.

Although the Nigerian government has denied the claims, Mr Trump has insisted on them, while his administration has drawn up contingency plans for a possible military action.

He claimed Christianity was an existential threat in Nigeria as radical Islamic groups were killing thousands of Christians.

However, a senior official at the US State Departments Bureau of African Affairs, Jonathan Pratt, said the US will work with Nigeria to address the alleged Christian persecution in the country.
Nigerias First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has urged Nigerians to renew their commitment to ending AIDS by 2030, calling on young people to take responsibility for their health and communities to reject stigma in all its forms.

In her message commemorating World AIDS Day 2025, Mrs Tinubu said this years theme, Overcoming Disruptions; Transforming the AIDS Response, reflects a pivotal moment in the countrys fight against HIV.

She noted that although Nigeria has made progress in prevention, treatment, and care, sustaining those gains requires consistent public awareness and collective action.

According to her, every Nigerian should have access to life-saving services free from stigma and discrimination, stressing that discriminatory attitudes continue to prevent many from seeking the help they need.

She added that the countrys progress must not be lost as it pushes towards the global target of ending AIDS by 2030.

Call for compassion, youth responsibility

Mrs Tinubu urge young Nigerians to prioritise regular HIV testing and seek treatment immediately if they test positive.

She reminded the youth that knowing ones status remains a vital first step in preventing new infections and protecting long-term health outcomes.

Mrs Tinubu also appealed to communities to deepen their support for people living with HIV.

To our communities, I call on you to show compassion and say no to stigmatisation, she said.

According to her, empathy, solidarity, and accurate information are essential to transforming the AIDS response, especially as misinformation and social pressure often discourage people from accessing services.

Shrinking global funding for HIV response

In an earlier statement issued ahead of World AIDS Day, the World Health Organisation (WHO) also called on African governments to increase domestic investment and strengthen their health systems, warning that global pullbacks in HIV financing risk slowing progress across the continent.

WHO Regional Director for Africa, Mohamed Janabi, said the years theme captures the regions growing vulnerability as external funding becomes less predictable.

He explained that many HIV programmes still rely heavily on international support, making it crucial for governments to protect existing gains through sustainable local financing.

Mr Janabi added that although the disruptions pose a significant challenge, they also present an opportunity for countries to build stronger, more resilient systems.

He noted that several African nations are now embedding HIV services into primary healthcare structures, a move designed to ensure people-centred and inclusive care even in the face of shifting global priorities.

Nigeria meets two of three global HIV targets

Earlier this month, Nigeria announced that it has met two of the three global HIV targets set for 2030, marking one of the countrys strongest performances in decades.

The Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Temitope Ilori, said the country currently stands at 879895 in the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets.

Ms Ilori noted that Nigeria has continued to record major achievements in the past year, particularly in expanding access to treatment and strengthening efforts to prevent mother-to-child transmission.

However, she stressed that sustained momentum is essential if the country is to fully meet the 2030 goals and ensure that gains are not reversed.

More than two million Nigerians are currently living with HIV, highlighting the need for sustained investment in prevention, testing, and access to treatment nationwide.

Global burden remains high

WHO data shows that since the beginning of the HIV epidemic, 91.4 million people have been infected with the virus and about 44.1 million have died from HIV-related causes.

As of the end of 2024, an estimated 40.8 million people were living with HIV globally.

The organisation noted that the burden of the epidemic remains uneven, with the WHO African Region continuing to be the most severely affected.

Nearly one in every 30 adults in the region lives with HIV, accounting for more than two-thirds of the global total.

World AIDS

World AIDS Day, observed annually on 1 December, serves as a reminder of the progress made in the global HIV response and the gaps that persist.

WHO said the 2025 commemoration highlights the need for sustained political commitment, international cooperation, and human-rights-centred approaches to achieve the goal of ending AIDS by 2030.

While disruptions continue to challenge health systems worldwide, the organisation emphasised that hope remains rooted in the resilience, innovation, and determination of communities at the forefront of the response.
Global immunisation efforts have led to an 88% drop in measles deaths between 2000 and 2024, according to a new report from the World Health Organisation (WHO).

WHO noted that nearly 59 million lives have been saved by the measles vaccine over the past 24 years, yet the virus infected an estimated 11 million people in 2024 alone.

The report shows that about 95,000 people, most of them children under the age of five, died from measles in 2024.

While this represents one of the lowest annual death tolls since 2000, WHO says every death from a disease preventable with a highly effective, low-cost vaccine remains unacceptable.

Measles is the worlds most contagious virus, and these data show once again how it will exploit any gap in our collective defences against it, WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus was quoted as saying in his comments.

Measles does not respect borders, but when every child in every community is vaccinated, costly outbreaks can be avoided, lives can be saved, and the disease can be eliminated from entire nations.

Surge in infections

While fatalities continue to decline, the WHO report points to an alarming rise in measles infections globally.

Surges in cases were recorded across multiple regions in 2024: an 86 per cent increase in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, a 47 per cent increase in Europe, and a 42 per cent increase in South-East Asia, compared with 2019.

However, the African Region recorded a 40 per cent decline in cases and a 50 per cent decline in deaths, a shift WHO attributed partly to improving immunisation coverage.

The global health agency notes that many of the recent spikes are occurring in settings where children are less likely to die because of improved access to care and better nutrition. But infection still carries high risks.

Measles can cause severe, lifelong complications, including blindness, pneumonia, and encephalitis: an infection that leads to brain swelling and permanent neurological damage.

Immunisation coverage remains too low

One of the warnings in the WHO publication is that global immunisation levels are still far below what is needed to stop transmission.

WHO noted that to stop the transmission, at least 95 per cent coverage with two doses is required. It stated that more than 30 million children lacked adequate measles protection last year.

Three-quarters of them live in Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean region, areas where conflict, fragile health systems and humanitarian crises undermine routine immunisation.

WHO observed that improved surveillance is allowing countries to detect and respond to outbreaks more quickly.

More than 760 laboratories in the WHOs Global Measles and Rubella Laboratory Network tested over 500,000 samples in 2024, a 27 per cent increase from the previous year. But WHO warns that funding cuts now threaten this progress.

Elimination still distant

WHO further noted that the worlds measles elimination goal remains far from being achieved. By the end of 2024, only 81 countries, 42 per cent, had eliminated measles, an increase of just three countries since before the pandemic.

Recent progress has been made in the Pacific and parts of Africa, with Cabo Verde, Mauritius, and Seychelles verifying measles elimination this month, marking the first time African countries have achieved this milestone.

Measles has also resurged in high-income countries that once eliminated the virus, largely because coverage has fallen below the 95% threshold.

To achieve elimination, WHO calls for strong political commitment, sustained investment, and rapid outbreak detection and response capacity.

It added that high-quality, high-coverage immunisation campaigns are essential where routine services remain weak.

Gavi highlights gaps

Reacting to the WHO report, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, said measles vaccination remains one of the most successful public-health interventions in history, having prevented 58.7 million deaths since 2000.

The organisation also highlighted the economic value, saying measles vaccination yields $58 for every dollar invested.

Since 2007, Gavi said it has invested $2.2 billion to support measles and rubella immunisation in 57 lower-income countries, reaching more than 1.3 billion children.

In 2024 alone, it backed catch-up and follow-up campaigns in 24 countries that reached more than 62 million children, alongside outbreak response campaigns in five countries that vaccinated up to 6.8 million children.

Gavi said that African countries, in particular, have improved routine immunisation coverage despite resource constraints, a rising birth cohort, and competing health priorities.

Coverage with the first measles dose rose from 50% in 2000 to 71% in 2024, and second-dose coverage increased from 5% to 55% over the same period.

The region has also recorded a 40 per cent reduction in cases and a 50 per cent decline in deaths compared with 2019.

However, Rebecca Casey, Head of the Measles and Rubella Vaccine Programme at Gavi, warned that coverage gaps continue to leave millions of children at risk.

The rise in measles cases and outbreaks in regions around the world is a clear warning sign that we must not be complacent, Ms Casey said. Every child deserves protection from measles, and it is often the most vulnerable who are at greatest risk.

Nigerias efforts

In a related development, Nigeria, Africas most populous nation, launched a massive integrated vaccination campaign in November targeting measles, rubella, polio, HPV, and other vaccine-preventable diseases.

The campaign, led by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) with support from WHO, Gavi, UNICEF and other partners, aims to protect around 106 million children across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The first phase of the campaign covers 11 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), while a second stream covers nine states across the north and northeast.

Preliminary data from the campaign, as of 30 October show that over 58.9 million children have been vaccinated against measles and rubella nationwide.
The Nigerian government on Monday revealed that the country has exceeded key global HIV treatment benchmarks and is on course to eliminate AIDS as a public health threat before 2030.

Speaking at an event to commemorate the 2025 World AIDS Day in Abuja, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Salako, said the country continues to make strong progress despite global economic pressures, shrinking development assistance and supply chain disruptions.

Mr Salako noted that Nigeria has placed 98 per cent of people living with HIV on treatment, surpassing the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) target.

He added that the country had also achieved 95 per cent viral suppression and was well on the way to ensuring that at least 95 per cent of Nigerians with HIV know their status.

He said these outcomes demonstrate that Nigeria is steadily moving toward ending AIDS as a public health threat.

Under the UNAIDS 959595 global targets, countries are expected by 2030 to ensure that 95 per cent of people living with HIV know their status, 95 per cent of those diagnosed receive sustained treatment, and 95 per cent of those on treatment achieve viral suppression.

Meanwhile, the Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Temitope Ilori, earlier said Nigeria now stands at 879895.

We have maintained an impressive 879895 performance toward the global 959595 targets, demonstrating significant progress in diagnosis, treatment coverage, and viral suppression across the country, Ms Ilori said.

87 per cent of people living with HIV in Nigeria know their status, 98 per cent of those who know their status are on life-saving treatment, and 95 per cent of those on treatment have achieved viral suppressionmeaning they cannot transmit HIV.

Progress in HIV prevention and expanded testing

Mr Salako also highlighted progress in HIV prevention, including the scale-up of awareness campaigns and expanded access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).

Long-acting PrEP formulations, he said, are now available in hundreds of facilities nationwide to reach adolescents, key populations, sero-discordant couples and individuals at higher risk.

He noted that people living with HIV now benefit from annual liver and kidney function tests through expanded health insurance coverage to improve long-term treatment outcomes.

According to Mr Salako, Nigerias health data systems have been strengthened through improvements in real-time monitoring, forecasting and accountability mechanisms.

He said the government is steadily integrating HIV services with tuberculosis, malaria, nutrition and reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health (RMNCAH) services.

This integrated approach ensures that children and adolescents can access multiple essential services during a single visit, reducing missed opportunities and improving outcomes, he said.

Mr Salako also announced that the National Council on Health (NCH) recently approved a reduction in the consent age for voluntary HIV counselling and testing, from 18 to 14 years.

The measure, he said, is aligned with global best practice and is expected to increase testing among adolescents and reduce transmission rates.

He added that the Council also approved the institutionalisation of the National Clinical Mentorship Programme and directed state health ministries to integrate mentorship activities into their annual plans and budgets.

Persistent gaps remain

Despite the progress, he acknowledged that gaps remain in the national response.

These include rising infections among young people, persistent stigma and unequal access to services across communities.

He called on states, civil society, communities, the private sector and development partners to strengthen collaboration and drive innovation to meet national and global targets.

Mr Salako stressed that ending HIV/AIDS extends beyond healthcare delivery and reflects issues of justice, dignity and the future of children and young people.

He also expressed confidence that, under President Bola Tinubus administration and with the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, personally leading national efforts, Nigeria is firmly on track to achieve the target before the global deadline.

World AIDS

World AIDS Day, observed annually on 1 December, serves as a reminder of the progress made in the global HIV response and the gaps that persist.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) said this years theme, Overcoming Disruptions; Transforming the AIDS Response, reflects the regions growing vulnerability.

WHO said the 2025 commemoration highlights the need for sustained political commitment, international cooperation, and human-rights-centred approaches to achieve the goal of ending AIDS by 2030.

While disruptions continue to challenge health systems worldwide, the organisation emphasised that hope remains rooted in the resilience, innovation, and determination of communities at the forefront of the response.
No fewer than 2,246 newly diagnosed HIV-positive persons have benefitted from free Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) in Bauchi State.

Sani Mohammed, Commissioner for Health and Social Welfare, said this on Monday in Bauchi at an event to mark the 2025 World AIDS Day.

The theme of the 2025 World AIDS Day is: Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response.

Mr Mohammed said the persons received comprehensive ART treatment from January 2025 till date, adding that 650 HIV-exposed infants have achieved 100 per cent early infant diagnosis to protect them from HIV infection.

Represented by Dauda Yakubu, Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr Mohammed said the theme seeks to reflect challenges caused by recent funding cuts and other setbacks in HIV campaign.

It also reminds us of the need to build a stronger, more resilient and rights focused approach as we work toward ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.

This commemoration also comprises a series of activities like rally, health talks, medical outreach, lectures, distribution of nutritional support to People Living with HIV, amongst others, he said.

He noted that the state made significant progress over the years with the landscape of the HIV epidemic improving dramatically.

He said the HIV prevalence rate declined from 6.8 per cent in 2001 to 0.4 per cent in 2018.

We have made tremendous progress in saving the lives of people living with HIV and preventing new infections in Bauchi State, he said.

He commended Governor Bala Mohammed for his support to the states Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Malaria (BACATMA), including allocation of one per cent Local Government Council Funds, to enhance fight against HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, leprosy and malaria.

Diene Keita, Executive Director, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), said that progress on HIV prevention is the surest path to an AIDS-free generation.

Ms Keita highlighted that medical and public policy breakthrough had accelerated possibilities for protection against HIV infection, expanding rights and choices for people around the world.

However, this progress is facing major setbacks, as unprecedented funding cuts in international aid have hit HIV prevention programmes particularly hard, she said.

Represented by Deborah Tabara, Gender and Reproductive Health Analyst, UNFPA, Ms Keita said the funding cut deprived nearly 2.5 million people of life-saving pre-exposure medications.

Also, Adamu Sambo, Executive Chairman, BACATMA, said the agency had intensified effort to identify people who need attention in health facilities in the state.

(NAN)
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has assured Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), that he will resolve the IPOB leaders issues with the Nigerian government and secure his release from prison.

Mr Otti spoke on Sunday when he visited a prison facility in Sokoto State, where Mr Kanu is serving his life imprisonment for terrorism, the governors media aide, Ferdinand Ekeoma, said in a statement Sunday night.

The governor, according to the statement, while discussing with Mr Kanu during the visit, encouraged him to remain calm and strong.

He also assured Mr Kanu that the engagements he (the governor) started over two years ago, which the IPOB leader has been aware of, have been intensified despite the life imprisonment.

Mr Otti further assured Mr Kanu that the issue would be resolved administratively and he (Kanu) will regain his freedom.

Sultan of Sokotos support for Kanus release

Mr Otti said he is excited that the Sultan of Sokoto is also in support of the need for Mr Kanus freedom and de-escalation of tension in South-east Nigeria.

The governor also informed Mr Kanu that the Sultan of Sokoto had on a lighter note told him (Otti) that he (Kanu) is now his subject and he was going to turban him.

The information got the IPOB leader laughing loudly, the statement said.

Nnamdi Kanu speaks

Responding, Mr Kanu, according to the statement, thanked Governor Otti for the visit, adding that he was not surprised by the quick visit after the conviction, given that the governor had done a similar thing in the past.

The IPOB leader told Mr Otti that he (Kanu) is only interested in good governance and anything that could improve the peoples lives.

He then commended the governor for his giant strides in Abia, saying he was impressed with his performance which he said was based on the feedback he gets from the South-eastern state.

First visit by a governor

With the development, Mr Otti became the first governor to visit Mr Kanu in Sokoto State after the court sentenced him to life imprisonment.

Barely 24 hours after the court sentenced Mr Kanu, Mr Otti had announced he would activate plans to secure his release from prison.

The Attorney-General of Abia State and Commissioner for Justice, Ikechukwu Uwanna, SAN, the governors media aide, Mr Ekeoma, and some top officials of the Sokoto State Government accompanied the governor on the visit to the prison facility.

Mr Kanus younger brother, Emmanuel, was also present during the visit.

Conviction and life imprisonment

This newspaper reported that on 20 November, a Federal High Court, Abuja, convicted Mr Kanu of terrorism, after the court found him guilty on all seven counts filed against him by the Nigerian government.

The trial judge, James Omotosho, sentenced him to life imprisonment and ordered that he be prevented from having access to mobile devices and broadcast equipment except under the watch of security operatives.

The IPOB leader was moved from Abuja to Sokoto State shortly after the court sentenced him.

Mr Kanu hails from Afara-Ukwu in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigerias South-east.
The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar, has resigned his appointment, with immediate effect.

Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga said Mr Abubakar, In a letter dated December 1, sent to President Bola Tinubu, said he was quitting on health grounds.

President Tinubu has accepted the resignation and thanked Abubakar for his services to the nation.

President Tinubu will likely inform the Senate of Badarus successor later this week.

Mr Abubakar, 63, was a two-term governor of Jigawa state from 2015 to 2023. He was appointed as a minister on 21 August 2023, by President Tinubu.

His resignation comes amid President Tinubus declaration of a national security emergency, with plans to elaborate on its scope in due course, Mr Onanuga wrote.
A middle-aged man, Lawrence Peter, has been killed in Amangbala, Ohaisu community in Afikpo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, over a minor disagreement with a villager.

Confirming the incident, Joshua Ukandu, the police spokesperson in Ebonyi, stated that the incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday.

We are aware of the incident, and the suspect has been arrested and is in our custody.

Our men have arrested some persons in the area, and investigation has commenced, Mr Ukandu, a superintendent of police, said.

According to a community member, Chukwuemeka Oyim, Mr Peter was murdered by one of the villagers as the community was celebrating Iko Ohaisu festival.

The suspect stormed Ogo Amaokwu-Amangbala chambers around 1 a.m., where preparations for the festival were being made.

He started harassing everyone inside the chamber, demanding N1,000 as a levy for using the Ogo for their costume, Mr Oyim said.

Mr Oyim said that the suspect claimed he and his associates cleaned the Ogo.

ALSO READ: Man killed in Abuja road accident

When the suspect accosted the deceased, he politely told him that he had no money on him.

The deceaseds appeal fell on the deaf ears of the suspect, who immediately used a bottle and cut deeply into the victims head and ran away.

The deceased was rushed to the Maranatha Hospital at Afikpo, where he died, Mr Oyim said.

(NAN)
News / National

by Staff reporter

A High Court judge has dismissed an application by a war veterans' pressure group seeking to stop the government from issuing title deeds for agricultural land, dealing a significant blow to the group's efforts to challenge Zimbabwe's new land tenure policy.The matter was heard by Justice Samuel Deme, who ruled that the application lacked merit and ordered the applicants to pay costs.The applicants  Godfrey "Zvabhendabhenda" Gurira, Joseph "Hitler" Chinyangare, Reuben Zulu, Digmore Ndiya and the War Veterans Pressure Group Trust  had cited President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Lands minister Anxious Masuka and the Zimbabwe Land Commission as respondents. They were represented by lawyer Tendai Biti, while Ms Musangwa appeared for the respondents.The group sought a constitutional declarator challenging the land tenure policy announced by President Mnangagwa on October 8, 2024. Businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei chairs the committee responsible for implementing the new policy.The war veterans argued that, in accordance with section 293(3) of the Constitution, no State-held agricultural land should be sold, privatised or transferred without an Act of Parliament, and further submitted that any alienation of such land required consultation and approval of the Zimbabwe Land Commission, as stipulated in section 297(1)(a).But Justice Deme ruled that their arguments did not hold."Thus, it serves no purpose to declare the existing and undisputed position of the law that all old title deeds in respect of all agricultural land acquired by the government were cancelled," he said.He further clarified that the State remained fully empowered to issue new titles to new beneficiaries."However, as highlighted before, the State is not prevented from issuing new titles to new owners of agricultural land in terms of section 293(1) as read with section 292 of the Constitution," he added.Justice Deme agreed with the respondents' submissions that section 72(5) of the Constitution does not bar the issuance of new titles following the cancellation of old ones, and that the State is constitutionally obligated to enhance land tenure security.The respondents also argued that contrary to the applicants' assumptions, an Act of Parliament required under section 293(3) is already in place  namely, the Land Commission Act [Chapter 20:29]. They further submitted that the Executive is not bound by the recommendations of the Zimbabwe Land Commission, citing section 297(3) of the Constitution and section 17 of the Land Commission Act.They maintained that government's new land tenure framework was introduced as part of a broader policy process, not in isolation.Mnangagwa's programme will replace the long-standing 99-year leases and offer letters with title deeds, a move expected to strengthen land ownership rights and improve access to capital for farmers. The policy also includes a US$500 per hectare annual levy for holders of offer letters, permits or leases. Funds collected will contribute to the US$3.5 billion compensation package for white former commercial farmers whose land was taken during the fast-track land reform programme.A Global Compensation Deed Agreement signed in 2020 between the government and the Commercial Farmers Union came into effect in 2025, with an initial US$3 million disbursement made toward compensating the first batch of 378 farms. The remainder will be settled through US dollar Treasury bonds.The High Court decision marks another step forward for the government's land tenure reforms as it moves ahead with plans to issue title deeds across the country.
The police have foiled an attempted cattle rustling and killed unspecified numbers of bandits in Zodi village, Zuru Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

The police spokesperson in the state, Nafiu Kotarkoshi, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.

Mr Kotarfoshi said the bandits invaded the community and rustled an unspecified number of livestock before the police intervened.

Upon receiving the report, personnel of No. 36 PMF Squadron, Birnin Kebbi, deployed for operations to restore peace in the area, promptly responded with sporadic shooting, thereby repelling the assailants with a heavy exchange of gunfire.

As a result, many bandits were neutralised (killed) while others fled into the forest with fatal gunshot wounds along with the dead bodies.

When a search was conducted in the forest, two motorcycles, ninety cows, and forty-five sheep were recovered as exhibits. Consequently, the recovered livestock has been handed over to the village head of Zodi for safe return to the rightful owners.

The recovered two motorcycles were handed over to the Divisional Police Officer, Zuru, for further investigation with a view to identifying and arresting the owners, Mr Kotarkoshi stated.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Bello Sani, commended the gallant performance of the 36 PMF personnel and charged them to sustain the momentum, the statement added.

The incident in Zodi village, Zuru LGA, is a continuation of security challenges that have plagued the Kebbi South Senatorial District, often referred to as Southern Kebbi.

Local government areas within the district, such as Zuru, Sakaba, Fakai and Danko/Wasagu, where the 25 schoolgirls were kidnapped, released, have seen some of the violence.

The zone, which shares borders with Zamfara and Niger states has been a frequent target for armed criminal groups. The rugged terrain and proximity to dense forests often provide safe havens and operational bases for the bandits.
The Nigerian Army has arrested a police officer allegedly colluding with militias in Taraba State, following a renewed outbreak of communal violence in Usmanu, a village in the Karim Lamido Local Government Area.

Troops of the 6 Brigade, under Operation Peace Shield, said they neutralised four militia members and recovered a cache of weapons, including three dane guns, a fabricated AK-47 rifle, 25 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, and two motorcycles reportedly used in the attacks.

The development was revealed in a statement issued on Sunday in Jalingo by Umar Muhammad, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade.

He said the operation was triggered by intelligence reports of escalating hostilities linked to the long-standing land dispute between the Shomo and Wurkun communities, which has periodically erupted into violent clashes, destroying property and threatening civilian lives.

The arrested police officer was apprehended at the scene for allegedly aiding the militia group.

The army confirmed that the officer is under investigation, and authorities are profiling the suspect to determine the extent of involvement.

Kingsley Uwa, commander of 6 Brigade/Sector 3, Operation Whirl Stroke, commended the troops for their swift and professional response.

He reassured residents of Karim Lamido and surrounding communities of the armys commitment to restoring peace, urging citizens to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible intelligence.

ALSO READ: Four feared killed In Taraba communal clash

The arrested personnel of the police force are currently under investigation to ascertain the degree of complicity.

We will continue to pursue all elements that threaten the peace of Taraba State, Mr Uwa said.

The army also called on the public to report suspicious movements as operations continue under Operation Peace Shield, Operation Lafiya Nakowa, and Operation Zafin Wuta.
Members of the International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria will converge on the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, for their Annual Conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM), with a major focus on Nigerias deteriorating press freedom indicators.

Nigeria has fallen 10 places to 122nd in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index released by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), a sharp drop from its 112th position in 2024.

This troubling slide will dominate discussions at the 2025 Annual Conference on the opening day, 2 December, and at the members-only closed-door AGM session on 3 December.

The worsening situation informed the groups choice of papers and speakers for the conference, reflecting the collective concern of its seasoned membership.

The first paper, Addressing Media Repression in Nigeria: Safeguarding Press Freedom and Democratic Accountability, will be delivered by the Executive Director of Media Rights Agenda (MRA), Edetaen Ojo.

The session will be moderated by Busola Ajibola, deputy director at the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), with a panel featuring the Executive Director of the International Press Centre, Lanre Arogundade; Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin and Special Adviser at the Office of the National Security Adviser, Idayat Hassan.

The second paper, Building Sustainable Media in Nigeria: Navigating Innovation, Credibility, and Revenue Challenges, will be delivered by the President/CEO of CBD MediaEdge Communications Limited and Co-Founder of Media Trust Limited, Isiaq Ajibola.

A robust panel will follow, comprising the Vice-Chair of Channels Television, Olusola Momoh; Editor-In-Chief of LEADERSHIP, Azu Ishiekwene; the Director of the MacArthur Foundation in Nigeria, Kole Shettima; and the Publisher of The Point Newspaper, Yemi Kolapo.

The session will be moderated by Abigail Ogwezzy-Ndisika, a Professor of Mass Communication and Director of the Institute of Continuing Education (ICE), University of Lagos (UNILAG).

As part of activities lined up for the first day, a Book of Infamy will be unveiled by Abiodun Adeniyi, a Professor of Mass Communication and Registrar of Baze University, while the President of IPI Nigeria, Musikilu Mojeed, will coordinate a Surprise Honorary Event.

For the second day, reserved strictly for IPI Nigeria members, the institute will conduct a deeper interrogation of the countrys press freedom climate.

According to the 2025 World Press Freedom Index by RSF, Nigeria is one of the most dangerous countries for journalists in West Africa.

RSF noted that electoral periods continue to trigger significant violence against journalists.

In August 2024 alone, about 30 journalists were assaulted, arrested, or targeted with tear gas or gunfire while covering nationwide social protests.

The report adds that crimes against journalists persist with almost no state mechanism for protection, and that authorities keep investigative journalists under close surveillance and do not hesitate to threaten and arbitrarily detain them, often with impunity even when perpetrators are identified.

Vice President Kashim Shettima is billed to chair the conference, while the Minister of Information and National Orientation will deliver a special remark.

Other high-profile guests expected include the Director General of the State Security Services (SSS), Oluwatosin Ajayi; former Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed; former spokesperson to the late President Muhammadu Buhari, Garba Shehu; and former State Chief of Protocol to President Buhari, Lawal Kazaure.

Several eminent personalities and senior media leaders are also scheduled to attend, including the Executive Director of IPI Global, Scott Grifen, who will deliver a solidarity address, and former Governor of Ogun State, Olusegun Osoba.

Presidents of major media associations invited to the event include Maiden Alex-Ibru, President of the Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN); Eze Anaba, President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE); Danlami Nmodu, President of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP); and Alhassan Abdul, President of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ).

Heads of agencies under the Ministry of Information and National Orientation will also be present. They include the Directors General of the following agencies: National Orientation Agency (NOA), Lanre Issa-Onilu; Voice of Nigeria (VON), Jubrin Baba Ndace; Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Mohammed Bulama; Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Salihu Dembos; and the Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Ali Ali.

Other invited dignitaries include former Director of Information in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Haruna Imrana; former Provost of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), Gbemiga Ogunleye; IPI Global Board Member, Raheem Adedoyin; former Managing Director of Champion Newspaper, Emma Agu: former Executive Director at the Tribune Newspapers, Folu Olamiti; former editor of The Punch, Najeem Jimoh, a Professor of Communication at the Lagos State University, Tunde Akanni; Associate Professor of Mass Communication at Bayero University, Kano, Yau Sule; Publisher of PRNigeria, Yushau Shuaib and former Editor of The Guardian On Sunday, Fred Ohwahwa
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, affirmed Nigerias commitment and partnership with states parties in putting an end to impunity for grievous crimes in the international community.

In a statement by the Special Adviser to the President (Communication and Publicity), Office of the AGF/Minister of Justice, Kamarudeen Ogundele on Monday, Mr Fagbemi said, We reaffirm our full support for the work of the Court and encourage States that have not yet acceded to the Rome Statute to do so in the interest of global peace, justice, and human dignity.

Mr Fagbemi spoke at the 24th Session of the Assembly of States Parties (ASP) to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) at The Hague, Netherlands. The assembly commenced on Monday.

Mr Fagbemi affirmed Nigerias resolve to hold perpetrators of human rights violations accountable and the readiness to cooperate with the ICC.

The Federal Government of Nigeria reaffirms its readiness to continue working with the ICC in the fulfilment of its mandate. Our cooperation is firmly rooted in the principles of international law and the sovereign equality of States, and we remain committed to ensuring that such cooperation always reflects respect for Nigerias sovereignty and constitutional framework.

The disregard for international humanitarian law, deliberate targeting of civilians, and destruction of civilian infrastructure illustrate the urgent need to bolster global accountability efforts. Nigeria particularly finds it concerning, the dehumanisation of wars and armed conflicts against even persons not directly involved in these conflicts, he said.

Mr Fagbemi also said the advent of technologies such as Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (LAWS) could pose a challenge in protecting people.

He noted the willingness of Nigeria to lend its support to ongoing international processeswithin the United Nations and other multilateral fora to set up systems that ensure technology serves humanity and not the reverse.

He therefore called for the universalisation and implementation of international humanitarian law instruments.

Similarly, Mr Fagbemi called for the integration of Africas peculiar challenges in the discussions at the assembly.

We also emphasise the need for continued dialogue between the ICC and the African Continent. Africas peculiar experiences and challenges must be integrated into ongoing discussions on cooperation, complementarity and reform.

The minister condemned cyber-attacks on the ICCs digital infrastructure and called for collaboration among stakeholders and experts to tighten the technologys security to safeguard against future attacks.

He also congratulated the newly elected member of the Board of Directors of the Trust Fund for Victims while lauding the efforts of the Fund in giving tangible expression to the promise of justice for victims.

READ ALSO: AGF hails Simon Ekpas conviction in Finland

The 24th Session of the ASP to the Rome Statute of the ICC started on 1 December and will run till 6 December 2026 at the Hague, Netherlands.

This assembly brings together State Parties observers, representatives from civil societies, and regional and international organisations to discuss issues faced by the Statute.

At the end of the assembly, resolutions will be adopted.
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has visited the leader of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, at a prison facility in Sokoto State, where he is serving his life imprisonment for terrorism.

Mr Otti visited the prison facility on Sunday, accompanied by some government officials from Sokoto State, PREMIUM TIMES gathered.

Conviction and life imprisonment

This newspaper reported that, on 20 November, Mr Kanu was convicted of terrorism by a Federal High Court, Abuja, after the court found him guilty on all seven counts filed against him by the Nigerian government.

The trial Judge, James Omotosho, sentenced him to life imprisonment and ordered that he be prevented from having access to mobile devices and broadcast equipment except under the watch of security operatives.

The IPOB leader was moved from Abuja to Sokoto State shortly after the court sentenced him.

Mr Kanu hails from Afara-Ukwu in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigerias South-east.

Lawyer hails Otti

In a post on his X handle on Sunday, Aloy Ejimakor, the former special counsel to the IPOB leader, hailed Mr Otti for visiting Mr Kanu, fulfilling his promise to the IPOB leader.

May this your visit be the first step to ending this undeserved ordeal, sooner than later, Mr Ejimakor wrote in the microblogging platform, referring to the governor.

When contacted by PREMIUM TIMES on Sunday night, Mr Ottis media aide, Ferdinand Ekeoma, confirmed the governors visit to Mr Kanu at the Sokoto prison.

Mr Ekeoma said he would soon issue a press statement to provide details of the governors visit to the IPOB leader.

First visit by a governor

With the development, Mr Otti became the first governor to visit Mr Kanu in Sokoto State after the court sentenced him to life imprisonment.

Barely 24 hours after the court sentenced Mr Kanu, Mr Otti had announced he would activate plans to secure his release from the prison facility.
The Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, has said criminal groups fleeing intensified military operations in northern Nigeria have begun relocating to Kano State, a situation posing security threats to residents.

Mr Jibrin, who represents Kano North Senatorial District, said this in a statement on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, drawing attention to recent terrorist attacks in villages in Tsanyawa and Shanono Local Government Areas of the state.

On Saturday night, bandits attacked Yankamaye village in Tsanyawa LGA, reportedly killing an elderly woman and abducting three residents. The attackers were said to have arrived on motorcycles, which they parked on the outskirts of the village before proceeding on foot to avoid detection.

The Police Public Relations Officer for Kano State Command, Abdullahi Kiyawa, confirmed the incident, which threw the community into panic as many residents were asleep when the gunmen struck

Mr Jibrin said the attackers were among the criminals pushed out of neighbouring states by ongoing military operations.

I have received the distressing report of the killing of a woman and the kidnapping of three persons in Yankamaye village in Tsanyawa LGA of Kano State by marauding bandits from neighbouring states on Saturday night when the villagers had retired to bed, he said.

He noted that the incident occurred just days after a similar attack in Biresawa village, also in Tsanyawa LGA.

The deputy senate president called on security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the abducted victims and reinforce security in the affected areas.

This incident occurred a few days after a similar one in Biresawa village, also in Tsanyawa LGA. I, therefore, call on our security agencies, who have engaged the criminals on many occasions in the axis, to double their efforts to rescue these innocent persons and tackle the elements. They should take the fight to them.

We will not allow these marauding criminals who are on the run from neighbouring states following military operations to destabilise our communities. This incursion into the area must stop forthwith. The security of our peoples lives and properties is paramount. No stone will be left unturned in achieving this, he added.

Kano is one of the states in North-western Nigeria, alongside Kebbi, Jigawa, Kaduna, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara.

On 17 November, terrorists, armed with sophisticated weapons, stormed Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State, on motorcycles, abducted 24 schoolgirls from their dormitory, killed the schools vice principal, and injured a local security guard, Ali Maga.

The abductees were later rescued following a military operation and reunited with their families.

This is not the first time Kebbi State, governed by APCs Nasir Idris, has witnessed mass abductions. In June 2021, the Dogo Gide group kidnapped about 80 students and five teachers from the Federal Government College, Birnin Yauri.

In February that same year, terrorists kidnapped nearly 300 girls from a boarding school in Jangebe, Zamfara State. Most of them were later freed.

In 2024, terrorists kidnapped more than 100 students from a joint elementary school in Kuriga, Kaduna State. The students were subsequently freed a few months later, with the government claiming that no ransom was paid.
At the 2025 National Health Dialogue, the Kaduna State government highlighted what it described as major strides in rebuilding the states health sector, citing improvements in primary healthcare, expanded workforce capacity, and strengthened emergency response systems.

Despite these claims, PREMIUM TIMES reports published between 2023 and 2025 show persistent gaps across the states health system, raising questions about whether the governments reforms are translating into real improvements for communities.

Speaking during a fireside conversation at the dialogue, the States Deputy Governor, Hadiza Balarabe, highlighted the administrations commitment to strengthening the health sector, noting that health has consistently received 15 per cent of the states total budget since the current administration assumed office in 2023.

Ms Balarabe said the sustained allocation reflects the governments intention to expand access to quality care while improving outcomes, particularly for mothers and children.

She emphasised the importance of involving young people in governance, arguing that the future of leadership and development depends on the opportunities they are provided today.

According to her, Kaduna is adopting a multi-sectoral approach to health by linking education, nutrition and healthcare to build resilience across communities.

She added that the state is also improving emergency care systems and upgrading health facilities to deliver more reliable services.

Health improvement

Speaking on infrastructure development, Ms Balarabe said Kaduna State has been strengthening its primary healthcare system by upgrading facilities, increasing its ambulance fleet and implementing digital monitoring and tracking systems.

She explained that the state has recruited and trained 1,800 healthcare workers and forged partnerships with organisations, including the Gates Foundation, to expand financing and improve service delivery in rural communities.

Regarding maternal and newborn health, she acknowledged that Kaduna has yet to achieve a breakthrough in reducing maternal mortality. However, she noted progress in neonatal outcomes and said the government is focused on improving emergency support for pregnant women.

We cannot continue to have children while mothers are lost, she said, emphasising the governments efforts to build a stronger referral system and expand access to high-quality maternal and child health services.

What the reports say

Despite the assurances presented by Kaduna State at the dialogue, PREMIUM TIMES reports published between 2023 and 2025 reveal persistent weaknesses across the states health sector.

In March 2025, the Kaduna government approved the recruitment of 1,800 health workers and promised upgrades across 255 primary healthcare centres, insisting that the reforms would strengthen rural service delivery.

Meanwhile, PREMIUM TIMES reporting shows that key challenges remain unaddressed.

A July 2025 investigative report revealed that a preventable diphtheria outbreak killed children in several Kaduna communities due to failures in routine immunisation and poor cold-chain maintenance.

Many PHCs lacked essential vaccines, admission capacity and follow-up mechanisms, conditions that contradict the states claims of a strengthened PHC system.

Another July 2025 report documented a diarrhoea outbreak affecting 81 students at a secondary school in Kaduna. Although the Ministry of Health intervened, the incident highlighted gaps in preventive care, water safety and surveillance systems, raising additional concerns about the effectiveness of PHCs in the state.

Workforce instability has also been a recurring problem. In June 2025, resident doctors protested the dismissal of colleagues at a major state hospital, describing the decision as unfair and indicative of broader labour tensions.

The doctors cited inadequate training oversight and staffing shortages, which contradict government claims of improved workforce capacity.

By August 2025, resident doctors issued a 12-day ultimatum to the government, demanding the implementation of the 2024 salary adjustment, payment of arrears and better working conditions.

They warned that sustained burnout and the migration of clinicians to other states and federal institutions were crippling service delivery.

Taken together, the reports suggest that despite increased budgetary allocation and policy commitments, Kadunas health system continues to face significant gaps in immunisation, disease surveillance, emergency response and workforce stability.

These inconsistencies raise questions about whether the reforms outlined by the state are translating into meaningful improvements for communities.

About National Health Dialogue

The 2025 National Health Dialogue, organised by PREMIUM TIMES in partnership with the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), was supported by the Gates Foundation.

The dialogue was themed Evidence, Innovation, and Financing for a Healthier Nigeria.

The dialogue brought together policymakers, health experts, civil society groups and innovators for a full-day discussion on the state of Nigerias health sector.
In a move that lawmakers described as unprecedented in recent years, the House suspended all routine legislative business and dedicated a three-day special session to interrogate the national security situation. It also attended to other national issues. Here are some of the issues:

Reps hold special session to interrogate nations unabating insecurity

The 360-member House set aside three legislative days to mirror the nations security challenges and made some recommendations on how to overcome the menace.

Opening the session on Tuesday, Speaker Abbas Tajudeen said the last few weeks had exposed deep vulnerabilities in Nigerias security architecture. He pointed to coordinated attacks on rural communities, targeted killings, highway abductions and the displacement of entire settlements as evidence of a crisis that had become too dangerous to ignore.

This moment requires calm heads, careful judgement and thoughtful action, he told colleagues. There must be no rush or sensational responses.

Over the course of the session, lawmakers dissected structural problems in the armed forces and police, including inadequate troop numbers, obsolete equipment and chronic delays in the release of operational funds. Several members raised concerns about poor welfare for security personnel, arguing that low morale had contributed to desertions, low resilience and weak frontline response.

There were also strong calls for reforms that would improve community-level intelligence gathering and rebuild trust between residents and security agencies, especially in areas where civilians have grown fearful of cooperating due to reprisals from armed groups.

Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda accused the federal government of failing to act decisively despite years of recurring violence. He argued that Nigerians were living in fear daily while elected leaders watched attacks become more brazen.

Government is sleeping, he said bluntly, stressing that the government, across all arms, had failed to act decisively despite repeated attacks that have left families grieving and entire communities displaced.

A former Deputy Speaker, Idris Wase, also raised a distressing concern that criminal gangs, including armed robbers, had infiltrated the security system. He said such infiltration had compromised operations, frustrated investigations and emboldened attackers.

His warning added another dimension to the already complex debate, with several lawmakers calling for immediate internal audits within security establishments.

The Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, proposed that the House consider criminal penalties within the next six months for officials who engage in unauthorised ransom negotiations or approve informal amnesty programmes for bandits.

He argued that such actions, when carried out outside proper government frameworks, had worsened the crisis by encouraging criminal groups to escalate their activities.

The special session ended on Thursday, with Mr Kalu announcing that a set of resolutions would be transmitted to the executive for urgent action.

Lawmakers enter a critical stage in Constitution amendment process

On Thursday, lawmakers received a major update on the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution. Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who chairs the House Committee on Constitution Review, announced that the chamber would vote on proposed amendments on 10 December.

He informed members that the House would dedicate three consecutive legislative days next week, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday to debate the consolidated reports. The committee, he said, had completed its technical work and was finalising documents that would be presented to the chamber.

We are going to continue another set of debates next week, but this time it will be on the Constitution review, he said. We will confirm to you before that Tuesday if we are taking this decision. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday will be for the debates because we are looking at the upper week to be when we will vote on the Constitution, which is about 10 December, before we wind down this session.

The review process includes far-reaching proposals on state policing, judicial reforms, local government autonomy and restructuring of revenue allocation. Lawmakers are expected to take positions on all proposed amendments when voting opens.

Plea for IPOBs Nnamdi Kanu

The South-east Caucus of the House also made a significant intervention this week, urging President Bola Tinubu to grant a presidential pardon to Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Mr Kanu, who was convicted on all seven counts related to terrorism and incitement, was sentenced to life imprisonment, while additional concurrent terms of 20 years and five years were imposed on other counts.

The call followed a caucus meeting on Monday, during which members reviewed the latest court judgement and assessed the continuing agitation across the region.

In a statement after the meeting, the lawmakers said the matter had moved beyond legal arguments and had evolved into a national political and humanitarian issue requiring decisive executive intervention.

They warned that continued detention had sustained tension, contributed to sporadic violence and psychologically strained families and communities.

The caucus argued that a political solution, rather than a strictly judicial trajectory, was now essential for restoring peace and normalcy in the region.

Thumbs down for agencies for evading oversight

A House Ad hoc Committee investigating power sector reforms and expenditures from 2007 to 2024 expressed frustration over what it described as an emerging pattern of avoidance by federal agencies expected to participate in its ongoing probe.

Committee chair, Ibrahim Aliyu, issued fresh summons to several agencies, including the Bureau of Public Procurement, Budget Office of the Federation, Office of the Accountant-General, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Power and Office of the Auditor-General, after they repeatedly failed to appear before the committee or submit required documents.

He directed the affected institutions to appear before the panel not later than 8 December, warning that the House would invoke its constitutional powers if the agencies continued to evade oversight.

Mr Aliyu said the committee would not allow delays that could compromise a probe covering trillions of naira spent on power reforms that have yet to deliver stable electricity to Nigerians.

Yet, another defection, APCs gain

The week ended with another round of political realignment in the House. Godwin Offiono, who represents Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency of Cross River State, resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party and joined the All Progressives Congress.

Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu read the defection letter during Wednesdays plenary.

Mr Offiono said deep-rooted structural issues within the PDP had undermined his efforts to serve his constituents effectively. He thanked the party for the platform it had provided, but said the prevailing situation had made continued membership untenable.

His defection adds to the ongoing partisan shifts in Cross River, a state that has recently become a battleground for influence between the APC and PDP at the state and federal levels.
Strengthening Nigerias legal practice regulations

At Tuesdays plenary, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, read a communication from President Bola Tinubu seeking the repeal of the Legal Practitioners Act, 2004, and its replacement with a new regulatory framework for the legal profession.

The proposal seeks to establish a Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) to address professional misconduct, with penalties ranging from suspension and reprimand to removal from the bar.

Other provisions include a mandatory two-year tutelage period for new lawyers, a licensing system, stronger public-interest protections, improved access to justice, and clearer ethical standards for practitioners. The proposal also reaffirms the Body of Benchers as the authority responsible for admitting qualified persons to the bar.

Honour for deceased colleague

The Senate suspended plenary on Tuesday in honour of the late Enugu North senator, Okey Ezea.

The Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, moved a motion to suspend plenary in honour of the late Senator Okey Ezea of Enugu North.

Mr Ezea, 62, died the previous Tuesday after a brief illness. His son, Jideofor Ezea, announced his passing on behalf of the family.

His death comes 16 months after Senator Ifeanyi Ubah of Anambra South passed away in London.

Debate on citizens right to bear arms

On Wednesday, the Senate dedicated over five hours to debating a motion sponsored by Kwara South Senator, Oyelola Ashiru, on rising kidnapping cases in Kwara, Kebbi, and Niger States.

In one of the resolutions adopted, lawmakers backed calls for a review of Nigerias firearm laws to allow responsible citizens to own or bear arms.

The proposal comes at a time when many Nigerians, especially youths, are demanding permanent licences to own guns for self-protection as kidnapping incidents surge nationwide.

Tinubus ambassadorial nominee list arrives upper chamber

The Senate received a request from President Tinubu to screen and confirm three nominees for non-career ambassadorial positions.

The nominees are Kayode Are (Ogun State), Aminu Dalhatu (Jigawa State) and Ayodele Oke (Oyo State).

The request was referred to the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, with a directive to report back within one week.

Death for kidnappers

Lawmakers further resolved on Wednesday to amend the Anti-Terrorism Act to prescribe the death penalty, without the option of a fine, for kidnapping offences.

They agreed that once kidnapping is established in court, a death sentence should follow.

The senate president then directed the senate leader to prepare the amendment urgently, classifying kidnapping as terrorism and making the offence punishable by death without the option of a fine or judicial discretion.

Akpabio sacks two committee chairmen

Mr Akpabio removed Umar Buba and Godiya Akwashiki as chairmen of the Committees on National Security and Intelligence and Air Force, respectively, over their failure to perform oversight duties amid increasing insecurity nationwide.

Their removal followed a complaint that both committees had failed to provide timely and relevant security briefings despite rising cases of kidnapping and banditry across the country.

The Senate also resolved to meet with President Tinubu to brief him on its latest security-related resolutions.

Death Penalty Amendment Bill introduced

As directed, the amendment to the Anti-Terrorism Act was introduced on Thursday and passed first reading with overwhelming support.

It has been scheduled for second reading, signalling strong legislative backing for the proposed death penalty.

Senate confirms Federal Character Commission chairman, 37 commissioners

The Senate on Thursday confirmed former lawmaker, Ayo Omidiran, as Chairman of the Federal Character Commission, alongside 37 commissioners representing all 36 states and the FCT.

The nominees were confirmed after considering the report of the Senate Committee on Federal Character and Inter-Governmental Affairs, presented during the plenary by its chairman, Allwell Onyesoh.

Safe-School Probe

The Senate also set up a 13-member ad hoc committee to investigate the utilisation of over $30 million allocated to the Safe-School Programme, launched in 2014 after the Chibok schoolgirls abduction.

The committee will review how funds were spent by agencies such as the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Safe School Parents Watch Network on securing students, teachers, and school infrastructure from the programmes inception to date.
At least six Lagos-based real estate marketers have been abducted in Ogun State while on an inspection visit to a landed property in Oyebola village, Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area.

The group was in the community to assess their companys land ahead of a marketing drive when the incident occurred on Friday, the Ogun State Police Command confirmed on Sunday night.

The Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, said the command was immediately alerted and had since launched a search-and-rescue operation.

They brought some marketers from Lagos to come and see the land so that they can have the requisite information to market the land for members of the public who are interested.

It was during their visit to this land that the six people were abducted. The command has been on it since, and we shall definitely ensure that these people regain their freedom, Mr Ogunlowo said.

Rising Insecurity

The incident adds to a troubling wave of abductions across the country, which has renewed calls for a decentralised policing structure.

Only days earlier, Southern governors again pushed for the establishment of state police, arguing that the current security architecture is overstretched and unable to respond effectively to local threats.

The governors, led by Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, met in Iperu-Remo, in the state, where they insisted that state police remains non-negotiable if states are to take full responsibility for the safety of their residents.

Their renewed demand followed a series of high-profile kidnappings targeting schools, churches and travellers.

On 21 November, gunmen abducted more than 300 students from St. Marys Catholic School in Niger State, while 25 girls were seized from a school in Kebbi State. In Kwara State, 38 worshippers were taken during an attack on a church.

The Ogun State kidnapping further underscore the rising insecurity and the mounting pressure on authorities to respond decisively.
News / National

by Stephen Jakes

BULAWAYO - The Civic Society and Churches Joint Forum (CSCJF) has called on Government to intervene at Mpilo Central Hospital, accusing health workers of failing to promptly attend to road traffic accident victims.The outcry follows a kombi accident in Bulawayo on Sunday, after which several injured passengers were transported to Mpilo Hospital. By Monday afternoon, they were reportedly still awaiting treatment.CSCJF National Coordinator Max Mkandla expressed anger over the delays, saying accident victims should be treated as emergency cases."Since yesterday these people have not been attended to by now. As I speak I am with them at Mpilo Hospital. Is there no priority that people injured in accidents should be treated as an emergency?," Mkandla said.He accused hospital staff of negligence and called for accountability from the Minister of Health."The Minister in charge of health must come out or resign if he is not able to deal with the situation in this hospital. Health staff here are stubborn and very slow. There is no hospital that keeps someone for two days when that person was injured in an accident without attending to that person," he added.Mkandla said some victims still had blood clots on their clothes, evidence they had not been attended to since arrival. He warned that Mpilo Hospital was becoming a "human slaughter pole" instead of a place of healing.He further suggested that if President Emmerson Mnangagwa were to make a surprise visit, many staff members would be dismissed for incompetence.Hospital administration officials could not be reached for comment.
Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has revealed the details of the corruption allegations over which he was recently invited and grilled by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

He denied duplicating the fees for the recovery $310 million Abacha loot, insisting he committed no wrongdoing, contrary to EFCCs allegations.

In a statement issued on Monday by his media aide, Mohammed Doka, the former minister confirmed that he honoured an EFCC invitation on 28 November regarding enquiries related to the recovered funds, which amounted to approximately $322.5 million upon repatriation.

In the statement Mr Malami shared on social media, the former AGF said the EFCC informed him that the investigation centred on alleged abuse of office and money laundering, allegations he firmly rejected.

My response is clear and unequivocal: these allegations are baseless, illogical and wholly devoid of substance, he stated.

According to Mr Malami, the EFCCs enquiry suggested that Swiss lawyer Enrico Monfrini had completed the recovery before he assumed office in 2015 and that any subsequent action he took amounted to duplication or an attempt to introduce lawyers who would allegedly provide kickbacks.

The former minister who recently declared interest in running for governor of Kebbi State on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), argued that the claim collapses immediately when subjected to facts and elementary logic, asserting that no part of the funds had been lodged into the Federation Account as of 2016, when the President Muhammadu Buhari administration began the recovery push.

There was therefore no completed recovery in existence, and nothing whatsoever to duplicate, the statement read.

The former AGF, a founding member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) who dumped the party for the ADC earlier in the year, added that several lawyers, including Mr Monfrini, applied in December 2016 to be engaged for the same recovery.

It is entirely illogical for a lawyer to apply in December 2016 to be engaged to recover funds he purportedly recovered two years earlier, his statement said.

He also disclosed that Mr Monfrini demanded a $5 million advance payment and a 40 per cent success fee, later reduced to 20 per cent, which the Buhari administration rejected in line with its policy against upfront payments and its 5 per cent cap on recovery fees.

Mr Malami said Nigerian law firm was later engaged for an all-inclusive 5 per cent fee, a decision he said saved Nigeria between 15 and 35 per cent of the recovered assets  amounting to between N76.8 billion and N179.2 billion at an average exchange rate of N1,600 per dollar.

Accordingly, any claim or investigation suggesting abuse of office or money laundering in relation to the $322.5 million is not rooted in any reasonable ground for suspicion, he said.

He listed the various tranches of Abacha loot recovered during his tenure. The $322.5 million repatriated from Switzerland in 20172018 was deployed to the Conditional Cash Transfer scheme under the National Social Investment Programme, he said, with monitoring by the World Bank and civil society groups.

Another $321 million recovered from Jersey in 2020, with support from the United States and Switzerland, was earmarked for major infrastructure projects, including the LagosIbadan Expressway, AbujaKano Road and the Second Niger Bridge.

Any attempt to conflate these distinct recoveries or to portray a lawful, cost-saving recovery process as duplication is misleading, he said.

Mr Malami described the allegations against him as baseless.

In conclusion, the allegations of money laundering and abuse of office concerning the $322.5 million Abacha loot remain baseless, illogical and entirely devoid of substance. I remain confident that truth, law and reason will ultimately prevail, he added.

Background

The EFCC on Friday granted administrative bail to Mr Malami after hours of questioning at the commissions headquarters in Abuja.

He 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 earlier reported that the anti-graft agency had invited the former minister for questioning.

EFCCs invitation

EFCC summoned Mr Malami in 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 in imperative, the letter stated.

He was asked to report to the EFCC headquarters in the Institution and Research District, Jabi, Abuja, to meet investigators from the 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, the letter added.

The EFCC did not state the specific allegations for which he was invited.

In separate public messages on Friday, Mr Malami confirmed receiving the invitation and pledged full cooperation.

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.

READ ALSO: EFCC grants bail to former AGF Abubakar Malami after interrogation

He said honesty, integrity and accountability had guided his years in public service.

EFCC yet to respond

EFCC has yet to issue any public statement on the case, even though Mr Malami has provided updates in a series of statements posted on social media.

Also, a message sent to EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale on Saturday to confirm Mr Malamis release had not been replied to as of the time of filing this report.

Mr Malami served as Attorney-General of the Federation under the former President Buhari administration.
Audu Achigili, a colonel in the Nigerian Army, has reportedly been arrested after he accused his superiors of frustrating his promotion to the rank of brigadier general.

Sahara Reporters reported that Mr Achigili was arrested on Monday at his residence, in the presence of his family.

In 2023, the Army Council approved my promotion to the rank of Brigadier General but till date it has not been given to me, the newspaper quoted Mr Achigili in a report published on Sunday.

The officer, who said he had served on many frontlines, including the insurgency-ravaged North-east and international deployments, expressed anger over the stalled promotion.

Noting that he narrowly escaped the 2001 Ikeja bombing during President Tinubus stewardship as Lagos State governor, Mr Achigili alleged that his stalled promotion is linked to a land dispute in his hometown in Benue State.

He claimed that the clan head of Oglewu community in his hometown influenced Gabriel Ochigbano, a retired major general who was also a former Military Secretary for the Army.

In what he described as a violation of the militarys oath of integrity, the colonel alleged that Mr Ochigbano, who was a year ahead of him at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), wanted him to be compulsorily retired from the army.

Mr Achigili also criticised the recent promotions in which members of the 41 Regular Course were downplayed in favour of their juniors, and these are great and gallant officers.

In that course, only two officers were promoted; one of them was a deceased officer, he said, this attitude seriously challenges officers loyalty and there is the need to do the right thing by preventing the decorations of highly projected officers whose merits rely on godfathers. These officers dont go to war but are always the first to benefit from anything in the Nigerian Army.

On Monday morning, soldiers stormed Col. Achigilis home to drag him into a waiting vehicle in the presence of his family. [PHOTO CREDIT:Sahara Reporters]

Achigili arrested

Soldiers arrested the colonel at his residence on Monday morning, his family told Sahara Reporters and shared a video of the arrest. It was unclear whether his arrest was related to the outburst over his stalled promotion and the alleged lopsided recent promotions.

The soldiers reportedly dragged Mr Achigili into a waiting vehicle while his son cried out.

See how they are dragging my father, his son was quoted as saying. They paid a sergeant to come and arrest my father in the Nigerian Army.

They want to kill my dad, the son alleged. They are taking him away. After working for the Nigerian Army for many years, they are taking him away.

PREMIUM TIMES could not immediately reach Apollonia Anele, spokesperson for the Nigerian Army, for confirmation and comment about Mr Achigilis arrest.

Her number was not connecting as of the time of filing this report, and a text sent to her had not been responded to.
A crisis is rocking the Kano State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) after a former lawmaker, Shaaban Sharada, rejected the alleged endorsement of a member of the House of Representatives, Sagir Koki, by former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje.

Mr Sharada, who represented Kano Municipal from 2019 to 2023, told Lumana Radio International on Sunday that Mr Ganduje cannot endorse any candidate from his constituency outside the democratic processes, while ignoring other members.

Mr Ganduje reportedly endorsed Mr Koki, who represents Kano Municipal in the House of Representatives, for the APC automatic ticket after he defected to the party from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) last month.

We welcome all the defectors to the APC, but one thing we cannot agree with is the imposition of candidates. It has previously failed, and it will fail again, Mr Sharada said, in reference to the 2023 APC crisis in Kano.

Mr Ganduje was widely accused of mismanaging the APC in Kano, which led to an intractable crisis in the state chapter of the party and abysmal performance in the 2023 elections.

Mr Sharada was among a group of federal lawmakers led by former Governor Ibrahim Shekarau, referred to as the G7, who in 2023 accused Mr Ganduje of sidelining them in party activities, among other issues.

He subsequently left the APC for the African Democratic Party (ADP) and contested for the state governorship but lost. He later rejoined the APC after the 2023 elections.

Gandujes recent moves

Last week, top officials of the APC in Kano, including Mr Sharada, were absent from a meeting organised by the former National Chairman of the party, Mr Ganduje, leading to speculation about internal disagreement.

Mr Ganduje organised a four-day consultation meeting at his Kano Nasarawa GRA residence, attended by party loyalists from across the 44 local government areas of the state.

He tasked them with securing leadership positions ahead of the December congress of the APC.

Insiders said the meeting was a strategic manoeuvre for control of party structures at different levels in the state ahead of the 2027 party primaries.

During the meeting, supporters in a viral Facebook post agitated for the return of the party leadership structures that were in place during the 2023 elections, and the governorship candidate, Nasiru Gawuna.

The meeting was attended by Mr Gawuna, his deputy, Murtala Garo, and some APC chieftains from the state. However, two APC senators, Abdulrahman Sumaila and Barau Jibrin, who is the Deputy President of the Senate, as well as House of Representatives member Abdulmumin Jibrin and his colleagues who rejoined the APC, were absent from the meeting.

The Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Abdullahi Atah, along with presidential aides Abdulaziz Abdulaziz and Bashir Lado, as well as several APC bigwigs and members of the state House of Assembly under the APC, were also absent from the meeting.

Mr Ganduje later told reporters that the meeting aimed to deepen internal cohesion, restore trust, and reaffirm the partys loyalty to President Bola Tinubu as preparation for the 2027 general elections.

The purpose of this meeting over the last three days has been to ensure complete unity in our party from top to bottom and to reaffirm our solidarity with the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, he said.

We have resolved that all local governments in the state should gather their party officials, stakeholders and supporters to make a public pronouncement endorsing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as our sole candidate for 2027, Mr Ganduje said.

Mr Ganduje also directed that all APC offices across the 44 LGAs and 484 wards be reopened to enhance grassroots mobilisation.

He also urged officials to intensify mobilisation for the ongoing Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) continuous voter registration, encouraging eligible citizens, particularly new voters, to register ahead of the elections.
Fresh anxiety has gripped Eruku in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State after gunmen abducted a farmer, Annas Aasanru, on Sunday, only days after 38 kidnapped worshippers of the Christ Apostolic Church Oke Isegun regained freedom.

The attack came one week after the church members were released following five days in captivity, during which three worshippers were killed. The survivors were moved to Ilorin, where the state government placed them under medical observation at a hotel in the GRA.

A community leader said the latest attackers arrived with cutlasses and AK-47 rifles before taking the farmer and escaping into the surrounding forest.

Sundays abduction deepens concerns about the security situation across Kwara, which has recorded several violent incidents in recent weeks.

On Saturday, the Oba of Bayagan Ile in Ifelodun Local Government Area, Kamildeen Abdul-Salam, went missing after leaving home for his farm.

His motorcycle was later found abandoned along a bush path, prompting a search by police and local vigilantes.

The latest incidents also follow the 24 November invasion of Isapa, a neighbouring community to Eruku, where 11 residents, including a pregnant woman, two nursing mothers and several children, were taken by armed bandits who arrived with a herd of cattle.

Earlier in the month, gunmen stormed the CAC church in Eruku during Sunday worship and seized more than 30 members.

Residents say the repeated attacks have left communities frightened and uncertain, despite increased patrols and joint operations by security agencies.

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the Kwara State Police Command, Adetoun Adeyemi, said officers received a distress report at about 2 p.m. that four armed men had entered a farmland along Koro Road around 12:30 p.m. and taken the 40-year-old farmer.

Upon receipt of the report, a joint team of police officers, military personnel and local vigilantes was immediately deployed to the area for an intensive search and rescue operation, she said.

She added that efforts are ongoing to secure the safe return of the victim.
The Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF), in collaboration with the Northern Traditional Rulers Council, has warned that the region may lose its future to escalating terrorism and deepening poverty unless urgent constitutional changesspecifically the establishment of State Policeare implemented.

The leaders gave the warning on Monday at an emergency joint meeting held at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House in Kaduna.

The high-level parley, which convened the 19 governors, the traditional rulers led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Saad Abubakar, and security chiefs, was described as a definitive push to harmonise responses to the banditry and social decay bedevilling the region.

Grim Reality

Addressing the forum, the Chairman of the NSGF and Governor of Gombe State, Inuwa Yahaya, painted a sobering picture of the current state of the North. He noted that the region is currently battling a grim reality of insecurity and poverty that threatens to destroy its social fabric.

Mr Yahaya warned that history would not judge the current crop of leaders by the infrastructure they built, but by their ability to secure the region for the next generation.

We are confronted with the grim reality of insecurity and poverty that seeks to undermine our very existence, Governor Yahaya said. Future generations will judge us not by the number of projects we commission, but by whether we are able to bequeath to them a Northern Nigeria they can truly call home.

He emphasised that the current wave of criminality spares no onepoor or rich, Muslim or Christian, and urged political actors to cease partisan bickering to save the region from collapse.

Renewed Clamour for State Police

At the top of the agenda was the constitutional debate regarding decentralised policing. Reaffirming their position from the 10 May communique, the northern governors insisted that the federal police structure is currently overwhelmed.

The Forum described State Police as a critical and effective mechanism needed to address the unique terrain and security challenges of the North. They urged the National Assembly to expedite the necessary constitutional amendments to give states the power to secure their jurisdictions.

Beyond the Gun: Addressing Root Causes

While acknowledging the need for kinetic military action, the governors admitted that deep-seated socio-economic failures fuel the crisis.

Governor Yahaya noted that the insecurity is driven by underdevelopment, mass illiteracy, poor resource management, and the abandonment of millions of Almajiri and out-of-school children.

He also noted the adverse effects of climate change on the Norths agrarian economy.

The Forum called on traditional rulers to act as stabilisers in their communities and urged religious leaders to preach tolerance, warning against the use of incendiary rhetoric that could inflame ethnic or religious tensions.

Support for Federal Efforts

Despite the gloomy outlook, the Forum commended President Bola Tinubu for his administrations commitment to Nigerias territorial integrity.

Governor Yahaya specifically praised the Presidents efforts regarding the rescue of abducted schoolchildren. He extended the Forums condolences to the families of pupils recently abducted in Kebbi, Kwara, Kogi, Kano, Niger, and Sokoto states, as well as victims of recent Boko Haram insurgencies in Borno and Yobe.

Attacks on education are an assault on the bedrock of our childrens future and the regions destiny, Mr Yahaya stated.

A United Front

The meeting, hosted by Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, concluded with a joint pledge to work closely with the Federal Government.

Although a detailed technical communique is expected, the leaders resolved to adopt a coordinated regional strategy, rejecting divisive narratives and focusing on a holistic approach that combines military force with judicial efficiency and social welfare reforms.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSRelief), has launched a specialised cochlear implant and hearing-rehabilitation programme in Nigeria.

The programme offers free surgeries to Nigerian children living with severe hearing loss.

The initiative, inaugurated at the National Hospital, Abuja on Wednesday, aims to carry out 30 cochlear implant procedures, providing surgery and a full continuum of care including diagnosis, activation, follow-up, auditory training, and speech rehabilitation.

In a press release shared during the launch, the Charge dAffaires of the Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Nigeria, Saad bin Fahd Al-Marri, said the intervention demonstrates the Kingdoms commitment to supporting vulnerable groups and strengthening health systems in friendly nations.

Mr Al-Marri said the programme represents one of Saudi Arabias major humanitarian health interventions in Nigeria and could transform the lives of affected children and their families.

This programme reflects the Kingdoms dedication to supporting vulnerable communities and strengthening health systems in friendly nations, he said.

He added that through KSRelief, they are committed to delivering tangible solutions that restore hope, transform lives, and deepen the long-standing partnership between Saudi Arabia and Nigeria.

He also said that the initiative builds on a wide range of KSReliefs humanitarian interventions across Africa, including medical outreach, disease-control campaigns and emergency relief efforts.

Parents share emotional journeys

For many families whose children received the implants, the programme has brought long-awaited relief after years of emotional and financial struggle. Speaking with PREMIUM TIMES, Oluchi Olanipekun, mother of five-year-old Feyikumi, said the procedure marked a turning point after years of uncertainty.

Mrs Olanipekun said the implant is a dream come true while fighting back emotions.

She had not heard since she was a child, and its been a back-and-forth exercise. When this opportunity came, it was a chance to give her a better life to hear, to speak, to communicate, she said.

She added that she noticed something was wrong when her daughter was about one year old.

When we called her or a door slammed, she wouldnt turn. We kept hoping she would respond with time, but when nothing changed, we began moving from one audiology test to another and it was confirmed she couldnt hear.

Though Feyikumis implant was activated only on the day of the interview, her mother expressed optimism that after the activation, they can start seeing the difference.

She noted that her daughters hearing loss affected her schooling and social life, adding that she can write alphabets and numbers but the speech part  hearing what people are saying and converting it to speech  she couldnt do that.

Shes in a regular school but she couldnt communicate verbally. At home, the family adapted by using improvised sign language.

Everybody knew her signs, when she wanted water or needed to sleep. We just understood her. But the emotional torture it hasnt been easy.

She described the free surgery as a blessing beyond what her family could afford, noting that it has brought laughter, relief, comfort, and succour to their families.

Hearing loss is a significant issue in Nigeria, with an estimated 8.5 million people affected and a prevalence rate of six out of 1,000 newborns children having congenital hearing loss.

The problem is exacerbated by preventable causes like infections and noise, as well as a lack of accessible infrastructure and awareness.

From Lagos to Abuja for hope

Another parent, Tajudeen Ismail, whose four-year-old daughter Nadia received an implant, said the support came after years of searching for help.

Mr Ismail said it was a nice development to relieve people from deafness to healthy living.

We need more support like this from private and public organisations, even internationally.

He recalled the difficulty of raising a child who could not hear.

It was not very okay. But now that the cochlear implant has been activated, she can pick sounds. From here, with gradual process, it will lead to a normal, healthy life.

We have written to the state government for support. We thank God for the Arabians and the team that brought this opportunity for Nigerians. We appreciate them, he said while expressing gratitude to the Saudi government for stepping in where other avenues had failed.
The Serving Overseer of the Citadel Global Community Church, Pastor Tunde Bakare, has explained why the United States President, Donald Trump, designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC).

In October, PREMIUM TIMES reported that Mr Trump, in a post on his Truth Social platform, categorised Nigeria as a CPC.

He alleged that Christianity in Nigeria faced a grave existential threat due to killings by radical Islamist groups.

Speaking during a state-of-the-nation address delivered at the church on Sunday in Lagos, posted on Channels Televisions YouTube page, Mr Bakare said Mr Trumps administrations position was influenced by Nigerias vast oil and mineral resources, as well as its strategic sectors.

He recounted that shortly after Mr Trump won the 2024 US presidential election, he received a vision in which he (Mr Trump) arrived in Sabo, Yaba, Lagos, aboard Air Force One.

According to him, Mr Trump was dressed in an Arabian thobe and ghutra and declared, We are here now.

Nigerian interest

He said the vision indicated a particular interest MrTrump would develop in Nigeria, tied to Middle East geopolitics, the oil and gas industry, real estate, and the countrys fast-growing technology sector.

The 71-year-old said, It was clear to us that President Donald Trump was going to have a particular interest in Nigeria. His interest in Nigeria was closely tied to his interests in the Middle East and the Arabian Peninsula. Nigerias oil industry is expected to be crucial to the Trump presidency, as well as other mineral resources and key sectors, such as real estate.

The American president will be particularly interested in Nigerias role in the value chain of emerging technologies. In that vision, the tech industry dimension was represented by Sabo Yaba, where the presidents aircraft landed. Sabo Yaba is a presenter of Nigerias tech startup hub, hosting such hubs as the co-creation hub, founded by Nigerias current minister of communication, innovation, and digital economy, Dr Bosun Tijani.

The Ogun-born clergyman added that Mr Trumps appearance in Muslim attire clearly signalled that his interest in Nigeria would carry significant religious implications.

Sabo Yaba has unleashed such unicorns as Andala, Flutterwave, and Jumia to the extent that Yaba has earned the nickname Yabacon Valley, emulating the American-based global hub for technological innovation, entrepreneurship, and venture capital, Silicon Valley.

Trumps Muslim attire was a clear indication that his interest in Nigeria was going to have serious religious implications, so that could cause religiously motivated social unrest. By the way, Sabo in the Hausa language is a short form of Sabungiri, which means new town or migrant settlement, he said.

Enter the national assembly

Furthermore, Mr Bakare criticised the National Assembly for engrossing itself in politicking while the US Congress convened a hearing on the nations worsening insecurity.

Politics of chaos

He argued that lawmakers were preoccupied with the politics of chaos and paid scant attention to the real work of governance, until Mr Trumps remarks jolted what he described as a sleeping giant.

The former presidential aspirant said, Nigerias political class have been dancing on the hot stool like the experimental frog that slowly boiled to death as the heat rises. They have numbed themselves to the painful realities that ordinary citizens endure daily. It is a stain on the Nigerian government that it took the threat of external intervention to rouse leaders to their responsibilities.

It is a shame on our National Assembly that it took the United States Congress, not the representatives elected by Nigerians, to convene a hearing on the lived experiences of citizens suffering under insecurity, while those in Abuja were busy with politicking, posturing for political relevance, defecting from one political party to another in their desperate maneuvers to secure their seats ahead of the 2027 elections.

He also criticised what he described as Nigerias failed foreign affairs architecture.

According to him, the governments sudden flurry of activity following Trumps remarks merely exposed its earlier lack of urgency.

He added that it reflected poorly on the Nigerian government that external pressure was required before officials took action.

Mr Bakare said, Its indeed a shame that Nigerias foreign affairs architecture failed all the while to mobilise Nigerias dwindling diplomatic goodwill to secure international support for the war on terror, only to respond with excuses when that goodwill reached its lowest ebb.

Amid all of these developments, concerned Nigerians have been reaching out to me, both directly and through my aide, as well as through the media, asking why I have not spoken all this time.
An Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) investigator told the FCT High Court in Abuja on Monday that former President Olusegun Obasanjo has indicated his interest to testify in the $6 billion Mambilla power project fraud trial of former Minister of Power and Steel, Olu Agunloye.

Umar Babangida, who testified in the case as the third prosecution witness, cited a letter by Mr Obasanjo dated 27 November 2023 and addressed to the Attorney General of the Federation. He also told the court that his team of EFCC investigators had already interviewed Mr Obasanjo regarding the case.

According to the witness, Mr Obasanjo stated in his letter to the AGF his willingness to testify about the controversial Mambilla Hydroelectric Power project in any arbitration court or forum whenever the need arose or should his testimony be considered necessary in national interest.

Mr Babangida, who testified under cross-examination by defence lawyer Adeola Adedipe, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), also said Mr Obasanjo insisted that the Federal Executive Council (FEC), under his leadership as the then-president, never approved the award of the contract in 2003 as claimed by Mr Agunloye.

EFCC is prosecuting Mr Agunloye on seven counts of forgery, receiving gratification, and disobedience to presidential directives regarding the award of the contract in May 2003.

The prosecution said Mr Agunloye disobeyed the directive by signing a letter addressed to Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited, purportedly conveying the approval of the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for the construction of the 3,960 megawatts Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Station.

Mr Agunloye, who pleaded not guilty to all seven counts, also described the allegations, before the charges were filed in court, as baseless, false and malicious.

Mondays proceedings focused mainly on the origin of the controversial contract and the views Mr Obasanjo, who appointed Mr Agunloye as the power minister, expressed in his letter to the AGF, throwing his weight behind the prosecutions case and countering the defendants claim.

How disputed contract started

During cross-examination by the defence lawyer, the third prosecution witness, who is an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), informed the court that the defendant wrote a letter dated 7 April 2003 to the then-President Obasanjo regarding the Mambilla contract proposal.

According to the witness, on page 3 of the letter, the defendant raised a prayer that Sunrise Power and Transmission Company be considered for the construction of the Mambila Hydroelectric Power Station.

The former president minuted that No objection but bring a memo to Council to include a comparison with coal-fired thermal for 4,000 megawatts to 5,000 megawatts. That was what the former President wrote, Mr Babangida said.

He said Mr Agunloye subsequently brought a memo to the FEC as requested by Mr Obasanjo. The witness identified the former ministers memo earlier admitted as Exhibit EFCC 3D with an attachment marked EC (2003) dated 15 May 2003.

Memo or no memo

But the witness also cited Mr Obasasnjos letter dated November 2023 to the Attorney-General of the Federation, in which he indicated his interest to testify in the case, stating that Mr Agunloye violated his directive to include the requested comparison in his memo to FEC.

What is abundantly clear is that at no time did Dr Agunloye comply with the foregoing directive by bringing a memo to Council to include the [stated] comparison, nor can my directive be stretched to be inclusive of any approval to award any contract to Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited or any other person, Mr Obasanjo was quoted as saying in a letter to the AGF, Lateef Fagbemi.

Responding to a question, he said he was aware Mr Obasanjo wrote a letter to the AGF, which contained his willingness to testify against Agunloye in court or arbitration if need be, and the claim that the defendant did not bring a memo to FEC.

The defence lawyer, Mr Adedipe, construed Mr Obasanjos letter as stating that Mr Agunloye did not bring a memo to the FEC.

He asked the witness if Mr Obasanjos claim was true.

I dont know if what he (Mr Obasanjo) stated is true, the witness responded.

Interview of Obasanjo

Mr Babangida said that EFCCs team of investigators had an interview session with Mr Obasanjo during the investigation into the case. He denied knowing if the former president had a personal vendetta with the former minister.

The witness said the intent of the interview with Mr Obasanjo was to confirm if there was a presidential approval or not at the FEC meeting of 21 May 2003 informing the letter the defendant issued on 22 May 2003 to Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited.

He (Mr Obasanjo) was aware of the contract, but there was no approval which was clearly documented by the Federal Executive Council.

He stated that no contract was awarded during his administration because there was no approval to award the contract, the witness said.

He recalled that Mr Obasanjos attention was drawn to the existence of a contract award dated 22 May 2003, but that he was not informed that it was the subject of an international arbitration in Paris.

The trial judge, Jude Onwuegbuzie, adjourned proceedings until 3 December for continuation of cross-examination.

Background

The project, first awarded in 2003 to Sunrise Power and Transmission Limited by the President Olusegun Obasanjo administration, is the subject of decades of legal dispute that is now under international arbitration between the company and the Nigerian government.

Mr Obasanjo, in 2023, accused Mr Agunloye of fraudulently awarding the contract to the company without approval.

However, the former minister dismissed these claims, alleging that he was being used as a scapegoat to escape sanction for abandoning contractual agreements on the project.

The project, intended to generate 3,960 megawatts of electricity, was designed to be executed on a build, operate, and transfer basis.

He was declared wanted by the EFCC in 2023 over the case.

The day after, he surrendered himself to the EFCC for interrogation over the failed multi-billion-dollar Mambilla Hydropower project.

Mr Agunloye filed a suit against the EFCC, alleging abuse of his fundamental rights.

In March 2024, the Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed the suit.
Todays Gen Z world may not know of Eddie Kwansa. It is a famous folk song Owerri, Imo State, donated to the rest of Nigeria. Released shortly after the piercing agony of the Nigerian civil war in 1972 by Dan Orji and his Peacock Band, the song should remind people of my generation of the equally famous NTA soap opera, Village Headmaster. The Orji song became the signature tune of that opera and it runs thus, Eddie Kwansa oo, bia o, bia o (3ce) Izu ka nma na nneji oo, bia o, bia o Translated, the melodious song says, Come, Eddie Kwansa; Its good when blood brothers reason together. Another version translates the lyrics into Come, Eddie Kwansa, come; quarrels among brothers are best resolved at home.

The legend behind it makes it an evergreen folk song among Owerri people. The legend, the claim of which has been disputed by those close to the musician who sang it, has it that a handsome young man named John Obikweentertained Owerri people with his guitar before the civil war. Shortly after the war, he and his three brothers discovered that their late father left land for them in Port Harcourt. They then agreed to sell it and share the proceeds equally. Upon the sale of the land, however, Obikwes siblings short-changed him, giving him not even a dime. Downcast and frustrated, Obikwe relocated to Ghana where fate smiled on him. He then totally disconnected from his siblings. His successful life story, especially entreaties from his now repented brothers to him to come back home, became the legend strewn into a song by Orji.

I digress. Yorubas world of incantations is built round literary devices of alliteration, similes, metaphors, onomatopoeia, etc. When you are assailed from within and without by enemies, necessitating your running helter-skelter for remedy, my people deploy the imagery of the leaf called aaragba to describe your situation. As an incantation, using the homophone in gba which collocates with and is an alliteration to the name of the aaara-gba leaf, they sew together the poetic incantation of ile o gba, ona o gbaa nii se ewe aaragba. Translated, that incantation curses that, as the leaf of aaragba moves hither thither in discomfort, so shall it be for the recipient of the incantation. Buffeted at home by pellets from terrorists, and abroad by the razor-sharp tongue and gruff of Donald Trump, the American global policeman of democracy  apologies to General Sani Abacha  I suspect that political enemies must have cast the spell of a troublous presidency on my Yoruba kinsman in Aso Rock. In this piece, however, I volunteer to be there for my kinsman. It is at times like this that consanguines, whose blood is reputed to be thicker than water, ought to be there for one another.

Now that our kinsman in Aso Rock is being pummeled by artillery fire from everywhere, we hope his travails will enable him listen to our Eddy Kwansa call on him to let us reason like children of same Oduduwa parent. Didnt the lines of Eddy Kwansa song say it is good when brothers reason together? The truth is, when you think you have fooled the rest of the world, unbeknown to you, you are the greatest victim of your contrivance. When you luxuriate in such a fools paradise, my people have two very powerful sayings for you. In the first, they say you are Amudas concubine. She was a jester who gave birth to a child and named him Yesufu  Oniyeye ale Amuda to bimo to soo ni Yesufu Amuda is a colloquial rendering of Ahmad which in Arabic translates to a thankful person, while Yesufu is a collocation of the name Ahmad. The etymology of the phrase and the plot which gave birth to it are unknown. However, the phrase has widespread appreciation and affiliation with self-delusion and hypocrisy.

There is another saying of my people which explains and disdains self-conceitedness. It rests on the pedestal of the earlier sayings format and, like it, euphemistically expresses bother about self-deception. It is woven round a woman, whose son is named Jimoh and who walks into a mosque on a Friday and, satisfied by its ambience, claims she had arrived the home of her son. Yoruba express this saying as, Eeyan o tan ara re bii Iya Jimoh to wo Mosalasi to niohun de ile omo ohun.

Now, this is the link: Jimoh is a nativised rendering of the Arabic word, Jumah or Mosalasi (mosque) among Yoruba Muslims. When Iya Jimoh gets so hypocritical and self-delusional as to conflate Jimoh the mosque, with Jimoh, her son, then her self-deception is perceived to have landed her in cloud-cuckoo-land.

Nigerias national pains knew no bounds as terrorists struck the country two weeks ago. It was one of the countrys most nightmarish weeks ever. That week brought into vivid remembrance the British proverb, it never rains, it pours, possibly taken from a 1726 satirical article with the title, It Cannot Rain, But It Pours. It is a literary description of a cacophony of misfortunes befalling a people. In Eruku, Kwara State, right inside the Christ Apostolic Church, a viral video showed terrorists wielding automatic rifles. Two worshipers were gunned down, and 38 congregants abducted. In a few hours interval, 25 students of Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School (GGCSS) were kidnapped. One of them escaped. On November 21, 315 students of St Marys School, Papiri, Niger State, were also abducted by terrorists. Aftermath of the shock, the parents of one of the abductees reportedly slumped and died. That same week, news of the brutal killing of Nigerias Brigadier-General, Sani, suffocated the air.

I pitied my kinsman. In my piece of last week, I reckoned that Karma was again shooting its shot. Not to worry. The Builder of Lagos had a response. When it comes to effizy, (showmanship) no one can surpass Lagos people. It is in their gene. The man who would not stop his flight in September, in spite of huge national clamour, but proceeded to Paris, the nestling home of his buddy and business partner, Gilbert Chagoury, for a 10-day working vacation, stopped his plane from flying to South-Africa this time around. Pronto, the Minister of Defence, Bello Matawalle, was ordered to relocate to Kebbi State. Many wondered what the minister, severally accused of being godfather of bandits, would do in Kebbi.

But, Allellujah! The work of God is wondrous. It reminds me of the childhood song we sang while growing up: Come and see, American Wonder! we chorused. Like an apparition, the 38 abducted parishioners of Eruku walked home, too. Praise the Lord! Before we could say Jack Robinson  pardon this sudden trip into yesteryears  the abductees of Kebbi State also resurfaced, eight days after. Can you not see that God loves Nigeria? Almost immediately, regime data boys could not contain their paroxysm of anxiety. Couldnt we see that this government is not clueless? Was this feat not what the Muhammadu Buhari government couldnt achieve?

Governor Idris of Kebbi was the first to burst our bubble. No single naira was paid in ransom, he said. The presidenttoo said he was relieved. Glad that the abductees are back home, Nigerians still wanted to know how the Tinubu wonder came about. On his X handle and on a national television interview, Onanuga claimed it was the work of non-kinetics. Whatever that meant! Couldnt he spare us of bombast? He said the Eruku 38 were released after security agents made direct contact with the kidnappers, maintaining that government always chooses to avoid direct armed assaults due to risk to civilians.

The Nigerian senate continued its groveling pedigree. Senate spokesman, Yemi Adaramodu, said not only didntgovernment pay a dime to the abductors, the bandits fled when they saw superior power. It reminds me of that evergreen James Hadley Chases counsel that liars must have a good memory. From Onanugas statement above, which clearly contradicts Adaramodus, you would imagine that the military team on a rescue mission and the bandits were in a paddy-paddy detente while negotiating the abductees release. How did an expedition that was said to be negotiation morph to become Adaramodus superior power?

The lead story headline of the Daily Trust newspaper of November 27  Released, Rescued or Ransomed?  speaks directly to the anxiety and apprehension of Nigerians about the Tinubu wonder rescue. Knowing Nigerian governments predilection for the untruth and this particular governments obsession for barefaced lies, interests in the mode of the rescue of the abductees went upswing. The queerest of governments assertions on the rescue is the claim that, for perpetrators of such heinous act of terrorism, who killed two in Eruku, a vice principal in Papiri and a guard, there would be no consequences. In the words of government officials who were at the vanguard of the rescue, the government found the bandits location, engaged them, and they released their captives. QED.

Not long after news of the release of the Kebbi girls, their abductors released a concerning video where they affirmed that there was indeed negotiation between them and the government. In the video, the gloating abductors said that, in spite of Nigerian fighter jets hovering over the captors, government security agents were helpless until they negotiated with the bandits. Like Amudas concubine and the woman who walks into a mosque on a Friday and claims she had arrived the home of her son, this government and its officials are on a roulette of lies. While they think they have made a fool out of us, little did they know that we watch them live in a fools paradise.

All over the world, state negotiation with terrorists is not only seen as an anathema, it is a weak alternative. It is also enveloped in dark motives. Most governments that choose to negotiate with terrorists do so in order to find a mediated way out of a conflict. In doing this, they merely postpone an imminent defeat, or a detour out of what is called a mutually hurting stalemate.

Negotiation is frowned at as a means of combating terrorists because, in the long run, it violates states domestic and international legitimacy. When a state credited with a monopoly of force goes to terrorists to negotiate, it, by that very fact, loses its regards.

From the other side, negotiations are ego-boosters for terrorists. They often seek it so as to drastically improve their popular standing and legitimacy. In the recent ransomed negotiation with the terrorists in Nigeria, they could be seen doing a video of their victory with the Kebbi girls and flexing their muscles. Negotiations thus legitimise their philosophy, if there is any, and strengthen them. In the words of Isabelle Duyvesteyn and Bart Schuurman, in their The Paradoxes of Negotiating with Terrorist and Insurgent Organisations (The Journal of Imperial and Commonwealth History, 2011) itelevat(es) their status from violent criminals to potent political activists.

Moreover, in insurgency and counterinsurgency, the weaker party is perceived to be the one that engages in negotiation. Didnt Nigeria show, by the Eruku and Papiri captives negotiation, that it was a weaker party to the terrorists? In this vein, governments that negotiate are seen to be negotiating from a position of weakness and run significant risks in battle against insurgents. According to the two scholars above, negotiated settlements are viewed with skepticism. In their words, (T)hese (negotiations) are often surrenders masquerad(ed) as calculated decisions, and their main effect has been to allow extremists to consolidate their control and push for greater gains.

Many times, darker motives come with negotiations. Though they appear as non-violent ways of resolving conflicts, in disguise, negotiations could be paradoxes. First, they imbue the terrorists with growing strength and confidence. Second, terrorists may also negotiate with the aim of concealing their ulterior aims of gaining enough time for recovery and preparing for greater onslaughts. Countries like Cyprus, Spain, and Northern Ireland are good illustrations of nations at war which took the route of negotiation with terrorists to their regret. In Sri Lanka, the Tamil Tigers ceaselessly repudiated negotiations and used them as opportunity to regroup, rearm themselves and as catalyst for renewed attacks against government forces.

When money is involved in negotiation with terrorists or bandits, it is even worse. The tactlessness of doing this is that, it gives more legroom to the bandits. This we could see in the Papiri girls abductors who gloatingly and literally dragged Nigerias sovereignty and claim to being a powerful country in the mud in the viral video. Giving bandits money for a detente also affords them access to more resources for purchase of higher-grade weapons with which to launch the next attacks.

Now, many talks, which have the Bayo Onanuga flavour, have claimed that the military chose negotiation rather than shelling the terrorists for fear of collateral damage. They cite the failures of US Operation Eagle Claw and the Operation Urgent Fury. Why not cite the successful Operation Thunderbolt or Operation Entebbe, a 1976 Israeli counter-terrorist mission in Uganda? Those who argue from the angle of collateral damage fail to reckon with the fact that, warfare has gone beyond this. With drones, targets can be taken out without any collateral damage.

While the apparently ransomed rescue of Eruku and Papiri abductees was going on, my kinsman ordered a sweeping nationwide emergency on security. He also ordered massive recruitment in the army and police, as well as a withdrawal of policemen from VIPs. Which are very commendable steps. The presidential order that has had Nigerians clapping ever since is the go-ahead he gave the National Assembly to review extant laws disallowing states from establishing their own police forces. However, shortly after the release of the abductees and after the president ordered a state of emergency on security, bandits again struck a rice farm in Palaita, Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State. They abducted 24 persons, which included pregnant women. In Kano and Kwara States between Monday and Tuesday last week, 20 people were also said to have been abducted by bandits.

Now is the time to urge our own Eddie Kwansa to come home for a truthful discussion. Didnt a line of that immediate post-civil war song say it is good when brothers reason together? First, let our Eddie Kwansa draw his pillow close to him and have a heart-to-heart talk with it. When all else fails, the pillow is mans closest associate. A line of Juju music legend, Ebenezer Obeys evergreen song of the 1970s, Ka sowopo, says even if nobody else knows, ones undies know the whole gamut of ones closely guarded secrets. Eddie Kwansas pillow would tell him things are not looking up at all under him, at least security-wise. He and his Oniyeye Ale Amuda security chiefs have told themselves lies that terrorists shook hands with them and released the hostages without ransom payment. Two persons cannot suffer a mutual colossal loss from a lie; either the person telling the lie or to whom it is being told is richer in the truth of it.

Let Eddie Kwansa ask for the tape of his predecessor, Olusegun Obasanjos speech at the Plateau State Unity Christmas Carol and Praise Festival held in Jos, Plateau State on Friday. Thereafter, let him ask for a meeting with Obasanjo. He should ignore data boys and regime fawners saying otherwise. Even if there was a quarrel between Obasanjo and him, quarrels among brothers are best resolved at home, so says the lines of Eddy Kwansa. A breakdown of Obasanjos homily is this: Nigeria is burning under the feeble grips of our Lagos brother. Nigerians have the right to ask for assistance from other world leaders if theirs have shown incompetence. He left a capable government that could deal with the Mephistopheles. I agree with Obasanjo absolutely.

We do not hate our brother, Eddie Kwansa. We will share the glory if he destroys those who want to destroy Nigeria. God bless Eddie.

Festus Adedayo is an Ibadan-based journalist.
A presidential directive cannot fix this political economy of policing in Nigeria. That requires imaginative and committed commitment of time and leadership. Police personnel depend on the crumbs from the table of VIP benefactors for survival and subsistence. With no functional police training facilities, Many of them have been denied exposure to basic training, formation, and professionalism.

When Olusegun Obasanjo returned as the president of Nigeria in May 1999, according to Mohammed Dikko (MD) Yusuf, a former Inspector-General of Police, (IGP) he inherited a Police Force that was poorly equipped, decimated in numerical strength, deprived of necessary logistics, and lacking, as it were, moral and public support necessary for effective performance and the enhancement of the security of the nation.

Former IGP, MD Yusuf said these in the report he submitted in 2008 to President Umaru Musa YarAdua as the Chair of the second Presidential Commission on Police Reform to report in as many years. Headed by former Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG), Muhammadu Danmadami, the first submitted its report in May 2006 to President YarAduas predecessor and benefactor, President Olusegun Obasanjo. In August 2012, another retired DIG, Parry Osayande, reported to President Goodluck Jonathan as the chair a third Presidential Commission on Police Reform to report in the six years between 2006-2012. The ritual of these reports achieved one thing: they crystallised a diagnosis of the problems of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and they are many.

When President Obasanjo returned to power as a civilian 1999 after 15 unbroken years of military rule, there were an estimated 137,000 personnel in the NPF, representing a police-to-population ratio of approximately 1:876.5. The UN Office for Drugs and Crime (UNODC) recommends a ratio of 222 per 100,000 or 1:450.

To address what he believed was a serious shortfall in police personnel, President Obasanjo directed the recruitment of 200,000 additional police personnel over five years from 2000 to 2004 at the rate of 40,000 recruits every year. By 2003, the police population was estimated to be 260,000 and by 2005, Human Rights Watch estimated that Nigeria had 325,000 police personnel.

President Obasanjo deserves credit for identifying the situation with the NPF as a priority and giving attention proactively to the need to fix it. In a mere five years straddling his two presidential terms, he had managed to completely redress the deficit of police-to-population ratio in the country. In 2007, the NPF claimed reported that it had achieved a police-to-population ratio of approximately 1:400, based on an estimated force strength of about 360,000 police officers. At the beginning of President YarAduas tenure in 2008, this had climbed modestly to 370,900.

But this came at a cost. At the time, all the training institutions in the NPF could only accommodate an intake of 14,000 per year. With no additional investments to upgrade police training institutions, it meant that standards of training, doctrine and orientation had to be sacrificed in the expedited recruitment. When he reported in 2008, MD Yusuf pointed out three consequences that have come to haunt the Force since then.

First, the expedited recruitment was carried out in a very unwholesome manner without adherence to the established rules and guidelines governing the screening and recruitment of candidates, which led to an influx of suspected criminals, people with physical deformities, doubtful background, over-aged and educationally unqualified barely literate entrants into the Police Force. This grossly compromised standards and resulted in widespread abuse of established procedure, resulting in the enlistment of unsuitable candidates. many of whose suitability to wear the respected uniform of the Force is in doubt.

Second, it transpired that many politicians had used the opportunity to insinuate elements from their private networks of violence into the force for future political gain. As a result, the expedited recruitment created an internal market in the outsourcing of police assets. In its 2008 report, the MD Yusuf Presidential Commission on Police Reform estimated that 27 per cent of police personnel were engaged in personal guard and protective duties for private individuals and VIPs, thereby creating a situation in which the rich and powerful behave with impunity because of police protection. When it reported in 2012, the Parry Osayande Presidential Commission on Police Reform put this proportion at over one-third.

Third, the Force was chronically underfunded to the extent that, as IGP Ibrahim Kpotun Idris pointed out in 2017, budgetary allocations on paper [were] insufficient to meet the financial needs of the Force, [and] the actual releases are far below what is budgeted. As a result, the outsourcing of police personnel for guard duties became a subsistence and wellbeing supplement for the officers so deployed and a source of revenue for the commanding officers deploying them, who were often privately rewarded for doing so but also got through that to secure the patronage of their rich and politically connected benefactors.

This is the structure that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu did not appear to have taken account of in designing his recent directive to the Inspector-General of Police to withdraw police officers guarding VIPs for core police duties. Four days after this directive, on 27 November, the IGP proudly announced that 11,566 of officers and men under his command had been ordered withdrawn in compliance with the directive. He cleverly failed to say how many had complied. Olusegun Adeniyi, who served as presidential spokesperson when MD Yusuf submitted his report in 2008, warned firmly that the police officers may not obey the president or their Inspector-General.

In his directive, President Tinubu had, somewhat naively, added that VIPs who want police protection will now request well-armed personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps. The result will be that officer of the NSCDC across the board will now make more money at the expense of the police personnel whom they will be replacing.

A presidential directive cannot fix this political economy of policing in Nigeria. That requires imaginative and committed commitment of time and leadership. Police personnel depend on the crumbs from the table of VIP benefactors for survival and subsistence. With no functional police training facilities, Many of them have been denied exposure to basic training, formation, and professionalism. They are unlikely to see their uniforms as evidence of a bond to get killed in a gun-fight with Ansaru, Boko Haram, Mahmuda, or any of the number of nihilist groups that now afflict the country.

For many police officers, desertion will be a better alternative than compliance with the order. There will be no capacity to replace the number of officers who could choose to do that. For the leadership of the Force, therefore, discretion is likely to be the better part of valour. Moreover, the Force itself relies on the market that it has created in the commercialisation of its human assets for significant informal funding.

For President Tinubu, this is evidence of a failure that he must own. It is not as if the crisis of insecurity in Nigeria is one that he was unaware of before he assumed office. On the contrary, he had weighed in on the matter repeatedly, both as an opposition leader and as a senior member of the ruling APC before 2023. Yet, since assuming office over 30 months ago, he has failed to identify the issue as a priority or to address it with the forcefulness and imagination required. Many now believe that he is issuing incomprehensible and untheorised directives under pressure from the fulminations of a foreign leader.

The presidency is not one job. It is many jobs in one. Some of those roles are delegable. But the job of Commander-In-Chief is not. As president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has excelled in the delegable dimensions of the office. But he has been mostly missing in action in relation to the non-delegable aspects of the presidency. In his most recent directives, he has been found out. It is well possible that his presidency will come to be defined by how he re-tools. That could begin with finding his way to coherence on the issue of police reform.

Chidi Anselm Odinkalu, a lawyer, teaches at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy and can be reached through [email protected].


President Donald Trump has doubled down on his push to revoke some Americans citizenship.

In the wake of Wednesdays shooting of two National Guard members in D.C. by an Afghan national, Trump declared that he would denaturalize migrants who undermine domestic tranquility in a Truth Social post.

On Sunday, a reporter questioned Trump aboard Air Force One about his vow to denaturalize American citizens.

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You mean people that are in here that shouldnt be here? replied Trump, who was flying back to D.C. after spending Thanksgiving weekend at his resort in Palm Beach.

If I have the power to do it, Im not sure that I do, but if I do, I would denaturalize, absolutely, President Donald Trump told reporters. He flew back to D.C. on Sunday after spending Thanksgiving at Mar-a-Lago. / Mandel Ngan/Getty Images

Well, that became Americans, the reporter said. Are you trying to revoke their citizenship?

Well see, I mean, yeah, we have criminals that came into our country and they were naturalized maybe through Biden or somebody that didnt know what they were doing, the 79-year-old president said. If I have the power to do it, Im not sure that I do, but if I do, I would denaturalize, absolutely.

Only naturalized Americans can be stripped of their citizenship. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services states this can happen only if they are found to have intentionally concealed material facts or misrepresented themselves during naturalization. Any revocation must go through federal court.

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Trumps Scottish-born mother became a naturalized citizen in 1942 as World War II raged in Europe, according to The New Yorker.

Trump paused all asylum decisions following the shooting of the guardsmen, which left Sarah Beckstrom, 20, dead and Andrew Wolfe, 24, critically injured.

A gunman opened fire on National Guard members Andrew Wolfe and Sarah Beckstrom on Wednesday. / U.S. Department of Justice

The president told reporters on Sunday that the pause could last a long time, adding, We dont want those people.

The alleged shooter, 29-year-old Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal, is said to have been vetted on his arrival in 2021 and went on to have his asylum claim approved in April this year, when Trump was in the White House.

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We got a lot of people in our country that shouldnt be here. And they came in through Biden. And he was the worst president in the history of our country, Trump said.

The alleged shooter, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, had worked with the CIA in Afghanistan. / U.S. Department of Justice

Railing against people coming into our country telling us what to do and rehashing baseless claims that Somalians are taking over Minnesota, the president then once again turned his fire on Democratic Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar, who was born in Somalia but has lived in the U.S. for 30 years.

We frankly dont need their people coming into our country telling us what to do. Im talking about like, Somalia, where you have a congressman, goes around telling everybody about our constitution and yet she supposedly came into our country by marrying her brother, said Trump, reviving a rumor that Omar has called absolutely false and ridiculous.

He added, Well if thats true, she shouldnt be a congressman and we should throw her the hell out of our country.

The Daily Beast has reached out to Omars office for comment.
Far more lasting, though, is all that has to be done to remove the motive for citizens joining or tolerating these gangs. Call this the livelihoods and justice obstacles course. Along this path, the immediate deliverable is to boost rural livelihoods and youth employment in high-risk states, through investment in public works, the creation of agro-value chain jobs, supporting apprenticeships in towns, and conditional cash transfers for the most vulnerable.

After the incident, the DSS and the military were involved in the rescue effort. They got in contact with the bandits to release the captives unharmedThe security agencies have a way of contacting these people. They (bandits) know the consequences of not acquiescing to government demands. They know they could be pummelled, thus went the presidents spokesman on how the kidnap victims from the church in Eruku, Kwara State, obtained their freedom. The soundness of this narrative is charming on the face of it, but ultimately threatening to how the state is organised. Not too long ago, the governments sole ownership of the capacity for violence meant that local actors included in their decision to resort to violence against the Nigerian State, deep consideration of governments ability and readiness to extract a disproportionate penalty.

This dynamic was upended a while back, with the advantage shifting remarkably in favour of armed non-state actors. Over the last two decades, the spate of kidnappings (including mass school and community abductions) in the country has surged, with the victims count reaching the hundreds of thousands annually, driven mainly by criminal gangs and bandits who profit from ransoms and operate where the state is thin. Almost at the same time, violent extremist groups (Boko Haram splinters and ISWAP) began to control or contest territory in the North-East and they sometimes linked up with local bandits.

The Why? of this deterioration in the Nigerian states ability to keep domestic law and order is clear. Over the period that this erosion in state capacity has occurred, poverty has spread with the virulence of the harmattan fire in parched grassland, and governance presents all the failings of a six-cylinder vehicle going uphill with only two cylinders firing. Our porous borders, literally and metaphorically, have fed both recruitment into these groups and criminal collaboration with them.

Mr Onanugas wish that governments ability to pummel armed non-state actors in the country will function as a disincentive to criminal behaviour wont be granted without the creation of multi-agency (military, police, DSS, immigration) intelligence cooperation centres at state and municipal levels. With proper civilian oversight, these centres may then deploy intelligence to pre-empt kidnappings

Despite Mr Bayo Onanugas Pollyannaish tale, the What should we do? question is more nuanced. Imagined in terms of law enforcement and security only, then, we could try to fix the problems by simply shrinking the space within which criminals are currently able to operate (by improving security and intelligence gathering), building legitimate local capacity, so that communities do not rely on ransom or vigilantes (this is a governance and rule of law goal), and respecting rights in order that we no longer alienate communities and create new recruits (look for the equilibrium quadrant in a two-by-two matrix with human rights and accountability as the coordinates).

Far more lasting, though, is all that has to be done to remove the motive for citizens joining or tolerating these gangs. Call this the livelihoods and justice obstacles course. Along this path, the immediate deliverable is to boost rural livelihoods and youth employment in high-risk states, through investment in public works, the creation of agro-value chain jobs, supporting apprenticeships in towns, and conditional cash transfers for the most vulnerable. Solutions to farmerherder disputes will require local land and infrastructure reforms, including the states establishment of grazing reserves, water points, and clear, enforceable local dispute resolution mechanisms. In conjunction with the modernisation of livestock value chains, these should grant pastoralists legal markets.

Still, Mr Onanugas wish that governments ability to pummel armed non-state actors in the country will function as a disincentive to criminal behaviour wont be granted without the creation of multi-agency (military, police, DSS, immigration) intelligence cooperation centres at state and municipal levels. With proper civilian oversight, these centres may then deploy intelligence to pre-empt kidnappings, rather than pursuing purely reactive raids as is currently the case.

Since low conviction rates encourage repeat offending, the only way to ensure kidnappers are arrested and convictions increase is to train and reform police and prosecutors for criminal investigations (improve forensic investigation skills, strengthen witness protection programmes, and broaden case management systems). These reforms to the criminal justice system should happen alongside a crack down on ransom banking and money flows.

The security and law enforcement dimension of this problem calls for further action along the following lines. The Nigerian government will not degrade militant non-state actors capacity to act against the state and its citizens without significant investment in intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), and mobility (drones, signal intelligence, rapid reaction units, secure radios) vehicles targeted at criminal hotspots. This will allow the armed forces to quickly find gang encampments and hostages. The cross-border provenance of some of the actors implicated in the kidnapping and terrorism cases means that whatever intelligence gathered locally must be shared and operations to interdict these elements coordinated with neighbouring states (Niger, Chad, Cameroon) and Sahel partners, to disrupt cross-border movement and arms flows. The use of diplomatic channels and regional mechanisms (ECOWAS, AU) for wider counter-extremism and stabilisation support follows naturally from this.

Since low conviction rates encourage repeat offending, the only way to ensure kidnappers are arrested and convictions increase is to train and reform police and prosecutors for criminal investigations (improve forensic investigation skills, strengthen witness protection programmes, and broaden case management systems). These reforms to the criminal justice system should happen alongside a crack down on ransom banking and money flows. Anti-money laundering monitoring of cash flows will need to be reinforced. And banks and mobile money operators required to report suspicious transfers, and freeze accounts linked to known networks.

In summary, there is so much to be done, and none of it will happen in television studios.

Uddin Ifeanyi, journalist manque and retired civil servant, can be reached @IfeanyiUddin.
For the first time in a long while, I saw fear in the eyes of federal legislators last week after President Tinubus directive for the withdrawal of police orderlies attached to certain categories of political office holders.

If there is one thing that automatically unites Nigerian legislators across party lines, it is their belief in entitlement. Legislators are so well paid that they can afford to hire security aides of their choice from any of the many security companies in the country so that the police can be deployed to carry out their primary duty of protecting the society at large. As far as Nigerians are concerned, the president scored a bulls eye with that ban.

The perceived shielding of public officials from the common hazards that confront the rest of society is one of the inequities responsible for the palpable trust deficit between the government and the people.

With the proposed increase in the number of additional policemen, soldiers and DSS operatives, the security services will have more boots on the ground to enforce order. I think the president has been largely decisive in addressing the issue of inadequate personnel and logistics. His statement on armed herdsman-ship, however, falls short, in my view.

Stopping Open Grazing

Our administration created the Livestock Ministry to address the persistent clashes between herders and farmers, said the president. I call on all herder associations to take advantage of it, end open grazing and surrender illegal weapons. Ranching is now the path forward for sustainable livestock farming and national harmony. The Federal Government, in collaboration with the states, will work with you to solve this problem, once and for all, he added.

Knowing how bureaucracy works in this country as I think I do, we shall still be addressing this problem in the next decade with this hackneyed style. If the federal government wants to stop open grazing immediately, it can be done. Has anybody taken a look at the ranching model executed during the government of Dr Abdullahi Ganduje in Kano? I commend it to the federal government.

We now need to be very intentional and more scientific about the counter-terrorism effort by learning from others who have studied the phenomenon. British journalist Andrew Brown, writing on counter-terrorism in the liberal news and opinion website SALON, counsels that an adroit blending of a cocktail of violence, diplomacy, intelligence gathering and getting the buy-in of the local population should do the trick. The key is to get the right mix designed for our peculiar circumstances.

Terror Industry

Two recent incidents in the northern parts of the country show that the government has to be single-minded in ridding the country of terrorism as it is a lucrative venture which has cross-border dimensions.

Along Funtua Road in Samaru, Zaria, last week, a sack containing bullets dropped from a speeding, overloaded trailer. The locals gathered around the instruments of death scattered on the highway discussing the implications for the entire region.

The other incident happened in Adamawa State where two trailers with registration numbers NNY-236-XA (Yobe) and GAS-330-XA (Taraba), carrying a cargo of about 550 passengers, were stopped around Numan Bridge. The locals thought it was irregular for such human cargo to be transported in trailers in such numbers as if they were cattle. They intercepted the trailers and called the attention of the immigration, police and military officers nearby.

The joint security team interrogated the passengers about their destination and mission only to find out that about half of the passengers were not Nigerians. They were from Niger and Chad. The other half comprised Nigerian citizens from Yobe and Katsina States. The passengers could not explain the purpose of their movement nor the sponsor of their trip. The security team ordered the vehicles to make a U-turn and escorted them back to the Adamawa/Gombe State boundary to begin their return journey.

With the spate of region-wide kidnappings in Northern Nigeria since the Trump threat and the open sympathy to the cause of bandits by so-called clerics, especially the likes of Abubakar Gumi, the gloves are off. Trust netizens to take immediate note.

Divided We Stand

And the social media is awash with a centrifugal clamour. Many southern and middle-belt Nigerians now feel that they have had enough of the threats to lives and property perpetrated by elements from the core northern states. Unfortunately, the peace-loving masses in the core north dont have a voice; they are doubly victimised.

Nigerians have been calling on President Tinubu to move more decisively against terrorists and their sponsors. They recall the list of Nigerian sponsors of terrorism released by the UAE during the Buhari administration and the fact that the government has since swept the list under the carpet. That list allegedly implicated high government officials, bureau de change operators, serving and retired military and security officers, traditional rulers, clerics and businessmen. What is President Tinubu doing about that list? People ask.

It is clear that the reason why a section of the political, religious and traditional elite in the North are not interested in the eradication of the almajiri system is that it provides a ready, uneducated mass from which politicians, terrorists and just about anyone with an agenda can recruit followers. Nigerians still recall with sadness the sabotage of President Jonathans efforts to use federal funds to educate the almajiri children through the Almajiri Schools Initiative.

If you advise the Northern elite to empower their youth economically, theyll scoff at you. They prefer to sponsor mass weddings for jobless young persons so that they can produce more almajiri to feed the ever-bulging multitude of out-of-school children. If the almajiri system is all about religion and paradise, why are the children of the elite not enrolled in the scheme?

There are grim disclosures on social media of plans by terrorists to strike many states simultaneously in the coming weeks so as to overwhelm the government. Now, Nigerians from the southern and middlebelt regions say they are tired of the cyclical bloodletting programmed by a rapacious elite determined to weaponise insecurity.

Whenever the government moves against the terrorists, Islamic clerics sympathetic to terror blow their sectional bugle: They are killing Muslims! However, contrary to the incendiary defence of bandits mounted by Sheik Gumi, the National Assembly recently witnessed Senator Musa Sanis spirited call for the total destruction of terrorists in whatever guise. He is on the same page with President Obasanjo who insists that nothing short of a scorched earth policy and, possibly, assistance from friendly countries is required.

Centrifugal Pull

However, most people outside Northern Nigeria are already tired of the saga of insecurity and are calling for a plebiscite to determine who wants to continue with this way of life and those who want to opt out to rebuild their lives as modern independent states. The minimum damage control that President Tinubu and his party can do now is to fast-track their promised unbundling of Nigeria to make it more governable.

People are beginning to say on the rooftops that there is nothing indivisible about Nigeria if perennial insecurity is part of the fare. They want to leave! You cant fault their reasoning: it is better to have a morsel with peace of mind than a big acrimonious feast with bloodshed.

Wole Olaoye is a Public Relations consultant and veteran journalist. He can be reached on [email protected], Twitter: @wole_olaoye; Instagram: woleola2021
More boots on the ground may quieten violence in the short term. But the peace Nigerians long for will only come when the ground itself changes  when the village that once knew only fear begins to see teachers, nurses, judges, and honest local officials as often as it considers armed patrols. When the young man who might have joined a gang finds a better future in a school, a farm, a workshop, or a legitimate mine.

Not long ago, a well-worn phrase began to echo again in Nigerias public conversations: We need more boots on the ground. It is a phrase that sounds decisive, almost comforting. It suggests movement, resolve, and visible action. In a country where too many communities live under the shadow of fear, the image of more uniforms on the field can feel like an answer in itself.

Over the past two weeks, the President has given concrete form to that sentiment: declaring a state of emergency on insecurity and announcing plans to recruit 20,000 additional police officers and 20,000 to 25,000 new army personnel. These steps matter. They acknowledge the obvious  that our security architecture is overstretched, and that Nigerians are tired of living with kidnapping, banditry, terrorism, and communal clashes as part of their daily life.

Yet, beneath the relief lies a more uncomfortable truth: Nigeria has deployed soldiers to villages, patrols to highways, and checkpoints to city streets, still insecurity persists. To break this cycle, we must look beyond boots on the ground and prioritise holistic, institution-building reforms that address the root causes of instability.

In many parts of the country, particularly rural Nigeria, the state is a distant abstraction. On paper, we operate a three-tier system of government, with local governments being closest to the people. In practice, too many local councils are hollowed out  politically captured, fiscally weakened, or simply absent. The governance structure exists in law but not in the lived reality. For countless Nigerians, the state is not experienced as a functioning clinic, a responsive police station, or a magistrates court. It is experienced as a convoy rushing past, a politicians billboard, a seasonal promise.

Alternative authorities have filled that governance vacuum. Bandit leaders, warlords, criminal gangs, and extremist preachers  who all step into spaces the state has abandoned. They adjudicate disputes, extract taxes, dispense rough justice, and provide a form of order  violent and predatory, but order nonetheless. When citizens encounter these non-state actors more reliably than they encounter effective government, insecurity stops being an aberration and becomes the operating system.

The economic foundations of many communities have also been quietly shattered. Farming, once the anchor of local life, has become both dangerous and unviable in too many areas. Farmers are attacked on their fields, displaced from their homes, or priced out of markets they cannot safely reach. In the ruins of this old economy, a darker one has emerged. Artisanal mining, in name, often masks sophisticated illegal operations that devastate the environment, while financing arms purchases. In some zones, the line between criminal enterprise and political patronage is blurred. People see illegal mining sites operating with impunity and conclude, not without reason, that powerful actors are shielding the networks that profit from chaos.

Insecurity in such a context is not just the absence of order; it is a business model. Guns are investments. Violence is leverage. Abductions are revenue streams. The logic of this underground economy is simple: the weaker the state, the stronger its shadow rivals.

Overlaid on these structural issues is an erosion of social cohesion that has turned identity into a weapon. In Southern Kaduna, Benue, Plateau and other flashpoints, long-standing grievances over land, political representation, and historical injustice have hardened into interfaith and intercommunal animosities. Communities learn to fear one another, not as neighbours with shared interests, but as existential threats. Political entrepreneurs amplify these anxieties, framing disputes along ethnic or religious lines to build personal relevance. Once that logic takes root, a single incident can ignite years of accumulated bitterness.

The absence of basic social services  education, healthcare, clean water, functional roads  deepens this disillusionment. A child who grows up in a village without a school, a clinic, or any visible symbol of state care receives a powerful message about their value. That childs first real encounter with government may come through an armed patrol or a tax demand. The social contract is broken long before the first gunshot is fired.

Law enforcement, which should stand between grievance and violence, often fails this test. Community-rooted, accountable policing remains more rhetoric than reality. Too many citizens encounter the police not as protectors of rights, but as checkpoint police  officers associated with extortion, harassment, and arbitrary stops. This is a tragic fall from a time when the Nigerian police earned global respect for their professionalism in peacekeeping operations across the world.

The drug crisis has compounded these problems. The Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) did not indulge in exaggeration when he described drugs as the number one problem fuelling conflict in Nigeria. Narcotics numb conscience and sharpen aggression; they also bankroll crime. Young people with no jobs, no prospects, and easy access to drugs are vulnerable to recruitment by violent networks. The same porous borders that allow light weapons to flow into the country facilitate the movement of hard drugs, counterfeit medicines, and trafficked persons.

All of this unfolds in a broader climate of impunity. Massive corruption and a chronic lack of accountability by political actors have hollowed out public trust. Restoring trust in institutions is crucial, as communities need to believe in the states role as a protector, not an instrument of elite resource capture. Without trust, efforts to defend the nation will remain hollow.

The absence of basic social services  education, healthcare, clean water, functional roads  deepens this disillusionment. A child who grows up in a village without a school, a clinic, or any visible symbol of state care receives a powerful message about their value. That childs first real encounter with government may come through an armed patrol or a tax demand. The social contract is broken long before the first gunshot is fired.

It is against this backdrop that the Presidents recent actions must be judged. Declaring a state of emergency on insecurity and planning the recruitment of tens of thousands of police officers and soldiers is, on one level, a necessary response. For too long, Nigeria has used its military as an all-purpose tool, dragging soldiers into roles that properly belong to the police  from routine law-and-order management to election security. Strengthening the police, in principle, could allow the army to refocus on its core defence responsibilities and reduce the militarisation of civilian spaces.

But the question is not simply whether we need more personnel. It is the kind of institution we are asking these recruits to join. What values will shape them? What incentives will govern them? What systems will guide and restrain their power? Political will and courage are essential to transform numbers into real security, rather than just multiplying dysfunction.

Recruitment must therefore be about character and competence, not just filling quotas. Training must move beyond basic drills to include intelligence gathering, community engagement, human rights, conflict de-escalation, and the use of technology. Equipment must be modern, reliable, and suited to the terrain and threats. Welfare must be decent enough to insulate officers from the daily temptations of corruption. A police officer who cannot feed his/her family or a soldier who feels abandoned on the frontlines is not just demoralised; they are a risk to themselves, to their colleagues, and to the civilians they are meant to protect.

To his credit, the President has signalled that insecurity is now at the centre of the national agenda. That political signal matters. But symbolism must be matched with substance. The real work lies in addressing the drivers of insecurity: governance gaps, warped political economies, social fragmentation, and the neglect of human development.

For the military, the challenge goes beyond adding boots on the ground. Twenty-first-century security threats are fluid, networked, and adaptive. They cannot be overwhelmed by sheer workforce. They require strategic planning, real-time intelligence, inter-agency coordination, and the innovative use of technology  such as drones, surveillance systems, secure communications, and data analysis. They also require something less tangible but equally critical: trust.

Without trust, communities will not share information. Without information, even the best-equipped force is operating in the dark. Building that trust means ensuring that security operations are disciplined, proportionate, and accountable. It means punishing abuses, rather than explaining them away. It means recognising that every unjust killing, every arbitrary arrest, every humiliating encounter at a checkpoint is not a minor incident; it is a strategic setback that pushes communities further away from the state.

To his credit, the President has signalled that insecurity is now at the centre of the national agenda. That political signal matters. But symbolism must be matched with substance. The real work lies in addressing the drivers of insecurity: governance gaps, warped political economies, social fragmentation, and the neglect of human development.

The tragedy is not that we lack ideas. We do not. I am aware, for example, that the UNDP, working with Nigerian consultants, developed a comprehensive framework for peace and development in the North-West at the request of regional governors. That framework recognises what communities have long understood: that you cannot bomb your way to lasting peace in areas where people are poor, excluded, and angry. Security operations must be integrated with programmes that expand access to justice, rebuild livelihoods, invest in education and healthcare, and deliberately mend broken social ties.

But frameworks, no matter how well-crafted, are powerless without courage and political will. Implementation requires leaders prepared to confront entrenched interests that profit from illegal mining, smuggling, diversion of security funds, and the manipulation of communal tensions. It demands transparency in security spending, robust oversight of law enforcement, and an insistence that those who collude with criminal enterprises  whether in uniform or in office  face real consequences.

Ultimately, the question before Nigeria is stark: do we want to manage insecurity or to transform the conditions that produce it? Managing insecurity can be done with announcements, deployments, and the periodic show of force. Transformation is slower, less dramatic, and far more demanding. It involves strengthening local governments, so that they become genuine centres of service, not mere conduits for patronage. It consists of reclaiming the rural economy from violence and criminal enterprises, so that farming and legitimate trade once again become viable livelihoods. It involves treating drugs not only as a law enforcement issue but as a public health and social crisis requiring prevention, rehabilitation, and youth engagement. It consists of repairing the frayed fabric of intercommunal relations through dialogue, justice, and fair access to resources.

More boots on the ground may quieten violence in the short term. But the peace Nigerians long for will only come when the ground itself changes  when the village that once knew only fear begins to see teachers, nurses, judges, and honest local officials as often as it considers armed patrols. When the young man who might have joined a gang finds a better future in a school, a farm, a workshop, or a legitimate mine. When citizens believe, not as an act of faith but from lived experience, that their lives matter to the state.

Dakuku Peterside is the author of the books, Leading in a Storm, and Beneath the Surface.
Nigeria is on my mind againnot as a headline, not as a statistic, not as an argument on television, but as a burden that sits quietly on the chest, refusing to be shaken off. Every nation has its pressures, but Nigerias pressures are different: they are silent, ancestral, and layered. They move like tectonic plates beneath the soilfault lines buried in history, identity, memory, and the deep unspoken things that shape who we think we are. These fault lines do not make the news every day, yet they are the very cracks through which our future is leaking away. Ethnic suspicion, religious hostility, and political fractures form a triangle of tension that has defined our national story. And the real tragedy is that none of these lines are new; they simply keep returning in new disguises.

We have lived long enough to know that nations do not break only when guns roar. Nations also break in whispersthrough distance, distrust, and the slow erosion of shared meaning. The danger is not always in the violence itself but in the psychology that precedes it: the quiet belief that my people and those people do not share the same destiny. Once that idea takes root, a country can remain geographically united yet emotionally shattered. Nigeria is increasingly living in this twilight zone: a republic on paper, a mosaic of rival fears in reality.

Ethnicity has become the most stubborn of our fault lines. It shapes our conversations, our ambitions, our judgments, even our opportunities. We wear our ethnicities like protective armour, shielding ourselves from a nation we no longer trust. We have become citizens of tribes rather than citizens of a republic. Yet no tribe alone has enough strength to carry a nation of this size; and no tribe alone has enough wisdom to design its future. A multi-ethnic nation can only survive on one truth: that diversity is not a threat but an inheritance. When diversity becomes a competition, the nation begins to limp; when it becomes a weapon, the nation begins to bleed.

Religion, too, has mutated into a fault line. In the hands of sincere worshippers, faith becomes light. In the hands of political actors, faith becomes a blade. We have seen too many moments where sermons became battle cries and altars became rallying points for division. Yet in every religion, the call is the same: to love one another, to honour truth, to preserve life. How then did we get herewhere believers of different faiths look at each other not with curiosity or empathy but with inherited suspicion? A nation cannot rise when its religions compete for supremacy; it can only rise when they compete for goodness.

The political fault line is perhaps the most visible, yet the least understood. Our politics has been built like a marketplace where identity is currency and fear is persuasion. Politicians have mastered the language of division because it is the quickest pathway to followership. But leadership built on fractures cannot unify a road, let alone a country. We have normalized a system where elections feel like referendums on who should fear whom. And in that atmosphere, even good policies struggle to survive because citizens no longer evaluate ideasthey evaluate intentions. They do not ask what is being proposed; they ask who is proposing it and where is he from.

Yet, in spite of all these fault lines, Nigeria remains unbroken. This is not luck. It is a sign. It is a warning. It is a mercy. Nations that survive repeated shocks are not simply resilient; they are being given timetime to reflect, time to repent, time to reboot. But time, like every gift, is not infinite. The question is what we will do with the time remaining to us before the fault lines widen beyond repair.

What Nigeria needs now is not merely another dialogue or another election cycle. Nigeria needs a new civic ethica fresh understanding that we rise only when we rise together. Shared destiny is not a romantic phrase; it is the only glue strong enough to hold a diverse nation. The countries that succeeded did not do so because they eliminated differences but because they elevated a unifying identity strong enough to overshadow them. We cannot heal by pretending that tribes and religions dont matterthey do. But they cannot matter more than the nation we hope to build.

For healing to begin, we must first confront our habits of suspicion. Suspicion is not just a feeling; it is a cultural reflex. We must learn to question it instead of feeding it. The stories we tell ourselves must change. We can no longer raise children to believe that other tribes are threats or that other religions are conspiracies. Healing begins in how we narrate our identity to the next generation. A nation is simply a story we tell ourselves about ourselves. If that story is poisoned, the nation becomes poisoned.

Healing also requires truth. Nations do not heal by sweeping history under the rug. They heal by naming things accurately. We cannot pretend that the wounds of the civil war, the cycles of religious violence, and the regional economic disparities no longer matter. They do. Unhealed histories become future conflicts. But truth must not become a weapon; it must become a scalpel. It must be used to remove infection, not to deepen injury.

Healing further demands justice. Not revengejustice. Citizens must trust that institutions are not ethnic enterprises. Justice is the one language that every tribe understands and every religion respects. Where justice is absent, agitation will multiply. Where justice is predictable, peace will flourish.

And healing requires leadershipleadership that speaks to our shared humanity instead of our inherited fears. A leader who rises above the fault lines does not deny their existence; he stands where they intersect and creates a new centre for the country. We do not need messianic saviours. We need buildersNehemiahs who see broken walls and gather every tribe to repair them. Without such leadership, even the best citizens will retreat into their private enclaves of survival.

But healing is not solely the work of leaders. It is the work of citizens who refuse to be manipulated. Citizens who choose character over conspiracy, competence over tribe, and nationhood over sentiment. The survival of Nigeria will not be determined solely in Aso Rock; it will be determined in the small everyday choices of people who decide that unity is more profitable than division.

Nigeria is on my mind because the stakes are high. We are either approaching a turning point or a breaking point. The signs are there: the rise of regional agitations, the loudness of fringe extremists, the deepening of poverty, the exhaustion of hope. Yet, I believe that cracks do not always mean collapse. Sometimes cracks are simply indicators that the structure needs reinforcement. I believe that Nigeria can still become a nation healed of its fracturesnot by force, not by slogans, but by a collective awakening that our future is inseparable.

A house divided cannot stand, but a house aware of its divisions can rebuild. The healing lines must begin from where the fault lines have run. Nigeria can be mended, but only if we choose mending over mirroring old patterns. The future will not belong to those who exploit our fractures; it will belong to those who close them.

Nigeria is on my mind because, despite everything, I believe her best chapters have not yet been written. But belief alone is not enough. Healing is not accidental; it is intentional. And if we do not begin to draw the healing lines now, the fault lines will one day draw themselves.

Sunday Ogidigbo is Senior Pastor of Holyhill Church, Abuja. He writes on faith, leadership, and the intersection of spirituality and culture. X/Instagram/Facebook: @SOgidigbo. Email: [email protected]
The insecurity spiralling out of control in Nigeria recently compelled President Bola Tinubu to direct the immediate withdrawal of the police guards of Very Important Personalities (VIPs) throughout the country. These officers are to be deployed to the now highly essential core policing duties. The president, more so, doubled down with a state of emergency declaration on security last Wednesday. A slew of steps to be taken by the police, the military, SSS, and the legislature, have been unfolded to give the emergency a bite. These appear laudable; but in diligence lies the real challenge.

Under the new plan, 50,000 persons are to be recruited into the police, while their training institutions are to be upgraded. The military will ramp up its numbers also, to put more boots on the ground, whereas newly recruited forest guards are to be deployed to flush out criminals from their various dens.

Nigeria has an estimated police personnel strength of about 371,000. Over the years, thousands of them have been deployed to guard VIPs, leaving the larger society vulnerable to different manifestations of insecurity. Earlier efforts, administration after administration, to stop this aberration, defied both presidential directives and those of Inspectors-General, which were neutered by the transactional or corrupt economics of politicians, fraudsters and the corporate elite.

The VIPs are now to draw their security details from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). President Tinubu had noted, in a release issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, penultimate week, that, Many parts of Nigeria, especially remote areas, have few policemen at stations, thus making the task of protecting and defending the people difficult.

But the benumbing reality is that most communities, particularly in the North, with a huge landmass, have no police presence at all, nor any trace of governance. In some place, distances of over 100 kilometres separate these communities from the state capitals. This explains why 200 people could be killed, as it happened in Yelwata in June, without rapid security response from either the police, or military.

Farm lands have been deserted. In Benue and Plateau states, and across the North-east, living in Internally Displaced Camps (IDPs) has become a normal way of life for citizens. The humanitarian crises arising thereof from food insecurity, health hazards and the lack of education for children and youths, are incalculable.

To be clear, Nigerias waves of anarchy did not start under Tinubus regime. The death toll from terrorism, banditry, kidnappings, herders and communal clashes, for instance during Muhammadu Buharis eight years tenure, was 63,111, as reported by the Nigeria Security Tracker (NST), a project of the US Council on Foreign Relations Africa programme.

Such horrific data should have precipitated a sense of urgency, immediately Mr Tinubu assumed office in 2023. Unfortunately, he dithered. Amnesty International claims that 10,217 persons were killed in his administrations first two years. Therefore, the new wave of kidnappings involving 378 persons from schools in Kebbi and Niger states, in addition to a Kwara State church, were not fortuitous events. These deeply worrying incidents had been cascading, till the Donald Trump effect helped to ginger action.

While the new effort towards reinvigorating policing is a welcome departure from past shameful experiences, PREMIUM TIMES is highly concerned about the likelihood of its effective enforcement. A few days ago, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun announced that 11,566 officers have already been withdrawn from VIPs. There is a doubt around the figure here!

The publicly quoted number of police officers attached to VIPs is 100,000 personnel. The European Union Agency for Asylum, in its report on the numerical strength of the Nigerian Police, equally mentioned this figure on 11 November, which is attributed to independent sources. Hence, we have serious doubts about the number recently quoted by the IGP as being the totality of those attached to VIPs.

Instructively, in 2003, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2016, 2018, 2020, police withdrawal directives from VIPs were made by Inspectors-General Tafa Balogun, Ogbonnaya Onovo, Hafiz Ringim, Mohammed Abubakar, Solomon Arase, Ibrahim Idris and Mohammed Adamu, respectively. In some cases, there were threats of the arrest and dismissal of officers who failed to comply.

Mr Buhari gave the same order in 2015 to deepen the maintenance of law and order. Perfunctorily executed initially, the police subsequently relapsed in its VIP protection vocation, which has been alleged to be highly financially rewarding to the institution. Oddly enough, IGP Egbetokun had issued the same directive in June 2023, and April 2025, respectively. Such elite police protection duties, he rightly posited, creates a distortion that weakens operational effectiveness of the police. The fact is that if his earlier directives did not end up as a farce, the president would not have had any reason to give the same order, six months after the last one.

The bandits are still on the prowl. Barely 24 hours after the kidnapped 38 Christian worshippers in Kwara State regained their freedom, 11 persons in the same area, precisely in Isapa community, were kidnapped. Five minors aged between five and 10, a pregnant woman and two nursing mothers, were among the victims. In Niger State, 24 farmers, including four pregnant women, were kidnapped last week. These heartrending incidents forced the federal authorities to shut down 41 Unity Colleges across the country. About four states in the North had earlier pressed this panic bottom.

It is a notorious fact that Nigeria, with its estimated 250 million people, and landmass of 923,768 square kilometres, has a substandard police ratio of 1:637 persons, which is far below the United Nations recommended ratio of 1:450. This is even for climes that have reasonable degrees of law and order, and are not witnessing the depth of our insecurity challenges.

It will take about three months to recruit and six months to train the proposed 50,000 new officers to make an impact on policing in the country. Certainly, this would not be the needed magic bullet. The more impactful solution would lay inmulti-layered policing, involving the state, communities and other jurisdictions, as practiced in federal systems like those of the US, Canada and Australia, etc., and including the United Kingdom, which is not even a federation but has 43 police services.

The National Assemblys prevarication on the creation of state police is sickening. After President Tinubu has nudged it into action, and the majority of state governors have adopted the proposal, it is difficult to imagine why the parliament is still wavering on it.

A senator, Enyinnaya Abaribes condemnation of the lack of official decisiveness, amidst egregious mass killings and kidnappings of citizens, in a heated debate on insecurity in the parliament, is gratifying. Truth must be told to power; the senator rebuked the presidencys double standards and tardiness in responding to the challenge. His submission, quoting a famous epigram that, In times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act resonates. Yet, the lawmakers, in our own assessment, are part of the problem, with their shoddy oversight of security institutions and misplaced legislative priorities.

The country has had enough of political correctness in combating terrorism. Ignoring the SSS intelligence in the schoolskidnapping of 25 students in Kebbi State and similar security breaches without consequences, erode public confidence in government and negates the required synergy in this struggle. Such chaarade will always set Nigeria up for the battle of the long night.
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has expressed its determination to drive public support for the effective implementation of the tax reforms of the federal government whose implementation kicks off in January 2026 when the new Tax Act comes into effect. Director General of the NOA, Lanre Issa-Onilu, made this commitment on behalf of the Agency, when members of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, led by its chairman, Mr Taiwo Oyedele, paid a courtesy visit to the NOA in Abuja yesterday.

Mr Issa-Onilu noted that technology has made it easy for mischievous persons to effortlessly spread fake news and wrong narratives about the new tax laws. He therefore emphasised the importance of sensitising Nigerians on the benefits of the tax laws in order to counter the wrong narratives spread by those who are either genuinely ignorant of its provisions or those acting out of mischief and an ulterior motive to undermine the efforts of the government to improve the tax system.

The NOA DG said the new Tax Law will be beneficial to Nigerians as it specifically addresses the issue of double taxation that companies, business people, workers, individuals and investors are presently experiencing, among many other things.The DG underscored NOAs ability to reach wide audiences across the country with its advocacy and national enlightenment campaigns, noting that the Agency had a wide spread of offices across the country with competent staff who regularly embark on community mobilisation and sensitisation to promote government policies and national values.

He also highlighted the ability of the NOA to work intelligently, identifying the different demographics across the country and applying the communication models appropriate to reach and appeal to each demographic.We have done mapping across the country for engagements with all Nigerians; that is why we can engage groups such as associations, CSOs, traders union, leaders, women groups, youths and many others, he said.

We do engagements with different groups across the country, and our staff are usually chosen from among the people so the people trust them; that is part of the advantage we have.

Mr Issa-Onilu also highlighted the extensive partnerships with media houses which the NOA enjoyed across the country as part of its strength to communicate policies to every nook and cranny in the country. We work with over 200 radio stations across the country, and partner with 36 television stations, all put together broadcasting in about 72 local languages, he revealed.

In addition, Mr Issa-Onilu pointed out that the NOA was leveraging modern technology, including the use of Artificial Intelligence, to disseminate government information. We launched our own version of ChatGPT called CLHEEAN, a special Voice/Chat Assistant where Nigerians can engage and get authentic information on all government policies, he told the NOA guests. Concluding, the NOA DG declared that these are tools we have to assist and support the committee in sensitising Nigerians on the new tax laws.

Earlier, Mr Oyedele of the Tax Reforms Committee had revealed that his team was at the NOA to seek support for the committee in pushing out the right information about the new tax laws and countering the wrong narrative that was pervasive in the media and other public spaces.

He said: We beleieve that working together with NOA will ensure the passage of accurate information to Nigerians, even to those at the grassroots to know the benefits of the new tax laws.We observed that there is a lot of misinformation to people especially those at the grassroots, including farmers, concerning the law. And the aim of such is to make them hate the government ignorantly, he noted.

He continued: Though we are engaging multinationals, but Nigerians at different levels and from the different tribes and languages need to know the benefits they will get from the said law and support it.We may need to create scenarios and have farmers, students, CEOs and others to say what the reform can do for them. These can counter the wrong narratives by some content providers that are against the law, he stated.

Mr Oyedele is convinced that when people are sensitised and become aware of the benefits they would derive from the new tax law, they will not protest against it since it is in their best interest.At the end of the interaction, it was agreed that a joint committee of the NOA and the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms be formed to pursue the agenda of communicating the tax reforms properly and effectively.

The highlight of the visit of the Tax Reforms Committee was the presentation of the new tax laws to the DG NOA M, Issa-Onilu by the Tax Reforms team and the presentation of the National Value Charter plaque to the Committee Chairman Mr Oyedele by the NOA leadership.The Tax Reforms Bill was signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in June this year as part of efforts to simplify and strengthen Nigerias fiscal system.

Bala MusaDirector, Communications and Media
Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, commissioned the newly constructed Jargaba Primary Health Facility located in Jargaba Ward of Bakori Local Government Area. The new healthcare centre has been fully equipped with modern medical equipment and upgraded amenities to improve access to quality healthcare services.

The facility now boasts a maternity unit, staff quarters, essential medical equipment, patient wards, and a fully secured perimeter fence. In addition to the new structure, the hospital received updated health facility equipment including delivery beds, diagnostic tools, laboratory essentials, hospital furniture, essential drugs, and other lifesaving materials to strengthen maternal and child health services, emergency response, and general patient care.

During the commissioning, Governor Radda prayed that the new hospital becomes a source of healing and benefit to the entire Jargaba community and surrounding areas. He reaffirmed his administrations commitment to expanding access to quality healthcare across all parts of Katsina State.

In a related development, Governor Radda also flagged off the distribution of 110 solar streetlights donated by Abdulbasir Babangida Jargaba.

The solar units will be distributed across 11 polling-unit wards, with 10 units allocated to each ward.

The Governor expressed deep appreciation to Mr Babangida Jargaba for his generosity, noting that such contributions significantly enhance community security and development. Governor Radda commended the philanthropic spirit behind the gesture and urged other well-meaning individuals to emulate this act of service to their communities.

Those in attendance included the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Abdulkadir Mamman Nasir; Principal Private Secretary, Abdullahi Aliyu Turaji; AUDA-NEPAD National Coordinator, Salisu Jabiru Tsauri; Chairman of Bakori Local Government, Hon. Abubakar Musa Barde; and members of the Katsina State Executive Council.
The Golden Penny 65th Anniversary Buy & Win National Consumer Promotion continues to transform the lives of many homes and families in Nigeria. Loyal consumers of Golden Penny Foods Ltd are being rewarded weekly with life-changing prizes including financial support, gas cookers, washing machines, televisions, Golden Penny Food Products kitchen makeovers and brand-new cars.

Since the campaign kicked off, tens of thousands of entries have been recorded nationwide through purchases of specially marked Golden Penny products. So far, over 6,000 winners have emerged during the weekly live draws, while six lucky consumers from Ekiti, Taraba, Lagos, Enugu, Kogi, and Osun states have each driven home a brand-new car courtesy of the promo.

Speaking on the progress of the campaign thus far, Mr Caius Johnson-Bezi, the Brand Manager, Ball Foods, Golden Penny Foods Ltd, said We established more than 300 active redemption centres nationwide and multiple support channels to ensure ease of access and redemption for our consumers during the campaign period.

And thus far, we have rewarded over 6000 consumers across the country with our well curated prizes and rewards to ensure long-term value and utilization. We remain committed to improving lives of our consumers across communities, and we encourage Nigerians to keep participating as there are still many exciting prizes left to be won.

Beyond the prizes, the promotion continues to strengthen Golden Pennys connection with consumers across Nigeria by rewarding loyalty and bringing excitement directly into homes and communities. The campaign has created moments of joy for families, traders, students and everyday Nigerians, reinforcing the brands commitment to being more than just a food brand, but a partner in everyday life.

To participate, consumers are required to purchase 10 packs of Golden Penny noodles, 3 packs of Golden Penny pasta, and 3 packs of Golden Penny semovita. After scanning the QR code on each pack, they are to present the 16 empty packs at any of the designated redemption centres to qualify for the raffle draw.

The live draws happen every Tuesday at 12 pm on Golden Pennys social media pages and announced winners can redeem their prizes at the redemption centres closest to them using their entry codes and a valid identification card. More information about the promo, redemption centres, and winnings can be found on goldenpennypromo.com.

About Golden Penny Foods

Golden Penny Foods Ltd is a leading food company and a provider of superior quality African brands that inspire consumers every day. As an iconic brand of FMN, a diversified Pan-African food and agro-allied company that feeds and enriches the lives of its consumers every day, Golden Penny Foods Ltd is committed to provide its consumers with superior quality African Brands designed to satisfy their nutritional needs.

The company is consistently providing affordable nutrition to its consumers  a commitment that earned it the iconic name Golden Penny, which was the smallest unit of Nigerias currency, an indication that anybody could afford the Companys products while quality is still guaranteed.

Through market leadership in process and product innovation, it is imperative for FMN, through the Golden Penny Foods Company, to offer consumers healthy, quality, and tasty nutrition that complements local delicacies.

Through the Golden Penny Foods brand, various stakeholders can access their daily nutrition of choice through the Companys portfolio of loved brands. From this home of good food emanate excellent nutritional products like diverse flour brands, ball foods (Semovita), pasta, noodles, sweeteners, edible oil, and fats, Choco Spreads, breakfast cereal, and other endearing foods.

With over 17 modern and best- in-class manufacturing facilities across 12 states, and production capabilities across grain milling, edible oil, sugar refining, agro-inputs, and animal nutrition and proteins.
Boko Haram insurgents have reportedly abducted eight people in Malari, a village in the Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State.

Local news reported that the insurgents came on motorcycles on Sunday night, met the farmers watering their onion plants, and abducted them.

The abduction occurred hours after the Nigerian Army repelled an insurgent attack on Izge, a community in Gwoza Local Government Area.

Sources reported that the attack began on Saturday around 11 p.m. After a fierce battle, soldiers, fighting alongside the Civilian Joint Task Force and hunters, repelled the attackers.

There were no further details to confirm what actually happened due to mobile network problems.

The insurgents also tried to infiltrate the Chibok Local Government Area of Borno, but were equally subdued by land and air forces two days ago.

The authorities have yet to comment on the attack. Sani Uba, the spokesperson for the Northeast Operation Hadin Kai, did not answer several calls or reply to text messages sent to him.

The latest abduction occurred a day after security forces rescued 12 kidnapped people in the Askira Uba Local Government of Borno.

The rescue operations in Borno and other places, such as Kebbi and Kwara, followed a marching order given to the security agencies by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to stop the insecurity after several Nigerians, including a Brigadier General, were killed by terrorists.
Terrorists on Sunday attacked a Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Ejiba, Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, abducting the pastor, his wife and several worshippers.

The attackers stormed the church during the morning service, sending congregants fleeing as gunshots rang through the community.

Residents described the incident as frightening, saying the armed men appeared without warning and seized members of the congregation.

The exact number of abducted persons remains unclear.

A witness said the pastor, known locally as Orlando, was taken alongside his wife and other worshippers who could not escape during the raid.

The Kogi State Government said it had launched a manhunt for the attackers.

Kingsley Fanwo, Commissioner for Information and Communication, confirmed in a statement on Sunday that security agencies were mobilised immediately after the incident.

The authorities of Yagba West Local Government Council are working hard with the security agencies to ensure those kidnapped are rescued alive. The perpetrators already know that Kogi will do everything possible to secure every one of its citizens abducted, he said.

Mr Fanwo noted that Governor Ahmed Ododo was directly coordinating the response efforts.

He urged residents to maintain vigilance and report suspicious movements. We urge the citizens to be security conscious and report suspicious faces to security agencies. When you see something, say something, he said.

The commissioner also advised worship centres in remote locations to reconsider holding services in unsafe areas. He criticised the decision to operate a church deep in the bush despite recent abductions in parts of the region.

Those who struck at Ejiba must have been hiding in the community for some days or in bushes around the village, he said. Some villagers would have seen them and kept quiet. If you refuse to raise alarms when you see strange faces at a time like this, who knows who will be victims of their madness?

Worshipping in the bush without security in this era, just weeks after worshippers were abducted from a church in Kwara State, is not ideal.

He added that Ejiba, a border community, has experienced repeated criminal attacks.

It is easy to blame the government, but those suffering in the hands of these incurable irredentists are our people. So why wont we subscribe to wisdom?

Mr Fanwo advised residents to avoid unsecured churches and mosques, restrict nonessential travel and keep personal movements private. He said security operatives have taken drastic measures to rescue the victims.
By Sergey Sukhankin

The recent negotiations between Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Olaf Scholz in Astana have underscored the increasing interest of Western economies in Kazakhstans abundant natural resources. The country is richly endowed with strategic minerals, which could provide a substantial counterbalance to the dominance of China and Russia in the global supply chain, a situation that presents various economic and geopolitical challenges for Western nations. Nonetheless, in spite of its wealth in natural resources, Kazakhstans significant dependency on China and Russia complicates its potential role in meeting the Wests growing demand for strategic minerals. It is imperative that Western countries develop a concrete strategy that delineates specific steps to assist Kazakhstan in its transition from an overwhelming reliance on hydrocarbons to a more diversified export profile that includes strategic minerals. Absent such initiatives, it will be exceedingly difficult for Kazakhstan to position itself as a viable alternative to both China and Russia.

BACKGROUND: Leading Western economies, including the U.S., France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, have expressed a pronounced interest in collaborating with Central Asian nations to explore their extensive yet underdeveloped reserves of strategic natural resources. Of particular significance are rare earth elements (REEs) and rare metals (RMs) such as uranium, lithium, tantalum, niobium, indium, scandium, vanadium, thallium, and gallium. This burgeoning interest is driven by two primary factors. First, the objective of achieving net zero emissions necessitates a substantial increase in the utilization of critical metals. As projected by the International Energy Agency, the rising adoption of clean energy technologies is expected to quadruple the demand for REEs and RMs by 2040. Second, the recent policies enacted by Russia and China to restrict exports of critical metals have compelled Western nations to seek alternative sources for these essential materials. Given the geopolitical challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa  another significant producer of critical metals  Central Asia emerges as the only viable alternative, with Kazakhstan playing a pivotal role. In addition to its vast resource base, the Kazakhstani government has demonstrated a strong commitment to developing its considerable potential in the strategic minerals sector. President Tokayev has asserted that these minerals could serve as the new oil for the nation and its economy. Kazakhstan has not only entered into multiple international agreements to facilitate the entry of Western companies into its strategic minerals sector but also plans to declassify information regarding its REE and RM deposits, a move that underscores its dedication to becoming a global leader in this industry. Furthermore, the country intends to collaborate with neighboring Tajikistan in the search for and extraction of critical metals.

IMPLICATIONS: If Kazakhstan successfully attracts foreign financial capital and expertise in its strategic minerals sector, the country has the potential to emerge as one of the worlds leading players in this industry. Furthermore, partnerships and collaborative initiatives between Kazakhstan and other regionally resource-rich countries, such as Tajikistan and potentially Uzbekistan, could positively influence the global critical metals industry while simultaneously reducing the Wests strategic and precarious dependence on China and Russia. Engaging in partnerships with Kazakhstan to fulfill its demand for strategic minerals presents a mutually beneficial opportunity for Western nations; unlike other suppliers, Kazakhstan is not facing comparable political destabilization (as seen in Sub-Saharan Africa), nor is it encumbered by geopolitical ambitions (like China) or neo-imperialist aspirations (like Russia), both of which could threaten regional stability and deter potential investors. However, Western efforts to leverage Kazakhstans extensive resource base may be impeded by three external factors. The first issue pertains to economic sustainability. If Kazakhstan, along with other Central Asian nations, successfully attracts foreign direct investment (FDI) in its critical metals sector, the commencement of large-scale production may lead to a significant decline in global prices for these commodities. Under such circumstances, the exploration and extraction of critical metals  processes that are hazardous, costly, and ecologically unsustainable  could become less economically viable for the country, while also posing potential harm to its ecosystem. Despite President Tokayevs assertions, from a purely economic perspective, critical metals do not currently appear capable of serving as the new oil for the Kazakhstani economy. This situation could be exacerbated in the event of a surplus of critical metals in the global market. The second issue is the China factor. Currently, China dominates the global critical metals industry, possessing 35 percent of proven resources, 68.5 percent of extraction and mining capacity, and 80 percent of output. With the European Unions dependency on Chinese REEs and RMs approaching 98 percent, coupled with Chinas growing interest in Central Asian natural resources  driven by the rapid development of its domestic microchip and green energy sectors  Central Asia emerges as a region of strategic significance for China. Given Chinas substantial influence in the macro-region, reinforced through soft power, investments, trade relationships, and the indebtedness of local actors, it poses a significant challenge for the EU and the U.S. to compete effectively with Beijing. Additionally, the Chinese approach to business, which emphasizes non-interference in domestic affairs and eschews democracy promotion, is likely to align more closely with the cultural values and traditions of many Central Asian countries, which are not fully democratic. The third issue concerns the Russia factor. Russias interest in Kazakhstans critical metals sector is motivated by factors distinct from those of China. Strategically, Russia aims to maintain its significant role in Kazakhstans uranium sector, as Kazakhstan produces over 40 percent of the worlds uranium and serves as a key supplier for Russia. Russia not only partially owns uranium mines in Kazakhstan but also plays a crucial role in the countrys export framework, with the port of Saint Petersburg serving as a vital transportation hub for these exports. From a logistical perspective, identifying alternative routes to Russia  such as the Middle Corridor  would necessitate legislative changes related to uranium transportation and require additional investments to enhance the capacity of these routes. Even if these conditions are met, the possibility of Russia adopting a more assertive stance should not be overlooked. Historically, disputes have arisen between Russia and Kazakhstan over oil-related matters in the resource-rich Caspian Sea. Following Russias aggression against Ukraine in 2022, Kazakhstan has sought to position itself as an alternative supplier of hydrocarbons to the EU, which was marked by a mysterious explosion that resulted in the deaths of two workers at Tengiz, Kazakhstans largest oil field. The increasing anti-Kazakhstan rhetoric in Russian propaganda channels  reminiscent of narratives used against Ukraine prior to 2022  often focuses on uranium-related issues. Therefore, one should not discount the possibility of provocations from Russia should circumstances develop in a manner deemed unacceptable to it. These three factors pose significant obstacles for Kazakhstans potential to play a significant role in the West's shift away from reliance on China (and, to a lesser extent, Russia) for critical metals. Importantly, neither China nor Russia is likely to relinquish their dominant positions as suppliers of REEs and RMs without resistance, in the face of Kazakhstans emerging presence in the market.

CONCLUSIONS: Kazakhstan, with its abundant natural resources and commitment to a peaceful foreign policy, presents an ideal trade partner for Western countries seeking to meet their demand for REEs and RMs while diversifying their supply chains away from China and Russia. However, achieving this goal poses significant challenges due to Kazakhstan's vulnerabilities in relation to both countries. Without a concrete strategy from the West  a detailed plan that extends beyond simple import-export arrangements, resource exploitation, and vague commitments  Kazakhstan will struggle to fulfill Western demands on its own. Geopolitically insecure and lacking sufficient funding, technology, and expertise, Kazakhstan risks remaining a land of unfulfilled opportunities without comprehensive Western assistance. To avert this scenario, the U.S. should collaborate with the European Union to help Kazakhstan reshape its economic model, transitioning from an economy primarily reliant on oil exports to one that focuses on the export of strategic metals. This transition will likely require coordinated efforts to adjust infrastructure for specific objectives, significant investments, and innovative strategies to navigate the complex geopolitical landscape of the macro-region, which also includes influential regional players such as Turkey and Iran.

AUTHOR'S BIO: Dr. Sergey Sukhankin is a Senior Fellow at the Jamestown Foundation (Washington DC) and a Fellow at the North American and Arctic Defence and Security Network (Canada).


The federal government has reassured Nigerians of the imminent and safe return of pupils abducted from St. Marys Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Agwarra Local Government Area of Niger State.

During a condolence and solidarity visit to St. Michaels Catholic Cathedral in Kontagora, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, stated that the children were in good condition and would be reunited with their families soon.

He delivered President Bola Tinubus message of hope to the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, Bulus Yohanna, and the parents of the abducted pupils.

Mr Ribadu said security agencies had intensified operations to ensure the safe return of the children, stressing the need for national unity in confronting the insecurity affecting communities across the country.

This is a solemn and challenging moment for us. Our duty is to protect every citizen, the NSA said. The President is deeply concerned. He has put aside his travel plans to focus fully on resolving this crisis.

He added that the government would not relent in its efforts. We are all under attack. We must stand together to prevent divisiveness and ensure that evil does not prevail, he said.

The NSA was accompanied on the visit by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Bernard Doro; the Director-General of the State Security Service (SSS), Oluwatosin Ajayi; and the Chairperson of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Northern Nigeria, Joseph Hayab. No representative of the Niger State Government was present.

Mr Ribadu commended Bishop Yohanna for his patience and resilience despite the frustrations surrounding the abduction. He said Nigerias international partners  including the United States, France and the United Kingdom  were providing support to the rescue efforts.

The children are safe and will be returned. God is with them and with us. Evil will not triumph, he assured. He also pledged that the school would remain open and that security in the area would be strengthened.

Earlier, Mr Yohanna expressed appreciation to President Tinubu and the NSA for their support and intervention. The visit included a brief closed-door meeting with the bishop, after which the school principal, Felicia Gyang, and a parent representative, Luka Iliya, presented updates and shared their concerns.
Timipre Sylva, a former governor of Bayelsa State and former minister of state for Petroleum Resources, has appealed to the federal government and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to release four of his detained aides, describing their continued detention as unjust, unnecessary, and inhumane.

Mr Sylva made the appeal in a statement issued through his spokesperson, Julius Bokoru, on Saturday.

Mr Bokoru posted the statement on Facebook.

He stated that the detention of his staff  Paganengigha Anagha, Musa Mohammed (his driver), Police operative Ayuba Reuben, and Friday Lusa Paul  had persisted despite his formal communication to the anti-graft agency, indicating his willingness to honour its invitation once his ongoing medical treatment abroad allows him to travel.

These individuals  fathers, husbands, ordinary Nigerians  have been held on grounds that appear unclear at best, and entirely vague to their traumatised families, Mr Bokoru said.

Mr Sylva had, in a letter addressed to the EFCC chairperson, expressed his displeasure at the commissions declaration that he was wanted over an alleged $14.8 million fraud.

Mr Sylva, in the letter dated 24 November, received and acknowledged by the EFCC on 26 November, however, informed the commission that he was currently receiving urgent medical care for a life-threatening condition.

He said he was in constant consultation with his medical team to know whether he could discontinue his treatment to enable him to present himself to the EFCC for interrogation.

Sylvas residence under continuous security siege

Mr Sylvas Maitama residence has been under continuous security siege, with his young children and household effectively confined, Mr Boroku said. Even routine communication with the press has come at personal risk to me and others.

READ ALSO: Timipre Sylva responds after being declared wanted by EFCC

Continuing, he said, These events carry a heavy toll  on individuals, on families, and on the democratic values that demand fairness, transparency, and proportionality. They also risk overshadowing the legacy of a patriot who, against daunting odds, championed the Petroleum Industry Bill until it became the Petroleum Industry Act we rely upon today.

As governor, he ventured into the creeks to midwife the Presidential Amnesty Programme  a decisive intervention that restored peace and secured vital national revenues, he said.

Today, I make a humble but resolute appeal: that Messrs Anagha, Mohammed, Reuben, and Paul be released to rejoin their anxious families; that the 24-hour security encirclement around Chief Sylvas children be lifted; and that the dignity of due process  the foundation of any civilised society  be restored.

Mr Sylva, he said, had already written to the anti-graft agency pledging to appear before the Commission on a medically feasible date agreed upon by both parties. This is the responsibility of any honourable man  and he has fulfilled it.

The EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyawale, did not respond to our reporters call seeking his comment.
The former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel, has called on Nigerians to set aside their biases and support President Bola Tinubu in addressing the countrys current challenges.

Mr Emmanuel stated this at an interactive session held with journalists at the Pre-Service of Nine Lessons and Carol, held at the United Evangelical Church, Surulere, Lagos, on Saturday, 29 November, according to a press release by his spokesperson, Stephen Abia.

The former governor said that all hands must be on deck in providing the required support for Mr Tinubu to solve the problems facing the country.

Nigeria is facing severe security challenges, with terrorists and bandits kidnapping citizens and launching deadly attacks on communities in different parts of the country.

According to Mr Emmanuel, Nigerians across ethnic, party, and religious divides need to come together at this moment in our national life to support the president in solving the problems that could plunge our nation into crisis.

This is not the time to dwell on factors that create divisions, the issues that expand the frontiers of our disagreements and further undermine our national unity.

Rather, as a people, we must pull together to confront our common enemies by giving every necessary support to President Tinubu to enable him face the challenges that are militating against the progressive movement upon which he has set our nation, the statement quoted Mr Emmanuel, a PDP leader, as saying.

Mr Emmanuel encouraged President Tinubu to continue to pursue the visions that would help Nigeria overcome its current challenges and bring it to the ultimate goal of achieving good governance.
Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has commended his predecessor, Udom Emmanuel, for rallying support for President Bola Tinubu as he confronts the current challenges facing Nigeria.

Nigeria is facing severe security challenges, with terrorists and bandits kidnapping citizens, including students, and launching deadly attacks on communities in different parts of the country.

Mr Emmanuel called on Nigerians to set aside their biases and support Mr Tinubu in addressing the countrys current challenges.

The former Akwa Ibom governor stated this at an interactive session held with journalists at the Pre-Service of Nine Lessons and Carol, held at the United Evangelical Church, Surulere, Lagos, on Saturday, 29 November, according to a press release by his spokesperson, Stephen Abia.

This is not the time to dwell on factors that create divisions, the issues that expand the frontiers of our disagreements and further undermine our national unity.

Rather, as a people, we must pull together to confront our common enemies by giving every necessary support to President Tinubu to enable him to face the challenges that are militating against the progressive movement upon which he has set our nation, the statement quoted Mr Emmanuel, a PDP leader, as saying.

Mr Emmanuel encouraged President Tinubu to continue to pursue the visions that would help Nigeria overcome its current challenges and bring it to the ultimate goal of achieving good governance.

Governor Eno on Monday thanked Mr Emmanuel for rallying support for the president.

This is a welcome development and a testament to the fact that in spite of our political differences, we are united in our support and therefore, must rally behind the President as he confronts the challenges facing our dear nation, Mr Eno said in a statement from his spokesperson, Ekerete Udoh.

This, indeed, speaks so eloquently about the Akwa Ibom United mantra we have been championing, and I salute and thank my predecessor for this patriotic act.

The relationship between Messrs Eno and Emmanuel has continued to deteriorate after the governor defected from the PDP to the APC in June. Police recently withdrew their operatives from Mr Emmanuels residence in Akwa Ibom on Governor Enos order. The governor has also sacked some of his aides, whom he accused of being loyal to his predecessor.

Governor Enos public commendation of his predecessor may provide temporary relief from the political tension in the oil-rich state.
The Osun State Government has announced an immediate 24-hour curfew on Igbajo town in the Boluwaduro Local Government Area.

According to a statement released on Monday by the states information commissioner, Kolapo Alimi, the curfew was imposed following the breakdown of law and order last night till the early hours of today and due to the continued breach of law and order among the natives and

Read the full statement below.

Following the breakdown of law and order last night till the early hours of today in Igbajo, Boluwaduro local government area, according to the intelligence report from the office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on security, Samuel Ojo, the Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has accordingly announced a total lockdown of the town with the imposition of a 24 hour curfew.

The curfew, which is with immediate effect until total peace is attained, came about with the continued breach of law and order among the natives, a development which has been attributed to the demise of Adegboyega Famodun, who died last week Saturday after a brief illness.

Announcing the imposition of the curfew in a statement issued by the

Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, Governor Adeleke condemned the development with a declaration that his administration will not be a party to any untoward civil disobedience capable of truncating the existing peace and harmony being currently experienced throughout Osun State, Igbajo inclusive.

Mr Adeleke, in line with the new directive on the 24 hour curfew, accordingly issued a stern warning to all the natives and non-natives of the hitherto peaceful Igbajo community, to continue to toe the path of peace and order as anyone found or caught in any act, openly or clandestinely, that has the tendency of further plunging the town into chaos would be dealt with in line with the dictates of the law.

According to Governor Adeleke, It is with deep shock and dismay that I received the sad news of the breakdown of law and order in Igbajo last night till the early hours of today.

As a government that believes in the total compliance to the rule of engagement in ensuring peace and order at all times, my administration will not fold its arms to allow the breach of law and order anywhere in the state.

Therefore, as the Chief Security Officer of Osun State, I hereby declare with immediate effect, a total lockdown of the town pending the return to orderliness and harmonious co-existence in the hitherto peaceful and orderly Igbajo town.

With effect from today, Monday, 1/12/2025, a contingent of all security personnel, comprising the Army, Police, DSS and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence (NSCDC), should take charge by keeping a 24-hour surveillance in Igbajo.

Finally, I am once again, as I had earlier did following the announcement of the demise of Prince Adegboyega Famodun, commiserate with the family and the entire sons and daughters of Igbajo over the sad loss of a dear and illustrious son of the town, Prince Adeboyega Famoduns status.

May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace ended the press statement by Governor Adeleke.

E  Signed

Oluomo Kolapo Alimi

Hon.Commissioner for

Information and Public Enlightenment,

Osun State
Ekiti State Government on Monday asked residents of the state to go about their lawful businesses without any fear of harassment or intimidation, saying it is in full control of the security situation in the state.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Ebenezer Ogundana, said this in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, during the quarterly security meeting involving heads of security agencies and chairmen of the 16 local government councils and 22 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).

He assured residents not to panic over reports of activities of banditry in neighbouring states, stressing that Governor Biodun Oyebanji is on top of the security situation in the state.

Mr Ogundana, a retired brigadier general, affirmed that Ekiti State remains the safest state in the country based on the various measures the government has put in place, especially at all the border towns to provide adequate safety for residents.

He commended the residents of the state for providing the necessary intelligence needed by various security outfits. This, he said, has made the state surmount all security challenges.

He also assured residents that Ekiti borders are well-secured with military and police presence against any incursion, adding that the states intelligence and surveillance network remained strong and well-coordinated.

Weve been having some unusual activities along the states bordering with Ekiti, particularly Kogi and Kwara states and these incidents have been sending unholy signals to the state to the extent that it is creating panic among the people and then we met with Mr Governor and he directed that we should meet with all the stakeholders, so we met with traditional rulers and other stakeholders.

Today, we are meeting the local government chairmen to be able to listen to them and ascertain what their plans are so that we can work out plans on how to ensure that we have security in all our local governments, particularly the areas that are close to these turbulent states.

At the same time, we want to make sure that all of them are on the same page and to inform the people that the kind of panic that has been created is not true. That is the essence now, so when we finish with them, they will go back home and realign their people and tell them to go about their businesses without fear.

We want our people to be very vigilant and pay attention to small details. When they hear anything, they should not cover it up. They are not in a position to assess whether that information is true or not. Let them send the information to the security agencies closer to them so that well be able to make an adequate response.

We have sufficient resources at our disposal to determine whether information is true or not.

Like what is happening in Kogi and Kwara states now, we discovered that all the farmers, the herders, the community, everybody is affected now. Everybody is running up and down there, so we dont want that thing to escalate to us in Ekiti State. Thats why we are making all the necessary efforts to put everybody on the same page so that at least we can move ahead, Mr Ogundana stated.
Pivotal Phase 3 ECLIPSE study demonstrated atogepant is superior to placebo for achieving pain freedom at two hours after treatment of the first migraine attack (24.3% for atogepant vs. 13.1% for placebo) 1

AbbVie has submitted an application to the European Medicines Agency for expanded use of atogepant for the acute treatment of adults with migraine across Europe

NORTH CHICAGO, Ill., Dec. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV) today announced primary results from the pivotal Phase 3 ECLIPSE study, evaluating the safety, efficacy and tolerability of atogepant (60 mg) versus placebo for the acute treatment of migraine in adults (with or without aura). The study met its primary and key secondary endpoints, with atogepant demonstrating superiority in pain freedom and freedom from most bothersome migraine symptom (MBS) two hours after treatment of the first migraine attack.1 The results from the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multiple-attack ECLIPSE study have been accepted as a late-breaking presentation at the European Headache Congress, to be held December 3-6 in Lisbon, Portugal.

"These latest ECLIPSE results mark a step forward in helping more people living with migraine achieve pain freedom and underscores our commitment to addressing unmet needs in acute migraine care," said Primal Kaur, M.D., MBA, senior vice president, immunology, neuroscience, eye care and specialty development, AbbVie. "With our submission to the European Medicines Agency, AbbVie remains dedicated to broadening treatment choices for patients. If approved, atogepant would offer a new acute treatment option for migraine attacks in Europe."

The Phase 3 ECLIPSE study demonstrated that atogepant was superior to placebo in achieving pain freedom at two hours after treatment of the first migraine attack in adults with a history of migraine (with or without aura) (24.3% for atogepant vs. 13.1% for placebo; odds ratio 2.36, 95% CI [1.76, 3.15]; p<0.0001). Additionally, the first 12 of the 16 key secondary endpoints met statistical significance, including freedom from MBS at 2 hours after treatment (p<0.0001).1

"Migraine is a highly debilitating disease with a profound impact on daily life. Despite available therapies, many people still encounter barriers to effective, flexible treatment," says Annelies Van Dycke, neurologist, ECLIPSE investigator, and head of neurology at AZ Sint-Jan, Bruges, Belgium. "Providing access to targeted treatments such as atogepant within integrated care plans has the potential to make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients with migraine."

The safety profile of atogepant over the 24-week treatment period was consistent with that observed in previous studies for the preventive treatment of migraine. No new safety signals were observed in the acute treatment of migraine as compared to the safety profile for the preventive treatment of migraine. In the double-blind (DB) period across 24 weeks, the most common treatment-emergent adverse events (2%) were nasopharyngitis (4.6%) and upper respiratory tract infection (2.3%).1

About Migraine

Migraine is a prevalent and debilitating neurological disease affecting approximately 14% of the global population, with a higher incidence in women than men.2 Most common among adults aged 25 to 553, migraine attacks are marked by severe, throbbing headaches, sensitivity to light and sound, and nausea, often resulting in significant limitations on daily activities.4 Beyond its physical impact, migraine presents a major socioeconomic challenge worldwide, consistently leading to a higher economic burden than cardiovascular disease or diabetes.*5 In Europe, migraine contributes to GDP losses of 1.2% to 2.0%, with women experiencing four to nine times greater productivity losses in unpaid work compared to men.*5 Despite its substantial effect on work productivity, particularly in unpaid labor, the overall burden of migraine has remained stable over the past decade, highlighting the ongoing need for effective treatment options.*5

About the ECLIPSE Study1

ECLIPSE is a 24-week, Phase 3, multicenter, randomized, double-blind (DB), placebo-controlled, multiple-attack study that enrolled 1,223 adult subjects aged 18 to 75, diagnosed with migraine (with or without aura), who had two to eight migraine attacks of moderate to severe headache pain in each of the three months prior to screening. The study was conducted across 149 sites, including locations in Europe, United Kingdom, Japan, China, South Korea, and Taiwan. The primary endpoint was pain freedom at two hours post dose, while a key secondary endpoint included the absence of the MBS at two hours post dose.

Participants in the ECLIPSE study were randomized to four DB treatment sequences to treat four qualifying migraine attacks with moderate or severe headache with single doses of atogepant (60 mg) or placebo. The first attack (1:1 placebo to atogepant allocation) was the single attack used for the evaluation of the primary and 16 secondary efficacy endpoints. Following the up to 16-week DB period, subjects continued to treat qualifying migraine attacks with atogepant (60 mg) during the open label treatment period until the study concluded at Week 24.

More information on the ECLIPSE trial can be found at www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT06241313).

About Atogepant

Atogepant is a once-daily orally administered CGRP receptor antagonist specifically developed for the preventive treatment of migraine in adults. CGRP and its receptors are expressed in regions of the nervous system associated with migraine pathophysiology. Studies have shown that CGRP levels are elevated during migraine attacks. Atogepant is approved for prophylaxis of migraine in more than 60 countries around the world and marketed as AQUIPTA in the EU and QULIPTA in the U.S., Canada, Israel, and Puerto Rico.

EU Indications and Important Safety Information about AQUIPTA  (atogepant)

Indication

AQUIPTA (atogepant) is indicated for prophylaxis of migraine in adults who have at least 4 migraine days per month.

Important Safety Information

Contraindications

AQUIPTA is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients.

Special warnings and precautions for use

AQUIPTA is not recommended in patients with severe hepatic impairment.

Fertility, pregnancy, and lactation

AQUIPTA is not recommended during pregnancy and in women of childbearing potential not using contraception.

Effects on ability to drive and use machines

AQUIPTA has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive and use machines. However, it may cause somnolence in some patients. Patients should exercise caution before driving or using machinery until they are reasonably certain that AQUIPTA does not adversely affect performance.

Adverse reactions

The most reported adverse drug reactions during AQUIPTA studies were nausea 9%, constipation 8%, and fatigue/somnolence 5%. Most of the reactions were mild or moderate in severity. The adverse drug reaction that most commonly led to discontinuation was nausea 0.4%.

This is not a complete summary of all safety information. See AQUIPTA full summary of product characteristics (SmPC) at www.ema.europa.eu.

Globally, prescribing information varies; refer to the individual country product label for complete information.

About AbbVie in Migraine

At AbbVie, we are committed to empowering people living with migraine disease. We advance science that enables healthcare providers to care for people impacted across the spectrum of migraine. Through education and partnerships with the migraine community, we strive to help those with migraine navigate barriers to care, access effective treatments, and reduce the impact of migraine on their lives.

About AbbVie

AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas  immunology, oncology, neuroscience, and eye care  and products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube.

Forward-Looking Statements

Some statements in this news release are, or may be considered, forward-looking statements for purposes of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "project" and similar expressions and uses of future or conditional verbs, generally identify forward-looking statements. AbbVie cautions that these forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, challenges to intellectual property, competition from other products, difficulties inherent in the research and development process, adverse litigation or government action, changes to laws and regulations applicable to our industry, the impact of global macroeconomic factors, such as economic downturns or uncertainty, international conflict, trade disputes and tariffs, and other uncertainties and risks associated with global business operations. Additional information about the economic, competitive, governmental, technological and other factors that may affect AbbVie's operations is set forth in Item 1A, "Risk Factors," of AbbVie's 2024 Annual Report on Form 10-K, which has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, as updated by its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and in other documents that AbbVie subsequently files with the Securities and Exchange Commission that update, supplement or supersede such information. AbbVie undertakes no obligation, and specifically declines, to release publicly any revisions to forward-looking statements as a result of subsequent events or developments, except as required by law.

ALL-ATP-250008

Contact(s):

Global Media:

Amber Landis

+1 (231) 557-6596

[email protected]

U.S. Media:

Jacqueline Karis

+1 (310) 486-4993

[email protected]

Footnotes

*This initiative was funded by AbbVie. All content was designed and delivered by WifOR. AbbVie has had no input into the content, management, preparation, or creation of these materials.

References

1 Annelies Van Dycke, et al. Efficacy, Safety, and Tolerability of Atogepant for the Acute Treatment of Migraine: Results from the ECLIPSE Trial. European Headache Congress 2025.

2 Dong L, Dong W, Jin Y, et al. The Global Burden of Migraine: A 30-Year Trend Review and Future Projections by Age, Sex, Country, and Region. Pain and Therapy. 2025;14(1):297-315.

3 What is Migraine. The Migraine Trust. Available at: https://migrainetrust.org/understand-migraine/what-is-migraine. Accessed November 17, 2025.

4 Migraine headaches. Cleveland Clinic. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/5005-migraine-headaches. Accessed October 17, 2025.

5 The socioeconomic burden of migraine: The case of 6 European Countries. Wif0r Institute. Available at: https://www.wifor.com/de/download/the-socioeconomic-burden-of-migraine-the-case-of-6-european-countries/?wpdmdl=358248&refresh=685c5ea88c24c1750884008.

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/386913/AbbVie_logo.jpg
LUXEMBOURG, December 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Adecoagro S.A. (NYSE: AGRO) ("Adecoagro" or the "Company"), a leading sustainable production company in South America, announced the submission of a binding offer to acquire YPF's 50% stake in Profertil S.A., the largest producer of granular urea in South America.

This binding offer was submitted under substantially the same terms and conditions to those previously agreed between Adecoagro and Nutrien, including a purchase price of approximately US$600 million. In relation to the acquisition of Nutrien's 50 % interest in Profertil S.A., the main precedent conditions are fulfilled.

Adecoagro's offer acceptance by YPF is subject of approval by YPF's Board of Directors to be held in December 2025.

Upon consummation of this acquisition Adecoagro will become the controlling shareholder of Profertil owning 90% of the total share capital. The remaining 10% will be held by Asociacion de Cooperativas Argentinas.

The Company will finance the transaction through a combination of existing cash balances, a new long term credit facility which has already been committed, and proceeds from the sale of equity.

Profertil is a low-cost producer of urea and ammonia globally. With an annual capacity of approximately 1.3 million metric tons of urea and 790 thousand metric tons of ammonia, the company supplies approximately 60% of Argentina's urea consumption. Its state-of-the-art industrial complex located in the city of Bahia BlancaArgentina's most important petrochemical hubenjoys access to competitively priced natural gas and electricity. Profertil has a fully dollarized revenue business given the export nature of the product. The company generated an average annual EBITDA of approximately US$390 million over the 2020-2024 period.

Mariano Bosch, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Adecoagro, stated: "This transaction marks a significant milestone for Adecoagro, enhancing our scale, diversifying our portfolio, and strengthening the Company's long-term performance. Supported by our principal shareholder, we are leveraging Argentina's competitive advantages to drive sustainable growth and value creation for our stakeholders. The acquisition of Profertil positions Adecoagro as a key supplier to the regional agricultural sector, integrating a business with robust fundamentals and consistent cash generation. Profertil's strategic location, with direct access to Argentina's competitive natural gas resources, further reinforces our commitment to operational excellence and long-term resilience."

Juan Sartori, Head of Special Projects of Tether and Chairman of Adecoagro's Board of Directors, added: "As we have consistently stated, Adecoagro combines high-quality, low-cost production assets with a strong and experienced management team. This acquisition accelerates the Company's growth trajectory and reinforces its ability to deploy capital in a disciplined and high-return manner. At Tether, we are excited to support Adecoagro in this strategy. Profertil is a best-in-class company, essential to Argentina and South America's agricultural production chain, and we believe its integration will significantly enhance Adecoagro's platform by increasing exposure to sustainable, real assets that create long-term value."

The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to be completed by December 31, 2025. Upon completion, Profertil will be fully consolidated into Adecoagro's operations, strengthening the Company's integrated model and enhancing its ability to secure key inputs that are essential to the region's agricultural and food-production sectors.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities. Any offers, solicitations of offers to buy, or any sales of securities will be made in accordance with the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Adecoagro's management will host a conference call on December 3, 2025 at 11am EST, to discuss the transaction.

About Profertil:

Profertil is a company devoted to the production of the fertilizers needed to optimize crop yields in a sustainable manner. Equally owned by YPF and Nutrien Ltd., Profertil has its production plant located in the port of Ingeniero White, Province of Buenos Aires. There, it produces 1,320,000 tons of granulated urea annually, the main nitrogen fertilizer for the soil in the production of different oilseeds and grains. In addition, it sells other fertilizers and prepares tailor-made mixtures to provide each territory and crop with the nutrition required. It has administrative offices in Buenos Aires and logistic terminals in Bahia Blanca, Necochea, San Nicolas (Buenos Aires) and Puerto General San Martin (Santa Fe).

About Adecoagro:

Adecoagro is a leading sustainable production company in South America. Adecoagro owns 210.4 thousand hectares of farmland and several industrial facilities spread across the most productive regions of Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay, where it produces over 3.1 million tons of agricultural products and over 1 million MWh of renewable electricity.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historic or current facts and often use words such as "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "believe," "will likely result," "outlook," "project" and other words and expressions of similar meaning. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including, but not limited to, those set forth in the "Risk Factors" section of the Company's Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 and subsequent filings with the SEC. The Company may not succeed in addressing these and other risks. Consequently, all forward-looking statements in this release are qualified by the factors, risks and uncertainties contained therein. No assurance can be given that the transactions described in this press release will be consummated or as to the ultimate terms of any such transactions.

For questions, please contact:

Adecoagro

Victoria Cabello - IR Officer

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Adecoagro S.A.
PORTLAND, Ore., Dec. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, 'Aircraft Turboprop Propeller System Market by Propeller Type (Fixed Pitch and Variable Pitch), Aircraft Type (Civil Aircraft, Military Aircraft, and Commercial Aircraft), Sales Channel (OEM and Aftermarket), and Component (Blade, Spinner, Hub, and Others): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2025-2034'. According to the report, the 'aircraft turboprop propeller system market' was valued at $1.6 billion in 2024, and is estimated to reach $3.6 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 8.5% from 2025 to 2034.

Download Sample Pages of Research Overview: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/6096

Prime Determinants of Growth

The growth of the aircraft turboprop propeller system market is primarily driven by rise in consumer demand for enhanced in-vehicle comfort, safety, and aesthetics. As automakers increasingly adopt ambient lighting systems to create personalized driving experiences, the use of LED and OLED technologies has surged due to their energy efficiency and design flexibility. In addition, growing interest in connected and autonomous vehicles is encouraging the integration of intelligent lighting solutions that improve passenger interaction and mood. Moreover, stringent safety regulations and rising production of electric vehicles are fueling innovations in interior lighting systems, thereby accelerating market expansion across both luxury and mid-range vehicle segments.

Report Coverage & Details:

Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 20252034 Base Year 2024 Market Size in 2024 $1.6 billion Market Size in 2034 $3.6 billion CAGR 8.5 % No. of Pages in Report 405 Segments covered Propeller Type, Aircraft Type, Component Type, Sales Channel, and Region. Drivers Increase in Demand for Regional Air Travel Growth in Military Applications Expansion of low-cost carriers (LCCs) Opportunity Integration of Telematics and IoT in Rental Equipment Increase in Demand for Rental Service in Residential Construction Restraints Complex Maintenance of Gearbox and Propeller Systems Volatility in Raw Material Prices

Impact of Russia-Ukraine War Scenario

On February 24, 2022 the RussiaUkraine war has significantly disrupted the global aircraft turboprop propeller system market by triggering supply chain instability, rising costs, and project delays. Ukraine and Russia are critical sources of specialized aviation-grade metals and composite materials used in propeller blades and hubs. Conflictrelated export restrictions and facility shutdowns have interrupted material supply, leading to procurement bottlenecks. Surging commodity pricesparticularly nickel, aluminum, and rare metalshave increased manufacturing costs, squeezing supplier margins and slowing OEM investments in new turboprop programs.

Logistics disruptions caused by airspace closures and sanctions have forced manufacturers to reroute shipping channels, incurring delays and driving up lead times for propeller system deliveries. Regional turboprop maintenance and overhaul operations have also taken a hit as parts became harder to source. Airlines and aircraft integrators are now seeking alternative suppliers, diversifying sourcing away from Eastern Europe, while some development timelines for new turboprop aircraft projects have been pushed back significantly.

Buy This Research Report (340 Pages PDF with Insights, Charts, Tables, and Figures): https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/aircraft-turboprop-propeller-system-market/purchase-options

The Fixed Pitch segment held the highest market share in 2024.

On the basis of propeller type, the fixed pitch segment held the highest market share in 2024, accounting for more than half of the global aircraft turboprop propeller system market. This is due to the fixed pitch propeller's simpler design, lower maintenance requirements, and cost-effectiveness, making it ideal for light aircraft and training planes. Its reliability and ease of operation have driven widespread adoption across general aviation fleets. However, the commercial aircraft segment is projected to manifest the fastest CAGR of 10.7% from 2025 to 2034, driven by rising air travel demand, fleet modernization initiatives, and increased focus on sustainable, fuel-efficient turboprop solutions.

The commercial aircraft segment held the highest market share in 2024.

On the basis of aircraft type, the commercial aircraft segment emerged as the dominant segment in 2024. This dominance is attributed to the surge in demand for regional air travel, particularly in emerging markets, where turboprop aircraft offer an efficient and cost-effective solution for short to medium-haul routes. Increase in need for fuel-efficient aircraft with lower operating costs further drives the adoption of turboprop systems in commercial aviation. According to industry research, commercial aircraft accounted for the highest revenue share in the market during 2024, outpacing both military and general aviation segments. This trend is expected to continue as airlines expand regional connectivity and prioritize fleet modernization with efficient propulsion technologies.

The OEM segment held a major share of the market in 2024.

On the basis of sales channel, the OEM segment held the highest market share in 2024, accounting for more than half of the global aircraft turboprop propeller system market. This dominance is attributed to the increasing production of new turboprop aircraft, strong partnerships between manufacturers and OEMs, and growing demand for factory-installed, advanced propeller systems with enhanced performance and fuel efficiency. However, the aftermarket segment is projected to manifest the fastest CAGR of 10.5% from 2025 to 2034, This is due to the rising need for maintenance, repair, and replacement of aging turboprop fleets, along with increasing air traffic and extended aircraft lifecycles driving demand for aftermarket propeller system components.

The blade segment dominated the market in 2024.

On the basis of component, the blade segment held the highest market share in 2024, accounting for more than one-third of the global aircraft turboprop propeller system market. This is driven by the critical role blades play in thrust generation, ongoing innovations in lightweight composite materials, and rising demand for high-performance, fuel-efficient propeller blades that enhance overall aircraft efficiency, durability, and aerodynamic performance in turboprop systems. However, the Hub segment is projected to manifest the fastest CAGR of 10.9% from 2025 to 2034, This is due to the growing preference for bundled services that include both equipment and skilled operators, reducing operational risks and ensuring higher efficiency, especially in complex or large-scale construction projects.

Enquiry Before Buying: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/6096

North America dominated the market in 2024.

On the basis of region, North America held the highest market share in terms of revenue in 2024, accounting more than one-third of the global aircraft turboprop propeller system market. This is due to the strong presence of major aircraft manufacturers, high adoption of turboprop aircraft for regional and business travel, well-established aviation infrastructure, and consistent defense spending supporting the procurement of advanced turboprop systems across military fleets. However, Asia-Pacific is expected to witness the fastest CAGR of 12.1% from 2025 to 2034. This growth is primarily driven by increasing regional air connectivity, rising defense budgets, expanding low-cost carrier operations, and growing demand for cost-effective, fuel-efficient turboprop aircraft across emerging economies such as India and China.

Leading Market Players: -

Textron Aviation

Pratt & Whitney

General Electric

Rolls-Royce Holdings plc

Safran

Collins Aerospace

Daher

Honeywell International Inc.

Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.

PBS AEROSPACE

The report provides a detailed analysis of these key players of the global aircraft turboprop propeller system market. These players have adopted different strategies such as expansion and product launch to increase their market share and maintain dominant shares in different regions. The report is valuable in highlighting business performance, operating segments, product portfolio, and strategic moves of market players to showcase the competitive scenario.

Explore AMR's Extensive ongoing Coverage on Aerospace and Defense Domain:

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About Us:

Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Wilmington, Delaware. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of 'Market Research Reports' and 'Business Intelligence Solutions'. AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain.

We are in professional corporate relations with various companies and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Allied Market Research CEO Pawan Kumar is instrumental in inspiring and encouraging everyone associated with the company to maintain high quality of data and help clients in every way possible to achieve success. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry.

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SOURCE Allied Market Research
Au total, plus de 8 000 dossiers disciplinaires ont ete instruits. Le bilan est severe : 5 936 agents publics ont deja ete radies des effectifs de lEtat. Dans le detail, ladministration a procede a la revocation de 2 965 fonctionnaires et au licenciement de 2 971 agents contractuels regis par le Code du travail.







Cette vague massive de sanctions, presentee comme une etape cruciale du  nettoyage du fichier solde , fait suite a une premiere salve de 232 revocations annoncee en mars dernier. Elle sinscrit dans la logique de loperation COPPE, lancee en 2018 pour mettre fin a un scandale silencieux qui pese lourd sur les finances nationales : des milliers dagents, absents de leur poste, parfois depuis des annees, continuent indument de percevoir leur traitement.







 Soit ils sont decedes, soit ils sont partis ailleurs. Nous avons lobligation, soit de licencier (...), soit de revoquer , avait justifie le ministre Joseph Le des juin 2022. A lepoque, 8 766 agents etaient dans le collimateur pour des absences non justifiees. Les demandes dexplications etant restees lettres mortes, la machine disciplinaire sest mise en marche.







Lenjeu depasse la simple sanction. Il est dabord budgetaire. Cette hemorragie de salaires verses a des agents fantomes alourdit artificiellement la masse salariale de lEtat, oberant ainsi les capacites de recrutement dans des secteurs prioritaires comme la sante ou leducation. Il est ensuite question de credibilite et de modernisation. La reussite du COPPE sera jugee a laune de sa capacite a generer des economies reelles, a fiabiliser durablement la gestion des effectifs et a ouvrir la voie a une fonction publique plus performante et mieux geree.







Si pres de 6 000 radiations ont deja ete actees, le processus nest pas clos. Avec des milliers dautres dossiers en instruction, cette operation dassainissement, lune des plus ambitieuses de la derniere decennie, pourrait encore connaitre de nouveaux episodes. Le gouvernement envoie un message sans ambiguite : lere de la tolerance zero pour les detournements de salaire au sein de ladministration a sonne.







Cameroun, fonction publique, reforme administrative, Joseph Le, COPPE, comptage physique, agents fantomes, fonctionnaires fantomes, revocation, licenciement, radier effectifs, fichier solde, assainissement, masse salariale, finances publiques, operation COPPE, discipline, absenteisme, gestion des effectifs

Cameroon Cracks Down: Over 5,900 "Ghost Workers" Purged in Major Public Sector Clean-Up

Cameroon is intensifying its crackdown on "ghost workers" and absent civil servants. Joseph Le, Minister of Public Service and Administrative Reform, revealed the stark results of the Physical Census of State Personnel Operation (Operation de comptage physique du personnel de lEtat - COPPE) before the National Assembly on November 27th. The figures underscore a clear political will to sanitize the public service and restore credibility to public spending.







In total, over 8,000 disciplinary cases have been processed. The outcome is severe: 5,936 public agents have been removed from the state's payroll. Specifically, the administration has dismissed 2,965 civil servants and terminated the contracts of 2,971 state employees governed by the Labor Code.







This massive wave of sanctions, described as a crucial step in "cleaning up the payroll register," follows an initial round of 232 dismissals announced last March. It is part of the ongoing COPPE operation launched in 2018 to address a silent scandal weighing heavily on national finances: thousands of employees, absent from their postssometimes for yearscontinue to unduly receive their salaries.







"Either they are deceased, or they have gone elsewhere. We are obligated to either terminate contracts (...) or dismiss," Minister Joseph Le justified back in June 2022. At that time, 8,766 agents were under scrutiny for unexplained absences. With requests for explanations remaining unanswered, the disciplinary machinery was set in motion.







The stakes are higher than mere punishment. They are primarily financial. This hemorrhage of salaries paid to ghost workers artificially inflates the state's wage bill, hampering recruitment capacities in priority sectors like health and education. They are also about credibility and modernization. The success of COPPE will be measured by its ability to generate real savings, reliably manage personnel data in the long term, and pave the way for a more efficient and better-run public service.







While nearly 6,000 removals have already been enacted, the process is not over. With thousands of other cases still under review, this cleanup operationone of the most ambitious of the past decadecould see further developments. The government is sending an unambiguous message: the era of zero tolerance for salary diversion within the administration has begun.







Cameroon, public service, civil service, administrative reform, Joseph Le, COPPE, physical census, ghost workers, dismissal, termination, payroll cleanup, civil servants, government payroll, public finances, workforce audit, absenteeism, public administration, state employees







Mouahna Divine
CHICAGO, Dec. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- BioSked today announced a major expansion of its Momentum scheduling platform, introducing one of the first AI-driven solutions that plans radiology and teleradiology teams based on Relative Value Units (RVUs) and across multiple time zones. The company will showcase Momentum at RSNA 2025 in Chicago, November 30December 4, at Booth #8010.

RVU scheduling: assign radiologists based on workload, not hours with Momentum

As imaging volumes surge and teleradiology spreads globally, many radiology groups still rely on spreadsheets and manual paperwork. The consequences are clear: inefficiencies, staff fatigue, and uneven workloads, which impact patient access to care. Momentum aims to change that.

Rethinking how radiology teams work

Momentum brings three core innovations to radiology workforce management:

RVU-Based Assignments : Radiologists are scheduled by workload and specialty, ensuring staffing matches actual clinical demand.

: Radiologists are scheduled by workload and specialty, ensuring staffing matches actual clinical demand. Multi-Time-Zone Coordination : On-site and remote radiologists can be coordinated across time zones to provide continuous coverage while making better use of off-peak hours and global teleradiology partnerships.

: On-site and remote radiologists can be coordinated across time zones to provide continuous coverage while making better use of off-peak hours and global teleradiology partnerships. AI-Driven Fairness: Up to 90% of administrative work is eliminated while ensuring fairness constraints and staffing goals, reducing manual adjustments while preserving transparency for all involved.

The platform is already used by over 1,000 healthcare sites worldwide, turning scheduling from a manual chore into a strategic advantage.

Meeting the pressures of modern radiology

Radiology teams face rising case volumes, workforce shortages, burnout, and the complexity of hybrid or remote work. Momentum provides operational balance, ensuring the right expertise meets the right workloadwherever teams are located.

"Scheduling healthcare staff shouldn't be an afterthought. It's the backbone of how care gets delivered," said David Dudok de Wit, CEO of BioSked. "By planning coverage on RVUs and coordinating teams across time zones, Momentum helps radiology groups absorb growing volumes, protect their teams from overload, and make better use of every hour they staff."

"For many of the groups we speak with in North America, the challenge is not just filling shifts, it's proving that coverage matches demand and RVUs," added Doug Nicholson, General Manager North America at BioSked. "Momentum gives chief radiologists and practice leaders a single platform to balance on-site and remote teams, guarantee fairness, and support decisions with clear insights instead of spreadsheets."

Experience Momentum at RSNA 2025  Booth #8010

At RSNA 2025, visitors to Booth #8010 will be able to see how Momentum:

Visualizes RVU-based demand by modality, site, and time of day

Balances on-site and remote radiologists across multiple time zones

Integrates staff availability, streamlining the scheduling process and enhancing efficiency

Integrates into existing operational workflows to replace spreadsheet-based planning

Live demonstrations will be available throughout the conference, and BioSked will host one-on-one briefings for radiology and teleradiology leaders.

To request a media or customer meeting at RSNA, please book a personalized meeting: Book here

About BioSked

Founded in 2010, Momentum by BioSked specializes in optimizing medical and paramedical scheduling. Its Momentum SaaS solution is used daily by over 1,000 sites worldwide across nine countries. BioSked combines medical expertise, software engineering, and academic AI research to support the sustainable organizational transformation of healthcare institutions.

Website: biosked.com

SOURCE BioSked
DALLAS, Dec. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Cango Inc. (NYSE: CANG) ("Cango" or the "Company") today announced its unaudited financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2025.

Third Quarter 2025 Financial and Operational Highlights

Total revenues were US$224.6 million in the third quarter of 2025, an increase of 60.6% compared with the second quarter of 2025. Revenue from the bitcoin mining business in the third quarter of 2025 was US$220.9 million.

mining business in the third quarter of 2025 was US$220.9 million. Operating income was US$43.5 million and net income was US$37.3 million over the period. Adjusted EBITDA for the third quarter of 2025 was US$80.1 million.

Average operating hashrate increased steadily from 40.91 EH/s in July to 44.85 EH/s in September and further improved to 46.09 EH/s in October, with efficiency surpassing 90%. This was primarily due to mining facility relocations, operational enhancements and miner hardware upgrades.

A total of 1,930.8 BTC was mined over the third quarter, averaging 21.0 BTC per day, up 37.5% in total output and 36.0% in daily production compared with the second quarter of 2025. Average cost to mine, excluding depreciation of mining machines, was US$81,072 per BTC, with all-in costs of US$99,383 per BTC. As of the end of September 2025, the Company had mined 5,810 BTC since entering the bitcoin mining industry.

mining industry. The Company completed the termination of its ADR program and transitioned to a direct listing on the NYSE to optimize its capital structure, enhance corporate transparency, and align with its strategic focus.

Mr. Paul Yu, Chief Executive Officer of Cango, said, "This quarter marks a significant milestone. It's been one year since our strategic transformation into a bitcoin miner. During the third quarter, we remained focused on our core mining operations, further strengthening Cango's position as a scaled and operationally disciplined bitcoin miner. Today, we operate a deployed hashrate of 50 EH/s globally, positioning us among the leading miners worldwide. In the third quarter, we mined 1,930.8 BTC, with an average daily production of 21.0 BTC.

"While consolidating our core business, we also clarified our long-term strategy: building a global, distributed AI compute network powered by green energy. We view bitcoin mining as the practical on-ramp toward our energy and compute ambitions, following the sequence of 'from bitcoin mining to energy access, and from operational depth to AI compute deployment.' In the third quarter, we executed our phased roadmap with strict financial discipline, launching small-scale pilots with clear technical and IRR thresholds across both energy and AI compute. Our energy projects in Oman and Indonesia are now underway and are expected to be commissioned within the next one to two years, providing strategic support for subsequent AI infrastructure development. In the near term, we will continue to closely monitor market dynamics, manage our deployed output, and explore partnership models to mitigate market risks and enhance operating stability."

Mr. Michael Zhang, Chief Financial Officer of Cango, stated, "This was a standout quarter. Total revenues in the third quarter of 2025 were US$224.6 million, up 60.6% compared with the second quarter of 2025. We recorded operating income of US$43.5 million and a net income of US$37.3 million in the third quarter of 2025. As of September 30, 2025, we had cash and cash equivalents of US$44.9 million. Going forward, we believe our balance sheet strength allows for a healthy and sustainable AI transition, enabling us to scale according to the compute roadmap we presented."

Roadmap Forward

With the AI pilot projects underway, the Company's roadmap going forward now has greater granularity and will be executed in three sequential phases.

Near term: Enter the market with GPU computing power leasing, focusing on rapid node deployment and model validation. The company will serve compute platforms and AI startups with an asset-light, pureplay connectivity model that handles no customer data or apps, builds trust, and supports rapid scaling.

Medium term: Evolve into a regional AI compute network by establishing selfoperated data center hubs that offer greater control over energy and infrastructure. Cango will transition from selling raw compute to offering stable, lowlatency inference services under mid to longterm contracts that target midsized technology firms and regional leaders to build service moats.

Long term: Build a global, distributed AI compute grid powered by green energy, integrating multiple hubs and edge nodes for seamless, scalable capacity. The model will offer multiyear capacity contracts with elastic compute options, positioning Cango as a utility-like provider of AI compute for multinationals and largescale AI applications.

Third Quarter 2025 Financial Results from Continuing Operations

REVENUES

Total revenues were US$224.6 million in the third quarter of 2025. Revenue from the bitcoin mining business was US$220.9 million, with a total of 1,930.8 BTC mined in the third quarter of 2025. Revenue from international automobile trading income was US$3.3 million in the third quarter of 2025.

OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES

Total operating costs and expenses in the third quarter of 2025 were US$181.2 million. These costs were primarily associated with the Company's bitcoin mining business.

Cost of revenue (exclusive of depreciation shown below) in the third quarter of 2025 was US$162.6 million.

Cost of revenue (depreciation) in the third quarter of 2025 was US$35.4 million.

General and administrative expenses in the third quarter of 2025 were US$6.0 million.

INCOME FROM OPERATIONS

Income from operations in the third quarter of 2025 was US$43.5 million, compared with an operating loss of US$1.2 million in the same period of 2024.

NET INCOME

Net income in the third quarter of 2025 was US$37.3 million, compared with a net income of US$9.5 million in the same period of 2024.

ADJUSTED EBITDA

Adjusted EBITDA in the third quarter of 2025 was US$80.1 million compared with US$1.2 million in the same period of 2024.

BALANCE SHEETS

As of September 30, 2025, the Company held:

Cash and cash equivalents of US$44.9 million.

Receivable for bitcoin collateral non-current, net - related party of US$660.0 million.

collateral non-current, net - related party of US$660.0 million. Mining machines, net of US$365.7 million.

Long-term debts - related party of US$405.1 million.

Reporting Currency

The Company has changed the reporting currency of its consolidated financial statements from Renminbi to U.S. dollars, reflecting the U.S dollardenominated profile of its revenues and profit following the divestiture of its China-based business in May 2025. This change is effective from the third quarter of 2025, with all comparative figures recast to U.S. dollars.

Conference Call Information

The Company's management will hold a conference call on Monday, December 1, 2025, at 8:00 P.M. Eastern Time or Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at 9:00 A.M Hong Kong Time to discuss the financial results. Listeners may access the call by dialing the following numbers:

International: +1-412-902-4272 United States Toll Free: +1-888-346-8982 Mainland China Toll Free: 4001-201-203 Hong Kong, China Toll Free: 800-905-945 Conference ID: Cango Inc.

The replay will be accessible through December 8, 2025, by dialing the following numbers:

International: +1-412-317-0088 United States Toll Free: + 1-855-669-9658 Access Code: 4785049

A live and archived webcast of the conference call will also be available at the Company's investor relations website at http://ir.cangoonline.com.

About Cango Inc.

Cango Inc. (NYSE: CANG) is primarily engaged in the bitcoin mining business, with operations strategically deployed across North America, the Middle East, South America, and East Africa. The Company entered the crypto asset space in November 2024, driven by advancements in blockchain technology, the growing adoption of digital assets, and its commitment to diversifying its business portfolio. In parallel, Cango continues to operate an online international used car export business through AutoCango.com, making it easier for global customers to access high-quality vehicle inventory from China. For more information, please visit: www.cangoonline.com.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measure

As part of our review of business performance, we present adjusted EBITDA as Non-GAAP financial measure to help assess our core operating results. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income or loss before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization, impairment, results from discontinued operations and further excludes share-based compensation expenses and other non-operating income and expenses. We believe Adjusted EBITDA can be an important financial measure because it allows management, investors, and our board of directors to evaluate and compare our operating results, including our return on capital and operating efficiency from period-to-period by making such adjustments.

While adjusted EBITDA is not a measure defined under U.S. GAAP, management uses it to evaluate performance, make strategic decisions, and set operating plans. Management believes it also helps investors gain a clearer understanding of our underlying performance by excluding certain costs and expenses that management believes are not indicative of its core operating results. The presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures is not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for results or guidance prepared and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

The Company compensates for these limitations by reconciling the Non-GAAP financial measure to the nearest U.S. GAAP performance measure, all of which should be considered when evaluating the Company's performance. The Company encourages you to review its financial information in its entirety and not rely on a single financial measure.

Reconciliations of Cango's Non-GAAP financial measure to the most comparable U.S. GAAP measure are included at the end of this press release.

Safe Harbor Statement

This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates" and similar statements. Among other things, the "Roadmap Forward" section and quotations from management in this announcement, contain forward-looking statements. Cango may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the SEC, in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about Cango's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: Cango's goal and strategies; Cango's expansion plans; Cango's future business development, financial condition and results of operations; Cango's expectations regarding demand for, and market acceptance of, its solutions and services; general economic and business conditions; and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in Cango's filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of the date of this press release, and Cango does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

Investor Relations Contact

Juliet Ye, Head of Communications

Cango Inc.

Email: [email protected]

Christensen Advisory

Tel: +852 2117 0861

Email: [email protected]

CANGO INC.

UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Amounts in US dollar ("US$"), except for number of shares and per share data)







As of December 31, 2024

As of September 30, 2025







US$

US$













ASSETS:











Current assets:











Cash and cash equivalents





90,431,392

44,897,802 Crypto currency





-

41,838 Short-term investments, net





40,051,450

- Accounts receivable, net





1,645,518

2,903,220 Prepayments and other current assets, net





26,966,209

127,265,543 Prepayments and other current assets, net - related parties





-

114,184,887 Receivable for bitcoin collateral - current, net - related party





84,536,567

- Current assets of discontinued operations





230,113,402

- Total current assets





473,744,538

289,293,290













Non-current assets:











Mining machines, net





242,806,713

365,676,067 Property and equipment, net





65,460

19,197,894 Intangible assets, net





-

297,731 Deferred tax assets





-

624,031 Operating lease right-of-use assets, net





184,381

2,250,166 Receivable for bitcoin collateral - non-current, net - related party





-

660,045,300 Other non-current assets, net





44,621,402

- Non-current assets of discontinued operations





56,357,205

- Total non-current assets





344,035,161

1,048,091,189 TOTAL ASSETS





817,779,699

1,337,384,479













LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY











Current liabilities:











Short-term debts - related party





17,067,978

- Accrued expenses and other current liabilities





170,990,519

155,876,879 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities - related parties





-

3,238,821 Income tax payable





48,609,811

82,331,907 Short-term lease liabilities





180,236

494,271 Current liabilities of discontinued operations





20,517,367

- Total current liabilities





257,365,911

241,941,878













Non-current liabilities:











Long-term debts - related party





-

405,132,591 Deferred tax liability





1

1 Long-term operating lease liabilities





-

1,854,280 Non-current liabilities of discontinued operations





6,546,889

- Total non-current liabilities





6,546,890

406,986,872 Total liabilities





263,912,801

648,928,750













Shareholders' equity











Ordinary shares





29,504

44,171 Treasury shares





(111,567,030)

(110,006,201) Additional paid-in capital





728,564,614

1,142,250,191 Accumulated other comprehensive loss





(49,574,973)

- Accumulated deficit





(13,585,217)

(343,832,432) Total Cango Inc.'s equity





553,866,898

688,455,729 Total shareholders' equity





553,866,898

688,455,729 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY





817,779,699

1,337,384,479

CANGO INC.

UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Amounts in US dollar ("US$"), except for number of shares and per share data)







Three months ended September 30,

Nine months ended September 30,







2024

2025

2024

2025







US$

US$

US$

US$





















Revenues





-

224,635,729

-

508,626,360 Bitcoin mining income





-

220,863,310

-

503,133,291 International automobile trading income





-

3,280,773

-

5,001,423 Others





-

491,646

-

491,646 Operating cost and expenses:



















Cost of revenue (exclusive of depreciation shown below)





-

159,383,806

-

384,831,791 Cost of revenue (exclusive of depreciation shown below) - related parties





-

3,188,925





3,188,925 Cost of revenue (depreciation)





-

35,356,473

-

78,550,799 General and administrative





1,222,709

5,994,066

4,426,314

19,008,822 Provision for credit losses





-

471,861

-

1,681,320 Impairment loss from mining machines





-

-

-

256,856,570 Gain from changes in fair value of receivable for bitcoin collateral





-

(23,234,260)

-

(74,949,636) Total operation cost and expense





1,222,709

181,160,871

4,426,314

669,168,591





















(Loss) income from operations





(1,222,709)

43,474,858

(4,426,314)

(160,542,231) Interest income





2,066,213

972,710

6,361,881

1,963,883 Interest expense - related party





-

(7,376,591)

-

(10,740,197) Foreign exchange loss, net





-

(122,597)

-

(130,585) Other income





229,464

1,978,466

395,915

2,205,459 Other expenses





-

(5,344)

-

(83,439) Net income (loss) before income taxes





1,072,968

38,921,502

2,331,482

(167,327,110) Income tax expenses





-

(1,601,562)

-

(451,087) Net income (loss) from continuing operations





1,072,968

37,319,940

2,331,482

(167,778,197)





















Discontinued operations:



















Income (Loss) from discontinued operations





8,004,120

-

31,736,855

(129,822,040) Income tax benefit (expense)





447,395

-

(160,095)

(32,646,978) Net income (loss) from discontinued operations





8,451,515

-

31,576,760

(162,469,018)





















Net income (loss) attributable to Cango Inc.'s shareholders





9,524,483

37,319,940

33,908,242

(330,247,215) Earnings (losses) per ordinary share:



















Basic



















Discontinued operations





0.04

-

0.15

(0.62) Continuing operations





0.01

0.11

0.01

(0.65) Basic





0.05

0.11

0.16

(1.27) Diluted





-

-

-

- Discontinued operations





0.04

-

0.14

(0.62) Continuing operations





-

0.10

0.01

(0.65) Diluted





0.04

0.10

0.15

(1.27) Weighted average shares used to compute earnings (losses) per ordinary share:



















Basic





206,973,996

354,492,530

208,693,418

259,254,322 Diluted





227,823,258

383,939,436

225,706,030

259,254,322





















Other comprehensive income, net of tax



















Release accumulated other comprehensive loss





-

-

-

44,270,340 Foreign currency translation adjustment





14,789,288

-

5,672,346

5,304,633





















Total comprehensive income (loss)





24,313,771

37,319,940

39,580,588

(280,672,242) Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Cango Inc.'s shareholders





24,313,771

37,319,940

39,580,588

(280,672,242)

CANGO INC.

RECONCILIATIONS OF GAAP AND NON-GAAP RESULTS

(Amounts in US dollar ("US$"), except for number of shares and per share data



Three months ended September 30,

Nine months ended September 30,



2024

2025

2024

2025



(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)



US$

US$

US$

US$

















Net income (loss)

9,524,483

37,319,940

33,908,242

(330,247,215) Less: Discontinued operations:















Income (Loss) from discontinued operations

8,004,120

-

31,736,855

(129,822,040) Income tax benefit (expense)

447,395

-

(160,095)

(32,646,978) Net income (loss) from discontinued operations

8,451,515

-

31,576,760

(162,469,018) Net income (loss) from continuing operations

1,072,968

37,319,940

2,331,482

(167,778,197)

















Add: Interest expense

-

7,376,591

-

10,740,197 Add: Income tax benefit

-

1,601,562

-

451,087 Add: Depreciation and amortization

84

35,679,472

791

78,880,671 Cost of revenue

-

35,676,840

-

78,871,166 General and administrative

84

2,632

791

9,505

















Add: Impairment loss from mining machines

-

-

-

256,856,570 Add: Other expenses

-

5,344

-

83,439 Less: Other income

229,464

1,978,466

395,915

2,205,459

















Add: Share-based compensation expenses

362,383

122,081

1,441,495

3,819,943 General and administrative

362,383

122,081

1,441,495

3,819,943

















Non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA

1,205,971

80,126,524

3,377,853

180,848,251 Non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA attributable to Cango Inc.'s shareholders 1,205,971

80,126,524

3,377,853

180,848,251

SOURCE Cango Inc.
SINGAPORE, Nov. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Coda , a global leader in digital content monetization and distribution, has partnered with Itemmania , South Korea's largest digital commerce platform for gaming, which is operated by IMI, to bring a new, more accessible way for Korean players to buy in-game content. Itemmania's newly launched 'Game Top-Up Service' is now powered by Coda, giving players better value, wider payment choice, and instant access to credits and top-ups for leading international game titles.

This partnership is a significant step in Coda's global expansion, anchored by a trusted market leader with deep roots in South Korea's gaming ecosystem. It deepens Coda's presence in one of the world's most influential gaming markets, reinforcing our commitment to being a driving force for growth across Asia's fastest-growing digital economies.

Through this partnership, Coda will supply a wide range of international titles for sale on Itemmania's 'Game Top-Up Service'. Korean players will be able to purchase top-ups with the payment methods they use every day, supported by Coda's global infrastructure and Itemmania's trusted local platform. For publishers, it provides a clear and dependable route into a market defined by high engagement, strong spending power, and global cultural impact.

"South Korea is a pivotal market for global publishers, and Itemmania has built a level of trust and reach that is unmatched. We are proud to partner with a company that understands its gamers so well, and we are excited about the impact this collaboration will have for gamers, publishers, and the wider industry," said Zac Liew, Chief Commercial Officer at Coda.

Coda will continue to invest in partnerships that broaden access to games and create sustainable growth opportunities for publishers. Working with Itemmania marks a strong step forward and sets the foundation for what comes next.

About Coda

Coda is a global leader in digital content monetization and distribution. We're trusted by 300+ publishers and brandsincluding Activision, Electronic Arts, and Riot Gamesto grow their audiences and revenue worldwide. Our out-of-app solutions include Custom Commerce, a fully customizable web store; Codapay, which enables seamless direct payments through a single API integration on publishers' websites; Codashop, the go-to marketplace for millions of gamers to purchase in-game content; and Distribution, which extends content reach through a network of trusted commerce partners. Founded in 2011, Coda is headquartered in Singapore with a team of 620+ Codans around the globe. Coda recently acquired Recharge , Europe's leading prepaid payments platform. Coda is backed by Apis Partners, Insight Partners, and Smash Capital, and has been named an APAC High Growth Company (2023) by Financial Times, one of Granite Asia's NextGenTech 30 (2024), a payments leader on Fortune's Fintech Innovation Asia list (2024), and listed among The Straits Times Fastest Growing Fintechs (2024). For more on Coda, visit coda.co .

About Itemmania

Itemmania is Korea's largest digital C2C(consumer-to-consumer) trade marketplace for in-game items and virtual goods, operated by IMI, a leading Korean digital entertainment and platform company. Trusted by millions of gamers, Itemmania connects players through a secure and reliable C2C trading platform, offering instant transactions for game items, accounts, and top-ups. Its flagship marketplace offers C2C and B2C item-exchange, a unified payment infrastructure supporting multiple currencies and payment methods, and a robust escrow & verification layer dedicated to building trust in the secondary market. Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Jeonju, South Korea, IMI supports broad monetization and user-engagement for game publishers, service providers and gamers alike. With a vision of "Beyond the Game," IMI is steadily expanding the game item trade platform and expanding into new business models and geographies. For more information, visit imicorp.co.kr .

SOURCE Coda
The fine jewellery house marks a new chapter with the launch of its most personal collection, revealed at an intimate event honouring heritage and craftsmanship

DUBAI, UAE, Dec. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Marking a moment of profound significance for the maison, Dhamani 1969 has unveiled The Chairman Legacy Collection  a new chapter in its long history of craftsmanship and creativity. Presented through a rare unveiling of the maison's most exclusive creations, the collection will debut during an intimate private viewing at the brand's flagship boutique, bringing together collectors, connoisseurs and long-standing friends of the house for a celebration of heritage and artistry. The launch also coincided with the reopening of the brand's Dubai Mall boutique, which has unveiled a refreshed look and feel following a brief closure.

Launch of Chairman Legacy Collection (PRNewsfoto/Dhamani 1969)

Hosted on 25 November, the exclusive private presentation gathered esteemed clients, collectors, and well-wishers of the maison for an evening to remember presented by Dhamani 1969's Master Designer. Guests were introduced to each piece in The Chairman Legacy Collection through a narrative that highlighted artistry, heritage, and emotion  reinforcing the brand's focus on personal connection as a cornerstone of luxury.

The event also honoured the late L. N. Dhamani, Founder and Chairman of the House of Dhamani, whose vision continues to inspire the maison's creative and ethical philosophy. Co-created by L. N. Dhamani and the design team, the collection reflects his belief that jewellery must transcend beauty to embody meaning, lineage, and legacy.

Each piece reflected the maison's distinctive mine-to-finger ethical philosophy  a commitment to overseeing every stage of creation, from sourcing and cutting gemstones to the final design. The result was a collection where precision met emotion, and every jewel told a story of time, family and inheritance.

"The Chairman Legacy Collection represents more than design; it is the very spirit of our family," said Drishti Dhamani, Senior Manager of Strategic Brand Marketing and Partnerships at Dhamani 1969. "These pieces reflect my grandfather's artistic intuition and passion for perfection flawless jewels  values that continue to define who we are today. Through this collection, we honour his life's work and the legacy he entrusted to us."

The unveiling of The Chairman Legacy Collection marked a defining moment for Dhamani 1969, bringing together a celebration of the house's past, present and future. It highlighted not only the brand's enduring craftsmanship but also the emotion behind each creation, offering guests an intimate glimpse into the creative heart of the maison.

With this launch, Dhamani 1969 reaffirmed its dedication to creating jewellery that endures  where artistry becomes heritage, and every piece reflects the quiet strength of legacy.

dhamani1969.com, @dhamani1969

About Dhamani 1969

Founded in 1969 by the late L. N. Dhamani, Dhamani 1969 is the premium, award-winning brand of the House of Dhamani. For over five decades, the maison has embodied excellence, integrity, and innovation in fine jewellery, evolving from a trusted supplier of rare gemstones and diamonds to the world's leading jewellery houses, to a fully integrated brand designing, crafting, and retailing its own high and ultra-high jewellery creations.

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2833800/Dhamani_1969_Chairman_Legacy_Collection.jpg

Contact:

Marketing Team

Dhamani Jewels

[email protected]

SOURCE Dhamani 1969
CHICAGO, Dec. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Dream Exchange today announced that it will promptly refile its application to register as a national securities exchange following the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's (the "SEC") November 25, 2025 order denying its current Form 1 application.

"We view this as a procedural setback," said Joseph Cecala, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Dream Exchange. "Our mission remains to create the broadest marketplace with the most opportunity for the most people, and we intend to pursue that mission through every available regulatory and legal channel."

In its order, the SEC notes that it received no comments on Dream Exchange's Form 1 application as originally filed, and no comments on the Form 1 as amended by Amendment Nos. 1 and 2. The public record therefore reflects that no public comments were submitted for or against the application. Dream Exchange believes that the denial of an unopposed application raises important questions about how its application has been evaluated and will be seeking clarity on the process going forward.

The SEC has closed this application within its statutory decision period, stating that it was not able, at this time, to make the positive determination required for registration under Section 6(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act and referencing concerns it described as arising from "press reports" and other public and non-public sources. The order also states that nothing precludes Dream Exchange from filing another Form 1 application with the SEC in the future. Dream Exchange intends to do so after providing additional information requested by the SEC.

In an official statement, the Board of Directors of Dream Exchange said: "The Board has reviewed and approved management's plan to respond to the SEC's order, including refiling the Form 1 application and providing any additional information that may be requested by the SEC. We remain confident in the company's strategy, leadership, and mission to broaden access to U.S. capital markets."

Wall Street Journal Reporting

Dream Exchange rejects the recent reporting in The Wall Street Journal and has clearly advised its editors, journalists, and the Journal's senior staff that these portrayals are inconsistent with the company's records, rely on unreliable and unnamed sources, and are replete with undisclosed reporting bias. Nevertheless, the detailed comments submitted by the company, through its counsel, have been omitted from the coverage, and the reporting has continued with these inaccuracies.

Dream Exchange has provided The Wall Street Journal with detailed facts in response to the reporters' questions. Much of this information has not been reflected in the articles published to date. Dream Exchange is evaluating its legal options in connection with inaccurate statements that have caused harm to the company and its investors.

A broader question for U.S. markets

The question at stake is whether access to U.S. capital markets will be broadened to include smaller, emerging companies and communities that have historically been left out.

Dream Exchange remains steadfast in its mission to open the doors of the financial system to Main Street.

"Financial reforms are the new frontier in civil rights, and Dream Exchange exists to ensure that small and mid-sized businesses, especially those historically kept at the margins of capital markets, gain fair and transparent access to public capital," said Dwain J. Kyles, Managing Member of DX Capital Partners, "and we will continue working with our investors, partners and policymakers to build a market where opportunity and prosperity can truly be shared."

About Dream Exchange

Dream Exchange is seeking registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission as a national securities exchange and intends to refile a Form 1 application with the SEC. If approved, it would be the first minority-controlled licensed stock exchange in U.S. history. The organization also supports a venture exchange model designed for smaller, early-stage companies that are often excluded from public markets. Learn more at www.dreamex.com .

Media Contact

Robert Todd, PR Manager, Dream Exchange

773-914-1182

[email protected]

SOURCE Dream Exchange
32 organizations across the U.S. receive a total of $102.5 million from the Bezos Day 1 Families Fund to connect families with homes and hope

WASHINGTON, Dec. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Friendship Place, the premier housing service provider for people experiencing homelessness in the DC region, offering innovative, person-focused programs that help individuals and families secure stable housing, find employment and rebuild their lives, today announced that Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez Bezos are recognizing the organization with a $2.5 million grant from the Bezos Day 1 Families Fund. This investment builds on the $2.5 million Day 1 Families Fund grant received in 2020. With this new grant, Friendship Place is part of the eighth annual cohort of organizations across the country receiving funding from the Day 1 Families Fund to deepen their work to help every family have a safe, stable place to call home.

"These funds are critical to our effort to end and prevent homelessness for parents in crisis," said Jean-Michel Giraud, president & CEO of Friendship Place. "The Day 1 Families Fund will continue to strengthen our work to help families rebuild their lives with dignity and ensure more children in our community can grow up safe and housed."

Friendship Place will use its Day 1 Families Fund grant to serve even more families experiencing homelessness in the DC metro area, with the goal of ensuring no child in our community sleeps outside.

With its first Day 1 Families Fund grant, Friendship Place delivered financial assistance to more than 1,400 families. This support enabled the families to exit homelessness and move into permanent housing by assisting with security deposits, first month's rent and other essential housing stability costs. The grant also enhanced services at The Brooks, the organization's short-term family housing facility, and helped parents increase their income and secure jobs through the AimHire program.

Friendship Place plans to use its new, one-time Day 1 Families Fund grant over the next five years to continue providing financial assistance that helps more families quickly exit homelessness and secure permanent housing. The grant will also strengthen operations at The Brooks, supporting families during their stay and helping them transition into stable housing, and expand rapid-employment services through the AimHire program.

Friendship Place was identified to receive this grant by a group of national advisors who are leading advocates and bring expertise on homelessness, housing policy and effective approaches and solutions to family homelessness.

"When a family finally found an apartment after months in a shelter, this support enabled us to jump in immediately and cover the deposit and first month's rent," said Emily Carpenter, Family Fund manager of Friendship Place. "That speed made all the difference in securing the home, and we're grateful that the Bezos Day 1 Families Fund allowed us to help."

Since its inception in 2018, the Day 1 Families Fund has awarded 280 grants totaling more than $850 million to organizations serving families in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam. The Day 1 Families Fund grant recipients have tremendous flexibility to use the funds in the ways that are most impactful in their communities, making the grant a game-changer for organizations on the frontlines of the family homelessness crisis. Recipients will use their funds to support families experiencing homelessness to access critical services, regain stable housing and achieve well-being.

This year, the Fund issued a total of $102.5 million in grants to 32 organizations. The full list of awardees is available at https://bezosdayonefund.org/day1familiesfund. Case studies of the impacts past Day 1 Families Fund grantees have made with their funds are available at https://www.bezosdayonefund.org/case-studies.

About Friendship Place

Friendship Place is the DC region's leading provider of housing and support services for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Its innovative, person-focused programs empower individuals and families to secure stable housing, find employment, and reconnect with the community. Each year, the organization serves more than 5,000 people across the region. For more information, visit friendshipplace.org.

About the Bezos Day 1 Families Fund

Through the Bezos Day 1 Families Fund, Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez Bezos issue annual leadership awards to organizations doing compassionate, needle-moving work to help families experiencing homelessness. For more information, visit www.BezosDayOneFund.org/Day1FamiliesFund.

Contact

Yimka Odebode,

Media, Marketing & Communications Director

202.306.1958

SOURCE FRIENDSHIP PLACE
BANGALORE, India, Dec. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Electrostatic Chuck Market Size

The Global Electrostatic Chuck Market was estimated to be worth USD 1810 Million in 2024 and is forecast to a readjusted size of USD 2533 Million by 2031 with a CAGR of 5.0% during the forecast period 2025-2031.

Get Free Sample Report: https://reports.valuates.com/request/sample/QYRE-Auto-21Q12405/Global_Electrostatic_Chuck_Market?utm_source=prnewswire&utm_medium=referral

What are the key factors driving the growth of the Electrostatic Chuck Market?

The electrostatic chuck market is strengthening due to expanding semiconductor production, greater focus on precise wafer alignment, and rising demand for stable, contamination-free processing environments.

Electrostatic chucks enhance advanced fabrication lines by providing secure clamping, reliable thermal performance, and compatibility with various process steps.

Their ability to maintain controlled wafer positioning supports industry goals for higher yield and operational consistency.

As device architectures evolve and complexity increases, electrostatic clamping becomes essential for smooth process execution.

This ongoing reliance drives continued market growth and motivates manufacturers to innovate designs that meet emerging fabrication requirements.

View Full Report: https://reports.valuates.com/market-reports/QYRE-Auto-21Q12405/global-electrostatic-chuck?utm_source=prnewswire&utm_medium=referral

TRENDS INFLUENCING THE GROWTH OF THE ELECTROSTATIC CHUCK MARKET:

The Johnsen-Rahbek type supports the electrostatic chuck market by offering a stable holding mechanism that enhances wafer immobilization during demanding semiconductor processes. Its characteristic semi-conductive interface produces a controlled attraction that helps achieve uniform pressure, improving the quality of etching and deposition activities across complex device architectures. This reliability enables manufacturers to pursue highly delicate steps without risking wafer drift, leading to better yields in advanced fabrication facilities. The ability to maintain consistent clamping across varied surface conditions makes it valuable for production lines focused on precision and repeatability. As fabrication environments increasingly prioritize reduced contamination and smooth handling, the Johnsen-Rahbek type aligns with these expectations, elevating process capability while strengthening industry confidence in electrostatic clamping technologies.

The Coulomb type supports electrostatic chuck market expansion by offering a clean and reliable clamping approach suited for activities demanding consistent wafer alignment. Its dielectric-driven attraction enables stable holding without introducing particles or mechanical stress, which is crucial for sensitive patterning steps. The simplicity of its inner structure ensures dependable operation and reduced maintenance, appealing to facilities requiring steady throughput. Its ability to maintain strong clamping strength under challenging vacuum or temperature variations adds value to production lines handling intricate microstructures. As device geometries become increasingly delicate, the Coulomb type delivers secure positioning that supports yield-focused operations. This predictable behavior enhances user trust, making it a favored solution in semiconductor environments prioritizing precision, cleanliness, and long-term operational stability.

The three hundred millimeter wafer segment strengthens the electrostatic chuck market by supporting high-volume fabrication environments that depend on stable, contamination-free, and precisely regulated wafer handling. Its larger surface area demands consistent clamping strength, making electrostatic chucks essential for maintaining uniform positioning during advanced etching, deposition, and lithography steps. This wafer category is widely used in cutting-edge device manufacturing, creating continuous demand for chucks that deliver reliable thermal management and vibration-free support. As facilities pursue greater throughput and increasingly complex device structures, the importance of stable handling for this wafer size grows. Electrostatic chucks tailored for this segment enhance yield, optimize workflow efficiency, and reinforce the overall reliability of modern semiconductor production lines.

Process stability strengthens electrostatic chuck market momentum by emphasizing the need for consistent wafer positioning throughout demanding semiconductor operations. With each fabrication sequence requiring exact alignment and secure handling, electrostatic chucks help deliver a controlled clamping environment that reduces drift and supports high-quality outcomes. Stable operation allows manufacturers to maintain uniform layer deposition, accurate etching, and reliable critical dimension control. This stability-focused factor reinforces the adoption of chucks across facilities looking to minimize rejects and preserve predictable yield behavior. As manufacturing complexity increases, the guarantee of smooth and vibration-free clamping enhances user confidence and encourages broader deployment across diverse process nodes without drawing attention to mechanical interventions.

Thermal management contributes to electrostatic chuck market expansion by supporting precise temperature regulation required for sensitive fabrication sequences. Electrostatic chucks deliver controlled heat transfer between the wafer and the processing platform, helping maintain uniform thermal conditions essential for material behavior, pattern accuracy, and film integrity. When temperatures drift, device performance risks inconsistency, making reliable thermal pathways crucial for every stage of wafer treatment. Electrostatic chucks enable smooth heat distribution, supporting both cooling and heating needs without disrupting alignment. This advantage encourages adoption across etching, deposition, and lithography environments where thermal sensitivity is high. As fabrication demands continue evolving, strong thermal performance strengthens industry reliance on electrostatic clamping solutions.

Clean handling drives electrostatic chuck market growth by enabling wafer support without introducing contamination risks associated with mechanical systems. The absence of moving parts reduces particle generation, which is vital for environments seeking high purity and smooth processing outcomes. Electrostatic clamping offers a non-contact approach that minimizes friction, lowering the likelihood of scratches or micro-defects forming on sensitive wafer surfaces. This cleanliness advantage aligns with industry expectations for defect reduction and consistent yield improvement. As more fabrication facilities adopt strategies to maintain ultra-clean atmospheres, electrostatic chucks become critical components supporting contamination-free workflows. Their role in preserving wafer integrity encourages widespread adoption across diverse manufacturing lines.

Yield enhancement supports electrostatic chuck market expansion by reinforcing the value of stable wafer positioning across intricate semiconductor operations. Even minor misalignments can influence device accuracy, making dependable clamping a crucial contributor to high-yield outcomes. Electrostatic chucks help maintain precise placement, supporting consistent critical dimension control, improved layer uniformity, and reduced rework requirements. When fabrication environments experience fewer disturbances, production cycles become more predictable, encouraging wider adoption among manufacturers looking to optimize efficiency. This focus on yield aligns with industry goals for cost reduction and enhanced competitiveness. Electrostatic chucks play a central role in enabling these improvements by ensuring a steady interface between the wafer and equipment throughout processing.

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ELECTROSTATIC CHUCK MARKET SEGMENTATION

By Type

Coulomb Type

Johnsen-Rahbek (JR) Type

In terms of product type, Coulomb Type is the largest segment, occupying a share of 69%.

By Application

300 mm Wafer

200 mm Wafer

In terms of application, 300 mm Wafer is the largest field with a share of about 78 percent.

Key Companies

Applied Materials

Lam Research

Toto

Sumitomo Osaka Cement

Creative Technology Corporation

Kyocera

Entegris

NTK CERATEC

II-VI M Cubed

Tsukuba Seiko

CALITECH

Shinko

Beijing U-PRECISION TECH

NGK Insulators

ELECTROSTATIC CHUCK MARKET SHARE

Global key players of Electrostatic Chuck include Applied Materials, Lam Research, SHINKO, TOTO, Sumitomo Osaka Cement, etc. The top five players hold a share of about 93%. Asia Pacific is the largest market, and has a share of about 75%, followed by North America and Europe with 19% and 5%, separately.

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PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Berger Montague advises shareholders of Baxter International Inc. ("Baxter" or the "Company") (NYSE: BAX) about an investigation into Baxter's Board of Directors for potential breaches of fiduciary duties to the Company and its shareholders in connection with Baxter's marketing and sale of its Novum Large Volume Pump ("Novum LVP").

Shareholders of Baxter may learn more about this investigation by contacting Berger Montague: Radha Raghavan at rraghavan@bergermontague.com or (332) 271-8908, or Andrew Abramowitz at [email protected] or (215) 875-3015, or CLICK HERE .

Berger Montague's investigation is focused on whether Baxter's Board of Directors breached its fiduciary duties in the manner in which it oversaw the Company's marketing and sale of the Novum LVP, a pump used for the controlled delivery of intravenous fluids, such as blood, medication, and nutrients. In July 2025, Baxter announced that it would "voluntarily and temporarily pause shipments and planned installations of the Novum LVP."

About Berger Montague

Berger Montague is one of the nation's preeminent law firms focusing on complex civil litigation, class actions, and mass torts in federal and state courts throughout the United States. With more than $2.4 billion in 2025 post-trial judgments alone, the Firm is a leader in the fields of complex litigation, antitrust, consumer protection, defective products, environmental law, employment law, securities, and whistleblower cases, among many other practice areas. For over 55 years, Berger Montague has played leading roles in precedent-setting cases and has recovered over $50 billion for its clients and the classes they have represented. Berger Montague is headquartered in Philadelphia and has offices in Chicago; Malvern, PA; Minneapolis; San Diego; San Francisco; Toronto, Canada; Washington, D.C., and Wilmington, DE.

Contacts:

Radha Raghavan, Associate

Berger Montague

(332) 271-8908

rraghavan@bergermontague.com

Andrew Abramowitz, Senior Counsel

Berger Montague

(215) 875-3015

[email protected]

SOURCE Berger Montague
Former CEO Pat Smallcombe will continue service on the Board

ALISO VIEJO, Calif., Dec. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Metagenics, the #1 doctor-recommended professional supplement brand, today announced it has named Patrick Sly as CEO, effective immediately. A highly regarded executive in the health and wellness industry, Mr. Sly brings a wealth of relevant leadership experience to Metagenics. Current President and CEO Pat Smallcombe, who has led Metagenics through a period of tremendous growth since 2023, will transition to the role of Co-Chair of the Board. Metagenics is backed by Gryphon Investors, a leading middle-market private investment firm.

Ryan Fagan, Deal Partner in Gryphon's Consumer Group, said, "With Patrick's deep experience in medical nutrition, partnerships with healthcare professionals, and leadership of global businesses, I couldn't imagine a stronger candidate to succeed Pat Smallcombe's successful tenure. Patrick's leadership style focuses on integrity, innovation, and collaboration, an ideal fit for Metagenics' culture."

Mr. Sly is a proven global leader with a track record of transforming large consumer health and nutrition businesses into sustained value creators. He most recently served as Global President of Reckitt's $8 billion Consumer Health division, where he led the portfolio to industry-leading profitability, renewed market share momentum, and durable growth. He previously served as Global President of Reckitt's $3 billion Nutrition business, delivering a major global turnaround that strengthened margins, accelerated growth, and restored competitiveness.

Having lived and led in five countries around the world, Mr. Sly brings a high level of cultural fluency, adaptability, and global strategic insightqualities that enable him to inspire diverse teams and build resilient, performance-driven organizations. Widely recognized for architecting transformations that elevate brands, expand margins, and create meaningful shareholder value, he brings deep category expertise, crisis-tested leadership, and a passion for building inclusive, high-performance cultures.

Mr. Sly earned his MBA from Washington University in St. Louis' Olin Business School and his Bachelor of Science in Business from Indiana University's Kelley School of Business.

"I'm thrilled to be joining Metagenics at such an exciting time," said Mr. Sly. "The professional segment of the supplements category has tremendous growth potential, and Metagenics' outstanding brand and clinically tested product line position the company for continued success. I'm especially impressed by the very strong team and solid foundation that Pat Smallcombe has built, and I look forward to working with the organization to drive the next phase of growth."

About Metagenics

Founded in 1983 and based in Aliso Viejo, CA with facilities across North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia, Metagenics is a leading global nutritional supplement company. For over 40 years, Metagenics has delivered high-quality, science-based nutritional supplements, medical foods, and lifestyle programs to support healthcare practitioners as they help patients achieve health and wellness goals. With a heritage of breakthrough science, innovative products, practitioner education, and dedicated partnerships, Metagenics has become one of the most trusted health and wellness brands worldwide, and today is the #1 doctor-recommended professional supplement brand in the United States.

About Gryphon Investors

Gryphon Investors is a leading middle-market private investment firm focused on growing competitively-advantaged companies in the Business Services, Consumer, Healthcare, Industrial Growth, Software, and Technology Solutions & Services sectors. With more than $10 billion of assets under management, Gryphon prioritizes investments in which it can form strong partnerships with founders, owners, and management teams to accelerate the building of leading, high-quality companies and generate enduring value through its integrated deal and operations business model. Gryphon's highly-differentiated model integrates since 1999 its well-proven Operations Resources Group, which is led by full-time, Gryphon senior operating executives with general management, artificial intelligence, human capital acquisition and development, acquisition due diligence and integration planning, treasury, finance, and accounting expertise. Gryphon's three core investment strategies include its Flagship, Heritage, and Junior Capital strategies, each with dedicated funds of capital. The Flagship and Heritage strategies target equity investments of $50 million to $500 million per portfolio company. The Junior Capital strategy targets investments of $10 million to $25 million in junior securities of credit facilities, arranged by leading middle-market lenders, in both Gryphon-controlled companies, as well as in other private equity-backed companies operating in Gryphon's targeted investment sectors.

Contact:

Lambert

Caroline Luz

203-570-6462

[email protected]

or

Jennifer Hurson

845-507-0571

[email protected]

SOURCE Gryphon Investors
POMPANO BEACH, Fla., Dec. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Marc Anthony, Rob Lowe & Donald Trump made real estate news in November. Top 10 Celebrity Real Estate News is featured at TopTenRealEstateDeals.com.

November's Top 10 Celebrity Real Estate News

America's Top 10 Real Estate News

Marc Anthony Loses $2 Million In Miami

In 2021, Latin heartthrob and former J-Lo husband Marc Anthony paid $11 million for an 8,600-square-foot apartment at the Zaha Hadid-designed One Thousand Museum building in Miami. In a cooling Miami market, Marc just sold it for only $8.6 million.

Trump's Childhood Home For Sale, Again

Donald Trump lived with his parents in a modest home in Queens, New York from birth to the age of four. Since Trump became president, the home has been purchased several times by speculators who expected big profits from tourists or a flip. When the home was first for sale in July, 2016, it was priced at $1.65 million and didn't sell, even with price cuts. Since then, the home has changed owners several times, most recently selling for $835,000 in February after sitting abandoned and a neighborhood eyesore for years. The new owner, real-estate developer Tommy Lin, spent $500,000 renovating the home. He is now listing the Donald Trump home for $2.3 million.

Kevin Spacey Is Not Actually Homeless

Kevin Spacey has had financial problems for a few years, including losing his 9,000-square-foot Baltimore condo to foreclosure. Despite some media reports that he was homeless, Spacey denied it. In a recent video posted on his Instagram account, Spacey explained that he does not have a home, but he is not homeless: "I'm living in hotels, I'm living in Airbnbs, I'm going where the work is."

Rob Lowe Sells Part of His Home Collection

Rob Lowe has become quite the Southern California home buyer and seller, and he just sold his Beverly Hills home for $4 million. Rob was asking $6.6 million for the three-bedroom home but had to knock $2.6 million off in a slow market.

Lori & Mossimo Sell LA Mansion

Lori Loughlin and Mossimo Giannulli have sold their Los Angeles mansion for $12.65 million, almost $5 million less than their first asking price. Located in the ritzy Hidden Hills part of LA, the home has six bedrooms and a total of 11,800 square feet, a theater, pool and wine cellar. Lori and Mossimo have had a rough couple of years, including prison time due to their participation in the Varsity Blues college admissions scandal. They are separated after 28 years of marriage.

Josh Flagg Selling His Own Home

One of TV's celebrity real estate agents, Josh Flagg, has listed his own Mediterranean-style villa in Miami Beach. Located across the street from David and Victoria Beckham's $72 million waterfront mansion, Josh is asking $9.95 million for his 4,000-square-foot home.

Michael Andretti Lists Indy Mansion

Race car legend Michael Andretti has listed his suburban Indianapolis home for $11.9 million. The 21,000-square-foot lakefront home with nine bedrooms, a theater, gaming arcade and a 700-bottle wine cellar has served mostly as Andretti's headquarters for his company's Indy-based racing activities. He and his wife, Jodi, are now retired and living in Florida.

Tom Petty's Malibu Home Has Sold

The home Tom Petty bought in Malibu in 1998 has sold for $11.2 million, after several price cuts. The seven-bedroom Mediterranean-style main home, a guest home, a recording studio, seven bedrooms, a pool and 2.6 acres came on the market in 2024 at $19 million and was later reduced to $15.49 and $12.99 million. Petty died in 2017.

Ronald Reagan's Failed Governor's Mansion

In the early 1970s, California Governor Ronald Reagan commissioned a new home to replace the aging Sacramento governor's mansion, but he left office before it was completed. And his successor, Jerry Brown, fearing negative publicity over the luxury mansion, never moved into the home. Reagan was elected US president in 1981, and the house was sold to a private citizen. The home is now for sale at $7.5 million.

Rayna James' Nashville Mansion $24.5 Million

The over-the-top mansion that was seen as Rayna James' (Connie Britton) home on the long-running TV series Nashville is for sale, asking $24.5 million. The six-bedroom home on six acres with 21,830 square feet has been totally renovated, including new hardwood floors, a new kitchen, new cabinets and bath fixtures. The home also starred as the Flower Magazine 2025 Show House.

For more celebrity home news and celebrity home video tours, visit TopTenRealEstateDeals.com.

Top 10 Celebrity Real Estate News

SOURCE Top Ten Real Estate Deals
ST. LOUIS, Dec. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Post Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: Post) ("Post"), a consumer packaged goods holding company, announced today it has completed the previously announced sale of the pasta business of 8th Avenue Food & Provisions, Inc., effective December 1, 2025.

About Post Holdings, Inc.

Post Holdings, Inc., headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, is a consumer packaged goods holding company with businesses operating in the center-of-the-store, refrigerated, foodservice and food ingredient categories. Its businesses include Post Consumer Brands, Weetabix, Michael Foods and Bob Evans Farms. Post Consumer Brands is a leader in the North American branded and private label ready-to-eat cereal and granola, pet food and nut butter categories. Weetabix is home to the United Kingdom's number one selling ready-to-eat cereal brand, Weetabix. Michael Foods and Bob Evans Farms are leaders in refrigerated foods, delivering innovative, value-added egg and refrigerated potato side dish products to the foodservice and retail channels. For more information, visit www.postholdings.com.

Contact:

Investor Relations

Daniel O'Rourke

[email protected]

(314) 806-3959

Media Relations

Tara Gray

[email protected]

(314) 644-7648

SOURCE Post Holdings, Inc.
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Dec. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has announced that it will host the third edition of the Global Labor Market Conference (GLMC) at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center (KAICC) in Riyadh on 26-27 January 2026.

Global Labor Market Conference

Centred around the theme "Future in Progress," GLMC 2026 will convene policymakers, business leaders, labor market experts, and representatives from international organizations to shape the future of work. The conference will provide a platform for collaboration and dialogue aimed at developing forward-looking solutions to the world's most pressing workforce and labor challenges.

His Excellency Eng. Ahmad bin Sulaiman AlRajhi, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, said: "We are grateful for the King's honorable patronage of GLMC, which has become a cornerstone of the global labor landscape and a crucial platform for meaningful dialogue on the future of work. This conference reflects the Kingdom's continued commitment to advancing international collaboration and developing innovative solutions that strengthen labor markets and enable workers everywhere. We look forward to welcoming back partners and stakeholders from across the globe to what we know will be a productive, insightful, and impactful gathering."

The third edition will bring together more than 45 international ministers, including for a dedicated Ministerial Roundtable, to advance policy solutions for labor issues globally. The full program features six thematic pillars covering the impact of trade shifts and AI on the workforce, new skills, workers operating in the shadow economy, workforce resilience, and aligning labor markets with human progress. In addition, the conference will introduce several innovative formats this year, including policy 'hackathons' to develop innovative policy solutions; spotlights where speakers present their biggest workforce challenge and boldest policy experiment; and opportunities for academics to select pressing topics for debate and challenge.

In total, there is expected to be over 200 speakers and more than 7,000 attendees participating in over 50 engagements across the program.

Launched in 2023, GLMC has evolved into a year-round global think tank dedicated to advancing research, innovation, and partnerships for the advancement of global labor markets. Through ongoing initiatives such as the Global Labor Market Academy  a partnership between GLMC, the World Bank, and Takamol Holding  GLMC has established itself as a catalyst for action, creating real-world solutions that empower governments, businesses, and workers to shape more sustainable labor systems.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2835119/Global_Labor_Market_Conference.jpg

SOURCE Global Labor Market Conference
NEW YORK, Dec. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ --

Why: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces an investigation of potential securities claims on behalf of shareholders of Nidec Corporation (OTC: NJDCY) resulting from allegations that Nidec Corporation may have issued materially misleading business information to the investing public.

So What: If you purchased Nidec Corporation securities you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. The Rosen Law Firm is preparing a class action seeking recovery of investor losses.

What to do next: To join the prospective class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=47559 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action.

What is this about: On September 3, 2025, after market close, CNBC published an article entitled "Nidec shares plunge 22% as China unit probe finds accounting issues tied to management." The article further stated that shares of Nidec fell "after the company announced a probe into allegations of improper accounting in its group. This marks the largest one-day drop in the Japanese electronics components manufacturer's shares."

On this news, Nidec American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs") fell 22.7% on September 4, 2025.

Why Rosen Law: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved, at that time, the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Contact Information:

Laurence Rosen, Esq.

Phillip Kim, Esq.

The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.

275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor

New York, NY 10016

Tel: (212) 686-1060

Toll Free: (866) 767-3653

Fax: (212) 202-3827

[email protected]

www.rosenlegal.com

SOURCE THE ROSEN LAW FIRM, P. A.
SPRING, Texas, Dec. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- TETRA Technologies, Inc. ("TETRA" or the "Company") (NYSE:TTI) announced that Brady Murphy, Chief Executive Officer, and Kurt Hallead, VP of Investor Relations and Treasurer, will be hosting one-on-one meetings with institutional investors on December 10, 2025 at the Wells Fargo 24th Annual Energy & Power Symposium at the Westin Times Square in New York City. Investors interested in scheduling one-on-ones meetings at the conference should contact their Wells Fargo sales representative.

Company Overview

TETRA Technologies, Inc. is an energy services and solutions company focused on developing environmentally conscious services and solutions that help make people's lives better. With operations on six continents, the Company's portfolio consists of Energy Services, Industrial Chemicals, and Critical Minerals. In addition to providing products and services to the oil and gas industry and calcium chloride for diverse applications, TETRA is expanding into the low-carbon energy market with chemistry expertise, key mineral acreage, and global infrastructure, helping to meet the demand for sustainable energy in the twenty-first century. Visit the Company's website at www.onetetra.com for more information or connect with us on LinkedIn.

SOURCE TETRA Technologies, Inc.
BOSTON, Dec. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Adaptive learning company HMH today announced that the Texas State Board of Education has officially approved Math 180 Texas for adoption in Grades 38 as part of the state's Instructional Materials Review and Approval (IMRA) process. HMH's proven-effective intervention solution received the highest quality scores of any program in the "supplemental math" category.

Math 180 Texas is a comprehensive, evidence-based math program designed to accelerate achievement for students performing below grade level. Built on decades of research and proven efficacy, Math 180 Texas has demonstrated significant gains in math proficiency and confidence for striving learners.

Independent studies show that students using Math 180 can achieve up to two years of growth in a single academic year, making it one of the most effective intervention solutions available.

With flexible implementation options, districts can choose between Math 180 Texas, dedicated intervention model or Math 180 Flex Texas, which integrates seamlessly into core classrooms. This flexibility ensures schools can tailor the program to meet diverse scheduling and instructional needs while maintaining the integrity of the intervention.

Math 180 Texas's inclusion in the IMRA list followed a rigorous review and public comment process to ensure alignment with state standards and responsiveness to the needs of Texas students and educators. The program combines adaptive technology, explicit instruction, and actionable data in a blended learning model aligned to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). As an approved High-Quality Instructional Material (HQIM), Math 180 Texas enables districts to access additional state funding for purchase.

"Math 180 Texas's approval for the Texas IMRA list underscores our commitment to delivering high-quality, research-based intervention solutions that drive measurable growth for students and empower educators," said Amy Dunkin, President, Intervention Solutions, HMH. "Designed to close learning gaps and foster success with engaging student-centered experiences, Math 180 Texas builds confidence and creates opportunities for all learners to thrive."

Math 180 Texas offers educators:

Proven Efficacy: Research shows students can achieve up to two years of growth in one year.

Research shows students can achieve up to two years of growth in one year. Focused Intervention: Designed for Grades 3 and up, combining adaptive technology, explicit instruction, and actionable data.

Designed for Grades 3 and up, combining adaptive technology, explicit instruction, and actionable data. Blended Learning Model: Seamless integration of print and digital resources with real-time progress insights.

Seamless integration of print and digital resources with real-time progress insights. High-Quality Instruction and Conceptual Understanding: Direct instruction within the student application experience paired with a strong focus on developing deep conceptual understanding.

Direct instruction within the student application experience paired with a strong focus on developing deep conceptual understanding. Spaced Retrieval: Opportunities to revisit and reinforce skills across lessons and units.

Opportunities to revisit and reinforce skills across lessons and units. Engagement and Real-World Connections: Hands-on activities and collaborative problem-solving make math relevant and inspiring.

Math 180 Texas also meets rigorous SBOE criteria for high-quality, research-based instruction, is fully aligned with TEKS, and complies with WCAG 2.1 AA and Section 508 accessibility standards. Built on Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles, the program includes comprehensive teacher guides, multilingual scaffolds, and parental engagement tools.

Educators wishing to learn about Math 180 Texas can connect with HMH here.

Read more about HMH's instructional and policy vision for math here.

About HMH

HMH is an adaptive learning company that helps educators create growth for every student. Our integrated curriculum, assessment and professional learning solutions use data to paint a full picture of every learner and recommend how to best support their needs. By partnering with educators, we create lasting momentum so that all students can reach their full potential. HMH serves more than 50 million students and 4 million educators in 150 countries. For more information, visit www.hmhco.com.

Follow HMH on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

Contact

Leah Riviere

Communications Director, HMH

617-351-5020

[email protected]

SOURCE HMH Education Company
The organizations celebrate 11 outstanding students while advancing diversity, innovation and leadership in the HVACR industry

ENGLEWOOD, Colo., Dec. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Women in HVACR, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration trades, has teamed up with Carrier Global Corporation, a leader in the HVACR industry, to award 11 scholarships to outstanding female students blazing paths in the skilled trades.

Women in HVACR presented $5,000 scholarships to Kristine Berg, Hannah Dearman-So, Ashley Haynes, Sarah Kitchen, Beyonca Mack, Alerry McCarthy, Aya Morgan, Samantha Murphy, Mahek Parvez, Lila Tychsen and Sophia Valenzuela at its recent Bet on Yourself conference in Las Vegas.

The scholarships, presented during the 2025 Women in HVACR Conference in Las Vegas, celebrate the next generation of women advancing in an industry historically underrepresented by female professionals. Each recipient received $5,000 in recognition of her academic excellence, leadership potential and commitment to fostering diversity and innovation in the skilled trades.

Six students received scholarships directly from Women in HVACR, while five additional scholarship awards were presented by Carrier in partnership with the nonprofit organization for a total of $55,000.

"These scholarships represent more than financial assistance; they are an investment in the future of our industry," said Women in HVACR President Kristin Gallup. "Each recipient has shown the drive, talent and vision to lead the future of HVACR, and their contributions will help shape the next generation of innovators in the field."

The 11 recipients are:

Kristine Berg : Berg transitioned into HVAC after a career in maintenance and facilities work. In addition to attending Hennepin Technical College in Minnesota, she's gained hands-on experience in both residential and commercial settings with a goal to give back by mentoring young women in the trades.

: Berg transitioned into HVAC after a career in maintenance and facilities work. In addition to attending Hennepin Technical College in Minnesota, she's gained hands-on experience in both residential and commercial settings with a goal to give back by mentoring young women in the trades. Hannah Dearman-So : A recent graduate of Harvey Mudd College in Claremont, California, with a degree in general engineering, Dearman-So has launched her career as a mechanical engineer specializing in HVACR and plumbing design.

: A recent graduate of Harvey Mudd College in Claremont, California, with a degree in general engineering, Dearman-So has launched her career as a mechanical engineer specializing in HVACR and plumbing design. Ashley Haynes : A non-traditional student, Phi Theta Kappa member at Coastal Alabama Community College and mother of five, Haynes is pursuing a career in HVACR to empower women and inspire others that it's never too late to follow their dreams.

: A non-traditional student, Phi Theta Kappa member at Coastal Alabama Community College and mother of five, Haynes is pursuing a career in HVACR to empower women and inspire others that it's never too late to follow their dreams. Sarah Kitchen: Kitchen is an HVACR student driven by a passion for problem-solving and breaking barriers in the skilled trades. Inspired by her daughters, her goal is to earn her HVACR and electrical licenses and one day teach the next generation of female technicians.

Kitchen is an HVACR student driven by a passion for problem-solving and breaking barriers in the skilled trades. Inspired by her daughters, her goal is to earn her HVACR and electrical licenses and one day teach the next generation of female technicians. Beyonca Mack : Inspired by her family's legacy in HVAC, Mack is determined to break barriers and promote energy-efficient practices while creating job opportunities for others. Her ultimate goal is to own her own HVAC company and inspire more women to enter the skilled trades.

: Inspired by her family's legacy in HVAC, Mack is determined to break barriers and promote energy-efficient practices while creating job opportunities for others. Her ultimate goal is to own her own HVAC company and inspire more women to enter the skilled trades. Alerry McCarthy: Raised in Broward County, Florida, McCarthy is studying construction management at North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University in Greensboro, North Carolina, and is passionate about using HVACR systems to help create affordable, energy-efficient housing for underserved communities.

Raised in Broward County, Florida, McCarthy is studying construction management at North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University in Greensboro, North Carolina, and is passionate about using HVACR systems to help create affordable, energy-efficient housing for underserved communities. Aya Morgan: From Science Olympiad to HVAC project engineering, Morgan has combined her love for problem-solving with her passion for sustainability. She's interned with Legrand North America and Pacific Rim Mechanical and aspires to lead projects focused on equitable design and sustainable housing.

From Science Olympiad to HVAC project engineering, Morgan has combined her love for problem-solving with her passion for sustainability. She's interned with Legrand North America and Pacific Rim Mechanical and aspires to lead projects focused on equitable design and sustainable housing. Samantha Murphy : After 12 years as a commercial driver, Murphy transitioned into the HVAC industry, drawn by the field's technical and sustainable focus. She is enrolled at Lincoln Tech in Mahwah, New Jersey, and plans to pursue an associate degree.

: After 12 years as a commercial driver, Murphy transitioned into the HVAC industry, drawn by the field's technical and sustainable focus. She is enrolled at Lincoln Tech in Mahwah, New Jersey, and plans to pursue an associate degree. Mahek Parvez : A computer engineering student at Purdue University, Parvez invented "SunHarvested CoolRooms," an electricity-free cooling system that preserves farm produce. Her work has been recognized globally, and she continues to merge sustainability with technology to empower women and improve communities.

: A computer engineering student at Purdue University, Parvez invented "SunHarvested CoolRooms," an electricity-free cooling system that preserves farm produce. Her work has been recognized globally, and she continues to merge sustainability with technology to empower women and improve communities. Lila Tychsen: Inspired by her uncle who runs an HVAC company, Tychsen plans to become a sheet metal fabricator. A hands-on learner, she discovered her passion for fabrication through technical training and home renovation projects with her family.

Inspired by her uncle who runs an HVAC company, Tychsen plans to become a sheet metal fabricator. A hands-on learner, she discovered her passion for fabrication through technical training and home renovation projects with her family. Sophia Valenzuela: An EPA-certified HVAC student and president of Riverside (California) City College's HVACR Student Union, Valenzuela is a first-generation college student passionate about breaking industry norms. She's working toward becoming a commercial service technician and eventually starting her own business.

"By investing in education and mentorship, Women in HVACR and Carrier are helping create pathways for women to excel in technical careers that are essential to the nation's infrastructure and sustainability goals," Gallup said. "By empowering women to lead and innovate within the HVACR industry, we strengthen its foundation and ensure it continues to evolve, adapt and thrive."

For more information about Women in HVACR, visit https://www.womeninhvacr.org/.

About Women in HVACR

Since 2002, Women in HVACR has worked to increase the number of women in the Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigerant (HVACR) industry and empower women to succeed by providing members with a variety of opportunities to network and develop a professional environment through education and mentorship. The 1,200-member nonprofit organization holds a variety of regional and national events each year and provides scholarship opportunities for women who pursue careers within the HVACR industry, including those who seek engineering and business degrees or a trade school education. For more information about Women in HVACR, visit https://www.womeninhvacr.org/.

SOURCE Women in HVACR
36,728 vehicles delivered in November, up 19% YoY

GUANGZHOU, China, Dec. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- XPeng Inc. ("XPENG" or the "Company,"NYSE: XPEV and HKEX: 9868), a leading global AI mobility technology company, today announced its vehicle delivery results for November 2025. XPENG delivered 36,728 Smart EVs in November 2025, representing a year-over-year increase of 19%. From January to November 2025, XPENG's cumulative deliveries reached 391,937 units, up 156% year-on-year.

XPENG's overseas deliveries from January to November 2025 reached 39,773 units, marking a 95% year-on-year increase.

On November 5, XPENG successfully hosted its 2025 XPENG AI Day event, unveiling a suite of groundbreaking "Physical AI" applications, including XPENG VLA 2.0, Robotaxi, and Next-Gen IRON humanoid robot. These AI applications are expected to enter mass production in 2026.

In November, XNGP achieved an urban driving monthly active user penetration rate of 84%. In late December, XPENG will invite users in China to participate in a pilot program of VLA 2.0.

About XPENG

XPENG is a leading Chinese Smart EV company that designs, develops, manufactures, and markets Smart EVs that appeal to the large and growing base of technology-savvy middle-class consumers. Its mission is to become a smart technology company trusted and loved by users worldwide. In order to optimize its customers' mobility experience, XPENG develops in-house its full-stack advanced driver-assistance system technology and in-car intelligent operating system, as well as core vehicle systems including powertrain and the electrical/electronic architecture. XPENG is headquartered in Guangzhou, China, with main offices in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Silicon Valley and San Diego. The Company's Smart EVs are mainly manufactured at its plants in Zhaoqing and Guangzhou, Guangdong province. For more information, please visit https://www.xpeng.com/.

Safe Harbor Statement

This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates" and similar statements. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about XPENG's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: XPENG's goal and strategies; XPENG's expansion plans; XPENG's future business development, financial condition and results of operations; the trends in, and size of, China's EV market; XPENG's expectations regarding demand for, and market acceptance of, its products and services; XPENG's expectations regarding its relationships with customers, suppliers, third-party service providers, strategic partners and other stakeholders; general economic and business conditions; and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in XPENG's filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. All information provided in this announcement is as of the date of this announcement, and XPENG does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

Contacts:

For Investor Enquiries:

IR Department

XPeng Inc.

Email: [email protected]

Jenny Cai

Piacente Financial Communications

Tel: +1 212 481 2050 / +86 10 6508 0677

Email: [email protected]

For Media Enquiries:

PR Department

XPeng Inc.

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE XPeng Inc.
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Gabon has introduced a new platform. Called Kimba, its aim is to drive demand and supply matching in digital services.

Gabon's Minister of Digital Economy, Mark Alexandre Doumba, launched the Kimba platform late last week. In the local Nzebi language, Kimba apparently means to move, go, move forward, or innovate, in line, it seems with the governments stated intention to use the platform as part of the digital transformation of businesses.

The platform will offer two interconnected spaces. In one, large companies can advertise their needs for any digital solutions requirements they may have in management, production, distribution, cybersecurity or automation.

In the other, local startups can propose tools, software and other services to meet those needs, submitting their solutions, presenting demonstrations, explaining their technologies and responding directly to requests. Based on this, a request can be matched with an available solution, radically reducing the time that might otherwise be needed.

The platform is also intended to lead to the creation of contracts or pilot projects between established companies and startups and the circulation of information on local innovations.

The government no doubt hopes that the platform can boost the competitiveness of Gabonese companies and the strengthening of the country's digital ecosystem

However, its effectiveness isnt yet proven. Indeed, as the Ecofin news agency points out, challenges will include technical reliability, adaptation to the needs of the digital market, and the capacity of startups to respond, particularly in terms of technical quality, delivery times and financial capacity.

Good coordination between public and private actors will also be necessary, it adds, in order to ensure regular monitoring of projects.
Axian Group says it has formed a strategic collaboration agreement with Mastercard to launch digital payment solutions in the five African markets where Axian operates mobile networks: Madagascar, Comoros Islands, Senegal, Togo, and Tanzania.

Under the agreement announced on Thursday, the two companies will introduce virtual and physical cards, as well as merchant solutions, under Axians Mixx and MVola brands in those five markets, where Axian currently operates under the "Yas" brand.

Consumers can use their Mixx and MVola apps to activate and top up their virtual card, instantly access live exchange rates and monitor or cancel transactions in real time. Axian said these features make international payments easier, faster and safer.

Erwan Gelebart, CEO of Axian Groups digibank and fintech cluster, said the solutions will enable millions of consumers, SMEs and entrepreneurs to pay and be paid via mobile phones, which will also strengthen the digital ecosystems in those markets.

Through this collaboration with Mastercard, we are giving our customers the tools they need to thrive in todays interconnected world, whether it is for shopping, for sending money across borders or for managing their business securely from a mobile app.". Gelebart said in a statement.

This partnership is a reinforcement of how we are enabling simple and secure ways to make payments and move money, added Mete Guney, executive VP of market development for EEMEA at Mastercard. We remain committed to working with innovative players like Axian to drive financial inclusion and accelerate the growth of the continents digital economy.

Axian rebranded its mobile units in Madagascar, Comoros Islands, Senegal, Togo, and Tanzania to Yas in November 2024 in a bid to unify its operations and create synergies for future growth. As part of that strategy, Axian rebranded its financial services in Senegal, Togo and Tanzania to "Mixx by Yas".
Airtel Madagascar and Nokia have launched the first fully off-grid Rural Connect sites in the country, marking a major milestone in extending mobile connectivity to underserved communities.

Leveraging Nokias innovative Rural Connect solution, which combines AirScale Radio Access, Nokia renewable power systems, and lean civil structuresthese sites enable Airtel Madagascar to deliver reliable, high-quality coverage in remote areas where connectivity was previously impossible.

This initiative reinforces Airtel Madagascars commitment to bridging the digital divide and fulfilling its universal service obligations, while advancing Nokias strategic focus on connecting the unconnected through sustainable, energy-efficient solutions across Africa.

According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), 2.6 billion people worldwide remain without internet access, with 1.8 billion living in rural areas. These figures highlight both the urgency and opportunity to close the connectivity gap. Studies by the World Bank show that a 10% increase in broadband penetration can boost GDP by up to 2.5% in developing economies, while GSMA research estimates that closing the mobile internet usage gap could add $700 billion to global GDP by 2030.

Nokias Rural Connect solution directly addresses these challenges by delivering cost-optimised, sustainable connectivity for rural and low-density areas.

The solution:

Reuses refurbished RAN hardware, supporting circular-economy principles.

Integrates renewable power sources, enabling fully off-grid operation via solar or hybrid solar-wind systems.

Supports flexible backhaul, including microwave, UE relay, and LEO satellite, ensuring performance even in the most remote terrains.

Our collaboration with Nokia marks a transformative step forward in ensuring that no community is left behind in Madagascars digital journey, said Anne Catherine Tchokonte Tcholagheu, CEO of Airtel Madagascar. By expanding coverage to rural areas, we are not only fulfilling regulatory obligations but opening new doors to education, healthcare, and economic opportunity for thousands of people.

Nokias Rural Connect deployments in Ethiopia, Egypt, Cameroon, and Mali have already demonstrated measurable impact. In one rural Cameroonian community, mobile usage increased fivefold within two weeks of site activationgiving residents their first access to education, healthcare, digital commerce, and government services.
Australias climate tech sector attracted $680 million in 2025, yet most startups cant scale past pilot stage.

Whats Happening: Australias climate tech sector raised $680 million across 69 deals in 2025, yet over $164 billion in public funds remains available with only $10 billion deployed recently.

Why This Matters: Australia excels at climate innovation but lacks systematic support to scale startups into globally competitive enterprises.

Australias climate tech sector has validated itself through capital attraction and founder activity. The challenge now shifts from proving viability to achieving scale.

Despite $680 million raised across 69 deals in 2025, systemic barriers prevent most startups from crossing what industry insiders call the valley of death between pilot programmes and profitable operations.

Mick Liubinskas, Climate Salad Co-founder & CEO, frames the moment bluntly. Theres excitement. Its not hype, its earned optimism. These arent theoretical plays, theyre boots-on-the-ground builders solving real problems with urgency and optimism, he states.

The 2025 Australian Climate Tech Industry Report reveals the sector now employs over 7,000 people and ranks among Australias top three funded industries. Yet funding patterns expose a persistent gap. Pre-seed rounds continue dominating as new ventures enter the ecosystem, reflecting strong ideation but limited progression to later stages.

Capital exists, deployment lags

Over $164 billion in estimated public funds sits available for climate-aligned initiatives, yet only $10 billion has been deployed recently. The Clean Energy Finance Corporation holds $33 billion total with $2 billion new, whilst the National Reconstruction Fund and Net Zero Fund combined offer $15 billion with $5 billion recently committed.

Future Made in Australia deployed $1.7 billion in new funding, whilst ARENA grants added $1.9 billion from a $12 billion total allocation. The Future Fund, with 40% of its $252 billion focused on renewables, represents $100 billion in potential climate capital. Additional public commitments include the Queensland Investment Councils $15 billion, NSW Net Zero Industry & Innovation Programs $115 million, and Breakthrough Victorias $2 billion.

Private funding activity shows growing momentum. Wollemi Capital secured $230 million in new commitments from REST Super toward a $450 million fund. Virescent Fund 2 added $25 million to reach $155 million total, whilst Climate Tech Partners raised $30 million of a $50 million target. Ecotone Planet Fund closed at $25 million. Established funds including Investible Climate Fund at $32 million, Giant Leap Impact Fund at $50 million, and Main Sequence at $250 million provide additional capital sources for climate-focused ventures. Combined, an estimated $310 million in new private climate tech funding joined $957 million already available.

The scaling gap widens

Shift toward Series A funding signals growing investor confidence and more prototypes graduating into deployable, market-ready solutions. However, bridge and debt financing remain marginal, consistent with climate techs capital-intensive profile and investor preference for equity at early technology readiness levels. Grants maintain modest but steady contribution, underscoring the role of public funding in derisking early hardware and deep-tech pathways.

Greg Miller, Co-founder and Partner, identifies the core problem. Australia has proven itself a world leader in climate tech innovation. We punch far above our weight in creating new ideas, new technologies, and new ventures, the zero to one phase. But innovation alone wont decarbonise the economy, he explains.

Miller argues Australia must master the one to one hundred phase, scaling climate tech companies into enduring, globally competitive enterprises. The gap isnt in ideas, its in infrastructure. Startups need more than funding; they need the experienced operators, commercial pathways, and systematic support that help them cross the valley of death between pilot and profit, he states.

Canadas MaRS Discovery District provides a working model. Dedicated scale-up programmes turned clean tech innovators into global leaders, creating thousands of jobs and hundreds of millions in annual investment. Australia currently lacks equivalent infrastructure connecting founders with operators, investors and customers whilst embedding experienced mentors and talent.

Policy creates urgency

Australias new 2035 emissions target, a 6270% cut from 2005 levels, signals the steepest decarbonisation decade yet. The Governments Net Zero Plan and sectoral pathways position climate technology at the centre of economic transition.

Between 2025 and 2030, most near-term abatement comes from replacing coal generation with renewable electricity backed by hydro, gas and batteries. Growing demand will favour technologies connecting large-scale renewable projects faster and driving uptake of home solar and storage, including companies like Amber Electric and National Renewables Network.

In the resources sector, emissions fall through electrification, process optimisation and on-site renewable power, whilst export volumes of thermal coal gradually decline.

By the mid-2030s, most coal exits the grid as industrial electrification expands to alumina, steel and minerals processing. In transport, light-vehicle electrification leads with steady progress on heavy vehicle adoption. Companies like Kwetta and JET Charge will play important roles building Australias charging infrastructure.

Agriculture and high-temperature industries remain harder to abate, yet sustained innovation from feed additives to green hydrogen and ammonia will define the next wave of Australian climate tech.

Infrastructure remains missing

Millers assessment cuts to the fundamental challenge. If we invest now in scaling capability, not just startup creation, we can triple the number of Australian climate tech companies that reach global scale. The opportunity is here: to turn our ingenuity into industry, our startups into sovereign capability, and our climate tech promise into the next great export story, he argues.

Australia can build national scale-up infrastructure connecting founders with operators, investors and customers. The framework requires embedding experienced mentors and talent whilst aligning public and private capital behind the nations most promising climate ventures.

Without systematic scaling support, Australian innovations risk commercialising offshore. International markets recognise Australian climate tech quality, with 48% of founders already operating in the European Union, 45% planning Asian expansion, and 53% targeting the United States. The question becomes whether Australia captures the economic value from technologies developed domestically.

The climate transition will occur throughout Australias economy over coming decades, providing sustained opportunity for local innovation. Policy settings now create demand certainty across multiple sectors simultaneously. Capital availability exceeds historical levels across both public and private sources.

What remains missing is the connective infrastructure transforming early-stage ventures into scaled enterprises capable of meeting policy targets, capturing export markets and generating the jobs and economic returns that justify public investment. The sector has proven it can innovate. The next phase determines whether Australia can scale.

Download the report

This article is based on findings from The 2025 Australian Climate Tech Industry Report by Mick Liubinskas.

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Yonatan Bley warns businesses risk wasting resources on AI that creates complexity instead of efficiency. His five-step framework helps you choose tools that actually deliver results.

Whats Happening: Businesses face mounting pressure to adopt AI tools, but many are discovering the productivity revolution creates more complexity than efficiency.

Why This Matters: Bleys five-step approach offers businesses a practical method to separate genuinely valuable AI from expensive distractions, ensuring investments deliver measurable returns within realistic timeframes.

The promise of artificial intelligence sounds compelling: smarter customer service, faster administration, more time for business growth. Yet for many organisations, the reality falls short. Teams juggle multiple platforms, processes fragment across systems, and the anticipated productivity gains never materialise.

According to Bley, this disconnect stems from purchasing decisions driven by trends rather than need. Too often, businesses purchase technology because its trending, not because it addresses a bottleneck, he explains. The fix requires asking one fundamental question before any investment.

Problem first, tool second

Bley recommends starting with clarity about manual tasks requiring elimination. Whether reconciling invoices, managing customer queries, or scheduling staff rosters, the specific problem should define the solution. This approach prevents accumulating technology that solves problems businesses dont actually have.

The variety of available AI tools presents both opportunity and risk. Without strategic direction, companies add layers of complexity whilst pursuing efficiency. Frustrated team members and fragmented workflows become the unintended outcome.

One pilot at a time

Real-world testing requires focus. Bley advocates piloting one tool at a time with clear success criteria. Is it saving staff hours? Is it reducing errors? Is it improving customer response times? he asks. Isolating trials creates clean data for measuring impact.

Simultaneous pilots muddy results and overwhelm staff, reducing adoption likelihood. By concentrating efforts, businesses gain accurate insights into whether specific tools deliver promised benefits or simply add noise to existing systems.

Training determines success

Even promising AI solutions fail when employees lack proper training to use them effectively. Bley emphasises incorporating training not just during initial rollout, but as ongoing professional development. Embedding AI into everyday processes ensures it becomes a natural part of workflow rather than a forgotten icon on the desktop, he notes.

Tools only prove as effective as the preparation given to those using them. Investment in staff capability determines whether technology transforms operations or becomes another unused subscription draining budgets.

Measure or move on

Return on investment serves as the critical indicator of tool value. If AI doesnt reduce workload or improve customer experience within three to six months, Bley recommends moving on. Software-as-a-service models mean switching costs are lower than ever.

Businesses can measure AI effectiveness by linking tools to clear business goals such as efficiency, cost savings, revenue growth, or customer satisfaction. Tracking both quantitative KPIs like error reduction and faster processing, alongside qualitative feedback from staff and customers, provides comprehensive assessment.

Businesses should treat AI adoption as a cycle of experimentationtest, measure, refine, or replace, Bley states. This iterative approach prevents organisations from remaining locked into underperforming solutions out of sunk cost thinking.

The framework Bley outlines prioritises real problems over trending solutions, careful piloting over rushed adoption, staff training over assumption of intuitive use, and clear measurement over hopeful waiting. In environments where every dollar and hour counts, this disciplined approach helps small businesses harness AI as an engine of efficiency rather than a source of complexity.

For businesses feeling overwhelmed by AI options, the path forward requires stepping back from the hype cycle. By focusing resources on solving specific bottlenecks, testing methodically, investing in capability building, and demanding measurable results within defined timeframes, companies can separate tools adding genuine value from those simply adding noise to already busy operations.

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The Ministry of Education and Training plans to pilot the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into the general education curriculum (grades 112) starting this month.

According to a draft guideline released last week, the pilot will run until May 2026 at selected schools, with specific details yet to be announced.

The ministry will then review and evaluate the results before finalizing the framework for wider implementation in future school years.

The AI education framework is organized around four main knowledge areas: human-centered thinking, AI ethics, AI techniques and applications, and AI system design. Content will be tailored to students' age and cognitive development across two stages: basic education for primary and secondary (6th-9th grades) levels and career orientation (high school).

At the basic level, students will be introduced to AI through visual and audio-based applications, gradually building awareness of personal data protection. Lower secondary students will learn fundamental concepts such as data and algorithms, practice using AI to support learning tasks, and identify potential risks and biases.

In high school, students will learn to design simple AI systems, develop advanced problem-solving skills, and explore career pathways in technology.

The ministry emphasized that incorporating AI will not overload the current curriculum. Schools are encouraged to align AI content with existing learning outcomes, integrating it through themed lessons, project-based learning, or extracurricular clubs.

For teachers, the pilot will explore AI applications in classroom management, lesson planning, and innovative assessment methods.

Resolution 71, issued by the Politburo in August, highlights the need for comprehensive digital transformation, widespread digital literacy, and strong adoption of digital technology and AI in education management at all levels nationwide.

Experts say introducing AI at the primary level is essential but must follow a careful, safe, and age-appropriate roadmap.
The right to breathe in Vietnam's cities

December 1, 2025 | 03:00 pm PT

In Ho Chi Minh City, 60% of the 20-hectare Ben Nha RongKhanh Hoi port site is now designated for a public park, 15 times the originally planned area.

Another unused piece of public land at 1 Ly Thai To, measuring 3.7 hectares, is also set to become green space.

Up north, Hanoi is clearing over two hectares of prime land, previously used for government offices and housing, to build a central plaza besides upgrading Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square.

Together, these moves suggest that Vietnam is entering a new phase in urban planning, one that puts shared, long-term benefits ahead of short-term or narrow interests.

Even so, this hopeful shift stirs an old concern.

For years we have tolerated a troubling paradox in development: "Plan first, fix later." But these fixes rarely happen, unless sparked by an unusual policy breakthrough.

The Khanh Hoi Port project offers a clear example. It remained idle for more than a decade, blocking a critical traffic route that links outer districts to the city center. This caused years of congestion, wasting time and fuel, and affecting the health of hundreds of thousands of commuters.

It became a costly lesson in poor planning and delays.

Part of the Ben Nha RongKhanh Hoi Port site in Ho Chi Minh City will be turned into a park. Photo by VnExpress/Quynh Tran

So the question is: How do we get it right from the start? How can cities avoid the waste and damage caused by mistakes? What institutional reforms are needed so that planning becomes more systematic, where converting public land into community assets is prioritized, and developers are encouraged to pursue balanced outcomes?

Several countries have begun answering this challenge by formally recognizing a new principle called the "Right to Breathe."

This idea has gained global momentum in recent years. In 2021 the United Nations Human Rights Council declared that a "clean, healthy and sustainable environment" is a basic human right, a resolution affirmed by the General Assembly in 2022.

Since then many countries have written this right into national laws or constitutions. It gives legal weight to the protection of air quality, green spaces and public areas, especially as cities become denser.

Living in Japan as both an urban planner and resident, I see clearly why this right must be protected by law.

Like many developed countries, Japan enforces strict zoning regulations and land-use standards for every new development.

These regulations require a 0.25-hectare neighborhood park within 250 meters of every residential cluster, a two-hectare community park within 500 meters and small "pocket parks" for older areas.

Larger regional parks, measuring four hectares or more, serve larger areas, while suburbs have sport forests and disaster-resilient open zones.

Japan's national greening standard mandates 10-15 square meters of park space per resident in line with global best practices.

A new 2024 law on urban green space also ties in climate goals, biodiversity and incentives to green rooftops, parking lots and public buildings.

Despite Tokyo's reputation as a "concrete jungle," the city is home to three major parks, Ueno, Yoyogi and Shinjuku Gyoen, each some 54 hectares in size, the same as Hanoi's Thong Nhat Park.

Further out, Showa Kinen Park spans 150 hectares, making it Japan's largest. The guiding philosophy is simple: green space is not an extra; it is essential infrastructure.

But in Vietnam green space standards fall far short.

The national goal for major cities is seven to nine square meters per resident, but Hanoi has only around two square meters and Ho Chi Minh City, just 0.6.

While standards do exist, they are rarely enforced. Projects that reduce green space get approval, weakening public trust in the law.

Parks are just one part of a larger urban commons. Sidewalks, water bodies, plazas, and playgrounds all form this ecosystem.

In Japan's 1919 City Planning Law, the term "public facility" appears repeatedly with clear definitions.

A separate law enacted in 1968 requires every redevelopment project to state what public infrastructure it will include, where it will be located and how it fits into zoning and environmental plans, and all of those are backed by financial incentives.

Vietnam does have a general Planning Law, but no dedicated law for urban redevelopment. Existing urbam planning work is loosely covered by Government Decree 11/2013, with questionable legal sanctity.

Other countries have made the right to breathe, and to walk, central to their development policies, even before the right to profit.

The riverside parks and walkways that now brighten Hamburg, London and Yokohama were once coal yards and industrial zones.

In the U.K., U.S., Germany, the Netherlands, and Japan, urban redevelopment laws actively support public-benefit features even if they do not always require them.

For example, the U.K.s Planning Act (Section 106) makes developers of former industrial sites contribute to public infrastructure, either financially or in kind.

In Germanys HafenCity, every redevelopment must include a fixed portion of public space and ensure public access to ground floors.

In New York, developers along the waterfront must build public esplanades to receive permits.

The Netherlands Environment and Planning Act allows land swaps, similar to Vietnams land-for-infrastructure model, to maintain public access to riverbanks.

These measures help create layered urban environments, where open riverfronts are in the front of urban projects and commercial buildings are set farther back.

At the same time land values often rise along parks and waterfronts, helping developers recoup costs. Public space, then, is not a trade-off, and can be a generator of value.

Putting public interest first is not only ethical; it is also a test of a city's ability to govern.

In Vietnam, current laws on planning, land and construction barely mention public spaces or community infrastructure.

The 2024 Planning Law touches on parks, green areas, squares, and water surfaces, but only in vague terms.

To truly guarantee the right to breathe, Vietnam must reform its laws.

This means setting clear minimum public space ratios, especially for state-owned land, and making them legally binding. Only then can cities protect green spaces in a structural, lasting way.

Every major urban renewal in advanced countries starts from one belief: The government is not a property developer but is the steward of public value, public memory and public fairness.

Old ports, factories and railroad, once key infrastructure, should be reborn as "urban lungs" or places where people can walk, gather, rest, and feel that the city still belongs to them.

The right to breathe is not a slogan. In hot, crowded cities, it lives in every park, every square, and every riverside path.

Legal measures must safeguard these places.

When cities neglect their public spaces, they suffocate. But when laws protect these green lungs, cities can breathe, and remind us of the core truth that urban development must serve human life.

*To Kien is an architect working as a senior planner and manager of Eight-Japan Engineering Consultants Inc. He has been a lecturer and researcher at universities in Hanoi, Singapore and Fukuoka (Japan).
A group of Vietnamese tourists pose for photos at Onuma National Park, Hokkaido, Japan in November 2024. Photo by Nick M

Six out of ten Vietnamese respondents said visa restrictions affect their travel plans, according to a report by online platform Agoda.

In a survey of 3,353 respondents across nine Asian markets including Vietnam, 91% said they would travel abroad more often if visa procedures were eased and access to new countries improved.

Because of restrictive visa rules, 50% of Vietnamese said they would prioritize domestic travel over international trips, up from 26% last year, Agoda found.

Vietnam's passport has slipped four places to 92nd in the Henley Passport Index 2025, allowing passport holders to enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to just 50 of 227 destinations.

In 2024, 11 million Vietnamese traveled abroad, double from the previous year.

However, popular Asian destinations such as mainland China, Taiwan, South Korea and Japan still require Vietnamese travelers to apply for visas under strict procedures.

Vietnamese travelers want to go to destinations with easier visa access in 2026, said Vu Ngoc Lam, country director at Agoda.
"It's really a true partnership. We feel like they're an extension of our team," - Simon Pearce. Post this

Eliminating Manual Processes to Meet Modern Customer Expectations

SeaRoad, which has been a vital link between Tasmania and mainland Australia for decades, recognised the urgent need to modernise operations as customer expectations evolved beyond their manual, paper based systems.

"It restricted our ability to target more customers, to integrate with them, and to provide a seamless customer experience," said Simon Pearce, Chief Information Officer at SeaRoad." This is all about customer centricity and delivering an outstanding service, so they have no reason to go anywhere else."

Prior to the implementation, SeaRoad faced significant operational challenges including limited visibility across depots, manual data entry processes, and frequent customer enquiries about delivery status. The lack of electronic Proof of Delivery functionality was particularly challenging at their scale of thousands of daily consignments.

Australian Family Business Partnership Delivers Tailored Solution

Building on an existing relationship through Infocomm's Warehouse Management System, SeaRoad chose to expand their partnership by implementing Infocomm's Transport Management System to create a fully integrated solution.

"It's really a true partnership. We feel like they're an extension of our team," said Simon, highlighting the collaborative approach that characterises working with the Melbourne based Australian software company.

The implementation process showcased the benefits of working with a local Australian partner. "The onboarding process was fantastic. From the moment we signed the contract with Infocomm, we had a project manager who was assigned to us through every step of the process, making sure they gathered our requirements very carefully, nothing was missed, and the project was tracked," Simon noted.

Measurable Results Delivered Across Multi-State Operations

Since implementing the cloud based TMS, SeaRoad has achieved significant operational improvements:

Reduced customer queries through real-time tracking and automated delivery notifications

Improved operational visibility across 4 depots in 2 states

Enhanced freight consolidation leading to fuel cost savings and improved efficiency

Streamlined workflows with single platform access replacing multiple disconnected systems

Better forward planning capabilities through comprehensive visibility of consignments

"Since the introduction of ICS (TMS) into the business approximately 12 months ago, the business has seen a great turnaround in visibility of consignments across the company," said Mark Emonson, Terminal Operations Manager at SeaRoad.

The integration between warehouse and transport systems has been particularly successful. "The integration between the WMS and TMS has been seamless," confirmed Kaiden Brazendale, Operations Support at SeaRoad.

Staff Adoption Exceeds Expectations

Despite initial concerns about changing from legacy systems, staff adoption has been overwhelmingly positive across all depot locations. "Like all new systems, everyone's a bit apprehensive of change, but once they got in there and learnt the new Infocomm ICS system, they loved it," said Mark.

Supporting Australian Logistics Industry Growth

The success of this partnership demonstrates the strength of established Australian companies working together to compete in an increasingly demanding logistics environment. Both companies bring decades of industry experience - SeaRoad as an established freight operator and Infocomm with over 30 years of developing logistics specific software solutions.

"Infocomm's TMS solution will support our ability to grow our business," said Simon, emphasising the scalable foundation the partnership has created.

Looking Forward: Continued Digital Transformation

With the TMS and WMS fully embedded, SeaRoad is now preparing the next phase of its digital transformation, planning to integrate its shipping division into the platform to create a truly end to end logistics solution.

For other Australian logistics companies considering similar transformations, Simon offers this advice: "For customers who are considering Infocomm's system, spend the time with Louie and his team to really talk about what you're looking for. They've been doing this a very, very long time, and they know exactly what you're looking for in a transport management system."

About SeaRoad

SeaRoad is a family owned Australian shipping and logistics company that has been a vital link between Tasmania and mainland Australia for decades. Operating with purpose built RoRo vessels and comprehensive logistics infrastructure, SeaRoad ensures the seamless movement of goods across the Bass Strait while providing integrated freight and logistics services.

About Infocomm

Established in 1977 and Australian owned, Infocomm is a leading provider of transport, warehouse and supply chain ERP management software. Based in Melbourne, the company has spent over 30 years developing scalable, cloud based solutions tailored specifically for logistics, freight operators, 3PL providers, and transport companies across Australia and internationally.

Media Contact

Christopher Manser, Infocomm Software, 61 03 8514 0088, [email protected], https://infocomm.com.au/

SOURCE Infocomm Software
Late last week, the European Parliament voted to remove printed books and newspapers from the need to comply with the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) act. The goal of EUDR is to prevent forest degradation by mandating that only "deforestation-free" products can be sold in the European Economic Area, and the newest version of the act had included printed matter.

Initially, EUDR was set to go into effect at the start of 2025, but pushback from scores of industries had delayed implementation until 2026. To prepare of the implementation of EUDR, book and paper manufacturers spent countless hours debating how to meet the requirements as well as making significant financial investments to achieve those objectives.

Nothing is simple where EUDR is concerned, however. While the European Parliament voted to remove printed materials from EUDR, the European Commission has not. A meeting is set for late December to try to reconcile the views of the two organizations. According to reports, the Commission, at least for the moment, is leaning toward another delay in implementing the entire EUDR package and has not endorsed removing books from the act. It is still possible that if the parties can't agree on a resolution, EUDR could go into effect at the end of this year, though that is seen as unlikely.

As one executive told PW about the ongoing process, "there are several changes in the mix," adding for emphasis, "lots and lots and lots."

The EUDR was front and center the 2024 Book Manufacturers Institute annual meeting where various speakers discussed the need to keep preparing to meet the regulations despite the one-year delay, which had been announced a few weeks before the meeting. At the Book Manufacturers Institute's annual meeting this November, the subject was less top of mind; all the paper manufacturer executives on a panel looking at trends said that their companies were set to meet the requirements, although they also all said that they expected there to be some last-minute changes to the regulations and possibly to the timetable for implementation.
Tony-winning Gilded Age, Life & Beth and Gossip Girl actress Laura Benanti says she enjoyed being cast against type as a rookie prison guard and single mother of three kids in Season 4 of the gritty crime drama, Mayor of Kingstown.

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Airing Sundays on Paramount+, the series follows Mike McLusky ( Jeremy Renner ), the powerful liaison between police, criminals and the prison of a Michigan town where everyone has ties to at least one of the three.

"I'm such a fan of the writing and of Jeremy and I don't get to play roles like this a lot. I do a lot of comedy or rich, mean women [characters]," Benanti, 46, told UPI in a recent Zoom interview.

"Getting to play a character that is so wildly different from anything I've done and wildly different from who I am and the way I grew up is such an acting challenge and I'm constantly wanting to stretch myself as an artist. It was a thrill to become a part of this cast."

Hugh Dillon, who co-created the show with Taylor Sheridan and also plays police detective Ian, said that by killing numerous regular characters off in Season 3, the writers were able to expand the world and welcome fresh faces to the story.

"We never stop thinking about it. So, to me, it's not cut up into seasons," said DIllon, 62.

"I'm immersed in it. Taylor and I, when we created it, we built in a particular velocity that'll carry itself and Renner just adds so much, just makes it easy," he explained. "For us, it's just what happens next? And it's not an algorithm and it's not a blueprint."

Season 3 ended with Mike's brother Kyle (Taylor Handley) shooting his fellow cop Robert (Hamish Allan-Headley) during a chaotic gunfight that ultimately lands Kyle in prison.

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"That was Taylor: 'Get them on the bridge, Robert and Kyle.' And then a few days after that, I kind of envisioned the end of Season 4," he recalled.

"Taylor always taught me to know where you're ending and then work backwards and, so, I pitched it to Renner, and he was like, 'I didn't see that coming and you should take a vacation and that's excellent.' And, so, we built it."

Dillon said the inspiration for Benanti's character Cindy came from a real female corrections officer he met while doing research for the show.

"She was a single mom and I just thought, 'What a compelling character,' because you don't see that coming either and then we were just lucky to find Laura," he said.

Benanti praised Dillon as a collaborator who is generous of spirit and interested in other people.

"That really carries through in the writing," she said.

"There's a natural empathy to Hugh that you wouldn't expect to find in a show like this and I think that is what really sets it apart, at least for me, that you get to see the inner life and the inner workings of these characters where we then have to see the outer facade they have created to survive."

The show reunites Benanti with her former Nurse Jackie cast member Edie Falco, who plays Nina, the prison's warden and Cindy's supervisor.

"I did the final season of Nurse Jackie, I played Edie's ex-husband's new wife. So, we had a couple of scenes together. Actually, the first time I ever worked with Edie, I went into a 'white box of acting' where I forgot all of my lines, because she was just so good that I was like, 'How do I get out?" Benanti recalled.

"I didn't realize we were even in the scene, because she was just talking, and I was like: 'Oh, that's what acting is! You don't know someone's acting.' So, she has been my idol for a really long time, so to get to do a scene or a couple of scenes with her, in this show was amazing because we also played extremely, extremely different characters."
Since our founding in 2012, RECOIL remains the premier firearms lifestyle publication for the modern shooting enthusiast. We deliver cutting-edge coverage of guns, gear, accessories and technology. We go beyond basic reviews, providing no B.S. buyers guides, hands-on testing and expert analysis on everything from firearms and survival equipment to watches and vehicles.

Our reviewers are the backbone of our operation and come from diverse shooting backgrounds: Former law enforcement, military veterans, competitive shooters, seasoned hunters and plain old firearms enthusiasts. Furthermore, were not just gun experts, but dedicated journalists who adhere to the strictest standards of our profession.

At RECOIL, editorial independence is the foundation of everything we publish and the cornerstone of reader trust. Our editors, writers and content creators make all editorial decisions independently, free from outside influence. That boils down to: advertisers dont dictate our coverage, the outcomes of our reviews or what we recommend in our buyers guides. First and always, our commitment is to our audienceensuring every review and article is accurate, unbiased, and driven by real-world experience.

Whether youre selecting your next firearm, upgrading your gear, or exploring the latest innovations in the shooting world, RECOIL provides the trusted insights you need to make informed decisions. Learn more about our Editorial Standards and how we review products.
'We've not seen a crypto exchange come back after about 45 per cent of the value on the platform was impacted.'

IMAGE: Nischal Shetty, Founder and CEO, WazirX. Photograph: Kind courtesy WazirX.com

Indian crypto exchange WazirX is picking up from where it left 15 months ago, when a breach wiped out over $230 million.

The platform resumed operations last month after completing its restructuring in Singapore.

Founder and CEO Nischal Shetty outlines a road map for the restart, among other issues, in a video interaction with Ajinkya Kawale and Shivani Shinde/Business Standard.

What is the update following the relaunch of the WazirX platform in India after you got a nod from the Singapore court?

There was no playbook for something like this. We've not seen a crypto exchange come back after about 45 per cent of the value on the platform was impacted.

We took a phased approach before restarting, launching in four phases.

We saw new buyers coming in, and less people left the platform compared to what we thought.

The platform categorised users in three buckets.

One, people who would want to sell because they have not been able to do so in the past 15 months; second, who want to completely exit the platform and third, who would continue to trade.

The majority are in the category where they're continuing to use the platform.

What have been the major learnings from the incident?

Clear communication helped a lot. We had several town halls, content created within the app, on our blog post through the entire restructuring process.

One can't communicate effectively to the entire four million people who were impacted, but we made sure that the majority were (communicated) while keeping our support channels open all through.

We continue to answer people's questions. We have put in measures such as partnership with BitGo (infrastructure provider for virtual digital assets).

It is the largest custody provider with over $90 billion worth of assets under its custody. It also offers $250 million in insurance.

We're putting in efforts to ensure that our platform still remains secure.

Earlier, we were using a third-party infrastructure provider (Liminal Custody). That's where the attack happened. It was not on our servers or on the WazirX Web site.

Liminal has maintained the breach did not happen on its part.

It's only possible to know when both sides cooperate and have a fair analysis through a third party or an independent assessment.

We were using the Liminal Web site and we had three devices that were using it. We don't have anything beyond that.

I don't think there's been a deep analysis on what happened. We are trying to figure out and understand.

It's like a black box for us since there's nothing beyond that Web site that we used. So, there's only so much we can do.

Now, legally we'll have to figure out but that takes time.

Have both of you discussed any opportunities to collaborate on the investigation?

We have tried. If you have not seen a proper report, it means it has not happened.

But attempts have been made now, and we definitely want to understand the truth and what led to this.

The majority of our efforts were focussed on restarting. Now that we have the bandwidth, we'll get into it.

Attempts were made (to collaborate), but it's not turned out the way everyone would want it to be.

By when do you expect the user base to go back to its normal state again?

It's hard to predict. It will take at least three to six months where we'll be able to normalise all the operations and other things.

We'll have to put more effort into attracting active traders back to our platform.

Since the platform was not operational, they had to go to other exchanges to start trading on a daily basis.

We'll need one or two quarters to win back all our active traders.

Why was the Panama-based entity left undisclosed, resulting in the court's initial rejection of the restructuring plan?

When we went for the first round of restructuring, there was no need for any other entity.

It was normal -- we had the Singapore entity and the Indian entity, and that was all.

We got a positive vote. The next step was a court hearing, and the court would approve it if nothing was wrong with the scheme since the majority had voted in favour.

But four days before the hearing, Singapore introduced a new law requiring anyone operating in Singapore to have a licence, even if it didn't serve Singapore customers.

We didn't know it would become law just four days before our hearing.

We knew we couldn't go ahead with the existing structure because we didn't have a licence, and the court wouldn't approve it.

So, we suggested using a Panama entity, because we needed a jurisdiction with no such regulation.

The issue was that this should have been part of the original scheme -- which would have happened if the law had changed earlier.

When we explained this to the court, the court did not reject the scheme. Instead, it asked us to change it and get a fresh vote so everyone was aware.

That gave us time to decide whether we wanted to go that route, and eventually we chose the easier route of using the India entity.

When was the Panama entity established, around the same time or was it there for some time already?

It was established after the (first) voting was done. It was created because we needed a subsidiary to issue the recovery token -- that was already part of the scheme.

The plan clearly stated that we would set up subsidiaries for the recovery token and potentially for future businesses.

We only considered using it for existing funds after the Singapore law changed, in case the law is an issue there.

There are entities in Panama; Zensui Corporation, Zensui Recovery Corporation and Zensui Foundation. Were all of the disclosed during restructuring in Singapore?

What we disclosed was that we would need subsidiaries to issue recovery tokens and to build new businesses.

The number and names of those subsidiaries weren't in the scheme because once you do that, then you have to go with it.

If laws change again and a jurisdiction becomes unusable, we would need to choose another place.

So we took an overview approach -- stating that we would create new subsidiaries or entities as needed for new businesses and token issuance.

One of them is a foundation we don't own; Zensui is the one we do own and planned to use.

But after changing the scheme and moving all funds to the India entity, there's no need to disclose an entity that is no longer being used.

Would there be any adverse outcome from your ongoing litigation in India impacting your operations?

Our legal team will look into it. The scheme has already been implemented, it's active, and it's binding on all 4 million creditors, who now have access to their crypto.

Whatever the outcome of the Indian litigation, we'll go as per what's appropriate.

We know our positions, and we're confident they're the right ones, so we're not concerned.

These litigations each have their own reasons. We'll tackle them as they come, but from an operations standpoint, we don't see any concerns.

What's the status of WazirX's dispute with Binance?

That dispute is ongoing, and when the outcome comes, the scheme already has provisions for the outcomes.

Depending on who is deemed the ultimate owner, it may or may not have an impact -- but for the end user, nothing changes.

Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff
Companies with gas guzzlers are trying to set up the wrong narrative against small cars getting relaxation in the proposed corporate average fuel efficiency (CAFE-III) norms on the basis of weight, Maruti Suzuki senior executive officer corporate affairs Rahul Bharti said on Monday, bringing to the fore deep division among carmakers regarding the upcoming rules.

Photograph: Bhawika Chhabra/Reuters

A section of carmakers, including Tata Motors, is opposing any leniency for small cars under the proposed CAFE-III norms on the basis of weight and affordability, while bigger players like Maruti Suzuki have argued that the idea behind the new norms is to make big cars improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.

Speaking with reporters during the monthly sales call, Bharti charged that incorrect facts and narratives are being pushed in a very irresponsible manner by some companies to take away attention from their large gas-guzzlers.

Some incorrect facts and narratives are being pushed in a very irresponsible manner by the makers of some large gas guzzlers to take away attention from their large gas guzzlers.

"I have heard through our media friends about their (other OEMs) claim of arbitrary relaxation for small cars.

"More than 90 per cent of the world automobile market provides structured relaxations for small cars, he said, reflecting on the deep divide among countries' carmakers regarding the CAFE-III norms.

China does it at about 1090 kg; Europe actually relaxes targets below 1115 kg; Korea at 1100 kg; Japan follows a continuous parabolic curve where the delta in target keeps on reducing with weight.

"The US does it on a footprint of 41 square feet.

"Are they (some OEMs) saying that policymakers of all these countries, Europe, the US, China, Korea, and Japan, have taken arbitrary decisions?

"One should be very careful and do one's research before accusing the governments of all these countries as arbitrary, Bharti thundered.

Earlier Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles MD & CEO, Shailesh Chandra had stated that no leniency must be granted to small cars in the CAFE-III norms on the basis of weight and affordability as it would compromise safety features while distracting from concrete action towards sustainable mobility.

Market leader Maruti Suzuki India has been vocal in proposing such a concession for small cars and its chairman R C Bhargava had argued that the idea behind CAFE norms was to make big cars improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.

Auto industry body Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), of which Chandra is the president, is a divided house on the issue.

While the likes of Maruti Suzuki, Toyota Kirloskar and Honda Cars India want small cars to be granted benefits, others like Tata Motors, Mahindra, Hyundai and Kia are against it.

Chandra had noted that Tata does not support any move to include weight in the definition of small cars.

Such an arbitrary criteria would conflict with one of the country's most critical imperative that is safety, he had stated.

When asked if his comments reflected the division among different companies, Bharti said: I do not think this is true. It is only a limited point of small cars where I would have been much prouder if people took a national view instead of their immediate company's views.

He noted that across the world, small cars are given benefits when it comes to emissions.

Europe has provided 18 per cent relaxation, China, Japan, South Korea and the US all have relaxed targets for the small cars, he added.

So if the whole world is doing it, there must be some wisdom that the policymakers are following, Bharti said.

When asked if the company's small cars like Alto and S Presso would suffer if relaxation is not given, he said: The problem is not in the car.

"The problem is targets. They become really unscientific.

Bharti said the risk is that if the targets become unscientific, then a small car which produces the lowest Co2 will have to be discontinued.

That we don't want. So this is why we want to keep the targets realistic, tough, but realistic and with some stretch, of course, but they should not be globally unachievable, he added.

On the safety aspect, Bharti said all small cars in India follow the same regulations as the big cars.

Maruti Suzuki provides six airbags as standard across all variants, not just the top variants.

"We don't differentiate between the lives of a richer customer and a poorer one.

"However, many companies in India are not doing that.

"They are saving money on the lower variants, avoiding putting six airbags, putting just in the top few variants, and removing them in the lower variants, he stated.

Chandra had noted that diluting emission norms based on weight criteria compromises vehicle safety and will distract from concrete action towards sustainable mobility.

The CAFE norms, started from 2017, set a limit on average fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of a manufacturer's overall fleet with an aim to push carmakers to improve their overall fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.

The CAFE II began in 2022 and the next phase CAFE III is likely to start from April 2027, for which new criteria are currently under discussion between various stakeholders with the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) under the Power Ministry releasing draft regulation in September this year for feedback.

Bharti said Maruti Suzuki will do everything to rejuvenate the small or compact car segments.

Many people were spreading a wrong narrative that the small car is not being purchased as entry customers are directly buying expensive SUVs and so the segment didn't need any support, he stated.

If the large cars and SUVs were growing at high rates and the entry customers were also buying expensive cars, then the industry before GST should have been growing by over 20 per cent, he added.

But it was stagnant at nearly zero per cent. So obviously this narrative is totally incorrect, which the GST benefit has proven, Bharti said.

Today, 3 per cent of India's population owns a car, and it is the collective responsibility to enable people from the 97 per cent club to experience coming into the car ownership club, he added.

And that is the responsibility of the market leader. Maruti Suzuki is a market leader, and leadership, more than anything, means responsibility.

"So, while some companies may want to avail of only the high demand segments, it is Maruti Suzuki's responsibility to take care of all segments, Bharti said.
The United States reaffirmed its commitment to ending the horrific and devastating crime of human trafficking at the High-Level Meeting of the General Assembly on the Appraisal of the UN Global Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons.



In remarks, Michael Heath, U.S. Senior Adviser for East Asian and Pacific Affairs at the UN said, The United States expects these multilateral forums to deliver results, not rhetoric. The United States did not sign the political declaration associated with this event as it included topics unrelated to address human trafficking.



While the United States allowed this declaration to be adopted by consensus, it disassociated itself from certain sections. Indeed, the United States has made clear that the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals impinge upon state sovereignty as a soft form of global governance, and we will no longer reaffirm them as a matter of course, declared Mr. Heath.



The Pact for the Future, the Global Compact on Migration, and the Global Compact on Refugees represent the one-world globalist approach to governance, including supranational management of U.S. border policy, that the Trump Administration has made clear the United States cannot support, he added.



The United States also rejects the terminology around sexual and reproductive healthcare.



This language. . .carries highly controversial meaning, often conflating these terms with notions of abortion, LGBTQ, or other sexual rights for children, said Mr. Heath. This Declaration is an inappropriate forum to raise them. Lastly, the United States has not ratified the Convention of the Rights of the Child, which undermines the nuclear family, weakens the importance of religious communities, and undermines natural rights and the role of parents.



President Donald Trumps Administration is taking decisive action to dismantle trafficking networks that threaten Americas borders and communities. Were targeting criminal and terrorist organizations with enhanced tools and authorities to combat human trafficking. We are vigorously securing our borders, tightening enforcement of our laws, and disrupting the networks that exploit vulnerable individuals, stated Mr. Heath.



To address the sharp growth in online scam operations, many of which use forced labor to fuel their profits and defraud Americans out of billions of dollars each year, the Trump Administration has held scam ringleaders to account. In the last three months alone, the United States has targeted multiple operations in Southeast Asia and China, sanctioning more than 100 targets and seizing billions in bitcoin from defrauded Americans and others worldwide.



Recognizing the needs of victims, the United States is also a world leader in implementing vacatur laws, which can enable survivors to expunge certain convictions for crimes committed as a result of their victimization. More can be done to protect victims from inappropriate punishment, stressed Mr. Heath. It is time for the United Nations to return to its core mission: taking decisive action to combat this crime  not writing overbroad declarations. We will continue to work with like-minded partners and the UN to deliver real results.
With demand continuing to be strong post the festive season, leading automakers, Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra, saw robust growth in sales in November as compared to the same month last year.

Photograph: Ginnette Riquelm/Reuters

Maruti Suzuki India reported the best-ever total sales, including exports, last month at 229,021 units, a year-on-year growth of 26 per cent as compared to November last year.

Total domestic passenger vehicle dispatches to dealers were at 170,971 units compared to 141,312 units in the year-ago month, an increase of 21 per cent.

Overall sales, including LCV Super Carry, in the domestic market rose 21 per cent to 174,593 units. It is the company's highest-ever in any November during the last 40 years.

The carmaker said that it witnessed sales growth in all segments, including small cars and SUVs, last month.

Maruti Suzuki India senior executive officer, marketing & sales, Partho Banerjee, said retail growth was even better, at 31 per cent year-on-year, in November.

He noted that retail sales of its small car portfolio  S Presso, Alto K10, Celerio, WagonR -- witnessed an increase of 37 per cent in November.

Banerjee stated that the company saw a growth in SUV sales as well, with the segment now accounting for 30 per cent of the overall sales.

He noted that the company had a low network stock of around 80,000 units, and 40,000 units were already in transit.

"We are receiving very good traction  currently, we do not have any stock in the factory for 8 models.

"The pending bookings are hovering at around 1.5 lakh units," Banerjee said.

The company reported the highest-ever shipment of 46,057 units last month, a growth of 61 per cent as compared to the same month last year.

Banerjee stated that with demand expected to remain strong, the company is trying to augment production and expects the industry to log in a growth of 5-6 per cent in the current fiscal.

Taking second spot, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles reported a dispatch of 57,436 units in the domestic market, registering a growth of 22 per cent as compared to 47,063 units sold a year ago.

Mahindra & Mahindra, on the other hand, saw its domestic passenger vehicle dispatch rise to 56,336 units last month, a growth of 22 per cent over 46,222 units in the year-ago period.

Hyundai Motor India said its wholesales rose to 50,340 units, as compared to 48,246 units in November 2024, registering a growth of 4 per cent.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor said that its total dispatches to dealers rose by 28 per cent year-on-year to 33,752 units in November.

Similarly, Kia India reported a 24 per cent year-on-year rise in sales at 25,489 units in November as against 20,600 units in the same month last year.

Renault India reported wholesales of 3,662 units last month, compared to 2,811 units in the same month of the previous year, reflecting a 30 per cent year-on-year increase.

In the two-wheeler segment, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India said it sold 591,136 units in November, a year-on-year growth of 25 per cent.

Royal Enfield reported a 22 per cent year-on-year growth in total sales to 100,670 units as compared to a year ago.

Domestic sales last month stood at 90,405 units against 72,236 units in November last year, up 25 per cent.

Bajaj Auto reported a 1 per cent year-on-year dip in domestic two-wheeler sales at 202,510 units in November as compared to 203,611 units in the year-ago period.
A US court's $1.07-billion default judgment against Byju Raveendran can't be enforced directly in India because the US isn't a "reciprocating territory." Creditors must file a new case in an Indian court.

IMAGE: Byju Raveendran. Photograph: Kind courtesy, Byju's

A $1.07 billion default judgment against Byju Raveendran by a Delaware bankruptcy court faces significant legal obstacles before it can be enforced in India, according to legal experts, highlighting the complexities of cross-border debt recovery and the limits of US court jurisdiction over foreign nationals.

The ruling, issued November 20 after the edtech entrepreneur failed to comply with discovery orders, represents one of the largest personal liability judgments against an Indian startup founder but may carry little immediate practical weight in his home country.

The judgment against Raveendran, founder of Think and Learn Private Limited (TLPL), parent company of troubled edtech firm Byju's, came after Byju's Alpha and US lender GLAS Trust Company LLC sought repayment of funds they allege were improperly diverted.

The court found Raveendran had been evasive on multiple occasions and awarded $533 million on one count and $540.6 million on three others, while also ordering a full accounting of the disputed Alpha funds.

Byju's Alpha was incorporated in Delaware in 2021 as a special-purpose vehicle for a $1.2 billion term loan.

Lenders later took control and alleged $533 million was "roundtripped" to Raveendran and his affiliates -- a claim the founders reject.

Why can't a US default judgment be enforced directly in India?

Yet enforcing that judgment in India will require GLAS Trust to navigate a legal framework that offers no shortcuts for US court decisions.

India doesn't recognise the United States as a reciprocating territory under its civil procedure code, meaning the Delaware ruling cannot be executed directly.

Instead, creditors must file a fresh civil suit in Indian courts, where the foreign judgment serves as evidence rather than a binding order.

Legal sources in India close to the founders said the judgment's vulnerabilities are compounded by its nature as a default decree.

"The US default judgment against Mr. Raveendran, rendered without a trial on merits and getting appealed, has no automatic enforceability in India. Indian law requires a fresh civil suit for any foreign decree from a non-reciprocating country like the United States, and our courts have consistently held that such default judgments are not conclusive," the sources told Business Standard.

"The Indian legal system guarantees every individual the right to a full defence and fair trial and any attempt to enforce this judgment here would face serious legal and constitutional scrutiny."

Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff

How do Indian courts evaluate foreign judgments under Section 13?

Indian courts apply strict tests under Section 13 of the Civil Procedure Code before recognising foreign judgments, and can refuse recognition if the judgment wasn't rendered on merits or violated natural justice principles.

"It is important to note that this judgment was delivered by the lowermost court in the US and remains subject to appeal and a proper trial based on evidence and cross-examination," the sources added. "Further, this order has no bearing whatsoever on the ongoing proceedings in India."

Salman Waris, managing partner at tech law firm TechLegis Advocates & Solicitors, said enforcing the Delaware judgment is challenging because US rulings have no automatic force in India.

"Indian courts treat US judgments as foreign decrees, and the success rate for recognition remains low -- often just 20 per cent to 30 per cent," Waris said.

He noted GLAS would have to file a fresh execution suit in an Indian court using the apostilled US judgment as evidence before targeting Raveendran's domestic assets.

Can GLAS still pursue enforcement through Indian courts?

While acknowledging the procedural hurdles for enforcement prospects, Sonam Chandwani, managing partner at KS Legal & Associates, said the specific circumstances of the Delaware ruling could influence how Indian courts approach recognition.

"The enforcement of a Delaware money judgment against an Indian national is neither automatic nor straightforward, but it is legally feasible through established recognition and execution proceedings in India," Chandwani said.

"GLAS Trust would be required to approach an Indian court and seek recognition of the US decree, where Raveendran may raise objections limited to jurisdiction, due process, and compliance with Section 13 of the CPC. However, where the record reflects that he had notice, representation, and repeated opportunities to comply, Indian courts are less inclined to treat the judgment as a mere ex parte decree and more likely to view it as a consequence of wilful non-cooperation."

Chandwani noted that if the judgment is recognised, GLAS could proceed to attach Raveendran's Indian assets, including personal properties and equity interests.

"Although the process will be protracted and contested, a Delaware judgment grounded in contempt and discovery obstruction carries substantial persuasive weight, and Indian courts may order interim protection if there is evidence of dissipation or concealment of assets," she said.

What legal recourse does Raveendran have in the US?

Raveendran's legal team has announced plans to appeal in a higher court, arguing he was denied the right to present a defence. His senior litigation advisor, J Michael McNutt of Lazareff Le Bars Eurl, said the court "ignored relevant facts" and that "Byju Raveendran must be allowed to present a defence and has been denied the right to do so by expediting the trial."

The distinction between a default judgment and one rendered after trial becomes critical in any appeal.

Chandwani said a default judgment imposed as a sanction for sustained discovery violations and contempt stands on a markedly different footing from a judgment rendered after trial, as the court effectively concludes that the defendant's conduct has frustrated the adjudicatory process and thereby forfeited his right to contest the claims."

"Appellate review of such sanctions is highly deferential, and Raveendran's prospects of reversal are limited unless he can demonstrate that non-compliance stemmed from genuine impossibility rather than deliberate refusal."

McNutt said Raveendran's team plans to file counter-claims seeking at least $2.5 billion in damages before year-end.

"GLAS Trust controls Think & Learn Private Limited and the Resolution Professional of TLPL should be confronted and held responsible to explain the use of these funds," he said.

Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff
In a federal democracy, the people must have a say (indirect or direct) in an office as important as that of governor.

Especially in a governor who can now effectively veto a bill by simply refusing to sign it, argues Harishchandra.

IMAGE: Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi pays tribute to the late President A P J Abdul Kalam on his birth anniversary at Alagappa University in Karaikudi. Photograph: @rajbhavan_tn X/ANI Photo

In the popular OTT series, The Crown, there is an episode where a young Queen Elizabeth II pulls up the much older prime minister, telling him that while it is his job to run the country, it is her job to ensure that the country is being run properly by those elected to do so.

It is a poignant revelation dividing the power between the queen and prime minister (and his cabinet).

In India, the same situation would apply to the President and prime minister, the governor and chief minister.

On November 20, 2025, a five-member Supreme Court bench replied to a reference made by the President of India regarding the timely assent to bills cleared by the government.

The Supreme Court court order reverses an earlier judgment in April 2025 when a two-judges bench had set timelines for the governor to clear bills in a fixed time frame.

The reasoning for the April 2025 judgment was simple: The Constitution clearly mandates that the governor 'shall' assent to a bill that has been cleared for the second time by the cabinet.

Not assenting to such a bill gives the governor a veto power to an unelected governor and is against the very spirit and essence of democracy.

Unfortunately, since the Constitution does not mandate a time frame, the April verdict set forth a time frame.

Now, this very time frame judgment has been reversed, which in effect, makes the governor the unelected ruler.

If a governor decides, for whatever reason, that s/he doesn't like a bill, s/he can simply refuse to assent to it. This is not what the Constitution mandated.

Governors are appointed and dismissed by the Centre, which means that governors, in effect, are instruments of the Centre.

Starting with the Congress, governors have been used to destablise or dismiss popularly elected governments at will in the states that were ruled by Opposition parties.

The Bharatiya Janata Party has taken a leaf out of the Congress book. Governors in the Opposition ruled states of Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Kerala and other states have time and again overstepped their Constitutional limits.

In fact, it was the actions of Tamil Nadu Governor, R N Ravi (a former police officer), who refused to approve a bill that was cleared twice by the Tamil Nadu assembly, in clear contravention of his Constitutional duty, that led to the case and the April verdict.

It cannot be a coincidence that in almost every state ruled by Opposition parties, the state government and the Centre-appointed governors are at loggerheads.

To be clear, the five-bench ruling, which does away with the concept of 'deemed assent' (a bill will be deemed assented whether signed or not by the governor after a fixed time), does say governors cannot sit on bills 'in perpetuity'.

But by not setting a time frame, it is very much up to individual governors who can take their own sweet time.

This does augur well for the states, for India, and for federalism.

The present system whereby the Centre appoints governors without any reference to the state is undeniably non-democratic, and against the concept of federalism.

Such governors owe their very existence to the pleasure of their masters in Delhi, and in such a situation, it is the rare governor who actually obeys the Constitution rather than the Centre.

We need a better way to choose our governors. Here's a suggestion:

IMAGE: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin. Photograph: TN DIPR/ANI Video Grab

In the UK, there is a monarch that assents to the bill. As a republic, our Constitutional fathers created the office of a President, as an equivalent of the monarch, and whose assent finally turns a bill into law.

The President is elected by members of Parliament and the elected members of the state assemblies. Thus, it is rightly said, the President is indirectly elected by the people of India.

When it comes to governors, the Constitution gives the Centre a free hand to appoint them, a decision that has caused harm as the quality of our body politic declined over the decades.

It is time that states have a role in the appointment of their respective governors.

It is time that states elect their governors, just as how India elects its President.

The governor should be elected by the state assembly and the elected members of the local bodies (municipal corporations, panchayats, development boards, etc).

Thus, just like the President at the India level, governors would be elected by the representatives of the people.

A governor would be indirectly elected by the people, with a fixed term.

Of course, the details will have to be worked out, and the many requirements fine-tuned.

An added advantage would be that such an election would give more power to the local bodies and their elected officials.

As has been pointed out: Many Mumbaikars know the name of New York's mayor-elect, but few, if any, can name the mayor of Mumbai (without googling).

[If you did Google, you'll find that currently there is no elected mayor of Mumbai.]

In a federal democracy, the people must have a say (indirect or direct) in an office as important as that of governor.

Especially in a governor who can now effectively veto a bill by simply refusing to sign it.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff
Even if D K Shivakumar wanted to oust Siddaramaiah, whose support would he take?

The shrewd politician that he is, Siddaramaiah figured his rival had no option but to lump it, points out Aditi Phadnis.

IMAGE: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah with Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar. Photograph: Kind courtesy @DKShivakumar/X

Late last month, Karnataka politics saw a decisive turning point. Two remarks highlighted this.

'When I first became finance minister, I was mocked that this Kuruba can't even count sheep. I took that as a challenge and went on to present 16 Budgets,' Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said as he presented the state Budget.

'I'll present the 17th Budget, too," he added. The Congress leadership in the state tried to look carefully expressionless.

Within days, his deputy and state Congress chief, D K Shivakumar, presented an enigma wrapped in a mystery and cloaked as a threat when he said at a party event: 'I cannot hold the post (of Congress chief) permanently ... it has already been five-and-a-half years and in March it will be six.'

When asked about leadership change in the state government, he advised reporters to 'consult an astrologer'.

And so, Karnataka's quest for a November revolution ended -- not with a bang but with a whimper.

The background is well known. In November, the Congress government completed two-and-a-half years of its tenure in power.

According to a supposed understanding reached between the two tallest leaders in the Congress in the state in 2023 just after the assembly polls, Mr Siddaramaiah would be chief minister for the first half of the five-year term, followed by Mr Shivakumar.

In the interim Mr Shivakumar was made deputy chief minister.

Congress General Secretary K C Venugopal may have unwittingly (though this is unlikely) had earlier provided substance to the power-sharing arrangement by saying that Mr Shivakumar would serve as state party president until the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, suggesting he might get another job after that.

In Karnataka rotating chief ministerships have not worked so well.

In 2006, Janata Dal-Secular leader H D Kumaraswamy, now a Union minister, engineered a kind of coup to form a coalition government with the Bharatiya Janata Party with 45 legislators on his side as against the BJP's 79.

He had forged a gentleman's agreement to share power for 20 months each before the assembly polls, which were supposed to be held in 2009, but reneged on his part of the deal.

B S Yediyurappa became chief minister, but for just seven days, as Mr Kumaraswamy withdrew support from the coalition, forcing the government to fall.

That was a rotation arrangement between two different parties.

In this case, even if Mr Shivakumar wanted to oust Mr Siddaramaiah, whose support would he take? The shrewd politician that he is, Mr Siddaramaiah figured his rival had no option but to lump it.

And the high command in New Delhi saw no reason to rock the boat.

The Congress in Rajasthan saw the same story being played out. In 2018, Sachin Pilot, state Congress president, led the Congress to victory in the assembly elections but Ashok Gehlot became chief minister.

Mr Pilot, who implied some assurances had been given to him at the time of the elections, rebelled, tarring his own government with charges of corruption and preparing to jump ship by forming a government with the BJP's help.

The party averted that crisis but he never got to be chief minister.

For Mr Shivakumar, the stakes are higher. Mr Pilot is not yet 50 and has many more years in politics.

Mr Shivakumar is 63, and if the Congress doesn't return to power -- as seems likely -- in 2028, when assembly elections are due, he will have to wait till 2033 to become chief minister. He will be 71.

Mr Shivakumar is a Vokkaliga. Heads of the Vokkaliga mutts openly backed him for chief minister in 2023.

But it has turned into an interminable wait and the religious leaders are privately wondering if they made a mistake in putting their weight behind him.

With Mr Siddaramaiah's announcement that he would be the one presenting the next state Budget as well, Mr Shivakumar has begun making his moves.

Mr Shivakumar reckons this is the time to strike -- when the party leadership is on the defensive after the disastrous performance in Bihar.

His MLAs have never shied away from reminding anyone who's listening that he is the biggest resource-person for the Congress.

There are many examples of his resource-raising and organisational skills: In 2002, when he corralled MLAs in a resort to prevent floor crossing, which would have caused the state government (in which the Congress figured) in Maharashtra to fall, and on many later occasions.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff
The Punjab police on Monday said that four arrests have been made in connection with the grenade attack at a police station in the Gurdaspur district.

IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: ANI Photo

The police also recovered a P-86 hand grenade and two pistols from their possession.

The arrested have been identified as Pradeep Kumar, a resident of Hoshiarpur; Gurdit, a resident of Gurdaspur; Naveen Chaudhary and Kush, both residents of Talwara in Hoshiarpur, police added.

A grenade attack occurred outside the city police station in Gurdaspur on November 25. Initially, the police had denied such an attack.

Deputy Inspector General of Police (Border Range) Sandeep Goel said that preliminary investigations revealed that the grenade attack at the Gurdaspur police station was masterminded by Pakistan-based ISI-sponsored gangster Shahzad Bhatti and his associate Zeeshan Akhtar, with assistance from their US-based handler Amandeep Singh alias Aman Pannu from Gurdaspur.

He said the probe also revealed that Aman Pannu used to recruit foot soldiers to execute terror attacks in the border state at the direction of Shahzad Bhatti and Zeeshan Akhtar.

Sharing operation details, the DIG said that in an intelligence-led operation, police teams arrested two suspects identified as Pradeep and Gurdit, who provided financial and logistics support to the accused, Hargun, Vikas and Mohan, who had hurled the grenade at the police station.

Hargun and Vikas were arrested by the Delhi police.

The DIG further informed that during the interrogation, Pradeep and Gurdit revealed the role of Naveen Chaudhary and Kush, who received two hand grenades sent by Zeeshan Akhtar, of which they handed over one to the module that hurled the grenade at Gurdaspur Police Station on the directions of Shahzad Bhatti.

Preliminary investigation also revealed that the duo were planning another grenade attack to create terror and disturb the peace and harmony of the state, the DIG said, adding that with the recovery of a hand grenade, the attack has been averted.

Sharing more details, Senior Superintendent of Police Gurdaspur Aditya said that following technical and intelligence leads, police teams managed to locate suspects Naveen Chaudhary and Kush near the Jagatpur village.

When stopped at a police checkpoint at village Jagatpur, both suspects opened fire on the police party, he said, adding that in self-defence, police teams retaliated, resulting in injuries to Naveen and Kush.

Both the accused were immediately shifted to the local hospital for medical care and are currently under treatment, he added.

The SSP said that police teams recovered a hand grenade and two pistols from their possession, following which the scene was cordoned off, and the bomb disposal team was called to sanitise the area and defuse the grenade.
Security along the Line of Control remained tight, with all 69 active launching pads under watch, where an estimated 100 to 120 terrorists were believed to be waiting to infiltrate, a senior Border Security Force official said.

IMAGE: BSF personnel patrol along the Line of Control that is blanketed with thick snow, at Keran sector in Kupwara, Jammu and Kashmir, January 7, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo

BSF inspector general (Kashmir Frontier) Ashok Yadav, during the annual press conference on Monday, said that the force is monitoring all 69 active launching pads across the LoC, where an estimated 100 to 120 terrorists were waiting to infiltrate into Kashmir.

He added that the BSF, working with the Army, had neutralised eight terrorists in four infiltration attempts in 2025.

Yadav also said that the G Branch of the BSF had played a major role in providing intelligence on the movements and activities of terrorist groups and their cadres.

"Our G unit is keeping a close watch on all the 69 active launching pads along the LoC, where around 100-120 terrorists have been waiting to infiltrate," he said.

"BSF, in coordination with the army, neutralised 8 terrorists in 4 infiltration attempts made by them in the year 2025... The G Branch of BSF has also contributed immensely in providing important operational intelligence on movements and activities of terrorist groups and their cadres...Our G unit is keeping a close watch on all the 69 active launching pads along the LoC, where around 100-120 terrorists have been waiting to infiltrate. Simultaneously, various training camps of terrorists are also under scrutiny of our intelligence wing..." Yadav added.

During the annual press conference, Yadav also pointed out that the "most remarkable achievement" of the BSF in 2025-26 had been Operation Sindoor.

"The most remarkable achievement of BSF in 2025-26 has been Ops 'Sindoor', during which BSF units along with the Indian Army had effectively executed fire assaults on Pak posts and terrorist launching pads along the LoC... All BSF units of Kashmir Frontier, including its Artillery regiments, had carried out heavy and accurate shelling and firing on enemy posts and bunkers, causing huge casualties to Pak troops, heavy damage to their forward posts and complete destruction of some of the terrorists' launching pads along the LoC," he said.

He said that after the attack on tourists in Pahalgam, the BSF had deployed specialised counter-insurgency and counter-terror teams in Gulmarg.

"Following Pahalgam attack on tourists, specially trained BSF CI/CT teams have been deployed in the Gulmarg area for providing security to the tourists along with J&K Police," Yadav said.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Sunday said Shiv Sena MLA Nilesh Rane, who has taken on the Bharatiya Janata Party in Sindhudurg district, is a diamond found by the party in the Konkan region.

IMAGE: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, left, with Shiv Sena MLA Nilesh Rane, right. Photograph: @meNeeleshNRane/X

Addressing a party rally in Malvan, Shinde said Nilesh, the MLA from Kudal constituency, is the strong currency of the Shiv Sena.

"He does not fear anyone because he has learnt it from his father (former chief minister Narayan Rane). Whatever the opposition, he will prevail over them because he has the backing of Eknath Shinde.

"There is nothing to fear while doing good work. Nilesh Rane is a diamond found by the Shiv Sena in Konkan," Shinde said.

His remarks come after the Sindhudurg Police registered an FIR against Nilesh Rane on Friday on the charge of trespassing on a BJP supporter's house, days after the Shiv Sena MLA alleged that bags of cash meant for distribution to voters were found there during his "sting operation".

The case was filed on Friday at the Malvan police station, based on a complaint filed by BJP worker Vijay Kenavadekar, a police official said on Saturday.

Ahead of the local body polls, Sindhudurg district has become a focal point of an intense struggle between the BJP and the Shiv Sena, where Nilesh and his brother and BJP minister Nitesh Rane, are locked in a bitter campaign.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane has claimed that Shiv Sena workers campaigning for a Sena-UBT candidate in Sindhudurg district raised doubts about Deputy CM Eknath Shinde's past claims that he had rebelled against the then MVA government due to "injustice".

Rane said the situation raised serious doubts about the justification of Shinde's rebellion in 2022. His elder brother Nilesh Rane is an MLA from the Shinde-led Sena.

"Eknath Shinde had claimed he witnessed injustice to Shiv Sena workers under then chief minister and Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray; hence, he rebelled. If he rebelled then, why are his party workers campaigning for Sandesh Parkar, a Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena-UBT leader and candidate in the Kankavli municipal council elections?" he asked while speaking to reporters in Sindhudurg district on Saturday evening.

Rane said that not only the people of Sindhudurg, but the entire Maharashtra will ask Shinde whether there is any meaning left to his so-called rebellion.

The latest outburst against Shinde came at the fag end of the campaigning for the first phase of local body polls, scheduled for December 2, marked by shifting political alliances and one-upmanship bids by leaders of Mahayuti allies, the BJP and Shiv Sena.

Shinde engineered a split in the undivided Shiv Sena in June 2022, leading to the collapse of the Uddhav Thackeray-led MVA government.

Shinde successfully established an alliance with the BJP and was sworn in as the Chief Minister, with BJP's Devendra Fadnavis being sworn in as the Deputy Chief Minister.

In February 2024, Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar ruled that Shinde's faction was the "real Shiv Sena" political party.

After the BJP emerged as the single largest party in the 2024 assembly polls, Shinde resigned from the post of the Chief Minister in December that year, succeeded by Fadnavis.
A Bangladesh court on Monday convicted and sentenced deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina to five years of imprisonment and her niece, British parliamentarian Tulip Siddiq, to a two-year jail term in a land scam case.

IMAGE: Deposed Bangladeshi prime minister Sheikh Hasina. Photograph: Mohammad Ponir Hossain/Reuters

Judge Md Rabiul Alam of the special judge's Court-4 of Dhaka also handed down a seven-year jail term to Hasina's sister, Sheikh Rehana, in the corruption case lodged against 17 people.

The court handed down the verdict in a packed courtroom in the absence of the three accused.

The 14 other accused are former government officials who were handed down a five-year prison term each, but only one of them was in jail and faced the trial in person.

The court also imposed a fine of Tk 1 lakh each on all 17 convicts, including Hasina, Rehana, and Siddiq, failing which they will have to serve an additional six months in jail.

Siddiq, a British-Bangladeshi Labour Party politician, is Rehana's daughter and has been the Member of Parliament for Hampstead and Highgate since 2015.

In a statement in London, Siddiq, 43, condemned the sentencing as "unjustified" and said she refused to be "distracted by the dirty politics of Bangladesh".

"The outcome of this kangaroo court is as predictable as it is unjustified. I hope this so-called 'verdict' will be treated with the contempt it deserves," she said.

The interim government in April issued an arrest warrant for Siddiq as part of investigations into corruption during Hasina's premiership.

She was found guilty of influencing her aunt, Hasina, to secure a plot of land for her mother, brother, and sister, on the outskirts of Dhaka, a charge she strongly denies.

Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) prosecutor Khan Mainul Hasan claimed Siddiq called the then premier's principal secretary Salahuddin Ahmed via encrypted apps and even met him while she was in Dhaka.

"Tulip (Siddiq) insisted that her aunt Sheikh Hasina allocate plots for her mother and siblings, as she herself took three -- one for her and two for her children," the prosecutor said.

The ACC lawyer said the graft commission planned to seek Interpol assistance for the extradition of the high-profile convicts -- Hasina, Rehana and Siddiq.

This is the fourth verdict involving 78-year-old Hasina in graft cases filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), The Daily Star newspaper reported.

The ACC filed the land scam case on January 13 against 15 people, including Hasina, Rehana and Siddiq, over allegations that they unlawfully obtained plot allocations during the former premier's tenure.

The Investigating Officer later submitted a charge sheet against 17 accused on March 10.

According to The Dhaka Tribune, the ACC filed six separate cases between January 12 and 14 with its Dhaka Integrated District Office-1 over alleged irregularities in the allocation of plots under the Purbachal New Town project.

The anti-graft body alleged that Hasina, in collusion with senior Rajuk officials, unlawfully secured six plots, each measuring 10 kathas (7,200 square feet), in the diplomatic zone of Sector 27 of the Purbachal New Town project for herself, her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, daughter Saima Wazed Putul, sister Rehana, her son Bobby and daughter Azmina despite their ineligibility under existing regulations.

ACC officials said Siddiq used her power to get plots for Rehana, Bobby, and Azmina.

Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk) is the state-run agency responsible for monitoring compliance from planning to construction of government-aided buildings in Bangladesh.

Charges were framed against 29 people on July 31, including Hasina, Rehana, Joy, Putul, and Siddiq, in their respective cases.

On November 27, Hasina was sentenced to 21 years of rigorous imprisonment, seven years in each of the three cases filed over the Purbachal plot scam. Joy and Putul were co-accused in separate cases, one each, and were sentenced to five years of imprisonment.

According to a BBC report, Siddiq, who is based in London, is unlikely to serve the sentence.

The UK does not have an extradition treaty in place with Bangladesh. It is categorised as a 2B country, meaning clear evidence needs to be presented to lawyers and judges to authorise any extradition.

While delivering Monday's verdict, the judge said, "The court has full authority to try any Bangladeshi, whether the person is in the country or abroad."

Siddiq's lawyers have disputed that she is a Bangladeshi citizen, arguing that she has "never had" an ID card or voter ID, and "has not held a passport since she was a child".

Siddiq, who quit as a UK treasury minister in January over controversy around her ties to Hasina, was not compelled by authorities to return to Dhaka for the trial despite authorities there issuing an arrest warrant, the report said.

Hasina has been living in India since she fled Bangladesh on August 5 last year following a massive protest that toppled her Awami League government. She was earlier declared a fugitive by a court.

Last month, Hasina was sentenced to death in absentia by a special tribunal for "crimes against humanity" over her government's brutal crackdown on student-led protests last year.

The ousted premier maintains the charges against her are "biased and politically motivated".

Foreign Affairs Adviser M Touhid Hossain last week said Bangladesh expects a response from India to its earlier request seeking the extradition of Hasina, as the situation is different now with the judicial process completed and the former premier convicted.

New Delhi has said it is examining the interim government's request to extradite Hasina and asserted that it is committed to ensuring the best interests of the people of that country.

Most Awami League leaders have either been arrested or have fled the country since the collapse of the Hasina regime.
The Central Bureau of Investigation on Monday arrested an "absconder" carrying a Rs 10 lakh reward in connection with the sensational 1989 kidnapping of Rubaiyya Sayeed, the daughter of the then Union Home Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed, for allegedly being part of a conspiracy hatched by members of the banned Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front terror group.

IMAGE: Aabsconder Shafat Ahmed Shangloo was carrying a Rs 10 lakh reward in connection with the sensational 1989 kidnapping of Rubaiyya Sayeed. Photograph: Kind courtesy Umar Ganie

The person, identified as Shafat Ahmed Shangloo, is alleged to be a close confidant of Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) chief Yasin Malik.

The Central Bureau of Investigation has arrested an "absconder", Shafat Ahmed Shangloo, wanted in the 35-year-old case relating to the kidnapping of Rubaiyya Sayeed, the agency said in a statement.

"The said accused Shangloo conspired with Yasin Malik and others in committing a crime under various sections of Ranbir Penal Code and TADA Act during the Year 1989.

"The absconder is carrying a reward of Rs. 10 lakh on his head. He will be produced before the TADA Court Jammu, within the stipulated time as per law," the CBI Spokesperson said.

According to officials, Shangloo was allegedly an office bearer of the banned terror group and was handling the outfit's finances.

The CBI, along with the Jammu and Kashmir Police, arrested Shangloo from his residence in the Nishat area in Srinagar after following the due legal process, the officials said.

Malik, who has been attending the court hearings through video-conferencing, has been identified by eyewitnesses, including Rubaiyya Sayeed.

The JKLF chief, who is serving a jail term in Delhi's Tihar Jail in a terror financing case, is not produced in the court physically due to a Ministry of Home Affairs order restricting his movement.

During the court hearings, Sayeed had identified four other accused besides Malik of being involved in the heinous crime.

She was abducted from near Lal Ded Hospital in Srinagar on December 8, 1989, and was freed five days later after the then V P Singh government, which was supported by the BJP, at the Centre released five terrorists in exchange.

Now living in Tamil Nadu, Sayeed is listed as a prosecution witness by the CBI, which took over the case in 1990.

Malik, 56, was sentenced by a special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court in May last year. He was arrested in early 2019 in connection with the 2017 terror financing case registered by the NIA.

In order to expedite the trial, the CBI had appointed its senior counsel Monika Kohli as the chief prosecutor after framing charges against Malik in the much-publicised cases related to the Sayeed's abduction and killing of four IAF personnel in Srinagar more than three decades ago.

Kohli, a leading lawyer, has been representing the CBI as a retainer counsel in the High Court for the last one decade and had successfully opposed bail to Malik in the two sensational cases which had taken place in 1989-90 when militancy broke out in the valley.

A special TADA court has already framed charges against Malik and nine others in the kidnapping case of Sayeed.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday sharply criticised the State Election Commission's (SEC) decision to postpone some of the upcoming local body elections, terming the move "wrong" and "unfair" to candidates.

Speaking to reporters here before heading to his poll campaign rally in Paithan, the chief minister argued that cancelling elections at the last moment due to petitions or sub judice matters was an unjust action against those who had completed the full nomination process.

IMAGE: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at a vijay sankalp rally for BJP candidates contesting the posts of municipal presidents and councillors, Akola, November 25, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo

"The decision to postpone some of the elections, triggered by someone's petition in court and sub judice matters, was unfair to other candidates," Fadnavis said.

The chief minister questioned the SEC's legal basis for the postponement, saying, "I don't know who the Election Commission is consulting. But as far as I know about law, elections cannot be postponed because someone has moved the court."

The statement from the chief minister came after the SEC announced postponing Tuesday's elections in some seats. The official number where the polls had been deferred was yet to be announced by the state election body.

The chief minister cited the case of Nilanga in Latur district as an example where the entire election process had been completed. "Someone whose candidature was rejected went to the court," he said, adding, "The candidates who filed their nominations got a complete time for the election process. Cancelling the elections at such a moment because someone has gone to court is completely wrong."

While acknowledging the SEC's independence, Fadnavis maintained his firm stance against the decision. "The Election Commission is an independent institution and has the right to make decisions. But the postponement of the elections is completely wrong," he said.

He said the decision was unfair to the candidates who had completed the poll formalities.

"Their entire work is wasted and they have to do campaigning for 15 more days. We will give a representation to the Election Commission about this," Fadnavis said.

"The Election Commission received many representations about this (against the postponement) yesterday. They had a meeting with the district collectors, but the decision (to postpone some of the polls) was taken. We have to accept this decision, but the decision is wrong," he added.

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde also termed the SEC's decision to postpone the elections as "unfortunate", and said the poll process has never been stopped once the nomination papers are filed and withdrawn, and the campaigning is at the fag end.

"Elections are never stopped once the process begins till it concludes. But this time, it has unfortunately been stopped. I will talk about it once I gather all the information," Shinde told reporters before departing for Paithan for a poll rally.

Meanwhile, on the tension between allies BJP and Shiv Sena in Sindhudurg ahead of the local body polls, Fadnavis said he supports everyone who "behaves well".

"I don't stand with a wrong person, even if the person is from my party. But the situation of Rane versus Rane is not good. We have to introspect about this after the elections," he added.

The Sindhudurg police on Saturday registered an FIR against Nilesh Rane, an MLA of the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, for "trespassing" into a BJP supporter's house. Rane had 'raided' the BJP supporter's house and claimed to have found bags of cash meant for distribution to voters ahead of civic polls.

His brother and state minister Nitesh Rane, who is a BJP leader, later rejected the allegations, arguing that many political workers had legitimate business income and keeping cash at home should not be construed otherwise.

Nitesh Rane also said that Shiv Sena workers campaigning for a rival Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate in Sindhudurg district raised doubts about Deputy CM Eknath Shinde's past claims that he had rebelled against the then Uddhav Thackeray-led Maha Vikas Aghadi government due to "injustice".
SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 30 (Xinhua) -- At least four people were killed and ten others injured in a shooting on Saturday night during a family gathering in Stockton, a city in northern California, authorities said.

The shooting occurred around 6 p.m. Pacific Time (0200 GMT on Sunday) and the victims included both juveniles and adults, said Heather Brent, spokesperson for the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office, at a briefing.

The suspect remained at large and no arrests have been made, Brent said.

"Early indications suggest this may be a targeted incident, and investigators are exploring all possibilities," the office said in a Facebook post.

The "mass shooting" took place at a child's birthday party in an ice cream shop, according to Stockton Vice Mayor Jason Lee.

Authorities have not yet released details about the suspect or a possible motive, and the circumstances leading to the shooting remain unclear. California Governor Gavin Newsom has been briefed on the incident.

Editor: WSH
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Monday asserted in the Rajya Sabha that the government is not averse to holding a discussion on SIR or electoral reforms, as he asked the Opposition not to insist on setting a timeline.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Union Ministers Kiren Rijiju and JP Nadda and others in Rajya Sabha during the winter session of Parliament, in New Delhi, December 1, 2025. Photograph: Sansad TV/ANI Video Grab

He was responding to opposition members who were demanding an immediate discussion on the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls or electoral reforms in the House.

Not satisfied with the minister's response, members of several Opposition parties staged a walkout from the Upper House.

Responding to the opposition parties' demand to start an immediate discussion on the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls or electoral reforms, the minister sought more time to respond to the matter.

Chairman CP Radhakrishnan earlier disallowed the notices given by nine opposition members on several issues, including a discussion on SIR under rule 267, leading to protests by the Opposition.

The chairman later asked members to raise their Zero Hour mentions.

"Nobody is undermining any matter which was brought out by the opposition party yesterday in the all-party meeting or Business Advisory Committee today. What I am saying is, it is under the consideration of the government," Rijiju said.

"...if you put a condition that it has to be taken up today itself, then it becomes difficult, because you have to give certain space," he added.

The minister informed that certain Opposition parties raised matters other than the SIR and stressed the need to protect their rights as well.

"However, I am saying again, the matter related to whatever you call it, special intensive revision or electoral reforms or whatever. I have stated before the beginning of the winter session that the government is not averse to taking up discussion on anything," Rijiju said.

"Please give us some time while there are other businesses, which are listed, that can be taken up. The demand, which you have put forward, has not been rejected. So, don't presume that the government is not ready to discuss any matter," the minister said, adding that "Please do not put a condition on the timeline".

Earlier, Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge demanded that the discussion should start immediately.

He also asked the ruling party not to divide opposition parties. "Don't divide us. If you try to divide us, we will be stronger."

TMC leader Derek O'Brien called for the start of a discussion on electoral reforms with immediate effect, while CPI (M) member John Brittas said the Parliamentary Affairs Minister should honour his words and the House should hold a discussion on electoral reforms.

The Election Commission had announced SIR in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Puducherry, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.

Among these, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala, and West Bengal will go to the polls in 2026. In Assam, where polls are also due in 2026, the revision of electoral rolls was announced separately. It is being called 'Special Revision'.
The Delhi high court on Monday asked the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to consider the objections of parents of Major Mohit Sharma, who was killed during a counter-terrorism operation in Jammu and Kashmir, while granting certification to the film Dhurandhar.

The Ranveer Singh-starrer is scheduled to release on December 5.

Justice Sachin Datta directed the CBFC to consider and examine the grievances raised by the parents before deciding on the film certification, and disposed of the petition.

"The petition is disposed of with a direction that the CBFC will consider all the aspects of the matter, including the concerns of the petitioner, before granting certification.

"If the CBFC considers it relevant to refer the matter to the Indian Army for necessary approvals, they should do that too. Let the exercise be completed by the CBFC as expeditiously as possible," the court said.

The parents of Major Sharma have sought a stay on the film's release, claiming that it appeared 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 petition said the film's trailer, visual presentation, character design, military setting and narrative unmistakably mirror the real-life operations and heroic sacrifice of Major Sharma, who laid down his life during a counter-terrorism operation in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara in 2009.

It said the film appears to be directly inspired by the life, persona, undercover operations and martyrdom of Major Sharma, without any consent, consultation, verification or prior permission from the family or the Indian Army.

The family has contended that such depiction, without authorisation, violates its right to privacy, dignity, reputation and the posthumous personality rights of the martyr under Article 21 of the Constitution.

During the hearing, the CBFC's counsel informed the court that it was yet to grant certification to the film and that the producer had clarified that the movie was not a biopic.

The counsel for producer Jio Studios also claimed that the movie was not a biopic, but a work of fiction and was not at all based on Sharma's life. He added that the CBFC had also recommended certain cuts.

The petition has also raised serious concerns regarding national security, given that the film portrays sensitive military operations, undercover infiltration patterns, counter-terrorism strategies, special forces' methodology and the internal structure of India's security apparatus.

It has arrayed the Union ministry of information and broadcasting, CBFC, additional directorate general of public information of the Army, director and co-producer of the film -- Aditya Dhar and Jio Studios -- as respondents to it.

The plea has sought a stay on the film's commercial release. Alternatively, it has sought a direction for a private screening for the family prior to a public release and a declaration that no film portraying a real military martyr may be released without due authorisation from legal heirs and the Army.
The Delhi high court has directed the Centre and the Consulate General of India in Dubai to take immediate steps to ensure the safety and well-being of a 25-year-old Indian woman who is allegedly held captive in Dubai by a foreign national.

IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: ANI Photo

Justice Sachin Datta also asked the authorities to help the woman return to India, if she so desires.

"In the circumstances, given the gravity of the situation, the ministry of external affairs, government of India and the Consulate General of India in Dubai, UAE are directed to take immediate steps to ensure the safety and well-being of the petitioner's daughter and verify the allegations made in the present petition," the court said in its order passed on November 26.

The court asked the authorities to file a status report within two weeks and listed the matter for further hearing on December 15.

The court was hearing a petition by a man seeking direction to the ministry of external affairs to consider his representation and take requisite steps to repatriate his 25-year-old daughter, an Indian citizen, from Dubai in UAE, where she is allegedly held captive by a foreign national.

Petitioner V Thirunavukkarasu said his daughter came in contact with the foreign national while she was working as a nurse at a Chennai hospital where the man was admitted for treatment.

He claimed that the foreign national offered her a medical assistance job in Dubai for a year.

Believing him and considering the pay offered, she agreed and travelled to Dubai in January 2023.

The plea said after some time, the family's communication with the woman gradually reduced and even after two years, she was not permitted to return to India by the man.

It alleged that the man illegally seized the woman's passport and visa to prevent her from returning to India.

The plea said that in October, the petitioner received a distressing call from his daughter who said she was subjected to physical abuse and deprived of even the basic necessities.

The petitioner also showed the court certain photographs sent by the woman of being physically abused.

The petitioner said he made a representation to the Consulate General of India in Dubai in November seeking help in rescuing his daughter, however, since there was no positive outcome, he approached the court.
An ultra-Left students' outfit Revolutionary Students' Front (RSF) triggered a row by symbolically naming the venue of its state conference after Maoist leaders killed by security forces.

IMAGE: During a protest against rising air pollution in Delhi NCR at India Gate recently, some students put up a poster of slain CPI-Maoist 'commander' Madvi Hidma. Photograph: ANI Photo

The Revolutionary Students' Front's three-day conference, which began on November 24, was held at the Vivekananda Auditorium of Jadavpur University.

It named Jadavpur as 'Hidma Nagar', Kolkata as 'Koteswar Rao Nagar', and the auditorium as 'Basavaraju Auditorium'.

CPI-Maoist 'commander' Madvi Hidma was killed in an exchange of fire with security forces on November 18 in Andhra Pradesh's Alluri Sitaramaraju district. Nambala Keshav Rao alias Basavaraju, the powerful general secretary of CPI-Maoist, was killed in an encounter in Chhattisgarh's Bastar region in May.

Koteswar Rao alias Kishenji was killed at Burishol village in the Junglemahal region of West Bengal in 2011.

RSF general secretary Tathagata Roy Chowdhury claimed, "The naming was symbolic, and there was no discussion or debate at the conference that may suggest any secessionist and anti-national activity."

"Those who worked and stayed with the poor people, sacrificing material comforts, bright careers and secure jobs, should be remembered by us," he said.

Roy Chowdhury claimed that discussing the rights of indigenous communities over forests, land and water does not imply anything against the spirit of nationalism.

"We will continue our fight against attempts by corporates and the rich to usurp natural resources, and displace farmers and tribals," he said.

The conference, participated by representatives of radical outfits like the Sangrami Shramik Manch, Sangrami Krishak Manch and the Committee for the Release of Political Prisoners, had begun with a moment of silence for the three dreaded Maoists -- whom the RSF remembered as "martyrs", according to those who attended it.

As the government has upped its offensive against Maoists, aiming to eliminate them by March 2026, the incident triggered a furore at the varsity, which is known for academic excellence and a heavy presence of various Left-wing students' outfits. It is a practice among Left outfits to symbolically name the venues of their conferences or programmes after deceased personalities and veteran leaders.

Vice-Chancellor Chiranjib Bhattacharya could not be reached for a comment.

A senior official of the varsity said permission was given to the outfit for the conference as per norms.

"We did not know what would transpire during the conference," he said.

A member of the Jadavpur University Teachers' Association (JUTA) said that while a students' outfit has the liberty to hold its own programme and invite fraternal wings sharing the same ideology, "some lines have to be drawn".

A senior police officer said inputs have been gathered about the programme.

"We are keeping watch on the development. It is an internal matter of a university, and we cannot intervene," he said.
Maharashtra will witness local body elections on Tuesday with voting scheduled for 242 municipal councils and 46 nagar panchayats, marking the first phase of a three-tier process mandated by the Supreme Court.

IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: ANI Photo

Incidentally, elections to some local bodies in Thane, Pune and Ahilyanagar districts were postponed to December 20 in view of judicial appeals filed against the decisions of returning officers following the scrutiny of nomination papers.

The SEC decision, announced on Saturday, comes in light of irregularities observed in the election process of some bodies, including timeline for withdrawal of nominations and allocation of election symbols.

The SEC said, in several cases, the appeal verdicts from the district court were delivered after November 22, or in some instances, candidates did not get the three-day period to withdraw nomination papers as per Rule 17(1)(b) of Maharashtra Municipalities Election Rules, 1966.

As a result, the subsequent action of allocating election symbols on or after November 26 by returning officers was deemed illegal in these cases.

The SEC has, therefore, stayed (postponed) the current election process in such affected civic bodies. For member seats, the stay applies only to the specific seat for which the appeal was filed.

The new programme applies to seats and president's posts where the appeal verdict was given by the courts on or after November 23, the SEC said.

Campaigning will end at 10 pm on Monday, with no poll advertisements being allowed on voting day. Once campaigning ends, political parties and candidates will not be permitted to organise rallies, take out campaign marches, or use loudspeakers and other modes of public canvassing, the SEC has said.

The SEC cited the 'Media Regulation and Advertisement Certification Order, 2025' issued on October 9, Paragraph 16 of Part VIII of which bars publication or broadcast of election advertisements in print, electronic or social media on polling day.

"Newspapers and other media outlets must not publish or air any form of advertisement on December 2," the commission said.

The December 2 polls are being viewed as a major indicator of political sentiment in the state following the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Mahayuti's landslide victory in the November 2024 assembly elections, securing 235 out of 288 seats.

The local body results will test whether this momentum translates to grassroots governance or if opposition consolidation can challenge the ruling coalition's dominance at the municipal level, political observers said.

Votes will be counted on December 3. The elections will decide the fate of 6,859 members and 288 presidents across these local bodies, with over 1.07 crore eligible voters set to exercise their franchise at 13,355 polling stations.

Electronic Voting Machines will be deployed throughout, with more than 66,000 staff members assigned to ensure smooth conduct of the polls, officials said.

"Of the total seats, 3,492 are reserved for women, 895 for Scheduled Castes, 338 for Scheduled Tribes, and 1,821 for Other Backward Classes.

The expenditure limit for candidates has been set at Rs 15 lakh for the post of president and Rs 12 lakh for the post of member. The SEC received more than 51,000 nominations," an official said.

Of the 246 municipal councils, 10 were formed recently, while of the 42 nagar panchayats going to polls, 15 are newly constituted, and 27 have completed their terms.

"Region-wise, the polls will cover 27 councils in Konkan, 59 in Nashik division, 60 in Pune division, and 55 in Nagpur division, making this a geographically diverse exercise spanning urban and semi-urban Maharashtra," he added.

The polls have already witnessed significant political manoeuvring, with the ruling Mahayuti alliance of BJP, Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena Ajit Pawar's Nationalist Congress Party facing off against the Maha Vikas Aghadi of the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray, Sharad Pawar's Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar and the Congress.

Stealing a march over other parties, the Bharatiya Janata Party secured 100 councillor and three municipal president positions unopposed, with the party's state unit chief Ravindra Chavan attributing this success to the public's trust in Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis' leadership.

However, the BJP has faced criticism in Nanded's Loha Nagar Parishad, where local NCP MLA Pratap Patil Chikhalikar questioned the party's decision to field six candidates from the Suryavanshi family, including Gajanand Suryavanshi for chairman, along with his wife, brother, and sister-in-law.

The polls take place amid Opposition demands for postponement. These parties have claimed the July 1 voter roll revision contained duplicate and bogus entries.

Addressing the concerns, the Election Commission introduced a verification system marking suspected duplicate voters with double stars on lists, requiring strict identity checks at polling stations. It also launched a mobile application providing information about candidates and voters, including affidavits of candidates. Booth-wise voter lists were published on November 7 to facilitate awareness.

These local body elections are being conducted under a Supreme Court directive to complete pending polls by January 31, 2026.

The schedules for 29 municipal corporations, 32 Zilla Parishads, and 336 panchayat samitis are yet to be announced. The crucial Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections, last held in 2017, are expected around mid-January.
SpaceX CEO Elon Musk said his partner Shivon Zilis is "half-Indian" and one of their children's middle name is 'Sekhar' after the Nobel laureate Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar.

IMAGE: Investor and entrepreneur Nikhil Kamath and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk during an interview. Photograph: @nikhilkamathcio/X

"One of my sons with her is, his middle name is Sekhar, after Chandrasekhar," Musk said in an interview with investor and entrepreneur Nikhil Kamath on his show 'People by WTF'.

S Chandrasekhar was a renowned Indian-American astrophysicist who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1983 "for his theoretical studies of the physical processes of importance to the structure and evolution of the stars".

When asked if Zilis had spent any time in India, Musk said she was given up for adoption when she was a baby and grew up in Canada. "I think her father was like an exchange student at the university, or something like that. I'm not sure of the exact details, but, just kind of thing where I don't know... she was given up for adoption," he said.

Musk has four children with Zilis -- twins Strider and Azure, a daughter Arcadia and son Seldon Lycurgus. Zilis is a director of operations and special projects at one of Musk's companies Neuralink.
'Most pollution boards across the country have unused funds. There is practically no reason why pollution should not be a political priority.'

IMAGE: A view of India Gate as dense smog engulfs the area around Kartavya Path with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded in the 'Poor' category at 222, November 30, 2025. Photograph: Video Grab/ANI Photo

November 22 marked another significant day in Delhi's fight against its most enduring enemy -- air pollution.

A day after the Supreme Court asked the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to reconsider the Graded Response Action Plan (Grap), CAQM introduced major tweaks to pollution control measures.

Under the reforms, some restrictions under Grap-IV will now be implemented at the Grap-III level, including provisions for work-from-home and 50 per cent office capacity.

Similarly, some Grap-III measures will now come into effect at the Grap-II stage.

IMAGE: Vehicles commute through dense smog as the AQI is recorded in the 'Poor' category at 269, November 30, 2025. Photograph: Video Grab/ANI Photo

This comes after Delhi's air quality index (AQI) has remained above 350 every day since November 11, when Chief Minister Rekha Gupta introduced Grap-III measures.

The Grap-III implementation followed protests by city residents on November 9.

"We have plans like the National Clean Air Programme and Grap. They are impactful, but implementation is often delayed and short-sighted," says Mohan P George, former additional director at the Delhi Pollution Control Committee.

These delays and the lack of scientific backing reflect a broader lack of political will to tackle the issue, adds George.

Delhi's crisis is recurring and increasingly fatal.

According to data from the Global Burden of Disease, air pollution accounted for nearly 15 per cent of all deaths in Delhi in 2023.

Since 2016, schools have had to shut for a week almost every year due to severe AQI levels, and crores have been lost due to halted construction projects and disrupted supply chains.

"Those who can afford it are buying air purifiers; all government offices and policymakers have them. Since the crisis is being addressed at an individual level, it fails to become a larger priority," says political analyst Ankit Lal.

IMAGE: A woman wears a face mask to protect from air pollution in New Delhi, November 30, 2025. Photograph: Naveen Sharma/ANI Photo

Experts emphasise that air pollution is the result of years of soft approaches and mismanagement by successive governments.

In June this year, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) disclosed that it had used only 1 per cent of the Rs 45.8 crore environment cess accumulated over eight years.

In an RTI response, CPCB also acknowledged using only 31 per cent of the environmental pollution charge collected during the previous decade.

"Most pollution boards across the country have unused funds. There is practically no reason why pollution should not be a political priority," says environmentalist Bhavreen Kandhari.

While acknowledging that the underprivileged face immediate survival challenges, she adds that only the government can raise awareness of pollution's consequences, as their exposure to poor air quality is far higher.

"Until then, the urban class will have to lead this fight," Kandhari says.

Attempts to manipulate key parameters like AQI are hampering effective policymaking, says Vimlendu Jha, founder of environmental NGO Swechha India.

"The first step in solving this problem is to stop undermining it through data tampering," he adds.

IMAGE: People walk along Kartavya Path covered in a layer of smog as the AQI drops to 299, categorised as 'Poor', November 27, 2025. Photograph: Video Grab/ANI Photo

An Opposition's issue

On November 18, CM Gupta, addressing the Northern Zonal Council, said Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan had shown marked improvement in crop-residue management, but smoke from Punjab remained high.

She urged better cooperation from the Aam Aadmi Party-led government.

However, data from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (Icar) showed that both Haryana and Punjab saw a 50 per cent drop in stubble-burning cases between September 15 and November 2.

IMAGE: People cover their faces with masks as they walk through smog at Kartavya Path, November 27, 2025. Photograph: Naveen Sharma/ANI Photo

Icar data revealed that incidents in Punjab fell 94.5 per cent in 2025 (2,262) from 41,176 in 2020.

Between September 15 and November 19, the highest number of farm fires were reported in Madhya Pradesh (10,175), followed by Uttar Pradesh (4,409).

"Pollution has been reduced to a blame game," says Jha.

A similar approach is evident on social media.

AAP, now in Opposition after a decade in power, has intensified its Instagram campaign targeting the Bharatiya Janata Party state unit's accountability.

From posting protest clips to jabs at the 'double-engine sarkar', AAP is running a more aggressive online push than last year, when it limited posts to awareness and emphasising the Centre's responsibility.

Meanwhile, the BJP highlighted Yamuna cleaning -- a major environmental issue in the capital -- on its social media.

"Twenty-five to 30 per cent of Delhi voters are Purvanchalis. Yamuna cleaning certainly has better returns for the government," observes Jha.

IMAGE: People walk along Kartavya Path covered in a layer of smog as the AQI drops to 299, November 27, 2025. Photograph: Video Grab/ANI Photo

The 2024 pollution protests were led by BJP leaders, distributing masks to residents.

This year, AAP's Saurabh Bhardwaj took part in the gathering at India Gate.

"Now, we have the same government in Delhi at all levels and in most neighbouring states. Responsibility should be collective," Lal adds.

R Suresh, Senior Fellow in air quality research at The Energy and Resources Institute, says that Delhi's air quality is shaped by emissions across the region.

"Sustainable improvement calls for a systemic approach and strengthened regional collaboration," he says.

IMAGE: An anti-smog gun sprays water to curb the air pollution in New Delhi, November 30, 2025. Photograph: Sumit/ANI Photo

The missing science in policies

Experts say that tackling Delhi's pollution crisis is challenging but achievable.

"Delhi has geographical disadvantages, and no one expects pollution to clear in a single season. But the approach needs to be scientifically driven," says George.

Even minor details such as the type of smog guns, droplet size, and areas chosen for sprinkling, need careful monitoring, he adds.

IMAGE: People wearing face masks while walking through smog at Kartavya Path, November 27, 2025, as the AQI remains in the 'very poor' category, with Rashtrapati Bhavan barely visible in the background. Photograph: ANI Photo/Naveen Sharma

The Delhi government's failed cloud-seeding attempt in October highlighted this scientific void.

Many environmentalists called it a 'quick fix', while others said that Delhi's weather conditions were never conducive to artificial rain.

Experts argue that Delhi needs a year-round approach, not emergency measures triggered by severe crises.

"Evidence-based policies applied across seasons and sectors remain essential for lasting reductions," says Suresh.

Environmentalists who have studied the issue for years are ready to offer inputs, but the government must engage them, Kandhari adds.

Photographs curated by Anant Salvi/ Rediff

Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff
A section of booth-level officers, engaged in the special intensive revision process in West Bengal, held a massive protest outside the chief electoral officer's office in Kolkata on Monday over alleged excessive workload during the ongoing enumeration exercise, prompting the authorities to increase police deployment at the demonstration site.

IMAGE: BLOs stage a protest as a BJP delegation led by West Bengal Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari meets the state Chief Electoral Officer, in Kolkata, December 1, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo

What began as a routine sit-in by the BLO Adhikar Raksha Committee became a massive protest as senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader Suvendu Adhikari and party MLAs came to meet Election Commission officials in the afternoon, with the demonstrators raising anti-BJP slogans and trying to breach barricades erected by the police.

The narrow stretch outside the CEO's office in central Kolkata erupted with slogans -- "go back" from BLO members, "shame" from BJP supporters -- leading to chaos at the entrance. Police personnel formed chains to prevent the two groups from converging around the gate.

BLO group members shouted that they must be allowed inside to submit their memorandum, accusing the authorities of "avoiding" them for days.

Their cries drew immediate counter-slogans from BJP supporters, forcing security personnel to widen the cordon and repeatedly appeal for calm.

At one point, a barricade wobbled under pressure as protesters leaned in, prompting officers to rush forward and steady it amid noise and confusion.

The agitation spilled into the adjoining lane, where placards, flags, and rising voices pierced through the December afternoon.

Protesting BLOs are seeking a two-month extension for the SIR deadline and compensation for families of deceased BLOs, citing heavy workload concerns.

Inside, however, Adhikari's meeting with CEO Manoj Agarwal and senior officials proceeded.

Once out, the Leader of Opposition told reporters that the BJP had submitted "data concerning 17,111 booths" and demanded strict monitoring of post-December 14 hearings.

"No hearing should take place without live CCTV monitoring from the Commission's control room," he said.

His memorandum also pressed for the removal of "superannuated IAS officers" deployed in the SIR exercise, exclusion of EROs who are not of SDO rank, and deletion of names of what he described as "Bangladeshi Muslims" from electoral rolls.

Adhikari claimed the agitation outside was "scripted by the TMC" as part of a larger bid to undermine the SIR process.

"The protests reflect the ruling party's plan to stall the exercise and safeguard its vote bank of infiltrators," he alleged.

As he exited the office, protesters shouted "chor chor," prompting Adhikari to respond with counter-slogans, including "chor chor dur hatao, Dakat Rani dur hatao."

The TMC hit back, accusing the BJP of "manufacturing conspiracy theories" while ignoring the stress under which BLOs are working.

Senior TMC spokesperson Arup Chakraborty said the Election Commission's "unplanned haste" had created a situation where BLOs were being pushed beyond endurance.

"Four BLOs have already died, two by suicide, one in unnatural circumstances. This is not politics; it is a humanitarian collapse," he said. "The BJP's attempt to communalise the SIR exercise by invoking 'Bangladeshi Muslims' is irresponsible and dangerous."

Chakraborty said, "If the EC can write to the police about barricading and security breaches, it must also explain why BLOs are dying in the line of duty. Their protest is not a script; it is desperation."

Monday's upheaval came in the shadow of back-to-back confrontations over the past week that has turned the CEO office into a recurring flashpoint.

On November 24, BLOs protesting "excessive work pressure" attempted to enter the CEO office after marching from College Square with locks and fetters symbolising their demand to "shut down" the SIR exercise until workloads were rationalised.

A 10-member delegation comprising four BLOs and six government employees was eventually allowed inside, but an allegation by one member of receiving a threat message triggered an impromptu sit-in within the building, prompting police deployment deep into the night.

Two days later, on November 26, the Election Commission wrote to Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Kumar Verma describing the protest inside the CEO office as a "serious security breach" and sought an action taken report within 48 hours.

The EC letter stated that "existing security arrangements appeared inadequate" to prevent a recurrence, following which the premises saw upgraded access control and reinforced barricades visible again in Monday's confrontation.

A second directive followed on November 28, when the EC wrote to West Bengal DGP Rajeev Kumar directing him to ensure the safety of BLOs and field officials amid reports that some were being threatened during door-to-door enumeration.

The repeated tensions have unfolded against the backdrop of four BLO deaths since the enumeration phase began on November 4.

Two were suicides and one an unnatural death, prompting Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to accuse the Commission of imposing the SIR exercise in "express haste" and with "no planning". "These tragedies stain the conscience of the Commission," she said last week.
The United States has been an immense beneficiary of talent from India, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has said, and voiced strong support for the H-1B visa programme, cautioning that shutting it down would "actually be very bad for America.

IMAGE: SpaceX CEO Elon Musk. Photograph: Courtesy @nikhilkamathcio/X

The US tech billionaire made the remarks in an interview with investor and entrepreneur Nikhil Kamath on his podcast People by WTF', released on Sunday.

"Yes, I think America has benefited immensely from talented Indians who have come to America... America has been an immense beneficiary of talent from India, Musk said.

On the H-1B visa, the Tesla CEO said, while there has been some misuse of the work visa programme, he strongly believes that it should not be shut down.

It would be accurate to say that... some of the outsourcing companies have gamed the system on the H-1B front. And we need to stop the gaming of the system.

"But I'm certainly not in the school of thought that we should shut down the H-1B programme. That's where some on the right are. I think they don't realise that that would actually be very bad, Musk said.

His comments come at a time when the US has launched a massive crackdown to check abuse of the H-1B visa programme, used extensively by American technology companies to employ foreign workers. Indian professionals, including technology workers and physicians, form one of the largest groups of H-1B visa holders.

In September, US President Donald Trump issued a Proclamation titled Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers' as an important initial step to reform the H-1B nonimmigrant visa programme. Under the Proclamation, Trump announced a one-time fee of USD 100,000 on new H-1B visas, a move expected to impact Indian professionals seeking to work in the US.

Responding to a question on whether the US seems to have become anti-immigration to a certain extent, Musk said there are different schools of thought on the issue, and there is no unanimity.

He, however, pointed out that under the Joe Biden administration, "it was basically a total free-for-all, with like no border controls, which, you know, unless you've got border controls, you're not a country.

Musk alleged there was "massive" illegal immigration under Biden, which created a negative selection effect.

If there's a massive financial incentive to come to the US illegally and get all these government benefits, then you necessarily create a diffusion gradient for people to come to the US just as an incentive structure. I think that obviously made no sense, he said, stressing the need for border controls.

Musk said the left wanted open borders irrespective of the situation or "if the person coming in is a criminal", while the right believed American jobs were being taken by highly skilled workers from abroad.

I don't know how real that is. My direct observation is that there's always a scarcity of talented people. So from my standpoint, I'm like, we have a lot of difficulty finding enough talented people to get these difficult tasks done, and so more talented people would be good, he said.

Musk noted that some companies are making it more of a cost thing, where it's like, okay, if they can employ someone for a fraction of the cost of an American citizen, then I guess these other companies would hire people just to save costs".

However, at his companies, the tech billionaire said, they are just trying to get the most talented people in the world.

"We pay way above average, so... that's not my experience, but that's what a lot of people do complain about, he said.

Asked what message he had for young Indian entrepreneurs, Musk said he respected anyone who wants to build.

Aim to make more than you take, be a net contributor to society... If you want to create something valuable... pursue providing useful products and services... then money will come as a natural consequence," he said.

"Are you a value creator? That's what really matters," Musk said.
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.

Editor: Xiong Jian
Brattleboro, VT (05301)

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Brattleboro, VT (05301)

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Snow this morning will give way to partly cloudy conditions this afternoon. Morning high of 32F with temps falling to near 20. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of snow 80%..

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BEIJING, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- China is advancing a strategy to boost its capacity for nurturing original cultural creation, a move aligned with its 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) and poised to promote the production of outstanding works in fields such as the press, publishing, radio, television, film, literature and art.

Over the past five years, China's cultural scene has been on a remarkable upswing. In 2024 alone, the cultural industry pulled in a revenue of over 19.14 trillion yuan (about 2.7 trillion U.S. dollars), marking a 37.7 percent surge from 2020. From the mythic world of the video game "Black Myth: Wukong" to the runaway success of the animated epic "Ne Zha 2," a wave of homegrown hits is capturing global attention and earning widespread acclaim.

"Innovation and creativity are the lifeblood of culture," said Li Shulei, a senior publicity official. He believes that one of the key reasons Chinese civilization has endured and renewed itself over thousands of years is its ability to adapt itself to the changing times and break new ground.

Noting that cultural development still has its gaps and shortcomings, Li emphasized the need to empower the people as the main drivers of cultural creation and ignite their innovative energy.

To that end, China has rolled out a raft of policies and measures to encourage cultural creativity in recent years and made "inspire the cultural creativity of the entire nation and foster a thriving socialist culture" a priority in the Communist Party of China Central Committee's recommendations for formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan.

These measures range from promoting new forms of literature and art for the general public in the internet age to developing a contingent of high-performing, dedicated and innovative personnel in the cultural sector.

According to Zhou Zhiqiang, a professor at the School of Arts of Nankai University in north China's Tianjin, fostering a healthy cultural ecosystem requires a well-rounded system for cultural production, evaluation and market development.

He recommends strengthening intellectual property protections, clearly prioritizing originality in various awards, and increasing funding support for original projects.

On nurturing cultural talent, Zhou stressed the need to break free from the constraints of traditional education and establish a collaborative system linking creators with university researchers, providing young artists with a broader space to grow.

"We must encourage cultural creators to push boundaries, innovate, and fully unleash their imagination," he said.

Yue Wen, head of the creative research department of the China Writers Association, believes that the profound and expansive Chinese civilization offers a wellspring for original cultural creation, while the sweeping and far-reaching social transformations China is undergoing offer an unprecedented treasure trove for creative expression.

According to her observation, China's cultural creativity is now surging, and the country is moving from a "plateau" of cultural output toward a "peak."

She also noted that strong policy support provides a solid foundation for cultural innovation and creates a more favorable environment for creators.

"We are confident in nurturing more outstanding works that are grounded in the lives of the people while looking toward the future," she said.

Editor: Xiong Jian
Brattleboro, VT (05301)

Today

Snow showers this morning. Becoming partly cloudy later. High 28F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of snow 50%..

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A few clouds. A few flurries or snow showers possible. Low around 15F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph.
A court in Baku has ordered pre-trial detention for the leader of Azerbaijan's main opposition Popular Front Party (AXCP), three days after he went missing following a police raid of his apartment.

The Sabail District Court on December 1 remanded Karimli in custody until February 13, 2026, after he was charged with plotting to overthrow President Ilham Aliyev - a crime that carries a potential life sentence, his lawyers report.

Mammad Ibrahim, a member of the party presidium, has also been arrested. Other party officials say their homes have been searched and several colleagues have gone missing.

National Council Chairman Jamil Hasanli said in a post on Facebook that he was summoned for questioning by the State Security Service over an ongoing criminal case against Ramiz Mehdiyev, head of the presidential administration from 1994 to 2019.

Mehdiyev was placed under house arrest in October on various charges, including for an attempt to illegally seize power. The arrests of Karimli and Ibrahim are reportedly tied to that investigation.

The AXCP strongly denies any connection to Mehdiyev, who was a longtime ally of the late President Heydar Aliyev, who led Azerbaijan until shortly before his death in 2003.

"The government understands that they themselves worked with Ramiz Mehdiyev, and this accusation can't be pinned on us," Seymur Hazi, Karimli's deputy, told RFE/RL's Azerbaijani Service.

"The purpose of these arrests is clearly to damage Ali Karimli's reputation. Criticizing this government requires risk and bravery -- and society sees those who do it as defenders."

In a statement on November 30, the AXCP condemned what it called a "new large-scale repression campaign launched by the family-based ruling power against national-democratic forces."

Karimli, 60, has been barred from leaving Azerbaijan due to a longstanding refusal by the authorities to issue him an international passport. He also says his Internet connection is completely restricted.

Meanwhile, the whereabouts of Gultakin Hajibeyli, an Azerbaijani activist and member of the National Council's Coordinating Center, remain unclear after she reported being detained in Istanbul on November 28. Pro-government media have suggested she may be deported to Azerbaijan.

Aliyev's Crackdown On Dissent

Ilham Aliyev, who succeeded his father in 2003 in oil-rich Azerbaijan, has been widely accused of suppressing dissent, jailing journalists, opposition figures, and civil society activists.

Rights activists outside the country have warned that government moves to curb freedoms are being ignored by the international community, making it easier for officials to clamp down on the opposition.

"Inaction by the international community leads to further repression," said Florian Irminger, president of Progress & Change Partnerships and manager of the Campaign to End Repression in Azerbaijan.

The government insists, however, that fundamental freedoms are respected and that no one faces persecution for their political views.

"The president has strong will, global leadership, and the status of the victorious leader," said Zahid Oruj, a pro-government member of parliament.

Media close to the ruling party have recently floated the idea of suspending AXCP and Musavat, another major opposition party.
Former RFE/RL journalist Nika Novak, who was sentenced to prison last year by a Russian court for carrying out her professional duties, has disappeared from a Siberian correctional colony, her lawyer said.

Yulia Kuznetsova said in a social media post that it appeared Novak was being transferred from Penal Colony No. 11 in the village of Bozoy in the Irkutsk region, though her destination was unknown.

"This week, a lawyer colleague of mine tried to visit Nika, but was denied entry," Kuznetsova wrote. "He noticed a loud noise and a large number of Investigative Committee officers in the colony. The prison staff are not explaining what exactly happened."

Kuznetsova said she called the colony on November 30 for information on Novak but was rejected and told to submit a request, which she subsequently did.

Novak was handed a four-year sentence after a closed-door trial for "confidential cooperation with a foreign state, international or foreign organization" -- a sentence she and rights organizations consider unjust.

She was transferred to Penal Colony No. 11 on March 1, where she complained about torture-like conditions before going on a hunger strike.

She has said she was placed in solitary confinement for refusing to give media interviews about how "everything is fine in the colony and the prisoners are happy" and for refusing to work as a seamstress.

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty President Steve Capus has called on Russian authorities to release Novak, saying her conviction on "politically motivated charges are aimed at silencing and chilling individual reporters."

Before her arrest, Novak had worked for ChitaMedia and was editor in chief of the Zab.ru website. She contributed to programs by RFE/RL's Siberia.Realities in 2022.

The 33-year-old's case marked the first time that a journalist was sentenced under Article 275.1, a crime that was only introduced in 2022 in the months after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Rights experts have criticized the conception and wording of the law, while Human Rights Watch called the legislation "reminiscent of the Soviet-era ban on contacts with foreigners" in its 2023 World Report.

On July 22, 2024, leading Russian human rights group Memorial recognized Novak as a political prisoner.

Her detention has also been condemned by the Committee to Protect Journalists, the Coalition for Women in Journalism, and the International Press Institute, which said Nika's sentencing was "made possible by Russia's continued instrumentalization of its own legislation with the aim of repressing independent journalists and other critical voices."
If there's one way European Union officials feel they can get a seat at the table when it comes the settlement of the war in Ukraine, it is via the 176 billion euros ($204 billion) of Russian frozen assets currently held inside the bloc and how that can be leveraged both politically and economically.

Last month, the EU saw itself largely bypassed when the United States presented a peace plan that was "refined" once US and Ukrainian diplomats met in Geneva a few days later.

European officials, speaking to RFE/RL under condition of anonymity, say they have succeeded in removing some of the original text's ideas related directly to Ukrainian membership in the EU and NATO.

But Europe has a golden ticket up its sleeve that could secure it a spot at the negotiating table: funding for Ukraine.

Having committed "to covering the financial needs of Ukraine for 2026 and 2027," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen recently gave member states three options for getting an estimated 140 billion euros to Kyiv over the next two years.

With the United States reluctant to commit any new money for Ukraine, the EU's willingness to step up has become crucial for Kyiv as Russia's full-scale invasion nears its four-year anniversary.

The first option spelled out by von der Leyen in the paper is for individual member states to give Ukraine the cash. In the second, the European Commission would raise the necessary funds on the financial markets. But it's the third option -- a reparations loan leveraging frozen Russian sovereign wealth assets in the EU -- that is the most popular, as it wouldn't directly hit the pockets of EU taxpayers.

It's not that straightforward, however.

Firstly, time is running out to decide, and Belgium, where most of these assets are frozen, still opposes the move. Then there's the United States, which in its original proposal also expressed interest in obtaining a large part of the funds.

Von der Leyen told the European Parliament on November 26 that she couldn't "see any scenario in which the European taxpayers alone will pay the bill" for Ukraine and that she was ready to present the legal text for the reparations loan.

Securing Backing For A Reparations Loan

According to RFE/RL sources, the European Commission is currently working on as many as 11 legal acts when it comes to the loan, and there is plenty of frustration in EU capitals that have yet to see concrete details of how the plan would work.

A European Commission official told RFE/RL that the original idea was to first secure political backing for the reparations loan when EU leaders gather at an EU summit in Brussels on December 18. The finer points would be ironed out early next year to allow the money to start flowing to Kyiv by the second quarter of 2026.

There's also a fear that national diplomats and lawyers would get bogged down in details and derail any chances of a deal if the legal acts are presented too soon.

Belgium, which hosts the financial markets company Euroclear where most Russian bonds are frozen, wants to see proper guarantees from other EU member states as it expects a legal retaliation from Moscow. To shoulder claims of 140 billion euros from Russia -- an amount that is one-third of Belgium's annual GDP -- would be a disaster for the country.

In a letter seen by RFE/RL addressed to von der Leyen on the topic by Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever, he once again spelled out his concerns.

"While l have full sympathy for the argument that the European taxpayer should not be the only one picking up the tab for the financial support of Ukraine, the brutal legal reality is that at no moment in history have immobilized sovereign assets been 're-purposed' during an ongoing war," he wrote.

"Such assets have been the object of decisions during post-war settlements, usually in the context of war reparations by the losing party."

The European Commission, however, still believes an agreement can be made in December if enough EU member states make legally binding guarantees to back the reparations loan based on their gross national income (GNI). This means smaller -- and more skeptical -- countries such as Hungary and Slovakia can opt out as their total share of EU GNI is miniscule.

But the other wealthier and larger European countries need to be onboard to share the costs. And Brussels hopes other non-EU G7 countries could chip in, as well.

"If the European Council were to be called upon to decide on a reparations loan scheme at its upcoming meeting, it will only be possible on the basis that all the concerns expressed above are adequately and fully covered," De Wever wrote at the end of his letter to Von der Leyen.

"This includes a full guarantee to be provided by willing member states enabling Euroclear to maintain liquidity of the assets for their total amount."

'The American Angle'

But the Belgians aren't the only obstacle to be overcome.

There's also the "American angle," as some EU officials put it.

The original 28-point US peace plan noted "$100 billion in frozen Russian assets will be invested in US-led efforts to rebuild and invest in Ukraine" and that "the US will receive 50 percent of the profits from this venture."

This wording truly rattled European politicians and diplomats alike, especially as they had envisioned that the money given to Ukraine in the shape of a reparations loan to a large extent would be used by Kyiv to buy European-produced weapons.

EU officials say most parts of the original US proposal have been watered down or taken out completely, but they admit that any final document could change considerably and they aren't privy to the latest discussions on the wording.

While the EU would want the reparation loan to be a European project, most diplomats concede it is essential to keep Washington onboard -- and happy. That could mean being open to the idea of the United States getting some of the funds or at least Ukraine using the cash to buy American arms.

Crucially, though, Brussels also has to ensure that the United States continues to pressure Hungary into agreeing to the rollover of EU sanctions, which include the frozen Russian assets, every six months.

In July, when it was time to renew the measures, Hungary didn't threaten a veto, and this was largely due to American pressure. Brussels hopes the United States will play that same role when the sanctions need to be extended again in January.
MAKIV, Ukraine - Desertions, draft dodging, and a minimum conscription age of 25 have contributed to a manpower problem that hampers Ukraine's defense against a full-scale Russian invasion that will hit the four-year mark in February if peace is not achieved.

But Kyiv's need to get people to the front is also creating a manpower problem nationwide, with labor shortages hitting many industries and some towns virtually empty of conscription-age men.

It's a phenomenon fueled by both conscription and flight as millions of Ukrainians have left the country. Some of them are men of conscription age who have gotten out despite what is now a bar on most men aged 23-60 from leaving Ukraine.

"The shortage of people with technical skills and education is catastrophic," Oleh Penzin, a Ukrainian economist, told RFE/RL.

According to the State Employment Center, the sharpest labor shortages are seen in education, ground transport, metal-product manufacturing, furniture production, and energy supply industries.

Strategic enterprises such as defense industry companies and railways remain largely exempt from conscription, but businesses across Ukraine are struggling, political analyst Kostyantyn Batozskiy said.

"Your employee can be drafted at any time, and that's a problem," he told RFE/RL.

'No Man To Dig A Grave For The Dead'

In Makiv, a small town in the Khmelnytskiy region in western Ukraine, draft-age men are a rare sight. Most have been drafted or left the country, and those who remain keep a low profile to avoid mobilization, sometimes carried out by groups of recruitment officers, police, or military personnel that apprehend men on the street and bring them in for service.

"Guys who work at a computer can work in their apartment. But laborersgo out to work, trying to earn money for their families -- and they are rounded up like cattle," Kateryna, a Makiv resident who gave only her first name, told Current Time.

There's "no man to dig a grave for the dead," Kateryna said. She said she learned to use a chainsaw and other tools she had never used in the past in order to get along day-to-day.

Conscription has made it difficult to fill jobs traditionally held by men, according to the State Employment Center, and agriculture is among the sectors that have been hit.

"With increased mobilization, tractor drivers and machinists have changed their professions to military ones," said Oleh Khomenko, director of the Ukrainian Agrarian Business Club. "We're now facing a shortage of qualified personnel of up to 15 percent."

Millions Have Left. Will They Return?

Some farmers are hoping to recruit teenagers, who are well below conscription age, for seasonal work - a practice that goes back to the Soviet era.

"I used to take part myself --- it was called an internship, but it was really work," Khomenko said.

While many men and some women are serving in the army, around 6-7 million Ukrainians have left the country since Russia launched the full-scale invasion in February 2022. According to the International Labor Organization, about 1.6 million adults of working age have left Ukraine, the majority of them women.

"If we manage to bring back at least 40 percent of them, that would be a huge help for the economy," Penzin told RFE/RL, referring to men and women.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke of the labor problem in August 2024. "We cannot afford to lose our army and its reserves, but we also very much need workers for our jobs," he said. "We must find balance."

The government and businesses have been scrambling for solutions.

In European countries with large Ukrainian communities, Ukraine has been setting up Unity Hubs to provide support and advice both for Ukrainians integrating abroad and for those considering voluntary return when it becomes possible.

"This is a new project, and there isn't much to say yet," Batozskiy told RFE/RL.

Danylo, a 17-year-old refugee who lives in Germany and gave only his first name, said he has no plans to return to Ukraine.

"If I go back to my hometown, I'll have to start from scratch," he told RFE/RL. "I literally have nothing there."

Foreign Workers

Back home, some Ukrainian businesses are bringing in foreign workers or considering doing so.

In March, Lamella, a furniture manufacturer in Tyachiv, on the Romanian border in the western Transcarpathia region, far from the front lines, hired workers from Bangladesh.

"We have many women -- about 60 percent -- working on small-part machines, but there are positions that require male strength," Yaroslav Shcherban, Lamella's commercial director, told RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service.

Former Economy Minister Tymofiy Mylovanov told the news outlet Ukrayinska Pravda that Ukraine could need up to 10 million migrants to bring positive changes to the Ukrainian economy. In his opinion, they will be mostly blue-collar professionals.

Batozskiy believes it's too early to make such an estimate. "We need to survive the war first and then assess what we need," he said.

Penzin also said peace may be the only thing that will really rectify the situation.

"The first thing needed to fix the labor shortage is to end the war, then everything will be sorted with time," he said.

Borys Sachalko reported from Makiv and other locations in Ukraine; Ulvyyia Asadzade reported from Prague. RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service and Current Time contributed to this report.
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Air pollution in the Iranian capital has reached dangerous levels, leading authorities to close schools and ban truck travel. Official statistics state that unsafe air contributes to tens of thousands of deaths across Iran each year. RFE/RL correspondent Kian Sharifi explains what's driving the crisis.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was at the Elysee Palace in Paris on December 1 for talks with his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, kicking off another week of intense diplomacy aimed at ending nearly four years of fighting in Ukraine following Russia's full-scale invasion.

The visit, aimed at finding "conditions for a just and lasting peace," came a day after talks in Florida between US and Ukrainian delegations that both sides praised as productive without providing further details.

After the Paris meeting, Zelenskyy said the two leaders had also spoken with US special envoy Steve Witkoff, who is due to hold talks in Moscow with Russian President Vladimir Putin on December 2. It will be Witkoff's sixth meeting with Putin since January.

"It was an important briefing, and we agreed to discuss more details in person," Zelenskyy wrote on social media. Speaking at a news conference, Zelenskyy said he also expected to discuss key issues with US President Donald Trump.

Macron said US mediation was "a very good thing" but indicated he believed it still had a long way to go. "It's not a complete peace plan. A complete peace plan will require Ukraine at the table, Russia at the table, and the Europeans at the table. It will happen," he said.

'Pivotal Week' For Peace Efforts

"The idea of ending the war by making some concessions to Russia will not work. On the contrary, it would only encourage Russia to continue its expansion in various directions," Mykhaylo Podolyak, an adviser in the Ukrainian presidential office, told Current Time on December 1.

"Some more or less clear compromise version of [US President Donald] Trump's peace initiative will be on the table," he added, referring to a plan proposed by the White House in mid-November that has led to the current burst of diplomacy.

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said on December 1 that "it could be a pivotal week" for peace efforts.

The initial 28-point US proposal alarmed Ukrainian officials -- and reportedly angered Zelenskyy -- who then held their own talks with Rubio and other US officials in Geneva on November 23.

Those talks resulted in a 19-point plan that leaves several major issues on the table, including the fate of a chunk of Ukraine's Donbas region, Ukraine's NATO aspirations, and a potential cap on the size of Kyiv's armed forces. They were followed by the talks in Florida a week later.

Russian 'Pleasure' At Ukraine Scandal

For Ukraine, an added complication has been the controversy surrounding Zelenskyy's chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, who has been a key figure in talks.

Yermak -- who has not been charged by investigators and has said he has done nothing wrong -- resigned on November 28 amid an ongoing corruption investigation. He led the Ukrainian delegation in Geneva but was no longer part of the team in Florida.

Podolyak, who was Yermak's adviser, told Current Time that Russia was benefitting from the corruption scandal.

"They always invest in provoking internal conflict in Ukraine, inflating it as much as possible. They understand how to do this, have many information platforms, social networks that they use for this. And, of course, they now watch this internal conflict with pleasure," he said.

Trump on November 30 cautioned that the scandal was not helpful to the peace process, adding that "Ukraine's got some difficult little problems."

Even as the diplomacy ramps up, the killing has raged on.

Ukrainian authorities reported on December 1 that four people were killed and at least 40 injured in a Russian missile attack on Dnipro.

Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesman Peskov complained about Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian oil infrastructure.

He said a weekend attack on Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) infrastructure was "outrageous given its international significance and the involvement of international partners," including US oil major Chevron.

Kazakhstan, a partner in the project, lodged an official protest with the Ukrainian government over the strike, which it said was "the third act of aggression against an exclusively civilian facility."

In the past, Kyiv has said it has targeted the oil industry in order to deny revenues that finance the Russian war effort.

For its part, Moscow has denied aiming at civilian targets in Ukraine, despite overwhelming evidence of attacks on schools, hospitals, housing, and other facilities since launching its full-scale invasion in February 2022.
Technicians operate at the control room of the tunnel boring machine "Dinghai" in Zhoushan, east China's Zhejiang Province, Nov. 28, 2025. China's self-developed tunnel boring machine "Dinghai" exceeded a tunneling mileage of 5,000 meters on Friday at the Jintang undersea tunnel between cities of Ningbo and Zhoushan in east China's Zhejiang Province.

The milestone marks the completion of over 80 percent of the tunneling workload in Zhoushan section of Jintang undersea tunnel.

The tunnel, stretching 16.18 km, is an crucial part for the Yongzhou (Ningbo-Zhoushan) high-speed railway, and is set to be the world's longest undersea railway tunnel upon completion. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)

A worker assembles a segment ring inside the tunnel boring machine "Dinghai" in Zhoushan, east China's Zhejiang Province, Nov. 28, 2025. China's self-developed tunnel boring machine "Dinghai" exceeded a tunneling mileage of 5,000 meters on Friday at the Jintang undersea tunnel between cities of Ningbo and Zhoushan in east China's Zhejiang Province.

The milestone marks the completion of over 80 percent of the tunneling workload in Zhoushan section of Jintang undersea tunnel.

The tunnel, stretching 16.18 km, is an crucial part for the Yongzhou (Ningbo-Zhoushan) high-speed railway, and is set to be the world's longest undersea railway tunnel upon completion. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)

Technicians conduct remote management through the "digital twin" platform of the Jintang undersea tunnel on the Yongzhou Railway in Zhoushan, east China's Zhejiang Province, Nov. 28, 2025. China's self-developed tunnel boring machine "Dinghai" exceeded a tunneling mileage of 5,000 meters on Friday at the Jintang undersea tunnel between cities of Ningbo and Zhoushan in east China's Zhejiang Province.

The milestone marks the completion of over 80 percent of the tunneling workload in Zhoushan section of Jintang undersea tunnel.

The tunnel, stretching 16.18 km, is an crucial part for the Yongzhou (Ningbo-Zhoushan) high-speed railway, and is set to be the world's longest undersea railway tunnel upon completion. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)

Workers pose for a group photo inside the tunnel boring machine "Dinghai" in celebration of the machine exceeding a tunneling mileage of 5,000 meters in Zhoushan, east China's Zhejiang Province, Nov. 28, 2025. China's self-developed tunnel boring machine "Dinghai" exceeded a tunneling mileage of 5,000 meters on Friday at the Jintang undersea tunnel between cities of Ningbo and Zhoushan in east China's Zhejiang Province.

The milestone marks the completion of over 80 percent of the tunneling workload in Zhoushan section of Jintang undersea tunnel.

The tunnel, stretching 16.18 km, is an crucial part for the Yongzhou (Ningbo-Zhoushan) high-speed railway, and is set to be the world's longest undersea railway tunnel upon completion. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)

Technicians mark the 2,500th segment ring in the Jintang undersea tunnel of the Ningbo-Zhoushan Railway, as the tunnel boring machine exceeds a tunneling mileage of 5,000 meters in Zhoushan, east China's Zhejiang Province, Nov. 28, 2025. China's self-developed tunnel boring machine "Dinghai" exceeded a tunneling mileage of 5,000 meters on Friday at the Jintang undersea tunnel between cities of Ningbo and Zhoushan in east China's Zhejiang Province.

The milestone marks the completion of over 80 percent of the tunneling workload in Zhoushan section of Jintang undersea tunnel.

The tunnel, stretching 16.18 km, is an crucial part for the Yongzhou (Ningbo-Zhoushan) high-speed railway, and is set to be the world's longest undersea railway tunnel upon completion. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)

A technician checks operation inside the tunnel boring machine "Dinghai" in Zhoushan, east China's Zhejiang Province, Nov. 28, 2025. China's self-developed tunnel boring machine "Dinghai" exceeded a tunneling mileage of 5,000 meters on Friday at the Jintang undersea tunnel between cities of Ningbo and Zhoushan in east China's Zhejiang Province.

The milestone marks the completion of over 80 percent of the tunneling workload in Zhoushan section of Jintang undersea tunnel.

The tunnel, stretching 16.18 km, is an crucial part for the Yongzhou (Ningbo-Zhoushan) high-speed railway, and is set to be the world's longest undersea railway tunnel upon completion. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)

Editor: WXY
A public consultation session is taking place today, Tuesday, on a proposed new wind farm in South Roscommon.

Cornafulla Wind Farm, a joint venture partnership between Bord na Mona (BnM) and SSE Renewables, is being planned on BnMs landbank across Cornafulla bog.

One of two public consultation sessions on the project will take place at the Clann na nGael GAA Club, Johnstown today, December 2nd, from 5 p.m. to 8.30 p.m..

The event will offer members of the public an opportunity to engage with the project team and provide feedback on the proposed development.

A community relations team, including a dedicated community liaison officer, will be present at the upcoming consultation session to gather feedback from the public and address any questions.

Bord na Mona (BnM) and SSE Renewables said the proposed Cornafulla Wind Farm would bring a range of benefits to the local area, including a dedicated community benefit fund.

The other public consultation session will take place on Thursday, December 4th at St. Ciarans NS, Clonmacnoise, Shannonbridge, from 5 p.m. to 8.30 p.m..

Declan Byrne, development project manager from SSE Renewables, said: We are keen to meet with the local community to discuss and receive feedback on our plans for the proposed Cornafulla Wind Farm. With the support of our key stakeholders and the local community, this joint venture project brings investment and long-term benefits. If delivered, the project has a dedicated community benefit fund that both SSE Renewables and BnM are proud to deliver.

Karina Dennigan, community relations and advocacy manager for BnM, said: The project team will be on hand to discuss queries. The proposed wind farm will be jointly developed by BnM and SSE Renewables and contribute towards Irelands energy independence and deliver on the goals of the National Development Plan. Working together, both companies will leverage their extensive expertise, resources and presence across Ireland to generate positive outcomes for the local communities, local economies and climate change."
Grainne Ni Aodha, PA

The proposal to rename a south Dublin park would have been a shameful erasure of a part of Irish-Jewish history, the Chief Rabbi has said.

Yoni Weider welcomed the expected withdrawal of a proposal at Dublin City Council to rename Herzog Park but said that questions needed to be asked about how the proposal came forward.

The idea of removing the Herzog name from the park would have been a shameful erasure of a central part of Irish-Jewish history, he told RTE Radio.

The park was named in 1995 after Chaim Herzog, the sixth president of Israel between 1983 and 1993, who was born in Belfast and raised in Dublin.

His son, Isaac Herzog, is the current president of Israel, and his father served as the first Chief Rabbi of Ireland.

The proposal to rename the park has been criticised by Taoiseach Micheal Martin, Tanaiste Simon Harris, and Foreign Affairs Minister Helen McEntee, as well as the Office of the President of Israel.

The proposal is expected to be withdrawn at a meeting of Dublin City Council on Monday evening.

When Mr Herzog visited Ireland as Israels president in 1985, Mr Weider said he was welcomed with warmth, and there was great pride in the fact that he was the only visiting head of state who spoke fluent Irish.

He said the Herzogs embodied the bond between the Irish story and the Jewish story, who he said at the time were two small courageous nations both struggling for independence from British rule.

Today, you dont hear about this shared history anymore, Mr Weider said.

There are parts of our society, such as the people proposing this move, that want to whitewash this part of our history, but we need to acknowledge this kinship between Irish nationalism and Jewish nationalism was recognised and valued.

It was recognised when Chaim Herzog came on a state visit, and it was recognised when this park was dedicated in his name.
Punjab's pitch aims at strategic tie-ups in sectors which are seen as future engines of growth.File Photo.

He will lead a high-level delegation including the state industries minister and senior bureaucrats.

CM Manns Japan Visit Begins: Punjab Targets Manufacturing, Mobility and Tech Investors

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann has started his 10-day official visit to Japan from today. It is a bold move towards attracting foreign investment before the 6th Progressive Punjab Investors Summit, which is scheduled in Mohali from March 13 to 15, 2026.

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He will lead a high-level delegation including the state industries minister and senior bureaucrats. He will meet captains of Japanese industry in Tokyo and Sapporo. The focus is on persuading top firms such as Panasonic, Toyota, NEC, Sumitomo, and others to invest in Punjab.

This visit is more than protocol; it follows a virtual engagement on November 26 in which CM Mann, along with state ministers, will hold detailed discussions with a delegation from the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO), the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry in India (JCCII) and senior representatives of Japanese corporations operating in India.

Punjabs pitch aims at strategic tie-ups in sectors which are seen as future engines of growth: advanced manufacturing, mobility, electronics, food processing, renewable energy and global services. Mann argues that Punjab has the human capital, resilience and entrepreneurial spirit to make the most of such partnerships.

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Officials have highlighted that the visit comes against a backdrop of recent policy reforms focused on making Punjab more investment-friendly; a unified regulatory framework is being presented to Japanese investors as a major incentive, as verbally reported by officials quoted in multiple news reports.

This could be a defining moment for Punjabs youth, job-seekers and entrepreneurs. If Japans interest translates into concrete commitments such as factories, technology centres, and export hubs, the outcomes could reshape the industrial and employment landscape in many districts. With many such investor-outreach exercises, actual delivery matters. The success of this trip will hinge not just on MoUs signed, but on follow-through, implementation and employment outcomes.

Manns Japan visit reflects a larger bet that Punjab can reinvent itself from an agrarian legacy to a modern, diversified, globally connected economy. What remains to be seen is whether the promise will translate into a tangible shift.
SCL's upgraded capabilities will continue to support this ecosystem.File Photo.

SCL will also expand its footprint, with the Centre seeking 25 acres of additional land from the Punjab government to accommodate growth.



Centre Announces INR 4,500 Crore Upgrade for SCL Mohali, Assures No Privatisation

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On 28th November 2025, the Government of India declared an INR 4,500 crore investment over the next three years to modernise the state-run Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL), according to the Press Information Bureau.

Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister for Electronics & IT, announced this during his visit to SCL alongside MoS Shri Ravneet Singh. He reassured that the facility will remain under government control and said that SCL Mohali will be modernised, and it will not be privatised.

About upgrading

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Under the modernisation initiative, SCL will see expanded capacity: the plan focuses on raising wafer production by 100 times as compared to current output. The overhaul will include updated fabrication tools, better research-and-development infrastructure, and expansion of training and production facilities. SCL will also expand its footprint, with the Centre seeking 25 acres of additional land from the Punjab government to accommodate growth.

About Empowerment: students, researchers and start-ups

SCL handed over 28 student-designed chips which were created by teams from 17 academic institutions. They had been fabricated as part of the governments Chips to Start-up (C2S) programme. The total number of student chips fabricated by SCL now is 56.

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SCLs upgraded capabilities will continue to support this ecosystem. They will provide tape-out services (final chip fabrication) to students, researchers and start-ups, filling a gap because commercial foundries often do not take up small-scale or experimental chip designs.

Officials noted that students and researchers from nearly 300 universities across India are already using world-class Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools to design semiconductor chips. The government describes this ecosystem as unique on a global level. The upgraded SCL will strengthen this pipeline, turning homegrown designs into real silicon chips.

Strategic vision: Swadeshi chips and self-reliance

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According to the government, this modernisation programme is part of a broader strategy under the India Semiconductor Mission and vision for self-reliance in strategic sectors. SCL, which already provides end-to-end solutions for semiconductor design and manufacturing, including ASICs, MEMS and optoelectronic devices, is being positioned as a national R&D and manufacturing hub.

Officials said that a consortium involving institutions such as DRDO and CDAC will help drive development, production and deployment of indigenous Swadeshi chips and will enhance Indias strategic autonomy in technology.



This announcement is probably the most ambitious and significant overhaul of SCL Mohali to date. It signals that apart from only boosting chip-making capacity, India is also investing in talent, innovation and self-reliance, making SCL a cornerstone in building a domestic semiconductor ecosystem.
The Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine has decided to provide state incentives to five more initiators of the creation and management companies of industrial parks for a total amount of about UAH 259.3 million, the ministry reports.

In particular, the Sygnivka industrial park (Lviv region) will receive financing worth UAH 35 million for the construction of electrical grids, as well as fire-fighting water supply networks, heat supply and rainwater drainage systems.

The Vinnytsia Industrial Park in Vinnytsia region will receive UAH 33.9 million to construct road infrastructure, water supply networks, and a transformer substation. The Dolyna Stryi industrial park in Lviv region will receive UAH 63.9 million to construct external power supply, water supply, and drainage networks, as well as to reconstruct the street section to the park.

The Kryvbas industrial park (Dnipropetrovsk region) will receive UAH 21.8 million to construct the first stage of external engineering networks. The Fruit Industry industrial park (Chernivtsi region) will receive UAH 104.7 million to construct local wastewater treatment plants.

The Ministry notes that the Sygnivka and Vinnytsia Industrial Parks received funds last year to co-finance infrastructure construction. However, they had ready-made project documentation, so this year, they appealed to the Ministry of Economy to fully utilize the UAH 150 million limit per an industrial park.

The ministry notes, "Taking into account the new decision, nine industrial parks have already received state incentives this year for 17 projects, totaling UAH 603.7 million."

The program State Stimulation of Industrial Park Creation provides for the development of engineering and transport infrastructure of industrial parks on the terms of co-financing: roads, power grids, water supply, sewage, gas supply and other technical solutions necessary for the launch of production.

State stimulation provides for 50%/50% co-financing of the creation of engineering and transport infrastructure and connection to power grids for the amount of up to UAH 150 million per an industrial park. For deoccupied territories - 80%/20%.

The Ministry of Economy is implementing the program in cooperation with Ukreximbank, Oschadbank, Ukrgasbank and Sense Bank.
Personalities of Greater Romania

On December 1, 1918, Transylvania united with the Kingdom of Romania, laying the groundwork for Greater Romania.

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Steliu Lambru, 01.12.2025, 14:00

On December 1, 1918, Transylvania united with the Kingdom of Romania, laying the foundation for Greater Romania. Thousands of Romanians gathered in Alba Iulia for the National Assembly, which ratified the union, a long standing vision for both the elites and the lower classes.

The Archive of Radio Romanias Oral History Center has an exceptional sound document. It is the voice of Cardinal Iuliu Hossu, a Greek Catholic bishop at the time, who read the resolutions of the Assembly to the crowd gathered in Alba Iulia. Martyr and survivor of communist prisons, Iuliu Hossu was born in 1885 and died in 1970. The document summarizes the political, economic, social and civic aspirations of the Romanians at that time. The recording was made clandestinely in 1969, a year before the death of this great man of the Romanian nation. For Cardinal Hossu, the religious dimension was the most important contribution to the union: Brothers! The fulfillment of ages is upon us. When God Almighty declares through his people his righteousness, thirsting through the ages. Today, by our decision, Greater Romania is enacted, one and undivided, with all Romanians uttering across these lands: we unite through the ages with our motherland, Romania! I, the servant of God, Bishop Iuliu Hossu of Cluj-Gherla, spoke these words, in a lower voice, but with love in Your love and in Your mercy, Lord, which You pour out on our people and on our country and protect it from all danger. So that it may rise in righteousness and truth.

The words of Iuliu Hossu, a cleric and politician of great importance, expressed the wish of all those who believed in the dream of Greater Romania: The national union of all Romanians in Transylvania, Banat, and the Hungarian Country, gathered through their rightful representatives on December 1, 1918, decree the union of these Romanians, and all the territories inhabited by them, with Romania. The National Assembly proclaims first and foremost the inalienable right of the Romanian nation to the the entire Banat Country, between the rivers Mures, Tisza, and the Danube. The National Assembly reserves the above mentioned territories provisional autonomy up and until the gathering of the Constituency, based on universal suffrage. In relation to that, as fundamental principles in the foundation of the new Romanian state, the National Assembly proclaims the following: full national freedom for all cohabiting peoples, each people will be educated, administered and judged in its own language, by individuals from its own bosom. Each people shall gain the right to be represented in legislative bodies and governance, proportional to the number of individuals that are part of it. Equal rights and full autonomous freedom for all confessions in the state. The full appliance a clean democratic regime in all areas of public life, universal, direct, equal, secret suffrage, in communes, proportionally for both sexes aged 21, for representation in communes, counties or parliament. Full freedom of association and assembly, free propagation of human thought; radical agrarian reform shall be made by enlisting all estates, especially the major ones. It shall be made possible for the peasant to create a property, at least as much as he and his family can work. The guiding principle of this agrarian reform is granted on the one hand by social leveling, on the other by the potentiation of production. The same rights and advantages are granted to the industrial labor class as those legislated by the most advanced industrial states of the West.

Cardinal Iuliu Hossu saw that astral moment with full clarity: The National Assembly expresses its desire that the Peace Congress bring about the communion of free nations in such a way that justice and freedom may be assured for all nations, large and small alike, and that, in the future, war as a means of regulating international relations, may be eliminated. The Romanians gathered in this National Assembly salute their brothers in Bukovina, freed from the yoke of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy and united with the motherland Romania. The National Assembly salutes with love and enthusiasm the liberation of the nations hitherto subjugated from the Austro-Hungarian monarchy, namely the Czechoslovak, Austro-German, Yugoslav, Polish and Ruthenian nations, and decides that this greeting be brought to the attention of these nations. The National Assembly humbly bows before the memory of those brave Romanians who in this war shed their blood for our dream, dying for the freedom and unity of the Romanian nation. The National Assembly expresses its gratitude to and admiration for the Allied powers who, through the great battles fought bravely against an enemy prepared for war for many decades, saved civilization from the clutches of barbarism.

The words of the martyr Iuliu Hossu have reached todays Romanians as a testimony to the legitimacy of what was done then, for a present and a future worthy of the sacrifices made by the generations of the Union. They reaffirm the fact that mans happiness is when he lives in freedom together with his fellows and with minorities, being the one who makes his own destiny. (EE)
December 1, 2025

A roundup of local and world news

Newsflash

Newsroom, 01.12.2025, 13:55

NATIONAL DAY Nearly 3,000 troops and experts from the ministries of defence and the interior, the Romanian Intelligence Service, the Special Telecommunications Service and the National Penitentiary Administration, with over 220 vehicles took part in the military parade organised in Bucharest on Romanias National Day. According to the defence ministry, 240 foreign troops also took part in the parade, including units from France, North Macedonia, the Republic of Moldova, Poland, Portugal, Spain, the US, as well as military from the Allied countries contributing to NATO structures on Romanian territory. A military parade with almost 1,000 participants and a folklore show also took place in Alba Iulia, the place where, 107 years ago, the Great Union of the Romanian Principalities was completed. To celebrate this historic moment, the national flag was hoisted in all military institutions in the country and on board sea and river vessels. December 1, 1918 saw the establishment of the Romanian unified nation state. At the end of World War I, the provinces of Transylvania, Banat, Bukovina and Bessarabia, inhabited mainly by Romanians and previously under the authority of the Austro-Hungarian and Tsarist empires, became part of the Kingdom of Romania.

CELEBRATION The US secretary of state Marco Rubio highlighted on Romanias National Day on Monday, the strong and growing partnership between the two countries, based on shared strategic interests. On behalf of the United States of America, I congratulate the people of Romania on your National Day. The United States and Romania share a strong and growing partnership built on shared strategic interests in security, energy cooperation, and trade, Rubio said in a statement posted by the US Embassy in Bucharest. The US commends Romanias regional leadership and encourages its continued role in promoting stability in the Black Sea region, the US official said. Romanias commitment to allocate 5% of its GDP to defence by 2035 will strengthen NATO and lay the foundation for growing prosperity in the years to come. Rubio also said the US is committed to continued defence cooperation and developing trade and investment that benefit both nations.

CONCERT The George Enescu Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Gabriel Bebeselea gives a concert today at the Warsaw Philharmonic Hall, to mark Romanias National Day and the closing of the Romania  Poland Cultural Season 2024-2025. The ensemble will perform Romanian Rhapsody Opus 11 number 1 and the Symphony Concertante Opus 8 for cello and orchestra, both by George Enescu, as well as the 6th Symphony by Antonin Dvorak.

PARLIAMENT The Senate and the Chamber of Deputies convene in a joint session on Tuesday, December 2, so that the government led by Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan can take responsibility for the draft law on the retirement of magistrates, after the amended text of the document was passed on Friday in a special government meeting. Until then, MPs can still submit amendments to this bill. The document provides, among other things, for at least 35 years of work as a prerequisite for retirement, the gradual increase of the retirement age to 65, and pension benefits that should not exceed 70% of the last net salary. Accessing European funding, addressing some imbalances and a sustainable pension system are 3 of the reasons for the passing of the document by the government. The document can be obstructed by a no-confidence motion against the Cabinet, submitted within 3 days of taking responsibility.

POPULATION Romanias population is expected to shrink by 18% by 2080, accounting for a decrease by almost 3.4 million people compared to the current level, the National Institute of Statistics says. The INS research paper, called Projected active population of Romania by the year 2080, looks at 3 scenarios. The most pessimistic one is based on fertility and mortality rates similar to those of last year, and indicates a drastic decrease in population by almost 4.7 million people. The most optimistic scenario sees the population drop by only 1.9 million people. The average case, which speaks of a decline of 3.4 million people, is seen as the most likely hypothesis in the current social-economic conditions. A regional analysis indicates substantial differences, with the regions of Oltenia (southwest) and Muntenia (southeast) expected to see the most significant decreases, and more balanced dynamics in Bucharest-Ilfov, the northeast and the centre of the country. On January 1, 2025, the population of Romania residing in the country was slightly more than 19 million people. (AMP)
December 1, 2025 UPDATE

A roundup of local and world news

December 1, 2025 UPDATE

Newsroom, 01.12.2025, 20:00

NATIONAL DAY Military parades and religious ceremonies took place across the country on Romanias National Day. The largest was in Bucharest, where over 3,000 troops with 220 vehicles marched under the Arch of Triumph in front of more than 10,000 people. They were joined by 240 foreign soldiers, from units from France, North Macedonia, the Republic of Moldova, Poland, Portugal, Spain, the US, as well as soldiers from Allied countries contributing to NATO structures on Romanian territory. In Alba Iulia, the city of the Great Union, National Day celebrations took place in a rather tense atmosphere, with thousands of supporters of sovereigntist parties in opposition and of the former presidential candidate Calin Georgescu holding parallel marches, forcing through gendarme cordons and chanting anti-government slogans. However, over 20,000 people watched the military parade in which more than 1,000 troops participated. December 1, 1918 saw the establishment of the Romanian unified nation state. At the end of World War I, the provinces of Transylvania, Banat, Bukovina and Bessarabia, inhabited mainly by Romanians and previously under the authority of the Austro-Hungarian and Tsarist empires, became part of the Kingdom of Romania. To mark this historic moment, the national flag was hoisted in all military institutions in the country, and on board sea and river vessels.

MESSAGES The US president Donald Trump emphasizes, in a message on Romanias National Day, the close bilateral relationship and the strategic role of our country in the Black Sea region. The White House leader says the economic relationship between the two countries has potential for growth and appreciates Romanias contribution to regional security and within NATO. The French president Emmanuel Macron also sent a congratulation message, in which he mentions security as the central point of the bilateral relationship. France is a reliable, steadfast ally in the defence of NATOs eastern flank and the territory of Romania, said the French president. In turn, the Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy appreciates our countrys firm position in support of Ukraines sovereignty and territorial integrity, in the context of Russias war of aggression, and mentions the dynamic nature of Romanian-Ukrainian relations. A message also came from the president of the Republic of Moldova, Maia Sandu, in which she emphasises the importance of December 1, 1918, a moment that opened the way to peace, freedom and democracy for the Romanian people more than a century ago. These values, Maia Sandu continues, are currently threatened by a tense international situation, which is why the responsibility of the current generation is a major one. Similar messages also came from King Charles of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and Emperor Naruhito of Japan.

PARLIAMENT The Senate and the Chamber of Deputies convene in a joint session on Tuesday, December 2, so that the government led by PM Ilie Bolojan can take responsibility for the draft law on the retirement of magistrates, after the amended text of the document was passed on Friday in a special government meeting. Until then, MPs can still submit amendments to this bill. The document provides, among other things, for at least 35 years of work as a prerequisite for retirement, the gradual increase of the retirement age to 65, and pension benefits that should not exceed 70% of the last net salary. Accessing European funding, addressing some imbalances and a sustainable pension system are 3 of the reasons for the passing of the document by the government. The document can be obstructed by a no-confidence motion against the Cabinet, submitted within 3 days of taking responsibility.

POPULATION Romanias population is expected to shrink by 18% by 2080, accounting for a decrease by almost 3.4 million people compared to the current level, the National Statistics Institute says. The INS research paper called Projected active population of Romania by the year 2080 looks at 3 scenarios. The most pessimistic one is based on fertility and mortality rates similar to those of last year, and indicates a drastic decrease in population, by almost 4.7 million people. The most optimistic scenario sees the population drop by only 1.9 million people. The average case, which speaks of a decline of 3.4 million people, is seen as the most likely hypothesis in the current social-economic conditions. A regional analysis indicates substantial differences, with the regions of Oltenia (southwest) and Muntenia (southeast) expected to see the most significant decreases, and with more balanced dynamics in Bucharest-Ilfov, the northeast and the centre of the country. On January 1, 2025, the population of Romania residing in the country was slightly more than 19 million people. (AMP)
Mortgage approvals and final manufacturing Purchasing Managers' survey results from the UK are the top economic news due on Monday.

At 2.30 am ET, retail sales data from Switzerland is due. Economists forecast sales to grow 1.2 percent year-on-year in October, slower than the 1.5 percent rise in September.

At 3.15 am ET, S&P Global publishes Spain's manufacturing PMI data. The factory PMI is forecast to rise to 52.3 in November from 52.1 in the previous month.

At 3.45 am ET, Italy's manufacturing PMI data is due. Economists forecast the factory PMI to climb to 50.1 in November from 49.9 in the previous month.

At 3.50 am ET, France's HCOB manufacturing PMI survey data is due. The final index is seen at 47.8 in November, down from 48.8 in the previous month.

At 3.55 am ET, S&P Global releases Germany's final PMI data. The factory PMI is forecast to match the flash estimate of 48.4 in November.

At 4.00 am ET, Eurozone manufacturing PMI data is due. Economists expect the manufacturing index to fall to 49.7 in November from 50.0 in the prior month.

At 4.30 am ET, the Bank of England releases UK mortgage approvals for October. The number of approvals is expected to decline to 64,000 from 65,940 in the previous month.

In the meantime, UK S&P Global publishes final manufacturing PMI survey results. The flash estimate showed that the factory PMI remained unchanged at 50.2 in November.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Oil prices climbed nearly 2 percent on Monday following Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure and an escalation in tensions between the United States and Venezuela.

Benchmark Brent crude futures jumped 1.9 percent to $63.56 a barrel while WTI crude futures were up a little over 2 percent at $59.74.

Russian forces continued their assaults across Ukraine, leaving civilians injured and damaging residential and critical infrastructure in several regions as the embattled nation heads into winter.

Also, Ukrainian naval drones hit two oil tankers and a port in the Black Sea as delegations meet in Florida amid deep disagreements over territory and Ukraine's future security.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that more work was required, and a source in Kyiv's delegation characterized the discussions as "not easy."

Traders also weighed the fallout from U.S. President Donald Trump's rhetoric around Venezuela.

Trump confirmed on Sunday that he had spoken with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro but did not provide details on what the two leaders discussed.

On Saturday, Trump said the airspace above and surrounding Venezuela should be considered "closed in its entirety," but gave no further details.

Elsewhere, OPEC+ confirmed it will stick with plans to pause production hikes during the first quarter.

The producer group led by Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its decision on November 2, 2025, to pause production increments in January, February, and March 2026 due to weaker seasonal market conditions.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Market Analysis
Profound Medical Corp. (PROF), Friday announced the launch of its TULSA-AI Volume Reduction module for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and the presentation of new clinical data on its incision-free TULSA Procedure at the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) meeting in Chicago and the Society for Urologic Oncology (SUO) meeting in Phoenix.

BPH is a common age-related enlargement of the prostate that can cause urinary symptoms. Traditional treatments like TURP have changed little in decades and carry risks such as bleeding and sexual side effects.

Profound's AI-powered TULSA-AI module seeks to modernize care by reducing procedure times and tailoring therapy to any prostate shape of size. The company expects this innovation to triple its total addressable market in prostate disease to about 600,000 patients annually.

The company highlighted real-world data showing reduced risk of sexual dysfunction and incontinence, while the CAPTAIN perioperative trial demonstrated superiority to robotic prostatectomy in blood loss, length of stay, post-op pain, and recovery time.

RSNA presentation schedule:

- CAPTAIN randomized controlled trial of MRI-guided vs. Robotic radical prostatectomy on December 1.

- Discover TULSA-PRO an AI-powered MRI-guided precision ablation presented on December 2.

- MR-guided TULSA- single-center outcomes in 160 patients with organ-confined prostate cancer, presented on December 2.

- Alongside on-demand educational lectures covering MRI-guided planning and focal therapy alternatives.

At SUO, Stanford investigators will present randomized controlled trial data comparing TULSA with robotic prostatectomy.

Profound emphasized that the TULSA Procedure, performed with TULSA-PRO system, is the only incision-free therapy applicable across the prostate disease spectrum, from cancer to BPH to hybrid cases.

The company noted its ability to preserve urinary continence and sexual function while offering a one-session, radiation-free treatment with rapid recovery.

Beyond prostate disease, Profound is also commercializing Sonalleve, a CE-marked therapeutic platform for uterine fibroids, adenomyosis, bone metastases pain palliation, desmoid tumors, and osteoid osteoma, with additional potential applications in abdominal cancers and hyperthermia therapy.

PROF closed Friday's trading session at $6.60, up 2.17%. Over the past 12 months the stock has traded between $3.76 to $8.75.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Haiti is rapidly becoming a central hub in a multinational trafficking network, according to the United Nations.

A record seizure of cocaine off the coast of Haiti has underlined the island nation's "pivotal role in trafficking routes linking South America, the Caribbean and the United States", the UN said in a press release.

The traffickers involved in the cocaine shipment were Bahamian and Jamaican nationals, underscoring the presence of regional actors collaborating with Haitian counterparts.

The seizures of drugs both in Haitian waters and in Europe indicate coordinated and established trafficking routes that require a robust regional response by law enforcement agencies.

Newly established drug routes are also overlapping with migrant smuggling operations, in which Haitian nationals are increasingly involved.

Meanwhile, the drug trade contributes to regional instability, undermines governance, disrupts economies and fuels violence.

Ports, trade routes and tourism sectors in affected countries face increased security challenges and reputational damage.

Haiti is in the grip of a security crisis as gangs battle for control of territory in the capital and beyond while continuing to expand their criminal activities.

A record 1,045 kilograms of cocaine was seized in July near Haiti's Ile de la Tortue off the north coast of the nation in a maritime operation by Haitian authorities. It was the Caribbean country's largest drug bust in more than 30 years.

Two weeks later, 426 kg of cannabis were confiscated in Petite-Anse, near Cap-Haitien in the north of the country.

There have been additional seizures reported. Two Haitian nationals were arrested in Jamaica with more than 1,350 kg of cannabis.

The cocaine which was seized in July is believed to have originated in South America and was destined for distribution across the Caribbean and the US, investigators think.

The UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) recently received evidence of drugs being shipped to Europe. In August, Belgian authorities seized 1,156 kg of cocaine in the port of Antwerp in a container originating from Haiti.

Much of the international drug trafficking activity has been centred around Ile de la Tortue which has long been a strategic point for transnational criminal operations, partly due to its considerable size and remoteness, UN said.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Nearly one million people were affected and more than 400 reported dead or missing after Cyclone Ditwah unleashed catastrophic flooding and landslides across Sri Lanka, one of the South Asian country's worst flood disasters in two decades.

According to the UN relief coordination office, OCHA, 998,918 people across all 25 districts have now been affected, with 212 deaths reported and 218 people missing. More than 180,000 people are sheltering in 1,094 government-run safety centers as search and rescue efforts continue.

Cyclone Ditwah made landfall on November 28 before moving back over the Bay of Bengal, triggering some of the most severe flooding Sri Lanka has seen since the early 2000s.

The hardest-hit districts include Gampaha, Colombo, Puttalam and Mannar, as well as Trincomalee and Batticaloa, while deadly landslides in the central hill country have devastated Kandy, Badulla and Matale.

Severe disruption to electricity, mobile and communications, and transport networks are reported in northern districts such as Jaffna, with entire villages isolated.

Sri Lanka's already fragile system is under severe pressure, the UN agency says.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organization has warned that floods significantly raise the risk of vector-borne, food-borne and water-borne diseases.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Unilever plc (UL) announced Monday it has signed agreement to sell the Graze to Germany's Katjes International GmbH & Co., a part of the Katjes Group. Graze will sit in the Candy Kittens group in the UK. Financial terms of the agreement are undisclosed.

Unilever bought Graze, a healthier snacking brand, in 2019. Following its acquisition by Unilever, Graze has evolved from a primarily Direct-to-Consumer brand to one with a strong presence in UK retail stores, and an updated and contemporary visual identity designed to attract shoppers.

Under Unilever's ownership Graze has transformed its profitability and has continued to deliver growth in the retail channel.

The sale is part of Unilever's focus on sharpening its portfolio for long-term growth and scalability and pruning the portfolio where relevant.

The completion of the transaction, subject to usual closing conditions, is expected in the first half of 2026.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
NurExone Biologic Inc. (NRX), Friday reported its third-quarter 2025 financial results and provided a corporate update highlighting pipeline progress and upcoming milestones.

The company's lead program is ExoPTEN, an exosome-based therapy targeting PTEN inhibition for acute spinal cord injury. ExoPTEN is currently in preclinical development, with additional indications under investigation including glaucoma, facial/CNS traumatic injury (via PNN targeting sequence), and chronic spinal cord injury.

Preclinical data announced in October demonstrated dose-dependent improvements in motor recovery and retinal function, positioning ExoPTEN as a potential first-in-class therapy.

NurExone plans to submit an IND application in 2026 to advance ExoPTEN into clinical trials.

In addition to ExoPTEN, NurExone is advancing ExoTherapy, a broader platform leveraging exosomes and stem cells for regenerative medicine. The company is also collaborating with Inteligex, which provides a novel targeted human stem cell platform designed to replace key cell types lost due to traumatic injury or neurodegeneration.

During the quarter, NurExone strengthened its intellectual property portfolio. On September 8, 2025, the company received a Notice of Allowance from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for its proprietary exosome manufacturing process, covering its 3D scaffold and shear- stress- based bioreactor system. The patent was formally granted on November 11, 2025, alongside a corresponding grant in Israel.

The company also announced plans to establish its first U.S. commercial exosome production facility in Indianapolis, Indiana, through its subsidiary Exo-Top Inc., supported by an incentive offer of up to $0.26 million.

The GMP-compliant facility will serve as a U.S. manufacturing base for NurExone's therapeutic programs and -to-business opportunities in regenerative aesthetics.

NurExone enhanced its global visibility through invited presentations at leading exosome and regenerative medicine meetings, including the Precision EV Forum 2025 in Cambridge, U.K. CEO Dr. Lior Shaltiel has been invited to speak at the Upcoming Cell and Gene Therapy International Europe Conference in Berlin in December.

The company was named a finalist in two international award programs - the Falling Walls Science Breakthroughs (Berlin, November 2025) and the Prix Galien Bridges Awards (Stockholm)- underscoring the innovation of its exosome-based therapies.

An investor webinar is scheduled for December 10, 2025, to discuss recent achievements, U.S. biomanufacturing expansion, and strategic priorities for 2026.

Q3 Financials:

Net R&D expenses were $0.70 million in Q3 2025, compared to $0.50 million in Q3 2024.

G&A expenses were $0.76 million, slightly down from $0.78 million in the prior-year quarter.

Net loss widened to $1.47 million in Q3 2025, compared to $1.25 million in Q3 2024.

The company raised C$1.4 million through private placements in August and September 2025 and secured C$3.2 million in gross proceeds from accelerated warrant exercises in November.

NRX.NE is currently trading at $0.70, down 1.41%. Over the past 12 months the stock has traded between $0.54 to $1.14.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
The Appellate Chamber of the High Anti-Corruption Court (HACC) upheld the preventive measure against former Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Chernyshov, who is suspected of illegal enrichment.

As an Interfax-Ukraine correspondent reported, the panel of judges of the High Anti-Corruption Court (HACC) dismissed the defense's appeals against the HACC's November 18 decision regarding the application of a preventive measure in the form of detention against former Deputy Prime Minister Chernyshov with the alternative of bail of UAH 51.6 million.

At the same time, the court overturned Chernyshov's obligation to surrender his Ukrainian citizen's passport to the State Migration Service for safekeeping.

During the hearing, the defense insisted that the charges were unfounded, as there was no real evidence of Chernyshov's acquisition of the assets cited in the illicit enrichment allegations. The defense also stated in its presentation that, in its view, the risks raised by the prosecution, such as influencing witnesses, possible destruction of evidence, and the risk of escape, were irrelevant and unsubstantiated.

In this regard, the defense requested that the first-instance decision on pretrial detention be completely overturned. The prosecution, meanwhile, insisted on the validity of the High Anti-Corruption Court's decision and requested that it be upheld.

"This case concerns potential embezzlement at Energoatom. This case has absolutely nothing to do with me. I havent had, do not have, and do not plan to have any connection to Energoatom. Therefore, I believe this case is far-fetched in relation to me," Chernyshov said during his court appearance.

He also believes that there are no legal grounds for his accusation and sees political pressure behind it.

As reported, on November 10, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) reported on a large-scale operation to expose corruption in the energy sector, which was called "Midas." The activities of a high-level criminal organization were documented, the participants of which built a large-scale corruption scheme to influence strategic state-sector enterprises.

On November 14, the NABU and SAPO served former Deputy Prime Minister Chernyshov with a request to choose a preventive measure in the form of detention.

According to the investigation, the former employee was among the visitors to the so-called "laundry" - a place where funds obtained by criminal means were legalized. In particular, this facility was under the control of the head of a criminal organization exposed by NABU and SAPO the day before. Detectives documented the transfer of over $1.2 million and almost EUR100,000 in cash to the suspect and his proxy. The action is classified under Article 368-5 (illegal enrichment) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.

On November 18, HACC chose a preventive measure in the form of detention with the alternative of bail in the amount of UAH 51.6 million for Chernyshov, suspected of illegal enrichment. On November 19, bail was posted.

After posting bail, Chernyshov was assigned the following obligations: to appear before law enforcement officers and the court upon first request; not to leave the Kyiv region without the permission of detectives, prosecutors and the court; to report a change of residence; refrain from communicating with Tymur Mindich, Alexander Zukerman (named also spelled Tsukerman and Tsuckerman) and other persons involved in this investigation; surrender all foreign and domestic passports; wear an electronic bracelet. These obligations will be in effect for two months from the time of release from custody if bail is posted.

On November 24, Chernyshov appealed the decision of the Supreme Court of Criminal Appeals regarding the preventive measure
Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) presented new data for its investigational Alzheimer's therapies MK-2214 and MK-1167 at the Clinical Trials on Alzheimer's Disease (CTAD) 2025 in San Diego.

Alzheimer's disease is the leading cause of dementia, affecting about seven million people in the U.S., with cases projected to double to 14 million by 2060. Patients experience progressive loss of memory, thinking skills, and independence, underscoring the urgent need for new treatments.

MK-2214, a novel antibody targeting phosphorylated serine 413 (pS413) tau, showed favorable safety and pharmacokinetics in three Phase 1 studies, including patients with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease. The program has advanced into a Phase 2 trial and received FDA Fast Track designation.

MK-1167, an oral modulator of the alpha-7 (a7) nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, demonstrated effects on glutamate metabolism in a Phase 1 first-in-human study of healthy volunteers. These results informed dose selection for an ongoing Phase 2 trial in patients with mild-to moderate Alzheimer's dementia on donepezil therapy, a standard treatment that helps improve memory and cognition by enhancing cholinergic function in the brain.

Dr. Mike Egan, VP of neuroscience at Merck Research Laboratories, said the findings highlight progress in Merck's Alzheimer's pipeline and reflect new therapeutic approaches to one of the greatest neurological challenges.

Merck will present MK-2214 data on December 1- 2, 2025 and MK-1167 data on December 3, 2025. Both programs are part of Merck's broader neuroscience portfolio.

MRK is currently trading in the pre-market at $103.36, down 1.40%. Over the past 12 months the stock has traded between $73.31 to $105.84.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Mahindra sales improved strongly in November 2025 with total vehicle sales at 92,670 units across PV, CV and also including exports

Mahindra has posted strong sales in Nov 2025. The company has reported overall auto sales for the month of November 2025 which stood at 92,670 vehicles, a growth of 19% YoY. There was a positive trend seen across the utility vehicle segment while CV sales too improved across segments. 3W sales also ended the month on a positive note while globally too the company ended the month with some improvement.

Mahindra SUV YoY Sales Nov 2025

Across the passenger vehicle segment, the company has an outstanding array of SUVs across various segments. This has held the company in good stead with its key models considered highly popular and reliable in the market.

In domestic markets, the company sold a total of 56,336 units in Nov 2025 marking a 21.88% YoY growth from 46,222 units sold in Nov 2024. This was a volume increase by 10,114 units. The company did however, face a steep MoM decline by 21.34% as there had been 71,624 unit sales in Oct 2025 relating to a 15,288 unit dip in volumes.

YTD sales also ended positively with an 17.90% rise to 4,25,530 units from 3,60,936 unit sales during the April-Nov 2024 period. A series of new launches, specifically in the electric SUV segment, will surely see the company reach new heights in the coming months. Mahindra launched Indias first authentic Electric Origin 7-seater SUV  the XEV 9S  along with the worlds first Formula E-themed special edition SUV, the Mahindra BE 6 Formula E Edition as the company celebrated the 1st anniversary of Electric Origin SUVs.

According to Nalinikanth Gollagunta, CEO, Automotive Division, M&M Ltd., In November, we achieved SUV sales of 56,336 units, a growth of 22%. The total vehicle sales stand at 92,670 units, a 19% year-on-year growth. We also celebrated the one-year anniversary of our Electric Origin SUVs and launched Indias first authentic Electric Origin 7-seater SUV  the XEV 9S  along with the worlds first Formula E-themed special edition SUV, the Mahindra BE 6 Formula E Edition.

Commercial Vehicles and 3-Wheelers

Commercial vehicle sales also ended positively both on a YoY and YTD basis. Across the sub 2T LCV segment, sales were up by 5% YoY to 3,255 units from 3,098 units in Nov 2024. YTD sales however, declined by 6% to 24,696 units when compared to 26,225 units of the same period last year.

LCVs in the above 2T to 3.5T segments showed more demand with 21,588 units sold in Nov 2025, a 20% growth from 18,063 units of the same month last year. YTD sales were up 13% to 1,62,946 units, well over 1,43,599 units of the F25 period. Last month, the company marked its entry into the lifestyle PV Pickup truck segment in India. It showed off a production version of the Global Pik Up concept which is currently being spotted on test.

Mahindra also sees strong demand for its 3W models which also include electric 3W. Sales were up by 7% YoY to 8,568 units in Nov 2025 from 8,043 units in Nov 2024. YTD sales also grew by 28% to 74,908 units from 58,483 units.

Mahindra Exports  YoY and YTD

Global demand for the company has also been increasing rapidly. Mahindra exported 2,923 units last month, a 5% YoY growth from 2,776 units of Nov 2024. Its YTD exports saw an even more pronounced surge by 30% to 27,241 units during the Apr-Nov 2025 period over 20,956 units sold in the same period last year.
Skoda Auto India just closed its sales book for the month of November 2025 in style and probably even a mic drop. We say this because the companys sales performance last month almost doubled in volume YoY when compared to how Skoda performed in November 2024 where sales are concerned.

In the mainstream side, the company currently has Kushaq and Slavia spawned out of INDIA 2.0 strategy and then Kylaq spawned out of INDIA 2.5 strategy. On top of these mainstream offerings, Skoda also offers Kodiaq SUV via CKD route and then Octavia RS via CBU route. Lets take a closer look at Skoda Auto Indias sales for November 2025.

Skoda Sales Nov 2025

For the month of November 2025, Skoda Auto India sold 5,491 units including Kylaq, Slavia, Kushaq, Kodiaq and Octavia RS. This was a 90% YoY growth over the 2,886 units sold in November 2024. This was a 2,605 units volume growth YoY last month, over what the company sold during the same period a year ago.

The primary sales contributor is Kylaq, which is positioned in the highly lucrative B SUV segment. With the latest GST 2.0 reforms, Skoda Kylaq received a hefty GST cut which resulted in an attractive price cut as well. Skoda Kylaq seems to be well received by Indian audience and it even offers an enthusiastic 1.0L Turbo Petrol engine as standard.

Only the Octavia RS is currently brought in via CBU route and all 100 units allotted for India, were sold out in just 20 minutes since bookings commenced. Kodiaq SUV is currently brought in via CKD route and is assembled in the companys facility in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar. Both Kushaq and Slavia are expected to receive a facelift and one of them is likely to launch this month.

5 Lakh Units Sales Milestone in 25 Years

Octavia RS was launched in India to commemorate the companys 25th anniversary operating in the Asian subcontinent. Around the same time, Skoda Auto India achieved yet another achievement as the company sales just crossed the 5 lakh units milestone. In its Silver Jubilee, the company has crossed multiple monthly, quarterly and annual milestones.

Statement from Skoda Auto India

Commenting on the growth, Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Skoda Auto India, said, Our expanding network, our value-driven ownership offerings, and wide product portfolio have been the chief driving forces that have powered our 5 lakh landmark sales and our constant year-on-year sales growth every month. We shall maintain the momentum with our products and by getting closer to our customers and our fans.
Russia has attacked Kherson region, injuring nine people were injured, including one child, Regional Military Administration head Oleksandr Prokudin has said.

"Due to Russian aggression, nine people were injured, including one child," he said on Telegram on Monday morning.

Prokudin noted that over the past day Russia had attacked over a dozen settlements in the region, targeting critical and social infrastructure. He said Russia damaged a 12-storey residential building and 20 private houses, as well as a cell phone tower, gas line, private garages and cars.

Some 12 people were evacuated from the liberated communities in the region, he added.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced "sanctions decisions" targeting the Russian oil companies Rosneft and Lukoil, as well as sanctions against "Russian killers who are organizing the systematic destruction of Ukrainians with drones."

The corresponding decrees, No. 870/2025 and No. 871/2025, were published on the website of the Office of the President of Ukraine.

"Building on our partners pressure on Russia over this war, Ukraine has synchronized its sanctions with the United States and imposed restrictions on Rosneft and its enterprises, as well as companies within the Lukoil Group. The sanctions against these companies are already significantly depriving the Russian war machine of funds, and this must continue," he wrote on his Telegram channel.

The annex to the decree imposing sanctions lists 26 Russian legal entities that are part of the aforementioned companies.

Zelenskyy also announced sanctions against 36 individuals and 13 legal entities from the Russian Federation involved in organizing drone attacks against Ukraine.

"Ukraine is also introducing its sanctions against Russian murderers who organize the systematic destruction of Ukrainians with drones. We will, in effect, make these sanctions of ours joint with partners so that the world can pressure the aggressor in exactly the way needed to weaken Russias ability to wage war, and so that the Russian killers genuinely feel that the pressure is there," the head of the Ukrainian state said.

Zelenskyy also has set the key priorities for our sanctions policy through the end of the year.

"I have set the key priorities for our sanctions policy through the end of the year  further synchronization of sanctions with partners, preparation of the 20th EU sanctions package, tightening restrictions on the shadow fleet, the Russian military production, collaborationists, and propagandists. Our new sanctions steps will follow," he said.
In the remote Western Desert of Egypt, where striking layers of red sandstone and green shale rise above the dry plains surrounding Kharga Oasis, researchers have uncovered a fossil that significantly shifts current views on how crocodiles evolved.

The study, reported in The Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, was conducted by a team of Egyptian paleontologists. They identified a new species named Wadisuchus kassabi, which lived roughly 80 million years ago. It is now considered the earliest known representative of Dyrosauridae -- a lineage of ancient crocodiles that differed substantially from the crocodiles seen today.

Revealing the Early Marine Lifestyle of Dyrosaurids

Dyrosaurids did not resemble the river-dwelling species familiar to us. Instead, they thrived in coastal and oceanic settings. Their long, narrow snouts and rows of thin, pointed teeth allowed them to catch agile prey such as fish and turtles. Their ability to survive and spread in the aftermath of the dinosaur extinction makes them a key group for understanding how reptiles adapted during a period of dramatic environmental change.

The name Wadisuchus kassabi reflects both the region and its cultural heritage. Wadi ("," Arabic for "valley") refers to the New Valley, where the fossils were recovered, while Suchus connects the species to Sobek, the ancient crocodile deity. The species name also commemorates Professor Ahmed Kassab (Assiut University), whose contributions to Egyptian paleontology continue to guide and inspire future scientists.

A Detailed Look Inside the Fossils

Professor Hesham Sallam, Egyptian Vertebrate Paleontologist at Mansoura University and senior author of the research, explained: "The fossils of Wadisuchus kassabi were excavated near Kharga and Baris oases in Egypt's Western Desert. They include two partial skulls and two snout tips representing four individuals at different stages of growth, providing rare insight into how dyrosaurids developed." Sallam continued: "High-resolution CT scans and 3D surface models enabled us to reveal unprecedented anatomical details."

Distinctive Features Offer Clues to Dyrosaurid Origins

Sara Saber, Assistant Lecturer at Assiut University, member of the Sallam Lab team at MUVP, and lead author of the study, said: "Wadisuchus kassabi, was a 3.5-4-meter-long crocodile-like reptile with a very long snout and tall, sharp teeth. It differed from other dyrosaurids, in having four teeth at the front of the snout instead of the primitive five, nostrils positioned on top of the snout for surface breathing, and a deep notch at the tip of the snout where the jaws met. These features show a gradual adaptation in the dyrosaurid bite, marking an important step in their evolutionary history."

Saber added: "Beyond the distinctive features of Wadisuchus, it plays a crucial role in understanding the origin of the dyrosaurid group. The new species pushes back evidence for an African origin of Dyrosauridae and suggests that their diversification began earlier than previously thought -- possibly during the Early Coniacian-Santonian (about 87-83 million years ago), rather than the traditionally assumed Maastrichtian (about 72-66 million years ago)."

Egypt as the Birthplace of a Global Crocodile Lineage

Belal Salem, PhD student at Ohio University, member of the Sallam Lab, Curator of Fossil Reptiles and Birds at MUVP, and faculty member at Benha University, states: "this discovery indicates that Africa was the cradle of dyrosaurid evolution, from which later lineages spread across the globe and our phylogenetic analyses consistently place Wadisuchus an ancestor of the dyrosaurid group."

Salem added that the find carries a broader message: "The significance of Wadisuchus lies not only in what it reveals about the evolutionary history of this remarkable group of crocodiles -- though that is a major achievement -- but also in what it reminds us of: Egypt's Western Desert still holds treasures that preserve the secrets of our planet's deep past. Our mission is not only to uncover these fossils but also to protect the fossil-rich sites from urban expansion and agricultural encroachment. They are a legacy for generations of Egyptians to come."
Photo: https://www.facebook.com/RedCrossUkraine

20 volunteers and four Ukrainian Red Cross Society (URCS) transport units were involved in the liquidation of the consequences of the Russian UAV attack on Vyshhorod (Kyiv region) over the weekend.

"Vyshhorod... On the night of November 30, the Ukrainian Red Cross rapid response team in the Kyiv region, together with other rescue services, worked at the scene of the liquidation of the consequences of another shelling. After the rapid arrival at the scene, the team organized an aid point for the victims... 20 volunteers and four URCS transport units were involved in the response," the URCS Facebook page said in a message on Sunday.

Volunteers provided first aid to five people with serious injuries and handed them over to emergency medical services. Another six victims with more minor injuries received the necessary first aid. About 20 victims and their relatives were provided with first psychological aid.

Together with rescuers from the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, volunteers helped evacuate residents of the damaged building. And together with the team from the Kyiv Animal Rescue Group (KARG), 18 pets were saved.

Currently, a URCS point is operating at the site of the strike, where victims and rescuers can drink tea or water and charge their mobile phones. Volunteers are distributing humanitarian aid  in particular, film and tarpaulin  so that residents of damaged neighboring buildings can temporarily rebuild their homes.

According to the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, another Russian missile strike was launched on the residential and industrial sector of Vyshgorod last night. The attack resulted in a fire and partial destruction in a high-rise building: the flames engulfed apartments from the 1st to the 6th floors of a nine-story building.

As reported earlier, Kyiv officials reported 19 victims, including four children. One person died. 11 people were injured, suffering injuries of varying severity: burns, shrapnel wounds, limb injuries, and poisoning by combustion products.

The elimination of the consequences of the attack is ongoing.
Photo: https://t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a telephone conversation with President of Finland Alexander Stubb on Monday, during which the parties discussed the diplomatic track and coordinated efforts in negotiations with European partners.

"I spoke with the President of Finland today - we continue to coordinate with Alex. I informed about yesterdays work of our delegation in America: everything was very constructive. There are difficult things that still need to be worked on. Our representatives will return to Europe these days, and after talking with them and a full report on the progress of the negotiations, we will determine our further activity. Negotiations with our friends in Europe are planned for today. It will be a very meaningful day. Diplomacy, defense, energy - the priorities are obvious," he wrote on Telegram.

Zelenskyy thanked everyone who helps Ukraine.
Photo: https://www.facebook.com/kallaskaja/

The current week could be decisive for the course of negotiations on establishing peace in Ukraine, said EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas before the start of the EU Council meeting on Foreign Affairs at the level of defense ministers, the Kyiv-based ezine Evropeiska Pravda has said.

"This could be a decisive week for diplomacy. Yesterday we heard that the negotiations in America were difficult but productive. We do not know the results yet, but today I will talk about this with the Minister of Defense of Ukraine, as well as with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine," Kallas said.

It is noted that Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal will personally attend the meeting of the EU Council in Brussels, when the issue of assistance to Ukraine will be discussed.

"We have two broad themes. The first is how to continue to support Ukraine, and the second is about our own defense readiness and defense capabilities, which we need to build up," Kallas said, adding that at the moment "it is clear that Russia does not want peace, and therefore we must make Ukraine as strong as possible so that it is ready to stand up for itself in this very, very difficult time."

"I believe that Ukrainians will stand up for themselves," she said.
Ukraines Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, Taras Kachka, stressed the importance of Ukraine and the European Commission (EC) continuing to make de facto progress within the negotiation clusters even where those clusters have not been formally opened.

"Finding unanimity among 27 EU member states is challenging. However, it is important that, despite the positions of some countries, Ukraine and the European Commission continue to move de facto within the negotiation clusters, even if they are not formally opened," the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration quoted Kachka as saying after his participation in the Balkan Integration Forum.

Kachka said Ukraine expects member states to support an approach that will allow the European Commission to continue working on measures identified during the screening process.

"This is a technocratic approach that will preserve momentum and allow us to move forward in parallel with efforts to find agreements on the formal opening of the clusters," he added.

As reported, on November 4 the European Commission published its Enlargement Package 2025 report. Ukraine received its best assessment in three years: each of the 36 chapters received a positive outcome. The report states that Ukraine is consistently advancing in implementing legislation in line with EU standards. The European Commission confirmed readiness to open negotiation clusters 1, 2 and 6.

Kachka said the Commissions enlargement report shows Ukraine is posting record progress across most reform areas. In particular, reform momentum has accelerated (improved progress) in 15 negotiation chapters, progress is at a high level in 12 chapters ("good progress"), and no chapter shows a deterioration in the overall readiness assessment for EU accession. Overall assessment scores increased in 11 chapters. He also said the Commissions report indicates that completing Ukraines accession negotiations by 2028 is a realistic objective.

The deputy prime minister allowed that, if Hungary objects to opening the clusters, the European Union may decide to proceed with all negotiation work without waiting for the formal opening of the clusters.
THE SECURITY COUNCIL

Briefing by the Outgoing Chairs of the Security Councils Subsidiary Bodies

Expected Council Action

As is customary in December, the outgoing chairs of the Councils subsidiary bodies are expected to provide a briefing on their experiences. The representatives of the five members completing their two-year terms on the Council at the end of 2025 and the subsidiary bodies they each chaired are:

Ambassador Amar Bendjama (Algeria) : the 2745 Central African Republic (CAR) Sanctions Committee; the 1373 Counter-Terrorism Committee; and the 1566 Working Group on Counter-Terrorism.

Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett (Guyana) : the 2653 Haiti Sanctions Committee and the 2048 Guinea-Bissau Sanctions Committee.

Ambassador Jihoon Cha (Republic of Korea [ROK]) : the 2140 Yemen Sanctions Committee; the 1591 Sudan Sanctions Committee; and the Working Group on Peacekeeping Operations.

Ambassador Michael Imran Kanu (Sierra Leone) : the 1533 Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) Sanctions Committee; the 2206 South Sudan Sanctions Committee; and the Informal Working Group on International Tribunals.

Ambassador Samuel Zbogar (Slovenia) : the 1518 Iraq Sanctions Committee and the 1636 Lebanon Sanctions Committee.

Background

The practice of briefings by the outgoing chairs of subsidiary bodies was established during the Colombian presidency of the Council in December 2002. It is considered an important aspect of promoting transparency in the work of the sanctions committees and working groups. Since not all subsidiary bodies produce an annual report, this December briefing has also served over the years as a means of creating a publicly accessible institutional memory of these bodies activities.

Key Recent Developments

At this briefing, the chairs will review developments within their committee or working group during their two-year term, assess their experience, suggest recommendations for improvements, and provide advice to their respective successors.

Briefing on the activities of the 2745 Sanctions Committee on armed groups operating in the Central African Republic (CAR), Ambassador Bendjama is likely to highlight the lifting of the arms embargo on the CAR government following the unanimous adoption of resolution 2745 on 30 July 2024, which extended and strengthened targeted sanctions measures against armed groups and associated individuals. He may also note that the Security Council adopted resolution 2789 on 29 July 2025, renewing those sanctions measures for another year.

As the outgoing chair of the 1373 Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC), Bendjama is expected to mention the CTCs adoption on 6 January of the Nonbinding guiding principles on preventing, detecting and disrupting the use of new and emerging financial technologies for terrorist purposes, also known as the Algeria Guiding Principles. This document was adopted in accordance with the Delhi Declaration on countering the use of new and emerging technologies for terrorist purposes, which was issued during a special session of the CTC held in India in October 2022. (Among other matters, the Delhi Declaration expressed an intention to develop, with support from the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate [CTED], a set of non-binding guiding principles to assist member states to counter the threat posed by the use of new and emerging technologies for terrorist purposes.) Additionally, Bendjama is likely to refer to meetings held by the CTC during his term, such as the 27 October briefing marking CTEDs 20th anniversary.

Bendjama was also the chair of the 1566 Working Group on Counter-Terrorism, which remained dormant in 2024 and 2025.

Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett is expected to cover the activities of the 2653 Haiti Sanctions Committee during the past two years. Her briefing may include an overview of the Committees meetings, including briefings by the coordinator of the Panel of Experts (PoE), and by representatives of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). She could also highlight recent designations. In 2024, the 2653 Haiti Sanctions Committee added two individuals to its sanctions list. In 2025, the Committee designated two additional individuals through the unanimous adoption of resolution 2794, which renewed the sanctions regime. The Council also designated two entities this year: the Gran Grif and Viv Ansanm gangs.

Rodrigues-Birkett was also the chair of the 2048 Guinea-Bissau Sanctions Committee, which has been dormant in recent years.

As chair of the 2140 Yemen Sanctions Committee, Ambassador Cha may mention the adoption of resolution 2801 of 14 November, which renewed the Yemen sanctions regime and requested the PoE supporting the Committee to present two reports to the Council by 15 April 2026: one on the flow of dual-use components and precursor chemicals to Yemen, and one on improving information sharing and flag state capacity to prevent vessels suspected of violating the sanctions regime from entering Yemen. The resolution was adopted with 13 votes in favour and two abstentions (China and Russia). Cha may also detail presentations provided by the PoE supporting the Committee and note that the Committee additionally received two briefings by OCHA on 17 October 2024 and 31 October 2025, respectively. He may add that the Committee delisted two individuals on 30 July 2024, upon request from a member state.

Regarding the 1591 Sudan Sanctions Committee, Cha may note the Councils unanimous adoption of resolution 2791 of 12 September, which extended and aligned the timeframes of the mandates of the sanctions regime and of the PoE assisting the Committee.

Speaking on the Working Group on Peacekeeping Operations, Cha may elaborate on the efforts made last year to reactivate the Working Group by convening thematic discussions, including on transitions. He may also discuss the challenges that these efforts encountered this year, including difficulties in scheduling meetings due to the limited availability of timeslots resulting from the Councils overloaded programme of work. He may express hope that the Working Group will, in the future, assume a more proactive role in regularly reviewing peacekeeping mandates and following up on the outcomes of the ongoing peace operations review, which the Secretary-General is expected to submit next year.

As chair of the 1533 DRC Sanctions Committee, Ambassador Kanu may refer to his visit to Angola, the DRC, Rwanda, and Uganda in December 2024, which he undertook as part of the Committees regular engagement with regional states to exchange views on the security situation in eastern DRC and to discuss implementation of the sanctions regime. He may also recall the adoption of resolution 2773 on 21 February, which expressed the Councils readiness to consider additional measures against those contributing to the continuation of the conflict in eastern DRC.

In his capacity as chair of the 2206 South Sudan Sanctions Committee, Kanu may note the Councils persistent divisions over this regime. Members diverging views were evident during the adoption of resolution 2781 of 30 May, which most recently renewed the sanctions measures. At that vote, six Council membersAlgeria, China, Pakistan, Russia, Sierra Leone, and Somaliaabstained.

Regarding the Informal Working Group on International Tribunals, Kanu is likely to refer to the Working Groups meetings with the president and prosecutor of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT), which were held before their semi-annual briefings to the Council in June and December. Kanu is also expected to mention the adoption of resolution 2740 on 27 June 2024, which was drafted by Sierra Leone and extended Serge Brammertzs term as IRMCT prosecutor until 30 June 2026.

Briefing on the activities of the 1518 Iraq Sanctions Committee, Ambassador Zbogar may refer to the Committees 18 August meeting with Dr. Ammar Ibrahim, Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq and Chairman of the Iraqi National Committee for Freezing Terrorist Assets. At that meeting, Ibrahim briefed on the work of the Iraqi National Committee and the challenges related to recovery of financial assets and delisting of individuals and entities from the 1518 Sanctions List. Zbogar may also note that the Committee amended one entry on its list on 5 August.

Zbogar is also chair of the 1636 Lebanon Sanctions Committee, which has remained dormant in recent years.

As a cross-cutting issue, the briefers are likely to note challenges arising from this years delay in the appointment of subsidiary body chairs. This impasse, which was the longest delay in appointing chairs in the Councils history, was formally resolved on 29 May when Council members adopted a presidential note setting out the appointments for 2025.

Council Dynamics

The division among Council members over sanctions is particularly stark between the P3 (France, the UK, and the US) and others, on the one hand, and China, Russia, and African countries, on the other. The P3 often maintain that measures like arms embargoes and targeted sanctions, such as asset freezes and travel bans, are essential for mitigating violence and supporting the implementation of peace agreements. By contrast, China, Russia, and African members of the Council acknowledge sanctions as a useful tool but criticise cases where sanctions remain in place for years without adjustments to account for progress or allegedly serve to exacerbate tensions in volatile political contexts. Russia and others have also accused Western countries of downplaying the humanitarian and economic impacts of both Security Council sanctions and those imposed outside the UN context. This years non-unanimous votes extending the South Sudan and Yemen sanctions regimes illustrate these contrasting positions.

The Councils discussions on sanctions have been particularly challenging when major powers have strategic interests at stake. This year, Council members have been sharply divided over the snapback of UN sanctions on Iran. China and Russia opposed the decision taken by the E3 (France, Germany, and the UK) and supported by the US to reactivate those sanctions prior to the October expiration of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on Irans nuclear programme, which had suspended them. China and Russia contested the E3s legal standing to invoke the snapback and portrayed the move as illegitimate, creating two parallel realities that have left the applicability of the Iran sanctions regimeincluding its compliance and reporting obligationsin dispute.

In recent years, the allocation of subsidiary bodies has also been contentious. In July 2016, Council members agreed on a presidential note concerning the preparation of newly elected members during the transitional period between the election and the beginning of their term, including the selection and preparation of chairs of subsidiary bodies. The note established a more consultative process for the chairs appointment, co-led by a permanent member and the chair of the Informal Working Group on Documentation and Other Procedural Questions (IWG), and stipulated that the appointments should be completed by 1 October.

This deadline has never been met, however. In some instances, the chairs were agreed to in early or mid-October, as happened following the elections in 2019 and 2022. Other times, such as in 2021 and 2023, prolonged negotiations over the allocation of chairs led to final decisions in January of the following years. For this years chairs, agreement was not reached until Maythe longest period with no subsidiary body chairs and vice-chairs since this decision was first recorded in a presidential note in 1979. At the time of writing, consultations were ongoing on the allocation of chairs for the five incoming members in 2026: Bahrain, the DRC, Colombia, Latvia, and Liberia. (For more information on the dynamics surrounding the appointment of subsidiary body chairs, see the In Hindsight in our May 2025 Monthly Forecast.)

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Counter-Terrorism

Expected Council Action

In December, the Security Council is expected to vote on a draft resolution extending the mandate of the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED).

CTEDs current mandate expires on 31 December.

Background

On 28 September 2001, the Council adopted resolution 1373 which, among other matters, decided that all states must criminalise terrorist acts, suppress terrorist financing, prevent the movement of terrorists through their borders, and prosecute those engaging in terrorism. The resolution also established the Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) to monitor implementation and called on states to report to the CTC on the steps taken to implement the measures outlined in it.

On 26 March 2004, resolution 1535 established CTED as a special political mission headquartered in New York and mandated it to support the work of the CTC, including by coordinating the process of monitoring the implementation of resolution 1373. The Council has since requested CTED to support the CTC in relation to specific issues, such as foreign terrorist fighters, the linkages between terrorism and organised crime, and aviation security.

CTED implements its mandate in several ways. It conducts country visits on the CTCs behalf to assess member states counter-terrorism efforts, including progress made, remaining shortfalls, and priority areas for technical assistance. These visits also serve to identify good practices employed by member states in implementing the Councils counter-terrorism resolutions as well as gaps in implementation. They are often conducted together with experts from relevant international agencies, including the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL), the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), and the World Customs Organisation (WCO), as well as relevant regional and subregional organisation and other actors with expertise of counter-terrorism.

CTED also conducts research and analysis concerning thematic issues and specific aspects of counter-terrorism, such as the exploitation of children by terrorist groups, border management, and supporting victims of sexual and gender-based violence linked to terrorism, and publishes reports and analytical briefs on these topics. In addition, CTED facilitates the delivery of technical assistance by linking existing projects with the needs of member states identified by CTED during its country visits. It also works with other entities in the UN system and the international community more broadly to raise awareness of particular counter-terrorism issues. On 22 October, for example, CTED convened a meeting on The definition of terrorist acts and international human rights law with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the Special Rapporteur on counter-terrorism and human rights.

In recent years, CTED has assisted the CTC with the development of non-binding guiding principles intended to assist the efforts of member states to counter the threat posed by the use of new and emerging technologies for terrorist purposes referred to in the Delhi Declaration, which was adopted during a special session of the CTC held in India in October 2022. CTC members agreed to divide the non-binding guiding principles into three products covering different topics: unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), the use of new and emerging financial technologies, and information and communication technologies (ICTs). The first product on UAS, which is referred to as the Abu Dhabi Guiding Principles, was issued in December 2023. The second product on new financial technologies, which is known as the Algeria Guiding Principles, was issued in January 2025. At the time of writing, work on the non-binding guiding principles on ICTs had not yet begun.

CTEDs mandate was last renewed when resolution 2617 was adopted on 30 December 2021. The negotiations focused on language relating to human rights; engagement between CTED and civil society; illicit trade in cultural property; UAS; and terrorist acts motivated by xenophobia, racism, and other forms of intolerance. Then-Council member Ireland also sought to include text calling on CTED to report to the CTC on practical steps it has taken to integrate gender and human rights into its work, however, this language was ultimately not included. (For more information, see our 30 December 2021 Whats in Blue story.)

On 27 October, the CTC held an open briefing to commemorate CTEDs twentieth anniversary titled CTED at twenty: advancing global counter-terrorism efforts for the future. The meeting was divided into two substantive sessions; one focusing on CTEDs impact during the last twenty years and a second highlighting the evolving terrorism threat and the steps CTED will take to raise awareness of emerging issues, trends, and developments.

Key Issues and Options

The renewal of CTEDs mandate is a key issue for the Council in December. The Council will need to review the missions mandate and consider whether to extend it for an additional period without making substantive changes or if there is a need to make adjustments. It seems that Council members are generally very supportive of CTED and its work, and some members are likely to push for an extension of its mandate with little or no amendments. At least one permanent member, however, might propose amendments to language relating to international law, gender, human rights, youth, and women, peace, and security. Members who favour retaining this language may wish to consider proposing compromise language that might be acceptable to all members.

Council Dynamics

In general, counter-terrorism enjoys broad support among all Council members. Members do place varying degrees of emphasis, however, on the different approaches to managing the terrorist threat. Some members favour an approach that is founded on human rights, prevention, and the involvement of civil society, while other members prefer to focus more closely on security and law enforcement, including kinetic operations intended to neutralise terrorist groups.

The US is the penholder on counter-terrorism. Algeria is the chair of the CTC.

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AFRICA

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Expected Council Action

In December, the Security Council will hold a briefing and consultations on the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

This month the Council is also expected to renew the mandate of the UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO).

Key Recent Developments

On 27 June, the DRC and Rwandawho had been engaged in mutual accusations of supporting proxy armed groups in the conflict in eastern DRCsigned a peace agreement under US auspices in Washington. On 21-22 October, the third meeting of the Joint Security Coordination Mechanism was held in Washington. The Mechanism set up under the agreement is tasked with overseeing the implementation of the Concept of Operations (CONOPS) for the harmonised plan to neutralise the Forces Democratiques de Liberation du Rwanda (FDLR), an ethnic Hutu armed group active in eastern DRC that was implicated in the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, and to facilitate the disengagement of forces and lifting of defensive measures by Rwanda, in line with the 27 June Peace Agreement. Representatives from the US, Qatar, and the African Union (AU) Commission attended the meeting. According to a joint statement issued after the meeting, the DRC and Rwanda reaffirmed their commitment to what was referred to as the Operations Order (OPORD), which was developed to serve as the implementation plan for advancing the CONOPS.

On 7 November, the Joint Oversight Committee, established based on the peace agreement to resolve any disputes arising between the parties during implementation, held its meeting in Washington. Representatives from the US, the DRC, and Rwanda, Qatar, Togo (as the AU mediator), and the AU Commission participated. According to a joint statement released after the meeting, the parties committed themselves to refraining from hostile actions or rhetoric that would undermine the full implementation of the 27 June peace agreement. They also initialled the text of a Regional Economic Integration Framework (REIF), which outlines key areas for fostering economic cooperation and development between them. During the meeting, Qatar, which has been facilitating talks between the Congolese government and the Mouvement du 23 Mars (M23) rebel group, provided an update on the ongoing negotiations in Doha.

Following an initial direct meeting between representatives of both parties in Doha under Qatari facilitation, the Congolese government and the M23 issued a joint declaration on 23 April, reaffirming their commitment to an immediate cessation of hostilities and their categorical rejection of hate speech and intimidation, and calling on local communities to uphold these commitments. On 19 July, they concluded a Declaration of Principles in Doha that included a commitment to a ceasefire.

Since then, negotiations have been ongoing to reach a comprehensive peace agreement, paving the way for the two sides to sign the Doha framework for peace on 15 November. In doing so, they affirmed their commitment to addressing the root causes of the conflict through structured dialogue, confidence-building measures, and a phased approach to de-escalation and stabilisation. Qatar indicated that the Doha framework agreement will serve as a foundation for a comprehensive peace process, with a series of protocols, annexes and technical arrangements to be discussed and agreed between the parties in due course to address specific issues, including the consolidation and verification of a ceasefire, modalities for troop disengagement, humanitarian access, reintegration and support for national dialogue.

On 26 November, Council members held an informal interactive dialogue (IID) on the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) during which they were briefed on the current state of the various mediation processes in Washington and Doha. The facilitators outlined the present dynamics, anticipated outcomes, and ways in which the Council can support the peace efforts, including a possible role for MONUSCO in ceasefire monitoring. (For more, see our 25 November Whats in Blue story.)

On 30 October, France, together with Togo, hosted a Great Lakes Conference on the margins of the Paris Peace Forum. The purpose of the meeting was to mobilise the international community to respond to the humanitarian emergency in the eastern DRC and in the region and support the ongoing negotiation and mediation processes.

The 9th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) took place on 15 November in Kinshasa, DRC, during which DRC President Felix Tshisekedi assumed the rotating ICGLR chairmanship. The last ICGLR summit was held virtually in November 2020, and Angolas President Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenco had been serving as the rotating chair since then. He was also actively involved in efforts to ease the tensions between the DRC and Rwanda through what was known as the Luanda process.

Human Rights-Related Developments On 27 October, the President of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) Ambassador Jurg Lauber (Switzerland) announced the appointment of Arnauld Akodjenou (Benin), Maxine Marcus (Germany/US) and Clement Nyaletsossi Voule (Togo) to serve as the three independent members of the recently established Independent Commission of Inquiry on the human rights situation in the South and North Kivu provinces of the DRC. On 7 and 8 October, the HRC adopted resolutions 60/22 and 60/35, respectively. Resolution 60/22 requests the members of the commission to present an oral update and to submit a comprehensive report on South and North Kivus human rights situations, within the framework of an enhanced interactive dialogue. Resolution 60/35 concerns technical assistance and capacity building in the field of human rights in the DRC. Among other recommendations, the resolution calls on international actors and partners, under the auspices of the UN Human Rights Office, to provide the additional financial resources and technical and logistical support necessary for the DRC government to consolidate its efforts in the field of transitional justice at national and regional levels. On 1 September, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights submitted a report to the HRC that provides an overview of the countrys human rights situation and the activities of the UN Joint Human Rights Office between 1 June 2024 and 31 May. Among other matters, the report emphasises the importance of the Joint Office continuing its support to the Congolese government in implementing its human rights obligations and calling on the DRC to strengthen its collaboration with UN human rights mechanisms, including treaty bodies and special procedures. Women, Peace and Security In a 30 September statement, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, Mary Lawlor, expressed grave concern about the abduction and alleged sexual violence perpetrated against four women human rights defenders in the South Kivu province of the DRC, as well as at the killing of the mother of one of the activists. Lawlor warned that these incidents form part of a pattern of systematic violence against civilians in eastern DRC, where human rights defenders, and women human rights defenders in particular, are consistently targeted. The statement called on the DRC authorities to promptly investigate the attacks, bring those responsible to justice, and guarantee a safe environment for human rights defenders.

Key Issues and Options

A key issue for the Council in December is the renewal of MONUSCOs mandate. At the 30 September meeting, Council members requested the Secretary-General to make appropriate recommendations considering developments on the ground, as well as any adjustments necessary to ensure the missions performance. The Secretary-Generals quarterly report, due by 30 November, is expected to contain these recommendations.

Council members are likely to consider MONUSCOs three key priority tasksnamely, the protection of civilians, security sector reform, and the disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration (DDR) of former combatantsas remaining relevant. In response to developments, Council members could choose to assign the mission additional responsibilities, such as monitoring or supervising the implementation of a ceasefire and supporting ongoing peace processes.

The challenges facing MONUSCO, particularly the restrictions on its freedom of movement in areas controlled by the M23, have been of continued concern for Council members. In the upcoming mandate renewal, they are likely to call for the lifting of all such restrictions to enable the mission to effectively fulfil its mandated tasks.

Another major issue is the impact of the UNs liquidity crisis and the resulting budget cuts being implemented across peacekeeping missions. Consequently, MONUSCO has been compelled to repatriate some of its contingents. On 18 November, Under-Secretary-General Jean-Pierre Lacroix briefed Council members, in closed consultations, on the contingency plan being implemented across all peacekeeping missions to mitigate this challenge. (For more, see our 17 November Whats in Blue story.)

Council Dynamics

Council members have welcomed recent breakthroughs in ongoing mediation efforts to resolve the situation in eastern DRC. At the time of writing, Council members were negotiating a draft press statement to welcome the signing of the Doha Framework Agreement. However, they acknowledge that meaningful progress of the security situation on the ground will depend on the parties implementation of their commitments.

At the same time, Council members remain deeply concerned about the security situation in eastern DRC. They are likely to continue reiterating their call for the cessation of hostilities and for the implementation of commitments undertaken by the parties within the framework of ongoing mediation efforts in Washington and Doha. In particular, Council members emphasise the importance of implementing the CONOPS to neutralise the FDLR and of lifting the defensive measures imposed by Rwanda.

Some Council members are worried about the impact of the funding cuts, which they think will undermine MONUSCOs capacity to fulfil its mandated tasks, particularly the protection of civilians. At the 30 September meeting, Pakistan, a major MONUSCO troop-contributing country, argued that the mission must be strengthened and not weakened. Russia maintained that the missions ability to protect civilians must be restored or adapted to the new realities. The A3 Plus grouping (Algeria, Sierra Leone, Somalia, and Guyana) particularly stressed that any drawdown or reconfiguration must be conditions-based, responsible and aligned with progress on the ground to avoid creating a security vacuum.

However, the US wants the mission to become more effective by eliminating unnecessary expenses and redundancies. Despite this, recent media reports indicate that the Trump administration has notified Congress of its intentions to provide funding for the US share of costs for MONUSCO.

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In Hindsight: The Search for the Next UN Secretary-General Begins

On 25 November, the presidents of the General Assembly and the Security Council issued a joint letter marking the start of the selection and appointment process of the next UN Secretary-General. The joint letter invites member states to present their candidates for the position while also setting out the modalities for submitting and considering nominations. (For more information, see our 25 November Whats in Blue story.)

Ten years ago, the selection process was transformed from an opaque, somewhat mysterious process, controlled by the five permanent members, to a more open, transparent one with active involvement of civil society and the General Assembly. Since 2017, a number of member states have pushed for further improvements to the transparency of the process and added refinements largely through the Ad Hoc Working Group on Revitalization of the work of the General Assembly and its resolutions, the latest of which is General Assembly resolution 79/327 of 5 September.

Drawing on Security Council Reports coverage of the last selection and appointment process and our close monitoring of developments on this issue, this months In Hindsight provides a guide to the main steps of the process and the potential issues that may arise.

Nomination of Candidates

Now that the joint letter has been issued, member states are expected to begin formally nominating candidates. The joint letter specifies that they are to do this through a letter to the presidents of the Security Council and the General Assembly, and that a vision statement and financial disclosure should be provided at the time of nomination. Vision statements for how candidates would address the UNs most pressing questions were a novel feature in the 2015/2016 selection process. The need for candidates to disclose finances, however, is a new element that was included in resolution 79/327 and may help alleviate concerns that emerged in the last selection process that candidates with more resources may have had an unfair advantage. The joint letter also makes clear that member states may nominate only one candidate at a time and provides details for the withdrawal of candidates. This information was lacking in 2016 and led to some confusion when Bulgaria nominated a second candidate without withdrawing its earlier nominee.

Another new element in this selection process that derives from the 2016 experience is the request for candidates from the UN system to consider suspending their work during the campaign in order to avoid any conflict of interest that may arise from their functions and adjacent advantages. In 2016, there was a sense that candidates from within the UN could have access to information and resources not available to the other candidates and were able to advance their respective candidatures through attendance at UN meetings. It is not yet clear, though, if there will be adherence to this request, as there appear to be differing positions on the fairness of requiring a candidate to stop working during their campaign.

With a more open selection process, 2016 saw the largest field of candidates formally nominated; 13 altogether, with nine from Eastern Europe, the region laying claim to the position, and seven women, more than double the total number of women candidates who had ever been on the ballot. There is a strong sense once again that it is time for a woman Secretary-General, and the joint letter encourages member states to strongly consider nominating women as candidates. Although the joint letter notes the importance of regional diversity in the selection of Secretaries-General without identifying a specific geographic area, the Group of Latin American and Caribbean Countries (GRULAC) has been vigorously advocating for a Secretary-General from its region. Given the views expressed by many member states and civil society organisations in support of these positions, there is an expectation that a large number of women candidates will come from the GRULAC region.

Getting to Know the Candidates

Greater exposure to the candidates was an important aspect of the transparency of the process the last time round. It appears that this openness will be maintained with the presidents of the Council and the Assembly circulating the names of all the candidates to all member states and jointly maintaining and regularly updating a public list of candidates on a dedicated UN website.

There was an attempt by the ten elected members (E10) in negotiating the joint letter to include 1 April 2026 as the deadline for nominations while allowing for exceptional circumstances, but this was strongly resisted by the P5, who preferred to allow candidates to continue to come in throughout the process. It is therefore likely that, although the bulk of candidates will be nominated by the end of the first quarter of 2026, some may enter the race in the following months. This was the case in 2016 when nine of the 13 candidates had been nominated by the time the informal dialogues with the General Assembly began in April, but four candidates were nominated between May and September.

General Assembly

The most significant change to the selection process in 2016 was the participation of all the candidates in informal dialogue sessions, generally referred to as hearings, in the General Assembly. Hearings for the first nine candidates were held in April, and for the four later candidates shortly after they were nominated, in June, July, and October, respectively. Informal dialogues are expected to be held again in 2026 with the joint letter stating that webcast interactive dialogues will be offered to all candidates without prejudice to those that do not participate and that they can be held before the Council begins its selection by the end of July and may continue throughout the process of selection.

The transparency of the 2016 process starkly contrasts with prior selection processes for the Secretary-General, where there was no public record of who was being considered, and names were simply suggested, almost always by the permanent members. The General Assembly hearings provided an insight into member states expectations of the next Secretary-General, as well as an opportunity to assess the approach of each candidate to the challenges facing the UN.

If the General Assembly follows the same format as 2016, each informal dialogue will be two hours long, with the candidates given ten minutes to present their vision statement, followed by questions from member states. Candidates also answered three to four recorded pre-selected questions from civil society.

There may be pressure to refine this process in 2026. Among the criticisms were the lack of time to answer questions and the repetitive nature of the questions. Members may be looking to pose more focused questions to better explore the candidates ability to perform under pressure and manage competing priorities. There was also some unhappiness from civil society organisations about the limited number of questions they were permitted, and these groups are likely to push for more time during the hearings or other opportunities to question the candidates.

In 2016, there was a Global Town Hall meeting organised by the President of the General Assembly (PGA) in July and broadcast live on Al Jazeera TV, in which ten of the then-12 candidates participated. The joint letter does not include any reference to such a meeting, and it is unclear whether a similar type of event will be held this time. Some members may be looking for less public formats, which might allow them to assess the candidates away from the spotlight.

Security Council

If the timeline of the 2016 process is followed, the next step for the Council will be to decide on the timing and modalities for meeting the candidates. At the start of the 2016 process, Council members were not planning to meet the candidates. However, by May 2016, the first round of informal dialogues had taken place, and several candidates had asked for meetings. This led to Council members meeting separately with all 13 candidates. The meetings were held with each candidate in the permanent missions of the Council president for the month and lasted an hour.

While it is difficult to determine the exact impact on the selection process, the interaction with candidates was seen to have contributed to shaping Council members positions on the candidates. The joint letter indicates that candidates will be offered the opportunity to meet with members of the Council. However, Council members will have to decide if they want to use the same format for these meetings and assess how to make the best use of their time with the candidates.

The Security Councils Straw Polls

Following the meetings with the candidates, the Council will most likely move to the conduct of straw polls, which have been used as a means of testing the viability of candidates since 1981. This innovation was born of a need to break the deadlock between Kurt Waldheim (Austria) and Salim Ahmed Salim (Tanzania). Colour-coded ballots differentiating between permanent members and elected members were first used in 1991 and have since been used in every selection process. Until 2006, the straw polls had two options, i.e. either encourage or discourage. In 2006, the option of no opinion was added. The 2016 straw polls retained all three options with members either encouraging, discouraging or expressing no opinion. Between 21 July and 5 October 2016, six straw polls were held. The first five were undifferentiated with permanent and elected members using identical ballot papers, while the final one was colour-coded, where permanent members were given red ballot papers and elected members white ones.

There appears to be general acceptance of the straw polls among Council members. Council members will need to decide, however, on the appropriate start date and when to move to colour-coded ballots. Both issues are likely to be key points of contention, as they were in the 2016 process. If there is a particularly high number of candidates, shortlisting through eliminating those that are underperforming in the polls may come up for discussion. In 2016, only four of the 13 candidates dropped out of the selection process following low scores in the polls.

An issue that has arisen in the past, and is likely to come up again, is the balance between increasing the transparency of the straw poll system and maintaining the confidentiality of the results. In order to maintain confidentiality, in 2016, members agreed ahead of the straw polls not to announce the results. Following each vote, the Council president simply informed the President of the General Assembly and the press that the polls had been conducted without revealing the results. The Council president then informed each of the permanent representatives of nominating member states of the votes received by their candidate, as well as the highest and lowest numbers of encouraged and discouraged among candidates, without revealing which candidates received these numbers. In 2016, the Council faced criticism from civil society and the wider UN membership for this lack of transparency in its communication of the results of the straw polls. Given that due to leaks after each straw poll, the full results were promptly published in the media, some members argued that it would be better for the Council to be the one to provide the results.

Since then, there has been an ongoing debate among the wider membership about the need for greater openness in the selection and appointment process, particularly with regard to the results of the straw polls. This sort of transparency would ensure that accurate numbers are used in analysis of the results and retained as an official record for future reference. This has, however, been a divisive issue both in the negotiations on resolution 79/327 and the joint letter. Members will need to decide if the results should be made public, and if so, how this can be done in a way that is respectful to the candidates.

Over the years, there have been attempts to provide written guidelines on the selection process through non-papers. Ambassador Nugroho Wisnumurti (Indonesia), during the process that led to the appointment of Kofi Annan, submitted a set of guidelines on the straw polls during his term as President of the Council in November 1996. These informal guidelines, which came to be known as the Wisnumurti Guidelines, were again used in 2006, together with a fact sheet produced by France in the process that led to the appointment of Ban Ki-moon. In the process leading to Secretary General Antonio Guterres appointment, a series of non-papers were produced including one on informal guidelines for the process by Egypt, Council president in May 2016, and Spain; a paper on the procedure for straw polls circulated by Russia in May 2016; and a paper on the procedure, which included an annex on the practice related to straw polls authored by France in June 2016. Ambassador Koro Bessho (Japan), who was the Council president at the start of the straw polls in July 2016, transmitted on 1 February 2017 a note written in his personal capacity on the selection process to the presidents of the General Assembly and Security Council.

The Recommendation

Since 1991, the use of colour-coded ballots has given Council members a clear indication of whether there was a candidate who would receive nine affirmative votes, with no negative vote from a permanent member. In 2016, this point was reached after the first and only colour-coded straw poll held on 6 October. Of the remaining nine candidates, only one candidate, Antonio Guterres, emerged as the candidate with more than nine encourage and no discourage votes. At this point, the Council convened a private meeting to adopt a resolution recommending Guterres by acclamation. This was the same process used for Kofi Annan (1996) and Ban Ki-moon (2006).

Some of the wider membership have suggested that the Council should recommend more than one candidate to the General Assembly. Article 97 of the UN Charter states that: The Secretary-General shall be appointed by the General Assembly upon the recommendation of the Security Council. Some argue that it would be contrary to Article 97 for the Council to do this, while others suggest that, given that Article 97 does not make clear what is meant by recommendation, the Charter is open to the Council proffering either one or multiple candidates. While this is unlikely to be acceptable to the permanent members of the Council, it may be raised if there are a number of suitable candidates.

The Appointment

Following a recommendation from the Security Council, the process moves to the General Assembly. Rule 141 of the General Assemblys Rules of Procedure stipulates that when the Council has submitted its recommendation on the appointment of the Secretary-General, the General Assembly shall consider the recommendation and vote upon it in a private meeting. In practice, the General Assembly has never held the vote in a private meeting, and almost all appointment resolutions have been adopted by acclamation.

In 2016, there was an attempt to appoint facilitators to consult with states on the substance of the appointment resolution, but some states raised concerns that this could be a divisive process. Some members are keen for the General Assembly to play a more active role, including through the possibility of its own straw polls, an idea that was included in the initial draft of resolution 79/327 but faced opposition from some members.

Conclusion

The Security Council and General Assembly are about to embark on a journey that will culminate in a decision that will shape the future of the UN at a time of major change to the organisation and the global order. Slovenia, as Council president in December, has chosen to organise an open debate on Leadership for Peace which will provide members with an opportunity to focus on the qualities needed for the next Secretary-General to navigate todays global challenges and lead the UN into the future. The selection of the Secretary-General will most likely be one of the most consequential decisions the world body makes in the upcoming year.

 On 26 November, the Argentine Republic presented the nomination of Rafael Mariano Grossi as candidate for the position of Secretary-General in a letter to the presidents of the Security Council and General Assembly.
SECURITY COUNCIL AND WIDER UN STRUCTURE

International Criminal Tribunals

Expected Council Action

In December, the Security Council is scheduled to hold its semi-annual debate on the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT). The President of the IRMCT, Judge Graciela Gatti Santana and the Chief Prosecutor of the IRMCT, Serge Brammertz, are expected to brief during the debate and meet with the Informal Working Group on International Tribunals prior to that.

Background and Key Recent Developments

The IRMCTwith branches in The Hague, the Netherlands, and Arusha, Tanzaniafocuses on completing the work of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) and the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR), which closed in December 2017 and December 2015, respectively. The IRMCT was established in 2010 by resolution 1966, which said that the Mechanism shall continue the jurisdiction, rights and obligations and essential functions of the ICTY and ICTR and that it should be a small, temporary and efficient structure, whose functions and size will diminish over time, with a small number of staff commensurate with its reduced functions.

Its tasks have included hearing the remaining trials and appeals from the ICTY and the ICTR, locating fugitives indicted by the ICTR, assisting national jurisdictions with requests related to prosecuting international crimes committed in Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia, monitoring cases referred to national courts, enforcing sentences, protecting witnesses and victims, and preserving archives.

Pursuant to resolution 1966, the IRMCT was mandated to operate for an initial period of four years and for subsequent periods of two years unless the Council decides otherwise. The Council last reviewed the work of the IRMCT in mid-2024, following which it adopted resolution 2740, which extended Brammertzs term for another two years, among other matters. Resolution 2740which was adopted with 14 voting in favour and Russia abstainingalso incorporated several new elements, including requests for two reports from the Secretary-General by 31 December 2025: one regarding the administrative and budgetary aspects of the options for possible locations of the archives of the ICTR, the ICTY, and the [IRMCT]; and another concerning options for transferring certain remaining functions of the IRMCT, including supervision of sentences and the provision of assistance to national jurisdictions. Resolution 2740 also recalled the Councils request in resolution 2637 of 22 June 2022 for the production of clear and focused projections of completion timelines for all the [IRMCTs] activities and took note of the information that the IRMCT submitted to the Informal Working Group on International Tribunals in response to this request. (For more information on resolution 2740, see our 27 June 2024 Whats in Blue story.)

Gatti Santana and Brammertz briefed at the Councils most recent semi-annual debate on the IRMCT, which was held on 11 June. In her briefing, Gatti Santana updated Council members on the IRMCTs remaining work, noting that IRMCT judges issued nearly 100 decisions and orders during the previous six months, thirty of which related to access to confidential information and requests for the variation of protective measures for witnesses. She also underscored the importance of state cooperation for the IRMCTs work and highlighted the situation of six acquitted persons currently in Niger and awaiting relocation to other states. Regarding the transfer of some of the IRMCTs remaining functions, she argued that although certain administrative functions could be transferred to states, some of the IRMCTs judicial tasks should remain at the international level.

During his briefing, Brammertz provided an update on the cases against Felicien Kabuga and Fulgence Kayishema. Kabuga has been declared unfit to stand trial and remains in the custody of the IRMCT, while Kayishema is still in South Africa more than two years after his arrest, despite an IRMCT order directing him to be transferred to its custody. Brammertz urged South Africa to immediately execute the arrest warrant for Kayishema, who has been accused of orchestrating the killings of more than 2,000 Tutsis during the Rwandan genocide. Brammertz also highlighted his offices work assisting national authorities with pursuing accountability for crimes committed in Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia.

On 29 July, the IRMCT denied Ratko Mladics latest application for release on humanitarian grounds.

Key Issues and Options

Continuing to monitor the work of the IRMCT and the implementation of its mandate is an ongoing issue for the Council. Members could use the closed format of the Informal Working Group on International Tribunals to have a frank discussion with Gatti Santana and Brammertz regarding the IRMCTs completion timelines. Members could also use this format to seek the views of Gatti Santana and Brammertz regarding options for the possible transfer of certain functions of the IRMCT and possible locations for the archives. Members might also ask how the Council can assist the IRMCT in completing its remaining work.

Council Dynamics

Council members generally have positive reviews regarding the IRMCT and the progress it has made, with the exception of Russia. During the 11 June open briefing, Russia strongly criticised the IRMCT and called for its closure to free up resources, citing the UNs liquidity crisis. Other Council members expressed support for the IRMCT and its work and urged member states to cooperate with the mechanism as it carries out its remaining functions.

The negotiations concerning resolution 2740, which most recently extended Brammertzs term, were lengthy, difficult, and contentious. Russia apparently objected to many aspects of the draft text, provided comments on almost every paragraph, reiterated long-held criticisms of the IRMCT, and pushed strongly for a concrete timeframe and deadline for the transfer of the mechanisms remaining functions. While some of Russias suggestions were supported by China, they were largely opposed by other Council members. (For more information on the negotiations, see our 27 June 2024 Whats in Blue story.)

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MIDDLE EAST

Iraq

Expected Council Action

In December, the Security Council will hold a briefing and consultations on the situation in Iraq. Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), Mohamed Al Hassan, will brief on recent political, security, and humanitarian developments in the country, as well as on progress in implementing resolution 2732 of 31 May 2024, which streamlined UNAMIs mandate and decided to close the mission by 31 December 2025.

Background and Key Recent Developments

UNAMI was established in 2003. December will mark the conclusion of UNAMIs mandate in Iraq, following more than two decades of support to the country through transition and shifting regional dynamics. Throughout its years of operating in Iraq, UNAMI contributed to the countrys stability by supporting elections, facilitating political dialogue, advancing reconciliation, strengthening national institutions, promoting human rights, coordinating humanitarian efforts, and advancing sustainable development.

Resolution 2732 revised UNAMIs mandate to focus on four priority areas during the drawdown period: electoral assistance to Iraqi authorities; facilitation of progress on Iraq-Kuwait issues; support for development and humanitarian tasks; and promotion of accountability and human rights protections. Pursuant to the resolution, the Secretary-General drew up a Transition and Liquidation Plan for UNAMI, which was sent to the Council on 23 December and outlined three core transition priorities: the implementation of the missions remaining mandated tasks; the phased transfer of responsibilities to the UN country team and Iraqi authorities; and the gradual drawdown of UNAMIs personnel and physical footprint.

On 25 November, the final report of the Secretary-General on the implementation of resolution 2732 was issued, covering developments in Iraq and UNAMIs activities since the previous report of 30 May and Hassans briefing to the Council on 10 June. The report states that the mission continues its drawdown and that on 27 May and 31 July, it ceased operations in its Mosul and Kirkuk compounds, respectively. Its remaining offices in Baghdad, Erbil, Basrah, and Tehran, Iran, are set to close by 31 December. The mission is also on track with its phased withdrawal of personnel and the transfer of mandated activities to the UN Country Team and relevant agencies, funds and programmes.

On 11 November, Iraq held its Council of Representatives elections. A coalition led by the incumbent Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani emerged as the frontrunner, but no party secured a majority. The process to form a new government is expected to be protracted in previous elections, it has sometimes taken almost a yeardue to extensive negotiations among the political factions which constitute the 329-member Iraqi legislature. The Secretary-Generals report says that according to Iraqs Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC), voter turnout reached 56.11 percent and that 25 percent of seats were reserved for women and nine seats for minorities.

On 12 November, a statement issued by the Spokesperson of the Secretary-General welcomed the generally calm conditions in which the elections were held and called for a timely and peaceful government formation process that reflects the will of the Iraqi people, while reaffirming the UNs commitment to support Iraq. In accordance with one of its mandated drawdown priorities, UNAMI provided assistance and advice throughout the electoral process. In a statement made on the day of elections, Special Representative Hassan said that UNAMI officials were deployed in all Iraqi governorates to view and support the electoral process, and were satisfied with what they observed.

Amid UNAMIs drawdown, various regional developments continue to have an impact on Iraqs political and security landscape. The Secretary-Generals report notes that the escalation of hostilities in June between Israel and Iran raised serious concern in Iraq regarding possible ramifications for the countrys stability, economy and security, and included several violations of Iraqi airspace by both parties. According to the report, drone and missile attacks targeted Iraqi air defences, Kirkuk International Airport, oil fields and energy infrastructure through late June and July. It also adds that Iraqi investigations determined that attacks on Iraqi air defences on 24 June were executed by a single party, which was not named, and launched from inside Iraqi territory.

The threat from the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Daesh) also continues to impact Iraq. According to the 25 November report, ISIL continued asymmetric attacks, while Iraqi authorities continued to conduct counter-terrorism operations. The report says that from 1 April to 20 October, 21 attacks were attributed to ISIL, many of which targeted Iraqi security officials. Furthermore, the Secretary-Generals 1 August biannual strategic-level report on the threat posed by ISIL/Daesh says that, in Iraq, the group has focused on rebuilding networks along the Syrian border and restoring capacity in the Badia region, as it seeks to exploit the situation following the ouster of former Syrian president Bashar al-Assads regime.

On 26 September, during the UN General Assembly High-Level Week in New York, the High-Level International Conference on the Repatriation of Persons from Al-Hol, Surrounding Camps and Places of Detention was convened by Iraq with the technical support of the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT). The conference offered an opportunity for member states to mobilise efforts towards facilitating the urgent, safe, voluntary, and dignified repatriation of detainees from camps in northeast Syria, which host approximately 30,000 individualsmany of whom are women and childrenin dire conditions that have been further exacerbated due to funding cuts. During the conference, Iraq was recognised for its efforts to repatriate its citizens from these camps.

The 17 June annual report of the Secretary-General on Children and Armed Conflict said that, given the reduction of grave violations against children in Iraq and the measures adopted by the government to protect children, the situation of Iraq would be removed from the children and armed conflict agenda. On 30 June, the Iraq country task force on children and armed conflict was disbanded.

Another priority which UNAMI has focused onsince it was included in the missions mandate through resolution 2107 of 27 June 2013is facilitating the repatriation and return of Kuwaiti and third-country missing persons and Kuwaiti property, which remain missing following the 1990-1991 Gulf War. In view of UNAMIs drawdown, resolution 2732 requested the Secretary-General to recommend to the Council options for a follow-on mechanism to ensure continued progress on the file.

On 17 September, the Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 2792, authorising the appointment of a Senior Representative with a mandate to promote, support and facilitate efforts towards this end. The adoption marked a transition of responsibilities pertaining to the Iraq-Kuwait file from UNAMI to a follow-on mechanism. On 19 November, the Secretary-General issued the final report on UNAMIs responsibilities on the Iraq-Kuwait file, which emphasised that the Senior Representative role will be essential to ensure continuity and sustained engagement by the UN on the humanitarian file. The report also commends UNAMIs contribution to facilitating dialogue and confidence-building between Iraq and Kuwait over the years.

Key Issues and Options

The key issue for the Security Council ahead of UNAMIs termination is ensuring that the mission concludes its drawdown in a safe and orderly manner. The December briefing provides an opportunity to assess how the drawdown has progressed and whether UNAMIs priority areas are being appropriately transitioned into various other UN mechanisms and Iraqi government structures.

One issue the Council will remain officially engaged on is the outstanding Iraq-Kuwait humanitarian file. Resolution 2792 requests the Secretary-General to inform the Council of progress on the file by 31 March 2026, and every six months thereafter. Council members are likely to hold meetings to discuss the issue following the submission of such reports. They will also be anticipating the appointment of the Senior Representative, which remains pending.

Another issue is how the Council should respond to regional spillover risks and Iraqs ongoing security sector challenges. Council members could consider adopting a presidential statement which commends UNAMIs achievements throughout its years of operations and encourages Iraq to continue efforts to assert state authority over armed actors, combat terrorism, and support disarmament and reintegration processes, including through bilateral assistance or capacity-building by other UN entities.

While Decembers meeting will be the Councils last mandated briefing on UNAMI, members are likely to remain engaged on Iraq beyond the missions closure, particularly in relation to the Iraq-Kuwait file, counter-terrorism, and regional security. Following the usual practice, the issue will remain on the Councils seizure list under the agenda item the situation concerning Iraq for three years, after which it will be removed unless a member state asks for it to be retained.

Council Dynamics

Council members are broadly supportive of the Iraqi government and its decision to request a time-bound termination of UNAMI. Resolution 2732 was adopted unanimously, and Council dynamics on the file remain generally cooperative, with continued interest in supporting Iraqs transition into a post-mission phase.

Negotiations on resolution 2792 were apparently also not contentious, as Council members seemed to broadly share the Secretary-Generals position that a follow-on UN mechanism for the repatriation or return of Kuwaiti and third-country missing persons and Kuwaiti property should be established following UNAMIs withdrawal. (For more information, see our 16 September Whats In Blue story.) The UKthe penholder on the Iraq-Kuwait filehas emphasised the importance of progress on the missing persons and property file.

Regional developments and the risk of spillover from neighbouring conflicts continue to inform Council discussions. The USthe Councils penholder on Iraqhas pressed the government to disarm Iran-aligned militias in the country. By contrast, members such as China and Russia have voiced concern about the foreign military presence in Iraq and urged respect for Iraqs sovereignty.

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Leadership for Peace

Expected Council Action

In December, Slovenia plans to convene an open debate on Leadership for Peace under the Maintenance of international peace and security agenda item. Former UN Secretary-General and member of The Elders, Ban Ki-moon, is expected to brief. A woman civil society representative may also brief. The open debate will be the signature event of Slovenias December presidency.

Rising geopolitical instability, proliferating armed conflicts, disregard for international law, and acute financial shortfalls continue to place significant strain on the multilateral system, and the UN in particular. Against this backdrop, and with the formal phase of the selection and appointment process for the next UN Secretary-General just starting, the open debate plans to focus on the qualities needed for the next Secretary-General to navigate the current fraught international environment.

Among other issues, the open debate is likely to invite reflections on how the UN and the next Secretary-General can adjust to the rapidly evolving global order while preserving the organisations unique role and the principles enshrined in the UN Charter. Slovenia may encourage members to focus on issues such as conflict prevention and the use of Article 99 of the UN Charter, which empowers the Secretary-General with the capacity to bring to the attention of the Security Council any matter which may threaten the maintenance of international peace and security. The meeting may also prompt discussion on how member states and the Security Council can better support the next Secretary-General in addressing these challenges. It appears that this will be the Councils first formal open meeting dedicated specifically to these issues.

Background and Key Recent Developments

The current UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, will complete his second term on 31 December 2026. In line with General Assembly resolution 79/327 of 5 September on the revitalisation of the work of the General Assembly, the process of selection and appointment of the next Secretary-General is to start with a joint letter from the presidents of the Security Council and the General Assembly.

The joint letter issued on 25 November begins soliciting candidates for the position while also setting out the modalities for submitting and considering nominations. Among other things, it says that the position of Secretary-General requires the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity and a firm commitment to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. The letter invites candidates with proven leadership and managerial abilities, extensive experience in international relations and strong diplomatic, communication and multilingual skills. The letter notes with regret that no woman has ever held the position of Secretary-General and encourages UN member states to strongly consider nominating women as candidates. It also notes the importance of regional diversity in the selection of Secretaries-General.

While these elements align with language used in General Assembly resolution 79/327, proposals from the ten elected Council members (E10) to add additional references to, for instance, independence, political leadership, and commitment to multilateralism and international law, were opposed by the permanent members (P5) and were not included in the joint letter. (For more information, see our 25 November Whats in Blue story.)

This marks the third time that a joint letter is being used to start the process. The first time was during the process that led to Guterres appointment. The second occasion was prior to his reappointment.

The December open debate is in continuity with the open debate on Leadership for Peace which Slovenia organised during its previous Council presidency, in September 2024. The event focused on leadership in strengthening multilateralism in light of eroding respect for the UN Charter, deep divisions at the Security Council, and its loss of credibility in connection to its lack of action, including regarding the wars in Gaza, Sudan, and Ukraine. The briefers were UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres; President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Mirjana Spoljaric Egger; and Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former President of Liberia and a member of The Elders. At the open debate, speakers expressed concern over growing geopolitical divisions and the Councils lack of effectiveness, urging consistent adherence to international humanitarian law and renewed commitment to multilateralism and conflict prevention.

At the start of the open debate, the Council adopted a presidential statement authored by Slovenia. The presidential statement reaffirmed the principles set forth in the UN Charter and underscored the need to strengthen resolve to maintain international peace and security. It stressed the need for universal adherence to international law, while emphasising the importance that the Council attaches to promoting justice and the rule of law. The presidential statement also reiterated the Councils strong support for the protection of civilians in armed conflict and the need to promote womens full, equal, meaningful, and safe participation and leadership at all levels of decision-making. The statement also stressed the importance of upholding multilateralism with the UN at the centre of the multilateral system. It further expressed the Councils commitment to fulfilling its responsibilities in the most effective manner.

Key Issues and Options

A key issue for Council members is how best to identify a candidate for the post of Secretary-General who is able to effectively navigate the current difficult international environment, mounting political pressures, declining credibility of the Security Council, persisting financial constraints affecting the continuity of UN operations, and the implications of the UN80 process for the organisation and its personnel.

An option could be for Slovenia to produce a chairs summary capturing the major themes of the open debate. This could be a useful document to map Council members understanding of the issues discussed without requiring negotiated outcomes. It would also help to highlight areas of convergence while documenting the range of views expressed, which could support the Councils deliberations on this matter going forward.

In addition, such a document could assist Council members in determining the areas they may want to focus on when they meet candidates who have chosen to run for the position of UN Secretary-General.

Council Dynamics

Negotiations around the content and modalities of the joint letter formally starting the selection and appointment process of the next Secretary-General have been shaped by P5E10 faultlines. The E10 initially proposed more ambitious language, including around steps of the process and a clearer description of the qualities and expertise that the new Secretary-General should possess. Even though there were differences among some of the E10 on the relative importance of specific aspects of the selection process and regarding how much pressure the E10 should apply to ensure their positions were reflected in the letter, E10 unity was maintained during the letters negotiation. The P5, for their part, opposed provisions they felt would constrain flexibility, such as clear deadlines or formulations perceived as encouraging a deliberative role for the General Assembly. Overall, these dynamics reflect longstanding tensions over the respective roles of the Council and the General Assembly, and the challenge of balancing the P5s Charter-conferred privileges with demands for greater transparency.

The September 2024 open debate on Leadership for Peace highlighted deep divisions over the drivers of the crises affecting international peace and security as well as over the Councils role in addressing them. This was particularly evident in Council members contrasting views on the way forward and responsibility for the wars in Gaza and Ukraine. Sierra Leone said that the Councils deliberations are increasingly clouded by geopolitical rivalry, turning the Council from a forum for diplomacy into a battleground for national interests with damaging consequences not only for the Councils credibility but also for the lives of millions of innocent women, men and children. Citing the wars in Ukraine, Gaza, and Sudan, Slovenia emphasised the harmful impact of the impression of double standards and the Councils increasing reluctance to use its toolbox to deal with crises and conflicts, warning that the warring parties perceptions of impunity for violations contributed to soaring civilian casualties. Similarly, Guyana raised concern over the erosion of respect for the Charter, calling for the consistent application of international law.

Although the Council has turned its attention to newer developments and some crises have entered different phases, the positions evident during the 2024 open debate have not fundamentally shifted.

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Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha has met with French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noel Barrot in Paris to discuss peace efforts and increased support for Kyiv.

"As part of President Volodymyr Zelenskyys visit to France and talks with President Emmanuel Macron, I was pleased to meet with my colleague Jean-Noel Barrot. As always, we had a meaningful and important discussion focused on peace efforts, the Coalition of the Willing, and Ukrainian-French defense cooperation," Sybiha said on X.

According to him, he and Barrot coordinated steps in European affairs, in particular in the context of the issue of effective use of the SAFE mechanism to develop joint projects with Ukraine, further contributions to NATOs PURL initiative, and a decision on the full use of frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine.

"I am grateful to France for its strong support and leadership - and I look forward to a very successful visit by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy today," the Foreign Minister stressed.
AFRICA

Libya

Expected Council Action

In December, the Security Council will hold its 60-day briefing on the situation in Libya. Special Representative and Head of the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) Hanna Serwaa Tetteh will brief the Council on recent political, security, and humanitarian developments in the country.

Background and Key Recent Developments

The political impasse in Libya continues between the UN-recognised Government of National Unity (GNU), based in Tripoli and led by Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Mohammed Dbeibah, with advisory support from the High State Council (HSC), and the eastern-based Government of National Stability (GNS), led by Prime Minister Osama Hamad and backed by the House of Representatives (HoR) and the self-styled Libyan National Army (LNA) under the command of General Khalifa Haftar. The parties remain deadlocked over proposed legislation to hold national elections that would reconcile the countrys divided government. A key point of contention is over the formation of a unified interim government to organise the electionsa move favoured by the GNS and HoR but opposed by the GNU and some segments of the HSC. The prolonged stalemate between the rival governments has persisted since the indefinite postponement of the 2021 elections.

Ahead of UNSMILs mandate renewal in October, the Secretary-General submitted to the Council a report containing a strategic review of the mission aimed at increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of UNSMILs overall structure. The review reiterated that UNSMILs core mandate is to support a political solution to the Libyan conflict and therefore recommended streamlining all the missions workstreams to prioritise this task. It emphasised the importance of the economic track to the countrys political transition and long-term stability and recommended strengthening this aspect of UNSMILs mandate. The review also highlighted the importance of UNSMILs engagement in human rights and the rule of law as integral components of the political process. In this regard, it advised that UNSMIL should fully leverage the convening power of the UN by leading and providing Secretariat support to the working groups of the Berlin Process, the UN-supported negotiation track that facilitated the 2020 ceasefire agreement. Another one of the reviews recommendations was to streamline the missions engagement on the security track from ceasefire implementation to confidence-building and reunification of military and security institutions.

In terms of operational configuration, the review recommended that UNSMIL maintain a consistent presence in eastern and southern Libya, with targeted expansions in Benghazi and Sabha. The review argued that this is essential for the mission to be perceived as representative and inclusive. It acknowledged that expanding UNSMILs presence will require significant resources and recommended that the mission offset these costs through reallocation of resources, realigned staffing, and improved efficiency through cost-saving measures and external support services.

On 31 October, the Council unanimously adopted resolution 2796, which extended the mandate of UNSMIL for another year. The resolution included the above-mentioned recommendations from the strategic review.

On 18 October, UNSMIL issued a statement welcoming the holding of elections that day in 16 municipalities in eastern, central and southern parts of the country. Initially scheduled for August, the election process in these municipalities was postponed due to a combination of deliberate disruptions, security incidents, and political interference. The statement also commended the High National Elections Commission (HNEC) and its staff for successfully organising 91 municipal council elections across Libya over the past year despite challenging circumstances.

During the Security Councils most recent briefing on Libya, held on 14 October, Tetteh noted the lack of progress toward reaching major milestones on the political roadmap to lead Libya to national elections and unified institutions. (The roadmap consists of three core pillars: adopting a viable electoral framework for presidential and legislative polls; unifying institutions under a new government; and launching a structured dialogue on governance, economic, security, and reconciliation issues to pave the way for these elections and address long-term conflict drivers.) She called on political leaders to engage in good faith in preparing for the elections. However, she indicated that UNSMIL is prepared to pursue an alternative course and may seek the Councils support to advance Libyas political transition should the stalemate persist.

Human Rights-Related Developments

On 11 November, Libyas human rights record was examined by the UN Human Rights Councils Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group during the UPRs 50th session in Geneva, marking its fourth review under the UPR. To facilitate the review, a national report was provided by the state under review in addition to a compilation and summary prepared by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). At the session, Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Eltaher Salem M. Elbaour, presented the steps Libya has taken to implement recommendations posed during its previous reviews, which it committed to follow up on. Elbaour also highlighted recent human rights developments in the country, reaffirming the Libyan governments condemnation of all human rights violations and its commitment to ensuring accountability and human rights for the Libyan people despite the prevailing challenges. The Working Group subsequently adopted the report on Libya at its 15th meeting, held on 14 November.

Key Issues and Options

A key concern for the Council remains the fragile security situation in the country, which has become even more acute after the recent escalation of violence in Tripoli in May. While the violence has ceased, the UN has warned that it could have spiralled out of control and seriously undermined the permanent ceasefire reached in 2020. Citing reports of military build-up in and around Tripoli in July, UNSMIL has called on all parties to refrain from using force and to avoid actions that could lead to renewed clashes. The violence underscores the need for sustained attention to the political and security dynamics in Libya. A possible option for the Slovenian presidency is to invite a civil society representative to an informal meeting to hear perspectives on the potential undercurrents that could affect the stability of the country.

Another continuing core issue for the Council is how best to support the road map for a Libyan-led and Libyan-owned political process that Tetteh presented in August. One of the main objectives for the Council is to help foster common political ground between the countrys rival governments to reach an inclusive agreement on electoral laws, including the possible establishment of a unified interim government to organise the elections.

Given the ongoing renewed efforts by UNSMIL to facilitate dialogue between Libyan political stakeholders, Council members wish to ask Tetteh how they can support the roadmap that UNSMIL presented in August, particularly political progress towards national elections to unify Libyas divided government. One option might be a presidential statement as a follow-up to the press statement issued by the Council in September.

Resolution 2796 encouraged the mission to implement various recommendations from the most recent strategic review. Given that the UN is facing a serious financial crisis and considering the UN80 initiative, a core issue for the Council will be the ability of UNSMIL to implement these recommendations. While the resolution mandated the Secretary-General to report to the Council on this issue, Council members could seek a briefing on this issue in closed consultations.

Council Dynamics

Council members remain united on the need for a Libyan-led, inclusive political process resulting in elections that will help to restore political, security, and economic stability to the country. They also remain broadly supportive of the UNs mediation role towards this end. Council members also share concerns about the fragile security situation in the country, especially after the escalation of violence in Tripoli in May.

At the October meeting on Libya, Council members were generally supportive of the political roadmap presented by Tetteh. Most members emphasised that the process must be Libyan-led and Libyan-owned and fully inclusive of all political actors to ensure success. Members such as Greece, the Republic of Korea, Russia, and the UK stressed the urgency for Libyan stakeholders, particularly the House of Representatives and the High Council of State, to complete the initial milestonesreconstituting the High National Elections Commission (HNEC) and adopting the constitutional/electoral frameworkas these first steps are critical to translating the roadmap into tangible actions and preventing continued delays.

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SECURITY COUNCIL AND WIDER UN STRUCTURE

Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE)

Expected Council Action

In December, Finnish Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen, in her capacity as the current Chairperson-in-Office (CiO) of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), is expected to brief the Security Council on the organisations activities. Slovenian Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon is expected to chair the meeting.

Background and Key Recent Developments

The Council has received annual briefings from the OSCE CiO since 2004. The chairmanship of the OSCE rotates yearly, and on 1 January, Finland succeeded Malta in this position. Past briefings on the work of the organisation have taken place early in the year, allowing former CiOs to inform the Council about their priorities for their upcoming presidencies. As this years briefing will be held towards the years end, it can serve as an opportunity for Valtonen to reflect on the OSCEs work in the past year and the initiatives that Finland promoted during its chairmanship.

Decembers Council meeting comes shortly after the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Helsinki Final Act, which laid the foundation for the OSCE. The Helsinki Final Act, signed on 1 August 1975, sought to improve the relationship between East and West, covering ten principles divided into three areas (also known as baskets): political and military security, including commitments to refraining from the threat or use of force, the territorial integrity of states, and the peaceful settlement of disputes; economic cooperation and environmental protection; and human rights, including respect for fundamental freedoms such as thought or speech, as well as equal rights and self-determination of peoples.

The occasion of the anniversary has led to reflection about the continued relevance of the Helsinki Final Act and the OSCEs ability to promote its principles. It also comes at a time when the organisation is facing significant strain following Russias invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The requirement for consensus in OSCE decisions, save for a few exceptions, has allowed Russia and other member states like Azerbaijan to block agreement on issues that are crucial to the organisations ability to function. The OSCE has been unable to agree on its annual budget since 2021; as a result, it has had to rely on monthly allotments based on the 2021 budget and voluntary contributions. Discussions on the appointment of senior officials have also been difficult. For instance, in 2024, the role of OSCE Secretary-General remained vacant for three months before member states were able to reach consensus on a candidate, appointing Feridun H. Sinirlioglu to the position in December 2024.

The OSCE has also had to alter its Ukraine-related work since Russias invasion. In 2022, the organisation closed its two field operations in the country, the Special Monitoring Mission (SMM), which monitored implementation of the 2015 Minsk II agreement by gathering daily information related to ceasefire violations and the withdrawal of heavy weapons in eastern Ukraine, and the Project Co-ordinator, which supported Ukraine in developing its legislation, institutions, and practices on such issues as combatting human trafficking and humanitarian de-mining. The closures resulted from Russias opposition to the extension of the two field operations mandates. Since April 2022, three Ukrainian OSCE personnel have also been detained by pro-Russian forces in Luhansk.

The OSCE has been able to continue some work related to Ukraine through the use of tools that do not require consensus. These include the OSCE Secretariat Extra-budgetary Support Programme for Ukraine (SPU), which was launched in November 2022 and carries out projects similar to those of the Project Co-ordinator. The SPUs work is supported by contributions from OSCE participating states and partners. Additionally, the OSCE Moscow Mechanism has been invoked five times since the outbreak of the war to establish independent fact-finding missions to investigate allegations of abuses of international human rights law (IHRL) and international humanitarian law (IHL) in Ukraine. (The mechanism, which was created in 1991, allows participating states to initiate an investigation into human rights violations over the opposition of the state under scrutiny.)

Most recently, 41 OSCE states invoked the Moscow Mechanism in July to examine Russias treatment of Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs). The report, presented on 25 September, documented numerous IHL and IHRL violations attributable to Russia, including a high number of arbitrary killings and executions of Ukrainian POWs and their systematic torture and ill-treatment. Among other things, the report encouraged the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to pursue investigations into these violations, with the aim of securing arrest warrants, prosecutions and convictions, if the evidence is sufficient.

Reflections on the OSCEs workincluding its achievements, the challenges it is currently facing, and its future pathfeatured prominently during a 31 July event hosted by Finland to mark the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act, under the theme Respect, Respond, Prepare. In her statement at the event, Valtonen recounted the organisations significant contributions over the years, including through the work of its field operations, in the areas of conflict prevention, democratic development, human rights, and post-conflict reconciliation. She emphasised that although Russias invasion of Ukraine violates every principle that the organisation is committed toincluding respect for borders, sovereignty, and the renunciation of violencethe Helsinki principles themselves remain unbroken.

Valtonen outlined in her statement three immediate priorities. The first is support for Ukraine and promotion of accountability for Russias actions in the country. The second is reforms within the OSCE to enable effective and timely decision-making, including to resolve the deadlock around the approval of the organisations budget. In this regard, Finland has initiated the Helsinki+50 Discussions on the Future of the OSCE, a discussion held in August with representatives of participating states, partner countries, and civil society, with the aim of building a vision for the future of the OSCE. The results of this discussion will be reported at the next meeting of the OSCE Ministerial Council, which will be held on 4 and 5 December. Finland has also launched the Helsinki+50 Fund, an initiative that aims to improve the use of voluntary funding for OSCE activities. The third priority outlined by Valtonen is upholding the core principles of the organisation, namely shared commitments, open dialogue, and the voice of civil society.

Decembers briefing will allow Valtonen to provide an update on how Finland promoted these priorities throughout the year. She may also discuss additional thematic issues advanced during the chairmanship, including through the publication on 6 May of an OSCE-wide roadmap for the implementation of commitments on women, peace and security (WPS) and the organisation of an 11-12 September forum focused on strengthening OSCE member states resilience to security challenges stemming from climate change. A roadmap initiated by Finland on youth, peace and security (YPS) is expected to be presented at the December OSCE Ministerial Council.

There is also likely to be discussion about country-specific work conducted by the OSCE as well as ways to enhance its partnership with the UN. The Geneva International Discussions (GID)which are co-chaired by the OSCE, the European Union (EU), and the UN and serve as the only platform for addressing the security and humanitarian consequences of the 2008 Russia-Georgia warmay be cited as a positive example of cooperation between the OSCE and the UN. The latest GID meeting took place on 11-12 November, during which participants emphasised the need for the GID to make tangible progress and deliver on its core agenda.

On 1 September, the OSCE adopted a unanimous decision to close the OSCE Minsk Group, which was formed in 1992 to find a peaceful resolution between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh. This decision was made after the foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan submitted a joint appeal to the OSCE on 11 August requesting the groups closure. The issuance of the joint appeal was reportedly a condition set by Azerbaijan before it agreed to the US-mediated Agreement on Establishment of Peace and Inter-State Relations between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Azerbaijan. Although the sides initialled the text of the agreement on 8 August, it remains unsigned. Azerbaijan has previously voiced opposition to the OSCE Minsk Group and had reportedly blocked approval on the OSCEs budget until all Minsk Group-related institutions are removed.

Issues and Options

There have been concerns that if the difficult dynamics within the OSCE continue, the organisation may decline in relevance and capacity. Some have emphasised the importance of the OSCE as the only multilateral forum outside the UN where Russia and Western countries can hold dialogue on security issues. In light of the markedly altered context in which the organisation operates, Council members could also discuss new avenues for cooperation between the organisation and the UN that utilise the OSCEs expertise. In the context of the war in Ukraine, members might discuss a possible role for the OSCE in monitoring any potential future interim agreements.

Council and Wider Dynamics

Over the years, Council members have expressed sharply diverging positions on issues within the OSCEs purview, most notably Ukraine, and on the broader European security architecture. These divisions have become more pronounced following Russias invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and have coloured Council discussions during the annual OSCE briefings.

Russia has often accused the OSCE of bias, blaming former CiOs of promoting anti-Russian views instead of operating on behalf of all 57 members of the organisation. During the latest Council meeting on cooperation with the OSCE, held on 19 April 2024, Russia argued that all the OSCEs tools and resources have been redirected to the Ukrainization of the organisations agenda, to the detriment of its engagement on other crises in its area of operations. It further maintained that this has undermined the OSCEs role as a unique all-weather platform for cooperation among states on the continent. Nonetheless, Russia argued that, if the OSCE resumes working in an impartial manner, the organisation has potential as a mediator and can play a role after the end of the war in Ukraine.

On the other hand, several Council members, including the European members, highlighted at the 19 April 2024 meeting the OSCEs role as a pillar of the European security architecture and a platform for dialogue on security matters on the continent. These members also welcomed its continued work on Ukraine, including through the SPU and the Moscow Mechanism. Some also expressed concern about Russias decision, for the first time, not to invite OSCE observers to its presidential elections in 2024.

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Security Council Meeting Record
Overview

In December, Slovenia will hold the presidency of the Security Council.

Slovenia plans to convene an open debate on Leadership for Peace under the Maintenance of international peace and security agenda item as the signature event of its presidency. Former UN Secretary-General and member of The Elders, Ban Ki-moon, as well as a woman civil society representative, are expected to brief.

Council members are also expected to undertake a visiting mission to Lebanon and Syria between 3 and 7 December. As has been the practice, the Council may schedule a meeting to brief on the visiting mission after its conclusion.

In addition, Slovenia intends to convene the annual briefing with the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Chairperson-in-Office, a position currently held by Finland. Slovenian Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon is expected to chair this meeting.

During the month, the Council is scheduled to hold its semi-annual debate on the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT). It also plans to vote on a draft resolution extending the mandate of the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED).

In December, the outgoing chairs of the Security Councils subsidiary bodies are expected to brief the Council on their experiences in facilitating the work of those bodies.

African issues that are expected to be discussed in December are:

Middle Eastern issues that will be addressed this month include:

The only Asian issue scheduled for December is Afghanistan. The Council will hold its quarterly meeting on the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), which will be chaired by Fajon.

Regarding the Americas, there will be a briefing by the chair of the 2653 Haiti Sanctions Committee.

Other issuesincluding Guinea-Bissau, Iran (non-proliferation), Myanmar, and Ukrainecould be raised in December depending on developments.
AFRICA

Somalia

Expected Council Action

In December, the Security Council is expected to reauthorise the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), whose mandate expires by the end of the month.

The Security Council is also expected to renew the 2713 Al-Shabaab sanctions regime, including the provision for maritime interdiction, which expires on 13 December. In addition, the Council will decide on the mandate of the Panel of Experts supporting the 2713 Al-Shabaab Sanctions Committee, which expires on 13 January 2026.

Key Recent Developments

Somalias domestic political landscape continues to be dominated by debates over the electoral model for the 2026 national elections, a persistent source of tension between the federal government and the federal member states. The federal government has been advocating for a one person, one vote system, while the member states hold divergent positionssome supporting the proposal and others opposing it. The Chairperson of the National Electoral and Boundaries Commission had recently announced that voting in the Banadir regionwhich includes Mogadishu and its surrounding districtswill proceed on 30 November under the one person, one vote model, with over one million people registered to participate. However, media reports indicate that these elections are now rescheduled for 25 December.

Opponents of the model have raised concerns about the countrys preparedness to conduct these elections and questioned the federal governments capacity to implement them effectively. Puntland and Jubaland, both of which have suspended relations with Mogadishu, openly oppose the initiative and accuse President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of attempting to centralise power. Other federal member states and opposition leaders favour retaining the traditional clan-based formula, which they argue ensures equitable power-sharing among major clans. Mahmoud visited Kismayo in October to ease tensions with Jubaland, but it seems that the visit did not yield anything concrete in thawing the tense relations.

A new political alliance known as the Somali Future Councilwhich includes the leaders of Puntland and Jubaland, as well as other opposition figures from the Somalia Salvation Forum, a coalition established in May that includes former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, and former prime ministers Hassan Ali Khaire, Mohamed Hussein Roble, and Abdi Farah Shirdonmet in Nairobi in November and rejected the federal governments plan for a one person, one vote elections in 2026 without first achieving the necessary national consensus. The Somali Future Council expressed its intention to convene a national conference in Somalia. Meanwhile, on 10 November, a new political party known as the Union of National Pride has named Shirdon as their candidate for the 2026 presidential elections. Fahad Yasin, an influential former national intelligence and security chief, was allegedly behind the formation of this party.

The political tensions in the country have also contributed to deterioration in security, with Al-Shabaab significantly expanding its control of territory in Central Somalia. However, the government appears to have succeeded in targeting senior leaders of the group in a series of recent operations. In a 9 November press release, the Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF) said they had killed senior Al-Shabaab leaders, including Mohamed Abdi Mohamed Nur (Goofoow), in military operations conducted in the Bay and Bakool region. Additionally, the US Africa Command stated that it had conducted an airstrike targeting Al-Shabaab on 26 October, in coordination with the Somali federal government. SNAF confirmed the information in a 27 October press release, indicating that the strike killed senior Al-Shabaab leader Mahmoud Abdi Hamud, known as Jaafar Gurey, in Buaale, Middle Juba region.

Puntland Security Forces, with support from the US, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and regional countries, have been conducting operations against an Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) offshoot that has established a foothold in the Bari region of Puntland. The forces have reported recent successes, including the capture and killing of ISIL members (including foreign terrorist fighters among them) during operations targeting the groups hideouts. On 19 November, the US Africa Command announced that it had conducted a series of air strikes against ISIL-Somalia in coordination with the Somali federal government.

In a 3 July meeting, the African Union Peace and Security Council AUPSC) underscored the need to intensify efforts to secure funding for the AU Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) and instructed the AU Commission to engage the UN, as well as bilateral and multilateral partners, to convene a resource mobilisation conference. In line with this directive, a high-level meeting on AUSSOM financing was held in New York on 25 September on the sidelines of the General Debate of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly. However, the total amount pledged remains significantly below the $196 million required to cover troop allowances.

Sanctions-Related Developments On 3 March, the Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 2776, extending the 2713 Al-Shabaab sanctions regime until 13 December and renewing the mandate of the Panel of Experts assisting the 2713 Al-Shabaab Sanctions Committee until 13 January 2026. The resolution, among other things, requested the Secretary-General to submit a technical assessment regarding the arms embargo targeting Al-Shabaab by 1 November. It also expresses the Security Councils intention to make any necessary adjustments following receipt of the technical assessment. It seems that the report has already been circulated to Council members. Pursuant to resolution 2776, the Panel of Experts was expected to submit its final report on 13 November. The report, which has already been circulated to members, apparently describes the significant threats posed by Al-Shabaab to the peace and security of Somalia and the region. It seems that the report expresses concerns about the groups expanding influence in central and southern Somalia; its continued attacks against the government, including the assassination attempt against the president; its sophisticated extortion efforts to generate revenue to fund its operations; and its smuggling of weapons and military equipment. Additionally, it seems that the report provides details of the panels investigative work on ISIL-Somalia and the foreign terrorist fighters being recruited by the group.

Key Issues and Options

One of the key issues for Council members in December is reauthorising the AUSSOM mandate. Pursuant to resolution 2767, the UN, jointly with the AU and the FGS, was tasked to undertake regular joint technical assessments of progress made, including against the benchmarks outlined in the AU-UN joint report of 26 November 2024, to inform the Councils decision on the authorisation of AUSSOMs subsequent phases. This report was expected to be submitted by 30 September, but, in a 2 October letter, the Secretary-General noted that additional time would be required to finalise the report and requested an extension until 30 October, which was subsequently granted by the Council. The upcoming negotiations are expected to be informed by this report, which, at the time of writing, had not been published. A possible option is for Council members to meet informally for a briefing from the Secretariat on the key findings of the report. This would allow members to decide whether to reauthorise the mission for another year with no change or to make adjustments to the mandate based on the joint technical assessment and its recommendations.

A related issue is the lack of sustainable funding for AUSSOM financing, which could affect its ability to carry out its mandate. The missions personnel have been operating without allowances for more than a year. Ultimately, this could lead to personnel having to leave the mission. Early this year, an attempt to trigger resolution 2719 of 21 December 2023 on the financing of AU-led Peace Support Operations through UN-assessed contributions failed owing to strong opposition by the US. (For more, see our 10 May Whats in Blue story.) Following the 7th African Union-European Union Summit held in Luanda on 24-25 November, Council members could hold an Informal Interactive Dialogue with representatives from the AU and the EU to discuss the financial situation ahead of the reauthorisation of AUSSOMs mandate.

The financial situation of the UN Support Office for Somalia (UNSOS) is another issue for Council members in December. UNSOS is mandated to provide logistical and other support to AUSSOM, but it is being forced to reduce its expenditures by 25 percent as part of the contingency measures being implemented by UN peacekeeping missions funded by the peacekeeping budget to address the UNs liquidity crisis, resulting from member states failure to pay their assessed contributions in full and on time.

The extension of the 2713 Al-Shabaab sanctions regime and the mandate renewal of the Panel of Experts supporting the committee are other key issues in December. Members may draw on the findings of the report and recommendations contained in the panels final report, as well as the Secretary-Generals technical assessment. The most likely option for Council members is to renew the measures outlined in resolution 2713 with no change and extend the mandate of the Panel of Experts for another year.

Council and Wider Dynamics

The majority of Council members support addressing AUSSOMs funding challenges. However, the US remains strongly opposed to considering the issue within the framework of resolution 2719. While some members may try to raise the financing issue during the negotiations in December, it may not get any traction, given the strong opposition by the US. The European Union is expected to announce funding for AUSSOM in early 2026.

The financing issue was a topic of discussion during the annual consultations between Council members and the AUPSC on 18 October, in which the latter strongly pushed for the need to find a solution to the funding challenges. The meeting concluded without adopting a joint communique because Council members and the AUPSC could not reach the necessary consensus, including on language related to financing.

In October, the UKthe penholder on Somaliahad apparently sought to develop a Council product or letter, given that the mandate of the UN Transition Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS) is set to expire at the end of October 2026. The mission is currently implementing a two-year phased transition of its functions to the UN Country Team (UNCT) in Somalia. However, it seems that Somalia was not supportive of the penholders proposal, which now appears to have been abandoned.

Council members support the Somali governments priorities and recognise the many challenges the country faces, including the persistent insecurity caused by the terrorist activities of Al-Shabaab. They also support ongoing efforts to fight the group, including the implementation of sanctions to degrade Al-Shabaab. During the negotiations on resolution 2776, however, Somalia expressed its desire for the Security Council to seriously consider the utility and effectiveness of the sanctions regime. Its position was supported by the A3 Plus Grouping (Algeria, Sierra Leone, Somalia, and Guyana) as well as China, Pakistan, and Russia. This issue is likely to be raised again in the upcoming negotiations on the extension of the sanctions regime.

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Status Update since our November Forecast

Sudan/South Sudan

On 14 November, the Security Council adopted resolution 2802, renewing the mandate of the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) until 15 November 2026 (S/PV.10042 and Resumption I). The text received 12 votes in favour and three abstentions (China, Pakistan, and Russia). In extending UNISFAs mandate for an additional year, the resolution expresses the Councils intention to consider further renewal of the mission based on demonstrable progress by Sudan and South Sudan against a set of benchmarks. It also reaffirms that any decision regarding the missions future will remain subject to the Councils determination.

In their explanations of vote, China, Pakistan, and Russia emphasised UNISFAs positive contribution to promoting stability in Abyei and reiterated their concern over the linking of the missions renewal to the implementation of the benchmarks outlined in the resolution. Guyana, on behalf of the A3 Plus grouping (Algeria, Sierra Leone, and Somalia), voiced similar concerns, referencing unrealistic benchmarks and deploring the persistent erosion of previously agreed language throughout the text.

Climate, Peace and Security

On 6 November, the Security Council held a briefing on Climate and securityenvironmental impact of armed conflict and climate driven security risks under the Threats to international peace and security agenda item (S/PV.10035). The briefers were Inger Andersen, the Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP); Charles C. Jalloh, Professor of Law at the University of Miami and member of the International Law Commission; and Maranatha Dinat of World Relief Haiti, a humanitarian organisation that partners with local churches to strengthen communities.

Hitting the Ground Running: Annual Finnish Workshop for Incoming Members

On 6 and 7 November, the Councils current and incoming membersBahrain, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Latvia, and Liberiaparticipated in the 23rd annual Hitting the Ground Running workshop, which is organised by Finland. Historian and former UN official Thant Myint-U provided the keynote address on the workshops first night.

Small Arms and Light Weapons

On 10 November, Sierra Leone convened an open debate on Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) as one of the signature events of its November Security Council presidency (S/PV.10037). Sierra Leones Foreign Minister, Alhaji Musa Timothy Kabba, chaired the meeting. The briefers were Adedeji Ebo, Officer-in-Charge of the Office for Disarmament Affairs and Deputy to the High Representative for Disarmament Affairs; Mohamed ibn Chambas, High Representative for the African Unions Silencing the Guns initiative; and Roraima Ana Andriani, Special Representative of the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) to the European Union.

South Sudan

On 11 November, the Security Council convened an open briefing and closed consultations on the situation in South Sudan and the work of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) (S/PV.10038). Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix briefed on recent developments in the country and the Secretary-Generals latest 90-day report (S/2025/706) on the mission. UN Women Executive Director Sima Sami Bahous and Solomon Ayele Dersso, Executive Director of Amani Africa Media and Research Services, also briefed.

International Court of Justice Elections

On 12 November, the General Assembly and the Security Council elected Phoebe Okowa (Kenya) as a Member of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), succeeding Judge Abdulqawi A. Yusuf (Somalia), who resigned as a member of the Court, effective 30 September. Okowa will hold office for the remainder of her predecessors term, which was due to expire on 5 February 2027.

Central African Republic

On 13 November, the Security Council adopted resolution 2800, extending the mandate of the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) for one year, until 15 November 2026, with 14 votes in favour and one abstention (the US) (S/PV.10041). In its explanation of vote, the US expressed reservations about the one-year extension, noting its preference for a six-month renewal that would use the national elections as a key milestone for adjusting the missions mandate. It also expressed a preference for a larger reduction in troop levels in light of progress made in the Central African Republic (CAR) and emphasised the need to establish a more realistic budget for the mission in the context of ongoing reform efforts and the UN liquidity crisis.

Working Methods

On 14 November, the Security Council convened for its annual open debate on working methods (S/PV.10043). The meeting was held under the agenda item Implementation of the note by the President of the Security Council (S/2024/507), referring to the most recent version of the comprehensive compendium of Council working methods adopted in December 2024, which is also known as Note 507. The briefers were Co-Chair of the Informal Working Group on Documentation and Other Procedural Questions (IWG) Ambassador Christina Markus Lassen (Denmark), Executive Director of Security Council Report Shamala Kandiah Thompson, and Co-Author of The Procedure of the UN Security Council (4th Edition) Loraine Sievers. Pakistan delivered a joint statement on behalf of the elected members (E10). The Accountability, Coherence and Transparency Group (ACT) and the Nordic group also delivered joint statements. 41 member states participated in the meeting under rule 37 of the Councils provisional rules of procedure.

Conflict and Food Insecurity

On 17 November, the Security Council held a high-level open debate titled Framing the Global Dialogue: Addressing Food Insecurity as a Driver of Conflict and Ensuring Food Security for Sustainable Peace under the Threats to international peace and security agenda item (S/PV.10045 and Resumption I). Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio chaired the open debate, which was a signature event of the Sierra Leonean presidency. Deputy Secretary-General and Chair of the UN Sustainable Development Group Amina J. Mohammed; Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Joyce Musya; Special Envoy for Food Systems of the African Union (AU) Ibrahim Assane Mayaki; and Chief Economist of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Maximo Torero Cullen briefed at the open debate. Around 70 member states participated in the open debate.

Middle East, including the Palestinian Question

On 17 November, the Security Council adopted resolution 2803, welcoming the establishment of a Board of Peace (BoP) and authorising the BoP to establish a temporary International Stabilization Force (ISF) in Gaza. The resolution received 13 votes in favour and two abstentions (China and Russia) (S/PV.10046).

On 24 November, the Security Council held its regular monthly briefing on The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question (MEPQ) (S/PV.10051). The briefer was Ramiz Alakbarov, the Deputy Special Coordinator and Resident Coordinator at the Office of the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process (UNSCO). Israel and the Observer State of Palestine at the UN participated in the meeting.

UN Peacekeeping

On 18 November, Security Council members held closed consultations on UN Peacekeeping Operations. Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix briefed Council members on the contingency measures being implemented by UN peacekeeping missions funded by the peacekeeping budget to address the UNs liquidity crisis, resulting from member states failure to pay their assessed contributions in full and on time.

Lebanon

On 20 November, Security Council members received a briefing in consultations on the Secretary-Generals report on the implementation of resolution 1701 (S/2025/738). Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix and Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert briefed.

Maritime Safety and Security: Protection of Seafarers Arria-formula Meeting

On 21 November, an Arria-formula meeting on Maritime Safety and Security: Protection of Seafarers was held in Conference Room 4 at UN headquarters. Greece and non-Council members India and the Philippines organised the meeting. Denmark and Panama co-sponsored the meeting with non-Council members Japan and Romania. Ambassador Aglaia Balta (Greece) provided opening remarks, and Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Arsenio Dominguez made welcoming remarks. The briefers included: Captain Antonios Doumanis, Seafarers Labour Director at the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy of Greece; Emmanuel Donato Guzman, Office of Maritime and Ocean Affairs at the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines; Dr. Bimal N. Patel, member of the International Law Commission and Professor of International Law at Rashtriya University in India; and Captain Eleni Papadopoulou, General Secretary-Masters and Mates Union of the Greek Merchant Marine.

Ukraine

On 20 November, the Security Council held an open briefing on Ukraine (S/PV.10050). Council members Denmark, France, Greece, the Republic of Korea (ROK), Slovenia, and the UK requested the meeting, citing rising numbers of civilian casualties in Ukraine, ongoing attacks on energy infrastructure in the country, and the need for a ceasefire. The briefers were Kayoko Gotoh, the Officer-in-Charge of the Europe, Central Asia and Americas Division at the UN Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA), and Edem Wosornu, the Director of the Operations and Advocacy Division at the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

Peacebuilding

On 26 November, the Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 2805 (S/PV.10054) and the General Assembly unanimously adopted resolution A/80/L.15 on the 2025 review of the UN peacebuilding architecture. Although the practice in the Security Council for previous such resolutions was for delegations not to speak after the adoption, the US asked to take the floor to deliver an explanation of vote. In its statement, the US called for a back to basics approach that keeps peacebuilding disciplined, strategic, and firmly anchored in advancing peace, without creating new mechanisms that could undermine or circumvent the Security Councils authority. In the General Assembly, the adoption was followed by explanations by member states. Egypt took the floor first to describe the consultative and participatory process that it co-facilitated with Slovenia. Ten interventions followedfrom Argentina, Australia, Denmark, Iran, Japan, Morocco, Norway, Switzerland, Russia, and the UKwith all expressing support for effective implementation of the twin resolutions that maximises efficiency and impact.

Some member states, particularly Australia, Denmark, and Norway, regretted the absence of references to climate change and the Sustainable Development Goals. These members also noted that they would have wished to see stronger language on the role of civil society and the need for human rights-based peacebuilding approaches, as well as clearer commitments to adequate, predictable, and sustained peacebuilding financing. Russia emphasised that preventing conflict is primarily the responsibility of member states, grounded in the principles of national leadership and ownership.

Visiting Mission to Lebanon and Syria

In November, Council members agreed to the terms of reference (TORs) for a visiting mission to Lebanon and Syria. The visit is expected to take place in early December.
MIDDLE EAST

Syria

Expected Council Action

In December, the Security Council is expected to hold its monthly meeting on political and humanitarian developments in Syria. Deputy Special Envoy for Syria Najat Rochdi, a representative from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), and a civil society representative, are expected to brief.

Background and Key Recent Developments

On 8 December, it will be one year since rebel groupsled by Syrias now interim President Ahmed al-Sharaaoverthrew the government of then-president Bashar al-Assad. Since then, Sharaa and his interim government have focused efforts on: restructuring governance frameworks; consolidating the armed forces; advancing transitional justice and reconciliation efforts; rehabilitating Syrias devastated economy; and reintegrating the country into the international community. Despite these efforts, the interim government is still facing many challenges in rebuilding a stable Syria, following over 13 years of civil war.

On 10 November, Sharaaa former Al-Qaida-affiliated militant, whom the US government had once imprisoned and, until recently, listed as a terroristheld a historic meeting with US President Donald Trump in Washington DC, marking the first visit of a Syrian head of state to the White House since the country gained independence from France in 1946.

The meeting reportedly included discussions on several topics. These included economic cooperation with Syria and the further easing of sanctions on the country; the fight against terrorist threats in the country; and efforts to ensure Syrias security, unity, and territorial integrity. Following the meeting, Trump praised Sharaa and said that the US wants to see Syria become a country thats very successful.

On the same day, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the suspension, for another 180 days, of sanctions under the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act of 2019, replacing an identical waiver which had been in place since 23 May. The US House of Representatives is currently deliberating on fully repealing the act, after the Senate voted in favour of this on 10 October.

Furthermore, the US has succeeded in convincing the Council to lift UN sanctions on Sharaa and Syrian Interior Minister Anas Hassan Khattab. On 6 November, the Council adopted resolution 2799, which removed both individuals from the 1267/1989/2253 Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Daesh) and Al-Qaida sanctions list. The resolution was authored by the US and was adopted with 14 votes in favour and one abstention (China). (For more information, see our 5 November Whats in Blue story.) The next day, Sharaa and Khattab were also removed from the US Specially Designated Global Terrorist List and the UK Sanctions List.

The US and Syria also appear to be increasing cooperation on security issues in Syria, including on counter-terrorism. Following the meeting between Sharaa and Trump, Syrian Information Minister Hamza al-Mustafa announced that the country had signed up to join the US-led Global Coalition against ISIL/Daesh. He added that [t]he agreement is political and until now contains no military components. A 12 November US Central Command (CENTCOM) press release said that CENTCOM forces, in coordination with partners in Syria, conducted more than 22 operations against ISIL from 1 October to 6 November, resulting in five ISIL members killed and 19 captured, and said that it will continue to aggressively pursue the terrorist groups remnants in Syria.

Syrias accession to the Global Coalition also seems to have given impetus to discussions between the interim government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF)a Kurdish-led group which controls most of Syrias de facto autonomous northeast territory and has been a key US partner in the fight against ISIL. In an 11 November post on X, the SDF Commander Mazloum Abdi praised the move and said that he held a phone call with US Special Envoy for Syria Thomas Barrack, in which he conveyed a commitment to accelerate the integration of the SDF into the Syrian state. This was a key element of the 10 March agreement between the two parties, which aimed to have the SDF integrated by the end of the year. Despite such rhetoric, clashes between the two sides have continued to take place, including reported deadly fighting in Raqqa and Deir Ezzor governorates, between 19 and 22 November.

Following the 18 July ceasefire in Suweidaa southern governorate in Syria, which saw deadly clashes between Druze militias and Bedouin tribes erupt on 13 Julytensions between Syrian interim forces and Druze militias have continued to simmer. On 13 November, violent clashes reportedly broke out between the two, leading to several injuries on both sides, illustrating the fragility of the US-brokered ceasefire. At a 16 November press conference, Syrias National Committee investigating Julys violence in Suweida provided an update on its inquiry, and said that it has requested the arrest of several army, security, and civilian personnel suspected of involvement in abuses.

On 19 November, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited an outpost in Israeli-held territory in southern Syria. Netanyahu told troops that Israels presence there is of immense importance both for safeguarding the countrys security and the Druze population. That same day, at a Security Council meeting on Syria, Syrian Permanent Representative to the UN Ibrahim Olabi said that his government strongly condemns this provocative tour and called on the UN and the Council to take action to halt such violations by Israel. The UN Deputy Special Envoy for Syria, Najat Rochdi, condemned the visit and called for an end to Israeli violations of the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement. On 28 November, Israeli forces conducted a raid and airstrikes on the town of Beit Jinn in southern Syria, which reportedly killed at least 13 people, including two children, and wounded 25. (For more information, see the brief on UNDOF [Golan] in our December 2025 Monthly Forecast.)

On 14 November, the UN said that, despite major funding cuts, it continued to provide humanitarian aid in southern Syria, including Suweida. OCHA warned, however, that humanitarian assistance is reaching nearly 70 percent fewer people in southern governorates, due to limited funding and access challenges. The $3.2 billion Syria Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan for 2025 is only a quarter funded.

Human Rights-Related Developments

In a 7 November press briefing note, the Spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Thameen Al-Keetan, expressed concern over ongoing reports of dozens of abductions and enforced disappearances, in addition to the more than 100,000 people who went missing under the former government. Al-Keetan stressed that the fate and whereabouts of those who have gone missing, both before and after the fall of the former government, must be urgently clarified.

In a 30 October press release, the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic (COI) warned that repeated massacres and human rights violations, including those allegedly committed by members of the interim governments security forces, risk plunging the country back into conflict. The COI continued to receive reports of extra-judicial killings, torture, forced displacement, and other human rights abuses against Alawite civilians in Damascus and western governorates. It also cited multiple reports of women and girls being abducted by unknown armed actors, with some reportedly subjected to sexual violence and forced marriage. Underscoring the need for swift, concrete action in the country, the Commission called on the interim authorities and member states to urgently address the underlying causes of the recent violence and prevent the recurrence of violations. It likewise urged them to work to build trust between the state and impacted communities, including by holding those responsible accountable.

Key Issues and Options

A key issue for the Council is to ensure that Syrias interim government pursues a credible, transparent, and inclusive political process, while navigating a fraught security context compounded by intercommunal tensions, terrorism, and external interference. Central to this issue are Damascuss efforts in pursuing disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration (DDR) efforts, and in fostering social cohesion and transitional justice, including accountability and reconciliation.

The UNs future role in Syria is another key issue for the Council. Under instructions from the Secretary-General, the UN Secretariat has conducted an integrated strategic assessment of the changing situation in the country, which has been finalised in an internal report. Based on this report, the Secretary-General has considered what type of UN presence in Syria would be most suitable to meet the countrys current needs.

Council members could request an informal briefing on the results of the integrated strategic assessment. They could also consider convening an Informal Interactive Dialogue (IID) with the participation of Syria and relevant UN entities to discuss the most viable options for future Council engagement with Syria.

The Council is expected to undertake a visiting mission to Syria in December. Council members could use the mission to gain a better picture of the security and humanitarian situation in the country. They could hold discussions with Syrian officials on steps being taken by the interim government in the political transition, including in pursuing justice, reconciliation, and national unity efforts. It could also serve as an opportunity for members to engage with Syrian civil society and with UN representatives on the ground to gain insights on present challenges for Syrians and how the Security Council can assist them. Members could issue a presidential statement following their visit, conveying key messages to the interim government based on their findings from the visiting mission.

Council Dynamics

Council members are aligned on the need for the Syrian authorities to advance an inclusive, Syrian-owned and Syrian-led political process based on the key principles of resolution 2254. They broadly agree that the threat of intercommunal violence cannot be addressed without advancing inclusive accountability measures, DDR and security sector reform (SSR) efforts, together with a credible political process in the country. The US and Russia worked together on the 14 March presidential statement following violence perpetrated in Latakia and Tartous, while Denmark authored the 10 August presidential statement in response to violence in Suweida.

There is broad agreement among Council members that the new Syrian government requires international support to rebuild the country and its devastated economy, including through the easing of unilateral sanctions. Some Council members are taking steps to build relations with the authorities in Damascus and to facilitate a smooth transitional period. In addition to the 10 November meeting with Trump, Sharaa has been hosted by the presidents of France and Russia. On 13 November, during a visit to the UK, Syrian Foreign Minister Assad al-Shibani presided over a ceremony reopening the Syrian Embassy in London, more than a decade following its closure.

Under the Trump administration, the US has been engaged in efforts to stabilise the situation in the country. US mediation has played a key role in brokering the ceasefires with the Kurdish SDF in the northeast and the Druze in the south. It is also mediating discussions to establish a security pact between the Syrian interim government and Israel. In an 11 November interview with The Washington Post, Sharaa criticised Israels expansionist ambitions and reiterated Damascus position that it must withdraw to positions it held before 8 December, in line with the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement, underlining that Trump supports this position.

Israels presence and military activities in Syria remain a point of contention for Council members. Most members believe Israels actions are fostering instability in Syria and that it must comply with the 1974 Agreement. In contrast, the US has predominantly seen Israels actions as defensive in nature or tied to ensuring its national security.

Many Council members also agree on the need for the Syrian interim government to take decisive measures to address the threat posed by foreign terrorist fighters (FTFs) and ISIL/Daesh. China has been particularly vocal in calling on Damascus to take a stronger stance on FTFs in the country, some of whom have reportedly been integrated into the Syrian armed forces. Several FTFs constitute part of the Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement, which China considers a terrorist organisation and is also listed under the 1267/1989/2253 ISIL/Daesh and Al-Qaida sanctions regime. During negotiations on resolution 2799, China apparently pushed to include language calling on Syria to address the threat posed by FTFs, some of which was included by the US (the penholder). On 6 November, China ultimately abstained from voting on the resolution, and in its explanation of vote said that the draft had failed to take into full account the counter-terrorism and security situation in Syria and how the adjustments made would impact the situation.

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UNDOF (Golan)

Expected Council Action

In December, Council members will hold the quarterly consultations on the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in the Golan. An official from the Department of Peace Operations (DPO) is expected to brief on the Secretary-Generals latest 90-day report on UNDOF and the most recent developments.

Council members are expected to renew UNDOFs mandate, which is set to expire on 31 December.

Background and Key Recent Developments

UNDOF was established following the conclusion of the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement (the 1974 agreement) between Israel and Syria, which ended the Yom Kippur War. Its mandate is to maintain the ceasefire between the parties and supervise the disengagement of Israeli and Syrian forces, as well as the areas of separation (a demilitarised buffer zone) and limitation (where Israeli and Syrian troops and equipment are restricted) in the Golan.

On 30 June, the Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 2782 renewing UNDOFs mandate for six months.

Since the ouster of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, the situation in the Golan has changed significantly due to an increased presence of Israel Defence Forces (IDF) troops in the demilitarised buffer zone and operations across the ceasefire line, in violation of the 1974 agreement. Since Assads removal, the IDF has repeatedly conducted airstrikes and ground operations on Syrian territory. Israel has cited national security concerns as the basis for its continued violations and has said that it will occupy the buffer zone indefinitely to ensure the demilitarisation and mitigation of threats from southern Syria. Since July, Israel has said that some of its operations have been aimed at protecting the Druze community in Syrias southern Suweida governorate from intercommunal violence.

Under its new interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syria has repeatedly reaffirmed its commitment to the 1974 agreement, and despite strongly condemning Israeli attacks, it has not retaliated militarily. In an 11 November interview with The Washington Postheld while he was in Washington, DC for a historic meeting with US President Donald TrumpSharaa said that Israel has expansionist ambitions for Syria and pushed back against Israeli demands for the demilitarisation of southern Syria.

Under Trump, the US seems to have adopted a policy committed to supporting Syrias progress towards stability and peace with its neighbours, and is mediating discussions between Syria and Israel towards establishing a security agreement. In The Washington Post interview, Sharaa confirmed that his government is in direct negotiations with Israel, facilitated by the US, and is demanding that Israel withdraw to the positions it held before 8 December 2024, adding that Trump supports his countrys position. According to Israeli media, negotiations are facing an impasse, as this condition seems to be a non-starter for the Israelis unless it is accompanied by a comprehensive peace deal. (For more information, see the brief on Syria in our December 2025 Monthly Forecast.)

On 19 November, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited an outpost in Israeli-held territory in southern Syria. Netanyahu told troops that Israels presence there is of immense importance both for safeguarding the countrys security and the Druze population. That same day, at a Security Council meeting on Syria, Syrian Permanent Representative to the UN Ibrahim Olabi said that his government strongly condemns this provocative tour and called on the UN and the Council to take action to halt such violations by Israel.

Recent Israeli operations into Syria have reportedly included the setting up of a military checkpoint in the southern governorate of Quneitra on 5 November. On 14 November, Israeli forces reportedly raided the village of Jamlah in Deraa governorate. This follows an earlier raid on Jamlah on 4 October, during which the IDF detained three men. According to Syrian media, the families of the detainees have appealed to UNDOF for assistance. Similarly, on 15 November, three men were reportedly detained by the IDF in Quneitra. On 24 November, Syrian state news agency SANA reported that Israel conducted multiple incursions into Quneitra and set up a checkpoint close to an UNDOF post in the region. On 28 November, Israeli forces conducted a raid and airstrikes on the town of Beit Jinn in southern Syria, which reportedly killed at least 13 people, including two children, and wounded 25.

The Secretary-Generals most recent report on UNDOFs activities, dated 26 September and covering the period from 20 May to 17 August, reported continued violations of the 1974 agreement, including at least nine breaches of the ceasefire and the continued presence of the IDF in the area of separation. The report said that as at 4 August, the IDF maintained and reinforced ten positions it had established in both the area of separation and limitation on the Syrian side. It also documented numerous observations of IDF strikes on former Syrian armed forces positions, and IDF interceptions of aerial objects flying towards the Israeli side. Additionally, UNDOF personnel reported experiencing continued restriction of movement in their area of operations, from both the IDF and the Syrian authorities, in violation of the 1974 agreement. According to the report, some UNDOF patrols were also obstructed by groups of armed individuals in the area of limitation on the Syrian side, which the mission assessed were related to a spillover of tensions from the clashes involving the Druze in Suweida.

The next UNDOF report by the Secretary-General is due on 3 December.

Human Rights-Related Developments

On 5 September, the UN Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and Other Arabs of the Occupied Territories submitted a report to the General Assembly on Israels policies and practices to consolidate and expand its occupation of the Syrian Golan and other regions of the broader Middle East. Covering developments from August 2024 to July 2025, the report observed that Israel has continued to transfer its civilian population to the occupied Syrian Golan in violation of the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, and established a military presence further into Syrian territory, negatively affecting the human rights of the local Arab populations. In light of these findings, the Special Committee underscored that any peace agreement between Israel and the Syrian Arab Republic must respect the rights of the population living in the occupied Syrian Golan since 1967 and in the recently occupied area.

The Special Committee, in a subsequent press release, warned that Israel is working to double the settler population in the occupied Golan and claims it will stay indefinitely in newly occupied areas further inside Syria. In this regard, the Special Committee emphasised the importance and need for the international community to act, underscoring that there must be accountability for these and other egregious violations of international law.

Jayantha Jayasuriya, Chair of the Special Committee, presented the reports findings to the Fourth Committee of the General Assembly at its 80th session, held on 17 November.

Key Issues and Options

A key priority for the Council in December is the renewal of UNDOFs mandate. Members could choose to have a straightforward renewal of the mandate to avoid complicated negotiations during a period in which discussions are ongoing between the parties over establishing a security agreement. Members could also consider updating the renewal resolution in light of the significant shift in security dynamics in the Golan, increased challenges for UNDOF in addressing ongoing violations of the 1974 agreement, and obstructions preventing the mission from carrying out its mandate, while ensuring the safety and security of the peacekeepers.

Another issue for the Council is that the significant Israeli presence in the buffer zone and repeated violations of the 1974 agreement could risk further destabilising internal security dynamics in Syria or lead to a significant escalation between the parties that could re-ignite the Israeli-Syrian conflict.

Members could consider adopting a presidential statement urging the parties to uphold international law and their obligations under the 1974 agreement, underscoring that there should be no military forces or activities in the area of separation, other than those of UNDOF. The statement could also express concern over risks posed to local civilian populations by violations of the 1974 agreement and call upon the parties to ensure that UNDOF is accorded the ability to operate safely, securely and freely in accordance with the agreement. The Council could further urge de-escalation and express support for ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving a security agreement between Israel and Syria in such a statement.

Council and Wider Dynamics

The Council remains united in its view that UNDOF plays an important role in regional stability. In the 10 August presidential statement, authored by Denmarkthe humanitarian penholder for Syriaand focused on violence in Suweida in July, the Council called for the respect of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement, including the principles regarding the Area of Separation, as well as the mandate and role of UNDOF, and stresse[d] the obligation on all parties to fully abide by its terms and to maintain calm and reduce tensions.

Despite historical divisions about who holds sovereignty over the Golan, Russia and the US have traditionally considered UNDOF as a separate issue on which they can agree, serving as co-penholders on the issue. In addition, following the ouster of Assad, the dynamic between Russia and the US on the Syrian file has seen a shift. The two countries, once holding strongly opposing views, have shown increased alignment, as demonstrated by their co-penholdership of a 14 March presidential statement addressing sectarian violence and key issues on Syrias political transition.

The IDFs recent actions and presence in the Golanas well as statements by Israeli officials on this issuehave generated criticism from several Council members. Most Council members have consistently demanded Israels full withdrawal from Syria, while calling on all parties to adhere to the 1974 agreement. One of the main contentious issues during negotiations on the Councils 10 August presidential statement, was over whether Israels military actions in Syria should be explicitly referenced and condemned in the text, with the A3 Plus members (Algeria, Sierra Leone, Somalia, and Guyana) and Pakistan arguing for such language while, on the other hand, the US was unwilling to accept a direct reference to Israel or its actions. (For more information, see our 9 August Whats in Blue story.)

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AFRICA

UNOCA (Central Africa)

Expected Council Action

In December, the Security Council will hold a briefing and consultations on the Secretary-Generals semi-annual report on the UN Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA) and the implementation of the UNs regional strategy to combat the Lords Resistance Army (LRA). Special Representative and Head of UNOCA Abdou Abarry is expected to brief. The mandate of UNOCA expires on 31 August 2027.

Key Recent Developments

On 7 June, an ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) was held in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, with the theme of consolidating the achievements of the ECCAS reform to accelerate regional integration and the construction of a community of destiny in Central Africa. The summit also addressed the worsening security situation in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and expressed support for ongoing mediation efforts to address that situation.

During the summit, the presidency of Equatorial Guinea was extended for another year instead of having Rwanda take over the rotating ECCAS presidency, reportedly due to objections from Burundi and the DRC. This prompted Rwanda to announce its withdrawal from ECCAS, arguing that its rights as guaranteed by the organisations constitutive act were violated. On 7 September, ECCAS held an extraordinary summit in Malabo and appointed Ezechiel Nibigira of Burundi as the new President of the ECCAS Commission.

On 12 October, Cameroon held its presidential election and President Paul Biya, who at 92 is Africas oldest leader, was declared the winner for an eighth term. In power since 1982, Biya is set to extend his rule until 2032. There were protests in Douala, the economic capital, against the results, which the opposition claimed were rigged. Several people were reportedly killed in post-election violence. In a 28 October statement, the African Union (AU) Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf noted the final results of the presidential elections and congratulated Biya on his re-election, while expressing grave concerns about the reported violence, repression, and arrests of protesters and political actors in connection with the election results.

On 10 June, the AU Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) received an update on the activities of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) and reviewed the implementation of the Regional Strategy for Stabilisation, Recovery, and Resilience (RS-SRR) of the Boko Haram-affected areas of the Lake Chad Basin. MNJTF is a regional security coalition comprising forces from Cameroon, Chad, and Nigeria, mandated to combat Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in the Lake Chad Basin. The RS-SRR was developed by the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) in 2018 to address the threat of terrorism, displacement, and underdevelopment in the region. The AUPSC endorsed the regional strategy and requested the AU Commission to continue to support the activities of MNJTF and LCBC.

The AUPSC reiterated their deep concern about the impact of Nigers decision to withdraw from MNJTF. The country announced its decision in March. Its withdrawal has raised concerns about the weakening of the regions counter-terrorism framework and the potential creation of a security vacuum that could be exploited by terrorist groups. The AUPSC encouraged the remaining members of the MNJTF to maintain their unity in the fight against Boko Haram and sustain the gains achieved thus far.

Despite recent operational successes by the MNJTF, Boko Haram and ISWAP continue to pose serious threats to peace and security in the Lake Chad Basin. Reports indicate that Boko Haram has intensified its attacks in Nigeria and Cameroon. In August, Nigeria announced that it had killed at least 35 armed fighters in airstrikes near the countrys border with Cameroon. Following an October 2024 attack that claimed the lives of 40 Chadian soldiers, President Mahamat Idriss Deby had reportedly threatened to withdraw from MNJTF, accusing the force of failing to eliminate the security threats posed by terrorist groups. Analysts attribute the resurgence of Boko Haram to Nigers withdrawal from MNJTF and Chads declining support for the task force.

In early November, US President Donald Trump sparked controversy after he said he could deploy the US military in the country to combat Islamist militant groups, accusing the Nigerian government of failing to protect Christians. While Nigeria reportedly welcomed US assistance, it emphasised that any support must respect its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The AU Commission also issued a statement urging the US to engage Nigeria through diplomatic dialogue, intelligence-sharing, and capacity-building partnerships, while respecting Nigerian sovereignty rather than resorting to unilateral threats of military intervention, which could undermine continental peace, regional stability, and AU norms for peaceful conflict management.

Key Issues and Options

The political and security situations in several parts of Central Africa continue to be key concerns for the Council. In December, Council members are likely to be interested in hearing Abarrys assessment of country-specific situations in the region. The recent election in Cameroon and the upcoming election in the Central African Republic (CAR) in December may be of particular interest to Council members. A possible option is for the new President of the ECCAS Commission to brief the Council in December.

The continued threat of terrorism in the Lake Chad Basin remains a matter of serious concern. This concern has been heightened by the fact that Boko Haram and ISWAP have begun employing drones and have become increasingly adept at using social media to spread extremist ideology and recruit youth. In this context, Council members may be keen to hear more about the impact of Nigers decision to withdraw from the joint force.

A related issue is how to address the root causes of the conflicts in the region. Council members continue to support the RS-SRR of the Boko Haram-affected areas of the Lake Chad Basin developed by the Lake Chad Basin Commission and welcome its endorsement by the AUPSC. The Councils informal expert group (IEG) on climate and security will be visiting the Lake Chad Basin in early December. Although this is an informal group, the co-chairs of the IEG could choose to brief interested Council members in an informal format following their visit.

The Council could consider adopting a presidential statement raising alarm at terrorist activity in the region and expressing support for the MNJTF in combating this challenge. The statement could also call for expedited implementation of the RS-SRR and appeal for international support in this regard.

Resource constraints remain a major concern for all UN peace operations, including Special Political Missions such as UNOCA. On 9 June, Abarry informed Council members that the mission is considering setting up a trust fund to complement its regular budget to be able to respond effectively to the need for UN good offices in the Central Africa region.

Council Dynamics

Council members support a holistic regional approach to addressing the peace and security challenges in Central Africa, based on cooperation between UNOCA and various regional mechanisms. Several members tend to underscore challenges in the region related to political transitions; humanitarian crises, including the rising number of refugees and internally displaced persons; the threats posed by terrorism and violent extremism; and the adverse effects of climate change. However, some members remain opposed to Council engagement on climate change and peace and security in general, including in the Central African region.

In the Councils 9 June meeting, the spillover effect of the conflict in Sudan on neighbouring countries in the Central African region was a major concern for several members. The escalating situation in eastern DRC was also another preoccupation, which prompted Council members to reiterate the need for the full implementation of resolution 2773 of 21 February to address the situation. That resolution, among other things, demanded the cessation of further military advances by the Mouvement du 23 Mars (M23) rebel group in eastern DRC and called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire.

Council members recognise the important role played by the MNJTF in fighting Boko Haram and ISWAP in the Lake Chad Basin. In this months meeting, many of them will likely condemn the recent attack in the region and underscore the need to continue supporting the MNJTF in neutralising these groups.

Some Council members tend to focus on the situation in northwest and southwest regions of Cameroon. These members may continue to draw particular attention to the countrys political and security challenges in light of the post-electoral violence.

The UK is the penholder on UNOCA.

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AFRICA

West Africa and the Sahel

Expected Council Action

In December, the Security Council will hold an open briefing, followed by closed consultations, on West Africa and the Sahel. The Special Representative and Head of the UN Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), Leonardo Santos Simao, is expected to brief. A civil society representative may also brief.

Key Recent Developments

The security situation of several countries in West Africa and the Sahel region continues to deteriorate significantly as terrorist groups continue to expand their influence and secure a greater stronghold across the region. In recent months, there has been a marked increase in attacks by armed groups and terrorists in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, which formed the collective defence arrangement, Alliance of Sahel States (AES) in 2023. UN reports from the region observe that entire communities have been emptied in Burkina Faso, northern Mali, and western Niger as violence between armed groups, intercommunal clashes and military activity spreads.

In Mali, Jamaat Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM), an Al-Qaida affiliate, has attacked more than 100 fuel tankers and abducted fuel truck drivers near the capital, Bamako, and other parts of the country. The groups months-long siege has disrupted access to essential supplies and exacerbated the countrys acute humanitarian conditions. Some analysts have warned that the blockade is an indication of JNIMs growing hold over Mali and a step towards the groups efforts to force the government into a defensive position. However, Malian officials, such as Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop, insist that the situation is under control and have dismissed the notion that jihadists could soon take over the capital.

Such developments have sparked alarm from several international interlocutorsincluding the AU, as well as France, the UK, and the US, who have urged their citizens to leave the country immediately. Expressing deep concern over Malis rapidly deteriorating security situation, AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf has stressed the need for a robust, coordinated international response to counter terrorism and violent extremism in the Sahel.

On 18 November, Sierra Leone, serving as Security Council president for November and current ECOWAS Chair, convened an open briefing under the agenda item Peace Consolidation in West Africa on enhancing regional counter-terrorism cooperation in West Africa and the Sahel. (For more information, see our 17 November Whats in Blue story.)

Meanwhile, in early November, fighting reportedly broke out between Boko Haram and rival militants from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in the village of Dogon Chiku, which lies on the shores of Lake Chad, an area located at the junction of Nigeria, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon. The development was the latest in hostilities between the groups as more non-state armed actors stake a claim for dominance in the Lake Chad Basin. At least 200 terrorists were reportedly killed in the clashes, with most of the deceased believed to be ISWAP members. In December, members of the Informal Expert Group of members of the Security Council on Climate, Peace and Security (IEG) intend to conduct an informal field mission to Chad to assess localised impacts of climate change on peace and security in the region.

Several countries in West Africa are undergoing political transitions and preparing for key elections in 2025. Cote dIvoire held presidential elections on 25 October, with President Alassane Ouattara securing a fourth term. In the lead-up to the elections, sporadic protests erupted in different parts of the country after Ouattara announced his bid for another term, and opposition candidates, former President Laurent Gbagbo and ex-CEO of Credit Suisse Tidjane Thiam, were barred from running. The countrys National Security Council dispatched 44,000 personnel from its Defence and Security Forces to deter public demonstrations in the lead-up to the election. Groups of young people attempting to assemble peacefully were also reportedly dispersed with tear gas, with 255 protesters arrested.

Guinea-Bissaus presidential and legislative elections were held on 23 November, with incumbent President Umaro Sissoco Embalo running for re-election despite earlier vows to step down. Embalo has been at odds with the political opposition regarding his legitimacy as president due to disputes over the timing of the end of his current five-year term. Opposition groups assert that his electoral mandate officially expired in February, while the countrys Supreme Court of Justice ruled it concluded in September. Embalo has nonetheless continued to remain in office.

At the time of writing, the official results had not been announced, but Embalo and Fernando Dias da Costa, his main contender, had both reportedly declared victory. However, on 26 November, a day before the planned announcement of the elections result, Guinea-Bissau military officers claimed that they had seized total control of the country. Referring to themselves as the High Military Command for the Restoration of Order, the officers reportedly read out a statement on television, declaring that they had ordered the immediate suspension of the electoral process until further notice, the activities of media outlets, as well as the closure of all borders. Shortly before the announcement, there were reports of heavy gunfire near the Guinea-Bissau presidential palace, the Election Commission headquarters and the Ministry of Interior, where men in military uniform were reportedly seen taking over the main road leading to the building.

Since gaining independence in 1974, Guinea-Bissau has been beset by political turmoil and has experienced several coup detats as well as multiple coup attempts. A previous coup attempt against Embalo also took place in December 2023, in addition to an alleged coup attempt in late October ahead of the November elections.

On 3 November, Guineas military leader General Mamadi Doumbouya submitted his candidacy for the 28 December presidential elections, breaking an earlier promise not to run for office and to hand power to a civilian government. Two of Guineas largest opposition parties, the Union of Democratic Forces of Guinea (UFDG) and the Rally of the Guinean People (RPG Arc en Ciel), have reportedly been suspended from participating in political activities, raising concerns over the elections credibility.

The worsening security and political situations have exacerbated an already dire humanitarian crisis in West Africa and the Sahel region. The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has stressed that humanitarian access and funding have reached a breaking point, noting that its 2025 appeal for $409.7 million to cover needs in the Sahel has only been 32 percent funded, which has prompted significant cuts in critical services related to education and health care, among other areas.

Key Issues and Options

The expanding threat of terrorism across West Africa and the Sahel region is a key concern among Council members, as the region remains a hotspot for extremist groups. The escalation of attacks by armed and terrorist organisations, coupled with their deployment of advanced weaponry, demonstrates the growing sophistication of these groups and the limited effectiveness of existing security arrangements in the region.

Compounding the terrorist threat is the deepening nexus between terrorism and organised crime in the Sahel. Terrorist activities are becoming increasingly intersected with transnational crimes as criminal networks are financing terrorist groups through money laundering, drug economies, arms and human trafficking, and the illicit trade of natural resources. These dynamics have exacerbated the precariousness of the environment, raising serious alarm about potential spillover into previously unaffected regions. In this respect, one option for members would be to consider inviting Ghada Fathi Waly, the Executive Director of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, to brief the Council.

The latest political developments in Guinea-Bissau are an issue of concern for Council members to watch. The indefinite suspension of electoral processes could risk greater political turmoil in the country, exacerbating the countrys instability and potentially inducing an institutional crisis. Before the December briefing and consultations, Council members may wish to closely monitor the political situation and initiate informal discussions on how to handle the changed scenario.

Supporting regional counter-terrorism efforts effectively in the context of constrained financial resources remains another key issue for Council members. Regional mechanismssuch as the Accra Initiative, ECOWAS through the ECOWAS Standby Force, and the Multinational Joint Task Force in the Lake Chad Basingrapple with formidable challenges, including political instability, fragmented security coordination, and persistent funding challenges. Additionally, the AES countries withdrawal from ECOWAS has strained their relations with other West African countries. Given the rising terrorist threat, the Council could encourage greater dialogue among the Sahelian countries in order to discuss possible counter-terrorism cooperation.

An option would be for Council members to hold an informal interactive dialogue with the AU, ECOWAS, and regional member states to discuss the outcome of the assessment by the Independent High-level Panel on Security, Governance and Development in the Sahel (that is, the Issoufou Panel). The Panel was jointly launched by the UN, the African Union, ECOWAS, and the Group of Five for the Sahel Joint Force (FC-G5S) in September 2022 under the leadership of the former president of Niger, Mahamadou Issoufou, to undertake a strategic assessment of the underlying challenges in the Sahel, including the surge in violent extremism, growing fragility of the economies of the region due to the impact of climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as complex political transitions. The Panels report was discussed at the 8th UN-AU annual conference in October 2024, but Council members have yet to be briefed about the report. The IID would allow the interlocutors to discuss strategies for harmonising approaches to address the growing threat of terrorism in West Africa and the Sahel.

Regional member states and Special Representative Simao have expressed support for leveraging resolution 2719, which authorises the use of UN-assessed contributions to finance AU-led peace support operations on a case-by-case basis, to support a peace operation in West Africa and the Sahel. However, key questions remain regarding the practical implementation of the resolution, given that AES countries currently remain outside existing regional security cooperation frameworks. Moreover, attempts to operationalise the resolution in Somalia as a potential case faced considerable setbacks this year, which seems to have dampened discussions on resolution 2719s implementation.

An underlying key issue is the structural conflict drivers in the Sahel, such as poor governance, underdevelopment, severe humanitarian conditions, and climate change, which remain key challenges in promoting regional security and sustainable economic development. One option for Council members would be to strengthen collaboration with the Peacebuilding Commission to support locally-led initiatives that promote good governance and enhance regional and cross-border cooperation, including within the framework of the UN Integrated Strategy for the Sahel.

Council and Wider Dynamics

There is broad concern in the Council about the threat of terrorism and the dire security and humanitarian crises affecting West Africa and the Sahel. Sierra Leone and several other Council members have emphasised the need for the Council to pay close attention to the region, including by exploring avenues to support regional efforts to counter terrorism and violent extremism.

At the same time, differences persist among Council members regarding the broader security context, their strategies for engaging with the region, and their respective interests. The US and European members have expressed concern over Russias growing influence and its engagement with military juntas. The withdrawal of Western military assistance has also created a security vacuum in the region, inducing several Sahelian countries to pursue alternative partnerships, most notably with Russia.

Russia, in contrast, has maintained that the current security challenges are rooted in Western interference in the region and has called for collective international support for the AES countries. Moscow has also expanded its footprint in the region through bilateral defence agreements and the deployment of personnel from the Africa Corps, which is the successor to the Wagner Group and reportedly operates under the direct oversight of the Russian Ministry of Defence. However, Russian forces deployed in the region have increasingly come under attack, demonstrating the precariousness of the operating environment.

The current US administration under President Donald Trump seems to be re-engaging with the military governments in the sub-region after a period of strained relations, seeking to re-establish security cooperation and maintain its strategic presence in the Sahel. Analysts have suggested that this reset in US relations with these countries is partly driven by strategic interests in accessing critical minerals and expanding economic engagement. Meanwhile, in late October, the US redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern, based on claims that Christians in the country are being persecuted. Trump has reportedly threatened military action in Nigeria if the country fails to crack down on the killings and protect Christian communities.

Frances relations with Mali have deteriorated further. Both sides have suspended counter-terrorism cooperation and declared certain embassy staff persona non grata in their respective capitals. Tensions escalated after Malian authorities arrested French national Yann Vezilier on espionage charges. France rejected the allegations, noting that Vezilier is a member of its embassy in Bamako. Additionally, Malis media regulator, the High Authority for Communication, had suspended French broadcasters LCI and TF1 until further notice, reportedly claiming that both television services had broadcast unverified information and falsehoods concerning the JNIM-imposed fuel blockade in the country.

Denmark and Sierra Leone are co-penholders on UNOWAS.

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MIDDLE EAST

Yemen

Expected Council Action

In December, the Security Council is expected to hold its monthly briefing, followed by closed consultations on Yemen. UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg and an official from the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) are expected to brief on political, security, and humanitarian developments in the country.

Background and Key Recent Developments

Yemen continues to suffer from pervasive insecurity, a deepening humanitarian crisis, and a stalled political settlement to the decade-long civil war. Intra-Yemeni tensions remain high between the Houthisa Yemeni rebel group that has de facto control of the northwest of the country, including the capital Sanaa, which they seized in 2014and the Presidential Leadership Council (PLC)the internationally recognised government of Yemen.

Since the 8 October announcement of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, the Houthis have not conducted any further attacks against Israel or vessels in the Red Sea, after almost two years of tit-for-tat attacks between the Houthis and Israel following the start of the Gaza war. The parties, however, have continued to use inflammatory rhetoricin November, the Houthis reportedly published an undated letter to Hamas in which they threatened to continue further attacks should the ceasefire collapse. In a 2 November speech, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the group is a very great threat that his administration will do everything necessary to eliminate.

Grundberg has continued his extensive diplomatic efforts to bring about the immediate release of UN personnel arbitrarily detained by the Houthis. As at 19 November, the UN has said that about 59 UN personnel remain detained by the Houthis. During meetings with regional stakeholders on 10 November in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), on 12 November in Saudi Arabia, and on 19 November in Oman, the Special Envoy raised the arbitrary detentions, emphasising that they undermine UN efforts to deliver aid to Houthi-controlled territory and to carry out mediation.

Discussions in the meetings with regional stakeholders also focused on UN efforts to advance dialogue for an inclusive political solution that can address regional concerns and secure lasting peace and stability in Yemen, including through strengthen[ing] regional consensus and ensuring a unified international approach in support of the UNs mediation efforts. In Oman, Grundberg also met with the Houthis Chief Negotiator, Abdel Salam, and held discussions which focused on the need for a conducive environment to advance the political process.

On 5 November, the Chair of the 2140 Yemen Sanctions Committee, Ambassador Sangjin Kim (Republic of Korea), provided a briefing to the Council on the Committees work since 5 November 2024.

The latest report of the Panel of Experts (PoE) supporting the 2140 Yemen Sanctions Committee, dated 15 October and covering the period from 1 August 2024 to 31 July, said that the sanctions regime has been largely ineffective. The report noted that the Houthis use smuggling to generate finances and circumvent the arms embargo, which the PoE determined had been totally ineffective and had failed to impact the Houthis ability to procure weapons, military materiel, and dual-use items. The report further noted that cooperation between the Houthis and Al-Shabaab (the Somali militant group aligned with Al-Qaida) has intensified, including through smuggling, training, and exchange of support. The PoE recommended that the Council expand the scope of the provisions of resolution 2216 to include inspections of cargo conducted in Government of Yemen-controlled areas and on the high seas.

On 13 November, Council members held the monthly meeting on Yemen only in closed consultations, forgoing the customary open briefing. This was apparently so that they could receive updates on the ongoing detentions of UN personnel in a confidential setting. The briefers were Grundberg and Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Joyce Msuya. (For more information, see our 12 November Whats in Blue story.)

On 14 November, the Security Council adopted resolution 2801, renewing the 2140 Yemen sanctions regimecomprising targeted financial and travel ban measuresfor another year, until 14 November 2026, and the mandate of the PoE until 15 December 2026. The resolution also requests the PoE to present two reports and advice to the Council by 15 April 2026: one on the flow of dual-use components and precursor chemicals to Yemen and another on improving information sharing and flag State capacity to prevent vessels suspected of violating the sanctions regime from entering Yemen. The resolution was adopted with 13 votes in favour and two abstentions (China and Russia). (For more information, see our 13 November Whats in Blue story.)

According to the 12 November Hunger Hotspots joint report a periodical early warnings report published by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP)Yemen is one of six countries classified as of highest concern where populations are facing imminent risk of catastrophic hunger conditions over the period of November 2025 and May 2026. It says that acute food insecurity in Yemen is driven primarily by conflict induced food insecurity, economic deterioration and climate shocks, and that 18 million people (52 percent of the population) are in crisis levels (Integrated Food Security Phase Classification [IPC] Phase three) or above, with more than 41,000 people projected to face catastrophic levels (IPC Phase five) in Houthi-controlled territory.

Human Rights-Related Developments

On 9 October, the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) adopted resolution 60/31 on technical assistance and capacity-building for Yemen in the field of human rights. Among other recommendations, the resolution expresses deep concern over the commission of serious international human rights law abuses and violations of international humanitarian law by all parties to the conflict and calls on them to renew the truce and immediately implement all of its provisions.

On 10 September, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights presented his annual report to the HRC on the technical and capacity-building assistance that the UN Human Rights Office has provided to the National Commission of Inquiry to investigate allegations of violations and abuses committed by all parties to the conflict in the country. Covering the period from September 2024 to August 2025, the High Commissioners report noted that the human rights landscape in Yemen had deteriorated amid escalating military confrontations in the region, which risked derailing the progress made on peace talks since the 2022 ceasefire. Among other matters, the report concludes with the High Commissioner urging all parties to the conflict to cooperate fully with the National Commission of Inquiry and calling on the Yemeni government to consider strengthening the entitys mandate to ensure that it can effectively fulfil its role as an independent, transparent mechanism.

Key Issues and Options

A key issue for the Council is how to help mitigate the risk of an escalation of hostilities in Yemen and the Red Sea while advancing efforts to relaunch the stalled intra-Yemeni political process amid broader regional tensions. A serious concern is that regional tensions in the Middle East, including the Israeli-Houthi cycle of violence, are drawing attention away from finding a peaceful resolution to the Yemeni civil war. Given that, following efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza, the Houthis seem to have ceased their strikes on Israel and in the Red Sea, Council members may take the opportunity provided by the de-escalation to concentrate on mobilising pressure for a resumption of Yemeni peace talks and advancing an inclusive political process.

One option for the Council would be to request a briefing specifically on the regional spillover of the Yemen conflict, to better evaluate how the apparent reduction in regional escalations has impacted the situation in Yemen and what can be done to mitigate a resumption of hostilities, while also discussing ways to accelerate diplomatic efforts aimed at renewing the political process in the country. Grundberg or Mohamed Khaled Khiari, the Assistant Secretary-General for the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific, could brief. The briefing could be held in an informal closed setting, to allow space for more sensitive discussions.

A related option for the Council would be to adopt a presidential statement encouraging the Yemeni parties to revive concrete discussions towards establishing a political roadmap under UN auspices; commitments to this end were made by the parties in December 2023, but discussions fell through following the Houthis escalatory reaction to the Gaza war. Council members could stress the need for the UN roadmap to include regional security guaranteesincluding regarding the Red Seato reflect the changed reality since 2023. Given the degradation of socioeconomic conditions in Yemen, members could also call for enhanced economic and humanitarian support for the country. Members could also include a strong condemnation of the Houthis arbitrary detention of UN and aid personnel, and demand their immediate, unconditional release.

The conflicts harmful effects on children in Yemen are another matter of concern. The PoEs most recent report describes the Houthis systematic child recruitment practices as part of a long-term plan aimed at producing a generation of loyal fighters who are uneducated and indoctrinated and with no viable alternatives. It adds that independent official sources documented 214 cases of recruitment during the reporting period, of whom 140 were killed and 74 remain deployed.

An option for the Council would be to invite to its next Yemen meeting a briefer who can discuss ways to address violations committed against children, such as Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict Vanessa Frazier or UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell. This session could be held in closed consultations to allow for a frank exchange. The 2140 Yemen Sanctions Committee could also invite Frazier to brief the Committee. The last briefing of the 2140 Yemen Sanctions Committee by a Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict took place in June 2022.

Council Dynamics

Despite being critical of the Houthis, most Council members have maintained their support for an inclusive intra-Yemeni political process and continue to call for advancing mediation efforts between the conflict parties, including a resumption of dialogue and a peace process under UN auspices. There is also general agreement on the need to restore freedom of navigation and security in the Red Sea. At least three of the Councils elected membersDenmark, Greece, and Panamahave suffered Houthi attacks on their commercial vessels.

Recent negotiations on the sanctions regime renewal, however, have highlighted long-standing differences among the five permanent Council members regarding the Houthis.

France, the UK, and the US have all argued that the Council needs to respond to the worsening situation in Yemen through increased pressure on the Houthis, whom they believe are obstructing a political process in Yemen. All three preferred a more ambitious renewal of the sanctions regime, which would have prohibited the flow of dual-use items to the Houthis, authorised member states to carry out maritime interdictions on vessels suspected of carrying sanctioned items to the group, and asked the panel to investigate increased coordination between the Houthis and Al-Shabaab and other regional terrorist groups.

The US has adopted a particularly hawkish position on the Houthis, unilaterally sanctioning the group and accusing Iran of supporting it. In its explanation of vote following the adoption of resolution 2801, the US lamented that the sanctions renewal did not include provisions to mandate an asset freeze on the Houthisa request it had apparently made during the negotiations.

Conversely, in their explanation of vote following their abstentions, China and Russia expressed concerns that the resolution facilitates the potential for expanding the Yemen sanctions regime and establishing maritime interdictions in the future, arguing that this would escalate tensions and push the parties further away from a political settlement. During the negotiations, China and Russia had apparently requested a straightforward renewal of the sanctions regime.

China and Russia have also criticised foreign military action in Yemen, claiming that such actions further degrade the situation. In this regard, Israel, the UK, and the US have all conducted strikes targeting Houthi infrastructure since the beginning of the Red Sea crisis.

The UK is the penholder on Yemen. Greece and the US are the co-penholders on the Red Sea crisis.

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The air defense of the Defense Forces of Ukraine destroyed 9,707 air targets during November 2025, the official telegram channel of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported on Monday.

"During November 2025, the air defense of the Defense Forces destroyed 9,707 air targets: 11 Kh-47 M2 Kinzhal aeroballistic missiles, 51 Kh-101 cruise missiles, 15 Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missiles, 20 Kalibr cruise missiles, 3 Kh-59/69 guided aircraft missiles, 19 Iskander-K cruise missiles, 2,939 Shahed attack UAVs, 361 reconnaissance UAVs, 6,288 UAVs of other types," the message said.

It is also reported that during November, the Air Force aircraft carried out 368 aircraft sorties, in particular, about 200 for fighter air cover and more than 70 for fire damage and air support of the troops.

"In November 2025, the aviation of the Defense Forces of Ukraine destroyed about 400 air targets, hit command posts, logistical support facilities, as well as places of accumulation of enemy manpower and equipment," the Air Force reported.

As reported, during October 2025, the air defense of the Defense Forces destroyed 11,269 air targets, among which were: 6 Kh-47M2 Kinzhal aeroballistic missiles, 53 Kh-101 cruise missiles, 17 Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missiles, 13 Kalibr cruise missiles, 13 Kh-59/69 guided aircraft missiles, and 30 Iskander-K cruise missiles. In addition, 2,416 Shahed attack UAVs, 591 reconnaissance UAVs and 7,930 UAVs of other types were destroyed.
Powerhouse Energy said in an update on Monday that its Australian waste-to-energy venture had taken several steps forward, with a project vehicle now established and a long-term site agreement secured for its planned facility near Perth.

The AIM-traded company, which is developing technology to convert non-recyclable waste into low-carbon energy, said it would hold a 5% equity stake in the new entity, National Waste to Energy, in return for supporting the project through to a final investment decision.

It said the special purpose vehicle was set up by National Hydrogen of Australia, Powerhouses partner under a framework agreement announced in June.

The Western Australia state government had issued National Waste to Energy an offer to lease a strategically located site in the Rockingham Strategic Industrial Area for up to 50 years.

Powerhouse said the plot was large enough to accommodate two Distributed Modular Generation trains, its proprietary system for processing waste into energy.

The scheme would be executed in three phases, beginning with the construction of a single 40-tonne-per-day DMG unit to generate power.

A hydrogen separation and compression module would be added later as market demand develops, followed by a second 40-tonne-per-day train.

National Waste to Energy had secured a power offtake agreement with the largest independent commercial energy provider in Western Australia, and agreed feedstock supply terms for sorted mixed plastics with an experienced waste management firm.

Powerhouse said it was also assisting with technical documentation for a UK-based international finance provider conducting due diligence on the project.

The company said progress was aligned to client timelines and further updates would follow.

Chief executive Paul Emmitt said the latest developments underlined confidence in the companys technology.

The creation of the SPV, the signed offer to lease and the progression of funding are significant steps forward in our collaboration with National Hydrogen and a further huge endorsement of our DMG process, he said.

We are delighted to be an incoming shareholder in the SPV; working on this project with National Hydrogen, as well as further building on our relationship with them and supporting them to deliver other projects.

At 1331 GMT, shares in Powerhouse Energy Group were up 3.44% at 0.5p.

Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.
Tuesday sees the release of full-year results from Victrex , On The Beach and Topps Tiles .

On Monday, Topps Tiles announced the appointment of Caroline Browne as its new chief financial officer.

Browne, who will join in spring 2026 as an executive director, succeeds Stephen Hopston, whose resignation was announced in June.

She is currently the group finance & investor relations director at Watches of Switzerland, where she leads the finance function and was part of the team that executed the initial public offering on the London Stock Exchange in 2019.

As far as On The Beach is concerned, Bloomberg consensus is for adjusted revenue of 122.9m, adjusted pre-tax profit of 34.8m and adjusted diluted EPS of 17p.

Elsewhere, half-year results are due from Discoverie and IG Design.

Across the pond, quarterly results will be released by Crowdstrike, Marvell Technology, Signet Jewelers and American Eagle.

On the macro front, the latest Bank of England Financial Stability Report is due, along with the BRC shop price index.

Tuesday December 02

INTERIMS

Augmentum Fintech, Celebrus Technologies, Discoverie Group, Foresight Group Holdings Limited NPV, IG Design Group, Mercia Asset Management, NewRiver REIT, Severfield, System1 Group, TPXimpact Holdings, Vianet Group

INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC ANNOUNCEMENTS

Unemployment Rate (EU) (10:00)

FINALS

Gooch & Housego, On The Beach Group , Topps Tiles, Treatt, Victrex plc

AGMS

Contango Holdings , Crystal Amber Fund Ltd., Geo Exploration Limited NPV, Geo Exploration Limited NPV, PRS Reit (The)
London stocks were set to edge lower at the open on Monday as Bitcoin slid, as investors eyed a raft of UK data releases.

The FTSE 100 was called to open around 10 points lower.

Kathleen Brooks, research director at XTB, said: "The narrative has abruptly shifted on Monday. After a powerful rally that helped US and European stocks reverse earlier losses and close November with small gains, equity futures are now in the red across the US and Europe, after sentiment took a knock following a sharp decline across crypto markets.

"Bitcoin is lower by more than 5% on Monday and is back below $90,000. There was no news or obvious driver for the slide, which gathered pace during the Asian session. Eurostoxx futures are now pointing to a 0.3% decline later this morning, and US futures are currently nursing larger losses.

"There is no obvious driver, however, the sharp decline in volatility last week, the Vix fell back below the average for the last 12 months, may have unnerved some investors who remain concerned about an uncertain outlook into year end. Bitcoin tends to be a leading indicator for overall risk sentiment right now, and its slide does not bode well for stocks at the start of this month."

On the macro front, investors will be eyeing mortgage approvals and net lending figures for October at 0930 GMT, while the S&P Global manufacturing PMI for November is due at the same time.

In corporate news, aerospace firm Melrose Industries said its chief financial officer is to step down.

Matthew Gregory, 56, has informed the board that he plans to retire in 2026, two years after taking up the role. He will be replaced by Ross McCluskey, a vice president at testing and inspection specialist Intertek Group.

Budget airlines easyJet and Wizz said they had completed software upgrades to their fleets of Airbus A320 planes over the weekend without any cancellations after a warning from the manufacturer on Friday that solar radiation could interfere with onboard computers.

EasyJet added that its financial outlook remained unchanged. France-based Airbus said about 6,000 of the aircraft had been affected, with most requiring a swift software update while around 900 older planes need a replacement computer.

Precision engineering group Hunting said its Energy Services Production Technology subsidiary has won its first sampling and testing contract in Brazil.

Hunting said the deal marks a strategic breakthrough into South America for its Oil Optimisation and Recovery technology, and was the first new territory entered since buying the business in March 2025.
Greggs shares shot higher on Monday following a report the bakery chain is being urged by activist investor Lauro Asset Management to cut tens of millions of pounds of annual costs over fears it will otherwise fall prey to a cut-price takeover bid.

According to The Sunday Times, David Mercurio of the Singapore-based hedge fund has attacked Greggs "timid" management after the companys share price plunged 44% this year, giving it a stock market value of 1.6bn.

The intervention came just hours after influential quiet activist investor Silchester took a 5% stake in Greggs, making it the companys biggest shareholder.

Lauro, which was previously backed by Singapore's sovereign wealth fund, GIC, ranks among Greggs biggest investors.

City sources told the Times that Mercurios views were representative of the frustration shared by many of the larger traditional investors who rarely publicly share their grievances with management.

Mercurio said that Greggs should identify "efficiencies" that would allow a minimum of 20m of costs to be cut annually. He went on to criticise chief executive Roisin Curries claim in July that Britain was yet to hit "peak Greggs".

According to The Sunday Times, Mercurio said: "The best way to highlight Roisins insistence that I absolutely dont believe we have reached peak Greggs is through a comprehensive buyback programme. With little, if any, financial debt on the balance sheet, Greggs is now a clear outlier within the UK retail industry as one of the few operators with no buyback.

"With the current configuration - future robust cash flow generation post the current investment cycle, a pristine balance sheet and a valuation at multi-decade lows - there is a heightened risk that Greggs ceases to be an independent entity."

He added: "Private equity, in particular, is well suited to look through the current malaise It is time for management to step up and protect this iconic British brand through a more articulate and comprehensive plan of value creation."

At 1525 GMT, Greggs shares were up 5.2% at 1,641p.
The multi-billion merger of HICL Infrastructure and The Renewables Infrastructure Group has been abandoned, it was announced on Monday, after widespread opposition from shareholders.

In a brief statement, HICL confirmed that the proposed combination - first announced in mid-November - "will not proceed".

It continued: "Both boards remain convinced of the strategic rationale for the combination.

"However, following broad engagement with shareholders, the HICL board determined that it cannot progress the transaction without a substantial majority of support from its own investors."

The deal would have brought together HICLs infrastructure assets - which range from utilities to transport - and Trig's renewables portfolio, which covers solar, wind and battery storage.

The merged company would have been worth around 3.98bn with net assets exceeding 5.3bn, making it the largest listed UK infrastructure investment firm.

However, a number of shareholders argued that the structure of the deal disproportionately favoured both Trig shareholders and InfraRed, the manager of both trusts.

A number, including TrintyBridge, which holds a 3.8% stake, and Hawksmoor Investment Management, said they would vote against the deal, and urged HICL to abandon it.

Trig said it regretted that investors would not have the opportunity to vote on the tie-up.

Richard Morse, Trig chair, added: "Our focus now returns to delivering Trigs attractive standalone strategy.

"We are uniquely placed to capitalise on the demand growth for low carbon, reliable power and to capture the commercial opportunities as economies across the UK and Europe electrify and decarbonise."
Topps Tiles said on Monday that it has appointed Caroline Browne as its new chief financial officer.

Browne, who will join in spring 2026 as an executive director, succeeds Stephen Hopston, whose resignation was announced in June.

She is currently the group finance & investor relations director at Watches of Switzerland, where she leads the finance function and was part of the team that executed the initial public offering on the London Stock Exchange in 2019.

Prior to Watches of Switzerland, she was the group financial controller at Next and held several senior finance positions at Boots.

The tile specialist said Browne has "extensive" retail experience and brings with her "strong skills" in commercial finance, financial control, governance and investor relations.

The company also said it has recently appointed an interim CFO, Rob Swales, to replace the previous interim CFO. Until recently, Swales was group commercial finance director at Pepco, having helped deliver its IPO on the Warsaw Stock Exchange. Prior to that he spent several years at Marks & Spencer.

Chair Paul Forman said: "We are delighted to welcome Caroline as chief financial officer. She has significant financial and investor relations experience in high quality retail organisations and a consistent track record of delivering strong results and I look forward to working with her as we build upon our growth ambitions and create continued long-term value for our customers, colleagues, and shareholders."
Unilever said on Monday that it has agreed to sell the Graze business to Candy Kittens owner Katjes International for an undisclosed sum.

The consumer goods giant bought healthier snacking brand Graze in 2019.

Unilever said that under its ownership, Graze has transformed its profitability and has continued to deliver growth in the retail channel.

"As previously shared, Unilevers ambition in Foods is to deliver consistent, top-tier performance in its peer set, and will do that by rigorously focusing on three attractive global categories; Condiments, Cooking Aids & Mini Meals, and Unilever Food Solutions," the company said.

"This is where Unilever has proven capabilities to win, anchored in its large, global power brands, and is sharpening its portfolio for long-term growth and scalability in these areas. This includes pruning the portfolio where relevant."

It said Graze has good potential for future growth and development, which will be better realised under new ownership by Katjes International, and the Candy Kittens Group, given their category expertise and complementary product portfolio.

Georgina Bradford, UKI Foods General Manager, said: "Graze has transformed into a retail-focused brand which continues to redefine healthy snacking with innovations that stay a step ahead on nutrition, never compromise on taste, and remain true to its distinctive and much-loved style.

"The brand is now well positioned for its next phase of growth, which we are confident will be best unlocked under its new ownership with dedicated focus on its healthier snacking mission."

The deal is expected to complete in the first half of next year.
Prosecutors from the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) has filed a lawsuit with the High Anti-Corruption Court (HACC) to declare the assets registered in the name of a number of individuals and legal entities related to the People's Deputy of Ukraine unfounded, the SAP reported.

On Telegram on Monday, the SAPO noted that during 20202021, the unofficial drivers of the people's deputy and a private company associated with him purchased three luxury cars into private ownership: "Toyota Land Cruiser 200", 2020 model year, BMW 730LD, 2020 model year, and BMW X5, 2020 model year, with a total value of over UAH 8.6 million.

"After purchasing these assets, the official used them. He even received permission to enter the territory of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine," the anti-corruption prosecutor's office emphasizes.

The message states: "However, after analyzing the income and expenses of the government representative and his family members, it was established that it was impossible to acquire these vehicles at the expense of legal income."

The SAPO emphasizes that, in view of this, the prosecutor of the anti-corruption prosecutor's office filed a lawsuit with the court to recognize the specified vehicles as unfounded assets and recover their value from the state's income.

The progress and results of the consideration of the civil case will be reported additionally.

The lawsuit was prepared on the basis of materials from the NACP and evidence independently obtained by SAPO prosecutors.

The SAPO message does not indicate the name of the people's deputy, as an informed source told the agency, it refers to Serhiy Lytvynenko (Servant of the People faction).
Budget airlines easyJet and Wizz said they had completed software upgrades to their fleets of Airbus A320 planes over the weekend without any cancellations after a warning from the manufacturer on Friday that solar radiation could interfere with onboard computers.

Easyjet added that its financial outlook remained unchanged. France-based Airbus said about 6,000 of the aircraft had been affected, with most requiring a swift software update while around 900 older planes need a replacement computer.

Hungary-based Wizz identified 83 operational aircraft within its fleet requiring the software update. The airline operates 250 A320 and 321 planes.

Airbus discovered the issue after a JetBlue Airways plane flying between the US and Mexico suddenly lost altitude and emergency landed in October. At least 15 people were injured in the incident.

The firm later identified a problem with the aircraft's computing software which calculates a plane's elevation, and found that at high altitudes, data could be corrupted by intense radiation released periodically by the Sun.

Friday evening's warning sent airlines around the world scrambling to ground the planes and make the computer changes in an attempt to avoid schedule disruption over the weekend.

Air France flights in and out of Paris's Charles de Gaulle Airport were delayed or cancelled, while in the US, American Airlines said it expected "operational delays" but added that the vast majority of updates would be carried out by Saturday. Rival Delta Airlines said it believed the impact on its operations would be limited.

Britain's Civil Aviation Authority said airlines operating in the country worked through Friday night to carry out the update and air traffic had not been seriously affected.

Reporting by Frank Prenesti for Sharecast.com
Shoppers held back from visiting high streets over Black Friday, data shows, amid fears weak consumer spending will put the brakes on economic growth in 2026. Visitors to all UK shopping destinations were down 2% on Friday and 7.2% compared with the equivalent days last year, according to the monitoring company MRI Software, with locations near central London offices among the few to experience a lift in visits.  Guardian

The upmarket bakery chain Gails is planning 40 more outlets after sales rose by a fifth last year as it opened 36 new bakeries and sales to supermarkets increased. The cafe and retailer, which currently has 185 sites, said sales rose to 278m in the year to the end of February but that pre-tax losses widened to 7.8m, from 7.4m a year before, as costs rose and it spent millions on opening new outlets, according to accounts filed at Companies House.  Guardian

Britains worst parcel delivery company paid out a 108m dividend last year, just months after it was bought by US private equity giant Apollo. Evri, which was named the UKs worst courier for the third year running by the regulator Ofcom last month, paid the money into its parent company in the year to March.  Telegraph

Amazon is scaling back its British drone delivery plans after the tech giant had its wings clipped by local planning officers. The internet retailer has cut back the frequency of planned drone flights by more than half as it waits for approval to launch Britains first drone deliveries next month.  Telegraph

The High Court is due to hear claims that Lloyds Banking Group should pay 280 million for alleged failings in relation to a 1.2 billion scam. Lloyds and Bank of Scotland are accused of breaching banking mandates and duties of care by processing fraudulent payment instructions related to Arena, a television equipment business at the centre of what is purported to be Britains largest ever asset-based lending fraud.  The Times

Googles move into its London landscraper has been pushed back until next year, The Times understands. Repeated delays to the works mean that teams will not start taking residence in the US tech companys massive 1 billion European headquarters, known as Platform G, until some point in 2026. Google did not respond to requests for comment.  The Times
The Department of Transportation (DOT) launched a new campaign called The Golden Age of Travel Starts With You, to promote civility to air travel, urging Americans to dress with respect while rethinking their behavior towards others. AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez

The Department of Transportation (DOT) launched a new campaign to promote civility to air travel, urging Americans to dress with respect while rethinking their behavior towards others.

The new plan, called The Golden Age of Travel Starts With You, is meant to jumpstart a nationwide conversation around how we can all restore courtesy and class to air travel, a DOT statement from Nov. 19 reads. This wont just make the travel experience better for flying public  it will ensure the safety of passengers, gate workers, flight attendants, and pilots."

The agency said that this new campaign is partially in response to data, showing that travel has become more unruly.

Since 2021, there have been 13,800 unruly passenger incidents reported, the DOT said.

Therefore, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy wants all flyers to ask themselves during the holiday season the following questions:

Are you helping a pregnant woman or the elderly with placing their bags in the overhead bin? Are you dressing with respect? Are you keeping control of your children and helping them through the airport? Are you saying thank you to your flight attendants? Are you saying please and thank you in general?

The Golden Age of Travel starts with ALL OF US, Duffy said in a post on X. Lets be merry this holiday season as we fly! Dress up to go to the airport, help a stranger out, and be in a good mood. We can bring civility back, its as easy as that!

Travel experts provided some skepticism about whether or not the departments call to dress up for the airport will provide any meaningful changes. CBS News reported that most travelers prefer comfortability over formality, especially with tight seating in economy and the likelihood of delays.

Economy class was actually nice, Chris Elliott, a travel expert and consumer advocate, told CBS News. Now, everyone is wedged together on planes.

Sarah Silbert, a strategist at the flight search engine Points Path told the media outlet that the clothing guideline is not enforceable and is unlikely to shift traveler behavior.

Its more of a soft nudge about travel etiquette, she told CBS News. Given how cramped and stressful flying can be for most people now, its easy to see why a message about dressing up will draw pushback.

Daniel Green, co-founder of Faye Travel Insurance also chimed in on the conversation telling CBS News that he does not believe anyone would be able to agree on what the dress code is, adding that he doesnt think there should be a dress code for travelers.

At the end of the day, I think this is just a well-intentioned messaging campaign about behaving well in public that will likely have no practical or tangible implications for people, he said.
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.

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.

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.
Commuters use umbrellas as they walk along Bay Street in St. George. A winter storm is expected to bring rain to Staten Island on Tuesday. (Advance/SILive.com | Jan Somma-Hammel)

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Forecasters say that Staten Island should still prepare for a wet winter storm this week.

Recently, forecasts from AccuWeather said that the borough could be hit by a winter storm on Tuesday morning. While other parts of the tristate area could see snowfall, Staten Island was expected to be spared the worst of it.

Those forecasts are still holding true, according to Alan Reppert, a senior meteorologist at AccuWeather.

Staten Island should only have to worry about a rainy morning commute on Tuesday.

While a chance of slush is possible when the storm hits, no accumulation of snow is predicted.

Warmer air coming in off the ocean will have Staten Island, Long Island, and parts of New Jersey only seeing rain for most of the day.

Areas north and west of the borough could experience snowy conditions during the morning, however.

Precipitation should begin around 9 a.m. on Tuesday. By 11 p.m., the storm will move out of the area and into New England.

As the calendar turns to December, the entire state of New York has elevated chances of above-average amounts of precipitation through the end of the year.

New York City, Long Island, the Hudson Valley and much of central and eastern upstate New York have a 33-40% probability of recording higher-than-normal amounts of precipitation.

Those further to the west and north, including those along the Great Lakes, have a 40-50% chance of receiving above-average precipitation amounts.
Walmart customers who purchased certain camping stoves or childrens bicycle helmets should stop using the products immediately and return them for a full refund, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The retailer has recalled the Ozark Trail Tabletop 1-Burner Butane Camping Stove and Outdoor Master childrens and youth helmets following reports of injuries and safety standard failures.

The camping stoves have caused injuries from explosions and fires, while the helmets failed to meet safety standards, exposing children to the risk of serious injuries or death in a crash.

China Window Industry Co., Ltd., of Taipei, Taiwan, manufactured the Ozark Trail camping stoves. The stoves were sold at Walmart stores nationwide and online at Walmart.com from March 2023 to October 2025, with prices ranging from $8 to $45.

Maysun Products, Inc., of Chino, California, imported the Outdoor Master-branded childrens and youth helmets. The helmets were sold online from June 2024 through February 2025 for $20 to $32.
Michael Schnackenberg ordered clothing from a company that advertised on Facebook and never received his items. He is now left wondering if the company will make things right from his home in Newton, New Jersey on Nov. 7, 2025. Ian Peters | For NJ Advance Media

As the holiday shopping season kicks in, youre probably seeing lots of advertisements.

In your snail mail box. In your email box. And on your social media feeds.

Thats where Michael Schnackenberg saw an ad for a clothing company that specializes in big and tall menswear.

It was on Facebook, and the ad looked legit, he said. But before long, he realized something was amiss.

At this point I have given up all hope of ever getting this order and would like a refund. But even there I have had no success, Schnackenberg said.

Heres how it went down.

Schnackenberg placed an order Sept. 21 for seven shirts, a hoodie, a sweater vest and a pair of shoes for $65.18  $59.25 for the merchandise and $5.93 for insurance. He paid with his debit card and received a tracking number and a discount code for 15% off a future purchase.

By Oct. 7, Schnackenberg  ironically, a retired customer service supervisor  hadnt received the order. So he sent an email to King Sizes customer service to ask for an update.

We have sent your items and now they have been shipped to the airline. Now your items are still within the normal delivery time, please be patient for a few days, the emailed response read.

The rep included a screen shot of a supposed shipping log.

Indeed, the items appeared to be in transit. From Hong Kong.

That was a surprise to Schnackenberg because the King Size website says its based in Indianapolis.

The package was allegedly shipped from Hong Kong on Sept. 25 and cleared customs, though the log didnt show where the package was received. It seemed to be a few days away from the post office in Newton, where Schnackenberg lives.

This shipping log was supposed to track the package. Courtesy Michael Schnackenberg

When the package still hadnt arrived by Oct. 14, Schnackenberg contacted customer service again.

This time, the representative replied with an updated shipping log. It showed the package arrived at the Newton post office on Oct. 10.

Schnackenberg checked with the post office, but it had no record of the package.

So he wrote to the company again.

Please initiate a shipping trace to determine where this package is. If this cannot be done, I am requesting a full refund, he asked.

The company said it was under investigation.

Another week passed with no news, so Schnackenberg wrote again, saying he assumed the package was lost. He asked King Size to reship the order.

The company responded, saying it asked the logistics company to investigate  but it was waiting for a response.

Please wait patiently, the rep said.

Five more days passed. No update.

I feel I have been patient long enough, he said in another email, asking for an immediate reshipment.

But, well, King Size wasnt ready to do that.

It said the package arrived locally and was signed for  though it didnt say by who  and it recommended Schnackenberg check with the post office.

I have contacted my local post office several times, he said. THEY DO NOT HAVE THE PACKAGE. He once again requested the order be reshipped.

His pleas continued  you can see his frustration in his eventual ALL CAPS emails  but King Size either didnt answer or parroted its suggestion to contact the post office.

Schnackenberg asked Bamboozled for help.

Michael Schnackenberg ordered clothing from a company that advertised on Facebook and never received his items. He is now left wondering if the company will make things right from his home in Newton, New Jersey on Nov. 7, 2025. Ian Peters | For NJ Advance Media

Looking for answers

We reached out to King Size by email and a form on its website. We also left a message with the customer service number asking for a boss to contact us.

We also asked the United States Postal Service if it could find the package.

It does not appear to be a valid tracking number, a spokesman said.

While we waited for a response from King Size, we took a closer look at the company.

Were willing to bet you could write the script for what we found.

Although its website says its located in Indiana, its Better Business Bureau listing says its based in San Antonio, Texas.

Where its actually located is unclear.

It seems to be doing business as, or is a subsidiary of, FullBeauty Brands, an outfit thats been bought and sold by various private equity firms over the years.

It has quite a history, listed on BBB as having been born in 1906. Thats 119 years ago.

BBB doesnt go that far back, but said the company has earned a meager 1.06 stars out of 5 in its reviews. It also had 989 complaints in the past three years.

Despite those less-than-stellar statistics, BBB gives the company an A+ rating.

How can that be?

We asked BBB to explain, but it did not respond to our requests.

Well, we know the answer. The Bamboozled column has explained in the past the imperfections with BBB ratings and grades.

Companies are ranked in large part by whether or not they respond to a BBB inquiry, and it doesnt matter if a customer is happy with the resolution. So if a company has 10,000 complaints, thats fine  as long as the company answers the BBBs questions about them.

Next, we did a Google search of the King Size brand.

We saw lots of consumer complaints to chat boards, websites and other places.

But what really caught our eye was the result for big and tall clothes. King Size came up as the top listed advertisement.

And when we scrolled below the ads, King Size was second in the supposedly organic search.

We can only imagine how many customers find the website, even without the Facebook ad that Schnackenberg clicked on.

Facebook did not reply to requests for comment.

And we wont be surprised if many holiday shoppers find themselves in Schnackenbergs position, especially as lots of us do our shopping from our couches when we see a cool product on social media.

If you do place an order and you cant get a resolution from the company, file a dispute with your credit card.

Schnackenberg thought he couldnt file a dispute because he made the purchase with a debit card.

But the Federal Trade Commission, while noting that credit cards offer more protections than debit cards, says disappointed debit card shoppers should still give it a try. It provides this sample dispute letter to help.

It also offers a special note about shopping as the holidays approach.

Online sellers have to ship when they (or their ads) say they will. (The law says so), says the FTC, which can send letters and even sue a foreign entity if the practices affect U.S. consumers. If they dont ship then, they have to tell you (and give you a chance to cancel and get a full refund). If they dont give a shipping date, they have 30 days to ship from the date of your order.

We never heard back from King Size. Or any of its private equity investors. No surprise there.

We pointed out the $5.93 insurance charge to Schnackenberg, who asked the company about it. No response.

Schnackenberg filed his dispute with his debit card, though hes skeptical that hell see a positive outcome.

Dont buy from a Facebook ad, he said.

Or at least, do some research before you order.

Safe shopping.
President Donald Trump speaks with reporters while in flight on Air Force One from his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Fla., to Joint Base Andrews, Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) AP

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  President Donald Trump told reporters Sunday that he has no idea what body part his October MRI scanned but would be okay with it being released to the public.

Flying on Air Force One, journalists asked Trump about the test after Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz  and at one time, vice-presidential candidate  urged for the president to issue the results.

The push came in the wake of Trumps Truth Social post in which he calls Walz a slur for the Somali immigrants within Minnesota, which Trump claims are completely taking over the once great state of Minnesota.

The seriously r******d Governor of Minnesota, Tim Walz, does nothing, either through fear, incompetence, or both, Trump wrote.

Afterwards, Walz push for the MRI results to be released had Trump saying the following, according to CNN: If they want to release it, its okay with me to release it. Its perfect.

The president, however, couldnt tell reporters what portion of his body the MRI scanned.

I have no idea. It was just an MRI  what part of the body? It wasnt the brain, because I took a cognitive test and I aced it, Trump reportedly told journalists aboard the plane.

Walz, in response to the presidents inability to say what the MRI was for, replied with this comment on NBC later that day: Has anyone in the history of the world ever had an MRI assigned to them and have no idea what it was for, as he says?

Trump completed the MRI during an October trip to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, months after his annual physical in April.

Nevertheless, the October trip was deemed his routine yearly checkup, according to CNN.
Workers stabilize the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree as it is lifted by a crane into place at Rockefeller Plaza, Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. It will be lit for the first time this season on Wednesday, Dec. 3. (AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez)

New York City is officially kicking off the most wonderful time of year.

The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, a worldwide symbol of the holidays, will be lit for the first time this season on Wednesday, Dec. 3, with live performances at Rockefeller Plaza.

The 11-ton, 75-foot Norway spruce tree traveled all the way from East Greenbush, a suburb of Albany, New York, to its new home in front of 30 Rockefeller Plaza on Nov. 8. Homeowner Judy Russ donated the spruce, which her husbands great-grandparents planted in the 1920s.

The tree is displayed between West 49th and 50th streets and Fifth and Sixth avenues.

It will be lit with more than 50,000 multi-colored LED lights on approximately 5 miles of wire. It will be topped with a star, designed by architect Daniel Libeskind in 2018. The three-dimensional Swarovski star weighs approximately 900 pounds and features 70 spikes covered in 3 million crystals.

The tree lighting event is free and open to the public. Or you can view the live national broadcast, Christmas in Rockefeller Center, on NBC from 8 to 10 p.m. It will also be cast on the streaming service Peacock.

Country music star Reba McEntire, of Happys Place, and The Voice, will host and perform on the special.

The tree will be lit from 5 a.m. to midnight daily through the holiday season. It can be viewed until mid-January.

On Christmas Day, the lights will shine for a full 24 hours. On New Years Eve, it will be lit from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.

After the tree is taken down, it will be donated to Habitat for Humanity as lumber to build homes.

In 1931, during the Great Depression, workers at the Rockefeller Center construction site erected and decorated a small tree, and then lined up at the tree to receive their paychecks  thankful to be working at that time.

The tree became an annual tradition in 1933, when Rockefeller Center held the first official lighting ceremony.
The Kyiv Energy and Climate Laboratory (KECLab), a research center established by the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin for Materials and Energy (HZB) and the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy (NaUKMA), has begun operations in Kyiv.

According to an HZB Green Deal Ukraina project release, NaUKMA's Academic Council approved the creation of KECLab on November 27.

"KECLab will help advance research and education by drawing on the combined scientific expertise and academic excellence of NaUKMA and HZB. The laboratory is designed to become a modern research and education hub focused on energy and climate, with strong international ties, a strategic investment in Ukraine's European integration and long-term recovery," the release, shared with the EnergoReforma online outlet, stated.

Green Deal Ukraina has been laying the groundwork for KECLab for the past three years. The new lab institutionalizes cooperation between HZB and NaUKMA and will also be open to other international partners.

KECLab's research priorities will include data-based energy and climate analysis, modeling, market design, energy security, EU integration processes, renewable energy development, climate policy, and decarbonization tools.

In education, KECLab will develop a comprehensive academic program, including a master's degree in energy and climate, a future doctoral program, professional training formats, and capacity-building programs for government and civil society at both national and local levels. The lab will also run a practical energy-efficiency component focused on university buildings.

NaUKMA President Serhiy Kvit noted that cooperation between the academy and HZB includes establishing a joint research and educational center and launching relevant master's and doctoral programs.

"We plan to work closely with leading Ukrainian think tanks and other key stakeholders. Our goal is to help create a strong professional expert community in Ukraine and support the development of high-quality energy and climate policy for the Ukrainian government," Kvit said.

KECLab Director Vladyslav Mikhnyh emphasized that at a time when Ukraine's energy system is under unprecedented strain, independent and evidence-based research is a fundamental necessity. He added that a reliable bridge is needed between education, research, and decision-making, one that KECLab aims to provide.

"Together with NaUKMA, we are building a long-term platform that will strengthen Europe's scientific potential and support sustainable, climate-resilient development while deepening scientific cooperation between Germany and Ukraine," said HZB Scientific Director Bernd Rech.

Susanne Nies, head of the Green Deal Ukraina project, noted that KECLab embodies the project's mission and consolidates two years of intensive analytical work supported by Germany's Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space.

"The laboratory's work will have a strong international dimension, bringing together leading research organizations and experts from Germany, Ukraine, Poland, and other European countries. This cooperation will enhance the quality and independence of energy and climate analysis in Ukraine, supporting evidence-based policymaking and Ukraine's future EU membership," Nies said.
The New York HEAP benefit returned a month later than anticipated due to the government shutdown. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill) AP

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  As winter prepares to chill New York, Gov. Kathy Hochul is offering a financial reprieve for heating costs through the Home Energy Assistance Program.

As temperatures have already begun to drop, its disgraceful that the federal government took so long to provide federal funding for critical heating assistance for families across the state, Hochul said in a written statement.

The program, or HEAP, got delayed a month due to the government shutdown as it is federally funded despite being helmed by the New York Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance.

Hochul continued: Hardworking New Yorkers count on this assistance to help with their utility bills and keep their homes warm during the cold winter months. Thats why I fought hard to restore this funding and will continue to do everything in my power to help New York families apply for additional state funding to bring down energy costs.

HEAP can offer a maximum of $996 per month to New York households to help pay for heating.

The figure, of course, depends on a series of factors: the number of people within the household, whether someone in said household is considered a vulnerable member, income, and the heating source within the home.

A family of four can have a maximum gross monthly income of $6,680, or an annual gross income of $80,165, and still qualify for assistance, the statement said.

The program aided over 1.5 million homes during last years winter months.

To apply for the program and to find out more about qualifications, New Yorkers can submit their applications online, via the mail, or in person at local social services departments, the statement said.

Older adults can also call 1-800-342-9871, the NY Connects helpline.

Keep in mind that if households qualify for other OTDA benefits, it is possible to be automatically enrolled in HEAP benefits, the statement said.
Public funding to rehabilitate the much-maligned Park Hill Apartments is expected to be announced in mid-December, according to property owner Michael Shah. Jason Paderon

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The owner of the Park Hill Apartments, which has accumulated more than 1,200 violations in 2025 alone for varying inadequate living conditions, claims he will be issued government funding next month to rehabilitate the federally-subsidized housing development.

The owner of the eight-building apartment complex, Michael Shah, who is the founder and CEO of DelShah Capital, recently told the Advance/SILive.com that the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development and New York State Housing Finance Agency are expected to issue public funding to rehabilitate Park Hill in mid-December.

However, Shah could not provide any additional details, such as a specific dollar amount or expected timeline for the rehabilitation project. All he would say is that more information will likely be available next month when the funding is formally announced.

In July, Shah told the Advance/SILive.com that he had worked in recent months to bring the top tier affordable housing developers into the development to help secure government funding. He declined to name the developer at the time, citing confidentiality concerns.

And hes not the only one who is tight-lipped about the potential renovations. Neither government agency could confirm that funding would be issued next month, but a Department of Housing Preservation and Development representative previously told the Advance/SILive.com in July that the agency was working with the state to facilitate the rehabilitation project.

The rehabilitation of the 1,100-unit development is much-needed, with residents having long complained about substandard living conditions in the buildings.

As of late November, the city Department of Housing Preservation and Development has issued more than 1,200 violations across the complex in 2025 for varying conditions. The most consistent violations are for things like pest problems; faulty or missing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors; broken windows and doors; and mold or unsanitary water conditions.

In a June tour of one of the Park Hill buildings, longtime resident Olga Navarro told the Advance/SILive.com that shes never seen the building in worse condition than it is now during her 30 years living there.

Navarro, who lives at 280 Park Hill Ave., alleged that ownerships unwillingness to address longstanding issues had led to an almost untenable situation.

Specifically, the longtime tenant pointed to unsanitary conditions throughout her buildings common areas, leaky pipes and a long, filled-in strip between 280 and 260 Park Hill Ave., an apparent leftover from prior gas line work.

Additionally, Navarro said accessibility has been a growing problem as many long-time tenants age at the development with handicap ramps only in the back of their buildings and elevators that go in and out of service.

Other issues noticed during a tour of the complex in early June included broken mail boxes in the lobby of 280 Park Hill Ave., non-functioning security systems, and peeling ceiling paint.

The ongoing failure to fully address the longstanding concerns of Park Hill residents has placed ownership in the crosshairs of Councilmember Kamillah Hanks, a Democrat representing the North Shore, who has made various attempts to pressure Shah into making necessary repairs and rehabilitation efforts.

During a May 2024 City Council hearing, Hanks went as far as calling for the city to withhold some of its funding for Park Hill, and compared Shah to a notorious Manhattan landlord who authorities arrested in March 2024 in part because of poor conditions at some of his buildings.

That landlord, Daniel Ohebshalom, had close to 700 violations across two Washington Heights buildings that went uncorrected for years.

Cases like Ohebshaloms are extremely rare, but at the May 2024 hearing, Hanks asked leaders from the the city Department of Housing Preservation and Development, including Commissioner Adolfo Carrion, what can be done to hold the owner of Park Hill accountable.

With hundreds of open violations, these people are living in horrible conditions, but we keep paying. We keep subsidizing these bad actors, she said. I have to use my time, my position to really explain and illuminate to all of you the importance of not waiting...but to take action and to hold these landlords accountable.

Housing Preservation and Development Deputy Commissioner for Enforcement and Neighborhood Services Annmarie Santiago told Hanks at the hearing that three of the developments buildings had been targeted for special enforcement actions since January 2024, and that the department conducts weekly visits to Park Hill.

Hanks spokesperson said at that time she is waiting to see whether new enforcement actions correct the issues at Park Hill, but that she is open to further steps.

The councilmembers priority is ensuring that Park Hill tenants finally receive the quality housing they deserve, the spokesperson wrote. If DelShah is unwilling or unable to make the necessary investments and meet basic housing standards, then it is past time to force changes in ownership, or bring criminal charges. The residents of Park Hill have waited long enough.
The JCC's Thanksgiving initiatives included distributing meal baskets to families in need and hosting special events that connected Jewish cultural traditions with the American holiday. Courtesy of Allison Cohen

STATEN ISLAND, NY -- The Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC of Staten Island served more than 2,500 Staten Islanders during its Thanksgiving season programming, which featured holiday feasts, cultural events and community gatherings across multiple locations.

Hundreds of participants from the JCCs Older Adult Centers, Department for People with Disabilities, Cornerstone and COMPASS programs attended holiday feasts. The South Shore Rotary Club contributed 30 Thanksgiving baskets containing turkey and traditional side dishes. The JCCs Community Health Insurance Programs office distributed the baskets to families in need.

The organization hosted Thanksgiving-themed challah bakes through its Jewish Culture Clubs at local high schools, allowing teenagers to blend holiday celebration with Jewish tradition. Hillel of Staten Island organized Friendsgiving gatherings for Jewish college students and young professionals at Wagner College and the College of Staten Island.

The JCCs Early Childhood Education Center held Thanksgiving parades at all four of its schools, featuring minions, marching bands and turkey-themed activities for young learners and their families.

We take so much joy in providing opportunities for participants of all ages to celebrate Thanksgiving together, said Orit Lender, JCC CEO. Thank you to all of our generous community partners who helped make these events possible. We are grateful for everyone who participated for being a part of our JCC of Staten Island kehillahour community! On behalf of the JCC, we wish you and your loved ones a happy and healthy holiday season.

For more information on JCC programs, visit www.sijcc.org.
Auric Mining has delivered a dazzling first strike from its Munda gold mine near Widgiemooltha, raking in $16.85 million in gold sales and banking $10.82 million in cold, hard cash after costs.

The first mining campaign from the companys starter pit at Munda, which finished two weeks ago, saw 57,900 tonnes of ore trucked to Black Cat Syndicates Lakewood Mill in Kalgoorlie for a final tally of 2718 ounces of gold.

Auric Mining at the Munda open pit near Widgiemooltha in Western Australia.

The processed ore clocked in at a tidy head grade of 1.61 grams per tonne (g/t) gold, with the mill running at an impressive 90.67 per cent recovery rate. Even better, Auric pocketed an average of $6200 an ounce for the gold, a number that speaks to both the booming gold price and what the company says is a highly efficient Munda-Lakewood toll-treating partnership.

Auric says the early payday from the first stage has not only beaten market expectations, it also catapults the company onto the radar as one of Western Australias newest high-margin gold producers.
Strickland Metals has unearthed thick, high-grade gold at its Kotlovi prospect, which forms part of the companys massive 7.4-million-ounce Rogozna gold and base metal project in Serbia.

The company says mineralisation has now been defined across several drillholes at the prospect, which currently stretches across a strike of 300m and remains open in all directions.

Core photograph illustrating sulphide rich breccia at Strickland Metals Kotlovi prospect, part of the companys Rogozna gold and base metals project in Serbia.

Standout hits included a high-grade 14-metre slice grading 4.1 grams per tonne (g/t) gold and 2.4 g/t silver within a broader 34.9-metre intersection running at 2.2g/t gold and 2.4g/t silver.

Another drillhole intersected two thick zones of skarn mineralisation including 14m grading 1.4 g/t gold from 318m and 24.8m at 0.7 g/t gold from 352m.
Photo: https://t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official

During his visit to Paris, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed negotiations with French President Emmanuel Macron to end the war and guarantee security.

During our several-hour talks, Emmanuel Macron and I assessed a great many details. The main focus was on negotiations to end the war and on security guarantees. Peace must become truly durable. The war must end as soon as possible, Zelenskyy said on X Monday.

He added that much now depends on the activity of each leader, and also announced communication with other leaders today.
His Thanksgiving Day comments to the military were, however, greeted deliriously (and taken very seriously) by his MAGA followers on social media. And they werent contradicted by the senior economic officials in his cabinet, despite the reality that the numbers make both his tariff dividends and the replacement of income taxes with tariffs nonsensical. Depending on the cut-off points for the dividend cheques, for instance, they would cost between about $US300 billion and $US600 billion a year. Trumps MAGA supporters shouldnt hold their breath awaiting his tariff dividends or the removal of income taxes. Credit: Bloomberg Again depending on how they were targeted (Trump has previously said taxes for those earning less than $US200,000, or about 90 per cent of US taxpayers, would initially benefit), abolishing income taxes for that group could cost something approaching $US700 billion, while completely removing individual income taxes (if it included the payroll taxes deducted from employees wages) would cost about $2.6 trillion a year. Whatever the number might be, it would be big.

Unhappily for Trump, and US taxpayers, the tariff numbers arent as big. Loading So far this year, US Customs and Border Protection has collected about $US195 billion of tariff revenue, of which about $US118 billion relates to Trumps new tariffs. The Yale Budget Lab has estimated that, between 2026 and 2035, revenue from those tariffs will be a net $US2.3 trillion, or about $US230 billion a year. That wouldnt cover Trumps tariff dividends, let alone replace the lost revenue from taxes. Nor would the tariff revenue, as Trump has boasted it would, help to reduce US deficits and government debt, which has blown out from $US36.2 trillion to $US38.1 trillion in the 11 months since Trump regained the White House  and will blow out even more once all the measures in his One Big Beautiful Bill Act, including $US4.5 trillion of tax cuts over a decade, primarily for the wealthy, are in place from next year.

Whether its his tariff dividend, or income tax cuts, they would add (and add substantially) to US deficits and debt, not subtract from them. The rate of the tariffs could, of course, be raised to increase revenue. The average effective rate of the tariffs to date is about 17 per cent, or nearly seven times their level when Joe Biden was in the White House. The problem with that is that the higher the tariff rate, the more it is likely to discourage imports (and the tariff revenue they generate). To replace all income taxes paid by those earning below $US250,000, the average effective tariff rate on all imports would have to be about 25 per cent. To replace all individual taxes (about half of all government revenue), the rate would need to exceed 70 per cent. Thered be few, if any, imports  or tariff revenue  at that point. The other challenge to the maths is that the headline amounts of revenue being collected from tariffs overstates their net benefit to the governments income.

Contrary to Trumps assertion (his economic spokespeople tend to prevaricate when questioned on this subject), tariffs are paid for by US companies, and ultimately by US consumers. They are a tax on businesses and consumption and, by reducing the incomes available to businesses, their shareholders or households, the tariffs also shrink the tax base. The US Tax Foundation says that tariff revenue should be discounted by between 23 and 25 per cent. Because they flow through to US companies and ultimately households via higher prices for goods (most estimates are that exporters, once the regime settles, will absorb only between about 5 and 15 per cent of their cost), they are also highly regressive. Contrary to Trumps assertion, tariffs are paid for by US companies  and ultimately by US consumers. Credit: Bloomberg Lower income households spend more of their income on necessities than wealthy households.

The US income tax system is progressive, albeit that its tax rates are far lower than in most developed economies, so its tax system would be switching from one that is progressive to one where the lower income households shouldered most of the burden of funding the government. Higher income households, already set to benefit massively from the One Big Beautiful Bill, would be even better off if tariff revenues were substituted for at least some of their income tax. Trumps promises disappear as their impossibility becomes clear to him and a cabinet which, while generally unwilling to challenge anything Trump says or does, has at least one or two who can probably add up. Trumps proposed abolition of income taxes (while handing out tariff dividends and slashing government debt) is, of course, a fantasy. Either he doesnt know that (just as he doesnt seem to know that tariffs on Chinas exports arent paid by China) or he is deliberately and cynically misleading his MAGA base for political gain, with his cabinet and congressional Republicans happy to go along with him.
How do you turn a struggling film festival into a major cultural event in time for the Brisbane Olympics in 2032? That was the challenge facing the new team behind the Brisbane International Film Festival, to  in the words of fictional comic rugby league knuckle-dragger Reg Reagan  bring back the BIFF.

For executive director Sophie Mathisen and head programmer Christian Pazzaglia, that job was all the more challenging with just 11 weeks to deliver it.

The aquatic puppetry show after a screening of A Life Illuminated at Brisbane International Film Festival. Credit: Brisbane International Film Festival

The plan was to reboot the poor cousin of the countrys leading film festivals into an event that contributes to the Cultural Olympiad leading into the 2032 Games.

Theres a lot of momentum in the city, but its not extending to a lot of the cultural organisations and institutions, Mathisen said. In the tender, there was a pretty clear idea that [Screen Queensland] wanted a world-class festival.
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Eating outFood New name, first look revealed for historic Fox Hotel reboot The heritage rebuild has been met with delays due to flood damage, but heres what to expect when it finally reopens. Matt Shea December 2, 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

Its opening date may have slipped by six months, but the old Fox Hotel now has a new name. In mid-2026, Ghanem Group will reboot the classic South Brisbane venue as Hotel Terminus, returning it to its original 1920s moniker. The rebranding comes after the Ghanems put the question to a public vote. The result was unveiled in a media release overnight, along with a batch of detailed renders of the venue. A render of a private dining room at Hotel Terminus, which is now set to open mid-2026. The response to the vote was really good, Adonis Ghanem says. We were working with councils heritage department quite closely, as well, but we wanted to obviously gauge the amount of goodwill to the different names. Because people over 60 will remember it as Hotel Terminus. But anyone, say, in their 50s or younger will tend to know it as The Fox. Initially, we had hoped to rename it Hotel Terminus. And the majority of people wanted that so that was really encouraging to see. Its a big thing to rename such an iconic building.

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It was a close run thing, though, Ghanem says, with The Fox coming a close second to Hotel Terminus. Hence a decision to almost split the building in two, with the ground and first floors leaning towards Hotel Terminus, and the upper floors The Fox. Related Article Exclusive Ghanem Group takes on the burbs with 350-seat restaurant and bar With all the tradies and subcontractors coming through the building, they all have a story about The Fox, Ghanem says, laughing. Theres quite a bit of an affinity for it, but they all seem to think of the rooftop as The Fox. That the Ghanems took the question over branding to a public ballot illustrates how seriously the restaurant group  best known for Byblos, Donna Chang and Blackbird Dining, among others  is taking the refurbishment of the four-storey venue, which originally opened as Hotel Terminus in 1927. Thats in part because Hotel Terminus is something of a homecoming for the family.

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The Fox Rooftop will have a larger bar and kitchen, but retains the eye-popping views of the CBD and South Brisbane. I was born in West End and lived there until I was about 12 years old, Ghanem says. My parents are back living there, in that Davies Park area. My parents first cafe, Cafe Violette, was on Boundary [Street]. I was in there every day as a child. And then Chez Laila came in June 1992  I was 12 years old and remember that. I used to do the dishes in the back as a little kid. From that day until we opened Byblos, really, we were there almost every single day, so we know South Bank and South Brisbane very well. Were very attached to it. Originally scheduled to open before Christmas, Ghanem attributes the Hotel Terminus delays to this being the most ambitious project the group has undertaken. The Vixen Room will be the venues late-night destination.

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Its certainly been challenging, Ghanem says. We went in there with a pretty good understanding of what it would take, and obviously weve done some work with heritage buildings before with Donna Chang and Boom Boom Room. That was terribly difficult with some of the restrictions. With this, we took a different approach, getting in there quite early and looked to get Council onside. But we didnt really know how much work was going to be involved in restoring the building. There was a bit of damage from the 2022 flood [which forced The Foxs closure], and it had just sat there for about three years, just collecting dust and mould and a bit of rot. Were a bit behind where we wanted to be, Ghanem continues. But that was all about reinforcing the foundations and restoring the building. Theres been a lot of flood mitigation work, and were pleased to say its the sort of building thats now going to last another 100 years, easily. Nehme and Adonis Ghanem outside Hotel Terminus. Courtesy of Ghanem Group

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When Hotel Terminus opens in mid-2026, it will feature dining and drinking across all four levels. The ground floor will see the restoration of the public bar along with a new entrance off Fish Lane into an 18-metre-high atrium. There will also be a bistro with a gastropub edge, a gaming lounge and a bottle shop. The first floor will be mostly dedicated to events, with two function spaces and a private dining room. The top two levels encompass The Vixen Room and the Fox Rooftop. The Vixen Room will serve cocktails and snacks to DJ performances and other live entertainment.

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The Vixen Room is intended for late nights, with cocktails and snacks served along to DJs and live music. Renders show a venue decked out in rich burgundy and toffee tones, with plenty of soft furnishings. There will be seating at the bar and at a series of low-set tables populated with cushy armchairs. The Vixen Room will also provide access to the Fox Rooftop, which is having its amenities rearranged in order to accommodate a larger bar and kitchen. The treatment is lighter up here. Expect rattan furniture, an art deco-inspired tiled bar front and plenty of greenery. The area around Fish Lane and QPAC has changed quite a bit and weve had our eye on something in that area for a little while, so when the Fox came up as an opportunity it was something we had to go for, Ghanem says. There are so many more people loving int that part of town. South Brisbane has turned into the most densely populated suburb in Brisbane  its overtaken Kangaroo Point. Were excited to have the opportunity to do something special in that part of town.

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For subscribers Matt Shea is Food and Culture Editor at Brisbane Times. He is a former editor and editor-at-large at Broadsheet Brisbane, and has written for Escape, Qantas Magazine, the Guardian, Jetstar Magazine and SilverKris, among many others.
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Review Eating outCremorne Our critic has been patiently waiting to tell you all about this lunch-only restaurant From the get-go, Sogumm has been home to some of the most interesting, thoughtful cooking in town. Besha Rodell December 2, 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 / 6 Sogumm owners Changhoon and Suhyun Kim. Eddie Jim 2 / 6 Galbi jjim: wagyu brisket with choy sum. Eddie Jim 3 / 6 Pa-dak sanjeok chicken thigh skewers. Eddie Jim 4 / 6 Wagyu yukhoe bibimbap. Eddie Jim 5 / 6 Seafood bibim guksu. Eddie Jim 6 / 6 Inside the lunch-only restaurant. Eddie Jim Previous Slide Next Slide 14.5 / 20 Critics' Pick How we score Korean$$$$ There is a misperception in the public and in the hospitality industry that the question of when to review a restaurant comes down to fairness: fairness to the restaurant (if we wait to review); fairness to the public who are paying full price from day one (if we review quickly). For me, the calculation is much more based on allowing the restaurant to become what it will be in the long run  ideally, a review should stand the test of time rather than capture an early moment. But sometimes, this waiting for a venue to settle becomes a trap. Take Sogumm, the modern Korean restaurant in Cremorne that opened in April. From the get-go, it was some of the most interesting, thoughtful cooking in town. Owners Changhoon and Suhyun Kim met while working at the temple Baegyangsa in South Korea, studying under fermentation expert and Buddhist nun Jeong Kwan. Between the two, they also have experience in fine dining restaurants around the world and here in Australia. But for their own restaurant, they took more inspiration from the cooking done at the temple, aiming for something careful and nourishing rather than flashy or fancy. Related Article Melbournes Silicon Valley rises as a daytime dining destination. Here are five spots to try

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But there was no liquor licence, and the restaurant only served lunch. Word from the owners was that eventually, dinner service and a drinks program would arrive. So, I waited. And waited. And visited, not to review, but because I was curious. And visited again, simply because the cooking called me back, the quiet pleasure of eating cold noodles bathed in a sauce that defied categorisation  sweet but bracing, the edge of fermentation giving it a thwack of power  in a serene room. Almost always, the flavours are unexpected, but the surprise is always one that engenders delight. A few weeks back, the signs went up that indicated a liquor licence was in place, but the only offering was Carlton Draught in a bottle. I stuck to the sikhye, a non-alcoholic punch that tastes deeply of the rice with which its made, mellow and comforting. I asked about dinner hours. Maybe some time next year, the waitress said, vaguely. And so, for now, I think we should take Sogumm as it is: a quiet daytime respite from the madness of Church Street outside, where the vibe is contemplative and the food is focused on balance. Wagyu yukhoe bibimbap. Eddie Jim

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The Kims work methodically behind a dining counter, arranging kimchi in neat stacks on lovely little glazed dishes, carrying plates to the handful of wooden tables, giving explanations of the methods used: the chicken thighs are marinated in Korean wine yeast for tenderness; the brisket is slow-cooked in pepper sauce before being sliced; the shiitakes on the house-made acorn jelly are pickled in soy. Almost always, the flavours are unexpected, but the surprise is always one that engenders delight rather than confusion. Ive enjoyed exploring the whole menu, but its difficult not to go back again and again to the wagyu yukhoe bibimbap, a raw beef mixture over lettuce and rice in a soy-based sauce that lends a mysterious sweetness, lightly fruity, delicately spicy, round and soft and delicious. Those cold noodles are a close second, shot through with tender sliced abalone and tendrils of calamari and the occasional crunch of carrot, cucumber and kohlrabi. Galbi jjim: wagyu brisket with choy sum. Eddie Jim The wagyu brisket is deeply comforting, swimming in a galbi-style sauce doused with black pepper, vibrant green leaves of choy sum giving it lift and balance. Even the rice (a must-order side with the brisket) is stellar, just sticky enough without turning to mush; fragrant and soothing.

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Perhaps the menu will get a little longer down the track  for now there are only six or so options plus starters, and at least one of them is usually sold out. Perhaps the beverage program will grow to include more than one kind of beer. Maybe dinner will usher in a whole different vibe, something more formal or celebratory or unique. But Sogumm is a wonderful addition to Melbournes dining scene just as it is  a thoughtful, soulful study in craft, flavour and attention to detail. Ill take it in whatever form it manifests. The low-down Atmosphere: Like a day spa turned wine bar (with no wine) Go-to dishes: Wagyu yukhoe bibimbap ($27); seafood bibim guksu ($25); pa-dak sanjeok chicken thigh skewers ($9 each) Drinks: Small selection of soft drinks and non-alcoholic drinks, Carlton Draught Cost: About $60 for two, excluding drinks 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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The Therapeutic Goods Administration received two reports of infection following a hyaluronic acid injection last year. Thats likely an underestimate as the TGAs own researchers estimate just 0.5 per cent of all adverse events actually end up being reported. Hyaluronic acid injections to the knee are not covered by Medicare, but several radiology practices have been offering them bulk-billed with no out-of-pocket costs. Harris suspects the practices are performing the injections while using a CT scan to guide the needle. CT scans attract a significant Medicare rebate. Its not necessary to do a CT scan to inject a knee  you can inject a knee without a CT scan, easily, said Harris. CT scans also typically expose a patient to much higher doses of radiation compared to an X-ray.

Hyaluronic acid injections have long been sold to people with joint pain caused by arthritis. The theory is the acid cushions and lubricates the joint, easing pain. But researchers have known for more than a decade the evidence for the treatment does not stack up, says Professor Rachelle Buchbinder, co-ordinating editor of Cochrane Musculoskeletal, the independent group that pulls together gold-standard evidence reviews. Robert Hooke says he wasnt warned about the injections in his knee. Credit: Joe Armao A systematic review of the evidence, published in the BMJ in 2022, combined data from 169 trials of 21,163 patients. It found strong, conclusive evidence the benefit from the injections was so minimal compared with a placebo a patient would not notice.

That lack of benefit is coupled with increased risks: across the trials, 3.7 per cent of patients had a serious adverse event. These include joint infections and inflammatory reactions. On balance, the risks outweigh the benefits, said Buchbinder. I would expect that most people would not want the treatment if the evidence was communicated effectively to them. Gold Coast-based orthopaedic surgeon Christopher Vertullo has treated four patients in the past two years who developed severe knee infections following the injections. He said the infections were due to the syringe picking up bacteria from a patients skin and transporting it into their knees. He describes the consequence of an infection as an absolute disaster, requiring lengthy hospitalisation, antibiotics and surgical arthroscopic evacuation. Infections can cause permanent knee damage and often prevent or complicate future knee replacement surgery.

Loading The risk benefit ratio is unacceptable, he said of the injections. Vertullo was an adviser for the updated clinical care standards for knee osteoarthritis, released by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care last year, which warned against the injections due to evidence that they provide no meaningful clinical benefit and have a significant expense. Hes also concerned about the radiation risks to patients from repeated CT scans used to guide the injections. Vertullo said safer and proven treatments for knee osteoarthritis included muscle-strengthening exercises, keeping weight under control and using appropriate pain medication.

Loading Professor David Hunter, a clinical researcher at the University of Sydney and a member of Arthritis Australias scientific advisory panel, said while the injections were not supported by robust evidence, they were attractive to patients who wanted a quick fix. Hunter, who works as a rheumatologist, said he regularly came across adverse reactions caused by the injections. About 5 to 10 per cent of people would present with significant swelling in their knee following the injections, he said. The injection has proteins that are often derived from a roosters comb so the avian proteins cause a local reaction in the human because were not used to having bird protein in our body, he said. It can be very painful. Last year, Robert Hooke received three injections of hyaluronic acid into his knees in a bid to relieve his persistent osteoarthritis.

The injections were prescribed by a surgeon and administered over three weeks under CT scan by a radiologist at a private clinic in Melbournes north. The 76-year-old said the injections made no difference to his osteoarthritis. One left him in pain and with a swollen knee. Loading I wanted to relieve my pain, he said. I wasnt told that it probably wouldnt have any effect. Hooke said he didnt have to pay for the injections. He has also tried physiotherapy, crutches, braces, creams and steroid injections, but nothing had made a difference to his pain.
Australias medicines regulator has issued a safety warning over the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviour linked to drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, including Ozempic.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration also warned that a link between GLP-1 receptor agonist medication Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and reduced effectiveness of oral contraception could not be ruled out amid the reported rise of the so-called Ozempic babies internationally.

Eli Lilly GLP-1 medicine Mounjaro will come with a new product warning. Credit: Bloomberg

The TGAs safety alert published on Monday said it had updated the product warnings for the class of high-profile drugs indicated for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity (but known to be used for weight loss more broadly) following investigations by international regulators.

The affected drugs are:
Ive seen siblings drift apart for decades, and when you hear what triggered the rift, its often something quite ordinary that could have been worked out. Moments that happen at Christmas, or events like weddings or funerals tend to take on extra weight that can make small issues feel much bigger. But when the distance lasts for years, its incredibly sad, she says. It takes a lot of fuel to maintain the rage, and the work you do to keep it going can affect your mental health.

Grudges can go on for years, but are they worth holding on to? Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto

Not all grudges stem from family relationships but, whatever their origin, they can create a well of hurt that can be years deep, says Elisabeth Shaw, chief executive of Relationships Australia NSW.

And so this is Christmas  and the prime time for grudges to resurface, along with the tinsel.

Its as if revisiting the hurt and gathering more evidence about how you were wronged can make you feel as if right is on your side, Shaw says.

We all ruminate sometimes, but too much can put us at risk of mood disorders such as depression, says Emily Upton, a clinical psychologist with the Black Dog Institute who is researching an online program at St Vincents Hospital in Sydney to help overcome rumination and worry.

Rumination keeps us feeling stuck in a feeling rather than taking steps to address the problem, says Upton. It can play a role in holding a grudge because we might be repeatedly going over how we feel about a conflict, rather than finding a way to move forward  like working it through with the other person or finding ways to see it differently. Sometimes you need to breathe fresh air into it.

But the rest of us, friends or family of someone nursing a grudge, can often do the opposite, fanning the flames of rumination by nodding in agreement and reinforcing the sense of being wronged.

Theyre trying to be supportive but it can make it hard to move on if no ones offering another point of view in case they seem disloyal, says Shaw. But its better to say, with empathy, Im worried that this is eating away at you  is there a way of letting go of this? or Could seeing a counsellor help you see things differently? 
Telcos, and not the regulator, are responsible for telling customers their phones could be blocked from making Triple Zero calls, according to the communications watchdog.

The Australian Communications and Media Authority has defended its role under questioning by parliamentarians over the death of a man whose phone could not call the emergency line.

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In November, TPG announced one of its customers had tried to dial emergency services but couldnt get through because of an issue with their phone. The person from Sydney died because they did not get help in time.

The failure to connect is a known issue which happens because some phones dont automatically shift over to another network if their usual provider is down.

As many as 470,000 Samsung phones on the Optus network and 114,000 Samsungs on Telstra were believed to be affected, but many of those may be able to be fixed with a software update.

TPG, Optus and Telstra in October warned customers with an incompatible mobile would be blocked from the network within 35 days if they did not upgrade their phone.

Speaking at a parliamentary inquiry, the authoritys boss, Nerida OLoughlin, said her agency wasnt responsible for warning people about the issue, and it was up to the telcos.

AAP
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 It wasnt the overtly pornographic nature of the computer-generated image of Coralie Alison that most disturbed her. It was how, on a fake body contorted into a degrading pose she hadnt performed, the small freckles on her arms were replicated. Each in its exact spot. Alison, the operations manager at Collective Shout, an Australian lobby organisation dedicated to the prevention of the exploitation of women and girls, says the AI image wasnt an isolated incident. Alison and her colleagues have borne the brunt of online attacks since 2019, when they decided to combat artificial intelligence deepfakes and nudify apps  platforms where users can upload anybodys face to be morphed into sexually explicit or vulgar content. But now, a terrifying new way to use AI has emerged. Pictures and videos depicting Alison and her colleagues being raped or tortured, using excruciating details from their social media profile pictures, are being shared on social media, produced by anonymous online predators armed with AI tools. There were pictures of me with my face all sliced up with a knife, pictures of me with my throat slit and a dark figure behind me with the knife, and those photos were in my own bedroom at home, Alison says. There were ones of me decapitated as well, like a man holding an axe in one hand and my head dripping with blood in the other, as well as me going through a human mincer, being minced alive  Those specific ones, I would say, were the worst that have ever been done of me. According to Toby Walsh, a professor of AI at the University of New South Wales, the nascent use of AI to produce violent threats of death, rape and torture means its likely to rapidly filter into the mainstream.

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These tools are now becoming widely, very cheaply available, Walsh says. The technology is now very accessible. It doesnt require any expertise. Often doesnt even require you to pay any money. Many of the services are free. UNSW professor Toby Walsh says violent AI-generated abuse material has the potential to threaten democracy. Credit: Oscar Colman Threat to democracy Violent AI-generated abuse material has the potential to threaten democracy, warn Walsh and Melinda Tankard Reist, movement director of Collective Shout. You could easily classify this as a national security threat, Walsh says. If people outside Australia are making threats, and quite explicit, violent, death threats, to Australians, you could certainly see that if I were the security services, I would be incredibly worried. He said people within the armed forces, or with access to classified information, were open to significant blackmail threats using such content. Governments could be thrown this way by the strategic release of material like this  Its even possibly our democracy could be compromised by people using these sorts of tools in malicious ways.

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Tankard Reist agrees. She and her colleagues have created a dossier of all the rape and torture deepfakes predators have made of them and shared on social media platform X. Were gathering as much data as we can with engaged forensic experts and were going to use the evidence about the abuse, the cyber-terror hate campaign against us, to call for reform in Australia and on a global level, Tankard Reist says. Melinda Tankard Reist has been campaigning against the use of deepfakes. Credit: Janie Barrett No woman should be subjected to what weve been subjected to. Its beyond us, what weve suffered individually  This has ramifications for democracy. The AFP prosecutes cases where a sexualised deepfake depicting a child is produced in Australia. The federal policing agencys powers stop, however, if a deepfake involves a person over 18, which is then investigated by states and territories. Meanwhile, the federal eSafety commissioner says that, depending on the nature of the deepfakes, the regulator could have powers under various complaint schemes to wrest distressing material from the internet. But while our complaint schemes can offer meaningful relief to Australians in the midst of an online crisis, eSafety is not empowered to scan or police the entire internet, eSafety commissioner Julie Inman Grant says.

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We are already receiving reports containing synthetic AI-generated child sexual abuse material, terror and extremist content, as well as deepfake images and videos created by teens to bully their peers. eSafety commissioner Julie Inman Grant. Credit: Edwina Pickles The rapid deployment, increasing sophistication, and popular uptake of generative AI mean creating deepfakes is becoming more convincing and harder to distinguish from reality, Inman Grant says. Which is why a greater burden must fall on the purveyors and profiteers of AI to take a more robust approach, so they are engineering out misuse at the front end, she says. Last Monday, independent federal senator David Pocock introduced the My Face, My Rights bill before federal parliament, aiming to strengthen the eSafety commissioners powers to issue removal notices and formal warnings to technology companies and individuals. What to do if a deepfake is made of you eSafety strongly encourages Australians who are targeted by serious online abuse to report it to the platform where it appears.

If the platform fails to act, report it to eSafety.gov.au/report.

If you are concerned for your safety as a result of any online abuse, you should report to police.

There are also criminal offences in some Australian states that cover deepfake intimate images, which are investigated by police. Scraping dark corners of the net AI scrapes millions of websites across the internet to obtain information at the direction of what technology companies want it to learn. As Walsh describes it, AI tools are merely a mirror of what they are trained on.

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He says companies that offer AI  whether its social media like Xs Grok, Googles Gemini or AI services such as OpenAI  can wire their technology not to accept certain requests or generate offensive material. However, it is much easier never to feed the AI violent content in the first place. Technology companies are allowing their AI to scan the internet recklessly because they are motivated to have the most advanced product, Walsh says. Credit: Bloomberg If youre just scraping The New York Times, there is much less you have to worry about than if youre scraping the dark corners of 4chan, Walsh says. Technology companies can utilise safeguards, he says, to prevent inappropriate or criminal material from being produced with AI, such as how to create a Molotov cocktail or self-harm. Loading YouTube has been doing this for years because they dont allow pornography  There are filters that can identify pornography by the amount of flesh that is just shown in the video, Walsh says. Technology companies are allowing their AI to scan the internet recklessly because they are motivated to have the most advanced product, Walsh says.

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Public prosecutors in most states will not alter their approach to shaken baby syndrome court cases despite legal controversies in this country and a recent landmark US court decision that the diagnosis is based on conjecture.

In the wake of several failed or withdrawn cases in Australia, as well as a New Jersey Supreme Court judgment last week that found no test supporting a finding that humans can produce the physical force necessary to cause the symptoms associated with [shaken baby syndrome] , this masthead asked prosecutors if they would reconsider their approach.

Barrister Rishi Nathwani, KC, is calling for a rethink on the handling of shaken babies cases. Credit: Simon Schluter

In response, the directors of public prosecutions in Victoria, NSW, Tasmania, South Australia and Queensland indicated they would make no change in their standard approach to assessing cases. The ACT director had no comment, saying the question was hypothetical.

Defence barrister Rishi Nathwani, KC, who successfully defended a shaken baby case in a jury trial last year, said it was time state and territory authorities examined the medical evidence underpinning prosecutions.
Macron to ask Xi Jinping to influence Russia to achieve ceasefire in Ukraine  media

Photo:  

During his visit to China on Wednesday, French President Emmanuel Macron will ask Chinese leader Xi Jinping to "influence" Russia to achieve a ceasefire in Ukraine, BFM TV reports.

Emmanuel Macron is reportedly scheduled to arrive in Beijing on Wednesday and remain there until Friday. This is his fourth state visit to China since taking office as French President.

During his visit, the French president intends to once again ask his counterpart, Xi Jinping, to "influence" Russia to achieve a ceasefire in Ukraine and to make efforts to restore balance in trade relations between his country and Europe.

"We are counting on China, which, like us, is a permanent member of the Security Council, to influence Russia so that Russia, and in particular Vladimir Putin, finally decides on a ceasefire," French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said on Monday.
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 Sean Kelly makes an excellent point about how persistent unethical and downright shady business conduct slowly wears us down into grudging acceptance (Australians in a curious tug of war, December 1). How have we been forced to accept business decisions that do not improve our lives but instead simply enrich corporations while prices rise? Self-serve supermarket checkouts, ineffectual call centres, self check-in at airports, the closure of face-to-face bank branches, credit card use charges and the sneaky ongoing subscriptions Kelly mentions are just a few examples. The government of the day has a choice to continue enabling profiteering that benefits big business or to prioritise individuals rights and needs. Congratulations to Labor frontbencher Andrew Leigh in his efforts to crack down on destructive and unfair business practices. Alison Stewart, Riverview The closure of face-to-face bank branches has been a major inconvenience to many customers. Credit: AFR A beautiful line from Andrew Leigh  the stories we tell about our society shape the society we become. It captures why its vital to uncover and share stories that shape us positively. Often, an idea, a story, or an emotional nudge helps us see differently and sparks a movement. I liken this to the creation of a dune in the desert: a twig becomes an obstacle and the wind begins to pile sand against it. Over time, the accumulation of sand grows into something significant. In the same way, good stories, those that cut through the din of negativity, can start small and gather momentum. Each one adds to the mound, shaping our collective behaviour. Often these stories are told around dinner tables and are the most potent. Manbir Singh Kohli, Pemulwuy Coalition power trip Is it any wonder we face a glaring shortage of power supply infrastructure in coming years (Blackout risk: Grid not ready for coal plant closures, solar surge, December 1)? The Coalitions decades-long effort to mislead the public and obstruct the rollout of renewable energy is nothing short of civic vandalism. Propping up an ageing fossil fuel industry by distorting the reasons for rising power prices, and then using those prices to attack Labor, is both deceitful and indefensible. The National Party has consistently fuelled hostility toward renewables, leaving rural landholders opposing installation of clean energy projects and critical infrastructure. The Coalition resolutely ignores its 10 years of inaction while in government and chooses to blame Labor instead. Bruce Spence, Balmain Readers might wonder why the grid is not ready for coal plant closures and why electricity bills are rising. They may be unaware that only about one third of the electricity bill is for the actual cost of generation. Most of the rest goes to network costs, which are rising due the transformation needed to shift to cheaper forms of energy. Both sides of politics underestimate this cost and disagree about which to use. Personally, I trust the scientists who have studied this and recommend the renewable pathway as the most economical  even before considering the environmental benefit. Brad Elliott, North Rocks

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Our energy revolution My wife and I have made a full energy transition in our lives  solar, battery, heat pump, induction cooktop and electric vehicle  and, like Jenna Price, have experienced how confusing the process can be (Im nearly as confused as the Liberals on clean energy, December 1). Nevertheless, the result has been more than satisfying as we are saving about $5000 a year, not to mention many tonnes of CO2. Its interesting that one of the biggest savings weve made was by properly insulating our home. It used to be freezing in winter and boiling in summer, but now its liveable all year round without heating or cooling. It cost a bit to do this, but weve already paid it off through the savings weve made. Ken Enderby, Concord Rooftop solar systems help consumers keep their energy bills down. Credit: Getty Images Jenna Price articulated some of the hurdles she encountered in her attempts to make her home more carbon friendly. She and other readers should know that there is a charity called 1 Million Women that is helping people all over the world make their homes more energy efficient. Tom Meakin, Port Macquarie Climate conundrum Correspondent Chris Roylances assertion that every credible climate scientist on Earth agrees that rising CO2 pollution is the primary driver of climate change is inconsistent with the full body of published climate science (Letters, November 29). Many highly credible, peer-reviewed scientists hold differing views. It is disheartening to see how consensus-based modelling has directed global policy, leading to significant societal effects, such as people choosing not to have children because of their climate concerns. Peter Phizacklea, Sydney

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Migrants deserve praise There seems to be a misguided belief among some Australians that immigrants are the root cause of various social problems such as crime and violence (Pauline Hanson speaks at Melbourne anti-immigration rally, December 1). As a proud resident of Lane Cove, a Sydney suburb where 39 per cent of the population was born in another country, I can personally attest to the positive contributions of immigrants in our community. Contrary to the rhetoric of anti-immigrant politicians, Lane Cove was rated as the most liveable suburb in Australia, thanks in part to factors such as safety, very low crime rate and a strong sense of community. At 30 per cent, Australia has one of the highest rates of residents born in another country in the world, yet its consistently ranked as very safe and one of the most liveable countries internationally. Rather than scapegoating immigrants, we should recognise the positive impact they have on our communities and economy. Don Mills, Lane Cove Pauline Hanson told anti-immigration protesters that she wouldnt choose to live in Victoria. Pauline, its time to take a good look in the mirror. Im quite sure there are many Victorians out there breathing a large sigh of relief. Rose Lysnar, Windsor (Qld) Credit: Cathy Wilcox Mobilise data safety Your story on controlling behaviour through the medium of cars is timely (Abusers using GPS to control partners, December 1). In November 2023, I wrote to then attorney-general Mark Dreyfus, pointing to the urgency of stronger protections from the wholesale collection of personal data on drivers and their passengers. This can extend to real-time location, facial images, voice recordings, driving behaviour and so on. Apart from women escaping domestic violence, data can be collected from judges, politicians, police, ASIO staff and children. His department replied that current and proposed (some now implemented) changes to the Privacy Act provided adequate protections. Evidently not. The privacy policy of my cars manufacturer has me agreeing to send all the above data anywhere in the world, which could theoretically compromise my safety. Best not to collect the data in the first place or at least provide an opt-out. Ronald Watts, Newcastle

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Bright idea If culling dangerous sharks is not an option (Letters, December 1), why not discourage them from attacking people by using swimwear, wetsuits, surfboards and kayaks with natures aquatic warning hues  fluorescent yellow, green, red or orange? Not in good taste for us, sure, but the oceans predators know not to take a bite of creatures displaying these high-vis warnings. Andrew Cohen, Glebe Old sounds best I share Clare Raffans love for retro music systems (Letters, December 1). I recently took the final step and bought a 20-year-old, fastidiously maintained Nissan Maxima that came with not only a CD sound system, but a separate disc player in the glovebox for back-seat passengers to watch movies on a drop-down screen. Brian OHeira, Point Frederick The news that NSW poker machines will be turned off between 4 and 10am is welcome but the rule change doesnt go far enough (Pokies in NSW to be switched off in danger hours, December 1). I have a 35-year-old stepdaughter with a dangerous gambling addiction. On more than one occasion she has lost more than $1000 in a single session on the pokies. To make it worse, she holds RSA and RCG certificates, but it is clear to her mother and me that responsible gambling training just does not work. What is laughable is that some venues claiming financial hardship can apply for an exemption  which will allow them to continue lining their pockets at the expense of their punters. Name withheld The state government is at least trying to do something about problem gambling by making pubs and clubs in NSW switch off poker machines in the danger hours. But why is Prime Minister Anthony Albanese dragging his heels on banning gambling advertising? Its not hard to guess the answer. Jenny Greenwood, Hunters Hill

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Spenders AI solution Allegra Spender is right about AI and the crisis in planning delays (In the right hands, AI can help save the housing crisis, December 1). As a planner I have recently come to the same blinding realisation. I have worked in many roles to return urban planning to a rational process. Paradoxically, the endless quest for a simpler, faster, cheaper approval process somehow makes it more complex and arbitrary. Spender correctly invokes robo-debt; I now know that hand-crafted attempts to unpick the tangle cannot succeed. We are left with two options. The first is already with us: centralised, top-down, one-off executive decisions on major projects. The Housing Delivery Authority is a version of this. The second option is to bypass tangled rules and executive authorisation by using AI to distil vast amounts of data to enable accurate predictions for urban development. I have no idea how this might play out but I do know which of the two options will lead to a fairer and more liveable city. Jeremy Dawkins, Waverton Could AI help speed up the complex business of urban planning? Credit: Shutterstock.com Allegra Spender provides a persuasive argument for embracing AI in urban planning. She gives no consideration, though, to its downsides  a voracious appetite for power, water and data storage, which have huge environmental impacts. To be wary is to be wise. Liz Adams, Kareela I have been using AI  actual intelligence  for more than 80 years. It has been easy to use; no technical skills are required. It has provided natural, sensible and correct solutions and satisfactory results for numerous problems. Everyone should try it. Richard Arndell, Avoca Beach

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A 76-year-old woman was screaming in distress as she sought help following her alleged rape in an aged care home bed by a masked intruder, a nurse has told a court.

Hayden Carl Skinner, 31, has pleaded not guilty to aggravated sexual intercourse without consent against the elderly woman, who has since died in unrelated circumstances, at a nursing home at Coffs Harbour on the NSW North Coast.

Hayden Carl Skinner is accused of sexually assaulting a 76-year-old resident. Credit: Facebook

In the early hours of New Years Day last year, Skinner allegedly scaled the facilitys fence, walked through a courtyard and entered the womans room through a closed, unlocked security door.
I was spread so thin, I could barely attend inspections myself, she said.

Single parent Logan Bell is one of thousands of low-income earners struggling to afford basic living expenses, QCOSS says. Credit: Courtney Kruk

Bell worked two jobs, studied full-time and looked for housing during the three months she spent living in a hotel with her daughter.

After couch-surfing with friends, she went to Micah Projects in July, and they organised emergency accommodation.

Brisbane mother Logan Bell found herself sleeping rough with her seven-year-old daughter earlier this year after fleeing a domestic violence relationship.

When I was going to inspections and when I was in emergency accommodation, there were so many other disadvantaged families like myself.

Bell has since found a rental in Brisbane, but can only afford it because she shares with another person. Even with that support, she is still spending 50 per cent of her income on rent, and struggling to afford other necessities.

Im a single mum, Im working and I do get Centrelink benefits, so Im literally making as much money as I can in my circumstance, Bell said.

And I still was not able to secure any housing [on my own].

Bell is one of thousands of low-income earners in Queensland unable to cover basic living expenses such as rent, food and healthcare, according to a new report released on Monday by the states peak body for social services.
Fire Rescue Victoria is investigating why on-duty firefighters entered a secure section of the Metro Tunnel without authorisation on Sunday, disrupting services on the opening day of the cross-city rail line.

Trains were delayed about 25 minutes by the intrusion at 11.30am, as more than 70,000 people rode the new Melbourne rail line and explored the five new inner-city stations for the first time.

The Metro Tunnel attracted a steady flow of sightseers on Monday, but is unlikely to be used by many commuters until a new timetable starts. Credit: Wayne Taylor

Metro Trains and Premier Jacinta Allan described the incident as trespassing, but the United Firefighters Union claimed the firefighters were there for an urgent familiarisation drill.

Allan called it incredibly dangerous, but would not comment on whether it was a stunt by the union, which has waged a campaign against her government.
The UK capital boasted the worlds first underground railway when its network opened in 1863 with steam trains initially running along the tracks. The London Underground, known affectionately as The Tube, connects every major part of the city. London has been expanding and improving its network ever since it opened. It now has 11 lines covering 402 kilometres and serving 272 stations, carrying up to 5 million passengers a day. At peak times, there are more than 543 trains in service, with the fastest line running 40 trains an hour. In 2022, London added the high-frequency Elizabeth Line stretching between suburbs to the east and west of the city. The lead architect for Melbournes Metro, Ivan Harbour, is based in London and took inspiration from The Tubes design but describes parts of the London Underground as sort of a nightmare because of its age.

Passengers waiting less than two minutes for the next Tube service may disagree. The granddaddy of subways, the London Underground, was born on January 9, 1863, with the launch of the worlds first subterranean rail journey. Credit: Getty Images Tokyo The railway system in Tokyo carries more than 8 million passengers a day and intersects with Japans broader rail network, including its high-speed bullet trains. The Japanese capital has two main metro rail systems: the Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway.

The combined system has 290 stations on 13 lines, and trains are incredibly punctual, with drivers fined for arriving late. However, the metro trains can be a bit of a squeeze. Each carriage is designed for about 150 passengers but often carries double this in peak hour. Train operators employ staff to push people into carriages at peak times. Eric Keys, a retired transport planner who was the initial project director on the Metro Tunnel, said Tokyos rail system suffered from significant overcrowding because the city had grown enormously since it was built. It becomes very difficult to expand those systems once theyre built, he said. While Tokyo is overused to an extreme level, our system will be relatively underused because its so new. Itll have plenty of spare capacity so that we dont have those problems for hopefully many decades.

Tokyo metro subway and Yamanote line commuter trains running through the city. Credit: iStock Singapore Singapore has one of the worlds newest underground systems, the Mass Rapid Transit network having opened in 1987. The MRT has more than 160 stations which span the island across six MRT lines. The 240-kilometre system carries more than 200,000 daily passengers. Police ride an escalator at an MRT train station in Singapore. Credit: Bloomberg

Singapore has plans to expand the rail network to about 360 kilometres by early next decade. Nathan Pittman, education fellow in transport planning at the University of Melbourne, said Singapores MRT was incredibly frequent, clean and punctual in comparison with Melbournes network. You dont have the problem of having to mix with suburban traffic and youre not going to have freight trains sharing the same track, he said. So its a lot easier to provide that level of service. Paris The Parisian Metro system, with its iconic art nouveau entrances, spans the city across 16 lines.

Its first line opened in 1900 during Paris World Fair and the Olympic Games and, over the years, it has expanded to service 308 stations. The word metro, used around the world including on Melbournes system, comes from the Paris Metropolitan. Loading The French capitals Metro carries over 4 million passengers a day, and small dogs are allowed on board. Running on a combination of steel wheels and rubber tyres, trains are mostly conductor-driven, although three lines have been updated to be automatic.

Paris is in the middle of the biggest transformation of its public transport system yet. Construction of the 35 billion ($62 billion) Grand Paris Express is scheduled for completion by 2030. The project includes four new Metro lines, 200 kilometres of new tracks and 68 new stations. Unlike existing lines, the new ones are configured in rings that avoid passing through the middle of the city, a similar design to Melbournes proposed Suburban Rail Loop. The iconic art nouveau sign by Hector Guimard for the Paris Metropolitan. Credit: Getty Images New York

In the city that never sleeps, the subway runs all day and night, every day. New Yorks subway snakes its way underneath the city and has grown to 36 lines since it opened in 1904. The subway has 472 stations, making it the worlds largest by the number of stations. It carries about 1.1 billion people a year  which is still only at 70 per cent of its pre-pandemic patronage levels. However, the subways size, age and funding problems have made it a challenging system to improve, with parts falling into near-disrepair around the time of the global financial crisis. Its newest addition is the Second Avenue Subway, which opened in 2017 after a decade of construction.

The second phase of that line, into Harlem, is being developed at an expected cost of $US5.23 billion ($7.9 billion) and is due for completion by about 2032. A protester dressed in a Statue of Liberty costume enters a New York subway station after a No Kings demonstration in October. Credit: AP Hong Kong Hong Kongs Mass Transit Railway serves over 179 stations. Its cheap, accessible and efficiently designed with interchanges to ensure a smooth flow of passengers. Hong Kong residents are avid public transport users, reporting some of the highest utilisation rates in the world with 5 million passengers a day.

Trains run 19 hours a day, seven days a week. During peak periods, trains with capacity for 2500 passengers run at two-minute intervals. The MTR has a 99.9 per cent punctuality rate. Formerly owned by the Hong Kong government, it is now a publicly traded company after its initial public offering in 2000. The MTR is highly profitable, bringing in $HK15.8 billion ($3.1 billion) in the past financial year. Yet it also has among the cheapest fares in the world  the shortest trip costing just 96.
A teenage driver has been charged after an 18-year-old man allegedly fell from the roof of a moving car on the Mornington Peninsula during schoolies week.

The injured teenager was flown to the Royal Melbourne Hospital in a critical condition.

The 18-year-old sustained serious head injuries and was flown to the Royal Melbourne Hospital in a critical condition.

His condition was deemed stable on Monday afternoon, a spokeswoman for the Royal Melbourne Hospital said.

He was one of two teenagers allegedly riding on the roof of the car when he fell to the ground at St Andrews Beach about 6.50pm on Sunday.
Melbournes shift to higher-density living is expected to put enrolment pressure on schools in the inner suburbs as Victoria looks to find classroom space for an extra 100,000 children in the next decade.

Data tracking population growth for school planners and local councils, shows 17 suburbs across Melbournes outer north and western fringe, from Wallan to Werribee South, are set to add about 63,000 school-aged children by 2035.

But it also shows the growing pains will be most acute in inner-city areas flagged for more apartments where schools are already land-constrained, limiting the potential to increase their campus footprint.

Informed Decisions population forecaster Johnny Barnard said areas such as Box Hill  where the primary school age population is set to double by 2045  and North Melbourne would be hit hard as development accelerates around the new Arden station.
A truck driver who knew his vehicles brakes were faulty before he crashed into the back of a school bus has been jailed for more than a decade.

Brett Michael Russell crashed his truck into the bus carrying dozens of Loreto College students from Ballarat to Melbourne Airport for a once-in-a-lifetime NASA camp in the United States in September 2022.

Truck driver Brett Michael Russell, pictured in 2023, has been jailed for more than 12 years. Credit: Jason South

On Monday, Russell, 63, was sentenced to 12 years and nine months jail after pleading guilty to 10 counts of negligently causing serious injury and two counts of conduct endangering persons.

For many, this experience was a nightmare, County Court Judge Michael OConnell said.
Almost two dozen workers were rushed to hospital after a carbon monoxide leak at a factory in Melbournes west on Monday afternoon.

Emergency services were called to a pork processing plant in Benn Court, Derrimut, about 12.45pm, Fire Rescue Victoria said.

Firefighters arrived to find 60 persons had evacuated from the factory, with multiple casualties suffering the effects of carbon monoxide exposure, FRV said in a statement.

Ambulance Victoria said paramedics had assessed 28 people at the scene.
But the blowouts occurred mostly during Coalition governments and, foreshadowing the changes last June, Marles attacked his predecessors failures, saying when Labor came to government, there were 28 different projects running a combined 97 years over time.

Defence Minister Richard Marles came under withering fire from the opposition and defence experts last year when a report documented huge program delays covering some of Australias most lucrative contracts. Former opposition defence minister Andrew Hastie called the Albanese government particularly weak on national security.

The Heralds foreign affairs and national security correspondent, Matthew Knott, reports that the biggest reform in 50 years will strip the department of responsibility for delivering major projects, cut dozens of high-ranking positions and establish a Defence Delivery Agency that will report directly to ministers with control of the budget for major acquisitions.

Nearly four years since taking office, the Albanese government is to end the Defence Departments sorry history of procurements that turned multibillion-dollar cost blowouts and long delays on major projects into a kind of military tradition.

Announcing the reforms, Marles said defence spending was the largest in Australias peace-time history. What comes with that is an obligation to ensure that this money is spent well, he said. It will greatly improve the quality of the defence spend, and it will make sure that as we spend more money in the defence budget, we are doing so in a way which sees programs delivered on time and on budget.

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Despite long-standing concerns that the department was bloated, top-heavy and risk-averse, it escaped oversight almost as a tradition. Among some of the most egregious procurement scandals: during the early years of the Vietnam War, the late Herald journalist Alan Ramsey famously reported that the Menzies government had so run down defence spending that troops were kitted out with World War II issue clothing; the $3.5 billion MRH90 Taipan helicopter was such a lemon that the entire fleet was grounded and eventually scrapped in 2023; and last year the order for the troubled $45.6 billion Hunter-class frigates project was cut from nine to six following concerns about firepower.

Shortly after Labor won the 2022 election, the Defence Strategic Review warned that Chinas claims of sovereignty over the South China Sea threatened the global rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific in a way that adversely impacted Australias national interests.

One consequence is that the Department of Defences current budget of $56 billion a year will rise to approximately $100 billion by 2034. In the four years since committing to spend up to $368 billion over 30 years on the AUKUS program, Australia has drifted into the orbit of the US military-industrial complex and the Trump administration has demanded we spend more on our own defence.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, French President Emmanuel Macron, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke with US President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff following talks in Florida.

Together with French President Emmanuel Macron and with the participation of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, we just spoke with the head of Ukrainian delegation Rustem Umerov and US Presidents Special Envoy Steve Witkoff following the Ukraine-U.S. delegations meeting in Florida. It was an important briefing, and we agreed to discuss more details in personour teams will coordinate schedules for possible further contacts, Zelenskyy said on X Monday.

According to him, the teams will agree on schedules for possible further contacts.

According to the British government's website, Starmer, Zelenskyy and Macron "began by reflecting on the intensive diplomacy that had been done in recent days, including by the Ukrainian delegation currently in the United States." Starmer also spoke about his recent talks, including with the NATO Secretary General on Sunday, "and the leaders agreed on the importance of working towards a deal that delivered long term security and a just peace for Ukraine."

"Turning to ensuring Ukraine gets the equipment and support it needs for as long as it takes, the leaders also discussed using the value of immobilised Russian Sovereign Assets to support the regeneration of Ukraine and its Armed Forces. The leaders agreed to stay in close touch as intensive diplomatic discussions continued in the coming days," the statement reads.
Tech giants will be pushed by the Albanese government to build their own renewable energy sources to power the electricity-hungry data centres built in Australia to fuel the artificial intelligence boom.

Data centres  huge facilities that store computers used for AI and cloud storage  are central to the federal governments new AI policy, which shuns heavy regulations initially sought by unions in favour of a laissez-faire model as Labor aims to drive up the moribund productivity rate.

Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science Tim Ayres. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen

The National AI plan, as forecast by this masthead in August, will not include any new laws to regulate the burgeoning technology, even as Australia readies to enforce the worlds first social media ban for children with heavy fines for corporations that dont comply.

Instead, a $30 million safety institute will be created to advise on the need for new laws on a case by case basis after Treasurer Jim Chalmers and others inside the government pushed against any clampdown on an AI boom the Productivity Commission estimates will be worth $200 billion over a decade.
Victoria will introduce new caps on how much money major political parties can withdraw from their fundraising war chests and lock in a 10-day early voting period ahead of a High Court challenge to the states donation laws.

The changes, which are set to be introduced to parliament on Tuesday, will limit political parties to withdrawing a maximum of $500,000 from their nominated entity during an election period, while independent candidates will be able to access a tenth of that, with a $50,000 cap.

The state government faces a High Court showdown over millions of dollars held in secretive funding vehicles. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen

Under the current system, Labor, the Liberal Party and the National Party have been able to withdraw unlimited sums from their multi-million dollar fundraising bodies, known as nominated entities, while a 2020 cut-off effectively blocked new parties from setting up similar financial structures.

Former independent candidate Melissa Lowe, who ran as a teal in the seat of Hawthorn in the 2022 state election, said the concession put independents in a David and Goliath battle against the major parties.
In a report to the federal government last year on funding strategic policy, Varghese, chancellor of the University of Queensland, concluded that Australias declining China expertise was a systemic failure. One of the most concerning data points he and others highlight is this  across the countrys 40 universities, there are no more than five Australian graduates in any one year with an honours degree in Chinese studies including the language. Varghese doesnt see student interest substantially picking up unless the business sector steps up its investment in China  already a challenge of confidence on Xis watch  and, along with it, places a premium on hiring Australians with specialist knowledge of the countrys institutional and political culture. He might have a point. I recently spent four days in Guangzhou attending the annual Australia-China Youth Dialogue (generously benchmarked at under 40) alongside some of the best and brightest mid-career professionals identified as emerging leaders in a range of sectors on either side of the aisle.

Ive spoken with current and past delegates on the Australian side, many of whom graduated from top universities fluent in Chinese, having immersed themselves in exchange programs at Chinas elite institutions, while earning degrees back home in law, economics, engineering and tech. They represent the pipeline of expertise Australia should be cultivating. Loading But some painted a grim picture of the challenge they faced acquiring this expertise, only for the Australian jobs marketplace to place little value on it. A number were employed in roles that made little use of their China knowledge. One delegate told me he was the only domestic student in his Chinese studies course at university and, after struggling to find employers who valued his skills, moved overseas. At the risk of further extrapolating personal experience into trend, 2008 was also the year I started as an undergraduate at the Australian National University in Canberra. At the time, the Asian Century seemed well and truly upon us.

Down the road, Kevin Rudd  an honours graduate himself in Chinese language and history from the ANU  was ensconced in The Lodge as the countrys first Mandarin-speaking prime minister. All around me on campus, students were studying Asian languages and, in particular, Chinese. As I battled my way through an arts/law degree, I quietly wondered if I had missed the memo. (Given my current role, yes, as it turned out.) Prime Minister Kevin Rudd greeting then-vice president of China, Xi Jinping, in 2010. Credit: Glen McCurtayn But rather than 2008 being an inflection point that turbocharged Australias investment in its China capability, this momentum evidently evaporated in the years after my cohort graduated. By 2013, Julia Gillards Asian Century white paper  which envisioned an Australia in 2025 that was Asia-literate and Asia-capable, with more students learning Mandarin, Indonesian, Hindi and Japanese  had been shelved by the incoming Liberals.

A federal parliamentary inquiry is now examining this decade-plus erosion of Asia capability, and the data being presented by universities  albeit patchy  is bleak. Loading The ANU, which has long been a hub for China expertise, estimates the size of its Asian studies degree has declined by 70 per cent over the past six years. Theres no reason to think they are an outlier. One of the issues is that language courses have become increasingly dominated by international students, and seen as their domain  a consequence of universities becoming drunk on foreign fees to ensure course viability as the government funding noose has tightened. The University of Sydney, for example, has recorded a combined 480 per cent increase in overseas student enrolment in Chinese and several other Asian languages, while domestic enrolments have declined 15 per cent.

As a China-focused foreign correspondent based in Singapore, I assure you that when it comes to understanding your subjects, there is no substitute for meeting them where they are  on their home turf, and preferably in their own language. Its the reason why this masthead is eager to get back to Beijing permanently, after a five-year hiatus, resuming a four-decade stint of in-country reporting. The decline in China expertise will ultimately impact media coverage too (and yes, I can hear our critics chiming in here), and therefore the quality of the public debate on critical issues from Taiwan and the South China Sea, to Pacific diplomacy, and Donald Trump and trade wars. Already too few Australian experts make themselves available for media commentary, for reasons that I appreciate includes a wariness to put their head above the parapet on what has, at times, been a shrill and highly politicised national discourse. In the absence of considered expertise and on-the-ground coverage, debate can easily be pulled to the extremes.

In the vast expanse of views between the fringes, reporters place a premium on China-literate experts who have carved a career out of poring through Communist Party documents, or picking through the entrails of Chinese elite politics, or developing a deep understanding of the countrys centuries-old history and culture and how this shapes decision-making. Or who are able to speak with nuance about Chinese society and business culture because they have lived and worked there. They arent the total of a well-rounded China knowledge base. But ideally, you want this literacy infused through the layers of decision-making and public policy discussion. For that pipeline to be guaranteed in the decades to come, we need 17- and 18-year-olds to be signing up for Chinese studies now, confident theres a job for them in five years time that values their skills. Lisa Visentin is the North Asia correspondent for The Sydney Morning Herald Peter Hartcher is on leave.
Singapore/Bali: A Sydney plumber accused of helping to murder an Australian man in Bali has apologised to the victims family in a court hearing on Monday that also heard from a man shot and beaten during the same attack.

Darcy Jenson, one of three Australians facing a potential death sentence over the June killing of Zivan Radmanovic, read a short statement mostly addressed to the victims widow, Jazmyn Gourdeas, who hid under the bedcovers when intruders smashed into their luxury villa, allegedly armed with nine-millimetre handguns.

Darcy Jenson being paraded at a police press conference in Bali in June. Credit: Amilia Rosa

I wish Jazmyn couldve been here as a witness. I would like to apologise to Jazmyn for what has happened, for what Jazmyn went through, he said in a prepared speech that was also translated into Indonesian.

Im sure the last thing you want is to hear from me today, but Id like to apologise.
It evolved from an investigation by the Israel Securities Authority into Bezeq Israeli Telecommunications Corporation Ltd, Israels largest telecommunications company, and Saul Elovitch, who was then its controlling shareholder. While the probe originally focused on other matters, it soon became evident that enterprises connected to Elovitch  who also controlled Walla, a popular news website  benefited from favourable government regulation. Bezeq telecom shareholder Saul Elovitch arrives at the magistrate court in Tel Aviv, Israel, in February 2018. Credit: AP Seeking the motive, investigators questioned Wallas chief executive officer, who testified that he had received endless demands from Elovitch and his wife, Iris, for favourable coverage of Netanyahu and his wife, Sara. The prosecution claims that Netanyahu and Elovitch had formed a give and take relationship: the Elovitchs made great efforts to fulfil demands for more positive coverage of the Netanyahus, and the prime minister used his authority to promote Elovitchs business interests and attended several times to his regulatory affairs. Saul and Iris Elovitch were indicted for bribery and obstruction of justice.

Netanyahu argued that seeking positive media coverage is a normal part of his job and that no favours were offered in exchange for it. Even before his testimony, which started in December 2024, the judges in the case indicated the bribery charge would be hard to substantiate and called on the prosecution to drop it, but the latter refused, and the accusation stands. What are the other two cases? In the second case, known as Case 1000, Netanyahu was indicted for fraud and breach of trust for receiving luxurious gifts from Hollywood producer Arnon Milchan, an Israeli, and Australian billionaire James Packer in connection with his role as prime minister. According to prosecutors, Milchan introduced Netanyahu to Packer, and the two gave gifts to the prime minister and his wife  including cigars and cases of champagne delivered courtesy of Milchan  worth an estimated 690,000 shekels ($319,000) over the course of five years, starting in 2011. Netanyahu also allegedly received gifts from Australian billionaire James Packer. Credit: AAP, AP

During those years, Netanyahu is alleged to have approached US government officials to help Milchan obtain a US entry visa and to have promoted the extension of tax benefits relevant to him. Hes also accused of acting to assist Milchan with regulations concerning a merger of two local TV giants to make a potential investment viable for the producer. Netanyahu disputed the quantities of gifts he received and the motives behind them. He said in his testimony that Milchan was a very close friend, that he hadnt acted in his favour, and that he wasnt even aware that some of the policy matters named in the indictment concerned him. Packer is not accused of any wrongdoing In the third case, known as Case 2000, Netanyahu is accused of fraud and breach of trust for promising benefits to Arnon Mozes, the controlling owner of publishing powerhouse Yedioth Ahronoth, whose eponymous daily paper is one of the countrys most popular. The police stumbled upon the evidence during another inquiry involving a former chief of staff to Netanyahu. On his phone were recordings of meetings held between Netanyahu and Mozes. In them, Mozes offered to steer coverage in Netanyahus favour and, in turn, asked that the prime minister promote legislation that would curb Yedioth Ahronoths largest competitor, Israel Hayom, a newspaper owned by Sheldon Adelson, who has since died, and his wife, Miriam.

The prosecution alleges that Netanyahu had no intention of obliging but pretended to in the hope of gaining favourable coverage ahead of an upcoming election. Netanyahu, the prosecution said, conveyed a message that bribery is a legitimate tool, thereby breaching public trust in elected officials. Mozes was charged with offering and promising a bribe in the ongoing case. What impact has the trial had on Israeli politics? Because no political party has ever won a majority in the Knesset, Israels parliament, the country has almost always had coalition governments. After Netanyahus 2019 indictment by the attorney-general, the reluctance of Israeli parties to join coalition governments with his Likud party contributed to a period of political instability. Either because no party could form a coalition or no coalition was stable for long, Israel had five general elections from 2019 to 2022. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich have been subjected to targeted financial sanctions and travel bans by Australia. Credit: Bloomberg

After an election at the end of that year, Netanyahu formed the current government with the only parties willing to partner with him, those representing Israels ultra-orthodox Jews and two led by hardliner nationalists, Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben Gvir. The inclusion of these two made the government the most right-wing in Israels history. How has Netanyahus government moved against state institutions? Loading Over the past three decades, the Israeli right has expressed growing resentment of the power of Israels Supreme Court, which has acted as a brake on populist legislation and protected the rights of minorities, including Arabs. Israel has no constitution granting the court such power. It created it for itself in the 1990s, and said it would measure legislation against Israels Basic Laws, which together form the closest thing the country has to a constitution. Netanyahu had generally distanced himself from the complaints, praising Israels independent judiciary. But when the legal system came after him, he accused it of pursuing him because of political differences, in an attempt to overthrow the right from power. This paved the way for forces within his government to seek to weaken the Supreme Courts and the legal establishments power through a series of legislative changes.

The planned judicial overhaul triggered mass protests by Israelis who argued that the changes would undermine the countrys democracy. Some members of Israels security establishment say that Hamas read the protracted infighting over the plan as weakness and that it was a factor in the groups decision to launch its October 7, 2023, attack on Israel when it did, provoking the war. After that, the government temporarily shelved its initiative. But in March, it resumed the effort, passing a law in the Knesset increasing the role of politicians in selecting judges. Can Netanyahu be pardoned? Following his Knesset appeal, Trump wrote to Herzog on November 12, urging him to fully pardon Benjamin Netanyahu, who has been a formidable and decisive War Time Prime Minister. Netanyahu has stood tall for Israel in the face of strong adversaries and long odds, and his attention cannot be unnecessarily diverted, Trump wrote.

Donald Trump with Benjamin Netanyahu at the Israeli Knesset in October. Credit: AP But the path to a pardon is complicated. It can only be granted by Israels president, but it is typically for those already convicted. A pre-emptive presidential pardon has only been granted once in Israels history  by Herzogs predecessor and father, Chaim. He extended the concession to a group of Shin Bet officials under police investigation for the killing of two Palestinian bus hijackers in the 1980s. But that was part of a package deal in which the head of the agency agreed to step down. Netanyahu has repeatedly rejected the idea of resigning and, in 2022, turned down an offer of a plea bargain that involved acknowledging lesser wrongdoing in exchange for staying out of politics for seven years. In October, he announced that he plans to run in the next election, which must be held by October 2026. Though his ruling coalition has lost much of its public support since coming to power, his party still polls better than any other in opinion surveys.

When is Netanyahus trial expected to end? Theres no set date for the trials conclusion, and estimates are that it will last several more years. As of late October, Netanyahu was still being cross-examined by the prosecution, and thats expected to continue for several more months. Still ahead are hearings on Case 2000, an opportunity for Netanyahus lawyers to ask him questions to clarify or repair points made in his cross-examination, the testimony of defence witnesses and the submission of written and oral closing arguments. Even after the judges reach a verdict, Netanyahu can appeal to a higher court, which would also take time. What happens if Netanyahu is convicted? Its unlikely Netanyahus trial will wrap up during his current term, though he could be prime minister again after the next general election. Theres no precedent in Israel for the trial  let alone the conviction  of a sitting prime minister. One of Netanyahus predecessors, Ehud Olmert, was tried, convicted and jailed on corruption charges, but only after leaving office. He was released in 2017. Under Israeli law, if a prime minister is convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude and all appeals have been exhausted, his or her term is automatically terminated. The government becomes a transitional government until a new one is sworn in.
Likewise, the US Navys handbook on the law of naval operations says combatants or belligerents who are hors de combat  out of the fight  by way of shipwreck may not be intentionally or indiscriminately attacked. This would be a grave breach of the law of armed conflict, the handbook says. Presented with that argument, Leavitt told reporters: The strike was conducted in international waters and in accordance with the law of armed conflict. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt during a press briefing at the White House on Monday. Credit: AP Later, after the White House publicly said the order was given by Bradley, Hegseth took to social media to back his senior officer, but also to emphasise that the admiral made the decision. Admiral Mitch Bradley is an American hero, a true professional, and has my 100 per cent support, Hegseth said. I stand by him and the combat decisions he has made  on the September 2 mission and all others since. America is fortunate to have such men protecting us.

But the war secretary now faces inquiries from multiple congressional committees, while US President Donald Trump also said he would look into the matter. In a joint statement, the top Republican and top Democrat on the Senate armed services committee said the group would be conducting vigorous oversight to determine the facts related to these circumstances. US Senator Mark Kelly said the claims against Hegseth, if true, appeared to constitute a war crime. Credit: AP Democratic senator and former naval officer Mark Kelly, a member of that committee, told CNN that if the claims were true, they appeared to constitute a war crime. Were going to have hearings, well put people under oath, he said. Ive got serious concerns about anybody in that chain of command stepping over a line that they should never step over.

Earlier, Trump told reporters he would not have wanted a second strike fired on survivors, but believed Hegseth was not responsible. Pete said that didnt happen  Pete said he did not order the death of those two men, Trump said on Sunday. Well look into it. Loading More than 80 people have been killed by US strikes on boats alleged to be carrying drugs in the Caribbean or the Pacific Ocean since the September 2 operation. Hegseth and the Department of War routinely share vision of the strikes on social media. The latest claims add to simmering concerns in Congress about the legality and ethics of the strikes. Some lawmakers have complained for three months about a lack of information on the operations coming through official briefing channels. Leavitt said on Monday that 13 briefings had been given to 29 senators and 92 representatives, two-thirds of whom were Democrats.

The Trump administration has declared it is in an armed conflict with cartels trafficking narcotics to the US, and that suspected traffickers are unlawful combatants associated with Venezuelan gangs such as Tren de Aragua. The administration is also building up its military presence in the Caribbean, including at least one nuclear-powered submarine and the worlds largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, which arrived last month. President Donald Trump speaks with reporters while in flight on Air Force One on Sunday. Credit: AP Via a social media post over the weekend, Trump told airlines to consider the airspace above and around Venezuela to be closed. Some analysts said that could be a precursor to expanded strikes or a bid for leverage in any eventual negotiations with Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. Trump confirmed he had spoken with Maduro, but would not reveal the contents of the call. I wouldnt say it went well or badly, it was a phone call, he said.

Trump was also due to hold a meeting at the White House on Monday evening (Tuesday AEDT) about next steps on Venezuela, amid speculation the US plans to escalate military operations in a bid to oust Maduro from power. Meanwhile, Hegseth defended the boat strikes in several media posts, including one depicting a cartoon turtle in a military helicopter shooting a missile at fishing boats stocked with packages. Hegseth said all US operations in the Caribbean complied with US and international law, and the law of armed conflict, and were approved by military and civilian lawyers up and down the chain of command. Every trafficker we kill is affiliated with a Designated Terrorist Organisation, he said. We have only just begun to kill narco-terrorists.
Australia is talking to the Trump administration and global drug companies about the United States push to make countries pay more for medicines  an effort that gained pace overnight with a new deal to make the United Kingdom pay 25 per cent more for new pharmaceuticals.

Health Minister Mark Butler on Tuesday acknowledged there had been a significant change of policy by the US administration as he revealed the Albanese government was deeply engaged in discussions in Washington.

The US government under President Donald Trump will use the British deal as a model for talks with other developed nations. Credit: AP

We are trying to make sure we understand this dynamic shift thats happening in the global pharmaceutical market, to ensure that we can deliver access to as many medicines as possible at the most affordable price possible for the Australian people, Butler said at a press conference.

Under the deal between the US and UK, announced overnight, the UKs National Health Service will increase the net price it pays for new medicines by 25 per cent, and certain rebates paid by drug companies to the NHS will be reduced.
~Promoting Transparency and Stability~



Willemstad/Philipsburg:--- The Centrale Bank van Curacao en Sint Maarten (CBCS) announces the publication of its new fact sheets for the pension fund, life insurance, and non-life insurance sectors of the Monetary Union of Curacao and Sint Maarten. These fact sheets accompany the 2025 Financial Stability Report (FSR), which was released on May 12, 2025.

The fact sheets provide an overview of the state of each sector, describing the structure and recent developments. The fact sheets are supported by our most recent Financial Soundness Indicators (FSIs). FSIs are aggregate statistical indicators that allow countries to assess the health of their financial institutionssuch as banks, insurers, and pension funds.



These fact sheets serve two important purposes:



1. Bridging the data gap

In its Technical Assistance Mission Report of 2025, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) recommended reducing the previous time-lag in data reporting by insurance and pension funds, to make CBCSs analytical work more up to date. As part of strengthening our financial stability monitoring and simultaneously bridging this data gap, the CBCS will issue fact sheets every year. This way, key sectoral information remains available in the period between FSR publications.



2. Introducing revised FSIs

Since the release of the last FSR, the CBCS has updated the FSIs for the pension fund and insurance sectors. These updated indicators are included in the new fact sheets and will also be featured in the 2026 FSR.

The fact sheets are now available on the CBCS website: Financial Stability Notes & Fact Sheets - Centrale Bank Curacao & Sint Maarten.



Willemstad, December 1, 2025

CENTRALE BANK VAN CURACAO EN SINT MAARTEN
POINTE BLANCHE:--- The Management Team of the Point Blanche Correctional Institution and the Miss Lalie Youth Detention Facility recently met with the Climb Foundation representatives, Dr. Yadira Boston and Dr. Pierre, whose long-standing service to the Institution came to an end.

Prison Director Mr. Steven Carty expressed deep gratitude to Dr. Boston and Dr. Pierre for their longstanding service to the Institution. Mr. Carty emphasized that literacy leads to job opportunities and more. Literacy is not just about reading and writing. It is the foundation upon which confidence is built and opportunities unlocked. Within the correctional environment, the ability to read, understand instructions, and communicate effectively opens doors that were once closed. Additionally, it creates pathways to employment and meaningful reintegration into society. Most importantly, literacy empowers individuals to take control of their own lives, make informed decisions, and envision a future beyond their past, Mr. Carty stated.

Head of Corrections, Henrietta Doran-York also addressed those in attendance. For decades, Dr. Boston has walked through the prison gates with one main mission. That mission is to open doors of opportunity through education. Her long-standing commitment and dedication have shaped the lives of so many within the walls of the Institution over the years. Over the years, Dr. Boston was joined by Dr. Pierre, and together they executed their tasks with a level of quality and great structure within the Institution. Although the GED program had been the main focus, the educational team extended its reach beyond traditional curriculum requirements. Many inmates who did not yet meet GED criteria were still given the chance to enhance their basic skills. Very importantly, the instructors recognized that not everyone came with the same educational foundation; therefore, they created pathways for those who were not yet ready for the GED level. Through literacy classes and patient one-on-one guidance, they gave many inmates the chance to grow, which restored the confidence among those who participated, Doran-York stated.

The highlight of the meeting was the delivery of an extensive presentation by the Climb Foundation's educational facilitators, as they guided those present through the scope and accomplishments of their work over the years. They also extended heartfelt gratitude to the team at Point Blanche Prison and House of Detention, as well as the dedicated team at the Miss Lalie Youth Detention Center, for their exceptional collaboration during their partnership.

We would not have been able to do this without your steadfast support, which has been instrumental in our mission to provide essential care to the most vulnerable inmates. They thank the Management for recognizing the significant effort it takes to close literacy gaps, and extended appreciation for their understanding that this is a nuanced, time-intensive process that requires careful consideration. CLIMB Foundation urges the prison to continue to actively combat the stigma that often connects illiteracy with vocational training. It is vital to recognize that inmates can pursue both literacy and vocational skills simultaneously as they both are essential tools for personal growth and successful reintegration into society. They commended St. Maartens prison for its commitment to addressing this critical issue of prison literacy. By recognizing that reading is a fundamental human right, and working together, the societal barriers that inmates face upon reentry into the community can be dismantled. The CLIMB Foundation is confident that both the prison and its upcoming initiatives will be a success. This confidence stems from the remarkable achievements of the prison teams, who have successfully implemented impactful programs over the years despite operating with limited resources.

The representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Mr. Rafael Baretto Souza expressed his deep appreciation for the presentation delivered by Dr. Boston and Dr. Pierre regarding their long standing work in education at the Point Blanche Correctional Institution. He noted that he was very impressed with the depth of their experience and the dedication reflected in their teaching. Mr. Baretto Souza further stated that their insights provided him with a clearer and more meaningful understanding of the responsibilities and challenges associated with the mandate he has undertaken in relation to the prison system in Sint Maarten and it also sheds valuable light on both the progress achieved and the ongoing needs that must be addressed as part of the institutions continuous development.

At the close of the meeting the Management Team wished Dr. Pierre and Dr. Boston and the entire team much success in all their future endeavors, and expressed to them that the seed that they have planted, whether through a passed GED exam, a first book ever read, or a sentence written without help, will forever continue to bear fruit.
Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine and head of the Ukrainian negotiating team in the United States, Rustem Umerov, reported to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the results of two days of negotiations in Florida.

"I had a phone conversation with the President of Ukraine following the Ukrainian delegation's work in Florida. Over two very productive days in the USA, we spent many hours of meetings and negotiations. We managed to achieve significant progress, although certain issues require further work," he wrote on Telegram.

Umerov thanked the American side for their "constructive and partner-like approach." The parties agreed to maintain "constant and close contact throughout this process."

"We are preparing a full report and will soon present it to the president in person during a meeting in Europe, where we are already departing with the negotiating team. We continue to work for peace in Ukraine," he concluded.
Press Release from Business Wire: Intercontinental Exchange



(AFP) Dec 01, 2025



ATLANTA & NEW YORK & HONG KONG, Dec 1, 2025 (BSW) - Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. (NYSE:ICE), a leading global provider of technology and data, today announced that InnovestX Securities Co. Ltd. , a leading brokerage and securities company in Thailand and a subsidiary of SCBX , the parent company of Siam Commercial Bank (SCB), one of Southeast Asia's leading financial institutions, has selected ICE's Portfolio Analytics (IPA) platform to enhance its risk management and analytics capabilities.

"At InnovestX, our mission is to empower investors with seamless access to world-class investment opportunities powered by technology, innovation and transparency," said Payon Pongsawaree CIO of InnovestX. "As the investment and securities arm of SCBX, we manage a diverse and growing portfolio of structured products that requires accurate pricing and efficient risk oversight. ICE's IPA solution strengthens our risk management capabilities and enables us to scale efficiently, and deliver greater value to our clients as we continue to expand in Thailand."

With ICE's IPA solution, InnovestX will gain a single platform for pre-trade pricing, intraday analytics and lifecycle management across multiple asset classes. ICE's robust data and analytics can help InnovestX deliver more precise and timely valuations and improve the investment decision-making process for its clients.

"We are well equipped to assist firms like InnovestX as they expand their structured product business and enhance their risk management activities," said Christy Chan, Head of Client Development, APAC at ICE Data Services. "Our streaming market data and on-demand analytics, combined with pre-trade pricing and lifecycle management tools, provide the transparency and efficiency that can help leading issuers meet their clients' investment and risk management needs and support growth in dynamic markets like Southeast Asia."

ICE's IPA solution combines continuous market data, pricing, analytics and on-screen risk tools for simple to complex products across multiple asset classes. These capabilities can help firms like InnovestX to manage exposure, monitor risk and price products on an intraday basis, while supporting greater transparency and efficiency in rapidly growing markets.

For more information on ICE Data Derivatives solutions, please visit: https://www.theice.com/market-data/pricing-and-analytics/derivatives.

About Intercontinental Exchange

Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. (NYSE: ICE) is a Fortune 500 company that designs, builds, and operates digital networks that connect people to opportunity. We provide financial technology and data services across major asset classes helping our customers access mission-critical workflow tools that increase transparency and efficiency. ICE's futures, equity, and options exchanges -- including the New York Stock Exchange -- and clearing houses help people invest, raise capital and manage risk. We offer some of the world's largest markets to trade and clear energy and environmental products. Our fixed income, data services and execution capabilities provide information, analytics and platforms that help our customers streamline processes and capitalize on opportunities. At ICE Mortgage Technology, we are transforming U.S. housing finance, from initial consumer engagement through loan production, closing, registration and the long-term servicing relationship. Together, ICE transforms, streamlines, and automates industries to connect our customers to opportunity.

Trademarks of ICE and/or its affiliates include Intercontinental Exchange, ICE, ICE block design, NYSE and New York Stock Exchange. Information regarding additional trademarks and intellectual property rights of Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. and/or its affiliates is located here. Key Information Documents for certain products covered by the EU Packaged Retail and Insurance-based Investment Products Regulation can be accessed on the relevant exchange website under the heading "Key Information Documents (KIDS)."

Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 -- Statements in this press release regarding ICE's business that are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements" that involve risks and uncertainties. For a discussion of additional risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see ICE's Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings, including, but not limited to, the risk factors in ICE's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, as filed with the SEC on February 6, 2025.

ICE Data Indices, LLC is the administrator of the indices referenced herein. Additional important information regarding these indices, including methodologies, limitations, and disclaimers, can be found at indices.ice.com. Neither any investment product mentioned herein (the "Product"), nor the issuer of such Product, as applicable, are sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by ICE, its affiliates or their third-party suppliers ("ICE and its Suppliers"). ICE and its Suppliers make no representations or warranties regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in any investment product based on an index. Past performance of an index is not an indicator of or a guarantee of future results.

Category: Fixed Income and Data Services

SOURCE: Intercontinental Exchange

About InnovestX

InnovestX Securities Co., Ltd. (INVX), a subsidiary of SCBX , is a leading multi-asset investment platform committed to unlocking the financial potential of Thai investors for sustainable long-term growth. Founded in 1995, InnovestX offers a comprehensive range of investment solutions across digital platforms and licensed advisory services, providing access to Thai and global equities, mutual funds, digital assets and other asset classes. With a vision to become the most trusted and preferred investment partner in Thailand, InnovestX empowers investors to confidently capture opportunities across market cycles with transparency, global connectivity and care.







View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251130023707/en/









Contact

ICE Media Contact:Damon Leavell[email protected] (212) 323-8587[email protected]

ICE Investor Contact:Katia Gonzalez[email protected]







 2025 Business Wire, Inc.Disclaimer:This press release is not a document produced by AFP. AFP shall not bear responsibility for its content. In case you have any questions about this press release, please refer to the contact person/entity mentioned in the text of the press release.
Press Release from Business Wire: Antom



(AFP) Dec 01, 2025



SINGAPORE, Dec 1, 2025 (BSW) - Antom, a leading merchant payment and digitisation services provider under Ant International, today announced major upgrades to Antom Copilot, its industry-first AI agent designed for merchant payment and operations management.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251130027598/en/

Antom Copilot supports a wide range of merchant payment operations and responds to early signs of issues with tailored recommendations.



Integrated into the Antom Merchant Portal, Antom Copilot now provides enhanced automation and tailored assistance based on learnings from real-world cases, to help merchants handle payment complexity more efficiently. Main features include:

-- Agentic support for entire payment lifecycle, from onboarding and integration, to dispute handling, risk control and payment success rate operation;

-- Domain-trained intelligence functions like a virtual team of payment experts to manage traditionally resource-intensive processes with shorter processing time and less costs;

-- Better resolution performance in real, multi-step operational scenarios, supported by improved multi-turn dialogue and memory capabilities;

-- Closer monitoring of operational signals enables the pre-emptive capture of risks and opportunities, rather than waiting for merchants to raise issues.

As a result, Antom Copilot is able to learn each merchant's business rhythm and deliver proactive and nuanced advice across their payment- related operations.

Antom Copilot runs on an upgraded agentic retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) architecture with dynamic standard operating procedures (SOP) planning. Within one year of its launch in 2024, 72% of Antom merchants has completed self-service integration with Antom Copilot. It has reduced merchant payment integration time by 90% and improved dispute-handling efficiency by 46%.

"Managing payments doesn't have to be a passive and low ROI process of solving problems for merchants," said Gary Liu, CEO of Antom, Ant International. "Today, our goal is to put advanced AI efficiency tools at the fingertip of every merchant in daily operations at lower cost, turning what large enterprises achieve through dedicated teams into accessible tools for all."

Recently, Antom also launched EPOS360, an AI-powered app bringing together point-of-sale (POS) system, payments, banking, lending, and growth support together to help SMEs move from setup to scale efficiently.

Antom Copilot represents Ant International's commitment to advancing agentic payment innovations to support an AI-powered future of commerce. Building on its expertise, in 2025, Ant International expanded partnerships with industry leaders on developing new agent protocols and initiatives.

"Ant International is focusing on building domain-specific agentic AI that solves global payment complexity for merchants," said Jiangming Yang, Chief Innovation Officer, Ant International. "We train and tune AI agents using deep industry know-how and a large set of anonymized complex cases, and evolve new agent protocols to ensure agents solve tasks in efficient orchestration."

About Antom

Ant International's Antom is the leading payment and digitisation services provider for merchants around the world. It offers unified, vertical-specific digital payment solutions to serve businesses of all sizes. Antom supports merchants to integrate over 300 payment methods, enabling them to connect with consumers in more than 200 markets, with the flexibility to accept payments in more than 100 currencies. Beyond payments, it provides digital marketing solutions and merchant digitisation services to help merchant streamline operations and enhance customer engagement. To learn more, please visit https://www.antom.com/.







View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251130027598/en/









Contact

Media contact:[email protected]







 2025 Business Wire, Inc.Disclaimer:This press release is not a document produced by AFP. AFP shall not bear responsibility for its content. In case you have any questions about this press release, please refer to the contact person/entity mentioned in the text of the press release.
Press Release from Business Wire: L&T Technology Services



(AFP) Dec 01, 2025



CHICAGO, Dec 1, 2025 (BSW) - L&T Technology Services (BSE: 540115, NSE: LTTS),a global leader in AI, Digital & R&D Consulting Services, today announced the development of a next-gen AI-powered digital twin platform for respiratory diagnostics and lung navigation.

Combining LTTS' expertise in platform engineering, AI-driven diagnostics, connected health systems and advanced imaging and visualization with cutting-edge NVIDIAAI infrastructure, LTTS aims to deliver scalable, low-latency solutions that enhance diagnostic precision and improve accessibility for healthcare providers worldwide.

To be unveiled at the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) 2025, the LTTS solution integrates with CT imaging and leverages deep learning models to create a 3D digital twin of lung anatomy, providing visualization of airways, blood vessels, lung lobes and lesions. Powered by NVIDIA MONAI for medical image segmentation and NVIDIA TensorRT for optimized AI inference, the biological digital twin enables interactive visualization, precise path planning and navigation support for bronchoscopy, helping clinicians navigate complex procedures with greater efficiency.

LTTS' deep domain engineering expertise in medical imaging and proprietary navigation systems ensures the platform transforms the snapshots taken into living breathing models that evolve with the patient, delivering intuitive, clinically meaningful simulations that mirror real-world anatomy. This helps transform surgical planning and advancing care for serious conditions such as lung cancer, COPD and infectious diseases.

"AI is reshaping what's possible in diagnostics and medical technology," saidAlind Saxena, Executive Director and President of Mobility and Tech at L&T Technology Services."Our collaboration with NVIDIA combines LTTS' expertise in AI-driven diagnostics and predictive analytics, with NVIDIA's powerful, modeling and visualization platform. This lets us engineer a digital twin platform that not only enhances diagnostic accuracy but also gives clinicians an immersive, real-time planning tool ultimately helping deliver better outcomes for patients around the world."

"Working with LTTS to accelerate the development of AI-enabled medical technology demonstrates how NVIDIA is empowering the healthcare industry with accelerated computing and AI innovation," said David Niewolny, Director of Business Development for Healthcare/Medical at NVIDIA."LTTS is enabling transformative solutions that bring the vision of real-time AI and biological digital twins powered by NVIDIA to clinical practice - delivering interactive, real-time visualization and intelligent guidance to help clinicians provide higher-quality care and achieve better outcomes for patients."

About L&T Technology Services Ltd

L&T Technology Services (LTTS) is a global leader in AI, Digital & ER&D Consulting Services. A listed subsidiary of Larsen & Toubro (L&T), we offer design, development, testing, and sustenance services across products and processes.

Purposeful. Agile. Innovation. is how we drive growth across the Mobility, Sustainability and Tech segments. Our customer base includes 69 Fortune 500 companies and 57 top ER&D companies across industrial products, medical devices, transportation, telecom & hi-tech, and process industries. Headquartered in India, we have over 23,670 employees across 23 global design centers, 30 global sales offices, and 105 innovation labs, as of September 30, 2025.

For more information, please visit https://www.LTTS.com/







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Contact

Media:Aniruddha BasuL&T Technology Services LimitedE: [email protected]







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Press Release from Business Wire: MVNO Europe



(AFP) Dec 01, 2025



BRUSSELS, Dec 1, 2025 (BSW) - This is the warning that MVNO Europe - through its President Jacques Bonifay - has issued to the European Commission in an open letter to Ursula von der Leyen and Vice-President Henna Virkkunen . As discussions on the Digital Networks Act (DNA) enter their decisive phase, the association, which brings together alternative mobile operators in Europe, points out that the EU's digital ambition can only be achieved if competition remains a structuring principle, not an adjustment variable.

While some players are calling for "necessary" consolidation in the sector, MVNO Europe warns against a simplistic and economically dangerous vision. "Reducing the number of operators has never guaranteed innovation, access for European industries, or fair conditions for new digital services. On the contrary, the historical driver of European competitiveness has always been the diversity of players, models, technologies and services," says Jacques Bonifay, President of MVNO Europe and CEO of Transatel.

Regularly recognised for their customer satisfaction, MVNOs are essential drivers of this diversity. However, they continue to face restrictive practices that limit their access to networks, hamper their ability to innovate and slow down the development of a truly single European market for connectivity. In his letter to the Presidency of the European Commission, Jacques Bonifay stresses that this environment directly hinders the digital transformation of strategic sectors such as the automotive industry, the Industrial Internet of Things, cross-border services and connected infrastructure.

To avoid this scenario, MVNO Europe calls on the Commission to strictly maintain the pillars of the existing framework: non-discrimination obligations in spectrum licences (Article 52(2) of the EECC), maintenance of the relevant market and significant market power (SMP) regime, and harmonisation of definitions for IoT, M2M and connected vehicles. The association is also calling for the introduction of guarantees allowing permanent roaming access for industrial services and the possibility for all operators to connect to multiple networks in each Member State, which is essential for the resilience and continuity of critical services such as connected cars and automated production lines.

For MVNO Europe, the message is clear: the DNA must be an accelerator of innovation, not a pretext for a step backwards. Europe will only remain competitive if it protects an open, contestable market that is conducive to investment for all.







View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251201841694/en/









Contact

MVNO Europe pressManuel De Simone (MVNO Europe)[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.
Trump says will 'look into' supposed follow-on strike on alleged drug boat



Washington, Dec 1 (AFP) Dec 01, 2025



President Donald Trump said Sunday he would look into reports that 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.

Trump also said he "wouldn't have wanted" a second strike on the vessel from the incident on September 2 -- the first publicized operation in a series of attacks in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific that Washington says are aimed at combatting the drug trade.

In that incident, the US military saw two survivors of an initial strike clinging to the burning vessel, and proceeded to strike the boat again, The Washington Post reported.

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.

Trump defended Hegseth, telling reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday: "I'm going to find out about it, but Pete said he did not order the death of those two men."

When asked if he would have wanted a second attempt to kill the survivors, Trump said: "We'll look into it, but no, I wouldn't have wanted that -- not a second strike. The first strike was very lethal."

Hegseth has dismissed the reports as "fake news."

Since September, US air strikes have targeted alleged drug-trafficking boats in the Caribbean Sea and the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing at least 83 people.

Trump's administration has offered no concrete evidence to back up the allegations behind its campaign, and numerous experts have questioned the legality of the operations.

UN Human Rights chief Volker Turk has urged Washington to investigate the strikes' legality, saying there was "strong evidence" they constitute "extrajudicial" killings.

The top Republican and Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, Mike Rogers and Adam Smith, said in a statement Saturday that they were "taking bipartisan action to gather a full accounting of the operation in question."

Their Senate counterparts issued a similar statement late Friday.

Late Sunday, Hegseth posted a mockup cover of a book featuring the children's character Franklin the Turtle, entitled "Franklin Targets Narco Terrorists."

The turtle, wearing a US military vest, is shooting from a helicopter at boats crewed with armed men.

"For your Christmas wish list," he wrote on his personal account on X.
Taiwan says test flights of US fighter jets to start this month



Taipei, Dec 1 (AFP) Dec 01, 2025



Test flights of US F-16V fighter jets built for Taiwan will start this month, a Taiwanese Air Force official said Monday, but warned of "very serious delays" in delivery.

The $8 billion deal for 66 warplanes was approved during US President Donald Trump's first term in the White House, with delivery scheduled for 2026.

Speaking in parliament, Air Force Chief of Staff Lee Ching-jan said flight tests of the new fighters would be carried out "earlier" than planned this month.

"For now, 54 aircraft have entered the assembly line, compared with 50 in October. The progress is being accelerated," Lee said.

Defence Minister Wellington Koo said last month that Lockheed Martin, the US defence contractor building the jets, had ramped up production, running two shifts every weekday.

"There are 50 aircraft on the assembly line at the same time, and some airframes have already completed structural assembly," Koo said.

But Koo said it would be "challenging" for all the aircraft to be delivered in 2026.

Taiwan is seeking to strengthen its defences to deter China, which claims the democratic island is part of its territory and has threatened to use force to annex it.

The F-16V -- a fourth-generation multi-role fighter -- is a significantly upgraded version of Taiwan's ageing F-16 A/B jets. Taiwan completed upgrades of 141 older F-16s to the V standard in late 2023.

The United States does not have formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, but Washington remains Taipei's most important backer and biggest arms supplier.

It has sold billions of dollars in weapons to Taiwan -- including fighter jets, missiles, and warships -- as part of its commitment to help the island maintain sufficient self-defence capabilities.
URCS volunteers set up aid station in Dnipro at site of Russian missile strike

Photo: https://www.facebook.com/RedCrossUkraine

Volunteers of the Ukrainian Red Cross Society (URCS) set up an aid station in the city of Dnipro at the site of a missile strike by Russian occupiers.

"Volunteers of the URCS Emergency Response Unit in Dnipropetrovsk region provided aid at the site of the strike on the Dnipro River... An aid station is currently operating at the site," the society said on Facebook on Monday.

The volunteers provided first aid to the victims and handed them over to ambulance crews for further hospitalization.

At the aid station, the Dnipro city organization of the URCS provides the victims with water, blankets, and hot drinks. If necessary, first aid and psychological support is provided.

As reported, Russia's attack on Dnipro on Monday left four people dead and 40 injured (the vast majority in hospitals, 11 wounded in serious condition).
Trump says will 'look into' reported double-tap strike on alleged drug boat



Washington, Dec 1 (AFP) Dec 01, 2025



US President Donald Trump said Sunday he would "look into" claims the military conducted a follow-up strike that killed survivors on a boat in the Caribbean, part of Washington's anti-drug raids that have heightened tensions with Venezuela.

The United States is piling pressure on Caracas with a major military buildup in the Caribbean, the terror designation of a presumed drug cartel run by President Nicolas Maduro, and an ominous warning from Trump that Venezuelan airspace is "closed."

In the most recent controversy, The Washington Post reported last week that in an operation in early September, US forces hit a boat after seeing two survivors of an initial strike clinging to the burning vessel.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had ordered troops 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.

Trump defended Hegseth, arguing the reports were false.

"I'm going to find out about it, but Pete said he did not order the death of those two men," the president told reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday.

When asked if he would have wanted a second attempt to kill the survivors, Trump said: "We'll look into it, but no, I wouldn't have wanted that -- not a second strike. The first strike was very lethal."

Hegseth has dismissed the reports as "fake news."

Washington says the aim of the military deployment that began in September is to curb drug trafficking in the region, but Caracas insists regime change is the ultimate goal.

Trump confirmed on Sunday he had recently spoken with Venezuela's Maduro.

"I wouldn't say it went well or badly. It was a phone call," Trump said.



- Aid from OPEC? -



The New York Times reported on Friday that Trump and Maduro had discussed a possible meeting, while The Wall Street Journal said Saturday that the conversation also included conditions of amnesty if Maduro were to step down.

Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin said Sunday on CNN's "State of the Union" talk show that the United States has offered Maduro the chance to leave his country for Russia or elsewhere.

Washington accuses Maduro, the political heir to Venezuela's late leftist leader Hugo Chavez, of heading the "Cartel of the Suns" and has issued a $50 million reward for his capture.

But Venezuela and its supporters insist no such organization even exists.

The United States also does not recognize Maduro as the legitimate winner of last year's presidential election.

Though Trump has not publicly threatened to use force against Maduro, he said in recent days that efforts to halt Venezuelan drug trafficking "by land" would begin "very soon."

Venezuela says it has requested assistance from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), of which it is a member, to help "stop this (American) aggression, which is being readied with more and more force."

The request came in a letter from Maduro to the group, read by Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, who is also Venezuela's oil minister, during a virtual meeting of OPEC ministers.

Washington "is trying to seize Venezuela's vast oil reserves, the biggest in the world, by using military force," Maduro wrote in the letter.



- 'Extrajudicial executions' -



Since September, US air strikes have targeted alleged drug-trafficking boats in the Caribbean Sea and the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing at least 83 people.

Trump's administration has offered no concrete evidence to back up the allegations of drug trafficking behind the campaign, and numerous experts have questioned the legality of the operations.

The head of Venezuela's legislature, Jorge Rodriguez, said he met Sunday with relatives of Venezuelans killed in the strikes.

When asked about the report about Hegseth's order, he said: "If a war had been declared and led to such killings, we would be talking about war crimes."

"Given that no war has been declared, what happened... can only be characterized as murder or extrajudicial executions."

The steady US military buildup has seen the world's largest aircraft carrier deployed to Caribbean waters, while American fighter jets and bombers have repeatedly flown off the Venezuelan coast in recent days.

Six airlines have canceled services to Venezuela, but on Sunday, the airport in Caracas was functioning as usual.

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Cameroonian opposition figure Anicet Ekane dies in detention



Yaounde, Dec 1 (AFP) Dec 01, 2025



Cameroonian opposition figure Anicet Ekane died in detention in Yaounde on Monday morning, the vice president of his party told AFP.

The left-wing nationalist politician was arrested in Douala on October 24, on the eve of the publication of presidential election results that returned 92-year-old Paula Biya to power for an eighth mandate.

Ekane was close to fellow opposition figure Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who contested Biya's 43-year grip on power in the October 12 election.

"Anicet Ekane died this morning in Yaounde, where he had been transferred after his arrest at the end of October in Douala," Valentin Dongmo of the African Movement for the New Independence of Cameroon (Manidem) party said.

The exact circumstances of Ekane's death remain unclear.

"Anicet Ekane was arrested in Douala and then transferred to Yaounde, where he was held at the State Defence Secretariat (SED). It was there that his health began to deteriorate," according to Dongmo.

"We repeatedly alerted the authorities, including the military court administration, requesting that Anicet Ekane be transferred to a hospital with the appropriate facilities for better care, but our requests did not receive a favourable response," he said.

He added that "just yesterday" (Sunday), Ekane's supporters had called for a "medical evacuation".

Ekane and other political leaders were arrested for publicly supporting Bakary's self-proclaimed presidential victory ahead of the publication of official results.

Manidem had denounced the "arbitrary" arrests aiming to "intimidate" Cameroonians.

According to political analyst Stephane Akoa, the SED, an administrative unit attached to the defence ministry, has allowed the political system to "maintain strict control over VIP detainees or those considered as such", without guaranteeing them "better treatment."

Akoa added that the death of Ekane "crudely reminds us that detention conditions in Cameroon are extremely poor, including "in some cases a disregard for human rights", despite international conventions the country has ratified.

The defence ministry said in a statement Monday it denied any negligence, insisting "he was appropriately cared for by the medical staff".

The ministry noted an investigation has been opened to "precisely determine the circumstances of death".

Born in Douala in 1951, Ekane joined the Union of the Peoples of Cameroon (UPC) party in 1973, which he then quit to create Manidem in 1995.

In February 1990, he and other members of the Yondo Black group were arrested. He was convicted at a military trial before being pardoned several months later.

Ekane led Manidem for several years and ran as its presidential candidate in 2004 and 2011.

His death has triggered a groundswell of reactions on social media.
Residents say 40 killed in alleged army strike in southern Sudan



Port Sudan, Sudan, Dec 1 (AFP) Dec 01, 2025



At least 40 people were killed in southern Sudan, two people who took part in the burials said Monday, in a strike that paramilitaries and a human rights group blamed on the army.

The Rapid Support Forces and their ally in the southern Kordofan region, the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North, led by Abdelaziz al-Hilu, accused the army of striking the village of Komo on Saturday.

The Emergency Lawyers, a human rights group that documents atrocities on both sides of Sudan's 31-month war, said "an army air strike" targeted the village's nursing school, "killing dozens of students".

"We heard that a plane bombed Komo and we rushed over because my cousins are there," Kafi Kalu told AFP from the neighbouring village of Heiban, using a satellite internet connection to circumvent a communications blackout.

"I saw the nursing school was on fire, people were trying to put it out and bury everyone. It took a long time, there were 40 burials."

Another resident of Heiban, Tih Issa, said: "We went to help dig. There was so much death, we dug more than 40 graves."

A Sudanese military source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the army "does not bomb civilians or target civilian infrastructure".

Since the war began in April 2023, the military has been accused of doing both, with strikes attributed to it killing dozens at a time in paramilitary-controlled areas.

The conflict has so far killed tens of thousands, displaced 12 million and created the world's largest hunger and displacement crises.

It has also torn the country apart, with the RSF controlling the entire western Darfur region and, along with the SPLM-N, parts of the south.

The southern Kordofan region, itself nearly the size of France, has seen fierce fighting as the army seeks to push the RSF away from the vital highway linking the capital Khartoum to Darfur, where the military lost its last stronghold in October.

According to United Nations figures, close to 5,000 people were displaced in November from small villages in South Kordofan state due to "heightened insecurity".

The military source said troops in the state were "repelling" RSF and SPLM-N fighters, who he said had "attacked and bombarded several villages with drones".

Anti-government forces now hold a third of the country between Darfur and Kordofan, as well as border access to all but one of Sudan's neighbours, Egypt.

SPLM-N has a historical foothold in Kordofan's Nuba Mountains, and controls areas on the border with Ethiopia further east.

Its main base in Kauda, which houses an airport, is only 130 kilometres (80 miles) from the South Sudanese border.

For most of the war, paramilitary fighters have besieged army garrisons in Kordofan's main cities, including West Kordofan state's Babanusa, which the RSF accused the military of attacking on Monday.
Iraq invites US companies to bid on oil field run by Russia's Lukoil



Baghdad, Dec 1 (AFP) Dec 01, 2025



Iraq's oil ministry announced on Monday that it had invited US companies to bid on an oil field which had been operated by the now American-sanctioned Russian company Lukoil for years.

The oil ministry said in a statement it had taken "all necessary measures to directly and exclusively invite several major American oil companies... to submit bids" to take over the management of the West Qurna 2 in southern Iraq, which is one of the world's largest oil fields according to Lukoil.

An oil ministry official told AFP "the winner takes over as operator instead of Lukoil".

The ministry added that "transferring management of the West Qurna 2 field to an American oil company would benefit mutual interests, strengthen global market stability, and maintain Iraq's oil production".

Lukoil was awarded the contract to develop the field in 2009, and five years later it started production, according to the Russian company's website.

US President Donald Trump announced in October sanctions against Russian oil majors Lukoil and Rosneft, which came into force on November 21.

Those moves -- the most powerful by Trump against Russia over the Ukraine war -- have already seen major buyers of Russian oil scramble to find alternative suppliers.

In recent weeks, reports emerged in Iraq about Lukoil's ability to continue running the West Qurna 2 field.

Several oil experts told AFP that US oil giant ExxonMobil might be the one to replace Lukoil, but the company declined AFP's request for comment.

In October, ExxonMobil returned to Iraq after a two-year absence, reaching an initial agreement that could pave the way for developing the Majnoon field in the southern province of Basra.

Authorities in oil-rich Iraq, which recently regained a semblance of stability, hope to attract investment, notably from US companies, across various sectors of the economy.

Iraq is a founding member of the OPEC cartel, and crude oil sales make up 90 percent of the country's budget revenues. It currently exports 3.4 million barrels per day.

ak-cbg-rh/dcp
Venezuela does not want 'a slave's peace': Maduro on US military threat



Caracas, Dec 1 (AFP) Dec 01, 2025



Venezuela does not want "a slave's peace," President Nicolas Maduro told thousands of supporters Monday about a US military deployment he said has been "testing" his country for months.

US President Donald Trump has ramped up pressure on Maduro with a major naval build-up in the Caribbean, launching strikes on suspected drug-ferrying boats and making ominous warnings to avoid Venezuelan airspace.

"We want peace, but peace with sovereignty, equality, freedom! We do not want a slave's peace, nor the peace of colonies!" Maduro said at a rally in Caracas, even as Trump was set to meet his top national security officials to discuss Venezuela.

The United States has moved the world's largest aircraft carrier and other warships to Latin America and designated an alleged drug cartel run by Maduro as a terrorist group.

Since September it has launched strikes on boats in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean that have killed at least 83 people without providing proof they were drug runners.

Rights groups say the strikes are illegal regardless of whether the targets were traffickers or not.

Washington says the aim of the military deployment is to curb drug trafficking in the region, but Caracas insists regime change is the ultimate goal, and Maduro has ramped up his own military readiness.

"We have endured 22 weeks of aggression that can be described as psychological terrorism, 22 weeks during which they have tested us. The people of Venezuela have demonstrated their love for the homeland," he said on Monday.

Over the weekend, Trump upped the ante by warning Venezuelan airspace should be considered "closed," raising fears of imminent military action.

Trump said Sunday he had recently spoken with Maduro for the first time since returning to office in January, but would not give details. Maduro has repeatedly said he is ready to talk to Trump face-to-face.

Hundreds of regime supporters marched in Caracas Monday, denouncing US "threats" against the country torn by economic strife and political unrest.

"We are a free homeland, we do not want war, we want peace!" protester Narciso Torrealba, a 68-year-old community leader, told AFP.

"We are ready to dialogue with whoever we need to, but never to renounce the sovereignty of our country, never to sell out the homeland," added Cirilo Cazorla, aged 54.
While Paddington is very much the big star, its a remarkable cast all round, with characters allowed to be bigger and broader than in the film. Bonnie Langford is really the only name here as Mrs Bird, doing what she does best (i.e. splits and cartwheels) even if her Scottish accent takes a little tour of the Highlands every so often. Tom Edden brings mean old stickler Mr Curry to life perfectly with nasal voice and oily hair, vying with Amy Booth-Steel for comedy scene-stealer - though I think Booth-Steel pips it in her peripheral roles as various jobsworths, especially the insufferably posh head of the Geographers Guild who pronounces member as mumbur and offers some of the funniest moments of the show. Its all a little bit naughtier than the film, not quite in panto territory but not far off, especially Victoria Hamilton-Barritts gleefully wicked villain Millicent, whose opening moments see her shoot a pigeon with a crossbow.
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Alicia Kearns MP, chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Arbitrary Detention and Hostage Affairs, said: Jagtars family are at their wits ends. Their loved one has been moved to a prison so dangerous and inhumane that the Government wont allow Indian criminals to be extradited to it.
The outcome of this kangaroo court is as predictable as it is unjustified. I hope this so-called verdict will be treated with the contempt it deserves. My focus has always been my constituents in Hampstead and Highgate and I refuse to be distracted by the dirty politics of Bangladesh.
Darren Jones, Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister, told BBC Breakfast: This is a private matter for Tulip to talk to but my understanding is a trial took place in Bangladesh that she was not part of, she had tried to engage with questions from the Bangladeshi government but was not allowed to do so and has concluded that this is more of a political situation than a legal situation.
Macron: Ukraine is the only one who can discuss territorial issue

French President Emmanuel Macron stated that only Ukraine can conduct territorial negotiations in the context of ending the war.

"Russia must stop its aggression. It hasn't given a single signal, not a single piece of evidence to that effect. Only Ukraine can negotiate over territory. It's its territory. It's recognized by international law and is sovereign," Macron said at a joint press conference with his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in Paris on Monday.

He emphasized that the United States has assumed the role of mediator, and he "highly appreciates" the work being carried out by the American team under the leadership of US President Donald Trump.

"When we talk about security guarantees, they cannot be discussed or negotiated without the participation of Ukrainians," the president stated.

Macron also emphasized the unacceptability of the non-participation of "Europeans and all allies of the Coalition of the Willing, as they are the guarantors."
The magic of Glossiers You fragrance is that it enhances the wearers natural scent to create an entirely personalised aroma that is different for each person - a feat also achieved by Another 13. It is formulated with some similar notes, namely ambrox that is combined with a similar freshness element of a white flower. Both fragrances have an understated but somehow still statement scent that is alluring and fresh.
Construction continues this spring on Starfactory, a new facility where SpaceX will build rockets and add office space. Marvin Pfeiffer/Staff Photographer Workers paint the Starbase carpark a fresh coat of grey paint at SpaceXs production facility, on Tuesday afternoon, June 18, 2024, in Cameron County, Texas. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News SpaceXs Starbase production facility is seen behind houses along St. Jude Street in June. Sam Owens/Staff photographer A construction site for the newest SpaceX building and expanding the ever growing footprint of the company near Boca Chica Beach on Wed, Jan 15, 2025, in Brownsville, Texas. Since the arrival of the SpaceX project in South Texas, construction along the main road leading to Boca Chica Beach have been an ever present sight. Locals have complained that the once quiet slice of nature outside of Brownsville has gotten much more hectic. Christopher Lee/Staff Photographer New buildings that are under construction for SpaceX employees and affiliates in Starbase, Texas on Thursday, August 28, 2025. Christopher Lee/Staff Photographer

While its explosive growth has pumped billions into the South Texas economy, SpaceX is racking up millions in unpaid bills and a bundle of lawsuits from the companies doing the work.

After more than doubling last year, the value of liens filed against the commercial space companys property at Starbase stabilized at nearly $5.8 million through most of 2025.

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The most expensive liens and lawsuits stemming from claims of unpaid work again are those filed by Alpha Building Corp., a San Antonio-based general contractor.

A Hearst Newspapers review of Texas property records found at least 53 contractors  eight in San Antonio  filed 118 liens against the Elon Musk-led company since March 2022. Their total value is up slightly from $5.5 million in February, the last time the newspapers analyzed the records. Since then, SpaceX settled 13 and gained another 13, including one from a Northeast Side crane company.

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At least 80 of the liens against SpaceX remain open. Most were filed in Cameron County, where the company has been developing its giant Starship rocket at Starbase. Several others have been filed in Bastrop County, where SpaceX manufactures Starlink satellite internet terminals, and in McLennan County, where the firm has an engine test facility at McGregor.

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Though its unclear whether the money is owed by SpaceX, its general contractors or subcontractors, landowners are ultimately responsible for unpaid construction bills on their properties under Texas law. The liens are a legal mechanism for contractors and suppliers to secure their claims.

Lawsuits

The largest claims relate to a project led by Alpha Building Corp., which had deals to build 18 single family homes at Starbase as well as a bathrooms and break rooms at the Starship launch site.

Alpha and its subcontractors filed at least 27 liens related to those projects. It released $2 million in claims against SpaceX in September, but most of the others remain open, including a $2.2 million lien from A&O Des Build, an Alpha subcontractor based in Edcouch.

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READ MORE: SpaceX booster explodes during ground testing in South Texas

At least six of the claims in Cameron County have led to civil lawsuits against SpaceX, including a breach of contract suit filed by Alpha. Additional suits from Alphas subcontractors target both it and SpaceX.

In its case, Alpha alleged it didnt get access to the construction site for the homes in time to meet the projects timeline and SpaceX terminated the deal citing schedule delays.

Alpha claimed it wasnt paid, but a source close to the case said the contractor received $4.7 million from SpaceX during the project and was fired for failing to pay its subcontractors.

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That case went to arbitration in July 2024 and remains open.

A&O Des Build sued Alpha, SpaceX and Dogleg Park, LLC  SpaceXs property-buying shell company  for $2.2 million for its work on the home project. It alleges A&O completed its work but was never paid by Alpha or Sapphire Construction Group, LLC, another San Antonio-based subcontractor on the project. That case is ongoing.

Another of Alphas vendors, CMC Construction Services, sued Alpha, its CEO Jonathan Rogero and SpaceX in Cameron county in September for $30,563 unpaid bills on the Starbase housing project. CMC has offices in Helotes and San Antonio.

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Two other cases, from Continental Refrigeration of Edinburg and Brownsvilles RZB Inc., were dismissed.

New claims

The 13 new liens against SpaceX property since February total $2.3 million. Most are for various projects across Starbase and include costs for labor, equipment rentals and materials such as concrete, roofing supplies and HVAC equipment.

They include one from Converse-based Howell Crane & Rigging, Inc., which filed a $380,194 lien in October for providing crane services at SpaceXs Massey test site.

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Austin-based Stripe It Up, LLC, filed two lien claims worth a combined $86,459 for pavement striping, signage and concrete work it provided at SpaceXs Starlink factory in Bastrop.

The total amount SpaceX owes is probably less than $5.8 million because both general and subcontractors can file liens for the same work. Liens for the larger prime contracts likely include whats owed to the subcontractors.

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For example, Alpha filed liens for the nearly $2 million it says its owed but its subcontractors have filed claims related to work that was part of the larger Alpha contracts.
Michael Dell talks with Patrick Moorhead during a 2024 SXSW panel. Ricardo B. Brazziell/American-Statesman

An Austin tech mogul has landed on a new list of the nations most generous givers. And its not the worlds richest man.

Michael Dell and wife Susan are the top Texans on Forbes magazines ranking of the top 25 philanthropists in America.

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The Michael & Susan Dell Foundations biggest commitments of 2024 went towards charter schools in the U.S., Forbes said. Notably, they pledged $100 million to the Charter School Growth Fund, which currently serves more than 600,000 students, to help build new school facilities and provide other support.

As of the end of 2024, the Dells had donated about $2.85 billion, representing about 2.6% of their net worth, which is about $109.6 billion.

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Beyond their donations to charter schools, the Dells also put $1.5 billion into their foundation and another half billion dollars into their donor-advised fund, but didnt disclose to Forbes how much that fund disbursed last year.

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The Austin couple landed at No. 17 on the list, directly behind eBay founder and former Chairman Pierre Omidyar and his wife, Pam, who have donated $3 billion in their lifetimes, or 22% of their net worth.

Dell, the founder and CEO of Round Rock-based Dell Technologies Inc., is the 10th richest person in America, according to the Forbes 400 list released in September.

To make its philanthropy ranking, Forbes looks at total lifetime giving of U.S. citizens through the end of 2024 and that total giving as a percent of net worth. The outlet does not count pledges that have yet to be paid out or money put in foundations or funds that have yet to do any good.

Warren Buffett and his family were at the top of the list, having donated $62 billion, or 30% of his net worth, in his lifetime. Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates followed at No. 2.

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Other notable Texans on the list included John and Laura Arnold, who had given away more than $2 billion, representing more than 40% of their net worth, which currently stands at around $2.9 billion. They previously worked as an energy trader and attorney, respectively, before devoting themselves to philanthropy. They came in at No. 23.
Austin ISD sends half of its property tax revenue to the state under the recapture program. Mikala Compton/American-Statesman

While the largest portion of any Austinites property tax bill goes toward the local school district, almost half of what a local homeowner pays toward education actually leaves Austin, through a decades-old program called recapture.

This system, sometimes called Robin Hood, pulls funds from school districts with high property values  like Austin  and redistributes the money to other Texas school districts that cant raise enough funding locally to educate their students.

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Created in 1993, the recapture system is expected to collect about $2.3 billion from 192 school districts this fiscal year, according to the Texas Education Agency. In 1994, only 34 of Texas roughly 1,000 districts paid $131 million for redistribution.

The Austin school district will send this year about $629 million to the states recapture program, representing about half of what local taxpayers pay toward schools.

What does property value have to do with it?

State lawmakers decide how much districts should receive to educate each student. Starting at $6,215 per child  called the basic allotment  the state piles on other costs, or entitlements, to educate children such as special education, bilingual education or transportation in a complicated formula. Funding for schools comes from a combination of locally-raised property taxes and state-supplied dollars.

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Because property values vary widely across the state, school districts can collect vastly different amounts, even if they set the same tax rate. Districts can be property wealthy or property poor regardless of the economic state of the students.

At the low end, the Roscoe Collegiate district  between Midland and Abilene  receives $32,000 in value per weighted student, which is adjusted for state calculations. On the high end, the Wink-Loving district  west of Odessa  receives $29.7 million per weighted child, according to the Texas Taxpayers and Research Association.

How does recapture work?

Districts that collect more property tax revenue than their state-determined need send the excess funds back to the state. These funds get redistributed to other districts that dont collect enough to cover their costs.

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The money collected from recapture makes up a small portion  only about 6%  of total funding for public schools, according to the left-leaning nonprofit Every Texan.

Lockers await students at Covington Middle School during the first day of school Aug. 20. Mikala Compton/American-Statesman

How did the recapture system come about?

Discrepancies between school districts' property wealth launched a series of court cases in the mid-20th century surrounding the Edgewood school district in San Antonio. Lawyers argued that the property-poor Edgewood school district would have to tax at an incredibly high rate to raise anywhere close to the same money as a wealthy school district across town in property-wealthy Alamo Heights.

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The cases culminated in a 1991 Texas Supreme Court ruling that Texas school funding system contained glaring disparities because the 300,000 students in the wealthiest districts have more than eight times the property value to support their education as the 300,000 students in the poorest districts.

Two years later, the Texas Legislature created the modern-day recapture system to ensure all students had access to relatively similar resources regardless of where they lived.

What exactly does recapture allow?

What Texans commonly think of as recapture is actually one of five options that property wealthy districts can use to level out their wealth.

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The most common option is to pay the state attendance credits that are lumped into education funding used to supplement property poor districts.

However, districts could also choose to break away some of their property base to another district with lower property values; contract with another district to educate some of their own students; voluntarily consolidate with another district; or transfer some of its commercial property to another district.

If a district fails to choose one of these options, the state can step in and force a school district to offload taxable property or merge with an adjoining district.

When lawmakers raise the basic allotment or make changes to formulas that grow a school districts entitled pot of funding, districts pay less in recapture. Legislative efforts to reduce tax burden, such as House Bill 3 in 2019, can also reduce how much taxpayers must contribute to the recapture system.

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Which Austin-area districts pay into recapture?

Austin pays the largest dollar amount back to the state of any district by far, an expected $629.1 million this year.

The Pecos-Barstow-Toyah district in the Panhandle area, which pays the second highest dollar amount in recapture, will pay $188.7 million.

However, the Austin district doesnt even make the top five districts when recapture is considered as a portion of total budget. The Glasscock County district, which pays $51.8 million in recapture, devotes 81.1% of its budget to Robin Hood payments.

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Fourteen other Austin-area districts make recapture payments: Smithville, Marble Falls, Dripping Springs, Wimberley, Llano, Pflugerville, Eanes, Lago Vista, Lake Travis, Georgetown, Hutto, Round Rock, Taylor and Leander.
Texas Tech University Chancellor Brandon Creighton previously served as a Republican state senator and authored major legislation that reshapes how Texas universities are governed. Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman

A second major Texas university system is restricting how faculty teach  and students learn  about race and gender in campus lecture halls.

The Texas Tech University System banned courses that advocate for race or gender prejudice or mention more than two genders, according to a memo drafted by the system chancellor on Monday. The Lubbock-based university system also initiated a review of courses related to sexual orientation as part of its compliance with Senate Bill 37, a law that empowers political appointees to make day-to-day decisions at the states public higher education institutions.

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Chancellor Brandon Creighton  a former Republican state Senator, the author of SB 37 and a longtime critic of liberal indoctrination in higher education  issued the guidance as one of his first major acts in his new role.

Creightons memo follows Texas A&M University Systems recent decision to ban courses that advocate for race or gender ideology unless approved by the institutions president or designee. The TAMU regents said they wanted to lead the way in reviewing courses amid distrust in higher education and the recent firing of TAMU Professor Melissa McCoul.

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Texas Tech regents went a step further, clarifying which courses may fall under the restriction, outlining a process of review and initiating a review of courses that concern sexual orientation, as well.

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No law in Texas restricts what universities can teach, and academic freedom experts warn political interference can hurt a universitys ability to educate students successfully. Early drafts of SB 37 outlawed core courses that advocate or promote the idea that any race, sex, or ethnicity or any religious belief is inherently superior to any other, but the language was removed before final passage.

The legislation that did pass gives regents explicit authority to review core courses, degrees and hiring while limiting faculty governance and their say in such decisions.

The course restrictions authorized by Texas Tech University System and Texas A&M University System apply to all courses, not just those students are required to take.

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What does the memo say?

Under the new guidance, faculty at the Texas Tech Systems five institutions cant promote activism on race or sex, teach that individuals are inherently racist because of their race or sex, that one race or sex is better than another or that merit-based hiring  favored by conservatives over diversity, equity and inclusion hiring practices  is racist or sexist.

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If the offending course material is not relevant and necessary for instruction, the content must be removed. If a faculty member believes the content is relevant, the department chair, dean and provost will review the course material with the ultimate decision laying with the board of regents. There is an exception for material required for professional licensure or patient care.

Creighton said the guidelines give faculty who are responsible for reviewing their courses under the new model clarity, consistency, and guardrails that protect academic excellence. He characterized the decision as the first step in an ongoing effort to review and oversee curriculum under SB 37.



This curriculum review under Senate Bill 37 will, in part, ensure each university is offering degrees of value, Creightons memo states.

Why now?

Allegations of advocacy infiltrating the classroom in Texas accelerated in September when a viral video of a childrens literature professor at TAMU circulated online. In the video, a student accused professor Melissa McCoul of breaking the law by teaching that there are more than two genders. The video piqued the attention of the governor, who called for McCouls termination.

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In response, the Texas A&M University System, Texas State University System and the University of Texas System announced course audits across their institutions for mentions of gender identity to ensure compliance with state law, federal guidance and system priorities.

Before Creighton took over as chancellor Nov. 19, Texas Tech University System said it would ban the teaching of more than two genders to comply with House Bill 229, a 2025 Texas law that narrowly defines sex as male or female  though all U.S. major medical organizations recognize the existence of transgender and nonbinary individuals.

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Creighton said SB 37  legislation he authored  would strengthen higher education at the systems five universities, which serve 65,000 students annually across the state. The bill gives governor-appointed regents ultimate authority to hold universities accountable to the state and to educational excellence, Creighton said.

The memo said the system relies on facultys willing participation, and that those who dont comply could face punishment.

The Boards responsibility is to safeguard the integrity of our academic mission and maintain the trust of Texans, Texas State University System Chairman Cody Campbell said in a news release. This new framework strengthens accountability, supports our faculty, and ensures that our universities remain focused on education, research, and innovation  core commitments that position the TTU System for continued national leadership.
Claire Osborn covers cops, courts and general assignments in Austin. Her current beat is Williamson County. She covers county commissioners meetings, crime, city councils, health issues and human interest stories. Claire won the Star Breaking News Report of the Year in 2021 from the Texas Associated Press Managing Editors Star Breaking along with two other reporters and a videographer. The story was about Javier Ambler, a black man who died in 2019 in Williamson County after being tased multiple times by sheriff's deputies. The story resulted in charges against authorities for tampering with evidence.
Mercedes Bristol, executive director of Texas Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, shown in 2023 with her grandson Paul Chavez, then 12, in their front yard in San Antonio. Bristol became the primary caretaker of her five grandchildren. Its wonderful that kinship caregivers are getting the same as non-relative caregivers, but its not reaching all the families who need it, she said. Joe Timmerman/Texas Tribune/Texas Tribune

For children experiencing the trauma of being separated from their parents and put in the foster system, the best option is to remain with relatives like grandparents, aunts and uncles.

To its credit, Texas has made strides in recent years to support extended family members who want to be kinship caregivers for their grandchildren, nieces and nephews in the foster care system. Gov. Greg Abbott recently announced the elimination of 195 administrative rules that acted as barriers to the kinship caregiver system  making it easier for extended relatives to become certified caregivers and receive the higher state funding that comes with it. The changes include simplifying the housing inspection process, eliminating unnecessary training requirements and requiring less documentation to administer over-the-counter medications, according to a press release.

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We join advocates, lawmakers and caregivers in applauding the move and other recent efforts to increase financial supports for kinship caregivers, whom experts have called the backbone of child welfare systems. About 45% of the children in Texas foster care live with relatives. But as Texas continues to grapple with its troubled foster care system  including a shortage of foster beds and a long-running class action lawsuit over the conditions in institutional settings  the state should do more to help keep children with relatives when families weather a crisis.

As much as they love these kids, grandparents and other relatives who become caregivers take on the added costs of a new mouth to feed, new clothes to buy, at a time in their lives when they are living on fixed incomes. They shouldn't have to cut their medications in half, as one kinship caregiver has told us, or go hungry themselves in order to make ends meet.

But state reimbursement rates for kinship caregivers are numerous and confusing. Recent pay scale changes and new programs have raised the daily rate from just $12.67  less than half what non-relative foster parents were paid  to as much as $46.90. But that number still falls far below the threshold of raising a child in todays economy.

The financial technology company SmartAsset puts the annual cost of raising a child in Texas in 2025 at $22,672, which comes out to just over $62 a day. And that number is higher in the Austin metro area, where the daily child rearing cost is more than $66, the highest of Texas metro areas.

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We want kids to be with family, and we want it to be as easy as possible, said JayCee Gesick, director of the Foster and Adopt program at the SAFE Alliance, a local child abuse and domestic violence nonprofit that serves as a child placing agency for the foster care system. The eased rules and revamped pay scale help, she said, but the state needs to provide more financial support to kinship caregivers.

Her organization helps relatives obtain the state certification to receive the higher daily rate by helping with home repairs, training and other requirements. In this way, the state is outsourcing this support to organizations like SAFE, Gesick said.

Chrystal Smith, founder and CEO of Foster Village, said the new program's pay rate, assessments and service packages help kinship caregivers better meet kids needs. But some of the pay rates last only a year, or 18 months for certain good cause circumstances. She also wants to see Texas adopt the federal Kinship Navigator program to help kinship caregivers access state services (it is only a pilot program in select areas now). Smith's organization works to build community support for children and kinship caregivers in the foster system.

When community bridges the inevitable gaps in the system, everyone benefits, she said.

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Still, others warn that those gaps are wide enough for thousands of kids to fall through.

Its wonderful that kinship caregivers are getting the same as non-relative caregivers, said Mercedes Bristol, founder of the advocacy group Texas Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, but its not reaching all the families who need it.

Bristol founded the organization after she experienced firsthand just how difficult it is to raise children later in life when she became a kinship caregiver in 2011 for her five grandchildren. Her group cites data from the public policy advocacy nonprofit Generations United showing that for every child in kinship foster care, 24 live in informal kinship care situations outside of the foster system with no state support at all. The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, which administers the states foster care, reported that as of May 2024, there were 6,545 children in a kinship placement.

How can they say, No child left behind, while those other 24 are not in the system? Bristol said.

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Other financial supports available to kinship caregivers are woefully inadequate. Texas uses much of the federal dollars it receives through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program to plug funding holes in state prekindergarten and child welfare programs, rather than the direct payments to lower income families for which it was designed. Thus, Texas ranks 38th among U.S. states and Washington, D.C., for TANF aid payments, offering just $353 a month for a single-parent family with two children. The states Permanency Care Assistance program, another type of state support for kinship caregivers who take legal custody of relative children but do not fully adopt them, provides $400 to $545 a month.

State Sen. Jose Menendez, a Democrat whose district covers most of San Antonio, has proposed several bills in recent legislative sessions that would equalize pay for kinship caregivers. While he praised the recent rule changes and expressed confidence in the state agencies that regulate foster care, Menendez said he has seen similar reforms get lost in translation or in the implementation, so he is waiting to see how they play out.

A spokesperson for Texas Department of Family and Protective Services said the agency is deeply committed to supporting these caregivers every step of the way and pointed to recent legislation to help kinship caregivers access day care and buy items such as beds, car seats and clothing, in addition to the streamlined licensing process.

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When Abbott made appointments to the newly formed Texas Commission on Marriage and Family earlier this month, the governor said the committees goal is to create an environment favorable for marriage and raising children. An admirable ideal, to be sure. But Texas also needs to properly support the tens of thousands of Texas children who rely on grandma and grandpa for the love and support they need to grow into healthy adults.

These kids deserve the stability of living with family, and Texas must do more to make it easier and financially feasible for kinship caregivers to provide it.
French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed Ukraine's steps in the fight against corruption, stressing that he will not "lecture" Kyiv on these issues.

"Regarding corruption issues, I will let President Zelenskyy answer that. We are very vigilant, but the responsible bodies have been created and strengthened, and they freely carry out their work. The necessary decisions have been made by Ukrainian officials. Is our role to lecture Ukraine? Not at all. We have had our share of such scandals," Macron said at a joint press conference with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Paris on Monday.

According to the French leader, "democracy should be proud of knowing how to solve these problems with the help of an independent judiciary and how to hold all decision-makers accountable, whoever they are."

"I would like to point out that there will never be a problem with corruption in Russia, and this should be a great concern because there is no independent body that deals with these issues," Macron said.

He said that since France is supporting Ukraine, "it is normal that we... look at this, so accountability is needed."

At the same time, Macron said "in any case, the fight against corruption works because open decisions and political decisions are made." "You never see such a decision from the Russian side, because that is where the real dictatorship reigns," the French president said.
Rep. Trey Martinez Fischer (D-San Antonio) conducts an interview Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022 in his Capitol office. Fischer was elected last week to chair the House Democratic Caucus. William Luther/Staff

State Rep. Trey Martinez Fischer will pass on a run for Bexar County district attorney and instead seek another term in the Texas House, he announced Monday.

The San Antonio Democrat had formed an exploratory committee for the local race in November, but decided he cant step away from the Legislature as Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, prepares to pursue aggressive property tax restrictions, he said in a statement.

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Texas State Rep. Trey Martinez Fischer speaks at the launch of Ron Nirenbergs campaign for Bexar County Judge on Saturday November 15 at Backyard on Broadway. Brenda Bazan

Governor Abbott has made it clear that his top priority in the next session is dismantling the tax policies that fund our public education system, Martinez Fischer said. We need a strong, veteran Democratic voice at that table. He also thanked his voters across the county, as well as from fellow elected officials, our legal community, and business leaders for their support.

Martinez Fischer represents District 116, which includes the Prospect Hill neighborhood and the Balcones Heights suburb in Bexar County. With more than two decades of experience in the Legislature, he is the longest-serving Bexar County representative and the vice chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, which shapes tax policy.

Martinez Fischer also chaired the House Democratic Caucus from 2022 to 2024, when he was ousted by state Rep. Gene Wu of Houston. His office said he engaged in tough conversations about how he can best be of service and found theres still work to do as he hopes to set San Antonio up to be a film production hub with a film subsidy program that the Legislature approved this year. Martinez Fischer has also been involved in helping transition oversight of the Alamo to the State Preservation Board.

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I look forward to continuing to represent San Antonio and Bexar County and serving in the Texas House, Martinez Fischer said.

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Abbott is proposing to overhaul Texas property tax system as part of his 2026 reelection bid. He has called for a constitutional amendment to eliminate school property taxes, the main source of funding for public education, and said local governments should have to get the support of two-thirds of their constituents to raise rates.

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French President Emmanuel Macron, at a joint press conference with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Paris, condemned the latest Russian strikes on Ukraine, in particular the attack on Dnipro on Monday.

"I want to start by expressing our full support for President Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian people after the recent attacks directed against Ukraine," he said at a press conference on Monday.

Macron recalled the massive Russian strike on Kyiv recently, and also expressed condolences after the attack on Dnipro on Monday, which also resulted in several civilian casualties.

"These losses are heavy, unbearable, and they also show how Russia is continuing and intensifying the crime of its aggression every day," he added, expressing regret that "at a time when we are talking about peace, Russia continues to kill and destroy."

As reported, four people were killed and 40 injured (the vast majority in hospitals, 11 wounded in serious condition) as a result of Russia's attack on Dnipro on Monday.
Photo: https://www.president.gov.ua/

The aggressor state is making progress on the front lines, but none of its operations have been successful. In particular, Ukrainian Defense Forces have cleared almost all occupiers from the city of Kupyansk in Kharkiv region, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced.

"Certainly, Russia has made some progress; certainly, Russia has launched several offensive actions, several operations. None of these operations have been successful. But, of course, there are difficult battles going on in Pokrovsk itself, and in other areas ... Now I'm saying that they entered Kupyansk, and we, frankly, have cleared out almost all of them," Zelenskyy said during a press conference in Paris on Monday.

He noted that in October, Russians suffered the greatest losses in nearly four years of war25,500 soldiers were killed. Furthermore, the president noted that the war is "frontal" and "changes back and forth."

The head of state also announced several important decisions regarding the equitable staffing of military brigades. Zelenskyy added that Ukraine has also suffered losses, and "we certainly want this war to end, and we have wanted it from the very first day."

"Every day, I feel sorry for the people. The overall question, frankly, isn't about meters or kilometers, but the price of all this. It's not about whether they [the Russians] can advance. The question is that they don't want to stop ... The issue of territory or the issue of advancement is always linked to security guarantees," the president emphasized.

Zelenskyy noted that Ukraine must know exactly when the war will end, so that there are security guarantees for the entire territory, to prevent another invasion.
The U.S. Navy Blue Angels perform for the crowd at the 2024 Cleveland National Air Show. They will return in 2026. (Joshua Gunter via TNS)



CLEVELAND, Ohio (Tribune News Service)  Two members of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels will soar into Cleveland, Ohio on Monday, offering residents an early glimpse of the elite flight team that will headline the 2026 Cleveland National Air Show on Labor Day weekend.

Ronny Hafeza of Redondo Beach, California, and Lilly Montana of Vienna, Virginia, will conduct a flyover in their F/A-18 Super Hornets before landing at Burke Lakefront Airport at about 3:25 p.m. The pilots will meet with air show organizers and supporting agencies as part of a routine pre-season visit.

We are thrilled to host the U.S. Navy Blue Angels for their pre-season visit, said Air Show Executive Director Kim Dell. And we are proud to be a Salute Across America 250 signature event.

Cleveland is one of just 32 U.S. cities selected to host the Blue Angels in 2026. The full six-pilot squadron is scheduled to perform a one-hour, choreographed aerial demonstration during the show Sept. 5 to 7. Fans can expect the iconic Diamond Formation, known for its precise and graceful aerobatics, as well as the high-energy solo maneuvers that showcase the F/A-18s speed and agility.

The most recent appearance of the Blue Angels at the Cleveland National Air Show was in 2024. The F/A-18s visit the show every other year.

2025 Advance Local Media LLC.

Visit cleveland.com.

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Launchers for the Japan Ground Self-Defense Forces Type 03 surface-to-air missile, left, and Type 12 surface-to-ship missile are displayed at Camp Ishigaki on Ishigaki Island, Sept. 17, 2025. (Brian McElhiney/Stars and Stripes)



TOKYO  Japan is considering whether to sell surface-to-air missiles to the Philippines as Tokyo moves to loosen export restrictions and respond to rising security threats in the region, according to a local media report.

Informal discussions between the two U.S. allies have focused on Japans Type 03 medium-range missile, Kyodo News reported Monday, citing anonymous sources.

The system  also known as Chu-SAM  is deployed on Ishigaki Island at the far end of the Nansei chain, positioned to counter Chinas growing military activity near Taiwan and in the East China Sea.

The potential sale comes as the Philippine shifts its military focus from counterinsurgency to external defense after a series of confrontations with China over disputed waters. Last month, the Philippine marine corps unveiled its new BrahMos anti-ship missile system, capable of launching from air, land, sea and underwater and carrying conventional warheads up to 660 pounds.

Manila purchased three BrahMos batteries from India for $320 million in 2022, and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has said the country plans to buy more. The Philippines has also expressed interest in acquiring the Type 03 missiles, which can intercept aircraft and cruise missiles, according to Kyodo.

Japanese troops fired the system in July alongside U.S., Australian, South Korean and Singaporean forces during the Talisman Sabre exercise in Australia.

Air defense systems are a strong candidate for export because they are clearly defensive, said James Brown, an international affairs expert at Temple Universitys Japan campus.

It would, however, be easier to first provide them to a country where they would be unlikely to be used against China, he told Stars and Stripes by email Monday.

Supplying the weapons to the Philippines would intensify tensions between Japan and China, Brown added.

Tensions have already climbed in recent weeks. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said last month that a Chinese naval blockade or other moves against Taiwan could trigger a Japanese military response, prompting sharp criticism from Beijing.

China considers democratic Taiwan  a former Japanese colony  its own territory and has vowed to reunify it with the mainland, by force if necessary.

Given the economic harm that China can do to Japan, [Takaichis] aim will be to take heat out of the relationship, not add to it, Brown said.

Japans ruling Liberal Democratic Party has pledged to work on abolishing longstanding rules that limit defense exports to equipment related to rescue, transport, warning, surveillance and minesweeping.

But obstacles remain, Brown said.

The first is that the restrictions on defense equipment transfers have yet to be changed, he said. The government can certainly do this, but, this being pacifist Japan, it will cause pushback from opposition parties, as well as sections of the press and public.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un supervises a cruise missile test in this image issued by the state-run Korean Central News Agency on Feb. 26, 2025. (KCNA)



North Korea may grow more hostile next year unless diplomacy resumes, the Souths unification minister has warned while urging renewed efforts to restart talks with Pyongyang.

Unification Minister Chung Dong-young delivered the assessment Friday during a session of the parliamentary foreign affairs committee, saying Seoul hopes to mend ties despite rising tensions.

Based on their movements and indications, it seems more likely that they will strengthen their two states policy, he said of Pyongyang, according to a video of the meeting posted on YouTube.

The minister said South Korea must work to clear confrontation, hostility and hate while restoring respect, acceptance, peaceful coexistence and reconciliation.

Chung emphasized that progress depends heavily on coordination with Washington.

Without the resumption of U.S.-North Korea talks, its hard to open South Korea-North Korea relations, he said.

Pyongyang has not responded to outreach since early 2023, when it declared inter-Korean ties to be those between two states hostile to each other.

North Koreas state media on Friday denounced U.S. military activity in the region as gravely threatening to strategic stability on the peninsula. A series of U.S. and South Korean exercises, it said, encroaches on the Norths sphere of security, according to an unsigned commentary on the Korean Central News Agency website.

U.S. Forces Korea defended the drills. Joint exercises ensure the readiness necessary to meet the expectations of those we lead and those we are sworn to protect, according to an email Friday from command spokesman David Kim.

North Korea has carried out a steady run of missile tests this year, including an Oct. 28 launch of a sea-to-surface cruise missile while President Donald Trump was visiting South Korea for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, or APEC, summit and talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Trump repeatedly expressed willingness to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during the trip, though Kim offered no public response.

Trump and Xi are slated to meet again in Beijing in April.
Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te, center, holds a news conference at the Presidential Office Building in Taipei, Taiwan, on Nov. 26, 2025. (I-Hwa Cheng, AFP/Getty Images/TNS)



(Tribune News Service)  Taiwan plans to buy its first weapons for a major air-defense system announced less than two months ago, underscoring Taipeis urgency to get the program online as China escalates its military intimidation.

The Defense Ministry is working with the de facto U.S. embassy to acquire Northrop Grumman Corp.s Integrated Battle Command System so it can link domestically made weapons to it, the Taipei-based United Daily News reported on Monday, without saying where it got the information. The IBCS connects sensors and weapons into one platform that allows for quickly targeting and attacking threats.

The procurement will also include more Patriot PAC-3 systems and upgrades to Taiwans existing Patriot batteries, according to UDN.

When reporters asked Defense Minister Wellington Koo about the reported arms purchase in Taipei, he said he wouldnt comment yet on specific cases. The American Institute in Taiwan said it does not comment on weapons sales until the American Congress has been notified.

President Lai Ching-te said in October that Taiwan would speed up building a system known as T-Dome to protect the self-run democracy from aerial attacks, a move that pushed forward his campaign to better deter China from any invasion. The T-Dome program would provide multi-layered defense, high-level detection and effective interception, he said at the time. His government has provided few details about T-Dome.

Beijing has ramped up its military intimidation of the archipelago in recent years, especially since Lai took office in 2024. China sees Taiwan as lost territory that must be brought under its control, by force if necessary  a stance Taipei firmly rejects. The U.S. is Taiwans main military backer and regularly sells weaponry to the archipelago for its defense.

Last week, Lai said Taiwan plans to spend an extra $40 billion on its defenses via a supplementary military budget. The money for the weapons bought from the U.S. for T-Dome will be partly funded by that budget, the UDN report said.

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Petty Officer 3rd Class Britton Helms collects geospatial engineering data at Helguvik, Iceland, during an exercise in 2022. (U.S. Navy)



Iceland is expanding a NATO fuel storage facility in the countrys southwest amid heightened security concerns and a renewed emphasis by the alliance on the North Atlantic.

The facility is being developed at Helguvik, about five miles from Keflavik International Airport, where U.S. forces sometimes operate. The airport area served as a key NATO surveillance and anti-submarine hub during the Cold War.

The fuel site will include a new berth and fuel storage tanks capable of holding 25,000 cubic meters of maritime fuel, according to a statement released Thursday by the Icelandic government.

NATO is financing the construction, the statement said. The investment is expected to total up to about $67 million, according to the Icelandic daily Morgunbladid, which reported that the new facility will be nearly a quarter mile long.

It is important to strengthen the defense infrastructure and capabilities here in Iceland in order to better ensure support for Allied ships conducting surveillance and operations in the North Atlantic, Foreign Minister Thorgerdur Katrin Gunnarsdottir said in the governments statement.

These facilities are also useful for us and contribute to increased security in terms of fuel supplies and port facilities, she said.

Preparatory work and design for the Helguvik expansion are underway, the government said, with construction scheduled to begin in late 2026 and be completed in 2029.

The announcement coincided with a visit to Iceland by NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, during which senior alliance officials underscored the countrys strategic importance to transatlantic security.

NATO has placed renewed emphasis on securing the North Atlantic, a region long viewed as critical to monitoring Russian naval and air activity and protecting transatlantic supply routes.

Iceland, a founding NATO member, has no standing military and contributes to the alliance through host-nation support and access to strategically located air and maritime facilities. The countrys own defense capabilities are limited to the Icelandic coast guard, which is responsible for maritime security, airspace monitoring and search-and-rescue operations.

The island lies along the Greenland-Iceland-United Kingdom, or GIUK, gap, a key naval and air corridor linking the Arctic to the Atlantic and long viewed as essential to protecting transatlantic sea lanes used to move forces and supplies between North America and Europe.
Photo: https://t.me/GeneralStaffZSU

On the night of November 28, Special Operations Forces (SOF) fighters struck the Shahed attack UAV storage and launch area near Cape Chaudy on the occupied Crimea peninsula.

"On the night of November 28, the deep strike units of the Special Operations Forces successfully struck the Shahed attack UAV storage and launch area near Cape Chaudy, which is on the temporarily occupied territory of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea," the press service said in a statement on the SOF's Telegram channel on Monday.

The statement notes that this area in southern Crimea is used by the occupiers to launch various types of attack UAVs at Ukraine's civilian infrastructure.

"Special operations forces continue to use asymmetric actions to undermine the offensive capabilities of the Russian army," the SOF said in the statement.
An Air Force F-15 fighter jet conducts a show of force exercise near Al-Tanf Garrison, Syria, June 17, 2020. (Christopher Estrada/U.S. Army)



NAPLES, Italy  American military forces working alongside their Syrian counterparts last week discovered and destroyed multiple Islamic State militant weapons caches in southern Syria, according to U.S. Central Command.

During multiple airstrikes and controlled detonations, U.S. military personnel from the Combined Joint Task Force  Operation Inherent Resolve worked with Syrian forces in identifying and eliminating more than 15 ISIS weapons storage facilities across the Rif Dimashq province, CENTCOM said in a statement on Sunday.

This successful operation ensures gains made against ISIS are lasting and the group is not able to regenerate or export terrorist attacks to the U.S. homeland and around the world, Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander, said in the statement.

During the operation, conducted Nov. 24-27, U.S. and Syrian forces destroyed more than 130 mortars and rockets, multiple assault rifles, machine guns and anti-tank mines. They also found and destroyed materials for building improvised explosive devices and illicit drugs, CENTCOM said. The statement did not identify the types of drugs discovered.

We will remain vigilant and continue to aggressively pursue ISIS remnants in Syria, Cooper said.

The U.S. has maintained a contingent of military personnel in Syria for more than a decade, establishing the combined joint task force in 2014 as part of efforts to prevent a resurgence of ISIS in the region.

Last weeks actions follow an early October strike in Syria by U.S. forces that killed a senior al-Qaida-affiliated attack planner.

Days earlier, Cooper announced that the U.S. was stepping in to help reduce the populations of large detention camps in northeast Syria, thought to be incubators for ISIS indoctrination.

The plan included establishing a new process to speed up the repatriation of nearly 29,000 displaced people at the al-Hol and al-Roj camps, as well as the 9,000 ISIS fighters held in nearby prisons, Cooper told delegates at the United Nations in New York in September.

Over the last year, the U.S. has been working to reduce its footprint in Syria by consolidating bases and eventually cutting the number of American troops stationed there to 1,000, according to a Defense Department Inspector General report to Congress in July.

Stars and Stripes reporters Matthew Adams in Washington, D.C., and Lara Korte in Germany contributed to this report.
A photo is displayed of National Guard member Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, one of two National Guard members who were shot in Washington on Wednesday, in Webster Springs, W.Va., Friday, Nov. 28, 2025. (Kathleen Batten/AP)



President Donald Trump on Sunday said hes invited the family of a National Guard member fatally shot last week to the White House, saying he spoke to her parents and they were devastated.

U.S. Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom died after the Wednesday shooting in Washington, D.C., while her seriously injured colleague, U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, remained in critical condition.

The president said hes discussed a White House visit for the parents of both members of the West Virginia National Guard.

I said, When youre ready, because thats a tough thing, come to the White House. Were going to honor Sarah, Trump told reporters. And likewise with Andrew, recover or not.

In recent days, local vigils in West Virginia have honored the soldiers, including one Saturday evening at Webster County High School, where Beckstrom attended classes.

Sarah was the kind of student that teachers hoped for, she carried herself with quiet strength, a contagious smile and a positive energy that lifted people around her, said Gabriel Markle, the schools principal. She was sweet, caring and always willing to help others.

Beckstrom, 20, and Wolfe, 24 were deployed with the West Virginia National Guard as part of Trumps aggressive crime-fighting plan that federalized the D.C. police force.

A 29-year-old Afghan national faces one count of first-degree murder and two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed in the shooting, which prompted the Trump administration to halt all asylum decisions and pause issuing visas for people traveling on Afghan passports.

Funeral arrangements had not been finalized for Beckstrom, according to Cathy Pettry, the owner of Dodd & Reed Funeral Home in Webster Springs. Pettry said Saturday the home has been in contact with Beckstroms family about services.

The hometown crowd, seated in bleachers and folding chairs, lit candles as they heard from clergy and Gov. Patrick Morrisey, who said he had visited Wolfes family earlier in the day.

Wolfe, of Martinsburg, entered service in February 2019. He had graduated from Musselman High School in 2019, according to Berkeley County Schools.

He remained hospitalized and fighting for his life, Morrisey said the following day during an interview with Fox News Channels The Sunday Briefing.

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi told Fox News Sunday that she also planned to meet with Wolfes family.

Morrisey called it a challenging time for the state.

Calling Beckstrom a favorite daughter of Webster County, he said he quickly learned about her reputation as someone with a big heart who loved to serve others. Beckstrom, of Summersville, graduated in June 2023 and enlisted that month. She served with distinction as a military police officer, according to the West Virginia National Guard.

She had a lot of kindness and she certainly had courage, Morrisey told the crowd during Saturdays vigil. Though her life lasted far too short, she has left a mark thats going to last forever.

AP writer Josh Boak contributed from West Palm Beach, Florida.
Afghans arrive to begin in-processing during the State Department-led Operation Allies Welcome at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., in 2021. (Jessica Sanchez-Chen/Operation Allies Welcome-Operation Allies Refuge)



Afghans who assisted U.S. forces during the 20-year Afghan War still should be given the chance to enter the country, advocates say, condemning the State Departments decision to stop issuing visas after the arrest of an Afghan national accused of shooting two National Guard members in Washington last week.

The shooting, which killed Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and critically wounded Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, has renewed scrutiny of a Biden-era program to evacuate Afghans who provided assistance to U.S. diplomats and military personnel in Afghanistan.

Following a social media post from President Donald Trump where he vowed to permanently pause migration from Third World Countries, the State Department on Friday said that it immediately would stop issuing visas for individuals traveling on Afghan passports, which includes those applying for special immigrant visas as part of the relocation program.

The announcement drew immediate ire from advocates who said the administration is using one incident to justify targeting all Afghan allies, who are vetted thoroughly and deserve protection from the Taliban.

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, said Shawn VanDiver, president of #AfghanEvac, in a statement Friday.

Rahmanullah Lakanwal, the 29-year-old Afghan man accused of the shooting, served in a CIA-backed counterterrorism unit during the war.

He was one of more than 190,000 Afghans who have entered the U.S. under Operation Allies Welcome and its successor, Operation Enduring Welcome, according to the State Department. The programs were established in the wake of the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan to support the interpreters, drivers, engineers, fixers and logistics specialists who had worked alongside U.S. partners during the war.

Lakanwal initially entered the U.S. under humanitarian parole in 2021 and underwent recurring vetting as a parolee while he pursued a special immigrant visa, according to #AfghanEvac. He also applied for asylum under the Biden administration and his application was approved in April, under the Trump administration.

In the months leading up to the shooting, community members in the Washington state area where Lakanwal lived said he was suffering from deteriorating mental health, struggling to hold down a job and adjust to life in the U.S., according to reporting from the Associated Press.

Although investigators are still working to determine a motive, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on Sunday told NBCs Meet the Press that officials believe he was radicalized since hes been here in the country.

Trump and other Republicans long have criticized the relocation programs for Afghan allies, saying they allowed tens of thousands of unvetted and unchecked people to enter the country.

Since returning to office, Trump has moved to dismantle the legal pathways for the Afghans entry to the U.S., including defunding Operation Enduring Welcome and stopping all refugee processing.

The new policies virtually have halted the relocation pipeline, leaving hundreds of thousands of Afghans stranded around the world, advocates say. Among those stuck in limbo are more than 3,000 family members of active duty service members, according to #AfghanEvac.

An audit from the Justice Departments inspector general, published in June, found that the FBI effectively screened tens of thousands of Afghan evacuees who came to the U.S. immediately following the collapse of the Kabul government.

Although the need for rapid evacuation increased the potential for bad actors to exploit the system, the inspector general said the Pentagon, State Department and U.S. intelligence community were able to establish a unique, multi-layered vetting system that properly identified and protected against potential threats.

Our hearts are absolutely broken for our Afghan allies, who have already endured more trauma, loss, and sacrifice than most Americans can imagine, VanDiver, the president of #AfghanEvac, said in a statement Friday. They should not have to live in fear because powerful officials see political advantage in undermining their path to safety.
Army Sgt. Clay Stephens, far left, a Nordic Pagan since 2021, said he is unsure whether the military will continue honoring his waiver. (Rayonne Bissant/U.S. Army)



Some service members who wear beards for religious reasons worry the Pentagon may soon target their shaving waivers, a concern driven by recent policy shifts that have already tightened rules for troops with medical exemptions.

The Army, for example, announced in July it would re-evaluate all religious shaving waivers, part of a broader effort expected to extend across the services.

Then, on Sept. 30, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told the nations top generals and admirals that medical shaving waivers would be phased out within a year. The Pentagon also directed each branch to revise religious waiver policies by limiting them to non-deployable roles and requiring annual gas mask fit training.

The U.S. military accommodates beards worn as expressions of faith for adherents of several religions, including Sikhs, Christians, Muslims, Jews, Heathens and Nordic Pagans.

The changes have rattled groups like the Sikh Coalition, which advocates for religious accommodations in the armed forces.

I dont really know how the service is going to try to be harder and stricter on that note of sincerely held religious beliefs, because a lot of individuals, especially in the Sikh faith, practice on a spectrum, Marissa Rossetti, a senior staff attorney for the coalition, said during a Nov. 21 video call. Some individuals do trim a little bit of their facial hair, while some have never in their entire life.

The Defense Department declined to comment on potential changes, saying each service is responsible for its own policies.

Under Pentagon guidance, service members with medical shaving waivers have until next fall to seek treatment to resolve their condition. Many service members granted medical waivers suffer from pseudofolliculitis barbae, a skin condition exasperated by daily shaving that disproportionally affects Black men.

Since 2014, the military has permitted facial hair as an expression of sincerely held beliefs, provided the installations senior officer approves.

A lot of people will say, Were seeing an increase in shaving waivers because the regulations got more lenient, a service member with a shaving wavier said during a Nov. 7 video call on condition of anonymity out of fear of retaliation. Thats not true in any sense. There has always been a method for getting a religious accommodation letter; its not a new thing. What happened was we started teaching people how to take care of themselves medically and spiritually.

The service member, who has 19 years on active duty, said he has helped many others navigate grooming rules and obtain religious waivers.

For some troops, facial hair is central to their faith identity. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jesse Gordon, a contingency response maintenance craftsman and Heathen practitioner since 2019, said his beard is tied to his beliefs.

I want to be steadfast in my faith, he said during a Nov. 21 video call.

Gordon said his beard represents masculinity, fortitude, courage, strength and integrity.

Sure, Im a Heathen, which is a religion that most people do not understand, he said. Just because its not what a massive part of America considers real, doesnt mean it isnt.

Air Force Staff Sgt. Jesse Gordon, a contingency response maintenance craftsman and Heathen practitioner since 2019, said his beard is tied to his beliefs. (Jesse Gordon)



Army Sgt. Clay Stephens of the 101st Airborne Division, a Nordic Pagan since 2021, said he is unsure whether the military will continue honoring his waiver.

I spent the better part of a year and a half studying before I submitted my religious accommodation waiver, he said on a Nov. 6 video call. You need to understand why you need it  why you deserve it  and if you can prove that to the military, you should be able to keep it.
Zelenskyy: After returning to Ukraine, I will hold several consultations on appointment of Presidents Office chief

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced additional consultations on the appointment of the head of the Presidents Office after his return to Ukraine. The choice depends on several factors, particularly key areas.

"There won't be any surprises today, because I want to hold additional consultations, which I've planned for my return to Ukraine. My choice, frankly, depends on several things  management direction, our focus on diplomacy, and other areas that are very important," Zelenskyy said during a press conference in Paris on Monday.

The president added that "of course, we have very worthy people in the country."

As reported, on November 28, Zelenskyy signed Decree No. 868/2025 dismissing Yermak from his position as head of the President's Office, a position he held since February 11, 2020. Prior to this, the NABU and SAPO, acting on a ruling by the investigative judge of the High Anti-Corruption Court, conducted searches at Yermak's home, but did not notify anyone of the suspicion.

After this, Zelenskyy issued an address in which he stated that Russia "really wants Ukraine to make mistakes," but that Ukraine will not make any.
Jesus Hinojosa Malaga Monday, 1 December 2025, 12:24 Share

Pharmacies in Andalucia will soon be able to request prescription renewals for patients with chronic conditions or illnesses, eliminating the need for such patients to make repeat appointments with their GP solely for this purpose. This was announced on Sunday by regional health minister, Antonio Sanz, at the main event in Seville to honour the Immaculate Conception, the patron saint of pharmacists. "Before the end of the year, we will launch a pilot programme that will directly connect doctors and pharmacists through a new communication channel, improving patient safety, monitoring of prescribed drug treatments and continuity of patient treatment," explained Sanz.

According to Sanz, this new scheme, which will connect the pharmacist with the person prescribing the medication, "will be installed in all pharmacies at the beginning of the year and, in March, will allow the pharmacist to request the renewal of prescribed treatments for chronic patients without the patient having to make an appointment or go to the health centre".

As the Junta has stated in a press release, this programme will have a final phase that will allow, in the second quarter of 2026, any pharmacy outside of Andalucia to also communicate with a doctor from the Andalusian health service.

Sanz described this development as "good news", which will mean "an improvement in healthcare for the people". He added that this move reinforces his conviction that "community pharmacies are a strategic ally for our healthcare system".

The regional health minister also praised the "close collaboration" between his department and community pharmacies, which he described as "a fundamental part of the Andalusian public healthcare system". A system, he said, "that is better thanks to them and something we should all be very proud of".

Collaboration during the pandemic and beyond

Likewise, Sanz highlighted the collaboration of pharmacies during the Covid-19 pandemic, noting that they were "on the front line, helping, attending to the needs that arose unexpectedly, always standing by the people". He also mentioned their contribution this year to the development of the West Nile virus control and monitoring programme and to the smooth running of this year's start to the winter season, "informing and disseminating the necessary protective measures to the most vulnerable, especially in the municipalities at highest risk".

Finally, he pointed out that there are many lines of joint work between his regional ministry and the main body in Andalucia representing all certified pharmacists regarding public healthcare and the rational use of medicines, among other issues. "We will continue to make progress on improvements that strengthen this collaboration between pharmacies and the public [healthcare] system with a single, common and shared objective: to improve the lives of the people of Andalucia," he concluded.
Europa Press Monday, 1 December 2025, 18:08 Share

Granada's High Court has given prison sentences to 14 members of a network that smuggled numerous Moroccan migrants into Spain between 2019 and 2020. The migrants were able to cross the border by showing legal residence permits sold to them by members of the gang with whom they bore a certain physical resemblance.

All the accused are originally from Morocco and lived in the towns of Motril and Torrenueva Costa. There, they were in charge of locating relatives or people related to their circles of friends who wanted to sell their passport or residence permit to the bosses of the network.

The latter transferred the documentation to Morocco, where, in exchange for the payment of large sums of money, ranging from 14,000 to 20,000 euros, they provided it to the migrants.

Accompanied by one or more of the members of the gang, the migrants travelled to Spain, presenting their documents at border controls and posing as the real owners.

To ensure successful entry into the country a physical match was sought between the migrant and the legitimate passport holder. Once they had managed to enter Spain, the documentation was returned to the members of the gang and used again for other migrants.

The defendants confessed to the crimes on the day of the trial and accepted sentences of up to two years in prison for continuous crimes against the rights of foreign citizens and the use of false documents.
Jennie Rhodes Monday, 1 December 2025, 17:20 Share

Croatian guitarist Filip Miskovic won first prize at the fortieth Andres Segovia International Classical Guitar Competition in La Herradura on Granada province's Costa Tropical, which finished on Saturday 29 November.

Miskovic, 23, won 10,000 euros and a special edition "Maestro" concert guitar, built by La Herradura-based British luthier Stephen Hill. He posted on his website after the finale, "A big thanks to everyone who is part of my artistic journey, especially my teacher Zoran Dukic for his guidance, and my former teachers Darko Petrinjak, Maroje Brcic and Vicko Novak, without whom I wouldnt be where I am today. This achievement is as much yours as it is mine."

Second prize was awarded to Vledyslav Indyk (Ukraine). The prize includes 4,000 euros and a special edition "Double Top" concert guitar from the Granada-based luthiers Martinez-Lazaro. According to organisers, the anniversary edition was "notable for the jury's extremely high standards", which led them to the decision not to award a third Prize.

The awards ceremony concluded with the presentation of the Leo Brouwer prize for the best performance of the obligatory piece (Andres Segovia's Estudio Sin Luz) and the Diego Martinez prize, awarded by the audience, which includes a trip to perform a recital at the town's 2026 Noches del Castillo Festival.

Zoom The finale of the Andres Segovia international guitar competition on 29 November SUR

During the closing ceremony, mayor of Almunecar-La Herradura, Juan Jose Ruiz Joya, thanked the jury and addressed the winners: "To Maestro Miskovic and Maestro Indyk, I say that you are taking home much more than an award; you are acquiring with it the responsibility of a lineage, the commission to be ambassadors of an art and a unique artist who elevated the guitar to the stage."

Ruiz Joya concluded, "The town hall reaffirms its commitment to continue being the beacon where the future of the world's classical guitar is decided." The competition is sponsored by Spain's Ministry of Tourism and Foreign Affairs and the Andalusian regional government, among other institutions,
Almudena Nogues Malaga Monday, 1 December 2025, 17:17 Share

December comes with widespread rainfall in Spain. The unstable weather conditions were already present on Sunday in Andalucia, especially in the Strait of Gibraltar, which had an active yellow warning until 8pm. The region can expect a full week of clouds and rainfall, especially between Tuesday and Saturday, as state meteorological agency Aemet warns.

"According to the European model, the week will bring above-average rainfall across most of Spain, except for the eastern interior and the Canary Islands. [Monday] will be a transition day, with lingering instability over the Mediterranean and the arrival of an active cold front in the late hours. On Tuesday, showers will be nearly widespread with the establishment of a moist westerly and south-westerly flow. More than 10mm are expected in the western half of Andalucia," Duncan Wingen from expert weather portal Meteored says.

Over the next ten days, a train of storms originating from four fronts will distribute rain and snow over a large part of the country.

More than 10mm are expected in the western half of Andalucia on Tuesday

For Tuesday, Aemet forecasts "very cloudy or overcast skies, accompanied by light to moderate rainfall that will spread from west to east throughout the day". Snow levels will remain at around 2,000 metres, dropping to1,500 metres by the end of the day. Temperatures will fall in the interior. Weak frosts in the eastern mountainous areas and strong westerly intervals on the Mediterranean coast are expected from midday onwards.

Rain is also expected on Wednesday, especially during the first half of the day in most of Andalucia, Castilla-La Mancha and Madrid. The forecast points to a slightly more stable afternoon, although there will still be some clouds. Snow levels will drop to around 1,200 metres and temperatures will be in general decline.

What will the weather be like during the long weekend?

On Thursday, another active front will arrive from the north-west. The possibility of rain in Andalucia for that day will remain above 55% in most areas. Aemet forecasts "very cloudy skies, accompanied by light to moderate rainfall during the second half of the day, less likely on the Mediterranean coast".

Looking ahead to the long weekend (6 and 8 December are public holidays), there is still uncertainty as to what the weather will be like. The probability of rain on Friday is low, although Aemet forecasts more showers until 6pm on Saturday. In addition, temperatures could rise again as an even milder Atlantic air mass arrives.
Jesus Hinojosa Malaga Monday, 1 December 2025, 11:47 Share

Regional minister of health Antonio Sanz has held a meeting with mayor of Estepona Jose Maria Garcia Urbano to discuss the local hospital. In a social media post following the meeting, Sanz confirmed that he had announced his commitment to activate 80% of the services at the hospital, "including surgical block, functional tests, laboratory and radiodiagnosis 24 hours a day".

"All this will be possible thanks to the incorporation of 58 new professionals," the regional minister said. In November, Sanz met with protesters advocating a fully operational Estepona hospital at the inauguration of the Ricardo Soriano health centre in Marbella. The encounter ended with Sanz pledging to answer their demands.

On Saturday, 29 November, he announced that 80% of the services of the Estepona hospital will be up and running. The facility that cost the town hall 18 million euros currently has three operating theatres and 40 consultation rooms closed. In addition, it lacks effective emergency services.

The hospital, which will serve a population of 120,000 people in Estepona and the surrounding area, was inaugurated by president of the regional government Juanma Moreno. Although initially operational, the three surgeries were closed in July 2023, after less than a year of being open and more than 1,300 major outpatient surgeries.

Distribution of the new employees

Antonio Sanz emphasised that hiring professionals to enable the hospital to reach 80% operational capacity "is not about increasing numbers, but about bringing in the strategic profiles that allow the hospital to function as it was designed". According to the regional government, the approved distribution "exactly matches" what the hospital proposed: 20 medical specialists (including six anaesthetists, four general surgeons and three orthopedic surgeons assigned to the hospital's surgical unit), 14 nurses, ten nursing care assistants (TCAEs), six laboratory technicians, three radiology technicians, two administrative staff and three orderlies.

Until now, this hospital centre has had 78 professionals and its activity has been limited to outpatients, rehabilitation, partial radiodiagnosis and emergencies. "With the new staff, the workforce will rise to 136 professionals, which will allow the opening of the surgical block, the opening of new units and the expansion of both the care and diagnostic capacity of the centre," head of the Andalusian government delegation Patricia Navarro said during the meeting with the regional minister and the mayor.

With this increase in staff, the surgical day hospital will be opened; the functional tests unit will be activated, incorporating endoscopy activity; and diagnostic capacity will be expanded thanks to the 24-hour operation of the laboratory and radiodiagnostics. Emergency services will also be expanded.

In terms of new healthcare infrastructure, the regional government has reported that a fire safety project is planned for next year in the hospital's warehouse for an amount of 190,000 euros. Likewise, until June 2026, 8.8 million euros will be allocated to the purchase of equipment for the extension of pavilion B of Hospital Universitario Costa del Sol and for the replacement of equipment at the Estepona centre, of which 2.07 million are being executed in 2025 and 6.76 million euros will be spent next year.
Legal proceedings against the mayor of Estepona and former municipal worker enters new stage The public prosecutors office has asked the presiding judge in Malaga to continue the case for alleged embezzlement of public funds, while the defence teams have requested that the proceedings be dismissed

The accused in the trial with the mayor of Estepona together with her lawyer leaving the court.

Emma Perez-Romera Estepona Monday, 1 December 2025, 10:15 Share

The legal proceedings against the Mayor of Estepona, Jose Maria Garcia Urbano, and C.P.B, the woman hired by the town hall in 2023 who received two months salary without any record of attending her workplace, have entered a new stage. The public prosecutors office has asked the presiding judge in Malaga, Inigo Villar Gomez, to continue the case for alleged embezzlement of public funds, while the defence teams have requested that the proceedings be dismissed.

Estepona town hall has reported that Garcia Urbano deposited, on 25 November, the amount of 5,276.92 euros from his own pocket into the councils treasury account. This sum corresponds to the net remuneration received by the woman, with whom he allegedly had a close relationship, and who was employed by the council from 13 February to 31 March 2023. The document evidencing this deposit, which SUR has had access to, was submitted to the judge by Garcia Urbanos lawyer, Francisco Javier Sanchez-Vera Gomez-Trelles, and the judge has accepted this evidence.

The Socialist municipal spokesperson, Emma Molina, said that the payment made by the mayor is an acknowledgment of the irregularities committed and once again called for his resignation. For the secretary-general of the PSOE in Malaga, Josele Aguilar, the repayment of the money is a clear admission of his guilt. Instead of trying to prove that the woman employed carried out her duties, he has returned the money she received, thereby admitting that she had obtained it improperly, he said.

However, the press office of Estepona town hall hit back, claiming that there is no crime or irregularity in the contracts that have been carried out by the council since Jose Maria Garcia Urbano became mayor. It claimed that this payment has been made to provide greater guarantees for the procedure and to demonstrate the absence of irregularities or any harm to the town hall, adding that none of the accusing parties have presented evidence against the mayor.

Judicial dispensation

The legal proceedings for alleged embezzlement of public funds have resumed after being on hold for five months due to an alleged conflict of legal representatives, which has now been resolved, allowing the process to continue.

On 20 November, Garcia Urbanos lawyer requested before the judge that his client be excused from attending the summons on 27 November, arguing that he had already been informed of the current proceedings last January and that he is considered instructed and informed and does not wish to clarify anything other than what his defence can already allege. The judge accepted this request and authorised Garcia Urbano not to attend court.

The Vox lawyer, who attended the hearing via videoconference due to being unwell, has filed a complaint with the judge regarding the exemption granted to the mayor.

During the hearing before the judge, the lawyer for the socialist municipal group, Francisco Javier Conejo Rueda, requested the indictment of both the mayor and C.P.B, for an alleged crime of embezzlement of public funds. We believe that the mayor should be charged as the perpetrator of this crime, and she as an accomplice, for having received the remuneration she obtained for this supposed work, which, according to our investigations conducted during the proceedings, she did not perform, he said.

Similarly, the public prosecutor requested the indictment of both. However, Voxs lawyer has requested the indictment of only the mayor of Estepona. Both defence teams have requested the dismissal of the case. Neither of them wished to make any statements to SUR upon leaving the courts.

A five-day period opened in case any of the parties wish to propose evidentiary proceedings. If nothing is presented within this time, the judge will have to decide whether the judicial process will continue with a jury at the provincial court of Malaga, or whether the case will be dismissed.
A Ukrainian delegation will arrive in Ireland on Tuesday, December 2, to report on negotiations with the United States. The Americans also want to share their vision with the American side, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced.

"We're receiving full feedback from our delegationthey'll arrive in Ireland tomorrow and give me a step-by-step overview of where we stand in their negotiations. And I also understand that the Russian side is also receiving a corresponding response from the United States," Zelenskyy said during a press conference in Paris on Monday.

The President noted that the Ukrainian and US negotiating delegations held several sessions of meetings on Sunday and Monday, and "the plan looks better."

Furthermore, he noted that the delegations discussed the territorial issue for six and a half hours.

"I'll be honest, the territorial issue is the most difficult. The issue of money and reconstructionin my opinion ... without the presence of European partners who can accept it, it's difficult, because the money is in Europe ... And the issue of security guaranteesspecifically from the USA, specifically from Europeis very important," the president noted.
Manuel Castano is a researcher, specialist in internal and family medicine, as well as in infectious diseases at Hospital Regional Universitario in Malaga. He has been working as an HIV and Aids consultant since 1988. On the occasion of World Aids Day, SUR spoke to Dr Castano and got answers to some of the most common questions related to the disease in today's world.

-What is the current picture of HIV in Malaga?

-What we have is an infection that can be fairly well-controlled with medication and close monitoring of the patient. In addition, we are implementing a strategy of pre-exposure treatment for people at risk in order to reduce the transmission of the virus in our environment.

'The fear of Aids has completely gone. Nobody uses condoms'

-What trends can we trace nowadays?

-We have quite a few patients coming from other countries, from Latin America and Eastern Europe, mainly Ukraine. They are not newly diagnosed patients - they are simply new in our system due to migration, but they have an impact on the number of patients needing consultations in Spain. From the point of view of transmission, it's not that there are high peaks right now. The last incidence cut-off I think was below 6.5 per 100,000, which is quite good and we are neither better nor worse. The infection is quite well-controlled thanks to medication.

Older people and HIV

-Patients get older...

-Our patients are getting older and they, in fact, reach old age. I have 83- or 84-year-old patients in follow-up who have been infected for 30, 35 years. HIV poses no problem for them, none at all. What they do have are the usual comorbidities of other illnesses affecting older patients, which is another challenge that is emerging for this group.

-Does late diagnosis remain very high?

-Late diagnosis has been a problem for more than 15 years. Late diagnosis is effectively defined as a diagnosis that is made when the patient's immunity is already low. This poses problems from a personal, care, social and disease transmission point of view, because in a person who is diagnosed, treated and controlled, the viral load becomes undetectable and stops transmitting the virus.

- Why is late diagnosis still occurring?

-Well, because people don't really think about it. In the Carlos Haya and Clinico hospitals and in many other hospitals in Andalucia, a diagnostic protocol is implemented in the emergency department, which basically consists of the following: when someone arrives with a series of illnesses or processes that could lead to suspicion of HIV, a serology is requested, for which the patient's permission is sought beforehand. That's how they "hunt" for diagnoses. Efforts are being made to train primary care doctors and residents to keep this diagnosis in mind.

'If people go to their doctor to have their cholesterol checked, they should also have an HIV test'

-How many people with HIV are currently undiagnosed?

-Of those infected, 90-92% are diagnosed, and 8-10% are not. I take this opportunity to tell the general public that if you go to your GP for a cholesterol check, which is great for reducing your cardiovascular risk, you should also get an HIV test.

A person treated for HIV today has the same life expectancy as someone not infected, provided they are diagnosed and treated. If it is neither diagnosed nor treated, HIV is indeed a 100% fatal infection.

Future challenges in treatment

-How has treatment changed in recent years?

- It has changed a lot. The treatment we use today has nothing to do with the treatment that was used seven or eight years ago. Treatments today are very convenient and not toxic at all. Today, basically 80% of diagnosed cases can be controlled with just one pill a day. People take less medication than a person with hypertension, it's unbelievable. In addition, there is another medication that can be injected every two months to keep the infection under control.

Currently, our hospital is participating in a clinical trial with two combined drugs that are taken as one pill once a week. The tests have been running smoothly so far. In the future, we might be able to use other methods such as subcutaneous drug delivery, in some cases intravenous, which could be used every six months. These are all exciting advances.

The problem is that many of these treatments are very expensive, which is something health authorities will have to address and tackle. The same applies to pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, which is widely used and recommended for people engaging in high-risk sexual activity, as it is truly cost-effective and prevents HIV infection. More and more people at risk are taking PrEP under medical supervision without any problems. Nowadays, it is taken as a single daily pill of tenofovir and emtricitabine.

-Are people, especially the younger population, more relaxed and less prone to use protection?

-Yes, the fear of Aids has been completely lost. Nobody uses condoms. PrEP is used as if it were a chemical condom, so to speak, so other sexually transmitted infections are widely emerging. The habits of the young and the not so young have been relaxed for a long time. My older patients who are 65 or 60 years old, who got infected in the 80s or 90s and have seen their partners die one after the other, are shocked that people don't use condoms and that there is no fear of HIV transmission.
Nuria Triguero Malaga Monday, 1 December 2025, 12:00 Share

The self-employed are not a common sight at protests. They simply have no time to go because of the burden they carry on their shoulders. Their patience, however, has been exhausted and more than a thousand people, brought together by Plataforma por la Dignidad de los Autonomos, marched through the city centre of Malaga on 30 November to show their strong opposition to rising taxes and self-employment costs. The same demonstration took place in 21 other cities across Spain.

The main word that could be used to describe how many self-employed feel in Spain would be "asphyxiation", which they ask the central government to put an end to, providing them with "dignified working conditions" and a level of social protection that at least comes close to that enjoyed by salaried workers.

The protesters in Malaga shouted "Enough is enough" and "There is no employment without self-employed workers". Many were dressed in black and wearing red gloves: a symbolic outfit to represent the agony that many self-employed professionals are going through.

The protest began with a rally in front of Malaga city hall at 11am, followed by a march through the streets of the city centre. A statement was read when the marching crowd reached Plaza de la Merced at 12.30pm. The spokesperson said: "We are the self-employed, we are the heart that beats in every neighbourhood and in every town. But today, that heart is wounded. Enough is enough. We have taken the risk, we have made the effort, but the system has turned its back on us. Today we raise our voices, united in a single cry for dignity. During the demonstration, there were some shouts against PM Pedro Sanchez, although the organisation stated that their protest was "apolitical".

Demands

The manifesto listed the demands of the collective: lower social contributions, adjusted to real income; a "real" unemployment benefit that does not leave out 90% of applicants as is currently the case; exemption from IVA tax up to 85,000 euros; that the state stops using them as "tax collectors"; reduced contributions during sick leave, maternity leave or family care; a "right to mourning"; less bureaucratic burden; immediate 100% deduction of all tools and technology; and a strict separation between business and personal assets so that no more self-employed workers risk losing their family home.

People of all ages and nationalities joined the protest, including families with children. Some came from neighbouring cities such as Cordoba and Granada. Before the end of the demonstration, they all jointly pledged to continue raising their voices. "We are the force that opens the shutters every morning. We are the ones who take risks and create jobs. We are not asking for privileges, we are asking for dignity, justice and common sense," the spokesperson stated.
The province of Malaga leads Andalucia in the number of new diagnoses of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in 2024, with 145 cases. Moreover, the increase is significant: cases are up 20.83% year-on-year, according to data released on Monday by the regional ministry of health, whose head, Antonio Sanz, closed events for the World HIV/Aids Day organised by his department in Seville.

In 2024, 145 new cases of HIV were diagnosed in Malaga province, of which 120 are men and 25 are women. The rate is 8.17 per 100,000 inhabitants (an increase of 19.2%), higher than the Spanish (6.95) and Andalusian (6.1) average rate. In 2023, 120 new cases were reported, with a rate of 6.85 per 100,000 inhabitants in the province.

In Spain, according to the new diagnoses information system, 3,340 new cases of HIV have been reported and the rate (6.95 per 100,000 inhabitants) is still above the average for European Union (EU) countries.

These numbers break the downward trend in diagnoses of the last five years in the province: in 2019 there were 311 and 146 in 2020, to continue the decline to 120 (117 according to other data series consulted, also from the autonomous region) in 2023.

In absolute values, and in terms of diagnoses, Malaga was followed by Seville (107), Almeria (66), Granada (58), Cordoba (52), Cadiz (49), Huelva (27) and Jaen (23).

In Andalusia, there were 527 new cases, eight more than in 2023. Of the new diagnoses, 53% were late diagnoses (64 at the Aids stage). This figure replicates the Spanish figure and could therefore be similar to the provincial figure, which clearly indicates the need for patients and family and emergency doctors to include another new derivative in the health check-up equation: that of having the test.

In 2024, sex between men was the most frequent transmission mechanism (45.3%), followed by heterosexual sex (23.5%). Increasing early diagnosis and strengthening prevention and sexual health strategies, especially among young people, are key steps.

Call for testing

Councillor Sanz appealed "especially to young people" to definitively close the door on the stigma associated with sexually transmitted infections, especially HIV/Aids. "Stigma and discrimination increase the risk of acquiring HIV, undermine access to services and deepen marginalisation and violence: no one, absolutely no one, should be discriminated against because of their health status.

Sanz pointed out that Andalucia is making progress with new diagnostic circuits and the extension of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and recalled that in 2021 the region had already surpassed the 90-90-90 target set by UNAids (knowledge of serostatus, 90.4%; access to treatment for people who know their status, 90.7% and viral suppression among those receiving treatment is already at 91.9%). The aim is to reach the 95-95-95 target set for 2030, he said.

The minister invited the population to get tested for HIV, because "late diagnosis is a serious problem both for the individual and for society in general: screening and early diagnosis can improve people's quality of life and slow the spread of the epidemic".

The health minister said that HIV is a "manageable chronic condition" at present, and advocated looking head-on "at the new realities of sexual health", among which he mentioned chemsex (sex with drugs), which "poses new challenges, not only in sexual health, but also in mental health and addictions".

STIs in Andalucia have grown in the last decade, exceeding the expected values in 2024 with respect to previous years, especially for chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis. The rise in HIV, as well as in these diseases, is due, among other causes, to the greater accessibility of diagnostic tests and the improvement of surveillance systems, but also to the decrease in the perception of risk and the expansion of relationships through digital applications, which has led to the generalisation of STI detection tests among primary care and emergency professionals, in order to know, as soon as possible, the serological status.

Diagnosis as soon as possible

Manuel Castano, a specialist in Infectious Diseases at the Regional University Hospital of Malaga, has stressed that the infection is "well controlled" in Malaga, that there has been a significant impact on consultations by patients coming from other countries, basically from Latin America or Eastern Europe, and has stressed that he already has patients in follow-up with more than eighty years who have been infected for 30 and 35 years, although "late diagnosis" for three decades continues to be a problem. "This has problems from a personal, care, social and disease transmission point of view, because you know that a person who is diagnosed, treated, controlled, the viral load becomes undetectable and stops transmitting the virus."

He recalls that a diagnostic protocol is being implemented in the emergency department, so that when someone arrives "with a series of illnesses or processes that could lead to suspicion of HIV infection, a serology test is requested, with the patient's prior permission, as always: this is where 'diagnoses' are being hunted," he says. Primary care doctors are also being trained.

The truth is that between 8% and 10% of patients who have HIV do not know it. "People who go to their health centre for a routine check-up, to see how their thyroid hormones are, should ask their doctor for a test, because we have all been exposed or could have been exposed." Not surprisingly, he stresses that "the truth is that the fear of Aids has been completely lost, nobody uses condoms: PreP is used as if it were a chemical condom, so that we understand each other, with which other sexually transmitted infections are emerging in an important way," he says.

"The idea that needs to be conveyed is that, if it is diagnosed, no one dies from it: the key is in the diagnosis." If that happens, mother-to-child transmission (already eradicated in the country) is eliminated.

Advances in antiretrovirals have been huge in the last decade: they are more convenient and have no toxicity. "Today 80% of people are controlled with a pill once a day: they take less medication than someone with high blood pressure." Injectable drugs are already used every two months and, in the not too distant future, current studies will have produced a weekly pill made up of two drugs in combination.

The future, however, lies with long-acting strategies, drugs introduced subcutaneously that could be used every six months. Added to this is pre-exposure prophylaxis, indicated for people who are in high-risk relationships. It is increasingly used.
Clara Alba Monday, 1 December 2025, 17:53 Share

Rising food prices in Spain are not just affecting consumer wallets. They are also hitting the balance sheets of the supermarkets that sell these products. Moreover, the impact is not just in terms of revenue. The surge in prices for certain products has become a real draw for thieves, especially shoplifters. We're not talking about large organised gangs here, but rather individuals seeking to steal everyday food items that are no longer affordable for them.

This is what has happened recently with chocolate and other cocoa derivatives. Although the price of this raw material has moderated in recent months thanks to improved harvests and, above all, stagnant demand due to such high prices, a tonne of cocoa still fetches over 5,000 dollars on the American cocoa-trading market.

That figure is undoubtedly much lower than the 12,000 dollars that cocoa exceeded last year. Nevertheless, it remains well above its historical average of around 1,700USD. The high prices have led to unprecedented measures deployed in Spain's supermarkets, such as the decision to add anti-theft devices (small individual alarms) to chocolate bars.

This was already common practice with other products such as alcoholic beverages and perfumes, even olive oil, but never has it been taken to these extremes over chocolate. The food retail sector has, however, been left with no other choice. According to the fourth study on this type of theft carried out by STC (the Source Tagging Company, part of the Sabadell Group), chocolate bars ranked among the top ten most stolen products in retail chainstores last year. They also saw the greatest increase in the number of thefts across nine Spanish regions, surpassing even coffee, Iberian ham and olive oil.

Experts agree that this phenomenon is closely linked to rising prices and the difficulty of accessing everyday food items. So, with Christmas just around the corner and manufacturers at peak production, thefts are expected to pick up once more.

Turron, now out of reach for many

It's not just about chocolates. According to a recent study by Spanish consumer watchdog Facua, the price of our favourite Christmas sweet treats has already increased by an average of 15.4% in the major supermarket chains compared to a year ago. Some of the different types of Spanish nougat (turron) analysed have seen price increases exceeding 65.3%. The same is true of boxed chocolates, which cost 60% more than just a year ago, rising from 6.85 euros to 10.95 euros in one of the brands checked. Up almost four euros more in just 12 months.

Among those that have maintained their prices it is noticeable that many manufacturers have opted for a price reduction strategy. In other words, the consumer pays the same price, but for less quantity.

Facua also compared price movements in Christmas sweets over the last two years in its latest analysis, which includes both store brands and named brands. In this case, having a sweets selection tray of various nougats, polvorones (Spain's crumbly, paper-wrapped biscuits) and marzipan on the Christmas table will be 22.6% more expensive than in 2023.
Alfonso Torices Madrid Monday, 1 December 2025, 18:21 Share

Rural officers of the Catalan regional government located eight more dead wild boars in the outskirts of the Barcelona municipality of Cerdanyola del Valles, inside the natural park of Collserola on Sunday. A total of 14 dead animals were discovered there from Wednesday to the end of the week. Six of the carcasses have already tested positive for African swine flu, which confirms the first outbreak of this disease in Spain in the last 31 years.

Vet services are currently carrying out analyses to determine whether the eight animals found on Sunday were also infected with swine flu, as is suspected. Both the rural officers and the regional government expect the number of carcasses to increase in the coming days. The virus, although harmless to humans and other animal species, is highly contagious and has mortality rates of around 90% in the pig family.

Prior to the discovery on Sunday, the regional minister of agriculture, livestock and fisheries had said that they had started to carry out raids in the area of 20 kilometres around the point where the first contaminated remains were found. Their aim is to both remove carcasses and find other wild boars that may potentially be infected.

On Monday, the state emergency military unit (Ume) joined the efforts in Catalonia, at the request of the regional authorities, which has asked for reinforcement in the containment operation.

The inspection of the 36 quarantined pig farms in the risk area has concluded that the animals there are not infected

As regional minister of agriculture Oscar Ordeig explained, the authorities will install traps and fences to prevent the animals from moving to other areas. In addition, they will capture wild boars and recover carcasses.

Non-residents have been banned from entering the high-risk area, forests and natural sites. Non-essential activities, including hunting and leisure activities, have been suspended. Areas from which wild boars could escape have been cordoned off. The 39 pig farms in the area have been quarantined. The good news is that their animals have tested negative for swine flu.

The aim of this operation is to prevent the virus from leaving the security perimeter and the outbreak becoming an epidemic, as it did more than 30 years ago. This would cause devastating economic damage to an industry in which Spain is the third largest producer and exporter in the world and which accounts for 40% of all the revenue generated by national livestock farming.

The origin of the virus is still unknown

In an interview for Cataluna Radio, Ordeig asked for the cooperation of the public and urged people to comply with the restriction of not accessing the natural park of Collserola, which remains closed. A shoe sole or a tyre treading on debris can bring the virus out of the perimeter.

According to Ordeig, the park couldn't be closed on Saturday due to its size -Collserola can be accessed from 100 main and 400 secondary entrances, which makes its closure a long and difficult process.

The regional governmennt has asked the Mossos d'Esquadra, Guardia Civil, Local Police and civil protection volunteers to join the efforts. The aim is to prevent access to Collserola, "especially to the main radius of six kilometres".

The recovery and capture process will be coordinated by rural officers, together with the regional ministry of agriculture and staff from public company Forestal Catalana. "Any animal that is found must be disinfected and taken to the animal health research centre. This must be done under very advanced technical conditions," Ordeig said.

The exact origin of the outbreak is under investigation. The analyses will determine the exact variant of the virus present in Catalonia, which will then be compared to those in the other 13 EU countries where the disease is present. This will help detemine the origin. Possible hypotheses point to contaminated food leftovers or transmission from other EU countries via transport.

'We will do whatever it takes'

The regional minister said that, in order to ensure the success of the outbreak containment work, everything necessary will be done. "What we have to see is whether there are more cases," he said, adding that, so far, all infected animals located were within the radius of the municipality of Cerdanyola del Valles (Barcelona).

For the moment, the Catalan regional government has not considered suspending classes at the Bellaterra campus of Universidad Autonoma de Barcelona (UAB), which is very close to the isolated radius of the outbreak. The activities of homes, businesses and university centres close to the perimeter zone "will be maintained until further notice".
'Is this the land of the free?'

Two teens fled Turkish Kurdistan on their own, in search of a country where they could practice religion and speech without fear.

They settled in the Syracuse suburbs and leaned on each other for support.

The two kept U.S. Customs and Immigrations officers up to date on their home addresses, their jobs and their classes at Onondaga Community College.

On Oct. 6, Ardil Zilan drove Delil Alptekin to ICE headquarters in Mattydale and waited in the car while his friend made his usual three-month check-in. Alptekins texts suddenly stopped. He never came out.

Instead, an ICE officer walked out to the car and said they were sending Alptekin to a detention center near Buffalo.

Zilan had questions. What could possibly have changed in three months?

I was shocked. I was trying to stay calm, but its not easy, he said.

Zilan started to cry, alone now in his car in a suburban American office park.

What is going on with this? he thought. Is this the land of the free that we came to to seek safety and freedom?

The same kind of quiet arrests are happening every week at ICE appointments and in houses, farms and neighborhoods all over Onondaga County. ICE does not answer questions about arrests. So far this year, it appears, dozens of people from Onondaga County have been detained.

Gone are the owners of two Chinese restaurants. A farm worker in Otisco. Roofers on their way to a Mexican restaurant. A married couple from Cuba who work as a janitor and supervisor at SUNY Upstate hospital. Another hospital janitor from Guinea, arrested while walking in Hawley Green, where he lived.

In November, a French man who overstayed his visa fled to Canada with an army of activists by his side. ICE officers in unmarked cars followed the man and his husband from their home in Liverpool to the Syracuse store where they sell their handmade soaps.

This is what President Donald Trumps aggressive immigration enforcement looks like in Onondaga County, according to public records and syracuse.com interviews with more than 20 immigrants, activists and lawyers:

ICE is frequently detaining people who are voluntarily in the immigration system. These immigrants are not hiding. People at various stages in the asylum process are detained when they show up for hearings that, for months and years, were routine.

The people ICE is arresting are not the worst of the worst. Few people detained in Onondaga County had a crime other than an immigration violation, data shows.

An army of advocates has mobilized to support Syracuse-area immigrants. Groups hold know your rights workshops. Volunteers answer calls on a hotline and others staff rapid response teams. Advocates, elected officials and neighbors formed a human chain to help the French citizen escape.

Undocumented immigrants are making difficult decisions as they watch what is happening in their community and the country. Some have decided it is better to self-deport than to risk a lengthy detention in a hostile and unpredictable U.S. immigration system. Others are making arrangements for someone to take care of their children left behind if they are suddenly swept away.

Across the country, Trumps Homeland Security officers are on a mission to arrest and deport non-citizens who crossed the U.S. border without permission. Video footage in places like Chicago and Los Angeles shows agents bashing in car windows and rappelling from helicopters onto apartment buildings.

In Onondaga County, ICE arrests look different. They happen one at a time and so quietly that they sometimes escape the attention of allies ready to respond. There are few photos or videos.

Many people have already been sent home to China, Laos, Uzbekistan, Colombia, Ecuador, India, Guatemala, Jamaica, Cuba and Venezuela, records show.

Alptekin, the OCC student, was surrounded in a Batavia detention center by people from many countries who said they were at different stages of seeking legal status. They all told him they had no criminal record, he told his friend.

The U.S. government used to allow immigrants some freedom while they sought green cards and citizenship. The government asked immigrants to simply check in, sometimes by phone. Now, that is not enough.

The government has little tolerance for people to live and work on supervised parole while they seek a green card or citizenship, lawyers say.

In October, the federal government offered Alptekin $1,000 and a plane ticket back to Turkey. He decided to take it, his friend said. In mid-November, he was still in Batavia, awaiting deportation.

I will try to come back and get my education and support my community, Zilan said his friend told him.

Kathy Elbadawi was Alptekins English teacher at OCC. She teaches students who are learning English as a new language.

She said a few students have disappeared from her class since August. She suspects they have self-deported.

She said the rules seem impossible to follow for people who are trying hard to stay in line. And the threat of detention and deportation is too much.

They just say I have to go back to my country. They dont want to live in fear of being deported, she said. The students are very quiet about it.

Danger in a routine hearing

Before this year, the immigration lawyers at the non-profit Hiscock Legal Aid helped clients with routine matters such as green cards, mixed citizenship marriages, asylum hearings and naturalization ceremonies.

It was rewarding. Almost nothing was urgent. Clients could check in with the federal government over the phone or online if they needed to change an address, said Ben Vernon, who supervises a staff of 20 lawyers and a load of nearly 900 clients.

Now, the federal government asks undocumented residents to come to appointments with ICE agents in person. Lawyers explain the new risks, he said.

We cant guarantee by any means that there wont be some sort of enforcement action taken against them while this application is pending, Vernon said.

Lawyers also started coming along, he said.

The ICE headquarters for Central New York is in Mattydale, near the airport. It looks like an ordinary office building, but officers walk the perimeter of the parking lot and a fence hides a fleet of vehicles. Google maps identifies the building as offices for the Federal Aviation Administration, not ICE.

At first, ICE agents allowed advocates and lawyers to come into the office with clients. Now, advocates must wait in the parking lot. Lawyers dont always make it past the lobby.

Lawyers and advocates describe the meetings as tedious, confusing and undignified.

Everyone gets the same 9 a.m. appointment time, then has to wait in line. Sometimes, when its finally their turn, officers seem unsure why the clients came, advocates said.

Many people bring their young children to appointments, to make sure they are not split up.

One advocate brought a Guatemalan woman and her baby, a U.S. citizen, to a recent appointment. An officer came out with the babys bottle of milk. It was not allowed inside, the agent said.

Most people who visit are on supervised release or parole. Some, like Alptekin, crossed the border and immediately sought asylum. While they wait for more permanent permission to live in the U.S., they have to come in person to update ICE agents.

More and more often, lawyers and advocates say, their clients are detained at these meetings.

Theyre doing a lot more check-ins and detaining a lot more people at those check-ins, not for violations of the release, but for basically saying, we could have had you in detention the whole time, Vernon said. So now were putting you in detention.

In late October, Alcibiades Lazaro Ramirez Gonzalez and Yannier Vazquez Hidalgo went together to see ICE agents in Mattydale. The two are a married couple from North Syracuse. They have asked the U.S. government for asylum from Cuba, where gay marriage is not easily accepted.

They thought the visit would be their last until a judge would give them a final blessing to live in the country.

Instead, agents detained the men and sent them to a detention center. A co-worker retrieved their empty car.

Their arrests got an unusual amount of attention because they were state workers. They work at SUNY Upstate Medical Center, one as a janitor and one as a supervisor.

Their unions, the Civil Service Employees Association and United University Professions, immediately put out news releases. Gov. Kathy Hochul met with their anxious family members. Advocates are holding vigils every Monday night at Clinton Square.

They are still detained in Batavia.

Most people are arrested quietly.

In two separate incidents this year, ICE officers arrested Chinese restaurant owners when they came to check in.

Lixing Chens Nedrow restaurant, Dragon China, is closed.

Dan Chen (no relation) is a Manlius mother who co-owns China House restaurant in Shop City, on Syracuses North Side.

Both families own their homes, where they raised children  U.S. citizens who are now in college.

Not the worst of the worst

ICE officers detained at least 162 people in Onondaga County between January and October 2025, compared to 56 in all of 2024, according to records the agency released to researchers at the Deportation Data Project, a group of academics and lawyers who are crunching summary enforcement data released by the federal government.

Two-thirds of people arrested in Onondaga County on immigration violations so far this year have no criminal charges, those records show.

ICE has responded only a few times to syracuse.com for requests for information about the people they have arrested. The responses contain little information about specific cases. ICEs standard language simply says the federal government is carrying out a mission of identifying and removing people who violate immigration laws.

All aliens illegally present in the United States may be subject to arrest, detention and removal, one recent response said. The safest and most efficient option for illegal aliens residing unlawfully in this country is self-deportation.

In September, ICE issued a news release that said, Syracuse is now safer with criminal illegal aliens off the street.

It said ICE had arrested 35 people during a weeklong operation in Central New York.

The release named only four people. Only one appears in federal court records. The agency has not responded to repeated requests to name the other 31 people along with their addresses and alleged crimes.

Only a few cases involving Onondaga County residents have been filed in federal court. When ICE arrests someone who has been deported before, they are charged with a felony.

Everyone else is sent to an administrative immigration system, which is not a criminal court.

13 1 / 13 Demonstrators rally at Syracuse Federal Building

An army of advocates

The day after Trumps January inauguration, a report came into the Workers Center of Central New York, an immigrant advocacy center, that ICE officers had shown up at a house on the North Side. ICE arrested a single father. His 13-year-old child went to stay with a neighbor.

Jessica Maxwell, the groups director, helped the neighbor contact the childs mother in Guatemala. They quickly got her digital signature on an emergency guardianship form so the child could stay with the neighbor instead of getting swept into the child protective services system.

Maxwell and other advocates encourage every undocumented immigrant to have a written plan that will allow a trusted guardian to take their children if they are detained.

Maxwell discovered on her way to one ICE appointment that there was no plan for custody of the children if the father did not come out.

I brought the simplest version of the emergency guardianship form, Maxwell said. We went to a cafe up the street, and we filled it out quickly before going in so that had something happened, I could take the kids home.

Maxwell said it was the second time she had volunteered to take custody of children in case they were orphaned by ICE.

For all the public advocacy allies are doing, Maxwell said, the immigrant community has quietly assumed more of the burden. Neighbors, friends and relatives are taking in U.S. citizen children so they can at least finish the school year. Some have offered to accompany children to Mexico or Guatemala to be with their parents, she said.

So many families are split up, Maxwell said. We have so many where Moms in Guatemala, Dads here with the kids, or Dads in detention and Moms here with the kids. This is just a lot.

Know your rights

Advocates have responded to reports of ICE agents at homes, restaurants, big box stores and home construction jobs.

Many are false alarms. Anyone in what looks like an unmarked car raises curiosity.

Advocates work on several fronts: Supporting families who lost someone and preparing for the next person arrested.

They spend hours looking for people who have been detained. It can take days or weeks for a name to show up in ICE custody on their website. By comparison, it takes less than 24 hours for someone arrested for a state or local crime to show up in a jail lookup. Then, there are public documents and court appearances.

Nicole Watts, a new county legislator, is president of Hopeprint, a non-profit group that works with refugees and new Americans. In October, she said, she convened a private meeting of community groups to discuss what is actually happening and what can we do.

Members of about 20 different groups showed up.

The New York Immigration Coalition offers know your rights workshops. Everyone in the U.S., including immigrants and tourists, have civil rights protected by the U.S. Constitution. If ICE agents come to the door, make sure they have a warrant signed by a judge, the group says.

Advocates tell immigrants to remain silent, refuse to sign documents and ask for a lawyer.

Spanish-speaking volunteers for the Syracuse Immigration and Refugee Defense Network staff a hotline for rapid response and referrals. (The hotline number is available by word-of-mouth in the immigrant community.)

They hold a rally every Thursday in downtown Syracuse, at South Salina and Fayette streets. They have started stapling notices to utility poles to notify neighbors: ICE abducted someone here. The posters have a time and date and a link to a website to report more ICE activity.

Other volunteers help immigrants, including people who are in the U.S. legally, make copies of documents and store the originals with trusted sources. ICE officers are keeping passports, green cards and visas, she said.

Advocates encourage immigrants to designate someone to alert people if they dont come home.

Advocates are also educating allies about what to do if they see an ICE raid. Taking video can be profoundly helpful in an immigration case, she said.

The most power rests with citizens. We can video, she said. We can capture in a way that law enforcement would be in hot water.

A welcoming city

Mayor Ben Walsh doesnt call Syracuse a sanctuary city. Instead, he uses the term welcoming city. He has said city police will not enforce federal immigration laws, but the city does support federal efforts to remove violent criminals.

ICE does not answer questions for city officials when residents report activity, according to police and the mayors staff.

In the fall, Councilor Corey Williams said he came across officers wearing police vests and face masks outside a house on Ackerman Avenue, near Syracuse University. Williams called the city police to see what they knew.

ICE had not given local police a heads-up and the federal agency declined to provide information after the visit, Williams and other city officials said.

City Auditor Alex Marion was among a crowd of elected officials and activists who surrounded the Syracuse Soapworks store when ICE came for Jeremy Dottin-Reina, the French citizen with an expired visa.

Dottin-Reina is married to a U.S. citizen and has lived in Syracuse for more than 20 years.

State Sen. Rachel May also spent four hours at the scene. She called the governors office to ask for a state police escort, an idea that was not necessary in the end. Dottin-Reinas friends helped him drive undetected to the Canadian border, where he booked a flight to France.

I felt very helpless, Marion said. That is not something Im familiar with.

May said her staff is fielding calls from immigrants, business owners and families who need help.

We had a call a few weeks ago from a farmer who had one of her workers taken, and it was the same story you hear all the time, May said. Its a wonderful, hard-working person had been coming year after year after year to their farm and she was heartbroken.

ICE is going after immigrants who pay taxes, get drivers licenses and show up for court dates, she said.

Its the people who are the ones that are easiest to find, so theyre being victimized, basically, for doing the right things, May said.

Mays advice is to be careful.

You could be picked up at any moment, she said.

The test of our time

Kayla Kelechian is the Central New York director of organizing and strategy for the New York Immigration Coalition.

Enforcement is hitting from all sides, she said.

She said every undocumented roofer is taking a risk. So is everyone who lives with them. People are afraid to picnic in parks. They stay home from church. Immigrants avoid Home Depot and Walmart. Landlords worry about immigrant families living in their duplexes.

You will still see people hustling and bustling because people have to live, she said. But the fear is so horrible.

Many immigrants who live in Onondaga County drive to their jobs in Oswego County, where people have been arrested during routine traffic stops; or Watertown, where there have been workplace raids.

Its pretty clear now, she said. There are places you dont want to go.

Alptekin, the OCC student, is the first college student advocates have seen arrested by ICE in the Syracuse area  a community where higher education is big business. The three recent arrests of Upstate hospital workers are the first to be public in that industry  state government workers with work permits, union representation and a governor at their backs.

Its just showing you, theyre not going to stop at anything, Kelechian said. This is the test of our time.

An awful way to live

Dale Avers, a retired SUNY hospital professor, said she met an asylum seeker through her church three years ago. He fled his country after two family members were killed, she said.

The man works as a delivery driver with a work permit, she said. He is learning English.

He has checked in with ICE officers dutifully for three years. At the last in-person visit, in August, they took his passport, Avers said.

His lawyer advised him to stop going to see ICE agents in person, she said.

At the end of November, he skipped his appointment.

He wound up in the emergency room with a panic attack, she said.

Avers talked with him for two hours about how to survive now. If ICE comes to the door, she said, dont answer it. They cant come in without a warrant signed by a judge, she told him.

Buy a doorbell camera. Set up a chat with a list of allies to alert quickly, she said.

You call your friends and say Get here, she said. He just feels like theyre coming for him tomorrow. Its an awful, awful way to live.

UPDATE: This story contains new arrest data through October 2025. The original version contained information through July 2025.
While playing the trumpet for the North Syracuse High School band, in the 1960s, George Coble thought he had his one and only brush with celebrity.

I sat next to Dick Gere  you know the actor, Richard Gere? he said in 1991. I sat right next to him in the trumpet section. Thats my claim to fame.

His sister once cut the picture of Gere out of her brothers yearbook.

Sorry, George.

But your life touched many more people than just that one moment next to a famous classmate.

Coble would go on to become a part of Syracuses soundtrack for decades.

He was the primary trumpeter for the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra, starting in 1971, a position he held, with a couple of breaks mixed in, until his retirement in 2009.

Syracuse Symphony trumpeter, George Coble, demonstrates the sounds of his instrument for students at the Nate Parry Elementary School in 1999. The Symphony's Brass Quintet performed at the school as part of the 30th anniversary of PAC -"Programs in the Arts for Children." Al Campanie

Over the several years he has been in Syracuse, (Coble) has consistently shown himself to be a musician of the highest caliber, Post-Standard critic Frank Macomber wrote in 1974.

I doubt that I shall ever hear a more satisfying tone from a brass instrument.

Following retirement, Coble became the voice of the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra, recording voice overs for Sunday broadcasts on WCNY radio, and served as programs annotator for Symphoria concert programs from 2011 until 2018.

George Frederick Coble, of Liverpool, passed away peacefully, but far too soon, his obituary said, at home on November 11 from complications of frontotemporal dementia and primary progressive aphasia.

He was 77 years old.

Coble was born in Boston on March 27, 1948. He moved to North Syracuse three years later with his parents after his father took a position with General Electric.

His dad was a classical music buff and named his son after the famous composer George Frederick Handel.

Principal trumpet George Coble rehearsing "Carmina Burana" with the SSO in 2007. Mike Greenlar

His mom wanted Coble to play the piano. He thought the trumpet was a vast improvement, he told The Post-Standard in 2005.

In 1966, he graduated from North Syracuse High School, and was accepted at the Juilliard School of music. He instead attended Syracuse University on a full scholarship where he received his B.A. degree in music in 1970.

In 1969, Karl Kritz, the Syracuse Symphony Orchestras then-music director, asked George to audition for an open second trumpet position which he won, his obituary said. Two years later he was offered the role of Principal trumpet, a position he held proudly for the majority of his career.

Coble did, however, take a two-year leave of absence after winning the Associate Principal/Third Trumpet position in the New York Philharmonic. There, he played under the baton of Zubin Mehta, James Levine, and Kurt Masur, among many other renowned conductors.

He toured with the Philharmonic through Europe and South America; and recorded with the NY Philharmonic and Canadian Brass. Ultimately, he decided that the New York City of the early 1990s was not for him, so he returned to his Principal Trumpet position at the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra and stayed until his retirement in 2009.

He played as guest principal trumpet in the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (1989) and the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra (summer 1983).

No matter where he played, he always returned to the Salt City.

Im returning to tell people that what Syracuse has, the Symphony and Opera and Syracuse Stage, is absolutely top shelf, he said in after returning from New York City in 1992. Its something worthy of saving, of treasuring.

According to a 1984 newspaper article, he met his wife, Deborah, while playing with the Lake Placid Orchestra. She played the flute and would join him wit the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra.

I never expected to marry a musician, but Im glad I did, he said.

She agreed.

Its good for us to play together. Coming home we talk. When we can, we listen to each other and we are able to be critics, helping each other.

They were married on December 31, 1977, his obituary said. Georges life was filled with excitement and peak musical experiences, but he said his relationship with Debby and the love of his children were his greatest joy.

In addition to his superb musicianship, he was an eloquent writer and speaker.

It was heartbreaking to watch his primary progressive aphasia gradually rob him of those abilities, his obituary said.

Teaching was an immense joy of Cobles life.

In addition to working full-time for the SSO, he also taught trumpet at Syracuse University from 1970-88, as well as Hamilton College, Colgate University and Onondaga Community College.

His students can be found in symphony orchestras around the country, freelancing in the Big Apple, playing back-up for rock and roll stars, and serving as department chairpersons in academia.

Many of his students are now teachers themselves, instructing the next generation of music lovers and performers, his obituary said. George lived by the phrase by our students, we are taught, and he felt very fortunate to have learned so much from them all.

081905 Instrument2 cw.JPG C.W. McKeen

Coble is survived by his wife, Deborah Cochran Coble; his daughter, Lianne Coble-Dispensa (Scott); his son, Neil (Katie Farrington); granddaughter, Evelyn Coble; and granddaughter, Fenna Dispensa, as well as his sister Jenny Coble and brother William (Jennifer). Also, brother-in-law, Alan Cochran of Gate City, VA, sister-in-law, Connie Cochran Brown (Dave) of Statesville, NC and sister-in-law, Barbara Cochran Scruggs of Sumter, SC as well as two nieces, four nephews and many cousins.

He was predeceased by his parents, Ralph and Margaret Coble, and his sister, Lisa Coble.

The family wishes to thank all the exceptional doctors, nurses, and staff at Upstate University Hospital on 7A who cared for Coble and also the wonderful caregivers from Constant Care 24/7 who cared for him around the clock at home until his passing.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in his memory to The Syracuse Orchestra at syracuseorchestra.org or Hospice of Central New York at hospicecny.org.

A memorial service will be announced later.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
President Donald Trump said on Sunday hell release the results of the MRI he had in October.

Trump has been facing scrutiny over his health this year, according to Axios. Leading Democrats have called for him to release the results of the MRI.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz offered fresh criticism of Trump on Sunday during an interview with NBCs Meet The Press.

He said Trump is fading physically and questioned his mental fitness, according to Axios.

A reporter later asked Trump to respond to Walzs comments.

You mean the incompetent Gov. Walz? If they want to release it, its OK with me to release it, its perfect, Trump said of the scan, according to Axios.

When a reporter asked Trump what part of the body the MRI was looking at, Trump said: I have no idea. It was just an MRI. ... It wasnt the brain because I took a cognitive test and I aced it, I got a perfect mark  which you would be incapable of doing.

The White House hasnt said why Trump had the MRI, according to The Associated Press.

The White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, said Trump had advanced imaging as part of his routine physical. She also said the results showed Trump was in exceptional physical health, according to AP.

Trump is the oldest person ever inaugurated as president. Hes now 79.

The concerns over his health reached a new level earlier this year when rumors began spreading online that Trump had actually died.

That was not true.

But Trump has faced questions about how transparent he has been about his health.

His doctors have not taken questions from reporters in years, for example. And questions about his health have often been met with minimal explanation or obfuscation, according to The New York Times.
By Luke Mosseau | The Post-Star, Glens Falls, N.Y. (TNS)

Lake George  In the aftermath of a TikTok challenge that dared kayakers to try to touch a Lake George steamboat while out on a cruise, the town and village of Lake George ponied up $10,000 to the Lake George Park Commission to increase patrols in the southern part of the lake during peak summer hours. Now, the town and village are looking to work with the LGPC to continue those efforts in 2026.

To all of us over a certain age, this is mental, probably for most people, LGPC Executive Director David Wick said of the social media TikTok challenge that saw people go out on kayaks attempting to touch the Minnie-Ha-Ha, Mohican, or Lac du Saint Sacrement cruise ships when out of dock. Early last summer, local officials, including Wick, Lake George Mayor Ray Perry, Town Supervisor Vincent Crocitto, and Patricia Dow of the Lake George Steamboat Company, convened to discuss how best to address the increasing concern.

There was a joint conclusion that we should do additional patrols out there, Wick said. We put together what a reasonable budget and reasonable time would be to have extra patrol out there solely focused on the southwest portion (of Lake George). However, the LGPCs patrol budget is somewhat limited, according to Wick. Therefore, the town and village decided to contribute $5,000 each to fund the patrol program, which allowed for increased patrols from Thursday to Sunday from July 3 through August 31.

During a village board meeting this past summer, Mayor Perry also called the TikTok challenge both dangerous and idiotic.

At least from our patrol and our offices assessment, it absolutely was worth that additional time, Wick said.

Based on the LGPC reports, the increased patrols helped to avert numerous tragedies, especially in early July, when the lake is often at its most chaotic with heavy traffic from inexperienced tourists. A couple of instances could have resulted in tragedy if an officer wasnt in the area, Wick added.

For example, on a windy July 4 weekend that produced harsh, choppy waters, a patrol boat assisted dozens from approximately 100 paddle craft that occupied the southern portion of the lake.

On July 4, An officer observed a young child wearing a PFD [safety vest] near an overturned kayak. The officer immediately pulled the child from the water. The childs father was in the area, struggling to stay afloat, as he was not wearing a PFD. Officer pulled the father from the water, returned both to shore along with the kayak, Wick recited from the report.

Two days later, on July 6, an officer saw five swimmers in the water some distance from the boat that was drifting away from them in the south basin. Swimmers were waving their hands in distress. The officer was able to retrieve all five from water, return them to the rental boat after determining they didnt need medical assistance, Wick continued.

An all-too common unsafe occurrence of many inexperienced tourist boaters is that when they decide to swim in the lake they fail to anchor their boat, allowing it to drift from them.

On the most congested days on the lake, there is likely to be over 200 kayaks between the village and Tea Island. A lot of times, these are new people that have very little experience, Wick said, while emphasizing the need to educate the broader public that if a steamboat is coming, you dont have the right of way, even when theyre smaller because theyre less maneuverable.

Ultimately, Wick explained that the main issue with the LGPCs increasing patrol program is simply funding. We have enough officers. The LGPC currently has five full-time officers and eight part-timers, with several of the part-timers indicating that they would be ready to fill in the busy time gaps if need be in the summertime.

The Lake George Park Commission is funded almost exclusively by boat and dock registrations that are set by the New York State Legislature, according to Wick.

Looking at the overall holistic of where we are in our current budget, our expenditures exceed our income at this stage, Wick explained. In 2016, we did our last fee increase, and the hope was to get a good seven to 10 years out of that, and were at nine years right now. So right now, our expenditures are about $80,000 above our income every year, and that includes marine patrol.

My job is to steward the budget and make sure that all of our programs are operating without having to do a faster fee increase, Wick continued. One of those things that we continue to try to offload some expenses onto our environmental protection fund, but our protection fund is what allows us to do our environment projects, more boat inspections, and were working with the village on some sewer projects.

In the past, the LGPC had four boats on patrol for any given weekday, now thats up to five boats, with six patrols out on weekends.

We have a great working relationship with Warren County, but I think their patrols arent quite as robust as they used to be, Wick said.

Lake George Town Councilwoman Nancy Stannard-Linehan said that, if possible, shed like to see patrols increase to seven days a week during the high-traffic summer months. Besides funding help from the town and village, the LGPC could receive additional aid from the Lake George Steamboat Company and various hotels in the area that would be beneficiaries of an increase in lake patrols.

We wouldnt need that much time to increase patrols. if we knew by April, then we feel pretty good about our ability to schedule those extra officers to come on that time frame, Wick explained.

-------------------------

 2025 The Post Star (Glens Falls, N.Y.)

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas states that the immobilized Russian assets are essentially Ukrainian money because it was the Russian Federation that caused great destruction to Ukraine, and therefore providing Ukraine with financial assistance based on Russian assets is fair.

She voiced this argument on Monday in Brussels at a press conference following the meeting of the EU Council on Foreign Affairs (Defense), commenting on the request of journalists on the letter of Belgian Prime Minister Bart de Wever, in which he denies this option for financing Ukraine. As is known, it is in Belgium that the lion's share of the immobilized Russian assets is held in Euroclear.

"The reparations that Russia owes Ukraine are really Ukrainian money, if you think about the damages that Russia has caused. And this is the best solution. Again, I want to stress that I don't in any way diminish the risks that Belgium has, but we can address those, we can show those risks together, and we need to work on a viable solution to go on with the reparations loan. It sends a three-way message: a very strong message to Ukraine that we are here to help them defend themselves, a second message to Moscow that they will not be able to survive us, and a third message also to Washington that we are taking very strong and very credible steps," Kallas is convinced.

She recalled that the European Commission had provided a document with options. "But if you look at these options, a reparation loan is the most viable option, because bilateral contributions do not cover this. As in the previous question, it was also clear that not all member states are carrying this burden. Eurobonds or joint capital raising are also not possible for some member states to do it all together," the EU High Representative detailed.

Kallas also denied that the so-called reparation loan could be an obstacle in negotiations with the Russians. "It will definitely strengthen Europe's position towards Moscow. This is absolutely clear. We need to move on with this. This is clear that Russia owes reparations for the damage they have caused to Ukraine, and a reparation loan based on the frozen Russian sovereign assets is actually the right basis for it," she said.

The High Representative said that this issue was also discussed during today's meeting of the EU Council at the level of defense ministers. Kallas said that in October, EU leaders agreed on financing Ukraine for the next two years. Today, ministers insisted that we urgently need to agree on financing options. Multi-year financing will fundamentally change the situation in Ukraine's defense. A stronger Ukraine means a faster end to Putin's war. Since the sooner Putin realizes that he cannot outlive us, the sooner this war will end. Our work to reach a consensus on financing continues, she said.
Experts work on UN climate report amid US pushback



Saint-Denis, France, Dec 1 (AFP) Dec 01, 2025



Some 600 experts gather outside Paris on Monday to start work on the next major UN climate report, as the international consensus on global warming is challenged by climate change-sceptic US President Donald Trump.

The previous report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), released in 2023, had warned that the world was on track to breach the 1.5C warming threshold by 2030.

The United Nations now says the planet is set to breach the limit earlier than feared -- a line that, if crossed, could unleash devastating storms, floods and droughts.

Experts from more than 100 countries are meeting in a skyscraper in Saint-Denis for five days, launching a process that will culminate with the IPCC's Seventh Assessment Report (AR7), due to be published in 2028 or 2029.

It brings together lead authors of the report in a single venue for the first time, in an effort to tackle interdisciplinary climate questions.

Their work could face hurdles in the face of a US administration whose president called climate change the "greatest con job ever" and a "hoax" during a speech at the United Nations in September.

"The statements, for example, from the American administration on the origin of climate change, the fact that it's a hoax, if you will, we still find that quite surprising," said an official at the French ecological transition ministry who requested anonymity.

The IPCC operates by consensus.

"If any country opposes the text, the report cannot be approved. Every country has a sort of veto," climate scientist Robert Vautard said during a video press conference Friday.



- 'IPCC not in crisis' -



There already appears to be disagreements over the timing of the next report's publication.

A group called the High Ambition Coalition, which includes European Union countries and developing nations vulnerable to climate change, wants the assessment to come out in 2028.

That would coincide with the global stocktake -- a review, required under the 2015 Paris Agreement, of the progress countries have made in limiting climate change and its impacts.

But a group of emerging economies and major fossil fuel-producing countries say more time is needed and are advocating for 2029.

The divide echoes the disagreements seen at the UN's recent COP30 climate summit in the Brazilian Amazon city of Belem, which concluded with a deal that left out an explicit call to phase out fossil fuels.

Despite the disagreements over when to publish the next report, IPCC chairman Jim Skea told AFP in March: "I don't think the IPCC is in crisis. We will resolve this issue about the timeline."

dep-hh/lt/sbk/kjm
Asia floods toll tops 1,000 as military aid survivors



Padang, Indonesia, Dec 1 (AFP) Dec 01, 2025



The toll in deadly flooding and landslides across parts of Asia climbed past 1,000 on Monday as hardest-hit Sri Lanka and Indonesia deployed military personnel to help survivors.

Separate weather systems brought torrential, extended rainfall to the entire island of Sri Lanka and large parts of Indonesia's Sumatra, southern Thailand and northern Malaysia last week.

The relentless rains left residents clinging to rooftops awaiting rescue by boat or helicopter, and cut entire villages off from assistance.

Arriving in North Sumatra on Monday, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto said "the worst has passed, hopefully".

The government's "priority now is how to immediately send the necessary aid", with particular focus on several cut-off areas, he added.

Prabowo has come under increasing pressure to declare a national emergency in response to flooding and landslides that have killed at least 502 people, with more than 500 still missing.

Unlike his Sri Lankan counterpart, he has also not publicly called for international assistance.

The toll is the deadliest in a natural disaster in Indonesia since a massive 2018 earthquake and subsequent tsunami killed more than 2,000 people in Sulawesi.

The government has sent three warships carrying aid and two hospital ships to some of the worst-hit areas, where many roads remain impassable.

At an evacuation centre in North Aceh, 28-year-old Misbahul Munir described walking through water that reached his neck to get back to his parents.

"Everything in the house was destroyed because it was submerged," he told AFP.

"I have only the clothes I am wearing," he said, dissolving into tears.



- Sri Lanka seeks aid -



In Sri Lanka meanwhile, the government called for international aid and used military helicopters to reach people stranded by flooding and landslides triggered by Cyclone Ditwah.

At least 340 people have been killed, Sri Lankan officials said on Monday, with many more still missing.

Floodwaters in the capital Colombo peaked overnight, and with rain now stopped there were hopes that waters would begin receding.

Some shops and offices began to reopen.

Officials said the extent of the damage in the worst-affected central region was only just being revealed as relief workers cleared roads blocked by fallen trees and mudslides.

In Ma Oya, just north of the capital, Hasitha Wijewardena said he was struggling to clean up after the floods.

"The water has gone down, but the house is now full of mud," he told local reporters, appealing for military help to clean up.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who declared a state of emergency to deal with the disaster, vowed to build back.

"We are facing the largest and most challenging natural disaster in our history," he said in an address to the nation.

"Certainly, we will build a better nation than what existed before."

The losses and damage are the worst in Sri Lanka since the devastating 2004 Asian tsunami that killed around 31,000 people there and left more than a million homeless.



- Anger in Thailand -



By Sunday afternoon, rain had subsided across Sri Lanka but low-lying areas of the capital were flooded and authorities were bracing for a major relief operation.

Military helicopters have been deployed to airlift stranded residents, and deliver food, though one crashed just north of Colombo on Sunday evening.

Much of Asia is in its annual monsoon season, which often brings heavy rain, triggering landslides and flash floods.

But the flooding that hit Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia was also exacerbated by a rare tropical storm that dumped heavy rain on Sumatra island in particular.

Climate change has also increased the intensity of storms, and produced more heavy rain events because a warmer atmosphere holds more moisture.

The waves of rain caused flooding that killed at least 176 people in southern Thailand, authorities said Monday, one of the deadliest flood incidents in the country in a decade.

The government has rolled out relief measures, but there has been growing public criticism of the flood response, and two local officials have been suspended over their alleged failures.

Across the border in Malaysia, where heavy rains also inundated large stretches of land in Perlis state, two people were killed.

burs-sah/mtp
Photo: ttps://t.me/Denys_Smyhal

Minister of Defense of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Brussels have discussed the need to strengthen air defense and the importance of the PURL mechanism for stable supplies.

"An important meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Brussels. Thanked for the leadership and support. Discussed the situation on the front and priority needs," Shmyhal said in the Telegram channel on Monday.

According to him, the key issue discussed at the meeting was strengthening air defense. "To deter Russian missile and drone terror, additional systems are needed, as well as missiles for them. We focused separately on the role of the PURL initiative, which is critically important for stable supplies," Shmyhal said.

According to the minister, he assured Rutte that Ukraine "continues to adapt the defense sector to NATO standards and principles and implement joint projects with partners."

Rutte, in turn, stated on the X social network, following the meeting, "Our commitment to support Ukraine is unwavering. As we support ongoing efforts secure a just and lasting peace, NATO continues to strengthen Ukraine by providing military aid, so that it can defend itself now and deter future aggression."
OSCE denounces 'restrictive' environment in Kyrgyzstan election



Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Dec 1 (AFP) Dec 01, 2025



Kyrgyzstan's snap parliamentary vote fell short of a number of international standards for democratic elections and was held in a "restrictive" campaign environment, independent monitors said Monday.

The landlocked Central Asian country on Sunday voted in an election that critics said featured no formal opposition and was expected to cement the power of Kyrgyzstan's strongman president Sadyr Japarov.

Monitors from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) said in a statement the ballot was run "efficiently", but in a "restrictive campaign environment" that stifled candidate and voter engagement.

The election's legislative framework fell short "of a number of international standards," Claude Haagen, leader of the observer mission, was quoted as saying in the statement.

The de facto ban on political parties to compete -- only one was allowed to run -- and the election of allegedly independent members of parliament make the results difficult to interpret.

But at least 40 of the 90 new members of parliament were already elected in the previous election and support Japarov, according to an AFP tally based on preliminary results.

The election campaign "generated limited voter engagement, linked to fears of retribution for political activity," OSCE said.

Surrounded by highly authoritarian regimes, Kyrgyzstan has gone through three revolutions -- in 2005, 2010 and 2020 -- since the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Japarov is seeking to end that cycle by boosting his control over politics and society.

Several NGOs have denounced a deterioration in freedom of expression and the press since Japarov came to power.

Days ahead of Sunday's election, 10 of his opponents were arrested, adding to a long list of politicians and journalists the state has accused of plotting coups.
Asia floods death toll tops 1,100 as troops aid survivors



Padang, Indonesia, Dec 1 (AFP) Dec 01, 2025



The toll in deadly flooding and landslides across parts of Asia climbed past 1,100 on Monday as hardest-hit Sri Lanka and Indonesia deployed military personnel to help survivors.

Separate weather systems brought torrential, extended rainfall to the entire island of Sri Lanka and large parts of Indonesia's Sumatra, southern Thailand and northern Malaysia last week.

Much of the region is currently in its monsoon season but climate change is producing more extreme rain events and turbocharging storms.

The World Health Organization said it was deploying rapid response teams and critical supplies to the region.

The UN agency's chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters in Geneva that it was "another reminder of how climate change is driving more frequent and more extreme weather events, with disastrous effects".

The relentless rains left residents clinging to rooftops awaiting rescue by boat or helicopter, and cut entire villages off from assistance.

Arriving in North Sumatra on Monday, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto said "the worst has passed, hopefully".

The government's "priority now is how to immediately send the necessary aid", with particular focus on several cut-off areas, he added.

Prabowo is under increasing pressure to declare a national emergency in response to flooding and landslides that have killed at least 593 people, with nearly 470 still missing.

Unlike his Sri Lankan counterpart, Prabowo has also avoided publicly calling for international assistance.

The toll is the deadliest in a natural disaster in Indonesia since a massive 2018 earthquake and subsequent tsunami killed more than 2,000 people in Sulawesi.

The government has sent three warships carrying aid and two hospital ships to some of the worst-hit areas, where many roads remain impassable.

In North Aceh, 28-year-old Misbahul Munir described walking through water that reached his neck to get back to his parents.

"Everything in the house was destroyed because it was submerged," he told AFP.

"I have only the clothes I am wearing," he said in tears.

"In other places, there were a lot of people who died. We are grateful that we are healthy."



- 'Everything went under' -



In Sri Lanka, the government called for international aid and used military helicopters to reach people stranded by flooding and landslides triggered by Cyclone Ditwah.

At least 366 people have been killed, Sri Lankan officials said on Monday, with another 367 still missing.

Floodwaters in the capital Colombo peaked overnight.

Now that the rain has stopped, there were hopes that waters would begin receding. Some shops and offices have reopened.

The floodwaters came as a surprise to some around Colombo.

"Every year we experience minor floods, but this is something else," delivery driver Dinusha Sanjaya, 37, told AFP.

"It is not just the amount of water, but how quickly everything went under."

Officials said the extent of the damage in the worst-affected central region was only just being revealed as relief workers cleared roads blocked by fallen trees and mudslides.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has declared a state of emergency to deal with what he called the "most challenging natural disaster in our history".

The Sri Lankan president received a phone call from India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday to assure him of New Delhi's continued support for relief and recovery efforts, Indian officials said.

The losses and damage are the worst in Sri Lanka since the devastating 2004 tsunami that killed around 31,000 people there and left more than a million homeless.



- Anger in Thailand -



By Sunday afternoon, rain had subsided across Sri Lanka but low-lying areas of the capital were flooded and authorities were bracing for a major relief operation.

Military helicopters have been deployed to airlift stranded residents and to deliver food. One crashed just north of Colombo on Sunday, killing the pilot.

The annual monsoon season often brings heavy rain, triggering landslides and flash floods.

But the flooding that hit Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia was also exacerbated by a rare tropical storm that dumped heavy rain on Sumatra island in particular.

The waves of rain caused flooding that killed at least 176 people in southern Thailand, authorities said Monday, one of the deadliest flood incidents in the country in a decade.

The government has rolled out relief measures, but there has been growing public criticism of the flood response, and two local officials have been suspended over their alleged failures.

Across the border in Malaysia, where heavy rains also inundated large stretches of land in Perlis state, two people were killed.

burs-sah-abh/aj/ami
Twelve dead, dozens missing as landslide submerges boats in Peru port



Lima, Dec 1 (AFP) Dec 01, 2025



At least 12 people, including three children, died when a landslide buried two boats docked at a river port in central Peru on Monday, with dozens of others missing, officials said.

The landslide submerged two vessels at the port of Iparia in the Amazon jungle region of Ucayali, according to a police report cited by the Andina news agency.

The number of people on board has not been confirmed.

Navy captain Jonathan Novoa told AFP by telephone nine bodies had been recovered, while 25 people were reported injured and possibly "forty missing."

Authorities were working with families gathered at the scene of the disaster to try to determine exactly how many people still need to be located.

Images broadcast by the UTV Noticias channel showed distraught people running up and down the river bank as luggage and merchandise from the sunken boats floated in the river.

Without providing a toll, Peru's COEN national emergency operations center said on X that tragedy struck at dawn due to "erosion" of the bank of the Ucayali river.

It said the navy had been called in to help.

Novoa said the rescue effort was complicated by fast-flowing water and whirlpools in the river.

"We are in the flood season... and at the time of the accident there was fog, and the tasks are complicated," he told AFP.

cm/vel/mlr/aha
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Brigitte Bardot has sought to reassure admirers and urge calm, with her foundation addressing "false information" about her health.

The 91-year-old is recovering after reports of her hospitalisation last month in Toulon, southern France, following an earlier "minor" surgical procedure in October.

"In response to the spread of false information in recent days, Ms Brigitte Bardot would like to remind everyone that she is currently recovering, that she would appreciate it if people would respect her privacy, and invites everyone to calm down," the statement said.

It added: "Ms Bardot wishes to reassure those who are genuinely concerned about her. She sends them this message: 'I send my love to you all.'"

A post on the actors X/Twitter account in October said: I dont know which imbecile launched this fake news tonight about my [death] but know that I am well and that I have no intention of taking my leave.

Bardots statement comes after French media reported last week that the film star had been receiving hospital treatment for three weeks in Toulon, near her home in Saint-Tropez.

Brigitte Bardot filming of Louis Malle's 'Viva Maria!' in Mexico in February 1965 ( Getty )

According to the newspaper Var-matin, Bardot underwent surgery in relation to a serious illness, but the exact nature of the illness was not confirmed.

In the wake of these reports, a social media celebrity news account called Aqababe, run by 27-year-old influencer Aniss Zitouni, apparently posted that Bardot had passed away.

An icon has passed away, leaving behind an unforgettable legacy and an eternal imprint on the hearts of the French, the account claimed in a now-deleted post, according to Mail Online.

Bardot was previously treated for respiratory problems in 2023 after struggling to breathe due to the heat.

At the time, her husband Bernard dOrmale told Var-matin that Bardot had experienced a moment of respiratory distraction that could be expected in someone of her age.

Like all people of a certain age, she can no longer bear the heat, he explained at the time. It happens at 88 years old. She must not [over-exert herself].

Bardot rose to global fame in the 1950s and 60s for films like And God Created Woman and a singing career.

Retiring in the 1970s, she moved permanently to Saint-Tropez, dedicating her life to animal welfare through her eponymous foundation.
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Jodie Foster has revealed her first impression of Robert De Niro was that the iconic actor was really uninteresting but it was all due to his method acting.

The Silence of the Lambs star recently opened up about meeting De Niro on the set of Martin Scorseses 1976 movie Taxi Driver when she was just 12 years old. She recalled how the Goodfellas actor was already an established actor at 32, but nonetheless took [her] under his wing so the pair could familiarize themselves as co-stars.

Wed run the lines and run the lines a second and third time, Foster, now 63, recounted in an on-stage conversation Sunday at the Marrakech Film Festival after winning a tribute award.

And Im sure maybe some of you have been here when Robert De Niro was here. One of our greatest American actors, so proud to have worked with him  not the most interesting person on earth, she said.

At that time, he was very much in character, the way he was in those days. So he was really uninteresting and I remember having these lunches with him and being like, What is happening? When can I go home?

open image in gallery Jodie Foster opened up about her experience working with Robert De Niro in conversation at the Marrakech Film Festival ( Getty Images )

open image in gallery Jodie Foster and Robert De Niro co-starred in Martin Scorsese's 1976 film 'Taxi Driver' ( Getty Images )

Foster said that when the actors went out to lunch together, she would talk to waiters and other diners at restaurants because the duo had nothing to talk about while De Niro was in character as his Taxi Driver role, a veteran with declining mental health.

However, Foster and De Niros relationship had a breakthrough when he spoke to her about his process as a method actor.

He finally walked me through improvisation by the time we had our third lunch together, and it opened my eyes to what acting could be, Foster said. And I realized at 12, Oh, its my fault because I havent brought enough to the table. Ive just been saying lines and waiting for my next line and acting naturally, but building a character is something different.

She added: And I remember how excited I was, I remember being kind of sweaty and excited and giggly and coming back up into the hotel room to meet my mom and saying, Ive had this epiphany. And I think from there, everything changed.

This is not the first time that Foster has opened up about her experience playing the controversial role of a child sex worker in Scorseses acclaimed movie. In an interview last year, she recalled De Niro and Scorsese being intimidated by her young age on set.

Yeah, they were a little scared, Scorsese especially, who kept giggling every time he talked to me. Hed start giggling and De Niro had to take over, she told late night host Jimmy Kimmel at the time.
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50 Cent has responded to critics who questioned his involvement in producing a Sean Diddy Combs docuseries for Netflix, given the pairs long-running feud.

Out Tuesday and directed by Alexandria Stapleton, Sean Combs: The Reckoning is a new four-part documentary that promises to shed light on the real Sean Combs, who is currently serving a four-year prison sentence on prostitution-related charges.

Speaking to Robin Roberts on Good Morning America on Monday, 50 Cent (real name Curtis Jackson) was asked to address claims that his motivation for making the forthcoming documentary was rooted more in his disdain for Combs than in giving the music moguls alleged victims a platform.

What they consider pre-existing beef  for 20 years  is me being uncomfortable with him suggesting that he takes me shopping, the In Da Club rapper said. I looked at it like it was a tester, like maybe youll come play with me type thing. Its not personal.

Stapleton added: I think its important to also let people know, this show isnt completely the perspective of people who didnt like Sean. We werent just trying to get the highlights, the salacious details.

open image in gallery (L-R) Alexandria Stapleton and 50 Cent on ABC News, speaking about their new documentary, 'Sean Combs: The Reckoning' ( ABC News )

open image in gallery 50 Cent (left) has been locked in a long-standing, bitter feud with Sean 'Diddy' Combs (right) since 2001 ( Getty )

The real goal was to storytell, and not everyone needed to have an allegation to be a part of this project.

The documentary comes months after Combs was convicted in July of flying his girlfriends and male sex workers around the country to engage in drug-fueled sexual encounters in multiple places over many years. He managed to escape more serious charges of sex trafficking and racketeering that could have put him behind bars for life.

It will also feature two jurors from Combss trial, who, for the first time, will discuss how they arrived at their mixed verdict.

open image in gallery (L-R) Juror #160 and Juror #75, who delivered Sean Combs's mixed verdict, will speak out for the first time in Sean Combs: The Reckoning ( Netflix )

Throughout the trial, Jackson repeatedly mocked Combs over the shocking revelations that emerged. After Combss conviction, Jackson has remained one of his most vocal critics, even writing a letter to the judge ahead of his sentencing, urging the judge to consider the safety of the general public before unleashing Combs.

Jackson and Combs have been engaged in one of raps biggest and longest feuds, dating back to 2001. Although they were never close, they had previously collaborated on occasional projects during their early days in the music industry.

Their relationship eventually soured due to disputes over artist contracts and rival vodka brands.

Sean Combs: The Reckoning is out Tuesday on Netflix.
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Jodie Sweetin has reflected on working with Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen on Full House, revealing which twin didnt enjoy being on set when the show started.

Sweetin, who played Stephanie Tanner on the hit sitcom, and her co-star Andrea Barber, who played the Tanner familys neighbor Kimmy Gibbler, answered questions from fans during a recent episode of their podcast, How Rude, Tanneritos.

One listener asked if Mary Kate or Ashley was ever favored over the other when filming, or given more time on set. The twins notably took turns playing Michelle Tanner from the ages of nine months to eight years old.

In a situation like that, could they fire one and keep the other? How does that work with twins? Especially when they get older, and you don't need to switch out the crying babies, Barber said, reading off the question from a fan.

According to Sweetin, there was a point when one twin was favored over the other, since Ashley enjoyed filming more than her sister did at the beginning of the series.

Jodie Sweetin says Mary-Kate Olsen(Right) did not like being on set when Full House first started ( AFP via Getty Images )

Mary-Kate did not like being out on set, but Ashley was like, Cool, Whatevs. She was much more docile about it, she said. Which is funny when I think about them as people because thats absolutely who they are.

Ashley will be like, Sure, whatevs. Mary Kate was like, I don't want to do this, she continued. Or there would be certain scenes that one would do and what the other one wouldn't.

Barber also clarified that either Mary-Kate or Ashley would do a certain scene because it was more fun for them, while the other one didn't care.

Sweetin said that Mary-Kate and Ashley would only be dividing up scenes when their character Michelle was eating sweets.

That was the only thing that they were like, This isn't fair, she said, before Barber added, You could not have one twin eating more sweets than the other one.

Sweetin acknowledged the twins were a package deal on the set of Full House, since child labor laws prevented them from working long hours.

When you have younger kids, you are almost always using twins because there is no way that you would get stuff out of an infant or a little kid, a toddler, without going over the time," she concluded. You need two bodies.

After starring on Full House for eight seasons, Mary-Kate and Ashley starred in numerous movies together in the 1990s and 2000s, including It Takes Two, The Challenge, and New York Minute.

However, by 2012, the twins had retired from acting and have since remained out of the spotlight. Now, they both work in the fashion industry, co-running a luxury brand, The Row, and a lifestyle brand, Elizabeth & James.

Theyve also been less involved in the Full House universe than the rest of the cast, since they were notably absent from the shows 25th anniversary reunion in 2012. They also chose not to be a part of the program's reboot, Fuller House, which ran from 2016 to 2020. The program saw Sweetin and Barber reprise their original roles in Full House, alongside Candace Cameron Bure, who reprised her role as DJ Tanner.

However, Mary-Kate and Ashley reconnected with their colleagues at the funeral for Bob Saget, who played their TV dad Danny Tanner in Full House, in January 2022. And for Dave Coulier, who played Dannys fun-loving best friend, Joey Gladstone, it was wonderful to see the twins at the memorial.

I have a picture somewhere where John Stamos has the Dumbo from Disneyland in his house, and its from the ride, he told The New York Post in 2022. And so I went and I sat in there and I started playing around, and all of a sudden, Mary-Kate came over and she sat next to me, and then all of a sudden, Ashley sat next to me. The three of us were in there just laughing and being kids. It was wonderful.
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Vogue Williams has become the third celebrity to leave the Im a Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! jungle.

The model and podcaster was a late addition to the series alongside Celebs Go Dating star Tom Read Wilson and spent 13 days in the jungle.

Williams learned her fate when presenters Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly went into camp during Monday nights show. She was in the bottom two with Kelly Brook.

open image in gallery Williams left the show on Monday ( ITV )

Speaking to Ant and Dec after leaving the jungle, Williams gave her verdict on some of the drama that has been unfolding - admitting that she thinks two of the stars arent pulling their weight when it comes to chores.

Ginge and Aitch are a bit resistant to their chores, she said. I dont really understand the whole cup-gate. I just turned into what Im like at home.

Williams also revealed who snuck in the contraband butter Shona McGarty was caught using over the weekend - blaming Angryginge.

He found it somewhere and brought half of it in, Williams said. It was covered in sticks, I thought, I dont want that.

Elsewhere in the episode, Ruby Wax took on another Bushtucker trial but was left disappointed in herself after only winning half of the stars up for grabs. When the camps dinner - an entire hare - was delivered, the former talk show host declined to eat the meat and instead stuck to rice and beans.

Alex Scott was the first celebrity to leave the jungle on Friday night before Eddie Kadi was evicted on Sunday.

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While the stars usually stay in Australia for the rest of the series, Scott has flown home to be with her girlfriend Jess Glynne, whose mother suffered a major stroke just weeks ago.

It's been a tough time for us and obviously her family, and it was a tough decision to come into the jungle, but then Jess never wanted me to step away from not doing it, the ex-England player told The Mirror.

Another star will leave the Im a Celebrity jungle on Tuesday, when the show continues at 9pm.
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After years of playing various cops on screen, 65-year-old actor Jerry ODonnell is ready to stop pretending.

ODonnell has appeared in nearly 50 movies and shows throughout his four-decade acting career, often portraying police officers in series like The Young and the Restless, NYPD Blue, NCIS, Bosch, and Dexter. But now, the actor is taking the steps to become a real-life law enforcement agent with the Asheville Police Department in North Carolina.

I feel blessed and grateful to still have some ability, so you know, that's like a sense of purpose  to be of service, ODonnell told local outlet the Asheville Watchdog recently.

After months of rigorous classes and training, ODonnell is pending officer status with APD as he undergoes Basic Law Enforcement Training with other cadets. The trainees will take their state test in January. If he passes, ODonnell will graduate on January 30 and be sworn in in March. The entire process takes about a year.

The veteran actor opened up about the physical demands of the training and said that the cadets have to run up and down parking garages. He continued: And then you do exercises  15 air squats, run up another level. Do 50 push-ups, run up another level. Do 50 burpees.

Bosch star Jerry ODonnell is training to become a police officer ( Prime Video )

ODonnell has completed physical training before: He spent four years in the US Armys 82nd Airborne Division before making his TV acting debut in The Flash in 1991. In addition to playing a cop on several shows over his time in the spotlight, ODonnell appeared in four episodes of Mad Men as Elisabeth Mosss brother-in-law, Gerry Respola, from 2008 to 2014.

However, after living in Los Angeles for years and working as an actor, ODonnell said he was inspired to move to North Carolina and find a community-focused job after Hurricane Helene devastated the western part of the state last year. He told his wife that he wanted to become a police officer, but she insisted that Los Angeles was too dangerous a place to launch his career in law enforcement.

Rather than settling into retirement like many people his age, ODonnell said he feels a sense of purpose in joining the force, even if it means he is much older than his fellow trainees.

Theres no way to absolutely guarantee hes the oldest cadet weve ever had, as the APD is currently celebrating 150 years, and our records only go back so far, Asheville police spokesperson Rick Rice told The Independent. But from the research Ive done, I havent found anyone older than him.

ODonnell told Asheville Watchdog: I always think when you slide into home at the end of your life, you want to be all used up... You know  dirty, scarred up, a little bloody, and spent.
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South Park took aim at Secretary of War Pete Hegseths obsession with social media and Saudi Arabias sponsorship of stand-up comedy and professional sport in this weeks Thanksgiving-themed episode.

In the new episode Turkey Trot that aired Wednesday, the towns annual Turkey Trot turns to Saudi Arabia for sponsorship. Meanwhile, Hegseth arrives with the Department of War and mistakes the event for an Antifa uprising.

The character of Hegseth spends much of the episode convincing his Department of War soldiers to help him shoot content, while he pleads with his viewers to like and subscribe. Among the content he posts is an attempt to do chin-ups in a reference to the real-life video he and Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. appeared in together.

Hegseth even earned his own theme song, set to the tune of Kenny Logginss Danger Zone, repeatedly branding him a f***ing d****e.

The end of the episode saw him taking on the towns Turkey Trot, firing on participants alongside Kristi Noems ICE agents.

open image in gallery Pete Hegseth appears in the most recent episode of 'South Park' ( Comedy Central )

The episode made repeated reference to the controversy over this Octobers Riyadh Comedy Festival, where high-profile comedians, including Dave Chappelle, Pete Davidson, Kevin Hart, Louis C.K., Jimmy Carr and Jack Whitehall received substantial fees in exchange for performing while agreeing not to make jokes about religions or Saudi royals.

In the episode, the townsfolk speculate about whether Saudi Arabia will sponsor their own event, concluding: I mean, theyre giving money to everyone else. Why not us?

A promotional video for the race then contains the phrase: Disparaging remarks towards the Saudi royal family are strictly prohibited.

Later in the episode, Cartman argues with Tolkien Black, who has decided not to take part in the event because of the involvement of Saudi Arabia.

What, Tolkien, you dont like that Saudi Arabia is buying American stuff? asks Cartman. Theyre trying to be progressive, OK? You want them to go back to what they were doing? Do you want Saudi Arabia to just go back to cutting people up and paying Kevin Hart? Is that what you want? You cant whine about a country trying to come into the 21st century.

Earlier this month, South Park co-creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker said in an interview that they have found politics impossible to avoid this season.

open image in gallery Cartman and Tolkien argue over Saudi Arabia in the Thanksgiving-themed South Park episode Turkey Trot ( Comedy Central )

Its not that we got all political, Parker told The New York Times. Its that politics became pop culture.

Stone added that speaking out against the Trump administration had become taboo. He continued: Trey and I are attracted to that like flies to honey. Oh, thats where the taboo is? Over there? OK, then were over there.

Parker went on to clarify that their targets can come from all sides of the political spectrum.

Were just very down-the-middle guys, he said. Any extremists of any kind, we make fun of. We did it for years with the woke thing. That was hilarious to us. And this is hilarious to us.
Number of victims in Dnipro grows to 43 people, 10 in serious condition  regional administration

Photo: https://www.facebook.com/

The number of casualties from the Russian missile attack on the city of Dnipro has risen to 43, according to updated data, with ten of them in serious condition, according to Vladyslav Haivanenko, acting head of Dnipropetrovsk Regional Military Administration.

"According to updated information, 43 people were injured in the morning attack in Dnipro. Thirty of them remain in the hospital. Ten are still in serious condition," Haivanenko wrote on Telegram.

According to him, an administrative building, businesses, four educational institutions, four high-rise buildings, two service stations, and more than 50 vehicles were damaged.

Earlier reports indicated 40 injured and four dead. Dnipro Mayor Borys Filatov announced that December 2nd has been declared a Day of Mourning in Dnipro for those killed in the Russian attack.
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Alex Kingston has become the 10th celebrity to leave Strictly Come Dancing after being sent home by the judges.

The ER and Doctor Who stars departure arrived after an injury left her struggling through a Cha-cha-cha  and the judges were left unconvinced by her second attempt in the dance off.

Kingston competed against EastEnders actor Balvinder Sopal, who narrowly survived the bottom two for the fifth time this series after being saved by this weeks head judge Shirley Ballas.

Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse called the choice difficult, but opted to save Sopal with Anton du Beke the only to save Kingston from elimination.

Kingston said she made it further in the competition than she thought she would, telling host Tess Daly: I had never in my wildest dreams imagined that I would last this long.

She continued: Its been just the most incredible journey for me. I feel quite proud of myself because Ive loved the process, you can tell by my smile.

Kingston called her professional partner Johannes Radebe a friend for life, with Radebe stating: Ive never grinned as much as I have in the last few weeks. Thank you for being a trooper. I will hold on to the memories.

He added: As far as the dancing goes, I think weve achieved what we wanted to achieve.

Alex Kingston and Johannes Radebe have left 'Strictly' 2025 ( BBC )

Kingstons exit means she misses out on next weeks quarter-finals, Musicals Week, which will see Sopal, Lioness Karen Carney, YouTuber George Clarke, Emmerdale star Lewis Cope and actor Amber Davies battle it out for a place in the penultimate episode of the 2025 series.

The BBC has also teased a brand new high-stakes dance challenge after this weeks Instant Dance challenge, which saw the couples perform an improvised 40-second routine, proved a hit among viewers.

Earlier in the episode, Sopal predicted her placement in the dance off with a comedic quip made during du Bekes criticism of her performance.

This weeks scores were combined with those amassed during the special episode filmed in Blackpool last week. This was due to the fact La Voix was forced to withdraw from the competition after sustaining an injury.

Carney and Davies both received perfect scores of 40 with their latest performances, but it was Cope who was the first to get four 10s in Blackpool.

Strictly returns to BBC One on Saturday 6 December at 6.50pm.
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Home Improvement actor Zachery Ty Bryan has been arrested for the sixth time in five years and remains in jail after he was denied bail, according to jail records.

Bryan, 44, was arrested Saturday in Eugene, Oregon, for violating the probation he was serving for his previous domestic violence conviction. His fiancee, Johnnie Faye Cartwright, was also arrested and booked at the same jail.

The former child actor was denied bail and is set to remain in jail until December 3, according to the Lane County Sheriffs Office. Cartwright also remains in custody as she faces five charges, including attempted assault and one count of driving under the influence.

Police did not immediately return The Independents request for comment.

Bryan is serving a three-year probation from 2023 after he pleaded guilty to fourth-degree felony assault related to domestic violence. Part of the conditions of his release included no contact with his victim.

open image in gallery Zachery Ty Bryan was denied bail after violating probation ( Custer County Sheriff Office )

open image in gallery Zachery Ty Bryan has been arrested six times in five years ( Lane County Jail )

The father of eight has faced several legal issues since retiring from acting in 2009. Best known for his performance as Brad Taylor on ABCs sitcom Home Improvement, which ran from 1991 to 1999, Bryan also appeared in shows including Veronica Mars and Smallville, and in movies such as First Kid and The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift.

A month after his divorce from his first wife was finalized in 2020, Bryan was arrested for the first time in Oregon after allegedly strangling his then-girlfriend. He pleaded guilty to menacing and fourth degree assault in February 2021 and had six other charges dismissed, according to the Eugene Police Department at the time. He was sentenced to three years of probation.

He was arrested and charged with fourth-degree felony assault, third-degree robbery, and harassment in 2023 and, as previously mentioned, pleaded guilty to the assault, resulting in three more years of probation. The judge warned him at the time that if he did not follow the rules of probation, he could end up in jail.

He was also found guilty of scamming money in a fraud scheme that year, and then arrested twice for driving under the influence the following year.

Bryans most recent arrest was in January, when he was charged with second-degree domestic violence in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

According to a police report obtained by People at the time, cops said the woman who accused Bryan of assault lives with him and shares children with him. The woman told police that Bryan allegedly choked her and punched her in the face multiple times.

The national domestic abuse helpline offers support for women on 0808 2000 247, or you can visit the Refuge website. There is a dedicated men's advice line on 0808 8010 327.

Those in the US can call the domestic violence hotline on 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). Other international helplines can be found via www.befrienders.org.
Amazons Cyber weekend sales have been serving up some serious beauty deals (including a deal that sees the Dyson airwrap crash to its lowest-ever price). But if theres one thing I like to do during the Cyber sales and thats stock up on my favorite haircare. And thankfully, Color Wow products  the viral haircare brand behind the hero dream coat supernatural spray (Amazon.com)  have dropped in price.

Celebrity stylist Chris Appleton  yes, Kim Kardashians go-to hair stylist  swears by it for his clients. In fact, hes been known to rely on the dream coat formula to achieve her signature glass-like shine. With Appleton as Color Wows creative director, its safe to say the brand knows a thing or two about transformative haircare.

And while dream coat may be the brands USP, Color Wows full range is not to be overlooked, with a lineup of hair-loving products that deserve their moment in the spotlight. Luckily, plenty of them are included in the Cyber Monday sale, and as The Independents beauty writer, Ive rounded up the very best deals worth snapping up.

The best Color Wow deals for Cyber Monday
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At just 24, Michel Janses divorce came like a bolt from the blue. Janse, a content creator from Texas, discovered her husband had been cheating on her  a betrayal that explained the growing distance shed felt in the final year of their three-year union. While processing the divorce, Janse began sharing confessional YouTube videos about the experience, describing herself as being in a narcissistic and emotionally abusive marriage and offering small refrains of hope, like the future is brighter and I found love after divorce.

In the corners of the internet where young divorcees congregate, Janse began to notice a language of empowerment surrounding the ending of a marriage. It gave her a sense of safety. I saw a TikTok of a young couple high-fiving each other after getting a divorce, Janse tells me, now 28 and living in San Diego with her new husband, Jordy. I think our generation sees divorce as a celebration that we didnt waste time in something that wasnt serving us, she says. We figured out it wasnt right. We dont want to make ourselves miserable for another decade because of pride.

The decision to end a marriage no longer carries the same stigma as it did for Baby Boomers (those aged between 60 and 79) and Gen X (between 45 and 60). While Janse grew up in a Christian community where divorce was a taboo subject, she thinks divorce has been rebranded by her generation  especially on social media. Its gone from shameful to chic in a weird way, she says, pointing towards a series of viral TikTok posts from prominent content creator Aspyn Ovard, who tells her followers that getting divorced is chic and captions her videos like in my divorce era.

Theres no ignoring that divorce is a heart-wrenching, emotional ordeal. But rather than being viewed as a personal failure or source of shame, Gen Z is choosing to see divorce as a win. This sentiment has been brewing in celebrity culture for some time  model Emily Ratajkowski refreshed her engagement ring into two divorce rings after her 2022 split from Sebastian Bear-McClard, while other figures, like Kim Kardashian (after her marriage to Kanye West) and Jack White (and his ex-wife Karen Elson), have thrown divorce parties to celebrate the conclusion of a marriage. In 2025, divorce isnt an admission of defeat; its an opportunity for a new beginning.

Alina, a 28-year-old living in New York City, made light of her divorce on social media by sharing a TikTok video on the subject, accompanied by circus clown-themed music. The fashion stylist had married her ex at 21 and spent four years married (eight years together in total) before they began to drift apart. I was very young, she says. Now engaged again, she says her approach to relationships has changed entirely. It was that first, toxic big love where you bond over your traumas. I didnt have a strong sense of self until I was 25. Now I am sure of what my values are, and with my finance, it is way more intentional  we are aligned on our core values and how we want to raise children.

open image in gallery Content creator Michel Janse married her ex-husband aged 21 ( YouTube via Michel Janse )

open image in gallery Gen Z will be the first to speak up about an unhappy marriage, according to divorce attorney Jenny Bradley ( Getty/iStock )

As a whole, Gen Z is getting married much less and much later than their parents' generation, with the average marriage age being 28.6 for women and 30.2 for men in the U.S., and the marriage rate currently at around four percent in that group (its also worth noting that since most Gen Z-ers are only just starting to get married, there is not much data yet). But for those who have decided to wed in their late teens and early twenties, young couples arent afraid to walk away when a marriage isnt serving them.

Gen Z will be the first to speak up about an unhappy marriage, according to Jenny Bradley, a divorce attorney, mediator and founder of Triangle Smart Divorce in North Carolina. Gen Z has been taught that if you're not happy, change it  almost to the point that I think sometimes they throw in the towel too soon on jobs, marriages, relationships, and such, and they don't try to make it work, she says.

From first hand experience, Bradley has witnessed two very different attitudes to divorce between Gen X and Gen Z. Well meet with somebody who's in their gray divorce years four or five or six times, and it might take a year or two or three before they finally decide, Yeah, I think I just need to do it, shes says. By comparison, Gen Z-ers will arrive guns blazing. And they're like, we're done.

In an online world where young people are clued up on therapy-informed terminology like gaslighting, self-care and prioritizing your mental health, Gen Z seems quicker to spot the red flags in their relationships and act on them. However, Alina wonders whether the sometimes trivial language around mental health on social media is helpful or harmful when it comes to diagnosing the problems in a relationship. As a generation, we have more understanding of how a relationship should be. But it also could get to another extreme; if youre getting married, you should work on it. Marriage should mean something to you, and the promises that you made. Before her own divorce, Alina and her ex went to couples therapy. It was a slow war of realizing that we had outgrown each other in a way that I felt completely disconnected from that person.

open image in gallery Emily Ratajkowski and her divorce rings ( Instagram via @emrata )

Gen Z is well aware that 50 percent of unions in the U.S. end in divorce. And they are seemingly keen to protect themselves in that eventuality, financially speaking, with prenuptial agreements. Jacqueline Newman, a matrimonial attorney and managing partner at Berkman Bottger Newman & Schein LLP in New York City, has witnessed the boom in prenups  a contract that outlines how a couples assets and finances will be divided if the marriage ends  fuelled by a variety of factors, such as the rise of blended families, people marrying later in life and women having great financial independence than ever before. Newman says that prenups are so prominent that they now take up 40 percent of her practice.

Not to sound unromantic, but at the end of the day, marriages are legal contracts, Newman tells me. Any time a person enters into any other type of legal contract, they would hire an attorney and become educated on it. Its a very reasonable thing to do.

Gen Z, in particular, is more accepting of prenups than older generations because they understand the practicalities of divorce and want to avoid the nasty splits that they witnessed growing up, according to Newman. Theyre seeing it all the time  theres celebrity divorces and much more information thats accessible about divorce. Theyve seen the horror stories of divorce, and they want to protect against it, she says. We're living in a very uncertain world. So to have a sense of what will happen if you were to divorce, it gives people a lot of comfort.

Janse agrees Gen Zs attitude toward divorce is rooted in a desire not to relive the dynamics they watched play out in their parents marriages  unions that often persisted out of duty, fear, or the belief that staying together was somehow better for the kids. I have friends who wonder why their parents are still together. They say, Theyre so miserable, they would be so much happier if they just swallowed their pride and got a divorce If I get in that spot, I don't want that to be my life.

Out of Janses five closest friends from Texas, three of them have been divorced before turning 30. As they navigate through their twenties, she jokes that theyve become a marital support group.

Though divorce is really scary, I havent met anybody who has regretted doing it, she says. If you get to a point in your marriage where it is unsafe, unhealthy to a point of disrepair, or your partner doesnt want to put in the work, then theres goodness on the other side.
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A family has launched an urgent appeal for a stem cell donor to save the life of their teenage daughter, who was diagnosed with an extremely rare blood disorder just days after her 13th birthday.

Millie Fairley, from Eastbourne, East Sussex, is battling aplastic anaemia, a condition affecting approximately two people in every million across the UK.

This severe illness means her bone marrow is unable to produce a sufficient quantity of new blood cells, critically impairing her bodys ability to fight infections, stop bleeding, and transport oxygen effectively.

Her mother, Hayley Fairley, 47, revealed the diagnosis irrevocably altered their lives "overnight", leaving Millie confined to isolation either at home or in hospital.

"My little girl should be starting teenage life, but shes so vulnerable that she has to isolate at home or in hospital," Ms Fairley stated.

"She cant see her friends, and its been a really lonely time for her. We just want her to get better, so that she can have her life back."

Medics have told Millies family she needs a stem cell transplant to treat her condition.

open image in gallery Millie Fairley, 13, from Eastbourne, who has been diagnosed with an extremely rare blood disorder called aplastic anaemia ( Hayley Fairley/PA Wire )

Her mother said: If we cant find a donor, I dont know what well do.

Im trying to be positive through it all but it was so upsetting when none of the family were a match.

Im on edge waiting to see if we can find a matching donor.

Its a huge amount of stress for all our family.

Millie was sent for blood tests by her GP after complaining of headaches, bruising a lot and fainting a few times.

While waiting for the results, her mother noticed a slight rash, so took her to A&E.

After additional blood tests, X-rays and an MRI, Millie was diagnosed with aplastic anaemia and transferred to Kings College Hospital in London.

She is now receiving regular treatment at Brighton Royal Childrens Hospital.

Ms Fairley said the diagnosis was a horrible shock, adding: Were completely devastated.

To be told that your child has a life-threatening condition is the worst possible news, its entirely changed our lives overnight.

She can pick up infections so quickly, so were constantly in hospital.

Millies family are now working with blood cancer charity DKMS in a bid to encourage more people to register as donors and hopefully find her a match.

open image in gallery Millie Fairley's family are working with the charity DKMS and have issued an urgent plea for a stem cell donor to save her life ( Hayley Fairley/PA Wire )

Ms Fairley said: Its so important that people know that they can register as donors.

You have a chance to do something so positive.

I feel like getting the word out has given me some power to do something good in all this.

Please think about signing up, it could change someones life, maybe even my daughters.

DKMS spokesperson Bronagh Hughes said: For Millie and patients like her, a total stranger joining the register could give them their lives back.

The process is very simple, its so easy to give someone a second chance.

Joining the register only requires a quick health questionnaire and a few simple and painless mouth swabs.

It takes 10 minutes of your time, but you could be the match that Millie, or someone else like her, is waiting for.

If you are matched to a patient and called up to donate, nine times out of 10 you can donate through your blood, similar to donating blood platelets, and DKMS will be there to support you through the whole journey.
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School bullying is one of the most serious issues facing Australian schools. Students who are bullied can be left psychologically and emotionally devastated for years afterwards.

Last month, the federal government released the results of a rapid review into bullying. Among the recommendations, it encouraged schools to mobilise students to be upstanders. Releasing the review, Education Minister Jason Clare described upstanders as people who are prepared to stand up, not walk past the problem.

On the face of it, this makes sense  if students stand up for their peers and call out bullying, perpetrators may stop and victims will be better off, right?

But international peer-reviewed research does not support this. In fact, research suggests that actively encouraging students to be upstanders to bullying may even be counterproductive.

Where did the idea come from?

The approach of training student bystanders to defend victims was popularised in the late 1990s by leading Finnish psychologist and researcher, Christina Salmivalli. Salmivalli argued that, because bullying occurs in groups, interventions should target the whole group, not just students who bully or are bullied.

She argued young people should be trained to help their peers if they see them being bullied.

For example, if a student is ridiculing a peer about their appearance, other students who notice this behaviour might step in and tell them to stop.

open image in gallery Students who are bullied can be left psychologically and emotionally devastated for years afterwards ( Getty )

Encouragement of peer bystander support is one of many strategies incorporated into evidence-based whole-school anti-bullying programs in Australia and internationally.

Many programs promoted to Australian schools focus strongly on mobilising bystanders. But most have never been scientifically evaluated for their impacts on bullying or victims.

What does the research evidence say?

Encouraging bystanders to help has been assumed to be positive and helpful. For example, a 2011 meta-analysis described programs as effective just because they increased bystander support. But it did not consider the impact of this support on bullying. Until recently, we had a lack of rigorous research about the effects of bystander actions (or upstander programs) on actual bullying or victim outcomes.

Since 2020, several high-quality, large longitudinal studies have looked at the impact of bystander actions on victims.

A 2023 Dutch study involving more than 5,000 students found that victims who were defended by peers at the start of the school year did not differ from non-defended victims at the end of the year in self-esteem, depression or the severity of bullying experienced.

open image in gallery Encouraging bystanders to help has been assumed to be positive and helpful ( PA )

A 2025 Chinese study involving more than 1,000 students found bystander defence did not mean a victim was any less likely to be bullied six months later.

A 2025 Finnish study involving more than 6,000 students found no difference in bullying or psychological problems experienced by victims who were being defended a few months earlier compared to those who were not defended.

So, recent high-quality studies have failed to confirm the long-held, untested assumption that bystander defence reduces bullying. Other evidence suggests strategies to deliberately mobilise bystanders may even be counterproductive.

What happens when peers get involved?

Most programs to prevent school bullying include many different strategies, like lessons for students about how to treat peers, professional development for teachers, improved discipline, work with parents, and encouraging bystanders to intervene.

On average, these programs reduce reports of being bullied by just 15-16%.

To improve programs, meta-analyses have investigated how the inclusion of different strategies relates to overall program effectiveness in reducing bullying. The first such study in 2011 found programs with strategies involving peers were less effective than programs without peer strategies.

About the author Karyn Healy is an Honorary Principal Research Fellow in Psychology at The University of Queensland. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

A further 2021 meta-analysis distinguished between three different kinds of peer involvement. It found informal peer strategies (such as general discussions in class) were associated with greater program effectiveness. However, actively encouraging peer bystanders to intervene (for example, as upstanders) was associated with less effectiveness in reducing victimisation.

A 2022 meta-analysis found that including non-punitive methods, where peers help find solutions to situations of bullying, was also associated with reduced program effectiveness.

This does not necessarily mean that intervening as a bystander never helps. However, it probably depends on who helps, their status and relationship to those involved, and when and how they intervene.

Why might encouraging upstanding be counterproductive?

One possible explanation is that getting more peers actively involved as bystanders can make bullying more public, making more students aware of what is going on. This could stigmatise the victim, making it more likely they will be shunned from friendship groups and bullied again.

Having a wider audience might also encourage some perpetrators.

What should schools be doing instead?

There are many strategies that research suggests are helpful in preventing bullying. These include a whole-school approach and policy around bullying, good discipline, support for victims and providing information for parents.

Evidence to date suggests informal education of bystanders  such as low-key class discussions about looking out for mates and seeking help from a teacher when needed  can also help.

Future research will provide more information about circumstances where bystander involvement may help. However, at present, schools should be wary of upstander programs, and any other strategies that highlight those involved in bullying to peers.
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Paul Walkers daughter has paid tribute to the late Fast & Furious actor 12 years after his death.

Meadow Walker, 27, remembered her dad with a series of pictures on Instagram posted on the anniversary of the car accident that killed him at age 40.

12 years without you I love you forever, the model captioned the post, which included pictures of her as a child blowing out birthday candles while her dad kneeled in front of her.

The influencer and philanthropist often honors her dad online since his untimely death in 2013. Meadow, who was 15 when he died, is the only daughter of Paul and his childhood sweetheart, Rebecca Soteros. The pair had an on-and-off relationship and co-parented Meadow until Pauls death.

Vin Diesel, Pauls Fast & Furious co-star and friend, also shared a tribute to Paul on Instagram Sunday. He captioned a picture of the two together, Twelve yearsNot a day goes byMiss you. In a second post, the actor wrote: The universe keeps placing angels in my path. I know you are a part of it a brotherhood eternal. Love you forever

Paul Walkers daughter Meadow paid tribute to her dad on social media on the 12th anniversary of his death ( Getty )

Paul was being driven by professional racer Roger Rodas in his Porsche when they spun out of control and hit a concrete lamp post in Santa Clarita, California, on November 30, 2013. Both men were pronounced dead at the scene.

The tragedy sparked an outpouring of tributes throughout Hollywood for the actor, who played undercover cop turned street racer Brian OConner in six of the first seven movies in the Fast & Furious franchise.

The actor made his final appearance in the 2015 film Furious 7, which was filming at the time of his death. Pauls younger brothers, Cody and Caleb, stood in for the actor as body doubles to help finish scenes that were not completed before his death. The movie featured an emotional goodbye to Pauls character, but Diesel hinted earlier this year that fans could see the beloved character again.

Fast X, the most recent installment of the series, featured a cameo of Meadow. She announced to her Instagram followers that her brief appearance as a flight attendant in the film came after she grew up on the sets of the iconic movies.

Thanks to my dad, I was born into the Fast family, she wrote at the time. I cant believe now I get to be up there too. With those who have been around to see me grow up, she continued. I am so blessed to be able to honour my fathers legacy and share this with him forever.
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Old curtains from the royal residence of Sandringham House have been given a new lease of life, transformed into festive Christmas stockings for a charity auction.

A dedicated sewing bee meticulously repurposed the luxurious fabric, crafting 25 unique stockings ahead of the festive season.

The skilled members of the sewing bee operate from another stately home with royal connections, Dumfries House in Ayrshire, Scotland.

Meeting weekly, the group has spent recent months meticulously working on the Sandringham material, turning it into bespoke items for a charitable cause.

Twenty-four of the individually numbered stockings are now being auctioned to raise vital funds for The Kings Foundation, while the final stocking is destined to be a Christmas gift for the King himself.

Each piece required over six hours of intricate work, with the sewing bee members employing traditional techniques such as hand embroidery, piping, and precise seam matching.

The Kings Foundation, headquartered at Dumfries House, is dedicated to providing opportunities for individuals to acquire practical heritage skills.

Andrea Middlemiss holds up a Christmas stocking ( Andrew Milligan/PA Wire )

The sewing bee, which has been a fixture at the residence since 2016, is one of the charitys key initiatives. Reflecting much of the foundations broader work, the sewing bees activities strongly emphasise sustainability.

Christine Wilson, 72, and Andrea Middlemiss, 63, both from the nearby town of Cumnock, are testament to the bees impact, having never sewn before joining the Dumfries House group.

Ms Wilson, a retired finance officer, joined at its inception, with cafe worker Ms Middlemiss signing up six months later.

"Its been absolutely great," Ms Wilson remarked. "Its a great atmosphere in the sewing bee, a great group of friends, and we do a lot for charities as well.

Over the years weve done a lot of different ideas, and weve learned so much from the tutors that are here as well. Theyve been excellent. Its a great community-based organisation."

Ms Middlemiss, who discovered the sewing bee online, said: "I really wanted to get involved.

"I couldnt sew a thing (at the start) and Ive thoroughly enjoyed it and Ive learned a lot from the tutors. Weve made so many different things  dresses, jackets, and done a lot for charity along the way, and the stockings, of course."

She conveyed her pride in the latest project, saying: "Its an honour to be doing it. Because of the curtains, because of where theyve come from and the story behind it and the thought that theyve been hanging up in this palace for goodness knows how long."

Sarah McClymont, 31, the lead tutor for the bee, described the stocking-making as an "exciting project" for the members.

"Being given the opportunity to work with such historically significant fabric was a real honour for them and they are so proud of how the stockings turned out," she commented.

"The sewing bee transforming the Sandringham curtains into 25 luxury Christmas stockings really demonstrates The Kings Foundations commitment to craftsmanship, responsible design, and sustainable fashion and textiles," Ms McClymont added.

"We hope that whoever is lucky enough to win one of the stockings at auction will pass it down as a family heirloom to be treasured for decades to come."

The Kings Foundations 2025 Christmas Charity Auction is currently open and will conclude at 5pm on Friday, 12 December.
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Starbucks is gearing up for the new year with a new menu.

While the holiday season has just begun, Starbucks already shared a preview of its 2026 winter menu in a press release Monday. The new offerings, set to launch on January 6, include two drinks inspired by the viral Dubai chocolate craze.

Joining the menu are the Iced Dubai Chocolate Matcha and Iced Dubai Chocolate Mocha, which are inspired by the viral customer creations, according to Starbucks.

Pistachio is the latest winter craze at Starbucks, with the new Pistachio Cortado joining the 2026 menu. The new creation came after the brand launched its Pistachio Latte and Pistachio Cream Cold Brew in January, both of which are making their return next year.

Customers can also expect two new items on Starbucks protein menu this winter: Caramel Protein Matcha and Caramel Protein Latte. While its unclear how much protein is in each beverage, other protein lattes and Cold Foam at Starbucks contain up to 36 grams of protein in each medium-sized beverage.

Starbucks is introducing two new Dubai chocolate-inspired drinks (right) this winter ( Starbucks )

Theres also a new sugar-free caramel syrup that sugar-conscious customers will be able to opt for.

New food items on the 2026 menu include a Turkey Bacon, Cheddar & Egg White Sandwich, and a Truffle Mushroom & Brie Egg Bites.

For a sweet treat, you can get a new Valentine Cake Pop leading up to the romantic holiday on February 14.

Although the winter menu isnt out yet, customers can now enjoy some beloved favorites on Starbucks holiday menu. In fact, on Tuesday, the coffee brand is bringing back four of its classic holiday drinks: Iced Chestnut Praline Latte, Chestnut Praline Latte, Iced Eggnog Latte, and Eggnog Latte.

Other holiday offerings this year include the Peppermint Mocha, Caramel Brulee Latte, Iced Sugar Cookie Latte, and Iced Gingerbread Chai.

Customers can then treat themselves to holiday-themed baked goods such as the Snowman Cookie, Cranberry Bliss Bar, and Sugar Plum Cheese Danish, all of which are making their way back to Starbucks locations across the U.S. New additions to the holiday menu this season also include the Polar Bear Cake Pop and Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread.

Leading up to the holidays, Starbucks had its annual Red Cup Day last month, offering a free 2025 limited-edition reusable red cup with any holiday or fall beverage  hot, iced, or blended.

However, during Red Cup Day, more than 1,000 unionized workers at Starbucks stores across 65 U.S. cities participated in a walkout, in a push for better pay and benefits. The Starbucks Workers United escalated the strike, also known as the Red Cup Rebellion, this past weekend, announcing on Friday that 120 stores in 85 cities joined the effort.
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The holidays are here, and chances are youre either gifting or receiving at least one article of clothing.

And while you might be beyond excited to sport your new sweater or slip into your cozy matching sweatsuit, it might be wise to wash it first.

The debate over whether or not to wash clothes before wearing them has raged among shoppers for years. But experts seem to agree, for the most part, on washing beforehand.

Frances Kozen, senior lecturer in fiber science at Cornell University told Real Simple she typically washes before wearing to remove processing chemicals, excess dye, and dirt from all of the handling during production.

Textiles and garments have passed through many hands, often in multiple countries, Kozen added.

open image in gallery Clothes should be washed before wearing in certain situations, experts say

open image in gallery Experts have weighed in on whether you should wash your new clothes before wearing ( Getty Images/iStockphoto )

That could leave people with sensitivities at risk of developing a reaction if wearing a shirt, jeans, or undergarment against skin without washing first.

A 2020 study found that bacteria and viruses can live on certain fabrics for days or even weeks. That means buying clothes from a store where they may have been tried on by others and then wearing without washing could pose a risk of developing a reaction.

You never know who tried on the garment before you bought it, so you dont know about germs on their skin, nose, mouth, Dr. Jami L. Miller, Associate Professor of Dermatology at Vanderbilt Health, told Southern Living.

In fact, a few studies have been done looking at bacteria and viruses lingering on clothes after they have been tried onfecal bacteria and nasal viruses were commonly found. Lice, scabies, and even bed bugs can also live on clothing for a few days, Miller continued.

Even though its extremely rare to become sick from new clothing or bedding, as Miller said, its still worth the extra task of washing before wearing, as there are other potential issues that could arise from not laundering clothes first.

Depending on the garment and how it was made, dyes from clothes worn without washing could rub off on furniture or even your skin. Brightly colored items, like red sweaters and dark-wash jeans, are among those that should be washed before wearing.

Washing before wearing can also help your new items last longer. Using hot water combined with the heat of the dryer could warp clothing before wearing, though, so using the right settings is key.

"If you want to extend the life of a product and reduce shrinkage, I suggest washing in cold water and drying on low or hang-drying clothes," Nomi Dale Kleinman, chair of the textile/surface design department at the Fashion Institute of Technology, told Real Simple.
Meloni emphasizes importance of rapprochement of views between Europe and USA for peace in Ukraine

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni spoke by phone Monday afternoon with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other European leaders to discuss meetings in Florida between US and Ukrainian peace process delegations.

"Prime Minister Meloni, along with other leaders, commented on the results of this new phase of negotiations, noting President Zelenskyy's consistently constructive approach. She also reiterated the importance of rapprochement between European partners and the United States as the basis for achieving a just and lasting peace," the Italian government's website said.

As noted in Rome, ahead of meetings between US President Donald Trump's special envoy and the Russian side, Meloni "expressed hope that Moscow, in turn, will offer a concrete contribution to the negotiation process."
open image in gallery The trial of Brian Walshe, accused of killing his wife nearly three years ago, is set to begin in Massachusetts on Monday ( AP )

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The murder trial of Brian Walshe, accused of killing and dismembering his wife, Ana Walshe, will begin Monday with opening statements.

Walshe is facing a charge of first-degree murder in the death of his wife nearly three years ago in Cohasset, Massachusetts.

The 50-year-old stunned a Massachusetts courtroom on November 18 by admitting that he misled investigators and disposed of his 39-year-old real estate executive wifes remains, but has insisted that he is not a murderer.

While Walshe entered a shocking guilty plea to the two lesser charges, no plea deal had been reached on the final charge of murder, allowing the trial to move forward as planned.

His defense attorneys stressed that their client is not admitting to...murder with the partial plea.

Judge Diane Freniere said she expected the trial to last three to four weeks.

open image in gallery The trial of Brian Walshe, accused of killing his wife nearly three years ago, is set to begin in Massachusetts on Monday

Walshe was arrested on January 8, 2023, for misleading police and was charged with murder later that month. He has been held in custody ever since, serving a concurrent federal sentence after pleading guilty to selling forged Andy Warhol artwork in a separate case.

With the new guilty pleas, he faces up to 10 years on the misleading charge, with a potential 20-year enhancement if convicted of murder, and up to three years in prison on the body disposal count.
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A father and three children have been killed after their car was hit head-on by a driver who had carjacked a vehicle just an hour before.

Alvin Corado, 35, his children MaKenlee Corado, 11, Toretto Corado, 8, and their friend Jase Green, 12, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, died at the scene just before 4:40 p.m. on November 24.

Their Ford sedan was hit on Highway 83 in Douglas County by a stolen Toyota hatchback which had been carjacked from a parking garage in Aurora around an hour before. Police say Walter Huling, 31, had pulled a woman from the drivers seat and sped away.

Investigators say the driver of the stolen vehicle had lost control for unknown reasons, over-corrected, rolled into the northbound lane and crashed head-on into the familys car.

Huling was killed instantly in the crash, according to the Douglas County Coroners Office. He had an extensive criminal past, Aurora police confirmed to Denver 7, adding that he was on parole at the time of the crash.

Authorities identified the suspected carjacker as Walter Huling, 31, of Denver. The Douglas County Coroners Office confirmed he was killed instantly in the crash ( Colorado Department of Corrections )

Court records show Huling had 12 criminal cases between 2013 and 2024, including multiple assaults, violations of protection orders, bribery, burglary, and DUI.

His most recent conviction was in 2019, when he was sentenced to six years in prison for assaulting a man, his wife, and a police officer in Denver.

Douglas County District Attorney George Brauchler said Huling should never have been on the streets.

This guys criminal history and the fact that he appears to have been on parole and this happened seems like we are failing the community, Brauchler told Denver 7.

Two other children survived the crash but remain hospitalized. Mia Corado, 13, was listed in fair condition Wednesday, according to Childrens Hospital Colorado. Jordan Green, 14, is also in stable condition, his family said, according to Fox News Digital.

Mia Corado suffered a lacerated liver, fractured pelvis, broken back, and multiple lung injuries, according to her mother, Marissa Corado, who has been sharing updates on Facebook.

Her daughter was awake for the entire crash, Marissa wrote in one post.

Not even ten minutes after the [intubation] tube was taken out, Mia asked the question we knew was coming After asking where her dad was, and me answering with the news of her siblings and fathers passing, she responded with I know, the mother wrote.

She said Mia recalled in great detail every moment leading up to the accident, the accident itself, and how she was awake the whole time and even tried to help.

We were told by those on the scene that she was awake, but we were not prepared for all of the details, and had hoped trauma would have blocked it out of her brain, she added. The things Mia saw and went through is something that no person should ever have to witness, let alone a 13 year old witnessing of her very own family.

A vigil is planned for MaKenlee and Toretto Monday at New Song Church, Colorado Springs.

A GoFundMe has been launched to help cover funeral expenses, medical bills, and Marissas lost income as she remains by Mias side.

Sabin Middle School also released a statement calling MaKenlees death incomprehensible.

She was a bright, joyful presence in our school community  friends with everyone, as her mom shared, officials wrote. Please keep MaKenlees entire family in your thoughts during this difficult time.
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A Kentucky couple tossed a man off the balcony of their home and now face murder charges, cops say.

Shawn Durbin, 39, and his wife Nancy, 36, were both arrested after the alleged incident. Shawn was also charged with resisting arrest and for a third-degree assault on a police officer, according to Law & Crime.

The November 13 incident happened when the Durbins' neighbor, Bobby Pennington, 62, was visiting their apartment. It is unclear why he was at their residence.

At some point during the visit, a fight broke out between the couple and Pennington. That fight ended with the couple allegedly shoving Pennington off their second-story balcony, which was approximately 12 feet from the ground, according to the Elizabethtown Police Department. Authorities told WLKY that Pennington fell and hit pavement.

Video taken by the broadcaster shows that there was a metal railing on the balcony, suggesting it is unlikely Pennington's fall was a misstep or an accident.

Shawn and Nancy Durbin of Elizabethtown, Kentucky, were charged with the November 13 murder of Bobby Pennington, 62, after they allegedly threw him from their second-story balcony to the pavement below. ( Elizabethtown Police Department )

A bystander who found Pennington called the police and reported that a man had suffered cardiac arrest, according to the report. Authorities arrived at the scene and found the bystander providing CPR to Pennington. The bystander reportedly told police that she saw the couple throw the man from the balcony.

Pennington was rushed to the hospital, and X-rays showed that he had suffered a broken neck and ribs, according to WLKY.

Police arrested the Durbins and initially charged them with assault, but after Pennington died from his injuries, the assault charges were upgraded to murder.

"It's disgusting, it's despicable. Again, all indications are that he did nothing to deserve this," Elizabethtown Police Department spokesman Chris Denham told the outlet.

Denham said that suspects have denied any involvement with Pennington's death.

"There's absolutely no ownership; it speaks volumes to the character of them," he said. "Best reports we can come up with are that Mr. Pennington didn't bother anyone and was thrown off of almost a 12-foot balcony and ended his life."

Lisa King, who lives at the apartment complex, told WLKY that Pennington used to bicycle around the neighborhood and waved at everybody.

And it's just a horrible thing that happened to him," she told the broadcaster. "Why did you do it? Why would you do that to somebody? That's horrible."

An obituary for Pennington described him as a "very generous man" who "loved to ride his bike and give bikes to underprivileged children."

The Durbins are currently being detained in the Hardin County Detention Center on a $500,000 bail. Their first court date is scheduled for December 9.
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A beloved radiologist and his wife were shot dead in a targeted double murder at their upscale California home over the weekend, according to reports.

The victims, identified as Dr. Eric Cordes and his wife, Vicki, were found with gunshot wounds in the driveway of their Simi Valley home just after noon on Sunday, KABC reported.

The married couple, who were both in their 60s, were taken to a nearby hospital with critical injuries. They were pronounced dead several hours later, authorities said.

"Dr. Cordes was a highly respected, board-certified radiologist and beloved physician who served this community with compassion and excellence for nearly 30 years, Adventist Health Simi Valley said in a statement.

Our hearts are with his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of working alongside him as we grieve this shocking loss, Dr. Cordes former employer added.

open image in gallery A married couple in their 60s was fatally shot at their upscale California home Sunday afternoon in what police believe was a targeted shooting ( CBS LA )

Footage shows the couples home, which sits at the end of a cul-de-sac in the wealthy neighborhood of Simi Valley, surrounded by emergency responders.

We dont believe this is a random act, said Simi Valley Police Det. Rick Morton. We do believe the victims were targeted.

Morton said neighbors speculated that the suspect may be the stepson of one of the victims, though police have yet to confirm that theory, according to KABC.

Mike Hylton, who attended their wedding, is among the couples neighbors reeling at the news.

Eric wasa figure in the community with regards to being the director of radiology over at Adventist Health in Simi. Hes known by a lot of people and its just really sad, he told KABC.

Investigators said a suicide in Chino, about 75 miles east, may be connected to the double homicide.

Police told The New York Post that a gunman walked up to the Cordes home and opened fire before fleeing in a car.

A car matching that description was found hours later after having been set on fire next to a deceased person, who died by an apparent suicide, Chino Police told CBS News Los Angeles.

The deceased individual inside the car has not yet been identified.

Police are investigating that incident.
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Authorities have vowed to find the animals who carried out a suspected gang-related shooting at a childrens birthday party that left four dead.

Three children, aged eight, nine and 14, and a 21-year-old man were killed in the Saturday night attack. A further 14 people were injured in the incident that took place at a banquet hall in Stockton, California.

The eldest victim has been identified as Susano Archuleta by his brother Emmanuel Lopez, whose young daughter was also injured in the shooting.

Im just upset right now. My brother died in my arms, Lopez told the LA Times, describing his sibling as someone who had been full of life and energy.

Lopez said his 9-year-old girl was shot in the head during the attack, but survived.

open image in gallery A manhunt is underway for the suspects who carried out a shooting at a childrens birthday party on Saturday, which killed three kids and a 21-year-old man ( AP )

Around 100-150 people had gathered at the party before the shooting began at 6 p.m., according to a statement from the San Joaquin County Sheriffs Office.

Witnesses described the scene as pandemonium after gunfire erupted.

Priscilla Salas told the LA Times she was at her boyfriends house behind the hall when she heard shots being fired from a fully automatic weapon and pops from a handgun.

When she ran out of her house, she saw ambulances racing to the scene and the bodies of children being rushed out of the building.

Another neighbor told the Times the party had been organized for a 2-year-old, and that after the shooting he could hear parents crying for their children, unable to find them at the scene.

open image in gallery Mayor Christina Fugazi has urged anyone with information about the attack to contact Crime Stoppers or the police ( San Francisco Chronicle )

Video footage depicting the aftermath of the shooting, showed a huge police presence building up around the banquet hall while paramedics tended to the injured.

These animals walked in and shot children at a children's birthday party, and none of us should stand for that, Patrick Withrow, the San Joaquin County sheriff, said during a press conference on Sunday, ABC News reports.

Withrow also confirmed that, while shells and casings recovered from the scene were still being processed, authorities believe multiple shooters were involved in the attack.

We're confident that this was not a random act, he added. They walked into this area probably looking for someone in particular. This was not somebody who was unacquainted with them."

open image in gallery Investigations into the attack are ongoing but police suspect possible gang involvement ( Getty Images )

Stocktons mayor, Christina Fugazi urged anyone with information about the crime to contact Crime Stoppers, during a press conference Sunday.

They should be writing their Christmas lists right now, she added, referring to the children who were killed. Their parents should be out shopping for them for Christmas.

And to think that their lives are over. I cant even begin to imagine what these families are going through. Breaks my heart. Fugazi also branded the attack an act of terrorism.

Speaking at Sundays press conference, Withrow said a number of arrests were made on Saturday evening but it is not clear if they are connected to the shooting. The five people arrested seven miles south of the shooting were aged between 16 and taken into custody on weapons and gang charges.

A prayer vigil for the victims families was held Sunday evening which was attended by around 150 people.

California Governor Gavin Newsoms press office said on X that he had been briefed on the shooting and that the Governors Office of Emergency Services was monitoring the situation and working with law enforcement.
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Thieves snatched an 80-year-old womans car in Portland, as she served Thanksgiving meals to the homeless at her church.

The stolen 1999 Honda Accord also contained the elderly victims purse, her own Thanksgiving meal and her bank cards, which were later used to charge $600 to her account in local stores.

The victim, who is a cancer survivor, had parked her car at a local garage as she often does before volunteering at the Union Gospel Mission.

I feel for these people so much, Cheryl told Fox 12, only giving her first name. Its just a good feeling giving back to your community.

When she returned from dishing out meals, expecting to be en route to enjoy her own Thanksgiving dinner, her car was gone.

The victim's 1999 Honda Accord was stolen while she served meals to the homeless at her local church ( GoFundMe/Todd Schulberg )

I knew where I parked it and I looked around in shock, she said. I realised then that it was stolen and I started to cry.

I felt numb; I felt violated, she added. I thought: who could do this on Thanksgiving?

The womans son, Todd Schulberg, launched a GoFundMe to pay for the cost of a new car and to recover the cost of essential items stolen from his moms purse.

She's worked hard all of her life and does not deserve this, he wrote. She doesnt have the resources to purchase another vehicle, and without a car, she cant get to her medical appointments, her volunteer activities, or even basic errands.

She deserves stability, safety, and a sense of security after everything shes been through.

In his GoFundMe campaign, Schulberg also said that his mom survived on a very limited income and used her car as her primary mode of transport.

She had also beaten breast cancer this year, making the theft even more emotionally devastating and financially overwhelming.

Schulberg says that he has filed a police report, searched for the car himself and posted on the PDX stolen cars Facebook page.

So far, his campaign has raised $2,770, although he hopes to raise a total of $12,000.

Despite the setback, Cheryl told Fox 12 that she plans to continue volunteering at the Union Gospel Mission.

I wouldnt hesitate, she said. Id definitely go back. I might not go in my car but Ill find a way.
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Chinese startup DeepSeek has released the first ever open AI model capable of achieving a gold medal at the prestigious International Mathematical Olympiad.

The Math-V2 model reached the gold-level score at this years IMO  a feat that only 8 per cent of human participants achieved  by demonstrating its reasoning abilities rather than just produce a simple answer.

DeepSeek has now made the model available to the public on the developer platforms Hugging Face and GitHub, allowing anyone to run or modify it for free.

Imagine owning the brain of one of the best mathematicians in the world for free to explore it for research, fine-tune it, optimise it, run it on your own hardware, said Hugging Face co-founder and chief executive Clement Delangue.

No limitations, no nerfing [reducing the power], no company or government to take it back. Thats democratisation of AI and knowledge at its best, literally.

Models built by Google DeepMind and ChatGPT creator OpenAI have both scored gold-level performances at the annual IMO, but neither company has made them open-source.

DeepMinds model is currently available for subscribers to its premium Ultra package, while OpenAI is yet to publicly release its model.

DeepSeeks model proved its ability to self-verify, according to the firms researchers, allowing it to solve mathematical problems without known solutions.

This addresses a key bottleneck in current AI systems, which tend to improve only on tasks with easily verifiable solutions, the researchers said.

DeepSeek launched earlier this year, making headlines for claims that its large language model (LLM) was created at a fraction of the cost of rivals like OpenAIs ChatGPT.

It quickly becoming the most downloaded free app in the US, leading President Donald Trump to describe it as a wake-up call for the tech industry.

Several states have already banned the app on government devices amid data security concerns about using artificial intelligence technologies built in China.

Italian regulators have also ordered a nationwide bad, citing potential data breaches by DeepSeeks parent companies, which are required to prove that the model complies with GDPR data protection laws.
Dutch PM in call with Zelenskyy: No decisions on Ukraine without Ukrainians; no decisions on Europe without Europeans

Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof had a call n with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy about efforts to end the war.

"We must further increase pressure on Russia and continue to support Ukraine in every way. Together with several European partners, we spoke with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy about peace negotiations. It is important that Europe plays an active role in this: no decisions on Ukraine without Ukrainians, and no decisions on Europe without Europeans," Schoof said on the X social network on Monday.

He said that in the short term, Ukraine needs much more support against massive Russian attacks on civilians and energy infrastructure. Therefore, as the head of government noted, the Netherlands is allocating an additional EUR 250 million for weapons such as air defense systems and ammunition for F-16s, which Ukraine urgently needs.

"Ukraine and the Netherlands will also jointly produce drones to increase resilience and security. We will not leave Ukraine to its fate," he said.

Earlier on Monday, Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans said the Netherlands had announced another package of military assistance under the PURL initiative in the amount of EUR 250 million to strengthen Ukraine's air defense.
Gunvor Group owner and co-founder Torbjorn Tornqvist will step down and sell his majority stake in the energy trader to senior staff, just weeks after the company was labelled a puppet of the Kremlin by the US government.

Gary Pedersen, the head of Americas who joined Gunvor in 2024 from Millennium Management, has been appointed CEO, the company said in a statement.

Swiss billionaire Torbjorn Tornqvist will sell his 86 per cent stake in Gunvor to a group of current employees who will wholly own the company going forward. Credit: Bloomberg

The move represents the most dramatic fallout yet after the US Treasury Department announced abruptly that it would block a deal for Gunvor to buy the international assets of sanctioned oil major Lukoil, and alleged the connection to Russias government without providing evidence.

Gunvor abandoned the deal immediately, but the dramatic chain of events surrounding one of the biggest independent energy traders has shaken the commodity world and revived questions over the companys historic ties to Moscow.
Collection

The 24 restaurants, cafes and bars to put on your list for December, Melbourne

Catch up on all the hot, new and just-reviewed places around town. From suburban bakeries to relaxed hatted restaurant spin-offs (hello Ettas sister Daphne  (pictured right), Manzes brother Boire and Bar Bellamy offshoot Melitta Next Door), youll find somewhere for every kind of end-of-year catch-up this month. Plus, you can create your own custom saved hit list on the Good Food app.
Jodie Haydon was well on the path to becoming Australias first lady of fashion before Prime Minister Anthony Albanese placed a wedding ring on her finger at The Lodge on Saturday.

Selecting a wedding dress from Australian label Romance Was Born confirmed Haydons aptitude for a style of dress diplomacy favoured by former US first lady Michelle Obama and the late Queen Elizabeth II.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Jodie Haydon at The Lodge for their wedding ceremony.

The flattering silk dress, with a modest silhouette, covered buttons and embellishments referencing Australian flora designed by Anna Plunkett and Luke Sales of Romance Was Born, was a bold statement of respect for local creativity over famous luxury labels.

Flower details were taken directly from the playbook of the late Queen, who wore a dress by Norman Hartnell embroidered with garlands for her 1947 wedding to Prince Philip. Elizabeth repeated the trick at her 1953 coronation in a white satin Hartnell dress with gold embroidery, featuring the floral emblems of Commonwealth countries, including the acacia for Australia.
Loading Later, they bonded over a card-playing challenge. I dared him to beat me at Uno  but he won. After she was re-elected, Sehr and Thompson cancelled honeymoon plans. She was due at a council meeting on Monday night as well as a citizenship ceremony on Wednesday. They hope to go to Maui in January so Sehr can indulge in her other great passion  surfing. Life after parliament Whatever happened to Zoe Daniel? The teal MP and member for Goldstein was riding high before the last federal election, until she was voted out by modern Liberal Tim Wilson.

It is a result that still rankles with the teal squad, judging by our recent item about how teal fellow traveller Monique Ryan found she had to attend a CSIRO budget briefing rather than be caught in a photograph with Wilson. Last we heard from Daniel she was going to engage in a series of speaking events. But now Mental Health Victoria, the independent peak body for mental health and wellbeing, has appointed the former ABC correspondent as a director and  quick as a flash  its first independent board chair. Zoe Daniel has a new role. Credit: Justin McManus The MHV release didnt point out any obvious industry experience for the gig but explained Daniels suitability because in parliament, she championed reforms in womens safety, economic equality, student debt, healthcare, climate legislation, and digital safety, and mental health, particularly support for eating disorder services. Known for her integrity and people-first approach, Zoe continues her advocacy through public speaking, advocacy, consulting, and community engagement.

Intrigued, we asked MHV what sort of stipend the role entails. Our governance remuneration is just industry standard  benchmarked to the Department of Premier and Cabinet guidelines, came the reply. What does that mean? Well MHV is a B1 board, with remuneration for board members in the range of $21,302 to $59,951. Not a bad little earner.

ASIC matters In June, CBD brought word that former Howard-era Liberal health minister Michael Wooldridges decade-plus imbroglio with the corporate regulator had ended with the former doctor narrowly avoiding bankruptcy. Loading Wooldridges troubles date to his directorship of Prime Retirement and Aged Care property trust, a retirement village company that went bust in 2010 leaving investors out of pocket to the tune of $550 million. After a lengthy legal battle, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission scored a final victory in 2018 when the High Court ruled that Wooldridge and his co-directors had breached their duties by approving payment of $33 million from the trusts funds to the private accounts of its founder, Bill Lewski.

Wooldridge avoided bankruptcy after cutting a behind-the-scenes deal with ASIC, which had been pursuing him for the legal costs, thought to be in excess of $2 million. But what of Lewski, the moppy-haired, Porsche-driving Melbourne businessman who in 2019 was fined $230,000 and banned from running a company for 15 years? Loading Turns out Lewski, too has been on ASICs radar over unpaid bills. In fact, the regulator has been trying hard to serve a creditors petition on him  in effect, making him bankrupt. The problem? He could not be tracked down and personally served. Finally, in October, the Federal Court made an order that Lewski had been served, on account of the documents being left at multiple addresses linked to him in Brighton and Surfers Paradise. And in November, the court made a sequestration order, effectively rendering Lewski bankrupt, with ASICs costs to be paid from his estate. Curiously, Wooldridge was listed on both orders as a secondary creditor. Looks like he too is waiting for his bag.

Wedding surprise Canberra florist Loulou Moxom got the shock of her life at the weekend when a friend sent her photos from Prime Minister Anthony Albaneses wedding to Jodie Haydon with a query, showing the brides cream and white flowers with wattle greenery bouquet. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Jodie Haydon after getting married on Saturday in Canberra. Credit: Mike Bowers Is that your f---ing bouquet? the friend asked. It was, but Moxom was astonished. My brief was I was doing flowers for Marie and Matthew. Thats who I thought my bride and groom were, Moxom told The Canberra Times.
Battles over noisy pets, quarrels over parking spaces and barneys over building bylaws are among a rising number of disputes unfolding between neighbours in NSWs strata properties.

The states regulator recorded an 11 per cent surge in the number of disputes requiring mediation in the past financial year, with more than 1.2 million residents in strata properties  most often units or townhouses with a common area.

Darlington resident David Glover said disputes can be challenging to navigate for both strata bodies and unit owners. Credit: Sam Mooy

Fair Trading NSW received 2761 applications to mediate strata disputes in 2024-25  an average of 53 per week and up 11 per cent from the 2490 applications in the previous 12-month period.

In the past financial year a total of 67 per cent of disputes were resolved through mediation, which is a mandatory first step partly aimed at avoiding the need for owners having to seek hearings in the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
A boy who tragically lost his mother and his leg in a helicopter collision has bravely attended an inquest into the horrific air disaster.

Nicholas Tadros, from Sydney, was aged 10 when he boarded what was supposed to be a five-minute helicopter joy flight around the Gold Coasts Sea World with his mum on January 2, 2023.

Instead, their trip ended abruptly 25 seconds after take-off when their aircraft hit another Sea World chopper that was preparing to land near the theme park.

Nicholas Tadros sits by a portrait of his late mother, Vanessa, at the familys Glenmore Park home. Credit: Dean Sewell

His mother, Vanessa Tadros, 36, was among four people who died in what was considered one of Australias worst air disasters.
Photo: https://www.dw.com

Following a joint conversation between European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz noted Europe's "clear course:" no dictated peace imposed on Ukraine.

"Europe has a clear course: no dictated peace imposed on Ukraine. No weakening or division of the EU and NATO. Donald Tusk and I spoke by phone with President Zelenskyy and our European partners about this. In these crucial days, we remain in close and constant contact," Merz said on the X social network.
Queenslands deputy premier has come out firing at Steven Miles, suggesting the Labor leader could be knifed by his own party after a byelection drubbing in Hinchinbrook on the weekend.

LNP candidate Wayde Chiesa won the northern seat with a 17 per cent swing, after the resignation of Katters Australian Party MP and now Townsville mayor Nick Dametto.

Labor attracted just 8 per cent of the vote, suffering a 6 per cent swing.

Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie. Credit: Joe Ruckli

Make no mistake, this is a bad result for Steven Miles, Jarrod Bleijie said on Monday morning at Parliament House.
Everyone seems to want to leave Essendon these days.

A few weeks ago, Zach Merrett wanted out of the football club. Now, an entire neighbourhood in Essendon West wants to leave the suburb and join Aberfeldie.

Jai and Caitlyn Hickey, Lincoln Merlo and Ashlee Richardson are residents of Essendon West who reckon they should be part of Aberfeldie instead. Credit: Justin McManus

A petition signed by 140 people was tabled at a Moonee Valley City Council meeting last Tuesday night and calls for a realignment of suburb boundaries in Melbournes north-west.

Lincoln Merlo, the petition organiser, tells other Essendon West residents it isnt personal. He just believes his neighbourhood around Clydebank Road is isolated from the rest of the suburb and is better connected to Aberfeldie. Plus, property values are better, too.
The Cook government is looking into how it could force tech companies to build in safeguards to stop their products being used by violent partners as a form of coercive control.

eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant issued a warning on Monday that technology was being used to facilitate abuse, including electric vehicles being used to surveil partners.

Loading

Speaking after the 16 Days in WA family and domestic violence breakfast at Crown Perth this morning, Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister Jess Stojkovski said that use of technology would be looked at as the state develops laws to ban coercive control  a form of abuse that includes restricting the freedoms and behaviours of a partner.

Thats a wide range of what were looking at with the coercive control legislation, it is one of the reasons why it is a hard thing to legislate, she said.

As part of the 16 Days in WA campaign, Premier Roger Cook laid out a new tranche of funding worth $110 million to combat rising rates of family and domestic violence in the state.

It includes $34.9 million to expand the FDV response teams to a 24/7 service in metro Perth, $45.8 million to enact recommendations from the FDV system reform plan and $14.4 million to support victim survivors.

The Greens announced they would create a specific spokesperson position in the party to target mens violence against women, with leader Brad Pettitt to fill the role.

For too long the burden of encouraging change to stop this crisis has fallen on women, often victim-survivors and advocates themselves, which is why I am stepping up to be the new Greens spokesperson for stopping mens violence, he said.

Cook said the party would not follow the Greens lead.

I wish them all the very best. I am immensely impressed with the performance of Jess Stojkovski in this portfolio, so I think shes the best person to be in that role at the moment, he said.
The countrys outgoing intelligence chief has accused China of seeking to intimidate Australia by sending a naval flotilla to circumnavigate the continent as he warned of the rising risk of a major conflict erupting in the region within a decade.

Defence Minister Richard Marles on Monday said the government was monitoring a Chinese navy task group in the Philippine Sea but was not yet sure whether it was headed to Australia in a repeat of a February expedition by the Peoples Liberation Army.

Andrew Shearer, head of the powerful Office of National Intelligence, will take up a new role as ambassador to Japan. Credit: afr

Office of National Intelligence (ONI) director-general Andrew Shearer, who is about to depart his post after five years in the job, told Senate estimates hearings on Monday night that the Indo-Pacific has become the epicentre of global systemic rivalry as he called out Beijings growing assertiveness.

The guardrails that for decades separated competition from confrontation and conflict are weakening, said Shearer, who has been nominated to be Australias next ambassador to Japan.
A retro 1975-designed Williamstown home with shag pile carpets sold at auction on Saturday for $2.76 million.

The three-bedroom house at 11 Victoria Street was guided at $2.55 million to $2.65 million and had a reserve of $2.6 million.

I felt like I should have worn my Austin Powers suit because the home, especially its bold interiors, had a very 70s retro feel to it, said selling agent and auctioneer, Dean Stanley from Ray White Williamstown.

The seller had lived in the home for the last 40 or so years but is relocating to Canberra to be closer to her family.
Bologna: A British father living off-grid with his family in the Italian wilderness has been offered a free home so he can be reunited with his children.

Nathan Trevallion, 51, was handed the keys to a holiday house for two months in the hilltop village of Palmoli in south-eastern Italy so he could carry out the court-ordered improvements to his familys living arrangements.

Australian mother Catherine Birmingham with her British husband, Nathan Trevallion, and their children. Credit: Website: https://catherinelouisebirmingham.com/

The former chef from Bristol and his wife, Catherine Birmingham, a former equestrian trainer from Australia, had their three children removed from their custody and taken into care on November 18.

Shortly afterwards, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said she was concerned about the treatment of the family, while her deputy, Matteo Salvini, said the seizure of the children was worrying, dangerous and shameful.
Macron: Peace plan can be finally agreed only with participation of Ukraine, Europeans

Photo: https://www.facebook.com/EmmanuelMacron

French President Emmanuel Macron said the plan for a ceasefire in Ukraine can be "finally agreed" only with the participation of Ukrainians and Europeans "at the negotiating table."

"Today, strictly speaking, there is no final plan. Regarding territorial issues. Only President Zelenskyy can finally form it," Macron said at a joint press conference with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Paris on Monday.

The French president also recalled that representatives from the United States "will leave for Moscow in the coming hours" and welcomed Washington's efforts.

"On the issue of frozen assets, security guarantees, accession to the European Union, European sanctions, [the plan] can only be finally agreed with the participation of the Europeans at the negotiating table. So we are still at the preliminary stage," Macron said.

"This is not a comprehensive peace plan. For a comprehensive peace plan, Ukraine, Russia and the Europeans must be at the negotiating table," the French president said.

Commenting on the issue of using frozen Russian assets, Macron expressed hope that "we will find an option that will technically resolve all the legitimate issues that arise." He said Belgium is raising "very precise, technical questions in this regard, so we need to be able to move forward."

"The goal is to complete this by the next European Council meeting, that is, by Christmas. And the Commission will also have decisions to announce in the coming days," he said.

Macron also said that he believes that "in the coming weeks, the pressure on the Russian economy and Russia's ability to finance the war effort will change dramatically."
9 months after closure announcement, border checkposts continue to function





By Vikas Vaidya :

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, ex-MLA Sudhakar Kohale had also lodged complaint

Taking aggressive step to curb major corruption practices, Devendra Fadnavis-led Maharashtra Government, in March, had directed Transport Department to close the Border Checkposts in State. But after the passage of 9 months of this announcement, these checkposts continue to function. The Study Group formed under the leadership of Transport Commissioner Vivek Bhimanwar had given a very comprehensive report on the basis of which Government took a decision to close the checkposts. A senior officer told The Hitavada, Implementation of any process takes some time. The department got the instructions and accordingly we are closing the checkposts.

The committee has in its report, along with other recommendations, clearly stated that technology can replace the human resources. At present, RTO officers are deployed at the checkposts. If the said technology as recommended by the committee is installed then there will be no need to deploy officers. The machine or the equipment will point out the irregularity and ask for the recovery of the fine. Shockingly, Transport Department has been receiving several complaints against the illegal recovery being made by Regional Transport Officers, but it is not doing anything. Former Additional Chief Secretary, on condition of anonymity, said that nothing would happen as some very senior officers are running this nexus. A senior RTO officer admitted that despite it is a known fact, everyone finds himself or herself helpless.

The checkposts around Nagpur are bigger ones from where large amount of money can be earned. Some officers despite their transfers to the places like Akola, Bhandara, Amravati, Khamgaon or elsewhere used to come to Nagpur to run the nexus, pointed out a source. One retired officer had held a meeting of like-minded ones to decide modus operandi (MO) as they are not willing to close the checkposts. According to reliable sources, RTO officers were involved in this recovery as they used to recover amount from underloaded as well as overloaded trucks, buses at check posts. The recovered sum of Nagpur rural area alone, if calculated, amounts to crores of rupees per month. Almost all of the above allegations are made in complaints lodged by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, ex-MLA Sudhakar Kohale and some transporters.

Ministry of Transport had begun the enquiry. Had that enquiry been conducted, it would have brought several surprising elements to the fore. Unfortunately nobody knows whether that enquiry was conducted or not. Kohales letter specifies MO Sudhakar Kohale, former MLA in his letter to Government had specified the modus operandi of how RTO officers allegedly minted money. Checkposts are basically created to collect GST and as per the planning, no truck or such private vehicle need to stop at checkpost except at the weighing bridge. The truck with 28 tonnes load doesnt need to pay the amount more than Rs 160 as the weighing charges. RTO vehicle used to stop these trucks and recover Rs 500 to Rs 1,000 per truck, the letter said. Around Nagpur there are checkposts in Khursapar, Deori, Kelzar etc. A fine of Rs 2 lakh is to be recovered from one truck driver if truck is overloaded. But RTO officers after taking 50% amount (Rs one lakh) used to allow the truck to go. According to a senior bureaucrat, the RTO officer concerned used to collect Rs 70-80 lakh from one checkpost daily.
Army to launch Internship Programme with opportunities in tech, cyber skills, AI and drones





NEW DELHI :

THE Indian Armys Internship Programme, a first-of-its-kind initiative, offers young people a chance to work alongside the Army in cutting-edge fields such as technology, cyber skills, AI, and drones. Deputy Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Rakesh Kapoor, in an interaction with ANI, said, The Army Internship Programme is an endeavour to get the youth of the country to get an opportunity to work with their Army in a mutually beneficial mode in various fields like technology (Cyber, AI, Drones etc), mass communication and accounting. Interning with the Army is a cherished entry in anyones CV. The top Army official added that the programmes pilot phase attracted strong interest from students.

Our experience in the pilot paid programme conducted this year has been very encouraging. It will be an annual feature hereon, he said. This annual programme is designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world application, providing hands-on experience in domains critical to national development and defence modernisation. On the civil-military fusion aspect, in order to channelise national resources more effectively, he said, The idea of civil-military fusion stems from the need to optimise the national resources and have a whole of nation approach for national security.

The Lt Gen, in reply to the query, also added that the Army has already set up major centres that link military requirements with Indias top technology institutions. Elaborating on these initiatives with the example of the Army AI Research and Incubation Centre (AARIC), he said, The AI Research & Incubation Centre, inaugurated by the COAS in December 2024, aims at bringing AI to the centre-stage of technology infusion in the Army. This is being done in collaboration with industry, including start-ups and academia. In fact, the mentorship is being done by Prof Ganesh of IIT Bombay and Prof Sashi of IISc Bengaluru. We expect rich dividends from this pioneering effort. Lt Gen Kapoor said these projects are part of a broader push to embed the militarys expertise into Indias major technology roadmaps. Participation in National Tech Missions. The presence of military personnel on national technology missions is imperative in todays world, where technology has become the de facto prime mover of warfare. To foster a consciousness of national security across domains and to leverage the seminal work in technology missions for the capability enhancement of Indias Armed Forces, we have teamed up with the respective ministries for having a military member on such important missions like Drones, AI, 6G and Quantum, he said. (ANI)
Controversy escalates over Maulana Madanis remark





By Bhavana :

Aparajtia Shukla JAMIAT-ULAMA-HIND chief Maulana Madanis comment on judiciary and Supreme Court has not only triggered political storm but it has stirred various social organisations acrossed the State. Consequently, protests have intensified in the State over Madanis statement that whenever there is oppression, there will be jihad. On Sunday, Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal activists staged a massive demonstration at Bhopals Roshanpura Square, burning an effigy of Madani.

The protesters garlanded the effigy with shoes and shouted slogans, demanding legal action. Protesters arrived with posters and threw shoes at the effigy to express their anger. Many activists protested Madanis statement by drawing crosses on posters with markers. Some posters also featured slogans like If you want to live in India, you must say Vande Mataram. Insult to the country, the Constitution, and Hindu society will not be tolerated. VHP leader Jitendra Chauhan said that Madanis statement is against the country and Hindu society.

He asked, They say that if there is oppression, there will be jihad... so tell me where the oppression is happening? Chauhan alleged that statements like Madanis serve to incite Muslim youth. He said that by constantly raising objections to Vande Mataram, the Supreme Court, and the Constitution, an attempt is being made to spread division in society. Accusing of hurting national pride, VHP National Spokesperson Vinod Bansal also attacked Madani, saying that some radical elements are trying to mislead young Muslims in the name of slogans like oppression, paradise, and jihad. He said that the Muslim community should distance itself from such elements.

Bansal also alleged that attempts have been made to promote anti-national activities by collecting illegal funds in the name of Halal certification, which will no longer be tolerated. At a meeting of the governing body of Jamiat Ulama-Hind in Bhopal on Saturday, Maulana Mahmood Madani said that efforts to spread hatred against Islam and Muslims have increased at this time. He clarified that jihad does not mean violence or terror, but rather struggle against injustice. The court verdicts in the last few years, including those on Babri Masjid and triple talaq, have led to a common belief that the judiciary is working under Government pressure. It has put a question mark on the role of judiciary in the country.

The Supreme Court is eligible to be called Supreme only when it follows the Constitution, Madani said. He further stated that terms like love jihad, land jihad and spit jihad have been coined to defame Muslims. Whenever there is oppression, as long as it happens, there will be Jihad, that is, fight against oppression. His statements drew fierce backlash from various corners of the State including ruling party leaders MLA Rameshwar Sharma termed his action is like Jinnahs saying  Such people are trying to provoke the countrys Muslims. The Supreme Court take suo motu cognisance of Madanis remarks and initiate action against him.
Dr Raman Singh thanks PM







Staff Reporter :

FORMER Chief Minister and Speaker of the Chhattisgarh Assembly Dr. Raman Singh has thanked Prime Minister Modi for taking out time from his busy schedule during his stay at the New Speaker House in Nava Raipur in Chhattisgarh for the DG/IG Conference and meeting the family members.

Dr Raman Singh thanked the Prime Minister for this meeting and wrote on his X, "Thank you, Honorable Prime Minister. Today, I had a cordial meeting with the Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji and my family at the new Speaker's House in Nava Raipur.

During the visit, everyone was humbled by the warmth and affection shown by respected Modi ji toward the entire family, especially the children. I express my heartfelt gratitude to Shri Modi ji for taking time from his busy schedule to meet us." Dr Raman Singhs wife Veena Singh, son Abhishek Singh and other family members were present.
EC extends SIR timeline by 1 WEEK







NEW DELHI :

THE Election Commission on Sunday extended by one week the entire schedule of the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in nine States and three Union T e r r i t o r i e s amid allegations by O p p o s i t i o n parties that the tight timelines were creating problems for people and ground-level poll officials. In a statement, the poll authority said the enumeration form distribution will now continue till December 11 instead of December 4.

The draft electoral rolls will now be published on December 16 in place of December 9, while the final voters list will be out on February 14, 2026 in place of February 7. Officials said the commission took the decision to extend the timeline for all phases of the SIR based on internal discussions with chief electoral officers of States and UTs where the exercise is underway.

Alleging at least 40 deaths of booth-level officers (BLOs) during the SIR, largely by suicides due to stress of meeting tight deadlines, the opposition parties have questioned the timing of the voters list revision. The EC has junked these charges, saying the exercise is going on smoothly. Reacting to the ECs decision to revise the SIR schedule, Congress leader Pramod Tiwari said it was an indication that the poll panel knew the timelines were not practical.

The decision to tweak the SIR schedule comes on the eve of the Winter Session of Parliament beginning Monday. The last session was a virtual washout over demands by the opposition for a debate on the SIR, then being held in Bihar. Opposition leaders, while emerging from an all-party meeting, on smooth functioning of the session, said they will press for a debate on SIR. The EC had announced SIR in these states and UTs on October 27. Nearly 51 crore electors will be covered in the massive voters list cleanup exercise.

The States and Union Territories are: the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Puducherry, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. Among these, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala, and West Bengal will go to the polls in 2026. In Assam, where also polls are due in 2026, the revision of electoral rolls was announced separately. It is being called Special Revision.
JMC conducts joint drive on majorroutes to ease traffic congestion





Staff Reporter :

THE Jabalpur Municipal Corporation (JMC) has conducted a joint drive on 11 major routes and several busy left-turn points in the city to ease traffic congestion. Senior officials said the removal of temporary structures and roadside stalls has brought major relief to daily commuters.

The cleared left-turn lanes have helped streamline vehicle movement and increased overall traffic speed. Officials said the antiencroachment squad conducted the drive on Chhoti LineGwarighat Route, Sai Mandir-ITI road, Deendayal Chowk-Ukhari, Ghantaghar-Malviya Chowk, Chhoti Line-Medical Road, Gohalpur to Adhartal, Suhagi, Pantynaka-Tilhari, Dhanvantri Nagar to Bypass, Super MarketBada Fuhara, Niwarganj, JEC to Jhanda Chowk, Bada Patthar and Vijaynagar Haat Bazaar Road.

Municipal Commissioner Ramprakash Ahirwar said the drive has made travel safer for citizens. Earlier, narrow passages created by illegal structures often forced vehicles into dangerous spots. With removal of the illegal structures, accident risk has come down. Clearing roadside stalls has also reduced dust and air pollution, offering clear environmental relief in several areas.

He said citizens have welcomed the changes and expressed satisfaction with the improved traffic flow. Ahirwar said the drive is being carried out entirely for public interest and will continue. He appealed to residents to co-operate with the administration and avoid creating fresh encroachments so that the city remains orderly and safe.
A meeting with representatives of the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe within the framework of preparing urgent conclusions on bills related to the organization and conduct of competitive selection of judges of the Constitutional Court of Ukraine (CC) was held in the court's premises.

As reported on the court's website, the meeting was attended by acting Chairman of the Constitutional Court Oleksandr Petryshyn and Constitutional Court's judges, Vice-President of the Venice Commission Marta Cartabia, expert and former member of the commission Paolo Carozza, legal advisor and contact person of the Secretariat of the Venice Commission Vahe Demirtshyan.

"During the discussion, the parties focused on the key provisions of the bills concerning the organization and conduct of the competitive selection of judges of the Constitutional Court of Ukraine. Representatives of the Venice Commission outlined the approaches taken into account when forming an urgent opinion, in particular regarding the requirements for transparency, independence and integrity of competitive procedures," according to the statement.

The judges of the Constitutional Court said expert support from European institutions is an important factor in ensuring transparent, well-founded and effective procedures for the selection of judges of the Constitutional Court.
Mann Ki Baat Dedication of youth greatest strength of Viksit Bharat: PM





NEW DELHI :

THE dedication of Indias youth is the greatest strength of Viksit Bharat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday citing recent achievements across diverse sectors ranging from space manufacturing to farming. In his monthly Mann ki Baat radio address, the Prime Minister listed the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, the Constitution Day celebration at the Central Hall, and the hoisting of Dharmadhwaja atop the Ram Mandir at Ayodhya among the inspirational developments in November. He also highlighted the inauguration of the worlds largest LEAP engine MRO facility in Hyderabad and the induction of INS Mahe into the Indian Navy. Just last week, Skyroots Infinity Campus gave a new boost to Indias space ecosystem.

This is a reflection of Indias new thinking, innovation, and youth power, PM Modi said in the 128th episode of his Mann ki Baat address. PM Modi referred to a video on social media of a unique drone competition organised by ISRO. In this video, the youth of our country, especially our Gen-Z, were trying to fly drones in conditions similar to Mars, he said, adding that the youth were trying to fly drones solely with the help of cameras and in-built software in the absence of GPS support on Mars. Reiterating his appeal to promote Swadeshi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that he kept the spirit of Vocal for Local at the forefront while selecting gifts for world leaders during the recently concluded G-20 Summit. He said, I always urge you all to carry forward the mantra of Vocal for Local. Just a few days ago, during the G-20 Summit, when it came to presenting gifts to several world leaders, I reiterated this sentiment, Vocal for Local. In the gifts I presented to world leaders on behalf of my countrymen, this sentiment was carefully kept in mind.

During the G-20, I presented a bronze statue of Nataraja to the President of South Africa. This is a wonderful example of Chola-era craftsmanship, rooted in the cultural heritage of Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, PM Modi mentioned. He added that Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney received a silver horse replica that reflects the craftsmanship of Udaipur, Rajasthan, while Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi was gifted a silver Buddha replica displaying the famed silver art of Telangana and Karimnagar. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni was given a silver mirror decorated with floral motifs, representing traditional Karimnagar metal craft, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was presented with a brass uruli from Mannar, Kerala. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that India has set a historic record by producing 357 million tonnes of foodgrains in 2025, marking a significant milestone in the countrys agricultural growth. He said that Indias foodgrain output has increased by 100 million tonnes over the past decade, highlighting the nations steady strides toward agricultural self-reliance.

India has achieved major success in the agriculture sector. India has set a historic record by producing 357 million tonnes of foodgrains. Compared to 10 years ago, Indias foodgrain production has increased by 100 million tonnes, PM Modi said. Recalling the Natural Farming Exhibition in Coimbatore, the Prime Minister hailed the youth adopting natural farming. He said, I went to Coimbatore to attend a large conference on natural farming. I was deeply impressed by the efforts being made in South India to promote natural farming. So many young, highly qualified professionals are now embracing the field of natural farming.
MP Assembly Winter Session from todaySupplementary budget of Rs 10,000 cr to be presented





By Bhavana :

Aparajita Shukla THE State Government is preparing to push urban bodies based reforms through fiveday winter session of the Legislative Assembly, going to start from Monday. In this very short session, the house will see presentation of two crucial bills pertaining to urban bodies and Supplementary budget. Opposition Congress legislators are all set to press the issue of farmers plight and unemployment in this session. The Government is introducing Madhya Pradesh Municipal Council Second Amendment Bill, 2025 for discussion in this session.

These two bills being introduced by the Government will impact the States urban bodies and business establishments. Now, the public will directly elect chairperson of municipal councils in the State. This amendment bill will be discussed in the session. The amendment bill relates to election of the presidents of municipalities and city councils in the State.

Following this amendment, presidents of municipal corporations and municipal councils in Madhya Pradesh will be directly elected by the public. If public is dissatisfied with the presidents performance, they will also have the right to recall them. Congress gears up for a fiveday Assembly session in Madhya Pradesh, MLAs summoned to Bhopal to strategise. On Sunday, Congress legislators meeting was held at 74 Bungalow. From 1999 to 2014, voters in Madhya Pradesh elected municipal body presidents.

However, due to COVID-19 pandemic, municipal body elections were postponed in 2019. In 2022, the Government began conducting municipal council president elections through an indirect system. The State Government is also amending Shops and Establishments Act, 1956. After this amendment, registration process of opening a shop, hotel, restaurant, or any other business entity in the State will be online and applicants can apply on their own through the Labour Departments website.

There is also a proposal to raise the registration fee. The new amendment will make it mandatory for shopkeepers to provide one day off per week to workers employed at their establishments. The State Government will present its second supplementary budget during the Assembly session. This budget will be Rs 10,000 crore. Heavy security measures are in place surrounding the Assembly complex. This time, ban on legislators holding protests in the Assembly premises before the session has also been lifted.

Total 2,500 police personnel have been deployed for security arrangements in view of the Assembly session.
PM terms DGP/IGP Conferenceas extremely productive one





Staff Reporter :

PRIME Minister Narendra Modi returned to Delhi from Raipur by a special plane on Sunday evening. Prime Minister Modi attended the three-day 60th All India Conference of Director Generals/Inspector Generals of Police at Indian Institute of Management (IIM) located in Nava Raipur Atal Nagar of Chhattisgarh on Saturday and Sunday. It may be mentioned that the conference was hosted by Chhattisgarh for the first time.

Terming the DGP/IGP Conference as an extremely productive one Prime Minister Modi wrote on his X, This years DGP/IGP Conference was an extremely productive one. We all discussed various aspects in line with the theme of Viksit Bharat: Security Dimensions. Emphasised the need to keep focusing on professionalism, sensitivity and responsiveness as far as the police forces are concerned. With urbanization increasing and India aspiring to advance in tourism, it is essential to strengthen urban and tourismrelated policing.

He also urged police officials to raise awareness about the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, and Bhartiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita, noting that these laws represent a significant departure from the earlier colonial-era legislation. He added that policing, like other aspects of governance, requires a Whole of Government approach. In this context, he emphasized enhancing preparedness and coordination measures related to natural disasters. The Prime Minister presented the President's Police Medals for Distinguished Service to officers of the Intelligence Bureau in the conference and congratulated them for the honour.

Prime Minister Modi wrote on X, Presented the President's Police Medals for Distinguished Service to officers of the Intelligence Bureau. Congratulations to these officers for their service to the nation. Prime Minister reached Raipur from Goa on Friday evening and took night halt in new Speaker House in Nava Raipur Atal Nagar on Friday and Saturday night. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Ministers of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai and Bandi Sanjay Kumar, Chief of Research and Analysis Wing Parag Jain and Director of Intelligence Bureau Tapan Kumar Deka, DGsP and IGsP from all States and Union Territories, as well as heads of CAPFs and Central Police Organisations, participated in the conference
Salman confesses to targeting minor as soft target.





Staff Reporter :

THE brutal assault on a six-yearold minor girl in Gauharganj on November 21 stunned the entire State. But more shocking is the fact that even after 72 hours of his arrest, the accused Salman alias Nazar, has shown no sign of remorse or shame. The accused, currently bound to a hospital bed under heavy security, is complaining about his pain but has not once expressed regret for the cruelty inflicted on the child.

With neither fear nor repentance in his eyes, he is undergoing treatment with a stone-cold demeanor. During police interrogation, the accused made several startling revelations. He confessed that he considered the minor a soft target. The accused told the police he did not anticipate that the matter would escalate so severely and that people would recognise him.

When the child started crying, he panicked, physically assaulted her, and fled the scene when her condition deteriorated. During interrogation the accused revealed that after committing the crime, he reached Bhopal via 11 Mile. For four days, he spent his nights on footpaths, constantly changing locations to evade police. He worked as a labourer in Kazi Camp for two days, surviving on samosas and kachoris bought with the earnings. To hide his identity, he used a mask for four days.

After working, he roamed the streets, bus stands and footpaths of Bhopal wearing the mask. Finally, on the night of November 26, he reached Gandhinagar again via an outer city route and was hiding there until the night before his arrest. Interrogation to commence after treatment: Raisen Superintendent of Police Ashutosh Gupta confirmed that the accused is being kept under strict surveillance by security forces and his treatment is ongoing at the hospital. He stated that once the accused completes his treatment, he will be taken on remand and the intensive interrogation will begin.

Stolen mobile phones remainuntraced: A serious oversight in the investigation is that two mobile phones stolen by the accused from the house of Rakesh Adivasi in the village after the assault have not been recovered even after his arrest. Police have now enlisted the help of a technical team to trace mobiles, which could serve as vital evidence in the investigation.
Sandeep Singh inspires industry leaders with changemakers





Business Reporter :

The Vidarbha Management Association (VMA) hosted an impactful session by noted media professional, author, and acclaimed speaker Sandeep Singh, who currently chairs the Board of Governors at IIM Kashipur. Singh addressed the industry leaders on the theme Changemakers of India. Through a powerful storytelling approach, Singh revisited Indias industrial and scientific evolution, highlighting leaders whose vision shaped the nations progress. He began with Sir M. Visvesvaraya, describing him as a pioneer who laid the foundations of Indias engineering and industrial rise.

From establishing the first charcoal-based blast furnace at Bhadravati Steel Plant to exporting iron to the US and UK at a time when India lacked recognition in global manufacturing, Visvesvaraya proved that Indian capability could rival global standards. Singh also mentioned his role in founding the Indian Institute of Science, influencing national planning policies, designing the Hirakud Dam without compensation, and spearheading Karnatakas industrialisation. Singh then highlighted Dr Vikram Sarabhai, architect of modern Indias space and management education ecosystem. The session concluded with a strong message: transformative leadership is rooted in courage, purpose, and nation-first vision  values todays entrepreneurs must embrace. The session was moderated by Niket Agrawal.
Solar Group signs agreement with CSIR-NAL To develop indigenous 150 kg loitering munition UAV





Business Reporter :

City-based Solar Defence & Aerospace Ltd (SDAL) has added yet another feature to its cap as it has entered into a collaborative agreement with CSIR-National Aeronautical Laboratories (CSIR-NAL) for the design and development of a 150 kg-class Loitering Munition UAV (LM-UAV). The next-generation LM-UAV, to be powered by NAL-developed Wankel engine, has cleared the CEMILAC certification for aircraft integration and flight testing. The exchange of agreement between the two parties took place at an event organised at CSIR-NAL Bengaluru in presence of Union Minister of State for Science & Technology Dr Jitendra Singh; Chairman of Solar Industries India Satyanarayan Nuwal; and others.

On the occasion Dr Jitendra Singh appreciated the new initiative and unique approach, adopted by CSIR for the first time, of involving an industry partner in a project of strategic importance from the very beginning, including design and development. Through this partnership, SDAL, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Solar Industries India Ltd, aims to deliver a world-class product featuring a very high level of indigenous content, including advanced payloads designed to meet evolving operational requirements. SDAL was chosen as an industry partner by CSIR through competitive bidding. The selection process was through a Combined Technical cum Commercial Bidding System (CTCCBS) in which out of the five participating firms, SDAL emerged the forerunner with the highest score. Some defence public sector undertakings (DPSUs) and multinational corporations (MNCs) were among the firms which took part in the bidding. Powered by NAL developed Wankel engine, the LM-UAV will offer a comprehensive range of 900 kms and endurance of 6 to 9 hours with service ceiling of 5 kms. Engineered for survivability and precision, the UAV features a very low Radar Cross Contd from page 1 Section (RCS), significantly enhancing its stealth characteristics. It is also designed to operate effectively in GPS-denied environments, ensuring mission reliability even under contested conditions. The platform will be equipped with an AI-enabled EO-IR payload, offering exceptional DRI  Detection, Recognition, and Identification capabilities for real-time intelligence and situational awareness.





This strategic initiative underscores SDALs commitment to support technological innovation, Atmanirbharta, and delivering cutting-edge systems to support critical mission needs. Loitering munitions (LM) are unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) designed specifically for conducting suicide missions, where the objective is to locate, verify, and strike targets directly with precision. SDAL has recently completed successful trials of the Rudrastra VTOL drone, and won new contracts from the Ministry of Defence for items like loitering munitions and other defence products. A subsidiary of Solar Industries, has also developed advanced explosive materials like the indigenous SEBEX 2.0 explosives for the Indian Navy. The company is expanding its presence with a 223-acre plot of land allotted in the MIHAN SEZ for a new defense and aerospace facility, marking a significant investment in Nagpur's industrial future. Solar Industries has also received an order for 450 units of its Nagastra-1R, a loiter munition system, from the Indian Army.
Winter session begins today







NEW DELHI :

OPPOSITION parties on Sunday demanded a discussion on Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and national security in an all-party meeting ahead of the Winter Session beginning December 1, with the Government saying it would engage with everyone to ensure smooth functioning of Parliament. The Winter session commences on Monday and will conclude on December 19. As many as 50 leaders of 36 political parties attended the meeting convened by the Governmentahead of the session.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, BJP President and Union Minister JP Nadda, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, and his two deputies Arjun Ram Meghwal and L Murugan, attended the meeting. While the SIR continued to dominate the meeting proceedings, several other issues, like national security in the wake of the Delhi blast, and labour codes were also raised by the leaders. Some raised the point of federalism, alleging that Governors were sitting on bills passed by the State Legislatures and funds of Opposition-ruled States were being blocked. Even though he gave no assurance to the Opposition, Rijiju said the House must be allowedto function.

This is the Winter Session of Parliament and everyone should think and conduct themselves with a cool mind, he told reporters after the two-hour long meeting. Parliament should not be stalled and it should function smoothly. The Government will keep discussing with all parties to ensure smooth functioning of the House, he said. Asked if the Oppositions demand for a discussion on SIR will be accepted, Rijiju said the agenda of the session will be decided by the Business Advisory Committee (BAC). There are differences among political parties, but if we decide not to disturb the House then productivity will rise, democracy strengthened and Parliaments respect among people enhanced, he said.
J-10 fighter jet fires in training

China Military Online) 11:11, December 01, 2025

A J-10C fighter jet attached to an aviation unit with the air force under Chinese PLA Southern Theater Command soars up into sky during a live-fire training exercise on November 12, 2025. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Li Zishao)

A J-10C fighter jet attached to an aviation unit with the air force under Chinese PLA Southern Theater Command fires rockets at ground target during a live-fire training exercise on November 12, 2025. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Li Zishao)

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
Quadrature Capital Ltd acquired a new position in shares of LandBridge Company LLC (NYSE:LB  Free Report) during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund acquired 13,712 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $927,000.

A number of other hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the business. TD Asset Management Inc acquired a new stake in shares of LandBridge in the first quarter worth $2,896,000. LPL Financial LLC lifted its stake in LandBridge by 69.7% in the 1st quarter. LPL Financial LLC now owns 17,829 shares of the companys stock worth $1,283,000 after acquiring an additional 7,320 shares in the last quarter. US Bancorp DE acquired a new stake in LandBridge during the 1st quarter worth about $28,000. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. purchased a new position in LandBridge during the 1st quarter valued at about $102,000. Finally, L & S Advisors Inc acquired a new position in shares of LandBridge in the 1st quarter valued at about $3,288,000.

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LandBridge Stock Up 0.5%

LB stock opened at $57.08 on Monday. The firm has a market cap of $4.44 billion, a PE ratio of 81.54 and a beta of 0.25. LandBridge Company LLC has a 1 year low of $48.55 and a 1 year high of $87.60. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $59.17 and a 200 day simple moving average of $60.94. The company has a current ratio of 4.15, a quick ratio of 4.15 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.52.

LandBridge Dividend Announcement

LandBridge ( NYSE:LB Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, November 12th. The company reported $0.26 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.70 by ($0.44). LandBridge had a return on equity of 4.63% and a net margin of 13.72%.The business had revenue of $50.83 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $49.13 million. Sell-side analysts anticipate that LandBridge Company LLC will post 0.99 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, December 18th. Investors of record on Thursday, December 4th will be issued a $0.10 dividend. This represents a $0.40 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.7%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, December 4th. LandBridges payout ratio is 57.14%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

LB has been the subject of a number of research analyst reports. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c) rating on shares of LandBridge in a report on Tuesday, October 14th. Piper Sandler lifted their target price on shares of LandBridge from $55.00 to $65.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Monday, November 24th. UBS Group reaffirmed a neutral rating and issued a $65.00 price target on shares of LandBridge in a research note on Monday, November 24th. Barclays reduced their price objective on LandBridge from $66.00 to $57.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, October 14th. Finally, Janney Montgomery Scott lowered LandBridge from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, November 13th. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, six have assigned a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, LandBridge currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $66.43.

View Our Latest Report on LB

Insider Transactions at LandBridge

In other LandBridge news, Director Point Energy Fund Aiv- Five II sold 2,500,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, November 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $70.00, for a total transaction of $175,000,000.00. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. 70.42% of the stock is owned by insiders.

LandBridge Profile

(Free Report)

LandBridge Company LLC owns and manages land and resources to support and enhance oil and natural gas development in the United States. It owns surface acres in and around the Delaware Basin in Texas and New Mexico. The company holds a portfolio of oil and gas royalties. It also sells brackish water and other surface composite materials.

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Emma Coronel has fond memories of her marriage to Joaquin El Chapo Guzman Loera, but, as she reveals in a new documentary, she still wonders what her life would have been like if she hadnt married the infamous leader of the Sinaloa Cartel. In the production Married to El Chapo: Emma Coronel Speaks  from the true crime channel Oxygen  the former beauty queen offers intimate details about her relationship with the drug lord and her life outside of prison.

In the documentary, Coronel explained that she met Guzman while trying to gather votes for a beauty contest at age 17. At the party, she was told that an important man would be there and wanted to dance with her, but when the drug lord arrived, she didnt recognize him. When I say that, people ask me: How could you not know? How could you not have known if he was even on TV? But we didnt have one at home, she said.

Coronel was born in California but grew up in a modest community in the Mexican state of Durango, where, she notes, it was common for people to grow marijuana to survive. From a young age, she normalized this environment and developed a negative view of authorities. I grew up seeing and believing the government was bad. Its like: either you starve, or you do what you have to do to survive, she said.

By the time she met him, El Chapo was already wanted by authorities, so it became normal to have a long-distance relationship, with occasional visits to the mountains where he was in hiding. Although their union was never legally formalized, Coronel recalls spending time together watching movies and eating enchiladas she prepared. However, she has insisted she never witnessed her husbands criminal activities. He didnt talk to me about his work, I didnt ask him about it, and I never saw him while he was working, she said.

Until that point, the former beauty queen had lived relatively shielded from regional violence thanks to her partners protection, but the birth of their daughters placed her in the public eye. It was during a carefully organized but discreet family gathering at a hotel in Mazatlan, Sinaloa, that El Chapo was arrested for the second time in 2003. I think that was the moment I was most afraid because my daughters were in the next room. I was afraid of dying, she recounted in the documentary.

Her life changed forever after that. Alongside her husbands escapes, subsequent arrests, and eventual extradition to the United States came her own legal troubles. In 2021, U.S. authorities charged Coronel with drug trafficking and money laundering, for which she spent two and a half years in prison.

Although she sometimes evaded the documentary filmmakers questions  for example, refusing to discuss Guzmans prison escapes  she said she has had time to reflect and apologized to those who have suffered from organized crime violence. I sympathize with all the people who have lost a loved one, who have suffered. I am truly sorry, she said.

Since her release from prison, Coronel has embraced a more public profile: in 2024, she appeared in a music video for a corrido telling her story and has resumed her modeling career, even walking the runway at Milan Fashion Week. Still, she admits in the documentary that it hasnt been easy, and prefers to take things one day at a time.

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Vertiv (NYSE:VRT  Get Free Report) and American Noble Gas (NYSE:INFY  Get Free Report) are both large-cap computer and technology companies, but which is the superior business? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their institutional ownership, earnings, valuation, dividends, profitability, risk and analyst recommendations.

Valuation & Earnings

This table compares Vertiv and American Noble Gass top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

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Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Vertiv $8.01 billion 8.64 $495.80 million $2.65 68.30 American Noble Gas $19.69 billion 3.68 $3.16 billion $0.78 22.38

Institutional & Insider Ownership

American Noble Gas has higher revenue and earnings than Vertiv. American Noble Gas is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Vertiv, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

89.9% of Vertiv shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 16.2% of American Noble Gas shares are owned by institutional investors. 5.0% of Vertiv shares are owned by company insiders. Comparatively, 22.4% of American Noble Gas shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, large money managers and hedge funds believe a company will outperform the market over the long term.

Profitability

This table compares Vertiv and American Noble Gas net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Vertiv 10.67% 50.82% 14.98% American Noble Gas 16.58% 29.40% 18.87%

Dividends

Vertiv pays an annual dividend of $0.25 per share and has a dividend yield of 0.1%. American Noble Gas pays an annual dividend of $0.44 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.5%. Vertiv pays out 9.4% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. American Noble Gas pays out 56.4% 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. Vertiv has increased its dividend for 2 consecutive years.

Volatility and Risk

Vertiv has a beta of 2.03, suggesting that its share price is 103% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, American Noble Gas has a beta of 0.98, suggesting that its share price is 2% less volatile than the S&P 500.

Analyst Ratings

This is a breakdown of current ratings and price targets for Vertiv and American Noble Gas, as reported by MarketBeat.com.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Vertiv 1 5 21 2 2.83 American Noble Gas 2 7 3 1 2.23

Vertiv currently has a consensus target price of $177.81, suggesting a potential downside of 1.76%. American Noble Gas has a consensus target price of $16.65, suggesting a potential downside of 4.61%. Given Vertivs stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, equities analysts clearly believe Vertiv is more favorable than American Noble Gas.

Summary

Vertiv beats American Noble Gas on 12 of the 18 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Vertiv

(Get Free Report)

Vertiv Holdings Co, together with its subsidiaries, designs, manufactures, and services critical digital infrastructure technologies and life cycle services for data centers, communication networks, and commercial and industrial environments in the Americas, the Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. It offers AC and DC power management products, switchgear and busbar products, thermal management products, integrated rack systems, modular solutions, and management systems for monitoring and controlling digital infrastructure that are integral to the technologies used for various services, including e-commerce, online banking, file sharing, video on-demand, energy storage, wireless communications, Internet of Things, and online gaming. The company also provides lifecycle management services, predictive analytics, and professional services for deploying, maintaining, and optimizing its products and their related systems; and preventative maintenance, acceptance testing, engineering and consulting, performance assessments, remote monitoring, training, spare parts, and digital critical infrastructure software services. It offers its products primarily under the Vertiv, Liebert, NetSure, Geist, E&I, Powerbar, and Avocent brands. The company serves cloud services, financial services, healthcare, transportation, manufacturing, energy, education, government, social media, and retail industries through a network of direct sales professionals, independent sales representatives, channel partners, and original equipment manufacturers. Vertiv Holdings Co is headquartered in Westerville, Ohio.

About American Noble Gas

(Get Free Report)

Infosys Ltd. is a digital services and consulting company, which engages in the provision of end-to-end business solutions. It operates through the following segments: Financial Services, Retail, Communication, Energy, Utilities, Resources, and Services, Manufacturing, Hi-Tech, Life Sciences, and All Other. The company was founded by Dinesh Krishnan Swamy, Senapathy Gopalakrishnan, Narayana Ramarao Nagavara Murthy, Raghavan N. S., Ashok Arora, Nandan M. Nilekani, and S. D. Shibulal on July 2, 1981 and is headquartered in Bangalore, India.

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Antero Midstream (NYSE:AM  Get Free Report) and PostRock Energy (OTCMKTS:PSTRQ  Get Free Report) are both energy companies, but which is the better business? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their dividends, analyst recommendations, risk, valuation, profitability, institutional ownership and earnings.

Valuation & Earnings

This table compares Antero Midstream and PostRock Energys top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

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Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Antero Midstream $1.25 billion 6.86 $400.89 million $0.98 18.38 PostRock Energy N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Analyst Recommendations

Antero Midstream has higher revenue and earnings than PostRock Energy.

This is a breakdown of current ratings for Antero Midstream and PostRock Energy, as reported by MarketBeat.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Antero Midstream 1 3 1 0 2.00 PostRock Energy 0 0 0 0 0.00

Antero Midstream presently has a consensus target price of $18.83, indicating a potential upside of 4.57%. Given Antero Midstreams stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, equities analysts plainly believe Antero Midstream is more favorable than PostRock Energy.

Profitability

This table compares Antero Midstream and PostRock Energys net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Antero Midstream 40.07% 22.53% 8.22% PostRock Energy N/A N/A N/A

Institutional & Insider Ownership

54.0% of Antero Midstream shares are held by institutional investors. 0.9% of Antero Midstream shares are held by company insiders. Comparatively, 79.2% of PostRock Energy shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term.

Volatility & Risk

Antero Midstream has a beta of 0.88, indicating that its share price is 12% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, PostRock Energy has a beta of -9.07, indicating that its share price is 1,007% less volatile than the S&P 500.

Summary

Antero Midstream beats PostRock Energy on 9 of the 10 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Antero Midstream

(Get Free Report)

Antero Midstream Corporation owns, operates, and develops midstream energy assets in the Appalachian Basin. It operates in two segments, Gathering and Processing, and Water Handling. The Gathering and Processing segment includes a network of gathering pipelines and compressor stations that collects and processes production from Antero Resources' wells in West Virginia and Ohio. The Water Handling segment delivers fresh water from sources, including the Ohio River, local reservoirs, and various regional waterways; uses water handling systems to transport flowback and produced water; and offers pumping stations, water storage, and blending facilities. The company was founded in 2002 and is headquartered in Denver, Colorado.

About PostRock Energy

(Get Free Report)

PostRock Energy Corp. engages in the acquisition, exploration, development, production, and gathering of crude oil and natural gas. It focuses on the Cherokee Basin project in southeastern Kansas, northeastern Oklahoma, and central Oklahoma. The firm also owns and operates minor oil and gas producing properties in the Appalachian Basin. The company was founded in July 2009 and is headquartered in Oklahoma City, OK.

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Bank of N.T. Butterfield & Son Limited (The) (NYSE:NTB  Get Free Report)s share price reached a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Monday . The stock traded as high as $47.37 and last traded at $47.1550, with a volume of 26058 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $46.44.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of analysts have weighed in on NTB shares. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods increased their price target on Bank of N.T. Butterfield & Son from $50.00 to $52.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a report on Thursday, October 30th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b) rating on shares of Bank of N.T. Butterfield & Son in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Zacks Research upgraded Bank of N.T. Butterfield & Son from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Tuesday, October 7th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company reiterated an equal weight rating and set a $50.00 target price (down from $54.00) on shares of Bank of N.T. Butterfield & Son in a research note on Monday, September 29th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, two have assigned a Buy rating and two have given a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Bank of N.T. Butterfield & Son has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $50.67.

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Bank of N.T. Butterfield & Son Trading Up 2.0%

The firm has a market cap of $2.25 billion, a PE ratio of 8.97 and a beta of 0.57. The business has a fifty day moving average of $44.04 and a 200-day moving average of $44.26.

Bank of N.T. Butterfield & Son (NYSE:NTB  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 28th. The bank reported $1.51 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.30 by $0.21. Bank of N.T. Butterfield & Son had a net margin of 28.27% and a return on equity of 21.94%. The company had revenue of $153.30 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $147.92 million. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $1.16 earnings per share. Bank of N.T. Butterfield & Sons revenue for the quarter was up 7.4% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities analysts forecast that Bank of N.T. Butterfield & Son Limited will post 4.4 EPS for the current year.

Bank of N.T. Butterfield & Son Announces Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, November 25th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, November 11th were paid a $0.50 dividend. This represents a $2.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.2%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, November 10th. Bank of N.T. Butterfield & Sons dividend payout ratio is currently 37.88%.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of NTB. CIBC Private Wealth Group LLC bought a new position in shares of Bank of N.T. Butterfield & Son in the 3rd quarter worth $56,000. CIBC Bancorp USA Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Bank of N.T. Butterfield & Son during the 3rd quarter worth $265,000. Bell Investment Advisors Inc grew its position in Bank of N.T. Butterfield & Son by 284.4% in the third quarter. Bell Investment Advisors Inc now owns 615 shares of the banks stock worth $26,000 after acquiring an additional 455 shares in the last quarter. Harvest Investment Services LLC bought a new position in Bank of N.T. Butterfield & Son in the third quarter valued at $267,000. Finally, Virtus Advisers LLC bought a new position in Bank of N.T. Butterfield & Son in the third quarter valued at $584,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 62.73% of the companys stock.

Bank of N.T. Butterfield & Son Company Profile

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The Bank of N.T. Butterfield & Son Ltd. provides community banking and wealth management business. The firm operates through the following geographical segments: Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, Channel Islands and the UK, and Other. The Bermuda and Cayman segments offer retail banking and wealth management.

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Shares of Barratt Redrow plc. (OTCMKTS:BTDPY  Get Free Report) saw unusually-high trading volume on Monday . Approximately 97,151 shares were traded during trading, an increase of 199% from the previous sessions volume of 32,521 shares.The stock last traded at $10.40 and had previously closed at $10.4749.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several analysts have weighed in on the stock. Peel Hunt upgraded shares of Barratt Redrow to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Thursday, September 18th. Citigroup reiterated a buy rating on shares of Barratt Redrow in a research note on Thursday, September 18th. Royal Bank Of Canada reissued an outperform rating on shares of Barratt Redrow in a report on Thursday, September 18th. Zacks Research raised Barratt Redrow to a strong sell rating in a report on Wednesday, November 12th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group started coverage on Barratt Redrow in a research report on Monday, November 24th. They set a buy rating on the stock. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have assigned a Buy rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Barratt Redrow has an average rating of Buy.

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Barratt Redrow Stock Down 1.4%

Barratt Redrow Announces Dividend

The company has a 50 day moving average price of $10.34 and a 200-day moving average price of $10.87. The company has a quick ratio of 0.78, a current ratio of 0.78 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.03.

The business also recently announced a dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 1st. Shareholders of record on Monday, October 13th will be paid a dividend of $0.2636 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, October 10th. This represents a yield of 357.0%.

About Barratt Redrow

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Barratt Redrow plc engages in the housebuilding business in the United Kingdom. The company acquires and develops land; plans, designs, and constructs homes, apartments, penthouses, and communities, as well as undertakes mixed-use regeneration schemes; and develops retail, leisure, office, industrial, and mixed-use properties.

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Shares of BE Semiconductor Industries NV (OTCMKTS:BESIY  Get Free Report) gapped up prior to trading on Monday . The stock had previously closed at $144.1740, but opened at $151.29. BE Semiconductor Industries shares last traded at $151.29, with a volume of 222 shares trading hands.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

BESIY has been the subject of a number of research reports. Zacks Research raised shares of BE Semiconductor Industries from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 14th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft restated a buy rating on shares of BE Semiconductor Industries in a report on Wednesday, October 15th. Finally, UBS Group reiterated a buy rating on shares of BE Semiconductor Industries in a research note on Friday, October 24th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have issued a Buy rating and five have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy.

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BE Semiconductor Industries Price Performance

The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $158.62 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $144.73. The stock has a market cap of $10.94 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 74.35 and a beta of 1.87. The company has a current ratio of 5.73, a quick ratio of 5.05 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.47.

BE Semiconductor Industries (OTCMKTS:BESIY  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 23rd. The technology company reported $0.37 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.31 by $0.06. BE Semiconductor Industries had a return on equity of 32.72% and a net margin of 25.42%.The business had revenue of $154.12 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $160.84 million. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that BE Semiconductor Industries NV will post 4.56 EPS for the current year.

BE Semiconductor Industries Company Profile

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BE Semiconductor Industries N.V. engages in the development, manufacture, marketing, sale, and service of semiconductor assembly equipment for the semiconductor and electronics industries in China, the United States, Malaysia, Ireland, Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Other Asia Pacific and Europe, and internationally.

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Black Diamond Group Ltd. (OTCMKTS:BDIMF  Get Free Report) saw unusually-strong trading volume on Monday . Approximately 12,600 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 272% from the previous sessions volume of 3,385 shares.The stock last traded at $10.00 and had previously closed at $9.91.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Separately, BMO Capital Markets reaffirmed an outperform rating on shares of Black Diamond Group in a report on Friday, October 31st. One analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Buy.

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Black Diamond Group Stock Up 0.7%

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.74, a quick ratio of 1.16 and a current ratio of 1.16. The companys 50-day moving average price is $10.17 and its 200 day moving average price is $8.67. The stock has a market capitalization of $681.17 million, a P/E ratio of 26.97 and a beta of 0.68.

Black Diamond Group (OTCMKTS:BDIMF  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The company reported $0.13 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.11 by $0.02. The business had revenue of $75.61 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $109.40 million. Black Diamond Group had a return on equity of 9.85% and a net margin of 7.20%.

Black Diamond Group Company Profile

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Black Diamond Group Limited rents and sells modular space and workforce accommodation solutions. It operates through two segments, Modular Space Solutions and Workforce Solutions. The Modular Space Solutions segment provides modular space rentals to customers in the construction, real estate development, education, manufacturing, health care, financial, government, and defense industries in North America.

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Broadstone Net Lease (NYSE:BNL  Get Free Report) issued an update on its FY 2026 earnings guidance on Monday morning. The company provided earnings per share (EPS) guidance of 1.530-1.570 for the period, compared to the consensus estimate of 1.020. The company issued revenue guidance of -.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several equities research analysts have commented on BNL shares. UBS Group boosted their target price on Broadstone Net Lease from $16.00 to $17.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, August 15th. BTIG Research restated a buy rating and set a $22.00 target price on shares of Broadstone Net Lease in a report on Wednesday, October 1st. JMP Securities reaffirmed a market outperform rating and issued a $21.00 target price on shares of Broadstone Net Lease in a research report on Monday, September 29th. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Broadstone Net Lease from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Sunday. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group raised shares of Broadstone Net Lease from a sell rating to a buy rating and set a $21.00 price target on the stock in a research report on Thursday, August 21st. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seven have issued a Buy rating and three have assigned a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Broadstone Net Lease has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $20.11.

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Broadstone Net Lease Trading Up 0.1%

NYSE BNL opened at $17.57 on Monday. Broadstone Net Lease has a 12 month low of $13.96 and a 12 month high of $18.87. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $18.23 and a 200-day moving average of $17.25. The company has a market cap of $3.32 billion, a PE ratio of 37.38 and a beta of 1.00.

Broadstone Net Lease (NYSE:BNL  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The company reported $0.14 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.37 by ($0.23). The firm had revenue of $114.17 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $111.89 million. Broadstone Net Lease had a return on equity of 2.91% and a net margin of 20.04%. Broadstone Net Lease has set its FY 2025 guidance at 1.490-1.500 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Broadstone Net Lease will post 1.43 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Broadstone Net Lease Announces Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 15th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, December 31st will be issued a $0.29 dividend. This represents a $1.16 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 6.6%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, December 31st. Broadstone Net Leases dividend payout ratio is presently 246.81%.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Broadstone Net Lease

Institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. American Century Companies Inc. raised its position in shares of Broadstone Net Lease by 0.9% in the 2nd quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 77,865 shares of the companys stock worth $1,250,000 after acquiring an additional 664 shares in the last quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC lifted its position in shares of Broadstone Net Lease by 0.9% during the 2nd quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC now owns 89,265 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,432,000 after acquiring an additional 768 shares during the period. FJ Capital Management LLC boosted its stake in Broadstone Net Lease by 8.2% during the second quarter. FJ Capital Management LLC now owns 12,754 shares of the companys stock worth $205,000 after acquiring an additional 965 shares in the last quarter. Daiwa Securities Group Inc. grew its holdings in Broadstone Net Lease by 2.9% in the second quarter. Daiwa Securities Group Inc. now owns 66,731 shares of the companys stock worth $1,071,000 after purchasing an additional 1,871 shares during the period. Finally, EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC increased its stake in Broadstone Net Lease by 80.9% in the second quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 4,261 shares of the companys stock valued at $68,000 after purchasing an additional 1,906 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 89.07% of the companys stock.

Broadstone Net Lease Company Profile

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Broadstone Net Lease, Inc (the Corporation) is a Maryland corporation formed on October 18, 2007, that elected to be taxed as a real estate investment trust (REIT) commencing with the taxable year ended December 31, 2008. Broadstone Net Lease, LLC (the Corporations operating company, or the OP), is the entity through which the Corporation conducts its business and owns (either directly or through subsidiaries) all of the Corporations properties.

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Shares of China Resources Enterprise Ltd. (OTCMKTS:CRHKY  Get Free Report) gapped up before the market opened on Monday . The stock had previously closed at $7.06, but opened at $7.38. China Resources Enterprise shares last traded at $7.38, with a volume of 368 shares changing hands.

China Resources Enterprise Trading Down 0.9%

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.01, a current ratio of 0.83 and a quick ratio of 0.49. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $7.05 and a 200 day moving average price of $6.92.

About China Resources Enterprise

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China Resources Beer (Holdings) Company Limited, an investment holding company, manufactures, distributes, and sells beer products in Mainland China. The company offers its products under the Nong Li, Snow, and Jinsha brands. The company was formerly known as China Resources Enterprise, Limited and changed its name to China Resources Beer (Holdings) Company Limited in October 2015.

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Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:DLR  Get Free Report) Director Mary Hogan Preusse sold 4,166 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, December 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $157.42, for a total transaction of $655,811.72. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink.

Digital Realty Trust Stock Down 2.3%

Shares of NYSE:DLR traded down $3.72 during trading on Monday, reaching $156.40. 1,319,293 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,961,958. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $168.93 and a 200 day simple moving average of $170.69. The company has a quick ratio of 2.22, a current ratio of 2.02 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.80. Digital Realty Trust, Inc. has a 1-year low of $129.95 and a 1-year high of $195.38. The firm has a market cap of $53.72 billion, a P/E ratio of 40.41, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 4.13 and a beta of 0.96.

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Digital Realty Trust (NYSE:DLR  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Friday, October 31st. The real estate investment trust reported $0.15 earnings per share for the quarter. The business had revenue of $1.58 billion for the quarter. Digital Realty Trust had a net margin of 23.67% and a return on equity of 6.41%. Analysts anticipate that Digital Realty Trust, Inc. will post 7.07 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Digital Realty Trust Dividend Announcement

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Digital Realty Trust

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 16th. Stockholders of record on Monday, December 15th will be issued a dividend of $1.22 per share. This represents a $4.88 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.1%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, December 15th. Digital Realty Trusts payout ratio is currently 126.10%.

Large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Norges Bank bought a new position in Digital Realty Trust in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $3,808,270,000. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC increased its position in Digital Realty Trust by 686.0% during the third quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC now owns 4,807,512 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $831,123,000 after acquiring an additional 4,195,862 shares during the period. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board raised its stake in Digital Realty Trust by 63.0% during the 1st quarter. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board now owns 7,144,737 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $1,023,769,000 after purchasing an additional 2,760,286 shares during the last quarter. Nuveen LLC bought a new stake in Digital Realty Trust in the 1st quarter valued at $342,389,000. Finally, Vanguard Group Inc. grew its position in Digital Realty Trust by 1.8% in the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 52,378,860 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $7,505,367,000 after purchasing an additional 925,674 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 99.71% of the companys stock.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of equities analysts recently commented on DLR shares. Loop Capital set a $205.00 price objective on Digital Realty Trust in a report on Monday, October 27th. Daiwa Capital Markets initiated coverage on shares of Digital Realty Trust in a report on Wednesday, October 22nd. They set a buy rating and a $210.00 price target on the stock. Truist Financial lifted their price objective on shares of Digital Realty Trust from $199.00 to $200.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, November 5th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their target price on shares of Digital Realty Trust from $200.00 to $210.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, October 24th. Finally, Weiss Ratings upgraded Digital Realty Trust from a hold (c+) rating to a buy (b-) rating in a report on Tuesday, November 25th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, sixteen have given a Buy rating, six have issued a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $198.14.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on DLR

Digital Realty Trust Company Profile

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Digital Realty Trust, Inc operates as a real estate investment trust, which engages in the provision of data center, colocation and interconnection solutions. It serves the following industries: artificial intelligence (AI), networks, cloud, digital media, mobile, financial services, healthcare, and gaming.

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Ethernity Networks Ltd. (LON:ENET  Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week low on Monday . The company traded as low as GBX 0.01 and last traded at GBX 0.01, with a volume of 70706578 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 0.01.

Ethernity Networks Stock Down 14.3%

The company has a quick ratio of 1.37, a current ratio of 0.42 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 21.00. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of GBX 0.01 and a 200-day simple moving average of GBX 0.02. The company has a market cap of 60,000.00, a PE ratio of -0.01 and a beta of 0.58.

About Ethernity Networks

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Ethernity Networks Ltd. provides technology solutions for telecom, mobile, security, and data center markets in Asia, Europe, Israel, and the United States. The company develops and delivers data processing technology and solutions for carrier Ethernet switching. It provides ENET flow processors for telco/cloud network; ACE-NIC40 SmartNIC, an open flow enabled software acceleration NIC; ACE-NIC50 SmartNIC, which offers 10/25G Ethernet connectivity and field-programmable gate array (FPGA) acceleration; and ACE-NIC100 SmartNIC that provides flexible 10/25/40/100G Ethernet connectivity and programmable FPGA acceleration.

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The preliminary vote count in Honduras following the presidential election held on Sunday shows a return of the political right to power in the Central American country. Conservative candidate Nasry Asfura of the National Party (PN), who received the endorsement of U.S. President Donald Trump ahead of the vote, is leading the count with 40.54% of votes and about 43% of polling places counted, according to preliminary results released by the National Electoral Council (CNE).

Second place goes to Salvador Nasralla, of the Liberal Party, with about 38.99% of votes so far, and third place to Rixi Moncada of the governing Libre party with 19.49% of the votes, marking a sharp decline for the democratic socialist movement founded by former president Manuel Zelaya.

Mistrust in the vote count marked the final stretch of Sundays general election. The CNE was slow to release preliminary results, despite promising a count three hours after the polls closed at 6 p.m. local time. The three main candidates all expressed their dissatisfaction with the delay, and demanded a response from the electoral authorities. Lets not keep the country waiting, on tenterhooks, demanded Asfura. Nasralla, with his characteristic religious tone, wrote on his X account: May God protect the will of the people, free us from all attempts at fraud, and keep us steadfast until the last moment.

After the polling stations closed, tensions flared among the three main parties, which published exit poll results throughout the election day declaring their own candidates the winners. Moncada stated on her social media accounts that the reports from across the country are excellent. We are winning the election. Her closest rival, Nasralla, declared victory and claimed he would win with 50% of the votes. Im going to be president. Practically everyone here votes for me, he said.

The CNE will have the final word when it announces the results of the vote count in an election where more than 6.5 million Hondurans were called to vote. Voters were choosing between continuity, represented by the candidate from Libre, and a shift to the right led by both Nasralla and Asfura.

In the days leading up to the election, Asfura received the endorsement of U.S. President Donald Trump, who has also promised to pardon former Honduran president Juan Orlando Hernandez, sentenced to 45 years in prison in the U.S. for his ties to drug trafficking. Argentine President Javier Milei has also endorsed Asfura.

Line at a polling station in Tegucigalpa. Delmer Membreno

The day unfolded without any major incidents, but in an atmosphere of extreme polarization due to the omnipresent military presence. Honduras remains under a state of emergency, a controversial measure taken by President Xiomara Castro to combat the violence plaguing the Central American country. Castro also assigned the military a function not legally mandated: ensuring the safekeeping of the election ballots.

General Roosevelt Hernandez, Chief of the Joint Staff of the Honduran Armed Forces, stated on Friday that he will only recognize the new presidential authorities once the National Electoral Council publishes the official results after counting all the ballots. The military will disregard the data produced by the preliminary results system, known as TREP, which has been heavily criticized by the governing party.

The polling stations opened at seven in the morning, and early on, the three candidates arrived at their assigned voting centers, calling for active voter participation. Voters are also electing the 128 members of parliament and the authorities of the countrys 298 municipalities. President Xiomara Castro voted at noon alongside her husband, former President Manuel Zelaya. We have already begun a process of rebuilding the country, and that is what is important, Castro told the press after casting her vote. These elections are so important for our democracy. What the people deserve is peace and tranquility, to go to the polls freely, and to be able to exercise their right to vote, the president added.

An international observer at one of the polling stations set up in Tegucigalpa. Delmer Membreno

During the morning, there was a massive turnout at polling stations visited by this newspaper in Tegucigalpa. Jair Rico, 22, worked as a custodian for the ruling Libre party at this polling station, responsible for ensuring the proper delivery of the ballot boxes and that everything proceeded smoothly, including the vote count. At the beginning, we had some minor interruptions with the biometric system, since the National Electoral Councils system was a bit slow because data was being entered from all over the place, but it was resolved, Rico said, referring to the devices that capture the fingerprints of registered voters. The turnout has been steady; more people are coming in the morning, he remarked.

Nicolas Carrasco was one of those voters. He and his wife went to the polling station, relieved that the morning was elapsing calmly after a highly polarized election campaign and constant attacks between the presidential candidates. Instead of focusing on proposals, the candidates insulted each other, aired all their dirty laundry, he said. Carrasco went to the polls with one worry on his mind: the rampant corruption that plagues his country. The people wanted the CICIH to be established; it was one of our priorities because there is so much corruption, everything is tainted, he stated, referring to the international anti-corruption commission, which is moving at a snails pace. It was a promise that President Castro left unfulfilled. I want to be very clear with the media. We did everything in my power to bring the CICIH to our country, she said on Sunday.

International observers have highlighted the peaceful nature of the vote. The Organization of American States (OAS) Observation Mission deployed 101 observers across the countrys 18 departments to provide comprehensive coverage of election day, reporting no serious incidents. Meanwhile, the head of the European Union Electoral Observation Mission (EOM-EU), Francisco Assis, described the election as a civic celebration. The Network for the Defense of Democracy, a Honduran organization, documented 4,427 incidents, including some ballot boxes that were not set up and damaged or incomplete electoral materials. They also reported problems with the biometric system. Representatives of the Network denounced that in some polling stations, military personnel demanded credentials from observers, which is not within their authority.

Honduras voted under the state of emergency that President Castro has imposed as an extreme measure to combat the violence plaguing the country, where gangs and drug trafficking networks exert widespread control. Human rights organizations and local observers had asked the government to relax the state of emergency, fearing that the presence of soldiers at polling stations would discourage voters. At the Peru School in Tegucigalpa, Luis Fuentes, an election observer with the Network for the Defense of Democracy, reprimanded the soldiers at a checkpoint set up at the entrance of the polling center for preventing voters from entering. I have observed five presidential elections, and there has never been a military checkpoint to enter a school. The classrooms where the voting takes place are empty, but people are outside, in the sun, because the soldiers have positioned themselves there. I dont think thats right; its counterproductive, Fuentes said. The soldiers eventually allowed voters to enter, but the observer said their presence intimidates voters. So much has been said in these elections that we have to be careful, use gloves to handle them cleanly, so that there are no misunderstandings, and the presence of the military generates this type of problem, he explained.

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Grupo Televisa (NYSE:TV  Free Report) had its price objective increased by Benchmark from $9.00 to $10.00 in a report released on Friday morning, MarketBeat.com reports. They currently have a buy rating on the stock.

Several other equities analysts have also recently issued reports on TV. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded shares of Grupo Televisa from a neutral rating to an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 27th. UBS Group reiterated a buy rating on shares of Grupo Televisa in a research report on Monday, October 27th. The Goldman Sachs Group lowered shares of Grupo Televisa from a buy rating to a neutral rating and set a $2.60 target price on the stock. in a research note on Friday, August 8th. Weiss Ratings restated a sell (d-) rating on shares of Grupo Televisa in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, Zacks Research downgraded Grupo Televisa from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 13th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, two have issued a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $5.07.

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Grupo Televisa Price Performance

NYSE:TV opened at $2.71 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.50 billion, a P/E ratio of -2.68, a PEG ratio of 3.45 and a beta of 2.02. The companys fifty day moving average price is $2.65 and its 200-day moving average price is $2.47. Grupo Televisa has a 1-year low of $1.55 and a 1-year high of $3.10. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.78, a current ratio of 2.31 and a quick ratio of 2.33.

Grupo Televisa (NYSE:TV  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Friday, October 24th. The company reported ($0.19) earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.03 by ($0.22). The company had revenue of $798.55 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $14.66 billion. Grupo Televisa had a negative return on equity of 9.49% and a negative net margin of 18.27%. As a group, equities research analysts anticipate that Grupo Televisa will post -0.07 EPS for the current year.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Grupo Televisa

A number of hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in TV. Strid Group LLC acquired a new stake in Grupo Televisa during the third quarter worth about $27,000. Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Grupo Televisa in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $28,000. TD Private Client Wealth LLC increased its holdings in shares of Grupo Televisa by 68.8% during the 3rd quarter. TD Private Client Wealth LLC now owns 10,685 shares of the companys stock worth $29,000 after buying an additional 4,355 shares during the last quarter. Evergreen Capital Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Grupo Televisa during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $29,000. Finally, one8zero8 LLC acquired a new position in Grupo Televisa in the third quarter valued at approximately $40,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 55.77% of the companys stock.

Grupo Televisa Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Grupo Televisa, SAB., together with its subsidiaries, owns and operates cable companies and provides direct-to-home satellite pay television system in Mexico and the United States. It operates through three segments: Cable, Sky, and Other Businesses. The Cable segment operates cable multiple system that provides basic and premium television subscription, pay-per-view, installation, Internet subscription, and telephone and mobile services subscription, as well as local and national advertising services; and telecommunication facilities, which offers data and long-distance services solutions to carriers and other telecommunications service providers through its fiber-optic network.

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Impala Platinum Holdings Ltd. (OTCMKTS:IMPUY  Get Free Report) shot up 4.1% on Monday . The stock traded as high as $13.11 and last traded at $13.01. 92,414 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 66% from the average session volume of 269,568 shares. The stock had previously closed at $12.50.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Separately, Zacks Research raised shares of Impala Platinum to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, October 20th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Hold rating, Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Hold.

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Impala Platinum Price Performance

Impala Platinum Dividend Announcement

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.02, a current ratio of 2.74 and a quick ratio of 1.23. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $11.77 and a 200-day moving average price of $10.09.

The company also recently declared a dividend, which was paid on Monday, September 29th. Shareholders of record on Monday, September 22nd were issued a dividend of $0.0647 per share. This represents a yield of 61.0%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, September 19th.

Impala Platinum Company Profile

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Impala Platinum Holdings Limited engages in the mining, processing, concentrating, refining, and sale of platinum group metals (PGMs) and associated base metals. The company produces platinum, palladium, rhodium, nickel, and by-products, as well as ruthenium, iridium, and gold. It has operations on the PGM-bearing orebodies, including the Bushveld Complex located in South Africa; and the Great Dyke situated in Zimbabwe, as well as the Canadian Shield.

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Invesco MSCI USA ETF (BATS:PBUS  Get Free Report)s stock price hit a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Monday . The stock traded as high as $68.96 and last traded at $68.2250, with a volume of 38803 shares. The stock had previously closed at $69.18.

Invesco MSCI USA ETF Price Performance

The stock has a fifty day moving average of $67.44 and a 200 day moving average of $64.35. The stock has a market cap of $9.03 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 26.20 and a beta of 1.03.

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Hedge Funds Weigh In On Invesco MSCI USA ETF

A number of institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of PBUS. Kestra Private Wealth Services LLC increased its stake in shares of Invesco MSCI USA ETF by 40.8% in the 3rd quarter. Kestra Private Wealth Services LLC now owns 44,076 shares of the companys stock worth $2,955,000 after acquiring an additional 12,777 shares during the last quarter. Qube Research & Technologies Ltd purchased a new stake in shares of Invesco MSCI USA ETF in the third quarter valued at about $480,000. Citadel Advisors LLC increased its position in Invesco MSCI USA ETF by 24.9% during the third quarter. Citadel Advisors LLC now owns 16,449 shares of the companys stock worth $1,103,000 after purchasing an additional 3,275 shares during the last quarter. Bank of America Corp DE raised its stake in Invesco MSCI USA ETF by 1,298.6% during the third quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 1,035 shares of the companys stock worth $69,000 after purchasing an additional 961 shares during the period. Finally, Raymond James Financial Inc. boosted its holdings in Invesco MSCI USA ETF by 200.8% in the 3rd quarter. Raymond James Financial Inc. now owns 1,477,106 shares of the companys stock valued at $99,040,000 after purchasing an additional 986,113 shares during the last quarter.

About Invesco MSCI USA ETF

The Invesco PureBeta MSCI USA ETF (PBUS) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI USA index. The fund tracks a market-cap-selected and -weighted index of mid and large-cap US stocks. PBUS was launched on Sep 22, 2017 and is managed by Invesco.

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Loblaw Companies Limited (TSE:L  Get Free Report) has been assigned an average rating of Moderate Buy from the eight brokerages that are presently covering the company, Marketbeat.com reports. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have given a buy rating to the company. The average twelve-month price target among brokers that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is C$134.50.

Several equities analysts have commented on the company. BMO Capital Markets increased their price target on Loblaw Companies from C$57.50 to C$63.00 in a report on Thursday, November 13th. TD Securities raised their target price on shares of Loblaw Companies from C$63.00 to C$65.00 in a research note on Thursday, November 13th. CIBC lifted their target price on shares of Loblaw Companies from C$58.50 to C$67.00 in a report on Thursday, November 13th. National Bankshares boosted their target price on shares of Loblaw Companies from C$60.00 to C$61.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 22nd. Finally, Scotiabank raised their price target on Loblaw Companies from C$61.00 to C$65.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, August 21st.

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Loblaw Companies Stock Performance

Loblaw Companies Dividend Announcement

Shares of TSE L opened at C$62.00 on Friday. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is C$57.41 and its 200-day simple moving average is C$137.13. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 166.11, a quick ratio of 0.68 and a current ratio of 1.29. Loblaw Companies has a 52 week low of C$43.32 and a 52 week high of C$63.43. The firm has a market cap of C$73.23 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 30.28, a P/E/G ratio of 3.23 and a beta of 0.29.

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, October 1st. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, October 1st were issued a $0.5643 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, September 15th. This represents a $2.26 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.6%. Loblaw Companiess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 26.31%.

About Loblaw Companies

(Get Free Report)

Loblaw is one of Canadas largest grocery, pharmacy, and general merchandise retailers, operating the most expansive store footprint in Ontario and maintaining sizable presences in provinces like Quebec and British Columbia. Key grocery banners include Loblaw, No Frills, and Maxi, while its pharmaceutical operations are the product of its 2014 acquisition of Shoppers Drug Mart.

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Motorola Solutions (NYSE:MSI  Get Free Report) was upgraded by equities researchers at Northcoast Research from a neutral rating to a buy rating in a research note issued on Monday. The firm currently has a $450.00 target price on the communications equipment providers stock. Northcoast Researchs price target indicates a potential upside of 21.73% from the stocks previous close.

A number of other analysts also recently weighed in on the company. Barclays decreased their price target on Motorola Solutions from $509.00 to $495.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Friday, October 31st. Evercore ISI upped their target price on Motorola Solutions from $500.00 to $525.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, August 29th. UBS Group lifted their target price on Motorola Solutions from $490.00 to $510.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Friday, August 8th. Piper Sandler reissued a neutral rating and issued a $465.00 price target (down from $495.00) on shares of Motorola Solutions in a research note on Friday, October 31st. Finally, Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b-) rating on shares of Motorola Solutions in a report on Monday, November 24th. Seven investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $495.00.

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Motorola Solutions Stock Up 0.0%

Motorola Solutions stock opened at $369.68 on Monday. 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 has a 52-week low of $365.40 and a 52-week high of $503.62. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $421.86 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $432.06. The firm has a market cap of $61.57 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 29.76, a PEG ratio of 3.46 and a beta of 0.96.

Motorola Solutions (NYSE:MSI  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Friday, October 31st. The communications equipment provider reported $4.06 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $3.85 by $0.21. Motorola Solutions had a net margin of 19.08% and a return on equity of 134.30%. The company had revenue of $3.01 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.99 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $3.74 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was up 7.8% on a year-over-year basis. Equities analysts predict that Motorola Solutions will post 13.55 EPS for the current year.

Insider Transactions at Motorola Solutions

In related news, CEO Gregory Q. Brown sold 50,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, September 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $483.50, for a total transaction of $24,175,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer owned 46,936 shares in the company, valued at approximately $22,693,556. This represents a 51.58% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, SVP Rajan Naik sold 8,014 shares of Motorola Solutions stock in a transaction on Wednesday, September 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $474.45, for a total transaction of $3,802,242.30. Following the transaction, the senior vice president directly owned 10,244 shares in the company, valued at $4,860,265.80. This represents a 43.89% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders have sold 85,614 shares of company stock valued at $41,278,417 over the last ninety days. 1.44% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Norges Bank bought a new position in shares of Motorola Solutions during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $872,307,000. Nuveen LLC bought a new stake in Motorola Solutions during the first quarter worth $650,426,000. Marshall Wace LLP bought a new stake in Motorola Solutions during the second quarter worth $230,743,000. Capital World Investors boosted its position in Motorola Solutions by 5.5% in the third quarter. Capital World Investors now owns 9,386,519 shares of the communications equipment providers stock worth $4,292,310,000 after purchasing an additional 490,354 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Voya Investment Management LLC grew its stake in Motorola Solutions by 116.5% in the 3rd quarter. Voya Investment Management LLC now owns 841,463 shares of the communications equipment providers stock valued at $384,793,000 after purchasing an additional 452,822 shares during the period. 84.17% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Motorola Solutions Company Profile

(Get 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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Shares of nVent Electric PLC (NYSE:NVT  Get Free Report) have been given an average rating of Buy by the ten ratings firms that are currently covering the company, MarketBeat.com reports. Nine investment analysts have rated the stock with a buy recommendation and one has issued a strong buy recommendation on the company. The average 12 month price target among analysts that have covered the stock in the last year is $122.00.

NVT has been the subject of a number of analyst reports. Citigroup raised their target price on shares of nVent Electric from $114.00 to $131.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Monday, November 3rd. The Goldman Sachs Group increased their price objective on shares of nVent Electric from $111.00 to $140.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Monday, November 3rd. Wall Street Zen upgraded nVent Electric from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Saturday, November 8th. KeyCorp upped their target price on nVent Electric from $103.00 to $114.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, October 14th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b-) rating on shares of nVent Electric in a research report on Tuesday, November 25th.

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nVent Electric Stock Up 0.7%

Shares of nVent Electric stock opened at $107.27 on Friday. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $102.95 and its 200 day simple moving average is $87.60. nVent Electric has a 52-week low of $41.71 and a 52-week high of $117.52. The firm has a market cap of $17.31 billion, a PE ratio of 29.55, a P/E/G ratio of 1.48 and a beta of 1.32. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.44, a quick ratio of 1.11 and a current ratio of 1.57.

nVent Electric (NYSE:NVT  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Friday, October 31st. The company reported $0.91 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.88 by $0.03. nVent Electric had a return on equity of 14.29% and a net margin of 16.83%.The firm had revenue of $1.05 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.01 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $0.63 EPS. The businesss revenue was up 34.8% on a year-over-year basis. nVent Electric has set its Q4 2025 guidance at 0.870-0.890 EPS. FY 2025 guidance at 3.310-3.330 EPS. On average, analysts predict that nVent Electric will post 3.04 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

nVent Electric Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 7th. Stockholders of record on Friday, October 17th were issued a $0.20 dividend. This represents a $0.80 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.7%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, October 17th. nVent Electrics dividend payout ratio is presently 22.04%.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In related news, insider Sara E. Zawoyski sold 115,557 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $112.78, for a total transaction of $13,032,518.46. Following the transaction, the insider directly owned 66,680 shares in the company, valued at approximately $7,520,170.40. The trade was a 63.41% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, EVP Lynnette R. Heath sold 32,943 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, November 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $113.04, for a total transaction of $3,723,876.72. Following the sale, the executive vice president directly owned 30,562 shares in the company, valued at $3,454,728.48. This trade represents a 51.87% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Insiders sold 163,228 shares of company stock valued at $18,345,001 in the last ninety days. 2.50% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Institutional Trading of nVent Electric

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the business. SVB Wealth LLC bought a new position in nVent Electric in the 1st quarter valued at $25,000. Global Trust Asset Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of nVent Electric during the third quarter valued at $30,000. Root Financial Partners LLC bought a new position in shares of nVent Electric in the third quarter worth about $31,000. Trust Co. of Vermont increased its stake in nVent Electric by 57.8% in the 2nd quarter. Trust Co. of Vermont now owns 434 shares of the companys stock worth $32,000 after buying an additional 159 shares during the period. Finally, True Wealth Design LLC lifted its holdings in nVent Electric by 1,202.9% during the 2nd quarter. True Wealth Design LLC now owns 443 shares of the companys stock valued at $32,000 after buying an additional 409 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 90.05% of the companys stock.

About nVent Electric

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nVent Electric plc, together with its subsidiaries, designs, manufactures, markets, installs, and services electrical connection and protection solutions in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Asia Pacific, and internationally. The company operates through three segments: Enclosures, Electrical & Fastening Solutions, and Thermal Management.

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Panagora Asset Management Inc. increased its stake in shares of Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM  Free Report) by 142.2% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 1,512,514 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 888,148 shares during the quarter. Philip Morris International accounts for 1.2% of Panagora Asset Management Inc.s holdings, making the stock its 10th largest holding. Panagora Asset Management Inc. owned about 0.10% of Philip Morris International worth $275,474,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

A number of other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of PM. Legacy Investment Solutions LLC acquired a new position in shares of Philip Morris International during the second quarter worth about $25,000. Traub Capital Management LLC purchased a new position in Philip Morris International in the second quarter worth approximately $25,000. Abound Wealth Management grew its holdings in Philip Morris International by 566.7% during 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. Kelly Lawrence W & Associates Inc. CA purchased a new stake in shares of Philip Morris International in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $30,000. Finally, Briaud Financial Planning Inc raised its holdings in shares of Philip Morris International by 266.7% in the 2nd quarter. Briaud Financial Planning Inc now owns 165 shares of the companys stock valued at $30,000 after purchasing an additional 120 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 78.63% of the companys stock.

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Philip Morris International Trading Up 0.5%

PM stock opened at $157.25 on Monday. The company has a market capitalization of $244.78 billion, a P/E ratio of 28.49, a PEG ratio of 1.86 and a beta of 0.43. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $155.69 and a 200-day simple moving average of $166.85. Philip Morris International Inc. has a twelve month low of $116.12 and a twelve month high of $186.69.

Philip Morris International Increases Dividend

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. The business had revenue of $8.12 billion for the quarter. Philip Morris International had a net margin of 9.33% and a negative return on equity of 122.14%. Research analysts predict that Philip Morris International Inc. will post 7.14 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, October 20th. Investors of record on Friday, October 3rd were issued a dividend of $1.47 per share. This is an increase from Philip Morris Internationals previous quarterly dividend of $1.35. This represents a $5.88 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.7%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, October 3rd. Philip Morris Internationals dividend payout ratio is 106.52%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of analysts have weighed in on the company. Wall Street Zen upgraded Philip Morris International from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Monday, November 17th. KGI Securities started coverage on Philip Morris International in a research report on Monday, August 4th. They set an outperform rating on the stock. The Goldman Sachs Group restated a buy rating on shares of Philip Morris International in a research note on Wednesday, October 22nd. Barclays lowered their price target on Philip Morris International from $220.00 to $180.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Monday, November 17th. Finally, Citigroup reissued a buy rating on shares of Philip Morris International in a report on Thursday, September 4th. Twelve analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $189.00.

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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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Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM  Free Report).

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Restaurant Brands International Inc. (NYSE:QSR  Get Free Report) (TSE:QSR) shares hit a new 52-week high during trading on Monday . The stock traded as high as $73.13 and last traded at $72.0750, with a volume of 950660 shares. The stock had previously closed at $72.22.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several equities research analysts recently issued reports on QSR shares. Royal Bank Of Canada reduced their price objective on shares of Restaurant Brands International from $80.00 to $77.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Friday, August 8th. Morgan Stanley set a $77.00 price objective on Restaurant Brands International in a report on Tuesday, October 21st. Northcoast Research lowered Restaurant Brands International from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a report on Friday, September 12th. Argus downgraded Restaurant Brands International from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, August 15th. Finally, Oppenheimer reissued an outperform rating and issued a $80.00 price target on shares of Restaurant Brands International in a research report on Tuesday, November 25th. Nine research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, thirteen have issued a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $74.76.

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Restaurant Brands International Price Performance

The company has a quick ratio of 0.98, a current ratio of 1.06 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.65. The stocks 50-day moving average is $67.69 and its 200-day moving average is $67.23. The firm has a market cap of $23.62 billion, a P/E ratio of 25.62, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.88 and a beta of 0.60.

Restaurant Brands International (NYSE:QSR  Get Free Report) (TSE:QSR) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 30th. The restaurant operator reported $1.03 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.00 by $0.03. Restaurant Brands International had a net margin of 9.95% and a return on equity of 32.43%. The company had revenue of $2.45 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.39 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $0.93 EPS. The businesss revenue was up 6.9% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that Restaurant Brands International Inc. will post 3.72 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Restaurant Brands International Announces Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, January 6th. Investors of record on Tuesday, December 23rd will be paid a $0.62 dividend. This represents a $2.48 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.4%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, December 23rd. Restaurant Brands Internationals dividend payout ratio is presently 88.26%.

Insider Activity

In other news, Chairman J Patrick Doyle sold 43,597 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $69.80, for a total transaction of $3,043,070.60. Following the completion of the transaction, the chairman directly owned 193,855 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $13,531,079. This trade represents a 18.36% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Corporate insiders own 1.25% of the companys stock.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in QSR. CIBC Private Wealth Group LLC grew its position in Restaurant Brands International by 2.7% in the 3rd quarter. CIBC Private Wealth Group LLC now owns 14,694 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $942,000 after purchasing an additional 384 shares during the period. CIBC Bancorp USA Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Restaurant Brands International in the 3rd quarter worth $1,169,000. Coldstream Capital Management Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Restaurant Brands International by 11.6% in the third quarter. Coldstream Capital Management Inc. now owns 3,393 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $218,000 after acquiring an additional 354 shares during the period. Aspire Private Capital LLC increased its position in Restaurant Brands International by 8.0% during the third quarter. Aspire Private Capital LLC now owns 25,060 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $1,607,000 after acquiring an additional 1,849 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Advisory Services Network LLC bought a new position in Restaurant Brands International in the third quarter valued at about $155,000. Institutional investors own 82.29% of the companys stock.

About Restaurant Brands International

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Restaurant Brands International Inc operates as a quick-service restaurant company in Canada, the United States, and internationally. It operates through four segments: Tim Hortons (TH), Burger King (BK), Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen (PLK), and Firehouse Subs (FHS). The company owns and franchises TH chain of donut/coffee/tea restaurants that offer blend coffee, tea, and espresso-based hot and cold specialty drinks; and fresh baked goods, including donuts, Timbits, bagels, muffins, cookies and pastries, grilled paninis, classic sandwiches, wraps, soups, and other food products.

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Booking, McDonalds, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Yum! Brands, Brinker International, Toast, and Wingstop are the seven Restaurant stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Restaurant stocks are shares of publicly traded companies that operate, franchise, or supply restaurants  including fast-food chains, casual-dining brands and related foodservice businesses. Investors treat them as consumer-discretionary plays whose performance depends on factors like same-store sales, unit growth and franchising mix, menu pricing, food and labor costs, and broader economic and consumer-spending trends. These companies had the highest dollar trading volume of any Restaurant stocks within the last several days.

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Booking (BKNG)

Booking Holdings Inc, formerly The Priceline Group Inc., is a provider of travel and restaurant online reservation and related services. The Company, through its online travel companies (OTCs), connects consumers wishing to make travel reservations with providers of travel services across the world. It offers consumers an array of accommodation reservations (including hotels, bed and breakfasts, hostels, apartments, vacation rentals and other properties) through its Booking.com, priceline.com and agoda.com brands.

McDonalds (MCD)

McDonalds Corp. engages in the operation and franchising of restaurants. It operates through the following segments: U.S., International Operated Markets, and International Developmental Licensed Markets and Corporate. The U.S. segment focuses its operations on the United States. The International Operated Markets segment consists of operations and the franchising of restaurants in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and the U.K.

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Chipotle Mexican Grill (CMG)

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, owns and operates Chipotle Mexican Grill restaurants. It sells food and beverages through offering burritos, burrito bowls, quesadillas, tacos, and salads. The company also provides delivery and related services its app and website. It has operations in the United States, Canada, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

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Yum! Brands (YUM)

Yum! Brands, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, develops, operates, and franchises quick service restaurants worldwide. The company operates through the KFC Division, the Taco Bell Division, the Pizza Hut Division, and the Habit Burger Grill Division segments. It also operates restaurants under the KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, and The Habit Burger Grill brands, which specialize in chicken, pizza, made-to-order chargrilled burgers, sandwiches, Mexican-style food categories, and other food products.

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Brinker International (EAT)

Brinker International, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the ownership, development, operation, and franchising of casual dining restaurants in the United States and internationally. It operates and franchises Chili's Grill & Bar and Maggiano's Little Italy restaurant brands.

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Toast (TOST)

Toast, Inc. operates a cloud-based digital technology platform for the restaurant industry in the United States, Ireland, and India. The company offers software products for restaurant operations and point of sale, such as Toast POS, Toast now, multi-location management, kitchen display system, Toast mobile order and pay, Toast catering and events, Toast invoicing, Toast tables, and restaurant retail; and hardware products, including Toast flex, Toast flex for guest, Toast go 2, Toast tap, kiosks, and Delphi by Toast.

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Wingstop (WING)

Wingstop Inc., together with its subsidiaries, franchises and operates restaurants under the Wingstop brand. Its restaurants offer classic wings, boneless wings, tenders, and hand-sauced-and-tossed in various flavors, as well as chicken sandwiches with fries and hand-cut carrots and celery that are cooked-to-order.

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Further Reading
Shelton Capital Management raised its stake in American Express Company (NYSE:AXP  Free Report) by 9.3% during the second quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 40,204 shares of the payment services companys stock after buying an additional 3,436 shares during the period. Shelton Capital Managements holdings in American Express were worth $12,824,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its stake in American Express by 1.3% in the second quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 46,425,262 shares of the payment services companys stock valued at $14,808,730,000 after acquiring an additional 581,369 shares during the last quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP boosted its holdings in shares of American Express by 13.7% in the 1st quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 18,025,562 shares of the payment services companys stock worth $4,849,777,000 after purchasing an additional 2,168,445 shares in the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of American Express by 11.1% in the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 13,487,316 shares of the payment services companys stock worth $4,282,984,000 after purchasing an additional 1,349,746 shares in the last quarter. Norges Bank bought a new position in shares of American Express during the 2nd quarter valued at about $1,897,335,000. Finally, Nuveen LLC purchased a new position in shares of American Express during the 1st quarter valued at about $1,454,667,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 84.33% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several analysts have issued reports on AXP shares. Compass Point reaffirmed a neutral rating and issued a $324.00 target price on shares of American Express in a research note on Monday, October 20th. HSBC set a $295.00 price objective on shares of American Express and gave the stock a hold rating in a report on Friday, October 10th. Evercore ISI increased their target price on shares of American Express from $330.00 to $365.00 and gave the company an in-line rating in a report on Tuesday, September 30th. Truist Financial lifted their target price on shares of American Express from $375.00 to $395.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Monday, October 20th. Finally, Barclays upped their price target on shares of American Express from $336.00 to $355.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research report on Monday, October 20th. Nine research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, fourteen have assigned a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $332.65.

American Express Price Performance

Shares of American Express stock opened at $366.14 on Monday. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $348.21 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $323.13. American Express Company has a 12-month low of $220.43 and a 12-month high of $377.23. The firm has a market cap of $252.22 billion, a PE ratio of 24.57, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.90 and a beta of 1.27. The company has a quick ratio of 1.59, a current ratio of 1.61 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.78.

American Express (NYSE:AXP  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Friday, October 17th. The payment services company reported $4.14 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $3.98 by $0.16. The company had revenue of $17.14 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $18.03 billion. American Express had a net margin of 14.97% and a return on equity of 33.41%. American Expresss revenue for the quarter was up 11.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $3.49 earnings per share. American Express has set its FY 2025 guidance at 15.200-15.500 EPS. As a group, equities analysts expect that American Express Company will post 15.33 EPS for the current year.

American Express Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, November 10th. Stockholders of record on Friday, October 10th were given a $0.82 dividend. This represents a $3.28 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.9%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, October 10th. American Expresss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 22.01%.

Insider Transactions at American Express

In related news, CMO Elizabeth Rutledge sold 50,000 shares of American Express stock in a transaction on Friday, October 31st. The shares were sold at an average price of $360.21, for a total value of $18,010,500.00. Following the sale, the chief marketing officer owned 85,577 shares in the company, valued at $30,825,691.17. The trade was a 36.88% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. Also, CEO Stephen J. Squeri sold 112,272 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, September 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of $329.86, for a total transaction of $37,034,041.92. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer directly owned 92,810 shares in the company, valued at approximately $30,614,306.60. The trade was a 54.74% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. In the last quarter, insiders sold 193,292 shares of company stock worth $65,363,878. Corporate insiders own 0.20% of the companys stock.

About American Express

(Free Report)

American Express Company, together with its subsidiaries, operates as integrated payments company in the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, the Asia Pacific, Australia, New Zealand, Latin America, Canada, the Caribbean, and Internationally. It operates through four segments: U.S. Consumer Services, Commercial Services, International Card Services, and Global Merchant and Network Services.

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The canceled flights have caused major disruptions for people who had been scheduled to fly to and from Venezuela.

Only a handful of aircraft still dot the Venezuelan sky, which Washington has turned into an exclusion zone in what amounts to another tool of political pressure by the Trump administration

Venezuelas skies have become another battlefront. For the past week, what seemed like just another element of Washingtons hybrid offensive against Caracas has transformed into a vast, silent battlefield isolating the country. Venezuelan airspace is now the scene of threats, warnings, canceled flights, and military maneuvers fueling a conflict with an uncertain outcome.

At around 1:00 p.m. local time on Sunday, air traffic trackers showed an unusual picture: only seven aircraft were crossing Venezuelan airspace: a handful of civilian planes, a few commercial flights still maintaining their routes, and one aircraft from the Bolivarian Air Force. On those maps saturated with tiny, colorful planes, Venezuela stands out like a huge black hole. For the first time in a long time, a sky once teeming with international connections now appears as a forbidden territory. Donald Trumps message is clear: Caracas will be isolated in the skies as well.

Washingtons strategy is aimed at creating a void, and turning airspace isolation into yet another instrument of political pressure. Fewer goods, less mobility, more uncertainty. Donald Trumps call on social media last Saturday to consider the airspace above and surrounding Venezuela to be closed in its entirety was a further turn of the screw. Imposing an exclusion zone doesnt seem like a measure Trump could implement from the Oval Office, but it serves as a warning for everyone. It induces airlines to avoid the route, fuels the perception of risk, and increases the symbolic pressure he has been exerting on Nicolas Maduros government.

This Sunday, Maduro responded to the actions of the White House by sending a letter to the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and member countries (OPEC+)which bring together more than 20 statesaccusing Washington of attempting to seize the countrys vast oil reserves through the use of lethal military force.

And back in the U.S., several lawmakers, including a Republican representative, Mike Turner of Ohio, expressed concern on Sunday about a follow-up U.S. strike that killed survivors on an alleged drug vessel in the Caribbean. Democratic legislators said it could represent a war crime.

The United States has used airspace as a tool of coercion in other international crisesfrom flight restrictions over Iraq in the 1990s to air pressure over Libya and Syria during periods of heightened tensionbut rarely in such a unilateral manner and so directly linked to a hemispheric dispute. The Western Hemisphere is Americas neighborhood, and we will protect it, said Pete Hegseth, Donald Trumps Secretary of Defense, a few weeks ago when announcing the start of Operation Southern Spear, which purportedly targets drug trafficking, but above all, Venezuela.

Flightradar capture showing Venezuelan airspace without aircraft.

The U.S. offensive, which includes an unprecedented military deployment in the Caribbean, is keeping the Chavista regime on high alert with constant shows of force, messages of unity, and warnings that they will defend themselves to the bitter end.

This Thursday, Maduros Defense Minister, Vladimir Padrino, posted a video on Instagram showing military aircraft maneuvers. The post was intended to commemorate Bolivarian Military Aviation Day, but it contained a forceful message from Padrino: We are prepared to defend our homelands skies. We are ready to respond to any aggression against the people of Venezuela, against its sovereignty, and against its territorial integrity. Bolivarian military aviation knows it must strike hard wherever it needs to strike. Strike and conquer!

Trumps announcement was described by the Chavista regime as a hostile act and an explicit threat of the use of force. Meanwhile, the United States has continued its overflights near the Venezuelan coast. This Saturday, F-18 fighter jets were seen near Falcon State, in western Venezuela. The Bolivarian Armed Forces responded by deploying a new air defense system in the city of Lecherias, in eastern Venezuela.

The region is watching the turn the crisis has taken with concern. Latin American leaders fear an escalation, an armed conflict, and consequently, a new humanitarian crisis that would pushonce againhundreds of thousands of Venezuelans toward their borders. From Mexico to Buenos Aires, governments are closely monitoring the conflicts trajectory with the fear and uncertainty that at any momentand under any circumstancesan already volatile situation could escalate. One shot is enough to start a war, but nobody knows how it will end, warned Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. At the same time, the possibility that nothing will happen, that things will be resolvedhowever it may bethrough diplomatic channels, is not being ruled out.

In Bogota, President Gustavo Petro has become the leading critic of Trumps strategy to gain hegemony in the continent. The Colombian president publicly questioned the Republicans announcement on Sunday regarding the de facto closure of Venezuelan airspace. Petro called for the urgent intervention of the International Civil Aviation Organization and the European Union. If a foreign president can close another countrys airspace without any legal basis, then national sovereignty ceases to exist, he warned. The closure of Venezuelan airspace is completely illegal, he declared on his X account, his preferred platform for commenting on any issue. Colombia has reason to be concerned: it shares more than 1,000 kilometers of border with Venezuela, and four million Venezuelans have emigrated to the country seeking refuge. Furthermore, Petros relationship with Trump has reached unprecedented levels of hostility.

Flight schedule at Simon Bolivar International Airport in Maiquetia (Venezuela), this Saturday. Ronald Pena R (EFE)

In just one week, the air travel landscape has changed dramatically. The crisis in Venezuelan airspace dates back to November 21, when the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a warning about increased military operations in Venezuelan airspace. Since then, tensions between the two countries have escalated once again. Colombian aviation authorities were the first to recommend that their airlines not fly to or from Caracas, although Bogota remains the preferred route for evacuating stranded tourists. The Spanish State Aviation Safety Agency (AESA) joined the U.S. warning, recommending the suspension of routes until at least Monday, December 1. These alerts triggered a wave of cancellations by airlines such as Air Europa, Plus Ultra, Iberia, Turkish Airlines, Avianca, LAN, Gol, and TAP.

Venezuela interpreted the airlines precautions as support for acts of state terrorism promoted by the United States government. In response, it revoked the licenses of all companies that suspended their flights. Thus, the air connectivity crisis that the country has faced for several years has entered a new and serious phase. Currently, Venezuela only has air connections with Bogota, Panama City, and some of the Antilles islands.

Air travel restrictions are also disrupting daily life in the lead-up to the Christmas holidays. The suspension of international flights has left hundreds of passengers stranded both within and outside the country. At Madrids Barajas Airport, dozens of Venezuelans have slept in the hallways, hoping to find a way to return home. Panamas Copa Airlines is the main carrier maintaining connections with Venezuela, but in response to Donald Trumps message this Saturday, it has tightened its security protocols and is only operating daytime flights.

Meanwhile, Russian tour operators, which maintain regular charter flights from Moscow to Margarita Island in Venezuela, have also suspended their routes. The resumption of the flight program to Venezuela is planned after the situation goes back to normal, states a press release on the website of the Association of Tour Operators of Russia. Travelers who had purchased packages for December 1st have now been offered Varadero, in Cuba, as an alternative destination. The organization notes that Russian tourists currently on the Venezuelan island will return to Moscow on their originally scheduled dates.

The air travel crisis has required more than rhetoric and symbolism from the Chavista regime. Vice President Delcy Rodriguez announced on Saturday that a special plan will be activated for the return of stranded Venezuelans and the departure of those who need to travel, but she did not provide details on how it will be implemented. The two weekly flights repatriating migrants from the United States have also been suspended. Rodriguez blamed opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Corina Machado for requesting the airspace blockade and accused Washington of complying with her.

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Panagora Asset Management Inc. lowered its stake in shares of The Hartford Insurance Group, Inc. (NYSE:HIG  Free Report) by 14.8% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 971,656 shares of the insurance providers stock after selling 168,175 shares during the quarter. Panagora Asset Management Inc. owned approximately 0.35% of The Hartford Insurance Group worth $123,274,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Several other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of HIG. LPL Financial LLC grew its position in shares of The Hartford Insurance Group by 2.6% in the 1st quarter. LPL Financial LLC now owns 211,874 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $26,215,000 after buying an additional 5,295 shares during the last quarter. XTX Topco Ltd acquired a new position in The Hartford Insurance Group in the first quarter valued at $1,031,000. Vestcor Inc grew its holdings in shares of The Hartford Insurance Group by 23.5% during the first quarter. Vestcor Inc now owns 5,951 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $736,000 after purchasing an additional 1,134 shares during the last quarter. Moors & Cabot Inc. increased its position in shares of The Hartford Insurance Group by 5.0% during the first quarter. Moors & Cabot Inc. now owns 10,223 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $1,265,000 after purchasing an additional 483 shares in the last quarter. Finally, TIAA Trust National Association lifted its holdings in shares of The Hartford Insurance Group by 28.4% in the 1st quarter. TIAA Trust National Association now owns 2,791 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $345,000 after purchasing an additional 618 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 93.42% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

HIG has been the topic of a number of research reports. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods raised their price target on The Hartford Insurance Group from $144.00 to $145.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 4th. Morgan Stanley increased their price objective on The Hartford Insurance Group from $140.00 to $150.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Monday, November 17th. Wolfe Research initiated coverage on shares of The Hartford Insurance Group in a research report on Tuesday, September 16th. They set a peer perform rating on the stock. Royal Bank Of Canada started coverage on shares of The Hartford Insurance Group in a report on Tuesday, November 25th. They issued a sector perform rating and a $145.00 target price on the stock. Finally, Evercore ISI increased their price target on shares of The Hartford Insurance Group from $133.00 to $137.00 and gave the stock an in-line rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 1st. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eight have issued a Buy rating and seven have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $143.29.

The Hartford Insurance Group Trading Down 0.3%

NYSE:HIG opened at $137.03 on Monday. The company has a current ratio of 0.32, a quick ratio of 0.31 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.24. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $130.30 and its 200-day simple moving average is $128.66. The Hartford Insurance Group, Inc. has a 12-month low of $104.93 and a 12-month high of $138.64. The firm has a market cap of $38.18 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.19, a PEG ratio of 1.19 and a beta of 0.69.

The Hartford Insurance Group (NYSE:HIG  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Monday, October 27th. The insurance provider reported $3.78 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $3.02 by $0.76. The firm had revenue of $1.05 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $7.17 billion. The Hartford Insurance Group had a net margin of 12.75% and a return on equity of 21.07%. The Hartford Insurance Groups quarterly revenue was up 7.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm posted $2.53 EPS. Equities analysts anticipate that The Hartford Insurance Group, Inc. will post 11.11 EPS for the current year.

The Hartford Insurance Group Increases Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, January 5th. Investors of record on Monday, December 1st will be issued a dividend of $0.60 per share. This is an increase from The Hartford Insurance Groups previous quarterly dividend of $0.52. This represents a $2.40 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.8%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, December 1st. The Hartford Insurance Groups dividend payout ratio is currently 19.61%.

Insider Transactions at The Hartford Insurance Group

In related news, EVP Donald Christian Hunt sold 2,124 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, September 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $133.87, for a total value of $284,339.88. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, EVP Lori A. Rodden sold 7,841 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, October 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $122.41, for a total value of $959,816.81. Following the transaction, the executive vice president owned 18,400 shares in the company, valued at $2,252,344. The trade was a 29.88% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. 1.50% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

About The Hartford Insurance Group

(Free Report)

The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, provides insurance and financial services to individual and business customers in the United States, the United Kingdom, and internationally. Its Commercial Lines segment offers insurance coverages, including workers' compensation, property, automobile, general and professional liability, package business, umbrella, fidelity and surety, marine, livestock, accident, health, and reinsurance through regional offices, branches, sales and policyholder service centers, independent retail agents and brokers, wholesale agents, and reinsurance brokers.

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Shares of Toronto Dominion Bank (The) (NYSE:TD  Get Free Report) (TSE:TD) hit a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Monday . The stock traded as high as $84.20 and last traded at $83.86, with a volume of 92259 shares. The stock had previously closed at $83.93.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several research firms recently commented on TD. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Toronto Dominion Bank from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday, November 15th. Royal Bank Of Canada raised Toronto Dominion Bank from a sector perform rating to an outperform rating in a report on Friday, October 3rd. Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b) rating on shares of Toronto Dominion Bank in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Raymond James Financial upgraded Toronto Dominion Bank to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, November 24th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group lowered Toronto Dominion Bank from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 25th. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and four have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $93.00.

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View Our Latest Report on Toronto Dominion Bank

Toronto Dominion Bank Trading Up 0.2%

The stock has a market cap of $142.06 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.83, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.68 and a beta of 0.79. The firms 50 day moving average is $80.86 and its two-hundred day moving average is $75.59. The company has a quick ratio of 1.02, a current ratio of 1.02 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.09.

Toronto Dominion Bank (NYSE:TD  Get Free Report) (TSE:TD) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, August 28th. The bank reported $1.91 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.46 by $0.45. The firm had revenue of $10.12 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $13.73 billion. Toronto Dominion Bank had a return on equity of 13.59% and a net margin of 16.40%.The firms revenue was up 7.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the firm earned $2.05 EPS. Equities analysts anticipate that Toronto Dominion Bank will post 5.48 EPS for the current year.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Toronto Dominion Bank

A number of hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. True Wealth Design LLC acquired a new stake in Toronto Dominion Bank during the third quarter valued at approximately $27,000. Mather Group LLC. acquired a new position in Toronto Dominion Bank during the third quarter valued at approximately $30,000. Sachetta LLC acquired a new position in Toronto Dominion Bank in the third quarter valued at about $33,000. Quaker Wealth Management LLC increased its position in shares of Toronto Dominion Bank by 200.0% during the second quarter. Quaker Wealth Management LLC now owns 428 shares of the banks stock worth $31,000 after acquiring an additional 856 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Elevation Point Wealth Partners LLC bought a new stake in shares of Toronto Dominion Bank in the second quarter valued at about $32,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 52.37% of the companys stock.

About Toronto Dominion Bank

(Get Free Report)

The Toronto-Dominion Bank, together with its subsidiaries, provides various financial products and services in Canada, the United States, and internationally. It operates through four segments: Canadian Personal and Commercial Banking, U.S. Retail, Wealth Management and Insurance, and Wholesale Banking.

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Shelton Capital Management grew its holdings in Trane Technologies plc (NYSE:TT  Free Report) by 20.5% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 42,136 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 7,159 shares during the quarter. Shelton Capital Managements holdings in Trane Technologies were worth $18,431,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its position in Trane Technologies by 1.7% during the second quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 19,792,410 shares of the companys stock worth $8,657,398,000 after buying an additional 335,634 shares in the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted its stake in shares of Trane Technologies by 9.8% during the first quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 15,722,530 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,297,235,000 after acquiring an additional 1,408,421 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC increased its position in Trane Technologies by 1.1% during the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 4,973,217 shares of the companys stock worth $2,164,764,000 after purchasing an additional 56,293 shares in the last quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. raised its stake in Trane Technologies by 7.2% in the 1st quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 3,585,300 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,208,044,000 after purchasing an additional 241,910 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Norges Bank purchased a new position in Trane Technologies in the 2nd quarter valued at about $1,356,065,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 82.97% of the companys stock.

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Insider Activity at Trane Technologies

In other news, CEO David S. Regnery sold 22,497 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, September 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $410.00, for a total transaction of $9,223,770.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer directly owned 123,713 shares in the company, valued at approximately $50,722,330. This represents a 15.39% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, CAO Elizabeth A. Elwell sold 600 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, October 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $440.00, for a total value of $264,000.00. Following the transaction, the chief accounting officer owned 7,148 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,145,120. This represents a 7.74% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. 0.14% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Trane Technologies Stock Performance

Shares of TT stock opened at $421.75 on Monday. Trane Technologies plc has a one year low of $298.15 and a one year high of $476.18. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.50, a quick ratio of 0.76 and a current ratio of 1.10. The stock has a market capitalization of $93.52 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 33.45, a PEG ratio of 2.66 and a beta of 1.16. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $421.00 and its 200-day simple moving average is $425.96.

Trane Technologies (NYSE:TT  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The company reported $3.88 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $3.80 by $0.08. Trane Technologies had a net margin of 13.76% and a return on equity of 36.61%. The firm had revenue of $5.74 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.80 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $3.37 earnings per share. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 5.5% compared to the same quarter last year. Trane Technologies has set its FY 2025 guidance at 12.950-13.050 EPS. Equities analysts anticipate that Trane Technologies plc will post 12.83 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Trane Technologies Dividend Announcement

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 31st. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 5th will be paid a $0.94 dividend. This represents a $3.76 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.9%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, December 5th. Trane Technologiess payout ratio is presently 28.92%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of equities analysts have recently weighed in on TT shares. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price objective on shares of Trane Technologies from $407.00 to $434.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 15th. Bank of America upgraded Trane Technologies from a neutral rating to a buy rating and raised their price objective for the stock from $490.00 to $550.00 in a report on Thursday, November 13th. Royal Bank Of Canada increased their target price on Trane Technologies from $467.00 to $469.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research report on Friday, October 31st. Wells Fargo & Company increased their target price on shares of Trane Technologies from $410.00 to $415.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a research report on Monday, October 6th. Finally, Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b) rating on shares of Trane Technologies in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Seven research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, nine have assigned a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $470.07.

Check Out Our Latest Analysis on TT

Trane Technologies Profile

(Free Report)

Trane Technologies plc, together with its subsidiaries, designs, manufactures, sells, and services of solutions for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, custom, and custom and transport refrigeration in Ireland and internationally. It offers air conditioners, exchangers, and handlers; airside and terminal devices; air sourced heat pumps, auxiliary power units; chillers; coils and condensers; gensets; dehumidifiers; ductless; furnaces; home automation products; humidifiers; indoor air quality assessments and related products; large and light commercial unitary products; refrigerant reclamation products; thermostats/controls; transport heater products; variable refrigerant flow products; and water source heat pumps.

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The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TRV  Get Free Report) EVP Maria Olivo sold 8,920 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $295.73, for a total transaction of $2,637,911.60. Following the transaction, the executive vice president owned 117,596 shares of the companys stock, valued at $34,776,665.08. This trade represents a 7.05% 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.

Travelers Companies Price Performance

Shares of NYSE TRV traded down $2.66 on Monday, hitting $290.20. The companys stock had a trading volume of 1,019,297 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,302,854. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29, a current ratio of 0.35 and a quick ratio of 0.35. The Travelers Companies, Inc. has a 12-month low of $230.23 and a 12-month high of $296.85. The company has a market capitalization of $64.73 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.41, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.38 and a beta of 0.55. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $278.20 and a 200-day moving average of $271.33.

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Travelers Companies (NYSE:TRV  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, October 16th. The insurance provider reported $8.14 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $6.01 by $2.13. The firm had revenue of $12.47 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $11.15 billion. Travelers Companies had a return on equity of 20.28% and a net margin of 12.14%.Travelers Companiess quarterly revenue was up 4.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $5.24 EPS. As a group, research analysts predict that The Travelers Companies, Inc. will post 17.02 EPS for the current year.

Travelers Companies Announces Dividend

Institutional Trading of Travelers Companies

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 31st. Investors of record on Wednesday, December 10th will be given a dividend of $1.10 per share. This represents a $4.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.5%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, December 10th. Travelers Companiess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 17.30%.

Several institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in TRV. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its stake in shares of Travelers Companies by 1.4% during the second quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 22,047,005 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $5,898,456,000 after purchasing an additional 313,449 shares during the period. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased its stake in Travelers Companies by 1.6% during the 3rd quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 7,746,231 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $2,162,917,000 after buying an additional 119,481 shares during the period. Geode Capital Management LLC lifted its holdings in Travelers Companies by 1.0% in the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 5,541,819 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $1,481,805,000 after buying an additional 54,363 shares in the last quarter. Valeo Financial Advisors LLC boosted its position in Travelers Companies by 71,265.9% in the 2nd quarter. Valeo Financial Advisors LLC now owns 3,616,826 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $967,646,000 after buying an additional 3,611,758 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Dimensional Fund Advisors LP grew its stake in shares of Travelers Companies by 0.8% during the first quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 3,403,539 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $899,988,000 after acquiring an additional 25,573 shares in the last quarter. 82.45% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of research analysts have issued reports on the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their target price on shares of Travelers Companies from $289.00 to $297.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a report on Thursday, October 9th. Citigroup assumed coverage on shares of Travelers Companies in a research note on Wednesday, August 13th. They set a neutral rating and a $291.00 price objective on the stock. The Goldman Sachs Group reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Travelers Companies in a research note on Friday, October 17th. Wall Street Zen lowered Travelers Companies from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Sunday, October 19th. Finally, Morgan Stanley raised their price objective on Travelers Companies from $285.00 to $295.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Monday, November 17th. Two research 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 stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Travelers Companies has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $292.73.

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Travelers Companies Company Profile

(Get 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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Wealthedge Investment Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in Arista Networks, Inc. (NYSE:ANET  Free Report) in the second quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund purchased 4,011 shares of the technology companys stock, valued at approximately $410,000.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Bare Financial Services Inc raised its stake in shares of Arista Networks by 2,118.2% in the second quarter. Bare Financial Services Inc now owns 244 shares of the technology companys stock worth $25,000 after acquiring an additional 233 shares during the last quarter. REAP Financial Group LLC increased its holdings in shares of Arista Networks by 108.0% in the second quarter. REAP Financial Group LLC now owns 337 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $34,000 after purchasing an additional 175 shares in the last quarter. Solstein Capital LLC raised its position in Arista Networks by 493.8% in the 2nd quarter. Solstein Capital LLC now owns 380 shares of the technology companys stock worth $39,000 after purchasing an additional 316 shares during the last quarter. Saudi Central Bank acquired a new position in Arista Networks during the 1st quarter worth $33,000. Finally, Costello Asset Management INC boosted its position in Arista Networks by 51.3% in the 1st quarter. Costello Asset Management INC now owns 454 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $35,000 after buying an additional 154 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 82.47% of the companys stock.

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Arista Networks Price Performance

Shares of NYSE:ANET opened at $131.25 on Monday. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $142.06 and its 200 day simple moving average is $124.43. Arista Networks, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $59.43 and a fifty-two week high of $164.94. The company has a market capitalization of $165.28 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 51.62, a P/E/G ratio of 3.37 and a beta of 1.48.

Insider Buying and Selling at Arista Networks

Arista Networks ( NYSE:ANET Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, November 4th. The technology company reported $0.75 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.72 by $0.03. Arista Networks had a net margin of 40.90% and a return on equity of 31.05%. The company had revenue of $2.31 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.26 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $2.40 EPS. The firms revenue was up 27.5% on a year-over-year basis. Arista Networks has set its Q4 2025 guidance at EPS. Equities research analysts expect that Arista Networks, Inc. will post 2.2 earnings per share for the current year.

In other news, Director Charles H. Giancarlo sold 58,000 shares of Arista Networks stock in a transaction dated Friday, September 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $148.42, for a total transaction of $8,608,360.00. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, CEO Jayshree Ullal sold 1,247,688 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, September 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $148.53, for a total value of $185,319,098.64. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer owned 5,383,207 shares of the companys stock, valued at $799,567,735.71. This represents a 18.82% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Over the last ninety days, insiders sold 2,009,464 shares of company stock valued at $293,774,712. Company insiders own 3.39% of the companys stock.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several equities analysts have recently issued reports on the company. The Goldman Sachs Group upped their price target on Arista Networks from $155.00 to $175.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Friday, September 12th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their target price on shares of Arista Networks from $150.00 to $175.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, September 12th. Melius Research lifted their price target on shares of Arista Networks from $160.00 to $185.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Friday, September 12th. Barclays restated an overweight rating and issued a $183.00 price objective (up from $179.00) on shares of Arista Networks in a report on Wednesday, November 5th. Finally, Erste Group Bank lowered shares of Arista Networks from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, November 10th. Seventeen investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and six have assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Arista Networks has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $164.31.

Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on ANET

Arista Networks Profile

(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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XTX Topco Ltd purchased a new stake in Banco Santander Chile (NYSE:BSAC  Free Report) during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor purchased 38,996 shares of the banks stock, valued at approximately $983,000.

A number of other hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of BSAC. Cardinal Capital Management grew its position in shares of Banco Santander Chile by 0.9% during the 2nd quarter. Cardinal Capital Management now owns 99,974 shares of the banks stock worth $2,521,000 after purchasing an additional 875 shares in the last quarter. Simplex Trading LLC bought a new position in Banco Santander Chile during the 2nd quarter worth $25,000. Brooklyn Investment Group raised its holdings in Banco Santander Chile by 54,450.0% in the 1st quarter. Brooklyn Investment Group now owns 1,091 shares of the banks stock valued at $25,000 after acquiring an additional 1,089 shares in the last quarter. Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLC lifted its position in shares of Banco Santander Chile by 5.7% during the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLC now owns 23,789 shares of the banks stock valued at $600,000 after acquiring an additional 1,275 shares during the period. Finally, Blue Trust Inc. lifted its position in shares of Banco Santander Chile by 8.8% during the 2nd quarter. Blue Trust Inc. now owns 17,993 shares of the banks stock valued at $454,000 after acquiring an additional 1,453 shares during the period. 6.42% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of equities research analysts have issued reports on the stock. Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of Banco Santander Chile from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note on Friday, September 5th. UBS Group raised their target price on Banco Santander Chile from $24.00 to $29.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Monday, November 10th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price target on Banco Santander Chile from $28.00 to $30.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, October 16th. Citigroup downgraded Banco Santander Chile from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, November 7th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c) rating on shares of Banco Santander Chile in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Reduce and a consensus price target of $27.67.

Banco Santander Chile Stock Performance

NYSE:BSAC opened at $29.93 on Monday. The stocks 50-day moving average is $28.11 and its 200-day moving average is $25.73. Banco Santander Chile has a 1-year low of $18.19 and a 1-year high of $30.75. The company has a current ratio of 1.84, a quick ratio of 1.84 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.51. The stock has a market cap of $14.10 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.90, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.75 and a beta of 0.58.

Banco Santander Chile (NYSE:BSAC  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The bank reported $0.50 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.56 by ($0.06). Banco Santander Chile had a return on equity of 22.18% and a net margin of 24.74%.The business had revenue of $581.56 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $732.50 million. Equities research analysts anticipate that Banco Santander Chile will post 2.07 earnings per share for the current year.

Banco Santander Chile Profile

(Free Report)

Banco Santander-Chile, together with its subsidiaries, provides commercial and retail banking services in Chile. It operates through Retail Banking, Middle-Market, Corporate Investment Banking, and Corporate Activities segments. The company offers debit and credit cards, checking accounts, and savings products; consumer, automobile, commercial, mortgage, and government-guaranteed loans; and Chilean peso and foreign currency-denominated loans to finance various commercial transactions, trade, foreign currency forward contracts, and credit lines, as well as mortgage financing services.

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XTX Topco Ltd increased its holdings in shares of The Boston Beer Company, Inc. (NYSE:SAM  Free Report) by 432.9% in the second quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 5,116 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 4,156 shares during the quarter. XTX Topco Ltds holdings in Boston Beer were worth $976,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other large investors also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its holdings in Boston Beer by 1.8% during the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 865,251 shares of the companys stock valued at $206,657,000 after acquiring an additional 15,563 shares during the period. Armistice Capital LLC increased its stake in Boston Beer by 72.7% during the 1st quarter. Armistice Capital LLC now owns 210,553 shares of the companys stock worth $50,288,000 after buying an additional 88,624 shares during the period. Millennium Management LLC lifted its holdings in Boston Beer by 97.3% during the 1st quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 185,898 shares of the companys stock worth $44,400,000 after buying an additional 91,667 shares in the last quarter. Global Alpha Capital Management Ltd. grew its stake in shares of Boston Beer by 42.7% in the second quarter. Global Alpha Capital Management Ltd. now owns 113,804 shares of the companys stock worth $21,715,000 after acquiring an additional 34,070 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Invesco Ltd. raised its stake in shares of Boston Beer by 10.3% in the first quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 109,259 shares of the companys stock valued at $26,095,000 after acquiring an additional 10,241 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 81.13% of the companys stock.

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Insiders Place Their Bets

In other Boston Beer news, Director Michael Spillane sold 3,120 shares of Boston Beer stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of $205.78, for a total value of $642,033.60. Following the transaction, the director owned 10,877 shares in the company, valued at $2,238,269.06. This trade represents a 22.29% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. 26.10% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Boston Beer Stock Performance

Shares of SAM stock opened at $194.80 on Monday. The stock has a market cap of $2.08 billion, a PE ratio of 22.97, a P/E/G ratio of 1.85 and a beta of 0.91. The Boston Beer Company, Inc. has a 1 year low of $185.34 and a 1 year high of $323.98. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $210.94 and a 200 day moving average price of $213.23.

Boston Beer (NYSE:SAM  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 23rd. The company reported $4.25 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $3.78 by $0.47. The firm had revenue of $537.49 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $542.97 million. Boston Beer had a return on equity of 12.29% and a net margin of 4.38%.The companys quarterly revenue was down 11.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $2.86 EPS. Boston Beer has set its FY 2025 guidance at 7.800-9.800 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts predict that The Boston Beer Company, Inc. will post 9.29 earnings per share for the current year.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several equities research analysts have weighed in on the company. Citigroup downgraded Boston Beer from a buy rating to a neutral rating and cut their price target for the stock from $255.00 to $235.00 in a report on Monday, October 6th. Weiss Ratings restated a sell (d+) rating on shares of Boston Beer in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Jefferies Financial Group lowered their price target on shares of Boston Beer from $230.00 to $225.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, September 30th. Piper Sandler dropped their price objective on shares of Boston Beer from $230.00 to $220.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, November 21st. Finally, UBS Group lifted their price objective on shares of Boston Beer from $230.00 to $246.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Friday, October 24th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, ten have issued a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Reduce and an average target price of $249.74.

Check Out Our Latest Research Report on Boston Beer

About Boston Beer

(Free Report)

The Boston Beer Company, Inc produces and sells alcohol beverages primarily in the United States. The company's flagship beer is Samuel Adams Boston Lager. It offers various beers, hard ciders, flavored malt beverages, and hard seltzers under the Samuel Adams, Twisted Tea, Truly, Angry Orchard, Dogfish Head, Angel City, and Coney Island brand names.

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There were three of us in this marriage, so it was a bit crowded. Thats how Diana of Wales described her relationship with the thenPrince Charles in the historic interview broadcast on November 20, 1995, on Panorama, a BBC program. Nearly 23 million viewers followed a conversation that would mark a before-and-after not only for the British royal family, but also for Princess Diana.

Lady Di hid from everyone  even those closest to her  that she was going to be interviewed by Martin Bashir: she sent palace staff home and did not bring in stylists or makeup artists. She faced it on her own, alongside a three-person recording team  including the journalist  who entered Kensington Palace discreetly. She spoke about everything and everyone, shaking the monarchy to its core.

But what was hailed as the scoop and interview of the century was revealed 25 years later to be a textbook case of journalistic malpractice: the deceitful methods Bashir used to get Princess Diana in front of the camera came to light. A 2020 documentary titled The Diana Interview: Revenge of a Princess, aired by ITV, confirmed the suspicions; and in 2021, an independent investigation led by former judge Lord Dyson uncovered all the deceptions. Former BBC journalist Andy Webb was the one who, anonymously, alerted the British media about what had happened in 1995  and the one who investigated and revealed that the public broadcaster had covered up Bashirs misconduct for years.

Coinciding with the 30th anniversary of that interview, Webb has published Dianarama: The Betrayal of Princess Diana, the result of years of investigation, the BBCs repeated refusals to release more information about the case, and the Spencer familys long struggle to learn a truth that forever changed their lives.

Although it took 25 years to come to light, Webb began this work in 2006. I didnt know something was wrong, but when I began to research, I put in requests for the BBC for information and it was very unusual because they said they had no information. That sounded really suspicious. The further I went on researching, the more aware I became that all the rumors were true  but for years I only had little bits of information from here and there, he tells EL PAIS over a video call.

Everything changed in 2020, when he was given the green light to make a documentary about the interview for Channel 4. During filming, the BBC sent me some documents under freedom of information laws, and one of them made certain accusations about Charles Spencer [Dianas brother]. When I shared this document with him, he was outraged and angry that he shared with me all the information he had kept over the years. We tried to get the BBC to listen to and take action, but they ignored it, Webb recalls during the conversation.

Journalist Andy Webb, author of 'Dianarama,' in a provided image. CEDIDA EDITORIAL PENGUIN

Bashirs first step in securing the interview was a meeting with Spencer to get closer to his target. The journalist showed him bank statements suggesting that people close to his sister were receiving payments from British security services, that the princes nanny, Tiggy Legge-Bourke, had had an affair with Prince Charles and had an abortion, and that her eldest son wore a watch with a device that recorded all his conversations. Spencer would pass all this information on to Lady Di (and years later to Webb), and weeks later, the Peoples Princess appeared on television.

Princess Diana never learned that all these documents were fake. She would die two years later in the tragic car accident in Paris, believing that those closest to her had betrayed her.

Bashir came as a representative of the BBC, with a very good reputation, a strong background, and documents that pretend to support the lies, Webb explains. He was trying to terrify Princess Diana, to make her believe that she was surrounded by people whom she could not trust  people who were spying on recording her, following her, surveilling her. And he was, Martin Bashir, the only person who could reveal all these horrible things. He quickly became very important to Princess Diana because he was the one who could get the right of this terrible situation.

Another false claim was that Patrick Jephson, Dianas private secretary, was taking large sums of money  40,000 [$52,900] in just one payment  to spy on her, Webb notes. Thats how Bashir gained her trust: he was efficient and skillful. Jephson had been working with her for eight years; she trusted him, he advised her, he managed her life, explains Webb. He resigned six weeks after the interview, in January 1996. From that moment on, he never saw or spoke to Diana again. She believed he had betrayed her, that he was a spy being paid to work against her interests. She died feeling that way. And Jephson, who spoke with the journalist for the book, wondered for 25 years why she had turned against him overnight.

Prince Charles and Diana, Princess of Wales, on a visit to South Korea, November 3, 1992. Tim Graham (Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images)

According to the information Webb obtained, BBC executives learned about the manipulation months later, but too much was at stake, and they chose to keep the secret. If this information had been made public, the consequences would have been catastrophic. This interview had become the most famous, the biggest news story in the world, and they sold it to countries that bought it for more than a million pounds. If it had been revealed that it had been obtained through lies, the senior executives would have been fired. The BBC covered it up, and the one person they didnt tell was Princess Diana, says the journalist, who had access to thousands of emails that confirm this part of the story.

Her brother believes that the BBCs failure to tell her had a profound effect on her life, continues Webb, who denounces the BBCs lack of transparency. If they had told her, then her life would have unfolded in a different way. Thats a really tragic realization. She died in a very short time, in circumstances that her family feel just would have been different: she wouldnt have been where she was.

Webb prefers to let those closest to the princess express their views on what happened in the book. Her family is heartbroken because they feel that if Diana had been told what had been done to her, she wouldnt have got rid of all of these trusted people, and might not have been in the situation where she died in Paris. When I asked her brother if there is a link between Panorama and Paris, he said yes, that the consequences were lethal and deadly, says Webb. What I think as a journalist or writer is one thing; but you have to take into account what the people close to Diana think.

Even Prince William, heir to the throne, has spoken about the Panorama interview on more than one occasion. It brings indescribable sadness to know that the BBCs failures contributed significantly to her fear, paranoia and isolation that I remember from those final years with her, he said in a video posted on Kensington Palaces social media channels in May 2021. But what saddens me most, is that if the BBC had properly investigated the complaints and concerns first raised in 1995, my mother would have known that she had been deceived. She was failed not just by a rogue reporter, but by leaders at the BBC who looked the other way rather than asking the tough questions.

Prince William, Princess Diana and Prince Henry, in Austria, in 1993. Princess Diana Archive (Getty Images)

William is very clear that her life was very much affected by the interview, says Webb. Hes 43 now, seven years older than Diana was when she died. He wants questions that he has had for years to be answered. He wants the BBC to come clean about everything that went on because the BBC have certain critical documents that have been removed from the archives.

The life of Prince William and the rest of the family was profoundly affected by what happened in the 1990s. Both William and Harry went through the most terrible trauma, like any teenager dealing with their parents divorce and the horrible death of their mother. How does one gauge the effect of that trauma? If their mother were still alive, she would be Granny Diana. Their lives would be a lot happier, says Webb.

What Webb wants to show with this book is that it is not a chapter that can be closed just yet: Its not going to disappear. Kings and princesses are part of history, and people return to those stories again and again. Especially since Prince William has such a clear opinion about what happened in that interview. Its a curious situation that a king wouldnt trust the organization hes being asked to underwrite with his own royal seal or approval They should do the right thing, because they are legally obligated to be transparent.

In recent years, in an attempt to quell the controversy, the BBC has donated nearly two million pounds ($2.9 million) to the Diana, Princess of Wales, Memorial Fund as compensation for the damages caused. I dont believe for a moment that this is a question of money reparations. The BBC is not a commercial company. They dont have their own money; its taxpayers money. The issue cant be solved by paying money, says Webb.

For the journalist, publishing this book 30 years later does not mean reopening old wounds (which, in reality, never fully closed), but clarifying the last years of Dianas life, marked by paranoia, distrust, and deception. What was once celebrated as an act of courage now appears as the only way she could tell her truth from the vulnerable position of someone who felt betrayed.

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Access to financing is key to homeownership, yet many Bahamians face delays and other challenges.

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In a narcissistic twist, societys benefactors broadcast that they are as generous as they are powerful, getting their names associated with culturally relevant institutions in exchange for cash

Six million dollars can buy a lot of things, but they do not guarantee a place in the pantheon of immortality. The amount, give or take a cent, is what Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez have ponied up as star sponsors of the next glitzy gala organized by the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of New York, to be held on the first Monday of May 2026.

These $6 million (5.2 million) sound like a tip next to the $125 million donated by financier Oscar L. Tang and his wife, Agnes Hsu-Tang, to renovate the Costume Institutes modern and contemporary art wing. Five floors spread over 123,000 square meters re-imagined by the Mexican architect Frida Escobedo  the first woman to have a hand in the design of the Met in its 150-year history  that will double the exhibition space and leave the names of their main benefactors engraved in stone when it opens in 2030: The Tang Wing. Nowadays, this is how immortality is achieved, at least if youre rich.

The lyrics of the song Fame, remember my name, should be rewritten. Because fame, a passing lover, invariably ends up being lost in time. Right now, the headlines are being dominated by a new milestone  a tech bro deciding who to invite to one of the worlds biggest annual fashion events. Almost no one seems to remember that Amazon sponsored the Met Gala in 2012, and Bezos acted as honorary chair. Tech multinationals, moreover, have for some years been awarded a place of honor at the table of Anna Wintour, official fundraiser of the Costume Institute since 1995. Along with luxury fashion houses, Yahoo, Apple, Instagram (owned by Meta) and TikTok have all been quick to open their checkbooks to this end in the last 10 years.

Beyond the alleged intentions of the current tech class to gain authority/relevance by joining any major cultural event  including that of fashion as an indisputable mass spectacle of our time  theres the afterlife to consider. Not content with controlling the lions share of the worlds wealth, these billionaires that account for 1.1% of the population are determined to transcend their own mortality. Rather than philanthropy, their boasts of beneficence appear to be nothing short of self-interested payments to buy into a brand of eternal life.

Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez at the Kering Foundations fourth annual Caring for Women Benefit Dinner, on September 11, 2025, in New York City. Kevin Mazur (Kevin MazurGetty Images for Kering)

Immortality used to be a by-product of exceptional achievement or dedication to the community, but that prerogative does not appear to apply to the tech caste. Until the mid-nineties, donations of great wealth were aimed at getting a seat on the presidential boards of institutions of socio-cultural scope. Today, the wealthy want everyone to know that they are as generous as they are powerful without ties, explains William Drennan, former law professor at Southern Illinois University. For them, the more personal investment the transaction entails, the better, even if the process means putting the name of hospitals, airports or public parks up for sale. In this way, they reduce their taxes to a minimum, ensuring that federal, state or local governments are going to be forced to lower their rates. For a handful of millions  the small change they carry in their pockets  these tycoons acquire a reputation as philanthropists, when it is really about nothing more than narcissism and a thirst for recognition.

In San Francisco, a short walk from Silicon Valley, the patients of the former General Hospital are now being treated at the Priscilla and Mark Zuckerberg General Hospital and Trauma Center. The founder of Facebook and his wife, Priscilla Chan who worked as a doctor there, got the complex named after them in 2015 on the back of a donation of $75 million  peanuts for the tech bro who leads the list of billionaires drawn up by Forbes magazine  though at the beginning of November he fell from third to fifth position, after losing around $25 billion with the collapse of Metas shares.

Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan, at Donald Trumps inauguration, on January 20, 2025, in Washington. Evelyn Hockstein (REUTERS)

Most of the defenders of this practice align themselves with a certain conservative ideology veering towards the extreme right, from Larry Ellison, co-founder of Oracle poised to take over U.S. TikTok, to Marc Andreessen, computer scientist and creator of Mosaic turned venture investor, to Sam Altman, architect of ChatGPT and defender of Trump policies. Journalist Amy Odell put it this way on the Substack platform when she learned of the Bezos sponsorship of the 2026 Met gala: Rich people are riching. The optics are kind of uncomfortable. Maybe these are just going to be the optics of the gala every year until something changes with income inequality in this country. Odell believes theres a drift in the gala that needs to be overcome with the Bezos acting as the yuck factor.

The author of Wintours biography Anna, Odell also notes the coincidence of the Bezos sponsorship with the recent wave of layoffs at Conde Nast, which owns Vogue and helps fund the Mets Costume Institute through a fundraising dinner that costs $350,000 a pop and whose latest expansion encompassing the basement galleries to the museums central lobby, will bear the name of the publishing houses founder for an undisclosed amount. Odell also noted that Conde Nasts decision to shut down Teen Vogue was one that people were very emotional about, because they cut the young, diverse voices who were doing political coverage for a young audience. Odell added that while we live in the culture of post-shame, where anything goes, she believes the cuts are significant.

The expansion of the Costume Institute, a project with an estimated cost of $50 million, reopens the internal wounds within the Met itself, which grapples with about 20 departments, each with a certain number of square feet and sources of private capital that maintain them. Nowadays, curators of the art galleries are becoming increasingly bitter about the red-carpet fashion displays and parade of celebrities which eclipse the rest of the exhibitions and research activities at the museum.

Hence the Tangs $125 million investment to put an end to the long-delayed works planned to renovate the modern and contemporary art wing. The couple has not only linked their names to the institution, but they have been crowned as the royal donors of Zohran Mamdanis New York. They have even managed to persuade Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel to leave Los Angeles to lead the citys Philharmonic from 2026 on the back of a $40 million donation, the largest in the history of the orchestra. And when the New York Historical Society was trying to get its new Wing for American Democracy ready in time to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026, they forked out an added $20 million in return for having it renamed the Tang Wing for American Democracy.

Oscar L. Tang and Agnes Hsu-Tang, at a New York Philharmonic gala in 2018. Andrew Morales (Penske Media/Getty Images)

A firm believer in the power of capitalism as a positive force for social progress, Oscar L. Tang has been keeping a low profile until now; his sudden celebrity can only be explained by the current cult of money. A member of the board of directors of the Met for 30 years and of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, this retired Chinese expert in asset management is a full-time philanthropist at the age of 87, convinced that he has an obligation to reinvest his wealth in society. He is accompanied in the endeavor by his third wife, Agnes Hsu-Tang, 53, a native of Taipei and related to an imperial minister of the Ming dynasty of the 16th century. She is an archaeologist and historian, and a former advisor to UNESCO in Paris and the U.S. department of cultural property during Obamas term. She is also president of the board of directors of the New-York Historical Society. Altogether, she avoids the cliche of the wealthy society lady whose reputation depends on her husbands name, the parties she organizes and attends, and the charitable works she promotes.

Married in 2013, together the Tangs form an unusual power couple in an environment of proverbial white supremacy. Activism against racism directed at Asians exacerbated by the pandemic is also on Tangs agenda. At $2 billion, Oscar Tangs fortune will not stand out in the Forbes ranking, but at least the couples approach to philanthropy is creative. We get to create things, HsuTang told The New York Times. Because we dont have children together, these projects are our children. A more elegant way to buy a slice of immortality, perhaps.

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Just 30 days left to step into 2026 Normalcy still a far cry

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Year 2025 is fast coming to an end. In just another 30 days, the world would have stepped into a new year and Manipur will not forget Presidents Rule whenever anyone looks back to 2025, 30 days hence. And if 2025 will be remembered as the year of the PR, then many will understand Manipur in two distinct time line, first as the one before May 3, 2023 and the other after May 3, 2023. In short the history of Manipur will never be complete without a look at 2023 and the days that have followed. Hope and optimism usually accompany the coming of a new year, but will 2026 be any different for Manipur from 2025, 2024 or 2023 ? The answer lies with Delhi, Imphal and the people themselves-the people on either side of the clash divide. What is needed is sincerity of purpose and not double talk. It also stands that in the days after May 3, 2023, it is the power players who have pushed aside the interests of the people and have taken it upon themselves to pursue an agenda, an agenda that has refused to take the interests of the common people into consideration. A clear indication that even today, Delhi is still groping in the dark to find an answer that will take Manipur anywhere near the understanding of normalcy. A look back at the reality should tell its own story. In the first few months of the clash, when people from either side were killed, when people were still being driven out of their homes, Delhi looked on, other than pumping in thousands of troops. That this did not help matter at all can be known from the days that followed May 3, 2023. The popularly elected Government was allowed to carry on, but in effect it was Delhi which had come on board, best exemplified by the fact that the Unified Command was given to a man hand-picked by Delhi and who was tasked with the job of heading the Command as the Security Advisor. Chief Secretaries and DGPs are appointed at the discretion of the Chief Minister, but there was nothing to show that the Chief Secretaries and the DGPs who came in after May 3, 2023 were appointed at the discretion of the then Chief Minister. The Union Home Minister and the External Affairs Minister did talk about foreign hands in the continuing turmoil in the State, but that has not stopped Delhi from extending the SoO pact, particularly with a group whose chief is noted as a former MP of Myanmar. At the height of the clash, Editors and representatives of the All Manipur Working Journalists Union, were told in no uncertain terms that cracking down on poppy cultivation was not the job of the Assam Rifles, with the addendum that reports of such plantations were regularly fed to the State Government. Now it is somewhat encouraging to see that Assam Rifles troops are engaged in destroying poppy plantations, if the statements received from the security forces are anything to go by ! These are some of the developments which can be recalled instantly when one looks back at the days since the evening of May 3, 2023.

Thirty days hence and if one were to look back at 2025, then surely the flop show of Sangai Festival and the renewed thrust to the demand by the IDPs to let them return home will be remembered. And as pointed out on more than one occasion, the IDPs cut both ways for a large number of Kuki-Chin-Zo folks have also left Imphal and the other valley districts. In as much as the IDPs driven out from Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, Moreh and from the places bordering the hill districts are still surviving in the relief centres, a number of Kuki-Zo displaced folks too are surviving in different relief centres, with quite a number of them having gone to Delhi, Bangalore, Shillong and Guwahati. The National Highways are still off limits to the Meiteis. It will take time for normalcy to return, but what are the steps that have been taken up to restore anything that comes close to the understanding of normalcy ? Only Delhi can answer this, but it should not be forgotten that it is the lack of any such initiatives that has irked the people no end. Obvious that year 2025 will end like 2023 and 2024 with nothing to suggest that the path has been paved for Manipur to start walking the road to normalcy and only a miraculous turn of events will alter this narrative. Another year is set to end and will obviously end like 2023 and 2024.
Interns and residents at five major hospitals in Seoul announced plans for their en masse resignation by Monday to protest the Yoon Suk-yeol administrations decision to raise the cap on medical college admissions.

Meanwhile, the administration reiterated its position that the expansion in the number of medical students can no longer be delayed.

As of Friday, a total of 715 interns and residents at 23 hospitals nationwide had submitted their resignation notices, although none of the hospitals had yet accepted them.

In a statement on the collective action by physicians issued on Sunday at the central government complex in Seoul, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo stressed, The increase in medical college admission caps can no longer be delayed.

Health care reforms cannot succeed unless an absolute number of physicians can be ensured, he warned.

Hans remarks reiterated the administrations position calling for an increase of the maximum number of medical college admissions nationwide by 2,000 per year for a five-year period beginning with the 2025 academic years entrance examination.

Responding to arguments from some in the medical community that the increase will reduce the quality of medical education, Han said, The administration will commit its full energy to providing support to increase the number of professors by subject and ensure the substance of essential health care and practical education.

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The Ministry of Communications has privately asked all smartphone manufacturers to preload all new devices with a state-owned Sanchar Saathi cybersecurity app, a government order accessed by Reuters reportedly showed. The move in all likelihood is set to spark a tussle with Apple, which typically dislikes directives of that kind, the news agency predicted.

The November 28 order, seen by Reuters, gives major smartphone companies 90 days to ensure that the Sanchar Saathi app is pre-installed on new mobile phones, with a provision that users cannot disable it. Apple has previously locked horns with Indias telecoms regulator over the development of a government anti-spam mobile app. While Apple pre-installs its own proprietary apps on phones, its internal policies prohibit the installation of any government or third-party app before sale. The California-based gadget giant was among the companies, such as Samsung, Vivo, Oppo and Xiaomi, bound by the new order.

India is one of the world's largest telephone markets with more than 1.2 billion subscribers, and government figures show the app, launched in January, has helped recover more than 700,000 lost phones, including 50,000 in October alone. For devices already in the supply chain, the order requires manufacturers to push the app to phones via software updates, the report added.

Understanding Sanchar Saathi app

In the order, the government said the app was essential to combat "serious endangerment" of telecom cybersecurity from duplicate or spoofed IMEI numbers, which enable scams and network misuse. The app reportedly allows users to report suspicious calls, verify IMEIs and block stolen devices through a central registry.

With more than 5 million downloads since its launch, the app has helped block more than 3.7 million stolen or lost mobile phones, while more than 30 million fraudulent connections have also been terminated. The government says it helps prevent cyber threats and assists tracking and blocking of lost or stolen phones, helping police to trace devices, while keeping counterfeits out of the black market.
India could be emerging as an alternative to the US or China, for Southeast Asian countries looking to purchase weapons, as New Delhis export ambitions continue to grow.

India has successfully exported the BrahMos cruise missile to the Philippines and is set to strike a major deal with Indonesia for the same, marking a significant shift in regional arms markets.

According to analysts, India's pitch to sell the missiles to friendly foreign nations and attempts to project itself as a major arms exporter offer Southeast Asian countries a more collaborative and neutral option compared to China's transactional model, and the US model, which comes with sanctions galore.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently said his visiting Indonesian counterpart Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin broadly agreed to set up a joint defence industry cooperation committee to ensure bilateral collaboration in areas of transfer of military technologies and for supply-chain linkages. According to defence ministry, India's experience in submarine development and supply-chain management, including the Scorpene class submarine programme, was acknowledged as highly valuable for Indonesia's future plans.

Analysts observed in the South China Morning Post that the missile deal between India and Indonesia is not merely another arms contract, but a declaration of "Indias strategic arrival in a region (Southeast Asia) where hard power has long been defined by the United States and constrained by Chinas coercive posturing.

ALSO READ: Beyond Brahmos: India to equip Indonesia's 500 new infantry battalions

Gaurav Kumar, researcher at a think-tank, United Service Institution of India, observed that the sale of Brahmos to the Philippines, the upcoming export of the missile to Indonesia and the possible sale of the missile to Vietnam indicate that India is turning out to be an alternative defence player in Southeast Asia.

He pointed out that many Southeast Asian nations are tired of being forced into a binary choice between the US and China.

India offers a third pathway: one that comes without sanctions risks, without hegemonic baggage and without intrusive conditions, he was quoted as saying.

South China Morning Post quoted another expert as saying that such export deals help India to boost its security role in the region and project itself as an international arms exporter, apart from the obvious economical gains.

Buying from India, which is seeking to build strategic ties with major nations in Southeast Asia, also helps the countries avoid the threat of antagonising the US and China as New Delhi is "neither a treaty ally of the United States nor a claimant in the South China Sea disputes."
For his upcoming movie Dacoit, actor Adivi Sesh is delivering his lines in Hindi for the Hindi-language version, rather than dubbing them.

The additional responsibility was taxing but necessary, said Adivi Sesh in an interaction with IANS. The actor, who is currently in post-production, added that the essence of some words and phrases, which are "native to that language," is often lost when translating them.

"As an actor, when you truly emote the lines on screen in that language, the audiences connect more. Hence, we decided, while tough, it will always be better to shoot the film and write the film in two languages than just cater to an entire audience base by taking the dubbing route, he shared.

Featuring Mrunal Thakur as the female lead and director and actor Anurag Kashyap in a significant role, Dacoit also stars Prakash Raj, Sunil, Atul Kulkarni, Zayn Marie Khan, and Kamakshi Bhaskarla, among others.

In Dacoit, an intense action thriller, Adivi Sesh plays a convict out for revenge after his ex-girlfriend betrays him. As his journey unfolds, unexpected twists emerge.

In May, the team released a teaser in the form of a video of the Shaneil Deo directorial titled 'Fire Glimpse' along with the release date.

The teaser hinted at a rift between two lovers who had to part ways after a seemingly unforgivable act of betrayal. "Hey, Juliet. Everybody betrayed you. I'm not here to do that. I'm here to destroy you," says Adivi Sesh's voiceover in the footage that comes with the tagline, "An explosion of guns & roses betrayal & trust and above all, Love & Loss. Witness a wicked FIRE between two EXES."

With story and screenplay by Adivi Sesh and Shaneil Deo, Dacoit co-stars Anurag Kashyap, Prakash Raj, Atul Kulkarni, Sunil, Zayn Marie Khan, and Kamakshi Bhaskarla. It is produced by S.S. Creations and Suniel Narang Productions.

Kashyap plays a "sharp-minded, witty and sarcastic" cop in the film. In a recent interview with Variety, the actor-filmmaker called the role "both fun and challenging."

While we don't see many filmmakers opting for the simultaneous approach to shooting their projects in two languages, some big-budget projects, such as Yash's upcoming Toxic: A Fairytale for Grownups, are taking the extra risk and effort. The Geetu Mohandas directorial, produced by Yash himself, is being shot in both Kannada and English to make it more accessible to audiences across the globe.
Kate Winslet's directorial debut, Goodbye June, is gearing up for its Netflix premiere following a limited theatrical run. Written by Joe Anders, the son of Winslet and ex-husband Sam Mendes, the film will hit select US and UK screens on Dec. 12 before making its way to Netflix on Dec. 24, as a Christmas release since the events of the film revolve around the festive season.

Winslet has assembled a team of exceptional performers playing siblings  Toni Collette (Midsommer), Andrea Riseborough (Oblivion), and Johnny Flynn (Ripley)  who have to come together when it's revealed that their mother, June (Helen Mirren), is approaching her final moments.

As per the official logline, the siblings must confront complicated family dynamics and the impending reality of loss, while supporting their beleaguered patriarch Bernie (Timothy Spall). Throughout her final moments, June remains the vibrant woman she is, embracing her family and her condition with biting humor, blunt honesty, and immense love and affection."

For Winslet, Goodbye June is also a reunion with actors with whom she has previously worked, except for Collette.

On electing to direct the film, Winslet, who is also a co-producer with Kate Solomon, told Netflix that she was drawn to the "human condition" element of it and hopes people will "recognize themselves in the characters. Its a film about family. Some of our most complicated relationships in life are with the people we love the most in the world, the people we are closest to, the people we need the most for support and care. In the UK, we struggle when talking about death. The power of a good goodbye is to remember to love each other in the present.
On a day meant to remind the world that the fight against HIV is far from over, India stands at a crossroads. The country has made remarkable strides in reducing new HIV infections since the early 2000s, yet the pace of progress has plateaued and in some high-burden pockets, even reversed.

As the world marks World AIDS Day 2025, public health experts warn that complacency could undo years of gains.

According to the latest data from the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), India currently has an estimated 24 lakh people living with HIV (PLHIV). While overall prevalence remains low, the sheer size of the population means India still carries the worlds third-largest burden. The national programmes success in expanding treatment has pushed ART coverage to nearly 85 per cent, yet critical gaps persist, especially among adolescents, rural women, and marginalised communities like sex workers, trans persons, and persons who inject drugs (PWID).

Today is #WorldAIDSDay



Have you heard about Lenacapavir or LEN, a new drug WHO recommends to protect people at risk of #HIV?



For some people, taking daily pills is not easy.

But Lenacapavir could change everything because instead of taking daily pills, people can now get pic.twitter.com/XRcFSyuLN4  World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) November 30, 2025

One concerning trend this year has been the rise in new HIV infections among young people aged 1524. Urban metros such as Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad continue to report steady infections among men who have sex with men (MSM), though many cases remain hidden due to stigma and fear of discrimination in healthcare settings.

At the same time, states in the Northeast continue to fight dual epidemics of drug use and HIV, with Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland reporting prevalence levels far above the national average.

Despite the public image of HIV affecting primarily men, women and girls now account for nearly 44 per cent of Indias HIV burden. Many contract the virus from long-term partners, yet are often the last to be diagnosed due to patriarchal barriers, lack of testing in antenatal settings and limited autonomy in seeking care.

As per information shared by the government's press information bureau, India has recorded an 81.4 per cent reduction in AIDS-related deaths, dropping from 1.73 lakh deaths in 2010 to 32,200 in 2024. Public health officials attribute this dramatic decline to the rapid expansion of free antiretroviral therapy (ART), which is projected to reach over 1.8 million people living with HIV by 2025. India has also achieved 94 per cent ART retention and 97 per cent viral suppression rates, two critical indicators in preventing HIV from progressing to AIDS. This places India among the strongest performers globally in long-term disease control.

However, maternal transmission continues to remain a critical challenge. "In 2023, around 2350 new paediatric infections were estimated by vertical transmission. However, 44 per cent of these transmissions resulted from incident HIV infections among pregnant and breastfeeding women," says Pradeep Kumar, NACO, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in a paper titled, ' Progress and challenges towards eliminating vertical transmission of HIV in India.'

Indias ART programme provides free medications, yet several states have reported stockouts and erratic supplies this year. For many patients, the challenge is not treatment cost but time and travel. Long commutes to ART centres, lost wages, and stigma from pharmacists and health workers keep many away from care, experts tell THE WEEK.

Community-led models, such as peer navigators, mobile clinics, and decentralised ART dispensing, have shown promise, but they remain pilot-scale. " It has been years that I have been living with HIV; while I'm on medicines, it is the societal stigma that has really affected me. One cannot live like this. I hate socialising," a domestic worker working in Mumbai's Sewri tells THE WEEK on condition of anonymity.

Nearly four decades into the epidemic, stigma remains one of the biggest barriers to testing and treatment. Young people hesitate to get tested, women fear blame and violence, and LGBTQ+ individuals worry about discrimination. As experts warn, the window for controlling the HIV epidemic is narrowing. India needs a sharper focus on young people through school and community-based awareness and routine testing for women, especially in antenatal care.

Indias current strategy, National AIDS Control Programme Phase V (20212026), is a Central Sector Scheme with an allocation of Rs 15,471.94 crore. The programme builds on the gains of earlier phases while addressing persistent gaps in high-burden districts and vulnerable populations.

World AIDS Day this year is about reminding governments, donors, and societies that HIV hasnt gone away. The virus thrives in silence and the moment the world stops paying attention, it adapts.

This years theme, 'Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response,' is a call to keep research alive, keep rights protected, and keep people at the centre of the response.

"There is no room for complacency. Traditional interventions, such as early identification of HIV-positive mothers and initiating them on life-long ART, remain essential to eliminating vertical transmission of HIV in India. Generating local evidence on the effectiveness of interventions, such as adoption of safe practices, repeat testing during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and feeding practices, will inform policy formulation for prevention and detection of incident infections," says Kumar.
Carol Wangui Hunja, secretary for higher education and research at Kenya's Ministry of Education, addresses the launching ceremony of a training program for local Chinese language teachers in Nairobi, Kenya, on Nov. 30, 2025. A training program for local Chinese language teachers was launched in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, on Sunday as part of efforts to promote Sino-Kenyan cultural ties. Government officials, lecturers and students from China and Kenya attended the three-day training exercise for 170 students, which was organized by the Center for Language Education and Cooperation (CLEC) of China's Ministry of Education, Tianjin Normal University, and the University of Nairobi's Confucius Institute. (Xinhua/Yang Guang)

NAIROBI, Nov. 30 (Xinhua) -- A training program for local Chinese language teachers was launched in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, on Sunday as part of efforts to promote Sino-Kenyan cultural ties.

Government officials, lecturers and students from China and Kenya attended the three-day training exercise for 170 students, which was organized by the Center for Language Education and Cooperation (CLEC) of China's Ministry of Education, Tianjin Normal University, and the University of Nairobi's Confucius Institute.

Carol Wangui Hunja, secretary for higher education and research at Kenya's Ministry of Education, said that the training program is designed to support the East African nation's efforts to expand Chinese language education in the school curriculum.

The growing presence of the Chinese language in Kenya will enable citizens to find employment in various parts of the world where the language is spoken, Hunja added.

Yu Yunfeng, director-general of the CLEC, said that the development of Chinese language education in Kenya has been made possible by the high-level attention of both governments as well as the strong support from all sectors in China and Kenya.

Local Chinese language teachers, he said, are the most essential and decisive force behind this progress, given their pedagogical skills, cultural fluency and understanding of Kenyan learners' needs.

"I firmly believe that the Chinese language will play an increasingly important role in advancing the bilateral relations and in building the China-Kenya community with a shared future for the new era," Yu said.

Margaret Jesang Hutchinson, acting vice chancellor of the University of Nairobi, encouraged the students to make full use of the opportunity and strengthen their skills.

The training is expected to nurture local Chinese teachers who will serve Kenyan schools, act as ambassadors of Kenya-China friendship, and make positive impacts across diverse sectors of society, she said. 

Yu Yunfeng, director-general of the Center for Language Education and Cooperation (CLEC) of China's Ministry of Education, addresses the launching ceremony of a training program for local Chinese language teachers in Nairobi, Kenya, on Nov. 30, 2025. A training program for local Chinese language teachers was launched in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, on Sunday as part of efforts to promote Sino-Kenyan cultural ties.

Government officials, lecturers and students from China and Kenya attended the three-day training exercise for 170 students, which was organized by the Center for Language Education and Cooperation (CLEC) of China's Ministry of Education, Tianjin Normal University, and the University of Nairobi's Confucius Institute. (Xinhua/Yang Guang)

Alumni of the University of Nairobi's Confucius Institute pose for a photo during the launching ceremony of a training program for local Chinese language teachers in Nairobi, Kenya, on Nov. 30, 2025. A training program for local Chinese language teachers was launched in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, on Sunday as part of efforts to promote Sino-Kenyan cultural ties.

Government officials, lecturers and students from China and Kenya attended the three-day training exercise for 170 students, which was organized by the Center for Language Education and Cooperation (CLEC) of China's Ministry of Education, Tianjin Normal University, and the University of Nairobi's Confucius Institute. (Xinhua/Yang Guang)
In a decisive move reflecting the Supreme Courts increasing concern about the rapid growth of cybercrime in the country, it directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Monday to lead a national investigation into the rising issue of digital arrest scams.

The Court instructed the CBI to start by investigating cases that specifically report digital arrest frauds. The bench noted that other types of cybercrime could be addressed later, showing its intention to establish a structured national response to cyber fraud.

"Digital arrest scams require immediate attention of the premier investigating agency of the country. Therefore, we proceed with a clear direction that the CBI shall first investigate cases on digital arrests scam. The other categories of scams shall be taken up in the next stages, the Court ordered.

Crucially, the CBI has been given full authority to investigate the role of bank officials under the Prevention of Corruption Act in cases where accounts have been opened, managed, or abused to funnel money from digital arrest schemes. This extends the investigation from just the fraudsters to include institutional complicity, which is important since scam operators usually depend on mule accounts created through lax KYC checks.

To create an effective defence system, the Supreme Court included the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and requested thorough explanations on AI and machine-learning-based fraud detection tools being used in banks.

In a strong message to tech intermediaries, the apex court mandated all IT service providers to fully cooperate, including providing content data whenever required. This places the responsibility on digital platforms to not use data localization, privacy policies, or cross-jurisdictional hosting as excuses to delay, which investigators have pointed out as a major obstacle.

The court directed social media intermediaries to extend full cooperation to the CBI and instructed the agency to seek assistance from Interpol in cases involving cross-border dimensions, whenever required.

Since digital arrest crimes frequently cross state lines, the CBIs authority depends on state approval. The Court specifically stated that Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, and Haryana must grant permission for a nationwide CBI investigation, ensuring that investigations do not get hindered by fragmented jurisdiction.

This push for consistent action aligns with the Centres broader objective of centralized cybercrime monitoring, particularly as intelligence agencies report that many digital extortionists operate out of hubs in the Northeast, Jharkhand, and border regions.

The bench highlighted a concerning issue: the excessive and alarming issuance of multiple SIM cards in the same name, often using forged documents or careless verification. It has directed the Union to present a standard telecom protocol to curb SIM misuse.

At the same time, all states and Union Territories have been instructed to ensure their local cybercrime units operate effectively and to directly report any operational challenges to the Court.

The Supreme Court also indicated that CBI will probe investment and part-time job scams in the next stage.
Amid speculations over where Congress MP Shashi Tharoor's political allegiance lies, the leader from Kerala skipped a crucial meeting chaired by former Congress MP Sonia Gandhi. The meeting was to chalk out the Opposition's strategy for Parliament's winter session, which began on Monday.

However, Tharoor put to rest the speculations with a simple explanation: "flight mode". Reporters probed Tharoor at Parliament premises about skipping the meeting, and Tharoor said, "I did not skip it, I was on a plane, coming from Kerala."

#WATCH | #ParliamentWinterSession | Delhi | On not attending the Congress Parliamentary Strategy Group meeting yesterday, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor says, "... I did not skip it, I was on a plane, coming from Kerala..." pic.twitter.com/FnZrV9VdQu  ANI (@ANI) December 1, 2025

Tharoor, a member of the Congress Working Committee, has been at loggerheads with Congress leadership recently, with his open praise for Prime Minister Narendra Modi on several issues. Tharoor took a stand different from the party on several issues in the recent past. Even on Operation Sindoor, while the Congress-led Opposition questioned the Modi government's claims, Tharoor, who also led one of the Centre's outreach delegations, backed Modi's claims.

Recently, attending Malayala Manorama's Horthus festival in Kochi, Tharoor clarified he has no intention to leave the Congress party. "I have been working sincerely for the Congress for 16 years. I am currently a Congress MP, and I have heard the question of whether I would leave the party a hundred times. But let me say it straight, I have not even moved a finger to leave the party. Nobody has even asked me to leave the party, Tharoor said during one of the sessions, OnManorama reported.

During the conversation, when asked about his relationship with the Congress leadership, Tharoor was measured. I dont dare to say I am part of the leadership now because I have not been given such roles. I am a working committee member, but I dont know if that has the standing of a leader. But I am a Congress MP. If the party needs me, let them say so, he said.
The winter session of parliament will begin on Monday with the Opposition all set to corner the Narendra Modi government over a range of issues, including Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, Delhi car blast and worsening air pollution in the national capital.

Congress, the principal opposition party, is also likely to raise the issue of the Delhi Polices fresh FIR against Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi in the National Herald case, as well as US President Donald Trumps repeated claim of brokering a truce between India and Pakistan during Operation Sindoor.

#WATCH | Delhi: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla arrives at the Parliament, ahead of the commencement of the Winter Session of Parliament today



The Winter Session of Parliament begins today and will continue till December 19, 2025 pic.twitter.com/dLAwQ2iwoF  ANI (@ANI) December 1, 2025

On Sunday, senior Congress leaders met at the residence of Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi and held discussions on the party's strategy for the session.

Congress deputy leader in Rajya Sabha Pramod Tiwari said opposition leaders would meet at the office of Kharge, Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, at 10 am on Monday to chalk out their joint strategy in Parliament.

The SIR was conducted across the entire state in a very short span of time, which is impossible. Blasts have occurred in the capital. Prime Minister Modi's foreign policies are completely lost. In addition, air pollution in Delhi and other states must be discussed in detail, Tiwari told ANI news agency.

Delhi | Union Ministers Arjun Ram Meghwal, JP Nadda, and Jitendra Singh arrive at the Parliament, ahead of the commencement of the Winter Session of Parliament today



The Winter Session of Parliament begins today and will continue till December 19, 2025 pic.twitter.com/Tm4pk7xscc  ANI (@ANI) December 1, 2025

Meanwhile, Congress MPs Manickam Tagore and Vijay Kumar Vasanth on Monday moved an adjournment motion, seeking an urgent debate on the ongoing SIR in the country.

The 6th Session of the 18th Lok Sabha and the 269th Session of the Rajya Sabha will commence at 11 am on Monday, marking the beginning of the winter session.

The government has listed a total of 13 Bills for consideration during the session, many of which have not been examined by a Standing Committee.
The family of Vijay Kumar Sheoran has appealed to the Ministry of External Affairs MEA to help repatriate his body from the UK. The 30-year-old student from Charkhi Dadri district in Haryana died after a stabbing incident last week.

Vijays elder brother, Ravi Kumar, sought immediate assistance and complete support in bringing back his brothers mortal remains. He said that the family was devastated by this unfortunate incident He also said that the family cannot handle the difficult paperwork, legal steps and expenses needed to bring his body back home. They said that it was extremely difficult for them to handle the process from India without official support. We request the government to help us so we can perform his last rites here, Ravi told PTI.

Vijay was enrolled at the University of the West of England, Bristol and was pursuing management studies. He had left his government job with the Central Board of Excise and Customs to pursue his studies.

Five suspects aged between 22-35 were arrested in connection to the case, but all of them got out on bail as investigations continue.

Officers had found Vijay with serious stab wounds at around 4:15 am on November 25 on Barbourne Road. He was rushed to the hospital but died later that day.

The case is being investigated by the Worcester CID team of West Mercia Police.

A crowdfunding initiative was started by non-resident Indians so that Vijays body could be sent back home as soon as possible, according to London-based lawyer Sukhvinder Nara, who is a former senior deputy advocate general in the Punjab and Haryana high court.
A video of what could be Sarvesh Kumars last message for his family has emerged just a day after he was found dead in his home in Moradabad. Kumar was an Uttar Pradesh Booth Level Officer working on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR).

In the video, Kumar asks for forgiveness from his family. He also requested his mother and sister to take care of his four little daughters.

In tears, Kumar says that he had failed to complete his work for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists. "Didi, forgive me, Mummy, please look after my children. I failed in this election work. I am going to take a step, and only I am responsible. No one has any fault. I am very upset. I have not been able to sleep for 20 days. If I had time, I would have finished this work. I have four little daughters. Please forgive me. I am going far away from your world," he said. He said that he wanted to live, but the pressure was too much.

Kumar was an assistant teacher at a government-run school. He was assigned to be a BLO on October 7. It was the first time he worked as a BLO.

BLOs are poll officers who go door to door to collect voters details and documents.

On Sunday at around 4 am, his wife Babli found that he had hanged himself. A note was found where he said that he was unable to cope with the burden of the job.

His family stays at Bahedi village in Moradabads Bhojpur. They demanded strict action against officials who pushed Sarvesh to take the extreme action.

Sarvesh Kuamr is not the only BLO officer to die from pressure and stress. 56-year-old Shobrani, who was a diabetes patient, got posted as the BLO of booth number 97 in the Mohalla Badwan Dhamour areas. She worked late at night, uploading the SIR form online, Times of India reported.

She later suffered from severe chest pain that night and was rushed to the hospital, where she was declared dead.

There have been reports of BLOs dying by suicide or by unnatural causes from multiple states in the country.

The SIR is being conducted in 12 states in India, including Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh.

More than two dozen BLO deaths were reported across the states. According to some reports, 5 BLO deaths were reported from Gujarat, 3 in Rajasthan, 6 in Madhya Pradesh, 3 in West Bengal, 4 in Uttar Pradesh, 2 in Tamil Nadu and 1 in Kerala.
A Kerala court has remanded rightwing activist Rahul Easwar to judicial custody in a victim identity reveal case related to Congress leader Rahul Mamkootathil sexual assault row. Easwar was taken into police custody from his residence in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday.

The Thiruvananthapuram district court remanded Easwar to 14 days of custody. Thiruvananthapuram cyber police is likely to Easwar soon for the probe.

Easwar was arrested based on the complaint filed by the victim involved in the Congress leader Rahul Mamkootathil sexual assault case. Easwar vehemently argued in favour of the Congress leader, saying the legislator from Palakkad, Kerala, was innocent and what he had with the victim was a consensual relationship.

In her complaint, the victim alleged Easwar, through videos on social media and in television debates, made statements that revealed her identity, which is against the law. Easwar, while taking part in television debates, argued that the victim hid from the Congress leader that she was a married woman.

Meanwhile, Mamkootathil is on the run ever since the victim registered a formal complaint against the legislator. The victim also met Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

The Kerala police have launched a massive hunt for the Congress leader, who went underground while he was campaigning for local body polls in Palakkad. Mamkootathil had maintained he hasn't done anything against the law. Mamkootathil is facing charges for sexual assault and forceful abortion. The Congress leader has moved court for anticipatory bail.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will address rallies in three border districts as the ruling Trinamool Congress has intensified its offensive against the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

The rallies will be held in Malda and Murshidabad on December 3, 4 and Cooch Behar on December 9. These politically sensitive districts have sizeable minority, migrant and displaced populations.

The chief ministers rallies signal a deliberate attempt to reclaim the narrative ahead of 2026 elections, especially as the SIR exercise fuels unease over scrutiny of documents, identity and citizenship, reported PTI news agency.

This is the second phase of Banerjees anti-SIR mobilisation since the exercise began in the state last month. She had addressed a public meeting in Bongaon in the refugee-dominated Matua belt last week.

The Malda rally will take place at Gajole, while the Murshidabad event is scheduled at Beharampore stadium. The rally in Cooch Behar will be organised at the historic Rash Mela Maidan.

In Cooch Behar, an emergency meeting of the block presidents will be held on December 1, followed by a district-level preparatory session on December 2.

Ministers, MPs, MLAs, councillors and panchayat functionaries are finalising mobilisation plans for the chief minister's visit in these districts.

On Friday, a delegation of Trinamool Congress MPs led by Derek O'Brien met Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and submitted a list of 40 people, including 17 BLOs, who died allegedly due to the ongoing SIR.

Talking to the media, the ten-member delegation alleged that the EC has blood on its hands for the deaths due to the completely unplanned, reckless and heartless SIR in the state.

The Commission, however, rebutted the partys charges and emphasised that the TMC must not interfere with the independent functioning of Booth Level Officers (BLOs), Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) and District Election Officers (DEOs), all of whom are state government employees on deputation to election-related duties.
December is here and so is winter. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Monday warned that the next three months will see higher than normal cold wave days.

Most of north and central India will witness cold waves that are above normal, according to the weatherman. Some parts of the country, including the northwest and northeast and Himalayan foothills may experience above-normal maximum temperatures.

IMD said it expects four to five additional days of cold wave in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. Some parts of Maharashtra will also see cold wave days.

"During the upcoming winter season (December 2025 to February 2026), normal to below-normal minimum temperatures are likely over most parts of central India and adjoining peninsular and northwest India," said IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, "Above-normal minimum temperatures are likely over the remaining parts of the country."

The first round of cold wave conditions were reported from November 8 to 18 in northeastern Rajasthan, southern Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, northern Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. Later, another wave was reported from November 15 to 20 in north interior Maharashtra.

The next cold wave conditions are expected from December 3 to 5. "We are expecting weak La Nina conditions to continue during the December to February period," Mohapatra said.

November saw normal to below-normal temperatures in most parts of the country, except parts of southeast peninsular India, the northeastern states and areas in the extreme northwest.

Temperatures over north India was affected by western disturbances and rain-bearing weather systems originating in the Mediterranean region but almost all were mostly dry.
The Opposition parties' focus on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls has intensified after the Bihar assembly elections, where several leaders have alleged that deductions in the voter list ultimately favoured the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party.

They claim the revision was untimely, coming months ahead of the assembly elections, giving the government an electoral advantage. Now the Opposition bloc is wary that the SIR may reduce their electoral prospects, putting them on the backfoot in upcoming assembly elections in Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Kerala.

"There is one thing that can invariably bring the Opposition together, and it is the existential threat, says a political observer. They conceive SIR as a process which would minimise their support base on the ground. Then there are anomalies in the process where many are declared dead, and many are not even included in the voter list, despite having the necessary proofs."

The opening day of the winter session of Parliament on Monday witnessed turbulence, adjournments, and a walkout by the Opposition, signalling that the Opposition bloc may continue its demands until the NDA government allows discussions on key public issues, like air pollution and SIR.

The political slugfest began within just 20 minutes of the proceedings, as members of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha started raising slogans and demanding a debate on the SIR of electoral rolls. They also flagged the emerging issue of suicides among booth-level officers (BLOs) associated with the revision process, calling it a matter of urgent public concern.

As long as the drama continues on the governments side, this disruption will continue, says AICC spokesperson Deepak Jha. It is the government that does not want Parliament to function. If they were serious, they would have agreed to debate with the Opposition and taken up issues concerning common people.

Earlier, while entering Parliament, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said that the Opposition would insist on raising urgent matters affecting citizens. This indicated that the Congress was ready with more ammunition and was prepared for a showdown on key issues impacting people, beginning with SIR and air pollution. Drama is not allowing democratic discussions about issues that matter to the public, she said, adding,

I suggest we talk about urgent issues like the election situation, SIR, and pollution; these are crucial for democracy. What is Parliament for if not to discuss these things?

The Opposition, united across parties, has indicated that it will continue to stall proceedings unless a structured discussion is permitted on what it calls determining issues for the future of democracy.

A senior Congress leader said, "Rahul Gandhi has already explained how pollution is choking people. That is one issue the Opposition will be quite serious about.  With a discussion on the SIR issue being ruled out by the government for now, the confrontations are likely to continue. As a responsible Opposition, it is our duty to push the government to listen to what people are saying and not strangulate the democratic process."

Parties like the Nationalist Congress Party echoed the same sentiment. NCP MP (Sharad Pawar) Fauzia Khan said, "Our issue is that we have the right to breathe clean, open air... The government should take steps to ensure this and discuss it in parliament..., she told ANI.

The SIR issue also found resonance as she demanded discussions be held on BLOs committing suicide after being pressurised because of SIR, the need to make the process transparent, smooth, and just. The concerns on national security also struck a chord with Opposition parties, who are demanding a discussion on the terror threats and the strategy of the government to address them. We hope that all issues will be discussed... We hope that this time we will definitely get justice..."

How well Congress is able to rally the Opposition parties in the coming days remains to be seen. The second phase of SIR exercise covers 12 states and Union territories, including Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Goa, Puducherry and Lakshadweep.
An Antonov An-124 aircraft, carrying US weapons bound for Israel, was hosted by the United Arab Emirates, according to reports. The aircraft was carrying US Oshkosh trucks loaded with a large amount of military equipment, according to Iranian media.

According to reports, the transport plane landed at Tel Avivs Ben Gurion Airport on Friday, after which the trucks were loaded back onto the aircraft, which returned to the UAE. It also took a short stopover in Georgia, the report added.

Many believe the aircraft belonged to Ukraine and was actually taking the weapons from Israel to Ukraine. It is believed that the aircraft was loaded with parts, spares and missiles for the Patriot air defence system, which Israel took out of service, and is now transferring to Ukraine.

An Antonov An-124 transport aircraft landed yesterday at Ben Gurion Airport carrying U.S. military Oshkosh trucks loaded with extensive military equipment.



Flight details show that the aircraft arrived in Israel from the United Arab Emirates and then returned there after a short pic.twitter.com/gKMiHgGCUL  Open Source Intel (@Osint613) November 29, 2025

The delivery of weapons was part of the US supply of weapons to Ukraine.

However, the incident set tongues wagging online, not only for the irony of the UAE hosting the weapon-laden aircraft, but also for how a Soviet-made Antonov An-124 aircraft was used for the purpose.

One user wrote: An Antonov-124 cargo plane from the UAE landed at Ben Gurion Airport loaded with American military trucks and heavy equipment for Israel. A full supply line running through the Gulf straight into Tel Aviv  quietly, seamlessly, out of sight.

Arabs are helping Jews destroy GAZA. Same UAE helping Sudan rivals killing Sudanies, another user said.

Another highlighted the irony of the incident. The Soviet Antonov developers would be turning in their graves if they knew that their planes, after 45 years, would be used to transport Israeli missiles to Ukraine to strike Russia! Currently, there are only 15 An-124 aircraft in service around the world: 13 aircraft in the hands of the Russian army, 1 with Ukraine and 1 with the UAE. Yet, the single Ukrainian aircraft is turning into an air bridge between Kyiv and Tel Aviv!, he wrote.
A Chinese company on Saturday donated school supplies to high school students in western Cambodia.




Pope Leo XIV arrived in Lebanons capital at Beirut, on Sunday, declaring his intent to act as a messenger of peace as he began a three-day visit to a nation struggling with the consequences of recent conflict. He flew to Beirut from Turkey, where he concluded his three-day visit. His arrival came only days after an Israeli strike on southern Beirut, sharpening the sense of urgency that framed the visit. Leo urged Lebanese people not to abandon their homeland despite what he described as an exodus of young people and families driven away by uncertainty, violence, poverty and a host of other pressures.

The visit comes at a moment of deep political fragility. Lebanon is still contending with the aftermath of the war last year between Israel and Hezbollah, the predominantly Shia Muslim armed movement and political party. Although a ceasefire has held for a year, Israeli strikes have continued, prompting fears that a renewed conflict could erupt. Israel has long expressed frustration over Hezbollahs presence and entrenchment in the south. The conflict has exacerbated sectarian divisions that have never fully healed since the end of Lebanons 15-year civil war in 1990. The countrys political landscape remains shaped by its three principal demographic communities: Maronite Catholics and Orthodox Christians, Sunni Muslims and Shia Muslims. Each group wields significant influence, and each constitutes roughly a third of the population.

Lebanon occupies a distinctive position in the Arab world as the only country in the region with a Christian head of state and the largest proportion of Christians overall. It has historically been regarded as a bulwark for the Church in the Middle East. Yet even with their relative demographic strength, Christian communities continue to fear marginalisation.

Last years war left Hezbollah considerably weakened, and the Lebanese government has since intensified efforts to disarm the group and dismantle what critics describe as its evolution into a state within a state. Hezbollahs leaders have refused to surrender their arsenal, fuelling anxiety among many Lebanese that attempts to force disarmament could trigger another internal conflict.

Against this tense backdrop, Leo set out to reinforce a message of peace directed squarely at the countrys political leadership. Upon landing in Beirut he appealed to Lebanons leaders to make peace their highest priority, describing it as both a desire and a vocation. He emphasised the need for persistence when working towards peace, warning that commitment and love for peace should not falter in the face of apparent setbacks.

His first major action in Lebanon was a series of meetings with the countrys senior political figures. He reminded them that their roles required dedication to the service of their people. The Pope met Christian President Joseph Aoun, Shia Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri and Sunni Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. During his address to a packed chamber in the presidential palace he invoked the word peace more than 20 times, urging leaders to put themselves with commitment and dedication at the service of the nation. He encouraged all Lebanese citizens to choose the path of reconciliation.

One of the central elements of his message was a plea for Christians to remain in Lebanon and remain a vital presence in the Middle East. He urged families to show real courage and foresight by resisting the temptation to emigrate, acknowledging the difficulties but stressing the importance of their continued presence. Anticipation for the Popes visit had been high. Patriarch Bechara al Rahi, head of the Maronite Catholic Church, said the Popes decision to visit a country that is still effectively at war carried immense significance, offering hope at a moment when many Lebanese feel abandoned. While the visit provided a notable boost to the Christian third of the population, it drew support across all major faiths. The government declared a two-day national holiday, and even Hezbollah extended greetings and appreciation for the Popes presence, with some supporters waving the groups flags along his motorcade route.

The Popes schedule in Lebanon is packed, culminating in a Mass expected to attract thousands at Beiruts port. The port, still a derelict ruin following the catastrophic 2020 explosion, remains a potent symbol of Lebanons chronic mismanagement and corruption. Notably, the Pope chose not to visit the south, which has been the main target of Israeli strikes, and avoided mentioning Israel directly in his remarks.

Lebanon marks the second stage of Leos first overseas trip as pope, which began in Turkey. On arrival in Ankara, he held private talks with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. In public remarks, the Pope warned that humanitys future was threatened by the unprecedented number of violent conflicts around the world, and he denounced all forms of violence carried out in the name of religion. He said he and Erdogan had discussed the wars in Gaza and Ukraine, adding that Turkey had an important role to play in efforts to end both conflicts. Despite addressing the situation in Gaza, the Pope refrained from referencing Israels conduct directly while in Turkey.

During the flight from Turkey to Lebanon, he reiterated the Vaticans longstanding commitment to a two-state resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, describing it as the only solution capable of securing justice for both peoples. He repeated the Holy Sees support for a Palestinian state comprising East Jerusalem, the occupied West Bank and Gaza. Acknowledging that Israel does not currently accept this framework, the Pope insisted that it remained the sole viable path towards resolving the decades-long dispute. He suggested that the Vatican could act as a mediating voice, saying it has friendly relations with Israel and wanted to bring both sides closer.
Just days after Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman visited the US, the kingdom's senior minister landed in Tehran, a visit that coincided with Turkeys Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan's arrival in the Islamic Republic.

While Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi acknowledged that he discussed bilateral relations and exchanged views on regional and international issues of common concern with Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Saud bin Mohammed Al-Sati, regional experts speculate that the real reason for the visit could be something else. They believe the covert visit of Al-Sati hints at Saudi Arabia's ambitions to become a mediator between Tehran and Washington.

Though the relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia had been frozen for the past two years, the thaw happened after China intervened to restore political relations between the countries.

Foreign Minister @araghchi meets

Saudi Arabias political deputy foreign minister, Saud bin Mohammed al-Sati, here in Tehran on Sunday. pic.twitter.com/mycoFPSfsL  IRNA News Agency (@IrnaEnglish) November 30, 2025

However, the Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister's recent visit comes just days after Mohammed bin Salman's meeting with Donald Trump. After the successful visit, there were reports that Trump asked Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to manage a channel aimed at opening dialogue between Washington and Tehran.

Lebanese media Al-Akhbar reported that Saudi officials then contacted Irans leadership seeking to hold a senior Saudi-Iranian meeting in Paris within 24 hours, to be followed by Saudi shuttle contacts between the United States and Iran.

A review of past experiences shows that Saudi Arabia has rarely emerged as a reliable mediator between Tehran and the West due to regional crises, geopolitical rivalries, and ideological differences. However, Riyadh's current bid is to consolidate its role as the hegemonic power of the Persian Gulf and a security partner of the West on the one hand, and on the other hand, it has its sights set on economic and energy relations with the East, especially China.

This situation strengthens Riyadh's motivation to play a double game between Tehran and Washington, according to Iranian analysts.

There is hope that Saudi Arabia can open a communication channel between Tehran and Washington, with the covert or overt support of the United States and the company of China, and the possibility of reducing sanctions pressure and opening up nuclear negotiations will be revived.

However, from a pessimistic perspective, Saudi involvement may lead to the consolidation of Riyadh's interests in the double game rather than reducing tensions. Any mediation requires mutual trust, and this component of Tehran-Riyadh relations still seems fragile and unstable; a mistake or pressure from a third party could quickly cause it to collapse.
Stefanie Pieper, 32, an Austrian influencer, was killed and buried in the middle of a wooded forest inside a suitcase by her ex-boyfriend Patrick M, 31. A detention hearing is underway for Patrick.

Piepers body was found by police after they arrested and questioned Patrick. After several rounds of interrogation, he confessed.

He claimed that the crime occurred after the two had a heated argument. Shortly before the hearing, His defence lawyer, Astrid Wagner, said, "My client says he doesn't understand how he could have been capable of something so terrible."

Patrick has worked as a former shipping clerk, a waiter, a part-time security guard, and a poker player, news site Kronen Zeitung reported. Wagner said, My client is completely broken; he deeply regrets his crime.

He cant understand how he could have been capable of killing the woman he loved more than anything.

He reportedly told his lawyer, I didn't want to do it, I didn't want to do it repeatedly. I was so shocked when I suddenly saw Stefi lying motionless in front of me. He also said that he carried out the cover-up while in a trance.

He claimed that Stefanie had let him into her apartment on the day she disappeared and spent time with him.

Neighbours said that the two were separated for months, Austrian site OE24 reported. One report said that a resident heard them arguing through the window. Patrick reportedly shouted, You've ruined everything and she yelled back You can leave, but first, I want my money, then you can 

According to the neighbour, "She wanted to break up, he didn't. Then he probably thought, 'If I can't have you, no one can.'"

Other accounts by witnesses contradict the idea that Stfanie let her ex-boyfriend, whom she had avoided at the Christmas party the previous night, enter her apartment. Stefanie had also texted her mother, saying that she had an uneasy feeling that someone was lurking around in the stairwell.

After the killing, Patrick had wrapped Stefani's body, put her in a suitcase and driven to a forest on the Austrian-Slovenian border. The location is an hour and a half away from her residence. He had also gone back to the apartment to pretend to be taking care of her dog when the police came.
Amid US President Donald Trump's call for the closure of airspace around Venezuela, speculations are rife that a US land invasion could happen anytime. Though Trump acknowledged that he spoke to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, reports are that over 10 US warships, including the countrys largest carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, are bearing down on the Caribbean.

A Marine Expeditionary Unit capable of an amphibious land invasion has also been deployed, according to the New York Post. Earlier, there were reports that USS Gravely and USS Stockdale, two guided-missile destroyers, are currently operating in the region along with the guided-missile cruisers USS Lake Erie and USS Gettysburg.

The USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group houses nine air wings, equivalent to more than 70 aircraft. Other deployed ships include the USS Iwo Jima, a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship capable of carrying up to six Harrier II attack aircraft.

BIG: Washington Examiner report claims the U.S. military buildup near Venezuela, including warships, F-35s, Marines, and a submarine based in Puerto Rico, goes far beyond anti-drug patrols and could support seizing ports or airfields.



While officially framed as pic.twitter.com/hyng0sEdG7  Clash Report (@clashreport) October 3, 2025

Up to 2,200 Marines, based at Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station New River in North Carolina, have also been stationed in the Caribbean. A total of 15,000 military personnel, including shipboard Marines and around 5,000 personnel at bases in Puerto Rico, are deployed in the area, reports added.

The US has also reactivated the Roosevelt Roads Naval Base in Puerto Rico as part of this military deployment. This is aimed at curtailing the flow of narcotics to the country by supporting the Coast Guard and the Department of Homeland Security.

The US action is part os its push to combat drug trafficking from the socialist country. Trump, however, clarified that this decision does not imply an imminent attack. But, Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin has claimed that Washington gave Maduro the opportunity to leave Venezuela. By the way, we gave Maduro the opportunity to leave," Mullin told CNN. The senator, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, even specified that they offered him the chance to travel to Russia or another country.

While Trump critics claim that his actions, including the deadly boat strikes, violate the US Constitution and human rights, the President has yet to provide the public with a reason for sending Americans into action.

Many believe the war cry is just a psychological pressure campaign to force Maduro to step down or to encourage officials or generals to topple him.
Stefanie Pieper, an Austrian beauty influencer, was found dead, with her body inside a suitcase, buried in a Slovenian forest. Her ex-boyfriend, Patrick M, admitted to killing and burying the woman to the police.

Pieper, who was based in Graz city in Austria, had an important appointment on the day she died, November 23. After she failed to show up, her friend had alerted the police. Piepers mother wrote on Facebook on November 24, "My daughter Stefanie P. has been missing since yesterday morning." She mentioned that her daughter has her mother's first name tattooed on her left forearm.

Officers who conducted a week-long investigation found out about her ex-boyfriend, Patrick M.

On the evening of November 23, police rushed to her apartment, but only found her ex-boyfriend and her dog. Patrick claimed that he was only looking after the dog for Pieper. Police had also found traces of blood door frame of the house; however, this could not implicate him.

Witnesses revealed more details. At around 8 am that day, an argument was heard from the apartment, and the man was seen walking out of the apartment with some kind of tarp or carpet from the apartment, Austrian media agency Kronen Zeitung reported.

A day after Stefanie disappeared, the accused was arrested near the Austrian-Slovenian Spielfeld border after his car was found burning near a casino. He was reportedly trying to cover up evidence. Slovenian authorities impounded his vehicle and handed him over to Austrian authorities.

After several rounds of questioning by the Austrian police, he admitted to commiting the crime. Patrick, 31, said that he strangled Pieper, placed her body in a suitcase case and buried in a wooded area in a Slovenian forest.

On Saturday, both the suspects brother and stepfather were also arrested. They were released afterwards after police confirmed they had no involvement.

After a week-long search, the influencers body was found in a wooded area in the Slovenian forest.

The accused could face up to 20 years or life imprisonment for the crime.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro rubbished speculations that he fled the country on Sunday with a public appearance amid escalating tensions with the US. Maduro, a frequent fixture on Venezuelan television, was missing for a few days, triggering rumours that he had vanished.

But, despite reports that US President Donald Trump threatened Maduro to quit, offering him a safe passage away from the country for him and his wife, many believe it is unlikely that Maduro will quit. Reason: Cuba.

According to Republican Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar, Maduro refuses a negotiated exit from power for fear of being assassinated by the Cuban regime. Salazar claimed that the Venezuelan President receives direct orders from Havana and that Cuban intelligence services are the ones who truly control the Venezuelan repressive apparatus. This fear, she said, is the main reason why Maduro does not dare to leave Miraflores Palace.

President Trump was kind (in the conversation with Maduro) and offered him a way out. And Maduro is being instructed by the Cubans not to relinquish power because that is Maduros greatest fear: that the Cubans, who are really the ones making the decisions, will kill him before he leaves, Salazar told Fox News.

That said, Cuba or Russia remains the only country where Maduro can seek asylum.  If he leaves of his own accord, the logical thing would be for him to seek asylum in Cuba, but the situation in Cuba is completely disastrous. Therefore, we would have to look at Russia," Pedro Rodriguez, professor of International Relations, told Spanish TV channel La Sexta.

This is the most plausible scenario because, if Trump does attack, Maduro will not be so lucky: 'If he resists and is captured by US forces, he is subject to a grand jury that has declared him responsible for a narco-terrorist organisation," he added.

As per reports, Venezuela's top brass are preparing for any scenario as Trump wants him out of power as soon as possible. Caracas reportedly demanded a general amnesty for Maduro, his advisors, and their families.

Many like foreign minister of Colombia, Rosa Yolanda Villavicencio Mapy, believe the healthiest option for Maduro would be leave of his own volition. I believe he has indeed considered it, that there could be a way out, a transition, where he can leave without having to go to jail, and where someone can come in who can make that transition, and where there can be legitimate elections, Villavicencio Mapy told Bloomberg News. It would be the healthiest thing to do.
Wall Street Zen cut shares of HDFC Bank (NYSE:HDB  Free Report) from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report released on Friday.

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HDFC Bank Price Performance

Shares of HDFC Bank stock opened at $36.82 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $187.84 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 22.38, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.92 and a beta of 0.69. The stocks 50-day moving average is $35.82 and its 200-day moving average is $36.75. HDFC Bank has a one year low of $28.89 and a one year high of $39.81.

HDFC Bank (NYSE:HDB  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Saturday, October 18th. The bank reported $0.44 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.36 by $0.08. The business had revenue of $8.08 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.98 billion. HDFC Bank had a return on equity of 11.49% and a net margin of 14.94%. On average, equities analysts expect that HDFC Bank will post 3.03 EPS for the current year.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On HDFC Bank

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of HDB. Schroder Investment Management Group lifted its position in shares of HDFC Bank by 137.6% in the third quarter. Schroder Investment Management Group now owns 25,221,130 shares of the banks stock valued at $861,554,000 after buying an additional 14,606,422 shares during the last quarter. New Vernon Capital Holdings II LLC bought a new stake in HDFC Bank in the 1st quarter valued at $1,546,956,000. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted its holdings in HDFC Bank by 104.4% during the 3rd quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 19,204,783 shares of the banks stock valued at $656,035,000 after purchasing an additional 9,808,890 shares during the last quarter. GQG Partners LLC boosted its position in HDFC Bank by 105.5% during the first quarter. GQG Partners LLC now owns 16,196,992 shares of the banks stock worth $1,076,128,000 after purchasing an additional 8,313,645 shares during the period. Finally, Franklin Resources Inc. increased its holdings in shares of HDFC Bank by 106.1% in the third quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. now owns 13,884,943 shares of the banks stock valued at $474,310,000 after purchasing an additional 7,147,440 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 17.61% of the companys stock.

HDFC Bank Company Profile

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HDFC Bank Limited provides banking and financial services to individuals and businesses in India, Bahrain, Hong Kong, and Dubai. The company operates in three segments: Wholesale Banking, Retail Banking, and Treasury Services. It accepts savings, salary, current, rural, public provident fund, pension, and demat accounts; fixed and recurring deposits; and safe deposit lockers, as well as offshore accounts and deposits, and overdrafts against fixed deposits.

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Wall Street Zen cut shares of Agnico Eagle Mines (NYSE:AEM  Free Report) (TSE:AEM) from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research note released on Sunday morning.

AEM has been the topic of several other research reports. CIBC upped their price objective on shares of Agnico Eagle Mines from $165.00 to $231.00 and gave the company an outperformer rating in a report on Friday, October 10th. TD Securities lifted their target price on shares of Agnico Eagle Mines from $154.00 to $195.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Zacks Research lowered shares of Agnico Eagle Mines from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, November 5th. UBS Group raised their price target on shares of Agnico Eagle Mines from $160.00 to $180.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Thursday, October 16th. Finally, Bank of America lifted their price objective on shares of Agnico Eagle Mines from $209.00 to $226.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, October 16th. Five analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, ten have issued a Buy rating and two have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Agnico Eagle Mines has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus price target of $184.50.

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Agnico Eagle Mines Stock Up 0.5%

Agnico Eagle Mines stock opened at $173.89 on Friday. Agnico Eagle Mines has a 1-year low of $76.91 and a 1-year high of $187.50. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $166.06 and a 200-day moving average price of $141.81. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.03, a current ratio of 2.03 and a quick ratio of 1.16. The stock has a market capitalization of $87.23 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 25.39, a PEG ratio of 0.70 and a beta of 0.45.

Agnico Eagle Mines (NYSE:AEM  Get Free Report) (TSE:AEM) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The mining company reported $2.16 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.76 by $0.40. Agnico Eagle Mines had a return on equity of 15.97% and a net margin of 32.62%.The company had revenue of $3.07 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.93 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $1.14 EPS. Equities research analysts forecast that Agnico Eagle Mines will post 4.63 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Institutional Trading of Agnico Eagle Mines

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the business. CIBC Private Wealth Group LLC increased its stake in Agnico Eagle Mines by 21.4% in the third quarter. CIBC Private Wealth Group LLC now owns 4,222 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $711,000 after acquiring an additional 743 shares during the last quarter. Coldstream Capital Management Inc. lifted its stake in Agnico Eagle Mines by 101.7% during the third quarter. Coldstream Capital Management Inc. now owns 5,173 shares of the mining companys stock worth $872,000 after purchasing an additional 2,608 shares during the last quarter. Danske Bank A S acquired a new stake in shares of Agnico Eagle Mines in the 3rd quarter valued at $1,554,000. Advisory Services Network LLC increased its stake in shares of Agnico Eagle Mines by 2.5% in the 3rd quarter. Advisory Services Network LLC now owns 20,711 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $3,491,000 after purchasing an additional 514 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Hancock Whitney Corp bought a new position in shares of Agnico Eagle Mines in the 3rd quarter valued at $217,000. 68.34% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Agnico Eagle Mines Company Profile

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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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Axos Financial, Inc (NYSE:AX  Get Free Report) has earned an average recommendation of Moderate Buy from the seven brokerages that are currently covering the company, MarketBeat.com reports. One research analyst has rated the stock with a hold recommendation and six have given a buy recommendation to the company. The average 1 year target price among brokerages that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $97.1667.

A number of research firms recently commented on AX. Needham & Company LLC lifted their price objective on Axos Financial from $105.00 to $107.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Friday, October 31st. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b-) rating on shares of Axos Financial in a research note on Monday, November 24th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods boosted their price objective on shares of Axos Financial from $94.00 to $100.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a research report on Monday, September 29th. DA Davidson upped their price objective on shares of Axos Financial from $100.00 to $106.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, September 24th. Finally, Raymond James Financial restated an outperform rating and set a $100.00 target price (up previously from $95.00) on shares of Axos Financial in a research report on Tuesday, September 23rd.

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Axos Financial Price Performance

AX stock opened at $82.18 on Friday. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $81.37 and its 200 day moving average price is $81.55. The firm has a market cap of $4.66 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.02 and a beta of 1.35. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.17, a quick ratio of 1.09 and a current ratio of 1.09. Axos Financial has a 1 year low of $54.46 and a 1 year high of $93.84.

Axos Financial (NYSE:AX  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The company reported $2.07 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.86 by $0.21. Axos Financial had a return on equity of 17.11% and a net margin of 22.24%.The company had revenue of $323.39 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $319.96 million. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $1.96 earnings per share. On average, sell-side analysts expect that Axos Financial will post 7.22 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Insider Buying and Selling at Axos Financial

In other news, EVP Candace L. Thiele sold 700 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, September 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $90.14, for a total transaction of $63,098.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president owned 23 shares in the company, valued at $2,073.22. This trade represents a 96.82% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. 4.85% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Institutional Trading of Axos Financial

A number of hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in AX. Nuveen LLC acquired a new position in shares of Axos Financial during the 1st quarter valued at about $35,240,000. American Century Companies Inc. grew its holdings in Axos Financial by 14.7% in the first quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 2,151,229 shares of the companys stock valued at $138,797,000 after purchasing an additional 276,450 shares during the period. Franklin Resources Inc. grew its holdings in Axos Financial by 198.0% in the third quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. now owns 414,178 shares of the companys stock valued at $35,060,000 after purchasing an additional 275,191 shares during the period. Voss Capital LP acquired a new position in Axos Financial during the first quarter worth approximately $13,401,000. Finally, Boothbay Fund Management LLC purchased a new position in Axos Financial during the second quarter worth approximately $9,639,000. 83.79% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

About Axos Financial

(Get Free Report)

Axos Financial, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, provides consumer and business banking products in the United States. It operates through two segments, Banking Business and Securities Business. The company offers deposits products, including consumer and business checking, demand, savings, time deposit, money market, zero balance, and insured cash sweep accounts.

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Shares of Tourmaline Oil Corp. (TSE:TOU  Get Free Report) have been given an average rating of Buy by the nine brokerages that are presently covering the company, Marketbeat reports. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, five have given a buy rating and two have given a strong buy rating to the company. The average 12 month price objective among analysts that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is C$73.30.

A number of equities analysts have recently commented on TOU shares. The Goldman Sachs Group raised Tourmaline Oil to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Monday, October 13th. TD Securities downgraded shares of Tourmaline Oil from a buy rating to a hold rating and decreased their price target for the stock from C$73.00 to C$68.00 in a research note on Tuesday, September 30th. Scotiabank lowered their price target on shares of Tourmaline Oil from C$85.00 to C$80.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, October 29th. Raymond James Financial dropped their price objective on shares of Tourmaline Oil from C$74.00 to C$72.00 in a research report on Thursday, November 6th. Finally, Desjardins raised shares of Tourmaline Oil from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a C$68.00 price objective for the company in a research report on Monday, November 24th.

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Tourmaline Oil Stock Up 2.9%

Tourmaline Oil stock opened at C$64.32 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of C$24.89 billion, a P/E ratio of 18.38, a P/E/G ratio of 1.72 and a beta of 0.29. The company has a current ratio of 1.01, a quick ratio of 0.47 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 10.13. Tourmaline Oil has a twelve month low of C$55.40 and a twelve month high of C$70.83. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is C$61.38 and its 200-day simple moving average is C$61.53.

Tourmaline Oil (TSE:TOU  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The company reported C$0.49 EPS for the quarter. Tourmaline Oil had a return on equity of 11.08% and a net margin of 28.53%.The firm had revenue of C$1.39 billion during the quarter. As a group, equities analysts expect that Tourmaline Oil will post 5.6809091 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Tourmaline Oil Increases Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, September 29th. Shareholders of record on Monday, September 29th were issued a dividend of $0.50 per share. This is a positive change from Tourmaline Oils previous quarterly dividend of $0.35. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, September 15th. This represents a $2.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.1%. Tourmaline Oils dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 52.86%.

Insider Activity

In other Tourmaline Oil news, insider Mike Rose acquired 10,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 7th. The shares were acquired at an average price of C$59.83 per share, for a total transaction of C$598,300.00. Following the acquisition, the insider owned 8,197,742 shares in the company, valued at C$490,470,903.86. The trade was a 0.12% increase in their position. Over the last ninety days, insiders bought 25,000 shares of company stock worth $1,508,428. Corporate insiders own 5.13% of the companys stock.

Tourmaline Oil Company Profile

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Tourmaline Oil Corp is a Canadian energy company engaged in natural gas and crude oil acquisition, exploration, development, and production in the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin.

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ZAGREB, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- Five people have been arrested for unlawful conduct during and after an anti-fascist march on Sunday in Rijeka, the third largest city in Croatia, the Rijeka Police Department said in a statement on Monday.

Around 1,000 people participated in the march in Rijeka on Sunday to protest what they described as growing far-right and fascist tendencies in the country. In addition, demonstrations were also held on Sunday in Zagreb, as well as Zadar and Pula, the fifth- and seventh-largest cities respectively.

According to the Rijeka police, before the protest began, about 30 young people, mostly masked, verbally attacked the marchers and threw firecrackers at them, and after the march ended, masked men dressed in black threw flares at the marchers.

"The police have identified a number of individuals in connection with unlawful conduct committed during and after the aforementioned public protest. Five individuals are currently in police custody and are under criminal investigation," the statement said, adding that the public will be informed in a timely manner.

The nationwide protests on Sunday were organized in response to a recent wave of extremist incidents targeting ethnic minorities and cultural organizations. A rise in far-right cultural activities has prompted growing public concern about a potential resurgence of fascism in Croatia. 
PNC Financial Services Group Inc. trimmed its holdings in Morgan Stanley India Investment Fund, Inc. (NYSE:IIF  Free Report) by 57.3% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 3,540 shares of the companys stock after selling 4,750 shares during the quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc.s holdings in Morgan Stanley India Investment Fund were worth $100,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in IIF. Samalin Investment Counsel LLC raised its stake in shares of Morgan Stanley India Investment Fund by 9.7% during the 1st quarter. Samalin Investment Counsel LLC now owns 14,022 shares of the companys stock valued at $342,000 after buying an additional 1,237 shares during the last quarter. Penserra Capital Management LLC grew its holdings in Morgan Stanley India Investment Fund by 3.0% during the second quarter. Penserra Capital Management LLC now owns 135,312 shares of the companys stock worth $3,819,000 after acquiring an additional 3,973 shares during the period. Allworth Financial LP raised its position in Morgan Stanley India Investment Fund by 880.0% during the second quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 4,900 shares of the companys stock valued at $138,000 after acquiring an additional 4,400 shares in the last quarter. Royal Bank of Canada raised its position in Morgan Stanley India Investment Fund by 28.4% during the first quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 28,538 shares of the companys stock valued at $696,000 after acquiring an additional 6,320 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio lifted its holdings in Morgan Stanley India Investment Fund by 9.5% in the second quarter. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio now owns 183,964 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,193,000 after acquiring an additional 16,021 shares during the period. 36.96% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Morgan Stanley India Investment Fund Stock Performance

Morgan Stanley India Investment Fund stock opened at $26.99 on Monday. Morgan Stanley India Investment Fund, Inc. has a 12 month low of $22.20 and a 12 month high of $29.79. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $26.96 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $27.15.

About Morgan Stanley India Investment Fund

Morgan Stanley India Investment Fund, Inc is a closed ended equity mutual fund launched and managed by Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc The fund is co-managed by Morgan Stanley Investment Management Company. It invests in the public equity markets of India. The fund invests in stocks of companies operating across diversified sectors.

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Police & Firemen s Retirement System of New Jersey bought a new stake in Idaho Strategic Resources, Inc. (NYSEAMERICAN:IDR  Free Report) in the 2nd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The institutional investor bought 2,955 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $39,000.

Other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. Jefferies Financial Group Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Idaho Strategic Resources by 5.7% in the first quarter. Jefferies Financial Group Inc. now owns 19,347 shares of the companys stock valued at $277,000 after purchasing an additional 1,047 shares during the period. Citizens Financial Group Inc. RI acquired a new stake in Idaho Strategic Resources during the 1st quarter worth approximately $165,000. National Bank of Canada FI purchased a new position in Idaho Strategic Resources in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $258,000. American Century Companies Inc. grew its stake in shares of Idaho Strategic Resources by 25.1% in the first quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 20,692 shares of the companys stock worth $296,000 after acquiring an additional 4,149 shares in the last quarter. Finally, OMERS ADMINISTRATION Corp grew its stake in shares of Idaho Strategic Resources by 41.7% in the first quarter. OMERS ADMINISTRATION Corp now owns 46,200 shares of the companys stock worth $661,000 after acquiring an additional 13,600 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 8.70% of the companys stock.

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Idaho Strategic Resources Stock Up 8.2%

Shares of Idaho Strategic Resources stock opened at $39.69 on Monday. The company has a quick ratio of 8.34, a current ratio of 8.55 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.02. Idaho Strategic Resources, Inc. has a 52-week low of $9.67 and a 52-week high of $54.70. The company has a market capitalization of $618.77 million, a P/E ratio of 56.70 and a beta of 0.98. The company has a 50 day moving average of $35.63 and a 200 day moving average of $25.04.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Idaho Strategic Resources ( NYSEAMERICAN:IDR Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 12th. The company reported $0.20 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.19 by $0.01. The business had revenue of $11.08 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $9.40 million. Idaho Strategic Resources had a net margin of 27.82% and a return on equity of 18.60%. As a group, research analysts forecast that Idaho Strategic Resources, Inc. will post 0.65 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Separately, Roth Capital reiterated a buy rating on shares of Idaho Strategic Resources in a research note on Monday, September 8th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, According to data from MarketBeat, Idaho Strategic Resources currently has a consensus rating of Buy and an average price target of $17.50.

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Insider Buying and Selling at Idaho Strategic Resources

In other Idaho Strategic Resources news, Director Richard Scott Beaven sold 2,000 shares of Idaho Strategic Resources stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, November 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $34.64, for a total transaction of $69,280.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director directly owned 11,183 shares of the companys stock, valued at $387,379.12. The trade was a 15.17% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Also, CEO John Swallow sold 87,470 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, September 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $30.31, for a total value of $2,651,215.70. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer owned 695,778 shares in the company, valued at approximately $21,089,031.18. The trade was a 11.17% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Insiders have sold a total of 96,613 shares of company stock worth $2,938,500 over the last ninety days. Corporate insiders own 8.69% of the companys stock.

About Idaho Strategic Resources

(Free Report)

Idaho Strategic Resources, Inc, a resource-based company, engages in exploring for, developing, and extracting gold, silver, and base metal mineral resources in the Greater Coeur d'Alene Mining District of North Idaho. Its portfolio of mineral properties includes the Golden Chest Mine, a producing gold mine located in the Murray Gold Belt (MGB) of North Idaho; approximately 1,500 acres of patented mineral property and approximately 5,000 acres of nearby and adjacent un-patented mineral property located within the MGB; rare earth element projects located in the Idaho REE-Th Belt near Salmon, Idaho; and early-stage exploration properties in Central Idaho.

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Shelton Capital Management grew its stake in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG  Free Report) by 31.0% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm owned 164,033 shares of the restaurant operators stock after acquiring an additional 38,831 shares during the quarter. Shelton Capital Managements holdings in Chipotle Mexican Grill were worth $9,210,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other large investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its position in Chipotle Mexican Grill by 0.8% in the second quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 123,457,125 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $6,932,118,000 after acquiring an additional 993,798 shares during the last quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD raised its stake in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill by 7.6% during the first quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 56,827,332 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $2,853,302,000 after acquiring an additional 4,027,016 shares during the last quarter. Alliancebernstein L.P. raised its position in Chipotle Mexican Grill by 8.0% during the 1st quarter. Alliancebernstein L.P. now owns 32,505,318 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $1,632,092,000 after purchasing an additional 2,404,798 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill by 1.1% in the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 29,659,508 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $1,657,193,000 after acquiring an additional 325,926 shares during the period. Finally, American Century Companies Inc. increased its position in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill by 2.9% during the second quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 21,257,666 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $1,193,618,000 after buying an additional 595,038 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 91.30% of the companys stock.

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Chipotle Mexican Grill Stock Performance

NYSE:CMG opened at $34.53 on Monday. The firm has a market cap of $45.66 billion, a P/E ratio of 30.56, a P/E/G ratio of 2.65 and a beta of 0.98. Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $29.75 and a fifty-two week high of $66.74. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $36.75 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $44.04.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Chipotle Mexican Grill ( NYSE:CMG Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The restaurant operator reported $0.29 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, hitting the consensus estimate of $0.29. The firm 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 businesss revenue was up 7.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $0.27 earnings per share. On average, equities research analysts predict that Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. will post 1.29 EPS for the current year.

CMG has been the subject of a number of research reports. Northcoast Research cut Chipotle Mexican Grill from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, October 31st. Piper Sandler upgraded Chipotle Mexican Grill from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and decreased their price objective for the company from $53.00 to $50.00 in a research note on Tuesday, August 12th. The Goldman Sachs Group restated a buy rating and issued a $45.00 price objective (down from $52.00) on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill in a research report on Thursday, October 30th. Rothschild Redb raised shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Wednesday, September 3rd. Finally, Raymond James Financial reiterated an outperform rating and set a $40.00 target price (down from $52.00) on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill in a report on Thursday, October 30th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty-two have assigned a Buy rating, eleven have assigned a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $49.81.

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About Chipotle Mexican Grill

(Free Report)

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, owns and operates Chipotle Mexican Grill restaurants. It sells food and beverages through offering burritos, burrito bowls, quesadillas, tacos, and salads. The company also provides delivery and related services its app and website. It has operations in the United States, Canada, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

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Legacy Capital Wealth Partners LLC acquired a new position in shares of TE Connectivity Ltd. (NYSE:TEL  Free Report) in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The firm acquired 1,575 shares of the electronics makers stock, valued at approximately $266,000.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the company. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of TE Connectivity by 1.1% during the second quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 38,292,320 shares of the electronics makers stock valued at $6,458,766,000 after purchasing an additional 410,910 shares during the last quarter. Dodge & Cox raised its holdings in TE Connectivity by 0.4% during the 1st quarter. Dodge & Cox now owns 16,022,480 shares of the electronics makers stock worth $2,264,297,000 after buying an additional 56,871 shares during the period. Wellington Management Group LLP lifted its stake in TE Connectivity by 17.2% during the first quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 7,459,195 shares of the electronics makers stock valued at $1,054,133,000 after buying an additional 1,097,035 shares in the last quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. lifted its stake in TE Connectivity by 17.1% during the first quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 6,563,527 shares of the electronics makers stock valued at $927,571,000 after buying an additional 960,276 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Bank of New York Mellon Corp boosted its holdings in shares of TE Connectivity by 21.8% in the second quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 4,136,447 shares of the electronics makers stock worth $697,694,000 after buying an additional 739,453 shares during the period. 91.43% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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TE Connectivity Trading Up 0.5%

TE Connectivity stock opened at $225.90 on Monday. TE Connectivity Ltd. has a 12 month low of $116.30 and a 12 month high of $250.67. The company has a quick ratio of 0.96, a current ratio of 1.56 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.38. The stock has a market cap of $66.46 billion, a P/E ratio of 36.73, a P/E/G ratio of 2.24 and a beta of 1.27. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $228.98 and its 200-day simple moving average is $200.86.

TE Connectivity Announces Dividend

TE Connectivity ( NYSE:TEL Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 29th. The electronics maker reported $2.44 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.29 by $0.15. TE Connectivity had a return on equity of 21.18% and a net margin of 10.67%.The business had revenue of $4.75 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.57 billion. During the same period last year, the company earned $1.95 earnings per share. TE Connectivitys quarterly revenue was up 16.7% compared to the same quarter last year. TE Connectivity has set its Q1 2026 guidance at 2.530-2.530 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that TE Connectivity Ltd. will post 8.05 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 12th. Investors of record on Friday, November 21st will be paid a $0.71 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, November 21st. This represents a $2.84 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.3%. TE Connectivitys payout ratio is presently 46.18%.

Insider Activity at TE Connectivity

In related news, insider Shadrak W. Kroeger sold 23,850 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, September 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $202.99, for a total value of $4,841,311.50. Following the transaction, the insider owned 25,976 shares in the company, valued at approximately $5,272,868.24. This represents a 47.87% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, EVP John S. Jenkins sold 25,021 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $247.73, for a total transaction of $6,198,452.33. Following the transaction, the executive vice president directly owned 20,903 shares in the company, valued at approximately $5,178,300.19. The trade was a 54.48% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. In the last quarter, insiders sold 131,171 shares of company stock valued at $31,380,209. 0.90% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several equities research analysts recently commented on the stock. Evercore ISI upped their price target on shares of TE Connectivity from $250.00 to $260.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, October 30th. Barclays boosted their target price on shares of TE Connectivity from $277.00 to $297.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, November 21st. Robert W. Baird raised their target price on TE Connectivity from $222.00 to $238.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, October 10th. Truist Financial lowered their price target on TE Connectivity from $255.00 to $239.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a report on Friday, November 21st. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their price target on TE Connectivity from $204.00 to $260.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, October 30th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eleven have issued a Buy rating and five have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, TE Connectivity has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $244.46.

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TE Connectivity Profile

(Free Report)

TE Connectivity Ltd., together with its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells connectivity and sensor solutions in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the AsiaPacific, and the Americas. The company operates through three segments: Transportation Solutions, Industrial Solutions, and Communications Solutions.

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New York State Common Retirement Fund lifted its holdings in Procore Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:PCOR  Free Report) by 9.5% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 472,207 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 40,883 shares during the period. New York State Common Retirement Funds holdings in Procore Technologies were worth $32,308,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the business. US Bancorp DE increased its stake in shares of Procore Technologies by 5.5% in the second quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 21,638 shares of the companys stock worth $1,480,000 after acquiring an additional 1,131 shares during the last quarter. Fred Alger Management LLC grew its stake in Procore Technologies by 15.4% in the first quarter. Fred Alger Management LLC now owns 38,349 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,532,000 after purchasing an additional 5,129 shares in the last quarter. Intellectus Partners LLC grew its stake in Procore Technologies by 135.3% in the second quarter. Intellectus Partners LLC now owns 12,305 shares of the companys stock valued at $842,000 after purchasing an additional 7,075 shares in the last quarter. GC Wealth Management RIA LLC acquired a new position in Procore Technologies in the 2nd quarter worth about $513,000. Finally, Brighton Jones LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Procore Technologies during the 4th quarter worth about $511,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 81.10% of the companys stock.

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Insider Activity at Procore Technologies

In related news, Director Kathryn Bueker sold 6,500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, November 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $79.00, for a total transaction of $513,500.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director owned 13,481 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,064,999. The trade was a 32.53% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, CFO Howard Fu sold 797 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $69.35, for a total value of $55,271.95. Following the sale, the chief financial officer owned 179,847 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $12,472,389.45. The trade was a 0.44% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Over the last three months, insiders sold 397,342 shares of company stock valued at $29,019,501. 21.50% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several equities research analysts recently commented on the company. BMO Capital Markets boosted their price target on Procore Technologies from $82.00 to $87.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, November 6th. Piper Sandler lifted their target price on shares of Procore Technologies from $82.00 to $91.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, November 6th. William Blair reissued an outperform rating on shares of Procore Technologies in a research report on Friday, October 17th. Robert W. Baird increased their price target on shares of Procore Technologies from $88.00 to $93.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, November 6th. Finally, KeyCorp raised their price target on shares of Procore Technologies from $81.00 to $91.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, November 6th. Thirteen analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, six have given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Procore Technologies presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $84.47.

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Procore Technologies Trading Up 0.3%

NYSE:PCOR opened at $74.06 on Monday. Procore Technologies, Inc. has a 12 month low of $53.71 and a 12 month high of $88.92. The firm has a market cap of $11.51 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -88.17 and a beta of 0.90. The company has a quick ratio of 1.33, a current ratio of 1.33 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.02. The companys 50 day moving average is $73.39 and its 200-day moving average is $70.40.

Procore Technologies (NYSE:PCOR  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, September 20th. The company reported ($0.19) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. Procore Technologies had a negative return on equity of 6.18% and a negative net margin of 9.84%.The firm had revenue of $172.21 million for the quarter. Equities analysts anticipate that Procore Technologies, Inc. will post -0.15 EPS for the current year.

Procore Technologies Profile

(Free Report)

Procore Technologies, Inc engages in the provision of a cloud-based construction management platform and related software products in the United States and internationally. The companys platform enables owners, general and specialty contractors, architects, and engineers to collaborate on construction projects.

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Samjo Management LLC reduced its stake in shares of Primo Brands Corporation (NYSE:PRMB  Free Report) by 2.0% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 321,860 shares of the companys stock after selling 6,670 shares during the quarter. Primo Brands comprises approximately 4.0% of Samjo Management LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 7th largest holding. Samjo Management LLCs holdings in Primo Brands were worth $9,533,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of PRMB. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Primo Brands by 28.7% during the first quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 19,704,538 shares of the companys stock worth $699,314,000 after purchasing an additional 4,389,327 shares during the last quarter. Boston Partners boosted its position in shares of Primo Brands by 13.7% in the 2nd quarter. Boston Partners now owns 8,089,479 shares of the companys stock valued at $239,551,000 after purchasing an additional 971,939 shares during the period. Eminence Capital LP grew its stake in Primo Brands by 48.3% during the 1st quarter. Eminence Capital LP now owns 7,019,075 shares of the companys stock worth $249,107,000 after buying an additional 2,284,912 shares during the last quarter. Samlyn Capital LLC grew its stake in Primo Brands by 401.8% during the 1st quarter. Samlyn Capital LLC now owns 4,656,312 shares of the companys stock worth $165,253,000 after buying an additional 3,728,344 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC increased its position in Primo Brands by 60.5% during the second quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC now owns 3,802,613 shares of the companys stock worth $112,405,000 after buying an additional 1,433,010 shares during the period. 87.71% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Insiders Place Their Bets

In related news, CEO Eric J. Foss purchased 123,049 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, November 11th. The shares were acquired at an average cost of $15.52 per share, with a total value of $1,909,720.48. Following the purchase, the chief executive officer directly owned 355,066 shares in the company, valued at $5,510,624.32. This trade represents a 53.03% increase in their position. The acquisition was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, CFO David W. Hass acquired 15,910 shares of Primo Brands stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, November 11th. The stock was bought at an average price of $15.71 per share, with a total value of $249,946.10. Following the purchase, the chief financial officer directly owned 64,745 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,017,143.95. This trade represents a 32.58% increase in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this purchase is available in the SEC filing. Over the last ninety days, insiders bought 203,469 shares of company stock worth $3,214,674. Insiders own 58.40% of the companys stock.

Primo Brands Trading Up 3.5%

Shares of Primo Brands stock opened at $16.17 on Monday. The firm has a market cap of $5.99 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -147.00, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.61 and a beta of 0.72. Primo Brands Corporation has a 52-week low of $14.36 and a 52-week high of $35.85. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $19.93 and its 200-day simple moving average is $25.14. The company has a quick ratio of 0.88, a current ratio of 1.06 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.55.

Primo Brands (NYSE:PRMB  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 6th. The company reported $0.41 earnings per share for the quarter, meeting analysts consensus estimates of $0.41. The company had revenue of $1.77 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.78 billion. Primo Brands had a positive return on equity of 9.64% and a negative net margin of 1.20%.The businesss quarterly revenue was up 35.3% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities research analysts anticipate that Primo Brands Corporation will post 1.13 earnings per share for the current year.

Primo Brands declared that its Board of Directors has authorized a stock repurchase program on Monday, November 10th that authorizes the company to buyback $50.00 million in outstanding shares. This buyback authorization authorizes the company to repurchase up to 0.9% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock buyback programs are usually a sign that the companys management believes its stock is undervalued.

Primo Brands Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 5th. Investors of record on Tuesday, November 25th will be issued a dividend of $0.10 per share. This represents a $0.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.5%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, November 25th. Primo Brandss dividend payout ratio is currently -129.03%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several research firms have recently weighed in on PRMB. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reissued a hold rating and issued a $26.00 price objective on shares of Primo Brands in a report on Friday, August 8th. Morgan Stanley decreased their price target on shares of Primo Brands from $38.00 to $35.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Monday, August 11th. Zacks Research downgraded shares of Primo Brands from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 4th. Jefferies Financial Group assumed coverage on shares of Primo Brands in a report on Friday, October 17th. They issued a hold rating and a $23.00 target price for the company. Finally, Bank of America lowered their price target on Primo Brands from $32.00 to $26.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Nine analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, three have assigned a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $29.50.

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Primo Brands Company Profile

(Free Report)

Primo Brands Corp. is a branded beverage company, which focuses on healthy hydration. It delivers sustainably and domestically sourced diversified offerings across products, formats, channels, price points and consumer occasions, distributed in the United States and Canada. The company provides water filtration units for home and business consumers across North America.

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Trustmark Bank Trust Department trimmed its stake in shares of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE:RCL  Free Report) by 20.2% in the second quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The fund owned 1,481 shares of the companys stock after selling 375 shares during the quarter. Trustmark Bank Trust Departments holdings in Royal Caribbean Cruises were worth $464,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Norges Bank acquired a new position in shares of Royal Caribbean Cruises in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $1,021,893,000. Nuveen LLC bought a new stake in Royal Caribbean Cruises during the first quarter valued at $358,614,000. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its holdings in Royal Caribbean Cruises by 3.2% during the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 29,604,177 shares of the companys stock worth $9,270,252,000 after acquiring an additional 929,414 shares during the period. Bessemer Group Inc. raised its position in shares of Royal Caribbean Cruises by 7,971.4% in the 2nd quarter. Bessemer Group Inc. now owns 540,222 shares of the companys stock worth $169,165,000 after acquiring an additional 533,529 shares in the last quarter. Finally, American Century Companies Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Royal Caribbean Cruises by 91.7% in the 2nd quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 1,087,660 shares of the companys stock valued at $340,590,000 after purchasing an additional 520,353 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 87.53% of the companys stock.

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Insider Activity

In other news, Director Maritza Gomez Montiel sold 1,100 shares of the stock in a transaction dated 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 sale, the director owned 14,234 shares in the company, valued at $4,010,571.84. This represents a 7.17% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. 6.95% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Royal Caribbean Cruises Stock Up 0.1%

Shares of NYSE RCL opened at $265.96 on Monday. 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 company has a 50-day moving average price of $290.99 and a 200-day moving average price of $303.49. The stock has a market capitalization of $72.53 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.89, a P/E/G ratio of 0.84 and a beta of 2.04. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. has a 1 year low of $164.01 and a 1 year high of $366.50.

Royal Caribbean Cruises (NYSE:RCL  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 28th. The company reported $5.75 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $5.68 by $0.07. The business had revenue of $5.14 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.16 billion. Royal Caribbean Cruises had a net margin of 23.33% and a return on equity of 44.68%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 5.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $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 forecast that Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. will post 14.9 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Royal Caribbean Cruises Increases Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, October 13th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, September 25th were paid a dividend of $1.00 per share. This is a boost from Royal Caribbean Cruisess previous quarterly dividend of $0.75. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, September 25th. This represents a $4.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.5%. Royal Caribbean Cruisess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 26.90%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

RCL has been the topic of a number of research analyst reports. Royal Bank Of Canada set a $360.00 price target on Royal Caribbean Cruises in a report on Friday, October 31st. Wells Fargo & Company started coverage on shares of Royal Caribbean Cruises in a research note on Tuesday, November 18th. They issued an overweight rating and a $320.00 price target for the company. Susquehanna set a $350.00 price objective on shares of Royal Caribbean Cruises and gave the stock a positive rating in a research report on Thursday, October 30th. 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. Finally, Citigroup dropped their price target on Royal Caribbean Cruises from $399.00 to $336.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, October 29th. Two equities 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 companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Royal Caribbean Cruises presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $326.82.

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Royal Caribbean Cruises Company Profile

(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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OMERS ADMINISTRATION Corp lowered its position in shares of International Business Machines Corporation (NYSE:IBM  Free Report) by 0.4% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 53,950 shares of the technology companys stock after selling 200 shares during the period. OMERS ADMINISTRATION Corps holdings in International Business Machines were worth $15,903,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the company. Brighton Jones LLC grew its position in International Business Machines by 12.4% during the 4th quarter. Brighton Jones LLC now owns 21,011 shares of the technology companys stock worth $4,619,000 after acquiring an additional 2,323 shares during the last quarter. Strategies Wealth Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of International Business Machines during the first quarter worth about $398,000. IFG Advisory LLC grew its stake in shares of International Business Machines by 21.3% in the first quarter. IFG Advisory LLC now owns 4,933 shares of the technology companys stock worth $1,227,000 after purchasing an additional 865 shares during the last quarter. OVERSEA CHINESE BANKING Corp Ltd grew its stake in shares of International Business Machines by 35.7% in the first quarter. OVERSEA CHINESE BANKING Corp Ltd now owns 1,658 shares of the technology companys stock worth $412,000 after purchasing an additional 436 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Malaga Cove Capital LLC bought a new position in International Business Machines during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $323,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 58.96% of the companys stock.

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International Business Machines Stock Performance

Shares of IBM opened at $308.68 on Monday. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $293.95 and its 200-day moving average price is $275.15. The stock has a market cap of $288.53 billion, a P/E ratio of 36.92, a P/E/G ratio of 4.33 and a beta of 0.71. International Business Machines Corporation has a 52 week low of $214.50 and a 52 week high of $324.90. The company has a quick ratio of 0.89, a current ratio of 0.93 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.97.

International Business Machines Announces Dividend

International Business Machines ( NYSE:IBM Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data 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 firm 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 business posted $2.30 EPS. International Business Machiness revenue was up 9.1% on a year-over-year basis. International Business Machines has set its FY 2025 guidance at EPS. Equities research analysts anticipate that International Business Machines Corporation will post 10.78 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 10th. Stockholders of record on Monday, November 10th will be given a dividend of $1.68 per share. This represents a $6.72 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.2%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, November 10th. International Business Machiness payout ratio is presently 80.38%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of brokerages have recently weighed in on IBM. Morgan Stanley cut their price objective on International Business Machines from $256.00 to $252.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, October 23rd. 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 note on Thursday, October 23rd. Wall Street Zen raised shares of International Business Machines from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Sunday, October 26th. Sanford C. Bernstein began coverage on shares of International Business Machines in a report on Monday, September 15th. They issued a market perform rating and a $280.00 price objective for the company. Finally, BMO Capital Markets lifted their target price on shares of International Business Machines from $300.00 to $305.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a research note on Thursday, October 23rd. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eight have assigned a Buy rating, seven have given a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $291.08.

Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on IBM

International Business Machines Profile

(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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iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF (NYSEARCA:KXI  Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week high during trading on Monday . The stock traded as high as $67.99 and last traded at $66.1390, with a volume of 193 shares. The stock had previously closed at $65.97.

iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF Stock Performance

The firms 50-day moving average price is $64.56 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $65.31. The stock has a market cap of $892.88 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 23.27 and a beta of 0.55.

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Institutional Trading of iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF

Several institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in KXI. Atria Wealth Solutions Inc. acquired a new position in iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF in the first quarter valued at approximately $201,000. National Bank of Canada FI lifted its stake in shares of iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF by 1.6% in the 1st quarter. National Bank of Canada FI now owns 21,742 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,393,000 after purchasing an additional 338 shares during the last quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC grew its holdings in shares of iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF by 78.7% during the 1st quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC now owns 13,210 shares of the companys stock worth $846,000 after purchasing an additional 5,819 shares during the period. Cresset Asset Management LLC increased its position in shares of iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF by 2.8% during the 1st quarter. Cresset Asset Management LLC now owns 15,431 shares of the companys stock worth $988,000 after purchasing an additional 426 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Raymond James Financial Inc. increased its position in shares of iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF by 10.8% during the 1st quarter. Raymond James Financial Inc. now owns 46,156 shares of the companys stock worth $2,956,000 after purchasing an additional 4,498 shares during the last quarter.

iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF Company Profile

iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF (the Fund), formerly The iShares S&P Global Consumer Staples Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks investment results that correspond to the price and yield performance of the S&P Global 1200 Consumer Staples Sector Index (the Index). The Index is a subset of the Standard & Poors Global 1200 Index.

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Royal Caribbean Cruises (NYSE:RCL  Get Free Report) had its price objective dropped by research analysts at Wells Fargo & Company from $320.00 to $316.00 in a report issued on Monday,Benzinga reports. The brokerage presently has an overweight rating on the stock. Wells Fargo & Companys target price would suggest a potential upside of 19.31% from the stocks previous close.

Several other research firms have also commented on RCL. Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b) rating on shares of Royal Caribbean Cruises in a research 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. Stifel Nicolaus lowered their price target on shares of Royal Caribbean Cruises from $420.00 to $400.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, October 29th. Tigress Financial boosted their price objective on shares of Royal Caribbean Cruises from $330.00 to $415.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, August 21st. Finally, Barclays lowered their target price on shares of Royal Caribbean Cruises from $358.00 to $342.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, October 29th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nineteen have issued a Buy rating and four have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Royal Caribbean Cruises has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $326.64.

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Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on RCL

Royal Caribbean Cruises Stock Down 0.5%

NYSE RCL traded down $1.38 during trading on Monday, reaching $264.87. 235,299 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 2,390,737. Royal Caribbean Cruises has a 12-month low of $164.01 and a 12-month high of $366.50. 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 firm has a market cap of $72.23 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.80, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.84 and a beta of 2.04. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $290.99 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $303.49.

Royal Caribbean Cruises (NYSE:RCL  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 28th. The company reported $5.75 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $5.68 by $0.07. The firm had revenue of $5.14 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.16 billion. Royal Caribbean Cruises had a net margin of 23.33% and a return on equity of 44.68%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 5.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm earned $5.20 earnings per share. Royal Caribbean Cruises has set its FY 2025 guidance at 15.580-15.630 EPS. Q4 2025 guidance at 2.740-2.790 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that Royal Caribbean Cruises will post 14.9 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Insider Activity

In other Royal Caribbean Cruises news, Director Maritza Gomez Montiel sold 1,100 shares of the firms stock in a transaction 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 owned 14,234 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,010,571.84. This trade represents a 7.17% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Corporate insiders own 6.95% of the companys stock.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Royal Caribbean Cruises

Several hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Opal Wealth Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of Royal Caribbean Cruises during the 2nd quarter worth $27,000. Oliver Lagore Vanvalin Investment Group bought a new position in Royal Caribbean Cruises in the 2nd quarter worth $31,000. 1 North Wealth Services LLC bought a new position in Royal Caribbean Cruises in the 2nd quarter worth $31,000. Evolution Wealth Management Inc. purchased a new position in Royal Caribbean Cruises during the second quarter valued at $31,000. Finally, Trust Co. of Toledo NA OH bought a new stake in Royal Caribbean Cruises during the second quarter valued at about $32,000. 87.53% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Royal Caribbean Cruises Company Profile

(Get 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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A drone photo taken on Dec. 1, 2025 shows people crossing a river via a rope after a bridge was damaged by floodwaters in Bireuen Regency, Aceh Province, Indonesia. The death toll from recent floods and landslides across three provinces on Indonesia's Sumatra Island has risen to 502 with 508 missing, the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) said on Monday. (Photo by Fachrul Reza/Xinhua)

JAKARTA, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- The death toll from recent floods and landslides across three provinces on Indonesia's Sumatra Island has risen to 502 with 508 missing, the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) said on Monday.

Rescue operations are continuing at full speed across affected areas, the agency said.

The agency reported that flooding displaced about 550,000 people in North Sumatra, West Sumatra, and Aceh provinces. Damage to roads and disruptions to communication networks have left some affected areas inaccessible, with relief supplies being delivered mainly by air.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto said on Monday that the government's rescue and relief efforts are being advanced with full force.

He stressed that Indonesia must respond effectively to climate change and that local governments should play a greater role in environmental protection and in preparing for future extreme weather events. 

This photo taken on Dec. 1, 2025 shows people crossing a river via a rope after a bridge was damaged by floodwaters in Bireuen Regency, Aceh Province, Indonesia. The death toll from recent floods and landslides across three provinces on Indonesia's Sumatra Island has risen to 502 with 508 missing, the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) said on Monday. (Photo by Fachrul Reza/Xinhua)

This photo taken on Nov. 30, 2025 shows people crossing a river by boat after a bridge was damaged by floodwaters in Bireuen Regency, Aceh Province, Indonesia. The death toll from recent floods and landslides across three provinces on Indonesia's Sumatra Island has risen to 502 with 508 missing, the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) said on Monday. (Photo by Yulham/Xinhua)

This photo taken on Nov. 30, 2025 shows people crossing a river by boat after a bridge was damaged by floodwaters in Bireuen Regency, Aceh Province, Indonesia. The death toll from recent floods and landslides across three provinces on Indonesia's Sumatra Island has risen to 502 with 508 missing, the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) said on Monday. (Photo by Yulham/Xinhua)

A rescuer walks through flood water to bring relief supplies for disaster-affected communities at a temporary shelter in Medan, North Sumatra, Indonesia on Nov. 29, 2025. The death toll from recent floods and landslides across three provinces on Indonesia's Sumatra Island has risen to 502 with 508 missing, the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) said on Monday. (Photo by Saddam/Xinhua)
Sunstone Hotel Investors (NYSE:SHO  Get Free Report) had its price objective lifted by analysts at Wells Fargo & Company from $8.50 to $10.00 in a note issued to investors on Monday,Benzinga reports. The brokerage currently has an equal weight rating on the real estate investment trusts stock. Wells Fargo & Companys price objective points to a potential upside of 8.17% from the companys previous close.

A number of other research analysts also recently issued reports on SHO. Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of Sunstone Hotel Investors from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report on Sunday, November 16th. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c-) rating on shares of Sunstone Hotel Investors in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, Truist Financial decreased their price target on Sunstone Hotel Investors from $11.00 to $10.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, September 3rd. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, four have given a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Sunstone Hotel Investors has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $9.14.

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Sunstone Hotel Investors Trading Down 1.2%

SHO stock traded down $0.12 during trading on Monday, hitting $9.25. The company had a trading volume of 103,927 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,226,801. The stock has a market cap of $1.76 billion, a PE ratio of 461.98, a PEG ratio of 5.32 and a beta of 1.28. The business has a 50-day moving average of $9.26 and a 200-day moving average of $9.11. The company has a current ratio of 2.73, a quick ratio of 2.73 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.51. Sunstone Hotel Investors has a one year low of $7.45 and a one year high of $12.41.

Sunstone Hotel Investors (NYSE:SHO  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Friday, November 7th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.17 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.15 by $0.02. Sunstone Hotel Investors had a net margin of 2.15% and a return on equity of 1.12%. The firm had revenue of $229.32 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $226.05 million. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $0.18 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 1.3% on a year-over-year basis. Sunstone Hotel Investors has set its FY 2025 guidance at 0.800-0.870 EPS. Research analysts predict that Sunstone Hotel Investors will post 0.79 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Sunstone Hotel Investors

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Zurcher Kantonalbank Zurich Cantonalbank raised its stake in shares of Sunstone Hotel Investors by 12.5% during the first quarter. Zurcher Kantonalbank Zurich Cantonalbank now owns 144,330 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $1,358,000 after acquiring an additional 16,032 shares in the last quarter. Federated Hermes Inc. bought a new stake in Sunstone Hotel Investors during the 1st quarter valued at $124,000. Vestcor Inc purchased a new position in Sunstone Hotel Investors during the 1st quarter valued at about $276,000. Natixis Advisors LLC raised its holdings in shares of Sunstone Hotel Investors by 3.7% during the first quarter. Natixis Advisors LLC now owns 87,260 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $821,000 after acquiring an additional 3,144 shares in the last quarter. Finally, New Age Alpha Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of Sunstone Hotel Investors during the first quarter valued at about $143,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 99.37% of the companys stock.

About Sunstone Hotel Investors

(Get Free Report)

Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc is a lodging real estate investment trust ("REIT") that as of the date of this release owns 14 hotels comprised of 6,675 rooms, the majority of which are operated under nationally recognized brands. Sunstone's strategy is to create long-term stakeholder value through the acquisition, active ownership, and disposition of well-located hotel and resort real estate.

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DiamondRock Hospitality (NYSE:DRH  Get Free Report) had its price objective hoisted by investment analysts at Wells Fargo & Company from $9.00 to $10.00 in a report issued on Monday,Benzinga reports. The firm currently has an equal weight rating on the real estate investment trusts stock. Wells Fargo & Companys price objective suggests a potential upside of 10.31% from the companys current price.

A number of other analysts have also issued reports on the company. Morgan Stanley lowered their price target on DiamondRock Hospitality from $9.00 to $8.50 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, October 22nd. Evercore ISI increased their target price on shares of DiamondRock Hospitality from $9.00 to $10.00 and gave the company an in-line rating in a research report on Thursday, November 20th. Finally, Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c) rating on shares of DiamondRock Hospitality in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating and six have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $9.21.

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Check Out Our Latest Analysis on DRH

DiamondRock Hospitality Price Performance

Shares of NYSE DRH traded down $0.05 during trading on Monday, hitting $9.07. The company had a trading volume of 247,533 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,852,307. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.85 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 36.26, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 4.50 and a beta of 1.04. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $8.24 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $8.04. The company has a quick ratio of 1.64, a current ratio of 1.64 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.70. DiamondRock Hospitality has a fifty-two week low of $6.18 and a fifty-two week high of $10.00.

DiamondRock Hospitality (NYSE:DRH  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.29 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.25 by $0.04. DiamondRock Hospitality had a net margin of 5.69% and a return on equity of 4.04%. The firm had revenue of $285.38 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $277.45 million. During the same period last year, the company posted $0.27 EPS. DiamondRock Hospitalitys quarterly revenue was up .1% compared to the same quarter last year. DiamondRock Hospitality has set its FY 2025 guidance at 1.020-1.06 EPS. On average, research analysts expect that DiamondRock Hospitality will post 0.96 earnings per share for the current year.

Institutional Trading of DiamondRock Hospitality

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. CIBC Bancorp USA Inc. bought a new stake in shares of DiamondRock Hospitality in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $175,000. Danske Bank A S acquired a new stake in DiamondRock Hospitality in the third quarter valued at approximately $33,000. CANADA LIFE ASSURANCE Co grew its position in DiamondRock Hospitality by 4.7% in the third quarter. CANADA LIFE ASSURANCE Co now owns 494,912 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $3,993,000 after acquiring an additional 22,417 shares in the last quarter. Caxton Associates LLP acquired a new position in shares of DiamondRock Hospitality during the 3rd quarter worth $2,094,000. Finally, Alyeska Investment Group L.P. increased its stake in shares of DiamondRock Hospitality by 5.5% during the 3rd quarter. Alyeska Investment Group L.P. now owns 9,152,343 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $72,853,000 after purchasing an additional 475,611 shares during the last quarter.

DiamondRock Hospitality Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

DiamondRock Hospitality Company is a self-advised real estate investment trust (REIT) that is an owner of a leading portfolio of geographically diversified hotels concentrated in leisure destinations and top gateway markets. The Company currently owns 36 premium quality hotels with over 9,700 rooms. The Company has strategically positioned its portfolio to be operated both under leading global brand families as well as independent boutique hotels in the lifestyle segment.

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Okabena Investment Services Inc. reduced its holdings in Visa Inc. (NYSE:V  Free Report) by 6.7% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 7,178 shares of the credit-card processors stock after selling 514 shares during the quarter. Okabena Investment Services Inc.s holdings in Visa were worth $2,549,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

A number of other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in V. Bare Financial Services Inc lifted its holdings in shares of Visa by 287.0% during the 2nd quarter. Bare Financial Services Inc now owns 89 shares of the credit-card processors stock worth $32,000 after acquiring an additional 66 shares during the period. Everstar Asset Management LLC increased its position in Visa by 5.0% during the second quarter. Everstar Asset Management LLC now owns 931 shares of the credit-card processors stock worth $331,000 after purchasing an additional 44 shares during the last quarter. Greenwich Wealth Management LLC raised its stake in Visa by 10.8% during the second quarter. Greenwich Wealth Management LLC now owns 1,412 shares of the credit-card processors stock worth $502,000 after purchasing an additional 138 shares during the period. Bernardo Wealth Planning LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Visa by 5.5% in the 2nd quarter. Bernardo Wealth Planning LLC now owns 638 shares of the credit-card processors stock valued at $227,000 after purchasing an additional 33 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Orleans Capital Management Corp LA purchased a new stake in shares of Visa during the 2nd quarter valued at $575,000. 82.15% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Visa Stock Up 0.3%

Shares of NYSE V opened at $334.67 on Monday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.53, a quick ratio of 1.08 and a current ratio of 1.08. Visa Inc. has a 1 year low of $299.00 and a 1 year high of $375.51. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $339.68 and its 200-day simple moving average is $347.15. The firm has a market cap of $609.67 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 32.78, a PEG ratio of 1.98 and a beta of 0.82.

Visa Increases Dividend

Visa ( NYSE:V Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, October 28th. The credit-card processor reported $2.98 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.97 by $0.01. Visa had a return on equity of 60.31% and a net margin of 50.15%.The company had revenue of $10.72 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $10.60 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $2.71 EPS. The businesss revenue was up 11.5% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that Visa Inc. will post 11.3 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 1st. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, November 12th will be issued a dividend of $0.67 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, November 12th. This represents a $2.68 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.8%. This is an increase from Visas previous quarterly dividend of $0.59. Visas dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 26.25%.

Insider Transactions at Visa

In related news, insider Paul D. Fabara sold 2,172 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $325.93, for a total value of $707,919.96. Following the completion of the sale, the insider directly owned 26,413 shares of the companys stock, valued at $8,608,789.09. The trade was a 7.60% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Also, CEO Ryan Mcinerney sold 10,485 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $341.00, for a total value of $3,575,385.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer owned 537 shares in the company, valued at $183,117. The trade was a 95.13% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. In the last 90 days, insiders sold 24,042 shares of company stock valued at $8,175,152. Insiders own 0.13% of the companys stock.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of research firms have issued reports on V. Robert W. Baird set a $425.00 price target on Visa in a research report on Wednesday, October 29th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b) rating on shares of Visa in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Wells Fargo & Company raised shares of Visa to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 22nd. KeyCorp restated an overweight rating and set a $405.00 target price on shares of Visa in a report on Wednesday, October 22nd. Finally, Morgan Stanley set a $398.00 price target on Visa and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, October 29th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seventeen have given a Buy rating and five have assigned a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $400.00.

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About Visa

(Free Report)

Visa Inc operates as a payment technology company in the United States and internationally. The company operates VisaNet, a transaction processing network that enables authorization, clearing, and settlement of payment transactions. It also offers credit, debit, and prepaid card products; tap to pay, tokenization, and click to pay services; Visa Direct, a solution that facilitates the delivery of funds to eligible cards, deposit accounts, and digital wallets; Visa B2B Connect, a multilateral business-to-business cross-border payments network; Visa Cross-Border Solution, a cross-border consumer payments solution; and Visa DPS that provides a range of value-added services, including fraud mitigation, dispute management, data analytics, campaign management, a suite of digital solutions, and contact center services.

Further Reading

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding V? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Visa Inc. (NYSE:V  Free Report).

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Galan Lithium Limited (ASX:GLN  Get Free Report) insider Juan Pablo de la Vega bought 678,618 shares of Galan Lithium stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, November 27th. The stock was purchased at an average price of A$0.24 per share, with a total value of A$162,868.32.

Galan Lithium Price Performance

The firm has a market cap of $98.56 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -5.12 and a beta of 2.17. The company has a quick ratio of 20.83, a current ratio of 0.43 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.38.

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Galan Lithium Company Profile

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Galan Lithium Limited acquires, explores for, evaluates, and develops mineral projects. The company primarily explores for lithium and other deposits. It holds 100% interests in the Hombre Muerto West project that comprises seven concessions covering an area of approximately 11,600 hectares located in the Catamarca province in Argentina; and the Candelas comprises fourteen exploration permits project covering an area of 24,072 hectares located in the Catamarca province, Argentina.

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Spanish Mountain Gold Ltd. (CVE:SPA  Get Free Report)s stock price shot up 14.7% during mid-day trading on Monday . The company traded as high as C$0.20 and last traded at C$0.20. 1,377,552 shares were traded during mid-day trading, an increase of 189% from the average session volume of 477,437 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.17.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Separately, Atrium Research upgraded Spanish Mountain Gold to a strong-buy rating in a report on Wednesday, September 10th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Strong Buy.

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Spanish Mountain Gold Stock Performance

Spanish Mountain Gold Company Profile

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.26, a current ratio of 5.99 and a quick ratio of 3.03. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of C$0.15 and a 200-day moving average price of C$0.15. The company has a market capitalization of C$102.94 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -21.00 and a beta of 1.09.

(Get Free Report)

Spanish Mountain Gold Ltd., an exploration stage resource company, engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties in Canada. It holds a 100% interest in the Spanish Mountain gold project, which comprises approximately 50 contiguous mineral claims and 13 placer claims covering an area of approximately 10,414 hectares located in the Cariboo region of central British Columbia.

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PACS Group, Inc. (NYSE:PACS  Get Free Report) saw unusually-high trading volume on Monday . Approximately 963,960 shares were traded during trading, an increase of 15% from the previous sessions volume of 840,880 shares.The stock last traded at $34.8280 and had previously closed at $33.41.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several research firms recently issued reports on PACS. Wall Street Zen lowered PACS Group from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Sunday. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c-) rating on shares of PACS Group in a report on Wednesday. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada upped their price target on shares of PACS Group from $32.00 to $33.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, November 20th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $26.75.

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PACS Group Stock Performance

Insider Buying and Selling

The companys 50-day moving average price is $15.36 and its 200 day moving average price is $12.78. The stock has a market capitalization of $5.36 billion, a PE ratio of 32.59 and a beta of -0.74. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.28, a quick ratio of 0.94 and a current ratio of 0.94.

In other news, insider John Todd Mitchell sold 159,556 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $29.89, for a total value of $4,769,128.84. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider owned 755,836 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $22,591,938.04. This represents a 17.43% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, Director Evelyn S. Dilsaver bought 16,724 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 24th. The stock was purchased at an average price of $29.90 per share, with a total value of $500,047.60. Following the purchase, the director owned 22,739 shares in the company, valued at $679,896.10. This trade represents a 278.04% increase in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this purchase is available in the SEC filing.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On PACS Group

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in PACS. Dynamic Technology Lab Private Ltd purchased a new stake in shares of PACS Group during the first quarter valued at $469,000. Nuveen LLC bought a new stake in shares of PACS Group in the first quarter worth approximately $1,918,000. Los Angeles Capital Management LLC bought a new position in PACS Group during the second quarter valued at approximately $1,654,000. Zurcher Kantonalbank Zurich Cantonalbank boosted its holdings in PACS Group by 19.5% in the first quarter. Zurcher Kantonalbank Zurich Cantonalbank now owns 25,078 shares of the companys stock worth $282,000 after purchasing an additional 4,100 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Bleakley Financial Group LLC bought a new stake in PACS Group in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $297,000.

About PACS Group

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PACS Group, Inc, through its subsidiaries, operates skilled nursing facilities and assisted living facilities in the United States. The company also provides senior care and independent facilities. It engages in the acquisition, ownership, and leasing of health care-related properties. The company was founded in 2013 and is based in Farmington, Utah.

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The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS  Get Free Report) saw unusually large options trading on Monday. Stock investors purchased 79,890 call options on the stock. This is an increase of approximately 140% compared to the typical daily volume of 33,219 call options.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On The Goldman Sachs Group

Hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Clal Insurance Enterprises Holdings Ltd bought a new stake in The Goldman Sachs Group during the first quarter worth $25,000. Dogwood Wealth Management LLC raised its stake in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 1,800.0% during the 2nd quarter. Dogwood Wealth Management LLC now owns 38 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $26,000 after purchasing an additional 36 shares during the period. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. purchased a new position in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group in the 3rd quarter worth about $26,000. First PREMIER Bank bought a new position in The Goldman Sachs Group during the third quarter valued at about $28,000. Finally, Corundum Trust Company INC purchased a new stake in The Goldman Sachs Group during the third quarter worth about $29,000. 71.21% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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The Goldman Sachs Group Price Performance

Shares of The Goldman Sachs Group stock traded down $15.85 during trading on Monday, hitting $810.19. The stock had a trading volume of 1,096,946 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,347,062. The firm has a market cap of $243.00 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.46, a PEG ratio of 1.43 and a beta of 1.41. The Goldman Sachs Group has a fifty-two week low of $439.38 and a fifty-two week high of $841.28. The business has a fifty day moving average of $787.51 and a two-hundred day moving average of $727.33. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.23, a current ratio of 1.11 and a quick ratio of 0.67.

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 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $10.27 by $1.98. The Goldman Sachs Group had a net margin of 13.18% and a return on equity of 14.79%. The company had revenue of $15.18 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $13.68 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $8.40 EPS. The companys revenue was up 19.5% on a year-over-year basis. On average, sell-side analysts expect that The Goldman Sachs Group will post 47.12 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, December 30th. Investors of record on Tuesday, December 2nd will be issued a dividend of $4.00 per share. This represents a $16.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, December 2nd. The Goldman Sachs Groups dividend payout ratio is currently 32.50%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several analysts have recently commented on GS shares. BMO Capital Markets started coverage on The Goldman Sachs Group in a research report on Friday, October 3rd. They set a market perform rating and a $785.00 target price on the stock. Wells Fargo & Company increased their target price on The Goldman Sachs Group from $785.00 to $855.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, September 16th. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c) rating on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group in a report on Tuesday, November 25th. Dbs Bank increased their price objective on The Goldman Sachs Group from $800.00 to $890.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, November 13th. Finally, Morgan Stanley dropped their price objective on The Goldman Sachs Group from $854.00 to $828.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, October 15th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, sixteen have issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $786.00.

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About The Goldman Sachs Group

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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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Invesco Emerging Markets Sovereign Debt ETF (NYSEARCA:PCY  Get Free Report) saw strong trading volume on Monday . 634,755 shares were traded during mid-day trading, an increase of 107% from the previous sessions volume of 307,221 shares.The stock last traded at $21.7320 and had previously closed at $21.84.

Invesco Emerging Markets Sovereign Debt ETF Stock Performance

The companys 50-day moving average price is $21.72 and its 200-day moving average price is $20.93.

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Institutional Trading of Invesco Emerging Markets Sovereign Debt ETF

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in PCY. SGL Investment Advisors Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Invesco Emerging Markets Sovereign Debt ETF in the 1st quarter valued at $217,000. Endowment Wealth Management Inc. lifted its position in Invesco Emerging Markets Sovereign Debt ETF by 18.7% in the first quarter. Endowment Wealth Management Inc. now owns 45,450 shares of the companys stock valued at $917,000 after acquiring an additional 7,156 shares during the last quarter. National Bank of Canada FI boosted its stake in Invesco Emerging Markets Sovereign Debt ETF by 4.4% in the first quarter. National Bank of Canada FI now owns 108,425 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,186,000 after acquiring an additional 4,537 shares in the last quarter. Raymond James Financial Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Invesco Emerging Markets Sovereign Debt ETF by 16.6% during the first quarter. Raymond James Financial Inc. now owns 419,158 shares of the companys stock worth $8,454,000 after purchasing an additional 59,530 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. increased its position in shares of Invesco Emerging Markets Sovereign Debt ETF by 39.3% during the first quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 10,503 shares of the companys stock worth $212,000 after purchasing an additional 2,962 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 69.00% of the companys stock.

About Invesco Emerging Markets Sovereign Debt ETF

The Invesco Emerging Markets Sovereign Debt ETF (PCY) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in broad credit fixed income. The fund tracks a tier-weighted index of US-dollar-denominated sovereign debt in emerging markets with at least 3 years to maturity. PCY was launched on Oct 11, 2007 and is managed by Invesco.

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Community Health Systems, Inc. (NYSE:CYH  Get Free Report) shot up 7.3% on Monday . The company traded as high as $3.83 and last traded at $3.7140. 3,537,266 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 38% from the average session volume of 2,564,974 shares. The stock had previously closed at $3.46.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several equities research analysts recently issued reports on the company. UBS Group boosted their price objective on Community Health Systems from $3.20 to $3.60 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Monday, October 27th. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c-) rating on shares of Community Health Systems in a research report on Tuesday, November 25th. Wall Street Zen cut shares of Community Health Systems from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Sunday, November 2nd. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company increased their target price on shares of Community Health Systems from $2.50 to $3.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a report on Tuesday, October 7th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, six have issued a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $3.73.

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Community Health Systems Stock Performance

The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $3.35 and its 200 day simple moving average is $3.26. The company has a market capitalization of $504.91 million, a PE ratio of 1.51 and a beta of 2.07.

Community Health Systems (NYSE:CYH  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, October 23rd. The company reported $1.27 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of ($0.30) by $1.57. The firm had revenue of $3.09 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3 billion. Community Health Systems had a negative return on equity of 6.90% and a net margin of 2.60%.Community Health Systemss revenue for the quarter was down .1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted ($0.30) earnings per share. Community Health Systems has set its FY 2025 guidance at 0.800-0.900 EPS. On average, analysts expect that Community Health Systems, Inc. will post -0.29 earnings per share for the current year.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Community Health Systems

Several hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. increased its position in shares of Community Health Systems by 4.5% in the first quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 74,987 shares of the companys stock valued at $202,000 after buying an additional 3,204 shares in the last quarter. R Squared Ltd increased its holdings in Community Health Systems by 71.6% during the 1st quarter. R Squared Ltd now owns 10,950 shares of the companys stock valued at $30,000 after acquiring an additional 4,570 shares in the last quarter. Raymond James Financial Inc. raised its position in Community Health Systems by 16.1% during the third quarter. Raymond James Financial Inc. now owns 37,582 shares of the companys stock worth $121,000 after acquiring an additional 5,202 shares during the last quarter. Los Angeles Capital Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Community Health Systems by 4.7% in the second quarter. Los Angeles Capital Management LLC now owns 120,417 shares of the companys stock valued at $409,000 after purchasing an additional 5,395 shares in the last quarter. Finally, CWM LLC grew its position in shares of Community Health Systems by 133.1% in the second quarter. CWM LLC now owns 10,974 shares of the companys stock valued at $37,000 after purchasing an additional 6,266 shares during the last quarter. 84.99% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Community Health Systems Company Profile

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Community Health Systems, Inc owns, leases, and operates general acute care hospitals in the United States. It offers general acute care, emergency room, general and specialty surgery, critical care, internal medicine, obstetrics, diagnostic, psychiatric, and rehabilitation services, as well as skilled nursing and home care services.

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Compass Group PLC (OTCMKTS:CMPGY  Get Free Report) shares saw strong trading volume on Monday . 732,023 shares were traded during mid-day trading, an increase of 160% from the previous sessions volume of 282,082 shares.The stock last traded at $31.04 and had previously closed at $31.44.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several analysts have recently weighed in on CMPGY shares. Royal Bank Of Canada raised shares of Compass Group from a sector perform rating to an outperform rating in a report on Monday. Citigroup raised Compass Group from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Thursday. The Goldman Sachs Group raised Compass Group from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 11th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft restated a buy rating on shares of Compass Group in a report on Friday. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating and two have given a Buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Strong Buy.

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Compass Group Price Performance

Compass Group Company Profile

The firms 50-day moving average is $33.58 and its two-hundred day moving average is $34.41. The company has a quick ratio of 0.62, a current ratio of 0.69 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.67.

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Compass Group PLC operates as a food and support services company in North America, Europe, and internationally. The company offers support services, such as cleaning in hospitals; reception services at corporate headquarters; managing remote camps; grounds and facilities services at schools and universities; and others.

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SINGAPORE, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- Starting January 2026, Singapore will prohibit secondary school students from using smartphones and smartwatches during the entire school day, expanding the current restriction that only applies during lesson time.

The move, announced by the Ministry of Education on Sunday, is part of enhanced measures in secondary schools aimed at promoting healthier screen habits.

Under the new rules, students' devices will be kept in designated storage areas or school bags throughout school hours. Schools may, however, grant exceptions in necessary circumstances, the ministry said.

"Screen use among students has been shown to displace important activities such as sleep, physical activity and social interactions with friends and family, and is linked to poorer holistic well-being," it noted. 
Rocket Companies, Joint Stock Company Kaspi.kz, UP Fintech, PPDAI Group, DeFi Development, LexinFintech, and IDT are the seven Fintech stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Fintech stocks are shares of companies that build or use technology to provide financial servicesexamples include digital banks, payment processors, lending marketplaces, trading apps, insurtech and blockchain firms. Investors view them as growth-oriented plays driven by adoption, transaction volumes and platform scale, but they often carry higher volatility and specific risks from regulation, competition and cybersecurity. These companies had the highest dollar trading volume of any Fintech stocks within the last several days.

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Rocket Companies (RKT)

Rocket Companies, Inc., a fintech holding company, provides mortgage lending, title and settlement services, and other financial technology services in the United States and Canada. It operates through two segments, Direct to Consumer and Partner Network. The companys solutions include Rocket Mortgage, a mortgage lender; Amrock that provides title insurance, property valuation, and settlement services; Rocket Homes, a home search platform and real estate agent referral network, which offers technology-enabled services to support the home buying and selling experience; and Rocket Loans, an online-based personal loans business.

Joint Stock Company Kaspi.kz (KSPI)

Joint Stock Company Kaspi.kz, together with its subsidiaries, provides payments, marketplace, and fintech solutions for consumers and merchants in the Republic of Kazakhstan. It operates through three segments: Payments Platform, Marketplace Platform, and Fintech Platform. The Payments Platform segment facilities transactions between customers and merchants.

Read Our Latest Research Report on KSPI

UP Fintech (TIGR)

UP Fintech Holding Limited provides online brokerage services focusing on Chinese investors. The company has developed a brokerage platform, which allows investor to trade stocks, options, warrants, and other financial instruments that can be accessed through its APP and website. It offers brokerage and value-added services, including investor education, community engagement, and IR platform services.

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PPDAI Group (FINV)

FinVolution Group operates in the online consumer finance industry. The company operates a fintech platform that is empowered by borrowers with financial institutions. It operates in China and internationally. The company was formerly known as PPDAI Group Inc. and changed its name to FinVolution Group in November 2019.

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DeFi Development (DFDV)

We are a B2B fintech marketplace connecting commercial property borrowers and lenders with a human touch. We seek to revolutionize the commercial real estate lending market by making it hyper-efficient, transparent, and accessible to all rather than the few. Through our online platform, we provide technology that connects commercial mortgage borrowers looking for capital to refinance, build, or purchase commercial property, including, but not limited to, apartment buildings, to commercial property lenders.

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LexinFintech (LX)

LexinFintech Holdings Ltd., through its subsidiaries, provides online consumer finance services in the People's Republic of China. The company operates Fenqile.com, an online consumption and consumer finance platform that offers installment purchase and personal installment loans, as well as online direct sales with installment payment terms; and Le Hua Card, a scenario-based lending.

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IDT (IDT)

IDT Corporation provides communications and payment services in the United States, the United Kingdom, and internationally. It operates through Fintech, National Retail Solutions, net2phone, and Traditional Communications segments. The company operates point of sale, a terminal-based platform which provides independent retailers store management software, electronic payment processing, and other ancillary merchant services; and provides marketers with digital out-of-home advertising and transaction data.

Read Our Latest Research Report on IDT

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American Business Bank (OTCMKTS:AMBZ  Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week high on Monday . The stock traded as high as $60.99 and last traded at $60.98, with a volume of 15330 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $60.10.

American Business Bank Stock Performance

The businesss fifty day moving average price is $56.85 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $50.62. The stock has a market capitalization of $541.99 million, a P/E ratio of 10.93 and a beta of 0.51.

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American Business Bank (OTCMKTS:AMBZ  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 29th. The financial services provider reported $1.75 earnings per share for the quarter. The firm had revenue of $42.62 million during the quarter.

American Business Bank Company Profile

American Business Bank, a California-chartered bank, provides banking products and services to small and medium-sized firms, non-profits, business executives, and professionals in Southern California. The company offers credit and depository; treasury management; asset-based lending; SBA lending; international banking comprising money transfers, import and export commercial letters of credit, standby letters of credit, documentary and clean collections, and foreign currency exchange services; and consulting and referral services.

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Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. (NYSE:TSM  Get Free Report)s share price was down 1.2% on Monday after Wall Street Zen downgraded the stock from a buy rating to a hold rating. The stock traded as low as $283.19 and last traded at $288.0040. Approximately 7,554,549 shares were traded during mid-day trading, a decline of 47% from the average daily volume of 14,345,986 shares. The stock had previously closed at $291.51.

Other analysts also recently issued reports about the company. Susquehanna lifted their price objective on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from $300.00 to $400.00 and gave the company a positive rating in a report on Friday, October 10th. Needham & Company LLC reiterated a buy rating and set a $360.00 price objective on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in a research note on Monday, October 27th. Citigroup reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in a research note on Friday, October 17th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b-) rating on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in a research report on Tuesday, November 25th. Finally, 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. Six analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, According to data from MarketBeat.com, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing presently has an average rating of Buy and an average price target of $371.67.

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Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on TSM

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Stock Down 1.2%

A number of large investors have recently modified their holdings of TSM. Heartwood Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in the 3rd quarter worth $32,000. Cedar Wealth Management LLC raised its stake in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 91.4% during the third quarter. Cedar Wealth Management LLC now owns 134 shares of the semiconductor companys stock valued at $37,000 after buying an additional 64 shares in the last quarter. Fairman Group LLC raised its position in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 171.2% during the 3rd quarter. Fairman Group LLC now owns 141 shares of the semiconductor companys stock valued at $39,000 after acquiring an additional 89 shares in the last quarter. Resources Management Corp CT ADV acquired a new position in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in the second quarter worth $32,000. Finally, Mid American Wealth Advisory Group Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in the 2nd quarter valued at about $33,000. 16.51% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

The stock has a market cap of $1.49 trillion, a P/E ratio of 29.54, a PEG ratio of 1.02 and a beta of 1.31. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.20, a current ratio of 2.37 and a quick ratio of 2.15. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $290.31 and its 200-day simple moving average is $249.90.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (NYSE:TSM  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, October 16th. The semiconductor company reported $2.92 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.59 by $0.33. The firm had revenue of $32.36 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $951.89 billion. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing had a net margin of 43.72% and a return on equity of 36.06%. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturings quarterly revenue was up 40.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $1.94 EPS. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing has set its Q4 2025 guidance at EPS. On average, research analysts anticipate that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. will post 9.2 earnings per share for the current year.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Increases Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, April 9th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, March 17th will be issued a dividend of $0.9678 per share. 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%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, March 17th. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturings dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 25.74%.

About Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing

(Get 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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The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. (NYSE:THG  Get Free Report) announced a quarterly dividend on Monday, December 1st. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 12th will be paid a dividend of 0.95 per share by the insurance provider on Friday, December 26th. This represents a c) dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, December 12th. This is a 5.6% increase from The Hanover Insurance Groups previous quarterly dividend of $0.90.

The Hanover Insurance Group has decreased its dividend payment by an average of 0.2%per year over the last three years and has increased its dividend annually for the last 20 consecutive years. The Hanover Insurance Group has a dividend payout ratio of 22.3% meaning its dividend is sufficiently covered by earnings. Analysts expect The Hanover Insurance Group to earn $15.75 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $3.60 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 22.9%.

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The Hanover Insurance Group Stock Up 0.2%

Shares of NYSE THG traded up $0.40 during midday trading on Monday, hitting $185.95. The companys stock had a trading volume of 292,590 shares, compared to its average volume of 239,667. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $178.04 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $173.15. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.11, a current ratio of 0.37 and a quick ratio of 0.37. The Hanover Insurance Group has a 1 year low of $145.17 and a 1 year high of $188.18. The firm has a market capitalization of $6.62 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.75 and a beta of 0.44.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

The Hanover Insurance Group ( NYSE:THG Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The insurance provider reported $5.09 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $3.79 by $1.30. The firm had revenue of $1.67 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.72 billion. The Hanover Insurance Group had a net margin of 9.71% and a return on equity of 22.43%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 6.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $3.05 EPS. On average, equities analysts predict that The Hanover Insurance Group will post 14.37 EPS for the current year.

Several analysts have recently issued reports on the company. Royal Bank Of Canada assumed coverage on The Hanover Insurance Group in a research note on Monday, November 24th. They issued a sector perform rating and a $200.00 price objective on the stock. Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b) rating on shares of The Hanover Insurance Group in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods increased their price target 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. Finally, Morgan Stanley boosted their price objective on The Hanover Insurance Group from $185.00 to $190.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 7th. Six equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, The Hanover Insurance Group presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $195.83.

Check Out Our Latest Analysis on The Hanover Insurance Group

The Hanover Insurance Group Company Profile

(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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ISTANBUL, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- Turkiye has secured the extradition of 12 suspects wanted on Interpol Red Notices, the authorities said on Monday.

In a statement on the social media platform X, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said the suspects, wanted for various offenses at large, were located through close coordination with the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) and the judicial authorities of relevant countries.

He added that teams from multiple anti-crime agencies worked jointly to ensure the arrest and extradition of the suspects to Turkiye from Georgia, Germany, Austria and France.

The suspects were wanted on charges of murder, attempted murder, armed robbery, drug trafficking, fraud, forgery, theft or other crimes.

Yerlikaya said Turkiye will continue efforts to locate and extradite fugitives wanted on Interpol Red Notices. 
Fire Safety Ireland have warned Irish households not to make a potentially fatal mistake with Christmas decorations this year.

The warning comes as millions of homes are decked out with Christmas trees and lights in the run-up to the festive period. The issue that can cause a serious fire is overloaded sockets.

Fire Safety Ireland issued a stark warning that smoke inhalation can be fatal in as little as three minutes. Overloaded sockets pose a serious risk of electrical fire.

The safety warning reads: "Never overload electric sockets. If you need more electric sockets have then installed by a qualified electrician. Make sure that you use the correct fuses in your appliances, unplug all unnecessary electrical appliances at night-time and if electrical equipment is designed to be on all night, install a smoke alarm in the room."

READ NEXT: RTE probe highlights 'grooming and sexual exploitation' within popular online game Roblox

Fire Safety Ireland issues further advice:

To prevent fires starting, we need to avoid doing the following:

Smoking when tired

Leaving burning candles unattended

Being careless with matches and lighters

Leaving chip pans, frying pans, etc. unattended

Standing too close to fires, heaters, etc.

Using faulty electrical appliances

Overloading sockets

Leaving a mobile device charging on a bed or couch

We also need to make sure to:

Have our chimneys cleaned at least once a year

Use a spark guard with open fires

Use proper holders when burning candles

Keep ashtrays empty when not in use

Have a suitable fire extinguisher and fire blanket in your kitchen

Have faulty electrical appliances repaired or replaced immediately

Close all doors at night time

Carry out a routine fire safety check before going to bed
01/12/2025





Everton came away from Old Trafford last Monday buoyant  their 1-0 win over Manchester United earned on the back of a resolute defensive display, with the Toffees overcoming a numerical disadvantage following Idrissa Gana Gueyes early sending-off.

Gueyes spat with Michael Keane resulted in the midfielder becoming the first player to be sent off in a Premier League game for fighting with their own team-mate since Riccardo Fuller for Stoke City in 2008.

While Gueye was in the wrong, the hastiness with which referee Tony Harrington brandished his red card should have resulted in a common-sense approach from the powers that be when Everton inevitably appealed the three-game ban. That appeal, though, fell on deaf ears.

It means that Gueye will potentially play just one fixture (against Chelsea on 13 December) before heading off to the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal.

But with Everton managing to get the points without him at Old Trafford, there was hope, heading into Saturdays home game against Newcastle United, that others would step up to help fill the void. A chastening 4-1 defeat, though, leaves David Moyes with some big questions to answer ahead of Tuesdays trip to Bournemouth.

What went wrong for Everton against Newcastle?

With Merlin Rohl recovering from a hernia operation, Moyes was ultimately down to two options: Tim Iroegbunam or Charly Alcaraz.

Iroegbunam had taken his chances when they came recently, delivering decent cameos from the bench against Sunderland and Man Utd, while playing well for an hour after starting against Fulham prior to the November international break. A more naturally defensive player, he seemed the logical fit.

Alcaraz, meanwhile, offers a more dynamic, attacking threat, but is more suited to playing behind the striker than deeper.

It was not surprising, then, that Moyes turned to Iroegbunam, but very quickly on Saturday, it became abundantly clear that Everton cannot play the same way if they do not have Gueye in the side.

Newcastle, time and time again, carved through Evertons midfield. romping to a 4-1 triumph. Iroegbunam looked lost; without the experience or energy of Gueye next to him, the former Aston Villa midfielder was exposed  his positioning off the ball can at times let him down, and Newcastle capitalised. He was at fault for the Magpies third goal, as he inexplicably lost out to Anthony Elanga, who teed up Nick Woltemade to score on the stroke of half-time.

Alcaraz replaced Iroegbunam at half-time and offered more, lashing a thunderous strike against the crossbar, though he is no defensive midfielder, and James Garner was unable to plug the gaping holes left either side of him.

Not that Evertons midfield was the only problem. Michael Keane dived out of defence needlessly within 30 seconds of kick-off, getting spun by Woltemade, who released Elanga to force the corner from which Malick Thiaw scored the opener. Jordan Pickford spilled Lewis Mileys shot for Newcastles second, and the Toffees defence was shambolic as Thiaw doubled his tally just before the hour.

The only positive was that Garner and Iroegbunam both avoided a booking that would have seen them serve a one-game suspension for tallying up five yellow cards so far in the 2025-26 season.

So, what solutions could Moyes look at?

Who starts in midfield for Everton vs Bournemouth?

Moyes could potentially move Jake OBrien inside to form a back three, but the question then becomes: Who plays at right-back? Seamus Coleman lasted just 10 minutes at Old Trafford before succumbing to a hamstring issue and Nathan Patterson is not fully fit, and has not been trusted by Moyes regardless.

That means that 4-2-3-1, or a variation of it, is likely to remain in place for now. But without Gueye, the off-the-ball approach has to change. Everton cannot be diving in, their defence cannot be stepping up recklessly; there are too many gaps, and Bournemouth have the pace and power to take advantage.

Iroegbunam failed his audition on Saturday but, perhaps if Moyes switched to a flatter three and asked Garner to play deeper, then a box-to-box role could suit Iroegbunam, with in-form Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall playing a similar role on the other side.

If Moyes wishes to stay with his 4-2-3-1, then he must be brave; Alcaraz should start in the Number 10 position, and Dewsbury-Hall and Garner will have to be compact and disciplined defensively. They showed they are capable of it against Man Utd.

Jack Grealish or Iliman Ndiaye could, perhaps, play behind the striker if Moyes is reluctant to call on Alcaraz, who has arguably not been given a fair chance this term, with Dwight McNeil or, preferably, Tyler Dibling given a shot on one of the flanks, but this seems unlikely against a Bournemouth team that can certainly offer plenty in attack.

Bournemouth, though, are not in great form  they are winless in four Premier League games and gave up a 2-0 lead to lose 3-2 to Sunderland on Saturday. They will be without Lewis Cook and David Brooks, who are suspended. Perhaps the best form of defence is attack?

Evertons recent record at the Vitality Stadium is terrible, but getting back on course and avoiding defeat is crucial ahead of a tough run of fixtures that includes the return of former boss Sean Dyche with Nottingham Forest the next team to visit Hill Dickinson Stadium and clashes with Chelsea and Arsenal.

Gueyes absence is a blow, but Everton must get used to it, and Moyes must react accordingly. And really, should any Premier League midfield be so reliant on a 36-year-old to tie it together?

Saturdays loss must now be quickly put to one side  Alcaraz, Iroegbunam and the rest of Evertons fit midfielders must see these upcoming games not as a gauntlet, but as a chance to stake their claim.

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Sadly, this Sunday we get a glimpse at holiday season amid harsh economic times.

And so we ask our bloggy readers . . .

IS RISING SHOPPING CRIME ANOTHER KANSAS CITY METRO RECESSION INDICATOR?!?

Either way, we're sharing this story as a reminder to be careful out there . . .

Here are more deets:

"According to police, officers were called to the Olathe Pointe Shopping Center on West 119th Street around 12:20 p.m. on Sunday. At the scene, they found an 85-year-old woman with serious injuries.



"Additionally, police shared that a 50-year-old man was taken into custody, and there is no active threat to the public at this time."

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

Fox4KC: 85-year-old woman seriously hurt in disturbance at Olathe shopping center

KCTV5: Armed disturbance involving blunt force object leaves 85-year-old woman seriously injured

Developing . . .
Actually . . . We're asking for a bit of help understanding the current ethos of Christian selfie hotness.

We're asking this question in good faith . . .

How should we feel about selfies that seem like thirst traps and displays of hotness & glam when they're accompanied by scripture?!? It's confusing . . . Most of the pr0n stars we follow by way of social media have the decency to be honest about luring followers to OF subscriptions or even spurious Venmo "donations" in exchange for more spicy content . . . But Gracie doesn't need our pennies . . . And so we're left with a question that my Texan grandma often asked:

"Que importa?"

And so . . .

We'll attempt to decipher this joyful mystery as tabloid media offers this curious tidbit . . .

Before Kansas City and Dallas kicked off Thursday for a Thanksgiving clash at AT&T Stadium, Gracie Hunt, the daughter of Chiefs owner Clark Hunt, spent time on the field with Hanna and Haley Cavinder, the latter of whom is engaged to star Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson.



Thanksgiving throwdown in the Lone Star State, Hunt, 26, captioned photos of the sideline scene on Instagram. Grateful today and always for faith that leads, family that loves, and football that brings us together. Every good and perfect gift is from above. James 1:17.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .
Tonight we're inspired by AI interpolation of celeb, presenter, fashionista and angel Babs as we take another peek at pop culture, community reporting and top headlines going into a local snow event.

Check TKC news gathering . . .

Snow Impact Already

Flight diverted to KCI after snow shuts down Des Moines airport A Delta flight originally bound for Iowa instead landed in Kansas City early Saturday after a winter storm shut down operations at the Des Moines International Airport.

Suburban Growing Pains Persist

What's next for Lee's Summit $220 million development after opposition from neighbors? What's next for a $220 million development proposal after the Lee's Summit City Council voted it down 8-1 Tuesday night at a contentious meeting?

Touting Urban Vacant Revival

Instead of demolished, KC home got new life after fire. Can the city save more? The pilot program seeks to save 15 buildings that are listed as dangerous but could be saved as affordable housing. More homes could follow.

Cowtown Snowflake Fear

Kansas City Metro cities prep for snowfall Monday: Here's how to stay safe Cities in the Kansas City Metro are prepping for the first snowfall of the 2025 season, with forecasts calling for snow to begin Monday morning and continue through the afternoon and evening.

Leveraging Celebrity Holidays

Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce-inspired Christmas tree among festive entries at Lawrence fundraiser The Lawrence Festival of Trees is in full swing. Over 100 pieces of holiday artwork are set to be auctioned off to benefit O'Connell Children's Shelter (OCS).

Angels Always Triumph

How Barbara Palvin Walked the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2025 Runway With a Broken Foot Dylan Sprouse told E! News in an exclusive interview that his wife Barbara Palvin is a "beast" for walking the runway at the 2025 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show with a broken foot.

MAGA Promises Perfection

Trump says he'll MRI results after Minnesota Gov. Walz questions his health Trump said he had "no idea" what part of the body was scanned because it was "just an MRI," but the results were "perfect."

Latest La Migra Flex

Homan Predicts Deportation Of Most Third World Migrants Over Risks From Screening Docs White House border czar Tom Homan predicted Sunday the Trump administration will deport the majority of Third World migrants due to vetting challenges.

GOP Dividing Lines Backfire?!?

Republicans started the redistricting war, but will they win it? "There's still a lot of uncertainty going into 2026," one analyst told ABC News.

Beltway Accusations Intensify

Van Hollen: 'Very possible there was a war crime committed' in Venezuela boat strike Democratic Sen. Chris Van Hollen said Sunday he believes "it's very possible there was a war crime committed" in the first strike on an alleged drug trafficking boat.

Mass Deportation Talking Points

Kristi Noem claims suspect in national guard shooting was 'radicalized' in US Homeland security secretary also blamed 'activist' judges for defying court order to halt deportation flights

Tragedy Despite Strict Regs

Four killed in shooting at child's birthday party in California Police say 10 others are injured in what they believe is a "targeted" shooting, with children among the victims.

Round World Tragedy Deserves Attention

Amnesty accuses Sudanese paramilitary group RSF of committing war crimes in Darfur city of el-Fasher Amnesty International says atrocities by a Sudanese paramilitary group in a Darfur city constitute war crimes.

Still Talking Peace In Europe

Ukraine talks 'productive' but more work needed, Rubio says American and Ukrainian delegations meet in Florida to discuss the outlines of a peace deal with Russia.

El Papa Shares Plan

Pope Leo: Palestinian state 'only' solution to Israeli conflict "We are also friends with Israel and we are seeking to be a mediating voice," Leo said.

Fanbois Play Blame Game

6 winners and 9 losers from the Chiefs' Week 13 loss to the Cowboys Which Kansas City Chiefs players caught our eye during the team's Thanksgiving Day loss to the Dallas Cowboys?

Grigs Shares Snow Deets . . .

Kansas City weather: Up to 3 inches of snow on Monday Monday will bring our first accumulating snow of the season in the Kansas City area, and we've designated it as an Alert Day because of the travel impacts, especially late in the day.

And this is the OPEN THREAD for right now.
This op/ed was published in last week's paper but it was too dumb to pass up.

For context . . .

Not so long ago the Ivy League declared . . .

"The revisionist effort to increase the percentage of ethanol blended with U.S. gasoline continues to ignore the major environmental impacts of growing corn for fuel and how it inevitably leads to higher prices for this staple food crop. It remains a bad idea whose time has passed. "

Meanwhile . . .

Here's a horrible plan that dead-tree media tacitly endorsed . . .

"Kansas and Missouris representatives need to introduce a bill in Congress simply to ban the sale of new gasoline powered vehicles in the U.S.  and leave existing vehicles alone to carry out their useful lives. If such a bill passed, the car companies would immediately begin offering E100 ethanol-powered vehicles with engines that cant burn gasoline, in addition to their EV and hydrogen offerings. They all know how to do this using the same engine lines and the same workers used now for gasoline engines.



"E100 is a renewable fuel that contributes no net addition of CO2 to the atmosphere. Furthermore, E100 uses the same distribution infrastructure as gasoline. The farm economies of Kansas and Missouri would prosper as never before, as agricultural waste would become a feedstock for ethanol, in addition to the current use of corn.



"The result: Twenty years after that ban, we would be gasoline free. The ethanol industry would be producing around 100 billion gallons a year for the majority of light duty vehicles with the rest being electric and hydrogen vehicles, and global warming would be a thing of the past."

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .
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BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 1. The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) has officially closed its Minsk Process and its associated structures as of 23:59 on 30 November 2025, Trend reports via OSCE.

This move aligns with the decision adopted by the OSCE Ministerial Council (MC.DEC/1/25) on 1 September 2025, following a joint appeal from Armenia and Azerbaijan to the Finnish Chairpersonship of the OSCE.

The completion of all necessary administrative procedures marks the finalization of the closure process, which was part of the consensus reached by all 57 OSCE participating states.

As a reminder, on August 8, with the participation of US President Donald Trump, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, a seven-point Joint Declaration was signed in Washington. On the same day, the foreign ministers of both countries initialed an agreement on establishing peace and interstate relations.

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Details added: first version posted on November 29, 10:21

BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 29. Today, Azerbaijan's Innovation and Digital Development Agency (IDDA) is hosting 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 have 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, December 1. Major General Teymur Mehdiyev has been dismissed from his post as deputy minister of emergency situations of Azerbaijan, a source in the Ministry of Emergency Situations told Trend.

Mehdiyev was appointed deputy minister of emergency situations on May 5, 2014, and received the highest military rank of major general in the same year.

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COLOMBO, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- China has extended emergency assistance to Sri Lanka as the island country continues to battle severe floods and landslides caused by Cyclone Ditwah.

In a statement posted on social media platform X, the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka said the Red Cross Society of China has provided 100,000 U.S. dollars in emergency cash aid to the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society to support ongoing rescue and relief operations. Emergency assistance from the Chinese government is underway, read the statement.

The statement said that Chinese businesses and community groups in Sri Lanka have also mobilized support. The Chinese Chamber of Commerce and the Overseas Chinese Association in Sri Lanka have launched donation initiatives, collectively raising 10 million Sri Lankan rupees (about 32,500 U.S. dollars) for affected areas.

Addressing the country on Sunday night, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake appealed for international solidarity, saying he expects the support of friendly nations and the Sri Lankan diaspora in the country's recovery and reconstruction efforts. 
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 1. Cooperation between Azerbaijan and Romania has expanded significantly in all areas, the Romanian Ambassador, Vasile Soare, said at an event dedicated to Romanias National Day and the 107th anniversary of Romania's Great Union, Trend reports.

He noted that the trade turnover between the two countries amounts to $700 million.

Soare emphasized that in 2009, Romania became the first EU member state to sign a declaration on a strategic partnership with Azerbaijan.

Since then, cooperation between the two countries has expanded significantly in the political, diplomatic, economic, energy, transport, cultural, and educational spheres, added the ambassador.

According to him, the joint economic commission contributes to the growth of trade turnover, and the AzerbaijanGeorgiaRomaniaHungary Green Energy Corridor project is aimed at transferring energy from alternative sources to the European market.
Photo: Press Service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 1. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, has sent a congratulatory letter to Romanian President Nicusor Dan, Trend reports.

"Dear Mr. President,

On my own behalf and on behalf of the people of Azerbaijan, I extend to you, and through you to your entire people, my sincere congratulations on the occasion of the national holiday of Romania.

We attach great importance to the development of friendship and cooperation with Romania, our friend and partner. Today, we are pleased with the expansion of the AzerbaijanRomania bilateral cooperation agenda, built on good traditions and solid foundations, as well as with the enrichment of our fruitful joint activities with new content in the trade, economic, energyparticularly green energycultural, humanitarian, and other fields, alongside the strengthening of our strategic partnership.

I am confident that the traditional friendly relations between our countries and our fruitful cooperation, both bilaterally and multilaterally, will continue to expand through our joint efforts in the interests of our peoples, and that our strategic partnership will further deepen.

On this festive day, I extend my best regards to you and wish the friendly people of Romania everlasting prosperity and well-being," reads the letter.

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Photo: Press Service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 1. A total of two million manat ($1.18 million) has been allocated to the State Agency of Azerbaijan Automobile Roads for the major repair of the ZardabMalikumudluChalliSalahliHuseynkhanliKhanmammadli highway in the Zardab district, Trend reports.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, has signed the relevant decree.

According to the decree, for major repair of the above highway, connecting five residential settlements with a total population of 8,000 people, an initial amount of 2 million manat ($1.18 million) has been allocated to the State Agency of Azerbaijan Automobile Roads from the funds specified in Subparagraph 1.19.21 of the Distribution of State Capital Investments (investment expenditures) provided for in the 2025 state budget, approved by Presidential Decree No. 445 dated January 10, 2025.

The Ministry of Finance of Azerbaijan must ensure the financing in the amount specified in Part 1 of this decree.

The Ministry of Economy must include the necessary funds for continuing the major repair of this road in the distribution of state capital investment expenditures in the draft state budget for 2026.

The Cabinet of Ministers of Azerbaijan must resolve the issues arising from this decree.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 1. The OSCE Minsk Group was a platform for geopolitical interests instead of mediation, Azerbaijani political analyst Azer Garayev told Trend.

"The OSCE Minsk Group was an international mediation format established in 1992 to resolve the Karabakh conflict. The main goal was to organize peace negotiations and resolve the conflict in accordance with international law, through political means. However, despite its nearly thirty years of activity, the Minsk Group had been unable to prevent the conflict or put an end to the ongoing occupation," he said.

The analyst contended that the activities of the OSCE Minsk Group were rightly deemed as "ineffective," "formal," and largely "symbolic" within both Azerbaijani public discourse and international expert circles.

He argued that the three co-chairing countries of the Minsk Group, Russia, the U.S., and France, only made decisions based on consensus, which effectively paralyzed the groups ability to act. The differing geopolitical interests of these nations, coupled with each countrys veto power, hindered any substantive progress. As a result, the group devolved into a series of endless diplomatic processes rather than providing a genuine resolution to the conflict.

The analyst further explained that none of the co-chair countries could adopt a truly neutral stance. Russia sought to maintain its influence in the region and keep the parties reliant on its power. France, meanwhile, was heavily influenced by its robust Armenian diaspora. The United States, for its part, viewed the conflict primarily through the lens of geopolitical balance with Russia. Rather than pursuing an objective resolution, the mediators focused on advancing their own national interests, a dynamic that, according to the expert, severely undermined the legitimacy of the Minsk Groups mediation efforts.

Garayev also said that as a result of the activities of the Minsk Group, Armenia's occupation of Azerbaijani lands was actually legitimized.

"The group didn't openly name the fact of occupation, didn't monitor the implementation of UN resolutions, and didn't exert real pressure on the aggressor. This allowed Armenia to use the negotiations as a tool of manipulation for its own interests. The appearance that the parties were equally responsible was created, which was an unfair approach," he noted.

The analyst emphasized that although the Minsk Group had proposed various solution packages over the years (Madrid principles, phased solution, package solution, etc.), there were serious contradictions in all documents.

"This uncertainty prolonged the negotiation process and opened up new opportunities for Armenia's occupation policy. The Minsk Group had never imposed sanctions on Armenia for violating the ceasefire, illegally settling in the occupied territories, or worsening the humanitarian situation in the region. This created an environment of impunity for Armenia. For Azerbaijan, it minimized confidence that the mediators would take a fair position," he recalled.

Garayev pointed out that a clear indicator of the Minsk Group's helplessness was seen in the 44-day Second Karabakh War of 2020.

"Azerbaijan liberated its territories in accordance with international law, thereby achieving in 44 days what the Minsk Group could not do in 30 years. This moment became the most dramatic proof of the organization's incompetence. After 2020, the relations between the co-chair countries (especially the Russia-West confrontation) became even more acute. The group was actually forced to stop its activities. President Ilham Aliyev's position on the complete abolition of the OSCE Minsk Group and its affiliated institutions reflects the principled and consistent political approach that Azerbaijan has been expressing for many years. The Minsk Group was unable to make a real contribution to the resolution of the conflict for nearly 30 years, but on the contrary, served to prolong the process and maintain the status quo," the analyst added.

The official closure of the OSCE Minsk process and all related structures proves that the 30-year-old format of mediation on the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict has completely entered history. The Washington Declaration of August 8, 2025, mediated by US President Donald Trump and signed by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, and the Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, formed the main political basis for this process. Based on this document, both countries appealed to the OSCE, as a result of which a consensus of 57 member states decided to terminate the activities of the Minsk Group.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 1. Established in 1992, the Minsk Group of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) was intended as an international mediation platform to facilitate the resolution of the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict. However, over the span of three decades, it failed to halt the escalation of the conflict or produce any tangible outcomes toward resolving the occupation. As a result, the Minsk Group became widely regarded by both the Azerbaijani public and international security analysts as an ineffective, dysfunctional, and largely symbolic entity.

Between 1992 and 2020, the Minsk Group failed to end Armenia's occupation of Azerbaijani territories, to ensure the implementation of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions, or to apply any meaningful political pressure for the withdrawal of occupying forces. This inaction contributed to the freezing of the conflict. Many analysts contended that the Minsk Groups role was less about resolving the dispute and more about "managing" and prolonging it for decades.

The political interests of the three co-chairing countries - Russia, the US, and France - played a decisive role in shaping the mediation process. These competing interests undermined the group's ability to act impartially, preventing it from functioning as a truly objective or principled mediator. Decisions required consensus among the co-chairs, a structure that enabled any one of them to block progress through a veto, thereby stalling meaningful decision-making and rendering diplomatic efforts ineffective. As a result, the Minsk Group was unable to operate as a flexible or decisive mechanism.

Over the years, the Minsk Group did not react seriously to Armenias ceasefire violations, illegal settlement activities in the occupied territories, or humanitarian and security breaches. This environment of impunity provided Armenia with additional opportunities and prolonged the conflict instead of resolving it. For Azerbaijan, this completely undermined trust in the Minsk Group.

Although the group presented various documents over the years, including the Package Solution, the Step-by-Step Approach, and the Madrid Principles, none offered legally guaranteed mechanisms acceptable to Azerbaijan.

While the formal dissolution of the Minsk Group took place in 2025, the political foundation for this outcome had been shaped for years through the consistent stance of Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev. The results of the 2020 war, diplomatic efforts, and the Presidents principled position in international forums constituted the driving force that delegitimized the Minsk Group and ultimately led to its complete dissolution. These positions shifted the direction of international political discourse, reducing the groups legitimacy to zero.

For years, Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev consistently pointed out the failure of the Minsk Group to produce tangible results, its violation of the principle of neutrality, its disregard for Armenias occupation policies, and its role in advancing geopolitical interests. He repeatedly conveyed this message at international forums, in interviews, and during meetings with the co-chair countries.

On August 8, 2025, the Washington Declaration, mediated by U.S. President Donald Trump and signed by both President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, became the cornerstone for the final phase of the resolution process.

The dissolution of the Minsk Group was not merely an administrative or procedural decision; it marked the culmination of a prolonged diplomatic effort and symbolized the decisive leadership of President Ilham Aliyev.

As of November 30, 2025, at 23:59 (GMT+4), the OSCE officially ended the Minsk Process and dismantled all related structures, marking a definitive conclusion to the groups involvement in the conflict.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 1. The Baku Network expert platform rolled out the next part of the analytical video series "Dialogue with Tofig Abbasov", Trend reports.

The guest of the studio was the renowned carpet-making master, member of the Union of Artists of Azerbaijan, and professor at the European University and the European Academy of Natural Sciences, Eldar Hajiev.

The discussion focused on the spiritual, artistic, and national value of the Azerbaijani carpet, as well as cultural heritage and attempts to appropriate it.

Hajiyev noted that for Azerbaijanis, a carpet is far more than a household item  it is an essential part of their cultural identity.

We grew up on carpets; carpets hung on our walls. It is a symbol that accompanies us throughout life, he said.

He highlighted that Azerbaijani carpets are distinctly different from Persian carpets and those of other weaving schools. While the Tabriz tradition is characterized by floral designs, the Karabakh, Gazakh, Shirvan, and Guba schools are based on geometric symbolism, which lends them a deeper philosophical and mystical meaning. According to him, this geometric style is particularly admired in Europe and America.

Hajiyev drew special attention to the Karabakh school of carpet weaving, praising its vivid colors, expressive motifs, and deep connections to the Silk Road. In Jabrayil and Shusha, they wove carpets adorned with roses and flowers, he noted.

He added that every regional carpet-weaving tradition in Azerbaijan carries its own unique signature, from weaving density to ornament style and color palette, reflecting the depth and sophistication of the countrys artistic heritage.

Hajiyev also spoke about his post-Victory collection, noting how it blends tradition with innovation. I synthesize Karabakh patterns with new ideas; my carpets reflect the Karabakh horse, national dress, and the symbolism of revival, he added.

The artist added that global interest in Azerbaijani carpet weaving continues to rise. His miniatures inspired by Nizamis Khamsa are now in the hands of collectors from the UK and Germany, and his exhibitions have reached audiences in France, the UAE, and Ukraine.

Another part of the discussion focused on multiculturalism as an intrinsic feature of Azerbaijani society.

Talysh, Lezgins, and Mountain Jews have lived in Azerbaijan for centuries. We dont just coexist, we inspire one another, he remarked.

Hajiyev also highlighted that his exhibitions include carpets themed around all three major religions: Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. We are united by much more than what divides us. Art must inspire, cultivate taste, and uphold the ideals of peace, he said.

The full video recording of the program is presented to our readers below:

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 1. Baku hosted a conference dedicated to World AIDS Day, which is observed on December 1, Trend reports.

The conference was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Health, the AIDS Control Center, TABIB, members of parliament, and representatives of various ministries.

The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Health Nadir Zeynalov, Yagut Garayeva, Head of the Disease Prevention and Control Department at TABIB, Famil Mammadov, Director of the Republican AIDS Control Center, Gunesh Jafarova, Deputy Director of the AIDS Control Center, and members of the Azerbaijani Parliaments Health Committee.

In his address, Deputy Minister Nadir Zeynalov highlighted the global scope of the AIDS epidemic, noting that an estimated 40 million individuals worldwide are currently living with HIV, with approximately 35-40 million people succumbing to AIDS-related complications each year.

Famil Mammadov, Director of the AIDS Control Center, presented alarming data at the conference on World AIDS Day. He reported that by the end of November 2025, the number of new HIV cases in Azerbaijan had reached 1,130. Since the first identification of HIV infection in Azerbaijan in 1987, a total of 11,413 Azerbaijani citizens had been officially registered at the Republican AIDS Center by November 2025.

Yagut Garayeva, Head of the Disease Prevention and Control Department at TABIB, emphasized in her speech that one of the most significant challenges in combating AIDS remains the pervasive issue of stigma and discrimination surrounding the disease.

The conference concluded with a robust exchange of views, during which medical professionals and ministry representatives offered their insights, followed by a session where questions were addressed and proposals considered.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 1. Approximately 40 million individuals are presently navigating life with AIDS, while an estimated 35 to 40 million succumb to the affliction annually, Deputy Minister of Health Nadir Zeynalov said during a conference dedicated to World AIDS Day, Trend reports.

Since the 1980s, AIDS has been known to humanity as a disease. Significant progress has been made in its treatment and prevention. Effective therapies exist that reduce the level of the virus in the immune system, helping prevent further infections, he added.

Zeynalov noted that the most critical situation regarding AIDS is in African countries.

The epidemiological situation is much better in our country, but this should not make us complacent, as there is no complete cure for the virus. While medical issues have been partially addressed, social challenges such as stigma and discrimination remain unresolved. All people living with AIDS around the world face these difficulties, he said.

The deputy minister emphasized that AIDS is not fully accepted by society.

People often avoid those living with AIDS, which leads to certain problems. I believe that in the future, either a vaccine or a more effective treatment will be found. The more we work step by step, the closer we will get to achieving this goal, he added.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 1. For nearly five years, none of the HIV-positive pregnant women involved in mother-to-child transmission prevention programs in Azerbaijan have given birth to an infected child, said Famil Mammadov, director of the Republican Center for Combating AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), Trend reports.

Speaking at a conference dedicated to World AIDS Day in Baku, Mammadov noted that while identifying individuals living with HIV is progressing, there are sometimes challenges in ensuring they receive treatment.

"It is particularly difficult to engage injection drug users, who belong to this high-risk group, in treatment programs. Antiretroviral therapy was first introduced in Azerbaijan in 2006 with support from the Global Fund. Since 2015, our state has fully taken over the management of AIDS treatment programs," the head of the center added.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 1. An international conference titled "Launch of the AI Index for the Islamic World," organized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the Ministry of Science and Education and in partnership with ICESCO, will be held at the Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku on December 8-9, Trend reports.

ICESCO Director General Salim bin Mohammed Al-Malik and Supreme Chairman of the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation Sheikh Rashid bin Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum are coming to Baku to participate in the event.

The document "AI Index in the Islamic World," prepared to measure the scientific development trends of artificial intelligence (AI), will also be presented for the first time at the Baku conference.

The aim of the conference is to strengthen cooperation on AI in the Islamic world, as well as to discuss the ethical, social, and economic impacts of AI.

The event will bring together ministers of education from 10 ICESCO member countries, international experts, representatives of government agencies, and a total of about 150 participants. Within the framework of the conference, discussions will be held on the role of artificial intelligence in the education system, and a final declaration on the "Launch of the AI Index for the Islamic World" will be adopted.

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By Xinhua writer Shao Haijun

THE HAGUE, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- Recalling his more than ten visits to China since 2008, Dutch ceramic artist Pepijn van den Nieuwendijk said that his artistic practice and views on cultural exchange have been profoundly shaped by his experiences learning ceramics techniques in China.

"Cultural exchange is important because it helps us discover similarities and differences and learn from one another. It strengthens our own cultures through that learning. At a time when the world is so polarized, culture and art can really bring people together," the Dutch painter and ceramicist told Xinhua in an exclusive interview at the China Cultural Center in The Hague.

Nieuwendijk graduated in 1994 as a graphic designer from the Royal Academy of Art in The Hague. He once dreamed of becoming an archaeologist until a chance discovery drew him to Chinese porcelain. In the 1980s, many old buildings in his hometown of Woerden, near The Hague, were demolished, exposing archaeological sites dating back to Roman times. As a child who loved digging for hidden treasures, he one day discovered fragments of blue-and-white porcelain -- a discovery that tied his future to China.

"I discovered an old waste pit filled with pottery shards and, to my surprise, beautiful fragments of Qing-dynasty Chinese porcelain," he said. "That sparked my interest in porcelain and in distant China."

During the interview, he even showed the reporter the fragments and asked about the meaning of the Chinese characters at the bottom of one plate.

His fascination with China grew after high school history lessons. "I've always been interested in Asia, especially China. Its history is so rich and stretches back so far," he said.

His dream of visiting China came true in 2008, when he and seven other Dutch ceramic artists were invited to work in Fule International Ceramic Art Museums in Fuping, Shaanxi Province. It was his first trip outside Europe -- an experience he described as life-changing. He was captivated by China's culture, landscapes, history, people, and food. Since then, he has visited China more than ten times, traveling to cities including Chongqing, Chengdu, and Dongguan.

As a ceramic artist, he was naturally drawn to Jingdezhen, known as China's "Porcelain Capital," which has produced fine ceramics for over a thousand years. He worked in Jingdezhen Sanbao Ceramic Art Institute as a resident artist in 2010, an experience that deepened his understanding of Chinese ceramic traditions. "I had already painted in blue and white in the Netherlands, but in Jingdezhen I learned true qinghua painting," he said.

Dutch blue and white is called Delftware or Delft Blue, originated from Chinese influence. According to the Royal Delft Museum, the style traces back to the 16th century, when Chinese blue-and-white porcelain captured from Portuguese ships reached the Netherlands. After the Dutch East India Company was founded in 1602, demand surged, prompting Dutch potters to create their own versions.

"I've really improved my style by learning from Chinese ways of thinking," Nieuwendijk said. "I actually use only Chinese brushes in my work. They're so fine and hold ink for a long time, almost like calligraphy."

Beyond ceramics techniques, he also picked up some Chinese language and learned how Chinese people work and interact. "That's culture," he said.

This year, he was invited to attend the Beijing International Week of Intangible Cultural Heritage in October, where he showcased his blue-hued ink paintings blending Jingdezhen techniques with his own style.

Nieuwendijk emphasized that firsthand experiences can overcome misconceptions. "Western media are often negative about China. If they knew more, or simply visited China, they would immediately see China differently."

He stressed that art connects people, and the connection is urgently needed in a world increasingly polarized. "I hope I can continue helping to build those connections," he said. 
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 1. Mammad Ibrahimli, the member of the Azerbaijan Popular Front Party (APFP) Presidium detained by the State Security Service (SSS), has been remanded in custody, Trend reports.

The judiciary mandated his confinement for a duration of two months and 15 days as a precautionary measure.

Ibrahimli has been charged under Article 278.1 of the Criminal Code (actions aimed at the violent seizure of power and violent change of the constitutional order of the state).

Ibrahimli, along with Ali Karimli, chairman of APFP, was interrogated at the SSS as part of the investigation.

They were taken to the SSS after raids on their houses.

Accordingly, the raids and interrogation are related to the criminal case against the former head of Presidential Administration, Ramiz Mehdiyev, which is being investigated by the State Security Service.

Mehdiyev has been charged under Articles 278.1 (Actions aimed at seizing state power), 274 (High treason), and 193-1.3.2 (Legalization of property obtained by criminal means) of the Criminal Code.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 1. The "Agreement on cooperation in the field of education between the Ministry of Science and Education of Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Education of Rwanda" has been approved, Trend reports.

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed the relevant decree.

According to the decree, the said agreement, signed in Baku on September 20, 2025, was approved.

After the agreement enters into force, the Ministry of Science and Education of Azerbaijan must ensure the implementation of its provisions.

Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry must also notify the Government of Rwanda that the internal procedures necessary for the agreement to enter into force have been completed.
Photo: Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Republic of Kenya

BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 1. The seventh meeting of the Open-ended Committee of Permanent Representatives of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP CPR) under Azerbaijans chairmanship started in Nairobi, the Azerbaijani Embassy in Kenya told Trend.

This biennial meeting will last five days to discuss and agree on draft decisions and resolutions to be adopted during the seventh session of the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA) next week.

Sultan Hajiyev, the countrys ambassador to Kenya and Permanent Representative to UNEP, was elected for the first time in June of this year as the Chairman of the UNEP CPR for 2025-2027.

The UNEP CPR is the main permanent body of the UN Environment Assembly, which has 193 member states and determines international priorities in the field of environmental protection.

The seventh session of the UNEA is expected to be attended by about 5,000 delegates and more than 60 heads of delegation at the ministerial level. As part of its chairmanship, Azerbaijan contributes to the relevant processes together with the Sultanate of Oman, the President of the 7th session of the UNEA.

Azerbaijan, which hosted COP29 in November 2024 and has earned international recognition through its global initiatives in environmental protection and climate change, is expanding its dynamic cooperation with UNEP.

Azerbaijans election as Chair, along with its confirmation as the host country for World Environment Day (WED2026), highlights the promising prospects of its cooperation with UNEP.

At the same time, the 13th session of the UN World Urban Forum (WUF13), which our country will host on May 17-22, 2026, will also focus on the relationship between climate change and sustainable urban development processes.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 1. The trial of Armenian citizen Ruben Vardanyan, accused under articles of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan related to crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, terrorism, financing of terrorism, and other serious crimes, continued on December 1, Trend reports.

The open court session at the Baku Military Court was held under the chairmanship of Judge Zeynal Aghayev, with judges Anar Rzayev and Jamal Ramazanov on the panel (reserve judge Gunel Samadova). The accused was provided with an interpreter in the language he understands (Russian) as well as a state-funded defence lawyer.

Judge Zeynal Aghayev introduced the panel of judges, the prosecutors upholding the state accusation, the interpreters, and others to the victims and legal successors of victims participating in the hearing for the first time, and explained their rights and obligations under the law.

The testimonies of the victims were then heard.

Sardar Taghiyev, the legal heir of victim Sabuhi Taghiyev, mentioned that his brother was killed by enemy fire in Lachin.

Responding to inquiries from Senior Assistant to the Prosecutor General Vusal Aliyev, victim Zeka Valiyev stated that Allahverdi Safiyev and Elnur Karimov were killed as a result of a mortar shell fired by the remnants of the Armenian army and illegal Armenian armed groups in the Khanabad village of the Khojaly district, which exploded near them, adding that he and Rasul Aghayev sustained various bodily injuries.

Responding to questions from public prosecutor Fuad Musayev, victim Vahid Aljanov noted one person was killed, along with him and several others wounded as a result of a mortar shell fired into the territory of the Lachin district as a result of the enemys large-scale provocation.

Answering questions from Nasir Bayramov, head of the Public Prosecution Department of the Prosecutor General's Office, victim Elgun Ismayilov stated that he and Safar Huseynguliyev were wounded as a result of fire opened by the remnants of the Armenian army and illegal Armenian armed groups in the Gulyatag village of the Aghdara district.

Victim Bakhtiyar Huseynov noted that he was wounded as a result of an explosion near a hand grenade thrown by the enemy in the direction of the Kalbajar district, with several others injured during the provocation.

Victim Nusrat Orujov mentioned that he sustained a shoulder injury from an explosion caused by an enemy-thrown hand grenade in Kalbajar.

Responding to inquiries from state prosecutor Tarana Mammadova, victim Javid Khosiyev stated that he and Javad Guliyev sustained various bodily injuries as a result of an explosion near a mortar shell fired by the enemy in the Aghdam-Khojaly direction.

Responding to questions from state prosecutor Vusal Aliyev, victim Nihad Seyidzade underlined that, as a result of the enemy's fire in the direction of the Khojaly district, he, Murad Huseynov, and Ravan Aghazada sustained various bodily injuries.

In his testimony, victim Baylar Karimov said that he was wounded as a result of a mortar shell explosion fired in the direction of Aghdam-Khojaly.

The court session continued with the examination of documents and other evidence in the criminal case file.

The next court hearing has been scheduled for December 2.

Ruben Vardanyan faces multiple charges under the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, including Articles 100.1, 100.2 (planning, preparing, initiating, and waging a war of aggression), 107 (deportation and forced displacement of the population), 109 (persecution), 110 (forcible disappearance of persons), 112 (deprivation of liberty contrary to international law), 113 (torture), 114.1 (mercenary activity), 115.2 (violation of the laws and customs of warfare), 116.0.1, 116.0.2, 116.0.10, 116.0.11, 116.0.16, 116.0.18 (violation of international humanitarian law norms during an armed conflict), 120.2.1, 120.2.3, 120.2.4, 120.2.7, 120.2.11, 120.2.12 (intentional murder), 29.120.2.1, 29.120.2.3, 29.120.2.4, 29.120.2.7, 29.120.2.11, 29.120.2.12 (attempted intentional murder), 192.3.1 (illegal entrepreneurship), 214.2.1, 214.2.3, 214.2.4 (terrorism), 214-1 (financing of terrorism), 218.1, 218.2 (creation of a criminal group), 228.3 (illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, and possession of firearms, ammunition, explosives, and devices), 270-1.2, 270-1.4 (acts threatening aviation safety), 278.1 (forcible seizure or retention of power, forcible change of the constitutional structure of the state), 279.1, 279.2, 279.3 (creation of armed formations not provided for by law), and 318.2 (illegal crossing of the state border of the Republic of Azerbaijan).
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 1. The trial of Armenian citizen Ruben Vardanyan, accused under articles of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan related to crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, terrorism, financing of terrorism and other serious crimes, continued on December 1, Trend reports.

The open court session at the Baku Military Court was held under the chairmanship of Judge Zeynal Aghayev, with judges Anar Rzayev and Jamal Ramazanov on the panel (reserve judge Gunel Samadova). The accused was provided with an interpreter in the language he understands (Russian) as well as a state-funded defence lawyer.

Judge Zeynal Aghayev introduced the panel of judges, the prosecutors upholding the state accusation, the interpreters and others to the victims and legal successors of victims participating in the hearing for the first time, and explained their rights and obligations under the law.

The testimonies of the victims were then heard.

The next court hearing has been scheduled for December 2.

Ruben Vardanyan faces multiple charges under the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, including Articles 100.1, 100.2 (planning, preparing, initiating, and waging a war of aggression), 107 (deportation and forced displacement of the population), 109 (persecution), 110 (forcible disappearance of persons), 112 (deprivation of liberty contrary to international law), 113 (torture), 114.1 (mercenary activity), 115.2 (violation of the laws and customs of warfare), 116.0.1, 116.0.2, 116.0.10, 116.0.11, 116.0.16, 116.0.18 (violation of international humanitarian law norms during an armed conflict), 120.2.1, 120.2.3, 120.2.4, 120.2.7, 120.2.11, 120.2.12 (intentional murder), 29.120.2.1, 29.120.2.3, 29.120.2.4, 29.120.2.7, 29.120.2.11, 29.120.2.12 (attempted intentional murder), 192.3.1 (illegal entrepreneurship), 214.2.1, 214.2.3, 214.2.4 (terrorism), 214-1 (financing of terrorism), 218.1, 218.2 (creation of a criminal group), 228.3 (illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, and possession of firearms, ammunition, explosives, and devices), 270-1.2, 270-1.4 (acts threatening aviation safety), 278.1 (forcible seizure or retention of power, forcible change of the constitutional structure of the state), 279.1, 279.2, 279.3 (creation of armed formations not provided for by law), and 318.2 (illegal crossing of the state border of the Republic of Azerbaijan).
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 1. The International Road Transport Union (IRU) is expanding its technical cooperation with Iran to improve the efficiency, security, and sustainability of road transport, IRU TIR and Transit Director Tatiana Rey-Bellet told Trend.

"IRU works very closely with countries in the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) region, including Iran, to make transport and transit more efficient, secure, and sustainable," Rey-Bellet said. She noted that the union, together with ECO, has developed an action plan targeting several key areas, including the digitalization of customs and transport procedures, the facilitation of border-crossing processes, the enhancement of regional corridors, and the improvement of road safety through training and certification.

As part of these efforts, IRU has launched the CPC Manager project in Iran. "This program for passenger and goods transport provides internationally recognised standards, training methodology and best practices for road transport managers to run safe, efficient and sustainable operations," Rey-Bellet said. She added that IRU is working to extend training to professional commercial drivers in the country.

On the use of the TIR system, Rey-Bellet said the ECO region is a major contributor, accounting for over 70% of TIR carnets issued globally.

"Uzbekistan, Iran, and Turkiye are the worlds top issuers of TIR carnets," she said. TIR carnets, which facilitate international trucking with enhanced efficiency and security, are widely used for transit along both East-West and North-South corridors in the region.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 1. Irans exports to member countries of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) grew by 11 percent in value and 10 percent in weight over the eight months of the current Iranian year (from March 21 through November 21, 2025), Trend reports via Iranian Customs Administration.

During this timeframe, Iran exported 3.89 million tons of goods worth $1.46 billion to EAEU member countries.

In the same period, Iran imported 5.5 million tons of goods worth $3.22 billion from EAEU countries. Compared to the same period last year, imports rose by 15 percent in value, while decreasing by nine percent in weight.

Over the eight months, Iran mainly imported goods from Russia, totaling 4.75 million tons worth $3 billion. Imports from Russia rose by 13 percent in value but fell by 17 percent in weight.

On December 25, 2023, a free trade agreement between Iran and the EAEU was signed in St. Petersburg, Russia. It is expected that after the agreement comes into force, trade turnover will reach $18-20 billion within 5-7 years.

On March 15, 2025, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian announced the adoption of the law on the free trade agreement between Iran and the EAEU for implementation.

Moreover, on May 15, 2025, the free trade agreement between Iran and the member states of the EAEU entered into force.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 1. The possibilities for expanding cooperation between the central banks of Azerbaijan and China have been discussed, Taleh Kazimov, Governor of the Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA), said in a post on his official X page, Trend reports.

"In the course of our working visit to the Peoples Republic of China, we met with Pan Gongsheng, Governor of the Peoples Bank of China.

During the meeting, we exchanged views on monetary policy and financial stability, the integration of payment systems, QR and mobile payment solutions, as well as the regulation of payment service providers. We also discussed regulatory practices in the field of digital currencies.

Additionally, we shared our perspectives on expanding cooperation between the central banks of Azerbaijan and China, along with other issues of mutual interest," the post reads.

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DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, December 1. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $50 million grant to help Tajikistan advance structural reforms aimed at expanding green jobs and strengthening economic resilience, Trend reports via ADB.

The funding, provided through the Asian Development Fund under subprogram 2 of the Enabling Climate-Responsive Business Environment Improvement Program, focuses on economic diversification, fiscal transparency, digital transformation, and boosting Tajikistans competitiveness in regional and global markets.

ADB Country Director for Tajikistan Ko Sakamoto said the new subprogram builds on progress made last year, offering a sequenced and forward-looking package of reforms to support long-term sustainable growth. Key reforms include improving SME access to finance through amendments to leasing legislation, developing green taxonomies, introducing incentives for climate-friendly enterprises, and adopting a law on organic production.

The program also expands fiscal risk reporting to include climate-related shocks, initiates climate budget tagging, and strengthens digital transformation through enhanced cybersecurity, new fiscal incentives for tech-focused businesses, and the creation of an IT park.

To support export development, Tajikistan will operationalize assistance for small exporters, prioritize women-led and climate-friendly enterprises, and continue mobilizing green finance - including through the issuance of the countrys first sovereign green bonds.

This latest approval comes shortly after ADB endorsed another major initiative to support Tajikistans rural economy. On 21 November, the bank approved $17 million in grant financing to help the country digitalize and modernize its livestock sector in order to raise rural incomes and improve access to nutritious food. The package includes $14 million from the Asian Development Fund and $3 million from the Japan Fund for Prosperous and Resilient Asia and the Pacific.

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NANJING, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- A new all-cargo air route linking Nanjing in east China's Jiangsu Province and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, commenced operations on Sunday, marking an expansion of Nanjing's global freight network.

Operated by Malaysia's Raya Airways, a B767-200 freighter carrying over 38 tonnes of goods depart from Nanjing Lukou International Airport for Kuala Lumpur on an over five-hour flight.

Outbound flights primarily transport textiles, electronic components and cross-border e-commerce goods. Inbound flights are set to carry fresh Southeast Asian produce like mud crabs and chilled fish.

Nanjing Lukou International Airport currently operates seven international all-cargo routes, including services to Amsterdam, Mexico City and Seoul.

The new Kuala Lumpur link is expected to strengthen Nanjing's air cargo connectivity with Southeast Asia, and will provide a more efficient logistics channel for cross-border e-commerce enterprises in Nanjing and its surrounding areas. 
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, December 1. Uzbekistans HUMO payment system and Chinas UnionPay International have signed a memorandum to enable interoperability of QR code payments, Trend reports via HUMO.

The two payment systems announced the expansion of their collaboration during the UnionPay Global Partners Conference 2025, held in Shanghai, China.

This new memorandum formalizes a joint initiative to enable QR code compatibility: HUMO cardholders will now be able to make payments within UnionPays extensive global network, while UnionPay users will gain seamless access to Uzbekistans HUMO ecosystem through QR code payments.

The cooperation between UnionPay International (UPI) and HUMO began in 2021, with the launch of a project aimed at facilitating the acceptance of UnionPay cards in Uzbekistan.
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, December 1. Kyrgyzstan and India discuss expanding trade and economic cooperation within the Central AsiaIndia Dialogue, Trend reports via the Kyrgyz MFA.

The format was the central theme of talks between Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Jeenbek Kulubayev and Indias Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan, Birender Singh Yadav. Both sides underscored that the Dialogue has become a key platform for strengthening regional economic ties, improving market access, and facilitating new trade routes between India and the Central Asian states.

The sides emphasized the importance of leveraging the mechanisms established at the 4th Ministerial Meeting of the Central AsiaIndia Dialogue, held in New Delhi on June 56, 2025, to accelerate mutual trade. Minister Kulubayev highlighted Kyrgyzstans strong interest in increasing exports to India and attracting Indian investment in sectors such as healthcare, education, and digital technologies.

He pointed to the recent signing of two memoranda of understanding pertaining to projects at the General Medical Practice Center and the M. Ryskulbekov Kyrgyz University of Economics, as concrete examples of economic cooperation that align with broader regional objectives. Ambassador Yadav reaffirmed Indias readiness to expand trade with Kyrgyzstan and the region, particularly through projects aimed at enhancing connectivity, logistics, and supply chain resilience across Central Asia.

The meeting also addressed preparations for forthcoming high-level visits, which are expected to provide further momentum to these initiatives. At the conclusion of the meeting, both parties reiterated their commitment to strengthening cooperation within the Central AsiaIndia Dialogue and advancing bilateral economic relations.

In 2024, the total trade turnover between India and the Central Asian countries reached $2.75 billion, with India aiming to significantly increase this figure in the coming years. Indias commitment to enhancing regional connectivity is further demonstrated by its active participation in the Chabahar Port project in Iran. This strategically important initiative is designed to provide Central Asian countries, including landlocked Kyrgyzstan, with a vital maritime trade corridor that bypasses Pakistan.

On a bilateral level, India has extended a $200 million Line of Credit to Kyrgyzstan to support various socio-economic development projects, particularly in sectors such as renewable energy and agriculture. These initiatives align closely with the broader regional economic objectives discussed within the framework of the Dialogue.
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, December 1. Uzbekistan and Canada discussed accelerating the opening of embassies in both countries, Trend reports via the Senate of Uzbekistans Oliy Majlis.

The matter was discussed during the official visit of the Uzbek delegation to Canada, led by the First Deputy Chairman of the Senate, Sodiq Safoyev.

The sides expressed support for a proposal to hold the inaugural UzbekistanCanada Parliamentary Forum in Samarkand in 2026. Additionally, the Senate of Canada suggested organizing a "Canada Day" event in Uzbekistan.

During the visit, the Uzbek delegation engaged in talks with the Speaker of the Senate of Canada, Raymonde Gagne, and the Speaker of the House of Commons, Francis Scarpaleggia.

Speaker of the Senate of Canada, Raymonde Gagne, commended the ongoing reforms in Uzbekistan and expressed full support for the establishment of an Uzbek embassy in Ottawa. In turn, Speaker of the House of Commons of the Parliament of Canada, Francis Scarpaleggia, highlighted the strengthening of inter-parliamentary relations and emphasized the significance of involving Canadian businesses in the forthcoming forum in Samarkand.

Earlier, Uzbekistans Minister of Investment, Industry, and Trade, Laziz Kudratov, held discussions with Canadas Ambassador to Uzbekistan, Christopher Duggan, to explore opportunities for new joint ventures in green and renewable energy. The two parties also deliberated on potential collaboration in sectors such as information technology, transport and logistics infrastructure, water management, agriculture, mining, and metallurgy.
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, December 1. The government of Kyrgyzstan plans to introduce online voting in future elections, President Sadyr Zhaparov said at a meeting with international observers, Trend reports.

Looking ahead, the president outlined plans to introduce remote online voting as part of a broader initiative to modernize the electoral system. Government projections indicate that voter participation could increase significantly, from the current 40% to as much as 80%, once the new system is fully implemented.

The president also highlighted that, in previous years, securing a prominent position on a party list could cost up to $1 million, enabling some candidates in the top ranks to bypass traditional campaigning. He remarked that such individuals often refrained from engaging with voters, as their parliamentary seats were essentially assured through financial influence.

Zhaparov further addressed the issue of "carousel voting," a practice in which voters were transported between polling stations to cast multiple ballots. He assured that this practice has now been completely eradicated.

''While the new voting technology will not be ready in time for the 2027 presidential election, it is expected to be introduced for the following parliamentary elections,'' he added.

The parliamentary elections, held on November 30, 2025, took place a year earlier than originally scheduled following the self-dissolution of parliament in September 2025. These elections introduced a significant change, as they were conducted under a new majoritarian system, replacing the previous mixed electoral framework. Under the revised rules, all 90 parliamentary seats were filled by candidates elected from 30 multi-member districts, with each district electing three representatives through the Single Non-Transferable Vote (SNTV) method. This shift aimed to diminish the influence of political parties and enhance individual accountability. To further modernize the electoral process, the elections employed cutting-edge digital technologies, including biometric identification and the "5-in-1" technological complex, as part of broader efforts to address and eliminate longstanding electoral abuses such as "carousel voting."
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, December 1. The Interbank Processing Center (Elkart) of Kyrgyzstan signed a memorandum of cooperation with UnionPay International, Trend reports via Elkart.

The memorandum, which was signed during the UnionPay Global Partners Conference 2025 in Shanghai, outlines key areas for joint collaboration, establishing a foundation for the further development of payment infrastructure and expanding cross-border transaction capabilities between the two systems.

The document was signed by the Chairman of the Board of JSC "MPC" (Elkart), Altymysh Turatbekov. Following the signing ceremony, Turatbekov held a separate meeting with UnionPay CEO, Larry Wang. Turatbekov emphasized that the development of co-branded cards is a priority for Elkart and added that the first step would be the launch of the Elkart & UnionPay co-branded card, followed by the introduction of joint QR payment solutions. These initiatives are expected to be implemented in early 2026.

As previously reported, UnionPay has struggled to establish a strong presence in Kyrgyzstan. Despite entering the market in 2014 and issuing nearly 2,000 cards, the Chinese payment system failed to compete effectively with local and Western alternatives. By mid-2025, UnionPay will have completely exited the Kyrgyz market, marking the end of its efforts to gain a sustainable foothold in the region.

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Photo: Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Azerbaijan

BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 1. The first meeting of the Public Council under the Ministry of Finance of Azerbaijan was held today, Trend reports via the ministry.

The meeting discussed the directions of activity of the council, which will operate for two years, considered organizational issues, and elected the chairman, deputy chairperson and secretary.

Economist, professor Ingilab Ahmadov was elected chairman of the council, Chairperson of the Association of Professional Financial Managers Nuriya Novruzova - deputy chairperson and member of the Azerbaijan Journalists Network Public Union, while journalist Anar Azizov - secretary.

The meeting also discussed the work plan of the council, and its members shared opinions and proposals on the organizational issues.

Meanwhile, on November 13 of this year, election was held to form the composition of the Public Council under the Ministry of Finance, and as a result, representatives of seven civil society institutions were elected members of the council.

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TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, December 1. Uzbekistan and Finland discussed prospects for further expanding bilateral cooperation across areas of mutual interest, Trend reports via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan.

These issues were addressed during a meeting between Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Muzaffar Madrakhimov and Ilkka Raisanen, the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Finland to Uzbekistan (with residence in Helsinki), held on the occasion of the completion of his diplomatic mission.

The Finnish ambassador expressed gratitude to the Uzbek side for its support and assistance throughout his tenure.

Meanwhile, earlier, on October 29November 1, President of Finland Alexander Stubb paid an official visit to Uzbekistan, where he met with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Following the talks, the two leaders signed a Joint Declaration and endorsed a package of agreements to expand cooperation in key sectors.

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Iran throws light on exports via Khuzestan province to Iraq for 8M2025

Exports from Khuzestan to Iraq totaled 4.56 million tons worth $1.03 billion in the first eight months of the year. Overall exports from the province reached 13.7 million tons valued at $4.14 billion. Customs revenue rose 47%, reaching 189 trillion rials (around $296 million).

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TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, December 1. Uzbekistan plans to create Business Hamroh centers designed to bring together all government and private services for entrepreneurs in a single location, Trend reports via the press service of the President of Uzbekistan.

The proposal was introduced during a briefing to President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, outlining strategies designed to enhance the country's export capacity and streamline entrepreneurs' access to public services.

According to the presentation, 81 government bodies currently offer 739 distinct services to businesses. However, a significant portion, 576 of these services, remains fragmented, necessitating that entrepreneurs navigate multiple institutions and make in-person visits to various agencies. In some instances, the process is particularly cumbersome; for instance, producing meat products requires completing 17 separate procedures across 10 different agencies.

Furthermore, officials pointed out the absence of a unified platform to provide consulting services related to accounting, taxation, exports, and certification. These services could be consolidated and linked to banks, insurance companies, exchanges, brokers, logistics providers, and business training programs.

The proposed plan suggests the creation of new centers, operating under the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which will offer a comprehensive range of both state and private services through a unified electronic platform, based on the one-stop shop model. Furthermore, a 24/7 call center will be established to support entrepreneurs.

President Mirziyoyev endorsed the initiative, emphasizing that the centers should encompass all stages of business activity from company formation and operational organization to product sales and export. He instructed the relevant authorities to begin implementation without delay.

This initiative aligns with Uzbekistan's ongoing efforts to achieve its ambitious economic objectives. Earlier, the government unveiled plans to boost exports to $45 billion by 2030. In the period from January to October 2025, Uzbekistans foreign trade turnover reached $66.5 billion, reflecting an increase of $11.75 billion, or 21.5%, compared to the same period in 2024. Exports alone totaled $29 billion, marking a robust year-on-year growth of 27.8%.
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, December 1. The Financial Market Regulation and Supervision Service of Kyrgyzstan has approved a percentage-based risk scoring model for virtual asset service providers (VASPs) to strengthen risk-based oversight, Trend reports via the service.

The model, aligned with FATF standards and practices used in EAG member states, assigns VASPs to low, medium, high, or critical risk tiers based on their business model, client base, transaction types, and compliance quality.

Supervisory measures will fluctuate according to the assessed risk profile, encompassing standard surveillance, augmented regulatory frameworks, transactional limitations or prohibitions, and obligatory disclosure of anomalous behavior.



The regulatory authority indicated that the scoring mechanism will emerge as a pivotal component of its enhanced oversight paradigm, augmented by advanced digital transaction analytics instruments aimed at bolstering market robustness and safeguarding client interests.

This new risk-scoring model is a response to the need to strengthen Kyrgyzstan's position within the global anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing (AML/CFT) framework, particularly as a member of the Eurasian Group on Combating Money Laundering (EAG). The foundation for this supervision framework was established with the Law of the Kyrgyz Republic "On Virtual Assets," which came into force in 2022. Since then, the regulatory focus has intensified, with the Cabinet of Ministers adopting a resolution in September 2025 that tightened requirements for Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs). These mandates include mandatory AML/KYT (Know Your Transaction) testing through regulator-approved providers and stringent requirements for the approval of key managerial personnel, such as directors and compliance officers. The new risk-scoring model provides the necessary technical mechanism to implement these heightened legal requirements and ensures compliance with FATF Recommendation 15 (Virtual Assets and VASPs) and the risk-based approach (RBA) principle.
Li Shulei, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, delivers a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the 2025 Understanding China Conference in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, Dec. 1, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling)

GUANGZHOU, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- The 2025 Understanding China Conference, themed "New Plan, New Development, New Choices -- Chinese Modernization and New Vision for Global Governance," is held in Guangzhou, the capital of south China's Guangdong Province.

Li Shulei, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, attended and delivered a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the conference on Monday.

Huang Kunming, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and secretary of the CPC Guangdong Provincial Committee, also attended and addressed the opening ceremony.

Conference participants said that after years of development, the Understanding China Conference has become one of the most influential platforms for the world to understand China.

Based on long-term exploration and practice, China has successfully advanced and expanded Chinese modernization through theoretical innovation and practical breakthroughs since the 18th National Congress of the CPC, they said.

Participants said that the fourth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee drew a blueprint for the development of Chinese modernization over the next five years, which is of great significance to sharing development opportunities and walking hand in hand with other countries around the world on the path of modernization.

They also said that Chinese modernization benefits both China and the world at large.

This year's conference, which runs until Tuesday, has brought together over 800 participants, including politicians, officials, entrepreneurs and scholars. 

This photo shows an event held during the 2025 Understanding China Conference in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, Dec. 1, 2025. The 2025 Understanding China Conference, themed "New Plan, New Development, New Choices -- Chinese Modernization and New Vision for Global Governance," is held in Guangzhou, the capital of south China's Guangdong Province. (Xinhua/Xiao Ennan)

This photo shows the opening ceremony of the 2025 Understanding China Conference in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, Dec. 1, 2025. The 2025 Understanding China Conference, themed "New Plan, New Development, New Choices -- Chinese Modernization and New Vision for Global Governance," is held in Guangzhou, the capital of south China's Guangdong Province. (Xinhua/Xiao Ennan)

Participants browses books during the 2025 Understanding China Conference in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, Dec. 1, 2025. The 2025 Understanding China Conference, themed "New Plan, New Development, New Choices -- Chinese Modernization and New Vision for Global Governance," is held in Guangzhou, the capital of south China's Guangdong Province. (Xinhua/Xiao Ennan)
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 1. Issues related to the institutional strengthening of non-bank credit organizations (NBCOs) in Azerbaijan, as well as the expansion of their activities, were discussed, Trend reports via the Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA).

Fuad Isayev, Director General of the Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA), convened with the leadership of the Microfinance Association of Azerbaijan, its members, and representatives from other non-bank credit institutions.

During the meeting, participants were briefed on the financial performance of non-bank credit organizations for the first nine months of the year, along with recent improvements in the regulatory framework and efforts to strengthen the sector. Key topics discussed included expanding financing opportunities, enhancing collaboration with state funds, as well as prospects for operations in regional areas, including the liberated territories and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. Legislative requirements and other pertinent issues were also addressed in detail.

Furthermore, the meeting highlighted the Central Bank's plans for the near future, focusing on initiatives to fortify the non-bank credit sector, broaden its operational scope, and ensure the long-term sustainability of these institutions.
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, December 1. Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov has approved a major reshuffle of top government and security officials, including appointments in the Health Ministry, regional presidential representatives, and the Security Council, Trend reports via the press service of the Kyrgyz President.

Erkin Checheybaev was relieved of his duties as Minister of Health, with Kanybek Dosmambetov appointed as the acting minister. Simultaneously, Kanat Dzhumagaziev and Elchibek Dzhantaev were dismissed from their positions as presidential representatives for the Chuy and Osh regions, respectively. Azamat Osmonov and Dzhantaev have been reassigned to different roles.

In the Security Council, Baktybek Bekbolotov was replaced by Rustam Mamasadykov as the new secretary. Mamasadykov also resigned from his post as First Deputy Chairman of the State National Security Committee. Mamat Imankulov transitioned from State Secretary to Presidential Advisor, with Arslan Koichiev assuming his former position. Additionally, Daniel Rysaliev and Kurvanbek Avazov were appointed as deputy heads of the State National Security Committee, tasked with overseeing cybersecurity and general operations, respectively.

Azamat Apsatarov, formerly a presidential aide, has been appointed to lead the department responsible for monitoring the implementation of presidential and Cabinet decisions.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, December 1. The Port of Aktau has secured additional financial backing from the European Union, completing a joint financing package aimed at expanding the ports capacity along the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), Trend reports via Kazakhstan Temir Zholy.

The agreement, signed during the Tashkent Investor Forum, adds a 10 million EU grant to an earlier 35 million loan from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. The funds will be used to reconstruct and extend two berths and purchase weather-resistant quay cranes to boost container handling.

EU-EBRD studies have identified Aktau as a key node on the Trans-Caspian route. The upgrades are expected to increase throughput by over 0.5 million tons of general cargo and enable the port to handle four full-size vessels at once.

The EU has previously announced 10 billion in funding for the development of the Trans-Caspian corridor, with Kazakhstan positioned as its central link and set to benefit from broader modernization of its port, rail, and logistics infrastructure.

The Port of Aktau's established capacity is 2.5 million tons of dry cargo and 7.5 million tons of oil annually. The strategic significance of the TITR increased sharply in 2022, leading to rapid growth: the total volume of freight transported along the corridor tripled in 2024 compared to the previous year. The EU's announced 10 billion investment in the entire Trans-Caspian route is designated for projects spanning port modernization, rail infrastructure, and logistics. Specifically, upgrades to Aktau's berth infrastructure are planned to increase its general cargo throughput by over 0.5 million tons annually.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 1. Georgias Ministry of Justice has signed a memorandum of understanding with Hedera, a major blockchain platform, to explore the introduction of distributed-ledger technologies across public services, Trend reports, citing the ministry.

Justice Minister Paata Salia met with Hedera representatives to discuss potential areas of cooperation, including the possible migration of National Agency of Public Registry (NAPR) data to a blockchain network. According to the ministry, such a move would strengthen property-rights protection and increase transparency and the reliability of state registries.

Officials also briefed the company on Georgias existing smart-contract service operated by NAPR and its development prospects. Real-estate tokenization - converting physical assets into digital tokens - is among the areas under consideration. The ministry confirmed that the next phase will include forming joint working groups with experts from the Ministry of Justice and NAPR to advance technical cooperation with Hedera.

The National Agency of Public Registry (NAPR) initially collaborated with the private sector to integrate blockchain into the land registry system, starting a pilot in April 2016. This project did not replace the existing registry but added a layer of security by using a private, permissioned blockchain, which was then anchored to the public Bitcoin Blockchain through a distributed digital timestamping service. This anchoring mechanism allows citizens to verify the authenticity of their land certificates and property transactions. Due to these reforms, the World Banks Doing Business 2016 report recognized Georgia for the ease of property registration, ranking it third globally. More recently, NAPR launched the Smart Contract service, which allows Georgian citizens worldwide to remotely execute and register immovable property sales and mortgage agreements using AI-integrated electronic identification, a service that typically takes an average of 30 minutes per session.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 1. Construction activities for the Sangachal Terminal Electrification (STEL) project are progressing safely and on schedule, bp, operator of the Sangachal terminal, said, Trend reports.

The investors in the terminal are bp, SOCAR, TPAO, LUKOIL, SGC, NICO, MOL, INPEX, ExxonMobil, ITOCHU, ONGC Videsh, Eni, MVM, and TotalEnergies.

To date, the project has awarded three major contracts to ensure the terminal is fully electrified by the end of 2028:

Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract. Valued at approximately $43 million, this contract has been awarded to AzerEnerji OJSC. The scope includes three key activity areas: construction of a new substation, installation of underground cables and erection of overhead power lines. As part of this contract civil works are nearing completion across all fronts, with equipment installation and cable-pulling activities set to commence as the project transitions into its next delivery phase.

Construction and fabrication contract. This $19 million contract has been awarded to Azfen MMC for major electrical infrastructure works within the Sangachal terminal, including installation of transformers, synchronous condensers, current limiting reactors, and a new 110kV switchyard. As part of the contract construction activities within the Sangachal terminal commenced in August 2025 and are advancing across multiple work fronts, including foundations for key equipment installations.

Engineering and procurement contract. As earlier announced, this is a 7 million contract that has been awarded to SOCAR KBR to execute the Sangachal terminal engineering and procurement scope. Under this agreement, SOCAR KBR will provide detailed design, equipment supply, and procurement management services. The scope also includes support for construction, commissioning, and operations readiness planning. As part of this contract, project activities are in progress, with current efforts focused on detailed engineering and equipment expediting.

Matt Kirkham, bp vice president, projects, for the Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkiye region, Middle East and Africa, said: We are pleased with the progress across all STEL project activities. With work scopes advancing in line with the plan, the teams remain committed to delivering high-quality outcomes and supporting the safe and efficient development of the project. This is a complex, multi-year effort requiring close coordination across multiple contractors and disciplines, and Im proud of the professionalism and dedication shown by everyone involved. As we move into the next phases, our focus remains on safety, high quality and strong execution that will deliver a resilient power infrastructure that will support the terminals long-term operational excellence.

The STEL project is developed and managed by bp as operator of the Sangachal terminal.

The completion of the project is expected in two stages  Stage 1 in mid-2027, and Stage 2 by the end of 2028.

The project is linked to the Shafag (Jabrayil) solar project, which consists of construction of a new 240MW AC solar plant in the Jabrayil district of Azerbaijan via a new commercial structure called virtual power transfer arrangement, which will enable the terminal to connect to the national grid, operated by AzerEnerji, via new facilities to be built both within and outside the terminal, including a new 220/110 kV electricity substation.

Together, the Shafag and STEL projects are expected to support the reduction of operational emissions by around 50% over the future life of the Sangachal terminal, based on the current outlook and plans.

Following the electrification of the terminal, the seven gas turbines currently used at the terminal to generate power, will be removed in phases, freeing up the fuel gas for export.
Photo: Official website of the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan

ASTANA, Kazakhstan, December 1. Aida Balayeva has been appointed Deputy Prime Minister, Trend reports via the press service of the president of Kazakhstan.

The appointment was made by a decree signed by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

Balayeva has been serving as Minister of Culture and Information since September 2, 2023, following her appointment by presidential decree. On February 6, 2024, she was reappointed to the same post by the head of state.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, December 1. Kazakhstans Mangystau region and Georgia have held talks on expanding cooperation along the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), with a major focus on strengthening maritime links through Azerbaijan, Trend reports via Mangystau regional government.

Akim of the Mangystau region Nurdaulet Kilybay met with Georgias Ambassador to Kazakhstan, Levan Diasamidze, to discuss economic, transport-logistics, tourism, and cultural cooperation.

A central topic was a new project to launch a regular ferry service between Kuryk (Kazakhstan) and Alat (Azerbaijan). Backed by the Georgian Industrial Group, the plan envisions commissioning two ferries in the first half of 2026, with the fleet expanding to six vessels by 2027. The service is expected to increase cargo volumes along the Caspian segment of the TITR and support modernization of port infrastructure.

Kilybay highlighted the regions strategic role as a key industrial and transit hub of Kazakhstan, noting rising interest in developing projects connected to the Caspian Sea corridor. He stressed that growing cargo flows underscore the importance of enhancing maritime connectivity between Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and onward to Georgia.

Diasamidze reaffirmed Georgias readiness to deepen collaboration with Kazakhstan, including with the Mangystau region, particularly in transport and logistics sectors linked to the Trans-Caspian corridor.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 1. Iran believes that meaningful discussions are only possible when parties formally recognize each others rights and understand each others legitimate concerns, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said at a press conference in Tehran on December 1, Trend reports.

According to Baghaei, Iran maintains an unchanging position in this regard. He noted that Iran has not taken reciprocal steps, while the other parties have presented draft resolutions in a way that has stalled the direction of discussions.

Baghaei added that the European trio (the UK, France, and Germany) has taken actions that do not aid the negotiation process in any way. He emphasized that any dialogue by Iran with other countries does not signify the start of formal negotiations.

"Iran maintains diplomatic relations with European countries, and dialogue and exchange of views are always ongoing," he said.

On November 20, the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) adopted a resolution requesting Iran to provide precise information about its uranium enriched to 60 percent and to allow inspections of its nuclear facilities.

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.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 1. Iran has the right to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), the country's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said during a press conference in Tehran on December 1, Trend reports.

Baghaei believes theres no reason to paint Irans nuclear program as a thorn in the side.

He emphasized that discussions cannot be considered deadlocked and that other parties should refrain from using force.

Baghaei added that the solution to preventing Irans nuclear program from being treated as a problem lies in recognizing Irans rights under the NPT and refraining from objections.

On November 20, the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) adopted a resolution requesting Iran to provide precise information about its uranium enriched to 60 percent and to allow inspections of its nuclear facilities.

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.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
How was your Thanksgiving? On a day to give thanks for all the blessings of America, it fell to Gary Beckstrom to announce to the world the death of his twenty-year-old daughter, Sarah. That will taint Thanksgiving every year for the rest of Mr Beckstrom's life - in part because his child's blood is on the hands not just of her killer but of the public policy that enabled the murderer to be on the streets of what passes for the national capital. Thanks, America!

The Democrats are in favour of admitting the killer of the next Sarah Beckstrom, and non-Trump Republicans are happy to string along. Here is the famously rock-ribbed "conservative" Bill Kristol, a few weeks after the fall of Kabul:

Almost every Afghan refugee will turn out to be so much better an American than Charlie Kirk. https://t.co/CdKZCCm2BO  Bill Kristol (@BillKristol) August 16, 2021

Mr Kristol was the most prominent cheerleader for the two-decade unwon wars that made the supposed hyperpower a global laughingstock. After spending so long urging Americans to die for Jalalabad, he should surely have picked up along the way an actual fact or two about the joint. Otherwise, he risks appearing a shallow, parochial bleepwit whose "Project for the New American Century" looks more like a Project for a No American Century.

Facts? For starters, as I wrote in The National Post of Canada twenty-four sodding years ago, in Afghanistan it is forbidden by law for women to feel sunlight on their faces. Perhaps Bill Kristol could impose similar strictures on his own womenfolk and let us know how it goes.

To take him more seriously than he deserves, presumably Kristol believes that Charlie Kirk's claims to Americanness rest on outmoded concepts such as being born in America to American parents and being raised in American institutions such as the Presbyterian Church and the Boy Scouts. Whereas to the Wanker Right America is nothing so vulgar and restrictive but is instead an "idea", whereby simply by getting off the boat at Ellis Island and setting foot on American soil one imbibes the principles of life, liberty and the pursuit of nine-year-old child brides from the next village. Whoops, sorry, I mean the pursuit of happiness.

The New York Post headlined its coverage of Miss Beckstrom's murder as follows:

National Guardswoman Sarah Beckstrom shot by crazed Afghan refugee

But is the Afghan refugee really that "crazed"? I mean by comparison with Bill Kristol and other proponents of the "magic soil" theory of mass migration, such as his friends at Mr Murdoch's equally "conservative" Wall Street Journal:

The alleged shooting by an Afghan 'partner' shouldn't condemn all who assisted the U.S. and now live here.

Of course not! The Wanker Right is now saying it's outrageous that Biden did not "vet" any of the incoming Afghans. The killer of Sarah Beckstrom worked for a CIA-backed "Zero Unit" in Kandahar; he served alongside US troops for a decade. There is no "vetting" procedure he would not have aced. So, if you're one of those on the Wanker Right calling for more vetting, you're going to lose your country, and you entirely deserve to. There's more wisdom in a throwaway line by George Macdonald Fraser in his comic romp Flashman and the Great Game - that an Afghan's friendship lasts "only as long as it is convenient".

But not if you're war-crazed Bill Kristol. If you think that Americanness is just something whose transformative properties can be inhaled from the Taco Bell at Dulles Arrivals, well, it's true that first contact with the land of the free can bring about miraculous modifications: think of all those doughty Afghan "translators" for the US military who, upon arrival in the Lower Forty-Eight mysteriously found all their English fluency had vapourised over the Atlantic and suddenly required translators themselves.

Don't you ever get tired of the bollocks?

There are exceptions, such as the BBC's former Afghan hottie Yalda Hakim, whose casual asides during the fall of Kabul were worth more than all the bouffant tosspots of the Yank networks put together. But that's the point: Miss Hakim is an exception, and the exceptions do not negate the general rule. "Afghan" is a somewhat problematic concept in a highly tribalised society, but, granted that it exists for the purposes of international law, let us play along: no country that isn't Afghanistan needs Afghans. The United Kingdom, under its rock-ribbed "conservative" government, admitted some 200,000 Afghans - 15,000 plucky loyal "translators" plus dependents - and then took out a legal injunction to prevent the media reporting on the fact. Robert Jenrick, a leading member of the Conservative opposition, says that Afghans commit sex crimes at a rate twenty times higher than UK citizens. Before he reinvented himself as Mister Butch, Mr Jenrick was the Tory immigration minister who let in all those sex-fiends of the Hindu Kush, so presumably he knows whereof he speaks.

President Trump has now responded to the slaughter of Sarah Beckstrom by announcing that he "will permanently pause migration from all Third World Countries". Does that include the United Kingdom? It ought to. Either way, that's great news - at least for the forty-eight hours until the district court judge of Dead Moose Junction strikes down the President and orders the executive branch to create a cabinet-level Department of Afghans.

Yet even the President's executive order will not, ultimately, suffice. To prevent its own conscription into the Third World, America will need to deport tens of millions of its present population. It will also to have to abandon the arseholian self-mythologising that has brought it to the point of national extinction and global eclipse at the intersection of world-record debt and unprecedented mass migration. Do you like, as some niche Canadian once said, the way the French gave the Americans a pretty great "Statue of Liberty" and the Americans wrecked it by stapling a crap poem to the bottom and turning it into a Statue of Immigration? "Diversity" is where nations go to die.

"Nation of immigrants"? As late as the 1990s, over half the people in America were descendants of those who were here before July 4th 1776. Gee, it's almost as if the country was founded by British settlers who wanted to take Anglo-Scottish ideas of liberty a little further than the imperial metropolis wanted to take them...

Today? Well, Gary Beckstrom has one surviving daughter - which is one fifth of the children of Sarah's killer: five. Which is fairly typical of the fecund Afghans. So, in a few years, the murderer's progeny will be out-voting Mr Beckstrom's. Biden, Kristol, The Wall Street Journal et al add insult to fatal injury.

It is a matter of regret to me that America has succeeded in exporting the "nation of immigrants" bollocks to the other British settler nations and to all of Europe west of the Iron Curtain - to the extent that even countries no American thinks of as diverse, such as Sweden and Austria, will have extinguished their ancestral homelands by mid-century. The Yanks like to mock the gunlessness of Europeans. Okay then, what's your excuse for stringing along with demographic dispossession and the slaughter of your maidenhood?

Next year, upon America's quarter-millennial (a mere blip in the sweep of history), Trump should stand at the Statue of Liberty, crowbar off the crappy poem and toss it into the ocean. As things stand, there's unlikely to be a three-hundredth anniversary.

Rest in peace, Sarah Beckstrom.

Mark's international bestseller America Alone: The End of the World as We Know It. If you haven't read the book during its first seventeen years, well, you're missing a treat. It's still in print in hardback and paperback. (Buy it at a 77% discount by clicking here or order in KINDLE edition at a 47% discount by clicking here. Sales help fund JWR)

(COMMENT, BELOW)

Mark Steyn is an international bestselling author, a Top 41 recording artist, and a leading Canadian human rights activist. Among his books is "The Undocumented Mark Steyn: Don't Say You Weren't Warned". (Buy it at a 49% discount by clicking here or order in KINDLE edition at a 67% discount by clicking here. Sales help fund JWR)
BEIJING, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- China urges Japan to take history as a mirror, deeply reflect on its past, take China's demands seriously, honestly retract its erroneous remarks, and demonstrate its political commitments to China through concrete actions, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Monday.

"On issues of utter importance, the Japanese side should not harbor any illusion that they can fob off," Lin said at a regular news briefing. 
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 1. The strikes on Irans nuclear facilities have caused dangerous radioactive leaks, making it impossible for inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to safely carry out inspections, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said at a press conference in Tehran on December 1, Trend reports.

Baghaei noted that the IAEA has not even issued a simple statement condemning U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran.

"In such a situation, the IAEA cannot take a credible position," he said.

He emphasized that all of Irans nuclear facilities were under IAEA supervision, and the current conditions are the result of the U.S. and Israeli attacks. Baghaei also pointed out that there are no existing guidelines for handling such situations, and no precedent exists for an IAEA member state facing attacks on its nuclear facilities.

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.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 1. Iran and Japan have engaged in consultations to discuss developments surrounding Tehrans nuclear program, Trend reports via the Iranian MFA.

Today, a phone conversation took place between Iran's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, and Japan's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Toshimitsu Motegi.

During the discussion, Minister Araghchi provided an update on the latest developments regarding Irans nuclear program, as well as the positions of the United States and the European Trio (E3). He emphasized that it is incumbent upon the US to restore Iran's trust in diplomatic efforts.

Minister Araghchi expressed optimism that bilateral cooperation between Iran and Japan would continue to progress effectively.

Minister Motegi, in turn, reiterated Japan's readiness to play a constructive role in enhancing stability and peace in West Asia. He affirmed Japan's support for political initiatives aimed at addressing regional and international challenges.

The sides also took the opportunity to review the current state of bilateral cooperation, consular matters, and humanitarian issues. They underscored the importance of maintaining regular consultations to further strengthen the friendly relations between Iran and Japan.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 1. Despite the obstacles we face, full membership in the European Union remains Turkiye's strategic priority, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said after a meeting of the country's Cabinet of Ministers, Trend reports.

He also noted that the war between Russia and Ukraine poses a serious threat to the safety of shipping in the Black Sea, adding that attacks on merchant ships in the region have made the situation even more dangerous.

The Turkish President called the attacks in the special economic zone unacceptable. "These attacks threaten shipping, human life and environmental safety in our region, which is completely unacceptable," Erdogan said.
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CAT 2025 Answer Key: Steps, Link to Download

The Indian Institutes of Management (IIM) Kozhikode is set to release on its official website 'iimcat.ac.in' the official Answer Key of CAT 2025 (Common Admission Test 2025) after successfully conducting it Sunday

CAT 2025 Answer Key: The Indian Institutes of Management (IIM) Kozhikode is set to release on its official website 'iimcat.ac.in' the official Answer Key of CAT 2025 (Common Admission Test 2025) after successfully conducting it Sunday.

CAT 2025: A Brief Overview

The Indian Institutes of Management (IIM) Kozhikode has conducted computer based CAT 2025 exam on Sunday November 30, 2025 at test centres spread across around 170 test cities in India.

The exams were conducted in three slots each of 02 hours. The first slot was conducted from 08:30 am to 10:30 am, second slot was held from 12:30 pm to 02:30 pm, and the last and final slot was held on 03:30 pm to 05:30 pm.

As per IIM Kozhikode, around 2.58 lakh candidates appeared for the exam out of 2.95 lakh registered eligible candidates. The overall attendance was approximately 86%.

The CAT 2025 this year was comprised of 68 questions across Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA) to be solved in 120 minutes.

After appearing in the exam, some candidates said the CAT 2025 was more or less same as the last year whereas some students said it was slightly more difficult if compared with CAT 2024.

CAT 2025 Answer Key

After successfully conducting the CAT 2025 exam, IIM Kozhikode will now publish the official answer key.

The organizing body has not confirmed the exact date and time to release the CAT answer key. It however will publish it in a day or two.

As per the information, CAT 2025 Answer Key will be released slot wise and will be available for download on the official website.

Candidates should note that the IIM will first release the provisional answer key of CAT exam and open the objection window to flag errors if any.

After analyzing the objections received from the candidates, CAT 2025 Final Answer Keys will be published. The CAT result will be declared on the basis of the CAT final answer key.

Steps to download CAT Answer Key

Step 1: Go to the official website: " iimcat.ac.in ".

". Step 2: Click on log-in button under Registered Candidates link

Step 3: Enter user ID and password

Step 4: Type the 7 chracter code shown in the imageLog in and click on the relevant link to download CAT 2025 answer key in PDF

CAT 2025 Result Date

The CAT Result will be prepared and declared based on the Final Answer Keys.

Candidates should note that CAT Answer Key - Provisional and Final both, CAT Question Paper amd CAT Response Sheet will be available for download on the official website iimcat.ac.in through candidate log in after release.

"The CAT results are likely to be declared by the first week of January, 2026", IIM Kozhikode said.

The CAT 2025 score is valid only till December 31, 2026 and will accordingly be accessible on the website.

Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates.

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Pardon Netanyahu only if he leaves office: Israeli leaders

Prominent Israeli leaders have asserted that Benjamin Netanyahu should be granted pardon only if he retires as Prime Minister and from public life.

Tel Aviv: Prominent Israeli leaders have asserted that Benjamin Netanyahu should be granted pardon only if he retires as Prime Minister and from public life.

Talking to Israeli daily Haaretz, Member of Knesset and Chairman of right-wing party Yisrael Beitenu Avigdor Lieberman said that, if President Herzog granted Netanyhu a pardon, it would have to be followed by "complete retirement from public life."

"Even in the pardon arrangement for (the Shin Bet officers involved in the) "Line 300" case, those involved were prohibited from holding public office. According to all precedents in the State of Israel, I do not think there is an option for a pardon without retirement, he added.

Yisrael Beitenu was responding to Benjamin Netanyahus request to Israeli President Herzog seeking pardon in multiple cases of graft and corruption against him and his wife.

In a letter addressed to President Isaac Herzog, Netanyahu wrote that his trial has become a focal point of fierce controversy for which he bears broad public and more responsibility, with an understanding of the overall ramifications of these events.

Guilty seeks Pardon

The Israeli opposition leaders were quick to criticize the pardon request from Netanyahu who has faced accusations of stoking rifts within Israeli society  against the Arab population and the left in particular  as well as prolonging the war in Gaza for his own political gain.

Yair Lapid, the leader of Israels opposition, urged Herzog to reject the pardon request, at least in its current form. You cannot grant Netanyahu a pardon without an admission of guilt, an expression of remorse, and an immediate withdrawal from political life, Lapid said in a video statement, CNN reported.

Attorney Micha Fettman  who previously represented Benjamin Netanyahu in his trial, also said Herzog cannot legally grant Netanyahu a pardon unless the prime minister admits guilt in his corruption cases.

A pardon is given to an offender  thats what the law stipulates, Fettman told in an interview with Channel 12.

Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett also said he would support Benjamin Netanyahus request for a pardon if it is conditioned on the premiers retirement from politics.

In recent years, the State of Israel has been led into chaos and to the brink of a civil war that threatens the very existence of the state, Bennett writes on X.

Will Weigh Only Country's 'Best Interests'

Israeli President Isaac Herzog on the other hand said he will decide on Benjamins pardon request keeping in mind only the best interest of Israel and its people.

I understand very well that it is deeply unsettling for many people across the country and different communities, and that it sparks debate. But I have already made clear that it will be handled in the most proper and precise way. I will consider only the good of the state and Israeli society, keeping solely the interests of the State of Israel in mind, Herzog said as quoted by Haaretz.

"One thing is clear to me: violent rhetoric does not influence me, on the contrary, respectful discourse provokes discussion and stimulates dialogue, and I invite the Israeli public to come to the president's house, the people's house, to express their opinion and respond accordingly, he said as hundreds protested against Netanyahu's request for pardon at President's residence in Tel Aviv Monday.

"Bibi is a criminal in many aspects!", the protesters said.



Netanyahu in his pardon request also referred Donald Trumps public call seeking pardon for the Israeli premier billed as the most corrupt in office so far.

While asking the Israeli President to pardon Netanyahu, Trump also praised the former saying no Israeli leader has done for Israel what Netanyahu has done.

But, the Israeli opposition leaders are of the view that Netanyahu prolonged the Gaza war and genocide of Palestinians in the besieged strip only to save his position in the PM office.

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ALMATY, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- Kazakhstan exported 3.1 million tonnes of new-crop grains from September to the end of November this year, marking a 14.8 percent increase compared with the same period last year, the country's Ministry of Agriculture reported on Monday.

Shipments of Kazakh grain to Uzbekistan grew by 32.8 percent, from 1.066 million tonnes to 1.416 million tonnes. Exports to Kyrgyzstan doubled, rising from 44,000 to 90,000 tonnes, while supplies to Afghanistan increased by 28.8 percent, from 139,000 to 179,000 tonnes.

Grain exports in the previous agricultural year, from September 2024 to August 2025, totaled 13.4 million tonnes -- 47 percent higher year-on-year -- supported by transport subsidies. Kazakhstan intends to maintain this level of exports in the current season, with transport subsidies extended until Sept. 1, 2026. The country has also begun exporting to several new markets. 
BEIJING, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- China urges the Japanese side to learn the lessons of history, do soul-searching, take seriously what it has heard from the Chinese side, simply retract the erroneous remarks as it should and take practical steps to honor its political commitments to China, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Monday.

"On issues of principle, an evasive attitude will not get the Japanese side anywhere," Lin said at a regular news briefing.

Lin said the Japanese side keeps hiding and fudging its position on the Taiwan question. Whenever asked, the Japanese side simply would not mention the Cairo Declaration, the Potsdam Proclamation and the Japanese Instrument of Surrender -- all of which made clear that Taiwan be restored to China, nor the four political documents that serve as the political foundation of China-Japan relations, nor the political commitment made by the Japanese government to the one-China principle, he said.

Lin said all the Japanese side has done is dodging the issue by claiming that its position "remains unchanged," adding that not even once has the Japanese side fully articulated what exactly that position is.

He said perhaps what the Japanese side would not clarify is not just its position on the Taiwan question. Dec. 1 marks the 82nd anniversary of the Cairo Declaration. This document, together with a series of other international legal instruments, stipulate China's sovereignty over Taiwan, and are vital outcomes of the World Anti-Fascist War and an integral part of the postwar international order.

"Japan has an obligation under international law to observe those documents, which is the prerequisite for Japan to be readmitted to the international community after the war. But the Japanese side does not even mention a word about those instruments with full effect under international law, and instead keeps quoting a document that excludes China and some other Asian countries who suffered the most from Japanese aggression and colonialism," he said.

"That is a clear sign of oblivion to the tragic memory of Japan's militarist aggression, a serious disregard for the history of the World Anti-Fascist War, and a blatant challenge to the UN's authority and the postwar international order," he said.

Lin said the Japanese side has in recent years been revamping the security and defense policies, beefing up the defense budget year after year and seeking to revise its three non-nuclear principles, and some forces in Japan have been trying hard to break free from the Pacifist Constitution and Japan's legal obligations as a defeated country in WWII.

"They never truly learned the lessons from history, never truly did any soul-searching about Japan's war atrocities or looked at them squarely, and never truly sought to prevent the revival of militarism in Japan. They hope that by whitewashing and not mentioning the true history, they could somehow make the world forget and release Japan from its obligations, but the world will not be deceived," Lin said.

"The course of history must not be reversed, and the bottom line of peace must not be crossed. Japan prevaricated to downplay the situation while continuing down the wrong path. China would absolutely not accept that," the spokesperson said. 
A dispute over a failing grade at the University of Oklahoma (OU) has escalated into a wider free speech controversy, after a psychology student received zero points on an essay that cited the Bible. The case prompted the university to issue a public statement, place a graduate student instructor on administrative leave, and initiate a full review of the incident

The student, psychology junior Samantha Fulnecky, publicly challenged the grade and filed a claim of illegal discrimination based on religious beliefs. According to reporting from OU Daily, Fulnecky received zero out of 25 points for an essay responding to an article on societal gender expectations.

In her essay  published by The Oklahoman  she argued that traditional gender roles should not be labelled stereotypes, citing the Bible to support the view that eliminating gender would move society 'farther from God's original plan for humans.'

Fulnecky said the essay instructions did not require empirical evidence, and she believes university policy protects her right to reference religious texts even if others find them offensive. She argued that her failing grade resulted from her citing the Bible, describing the situation as 'absurd.'

However, the instructor reportedly stated the grade reflected the absence of empirical support and noted that parts of the essay were 'offensive,' according to The Oklahoman's reporting.

OU Places Instructor on Leave, Launches Review

In a formal statement released Sunday, the university said it had taken 'swift' action after receiving the student's complaint, stressing its commitment to First Amendment protections, including religious freedom.

'Upon receiving notice from the student on the grading of an assignment, the University immediately began a full review of the situation and has acted swiftly to address the matter,' the statement reads.

Statement from the University of Oklahoma: pic.twitter.com/5YWBfyW9u0  University of Oklahoma (@UofOklahoma) November 30, 2025

OU confirmed that a formal grade appeal was conducted and measures were taken to ensure the student suffered no academic harm.

Additionally, the university placed the graduate instructor on administrative leave and reassigned the course to a full-time professor for the remainder of the semester. OU said its established processes for handling such discrimination claims had been activated as part of the investigation.

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt also weighed in, calling the situation 'deeply concerning' and urging the OU Board of Regents to review the findings.

The 1st Amendment is foundational to our freedom & inseparable from a well rounded education. The situation at OU is deeply concerning. Im calling on the OU regents to review the results of the investigation & ensure other students arent unfairly penalized for their beliefs.  Governor Kevin Stitt (@GovStitt) November 30, 2025

'The 1st Amendment is foundational to our freedom & inseparable from a well rounded education,' Stitt wrote on X.

Public Debate: Academic Standards vs Free Expression

Fulnecky's use of the Bible in a science-based discipline sparked debate, with some praising her and others arguing it fails academic standards  comments gathered by The Oklahoman argue that religious texts are not appropriate academic sources for a psychology course, while others contend that the student is being punished for expressing her beliefs.

One commenter wrote: 'Psychology is a science. If she doesn't understand why citing the Bible was inappropriate, then she has no business in the sciences.'

Another countered that the Bible can offer sociological insights if framed correctly.

The debate highlights broader national tensions around academic freedom, religious expression, and shifting cultural norms on US campuses. OU has not announced when its internal review will conclude.

Originally published on IBTimes UK
TEHRAN, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- A large-scale joint anti-terror exercise of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) kicked off in Iran's northwestern East Azarbaijan Province on Monday.

Hosted by the Ground Force of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), the drill, named "Sahand-2025," will run for five days, said a statement by the IRGC.

The exercise has been designed under a directive from the General Staff of Iran's Armed Forces and the IRGC, with cooperation from the Iranian foreign ministry and the Executive Committee of the SCO's Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure, said Shahram Askarian, the IRGC ground force's public relations deputy.

Iran has always been a center of fighting terrorist groups, while more than 17,000 Iranians, including children and women, have been killed by terrorists over the past years, he said.

Sahand-2025 is the second joint counter-terrorism drill conducted by the SCO member states. The first, coded "Interaction-2024," was held in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in July last year.

The SCO is a Eurasian political, economic and international security organization grouping China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India, Pakistan, Iran and Belarus. 
Northwestern University has agreed to pay the Trump administration $75 million and revoke a controversial 2024 agreement with pro-Palestinian student protesterspromises made to end a campus encampment that are now being erased as the price of restoring hundreds of millions in frozen federal research funding.

The settlement, announced Friday by the Department of Justice, requires Northwestern to cancel the so-called Deering Meadow agreement, which the university signed in April 2024 in exchange for pro-Palestinian demonstrators dismantling their tent encampment on campus.

That agreement had promised increased support for Muslim, Middle Eastern, North African and Palestinian students, greater transparency about Northwestern's investments, and establishment of an advisory committee on university investmentsconcessions that drew intense congressional scrutiny and contributed to federal antisemitism investigations that ultimately led to the funding freeze.

Now, under pressure from the Trump administration and facing financial catastrophe from nine months of frozen grants, Northwestern is walking back those promises entirely.

The Deal That's Being Revoked

The Deering Meadow agreement, named after the campus location where protesters established their encampment in April 2024, represented Northwestern's attempt to resolve Gaza-related protests through negotiation rather than police action.

Under that agreement, Northwestern committed to:

Provide enhanced support and resources for Muslim, Middle Eastern, North African (MENA) and Palestinian students

Establish an Advisory Committee on Investment Responsibility to review the university's investment holdings

Increase transparency about Northwestern's financial investments

Create a full-time staff position focused on supporting MENA and Palestinian students

Fund scholarships for Palestinian students

Consider divestment questions through newly established processes

At the time, then-President Michael Schill defended the approach as balancing protesters' concerns with campus safety and operations. The encampment ended peacefully, and Northwestern avoided the violent confrontations that occurred at Columbia, UCLA, and other universities.

But the agreement immediately drew criticism from congressional Republicans and Jewish advocacy groups who argued Northwestern had capitulated to antisemitic protesters and rewarded disruptive behavior with policy concessions.

When Schill testified before a hostile House committee in May 2024, Republican lawmakers repeatedly questioned the Deering Meadow agreement, characterizing it as evidence that Northwestern tolerated antisemitism and failed to protect Jewish students.

That congressional testimony became a key factor in the Trump administration's decision to launch antisemitism investigations and ultimately freeze Northwestern's federal research funding in April 2025.

Now, as part of the $75 million settlement announced Friday, Northwestern must revoke the Deering Meadow agreement entirelyeffectively nullifying every promise made to the pro-Palestinian students who agreed to end their protest peacefully.

The $75 Million Settlement

The comprehensive agreement between Northwestern and three federal agenciesthe Department of Justice, Department of Education, and Department of Health and Human Servicesresolves multiple investigations and restores access to at least $790 million in frozen federal research grants.

Under the settlement terms, Northwestern agrees to:

Financial Payment: Pay $75 million to the U.S. Treasury over three years (through 2028), without using donor fundsthe second-largest university payment to the Trump administration after Columbia's $200 million settlement.

Revoke Deering Meadow Agreement: Cancel all commitments made to pro-Palestinian protesters in April 2024, including support for MENA students and investment transparency initiatives.

Antisemitism Training: Implement mandatory antisemitism training for all students, faculty, and staff across the university.

Free Speech Policies: Maintain "clear policies and procedures relating to demonstrations, protests, displays, and other expressive activities."

Anti-Discrimination Commitment: Adhere to federal anti-discrimination laws, ensuring the university does not give preferences based on "race, color, or national origin in admissions, scholarships, hiring, or promotion."

International Student "Socialization": Develop training materials to "socialize international students" with open debate norms and American free speech principles.

Gender Surgery Ban: Commit that Northwestern's Feinberg School of Medicine will not perform "hormonal interventions and transgender surgeries" on minor patientsthough university officials insist this merely codifies existing practice rather than representing policy change.

Title IX Compliance: Uphold Title IX commitments for women and maintain sex-based protections.

In exchange, the federal government will:

Restore eligibility for existing and future federal grants, contracts, and awards

Close all pending investigations into Northwestern

Treat the university as eligible for future federal funding

Attorney General Pam Bondi characterized the deal as "another victory in the Trump Administration's fight to ensure that American educational institutions protect Jewish students and put merit first."

Education Secretary Linda McMahon called it "a roadmap for institutional leaders around the country that will help rebuild public trust in our colleges and universities."

The Human Cost of the Standoff

The path to this settlement inflicted enormous financial and human costs on Northwestern's community.

When the Trump administration froze approximately $790 million in federal research funding in April 2025, the university faced an immediate crisis. According to Grant Witness data, more than $1.06 billion in awards from the National Institutes of Health and National Science Foundation have gone unpaid since the freeze begansuggesting the damage compounded as new grants were also withheld.

Northwestern responded by self-funding research operations from its own reserves, spending approximately $10 million per week to keep projects alive during the standoffan unsustainable burn rate even for a wealthy institution.

In July, facing what officials described as a "significant budget gap," Northwestern announced it would eliminate 425 positions, though nearly half had been vacant. University leaders called it "the most painful measure we have had to take" and "a drastic step" forced by federal pressure.

The funding crisis contributed directly to President Michael Schill's resignation in September. Though he didn't explicitly cite the freeze, Schill acknowledged "difficult problems" at the federal level and warned of "serious and often painful challenges" ahead.

His replacement, Henry Bienenwho previously served as Northwestern's president from 1995 to 2009inherited the task of negotiating with the Trump administration, ultimately striking the deal announced Friday.

Bienen's Defense: "Northwestern Runs Northwestern"

In a video message published on the Office of the President website following the settlement announcement, Bienen defended the agreement while insisting Northwestern maintained its autonomy.

"I would not have signed anything that would have given the federal government any say in who we hire, what they teach, who we admit or what they study," Bienen said. "Put simply, Northwestern runs Northwestern."

He characterized the settlement as "the best and most certain method to restore our federal funding both now and in the future," emphasizing that without an agreement, the university faced indefinite exclusion from federal research funding.

Bienen's statement echoes remarks he made at an October 15 Faculty Assembly meeting, when he expressed interest in reaching a deal but said he would not sign an agreement that "hinders the autonomy of the University."

However, the requirement to revoke the Deering Meadow agreementpromises made to students after extensive negotiationstests Bienen's claim that Northwestern retains full autonomy. The Trump administration effectively dictated that Northwestern must cancel specific student support initiatives and transparency commitments as a condition of restored funding.

Faculty Opposition and Community Betrayal

The settlement contradicts the overwhelming position of Northwestern's faculty. At that same October 15 Faculty Assembly meeting, 595 faculty members voted to reject the Trump administration's "Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education" or any similar capitulation, with only four against and eight abstentions.

When news of potential negotiations emerged in August, hundreds of faculty members signed a statement calling the school "complicit in an assault on institutions of higher education."

The revocation of the Deering Meadow agreement represents a particular betrayal to the pro-Palestinian students who negotiated in good faith, agreed to dismantle their encampment, and relied on Northwestern's commitmentscommitments the university is now abandoning under federal pressure.

Those students had agreed to end their protest based on specific promises: support for MENA students, investment transparency, consideration of divestment questions through established processes. Northwestern's decision to revoke these promises sends a clear message: agreements with student protesters can be unilaterally canceled when politically expedient.

The settlement also affects Muslim, Middle Eastern, North African and Palestinian students who weren't necessarily involved in the protests but stood to benefit from the enhanced support and resources Northwestern had committed to provide. Those students now lose promised support as collateral damage in Northwestern's settlement with the federal government.

The Broader Pattern of University Capitulation

Northwestern's settlement follows an increasingly familiar pattern of elite universities paying substantial sums to the Trump administration and implementing policy changes to restore frozen federal funding.

Columbia University: Agreed to pay more than $200 million over three yearsthe largest university settlement to date.

Cornell University: Committed to a $30 million fine plus an additional $30 million investment in agricultural research programs.

Brown University: Agreed to steer $50 million into Rhode Island state workforce development programs.

University of Virginia: Accepted strict, multi-year reporting requirements through 2028 to regain federal funds without making direct payments.

University of Pennsylvania: Reached an agreement, though full financial terms have not been disclosed.

Northwestern's $75 million payment ranks as the second-highest among these settlements, exceeded only by Columbia's $200 million.

Notably, the Northwestern and Columbia settlements require direct payments to the U.S. Treasurymoney that doesn't support students, research, or any educational purpose but instead flows to federal coffers as what critics characterize as fines or extortion payments.

Brown's deal, by contrast, directed its $50 million toward workforce development programs that at least serve educational or economic purposes, rather than simply enriching the federal government.

Harvard's Resistance: The Alternative Path

Not all universities have capitulated to Trump administration pressure. Harvard, despite facing similar funding freezes and investigations, chose to fight in court rather than negotiate a settlement.

Harvard sued over the administration's cuts to its grant money and won a significant court victory in September when a federal judge ordered the government to restore funding, ruling that the blanket funding freeze was illegal.

Harvard's legal resistance demonstrates that universities with sufficient resources and institutional will can potentially resist federal pressure through litigation. The successful court ruling suggests Trump administration tactics may be vulnerable to legal challenges on administrative law grounds.

However, Harvard's approach carries its own costslegal fees, continued uncertainty, potential retaliation, and the risk that courts might ultimately rule against the university. Northwestern's leadership apparently concluded that settlement, despite its steep financial and political costs, represented a more certain path to restored funding.

The divergent approachesHarvard fighting, Northwestern settlingwill likely shape how other universities respond as the Trump administration extends its pressure campaign to additional institutions.

The Investment Transparency Question

Among the most significant aspects of the revoked Deering Meadow agreement is the cancellation of investment transparency commitments.

The original agreement established an Advisory Committee on Investment Responsibility and committed Northwestern to greater disclosure about its investment holdingsreforms that would have allowed students, faculty, and community members to better understand where the university's endowment is invested.

Questions about university investments in companies connected to Israeli military operations, weapons manufacturers, or other controversial industries have been central to campus protests. Transparency about these investments is a prerequisite for informed debate about divestment.

By revoking the investment transparency commitments, Northwestern eliminates the very mechanisms that would have allowed the community to evaluate divestment questions through established institutional processes.

This suggests the Trump administration's settlement demands weren't merely about combating antisemitism or protecting Jewish students, but also about preventing universities from even considering divestment from Israel-related investmentsessentially using federal funding leverage to dictate university positions on Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

What It Means for Campus Protest

The Northwestern settlement establishes a dangerous precedent: universities can make agreements with student protesters to peacefully resolve demonstrations, then revoke those agreements when federal pressure makes them politically inconvenient.

This undermines future protest negotiations at Northwestern and potentially at other universities. Why would student protesters trust university commitments and agree to peacefully dismantle encampments if those commitments can be canceled months later?

The obvious alternativerefusing to negotiate and maintaining protests indefinitelycreates the very campus disruptions and police confrontations that Northwestern's original negotiated settlement successfully avoided.

From the Trump administration's perspective, this may be precisely the point: punish universities that negotiated with pro-Palestinian protesters, reward those that took hardline approaches, and establish that capitulation to protest demands will result in federal investigations and funding cuts.

Looking Ahead

For Northwestern, the immediate future involves implementing the settlement requirements: developing antisemitism training, establishing new free speech protocols, canceling Deering Meadow commitments, and paying $75 million to the federal government over three years.

The university must communicate to Muslim, Middle Eastern, North African and Palestinian students that promised support and resources are being withdrawn. It must explain to the broader community how investment transparency initiatives are being abandoned. And it must navigate faculty disappointment over leadership's capitulation despite overwhelming faculty opposition.

Some terminated grants will not be reinstated, according to Northwestern's website, "specifically those the federal government has cut"suggesting permanent research losses beyond the temporary freeze.

For American higher education broadly, Northwestern provides another data point in the calculation institutions must make when facing Trump administration pressure. The $75 million settlement and revoked student agreement send a clear message: resistance is expensive, capitulation is costly but certain, and maintaining institutional principles may not be financially viable when federal funding is at stake.

Attorney General Bondi's characterization of the settlement as "another victory" suggests many more such "victories" are planned as the Trump administration extends its pressure campaign across American higher education.

The question for universities nationwide is whether any will maintain their commitments to students, transparency, and institutional autonomy when the federal government offers a simple choice: pay, comply, and surviveor resist, fight, and risk financial catastrophe.

Northwestern has made its choice. The Deering Meadow agreement that ended protests peacefully is now history, sacrificed to restore federal funding and end investigations into antisemitism that the settlement resolves without Northwestern admitting any wrongdoing.

For the students who negotiated that agreement in good faith, the message is clear: even when universities make commitments, federal pressure can erase them.
Ryan Williamson

Ryan Williamson, an assistant professor at the University of Wyoming, will give this years Sandeen Lecture in Humanities at 4 p.m. Monday, Dec. 8, in the Business Buildings Scarlett Auditorium.





Williamson, a member of UWs School of Politics, Public Affairs and International Studies faculty, has titled his lecture Redrawing Trust: Citizens Views on Gerrymandering and Democratic Legitimacy.





Electoral map-making shapes whose voice is heard and who receives power. Scholars track how map-making reshapes representation, while ordinary voters experience and theorize its effects in their everyday lives. This years lecture will reveal how perceptions of gerrymandering alter citizens interactions with institutions and undermine fair, transparent map-making and acceptance of results. Williamson will illustrate his points through national surveys and experiments and look at flash points such as the Texas and California showdown. He also will address how well-designed independent commissions can help make better losers, rebuild civic trust and stabilize democratic life.





This research demonstrates that perceptions of partisan gerrymandering significantly influence citizens trust in, and satisfaction with, democratic institutions, Williamson says. In an era of high polarization and intense political animosity, these findings underscore the critical importance of institutional design in fostering public confidence, reducing distrust and reinforcing the legitimacy of democratic processes amid intense political divisions.





Williamson joined UWs faculty in 2023. Before coming to the university, he spent time in Washington, D.C., working as a congressional fellow in the U.S. Senate Committee on Rules and Administration. He also worked as a governance fellow at a think tank focused on institutional reforms designed to increase efficiency and effectiveness in Congress and elections.





Williamsons primary areas of expertise include electoral politics, legislative politics and public policy. His research on these topics includes published work in the Journal of Politics; Political Research Quarterly; Electoral Studies; State Politics and Policy Quarterly; and the Election Law Journal.





Williamson recently published a book titled Nationalized Politics: Evaluating Electoral Politics Across Time. A second book, Divided Nation: Analyzing Policy, Behavior, and Institutional Challenges in Modern American Democracy, is on its way.





The Sandeen Lecture in the Humanities is named after Eric Sandeen, founding director of the Wyoming Institute for Humanities Research. The Sandeen Lecture in Humanities is given annually in December at the beginning of finals week. Faculty fellows at the institutes Humanities Research Group vote to decide which fellow will deliver the lecture.





For more information, email the Wyoming Institute for Humanities Research at humanities@uwyo.edu.
A visitor enjoying the refreshing atmosphere by the waterfall at Namkat Yorla Pa in Oudomxay province. --Photo Namkat Yorla Pa

Laos at 50: A journey of change, progress and national pride

As Laos celebrates the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Lao Peoples Democratic Republic on December 2, the nation pauses to look back at a journey filled with resilience, development, and collective pride.

For many Lao citizens, this golden milestone is more than a celebration, it is a reflection of how far the country has come and a reminder of the determination that has guided the nation over the past half-century.

Fifty years ago, Laos stood at the starting point of nation-building. Today, the country has transformed its landscape, strengthened its unity, and steadily improved the living standards of people across all ethnic groups.

Under the leadership of the Party and state, Laos has enjoyed political stability, independence, and territorial integrity, which have allowed the country to move forward with confidence.

The capital, Vientiane, will celebrate the day in grand style on December 2, bringing together thousands of people from all walks of life. For many, this historic day carries deep emotional meaning: it is a time to honour the extraordinary achievements of the past 50 years, from peace and stability to growing international recognition.

The Vientiane-Vangvieng expressway. --Photo Phoonsab Growing presence on the international stage

Laos voice in the global community has grown significantly. Over the years, the country has been an active and respected member of major international organisations, including the United Nations, ASEAN, the WTO, the Non-Aligned Movement, and the Group of 77. It also participates in cooperation mechanisms such as the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS), ASEM, ACMECS, and the Belt and Road Initiative.

One of the proudest moments came in 2024, when Laos assumed the ASEAN Chair for the third time and successfully hosted the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits. The chosen theme, Increasing ASEAN Connectivity and Strength, highlighted Laos commitment to unity and regional cooperation.

As of 2025, the country has diplomatic relations with 151 nations, strengthening friendships around the world.

Economic growth and rising living standards

Economic development has been one of the most visible transformations. Average income per capita reached US$2,664 in 2020, a remarkable increase from 1985, showing clear improvement in peoples livelihoods.

Between 2021 and 2025, sectors such as energy, agriculture, industry, tourism, IT, logistics and regional processing were the key drivers of sustainable growth. Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith recently highlighted these achievements at the 10th Ordinary Session of the National Assembly.

Total state revenue over the five-year period reached 251,910 billion kip, surpassing the National Assemblys target by 16 percent.

Laos upgraded infrastructure has also played a vital role. New roads, expressways, airports, urban development projects, and special economic zones have strengthened regional connectivity.

The Laos-China Railway has been one of the most transformative achievements, carrying 3.8 million passengers and transporting 4.78 million tonnes of freight in 2024 alone. The railway has generated more than 52 billion kip in service fees and helped Laos become a growing logistics hub.

The countrys access to the sea has also improved through the use of new facilities at Vietnams Vung Ang seaport, opening further doors for trade and transport.

Tourism revival

Following the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, tourism has made a strong recovery. The Visit Laos Year 2024 campaign attracted 4.12 million foreign tourists and generated US$1.42 billion in revenue. Domestic travel also surged, with nearly four million Lao citizens exploring their own country. These numbers reflect both improved infrastructure and a renewed appreciation for the natural and cultural beauty of Laos.

The United Nations has recommended that Laos graduate from Least Developed Country status in 2026, a major milestone that underscores decades of effort and national progress.

As part of the countrys 50th anniversary celebrations, 24 units from the Ministry of National Defence, Ministry of Public Security and other entities comprising several hundred people will gather at the That Luang esplanade to take part in a spectacular parade.

For the people of Laos, the celebration is not just a ceremony. It is a tribute to the countrys enduring peace, unity and development since 1975. It is a time to honour the past, celebrate the present and look forward to a future full of hope  a future built on the strong foundations laid over the last 50 years.

By Khonesavanh Latsaphao

(Latest Update December 1, 2025 )








U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump arrive at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, Nov. 30, 2025. U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed on Sunday that he had a phone call with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, but refused to reveal any details of the call, according to The New York Times. (Xinhua/Hu Yousong)

WASHINGTON, Nov. 30 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed on Sunday that he had a phone call with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, but refused to reveal any details of the call, according to The New York Times.

"I don't want to comment on it; the answer is yes," Trump said aboard Air Force One. "I wouldn't say it went well or badly. It was a phone call," he told reporters.

The U.S. president also said that his Saturday social media post warning that the Venezuelan airspace should be considered to be closed was not a signal that an airstrike is imminent.

"Don't read anything into it," said Trump, noting that he made the alert "because we consider Venezuela to be not a very friendly country."

Trump said in the post on Saturday that the airspace above and surrounding Venezuela should be considered to be closed in its entirety. 

U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump step off Marine One upon their arrival at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, Nov. 30, 2025. U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed on Sunday that he had a phone call with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, but refused to reveal any details of the call, according to The New York Times. (Xinhua/Hu Yousong)
Simple Side Jobs for Students Living in Rome

For American students abroad in Rome, the thrill of new experiences is non-stop. However, the costs of pasta, coffee, and Aperol spritzes can quickly add up, and weeks of careful budgeting can go out the window.

The idea of working in Rome can sound daunting without a full understanding of the language and culture. One important consideration is what your visa offers, most student visas allow twenty hours of work a week. So if this applies to you, there are a lot of low-stress work options out there to help you make some extra cash.

Babysitting is a great option for students. Without a set schedule, you can find gigs that fit easily into your busy life and maybe even figure out a weekly gig. Not speaking Italian usually isnt an issue and might actually be a plus. Many Italian parents prefer English-speaking babysitters so their children can hear the language and practice it. You can sign up on websites such as Sitly.com and Babysits to get connected with families in your area that are looking for support.

Dog walking is another great way to make some cash on the side without speaking Italian. Rover.com offers an easy way to showcase your services as a pet caregiver. On Rover, you can work doing overnight gigs like house-sitting or boarding, or just offer walks and check-ins.

Some cafes, restaurants, and bars in the center might not mind the language barrier. Since those establishments mostly cater to tourists, English is commonly spoken. It is worth inquiring about job opportunities. American students have been known to be hired at bars like Drunken Ship, Abbey Theater Irish Pub, and Mr. Browns Pub.

Many Italian families are in the market for an English tutor. You can come to their house privately and help the children or the whole family with conversational skills. To find jobs like this, you can go old-fashioned and post flyers near commonly trafficked areas, or you can share your offer on Superprof or Facebook.

It is important to put your safety first when considering a job like this. When you are going to someones home, make sure to verify their identity, schedule a phone call before going over to their place of residence to make sure everything feels comfortable, and always tell a family member or a friend the address you are going to and the approximate amount of time you plan to be there.

Some key differences you should be aware of before inquiring about opportunities in Rome are the differences in CV style. You should alter your CV to the European style before applying for positions. This requires adding some more information. In Europe, a personal statement is expected, usually one paragraph long and written in the third person. Adding a professional photo of yourself is also more common in Europe and can help set you apart from the competition.

Consider these options if you are looking to make some extra cash and add some experience to your resume. Working while in school can be a difficult task, so make sure you dont overload your plate; only agree to hours you know you can handle.

Rome has no minimum wage, so the hourly pay will differ depending on the job. For babysitting and dog walking, pay ranges from approximately 9 to 12 per hour; however, you can set prices higher depending on past experience. For cafe and bar work, the average hourly pay is 9 per hour. For private English lessons, you can probably set prices a bit higher, somewhere between 15 and 20 an hour.

Finding a part-time gig in Rome can add more to your life than just money. It can be a way to immerse yourself in the culture and become a part of the community. Make sure to go about this process in a safe and legal way, and find a position that excites you and fits well into your busy academic schedule.
Impressionism and Beyond: Masterpieces from the Detroit Institute of Arts from 4 December until 3 May 2026.

Rome's Ara Pacis Museum will host an exhibition showcasing 52 masterpieces from the collection of the Detroit Institute of Arts, one of the most important museums in the United States.

The exhibition traces the development of modern painting from the origins of Impressionism through the Post-Impressionist movements and into the avant-garde of the early 20th century.

The show features major works by artists including Van Gogh, Monet, Renoir, Degas, Cezanne, Matisse, Picasso, Modigliani and Kandinsky.

For full exhibition details and visiting information see Museo dell'Ara Pacis website.
Vietnamese frigate Tran Hung Dao arrives at a naval port in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, Dec. 1, 2025. (Photo by Wang Liantao/Xinhua)

QINGDAO, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- Vietnamese frigate Tran Hung Dao arrived at a naval port in the city of Qingdao in east China's Shandong Province on Monday, marking the start of a four-day visit.

During the visit, the Chinese and Vietnamese navies will hold ship tours, deck receptions, cultural exchanges and joint drills, among other activities.

This visit aims to enhance mutual understanding between the two navies, and to deepen the friendship between the two countries.

The frigate has a full load displacement of 2,100 tonnes and a maximum speed of 29 knots. It can carry one anti-submarine helicopter. 

Vietnamese frigate Tran Hung Dao arrives at a naval port in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, Dec. 1, 2025. The frigate arrived at a naval port in the city of Qingdao on Monday, marking the start of a four-day visit.

During the visit, the Chinese and Vietnamese navies will hold ship tours, deck receptions, cultural exchanges and joint drills, among other activities.

This visit aims to enhance mutual understanding between the two navies, and to deepen the friendship between the two countries.

The frigate has a full load displacement of 2,100 tonnes and a maximum speed of 29 knots. It can carry one anti-submarine helicopter. (Photo by Li Fengxiang/Xinhua)

Vietnamese frigate Tran Hung Dao arrives at a naval port in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, Dec. 1, 2025. The frigate arrived at a naval port in the city of Qingdao on Monday, marking the start of a four-day visit.

During the visit, the Chinese and Vietnamese navies will hold ship tours, deck receptions, cultural exchanges and joint drills, among other activities.

This visit aims to enhance mutual understanding between the two navies, and to deepen the friendship between the two countries.

The frigate has a full load displacement of 2,100 tonnes and a maximum speed of 29 knots. It can carry one anti-submarine helicopter. (Photo by Li Fengxiang/Xinhua)

Vietnamese frigate Tran Hung Dao arrives at a naval port in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, Dec. 1, 2025. The frigate arrived at a naval port in the city of Qingdao on Monday, marking the start of a four-day visit.

During the visit, the Chinese and Vietnamese navies will hold ship tours, deck receptions, cultural exchanges and joint drills, among other activities.

This visit aims to enhance mutual understanding between the two navies, and to deepen the friendship between the two countries.

The frigate has a full load displacement of 2,100 tonnes and a maximum speed of 29 knots. It can carry one anti-submarine helicopter. (Photo by Wang Liantao/Xinhua)
A 21-year-old accounting student has been fined 1,200 at Waterford District Court for drugs, his solicitor said belonged to a party house.

Dylan OConnor (21) of Mullagh, Ballyneale, Carrick on Suir, Co Tipperary pleaded guilty to two counts of possession with intent to sell or supply and two counts of possession of drugs at a sitting before Judge Fiona Brennan.

Sergeant John Phelan told the court that on June 11, 2024, gardai executed a warrant at Riverwalk Apartments and found 3,426 of MDMA and 1,040 worth of tablets.

The defendant admitted to gardai that he owned the drugs but said they were bought in bulk for his personal use.

The court was told that the defendant had no previous convictions but had been given the benefit of a donation to the court poor box for a previous charge.

Acting for the defendant, solicitor Hilary Delahunty said that his client had bought the drugs with others but did not want to implicate his friends and so had no choice but to plead guilty.

He said that other than that, his client cooperated fully with gardai.

Mr Delahunty said that his client, who is an accounting student, was raised in a rural area and thrown into an urban area for the first time in college.

He was having an absolutely fantastic time, but unfortunately, the gardai got wind of this party house, said Mr Delahunty.

The solicitor said that a conviction would jeopardise his clients career and that even he would not hire an accountant with a conviction for sale or supply.

He said the drugs found in his clients room were not class A but rather ecstasy and a designer drug that is all the rage with students.

Mr Delahunty asked that the judge give the defendant another chance to donate to the court poor box and avoid a conviction.

Judge Brennan said that she didnt think it was reasonable to expect that, having been caught with almost 4,500 worth of drugs that the defendant would expect to avoid a conviction.

She pointed out that while he may have cooperated with gardai, he said they were his own drugs, which was not the argument now being made.

She asked Sgt Phelan if the gardai accepted that they belonged to multiple people, to which he responded, I wouldnt say that was the case.

Sgt Phelan said his reading of the report suggested gardai were targeting the defendant and knew exactly which room to search.

Judge Brennan said she was not satisfied with the defences argument and simply put to this court's mind, it does not add up.

The judge imposed two 600 fines for the sale and supply charge and gave the defendant six months to pay.

She took the possession charges into consideration and ordered the drugs to be destroyed.

Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme.
Mayor of Waterford City and County, Seamus Ryan, has paid tribute to Hugh Wallace on his passing.

The 68-year-old Home of the Year star passed away suddenly at his home on Sunday night, and his death was announced by his husband, Martin Corbett on Instagram.

Mr Wallace was the architect involved in North Quays development in Waterford City.

On behalf of Waterford City and County Council, I would like to offer condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Hugh Wallace on his sudden passing.

Hugh was a familiar figure to many, as a television presenter and a judge of RTEs Home of the Year.

"However, it was as director and co-founder of architecture firm, Douglas Wallace Consultants, that Hugh became an even more familiar figure to us here in Waterford.

Hughs firm, on behalf of Harcourt Developments, planned and designed the North Quays Strategic Development Zone. His vision, dynamism and creativity shone through in the plans for the North Quays to reimagine the city.

To Hughs husband, Martin Corbett, his family, friends and colleagues at Douglas Wallace Consultants I extend my deepest sympathies.'

Ar dheis De go raibh a anam, said Mayor Ryan.

Earlier this year, Mr Wallace told the Waterford News and Star that he loved working on the North Quays project and said working with the council was "inspirational."

"Its very rare as an architect that you get the opportunity to work on such a huge scheme. Working with Harcourt Developments has been really good because they want this to work and they have the experience of doing it, said Mr Wallace.

Kevin Doolin, President, Waterford Chamber, Mary Butler, Government Chief Whip & Minister of State at the Department of Health, Hugh Wallace, Douglas Wallace Architects, & Karen Dollery, General Manager, Viking Hotel Waterford at the launch of the new superior rooms in the Viking Hotel Waterford on Thursday, June 26th, 2025. Photo  Garrett FitzGerald Photography

Former Waterford TD and social advocate Matt Shanahan paid tribute to the late architect on social media.

Very sad news, the sudden passing of Hugh Wallace. He was very supportive and positive about Waterford's North Quays redevelopment to energise imprint and future vision and he was deeply enthusiastic about the future development of our iconic city.

"Condolences to his husband Martin, his extended family and countless colleagues and friends.

"He touched many homes and lives so positively. RIP," said Mr Shanahan.
Waterford TDs David Cullinane and Conor McGuinness have commented on the reported looming redundancy reports at Garrett Advancing Motion.

On Friday November 28, News and Star reported that 36 voluntary redundancies were being sought at the Waterford branch.

The reports have sparked concern for employees, as only a few months ago around a dozen workers took voluntary redundancies due to lost part numbers.

In a joint statement, the Sinn Fein Deputies stated: We are deeply concerned by reports of a significant number of voluntary redundancies being sought at Garrett Advancing Motion in Waterford. This news will cause real distress and uncertainty for workers and their families, particularly in the run-up to Christmas.

Garrett has been a major employer in Waterford for decades, with many employees having given long service to the company. Any threat to jobs at the plant is a serious matter for the workforce and for the wider local economy.

We are urging Garrett Advancing Motion to immediately clarify its position, to engage openly with staff and their representatives, and to outline what plans are in place to protect employment at the facility. Workers deserve clear answers and certainty about their future.

We will continue to closely monitor developments and will support employees in seeking full transparency and fair treatment.

Garrett Motion Ireland have been reached for comment.
James Cox

Strict security protocols are in place ahead of Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiys first official visit to Ireland.

Mr Zelensky is due to meet Taoiseach Micheal Martin and President Catherine Connolly, and address a sitting of the joint Houses of the Oireachtas.

Preparations are underway at Government Buildings and Leinster House for the visit tomorrow. An Garda Siochana has cancelled all leave and rest days for Mr Zelenkiy's two-day visit.

Tanaiste Simon Harris said tight security measures are in place.

"The President of Ireland will be meeting the president of Ukraine, the Taoiseach and myself, members of the Cabinet, and we're very much looking forward to having an opportunity to engage with president Zelenskiy.

"Of course all of the various measures that you'd expect when there is any high profile visitor are in place in terms of security and safety... and that's right and proper."

Mr Zelenskiy has said there are "tough issues" to work out, as negotiators continue to work through a peace deal to end the war in Ukraine.

He is meeting French president Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Monday before making a quick trip to Ireland.

Earlier, three people were killed in a Russian missile attack on the city of Dnipro.

Mr Zelenskiy was last in Ireland in February, when his plane stopped off to refuel ahead of a visit to Washington DC.

Mr Martin met the Ukrainian leader at Shannon Airport in Irelands south-west, where he emphasised the Irish peoples support for the Ukrainian people.

The following day, a televised exchange in the Oval Office between Mr Zelenskiy, US president Donald Trump and US vice president JD Vance made international headlines.

In April 2022, Mr Zelenskiy made a historic address to the Dail in which he said Ireland had not been neutral to the disaster Russia had brought to Ukraine.
She once considered herself too thin, too small and too working class, but the now 76-year-old defied the odds to become a fashion icon.

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This story is part of the November 30 edition of Sunday Life. See all 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. 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. 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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Updated WorldNorth AmericaUS politics Kill everybody: Trump, Congress scrutinise Hegseth over narco-terrorist double strike Michael Koziol Updated December 2, 2025  4:02am ,first published December 2, 2025  2:47am 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 275 View all comments

Washington: The White House has confirmed the US military launched a second lethal strike on a suspected drug trafficking boat, killing survivors from the first attack  an act that critics have likened to a war crime and which the Navys own manual appears to prohibit. The furore arises from a September 2 operation off South America  the first of more than 20 strikes against alleged drug boats conducted by the Trump administration  which killed 11 suspected narco-terrorists believed to be ferrying drugs on international waters to the US. Pete Hegseth, US secretary of war, allegedly gave a spoken directive to to kill everybody ahead of a strike on the Venezuelan boat. Bloomberg The Washington Post reported War Secretary Pete Hegseth gave a verbal directive ahead of the strike, citing two sources familiar with it. The order was to kill everybody, one of those people reportedly said. When two people survived the initial hit, the commander in charge, Admiral Frank Mitch Bradley, directed a second strike to comply with Hegseths order, according to the Post.

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Hegseth initially called the explosive story fabricated, inflammatory, and derogatory reporting. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said his department had told the Post this entire narrative was false. But on Tuesday (AEDT), White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed Hegseth authorised Bradley to conduct these kinetic strikes. Asked to clarify that it was Bradley who gave the order for the second strike, she said: And he was well within his authority to do so. View post on X Asked about Hegseths alleged directive to kill everybody, Leavitt said: I would reject that the secretary of war ever said that. However, the president has made it quite clear that if narco-terrorists are trafficking illegal drugs towards the United States, he has the authority to kill them. The War Departments manual on the laws of war says people who have been incapacitated by shipwreck from any cause are deemed to be in a helpless state, and it would be dishonourable and inhumane to make them the object of attack.

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Likewise, the US Navys handbook on the law of naval operations says combatants or belligerents who are hors de combat  out of the fight  by way of shipwreck may not be intentionally or indiscriminately attacked. This would be a grave breach of the law of armed conflict, the handbook says. Presented with that argument, Leavitt told reporters: The strike was conducted in international waters and in accordance with the law of armed conflict. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt during a press briefing at the White House on Monday. AP Later, after the White House publicly said the order was given by Bradley, Hegseth took to social media to back his senior officer, but also to emphasise that the admiral made the decision. Admiral Mitch Bradley is an American hero, a true professional, and has my 100 per cent support, Hegseth said. I stand by him and the combat decisions he has made  on the September 2 mission and all others since. America is fortunate to have such men protecting us.

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But the war secretary now faces inquiries from multiple congressional committees, while US President Donald Trump also said he would look into the matter. In a joint statement, the top Republican and top Democrat on the Senate armed services committee said the group would be conducting vigorous oversight to determine the facts related to these circumstances. US Senator Mark Kelly said the claims against Hegseth, if true, appeared to constitute a war crime. AP Democratic senator and former naval officer Mark Kelly, a member of that committee, told CNN that if the claims were true, they appeared to constitute a war crime. Were going to have hearings, well put people under oath, he said. Ive got serious concerns about anybody in that chain of command stepping over a line that they should never step over.

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Earlier, Trump told reporters he would not have wanted a second strike fired on survivors, but believed Hegseth was not responsible. Pete said that didnt happen  Pete said he did not order the death of those two men, Trump said on Sunday. Well look into it. Related Article Explainer

Venezuela crisis US forces are building up off Venezuela. Why does it feel like deja vu? More than 80 people have been killed by US strikes on boats alleged to be carrying drugs in the Caribbean or the Pacific Ocean since the September 2 operation. Hegseth and the Department of War routinely share vision of the strikes on social media. The latest claims add to simmering concerns in Congress about the legality and ethics of the strikes. Some lawmakers have complained for three months about a lack of information on the operations coming through official briefing channels. Leavitt said on Monday that 13 briefings had been given to 29 senators and 92 representatives, two-thirds of whom were Democrats.

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The Trump administration has declared it is in an armed conflict with cartels trafficking narcotics to the US, and that suspected traffickers are unlawful combatants associated with Venezuelan gangs such as Tren de Aragua. The administration is also building up its military presence in the Caribbean, including at least one nuclear-powered submarine and the worlds largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, which arrived last month. President Donald Trump speaks with reporters while in flight on Air Force One on Sunday. AP Via a social media post over the weekend, Trump told airlines to consider the airspace above and around Venezuela to be closed. Some analysts said that could be a precursor to expanded strikes or a bid for leverage in any eventual negotiations with Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. Trump confirmed he had spoken with Maduro, but would not reveal the contents of the call. I wouldnt say it went well or badly, it was a phone call, he said.

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Trump was also due to hold a meeting at the White House on Monday evening (Tuesday AEDT) about next steps on Venezuela, amid speculation the US plans to escalate military operations in a bid to oust Maduro from power. Meanwhile, Hegseth defended the boat strikes in several media posts, including one depicting a cartoon turtle in a military helicopter shooting a missile at fishing boats stocked with packages. View post on X Hegseth said all US operations in the Caribbean complied with US and international law, and the law of armed conflict, and were approved by military and civilian lawyers up and down the chain of command. Every trafficker we kill is affiliated with a Designated Terrorist Organisation, he said. We have only just begun to kill narco-terrorists. Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on whats making headlines around the world. Sign up for our weekly What in the World newsletter.
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Updated WorldNorth AmericaTrade deals Australia in talks with US over Trump demands to pay more for medicine Michael Koziol and Natassia Chrysanthos Updated December 2, 2025  11:57am ,first published December 2, 2025  3:03am 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 189 View all comments

Australia is talking to the Trump administration and global drug companies about the United States push to make countries pay more for medicines  an effort that gained pace overnight with a new deal to make the United Kingdom pay 25 per cent more for new pharmaceuticals. Health Minister Mark Butler on Tuesday acknowledged there had been a significant change of policy by the US administration as he revealed the Albanese government was deeply engaged in discussions in Washington. The US government under President Donald Trump will use the British deal as a model for talks with other developed nations. AP We are trying to make sure we understand this dynamic shift thats happening in the global pharmaceutical market, to ensure that we can deliver access to as many medicines as possible at the most affordable price possible for the Australian people, Butler said at a press conference. Under the deal between the US and UK, announced overnight, the UKs National Health Service will increase the net price it pays for new medicines by 25 per cent, and certain rebates paid by drug companies to the NHS will be reduced.

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That trade deal now serves as a model to compel other developed nations, such as Australia, to fork out more for drugs  something US President Donald Trump has been pushing for this year. In return, British medicines will be exempt from potentially triple digit US tariffs, as well as any future trade practices investigations involving pharmaceuticals for the rest of President Donald Trumps term. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in a Melbourne pharmacy during the election campaign, when he backed keeping medicine costs down under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. Alex Ellinghausen It was not immediately clear whether British consumers could be forced to pay more as a result. But UK media reported the cost to the NHS would be about 3 billion ($6.1 billion). In Australia, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Schemes buys medicines in bulk from drug companies, and Australians are charged a flat fee at the pharmacy. The government might pay thousands of dollars for a product that is ultimately available to consumers at a maximum $31.60 per script  due to become $25 next month.

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Butler said the government remained committed to listing more medicines on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and offering them at cheaper prices to Australians. Our PBS has delivered extraordinary things for the Australian people for more than 80 years now  access to the worlds best medicines at affordable PBS prices So the first assurance I want to give the Australian people is that we will never compromise those two important elements of the PBS for the Australian people, he said. Health Minister Mark Butler says the government is committed to listing more medicines on the PBS. Alex Ellinghausen Were engaging closely, not just with the US administration, particularly through the embassy in Washington, but also with global pharmaceutical companies that will be impacted with this as well. I talk with them very regularly, and Im making sure that we have a set of policies in place in Australia that continues to deliver those PBS outcomes for the Australian people.

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A White House official, requesting anonymity, said the general structure of the UK deal  under which other countries pay more for drugs or face punitive trade measures by the US  was the model for global negotiations. Related Article Opinion

Trump's White House Trump is really, really bad at maths Stephen Bartholomeusz Senior business columnist For decades, Americans have subsidised global pharmaceutical research and development by paying several times more for the same exact drugs than our peers in other wealthy nations do, White House spokesman Kush Desai said in a statement. President Trump pledged to use every lever of executive power to put America first, and the administrations pharmaceutical deal with the UK is a historic step towards ensuring that other developed countries finally pay their fair share. Without naming any countries, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer indicated he was looking to strike similar deals with other nations.

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The Trump administration is reviewing the pharmaceutical pricing practices of many other US trading partners and hopes that they will follow suit with constructive negotiations, he said. Greers office has been contacted for further comment. Butler said he would not pre-empt the outcomes of the governments discussion with the US administration or pharmaceutical companies. Im not going to go into those discussions, except to say that, as I said, this is very deep engagement between our government, he said. Well continue to have those discussions, but were one of 193 other countries who are engaging with the Americans about this.

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The British government said the trade deal with the US would allow the NHS to approve innovative medicines that might have previously been declined purely on cost-effectiveness grounds, such as breakthrough cancer treatments or therapies for rare diseases. United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer says the Trump administration is reviewing the pharmaceutical pricing of many US trading partners. Bloomberg The deal would ensure UK patients get the cutting-edge medicines they need sooner, and our world-leading UK firms keep developing the treatments that can change lives, UK Science Secretary Liz Kendall said. But the Liberal Democrats health spokeswoman Helen Morgan said the deal was really a Trump shakedown of the NHS that nobody voted for, and it should be put to a vote in the British parliament. The government will divert billions of pounds away from frontline NHS services  all on the whim of a foreign president, she said. Trump demanded these pay rises to put Americans first, and our government rolled over.

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Asked at a briefing on Tuesday (AEDT) if there were any guarantees that the extra money taken in by US drug companies under the deal would be passed on to American consumers, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said: Ill get you the answer to that question after the briefing. With AP, Clay Lucas Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on whats making headlines around the world. Sign up for our weekly What in the World newsletter.
ULAN BATOR, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- The total population of Mongolian Argali sheep, a near-endangered species in western Mongolia, has increased to 3,600, according to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF)-Mongolia on Sunday.

The census of argali sheep, a species of wild sheep living along Mongolia's western border with Russia, was conducted from 2023 to October this year in the Mongolian provinces of Bayan-Ulgii and Uvs, the WWF-Mongolia said in a statement.

"Recent conservation efforts to mitigate impacts of environmental and human influences, such as law enforcement, habitat management, disease prevention and community engagement, have contributed to an increase in the Argali population in Mongolia," it added. 
The World Customs Organization (WCO), with the financial support of the Customs Cooperation Fund  Korea (CCF-K), successfully concluded the third and final edition of the Small Island Economies (SIEs) Scholarship Programme. This training was held from September to December 2025 at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies (HUFS) in Seoul, Republic of Korea.

Recognizing both the important role SIEs play in global trade and their specificities, the WCO Guidance for Customs Administrations in SIEs (adopted in 2020) emphasizes the need to address their unique challenges in the pursuit of Customs modernization and reform programmes.

In line with this Guidance, the first edition of the SIE Scholarship Programme was launched in 2023, marking the beginning of a dedicated scholarship initiative for Customs officials from SIEs.

Over its three editions, the Programme brought together 30 Customs officials representing 19 countries, creating a strong professional network that continues to promote mutual learning and collaboration within the global Customs community.

Designed as an intensive three-month academic and practical training programme, it allowed the participants to strengthen their knowledge and skills to advance their professional competence in important Customs matters.

As a key outcome, each participant produced an individual report focusing on a variety of themes relevant to SIE, such as risk management and Customs modernization. These reports reflected their enhanced analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as their ability to apply WCO instruments and modern Customs practices within their own administration.

Implemented in partnership with HUFS, the SIE Scholarship Programme stands as a successful example of collaboration between the WCO and the Korea Customs Service (KCS).

As the SIE Scholarship Programme concludes, enhanced knowledge, professional capacity, connections, and spirit of collaboration will continue to support the WCOs broader mission of capacity building. This will contribute to the development of a more inclusive, innovative, and interconnected Customs environment worldwide to better serve society.
Thousands of wreaths were laid at the graves of U.S. military veterans at Zachary Taylor National Cemetery in Louisville, Ky. on Dec. 14, 2024.
BEIJING, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- At the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, French President Emmanuel Macron will pay a state visit to China from Dec. 3 to 5, a foreign ministry spokesperson announced on Monday.

At a daily press conference on the same day, foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian briefed media about the visit, saying it will be Macron's fourth state visit to China. It also reciprocates the state visit to France by President Xi last year on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of China-France diplomatic relations, Lin added.

During the visit this week, Xi will hold talks with Macron to jointly lead the development of China-France relations under the new circumstances, Lin said, adding that the two presidents will also have an in-depth exchange of views on major international and regional hotspot issues.

Premier Li Qiang and Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, will also meet with Macron respectively, according to the spokesperson.

France was the first major Western country to enter into formal diplomatic ties with New China. China-France relations enjoy a history worthy of being cherished, are endowed with unique values, and carry important missions, Lin said.

He went on to point out that in recent years, under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, the two countries have witnessed close exchanges at all levels, fruitful results in practical cooperation, and effective coordination in multilateral affairs.

Amid an evolving international landscape fraught with turmoil, China is ready to work with France to take this visit as an opportunity to strengthen strategic communication, deepen pragmatic cooperation, advance closer multilateral coordination, and work for new progress in the China-France comprehensive strategic partnership, Lin said.

By doing so, the two countries will contribute more to promoting the healthy and stable development of China-EU relations, upholding multilateralism, and safeguarding world peace, stability and prosperity. 
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Sarah Slater

A memorial day for an Offaly teacher murdered almost four years ago will be held next Saturday.

Ashling Murphy (23) was jogging along the banks of the Grand Canal in Tullamore, Co Offaly, when she was stabbed more than 10 times on January 12th 2022.

Jozef Puska was found guilty of her murder two years ago and is serving life in jail. He had pleaded not guilty.

Last October, five of his family members were sent to prison for trying to hide his involvement in Ms Murphys murder.

The memorial day is being organised by the Ashling Murphy Memorial Fund to celebrate the life and legacy of Ashling, the organisers have highlighted.

It will take place on December 6th in the Bridge Shopping Centre in Tullamore, from 10 am to 5 pm.

Live music will be played, as a mark of respect, which will highlight the Offaly womans involvement with Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann.

A Gaeltacht scholarship funded through the Ashling Murphy Memorial Fund will also be announced.

The Ashling Murphy Memorial Fund was set up in January 2023 in her memory.

The aim is to provide funds to groups in the traditional Irish arts, culture and heritage sector. The organisation has established three scholarships in her memory.
URUMQI, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- Tax refunds for overseas tourists at the aviation port in Urumqi, Xinjiang's main international gateway, hit over 8 million yuan (about 1.13 million U.S. dollars) in the first ten months of this year, a 26-fold year-on-year increase.

Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, renowned for its diverse natural and cultural tourism resources, has long been a major draw for international travelers. In the first ten months of 2025, the region received 2.12 million inbound visitors, up 6.06 percent year on year.

To further facilitate cross-border tourism, China introduced a series of measures in April to optimize its departure tax refund policy, including lowering the minimum purchase threshold, streamlining the refund process and expanding service channels.

The nationwide policy has significantly boosted cross-border consumption in Xinjiang. At the international departure area of Urumqi Tianshan International Airport, signs and information screens in six languages guide travelers through the tax refund process.

Azamat Yernar, a tourist from Kazakhstan, purchased Atlas silk clothes and Xinjiang specialty handicrafts at the airport. "These products are very unique, and the prices are even better after the tax refund. The tax refund process here is very convenient -- it took only two minutes from submitting the documents to customs verification," he said.

Xinjiang has expanded its tax-refund categories to 12, including luxuries, cultural products, textiles and local foods.

"We will enrich tax-refund product varieties with Xinjiang characteristics and enhance service convenience for travelers," said Zhang Weijie, deputy director of the airport's customs. 
COMMUNITY NOTES: NORTH MAYO - WESTERN PEOPLE (DECEMBER 2 EDITION)

On Saturday, November 15, large numbers of clergy, family, relatives and friends gathered in Christ the King Church, Knockmore, to remember and bid a fond farewell to the late Elizabeth (Betty) Dunne nee Gallagher for her 1pm Requiem Mass with her brother Fr Peter Gallagher as chief celebrant.

Betty, as she was fondly remembered, passed away peacefully following an illness that she bore patiently for over fourteen years, during which time she was lovingly cared for by her beloved family.

Betty was a native of Bonniconlon and a member of a family of seven - three girls and four boys. On her marriage to her beloved husband Oliver they set up home in Rathbane, Knockmore and reared a family of six - five boys and one girl. The couple enjoyed many happy occasions with their family and especially with the arrival of their seven grandchildren, their pride and joy.

Betty will be fondly remembered as a dignified lady who had a kind word to say about everyone. She had a warm welcome for all who called to her home and was dearly loved by her neighbours and friends. Predeceased by her husband Oliver, she is survived by her beloved family her daughter Elizabeth, sons Frank, Andrew, Ollie, Patrick and Tommy, her much loved grandchildren, her brothers Frank, Pat, John and Fr Peter, her sisters Mary and Geraldine, in-laws, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends. She was laid to rest following her Requiem Mass in Ballinahaglish Cemetery.

May she now rest in peace.
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.
BERLIN, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, during a recent visit to the Spanish town of Guernica, stood at the site once devastated by a Nazi air raid and called the 1937 attack "a brutal crime, whose sole target was the civilian population," vowing that Germany "will not forget" the suffering it caused.

The visit has revived broader reflection on wartime responsibility and sharpened the contrast with Japan. Although Germany and Japan were both origins of World War II and ultimately defeated powers, their attitudes toward historical accountability have diverged sharply.

German scholars say that as the world commemorates the 80th anniversary of the victory in the anti-fascist war, Japan has yet to confront basic questions about its wartime aggression and responsibility, revealing a lack of deep introspection and a distorted historical narrative.

The absence, they argue, is now reflected in the latest remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Taiwan -- comments viewed as a direct challenge to the postwar international order and a serious threat to regional peace and stability.

UNFINISHED RECKONING

"During the war, the fascist ideology of racial superiority in Germany and Japan differed very little," German publisher and author Frank Schumann said in a written interview with Xinhua.

He said both countries spread "terror and war across the world in order to conquer territories and plunder natural resources." After the war, he noted, Germany dismantled Nazism through asset confiscations, purges of Nazi influence from education and the judiciary, and systematic anti-fascist education across the media and academia. "At its core, the question was always: Why is there war?"

He argued Japan never underwent the same reckoning.

"War criminals continue to be honored at the Yasukuni Shrine, even by top politicians. Japan still refers to its invasion of China as an 'incident'," Schumann said.

Richard A. Black, a senior research fellow at the Schiller Institute in Germany, said Japan has softened its wartime record by rewriting textbooks, leaving younger generations with little understanding of its militarist past.

Takaichi, he noted, has repeatedly visited the Yasukuni Shrine and claimed that international assessments of Japan's wartime conduct are "not true" and "exaggerated."

"(What she is doing) is extremely, gravely dangerous," Black said.

VICTIM NARRATIVE

German historian Takuma Melber said Japan continues to lean on a victim narrative regarding World War II, with its responsibility for starting the war weakly addressed. "In Japan, public narratives of World War II still begin with the country's defeat rather than its responsibility for starting the war," he said.

Museums in Japan tend to focus on the final months of the war and highlight the devastation inflicted on Japan, particularly the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Melber said. "Japan primarily sees itself as the last victim of World War II."

The newspaper Frankfurter Rundschau reported that some right-wing forces in Japan continue to portray the country's wartime aggression as the "liberation" of East Asia and have pushed to revise the pacifist constitution as a step toward rearmament.

Takaichi's comments, it said, reflect "the core values of Japan's right-wing conservative ideology," and her stance on history aims to strengthen her standing within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party.

DIPLOMATIC FALLOUT

Schumann's own interest in Japan's wartime actions began years ago when his son, then studying in Japan, learned of a former poison-gas factory on Okunoshima Island -- once hidden from the public and used to manufacture chemical weapons.

Now preparing a book on Japanese war crimes, Schumann said archival research could not fully prepare him for what he saw while visiting historical sites in China.

He warned that the postwar international order faces "tremendous challenges," making historical reflection more urgent. "Only by learning from history," he said, "can we avoid repeating the same mistakes."

The repercussions could extend beyond domestic politics. The German magazine Der Spiegel quoted Koichi Nakano, a professor of international politics at Sophia University in Tokyo, as warning that Takaichi's revisionist views "could severely strain the country's key relationships with China and South Korea, potentially plunging Japan into a diplomatic disaster."

Suddeutsche Zeitung, another German newspaper, reported that Takaichi visited the Yasukuni Shrine even while serving as a cabinet minister, a move that has repeatedly damaged Japan's diplomatic ties. 
The G20 presidency that could have been: SAs missed chance

SA's G20 presidency wrongly prioritised global, long-term interventions that try to foster global structural economic changes, but are not immediately feasible.

A better G20 presidency should have prioritised a narrower, more practical and directly beneficial to South Africa and Africa, set of objectives.

This means that South Africa has failed to take advantage of its year-long G20 presidency to use the close proximity to the largest economies in the world to prioritise secure alternative markets, foreign investment, capital and development funding, which the countrys desperate need to lift economic growth, create jobs and tackle poverty.

The G20 presidency has a short window of a single host year, so focusing on the right issues are critical. Countries all over the world are searching for alternative markets following US President Donald Trumps sweeping tariffs against allies and foes, which has making exporting to the US markets in many cases uncompetitive. Most countries are also trying to find alternatives to Chinas flooding of their markets with state-subsidised products, which are undermining the economies of recipient countries.

With China also facing US tariffs, the country has stepped up the exports of its products to non-US markets  with many industrial countries responding by erecting trade walls against Chinese products and looking for non-Chinese alternatives.

With South Africa's G20 presidency at the start of US President Donald Trump's global tariffs, and China ramping up its state-backed exports to non-US markets, forcing many countries to find alternative markets, South Africa was gifted with an opportunity to use its closeness to the worlds largest economies  and their companies and their capital, to strike alternative trade, investment and development funding deals for itself and African countries.

The world is experiencing a period of unpredictability, because of the US driven trade war, Chinas flooding of markets, the Russia-Ukraine war, Gaza conflict, climate change and overlapping other shifts such as climate change and technology transformations. Trump has up-ended global trade rules, disrupted global institutions such as the World Trade Organisation, the United Nations and the World Bank, International Monetary Fund and global trade partnerships and blocs, such as BRICS.

The US has withdrawn funding from many multilateral organisations. In fact, multilateralism itself is in crisis, as every country now try to protect their own interests. The WTO, World Bank, IMF and the UN are all internally focused, struggling to repivot in these fast-changing global environment.

The US tariffs may also trigger a downturn in the global economy  which is reinforcing the move by countries to prioritise strengthening their domestic economies, but putting less resources into external development funding, multilateral organisations and global institutional reform causes.

Even the BRICS formation, is under pressure, pushed into two directions by Trumps tariffs and Chinas flooding of markets. Many of the established BRICS members are also seeking ways to find ways to compromise with the US, but also to find alternatives to prevent China from flooding their markets; non-members want to join BRICS to escape US tariffs and ironically, Chinese goods. These two centrifugal forces have reduced the cohesion of the BRICS formation.

South Africas G20 presidency, includes focusing on reducing global inequality, securing African debt forgiveness, and reforming the international financial architecture. However, these global structural change reforms need global partnerships  not currently possible because US President Trump has disrupted traditional global partnerships.

Trump is up-ending global structures, institutions and partnerships, through his sweeping tariffs. Trump has cut development funding to South Africa and many developing countries. The Russia-Ukraine war and the Gaza conflict have pushed many industrial countries to channel development funding from African and developing countries to Eastern Europe and Gaza. Trumps tariffs are forcing industrial countries to further reduce development funding to their domestic development projects.

For South Africa through its G20 presidency to try to push for global structural changes at this uncertain time, with global structural changes still on-going, when multilateralism is in disarray and when almost all countries are turning inward, focusing on protecting their own economic interests, is a real wasted opportunity.

Sadly, South Africas G20 presidency strategy to a large extent mirrors South Africas foreign policy: old-school solidarity based, rather than aggressively promoting the interests of South Africa - the approaches to foreign policy taken by the US, China or India.

South Africas G20 presidency strategy reflects largely ANC priorities. The ANC, although not the majority party anymore, and part of a multiparty Government of National Unity has insisted that its party policies automatically become the GNU policies, rather than cobbling together new policies, with its governing partners, given that it is not the majority party anymore, but now, part of a multiparty government. If the ANC had involved its GNU partners in setting out the G20 presidency agenda, it is very likely that they would have produced more pragmatic, more strategic and more South Africa-interest priorities.

This means, South Africa should have focused on attracting foreign investment and capital, and new technology to South Africa and to Africa.

Rather than focus on big ideas global issues, which are not going to be resolved overnight, and which there is little aptitude for now, as G20 countries prioritise the US trade tariffs and Chinas state-subsidised domination of global manufacturing.

In the context of Africa, South Africa should cobbled together more practical immediate initiatives to boost investment, lift economic growth and help Africans deal with the negative impact of the Trumps administration slashing of development aid, and developed countries reduction of development aid to focus on their economies in the light of the impact of the US tariffs, Russias war against Ukraine and Chinas state-subsidised flooding of their markets.

Many developed countries have also redirected development aid from Africa to rebuild Eastern Europe, and the conflict zones of Gaza and the Ukraine. It would have been more useful if South Africa had used its G20 presidency to lobby for an increase in development aid from non-US developed countries that are members of the G20.

More than half of African countries are experiencing conflict  meaning infrastructure development, investment attraction and poverty reduction is impossible. SAs G20 presidency should have focused on resolving African conflicts, with the help of the worlds largest economies.

In 2021, the African countries signed the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) pact designed to unify all 1.4 billion people under Africa's 54 nations into a single market. 48 African countries may have ratified the free trade deal, but only 24 African countries are actively trading under it. Under South Africas G20 presidency, South Africa could have mobilised the African Union to get more serious about getting the free trade area to work.

As the G20 president, this was an opportunity to strike commercial, development and trade deals with G20 economies for those 24 African countries that are actually trading among each other.

South Africa and Africas infrastructure is deficient. SA could have used its G20 presidency to get G20 countries to partner in building Africas infrastructure.

South Africa could have focused on securing immediate commercial partnerships for South Africa and Africa. It would be more useful for South Africa to strike critical mineral deals for African countries with individual G20 countries.

China controls critical minerals, and all industrial countries are trying to desperately diversify from China choke on the global supply of critical minerals. Many African countries have critical minerals. This offered the opportunity for South Africa to offer South Africa and African critical mineral deals that would involve South African and African critical minerals in return for guaranteed prices for South African critical minerals, infrastructure investment, beneficiation and technology and skills transfer.

South Africa could have shown during its G20 presidency that it is open for business. However, South Africa has actually shown that it is closed to business. President Cyril Ramaphosa and ANC leaders have insisted on continuing failed, outdated ideological policies, rather than change course, adopt more growth-generating policies, and so presenting the country as more investment friendly.

The ANC has doubled down on these anti-investment policies. For example, the ANCs expropriating without compensation policy, undermines property rights, which includes shares, pension funds and businesses from local and international companies and individuals also.

The ANC has doubled down on Black Economic Empowerment, which has empowered mostly ANC political capitalists, individuals who are ANC connected politicians, who often set up businesses only to secure a government contract or a shareholding in a white-owned business, has undermined genuine black entrepreneurs who are connected to the ANC, who cannot secured government contracts or BEE partnerships with white-owned businesses. Changing BEE to allow for alternatives: such as job creation, skills development for youth, science, technology and mathematics (STEM) education, manufacturing SMEs development and infrastructure development, would have shown SA is ready for business.

The ANCs strategy of cadre deployment which deploy ANC cadres to strategic positions in the public sector, state-owned entities and democratic oversight institutions, has caused the failure of these institutions, undermining economic growth. Cancelling cadre deployment would have boosted business confidence.

South Africas G20 presidency is one of the biggest missed opportunities, at a time when South Africa needs every lucky break to lift economic growth, attract investment, capital, and technology to create jobs, tackle poverty, and secure social peace.

William Gumede is Associate Professor, School of Governance, University of the Witwatersrand and author of Restless Nation: Making Sense of Troubled Times (Tafelberg)

This is an edited extract of a talk on how South Africa can maximise its G20 presidency at a workshop in Johannesburg organised by the Industrial Development Corporation, its Social Employment Fund initiative, the Presidential Employment Stimulus initiative and the Economic Development Partnership.
COLOMBO, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lankan authorities on Monday urged the public to be vigilant about the higher risk of infectious and vector-borne diseases as floodwaters receded in several districts following days of adverse weather.

Jayatissa Munasinghe, assistant secretary of the National Disaster Relief Services Center, said stagnant water and mud pose increased health hazards, adding that the Ministry of Health has already begun implementing preventive measures.

Each divisional secretariat has been allocated 50 million rupees (about 162,528 U.S. dollars) to provide immediate assistance to affected families, Munasinghe said, noting that relief funds have been increased and can now be released without administrative delays.

In addition to previously released funds for dry rations, authorities have approved the distribution of packaged dry food items where needed, he said.

According to the latest data issued by the Disaster Management Center, 355 Sri Lankans have died and 366 persons remain missing due to the adverse weather conditions affecting the country. 
CARACAS, Nov. 30 (Xinhua) -- The United States' military threats in the Caribbean could jeopardize global energy market stability, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro warned in a letter to the Secretary General of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Haitham Al Ghais.

In the letter, Maduro said that U.S. President Donald Trump has been waging "a campaign of harassment and threats" against the Latin American country since August.

The deployment of more than 14 U.S. warships and 15,000 troops in the Caribbean Sea is creating a climate of tension that could disrupt regional security and affect energy supplies, he said.

Maduro denounced the U.S. attempt to seize Venezuela's crude oil reserves, warning that it poses a direct risk to the balance of the global market.

Venezuela will remain "firm" in defending its energy resources and will not yield to external pressure, he said, adding that in the past, military interventions in oil-producing countries have led to instability and adverse consequences for both consumers and exporters. 
Peter Obornes Complicit: Britains role in the destruction of Gaza, published by OR Books, lambasts Britains two main political parties for the cross-party cartel through which they established the political foundation that would make Britain complicit in genocide and war crimes.

Oborne cites their military, political and diplomatic support for the massacres, indiscriminate bombing, torture and mass displacement of the Palestinians carried out by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) on the orders of the fascist government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Support for Israel also had backing from Nigel Farages far-right Reform UK as well as the fascist activist Tommy Robinson.

Oborne says that Britain bears heavy responsibility for the deaths in Gaza, third in line only behind Israel and its primary patron and collaborator the United States.

Complicit: Britain's Role in the Destruction of Gaza [Photo: OR Books]

That Complicit has become a Sunday Times Bestseller testifies to the widespread opposition within Britain to the support for Israels ongoing genocidal war against the Palestinians in Gaza by both the former Conservative government of Rishi Sunak and now Keir Starmers Labour government.

Its success is all the more noteworthy because the mainstream press, including the Guardian, has not reviewed it. Yet the books author is a journalist who used to write for the right-wing press, including the Daily Telegraph, where he was the papers chief political commentator until he resigned in 2015, as well as the Daily Mail, Daily Express and Spectator. He now writes for the Byline Times, Declassified UK, Double Down News, Middle East Eye and openDemocracy.

His previous books include The Rise of Political Lying (2005), The Triumph of the Political Class (2007), and The Assault on Truth: Boris Johnson, Donald Trump and the Emergence of a New Moral Barbarism (2021).

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) made a preliminary ruling on January 26, 2024, that Israel may plausibly be committing genocide in Gaza in the case brought by South Africa against Israel under the Genocide Convention.

Oborne explains that the ruling had serious legal, political, and moral implications for the UK government. It heightened the UKs obligations under the Genocide Convention, which Britain had incorporated into domestic law under the 2001 International Criminal Court Act.

Under section 52 of the Act, it is an offence to engage in conduct ancillary to genocide, thereby exposing the government and its ministers to potential legal challenges over its arms sales to and diplomatic support for Israel. Oborne argues that following the ICJ ruling, the then Conservative government should have terminated its support for Israels war against the Palestinians. The British government should have deployed sanctions against Israel and held Israels leaders personally responsible for their atrocities. It could have sent the Royal Navy to break the blockade and called for a no-fly zone over Gaza.

Oborne outlines how first the Tory and then the Labour government gave their unconditional backing to the crushing of Palestinian resistance to Israelfollowing decades of support for Israel against the Palestiniansusing the October 7 attack to justify the genocide. Speaking in October 2023, Starmer, a former human rights lawyer, even agreed with Israels Defence Minister Yoav Gallant that Israel had the right to cut off power and water, only retracting his statement a week later after it sparked an outcry and the resignations of several councillors.

The UK provided constant political and diplomatic support for Israel, opposing ceasefire resolutions at the UN Security Council. The Tory government sent warships to the Middle East as Israel began its onslaught. Since then, both governments have nodded through the export of arms to Israel in the full knowledge they would be used against the Palestinians. They supplied Israel with the necessary components for the F-35 fighter jets that it used to kill civilians, while the Royal Air Force flew near daily reconnaissance flights from its base in Cyprus to supply Israel with intelligence. The Conservative government never put Britains support for Israel to a vote in parliament, and Labour in opposition did not call for such a vote.

The day after the ICJ ruling, the UK government withdrew funding for UNRWA, the agency that has for decades provided essential services for the Palestinians who were forced to flee their homes due to ethnic cleansing during the 1948 and 1967 Arab Israeli wars, and Israel had long detested. Israel had alleged, with negligible evidence, that a handful of UNRWAs 13,000 employees had taken part in the October 7 assault. In so doing, the government was aiding Israel in its mission to annihilate the Palestinians.

Instead of challenging this cartel, the mainstream media backed it to the hilt. It repeated without query or criticism the assertions and statements put out by Israel about the October 7 attack, including its allegations of butchered and beheaded babies. Dissident voices were suppressed or sidelined. The truth about the war was suppressed, the facts misrepresented.

Both Conservative and Labour governments accused critics of the war of antisemitism and supporting terrorism. They blocked protests and arrested peaceful demonstrators, with the Labour government banning the nonviolent direct-action group Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation under the 2000 Terrorism Act.

Oborne examines the pro-Israel lobby in Britain, reserving particular ire for the Conservative Friends of Israel (CFI). He argues that it has become the most consequential of Britains pro-Israel advocacy groups and played a significant role in marginalising Tory support for Palestinethe Arabist wing of the Tory party to which he belongsin recent years.

He also examines the pro-Israel lobby in the Labour Party, although he downplays its role in undermining and removing Jeremy Corbyn from the Labour Party leadershipas well as its significance in replacing him with the right-wing pro-Zionist Starmer and suppressing all dissent within the Labour Party.

While Oborne offers a biting and passionate critique of the UKs support for Israel and complicity in its genocidal war against the Palestinians in Gaza, his disgust and moral outrage is no substitute for explaining its causes. He says that Britains foreign policy in the Middle EastConservative or Labourflows from its support for Atlanticism but does not explain either the policy or the reasons for it.

Peter Oborne at a session during the Chsiwick Book Festival [Photo by Roger Green - The History of the Middle East / CC BY-SA 2.0

Britain has long tied itself to US imperialisms coattails as a means of punching above its very reduced weight on the international arena and obtaining a share in the spoils that flowed from US control over markets and resources. It joined NATO and participated in Washington-directed wars in Yugoslavia, Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya and Syria, as well as backing Ukraine against Russia.

In June 2023, the US and UK announced the Atlantic Declaration for a Twenty-First Century U.S.-UK Economic Partnership. This makes clear that cooperation between the US and Britain is based on confronting Russia and China. It states, We face new challenges to international stability from authoritarian states such as Russia and the Peoples Republic of China (PRC).

Furthermore, Over the past year, we have taken steps to deepen our unrivalled defence, security, and intelligence relationship across every theatre in the globe in which we cooperate, recognizing the indivisibility of security in the Euro-Atlantic and the Indo-Pacific and other regions.

Washington and Londons backing for Israel in its wars, not just against the Palestinians, but against Iran and its allies in Lebanon and Yemen, as well as its efforts to weaken Syria and sever Damascus relations with Moscow and Tehran, is bound up with reordering the energy-rich Middle East under the domination of US imperialism. This includes isolating Iranor securing a change in regime in Tehran, to one that would pledge allegiance to Washingtonin preparation for war against China. Israels wars in Gaza and the Middle Eastongoing despite supposed ceasefiresform another front in an emerging World War.

London, no less than Washington, Berlin, Paris and Tokyo, is vastly expanding its armaments spend as it seeks to advance its predatory economic and geostrategic interests by military means throughout the world.

Oborne accuses Britain of conducting its foreign policy in a closed world by a small elite and on behalf of opaque interests. He continues plaintively that what is needed is legal accountability that in turn requires bringing democracy to Britains state and society. He does not explain how such a change is to be achieved because he is an unalloyed defender of British imperialism and of capitalism.

The international working class is the only social force capable of halting the ruling elites turn to imperialist wars of plunder and dictatorship to secure their own hegemony. It is the working class that creates all the wealth in society, a wealth that the oligarchy seizes for itself.

The working class is embarked upon major class battles, as shown by the rising opposition to US President Donald Trump exemplified by the massive No Kings protests and an upsurge in strikes across Europe and North America. The global mass protests against the Gaza genocide express the bitter hostility of millions to the barbarism of the Zionist regime and its imperialist patrons. They are taking place in countries that are political and social powder kegs.

The decisive task is to arm workers in struggle with the necessary socialist and internationalist programme to oppose militarism and war and the capitalist profit system that is their root cause.
Rae Huang [Photo: Rae Huang]

Rae Huang, a Presbyterian pastor, nonprofit executive and member of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), has announced her candidacy for the June 2, 2026, Los Angeles mayoral election, challenging incumbent Democratic Mayor Karen Bass.

Millions of workers and young people are searching for an alternative to the policies of austerity, repression and war offered from the two corporate-controlled parties in the US. There is growing opposition to Trumps fascistic drive to establish a dictatorship, the war on immigrants, the destruction of social programs and the global eruption of war and genocide. In Los Angeles, Basss administration has become a byword for austerity, law-and-order policing and unrestrained support for real-estate developers.

Basss 2025-26 budget has fueled opposition among workers facing overwork, stagnant wages and crumbling services. Her response to Januarys wildfires, after slashing fire department funding and leaving positions vacant, intensified public anger over the inadequate response to climate disasters.

Bass has positioned herself as a law-and-order Democrat, denouncing the slogan Defund the Police and expanding the LAPD budget, even as the department joins federal immigration raidsexposing the fraud of her sanctuary rhetoric. Her homelessness policy follows the same pattern: while declaring a state of emergency and launching Inside Safe, she has channeled funds to developers, cleared encampments and warehoused the unhoused in overpriced private facilities.

Under these conditions, little-known figures such as New Yorks Zohran Mamdani and Seattles Katie Wilson have gained sudden support. Huang is of the same political type, and like Mamdani and Wilson, her campaign is a political trap.

In her campaign launch, Huang states she is running to make Los Angeles affordable and healthy, promising to lower our rent, deliver housing for all, create an economy for the people, not the billionaires, transition to renewable energy, provide fast and free transit, protect small businesses, and achieve real public safety through mental-health services.

How all this is to be achieved, she does not say, but her whole campaign is based on the lie that the interests of workers can be secured through the Democratic Party, and without a frontal assault on the wealth of the oligarchy, the real-estate developers, finance capital and corporate titans who dictate city policy, in Los Angeles and beyond.

On housing, Huang acknowledges the scale of the crisis with mass evictions, record rents and tens of thousands pushed onto the streets, but refuses to name the principal forces responsible: the Democrats who control the state, real estate conglomerates, banks, private-equity firms and developers who treat housing as a commodity and who dominate Los Angeles politics. Her proposals for stronger tenant protections, legal-aid expansion, deeply affordable units, and nonprofit-led social housing all accept the continued private ownership of land and housing.

Her enthusiastic support for SB 567 and SB 555 further proves this pro-capitalist orientation. SB 567, marketed as an anti-eviction measure, preserves the prerogatives of landlords and private developers. SB 555 mandates only a study of social housing, producing no homes and committing the state to nothing.

Huangs campaign rhetoric on immigration is even more revealing. She asserts: as a mayor I would be enforcing the fact that we should not be allowing any federal-LAPD relationships. We should be enforcing what it means when we say we are a sanctuary city and ensuring that all of our families are safe.

These phrases are deliberately deceitful and indistinguishable from those uttered by every Democratic politician in California. The entire sanctuary-city framework has been exposed as a fraud by the real experience of workers throughout the state, where figures like Governor Gavin Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass have simultaneously proclaimed sanctuary status while collaborating with federal agencies, expanding police powers, and presiding over mass deportations. Huangs statements serve only to sow false illusions that the Democratic Party will shield immigrants from the machinery of the federal state.

Huangs care-first public-safety rhetoric carefully avoids challenging the LAPDs fundamental function as the armed enforcer of capitalist property relations.

The DSA currently occupies key positions within the state apparatus in Los Angeles. The DSA-aligned city council members Huang points to as proof of a new kind of leadership have, in practice, upheld the status quo: backing developer-driven homelessness policies, supporting giveaways to big business and standing behind the union bureaucracy as it sabotaged the struggles of city and county workers in recent months.

The city has four city council members who identify with or orbit the DSA. After celebrating Mamdanis victory in New York as a supposed triumph for the left, they now line up squarely behind the political establishment in Los Angeles. Nithya Raman and Eunisses Hernandez hail Bass as the most progressive mayor weve ever had, while Hugo Soto-Martinez dispenses with the pretense of independence from the political establishment altogether and endorses Bass outright.

Indeed, at the time of Basss rise to mayor, the DSA offered only mild criticisms and even falsely portrayed her as having once been a socialist, a myth used to politically legitimize her within left-leaning circles.

More broadly, the DSA functions as a faction of the Democratic Party and an increasingly critical role as a bulwark of class rule.

The experience of Zohran Mamdani in New York demonstrates the political role of these DSA-backed campaigns. After posturing as a champion of the left, Mamdani appointed his transition team: a roster of right-wing Democratic Party operatives, selected not from the working class but from the political establishment and corporate-aligned nonprofits.

Even more revealing was Mamdanis meeting with Donald Trump, ushering a partnership and legitimizing the fascistic president at the very moment he was deepening his assault on democratic rights and confronting growing popular opposition.
Dr. Ralph Lee Abraham, the former Louisiana surgeon general and a long-standing opponent of established vaccine science, has been named principal deputy director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the agencys second-highest leadership post.

Then Louisiana Rep. Ralph Abraham at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2019. [AP Photo/House Television]

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. made the decision three months after firing CDC Director Susan Monarez and replacing her by making HHS Deputy Secretary Jim ONeill, who has no medical experience, acting CDC chief. The firing of Monarez was quickly followed by the resignation of four top CDC officials who opposed the anti-science, anti-vaccine agenda pushed by Kennedy.

Abraham will now become the highest-ranking figure in the CDC with a medical degree, with outsized influence over its policies, although he has no background in epidemiology, infectious diseases, outbreak response or the management of scientific institutionscore qualifications for leading the nations premier public health agency.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, he heavily promoted quack treatments like ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine, while fiercely attacking the lifesaving COVID-19 vaccines. After leaving Congress in 2020, he became Louisiana Surgeon General, where he opposed mandatory mass vaccination for childhood diseases.

Abrahams elevation, which directly aligns with Kennedys Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) agenda, has drawn alarm throughout the public health community. My jaw hit the ground, said Dr. Nirav Shah, former principal deputy director of the CDC under the Biden administration, calling the decision unqualified and atrocious. Dr. Richard Besser, acting CDC director in 2009, said he is greatly concerned that Abraham will function as an extension of Kennedys longstanding hostility toward vaccines. Rather than being someone who will push back on that, I think he will further the secretarys agenda, Besser warned.

On November 19, Kennedy ordered the CDC to revise its Autism and Vaccines webpage to assert that stating vaccines do not cause autism is not an evidence-based statement because studies have not definitively ruled out the possibility that infant vaccines cause autism.

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and President Donald Trump at an event in the East Room of the White House, Wednesday, July 30, 2025. [AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein]

Alycia Halladay, chief science officer at the Autism Science Foundation, speaking with the World Socialist Web Site, said the directive amounted to a hijack of the CDC website, warning that inserting political opinion into an authoritative scientific resource is incredibly scary because it will lead people to forgo vaccination, resulting in preventable illness and death.

The sudden, unreviewed changeissued outside the CDCs scientific review processappeared timed to coincide with Abrahams arrival and the upcoming December 45 meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), where anti-vaccine demands such as eliminating aluminum-based adjuvants are expected to be promoted.

This sequencethe deliberate subversion of established scientific consensus, followed by the installation of a loyal political operativesignals Kennedys intent to consolidate control over the agency.

Because the CDC has no Senate-confirmed director, ONeill serves under the Federal Vacancies Reform Act, which limits his tenure to 210 days, expiring in late March 2026. Once his term ends, the bulk of the directors authority devolves to the principal deputy director. Abraham, whose position does not require Senate confirmation, can therefore exercise near-total authority indefinitely. This structure allows Kennedy to evade Senate opposition to anti-vaccine nominees and gives the MAHA apparatus a durable foothold within the CDC.

A retired CDC scientisttold the WSWS she had serious concerns that Abraham will align with Kennedy on vaccine policy and bolster efforts to weaken the US immunization program through an ACIP increasingly steered by Kennedy-aligned members. She warned that this shift replaces scientific, evidence-based policy-making with using politics instead of science to make policy.

The convergence of Abrahams installation and Kennedys manipulation of CDC communications has intensified fears that the MAHAs unscientific and politically motivated agenda is being embedded directly into national immunization policy.

Abrahams appointment is especially alarming given his long record of profiteering and public health mismanagement, documented by journalist Lamar White Jr. in the Bayou Brief. Before entering Congress in 2014, Abraham built a regional medical enterprise in impoverished northeast Louisiana. Between 2006 and 2012, two rural pharmacies he owned dispensed 1,478,236 doses of opioids, including hydrocodone and OxyContinamounting to roughly 41 opioid pills per man, woman and child each year for seven consecutive years.

Medicare Part D data from 2013 further identified Abraham as a rural opioid super-prescriber, writing 1,856 opioid prescriptions for 400 patients in a single year, placing him in the top 0.2 percent of all US physicians for opioid claims. He aggressively defended the use of these highly addictive drugs, arguing that Dilaudid and OxyContin did a much better job than medical marijuanaeven as the national opioid crisis surged.

His ideological hostility to public health measures continued when he served as Louisiana surgeon general in 2024. During the states worst whooping cough outbreak in 35 yearsresulting in the deaths of two infants by late January 2025the public health response under his leadership was widely condemned as dangerously slow. The Louisiana Department of Health waited nearly two months before issuing a social media post recommending vaccination and did not release an official alert to physicians until May 2, more than three months into the outbreak.

On February 13, 2025, Abraham issued a memo ordering the Louisiana Department of Health to terminate all mass vaccination campaigns and halt media promotion of seasonal flu shots, denouncing public health for adopting a one-size-fits-all, collectivist mentality. The memo was released the same day Kennedy was sworn in as HHS secretarywidely interpreted as a calculated demonstration of ideological loyalty to the incoming administration.

The broader context of Abrahams appointment is the rapid shift of federal public health policy under Kennedys MAHA Commission. In July, public health law scholar Lawrence Gostin and colleagues warned in the Hastings Center Report that the prospects for MAHA to advance meaningful, evidence-based policy are exceedingly low, writing that Kennedy has cast doubt on established science, fired staff across HHS, slashed funding for research, and pursued fringe health policies while showing no signs of producing and following scientific evidence that would improve the publics health.

While MAHA claims to combat chronic diseasethe leading causes of death and disability in the United States, costing an estimated $4.5 trillion annuallyits priorities diverge sharply from the well-established determinants of chronic illness. Instead of addressing poverty, environmental exposures, or access to care, MAHA fixates on speculative claims about autism, hostility toward medications such as GLP-1 drugs, and unsubstantiated fears about food additives and chemicals.

Even as MAHA claims to address chronic disease, the administration has proposed eliminating the CDCs National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, a $1.4 billion program essential for tracking conditions such as childhood diabetes. Meanwhile, Kennedy has fired all 17 members of ACIP, spread vaccine misinformation and manipulated CDC communications to mirror anti-vaccine talking points.

The appointment of Abraham as principal deputy director cements the administrations ideological assault on public health. Installed in a leadership vacuum, he now serves as a reliable conduit for the MAHA and MAGA agenda. His recordhostility to vaccines, contempt for scientific consensus and aggressive participation in the opioid epidemicreveals a consistent pattern of subordinating public health to political ideology and personal interest. That such a figure is now positioned to help lead the nations foremost public health institution underscores how fundamentally at odds the administrations direction is with the CDCs mission to safeguard the populations health.
The federal Labor government and the state Labor government in New South Wales (NSW) immediately responded to a small protest by the neo-Nazi National Socialist Network (NSN) last month with attacks on democratic rights that could be used far more broadly.

The NSW Labor government rushed to introduce new laws, purportedly targeting Nazi ideology. The federal administration cancelled the visa of an NSN member from South Africa and is seeking his deportation.

The response serves two purposes. First, the governments are covering up the extent to which their own anti-immigrant and nationalist policies have created a fertile environment for the far-right, including the NSN. Secondly, they are seeking to exploit widespread disgust with the Nazis to set precedents that could target political opposition, especially of a left-wing and socialist character.

Those unstated motives are indicated by the highly dubious pretext for the rush to legislation and deportations.

Nazi protest outside NSW Parliament House in Sydney on November 8, 2025 [Photo: X/NSN News]

The trigger was an NSN rally held outside the NSW state parliament on November 8. Several dozen of the Nazis stood in front of the building, carrying an antisemitic banner that called for the abolition of the Jewish lobby.

Amid public shock at such a display in the centre of Sydney, it was rapidly revealed that the NSN had notified the NSW Police of the protest. The police had not objected, effectively approving it.

The NSW Labor government and the police command came up with a series of improbable excuses, including communication failures, and claimed that the planned event had only been known about by low-level officers. Within days, however, the excuses were exposed.

Peter Thurtell, a deputy commissioner of the NSW Police, admitted that he had known of the planned rally before it was held. Thurtell, along with three other deputy commissioners, is one of the second-highest ranking officials in the NSW Police force.

Greg Piper, the speaker of the NSW parliament, said his staff had been informed that the rally would occur, the day before it did, by the parliamentary security team. Piper is an independent, but it is inconceivable that he would have been informed, but not the leaders of the NSW government including Premier Chris Minns.

The Labor administration and the police command have subsequently provided no coherent explanation. Instead, Labor introduced its new legislation within days of the NSN protest being held.

The laws amend 2022 legislation which made it an offence in NSW to publicly display a swastika or to Sieg Heil. They do so by broadening the remit of content and conduct that is potentially prohibited, and by increasing penalties.

The legislation, if passed, would make it illegal for a person, by public act and without a reasonable excuse, to knowingly engage in conduct that indicates support for Nazi ideology using imagery or characteristics associated with Nazi ideology that would cause a reasonable person to fear harassment, intimidation or violence or for the persons safety.

If the offence is prosecuted, an individual faces a year in prison. There is, however, an aggravated offence, punishable by two years imprisonment, if the act is conducted near a Jewish institution.

Filthy antisemitism is obviously a core component of Nazi ideology. Introducing alternative punishments for identical offences, based on the community targeted, however, is unusual. The NSN and other Australian fascists, for instance, are virulently hostile to Indigenous people and have repeatedly attacked them, but such conduct would not be classed as aggravated.

Of greater significance is the scope of the legislation.

The explanatory portion of the bill states that the objective of the changes is to make it an offence to publicly engage in conduct that indicates support for Nazi ideology.

In other words, this is an attempt by the state to arrogate to itself the power to determine which political ideologies are or are not permissible. Such a power goes far beyond the issue of the Nazis and is directed against the most basic precepts of freedom of political speech.

The dangers of such a precedent being expanded are hardly hypothetical. In a speech, days before the NSN rally in Sydney, Mike Burgess, head of the domestic spy agency ASIO warned of the threat posed by the Nazis. But he also intoned against a growth of revolutionary extremism, which he associated with mass opposition to the genocide in Gaza.

That is part of a broader push. For more than two years, the entire political and media establishment has slandered mass hostility to the Israeli slaughter in Gaza and Australias complicity in it. They have deliberately conflated anti-Zionism with antisemitism, presenting those protesting the war crimes as anti-Jewish bigots, even when they are explicitly anti-racist or even Jewish themselves.

Alongside the federal Labor government, its NSW counterpart has been the most vociferous. Both governments earlier this year passed far-reaching hate speech laws, transparently aimed at illegalising strident condemnations of Zionism and imperialism. The NSW Labor government has repeatedly sought to have peaceful pro-Palestinian demonstrations banned.

Parallel with its hate speech laws, the NSW government rammed through another battery of anti-protest laws, providing the state with the power to forbid demonstrations near places of worship. Last month, the NSW Supreme Court ruled elements of that legislation were unconstitutional, noting that the ubiquity of religious institutions and buildings could be invoked to shut down all public political activity.

The strange circumstance of the NSW Police approving the NSN rally, and then the immediate rush to legislative changes in its aftermath, followed shortly after that Supreme Court decision. The timing smacks of a provocation, aimed at reversing a blow to the assault on democratic rights, and proceeding with it in another form.

The potential for legislation purportedly targeting Nazis to be used against opponents of the genocide and of war has already been demonstrated.

In 2024, a Sydney man was charged by NSW Police with violating the existing laws against public display of Nazi symbols. He had attended a pro-Palestinian protest, and had carried an Israeli flag with a swastika superimposed upon it. The very obvious point was to compare the horrific war crimes of the Israeli regime with those of the Third Reich. In other words, his actions were a condemnation of both Nazi and Zionist atrocities, not a promotion of fascist ideology. Under conditions of a media barrage, he nevertheless felt compelled to plead guilty.

The other response to the recent NSN protest was by the federal Labor government. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke intervened to cancel the work visa of one of the Nazis, Matthew Gruter, and to direct that he be deported to South Africa where he is a citizen. Burke employed his reactionary and far-reaching discretionary powers to cancel visas based on bad character.

In his public comments, the Labor leader made plain the decision was political.

Weve got a really strong principle here: If youre on a visa, youre a guest in Australia, Burke declared. If someone turns up for the purposes of just abusing people and wrecking the place and damaging the cohesion, you can ask them to leave.

That is an assertion of the right of the government to banish any non-citizens, if they engage in any form of political activity that it disapproves of. Burkes line, moreover, is steeped in the most reactionary nationalism, presenting those without citizenship as second class. Such positions parallel those of the far-right.

That is no accident. Successive Australian governments, Labor and Liberal-National alike, have set global benchmarks for the persecution of immigrants and refugees, including abrogating the right to seek asylum and consigning many of those seeking it to concentration camp-style prisons in the Pacific. The current Labor government is demonising immigrants, including vulnerable international students, for a cost-of-living and housing crisis that is a result of its own pro-business policies.

The far-right feed off the official promotion of nationalism and xenophobia. It is striking that the NSN is seeking to formally register a political party named White Australia, in a homage to the racist immigration policy that was enforced by Labor and conservative governments for most of the 20th century. At the same time, by imposing cuts to social conditions, the governments create the discontent that far-right forces pitch to.

All of that underscores the fact that the fight against fascism cannot be outsourced to governments or the state, which are themselves responsible for its re-emergence. Such a fight can only be carried out by the working class mobilised against capitalism and all of its defenders including Labor.

To the extent that governments carry out repressive actions against the far-right, they are simply setting a precedent for use against the real threat to the profit system, the working class and the socialist movement.
Street in Colombo submerged by flood water on November 29, 2025

Cyclone Ditwah, one of the worst natural disasters to hit Sri Lanka in decades, has killed more than 334 people and affected nearly one million across the island as of Sunday evening. With over 370 people still missing, and search operations ongoing, the death toll is expected to rise further in the coming days.

Cyclone Ditwah tore through the country, unleashing devastating floods and massive landslides that swept away entire villages and buried families alive, particularly in the hardest-hit Central Province.

More than 120,000 people from all 25 districts have sought refuge in 919 temporary shelters. According to the Department of Meteorology (DoM) and the Disaster Management Centre (DMC), 20 districts have been severely impacted. The DoM reports that a total of 1,118,929 people from 309,607 families have been affected.

Torrential rains drenched the central highlands, destabilizing slopes and triggering deadly landslides. In some areas, rainfall exceeded 500 millimeters as Cyclone Ditwah swept inland. Overflowing reservoirs and rivers surged by 10 to 20 feet, giving residents little time to escape and exposing the near-total absence of effective early warning systems.

One of the most tragic incidents occurred on the night of November 27 in Kudamake, on the outskirts of Gampola in Kandy District, where a 13-foot wall of water suddenly engulfed a village of about 100 families. While many managed to escape, 66 people were killed and many remain unaccounted for.

Entire towns across multiple districts are underwater, key bridges have been washed away, and critical infrastructure has been left in ruins. Hundreds of roads and railway lines have been destroyed or blocked by landslides, severely hampering rescue efforts. Many flood-affected areas are now accessible only by boat or military helicopter.

Streets of Gampaha, Sri Lanka, in front of a government hospital submerged by flood waters on November 30, 2025

Widespread power outages and the collapse of telecommunications for more than 48 hours in several hard-hit areas have left many communities completely cut off, forced to survive on their own. Television footage has shown military helicopters airlifting people from rooftops in dozens of locations, underscoring the fact that thousands received no warning and were forced to seek safety by climbing onto roofs and trees.

The lack of timely evacuation has contributed to the high death toll. In many cases, landslides struck without warning because authorities either failed to issue alerts or sent them at the last minute, leaving residents no time to flee.

A landslide at Kahagalla Estate in Haputale, Sri Lanka, where three members of the same family, including children, were killed on 28 November 2025. [Photo: Facebook: mariyan.teran]

On Saturday evening, a massive landslide in Rambuk-ela village, in the Alawathugoda Police Division of Kandy District, buried about 50 houses. Approximately 50 people are feared missing. As with other similar incidents, severe weather prevented rescue teams from reaching the site in time, ending the hope of finding survivors.

Rescue operations have themselves become dangerous. In the Gawarammana area, a team of Road Development Authority workers was sent to clear a collapsed earth mound blocking the WelimadaNuwara Eliya main road. During the operation, one worker went missing, and another, buried under the debris, had to be pulled out alive.

Hundreds of desperate appeals for clean water, food, clothing, and other necessities have flooded social media platforms, especially Facebook, from people stranded across the country. Many are also urgently requesting rescue teams, boats, and helicopters to save those trapped by rising floodwaters. Complaints are widespread that government assistance is either severely inadequate or entirely absent.

While the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna/National Peoples Power (JVP/NPP) government has deployed 25,000 troops, and many civilians are volunteering to assist, the magnitude of the catastrophe demands coordinated efforts both nationally and internationally. So far, the government has failed to mobilize anything close to the level of aid required.

As public outrage over the governments disastrous response continues to grow, President Dissanayake invoked a sweeping state of emergency on Saturday, granting himself vast powersnot to address the humanitarian crisis, but to clamp down on growing social unrest. Opposition parties, including the Samagi Jana Balawegaya and the United National Party, had already been calling for such measures, fearing the eruption of mass anger.

People displaced due to flood waiting to collect food at a school in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on November 29, 2025

Even before the formal emergency was declared, Dissanayake had placed all displacement camps under military authority and brought key sectorspetroleum, gas, electricity, health, irrigation, and road and railway maintenanceunder Essential Services Regulations. In one incident, a military officer used a loudspeaker to order residents of the Wallampitiya area to evacuate, warning of rising water levels in the Kalani River.

The declaration of emergency and military control over displacement camps are clearly aimed at suppressing popular opposition. It also reflects broader efforts by the JVP/NPP regime to curtail social and democratic rights in the face of growing opposition from the working class.

In a televised address Sunday night, Dissanayake made a desperate attempt to portray his government as working tirelessly to aid victims. Calling the crisis not a small challenge, he claimed the administrations priority was to rebuild the country in the short, medium and long term. In reality, this is a cynical cover-up of his governments gross failure to manage the disaster and provide meaningful aid.

Defending the state of emergency, Dissanayake claimed it was necessary to provide the legal protection and financial allocations needed to actively rebuild our country better than before, insisting it would not be used for repressive purposes. This is a complete lie.

With the JVP/NPP government already enforcing brutal austerity measures dictated by the International Monetary Fund, Dissanayakes assurances were clearly directed at placating his critics in ruling circles and international investors.

As reported by the Sunday Times on November 30, the Meteorology Department had issued warnings as early as mid-November about atmospheric conditions that could develop into a major cyclone.

Athula Karunanayake, Sri Lankas permanent representative to the World Meteorological Organization, publicly raised alarms during the Ada Derana Big Focus program on November 12. Yet, according to the papers political column, There were no preparatory meetings, and no major public announcements were made until the full scale of the disaster became apparent, plunging the country into one of its worst natural calamities in years.

In an interview with the Sunday Island, Dr. Thasun Amarasinghe, a scientist at the Climate Research Centre in Indonesia, stated: There are no natural disasters. These are governance disasters. Sri Lanka destroyed the very systems that protected it. Whats happening now is the predictable result of political mismanagement. While accurate as far as they go, his remarks overlook the inadequate measures being taken by governments internationally to stem global warming, which directly contributed to Cyclone Ditwahs intensity.

While noting that cyclone victims openly blamed unplanned development, wetland destruction, and political interference, Amarasinghe omitted the role of colonial-era plantation projects. The deadly landslides in the central highlands are deeply rooted in decisions made under colonial rule. British imperialists cleared native forests to establish tea and rubber plantations without making any scientific assessment, replacing deep-rooted vegetation with shallow-rooted monocultures. Plantation infrastructure built on steep slopes left the hills highly vulnerable to erosion and collapse.

Today, torrential rains greatly magnify these structural weaknesses, turning once-profitable plantations into killing fields and contributing to the loss of hundreds of lives.
A demonstrator holds a sign reading "STOP BEATING PEOPLE" near a line of law enforcement as protesters gather outside an ICE processing facility in the Chicago suburb of Broadview, Illinois Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025. [AP Photo/Alex Brandon]

In Chicago and across the United States, the most flagrant violations of constitutional rights are being carried out by armed teams under Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). More than 3,000 people have been abducted from Chicago this year, overwhelmingly with no criminal background. Chicago Public Schools has reported a sharp drop in attendance since federal agents surged into the city in September, as families pull children from class out of fear of kidnappings at school entrances.

Although CBP roving commander Gregory Bovino has shifted more forces toward North Carolina and New Orleans, agents continue daily raids and harassment across the Chicago metro area. The Trump administration has announced further deployments after the New Year and even plans to target Spanish-speaking churches during the Christmas holidays.

Raids across the country have provoked significant and spontaneous opposition. Over the weekend, protesters in Manhattan confronted federal agents with signs demanding ICE out of New York. In Charlotte and the RaleighDurham region in North Carolina, an estimated 56,000 high school students walked out or did not go to school after agents arrested 400 people in mass sweeps that drove thousands into hiding. In Oregon, hundreds walked out of McMinnville High School after Christian Jimenez, a 17-year-old US citizen, was seized by ICE during his lunch break.

Protests and patrols

In Chicago, spontaneous resistance has developed rapidly. In working class and middle class neighborhoods, residents have formed rapid-response teams to warn families of approaching ICE or CBP vehicles. Teachers, school staff and parents have organized informal patrols during drop-off and pick-up hours, intervening when agents appear. On the Southwest Side, small businesses have prepared thousands of meals for families too afraid to leave home. Volunteers deliver groceries, medicine and other necessities and aid street vendors most likely to be targeted.

This active resistance stands in stark contrast to the posturing of local Democratic officialsGovernor JB Pritzker, Mayor Brandon Johnson and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinklewho rush before cameras to associate themselves with popular anger while insisting that the only remedies lie in court challenges or electing more Democrats in 2026. This performance of helplessness is not confusion or timidity. It expresses their fearand hostilitytoward any movement of workers and youth that might slip out of their control, unify broad layers of the working class and challenge the corporate and financial interests they defend. Their appeals to the courts, which Trump openly disregards, and to an electoral cycle that could occur under martial law are aimed at diverting and demobilizing real opposition.

A growing section of the population refuses to recognize ICE or CBP as legitimate authorities, chanting There is no law during a protest in the Chicago neighborhood of Little Village. Their sentiment recalls an earlier turning point in American history: In the years before the Civil War, millions in the North concluded that the Supreme Court, Congress and the principal institutions of government had fallen under the control of the Slave Power and that moral appeals or legal arguments would do nothing to halt its expansion.

Today, millions are drawing a similar conclusion about Trumpthat the United States government is headed by a lawless gangster, who treats lawsuits, court rulings and constitutional restraints with open contempt. What is emerging is an initial break from the political framework that enabled these conditions in the first place and a recognition that genuine rights can only be defended through mass, organized struggle.

The central question posed by this emerging struggle is how to transform spontaneous resistancewalkouts, neighborhood patrols, school-based defense effortsinto a conscious, organized movement of the working class. This requires the building of rank-and-file committees in every neighborhood, school and workplaceindependent organizations of workers, parents, students and community members that not only defend targeted families but mobilize the immense social power of the working class across the Chicago region to demand the immediate removal of ICE and CBP, an end to all raids and deportations, and the liberation of all detainees.

The major task of these committees is to connect the fight to protect immigrant workers with the broader struggle of the entire working class, uniting workers across industries and communities into an active, offensive movement capable of confronting the Trump administration and halting its lawless repression.

Yet unless the movement acquires this conscious political direction and organizational form, it will be subordinated once again to the Democratic Party and the organizations tied to it. The essential task is to arm the opposition with a perspective rooted in the independent mobilization of the working class, organized through committees directly controlled by workers, youth and community members themselves.

Democrats, labor bureaucracies try to strangle opposition

Democratic officials, union leaders and the Democratic Socialists of America are working to channel mass anger into safe, non-threatening avenues. Johnson, Preckwinkle, Pritzker, along with Sanders, Ocasio-Cortez and Mamdani, promote the illusion that some accommodation with Trump is possible. They warn repeatedly against inflaming the population.

Johnsons September 8 New York Times column agreed with Trump that crime is a major problem and merely debated the method of deploying federal and state forces. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and California Governor Gavin Newsom made identical arguments as they deployed state troopers and LAPD against protesters.

Senate Democrats ended the longest government shutdown in US history on Trumps terms, enabling massive insurance premium hikes and stabilizing an administration staggering under mass opposition. Their fear is not Trump but mass resistance from below.

Johnson, a former Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) lobbyist, worked with the CTU bureaucracy earlier this year to conceal a $1.2 billion schools deficit and push through a contract to prevent a strike that could have become a focal point of opposition to Trump. Immediately after ratification, Johnson reversed course and declared sweeping cuts necessary. Pritzker continues to rule out even minimal taxation of the wealthy and corporations.

Meanwhile, the union bureaucraciesfrom the UAW to the CTUwork hand in glove with both parties as tens of thousands of jobs are slashed each quarter. They enforce labor peace while immigrant communities are raided and all workers lose income, healthcare and essential services.

UAW President Shawn Fain has embraced Trumps economic nationalism, championing tariffs and promoting the reactionary lie that destroying the jobs of workers in Mexico, Canada and other countries is somehow a boon for American workers. Senator Bernie Sanders, for his part, has echoed Trumps anti-immigrant program by calling for stronger borders and tougher enforcement, declaring that Trump did a better job than Biden and insisting, You need a border.

The social and historic weight of the working class

The assault on immigrants is aimed at the working class as a whole. It is aimed at silencing, intimidating and dividing the working class and blocking collective resistance to the bipartisan drive toward imperialist war, job destruction, the dismantling of social programs and the erosion of democratic rights.

The key question is developing the fighting program, organizational means and leadership to unite the entire working class and link up the fight to defend immigrants and all democratic rights with the struggle for the social rights of the working class: for secure, good-paying and safe jobs, affordable housing and living expenses, and free and high-quality healthcare, public and college education for all.

Chicagos entire history of class struggle demonstrates that the working class has never achieved anything without a politically conscious struggle against the ruling classs use of race, nationality and anti-immigrant hysteria to divide them. The Haymarket affair, the Pullman strike, the meatpacking struggles depicted in The Jungle and the Memorial Day Massacre of 1937 were all battles in which the ruling class accused workers of being foreigners, agitators, anarchists or communists, weaponizing nativism to weaken resistance. Workers prevailed only when they overcame these divisions and united across ethnic, racial and linguistic lines.

Todays witch-hunt against immigrants is a continuation of the strategy of divide-and-conquer. It must be countered consciously, through the unification of US-born and immigrant workers in a common struggle against exploitation, repression and war.

The spontaneous unity emerging in Chicagostudents protecting undocumented classmates, neighborhood teams defending families, workers refusing to collaborate with ICEpoints to this historic trajectory. But it must be organized and expanded through rank-and-file committees established in every school, workplace and neighborhood, committees that consciously fight every attempt to divide workers along racial or national lines.

The social power of the working class is immense. The Chicago region is home to nearly 10 million people, with roughly half in the labor force. World Business Chicago reports the regions GDP at $886 billion. It employs the nations second-largest manufacturing workforce, including major concentrations in food production, fabricated metals and transportation equipment.

Trade, Transport and Utilities employs about 986,000 workers, including more than 271,000 in transportation and warehousing. Professional and Business Services employ 817,000. Health and Education Services employ 790,000. Government employs 556,000. Hospitality, 462,000. Manufacturing, 420,000. Finance, 316,000. A quarter of all US freight trains and half of all intermodal trains pass through the region. UPSs largest hub processes more than 3 million packages per day.

These facts demonstrate the enormous capacity of the working class to defeat the raids, confront the Trump administration and defend democratic rights.

A socialist alternative to capitalist barbarism

The fight against the raids must be tied to the development of a socialist alternative to a capitalist system descending into dictatorship, fascism and war. Across the world, oligarchic rule is proving incompatible with democracy. The concentration of wealth and power in a tiny elite makes democratic rights intolerable to the ruling class. The defense and vast expansion of genuine democracy require the expropriation of this oligarchy, a massive redistribution of wealth and workers control over the productive forces they create.

Rank-and-file committees in workplaces, schools and neighborhoods must link the immediate demandsexpel ICE, release detainees and end deportationsto a broader fight for jobs, safe working conditions, affordable housing, free and high-quality healthcare, public education and college education. Every neighborhood, every school and every major workplace must have committees armed with a clear program, coordinating defense efforts, organizing walkouts and demonstrations and forming real systems of protection for targeted families.

To succeed, these committees must coordinate nationally and internationally through the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC). They must forge links with workers in logistics, transportation, education, healthcare, energy and manufacturing; and build independent networks of communication and collective struggle.

The development of rank-and-file committees must be connected to the building of a conscious political leadership in the working class. The spontaneous resistance across the countryfrom New York to North Carolina to Chicagoshows the immense potential for a unified movement to end the raids, drive Trump from power and fight for genuine democracy and socialism.

But to realize this potential, workers and youth must make a decisive political break with the Democratic Party and the trade union apparatus, which have enabled Trumps rise and now stand paralyzedor openly complicitin the face of dictatorship. Any subordination of the growing movement against Trump to the Democratic Party is fatal.

This has been made abundantly clear by the recent visit of New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), to the White House, where he stood shoulder to shoulder with Trump and pledged a partnership as the administration carries out mass raids throughout the country. Mamdanis embrace of Trump is an expression of the broader role of the DSA, which is being integrated ever more fully into the political establishment, including in Chicago.

We urge all those who want to fight against dictatorship, war and capitalism to join and build the Socialist Equality Party and its student and youth movement, the International Youth and Students for Social Equality.
Former councilmember Kshama Sawant speaks in the Seattle City Council chambers, Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023, in Seattle. [AP Photo/John Froschauer]

Kshama Sawant has launched her 2026 congressional campaign under conditions of an acute crisis of American capitalism. The Trump administration, facing mounting opposition from workers and young people and a deepening economic crisis, is intensifying its Gestapo-like assault on immigrants. It is escalating its trade war against the world and overseeing mass layoffs and declining living standards for the broad mass of the American population, alongside staggering increases in wealth for the financial oligarchy. In line with record levels of social inequality, it is carrying out an assault on democratic rights unprecedented in US history.

Internationally, American imperialism is backing Israels genocide in Gaza, continuing the US-NATO war against Russia, preparing war against Venezuela, and laying the basis for military conflict with China.

It is within this explosive context that Sawantlong promoted by pseudo-left circles as a revolutionary socialisthas stepped forward to channel working class opposition back into the safe confines of the Democratic Party and prop up the trade union bureaucracy.

Sawant says her campaign rests on her record of victories in Seattle and that these reforms can be scaled up nationally. This premise is false. Her decade on the Seattle City Council did not secure significant improvements for the working class and offers no strategy for confronting the oligarchy that dominates American society. Rather, it exposes the political function of Sawants entire career: to contain social anger within the dead end of municipal reform, electoral maneuvering, and alliances with the Democrats and the union bureaucracy, while blocking the emergence of an independent revolutionary movement of the working class.

A decade on the Seattle City Council

Sawants decade in office (2013-2023) was not defined by struggles against the Democratic Party, but integration into it. Every initiative she now calls a victorythe $15 minimum wage, the Amazon Tax, tenant billswas drafted and passed with the support of sections of the Democratic Party, business groups and the union bureaucracy.

The $15 minimum wage was crafted with corporate representatives, City Council members, and union officials by Democratic Mayor Ed Murrays Income Inequality Advisory Committee. It passed unanimously and was phased in over a number of years; major employers were given until 2017 to reach $15 (2018 if offering health benefits), small businesses up to seven years. Tips and employer-sponsored health insurance counted toward the wage.

A person working 40 hours a week at $15 an hour earns about $31,200 per year before taxes. This is a poverty wage. The 2025 federal poverty guideline for a household of four is $32,150 per year.

$15 per hour is well below the estimated living wage in the US of $19.91 per hour, or more than $41,000 per year. In more expensive cities and regions, such as Seattle, the estimated living wage is much higher.

Sawants housing measures were similarly pathetic. The 2016 Carl Haglund Law, which would ban landlords from raising rents on housing units that did not meet basic maintenance standards, relied entirely on tenant-initiated complaints and did nothing to impede speculative development. Her 2023 rent control bill was defeated 62 and could not have been implemented anyway due to state-level preemption. These were administrative tweaks, not structural reforms.

The 2020 JumpStart payroll taxmarketed by Sawant and her supporters as an Amazon Taxwas authored by a Democratic councilmember and passed 72. Its revenues were swiftly diverted to fill general fund deficits.

Seattles social crisis continued to worsen. By March 2025, the median rent had reached roughly $2,026 per month, well above the national median rent of $1,300. Over the past decade, rents in Seattle have risen at one of the fastest rates of any major US city, far outpacing income growth. These conditions worsened throughout Sawants tenure, not despite her reforms, but because her reforms preserved the economic prerogatives of landlords, developers, and major corporations.

Sawants political rise was facilitated by the trade union bureaucracy. In her 2013 campaign, she secured endorsements from several Seattle-area union locals, including American Federation of Teachers (AFT) Local 1789, Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 37083, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 46, and the Greater Seattle American Postal Workers Union (APWU).

These endorsements provided organizational resources and access to union staff who carried out phone-banking, canvassing, and voter mobilization. While not every major union backed herin fact, key Service Employees International Union (SEIU) locals endorsed her opponentSawants victory depended heavily on sections of the AFL-CIO apparatus that were in conflict with sections of the Democratic establishment but remained fully committed to capitalist politics. She did not rise in rebellion against the unions apparatus, she entered office as one of its sanctioned political projects. Her victories were the product of these same forcesand were designed to stabilize, not challenge, the existing order.

A political freebooter

Sawant presents her political evolution as principled, but it is defined by opportunistic shifts between organizations without explanation or accountability.

She began as a leader of Socialist Alternative, then joined the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) in 2021calling it the most significant left organization in the United States in many decades. In 2023, she launched Workers Strike Back as a new independent movement. In 2024 she endorsed Jill Steins Green Party campaign. In 2016 and 2020 she campaigned aggressively for Bernie Sanders bid to win the Democratic presidential nomination.

These shifts were not made on the basis of a socialist program or perspective. They reflected Sawants continual adaptation to shifting layers of the middle class and to the changing tactical needs of the Democratic Party.

Her relationship to New York mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani exposes this political freelancing with exceptional clarity. For months in 2025 she celebrated Mamdanis mayoral campaign, calling his potential victory earth-shattering, praising him as someone relentlessly going for his demands, and holding up his DSA affiliation as proof that socialist victories could pressure the Democratic Party.

After Mamdani met with Trump on November 21, Sawant erupted on X:

What the actual f__k?  Were supposed to take these progressives seriously when they call Trump a fascist and an existential threat at the same time theyre proudly building an alliance with him.

But Sawant herself had promoted Mamdani and the DSA as tools for pressuring the Democrats. She stands exposed as a political opportunist, not a socialist.

Reformism in the guise of socialism

Sawant calls herself a revolutionary while insisting that every social issue can be resolved through electoral victories and policy tinkering. This is not Marxismit is liberal reformism dressed in socialist language.

Her national program$25 minimum wage, rent control, Medicare for allis presented without any strategy to confront or overthrow the financial oligarchy. She never addresses how these reforms can be enacted under conditions of bipartisan austerity, the domination of Congress by corporate interests, and the escalating drive to world war. She never raises the need to expropriate the corporations and banks. She never explains how workers are to defeat the political and economic power of the ruling class.

Workers Strike Back operates on the same bankrupt political foundation. Its demands$25 minimum wage, unionization drives, 30-hour weekare severed from any revolutionary strategy. It does not build rank-and-file committees. It does not fight the union bureaucracy. It functions as the activist wing of Sawants electoral machine.

To proclaim such a perspective revolutionary is absurd. It is precisely the perspective Marxism was created to overcome.

The nationalist politics of Kshama Sawant

Sawants worldview is fundamentally American nationalist. Her appeals to fight the billionaires are disconnected from an internationalist understanding of capitalism, war, and class struggle.

Her posture on Gaza consists of moral outrage and calls for a ceasefire, not a socialist strategy linking Israeli and Palestinian workers in a struggle against imperialism, Zionism and the Arab bourgeoisie. She offers no analysis of imperialism, the historical role of the US in the Middle East, or the capitalist roots of the conflict.

Significantly, she is silent on the USNATO war against Russia. Silence denotes consent. She does not expose NATO expansion or the role of US and European imperialism in instigating the reactionary invasion of Ukraine by the Russian bourgeoisie. This is not an oversight, but a political choice: exposing the Ukraine war would require confronting the Democratic Party and the trade union bureaucracyinstitutions on which she depends.

Sawant never warns of the danger of fascism or dictatorship. She does not analyze or expose the Trump administration as fascist, and her campaign website makes no reference to the real and growing threat of authoritarian rule. The attacks on immigrants, the assault on democratic rights, and Trumps open moves to extra-Constitutional power are treated as policy disputes, not as components of the collapse of American democracy and the turn by the ruling oligarchy to dictatorship and fascism. This silence is political: acknowledging the danger would require exposing and breaking from the Democratic Party and the trade union apparatus. As with her silence on the USNATO war against Russia, Sawant leaves workers unprepared for the mounting threat of dictatorship.

Her politics, in form and content, remain within the national framework of US liberalism in its death agony. She speaks for a privileged middle-class layer seeking limited reforms to bolster their own privileges within capitalismnot for the international working class.

Kshama Sawants congressional campaign is not a step toward working class emancipation. It is a political mechanism for absorbing the growing radicalization of workers and redirecting it into the dead end of Democratic Party politics, electoral reformism, and the union bureaucracy. Her record in Seattle, her alliances with the DSA, Socialist Alternative, Workers Strike Back, Cornel Wests Peoples Party, the Green Party, and her recent posturing over Mamdani all point to the same conclusion: Sawants politics serve to contain, not unleash, the independent power of the working class.

The working class confronts unprecedented dangerswar, dictatorship and social collapse. None of these can be confronted through municipal reforms, pressure campaigns, or appeals to progressive Democrats. The decisive task is to break from all forms of middle-class pseudo-left politics and build a revolutionary leadership rooted in the international working class.

That means forming rank-and-file committees in every workplace, independent of the union bureaucracy, and joining the fight to build the Socialist Equality Party and the world Trotskyist movement, the International Committee of the Fourth Internationalthe only political movement advancing an internationalist, socialist program against capitalism, war and dictatorship. Only through such a struggle can workers take power and reconstruct society on the basis of equality and human need.
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The moment a vessel carrying 11 people was struck by a US missile in the southern Caribbean [Photo: Donald Trump/Truth Social]

Revelations of yet another horrific war crime committed by the US military in the southern Caribbean have surfaced, as the Trump administration is drastically escalating its unprovoked war threats against Venezuela.

According to multiple sources who spoke to the Washington Post, US Special Operations troops, acting on the direct orders of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, carried out a double-tap strike on a boat carrying 11 people near the shores of Venezuela on September 2.

A missile screamed off the Trinidad coast, striking the vessel and igniting a blaze from bow to stern, the Post reported. For minutes, commanders watched the boat burning on a live drone feed. As the smoke cleared, they got a jolt. Two survivors were clinging to the smoldering wreck.

One individual involved in the strike told the Post, The order [from Hegseth] was to kill everybody. This was the first in a series of deadly missile strikes that have sunk at least 22 small boats and killed at least 83 people from Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador and Trinidad.

The Trump administration has justified its killing spree as a defense of the United States against narco-terrorists. The pretext of the war on drugs has been utilized to deploy roughly a third of all US naval forces to the region, including the largest warship in the world, the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, and 15,000 sailors and Marines, backed by advanced fighter jets brought to Puerto Rico and B-52 strategic bombers sent to the edge of Venezuelas airspace.

This show of force, which is wildly disproportionate to the stated aim of deterring a relative handful of fishermen allegedly smuggling cocaine in boats that could never reach the US mainland, has been further escalated over the past few days. Trump off-handedly announced that the strikes at sea would soon be joined by attacks on land and issued via social media a personal decree declaring a no-fly zone over all of Venezuela.

The clear aim of this campaign is not drug interdiction but rather regime change in Caracas and the imposition of a US puppet government that would clear the way for the major US-based oil corporations to plunder Venezuelas petroleum reserves, the largest on the planet.

The revelations regarding the September 2 double-tap strike only demonstrate that Washingtons predatory aims are being pursued with entirely criminal methods. Rather than rescue the survivors left clinging for life to the remains of their vessel, Special Operations commanders ordered a second missile strike, blowing them to bits.

The action was taken on the direct instruction of Hegseth, who has been christened the secretary of war by the Trump administration.

Overseeing the operation was Adm. Frank Mitch Bradley, based in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, who absurdly claimed in a secure conference call with other officials that the survivors constituted a legitimate target because they could call other alleged drug traffickers to rescue them and their cargo. Bradley, who has been described as a favorite of the Trump White House, was promoted to chief of the US Special Operations Command in the immediate aftermath of this act of cold-blooded murder.

For his part, Hegseth denounced the Post article as fabricated, inflammatory, and derogatory, before going on to confirm its essential claims. Responding to the article on X, he stated:

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.

In a separate post on his personal account, Hegseth wrote, We have only just begun to kill the narco-terrorists.

The Pentagon has yet to identify a single one of its 80-odd victims, nor has it provided a shred of evidence that they were guilty of drug-trafficking or any other crime. The 11 passengers aboard the boat subjected to the double-tap undoubtedly included migrants or passengers traveling between Venezuela and Trinidad; it would hardly take that many people to load and unload bags of cocaine.

Even if some of the victims of the Trump administrations Caribbean murder spree were transporting drugs, this is not a crime punishable by death, and it must be proven in a court of law, not punished by means of extra-judicial executions on the high seas. Nor is it by any stretch of the imagination an act of war.

The Former Judge Advocates General (JAGs) Working Group, which includes officials who served as legal advisers for the military under previous administrations, issued a statement in response to the Washington Post article, declaring:

If the US military operation to interdict and destroy suspected narcotrafficking vessels is a non-international armed conflict, as the Trump administration suggests, orders to kill everybody, which can reasonably be regarded as an order to give no quarter, and to double-tap a target in order to kill survivors, are clearly illegal under international law. In short, they are war crimes. If the US military operation is not an armed conflict of any kind, these orders to kill helpless civilians clinging to the wreckage of a vessel our military destroyed would subject everyone from [the defense secretary] down to the individual who pulled the trigger to prosecution under US law for murder.

In other words, the criminality of these acts is not in the slightest doubt. The only question is whether they should be judged in US criminal courts or by a modern day reincarnation of the Nuremberg Tribunals that judged the mass murderers of Germanys Third Reich. Under international law, the penalty for war crimes that involve deliberate killings is either life in prison or death.

Hegseths entire career is steeped in war crimes. As an infantry officer, he served in a unit that murdered unarmed Iraqi detainees in 2006 and was deployed as part of the Minnesota National Guard to the Guantanamo Bay detention and torture camp. He became a right-wing commentator on Fox News, gaining fame and an entry into Trumps inner circle as a vocal advocate for the pardoning of convicted US military war criminals. These included the Navy SEAL Eddie Gallagher, who was tried on charges of stabbing a wounded and defenseless 17-year-old Iraqi with a hunting knife and then posing for photographs with his corpse.

The fascistic and asinine secretary of war crimes is representative of a government in which the ethos and methods of the mafia prevail. Murders are ordered just for the sake of proving the murderous character of the camarilla in the White House.

Of course, this is not the first time that the Oval Office has been used to plot unlawful killings. Obama orchestrated drone assassinations, including of at least four American citizens, in meetings dubbed terror Tuesdays, while Trump ordered the 2020 assassination of senior Iranian official Qasem Soleimani, who was on a diplomatic visit to Iraq.

But there is more than a quantitative change in the current policy. What is unfolding is nothing less than the complete evisceration of the countrys political, constitutional and legal foundations and their replacement with the methods of a police-state dictatorship and the law of the jungle.

Trump represents and personifies a criminal ruling oligarchy that wallows in filth, blood and obscene sums of personal wealth. He himself has weaponized the presidency for the purpose of stuffing hundreds of millions of dollars into his own pockets. According to calculations made by the Reuters news agency, the Trump familys income has grown 17-fold to $864 million during the first half of this year, compared to the same period in 2024.

This criminality at the top finds no more telling expression than in the full and complete pardon Trump announced for Honduran ex-President Juan Orlando Hernandez, who was sentenced to 45 years in prison after being convicted in a US court for facilitating the importation of a staggering 400 tons of cocaine into the US. Hernandez was famously cited for telling one of his co-conspirators that he wanted to shove cocaine right up the noses of the gringos.

He may be a son of a bitch, but hes our son of a bitch, was a quote attributed to President Franklin Delano Roosevelt in relation to the viciously repressive Nicaraguan dictator, Anastasio Somoza, who was feted by Washington in 1939. Today, it is clearly a case of He may be a narco-trafficker, but hes our narco-trafficker.

The pardon of Hernandez makes a mockery of the Trump administrations claims that its Latin American policy is driven by the need to rescue Americans from drug traffickers bent upon their destruction. No one in Trumps circle or the ruling oligarchy as a whole could give a damn about overdose deaths. Rather, they see drugs as a useful means of social control over the most oppressed layers of the population, as well as a lucrative source of profits for the financial sector.

Beyond a morbid fascination for all things criminal, Trumps sympathy for Hernandez is no doubt influenced by the latters ties to his tech billionaire supporters, including Peter Thiel (the principal patron of Vice President JD Vances political career), Sam Altman, and Marc Andreessen, who partnered with ex-president Hernandez in creating Prospera, a semi-autonomous private, for-profit city, free from taxes and regulations.

The pardon was announced on the eve of Sundays Honduran election, together with Trumps endorsement of Nasry Tito Asfura, the candidate of Hernandezs right-wing National Party. Trump has vilified the candidate of the ruling Libre party, Rixi Moncada, as a communist, in large measure because the current government has broken off ties with Taiwan and established diplomatic relations with Beijing, an action taken by Washington itself nearly half a century ago. Asfura has vowed to cut off ties with both China and Venezuela if elected.

There is an undeniably maniacal character to the policy being pursued by the Trump administration throughout the region. Reflecting the increasing desperation of a ruling capitalist oligarchy trapped by the contradictions of its own failing profit system, it is trying to reverse the loss of US hegemony and the rise of China to the position of South Americas principal trading partner by means of missile strikes and intimidation.

This foreign policy constitutes an extension of a domestic policy of war against the working class. Attempting to reverse every social gain won by workers in the course of the 20th century, the US ruling class is turning to dictatorial methods, from the fascistic demonization and savage persecution of immigrants to the deployment of US troops to major American cities to fight the enemy within. Just as the Trump administration is murdering fishermen and migrants in the Caribbean, it will not shrink from deploying deaths squads to carry out extra-judicial executions in the US itself.

All of these measures are provoking mass popular opposition and an intensification of the class struggle. The decisive task is that of uniting workers struggles against war and in defense of social and democratic rights across national borders.

The war crimes being organized from the White House will be punished only by means of a conscious political intervention by the working class throughout the Americas to put an end to the capitalist system and reorganize society to meet human need, not the profits of the oligarchs.
CANBERRA, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- Protecting predatory fish on Australia's Great Barrier Reef has helped to prevent more frequent outbreaks of coral-eating crown-of-thorns starfish (CoTS), new research revealed Monday.

The study provides new modelling-based evidence that zoning and fisheries management strategies adopted in 2004 are likely to have played an important role in recovering fish populations, reducing CoTS outbreaks and mitigating coral loss, said a media release of the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO), Australia's national science agency.

The research, published in Nature Ecology and Evolution, was conducted by CSIRO and the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS).

CoTS are one of the biggest threats to coral on the Great Barrier Reef, with multiple outbreaks of CoTS occurring over the past four decades, said Scott Condie, CSIRO researcher and lead author of the study.

"Particular fish, like emperors, eat crown-of-thorns starfish," Condie said, adding that protective measures, such as increasing no-take zones to 33 percent, and tighter fishing regulations, were put in place in 2004 to protect these predatory fish.

The model shows that these initiatives likely "averted a catastrophic tipping point" that would have left the Great Barrier Reef with fewer large fish, resulting in continuous CoTS outbreaks and substantially less coral, he said.

Long-term monitoring shows that the frequency of outbreaks across the Great Barrier Reef is consistently lower in protected zones, while models forecast a four-fold rise in affected reefs by 2050 without these fish protection strategies, according to the research.

"Without intervention over the last two decades, the model shows that grouper and emperor populations on the Great Barrier Reef would also have consistently declined under increasing fishing pressure," said AIMS researcher Daniela Ceccarelli.

"This modelling is an important step towards understanding the potential for CoTS management to protect the Great Barrier Reef under the increasing threat of climate change," Ceccarelli added. 
A forty-person delegation from the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) travelled to Israel at the end of October to meet with its counterpart, the Histadrut, in Tel Aviv. The occasion was the fiftieth anniversary of cooperation between the two union federations. The DGB carefully concealed the trip from workers in Germany.

DGB Chairwoman Yasmin Fahimi and Histadrut Chairman Arnon Bar-David at the Fritz Naphtali Forum in Tel Aviv, 29 October 2025 [Photo by Histadrut]

The DGB delegation, led by its chairwoman Yasmin Fahimi (Social Democratic Party, SPD), participated together with the Histadrut leadership in the first conference of the Fritz Naphtali Forum, which took place on 29 and 30 October at the Hotel Dan Panorama in Tel Aviv and was officially dedicated to labour relations in times of crisis. The conference was followed in the evening by a celebration marking the fiftieth anniversary of the partnership. On the second day, the delegation visited the Reim memorial site, where the Nova festival had been attacked on 7 October 2023.

However, the German public, let alone the working class, did not hear a single word from the DGB regarding the entire visit. There were no press releases, no public discussion of it, not even a mention in the news. All enquiries by this author to the press departments of the DGB and the individual unions in the DGB went unanswered. I know nothing about this visit, wrote the Hesse regional press spokeswoman of the service union Verdione of many contacted, and the only one who replied at all.

Yet the visit was of an entirely official character. It was attended not only by functionaries of the DGB and its individual unions, but also by government representatives and the German ambassador. According to the publication Global Histadrut, participants included the German State Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, Kerstin Griese (SPD), Martin Schulz, President of the Friedrich Ebert Foundation, a former SPD chairman and candidate for chancellor, and Steffen Seibert, Germanys ambassador to Israel since August 2022. Before that Seibert had been a television journalist for ZDF for many years, and then for eleven years, government spokesman and head of the Federal Press and Information Office in Berlin.

The visit served a definite purpose. It took place at a moment when the state of Israel, after more than two years of persecution, starvation and the mass murder of the Palestinians, finds itself despised across the world and stands isolated as a pariah state. The genocide continues to this daynot only in Gaza, but also in the West Bank, where brutal attacks, expulsions and murders are daily occurrences. The Netanyahu government continues to pursue the aim of a final solution to the Palestinian question.

In this situation, the DGB clearly aligned itself with the Zionist Histadrut and against the Palestinian trade unions, which had urgently called for boycott actions against the genocide. It also opposed workers around the world whosupported by Israeli workers and by Jewish people across the globeare organising strikes and boycott actions against Israel internationally.

Addressing the Histadrut leaders present, Fahimi said: In the past two years, the international trade unions have not made things easy for you. But for us you are a sister union, and it was always clear that we would offer you our support.

The DGB chairwoman delivered the second main address in Tel Aviv, alongside Histadrut head Arnon Bar-David, and she also spoke at the evening banquet. The newspaper Davar, which published a photo of the handshake between the two union leaders, quoted Fahimi as saying:

You of the Histadrut are our colleagues.  You are neither the government nor the state. Therefore, it was always self-evident for us in the DGB to extend our hand to you, and that will also remain so for the next fifty years.

This statement is revealing, and it makes clear why the DGB prefers to stay silent about its appearance in Israel.

The Histadrut is by no means merely a union federation. In Israel, it is a state institution, a pillar of Zionist rule. Founded in 1920, the Histadrut played a decisive role in the creation of the Israeli state. It provided both the founding ideology of the state of Israel, Labour or workers Zionism, and Israels first head of state, the then Histadrut chairman David Ben-Gurion. For a long time, it controlled the service sector, housing construction, schools, health insurance funds and insurers, numerous medical facilities and the state bank.

What the Histadrut and the Zionist leaders in Palestine sought to establish was not a democratic, egalitarian society, but a state founded on occupied land, through expulsions and war. Thus, the Zionist utopia of a refuge for persecuted Jews from Nazi Germany became a police state which, in civil war and in war against the Palestinians and neighbouring Arab states, itself resorted to fascistic methods.

There was no solution to the countrys internal economic problems, and today, bitter social inequality prevails in a country that is (wrongly) praised as the only democracy in the Middle East. Around twenty families own half of the Israeli stock market and a quarter of all companies. According to an OECD report, Israel has the second-highest level of social inequality among all states after the United States; it has the third-highest poverty rate after Bulgaria and Costa Rica, and more than 27 percent of the population and more than one third of all children live in poverty.

The Histadrut has no programme to mobilise the working class against this. Like the DGB, it relies on nationalism and class collaboration. It is no surprise that the Histadrutlike the DGBsuffers from declining membership. In the 1970s, with 1.8 million members, up to 85 percent of Israels workforce was organised in the Histadrut. Today it is said to be around 800,000, many only on paper. Arabs and migrants are excluded from membership and Palestinian Israelis are only second-class members.

The Histadrut is first and foremost committed to the state of Israel. In recent years it coordinated closely with Netanyahu during the strikes against the judicial reform, ensuring that unrest was kept under bureaucratic control at every stage.

Like the Labour Party (formerly Mapai, today Avoda/Democrats), the Histadrut has always been closely tied to the Israeli military, the IDF. There was a time when it was even connected with the most extreme Zionists around Vladimir Zeev Jabotinsky. At decisive turning points in the Palestine-Israel conflict, its methods have always adapted to those of Likud and all the hardliners, and it has worked closely with them.

This is also the case in the latest war and genocide in the Gaza Strip. The Histadrut has supported the mass slaughter and ignored calls by the Palestinian General Federation of Trade Unions in Gaza for international solidarity action. It divides Jewish and Arab workers and does everything possible to undermine resistance to the governments murderous policy.

Arnon Bar-David, the Histadrut president whose hand Yasmin Fahimi enthusiastically shook in Tel Aviv, was previously a commander in the IDF. On 23 November 2023 he personally signed a rocket in the production halls of defence contractor Elbit Systems that was intended for use in the Gaza Strip. He is said to have added the cynical inscription: Long live the people of Israel! Greetings from the Histadrut and Israels workers.

It is no wonder that the DGB is trying to keep its pilgrimage to Israel secret from the working class in Germany. It is not only recently that it has been working closely with Zionists, the DGB has supported the Histadrut for decades and celebrated this with a joint commemorative event in Berlin in April this year.

Particularly since the outbreak of the open genocide in Gaza, the DGB has aligned itself with the Histadrut and with Israel. A few days after 7 October, it expressed its deeply felt solidarity with Israel in view of the brutal attacks by Hamas. As the World Socialist Web Site wrote at the time:

The far-right Netanyahu government could not carry out its brutal genocide against the Palestinians without the support of the German government, and the German government could not maintain this support without the close co-operation of the Deutsche Gewerkschaftsbund (DGB, German Trade Union Confederation) and the leaderships of all the individual trade unions. Thus, the trade unions are directly involved in the worst war crimes.

The DGB stands firmly on the side of the Zionist Histadrut and this is no accident. This reflects its alignment with the pro-war policies of the government and of German big business.

While the German elites are reorganising society for war, rearmament and a war economy, the trade unions have also been transformed. Whereas in the past they negotiated social compromises within the framework of a so-called social partnership, today they are actively involved in implementing social cuts and mass layoffs. No plant closure, no redundancy plan, no agreement on wage cutting takes place without the signature of a works council, of IG Metall, Verdi or another DGB union.

However, two years of genocide in Gaza have changed the working class. More and more workers understand the broader dimension: a ruling class that supports such a brutal genocide will trample over the own working class in pursuit of profit. To drive an unwilling population into war, it is also prepared to revive fascism.

The struggle against social devastation is inseparable from the struggle against war. The first step for workers in Germany must be a break with the DGB and its member unions.

The World Socialist Web Site and the Fourth International, which have fought for decades, since the founding of Israel in 1948, for the unity of Palestinian and Israeli workers, have called for the mobilisation of the international working class to stop the genocide in Gaza. We call on workers in all workplaces to form rank-and-file action committees independent of the DGB. Only in this way can they defend their own interests, their workplaces and their lives.

The DGB and its unions stand on the opposite side. The visit of the forty-person delegation to Israel has once again made this abundantly clear.
This photo combination shows Andriy Yermak, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, left, in Kiev, Ukraine, Dec. 9, 2024 and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kiev, Oct. 28, 2025. [AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky]

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskys chief of staff Andriy Yermak was forced to resign on Friday just hours after investigators from Ukraines National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) raided Yermaks apartment as part of a $100 million scheme case known as Operation Midas that has shaken the crisis-ridden Zelensky government.

Yermak, Ukraines most powerful political figure next to Zelensky, served as both Zelenskys top aide and lead negotiator in the ongoing United States-backed plan to end the ongoing NATO-backed proxy war against Russia.

In a joint statement, the NABU and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutors Office stated the raids were officially authorised and linked to an unspecified investigation, which was certainly related to the $100 million embezzlement scandal first exposed by NABU earlier in November.

According to the allegations, several leading members of the Ukrainian government and a close business associate of both Zelensky and Yermak were involved in an embezzlement scheme around Energoatom, the state nuclear company.

Energy Minister Svitlana Hrynchuk and Justice Minister Herman Halushchenko were already forced to resign after it was revealed they had allegedly received kickback payments worth 10 to 15 percent of contract values from contractors building fortifications on Ukraines energy infrastructure.

Other alleged accomplices in the scheme included former Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Chernyshov and Timur Mindicha close Zelensky and Yermak associate who is a co-owner of Zelenskys own former TV studio Kvartal95. Mindich was reportedly tipped off about the raid and had already fled for Israel by the time investigators raided his apartment.

In the following weeks rumors circulated that Yermak and even Zelensky may be next, as their well-known close association with Mindich rendered their claims of innocence in the kickback scheme both logically and politically untenable. Yermaks voice also allegedly appears on recorded conversations with Mindich released by NABU.

Mindich and his other close business associate Ukrainian oligarch Igor Kolomoysky were instrumental in bringing the former comedian Zelensky to power in the 2019 presidential elections and Zelensky even traveled in Mindichs personal armored car during the campaign. Zelensky also owned a high end apartment in the same building as Mindich, where NABU investigators discovered a gold plated bathroom that Mindich had built for himself. That Yermak and Zelensky himself were completely unaware of Mindichs massive embezzlement scheme involving ministers in their own government is highly improbable.

Zelensky, clearly aware that his own fate is up in the air, announced Yermaks resignation on Friday in a video.

The resignation of Yermak is the temporary culmination of a ferocious battle within the Ukrainian state and ruling class. On the surface, this struggle has been centered on a war between the Zelensky regime and NABU, which has in the past been strongly backed by both the EU and the United States as means to intervene directly in Ukraines turbulent and clannish oligarchical politics.

Earlier in July, Zelenskylikely aware of the massive embezzlement and robbery endemic to his governmenthad moved to limit the power of NABU and SAPO, leading to the largest protests across the country since the beginning of the NATO-backed proxy war in February 2022.

According to Zelensky, stripping the agency of its independence was necessary to combat Russian influence. At the same time, Ukraines security services (SBU), which is closely aligned with Zelensky, had carried out raids of NABU to supposedly arrest Russian spies.

As a result of both domestic outrage and intervention from the EU and the US, Zelensky ultimately was forced to backtrack and withdraw his attempt to take over NABU.

NABU was set up in the wake of the US and EU-backed coup of elected President Viktor Yanukovych in February 2014, which triggered an eight-year-long civil war in East Ukraine, leading up to Russias full-scale invasion in February 2022. Founded in 2015 by the right-wing nationalist government of Petro Poroshenko, NABU is almost entirely created and directed by the US. Its staff is trained directly by the FBI and European Union.

In 2020, the former Prosecutor General of Ukraine, Viktor Shokin, complained that NABU was created by order of then US Vice President Joe Biden in order to undermine Ukraines own State Bureau of Investigation and put there emissaries who listen to the United States.

In the days leading up to his resignation Ukrainska Pravda reported that Yermak was attempting to undercut the ongoing NABU corruption investigation by ordering Zelenskys loyal security forces in the SBU to prepare charges against Oleksandr Klymenko, Head of the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutors Office (SAPO).

The popular Ukrainian news outlet also reported that Zelensky had attempted but failed to call a truce with NABU and SAPO officials in a meeting following the scandals outbreak. Prior to his resignation, NABU officials had publicly hinted that Yermak was under investigation and that he was openly attempting to undermine it.

It has been no secret that Washington and EU officials have long been extremely skeptical, if not hostile, to Yermak and his immense influence in Ukrainian politics. In July, the Financial Times ran an extensive essay about Yermak as the grey cardinal of Ukrainian politics, citing numerous officials complaining about his influence on Zelensky.

In recent months, the Trump administration, in particular, has viewed Yermak as an obstacle to a negotiated dealstrongly opposed by its EU rivalswith Russia that would maximize US profit from the end of the proxy war that has already killed hundreds of thousands while at the same time striking a long term agreement with the oligarchic Putin regime. In an interview with the Atlantic just days ago, Yermak as the chief negotiator outright refused to even consider conceding Ukrainian territoryone of the main stipulations of the Trump peace planin order to end the war.

With Yermak gone, the position of Zelensky has been dramatically weakened.

In the population, there is immense anger and disgust over the corruption scandal, which reveals the shameless theft of money by the same oligarchs and government officials who have been sending hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians into their death, falsely promising them democracy and freedom. Zelenskys approval has plunged nearly 40 percentage points and is now below 20 percentthe lowest mark since his election in 2019. For the first time since the beginning of the war, more Ukrainians now distrust than trust him.

At the same time, the growing popular dissatisfaction with Zelensky is exploited by sections of the ruling class and the imperialist powers in an embittered struggle over the countrys foreign policy and division of the spoils of the war. Shortly after the announcement of Yermaks resignation, Zelenskys arch-rival, ex-commander-in-chief Valery Zaluzhny, issued a de facto endorsement of Trumps efforts to broker a deal. Now the ambassador to the UK, Zaluzhny stated that the overwhelming majority of wars end either with mutual defeat or with both sides convinced, that they won, or in other variants [of these scenarios]. Zaluzhny, who maintains extensive ties to the countrys far-right, was ousted by Zelensky in 2024 but still enjoys substantial support within sections of the Ukrainian state and the imperialist powers, and has been widely discussed as Zelenskys possible successor.
Students in Altay, Xinjiang, are kicking off their first-ever "snow holiday"! From Dec. 1 to 5 -- plus weekends on both sides -- local primary and secondary schools are giving kids nine straight days of winter fun. The slopes were already buzzing as students hit the snow and soaked up the thrill of winter sports.
























SYDNEY, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- Residents of the coastal Australian city of Geraldton in the state of Western Australia (WA) were on Monday morning told to evacuate due to the danger posed by a life-threatening bushfire.

The WA Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) issued a warning on Monday morning local time advising residents of suburbs around 5 km north of central Geraldton to leave the area in a southerly direction immediately.

Speaking at a press conference, DFES Superintendent Mark Bowen said that one home has been destroyed by the fire that started in northern Geraldton on Sunday amid extreme heat.

He said that 60 firefighters had been deployed from the WA capital of Perth, 375 km south of Geraldton, to support local crews in very challenging conditions.

Maximum temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius were recorded by the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) at Geraldton Airport on Sunday and Monday.

Bowen said that forecast wind gusts of up to 80 km per hour on Monday afternoon could lead to further fires igniting.

He said that residents in areas of Geraldton not affected on Monday morning should be prepared in case the fire spreads. 
Work by more than 20 artists celebrating winter is to go on display in Solihull from next month.

Winter Folk includes embroidery, paintings and collages of real-life and mythical figures by 21 artists from the UK, Denmark and Ukraine, according to organisers.

Artist Odette Campell said her abstract embroidery was inspired by photographs of winter sun reflecting on Birmingham architecture, adding that winter did not always mean darkness.

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Exhibition curator Ruth Millington, from the Courtyard Gallery at The Core, said: I hope visitors will find a little bit of seasonal magic in this folklore-themed exhibition, which shows us that there's enchantment to be found in everyday life."

Painter Maya Davis-Stokes said she was inspired by family photographs to tell a personal story of her parents meeting by chance in Copenhagen in Denmark, surrounded by the stories of Hans Christian Anderson.

"I wanted to express the warmth they found in the winter and how out of the bleak cold a family was forged," she said.

Milly Jackson has created three digital collages featuring folkloric heroines and reflecting "warmth and renewal".

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"I have an inherited love of folk art," she said.

"My mother lovingly stitched hundreds of embroideries inspired by folk samplers rich with naive patterns, charming distortions of scale, and human warmth.

"I'm drawn to the pure, often untrained artistry of folk makers: their bold silhouettes, flattened perspectives, and decorative storytelling."

The free exhibition opens on 12 December and runs until 10 January.

Ms Millington said it had been an honour to work with so many talented artists "who prove that there is great power in collective endeavours and that the gallery itself can become a warm space during winter".

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The conversation doesn't stop at the gallery walls of the 2025 REVOLT Art Fair. Curator Zindzi Harley lends her expertise to the digital presentation that spotlights 24 international artists. Their work will be exhibited across digital screens, projections, and a massive LED installation at REVOLTs closing night party. This wide-ranging digital exhibition affords attendees an opportunity to view works that are imbued with themes of disrupting the status quo and liberation, obliterating narratives of the old and boldly daring to construct and portray stories that will help shape whats to come.

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Through Harleys detailed curation process, viewers will find themselves leaning into Black artists imagination and perspectives, which give way to their artistic depictions of Black life throughout the diaspora.

Scroll through the digital artist list below to see who is showcasing at 2025 Miami Art Week:

Omari Jesses work compels the viewer to meet him where his inspirations intersect. His meditative interrogation of lifes shared human experiences, and the cultures and identities found within it, shape his work and offer a textured perspective of everyday Black life that is presented in painting, collage and fashion mediums.

2. Melissa Alcena - Brooklyn, NY and Nassau, Bahamas

The photography of Melissa Alcena deftly captures the human form in a way that depicts both light and figure with an intimate sensitivity unique to her work. Her imagery illuminates the many layers of human existence while leaving space for the viewers senses to further expand on her imagery. Her artful and subtle blending of conceptual and documentary-style lenswork has garnered her a client portfolio that includes The New York Times, TIME Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, Vogue China, Estee Lauder and NIKE.

3. Travion Payne - Miami, FL

Painting vivid, textured portraits that confront the complex realities Black men face, Travio Paynes work touches on mental health, religion, colorism, homophobia, and masculinity. While the work centers Black male identity, the themes resonate far beyond it, using layered symbolism to reveal multiple interpretations beneath each image.

4. Leon Msipa - Cape Town, South Africa

Leon Msipa fuses rich digital and traditional techniques to craft boldly expressive portraits that merge cultural nods, music icons and imaginative visuals into one seamless universe.

5. Vanessa Florence- London, United Kingdom

Vanessa Florence is a multidisciplinary creative who specializes in mixed media rooted in the essence of the soul and memory. Florence offers viewers a vibrant palette of visual storytelling.

6. Brandon Barry Brown - Los Angeles, CA

Brandon Barry Browns work ranges from figurative painting and portraiture to mixed media, highlighting the spirit of resistance that is inherent within marginalized communities. The Buffalo, NY natives imagery is rooted in the tradition of defying stereotypes that misrepresent Black and brown voices.

7. Michele Pierson - Philadelphia, PA

To label Michele Piersons work as "otherworldly" wouldnt be a misnomer, but it would be a severe understatement and only partially correct. Her works oscillate between the celestial and the earthly. From cosmic landscapes to stylized portraits and still life altars, each painting compels the viewer to sense it as an expansion.

8. LeXander Bryant - Nashville, TN

LeXander Bryant is an Alabama-born photographer and visual artist based in Nashville, TN. Focused on capturing the essence of Black folks, particularly in the American South, his work centers around the documentation and design of the Black experience through stories of triumph, resilience, and cultural identity.

9. Dakarai Akil - Los Angeles, CA

Dakarai Akils compositions are intimate explorations of Afrosurrealism, offering viewers a unique perspective that challenges conventional worldviews. His work emphasizes color, shape, and composition to create distinct and thought-provoking visual conversations.

10. John Alleyne - New Orleans, LA

John Alleyne -- born in St. John, Barbados -- is an artist, educator, and curator living and working in New Orleans, LA.

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Through self-portraiture, found portraiture, experimental silkscreen-collage and the enduring legacy of his Caribbean heritage, Alleyne explores an alternative blueprint to protecting and caring for the Black body. His work challenges colonialism, social injustice, and stereotypes while reclaiming narratives and beauty standards as well as celebrating the resistance of mainstream societal norms.

11. Brandon Clarke- Miami, FL

Brandon Clarkes textured work investigates the intersections of identity, memory, and historical narrative. Drawing from his background in architecture, he uses structure, form and material as frameworks to build meaning. Clarkes signature technique, working on the reverse side of the canvas, invites viewers to look beyond the surface and confront the hidden layers of history and self.

Currently a student at the Rhode Island School of Design, Melat Miranda-Ramirez is pursuing her BFA in painting. Through her hair braid art, Miranda-Ramirez explores identity, culture, and power. For her, braids are a declaration of self-love and a link to her heritage. In a society that often overlooks Black bodies, her art serves as a form of resistance.

13. Grei Booker - Newark, NJ

Grei Booker aka "GravyMadeIt" is a mixed media artist based in Newark, NJ. Bookers work is heavily inspired by a deep appreciation of music and Black culture. Mixing different mediums and techniques allows Booker to create a multidimensional and layered reflection of the diverse and dynamic world around us.

14. Neal Hamilton - Miami, FL

Neal Hamiltons work lends itself to creating a harmonious discord and visual provocation that urges the viewer to contemplate the perspectives that lie within them and how those perspectives can and will shift throughout time. The vibrancy of his collective output thumbs the eye of the conventions that seek to confine us all.

15. Ruby Okoro - Lagos State, Nigeria

Ruby Okoro is a Lagos-based, self-taught visual artist whose vivid, conceptual photography explores identity, relationships and memory often using family, community and movement as his motifs.

16. Komikka Patton - Charlotte, NC

Komikka Patton is a 2D multimedia artist whose practice interrogates the intersections of futurism, transhumanism, mythology, and narrative construction. Her research-driven approach incorporates elements of folklore, mysticism, and speculative inquiry, creating a visual language that reflects both historical continuity and radical reimagination.

17. Paul Abbah - Abuja, Nigeria

Paul Abbahs work rests at the edge of an unbridled, radical reimagining of life through his lens, which explores the fragility that lies at the intersection of time, hope, melancholy, faith and freedom.

18. Georgie Nakima - Charlotte, NC

Georgie Nakima is a multidisciplinary artist who was born in Eastern North Carolina and raised between New Bern and Charlotte, NC. Her practice merges art and science to carry conversations about Black futurity, well-being, and the resilience of nature.

19. Olamilekan Abatan - Lagos, Nigeria

Olamilekan Abatans usage of hyperrealism, along with traditional fabrics on paper, creates a depth that draws you into his textured depictions of the power of diasporic Black life.

20. Liv Latricia Habel - Copenhagen, Denmark

A documentary photographer, whose practice is rooted in creating space for Black interiority and complexity, Liv Latricia Habels body of work is an archival documentation of the multiplicity of Black existence. Her work is shaped by her experience as a Black woman in predominantly white environments.

21. Chidirim Nwaubani- London, United Kingdom

Inspired by the decoloniality movement and a desire to reclaim the narratives of cultural heritage, Chidirim Nwaubanis work challenges the very foundations of how we view and interact with cultural artifacts, questioning the validity of museums. Nwaubanis imagery aims to change the publics understanding of these institutions and how they have benefited from colonial systems.

22. Willonius Hatcher - New York, NY

Seamlessly blending humor with cutting-edge technology to redefine what it means to entertain, inspire, and innovate landed Willonius Hatcher on TIME Magazines list of 100 Most Influential People in AI. A self-taught coder with a deep passion for technology, he sees AI not just as a tool but as a means of creative empowerment. By leveraging this technology, Hatcher has developed a rich portfolio of work, including AI-driven films, audio dramas, and music to help amplify underrepresented voices and marginalized perspectives.

23. Calvary Rogers - Brooklyn, NY

Calvary Rogers combines technology with design insights to reshape how people engage with AI, bridging the gap between high-tech innovation and everyday human experiences.

24. Deia Green - Los Angeles, CA

Inspired by Andre 3000s exuberant declaration "The South got somethin to say," Deia Green presents work that honors that assertion by translating the multifaceted beauty of Southern Black culture into a single wearable art composition: grills. Through cross-medium interpretation, she reimagines cultural references: SpottieOttieDopaliscious by OutKast, Ernie Barnes' The Sugar Shack, Zora Neale Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching God, Thomas Blackshear figurines, lightning bugs, sweet tea, honeysuckle, as a three-dimensional, functional piece.

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Actor and advocate RJ Mitte, best known for his role as Walter Flynn White Jr. on AMCs award-winning series Breaking Bad, is back in Acadiana this week for an extended visit home.

Mitte, whose mom hails from Lafayette, will be in town Dec. 17, ending his stay with fan events at Cajun Con at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center, according to a prepared statement.

For Mitte, now based in Brownsville, Texas, the trip marks his longest return to the area since leaving Louisiana and New Mexico years ago to film Breaking Badthe role that catapulted him into international recognition.

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On the show, he portrayed Walt Jr., the breakfast-loving son of Bryan Cranstons Walter White and Anna Gunns Skyler White, a character whose cerebral palsy was depicted more severely than Mittes own condition.

Diagnosed with cerebral palsy at age 3, Mitte has built a career on and off screen by challenging stereotypes and advocating for disability inclusion. After a chance encounter with a casting director, he moved to Los Angeles in 2006 while accompanying his sister, Lacianne Carriere, as she pursued early acting opportunities.

Roles in Weeds, Everybody Hates Chris, Vegas and Switched at Birth followed before he landed the life-changing part of Walt Jr.

Mitte has since expanded into film, earning leading roles in independent projects such as Dixieland, Timesharewhich won Sundances World Cinema Dramatic Special Jury Award for Screenwritingand, most recently, Westhampton, honored at the 2025 Tribeca Film Festival.

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His work extends far beyond acting. Mitte became the global face of GAPs Lived in Spring campaign, appearing on billboards and buses from Tokyo to New York. He has walked runways at Mens Fashion Week in Milan, Berlin, and New York, and was named to Kenneth Coles Courageous Class for his advocacy.

A longtime activist for disability rights and anti-bullying initiatives, Mitte serves as an ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and collaborates with Shriners Hospitals for Children on its #CutTheBull campaign. He is also active within SAG-AFTRAs I Am a Performer with Disabilities committee.

Today, Mitte leads his familys charitable organization, The Mitte Foundation, which supports education, health, infrastructure, and scholarship programs across South Texas.

Though he grew up partly in Louisiana and Austinwhere his family moved to help care for his grandparentshe still considers Acadiana a meaningful touchstone.

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Mittes local appearances at Cajun Con will offer fans a chance to meet the actor during a hometown visit that doubles as a personal homecoming.

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Daily Advertiser: RJ Mitte of 'Breaking Bad' to appear at Cajun Con this week
Diddy has become the latest celebrity to be plagued by Deepfake images of his time behind bars!

The disgraced music mogul recently made waves after several images depicting his time in FCI Fort Dix captured him seemingly having a blast with other inmates. However, his representative claimed these pictures are the result of A.I.

Although Diddy isn't taking selfies regularly as the images showed, he has been putting in considerable effort to create a welcoming atmosphere for other inmates as he serves out his 50-month prison sentence.

Diddy's Viral Selfies Are Deepfake Creations

ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

According to a statement from Diddy's rep, the viral images and videos of the rapper are artificially created and not real. They stressed that "nothing in these doctored photos reflects reality," as his time in the low-security facility was nothing like the "A.I. fabrications."

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"Sean has always treated people with kindness and respect, but it's disconcerting how often manipulated or A.I.-generated images are being pushed into the conversation while he is in a federal facility," Diddy's rep lamented to TMZ.

The outlet echoed similar sentiments, warning fans not to fall victim to the fake images and videos spreading online with their watermarks. One of the easiest ways to tell these pictures weren't real was the fact that inmates couldn't take selfies without outing themselves to the warden.

How The Fake Images Depicted Diddy's Prison Life

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The Deepfake images and videos of Diddy showcased him having a blast with other inmates behind bars. The pictures depicted the record producer as a fun person to be around, with several images capturing him laughing and hugging other inmates.

These pictures were taken as selfies, with one shot capturing an inmate posing with the peace sign beside Diddy, who was eating noodles from a cup. Another shot showed the rapper rocking a hair net while dishing food to other inmates and getting hugged from behind.

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The wildest A.I. depiction of Diddy's time behind bars was a video that showed him in the prison courtyard with an inmate holding on to his arm. Most of these shots had TMZ's watermark to make them appear real, but a quick search on the outlet's website debunked them as fake.

The Bad Boy Records Founder Was Spotted Performing His Prison Duties

ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

There have been real pictures and videos of Diddy behind bars, including a viral clip of him performing his prison duties. The Blast covered the story in November, reporting that he was seen working as a chaplain assistant with a bright smile on his face.

A previous video had captured Diddy chatting with other inmates in the hall, and he was once photographed talking to a group of men outside the prison yard when he first arrived at Fort Dix on October 30, 2025. He was transferred to the low-security facility following his stint at MDC Brooklyn.

Diddy was given a 50-month prison sentence on October 3 after he was found guilty on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. He also received a $500,000 fine and was expected to be released in the summer of 2028, as the year he spent at MDC Brooklyn was counted as time served.

The Record Executive Raved About The 'Strong Brotherhood' In Prison

Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency/MEGA

The Deepfake images of Diddy followed news of his efforts to make Thanksgiving a hearty celebration for inmates at FCI Fort Dix in New Jersey. The Blast shared that the rapper had joined forces with an inmate-led group called Bankroll Bosses to prepare a special meal for the whole facility.

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Diddy raved about the heartwarming gesture, noting that Thanksgiving to him was about ensuring everyone had a good meal to eat. He explained that he went the extra mile for his fellow inmates because "people get depressed during the holidays."

Diddy added that they "just wanted to come together as a family and do our own thing," as life behind bars had introduced him to a new support system. "There's a lot of misinterpretations about prison. There is a strong brotherhood. We all look out for each other," he claimed.

How Diddy Brought Thanksgiving To FCI Fort Dix

Eric Kowalsky / MEGA

According to Diddy's rep, the rapper and the inmate-led group, Bankroll Bosses, pooled commissary funds to buy ingredients for the feast. They allegedly spent two days cooking and assembling food for every housing unit, gathering enough to feed roughly 200 inmates per building.

B.I., a former gang leader who helped coordinate the effort, shared more details about their Thanksgiving feat. He explained that with no stoves or microwaves available, inmates had to get creative while preparing the meals, such as using their ID cards as makeshift knives.

The former gang leader also credited Diddy for making the occasion memorable, as they couldn't have done it without help from his team. The update followed The Blast's report of 50 Cent settling a civil complaint lawsuit against him ahead of his highly anticipated documentary about his incarcerated rival.
Guy Pearce, one of the most acclaimed actors in Hollywood, recently issued an apology for his comments on Jews and Israel online. An outright supporter of Palestine, Pearce reportedly posted several controversial things that can be categorized as misinformation. In a later revelation, the actor also said he would step back from social media for the time being.

Guy Pearce issues apology for social media posts criticizing Israel

Guy Pearce recently opened up about misinformation and falsehoods that he spread about Israel on his social media platforms. The Iron Man 3 star had reposted articles and stories about Israel and Jews that were filled with misinformation.

He opened up about this to Jewish News. The actor said, It has been brought to my attention that, in my support of Palestine, I have inadvertently re-posted articles, and/or statements, that have contained misinformation and falsehoods. He added, I am aware how sharing inaccurate content can cause confusion and distress; for this I am deeply sorry. I will certainly endeavour to be more diligent in future to verify anything I share online.

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Pearce reportedly shared material featuring controversial white nationalist Nick Fuentes. He also shared material that seemed to blame Israel for 9/11, among many other articles.

Jewish News also reported that Pearce shared a post in November. The post read, Remember, when Zionists tell you Islam will destroy America While several major Las Vegas casinos/hotels that have caused gambling addictions, debt, and prostitution were created and owned by Jewish Zionists The Zionists (not Jews) want you to fear the people who stand against the corruption they are creating.

Guy Pearce apologized for his posts and comments. Moreover, he also released a statement on his official X account. In it, Memento star said, Earlier this week, I issued an apology for sharing misleading and inaccurate posts and commentary on social media. He added, I meant every word of that apology, but I recognize that meaningful action must accompany any apology. To prevent any further hurt, confusion, or damage to others, I will be stepping back from social media for the time being.

The post Guy Pearce Apologizes for Posts With Misinformation & Falsehoods on Israel appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More.
Former "Today" show star Hoda Kotb has shared a glimpse at her second Thanksgiving celebration inside her sprawling Bronxville, NY, homeafter making a brief appearance at the iconic Macy's parade, where she lent a hosting hand to her former co-stars, Savannah Guthrie and Al Roker.

The NBC alum, 61, who announced in September 2024 that she would be stepping down from the hit morning show to spend more time with her kids, took to Instagram to give fans a look into how she spent the holiday after making a quick dash to New York with daughters Haley, 8, and Hope, 6.

Kotb, who bought her new home for $2.89 million in April 2024, shared a series of images from the festive holidayincluding several snaps taken inside her dwelling, where she enjoyed a Thanksgiving meal alongside her children, her mother, Sameha, and several of their close friends.

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In the first photo shared on her social media account, the group could be seen eating at a large dining table, which sat in front of a large bay window inside the property.

The next flick captured her perfectly cooked turkey, which was surrounded by napkins that read, "Happy Thanksgiving."

Former "Today" show star Hoda Kotb has shared a glimpse at her second Thanksgiving at her sprawling Bronxville, NY, home, after giving up her duties as a host of the iconic Macy's parade. (hodakotb/Instagram)

The NBC alum, 61, who announced in September 2024 that she would be stepping down from the hit morning show to spend more time with her kids, took to Instagram to give fans a look into how she spent her suburban holiday. (hodakotb/Instagram)

The mom of two shared of a slew of photos from her special day, including a snap of her delicious looking turkey. (hodakotb/Instagram)

The photos revealed that the family was enjoying the sprawling space of the suburbs. (hodakotb/Instagram)

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In another snap, Sameha and Hope grinned from ear to ear as they posed for the camera.

The next three slides showed Kotb and her daughters heading to the Thanksgiving Day parade, where the 61-year-old met up with Roker and Guthrie.

Although she is no longer an official host of the parade, Kotb did step in for a few moments to present a couple of the performers, sitting alongside the two "Today" hosts as they welcomed a host of famous faces to the event.

Kotb captioned the adorable snaps, "Happy Thanksgiving xoxoxo."

Although her Thanksgiving dinner welcomed many of her loved ones, one person was seemingly missing: Her ex-fiance, Joel Schiffman.

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However, it appears as though there is no bad blood between the pair as he joined Kotb, Haley, and Hope for a "funday Sunday" just weeks before Thanksgiving.

In one photo shared on Instagram at the time, Kotb and Schiffman, who announced they were separating after eight years together in 2022, sat down for dinner with their daughters in her dining room, which featured a large table and overhead lighting.

This isn't the first time her ex has showed up to the suburbs to visit Kotb.

Before tucking into their dinner, Kotb traveled to Manhattan with her daughters so that she could make an appearance in the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade coverage on NBC. (hodakotb/Instagram)

The 61-year-old met up with her former colleagues, Al Roker, and Savannah Guthrie, who served as this year's official hosts. (hodakotb/Instagram)

Although she was no longer an official host of the parade, Kotb did step in for a few moments to present a couple of the performers. (Scott Gries/NBC via Getty Images)

Kotb captioned the adorable snaps, "Happy Thanksgiving xoxoxo." (hodakotb/Instagram)

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She previously had a heartfelt reunion with Schiffman when she welcomed the financier into her suburban home for a Father's Day celebration with their two daughters.

The TV host turned wellness guru took to Instagram to share sweet images of her former partner enjoying a fun-filled day in and around her Bronxville property, proving thatdespite their splitthe duo are putting their past behind them to focus on co-parenting their daughters.

In one image, Schiffman could be seen grinning from ear to ear while sharing a sweet embrace with his kids inside Kotb's kitchen at her $2.9 million home, which she purchased in April 2024, shortly before she quit the "Today" show.

Although Schiffman and Kotb once lived together in New York City with their kids, the mother of two made the decision in 2024 to move her children to the suburbs in a bid to give them more "normality," while it's thought her former partner remained in Manhattan.

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However, he made sure to take a break from the honking taxis and towering skyscrapers to make a trip to Bronxville, which is a mere 30-minute drive from Manhattan.

Schiffman's journey upstate comes just weeks after Kotb revealed that her move had been motivated, at least in part, by her daughter Hope's Type 1 diabetes diagnosis.

During a May 28 appearance on "Today," Kotb explained there was another reason behind her decision, conceding that she wanted to spend more time with her daughter, rather than worrying about her health constantly because she was away from her.

Kotb first revealed that her younger daughter was struggling with a health issue in March 2023, when she explained that Hope had been hospitalized for an undisclosed condition.

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Less than two years later, Kotb decided to move her family to Bronxville, where she purchased a stunning property just a short walk from her kids' school.

Although her Thanksgiving dinner welcomed many of her loved ones, one person was seemingly missing: Her ex-fiance, Joel Schiffman. (Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)

However, it appears as though there is no bad blood between the pair as he joined Kotb, Haley, and Hope for a "funday Sunday" just weeks before Thanksgiving. (hodakotb/Instagram)

Speaking to Today.com ahead of her last day on the show, Kotb opened up about her desire to embrace a new routine with her kids at the four-bedroom, five-bathroom, center-hall Colonial.

She was excited to have a more "normal" day-to-day regimen after years of early mornings, she explained.

"I'm just going to let us be a family with a normal rhythm of life. See what we become," the on-air celebrity, who was replaced by Craig Melvin, said.

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"I'm going to let [my daughters] take more trips and stay up a little later because part of the reason I put them to bed at that hour is because I've got to go to bed. I'm like, 'Goodnight! Everyone's going to bed.' They're like, 'It's 6:30!' I'm like, 'Yeah, lights out!'"

Kotb said in August that she had a vision when it came to finding the perfect family home, revealing in an episode of Today that she wanted to create a warm and cozy environment where her children could relax and find sanctuary.

Its all new, she said of her move. New kids, new school, new things, new everything. And its funny because all I could think of was that I wanted my house for the kids to feel warm and cozy and a place where they want to hang. And thats it.

She previously gave fans a rare glimpse at the cozy workout center inside her upstate New York home during a sweet video with her daughter.
Ouyang Yi, an infectious disease specialist from Xiangya Hospital, publicizes knowledge about HIV/AIDS in Huaihua, central China's Hunan Province, Dec. 1, 2024. (Xinhua)

CHANGSHA, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- When asked why she has been publicizing knowledge about HIV/AIDS in schools and local communities for years, Ouyang Yi, an infectious disease specialist from Xiangya Hospital in central China's Hunan Province, explained that it all traced back to those cases she encountered in her work.

Ouyang still remembered treating a girl with mother-to-child transmission of HIV in 2019, during a training program led by Cai Weiping, one of China's earliest experts specializing in HIV/AIDS.

"She was innocent. I couldn't bear to see her discriminated against because of this disease. During my ward rounds, she would always smile at me, and I would hold her in my arms," Ouyang recalled, adding that the girl could have been born healthy if her parents had received proper scientific guidance.

Although Ouyang had begun promoting HIV/AIDS knowledge within the hospital alongside her colleagues after starting her career in 1998, this experience convinced her of the urgent need to educate not only patients but also the public.

China reported its first AIDS case in 1985, marking the start of a long journey for medical workers like Ouyang in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Today, China has largely halted the spread of HIV through blood transfusions and blood products, while transmission from mother to child and among injection drug users has dropped to historic lows.

However, new HIV infections are rising among both younger and older demographics, with sexual transmission remaining the primary route of infection.

"Raising awareness and teaching self-protection among key groups is crucial to reducing transmission risks and preventing new infections," said Ouyang. "It also helps reduce the social stigma associated with HIV/AIDS."

Ouyang has traveled to many regions in Hunan to provide assistance. During a placement at a local hospital in Huaihua City last year, she provided guidance on AIDS treatment to grassroots doctors, enabling local residents to access treatment without undertaking long journeys to major cities.

The 38th World AIDS Day fell on Dec. 1 this year. Themed "Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response," this year's campaign aims to end AIDS by encouraging broader societal participation in prevention and control and seeking innovative methods.

AIDS is now one of the most effectively controlled infectious diseases in China. The country not only provides free treatment for AIDS patients but also offers living assistance to the infected individuals and their families who face financial hardship. Nearly 6,000 institutions in almost 90 percent of the county-level administrative regions nationwide provide these services.

"AIDS patients used to only go to specialized HIV/AIDS hospitals for treatment. But with medical advances, their life expectancy has increased. They now enjoy the same healthcare services as everyone else, including surgery, treatment for ENT diseases, and care for age-related illnesses. These services often cannot be fully provided in specialty hospitals," Ouyang explained, adding that many general hospitals like Xiangya are now qualified to offer comprehensive care.

Unlike some other infectious diseases, Ouyang believes healthcare workers should not only treat the illness but also provide humanistic care to patients and their families. In 2015, several major cities, including Beijing, Shanghai and Wuhan, began recruiting and training case managers to support antiviral treatment for AIDS patients. This aims to support patients and help them access medical treatment, thereby curbing further spread of the disease.

Ouyang is currently treating a 21-year-old AIDS patient, who is about the same age as her own child. "How would I feel if my child were ill? That's what I always consider," she said.

"There was a communication gap between the patient and his family, so I started treating him as my own child. I communicated with his family to secure their support," said Ouyang, adding that she encourages him to continue his studies, helps him maintain a positive outlook, and advises him on how to avoid transmitting the disease.

On Nov. 25, UNAIDS released a report titled "Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response," which showed that 40.8 million people worldwide are living with HIV, with 1.3 million new infections in 2024.

"We still have a long journey ahead in the fight against HIV/AIDS, both in terms of treatment and public education," Ouyang said. 

Ouyang Yi, an infectious disease specialist from Xiangya Hospital, imparts HIV/AIDS knowledge in Changsha, central China's Hunan Province, Dec. 1, 2025. (Xinhua)
Home Improvement actor Zachery Ty Bryan has been arrested in Oregon, marking his sixth arrest in the past five years. His fiancee, Johnnie Faye Cartwright, was also taken into custody, according to jail records.

Zachery Ty Bryan arrested in Oregon, claims report

Home Improvement alum Zachery Ty Bryan was taken into custody in Eugene, Oregon, on November 29, for allegedly violating the probation tied to his previous domestic violence conviction. According to Lane County Jail records, Bryan is being held without bail and is scheduled for release on Wednesday, December 3 (via People).

Bryans fiancee, Johnnie Faye Cartwright, was also arrested and booked at the same jail. Records show she faces five charges: one count of driving under the influence, three counts of reckless endangerment, and one count of attempted first-degree assault. As of November 30, Cartwright remained in custody. It is not yet known whether Bryan or Cartwright has obtained legal counsel.

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The arrest is the latest in a series of legal incidents involving Zachery Ty Bryan. His most recent arrest before this one happened in January, when he was charged with second-degree domestic violence in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. According to a police report obtained by the outlet, a woman involved in that incident stated that she was assaulted. She claimed Bryan choked her and punched her in the face multiple times. She also told officers the two live together and have children in common. The woman was later identified as Cartwright, who shares three children with Bryan: daughter Kennedy and twins Parker and Sequoia.

Zachery Ty Bryan was also arrested twice earlier this year on DUI charges, once in February and again in October. In 2023, he faced charges including fourth-degree felony assault, third-degree robbery, and misdemeanor harassment. Lane County chief deputy district attorney Chris Parosa told the outlet that Bryan ultimately pleaded guilty to felony assault in the fourth degree, constituting domestic violence. Under a negotiated resolution, Bryan received a sentence of seven days in jail and 36 months of supervised probation. His probation is reportedly set to expire in October 2026.

Originally reported by Devanshi Basu for Mandatory.

The post Home Improvement Actor Reportedly Arrested in Oregon appeared first on Reality Tea.
Home Improvement actor Zachery Ty Bryan has been arrested in Oregon, marking his sixth arrest in the past five years. His fiancee, Johnnie Faye Cartwright, was also taken into custody, according to jail records.

Zachery Ty Bryan arrested in Oregon, claims report

Home Improvement alum Zachery Ty Bryan was taken into custody in Eugene, Oregon, on November 29, for allegedly violating the probation tied to his previous domestic violence conviction. According to Lane County Jail records, Bryan is being held without bail and is scheduled for release on Wednesday, December 3 (via People).

Bryans fiancee, Johnnie Faye Cartwright, was also arrested and booked at the same jail. Records show she faces five charges: one count of driving under the influence, three counts of reckless endangerment, and one count of attempted first-degree assault. As of November 30, Cartwright remained in custody. It is not yet known whether Bryan or Cartwright has obtained legal counsel.

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The arrest is the latest in a series of legal incidents involving Zachery Ty Bryan. His most recent arrest before this one happened in January, when he was charged with second-degree domestic violence in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. According to a police report obtained by the outlet, a woman involved in that incident stated that she was assaulted. She claimed Bryan choked her and punched her in the face multiple times. She also told officers the two live together and have children in common. The woman was later identified as Cartwright, who shares three children with Bryan: daughter Kennedy and twins Parker and Sequoia.

Zachery Ty Bryan was also arrested twice earlier this year on DUI charges, once in February and again in October. In 2023, he faced charges including fourth-degree felony assault, third-degree robbery, and misdemeanor harassment. Lane County chief deputy district attorney Chris Parosa told the outlet that Bryan ultimately pleaded guilty to felony assault in the fourth degree, constituting domestic violence. Under a negotiated resolution, Bryan received a sentence of seven days in jail and 36 months of supervised probation. His probation is reportedly set to expire in October 2026.

The post Home Improvements Zachery Ty Bryan & Girlfriend Arrested in Oregon  Report appeared first on Mandatory.
Originally appeared on E! Online

Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos flew their empty nest this Thanksgiving.

The couple revealed that during this years holiday, they opted visit their daughter Lola, 24, in London, spending the holiday in a hotel rather than hosting dinner in their New York home. And its safe to say they have no regrets.

Im going to brag, Kelly said on the Dec. 1 episode of Live with Kelly and Mark. We had the best Thanksgiving ever. We got out of town. We went to London to visit our daughter. And we went to a hotel for Thanksgiving. And guess what? It was the greatest Thanksgiving of our lives.

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But what left Kellywho also shares kids Michael, 28, and Joaquin, 22, with her husband of 29 yearstruly baffled was how relaxing Thanksgiving dinner was without having to lift a finger.

You know what, she continued, the dinner just arrived. And then when it was done, it was cleared away.

While the change in pace may have been revolutionary for Kelly, 55, this years Thanksgiving feast was like any other for Mark.

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"My experience wasnt different than any other year," the Scream 7 actor admitted. "I just showed up and was an honored guest and it was great."

But for Kellywho also celebrated the holiday alongside their oldest son Michael, though Joaquin couldnt make the trip due to workold habits of a great host die hard.

"At a certain point, I got up and started clearing plates, and Lola was like, What are you doing? And I go, I I dont know? " she explained. "Im like an old horse. You get into a routine and its like, Oh, dinners over, I better start clearing plates for dessert. And dessert just arrived and it was heaven."

(Photo by LORENZO BEVILAQUA/Disney via Getty Images)

And while the duo was on the same page about how enjoyable this years Day of Thanks was, they didnt initially see eye to eye on what time dinner should be.

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Indeed, the Riverdale alum, 54, sparked up a debate on when its appropriate to chow down on the holiday, preferring an earlier meal to Kelly, who announced that food would be served at dinner time6 p.m.

"And if you don't like that," she quipped to her husband on the Nov. 26 episode of Live With Kelly and Mark, "you are welcome to make yourself a sandwich before because we are having dinner at 6.p.m."

And if her family got hungry before then? As she suggested, You guys can Uber Eats your lunch, and then well have dinner at dinner time.

Kelly and Mark arent the only stars opening up about how they spent Thanksgiving. To see how more celebs celebrated the holiday, keep reading

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Celine Dion

The "My Heart Will Go On" singer shared a message of gratitude to honor the holiday. "Wishing everyone a beautiful and peaceful Thanksgiving!" Celine wrote in an Instagram post. "May your day be filled with love, gratitude, and precious moments with the people who mean the most to you.





Brittany Mahomes & Patrick Mahomes

Ahead of watching the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback play, the Kansas City Current co-owner wished her Instagram followers a happy thankgiving and shared an adorable family photoshoot.





Selena Gomez & Benny Blanco

The Only Murders in the Building star and music producer cozied up together for their first Thanksgiving together as a married couple.





Kelsea Ballerini

The country singer shared a video of herself singing, telling her fans in an Instagram Story post, "Checking in on you, happy Thanksgiving."

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Chris Meloni & Mariska Hargitay

These are their bear cups. The Law & Order stars showed off their coveted Starbucks souvenirs at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade.





Mandy Moore

The This Is Us star expressed gratitude for her and husband Taylor Goldsmith's little family in a vulnerable post. "It's been a pretty wild and difficult year but the top line is overwhelming gratitude," Mandy wrote in an Instagram post. "Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. The most grateful for these 4."





Sydney Sweeney

Lake life. The Euphoria actress showed off how she's spending her holiday while wishing her followers on Instagram, "Happy Thanksgiving."





Sadie Dickerson & Sarah Hyland

Up and at 'em! The Just in Time stars rose early to perform at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

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Dolly Parton

The "I Will Always Love You" singer shared a sweet message to her followers in a video on Instagram. I am so thankful for all of you and for the memories that we've shared through the years, she said in the post. So happy Thanksgiving to everyone, and just know that I will always love you.





Gigi Hadid

Mama's little helper. The model showed off how her and Zayn Malik's daughter Khai was contributing to Thanksgiving prep.



For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App
Kevin Spacey doesnt even have a house of cards to live in as the actor claims that years of fighting sex-assault allegations from multiple men in court have left him without a home as he scrambles for cash.

The costs over these last seven years have been astronomical, Spacey told The Telegraph, 66, whose Maryland condo was sold out from under him in a foreclosure auction in 2024.

Ive had very little coming in and everything going out, he confesses. Im living in hotels, Im living in Airbnbs. I literally have no home.

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In 2023, the Tinseltown outcast was cleared of criminal sexual assault charges related to allegations from four men in the U.K.  a year after hed successfully defended himself against a civil sexual misconduct suit from actor Anthony Rapp, 54.

Spacey has denied all allegations against him  but was fired from the Netflix hit House of Cards in late 2017 shortly after Rapp accused him of making an advance toward him as a teen in the 1980s.

Despite the two-time Oscar winners legal victories, the once-renowned American Beauty actor  who had a reported net worth of $70 million  hasnt been easily landing meaty movie parts like he did during his heyday.

Now, Spacey admits to living out of a suitcase.

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Everything is in storage, and I hope at some point, if things continue to improve, that Ill be able to decide where I want to settle down again, he shares.

Spacey seems determined to make a comeback with four films currently in the can and the support of select Hollywood insiders.

He shares, We are in touch with some extremely powerful people who want to put me back to work. But I will also say what I think the industry seems to be waiting for is to be given permission  by someone who is in some position of enormous respect and authority.

So, my feeling is if Martin Scorsese or Quentin Tarantino call [my manager] Evan [Lowenstein] tomorrow, it will be over.

In the meantime, Spacey is attempting to reinvent himself as a song and dance man  decades after starring as crooner Bobby Darin in 2004s Beyond the Sea and performing John Lennons Mind Games in 2001 for a televised tribute concert for the slain Beatle.

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Unfortunately, Spaceys recent concert at the Parklane resort in Cyprus wasnt well received by everyone.

He was not good, says one source. These are tough times for a guy who once lorded over Hollywood.

Read More From National Enquirer

This story Kevin Spacey Was Not Good During Recent Concert at the Parklane Resort in Cyprus: Tough Times first appeared on National Enquirer. Add National Enquirer as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Kim Kardashians brain scan on a recent episode of The Kardashians quickly turned into the internets latest debate.

After a specialist pointed out low activity in her frontal lobe, a finding he clarified wasnt linked to Alzheimers or major mental health issues, Kim still seemed rattled. She reacted quickly, saying, "That just cant be [...] I got to get on a plan to really figure this out because I have sh*t to do this summer."

What Kim was told by the doctor

Dr. Daniel Amen, who had scanned several Kardashian family members in past seasons, walked her through the results. He told her she did not show signs connected to Alzheimers disease and said she appeared "not terribly stressed, not anxious and not depressed."

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However, he pointed to "holes" on the scan that he described as markers of "low activity." He added, "The front part of your brain is less active than it should be," and explained that this could make stress management harder while she prepared for the California bar exam.

Kardashian had already mentioned on an earlier episode that a Prenuvo scan found an aneurysm that had been in her brain for years. She recalled asking specialists what could cause a rupture, and doctors reportedly said, "Just stress." She connected the issue to both her bar exam workload and the lingering strain of her 2022 divorce.

Online reactions to Kim's news

Once the episode aired, many viewers commented on social media, and their posts shaped a broad range of theories. Some people floated ideas about media strategy.

For example, @EmeryEXP posted claims that the storyline might set the stage for a future tech tie-in, writing that it could lead to her getting a NeuroLink and then passing the bar "to 'prove' it works."

@eitherwayitgoes had the same theory, writing, "Wait till everyone realizes this is just a soft launch for her to launch a partnership with Neuralink (or another AI brain chip company like that)."

Meanwhile, @thejrney echoed that claim and said, "This sh*t writes itself."

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"Is she laying the groundwork for a neuralink deal," wrote @tyleroakley.

Others pushed back on the science behind her scan. @curryinahurry22 wrote, "Neuroscientist here. You literally cannot have 'low brain activity' in your frontal lobe without being lobotomized." They argued that the interpretation sounded inaccurate. Then @spookistan weighed in on private clinics that offer "poorly-interpetable scans," and @curryinahurry22 replied that such places "take advantage of the people with loads of money who will go to any ends of the earth to 'optimize' their health."

Others added their own humor as well. @437II joked, "Imagine paying a doctor to tell you that youre lowkey kinda dumb." Others questioned why she shared the moment at all, with @fyeahceko asking, "why did she expose herself for being slow "

Still, some commenters urged caution. @_hateade pointed to information on low frontal lobe activity and wrote, "not to defend her but that doesn't necessarily mean she's stupid."

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Likewise, @YaoiYarnYearner reminded people that ableist insults were unnecessary. They said, "What was found in her scan has nothing to do with intelligence. It's something that can happen to every person under stress and is often reversible."

Additionally, some people online blamed long-term health stressors or potentially the effects of COVID instead. As @steves_beebs suggested, it could be "the expected brain damage from multiple covid infections (or Lyme disease)."

The internet is chaoticbut well break it down for you in one daily email. Sign up for the Daily Dots newsletter here.

This story was originally featured on The Daily Dot.
Melania Trump officially unveiled the White HousesChristmas decorations on Monday, and people on social media couldnt help but bring up the past.

The theme for the Trump familys first White House Christmas since 2020 is Home Is Where the Heart Is. The decor also nods to next years celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the founding of the United States of America.

You can get a taste in this promotional video posted on social media.

Home Is Where the Heart Is

AMERICAS CHRISTMAS



This Christmas, lets celebrate the love we hold within ourselves and share it with the world around us. After all, wherever we are, we can create a home filled with endless possibilities. pic.twitter.com/VouZAtLpHU  First Lady Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) December 1, 2025

While the first lady may have intended to remind people of 1776, many people couldnt forget a different year: 2018, to be exact.

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In an audio recording from July 2018 by Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, Melania Trumps former friend and aide, the first lady seemed irritated about being asked about children being separated from their parents when she wanted to talk about working on Christmas planning.

Politics: 'Grifter' Melania Trump Ripped For Unveiling Some Very Expensive Christmas Ornaments

She was also miffed that the duties of coming up with White House Christmas displays fell on her, which inspired this infamous declaration: Who gives a **** about Christmas stuff and decoration?

Trump may have changed her tune about the holiday in the last seven Christmas seasons, but many people on social media decided not to let the internet forget her previous antipathy.

How can any coverage of Melania Trump & Christmas decorations leave out this is on tape? https://t.co/XYuHBjoI9L  Steve Rhodes (@tigerbeat) December 1, 2025

OMG! Remember this? 



Melania: Who gives a fu_k about Christmas stuff!  https://t.co/LfCZP6CDxN  Make it Stop! - Liberty and Justice for All  (@mcarr2021) December 1, 2025

But you dont give a **** about Kreesmas pic.twitter.com/dpmxwVWF71  Tara Dublin, Rock Star Author & Political Savant (@taradublinrocks) December 1, 2025

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That's funny. 1st, her home is in New York. She doesn't live in the White House, and only shows up if she's paid. 2nd, those used to be American values, no more. 3rd, "who gives a ** about the Christmas stuff and decorations?** But I need to do it, right?"  Cathy V   (@ZPoet) December 1, 2025

Once again Melania is clueless on Christmas. The theme is supposed to be home is where your heart is but nothing in her display shows that. She also has a be best ornament on the tree.

.@GoguenHarveyhttps://t.co/C40MZGk62A  Jodi K  (@jodikyman) December 1, 2025

I thought she decorated with the theme The White House is Where I seldom is   Keith M (@KMTrucking60) December 1, 2025

Melania Trumps infamous 2018 f-bomb isnt her only Christmas controversy.

Her 2017 decision to decorate the East Wing hallway with stark white branches spawned a meme and comparisons to horror movies, while The Washington Post declared her 2018 assortment of crimson trees a nightmare forest reminiscent of costumes in The Handmaids Tale.

Since then, of course, the East Wing has been reduced to rubble to make way for President Donald Trumps ballroom.

Related...

Read the original on HuffPost
The Gist

Queen Elizabeth II often wore pearl necklaces over the course of her reign, and lent them to Princess Diana and Kate Middleton.

On her wedding day, she wore two pearl necklaces that originally belonged to Queen Victoria.

She owned several three-strand pearl necklaces, each of which is worth an estimated $6.6 million today.

Queen Elizabeth II loved an elegant pearl necklace. The late royal wore not one, but two strands of pearls on her wedding day in 1947. Later in life, shed regularly accessorize with a signature three-strand piece made from heirloom family pearls. She also received an elaborate six-stand pearl necklace in 1979 on an official visit to Qatar, per the Court Jeweller.

The majestic jewels of the sea werent just a personal preference, but a way for Elizabeth to take part in a royal tradition that spanned centuries. Pearls are traditional for Queens going back one thousand yearsthere has never been a Queen who didnt wear pearls, Leslie Field, author of The Queens Jewels, told People in 2020. One of the most famousand belovedroyal tiaras, the Queen Marys Lovers Knot, even features the oceanic jewel.

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Natural pearls are rarer than diamonds, according to the International Gem Society, and become more scarce each year due to overfishing and ocean acidification. Hence, the vast majority of pearl jewelry is made from cultured pearls. Her Majesty owned and wore both types in her lifetime, and loaned some of her beautiful pieces to Princess Diana and Catherine, Princess of Wales. After her death in 2022, her pearls returned to the royal collection or, if part of her private collection, were passed down to her family.

Below, revisit Queen Elizabeths favorite pearl necklaces and the stories behind them.

Elizabeths wedding pearls were a gift from her father, King George VI.

Corbis via Getty Images Then-Princess Elizabeth with her husband, Philip, on their wedding day in 1947. Then-Princess Elizabeth with her husband, Philip, on their wedding day in 1947.

According to the official website of the royal family, Elizabeth didnt wear a two-strand pearl necklace on her wedding day, but rather two distinct, overlapping pieces. The first was dubbed the Queen Anne necklace, said to have belonged to Anne, the last Stuart Queen. Atop it, she wore the Queen Caroline necklace, a pearl piece that is said to have belonged to King George IIs wife.



Both necklaces previously belonged to Queen Victoria, Elizabeths great-great-grandmother, per the royal familys website. The future queen received them as a wedding present from her father, King George VI, ahead of her 1947 ceremony with future husband Prince Philip. On her big day, the pair of pearl beauties effortlessly complemented her pearl-embroidered bridal gown while symbolically connecting Elizabeth with her royal predecessors.



Maxwell Stone of Steven Stone, a U.K. jeweler, suggested the Queen Anne and Queen Caroline necklaces have a combined value of approximately $30,000 in 2022.

Other royals love to wear her four-strand pearl choker necklace.

David Levenson/Getty Images Queen Elizabeth II wears a four strand diamond and pearl choker to a banquet in Bangladesh in 1983. Queen Elizabeth II wears a four strand diamond and pearl choker to a banquet in Bangladesh in 1983.

In 1975, the Queen went to Japan on an official state visit. There, she received a pearl suite and, according to Town & Country, later had those gifted pearls turned into a four-strand choker with a diamond clasp. Then-court jeweler Garrard assembled the elaborate piece.



Princess Diana borrowed the four-strand pearl choker from Elizabeth to wear while receiving Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands in 1982. Elizabeth wore it herself the following year, during a visit to Bangladesh.

Jayne Fincher/Princess Diana Archive/Hulton Archive/Getty Images Princess Diana wearing the four-strand pearl choker in 1982. Princess Diana wearing the four-strand pearl choker in 1982.

Decades later, Middleton wore it to a celebration for the Queen and Prince Philips 70th wedding anniversary in 2017. While attending both of their funerals, she once again donned the necklace in a sentimental tribute to the pair. Shes since stepped out with the pearl choker during a 2024 State Visit welcoming Qatari royals, pairing it with a maroon Alexander McQueen coat.

Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images Kate Middleton wearing the four-strand pearl choker in December 2024. Kate Middleton wearing the four-strand pearl choker in December 2024.

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Her iconic three-strand pearl necklace was actually multiple pieces.

Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace following the Platinum Pageant on June 5, 2022. Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace following the Platinum Pageant on June 5, 2022.

Most images of Queen Elizabeth show her wearing a three-strand pearl necklace, which became her signature from the earliest days of her reign. What onlookers may not realize is the queen owns several similar three strand necklaces which are often mistaken for one another.

In The Queens Jewels (excerpted by the Court Jeweller), Field identified three separate onesthe first being a gift from Elizabeths grandfather (King George V) in 1935, the second a string of graduated pearls commissioned after her accession in 1952, and the third a coronation gift from the Amir of Qatar in 1953. UK jeweler Queensmith estimated that each of Elizabeths signature pearl necklaces could be worth over 5,000,000, or $6.6 million, in 2023.



Daily Herald Archive/National Science & Media Museum/SSPL via Getty Images The Queen and Princess Elizabeth after the Coronation of George VI, 1937. The Queen and Princess Elizabeth after the Coronation of George VI, 1937.

Elizabeth wore the first and oldest of these necklaces during her parents coronation in 1937. Shed bring it out of the vault over 70 years later for a 2009 reception at Mansion House. Her 1952 necklace features graduated pearls, changing in size toward the center of each string and down the strings. This was one of her favorite jewels during her reign, appearing in countless photographsincluding (per the Court Jeweller) at her final engagement on September 6, 2022, where she appointed Liz Truss prime minister.



As for the 1953 three-strand pearl necklace, Elizabeth didnt wear it as frequently as the older two pieces, reserving it primarily for engagements with Qatars royals in a nod to its provenance.



Read the original article on InStyle
Melania Trump unveiled the White House Christmas decorations on Monday.

The theme of the decorations was "Home Is Where The Heart Is."

The layout of the decor differed from past years since the East Wing was demolished in October.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

On Monday, first lady Melania Trump unveiled the 2025 White House Christmas decorations  her first holiday season of President Donald Trump's second non-consecutive term and the first White House Christmas decorations since the demolition of the East Wing in October.

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The East Entrance and East Colonnade, which featured prominently in Melania Trump's past White House Christmas decorations with displays of dramatically lit branches and deep-red trees, are no longer part of the route. They were demolished along with the rest of the East Wing.

The White House Menorah, which the Biden administration added to the White House Christmas decorations in 2022, was also absent from the display.

Melania Trump centered the White House Christmas decorations around the theme "Home Is Where The Heart Is," featuring nods to the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, her Be Best initiative, and military families.

I visited the White House for an early look at this year's holiday display. Take a look.

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I entered the White House through the North Portico stairs.

The North Portico Stairs at the White House. Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

In previous years, White House tours began at the East Entrance.

On my way in, I saw Melania Trump's Christmas wreaths with red bows in the White House windows.

Wreaths in the windows of the White House. Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

The wreaths also appear on this year's official White House Christmas card.

The East Room featured a tribute to the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

The East Room of the White House. Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

The East Room decor, which included patriotic nods, was a collaboration with America250, the national organization in charge of planning events for America's semiquincentennial next year.

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The East Room's Christmas trees glittered with red, white, and blue decorations.

Red, white, and blue Christmas tree decorations in the East Room. Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

Red, white, and blue striped ribbons were accompanied by oak leaves, a traditional symbol of strength.

Golden eagles were also displayed in the East Room.

Golden eagle ornaments in the East Room. Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

The Christmas trees were topped with gold eagle ornaments, which also appeared on the East Room's mirrors.

The Green Room displayed portraits of President Donald Trump and President George Washington made of puzzle pieces.

The Green Room of the White House. Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

Each portrait contained 6,000 pieces.

Dedicated to the theme of playfulness, the Green Room contained childhood toys in every corner.

Toy-themed Christmas decorations in the Green Room. Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

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Miniature Christmas trees made of dominoes were built on a side table.

The Official White House Christmas tree served as the centerpiece of the Blue Oval Room.

The Official White House Christmas Tree in the Blue Room. Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

This year's Official White House Christmas tree is an 18-foot concolor fir from Sidney, Michigan.

The tree was decorated with ornaments depicting the official bird and flower of every US state and territory, as well as gold stars honoring the Gold Star families of fallen US soldiers.

Ornaments on the Official White House Christmas Tree. Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

The ornaments were created using AI and 3D printed.

The Red Room was filled with butterflies, a youthful nod to the first lady's Fostering the Future program supporting children in foster care.

The Red Room of the White House. Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

The Red Room decor included a total of 10,000 butterflies.

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Its Christmas tree was decorated with Be Best ornaments and Fostering the Future ribbons.

Ornaments and butterflies on a Christmas tree in the Red Room. Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

Fostering the Future is part of Melania Trump's Be Best initiative focused on children's wellness.

The State Dining Room featured a gingerbread White House complete with a miniature South Portico.

A model of the White House made of gingerbread in the State Dining Room. Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

The intricate White House model is made of 120 pounds of gingerbread, 100 pounds of pastillage dough, over 10 pounds of chocolate, and 5 pounds of royal icing.

In the Grand Foyer, the US Marine Band played holiday classics such as "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer."

The US Marine Band at the White House. Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

I also recognized "Do You Want to Build a Snowman?" from Disney's "Frozen."

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A portion of the White House Creche was displayed in the Grand Foyer while the rest undergoes restoration work.

A portion of the White House Creche in the Grand Foyer. Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

The White House Creche, a Nativity scene dating back to the 18th century, was first displayed at the White House in 1961 and appeared on President John F. Kennedy's 1963 Christmas card.

The Cross Hall glowed with ceiling projections and additional Christmas trees.

The Cross Hall of the White House. Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

Piles of boxes in red gift wrap were assembled at the base of the trees, and scented candles filled the air with a warm, spiced aroma.

I got a close-up look at the painting depicting Donald Trump's raised fist after he survived an assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania.

A painting of President Donald Trump in the Cross Hall. Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

Painted by artist Marc Lipp, the piece hangs where President Barack Obama's official White House portrait was displayed during the Biden administration.

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In total, the White House Christmas decorations feature 51 Christmas trees, over 2,000 strands of lights, and 25,000 feet of ribbon.

The State Dining Room of the White House. Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

The White House reopens for public tours on December 2  the first tours offered since the demolition of the East Wing. To schedule a tour, members of Congress submit tour requests on behalf of their constituents.

The display was dazzling, but I wish I could have seen the East Wing in its former glory.

Inside the White House. Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

Before its demolition, the East Wing was once a focal point of the White House's Christmas decorations and the first stop on tours. The East Colonnade's long hallway in particular lent itself to immersive, and occasionally divisive, displays.

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There's less space to decorate at the White House until Donald Trump's 90,000-square-foot ballroom is complete, but I still loved seeing the Executive Mansion all decked out for the holidays.

Read the original article on Business Insider
EXCLUSIVE: Mad Distribution has taken MENA rights for Moroccan director Meryem BenmBareks Behind The Palm Trees which world premiered in Competition at the Marrakech Film Festival over the weekend.

The distribution arm of the Cairo-based pan-Arab film and talent company will oversee the release of the title across the MENA region and also showcase the title in its new theatrical showcase CineMAD, which kicks off this December.

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Mixing genre with social and historical commentary, the thriller pushes boundaries with its exploration of the consequences of colonialism as well as relationships in a conservative society.

The Tangier-set drama stars Driss Ramdi (Escape From Raqqa) as a young Moroccan man torn between two woman: his longtime fiance, played by Nadia Kounda (Raltat), and a wealthy French girl, played by Sara Giraudeau (The Bureau).

Drawn by the French girls glamorous lifestyle, he begins to neglect his long local girlfriend, knowing full well that his choices will catch up with him.

The cast also features renowned French actress Carole Bouquet and Olivier Rabourdin (Eastern Boys).

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The film is a French-Moroccan-Belgian-Qatari coproduction between Paris-based Tessalit Productions and Orlean-based Furyo Films, in association with Mad Solutions.

It brings together an impressive group of talents in the Arab world and European indie space.

BenmBarek co-wrote the screenplay with UK-Moroccan BAFTA and BIFA-nominated director Fyzal Boulifa (The Damned Dont Cry)  in collaboration with Emma Benestan (Facing The Beast) and Agnes Feuvre (A Mains Nues).

Jean Brehat (West Beirut, The Insult) and Emma Binet produce, with cinematography by shot by Son Doan (Viet and Nam), and editing by Christel Dewynter (Hippocrates: Diary of a French Doctor).

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The film also received the support of the Doha Film Institute, Atlas Workshops and the Red Sea Souk, where MAD Solutions awarded it with its coveted Distribution Prize, offering distribution, sales, and marketing services valued at $50,000.

Behind The Palm Trees shows us how love, passion, and the euphoria that comes with them are a universal language that transcends borders, cultures, and ethnicities, said Mad Solutions co-founders Alaa Karkouti and Maher Diab.

It is an authentic and relatable Arab story with global appeal, and we couldnt be more excited for you to see it. And all that aside, we just couldnt resist working with a talented director like BenmBarek after the impressive journey her last film, Sofia, went on!

Commenting on her vision behind the film and why she picked Tangier as the setting for her story, BenmBarek said: This film comes from my desire to tell an intimate thriller, where romantic tensions slowly turn into dangerous forces. Tangier, a city full of contrasts, provided the perfect setting for this story.

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BenmBarek was born in Rabat, Morocco, and grew up between Morocco, France, and Belgium. In 2010, she joined a directing program in Belgiums INSAS, where she directed several short films, including Jennah, which was selected for several international festivals and shortlisted for the 2015 Oscars.

Her debut feature Sofia (2018) won the Best Screenplay Award at the Cannes Film Festivals Un Certain Regard before garnering several international awards, including the New Voices/New Visions Grand Jury Prize at the Palm Springs International Film Festival.

Paris-based Pyramide International handles international sales.

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It's a guilty pleasure many indulge in this time of year: Christmas romantic comedies.

A group of filmmakers that met at Columbia College has a studio specializing in those movies, and shoots them in the Chicago area every year.

"Exes of Christmas Past" is streaming now, and the director said it's all about coming back home to find what's missing in your life.

Josie runs a luxury hotel in Chicago.

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She's back home for the holidays, where her parents run a bed and breakfast.

It turns out, her high school boyfriends are all staying there.

Director Jake Jarvi grew up on the North Shore.

He and his wife, Eliza Toser, live in Gurnee, and co-wrote "Exes of Christmas Past."

SEE ALSO: 'Zootopia 2' breaks box office records with $556M global opening on Thanksgiving weekend

"We love Christmas romantic comedies. And she was the one who brought me the idea," Jarvi said. "And each of them kind of like have a past to show her, kind of like the ghost of Christmas past, present, future. I loved it. So, we shot in a hotel downtown right here in the Loop one day, and then we shot all of our town exteriors in Libertyville, Illinois. And then we shot the whole b and b, the Cherry Tree in Woodstock, Illinois. It's the same b and b from 'Groundhog Day.'"

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He said this is what Christmas looks like to him.

"All of our production team, they all live in the city or around the city. So we're very comfortable putting a northern Illinois Christmas on the screen," Jarvi said.

Jarvi's projects include fright flicks, online features and music videos.

"I love the monster movies. I love the slashers," Jarvi said. "But I'm very happy to kind of like step out of Halloween and hop into Christmas."

He said people love Christmas romance movies.

"I think it's like a slightly heightened world, you know, that's really cozy, really comfortable. And they rely a lot on formula, you know, and it's just you can ease into these things, you know, what to expect when you turn them on. And I think that's really, really comforting," Jarvi said. "There's going to be a little bit of conflict. It's not going to be too much. But you know that at the end of the day, people are going to find each other. And you can kind of see them finding their ways to each other all throughout the story. And it's just like really, really gentle and lovely. It's why we watch them every year."

"Exes of Christmas Past" is streaming on major platforms, including Roku, Pluto and Tubi.
Chinese Vice Premier Liu Guozhong, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, inspects HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment work during a visit to Beijing Youan Hospital in Beijing, capital of China, on Dec. 1, 2025, which marks the 38th World AIDS Day. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

BEIJING, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Liu Guozhong on Monday said that China's HIV/AIDS epidemic remains at a low prevalence level, urging sustained efforts to consolidate prevention and treatment progress.

Liu, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during a visit to inspect HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment work in Beijing on the 38th World AIDS Day.

While acknowledging this progress, Liu noted that diverse and complex factors continue to drive HIV/AIDS transmission, and he emphasized that prevention and control efforts must not be relaxed.

He called for intensified targeted publicity, improved education and comprehensive intervention, as well as strengthened prevention and control measures for key demographics and areas.

The vice premier also called for society-wide participation in the response, alongside enhanced humanistic care, rights protection, and rule-of-law education for people living with HIV. 

Chinese Vice Premier Liu Guozhong, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, inspects HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment work during a visit to Beijing Youan Hospital in Beijing, capital of China, on Dec. 1, 2025, which marks the 38th World AIDS Day. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)
Chris C.Fs observational documentary Aluk, which follows three generations of a family in Tana Toraja, Indonesia over seven years as they reckon with the loss of their patriarch and their communitys uncertain future, is selected for the JAFF Future Project as a work-in-progress.

The Australia-Indonesia co-production, directed by Chris C.F and produced by Sam Hewison and Wahyu Al Mardhani through production company Cut By Dog Production, is among 10 Asia-Pacific titles selected for the JAFF Future Project at this years JAFF Market in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.

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Aluk follows four members of a Tana Toraja family: Ne Minda, the grandfather; Ma Adel, the mother; Pong Kenny, the uncle; and Marsel, the son. The film traces Marsels childhood over seven years, as his grandfather reveals his ancestors way of life  Aluk To Dolo, one grounded in the maintenance of environmental equilibrium.

Ne Minda demonstrates how these practices inform the functioning of their tight knit community  one of the last remaining villages where Aluk To Dolo is still observed in Tana Toraja. The transformations their community face are numerous: a majority of the regions population has converted to Christianity, many young people have left to seek prosperity on neighboring islands, and climate change is already taking a toll on local agricultural production.

The stories of Marsels mother and uncle delineate two paths taken by their generation  to remain in the village or to leave, and the sacrifices each path requires. An immersive exploration of labor, love and loss, the film culminates in the death of Ne Minda, as the family reckons with the loss of their patriarch.

For Chris C.F, the project began with research into how people approach death around the world. My interest in this arguably morbid topic wasnt born from a desire to be confronted with, or to confront others with sensational images of dead bodies, the director says. My fascination with the way we process death originated at the open casket funeral of my grandfather.

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The directors grandfather was liberated from German concentration camps and escaped communist Poland to start a new life in Australia. It was the first time Id been faced with the physical reality of death, he says. In Australia, its a realm confined almost entirely to medical professionals, industrialized and sanitized. That period of time spent with his lifeless body had a profound and lasting impact on me. Toraja is a place where people actively elongate these periods spent alongside loved ones passed, and celebrate their lives in the most festive of ways.

Chris C.F traveled to Toraja for the first time in 2017 with producer Sam Hewison and cinematographer John Hewison, meeting Ne Minda at a funeral. Unlike most people we met in Toraja who had converted to Christianity, he was an adherent of Aluk To Dolo, the director says. Ne Minda invited them to his home to film a ritual for a new rice barn, and they met his daughter Ma Adel and her children.

The team returned in 2019 for two months, meeting filmmakers Wahyu Al Mardhani and Tasya Amaliah from Makassar, who became close collaborators. COVID-19 closed international borders, pausing work on the project until 2022. The crew returned for another two months in 2022, and Chris C.F returned alone in 2023 to continue work with Wahyu, staying with Ne Minda  which was sadly the last time they saw him.

Ne Minda passed away at the end of 2023. The family invited the team to attend his funeral in early 2024 and encouraged them to continue filming. We feel incredibly privileged to have been invited into the lives of Ne Minda and his family, and to have had the opportunity to create such strong bonds with them over a period of eight years, the director says.

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Aluk will be both an ode to Ne Minda, who passed away unexpectedly but peacefully at the end of 2023, as well as an immersive exploration of his communitys devotion to their land and those who came before them, Chris C.F says. Aluk will not lean on the mystical or magical, instead focusing on the significance of everyday labor and interaction, on Toraja symbols and their deep connotations, on its sounds and rapturous harmonies, and on the human relationships which keep us afloat in the face of hardship and loss  its a film about love.

At JAFF Market, the team hopes to meet potential collaborators. We are incredibly excited to meet Indonesian producers that weve admired for so long, as well as producers and distributors internationally who might help carve new paths for the film, the filmmakers say.

JAFF Future Project functions as both a development platform and co-production hub, designed to advance independent works toward completion and distribution. The initiative runs Nov. 29-Dec. 1 at the Jogja Expo Center in Yogyakarta as part of the broader 20th-anniversary celebration of the Jogja-Netpac Asian Film Festival.

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Rick Nielsen performs with Cheap Trick during Dog Day Afternoon at Bobby Dodd Stadium in Atlanta Georgia, September 07, 1977.. | Credit: Rick Diamond/Getty Images

Minimalism met rock in 1972 when Pete Townshend wrote Baba ORiley. The songs cyclic, arpeggiating riff was inspired by the work of avant-garde composer Terry Riley and became the driving rhythmic force behind Baba ORiley, the anthem that is itself the launch pad for Whos Next, the bands landmark 1972 album.

Although its often described as a synthesizer line, Townshend created the riff on a Lowrey Berkshire Deluxe TBO-1 home organ by using its Marimba Repeat setting, which gives it the sort of synthetic, percolating rhythmic pulse associated with early electronic synthesizer music.

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As hooks go, its a great one, grabbing listeners ears, pulling them in and holding them hostage for the tracks full five-minute length.

Producer Tom Werman was among the listeners captivated by Townshends synth-like line. As it turns out, he liked it so much that he took it for his own when recording a pair of hits for Cheap Trick later in the decade.

The idea first struck him while recording Surrender, from the groups 1978 album, Heaven Tonight. Cheap Trick guitarist Rick Nielsen wrote the tune as a "rock nursery rhyme" about his own youthful perception of his parents' "weirdness.

I wrote it at home late one night, he told Guitar Player. I was playing an unplugged electric guitar, and I had a rhythm thing going on. Then I started singing to myself: Mother told me, yes, she told me, Id meet girls like you. It kind of sounded like a nursery rhyme to me, only it was a rock nursery rhyme for somebody in high school wearing a leather jacket.

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I wrote down lyrics as I went. It was all kind of stream of consciousness, but a lot of it was true. Mommys all right, daddys all right, theyre just a little bit weird. Whose parents arent weird? My parents were weird. (This from a guy who plays a five-necked guitar?)

While hearing Nielsen pound out the songs opening chords on his electric guitar, Werman had an idea. Maybe it was the songs theme of teenage alienation that brought the music of Pete Townshend to mind. After all, the producer said, Pete Townshend was always my main musical inspiration.

Whatever it was, Werman got it in his head to use Townshends Baba ORiley riff behind Nielsens power chords. I just plain stole it, he admitted.

I took the keyboard riff from Baba O Riley by the Who and I put it in Surrender, because it sounded good and it supported Ricks signature riffs, Werman tells Guitar Player. That was my main contribution to it.

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The song made the perfect opener for Heaven Tonight, an album of power-pop tunes made with radio-friendly production that positioned Cheap Trick as a group ready for arenas.

I just loved what we did with Surrender, Werman says. We were all excited about the track. It wasnt a huge hit, but it got a lot of airplay.

Normally the song that opens up side one of an album is your choice for the strongest song on the record, and the first song on side one of Heaven Tonight was Surrender. But there could have been a lot of those, because there are so many good songs on the album.

Rick Nielsen and Pete Townshend have a chat, possibly about copyright law, circa 1980. | Credit: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Released as a single in June 1978, Surrender got Cheap Trick in the Hot 100  at number 62  and helped push Heaven Tonight to number 48. In Japan, the album notched in at number 11. Executives at the Japan headquarters of their label, Epic, took note and decided to release Cheap Trick at Budokan, a live document of the groups recent spring concerts at the Tokyo arena.

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That, in turn, gave Surrender a boost months later when At Budokan was released in the U.S., in February 1979. The album had a slow-burn success, thanks to the radio hits I Want You to Want Me and the groups cover of the Fats Domino hit Aint That a Shame.

By then, Werman and Cheap Trick were ready to release Dream Police, the groups fourth studio album. The record had been completed for months but was left on the shelf while At Budokan rode the charts, setting the stage for what would be the groups most commercially successful studio album.

Dream Police was the perfect statement of Cheap Tricks musical intentions, featuring longer songs with more ambitious production, including orchestrations. And for the albums title track, Werman once again took inspiration from the Whos Baba ORiley.

That synthesizer riff turned up again in the song Dream Police, he says. It was almost the same thing, and was done in half-time.

It also featured actual string players rather than a synthesizer.

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Rick did a real string chart for Dream Police, Werman confirms. I think thats the only time we used real strings on any song, except I used double cello on Auf Wiedersehen, to double the bass.

That album was a big deal. Initially, Heaven Tonight sold about seven or eight hundred thousand, which was a big improvement over its predecessor, In Color, which had sold about three hundred thousand copies. Then Dream Police sold a little over a million, so we were on the way up.
Editor's note: Spotify Wrapped is here! Click here for more information.

Spotify is making users hold their breaths over when its popular Wrapped feature will drop.

As the calendar flips to December, the global streaming service has still not announced when 2025's Wrapped will release, though it did hint the day is not far. In a Dec. 1 post on social media, Spotify said the feature is "Coming Soon."

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Earlier, the streaming service began encouraging users to update their app.

"Get the updated app to experience 2025 Wrapped at its best," Spotify said on its website, along with a QR code to download the latest version.

Spotify Wrapped 2025 is here: Top artists, songs and albums revealed

Who do you think is on your Wrapped? pic.twitter.com/5J8QXG0Y5P  Spotify (@Spotify) December 1, 2025

Spotify Wrapped has over the years become a cultural phenomenon and a fun way for users to share their favorite songs and artists of the year. Spotify, in a news release for 2024's Wrapped, described it as a "celebration of the fans, artists, and creators who made this such an amazing year."

The Swedish music streaming company said the feature gives fans the opportunity "to indulge in what they love, from showing them how their taste in music evolved throughout the year to special messages from their favorite artists and podcasters."

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Here's what to know about 2025's Spotify Wrapped and when it is expected to release.

How did Bad Bunny become top artist? Exclusive look at his Wrapped stats

Thank goodness: The wait for "Wicked: For Good" is nearly over. The press tour for the highly anticipated musical sequel is officially underway after kicking off with stars Cynthia Erivo and Jonathan Bailey stepping out on the red carpet in Brazil on Nov. 4. Ariana Grande missed the Brazil premiere due to flight issues but caught up with the group in London for the Nov. 10 red carpet.



"Wicked: For Good" sees Erivo and Grande reprise their Oscar-nominated roles of Elphaba and Glinda, respectively, in an adaptation of the second half of the Broadway musical. New cast members for the follow-up include Colman Domingo as the voice of the Cowardly Lion.



As the cast brings the magic of Oz around the world, scroll through for the best photos from the "Wicked: For Good" red carpets so far, starting with Erivo and Grande at Cineworld London Leicester Square on Nov. 10, 2025, in London. Ariana Grande attends the "Wicked: For Good" premiere at Universal Studio Singapore on Nov. 13, 2025, in Singapore. Cynthia Erivo Michelle Yeoh Jeff Goldblum From left, Michelle Yeoh, Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jeff Goldblum and Jon M. Chu Ariana Grande, left, and Cynthia Erivo Ariana Grande attends the "Wicked: For Good" premiere at Cineworld London Leicester Square on Nov. 10, 2025, in London. Cynthia Erivo Ariana Grande From left, Cynthia Erivo, Jon M. Chu and Ariana Grande Ariana Grande Cynthia Erivo Jonathan Bailey Jeff Goldblum Michelle Yeoh Marissa Bode Ethan Slater Frankie Grande Paul Tazewell Beyonce, Cynthia Erivo and Robert Pattinson in the best celebrity photos from November 1 of 20 Thank goodness: The wait for "Wicked: For Good" is nearly over. The press tour for the highly anticipated musical sequel is officially underway after kicking off with stars Cynthia Erivo and Jonathan Bailey stepping out on the red carpet in Brazil on Nov. 4. Ariana Grande missed the Brazil premiere due to flight issues but caught up with the group in London for the Nov. 10 red carpet.



"Wicked: For Good" sees Erivo and Grande reprise their Oscar-nominated roles of Elphaba and Glinda, respectively, in an adaptation of the second half of the Broadway musical. New cast members for the follow-up include Colman Domingo as the voice of the Cowardly Lion.



As the cast brings the magic of Oz around the world, scroll through for the best photos from the "Wicked: For Good" red carpets so far, starting with Erivo and Grande at Cineworld London Leicester Square on Nov. 10, 2025, in London.

When will Spotify Wrapped be released in 2025?

Spotify has yet to announce when 2025 Wrapped will drop, though the streaming service, in a Dec. 1 post on social media, said the feature is "Coming Soon."

Wrapped typically drops in late November or early December. Here's a look at Spotify Wrapped's previous release dates:

2024: Dec. 4

2023: Nov. 29

2022: Nov. 30

2021: Dec. 1

2020: Dec. 1

2019: Dec. 5

2018: Dec. 6.

Spotify, in 2024, is offering a "music evolution" feature that separates your listening habits into distinct phases.

What is Spotify Wrapped?

Spotify Wrapped first rolled out in 2015 as "Spotify Year in Music" and rebranded to Wrapped in 2016. It is an annual campaign that combines a Spotify user's listening data into an interactive display of the user's most-listened-to music. Users are usually alerted about their Spotify Wrapped with a pop-up when they open the Spotify app.

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Typically, Spotify Wrapped displays a user's top songs, artists, and genres. Users are encouraged to share their Spotify Wrapped on social media.

User data is collected from Jan. 1 through the fall of that same year to produce a user's Spotify Wrapped.

In this photo illustration, the Spotify music app is seen on a phone on June 04, 2024 in New York City.

When does Spotify Wrapped stop tracking user data?

Considering that Spotify Wrapped is released ahead of Dec. 31, users wonder when the streamer stops tracking their listening habits for the year.

Though Spotify hasn't announced what date it will stop tracking listener data for Wrapped this year, the streaming service has said it continues to track user data for Wrapped beyond Oct. 31, contrary to social media posts claiming it stopped on Halloween.

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While the exact date and timeline are not known, senior director of product for personalization at Spotify, Molly Holder, told Mashable in 2024 that the streamer tries to include as much time as possible to track listening habits.

"We start at the beginning of January with all of your listening that begins right then at the beginning of the year, and it goes all the way through collecting data up until a few weeks before we launch the Wrapped product," Holder told the media outlet.

How to check your Spotify Wrapped for 2025

If Spotify sticks to the same process as years past, users will be able to see the results of their Wrapped for the year on their accounts once it releases. Just make sure your app is updated.

Contributing: Anthony Robledo, Greta Cross / USA TODAY

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Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at sshafiq@gannett.com and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Spotify drops hint on 2025's Wrapped release date
The General Hospital spoilers video preview for the week of December 1, 2025, is here. Its looking a lot like Thanksgiving in Port Charles. In the surprise column, Gio and Emma show up at the Quartermaines for Thanksgiving while Jordan tempts fate at the Ashfords. Drew and Willow are going to make another attempt at getting married. And in the danger column, Curtis has a very important question for Nathan. And Carly is under attack.

Key Takeaways

Gio and Emmas Thanksgiving arrival lights up the Quartermaine mansion  but what holiday chaos awaits?

Jordans appearance at the Ashfords stirs tension with Trina, who isnt ready to forgive or forget.

Willow walks down the aisle but her big decision could make or break Drews future.

Curtis faces a shocking moment with Nathan, while Carly is suddenly forced to fight off a dangerous intruder.

This Week on GH: Thanksgiving Surprise

Gio (Giovanni Mazza) and Emma (Braedyn Bruner) make Brook Lynns year when they show up at the Quartermaines ready to celebrate. Happy Thanksgiving, they exclaim to Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton), who opens the door to them. But are they ready for what the holiday may bring at the Quartermaine mansion? That would be gratitudeand, most likely, pizza.

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Meanwhile, Jordan (Tanisha Harper) brings a special dish to Thanksgiving at the Ashfords. However, her presence wont be as welcome as Gios is at the Quartermaines. At least not from Trina (Tabyana Ali), who doesnt look too happy to see the former deputy mayor at her dads door. The last time the two spoke, she made it clear to Jordan she would do whatever it took to keep her and her father apart. Will Jordan even get to celebrate with Curtis (Donnell Turner)?

Image Credit: ABC

Nina (Cynthia Watros) has a very important question for her daughter, Willow (Katelyn MacMullen). Do you really want to do this? Thats what everybody wants to know. And thats what everybody is about to see. According to the weekly spoilers, Willow walks down the aisle. But will she say, I Do? The teasers also hint at Willow making a big decision, so this could lead to another disappointment for Drew (Cameron Mathison), or it will be the best day of his ever-loving life.

Image Credit: ABC

Curtis is about to be highly disappointed. When Nathan (Ryan Paevey) catches up to him, Curtis wonders, Am I under arrest? This moment is the product of Dante (Dominic Zamprogna) and Nathan poring over the alibis and motives for the non-Willow persons of interest in the Drew shooting case. Will Nathan simply tell Curtis that the PCPD has its eyes on Curtis, or will Nathan actually arrest the Aurora Media CEO?

Image Credit: ABC

Apparently, Trinas Thanksgiving doesnt get any better. She and Kai (Jens Austin Astrup) walk in on Marshall (Robert Gossett) and Stella (Vernee Watson), and she doesnt like what she hears. What did you just say? Trina inquires.

Image Credit: ABC

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This could be anything, including finding out that her mom is pregnant. Whatever Trina overhears causes her to drop a Thanksgiving dish, so it has to be a doozy.

Finally, Carly (Laura Wright) is alone, and shes in danger. Somebody comes at her from behind, and she puts the fireplace poker, or whatever she is holding, to good use. And while we see Carly, we hear a voice that sounds like Brennans (Chris McKenna), who says, Oh My God. What is that all about? Who could Carlys intruder be?

WATCH THIS: Soap Hub Says breaks down whats heating up in soaps.

READ NEXT

This story was originally reported on Soap Hub on December 1, 2025. Add Soap Hub as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Warning: Stranger Things spoilers ahead.

Hawkins, Indiana, 1987, where Stranger Things season 5 takes place, has a lot going on.

The town is quarantined, the military is hunting a 16-year-old girl, interdimensional portals open up without warning, kids are going missing, and a psychic monster is trying to take over the world. It makes sense that coming out wouldn't be at the top of one's to-do list.

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This is even more true for character Will Byers (out actor Noah Schnapp), who, in addition to all of that, has to worry about the powerful psychic connection he has with Vecna (Jamie Campbell Bower), the big baddie of the show.

As season 5 shows, you can't save the world, or even the people you love, if you can't fully accept yourself. Once you do, however, it'll be like you can fly.

Stranger Things fans have long suspected that Will might be gay, especially after he was told by his best friend Mike (Finn Wolfhard) in season 3, "It's not my fault you don't like girls!"

Then, in season 4, Will started to talk more openly about his sexuality (and his crush on Mike), including telling his friends that he was afraid they wouldn't "like the truth" if they found out about it, and another scene where his older brother comforts him that he'll always be loved, no matter who he is.

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Schnapp later confirmed that the character is gay and "does love Mike," and later said that "Will's sexuality will come up again in the final season as a major plot point."

Season 5 of the show is being released in three parts by Netflix, with the first four episodes released on Thanksgiving. The next episodes won't be released until Christmas, with the finale coming out on New Year's Eve.

Viewers are already getting a big payoff in the saga of Will's sexuality. Only this time, it's not coming in the form of a romance or a coming-out scene, but in a scene of empowering self-love.

In season 5, episode 1, "The Crawl," Will catches lesbian character Robin (Maya Hawke) kissing her girlfriend Vickie at the hospital, where Vickie volunteers as a candy striper, and clearly sees something he wishes he could have for himself.

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Later, in episode 3, "The Turnbow Trap," he and Robin are in the hospital when he asks how she knew Vickie felt the same way she did. She tells him there were "signals."

"Yeah, you know, like a brush of the knee, a bump of the elbow, a shared look," she says. "It all just kind of accrued, like a snowball rolling down a hill until it was obvious."

"How obvious?" Will asks.

In episode 4, "Sorcerer," the final one released in this first batch, Will and Mike have a heart-to-heart. Mike tells Will that he's stronger than he thinks, and that in real life, he's like a sorcerer, "because your powers don't come from a book of spells. They're innate."

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During this conversation, Will is desperately searching for any of the signals Robin mentioned, but none are there. When Robin sees the situation, she knows she has to say something.

At this point in the show, its clear that Will's crush on his best friend Mike is one-sided. Even Robin sees it. Will is the only one who doesn't. So she tells him about Tammy Thompson, a straight girl she had her first crush on in ninth grade. Robin says she thought the only way her life would be happy was when she got with Tammy. "I thought that if Tammy loved me, all of me, you know, I wouldn't be so scared anymore," she says.

However, as viewers of the show know, Tammy had feelings for Steve (Joe Keery), not Robin, and soon Robin's life began a downward spiral. Then, she says, she found an 8-millimeter film reel of her when she was young.

"All of a sudden, I was looking at this little version of myself. And that little me, I could hardly recognize her," she says. "You know, she was so carefree and like, fearless. She just loved every part of herself. And that's when it hit me: It was never about Tone-deaf Tammy. It was always just about me. I was looking for answers in somebody else, but I had all the answers. I just needed to stop being so goddamn scared. Scared of who I really was. Once I did that, oh, I felt so free. It's like I could fly, you know?"

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Thank god for gay-lesbian solidarity!

It's this exact speech from Robin that ends up saving the day at the end of the episode. When Vecna sends a group of Demogorgons into Hawkins to kidnap children and kill anyone in their way, hope seems lost. The Demogorgons are overpowering the soldiers and have caught up to the main characters, while Vecna taunts Will about how weak he is.

But Will remembers Robin's words. More than that, he internalizes them. As we see flashbacks to his carefree childhood years and hear Robin's speech again, Will learns to love all parts of himself, including the gay parts that have made him feel alone and alienated throughout his teenage years. All parts of him combine to make him powerful. And now he knows.

As soon as Will accepts all parts of himself, he fully steps into his power. He's not literally flying, but he's using his mind to control the Demogorgons and save his friends' lives.

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A Will who hadn't accepted his sexuality and identity as a gay person wouldn't be able to do this. It's only once he's learned to love himself in full that he becomes just as powerful as Eleven and Vecna. Now, he truly is Will the Wise.

Will knows he's special and deserves happiness, even if it's not with Mike. Now, he's become the man he was meant to be. Even when the world is ending, being true to yourself and loving yourself are desperately important.

After all, as RuPaul says, "If you can't love yourself, how in the hell are you gonna love somebody else?"

Mey Rude is a staff writer for Out. Find her on Instagram @Meyrude.

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Voices is dedicated to featuring a wide range of inspiring personal stories and impactful opinions from the LGBTQ + community and its allies. Visit out.com/submit to learn more about submission guidelines. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on any of our stories. Email us at voices@equalpride.com. Views expressed in Voices stories are those of the guest writers, columnists, and editors, and do not directly represent the views of Out or our parent company, equalpride.

This article originally appeared on Out: In 'Stranger Things' season 5, being gay is a superpower

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When most travelers think of breathtaking train journeys, their minds drift to Europe's legendary routes, the Swiss Alps, Scottish Highlands, or Norwegian fjords. But Asia's railways offer scenery so spectacular, so cinematically beautiful, that they challenge everything you thought you knew about the world's most scenic train rides.

From Japan's bullet trains racing past Mount Fuji to India's toy trains winding through Himalayan clouds, these Asian rail journeys don't just rival Europe's famous routes, they redefine what a truly magnificent train experience can be.

The sensory experience is richer, the cultural immersion deeper, and the contrasts between regions more dramatic, creating journeys that feel both cinematic and personal. With each passing mile, the scenery transforms into something entirely new, and even routine travel between cities becomes an unforgettable highlight. For travelers seeking beauty, serenity, and the thrill of discovering places still under the radar, Asias railways offer unmatched rewards.

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Unlike Europes heavily traveled lines, many Asian routes remain blissfully uncrowded, making the experience feel more exclusive despite being affordable. The trains often offer surprising comfort, spacious seating, and wide windows that turn every seat into a front-row view of the continents natural wonders.

Even routes known to locals remain hidden gems to international travelers, offering landscapes that shift so quickly it feels like moving through several countries in a single ride. From tropical coastlines to Himalayan foothills, every direction presents an entirely new world. This is the side of Asia most tourists never manage to see, slow, scenic, and spectacular.

Sri Lankas Coastal Line (Colombo to Galle)

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The Coastal Line in Sri Lanka is one of the most surreal train experiences in the world, riding so close to the ocean that waves often seem to brush the tracks. The train passes sleepy fishing villages, long swaths of golden sand, and coconut palms leaning toward the water as though drawn to the sea breeze.

With windows wide open and sunlight pouring in, the ride feels like an old-world postcard coming to life in front of your eyes. Travelers often lean out carefully to capture the panoramic views that stretch endlessly in every direction. Every curve of the coastline reveals new shades of turquoise, making the journey feel more like a slow cruise than a rail trip.

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This route also captures the everyday rhythms of coastal Sri Lankan life, offering glimpses of markets, train-side vendors, and schoolchildren waving as the cars roll past. The train itself moves at a leisurely pace, giving passengers plenty of time to take in the scenery and appreciate the islands natural calm. Locals frequently sit in open doorways, inviting curious visitors to do the same for a more immersive view of the ocean. The salty air drifts through the carriages, intensifying the sense of being right on the shoreline. By the time the train pulls into Galle, travelers often feel as though theyve spent hours suspended between sea and sky.

What makes this journey even more memorable is how seamlessly the scenery transitions from urban Colombo into serene beach landscapes. Small fishing boats dot the water, adding splashes of color against the deep blue sea, while palm groves line the tracks like a natural tunnel.

The open windows become a moving frame for dramatic sunsets that turn the sky orange and red as the train moves southward. Many riders report that even after days spent exploring Sri Lanka, the train ride remains their strongest memory. It is a journey where the scenery does all the storytelling, leaving passengers with a sense of calm that lingers long after arrival.

Japans Limited Express Wide View Hida (Nagoya to Takayama)

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The Wide View Hida earns its name with giant panorama windows that showcase Japans interior landscapes in all their detail. The route snakes through the Japanese Alps, passing crystal rivers, forested slopes, and quiet mountain villages that look untouched by time.

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The changing elevation creates dramatic scenery shifts, from valley floors to steep gorges carved by centuries of running water. In autumn, the slopes explode with reds and golds, turning the entire region into a glowing watercolor painting. Even seasoned travelers find themselves glued to the windows for the entire ride.

Inside, the train offers a calm, quiet atmosphere that suits the serene landscapes outside. Passengers often spend the journey sampling regional snacks and watching the mountains seem to rise and fall in gentle waves. Small wooden houses appear and disappear between trees like scenes from a traditional scroll painting. The train crosses a series of impressive bridges that give sweeping views over deep valleys and fast-moving rivers. Every stage of the journey feels designed to show Japans most peaceful side.

As the train approaches Takayama, the scenery becomes even more dramatic, with cliffs narrowing and rivers turning into frothy torrents beneath the tracks. The transition from modern Nagoya to alpine Takayama is so striking that it feels like moving between eras rather than cities. When snow blankets the mountains in winter, the view becomes even more magical, transforming the route into a quiet, white dreamscape.

Many travelers describe this ride as a meditative experience thanks to the combination of silence, nature, and gentle movement. Its one of Japans most visually rich rail journeys, and still surprisingly undiscovered by international tourists.

Thailands Northern Line (Bangkok to Chiang Mai)

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Thailands Northern Line is a slow, scenic journey that reveals the countrys rural heartland in a way no flight ever could. The train begins in the bustling energy of Bangkok before rolling into vast rice fields, water buffalo grazing, and small towns where life moves at a much slower pace.

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As the route climbs gently into the northern highlands, the air cools and the scenery becomes greener and more layered. Temples peek out from dense vegetation, their golden roofs glinting in the sunlight. The changing landscapes make the ride feel like traveling through several versions of Thailand in a single trip.

Many travelers choose the day train for the views, watching palm forests transition into misty mountains thick with teak and bamboo. Vendors board at different stops offering snacks, creating a lively rhythm of local flavors and regional specialties. Wide windows frame the endless shades of green that define northern Thailands countryside. The slower pace allows passengers to absorb the scenery without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. Children often wave from crossings, adding warmth to the rural backdrop.

As the train approaches Chiang Mai, the mountains become steeper and the curves more dramatic, offering elevated views over valleys dotted with temples and traditional homes. The arrival feels like entering a hidden northern kingdom, surrounded by hills and ancient history. Many travelers say the ride gives them a deeper sense of connection to Thailands culture and daily life. The slow transition from city to countryside to mountain town becomes a story of its own. Its a journey where every hour delivers new scenery, and every mile feels like a small discovery.

Indias Himalayan Toy Train (Darjeeling Himalayan Railway)

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Indias legendary Toy Train winds slowly up the Himalayan foothills, offering views far more dramatic than its charming name suggests. The narrow-gauge tracks weave through tea plantations that coat the mountainsides in endless shades of green, creating some of the most recognizable scenery in the country.

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As the train climbs higher, clouds drift across the tracks, erasing the world below and revealing it again moments later like a moving stage curtain. Locals go about their routines just inches from the tracks, giving passengers the sense of traveling through a living postcard. Every curve reveals another sweeping panorama that feels surprisingly intimate and peaceful.

The trains slow speed is part of its magic, giving riders time to take in the crisp mountain air and absorb the layered beauty of the landscape. Small towns appear suddenly, clustered along hillsides like tiny islands suspended above valleys.

Vendors sell warm snacks through the windows, adding comforting aromas to the cool mountain breeze. The soundtrack of the steam engine echoing off the hillsides creates a nostalgic mood that enhances the old-world charm of the region. This gentle rhythm encourages travelers to relax completely and let the scenery unfold naturally.

As the train approaches Darjeeling, the views broaden to reveal the magnificent peaks of the eastern Himalayas, including distant glimpses of Mount Kanchenjunga. The interplay of sunlight and mist creates a constantly changing landscape that feels almost ethereal. Many riders say they feel transported not just geographically, but emotionally, as though stepping into a slower, more reflective time. The final stretch of the journey offers a sense of calm that lingers long after arrival. Its a rail experience that many consider among the most soulful in the world.

Taiwans Alishan Forest Railway

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Taiwans Alishan Forest Railway climbs through dense, ancient forests that feel untouched by modern life, creating a journey that feels almost mystical. The narrow tracks curve sharply around cliffs and ravines, giving passengers sweeping views up and down the mountains. Mist often settles across the treetops, creating an otherworldly atmosphere that makes the forest look like it belongs in a fantasy novel.

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As the train rises higher, the cool air and changing vegetation signal entry into the islands famous highlands. The changing light creates a different landscape at every turn, offering endless opportunities for breathtaking photos.

The railway is famous for passing through cypress tunnels and high-altitude forests where the smell of earth and wood fills the air. Passengers often remark on how the silence outside contrasts with the gentle sounds of the train, creating a tranquil experience that feels suspended in time. Small platforms appear at intervals, offering glimpses of traditional mountain villages and remote trailheads.

The train's wooden interiors add to the vintage charm, making the journey feel like stepping back into another era. This is a ride that appeals equally to nature lovers, photographers, and anyone seeking a moment of serenity.

As the route approaches Alishan, the scenery becomes even more dramatic, with towering trees rising like pillars into the sky and sunlight filtering through in golden beams. The final ascent unveils sweeping mountain views that seem to stretch endlessly across the island.

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Many travelers time their visit for sunrise, when the famous sea of clouds appears beneath the peaks, creating one of Asias most iconic sights. The combination of crisp mountain air, silence, and natural grandeur leaves many feeling genuinely moved. Few rail journeys in the world offer such a powerful blend of peacefulness and beauty.

Vietnams Reunification Express (Da Nang to Hue)

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The stretch between Da Nang and Hue is the most spectacular section of Vietnams Reunification Express, offering breathtaking coastal and mountain scenery. The train hugs cliffs high above the ocean, providing dramatic views of turquoise bays, fishing boats, and distant headlands.

Dense jungle spills down the mountainsides, contrasting vividly with the deep blue water below. Tunnels, curves, and elevated stretches keep the scenery constantly changing, making it impossible to look away. Many travelers consider this one of the most beautiful coastal train rides in the world.

As the train continues, it passes along the Hai Van Pass, a region known for its misty, mystical atmosphere. Clouds drift across the tracks, revealing glimpses of sweeping coastline and hidden beaches. Local passengers often point out landmarks, giving the ride a warm, communal feeling. Vendors walk through the aisles offering fresh fruit, coffee, and snacks, adding delightful local touches to the experience. The gentle rocking of the train and the open windows create a serene, breezy atmosphere.

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When the train finally descends toward Hue, the scenery softens into rice fields, rivers, and quiet rural towns framed by distant mountains. The transition from dramatic coastline to peaceful countryside feels almost cinematic. Travelers often describe the journey as a perfect introduction to central Vietnams natural beauty and cultural richness. The views remain deeply memorable long after the trip ends. Its a route that captures the essence of Vietnam: vibrant, varied, and visually stunning.

Japans Yufuin no Mori (Fukuoka to Yufuin)

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Yufuin no Mori is a lush, countryside journey through some of Japans most charming rural landscapes. The trains elegant green exterior blends harmoniously with the surrounding nature, creating a sense of immersion even before boarding. Large windows and warm interiors give the ride a cozy, intimate feel, perfect for admiring the rolling hills and forested valleys of Kyushu. Rivers sparkle in the sunlight as the train follows their winding paths, making the scenery look alive. Every moment feels calm, refreshing, and deeply connected to the land.

As the train climbs gradually toward the resort town of Yufuin, the landscapes grow more dramatic, with distant mountains rising behind wide-open fields. Traditional wooden houses, hot spring lodges, and farmland create the impression of traveling through a living postcard. Seasonal changes add even more beauty: cherry blossoms in spring, lush greens in summer, fiery foliage in autumn, and gentle snow in winter. Inside the train, passengers enjoy local snacks and drinks that highlight Kyushus culture and culinary heritage. The entire experience feels thoughtfully designed to showcase the regions natural charm.

Approaching Yufuin, the scenery shifts again to reveal Mount Yufu standing tall over the valley. The tranquil mood of the journey prepares visitors perfectly for the towns famous hot springs, craft shops, and peaceful walking paths. Many travelers say the train ride is just as memorable as the destination itself. The combination of thoughtful design, natural beauty, and slow travel makes this route one of Japans most beloved. It is a reminder of how magical a simple train journey can be when landscape and atmosphere align.

Indias Konkan Railway (Goa to Kerala)

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The Konkan Railway offers one of Indias lushest, most varied rail journeys, connecting tropical beaches, dense forests, and quiet riverside towns. The tracks cross countless bridges and tunnels carved through the rugged Western Ghats, creating a constantly shifting panorama. Palm trees sway beside the tracks, while glimpses of the Arabian Sea appear suddenly between hills. This lush landscape feels vibrant and alive, especially during the monsoon season when waterfalls pour dramatically down rocky cliffs. Every mile offers new scenes that highlight the wild beauty of southern India.

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Passengers often describe the journey as a sensory feast, filled with the sounds of monsoon rains, the smell of wet earth, and the sight of green fields stretching to the horizon. Small stations appear like colorful dots in the landscape, each offering a glimpse of local culture and cuisine. Vendors board the train to sell fresh fruit, spicy snacks, and chai, adding comforting flavors to the ride. The slow pace allows travelers to appreciate the natural rhythms of the region. The train becomes not just a mode of transport, but a moving observation deck.

As the route continues toward Kerala, the landscape becomes wetter and more tropical, with backwaters, lagoons, and rice paddies spreading across the lowlands. Coconut groves and waterways create postcard-perfect scenes framed by distant hills. The transition into Kerala feels peaceful and unhurried, preparing travelers for the regions famously calm atmosphere. The final stretch leaves a lasting impression with its combination of shimmering water, vibrant greenery, and quiet rural life. This is a route that captures Indias soul in motion.

South Koreas KTX Sangju Line

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The KTX Sangju Line showcases South Koreas impressive blend of futuristic rail technology and serene countryside landscapes. High-speed trains glide effortlessly past rolling farmland, distant mountains, and modern towns that blend traditional architecture with contemporary design. From the window, passengers can see neatly arranged rice fields and clusters of hanok-style homes that preserve the countrys cultural heritage. Even at high speeds, the views remain clear and surprisingly calming. The smooth ride makes it easy to relax and enjoy the scenery as it sweeps by.

Many travelers are surprised by how quickly the landscape changes, reflecting Koreas compact geography and diverse terrain. Forested hills give way to wide plains, while small rivers weave through the countryside like silver threads.

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The contrast between ancient temples nestled in the hills and sleek modern stations along the tracks highlights the countrys dynamic identity. Inside, the trains quiet atmosphere enhances the sense of peaceful movement. Even long journeys feel short thanks to the comfortable seats and expansive windows.

As the train nears Sangju, the scenery grows more dramatic, with larger mountains rising behind rural villages and winding riverbanks. Travelers often describe the final stretch as the most beautiful, offering views that feel untouched and almost nostalgic.

The transition from high-speed rail to tranquil farmland leaves a memorable imprint of Koreas unique charm. The journey serves as a reminder that even modern infrastructure can offer scenic beauty and cultural depth. Its a route that blends speed, comfort, and nature into a surprisingly emotional experience.

Malaysias Jungle Railway (Kuala Lipis to Wakaf Bharu)

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Malaysias Jungle Railway cuts through dense rainforest, offering a journey that feels wild, remote, and incredibly beautiful. Thick layers of vegetation surround the tracks, creating a tunnel of green that shifts constantly as the train moves. Rivers weave through the jungle, reflecting bursts of sunlight that pierce the canopy. The smell of wet earth and tropical plants fills the air, making the experience immersive even from inside the carriage. Every glance outside reveals a scene that feels untouched by modern life.

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Small stations appear suddenly among the trees, offering glimpses into rural communities that remain deeply connected to the forest. Passengers board with baskets of fruit, local dishes, and even small farm animals, making the ride feel lively and authentic. The train moves slowly enough for travelers to see birds, small animals, and lush plant life up close. Conversations between locals add warmth to the otherwise quiet landscape. This unique blend of solitude and community makes the journey feel surprisingly intimate.

As the train approaches the northeastern coast, the dense jungle gradually transitions into open fields and lowland rivers. The change in scenery feels almost symbolic, representing the shift from deep wilderness to small-town Malaysia. Many travelers describe this route as one of the most atmospheric train journeys in Southeast Asia. The sense of moving through raw nature leaves a strong impression that lasts long after arrival. Its a journey for explorers, nature lovers, and anyone seeking a deeper connection to Malaysias hidden beauty.

Chinas Chengdu to Kunming Line

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The Chengdu to Kunming route carries passengers through some of Chinas most dramatic and diverse landscapes, passing towering mountains, deep river gorges, and terraced farmland. Every turn reveals enormous stretches of land carved by geological forces over millions of years.

The train begins in the fertile Sichuan Basin before climbing into the rugged terrain of Yunnan, creating a constant sense of movement between worlds. Small villages cling to cliffsides, offering views that seem almost impossible. This is a journey that showcases Chinas raw, untamed side.

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Inside the train, the atmosphere is a mix of activity and calm, with passengers chatting, sharing snacks, or simply watching the scenery shift. The route crosses massive bridges that offer sweeping views of river valleys far below. Forested slopes rise sharply on both sides, turning the train into a small thread winding through the mountains. The sense of scale is awe-inspiring, making travelers feel both humbled and energized by the landscape. The journey becomes a moving exploration of Chinas grand geography.

Approaching Kunming, the scenery softens into rolling hills, rice terraces, and quiet lakes reflecting the sky. The change in pace gives travelers time to gather their thoughts and appreciate the journeys contrasts. Many describe this route as a perfect introduction to Chinas southwestern beauty, filled with visual surprises and moments of reflection. Its a railway that reveals the countrys vastness and diversity through every window. The memories created here stay vivid long after the trip ends.

Japans Shinkansen Through Tohoku (Tokyo to Aomori)

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The Shinkansen through Tohoku offers a fast yet remarkably scenic journey through Japans northern countryside. The route leaves Tokyos futuristic skyline and quickly enters rolling fields, quiet towns, and forest-covered mountains. Seasonal changes make the scenery feel completely different depending on the time of year, cherry blossoms in spring, lush green forests in summer, fiery leaves in autumn, and serene snow blankets in winter. Even at high speeds, the views remain clear and captivating. This contrast between rapid movement and peaceful landscapes makes the journey uniquely mesmerizing.

Inside, the train is exceptionally quiet, allowing passengers to enjoy the scenery without distraction. Small towns flash by like watercolor paintings, their temples and farms appearing briefly before fading into the distance. The landscape becomes more dramatic as the train heads north, with mountains rising higher and rivers widening into gleaming silver ribbons. Many travelers enjoy regional snacks that highlight Tohokus culinary traditions, making the ride a cultural experience as well as a scenic one. The journey feels both modern and timeless.

As the train approaches Aomori, the scenery opens into wide plains framed by distant volcanic peaks and deep blue lakes. The northern climate adds a crispness to the air that passengers can feel even before stepping off the train. The final views of orchards, forests, and snowcapped mountains create a powerful sense of arrival in one of Japans most peaceful regions. Many travelers say this journey offers some of the most underrated views in the country. It is a perfect example of how Japan blends innovation with natural beauty, creating rail experiences that feel nearly effortless yet deeply memorable.
Where is the most wonderful place for celebrating the most wonderful time of the year? Two weeks ago, HGTV answered that question with a list of their 50 favorite small towns to visit for Christmas.

What is the best Christmas destination in Georgia?

Representing Georgia on the list is Dahlonega. Here's what the writers said about it:

"If Dahlonega looks straight out of a Hallmark Christmas movie, thats because a number have been filmed there. Its also the perfect setting for the annual Old-Fashioned Christmas fest, starting right after Thanksgiving with a tree and town square lighting, horse-drawn carriage rides around the historic square, Santa Claus visits and extended store hours. The latter three continue throughout December, along with a Christmas market, holiday concerts, tree decorating, live Nativity scene, parade and caroling. And while its unlikely to snow, the town does indeed deliver an old-timey Christmas filled with hot cocoa and memory-making."

Where is Dahlonega, GA?

Dahlonega is in north Georgia, about 28 miles northeast of Cumming and about 25 miles south-west of Helen.

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Holiday Newsletter: Get the latest news on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's from Athens Banner-Herald

Christmas events in Dahlonega, GA

Here are some of the festive fun things to do in the Dahlonega area this season:

Old Fashioned Christmas in Dahlonega on Nov. 29 through Dec. 31 in downtown Dahlonega.

Christmas Market on Candy Cane Lane and Mrs. Claus' Kitchen 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the first and second weekends in December at the Community House and Hancock Park.

Breakfast with Santa 8 a.m. Dec. 6 at R-Ranch in the Mountains in support of the Lumpkin County Sheriff's Office.

Dinner with the Grinch 5:30 p.m. Dec. 9 at Captain D's.

Toy Drive Jeep Ride 10 a.m. Dec. 13 at Mountain Adventure Outfitters.

Best restaurants in Dahlonega, GA

Here are the top 5 restaurants in Dahlonega, according to Tripadvisor:

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Shenanigans Restaurant & Irish Pub Foothill Grill Bourbon Street Grille Spirits Tavern Montaluce Winery & Restaurant

What are the top Christmas destinations in the South?

Alabama: Fairhope

Florida: St. Augustine

Georgia: Dahlonega

Kentucky: Bardstown

Louisiana: Natchitoches

Mississippi: Natchez

North Carolina: Blowing Rock

South Carolina: Beaufort

Tennessee: Gatlinburg

Virginia: Middleburg

Miguel Legoas is a Deep South Connect Team Reporter for USA Today. Find him on Instagram @miguelegoas and email at mlegoas@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Georgia town ranked among HGTV's top 50 Christmas destinations
For 10 years, my wife and daughter and I lived overseas. We lived an upper-middle class lifestyle on my wifes teacher salary of around $50,000, while saving and investing every penny of my income.

Trending Now: Im a Self-Made Millionaire: 6 Ways I Use ChatGPT To Make a Lot of Money

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We recently moved back to the U.S. to be closer to our aging parents and did plenty of hand-wringing about how much more wed spend living in the States. While we do spend more than we did overseas, weve managed to keep an outlandishly high savings rate  while still living an upper-middle-class lifestyle on a middle-class budget.

Negotiate Rent Aggressively

Many renters assume that landlords just want the maximum rent possible. Sure, more rent is nice, but as a former landlord myself, I know many landlords have higher priorities than just more rent. They want reliable, low-maintenance renters who will treat their home with kid gloves and pay the rent on time with no exceptions. When we moved back to Baltimore, I started contacting every landlord whose house we liked.

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My wife and I both have credit scores in the mid-700s, we told them. We have no pets and were willing to prepay six months rent up front if youll accept this rent amount. We managed to knock nearly 10% off our rent that way.

For You: Heres the Minimum Net Worth To Be Considered Upper Class in Your 50s

Pay Off Unsecured Debts

Money you blow on interest is money you cant spend living well.

It can take a few years of living like youre poor and eliminating debt so that you can live like youre earning more than you are, said Melanie Musson, finance expert with Quote.com.

Never Buy Soft Drinks Out

Restaurants often lose money on food dishes but earn their money back on drink markups. A fountain soda costs just a few cents per pour, but even fast food joints and convenience stores charge several dollars for it.

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I bring a refillable water bottle with me everywhere and sometimes a coffee or tea thermos. Elliot Schwartz, CEO of credit-building company Beccas, puts this point well: The best way to live like the upper-middle class on a middle-class income is to save money on the small things so that you can afford the big things.

Embrace Cooking as a Hobby

Like us, our best friends love high-end wines and food. We could go out to dinner and drop $600 a couple  and occasionally we do  but wed just as soon make a seven-course meal at one of our houses.

We can do that because we know how to cook. And we know how to cook because we invested the time to learn.

Most days I pack leftovers from last nights dinner for my lunch at work. I could go drop $10-25 for each lunch, but I can eat just as well by bringing leftovers.

Organize BYOB Events

Often friends just default to planning get-togethers at restaurants, bars and other businesses, where theyll pay full markup for everything.

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Instead, plan meetups where you can bring your own food and drinks. Picnics, cookouts, bonfires, pot lucks: get creative.

Shop Sales & Secondhand

My wife and I got spoiled living in South America, where beef is cheap. Back in the States, I simply keep an eye out for good cuts of beef on sale for 50% off at the grocery store, and pop them in the freezer when I get home. We still get to eat ribeyes and filet mignon at South American prices.

The same goes for clothes. I recently picked up an $80 Vineyard Vines shirt for $9 at the thrift store, in perfect condition. I wore it to my friends country club later that week, where I was dressed more fashionably than many members.

Buy Used Cars

A 5-year-old luxury car often costs the same or less than a new non-luxury car, observes Musson. Most people dont have a clue what model year a car is. Once the vehicle is over 10-15 years old, it starts to look like an older car, but a 5-year-old car thats well-kept looks new to most people.

Share One Car

My wife and I lived without a car entirely for six years in South America. We got in the habit of walking, biking, scootering and Ubering everywhere.

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We moved into a walkable downtown neighborhood and bought one (used) car to share. In the four months since weve been home, I can think of only two or three times when we even had to coordinate plans around sharing it.

Travel Flexibly

In 2016, my wife and I tried Skyscanners Everywhere travel search for the first time. We saw cheap direct flights to Bulgaria, and raised our eyebrows. Whats in Bulgaria?

After five minutes of online research, we were sold. We booked it and promptly fell in love with Eastern Europe, where weve spent many months since.

Likewise, traveling in the shoulder season can save you 40%-70% on accommodations. Stay flexible and open-minded, and you can afford more travel and adventures.

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: How I Live an Upper-Middle-Class Lifestyle on a Middle-Class Income
Although home sales generally cool off during the winter, Milwaukee and its surrounding suburbs remain a very competitive market.

The median priced home sold in the city of Milwaukee in October sold for $230,000, according to real estate brokerage Redfin. That's up 7% from October 2024.

Median home prices are also up year over year in South Milwaukee, West Allis and Whitefish Bay, according to Redfin. They're down in Wauwatosa and Fox Point, though those markets remain competitive.

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Here are a few of the oldest homes sold in Milwaukee County recently, according to Milwaukee Metro Multiple Listing Services data:

1930s lakefront Fox Point home sells for $2.8 million

A 3,700-square-foot Fox Point home built in 1935 sold for $2.8 million on Nov. 21.

The home has four bedrooms and four bathrooms, and it sits on a 0.72-acre lot, according to the listing. The property, located along Lake Michigan on North Beach Drive, includes a four-car garage and an attached heated boathouse leading to the water.

The home features a private deck and skylit den overlooking Lake Michigan, as well as a glass shower with heated floors, according to the listing.

1920s Tosa cottage sells for $425,000

A Wauwatosa cottage in the Olde Hillcrest neighborhood sold for $425,000 on Nov. 21.

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The home was built in 1926 with a mixture of stone, stucco and wood, according to the listing. It sits on a 0.15-acre lot on North 69th Street and has three bedrooms and two bathrooms.

The home features updated paint and fixtures, an arched front door and European-style windows. It's also located within a mile of three schools, local parks and the village, according to the listing.

1920s home in South Milwaukee sells for $540,000

A four-bedroom South Milwaukee brick home sold for $540,000 on Nov. 21.

The home, built in 1929, features built-in leaded glass cabinets, wood floors and real fireplace, according to the listing. Updates include the roof, full bathroom and interior paint.

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The house is located on a 0.2-acre Aspen Street lot, according to the listing.

Century-old Milwaukee colonial sells for $893,000

A Milwaukee brick colonial built in 1922 sold for $893,000 on Nov. 18.

The home, located on Newberry Boulevard in Milwaukee's historic Prospect Hill neighborhood, has six bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms across five levels. It spans 3,700 square feet on a 0.21-acre lot, according to the listing.

The house features a den and library room as well as updated kitchen appliances, the listing says.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Oldest recently sold Milwaukee homes include Prospect Hill colonial
When you decide to become a pet owner, many factors come into play that can make your head spin with more than just puppy love.

What sort of food is best for your new pet? To crate or not to crate? Do you have time to do the training yourself or should you consider outsourcing the task?

One of the most important decisions youll make comes down to safeguarding your new pets health, now and for the hopefully many good years to come.

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The topic of pet insurance is a conversation Ashley Beard, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and the co-owner of Sage Veterinary Center in Jersey City, New Jersey, says she has with pet owners early on.

Every new puppy that walks through the door to our clinic, we encourage (owners) to get pet insurance, she says, adding that its particularly important to have when it comes to unexpected emergencies and illnesses that can be very costly.

Surgical intervention for a pet can easily cost between $6,000 and $8,000, she says  and thats before you factor in after care.

More: Why many Americans fear they cant afford pets anymore

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Having pet insurance can provide pet owners with peace of mind, says Monica Suarez, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in Tampa, Florida.

For example, in emergency settings, I find that clients are able to be more clear-minded about making decisions about their pets care when they're not burdened with the possibility of a large debt, she says.

Pet policies vary

Most pet insurance plans cover both dogs and cats, with hundreds of policies offering specific options for each. Usually pet owners will pay for vet services up front and get reimbursed later by their plan. The process for finding the right coverage can feel similar to shopping for your own health insurance, Beard says, and factors in coverage for care ranging from accidents and illness to routine checkups.

She points to the website Pawlicy.com as a good place to cross-compare the varying levels of coverage and deductibles that apply to different conditions.

What to know before buying pet insurance for your dog or cat.

Pre-existing conditions can also come into play when it comes to insuring your pet, she warns, and thats all the more reason to get coverage while your pet is still young and healthy.

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Its harder to get insurance for your senior pet who's diagnosed with a heart murmur, for example, Beard says.

Suarez advises keeping in mind that certain breeds are more likely to have chronic and expensive medical conditions that require veterinary care, including French bulldogs, and some larger breeds of dogs such as mastiffs and Great Danes.

And while most veterinarians accept pets that are uninsured, a lack of coverage can limit how quickly theyre able to reach a diagnosis or intervene on an animals behalf when financial considerations hold up the care process, Beard says.

Pet insurance takes some of the decision-making pressure off pet owners  and thats hard to put a price on, particularly when time is of the essence.

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For acute life threatening things, where you're literally making a decision, Can I afford to pay my rent, or am I going to have to euthanize my pet? It's nice to be able to say, Okay, I can put this on my credit card, and I'm going to get the payment back from my insurance, Beard says.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Should I get pet insurance? Why it brings peace of mind.
HONG KONG, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government, together with various sectors of society, is continuing to assist Wang Fuk Court residents in Tai Po in overcoming difficulties since a major fire broke out there on Nov. 26.

As of 4 p.m. local time on Sunday, the fire had claimed 146 lives and injured 79 people. The police confirmed the safety of 159 residents previously reported missing.

Alice Mak Mei-kuen, secretary for home and youth affairs of the HKSAR government, said on Sunday that the HKSAR government will ensure residents affected by the fire will have a place to live throughout the rebuilding process, stressing that all government-provided services and measures will be free of charge.

Michael Wong, deputy financial secretary of the HKSAR government and head of a task force on emergency accommodation arrangements, said that more than 1,500 residents are currently staying in government-provided facilities free of charge. Two-thirds are housed in transitional housing and dedicated rehousing estates of the Housing Society, while about 500 are staying in hotels.

By noon today, the "Support Fund for Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po" established by the HKSAR government had received 900 million Hong Kong dollars (about 115.62 million U.S. dollars) in donations from the public. Together with the 300 million Hong Kong dollars in government seed funding, the total fund now stands at about 1.2 billion Hong Kong dollars, which will be used to help residents rebuild their homes, providing long-term and sustained support.

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority, the Hong Kong Association of Banks, and 28 retail banks have introduced emergency measures, including a pre-approved six-month repayment grace period and flexible assistance for affected residents to access liquidity.

The Hong Kong Red Cross announced that from Nov. 30 until Jan. 24, 2026, it will operate a 24/7 psychological support hotline for Tai Po residents affected by the fire and other people in need.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong's Primary Healthcare Commission will provide personalized case management services to affected residents, fully supporting their primary healthcare needs free of charge.

People from across Hong Kong have joined volunteer efforts, hoping to bring warmth to the wounded community. Lam Yick Kuen, a member of the Tai Po Care Team, has been busy at the shelter, his notebook filled with residents' needs.

Lee Sai Yin, a member of the Tai Po district council, who has been coordinating supplies and comforting residents since the fire, said that an invisible force in Hong Kong, unity and love, brings people together whenever difficulties arise.

"Just now we found the shelter lacked baby formula. I mentioned it in a community group, and soon someone delivered it," she said, "As long as everyone stands united, there is no obstacle we cannot overcome." (1 U.S. dollar equals 7.78 Hong Kong dollars) 
There might be nothing more adorable than the sight of a fluffy puppy or kitten bounding around the corner to surprise its new owner.

Americans have a long tradition of gifting pets for holidays, birthdays and other occasions, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. But before you give someone the present of a pet, its important to consider the enormous responsibility of life-long care and other factors when it comes to responsible pet ownership.

The sentiment is great, says Ashley Beard, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and the co-owner of Sage Veterinary Center in Jersey City, New Jersey, about wanting to gift someone a new pet. But making it a surprise is not the best idea.

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I always think it's good if you're getting (a pet) with a partner or a significant other, to have the conversation of, Are we ready to take on this responsibility for sure? and making sure everybody's in the same place, she says.

The American Veterinary Medical Association similarly advises against surprising someone with a pet, says president Michael Q. Bailey.

After the joy of receiving this gift, will you or the recipient be ready to provide this lifetime of care? he said in an emailed response to USA TODAY. Before bringing a new animal into someones life, its important to ask: Are you absolutely sure this person wants this specific pet? Are they ready and able to care for the animal for its entire life?

Pet proofing and vet care

In addition to ethical considerations, practical preparations come into play, too, says Bailey, including making sure the living environment is safe and pet-proofed, finding veterinary care and making sure that theres appropriate food, bedding, ID tags and toys.

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More: Rising pet care costs force owners to skip vet visits. These tips can help

These arent questions you want to be scrambling to answer after the fact, he says.

A canine delivery volunteer keeps an eye on the action Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2024, as hundreds of volunteers stop at Arctic League headquarters in Elmira to pick up Christmas gift bags for drop off to area families.

And while surprising a child with a gift may be tempting, Beard says to think twice.

Especially when it comes to gifting a pet for kids, understand that as the parent you will probably be taking care of them for the most part, she says. Kids might be available to help with some tasks, but the long-term commitment of ownership and related finances undoubtedly fall on the grownups in the household. And its hardly a short-term relationship.

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If you buy someone a kitten, you could be looking at 15 years, says Beard, referring to the average life span of a cat. Dog lifespans vary according to the breed, but they can easily live for 10 to 12 yearsand even longer for smaller breedsshe says.

Keep in mind, too, that some breeds require frequent grooming, an expense that can also add up.

And there's even more to think about.

When someone is ready to bring a pet into their life, consider whether a young pet is the right fit, or if an adult animal may be a better match, Bailey says. Factor in time, cost, breed characteristics, energy level, and the needs of other pets or children in the home.

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And whether you get the pet from a breeder, shelter, or rescue, make the animals history and welfare a priority, he says: Look for signs of good health, and ensure the source is reputable and transparent.

Beards point to shelters as a great resource because you can get a dog thats already been spayed, neutered and vaccinated, so it kind of relieves that initial cost for the new owner associated with getting a young dog, she says.

When you go about the process of gifting a pet responsibly, the rewards for everyone involved are great.

With thoughtful planning and a shared commitment, new pet owners can lay the foundation for a strong, lasting bond, and a lifetime of love together, Bailey says.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: A kitten for Xmas? What to know before you gift a pet.
Traveling through Spain should feel effortless and joyful, but many visitors unintentionally make simple mistakes that instantly reveal them as inexperienced travelers. Spain has its own cultural rhythm, dining schedule, social etiquette, and regional differences that can surprise first-timers, especially those expecting the country to operate like the rest of Europe.

The result is confusion, frustration, and a lot of unnecessary embarrassment that could easily be avoided. What should be a relaxing holiday sometimes turns into a string of awkward moments, missed opportunities, and expensive errors.

Understanding these small cultural nuances helps you blend in, avoid overpaying, and experience the country the way residents do every day. Spanish locals are warm and welcoming, but they immediately notice when travelers ignore customs, disrupt routines, or treat the country like a theme park.

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Fortunately, most of these blunders are completely preventable with just a bit of awareness. By avoiding the most common pitfalls, youll navigate cities confidently, enjoy better food, spend less money, and have a far more authentic Spanish adventure.

Eating Dinner at 6 PM

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Spain follows one of the latest dining schedules in the world, which means showing up at restaurants before 8:30 PM guarantees empty tables and confused waiters. Tourists often get frustrated or think businesses are closed because they expect dinner to run on North American or Northern European timelines. Locals eat lunch late, enjoy a mid-afternoon rest, and then gather for dinner long after sunset. Arriving too early immediately marks you as someone unfamiliar with how Spanish daily life works.

Many visitors make the mistake of wandering into tourist traps simply because theyre the only restaurants open at early hours. These places rarely offer authentic food, charge inflated prices, and depend entirely on unknowing foreigners.

Waiting until the proper dinner hour not only leads to better food but also a more lively atmosphere filled with locals. Dining later also helps you understand how social Spaniards are, spending hours eating, talking, and sharing dishes. Adapting to this schedule makes the entire trip feel more natural and enjoyable.

Ordering Sangria Everywhere

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Sangria is popular with tourists, but most Spaniards dont drink it outside of certain regions or special occasions. Visitors often assume its a national drink and confidently order it at every bar, only to receive an overpriced, low-quality version designed specifically for tourists. Locals usually prefer tinto de verano, a light, refreshing mix of red wine and lemon soda thats cheaper and far more common. Ordering sangria in the wrong setting is one of the fastest ways to stand out.

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Many bartenders can instantly tell which customers dont know the difference, and menus rarely explain the distinction. Even worse, some restaurants serve pre-made sangria from a carton rather than preparing it fresh. Choosing local drinks instead makes you look more knowledgeable and saves you money. Trying regional specialties, from Basque cider to Galician albarino, also gives you a richer cultural experience. Knowing what locals actually drink can completely change your impression of Spanish nightlife.

Assuming Everyone Speaks English

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While Spain welcomes millions of tourists, English fluency is not universal, especially outside major cities. Tourists often speak quickly, get impatient, or assume service workers are obligated to understand them. This attitude not only causes miscommunication but also comes off as disrespectful. Locals appreciate even basic attempts at Spanish, and simple phrases can transform interactions from awkward to warm and helpful.

In many regions, Spanish isnt even the primary local language, Catalan, Basque, and Galician are widely spoken and deeply tied to regional identity. Assuming everyone speaks English overlooks Spains linguistic diversity and frustrates people who take pride in their culture.

Using translation apps, speaking slowly, and learning a few key words go a long way. Travelers who show effort usually receive much better service and far friendlier responses. Its one of the easiest ways to earn local respect.

Overpacking for City Travel

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Spains major cities, Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Valencia, often feature narrow sidewalks, steep staircases, and cobblestone streets that make large suitcases a nightmare. Tourists dragging heavy bags through old districts instantly reveal themselves as first-timers. Many metro stations lack elevators or escalators, and old-town hotels often have limited space. Carrying too much luggage makes transportation stressful, slow, and unnecessarily exhausting.

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Locals travel light because they know how challenging the terrain can be, especially during peak tourist seasons when streets are crowded. A smaller bag not only makes you more mobile but also helps you avoid extra airline fees and long baggage waits.

Its easier to navigate buses, trains, and busy plazas without bumping into people or blocking pathways. Traveling light also encourages smarter packing, comfortable clothing, layered outfits, and essential accessories. Less weight means more freedom and a more relaxed trip.

Ignoring Pickpocket Warnings

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Spain has incredibly safe cities, but petty theft in tourist hotspots is common and extremely efficient. Visitors often assume it wont happen to them, leading to careless behavior like leaving bags open, wearing backpacks on crowded metros, or placing phones on cafe tables. Pickpockets in places like Las Ramblas, Puerta del Sol, and Sevilles historic center are skilled enough to work unnoticed. Tourists who ignore warnings quickly become targets.

Travelers who take simple precautions, crossbody bags, zipped pockets, situational awareness  rarely have problems. Police officers frequently remind tourists to stay alert, yet many continue walking distracted or display expensive items openly. When theft happens, it often ruins an entire trip due to lost passports, phones, and credit cards. Being cautious doesnt diminish the experience; it actually allows you to enjoy the city with confidence. A little preparation prevents major headaches.

Expecting Tapas to Be Free Everywhere

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Tourists often hear about free tapas culture and arrive expecting complimentary dishes with every drink, only to get disappointed. Free tapas are common in Granada and some parts of Andalusia, but not standard across the country. In most cities, tapas must be ordered individually, and some restaurants operate exclusively on a paid menu. Assuming every drink includes food immediately signals that you havent researched regional customs.

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Many visitors get annoyed when charged for extras or when portions are smaller than expected. In reality, tapas culture varies widely, and each region has its own traditions, pricing, and style. Understanding these differences helps you make smarter dining choices and avoid misunderstandings. Exploring local bars and ordering seasonal specialties offers a richer and more authentic experience. Spain rewards curiosity and flexibility far more than rigid expectations.

Dressing Too Casually

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Spain is a relaxed country, but locals tend to even for simple daily activities. Tourists wearing gym clothes, flip-flops, or beachwear far from the coast immediately stand out. Dressing too informally can also lead to uncomfortable situations when visiting religious sites, nicer restaurants, or historic neighborhoods. Spaniards appreciate neatness and presentation, and visitors who dress well blend seamlessly into city life.

Many travelers dont realize how much walking theyll do, so choosing the wrong footwear can lead to sore feet and blister-filled days. Comfortable yet polished shoes make a major difference. Lightweight fabrics, neutral colors, and simple accessories help you stay cool in the heat while still looking like you belong. Dressing appropriately shows respect for local culture and helps you avoid looking like a stereotypical tourist. A small wardrobe upgrade goes a long way.

Misunderstanding Siesta Hours

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Siesta is not a myth, many businesses still close in the afternoon, especially in smaller towns and southern regions. Tourists often get frustrated when shops shut down between 2 PM and 5 PM, assuming its laziness or poor customer service. In reality, siesta is deeply rooted in the countrys climate and culture, offering people a break during the hottest hours. Visitors who plan poorly lose valuable sightseeing time and end up wandering aimlessly while everything is closed.

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Understanding siesta hours helps you structure your day more efficiently. Mornings are ideal for museums, afternoon for rest or lunch, and evenings for shopping and exploring. Embracing the slower rhythm actually leads to a more relaxing travel experience. Instead of rushing, you align with the countrys natural flow. Travelers who adapt quickly find their days feel longer, fuller, and more enjoyable. Its one of the simplest ways to feel less like an outsider.

Renting a Car Without Understanding Local Roads

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Spains highways are excellent, but many tourists underestimate the challenges of driving in old cities, mountain villages, and coastal towns. Narrow streets, limited parking, and confusing traffic rules often lead to stress, fines, and damaged rental cars. Visitors frequently assume driving will be easier than public transportation, only to discover that metros and trains are more efficient. Car rental mistakes quickly mark you as inexperienced.

In historic centers, streets are often centuries old, not designed for modern vehicles. Parking can be expensive, and many zones require resident permits. Misreading signs leads to tickets that get mailed internationally. Road trips can be wonderful, but only if planned with an understanding of local conditions. Taking trains between major cities and saving cars for rural areas is usually the smartest option. Knowing when to drive, and when not to, makes your travels far smoother.

Staying Only in Madrid and Barcelona

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Madrid and Barcelona are incredible cities, but limiting your trip to them is one of the most common mistakes tourists make. Spain is extraordinarily diverse, with regions like Basque Country, Andalusia, Galicia, Valencia, Navarra, and Extremadura offering completely different cultures, landscapes, and cuisines. Visitors who stay only in the biggest cities miss the countrys deeper charm, local traditions, and rural beauty. Locals often roll their eyes when tourists say they saw all of Spain in two cities.

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Smaller destinations such as Cordoba, San Sebastian, Ronda, Girona, and Caceres reveal a more authentic and less crowded side of Spanish life. Food is cheaper, people are friendlier, and culture feels more intimate.

Exploring beyond the major hubs also reduces the sense of overtourism and spreads tourism benefits more fairly across the country. Travelers who expand their itinerary discover a Spain that feels richer, more complex, and far more memorable. True understanding of the country comes from seeing its variety, not just its capitals.
It may not be romantic, but when it comes to picking a spouse, the truth is that money matters. A survey conducted by matchmaking service Tawkify found that nearly half of the Americans polled said they would choose money over love if they had to decide between the two. If you're in this camp, and marrying for money is a top priority, you may want to consider relocating to Florida or Nevada. These two states were recently named the top spots for "gold diggers."

The gold digger study was conducted by the app SplitUp, which helps people navigate the process of filing for divorce or other related issues, such as separations and custody agreements. It looked at various data points to first determine where the wealthiest people in America live by analyzing figures such as average annual income, the number of millionaires and billionaires in each state, and the cost of living in those places. It then factored in the increase in Google searches for top gold digger phrases such as "sugar daddy," "sugar mommy," "sugar baby," and "marry rich." The survey also accounted for money spent on dating services. Based on the data, each state was assigned a score out of 10, with the highest scores indicating the most "gold diggers." Both Florida and Nevada topped the chart with scores of 8.24.

Read more: The 12 Richest Suburbs In The United States Might Make You Pause

Why Florida and Nevada are said to have the most gold diggers

Wedding in Vegas with Elvis impersonator - Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Florida had a particularly high number of millionaire and billionaire households, with almost 500,000 millionaires, making it the fourth highest in the country. Meanwhile, nearly 100 billionaires live in the state, earning it the third spot nationwide. The state also had notable increases in Google searches for the phrases "sugar daddy" and "sugar baby"  77% and 74%, respectively. The number of millionaire and billionaire households in Nevada was significantly lower  roughly 63,000 and 17, respectively. One area where the state really stood out, however, was its spike in searches for the term "sugar daddy," which jumped 90% from the previous year. Other searches also saw substantial increases with "sugar mommy" up 69%, "sugar baby" up 74%, and "marry rich" up 55%.

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Texas was right behind Florida and Nevada with a score of 8.23. California and New York filled out the rest of the top five slots on the list. On the opposite side of the spectrum, Vermont was found to have the fewest number of gold diggers, with a score of 4.83. Nebraska and Montana followed with scores of 4.94. If you're living in a state flush with gold diggers and plan to marry someone you suspect may be after your money, consider getting a prenup to protect your finances. If you're already married but fear your fortune may be at risk, it's a good idea to educate yourself about postnuptial agreements and why you might need one.

Unlock your financial potential. Add Money Digest to your preferred sources for smart money insights!

Read the original article on Money Digest.
Lee Givens, Jr. worked at Microsoft, Meta, and Apple over a 15-year span.

After leaving Microsoft and Meta, he lost his contract job at Apple and struggled to find work.

He said learning about AI and exploring opportunities outside Big Tech helped him land a new role.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Lee Givens, Jr., a 57-year-old product manager in Seattle who works at Woven by Toyota, a subsidiary of Toyota Motor Corporation. Business Insider has verified his employment with documentation. This essay has been edited for length and clarity.

I'd worked at Big Tech companies for more than a decade, but a year ago, I found myself in the middle of a humbling job search.

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I started working for Microsoft in 2011 as a product manager, but in 2014, I was among thousands of employees who were laid off. I never actually left Microsoft  I was given 60 days to find a new role internally and successfully moved into a program manager position in a different department.

By 2020, my job at Microsoft had become somewhat boring, in part because there was a lot of legal and compliance work. I also thought I needed a new challenge and more money.

I left Microsoft for a new opportunity, but looking back, I maybe shouldn't have been so quick to leave. I'm now working at Toyota and am happy with my role, but I had to endure some ups and downs to get here.

Moving on from Microsoft and Meta

When I started looking for something new in 2020, Meta was actively recruiting. I decided to leave Microsoft for a product marketing manager role there, where I worked on an augmented reality glasses product. Some of the product plans went awry, and it felt like the team was in disarray.

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In December 2021, after a little more than a year at Meta, I transitioned to a global product lead role at the software development company Unity.

Things didn't ultimately work out there either. As I searched for work in recent years  and faced a challenging job market  I sometimes found myself thinking that I shouldn't have left Microsoft.

Business Insider has heard from hundreds of job seekers over the past year. Share your story, whether you found a job or are still looking, by filling out a form, contacting this reporter via email at jzinkula@businessinsider.com, or via Signal at jzinkula.29.

Use a personal email address, a nonwork WiFi network, and a nonwork device; here's our guide to sharing information securely. Read more on the topic:

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Diving into AI after a layoff

Things at Unity seemed promising at first, but as the tech industry shifted toward AI, our researchers began to be poached left and right. We didn't have the budget to keep them happy.

I still believed in Unity and really thought it had potential. However, in May 2023, a few days after getting married and honeymooning in Italy, I learned I'd been laid off.

This was the third layoff of my career, but it was the first time I had nothing in the pipeline to help me transition to my next role.

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I decided to take some time to learn as much as I could about AI  and the basics of how AI frameworks like PyTorch and Modular's MAX worked. My goal was to understand AI so I could better communicate with the engineers working on the technology.

I also actively applied for jobs and reached out to recruiters. Apple was one of my top targets, and I applied to every AI-related role I could find at the company.

Leaving Apple and learning how to find a job

After a few months of job searching, a recruiter contacted me about a contract opportunity at Apple for an engineering program manager role, which I started in September 2023.

My contract was extended every three months, and my manager told me that the company was attempting to transition me to a full-time role. It was my understanding that contractors in my group couldn't stay beyond a year, so I figured I'd either be converted or out of a job.

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As the one-year mark approached, I was told that a senior leader wanted everyone on my team to be based in Cupertino, California, where Apple is headquartered. My understanding was that my chances of landing a full-time role would increase dramatically if I moved to Cupertino.

But my wife and I didn't want to leave Seattle. We had recently bought a home in the area, and she had a job there. By the time my contract with Apple ended in September 2024, I had started my next job search.

I found the job market to be extremely challenging

For six months, I had numerous conversations and interviews, and then a lot of "Nope, you didn't get the job" messages.

I'd never had that problem before. Throughout my career, I had almost never actively sought a job. Most of the jobs I'd had came through friends or recruiters who actively pursued me. It was a humbling experience of putting out hundreds of resumes and not hearing back.

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Fortunately, I found some part-time consulting gigs as I looked for work. I'd been good at investing  doing well enough that I could almost retire  so I wasn't too worried about cash. My wife also had a fairly high-paying job.

Still, we had college expenses for two kids, and my wife was thinking about starting her own business. If we were to make this work financially, I felt I'd have to step up. This motivated me to find a job.

For months, I focused on getting back into Apple

I eventually decided to become more open to other opportunities. I started entertaining LinkedIn messages from recruiters I would've previously ignored.

One of those messages came from Toyota. The original job was based in Palo Alto, but the company was flexible and agreed to move the role to Seattle.

Lee Givens, Jr. Lee Givens, Jr.

In April, after about two-and-a-half months of interviews, I joined the company as a staff product manager in the company's Woven by Toyota subsidiary. I have a six-figure salary, and my total compensation is much higher than what I was earning at Meta and Apple.

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I definitely think taking the time to learn more about AI helped me land the job, and that knowledge is driving the main work I'm doing now.

Reflections on my career journey

One of the biggest takeaways from my career journey is that when there's a major technological shift  such as the rise of the internet or AI  you have to reinvent yourself. You need to dive deep into the technology to really understand it.

Another lesson: Don't get pigeonholed. I had my heart set on staying at Apple, and I nearly missed out on a great opportunity. Be open to new industries  it could actually work out.

Additionally, don't rush to switch jobs. Before I left Microsoft in 2020, I really clicked there and felt comfortable  and I think I maybe should've stuck around, even if part of me wanted to try something new. At the same time, leaving Microsoft set me on a path to learning more about AI, which I believe will serve me well in my career.

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I'm happy with my current role. Toyota's culture, legacy, and focus align closely with my approach to work. The subsidiary I work for is much smaller than Microsoft, Meta, and Apple, which has made it easier for me to make an impact and gain visibility with company leaders.

Read the original article on Business Insider
The Brief

Video captured the special moment three kids in Pennsylvania had a touching reaction to their familys outdoor Christmas lights.

The parents kept the blinds closed all day as their dad decorated outside.

Mom and Dad recorded the big reveal to catch their kids response.

A family in Lancaster, Penn. is sharing the special moment their three kids got their first peek at their dads holiday decoration job.

The backstory

Amanda Lewis told Storyful, a social media video licensing agency, that her husband had spent the entire day decorating outside the house with Christmas lights .

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She said they kept the blinds closed the entire time so the kids couldnt see.

RELATED: Watch: 'Magical' Christmas lights shine deep in Louisville's Mega Cavern

Video perspective

The video starts with the kids outside, with their winter hats pulled down over their eyes. And after a countdown, their hats are pulled back and the kids let out a big gasp.

Image credit: Amanda Lewis via Storyful

They exclaim, "Wow!" and "Whoa!" before one of them comments, "Thats why you were out here for so long!"

They continue to show their amazement before asking if they can go run and play under the hoop lights.

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Even their baby sister appears mesmerized by the display, letting out a little "Whoa" when asked what she thought.

RELATED: Watch: Table with massive Thanksgiving spread suddenly collapses

What they're saying

Lewis said watching the kids see the lights for the first time was so special.

The Source

Information in this article was taken from Storyful, a social media video licensing agency, which spoke to the woman who recorded the video. This story was reported from Detroit.
If you grew up anywheah between Bridgeport and Bar Harbor, you already know that clam chowdah is more than a meal in a mug. For New Englanders, this chunky, creamy, seafood-y dish is practically a personality trait. Yessir; folks in this corner of the nation take clam chowder very seriously, and have strong opinions about it too.

Ask a New Englander where to find the best clam chowder, and you'll launch a heated debate; maybe even scoring an invite to some local hole-in-the-wall where "the real stuff" is served steaming. However, we'd be remiss to not admit that clam chowder is often a love-it-or-leave-it scenario. Some folks get skeeved out just thinking about slimy clams swimming in a creamy sea of chunky mystery (we know the menu says potatoes and onions, but still). Fair enough, but it's sacred around here.

Throughout New England, nearly every seaside shack, white-linen restaurant, and weather-beaten mom n' pop stop claims they've got "the best clam chowder in New England"  and some of them might be right. We wanted to help cut through all the red tape of hunting for yourself (as delicious as that would be), so we came up with this guide on where to find the best chowder in New England. We explored reviews, sought opinions from locals, and tried these chowders ourselves where possible. Stick around after reading, because we'll break down our methodology even further.

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Read more: 6 Healthiest And 7 Unhealthiest Things To Order At A Seafood Chain

Boston Sail Loft

Mug of Boston Sail Loft clam chowder with oyster crackers and ocean bay in the background - bostonsailloft / Instagram

If there's one Boston joint that treats clam chowder like the sacred New England non-soup it is, it's the Boston Sail Loft. Since 1984, this North End waterfront favorite has served (and scooped) up seafood classics with harbor view so close you could practically dip a spoon right into the Atlantic sea. While the entire menu is hailed as impressive, it's Sail Loft's iconic overflowing mug of clam chowder -- with creamy broth bubbling over the rim like it's trying to escape  that earns the highest marks.

In fact, some folks say it's got superpowers, like some kind of edible, brain-altering alchemy that'll have you staring into the mug and wondering where it's been all your life. This isn't one of those dainty cups that shows up half-full and leaves you feelin' big mad. Naw siree, this is a chowdah-paloozah; packed with clam chunks, buttery creamy broth, and that little signature freckle of dill fleck.

The restaurant has earned Best of Boston recognition in 2018, 2019, and 2022. Reviewers across Insta, TikTok, and every food guide worth its salt swear this clam chowder is top of the heap, the richest in Boston, and maybe the closest you'll get to fresh from the sea without boarding a boat to snag ingredients yourself.

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thebostonsailloft.com

(617) 227-7280

80 Atlantic Ave., Boston, MA 02110

Union Oyster House

Union Oyster House clam chowder with pepper and crackers - Michael Imondi "The REAL" / YouTube

Union Oyster House might just be the cathedral where clam chowders lovers come to worship. This hallowed seafood eatery happens to be the oldest continually operating restaurant and bar in the country. Even more impressive? These folks have ladled out Union's famous New England clam chowder since 1836. When we say this place has history, we aren't kidding. These walls have played host to multiple presidents over the years, who dine and perhaps talk politics over steaming mugs of chowder.

Labeled as "A Boston Classic," this dish is served by the cup or bowl  but let's be real; you'll want the bowl. The chowder is award-winning, nationally recognized, and so iconic that news crews film behind-the-scenes segments just to sneak a peek at how this creamy masterpiece becomes magic somewhere between the sea and diner's spoons. Locals swear the flavor slaps, largely thanks to the hearty body which is chock-full of potatoes and local clams. It's the sort of menu item that feels like it's been perfected over centuries (and it has).

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When a restaurant manages to earn National Historic Landmark status and makes chowder good enough to pull presidents through the door? Yeah, that's a wicked pissa.

unionoysterhouse.com

(617) 227-2750

41 Union St., Boston, MA 02108

Atlantic Fish Company

Close up of Atlantic Fish Company clam chowder - atlanticfishbos / Instagram

Some places charm diners with fancy decor and fine china, but Atlantic Fish Company wins hearts by handing over a bread bowl that's the equivalent of an express ticket to New England bliss. This Back Bay favorite eatery has piled up Diners' Choice awards three years running (2023, 2024, 2025), but the chowder is its real trophy.

There's something magical about chowder in a bread bowl; the way that warm potato-and-clam goodness sinks into the doughy walls juuuuuust right. Lip-smacking, weak-in-the-knees, bread-meet-creamy-brined-clam bliss. Reviewers go gaga over how thick and filling the chowder is (none of that watery nonsense), and local news even filmed a whole segment watching Atlantic's kitchen prep the dish. Once you see how generous Atlantic Fish Company is with its clams, you understand the hype immediately.

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The chowder can be purchased in cups of course, but you'll want the bread bowl if reviews are any indication. Just be warned: One bite of such a scrumptious dish might ruin all future chowder relationships for you.

atlanticfish.com

(617) 267-4000

761 Boylston St., Boston, MA 02116

Gilbert's Chowder House

Gilbert's Chowder House clam chowder in a bread bowl with a blurred sea bay in the background - gilbertsportland / Instagram

Did you know that Maine once tried to outlaw tomatoes from clam chowders? This might sound crazy, but it's easy to see why Mainers didn't want to mess with perfection once you've tried OG New England clam chowder. In fact, if Maine had a contest for keeping that purist-style clam chowder recipe alive, it might be Gilbert's Chowder House sitting pretty on a golden pedestal; maybe even sporting a crown made of quahogs.

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This Portland institution has won awards for decades, and chowder-lovers say it's classic clam mix is as close to perfection as New England chowder can possibly get. Reviewers call it the best clam chowder in New England; describing it as thick, ultra-creamy, and loaded with fresh seafood. The dish is available in any size from small to large  but most recommend the bread bowl, because that crusty golden exterior soaks everything up like a champ.

Need any extra incentive? Gilbert's has even been immortalized with a nod on The Simpsons. If a chowder shack's iconic enough to make Springfield talk? D'oh! That's divine.

gilbertschowderhouse.com

(207) 871-5636

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92 Commercial St., Portland, ME 04101

Saltie Girl

Saltie Girl Clam Chowder, aerial view - saltiegirl / Instagram

Boston's got plenty of old-school clam chowder legends, but Saltie Girl? She's a relatively new kid on the block, and already skyrocketing to popular girl status. Founded by Kathy Sidell-- who grew up with seawater in her veins thanks to a childhood spent sailing the East Coast  Saltie Girl is all about dishes featuring sustainable seafood treated with wicked serious respect.

The clam chowder sits on the small plates menu, but there's nothing small about its flavor. While this is a New England chowder, it isn't quite as heavy and stick-to-your-ribs as the OGs. Saltie Girl's version is more bright and light, with potato, celery, bacon, and a fried clam that reviewers swear is the dish's crowning glory. TikTokers call it their fave in Boston, claiming the chowder is the best they've ever had and absolutely worth the price tag.

Boston Globe readers agree, with rave reviews praising its complexity, richness, and the chef's approach  such as including skin-on potatoes to add texture, plus a pop of fresh chives to cheer everything up. Even celebs such as Emily Ratajkowski and Gwyneth Paltrow have been spotted here, cementing Saltie Girl's star status.

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saltiegirl.com

(617) 267-0691

279 Dartmouth St., Boston, MA 02116

Captain Parker's Pub

Mug of Captain Parker's Pub clam chowder on a table with a heart shaped out in oyster crackers on it - captainparkers / Instagram

Captain Parker's Triple Crown clam chowder is thick, creamy, and loaded with clams and potato. It's also beloved enough to rack up awards -- consider it the champ, label it the GOAT, or herald it as the undisputed heavyweight of chowder. Whatever you decide just don't dare call it "soup," or the locals might escort ya outta West Yarmouth by the elbow.

This is some serious chowdah, and what really puts Captain Parker's version on the map is the variety of ways it can be ordered. Cup, bowl, bread bowl, quart, cold quart, or even a base quart for the DIYers ... the sky's the limit for purchasing a priceless serving of this beloved (non) soup. However, the crowd favorite by far is one that sends people into fits of nostalgia: the iconic Captain Parker's Pub mug. This ain't just any mug. It's one of those "gonna tell our grandkids about this trip to Cape Cod while serving a mug of mock Captain P's chowder" souvenirs. Enjoy the chowder and then take the mug home; proudly setting it on your shelf like the absolute trophy it is.

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Back to the chowder itself. Reviews gush about the delicious flavor and unbelievable amount of clams. And when paired with perfectly fried clams, local beer on tap, and friendly service? That'll leave a smile on your mug.

captainparkers.com

(508) 771-4266

668 Route 28, West Yarmouth, MA 02673

The Mariner

Mug of The Mariner clam chowder with a side packet of crackers - marinermystic / Instagram

Clam chowder is considered one of the worst foods for sharing, and when it comes to this next pick in specific? Facts. In a city called Mystic, it makes sense that there are some big mysteries local folks obsess over. The big conundrum at The Mariner restaurant is what seafood sorcery makes its clam chowder cast such a spell on diners. Diners wax eloquent about this award-winning, unexpected, and downright special (non) soup. Reviewers speak of it with almost suspicious delight. It's as if they half-expected a touristy bowl of boring beige bleh, but instead came face-to-face with pure chowdah perfection.

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Locals on Reddit say it's one of the best chowders around, worthy of a day trip just to try it. Add lobster rolls, fries, and the other old-school New England fare found at Mariner to the mix, and suddenly you're planning another visit to Mystic before finishing your last spoonful.

There's just something enchanted about chowder in Mystic, and The Mariner seems to have tapped into whatever cosmic seafood energy flows here. If chowder destiny exists, this is where it leads. No mystery there.

themarinermystic.com

(860) 536-5200

21 West Main St., Mystic, CT 06355

Iggy's Doughboy and Chowder House

Iggy's Doughboy and Chowder House clam chowder surrounded by other fried menu items - iggys_ri / Instagram

Rhode Island's got its own spin on clam chowder, and nobody boogies quite like Iggy's. Born from a one heck of a family story, this eatery is pure Ocean State charm from top to bottom. What began as a tiny doughboy shack grew into a full-blown Rhode Island legend; kept alive by the Gravino family that fills every plate (and spoon) with passion and heart.

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Iggy's doesn't just do chowder halfway: It offers the dish in three classic styles (New England White, Manhattan Red, and RI Clear). If you don't know the difference between various types of Rhode Island clam chowders, know the fact that Iggy's offers all three varieties proves the restaurant plays in a whole different league.

Sizes? Oh, they got sizes. Cup, quart, half gallon, full gallon ... an entire clammy kaleidoscope. For anyone wanting to truly live the New England dream, the chowder and clam cake combo is considered a must. Dip a clam cake (which just celebrated its 100th birthday in 2020) straight into the chowder, and pass through the gates of New England's Eden.

Since 1989, people have deemed Iggy's the best chowder in Rhode Island; with some even saying it's the best they've ever had. TikTokers swoon. Locals nod  and moan  in clear approval. We see you Iggy's ... that's some serious chowdah swaggah.

iggysri.com

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Various locations

Billy's Chowder House

Billy's Chowder House clam chowder - redroses123 / TripAdvisor

With a name like Billy's Chowder House, the expectations on serving up a "Wowzers!"-worthy clam chowder are already sky-high. We'll be honest: Billy's Chowder House is nothing fancy ... unless you're talking about flavor. In that case, we can get to gabbin' all day and night. At this joint, no frilly accoutrements, garish garnishes, or kitschy souvenir mugs are needed. What patrons receive is just straight-up, honest-to-goodness, award-winning New England comfort in every spoonful and bowl.

Locals swear by it. Visitors swear by it. Reddit users swear by it. Folks say it's the best chowder in Maine, and some even call it the best in America. Specifically, Billy's clam chowder is famous for hitting that perfect middle ground of not too thick, not too thin, but not skimping on a single thing. It's still loaded with clams, potatoes, onions, and rich broth.

Some brave diners proclaim it's the only chowder that's ever rivaled their mother's homemade version ... and if that ain't the highest praise a New Englander can give, we don't know what is. If you want chowder that hits and a side Maine magic, Billy's delivers.

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billyschowderhouse.com

(207) 646-7558

216 Mile Rd., Wells, ME 04090

Alisson's

Alisson's clam chowder with chips and lobster roll - cherylbG8497TP / TripAdvisor

Alisson's is as Kennebunkport as it gets; a fourth-generation family spot in Dock Square that's been serving locals and visitors since 1973. This is Maine-style casual excellence, signified by a warm, small-town charm that encourages you to linger after licking that last spoonful clean. However, the main attraction is the New England Clam Chowder, of course. This superstar took home the 2025 Best Clam Chowder award from the Kennebunkport Chamber, so call us impressed.

This chowder is exactly what you want  and expect  from a place with Alisson's history. Hearty, creamy, bursting with fresh clams, and seasoned just right. Reviewers applaud how authentic the atmosphere at Alisson's feels, how friendly the staff is, and how the chowder tastes like it's made by someone who truly cares. One diner even said the clams in the chowder were "so fresh they had to be slapped."

The lobster roll has a storied history, but Allisson's is perfect for pairing with their chowder for a Dock Square lunch. Get there early however, because Alisson's fills up fast and doesn't take reservations. Speaking of reservations, we have none when it comes to recommending this Kennebunkport beacon of clam chowder bliss.

alissons.com

(207) 967-4841

11 Dock Square, Kennebunkport, ME 04046

Row 34

Row 34 clam chowder close up in a mug with a fancy cracker - row34 / Instagram

Row 34 is what happens when New England seafood grows up, puts on a GQ suit, and sets out to show the world what it's really made of. This Boston-born eatery is totally committed to serving its clientele only top-tier local seafood. The co-owner and chef, Jeremy Sewall, grew up in Maine and sources ingredients straight from local fishermen. This commitment can be tasted in every spoonful of Row 34's New England Clam Chowder.

This chowder stands out thanks to its elevated style and  get this -- house-made saltines, which come out deliciously crisp and oh-so-fancy. We hesitate to dub them saltines, as they look too cool for such a run-of-the-mill moniker. Paired with savory bacon, tender clams, and soft potatoes, online reviews say this clam chowder transported them to another stratosphere.

The dish has been praised as perfect, and reviewers say the flavor is consistent across all five locations; a huge feat for a restaurant group this size. Again, did we mention the fancy-pants saltines?

row34.com

Various locations

Methodology

Clam chowder. Traditional American seafood cream soup. Top view - Murziknata/Getty Images

Our methodology was wicked simple with this one. We dove headfirst into the internet's chowdah-lovin' chattah. We sifted through rave reviews from locals, tourists, your cousin's coworker from Woosta ... basically anyone and everyone who's licked a spoon of clam chowder clean and made it their life's mission thereafter to tell whoever will listen all about it. We hunted down spots with the highest praise, and sprinkled in some expert foodie takes (just to keep things classy, don't ya know). We'll admit it: We also tossed in one or two of our own fave bowls; the ones we'd personally drive again through a nor'eastah for. Consider this the cream-of-the-crop clam chowder roundup, kid. And if you're interested in what makes various types of chowders unique, we've got you covered too.

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There are two inextricably linked icons in the canon of New York City's historic food scene: The pastrami sandwich and Katz's Delicatessen  the most famed purveyor of said sandwich. Pastrami has been a quintessential NYC dish since the late 19th century when it was brought stateside by Eastern European immigrants. At the same time in the immigrant-populated neighborhood of the Lower East Side in Manhattan, Katz's Delicatessen opened  well, it opened as Iceland Brothers in 1888, became Iceland & Katz when Willy Katz joined in 1903, and was finally named Katz's Deli by 1910, when Willy and his cousin Benny bought the Iceland brothers out. The legendary Jewish deli immediately put itself on the map by making one of the country's best pastrami sandwiches. And a large part of why it still reigns supreme is the time and care that goes into making the pastrami.

Katz's offers exceptional pastrami thanks to its painstaking methods. The meat takes nearly a month to make, which starts when the beef brisket is cured in a proprietary brine including pink salt for 3 weeks. The deli opts for a fattier cut of meat for flavor and to survive the long soak. It is then rubbed by hand with spices including coriander, garlic, and pepper, before being smoked for three days, and boiled for three hours. Finally, the pastrami goes into steamers just to get a final layer of tenderness, prepping it to be sliced and piled onto pillowy, spicy rye bread.

Read more: The Most Iconic Sandwich In Every State

How Katz's approach has made the deli legendary

Katz's pastrami sandwich, pickles, condiments on tray - Andrew Burton/Getty Images

Many commercial cured meats are treated with additives so the curing only takes a few days. Katz's insistence on doing things the long, hard, right way has always set the deli's pastrami apart. The business is consistently considered one of the very best Jewish delis in NYC  or in the entire country, really. It serves up an astounding 15,000 pounds of pastrami each week, and that's with the pastrami sandwich costing nearly $30. On any given day, you'll find local fans on line with tourists who have made the special trip just for the famous pastrami sandwich. Some of these fans are so devoted, they've gotten married at Katz's, and the deli has been immortalized in films and television shows. Sally Albright's actual order in "When Harry Met Sally" might have been a Katz's turkey sandwich  which may or may not have rankled Katz's pastrami enthusiasts  but the famous scene did at least highlight the deli's overall mouthwatering reputation.

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People have tried to make their own pastrami like that of Katz's, but no matter how well they achieve the taste component, they can't seem to nail the melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. When Redditor Celestron5 asked what the difference could be, many meat lovers chimed in to point out that the deli virtually stands alone in how long it cures its meat, as well as how long it smokes it. Add that to the boiling and steaming stages, and you've got next-level tender pastrami.

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Read the original article on Tasting Table.
It was with my body curled into a bed of river sand, a malleable mattress carved by an ephemeral river, that I fell in love with Africa.

Under a velvet black sky, I watched a boy wrapped in a blue blanket feed a fire  I was still young enough to worry more about whether the boy would ever kiss me (he never did), than the whooping of nearby hyena.

But the magic of that unfiltered experience  waking to the plangent call of a grey-hooded bush shrike; the rhythmic bass hoot of a southern ground hornbill  would become a taproot, anchoring me to this continent.

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More than three decades on, wilderness areas where experiences like this were once impossible, are now largely annexed by luxury camps. Their guests are paying a premium for the privilege of being served iced mojitos and medium-rare kudu in the riverbed in front of their private pool deck. But, for a more grounded safari experience  literally  one country still holds its own.

It is a short one-hour hop from Lusaka to Mfuwe, and from here the journey is properly transportive. Rattling along a single-lane road you pass through a string of rustic villages, each settlement surrounded by fecund leafiness. People on bicycles or foot, braiding hair and drinking beer under hand-painted store signs with names like Only God Knows and Never Give Up.

Authentic Africa, vibrant and alive, the gaps between ever wilder, until finally you trundle over the Luangwa river, and into the dense green of the Zambias most popular national park.

South Luangwa is home to one of the highest leopard population densities in Africa, and guides at Time + Tides Kakuli bushcamp have an excellent track record in finding these elusive cats. You can opt for a standard safari schedule  spending a cumulative six to eight hours in an open game vehicle  but South Luangwa is known for its walking safaris, pioneered here in the 1950s by Norman Carr.

South Luangwa, found in the east of Zambia, is home to one of the highest leopard population densities in Africa - Oliver Fly Photography

Kakuli is a far more elegant base than when Carr  nicknamed Kakuli, meaning old buffalo bull  was running his safaris from this perch overlooking the Luangwa river, but retains a nostalgic charm. Black-and-white photographs of Carr, flanked by two enormous lions  orphan cubs he raised and rewilded  hang in the open-to-the-elements thatched mess area; the five en-suite bungalows  with grass walls and retractable canvas fronts  are simply furnished; glamping, but far roomier and breezier than a tent.

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Walking offers a frisson you dont get on a vehicle. From stroking the petrified-leather of an 800-year-old leadwood, wood so dense it sinks, to studying the fresh paw prints of lion, the outside world, with its intrusive demands, is in complete abeyance.

Bush walks are not an uncommon offer, but here you walk between camps, an old-school pioneer experience, albeit hands free and bookended with rustic luxury. From Kakuli to Mchenja, following the Luangwa, accompanied by your guide and armed scout, takes about three hours; luggage is transported by vehicle. Or follow the Lubi rivercourse from Kakuli to Nsolo  the longest walk, at just under nine miles.

Tiny, remote Luwi is a five-mile walk from here. And from any of these bushcamps, a walk to the Lubi river bed to spend a night under the stars is optional  an exclusive set up, with chef and waiter, guide and scout to watch over you  a far more comfortable and safer set up than the one I had with blanket boy, but with feet still on the ground, toes dug into the coarse river sand.

You can try a range of authentic African dishes, including game meat such as kudu - Oliver Fly Photography

The main reason Zambia has stayed so true to the original safari ethos is because its so seasonal, explains safari doyenne Suzanne Baylie, owner of Classic Portfolio, and ardent proponent of Zambia.

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Building a fancy-pants camp in Zambia just isnt as financially viable as it is in better-known safari destinations. It gets really hot from October, then the rainy season starts in December, so the majority of camps have to close operations for at least four  sometimes to even six  months. Its a limited period in which to make money, and the people operating in Zambia tend to do so for passion rather than commercial gain. Its not for the namby-pamby. But this is why Zambia is relatively unchanged from 30 years ago: small, intimate camps  the average is still six rooms  in rustic set ups; privately run; committed to conservation.

That said, the Zambian scene is evolving. Its government has woken up to the benefits of tourism, scrapping visa requirements to 53 countries, and streamlining regulatory red tape to increase flight links. Since the opening of the modernised terminal 2 at Kenneth Kaunda International  funded by a loan from the Exim Bank of China  Zambia has seen a huge increase in visitor numbers, up over 200 per cent from 2021 to 2024.

This in turn has encouraged investment: the opening of the ultra-luxurious Chichele Presidential in South Luangwa earlier this year now attracts a less intrepid traveller to the walkers paradise, offering the kind of luxury that is de rigueur in Botswanas Delta  enormous suites with private plunge pools; a full-service spa; lap pool  and at $1,400 (1,060) per person per night, good value.

Time + Tides Kakuli bushcamp offers five bright and airy safari rooms

In Lower Zambezi National Park  one of the most ethereally beautiful parks in Africa, where river safaris and island sundowners augment the traditional safari experience  Time + Tides Chongwe House has been beautifully overhauled by design duo Silvio Rech and Lesley Carstens  it is your very own barefoot-chic four-bedroom safari home, with a private team looking after your every whim, and at around $900 (680) per person, it is arguably the best-value exclusive-use experience youll find anywhere in Africa.

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New entrants include class-act Botswana outfit Ker & Downey  who this year launched its Zambia division with King Lewanika Lodge in the remote Liuwa Plain National Park, a luxurious base from which to witness Africas second largest wildebeest migration, with nary another human in sight  and Anantara who open Kafue River Camp in 2026, creating a seamless connection with their Royal Livingstone in Victoria Falls. Anantara sales director Lindi Mthethwas response to why is succinct:

Zambia is on the rise, but remains wonderfully unspoiled. For those seeking original Africa, the kind that feels raw and rare, now is the time to go.

Essentials

Ethiopian Airlines flies daily from Heathrow to Lusaka (via Addis Ababa) from 680 return. Time + Tide offers a stay-seven-pay-six package (combining three nights each in their Mchenja and Kakuli bushcamps, optional walk between, one night sleep out, and one night at luxurious Chinzombo) for $8,215 (6,220) per person.

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The Vietnam War, an infamous clash of the 20th century, is often remembered for its contentious nature and lasting impact on American society. While the war's major events and outcomes are well-documented, various lesser-known facts and untold stories shine a light on the complex nature of this tumultuous period.

Off the battlefield, the Vietnam War was a social, political, and cultural sensation that shaped a generation. From the widespread use of helicopters to the dawn of the anti-war movement, the war's impact extended far beyond the jungles of Vietnam. By diving deeper into these lesser-known parts of the conflict, we can better understand the war and its far-reaching impact.

Lets consider 14 lesser-known facts about the Vietnam War that you might not know. We're not here to debate whether the war was justified or who was right or wrong in different decisions made. These hidden truths will simply challenge your assumptions and provide a fresh perspective on these historical moments.

1. The Youngest American Casualty

Image Credit: USMC - Public Domain/Wiki Commons.

In the annals of the Vietnam War, a somber record is held by Dan Bullock, a mere 15-year-old from North Carolina. Bullock, driven by a youthful sense of patriotism, lied about his age to enlist in the Marines, only to become the youngest American soldier to perish in the conflict.

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Bullock's tragic fate serves as a poignant reminder of the war's indiscriminate toll on young lives. It underscores the vulnerability of those thrust into the horrors of combat, their innocence shattered by the harsh realities of war.

2. A War of Attrition

Image Credit: Unknown author - Public Domain/Wiki Commons.

The Vietnam War was not a series of decisive battles but a grueling war of attrition. The U.S. military, believing in its superior firepower, employed a strategy aimed at wearing down the enemy through relentless bombing campaigns and ground operations.

The goal was to inflict such heavy casualties on the North Vietnamese and Viet Cong forces that their will to fight would crumble. This approach, however, proved costly and controversial, leading to widespread destruction, immense human suffering, and, ultimately, a stalemate.

3. The Soundtrack of a Generation

Image Credit: United States Army - Public Domain/Wiki Commons.

Music was more than just a backdrop to the Vietnam War; it was the heartbeat of a generation. Songs like "Fortunate Son" by Creedence Clearwater Revival and "We Gotta Get Out of This Place" by The Animals resonated deeply with soldiers and anti-war protesters alike.

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These powerful anthems captured the angst, disillusionment, and longing for peace that defined the era. Music became a unifying force, a means of expression, and a testament to the human spirit's resilience in the face of adversity.

4. Agent Orange: A Toxic Legacy

Image Credit: US Army - Public Domain/Wiki Commons.

The U.S. military's use of Agent Orange, a potent herbicide, to defoliate dense jungle areas had devastating consequences that extended far beyond the battlefield. The chemical, intended to expose enemy hiding places, caused widespread environmental damage and severe health problems, including birth defects and cancers, in both Vietnamese civilians and American veterans.

The legacy of Agent Orange continues to haunt those affected, with ongoing debates about its long-term effects and the responsibility of the U.S. government to provide compensation and healthcare. It serves as a chilling reminder of the unintended consequences of war and the ethical dilemmas surrounding the use of chemical weapons.

5. Tet Offensive: A Turning Point

Image Credit: Deposit Photos.

The Tet Offensive, a series of brutal attacks launched by the North Vietnamese and Viet Cong forces in 1968, was a surprise attack that shook the American public and marked a turning point in the war. While the U.S. and South Vietnamese forces ultimately repelled the offensive, it exposed the vulnerabilities of their strategy and challenged the narrative of American military superiority.

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The offensive's psychological impact was profound, eroding public support for the war and fueling anti-war sentiment. It demonstrated the resilience and determination of the North Vietnamese and Viet Cong forces, casting doubt on the feasibility of a swift American victory.

6. My Lai: A Massacre Unveiled

Image Credit: Ronald L. Haeberle - Public Domain/Wiki Commons.

The My Lai Massacre, a horrific war crime committed by U.S. soldiers in 1968, revealed the dark underbelly of the conflict. The massacre, in which hundreds of unarmed Vietnamese civilians were killed, was initially covered up but eventually exposed, leading to widespread outrage and further tarnishing the image of the U.S. military.

The incident sparked a national reckoning over the morality of the war and the conduct of American soldiers. It served as a stark reminder of the potential for brutality and dehumanization in conflict and underscored the importance of accountability and justice.

7. Women in the War

Image Credit: Unknown author or not provided - U.S. National Archives and Records Administration - Public Domain/Wiki Commons.

Women played an indispensable yet often overlooked role in the Vietnam War. While officially barred from direct combat roles, many American women served in vital positions, such as nurses, intelligence officers, and support personnel. Their contributions were crucial to the war effort, providing medical care, gathering intelligence, and supporting the morale of troops.

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Vietnamese women, on the other hand, actively participated in combat, serving in guerrilla units and playing a vital role in the resistance against the American and South Vietnamese forces. Their courage and resilience in the face of adversity shattered traditional gender roles and cemented their place in the history of the conflict.

8. The Draft Lottery: A Game of Chance and Controversy

Image Credit: Created By: War Department - Public Domain/Wiki Commons.

In 1969, the U.S. government implemented the draft lottery, a system designed to determine which young men would be called to serve in the Vietnam War. The lottery, based on birthdays, was intended to be a fair and impartial method of selection. However, it quickly became controversial, as many viewed it as arbitrary and unjust.

The draft lottery sparked widespread protests and resistance, with critics arguing that it disproportionately affected low-income and minority communities. The system's perceived unfairness fueled anti-war sentiment and further divided the nation.

9. The Fall of Saigon: A Dramatic End to a Tumultuous Era

Image Credit: Anonymous - Public Domain/Wiki Commons.

The fall of Saigon in 1975 marked the end of the Vietnam War and the reunification of Vietnam under communist rule. The chaotic evacuation of American personnel and South Vietnamese refugees from Saigon was a dramatic and poignant moment, symbolizing the end of an era and the human cost of the conflict. The images of helicopters lifting off from rooftops and desperate crowds clamoring for escape remain etched in the collective memory.

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The fall of Saigon had profound geopolitical implications, reshaping the balance of power in Southeast Asia and marking the end of American involvement in the region. It also left a lasting legacy of trauma and displacement for millions of Vietnamese people.

10. The Tunnels of Cu Chi

Image Credit: Deposit Photos.

The Viet Cong, the communist guerrilla force in South Vietnam, built an elaborate network of underground tunnels known as the Cu Chi Tunnels. These tunnels served as hiding places, supply routes, and communication centers, allowing the Viet Cong to evade American forces and launch surprise attacks. The tunnels were a testament to the Viet Cong's resilience and ingenuity, and their existence posed a significant challenge to the U.S. military.

The Cu Chi Tunnels were a marvel of engineering, with intricate networks of tunnels, chambers, and booby traps. They provided the Viet Cong with a crucial advantage in the war, allowing them to operate effectively despite overwhelming odds. Today, the tunnels are a popular tourist attraction, offering a glimpse into the guerrilla tactics and underground world of the Viet Cong.

11. The Role of Media

Image Credit: This file was contributed to Wikimedia Commons by National Archives at College Park - Public Domain/Wiki Commons.

The Vietnam War was the first televised war, with images and footage of the conflict broadcast into American homes on a nightly basis. This unprecedented access to information shaped public opinion and fueled the anti-war movement. The media's portrayal of the war, with its graphic images of violence and suffering, brought the realities of combat into the living rooms of millions of Americans, sparking a national debate about the morality and purpose of the war.

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The power of media to influence public perception and shape political discourse was evident during the Vietnam War. It highlighted the importance of independent journalism and the role of the media in holding governments accountable.

12. The Christmas Bombing of Hanoi

Image Credit: Unknown author or not provided - U.S. National Archives and Records Administration - Public Domain/Wiki Commons.

In December 1972, the U.S. military launched a massive bombing campaign against Hanoi and other targets in North Vietnam. The bombings, codenamed Operation Linebacker II, were intended to force North Vietnam back to the negotiating table and end the war. However, the campaign was widely condemned for its brutality and civilian casualties, further eroding public support for the war.

The Christmas Bombing remains a controversial episode in the war, raising questions about the use of force and its impact on civilian populations.

13. The War Powers Resolution

Image Credit: Cecil W. Stoughton - Public Domain/Wiki Commons.

In 1973, the U.S. Congress passed the War Powers Resolution, a law aimed at limiting the President's power to wage war without Congressional approval. The resolution was a direct response to the Vietnam War, where the executive branch had escalated U.S. involvement without a formal declaration of war.

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The War Powers Resolution marked a significant shift in the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches on matters of war and peace, underscoring the importance of Congressional oversight in military affairs.

14. The Refugee Crisis

Image Credit: USN - Public Domain/Wiki Commons.

The Vietnam War led to a massive refugee crisis, with millions of people fleeing their homes in search of safety and a better life. Many of these refugees faced hardship and discrimination in their new countries, but made significant contributions to their adopted communities.

The Vietnamese diaspora is now a vibrant and diverse community, enriching the cultural fabric of many nations worldwide.
More than a dozen people were arrested in Provo early Sunday when police busted an illegal cockfighting operation.

Police say the investigation began as a welfare check.

During the course of a welfare check, officers were alerted to possible organized fighting involving roosters located at 1215 W. 600 South. Further investigation into the address history showed that there was a previous report of animal fighting, back in 2019, a police booking affidavit states.

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As part of their investigation, detectives flew a drone over the property and observed several people entering and exiting a shed.

Drone footage also showed several vehicles in the parking area and showed people loading cages in and out of vehicles, according to the affidavit.

An officer in an unmarked vehicle then got close enough to the shed where he could see flashing lights coming from the shed and I could hear chickens crowing, the affidavit states. A warrant was then obtained by police to search the property.

As officers cleared the property, seven people were found on the property that told us that there were between 50-100 people present that had fled. Outside agencies were called and six more people were captured in a nearby park, with one of them being a juvenile. A vehicle leaving the property was also stopped at a traffic stop that had five more individuals inside. The total number of people arrested was 16, police said.

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By midday Monday, Provo police spokeswoman Janna-Lee Holland said 17 people had been arrested and at least two additional people would have potential charges of game fowl fighting screened against them by the Utah County Attorneys Office.

Investigators also found more than 56 dead roosters in trailers, trash cans and bags on the property, according to the affidavit.

There was also fresh blood on the chickens; there were 100-plus live roosters as well as hundreds of hens. The dead chickens were found in a large room with benches, score cards, and a winning board with a list of individuals on it. An adjacent room had several bottles of liquid with needles in them that are used to make the roosters more aggressive, the affidavit alleges. That room also contained several trophies that were labeled with various chicken-related achievements.

In the vehicle stopped by police that had driven away from the shed, police found razor claws for the roosters, more aggression-inducing drugs and two roosters in a box, the affidavit says.

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More than a dozen people were booked into the Utah County Jail for investigation of potential charges such as aggravated cruelty to an animal, game fowl fighting, drug possession and fleeing from police.

Those arrested came from all over Utah, including Salt Lake City, West Jordan, Magna, Huntington, Mt. Pleasant in Sanpete County, Layton, Provo, Roosevelt, Cleveland in Emery County and National City, California.

Police say the investigation remains active.
KIEV, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- At least four people were killed and 22 others injured in a Russian missile strike on the city of Dnipro in central Ukraine on Monday, according to a local official.

Preliminary information showed the attack damaged an enterprise and a car service station, said Vladyslav Haivanenko, acting head of Dnipropetrovsk regional administration, on Telegram.

All the injured were hospitalized. Rescue efforts involving medical personnel and police were ongoing as of midday (1000 GMT) Monday. 
Two suspects were arrested for allegedly stealing over $200,000 worth of merchandise from stores across Southern California.

The suspects were identified as Jashawn Murphy, 27, and Keniya Shaney Stallworth, 25, both Los Angeles residents, according to the Irvine Police Department.

The pair is believed to be responsible for stealing goods from retailers throughout Los Angeles and Orange counties, police said.

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In October, Irvine detectives investigated a theft from a local Marshalls store where the pair allegedly ransacked the business and escaped with $3,000 worth of clothing.

Keniya Shaney Stallworth, 25, was arrested for alleged burglary, conspiracy and organized retail theft on Nov. 24, 2025. (Irvine Police Department) Jashawn Murphy, 27, was arrested for alleged burglary, conspiracy and organized retail theft on Nov. 24, 2025. (Irvine Police Department) Jashawn Murphy, 27, and Keniya Shaney Stallworth, 25, both Los Angeles residents, were arrested for allegedly stealing over $200,000 worth of merchandise from stores across Southern California. (Irvine Police Department)

Following an investigation, police identified Murphy and Stallworth as the primary suspects. On Nov. 24, they were spotted by officers in Los Angeles where they were taken into custody.

Both were arrested for burglary, conspiracy, and organized retail theft. Stallworth was also charged with violating her parole.

Detectives searched their residence and found additional stolen property and evidence, police said.

No further details were released as the thefts remain under investigation. Anyone with additional information can call Irvine police at 949-724-7000.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
Authorities have arrested and charged two men in connection with alleged assaults involving students at Boylston Elementary School.

According to the Boylston Police Department, the department was notified by the Boylston Berlin Regional School District about a report of inappropriate behavior involving juveniles at the school.

Police say they immediately launched an investigation in collaboration with the Worcester County District Attorneys Office and the Boylston Berlin Regional School District.

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A 26-year-old Brighton man has been charged with four counts of indecent assault and battery on a child under 14 and one count of assault and battery. A 24-year-old man has been charged with two counts of indecent assault and battery on a child under 14.

Both men are expected to be arraigned later today.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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Two parents were killed and at least 72 more people displaced when a fire ripped through a New Jersey apartment building early Sunday morning, authorities said.

The blaze in Plainfield started around 1 a.m. in a top floor apartment at 308 West Front St., WCBS reported. The apartment was home to two adults and their two children, neighbors said.

All four residents were rushed to a nearby hospital, but the two parents were pronounced dead, according to WABC. The two children, who were spotted sprinting out of the building by the superintendent, survived and have been released. The victims have not been publicly identified.

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They didnt have no clothes, no shoes, it was freezing, I take off my jacket and give to them and ask, Where is your mother, where is your father?' superintendent Hugo Fernandez told the station.

Fernandez also said he tried to enter the apartment where the fire began, but it was a total nightmare inferno, black smoke, I couldnt breathe  so dangerous.

The building had 24 units, and 72 people were left without a place to sleep on Sunday night, NJ.com reported. Plainfield Mayor Adrian O. Mapp told WCBS some residents could return as soon as Monday. The cause of the blaze remains under investigation.
A New Jersey community is in mourning after a fire erupted early Sunday morning, killing two parents, according to officials.

A wall of fire shot out of an apartment on West Front Street in Plainfield around 1 a.m.

Hugo Fernandez is the super at the building and says a couple and their two small children lived in the apartment where the fire broke out. He says he went door-to-door trying to get people out and saw the kids running out.

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"They didn't have no clothes, no shoes, it was freezing, I take off my jacket and give to them and ask 'where is your mother, where is your father?'" Fernandez said.

Fernandez said at one point he did try to approach the top floor apartment, but he had to back out.

"Total nightmare inferno, black smoke, I couldn't breathe - so dangerous," he says.

At the time, Andres Perez was inside his apartment with his family and one-month-old boy. Perez also ran into the hallway banging on doors.

Perez was at a nearby Red Cross shelter and his son is staying elsewhere with relatives.

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"We are living a real nightmare. We don't know yet if we can retrieve out stuff. We have our documents and clothes and the babies' clothes and milk and diapers," he said.

Hours after the fire, some residents were allowed back in to see what was left.

Neighbors say the kids who lived in the unit and their parents were all taken to the hospital, where the parents later died.

The identity of the victims who died are not yet known.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

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Nearly two years after The Oklahoman asked the Oklahoma State Department of Education for public records about controversial proposed changes to administrative rules for alternative schools, the agency has provided the records.

The records arrived nearly two months after Ryan Walters resigned as the agency's top official. Under Walters, the agency received criticism for its slow handling of requests for public information made under the Oklahoma Open Records Act.

New state schools Superintendent Lindel Fields, who took office Oct. 2, has pledged to address the agencys large backlog of requests.

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Agency officials told The Oklahoman on Nov. 20 that the newspaper's request for records about the proposed rules wasnt filled because now-former employees had tried but failed to deliver the records. An email sent to an active address at The Oklahoman bounced back because the size of the files attached to the email was too large.

The request was the first of multiple pending requests filed by The Oklahoman with the agency to be filled. Agency officials have told reporters that in some cases, requests must be refiled if they want them to be filled.

The Oklahoman filed the records request on Nov. 22, 2023, amid ongoing debate about the rules proposal regarding alternative schools. At that time, supporters of what was then the states only recognized alternative virtual charter school, Insight School of Oklahoma said the changes would have effectively shut the school down.

An open-records request filed in 2023 and never filled by the Oklahoma State Department of Education under former state Superintendent Ryan Walters' watch since has been filled by new leadership at the agency.

The changes, if approved by the Oklahoma State Board of Education, would have required students to be physically present, in person and on-site in the alternative education program."

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On Nov. 15, 2023, the Department of Education held a public hearing, when most speakers spoke out against the proposed rules. Some members of the public also submitted written comments about the proposal. The Oklahoman asked to review all of the comments concerning the proposal that had been submitted in writing.

On Dec. 7, 2023, Dan Isett  then the agencys director of communications  asked if a search term in the open records request could be slightly altered, and The Oklahoman agreed. Emails obtained by The Oklahoman show Isett was relaying a request from Marley Billingsley, who was then the agencys open records coordinator.

Several months passed. Then on Oct. 8, 2024, an anonymous agency email address attempted to send a message with four attachments  varying from 19 to 131 pages apiece  to The Oklahoman. Isett and Kellie Keefe, then a paralegal at the agency, were copied on the email. The Oklahoman never received the email because of a message size violation.

Instead of contacting the newspaper to find an alternative method of responding to the records request, the agency marked the request as filled, said Victoria Dion, an investigator and the agencys current program manager for open records requests. To provide the information requested by The Oklahoman, Dion sent four separate emails, each with one attachment.

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Isett, Keefe and Billingsley no longer work for the agency. Isett now is a deputy director for communications for the Texas Department of Agriculture. Keefe now is a paralegal for the Oklahoma Alcoholic Beverage Laws Enforcement Commission. Its not immediately clear where Billingsley works.

Isett said Nov. 24 that the issues surrounding the sending of the October 2024 email doesnt ring a bell right off, but I wouldnt have been involved in ORR responses, generally.

Keefe did not immediately respond to a message sent to her state email address at the ABLE Commission.

Records show most people opposed rule changes

After the open records request was filled, The Oklahoman reviewed all of the written comments from 2023 concerning the administrative rules proposal. The vast majority of commenters were against the proposed changes. Among those submitting comment against the proposal included current or former superintendents from school districts serving Pauls Valley, Ketchum, Shidler, Mooreland, Calvin, Butner and Lane.

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What happened to that rules proposal? The state Board of Education amended the proposal to remove the language that concerned Insight School of Oklahoma and its supporters before voting to approve it.

A few months later, language surfaced in a bill by state Rep. Danny Sterling, R-Tecumseh, that would have required alternative education to be in-person and would have prohibited eligibility for alternative education state funding if that requirement isnt met.

Sterlings bill passed in the House of Representatives but failed to receive a committee hearing in the Senate.

Few records requests filled under Walters

The Oklahoman's request for records surrounding the controversy stalled as Walters faced public criticism for the way his agency was handling such requests. In July 2024, state Attorney General Gentner Drummond sent a letter to Walters, saying his office had received an alarming number of complaints about how the state agency treats open records requests.

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According to the complaints, the requests are unanswered. Throughout my administration, my staff has contacted SDE representatives on several occasions regarding the complaints without substantive response. Often, the SDE has inconceivably also ignored these inquiries. SDEs inaction on these critical requests is unacceptable.

Drummond, however, never filed any charges against Walters or the agency concerning potential violations of the Open Records Act. Walters resigned Sept. 30.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: After 2 years, OSDE discloses records requested under Ryan walters
This story was originally posted on MyNorthwest.com

Three Washington men have been charged with child sexual abuse crimes over the last two months as part of separate investigations by the FBI.

Of the three men, two reside in Snohomish County while the other lives in King County. Each case involved the defendants using the internet to contact victims or obtain child sexual abuse material, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced.

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The government shutdown did not slow our work to investigate and prosecute those who harm children, U.S. Attorney Neil Floyd said. There is no place in society for those who prey on vulnerable victims  especially children. We all must be vigilant about protecting our children from those who seek to harm them via the internet.

Lynnwood suspect charged with child sexual abuse crimes

On Oct. 28, Lynnwood resident Anatoli Tony Fefelov, 30, was charged with distribution of images of child sexual abuse and attempted enticement of a minor.

A 13-year-old minor reported to the FBI National Threat Operations Center that a Discord user (Fefelov) had harassed, coerced, and threatened the minor to produce child sexual abuse material.

An investigation revealed that a Kik account linked to Fefelov was distributing child sexual abuse images.

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Law enforcement searched Fefelovs Lynnwood home and located an electronic device that allegedly contained images of child sexual abuse.

Fefelov was indicted by a grand jury on Nov. 12. His trial is scheduled for January 20, 2026.

Registered sex offender charged with child sexual abuse in WA

On Oct. 30, 28-year-old Aqeel Ibn-Khalid Shareef was charged with the production of child sexual abuse material.

In January 2024, Shareef was convicted of state sex crimes that included the rape of a minor. Shareef was ordered to register as a sex offender and would be monitored by the Washington State Department of Corrections (DOC) after his prison term.

The DOC contacted the FBI in October 2025 over concerns that Shareef had unauthorized electronic devices. The Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force arrested Shareef and seized two unauthorized electronic devices.

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An investigation revealed that Shareefs electronic devices contained communications with a minor and sexual abuse images of the minor. Shareef was indicted on Nov. 12, and his trial is scheduled for January 20, 2026.

Marysville suspect in possession of hundreds of child sexual abuse material

On Nov. 21, 55-year-old Robert Anthony Fiore of Marysville pleaded guilty to possession of images of child sexual abuse. Fiore is a registered sex offender with sex crime convictions in California.

The investigation into Fiore began after the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received a cybertip report from Dropbox that child sexual abuse material was uploaded on Fiores account.

Search warrants were obtained and served on Fiores electronic devices, which revealed 50 videos and 242 images of child sexual abuse.

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Fiore admitted in the plea agreement to chatting online with more than a dozen minors as young as 12 years old.

Fiore is scheduled to be sentenced on February 18, 2026.

Thanks to the hard work of FBI Violent Crimes Against Children squads and task forces across the country, we and our partners are holding predators accountable for the harm they inflict on young people, including by circulating images and videos depicting sexual exploitation of minors on the internet, said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office. Once online, this content is extremely difficult to remove and re-victimizes these children each and every time it is shared.

Follow Jason Sutich on X. Send news tips here.
When is the next rocket launch from Cape Canaveral? There's a wait

Those visiting the Space Coast this Thanksgiving holiday week may be out of luck when it comes to seeing a rocket launch. There is not a launch in sight until early next week.

A week without a launch on the Space Coast is a rare occurrence. However, after hitting the 101st launch of the year on Nov. 22, the Florida launch cadence has drastically slowed. While Cape Canaveral sees an average of two rocket launches per week, this holiday week is bringing the gap between launch days to over a week.

Read the full story here.

NASA releases images of 3I/ATLAS. What the interstellar comet looks like

Just days ago, NASA dropped a batch of new images of a comet from an entirely different solar system that has for months been a source of public fascination and speculation.

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The object, named 3I/ATLAS, is just the third comet to ever be discovered in Earth's cosmic neighborhood originating from elsewhere in the universe. The interstellar interloper, which is likely way older than Earth, has been hurtling through our solar system at dizzying speeds and will one day soon be gone forever.

Read the full story here.

NASA says Boeing's Starliner to fly again, but without astronauts first

NASA has long insisted that it wants to retain Boeings troubled Starliner spacecraft as an option to ferry astronauts to the space station  even after the June 2024 crewed flight test left NASA and Boeing racing for a solution to get two astronauts home.

Now the space agency announced a new plan to get Starliner finally certified to fly crew.

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Read the full story here.

NASA astronaut to launch for ISS on Russian Soyuz spacecraft. How to watch

An American astronaut is due to spend his Thanksgiving Day traveling with two Russians to the International Space Station.

Chris Williams of NASA is one of three spacefarers who will launch aboard a Roscosmos Soyuz spacecraft from Kazakhstan. For eight months after, Williams and his cosmonaut crewmates will live and work at the iconic orbital laboratory, which recently marked 25 years with a continuous human presence.

Read the full story here.

Here's what NASA astronauts are eating on Thanksgiving aboard the ISS

On Thanksgiving, crew members aboard the International Space Station can fortunately forget about NASA's Apollo-era turkey salad that resembled salmon-colored glue poured into a chrome cat-food-like can.

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Instead  in addition to traditional Thanksgiving meal items  ISS crew members will enjoy a holiday feast of clams, oysters, crab meat, quail and smoked salmon, along with sides and trimmings.

Read the full story here.

Space Beat: NASA to give Boeing's Starliner 2nd chance with 2026 uncrewed mission

We hit 100. This week on Space Beat, host Rob Landers and Space Reporter Brooke Edwards talk about the SpaceX Falcon 9 mission that put Brevard in the triple digits for orbital launches in a single year.

Also, NASA plans to give Boeing's Starliner another chance at certification with an uncrewed launch in spring 2026.

Read the full story here.

SpaceX targets Monday-Tuesday rocket launches on Starlink missions in Florida

After remaining earthbound during the Thanksgiving holiday week, SpaceX's Florida fleet of Falcon 9 rockets will resume launching into orbit with a pair of Starlink missions Monday, Dec. 1, and Tuesday, Dec. 2.

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SpaceX's first four-hour launch window will extend from 12 a.m. to 4 a.m. Monday from pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center.

Read the full story here.

SpaceX launch recap of live updates from Starlink mission from Florida

Launch recap: Scroll down to review live updates from the Monday, Dec. 1, liftoff of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral on the Starlink 6-86 mission.

Read the full story here.

Astronaut rescue. Melbourne firm deploys by air, sea for crewed Cape launches

Shane Smith walked alongside a heavy-duty, hexagon-shaped orange-and-yellow inflatable raft that is custom-engineered for a select crew of passengers: rescued astronauts who splashed down far offshore at sea.

"When this is inflated, it's not like your standard life raft. It's like a stand-up paddleboard. The floor is just as rigid. You can do chest compressions, medical treatments  it's not all wet and soupy like a normal life raft," said Smith, who is a former U.S. Air Force Reserve 920th Rescue Wing command chief.

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Read the full story here.

For the latest news from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and NASA's Kennedy Space Center, visit floridatoday.com/space. Another easy way: Click here to sign up for our weekly Space newsletter.

Rick Neale is a Space Reporter at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Neale at Rneale@floridatoday.com. Twitter/X: @RickNeale1

Space is important to us and that's why we're working to bring you top coverage of the industry and Florida launches. Journalism like this takes time and resources. Please support it with a subscription here.

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: 321 Launch: Space news you may have missed over the past week (Dec. 1)
A masked thief stole $40,000 worth of Pokemon cards and other collectible cards from a Mashpee game store hours before opening for its Black Friday sale, owner Robert Drexler said.

The burglar apparently shot his way into Dark Water Games around midnight with what Drexler believes was a BB or pellet gun, leaving marks in the walls and shattered glass on the ground.

Surveillance video shows the criminal emptying cases of Magic: The Gathering product and filling a bag, along with Pokemon, Lorcana, and Yu-Gi-Oh! graded cards.

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It definitely looks like they came in and wanted to take a very particular thing, Drexler said. They knew exactly where to walk, exactly what stuff they took.

The valuable cards have unique serial numbers, so they can be flagged online as stolen, making it difficult for a thief to resell them.

You hear about it everywhere else, customer and friend Thatcher Sims said of the burglary. But then, when you walk in, and you see a hole in the wall, youre like, Oh, my goodness. That happened somewhere I go? Thats crazy.

The ordeal is emotional for Drexler. The shop is like a second home, where his customers have become friends. Playing card games has shaped his life and formed his community.

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[When] I was a kid growing up, it kept me out of drugs, it kept me out of gangs, Drexler said. So, thats a big deal for me. Its a big community thing.

But its what happened as police began investigating that has cheered up Drexler. Arriving shoppers offered to clean up the mess, brought coffee and contributed to some of the biggest Black Friday sales the store has ever had.

At first, we were very worried about how much they took, were we going to be able to sell and stuff, Drexler said. But all our customers were awesome. They came in; we were able to help them all out. They shared stories, made us laugh, helped us through the day.

Drexler will be working with his insurance company in the coming days, as he says police plan to collect surveillance video from neighboring businesses.

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This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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A 58-year-old Ohio man is dead after a snowmobile crash.

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Crews were dispatched to private property in the 5200 block of Latcha Road in Wood County around 7:30 p.m. on reports of a crash, CBS affiliate WTOL-11 reported.

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The investigation revealed that a man was riding a snowmobile west in a field just north of Latcha Road when he struck a utility pole.

The man was identified as 58-year-old Robert Albert Bortles III of Walbridge, WTOL-11 reported.

Bortles was taken to a hospital in Toledo, where he later died.

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(Photo Credit: Francis Chung for POLITICO and AP)

A blistering report from a number of current and former federal agents blasted the FBI under Director Kash Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino, saying it has been a circus and all f*cked up under their leadership.

The 115-page report, first reported on by The New York Posts Miranda Devine on Monday, was from the National Alliance of Retired and Active-Duty FBI Special Agents and Analysts. It paints a damning picture of the bureau under Patel, who is branded as someone who is insecure, lacks self-confidence, and is unfit for the role. Bongino, meanwhile, is described as a clown.

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Those current and former agents recently shared the pulse check report with the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, which is chaired by Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA). Here are six of the most brutal, wild, and funny takeaways below:

1. Patel refused to leave a plane until someone found him a medium size FBI jacket belonging to a female agent

The director, according to one unnamed agent, refused to leave a plane that had landed in Utah, following the murder of Charlie Kirk, until someone gave him a size medium FBI jacket. The agent said there were plenty of large and extra-large jackets available, but Patel insisted on a medium sized jacket  which sent agents scrambling to find him one while they were busy working on the shooting. Eventually a female FBI Special Agent gave him a jacket that fit his requirements.

Patel then refused to leave the plane again, after noticing it was missing a few Velcro patches he wanted. A couple members of the FBI Swat team nearby found the patches he wanted, ran them over to the airport, and Patel finally departed the plane.

2. FBI agents laughed at Patel for ordering the removal of pronouns and messages from email signatures  even though his email signature contained his own message

Another unnamed agent said several agents laughed at what was perceived as hypocrisy from Patel, after he emailed agents in August, telling them to remove all pronouns and special messages from their email signatures.

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The agents mocked him, because Patel did not follow his own orders  his email signature included #9, which FBI personnel interpreted as Patel pointing out he was the bureaus 9th director.

3. Patels FBI is infected by a culture of mistrust and uncertainty

The bureau is paralyzed by a lack of confidence in leadership and a general feeling of mistrust and uncertainty, multiple anonymous sources said in the report. That mistrust, one agent said, has been exacerbated by Patels criticism of the FBI before he took over.

Agents are afraid of losing their jobs and are making operational decisions based on that fear, one agent said.

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Another unnamed agent said everyone is on pins and needles about what they are required to do next, who will get fired, and who will get re-assigned for non-specific reasons.

4. Feds are tired of Patel and Bonginos obsession with social media

A number of feds said they were sick of the frequent use of social media by both Patel and Bongino. One agent lamented they often find out about FBI news first on social media, rather than via internal communication, and another blasted both leaders, saying they are too often concerned with building [their own] personal resumes via X.

5. Patel ordered agents to take a polygraph test after they discussed whether he should be issued an FBI firearm

Patel was upset after catching wind that a few dozen FBI agents discussed his request to be issued an FBI firearm. Those agents had mixed opinions on the matter  some agreed he should have one, others did not, and still others were indifferent, according to one source.

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The director, after the discussion was leaked to him, ordered those agents to submit to polygraph examinations to determine their involvement in the discussion and any actions they may have taken after the discussion took place. The unnamed agent described it as punitive; the report does not mention what came of the polygraph tests.

6. Bongino disgusted agents when he declared The truth is for chumps

Several FBI agents were shocked when Bongino told personnel at a western FBI office that The truth is for chumps. It is unclear what the context was for the statement, but one agent was offended and appalled by the comment, while several others said they were stunned by it.

You can read about several other notable takeaways  including agents believing the FBI is full of employees suffering from Trump Derangement Syndrome and agents being upset they have had to assist ICE  by reading the full report here.

The post 6 Craziest Revelations From Scathing Report on Kash Patel  Including His Refusal to Leave a Plane Until He Was Given a Female Agents Jacket first appeared on Mediaite.
People visit the 2025 World Green Development Investment and Trade Expo & China Green Food Expo in Nanchang, east China's Jiangxi Province, Nov. 28, 2025. (Xinhua)

NANCHANG, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- A robot named "Pasini" drew crowds at the 2025 World Green Development Investment and Trade Expo & China Green Food Expo, as it moved its mechanical arms, which are fitted with nearly 2,000 tactile sensors.

Indian blogger Amit Kumar raised his phone to livestream the scene to his followers overseas, enthusiastically explaining the advanced technology on display.

"This expo is amazing! It showcases cutting-edge green technologies while offering a chance to sample eco-friendly cuisine from around the world," Kumar said.

The event, held from Nov. 27 to 30 in Nanchang, capital of east China's Jiangxi Province, brought together more than 2,500 exhibitors from over 60 countries and regions.

The event showcased the latest green technologies across various industries such as new energy, artificial intelligence, embodied intelligence and low-altitude economy, as well as green food products from around the world. According to organizers, more than 60 projects worth 45 billion yuan (about 6.36 billion U.S. dollars) were signed.

In recent years, China has actively advanced green energy transition through concrete actions, establishing the world's largest clean energy supply system.

According to the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, China has helped reduce global wind and photovoltaic power generation costs by over 60 percent and 80 percent, respectively, and accounts for 46 percent of the world's renewable energy jobs.

By 2024, China's exports of wind and solar products had helped other countries cumulatively reduce carbon emissions by over 1 billion tonnes.

"China is actively seeking deeper cooperation in the global green industry and working toward its carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals," said Jia Kang, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Fiscal Sciences.

Seah Shoo Chin, Malaysian State Executive Councillor for Malacca, welcomed Chinese enterprises to explore green industry cooperation in Malaysia.

Malacca is advancing green projects such as waste-to-energy initiatives while offering industrial parks for investment and high-quality halal food certification. "We hope to deepen China-Malaysia cooperation in green manufacturing, clean energy, and the circular economy, creating both inclusive and replicable projects," Seah said.

The exhibition also attracted buyers from across the globe, many of whom were impressed with the innovative products on display. Souley Flhadji Adamou from the Republic of Niger, who has been engaged in China-Africa trade for a decade, was seen testing a rideable electric suitcase.

"This suitcase can run up to 13 kilometers on a single charge. It's smooth and convenient to ride, and it holds significant market potential," he said.

At the Jiangxi Godfrey Technology Co., Ltd. booth, Immaculee Agbaka showcased the company's chargers, speakers and other products to international buyers.

"We've already had over 60 buyers proactively reach out to us, seeking to discuss cooperation details in depth," Agbaka said, noting that visitors from various regions brought diverse needs and suggestions, offering valuable insights for future product upgrades.

Mutale Nalumango, vice president of Zambia, stated at the opening ceremony of the expo that Zambia aspires to build a sustainable and resilient green economy, as climate change has led to prolonged droughts and erratic rainfall patterns, placing pressure on key sectors such as hydropower and agriculture.

"We are deeply grateful to Chinese enterprises and people for coming to Africa, especially for investing and establishing businesses in Zambia, including the development of industrial parks," Nalumango said. "We look forward to further deepening cooperation in areas such as green food and clean energy in the future." 

Foreign traders visit the 2025 World Green Development Investment and Trade Expo & China Green Food Expo in Nanchang, east China's Jiangxi Province, Nov. 28, 2025. (Xinhua)
A 9-year-old Ohio boy is collecting teddy bears to donate to patients spending the holidays at Nationwide Childrens Hospital.

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In a month, Jack has collected hundreds of teddy bears, turning his familys home into Teddy Bear HQ as part of Jacks Bravery Bears, our news partners at WBNS in Columbus reported.

The people at the hospital, when they get it, they can like be brave, he said.

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Jack and his family volunteered last year and made blankets for kids at the hospital. That inspired Jacks Bravery Bears.

I thought wouldnt the kids at Nationwide like to have teddy bears to go with their blankets? he said.

Last year, he collected 445 bears and is aiming to collect even more than that this year.

Jack told WBNS that the best part is imagining the smiles the bears will bring to the patients at Nationwide Childrens Hospital.

Theyre going to be so happy, he said.

Jack and his family have set up a GoFundMe. The money raised will go toward buying more bears for the young patients.

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Heads up, travelers! Two weeks of overnight lane and ramp closures on both directions of Interstate 90 in Bellevue start on Monday, Dec. 1.

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) will be installing overhead electronic message signs across both directions of the freeway.

The signs are being added to bridges installed in early November across both directions of I-90. WSDOT says this work supports ongoing construction on the I-90 Sunset Creek fish passage project.

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According to WSDOT, people traveling on I-90 between the I-405 interchange and 156th Avenue Southeast can expect at least one lane to remain open each night. Signed detours will guide people nightly around ramp closures in this area.

Construction will not happen during weekends.

Westbound I-90 closure:

The following closures are planned from as early as 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. nightly, Monday, Dec. 1, through Friday morning, Dec. 5:

Up to three lanes between I-405 and 156th Avenue Southeast.

Ramps to northbound and southbound I-405.

On-ramps from 142nd Place and 148th, 150th, and 156th avenues southeast.

Off-ramp to 150th Avenue Southeast

Eastbound I-90 closure:

The following closures are planned from as early as 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. nightly Thursday, Dec. 4, until Friday morning, Dec. 5, and Monday, Dec. 8, through Friday morning, Dec. 12:

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Up to three lanes between I-405 and 150th Avenue Southeast.

Northbound and southbound I-405 ramps to eastbound I-90.

Off-ramp to 142nd Place Southeast.

Real-time travel information is available via the WSDOT mobile app, the WSDOT travel map or by signing up for WSDOTs email updates.
The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) in Herford in the west of the country has removed Alexander Eichwald from its faction in the local council following a firebrand speech he held at the weekend, a party representative told dpa.

Bielefeld AfD MP Maximilian Kneller told dpa on Monday that Eichwald has been removed. A spokeswoman for the city of Herford confirmed the information.

At an AfD congress to establish a new youth organization on Sunday, Eichwald took to the podium in Giessen with a speech reminiscent of Nazi Reich Chancellor Adolf Hitler.

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The 30-year-old addressed the participants as "party comrades" and called out to the hall, "We share our love and loyalty to Germany here together."

He said, "it is and remains our national duty to protect German culture from foreign influences," in a statement that met sharp criticism from the hall.

According to Kneller, preparations are also underway in the AfD district association for party expulsion proceedings against Eichwald.

He had only been in the AfD for a few weeks. Hardly anyone knew him, Kneller said.

Eichwald had behaved inconspicuously until now. This suggests that his appearance in Giessen was a deliberate act, whether on his own initiative or on behalf of third parties is speculation, Kneller added.

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The AfD was immediately unanimous and is taking all necessary steps "to get rid of him wherever possible," Kneller asserted.

The information about Eichwald was updated on the city council's website on Monday.

Since the newly elected city parliament was constituted a few weeks ago, he had been listed there as a member of the AfD faction.

Until the committee reshuffle takes effect through a council decision in mid-December, he will be listed as an independent, a spokeswoman for the city of Herford said.
This Giving Tuesday, the African American Small Business Foundation, Inc. is calling on supporters and partners to help minority-owned businesses in New York City grow and thrive in a weakened economy.

On Dec. 2, Giving Tuesday, the organization is highlighting how donors can make a meaningful impact on minority-owned small businesses. The Foundation will accept donations from Dec. 2 through Dec. 31 to support the expansion of its 2026 initiatives.

African American small business support is more than providing assistance; it is a comprehensive strategy designed to uplift families, generate jobs, and stimulate economic mobility, a press release states. The African American Small Business Foundation, Inc. is at the center of this workconnecting entrepreneurs to the resources, knowledge, and networks they need to thrive.

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The campaign supports the Foundations mission to strengthen the economic landscape for Black entrepreneurs through targeted assistance, strategic empowerment, and ongoing community investment. Since its founding in 2022, the Foundation has been a leading advocate for minority business development, working to close opportunity gaps and build a stronger future for small business owners across New York State and beyond.

As part of the campaign, the Foundation is highlighting ways donors can support small minority businesses navigating a challenging economy. Key efforts include expanding access to capital for African American entrepreneurs who face barriers to loans, grants, and investment funding. To address these challenges, the Foundation connects business owners to grant and loan programs, financial institutions, credit-building resources, and capital-readiness training.

The Foundation also offers resources such as training and guidance on business plan development, marketing and branding strategies, digital and e-commerce skills, networking, and equity advocacy to ensure African American entrepreneurs have a strong voice in shaping economic policy, along with a range of other small business tools.

By supporting the Foundation, donors help small Black enterprises create sustainable job opportunities, invest in local communities, and build long-term economic stability for families, all of which are important efforts in a challenging economy.

Stronger businesses build stronger communities, the Foundation said.

RELATED CONTENT: Black Public Media Asks Supporters To Take A Stand On Giving Tuesday Amid Funding Loss
Aftyn Behn, a Tennessee state representative, is bucking conventional wisdom by closing the distance between herself and her Republican opponent in a deep-red district as a strident progressive.

In 2024, Rep. Mark Green, who resigned from Congress earlier this year, won the district by 22 points. As of this morning, Behn is within 2 points of Matt Van Epps, the Republican nominee for the seat, according to a survey from Wednesday.

Behns run also pushes back against what has become conventional wisdom in many Democratic circles: that Democrats need to chase centrist voters even harder by running more conservative candidates, in the mold of the former senator from West Virginia, Joe Manchin, who switched from a Democrat to an independent at the end of his career.

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Behns success in the district, which encompasses much of Nashville and a large swath of central Tennessee, has been built on a progressive platform focused on improving the material conditions of the working class while refusing corporate PAC and special interest donations.

Shes also up against the heft of the national Republican political machine.

As of the week before the election, on Dec. 2, Republican PACs had committed $2.3 million to attacking Behn and supporting Van Epps. In the same period, the national Democratic apparatus, believing they have a shot to further shrink the GOPs dwindling House majority, have committed $1.8 million to the race.

Behn described the situation as having the Republican eye of Sauron breathing down my neck in an interview with Salon. However, she said that all the attacks from national Republicans havent been able to distract from the fact that, for the people of the district, the current Republican majority has been a disaster for Tennesseans.

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It is a matter of life and death for my neighbors who live on TennCare in the aftermath of the big, ugly bill, Behn said, referring to Trumps budget passed earlier this year. She added that she would be a vote to restore the Medicaid funding that Republicans cut in that legislation. That would save lives in my district, and I would absolutely join the coalitions of legislators who want to extend [Affordable Care Act] subsidies.

Behn also said that, in her experience, the best way to connect with the elusive moderate Republican doesnt involve following any think tank playbook; instead, people need to be politically authentic and understand that voters arent moderate  they are pluralistic.

After having knocked thousands of doors across the state, talking about really combative issues, its clear that people have a plurality of opinions and thoughts, Behn said. Especially folks that live in rural towns, they have more populist opinions. And so when youre running on rooting out corruption and making multinational corporations pay what they owe in taxes, as a working mom buying baby formula, it really resonates.

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Behn, who first entered politics as a community organizer around health care in Tennessee, said that she hoped her campaign could be an inflection point for working-class organizing in Tennessee, indicating that state-level issues like Tennessees grocery tax have been common complaints from people in the district.

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This type of organizing, Behn said, would be necessary, not only to potentially win in special elections like the one on Dec. 2, but also to build towards making districts like Tennessees Seventh more competitive during higher turnout election seasons.

But, Behn said, she believed winning the districts like the Seventh would be possible if the party and its candidates were willing to adopt the popular pro-worker and anti-corporate slant of Democrats like herself.

This is the choice in front of us: Do we want to be a party that is bankrolled by the same corporations that are selling us out? Behn asked. Or do we want to be a party that is leading the vanguard to protect workers and to fight for working families?

The post Aftyn Behns rise challenges Tennessees GOP establishment appeared first on Salon.com.
The Afghan refugee accused of shooting two National Guard members Wednesday used to serve in a CIA-backed military unit, and felt abandoned by the agency, Rolling Stone reports.

Rahmanullah Lakanwal served in the Zero Units, a paramilitary unit in Afghanistan led by the CIA and trained by U.S. special operations soldiers. After the Taliban returned to power in the country in 2021, Lakanwal came to the United States with his wife and five sons, settling in Bellingham, Washington.

Lakanwals move to the U.S. was helped by Operation Allies Welcome, a Biden administration initiative to help resettle Afghans fleeing the new regime, especially those who had worked with U.S. personnel and could be in danger from the Taliban. Lakanwal struggled in his new life, though.

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Despite receiving asylum and work authorization from the Trump administration, he was fired from a laundromat job because he didnt have a work authorization card, a fellow member of his unit told the magazine. Lakanwals nephew also wrote a letter to the Bellingham housing authority asking to move the family closer to an Afghan community, citing a physical attack on his uncle that required hospital treatment.

The letter noted that Lakanwal was isolated, lacked English skills, and would benefit from being in a larger area like Seattle where he could easily find work. More than one month ago, Lakanwal reportedly told his unit mate that his missing paperwork meant that he couldnt get a job, leaving his family unable to afford food or a place to rent.

As a result, Lakanwal had to borrow money from friends and other unit members, breaking down in tears when speaking to his unit mate. In June, Lakanwal reached out to a CIA program meant to aid Zero Unit veterans with their immigration issues. Rolling Stone saw a screenshot of a group chat where unit members shared their issues with an agency representative, including Lakanwal, who repeatedly asked for help.

Lakanwals last post was unanswered and deleted by the groups administrator. When the magazine contacted the CIA representative, they claimed it was a wrong number. The agency did not respond to the magazines request for a comment.

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All of this must not have helped Lakanwals mental health. Other reports say that he spent weeks at a time isolated in a dark room and would suffer manic episodes, according to a case worker who helped with his familys relocation. During these episodes, which could last weeks, Lakanwal would make cross-country drives by himself.

After last weeks shooting, which killed one National Guard member and hospitalized another, the Trump administration has used the incident to attack immigration and refugee asylum policies, claiming that Lakanwal was not properly vetted, despite the administrations approving his asylum claim in April.

Its claim belies the fact that Lakanwal worked directly with U.S. personnel in Afghanistan in a select unit that required extreme vetting and a probationary period. Zero Unit veterans were also vetted upon arrival in the U.S. before getting Special Immigrant Visas, meant for Iraqis and Afghans who aided the U.S. government.

Lakanwal may have been suffering from PTSD and feeling frozen out by the U.S. government, an unfortunately common problem affecting military veterans. He also couldnt work thanks to missing immigration paperwork, a problem exacerbated by the Trump administrations wholescale gutting of the federal government. If he had gotten the help he was seeking, who knows if last weeks tragedy could have been averted.
A panel of appeals court judges on Monday upheld the disqualification of Alina Habba, the top federal prosecutor in New Jersey, rejecting President Donald Trumps use of unconventional methods to install loyalists atop U.S. attorney offices across the country.

It is apparent that the current administration has been frustrated by some of the legal and political barriers to getting its appointees in place, Judge D. Michael Fisher, an appointee of President George W. Bush, wrote in the 32-page opinion. Its efforts to elevate its preferred candidate for U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey, Alina Habba, to the role of Acting U.S. Attorney demonstrate the difficulties it has faced  yet the citizens of New Jersey and the loyal employees in the U.S. Attorneys Office deserve some clarity and stability.

The ruling further stymies the Trump administrations use of unusual tactics meant to quickly put or keep largely unqualified U.S. attorneys in place without Senate confirmation. Defendants are also challenging the authority of U.S. attorneys in California and Nevada, where judges have determined the Trump-picked prosecutors are serving unlawfully, and in upstate New York.

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Last week, a judge disqualified top federal prosecutor Lindsey Halligan in the Eastern District of Virginia and tossed the politically charged cases she brought against Trumps political enemies: former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James.

The Trump administration could appeal Mondays ruling to the Supreme Court. Spokespeople for the Trump administration and Habba didnt immediately respond to requests for comment.

Thomas Mirigliano, an attorney for one of the criminal defendants who brought the case against Habba, said: The panel issued a clear and carefully reasoned decision that recognizes the extraordinary power vested in U.S. attorneys and reinforces the limits Congress has set on who may occupy those positions. We appreciate the Courts thoughtful approach and the clarity it brings to this important issue.

A judge is set to hear oral arguments Thursday in a case challenging the authority of John Sarcone III, the prosecutor Trump picked to lead the Northern District of New York.

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The panel from the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that upheld Habbas disqualification consisted of Fisher and Judge D. Brooks Smith, appointees of President George W. Bush, and Judge L. Felipe Restrepo, an appointee of President Barack Obama.

During oral arguments in October, the judges appeared skeptical of the Trump administrations efforts, spending over an hour questioning the multistep process the Trump administration used to designate Habba, his former personal attorney, as the top federal prosecutor in New Jersey and keep her there even after district judges chose to replace her.

In most of the cases challenging the legality of U.S. attorneys, the defendants have asked for their indictments to be thrown out, arguing that the top prosecutors in the district didnt have the authority to bring the charges. The decision Monday didnt consider the New Jersey District Courts decision declining to dismiss the indictments.

In the California and Nevada cases, the district judges have declined to dismiss the indictments, ruling they are valid because they were signed and handled not only by the U.S. attorney in question but also by legally serving career prosecutors.

Ry Rivard contributed to this report.
Heres what youll learn when you read this story:

Egyptian archaeologists located a lost 3,500-year-old cemetery containing mummies and statuesamong other discoveries.

They found a Book of the Dead papyrus scroll measuring over 43 feet longa rare surviving copy of the traditional burial item.

The team behind the find was mum on the details of the textual discovery.

Ancient Egyptians sure knew how to stage a burial, including canopic jars to hold organs and scrolls from the Book of the Dead to help the deceased navigate the afterlife.

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In central Egypt, archaeologists uncovered one of these elaborate scenes: a 3,500-year-old New Kingdom cemetery filled with mummies, amulets, statues, canopic jars, and a 43-foot-long papyrus scroll containing part of the Book of the Dead.



This scroll is the first complete papyrus found in the Al-Ghuraifa area, and is characterized by being in good condition, Mustafa Waziri, secretary general of the Egyptian Supreme Council of Antiquities, said in a translated Arabic statement from the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.

While the cemeterydating to sometime between 1550 BC to 1070 BCwas significant for the hundreds of archaeological finds and tombs carved into the rock located within its boundaries, the discovery of what could be a copy of the Book of the Dead captured the attention of experts as a truly rare find. But with few details released to the public about the contents of the scrollbelieved to be 43 to 49 feet in lengththeres plenty of questions remaining about this particular copy of the traditional Egyptian cultural book.

These textswhich can differ depending on the writerfirst appeared at the start of the New Kingdom around 1550 BC. As a result, locating one in good condition from the era isnt a common occurrence.

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If its that long and well-preserved [then its] certainly a great and interesting find, Lara Weiss, CEO of the Roemer and Pelizaeus Museum in Germany, told Live Science.

Foy Scalf, an Egyptologist at The University of Chicago told Live Science that its very rare to find a copy in the grave it was originally buried inalthough, without photographs and an official publication describing the text, its hard to verify the details of the find.

The book, which is more properly translated as The Chapters/Book of Going Forth By Day, played a key role in ancient Egyptian culture. Any examples of the text give researchers insight into ancient Egyptian religion and beliefs about an afterlife, according to the American Research Center in Egypt.

The Book of the Dead reveals central aspects of the ancient Egyptians belief system, the center writes, and, like many topics in Egyptology, our theories are constantly changing, growing, and adapting with every new translation of this text.

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While the Book of the Dead may continue to interest researchersthe Egyptian ministry says they expect the scroll to be displayed in the Grand Egyptian Museumthe text wasnt the only item found in the burial chambers.

The team located stone and wood coffins containing mummies, more than 25,000 ushabti statues, an untold number of utensils, thousands of stone and wooden amulets, and canopic jars. The engraved and colored wooden coffinsincluding that of Ta-de-Isa, daughter of Eret Haru, the high priest of Djehuti in Al-Ashmuninwere highlights of the collection. Next to her coffin were two wooden boxes with her canopic vessels, in addition to a complete set of ushabti statues and a statue of the ostrich-like deity, Ptah Sokar.

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Shane Smith walked alongside a heavy-duty, hexagon-shaped orange-and-yellow inflatable raft that is custom-engineered for a select crew of passengers: rescued astronauts who splashed down far offshore at sea.

"When this is inflated, it's not like your standard life raft. It's like a stand-up paddleboard. The floor is just as rigid. You can do chest compressions, medical treatments  it's not all wet and soupy like a normal life raft," said Smith, who is a former U.S. Air Force Reserve 920th Rescue Wing command chief.

"All kinds of little things: It has a canopy that goes over the top of it. It keeps you off the water. It has ballast bags around it so we can hoist off of it with a helicopter," Smith said.

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"Along with the other equipment, we're ready to keep four critically injured patients alive for up to 72 hours at a very high level of medical care," he said.

Cape Canaveral: Is there a launch today? Upcoming SpaceX, Blue Origin, ULA launch schedule at Cape Canaveral

Smith is co-founder and chief financial officer of Operator Solutions, a startup that bills itself as the first commercial human spaceflight rescue company. Based at Melbourne Orlando International Airport, the firm partners with Axiom Space on its private astronaut missions to the International Space Station.

During the Ax-4 crewed launch in June, Operator Solutions strategically deployed a Lockheed C-130A Hercules military transport plane, two Sikorsky S-76 helicopters, boats, personal watercraft and more than 50 search-and-rescue personnel to swoop in if astronauts need rescued hundreds of miles offshore after a post-liftoff mishap.

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During previous American crewed missions, the Department of Defense handled these responsibilities, Operator Solutions co-founder and CEO Brandon Daugherty said.

The question was constantly being asked: OK, I get it that the Air Force can dedicate special ops guys to jump in and go rescue the astronauts. But whats going to happen when the commercial people start flying?" Daugherty said in June during a National Space Club Florida Committee luncheon speech at Radisson Resort at the Port in Cape Canaveral.

"Your and my tax dollars cant go to support Britney Spears wanting to go to space. And were not going to have a whole team of special ops guys waiting every time theres a space launch with private citizens," Daugherty said.

"And so, there was a real opportunity there, he said.

Drawing on 920th Rescue Wing military backgrounds

Based at Patrick Space Force Base, the 920th Rescue Wing is the Air Force Reserves only dedicated combat search-and-rescue unit.

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Daugherty, a former 920th Rescue Wing pararescue team leader, deployed on seven combat search-and-rescue missions during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Stateside, he performed more than 120 helicopter-hoist rescues of storm victims stranded by Hurricanes Katrina, Harvey and Rita.

Daugherty moved to Florida's Space Coast in 2015 to help develop an astronaut rescue and recovery program for NASA's Commercial Crew Program. Now, that program has launched astronauts to the ISS aboard SpaceX Dragon and Boeing Starliner spacecraft since November 2020.

Axiom's first crewed mission took flight in April 2022 as the world's first all-private trip to the orbiting outpost. Ax-4, the latest mission, launched in June aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from NASA's Kennedy Space Center. As a pint-sized startup that debuted in 2020, Operator Solutions rapidly got off the ground via this partnership: "Axiom incubated us," Smith said.

Now, Operator Solutions staffs an operations center  resembling a mini-mission control with seven workstations and a red-numbered countdown clock  inside its headquarters at the airport-owned Aerospace Center off Apollo Boulevard. This base includes floorspace to pack large parachutes and store an array of watercraft, trailers and pallets containing loads of specialized supplies and equipment to deploy from air and sea.

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Inside the ops center, a large monitor depicts the northeasterly rocket trajectory that crewed launches traverse from Cape Canaveral en route to the ISS. This offshore corridor leads up the Eastern Seaboard from Florida.

The firm's handful of employees "staffs up" to about 50 contract workers days in advance of crewed launches. All are current or former military veterans, Daugherty said.

"This is the first time this has ever been done with civilian C-130s, helicopters. All of the people that are on our aircraft, we've flown with in war. It's just now, you wear jeans (off-duty) and it's a different-color airplane," Smith said.

"It's our responsibility to set the bar and do it right. And so, we do everything exactly the way we do in the Air Force: the requirements we put on ourselves, the equipment that we use. Because we know most of that is written in blood," he said.

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Smith said offshore-jump rescue missions into rough seas are some of the most dangerous faced by the 920th Rescue Wing. Spacecraft can pose additional hazards such as toxic gases and jagged metal torn by the rocket's emergency launch abort system. He said rescue personnel who approach a floating spacecraft to "sniff" for potential poisonous gas are equipped with carbon-fiber self-contained breathing apparatus.

Future growth could include cruise industry, hurricane responders

Smith said Operator Solutions has secured about $1 million from investors, and he hopes to raise about $4.5 million more.

Future customers could include the cruise ship industry, NASA, natural disaster responders, the U.S. Navy and space-based commercial manufacturers that return payloads to Earth via oceanic splashdown.

Operator Solutions also supported Sierra Spaces February 2024 air-drop tests of its future Ghost logistics vehicle at Space Floridas Launch and Landing Facility at KSC.

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Equipped with dish-shaped heat shields, Sierra Space officials hope to someday "park" Ghosts packed with survival kits, rations and supplies in orbit  then drop them to warfighters around the world within a 100-yard radius within 90 minutes.

Operator Solutions is also partnering with the University of Central Florida College of Medicine to develop emergency medical training for commercial spaceflights. Dr. Victor Vargas, Health First chief medical officer and an Air Force pararescue flight surgeon, serves as the company's medical director.

"We're constantly having to figure out complex, high-risk problems. And we have to come up with solutions. We're trying to bring that into the space industry," Daugherty said.

For the latest news from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and NASA's Kennedy Space Center, visit floridatoday.com/space. Another easy way: Click here to sign up for our weekly Space newsletter.

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Rick Neale is a Space Reporter at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Neale at Rneale@floridatoday.com. Twitter/X: @RickNeale1

Space is important to us and that's why we're working to bring you top coverage of the industry and Florida launches. Journalism like this takes time and resources. Please support it with a subscription here.

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Melbourne veterans ready to rescue astronauts at sea if anomaly occurs
The Athens-Clarke County Police Department is investigating a shooting at a dentists office near Clarke Central High School.

The shooting happened at McRae Dental located on Baxter Street Monday morning. Officers said Carl Clark, 74 of Athens, shot the woman before 7 a.m.

Police were called to McRae Dental at about 6:38 a.m. after reports came in of gunshots fired on Baxter Street.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation said Clark was found driving in Butts County after leaving Athens following his allegedly shooting someone at McRae Dental.

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According to the GBI, Clark was pulled over in Jackson, Georgia for a traffic stop after Butts County deputies received notice he was wanted in Athens.

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Deputies found and stopped the car, but during the traffic stop, GBI said Clark shot himself.

He was taken to a local hospital for treatment and is in stable condition, according to GBI.

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ACCPD told Channel 2 Action News they are working to learn more about what led up to the shooting, but confirmed a woman was shot by Clark multiple times. Emergency medical personnel took her to a hospital for treatment.

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A security alert from the University of Georgia Police Department went out to staff and students at 7:45 a.m., saying ACCPD was investigating a shooting at McCrae Dental.

Clark was charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault and aggravated battery.

The victim has not been identified.

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Qabil Ashirov



A delegation from the Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA), headed by Chairman Taleh Kaz?mov, met with Pan Gongsheng, Governor of the Peoples Bank of China, during an official visit to Beijing.

Azernews reports, the discussions covered key topics including monetary policy and financial stability, payment systems, QR and mobile payment solutions, and the regulation of payment service providers. Officials also exchanged experiences on regulatory practices in the digital currency sector.

The meeting highlighted opportunities to deepen collaboration between the central banks of Azerbaijan and China, as well as explore other areas of mutual interest.

Azerbaijan and China are entering a phase where financial cooperation, particularly in the banking sector, can become a core pillar of their economic relationship. Several structural trends, shared strategic goals, and emerging regional projects create strong potential for deeper banking integration. Chinese credit lines represent another avenue that is likely to expand. Policy banks such as China Development Bank and the ExportImport Bank of China can channel financing into key Azerbaijani sectors, ranging from logistics hubs and industrial zones to green energy and digital infrastructure.

Digital finance is poised to become a major pillar of cooperation. China is actively piloting the digital yuan in cross-border logistics and trade settlements, and Azerbaijans highly digitalised public services create an attractive environment for experimentation. The Middle Corridor could become a testing ground for digital customs payments, blockchain-based cargo financing, and integrated fintech platforms. At the commercial level, Chinese fintech companies such as WeChat Pay and Alipay may pursue partnerships with Azerbaijani payment systems, facilitating seamless digital transactions for tourism, e-commerce, and business services.

Multilateral structures will reinforce this bilateral cooperation. Azerbaijans membership in the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank provides a neutral platform for securing low-interest infrastructure financing, which often aligns with Chinese banking participation. This trilateral dynamic, including AIIB, Chinese banks, and Azerbaijani institutions, can help de-risk major projects and accelerate development of the Middle Corridor.
JOHANNESBURG, Nov. 30 (Xinhua) -- South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Sunday that the country would remain fully engaged in G20 activities, despite recent tensions with the United States, the host of next year's G20 meetings.

The president made the remarks in a national address after South Africa presided over the G20 Leaders' Summit a week ago, from which Washington was absent. U.S. President Donald Trump claimed earlier this week that South Africa would not be invited to next year's G20 meetings amid tensions in bilateral ties.

"We must make it clear that South Africa is one of the founding members of the G20 and South Africa is therefore a member of the G20 in its own name and right. We will continue to participate as a full, active and constructive member of the G20," Ramaphosa said.

Ramaphosa said the U.S. absence from this year's leaders' summit was rooted in misinformation and "regrettable." Trump had cited allegations of "white genocide" in the African country as the reason for boycotting the summit.

"This is blatant misinformation about our country. It is even more unfortunate that the reasons the U.S. gave for its non-participation were based on baseless and false allegations that South Africa is perpetrating genocide against Afrikaners and the confiscation of land from white people," Ramaphosa said.

Ramaphosa confirmed that South Africa had handed over the G20 presidency to the United States earlier this week and that his country values its relationship with Washington and remains committed to dialogue.

The United States is scheduled to formally take over the presidency on Dec. 1. 
Nearly two weeks later, headlines about Donald Trumps violent threats against a group of Democratic lawmakers  and Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly in particular  arent fading away. New plot lines keep emerging that are ensuring the focus remains on the Arizona senator, which carries a potential risk for Republicans in 2028.

The inciting incident came on Nov. 18 with the release of a video message featuring Kelly and five other Democrats  Sen. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan, and Reps. Jason Crow of Colorado, Chris Deluzio of Pennsylvania, Maggie Goodlander of New Hampshire and Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania  aimed at members of the military and intelligence community.

This administration is pitting our uniformed military and intelligence community professionals against American citizens, the group said. The threats to our Constitution arent just coming from abroad, but from right here right at home. Our laws are clear. You can refuse illegal orders. No one has to carry out orders that violate the law or our Constitution.

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The language used by the Democrats, all of whom are veterans or former intelligence personnel, was intentional, mirroring what can be found in the Uniform Code of Military Justice. That didnt matter to Donald Trump. Two days later, he erupted on social media. The Democrats were traitors who should face prison  and the death penalty. SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH! read one of the presidents posts. (He later denied he had made any threats.)

Trumps threats triggered a statement of solidarity from the lawmakers reiterating their message. But the story kept evolving. On Nov. 24, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that the Pentagon was investigating whether Kelly, a retired Navy captain and combat pilot, had violated military law with the video. According to the statement, the senator could be recalled to active duty to face court-martial proceedings or administrative measures. The following day it was revealed that the FBI was opening a probe into the lawmakers conduct and would be attempting to schedule interviews with each of the six lawmakers.

By virtue of the Pentagon investigation, as well as rumors of his presidential ambitions, Kelly has received the lions share of attention. Thats bad news for Republicans and constitutes a major error on the part of Trump, whose actions have had unintended consequences: He has elevated Kelly as a potential 2028 rival, if not for himself then for his MAGA successor, whether that ends up being Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Donald Trump Jr.  whos in second place behind Vance according to a recent poll  or even Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, who recently announced her retirement from Congress.

Like any politician worth their salt, Kelly is taking advantage of the increased attention from Trumps attacks. Over the past 10 days, the senator has been on a media blitz. With the notable exception of Fox News, he has chalked up appearances on every major network and cable news channel. There was his Nov. 23 interview on CBSs Face the Nation, followed by multiple appearances on MSNOW, including Morning Joe on Nov. 21 and The Rachel Maddow Show on Nov. 25. ABC was next; Kelly appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live on Nov. 26. He pulled double duty over the holiday weekend, sitting down with Kristen Welker on NBCs Meet the Press and Dana Bash on CNNs State of the Union.

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In interview after interview, Kelly denounced Trumps comments and underscored his reason for making the video. Were concerned because of this president, with this secretary of defense, that we could have a significant problem, he told Welker. Im not gonna be intimidated. Im not gonna be bullied. Especially by people like Donald Trump and Pete Hegseth.

For many potential voters, this will be their first substantial introduction to Kelly, who initially achieved national recognition as the supportive husband of former Rep. Gabby Giffords, D-Ariz., who was severely wounded in a 2011 shooting, and for winding down his career as a NASA astronaut to support her recovery. In 2020, he won a special Senate election to fill the remainder of the late GOP Sen. John McCains term, and two years later he was elected to a full term. After Joe Biden withdrew from the presidential race in 2024, Kelly found himself a contender to serve as then-Vice President Kamala Harris running mate.

While the senator has used his recent media appearances to defend his statement to members of the military and to push back against Trump and Hegseths threats, he has also seized the opportunity to go on the offense and talk about other issues.

On State of the Union, Kelly all but called Hegseth a war criminal in response to a recent report that the defense secretary issued a verbal kill-them-all order when Joint Special Operations were preparing a Sept. 2 strike on a Venezuelan boat in the Caribbean that the administration alleged was carrying drugs bound for the U.S. The senator also minced no words in attacking Trump over his mass deportations. When he says things like third-world countries, what is he really saying? Kelly asked. I think what hes saying is he doesnt want brown people in our country. And that is disturbing, and its un-American.

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Such comments are doubtless heartfelt. But they are also likely intended to quell concerns among progressives who might look askance at one factor in Kellys Senate record. On Capitol Hill, hes known for his efforts to reach across the aisle, scoring in the top 25% of bipartisan senators according to the most recent Bipartisan Index released by The Lugar Center and Georgetown Universitys McCourt School of Public Policy.

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.

For all his achievements, Kelly is not a natural showman. A sober presence in interviews and on the stump, he has tended to fade into the background in the Senate. But Kelly also has an unquantifiable quality that more voters, at least over the past couple of decades, have associated with Republican politicians: BDE. This understated confidence is something that Trump, with his hurricane of narcissism and swagger, has never possessed. Its a trait that has been on full display in every interview Kelly has given since he became the target of the administrations ire.

Its unclear how much thought, if any, the mercurial Trump gave to attacking Kelly. In the past, going after a combat veteran  and a war hero, in the case of McCain, a Vietnam POW  has not mattered to Trumps MAGA base, or to independent voters who broke for him over Democratic nominee Hillary Rodham Clinton in 2016.

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Recent weeks have shown that the Donald Trump of 2025 is not the Donald Trump of nine years ago. Simply put, whether due to misjudging the countrys mood or the increasingly obvious effects of poor health and aging, the president has been off his game. His poll numbers are in sharp decline. After GOP candidates were roundly drubbed in Novembers off-year elections, Trump was faced by a wave of bad press questioning his abilities and casting him, less than a year into his term, as a veritable lame duck.

In acts that would have been unheard of as recently as the summer, congressional Republicans are beginning to publicly defy him. After GOP Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene, Lauren Boebert of Colorado and Nancy Mace of South Carolina  as well as Trumps perennial thorn in the flesh, Thomas Massie of Kentucky  refused to withdraw their support for releasing the Justice Departments files on the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein under immense pressure from the White House, the president was forced to change his position and support a bill mandating their disclosure. According to a POLITICO report that was disputed by the White House, Trump was poised to unveil a health care initiative that would have included continued subsidies for the Affordable Care Act. But it reportedly never saw the light of day because Republicans on Capitol Hill balked.

Now, a Nov. 25 YouGov America poll has found that a majority of Americans have effectively sided with Kelly over Trump, with 50% of U.S. adults approving of lawmakers reminding active-duty service members of their legal duty to refuse to carry out illegal orders. (Of those, 35% strongly approved.) Thirty-two percent disapproved, while 18% were unsure. Among self-described independents, 50% approved, 26% disapproved and 23% were not sure.

Kelly has also taken to fundraising off Trump and Hegseths attacks, sending out two rounds of emails with subject lines that read President Trump is calling for me to be hanged and The Department of War is coming after me. Tellingly, the proceeds will not solely benefit Kelly. So far, the multiple emails in each of the two rounds were also sent on behalf of New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker, who is up for reelection in 2026, California Sen. Adam Schiff, Nevada Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto and the Nevada Democratic Party.

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Although Kellys media appearances have been well received, its unclear how his subdued manner and record of bipartisanship will play among an angry Democratic base that wants to see their leaders fight. But the senator, with a remarkable assist from Trump, is making it clear that he plans to give it a shot.

The post In attacking Mark Kelly, Trump is elevating a 2028 contender appeared first on Salon.com.
WASHINGTON  Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., has endorsed progressive candidate Nate Blouin to flip Utahs new 1st District in next years midterm elections.

Sanders threw his support behind Blouin over the weekend, praising the state senator as a fighter who will challenge the Trump administration and Republican majorities in Congress. The endorsement comes after Blouin has already positioned himself to run as a progressive, arguing the D+12 seat offers Democrats in Utah a rare opportunity to run further to the left than previous campaigns.

We need fighters in Congress who will take on powerful special interests and pass Medicare for All, lower prescription drug costs, build affordable housing and raise the minimum wage to a living wage. We need members of Congress who have the guts to demand that the billionaire class start paying their fair share of taxes, Sanders said in a statement. State Sen. Nate Blouin is that fighter.

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Blouin officially launched his campaign on Monday after formally announcing his plans last week. He joins an already-crowded field of candidates vying to flip the seat into Democratic control  a pool that includes Ben McAdams, the most recent Democrat to represent Utah in Congress.

At the time, McAdams relied heavily on his moderate platform to help win over both Democratic and independent voters  something that Blouin said would no longer be needed this time around.

Supporters of State Sen. Nate Blouin, D-Salt Lake City, as he kicks off his campaign for Congress at the Fabian Lakeside Pavilion at Sugar House Park on Monday, Dec. 1, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Im honored to receive Sen. Sanders endorsement in my campaign for Utahs 1st District, Blouin said in a statement. Utah has a real opportunity to help restore balance in Washington D.C., and voters here now have a clear choice between the status quo and a new path that meets the moment.

Sanders support also gives a peek into the kind of platform Blouin is likely to champion: A progressive left working directly against what the Utah delegation has supported for years.

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I would be the lone Democrat in Utahs congressional delegation. I would also be the only one not taking corporate PAC money, Blouin told the Deseret News in an interview ahead of his campaign launch. I wouldnt fit in. But Ive never been worried about fitting in. Our current delegation is pushing initiatives that are antithetical to my priorities.

That type of campaign could resonate with the Democratic voters in the newly redrawn 1st District, especially if it is consistent with Utah Democrats support of Sanders in recent elections.

Sanders has often been a top choice among Utah Democrats in primary elections, garnering 80% of the vote over eventual nominee Hillary Clinton in 2016. Sanders also defeated Joe Biden, who went on to win the presidency, in Utahs 2020 primary with 36% of the vote compared to Bidens 18%.

Recent polling in Utah also hints at progressive leanings among Utah Democrats. A recent Deseret News/Hinckley Institute of Politics survey showed Utah Democrats polled farther to the left than those nationwide when it came to views on democratic socialism.

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Democratic socialism  the political ideology espoused by Sanders and New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez  was viewed favorably by 61% of Democrats nationally. But it was viewed favorably by 70% of Democrats in Utah.

That dynamic has convinced left-leaning organizers in Utah that they have a better shot at electing a more progressive candidate in the new 1st Congressional District than they do in the Salt Lake City mayoral race or other municipal elections in Democrat-heavy districts.

The new map boundaries are still being challenged by state Republicans. But if they hold, it could open the door for Utah Democrats to send a progressive to Congress for the first time.
Allegations of inappropriate behavior at the hands of two Boylston Elementary School staff members have ended in the arrests of the pair, who are also brothers.

The pair faced a judge for the first time, Monday morning, arraigned on charges of indecent assault and battery on a child under the age of 14.

The two entered pleas of not guilty in the Clinton District courtroom.

Court documents paint a disturbing picture of the alleged incidents from Nov. 21.

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Officials claim the pair attended an after-school program when they engaged in inappropriate acts with children.

In court Monday, a state prosecutor recounted the alleged actions by Benjamin Dillman, 26, who according to the schools FaceBook page, is a 5th grade teacher.

Benjamin is alleged to inappropriately touch four juvenile females under the age of 14 or have them touch him inappropriately. Theres also an allegation that he engaged a juvenile male in a hug and massage, the state prosecutor told the judge.

Officials claim security footage documented the alleged acts of the 5th grade teacher, as well as his brother, Peter Dillman, 24, who works as a paraprofessional.

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CCTV footage shows him essentially placing his pubic area on the front pubic area of a juvenile female victim and also placing his pubic area on the behind of that female juvenile victim and placing his hands on her hips, the state prosecutor told the judge.

The pair walked out court after posting $3,000 bail each, and agreed to stay away from the victims, minors, and elementary school.

They are due back in court on Feb. 9 for a pre-trial hearing.

Boston25 did reach out to the school district for comment on these alleged incidents involving juveniles but have yet to hear back.

25 Investigates has uncovered allegations of teacher sexual misconduct in schools for years, prompting a push to close legal loopholes and increase penalties for offenders.

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The investigation revealed that state laws currently allow for secrecy around allegations and how school districts address them, which has led to calls for reform.

One of the key issues highlighted by the investigation is a loophole concerning the age of consent, which some argue protects child predators in educational settings.

As a result of the investigation, a state audit of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education was initiated to examine how these cases are handled.

The findings by 25 Investigates have sparked significant attention and may lead to legislative changes aimed at protecting students and holding educators accountable.

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This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

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By Ruma Paul and Sam Tabahriti

DHAKA/LONDON, Dec 1 (Reuters) - A Bangladesh court sentenced British lawmaker and former minister Tulip Siddiq in absentia to two years in jail on Monday in a corruption case involving the alleged illegal allocation of a plot of land, prosecutors said.

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is Siddiq's aunt, was sentenced in absentia to five years in jail and her sister Rehana to seven.

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Siddiq, who resigned in January as Britain's minister responsible for financial services and anti-corruption efforts following scrutiny over financial ties to Hasina, said in a statement the trial process was "flawed and farcical".

Hasina fled to neighbouring India in August 2024 at the height of an uprising against her government. She was sentenced to death last month over her governments violent crackdown on demonstrators during the protests.

Last week, Hasina was handed a combined 21-year prison sentence in other corruption cases.

'KANGAROO COURT', SAYS SIDDIQ

"The outcome of this kangaroo court is as predictable as it is unjustified," Siddiq said. "I hope this so-called 'verdict' will be treated with the contempt it deserves."

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A spokesperson for her Labour Party said Siddiq did not get access to a fair legal process in the case and had not been informed of the details of the charges against her.

"Anyone facing any charge should always be afforded the right to make legal representations when allegations are made against them. Given that has not happened in this case, we cannot recognise this judgment," the spokesperson said.

Britain does not have an extradition treaty with Bangladesh.

Hasina's Awami League party said the verdict was the latest example of what it says is a politically driven process led by "desperate, unelected men" - a reference to Bangladesh's interim government headed by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus.

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LAND MARKED FOR NEW TOWNSHIP

Prosecutors in the latest case said the land in the capital Dhaka, measuring roughly 13,610 square feet (1,264 square metres), was unlawfully allocated through political influence and collusion with senior officials.

They said the three powerful defendants, Siddiq, Hasina and Rehana, abused their authority to secure the plot during Hasinas tenure as prime minister.

All three were fined 100,000 taka ($820) each, and failure to pay will result in an additional six months in prison, the court said.

The land was supposed to be used for a new township to ease housing and population pressure in Dhaka, the court heard.

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Fourteen other people also charged in the case were sentenced to five years in prison.

($1 = 122.1000 taka)

(Reporting by Ruma Paul in Dhaka and Sam Tabahriti in London; Editing by YP Rajesh, Michael Perry and Ros Russell)
Buc-ees hasnt forgotten where it came from. In the midst of its rapid expansion to states as far away as Arizona and Ohio, the roadside mecca is also working on new locations in its home state.

Buc-ees has confirmed that two new Texas locations are officially a go: one in Boerne and one in San Marcos. Both are currently slated to open in 2026.

Construction on the Boerne outpost, located off I-10, is finally underway after a decades-long battle with the city council. According to KDFW, the footprint of the Hill Country spot will be considerably smaller than nearby locations, boasting a more modest 54,000-square-foot store and 100 fueling stations.

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Currently under construction along I-35 in San Marcos, the new Buc-ees there will span 74,707 square feet and boast 128 fueling stations. The flagship location in nearby Luling will retain the title of the world's largest convenience store at 75,593 square feet.

The two new Buc-ees locations in Texas will bring the states tally up to 38. With four stores, Alabama is the state with the second most Buc-ees locations.

Founded in Texas in 1982, the roadside oasis beloved for its delicious snacks and spotless bathrooms remained within the confines of the Lone Star State until 2019. Since then it has expanded rapidly across the South. Today, Buc-ees operates 36 stores in Texas and 15 in other states. Six more states are set to open new locations, including first-ever stores in: Arizona, Arkansas, North Carolina, and Ohio.



Read the original article on Southern Living
TORONTO (AP)  Canada has joined a major European Union defense fund, Prime Minister Mark Carney's office said Monday, as the country looks to diversify its military spending away from the United States.

The plan allows Canadian defense companies access to a 150 billion euro ($170 billion) EU loan program, known as Security Action for Europe, or SAFE. That would allow Canadians firms to secure cheap, EU-backed loans to procure military equipment.

Canadas participation in SAFE will fill key capability gaps, expand markets for Canadian suppliers, and attract European defense investment into Canada, Carney said in a statement.

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Canada is the first non-EU country to gain access.

Carney has said he intends to diversify Canadas procurement and enhance the countrys relationship with the EU. He has previously said that no more will over 70 cents of every dollar of Canadian military capital spending go to the U.S.

U.S. President Donald Trump's actions  including launching a trade war and suggesting Canada become the 51st U.S. state  infuriated Canadians and created the political environment for Carney to win the job of prime minister after promising to confront Trump's increased aggression.

Carney's government continues to review the purchase of U.S. F-35 fighter jets to explore other options. Carney has said the potential for having more production in Canada is a factor. A proposal by Swedens Saab promised that assembly and maintenance of the Saab Gripen fighter jet would take place in Canada.

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Canada has said it will meet NATOs military spending guideline by early next year.

Talks on the U.K. joining the SAFE fund ended without agreement last week. Negotiations foundered over money, with Europe demanding more for Britains participation than the U.K. was willing to pay.
Nov. 30How will the mayor of Albuquerque try to make its streets safer in the next four years?

Depends on which candidate you ask.

There's a stark contrast between the plans proposed by incumbent and challenger in the lead-up to the Dec. 9 runoff election.

For instance, two-term incumbent Tim Keller wants to expand the Albuquerque Police Department's burgeoning "crime fighting shield" of advanced technology  a strategy that has cost an estimated $80 million over the last eight years.

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His challenger, retired law enforcement officer Darren White, would instead pursue past strategies like sending officers to patrol the streets, writing more traffic tickets and serving warrants. But he offered no price tag on that proposal or details about its feasibility in a chronically understaffed agency of 925 officers that is budgeted for 1,000 officers.

The candidates disagree on whether the crime rate has dropped this year  despite FBI statistics showing improvement. But public opinion has yet to catch up. A Journal poll of voters in late September showed crime continues to be the top concern among Albuquerque residents.

Last year Albuquerque had the sixth-highest violent crime rate and fifth-highest property crime rate among cities nationwide, according to the FBI reporting.

Citing the rise of violent juvenile crime and the "fentanyl epidemic" in the city, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham declared a state of emergency in April and sent an estimated 125 National Guard troops to Albuquerque at APD Chief Harold Medina's request.

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The goal, officials have said, was to help free up more sworn officers to patrol the streets and investigate violent crimes.

It's not clear what the National Guard's impact has been on Albuquerque's crime rate, or how long the nonuniformed troops will stay. An Aug. 8 news conference to detail the results of the initiative was cancelled and hasn't been rescheduled.

Whoever wins the runoff election, the FY26 city budget predicts the next mayor will have to contend with city revenue growth slowing, as Albuquerque braces for possible federal funding cuts.

Moreover, APD's annual budget of about $285 million is already stretched thin, according to Medina. And if the National Guard leaves, there's no immediate replacements.

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As for Medina, he is retiring, allowing whoever wins to appoint a successor.

Based on candidate interviews, here's a sampling of their top public safety priorities:

White

Challenger Darren White, a former Bernalillo County sheriff and police officer in Albuquerque and Houston, looks to his past of police work in framing his crime-fighting strategies.

"Why not look at it from the standpoint of, 'what can we do (from) the past that kept crime at bay?'" he said.

Aside from a brief period in 2009, when APD had a police force of 1,100 officers, the department has in recent history struggled to meet its budgeted goal  currently set at 1,000 officers.

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White said he would convert executive staffing positions within APD to patrolling units to bolster sworn positions. There are currently about 38 executive officers within APD, although Medina said he has already been streamlining those positions.

"We're going to go through the department from top to bottom and find out where officers are currently assigned ... if those positions can be filled with somebody else that isn't a sworn officer, then we'll do it," White said.

As for recruiting, White said he would personally travel to other police agencies across the nation and try to bring in officers with recruitment commercials "appealing to people's sense of service."

White said APD would need to devote at least 350 officers, and "maybe more," to patrol the streets under his plan. APD currently exceeds that number, with 420 officers who work in field services, patrolling the streets.

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Proactive policing would be key, White said, which he described as officers on the streets writing traffic citations, conducting homeless encampment sweeps and picking up people on warrants.

By assigning officers to routine patrols, White said, "They're not just waiting for something to happen. They're out there proactively doing something and that's been completely lost."

To curb juvenile crime, White said he would create a specialized juvenile crime unit that focuses on investigating crimes that have been committed by juveniles.

"I want it to be a unit of specialized detectives who work very closely with the (District Attorney's Office) and work very closely with juvenile probation," he said.

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White said crime-fighting technologies  like license plate readers, gunfire detection devices or speed cameras  can support officers, but they cannot replace them. He said he wasn't sure if he would continue to fund the technologies Keller put in place.

"It's all on the table," White said, though he did say he would drastically reduce the number of license plate readers and speed cameras installed around the city in the first 60 to 90 days of his term, if elected.

In particular, White said he had concerns about privacy rights regarding license plate readers storing data for a year.

"I want to see the protocols that are in place for the technology."

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White said he would also revisit the reforms implemented as a result of a 10-year overhaul of APD's policies and practices required under a settlement agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice, which found APD engaged in an unconstitutional pattern of using excessive force, including deadly force.

The agreement was dismissed earlier this year after the DOJ determined APD had come into compliance with the reforms.

"I want to do a top to bottom review of everything that was done. ... While balancing it from the standpoint of not repeating the past, but also ensuring that we're able to provide a law enforcement service to the public and provide public safety," he said.

White did not say which of the reforms he supported or which policies he would revamp, and stated he did not know them well enough to comment without further research.

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White said he believes the crime rate is higher than reported by APD and contends there is under reporting in the community, given the public's belief that police won't investigate if they call 911.

But as "out of control" as White says crime is in Albuquerque, the longtime Republican said he would tell President Trump "no" to sending federal law enforcement into the city  as has been done in other cities around the country.

"I'd say 'no' because I think the problem is fixable with leadership."

Keller

Incumbent Tim Keller looks to double down on his current initiatives to further combat crime.

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He hopes to fully extend what he calls a "technology crime-fighting shield" to cover 100% of Albuquerque over the next four years.

"This crime-fighting shield is only complete over 20% of the city, and it's a huge reason why I'm asking for another term, because everybody in Albuquerque deserves this," he said.

Keller said the tech  license plate readers, gunfire detection devices and speed cameras  has helped APD free up officers for other tasks.

Over the past eight years the city, with funding assistance from state and federal officials, spent $80 million in up front costs for the technology, but Keller didn't specify the annual cost for each piece of technology.

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Keller described crime fighting technology and civilian employees such as police service aides as "force multipliers" for the department.

"It allows us to have more officers wherever we want to deploy them," he said. "Whether it's narcotics, whether it's proactive policing, it's the equivalent of having more officers."

There will still be a need for additional sworn officers, so Keller's administration has increased the number of cadet classes.

Keller said he has also prioritized the recruitment of mid-level police officers for the newly created deputy commander rank, a managerial position intended to provide oversight of subordinate officers.

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Many of those officers are from other agencies, rehires or retirees who were brought back. The purpose of deputy commanders, Keller said, is to "hold people accountable and to finish projects."

APD's budget this year includes $2.1 million to support the retention of officers with 19-plus years of service, and it pays for five police academy classes to enhance recruitment efforts.

Much of the city's crime problem is due, according to Keller, to the explosion of fentanyl in recent years. He said because the drug is relatively cheap and the pills are easy to carry, it's more difficult to tamp down its use or sale.

"I think it's naive to think that we can, in the short term, arrest our way out of fentanyl use," he said. "What we can do is be much, much stricter and harsher on dealers. That's the key for us to actually deal with fentanyl."

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Keller did not elaborate on his plan to deal with drug dealers.

As other U.S. cities battling crime have witnessed, Keller said arresting people on outstanding felony warrants brings "a high return on investment."

"This is an initiative we started three years ago," Keller said. "There's a felony warrant backlog that got extremely large, and we've worked really hard to bring it down and that gets violent people off the street."

Keller also would continue to assign nonsworn civilian employees, like police service aides, to fill roles in the police department that do not require arresting powers or a potential use of force.

Since the summer, the National Guard has assisted Albuquerque police in carrying out lesser roles  such as blocking traffic and filing documents, among other assignments  to keep more officers on the street fighting crime.

Keller said he felt like the city was in a good place and he would be content either way if the National Guard left or decided to stay in Albuquerque for another few months.

As a proactive measure, Keller said he will continue to focus on the violence intervention program, which works with people who have criminal records to "pull them out of the cycle of violence."

To answer nonviolent behavioral and mental health calls, freeing police and fire for acute emergencies, Keller plans to continue relying on the Albuquerque Community Safety department.

ACS is budgeted at $2.8 million for school-based violence intervention programs, emergency services for people and their pets experiencing homelessness, and a task force on domestic violence.

The department has extended to 24/7 service and has responded to more than 100,000 calls since its inception in 2021. Even as ACS has rerouted more calls from APD, the number of people in crisis  threatening suicide or exhibiting behavioral health issues and often armed  shot by officers has remained steady.
The Cohasset man accused with murder is set to stand trial starting Monday, Dec. 1.

Brian Walshe, 50, is accused of murdering and dismembering his wife Ana Walshe, 39, in January of 2023. In addition to the murder charge, he was also charged with misleading police and disposing of Ana Walshe's remains, but he pleaded guilty to both charges Nov. 18.

Walshe has been in jail since Jan. 7 of 2023. He was originally arrested on the charge of misleading the police, but the murder charge came 10 days later.

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If you're looking to catch up on the case before trial, here's some podcasts that have been covering the case:

Brian Walshe and 'The Searches for Ana Walshe'

NBC10 Boston's podcast "The Searches for Ana Walshe," has released multiple episodes covering the happenings in the investigation, with its most recent episode released Nov. 24.

"A look at the twists and turns in the case of the presumed murder of Ana Walshe, a mother of three from Cohasset, Massachusetts, allegedly at the hands of her husband. Drawing on NBC10 Bostons extensive reporting, including jaw-dropping moments that have gone viral and reporters recollections, we'll bring you inside the unfolding case and understand what's at stake," its description reads.

The podcast is available on several platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Brian Walshe and 'Serialously with Anna Elise'

Back in July, social media figure Annie Elise covered the Brian Walshe case on her podcast "Serialously with Anna Elise."

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"Serialously is hosted by Annie Elise, best known for her true-crime YouTube channel 10 to Life with over 1.5M subscribers," according to the podcast's description on Spotify. "Annie created Serialously after decades of listening to true crime and craving more than just the headlines; she wanted all the overlooked details everyone else seemed to miss."

'Finding Ana: The Trial of Brian Walshe  The Murder of Ana Walshe'

The podcast "Finding Ana: The Trial of Brian Walshe  The Murder of Ana Walshe," has followed the case since around the time of its inception, with the first episode dating back to January of 2023.

"The disappearance of Ana Walshe shocked the country. The case against her husband, Brian Walshe, has only grown more disturbing with every new filing, every hearing, every piece of digital and forensic evidence revealed in court," its description reads. "Now, as the murder trial begins, were breaking it all down  every motion, every witness, every allegation, every contradiction  with the depth, clarity, and psychological insight you expect from Hidden Killers and True Crime Today."

Brian Walshe and 'Court TV Podcast'

Recently, the Court TV Podcast did an episode exploring the facts of the Brian Walshe case.

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"Vinnie Politan breaks down the case against Brian Walshe in the disappearance of his wife, Ana Walshe, reviewing the evidence, timeline, and key investigative findings," according to its description.

They also posted an episode regarding Brian Walshe's recent guilty pleas, and how they might impact the trial.

Court TV also provides 24/7 live coverage regarding ongoing prominent court cases.

Brian Walshe and 'The Emily Show'

Legal analyst Emily Baker commonly talks about the Brian Walshe trial on her podcast "The Emily Show." Recently, she did an episode that examined Brian Walshe's plea changes, and what might be the intent behind only battling the murder charge in court.

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"With over 17 years of experience as a lawyer and former LA Deputy District Attorney, Emily gives you the lowdown on the hottest legal stories everyone is talking about," according to the podcast's description. "Her unique blend of smarts, sarcasm, and colorful language will have you laughing and learning at the same time."

When does the Brian Walshe trial start?

Opening statements are expected to begin Dec. 1.

This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Brian Walshe's murder trial nears. Here's 5 podcasts to catch up
Members of the Indigenous Conservation Council board gather for a meeting in 2024. Upper Mattaponi Indian Tribe Chief Frank Adams is second from right in the back row and Rappahannock Chief Anne Richardson is in the center of the front row. (Photo Courtesy of Pam D'Angelo)

When Chesapeake Bay governors and other leaders gather at the National Aquarium on Tuesday to consider the next bay cleanup agreement, theyll be joined by leaders from several federally recognized Native American tribes in Virginia.

The tribal leaders will present a symbolic gift of wild rice, to represent growing a partnership between the tribes and state and federal leaders  who are about to spend seven months determining whether the tribes can have a seat at the table as decisions are made about the bay.

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Its taken almost a year for tribes to even get to this point.

Weve come such a long way from where we started  which was another absence, which was no conversation, said Melissa Ann Ehrenreich, executive director of the Indigenous Conservation Council. The council was formed in 2022 to represent the seven Virginia tribes that gained federal recognition between 2015 and 2018.

The tribes formally asked to be included as signatories to the next bay agreement, only to run up against the layers of bureaucracy at the Bay Program that Ehrenreich concedes have proven stifling.

It has been frustrating to participate at multiple different levels and feel like: Wow, why couldnt we have done this over the last year? Ehrenreich asked. The bay cant wait.

A dancer performs at a 2018 celebration of federal recognition for several Virginia tribes, held at Werowocomoco, which included in a formal ceremony with the United States government. (Photo Courtesy of Chesapeake Conservancy)

The yearlong delay is partially about timing: The Bay Program is led by the executive council, which includes Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) and other governors in the watershed, who only convene once a year. At its last meeting, in Annapolis last December, the council only directed staff to revise the bay agreement  not to add signatories.

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That was the reason cited in a June letter in response to the tribes.

A document going before the governors on Tuesday will give Bay Program officials the go-ahead to study tribal inclusion, and develop recommendations by July 1, 2026, on how best to include tribes across the watershed in the Chesapeake Bay Program (CBP) partnership.

That could include adding the tribes, or the ICC, to the Bay agreement as a signatory, on equal footing with Maryland and the other states, according to the document.

The document also states that officials may prepare a draft memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the federally recognized tribes within the watershed outlining CBP partner expectations and commitments, recognizing budgetary and resource needs and constraints, the document continues.

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The tribes are approaching the Bay Program at a difficult juncture for the agreement.

The states in the watershed failed to reach pollution-cutting goals outlined in the previous agreement by 2025, forcing them back to the drawing board to revise their pact. After months of deliberation, the states and federal officials agreed to a 2040 deadline for those same pollution reductions.

The proposed new plan also updates a host of other goals, including for underwater grass acreage, wetland restoration and forest conservation. But some environmentalists have raised alarm that some of the goals were revised downward compared to the earlier version, making them easier for the bay states to achieve.

Even with a series of bay agreements dating back to the 1980s, improving conditions in the bay has proven a challenge. In the late 80s, water quality testing determined that 26.5% of the bays tidal waters met standards. Today, that number is 29.4%. Bay Program officials view it as a victory, since theyre up against climate change and increasing development and population in the watershed.

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SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE

Not everyone agrees.

The effort is expensive, and its failing. Theyre not making any progress at all, hardly, said Chief Frank Adams of the Upper Mattaponi Indian Tribe, an ICC member, in an interview last month. Why keep doing the same thing over and over? Lets try something else. Lets include the Native cultural knowledge and Native people.

Part of the problem is that East Coast states are unaccustomed to considering tribal governments, with federally recognized tribes a rarity, Adams said.

This is the first time the state of Virginia has ever had a federally recognized tribe, and they didnt know how to deal with us, Adams said. Up and down the East Coast and the states that are feeding into the Chesapeake Bay: Pennsylvania, Maryland, all the other states, have no federally recognized tribes, so it was not even a thought that they should include the sovereign nations of Virginia into the discussion.

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Adams argues that tribes have lots to contribute. After the Upper Mattaponi won federal recognition, for instance, an environmental department was the first to be established, using grant funding. Adams said the department now has five staff members and focuses on issues including battling invasive fish. Other Virginia tribes have taken a similar approach.

Tribal leaders said they were not expecting the Bay Program to have such a lengthy procedure for considering their inclusion.

I just saw it as more walls of colonialism  that [they] had not had Indigenous people involved, said Chief Anne Richardson of the Rappahannock Tribe, an ICC member, in a November interview.

And they felt there was no need to have Indigenous people involved at that level, although all of our watersheds are feeding off of the bay, and weve stewarded the bay and these rivers for thousands of years  and did a good job, without the millions and billions of dollars that the government seems to be pouring into it now, she said.

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In fact, the very name of the Chesapeake Bay is derived from an Algonquian word, Chesapiooc.

We just want a seat at the table, so that we have decision-making authority, just like everybody else that sits at the table, Richardson said. You would think in 2025 that wouldnt be an issue, but obviously it is.

Leaders at the Bay Program say they arent throwing hurdles in front of the tribes.

Its not a no. And its not like if you miss this boat, we move on, said Anna Killius, executive director of the Chesapeake Bay Commission, during an interview earlier this year. The commission is a signatory on the bay agreement which represents lawmakers from Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia.

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In more recent comments, Bay Program officials said theyre optimistic about future discussions with the tribes.

Indigenous communities in this region have thousands of years of insight into land and water management that the Chesapeake Bay Program can greatly benefit from as we continue our work to improve Chesapeake Bay water quality and wildlife, said Leila Duman, bays restoration officer for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

Maryland is supportive of the efforts to include representatives from these communities more formally as part of the Chesapeake Bay Program, Duman said. We look forward to participating in the next steps.

Virginia officials declined to comment through the Bay Program, but added that their sentiment is similar to Marylands.

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Dan Coogan, a 20-year EPA veteran who was named Bay Program director in October, said the EPA and the Bay Partners are working with those federally recognized tribal nations to develop recommendations on how best to include tribes across the watershed. EPA looks forward to this discussion at the upcoming Executive Council meeting.

Gov. Wes Moore leads Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin and other state and federal officials to the annual public meeting of the Chesapeake Executive Council in Annapolis on Dec. 10, 2024. (Photo by Will Parson/Chesapeake Bay Program)

If the Virginia tribes were to win signatory status on the Bay agreement, and representation on the executive council, it would be a relatively rare occurrence in the United States, said Lauren Wiederkehr, a law student at the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law, who studied the issue as a summer law clerk this year for the Chesapeake Legal Alliance.

The closest analogy might be the Puget Sound Partnership in Washington, which currently includes two Indigenous representatives on its leadership council.

One of them is Russell Hepfer, 69, a member of the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, who has been serving on the Puget Sound leadership council since 2014. Hepfer said that fishing rights treaties between tribes and state governments make inclusion more commonplace at groups like the Puget Sound Partnership.

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He said it has also helped that he could follow in the footsteps of other tribal leaders, including Billy Frank Jr., a Nisqually tribal member and well-known activist for tribal fishing rights in the Pacific Northwest who served on the leadership council as well.

But just getting a seat on the leadership council wasnt enough: Its a constant battle to educate others in leadership about tribes and their roles, Hepfer said.

When people leave, retire, or whatever happens, you have to re-educate the next person, he said.

Hepfer, who has served on the tribal council of the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe for 24 years, said he views that education as a personal mission.

Were still a second-class group, but we have to keep telling our story, he said.
More snow is falling in the Chicago area on Monday night as residents dig out from the weekend's major winter storm.

A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for the entire Chicago area until midnight.

ABC7 AccuWeather Meteorologists Tracy Butler and Larry Mowry said light snow moved into the area early Monday afternoon.

Much of the Chicago area saw showers by 4 p.m., and an additional 1 to 3 inches of accumulation is expected for most of the area. A few 4-inch totals will be possible for areas south of Kankakee.

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The Illinois Department of Transportation website says some area roads, and even expressways, especially in the suburbs, are partially covered in snow on Monday night.

Authorities respond to crashes, spinouts amid icy conditions

The National Weather Service says the snow on Monday evening was expected to immediately stick to untreated roads, leading to hazardous conditions, reduced visibility and as a result, very slow driving.

"It's congested but then starting to get a little slick because it getting darker out, and the visibility is going down," said driver Timothy Dalton.

A school bus hit a utility pole and ended up in a ditch in unincorporated McHenry on Monday afternoon. The driver and two young children on board were luckily unhurt.

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Slick roads also caused issues on Monday morning in Addison.

Icy conditions were reported on I-355, with multiple cars involved in crashes and spinouts Monday morning.

Drivers cautiously brave busy, slick roads

Meanwhile, the snow caused travel times on local expressways to balloon to an hour of more during the evening rush.

"They're starting to get slippery. They're not too bad right now, but you're starting to feel your wheels slip a little," said driver Candace Dalton.

ABC7 spoke to several drivers at the Lincoln Oasis in South Holland, including some who were completing their trips home after Thanksgiving.

"As you could see, flurries. Roads are very hard to see. Maybe one, two lanes you could see, just following traffic and just following tire tracks basically right now," said driver Derrick Justice. "Keep cautious because there's guys spinning out. You could tell the guys that are going too fast."

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They say it is deceptively slippery.

"So far it's kind of slow, cautious driving. I mean, slow driving, slippery ways, so you have to be very careful," said driver Gus Jano.

"It's a little, a little slick. Everybody's slowing down. So, we'll see what happens later," said driver Armando Ruiz.

Earlier Monday, ABC7 talked to plenty of travelers trying to beat the evening travel rush.

"The roads are excellent right now. They've taken great care of removing the snow and making it safe for us," said driver Ruth Bamonti, who lives in Flossmoor.

SEE ALSO | Chicago begins towing cars with winter overnight parking ban in effect

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Travelers were taking advantage of a small window of clear weather on Monday afternoon, before the weather advisory went into effect.

"We were going to come back yesterday, but we stayed an extra day because of the snow, and I'm looking this morning, I said, 'Well, if we get out now, we can be ahead of it all the way,'" said Kevin Duncan, who was driving to New York.

"We've had no problems so far. Tomorrow may be different, because we're supposed to head into snow in New York, so we'll see," said Mary Duncan.

"Well, we're planning to not be here in a few hours. But other than that, we got coats and gloves and all that, so hopefully we got enough gas, and if we get stuck, we can keep warm," said Dennis Hartzler, who was driving to Michigan.

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Even the expressways leading to Chicago O'Hare International Airport have been backed up on Monday as people became tied up while trying to get to their terminal.

More delays at O'Hare after weekend flight cancellations

This weekend Chicago's airports saw ground stops during a blast of winter.

There is a ground delay alert for O'Hare due to snow or ice from 4 p.m. to 10:59 p.m., the Federal Aviation Administration says. Delays are expected to average 82 minutes during that time frame.

As of 9:09 p.m. Monday, there have been 312 cancellations at O'Hare and three at Chicago Midway International Airport, according to the city's FlyChicago website.

At the same time, delays were averaging 48 minutes at O'Hare and 28 minutes at Midway.

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The rush at the airports is continuing Monday as travelers try to make their way home.

"We're supposed to fly out this morning, head to Seattle and then on to Japan. But it's just been a little bit mental," Ethan Buchanan, who is flying to Japan, said.

It has been pretty "mental" for hundreds of airport travelers trying to get home.

"It was delayed about eight-and-a-half hours, and then we were gonna miss our connecting flight, so we got switched on to a different one, which leaves in about four-and-a-half hours. So we're just gonna sit around for a while," Buchanan said.

It's been a waiting or take a nap game for so many looking to leave Chicago after the Thanksgiving holiday.

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TSA says Sunday was one of the busiest travel day on the record for the agency with over three million individuals passing through the security checkpoints nationwide.

"I'm trying to leave since Saturday, but all flights were canceled," Patricia Quintl, who is traveling to Cancun, said.

Those like Patricia said they were trying to fly back to Cancun from Green Bay but had to find a flight out of O'Hare instead, only to face cancellations again.

"We live, like, three hours from Cancun, but we are flying to Cancun because that's what we found," Quintl said.

Over the weekend, more than 1,300 flights were canceled between O'Hare and Midway airports.

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For one Michigan family headed to Disney World, the kids say they're just trying to enjoy every step.

"We just had a snowstorm on Wednesday, and we got to miss school, which was good, but it's also kind of dope, because it was only a half day, but it was pretty good," Mayona Maggio said.

And so are others.

"We went out and had a little snowball fight, snowboarding and stuff, and just like, went for a walk around town, which was kind of cool," Buchanan said.

What's next

The latest snow on Monday afternoon comes after a winter storm dump several inches of snow across the area.

O'Hare saw 8.4 inches of snow on Saturday, making it the snowiest November day in Chicago's recorded history, according to the NWS.

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More light snow is possible Wednesday afternoon and over the upcoming weekend.

But no more big snows like the weekend's storm are in the forecast for this week. Instead, it is expected to be very cold with temperatures remaining mostly below freezing through the rest of this week. Thursday will be the coldest day with high temperatures only in the teens.




This undated illustration provided by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) shows EP240904a, an exceptionally faint X-ray burst within the Milky Way captured by China's astronomical satellite Einstein Probe in September 2024. (Chinese Academy of Sciences/Handout via Xinhua)

BEIJING, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- In the course of almost two years after China's astronomical satellite named Einstein Probe (EP) was launched, it has managed to capture many extraordinary transient events in the universe that flicker like fireworks, thereby helping expand human understanding of extreme physical phenomena in the cosmos.

"Since its launch in January 2024, EP has fundamentally transformed our view of the dynamic X-ray universe. This pioneering mission, led by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), is now delivering a steady stream of discoveries -- uncovering rare and explosive cosmic events that were once too brief and faint for other telescopes to catch," Yuan Weimin, principal investigator of the EP mission and a researcher at the National Astronomical Observatories of the CAS (NAOC), said recently.

The EP mission is one of a series of space science missions under the leadership of the CAS. It is also an international collaboration mission with contributions from the European Space Agency, the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics in Germany, and the French space agency CNES.

The probe is equipped with two complementary X-ray telescopes. Its Wide-field X-ray Telescope (WXT) utilizes novel lobster-eye optics to monitor one-tenth of the entire sky in a single shot, thus providing unprecedented sensitivity to faint, transient events. For detailed follow-up, the Follow-up X-ray Telescope (FXT) offers a larger effective area and superior angular resolution to pinpoint and study discoveries.

"The probe can capture fleeting flashes, monitor processes with a duration from seconds to days and years, and detect faint signals hidden in the dark. These findings establish EP as a key player at the forefront of international research in time-domain high-energy astrophysical observations," said Yuan.

SLOW EVOLVING COSMIC FIREWORK

EP discovered a new X-ray transient, EP241021a, persisting for at least 40 days, like a slowed-down cosmic firework, which was accompanied by a relativistic jet. Relevant study has been published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters.

Such a prolonged and luminous eruption is extremely rare. Astronomers speculate it could be the signature of a star being torn apart by an uncommon intermediate-mass black hole or an unusual type of explosion resulting from the core-collapse of a massive star.

"This discovery offers new insights into catastrophic explosion and the launching of a relativistic jet," said Shu Xinwen, a professor at Anhui Normal University in east China, who leads the study.

"It also provides potentially valuable clues for studying the enigmatic class of intermediate-mass black holes," Shu added.

ILLUMINATING THE MILKY WAY

In September 2024, the probe captured an exceptionally faint X-ray burst, dubbed EP240904a, within the Milky Way. Its observational characteristics, including its X-ray "heartbeat" and spectral evolution, as well as its radio and infrared properties -- identified it as a new black hole candidate. The outburst was about 100 times dimmer than typical black hole eruptions, explaining why it had remained hidden in previous observations. Relevant study has been published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters.

"The discovery of EP240904a opens a new window for unveiling the hidden population of black holes in the Milky Way," said Cheng Huaqing from the NAOC, who is the first author of the study.

"With the EP, we now have the key capability to uncover these 'silent' black holes systematically," said Tao Lian, a researcher from the Institute of High Energy Physics of the CAS and corresponding author of the study.

RARE X-RAY FLASH

The mission's autonomous capabilities were spotlighted with the discovery of EP240801a. The probe detected this transient and immediately triggered its onboard FXT instrument for follow-up observations.

A joint analysis involving NASA's Fermi satellite revealed the event to be an extremely "soft" X-ray flash -- a rare type of explosion in which low-energy X-rays dominate radiation.

Scientists classify X-rays as "soft" or "hard" based on the energy level of their X-ray photons. Soft X-rays have lower photon energy, while hard X-rays have higher energy.

Its extreme properties provide new clues regarding the diversity of gamma-ray bursts and stellar core-collapse events.

"This event showcases EP's core capabilities -- as it completed the full process from discovery to tracking the X-ray evolution and locating the position of the transient source autonomously," said Xu Dong, a researcher from the NAOC. "This performance marks it as a brilliant and efficient cosmic monitoring platform." 
For years, the West has been fretting about Chinas military prowess.

Tests of high-tech lethal weapons, bombastic parades and constant sabre-rattling against Taiwan have sown fear that Xi Jinpings pursuit of dominance in the South China Sea could provoke all-out war.

The global race for supremacy has led rivals Japan and the US to drive increases in their defence spending and grow their domestic arms industries to counter the potential threat from Beijing.

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But Mr Xis weapons factories are struggling, and hes the man responsible.

President Xi Jinpings anti-corruption crusade appears to be hampering Chinas defence industry - Tingshu Wang/Reuters

Last year, Chinas defence industry shrank by 10 per cent according to a report from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).

Over the last 10 years, dozens of individuals have been purged as part of the Chinese leaders far-reaching anti-corruption campaign, including those in his inner circle.

This has had an impact on Chinas preparedness to invade Taiwan  a key objective for Mr Xi  and now it could also be impacting Beijings defence industry more broadly.

While China has the largest army in the world, and is increasingly rivalling the US for the title of strongest military, the drop in defence revenue questions whether this trajectory will continue or taper off.

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Japanese firms topped the chart, recording a massive 40 per cent increase, followed closely by Germany at 36 per cent and South Korea at 31 per cent.

The US and the UK recorded increases of four and seven per cent respectively.

Overall, revenues at the worlds 100 largest arms firms increased by 5.9 per cent to a record $679bn (513bn), the SIPRI report said.

However, Chinas dip was sufficient for Asia-Oceania to be the only region to experience a decrease in revenue among top arms firms, and this can be directly connected to Mr Xis ongoing anti-corruption purges.

A host of corruption allegations in Chinese arms procurement led to major arms contracts being postponed or cancelled in 2024, said Dr Nan Tian, the director of SIPRIs military expenditure and arms production programme.

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This deepens uncertainty around the status of Chinas military modernisation efforts and when new capabilities will materialise.

The anti-corruption campaign has decimated branches of Chinas military and political wings.

China held a grand military parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Second World War in September - Xinhua/Alamy

In 2014 and 2015, two former vice-chairmen of the Central Military Commission, Chinas main military organ, were purged.

Then, earlier this year, a sitting vice-chairman of the commission and the second highest ranking official in Chinas military was also dismissed, becoming the most senior official targeted to date.

Dozens more officials across the navy, ground force, rocket force and air force have also been fired, along with senior figures in the arms industries.

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In 2023, the heads of three leading defence manufacturers were purged, including Liu Shiquan, the chair of the China North Industries Corporation (Norinco), one of Chinas top defence firms.

Norinco then recorded a staggering 31 per cent drop in revenue in 2024, according to SIPRI, the largest drop in revenue among any Chinese firm.

Also purged alongside Mr Liu were Wu Yansheng, the chair of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) and Wang Changqing, the deputy manager of the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation.

CASC, which is Chinas main aerospace and missile manufacturer, also suffered a 16 per cent drop in revenue, according to the SIPRI report.

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The report notes that the drop was largely due to the postponement of military satellite and launch-vehicle projects after Mr Wus dismissal.

The China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC), another major military firm, experienced a 10 per cent decrease while the countrys top arms supplier, the Aviation Industry Corporation of China, dipped by just over one per cent.

Only two Chinese firms recorded an increase in revenues  the China State Shipbuilding Corporation and the Aero Engine Corporation of China.

These numbers probably have Mr Xi worried.

The Chinese president has made military expansion a key target as he pushes for greater territorial control in the South China Sea and continues to threaten a forceful reunification of Taiwan.

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SIPRI researcher Xiao Liang said the timeline of advanced systems for the Peoples Liberation Army Rocket Force, which handles its growing arsenal of ballistic, hypersonic and cruise missiles, could be exposed, along with aerospace and cyber programmes.

Beijing now also has to contend with growing militarisation in nearby Japan, as tensions between the two countries rise following prime minister Sanae Takaichis remark that a Taiwan contingency could prompt a military response.

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Cincinnati officials are pushing back plans to build a year-round day center for the city's homeless population.

After allocating $5.5 million for the project  which was meant to go toward buying and renovating a specific property in Queensgate  the city announced the Downtown-adjacent location is no longer feasible.

The building at 760 W. Fifth St. is currently owned by the Cincinnati Museum Center, and the organization won't be moving out of the facility "within the city's planned timing for construction and opening," according to a press release.

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Though the site for the daytime one-stop center has not been selected, we are committed to moving forward with this valuable, permanent resource for our unhoused community. It will provide needed safe space for individuals while also connecting them with critical resources, City Manager Sheryl Long said in the press release.

The Enquirer previously reported the Museum Center is consolidating three of its off-site storage facilities, including the Fifth Street one, into the new Vontz Family Education, Research and Collections Center at 1518 Dalton Ave. in Queensgate. Construction on that isn't set to wrap until late 2027, however.

City spokesperson Mollie Lair told The Enquirer officials wanted to open the day center well before then, but choosing another site will extend the timeline.

The city's goal is to continue searching for another site to open by winter 2027, she said. A request for proposals will soon be issued for a day center operator.

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Could this solve Downtown homelessness? As Cincinnati's homeless population increases, the city eyes $5.5M plan for daytime center

Day center to no longer be built behind Shelterhouse

The West Fifth Street property that was eyed by the city is situated directly north of Shelterhouse's David & Rebecca Barron Center for Men, which opened in 2015.

The day center was supposed to be an additional place where unhoused people could take shelter during extreme weather, connect to services for housing, employment or health care or access the internet.

That's still the idea, per the city's press release, but it's not clear whether the new day center will be located near another homeless shelter or service organization in and around Downtown. In July, Long told The Enquirer the city was prioritizing proximity to Shelterhouse.

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A feasibility study is currently underway to determine the cost of the project and the operating budget. Shelterhouse director Arlene Nolan added that finding a day center operator was another big hurdle to the plan.

"Until they find a location, I'm not sure which comes first, an operator or a location," she said. "And not only that, were do the operating dollars come from?"

City and St. Francis Seraph Ministries will provide shelter in extreme weather

As the city sorts out where the new day center will go, it will continue operating a daytime shelter for extreme winter weather events.

This year, St. Francis Seraph Ministries will host the shelter at the St. Anthony Center at 1615 Republic St. in Over-the-Rhine.

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The temporary shelter was previously located at the Over-the-Rhine Recreation Center, but that site is currently under construction as Crossroad Health Center's new community campus.

Cincinnatians will be alerted by the city manager's office when the shelter is open. According to a press release, that will be when daytime temperatures are below 15 degrees or when there is substantial snow or ice.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati's plan to build $5.5M homeless day center fall through
Tacoma city leaders are considering the implementation a 0.1% criminal justice sales tax as the city contends with a budget deficit.

The city is forecasting an $15 million deficit in the 2027-2028 budget. It is part of what officials have called a structural deficit  when the citys expenses exceed its revenues in a way that cant be addressed with a one-time infusion of cash. As part of a discussion about Tacomas revenue strategy earlier this month, City Council members discussed implementing a criminal justice sales tax to help combat the deficit.

The city of Tacoma sought voter approval to increase a handful of tax measures in the last two years: most recently the renewal of the citys streets levy and in 2024 a fire and public safety levy. Voters rejected both measures, and the city has warned of a diminished ability to maintain the citys infrastructure needs as Tacomas existing streets levy is set to expire by early 2026. Both opponents and proponents of the most recent streets levy told The News Tribune that they werent surprised that the measure failed, given rising costs and the potential for more tariffs.

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A criminal justice sales tax, on the other hand, would not need voter approval. The council could approve it without it going to the ballot, Tacomas finance director Andy Cherullo said at its Nov. 12 study session. Gov. Bob Ferguson signed House Bill 2015 into law in June of this year, which provides cities and counties in Washington the opportunity to approve a 0.1% sales-and-use tax for criminal justice and to receive funds from the state for criminal justice through a grant.

The state set aside $100 million for the local law enforcement grant program, which seeks to bolster community policing and public safety for cities across Washington. The three-year grant could cover 75% of salaries for newly hired law enforcement officers up to $125,000 to achieve its goal, and the city of Tacoma would need to cover the remaining 25%. Tacoma would need to fit certain criteria in order to apply for grant funding or implement the sales tax  voters cannot have rejected a similar measure in the last year, and officers must have training on de-escalation tactics.

The city meets some of those qualifications, and leaders at the Tacoma Police Department are working to assess what the department needs to do to become fully compliant with the requirements, Cherullo said at the Nov. 12 study session.

The legislation does contemplate a 180-day compliance window, Cherullo said. So if we are not yet in compliance there [are] 180 days with which to get in compliance.

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Outgoing Mayor Victoria Woodards, who will pass the baton to mayor-elect Anders Ibsen in January 2026, said at the study session that she was in favor of approving the sales tax increase before the end of the year.

Cherullo said if the council approved it by the end of 2025, the tax could go into effect in April of 2026.

[Im] very interested in seeing this happen in Tacoma just because we have so many needs, Woodards said at the meeting.
Babson College business student Any Lucia Lopez Belloza at her high school graduation Any Lucia Lopez Belloza. Against a federal court order, she was shackled and handcuffed and deported on her way to visit her parents in Texas for Thanksgiving

Every so often, a story comes along that reminds us how far this country has drifted from its most basic ideals. The Thanksgiving-week deportation of Any Lucia Lopez Belloza  a 19-year-old first-year student at Babson College  is one of those stories.

Lopez Belloza wasnt trying to flee the country. She wasnt hiding. She wasnt committing any crime. She was headed home to Texas for Thanksgiving break  a teenager on her way to surprise her family after her first semester of college. Instead, she was detained by immigration officials during a routine security check, shackled, and  in an act as astonishing as it is chilling  deported to Honduras.

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Heres the part that should alarm every American, regardless of politics: a federal judge had issued an emergency order explicitly barring her removal for 72 hours. The government ignored it. They deported her anyway.

THE TRUMP GOVERNMENT DEFIED A FEDERAL COURT ORDER TO DEPORT A BABSON STUDENT

Set aside your stance on immigration for a moment. A government agency defied a federal court order. That alone should set off alarm bells. In other words, her deportation was illegal, unconstitutional, and just another example of the cruelty and insanity of an administration that is out of control.

Now layer on the human reality. Lopez Belloza had lived in the United States since she was a child. Her family emigrated nearly 12 years ago because of the rampant crime and insecurity in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. In an interview with The New York Times, Mr. Lopez and his wife feared for their daughter as the news was filled every week with deaths and murders, he said. Thats the reason we left. The family had applied for asylum, he said, but it was denied, and they were never told they had to appeal to avoid a deportation order.

Their daughter had no criminal record. She had earned a place at one of the countrys leading business schools. She was doing exactly what we claim to value: working hard, contributing, building a future.

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Her deportation wasnt about public safety. It wasnt about national interest. It was about bureaucratic zeal  a mechanical, soulless enforcement culture that sees young people like her not as human beings but as case numbers to be closed.

DEMAND A FULL ACCOUNTING FROM THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION

And the cost? The destruction of a young womans future. The terror inflicted on her family. The message sent to every immigrant student in America: dont believe youre safe, dont believe your contributions matter, dont believe the system will treat you with decency.

Higher education works because students trust that if they play by the rules  if they study, work, and strive  the country will give them a fair shot. This case shatters that trust.

Her family emigrated nearly 12 years ago because of the rampant crime and insecurity in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. Her father, who works s a tailor, told The New York Times that he and his wife feared for their daughter as the news was filled every week with deaths and murders, he said. Thats the reason we left. The family had applied for asylum, he said, but it was denied, and they were never told they had to appeal to avoid a deportation order.

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In his interview with the Times, Lopez described his daughter as organized and studious. She had that responsibility  of being the first to graduate from college and being an example to others, said Lopez, who had sewn her business suits for interviews and internships.

CRUEL, UNNECESSARY AND WRONG

The colleges dean of campus life informed faculty and staff of Lopez Bellozas detention Tuesday. Our ability to share specifics is limited by law, but please know that our focus remains on supporting the student and their family, as well as the wellbeing of our community, Caitlin Capozzi wrote in a message. Relevant faculty and staff have been informed so they can provide appropriate academic and community support in the students absence.

We should demand a full accounting from the Trump administration for why a judges order was ignored. We should demand policy safeguards that prevent students from being ripped out of their lives without due process. And we should expect leadership from colleges and universities unwilling to watch their students live in fear.

America has always sold itself as a place where a young person can build a life through education and perseverance. Deporting a college freshman on her way home for Thanksgiving  in defiance of a court order  is not who we say we are. But it is who we are becoming unless we reverse course.

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This decision was cruel. It was unnecessary. And it was wrong.

DONT MISS: How Government Policies Are Shaping Business Education or Open Doors Report: 17% Drop In International Student Enrollment In U.S. This Fall

The post Commentary: A Cruel Deportation Of A Babson Student That Should Outrage Every American appeared first on Poets&Quants.
A candlelight vigil was held outside Animal Care and Protective Services (ACPS) to honor Miracle, the name rescuers gave a severely emaciated Great Dane found on the side of a Jacksonville road.

The dog, also known as Oak, did not survive, but his story continues to spark outrage, community action, and changes within the shelter.

Rodney Renfroe was the first to find the dog on November 2, curled up and starving.

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It literally made me sick my stomach, he said.

Renfroe took a photo and posted it on Facebook in hopes someone would step in to help. That post was seen by Perrin Todd, who immediately drove to the area to search for the animal.

I had a until I saw a white hat pop-up. I had no one wouldve ever known where he was, Todd said.

She kept driving until she finally spotted movement along the roadside.

A white head popped up, and I immediately knew thats, thats Oak, she recalled.

Oak was found alone, terrified, starved, and on the brink of death. Despite that, Todd remembered how desperately he still wanted help.

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Its incredible that this dog had the tail still wagging and had enough in him to want to be taken somewhere, she said.

Todd contacted ACPS, where veterinarians began treating the dog. But they determined Oak was simply too weak to survive.

A photo shared by the shelter, partially blurred due to its graphic nature, showed his ribs and spine clearly visible. Oak weighed just 50 pounds when he was found, though a Great Dane of his size should weigh more than 100.

Local Great Dane owner Robert, who brought his 180-pound dog George to the vigil to show what healthy looks like, reacted strongly to Oaks condition.

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If youre a dog lover, youve never let that happen, he said.

Nearly a month after Todd discovered Oak, investigators charged Dawn Lipford with felony animal cruelty. She is scheduled to appear in court on December 2. The case comes as Florida introduces two new anti-abuse laws, which carry penalties of up to five years in prison and fines up to $10,000.

According to ACPS, Oaks death has already prompted internal changes. The shelter created a new position, a humane education coordinator designed to teach the public about proper pet care and help prevent similar cases of neglect.

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A huge apartment complex fire in suburban Carpentersville displaces dozens of people.

Donations were pouring to help those who lost everything.

The last of the displaced residents left the makeshift shelter on Sunday. The rest have, for now, got temporary accommodation either with family or at local hotels.

Volunteers sorted through mountains of clothes and other personal items on Sunday trying to organize the donations that continued to pour into Carpentersville's Public Works Department.

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A sign was even placed at the door asking people to direct their donations elsewhere.

"I am trying to help the people who need it. I talked to my god, and he said go to see. Go to see," neighbor Elena Palomo said.

"I got some brand-new coats, and I wanted to give them to these people directly. I don't want them to go to anybody. I want them for these people that lost everything," Brian Gilly said.

Twenty-three families were displaced by the Saturday morning fire that firefighters said started somewhere on the first floor and extended up to the roof.

Now, the entire building is fenced off. Residents are unable to go inside to see if anything can be salvaged.

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"The fire department was out there earlier with some residents. Since it's boarded up it's not safe right now. We are not allowing anyone else in there at this time," Carpentersville Village President John Skillman said.

Even as those displaced have now found temporary places to stay, and their immediate emergency needs are being met, officials are calling on residents to redirect their generosity in the form of cash donations.

For those wanting to help the displaced find a new home, village officials recommend making that cash donation directly to the Red Cross and note that the money is to be used for the Carpentersville apartment fire relief.
People who live along Hoyle Street in Norwood were concerned when they saw police set up an extensive crime scene for a deadly shooting on Saturday.

Ive considered this place a very safe neighborhood up until yesterday, said Rich Hoyle, who lives nearby. I just saw the road blocked off, and I saw my driveway full of state police and town police.

Police say a man was shot and killed there just after 2 P.M. Saturday.

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Neighbors say police remained on scene well past midnight to investigate.

The general trend in the area is also concerning, said Hill.

Neighbors say theyre concerned about the recent crime in the area, along with new apartments that are bringing a lot more people to the town.

Im thankful that we have a great police department, but there comes a point where we have to stop letting people into the town. Unfortunately, what I grew up in, what I loved in a town, is becoming more of a city and kind of falling apart, said Joe Boulos, who lives nearby.

Now neighbors are hoping police find the person responsible for this deadly shooting.

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The loss of life is something that should never happen at the hands of a person, said Boulos.

The Norfolk County District Attorneys Office is investigating this deadly shooting and has not identified the victim who died yet.

There have been no arrests so far.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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President Donald Trump declined to answer a question from a reporteronly to instantly forget and then confirm exactly what shed just asked him.

During the flight back to D.C. from his Mar-a-Lago holiday stay on Sunday, a reporter asked Trump aboard Air Force One: The New York Times reported you spoke with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Did you?

I dont want to comment on it, he said before adding, without pause: The answer is yes.

Trump reportedly spoke with Maduro about a possible in-person meet to discuss tensions between the two countries. / JUAN BARRETO / Juan Barreto/AFP via Getty Images

Over the past several weeks, the Trump administration has launched a sweeping military campaign against narcotrafficking operations in the Caribbean Sea, which legal experts say very likely represents an ongoing violation of both domestic and international law.

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The president has repeatedly targeted the Maduro regime, even labeling the Venezuelan leader the head of the Cartel de los Solesdespite no credible evidence that the governments alleged ties to the narcotrafficking network make Maduro its leader.

Controversy surrounding U.S. strikes in the Caribbean Sea have now resulted in Hegseth being accused of war crimes. / Tom Williams / CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Imag

Against the backdrop of growing U.S. military presence in waters north of the Latin American country, Trumps comments about Maduro have sparked fears that mounting tensions between the two countries could eventually spill over into direct conflict.

First reported by the New York Times, Trumps call with Maduro is understood to have included a possible in-person meeting to discuss the situation, which would in turn mark a rare direct engagement between Washington and a Venezuelan government long isolated from much of the rest of the world by U.S. sanctions and hostility.

After the president confirmed his call with Maduro had indeed taken place, the reporter further pressed him: Can you tell us a little bit about it?

No, I cant do that, he responded, before again adding: I wouldnt say it went well, or badly. It was a phone call.
The outcome in Trump v. Slaughter, which the Supreme Court will hear on Monday, December 8, could not be more preordained. Slaughter involves a struggle over presidential power that has animated many prominent Republican lawyers and judges since the 1980s. And this peculiar faction of right-wing lawyers and judges now controls the Court itself.

Key takeaways

One of the Roberts Courts major projects is reworking how power is distributed among the three branches of government.



This project includes presidential immunity from many prosecutions, full presidential control over nearly all federal agencies, and a judicial veto over the executive branch.



The Courts upcoming decision in Trump v. Slaughter will almost certainly cement President Trumps control over federal agencies.



The biggest loser in this rethinking of Americas separation of powers is Congress.

Slaughter is one of the most significant milestones in the Republican justices project to remake Americas separation of powers. In Slaughter, the Court is expected to strip Congress of most of its power to create independent federal agencies that have some freedom to act in ways that the president may not like. Trumps arguments in Slaughter closely track the Republican justices arguments in Trump v. United States (2024), the decision permitting the president to commit crimes.

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Meanwhile, an earlier, separate line of cases, that the Courts Republican majority also championed, shifted power away from the executive branch and toward the judiciary, permitting the Supreme Court to veto federal policies created by the executive if a majority of the justices believe those policies are too ambitious. These cases often involve a newly created legal doctrine known as major questions.

The Court, in other words, is engaged in a wholesale rethinking of the separation of powers. Some parts of this project seek to transfer power away from Congress and to the president. Other parts seek to transfer power from Congress and the president to the judiciary. And none of this project has more than the most tenuous grounding in the Constitutions text.

The precise issue before the Court in Slaughter is whether President Donald Trump may fire Rebecca Slaughter, one of five commissioners on the Federal Trade Commission. By law, members of the FTC may only be removed for inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance in office. But Trump does not claim that Slaughter was neglectful or malfeasant. Instead, he believes her views are inconsistent with my Administrations priorities.

If youre holding out hope that Slaughter might prevail, dont. The Republican justices already ruled last September that Trump could, in fact, fire her (although that September order was technically temporary). While the Court is now going through the motions of reading briefs and holding an oral argument before it issues its final ruling against Slaughter, it is unlikely that the outcome in this case will change.

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The case turns on something known as the unitary executive, a legal theory that had minimal support on the Supreme Court a generation ago. One of the ur-texts laying out this theory is Justice Antonin Scalias dissent in Morrison v. Olson (1988), a dissent that no other justice joined  but that all six of the current Courts Republicans now view as gospel.

Scalias Morrison dissent focused on a provision of the Constitution stating that the executive power shall be vested in a President of the United States of America. According to Scalia, this does not mean some of the executive power, but all of the executive power. And thus it follows that the president must have full control over  including the power to fire  any government official who wields power that is executive in nature.

One problem with this unitary executive theory is that it is far from clear which governmental powers should qualify as executive. The Republican justices, for example, all agree that the power to prosecute crimes is a quintessentially executive function. But, for much of US history, federal prosecutions were often conducted by private attorneys or by judicial appointees, not by members of the executive branch. Current law still permits federal judges to appoint prosecutors under some circumstances.

Similarly, at least some members of the Court have tried to justify the major questions doctrine as necessary to ensure that Congress, and not the president, makes the most important policy decisions that shape the national economy. But the very first Congress granted sweeping delegations of power to executive branch officials. So the Courts newly imposed limits on executive policymaking are much more grounded in vibes than they are in historical practice or actual law.

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The Court, in other words, is fundamentally reworking the balance of power among the three branches based on vague constitutional provisions and dubious legal theories with little grounding in history. But all six of the Courts Republicans appear committed to this project. So it is unlikely to end any time soon.

The Republican justices justify transformative changes with the vaguest provisions of the Constitution

By law, the FTC is one of several federal agencies whose leaders can only be removed by the president for cause. Often, Congress insulates agency leaders from being fired for political reasons because it wants an agency to make technocratic decisions without fearing pressure from the White House. In some cases, such as the Federal Reserve, an agency might wield power that would be dangerous if it were used to achieve political ends. (The Supreme Court has signaled that the Federal Reserve is exempt from the unitary executive theorys command that all agency leaders must be fireable at will by the president.)

The Supreme Court blessed Congresss decision to protect FTC commissioners from being fired nearly a century ago, in Humphreys Executor v. United States (1935).

In their brief to the justices, moreover, Slaughters lawyers make a strong case that independent agencies, led by at least some people who could not be fired by the president, have existed since the earliest days of the Republic. In 1790, for example, Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton proposed a five-member commission that would oversee repayments of the national debt. Congress largely agreed with Hamiltons proposal, and gave seats on the commission to the chief justice and the vice president.

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The fact that Congress placed the chief justice, the head of the judicial branch, on this commission suggests that the framers took a much less rigid approach to the separation of powers than the current Court. Additionally, both the vice president and the chief justice cannot be fired by the president; they can only be removed via impeachment. So this 1790 commission is an early example of an agency with members not under the presidents control.

The unitary executive theory, however, proposes that Hamilton, the 1790 Congress, and the justices who decided Humphreys Executor all misunderstood the Constitution. The premise of the unitary executive is that the power to control federal agencies rests with the president and the president alone  this power is conclusive and preclusive, as the Republican justices put it in their Trump immunity decision  and Congress is simply not allowed to touch it.

Indeed, the unitary executive plays a starring role in the Courts instantly anticanonical Trump opinion holding that Trump, as president, is allowed to commit crimes. Chief Justice John Roberts begins his argument in that opinion by quoting the same vague passage of the Constitution that Scalia relied upon in Morrison  the one stating the executive power is vested in the president. Roberts then claims that Trumps immunity from many prosecutions flows from legal reasoning that will, in the new case, allow him to fire Rebecca Slaughter.

If the president has full control over who leads federal agencies, Roberts argues in Trump, then it follows that Congress lacks authority to control the Presidents unrestricted power of removal with respect to executive officers of the United States whom he has appointed. Roberts then claims that Trump is also immune from prosecution for anything else he does, under his constitutional authority as president.

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The idea is that, when the Constitution gives the president an exclusive power, Congress cannot tread on that power by enacting a criminal statute that limits the presidents use of that power. Likewise, this argument holds, the judiciary cannot tread on the presidents authority by hearing a criminal case questioning his use of that authority.

Nor does Roberts shy away from some of the more horrifying implications of this conclusion. Because the Republican justices believe that the power to prosecute federal offenders is a quintessentially executive function, for example, Roberts writes that Trump may not face legal consequences even if he orders the Justice Department to conduct a sham investigation or to target someone for an improper purpose.

The Republican justices, in other words, invented the concept of presidential immunity from prosecution nearly 240 years after the Constitution was ratified. And, in the Slaughter case, they are almost certain to eliminate Congresss power to create independent federal agencies (except for, maybe, the Federal Reserve). And they are poised to do so despite a 90-year-old Supreme Court precedent permitting such agencies, and strong evidence that independent agencies have existed since the Washington administration.

And the Republican justices derive all of this from an exceedingly vague line in the Constitution that merely states that the president wields executive power.

The Republican justices arent just empowering Trump. They also seek to empower themselves.

The Roberts Courts other major change to Americas separation of powers is the so-called major questions doctrine. As the Court has described this doctrine, it requires Congress to speak clearly if it wishes to assign to an agency decisions of vast economic and political significance. In practice, however, the Republican justices have wielded the major questions doctrine to strike down policies that are unambiguously authorized by an act of Congress.

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One frustrating thing about the major questions doctrine is that a majority of the justices have never agreed on where it comes from. Some of the justices have offered facially ridiculous explanations for the doctrine. Justice Amy Coney Barrett, for example, once claimed that it can be derived from a parable involving a babysitter. But a total of three justices argued, in an opinion by Justice Neil Gorsuch, that it is implicit in constitutional concerns about the separation of powers.

The doctrine, Gorsuch claimed in an opinion joined by Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito, ensures that the national governments power to make the laws that govern us remains where Article I of the Constitution says it belongs  with the peoples elected representatives in Congress.

Like Article II of the Constitution, which begins with the nebulous line about executive power that fuels the unitary executive theory, Article I of the Constitution vests all legislative powers in Congress. Gorsuchs theory is that the power to make major policy decisions is inherently legislative, and thus, Congress cannot delegate it to officials within the executive branch.

As an historical matter, this claim is dubious. Much as early American lawmakers created a commission with members the president could not remove, the first Congress also delegated sweeping authority to executive agencies. Among other things, the first Congress gave executive branch officials overseeing the Northwest Territory broad power to adopt and publish in the district, such laws of the original States, criminal and civil, as may be necessary, and best suited to the circumstances of the district. The first Congress also delegated the entirety of its power over patents to Cabinet officials, permitting them to grant patents so long as they deem the invention or discovery sufficiently useful or important.

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The major questions doctrine is brand new, and thus far has never been used against any president other than Joe Biden. (Although, for what it is worth, the Court may be about to give this shiny new legal theory some bipartisan credibility  some of the Courts Republicans may use it to strike down Trumps tariffs.)

But, regardless of whether it is a good idea for the Court to limit how much power Congress may give to the president, the Courts recent attempts to do so are unusual. In the past, the Supreme Court only attempted to police presidential power in this way twice, in two decisions handed down in 1935.

For nearly all of American history, the Court stayed out of questions about how much power federal law could give the president, in large part because vague constitutional provisions about legislative or executive power offer no real guidance on where judges should draw the line.

Moreover, while Trumps incompetence makes a strong case for judicial limits on presidential power right now, Trump wont be president forever. If the Court cements its new power to veto the executive branchs policy decisions, it wont easily give that power up when a more responsible president is in office.

The biggest loser in the Courts new vision of the separation of powers is Congress

The pattern in all three of the Roberts Courts attempts to reallocate power among the three branches is that the most democratic branch, Congress, is the biggest loser. The unitary executive strips away Congresss power to create independent agencies, as well as its power to hold a lawless president accountable by enacting criminal laws that bind the president. The major questions doctrine, meanwhile, shifts power away from both Congress and the president, and gives it to the Supreme Court  which now has ultimate veto authority over any act of Congress delegating power to the president and any decision the president makes under that law.

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Some of these changes, such as Trumps immunity to prosecution, have no precedent whatsoever. Others, such as the major questions doctrine, seek to revive ideas that the Court briefly toyed with three generations ago before rejecting as unworkable. All of them are only loosely tethered to the Constitutions text, reading expansive and highly detailed meanings into vague words like executive and legislative  even when the framers did not share these interpretations of those words.

But, whatever the wisdom of this reallocation of power, it appears inevitable that the Republican justices will move forward with their plan. The major questions doctrine is already enshrined in case law, and the Court may even hold that it applies to Republican presidents in the tariffs cases. Meanwhile, the outcome in Slaughter appears to be inevitable. The Republican justices have already ruled that Trump may fire Slaughter once. Now theyre just going through the motions of producing an opinion explaining why they did so.
BRUSSELS (AP)  Belgian authorities are mystified over a brazen theft over the weekend from a Christmas Nativity scene of an icon of infant Jesus Christ that had been widely scorned online.

Snatched from his crib on the Grand Place in historic old Brussels between late Friday night or early Saturday morning, this specific version of infant Jesus is part of a nativity scene which has been at the center of a maelstrom on social media because the faces of the characters lack eyes, noses and mouths.

Artist Victoria-Maria Geyer crafted the nativity figure out of cloth in hopes the faithful from Japan to Namibia would see themselves in the soft fabrics lacking any identifying features, so that every Catholic, regardless of their background or origins can identify themselves in the biblical story of the birth of Christ, she said.

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Georges-Louis Bouchez, the head of the center-right MR party, which is part of Belgium's ruling coalition, said a post on X that Geyers cloth Christ in no way represent the spirit of Christmas. He compared the figures to what he called zombie-like people found at train stations.

Last year more than 4 million people visited the Christmas market in the center of Brussels historic old city to sip mulled wine and hot chocolate and shop at 238 vendors of toys, clothes and ornaments.

The center of the square is an enormous Christmas tree looming over a simple white tent holding the manger scene with the figures made by Geyer, a self-professed devout Catholic.

Her work was selected by both the local Catholic church and the City of Brussels in an annual tradition, said Delphine Romanus, deputy director of Brussels Major Events, which manages the manger and market.

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Early reports that the infant Jesus had been beheaded are false, but Romanus said that in the past other baby Jesus figurines have been broken or stolen.

An initial deluge of negative comments on social media has turned positive, Geyer said.

Authorities have already replaced the baby Jesus in the crib. Organizers and security say they will keep a closer eye on the manger, but they have not taken any additional precautions.

Staring at the new baby Jesus, Brussels resident Francis De Laveleye shook his head and said that arguments of artistic merit should never descend into such a sordid affair.

What is intolerable is that people attack the work of an artist to damage it and to turn it into a kind of stupid little controversy that ridicules Brussels.



Associated Press writer Sam McNeil contributed to this report.
BEIJING, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- Following successful early parliamentary elections in Kyrgyzstan, China has expressed its congratulations and its willingness to work with Kyrgyzstan to promote the building of a China-Kyrgyzstan community with a shared future, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said in Beijing on Monday.

Lin made the remarks at a regular press conference when asked to comment on the early parliamentary elections in Kyrgyzstan, saying that at the invitation of the Kyrgyz side, the Chinese side had sent a delegation to observe the election and believed that this election was democratic, open and transparent, offering a highly positive assessment.

As a friendly neighbor and a comprehensive strategic partner for a new era, China supports the choice of the people of Kyrgyzstan, Lin added.

He said China believes that under the leadership of President Sadyr Japarov, Kyrgyzstan will surely achieve long-term stability and make new and greater achievements in national development and the rejuvenation of the nation.

"China is willing to work with Kyrgyzstan to earnestly implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, further increase mutual support, deepen all-round mutually beneficial cooperation, and promote the continuous deepening and solidification of the building of a China-Kyrgyzstan community with a shared future," the spokesperson said. 
CANTON  The convicted killer of a Canton husband and father was sentenced to life in prison  again.

Stark County Common Pleas Judge Frank Forchione initially sent Damon Mitchell to prison in March 2024. The judge handed down that sentence after a jury found Mitchell guilty of shooting and killing 55-year-old Steven Troyer and firing a dozen more times at Troyer's son, Steven A. Troyer.

However, the 5th District Court of Appeals vacated some of it. They sent the matter back to Forchione for a resentencing hearing due to a clerical error. The judge's original pronounced sentence of between 38 and 43 years to life in prison didn't completely jive with the court's formal written journal entry.

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So, on Dec. 1, Mitchell was sentenced again.

The Toldeo man got the same 38 to 43 years to life in prison.

Dennis Barr, prosecutor at the trial and now the chief deputy counsel for the Stark County Prosecutor's office, told the court he believed the original sentencing was appropriate for the crimes.

"Somehow, the journal entry didn't reflect that," he said.

Mitchell, 22, who's in Madison Correctional Institution, appeared in court through a video feed.

Prior to the new sentence, he asked Forchione to reduce his prison time, by running overlapping concurrent terms for his crimes, rather than consecutive, one upon another, as he intended before.

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Mitchell said he wanted to see his parents before they die of old age.

"I just beg and plead sir," he said.

Stark County Common Pleas Judge Frank Forchione resentenced convicted killer Damon Mitchell on Dec. 1, after the sentencing proclamation was referred back by an appeals court due to a clerical error. The judge pronounced the same life sentence.

Mitchell also proclaimed his innocence  as he did the first time.

"I actually truly am," he said.

"Mr. Troyer will not get a chance to die of old age," Barr said.

On the morning of March 10, 2023, the Troyers were shopping when Steven Q. Troyer's wife, Glenda, phoned to tell them someone was messing with their Ford Taurus parked in front of their house on Greenfield Avenue SW.

According to trial testimony, father and son drove to the scene.

They asked Mitchell what he was doing. They told him the Taurus belonged to them. They asked him to leave. Instead, Mitchell shot Steven Q. Troyer in the face, as he sat in his truck. He then opened fire on Troyer's son, who fled in a car. Mitchell was arrested in Bucyrus, after leading the Ohio State Highway Patrol on a high-speed chase.

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At the intial sentencing, Forchione called the episode "cruel, vile, heartbreaking."

This time, he shook his head as he summarized the shootings.

"I don't think they even knew who you were," Forchione said.

Reach Tim at 330-580-8333 or tim.botos@cantonrep.com.On X: @tbotosREP

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Convicted killer of Canton husband and father sentenced to life again
A proposal to rename a Dublin park which is named after a former president of Israel has been removed from the Dublin City Council's agenda.

Herzog Park, in Rathgar, was named after Belfast-born and Dublin-raised Chaim Herzog in 1995.

Councillors were due to vote on a motion to change the park's name on Monday, but it was withdrawn after the council's chief advised of an error in the renaming process.

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The renaming bid received national and international criticism, with the Taoiseach (Irish PM) Micheal Martin describing the proposal as "overtly divisive and wrong".

The chief executive of the council Richard Shakespeare had previously explained that regulations that would allow councillors to rename the park have not yet been enacted.

Irish broadcaster RTE reported that at Monday's meeting, Dublin Lord Mayor Ray McAdam said a commissioned report on the process that was taken in naming it was not legally sound and there was no legal basis for the proposal, therefore it should not be voted on.

McAdam added he was "annoyed, frustrated and fed-up" this had happened.

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It comes after the Irish government had urged the council to reconsider the proposal.

Who was Chaim Herzog?

Chaim Herzog, the sixth president of Israel, was born in Belfast in 1918 [BBC]

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 of Israel from 1983 to 1993.

What happened at the council meeting?

The council's Chief Executive Richard Shakespeare reiterated his apology for administrative oversights in relation to the report on renaming the park.

Mr Shakespeare said he took full responsibility for the error, and that he had "failed miserably", despite priding himself on getting the basics right.

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He said he was made aware of the issue on Saturday night after being contacted by an official in the Department of Housing and Local Government who questioned the proposal's legality.

After checking, Mr Shakespeare said the council had "walked ourselves into a legal problem".

A decision to move the proposal by McAdam to a council committee, due to meet later this month, was accepted 35 to 25 with one abstention.

A drone shot of Herzog Park in south Dublin [Reuters]

No 'political pressure' to withdraw

Over the weekend the taoiseach said the proposal should be "withdrawn in its entirety".

"The proposal is a denial of our history... and will without any doubt be seen as anti-Semitic," the Fianna Fail leader said.

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"Our Irish Jewish community's contribution to our country's evolution in its many forms should always be cherished and generously acknowledged."

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."

The office of the current Israel President, Isaac Herzog, who is Chaim Herzog's song, expressed concern over the plans, and said the renaming of the park would be "shameful and disgraceful".

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However, Mr Shakespeare said he did not make or receive calls from national political figures or any of their advisers.

"No political pressure hard, soft, or otherwise was brought to bear," he said.

Councillors spoke of their concerns and confusion at Monday's meeting.

Councillor Colm O'Rourke of Fine Gael said he understood why the Jewish community may see it as an attack, and said it was right the proposal does not proceed if it was not legally sound.

Sinn Fein's Daithi Doolan said he wanted the renaming to remain on the agenda, for Herzog to be removed and replaced with "someone from the Jewish community we can all be celebrate and be proud of".

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Councillor Daryl Barron, from Fianna Fail, said the Jewish community had been hurt because of the "fiasco".

Labour Councillor Darragh Moriarty said he called an overreach by both the taoiseach and tanaiste were "outrageous".

What are the issues around renaming 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.

It also agreed for a consultation process to be undertaken to determine appropriate new names for the parks.

A previous statement from Mr Shakespeare said the authority to change a placename is contained within Part 8 of the Local Government Act 2001.

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He said this involves the adoption by resolution of a proposal to substitute a new placename by elected members, the holding of a public consultation and a secret ballot of qualified electors, should the proposal be approved.

"While the provisions of the act were commenced in 2019, the regulations required to govern the process for a secret ballot are not yet in place," he explained.

"The report to the elected members does not take account of the correct statutory procedure and is missing information for a valid resolution to be adopted."

In 2014, a blue plaque marking Chaim Herzog's north Belfast birthplace was taken down over concern for those who lived near it [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.

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Anti-Israeli graffiti was daubed on the building, objects thrown, and an attempt made to remove the plaque.
As human interactions with bears in Connecticut are at an all-time high, with over 30 home break-ins reported this year, the states Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is seeking public input to guide future management strategies.

So far in 2025, DEEP officials said they have documented nearly 30 bear home entries across 16 municipalities.

While these numbers can vary from year to year, officials said this years data continues to show a concerning long-term pattern. In addition, bears have now been spotted in all 169 towns and cities throughout the state.

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State officials are holding bear management listening sessions around the state beginning this week to seek out concerns residents may have about bears. The sessions will take place in Derby, Sharon, Burlington and West Hartford. The public input will help guide officials while creating the states bear management planning report.

Feedback from these sessions will inform the next phase of DEEPs bear management planning, which includes the creation of a report that will describe the current state of the bear population in Connecticut, public perceptions toward bears, implications of the states growing bear population and various strategies for mitigating bear-related impacts, according to a DEEP spokesperson.

Listening sessions will take place on Tuesday from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Sessions Woods Wildlife Management Area in Burlington, Wednesday from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Sharon Audubon, Thursday from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Kellogg Environmental Center in Derby and Dec. 16 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the West Hartford Elmwood Community Center.

Officials say the growing number of negative human and bear interactions is concerning. In August, a bear with cubs charged at a Granby resident and his 5-year-old dog in their backyard. The man escaped uninjured, but his dog suffered serious but non-fatal injuries. In June, a West Hartford woman named said she used her water bottle to fend off a bear from attacking her dog on a trail near Talcott Mountain.

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One of the more dangerous attacks this year came in June when a man was injured after being slashed by a bear in his backyard in North Canaan. The man, who was with his dog at the time, came between a bear with cubs and his dog on the property. DEEP officials said there were bird feeders on the property.

In most cases, bears that become habituated or lose their fear of humans are often to blame for negative interactions with people, according to DEEP. Once bears are habituated, either through intentional or unintentional feedings, they can become dangerous.

When bears find food in our trash, bird feeders or pet dishes, they lose their natural fear of people and end up in our backyards  putting our families and pets at risk, said DEEP commissioner Katie Dykes. Every resident has a role to play in protecting our communities. Be a good neighbor. Keep people safe and keep bears wild.

Connecticut currently does not have a bear hunt season and the debate over hunting has been a hot-button issue for several years. This past legislative session, language in the proposed legislation, SB 1523 An Act Concerning Bear Hunting, failed to pass through the state senate. Various other proposals for a limited bear hunting season in the states Northwest corner have also been unsuccessful. Connecticut along with Rhode Island are the only two states that dont have a bear hunt season in the Northeast, according to DEEP.

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Yet officials say Connecticut has the highest amount of human and bear interactions of any state in the region. In 2023, there were 3,093 human and bear conflicts in the state. That same year, Massachusetts, which has twice the bear population as Connecticut, had only 645 human and bear conflicts, according to the 2024 State of The Bears, an annual DEEP publication.

The Connecticut Wildlife Rehabilitators Association, which has historically advocated against a bear hunt, is urging people to attend the hearings and speak out against a hunting season as an effective bear management strategy.

DEEP is holding regional bear-listening sessions for public input. Its vital to attend one because the hunters are already mobilizing their members  and their lopsided attendance will lead DEEP to wrongly conclude that the public wants a bear hunt in CT! The way to stop human-bear conflicts is to eliminate whats attracting the bears  ie FOOD, the group said in a social media post.

Unfortunately, hunters and DEEP are using bear conflicts to push for legislation to open up CT for sport hunting, knowing many people have knee-jerk kill responses rather than understanding the need to solve the problem at its source. We need to push DEEP to provide much more public education and resources to help communities co-exist with bears and commit to working with us on providing real solutions for orphaned cubs; not automatic euthanasia or letting them die, the group added.

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Various hunting groups, including the states Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, have advocated for a limited hunting season in the past as an important management strategy.

DEEP supports a regulated harvest for two primary reasons: Human-bear conflicts have escalated in frequency and severity over the past decade resulting in elevated risk to the public, and this trend is likely to continue and to affect more Connecticut communities as bear populations increase and expand their range. Non-lethal bear management strategies, such as DEEPs significant investments in public education and outreach, have failed to decrease human-bear conflicts, Dykes previously told the Courant.

The four listening sessions are free, and seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, DEEP said. The sessions are open to the public and no town residency is required. DEEP is encouraging those who want to attend to submit an RSVP form.

Stephen Underwood can be reached at sunderwood@courant.com.
In addition to the new UF grad school coming to downtown, a prestigious culinary school may also be looking to expand to Jacksonville.

The mayors office has confirmed with Action News Jax the Culinary Institute of America has had preliminary discussions with city leaders about coming to the Bold News City of the South.

When Chef Derek Shroyer first heard rumors that his alma mater might be considering expanding to Jacksonville, his first reaction was confusion.

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>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

I just kind of thought there could be other cities in Florida that would make more sense monetarily, Shroyer said.

But after mulling it over, his tune quickly changed.

After like, being puzzled, I was very excited about it, Shroyer said.

Shroyer graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in 1997.

He now works as a chef at BBs Restaurant and Bar in San Marco, where he uses what he learned at CIA every day.

What is really good about that school is its kind of like a business school also, Shroyer said.

The Institute has its main campus in Hyde Park, New York, but has expanded to include campuses in California, Texas, and even Singapore.

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Shroyer said he thinks if CIA were to open a campus in Jacksonville, it could elevate the citys dining scene and boost the local talent pool.

[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]

It would be so nice just to have just a ton of kids to be able to employ that are like, one, passionate about food, cause you cant really buy that. That has to be driven into somebody. And also the importance of this being a career, Shroyer said.

When the institute opened its San Antonio campus in 2007, the move was funded with the help of a massive donation from a local philanthropist.

Shroyer predicts something similar would likely be needed to make a Jacksonville campus a reality, but argued it would be money well spent.

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Everybody goes out and eats. Everybody goes out and loves the food. Everybody loves to go out and talk about all the stuff they love to eat and love to go. And without an investment like this, you know, its just gonna continue to struggle, Shroyer said.

Action News Jax reached out to the Culinary Institute of America for comment and was told conversations related to an expansion into Jacksonville are preliminary and it would be premature to comment on them.

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It is Cyber Monday, but it is like Super Bowl Sunday at Amazon.

It is their busiest day of the year. More than twice the usual number of packages go through this Northwest Side facility on Monday.

The conveyor belt runs nonstop. Employees seal up packages and throw them on the belt. It is pretty much anything you can imagine, delivered the same day you order it in many cases. And there are more deliveries on Cyber Monday than any on other day of the year!

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"Seeing these volume increases and working to meet the demand is fun to see," said Joey Nelson with Amazon.

It is a huge day for Pamela Jones. Her Chicago-based company Charboy makes healthy sauces and marinades. Nearly a quarter of their sales come during the holiday season, and Monday is the biggest day.

"We're getting orders, like, huge. It's really exciting and scary at the same time," Jones said.

SEE ALSO | 25 Cyber Monday deals under $25: Shop our top picks now from tech to beauty

Amazon drivers line up outside to fill up with packages. But while it is crazy busy for Amazon, it is also a tough time for many struggling to feed their families. The Northern Illinois Food Bank is working to meet that need. And Amazon is helping, presenting the food bank with a $100,000 donation on Monday.

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"Our lines have never been longer than they are right now. And Amazon recognizes we need help," said Chris Gillette with the Northern Illinois Food Bank.

Amazon has also hired extra help for the holidays. Those hires include thousands of seasonal employees, some of whom may stay on permanently after the holidays.

"This is an exciting season all around because we were able to introduce new seasonal positions. So, right now, the site has employed an additional 200," said Tarsha Hall with Amazon.

Economists are predicting shoppers will spend more than $14 billion on Cyber Monday. That equates to $16 million a minute. And it means they will be busy at Amazon.
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino is on the defensive after the release of an email showing hed been made aware of the Trump administrations sweeping redactions of Jeffrey Epstein files on his second day on the job.

Bongino, 50, was appointed to the post in March, having carved out a career as a MAGA-friendly podcaster who regularly demanded the governments full and unredacted release of all documents relating to the late pedophile financier.

But with the Trump administration having fought a months-long campaign to keep the files secretwhich included a frantic scramble by the FBI last spring to make sweeping redactionsBongino has since changed his tune, with minimal explanation.

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The former law enforcement officer insisted in Maya month after the March and April redaction sprintthat the administration was taking its time with the materials in order to protect Epsteins victims. He had not publicly addressed the files since that time.

But internal FBI emails published by Bloomberg over the weekend showed that he had been forwarded an email on March 18the day after he joined the bureaurelated to guidance on the types of redactions to apply to the Epstein files.

After some questioned what that said about his role in the redactions, Bongino broke his months-long silence on the matter late Sunday to say the email was really just not that big of a deal.

Folks, I entered on duty on March 17th. The emails in the chain you see forwarded to me, at my request, were sent before I began in my position, Bongino wrote on X. I wanted to review what have (sic) been done before I entered on duty. It was a priority and, as you can see, they responded immediately. Im glad that these emails are available for your review.

Having based his career on demands to release the Epstein files, Bongino felt forced to address the matter publicly for the first time in more than six months, following the release of an email showing he had known about the governments redaction process since he started work as the FBIs deputy director. / X

He did not elaborate further on the redactions or what is in the files.

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However, the internal correspondence obtained by Bloombergs FOIA Files raises questions about Bonginos role in the Special Redaction Project, as well as about the project itself.

Bongino speaks with his boss, Kash Patel, the FBI director, as they attend the annual 9/11 Commemoration Ceremony at the National 9/11 Memorial and Museum on September 11. / Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images

The documents show the bureau scrambling over several months in the first half of 2025 to prepare Epstein-related records for potential release, running up almost $1 million in overtime for staff as the Trump administration dithered over what to make public.

After promising to release all the Justice Departments Epstein files during his campaign, Trump put Attorney General Pam Bondi in charge of the matter after his return to the White House. In February, Bondi, 60, further stoked anticipation of major revelations to come by telling supporters Epsteins client list was sitting on her desk.

According to Bloomberg, FBI Director Kash Patel then ordered roughly 1,000 agents to the bureaus Central Records Complex in Winchester, Virginia, for crash redaction training on what was dubbed the Epstein Transparency Project or Special Redaction Project.

FBI Director Kash Patel and Attorney General Pam Bondi were put in charge of the project by Doanld Trump. / Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

Between March 17 and March 22 alone, the bureau paid $851,344 in overtime. From January to July, staff logged 4,737 overtime hours, more than 70 percent of which occurred in March, as agents worked nights and weekends.

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On May 10, at this point having apparently been aware of the redaction process for almost two months, Bongino wrote on X: There are voluminous amounts of downloaded child sexual abuse material that we are dealing with. There are also victims (sic) statements that are entitled to specific protections. We need to do this correctly, but I do understand the publics desire to get the information out there.

The Justice Department finally tried to put the whole matter to rest on July 7, when Bondi issued a formal statement saying they had found no incriminating client list. That same day, the Department of Justice and the FBI announced that no further files from the Epstein investigation would be released, a move that came as a shock to many of Trumps own supporters.

While Bongino has not commented directly on the case since early June, and only then to say he believed Epsteins death in custody had been a suicide, he was reportedly enraged by the DOJs nothing-to-see-here announcement in July.

CNN reported at the time that Bongino had skipped work, threatened to resign, and clashed with Bondi over the administrations reversal on releasing more Epstein files.

Bongino made his name as the host of the eponymously titled show, upon which he campaigned vigorously for the release of the Epstein files. / Jason Koerner/Getty Images

Though Bongino returned, his relationships with the White House and Justice Department were said to have been strained.

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Despite initial resistance, Trump, 79, signed the Epstein Files Transparency Act on Nov. 19, compelling the DOJ to release the records within 30 days while allowing redactions to protect ongoing probes and victims.

A Manhattan judge has since pushed the DOJ to clarify exactly what it will unseal.

Trump has denied any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein, with whom he had a long and much-publicized friendship.

The Daily Beast contacted the FBI, DOJ, and White House for comment. The DOJ declined to comment.
An attorney for David Sacks called a Sunday story by the New York Times a hit piece and a willful misunderstanding of the tech moguls special government employee status as the Trump Administrations AI and crypto adviser, saying many details of the roughly 4,000-word article, with five bylines and months of reporting behind it, are easily debunked.

Sacks posted a copy of the four-page letter sent from his Virginia-based attorneys to the Times general counsel Sunday on X.

Five months ago, five New York Times reporters were dispatched to create a story about my supposed conflicts of interest working as the White House AI & Crypto Czar, Sacks wrote in his post. Every time we would prove an accusation false, NYT pivoted to the next allegation. This is why the story has dragged on for five months.

INSIDE NYTS HOAX FACTORY



Five months ago, five New York Times reporters were dispatched to create a story about my supposed conflicts of interest working as the White House AI & Crypto Czar.



Through a series of fact checks they revealed their accusations, which we debunked pic.twitter.com/o67ls3RmC6  David Sacks (@DavidSacks) November 30, 2025

The Times alleges Sacks helped craft the White Houses new A.I. policies while continuing to work as a major Silicon Valley investor. As a special government employee, an unpaid role permitted to maintain certain private business interests, the paper wrote that Sacks offered significant White House access to tech executives and pushed for looser A.I. regulations that positioned major chipmakers like Nvidia to potentially gain up to $200 billion in new global sales.

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The Times review shows Sacks holds 708 tech investments, including 449 in companies tied to A.I., many of which could benefit from the policies he supports.

His public ethics filings, which are based on self-reported information, do not disclose the value of those remaining stakes in crypto and A.I.-related companies, the Times wrote. They also omit when he sold assets he said he would divest, making it difficult to determine whether his government service has netted him profits.

The story included a statement from a Sacks spokeswoman as well as White House spokeswoman Liz Huston, who said he addressed potential conflicts before starting the position and brought insights that were an invaluable asset for President Trumps agenda of cementing American technology dominance.

Sacks was part of the consortium of young investors, including Peter Thiel and Elon Musk, who started PayPal and other successful tech firms. Trump asked Sacks to join his administration after the 2024 election, and he agreed  as long as he was able to continue to participate in certain ongoing ventures like Craft.

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Sacks attorneys say his divestments actually cost his personal bottom line. Besides personal financial benefits for his tech and crypto ventures, the Times story suggested that Sacks policies, like selling American-made AI chips internationally, have presented national security risks.

Sackss attorneys accused the Times of building the piece on a fundamental misunderstanding of Sackss role as a special government employee, a category specifically designed by Congress to bring private-sector experts into government. The attorney says the Times repeatedly shifted theories as earlier claims fell apart, framing the reporting as a pattern of non-scandal to non-scandal.

The letter also rejects any suggestion of an improper relationship between Sacks and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang after the Times removed a reference to a dinner between the two that never happened.

The letter further disputes the Timess claims about Sacks highly successful All-In Podcast, saying Sacks forfeited any revenue tied to A.I. or crypto companies, and that the Times falsely implied the podcast pursued financial gain from hosting an A.I. Summit.

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The response accuses the Times of selectively downplaying similar or more significant conflicts involving Democratic SGEs, including former Biden adviser Anita Dunn and former State Department official Huma Abedin. The letter concludes by urging the Times to abandon the story, asserting that months of scrutiny produced no evidence of wrongdoing and that the reporting is driven by a desire to discredit Sacks politically rather than by actual findings of conflict.

The post David Sacks Calls NYT Conflict-of-Interest Hit Piece a Willful Misunderstanding of White House AI and Crypto Czar Role appeared first on TheWrap.
An IDF tank amid counterterrorism operations in the Gaza Strip, May 16, 2025. (photo credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON

Defense Ministry's Amir Baram warned that "Iran's rapid force buildup in air defense and ballistic missile capabilities" driven by "its extremist ideology" means that "all fronts are still open."

Israel is working on new technologies for the next potential war with Iran, Defense Ministry Director-General Amir Baram said on Monday.

Speaking from the Defense Tech conference jointly sponsored by the ministry and Tel Aviv University, Baram warned that "Iran's rapid force buildup in air defense and ballistic missile capabilities" driven by "its extremist ideology" means that "all fronts are still open" and the IDF must be ready for additional rounds of fighting.

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"Enemies are learning and adapting. We are at a pivotal point before a new paradigm takes place," said Baram.

Separately, Baram revealed for the first time what led the ministry and the IDF to finally deploy the Iron Beam laser defense system in the field in October 2024.

On October 13, Hezbollah succeeded in killing a large number of soldiers from the Golani Brigade, when a drone it launched struck them in their mess hall in their base in the North.

IDF soldiers operating in the Gaza Strip, August 1, 2025. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)

Israel deploys Iron Beam, turns into 'defense-tech nation'

Within days, Baram said the decision came down to taking the risk to deploy the Iron Beam.

The rationale was that the risk of deployment was not lower than the risk of non-deployment, in which Hezbollah was succeeding in striking Israel with many drones.

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Iron Beam shot down nearly 40 drones over the coming two weeks, and the IDF recently announced the full-scale deployment of the tool.

Next, Baram addressed Israel's uniqueness in advanced defense technologies and noted, For years, Israel was known worldwide as a 'Cyber Nation.' Today, we have evolved into a true 'Defense-Tech Nation.'

Our innovation portfolio now spans the full spectrum of advanced capabilities: Aerial Defense Systems, Unmanned Vehicles, Electronic Warfare, Quantum-Resistant Communications, Intelligence and Surveillance Systems, Cyber Defense, and Space Technologies."

He added, "In 2024 alone, we signed 21 Government-to-Government agreements worth billions, and the Ministry invested 1.2 billion shekels in startups alone. Of the 300+ startups working with the DDR&D, remarkably, over 130 joined operations during this war."

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Moreover, Baram stated, "Tel Aviv now ranks as the world's third leading Defense-Tech hub. Israel's major defense companies have secured significant international contracts across Europe, Asia, and North America. Small and mid-sized companies have achieved remarkable growth, with contracts worth hundreds of millions of dollars each."

Further, he said Israel promotes a unique ecosystem that only a few can replicate, born of existential security challenges and shaped over decades of operational experience.

Direct feedback loops connect the frontline, engineers, and industry partners, creating a robust chain from battlefield needs to deployed solutions. These are combat-proven systems. This is what Defense-Tech means in Israel."
Deputies in Orange County are sharing more details after a deadly stabbing last week.

Officials said 45-year-old De-Gwendlyn Floyd was the victim of a violent attack on Rockingham Circle on Friday.

Officials said the woman was found stabbed and later died in a hospital from her injuries.

Investigators have not yet disclosed whether any suspects have been arrested in connection with the stabbing.

Channel 9 is working to gather more information and will provide updates on Eyewitness News.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Editors note: This story was originally published on Dec. 1, 2024.

A look back at local, national and world events through Deseret News archives.

On Dec. 1, 1938, a bus carrying 39 students from Jordan High School had stopped in front of railroad tracks near 10600 S. and 300 W. in South Jordan, Utah.

The bus driver had stopped to look for a train, but a blizzard with fierce winds caused almost zero visibility and prevented the driver from seeing the northbound Denver & Rio Grande Western train that hit the bus as it crossed the tracks.

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Twenty-five school kids died, plus the bus driver Slim Silcox. It remains the worst railroad crossing tragedy in U.S. history.

The Deseret News provided coverage of the tragic event, and helped to put in context what happened, who was affected and the impact that continued.

The Deseret News was also there in 2013 as a memorial to the children who lost their lives were honored with a memorial installation at Heritage Park in South Jordan. Some who survived the collision were there to share in the commemoration.

The accident also led to many improvements in school bus safety nationwide.

Here are numerous articles from Deseret News archives about the events on Dec. 1, 1938, the investigation afterward, and how the survivors have been remembered:

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About Utah: Bus crash in 1938 led to train laws

Victims of school bus-train crash remembered 75 years later

South Jordan unveils a monument Monday, Dec. 2, 2013, at Heritage Park, in memory of 23 children and one adult killed when a train hit a school bus in 1938. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Survivors of 38 bus crash to reunite Thursday

South Jordan to mark 75th anniversary of tragic bus accident

Training to cross tracks

Families and friends mourn teens killed in train tragedy

Work under way to identify victims

Homework assignment handed to family member during bus crash memorial

Lawmakers, citizens say close RR crossing now
CAPE TOWN, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- South African authorities have launched a probe into a light aircraft crash that killed two people at the Morningstar Airfield in Cape Town, the country's legislative capital, on Sunday.

The Sling 2 crashed shortly after taking off at about 11:00 a.m. local time on Sunday.

According to preliminary reports, the two on board were a flight instructor and a private license holder.

A comprehensive preliminary report detailing the findings of the investigation will be made available on the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) website, its Accidents and Incidents Investigations Division said in a statement.

"We do have investigators on site to collect the necessary information and evidence that forms part of the preliminary report. This report gets published in 30 days from the day of the accident," SACAA spokesperson Sisa Majola was quoted as saying in the statement. 
A new dog-friendly beach officially opened today in Daytona Beach, offering 1.7 miles of shoreline between Williams Avenue and Seabreeze Boulevard for leashed dogs to enjoy.

The beach, approved by the Volusia County Council, offers six vehicle ramps, nearly 300 off-beach parking spaces, and two pedestrian walkovers, accessible for residents and visitors.

Volusia County will hold a ribbon-cutting for the new dog-friendly beach on December 3 at University Boulevard Beach Park. The public is invited to attend and bring their dogs to celebrate occasion.

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This new location is the fourth dog-friendly beach in Volusia County, joining those at Ormond Beach, Lighthouse Point Park, and Smyrna Dunes Park. It expands opportunities for pet owners to enjoy the coastline responsibly while balancing recreation, safety, and environmental protection.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Virginia State Police say they have arrested the driver who struck a state trooper while fleeing a traffic checkpoint on an Interstate 85 on-ramp over the weekend.

Robert Raines, 38, who listed residency in Petersburg and Suffolk, has been charged with eluding law enforcement, two counts of hit-and-run, obstruction of justice, and operating a vehicle on a revoked license, VSP said in a Nov.30 statement. He is being held without bond and is scheduled to be arraigned Dec. 1 in Petersburg General District Court.

The incident happened Nov. 28 on the Squirrel Level Road ramp onto northbound I-85 in Petersburg. Troopers had set up a traffic checkpoint on the ramp, which Raines reportedly approached in a white Ford with expired temporary plates.

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When a trooper told him he would have to pass through the checkpoint, Raines reportedly backed up and struck both a guardrail and the trooper before fleeing the scene and back onto Squirrel Level Road.

The trooper was not injured. Because of the way officers were positioned on the ramp, there was no pursuit.

This article originally appeared on The Progress-Index: State Police arrest Petersburg man who hit trooper at I-85 checkpoint
A delegation from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has visited Guinea-Bissau for mediation talks with leaders of last weeks coup, as regional pressure mounts on the military leaders who seized power after a disputed election.

The mission, led by ECOWAS chairman and Sierra Leones President Julius Maada Bio, came to Guinea-Bissau on Monday to urge the military authorities for a complete restoration of constitutional order.

The military has tightened restrictions in the country, banning all demonstrations and strikes.

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Weve had today very fruitful discussions, said Sierra Leones Foreign Minister Timothy Musa Kabba. Both sides have expressed their different concerns.

Joao Bernardo Vieira, the newly appointed foreign minister of Guinea-Bissau, said it was very clearly established that ECOWAS would not leave the country during this difficult period.

The transitional authorities and the military will continue their discussions, he said.

The coup unfolded three days after the countrys closely contested presidential election, with both main contenders  incumbent President Umaro Sissoco Embalo and opposition candidate Fernando Dias da Costa  claiming victory before provisional results were due to be announced. No results have been released since.

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During the takeover, Embalo told French media by phone that he had been deposed and arrested. He has since fled to Brazzaville, the capital of the Republic of Congo.

Guinea-Bissau military officials appointed former army chief of staff General Horta Inta-A to lead a one-year transition government. On Saturday, Inta-a named a new 28-member cabinet, made up largely of figures allied with the deposed president.

Nigeria, meanwhile, said its President Bola Tinubu had authorised protection for opposition leader Dias da Costa, citing an imminent threat to his life.

According to a letter sent to ECOWAS by Nigerias minister of foreign affairs, Dias da Costa is currently at the Nigerian embassy in Bissau. The letter requested an ECOWAS troop deployment to provide security for the opposition candidate.

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Separately, the main opposition African Independence Party for Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC) said in a statement that its headquarters had been illegally invaded by heavily armed militia groups in the capital.

The party had been barred from presenting a presidential candidate in the November 23 election, a move criticised by civil rights groups as part of a wider clampdown on dissent.

ECOWAS, widely seen as West Africas leading political and regional authority with 15 member states, responded to the coup by suspending Guinea-Bissau from all its decision-making bodies until the restoration of full and effective constitutional order in the country.

International condemnation has continued to grow, with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres saying that he is gravely concerned and condemning the military takeover, warning that ignoring the will of the people who peacefully cast their vote during the November 23 general elections constitutes an unacceptable violation of democratic principles.

Guterres called for the immediate and unconditional restoration of constitutional order and the release of all detained officials, including electoral authorities and opposition figures.
Dramatic moments unfolded in a Chicago federal courtroom after a major plea deal with a notorious drug kingpin of the Sinaloa cartel was announced. One of the sons of "El Chapo," Joaquin Guzman Lopez, pleaded guilty to two of the major charges against him.

Guzman Lopez admitted to drug trafficking conspiracy and engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise, namely running the notorious and ruthless Sinaloa cartel. During the hearing he also admitted to an extraordinary kidnapping plot and promised to cooperate with the government for a lighter sentence.

Shackled at the ankles and surrounded by federal marshals, Guzman Lopez, admitted to masterminding the importation and distributions of massive amounts of illegal drugs, and operating the Sinaloa cartel along with his brother and others.

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When asked by the judge what his job was for the past five years, he replied "drug trafficker" to chuckles from the courtroom and the judge herself, seemingly surprised at his candor.

The sentencing guidelines for the crimes advise life in prison, but with Guzman's guilty plea and cooperation, his attorney Jeffrey Lichtman said, "My expectation is the government will make a motion for reduction of sentencing guidelines."

Lichtman said he believes the sentence will be lower than life. In court, the government agreed and said Guzman Lopez could spend as little as 10 years in federal prison. Ultimately, sentencing is up to the judge.

"She takes all the recommendations, she listens, and she makes up her own decision because that's why she's the judge and why none of us are the judge because she's not partisan," said Lichtman.

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"I think we've got to send a bigger message, and I would hope we'd be able to do that," said Jack Riley, retired head of the Chicago DEA.

Riley told the I-Team a possible 10 years in prison for Guzman Lopez isn't enough.

"In any criminal organization that's operating in foreign countries, communication is crucial. How do they communicate with their surrogates in Chicago and around the U.S.? And the minute that he was arrested, those systems went dark and were regenerated with information that we don't know about," said Riley. "I'm not saying he's not going to give us something. If he fully cooperates, but it's going to be historical."

Also detailed in the plea agreement, the audacious kidnapping of Individual A, reportedly Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada. In the plea agreement, it was stipulated that Guzman Lopez lured him to a meeting, removing a floor to ceiling window before armed men working for Guzman Lopez entered through the window and abducted the man, placing handcuffs on him and a bag over his head, before driving him to an air strip to a small plane.

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The government went on the record to say that abduction was not at their request and Guzman Lopez agreed he would get no credit for cooperation for it.

When Guzman Lopez was questioned by the judge, he said he is taking medication for a thyroid issue, high blood pressure, and anxiety. His next status hearing is in June.
Former Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said Monday he doesnt think theres any question a reported second U.S. strike on an alleged Caribbean drug boat was a war crime.

I dont think theres any question that thats a war crime, if it happened in that way. I think the best thing thats happening now is that the Armed Services Committee in both the Senate and the House have indicated that theyre going to do a full investigation of this issue, Panetta said on CNNs The Situation Room.

And I think thats whats needed, because, theres obviously going to be a lot of different viewpoints, you heard what the president said. But, I think, ultimately its up to those committees to find out exactly what happened. And if it was a war crime, to make sure we hold people accountable, he added.

Multiple lawmakers have pushed the Trump administration for information after The Washington Post and CNN reported late last week that the U.S. carried out an additional strike on the alleged drug-smuggling boat in September, killing two survivors of the initial strike.

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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Friday defended the U.S. militarys recent strikes on alleged drug-trafficking boats, calling the Posts report fake news.

As usual, the fake news is delivering more fabricated, inflammatory, and derogatory reporting to discredit our incredible warriors fighting to protect the homeland, Hegseth said Friday evening in a post on the social platform X.

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, he added.

When reached for comment, the Pentagon pointed The Hill towards Hegseths Friday post.

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Updated at 4:48 p.m. ET

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.
By Michael Holden

LONDON, Dec 1 (Reuters) - A former senior British officer has told a public inquiry that British special forces in Afghanistan appeared to commit war crimes by executing suspects and despite widespread knowledge in the chain of command nothing was done.

Britain's defence ministry (MoD) ordered the inquiry after a BBC TV documentary reported that soldiers from the elite Special Air Service (SAS) had killed 54 people during the war in Afghanistan more than a decade ago in suspicious circumstances.

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The investigation is examining a number of night-time raids by British forces from mid-2010 to mid-2013 when they were part of a U.S.-led coalition fighting the Taliban and other militants.

CONCERNS FROM SOLDIERS

British military police have previously conducted several inquiries into allegations of misconduct by forces in Afghanistan, including those made against the SAS, but the MoD has said none had found enough evidence for prosecutions.

The inquiry's aim is to ascertain whether there was credible information of extra-judicial killings, whether investigations by the military police years later into concerns were properly conducted, and if unlawful killings were covered up.

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Its chair, senior judge Charles Haddon-Cave, said it was important anyone who broke the law was referred to relevant authorities while the cloud of suspicion was lifted from those who had done nothing wrong.

His inquiry has heard previously concerns from British soldiers who were in Afghanistan about a sub-unit referred to as UKSF1, with one saying they were killing fighting-age males during operations regardless of the threat they posed.

In new evidence, given in private but released on Monday, an officer known as N1466, who at the time was the Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations in the UK Special Forces Headquarters, revealed how in 2011 he had grown suspicious of the number of detainees killed during UKSF1 activities.

Based on an examination of official reports following raids, he said the number of enemies killed in action (EKIA) exceeded the number of weapons recovered, and that reports of detainees repeatedly attempting to pick up weapons or use grenades after capture did not appear credible.

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'WE ARE TALKING ABOUT WAR CRIMES'

"I will be clear we are talking about war crimes ... we are talking about taking detainees back on target and executing them with a pretence, the pretence being that they conducted violence against the forces," N1466 told Oliver Glasgow, the lead lawyer for the inquiry.

He said he had raised the issue with the Director of Special Forces, referred to as 1802, but rather than consider criminal action, he had instead only ordered a review of the operational tactic.

The former officer said he regretted that he did not approach the military police himself at the time, although he did later report his concerns in 2015.

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"I was deeply troubled by what I strongly suspected was the unlawful killing of innocent people, including children," he said in his witness statement.

"I had come to the view that the issue of extra-judicial killings was not confined to a small number of soldiers of a single sub unit of UKSF1 but was potentially more widespread, and was apparently known to many in UKSF."

Other evidence provided to the inquiry by former officers and a defence ministry official said there had been frustrations among soldiers that those captured during intelligence-led operations were being released days later as the Afghan judicial system could not cope.

It also heard there was great rivalry between the two special forces units UKSFI and UKSF3, to which N1466 belonged.

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"I am also conscious that some people out there will want to portray me as ... me against the [UKSF] as if I have got some sort of axe to grind ... I would just like to put across now that nothing, nothing is further from the truth," N1466 told the inquiry.

"... we didn't join the UKSF for this sort of behaviour, you know, toddlers to get shot in their beds or random killing. It's not special, it's not elite, it's not what we stand for and most of us I don't believe would either wish to condone it or to cover it up.".

The inquiry continues.

(Reporting by Michael Holden; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne)
By Arriana McLymore

NEW YORK, Dec 1 (Reuters) - U.S. Republican Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas sent a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi on Monday calling for the U.S. departments of Justice and Homeland Security to investigate online retailers Shein and Temu, which ship most of their merchandise from China, for wide-scale intellectual property theft and counterfeiting.

The letter, which was seen by Reuters, adds to the increased scrutiny of Shein and Temu, which both sell $20 shirts and $10 accessories, following the end of a U.S. trade exemption that helped both companies gain popularity in the region. Shein is privately held and Temu is owned by PDD Holdings.

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Shein did not immediately respond to a request for comment.  A Temu spokesperson said a comment was not immediately available outside of normal business hours.

Shein has previously said that it requires its suppliers to certify that their products do not infringe on a brand's intellectual property and that they are not counterfeit. The company has a team that ensures its sellers comply with the policy and takes swift action if they are not in compliance, a spokesperson previously said.

The ending of the de minimis exemption, which allowed packages shipped directly to shoppers valued at under $800 to enter the U.S. duty-free, has "forced Shein and Temu to change their business model," Cotton said in the letter.

"These companies now stock massive inventories in U.S. warehouses and distribution centers. Their goods are no longer slipping through ports," Cotton said. "They are sitting on American soil under U.S. jurisdiction."

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Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said on Monday he is investigating whether Shein violated state law related to unethical labor practices and the sale of unsafe consumer products. France last week asked a Paris judge to suspend Shein in the country for three months over sales of childlike sex dolls and banned weapons.

(Reporting by Arriana McClymore in New York; Editing by Matthew Lewis)
The Transportation Security Administration says Sunday could break a record for its busiest travel day.

But winter weather is disrupting flights across the country, including at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

The Federal Aviation Administration said there are around 51,000 flights scheduled for Sunday. But winter weather in the Midwest and Great Lakes is causing an issue.

According to FlightAware, there were more than 1,200 cancelations and more than 26,000 delays Sunday.

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Derrick Vaness was traveling from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, to Chicago.

We couldnt find a flight, so we had to leave out of Atlanta, and now our flight is delayed, Vaness told Channel 2s Eryn Rogers.

Experts say this could be the busiest holiday travel season in the past 15 years.

Everybody does Thanksgiving, you know, whereas Christmas is Christian and whatever, but everybody does Thanksgiving, so its the highest travel period for all the United States, said aviation expert Tucker Balch.

The Atlanta airport says around 4 million people will pass through its terminals this Thanksgiving holiday season, even though Monday is supposed to be the busiest travel day in Atlanta given the holiday travelers mixed with business travelers heading back to work.

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And experts say any delays or cancelations Sunday could make Monday even more hectic.

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Have Ukrainian investigators recovered the jewels stolen from the Louvre museum from the assets of a Ukrainian billionaire who is an associate of President Zelenskyy? No, that's not true: The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU), which purportedly seized the jewels, has not posted anything about it on social media. The NABU has denied it was true in a statement to a European fact-checking organization. There are no reports about the recovery in French media, which would be expected if the claim were true.

The claim appeared in a post (archived here) published on the @SprinterPress on November 18, 2025. The post included a video making the claim with a caption that read:

The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) latest raid turned up Marie-Louise's missing Louvre jewels among the belongings of Ukrainian billionaire Timur Mindich, described as a close associate of Volodymyr Zelensky. Mindich has reportedly already escaped to Israel. The saga only grows more surreal.

This is what the post looked like at the time of writing:

Image source: Lead Stories screenshot of X.com

The transcript of the video reads:

A corruption scandal at the highest levels of Ukraine's government has taken an unexpected turn. Among the assets confiscated from Timur Mindich, investigators have discovered a portion of the jewels stolen from the Louvre in early October.

The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) carried out a series of searches targeting a number of high-ranking Ukrainian officials, among whom was Timur Mindich, a friend of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Timur Mindich is a well-known Ukrainian businessman and a former co-owner of the company Kvartal 95 Studio, founded by Volodymyr Zelensky. NABU accused the businessman of corrupt activities in the energy sector, as well as of involving former Ukrainian Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko and former Defense Minister Rustem Umerov in these activities. The Anti-Corruption Bureau stated that over the course of the criminal group's operations, a total of about $100 million passed through the so-called laundry.

During the searches of Mindich's apartment, large sums of cash and various luxury items were confiscated, two of which were later identified as an emerald necklace and earrings from the jewelry set of Marie Louise of Austria, Empress of France and wife of Napoleon Bonaparte.

Marie Louise's jewelry set, valued at around 15 million euros, was stolen from the Louvre on Oct. 19, 2025, by four criminals who were later detained by French special services. The items discovered during the search of Mindich's residence have been transferred to a specialized department for temporary storage, and investigative authorities have begun verifying their origin.

Timur Mindich managed to leave the territory of Ukraine and travel to Israel before the searches were conducted. No official comments have yet been issued by Ukrainian authorities on the matter.

European fact-checking organizations, including this article (archived here) by Belgium's VRT.be, and a fact check (archived here) by Germany's DW.com, have previously concluded the video was created by an artificial intelligence tool. Both debunk articles noted that the images of the royal jewels shown in the video are not the same as the jewels reported stolen from the Louvre on October 19, 2025. This is a screenshot from the DW.com analysis:

Image source: Lead Stories screenshot of DW.com

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The VRT and DW fact checks report that NABU has confirmed the claims made in the video are fake. The DW article reads:

The video is fake and a product of either pro-Kremlin propaganda or someone who wants to spread disinformation.

This GIF shows the NABU X account timeline over the previous days. It does not include any announcement about recovering the stolen jewels.

Image source: Lead Stories screen recording of the NABU X.com timeline

A Google news search for "Louvre jewels" returned no articles about the jewels being recovered. The results were mostly links to stories about the arrests of suspects in the theft.
The family of a father-of-four who was found dead at the bottom of a cliff in Benidorm say they have new evidence to suggest his death involved foul play.

Nathan Osman, 30, was found dead less than 24 hours after he arrived at the seaside resort for a last-minute weekend getaway with friends in September 2024.

His body was found at the bottom of a 200m (650ft) cliff by an off-duty police officer. A postmortem revealed he died from head and abdominal injuries after falling from a height.

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Police initially concluded that Osman had died in a tragic accident as he made his way back to his hotel room alone.

But his family now believe the death was suspicious and have called on authorities to investigate the possibility of homicide.

Nathan Osmans body was found at the bottom of a cliff by an off-duty police officer (Family handout)

New phone data suggests Osman, from Pontypridd in south Wales, could not have reached the remote location where he was found by foot, his family said after receiving his mobile two months ago.

The family tracked his final movements through a health app and said his pace wasnt consistent with a fast walk or even a sprint, his brother Lee Evans told Sky News.

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Theres a breakdown inside the app of every 10 minutes  the distance, pace, measurement of pace every detail you can think of, Evans said.

The family say the journey he took uphill was fast, convincing them that Osman was in a vehicle. The information has led them to conclude that he died around half an hour after he was last seen on CCTV.

They have also located 27 CCTV cameras that they say could have picked up Osmans last movements, after local authorities said they could not find any. They were told that the cameras wouldnt be working or footage would have been deleted.

It was really ridiculous to think that my son wouldve walked up there at 4am in the pitch dark, Osmans mother Elizabeth said after visiting the location.

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The family previously raised questions over how Osman had been found in an area located in the opposite direction from his hotel.

No procedures were followed. Nothing was cordoned off, it wasnt a crime scene, Osmans father, Jonathan, said. Theres loads of things that couldve been taken. Tyre tracks, foot tracks, nothing. No DNA taken.

Spanish police reopened an investigation into Osmans death earlier this year and closed it in September.

The Independent has contacted Spanish police and South Wales Police for comment.

South Wales Police said: South Wales Police is carrying out enquiries on behalf of HM Coroner and a family liaison officer has been appointed to provide support.
HANGZHOU, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- An 843-megawatt gas turbine was officially connected to the grid on late Sunday in east China's Zhejiang Province, after completing a 168-hour full-load trial run.

The unit, the first of two at the China Energy Investment Corporation Co., Ltd. plant in Anji County, achieves a remarkable efficiency rate of 64.15 percent, representing an approximately 17-percentage-point increase over conventional million-kilowatt coal-fired units.

Shen Chengliang, a manager at Huzhou branch of the State Grid Zhejiang Electric Power Co., Ltd., said that the turbine units, once fully operational, will generate up to 7 billion kWh of electricity annually, sufficient for the power supply of 6 million residents, strengthening the local power grid with low-carbon electricity.

Low-carbon power generation is a key driver of China's strategy to meet its dual carbon goals -- to peak carbon emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. 
Aftyn Behn, the Democratic nominee for next weeks special election in a heavily Republican Tennessee congressional district, has made affordability concerns a centerpiece of her campaign messaging  mirroring the playbook of the partys victorious candidates for governor in Virginia and New Jersey earlier this month.

Tuesdays contest is poised to test just how far Democrats can ride that argument in a district that President Donald Trump carried by 22 points last November.

Republicans are hoping the districts partisan lean, combined with Behns progressive profile and recently resurfaced remarks on policing and other issues, will tilt the race in their favor. Democrats, meanwhile, are banking that voters frustration over the GOP agenda in Washington could help them significantly overperform in a race that otherwise wouldnt be competitive.

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Ive always said, I dont care who you voted for, Behn told CNN in an interview. I dont care what political party you belong to, but if you are upset about the cost of living and the chaos of Washington, then Im your candidate, and I welcome you with open arms.

The 7th Congressional District, which became vacant earlier this year when former GOP Rep. Mark Green resigned, includes parts of Nashville but is largely rural, stretching from the states border with Kentucky in the north to Alabama in the south. As part of the 2022 redistricting process, Tennessee GOP lawmakers redrew Nashville from one solidly Democratic district  long held by moderate Rep. Jim Cooper  into three seats that favored Republicans.

Despite Republicans advantage in the district, Democrats saw an opportunity to go on offense after their partys total vote count in the October primary came about 6,000 shy of the number of ballots cast in the GOP primary. Behn, a state representative and progressive organizer, narrowly won the four-way Democratic primary. Matt Van Epps, a combat veteran and member of the Tennessee Army National Guard running with Trumps endorsement, beat 10 other candidates to win the Republican nomination.

Drawing national attention

The special election has attracted millions of dollars in spending from outside groups and visits from national figures such as former Vice President Kamala Harris, with both parties eyeing it as the last major gauge of the countrys political environment before the calendar turns to 2026.

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On Monday, Trump will hold his second tele-rally for Van Epps, this time alongside House Speaker Mike Johnson, the candidates campaign confirmed. Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez will also hold a tele-rally for Behn the same day, a source familiar told CNN.

Of the more than $4 million spent on advertising in the race since the October primary, according to AdImpact, nearly $2.5 million has come from Republicans  much of that focused on painting Behn as out-of-step with the district, highlighting her past comments on topics such as defunding the police. One ad from the Trump-aligned super PAC MAGA Inc. includes a clip of Behn describing herself as a very radical person.

Opponents have also mined episodes of her podcast including one from 2020 where she talked about her dislike of country music and Nashvilles status as a popular tourist destination, as well as a video Behn recorded in May while monitoring immigration operations in her district in which she said she was bullying the ICE vehicles and state troopers. (Behn said her use of the word bullying was satire.)

In her interview with CNN, Behn suggested Republicans have been caught flat-footed, and they have resorted to personal attacks and character assassination. Addressing the flurry of reports about her past comments in the final weeks of the campaign, Behn claimed they were taken out of context and/or mischaracterized.

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Behn added that she was not a lawmaker at the time she made many of the comments, and shes since matured and shifted in the way she approaches politics now that shes a state representative and not solely an activist.

Rep. Todd Warner, a Republican from Chapel Hill, laughs with Rep. Aftyn Behn after a pile of papers was placed on her desk at the end of session at the Tennessee Capitol in Nashville, on April 25, 2024. - Nicole Hester/The Tennessean/USA Today Network/Imagn/File

Ive learned a lot, and I would hope that voters in the 7th District would give me the benefit of the doubt, that despite whatever  is being resurfaced right now, that Im someone who has a track record of trying to unrig the system in favor of working people, she told CNN.

Tennessee Democrats told CNN they believe voters in the district will weigh other concerns when deciding on their vote in the election.

Its really all about the mess in Washington, said Cooper, referring to the deciding factor of the race. Its a very important chance for Tennessee voters in one of the most beautiful parts of Tennessee to really speak loudly and clearly and say, Hey, were upset, we need some help, and were looking for somebody whos gonna help us.

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Behns campaign sees the millions that Republicans are pouring into the race as a sign of growing GOP concern. One campaign adviser pointed to a recent ad from Van Epps in which the Republican nominee does not mention the president, but leans into messaging about bringing down costs and making health care more affordable.

The type of content that youre seeing from Matt Van Epps is what youd expect to see from a Blue Dog Democrat in a district that Trump won by five points, not from a Republican in a district that Trump won by 22, said Ian Russell.

Even as Democrats outperform their 2024 margins in special elections this year, both parties see Van Epps as the favorite heading into Tuesday. With strong conservative turnout, we will have a win next Tuesday, and Ill hit the ground running, working with President Trump to lower the cost of living for hardworking Tennessee families, Van Epps said in a statement to CNN.

Still, Republicans are bracing for a result that will be closer than the more than 20-point margins posted by Trump and Green a year ago.

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Chip Saltsman, a Nashville-based Republican strategist not working with the Van Epps campaign, said that unlike Green, an incumbent and former state lawmaker who represented part of the district before the 2022 redistricting, Van Epps is a first-time candidate. He added that while he still expects Van Epps to win, Democrats had done a better job of quickly pivoting to the general election.

Weve been so focused on the Republican primary, because thats really the only game in town for most of the state, Saltsman said. Republicans got a little bit of a late start in reminding [voters] that there is actually a general election.

Scott Golden, the chair of the Tennessee Republican Party, said the party was working to get Van Epps message out there, but argued it may been getting lost in the news about Behns past comments.

Were not nervous that were going to lose, but we have to make sure that we work every single second, Golden said.

A focus on affordability

Behn has made health care and grocery affordability a central part of her message, which she argues has been a common theme of her activism and political work.

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Im someone who hasnt equivocated on affordability, she said. It has always been my ethos and my organizing agenda, legislative agenda, to make things more affordable for Tennesseans.

Born and raised in Knoxville, Behn attended college in Austin and moved back to Tennessee during Trumps first term in office. While the president and Republicans pursued their failed 2017 effort to repeal the Affordable Care Act, she worked as a community health care organizer for the Tennessee Justice Center, a non-profit law firm based in Nashville.

Aftyn Behn kicks off a day of canvassing in Dickson, Tennessee, with the Dickson County Democratic Party and volunteers on November 1. - Vivian Jones /The Tennessean/USA Today Network/Imagn/File

During her time as a national organizer for Indivisible, a progressive grassroots group, Behn took a leave of absence to help organize protests against the expulsion of two Black lawmakers who protested on the state House floor in favor of gun control. The experience, she said, inspired her to run in a September 2023 special election for a Nashville-area state legislature seat.

Shes emphasized her efforts to repeal the states four percent grocery tax, her work advocating against cuts to Medicaid and the cost-of-living issues she says Republicans in Washington have failed to address.

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This race is competitive because the Washington Republican agenda has not delivered, Behn said. They have not addressed costs despite the commitment from the Trump administration to make groceries cheaper, utilities cheaper, rent cheaper  and I think people are looking for an opportunity to vote for someone whos going to usher in an era of change.

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The FBI director, Kash Patel, is in over his head and leading a chronically under-performing agency paralyzed by fear and plummeting morale, according to a scathing 115-page report compiled by a national alliance of retired and active-duty FBI special agents and analysts.

The leaked assessment, obtained by the New York Post and prepared for both congressional Senate and House judiciary committees, is based on confidential accounts from 24 FBI sources.

They accuse Patel of lacking the experience to lead the FBI and that managers will not take initiative without explicit direction for fear of being fired. Patels first six months have produced a troubling picture of an organization described by insiders as a rudderless ship, with two sources independently characterizing the director as being in over his head. One stated he lacks the requisite knowledge or deep understanding of all the FBIs unique and complex investigative and intelligence programs.

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One key accusation is that the FBI has become internally paralyzed by fear. Managers are afraid of losing their jobs, and waiting on directions from the FBI director rather than taking initiative, according to multiple sources.

That paralysis stems partly from before his nomination, when Patel publicly accused the FBI of being part of a deep state conspiracy against Trump and called for its radical overhaul. He advocated for shutting down the FBIs Washington headquarters and dispersing employees across the country, and accused the bureau of political weaponization during investigations into Trump.

In response to the report, the White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson said in a statement: President Trump has assembled the most talented and impressive administration in history and they are doing an excellent job carrying out the Presidents agenda.

FBI Director Patel is a critical member of the Presidents team and he is working tirelessly to restore integrity to the FBI, Jackson said.

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The assessment comes amid ongoing controversies surrounding Patels tenure. Before his February 2025 confirmation, nearly 60 civil rights organizations urged the Senate to reject his nomination because of his lack of experience, foreign ties and misleading statements. Since taking office, he has faced criticism for refusing to release Jeffrey Epstein files and for prematurely announcing an arrest in the Kirk investigation that had to be retracted.

Patel, who served as a House intelligence committee staffer and later held roles in the Trump administrations first term  including as deputy director of national intelligence  is also the author of pro-Trump childrens books including The Plot Against the King. After Trump lost the 2020 election, Patel became a fixture on rightwing media before Trump won again and catapulted him to lead the FBI.

He has also faced scrutiny over allegations he assigned Swat personnel to protect his girlfriend and used government aircraft for personal travel.

According to the assessment, on 11 September, the day after conservative activist Charlie Kirks assassination, Patel arrived in Provo, Utah, but refused to leave the FBI jet without an appropriate raid jacket. A described highly respected source in the report explained that agents working the Kirk investigation had to stop their work to find a medium-sized jacket for Patel. When a female agents jacket was delivered, Patel complained about missing Velcro patches on the sleeves and refused to disembark until Swat team members removed patches from their own uniforms and attached them to the borrowed jacket.

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The same source confirmed media reports that Patel yelled at the special agent-in-charge and directed an expletive-laden tirade over perceived blunders in the case. Dan Bongino, the deputy director, later telephoned to apologize, saying that never should have happened.

Both Patel and Bongino face criticism for what multiple sources describe as an excessive focus on social media. FBI employees reported hearing more about the bureaus mission from leaderships social media posts than through official internal channels.

Bongino, who lacks traditional FBI experience and was granted a Patel-authorized waiver exempting him from standard polygraph screening, is described by one source as something of a clown.

In one incident, Patel became upset after learning that FBI personnel at Quantico had discussed his request to be issued an FBI firearm. When details leaked, he ordered polygraph examinations for everyone involved to identify who had criticized him. One respected FBI leader in the assessment called the order needlessly punitive.

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Not all feedback was negative. Multiple sources welcomed Patels rollback of diversity and equity initiatives and praised immigration enforcement operations. Some reported improved prosecutorial support compared with the previous administration. However, while some sources supported firing senior executives deemed responsible for past politicization, they argued reforms have not gone deep enough.

The report also notes concerns from countries closely partnered with the United States. Sources in the report indicated that law enforcement and intelligence agencies from allied countries fear the Trump administration may cause long-term damage to international cooperation.

The anonymous authors, who requested confidentiality to protect their positions, told the Post their assessment was never intended to be a hit piece but acknowledged that the anecdotal reporting from FBI personnel skewed 80/20 negative. They concluded by advising Patel and Bongino to heed the criticism.

The White House recently denied media reports that Trump plans to fire Patel.

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The congressional judiciary committees named in the report will be receiving a copy of the assessment this week.

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A federal appeals court on Monday disqualified Alina Habba from serving as the United States Attorney for New Jersey.

The 3rd US Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a district court decision that found her appointment violated the Federal Vacancies Reform Act.

President Trump nominated Habba, formerly one of his personal lawyers, but she was not confirmed by the Senate. When district court judges declined to appoint her to the position, the administration tried to install her a different way.

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The 3rd Circuit said the maneuver was improper.

"Habba is not the Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey by virtue of her appointment as First Assistant U.S. Attorney because only the first assistant in place at the time the vacancy arises automatically assumes the functions and duties of the office under the FVRA. Additionally, because Habba was nominated for the vacant U.S. Attorney position, the FVRA's nomination bar prevents her from assuming the role of Acting U.S. Attorney. Finally, the Attorney General's delegation of all the powers of a U.S. Attorney to Habba is prohibited by the FVRA's exclusivity provision," the opinion said.

Monday's ruling marks the first time a federal appeals court has ruled against the Trump administration's attempt to keep interim US Attorneys in their posts after their temporary appointments lapse, potentially resulting in nationwide implications for federal prosecutors installed in the same way as Alina Habba.

The ruling from the three-judge panel - composed of two judges put on the bench by Bush and one by Biden - also comes on the heels of a high-profile decision last week disqualifying Trump's handpicked prosecutor in the Eastern District of Virginia.

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While last week's decision focused on the timeframe for the Attorney General to name an interim US Attorney, the appeals decision today hinges on the question of whether the Trump administration can work around federal law though legal maneuvering.

After Habba's interim appointment expired and the District Court sought to put in a new top prosecutor, the Trump administration placed her in a lower position - First Assistant U.S. Attorney - that assumed the top job once her original nomination was withdrawn.

In a 3-0 decision, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals concluded that Habba's original nomination for the US Attorney position barred her from assuming the acting job. The court also rejected the argument that the Attorney General has the power to delegate the powers of US attorney to Habba.
A FedEx truck fell off a bridge and landed in a creek in Washington County.

Washington County emergency dispatchers said crews were called to the 1500 block of Henderson Avenue in Canton Township at 1 p.m. on Monday.

The truck landed on its passenger side in a creek.

No injuries were reported.

A FedEx spokesperson released the following statement following the crash:

Safety is of the utmost importance to FedEx, and we are grateful there were no major injuries due to this incident. We extend our appreciation to the first responders who arrived to assist the driver involved. Customers with questions about their shipments can visit fedex.com.

A FedEx truck fell off a bridge and landed in a creek in Washington County.

A FedEx truck fell off a bridge and landed in a creek in Washington County.

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The First Minister Michelle O'Neill has faced more questions in the assembly over what her party knew about damage to a portrait of a former Belfast Lord Mayor.

A Sinn Fein employee at Stormont resigned over the incident last October, which was investigated by police as a hate crime.

Last week, the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) said key gaps remained in available evidence and that the Sinn Fein employee's resignation "contained no admission".

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It was later claimed that the son of Sinn Fein assembly member Caral Ni Chuilin was involved in the incident - a solicitor for Naoise O Cuilin dismissed it as "entirely false".

On Monday, the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) tabled an urgent question to the first minister about the issue.

The party's Phillip Brett accused Sinn Fein of "misleading" the assembly, adding: "You stated as first minister on 21 October (2024) that a Sinn Fein employee who worked in the assembly made the party chief whip aware of their involvement in an incident at Belfast City Hall.

"You were then contradicted by your chief whip in her public statement to the PPS where she stated that the individual responsible made no admission of being at the event or knowing about the damage.

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"Either you misled the Assembly or your chief whip misled the police. Both are very serious, which one is it?"

The first minister said a "number of inaccurate comments and claims" had been made over the past week.

She said she was "confident" in the actions she had taken and would not be drawn on claims her party had misled the assembly over the issue.

"The events were fully investigated by the PSNI and PPS - the PPS have made their decision and that is the appropriate course of action given there was a criminal investigation," she added.

First Minister Michelle O'Neill said she was "confident" in the actions she had taken [PA Media]

SDLP assembly member and leader of the Opposition, Matthew O'Toole, accused Sinn Fein of "changing its story".

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He added: "If this person had no involvement and no issues why then did he have to resign from his post and why was he suspended from party membership?"

O'Neill repeated her position and defended the party's actions to date.

She also insisted that Sinn Fein junior minister Aisling Reilly, who had been among those at the event, had accepted the invitation in a personal capacity.

The painting of Wallace Browne was removed from a wall and the glass was smashed last October.

It was damaged following an event at City Hall to celebrate an Irish-language group.

The event was attended by a number of high-profile Sinn Fein figures.

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The PPS said issues in building a "clear evidential picture" included "no CCTV coverage".
From unmarked chemicals to debris under appliances, health inspectors in Missouri and Kansas found numerous violations at Kansas City-area restaurants last week.

Dining establishments like sit-down restaurants, drive-thrus, gas stations and grocery stores are required to get food inspections, and governments have to release those inspections to the public.

In Kansas City, the citys health department enforces the food code while in Kansas, the states Department of Agriculture handles inspections. The lower the number of violations, the better.

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Most restaurants correct violations at the time of the original inspection or shortly after. The full inspections show how each establishment has corrected or is working to correct any remaining violations. They are available for Kansas City at inspectionsonline.us/foodsafety/mousakansascity/search.htm and Johnson and Wyandotte counties at agriculture.ks.gov.

Here are the restaurants in Johnson and Wyandotte counties that received seven or more priority and priority foundation violations from Nov. 16 to 22. In addition, three Kansas City restaurant licenses were suspended during the same time frame.

New Century Imports (Global Market on Google)

9926 87th St., Overland Park

9 priority and priority foundation violations for a Nov. 20 routine inspection

The inspector found a dead mouse in the break room mouse trap of this Johnson County international grocery store. Small brown insects flew around the whole business, and there was mold on a tomato.

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The scheduled follow-up inspection has not yet occurred. Read the full report for Global Market by searching for the restaurant on the Kansas inspection lookup.

Kushi Indian Restaurant

14856 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park

8 priority and priority foundation violations for a Nov. 18 modified complaint inspection

The inspector found two tubs of dosa batter and two containers of chutney that were kept in the coolers for more than a week at this Overland Park Indian restaurant. Heavy cream and eggs were sitting at room temperature.

The scheduled follow-up inspection has not yet occurred. Read the full report for Kushi Indian Restaurant by searching for the restaurant on the Kansas inspection lookup.

Tarahumaras Mexican Restaurant #2

503 N. Sixth St., Kansas City, Kansas

7 priority and priority foundation violations for a Nov. 18 routine inspection

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An unidentified spray bottle of yellowish solution was found in this KCK Mexican restaurant. Rubbing alcohol was stored above dishes.

The restaurant did not need a follow-up inspection. Read the full report for Tarahumaras Mexican Restaurant #2 by searching for the restaurant on the Kansas inspection lookup.

Chun Chun (Changs Wok on Google)

812 N. Ridgeview Road, Olathe

7 priority and priority foundation violations for a Nov. 18 complaint inspection

The areas surrounding kitchen appliances were laden with food debris which has begun to attract bugs, the inspector wrote about this Olathe Chinese restaurant. The restaurant was out of sanitizer for dishes.

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The scheduled follow-up inspection has not yet occurred. Read the full report for Changs Wok by searching for the restaurant on the Kansas inspection lookup.

Seafood Island

10810 W. 75th St., Shawnee

7 priority and priority foundation violations for a Nov. 17 routine inspection

Insects floated inside two bottles of whiskey at this Shawnee Cajun restaurant. A handwashing sink was missing soap.

The restaurant did not need a follow-up inspection. Read the full report for Seafood Island by searching for the restaurant on the Kansas inspection lookup.

Suspensions

Anchor Island Coffee

4101 Troost Ave.

Suspended Nov. 21

The Midtown coffee shop was suspended because of an inability to wash, rinse and sanitize dishes. The cafes food license was reinstated the next day.

Arthur Bryants

1727 Brooklyn Ave.

Suspended Nov. 19

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The 18th and Vine barbecue restaurant was suspended because of water damage caused by the sprinkler system. The health department has not returned to inspect the facility.

Captain Ds, south Kansas City

6308 Troost Ave.

Suspended Nov. 18

Health department spokesperson April Leonard wrote in an email that this fast-food restaurant near Brookside was closed by the Fire Department due to grease build up on their hood vent system. The health department has not returned to inspect the facility.
Flooding and landslides have killed more than 1,140 people across Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Malaysia following tropical storms in recent days, with efforts under way to help thousands affected by the extreme weather.

Arriving in North Sumatra on Monday, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto said the governments priority was how to immediately send the necessary aid.

There are several isolated villages that, God willing, we can reach, Prabowo said, adding that the government was deploying helicopters and aircraft to aid the relief effort.

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Prabowo has come under increasing pressure to declare a national emergency in response to flooding and landslides that have killed at least 604 people, with another 464 people still missing.

While he said the worst has passed, the state weather agency is forecasting further moderate to heavy rain, lightning and strong winds around Jakarta, and thunderstorms across West Nusa Tenggara, West Java and South Kalimantan.

(Al Jazeera)

Indonesias government has sent two hospital ships and three warships carrying aid to some of the worst-hit areas, where many roads remain impassable.

Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian said the government was not fully prepared for the scale of the disaster.

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The disaster is quite extensive in Aceh, North Sumatra and West Sumatra, he said, according to Indonesian outlet Tempo. Similar to what happened in North Sumatra, it happened very quickly, and maybe we were not prepared for it.

In Sungai Nyalo village, about 100km (62 miles) from West Sumatras capital Padang, floodwaters had mostly receded on Sunday, leaving homes, vehicles and crops coated in thick grey mud.

Most villagers chose to stay; they didnt want to leave their houses behind, Idris, 55, who, like many Indonesians, goes by one name, told the AFP news agency.

Rescue personnel walk past debris as they evacuate a sick villager to the nearest hospital in Bireuen, Aceh province, Indonesia, on November 29, 2025 [Amanda Jufrian/AFP]

Sri Lanka seeks aid

Meanwhile, in Sri Lanka, the government has called for international aid and is using military helicopters to reach people stranded by flooding and landslides triggered by Cyclone Ditwah.

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At least 366 people have been killed, according to authorities, with another 367 people missing.

A helicopter pilot tragically lost his life while making an emergency landing during a mission to support flood-affected communities in Lunuwila, north of Colombo, Sri Lankas Air Force said in a post on Facebook on Monday.

Officials said the extent of damage in the worst-affected central region was only just being revealed as relief workers cleared roads blocked by fallen trees and mudslides.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who declared a state of emergency to deal with the disaster, pledged to build back. We are facing the largest and most challenging natural disaster in our history, Dissanayake said in an address to the nation.

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This is a humanitarian crisis of historic proportions, Sampath Kotuwegoda, director-general of the disaster management centre, told Al Jazeera, adding that all 25 districts of the country have been affected.

Rescue teams from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Japan have arrived to assist with the emergency response, but officials say more support is needed.





Death toll rises in southern Thailand

Thai authorities on Monday said the death toll from ongoing flooding in the south of the country had risen to at least 176 people.

The government has rolled out relief measures, but there has been growing public criticism of the flood response, and two local officials have been suspended over their alleged failures, according to AFP.

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Save the Children estimates 76,000 children are currently unable to return to school. Services are slowly recovering in Songkhla province  where 131 people have died.

Meanwhile, 80 percent of tap water was restored and full service is expected by midweek, according to the Thai Enquirer.

Across the border in Malaysia, where heavy rains also inundated large stretches of land in Perlis state, at least three people were killed.

An aerial view shows a home surrounded by floodwaters in Kangar in northern Malaysias Perlis state on Friday, as severe flooding affected thousands of people in the region following days of heavy rain [Mohd Rasfan/AFP]

Year of deadly floods across Asia

This weeks floods and landslides are the latest extreme weather events to devastate Southeast Asian countries in recent weeks, including two typhoons that hit the Philippines within a week of each other last month, killing at least 242 people.

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The flooding that hit Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia was also exacerbated by a rare tropical storm that dumped heavy rain on Sumatra Island in particular.

Climate change is increasing the intensity and frequency of storms and producing more heavy rain events because a warmer atmosphere holds more moisture.

Alexander Matheou, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Asia-Pacific director, said countries urgently need better early warning systems, shelter for people to go to in times of flooding, more nature-based solutions  [and] social protection systems in disaster.

These floods are a stark reminder that climate-driven disasters are becoming the new normal, he said in a statement. Investment in resilience and preparedness is critical.
Three people have died and one is in critical but stable condition after a catamaran flipped Saturday, Nov. 29, on the Caloosahatchee River on the southwest Gulf Coast between Cape Coral and Fort Myers, authorities said.

The MTI 390 powerboat sent all four occupants into the water around 5 p.m. according to Bradley Johnson, public information officer for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), which led the search and rescue mission and the ongoing investigation.

Here's what we know.

What happened in the Florida boat accident?

Not much is known about the incident yet, Johnson said, including the speed of the boat, what caused the flip or even who was driving. The incident did not appear to have involved any other vessels.

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"Investigators are working on that," he said. "They are still trying to gather all that."

A witness told Fox 4 it appeared the boat was traveling between 75 and 80 mph, but that has not been substantiated.

Johnson said that the outboard motors seem to have come off the vessel at some point. The boat has been moved to an evidence facility for investigation.

Wind conditions could have been a factor, he said Saturday, potentially affecting visibility and steering. Winds in Cape Coral that afternoon ranged from 8-15 mph, with gusts up to 22, according to the National Weather Service.

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Prayers and questions: Cape Coral boat crash social media reaction

Other boaters rushed to help, he said.

Boater Trenton Zamniak, who was nearby when the boat flipped, told Gulf Coast News Now that the boat "nosed up about 90 degrees and slips right over back." He and his friends administered CPR to an unconscious man they found bobbing in the water until first responders arrived.

Lee County Sheriff's Department, Cape Coral Police Department, Cape Coral Fire Department, Sanibel Police Department, Matlacha Fire Department, Iona McGregor Fire District and the U.S. Coast Guard all responded.

Who was killed in the boat accident in Cape Coral?

Brenna Millett, Rebecca Knight and Neal Kirby were recovered and taken to a local hospital after the incident. MIllett and Knight died Saturday night, Johnson said. Kirby was still in critical but stable condition Sunday afternoon.

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Craig Millett, 60, remained missing during an overnight search by dive crews until his submerged body was found around 12:30 p.m. Sunday in open water near the incident close to Redfish Point, Johnson said.

Where was the boat accident in Cape Coral?

The speedboat flipped in the Caloosahatchee River off Cape Coral near the Cape Coral Yacht Club, Johnson said.

He said the incident occurred in the main intercoastal areas, away from restricted areas.

Where is the Caloosahatchee River in Florida?

The 67-mile Caloosahatchee River runs across the southwest part of the state from Lake Hicpochee in Glades County. It grows into a broad estuary and expands in size by the time it passes Fort Myers and Cape Coral to reach the Gulf in San Carlos Bay, near Sanibel Island.

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The scenic river is popular for boating and fishing.

What type of boat was involved in the Florida boating accident?

The boat was a 39-foot MTI speedboat, authorities said.

The model has not been released. Marine Technology Inc. currently offers two 39.4-foot models, both catamarans with Twin Mercury 450R outboard motors.

Contributing: Stacey Henson and Mark H. Bickel, Fort Myers News Press

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Florida boating accident leaves 3 dead, 1 critical. What we know
Canned foods on grocery store shelves. (Photo by Cami Koons/Iowa Capital Dispatch)

The Thanksgiving holiday is known to include tables full of food, but with Ohioans still feeling the effects of federal cuts to SNAP and food banks still bending under the weight of demand, for some the table wont be quite as full.

The federal governments shutdown and the hold-up it caused for existing SNAP benefits didnt help matters. The Ohio Association of Foodbanks served 46% more people at state food pantries from Nov. 1 to Nov. 21 than it had on average in each of the previous months this year.

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This situation underscored the critical importance of SNAP as the first line of defense against hunger for many families, seniors, and disabled Ohioans that would regularly face food budget shortfalls without support from SNAP, Joree Novotny, executive director of the association, told the Capital Journal.

Even prior to the shutdown, the association was already seeing increases in the first quarter of this year, and had concerns about how they would sustain the help amid growing demand.

While the impact of the shutdown shined a light on the issue, food insecurity was far too prevalent before the shutdown and remains far too prevalent in its aftermath, Novotny said.

From July to September of this year, the network saw a 6.7% increase in food provided compared to the same period in 2024, a 14% increase from 2023, and a nearly 41% increase from 2022. This included take-home groceries, hot meals and meals provided at community sites.

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Food banks had to accommodate reductions in federal contributions from the USDA, which Novotny said they did by sourcing more than 28 million pounds of donated food, and spending monetary donations on 16.2 million pounds on food. That sourcing made up 70% of all the food provided through the network.

Normally, federal and state (contributions) represent about half of all of the food our network distributes, Novotny said. This level of private purchasing cannot be sustained, particularly by food banks serving areas of the state facing philanthropy gaps and wider disparity in resources.

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Food pantries werent the only ones attempting to make up for the SNAP shortfalls. The Childrens Hunger Alliance worked to battle child hunger impacts from the SNAP situation, despite seeing drops in state funding. The alliances state contribution went from the governors proposal that would have provided $3.75 million in each of the next two years, down to $3 million in fiscal year 2026 and $2.5 million in 2027 as approved in the final budget.

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While the alliance was able to hold the line with regard to federal and state support in combination with private donations, changes in childhood food insecurity take a year or more to understand, according to the organizations president, Michelle M. Brown.

The SNAP disruption during the government shutdown may continue to affect low-income families in the weeks and months ahead, because many were forced to make difficult budget choices in November, Brown said.

The leader said there are still looming threats to federal food programs that could send families right back into the dilemma of making hard decisions between paying bills and putting food on the table.

In 2024, the Childrens Hunger Alliance served 10.8 million meals to more than 161,000 children in 76 Ohio counties, according to alliance data.

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More than 517,000 children experienced food insecurity in Ohio in 2023, according to the most recent data from Feeding America. Of those, 72% met the income eligibility for federal food assistance programs like SNAP.

Childhood hunger is a solvable issue  it just requires public and private leadership, financial resources, and communities united behind the belief that every child deserves the chance to thrive and reach their full potential, Brown said.

The alliance built a partnership with public and private donors to launch the Thanksgiving Meals initiative, providing food and a gift cards to 1,900 households in central Ohio this year. The organization also extended their Weekend Meals program during the Thanksgiving and Christmas weeks to ensure children across Ohio have access to nutritious meals when schools out.

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The countdown is on in Jersey City as voters prepare to elect a new leader in Tuesday's mayoral runoff election.

Hudson County election officials allowed early voting Sunday in the Jersey City and Hoboken runoffs, scheduled for Tuesday, when a storm could slow down voters heading to the polls.

The Jersey City mayoral runoff pits 68-year-old former Gov. Jim McGreevey vs. 41-year-old Councilmember James Solomon.

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McGreevey is attempting to make a political comeback years after he was forced to resign as governor. Solomon is a two-term councilman whose grandfather once ran the Federal Reserve.

Many voters in Jersey City say this has become the tale of two cities, one featuring upscale high rises, the other working class neighborhoods. Voters are looking for a leader who can make the city affordable.

Both candidates believe they are what the city needs to make it livable now and in the future.

Solomon, who sees himself as Jersey City's version of New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, got the most votes in the seven-way Nov. 4 general election. His 29% to McGreevey's 25% sent the race to Tuesday's runoff.

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Like in New York City, affordability is the key issue of their campaigns. The two have been focused on how to best create affordable housing and combat skyrocketing property taxes.

Solomon is promising to take on developers who reshaped the city's skyline under the administration of Mayor Steve Fulop, who opted to try a failed run for governor instead of seeking a fourth term, and capping rents.

"We're going to audit every tax break that's going out to a developer. We're going to audit the payroll tax the corporations are required to pay, but we think many are skimping on," Solomon said.

McGreevey says he will rely on fiscal responsibility from his past political experience. He shared his vision for improving the city's affordability,

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"It's not only just allowing market rate housing to be built, but having 20% set aside for affordable housing over that market rate," McGreevey said. "It's not only just having that market rate housing being built, but it's an opportunity for job and employment for young people in the community."

The clash of ideas becomes apparent when discussing affordable housing.

Councilman Solomon proposes a plan to force developers to build low-rent housing.

McGreevey says those would be substandard. Solomon, however, claims McGreevey is supported by developers.

"I, on the other hand, want to force them to build affordable housing. Some of that is genuinely affordable. Rents at $1,000 a month and under, rents at $1,500 a month and under. The former governor is critical of that plan," Solomon said.

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McGreevey reacted to Solomon's proposal.

"So, when you say that you're going to give somebody $1,000 a month rent. With all due respect, Councilman Solomon, you're not living in that $1,000 a month rent facility, because, I mean, if you were to do $1,000 a month rent, the size of the blueprint is going to be inadequate for a family," McGreevey said.

The contrasts between the two candidates were apparent during their recent debate on Channel 11.

The mayoral runoff comes less than a month after the state governor's race, and days after Thanksgiving. With concerns over voter burnout, some residents say they want to make sure their voices are heard.

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"There is a lot of overcrowding in the respect that the infrastructure isn't coming up to meet all of the new building," one woman told Eyewitness News.

Solomon paints himself as an outsider, despite serving on the Jersey City Council since 2017. McGreevey has been out of office since he resigned as governor in 2004.

Solomon got the backing of most of his initial opponents. Sen. Andy Kim is also backing Solomon, calling him a "new era of politics" in New Jersey.

McGreevey has most of the Democratic establishment on his side, including outgoing Democratic Governor Phil Murphy and the city's police union.

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Stay tuned to Eyewitness News for results on Tuesday night.

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A job seeker experiences the artificial intelligence (AI) interview booth in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, Nov. 28, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Yang)

WUHAN, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- In an interview booth, postgraduate student Zhang Hui adjusted her posture, looked into the camera and answered a series of questions posed by an artificial intelligence (AI) interviewer. As she wrapped up, she lifted her phone to record the screen, capturing the automated feedback and suggestions generated from her responses.

"I'm quite introverted, so practicing with an AI interviewer helps me stay calm and improve my answers," said Zhang, who attends South-Central Minzu University. "It really makes a difference."

The Third National Conference on the Development of Human Resources Services was held from Friday to Saturday in Wuhan, the capital of central China's Hubei Province, offering a glimpse into the growing role AI is playing in China's labor market.

During the conference, Zhang scanned a QR code to upload her resume. "In less than 30 seconds, the system recommended five jobs for me," she said. "It even explained why each position suited me."

After receiving these job recommendations, Zhang visited the booth of one of the suggested companies -- a new-energy firm -- and secured an in-person interview for the following week.

In the conference's AI experience zone, Wang Wei, chief technology officer of Guangdong Chitone Human Resource Chain Co., Ltd., guided visitors through the company's integrated terminal offering tailored job recommendation, policy interpretation and resume optimization services.

"I've been working in this industry for nearly 40 years and have witnessed a major transformation brought by AI, especially the exponential improvement in efficiency," Wang said. One of the company's AI tools can screen a resume in three to four seconds, raising enterprise recruitment efficiency by at least 80 percent, he noted.

"Our goal is not to replace humans with AI, but to let AI help redefine and upgrade every link of the HR process," he said.

Beyond university-focused tools, companies also showcased AI job-matching solutions for community-level employment services.

At the booth of the Jiangsu Leader Human Resources Group Co., Ltd., visitors gathered around a smart terminal known as an "employment-at-your-doorstep services station," which has already been deployed in east China's Nanjing City. The device allows residents to browse local job information, learn about employment policies, and submit resumes on their phones.

"In just half a day, more than 200 enterprises and human resources departments made inquiries," a company representative said. "This conference has helped us strengthen connections with partners in Hubei and beyond. With AI, we look forward to deeper cross-regional cooperation and better support for high-quality development."

As noted in a recommendations document for the formulation of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), China will apply AI tools in industrial development, cultural advancement, public well-being initiatives and social governance, and will strive to gain an edge in AI industrial application.

Lei Chengpu, an official of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, said that AI is already applied widely across the HR services sector, improving the efficiency of resource allocation and the accurate matching of people and jobs.

"Typical applications include real-time job matching on intelligent recruitment platforms, AI interview systems, data-monitoring tools that analyze labor market trends, and personalized career guidance that recommends training based on individual needs," Lei said.

China's HR services industry provided more than 300 million employment services and supported over 50 million companies to hire staff each year from 2021 to 2025, according to Lei. Online recruitment platforms now publish hundreds of millions of job posts every year, with AI-driven matching becoming a major employment services channel.

Lei noted that while AI has evolved from a simple auxiliary tool into a powerful enabler across recruitment, training, assessment, consulting and outsourcing, challenges remain. "Data standards are not yet unified, data-sharing across platforms needs improvement, and small and medium-sized enterprises still face barriers in adopting AI tools," he said.

China will advance an AI Plus HR Services initiative to improve data standards, encourage industry innovation, and build a more intelligent HR services system, Lei added.

Back in the interview booth, Zhang Hui reviewed the feedback on her phone. "If AI can help me understand myself better and find the right job faster, that's already a big step forward." 
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  A former Memphis Police officer was sentenced Monday to more than 38 years in a plea deal for killing a man while on duty in 2021.

Patric Ferguson pleaded guilty to federal charges back in August, admitting he kidnapped Robert Howard, shot him in the back of the head, then dumped the body in the Wolf River.

He was sentenced to 465 months on three counts, and 240 months on two more counts. The sentences will be served concurrently, followed by five years of supervised release.

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Former MPD officer pleads guilty to kidnapping, killing exs boyfriend

Prosecutors said on January 5, 2021, while Ferguson was on duty, he went to the home of his ex-girlfriend, a fellow MPD officer, and confronted her new boyfriend, Howard.

Ferguson admitted to forcing Howard into the back of his squad car, driving him to a parking lot, shooting him, and then leaving his body in a field near an apartment complex.

In May, Joshua Rogers pleaded guilty in federal court to destroying evidence by helping Ferguson dispose of Howards body.

Prosecutors said Ferguson and Rogers attached chains, padlocks, and cinder blocks to Howards body before throwing the body from a Memphis bridge into the Wolf River.

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Four men have been arrested in Australia over their alleged involvement in an international satanic child sex abuse material ring, according to New South Wales Police, who say theyre still working to identify the victims.

Det. Supt. Jayne Doherty, commander of the sex crimes squad, said the four men allegedly shared abhorrent content with an international network depicting children from infants to 12 years old  as well as animals.

Police will allege in court that this international group were engaging in conversations and the sharing of material which depicted child abuse and the torture of children involving symbols and rituals linked to Satanism and the occult, Doherty said Monday.

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Thousands of videos were found on electronic devices seized during several simultaneous raids on properties in Sydney last week, Doherty said.

Amongst these deplorable images were also a number of videos depicting the sexual abuse of animals, she added.

Video released by NSW Police showed the arrest of a 26-year-old man in the inner-city suburb of Waterloo, whom police alleged to have played a leading role in the group.

Officers can be seen using a battering ram to enter the apartment and are heard shouting police before taking a man dressed in zebra-print shorts and T-shirt into custody.

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The investigation was carried out by the NSW sex crimes squad as part of Strike Force Constantine, an operation established in April that investigates the online distribution of child sexual abuse involving ritualistic or satanic themes.

In November, police were made aware a group of men in Sydney, who were allegedly part of a larger international pedophile syndicate.

They were communicating with each other and also sharing explicit child abuse material across that international group, Doherty alleged.

Police could not confirm the identities of the children involved or which country the material was created in.

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Weve not identified an actual child, but the images are of real children, she said.

Thousands of files found

Police executed six search warrants across Sydney last week and arrested four men, according to a police statement.

The 26-year-old was charged with several offenses, including making available child abuse material and possession of child abuse material. He was also charged with disseminating and possessing bestiality material, police said.

Three men, aged 46, 42 and 39, were arrested in the coastal suburb of Malabar in connection with the same child abuse network. They face several charges relating to the possession or distribution of child abuse material.

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All four men, who have not been named by police, were refused bail and will appear in court in January next year.

Police are combing through thousands of files to investigate other alleged members of the group suspected of sharing images on encrypted international platforms.

The abuse was particularly devastating in that they used symbols and rituals around it in the discussions that they were having about abusing children, she said.

It had a very ritualistic overview.

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Four people including three children were killed and 11 more were wounded in a shooting at a birthday party in California, authorities said Sunday, calling it a targeted attack that may have involved multiple gunmen.

The shooting took place Saturday evening inside a banquet hall in Stockton, a city northeast of San Francisco, where between 100 and 150 people had gathered for the celebration.

The four victims were aged eight, nine, 14 and 21, San Joaquin County Sheriff Patrick Withrow told reporters on Sunday.

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At least one of the 11 wounded was in critical condition, he said, adding he did not have more information about the others.

"We believe, from what we've gathered so far, that it appears to be multiple shooters," Withrow said.

He called on the public to remain cautious as the investigation unfolds.

Earlier, his spokeswoman Heather Brent said it appeared to have been a "targeted" shooting.

The sheriff's office urged anyone with information or video footage to come forward. So far, no one has been taken into custody.

"These animals walked in and shot children at a children's birthday party, and none of us should stand for that," Withrow said.

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"And so if you know anything about this, you have to come forward and tell us what you know."

- $25,000 reward -

Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi said a $25,000 reward would be given to anyone providing information that led to the arrest of the assailants.

While the sheriff said he could not yet confirm if the incident was gang-related, Fugazi did not hold back about who she believed to be responsible.

"Let us call this what it is. Gang violence exists in cities across the country, but this act was a pure act of terrorism," she said in a post on Facebook.

Withrow said firearms were found on the roof of the building where the shooting occurred, but it was not clear if they were related to the crime.

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California Governor Gavin Newsom was briefed on the shooting, his office said on social media.

There have been 504 mass shootings in the United States so far this year including the Stockton incident, according to the Gun Violence Archive, which defines a mass shooting as four or more people shot.

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A court in France has sentenced the mayor of the city of Saint Etienne near Lyon, Gael Perdriau, to five years in prison for blackmailing a political rival with a sex tape.

The court found it proven that the 53-year-old conservative politician had his first deputy filmed with a hidden camera in the company of a male prostitute in a Paris hotel, the newspaper Le Figaro reported on Monday. The deputy is said to have been deliberately set up as part of a plan to sideline him.

One year of the sentence was suspended.

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The mayor maintained his innocence in court until the end of the trial, and has announced that he will appeal.

However, he must vacate his office at city hall immediately following the verdict.

In her reasoning, presiding judge Brigitte Verney spoke of the "extreme seriousness of the offences committed."

Three other individuals involved in the blackmail, which lasted several years, were also sentenced to prison terms.

The conservative Republicans, of which Perdriau was vice chairman at the time, have already expelled the mayor for using "despicable methods" against a political rival.
A passenger on a United Airlines flight went berserk after the plane was delayed on the tarmac, causing her to drop F and C bombs!

The woman's meltdown was captured on video by a fellow passenger aboard the aircraft at Newark Liberty International Airport. The video was then uploaded to TikTok on November 10, but is only now making the rounds in the national media.

Check it out ... the pissed off passenger is sitting in a window seat when an older lady gets up from the aisle seat in the same row, followed by another woman in the middle seat.

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When the angry passenger also gets up to leave, she bumps into a flight attendant  and that's when the sparks fly.

Getty

The passenger tells the attendant she's allowed to stand up after everyone was forced to sit on the tarmac for an hour. The attendant just moves on as the passenger stands there looking down at her phone until, all of a sudden, she starts cursing, yelling "f****** c***."

In the TikTok caption, the witness who recorded the video wrote that the passenger was eventually escorted off the plane, which was bound for Charleston, South Carolina, but was delayed for more than 4 hours.

We've reached out to United Airlines to confirm that information and will update you once we get word.

Stay tuned.
This story was originally published on MyNorthwest.com.

Gary Ridgway, the Green River Killer and one of Americas most prolific convicted serial killers, is receiving end-of-life care in a Washington state prison, according to five sources with knowledge of his condition who spoke to KIRO Newsradio in recent days. None could provide specifics beyond that.

Ridgway terrorized the Seattle area throughout the 1980s and 1990s, targeting vulnerable women along Pacific Highway South near the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). Most of his victims were young runaways or sex workers who disappeared without warning, their bodies later found in wooded areas throughout King County. For two decades, he evaded capture while becoming the focus of the largest murder investigation in U.S. history.

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His 2003 plea deal, which spared him the death penalty in exchange for helping locate victims remains, remains controversial to this day.

The 76-year-old killer, who pleaded guilty to murdering 49 women in 2003, has been in declining health at the Washington State Penitentiary in Walla Walla. The Washington Department of Corrections (DOC) has disputed this claim.

These are inaccurate rumors, Rachel Ericson, the deputy communications director with DOC, wrote. While we are not able to provide much detail about incarcerated individuals medical information, we are able to confirm that Gary Ridgway has not had any change to his medical condition.

The families endless grief

What Norm would say is that Gary Ridgway is not deserving of our sympathy. He is not deserving of our thoughts, King County Prosecuting Attorney Leesa Manion told KIRO Newsradio, invoking her late mentor Norm Maleng, who negotiated Ridgways 2003 plea deal. Norm would want us to focus on the victims. He would want us to think of their family members. These women were someones daughter, sister, child. They were loved.

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Casey McNerthney, spokesperson for the King County Prosecutors Office, emphasized the ongoing trauma for victims families as news of Ridgways condition spreads.

The hard part is those families dont get the heads up of when it might come on the news, McNerthney told Seattles Morning News on KIRO Newsradio. There are probably people listening right now who are affected by his cases, and it rattles them big time, understandably so. We get the benefit of changing news stories, or if youre listening to a podcast or watching a Netflix documentary, you can turn it off when you want to or close that web browser, but the families dont ever get to.

In 2013, I became the first and only reporter Ridgway ever agreed to speak with from prison, conducting six exclusive phone interviews with him.

Dawn English still cries when she thinks about Patricia LeBlanc, the 15-year-old foster daughter who disappeared in 1983. Patricia was never officially linked to Ridgway, but English has little doubt he was responsible.

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You hear the word closure all the time, English told me in 2013, her voice breaking. But theres something about having a place to go to. We cant put flowers on her grave because there isnt a grave to put flowers on. We cant go and say, Its Pattys birthday, lets take flowers. We can release a balloon, which is all we can do. But it just makes me sad.

Patricia fit the profile of Ridgways victims perfectly: young women struggling with homelessness, addiction, or forced into sex work. Women whose disappearances often went unreported for days or weeks. Women who some dismissed as just prostitutes, but who had families desperately searching for them.

The killers chilling admissions

During my 2013 interviews with Ridgway, the serial killer revealed disturbing details about his crimes with an emotionless tone that was almost more terrifying than rage would have been.

When discussing one of his victims, Ridgway referred to her death with breathtaking callousness.

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That was a stressor, I guess what you call it, Ridgway told me, speaking about murdering a mother of two as if describing a bad day at work. My dad died, and I was out, and I think I killed her on a Saturday. She was a stressor. I didnt kill any more after that.

A stressor. Thats how Gary Ridgway described ending the life of a woman who had two children.

He also claimed that his killing began earlier than anyone knew. While he was convicted of murders starting in 1982, Ridgway told me he had killed before then, but didnt realize his victims were dead.

My first kills, I didnt know they were dead, Ridgway said. 1982 was when I said I started killing. Thats when I knew 100% I killed. But I had several of them before that because I didnt think they were dead.

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When I asked him to clarify, he confirmed: There are several before 1982 that are not on the Green River list.

The only media interviews ever granted

How hard was it to get prostitutes to get in a car with you, especially when there was all the hysteria about the Green River Killer being out there? I asked him during one call.

It wasnt a problem at all, Ridgway answered matter-of-factly. My opinion was they were just homeless and needed the money, basically.

How would you convince them? I pressed.

Normal talking to them, basically, he said.

That was it. He acted normal. The women, desperate for money to survive, got in his truck. And they drove away to their deaths.

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In prostitution, the guys, the johns, dont give a crap about the women, Ridgway told me.

His words remain chillingly relevant today. Along Aurora Avenue in North Seattle, prostitutes still face extreme danger from violent pimps, johns, and predators. In fact, just last year, a man was accused of kidnapping an Aurora Avenue sex worker, driving her to Oregon and locking her in a cinder block cell.

The conditions that allowed Ridgway to prey on these women for two decades persist, making it crucial to keep sounding the alarm before another killer exploits these same vulnerabilities.

Why Maleng made the controversial deal

During our July 17, 2013 conversation, I asked Ridgway directly about his victim count.

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The total number is 75 to 80, Ridgway said.

McNerthney explained why then-prosecutor Norm Maleng made the controversial 2003 decision to spare Ridgway the death penalty in exchange for information about victims locations.

It was about the victims and their families, McNerthney said. The hardest part about that was knowing that nobody would be satisfied, but what Norm thought about was, how do we serve the victims here? Because if you dont get those bodies found, then you have dozens of young women who are dumped, and you dont know where they are.

McNerthney noted the decision was also supported by then-King County Sheriff Dave Reichert, a Republican who later served in Congress.

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If you dont have that decision to have Ridgway plead guilty to life in prison, multiple counts, and lead investigators to the bodies, the dump sites, then for 40-plus years, you dont know where your mother or sister or daughter is, McNerthney said. And its that unhealed wound, which always will be there, but not having the body is just extra insulting.

Failed final search in September 2024

Even as his health deteriorated, Ridgway continued manipulating authorities. In September 2024, King County Sheriffs Office detectives secretly transported him from Walla Walla to King County under armed guard for what would be his final attempt to locate victims remains.

He was brought back under armed guard, and sheriffs office investigators went out to sites where he said that he might be able to find more remains. They didnt find those, McNerthney confirmed during a recent KIRO Newsradio interview. Thats the big question of was he being truthful? Was he not? He knew he was never going to leave prison. So, did he just want a field trip, and was he causing more heartache, or was he actually being genuine? And Im not sure that well ever know the answer to that.

Court documents obtained by KIRO Newsradio show detectives brought Ridgway to multiple locations over several days. They found nothing.

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Many of the things he was telling detectives just didnt jibe, said one person with direct knowledge of the searches. Some investigators believe he was making up new locations entirely as a sick boast.

The victims who narrowly escaped

A woman named Susan, who asked that her voice be altered when she spoke to me in 2013, believes she narrowly escaped becoming Ridgways sixteenth victim in 1983. Her friend, Sandra Major, got into Ridgways truck that night despite Susans desperate pleas.

She kept telling me, Itll be fine, Ill be right back. And I said, Dont go, dont go, somethings wrong. And she went anyway, and she never came back that night, Susan recalled.

Susan described Sandras dreams: She wanted to go to college. She wanted to be a mother. She wanted to be free of the life that she had found herself in because of a very sick man who convinced her into it, and she will never have that chance now.

The courtroom confrontation

At his 2003 sentencing, families finally had their chance to confront Ridgway. Their pain filled the courtroom:

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I was only five when my mother died and when my dad told me that she was never coming home, one victims child said.

A lot of Christmas and a lot of birthday parties we missed because of you, another family member said.

Hes destroyed my life, a mother testified. My daughters life.

Our daughter, my wife, and I, she was 16. She was still a little girl in my eyes, a father said.

During my interviews with Ridgway, I heard none of this remorse.

When I asked why he killed, his answer was chilling: At the time, I was angry at going through a divorce and just getting back at my ex-wife.

No compassionate release despite failing health

The Washington Department of Corrections (DOC) is prohibited from disclosing details of Ridgways medical condition due to federal health privacy laws.

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When contacted by KIRO Newsradio, the DOC adamantly denied rumors that Ridgway might receive compassionate release for end-of-life care.

I dont think so. I sure hope not, McNerthney said when asked about the possibility during a KIRO Newsradio interview.

He said the prosecutors office was unable to comment on Ridgways current health status.

A legacy of unanswered questions

As Gary Ridgway nears death in his Walla Walla prison cell, he takes with him the truth about potentially dozens of victims. Former Sheriff Dave Reichert said in 2013 that he believes the real number could be 65 to 70. During my interviews, Ridgway claimed 75 to 80. He even suggested he killed before 1982, victims who were never connected to the Green River cases.

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Rob Fitzgerald, a former military investigator who spent years searching for Green River victims and communicated regularly with Ridgway, experienced the manipulation firsthand. Fitzgerald had dedicated countless weekends to searching dump sites with high-tech equipment, building a relationship with Ridgway in hopes of finding remains and bringing answers to the families of missing women.

During one of our 2013 conversations, I confronted Ridgway directly about whether he was lying to Fitzgerald.

Gary, let me ask you this, and I will just be honest with you here, I said. Because Rob hasnt found bodies. Are you playing a little cat-and-mouse? Are you getting your rocks off right now? Are you telling him a story?

There was a pause. Then Ridgway started to answer: No, the deal is down the road, what I want to do is  Well, you know, down the road I want everything to be He stopped mid-sentence. Im not going to answer that question, no.

It was one of the few times during our interviews where Ridgway seemed caught off guard, refusing to answer rather than offering his usual matter-of-fact responses about murder.

Fitzgerald believed Ridgway was stringing him along for attention.

I think he wants to show the world that, Here I am, Gary Ridgway, the truck painter from Kenworth, the guy who everybody thought was slow since elementary school. But here I am, and Im the best at something, Fitzgerald told me in 2013.

Susan, the woman who escaped Ridgway in 1983, has found a different path. Now working to help other women escape sex trafficking, she told me she even prays for Ridgway.

I pray that he can somehow find the same peace, she said. Im not going to allow him to take one more minute of my life with bitterness. Im going to take what his sin did to others, and Im going to turn it around for good.

But for families like Dawn English, there is no turning around the loss. Her foster daughter has still not been found.

There are all those other girls that society looked down on, but they have families that love them too, English said. They can go to the cemetery and take flowers.

The end

When Ridgway dies, likely soon according to the five sources familiar with his condition, he will have spent 24 years behind bars for ending at least 49 lives. Possibly many more dating back before 1982.

Gary Ridgway called one woman he killed a stressor. Her children called her Mom.

He referred to his victims as problems to dispose of. Their families call them by their names every single day.

Soon, the Green River Killer will be dead.

The families of his victims will still be serving life sentences.

Charlie Harger is the host of Seattles Morning News on KIRO Newsradio. You can read more of his stories and commentaries here. Follow Charlie on X and email him here.
This helps refine our understanding of human origins, maritime mobility, and early seafaring narratives, one of the studys authors said

A major new genomic study has reignited the debate over when humans first reached the ancient supercontinent of Sahul, present-day Australia, New Guinea, and Tasmania, concluding that the earliest settlers arrived around 60,000 to 65,000 years ago, far earlier than some previous genetic estimates suggested.

The research, published in Science Advances, analyzed an unprecedented dataset of 2,456 mitochondrial genomes from Indigenous populations across Australia, New Guinea, Island Southeast Asia, and Oceania. By combining this vast genetic record with Y-chromosome data, archaeological evidence, climatological modeling, and updated mutation-rate estimates, the researchers argue decisively for what has long been called the long chronology of human migration into Sahul.

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For decades, archaeological sites such as Madjedbebe in northern Australia, dated to nearly 65,000 years old, indicated a very early human presence. But some genomic studies produced younger estimates, suggesting arrival between 47,000 and 51,000 years ago. The new findings reconcile these differences, bringing genetic timelines into alignment with the oldest archaeological evidence.

One of the studys most striking conclusions is that early humans did not enter Sahul through a single corridor. Instead, the genomic patterns show evidence for at least two distinct migration routes: northern and southern. The northern route is believed to have traveled through island-based Southeast Asia, into New Guinea. The southern route was likely through mainland Southeast Asia and into northern Australia, the study said.

The researchers found that different ancient mitochondrial lineages, both dating back roughly 60,000 years, are distributed across distinct regions of Sahul. This, they say, is best explained by multiple simultaneous settlement pathways rather than a single dispersal event.

A river snakes through Arnhem Land, east of Darwin, in Australia's Northern Territory July 15, 2013 (credit: REUTERS/DAVID GRAY)

The human journey to 'Sahul'

Reaching Sahul required open-water voyages across the Wallace Line: a deep-water barrier separating Asian and Australian ecosystems. The findings strengthen the view that early humans possessed sophisticated maritime skills far earlier than once believed.

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This helps refine our understanding of human origins, maritime mobility, and early seafaring narratives, one of the studys authors said in an accompanying university statement. It reflects the deep heritage that Indigenous communities have in this region and the skills and technology of these early voyagers.

The study affirms that the ancestors of present-day Indigenous Australians and Papuans represent one of the worlds most ancient continuous human populations outside Africa. Their genetic lineages have remained isolated for tens of thousands of years, providing rare insight into some of the earliest chapters of human migration.

By integrating genomic evidence with archaeological and environmental data at an unprecedented scale, the study marks a significant shift in understanding the human journey across the globe.

Our findings support the view that humans left Africa earlier than previously thought and reached the Sunda region by around 60,000 years ago, the authors wrote. Settlement of Sahul followed rapidly, likely through multiple routes.

The study not only bolsters long-standing archaeological claims but reshapes the broader story of early human expansion, showing that the first Australians were among the most skilled navigators and explorers of the ancient world.
Germanys most influential family business association has shifted its stance on the decision to invite members of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party to one of its flagship political events.

The Family Business Association (Der Familienunternehmer) said on Sunday that the move was a mistake, following a wave of criticism from members and the withdrawal of several companies.

The opposite of what we intended has happened, president Marie-Christine Ostermann said in a statement published after an internal committee meeting.

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We invited AfD members of parliament to our parliamentary evening so they could hear from us that their platform is anti-business and detrimental to Germanys economic competitiveness," the statement continued.

"Unfortunately, a false impression has been created publicly  partly due to statements made by the AfD itself  that we wanted to strengthen the party," she concluded.

The association had argued last week that engaging with the AfD directly would allow business owners to challenge the party on what they see as its flawed, anti-market policies.

At the time, Albrecht von der Hagen, the managing director of the association, insisted that "the firewall against the AfD... has achieved nothing... we are saying goodbye to firewalls."

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The controversy also reopened a wider debate about Germanys so-called firewall against the AfD  a pledge by German parties, companies, and other societal actors to effectively shut out the AfD due to their unconstitutional and inflammatory activities.

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For many critics, the very act of inviting AfD MPs to a high-profile business event was seen as crossing a line that mainstream institutions had previously vowed to hold.

Several major SMEs  making up the Mittelstand  severed ties with the association and accused them of giving legitimacy to a party they view as a threat to democratic norms and Germanys economic future.

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Germany's Mittelstand companies aren't just defined by size; the word also refers to firms that embody an essentially German, stable culture of doing business.

Der Familienunternehmer

The Family Business Association is a lobby group representing over 6,000 companies. It combines the promotion of standard business policies with engagement on social issues and thorny political topics.

These include campaigns against collective bargaining agreements, against climate-friendly business policies, and for lenient inheritance tax policies.

Well-known companies that are part of the group include BMW, Volkswagen, ALDI and Robert Bosch GmbH, among others.

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In another statement on their page, the group clarified their general opinion of the AfD.

"Our opinion of the AfD has not changed: We consider them unfit to govern  not only because of their internally contradictory and largely flawed economic and social policies, but also because of their vision of society  which we categorically reject," the statement read.

In the coming weeks, the group plans to consult its membership on how to confront the AfDs rise without offering it a platform.

Politicians from the CDU, SPD and the Greens welcomed the decision in several statements given to German media outlets.

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Earlier this year, the German Office for the Protection of the Constitution classified AfD as a confirmed right-wing extremist organisation based on information they had received from domestic intelligence bodies, after initially deeming it a "suspected" case.

Its assessments carry significant political and legal weight. Once a group is classified as extremist, state institutions and private actors often treat it as a potential security risk, shaping everything from surveillance powers to how banks and companies engage with it.
Investigators from Germany and Switzerland have dealt a blow to online money laundering involving cryptocurrencies.

The authorities announced on Monday that the server infrastructure of a so-called Bitcoin mixer was seized and the platform successfully shut down. Cryptocurrencies worth the equivalent of around 25 million ($29 million) were seized in the process.

The Public Prosecutor's Office in Frankfurt, the Zurich Cantonal Public Prosecutor's Office, the Federal Criminal Police Office and Europol were all involved in the investigations, with access being gained last Wednesday, according to the statement.

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"This operation is another significant step in the international fight against online money laundering by crypto mixers," said Martina Link, vice president of the Federal Criminal Police Office.

The BKA said that the cryptomixer.io platform, which has been active since 2016, was used to conceal financial flows and allowed cryptocurrencies to be deposited and withdrawn anonymously.

The BKA said there is strong suspicion that a large proportion of the assets exchanged there were of criminal origin.

The operators are accused of commercial money laundering and operating a criminal trading platform.

In Switzerland, the server infrastructure and several email accounts were seized and data material was secured as evidence.
For the first time ever, a daddy-daughter dance was hosted at Louisiana State Penitentiary, also known as the infamous Angola Prison.

The fathers, who had not seen their daughters in years, stood in fitted tuxedos as they waited to be reunited, with many of them wearing formalwear for the very first time.

The daughters were able to walk into a space that had been transformed into a ballroom and share a special dance, one which many had been waiting their entire childhood to experience.

Louisiana State Penitentiary puts on father-daughter dance in partnership with God Behind Bars

God Behind Bars, which is an organization that works to introduce inmates to Christianity and connect them with a local church, partnered with the leadership at Angola in order to put on a father-daughter dance.

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Prior to the dance, professional makeup artists tended to the daughters, volunteers packed gift bags with donated beauty products and Monique from Amor Suits designed custom tuxedos for each father.

At the beginning of the event, each father presented his daughter with flowers, a bible and a handwritten letter.

More than just a dance, families were able to share a Thanksgiving meal prepared by volunteers, and a local artist from Baton Rouge painted live portraits of fathers and daughters.

The night ended with a grand finale, as the fathers performed a choreographed routine that they had been practicing for weeks before.

Daddy Daughter Dance in Louisiana State Penitentiary (Angola Prison).

With many hugs, shared dances and memories made, the experience was centered on dignity, connection and restoration, said God Behind Bars in a press release.

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"I watched a group of men stand with pride and dignity, shedding every label the world had ever put on them. For one night they were not inmates. They were Dad...," said Jake Bodine, Founder of God Behind Bars, in a press release.

The night was filled with a plethora of emotions, for both the fathers and daughters.

When I turned around and saw my baby in that dress and she busted out crying, I sobbed. I am not a crier. We slow-danced and she started crying again. I asked her why and she said, Dad, I finally get a chance to dance with you for the first time. I told my brothers, Look, this will make you want to do right. If you are not doing right, you have to do right,'" said Leslie Harris in a news release provided by God Behind Bars.

Assistant Warden Anne-Marie Easely remarked on how important the experiences was for the inmates and their families.

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"I am so thankful to God Behind Bars for all they did to make this event possible and such a success. This provided our inmates with an opportunity to restore and build healthy relationships with their daughters despite their circumstances...," said Easely in a press release from God Behind Bars.

Presley Bo Tyler is a reporter for the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team for USA Today. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at PTyler@Gannett.com

This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Angola Prison pulled off a Daddy Daughter Dance. Here's how it went
by Larry Neild, Zheng Bofei

LIVERPOOL, Britain, Nov. 30 (Xinhua) -- A new left-wing British party was officially launched at its inaugural conference here on Sunday.

The party, formally known as Your Party, aims to establish itself as a new force on the left and a political home for disaffected Labour supporters.

A party spokesperson said on its official X account: "Your Party will be our permanent name. This choice reflects what we're all about: a radically democratic party breaking with the top-down Westminster mould."

Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn launched the party alongside left-wing politician Zarah Sultana. Delegates at the conference voted to adopt a collective leadership structure rather than appoint an elected leader.

Around 2,500 members were selected to attend the event, out of a total membership the party says has now reached 50,000.

Labour and the Conservative Parties have long dominated Britain's political landscape, but recent opinion polls show both parties trailing well behind Nigel Farage's Reform UK.

Analysts say the emergence of the new left-wing party has been driven by growing discontent among traditional left-wing voters.

"The current Labour Party is experiencing a major crisis. It would seem that there is a very limited chance that they will be re-elected when their current term in government concludes in 2029," said John Bryson, professor at the University of Birmingham, in an interview with Xinhua.

He said Your Party must find a political position between Labour and Reform. "This new party might divide the Labour vote, and the outcome could be that the next UK government is led by Reform or by the Conservative Party."

"Ultimately, Your Party does not have the local political architecture in place to support electioneering and thus sits between the established Labour Party and the established Reform Party," Bryson added. "This is a very difficult place to occupy, and the expectation is that the Corbyn and Sultana venture will be a failed experiment in creating a party that leans towards the extreme radical left."

Corbyn has been the Member of Parliament (MP) for Islington North since 1983. Suspended from Labour, he now sits as an independent. He served as Leader of the Opposition and Labour leader from 2015 to 2020.

Sultana has been MP for Coventry South since 2019. She remained a Labour member until her suspension in July 2024. She now sits in the House of Commons as a Your Party MP, according to the UK Parliament website.

A poll last week by YouGov found that 12 percent of British voters would consider voting for Your Party, down from 18 percent in July. When news of the proposed new party first surfaced in the summer, 800,000 people expressed interest.

The real test for Your Party will come when it fields candidates in local and national elections, said Bryson. 
This fall, dozens of nonprofit leaders across Wisconsin gathered to write their federal grant applications with one major consideration in mind: mentioning any programs tailored for people of color or LGBTQ+ people could put a target on their backs.

Since President Donald Trump returned to office in January, his administration has rolled out a series of directives cracking down on "radical and wasteful" grants and calling for the end of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

His declarations have caused a scramble among nonprofits and advocacy groups, especially for Wisconsin crime victim service providers that are simultaneously facing a 70% drop in a different federal funding source: the Victims of Crime Act fund, or VOCA.

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VOCA pays for domestic violence hotlines, emergency shelters, child advocacy centers and other crime victim services across the country. It is funded largely by fines from white collar criminal convictions, which have seen a staggering drop in payments in recent years.

These providers  particularly those that serve people of color, immigrants and transgender individuals  say Trump's new grant restrictions are making it more difficult for them to survive.

Mariana Rodriguez, director of UMOS Latina Resource Center, at the UMOS offices in Milwaukee on Nov. 24.

Though some of the president's orders have been rolled back or challenged in court, many groups are still shifting their tactics to dodge the risk of losing more funding.

"We're keeping our heads low," said Michelle Harris, a lead advocate at the Eau Claire Area Hmong Mutual Assistance Association, a nonprofit that supports Hmong immigrants and victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.

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This year, the organization lost $145,000 in VOCA funding. Now the Trump administration's policies are jeopardizing the organization's queer support group, which was suspended earlier this year.

The support group brought together around 20 people for healing dialogues about sexuality, trauma and abuse. But after the employee who ran the group left for personal reasons, the nonprofit wondered if the program would be a red flag on their grant applications under the new administration, Harris said.

"It feels like an enormous hole that we don't have somebody in that position," Harris said. "It feels like we're failing that segment of the population."

Trump administration's crackdown on DEI is far-reaching

Over the last 10 months, the Trump administration's efforts to nix DEI initiatives have reached every corner of the federal government, from the Department of Housing and Urban Development to the Department of Justice.

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At HUD, for example, new rules give the agency the right to reject applicants that "facilitate racial preferences" or "use a definition of sex other than as binary."

Meanwhile, the Department of Justice changed the definition of domestic violence and sexual assault and said programs that frame them as systemic social justice issues rather than criminal offenses will not be funded.

A Department of Justice spokesperson told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that the requirements ensure taxpayer dollars are used "for services that directly benefit Americans and lawful residents to prevent American taxpayers from being treated like second-class citizens."

The Trump administration's policies are putting pressure on nonprofits like Freedom Inc., a Madison nonprofit that provides legal aid, housing and other support to Black, Southeast Asian and LGBTQ+ victims of sexual assault and domestic violence.

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The organization's VOCA funding plummeted from $745,000 in 2024 to just $98,000 in 2025, forcing the organization to cut over half of its 30-person staff.

Hope Vang, the organization's gender justice manager, said many survivors who cannot access resources or services go back to harmful environments to survive, like sex work, shoplifting or living with an abuser.

"This actually is impacting our queer and trans people the most right now," Vang said. "A lot of them have already been struggling before the cut, but after the cut and also executive orders, a lot of queer and trans victims and survivors have nowhere to go."

According to data from the Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault, people of color and LGBTQ+ people are are more likely to be sexually assaulted, but less likely to report the assault or seek services after. Nearly half of all transgender adults report having experienced sexual assault.

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Beverly Scow, the executive director of Wise Women Gathering Place in Green Bay, said she and her colleagues have considered not applying for federal grants like VOCA. The restrictions are threatening the organization's White Bison program, a traditional Native American healing practice focused on addressing grief and trauma.

"We haven't made any firm decisions, but we're definitely considering not accepting those funds, because it's against our values in how we provide care to people," Scow said in an interview in October.

The Safe Place Parking Program lot, for victims of crimes and people who are homeless, is monitored by staff from Wise Women Gathering Place as guests wake up and leave for the day, in Green Bay, Wisconsin, on the morning of Nov. 11, 2025. The parking program can host up to 46 cars a night.

If they do not find alternative funding sources, crime victim service providers say the consequences could be dire. On average, VOCA makes up around 10% to 30% of their budgets, but some organizations have lost half or more of their funding to VOCA cuts.

In rural areas, crime victim advocacy services are already difficult to access, from counseling to legal services to emergency shelters. Culturally-specific programs are even more challenging to find.

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Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul, who has advocated for state lawmakers to fill the VOCA funding gap, expressed concern that low pay and job instability will turn people away from advocacy work entirely.

Layoffs and waitlists could become normal, he said.

"As services are eliminated or reduced in hours, organizations even potentially end up having to close because they don't have the resources to stay open," Kaul said.

Grant restrictions targeting immigrants trigger fears, lawsuits

For many immigrants in Wisconsin, the Trump administration's aggressive immigration crackdown has contributed to heightened fear when reporting crime.

In August, an executive order stated that organizations receiving federal funding should screen for citizenship before providing legal services to ensure that "each grant dollar benefits Americans instead of lining grantees' pocketbooks."

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The administration dropped the citizenship screening requirement for VOCA grantees in October after multiple states, including Wisconsin, sued. Still, local advocacy groups said the fear persists.

Very few crime victim organizations in the state  if any  are set up to do citizenship screening, according to Kaul. If victims are afraid to report crimes for fear of immigration consequences, public safety is undermined, he said.

Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul has advocated for state lawmakers to fill the VOCA funding gap and sued the Trump administration over federal grant restrictions.

UMOS, one of Wisconsin's most prominent immigrant-serving organizations, lost $379,000 in VOCA funding between 2024 and 2025. The organization relies on that money to support its Latina Resource Center, which provides Spanish-language services to victims of sexual assault, domestic abuse and human trafficking.

As a result of the VOCA funding drop, the center lost four staff members, including its community outreach manager and the sole advocate focused on victims of sexual assault. The loss has forced remaining staff members to flex their hours so they can continue to meet victims at hospitals, conduct intake interviews and cover the 24-hour crisis hotline.

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Mariana Rodriguez, the director of UMOS' Latina Resource Center, said being responsive to ever-changing executive orders is a stressful balancing act.

"These executive orders are so fluid," she said.

Rodriguez said the immigrant community has weathered many challenges over the decades, including during the previous Trump administration, but this one is unprecedented.

"I will continue to be just as vigilant in understanding this policy, understanding the changes, so that we can find those loopholes, reenergize our groups and continue to stay strong," she said.

A room for middle and high schoolers at the UMOS Latina Resource Center in Milwaukee. UMOS works with youth to teach them about healthy relationships, including preventing dating violence and sexual assault.

Howard Schweber, a UW-Madison professor who studies constitutional law, said it is widely accepted that Congress, as the branch of government that holds the power to tax and spend public funds, sets the terms of federal grant restrictions.

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What is debated is how much power the president has to alter those terms after Congress has appropriated funds to federal agencies, he said.

According to Kenneth Mayer, a political science professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, federal grant funding has followed a predictable structure of laws and contracts for decades. Trump's declarations are challenging the limits of constitutional law, he said.

We are in uncharted and dangerous times, Mayer said. "There are lots of vulnerable populations that are getting hurt. This is not an abstraction.

State tries to fill the void, charitable foundations stretched to the limit

Last year, amid the VOCA funding shortfall, Kaul and advocacy groups rallied to request $66 million from the state to help fill the gap. What they got back was a two-year, $20 million grant for crime victim services, falling far short of their request.

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Of the 135 Wisconsin organizations that received VOCA funding last year, 22 received full funding, capped at $250,000 per group. Just six organizations that offer culturally specific services received full funding.

Had the state not sued to roll back some of Trump's grant restrictions, Wisconsin crime victim advocacy groups were at risk of losing an additional $24 million in federal funding, according to Kaul.

Some organizations have tried turning to charitable foundations and other donors instead.

For example, after receiving no VOCA funding in the 2025 fiscal year, the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center has been able to stay afloat with community and philanthropic donations.

The walls of UMOS's Mi Arco Iris program are decorated with famous Latinos. The bilingual program works with children who have witnessed or experienced domestic violence and sexual assault.

Local philanthropic organizations, like the Wisconsin Trust Account Foundation, said they have seen an increase in funding requests over the past year.

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Brenda John, the community engagement manager at Wise Women Gathering Place, said in some cases, one or two organizations' financial needs exceeded the funder's entire annual budget.

Harris, from the Eau Claire Area Hmong Mutual Assistance Association, is starting to wonder if her job is possible to do at all.

With dozens of clients to serve, weekly support groups to schedule and annual grant applications to submit, Harris and her team have been working understaffed and underfunded.

The organization can't afford to lose more funding due to restrictive grant rules, she said.

"This is not sustainable," Harris said. "It's only working because of the dedication and passion of the people who are doing the work."

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Tamia Fowlkes is a Public Investigator reporter for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. She can be reached at tfowlkes@gannett.com.

This article was reported through a fellowship supported by the Lilly Endowment and administered by the Chronicle of Philanthropy to expand coverage of philanthropy and nonprofits. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel is solely responsible for all content.

Where to find help for domestic violence or sexual assault

The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 18007997233.

End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin shares helplines and culturally-specific resources for assistance atwww.endabusewi.org/get-help/

The National Sexual Assault Hotline is 800-656-4673. You can also text HOPE to 64673.

Access the Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault resource guide for Wisconsin-based help providers at www.wcasa.org/survivors/service-providers/

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Trump's anti-DEI agenda stokes fear for Wisconsin crime victim groups
(Photo courtesy of Evan Cantwell/George Mason University)

Virginia loves to believe in its exceptionalism, and there is no shortage of areas where it is justified. None shines brighter than its system of public colleges and universities.

Why, then, have the executive branches of the state and federal government gone after these prestigious institutions of higher learning in an ideological purge with all the grace and discernment of thugs in a dark alleyway?

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I get it: Conservatives have long chafed at the perceptions elite universities and their faculty lean left and that it influences their alumni who ascend to powerful roles in government, finance, law and media. To conservatives credit, theyre not always wrong.

Weve seen thinkers and influencers on the right hounded, threatened and worse by students on the left. Scheduled appearances have been canceled altogether and conservative voices shouted down on college campuses  the last place where free, peaceful expression, thought and inquiry should be stifled.

Two years ago, an online petition by George Mason University students sought to disinvite Gov. Glenn Youngkin, a Republican, from addressing the spring 2023 commencement at the invitation of the universitys president, Gregory Washington.

Washington stood his ground and welcomed the conservative governor to campus. Three years before that, during nationwide protests over the curbside police murder of George Floyd, Washington  who is Black  thwarted attempts to destroy a statue to GMUs white, slaveholding namesake at the states largest and most diverse state-supported university.

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Yet it is Washington, because of his work to diversify GMUs faculty and student body, who is the target of a committed effort by the Trump White House (youd imagine it has more pressing business) to oust him unless he publicly apologizes for his diversity work. Again, Washington is standing his ground.

It heightens the irony that Washington is among three Virginia college presidents targeted for ouster by conservatives over what they decry as woke diversity, equity and inclusion programs.

They began after Youngkins conservative appointees took charge of the governing boards of those universities: GMU, the University of Virginia and Virginia Military Institute. They became amplified, with an urgent stridency, after Donald Trump took office in January and tasked his departments of Education and Justice to root out DEI at universities nationwide with a focus on Ivy League schools.

At VMI, that schools first African American superintendent (analogous to a president elsewhere) was forced out in late February when a Youngkin-appointed majority on VMIs board voted not to renew his contract beyond its June expiration. Retired Army Maj. Gen. Cedric Wins, a VMI alumnus, was appointed superintendent in late 2020 under Democratic former Gov. Ralph Northam to advance DEI at VMI after an independent report uncovered widespread sexism and racism, including racial slurs and jokes on campus.

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While the board stated no reason for its vote, House of Delegates Speaker Don Scott, D-Portsmouth, called it purely political. A spokesman for Youngkin said board members did what they believe to be in the best interest of this prestigious military college but offered no reason for the action.

The second head to roll came in June when UVAs president, Jim Ryan, resigned with the states flagship university facing threats of punitive litigation by the Trump Justice Department and tens of millions of dollars in fines plus millions more in lost federal research grants over the universitys DEI standards in hiring and admissions.

The DoJ, under its novel interpretation of the 60-year-old Civil Rights Act that was passed to end discrimination against Black people in the Jim Crow South, alleged UVA had violated the statute by disadvantaging white applicants. That was the hammer that forced Ryan out in early summer, but the pressure had begun in March after Youngkins administration began urging the university to dismantle its DEI program.

The Justice Department paused its investigation after Ryans resignation and reached a settlement with UVA in October. Then came this months thundering Blue Wave election that portends to change everything. Republicans were swept out of every statewide executive office as Democrats won almost two-thirds of the 100-seat House of Delegates.

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Democratic Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger fired the first salvo in a remarkable flurry of jaw-dropping letters related to Virginias university boards. She penned a Nov. 12 open letter to the Youngkin-dominated UVA Board of Visitors urging it to suspend an ongoing search for Ryans successor. The unspoken subtext is that effective at noon on Jan. 17, she can sack the whole board by happy hour and put her own slate of members before a Democratic House and Senate for fast confirmation.

On Nov. 13, Youngkin responded with his own missive, rebuking Spanberger  a UVA alumna  for efforts to bully or micromanage the university board, urging the current presidential search process to continue apace and reminding his successor that he runs the state until inauguration day. Youngkin also insisted that its clear that neither (the) DoJ nor the current Board leadership made Jim (Ryan) resign.

On the 14th, Ryan issued his own 12-page epistle disputing Youngkins defense of the Justice Department and the Board. In it, Ryan disclosed Justice Department lawyers alleged threats bleed UVA white and basically rain hell on UVA unless Ryan complied with their resignation demand just hours ahead of their 5 p.m. deadline on June 26. He met the deadline and, for 141 days, heeded the warning to remain mute.

Ryan wrote that some wondered why he didnt just go public about the DoJ pressure campaign, and he said he considered it.

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But the call for my resignation, right until the end, seemed so outlandish as not to be entirely believable. It also felt like a hostage situation, where the kidnapper threatens harm if you do not keep information about the demands confidential, the former UVA leader wrote.

Washington is still GMUs president. His cause  and, by extension, Spanbergers  seemed boosted recently when the Virginia Supreme Court refused to hear the Youngkin administrations appeal of a lower court ruling that Youngkin appointees to the GMU, UVA and VMI boards could not serve because they lacked Senate confirmation.

So here we sit, in a state long hailed for the quality of its colleges and universities, consumed in enough contrived drama to keep reality-TV addicts glued to Bravo for months on end.

According to a new report by the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee, Virginias 15 public universities are part of a system ranked first nationally in 2025 by CNBC. Three Virginia universities are among the top 100 nationally in the most recent annual U.S. News & World Report rankings, including UVA as Americas No. 4 public university.

This was an unnecessary fight, brought on by unprecedented Executive Branch overreach from both the White House and Youngkin. It weakens our public institutions of higher learning and feeds growing cynicism that they are pawns of boards doing the partisan bidding of whomever is in power, without regard for the unique needs and missions of each.

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The tragedy is that the seeming remedy  wholesale replacements and reversals pending from a new governor and party in charge in Richmond that appears eager to battle Trump in court  will appear to many to be just as nakedly political.

Thus the pendulum swings, wider and faster.

Like so much spoiled by todays necrotic politics, theres no clear path from the present chaos and enmity back to norms of sanity, civility and reason in the governance of these exemplary institutions. Were all the poorer for it.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
What was making news in our area during this week in years past? The History Museum offers these South Bend Tribune newspaper excerpts to give you an idea.

Nov. 30, 1904: The South Bend Black Diamond club, an organization composed of the local coal dealers, held an important meeting last night in the Miller & Lontz office. The question of mine weights as the standard of coal settlements was thoroughly discussed. The fact developed that the dealers are losing considerable coal under the present system.

Dec. 1, 1913: Steps for the organization of an anti-saloon organization for St. Joseph county were taken this morning when a committee was chosen to nominate members for the county executive board at a meeting held at the First Presbyterian church. The nominating committee will meet Tuesday evening and will make a report at the next meeting of delegates to be held next Monday night.

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Dec. 2, 1923: The Robertson Bros. company, providing South Bend, northern Indiana and southern Michigan a most pretentious and up-to-date department store opened for business yesterday in its new six-story building on South Michigan street, formerly the site of the Auditorium theater.

Dec. 3, 1932: A demonstration of sound pictures and electric amplification was given before the Riley faculty and physics classes Friday afternoon during the sixth hour. An electric eye and a movie camera also were shown.

Dec. 4, 1940: Two hundred and sixty-one years ago Thursday, Rene Robert Cavelier Sieur de LaSalle and his party landed on the bank of the River of the Miamis, now known as the St. Joseph river, opening a trade route from the St. Lawrence river to the Mississippi valley.

Dec. 5, 1951: Overcrowding of the Center township school has become so critical that it can be met only by a new building program. This warning is contained in a letter which will be issued by the office of St. Joseph County School township residents to a P.T.A. sponsored meeting scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Monday in the school.

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Dec. 6, 1962: The law struck a blow against the $100,000-a-year narcotics traffic in South Bend Wednesday night and today in what police said was the largest narcotics raid in this citys history. By this morning seven men had been arrested. Six of the men were charged with the selling of marijuana and the seventh with the sale of heroin.

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: 1962: South Bend Vice Squad Aided by Undercover Agents in Raid
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth posted an AI image of popular childrens character Franklin the Turtle extrajudicially blowing up drug boats, just days after it was revealed he potentially committed a war crime of his own.

Hegseths postanother installment in the GOPs AI image fetishis modeled after the cover of the Franklin childrens books, and reads A Classic Franklin Story: Franklin Targets Narco Terrorists. It shows the turtle in full U.S. military combat gear, launching a missile at brown-skinned men in their boats from a helicopter.

For your Christmas wish list  Hegseth captioned the post.

X screenshot Pete Hegseth @PeteHegseth For your Christmas wish list

The Trump administration has killed at least 80 people in its attacks on boats in the Caribbean Sea, claiming they are trafficking drugs to the United States.

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On Sunday, The Washington Post reported that on September 2, Hegseth gave a direct vocal order to kill every single person on an alleged drug boat off the coast of Trinidad. After the smoke cleared from the first strike, two people were left hanging onto the burning wreck of the ship, fighting for their lives. To comply with Hegseths instructions, the Special Operations commander ordered them to be bombed again, a double-tap attack that is widely considered a war crime.

Hegseth spent the weekend defending his attack on a boat that posed no military threat to the United States whatsoever.

As usual, the fake news is delivering more fabricated, inflammatory, and derogatory reporting to discredit our incredible warriors fighting to protect the homeland, he wrote on Sunday. Biden coddled terrorists, we kill them. 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.

This isnt a great defense of using wartime tactics to kill people the U.S. is not currently at war with.

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I think its very possible there was a war crime committed; of course for there to be a war crime you have to accept the Trump administrations whole construct herewhich is were in armed conflict, at war, Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen told ABC News on Sunday morning. Its either murder from the first strike, if their whole theory is wrongand I think the weight of the legal opinion here is that theyve concocted this ridiculous legal theory. But even if you accept their legal theory, then it is a war crime. And I do believe the secretary of defense should be held accountable for giving those kinds of orders.

Hegseths bizarre post on Sunday was rightfully met with outrage.

Shouldnt they be hanging off the boat asking to be saved and then you killing them anyways? one user asked.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has slammed a report alleging he ordered U.S. service members to launch a second strike on a suspected drug-carrying vessel after an initial attack left two survivors, denying experts claims that he may be guilty of war crimes.

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 Friday night.

He was likely referring to a bombshell report by The Washington Post about a Sept. 2 attack on a suspected drug-carrying vessel in the Caribbean Sea.

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In a story published earlier on Friday, the Post reported the former Fox News host had issued a verbal directive to the special ops commander overseeing the strike to kill everybody aboard the boat.

According to the Posts source, a first missile tore through the waters off Trinidad, hitting the vessel and setting it ablaze. Commanders watched the boat burn on a live drone feed for several minutes, but were later surprised to see two survivors holding onto the burning wreckage.

To follow Hegseths directive, the special ops commander allegedly ordered a second strike, killing the remaining crew and bringing the death toll to 11.

Sources familiar with the matter also confirmed the account to CNN.

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Reports of the attack raised concerns about the constitutionality of the strikes, with some experts and lawmakers saying the alleged double-tap may violate the law of armed conflict, which forbids targeting an enemy combatant whos out of the fight due to injury or surrender.

Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., who shared the story about Hegseths alleged directive, accused the defense secretary of knowingly giving illegal orders to murder people.

While Hegseth did not expressly deny that a second attack killed survivors on the boat, he insisted the current operations in the Caribbean are lawful under both U.S. 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.

Since Sept. 2  the date of the first reported airstrike on what the Trump administration calls narco-terrorists  more than 80 alleged drug smugglers have been killed in at least 22 attacks in both the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific oceans.

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In his response  which included a paragraph criticizing former President Biden for his kid gloves approach toward narco-terrorists  Hegseth stressed that every killed trafficker is affiliated with a Designated Terrorist Organization. The administration, however, has yet to publicly release evidence that the boats were carrying narcotics or of the alleged traffickers affiliations with terrorist groups.

These highly effective strikes are specifically intended to be lethal, kinetic strikes' designed to stop lethal drugs, destroy narco-boats, and kill the narco-terrorists who are poisoning the American people, Hegseth wrote. The Trump administration has sealed the border and gone on offense against narco-terrorists. Biden coddled terrorists, we kill them.

Hegseths rebuttal came shortly after President Trump announced he would issue a full and complete pardon to former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez, whos currently serving a 45-year sentence at a federal prison in West Virginia for drug trafficking and weapons convictions.

(Hernandez) has been, according to many people that I greatly respect, treated very harshly and unfairly, Trump said of the ultra-conservative, disgraced politician.

_____
Pulaski and Laurel counties posted net migration gains in 2021-22. The Virginia in the Pulaski County seat of Somerset reopened on its 100th birthday in 2022. (Photo courtesy of Lake Cumberland Somerset-Pulaski Tourism)

For the first time in living memory, families leaving Eastern Kentuckys coalfield counties are more likely to resettle in Somerset or London than Cincinnati or Detroit. The Hillbilly Highway that once carried millions north has given way to a profoundly local pattern of movement  short hops between Kentucky counties rather than the exodus that once defined Appalachia.

The shift is visible in tax return data: Between 2021 and 2022, roughly 3 out of every 4 people who moved from Eastern Kentucky stayed within state borders. In some counties, the figure reached 90%

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This represents a historic reversal. During the 1950s and 1960s, two-thirds of all moves out of Eastern Kentucky crossed state lines, bound for factory towns in Ohio, Michigan, and Illinois. Today, the same proportion stays home.

The new migration map: Staying close, moving often

The latest migration statistics from the Internal Revenue Service  which tracks household addresses through annual tax filings  reveal Eastern Kentuckys transformation from a region of exodus to one of circulation.

Analysis of the 2021-22 data for 10 Eastern Kentucky counties shows that when residents move, they overwhelmingly relocate nearby. These are intra-Kentucky migration rates for 2021-22.

Knott County: 90% stayed in Kentucky

Breathitt County: 90% stayed in Kentucky

Perry County: 77% stayed in Kentucky

Laurel County: 77% stayed in Kentucky

Floyd County: 75% stayed in Kentucky

Letcher County: 64% stayed in Kentucky

Harlan County: 62% stayed in Kentucky

Pulaski County: 63% stayed in Kentucky

Pike County: 54% stayed in Kentucky

Bell County: 46% stayed in Kentucky

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Even Pike County  Kentuckys easternmost and once among its most outmigration-heavy counties  now sends more than half its departing households to other Kentucky destinations rather than out of state.

Two counties actually growing

While most Eastern Kentucky counties continue to lose population, two regional hubs have reversed course entirely. Pulaski and Laurel counties  home to Somerset and London, respectively  posted net migration gains in 2021-22.

Laurel and Pulaski counties gained population in 2021-22. Note: People is calculated from tax exemptions; represents approximate individual migration. (Source: IRS Statistics of Income, County-to-County Migration Data, 2021-2022. )

What makes Pulaski and Laurel attractive? Both sit along Interstate 75, Kentuckys economic spine. Both have regional medical centers  Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital in Somerset, Saint Joseph London  that serve as major employers. Both host community college campuses. And both offer what demographers call amenity migration  access to retail, restaurants, broadband internet and proximity to the region without its remoteness.

Pike County tells a different story. While it posted a net loss of 187 households, the data reveals significant churn: 680 households moved in even as 867 moved out. Unlike the one-way departures of the 1950s, Pike now functions as part of a regional circulation system, drawing workers from neighboring Floyd and Letcher counties while sending residents to Lexingtons Fayette County for education and specialized employment.

Why the pattern changed

Several forces explain the shift from exodus to local circulation:

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Economic collapse of the industrial Midwest. The auto plants, tire factories and steel mills that once pulled Appalachians north have largely closed. Rust Belt cities no longer promise prosperity; many former migrants have returned as retirees or disability recipients.

Regional health care consolidation. As rural hospitals close, residents must relocate to maintain access to medical care, but they move to the nearest hub with a hospital, not to another state.

The power of proximity. Extended family networks remain paramount in Appalachian culture. Even struggling economically, residents prefer to stay within visiting distance of parents, siblings and grandchildren.

Digital infrastructure. Improved broadband access in counties like Pulaski has enabled white-collar workers to live in small towns while working remotely for employers based elsewherea pandemic-era pattern that persists.

Interstate 75 and I-64. Kentuckys two major interstates have created development corridors that capture migration within the state. Families leaving remote hollows now stop in London or Somerset rather than continuing north.

The great exodus: 1950-1980

To understand how dramatic todays inward turn is, consider what came before.

Between 1950 and 1970, approximately 3 million people left the Appalachian region  one of the largest peacetime internal migrations in American history. Eastern Kentucky bore disproportionate losses.

Between 1950 and 1980, four coalfield counties lost approximately 105,000 residentsmore than 40% of their population. (Source: U.S. Census)

These werent statistical abstractions. They represented schools closing, businesses shuttering, churches emptying and Main Streets dying. Graduating seniors in Eastern Kentucky schools had the choice of either college or migrating to Cincinnati or Detroit, seeking factory wages their home counties could not provide.

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The routes they traveled  U.S. 23 from Pikeville north through Ashland into Ohio; U.S. 25 from southeastern Kentucky into Ohios industrial corridor  became known as the Hillbilly Highway. By the 1970s, Cincinnatis Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, Akrons North Hill, Detroits southern suburbs and Chicagos Uptown housed substantial Appalachian enclaves.

The Urban Appalachian Council, founded in Cincinnati in 1974, documented the challenges these migrants faced: discrimination, culture shock, housing insecurity and persistent poverty despite steady factory work. But they kept coming because the coal economy at home was mechanizing rapidly, eliminating thousands of jobs even as production remained stable.

Return migration: 1980s reversal

Starting in the late 1980s, the flow began to slow and partially reverse. As Rust Belt factories shuttered  victims of automation, foreign competition and the North American Free Trade Agreement  laid-off workers trickled back to Kentucky.

The reversal: In the 1950s-60s, two-thirds of Eastern Kentuckians who moved left the state. Today, three-quarters stay within Kentucky.

The Urban Appalachian Council tracked this return migration through the 1990s. But returnees came back to retire or live on disability, not to work. Eastern Kentuckys coal economy had continued to decline, leaving few employment opportunities for prime-age workers.

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This return flow represented adjustment, not revival. The net outmigration slowed, but counties continued to lose population overall. Whats different about the 2020s pattern is that families are choosing to stay within the region even when economic conditions remain difficult.

Migration as adaptation

Todays Eastern Kentucky migration reflects neither the desperate escape of the 1950s nor the hopeful return of the 1990s. Instead, it reveals pragmatic adaptation: families seeking health care, housing or marginally better job prospects while maintaining ties to home.

This pattern appears in the granular data. When Harlan County residents move, they most often relocate to neighboring Bell County or to Lexington. When Floyd County residents move, they head to Pike County or Fayette County. When Perry County residents leave, they resettle in nearby counties or Lexington.

Percentage of outmigrants moving to other Kentucky counties (2021-22). In 9 of 10 counties studied, most migrants now relocate within Kentucky rather than out of state.

The moves are incremental, one county over, perhaps two. They maintain the possibility of weekend visits, Sunday dinners and participation in family life. They preserve cultural connection even as they seek economic improvement.

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Whether this represents resilience or resignation depends on perspective. Optimists see families finding creative ways to stay rooted despite persistent poverty. Pessimists note that regional opportunities remain limited, forcing even short-distance moves as acts of survival rather than choice.

What it means

The shift from exodus to circulation has reshaped Eastern Kentucky in ways both subtle and profound:

Regional hubs matter more. Counties with hospitals, colleges, and interstate access now function as population anchors, drawing residents from surrounding counties while losing fewer to distant cities.

Family networks persist. Unlike the mid-century generation that often severed ties with Kentucky, todays movers remain embedded in regional social networks, maintaining connections across county lines.

The diaspora isnt growing. With less outmigration to Rust Belt cities, the Appalachian diaspora communities in Ohio, Michigan and Illinois are aging and shrinking. The next generation is staying home  or at least staying closer.

Kentucky captures more of its talent. Young people leaving Pike or Harlan counties now often stop in Lexington rather than continuing to Columbus or Nashville, keeping their economic contributions within state borders.

Return migration continues. Retirees from the diaspora continue trickling back, though at modest levels and with limited economic impact.

Lake Cumberland spans multiple Kentucky counties, including Pulaski and Laurel. (Photo courtesy of Lake Cumberland Somerset-Pulaski Tourism)

The unfinished story

The inward turn of Appalachian migration reflects both progress and persistent challenge. The hemorrhage has stopped, but the region hasnt healed.

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Most Eastern Kentucky counties continue to lose population, just more slowly and to closer destinations than before. Birth rates have plummeted as young women leave or delay childbearing. Natural decrease  more deaths than births  now compounds outmigration in counties like Harlan and Letcher.

But the shift toward intra-regional migration suggests something important: Eastern Kentuckians still value home. They move when necessary, but they move as little as necessary. They seek better opportunities, but they define better to include proximity to family, familiarity with place and maintenance of cultural connection.

The great midcentury exodus told a story of abandonment, of mountain people forced to become city people in search of survival. Todays quieter pattern tells a different story  one of adaptation, persistence and stubborn attachment to place.

The Hillbilly Highway has become a country road in Kentucky, winding through the mountains rather than leaving them behind.

About the data

The IRS migration dataset tracks household address changes between tax filings, providing the most comprehensive county-to-county migration data available. Returns approximate households; exemptions approximate individuals. Data reflect moves between filing 2020 returns (calendar year 2021) and 2021 returns (calendar year 2022).

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Historical population figures for 1950-1980 come from decennial census counts. Net migration estimates account for natural increase (births minus deaths) to isolate migration effects.

All charts created for this article use verified IRS and Census Bureau data and are available for reuse with attribution.

This article was first published on Substack.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem deflected questions about whether the Trump administration had fully vetted the suspected National Guard shooter, an Afghan national, when it granted him asylum earlier this year, then repeatedly shifted the blame to former President Joe Biden.

Appearing Sunday on NBC News Meet the Press, Noem told host Kristen Welker: We believe [the suspect] was radicalized since hes been here in this country.

Politics: Kristi Noem Swerves When Asked if Democrats Are An 'Extremist Organization'

We will never allow this to continue to happen in our country, allow individuals who came to our country that were unvetted by Joe Biden, allowed to run free and loose, she added. We are going to bring them to justice and make sure that theyre returned out of this country if they arent here for the purposes of being an American.

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Noems remarks came after Trump announced plans to permanently pause migration from all third-world countries following the shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, D.C., on Thanksgiving eve in an ambush attack tied to suspect Rahmanullah Lakanwal.

Lakanwal, who moved to the U.S. to serve in a special CIA-backed Afghan Army unit, faces charges of assault with intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.

Welker then noted that Lakanwal would have undergone extensive vetting during his CIA tenure and also had his asylum application approved in April 2025 by Citizenship and Immigration Services, an agency that is a part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Why did the Trump administration grant the suspect asylum in April? Did you know then that he was moving toward radicalization? Welker asked.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem claimed that former President Joe Biden was responsible for vetting the Afghan national tied to the shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, D.C., despite the fact that the suspect received his asylum during Donald Trump's second term. Getty Images/YouTube.

Noem ignored the question and continued to criticize Biden.

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The Biden administration put people on airplanes, brought them to the United States without vetting them, Noem said.

Politics: Sen. Mark Kelly Says Trumps Response To National Guard Shooting Shows They Don't Want Brown People Coming

Biden announced a U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. The withdrawal resulted in suicide attacks at Kabuls airport, which killed 170 Afghans and 13 U.S. soldiers, among other violent incidents. The GOP rebuked Biden for the move.

Welker went on to grill Noem over the exact type of vetting that the Trump administration did before giving asylum to Lakanwal.

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So, just to be very clear, was there a vetting process in place to approve that asylum request? Welker asked.

Yeah, Noem said. The vetting process all happened under Joe Bidens administration.

Politics: Trump Says He'll Release MRI Results; He Doesn't Know What Part Of His Body Was Scanned

Welker interjected, But was he vetted when he was granted asylum?

That is what is so broken Noem replied, to which the NBC host added, Are you saying he wasnt vetted when he was granted asylum?

Noem again deflected blame, and claimed the vetting was completely abandoned under Joe Bidens administration.

Watch Noems appearance on Meet the Press below.

Related...

Read the original on HuffPost
Kristi Noem stammered when confronted on air Sunday with the fact that the suspected National Guard shooters asylum request was approved under the Trump administration.

Photo Illustration by Victoria Sunday/The Daily Beast/Getty Images / Photo Illustration by Victoria Sunday/The Daily Beast/Getty Images

The Homeland Security secretary, dubbed ICE Barbie over her penchant for cosplaying as an immigration official, deflected when asked on NBCs Meet the Press whether the Trump administration vetted Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, before approving his request for asylum from Afghanistan earlier this year.

Vetting is... Vetting is...Vetting is happening when they come into the country, and that was completely abandoned under Joe Bidens administration, Noem said.

Lakanwal came to the U.S. in 2021, and had his asylum application granted in April. / U.S. Department of Justice

Lakanwal is accused of firing on two members of the National Guard near the White House on Wednesday. One of the victims, 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom, has since died of her injuries.

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Widely reported to have worked as part of a CIA-backed unit during the war in Afghanistan, the 29-year-old arrived in the U.S. after the embattled Central Asian country fell to the Taliban in 2021. But his asylum application was granted earlier in April, three months after Donald Trump assumed the presidency for the second time.

Noem, who has hired a 22-year-old former landscaper to head up U.S. terror prevention efforts, has repeatedly claimed the Joe Biden administration is wholly to blame for this weeks tragic shooting near the White House.

In a different appearance on ABC News Sunday, she said Lakanwal may have been radicalized after arriving in the U.S. under a scheme established by the former Democratic president.

He was brought into the country by the Biden administration through Operation Allies Welcome. And then, maybe vetted after that, but not done well, based on what the guidelines were put forward by President Biden, she said. And now, since hes been here, we believe he could have been radicalized in his home community and in his home state.

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ABC News host Jonathan Karl was quick to bring Noem up on this point. President Trump had already been in office for several months, you had been in office, he said. Are you saying there was no vetting done by the Trump administration? You were simply relying on what had been done under the Biden administration? No vetting before granting him asylum?

X/GeorgiaDiPirro

Noem did not contest that assessment, but insisted vetting processes under Joe Biden have since been completely fixed.

The secretary has previously come under fire for hiring Thomas Fugate, 22-year-old former gardner and grocery store assistant, to head up the Department of Homeland Securitys Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships.

While Noem has blamed Biden for Lakanwals presence in the United States, users on social media have been equally swift to point to Fugates appointment as a possible vulnerability in the nations defenses.

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Rahmanullah Lakanwal, was vetted & granted LEGAL ASYLUM by TRUMP ADMINISTRATION in April 2025, one person wrote. I guess 22 year old landscaper/grocery store clerk. Thomas Fugate overseeing preventing domestic terrorism and targeted violence - isnt doing such a great job.

I had to look up his name because I had forgotten it, another person added. Nut maybe, just maybe, 22-year-old Thomas Fugate needs to be replaced with someone who actually has experience in counterterrorism.

This entire smear campaign around Thomas Fugate is a smokescreen to bury the rampant grift and waste festering in the CP3 program under the Biden Administrations watch, Tricia McLaughlin, a DHS spokeswoman, told the Daily Beast.

Fugate never held the director role at CP3, and to imply that he had operational control or exercised leadership over CP3 is simply untrue, as we have consistently told them, she went on. The fact a low-level 22-year-old staffer was able to identify the misappropriated spending and the subsequent violent reaction to defend this woke, partisan spending by those on the left tells you exactly what this program was really being used for.
After a day of freezing rain, some areas of Oklahoma are experiencing icy roads and freezing temperatures.

According to the National Weather Service, freezing rain will continue in Oklahoma City until 9 a.m., which will lead to a glaze of ice on elevated surfaces like roads and bridges.

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation warned on social media that drivers will likely see black ice during morning commutes. "Slow down and give yourself extra time to get to your destination safely," the post reads.

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Wintry precipitation will continue this morning into the afternoon hours, the weather service states. Accumulations are not expected, but drivers should still use caution when traveling.

More: Are schools closed today? See OKC schools closing Dec. 1 for icy roads

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This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: School closings today, slick road conditions as ice coats OKC
The strike followed Islamic Jihad and Hamas violations of the ceasefire, including fire at Israeli forces on November 22, according to the military.

Alaa al-Din Abd al-Nasser Hasan Khudar, a Nukhba commander within Palestinian Islamic Jihad Gaza City Brigade, was killed in an airstrike in the Gaza Strip, the military said on Monday.

Khudar infiltrated Kibbutz Nahal Oz on October 7, 2023, and continued attacks on Israel throughout the war, according to the IDF.

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Kibbutz Nahal Oz was among the communities hardest hit on Oct. 7, with residents killed, wounded, and abducted.

The strike followed Islamic Jihad and Hamas violations of the ceasefire, including reportedly firing at Israeli forces on November 22, according to the military.

The IDF carried out a series of strikes on terror targets, operatives, and commanders across Gaza after the ceasefire was broken.

Civil defence personnel search a burning house targeted by Israeli airstrikes in Gaza City, on November 22, 2025. (credit: Omar AL-QATTAA / AFP via Getty Images)

The operation was directed by the IDF Intelligence Directorate, with the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) providing intelligence, the IDF added.

IDF kills terrorists involved in October 7 attacks

The military has announced the deaths of several terrorists involved in the Oct. 7 attacks, including commanders who infiltrated other Gaza border communities and those who held Israelis hostage.

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Security forces said in August that they killed a Hamas terrorist who participated in the abduction of Yarden Bibas from Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7.

In April, the military said it had killed a senior commander of the Palestinian Mujahideen terrorist organization who had infiltrated Nir Oz multiple times and was likely personally involved in the abductions and murders of Shiri Bibas and her sons, Ariel and Kfir.

Additionally, in July, the IDF and Shin Bet announced the death of the terrorist who held Emily Damari hostage.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei attends a press conference in Tehran, Iran, Dec 1, 2025. (Xinhua/Shadati)

TEHRAN, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said on Monday the United States has become the "biggest threat" to international peace and security due to its recent behaviors towards other countries.

Speaking at a weekly press conference in the Iranian capital Tehran, Baghaei criticized the Trump administration's hostile actions against countries such as Venezuela and its support for Israel's operations in West Asia.

"In all parts of the world, we are witnessing actions based on threats and naked force from the United States. In the Western Hemisphere, threats against Venezuela, Cuba, Nicaragua, and even Brazil and Mexico are being frequently repeated by U.S. officials," he said.

Baghaei also criticized the U.S. declaration that Venezuela's airspace should be considered closed, calling it an "unprecedented action" that violates international standards and regulations, including those governing aviation safety and security.

He further cited Trump's threats against African countries, such as his announcement to block South Africa from participating in next year's G20 summit, as another example of Washington's hostile approach.

Baghaei added that U.S. "all-out" support for Israeli actions in West Asia had in effect made it an accomplice to Israel's "genocide and violation of the regional countries' national sovereignty and territorial integrity."

He also criticized the U.S. for imposing new immigration restrictions on nationals from certain countries, saying they reflect a "racist" attitude by the U.S. government.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Thursday his intention to permanently halt immigration from what he described as "Third World countries" and threatened to roll back immigration decisions made under his predecessor Joe Biden. 

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei attends a press conference in Tehran, Iran, Dec 1, 2025. (Xinhua/Shadati)
A British midwife helping those affected by Hurricane Melissa, which tore through parts of the Caribbean in October, is hoping she can "raise spirits".

Wendy Warrington, of Bury, Greater Manchester, has been "struck" by the impact on elderly people in Jamaica, where about 1.5m people have been affected - more than half of the country's population.

She is on her first mission with charity UK-Med, which is based in Stockport and is part of the UK's official humanitarian response.

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"Their whole lives, their homes have completely gone," she told BBC Radio Manchester. Despite the difficulties, she adds: "There is a lot of stoicism, they are very much about getting through this."

'They're so cheerful'

Ms Warrington arrived in Jamaica on 10 November and was due to stay for four weeks, helping to provide communities with access to primary healthcare.

"Some are having to live with family and friends, or move into shelters," she said.

"They are literally there with the clothes they are standing up in.

"They have not had any access to healthcare.

"What I find most humbling is the deep intense gratitude we're getting from the Jamaican people for us being here," she said.

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"The children, the schools that have been destroyed  they're so cheerful, they smile, they are so happy when we arrive."

About half of Jamaica's population has been affected by Hurricane Melissa which also swept across other Caribbean countries [Reuters]

Ms Warrington is part of medical teams providing support to Jamaican healthcare workers "so they can sort out their own issues because their homes have been affected and damaged".

She is working in Trelawny which was heavily impacted by Hurricane Melissa.

"We're struggling with electricity, power outages and issues with running water," she said.

The UK-Med teams have treated more than 500 patients in Jamaica [UK-Med]

The charity Ms Warrington is working for is in Jamaica at the request of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office with the approval of the Jamaican Ministry of Health and Wellness.

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David Wightwick, chief executive at UK-Med, said their contribution to the Jamaican relief effort was "more of a recovery and support mission".

He added: "So the Jamaican government is pretty competent frankly and they've got a lot of very well-trained staff.

"What they need is that respite time to sort out their own clinics, to make sure that things are actually usable again, and time for the health staff to sort out their own problems because, of course, their own homes and families are severely affected."

The hurricane destroyed houses and killed scores of people [Reuters]

Ms Warrington has helped treat various health issues but is yet to deliver any babies during her time in Jamaica so far.

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However, while taking the train from Manchester before her London Gatwick flight, she ended up attending to a pregnant passenger who experienced a membrane rupture.

The train was stopped at Milton Keynes so the woman could be transferred to paramedics.

"She sent me a lovely message to say that she was so glad that the train that she got to that morning  that I was on it, and that was really lovely."

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.

More on this story
Demonstrators gather in Raleigh on Nov. 16, 2025, to speak out against the Border Patrol's crackdown on undocumented immigrants in North Carolina. (Photo by Clayton Henkel/NC Newsline)

As students and workers resume their routines after the Thanksgiving holiday, Siembra NC is warning that the organization has received multiple credible reports to indicate that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is deploying more agents to the Raleigh area for a monthlong operation.

While we know that this news might cause alarm, we have no sense that ICE is planning the kind of activity that we saw Border Patrol do, said Siembra NC co-director Nikki Marin Baena in a Sunday call with reporters. The report that we got is that 50 additional agents were going to be deployed to North Carolina for activity starting December 1st.

Siembra NC co-director Nikki Marin Baena (Screen capture from webinar)

The grassroots immigrants rights organization has also had reports that ICE has reserved the same charter flights between Charlotte and Floridas Jacksonville International Airport as they did last week, scheduled from Dec. 2 to Dec. 6.

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Marin Baena declined to talk further about the origin of the information, and NC Newsline was not able to independently confirm it.

Marin Baena noted said the arrests ICE has typically made throughout this year have made it nearly impossible to get to school and work safely. Siembra NC launched the website Ojo Obrero in November to give communities a better sense of where federal enforcement activity has taken place.

Businesses are being disrupted, classrooms are being disrupted, even people who have become naturalized U.S. citizens are doubting whether they are safe or thinking about what they need to do in the case of these operations, Marin Baena said.

Many naturalized U.S. citizens and green card holders have started to carry their passports just to go grocery shopping.

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My own parents are naturalized U.S. citizens, and we had to talk about what would happen, what they should do, were they stopped by a border patrol agent, Marin Baena said.

She believes the anticipated ICEs operation in Raleigh comes as the result of remarks made by North Carolina House Speaker Destin Hall. Last week, Hall told The News & Observer that ICE and the border patrol were doing important work.

It looks like theyre doing a pretty good job at it right now. And so, we dont have much to ask, other than to come back, Hall said.

Siembra is encouraging North Carolinians who have been impacted by the recent detentions to contact Halls office.

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We think that they listen to their own campaign contributors. And so, a few key contributors to Speaker Dustin Hall include political action committees with the N.C. Home Builders Association, Duke Energy and Lowes Home Improvement, said Marin Baena. We are inviting people to write letters and create illustrated cards to Speaker Halls top campaign contributors, specifically explaining why children and their parents should not have to live in fear.

For business owners who have closed because employees are sheltering in place, Siembra NC is inviting people to post placards explaining that theyre closed Courtesy of Speaker Destin Hall.

Siembra NC has suggested that workers who miss work because they are sheltering in place can send a Destin Hall Pass to their employer to explain their absence. (Image: Siembra NC)

The organization has also suggested that immigrant workers who miss work because they are sheltering in place can send a Destin Hall Pass to their employer.

Hall said on social media that he supports the enforcement action and that Gov. Josh Stein should be more concerned about the safety of our citizens than protecting criminal illegal aliens. Hall also faulted Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden for blocking previous ICE detainers and putting undocumented immigrants back onto the streets.

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Theyre stepping in to clean up his mess and restore safety to the city, Hall said in a Nov. 17 post on X expressing support for the Border Patrol.

Over the holiday weekend, Homeland Security officials pivoted to focus on the shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, D.C.

President Donald Trump announced on Thanksgiving that he intends to permanently pause migration from all Third World Countries.

The five-day crackdown by Border Patrol in North Carolina resulted in 370 arrests.

Marin Baena said Sunday that many of those detained could eventually see charges dismissed.

And we actually dont know, of those 370 people, how many theyve already had to let go because they were actually U.S. citizens or green card holders and how many they will have to let go because weve documented that they were unconstitutional arrests, she said.

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Marin Baena said she hopes that ICEs plans change and it does not resume indiscriminate arrests in North Carolina in December. But if they do return, she says immigrant advocates are prepared.

Thousands of people across the state of North Carolina have received training to get their neighbors safely to school, safely to work. And so, we are a little bit more prepared at this moment in time.

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Santa Fe Mayor-elect Michael Garcia at a mayoral forum hosted by the League of Women Voters of Santa Fe County in advance of the Nov. 4, 2025 local election. (Courtesy of Michael Garcia)

Early voting was still a few weeks away when, in September, the announcement came down. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham was offering her endorsement to JoAnne Vigil Coppler in the crowded race to replace two-term Santa Fe Mayor Alan Webber.

I kind of jokingly-but-seriously said, After I win, Im still going to reach out to you because I want to strongly partner, Michael Garcia said of his comments to the governor. Garcia, a city councilor who on Nov. 4 won the eight-person ranked choice election, will take office in January. To address the challenges that the city is facing, its going to require a strong coalition built between the city, the governors office, our state legislative delegation, the county, our federal delegation, he said.

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For Garcia, those challenges range from the simple, like finding someone to fill his soon-to-be-vacant seat representing District 2 on the Santa Fe City Council and finding a building to serve as the new Southside Mayors Office, to the complex, like addressing the decades of deferred maintenance on the citys roads and tackling regional issues of affordable housing and homelessness. For issues like the latter, he said he hopes to work with residents and officials at the local, county and state levels to identify and solve shared problems.

In recent years, tensions between city and state leaders have at times spilled into the publics view. In 2023, the state Department of Finance and Administration took back more than $1 million that had previously been earmarked for the citys parks because of the citys failure to meet auditing deadlines. And in 2024, Lujan Grisham told reporters that the City of Santa Fe had an obvious leadership problem during litigation over the controversial Plaza monument known locally as the obelisk.

Garcia said he hopes to move past those incidents and build a strong relationship with state officials.

When he takes office in January, he will have a long list of day-one tasks. He said he hopes to issue a call to the public to replace his seat on the City Council and find creative ways to solicit public feedback, like a town-hall style forum, before officially nominating them for the job. He also said hes working to establish a mayoral office on the citys Southside and plans to split his time between there and City Hall.

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Hes also exploring whether to start fresh with the citys top non-elected officials. He plans to post job listings for influential positions including city manager, city clerk, city attorney and more. The people currently in those jobs are invited to re-apply, he said.

Santa Fe City Council Michael Garcia won the eight-person ranked choice mayoral election and will take office in January. (Courtesy of Michael Garcia)

Before he issues policy proposals, he said he wants to meet with department heads in City Hall and better assess their needs. For example, he wants to issue a strategic plan to guide the citys development of workforce and affordable housing. On his first day as mayor, he said, hell get to work on figuring out what works best for the city  whether its tiny houses, townhomes, traditional single-family homes or something in between.

He also wants to focus on the capital citys aging infrastructure. Across the state, roads have deteriorated to their worst condition in recent history, according to a new state analysis. Garcia said its incumbent on city leaders to craft strategic plans on addressing infrastructure needs and making the plans for road closures and paving easily accessible to the public.

We have years, and if not years, I would say decades of deferred maintenance on road infrastructure, he said.

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He said he plans to take a similar approach to homelessness and substance abuse. City leaders over the summer spoke publicly about their plans to move away from relying on shelters and to embrace micro-communities with tiny homes. These issues are felt acutely across New Mexico  when volunteers conducting a point in time count of unhoused people documented a 10% decrease from 2024 to 2025, the report attributed the decline to a lack of volunteers running the count.

Addressing social issues like these require a different approach than aging roads, Garcia said, because the response has to be organic. He hesitated to put a date to when his office will produce plans on any of these issues and said he wants to work with city staffers and residents in 2026 to determine holistic responses to these problems.

Before major investments are made, there needs to be strong buy-in from the residents, he said. We are going to be an administration that is engaging residents as were going through the decision-making process. Theyre not going to be an afterthought.
A Republican state Senator from Indiana on Friday said he will vote against President Trumps redistricting effort in his state after the president used a slur demeaning people with disabilities in his online spat with Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D).

Many of you have asked my position on redistricting, state Sen. Michael Bohacek (R) wrote in a Facebook post. I have been an unapologetic advocate for people with intellectual disabilities since the birth of my second daughter. Those of you that dont know me or my family might not know that my daughter has Down Syndrome.

This is not the first time our president has used these insulting and derogatory references and his choices of words have consequences, Bohacek continued. I will be voting NO on redistricting, perhaps he can use the next 10 months to convince voters that his policies and behavior deserve a congressional majority.

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Trump attacked Walz in a Truth Social post on Thursday and called him the slur. He slammed the governor for doing nothing about the number of Somali refugees in Minnesota, either through fear, incompetence, or both.

Walz clapped back at the president, demanding he release the MRI results, in reference to the MRI Trump underwent at Walter Reed Military Center last month. Trump has since said he has no idea what they analyzed.

Bohaceks no vote comes after Trump last week threatened to unleash war on Indiana Republicans over any holdouts against redistricting. He and his allies warned that those Republicans would face primaries if they do not approve of a GOP-favored 9-0 map with the hope of picking up House seats in the 2026 midterm elections.

Indiana Senate President Pro Tempore Rodric Bray (R) said Tuesday that state lawmakers would reconvene in December for a final vote on redistricting proposals.

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The issue of redrawing Indianas congressional maps mid-cycle has received a lot of attention and is causing strife here in our state, Bray said in a statement.

Trump praised the Indiana state house for stepping up to do the right thing, and I hope the Senate finds the Votes.

If they do, I will make sure that all of those people supporting me win their Primaries, and go on to Greatness but, if they dont, I will partner with the incredibly powerful MAGA Grassroots Republicans to elect STRONG Republicans who are ready to do what is needed to protect our Country and, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! he wrote on Truth Social.

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.
An Indiana Republican lawmaker whose child has Down syndrome has promised to oppose efforts to redraw the states congressional map to favor his party after Donald Trump aimed a slur for people with intellectual disabilities at a political opponent.

Michael Bohacek, a member of Indianas state senate, wrote on Friday on Facebook that he has been an unapologetic advocate for people with intellectual disabilities since one of his daughters was born with Down. Referring to how the president used an ableist slur to insult Tim Walz, the Democratic Minnesota governor, a day earlier, Bohaceks post added: His choices of words have consequences.

I will be voting NO on redistricting, perhaps he can use the next 10 months to convince voters that his policies and behavior deserve a congressional majority, he added.

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Bohaceks opposition to Trump comes after the latters administration has applied pressure on Republican lawmakers in Indiana to redraw the boundaries of their congressional districts. The goal would be to gain Republicans more US House seats as their party tries to retain control of Congress in the 2026 midterm elections.

Indiana legislators are scheduled to weigh such a partisan redistricting measure later in December. But leaders of the states senate have cautioned that there is not enough support in the legislative chamber to enact a congressional redistricting plan.

Trump in mid-November called for there to be primary election challenges mounted for any Republican state senator in Indiana who votes against this important redistricting, potentially having an impact on America itself.

They  should DO THEIR JOB, AND DO IT NOW! Trumps Truth Social post said. If not, lets get them out of office.

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Since Trumps post, at least nine Republican officials in the state have experienced swatting attacks, which involves fake emergency calls in the hopes of drawing a heavily armed law enforcement response to homes, according to NBC News. State senator Jean Leising, a Republican, said she was the target of a pipe bomb threat on Saturday. This is a result of the DC political pundits for redistricting, she wrote on X, alongside a photo of herself that said she wouldnt cave on her opposition to redistricting.

Mike Braun, Indianas governor, who supports redistricting, said he too had received threats. Enough is enough, he wrote on X. These threats to lawmakers, including those received by me and my family in recent days, need to stop.

Bohacek pledged to defy Trumps wishes after a separate Truth post from the president. In that one, written after two national guard members were shot in Washington DC, Trump said he would permanently pause all immigration from third world countries, invoking Minnesotas Somali community while insulting Walz as seriously retarded.

Many Facebook users who replied to Bohaceks post thanked him for taking a stand against Trump, though some lamented that it took something hitting so close to home for him to oppose the president.

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You should care about people even when it hasnt affected you and your immediate family, read one reply. Im glad at least you do understand it now. And thank you for your current stance.

Bohacek has served in Indianas senate since November 2016, when Trump won his first presidency.

Indiana is one of several states where the USs two major political parties are grappling with whether to embark on partisan redistricting.

Meanwhile, in August, Texas approved new congressional maps meant to help Republicans add as many as five seats in the 2026 midterms. California in November responded by passing a redistricting measure meant to allow Democrats to gain the same number of seats.

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Finally, our guide at theguardian.com/tips lists several ways to contact us securely, and discusses the pros and cons of each.
Nov. 30AIKEN  The inmate who died Nov. 29 at the Aiken County detention center has been identified as 37-year-old Kevin V. Rodriguez of Aiken, according to a Nov. 30 media release by Aiken County Coroner Darryl M. Ables.

Rodriguez was found unresponsive and hanging by a sheet in his cell at 3:20 a.m. by detention center staff on Nov. 29, the release says.

Detention Center staff performed CPR until the arrival of Aiken County EMS, but efforts to revive the inmate were unsuccessful and he was pronounced dead at 5:20 a.m., the release says.

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An autopsy will be performed next week in Newberry, S.C., to determine the cause and manner of death.

"The Coroner's Office along with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division are continuing with the investigation," the release states.
An investigation is underway after a man was struck and killed on a highway in Auburn on Sunday night, officials said.

Officers responding to reports of a crash involving a pedestrian near the Auburn-Worcester line found a man on the ground in the middle of Route 20 at Washington Street just before 10 p.m., according to the Auburn Police Department.

The victim, a 56-year-old man, was pronounced dead at the scene. His name hasnt been released. Police say the man lived in a mobile home community across the street from the crash.

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The driver involved in the crash remained at the scene and has been cooperative with the investigation, according to police.

State police troopers assigned to the Worcester District Attorneys Office are assisting Auburn police with the investigation.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

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Hundreds of Brussels residents took to the streets Monday to protest as the failure of squabbling politicians to form a regional city government topped a previous 541-day Belgian record.

Going that long is quite a feat even in a country where painful political negotiations are almost as much a part of the national culture as beer, chocolate and chips.

Split between its rival language camps, Belgium's complex political patchwork has long been seen as borderline dysfunctional.

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In 2010-2011 it took an unprecedented 541 days to form a federal government.

But the deadlock in the Brussels region -- which covers some 1.2 million inhabitants and is home to the chief European Union institutions -- shows no signs of coming to an end as talks have stalled between rival parties.

"541 days after local elections the situation is completely blocked," fumed Nicolas Hemelers, from citizen group "Respect Brussels".

"Environment, mobility, access to housing: a number of policies are on standby and the region is no longer taking charge of major issues."

In Brussels, the regional parliament currently has 89 elected members from 14 parties, and forging a coalition is even more complex because you need majorities among both French-speaking and Dutch-speaking groups.

mad-del/ec/sbk
Less than four months after Iryna Zarutska was killed on Charlottes Light Rail, a new law in her name went into effect Monday that should keep violent, repeat offenders behind bars longer.

Irynas Law cracks down on pretrial release, requiring judges to consider a suspects housing information, full criminal history and explain their decision in writing. Under the new legislation, anyone charged with a violent crime or convicted of three or more crimes in the last 10 years is ineligible for an unsecured bond, which means they will have to pay money to get out on bond.

North Carolina lawmakers passed the bipartisan criminal justice reform package after Zarutska was stabbed to death on her way home from work in August.

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>>CLICK HERE for complete coverage of Irynas Law

Republican Tricia Cotham was one of the bills chief architects. She says it eliminates catch and release practices for violent offenders.

Judges and attorneys were abiding by the new rules Monday morning in court, which appeared to have slowed down the process.

Some suspects were set aside because their criminal history wasnt known.

Rob Heroy is a defense attorney who said anyone who is arrested can expect to spend longer in jail.

Its going to be a total disaster over there, Heroy said. It creates a lot more that the courts, that the jail has to do, and they dont necessarily have the funding to do what it requires.

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The defense attorney said the system will punish people disproportionately because some cant afford bond.

Heroy said he understands the need for criminal justice reform but hes unsure this is the answer. He said everyone must be patient with the new law.

People are not going to have bonds set, he said. Judges are going to be working into the night. Cases are going to get held over to another day even though that person is supposed to have it set that day. Its going to be a mess.

Zarutskas accused killer, Decarlos Brown, had a history of incidents with police. Seven months before her murder, he was allowed out of jail with a written promise to go to his next court appearance.

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This new law also gets rid of judges giving defendants a written promise to appear where they would pay nothing. They are held to their word to show up for court.

Heroy said getting rid of that is just for show, because judges can still give unsecured bonds, which means you dont pay anything to get out of jail. However, if you break your conditions, then you would have to pay.

Jail population

Sheriff Garry McFadden expects the jail population to increase, and he says hes worried about staffing.

Each dorm or pod room has to have a body, he said. When we talk about capacity, we can deal with it, but we have to have the staff to manage it.

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Some Mecklenburg County Commissioners are concerned the law could strain an already stretched system. As state and county officials prepare for more suspects to be held in jail, some are calling it an unfunded mandate.

I see a backlog happening as a result of these arrests, not being able to move people out of the system, Commissioner George Dunlap said.

VIDEO: County braces for jail surge as Irynas Law takes effect Monday
Israel will fully deploy the Iron Beam on December 30, introducing a laser system designed to intercept drones, rockets, missiles, and mortars at high speed.

Defense Ministry research and analysis chief Dani Gold on Monday announced that Israel's Iron Beam paradigm-shattering laser defense will be rolled out in the field on December 30.

In mid-September, theDefense Ministry announced that Iron Beam was operational and that a full series of batteries would be fanning out across the country to provide cutting-edge new air defense capabilities within the coming months.

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Already in June, the ministry and Rafael, the lead company of multiple defense tech companies involved, including also Elbit and others, had announced that Lite Beam, a smaller relative of Laser Dome (formerly known as "Iron Beam,") was operational.

At the time, the ministry also disclosed that Israeli laser defense systems had shot down around 40 Hezbollah drones in October 2024.

However, Monday's news signalled the final jumps forward.

Security officials have stated that Laser Dome also has the capacity to take on barrages of simultaneous aerial threats and is not merely limited to shooting down one or two at a time. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)

First, Iron Beam has more power, a longer range, and can be used to defend against a wide array of threats as compared to Lite Beam.

Second, Iron Beam can specifically shoot down not only drones, but also missiles, rockets, and mortars, making it far more formidable than if it were only capable of shooting down drones, a relatively slow-moving threat.

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Third, the announcement means that Iron Beam batteries will be produced and dispersed around the country at scale, as opposed to serving in just one or two locations where their impact would take time to be judged.

The ministry and the IDF expect Iron Beam to immediately start reducing the cost of shooting down aerial threats, an issue that has been out of control for Israel during this war, in which tens of thousands of threats have been launched through the air at Israel on six fronts.

Firing the Iron Beam is as cheap as turning a light on

Firing Arrow interceptors can cost millions of shekels, Iron Dome interceptors can cost tens of thousands of shekels, but firing the Iron Beam is as cheap as turning a light on.

Defense Ministry Director-General Amir Baram has previously said that Iron Beam will lay the foundation stone to start the process, which will change battle zones worldwide until they are invariably filled with cheaper laser platforms.

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Security officials said that Iron Beam also has the capacity to take on barrages of simultaneous aerial threats and is not merely limited to shooting down one or two at a time.

Head of the directorates R&D Division, Brig.-Gen. Yehuda Elmakayes previously said that the Knesset already approved an extensive budget two years ago to cover as many Laser Dome batteries as will be needed at this stage of deployment.

In June, IDF M. Sgt. "A" told The Jerusalem Post in an exclusive interview that his time on the laser team protecting the country with this game-changing, cutting-edge system has been "incredible."

A is a reservist who was stationed in the North to work on how to operate the laser in real combat situations, and who had spent time in the IDF's air defense units mostly over a decade ago, but returned to assist when the current war broke out.

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He said that he and everyone else had to learn how to best operate the laser in real time in the field since it is essentially something that no one has ever done before.

"We received the system, we made adjustments while operating in the field, and we improved with the industry developers [Rafael] after we got a better understanding of what we needed to increase our shoot-down success," said A.

Although Raytheon in the US, as well as England, Russia, China, Germany, and Japan, are all at various stages of developing laser defense systems, the ministry has said that the Iron Beam is the only one that has moved beyond test firings to actual use in the field.

Defense sources also previously revealed that the new family of lasers could eliminate the need for Israelis to run to bomb shelters versus most aerial threats.

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They explained that a major advantage of lasers: Iron Beam, Iron Beam M, and Lite Beam, are that they can shoot down enemy rockets and drones much earlier in the threat process. This means that most of the time no siren warnings or bomb shelters would be necessary.

How does this work?

The reason would be because the light energy of the laser travels much faster than any interceptor in Israel's arsenal and would already potentially destroy the enemy aerial threat shortly after it launches, and invariably while still in enemy territory.

In fact, because the laser fires so much faster, the IDF will also likely have more chances to hit a target which it initially misses, since it will know it has missed earlier on in the process.

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That means that Israelis would likely only hear a siren and need to run to bomb shelters in those rare cases where the laser system missed its target, then likely missed it multiple more times

The Lite Beam is the smallest and most local short range system of Israel's three laser systems, which can be placed on individual ground forces vehicles and fires a 10 kilowatt beam.

Iron Beam M fires a 250 millimeter 50 kilowatt beam and can be mounted on large trucks for mobility, but cannot be placed as a minor additional system on individual vehicles.

Sources have also indicated that the Iron Beam M is not only generally mobile, but can even be fired while moving.

The full size Iron Beam fires a 450 millimeter 100 kilowatt beam, is designed to remain stationary for periods of time, and cannot be fired while moving. However, it can, with advance planning, be moved around just as Iron Dome batteries, over time, can be moved around.
TOKYO, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- An explosion occurred at a factory in the city of Muroran in Hokkaido, northernmost Japan, early Monday, triggering a large fire and scattering concrete debris across the site.

According to the local fire department, residents near the North Japan Works of Nippon Steel in Muroran called emergency services at around 12:55 a.m. local time (1555 GMT), reporting shaking in their homes and a possible fire at the facility. Firefighters arriving on scene confirmed that a hot blast stove had exploded, sparking a major blaze inside the plant.

The fire department said that about 10 workers who were on site at the time had already evacuated, and no injuries have been reported. However, the fire remained intense, and extinguishing efforts continued for several hours.

The company has halted furnace operations and is assessing equipment damage as well as the potential impact on its supply chain and logistics.

The cause of the explosion is still under investigation. 
Nov. 30James Everett Trehern James Everett Trehern (Jim), age 88, was born July 7, 1937, in Pensacola, Florida. He passed away on November 24, 2025, peacefully at home. Jim joined the Air Force in 1955, he was stationed at Manzano Base, New Mexico, where he met and married the love of his life, Glenda Trehern. He then started as a firefighter in Albuquerque in 1959. He was offered a position in the Los Alamos Fire Department where he spent the rest of his career, retiring as the Chief of the Los Alamos Fire Department. He went to work for the State of New Mexico as a Fire Marshall. Jim then worked for Accent Fire Safety Associates in his later years. Jim loved to hunt, fish, and ranching. Spending time with his family and friends was most important to him. Jim is survived by his daughter, Becki (Dodie) Jaramillo; son, Glenn (Liz) Trehern; he was the Proud Papa of 8 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 am., on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at FRENCH  Rio Rancho Chapel. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menaul Blvd NE  Albuquerque. Please visit our online guestbook for Jim at www.FrenchFunerals.com, FRENCH  Rio Rancho, 1275 Unser Blvd. NE, 505-338-2000
Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach, shown on Oct. 1, 2025, has charged the mayor of Coldwater with felony voter fraud. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

Coldwater residents have learned a valuable lesson: Actions have consequences.

Their towns mayor, Joe Ceballos, has been charged with felony voter fraud by Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach. Ceballos appears to have registered and cast ballots in multiple elections, despite not being a citizen. While you might expect townsfolk to support the prosecution, thats not the situation at all.

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Indeed, a remarkable profile of Ceballos by veteran Kansas journalist Roy Wenzl shows a town shocked that such a good guy  Hes more American than I am, a friend said  would be charged. Hes a die-hard Republican in a place full of them. More than 83% of Comanche County voters picked Donald Trump for president last year. More than 78% appear to have chosen Kobach in 2022.

If deportation happens, I can tell you that Kobach will have trouble showing up here, especially if he asks to stay with us for a while, said Dennis Swayze, a rancher who mentored Ceballos.

But the attorney general hasnt done anything wrong here. Kansas voters know precisely where Kobach stands and what he means to do. They have voted for him repeatedly. Trump, likewise, made no secret of his desire to oversee the largest deportation operation in U.S. history. Violent or nonviolent, with legal status or not, immigrants would be targeted.

Thats what Kobach and Trump promised.

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Trump on immigrants in late 2023: They let  I think the real number is 15, 16 million people into our country. When they do that, we got a lot of work to do. Theyre poisoning the blood of our country.

Kobach just last month on the Coldwater case: It still effectively takes the vote away or cancels the vote of a U.S. citizen.

Most town residents voted for these men. Whether they realize it or not, theyre getting what they wanted. On Election Day, they chose cruelty.

Expressions of dazed disbelief punctuate Wenzls story like infuriating landmines: If you know Joe, you know Kobach picked the wrong guy Deportation would be, as I told Joe, like sending me to Egypt. He doesnt take anything about America for granted.

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Ceballos, who has been elected twice, mistakenly thought his green card granted a right to vote. Residents who know Ceballos agonized about his registration, wondering if they should have provided better guidance. He didnt mean to deceive back in 1991, they say, and shouldnt be made to pay the price.

But as they agonized, none appears to make the leap that blind allegiance to a party that demonizes immigrants might have contributed to the problem.

Even today, even after these events, Ceballos friend Ryan Swayze offered this thumbnail political analysis: Democrats think the government provides, while Republicans think the government should let us just do our thing.

Republicans just let them do their thing, huh? Not in this case!

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Here are some hard truths for the people of Coldwater.

As sure as if every Republican voter of Coldwater lined up to cast a stone at Ceballos, their choices at the ballot box in 2024 and 2022 had the same traumatic effect. They did this to their friend. They did this to their mayor. They did this to their beloved town fixture. And until they figure this out, our country and our state is not going to get better.

Take responsibility. Own up to your actions. That goes for voters in Coldwater, Kansas and the whole United States.

People whose brains have been liquefied by conservative propaganda believe theyre never to blame for adverse consequences. Setbacks always must be the doing of nefarious leftists. Theyve been turned into perpetual victims, always losing to a Clinton or an Obama or a Soros. But, of course, the fact is theyre part of one of the most successful political movements in American history. That political movement has goals and policies meant to be enacted.

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If you demand responsibility and accountability from others, you must be willing to demand it from yourself as well. Follow MAGA beliefs to their logical conclusion and you will see many more good people punished for honest mistakes.

I didnt feel great after reading Wenzls story. The mayor has all but admitted to the charges against him and said he voted in practically every election over the past 30-some years. If convicted of a felony, he seems likely to face deportation. Removal from the country could happen anyway, his lawyer fears.

That will leave Coldwater and Comanche County worse off. I sympathize with the mayor and wish state officials could show more empathy.

But thats not what the majority of the public wanted. Thats not what Coldwater voted for. They should sit with that shame.

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To paraphrase Walt Kelly: They have met the enemy and he is them.

Clay Wirestone is Kansas Reflector opinion editor. Through its opinion section, Kansas Reflector works to amplify the voices of people who are affected by public policies or excluded from public debate. Find information, including how to submit your own commentary, here.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt revealed Monday that it was not Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth who gave the controversial second-strike order on a Venezuelan vessel in September  before revealing who did.

Hegseth has been under fire from a bipartisan group of lawmakers questioning whether the second strike on survivors of the first strike constituted a war crime.

Leavitt read a statement when asked to clarify about the order:

President Trump and Secretary Hegseth have made it clear that presidentially-designated narco terrorist groups are subject to lethal targeting in accordance with the laws of war. With respect to the strikes in question on September 2nd, Secretary Hegseth authorized Admiral Bradley to conduct these kinetic strikes. Admiral Bradley worked well within his authority and the law directing the engagement to ensure the boat was destroyed and the threat to the United States of America was eliminated.

Leavitt added a reminder to the American public as to why the strikes are taking place.

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Because this administration has designated these narco terrorist as a foreign terrorist organizations, the president has a right to take them out if they are threatening the United States of America, and if they are bringing illegal narcotics that are killing our citizens at a record rate  which is what they are doing, Leavitt said.

Under the previous administration, there was enough fentanyl traffic into our country to kill every American man, woman, and child many times over, Leavitt claimed. That is why you have seen a drastic difference in this administrations policy with respect to the last. It is one of the many reasons the American public reelected this president and support this secretary of War in conducting these strikes.

CBS News reporter Gabe Gutierrez asked for clarification, Admiral Bradley was the one that gave an order for a second strike? to which Leavitt responded, And he was well within his authority to do so.

Admiral Frank Bradley has served as commander of the United States Special Operations Command since October 3.

Watch the clip above via Fox News.

The post Karoline Leavitt Outright Denies Hegseth Ordered Second Drug Boat Strike  And Reveals Who Did first appeared on Mediaite.
Karolinska Institutet, Region Stockholm, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, and Stockholm University are set to establish a new medical radiation science centre in Sweden for cancer care.

The centre in Stockholm will combine research expertise from the universities and the healthcare sector to advance future cancer treatment.

Karolinska Institutet reported that cancer remains a significant health challenge in Sweden, with one in three individuals expected to be diagnosed during their lifetime.

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More than 600,000 people in the country are currently living with cancer or have previously received a diagnosis.

The new centre will foster interdisciplinary education and research, primarily in tumour imaging, medical radiotherapy, radiation protection, and cancer-related biomarkers.

The collaboration will bring together engineers, researchers, and clinicians from industry, universities, and the healthcare sector to strengthen Sweden and Stockholms position in precision-focused radiation therapy and related fields.

This new centre aims to integrate advanced techniques to improve radiation therapys effectiveness while minimising harm to healthy tissue, particularly by combining individualised treatment with new pharmaceuticals and targeted immunotherapy.

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Karolinska Institutet president Annika Ostman Wernerson said: Precision-focused radiation therapy is a promising area of research.

Karolinska Institutet values this initiative and the opportunity to participate in developing future cancer treatments in collaboration with other leading universities and Region Stockholm. I believe that this gathering of forces will be of great importance to many patients, their relatives and society at large.

All four parties have signed a letter of intent to establish the centre for enhancing education environment and joint research in Hagastaden, Stockholm.

"Karolinska Institutet and partners to establish radiation centre in Sweden" was originally created and published by Hospital Management, a GlobalData owned brand.




KFC Europe has launched a new flagship restaurant in central Rome, close to the Trevi Fountain.

The decision to locate one of the brand's first Western European flagship outlets in the Italian capital was closely tied to its recent growth trajectory across Europe and other regions.

The Rome opening follows the launch of a flagship site in Prague last year.

KFC intends to add further flagship locations in major European cities over the coming years as part of a broader push to strengthen its position in the quick-service restaurant segment.

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The chain already operates more than 2,200 outlets in 40 European markets and has set a target of doubling that number by 2030.

The flagship strategy focuses on iconic locations, chosen to reflect the character of each host city.

Covering almost 1,000m across two levels, the new Rome restaurant is KFC's largest and among its most technologically advanced sites in Europe.

The flagship's design combines references to local history with contemporary features, including energy-efficiency and digital tools.The architectural approach acknowledges the citys historical legacy while incorporating modern design elements.

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The restaurant is also among the first KFC locations in Europe to introduce KWENCH by KFC, a concept offering a new line-up of speciality beverages.

The Rome site has been developed as a digital-led environment, with the company aiming to encourage new forms of interaction with customers.

KFC Europe, Middle East and Africa managing director Dhruv Kaul stated: We are thrilled to bring our most modern and ambitious flagship to Rome, and next to the Trevi fountain! This opening marks a significant milestone in our journey to establish KFC as a leading brand across Europe, and reflects our strategic focus on iconic locations that bridge history and modern relevance.

"KFC opens flagship outlet in Rome in European growth push" was originally created and published by Verdict Food Service, a GlobalData owned brand.




The Russian military has captured the Ukrainian mining city of Pokrovsk in the eastern Donetsk region, which has been under assault for about a year, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Russian journalists on Monday.

Peskov said that President Vladimir Putin has been informed. There was no immediate confirmation from Kiev.

Russian forces have also reportedly taken the town of Vovchansk in neighbouring Kharkiv.

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The claims could not be independently verified, though Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky noted during a visit to Paris that fighting around Pokrovsk and in Kharkiv remains intense.

Observers suggest Russia's announcement of military gains may be timed ahead of US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff's expected visit to Moscow on Tuesday, as the Kremlin seeks to showcase progress before discussions on a potential peace plan.
By Nate Raymond

Dec 1 (Reuters) - A former immigration judge filed a lawsuit on Monday claiming she was wrongfully fired by President Donald Trump's administration, which she says relied on an "unjust" belief that the president can legally discriminate against federal workers based on their sex, national origin and political affiliation.

In her lawsuit filed in federal court in Washington, D.C., Tania Nemer said the U.S. Department of Justice fired her on February 5 shortly after the beginning of Trump's second term in office because she is a woman, a dual citizen of Lebanon who is the child of immigrant parents, and had earlier in her career run unsuccessfully for local office as a Democrat.

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She argues her firing violated the landmark Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and her right to engage in political activity under the U.S. Constitution's First Amendment. According to her lawsuit, the Justice Department's Equal Employment Opportunity office had dismissed a discrimination complaint she filed, saying the termination was a "lawful exercise" of the authority the president and attorney general possess under Article II of the Constitution to remove inferior officers.

OFFICE DECIDED JUDGES NOT PROTECTED

The head of the Justice Department's equal employment opportunity office, in a September 25 decision, had said that no statute, including Title VII, provides immigration judges with protection from at-will removal by Trump. Nemer argues that is wrong and that a federal judge should force the Justice Department to reinstate her.

"Title VII is unquestionably constitutional," her attorneys, Nathaniel Zelinsky and James Eisenmann, said in a joint statement. "The government cannot discriminate against its employees. Full stop. We look forward to pursuing Tanias case in court.

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The Justice Department, whose Executive Office for Immigration Review houses the executive branch's immigration court system, declined to comment.

Nemer, who joined the Justice Department as an immigration judge in 2023 during former Democratic President Joe Biden's administration, said she was on the bench when her immediate supervisor interrupted her and informed her she had been terminated, effective immediately. He did not give a reason, she said.

More than 100 immigration judges out of about 700 have been fired or pushed out since the start of Trump's return to office in January, according to the American Immigration Lawyers Association, a move that the organization says has depleted the number of judges available to handle a surge in cases as the administration ramps up arrests and deportations.

(Reporting by Nate Raymond in Boston; editing by Alexia Garamfalvi and Rod Nickel)
"Heart of the Turtle" international Indigenous gathering in opposition to oil pipelines, Mackinaw City, May 14, 2022 | Laina G. Stebbins

As Canadian pipeline operator Enbridge continues to seek final approval to begin construction of a tunnel project intended to replace an exposed section of pipeline running through the Great Lakes, environmentalists gathered on Monday to share a report detailing how much the lines failure could cost Michigan taxpayers.

Oil and Water Dont Mix, a coalition of organizations committed to securing a shutdown of the Line 5 dual pipelines running through the Straits of Mackinac, where Lake Michigan and Lake Huron meet, collected multiple analyses from over the past nine years into a single document to highlight the risks and potential costs of an oil spill.

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Line 5 transports up to 22.68 million gallons of crude oil and natural gas liquids through the Straits of Mackinac each day, with one University of Michigan researcher pointing to the region as the worst place for a Great Lakes Oil Spill.

The proposed Line 5 tunnel is not just an environmental risk, but its a massive financial threat to the people of Michigan Sean McBrearty, the campaign coordinator for Oil and Water Dont Mix, told reporters.

Risk-Report-Line-5

While arguments against the tunnel project have largely been focused on the environmental impacts, McBrearty said the conversation has not addressed the costs taxpayers could face should the tunnel fail.

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After gaps in the pipelines protective coating were discovered in 2014, Enbridge would reach an agreement with the state to build a utility tunnel beneath the lakebed aimed at containing any potential oil spills.

However, the report points to language in the 2018 agreement between Enbridge and the Mackinac Straits Corridor Authority, created by former Gov. Rick Snyder to oversee the construction of the tunnel, noting the authority will accept ownership of the Tunnel.

Ownership can be transferred to the state of Michigan through the Mackinac Straits Corridor Authority, McBrearty said. That means that Michigan taxpayers, not Enbridge, could be responsible for the catastrophic  cleanup, water system repairs, tourism losses, public health emergencies and multibillion dollar infrastructure disruptions if something goes wrong.

The proposed Line 5 tunnel is not just an environmental risk, but it's a massive financial threat to the people of Michigan.

 Sean McBrearty, the campaign coordinator for Oil and Water Dont Mix

Enbridge spokesperson Ryan Duffy also pointed to the tunnel agreements, noting that the company has agreed to defend, indemnify, protect and hold harmless the Authority and the State of Michigan, and all of its officers, officials, agents, contractors providing expert advice to the [Mackinac Straits Corridor Authority], and employees from any liability tied to the design, operation or maintenance of the tunnel and the replacement pipeline segment housed within.

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The bottom line is this: Enbridge takes full responsibility and pays for all costs related to any incident anywhere along our system. Under the terms of our easement, the State of Michigan is fully indemnified from any costs associated with our operations, Duffy said in a statement. The 2018 agreements with the State also require us to maintain the financial tools and resources necessary to cover incident response and clean-up costs, and we certify our financial strength to the State of Michigan.

However, the report raises questions about Enbridges ability to cover the cost of a major spill, pointing to a 2019 analysis by American Risk Management Resources Network, LLC on behalf of the Department of Attorney General, Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy.

As of August 2019, Enbridges Canadian parent company, Enbridge Inc. had the financial resources to cover $1.87 billion in damages tied to a Line 5 oil spill, with the analysis placing that on the low end of the potential cost of a major release.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX

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However, the analysis advises against accepting the parent companys assets as proof of financial assurance, noting that only the companys subsidiaries  Enbridge Energy, Limited Partnership, Enbridge Energy Company, Inc. and Enbridge Energy Partners, L.P.  are signatories on the agreement, and subject to the indemnity agreement.

Should these subsidiaries go bankrupt, taxpayers are left to foot the bill, Oil and Water Dont Mix argues in the report.

Additionally, Enbridges liability insurance covers $940 million, the report notes, while the federal oil spill trust fund covers $1 billion, leaving the state to cover at least $3.6 billion when using a 2018 projection from Michigan State Universitys Institute for Public Policy and Social Research, which places the damage from a Line 5 oil spill at $5.6 billion.

The worst case scenarios are far more costly, McBrearty said. Up to $45 billion has been identified in economic losses if the straits shipping channel shuts down. Nearly $5 billion in tourism losses alone have been identified. Hundreds of millions in water system shut down and emergency public health impacts. Decades of environmental cleanup and restoration, and all of this is before we even consider a tunnel failure which Michigan, not Enbridge, would own.
Luigi Mangione, the 27-year-old accused of killing a health insurance company executive in a brazen attack that sparked a national debate, appeared in court Monday for the start of a multi-day hearing as his attorneys seek to have his diary entries and other key evidence tossed from his state murder case.

He entered the courtroom through a side door Monday morning with his hands shackled, wearing a dark gray suit jacket and a white checkered button-down shirt. A court officer unshackled his hands as he reached the defense table.

Mangione was arrested at a McDonalds in Pennsylvania following a days-long manhunt after United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson, 50, was fatally shot December 4, 2024, on a busy sidewalk in midtown Manhattan.

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During the arrest, law enforcement recovered several pieces of evidence from Mangiones backpack that authorities say tie him to the killing. Mangiones lawyers argue police illegally searched his bag without a warrant, so that evidence should be barred from the states case. Prosecutors denied the defenses claims and agreed to a hearing on the matter.

Mangiones defense is battling prosecutors in two cases: Lawyers in his federal death penalty case also are trying to get much of the same evidence tossed. That case returns to court on January 9.

The hearing over the disputed evidence in the state case is expected to last several days, with both parties planning to call witnesses to testify, according to court documents.

In Mondays hearing, prosecutors showed the full surveillance video of Thompson being shot in front of a hotel, stumbling to the side before falling to the ground. They also played surveillance video from inside the McDonalds as two officers first approached Mangione, with at least six more members of law enforcement later joining them in the restaurant.

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As the videos played, Mangione appeared to watch them from the defense table, one finger resting on his chin.

The prosecution also played a 911 call made by the manager of the McDonalds.

I have a customer here that some other customers were suspicious of and he looks like the CEO shooter from New York, the manager is heard saying. So theyre really upset, and theyve come to me.

The caller stated the man was wearing a black jacket, medical mask and a tan beanie.

The only thing you can see is his eyebrows, she said.

Mangione showed no visible signs of resistance in the surveillance video, which did not include audio. Next to him is a backpack where police say they found writings they have described as a manifesto for the shooting.

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At one point, defense attorney Karen Friedman-Agnifilo asked an NYPD officer whether anyone received the $10,000 CrimeStoppers reward in the investigation, but Judge Gregory Carro sustained an objection from prosecutors.

In earlier court filings, Friedman-Agnifilo asked Carro to prevent the prosecution from showing the contents of Mangiones writings at the hearing, saying they could taint the jury pool. She objected to the prosecutions use of the term manifesto, calling it a prejudicial, invented law-enforcement label.

She also asked the judge to allow at least one of Mangiones hands to be unshackled during the hearing so he can take notes.

In September, Carro dismissed the top two charges against Mangione  murder in the first degree in furtherance of an act of terrorism and murder in the second degree as a crime of terrorism  after he found the evidence had not established Mangione committed a terroristic act. Mangione still faces nine charges in the state case, and the separate federal death penalty prosecution. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Corrections officer details conversation with Mangione after arrest

An officer with the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections said Monday that he was assigned to monitor Mangione at SCI Huntingdon, a state correctional facility, and place him on constant watch.

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I was told that SCI Huntingdon did not want an Epstein-style situation, Tomas Rivers testified.

Rivers said the two spoke about the differences in private and nationalized health care and how the case was being covered in the mainstream media and on social media.

The officer said he told Mangione the mainstream traditional media was focused on the crime; on social media, he said, the discussion was about potential wrongdoers in the health care industry.

Mangione was disappointed that he was being compared to Unabomber Ted Kaczynski in the media because he had reviewed one of his books online, the corrections officer testified.

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Mangione also recommended the book The Doors of Perception by Aldous Huxley, but Rivers said he never looked into it.

Another corrections officer testified Mangione told him he had a backpack with foreign currency and a 3D-printed weapon in it. Mangione told the corrections officer that he was accused of being a foreign agent because of the foreign currency, Matthew Henry testified.

On cross-examination, defense attorney Marc Agnifilo seemed dubious about Henrys testimony, questioning why Mangione would allegedly tell him about a weapon unprompted.

Key pieces of evidence seized

During Mangiones arrest last December, authorities seized several items from his backpack, including a handgun, a loaded magazine and a notebook with handwritten entries  key pieces of evidence that prosecutors allege connect Mangione to the killing.

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The recovered gun lines up with ballistic evidence from the Manhattan crime scene, prosecutors said in court documents. Authorities have called the writings in the notebook a manifesto, pointing to sections that detail his frustration with the health care industry and his intent to carry out an attack. Prosecutors said the entries establish his responsibility for this vicious crime.

A still from bodycam footage of police searching Luigi Mangiones backpack. - Supreme Court of the State of New York

In a court filing, Friedman-Agnifilo argued the writings and all the items recovered from the backpack should not be admissible since police illegally searched the bag without a warrant, and there was no immediate threat to justify a warrantless search.

Police conducted this warrantless search even though there were no exigent circumstances as Mr. Mangione was already in handcuffs, the backpack was on a table over six feet away and Mr. Mangione was separated from this table by a wall of armed officers, she wrote.

Police did not seek a search warrant for the bag until later that evening, about seven hours after they first opened the backpack, the defense attorney wrote in her filing.

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Prosecutors can overcome the challenge if they can prove the evidence would have inevitably been discovered legally during the course of the investigation.

Even if the judge rules in favor of Mangione, prosecutors still have evidence of his DNA or fingerprints on several items discarded by the shooter near the crime scene, according to court documents.

Friedman-Agnifilo also moved to suppress any statements Mangione made to law enforcement before his December 19 extradition to New York, claiming officers did not properly advise Mangione of his Miranda rights before they began questioning him in the McDonalds.

Luigi Mangione listens to his attorney Karen Friedman Agnifilo at a hearing in Manhattan Criminal Court on February 21. - Curtis Means/Pool/Getty Images

At the fast-food restaurant, Mangione allegedly gave police a fake ID bearing the name Mark Rosario, but later told them that was not his real name. The same drivers license was used to book a room at the New York City hostel that was tied to the suspect, prosecutors said in court documents.

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Mangione was read his Miranda warnings about 20 minutes after he was first approached by the officers, according to his attorney. After that, he exercised his right to remain silent.

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Nearly a year after UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was gunned down on a Manhattan sidewalk, the man accused in the killing returned to a New York courtroom Monday as his lawyers tried to keep some of the most explosive evidence out of a future jury trial.

Luigi Mangione, 27, appeared in Manhattan Supreme Court for the first in a series of pretrial suppression hearings that will determine whether prosecutors can use a handgun, a red notebook and several of his statements to police in the state murder case, per CBS News.

Mangione has pleaded not guilty to nine state counts, reported AP News, including second-degree murder and multiple weapons charges, and faces a separate federal case in which prosecutors are seeking the death penalty. Trial dates in both courts have not yet been set.

Focus of the hearings: Gun, notebook and police questioning

The hearings  expected to last several days and possibly all week  center on whether New York and Pennsylvania officers violated Mangiones constitutional rights during a five-day manhunt that ended with his arrest at a McDonalds in Altoona, Pennsylvania, on Dec. 9, 2024.

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CBS News reported that defense attorneys are asking Judge Gregory Carro to:

Suppress a 9 mm handgun and other items police say they found in Mangiones backpack, arguing the search was conducted without a warrant after he was already detained.

Block prosecutors from using a red notebook and other writings seized in that search, which investigators say contain diary-style entries about targeting the health insurance industry.

Exclude some of Mangiones statements to officers, contending he was questioned before being properly advised of his Miranda rights.

Prosecutors with the Manhattan district attorneys office have pushed back, saying officers acted lawfully and that the search of the backpack was justified by safety concerns  including the possibility of explosives, per AP News  during a high-risk arrest of a suspected gunman.

Eliminating the gun and notebook would be a major win for the defense. Prosecutors say the weapon is consistent with the firearm used in the Dec. 4, 2024, shooting and argue that the notebook includes passages in which Mangione talks about striking back at what he calls a greed-fueled insurance system and expresses an intent to wack a health-care executive.

Inside the courtroom

Mangione was allowed to appear in civilian clothes rather than a jail uniform after his attorneys requested the change, reported Fox News. He entered the courtroom in a gray suit and patterned button-down shirt and sat quietly at the defense table as officers removed his handcuffs so he could take notes.

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Rows of reporters filled most of the gallery, with several dozen members of the public in the back, some wearing green apparel or shirts with Mangiones name or image  a nod to an online Free Luigi movement that has cast him, controversially, as a symbol of frustration with rising health care costs, reported Newsweek.

Court officials say the evidentiary hearings could stretch beyond the first anniversary of Thompsons killing later this week.

The prosecutions early witnesses Monday included an NYPD sergeant who described how surveillance images of the suspected gunman were pushed out to news outlets and social media in the hours after the shooting, and a representative of the company that managed surveillance cameras at the Altoona McDonalds where Mangione was arrested, per AP News.

What happened in the Thompson shooting

Prosecutors say Thompson, 50, was walking toward a Midtown hotel for an investors conference on Dec. 4, 2024, when a masked assailant approached from behind and shot him on the street. The killing of the chief executive of the nations largest private health insurer drew national attention and prompted a multistate search.

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Police have said ammunition recovered in the case was marked with words echoing a phrase critics use to describe how some insurers handle claims, and court filings indicate investigators believe Mangiones writings show an ideological motive tied to anger at the health insurance industry.

Five days after the shooting, officers in Altoona confronted Mangione at the McDonalds following a tip. According to court records and defense filings, he produced an identification card that authorities say was fake, matching documents linked to the New York suspect.

Officers eventually handcuffed him and recovered a backpack containing a handgun, a magazine and cartridges, a silencer, electronic devices and handwritten notes, including the notebook at the center of this weeks hearings.

Competing narratives over constitutional rights

According to NBC News, defense lawyer Karen Friedman Agnifilo has said that law enforcement has methodically and purposefully trampled his constitutional rights by interrogating him without Miranda warnings in violation of the Fifth Amendment and illegally searching his property without a warrant in violation of the Fourth Amendment.

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She has asked Carro to bar witnesses from describing his writings as a manifesto and to limit public discussion of the notebooks contents, arguing that making them fully public now could taint potential jurors in state, federal and Pennsylvania cases still to come.

Legal experts note that suppression fights like this are routine in major criminal cases, per Newsweek, but the stakes are particularly high here: if the judge excludes the backpack evidence or portions of Mangiones statements, it could reshape how both state and federal prosecutors present their cases to future juries.

Broader legal and political backdrop

Mondays hearing comes after Carro tossed out two state terrorism-related murder counts in September, ruling that prosecutors had not shown sufficient evidence that Mangione intended to intimidate the public or influence government policy through the attack. The remaining state counts still carry a possible sentence of life in prison if he is convicted.

Mangione also faces four federal counts  including murder through use of a firearm and interstate stalking  in a separate case in the Southern District of New York. The U.S. Department of Justice has said it will seek the death penalty in that case, with the next federal hearing scheduled for early January.

For now, though, all sides are focused on the Manhattan courtroom where Carro will decide what jurors can ultimately see and hear  a set of decisions that could determine how the high-profile case moves forward into 2026.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaks during a press conference at the Presidential Complex in Ankara, Turkiye, Dec. 1, 2025. (Mustafa Kaya/Handout via Xinhua)

ANKARA, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- Ankara "cannot in any way" excuse the recent attacks on commercial tankers off Turkiye's Black Sea coast, and has issued warnings to all relevant parties, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Monday.

The attacks within Turkiye's exclusive economic zone indicate "an alarming escalation" of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which "clearly threatens navigational safety in the Black Sea," Erdogan said after a cabinet meeting.

Ankara is monitoring "the recent momentum toward ending the war," and "stands ready to make the necessary contributions" to efforts aimed at reaching a settlement, he added.

According to Turkish authorities, an empty oil tanker called Virat was first targeted by unmanned surface vessels on Friday, and another empty Russia-bound tanker, Kairos, caught fire later in the day after an explosion 28 miles off the Turkish coast. Turkish authorities said the explosion on Kairos was caused by "an external factor." Virat came under a second attack in the Black Sea on Saturday morning, sustaining minor damage.

On Sunday, the Russian Foreign Ministry said that the two attacked tankers were sailing under the Gambian flag and en route to the Russian port of Novorossiysk, and that the port itself also came under attack on Saturday. The ministry said Ukrainian intelligence services had claimed responsibility for the attacks. 

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaks during a press conference at the Presidential Complex in Ankara, Turkiye, Dec. 1, 2025. (Mustafa Kaya/Handout via Xinhua)
Thanks to Elon Musk, most Americans learned earlier this year that MAGA thinks empathy is evil. Cruelty isnt the problem, the Tesla CEO claimed in an attempt to justify his turn toward authoritarian politics. The fundamental weakness of Western civilization is empathy, he declared on Joe Rogans podcast in February.

As the billionaire was decimating much of the federal bureaucracy devoted to serving Americans, he said it was good to be heartless, comparing the empathy response to a computer bug. Weve got civilizational suicidal empathy going on, he said, arguing counterintuitively that caring about others will somehow bring ruin to the entire human species.

As with much of the asinine ponderings coming from the Silicon Valley billionaire class, theres a pseudo-intellectual rationale to prop up this nonsense. Musk got this suicidal empathy language from Gad Saad, a Canadian college professor who falsely presents himself as an evolutionary behavioral scientist. In fact, hes a business professor with degrees in marketing and management, with no background in biology. But in 2024, Saad began pushing the notion that empathy has become a cancer because it allegedly has no stopping mechanism and will eventually kill its host  the human race. This, of course, is unscientific babbling, which is why the professor is a beloved guest on Rogans show. But it also cuts against basic common sense. Any study of wars, poverty and other manmade crises shows us that humanity still suffers from a lack of empathy, not a surfeit.

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But Im not here to debate Musk and Saads self-serving delusions. More interesting is that while they have tried to frame this anti-empathy discourse in faux-scientific and masculinized rhetoric, the rights modern war on empathy really began with a woman.

Unlike Saad and Musk, fundamentalist Christian influencer Allie Beth Stuckey doesnt see empathy as a failure of evolution. As a creationist who denies the scientific reality of prehistoric dinosaurs, she doesnt even believe in evolution. And even though she believes the Bible forbids women from being pastors, Stuckey has made it her mission to rewrite the teachings of Jesus so that her savior is a harsh disciplinarian whose love has little to do with empathy.

Stuckeys book Toxic Empathy: How Progressives Exploit Christian Compassion came out in late 2024, but the idea for it appears to have originated on a 2022 episode of her popular podcast Relatable. She hadnt yet come up with the catchphrase toxic empathy  which, in true trolling style, appropriates the progressive use of the term toxic to describe unhealthy and cruel behavior  but her basic argument is right there.

Want more Amanda Marcotte on politics? Sign up for her free newsletter, Standing Room Only, now also on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts.

Feeling too much for someone can blind us to reality, she argued. It can cause us to ignore the truth, the objective truth, in favor of how a person feels.

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What Stuckey asserts as objective truth is anything but: That being gay is wrong, that women are meant to submit to men, that immigrants are dangerous to Americans, that trans identities are illegitimate and that the only meaningful racism in America is anti-white. In a sense, she is simply reworking a longstanding argument from the Christian right that kindness and compassion are not what Jesus meant by love. To the contrary, true Christian love is what looks, to most people, like beating someone into submission. Denying someone equality or basic dignity, this argument goes, may be painful now, but it supposedly saves them from hell, so hatefulness is actually a deeper form of love.

This line of thought has always been the paper-thin rationale for bigotry and abuse. But Stuckeys sinister genius was in using her gender to make these tired gambits seem fresh and modern. Everything about Relatable, including that try-hard name, is exquisitely designed to invoke a stereotypical feminine softness. The logos font is straight out of mid-century womans magazine. Stuckey has soft blonde hair and favors pastels in her clothing and decor. Like so many Phyllis Schlafly knock-offs before her, Stuckey has built a career on arguing that women cant be equal to men. That way, she gets to relish being an ambitious career woman, while enjoying male support  shes hosted by Glenn Becks Blaze Media  that she would never get insisting that women are equal.

Stuckeys ability to package her work as fluffy girl stuff worked well on the New York Times Ross Douthat, who presented her to his well-meaning but gullible liberal audience as a harmless church girl whose podcast is the equivalent of a Sunday afternoon ladies brunch. He gushed about her strong parenting and motherhood and female life element, portraying her as reaching younger religious women with content about sunscreen and parenting styles and the secret to fixing your period.

But thats all nonsense. Stuckeys fixing your period episode, for example, was actually about scaring women into stopping birth control by falsely portraying it as dangerous.

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Stuckey is just one of many far-right female commentators who have realized that they can use hyper-feminine aesthetics to conceal what would immediately register as dystopian, even fascistic sentiments if they came from a man. But what makes her especially dangerous is that she applies this strategy to the concept of empathy. Whether consciously or not, Stuckey grasps that empathy tends to be coded as a feminine virtue. When men attack empathy, it comes across as sexist and condescending. But a woman opposing empathy is counterintuitive. In our era of vibes over facts, that twist makes her message feel more persuasive, especially to those who already are sick of hearing that being mean to other people is bad.

Its basically the same trick the right is pulling when they make women the face of anti-feminism. Because theyre perceived as going against their own self-interest, female misogynists tend to get more of a hearing, which isnt true. There are ample financial rewards for being a female anti-feminist, far beyond what feminism has to offer. But the perceived novelty of the anti-feminist woman keeps working, even as it is objectively a tired trope. Stuckeys spin is even more abstract, but the same tactic. Toxic empathy is a phrase that embeds the idea that women have too much power in our society  and that their alleged overabundance of compassion is destroying us.

Stuckeys actual speaking style, though, is not stereotypically feminine at all. She has a brash overconfidence that people tend to associate mostly with men. Even in the era of Donald Trump, she has a rare skill at saying incredibly stupid things  like mocking the reality of dinosaurs  with an utter self-certainty that is frankly unnerving. Its an unfortunate talent that has profound power in the era of social media, where the ability to perform often compels people far more than facts.

For women in most professions, theres an obligation to signal humility, no matter how right you think you are. But because shes telling the worst men what they want to hear, Stuckey has created space for herself to live out the usually male role of being the pompous bully who will brook no dissent.

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But hey, as least she does avoid charges of hypocrisy. Stuckey has declared that empathy is toxic, and has weaponized her gender in such a way that she gets to act like someone who experiences no empathy at all.

The post MAGAs war on empathy was started by a woman appeared first on Salon.com.
A wanted felon was arrested in Mason County on Friday after he allegedly burglarized his sisters home before spraying her with bear mace in Tacoma.

The man is accused of committing the burglary and assault over an argument about money. Tacoma Police Department requested the assistance of the Mason County Sheriffs Office in his arrest, the office wrote on Facebook.

The man reportedly had warrants out of Mason County Superior Court and from the Washington Department of Corrections for escape from community custody, the post said.

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A deputy later found the man in his vehicle in the Timberlakes Community. The post said he drove off when a deputy opened his door and ordered him out of the car.

The suspect attempted to get away by driving through a backyard of a nearby residence, but the quick thinking of the Deputy prevented the suspects escape, by blocking the vehicles path then pinning the vehicle at the front bumper, according to the post.

He was arrested and booked into the Mason County Jail on suspicion of attempt to elude a pursuing police vehicle and for his warrants, the post said. He eventually will be transferred to Tacoma.
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT)  An Evansville man faces charges after police say he fired a gun outside because a neighbor was looking at him crazy.

Officers were sent to the 400 block of North Morton Avenue for a shots-fired call on Sunday morning.

According to a police report, a neighbor was outside walking around and said Demitri Cole was staring at him.

The neighbor told police that as he started to walk back into his home, he turned around and yelled what at Cole. Police say thats when Cole pulled out a gun and fired a round.

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Officers say they found a shell casing where Cole was standing.

Police say they later found Cole at a different location and took him into custody.

While interviewing Cole, officers say he told them a neighbor was looking at him crazy, and thats when he fired a shot into the ground.

Police say they searched Coles home and found the gun under his bed.

Cole is charged with intimidation with a deadly weapon and criminal recklessness with a deadly weapon.

DEMITRI ROBERT COLE (Vanderburgh County Sheriffs Office)

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 Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW).
In Wick, South Gloucestershire, an abandoned pile of trash towered, completely blocking a horseback-riding pathway. A Frenchay man, Ronald Shaw, was found guilty of this illegal waste dumping  also known as a fly-tip  and charged with 938 ($1,080) in fines, as reported by the South Gloucestershire Newsroom.

The contents of the fly-tip included furniture, plastic products, and many large black trash bags of miscellaneous waste. Authorities pinpointed the culprit, as Shaw's name was found among the mess.

Citizens have a duty of care as householders, which Shaw violated, although he attempted to suggest the dumping was someone else's fault. He paid money for an unlicensed individual to handle it, leading to its displacement. "We all have a responsibility to dispose of our waste in a responsible manner," stated Councillor Sean Rhodes of the South Gloucestershire Council's environmental enforcement cabinet.

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Worldwide, individuals without awareness of their system's requirements or those with malicious intent will find places to dispose of trash or hazardous waste. In Ohio, a man dumped gasoline into storm drains, and in Lichfield, England, another individual threw 30 tons of garbage into the middle of the street. These events are common, and citizens must hold one another and the collecting officials accountable.

Communities must promote government-sponsored, approved methods of trash removal to maintain safe and protected neighborhoods. Agencies design legislation to ensure waste is handled with care and consideration for the environment. Negligence of these rules poses risks to wildlife and consequences for nearby citizens. Spreading awareness of stories like this is crucial for inspiring others to follow guidelines.

In an interview with the BBC, Rhodes continued discussing the importance of fly-tip prevention, saying, "Even though we've reached a point where the level of fly-tipping has plateaued, it has a really big impact on residents.  It's council taxpayers who pay for this work."

However, many still take to social media and wonder why illegal waste-dumping happens at all. One Reddit poster suggested, "It's cheaper than getting rid of it properly and the chances of getting caught are usually pretty low."

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If these realities are true, then everyone can do their part by reporting any suspicions to the correct authorities. Citizens can also advocate for more inclusive, cost-effective trash collection for those struggling with maintenance.



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 man accused of stabbing 10 people on a train failed to appear in court after refusing to join a video link from prison.

Passengers were seriously injured on the train, which was travelling from Doncaster to London King's Cross, after it stopped at Peterborough on 1 November.

Anthony Williams, 32, from Langford Road in Peterborough, is charged with 13 counts of attempted murder, which also relate to other alleged attacks.

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The short hearing was adjourned at Cambridge Crown Court and proceedings are due to resume on 28 January.

The 18:25 service was diverted and stopped at Huntingdon - where Mr Williams was eventually arrested - after multiple 999 calls from the train.

Mr Williams, who was represented in court by barrister Graham Arnold, is accused of 21 offences.

Huntingdon allegations:

Attempted murder of ten people who were on the train

Possessing a bladed article

Actual bodily harm in connection with the alleged assault of a police officer while in custody

Other allegations:

One count of attempted murder and possessing a bladed article after a man suffered facial injuries at the Pontoon Dock DLR station in Silvertown, east London, in the early hours of 1 November

Attempted murder of a 14-year-old boy at Henry Penn Walk in Peterborough on 31 October

Attempted murder of a 22-year-old man at Rail World Car Park in Peterborough on 31 October

Attempted wounding with intent of a 28-year-old man at Henry Penn Walk in Peterborough on 31 October

Possession of a bladed instrument in a public place at Henry Penn Walk

Affray in connection with an alleged incident at Ritzy Barbers in Peterborough on 31 October

Theft of knives from an Asda supermarket in Stevenage on 31 October

Common assault of a 31-year-old man onboard a train travelling between Hitchin in Hertfordshire and Biggleswade in Bedfordshire on 1 November

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Eleven people received treatment at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge after the incident on 1 November. They have all since been discharged.

Earlier, the court was told Mr Williams had refused to go into the video-link room from prison.

Judge Mark Bishop fixed a provisional trial date for 22 June.

Related internet links
A man was handed his sentence this month for assaulting a 73-year-old man in Downtown Pittsburgh last year.

Online court records show Jameel Huff, 26, of Pittsburgh, agreed to a negotiated guilty plea on Aug. 21 for a charge of aggravated assault after a non-jury trial.

On Nov. 19, Huff was sentenced to a minimum of four years and a maximum of 12 years in prison. He will be credited one year and 146 days for time served.

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PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> Man, 73, attacked in downtown Pittsburgh; suspect in custody

Police said Huff attacked the 73-year-old man near the intersection of Fourth Avenue and Smithfield Street on June 26, 2024.

The victim was walking down the street when Huff approached him, police said. The victim tried to run away, but Huff reportedly hit him in the head, after which he fell and injured his face.

Court records obtained by Channel 11 show Huff told police he attacked the victim because he heard it in his mind that he was a pedophile.

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

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Hoosiers rally against proposed mid-census congressional redistricting on Monday, Dec. 1, 2025, outside the House chamber at the Indiana Statehouse. (Photo by Leslie Bonilla Muniz/Indiana Capital Chronicle)

Millions of Hoosiers would have different representation in the U.S. House under a proposed redrawing of Indianas congressional maps that aims to produce a 9-0 GOP delegation.

Indiana House Republicans released their redistricting plan Monday, just hours before the start of a one-week fast-track process toward that chamber granting President Donald Trumps demand to create more GOP-friendly districts ahead of the 2026 elections.

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A court challenge is anticipated if a redistricting plan is adopted. But provisions in the redistricting legislation, House Bill 1032, also would prevent county-level judges from blocking new congressional maps and direct any appeals immediately to the Indiana Supreme Court.

The House Elections and Apportionment Committee is scheduled to hold a public hearing beginning at 9 a.m. Tuesday on the redistricting bill. The hearing is set for the House chamber and to end no later than 2:45 p.m.

The online form to sign up to testify in person is available beginning at midnight Tuesday.

Passage of the redistricting plan isnt assured because of persistent resistance from several Republican state senators. Several of those senators have cited widespread voter opposition to changing the current GOP-drawn maps adopted in 2021 that have seen Republicans maintain a 7-2 Indiana congressional majority.

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Republican House Speaker Todd Huston acknowledged the political motivations behind the proposed new map, which splits strongly Democratic Indianapolis among four districts that all stretch far into rural, heavily Republican counties.

Weve always had districts that span hundreds of miles, Huston told reporters. The maps were put together with the interest of trying to create as many Republican seats as possible.

Proposed maps overhaul all 9 districts

Linda Butler of Lawrence in northeastern Marion County was among a few hundred protesters at a Monday anti-redistricting rally inside the Statehouse.

Butler criticized the proposed map for obliterating the current 7th District, where she lives. It is currently held by Democratic Rep. Andre Carson. The proposal would put her home in a new 7th District, spanning from the north side of Indianapolis to the Ohio River near Cincinnati.

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Theyre doing it so that they can win elections, Butler said of Republicans. It is terrible. I think its terrible. Thats an illustration for me that this is wrong.

The proposed map drastically overhauls all nine Indiana congressional districts, but Huston said he did not know how many people would be in different districts.

For instance, the 9th District now held by Republican Rep. Erin Houchin, who is from rural southern Indianas Washington County, would lose its southeastern Indiana counties near Cincinnati. The revamped district would span from near downtown Indianapolis to the Ohio River counties just north of Louisville, Kentucky.

State Rep. Wendy Dant Chesser, D-Jeffersonville, called the proposal completely unfair to residents of Southern Indiana.

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Were impacted more by Louisville than by Indianapolis, Dant Cheser said. Its not the same for Central Indiana. Our representative in Congress will have split loyalties between two major metropolitan areas with two very different needs.

It was uncertain from the proposed map released Monday whether the Indianapolis home of Carson, the Democratic congressman, was placed in a district with Houchin or Republican Rep. Jefferson Shreve of Indianapolis.

Splicing our states largest city  and its biggest economic driver  into four parts is ridiculous, Carson said in a statement. Its clear these orders are coming from Washington, and they clearly dont know the first thing about our community.

The Lake Michigan shoreline area that now makes up the 1st District held by Democratic Rep. Frank Mrvan would be split in two by the new map.

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Republicans propose a new 1st District taking in Democratic-friendly Lake County then heading southeast to take in the areas around the small cities of Logansport, Peru and Wabash.

Political breakdown of proposed maps

Trump won each of the districts under the proposed map by at least 12 percentage points in the 2024 election, according to an analysis by Indianapolis City-County Councilor Nick Roberts, a Democrat.

Trumps narrowest win was in the proposed 1st District, where Republican Gov. Mike Braun won by a 6 percentage point margin, according to Roberts.

J. Miles Coleman, the associate editor of political analysis site Sabatos Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia, predicted Democrats performance there would mirror broader electoral trends  such as if the 2026 midterms end up a Democratic wave.

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Under that logic, maybe Mrvan actually does have a decent shot of holding onto his seat, Coleman said.

The new Indianapolis-area seats, however, would be fairly secure, according to Coleman: they vote pretty much like the state as a whole, 60-40 for Trump, when using 2024 election data.

State Rep. Earl Harris, D-East Chicago, told the anti-redistricting rally crowd that he objected to Republicans calling the Legislature back into session weeks ahead of its planned Jan. 5 return to push through redistricting.

Rep. Earl Harris speaks against proposed mid-census congressional redistricting during an Indiana Black Legislative Caucus news conference on Monday, Dec. 1, 2025. (Photo by Leslie Bonilla Muniz/Indiana Capital Chronicle)

Harris, who is chair of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus, argued redrawing of the 1st District where he lives did not make sense and shouldnt take priority over dealing with problems such as rising health care, utility and child care costs.

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If we come in early, we need to come in for real issues facing real Hoosiers, Harris said.

Republicans shift on map standards

Huston acknowledged the proposed congressional map was developed in conjunction with the National Republican Redistricting Trust, which was also involved in drawing the new map adopted by Texas Republicans this summer.

While this years redistricting wave started in Texas, Indiana House Elections Committee Chair Tim Wesco, R-Osceola, said he supported Republicans responding to previous congressional maps drawn in Democratic-led states.

You could trace it back to when Illinois adopted their maps years ago, and theyre ridiculous, where they eliminated three Republican seats in the 2021 redistricting, Wesco told the Indiana Capital Chronicle.

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Wesco in 2021 praised the Republican-sponsored Indiana maps for their compactness and maintaining communities of interest.

Asked whether those standards should still apply, Wesco replied, The maps we adopted in 2021 were excellent maps, no doubt. But 2025 is not 2021.

Court fight anticipated

Redistricting opponents vowed to challenge a finalized map but said theyre still tailoring their legal strategies to the draft released Monday.

Its a little too early to speak specifically, but I can tell you: absolutely, conversations are being had right now, and should maps be passed, they will be challenged almost immediately, said Julia Vaughn, executive director of nonpartisan elections watchdog Common Cause Indiana.

Indiana House Speaker Todd Huston speaks with reporters on Monday, Dec. 1, 2025. (Photo by Leslie Bonilla Muniz/Indiana Capital Chronicle)

Racial gerrymandering could be the centerpiece of a lawsuit at the federal level, but theres also discussion of state-level legal fights, she said.

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Lawmakers could be part of that fight. The Indiana Black Legislative Caucus, made up of more than a dozen Black lawmakers  all Democrats  gathered Monday afternoon to denounce the proposed districts.

Theyre racially gerrymandered. Theres no ifs, ands and buts about it, said Rep. Cherrish Pryor, D-Indianapolis.

Language in the bill, however, would constrain challenges in state courts.

The legislation would prohibit seeking or granting temporary injunctions, which would otherwise block the map from going into effect.

Lawsuits can disrupt the orderly conduct of elections, the bill reads  and so can judicial alterations. Court action can undermine voter confidence.

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It also mandates that the Indiana Supreme Court have exclusive jurisdiction over any appeal of an order promoting an injunction. Actions covered by this chunk of text must be given priority over ordinary matters, the bill reads.

Huston said the intent of that language is just making sure theres a process to get to the Supreme Court as quickly as possible. Theyre the final determinant.

Asked if the provisions could overstep separation between the three branches of government, he said, No.

Threats continue

Several GOP senators and Indiana Gov. Mike Braun have reported intimidation attempts, plus swatting and bomb threats. Their stances on redistricting run the gamut, from opposed to undecided to supportive.

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Sen. Mike Bohacek, R-Michiana Shores, on Monday became the latest to confirm a bomb threat targeting his home. Sen. Jean Leising, R-Oldenburg, also reported a pipe bomb threat at her home Saturday evening.

Both Bohacek and Leising have said they are against redrawing the congressional maps.

I will not cave on redistricting, Leising wrote in a message to constituents. I will be fighting for all of you in this early session!

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Arizona Senator Mark Kelly accused Pete Hegseth Monday of playing army, after the defense secretary posted a juvenile meme making light of his militarys extrajudicial executions.

Speaking at a press conference, Kelly nailed precisely whats so disturbing about Hegseths lackluster leadership of the Pentagon: Hes like a little kid playing dress-up.

I mean, think about this: He runs around on a stage talking about lethality and warrior ethos and killing people. We have the most competent, capable military this planet has ever seen by far. Thats not the message that needs to come from the secretary of defense, Kelly said.

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Instead of focusing on the militarys mission, he runs around on a stage like hes a 12-year-old playing army. And it is ridiculous, it is embarrassing, Kelly said. And I cant imagine what our allies think of looking at that guy in this job, one of the most important jobs in our country.

Kelly was referring to Hegseths outrageous summit in September, where he invited droves of top military personnel to listen to him lecture about how much he hates the way overweight men with beards make him feel.

The Arizona senator seems to be fighting back after becoming a target for the Trump administration. Last week, Hegseth threatened to court-martial Kelly, a former astronaut and U.S. naval officer, after he appeared in a video alongside fellow Democratic lawmakers to urge members of the U.S. military and intelligence community not to follow illegal orders.

Kelly also slammed Hegseth for posting an AI image of the popular childrens character Franklin the Turtle extrajudicially blowing up drug boats, just days after it was revealed the secretary potentially committed a war crime of his own.

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He is in the national command authority for nuclear weapons, and last night hes putting out on the internet turtles with rocket-propelled grenades. I mean, have you seen this? This is the secretary of defense, this is not a serious person. He should have been fired after Signalgate, and then every day after that, Kelly said.

Kelly noted that the threats on his familys lives had obviously increased since President Donald Trump accused him of sedition punishable by death last week. Hegseth also accused Kelly of seditionthough even pro-Trump legal experts say that claim falls flat.
The City Court Room in Martin, Tennessee was nearly full on Nov. 25, 2025 as the Martin Board of Aldermen met to approve the resignations of former mayor Randy Brundige and former economic development director Bradley Thompson. (Photo: Cassandra Stephenson/Tennessee Lookout)

Two weeks after the City of Martins mayor and economic development director were indicted on multiple felony charges of theft and official misconduct, remaining city leadership is facing a reckoning.

The Martin City Board of Aldermen unanimously accepted the resignations of former Mayor Randal Randy Brundige and former economic development director Bradley Thompson during a special meeting on Nov. 25.

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Before the board voted to appoint Vice Mayor David Belote as the citys mayor  a position he would hold until the next city election in November 2026  one of the boards newest members questioned how Martin could move forward under the leadership of officials who were in power over the last decade and failed to catch nearly half a million dollars in alleged misappropriations.

Jacob Crowe, who began representing Ward 3 in December 2024, called for the resignations of Belote, Alderman Danny Nanney and Alderman Terry Hankins, each of whom served on the citys Finance Committee over the last decade. The trio was not mentioned in the Tennessee comptrollers report, nor do they face charges.

Our city is hurting right now, and there are people that have lost confidence in what this board is  I dont know if we can move forward with the confidence of how this board sits, Crowe said.

Belote said the city could hold a special election for a new mayor as early as April 2026, but that would be within a few months of the citys regularly scheduled election in November.

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The board approved Belotes appointment 4-1, with Crowe voting no. But after several members of the public expressed their concerns about the boards lack of oversight, Belote said he too would consider resigning.

I dont know what processes are going to take place in order for that to happen, but I hear you, Belote said. Do I want to be part of (the work ahead)? Sure, I would like to, but  youve said what youve said, and Ive taken it in. And if its time, its time, for me.

Brundige, Thompson, and Brundiges daughter, Natalie, were indicted on Nov. 12 after an investigation by the Tennessee Comptrollers Office uncovered a combined misuse of more than $450,000 in public funds since February 2015.

Brundige, who served as Martins mayor since 2002, is accused of using his city-issued credit card to pay for high-end meals, alcohol and other questionable purchases, according to the comptrollers report. Natalie Brundige, a former custodian for the Martin Police Department, received at least $174,000 over six years as a full-time employee, though she routinely worked only two hours of her scheduled 8-hour shifts, the report states.

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Thompson, who also owns a firm called One Consulting, billed the city for grant writing and administrative services completed by the firm that were already part of his official duties as economic development director, according to investigators. Randy Brundige approved the payments to the firm despite the lack of a contract between the company and the city.

In his resignation letter, Thompson listed the citys accomplishments in his 13-year tenure and said the allegations against him are unfounded.

I conducted my work with the full approval of the mayor, the board of alderpersons and legal counsel, Thompson wrote. Never once  did I write a check to myself. Each check payable to me was approved, written and signed by at least four authorized employees.

Randy Brundige brought a resolution to the board to retroactively approve One Consultings work for the city on Nov. 12, 2024 after investigators began to question the firms invoices, according to the comptrollers report.

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Meeting minutes show the board at the time  including Belote, Nanney and Hankins  unanimously approved the resolution with no questions.

Business as usual

Belote said Martins Finance Committee, which is composed of five aldermen, a chairman and two citizens, didnt meet as much as needed over the last three years.

Crowe, who has nearly 20 years of experience in finance, noted that he was not appointed to the finance committee.

The committee met at the behest of the mayor, Belote said, adding that he asked the mayor to call more finance meetings several times, to no avail.

We elected a mayor  you elected a mayor  for six terms. Six terms. Now, what does that say? It says  the people of Martin wanted Randy Brundige as the mayor. And you cast that vote because you trust that person, Belote said. You trust that person to do their job. You trust that person to do the things that the charter requires in order to be mayor. The mayor runs the internal operations of the city. Everything comes from him.

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Hankins said the board didnt know anything about the alleged misappropriations. Regarding the boards approval of the contract with One Consulting in 2024, Belote said the board wasnt told that Thompson owned the company.

Were just thinking this is business as usual, Belote said. So that information was not given to us. Should we have known it?

Yes, a member of the audience answered.

I dont know, but we did not, and it wasnt revealed to us until the eleventh hour, Belote continued.

An audio recording of the November 2024 meeting published by The Weakley County Examiner shows the board was told that Thompson owned One Consulting prior to their vote.

Residents call for transparency; Board calls for civic participation

Martin residents who addressed the board spoke of the need for more transparency and accountability. A few reminded the board and audience that Randy Brundige, Thompson and Natalie Brundige have been charged but not yet convicted. Some residents and board members called for more community involvement in local politics.

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Jordan Long, an attorney, said aldermen were using what he calls the Shaggy Defense: It wasnt me, a reference to the popular song It Wasnt Me released by Jamaican-American reggae musician Shaggy in 2000. Long read an email he sent to the board on Nov. 15, 2024  three days after the board approved the One Consulting contract  informing them that Thompson owned the company.

Your prolonged failure of oversight is an unacceptable breach of duty. Resignation is the only honorable choice remaining.

 Kent Kelso, Martin resident

Long said it is correct that the residents of Martin voted to put Randy Brundige in office.

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We dont pass a budget. We dont have a level of oversight that you all do. Dont tell us that we failed, because you failed, he said.

Kent Kelso, a professor at the University of Tennessee at Martin, said numerous officials, including the Board of Aldermen, showed a pattern of knowing and willful neglect and breaches of the citys charter.

Kelso called for the investigation and removal of all personnel implicit in the misconduct  and those who have kept silent, thus aiding and abetting these issues. He also asked for the resignation of board members and city officials who held office throughout these years of documented corruption, fraud, malfeasance, and felonious acts.

Your prolonged failure of oversight is an unacceptable breach of duty, Kelso said. Resignation is the only honorable choice remaining.

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Joyce Washington, a resident since 2007, said the city now has a perception problem and needs to move forward.

We have to do something different than move forward with the composition of the  board as it is currently constituted, Washington said.

She added that some of the board meetings she has attended in the past have been short  around 10 minutes  and called for more transparency

If we had that, we wouldnt be sitting here tonight, Washington said.

Reflecting on his time in office, Belote, who is 72, said he ran for all six of his terms with no opposition. For his last two terms, he waited to file his petition to see who else, if anyone, would throw their hat in the ring. No one did.

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Thats not right for any system, he said.

Hankins said he ran unopposed for four of his five terms.

Sometimes I wonder if anybody cares, Hankins said.

He said he wont seek reelection in 2026.

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There is no call more chilling than a mayday, Doug Meehan, a WCVB TV news anchor and host of the 36th annual Firefighter of the Year Awards told a Worcester auditorium packed with government officials and firefighters from communities across the state.

Few know this quite like five members of the Brockton Fire Department  who were among 170 firefighters honored at the awards ceremony at the Mechanics Hall in Worcester on Tuesday, Nov. 25.

During the ceremony, Governor Maura Healey presented the Medal of Valor to Brockton Fire Captain Daniel Foye and firefighters Bryan Feeney, Mark Gedgaudas, Anthony Hardy and Sean McSheffrey  who fought nearly blindly through heavy smoke and intense heat to save their colleague who had fallen through a collapsing floor during an intense mayday call at a house fire in March.

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We have a saying in the fire service  you risk a little to save a little, and you risk a lot to save a lot, State Fire Marshal Jon Davine said in a statement. In big cities and small towns, these firefighters risked everything when lives were on the line."

Brockton firefighters battle two-alarm house fire at 1236 Pleasant St. on Thursday, March 20, 2025.

'No call more chilling than a mayday': Brockton fire crew's heroic rescue

As the sun was rising on March 20, the Brockton Fire Department received a report of a fire at an abandoned two-story bungalow style home located at 1236 Pleasant St.

At around 6 a.m., firefighters from Ladder Company 4 and Squad A began making their way inside, fighting nearly blindly through heavy smoke and intense heat to quell the blaze  made worse by excessive hoarding conditions inside the home, according to Brockton Fire Chief Brian Nardelli.

As the crew picked their way through the clutter, Lieutenant Andrew Wisocky felt the floor beneath his feet begin to collapse, sending him careening through the first floor and into the flame-filled basement.

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Without hesitation, Foy, Gedgaudas and McSheffrey reached into the hole, grabbed onto Wisockys gear and hauled him away from the flames.

Meanwhile, Feeney and Hardy held their ground and continued to fight the flames to protect the rescue operation.

This all happened in an instance, Nardelli said in a statement posted to social media the day after the rescue. Without the calm and direct involvement of all involved, this could have ended much differently, he said.

Governor Maura Healey presents the Medal of Valor to members of the Brockton Fire Department during the 36th annual Firefighter of the Year awards ceremony at Mechanics Hall Nov. 25. Captain Daniel Foye, Firefighter Bryan Feeney, Firefighter Mark Gedgaudas, Firefighter Anthony Hardy, and Firefighter Sean McSheffrey were awarded the medal.

Photos from the scene: Brockton firefighter rescued battling Pleasant Street house fire

Wisocky suffered burns to his face and neck, and Foy suffered burns to his lower leg, but all firefighters made it home that day.

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I read this with such emotion, one woman commented on the Chief's social media statement. As someone who was directly impacted by the loss of a firefighter, it is good to know everyone goes home today, she wrote.

Off duty Canton firefighter awarded for responding to Brockton car crash

Also included in the 170 firefighters honored at this years ceremony was Canton Firefighter Jonathan Buckley, who was awarded the Citation for Meritorious Conduct for saving the life of a motorist involved in a serious crash in Brockton.

On March 27, Buckley, who was off duty, witnessed a serious, head-on motor vehicle collision on Pearl Street.

Canton firefighter Jonathan Buckley was awarded the Citation for Meritorious Conduct at the 36th Annual Firefighter of the Year Awards for saving the life of a motorist involved in a serious crash in Brockton.

Without hesitation and no protective gear, Buckley removed a section of the cars windshield to reach the critically injured driver trapped inside. When he couldnt find a pulse, Buckley climbed on to the vehicles hood and began CPR until first responders arrived.

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The 20-year-old victim, who needed two units of blood in transit to the hospital, survived.

This article originally appeared on The Enterprise: Brockton firefighters honored at 2025 MA firefighter of the year awards
Laman Ismayilova



Baku Engineering University has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Uzbekistan National University named after Mirzo Ulugbek, Azernews reports. The agreement was concluded as part of the QS Eurasia Forum 2025.

During the signing ceremony at Uzbekistan National University, the parties exchanged detailed views on the current activities of the two universities, recent achievements, and priority goals in scientific and academic fields. The meeting served as an effective platform to broadly discuss the prospects for bilateral cooperation.

Rectors Yaqub Piriyev and Inom Madjidov emphasized that the friendly relations between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan are also developing at a high level in the fields of education and science.

During the meeting, several key issues were thoroughly discussed. These included organizing joint dual-degree programs and expanding academic mobility opportunities.

The parties also considered involving faculty members as supervisors for doctoral students. They also discussed increasing the number of joint scientific articles published in reputable journals indexed in Scopus. Finally, initiatives for sustainable scientific collaboration in engineering, chemistry, and economics were addressed.

The MoU will play a solid foundational role in implementing the planned projects in the future and advancing cooperation in scientific-technical and educational fields to a new level.

The QS Eurasia Forum 2025 was held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan at Central Asian University under the theme "Broadening Horizons: Building Global Bridges in Higher Education".

It gathered over 300 participants including university leaders, government officials, experts in education, and representatives of research institutions from Eurasia and beyond.

The agenda included plenary sessions, master?classes, and workshops on topics such as university internationalization, global academic partnerships, innovation, higher?education quality, and preparing for global rankings.

The event provided a platform for higher education institutions from different countries, including Azerbaijan, to engage in dialogue, explore collaboration, and strengthen academic and research cooperation across the Eurasian region.
UNITED NATIONS, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday proposed to bring the United Nation's 2026 regular budget down to 3.238 billion U.S. dollars, a reduction of 577 million dollars, or 15.1 percent, compared with the 2025 appropriation.

The proposed staffing table is revised to 11,594 posts, including Special Political Missions, a reduction of 18.8 percent, compared with the approved staffing table for 2025, the UN chief said while formally introducing the revised estimates report relating to the proposed program budget for 2026 and the support account for peacekeeping operations for the 2025/26 period to the Fifth Committee of the UN General Assembly.

For the Special Political Missions, the revised proposed budget amounts to 543.6 million dollars, reflecting a reduction of 96.3 million dollars or 15 percent compared with the initial proposed program budget for 2026, and a reduction of 149.5 million dollars or 21.6 percent compared with the appropriation for 2025. The revised estimates include a proposed net decrease of 1,215 posts and positions from 4,086 approved for 2025, he said.

"For the first time, the revised estimates reduce global regular budget resource requirements compared to what was originally proposed, and reductions for the support account for a period already approved by the Assembly," which reflects both the urgency and ambition of the reforms the United Nations is undertaking, while also emphasizing a particular sense of responsibility to the most vulnerable in need of UN support, said Guterres.

For the support account for the period January to June 2026, the revised estimates amount to 188.9 million dollars, representing a decrease of 11.2 percent, he said.

Guterres said the targeted reductions being proposed reflect hard choices taken across entities to streamline structures, eliminate duplication, and prioritize resources for greatest impact.

According to him, the United Nations ended 2024 with 760 million dollars in arrears, of which 709 million dollars is still outstanding from 2024. With 2025 coming to an end, the United Nations has not received 877 million dollars of this year's dues and so, its arrears now amount to 1.586 billion dollars.

"I have repeatedly appealed to Member States to pay their assessed contributions in full and on time," he said. 
Dec. 1 (UPI) -- SANTIAGO, Chile, Dec. 1 (UPI) -- Chile and Peru's foreign ministers met virtually on Monday to coordinate a response to a rise in irregular migration along their shared border, after Peru's interim president, Jose Jeri, ordered the militarization of the border crossings.

The situation has created a new border dispute between the two countries as more migrants from Venezuela, Ecuador, Colombia and Haiti attempt to leave Chile through its northern frontier, becoming stranded in the border area because Peru no longer allows undocumented travelers to enter.

Chile's undersecretary of the interior, Victor Ramos, told ADN radio that the meeting aims to strengthen border control and explore ways to redirect migrants, while downplaying the possibility of a crisis between the two countries.

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"There is no crisis at our borders. There is border control, there is a reduction in irregular migration and we have a specific problem in the area between the Santa Rosa and Chacalluta complexes, where people remain because they cannot cross into Peru," Ramos said.

However, the migration issue has been under scrutiny since Chilean presidential candidate Jose Antonio Kast urged irregular migrants to "take your belongings and leave the country," warning they would otherwise be "expelled with nothing" once he takes office in March 2026 if he wins the Dec. 14 election.

The director of the Center for Migration Studies at the University of Santiago, Byron Duhalde, told UPI that Peru's response stems from Kast's pledge to expel irregular migrants and implement a national policy of closing the border.

"The presidential candidate is leading in the polls, which is creating fear among migrants in irregular situations and prompting them to start looking for other destination countries or return to their countries of origin," he said.

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"That has increased the number of people at border crossings, mainly with Peru, and because they are in an irregular situation and lack documentation, they cannot leave, which creates crowding," Duhalde said.

Ramos said that, between 2018 and 2021, irregular migration into Chile increased 700%.

Diego Paco, governor of Chile's Arica and Parinacota Region, which borders Peru, warned in a television interview that the situation of migrants who are unable to cross could worsen in the coming weeks.

"As the days go by, from late December through March, the number of people stranded in the border area could increase exponentially if Peru closes the border or reinforces it with military personnel," Paco told Megavision.

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He said the problem is that there is no contingency plan for a border closure by Peru and no direct coordination with Peruvian authorities or with officials from other neighboring countries.

Duhalde agreed, saying that "rather than an overreaction by Peru, what we are seeing is evidence of the lack of coordination among South American countries to agree on measures to manage the departure of migrants who are in situations of forced movement."

He noted that closing borders is concerning because blocking regular crossings encourages criminal activity along illegal routes.

"We need to address human mobility in South America with a medium- and long-term agenda, because when borders are closed, people are pushed to move through irregular routes where organized crime operates," Duhalde said.

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In late November, Peruvian President Jose Jeri announced the militarization of the border, declaring a 60-day state of emergency in the Tacna region, which placed the international route connecting Chile and Peru under military control.

"We are going to declare a state of emergency on the border with Chile to provide calm in the face of the risk of unauthorized migrant entries that could threaten public security in our country," Jeri wrote on his X account.

It is not the first time Peru has taken such steps over migration issues. In 2023, the government also declared a state of emergency in Tacna and closed the border to undocumented travelers. Then-President Dina Boluarte justified the measure as a way to preserve internal order.
(Photo by Getty Images)

Minnesota on Jan. 1 will become the 13th state to launch its own state-run paid family and medical leave program.

Paid leave grants Minnesota workers up to 12 weeks of family leave and 12 weeks of medical leave per year, capped at 20 weeks in a single year. Employers and workers will pay into a fund through a payroll tax, and wages are determined by a wage-based formula  the maximum a person on leave can receive is $1,423 per week.

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Most people will start to see a payroll tax deduction in their paychecks beginning in January. The rate for the first year is 0.88%, which will be split between employers and their employees. Most workers will pay half, or 44 cents for every $100 in taxable wages.

Minnesota will open up applications for baby bonding leave prior to the Jan. 1 launch date to allow parents to get their paid leave applications in early. The Department of Employment and Economic Development said applications will open on Wednesday.

Paid leave is a big  and sometimes confusing  state program. Here are some common questions about it.

Who qualifies?

Nearly every employer and worker.

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Full-time, part-time, seasonal and temporary workers all qualify. People with multiple jobs can also take leave from one or more of their employers.

Federal employees, postal workers, and self-employed and independent contractors arent covered by default; all but federal workers can choose to opt into the plan.

If your employer offers a paid leave program that is the same or more generous than the states, then theres a chance you wont have access to the states paid leave, but in that case you wont have to pay the tax. Ask your employer if you are covered by the paid leave program.

If someone works in more than one state, they can receive paid leave if they work at least 50% of the time in Minnesota. This includes people that work from home.

I had a child in 2025: Can I take leave in 2026?

Parents who welcomed a child into their home in 2025 will be able to claim paid leave benefits in 2026, even if theyve already taken leave through their employer. These parents can qualify for up to 12 weeks of paid leave as long as their application is approved within one year of welcoming a child, including a new baby, adoption and foster placement.

Im pregnant. How do I get paid leave next year?

Plan when you want to use paid leave in 2026. You can take up to 12 weeks of family leave to bond with your newborn child, adopted child or foster placement. You can also take up to 12 weeks of medical leave to recover from serious health events, including childbirth.

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If you take both family and medical leave in a single year, you can take up to 20 weeks total of paid leave.

You must notify your employer at least 30 days before your leave. Talk to your employer about other leaves and payments you could take. For example, some employers will allow their workers to use their accumulated paid time off to top off the payments you receive from the state so you receive your normal wages while on leave.

Your employer will be notified that you have submitted an application to take paid leave.

Applications require certification from a health care provider. Work with your provider to obtain a PDF of a qualifying document that you can attach to your paid leave application.

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For bonding leave, you can use a birth certificate, hospital discharge document or adoption or foster placement paperwork.

The state is working to update the application process so you dont have to get documentation directly from your provider, but it will not be ready by initial launch.

Do I have to take my leave all at once?

No.

I need surgery and time to recover. How do I get paid leave?

You can take up to 12 weeks of medical leave to recover from an illness or injury.

You can take leave if you have a qualifying event that lasts at least seven days, but the days dont need to be consecutive. For example, if you need to attend regular medical appointments that total seven days, you can get payments for the days you are on leave from work.

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On a similar note, your leave doesnt need to be taken all at once. For example, if you feel well enough to return to work but experience flare-ups of pain, you can take the leave only when you need it. You wont receive wages for the entire week, just the days you were on leave.

For intermittent medical leave  like pain flare-ups  you will need to work with your health care provider and employer to get approval to take off specific days.

If the leave is unplanned, let your employer know as soon as you can and fill out your paid leave application.

Applications for medical leave must include certification from your health care provider. You will need to work with your health care provider to obtain a form that you can attach to your application.

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As with leave for babies, the state is working to update the application process so applicants do not have to get documentation directly from their providers, but it will not be ready by initial launch.

Workers can also take up to 12 weeks to care for a family member with a health condition. The family member doesnt need to be located in Minnesota, but their health care provider is required to certify that that worker is the designated caretaker. Family member is widely defined.

It includes immediate family  including spouses  grandchildren or grandparents, sons- or daughters-in-law and any person who has a personal relationship with the applicant that creates an expectation and reliance for care, according to the state.

How much will I be paid?

Minnesotas paid leave is intended as a partial wage replacement, so you wont get your full pay.

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To receive the payments, you need to have made least $3,900 in the past year. This can be from multiple jobs. The payments are based on your average weekly wage.

For weekly wages between zero and $711.50, you will get paid 90% of these wages.

For everything you make between $711.50 and $1,423, you will get paid 66% of these weekly wages.

For everything above $1,423, you will get paid 55% of these weekly wages.

It works like marginal tax rates.

So, for instance, if you make $1,500 per week, youll receive:

90% of $711.50, or $640;

plus 66% of the next $711.50 or $470;

plus 55% of the final $77, or $42.

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Add them up, and you get about $1,152.

Your weekly payment cannot exceed $1,423. You can estimate your payment by using the states tool.

How much will I be taxed?

Payroll tax deductions for nearly all workers begin in January. The rate for the first year is 0.88%, which will be split between employers and their employees. Most employees will pay half, or 44 cents for every $100 in taxable wages.

Employers can choose to pay more than their required share.

A payroll tax cannot cause an employee to earn less than minimum wage, so employers may have to assume more of the payroll tax.

Minnesotas paid leave program will have an income ceiling, above which people wont be taxed. Minnesotans will not be taxed on income above $184,000.

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The state will evaluate the solvency of the paid leave program and set a payroll tax rate each year. This means the tax could be higher than 0.88% in the future, though officials cannot raise it above 1.1%, according to state law.

You can estimate your paid leave tax with the states premium calculator.

How does paid leave work for small businesses?

Businesses that employ 30 or fewer people and have an average employee wage under 150% of the state average pay  $1423  will be required to participate in the paid leave program. Like other businesses, they can be excluded if they offer a paid leave program that is the same or more generous than the states.

Small businesses will pay a reduced payroll tax of 0.66%. An employer must pay at least 0.22%, while an employee can only pay up to 0.44%.

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Minnesota lawmakers created a Small Employer Assistance Grant program, which subsidizes small businesses that have trouble when an employee takes leave. The grants can help with the hiring of temporary workers or for training new staff while an employee is out on leave.

Grants will be up to $3,000 per leave or $6,000 per employer.

What will the state do to prevent fraud in the program?

Fraudsters in recent years have bilked hundreds of millions from Minnesotas public programs, and state officials are working to ensure paid leave doesnt become another, they say.

Minnesota will implement a new login system  LoginMN  that will require paid leave applicants to create an account, upload a picture of their drivers license and take a real-time selfie. This is to help prevent artificial intelligence programs from creating accounts to apply for paid leave.

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The application process requires several verification steps by the employer, worker, health provider and the state. Employers are able to review their workers leave application and flag inconsistencies.

All applications for leave require certification from a health care provider, and the provider must sign off on the duration of leave. For intermittent leave, the provider must sign off on the duration for each time period.

State officials will use data analytics to help catch anomalies. The state officials say they will refer cases for criminal prosecution if they suspect fraud.

Every application will be reviewed, and the paid leave program will be randomly audited.

Questions?

For questions about paid leave, visit pl.mn.gov, where there are several FAQs, or call paid leaves contact center at 651-556-7777.

The Reformer called this number in the mid-afternoon and a representative answered in about 30 seconds, though its likely the contact center will be fielding more calls once the program is live.
A juvenile was recently found shot near an airport in Ohio on Saturday, according to our media partners WBNS-10 TV.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Columbus police responded to reports of a person shot before midnight along Stelzer Road near the Interstate 670 on-ramp, which is located near the John Glenn Columbus International Airport.

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When police arrived on scene, they found a juvenile with at least one gunshot wound to the lower body, WBNS-10 reported.

The victim was transported to an area hospital and is expected to survive.

WBNS-10 reported that it is unclear where the shooting happened, and no suspects have been identified.

Those with information on this shooting are asked to contact Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-TIPS(8477) or Columbus Police Felony Assault Detective Reffitt #222 at 614-645-4323.

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A new legislative plan would create Virginias first legal adult-use retail system while phasing in stricter testing and labeling rules. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

After months of hearings and study, the legislatures Joint Commission on the Future of Cannabis Sales is poised to roll out a final proposal Tuesday that would launch a legal, regulated adult-use cannabis retail market in Virginia  potentially ending five years of economic and legal uncertainty since the commonwealth legalized possession and cultivation in 2021.

The latest version  sponsored by Commission Chair Paul Krizek, D-Fairfax, in the House of Delegates and Sens. Louise Lucas, D-Portsmouth, and Aaron Rouse, D-Virginia Beach, in the Senate  scraps the controversial local-opt-out clause, increases local taxing authority and builds a licensing regime designed to privilege small, independent, Virginia-based businesses over large medical-marijuana operators.

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Krizek said the refinements are not about maximizing short-term revenue, but creating a sustainable, decentralized market that channels tax dollars back into communities disproportionately harmed by the War on Drugs  even if that means giving up some early windfalls.

The goal has been to make sure it is a decentralized market structure, competitive, sustainable, prioritizing independent Virginia-based businesses, Krizek told The Mercury in an interview last week.

Retail plan moves forward after years of vetoes

Virginia became the first Southern state to legalize adult-use cannabis in 2021, allowing adults 21 and older to possess up to 1 ounce and cultivate up to four plants at home. But the law included no mechanism for legal sales, and successive retail-market bills were blocked by vetoes from outgoing Gov. Glenn Youngkin.

The commission created earlier this year aims to deliver what lawmakers couldnt: a comprehensive retail structure. Its final proposal is set to be formally introduced ahead of the 2026 session, with sales targeted to begin Nov. 1, 2026  provided lawmakers clear the bill and Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger signs it.

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Supporters say the absence of a legal retail framework has only bolstered the illicit market. It was a bad day for organized crime in the illicit cannabis market, Krizek said earlier this month, referring to the election of Spanberger, who has pledged to sign adult-use legislation.

Spanberger, a Democrat, told The Mercury in August that she supports a legalized retail market for cannabis.

Whats new: Opt-outs gone; local control expanded

The biggest change to the retail framework: a provision that would have allowed localities to opt out of cannabis sales altogether has been eliminated.

Under earlier drafts, counties and cities could have banned retail outlets via referendum  a feature critics likened to dry counties, which risked stranding large populations without access to legal cannabis.

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Were not going to have an opt-out for a lot of reasons, Krizek said.

He argued that opt-outs would invite unregulated illicit markets to flourish in dry zones, threaten public safety and undermine statewide equity and revenue goals. He added that local governments would retain full control over zoning, buffer zones and licensing requirements under the new plan.

The final bill also increases local taxing authority. Under previous proposals, localities could levy up to 2.5% in local excise tax. The new draft raises that cap to 3.5%, giving local governments more resources for schools, public-health campaigns and other priorities.

The state tax remains at a proposed 8%  with a new provision to allow deductibility of certain business costs at the state level, even though marijuana remains federally illegal.

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The bill would also remove the sales tax on paraphernalia and treat those items under ordinary sales tax rules.

With the local tax bump, communities will have a little bit more resources to do the things they need to do at the local level, Krizek said.

Perhaps most consequential is a licensing regime aimed at decentralizing ownership and expanding opportunity for micro-business operators.

Del. Paul Krizek, D-Fairfax (Courtesy of Krizek campaign)

As many as 50% of initial licenses would be reserved for micro-businesses  small operators who grow, process or sell cannabis on a modest scale. Large medical-marijuana operators will still be eligible, but all license holders will be capped at five total retail and/or grow/processing authorizations.

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Krizek said even a silent partner with a small stake  say 1%  would count toward that limit, making corporate consolidation difficult.

A new direct-to-consumer license also would allow micro-businesses to deliver cannabis directly to patient or adult-use customers homes  subject to regulation by the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority (CCA).

Krizek said the overall goal is to build hundreds of new, small local businesses, strengthen Virginias agricultural sector and direct tax dollars to the communities harmed most by prohibition.

We all recognize that we need to regulate, control and tax marijuana, so that we have a revenue that can help the community reinvest and the racially disparate impacts of the prohibition or the War on Drugs.

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He emphasized the aim is a well regulated adult market that remains competitive and sustainable, even if the state takes in less tax revenue early on, rather than let a handful of large companies corner the industry.

Commission draws on recent data and industry hearings

The final proposal, which will be posted to Virginias legislative information system in the coming days, reflects insights gathered at a series of public hearings held by the commission this year.

In August, lawmakers heard from experts on taxation, equity and small-business opportunity  clear signals that the commission was preparing to write a framework that diverged from past drafts.

Players in the medical-cannabis system  which underlies the retail rollout  recently logged major milestones. The CCAs seed-to-sale tracking system, operated through the vendor Metrc, is now live. Between July and August, the medical market recorded nearly $30 million in sales across more than 256,000 transactions.

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Proponents say that tracking, combined with planned labeling rules, testing standards, and delivery-license oversight, marks one of the strongest regulatory regimes in the country  and a much firmer barrier between the legal and illicit markets than existed under previous, vetoed plans.

Critics at past hearings pointed out that older drafts still lacked crucial definitions for delivery agents and clarity on labeling, especially for edibles and topicals.

Labor advocates welcome promise of people-based market

UFCW 400  a union representing 35,000 workers across retail, cannabis, grocery, health care, food-processing and service jobs in the mid-Atlantic  praised the new plans emphasis on small businesses and equitable labor practices.

We at UFCW 400 are excited to finally see a pathway for an adult use marketplace here in Virginia. We are pushing for a people-based market, one that centers workers, consumers, and community, Kayla Mock, the unions vice president, said in an email.

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The union hopes the legislation will include labor-peace provisions to ensure any worker organizing efforts are free from retaliation. Mock added that monopolies in the cannabis sector are bad for workers, consumers and long-term fairness, and supported the micro-license approach as a check against corporate dominance.

Union leaders say that, in states lacking labor protections, cannabis workers have faced retaliation, intimidation and termination when they attempted to unionize  conditions they hope Virginias new law will avoid.

Whats next  and what could derail the rollout

The commission is scheduled to formally present the finalized proposal at Tuesdays meeting, clearing the way for lawmakers to introduce the bill in the 2026 session. If all goes well  and there are no new roadblocks  retail sales could potentially begin Nov. 1, 2026.

But the outcome is not yet certain. Opponents may raise familiar concerns about public health, youth access and law enforcement challenges. Some have noted that the transition from decriminalization to a fully regulated retail market carries risks  especially if regulators do not balance access, safety and equity correctly.

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Still, advocates say the revamped legislation could deliver on long-promised reforms. Weve got to stand up this legal marketplace sooner rather than later, Krizek said.

If the bill passes next year, Virginia could finally close the book on five years of legal limbo  and become a test case for a Southern state embracing adult-use cannabis with an eye toward equity, community reinvestment and small-business growth.

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Colombian influencer Karen Sofia Quiroz Ramirez, who was known as Bikergirl to her more than 70,000 followers on Instagram and TikTok, died in a horrific accident in Floridablanca, Colombia, on Wednesday, November 26.

She was 25.

The possible hypothesis for the accident is that the motorcyclist was traveling between two vehicles, but this situation will be subject to investigation, the Floridablanca Transit Authority told Colombian newspaper Vanguardia in a statement, via People.

The influencer hit a car and fell off of her Suzuki Gixxer motorcycle  which she hosed down in a video posted on the day of her death on Instagram  and was hit by a tractor-trailer, Vanguardia reported, adding that despite the efforts of those nearby and even her relatives who rushed to the scene, Ramirezs death was instantaneous.

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The newspaper also reported that she had posted a series of Instagram Stories in the hours before she died, showing her broken glasses, followed by a shot of her on her bike. I hope I dont crash from riding without my glasses, she wrote.

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This story Motorcycle Influencer Dies Hours After Posting Eerie Final Message: I Hope I Dont Crash first appeared on Globe. Add Globe as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
LONDON (AP)  A proposal to rename a Dublin park named after a former Israeli president has sparked an outcry, with Irelands chief rabbi saying it would be a shameful erasure of the country's Jewish history.

Supporters argue that renaming Herzog Park would be a gesture of solidarity with Palestinians following the Israeli offensive in the Gaza Strip that left more than 70,000 people dead, according to the territory's Health Ministry.

A proposal from Dublin City Councils Commemorations and Naming Committee to strip Herzogs name from the park was due for a vote at a council meeting on Monday evening. But after days of acrimony, Lord Mayor Ray McAdam said the proposal would be withdrawn.

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Council Chief Executive Richard Shakespeare said the issue could not be voted on for technical reasons, because the correct statutory procedure had not been followed.

The park in south Dublin was named in 1995 for Chaim Herzog, the sixth president of Israel, part of a family with strong ties to Ireland. Herzog was born in Belfast and raised in Dublin, and was the son of Yitzhak HaLevi Herzog, Irelands first chief rabbi.

He served as president of Israel between 1983 and 1993. His son, Isaac Herzog, is the country's current president.

In a post on X, the Israeli presidents office said renaming the park would be shameful and disgraceful.

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Members of the left-leaning Irish political parties People Before Profit and Sinn Fein supported the name change. Sinn Fein city councilor Daithi Doolan said it was an act of solidarity with Palestinians and a criticism of Israels conduct of the war in Gaza.

Public sentiment in Ireland is strongly pro-Palestinian, especially among those on the left. Many see similarities between the struggle for Palestinian statehood and Irelands long fight for independence from Britain.

Irelands center-right government was one of the first in Europe to recognize a Palestinian state. Israel announced a year ago it would close its Dublin embassy over what it called Irelands extreme anti-Israel policies.

The Irish government has opposed renaming the park, with Prime Minister Micheal Martin calling the idea divisive and wrong.

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Irelands Chief Rabbi Yoni Wieder said removing Herzogs name would be a shameful erasure of a central part of Irish Jewish history.

He said the Herzog family embodied the bond between the Irish story and the Jewish story, noting that Ireland and Israel had common history as two small courageous nations both struggling for independence from British rule.

Today, you dont hear about this shared history anymore, he told national broadcaster RTE. There are parts of our society, such as the people proposing this move, that want to whitewash this part of our history, but we need to acknowledge this kinship between Irish nationalism and Jewish nationalism was recognized and valued.

The Israel-Hamas war started after the Palestinian militant group led a surprise attack on Oct. 7, 2023, leaving 1,200 people dead and more than 250 others were taken hostage.

Despite a U.S.-brokered ceasefire reached last month, Israeli strikes on the Palestinian territory have continued, raising the death toll, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which operates under the Hamas-run government. It is staffed by medical professionals and maintains detailed records viewed as generally reliable by the international community.
Winter weather is quickly arriving, as December kicks off in Nashville with chances for light snowfall accumulation.

According to the National Weather Service, a system expected to bring widespread precipitation through the morning and early afternoon of Dec. 2 will move into Middle Tennessee from the south on the afternoon of Dec. 1.

Conditions will begin with cold rain later on Dec. 1 and into the night, wrote the weather service in their morning discussion, but as temperatures drop overnight, some areas may transition to wintry precipitation by the morning of Dec. 2.

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Here's what else to know.

National Weather Service issues winter weather advisory, warns of travel impacts

The weather service has issued a winter weather advisory for a portion of Middle Tennessee, including Stewart, Montgomery, Robertson, Houston, Humphreys, Dickson and Cheatham counties. The advisory is in effect from 9 p.m. Dec. 1 until 8 a.m. Dec. 2.

The weather service is warning of a wintry mix of precipitation with light accumulations of ice, sleet and wet snow.

"Plan on slippery road conditions," wrote the weather service in its advisory. "The hazardous conditions could impact the Tuesday morning commute."

Areas north of Interstate 40 and west of I-65 will see the highest chance for travel impacts, wrote the weather service in a briefing. Other areas along and north of I-40 can expect isolated slick spots.

When will snow move into Middle Tennessee? How much snow will Nashville receive?

Rain will spread across the area Dec. 1.

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After 9 p.m. and especially after midnight into Dec. 2, colder air will move into northwest Middle Tennessee. This could lead to a mix of snow, sleet and ice west of I65 and north of I40, with a 2050% chance of light accumulation, wrote the weather service.

On Dec. 2, drier air from the west will end most of the precipitation, though light snow or flurries may linger in the afternoon, especially on the Cumberland Plateau.

There is some sn*w potential with our next active weather system, mainly Monday night into Tuesday morning. The best chance for accumulation remains north of I-40. Most accumulations will remain under 1". There is only a low chance of anyone measuring an inch or more. pic.twitter.com/ShfEZQoqV2  NWS Nashville (@NWSNashville) November 30, 2025

Most of the region will see only a brief period of wintry weather, with the main impacts expected in the advisory area.

Most areas will see less than half an inch of snow or sleet accumulation, though there is a 2040% chance of slightly higher totals along and north of I-40.

Are there any Middle Tennessee school closings?

Several school districts announced they will open on a two-hour delay on Dec. 2. They include:

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Houston County Schools.

Dickson County Schools

Humphreys County Schools

Stewart County Schools

Metro Nashville Public Schools is already closed Dec. 2 due to a stockpiled professional development day.

Nashville weather radar

Nashville 7-day forecast

Dec. 1: Increasing clouds, with a high near 47 and a 20% chance of showers after 5 p.m. Then a low around 31 at night and a 100% chance of rain showers, possibly mixing with snow after 3 a.m.

Dec. 2: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 38. Then partly cloudy, with a low around 23 at night.

Dec. 3: Sunny, with a high near 48 and a low around 31 at night.

Dec. 4: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 42. Then a low around 30 at night and a 30% chance of showers after midnight.

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Dec. 5: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 45 and a 60% chance of showers before noon. Then cloudy, with a low around 36 at night and a 40% chance of showers.

Dec. 6: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 49 and a 20% chance of showers. Then mostly cloudy, with a low around 35 at night.

Dec. 7: Partly sunny, with a high near 51.

Diana Leyva covers trending news and service journalism for the Tennessean. Contact her at Dleyva@gannett.com or follow her on X at @_leyvadiana

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: How much will it snow in Nashville, Middle Tennessee? What to know
When major disruptions happen in communities, often the first people to respond are the residents themselves and their neighbors. When the pandemic shut down daily life or after a disaster like a hurricane or wildfire, people get together to take care of each other.

Even outside of a crisis, some who struggle to meet their needs may turn to mutual aid, the practice of finding resources from within a community and exchanging them for free.

Now, in response to government funding cuts, high prices and political uncertainty, especially targeting immigrants, interest in mutual aid projects has picked up, organizers and participants say.

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The exciting part about mutual aid is that you can really get together and help people in a really meaningful way just by pooling resources and being willing to reach out, said Mary Zerkel, who lives in the Rogers Park neighborhood in Chicago.

What are examples of mutual aid projects?

Mutual aid practices have a long history, especially among immigrant and Black communities in the U.S., like the Black Panthers Survival Programs or informal pooled savings circles.

Examples include sharing food, exchanging household goods and clothes or organizing shared items like tools. In recent years, groups have helped people access reproductive healthcare, including abortions, and coordinated collective responses to immigration arrests under the umbrella of providing mutual aid.

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In 2019, Zerkel helped start a shared artist and community space in her neighborhood along with a local chapter of Food Not Bombs, a longstanding mutual aid group that distributes food. When the pandemic hit, they cleared out the art supplies.

"All of a sudden, we had six fridges in there and we were feeding and delivering meals to 400 families, Zerkel said.

Over time, the organizers adapted to changing needs. When they realized people needed items beyond food, they started a "free store," where people can donate things they don't need. They trained volunteers in de-escalation techniques to diminish the possibility of ever calling the police. Later, they sourced naloxone, which reverses opioid overdoses, and held trainings on how to use it.

The main thing is that youre not trying to be an institution," Zerkel said. "Youre trying to be a neighbor helping a neighbor, so you can do the best that you can and try to be responsible and loving to your neighbors and build something slowly.

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How is mutual aid different from a nonprofit?

Many mutual aid networks are not incorporated as formal organizations or nonprofits. Giving to them won't offer a tax deduction, but organizers say that because they are all volunteers, any donations they receive go directly to meeting real community needs.

People are less suspicious of our intention. We are getting food and giving it out. We dont have any salaried employees, said Nicholas Grosso, who has organized with Sunnyside and Woodside Mutual Aid in Queens, New York.

He also sees mutual aid filling in where formal systems break down. For example, they take food from companies that would otherwise throw it away and give it almost immediately to people who need it.

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Whether its red tape, whether its bureaucracy or whether its not cost efficient for companies to connect back to the community, he said, the mutual aid group has become a bridge to the people who need things.

Mutual aid projects often specifically try to avoid hierarchies and make decisions collectively. Taylor Dudley, director of coalition building at the Center for Disaster Philanthropy, said, Theres a lot of community accountability to mutual aid. Often times in nonprofits, rather than having the community accountability at the center, theres accountability to donors, or to administrative or legal considerations.

What are the risks of mutual aid projects?

Mutual aid efforts are built on trust and the relationships between organizers and their communities.

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Aaron Fernando, who works for Shareable, which publishes resources about mutual aid and cooperatives, said the small scale of many groups helps to hold people accountable. Over time, organizers know who is reliable and who has integrity. But there is a risk that opportunists take advantage of what is being offered.

Often, mutual aid groups collect money and distribute it to people who need it or use it to buy things. Groups should consider how to handle those funds as sometimes they can be flagged as income by a payment processor. The Sustainable Economies Law Center has a guide that lays out multiple scenarios that mutual aid groups might encounter. Mohini Mookim, an attorney with the center, said rules around giving money with no strings attached are generally promising for mutual aid groups.

When people are acting motivated by love, the tax code calls it generosity or feelings of generosity, then oftentimes, there are less legal, especially tax law, implications of what youre doing, they said.

Another potential risk has to do with privacy or surveillance. For example, if a group is dropping food of at someone's home, they should think carefully about who has access to those addresses.

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There are also examples of mutual aid groups facing charges or being asked to stop handing out food by police. Fernando, of Shareable, said that often has less to do with concerns about people getting sick from the food and more about businesses or residents nearby not wanting the food distribution to happen there.

___

Associated Press coverage of philanthropy and nonprofits receives support through the APs collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content. For all of APs philanthropy coverage, visit https://apnews.com/hub/philanthropy.
The Medical Examiner's Office is working to identify a woman who was hit by one car, then drug for miles trapped under a second.

A 17-year-old driver was heading north on Brick Church Pike during the night of Nov. 29 when he saw a woman standing in the middle of the road on the double yellow lines, police said in a statement Nov. 30.

The woman then walked in front of the teen's Nissan Versa, he told police.

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"The 17-year-old told investigators he attempted to miss the woman, but was unable to avoid striking her," the statement said. "The teen left the scene, went home and told his parents, who then called dispatch."

Before the teen's parents called police, a 25-year-old man in a Ford Fusion was headed northbound on the same stretch of road when he swerved to "avoid a mattress in the roadway," the statement said. He then thought he'd hit a pothole, police said.

When he got home, a few miles away, he discovered the woman's body underneath his car and called police.

Police charged the teen with leaving the scene of a crash resulting in death, not having a driver's license, not having insurance and failure to report. The Tennessean is not naming the teen as he is a minor.

The 25-year-old man was not charged, police said.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville police investigating after woman hit, drug by car for miles
The suspect accused of shooting two West Virginia National Guard members in Washington, D.C., had been struggling with his mental health  often isolating himself in a dark room  in the years after he left Afghanistan and entered the U.S., according to emails sent by a case worker who was helping his family access services after they resettled in Bellingham, Washington.

Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, entered the U.S. in 2021 as part of the Biden-era Operation Allies Welcome after the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, officials said.

The case worker, a volunteer who supported many Afghan families with business and finance-related issues, told CBS News that when they first met in 2022, Lakanwal did not speak good English, so they spoke thorough an interpreter. The worker described him as a very gracious host, chatty and charismatic. However, the case worker said, a severe turn in his personality was noticeable in 2024.

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In an email sent on Jan. 11, 2024, to the nonprofit group U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants, the concerned case worker said Lakanwal had not worked in a year and his family had been served an eviction notice for nonpayment of rent. Details of the emails were first published by The Associated Press.

"World Relief volunteers are trying to patch things for that family  but I think the father has mental health issues that are not addressed, and he won't talk to anyone," the email, sent the year before Lakanwal's asylum claim was approved, read in part.

World Relief is one of the refugee resettlement agencies that assisted in the relocation of Afghan evacuees. Washington state took in nearly 3,000 Afghan nationals, including Lakanwal, his wife and their five sons.

The family had been living in Bellingham, and Lakanwal drove across the country to Washington, D.C., before the attack, U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said during a news conference last week. One of the victims, Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, 20, died Thursday, while the other, Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, was critically injured and remains hospitalized.

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In another email sent Jan. 31, 2024, the case worker said Lakanwal had "not been functional as a person, father and provider since March of last year, 03/2023."

"He spends most of his time for weeks on end in his darkened bedroom, not speaking to anyone, not even his wife and older kids," the email said.

The email also describes "manic episodes for one or two weeks at a time where he will take off in the family car," but also "interim" periods where he "tries to make amends." The case worker, who is not a mental health professional, later said in the email that they believed Lakanwal is suffering "PTSD from his work with the US military in Afghanistan."

According to a former Afghan commando who spoke with CBS News, Lakanwal led a unit of Afghan special forces in the south of the country and worked closely with the international troops before the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. The former commando also said that Lakanwal was left deeply troubled by the death of a close friend and fellow Afghan commander in 2024, whom the former commando said had unsuccessfully sought asylum in the U.S.

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Lakanwal applied for asylum in December 2024, which is a lawful immigration process overseen by the Department of Homeland Security. As part of that process, he would have gone through extensive vetting  including background checks, social media reviews, and in-person interviews. He had multiple, in-person asylum meetings at a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services office in 2024, the case worker said.

He passed his reviews and was eventually granted asylum in April 2025.

The case worker told CBS News that neither DHS nor USCIS ever reached out about the emails, and said they don't believe the government ever saw the emails or considered them in his asylum process.

"Rahmanulla was a man who was extremely proud and capable in the world he came from, who felt defeated in the world he came to," the case worker said.

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Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Sunday that Lakanwal, who is facing murder charges, was "radicalized since he's been here in this country."

"We do believe it was through connections in his home community and state, and we're going to continue to talk to those who interacted with him," Noem said Sunday on NBC's "Meet the Press." She provided no further details.

"This violent act does not reflect the Afghan community, which continues to contribute across the United States and undergoes some of the most extensive vetting of any immigrant population," said Shawn VanDiver, president of AfghanEvac, a nonprofit that advocates for the resettlement of Afghans who worked with the U.S. military.

Lakanwal was shot by another National Guard member during his attack and is also hospitalized. He has been sedated and placed on a ventilator since the shooting, multiple U.S. officials told CBS News. The treatment has complicated investigators' efforts to interview him.

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As part of the investigation, U.S. intelligence analysts are combing Lakanwal's communications and online footprint for signs of international coordination or ideological radicalization, multiple U.S. officials said. An early review of his social media and messaging channels has not revealed links to foreign handlers or extremist groups.

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UNITED NATIONS, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday proposed the creation of a common administrative platform to provide administrative services to UN Secretariat entities located in each duty station as an effort to improve efficiency and reduce costs across the UN system.

Its creation would begin with the New York and Bangkok stations, Guterres told the Fifth Committee of the UN General Assembly while formally introducing a revised estimates report relating to the proposed program budget for 2026 and the support account for peacekeeping operations for the 2025/26 period.

"This represents a considerable improvement of our efficiency, putting together what is done separately by different entities with naturally much more costs," the UN chief said.

He also proposed the consolidation of payroll processing into a single global team operating across three centers -- UN Headquarters, the Regional Service Centre in Entebbe, and the United Nations Office at Nairobi.

In addition, Guterres proposed a systematic review by entities in New York and Geneva of functions that could be performed effectively in lower cost duty stations.

"This is part of a broader strategy to reduce our commercial footprint and achieve a long-term cost reduction," he said.

According to Guterres, since 2017, the UN Secretariat has saved 126 million U.S. dollars from terminating commercial leases in New York, and further consolidation in existing premises, including terminating leases in two buildings by late 2027, is projected to save an additional 24.5 million dollars annually from 2028.

In the report, the UN chief also proposed to bring the United Nations' 2026 regular budget down to 3.238 billion dollars, a 15.1-percent reduction compared with the 2025 appropriation, and its proposed staffing table to 11,594 posts, a reduction of 18.8 percent compared with the 2025 appropriation. 
The Nebraska State Auditor's Office in the State Capitol. (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)

LINCOLN  Nebraska State Auditor Mike Foley has called out a state agency for allowing outrageous dysfunction in a publicly funded program that provides personal assistance to people with disabilities.

In an 11-page letter Monday to Steve Corsi, chief executive of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Foleys team alleged ongoing financial abuse in the personal assistance services (PAS) program that helps Medicaid-eligible Nebraskans with mobility, hygiene and housekeeping.

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Numerous PAS caregivers continue to milk the program with false, inflated and duplicate billings, Foley said, adding that the alarm to DHHS was his offices third since February 2024.

Nebraska State Auditor Mike Foley. (Courtesy of State Auditors Office)

He said DHHS oversight failures may, in fact, be feeding the problem  effectively setting the stage for some truly mind boggling improprieties, financial and otherwise.

Information uncovered by the audit team was forwarded to law enforcement for review of possible legal violations.

Energizer bunny?

In one case, the auditors said, a caregiver had been authorized to deliver 66 hours of personal assistance services a week despite holding down a full-time job as a school bus driver. Auditors identified 28 days during which the caregiver billed DHHS for performing client services at the exact times she was documented to have been driving students.

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(DHHS) oversight failures may, in fact, be feeding the problem  effectively setting the stage for some truly mind boggling improprieties, financial and otherwise.

 Nebraska State Auditor Mike Foley

In another example, Foley described a personal caregiver who billed DHHS for 70 days of client services while working full-time for a family counseling business. He said that created an impossible scenario of the caregiver working more than 24 hours in each of 45 days during a three-month period reviewed.

Some of these caregivers claim to be performing work schedules that would make the Energizer Bunny look like a slacker, said Foley.

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That caregiver had tapped into other public programs as well, including the larger personal care services (PCS) budget and foster care. Particularly troubling to the auditor was that the caregiver in that case provided help to two adult clients who lived in her home. And one, a relative, was on the sex offender registry for having been convicted of felony sex trafficking of children in 2014. Living in the home as well, said Foley, was a 14-year-old girl in the state foster care system.

He said the caregiver appeared to have been purposefully deceitful in failing to disclose to foster care agencies that the past offender lived in the house. In seeking personal care aid, the provider reportedly claimed the relative lived in a backyard cabin, for which cleaning was authorized.

When the audit team reported this bizarre and unsafe domestic arrangement, DHHS removed the foster child from the home, Foley said.

The findings surfaced during the ongoing statewide annual audit and were reported to Corsi early due to urgent need for corrective action, the letter said.

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For fiscal year 2025, PAS expenses totaled $10.5 million, of which the federal government covers 60% of costs and the state pays 40%. The PCS program has the same federal-state split for a much larger budget. Foley said the Monday letter aimed mostly at the PAS program.

Revelations outlined in the Monday letter were based on a review of four care providers and one 10-client agency that deals with high dollar amounts. Of the fraction reviewed, the auditing team found about $19,300 in questionable spending.

Increasingly egregious

Another of the examples cited by Foley was a caregiver authorized by DHHS to be paid for 118 hours of service per week, split across three separate clients. Two were her parents, who did not live with her.

This would require the provider to perform services for more than 16 hours every day of the week, the team noted in the report, calling that authorization unreasonable.

Steve Corsi, CEO of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. (Courtesy of Nebraska DHHS)

Foley said he is convinced that a more thorough combing would lead to a whole lot more problems. His concern was heightened by an ongoing pattern, he said. Mondays letter is the latest in a series of communications to DHHS over the past decade alleging potential fraud and other issues that, according to Foley, appear to have grown increasingly egregious.

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DHHS leadership saw the findings before the public release, and included a response in the letter.

In it, agency managers said they agree with the auditor teams recommendations to implement procedures that ensure proper payments. They also said DHHS already has taken significant steps to implement controls that should mitigate most of the conditions observed by auditors.

In February, for example, the Medicaid and Long-Term Care team started requiring GPS/IVR visit verification and recipient signatures to support a claim payment.

Among other actions, the Child and Family Services will work with the Nebraska State Patrol to develop an automated process that compares addresses of foster parents with the Sex Offender Registry on a quarterly basis. The system is to help ensure no offender resides at the same address as a ward of the state.

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DHHS contacts were listed as Jeremy Brussen of Medicaid and Long-Term Care and Kathleen Stolz of Child Family Services.

No pushback

Contacted Monday, a DHHS spokesman referred to the agencys response in the auditors report, reiterating that the department agreed with recommendations and was actively implementing procedures and controls to ensure proper payment for services.

Foley said that with all the attention the personal assistance program has gotten, he would have expected more progress. However, he said, he is optimistic in the ability of Corsis DHHS, adding that his predecessor used to fight us on everything.

Were not getting any pushback, Foley said of the agency.

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State Sen.-elect Dan McKeon of Amherst, center, talks with State Sen.-elect Dunixi Guereca at a legislative retreat in Kearney on Friday, Dec. 13, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)

LINCOLN  Roughly one month after State Sen. Dan McKeon of Amherst was cited for public indecency over an alleged groping incident, state lawmakers are still undecided on how the Nebraska Legislature ought to respond.

The Unicamerals Executive Board, which is in charge of handling disciplinary procedures within the Legislature, has met at least once in a closed session to discuss the situation, but it is unclear whether anything was decided.

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The chair of the Executive Board, State Sen. Ben Hansen of Blair, told the Examiner he was considering scheduling another board meeting during Thanksgiving week to discuss McKeon, but officials said no meetings were scheduled.

State Sen. Dan McKeon of Amherst. (Courtesy of Nebraska Unicameral Information Office)

McKeon was issued a misdemeanor citation by Nebraska State Patrol in late October after investigating an allegation by a legislative staffer attending an end-of-session party this spring. The Patrol received a report in early September that McKeon allegedly made inappropriate contact with her buttocks with his hand, over the top of her clothing, Patrol spokesman Cody Thomas said.

Kathleen Neary, the attorney representing the woman making the allegation, said that since the news broke a surprising number of people working inside or associated with the Legislature have reached out to offer their support.

While I have handled many, many cases of sexual harassment over the years, I am truly shocked at the outpouring of support for my client, Neary said in an email.

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The Examiner is aware of the alleged victims name but is not publishing it because it is the policy of States Newsroom and the Examiner not to identify people who say they have been abused unless they wish to talk publicly.

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McKeon has made several statements about the incident since the citation was issued, including a July 28 letter he sent to the staffer, and a broader statement through his attorney Perry Pirsch. In those statements, McKeon acknowledged the incident occurred but denied the womans allegations, describing the incident as a light-hearted exchange that he argued did not qualify as public indecency.

Pirsch said McKeon made a single remark  a joke  to a staff member about her planned trip and hoping she and her husband would receive a Hawaiian lei, or words to that effect, and he then patted her on the back.

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It was meant in jest, and nothing about his action was in any way sexually charged or lewd, just a bad pun, Pirsch said in the statement.

McKeon is a registered Republican who was elected to the officially nonpartisan Legislature in 2024, replacing former State Sen. Fred Meyer of St. Paul. McKeons biographical page on the Legislatures website highlights that he has been married for 30 years and has four children.

Gov. Jim Pillen and other state officials have called for McKeons resignation, but McKeon has said he will not resign.

State Sen. Teresa Ibach of Sumner, vice chair of the Executive Board, confirmed in October that members of the committee were looking into the situation separately from the criminal investigation but said the group hadnt yet reached a conclusion.

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It is unclear whether the Executive Board has decided anything with regard to McKeon. Clerk of the Legislature Brandon Metzler said his office had received no recommended actions from the board as of Nov. 24.

Typically, legislative committees are not allowed to vote in private sessions, but Metzler said some administrative exceptions might apply to the Executive Board. Measures regarding legislative processes  such as a recommendation for censure or a formal reprimand  must happen through a public vote, but Metzler said Hansen as chair could initiate some administrative actions on his own.

Metzler said his office would be notified of any formal meetings, including closed sessions, but that wouldnt keep the board from holding an informal meeting.

State Sen. Myron Dorn of Adams, a member of the Executive Board, said board members have been advised by legal counsel to be cautious in their public statements about the situation. This is because they dont want to inadvertently do something that could impede the Patrols ongoing investigation, Dorn said.

McKeon is expected in Lancaster County Court Dec. 10, authorities said.

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New Mexico State University police said 32-year-old Julio Caro of of Dona Ana County was killed in a traffic collision near campus on the morning of Nov. 29.

Caro was struck in the area of Cholla Road and Triviz Drive at approximately 6:45 a.m. by a vehicle was traveling southbound on Triviz Drive between Film Street and Cholla Road.

More: 'Scary' El Paso kidnapper sentenced in New Mexico desert abduction

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Alcohol is not a factor and there are no pending criminal charges against the driver, who police said remained at the scene and was cooperative in the investigation.

This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: New Mexico State University police ID man killed in weekend traffic collision
There are expert master forgers, and then there's the guy who drew his own New York vehicle inspection and registration documents using crayon. On Friday, November 21, New York State Police posted a picture on Facebook of a car's windshield displaying stickers that had clearly been drawn by hand using a mix of marker pens and crayon. "As a friendly reminder," the Facebook post said, "arts and crafts supplies do not count as valid documentation".

The vehicle, driven by 50-year-old Gregory T. Cawley, was stopped by a state trooper due to suspected switched plates. The handmade documentation just added to the list of violations he received, including using incorrect license plates, driving without a valid license, operating an unregistered vehicle, and not having a valid inspection. He was also charged with not having a left-side mirror and exhaust system violations. The car was immediately taken off the road by the police.

Switched plates are illegal, like ghost plates used by drivers to avoid toll charges. Driving a car with incorrect plates can result in a fine of up to $200. Failure to display an inspection ticket can land you with a fine of $100, although state surcharges can almost double that figure. The penalty for driving an unregistered vehicle can be as much as $300, and can result in jail time for repeat offenders.

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New York requires drivers to display registration and inspection stickers

Man sitting behind the steering wheel of his car looking through the windshield. - Kevin Cooley/Getty Images

Obviously, Cawley's handiwork was never intended to be seen by a police officer at close range. The subterfuge was presumably meant to suffice at a distance. But given the number of crimes taking place here, it's safe to say that the perpetrator probably wasn't too bothered about playing by the rules. Remarkably, he isn't the first person to be caught with fake stickers. In 2023, a woman was charged with "possession of a forged instrument" after troopers spotted a hand-drawn, poorly-spelled inspection sticker on her car. A similar forgery charge was reported in 2022. In this case, a man had created his own inspection sticker using black pen and a Post-it note. There have even been reports of dummy inspection stickers used to scam second-hand car buyers.

In New York state, drivers must have a valid registration and are required to have a safety inspection carried out once a year. Vehicles over two years old usually also need to undergo an emissions test. Drivers need to display both registration and inspection stickers on the windshield and keep a copy of the paper registration certificate in their vehicle. While this is mandatory in New York, some states don't require regular car inspections. You aren't required to get one in Alaska, Iowa, or Kentucky, for example, except in special circumstances like out-of-state vehicles or if you've built your car yourself.

New York State inspection stickers were updated in 2023. The new design includes a QR code to make it more difficult for people to defraud the system. For Gregory T. Cawley, a missing QR code really was only a tiny part of the problem.

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Read the original article on SlashGear.
The Tiburon Town Council in Tiburon, California, incorporated a plan on how to prevent flooding in its sea level rise vulnerability assessment and adaptation plan, as "all-too-familiar floodwaters" receded after a recent storm, as reported by the Marin Independent Journal.

"It's absolutely essential that we create a good plan on how to prevent flooding and other things with sea level rise," said Tiburon Mayor Holli Thier.

What's happening?

Sea levels are on the rise, and coastal communities are particularly vulnerable to flooding, especially during significant storms.

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Scientists agree that sea levels are rising primarily due to the planet's rising temperatures, which is causing glaciers to melt and ocean temperatures to rise. When the glaciers melt, they add additional water to the oceans, which is part of the problem. The rising ocean temperatures are another issue because as water increases in temperature, it expands, also contributing to rising sea levels.

The rise in sea levels has been scientifically linked to the burning of dirty energy sources that release plant-warming pollution into the atmosphere.

Sea levels are now four inches higher than they were 30 years ago.

Why are rising sea levels important?

Though extreme weather events have always existed, scientists have come to the consensus that human-induced climate change supercharges extreme weather events, making them more dangerous and powerful, so as sea levels rise, coastal communities are more vulnerable to flooding that occurs during these powerful storms.

What's being done about rising sea levels?

In general, we can, as individuals, businesses, and communities, work to make environmentally responsible choices and reduce our reliance on dirty energy sources.

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In the meantime, coastal communities like Tiburon have to take immediate steps to combat the effects of sea level rise if they want to ensure their safety from more frequent flooding.

The town of Tiburon has established a $593,877 contract with an engineering firm in order to complete its sea level rise plan, which is focused on four specific areas of the region that have experienced consistent flooding or are at high risk for the effects of sea level rise. The plan focuses on the prevention of flooding and the protection of infrastructure and community members.

"Because of Tiburon's unique location and geography, understanding the vulnerability presented by sea level rise are critical," said town manager Greg Chanis, according to the Marin Independent Journal. "Understanding the vulnerability presented by sea level rise but also the potential actions the town could take are equally important."



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Dec. 1A unanimous vote from Ohio House lawmakers before Thanksgiving progressed a bill to make it illegal to own, with criminal intent, digital devices that have led to a scourge of car break-ins across the country in recent years.

Rep. Andrea White, R-Kettering, who championed House Bill 519, framed it as "a critical measure aimed at strengthening Ohio's criminal code to combat the skyrocketing number of vehicle thefts and thefts from vehicles through the use of highly-specialized electronic devices to digitally bypass a vehicle's keyless entry security and push button ignition systems," in a post-vote statement.

In her committee hearing, White attributed these electronic devices as a central cause of the "skyrocketing" uptick in car thefts, to the tune of 850,000 vehicles across the country. She said the bill was sparked by a request from Dayton Police Department, which supported the measure throughout its legislative journey in the House.

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Often, Lt. Randy Beane of Dayton PD told House lawmakers, car thieves break the windows of push-start cars and plug a key-reprogramming device into the dash, creating a new "set" of keys and rendering the owner's keys inoperable. Car thieves can then go on to destroy or disable the vehicle's GPS system, making it impossible to track, and then sell the car for parts.

Beane said police found a key-reprogramming device at a so-called "chop shop" in Dayton that was used to steal 60 vehicles. He warned lawmakers at the devices' accessibility, range, and ease of use.

"One of the most commonly seen models advertises that the key reprogramming process can be completed in one minute and works on 700 different vehicles," Beane said. "These devices can be easily obtained online or at an automotive parts store for a few hundred dollars."

H.B. 519 now heads to the Ohio Senate for further consideration. It proposes adding these electronic devices to Ohio's criminal code that regards possessing criminal tools.

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Ohio law already makes it illegal to own "any substance, device, instrument, or article" with the purpose to use it criminally. It adds that certain items can count as "prima-facie evidence of criminal purpose"  essentially meaning that owning such items, on its face, suggests criminal intent.

Current law describes those prima-facie conditions as "any dangerous ordnance, or the materials or parts for making dangerous ordnance, in the absence of circumstances indicating ... legitimate use," and any instrument "designs or specially adapted for criminal use" or instruments "commonly used for criminal purposes, under circumstances indicating the item is intended for criminal use."

House Bill 519 would add "an electronic device or tool under circumstances indicating an intent to commit a theft offense that involves a motor vehicle," to the section.

It defines the devices as "designed or adapted for use in unlocking or turning on a motor vehicle and does not include a previously issued or activated electronic card, key, or other electronic device assigned to the lawful owner of a motor vehicle."

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The penalty for possessing criminal tools is a first-degree misdemeanor, which moves up to a fifth-degree felony if the tool was meant to be used in a felony crime. If the tool actually was involved in an offense, H.B. 519 increases the penalty to a fourth-degree felony.

White said H.B. 519, if passed by the Senate, would equip Ohio prosecutors and law enforcement "with an additional tool of their own in their effort to prevent and prosecute vehicle thefts and thefts from vehicles," while also giving defendants the chance to prove their innocence.

In addition to changes on criminal tools, White's bill also creates a repeat "motor vehicle theft" classification for juveniles, which would go into effect if a juvenile under adjudication had previously been adjudicated a delinquent for committing a vehicle theft or for possessing criminal tools. Courts would then be required to admit the minor to a juvenile correction facility or some other detention or rehabilitative institution.

------

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A simple addition to Ohio's benefit cards could save thousands of Ohioans from millions of dollars in stolen food assistance.

Unlike most credit cards, Ohio's benefits cards don't have a chip. That makes the cards, known as the Direction Card of Ohio EBT, more susceptible to skimming technology that steals Ohioans' food benefits.

Thieves stole nearly $17 million in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits from more than 34,000 Ohio households between June 2023 and December 2024. At that time, the federal government used taxpayer dollars to reimburse benefits that were stolen. Now, victims have to eat that loss.

Lebanon City Police urge residents be cautious after receiving numerous reports of unauthorized EBT card transactions. Officials said this often occurs as a result of data gathered through card skimming devices.

"When SNAP benefits are stolen now, families will shoulder the loss. These are real Ohioans who suddenly find themselves without the means to buy groceries, through no fault of their own," said Rep. Kellie Deeter, R-Norwalk.

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A bipartisan proposal from Deeter and Rep. Tristan Rader, D-Lakewood, would require Ohio to add chip technology to its benefits cards within two years. Replacing the cards would cost about $10.6 million, with Ohio and the federal government splitting the bill.

Maryland and Oklahoma are already updating their cards to include chip technology. But the federal government hasn't rolled out a nationwide solution for skimming and fraud.

So far, Ohio's effort to add chips to its benefits cards hasn't passed a House committee or received a full House vote. But House Bill 163 has support from the Ohio Council of Retail Merchants, the Ohio Association of Foodbanks and several legal aid societies in Ohio.

How to protect your benefits card from scams

In the meantime, the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services offers several tips to avoid being a victim of food stamp theft.

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Check for a card skimmer: Thieves often place phony PIN keypads over the original devices. They sometimes use small cameras to record PINs. Any loose or protruding parts could indicate foul play.

Protect your PIN: Do not share your PIN with other people or third-party apps. Change your PIN monthly before each scheduled deposit.

Use card lock and alerts: Use the card lock and unlock feature on the ConnectEBT application. Use alerts to notify you when the card is used.

Criminals continue to prey on vulnerable Ohioans who rely on food assistance to supplement their monthly grocery costs, ODJFS director Matt Damschroder said. "SNAP recipients should be vigilant in protecting their benefits by looking for signs of skimming, protecting their EBT card number and PIN, and using tools such as the ConnectEBT app and its 'Lock Everywhere' feature to avoid becoming victims.

State government reporter Jessie Balmert can be reached at jbalmert@gannett.com or @jbalmert on X.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Thieves stole $17M in Ohio food stamp benefits. One change could help
Ohio Wesleyan will launch a new endowed School of Engineering, calling it the most ambitious academic expansion in the university's 183-year history.

Thanks to more than $17 million in alumni donations, OWU President Matt vandenBerg announced the new Conrades School of Engineering during a Dec. 1 campus event. The school is named in recognition of OWU alumni George Conrades and Patricia "Patsy" Belt Conrades, who contributed $13 million to its formation.

Currently, Ohio Wesleyan does not offer its own engineering program but does have a pre-engineering program.

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OWU's pre-engineering program is an interdisciplinary program in which students earn two degrees: an Ohio Wesleyan bachelor of arts degree with a major in physics with pre-engineering option, pre-chemical engineering, pre-computer engineering or biomedical engineering, and an engineering degree from another university's engineering school.

Ohio Wesleyan President Matt vandenBerg celebrates the announcement of OWU's Conrades School of Engineering with a selfie including faculty members Hanliang Guo, Brad Trees, Scott Linder, and Matt Vollrath, sporting new OWU engineering T-shirts.

Ohio Wesleyan has transfer agreements with four schools  California Institute of Technology, Case Western Reserve University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and Washington University in St. Louis where students complete their studies after three years at OWU.

With central Ohio's growing manufacturing economy, vandenBerg said OWU is aligning its resources to meet urgent regional needs.

The Conrades School of Engineering does more than create a stronger Ohio Wesleyan, vandenBerg said in a prepared release. It creates a stronger world. Our purpose isnt self-improvement but the public good  an act of boldness, kindness, and innovation that reflects who we are. By aligning our resources with the urgent needs of our community, we embody the true promise of the liberal arts: to educate, empower, and serve."

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OWU will officially welcome its first mechanical engineering majors in fall 2027.

In addition to the Conrades' gift, the School of Engineering is supported by a $2 million donation from Doug Dittrick Jr. and his wife, Gina Boesch, and a $2 million donation from alumni couple Gordon Smith and Helen Crider Smith.

Jason Hall, CEO of the Columbus Partnership, said more manufacturing companies coming to the area has resulted in those companies asking, Can you show us the engineers in the Columbus region?

That is what stands out about what is happening here at Ohio Wesleyan, Hall said. A liberal arts university looking at the future of this economy and saying, 'We are going to be part of shaping it. We are going to take responsibility for how the next generation of problem-solvers is prepared.'"

Students go to and from classes at Ohio Wesleyan University in Delaware in this Oct. 2, 2024, file photo.

VandenBerg said university leaders worked with industry partners while building Ohio Wesleyans School of Engineering to collaborate on what firms need right now from future engineers.

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Vertiv  a Westerville-based company that makes cooling and energy distribution systems for computer centers  will give OWU engineering students priority interview consideration for the companys summer internships.

Ansys, part of engineering firm Synopsys, will also provide structural finite analysis software and fluid simulation software to the school through the company's academic program.

George Conrades credited two of his OWU mathematics and physics professors, Robert Wilson and Howard Maxwell, for their mentorship during his time at the university. They steered him toward a career that has included leadership positions with IBM Corporation, Bolt Beranek and Newman, Akamai Technologies, and Oracle Corporation.

All this because two beloved Ohio Wesleyan professors cared so much, Conrades said, Just as our professors do to this day."

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Higher education reporter Sheridan Hendrix can be reached at shendrix@dispatch.com and on Signal at @sheridan.120. You can follow her on Instagram at @sheridanwrites.

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio Wesleyan launches Conrades School of Engineering in expansion
In the Town of Newburgh, service extends well beyond our town limits.

While just over 3,300 residents call Newburgh home, our sewer utility provides essential infrastructure for more than 40,000 people throughout the surrounding region. That scale of responsibility has long shaped how we plan, invest, and operate as stewards of critical services that support both local families and a rapidly growing county.

Across Indiana, communities are working through the expected realities brought on by Senate Enrolled Act 1 (SEA 1). Those discussions include the efforts being led by Accelerate Indiana Municipalities (AIM), whose Balanced Solutions Initiative is seeking to identify responsible adjustments that can strengthen the implementation of the law.

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Newburgh has been actively engaged in these conversations because coordinated solutions will be vital to maintaining strong local government operations in the years ahead.

Our wastewater system plays an especially important role in that planning. Treating roughly one billion gallons of wastewater annually, it must remain reliable no matter how much the population grows outside our incorporated boundary.

To maintain that reliability, the town has proposed a $35 million capital investment to upgrade wet-weather capacity and protect homes and waterways during heavy storms.

That kind of infrastructure is not optional. It is fundamental to the health of families, to the strength of small businesses, and to the continued growth that communities across Warrick County are experiencing. We take that responsibility seriously.

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At the same time, reduced revenue capacity under the current structure of SEA 1 will make it more challenging to sustain this level of service within town.

Like many local governments, we are reassessing timelines for road improvements, examining the long-term viability of town-owned facilities, and ensuring that every tax dollar is put to its best possible use. We remain fully committed to public safety and community well-being, but resources must match the expectations placed upon us.

These are the kinds of considerations that make the ongoing dialogue between state and local government so important. Our hope is that through continued collaboration, the policy framework governing local operations can evolve in a way that allows towns like ours to sustain essential services while still honoring the goals laid out in SEA 1.

Newburgh has always planned ahead, invested wisely, and adapted responsibly to the needs of the region we serve.

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We will continue to do so, working closely with partners across Indiana to ensure our communities can thrive  today and well into the future.

Chris Cooke is the Town Administrative Manager for Newburgh, Indiana.

This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: Op-Ed: New Indiana law makes infrastructure work tougher in towns
Opening statements and witness testimony kicked off Monday in the murder trial of Brian Walshe, the Cohasset man who is accused of killing his wife, Ana, on New Years Day 2023.

WATCH LIVE: Day 1 of witness testimony in Brian Walshe's murder trial

Now on the stand: Harrison Schmidt of Cohasset Police

Follow Boston 25s Bob Ward for live updates from court.

The trial is taking place at Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham.

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During opening statements, prosecutors argued that Walshe was responsible for the grisly murder of his wife, while his lawyers insisted the man panicked after she suddenly died in bed.

Boston defense attorney Elyse Hershon commented on the challenges prosecutors face, stating, If a juror doesnt know how she died, thats not a conviction; they can not convict on that.

Before jury selection, Brian Walshe dropped a bombshell and pleaded guilty to tampering with his wifes body, but maintained his innocence regarding the murder charges.

Walshe, appearing before Judge Diane Freniere in Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham, entered a plea of guilty on charges of misleading police and unlawful disposal of a body.

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Im here to plead guilty, Walshe told Freniere. She then allowed the changes after asking him a series of questions.

Evidence presented by prosecutors includes Walshes initial lies to police about Anas whereabouts, grim internet searches on a childs iPad about body disposal, and surveillance footage of Walshe purchasing cleaning supplies and disposing of trash in dumpsters.

Brian Walshe, left, is facing murder and other charges following the disappearance of his wife, Ana Walshe, left, on Jan. 1, 2023.

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Brian Walshe status hearing on his wifes murder case set for March 1

DA: Brian Walshe indicted on murder charges of wife Ana Walshe

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25 Investigates: Brian Walshes damaging digital footprint

Brian Walshe appears at Quincy District Court on a charge of murdering his wife (inset),Ana Walshe, in Quincy, Massachusetts, U.S. on January 18, 2023. (Photo illustration: Yahoo News; photos: Craig F. Walker/Pool via Reuters, Facebook)

Brian Walshe escorted into court for murder arraignment

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Brian Walshe appears in court for allegedly misleading police

The dumpsters taken away from Brian Walshe's mothers apartment. Taken to Peabody for investigation

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Brian Walshe spotted at juice bar day after wife disappears

Authorities search North Shore dumpster station for evidence in disappearance of Ana Walshe

Brian Walshe kisses his new bride, Ana Walshe, on their wedding day. (Facebook photo)

Ana Walshe

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Ana Walshe

Ana Walshe and her husband Brian Walshe

Police investigating the area near Ana Walshe's home

Police investigating the area near Ana Walshe's home

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Police investigating Ana Walshe's home

Police investigating outside of Ana Walshe's Cohasset home

Ana Walshe and her husband Brian Walshe

Police investigating Ana Walshe's home

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Ana Walshe and her husband Brian Walshe

Ana Walshe

Ana Walshe

The pool that was drained outside the Walshe home

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Brian Walshe, the husband of Ana Walshe

The 16 jurors selected include the 12 who will decide the case, plus four alternates.

If convicted of first-degree murder, Walshe will serve a life sentence with no possibility of parole. Still, its possible at any point during the trial to enter another plea deal for a lesser charge like second-degree murder, which would allow for parole.

Walshe is accused of killing and dismembering Ana with a hacksaw and disposing of her remains after using his sons iPad to Google the best ways to get rid of a body.

In March 2023, a Norfolk County grand jury indicted Walshe on a charge of murder, misleading a police investigation/obstruction of justice, and improper conveyance of a human body in connection with his wifes death.

Ana, a mother of three young children and a real estate professional who worked in Washington, D.C., vanished on New Years Day 2023 and was reported missing a few days later, authorities said.

Prosecutors have alleged that Walshe killed his wife in their Cohasset home on New Years Day. The couples three young boys were reportedly home at the time.

Days after Anas disappearance, a hacksaw and a blood-soaked rug believed to contain biological evidence were recovered from their home by investigators.

Police later searched trash bins, dumpsters, trash trucks, and trash facilities in the areas where Brian Walshe traveled following her disappearance.

Prosecutors have also previously said that a broken knife with blood on it was found in the basement of the Walshe family home.

Anas body has never been found.

Walshe is currently serving a three-year prison sentence for selling fake Andy Warhol paintings. He has been held without bail since his arrest.

The trial is expected to take up to three weeks.

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Chinese Ambassador to Jordan Guo Wei delivers a speech at opening ceremony of the 2025 China Film Festival in Amman, Jordan, on Dec. 1, 2025. (Photo by Mohammad Abu Ghosh/Xinhua)

AMMAN, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- The 2025 China Film Festival kicked off Monday evening in the Jordanian capital Amman, attracting a full-house audience.

Running for four days until Thursday, the festival features four Chinese films: Dead to Rights, The Sinking of Lisbon Maru, I Am What I Am 2, and The Lychee Road.

In his opening speech, Chinese Ambassador to Jordan Guo Wei described cinema as "an art that transcends the boundaries of language and geography," noting that film cooperation has become a significant cultural bridge between China and Jordan.

The themes of the presented movies "encompass history, culture, and daily life in China, giving the Jordanian audience a deeper perspective on Chinese civilization," he added.

Speaking to Xinhua on the sidelines of the opening, Mohannad Al-Bakri, managing director of the Royal Film Commission of Jordan, underscored the long-running relationship between the two countries, saying the cooperation in filmmaking is both strategic and culturally rooted.

"This is a relationship that has existed for thousands of years," he said. "Today we are celebrating this relationship and the cinematic culture from China, which is also a pioneer in Jordan."

Al-Bakri noted the strong resonance between Chinese and Jordanian storytelling. "When we look at the cinema that is showing these stories, we are very similar. This is proof that there is understanding, love, and honesty in this relationship." 

Mohannad Al-Bakri, managing director of the Royal Film Commission of Jordan, delivers a speech at opening ceremony of the 2025 China Film Festival in Amman, Jordan, on Dec. 1, 2025. (Photo by Mohammad Abu Ghosh/Xinhua)

Da Peng, director and lead actor of The Lychee Road, poses for photos at the 2025 China Film Festival in Amman, Jordan, on Dec. 1, 2025. (Photo by Mohammad Abu Ghosh/Xinhua)

People attend the opening ceremony of the 2025 China Film Festival in Amman, Jordan, on Dec. 1, 2025. (Photo by Mohammad Abu Ghosh/Xinhua)
The Implications Are Vast and Serious

The explosive holiday story from the WaPo  that on orders from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, the U.S. military deliberately killed survivors of one of the Trump administrations lawless high seas attacks on alleged drug smugglers  may have finally stirred Republicans in Congress to at least pantomime as Article I legislators.

From a legal standpoint, its important to reiterate the baseline: There is no basis in law for the maritime attacks. Period. Full stop.

The Trump administration has come up with a pretextual justification for the campaign of attacks that remains mostly secret, but what has been reported shows it to be weak, unconvincing, ahistorical, and self-justifying.

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While the scene depicted in the WaPo report is grim and disturbing, the primary legal significance of the Sept. 2 incident is that it would be a violation of the laws of war even under the administrations own self-justifying description of its campaign as an armed conflict with narcoterrorists.

Hegseths reported order to kill everybody was issued before the SEAL Team 6 attack, and the survivors were killed when a Special Operations commander ordered a second strike on the disabled vessel, according to the WaPo report.

In a remarkable rhetorical retreat  at least for now  President Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One last evening that he would not have wanted the second strike: I wouldnt have wanted that. Not a second strike. The first strike was very lethal. It was fine.

Trump also said he had great confidence Hegseth did not give a spoken order to kill all crew members aboard the vessel, saying that Hegseth told him he did not say that, and I believe him, 100%.

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In short, the president and defense secretary are denying that theyre responsible for the kill order as described by the WaPo. Assuming the WaPo story to be accurate, the implication of their position is that service members on the ground exceeded their orders or otherwise failed to follow the rules of engagement. The fact that thats the best the White House and Pentagon can come up with at this stage of the unfolding scandal is a good indicator of how bad the actual facts are.

In a significant move that it is wildly out of character so far this term, key Hill Republicans gave public, on-the-record voice to their concerns about the WaPo story. Obviously if that occurred, that would be very serious, and I agree that would be an illegal act, former House Intelligence Committee chair Mike Turner (R-OH) told CBS News.

The armed services committees in both chambers launched bipartisan investigations into the reported attack.

When we adjourned for the Thanksgiving holiday, the Trump White House and the Pentagon were leading a retaliatory campaign against Hill Democrats  accusing them of treason and raising the prospect of executing them  for posting a video urging service members to do their duty and abide by the law by refusing to follow illegal orders. By the time we returned from the holiday, the script had completely flipped, and Hill Republicans were struggling to defend the administrations lawless conduct in the strikes.

In Other Venezuela News 

In most cases, the Trump administration does not know the identities of the more than 80 people killed in its high sea strikes on allege drug-smuggling boats, the NYT reports.

In a social media post Saturday, President Trump unilaterally declared that Venezuelan airspace should be considered closed: To all Airlines, Pilots, Drug Dealers, and Human Traffickers, please consider THE AIRSPACE ABOVE AND SURROUNDING VENEZUELA TO BE CLOSED IN ITS ENTIRETY.

President Trump spoke by phone with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro the week before last.

Boasberg Wants Noem on the Record

In the contempt of court inquiry in the original Alien Enemies Act case, U.S. District Judge James Boasberg set a Dec. 5 deadline for the Trump administration to submit declarations from all individuals involved in the decision not to halt the transfer of class members out of U.S. physical custody on March 15 and 16, 2025.

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In ordering the declarations, Boasberg highlighted the administrations filing earlier in the week claiming to identify the most senior official involved in defying Boasbergs order to halt the AEA deportations of Venezuelan nationals: The Government, now for the first time, has identified who purportedly made the decision not to recall planes containing Alien Enemies Act detainees on March 15, 2025: Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

Note Boasbergs use of purportedly.

As Morning Memo observed last week: The AEA deportations were one of the White Houses first major moves in its mass deportation scheme, the signature initiative of President Trumps second term. But were supposed to believe that the buck stopped with  Kristi Noem.

Must Read

Sarah Stillman investigates the Trump administrations brutal third country removals:

One Saturday morning in early September, I got a WhatsApp video call from eleven strangers locked inside a secretive detention camp in a forest in Ghana. Their faces looked glazed with sweat and stricken with fear. In the background, I could hear birdsong and the drone of insects. An armed guard watched over the group as they huddled around a shared cellphone.

Trump Lashes Out After Guardsmen Shot

President Trump reacted to the brutal shooting death in D.C. of one member of the West Virginia National Guard and the wounding of another by an Afghan refugee with a predictable scorched earth attack on migrants of color:

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Trump vowed to halt migration from third world countries.

The Trump administration paused all asylum applications and stopped issuing visas to people from Afghanistan.

Trump targeted the Somali immigrant community in Minnesota for an especially virulent social media post.

For the Record 

Fani Willis self-appointed replacement as prosecutor of the sprawling Georgia RICO case against Donald Trump and others for their role in trying to subvert the states 2020 election dropped the case, and the judge dismissed it.

Tina Peters to Remain in Colorado Custody

Under pressure from the Trump administration, Colorado has declined to transfer convicted former Mesa County clerk Tina Peters to federal custody. Peters has become a darling of U.S. pardon attorney Ed Martin and the MAGA right after her conviction for tampering with voting machines to try to prove the 2020 Big Lie.

11th Circuit Upholds Sanctions Against Trump

A unanimous three-judge panel of the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld a $1 million sanction against President Trump and attorney Alina Habba for filing a frivolous lawsuit against Hillary Clinton and former FBI Director James Comey.

The Scale of Trumps Retribution

In the most comprehensive accounting yet of Trumps campaign of payback, Reuters finds: At least 470 people, organizations and institutions have been targeted for retribution since Trump took office  an average of more than one a day. Some were singled out for punishment; others swept up in broader purges of perceived enemies.

In conscripting the Pentagon for use in Trumps retribution campaign, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has crossed a dangerous line that could lead to the politicization of the military. The best way to stop a politicization death spiral is to never start it, Peter Feaver, who studies civil-military relations at Duke University, told the WaPo.

The Corruption: Pardon Edition

President Trump said he plans to pardon former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez, who is serving a 45-year sentence after he was convicted last year of helping drug cartels ship hundreds of tons of cocaine into the United States in exchange for millions of dollars in bribes.

President Trump commuted the sentence of private equity executive David Gentile, who had served just two weeks of a seven-year sentence for his role in a $1.6 billion fraud scheme.

The Destruction: Higher Ed Edition

In another major capitulation, Northwestern University reached a $75 million deal with the Trump administrations to restore frozen federal research funding.

Quote of the Day, Part I

New Yorker writer Dhruv Khullar, a physician:

A reason that the U.S. became the worlds biomedical leaderindeed, a reason that it emerged from the Cold War victoriousis that democratic governance allows for a level of self-correction that authoritarianism does not. Bad ideas can be beaten back at the ballot box, in the public square, and through the halls of Congress. The country is under no obligation to tolerate institutionalized quackery or elected officials who, through feckless appeals and half measures, have become complicit in it. Truly making America healthy will involve more than removing an asterisk. It will require turning the page.

Quote of the Day, Part II

Paul Offit, a pediatrician and the director of the Vaccine Education Center at the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia, on how to restore civic trust in science: I dont think there is any way to regain that trust other than have the viruses do the education, and the bacteria do the education, and then people will realize they paid way too high a cost.

Hot tips? Juicy scuttlebutt? Keen insights? Let me know. For sensitive information, use the encrypted methods here.
The IDF needs, more than ever, additional soldiers to carry the heavy burden of defending the state, the letter said, arguing that mandatory service reflects Israels shared destiny.

Over 60 mayors and local council heads urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Israel Katz, and Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee chair Boaz Bismuth to stop the advancement of the latest IDF haredi draft bill, in a Monday letter.

The initiative followed the tabling of the newest draft, which the signatories say will deepen social divides and damage public trust. The letter calls the proposal a severe blow to mutual responsibility, and warns that it endangers societal cohesion.

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The IDF needs, more than ever, additional soldiers to carry the heavy burden of defending the state, the letter said, arguing that mandatory service reflects Israels shared destiny.

The heads of authorities warned that when some bear the burden, and others are exempt, both security and the sense of mutual responsibility suffer.

The municipal leaders wrote that the current outline has neither equality nor solidarity, calling it a danger to Israels social fabric that would deepen the rift between citizens and state institutions.

Ultra-Orthodox Jews scuffle with police during a protest against the drafting of haredi jews, outside an IDF Recruitment Center in Jeursalem, November 12, 2025 (credit: CHAIM GOLDBERG/FLASH90)

They added that the bill would severely erode public trust and risk the willingness of broad communities to continue contributing.

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The letter was addressed to Netanyahu, Katz, and Bismuth after the latest version of the bill was placed on the Knessets table.

Signatories span major cities and regional councils, including Tel Avivs Ron Huldai, Haifas Yona Yahav, Herzliyas Yariv Fisher, Hefer Valley Regional Councils Galit Shaul, Givatayims Ran Kunik, Kfar Sabas Rafi Saar, Raananas Haim Broida, Ramat Hasharons Yitzhak Rochberger, Hod Hasharons Amir Kochavi, and dozens of others from local and regional councils nationwide.

Bismuth advances new haredi draft framework

Bismuth advanced a new haredi draft framework in recent weeks as the coalition seeks to legislate conscription terms for ultra-Orthodox yeshiva students.

Analysts and officials have warned that the plan softens enforcement and will not improve enlistment rates, while the IDF continues to flag acute manpower gaps amid the war.

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The bill is the latest attempt to create a permanent legal framework for the enlistment or exemption of haredi men, after the High Court of Justice ruled that the state may not continue granting sweeping exemptions without a clear legal basis and without addressing inequality in conscription.

The draft sets five years of recruitment targets for haredi men, with the first year lasting 18 months. The bill also cancels all draft orders issued to haredim since 2023, effectively resetting the system and granting a kind of retroactive amnesty to those who received call-up notices under the previous legal vacuum.

A major difference in the Bismuth draft is the removal of any binding quota for combat roles. Earlier outlines had required a fixed percentage of haredi recruits to serve in combat or combat-support units.

Zvika Klein contributed to this report.
Radical Israeli settlers injured ten Palestinians in an attack in the West Bank, according to local sources on Saturday.

A woman was hit by a shot from a settler's weapon and is being treated in hospital, the Palestinian Red Crescent aid organization reported.

Several other people were injured in the attack in a village near the city of Bethlehem, three of whom were also taken to hospital, it said.

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The Israeli army confirmed that it had received a report of a violent confrontation between Israeli settlers and Palestinians in the area, including mutual stone throwing and shots fired towards the Palestinians.

Soldiers and border police arrived in the area and dispersed the crowd, the military said.

"Several Israeli civilians were injured as a result of the clash, but refused medical treatment," officials added, noting that several Palestinians were also injured.

Settlers entered the Palestinian-inhabited village and started the confrontation, according to Palestinian reports.

Since the start of the Gaza war more than two years ago, there has been an increase in violence by radical settlers against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.

The Israeli army is repeatedly accused of not taking decisive enough action against the initiators. There are rarely any reports of settlers being held accountable after attacks.
The parents of a 6-year-old North Carolina boy have filed a lawsuit against his school, claiming that its educators did nothing to protect him from being sexually assaulted by a classmate  even after the abuse was reported to a teacher and the principal.

The boy was assaulted multiple times by a classmate at Wake Forest Magnet Elementary School during the 2023-2024 school year, according to the lawsuit, filed November 3 in Wake County Superior Court.

The complaint alleges that the other student touched and fondled the victim in the school bathroom, among other sexual acts, according to The News & Observer.

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Plaintiff John Doe has suffered and continues to suffer severe mental and emotional injuries, including but not limited to severe anxiety, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, and other damages, the lawsuit claims.

The lawsuit accuses the Wake County school system of failing to protect the student and his classmates, even as a teacher and principal were told about the alleged abuse.

Parents of a young North Carolina student are suing his school district, claiming it failed to protect students after their son was sexually assaulted by a classmate. (Google Maps)

It also claims that the student sexually assaulted other children at the school.

Upon information and belief, the same student who sexually assaulted Plaintiff on numerous occasions also sexually assaulted other minor students of Wake Forest Magnet Elementary School, the lawsuit says.

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The boy told his teacher that he was being sexually assaulted by a classmate. While the teacher told the other student to stop, no further action was taken to prevent the abuse from continuing, the suit claims.

Based on the teachers continuing inaction, Plaintiff suffered continuing sexual assaults, the lawsuit said.

On April 19, 2024, the boy told his mother that a classmate had been sexually assaulting him. According to the complaint, his mother then told the principal about the assaults.

The principal denied the allegations, refused to remove the perpetrating student from Plaintiffs class, and refused to allow Plaintiff to move to a different class, the complaint claims.

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The lawsuit did not specify the grades of the students, but since the alleged victim was 6 years old, the students were likely either in kindergarten or first grade at the time. The family is seeking damages in excess of $25,000 from Wake County.

The Independent has reached out to the district for comment.
Two women died in a head-on collision Nov. 29 on Kathleen Road north of Lakeland.

The Polk County Sheriffs Office received an emergency call at 5:47 p.m. regarding a multi-vehicle crash in front of Nick and Moes gas station at 4410 Kathleen Road. First responders arrived to find two people already dead, PCSO said in a news release: Rylee Hill, 23, of Fort Meade, and Annette Zalner, 79, of Lakeland.

Three others were taken to Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center with injuries that were not life-threatening, PCSO said.

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According to the investigation, a 2024 Nissan being driven by Hill was traveling along the curve of Kathleen Road that moves from west to north when it failed to negotiate the curve. The car crossed over the center grass median and briefly went airborne before it struck the front left quarter panel of a 2024 Kia being driven by Emily Placeres, 48, of Lakeland.

The Nissan then hit a Dodge Ram truck and continued moving west, striking an Audi SUV head-on, PCSO said. Annettee Zalner was a passenger in the Audi, which was driven by Brock Hiltner, 25, of Michigan.

Brock Hiltners father, Chad Hiltner, 53, of Lakeland was driving the Dodge truck and was not injured, PCSO reported.

Hill, the driver of the Nissan, is suspected of driving at excessive speed, PCSO said. Kathleen Road was closed for approximately six hours after the crashes.

This article originally appeared on The Ledger: PCSO: Two women die in head-on collision on Kathleen Road
I dont know any little old ladies, Chris Hanna observes about stepping away from religious participation 20 years ago. And I dont know kids or teenagers whose lives I can celebrate and contribute to as they grow.

Lack of what he calls the forced familial relationships of a ward doesnt mean hes without friends. But it leaves a community gap when I only hang out with who I want, he says, not people who differ in interests, ages and in other ways.

Not everyone who leaves behind their faith in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does so with the confidence described in a recent Wall Street Journal piece about former church members waging a TikTok war against the Mormon Church. While the article offers up the trope of the devout clinging to simplistic belief, the ex-member side also comes across as simplistic in their unbelief. No more questions or wrestling with doubt. Just the relief of a deconstructed religious worldview.

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Not so fast, say Hanna and others whove gone down the secular road and discovered that other questions, along with unforeseen challenges, arise.

Hanna has friends, a graduate degree, a successful job and a girlfriend. But with loss of faith comes difficulty finding meaning and transcendence, a sometimes challenging search for community, and forfeited opportunities.

Perspectives from several former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints offer honesty and nuance to the often oversimplified social media declaration that Ive never been happier since leaving the church. While they may not embrace the truth claims of believing Latter-day Saints, they recognize that separation from religious commitments and belief systems comes with very real trade-offs.

Transcendence, meaning and moral compass

Lauren Jackson, a New York Times writer and former Latter-day Saint, recently authored an article titled Americans Havent Found a Satisfying Alternative to Religion. In it, she describes how, in a small Latter-day Saint chapel by an Arkansas freeway, she grew up knowing the potency of believing, really believing, that I had a certain place in the cosmos. That I was eternally loved. That life made sense. Or that it would, one day, for sure.

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Jackson goes on to explain the ways in which she and many Americans born, like her, in the mid-90s became part of the mass exodus from Christianity. Jacksons secular university played a part, as did being steeped in secularism for a decade that changed her beliefs and led her to see what she calls the constraints and even danger of religion. Still, she delves into the three Bs sociologists attribute to religious practice  belief, belonging and behaviors  and, through research, data and interviews, sums up how its going for those trying to live without God.

There is overwhelming empirical support for the value of being at a house of worship on a regular basis on all kinds of metrics  mental health, physical health, having more friends, being less lonely, Jackson quotes researcher Ryan Burge summarizing. And she also brings in her own attempts to compensate for loss of faith: worshiping at the altar of work, implementing well-being ideas, volunteering, working out, therapy, meditation, philosophy books.

But still, she writes, Nothing has felt quite like that chapel in Arkansas.

Hanna and some of his former Latter-day Saint friends have undergone an interesting trajectory from, early on, considering religion maladaptive, then moving on to what he calls philosopher William James perspective that religion is not only adaptive, but pretty crucial.

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As a group, Hanna says, we often ponder questions like what is lost when you see the world only as a material resource, or see ourselves as just synapses firing with no agency, our actions predetermined?

Though no longer a believer, Hanna became concerned over what he saw happening in ex-Latter-day Saint forums.

People bought into the idea that truth and reality are based on subjective personal interpretations, he said. They would parrot nihilistic ideas they didnt realize came from Foucault and other morally relativistic philosophers, not knowing where these postmodern ideas originated from or the morally compromised places theyve led to.

Hanna also remains aware of what Columbia psychology professor Lisa Miller calls our innate wiring for transcendence and meaning.

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People cant stop thinking transcendentally even if they dont want to, he said. I can think we are just our bodies and chemical reactions, but I will still look up and see a soul in the person I next talk to.

For Marti (who asked that her last name not be used), finding meaning and purpose after stepping away from her Latter-day Saint faith consists of just trying to become the best version of myself, trying to make incremental improvements, she says.

Avoiding self-deception, she explains, is a critical component of her worldview.

Im not sure if that came from my Latter-day Saint background or if its a personality trait, she wonders, but I am accountable to my husband and family and have an intense desire to be honest.

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Moral accountability is another aspect of religious participation Jackson writes about in articles like The Psychological Value of Repentance, where she says, every major world religion has a process for moral accounting. Thats something we rarely talk about in secular society. Confessing sins can lead to reduced depression and anxiety as well as increased self-esteem and motivation to change.

When you step away from religion, former Latter-day Saint Jonathan Streeter cautions in online forums and podcasts, be careful not to abandon values and moral framework.

Science gives you abilities, but not values, he said. Referring to Christian philosopher G.K. Chestertons fence analogy, Streeter says that when you see a fence, its there for a reason, and if you tear it down, you may end up endangering yourself.

A collaboration with Latter-day Saint hosts of Ward Radio, a faithful, light-hearted show by several members of the church, ended up being titled Good things ex-Mormons tend to abandon that they shouldnt, with Streeter suggesting those who leave think seriously about retaining three Latter-day Saint beliefs: universal humanity (seeing everyone as a child of God), seeking the good as summed up in the 13th Article of Faith (being honest, benevolent and doing good to all men), and practicing forgiveness and grace.

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Streeters respect for religious concepts like forgiveness and grace recalls another philosopher, Francis Bacon, who once observed that a little philosophy inclineth a mans mind to atheism, but depth in philosophy bringeth mens minds about to religion.

However, Streeter makes a case that you can be philosophically grounded in moral frameworks, even if youre unsure spiritually. In different ways, they provide a buffer, he says, to being overcome by prevailing societal ideas that lead to moral erosion.

Community and belonging

While adapting a new moral framework seems more challenging for some than others, this particular group of former Latter-day Saints agrees that loss of community posed, and continues to pose, a particularly painful adjustment. Jokes, novels, films and memoirs deal with the pressure, conflicts and annoyances inherent in religious communities  whose members and leaders are, after all, flawed and human. But those communities, especially Latter-day Saints with members serving together to run their local congregations, also offer a sense of belonging hard to replicate elsewhere.

I miss what I had, writes Jackson in The New York Times. In leaving the church, I lost access to a community that cut across age and class. I lost opportunities to support that community in ways that are inconvenient and extraordinary  when the baby arrives, the moving truck comes or grief overwhelms.

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Hanna agrees that its not just what he got out of the community thats missing, but the ways in which hes been unable to contribute. Recently he ran into an older woman at Costco from the ward he grew up in: She knew all the beats of my life as a youngster, recounting stories about me as if she were telling me my own story.

Hanna began thinking about the larger family behind me I hadnt appreciated  older members cheering me on from the rafters, a nest system. And he misses not only their gifts, but also the loss of not returning the favor to others, to be able to mentor and help the next generation.

Theres a gap, he said, when my connections are atomized and preference-based.

When he went to his friends ward in Saratoga Springs, Utah, the first time back to a Latter-day Saint church in 20 years, Hanna noticed that his friend didnt just know his neighbors, but knew them well  their lives, struggles and joys, he says. Hes learned not just from isolated cases, but from personal experience across decades, that other communities have a hard time being as cohesive as the Church of Jesus Christ.

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Marti feels the lack of my family and kids having automatic acquaintances from various age groups. She has worked hard to get to know her neighbors, she says, but I could have met half of them by just going to church. Its way easier.

For Streeter, church communities offer cohesion and stability, living out values that have stood the test of time. Religious communities offer what he calls a moral foundation against which members can test outside ideas, instead of embracing societal values that may end up being destructive.

But replacing the sense of communal loss is complicated. Former Latter-day Saints often try out other churches, which Marti and her family did, but the poor timing of the pandemic, she says, made that search terrible.

While Marti remains curious and open about other faiths, her limited exploration nevertheless left her with a perceptive insight that makes her quest what she calls a catch-22: Either a church has core beliefs that make it something I envy, but cant get on board with, or they are so loose with their claims that I might justify participation  but it just turns into political activism.

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Hanna has tried Latter-day Saint intellectual groups that dont expect belief or consensus, but came to the conclusion that the benefits of religion arise from true belief. Leaders must have genuine belief and theres no substitute for that.

Hes tried Bible study, but it devolved into constant proof-texting that they were correct and became very dull, he says. I also regularly attended Catholic Mass with a former girlfriend, but never formed a single acquaintance with anyone.

Jackson writes that she tried out a group called Sunday Assembly in which I sat in the back and watched people sing pop songs by Miley Cyrus and Adele instead of hymns and give talks about morality. Afterward, she socialized over cookies and discovered those attending had all left religion behind and were attempting to form new communities  yet, she observes, none of us became regulars.

Opportunity costs

Jackson admits that her secular beliefs and values currently make it impossible to return to a religion that gave her answers about planets, galaxies, eternity. On a more superficial level, she enjoys the small vices (tea, wine, buying flowers on the sabbath) that were once off limits to me. Nevertheless, her New York Times piece hunkers down on the losses involved in well-being for those who dont practice.

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The actively religious are happier, healthier, less likely to be depressed or to die by suicide, alcoholism, cancer, cardiovascular illness or other causes. They are also more likely to feel gratitude, spiritual peace and a connection with humanity, a particularly important point, Jackson highlights, considering that positive relationships are the single most important predictor of well-being, according to the longest running study on human happiness in the world.

For Hanna, the losses are more personal. When I left the church two decades ago, I made a trade-off Im honest about. I have no kids. I didnt mean for that to happen.

Streeter has raised a family first in, then out of the church.

Yes, theres a great deal of freedom and you lose a lot of pressure when religion goes away, he says. But you dont have the same guardrails for your kids or peer environment surrounding them.

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Instead of thinking of your life as a snapshot, observes Streeter, Latter-day Saint belief gives a sense of intergenerational connection. Its not so much an oppressive chain of control, he says, as it is a strength, a link that brings things valuable, cherished and dear into not just the life of an individual, but into his or her family and descendants.

Hanna sometimes daydreams about a way I could participate if there could be respectful acceptance of my pace and place, hastening to add that Im not there to twist the tradition to my politics, and think the church needs to be wary of those who come back to reshape it.

Still, its hard for those without spiritual imperatives or sacred manifestations to think of returning. C.S. Lewis wrote of two sisters, one of whom could see the palace on the mountain that housed a god, the other of whom caught a brief vision, then could no longer see the castle and doubted its existence.

While Hanna, at this point, just cant see the castle, hes disillusioned with postmodernism and found solace in the recent general conference talk of President Dallin H. Oaks.

He seems like he knows whats happening in the world and how to combat it, Hanna reflects. Turning the heart to the Father, telling everyone to touch grass and get more familial. Who knows? Maybe coming back could be in the cards.
A 19-year-old man accused of having plotted to attack the Israeli embassy in Berlin has distanced himself from the Islamic State terrorist militia, telling a German court that he never seriously intended to carry out an attack.

The Russian national of Chechen origin appeared in front of the Higher Regional Court in Berlin on the first day of his trial on Monday, where he faces charges of supporting a terrorist organization abroad and preparing a serious act of violence endangering the state.

He had been "trapped in a state of profound structurelessness," which had led him to be radicalize and turn to the Islamist scene, the defendant said in a statement read by his defence attorney.

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"My perspective narrowed, my thoughts became increasingly radical," he said.

The defendant said he had been planning to leave the country and fight for religious causes, an endeavour he had considered to be "a kind of military adventure with friends".

While he admitted to having discussed possible attack plans in a chat group, he said he had never seriously considered going through with them, but was only hoping to be taken seriously by others.

The accused was arrested on February 20 at the capital's airport. Federal police and the Brandenburg State Criminal Police Office caught him on his way to board a plane.

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Shortly before, he reportedly sent a video pledging allegiance to the organization to a suspected Islamic State member abroad.

According to the Federal Prosecutor's Office, he intended to head towards Pakistan to join Islamic State there and receive military training. He has since been held in pre-trial detention.

The responsible state security chamber of the court has so far planned a total of nine trial days, meaning a verdict could be delivered on January 12, 2026.

Instructions for making explosives

According to the indictment, the 19-year-old planned from early February 2025 to carry out an attack in Germany against those he considered "infidels."

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He is said to have considered the Israeli embassy as a target. To this end, he is believed to have obtained instructions online for making explosives.

However, the implementation reportedly failed because the man could not acquire the necessary components.

The young man is also alleged to have translated propaganda material for Islamic State into Russian and Chechen.
A man was taken into custody last night after an armed robbery at a Milford gas station.

Adam Busuito, 34, of Milford, is facing charges of robbery armed and masked, assault to rob while carrying a dangerous weapon, disorderly conduct, disturbing the peace, resisting arrest, assault and battery on an officer, and a list of additional charges.

According to the Milford Police Department, on Sunday November 30 at around 7:22 p.m., an employee from Riverside Gas on Main Street called 911 reporting that a man wearing a black mask and grey shirt had stolen several packs of cigarettes after unsuccessfully attempting to take money from the register.

Courtesy: Milford Police Department

Police soon determined that the incident was an armed robbery involving a firearm.

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Members of the Milford Police Department and Massachusetts State Police responded to assist in the search for the suspect and weapon.

At approximately 8:10PM, officers located the suspect on Green Street and took him into custody.

A gun was located behind Honey Dew Donuts on Main Street a short time later, and a discarded black Ghostface mask consistent with those worn by the suspect.

According to Police, Busuito also had an outstanding warrant for armed robbery out of Boston District Court.

Busuito was arraigned and held without bail.

Courtesy: Milford Police Department

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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Police are investigating a deadly shooting Monday in Melbourne.

The shooting happened around 6 a.m. at the Summerset Apartments.

Officers said they were called to the apartment complex after reports of a shooting.

When officers arrived, they heard gunshots in the area and later found one man dead and another who was injured.

One of the men was transported to a local hospital with a gunshot wound, while the other was pronounced dead on the scene.

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The Melbourne Police Department has stated that the incident appears to be isolated, and all individuals involved have been accounted for.

Authorities have assured the public that there is no ongoing threat to public safety.

The investigation into the shooting is active and ongoing.

Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact the Melbourne Police Department at 321-608-6731.

Tips can also be provided anonymously through Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS (8477) or online at crimeline.org.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Philadelphia police are searching for the thieves who stole personal items, equipment and a private vehicle from firefighters in the Strawberry Mansion neighborhood while they were busy battling a deadly blaze.

The crews had responded to a fire at a home at 33rd Street and Ridge Avenue on Friday evening.

RELATED: Man found dead after flames tear through Strawberry Mansion home

A man in his 40s died, while two others escaped the flames.

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Officials say an electrical issue caused the fire.

As crews were working to douse the flames, someone went through their gear, taking personal items including keys and a firefighter's car that was parked back at the station.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 215-686-TIPS.


ADDIS ABABA, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- Senior African Union (AU) officials and development partners on Monday called for urgent and widespread adoption of digital technologies to revolutionize the continent's agricultural sector.

They made the remarks during the opening session of the inaugural AU Conference on Digital Agriculture, held under the theme "Shaping Agricultural Policy for Africa's Future: Innovation, Climate-Smart Practices, and Digital Transformation for Sustainable Development" at the AU headquarters in the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa from Monday to Wednesday.

Addressing the gathering, AU Commission Deputy Chairperson Selma Malika Haddadi said that the adoption of technology is a critical enabler for Africa's agricultural modernization and overall socio-economic development.

"Digital agriculture offers a transformative pathway. It is no longer a choice. It is a necessity for Africa's survival and prosperity," Haddadi said.

Experts and policymakers attending the three-day conference deliberated on various issues, including digital extension services, agri-tech innovation, market access, value chains, climate-smart agriculture, policy and regulation, and data management, among others.

AU Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment Moses Vilakati said that harnessing digital technologies is a crucial imperative for achieving food security in Africa.

He said the agriculture sector plays a role as the backbone of Africa's economy, supporting over 60 percent of the population, but warned that its potential is locked by challenges like climate change and youth disinterest.

Jiang Feng, head of the Mission of China to the AU, reaffirmed China's commitment as Africa's partner in agricultural cooperation.

Accelerating the deep integration of digital technologies with agriculture has become an inevitable choice and a key path to improve agricultural productivity, ensure food security, and achieve rural poverty reduction, Jiang said, adding that China stands ready to deepen cooperation with the AU to jointly advance digital agriculture to a new level. 
Seattle police have four teens in custody and are looking for two other suspects after the occupants of a stolen car opened fire on officers during a high-speed chase Saturday night.

The chase ended near SeaTac City Hall after police performed a PIT maneuver on the vehicle.

Six people reportedly got out and ran, prompting an hours-long manhunt.

The normally quiet neighborhoods surrounding City Hall and nearby Valley Ridge Park were lit red and blue by police lights for hours.

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KIRO 7 crews spotted officers from multiple agencies carrying rifles while they canvassed the area, aided by dogs and drones.

There were four police officers and a sniffing dog, Frank Vasquez, who lives near the park, said. They walked right across my lawn. I dont know what they were doing.

According to the Seattle Police Department (SPD), the stolen Dodge Durango was first spotted around 9 p.m. Saturday.

It was seen speeding and driving erratically on Aurora Avenue and was spotted again later that night in South Seattle.

After the second sighting, officers reportedly chased the car onto the interstate.

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Thats when the suspects in the car fired several shots at the pursuing squad cars.

No officers were hit, and no one returned fire.

SPD says the suspects also shot at a bystanders car, leaving the driver with bullet fragments in his lap but no injuries.

Obviously, anytime where there is gunfire exchanged, very serious injury or death can occur, Detective Eric Munoz with the Seattle Police Department said. We are very thankful none of that happened.

According to SPD, three teenage girls and a teenage boy were arrested.

Investigators said a gun was found on the boy, and another was found in the car. Two more suspects remain on the run.

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Because they fled into the night, our information on the identity of these suspects is limited, Munoz said.

Neighbors told KIRO 7 they are hopeful everyone involved will be held accountable.

Its just wild, just crazy wild to me, Vasquez said. I just dont know what they are thinking.

SPD reports a man with a gunshot wound arrived at a hospital in Renton around the same time. Investigators are working to find out whether it is connected to the interstate shooting.

The teens who were captured face two counts of first-degree assault, possession of a stolen vehicle, unlawful possession of a firearm, and eluding a police vehicle.

Anyone with information on the two remaining suspects is asked to call the SPD Violent Crimes Tip Line at (206)233-5000.
Police have arrested a suspect in connection with a fire at Calvary Baptist Church in Lake Havasu City early on Nov. 30, according to officials.

Officers were dispatched to the church, located near Sweetwater Avenue and Baylor Drive, about 1:30 a.m. after receiving reports of a burglary and a fire, the Lake Havasu City Municipal Government said in a Facebook post.

When officers arrived, they extinguished the fire and discovered evidence indicating the fire was set deliberately, according to police.

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Surveillance footage showed a suspect wearing a red hooded sweatshirt and jeans at the time of the incident. He was also seen driving a silver or gray Toyota Tacoma pickup truck with the New Mexico license plate BYXJ35, according to police.

Authorities identified Keith Gensamer, 49, as a person of interest.

Gensamer was taken into custody about 3 p.m. on Nov. 30 after a Mohave County Deputy and Bureau of Land Management Officer located his trailer about two miles south of Lake Havasu City, the Lake Havasu City Municipal Government said in an updated Facebook post.

Gensemer was found inside the trailer and arrested without incident, according to the Facebook post.

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"The Lake Havasu City Police Department extends its gratitude to the community for the numerous social media shares that assisted in locating the subject," said the Lake Havasu City Municipal Government.

In response, Calvary Baptist Church closed its Sweetwater campus and moved all Sunday services to its MuCulloch campus, according to a Facebook post.

The church reported minimal fire damage but significant smoke and water damage that required repairs.

"Lets rally together, pray for those involved, and show up with love and joy in our hearts. Were Calvary. This is what we do," the church added.

Recent Arizona church arson fires

The fire was the latest at a church in Arizona. Among others, over the past few years:

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Life Changers Global Ministries: A fire struck the grounds on Aug. 31, 2025, hours after Sunday service. Phoenix fire officials had no update on the cause as of Sept. 3.

Living Word Baptist Church: A fire was set at the church on Oct. 25, 2024, causing extensive damage to the building. Amarion Amir Person, 22, admitted to setting the fire and faces charges including arson of an occupied structure, criminal damage, criminal trespass and religious burning.

St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church: Fire broke out early Oct. 18, 2024. The suspect, seen wearing a gray hoodie and sweatpants, remains unidentified as of Sept. 23, 2025.

Alhambra Beloved Community Church: A fire began in the church's gymnasium on Aug. 25, 2024, before spreading into classrooms on the first and second floors. Police investigated possible signs of forced entry.

St. Stephen's Episcopal Church and First Presbyterian Church: Both burned on May 22, 2023. Eric Ridenour, 58, was convicted and sentenced to more than 36 years in prison.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Lake Havasu church fire sparks police search
Kyoto has installed multilingual signs across the city to warn residents and tourists about bears amid a sharp rise in sightings.

The yellow signs in English, Chinese, Korean, and Japanese advise people what to do if they face an Asiatic black bear. Crouch down and protect the head and neck, one piece of advice goes.

A QR code on the signs links to a Kyoto prefectural website which tracks sightings.

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The first sign was put up on Saturday outside the Sakyo Ward Offices Yase branch after bear droppings were found nearby earlier in the month.

City officials said they had received 112 reports of sightings and other information about bears between April and 25 November, up from 86 during the same period in 2024.

The signs come as Japan experiences its most intense period of bear activity on record, with attacks and sightings rising across the country, including in areas that are popular with overseas visitors.

Since April this year, a record 13 people have been killed in attacks and incidents have been reported on an almost daily basis of bears entering homes, roaming near schools and even rampaging through supermarkets, according to local media.

A close up of a Black bear in Iwate, North Japan (Getty)

This week, the National Police Agency announced several emergency measures to help prefectures facing the most severe incursions.

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The agency said it would distribute 44 rifles and bullets suited for bear culling to police forces in 13 prefectures, including Akita and Iwate, the epicentre of the latest surge, and provide 790 sets of protective gear to officers guiding evacuations and securing neighbourhoods where bears had been sighted.

On 28 November, the cabinet approved a supplementary budget allocation of 480m yen (2.5m) to pay for the measures.

Training would be rolled out gradually, police said.

Earlier this month, the military was deployed in parts of northern Japan to help set traps for a cull after local authorities said they could no longer cope with the rising attacks.

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The spike in encounters is linked to several converging pressures. The bear population in Japan is estimated to have tripled since 2012 due to reduced hunting, while habitat loss and lack of food is making the problem worse. Poor acorn and beech-nut harvests are pushing bears into towns as they search for food before their winter hibernation.

Japans rural depopulation, which has left large swathes of abandoned farmland and overgrown properties, also adds to the problem by providing cover and forage to the wandering bears.

Japanese soldiers unload a bear cage from a truck in Akita (AP)

In some regions, such as Akita, Iwate and Gifu, officials have reported a sixfold increase in sightings this year, and residents have started carrying bear bells even in semi-urban areas.

This means the danger is no longer limited to remote mountain towns. Recent sightings have been reported near Kyotos Arashiyama bamboo forest, a major tourist attraction, and in Shirakawa-go, where a Spanish tourist was injured last month.

Across Japan, more than 220 people have been injured in bear attacks since April, the highest number ever recorded, according to NHK.
Central Jersey will again be the battleground of a light winter storm overnight into Dec. 2.

While forecasters say precipitation amounts will vary widely across New Jersey, the National Weather Service said Monday morning that confidence is high that snow will impact the Tuesday morning commute north and west of Interstate 95.

Will it rain or snow in Central Jersey?

The I-95 corridor across Central Jersey could see some snow and sleet at the onset before a change to rain, according to the NWS, and an all-day soaking rain of near an inch is expected.

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For areas north and west of I-95, the snow will change to rain as the rain/snow line moves quickly northwest and north of I-78 by the afternoon.

Forecasts show precipitation starting by roughly 8 a.m. Dec. 2.

In Central Jersey, any early-morning snow is likely to change to mostly rain as warmer air pushes in. The NWS calls for less than a 50 percent chance of snow exceeding 2 inches in Hunterdon County, as less in Somerset and Middlesex.

Here is the predicted snowfall for towns in Central Jersey, according to the National Weather Service:

Predicted snow totals by Central NJ town

Clinton: 1"

Flemington: 1"

New Brunswick: 0.5"

Somerville: 0.5"

This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Central Jersey predicted snow totals by town for upcoming storm
TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras (AP)  Reyna Vega whips up simple breakfasts of eggs, fried bananas with cream and refried beans with corn tortillas at her simple two-table eatery in the center of the Honduran capital.

The 52-year-old said Monday that over the past four years, prices for all of those things have risen  as have prices in most of the world  so she was eager to cast her vote in the Honduran presidential election on Sunday for a man who made her think of better times  former Tegucigalpa Mayor Nasry Asfura.

Her support for the National Partys Asfura  who as mayor paved roads and improved the capital's infrastructure  was motivated in part by a burning desire to kick out the governing democratic socialist LIBRE or Liberty and Re-foundation Party.

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But she said friends who were vacillating between Asfura and conservative Liberal Party candidate Salvador Nasralla, the man Asfura was tied with Monday in the preliminary and partial results, were swayed in the campaigns closing days by U.S. President Donald Trumps endorsement of the capitals mustachioed former leader.

Trump butts in

Trumps effect and his motivation have been hotly debated in Honduras. Some say that Rixi Moncada, LIBREs candidate, would have suffered even without Trumps attacks and warning that she would take Honduras down the same path as Venezuela. After all, Trump said the same about Nasralla, and he was only a few hundred votes behind Asfura with ballots from about 57% of polling places counted Monday.

Even with partial results, there seemed to be a greater willingness to see an impact from Trump than there had been even a day before when people cast their ballots.

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Juan Carlos Aguilar, director of the nongovernmental organization More Just Society, said he thought Trumps intervention had drawn Asfura much closer to Nasralla than polling heading into Election Day had indicated.

His comments played a transcendental role and made a drastic change between Salvador (Nasralla) and (Nasry) Asfura, he said.

He saw the impact as being on undecided voters and those who had been thinking about loaning their votes to Nasralla, but ultimately went for Asfura instead.

Fabricio Paz Munguia, a resident of the northern industrial city of San Pedro Sula who supports Nasralla, said Monday that Trumps comments at least made some Hondurans think more about their decision.

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They made a lot of people reflect on what truly would be good for the country, he said.

Presidential race tightens

However, it remained unclear if Asfuras early edge in the preliminary results would hold. He predictably enjoyed heavy support in the capital, whose tallies were among the first to arrive. But as the count inched along, Nasralla pulled even Monday with about 39% of the vote. The candidate who wins the most votes wins the presidency, even if the total is less than 50%.

Ana Paola Hall, president of the National Electoral Council, said via the social platform X Monday afternoon, that the preliminary rapid reporting system that began providing results Sunday night had reached its conclusion with votes from 57% of polling places tallied. Asfura led Nasralla at that point by 515 votes.

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Hall said the count would continue, though it was not immediately clear when the advancing results would be available, because the other systems website appeared to have been taken down. She asked for continued patience as the count continued.

Asfura and Nasralla filled the information void, saying their own vote tallies painted dramatically different pictures for their respective chances, while each stopped short of declaring victory.

Asfura said: We're calm, the data are going to come out.

Nasralla expressed confidence that the outstanding votes in the north, where his party is stronger, would eventually overtake Asfura.

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Even some who voted for Asfura might be all right with that, because the main goal was evicting LIBRE from power.

Vegas son, 32-year-old Eddy Xavier Vega, said either of the two (Asfura or Nasralla) is good; what we didnt want was LIBRE.

Nostalgia helps National Party

Despite murders having dropped during current LIBRE President Xiomara Castros term and the economys fundamentals having improved, many Hondurans said they felt like their lives had been better under her predecessor ex-President Juan Orlando Hernandez of the National Party.

And that was Trumps other move. On Friday he announced he would pardon Hernandez, who was serving a 45-year prison sentence in the U.S. for helping drug traffickers move hundreds of tons of cocaine through Honduras to the U.S. while he was president.

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That was on voters minds too. Jair Avila, 20, voted for the first time Sunday. He couldnt remember Asfuras name initially, but he remembered Hernandezs.

Avila said Trumps promise to pardon Hernandez factored in his decision, because he remembered life being easier when he was president.

He gave away houses, the basic market basket (of goods) was cheaper, the gasoline, Avila said. We were better off with him, honestly.

Concern about Hondurans in U.S.

Trumps endorsement of Asfura also raised some hopes that it could translate into some protection for Honduran migrants in the U.S. from Trumps deportation machine if he wins.

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Reyna Vega has a lot of relatives in the U.S., many of whom send money back to Honduras to help the family still here. Thank God, none of them have been deported.

She said she would not mind seeing Hernandez return either. I dont think hes going to make the same mistakes he made before, she said. I think hell come with a different mentality.

But it was still unclear if or when that would happen.

With the preliminary results still so close, it could be days before an official winner is declared.

And there was still tension around whether LIBRE would go quietly.

Its candidate, Moncada, was 20 percentage points back as of Monday and most considered her out of contention, but she had not conceded, instead telling her supporters to be ready to fight until all of the votes were counted.

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Late Monday night, her supporters rallied at party headquarters where she told them the election is not lost, accusing the parties of the two leaders of setting a trap.

____

AP journalist Claudio Escalon in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, contributed to this report.

Follow APs coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america
Inside the Witkoff Groups exclusive Shell Bay private members club in South Florida, the delegations from Washington and Kyiv faced each other for tough but very constructive negotiations over lashings of Ukrainian Borsch, a beetroot and cabbage soup which one attendee told me was very rich with meat.

But its serving, along with Holubtsi, traditional meat and cabbage rolls, was seen as a welcome nod to Ukrainian culture  a deft diplomatic gesture as the US tries to coax Ukraine towards compromising on a peace deal with Russia.

A source with direct knowledge of the Florida talks  involving US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner  tells CNN the intensive negotiations were a step forward and built on progress in Geneva, where a first round of discussions on US proposals to end the Russian war in Ukraine were held last week.

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It would be very premature to say we finalized everything here as a lot of things have still to be done, the source told CNN.

But the meeting was very focused and the most problematic aspects of the peace proposals were discussed in detail, the source added, hinting that tentative progress in some areas could be made.

One of the most problematic aspects of the original 28-point US peace proposal was the stipulation for Ukraine to formally renounce its aspiration, enshrined in its constitution, to join NATO  a key Russian demand to end the war and something Ukrainian officials continue to reject.

However, the CNN source now says negotiators have discussed a possible scenario in which Ukraine would effectively be barred from joining the US-led Western military alliance via arrangements that would have to be negotiated directly between NATO member states and Moscow.

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Ukraine will not be pushed to officially, in the legal sense, reject this aspiration, the source told CNN.

But if the United States has something to agree upon with Russia bilaterally, or if Russia wants to receive some assurances from NATO multilaterally, then this is not engaging Ukraine in the decision-making process, the source added.

A final decision on what would be a highly sensitive compromise  likely to be unpopular among NATO states  has not yet been taken and would ultimately be made by the Ukrainian president, the source stressed to CNN.

But it suggests that, as US-Ukraine negotiations proceed, and as Witkoff travels to Moscow for talks at the Kremlin, creative solutions to tiptoe around Kyivs red lines are being explored.

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Another one of those problematic areas is the Kremlin demand, which also found its way into the 28-point US peace proposal, for Ukraine to surrender territory in the Donbas region of Eastern Ukraine that has been annexed, but not yet conquered, by Russia.

The US plan suggested the region, which includes a fortress belt of heavily defended towns and cities seen as crucial to Ukrainian security, become a Russian demilitarized zone, which Moscow would administer but not deploy military forces into.

The source, who has direct knowledge of the negotiations, tells CNN that discussions are also progressing on this issue  one of the most controversial in the negotiations.

The idea to give up the control to Russians, where it would significantly weaken Ukraines defense and make further potential aggression more likely to happen and significantly decrease Ukraines capability, this is out of the scope, the source told CNN.

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But that doesnt mean that there are no potential ways of preserving the constitutional provisions and keeping Ukraines security, the source added.

However, the source refused to discuss what specific options are under discussion, saying the issue is too sensitive.

I really believe that if it becomes public, we may ruin the potential solution, the source told CNN.

There may be another spoiler unmasked in the days ahead too: a Kremlin that has so far refused to curb any of its maximalist demands to subjugate Ukraine before ending the war.

Amid hints of Ukrainian compromises being forged by US negotiators, the next and bigger challenge in Americas shuttle diplomacy may be getting Russia to accept them.

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Monday that he had spoken with the leaders of the UK and France along with Witkoff - ahead of the US envoys meetings in Moscow.

Together with French President @EmmanuelMacron and with the participation of UK Prime Minister @Keir_Starmer, we just spoke with the head of Ukrainian delegation Rustem Umerov and US Presidents Special Envoy Steve Witkoff following the Ukraine-U.S. delegations meeting in Florida, Zelensky said on X Monday.

It was an important briefing, and we agreed to discuss more details in person, he added.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Pensacola Republican Rep. Alex Andrade is seeking to put teeth back into Floridas public records law and require state and local governments to respond quickly to records requests.

Andrade is sponsoring a bill that makes several changes to Floridas public records law, including requiring response within three business days of a request, making it harder for governments to run up high fees to comply with public records requests, and imposing heavier penalties against agencies that willfully delay fulfilling record requests.

I've seen, unfortunately, multiple examples where public officials in Florida have thumbed their nose at the Public Records Act, and they don't act in good faith in complying with requests, Andrade said.

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Andrades bill is backed by the Florida First Amendment Foundation, which began work several years ago to address a "state of crisis in government records in the Sunshine State.

FAF Executive Director Bobby Block told the News Journal that although access to public records is guaranteed by the Florida Constitution, the number of exemptions has grown to more than 1,200, making it as complex as the tax code.

Public records enforcement at a state level from the governor's office down to the lowest-level board is on life support, Block said.

The bill adds provisions that if someone has to sue to force the release of the record, the agencies can't cite exemptions in court that they never brought up during their written responses to the request before the lawsuit.

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A similar bill was sponsored in the Florida Senate last year, but never found a House sponsor.

This year, Andrade has taken up the bill, and Block said he believes there will be a Senate sponsor soon.

The importance of public records was driven home for legislators earlier this year with two major issues involving information being withheld from state lawmakers, Block said. One of those was the controversy with Hope Florida.

Andrade was the head of the House Committee that looked into whether $10 million from a Medicaid settlement was unlawfully sent to a state-backed charity and then transferred to political campaigns opposing recreational marijuana.

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Andrade said he believes the transfers were illegal, and Leon County grand jury was reportedly convened to look into the scandal.

Andrade said he was charged hundreds of dollars for a public records request while investigating Hope Florida as a state legislator.

The bill contains a provision that a public record fee can be waived if it takes less than 10 hours to produce and the request is being made for a public purpose such as nonprofit work, journalism or academic research.

You can charge a fee, but like an agency, should also be able to waive a fee if they know that the request is for a proper public purpose, Andrade said. Like me as a legislator, if I'm asking an agency for records, I shouldn't get hit with a several-hundred-dollar bill and be told that I have to pay X amount to get records from state agencies, and I'm supposed to be overseeing them anyway. Unfortunately, that's what we've seen.

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The other issue that drove the need for public record enforcement is a report earlier this year by the Tampa Bay Times/Miami Herald that said an unpublished 2022 report showed insurance companies claiming they were losing money in Florida were paying out hundreds of millions in dividends and billions to out-of-state affiliated companies, while the Legislature passed bills that made it harder to sue insurance companies.

Block said the state knew companies were hiding losses in Florida, but the administration withheld that information, and the public records request was finally complied with after two years.

Instead of giving breaks to consumers and homeowners, they gave breaks to the insurance companies, Block said.

Block said that without penalties in the public records law, the needed information continues to be withheld from the public.

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Until we put teeth back into the law, its going to get worse, Block said.

This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Rep. Alex Andrade wants to put teeth back in Florida Sunshine law
Staff at K-12 public schools in Massachusetts missed an average 12 days of work during the 2024-25 school year, apart from summer vacation and breaks.

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education released the staff absenteeism data for the first time on Nov. 18, though Commissioner Pedro Martinez noted it was "not popular" with certain stakeholders.

The data showed that staff in the Milford Public Schools missed an average of 2.6 days in 2024-25. Its 98.5% attendance rate was tops in Worcester County.

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"There's a lot of nuance that goes on here, but if you think about a typical 180-day school year, and you have students missing an average 12 days a year, and you have teachers missing an average 12 days a year, for example... In your 180-day school year where students have access to our amazing teachers for high-quality instruction, that number of school days comes down," DESE data chief Rob Curtin said during a board of education meeting on Nov. 18, the day the data was released.

Massachusetts Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez, center, works on a math problem with sixth graders at Worcester's Belmont Street Community School as Worcester Superintendent of Schools VBrian Allen, standing, looks on. Martinez said that in regards to newly released data on staff and teacher attendance, "Let's understand what it is first, and then also understand the impact it might be having on your student achievement."

A slide projected on a screen showed that if a teacher's missed days and a student's missed days did not overlap, it's possible that the student would only have 156 days of instructional time with their teacher.

'Doing a good job': Milford Public Schools moves to address its culturally diverse student body

The report defined an absence as "missing more than half of the workday for time that falls outside of paid vacation time or district-approved professional activities."

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Teachers at Milford Public Schools averaged a miniscule 1.3 days missed (99.3% attendance) last school year, while the district's 50 administrators averaged 16.4 days missed (92.6% attendance).

DESE staff says data has 'more nuance' than student absences

DESE staff emphasized that the data is not meant to place blame on teachers, and has more nuance to it than student absentee data, as teachers and administrators may have different contractual schedules or excused leaves of absence. Still, they said, it's valuable to evaluate "how it's impacting student learning."

The department has been studying student absenteeism for years, and in the most recent academic year students averaged 12 missed school days. Students who miss more than 10 days are considered "chronically absent," but Curtin said the same designation does not apply to teachers and administrators.

MCAS results: Framingham says it made "moderate" progress toward academic goals

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Student absenteeism has skyrocketed since the pandemic, and state education officials are trying to target the issue with a "Your Presence is Powerful" campaign to raise awareness around attendance.

The first-of-its-kind staff absence data released Nov. 18 showed the 160,000 school administrators, teachers, assistants and other staff who worked in Bay State schools last academic year had a 93.4% attendance rate.

Among administrators, it was 94.5% while among teachers it was 93.5%. That number is similar to student absenteeism numbers, at 93.2%.

"We want our districts to really look at this data," Martinez said. "And, by the way, celebrate it if you're seeing you're well below the average, because I see some of those that are close to zero... And then let's understand the stories of when the numbers are above the average. I always tell superintendents, lead with empathy. Let's understand what it is first, and then also understand the impact it might be having on your student achievement."

DESE says it will investigate validity of certain discrepancies

Among the districts with the highest staff attendance rate, Medford and Wellfleet reported 100%, followed by Brewster and Orleans with 99.9% and 99.8% of staff present at work every day.

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On the lower end, Northampton-Smith Vocational Agricultural has a 76.7% staff attendance rate in the data set, followed by Saugus at 82.2% and Lawrence at 83.4%.

Most MetroWest communities were around the state average, with Framingham Public Schools staff posting a 92.8% attendance rate, Marlborough staffers coming in at a 93.3% clip, Natick 93.9% and Franklin at 94.1%.

Curtin and Martinez noted that as DESE makes this reporting an annual routine, they will address questions about whether leave should count towards staff absences, and other discrepancies that could be skewing the data.

"But at the end, what really we want to get down to is we want districts to have ownership of the data and to understand how it's impacting what's happening in their classrooms," Martinez said.

This article originally appeared on The Milford Daily News: Mass. school staff averaged 12 missed days during 2024-25 school year
Well know Wednesday morning if a special election in Tennessee is truly a referendum on country music, pedal taverns and bachelorettes.

Or, we can divine a deeper political meaning from the results of the special election in Tennessees 7th Congressional District.

Democrat Aftyn Behn is trying to tip the scales in favor of her party in a district which President Donald Trump carried by about 20 points and former Rep. Mark Green, R-Tenn., won by a similar percentage last fall.

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Behn faces GOPer Matt Van Epps. Its a Republican district. But political observers are watching the race to gauge potential weakness by Trump, a softness in the Trump coalition, issues with the Republican brand or early indications of a possible blue wave in the 2026 midterms.

Tennessee Democratic Candidate Dodges Questions On Past Support For Defunding Police In Contentious Interview

Republican nominee Matt Van Epps, left, and Democratic nominee Aftyn Behn are facing off in a Dec. 2, 2025, special election for a vacant GOP-held U.S. House seat in Tennessee's 7th Congressional District.

It was Behn who proclaimed that she abhorred Nashville several years ago. "I hate the bachelorettes, I hate the pedal taverns, I hate country music. I hate all the things that make Nashville apparently an it city," complained Behn.

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About all Behn left out in her animus toward Music City was dissing The Grand Ole Opry, hot chicken and Goo Goo Clusters. But if voters go goo goo over Behn Tuesday, Republicans face a cluster of another sort. A Behn victory may signal major problems for Republicans and President Trump heading into the midterms.

Behn is characterized as the "AOC of Tennessee," a reference to progressive Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y. Republicans have been sure to boomerang that against Behn, suggesting shes not in tune with the district, leans too far to the left, and is closer to the liberal values of New York or Los Angeles than Nashville. Republicans believe Behn is just a bad fit for Nashville. Kind of like having Bad Bunny perform at the Ryman Auditorium.

"It shouldnt even be close, but it is," mused Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., on Fox.

So Republicans are pouring in money to protect the seat. Democrats are pouring in money to steal the seat. If Democrats pull off the upset, the party should uproot the goalposts at FirstBank Stadium in downtown Nashville and dump it in the Cumberland River. Kind of what Vanderbilt fans did last year when the Commodores upset No. 1-ranked Alabama.

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First Election Test For Trump's Term Surprisingly Close In Fl, Gop Looks To Increase Razor-thin House Majority

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez listens to the testimony of witnesses during a House hearing with sanctuary city mayors on Capitol Hill in Washington, March 5, 2025.

Lets explore what a Behn win might mean for Republicans. It could indicate that voters are tiring of Trump. Or that the GOP brand is toxic. Or perhaps its the continuation of a trend which Democrats enjoyed this fall: near blowout wins by New Jersey Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill and Virginia Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger.

But theres a downside for Democrats. Yes. They may flip the seat. But a win may also show that the party is tilting more to the left. It would be hard to argue with success if Behn prevails, regardless of her progressive streak. But this may give other liberals ideas that they can win in other red or purple districts. That may work against Democrats  especially since every Republican, except President Trump, has highlighted the left-wing politics of New York Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani.

Democrats probably need to run more centrist candidates in purple areas to regain control of the House. A Behn victory could open the floodgates for a host of progressive candidates in competitive House districts nationwide. Behns message  or that of Ocasio-Cortez or Mamdani  wont work in most places where Democrats need to be successful to seize control of the House.

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But what if Republicans hold the seat and Van Epps wins?

It probably depends by how much.

Trump Ignores Elections As Democrats Stumble On The Way To Likely Victories

Democrats scored victories across the country in November 2025, with centrist and leftist candidates taking crucial positions.

Yes, there were five special elections in 2017  the first year Trump was originally in office  which Democrats made competitive. All were closer than they should have been. But Democrats didnt win any of them. Still, astute political observers suggested there was unpopularity with the president and the GOP agenda. Democrats won 40 seats and gained control of the House in the 2017 midterms.

So, even if Van Epps wins, examine the margin. And if Behn wins, see if Republicans downplay it because it was a special election and the customary electorate just doesnt turn out for special elections. Especially one wedged between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

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If Republicans hold the seat, the GOP will argue this was a repudiation of a leftist like Behn and someone who was out of step. They will also suggest that its a GOP seat and Republicans should win anyway. Thats what happened earlier this year when there was consternation before two Florida special elections. But Florida Republican Reps. Randy Fine and Jimmy Patronis both won in March.

Heres another factor which bears watching: the message the press corps and political observers glean from the election results. After all, special elections are always special. Its natural for analysts and journalists to search for particular meanings or signposts in these contests. Such was the case with the off-year elections in New Jersey, Virginia and New York City. Sometimes these observations are spot-on. Other times, they mean nothing. If anything, there is a tendency to over-illuminate the outcomes of these contests. They are moments in time. Kind of like listening to a few bars of a song. Maybe it tells you a lot about the song. Maybe not.

Setting The Stage: What The 2025 Elections Signal For Next Year's Midterm Showdowns

President Donald Trump speaks to reporters after speaking to troops via video from his Mar-a-Lago estate on Thanksgiving, Nov. 27, 2025, in Palm Beach, Florida.

House Republicans could well freak out if Behn is victorious. Theres lots of grumbling among Republicans. Some are frustrated by how their leadership handled the government shutdown. And others could follow Green and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., and hit the exits early.

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This is a fragile time for House Republicans. Thats one reason why a flip of this seat could mean a little bit more.

Still, its rare to flip seats in House special elections. Former Rep. Don Cazayoux, D-La., won a special election in a red district in Louisiana in 2008 after former Rep. Richard Baker, R-La., resigned. But current Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., then won that seat in the general election and served in the House before moving to the Senate.

Former Rep. Mayra Flores, R-Texas, flipped the seat held by former Rep. Filemon Vela, D-Texas, in 2022. But she lost re-election that fall.

Former Rep. Mike Garcia, R-Calif., won a special election in 2020 after former Rep. Katie Hill, D-Calif., resigned just months into office. Garcia held the seat until Rep. George Whitesides, D-Calif., defeated him a year ago.

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Former Rep. Charles Djou, R-Hawaii, won a special election in Hawaii in 2010 against two Democrats  former Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, D-Hawaii, and Rep. Ed Case, D-Hawaii. But Democrats got the seat back in 2012.

Former Rep. Mary Peltola, D-Alaska, won a special election in 2022 to flip Alaskas at-large district from red to blue following the death of late Rep. Don Young, R-Alaska. Young held the seat for nearly 50 years. But Rep. Nick Begich III, R-Alaska, defeated Peltola last year.

In short, even if someone flips a seat, its rare that they have the seat for long. Often, only through the next regular election.

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So a word of caution as you evaluate the election results on Tuesday night. If Republicans hold the seat, that may be expected. If Democrats flip the seat, some will proclaim its the second coming of the Music City Miracle.

But frankly, its probably not.





Original article source: Reporter's Notebook: Tennessee special election eyed as Trump referendum ahead of midterms
A state senator has become the latest victim of a pipe bomb threat following public dissent of President Donald Trump.

Jean Leising, who has served in the Indiana State Senate since 2008, has acted as a roadblock to GOP redistricting in her home state, often vocalizing her discontent with the measure. Just last week, the 76-year-old offered her opposition once more, saying: I have not caved on the redistricting issue.

She also spoke out against the swatting that like-minded Indiana lawmakers have experienced since they sided with her on the motion. Now, just days later, she too has become a victim.

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Leising, who oversees Indianas 42nd Senate district, has said a pipe bomb threat was directed towards her home in Franklin County on Saturday night. She said the incident is a result of the D.C. political pundits for redistricting.

Leising has served in the Indiana State Senate since 2008. / Indiana State Senate

Thanks to the Oldenburg Town Marshall, the Franklin County Sheriffs Office and the ISP, all is okay! she added in a post on X.

In a statement given to the Daily Beast, Leising added: I believe these threats are a result of the redistricting pressure on Indiana. Threats like these to public officials are unacceptable, and I know law enforcement will do everything they can to bring whoever did this to justice.

This threat will not stop me from serving my community to the best of my ability. As legislators in the Indiana General Assembly, we must do what is right for our constituents.

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Republican Senators Andy Zay, Kyle Walker, Greg Goode, Linda Rogers, and others, have all said theyve received threats over the past month.

Governor Mike Braun has said that Indiana State Police will investigate threats made against lawmakers. Enough is enough, Braun wrote on X last month.

These threats to lawmakers, including those received by me and my family in recent days, need to stop. Indiana State Police and their law-enforcement partners have been working around the clock all week to protect lawmakers and investigate threats. Rest assured  if you threaten or attempt to carry out acts of violence against Indianas elected officials, we WILL bring you to justice.

The problem has gone beyond Brauns state and has spanned party lines. Democratic lawmakers have also been targeted. Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin received a similar bomb threat after she appeared in a video urging military and intelligence officers to refuse illegal orders from the Trump administration. Trump cried sedition, saying this is punishable by death, causing a wave of dissent towards Slotkin et al.

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And after Trump took aim at his former close ally, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, last month, the Georgia Republican was targeted by hoax pizza deliveries and then a pipe bomb threat.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene was also a target. / Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images

Trump called Greene a traitor, a disgrace to the Republican party, and withdrew his endorsement in a series of nasty Truth Social posts. This came after she demanded the full release of the Jeffrey Epstein files and butted heads with her party on healthcare.

After the pizza doxxing, MTG wrote on X to reveal that an even more sinister attack followed.

Update: we also received a pipe bomb threat on my construction companies office building, Greene wrote in a post. President Trumps unwarranted and vicious attacks against me were a dog whistle to dangerous radicals that could lead to serious attacks on me and my family.

It could ultimately lead to a harmful or even deadly outcome, she warned.

Leising has been contacted for comment.
ISLAMABAD, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- A policeman was killed and five others injured after police intercepted a terrorist attack in Pakistan's northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, officials said Monday.

The incident occurred in Lakki Marwat district when police, acting on intelligence, stopped two suspicious motorcyclists at a checkpoint in the Tajori area, the district police office said in a statement.

The attackers, reportedly targeting a public gathering, opened fire before one detonated an explosive device. Head Constable Alaudin Khan was killed, and five policemen were hospitalized with injuries, the statement said.

Police cordoned off the area and launched a search operation.

Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Afridi condemned the attack, saying the police sacrifices "will not go in vain" and affirming that such attacks will not weaken the province's resolve to maintain law and order. 
A statue of civil rights activist Rosa Parks is seen on the grounds of the Alabama State Capitol on Nov. 14, 2025 in Montgomery Alabama. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

This story was originally reported by Ebony JJ Curry of The 19th. Meet Ebony and read more of their reporting on gender, politics and policy.

Seventy years have passed since Rosa Parks refused to surrender her seat on a Montgomery bus, and yet the country still tries to shrink her into that single moment  a tired seamstress whod simply had enough.

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Detroit, the city where she chose to continue her life, insists on remembering her differently. Not as an icon frozen in time, but as a Black woman whose lifelong organizing stretched from sexual violence cases in rural Alabama to open housing fights on Detroits west side.

That fuller story  truth beyond the myth  is exactly what the Rosa Parks Scholarship Foundation has fought to tell for 45 years.

The Rosa Parks Scholarship Foundation (RPSF) has awarded more than $3 million in scholarships to more than 2,250 high school seniors since its founding by The Detroit News and the Detroit Public Schools (DPS) in 1980.

Most people actually dont know the story of Rosa Parks, said Dr. Danielle McGuire, RPSF board member, historian and author of At the Dark End of the Street, whose research permanently shifted how historians write about Parks and the civil rights movement. Shes so much more interesting, so much more radical, and so much more involved in all kinds of things that we forget about. We keep her stuck on the bus in Montgomery in 1955.

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According to Kim Trent, a Detroit civic leader and former board president, the foundation, created through a racial discrimination lawsuit settlement involving Strohs Brewing Company, became one of the rare instances where federal accountability for racism produced long-term investment in Black futures.

Most people actually don't know the story of Rosa Parks.  Dr. Danielle McGuire

A judge, DPS and The Detroit News agreed the money should honor Parks  who was living in Detroit and working for Rep. John Conyers at the time  by funding scholarships for Michigan students devoted to service and social change.

It is a statewide program, reaching students from Detroit to Grand Rapids to rural school districts where scholarship dollars often determine whether higher education is possible at all.

That framing makes her legacy active, not ceremonial.

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As part of her family, I feel grateful to be able to work together with my fellow board members to keep fighting for more opportunities to continue to provide scholarships, said Erica Thedford, Parks great-niece and a foundation trustee. I think Auntie Rosa would be extremely proud of what the Foundation has been able to achieve.

The numbers tell one story  more than 1,000 scholars, millions awarded, forty $2,500 scholarships each year  and the essays tell another. Applicants must identify a modern social issue and explain how they would confront it using principles Parks embodied: discipline, non-negotiable dignity, community before self.

Reading the essays of the students who apply is a great reminder that each person doing one act, no matter how small, creates a stronger network of love and kindness, Thedford said. Some of these students come from extreme hardship and still find the time and resources to volunteer at food banks, shelters Some even take it upon themselves to be the organizer of ways to help the less fortunate at their schools.

The award is one-time, not renewable, yet its impact stretches across decades.

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Once you become a Rosa Parks Scholarship Foundation recipient, you are a Rosa Parks Scholar for life, Thedford said. These students are now part of a network of people who root for each other, and that kind of support system is important.

Trent knows that firsthand: She was a Parks Scholar herself when she graduated from Cass Tech High School.

I received the scholarship in 1987, she said. Ironically, not only did I get it, but my best friend also received the same scholarship. And then her son got the scholarship like 30 years later.

Trent said the scholarships origin mirrors Parks life  created in response to injustice and sustained through community action.

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Its one of those rare occasions where something beautiful grew out of an instance of racism and oppression, Trent said.

Over the years, some Parks Scholars attended community college. Others enrolled at flagship universities. All had to articulate how their education would serve a community beyond themselves.

Some, like Emmy-winning actor Courtney B. Vance, whos from Highland Park, Michigan, went on to shape national culture. Others are now attorneys, educators and nonprofit leaders across the state.

What gets lost in what she did is the reason she did it, Trent added. It wasnt just so she could sit on a bus. It was because she was trying to open up opportunity for people who had been denied opportunity.

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That is the heartbeat of the foundations lineage.

Parks was not simply resisting segregation. She was rejecting the entire machinery that kept Black women from safety, education and economic autonomy.

McGuires research highlights how Rosa Parks was investigating sexual violence cases long before #MeToo, defending Black girls like Recy Taylor, whose voices were dismissed in courtrooms and newspapers. She worked alongside the NAACP on equity cases. When she left Alabama under threat of death and moved to Detroit, she became the neighbor who knew everyones children, the church member who attended every meeting, the woman who collected information and names and needs.

She was the person in the neighborhood who knew all the kids, who worked in almost every community organization you can imagine, to make life better for her people, McGuire said. The scholarship foundation is an example of that  just one of many.

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Every year, nearly 400 applicants encounter that fuller history  the Parks who fought for open housing in Detroit, who believed in Black self-determination, who, as McGuire notes, never stopped fighting for equality and justice for people who didnt have a voice that was being heard.

That is not accidental. It is by design.

We ask our applicants to become familiar with Rosa Parks and the tactics and strategies she used to make changes in her community and how they will do the same, McGuire said. I think it gives them hope. It links them to a tradition and a history of hope and change.

This anniversary of Parks arrest arrives as school boards strip Black history from K-12 classrooms and as scholarship programs for marginalized students come under attack. Thedford sees the foundations work as a refusal.

No matter how hard people try to cancel the past, the past is very much alive.  Dr. Danielle McGuire

During this time, when we are hearing of funding being pulled from schools and programs that are needed to serve our youth, the Foundation is able to continue its provision of funds, she said.

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McGuire is blunt about what that represents:

No matter how hard people try to cancel the past, the past is very much alive, she said. Rosa Parks history gives us so much honesty about America and studying her is paramount to getting through any difficult time.

Seventy years later, the lesson remains unchanged: Rosa Parks did not fight for a place to sit, she fought for the generations who would rise. Today, those students are still applying, still studying her strategies, still refusing to yield.
Ukraine's interceptor drones are countering Russia's new jet-powered Geran-3 attack drones.

Russia has deployed 138 Geran-3 drones, which are faster and more advanced than Geran-2 models.

Ukrainian developers are rapidly adapting drone technology to meet evolving Russian drone threats.

Russia's new high-speed attack drones are increasingly appearing on the battlefield, but Ukrainians said they've already destroyed some with cheap interceptors.

Serhii Sternenko, the leader of a volunteer organization specializing in donating drones to Ukrainian units, said on Sunday that the Sting  a locally built interceptor drone  successfully destroyed several jet-powered attack drones.

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"A bit of a historic achievement," wrote Sternenko in his Telegram channel. He published a photo that shows the back of a jet-powered Geran-3 in the sky, indicating that the footage was captured by an aircraft fast enough to catch the Russian drone.

The announcement is another sign of how Ukraine is finding ways to fight the growing threat of jet-powered strikes, amid concerns that Russia's new drones are too fast to be reliably destroyed through inexpensive means.

On Sunday, Ukraine's General Staff said in a description of a monthly briefing for officials that Russia had already deployed 138 of the new uncrewed aerial systems.

A day later, the Wild Hornets posted a video of the same interception mentioned by Sternenko. The clip appears to be shot from a first-person view drone's camera as it approached the jet-powered drone from its rear.

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A representative for the company told Business Insider it could not share further information about the interception or modifications to the drone.

Exclusive: two jet-powered Shaheds taken down by interceptor STING drones. https://t.co/5NZVmFo65q pic.twitter.com/WYylk1lUbU  Wild Hornets (@wilendhornets) December 1, 2025

This turbojet drone is the Geran-3, Russia's domestic version of the Iranian Shahed-238 long-range loitering munition. With an estimated top speed of 230 mph, the Geran-3 flies much more swiftly than its propeller-driven predecessor, which the Kremlin has been using to hammer Ukraine in large waves over the past year.

The Geran-2, modeled after the Shahed-136, flies at around 115 mph and is now the foundation of Moscow's bombardment strategy.

Russia regularly accumulates these mass-produced drones to send in large waves over the border, pairing them with hundreds of decoys to overwhelm Ukrainian air defenses. Kyiv officials have said Geran-2s can cost as little as $20,000 each.

A challenge for new interceptors

In response, Ukrainians are developing interceptor drones, or small first-person-view drones modified to fly at high speeds, as a low-cost way of countering the Geran-2. Each one typically costs between $2,000 and $6,000, and they're now considered a crucial part of Ukraine's air defense system, working in tandem with machine gun crews and a range of other interceptors.

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The Sting, the interceptor mentioned by Sternenko, is one such drone that is frequently deployed. It was developed by the Ukrainian company Wild Hornets to fly at roughly 215 mph with four rotors.

Ukraine has seen limited use of interceptor drones to down the Shahed, but has in recent months been driving hard at development to counter Russia's growing drone waves. Wild Hornets/Telegram

Sporadic appearances of the Geran-3 over the last year, however, sparked fears that these interceptor drones would be too slow to catch waves of jet-powered Shaheds.

If that becomes the case, the war would resurface Ukraine's key struggle in defending against such large-scale air attacks: cost. The country is already strapped for resources and cannot afford to use traditional expensive missiles to take down cheap Russian drones.

The General Staff's latest briefing said Ukraine had destroyed most of the 138 Geran-3s used by Russia lately, but it's unclear through what means.

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Senior Ukrainian officials told Business Insider's Jake Epstein last month that Russia is experimenting with the Geran-3 to test and probe Ukraine's defenses.

But they also said that Moscow has deployed the new drones in limited numbers. That would indicate that Russia has yet to move into mass production on the scale it has reached with the Geran-2.

The Geran-3 is significantly more advanced than the Geran-2, of which Russia produces thousands each month, with newer features such as a satellite navigation system that enhances resistance to electronic warfare.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian drone developers previously told Business Insider that they've been preparing for the possibility of the Geran-3 taking over the skies.

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The deputy head of Ukraine's presidential office, Pavlo Palisa, said in September that Kyiv had already developed drones "capable of fighting the Shaheds with jet engines." However, he did not disclose details about these new interceptors.

December 1, 2025: This story was updated to reflect a response from the Wild Hornets and to include new video footage from social media.

Read the original article on Business Insider
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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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.
Two former heads of all UK Special Forces suppressed evidence of possible SAS war crimes, a former high-ranking officer has told a public inquiry in closed evidence sessions.

The officer, who was among the most senior in special forces, said he had passed what he called "explosive" evidence suggesting "criminal behaviour" to the then-director special forces in 2011.

He also told the inquiry that the subsequent director special forces, who took over in 2012, "clearly knew there was a problem in Afghanistan" and failed to act.

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The claims come from testimony published on Monday by the Independent Inquiry relating to Afghanistan, which is examining allegations the SAS murdered detainees and unarmed civilians, including children, during operations.

The officer giving evidence is known at the inquiry by the cipher N1466. His testimony is significant because he is highest-ranking former special forces officer to allege that evidence of war crimes was suppressed by those leading the SAS.

It was "not just one director that has known about this", N1466 said in his evidence, adding that UK Special Forces leadership was "very much suppressing" the allegations.

He confirmed to the inquiry that neither of the two former heads of special forces had passed any of the troubling allegations on to the Royal Military Police (RMP), despite British law requiring commanders to inform the RMP of any possibility someone under their command may have committed a serious criminal offence.

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The inquiry's reporting restrictions mean the former directors accused by the officer cannot be named.

The Afghan inquiry was launched in the wake of allegations of unlawful killings by the SAS, reported by BBC Panorama in 2022.

The programme revealed that 54 detainees and unarmed men had been killed by the SAS in suspicious circumstances in just one six-month tour.

The programme also found evidence that the director special forces in 2012, General Sir Mark Carleton-Smith, had failed to report war crimes.

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At the outset of the inquiry, both Gen Carleton-Smith and Lt Gen Jonathan Page, the preceding director special forces, were named in proceedings in relation to claims they had failed to inform the RMP of the allegations.

'Criminal behaviour'

N1466 told the inquiry he had first become concerned back in February 2011, after noticing that SAS reports coming back from Afghanistan showed the regiment was killing people in suspicious circumstances and in unusually high numbers, with too few enemy weapons recovered from some operations to justify the number of deaths.

N1466 said his suspicions began with a night raid on which nine Afghan men were killed and just three weapons were claimed to have been discovered. BBC Panorama visited the scene of that raid years later, in 2022, and found bullet holes inside the room where the men died clustered close to the ground.

Weapons experts told the Panorama that the pattern suggested the victims had been shot while they were lying down, and that the firefight described by the SAS in their report was unlikely. The family said they were civilians, and had no weapons at their home.

BBC Panorama visited the scene of a raid in 2022 [BBC]

N1466 also told the inquiry he had been made aware of whistleblower testimony that SAS troopers had been heard bragging during a training course about killing all "fighting-age" males during operations, regardless of whether they posed a threat or not.

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Together with the operational reports, N1466 was left "deeply troubled by what I strongly suspected was the unlawful killing of innocent people, including children," he testified.

"I will be clear, we are talking about war crimes," he said.

In response, in April 2011, N1466 commissioned a review from another officer at special forces headquarters of recent SAS operations. The results looked "startlingly bad" for the SAS, he told the inquiry.

The review formed part of the evidence he presented to the then-director special forces in 2011. He said he "indicated quite clearly to him" that "there was a strong potential of criminal behaviour."

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N1466 testified that the director "absolutely knew what was happening" in Afghanistan with regard to the alleged war crimes, and "absolutely knew what his responsibilities were" when it came to reporting the allegations to military police.

The director did not contact police, but instead ordered an internal review of the SAS squadron's tactics  a move N1466 described as a "warning shot" to the squadron to tone down the violence.

The director had made "a conscious decision that he is going to suppress this, cover it up and do a little fake exercise to make it look like he's done something," N1466 said.

The subsequent "tactics, techniques and procedures" review was conducted by an SAS officer, who visited Afghanistan but spoke only to other members of the Regiment. The resulting report fully accepted the accounts of those suspected of carrying out the unlawful killings.

Habibullah previously told BBC Panorama his two young sons were killed in a raid in 2011 [BBC]

Bruce Houlder KC, who as a former director of service prosecutions was responsible for bringing charges and prosecuting those serving in the armed forces, told the BBC that the law "imposed a very clear duty" on commanding officers to report suspected crimes, "including murder, which we are talking about here".

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"If this came to my knowledge I would have asked the service police to investigate the DSF for that failure to report in 2011," he said.

N1466 eventually reported the evidence directly to the Royal Military Police in January 2015, nearly four years after he had first raised his concerns and only after the RMP had begun Operation Northmoor, an investigation into the SAS.

He told the inquiry it was "a matter of great regret" that he had not gone sooner to the RMP, nor urged the director to refer the evidence to the RMP  a move which he said he viewed at the time as stepping out of line.

"When you look back on it, on those people who died unnecessarily from that point onwards  there were two toddlers shot in their bed next to their parents, you know  all that would not... necessarily have come to pass," he said.

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He was referring to an SAS raid in Nimruz province in August 2012 which was first uncovered by the BBC, on which two young parents were fatally shot while in bed with their infant sons, who were also shot and gravely wounded.

The raid, which occurred after the new director special forces had taken over, was never reported to the military police.

The director who took over in 2012 told the BBC that the allegations made by N1466 were refuted and that he would provide a comprehensive response to each of these matters in his evidence to the inquiry in due course.

He said that none of his senior commanders expressed any concerns or produced any evidence of unlawful killings at any stage of his three years in charge and that there was no allegation or evidence he was aware of to refer to the RMP.

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The former officer who was director special forces in 2011 did not respond to a request for comment.

Tessa Gregory of law firm Leigh Day, who represents the Afghan families at the inquiry, said they were "grateful to this officer for giving such candid testimony".

"They are extremely concerned to hear that many of the soldiers who were on the ground during the operations are currently refusing to give evidence to the inquiry by relying on the right to privilege against self-incrimination," she said in a statement.

"They hope that others will follow this officer's lead so that they can find out the truth of what happened to their relatives."

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Col Richard Williams, commanding officer of the SAS between 2005 and 2008, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that N1466's evidence was "the critical opinion of one" and "gives a rather unbalanced picture" and should be seen alongside that of those "commanding the troops on the ground".

He added: "I think for all observers - critics, those concerned, reporters, the general public - would prefer to have a more balanced position shared, don't you?"

Former veterans' minister Johnny Mercer told the same programme he believed the release of N1466's evidence "fit[s] a certain narrative" of soldiers behaving badly, and urged caution against "reading only one side".

Mercer, also a former British Army officer, said: "I think people do support it [the inquiry] because actually the military isn't full of people who want to go out and break the law and murder civilians and children, and actually the vast majority, and certainly everyone I engaged with, demonstrated the best of the qualities that we know the UK Armed Forces is for."

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A spokesperson for the inquiry said it was "investigating the deliberate execution of Afghan males, it's not about split second decisions taken in combat."

The inquiry was "legally required to publish what evidence we can, when we can," the spokesperson added.

Do you have information about this story that you want to share?

Get in touch using SecureDrop, a highly anonymous and secure way of whistleblowing to the BBC which uses the TOR network.

Or by using the Signal messaging app, an end-to-end encrypted message service designed to protect your data.

SecureDrop: http://kt2bqe753wj6dgarak2ryj4d6a5tccrivbvod5ab3uxhug5fi624vsqd.onion/

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WhatsApp / Signal: 0044 7815 653 458

Please note that the SecureDrop link will only work in a Tor browser. For information on keeping secure and anonymous, here's some advice on how to use SecureDrop.
The Boston Police Department is seeking the publics help in searching for a missing 14-year-old from Dorchester.

Malani Pina was reported missing on Saturday from the area of 104 Bowdoin Avenue in Dorchester. Pina was last seen around 9 a.m., leaving her residence. She was then seen in the area of Dudley Square Bus Station, where she may have boarded MBTA Bus Route 66.

Pina is described as a Black female, about 52 tall, weighing approximately 150 pounds, with long, red hair.

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She was last seen wearing black clothing and a black backpack.

Pina is known to frequent the areas of Harambee Park and the Ripley Road Playground.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Malani Pina is urged to contact 911 or Detectives at (617) 343-4335.

Those who wish to do so anonymously can also do so via phone at 1-800-494-TIPS (8477), by texting the word TIP to CRIME (27463), or through the Boston Police CrimeStoppers website.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
Shortly after she was sworn in, I invited Secretary of Education Linda McMahon to my office.

I looked her dead in the eye and asked, Now, I just want to be clear, do you think you can shut down the Department of Education?

She looked straight back at me and said, No, I dont have the legal authority to do that.

But here we are.

President Donald Trump and Education Secretary Linda McMahon after signing an executive order at the White House on March 20, 2025, to shut down the Department of Education.

Its official: Donald Trump and Secretary McMahon are dismantling the Department of Education one piece at a time. This is, in Secretary McMahons words, the departments final mission.

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The assault on the department has come in several directions. On Nov. 18, Secretary McMahon announced that she was transferring major functions of the department to four other federal agencies. This means that programs are being moved into other agencies that have no relevant expertise to be managed by people who know nothing about the issues.

Secretary McMahon: The shutdown proved just how little the Department of Education will be missed | Opinion

No part of public education will remain untouched

Education Secretary Linda McMahon testifies in front of a congressional committee in May 2025.

Heres just one example of how this will work: Under this new arrangement, the Department of Labor will be in charge of supporting K-12 literacy, American history and civics, and Title I funding. Drink that in: Labor Department employees will decide which reading readiness programs to support for kindergartners.

In fact, no part of public education will remain untouched by this move. Title I provides the biggest federal fund for K-12 schools and is used to help pay for good teachers and new textbooks all across America. School administrators are concerned that these changes may result in bigger class sizes, fewer afterschool and tutoring programs, and not enough workbooks for our kids because federal funding isnt coming through.

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Opinion: Trump dumps DOE and expects me to teach for Labor Department

Theres more: Secretary McMahon has been trying to slash the section of the Department of Education that assists students with disabilities and their families. If shes successful, this could sharply limit access to speech therapy, individual aides and special equipment that are all essential for these children to participate fully in a classroom education.

Secretary McMahon has also fired half the staff at the Department of Education. For the 6 million students taking out loans for college each year and the 43 million wrestling with their outstanding loans, cuts at the Department of Education's student loan division will hit hard. The secretary of Education seems determined to sideline the cop on the beat to stop the scammers who prey on these students.

A U.S. Department of Education worker acknowledges a crowd of supporters after leaving the Department of Education building on March 28, 2025. President Trump signed an executive order attempting to eliminate the U.S. Education Department on March 20, 2025. Congress would ultimately need to approve a closure of the Education Department, but Trump's workforce reduction will shrink it. A U.S. Department of Education worker is comforted after leaving the Department of Education building during a clap-out event on March 28, 2025. President Trump signed an executive order attempting to eliminate the U.S. Education Department on March 20, 2025. Congress would ultimately need to approve a closure of the Education Department, but Trump's workforce reduction will shrink it. Department of Education workers leave the Department of Education building after clearing out their desks on March 28, 2025. President Trump signed an executive order attempting to eliminate the U.S. Education Department on March 20, 2025. Congress would ultimately need to approve a closure of the Education Department, but Trump's workforce reduction will shrink it. Supporters of Department of Education workers participate in a clap-out event in front of the U.S. Department of Education building as employees pack up their belongings and leave the building on March 28, 2025. President Trump signed an executive order attempting to eliminate the U.S. Education Department on March 20, 2025. Congress would ultimately need to approve a closure of the Education Department, but Trump's workforce reduction will shrink it. U.S. Department of Education workers hug each other before entering the Department of Education building as supporters cheer during a clap-out event on March 28, 2025. President Trump signed an executive order attempting to eliminate the U.S. Education Department on March 20, 2025. Congress would ultimately need to approve a closure of the Education Department, but Trump's workforce reduction will shrink it. Rachel Fishman Feser of Alexandria and her son Sam, 8, join other supporters of Department of Education workers in a clap-out event in front of the U.S. Department of Education building as employees pack up their belongings and leave the building on March 28, 2025. President Trump signed an executive order attempting to eliminate the U.S. Education Department on March 20, 2025. Congress would ultimately need to approve a closure of the Education Department, but Trump's workforce reduction will shrink it. A U.S. Department of Education worker acknowledges a crowd of supporters after leaving the Department of Education building on March 28, 2025. President Trump signed an executive order attempting to eliminate the U.S. Education Department on March 20, 2025. Congress would ultimately need to approve a closure of the Education Department, but Trump's workforce reduction will shrink it. Dorie Holt, right, joins other supporters of Department of Education workers in a clap-out event in front of the U.S. Department of Education building as employees pack up their belongings and leave the building on March 28, 2025. President Trump signed an executive order attempting to eliminate the U.S. Education Department on March 20, 2025. Congress would ultimately need to approve a closure of the Education Department, but Trump's workforce reduction will shrink it. U.S. Department of Education workers acknowledge a crowd of supporters before entering the Department of Education building to clear out their desks on March 28, 2025. President Trump signed an executive order attempting to eliminate the U.S. Education Department on March 20, 2025. Congress would ultimately need to approve a closure of the Education Department, but Trump's workforce reduction will shrink it. A U.S. Department of Education worker leaves the Department of Education building with a box of belongings on March 28, 2025. President Trump signed an executive order attempting to eliminate the U.S. Education Department on March 20, 2025. Congress would ultimately need to approve a closure of the Education Department, but Trump's workforce reduction will shrink it. A U.S. Department of Education worker acknowledges a crowd of supporters after leaving the Department of Education building on March 28, 2025. President Trump signed an executive order attempting to eliminate the U.S. Education Department on March 20, 2025. Congress would ultimately need to approve a closure of the Education Department, but Trump's workforce reduction will shrink it. A U.S. Department of Education worker walks towards a crowd of supporters after leaving the agency on March 28, 2025. A U.S. Department of Education worker is comforted after leaving the Department of Education building during a clap-out event on March 28, 2025. President Trump signed an executive order attempting to eliminate the U.S. Education Department on March 20, 2025. Congress would ultimately need to approve a closure of the Education Department, but Trump's workforce reduction will shrink it. Former Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona speaks to supporters of education workers during a clap-out event in front of the U.S. Department of Education building in Washington D.C. on March 28, 2025. President Trump signed an executive order attempting to eliminate the U.S. Education Department on March 20, 2025. Congress would ultimately need to approve a closure of the Education Department, but Trump's workforce reduction will shrink it. Sam Feser, 8, claps and Rose Jamison, 8, makes signs as they participate in a clap-out event in front of the U.S. Department of Education building as department employees pack up their belongings and leave the building on March 28, 2025. President Trump signed an executive order attempting to eliminate the U.S. Education Department on March 20, 2025. Congress would ultimately need to approve a closure of the Education Department, but Trump's workforce reduction will shrink it. After Trump layoffs, Education Department workers pack up offices 1 of 15 A U.S. Department of Education worker acknowledges a crowd of supporters after leaving the Department of Education building on March 28, 2025. President Trump signed an executive order attempting to eliminate the U.S. Education Department on March 20, 2025. Congress would ultimately need to approve a closure of the Education Department, but Trump's workforce reduction will shrink it.

Both families and schools will suffer. Because of the changes the secretary has made, schools will no longer be able to turn to the Department of Education when they face problems. Instead, they will now have to navigate four federal agencies and new staff and systems.

Trump and McMahon want to destroy Education Department from within

Agencies that have no experience will be in charge, risking mistakes, confusion and delays in funding. For all the Trump administrations talk about government efficiency, this is the opposite. This is no accident.

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While Donald Trump and Secretary McMahon claim to care about efficiency, the real goal has been clear all along: They want to destroy the Department of Education from within. They want to make the department so dysfunctional that people will want to get rid of it.

Because heres the thing: If they can create a system so complicated that it doesnt work and if they hollow out the Department of Education just enough, there will be nothing left to abolish.

Opinion: McMahon's education plan breaks the law and denies students' rights

This isnt a fight over a national curriculum or putting education back into the hands of states. Federal law already guarantees that states  not the federal government  will decide what gets taught. Instead, this assault on public education is exactly that  an effort to undermine public schools all across America.

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I was a special education teacher. I know how much families rely on the Department of Education to ensure that their kids get the resources they need. To me, whats at stake in this fight is more than the future of a federal agency. Its about whether our country is truly committed to the idea of public education: the idea that anyone, no matter where they are born or how much money their parents have, can get a first-class education.

Opinion alerts: Get columns from your favorite columnists + expert analysis on top issues, delivered straight to your device through the USA TODAY app. Don't have the app? Download it for free from your app store.

Public education is a foundational block in our democracy, both for informed citizens and to give everyone a chance to build lifelong skills. And thats what the Trump administration is trying to dismantle by closing down the Department of Education, an agency dedicated to building opportunities for kids all across the country.

Public service is exactly that  serving the public. When a secretary of Education is actively dismantling our public education system, its time to reconsider her role in government. When the secretary is working to make class sizes bigger, take away aides for kids with special needs, leave college students at the mercy of financial predators, and make the whole department nonfunctional, its time for new leadership.

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Linda McMahon has no business leading the Department of Education. She should resign.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Massachusetts, speaks at a Senate committee hearing in Washington, DC, on April 8, 2025.

Elizabeth Warren is the senior United States senator from the state of Massachusetts.

You can read diverse opinions from our USA TODAY columnists and other writers on the Opinion front page, on X, formerly Twitter, @usatodayopinion and in our Opinion newsletter.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Warren: Trump, McMahon will destroy public education | Opinion
(The Center Square)  U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Arizona, spent the weekend saying he will not be silenced by the Trump administration.

During televised segments Sunday on CNN and NBC, Kelly dismissed criticisms and actions by President Donald Trump and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.

Im not going to be bullied, Kelly said on NBCs Meet the Press." Especially by Donald Trump and Pete Hegseth.

At issue is a recent video featuring Kelly and five other lawmakers, all of whom are Democrats and are advising military service members to refuse illegal orders. Five of the six lawmakers are former military service members. The sixth is U.S. Sen. Elise Slotkin, D-Michigan, who was a CIA analyst.

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Since the video was posted on social media, Hegseth and Trump have criticized the lawmakers. Trump went so far as to say on Truth Social that each one of these traitors to our Country should be ARRESTED AND PUT ON TRIAL. In another post, Trump called the video SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH! Hegseth, in a post on X, said Kelly, as a retired Navy combat pilot, could face repercussions and reposted a Department of War statement saying Kelly could be recalled for active duty to face a possible court-martial or administrative measure.

Besides Kelly and Slotkin, the video features U.S. Reps. Chris Deluzio, D-Pennsylvania; Maggie Goodlander, D-New Hampshire; Chrissy Houlahan, D-Pennsylvania, and Jason Crow, D-Colorado.

Hegseth was not pleased and said as much in a post on X.

Five of the six individuals in that video do not fall under jurisdiction (one is CIA and four are former military but not retired, so they are no longer subject to UCMJ), said Hegseth, referring to the Uniform Code of Military Justice. However, Mark Kelly (retired Navy Commander) is still subject to UCMJ  and he knows that.

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In the video, Kelly, who retired with the rank of captain, said he wanted to speak directly to members of the military." He accused the Trump administration of pitting uniformed military and intelligence community professionals against American citizens.

Like us, you swore an oath, the former astronaut said. Our laws are clear. You can refuse illegal orders.

Kelly said in the video that he understands it is a difficult time to be a public servant," but added that their vigilance is critical.

During the Sunday television programs, Kelly said on CNN that their message in the video was simple and non-controversial. As for the remarks from Trump and Hegseth, Kelly called them ridiculous.

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This is an attempt to silence me, to get me to not hold this administration accountable, Kelly told Dana Bash, host of CNNs State of the Union."

Kelly then doubled down, adding that we have a president who does not understand the Constitution. He also called Hegseth unqualified for his position.

I cannot think of a secretary of defense in the history of our country that is less qualified than Pete Hegseth, Kelly said on State of the Union." He should not be in this position. He should have been fired after Signalgate.

"Signalgate" refers to a March 2025 security breach wherein a reporter was mistakenly included in a group chat that involved national security officials discussing sensitive information about military plans.

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Kelly made similar comments to Kristen Welker on NBCs Meet the Press."

Ill follow the law, but Im not going to be intimidated, said Kelly.

The Center Square reached out to Kelly's office Monday, but did not hear back from the senator or his staff.

Trump and Hegseth are not the only ones upset over the video. As reported by The Center Square, more than a dozen current and former legislators from Arizona, all of whom are Republicans, complained about the video in a November letter to Kelly.

The decision to use military service members as political props in a video implying that the Commander-in-Chief may issue illegal orders crosses a line that should have never been approached, wrote the legislators. Your participation in this effort has understandably alarmed veterans, military families, and elected leaders who value the integrity and stability of our armed forces.

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While the legislators acknowledge that "service members are duty-bound to refuse a truly unlawful order, something they say service members know from their first day of training, the lawmakers point out that this does not require a partisan campaign video, or fearmongering, or political operatives implying that the Commander-in-Chief is poised to commit crimes.

The legislators added that by leaving unlawful orders vague and unrefined, the video aims to plant suspicion before such an order is given.

The unmistakable implication is that President Donald J. Trump is preparing to issue illegal commands, wrote the legislators. That insinuation is false. Worse, it encourages doubt in the chain of command itself  a foundational threat to military discipline and national readiness.

Arizona state Sen. Kevin Payne is one of the signers.

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Im a veteran, and I didnt appreciate it, Payne, who served in the Navy, told The Center Square in November. I think that was uncalled for.

Payne said he was enraged when he saw the video. Hes trying to get military service members to disobey and not follow orders."

Arizona state Rep. Nick Kupper also signed the letter. Kupper stood by his actions in November and did not back down when contacted Monday by The Center Square.

Kupper, a retired Air Force master sergeant, said he called Kelly's office on Jan. 19, 2022 when he was on active duty and expressed concerns that his commander was unlawfully ordering him to take an Emergency Use Authorization COVID shot, rather than the fully approved one Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin ordered service members to take. Kupper said he was told to simply take the EUA COVID shot.

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In my lawsuit, Coker v. Austin, the DoD admitted that they did not order any fully approved COVID shots until May 2022 and did not have them on hand until June 2022," Kupper told The Center Square.

As a result, Kupper said, he has no faith that Sen. Kelly seriously believes, or can prove, any unlawful orders have been issued by President Trump or SECWAR Hegseth.

Kupper said he viewed Kellys remarks as grandstanding. I truly believe this is just political theater at which so many of my colleagues excel."
A raid by federal immigration authorities on Saturday in New York City was thwarted by about 200 protesters, several of whom were arrested after scuffles with police officers.

The episode was the latest in which citizen activists have stood up to agents enforcing Donald Trumps aggressive immigration agenda through targeted raids in various cities across the country after his second presidency began in January.

Similar recent actions by federal authorities elsewhere, including in Charlotte and Chicago, have been met with resistance by citizens opposed to the administrations escalating program of detentions and deportations.

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According to the New York Times, Saturdays confrontation took place on the edge of Manhattans Chinatown neighborhood, where US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents were assembling with counterparts from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The newspaper reported that scuffles with police took place at a parking garage in lower Manhattan beginning in the late morning, with some protesters blocking the government vehicles from leaving with makeshift barricades including garbage bags and metal barriers.

By early afternoon, the Times said, about 200 protesters had gathered, chanting and shouting at the agents, and the confrontation turned violent when some of the vehicles emerged from the garage and were chased along Canal Street. A number of the protesters were hurling planters and trash cans after them, the newspaper said, and a masked occupant in one of the vehicles sprayed several people with what appeared to be a chemical irritant.

Time magazine reported government agents abandoned their raid, which would have been their second large-scale operation in six weeks in lower Manhattan. In October, dozens of federal agents swarmed through Chinatown and arrested nine people DHS said were in the US illegally. That raid attracted another spontaneous protest by residents and sparked criticism by leading New York Democrats, including Zohran Mamdani, who was elected mayor of the city in November.

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A spokesperson for Mamdani, who will take office on 1 January, condemned Saturdays federal action as cruel and inhumane in a statement to Time.

New York Citys more than three 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 de-escalation rather than use of unnecessary force, said Monica Klein, of Mamdanis transition team.

A statement sent to Time by DHS blamed the violence on the protesters and said arrests were made by the New York police department (NYPD) assisting with crowd control.

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, it said.

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NYPD was called and responded to hundreds of violent rioters, which resulted in the arrest of multiple agitators.

The involvement of the NYPD and its strategic response group (SRG) in Saturdays action drew criticism from local politicians, who noted it was barred by city law from assisting the federal government in immigration arrests.

Its really despicable, Christopher Marte, a Democratic city council member, told the New York Times.

It seems like the NYPD, specifically the SRG, is working to clear the way for ICE agents to go out in our city to do arrests and put people in the process of deportation.

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Mamdani announced after his election that he would retain Jessica Tisch as NYPD commissioner a year after she was appointed by outgoing mayor Eric Adams.

The Times said Tisch had a phone conversation Saturday with Ricky Patel, the special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations, the law enforcement arm of DHS. During the call, a source said, Tisch called Saturdays government action unacceptable and said it put New Yorkers, federal agents and NYPD officers in harms way.

 This article was amended on 2 December 2025. An earlier version incorrectly identified Jessica Tisch as Jennifer, and described Christopher Marte as city commissioner.
A botched Soyuz launch has dealt significant damage to Russias Baikonur Cosmodrome spaceport in Kazakhstan, leaving the nation without the ability to launch astronauts to the International Space Station until repairs are completed.

The November 27 launch saw the Soyuz MS-28 crew and spacecraft successfully travel to the aging orbital outpost. However, as NASASpaceflight reports, drone footage shows the platforms mobile maintenance cabin lying upside down inside the flame trench, an enormous concrete-lined ditch to redirect the rockets flames, suggesting it slid off the platform and plummeted down to its demise.

Russias space agency, Roscosmos, later confirmed damage to a number of elements of the launchpad, in a statement.

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An assessment of the state of the launch complex is being conducted now, the statement reads. All the necessary reserve elements are there to restore it and the damage will be eliminated very soon.

Probably clearest views so far of the collapsed service platform at Site 31 in Baikonur: pic.twitter.com/qL5irlhFPe  Anatoly Zak (@RussianSpaceWeb) November 28, 2025

Its a significant development, considering that only Russias Soyuz and SpaceXs Dragon spacecraft are currently able to deliver astronauts to the space station  a major setback that could force NASA to adjust its plans, since it still sometimes contracts Russia to transport its astronauts to the ISS.

As NASASpaceflight points out, the Baikonur Cosmodrome is Russias only certified launch site for crewed missions to space. Two other launch platforms are either at an unsuitable latitude or not certified for crewed flights.

It also wont be able to send Progress cargo ships to the space station until the launchpad is fixed  including the Progress MS-33 mission, which has been delayed from December 21 to sometime next year.

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The collapsed maintenance cabin provides access to the Soyuz rockets first and second stage engines. Its also where the launch team prepares for liftoff.

Experts told NASASpaceflight that the cabin is beyond repair and will have to be replaced. Two similar cabins that were recently produced for other Soyuz launch complexes took two years to complete. However, sources told the outlet that Roscosmos may have existing spare parts. Chances are, the spaceport may be out of commission for at least a few months.

The next crewed mission to the ISS from Baikonur is scheduled for July 14, giving Roscosmos some wriggle room. But it remains to be seen whether the Progress MS-33 mission will be postponed or not. Its also unclear if either of the two other Soyuz platforms will be modified, let alone certified in time, for crewed flight.

While Russias invasion of Ukraine has greatly strained already tense US-Russia relations, space has remained one of the few areas of peaceful cooperation between the two. But the latest incident could complicate matters further, making it even more difficult to staff a space station thats scheduled to be retired a mere four years from now.

More on Russias space program: Head of Russian Space Program Touches Down in Texas
If you ever come face-to-face with the wrong kind of shark, there's something you probably want to avoid. Just a hint: they're long and really sharp.

But now, researchers at Stanford say those same razor-like teeth are offering critical clues about how threatened species may be different from their non-threatened relatives.

"There's a lot of function in the shape of a shark tooth, because that's really where the shark meets the world," said Jonathan Payne, Ph.D. He is a researcher and senior fellow at the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability.

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He said subtle differences in tooth shape and characteristics can indicate key traits, ranging from body type to what the shark ate during its lifetime.

MORE: Oceanic heat wave caused by climate change could endanger marine life, Bay Area scientists say

"And because sharks have cartilage skeletons rather than bony skeletons, in the fossil record, the only part of the shark that's really hard and preserves well is the teeth," Payne said.

Lead author Mohamad Bazzi, Ph.D., compared 1,200 samples from roughly 30 species, including bull sharks and oceanic white tips.

All are members of a genus considered threatened by international experts.

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But Bazzi said species with the most unique characteristics and feeding habits appeared to face the highest risk of extinction.

"And, what our analysis showed,' he said, "is how extinctions act, not merely to reduce the number of species, but also the variety of species."

MORE: New California Academy of Sciences research could help sea star recovery along Bay Area coastline

They say the greatest pressure on the shark populations is global overfishing. And if the pattern continues, it could result in the most common species becoming even more common, while the specialists disappear.

It's unclear what consolidation could mean for specific ecosystems. But researchers point to the unintended consequences of events, such as the overhunting of sea otters off the California coast, which helped fuel a purple sea urchin population boom blamed for decimating local kelp forests.

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"We also have more charismatic, if you like, large-bodied and pelagic species with apex predator roles, risking going extinct, such as the oceanic whitetip and the bull shark. These species, of course, help ocean ecosystems stay balanced and healthy. And their demise, we hypothesize, could have ripple effects in the environments that they live in," Bazzi said.

They're hoping the study will add urgency to international efforts aimed at protecting endangered shark species. Looking at past history, researchers believe conservation efforts and strict monitoring of overfishing could begin to stabilize shark populations, potentially over the course of just a few decades.

If you're on the ABC7 News app, click here to watch live
TOKYO, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- The number of Japan's self-employed farmworkers plunged by 25.1 percent in 2025 from five years ago to 1.02 million, marking the largest-ever decline, according to the country's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

Meanwhile, the average age of Japan's core farmworkers edged down to 67.6 from 67.8 in 2020 -- the first decline since 1995 -- reflecting the impact of retirements on the workforce, the ministry's latest census showed.

The data underscores the continued contraction of a sector vital to the country's food security, driven largely by an aging population, Japan Today reported.

The shrinking number of farmworkers in the latest census reflects the lack of people taking up the profession, especially young people, deepening concerns about an increase in abandoned agricultural land, the report said.

The number of farm business entities, including corporations, fell by 23 percent to 828,000 from the previous survey, marking the largest decline since comparative data became available in 2005, according to the census. 
By Jonathan Stempel

Dec 1 (Reuters) - Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said on Monday he is investigating Shein, to determine whether the fast fashion retailer violated state law related to unethical labor practices and the sale of unsafe consumer products.

Paxton's investigation increases pressure on Shein, which was embroiled in scandal last month after France's consumer fraud agency found childlike sex dolls and illegal weapons available for sale on the China-founded retailer's online platform.

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Shein did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Paxton said his probe will focus on whether Shein violated state law by using toxic or hazardous materials, or misleading consumers about product safety and ethical sourcing.

The probe will also examine Shein's data collection and privacy practices, Paxton added.

France has sought to suspend Shein in that country for three months, and the European Commission has requested information from the company to determine whether it posed a "systemic risk" to European consumers.

Shein has said it banned sales of the sex dolls globally, and was cooperating with the EC request.

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The company is headquartered in Singapore but sources most of its products from China, where it has several thousand suppliers.

Paxton is running for the U.S. Senate in 2026, and is expected to face incumbent Senator John Cornyn in the Republican primary.

The attorney general has this year investigated or sued several well-known companies over their marketing practices, including Procter & Gamble, Bristol Myers Squibb and Tylenol maker Kenvue .

(Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York,Editing by Franklin Paul)
Left-wing Cameroonian opposition figure Anicet Ekane has died in detention, five weeks after he was arrested, his lawyers and party have announced.

Ekane, 74, was among the leaders of an opposition coalition who endorsed Issa Tchiroma Bakary in October's presidential election.

Tchiroma Bakary says he was the rightful winner of the poll, officially won by 92-year-old incumbent Paul Biya. Tchiroma Bakary has since fled to The Gambia.

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No official cause of Ekane's death has been announced. His party has accused the authorities of denying him access to his medication - a charge the government has denied.

According to a spokesman for Ekane's African Movement for New Independence and Democracy (Manidem) party, Ekane died on Monday morning at a military medical facility, after his health worsened over the weekend.

"We have no clarification... His wife had been called to come and when she found herself there, she was just presented the corpse of her husband," he said.

He added that the family later took the corpse to the mortuary.

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Defence ministry spokesman Capt Cyrille Serge Atonfack said the Manidem leader had died from illness, but did not give any further details.

"The deceased, who suffered from various chronic pathologies, had been interned at the Military Medical Centre of the National Gendarmerie," he said, adding that the politician had been well taken care of by doctors since his arrest on 24 October.

Minister of Communication and government spokesperson Rene Emmanuel Sadi later expressed the government's condolences to Ekane's family, as well as the Manidem party.

He also said that Ekane had received proper medical attention from both his personal doctors and those at the military hospital where he was admitted, adding that an investigation had been launched to determine the exact circumstances of Ekane's death.

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Renowned anti-corruption lawyer Akere Muna described Ekane's death as "the extinguishing of a fierce and passionate flame" that burned for democratic emancipation.

Muna said in a statement that Ekane had informed him of his ill-health during their last conversation.

"One would have thought that basic humanity, the fundamental presumption of innocence, and the undeniable evidence of his failing health would have compelled his release to his family and the care of the medical experts who knew his condition," Muna said.

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According to Ekane's lawyers, he was accused of hostility against the state, incitement to revolt, and calls for insurrection.

"He was never presented before a judge or charged with any misdemeanour," said one of his lawyers, Hippolyte Meli, in a statement on social media, describing the detention of the Manidem party leader as "illegal".

In recent weeks, rumours had circulated that the opposition figure had died, and Ekane's party members had demanded to see him "dead or alive".

His death has sent shockwaves across the nation, with supporters gathering at the party headquarters in Douala to grieve. Others have taken to venting their anger online.

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Manidem says its premises have been surrounded by security forces.

Opposition protesters accused the ruling party of rigging the elections to ensure Paul Biya stayed in power [AFP via Getty Images]

Ekane initially endorsed another vibrant opposition figure, Maurice Kamto, for the presidential election. But Kamto, who endured a long detention after disputing the previous election in 2018, had his candidacy rejected upfront this time by both the electoral body, Elecam, and the Constitutional Council, on the grounds that the party had endorsed more than one candidate.

Ekane and other politicians went on to create the Union for Change Coalition, which named former government spokesman Tchiroma Bakary as its candidate.

At least 48 people were killed by Cameroon's security forces during protests against the re-election of President Biya, according to the UN.

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This included a number of people shot dead near Tchiroma Bakary's residence in the city of Garoua. He later claimed that snipers had been stationed at the house across from his, and were "firing at point-blank range at the people".

The Cameroonian government has denied any wrongdoing.

Additional reporting by Natasha Booty

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Shriners Hospitals for Children Canada and the Childrens Hospital at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) have launched a pan-Canadian research programme targeting rare childhood bone disorders.

The Skeletal Tracking to Accelerate Research (STAR) Program follows a five-year funding investment announced in August 2024 between the two institutions, supported by Shriners Childrens and Childrens Health Foundation.

A $400,000 grant, awarded after a competitive internal process and funded over two years, will support the initiative. The funds will aid in developing new treatments and identifying disease mechanisms.

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Co-led by Childrens Hospitals Dr Leanne Ward and Shriners Hospitals for Children Canadas Dr Frank Rauch, the STAR Program aligns with the 2024 agreements vision to expand specialised paediatric musculoskeletal research and care.

It consists of three main elements: a learning and discovery network to promote ongoing collaboration, a clinical registry to track rare bone disorders, and demonstration projects for new diagnostics and therapies.

The initial joint project will study bone cells in girls with X-Linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) to determine if disease development is linked to random inactivation of healthy genes. The team will use molecular genetics tools for this investigation.

This collaboration supports Shriners Hospitals for Children Canadas initiative to expand its care and research reach beyond Montreal, especially in Southwestern Ontario.

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During its two-year initial phase, the STAR Program plans to broaden its registry and research to include more rare bone disorders and open the platform to further collaborators across Canada.

Shriners Hospitals for Children Canada research director Dr Rene St-Arnaud said: This collaboration has shown us the power of whats possible when two institutions with shared values and complementary expertise come together.

We are proud to move forward with this first joint research programme, which will serve children with some of the most complex and underserved bone conditions.

In December 2024, Shriners Hospitals for Children Canada and Childrens Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute jointly announced the launch of a fellowship programme focused on paediatric metabolic and genetic bone disorders.

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"Shriners Hospitals and LHSC announce childhood bone disorders programme" was originally created and published by Hospital Management, a GlobalData owned brand.




SFCC to host Yuletide Pickleball Palooza

The Santa Fe Community College Pickleball Club will host its Yuletide Pickleball Palooza on Sunday, Dec. 14, at the William C. Witter Fitness Education Center on the colleges main campus at 6401 Richards Ave.

Beginner and intermediate sessions run from 10 a.m. to noon, with advanced and advanced-intermediate play from 1-3 p.m.

Preregistration is required by Saturday. Participants may register in one of four skill-based categories.

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Half of the $20 registration fee will support the Student Emergency Assistance Fund. The event will also include a winter-clothing drive benefiting the SFCC Campus Clothing Exchange.

For assistance registering and additional information, contact Gayle Torrez at gayle.torrez1@sfcc.edu

NMSU launches Ph.D. in applied, agricultural bio

New Mexico State University has launched its first Ph.D. in applied and agricultural biology, giving New Mexico students an in-state option for advanced work in agricultural and biological sciences.

The inaugural cohort began in fall 2025. University leaders say the degree strengthens efforts to support food security, pest management and ecological resilience across the Southwest.

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The program focuses on identifying harmful organisms that affect crops and natural resources and studying beneficial species that support soil health and natural pest control. Students gain research and teaching experience through assistantships. The new doctorate builds on existing bachelors and masters programs in the Department of Entomology, Plant Pathology and Weed Science.

Just from the outside looking in and being a student here previously, I could see that there was a need for a Ph.D. program, department head Ricardo Ramirez said in a news release. With pest outbreaks, how do we figure out whats there and develop tools to solve the problem?

Los Alamos Public Schools named Spotlight schools

All seven Los Alamos Public Schools campuses have again been designated Spotlight schools by the state Public Education Department.

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The designation is the most prestigious performance rating from the department and means in the 2024-25 school year all district schools scored above the 75th percentile.

District leaders said the recognition reflects continued work to maintain high expectations while strengthening academic and social-emotional supports. Officials said they plan to review detailed data from each campus to guide priorities for the coming school year.

Full reports for public and charter schools across the state can be viewed on the departments data platform at nmvistas.org.

Chamisa Elementary Earns Electric car awards

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Two teams of sixth graders from Chamisa Elementary in Los Alamos earned awards at the 2025 New Mexico Middle School Electric Car Challenge in Albuquerque, where more than 50 teams competed with student-built, battery-powered model cars.

Teams were judged on engineering design, race performance and research presentations.

The students had an awesome time, Chamisa GATE teacher Susan Hettinga said in a news release. It is a great hands-on opportunity for students to explore the technology behind electric vehicles, challenge themselves and have fun in the process.

Students spent weeks refining their cars, testing motors, adjusting aerodynamics and rehearsing their presentations. The event, sponsored by Sandia National Laboratories with support from Los Alamos National Laboratory, is designed to spark interest in STEM fields among middle schoolers.

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Team Barbie Sharks won first place in the Research category and earned a Teamwork trophy. Team Republic of Pickle finished second in the Design competition and received a Spirit trophy.

Teachers said the challenge helps students strengthen problem-solving skills, test designs through trial and error and collaborate in fast-paced settings.

The New Mexican
Fifty years ago a fascinating weather anomaly blanketed the United States in arctic, snowy weather and temporarily spawned fears of a new ice age. Call it the "snowy '70s."

It was so wintry that the cold wave of January 1977 produced the only known trace of snow in the greater Miami area of Florida ever reported.

"The 1970s were indeed a cold decade by historical standards, especially the late 1970s," meteorologist Robert Henson of Yale Climate Connections said in an email. "Over the last century (from 1925 through 2024), two of the three coldest U.S. years were 1978 and 1979. The coldest U.S. winter on record (going back to 1895) was 1978-79."

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Some of the worst blizzards in modern U.S. history occurred in the 1970s, Henson said. And three of the nine most severe U.S. winters for snow and cold between 1950 and 2013 occurred in the late 1970s.

Here's what happened:

Red Cross workers search for victims buried in cars following snowfall during the Blizzard of '77 in Buffalo, New York.

The 1970s were historically cold

The 1970s were a chilly period indeed, not just in the United States but across the Northern Hemisphere, Henson said.

During the 70s in the United States, there were actually about 25% more record daily lows than record daily highs set in the United States. But since then, the last 50 years have seen an increasing proportion of daily record highs to record lows, as reflected in data from about 1,800 weather stations, according to the American Meteorological Society.

The winter of 1978-79 stands out as the coldest US winter since accurate records began in the late 1800s.

Why was it so cold? Was there 'global cooling'?

On the global level, there's quite a bit of evidence that the slight global cooling from the 1940s to 1970s was largely induced by the boom in industry after World War II, especially in the United States and Europe, according to Henson. "Before we had environmental controls, the postwar factories and power plants spewed so much sun-blocking pollution into the air that it appears to have cooled the regional and global atmosphere."

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Starting in the 1970s, pollution controls have given us cleaner air, but we're also blocking less sunlight. That reduced sun blockage has teamed up with human-produced greenhouse gases to warm the global climate, especially in places like the United States and Europe, where the mid-century air pollution was especially bad.

South Boston residents dig their cars out of the snow on Farragut Road on Jan. 22, 1978, following a massive storm over the previous weekend. Two men using jump leads in an attempt to start a car after heavy snow fell on New York City, New York, on Nov. 7, 1978. A dinosaur sculpted from snow is pictured in Harvard Yard in Cambridge, Massachusetts, following the "Blizzard of 78" on Feb. 11, 1978. The shattered roof of an auditorium at the C.W. Post Center of Long Island University in Greenvale, New York, lies in ruins, Jan. 21, 1978, after the weight of a heavy snow and ice storm caved in the roof. No injuries were reported. A would-be motorist has his work cut out for him on Hallam Street in Dorchester, Massachusetts, on March 4, 1978, following a storm that dropped 9.2 inches of snow on top of the remains of February's blizzard. A squirrel watches the snow fall from a tree near Fresh Pond in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on Nov. 21, 1978. Red Cross workers search for victims buried in cars following snowfall during the Blizzard of 1977. Only about 12 inches of new snow fell during this event but high winds coupled with existing snow in western New York and accumulated snow on the surface of frozen Lake Erie combined to cause major difficulties. A man and a woman digging out their car after it was buried under snow during a blizzard in Chicago, Illinois, on Jan. 14, 1979. New Yorkers navigate their way as the snow falls on Times Square in Manhattan, New York City, New York, on Feb. 7, 1979. An early winter morning overlooking New York City in 1978. Let it snow! Revisit one of the coldest decades in the US. 1 of 10 South Boston residents dig their cars out of the snow on Farragut Road on Jan. 22, 1978, following a massive storm over the previous weekend.

Weatherwise, Rutgers University distinguished professor and snow expert David Robinson said via email, the cold winters in the 70s "were associated with a jet stream that was often found further south than normal. This permitted Arctic/Polar air to flow into the lower 48. Extensive North American snow cover in the 78 and 79 winters (but not in 77) likely played a role in keeping temperatures cold.

"Of course, it goes both ways, with snow falling because it is cold, but also snow cover keeping the region cold (high albedo, energy required to melt snow thus not available to warm the air, association with more southerly storm tracks, thus opening the door for more polar air)."

Fears of an oncoming ice age

There were articles in the 70s, mostly in popular magazines, that spoke of an impending ice age, according to Robinson. "Paleoclimate studies at that time were showing that interglacials over the past million years were generally about 10,000 years in length and the one we are in has gone on for about 10,000 years. Thus, it seemed possible that over coming millennia (note, tens of thousands of years), that the earth might transition into another glacial maximum in 100,000 years (or) so."

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However, he said "this certainly wasnt a sign of an immediately impending ice age! At this time, it was also beginning to be better recognized that humans were having an impact on climate that should begin to show a global warming in decades ahead.

"So, you had a lot of info out there that could be interpreted (or misinterpreted!) in several ways. Though it is safe to say that no serious climatologist at that time was afraid of an ice age emerging for upcoming generations and well beyond."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Winter weather was shockingly different in the snowy 1970s
By Jan Wolfe

WASHINGTON, Dec 1 (Reuters) - A son of imprisoned Mexican drug lord Joaquin El Chapo Guzman was set on Monday to change his not guilty plea in a U.S. drug trafficking case, months after his brother pleaded guilty to similar charges.

Joaquin Guzman Lopez had been scheduled to appear in federal court in Chicago for a status hearing, but a court document said the conference would now be a change-of-plea hearing. The court document did not say whether he would be pleading guilty.

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Guzman Lopez, one of four sons of the jailed Sinaloa cartel leader El Chapo, originally pleaded not guilty after his arrest last year in Texas.

Jeffrey Lichtman, Guzman Lopezs defense lawyer, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Ovidio Guzman Lopez, another son of "El Chapo," pleaded guilty in July to two counts of drug distribution and two counts of participation in a continuing criminal enterprise. He faces a possible life sentence.

(Reporting by Jan Wolfe; Editing by Daniel Wallis)
Hamad was one of the terrorists killed by the IDF while trying to flee from a tunnel in Rafah on Sunday, the Hamas-affiliated Quds News Network reported.

Hamas terrorist Abdullah Hamad, the son of senior Hamas official Ghazi Hamad, was killed in Rafah on Sunday, according to social media posts by the family and reports in local Palestinian media.

Hamad was one of the terrorists killed by the IDF while trying to flee from a tunnel in Rafah on Sunday, the Hamas-affiliated Quds News Network reported.

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Sources within the Hamad family also reportedly confirmed the death to The Palestinian Information Center.

Mohammed Hamad reportedly told the center, My beloved, the light of my heart, Abdullah, has become a martyr. He departed bravely, not fleeing, under siege and in combat in the tunnels of Rafah. He met The Almighty with contentment and faith.

Abdullah's martyrdom didn't pain me, for by God, it was his peace and the path he chose," Mohammed Hamad posted on Instagram. "What pained me was knowing for months that he was hungry, thirsty, exhausted, and trapped underground, only a few kilometers from me, and I couldn't even send him a sip of water, or a fleeting greeting of longing.

The IDF has not yet confirmed Hamad's death.

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Last week, Israel submitted a proposal to Hamas via intermediaries, which would have allowed terrorists in tunnels to surrender and be arrested rather than killed, N12 reported.

"We gave the terrorists in Rafah the option to live and be released from there. Up until this moment, they have not agreed to meet the conditions we set. It seems as if they have decided to become martyrs," an Israeli source told N12.

Hamas, which previously demanded immunity for terrorists caught in tunnels behind the Yellow Line, posted on Telegram that surrender was not a possibility.

Who is Hamas terrorist Ghazi Hamad?

Ghazi Hamad, born in 1964 in the Yibna Refugee Camp, is a member of Hamass leadership and was previously the spokesman for the 2006 Palestinian Authority-Hamas coalition government.

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Now a member of the terrorist groups political bureau, he has represented the terror group in negotiations in Doha.

Earlier this year, he survived an Israeli strike on Doha.

Despite the resulting war, which Palestinian officials have claimed caused widespread death and destruction in the Gaza Strip, Ghazi Hamad has frequently defended the October 7 terror attacks to international media.

The official has also previously defended theabduction of baby Kfir Bibas and his four-year-old brother Ariel, who were murdered in captivity.

When asked in a CBS News interview in December 2023 how Hamas could justify abducting the infants, Ghazi Hamad responded, "They have to exert pressure on Israel, their government, in order to tell them that you are going in the wrong way."
A radio presenter with South Africa's public broadcaster has appeared in court on a charge related to the alleged recruitment of men for the Russian military.

Nonkululeko Patricia Mantula is among five people who prosecutors say are facing charges for contravening a law which prohibits South Africans from joining a foreign army without official permission. They have not yet been asked to plead.

The arrests are the first since the South African government said in November that 17 citizens had "seemingly" been lured to join mercenary forces in the Russia-Ukraine war.

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Police told the BBC that at this stage, they are not linking the two cases.

Mantula, 39, is a presenter of The Morning Bliss, a show on the SABC's SAFM radio station.

In a statement emailed to the BBC, the SABC said that she was a freelance presenter.

"As this is a personal issue before the courts, the corporation will allow due processes to unfold and has no further comment at this stage," it added.

Mantula has not commented.

Her arrest, along with four others, follows the dramatic resignation from parliament last Friday of Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, the daughter of South Africa's former President Jacob Zuma, who has been accused of duping the 17 South African men - including some of her relatives - into fighting for Russia, an allegation she denies.

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The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said that Mantula had been arrested with four men, aged between 21 and 46.

They each face a charge of contravening the Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act.

The NPA said the arrests followed a tip-off from police at South Africa's main international airport in Johannesburg.

They were "intercepted" as they attempted to travel to Russia via the United Arab Emirates, and "were removed from the boarding gate after being deemed suspicious", it added.

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The NPA said it was further alleged that Mantula "had been facilitating the travel and recruitment of her co-accused into the Russian Federation military".

Mantula and her co-accused appeared briefly at the Kempton Park Magistrates' Court near Johannesburg on Monday, and were remanded in custody.

The five accused are due back in court on 8 December for a bail hearing [NPA]

The NPA said it was "committed to ensuring that individuals who violate the laws of the country are held accountable and will continue to work with other law-enforcement partners to protect the integrity and security" of South Africa.

The accused are due to make their next court appearance on 8 December for a bail application.

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In November, South Africa's government said it had received distress calls from 17 citizens who were trapped in Ukraine's war-torn Donbas region after joining mercenary forces.

It added that it was working through "diplomatic channels" to bring them back, but this has not yet happened.

The men were lured to join the mercenary forces under the pretext of lucrative contracts, the government said, adding that it condemned "the exploitation of young vulnerable people by individuals working with foreign military entities".

South Africa has an unemployment rate of more than 30%, which is even higher among young people.

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Zuma-Sambudla's resignation as an MP came after her half-sister, Nkosazana Zuma-Mncube, filed a complaint with police, accusing her of tricking the 17 men to fight for Russia as mercenaries.

Zuma-Mncube said that eight of them were members of her family, and they had been "handed to a Russian mercenary group to fight in the Ukraine war without their knowledge or consent".

South Africa's elite police unit, the Hawks, said the case was being investigated by its officers who focus on "crime against the state".

Zuma-Sambudla, who became a member of parliament for the largest opposition party, uMkhonto weSizwe (MK), last year, has said in an affidavit that she thought the men were going to Russia for "lawful" training.

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MK says it was her decision to resign as she wants to focus her efforts on ensuring the return of those trapped in a war zone.

In September, Kenyan police said they had rescued more than 20 people from a suspected trafficking ring that had lured them with job offers in Russia but intended to send them to fight in Ukraine.

Ukraine has previously said that it was holding citizens of various countries - Somalia, Sierra Leone, Togo, Cuba and Sri Lanka - at prisoner-of-war camps.

It has also previously come in for criticism for trying to recruit foreign nationals, including Africans, to fight on its side.

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In 2022, Senegal's foreign ministry said it had summoned Kyiv's ambassador to demand the withdrawal of an embassy post on Facebook urging foreigners to enlist for its war effort.

At the time, Nigeria also warned that it would not tolerate Ukraine's recruitment drive, forcing it to back-pedal.

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CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP)  A South African radio presenter appeared in court on Monday accused of recruiting men to fight for Russia in the war in Ukraine.

Nonkululeko Mantula, 39, was arrested alongside four men after a tip off, South African police said. She is accused of recruiting the four men and organizing for them to join the Russian army.

South African police said three of the men were detained while trying to board a flight to Russia via the United Arab Emirates. Police said they believed another person had already traveled to Russia after being recruited by Mantula.

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It is illegal in South Africa to fight for another country's army without permission from the government. The five suspects arrested in South Africa were ordered to be held in custody until a bail hearing next week.

The arrest of Mantula, a presenter on the state broadcaster's SAFM radio station, came as police are separately investigating a daughter of former South African President Jacob Zuma for allegedly tricking another 17 men into fighting as mercenaries for Russia in Ukraine.

The daughter, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, resigned as a lawmaker for her father's opposition MK Party last week over the allegations. She was accused by her half-sister of duping the men into traveling to Russia under the pretense that they would receive security training that would help them secure jobs.

The South African government said last month that it received distress calls from the 17 South Africans, who had been forced to fight for a Russian mercenary group in eastern Ukraine and were now trapped there. Another South African political party alleged it had information that the men's passports and clothes were burned and their cellphones were confiscated when they arrived in Russia.

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The South African government launched a separate investigating into how the men came to be on the front lines of the war and is working with international law enforcement agencies to repatriate them.

Russia has been accused of recruiting men from other countries to fight in the war under the pretext of offering them jobs. It has also been accused of tricking women from South Africa and other parts of Africa into working in Russian drone factories through social media campaigns promising them jobs in fields like catering and hospitality.

The South African government has warned people to be cautious of campaigns promoted by South African social media influencers promising jobs and study opportunities in Russia.

Zuma-Sambudla, the daughter of the former president, has previously been accused of promoting Russian interests over the war in Ukraine. A 2023 report by the international nonprofit Centre for Information Resilience said Zuma-Sambudla's social media account was instrumental in spreading pro-Russia messages soon after its invasion of Ukraine in early 2022.

___

AP Africa news: https://apnews.com/hub/africa
A South African radio presenter has appeared in court, facing allegations that she recruited men to fight for Russia in the Ukraine war.

South African police said that Nonkululeko Mantula was arrested alongside four men after a tip-off.

The 39-year-old is accused of recruiting the four men and organising for them to join the Russian army.

Three of the men were detained while trying to board a flight to Russia via the United Arab Emirates, police said.

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They added that they believe another person had already traveled to Russia after being recruited by Mantula.

It is illegal in South Africa to fight for another country's army without permission from the government.

In this photo distributed by Russian Defense Ministry Press Service, assault troops of the Russian Army attend a training to hone their combat skills in an undisclosed location in Ukraine (Russian Defense Ministry Press Service)

The five suspects arrested in South Africa were ordered to be held in custody until a bail hearing next week.

The arrest of Mantula, a presenter on the state broadcaster's SAFM radio station, came as police are separately investigating a daughter of former South African President Jacob Zuma for allegedly tricking another 17 men into fighting as mercenaries for Russia in Ukraine.

Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla resigned as a lawmaker for her father's opposition MK Party last week over the allegations.

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She was accused by her half-sister of duping the men into travelling to Russia under the pretence that they would receive security training that would help them secure jobs.

The South African government said this month that it received distress calls from the 17 South Africans, who had been forced to fight for a Russian mercenary group in eastern Ukraine and were now trapped there.

Another South African political party alleged that it had information that the men's passports and clothes were burned and their cell phones were confiscated when they arrived in Russia.

Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla has been accused of tricking 17 men into fighting for Russia (AFP via Getty Images)

The South African government launched a separate investigation into how the men came to be on the frontlines of the war and is working with international law enforcement agencies to repatriate them.

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Russia has been accused of recruiting men from other countries to fight in the war under the pretext of offering them jobs.

It has also been accused of tricking women from South Africa and other parts of Africa into working in Russian drone factories through social media campaigns promising them jobs in fields like catering and hospitality.

The South African government has warned people to be cautious of campaigns promoted by South African social media influencers promising jobs and study opportunities in Russia.

Zuma-Sambudla, the daughter of the former president, has previously been accused of promoting Russian interests over the war in Ukraine.

A 2023 report by the international non-profit Centre for Information Resilience said Zuma-Sambudla's social media account was instrumental in spreading pro-Russia messages.
South Korea's largest online retailer, Coupang, has apologised for a massive data breach potentially involving nearly 34 million local customer accounts.

The country's internet authority said that it is investigating the breach and that details from the millions of accounts have likely been exposed.

The e-commerce platform is often described as South Korea's equivalent of Amazon.com. The breach marks the latest in a series of data leaks at major firms in the country, including its telecommunications giant, SK Telecom.

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Coupang told the BBC it became aware of the unauthorised access of personal data of about 4,500 customer accounts on 18 November and immediately reported it to the authorities.

But later checks found that some 33.7 million customer accounts - all in South Korea - were likely exposed, said Coupang, adding that the breach is believed to have begun as early as June through a server based overseas.

The exposed data is limited to name, email address, phone number, shipping address and some order histories, Coupang said.

No credit card information or login credentials were leaked. Those details remain securely protected and no action is required from Coupang users at this point, the firm added.

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The number of accounts affected by the incident represents more than half of South Korea's roughly-52 million population.

Coupang, which is founded in South Korea and headquartered in the US, said recently that it had nearly 25 million active users.

Coupang apologised to its customers and warned them to stay alert to scams impersonating the company.

The firm did not give details on who is behind the breach.

South Korean media outlets reported on Sunday that a former Coupang employee from China was suspected of being behind the breach.

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The authorities are assessing the scale of the breach as well as whether Coupang had broken any data protection safety rules, South Korea's Ministry of Science and ICT said in a statement.

"As the breach involves the contact details and addresses of a large number of citizens, the Commission plans to conduct a swift investigation and impose strict sanctions if it finds a violation of the duty to implement safety measures under the Protection Act."

Coupang has faced multiple cyber-security breaches in recent years, including one incident that exposed 460,000 customers' data.

Coupang has a vast logistics network to support its deliveries [Getty Images]

Major South Korean organisations have delivered harsh criticism over the latest breach.

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The editorial board of local newspaper Chosun Ilbo described the incident as "preposterous" and called for strong sanctions on firms responsible for leaks of its customer data.

Another local media outlet, the Dong-A Ilbo, said the breach is "the worst personal data leak" in Korean history.

The media outlet questioned how long the incident went unnoticed, adding that it "means their internal data protection system barely mattered."

The breach marks the latest in a series of cyber-security incidents affecting major South Korean companies this year, despite the country's reputation for stringent data privacy rules.

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SK Telecom, South Korea's largest mobile operator, was fined nearly $100m (76m) over a data breach involving more than 20 million subscribers.

In September, Lotte Card also said the data of nearly three million customers was leaked after a cyber-attack on the credit card firm.

Additional reporting by Jake Kwon in Seoul
Rats, cockroaches and piles of trash are frequent sights for some neighbors living near Pulaski Park on South 15th Place on Milwaukees south side.

The alley behind their homes and the train tracks beside the alley have become an illegal dumping ground for unwanted furniture, car tires, shopping carts, gallons of motor oil and large bags of trash.

Anna Zarnowski, who has been living on the street for 10 years, said this has been an issue since she moved in, but it's ramped up in recent years.

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She said she filed more than 10 complaints through the City of Milwaukees Click4Action app and said shes called the office of her local alderman, 12th District Ald. Jose Perez, about the issue, on several occasions.

I love the south side. You want to see it succeed and be great, and at least just be comfortable and clean, Zarnowski said.

Its not too much to ask for.

Each time she calls or files a complaint, the garbage in the alley behind her home is removed. However, the train tracks are on private property owned by the railroad company, Union Pacific.

The city says its not their responsibility -- then it just sits, Zarnowski said.

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In several of Zarnowskis complaints, shes included photos of garbage piling up on the ground by the train tracks. Some of the garbage has been on the ground near the tracks for at least four years, she said.

Its a concern. You dont want to have vermin around, Zarnowski said.

Anna Zarnowski poses for a portrait next to piles of trash on a slope by Union Pacific train tracks on Nov. 26, 2025, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Illegal dumping is impacting several neighbors

Christina Ornelas, 41, has owned a home on South 15th Place for 10 years.

When she moved in, she noticed garbage piling up on the street and along the train tracks.

Its like they clean, and then the next day theres already a lot of garbage, Ornelas said, in Spanish, adding that the waste on the train tracks remains even if the waste on the streets is removed, leading to pest issues.

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Ornelas has not yet called the city about the illegal dumping near her home, but said she wishes the city and the owners of the train tracks could come together to find a solution to prevent illegal dumping, for example, by adding cameras to the road to discourage the activity.

Piles of trash thrown away by illegal dumpers sit on a slope by Union Pacific train tracks on Nov. 26, 2025, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Neighbors living near the illegal dumping site want Union Pacific to work with the city to remedy the illegal dumping problem.

The citys Department of Neighborhood Services processes some illegal dumping complaints, but most dumping complaints are addressed through a collaboration of other departments, including the Department of Public Works, according to Jeremy McGovern, the Neighborhood Services' marketing and communications officer.

Neighborhood Services can help mitigate the problem by implementing some preventative measures to reduce illegal dumping, like installing cameras and traffic control measures to prevent access to the area, sending violation orders, or teaching neighbors how to report the issue to the city, McGovern said.

While Neighborhood Services is willing to provide this support, the illegal dumping taking place on the tracks behind Ornelas and Zarnowskis homes is primarily the responsibility of Union Pacific.

Steps taken so far by Neighborhood Services

On Nov. 24, the department sent Union Pacific a violation order to remove the waste from its property behind Zarnowskis home on South 15th Place by Dec. 3, 2025.

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The railroad company can still file an appeal, which must be filed within 20 days, according to the violation order obtained by the Journal Sentinel.

Failure to comply with the order or file an appeal could result in prosecution or fines ranging from $150 to $10,000, according to the violation order report.

A representative from Union Pacific said the company plans to remove the waste on the train tracks following the new violation order sent by Neighborhood Services.

Despite several clean-ups over the years, and another scheduled soon, illegal dumping at this site is a challenging issue that often returns just as quickly as we address it, Union Pacific communications manager Robynn Tysver said in an emailed statement to the Journal Sentinel.

A Union Pacific train passes by a south side neighborhood on Nov. 26, 2025, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Neighbors living near the illegal dumping site want Union Pacific to work with the city to remedy the illegal dumping problem.

The last violation order sent to Union Pacific for the train tracks behind Zarnowskis home was sent in April 2021.

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This resulted in Neighborhood Services hiring its own contractor to clean the train tracks and billing the private company $835.66 for the clean-up, which it paid in full, according to McGovern.

A year later, on April 24, 2022, the train tracks were once again filled with garbage, and Zarnowski said she filed a new complaint.

Union Pacific declined to comment on why the previous violation order placed on the company to remove waste on the tracks resulted in an invoice from Neighborhood Services for the waste removal.

Elected officials respond to illegal dumping on railroad

Ald. Perez said Union Pacific is "historically difficult to work with ... they are not the most responsive to any concerns."

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Perez said while his office has no record of Zarnowski's calls, if the dumping on the train tracks near South 15th Place continues to be a nuisance for neighbors, his office is willing to collaborate with Neighborhood Services on a proactive solution to prevent the illegal dumping.

He also said his office would work with the City Attorney's office to hold Union Pacific legally accountable to address the issue, if needed.

According to McGovern, Neighborhood Services is also willing to work with private property owners, like Union Pacific, regardless of the type of property, to discuss solutions for abatement and compliance.

However, Perez said he believes these kinds of issues would be better addressed if city departments worked more collaboratively on lasting solutions.

Tires thrown away by illegal dumpers sit on a slope by Union Pacific train tracks on Nov. 26, 2025, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Neighbors living near the illegal dumping site want Union Pacific to work with the city to remedy the illegal dumping problem.

If one department arrives to conduct an illegal dumping clean-up, they could sweep the area to look for other possible concerns to refer to other departments, which would help address issues before they become a nuisance to neighbors, Perez said. This would ensure neighbors don't need to file several complaints before an issue is escalated.

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"These systems aren't talking to one another ... the accountability even between interdepartmental referrals is loose," Perez said. "They've got to fix the system beyond the moment and the complaint in real time."

Zarnowski said she hopes the waste is removed before heavy snow falls and freezes the garbage to the ground for another season.

"They [Union Pacific] should take some kind of action on it," Zarnowski said. "If it's their property, they should have some responsibility in keeping things tidy or at least trying to prevent it from happening."

How to file a complaint for illegal dumping on private property

Neighbors impacted by illegal dumping on private property near their home can submit a complaint through the Click4Action App or by calling Neighborhood Services at 414-286-2268. For non-English speakers, bilingual staff members are available to assist, McGovern said.

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If the dumping is on private property, they should make a note on the app or inform the operator, McGovern said. If a neighbor is unsure of whether the waste is located on private or city-owned property, Neighborhood Services can help verify the property owner and file the complaint appropriately.

Once the complaint is submitted, the city can schedule an inspection to verify it and then issue a violation order to the owner of the private property to remove the waste if needed, McGovern said.

If the waste is not removed after a given period, Neighborhood Services can hire a contractor to remove the waste and send a bill to the property owner, McGovern said.

If a resident files a complaint about illegal dumping and it's on public or city-owned property, Neighborhood Services can escalate the complaint to another department, such as the Department of Public Works, McGovern said.

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Alyssa N. Salcedo covers Layton Boulevard West for the Journal Sentinel's Neighborhood Dispatch. Reach her at asalcedo@gannett.com. As part of the newsroom, all Alyssas work and coverage decisions are overseen solely by Journal Sentinel editors.

Support for this effort comes from the Zilber Family Foundation, Journal Foundation, Bader Philanthropies, Northwestern Mutual Foundation, Greater Milwaukee Foundation and individual contributions to the Journal Sentinel Community-Funded Journalism Project . The project is administered by Local Media Foundation, tax ID #364427750, a Section 501(c)(3) charitable trust affiliated with Local Media Association.

Learn more about our community-funded journalism and how to make a tax-deductible gift at jsonline.com/support . Checks can be addressed to Local Media Foundation with JS Community Journalism in the memo, then mailed to: Local Media Foundation, P.O. Box 85015, Chicago, IL 60689.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: South side neighbors urge Union Pacific to address illegal dumping
A class-action lawsuit brought by military service members against Southwest Airlines has resulted in a landmark settlement that will see the airline provide short-term military leave for workers starting next year.

Southwest has agreed to provide up to 10 days of short-term military leave and to pay $18.5 million in compensation to nearly 2,800 former and current employees who alleged that their rights as service members under the Uniformed Services and Reemployment Rights Act were being violated. The agreement requires court approval.

This agreement with Southwest Airlines marks a major inflection point in terms of how employers think about paid military leave, Michael Scimone, a partner at Outten and Golden and co-lead counsel for the class, said in a statement. We hope it sends a powerful message to the rest of the airline industry that paid short-term military leave is in everyones best interest.

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The lead plaintiff, Jayson Huntsman, has been pursuing the case against Southwest since 2019. He stayed in the fight despite difficult moments because of the benefits that a victory would bring for other service members, he told Military Times in an interview.

Jayson Huntsman, left, in the cockpit. (Courtesy of Jayson Huntsman)

What kept me going was knowing that if we succeeded, thousands of my peers would benefit. There were definitely tough moments, Huntsman said. The case took years, and at times it was difficult to stay silent while hearing comments about the lawsuit, personal attacks for bringing the case, and remarks about service members in general. I kept my composure because I knew what was at stake. Having support from many of my peers kept my head above water.

Short-term military leave would benefit Reserve and National Guard members struggling to financially stay afloat while serving, Huntsman said.

The idea of one weekend a month and two weeks a year hasnt reflected Reserve or Guard time requirements for many years, he said. This settlement means service members wont have to face as much financial stress when called to serve.

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He believes it will pave the way for other airlines to begin providing benefits to meet the needs of military service members.

Its the largest USERRA class settlement to date and includes a groundbreaking paid-leave policy, Huntsman said. Beyond airlines, I think this case will help civilian employers across the country understand that service members are often required to receive the same benefits as other employees.

Not many service members realize to what extent USERRA offers them legal protections at work, Huntsman told Military Times. He hopes that, although the agreement is pending finalization from a court, the broader military community will become aware of what resources are available to them and get more familiar with their rights.

No one should ever feel guilty about serving their country. For those facing challenges at work, there are resources available. Start with your military leadership, he said. Personally, Im proud that this case will make life a little easier for those who come after us.

This was never about recognition. It was about fairness, respect, and making sure every service member has one less thing to worry about when they put on the uniform.
While the Thanksgiving holiday is over, it seems like Christmas is coming a little bit early with "between a dusting and two inches" of snow, according to the National Weather Service in Springfield.

Kicking off December, the Springfield area will see a "wintry mix" of precipitation  meaning freezing rain, freezing drizzle or sleet  throughout the afternoon, followed by snow in the late afternoon and evening. A clear, smooth heavy ice coating called glaze is possible in areas southeast of Interstate 44, according to the NWS.

In addition to wintry weather, temperatures will also stay in the mid to low 20s in Springfield on Monday, Dec. 1, the NWS predicts, with temps warming up into the low 40s on Tuesday.

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The next chance of snow will be on Thursday night, Dec. 4, based on NWS predictions.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol encourages folks to travel safely if they must do so and to watch road conditions on Missouri Department of Transportation's map.

MoDOT offers the following tips for winter travel:

Make sure your vehicle is completely clean of snow before driving;

Lower your driving speed if it is snowing or raining, and/or if roads are wet or icy;

Do not use cruise control if rain or snow is present;

Be aware that bridges or ramps may freeze faster;

Leave at least five seconds between you and the vehicle in front of you;

Increase your visibility with your headlights  which state law says should be on if you're using windshield wipers;

Keep your fuel tank at least half-full;

In case of emergency, keep battery booster cables, blankets, extra coats, gloves, water, non-perishable food, an ice scraper, a first-aid kit, flashlight, small shovel and a bag of sand or cat litter in your trunk.

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Motorists can reach the MSHP emergency line by dialing *55 on a cell phone, which will direct your call to the nearest troop's headquarters. The MSHP discourages folks from using their cell phone while driving and instead they should park your vehicle off the roadway or in a parking lot before placing a call.

Cold weather resources for Springfield residents

With cold temperatures ahead, those who are unhoused are at increased risk for cold weather illness.

Crisis cold weather shelters are open on nights when the NWS forecasts 32 degrees Fahrenheit or colder, according to the Community Partnership of the Ozarks.

During the 2024-2025 winter season, CPO said that shelter sites were open 60 nights and provided 12,279 bed nights for people.

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More: Check out these events to enjoy this December in Springfield

Whether overnight shelters will be open or not on any given night is decided by 10 a.m. To find out if shelters are open, call the crisis cold weather shelter line at 417-290-3110. Those looking for shelter can see shelter and bed availability online.

People can sign up for shelter between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the O'Reilly Center for Hope at 1518 E. Dale Street, New Day at 809 N. Campbell Ave., or by calling the crisis cold weather shelter line for instructions.

For more information on crisis cold weather shelters in Springfield, to apply to be an additional shelter or to volunteer, go to cpozarks.org/programs/ccws.

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Springfield kicks off December with freezing rain, snow, cold weather
State Route 20 in Anacortes was closed in both directions Monday morning following a deadly crash involving multiple vehicles.

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) reported that the crash happened along SR 20 near the intersection of North Dewey Beach Drive at around 7:30 a.m.

According to the Washington State Patrol and the Anacortes School District, Edmundo Corrales, a Spanish teacher at Anacortes High School, was killed in the crash.

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In a statement from the school district, Corrales was described as a dedicated educator whose warmth, humor, and passion for teaching touched the lives of countless students and colleagues.

We are committed to supporting Mr. Corraless students and the well-being of all members of our school community who may be impacted by this loss. Grief counselors will be available to students and staff at Anacortes High School, and we encourage anyone in need of support to access these resources. Losing a member of our school community is deeply painful, and if you notice anyone, student or adult, showing signs of grief, please reach out and help connect them with available support services.We know this loss will be felt deeply across our school and community. Please keep the Corrales family and all those who loved him in your thoughts during this time of grief.
Charges were filed against a Catholic priest Nov. 26 for actions connected to alleged sexual abuse.

The Rev. Joseph Herzing, 61, a priest in the St. Cloud Diocese, is accused of abusing a woman he provided spiritual guidance to from about May 2018 though October 2022, according to the criminal complaint filed by the Stearns County Attorney's Office. Stearns County prosecutors say in the criminal complaint alleged sexual acts occurred between December 2021 and October 2022. These alleged actions included kissing and touching the woman in a sexual manner.

During that timeframe, prosecutors allege in the criminal complaint "multiple individuals reported to church leadership that they observed conduct indicative of an inappropriate intimate relationship between the (two individuals)."

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Herzing served as a priest at Christ Church Newman Center, St. Anthony Catholic Church and Holy Spirit Catholic Church at that time, according to a statement from the Diocese of St. Cloud. Before that time period, he was at Our Lady of Lourdes in Little Falls, where prosecutors state in the criminal complaint the alleged relationship started.

The victim allegedly told investigators at the St. Cloud Police Department she received spiritual guidance from Herzing, including through the form of confession, the complaint states.

Records referenced in the criminal complaint allegedly state Herzing admitted to kissing the woman, but he denied giving her spiritual guidance.

Another Diocese of St. Cloud case: Woman alleges sexual misconduct by Catholic priest in Diocese of St. Cloud: Charges

Allegations of abuse

Herzing allegedly sexually assaulted the woman in December 2021 after the two went to a public event in Minneapolis. After the event, Herzing allegedly took the woman back to his home in St. Cloud where the reported assault took place, according to the complaint.

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Abuse reportedly continued in February 2022 when Herzing allegedly choked the woman and threatened to kill her, according to the criminal complaint.

In May 2022, prosecutors wrote that Herzing allegedly said he "wrestled (the woman) to the ground, hit her head against the pavement, pulled her hair and threatened to kill her."

Father Joseph Herzing was ordained into priesthood in 1999 at St. Mary's Cathedral in St. Cloud. He now faces criminal charges for alleged sexual abuse and violence.

The alleged relationship between the two continued in August 2022, according to the complaint, as Herzing allegedly threatened to kill both him and the woman by suggesting he drive the motorcycle they were on into a tree.

"(Herzing) had made similar threats while riding a motorcycle with (the woman) in the past, including an incident on July 4, 2022, when (she) had to quickly dismount the motorcycle at a stoplight, resulting in minor scrapes, and walk home," the complaint reads.

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Herzing, who was ordained in 1999 at St. Mary's Cathedral in St. Cloud, was placed on leave effective immediately on Nov. 26, according to the Diocese of St. Cloud. He worked at the Christ the King in Browerville, St. Joseph in Clarissa, St. Joseph in Grey Eagle, St. Mary of Mount Carmel in Long Prairie and St. John the Baptist in Swanville.

Father Arlie Sowada will take his place for the time being, the Diocese of St. Cloud announced in a statement.

Herzing was placed on administrative leave in October 2022 and completed a residential treatment program, according to the Diocese of St. Cloud. He returned to active ministry in June 2023.

Stearns County prosecutors filed felony charges of stalking, third-degree criminal sexual conduct and three counts of threats of violence.

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Corey Schmidt covers politics and courts for the St. Cloud Times. He can be reached at cschmidt@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on St. Cloud Times: Minnesota priest charged with alleged sexual abuse in St. Cloud
Starbucks will pay about $35 million to more than 15,000 New York City workers after investigators found the company reduced hours and failed to provide consistent work schedules, according to the Associated Press.

City officials said Monday the agreement also requires Starbucks to pay $3.4 million in civil penalties to the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection and to comply with the citys Fair Workweek law moving forward.

That law requires predictable scheduling and protects workers from sudden cuts that can affect their income or ability to plan for child care, school, or other jobs.

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In a statement, a company spokeswoman said Starbucks intends to operate responsibly across all of its markets, but noted the complexity of the citys requirements.

This (law) is notoriously challenging to manage and this isnt just Starbucks issue, nearly every retailer in the city faces these roadblocks, spokeswoman Jaci Anderson said.

Under the settlement, most hourly workers will receive $50 for every week they worked between July 2021 and July 2024.

Employees who believe they experienced violations after that period may still qualify for compensation by filing a complaint with the city.

The nearly $39 million settlement also ensures that employees affected by recent store closures in the city will be offered the opportunity to return to work at other Starbucks locations.

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New York Citys investigation began in 2022 after officials received dozens of complaints from workers at various stores.

The inquiry expanded to hundreds of locations and found widespread issues, including inconsistent scheduling and routine reductions to employees hours of more than 15%.

According to investigators, workers often did not know what to expect in their weekly paychecks, making it difficult to plan day-to-day life or pursue additional income.

The city also reported that Starbucks frequently declined to let employees pick up more shifts, keeping many workers part-time despite their willingness to work additional hours.

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The settlement comes as Starbucks faces a nationwide strike organized by its union, which began last month and continues at dozens of stores.

The two sides disagree over how many locations are participating and how significant the work stoppage has been.
A finding for recovery of over $44,0000 has been issued against the former treasurer for an area school district, according to a press release from the Ohio Auditor of State.

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Ron James owes approximately $44,222.08 for reportedly failing to pay taxes and other bills on time. This resulted in late fees, interest, and penalties, according to the release.

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James was the former treasurer of Wayne Local Schools, which is located in Warren County.

Ron James and his bonding company are jointly and severally liable for the finding, which was included in a special audit that covered financial activities at the Warren County district from Jan. 1, 2019, through Jan. 25, 2024, the press release read.

>>RELATED: There was no theft; Judge dismisses case against former school treasurer, current teacher

The Auditor of States Special Investigations Unit (SIU) opened an investigation in February 2022 after an anonymous source said James wasnt paying invoices on time.

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SIU found approximately $41,692.21 in penalties and interest paid by Wayne Local Schools to the IRS, the Ohio Department of Taxation, and the Village of Waynesville.

These payments were due to James negligence in performing his responsibilities as treasurer, the release said.

The SIU discovered an additional $2,529.87 in interest and late fees that had been paid to different vendors.

This is becuase James reportedly failed to pay more than 60 invoices on time, according to the release.

As previously reported by News Center 7, James and his daughter, Jenae James, were acquitted on the felony charges brought against them during a bench trial in May.

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Ron was initially charged with tampering with records, theft in office, and having an unlawful interest in a public contract and Jenae was charged with deception.

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Talk of President Donald Trump's promised $2,000 stimulus checks continues to circulate, but there has been little concrete information on the proposal since he discussed it on social media.

Though White House officials indicated those checks could land in 2026, rumors and talk of a 2025 stimulus payment continue to circulate on unverified websites and social media posts.

Stimulus checks  direct payments the federal government sends to Americans during periods of economic strain  were last issued in 2021, when millions received up to $1,400 through the American Rescue Plan. Since then, no new round of federal stimulus payments has been approved.

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Americans must take any news about these rumored stimulus checks with caution, as it may be misinformation or an attempt at fraud. These payments have not been officially approved, as no Internal Revenue Service or Congressional officials have confirmed them, which is the first step in sending out stimulus checks.

Here's the latest verified information on stimulus checks in 2025 and updates on previous talk of payments.

Where is my stimulus check 2025?

It seems highly unlikely that a stimulus check, tariff refund or IRS direct deposit will happen in 2025.

Though some lawmakers created proposals and Trump said he would send payments, there has been no action on them. In order for a stimulus payment to become a reality, Congress would have to approve the proposal, which has yet to happen. With lawmakers focused on passing government funding legislation, there is no news, updates or movement on those proposals.

When are stimulus checks being mailed?

Trump indicated the $2,000 checks would arrive mid-2026 while speaking with reporters at the White House. However, no concrete payment plan exists as Congress has not approved the checks.

Did the IRS approve $2,000 stimulus checks?

No, the IRS has not officially approved $2,000 stimulus checks to be sent out to Americans in 2025.

This isn't the 1st stimulus check Trump suggested in 2025

This is not the first hint of using funds generated by tariffs to send a stimulus payment to Americans. There was a previous discussion of doing this in August 2025.

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After Trump originally suggested it during the summer, Missouri Republican Sen. Josh Hawley proposed the American Worker Rebate Act of 2025, which would have provided a minimum of $600 per adult and dependent child, or $2,400 for a family of four, according to news officials in August. The bill was referred to a Senate committee, but there were no updates on it as of November.

According to the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, a nonpartisan nonprofit that studies fiscal policy, Trump's proposal would cost about double the money that the U.S. is expected to make in new import duties.

Earlier in 2025, there was also talk of a DOGE dividend, which would be funded by money the department cut from other groups.

Though politicians and Trump himself talked about the idea, the stimulus checks were never formally approved by Congress. There has been no news about this proposal for months.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: When are stimulus checks being mailed? $2,000 stimulus check update
Sanabil Wajid grew up in Pakistan, where she says many women lack menstrual education and dont have ample access to menstrual products.

A lot of women thought they had cancer before they thought they had their periods, she told The Sun.

When Wajid arrived at Eastside High School in Gainesville, she was surprised to find similar stigma and limited access. Some of her classmates couldnt afford pads or tampons and would skip school when they got their periods. Few students spoke openly about their struggles.

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As a sophomore, Wajid and a few other students fundraised to buy menstrual products they could supply to their classmates at no cost. The fundraiser wasnt as successful as they hoped, but they didnt let that stop them.

In 2024, nearly a year later, they stocked the schools first two period boxes with free pads and tampons Wajid bought with $300 she had saved up from working part time and from donations. The boxes were placed in two bathrooms at the school.

In Florida, public schools are not required to provide menstrual products to students.

Education: ACSB votes to extend interim superintendent's contract with 3% raise

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In 2023, Florida lawmakers passed a bill (HB389) allowing public schools to provide free period products to students. The bill does not require schools to do so. It encourages participating school districts to partner with nonprofit organizations and businesses to supply and maintain menstrual hygiene products.

Before students had access to the period boxes, they could only get products from the school nurse.

Students often complained that the nurses office was too far from their classrooms in the event of an emergency and that the products they received were too limited  one size fits all. Each student was only allowed two pads per day.

Period stigma disproportionately affects low-income students and students of color, a majority of whom make up the student body at Eastside High School.

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Niharika Manda, a 2025 graduate of Eastside, said students looking for a pad would always do so in a "hush conversation so that nobody else hears you."

But its a natural process that every girl should not be afraid to talk about in open conversation," Manda said.

Seventy-seven percent of teenagers surveyed for a 2025 study by the nonprofit PERIOD reported hiding period products when walking out of class to the bathroom. The practice is more frequently reported by Black (83%) and lower-income (82%) students.

Period poverty, the inability to afford menstrual products, affects nearly a quarter of teenagers in the U.S., according to the study. Over a third (34%) of low-income teenagers reported struggling to afford period products or unable to purchase them at all. Forty-five percent of Black teenagers reported they struggled to afford period products.

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The period boxes at Eastside were popular, but over time donations dwindled, and Wajid couldnt afford to refill them on her own.

She knew the need for free period products was still there, so she reached out to the Florida Youth Action Fund, a nonprofit that supports young activists. The organization gave her a $1,000 grant to continue her work into her senior year.

The nonprofit also helped Wajid find cheaper bulk buying options. With the money saved, the program expanded. In 2025, boxes were placed in four other bathrooms across the school.

Students spent $500 restocking the boxes and wanted to survey students before choosing where to spend the leftover funds. Wajid also hoped to use the results of the survey to lobby state legislators about period poverty.

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The survey didnt ask students to disclose their name or gender, but did ask them which grade they were in, prompting administrators to seek approval for the survey from the district.

To the students surprise, the school district, in an email to administrators, claimed their efforts violated the Parental Rights Act.

District officials directed the school to put an end to the program.

The Parental Rights Act prohibits instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in grades K through 12. It also outlines district policy guidelines, including the right of a parent to opt out of any district-level data collection relating to his or her minor child not required by law.

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A provision of the law also bars sex education until the sixth grade but doesnt explicitly ban elementary school teachers from answering questions about menstruation.When Wajid emailed the district to get more information about why students could no longer stock the period boxes, she didnt get a response. So, she spoke out at a school board meeting.

The period box initiative was started because I refused to let my classmates, my friends and myself suffer in shame, Wajid told board members. As a school district you have a responsibility, not to bureaucratic caution but to your students, to the young people who rely on your leadership.

After the board meeting, the students, now seniors studying for their IB exams, met with the district multiple times into the summer. The district admitted there had been miscommunication about the program and allowed it to continue if students removed tampons from the boxes.

Students negotiated with the district to get them to fund the purchase of two Aunt Flow period product dispensers, arguing the dispensers were more sustainable than the boxes, which ran out quickly. Students are responsible for stocking the boxes every week.

An example of an Aunt Flow period product dispenser.

The dispensers were installed at the beginning of the 2025-2026 school year. A third was purchased by Youth Action Fund but has not been installed. One dispenser costs about $340.

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The district said it would not restock the dispensers after this school year  that responsibility will fall to students. Aunt Flow, a period product retailer that works with schools, provides product refills at a discounted price for students.

Kendall Petersen is a senior at Eastside High School who was involved in organizing for the period boxes. She was initially disheartened by how difficult it was to get teachers and the district to care about the issue but excited by the result of students efforts.

Once we got the dispensers up, at least five people a day would come up to me and be like, Oh my god, you saved me so much today,'  she said. It was really exciting. We worked really freaking hard.

Eastside High School is the only high school in the county with such dispensers.

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Wajid cried when she learned the school would get the dispensers.

This was years of sacrifice, she said. It continues to show that change happens when someones willing to make it happen and that youth action should be taken more seriously.

Wajid graduated from Eastside High School in 2025 and is a freshman at Middlebury College in Vermont where she hopes to major in political science. She said period poverty doesnt start and end at Eastside High School and would like to see more schools across Alachua County offer free period products to students, including elementary and middle schools.

This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Eastside High School in Gainesville Florida has Aunt Flow period boxes
SEOUL, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's exports rose for the sixth consecutive month in November due to robust semiconductor and automotive shipments, government data showed Monday.

Exports gained 8.4 percent to 61.04 billion U.S. dollars in November compared to the same month of last year, continuing to increase since June, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources.

The daily average exports jumped 13.3 percent to 2.71 billion dollars, marking the highest-ever November performance.

Imports added 1.2 percent to 51.30 billion dollars last month.

Semiconductor exports soared 38.6 percent over the year to hit a new record high of 17.26 billion dollars in November, thanks to the proliferation of artificial intelligence.

Automotive shipments spiked 13.7 percent to 6.41 billion dollars on the back of solid demand from the United States.

Exports to the United States, the European Union, Japan and Latin America fell, while shipments to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the Middle East rose. 
Nov. 30Jasper County Conservation received majority support from the county board of supervisors on the hiring of a new administrative assistant/naturalist position, which was a point of contention earlier this fall. Supervisor Brandon Talsma voted against the hiring last week, saying he will likely vote against similar resolutions.

Including those from the sheriff's office and secondary roads, two departments that Talsma said are some of the most important in the county.

In a phone interview with Newton News, Talsma explained his decision to vote no was motivated by upcoming budget constraints and the uncertainties from possible property tax reform laws coming out of the Iowa Legislature. It is a decision upheld by his past statements regarding new hires and new positions.

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"This upcoming budget year is going to be extremely tight," he said. "We need to try to find cuts and savings where we can ... Over 50 percent of our budget is property taxes and the vast majority of property taxes is going to pay for  not equipment, not programs, not special projects  but wages and benefits."

For the past year or so, Talsma said he has been trying to force conversations with department heads to find ways to save costs, either through attrition  a process in which positions are not refilled after employees leave, thus saving money  or other creative means like shared positions.

Talsma suggested conservation and secondary roads discuss the possibility of a shared position, similar to the one shared by other general assistance and veterans affairs. However, this proposal was contested by conservation board members and caused community wide backlash online for some time.

A delayed appointment to the conservation board only exacerbated the backlash. Robyn Friedman had been awaiting her reappointment to the board for some time, but was ultimately rejected. Instead, supervisors appointed one of their own to the conservation board: Thad Nearmyer. Again, the community lashed out.

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Supervisors and conservation board members were originally at odds with over an empty position. If left unfilled, conservation argued it could mean fewer educational programs for students in Jasper County. Conservation also argued it had the authority and money in the budget to hire someone. Supervisors agreed.

Still, what supervisors have described as a miscommunication resulted in some residents speaking out at meetings, or airing frustrations online.

But those discussions about a shared position never took place, and Talsma was against the idea of hiring someone if it meant having to fire the person shortly after to make room in the budget. Talsma told Newton News when an opportunity presents itself, the county needs to ask: Does this position really need refilled?

Talsma said, "Can this position be split across other jobs that already exist? Can it be combined with other needs and requirements from other departments in the county to where we're achieving multiple departments' goals? As budget constraints continue to tighten ... this is the conversation that has to take place."

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Since those conversations never took place, Talsma voted no against the hiring resolution for the administrative assistant/naturalist. Talsma said other departments are going to be requesting additional full-time positions, including the sheriff's office and secondary roads.

"My answer is probably going to be 'no' to those as well," he said. "In secondary roads, we eliminated a full-time position in that department a year ago. We took a full-time position and cut it back down to part-time ... My priority has always been roads and law enforcement. Now, not saying they've got a blank check."

Talsma stressed his decision to vote no was not personal, saying he is an avid outdoorsman and supports Jasper County Conservation.

The board of supervisors chairman said he advocated for conservation to receive ARPA funding and for the department to be compensated for an easement over a bike trail with MidAmerican Energy. Talsma said he also fought for the updated campgrounds at Mariposa Park.

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To him, the board of supervisors  comprised of all Republicans  have to start saying "no" at some of these future hirings. Talsma said if the county continues to fill positions and continues to add new employees, then Jasper County cannot also try to keep its property tax levies low for residents.

Talsma said there used to be a lot of "fat" and overtaxation in Jasper County's budget. After seven years in office, Talsma said the "easy stuff" that can be cut from the budget that shouldn't impact citizens or departments too much has already been cut. Property tax reform from the state adds another challenge.

"I feel like Jasper County has done a very good job of keeping our property tax asking down way below what the other taxing entities are, and I want to maintain that going forward into next fiscal year," Talsma said. "But because we're kind of running out of those places to cut, it's going to prop these harder conversations."

Prior to the board approving the hiring resolution, Nearmyer acknowledged the past issues between supervisors and conservation.

"It's my goal to help smooth out any problems that there might be," he said. "So I wanted to take the opportunity today to say that, and I'm looking forward to what the future holds there."
A man charged over a mass stabbing on a train in Cambridgeshire and a spate of knife attacks in Peterborough has failed to attend his court hearing, and will stand trial next year.

Anthony Williams, 32, is accused of attempting to murder 10 people on an LNER service from Doncaster to London on 1 November, which led to 11 people being treated in hospital.

He is also accused of attempting to murder a 17-year-old on a DLR train at Pontoon Dock in east London as well as several separate incidents on 31 October.

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He did not attend Mondays hearing at Cambridge Crown Court, with a provisional trial date set for 22 June 2026.

The attack started shortly after the train left Peterborough station, with passengers pulling the emergency alarms. Train driver Andrew Johnson, who served in the Royal Navy for 17 years, contacted a signaller and requested an unscheduled stop at Huntingdon station.

Police officers and members of the emergency services search the track beneath an LNER train at Huntingdon Station (AFP via Getty Images)

Williams has been charged with the attempted murder of Scott Bletcher; Michael Paffett; Kevin Deely; Jonathan Gjoshe; David Presland; Sachin Balakrishnan; Stephen Crean; Samir Zitouni; Rasza Aslam and Scott Green.

Mr Zitouni, who had been working as a train crew member, was left in a critical condition with multiple injuries after being credited with helping to save multiple lives.

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Williams is also charged with the attempted murder of a 14-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, and the attempted murder of a 22-year-old man, William Ogelby.

The two separate incidents are both said to have happened in Peterborough on 31 October, the former at a footbridge above Henry Penn Walk and the latter at Rail World car park.

He is also accused of the attempted wounding of 28-year-old Dawid Taborski on the same footbridge, which occurred at around 7pm.

The incident saw 11 people treated in hospital for injuries (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

At 7.20pm, he is accused of affray at Ritzys Barbers in Queens Walk, as well as the theft of a pack of knives, described in a court document as a four-pack of kitchen knives to the value of 15 from an Asda store in Stevenage.

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This theft was said to have happened on 31 October.

Williams is charged with the assault of Jordan Morley on a Kings Cross to Peterborough train on 1 November.

He is also charged with possessing a bladed article in a public place at a footbridge near Henry Penn Walk, the Rail World car park and Queens Walk, all in Peterborough, on 31 October.

The alleged knifeman was remanded into custody following his arrest in Huntingdon.

Cambridgeshire Police announced that it has commissioned an internal review of events prior to the mass stabbing on the LNER train service from Doncaster to Kings Cross.
The suspect in the shooting death of a 12-year-old in Clayton made a first court appearance on Tuesday.

Tyrin Anthony Zah'rel Washington, 20, turned himself in Monday morning, according to Clayton police. He is facing an involuntary manslaughter charge

A prosecutor said in court that she didn't want to share much about the case and where the investigation stands, but she did say additional charges could be filed.

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During the hearing, Washington asked for a court-appointed attorney.

Tyrin Anthony Zah'rel Washington is seen in court on Tuesday.

The incident unfolded Friday around 5:30 p.m. when police officers responded to a call about a fight involving weapons in the 300 block of Commodore Street.

When officers arrived, several people ran away; however, police were able to interview some witnesses.

Officers then saw several people running from an apartment, yelling that someone had been shot.

Officers went inside the apartment and found that 12-year-old Kyrell Stewart had been shot. The child died at the scene.

Police said they believed about 20-30 people were inside the apartment at the time, including other children.

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"This case would allege there were multiple juveniles around at the time (of the shooting)," a prosecutor said in court Tuesday.

Witnesses told investigators that some people were trying to hide weapons from officers, and one of the weapons went off and hit Kyrell.

After further investigation, officers believe that Washington had the weapon in his hand when it went off.

ABC11 has learned that Washington has three other pending cases against him in Johnston County and was out of jail on bond when Kyrell was shot and killed.

Washington posted a $2,000 bond in July. In that case, Selma Police said Washington was "pointing a gun" and "knowingly" helped someone "escaping arrest."

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Several of Washington's family members were in court Tuesday. His grandmother spoke briefly with ABC11 after the hearing but did not wish to comment on the shooting.

SEE ALSO | 1 dead, 2 hurt after separate shootings in same area of Harnett County
Over 30 grams of suspected drugs were found during a raid at a house in Ohio last week.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Columbiana County Sheriff Brian McLaughlin said the offices drug task force and Wellsville police executed a search warrant in the 500 block of 15th Street on Nov. 25.

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Four people were inside the home during the search. One of them was arrested on an outstanding warrant, McLaughlin said.

Authorities found 14 grams of suspected cocaine, 15.5 grams of suspected crack cocaine, two grams of suspected fentanyl, and $880 in cash while searching the house.

The drugs were packaged for resale, and Agents located paraphernalia consistent with drug trafficking, McLaughlin said.

The sheriffs office thanked several agencies for their assistance in this investigation, including Salem police, East Liverpool police, Lisbon police, Columbiana police, and more.

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With the independence-leaning Democratic Progressive Party still in power in Taiwan and intensifying US arms purchases, how viable is peaceful reunification at this stage? What specific "red lines" or thresholds of "external interference", in your view, would compel Beijing to consider non-peaceful means?

Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge, our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team.

Now we're talking about Taiwan, which is a billion-dollar issue. Of course, it looks very complicated. But for me, the way out is very simple: how to avoid a war in the Taiwan Strait?

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The answer is to let Beijing believe peaceful reunification is still possible. If it believes peaceful reunification is possible, it will have confidence rather than impatience.

As China grows stronger, it could go in two different directions. One is that greater strength brings more confidence in eventual peaceful reunification because Taiwan will not move away, and time is on the side of mainland China. But it might also grow impatient and consider using force, especially if provoked. These are two very different directions.

The best way to understand the Taiwan issue is to put yourself in Beijing's shoes. China today is strong and powerful. How could it allow part of its territory to remain separated forever? That wish for reunification is natural. The only question is whether it happens peacefully or through war.

Is there any specific red line for China to consider using non-peaceful means?

I believe both China and the United States have strategic ambiguities. It is not only the US that has ambiguity. China does too. China has not specified a deadline. But the difference lies in the nature of these ambiguities. American strategic ambiguity, in my opinion, is like a fig leaf covering America's declining strength. In contrast, China's ambiguity grows alongside its rising strength. That is the difference.

With Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's hawkish stance and closer ties to the US, do you see Japan as a rising strategic threat to China and regional stability, a "strategic pawn" of Washington, as you've previously suggested, or an opportunity to test Tokyo's diplomatic flexibility?

Takaichi's statement is politically motivated and aimed at a domestic audience. Although she mentioned that a "Taiwan contingency" involving Chinese warships and other armed actions "could constitute a survival-threatening situation" for Japan, she has actually walked back somewhat in changing her tone when facing domestic and overseas protests.

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I think she should have learned a lesson even if she refuses to make an apology. Japanese leaders to come definitely will be more cautious. In fact, before Takaichi took office, both Japan and Australia refused to answer questions from US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth about whether they would fight alongside America. They avoid hypothetical questions, leaving the decision to governments at the time. And they have good reason: if America's strategy is strategic ambiguity, why should its allies adopt a policy of clarity?

But there is a realistic problem of Japan joining the United States should there be a conflict in the Taiwan Strait. Legally, Japan must provide logistical support to the US, such as allowing American forces to use Japanese bases. But whether Japan would actually fight shoulder to shoulder with the US is a big question.

Does China see Japan as a rising strategic threat, as Japan sees China as a threat?

How would you advise Chinese policymakers to leverage the apparent US openness to G2-style strategic stability, and what risks do you see in embracing or rejecting such Washington-defined frameworks?

[The G2] was former US president [Barack] Obama's idea, which was proposed to the Chinese side but politely declined. I think it is absolutely true that in the world today, China and the United States are certainly the dominant powers.

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But we should not be too hooked on this concept because the world is moving towards multipolarisation, a conclusion actually drawn by the Munich Security Conference. Apparently, this goes beyond a bipolar structure. Even US Secretary of State Marco Rubio was talking about how it is not normal to have unipolarity.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio during a cabinet meeting with President Donald Trump, in Washington on October 9. Photo: EPA

Are you suggesting China should not accept this G2 framework?

Of course we should not accept this. First of all, this is not a fact. Secondly, you alienate yourself from other countries or even from your friends.

Is genuine bilateral detente possible? Or are cycles of confrontation and negotiation the new normal?

If you talk about detente, it certainly reminds people of those days between the United States and the Soviet Union. The first question is: has the tension between China and the United States reached a breaking point where they have to sit down and talk about the relationship, which was described as detente? During the Cold War, the US-Soviet relationship was balanced by terror that was reflected in almost equal numbers of nuclear warheads.

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This background is certainly not found today, at least not in terms of nuclear parity. The United States has more than 5,000 warheads, while China, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute or the Pentagon, had about 600 by the end of last year.

But if you talk about relative peace or easing tensions, this could happen from time to time. The current relationship is very different from the Cold War, which was between two enemies with almost no economic interaction. Today, because we are so tightly bound together, we can definitely see a relaxation of tensions here and there, out of necessity.

And this presents another picture: from time to time, we will definitely see easing of tensions, just like what we have seen most recently, because the threats such as tariffs from the United States cannot materialise. Therefore, the United States has had to downplay its tone.

This kind of easing of tensions could itself be seen as a form of small detente. Maybe we will have this kind of small detente from time to time in spite of turbulence and competition.

You have rejected the idea that the current US-China rivalry is a "new Cold War" and emphasised China's restraint. But with greater tech decoupling and the US expanding military cooperation in Asia, is there a risk that restraint could be misread as weakness?

I reject this idea of a new Cold War because we can only know whether we had a cold war when we look back. During the Cold War, people were actually preparing every day for a hot war. Only after the dissolution of the Soviet Union did people look back with relief and say, "OK, what we have experienced was the Cold War."

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But even a fortune-teller cannot tell the future. When we look into the future of China-US relations, we don't even know if there will be a hot war. So how can you say that it is just a new cold war? Peace has to be earned.

What about China's restraint?

China may seem not as restrained as before, but China won't become unnecessarily provocative. Because even in describing this relationship, China went through a long period of time insisting on cooperation, while the US insisted it was one of competition. So, what is it? It is one of competition because a bilateral relationship is framed, shaped and determined by the stronger party. If the United States believes this is competition, it is useless to insist it must be cooperation. That is why China had to take a deep breath and said we have to dare to fight. That is just like dropping a glove on the ground and saying, "OK, if this is what you want, come on."

This relationship is a mixture of both competition and cooperation. The only question is the ratio. For the United States, I definitely believe they think competition will prevail over cooperation. But for China, we hope there can be more cooperation.

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Cooperation in the years to come may not prevail over competition, but it might increase. Even US President Donald Trump is asking China to help here and there - in Ukraine, in the Red Sea and on many other issues. During his first term, you could hardly hear of any areas of cooperation. The only area was probably climate change. This is obvious because if we do not cooperate, we shall all die. Now you can see how many areas the US has asked for cooperation.

In your recent book Should the World Fear China? you distinguish influence from a "sphere of influence". How can China project global influence without formal alliances, especially as it positions itself as a "stabiliser" rather than a challenger in world affairs while the US renews traditional alliance structures?

Most people confuse these two terms, as if they are the same thing. They aren't.

My basic argument is that even if China wanted to establish spheres of influence, it would be impossible.

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Where would it be easiest to establish such a sphere? Of course, around your periphery. But look at northeast Asia: Japan certainly would not listen to China, nor would North Korea really listen to China, especially on denuclearisation. In Southeast Asia, often described as China's backyard, quite a few countries are claimants in the South China Sea, and several are American allies. So how can you take it for granted that this is your backyard, your sphere of influence?

The second point is that it is not necessary, precisely because China's influence is already global. China doesn't need to establish a sphere of influence if it doesn't have the ambition to police the whole world. If you do have that ambition, then you need spheres of influence, which require alliances and allies. And allies are not necessarily easy to deal with. They are like cats, very difficult to herd.

You go to help, like a Good Samaritan, as said in the Bible, and nobody disagrees. But if you send troops here and there, killing people under different pretexts, who remembers all those bloody excuses?

Sometimes I think about this: the United States probably has more clever people than any other country. But how could they make such terrible mistakes, one after another, from the Vietnam war to Iraq to Afghanistan? Even they themselves have criticised these wars.

Then how would China project its global influence?

But the other side of the coin is that no war will last forever. There might come a time when China could play a bigger role in a ceasefire or armistice, or in providing security guarantees with other powers or in taking the lead in sending peacekeepers if the warring parties agree.

Is China ready to lead reforms in global governance institutions like the UN Security Council?

That's a very good question because I can almost see two sides of the same coin. On the one hand, China describes itself as a developing country, which is certainly true if wealth is divided by population.

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Yet China is also regarded by many countries as a superpower or a leader of the Global South, though China itself only describes its role as a natural member of the Global South. Look at the four global initiatives China has put forward. Few other countries have proposed these global initiatives. They represent China's world views. These initiatives are really big.

So, I think even if China would not call itself a leader, it is in fact taken by many countries as a leader. That is China's position in the world.

UN Security Council members meet at the world body's headquarters in New York on November 17. Photo: EPA

But China is preparing for that role, right?

If you mean China wants to become another world policeman, that is certainly not what China wants. Why should China do that?

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What makes China different from the United States is that China is not a religious country, [not] missionary in nature. Chinese traditional culture starts with the individual: you educate yourself, then move into society, accomplish more and be good to others. That mentality is totally different.

But still, you see in the UN, China is paying more and more. The gap between Chinese and American contributions in the regular budget is not that great, just two per cent. Sometimes I even wonder if China's GDP were to surpass that of the US, could there be a day when China says, "OK, we will make the largest financial contribution to the United Nations."

Since the United States is not very interested in the UN, other countries may want a stronger China to take the lead. Could there be a time when all other countries welcome such a role for China? That is something I am thinking about.

Looking ahead, what would a truly multipolar world look like from China's perspective and what role should the PLA play in securing that vision?

A multipolar world may not necessarily look very orderly because it also means more challenges in global management. If it is unipolar, that is the easiest. If it is bipolar, it is still easier than managing a multipolar world.

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I have attended many conferences, and I know how difficult it is, for example, at the Asean Regional Forum, for 27 countries to agree on one thing. In a multipolar world, the only way out is, as the Chinese government has proposed, let's discuss and work on these issues together. That is the only way forward.

For the PLA, I have already explained what it has been doing overseas - basically humanitarian missions - and this is still my hope for a stronger PLA. What makes the PLA's role different is that while all militaries focus on sovereignty and territorial integrity, China is unique because, even as a major power, it is still a country divided. So, the PLA has a responsibility to help reunify the country. At the same time, China is also a major power, so it has international obligations overseas and must protect its ever-growing overseas interests.

For me, the PLA has three responsibilities: national reunification, safeguarding China's overseas interests and shouldering China's international responsibilities as a major power. Three in one.

But even in the future, I hope the PLA overseas will focus only on humanitarian operations, not missions where you have to kill people with a lot of excuses. This would make the PLA different.

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Former Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping said at the UN General Assembly in 1974 that "if one day China should change her colour and turn into a superpower, if she too should play the tyrant in the world and everywhere subject others to her bullying, aggression and exploitation, the people of the world should identify her as social-imperialism, expose it, oppose it and work together with the Chinese people to overthrow it".

I think when Chinese leaders say China will not become a hegemon, even if it is developed, they are sincere. This comes from Chinese culture and from the fact that China's rise in the last four decades has indeed been peaceful. Whether unprecedented or not, it is at least extremely rare in human history.

In the context of hybrid great-power competition, what responsibilities should China assume in shaping the rules of emerging domains such as AI governance and space security?

When people talked about strategic stability during the Cold War, it basically meant those two countries had equal numbers of nuclear warheads. But nowadays, between China and the United States, we don't have equilibrium or parity in nuclear warheads. However, China and the United States are almost equally developed in AI. That is my argument: in the future, only China and the US could dominate battlefields because we are the two countries best at AI. We haven't heard of serious AI developments in Japan or Europe.

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That is why I wrote in my essay that in the future international arms market there will be just two countries that can sell advanced weapons: the United States, whose weapons are expensive but combat-tested, and allies must buy them for political correctness; and China, whose systems are equally good - as seen in air combat between India and Pakistan - but more affordable. In the future, you sell a system rather than just a few combat platforms.

I'm glad you mentioned space because we live on Earth and very few people look up at the sky daily. But in fact, space is becoming more contested, congested and lucrative. China is moving very fast in space exploration. Just imagine you are sitting here and can control a probe operating on the far side of the moon. That is what China has achieved, something no one else has done so far.

Outer space means many business opportunities, but it could also become a new area for an arms race. That is why I coined the term "mutually assured vulnerability in space".

During the Cold War, we had mutually assured destruction. But in outer space, all countries are vulnerable because we share the same orbits. The US, China, Russia and India have all shown they are capable of destroying satellites. But attacks could generate thousands of pieces of debris, depending on the size of the satellite, and this debris could endanger all satellites in the same orbit. That is why I say mutually assured vulnerability. Everyone is vulnerable.

But if you build a Golden Dome, other countries will try to penetrate it. A war in space, in my conclusion, would be part of a nuclear war or the prelude to one.

Because if you decide to attack an enemy's satellite, that means you have taken a deep breath. That doesn't look like a small conflict. It's an all-out war, a pre-emptive strike. I hope that never happens. That is why China and Russia proposed no placement of weapons in space.

As the Ukraine conflict drags on in its third year with Nato's aid faltering, how should China position itself? China doesn't want Russia to lose the war, right?

It's not up to China to wish for which side wins or loses. Although we cannot yet see clearly how this war will end, I believe two outcomes are already on the horizon.

First, Nato's expansion in Europe has basically reached its limit. It already has 32 members, and three countries are on the waiting list: Georgia, Ukraine and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The first two are at war, or have been at war, precisely because they want to join Nato. Bosnia and Herzegovina wouldn't add too much weight to Nato. I think Nato's expansion in Europe has almost come to an end.

Second, no matter what happens, I think after this war Russia will consolidate a much reduced sphere of influence. Since the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the West has ignored Russia's interests, turning a deaf ear to its protests while continuing to move eastward. This time, the West has run into something solid. Of course, Russia, with huge sacrifices, could consolidate its own sphere of influence. But it has been weakened by the war, which is why I say it will be a much reduced sphere of influence.

What lessons does China draw from the Ukraine war in terms of military modernisation and strategic deterrence?

Looking at the protracted nature of the war in Ukraine, what lessons can China draw to avoid escalation into a protracted conflict in the Taiwan Strait?

We must increase the number of nuclear weapons. That is my conclusion. In a conventional war, we have all the advantages of fighting on our home turf. Precisely because of this, some voices in the US have raised the idea of using nuclear weapons in the Taiwan Strait, fearing defeat in a conventional war. America's undersecretary of defence for policy, Elbridge Colby, for example, has spoken about this in the past. Why would Americans raise such ideas? Is it probably because China's nuclear arsenal is not yet large enough?

Look at the war in Ukraine. Russia's most obvious strength is its nuclear arsenal. Because its conventional forces have struggled, it has repeatedly hinted at the possible use of nuclear weapons. Last year, for example, Russia occupied only about 1 per cent of new territory. Why talk about nuclear weapons? Because they are uncertain of victory through conventional warfare, so they make thinly veiled threats.

A nuclear missile formation at the Victory Day military parade in Beijing on September 3. Photo: Xinhua

China has not made such threats. I don't believe China would use nuclear weapons in the Taiwan Strait because Taiwanese people are our compatriots. How could we use such weapons against our own people, especially when we have pledged never to be the first to use nuclear weapons? That is impossible.

But we must be prepared in case the United States makes such an adventure. If we have enough nuclear warheads, then the US would never dare to consider such a scenario. The question, of course, is how many we need. I would say increase them to the point where the US would never, ever think of using nuclear weapons against China first.

Elsewhere, US-Philippines ties are deepening, and Vietnam is expanding its offshore oil deals. Is confrontation in the South China Sea inevitable or are there credible off-ramps?

On tensions between China and the Philippines, I think precisely because China's military is overwhelming, we can generally keep the situation under control. They may try to make trouble and sometimes succeed in creating incidents, but overall, our strength is sufficient to stabilise the situation. So, between China and any other Asean countries, I don't believe conflict is highly likely.

The real danger is between China and the United States - the risk of a collision, whether between aircraft or ships, as occurred in 2001 [involving a US Navy EP-3 reconnaissance plane near Hainan province]. That likelihood remains and is still very high. The Pentagon has reported that in the past two years Chinese forces carried out more than 180 intercepts of US aircraft. If those statistics are reliable, it would mean roughly one interception every four days. That is alarming.

Is Asean capable of mediating and managing South China Sea tensions effectively?

No, they can't. Because quite a few of them are claimants themselves in the South China Sea with their own interests. They simply cannot speak with one voice. This is also reflected in the ongoing code of conduct negotiations. Why has it taken longer than expected? Because these countries cannot agree among themselves. So how can they mediate? They are part of the disputes.

Let's turn now to the Korean peninsula. America's approval of South Korea's nuclear-powered submarines and North Korea's accelerating nuclear programme have pushed northeast Asia towards a new nuclear arms race. How does China interpret and respond to South Korea's internal push for nuclear armament and North Korea's adventurism, especially given Beijing's waning leverage over Pyongyang?

First of all, in South Korea, public polls suggest that about 70 per cent of the people would support developing nuclear weapons. But I think this also depends on how the questions are framed. If you ask, "If we have nuclear weapons, where would we conduct the first nuclear test?", given South Korea's population density, where could it be done? Then ask, "What if China strongly opposes this, perhaps with sanctions, how would we deal with that?" And finally, "What if the United States says, 'Since you can protect yourself, I may withdraw my troops from South Korea'?" If all these questions were asked, I am very confident the approval rate would drop drastically.

I think if Trump really conducts a nuclear test, it would trigger chain reactions. First, Russia would do it. This is not speculation; both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Kremlin spokesmen have said so. If the US does it, Russia would follow. Then North Korea would likely do it. After that, Pakistan might do it, and if Pakistan does, India would too.

How should China manage tensions on the Korean peninsula? What steps should China take to manage escalation and recalibrate its own nuclear posture to maintain deterrence superiority?

It is very difficult for us to manage the situation on the Korean peninsula. I think what North Korea wants is to become a "normal" nuclearised country. They want to be seen as normal, but with nuclear weapons. Yet with nuclear weapons, you are not a normal country. According to the UN and the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, you are not a normal country. And the UN still maintains sanctions on North Korea. Sometimes I believe North Korea's provocations are just meant to draw attention.

Trump was very busy talking to the North Koreans, but former US president Joe Biden seemed to have a new strategy. The Biden administration's approach was, "OK, I don't care what you're doing." So, to remind the US government that North Korea is still there, they fire missiles from time to time or even send soldiers to fight alongside Russians in Ukraine.

Do you think North Korea's nuclear brinkmanship puts China in an unfavourable position considering Beijing's dilemma over Pyongyang?

China certainly cannot be said to be happy with North Korea's nuclear programme. Otherwise, why would China have joined other countries in the six-party talks? But it is impossible for China to put everything under control, especially when it is beyond our own borders.

Where do you see the biggest challenges for China's interests outside its immediate neighbourhood?

It depends on what kind of interests you are talking about. Economically, China's presence is already ubiquitous. Chinese products, investments and trade are found everywhere around the world.

But if we take the Belt and Road Initiative as an example, it raises important questions. How can we ensure the security of vital international sea lanes in the Indian Ocean? Consider the key straits: Bab al-Mandeb, Hormuz and Malacca. That is why our navy has been operating there since the end of 2008.

Another challenge is how to protect Chinese workers abroad who are found in many parts of the world, especially around the rimland of the Indian Ocean and across Africa. This is a huge task for the PLA.

That is why, in my understanding, China needs a large navy. Resolving the Taiwan issue is not only the navy's job. Even with many ships, the Taiwan problem cannot be solved by naval power alone. The real explanation is that China has global interests and global obligations, which require a larger navy. That is why we must build one.

Will America's accelerating retreat from global policing allow China to fill the vacuum in those regions?

No, that is wrong because I don't believe there are vacuums. I think they are traps.

The first question is whether the Americans can really leave those regions. I have doubts. Could the United States truly leave the Middle East or Europe? Even if it wanted to, it could not. So, there are not many vacuums for China to fill.

And since China has no ambition to become a world policeman and its economic activity is already everywhere, why would China try to fill these so-called vacuums?

This article originally appeared in the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the most authoritative voice reporting on China and Asia for more than a century. For more SCMP stories, please explore the SCMP app or visit the SCMP's Facebook and Twitter pages. Copyright  2025 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.

Copyright (c) 2025. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.
A Tampa police officer was arrested Saturday after an investigation into an off-duty domestic violence incident that put a woman in the hospital.

Deputies responded to HCA Florida Brandon Hospital on Friday, where a woman was being treated for injuries consistent with a physical battery, according to a news release from the Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office. After interviewing the woman and witnesses, detectives determined that Steven Barber, 47, repeatedly struck the victim by slapping, punching, and kicking her.

Barber also put the woman, who was known to him, in a headlock that restricted her ability to breathe, the release stated.

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A warrant was issued for his arrest, and Barber was taken into custody Saturday in Pinellas County on charges of domestic violence by strangulation, domestic violence battery and false imprisonment. Booking information and Barbers custody status were not available Monday.

Barber, who also serves as a special agent in the Army Reserve Criminal Investigations Division, had been on military deployment since March and planned to return to the Tampa Police department in December.

He has been employed by the department since September 2007, according to a news release from the Police Department. The department put Barber on administrative leave during the investigation.
There have been a slew of incidents in recent weeks, since the Yellow Line was established, in which individuals attempted to cross the boundary.

An Israeli soldier was moderately wounded when he was hit by shrapnel from a tank shell during operational activity in the northern Gaza Strip, the military said on Monday.

The soldier was taken to the hospital for medical treatment.

The IDF earlier said that in northern Gaza, troops killed two suspected terrorists who crossed the Yellow Line into IDF-controlled Gaza territory in two separate incidents.

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Soldiers had killed another three suspects on Saturday in southern Gaza who had also crossed the Yellow Line, the military said.

In the first incident on Saturday, the IDF said two suspects were carrying out suspicious activities on the ground and were approaching troops before being shot dead.

Palestinians walk among buildings destroyed during the recent war in Khan Yunis, in the southern Gaza Strip, November 22, 2025 (credit: ABED RAHIM KHATIB/FLASH90)

In the second incident, a suspected terrorist was killed after he crossed the Yellow Line, also approaching soldiers.

Reuters reported on Saturday that two brothers, 10 and 12, were killed in an Israeli drone strike in Khan Yunis while they were gathering firewood to help their wheelchair-bound father east of Khan Yunis in southern Gaza.

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There have been a slew of incidents in recent weeks, since the Yellow Line was established in late October, in which individuals attempted to cross the boundary. In most cases, the IDF killed the suspects upon identification; however, there have been cases in which the suspected terrorists evaded IDF capture, particularly in Rafah.

Terrorists evade IDF capture

In late November, soldiers from the IDF's Nahal Brigade killed five terrorists who had emerged from tunnels and initially evaded them in the eastern part of the city. They were killed after a five-hour-long manhunt.

A couple of days later, soldiers intercepted 17 Hamas terrorists, who tried to escape from terror tunnels in eastern Rafah after a 24-hour manhunt for the fleeing terrorists.
A Democratic state representative seeking to win a U.S. House seat in Tennessees special election on Tuesday refused to disavow past anti-police and anti-Nashville rhetoric when pressed in a CNN interview on Sunday.

Aftyn Behn, who is running against Republican Matt Van Epps in the 7th Congressional District, was questioned by "Inside Politics" host Manu Raju about social media posts she made during the 2020 George Floyd protests. In those posts, she appeared to support burning down police stations and echoed calls to "defund the police." Raju also asked whether she backed abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, and whether she regretted a resurfaced clip in which she said she "hates" Nashville.

"Some of your past tweets have gotten attention, including in 2020 when you posted to  and then deleted  a post that said, Good morning, especially to the 54% of Americans that believe burning down a police station is justified," Raju said. "Another you appear to support a demand to defund the police. Do you regret posting those comments?"

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Behn responded that she made the posts as a "private citizen" during what she called a national push for "accountability and safer policing."

Dem House Hopeful Getting Yanked From Governor's Office During Attempted Sit-in Goes Viral Ahead Of Election

"What I've always believed is that communities need investment, to be safe," she said, adding that she "wouldnt post things like that now" as a lawmaker.

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Raju then pressed Behn about comments from a 2020 podcast in which she sharply criticized Nashville, the largest city in the district she hopes to represent. The clip resurfaced during the campaign.

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"I hate the city, I hate the bachelorettes, I hate the pedal taverns, I hate country music, I hate all of the things that make Nashville apparently an it city to the rest of the country. But I hate it," she said in the recording.

U.S. 7th Congressional District candidate Aftyn Behn speaks during a political forum Monday, Sept. 8, 2025, in Dickson, Tennessee.

Trump Makes 11Th-hour Plea For Matt Van Epps Over Aftyn Behn, Whom He Claims 'Hates Christianity'

Raju asked whether it was a mistake to make those comments. Behn declined to walk them back, again saying she was a "private citizen" at the time.

"Nashville is my home," she said. "Do I roll my eyes at the bachelorette parties and the pedal taverns that are blocking my access to my house? Yeah, every Nashvillean does."

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She said the race "has always been about something bigger, about families across middle Tennessee that are getting crushed by rising prices" while "Washington politicians and billionaires argue about this type of nonsense."

The 7th Congressional District, which stretches across central and western Tennessee, is reliably Republican territory. President Donald Trump carried it by roughly 22 points in 2024.

Still, the district includes parts of Democratic-leaning Nashville, Tennessees capital and most populous city and a national hub for country music and tourism.

The race has been shaken by a law enforcement controversy after Van Epps challenged Behn over resurfaced anti-police social media posts, sparking statewide debate ahead of Election Day.

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During the CNN interview, Behn also avoided taking a position on whether ICE should be abolished or whether immigration enforcement raids in Nashville should be halted.

Raju noted that Behn has been dubbed the "AOC of Tennessee," referencing her support from Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., who has called for eliminating ICE. Behn again sidestepped the question, saying her campaign is focused on lowering costs for working families.

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The Democratic nominee declined to directly address her controversial comments during MS NOW interviews last weekend.

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Fox News' Alec Schemmel and Paul Steinhauser contributed to this report.





Original article source: Tennessee candidate refuses to disavow anti-police, anti-Nashville comments ahead of Tuesday election
Tennessees special House election should be a GOP cakewalk  but voters are really sick of Trump

UPDATE (Dec. 2, 2025, 10:15 p.m. ET): On Tuesday night, Republican Matt Van Epps beat Democrat Aftyn Behn in the expensive and surprisingly competitive special election to represent Tennessees 7th Congressional District.

In November 2024, Donald Trump won Tennessees 7th congressional district by 22 percentage points, as Republicans romped to victory in what has become one of the reddest states in the country.

A year later, there is a very different story emerging in Tennessees 7th. Both parties are pouring millions of dollars into the district for a special election Tuesday to replace former Republican Rep. Mark Green, who retired in July. And Democrats have a punchers chance of scoring an upset.

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The sudden competitiveness of a special House election in a heavily gerrymandered Republican district is a good summation of Trump and the GOPs current political freefall  and the rising political fortunes of Democrats.

Nothing says more about the toxicity of Trump and the GOP brand than a Republican candidate in an R+22 seat running away from the president and his party.

By all accounts, Republican Matt Van Epps, the former Tennessee General Services commissioner, is leading his opponent, Democrat Aftyn Behn, a member of the Tennessee House of Representatives, in the polls. (Though last week a stunning poll from Emerson College/The Hill showed Van Epps ahead by only two points, with a roughly four-point margin of error.)

But with Democrats overperforming in special elections in 2025 by around 13 points  as well as a couple of unexpected double-digit victories in gubernatorial races in New Jersey and Virginia, plus winning two statewide races in Georgia by nearly 25 points  seemingly even an R+22 seat could be up for grabs.

You dont have to believe me. Instead, just follow the money. A pro-Trump super PAC, two other outside conservative PACs and the National Republican Congressional Committee have already spent more than $2 million in support of Van Epps. That wouldnt be happening if Republicans felt comfortable that they had this race in the bag.

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Meanwhile, national Democrats, who initially seemed content to sit this race out, are also spending big. The House Majority PAC, which supports Democratic candidates, announced last month it was spending $1 million on ads to boost Behn.

Can Democrats pull off the upset? Vanderbilt University political scientist John G. Geer is skeptical. It is a steep climb for Behn to win, he told me. Even making it a single-digit race is an accomplishment. Still, says Geer, it is clear that the GOP is worried.

Jeff Yarbro, who is one of six Democratic members of the Tennessee state Senate (out of 33 total), has a slightly rosier view of the race. Energy and attention [are] all going her way, he told me. Van Epps doesnt have any real history with voters and is not generating any excitement. He is, says Yarbro, almost the perfect stand-in for generic Republican.

Behn, like successful Democrats in New Jersey and Virginia, has focused her campaign message on the latest buzzword in American politics: affordability. Her ads talk about rising health care costs and grocery bills, while painting her opponent as a tool of special interests and billionaire fat cats.

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Not surprisingly, Epps allies have portrayed Behn as a Marxist and a lunatic and have tried to tie her to New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani and New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Depicting a Democrat in a red state as a wild-eyed liberal is hardly a first, but with Behn, its a bit easier. She has a background as a liberal activist and has received backing from the Democratic Socialists of America, or DSA. In recent days, anti-police comments she made after the murder of George Floyd have also surfaced.

Behn, however, isnt exactly running away from her progressive past. She has made campaign appearances alongside liberal stars, who conservatives love to hate, such as Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, and activist David Hogg. Earlier this month, former Vice President Kamala Harris appeared at a campaign event (though Behn was not present).

The one thing that scares most members of Congress more than anything else is the prospect of a competitive election.

In a special election, turnout is everything, and Behns strategy seems to be turn out my voters and hope enough Republicans stay home. The Behn campaign has likely concluded that Harris ability to motivate Republicans is more than offset by the impact on partisan Democrats who voted for her last year.

For his part, Van Epps isnt exactly leaning into the support hes received from President Trump. Though the president endorsed him in a crowded primary field and appeared at a tele-rally earlier this month, Van Epps latest ad not only doesnt mention Trump  it also omits his partisan affiliation. (Instead, the ad identifies Van Epps as American Patriot.)

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Nothing says more about the toxicity of Trump and the GOP brand than a Republican candidate in an R+22 seat running away from the president and his party. And the aforementioned Emerson/Hill poll shows Trumps favorability in Tennessees 7th district at just 47%, with roughly 49% disapproval  a stunning reversal of fortune for the president.

Still, make no mistake, Van Epps is heavily favored to win. While Democrats have been running 13 points ahead of Harris 2024 numbers, that kind of performance would still leave Behn several points short of winning. However, a single-digit defeat could have a seismic effect on Capitol Hill.

The one thing that scares most members of Congress more than anything else is the prospect of a competitive election. For the lions share of Republicans in safe, heavily gerrymandered districts, they can generally waltz to victory.

But if Behn loses by six or seven points, Republicans in districts that Trump won by less than 15 points might start getting a tad nervous (for those keeping score at home, thats 53 Republican members).

The post Tennessees special House election should be a GOP cakewalk  but voters are really sick of Trump appeared first on MS NOW.

This article was originally published on ms.now
Insisting on her day in court, Blake Lively has made it clear she isnt interested in settling her sexual harassment and online smear campaign lawsuit against It Ends With Us co-star Justin Baldoni and his Wayfarer Studios team. However, a judge has postponed the long-set start of the high-profile trial and urged the parties to 
PHNOM PENH, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved an investment program to help Cambodia expand access to safe water supply, and strengthen water security and resilience in its cities, the lender said in a press release on Monday.

The program, involving a total investment of 763 million U.S. dollars, will utilize a multi-tranche financing facility to improve basic urban services in 14 cities and 12 districts across the Mekong, Tonle Sap, and coastal regions, the press release said.

The loan will boost inclusive coverage of basic urban services, with approximately 15 percent of direct beneficiaries from poor households, it added.

Cambodia has made notable progress in recent years, with access to basic water and sanitation rising to nearly 83 percent each in 2024, from 73 percent and 54 percent, respectively, in 2015, the press release said.

However, critical gaps remain, it said, adding that services such as sewerage, drainage, and solid waste management require significant upgrades to meet growing demand and address challenges from extreme weather events. 
Students from three Ashtabula County schools are among 24 competitors in the Ohio Department of Transportation District 4s Paint the Plow contest.

The program invites local schools and community groups to showcase their creativity by painting one of ODOTs plows, according to a press release from ODOT.

Voting for the contest is taking place on the districts Facebook page, facebook.com/ODOTD4, and concludes at 3 p.m. Friday, according to the release. The plow whose picture has the most likes at that point will be declared the winner.

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Edgewoods plow has Ohio written in red on a white background, and a number of iconic state figures, athletes and symbols around it.

The plow from Geneva students was painted red, with the districts eagle mascot in the center, surrounded by text admonishing people to not text and drive.

The teal plow from Jefferson said Think Spring, and included paintings of warmer weather scenes.
Theres always someone hogging the limelight.

And in the world of aviation history, this often means that superb aircraft are forced to play second fiddle to more famous designs. Here are 10 overshadowed aircraft; most are (arguably) unfairly overshadowed, but in the case of one of them, it was entirely justified. Judge for yourself

10: Consolidated B-24 Liberator

Consolidated B-24 Liberator

Despite being the most produced American combat aircraft of all time and vital to victory in the Second World War, the Liberator has never escaped from the shadow of the iconic B-17 Flying Fortress. This is strange, as it was more important than its celebrated Boeing compatriot and achieved considerably more.

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The B-24 could carry a greater bomb load than the Fortress and had a much better range. As well as shouldering half the burden of the USAAFs daylight bombing campaign in Europe, the Liberator was the most important heavy bomber fighting the Japanese until the B-29 appeared towards the end of the conflict.

10: Consolidated B-24 Liberator

Consolidated B-24 Liberator

But the Liberator was also unparalleled as an anti-submarine aircraft, using its exceptional endurance to close the Mid Atlantic Gap beyond the range of any other aircraft. This meant that U-boats were vulnerable to attack at any point between the UK and the U.S. Liberators sank more submarines than any other aircraft.

The main reason why history has sidelined the B-24 is likely its invisibility after the conflict. The B-17 is easier to fly and has a stronger airframe than the Liberator, leading to the B-17s long career as a firefighting aircraft and the survival of several airworthy examples to appear in films and at airshows. In contrast, just 13 B-24s survive today, and just one is capable of flight.

9: Republic P-47 Thunderbolt

Republic P-47 Thunderbolt

The P-47 is an odd case as it was initially favoured over the upstart P-51 Mustang, was more versatile and built in greater numbers. An excellent fighter, the Thunderbolts only real flaw was its range, not being great enough to allow it to escort American bombers attacking targets deep in Germany.

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Meanwhile, the P-51, with its advanced aerodynamics and more economical Merlin engine, could escort bombers all the way to Berlin and back, making daylight attacks on the German capital viable for the first time. Despite its foreign origin and engine, the P-51 became the favoured USAAF escort fighter.

9: Republic P-47 Thunderbolt

Republic P-47 Thunderbolt

The robust P-47 proved an outstanding fighter bomber and was eventually developed into the P-47N variant, which was faster and longer-ranged than the P-51D, and likely the finest piston-engined fighter of the Second World War. However, the perception had already stuck that the Mustang won the air war in Europe, relegating the Thunderbolt to ground attack.

It didnt help the P-47s reputation that the svelte P-51 proved more attractive postwar as a private aircraft, largely due to being much cheaper to run; a fact that made it popular with many other air forces and as a racing aircraft, leading to a high survival rate and countless public appearances.

8: Pfalz D.XII

Pfalz D.XII

As early as the Great War, seemingly promising aircraft were being sidelined and none more so than those produced by the Bavarian Pfalz company. Their early monoplane fighters proved inferior to the Fokker Eindecker, and the later D.III was never ordered in the numbers of contemporary Albatros fighters despite its sound design.

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Developed from the D.III, the D.XII retained its great structural strength (in marked contrast to many of its rivals) whilst featuring a new high-speed thin wing, inspired by French SPAD designs. The Pfalz boasted excellent performance, and the future looked bright for D.XII.

8: Pfalz D.XII

Pfalz D.XII

Unfortunately for Pfalz, Fokker had concurrently developed its utterly superlative D.VII. Entered into the same fighter contest, the D.VII was favoured by all but two of the evaluating pilots, and there was suspicion that the dissenting pair had been bribed. Nonetheless, the D.XII received a production order.

On paper, the two aircrafts performance was essentially the same, but the D.XIIs handling was inferior to the famously docile Fokker. Come the Armistice, all examples of the Fokker D.VII were ordered to be handed to the victorious Allies, but the approximately 800 production Pfalz D.XIIs were totally ignored.

7: Curtiss P-40 Warhawk

Curtiss P-40 Warhawk

Since 1919, Curtiss had been dominant in U.S. fighter design, but the P-40 would be its last production design, and it was utterly overshadowed by the P-51 Mustang. Its service with the Flying Tigers was famous, but even at its combat debut (with the RAF), the P-40 was inferior to many other fighters.

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The P-51, meanwhile, was designed specifically to be a better aircraft than the P-40 whilst using the same engine, and it must have been particularly galling to Curtiss, therefore, that they had sold the wind tunnel test data and detailed drawings of the P-40 to North American.

7: Curtiss P-40 Warhawk

Curtiss P-40 Warhawk

Had the P-40 been a better aircraft, this would have been irrelevant, but the Curtiss, though strong, nice to fly, and reliable, was underwhelming in performance. Kept in production primarily because it was cheap, the P-40 established an important service record in spite of, rather than because of, any inherent excellence in the design.

Like a U.S. version of the Hurricane, the P-40 inspires a dogged group of enthusiasts to stick up for it despite its inferiority to both the P-51 and a whole swathe of other Allied fighters. To be scrupulously fair to the P-40, however, it does look sensational adorned with a sharks mouth.

6: Grumman A-6 Intruder

Grumman A-6 Intruder

Yes, their roles were originally very different (though there would eventually be an overlap), but it is still worth mentioning how the F-14 Tomcat (pictured left) utterly overshadowed the rather brilliant A-6 Intruder (pictured right). The Tomcat, of course, gained massive popularity from the Top Gun films; yes, the Intruder had a moment of cinematic fame, The Flight of the Intruder in 1991, but this was not even close in scale.

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Operating from aircraft carriers or land, the Intruder gave the US Navy and US Marine Corps a truly formidable all-weather attack capability. Well equipped with excellent sensors, long-range and armed with up to 18,000 lbs (8165kg) of advanced weapons, the Intruder was exceptionally capable.

6: Grumman A-6 Intruder

Grumman A-6 Intruder

The A-6 Intruder was first used in the Vietnam War. In the 1980s, it served during operations in Lebanon and Libya, proving extremely effective in strike missions. It was in the 1991 Gulf War that the A-6s really proved themselves, however, taking part in 4700 combat sorties. It also spawned the sinister four-seat EA-6B Prowler, which specialised in the dark arts of Electronic Warfare, and the KA-6D tanker.

The A-6 entered service in 1963 and was retired on 28 April 1993 with the USMC and 28 February 1997 with the US Navy. The Intruders 35 years in U.S. service exceed the 32 of the Tomcat, yet it is often overlooked by those captivated by its rather more glamorous peers (the presence of another great looking machine in the form of the F/A-18 did not help).

5: SEPECAT Jaguar

SEPECAT Jaguar

The Tornado is the most well-known European ground attack aircraft of the late Cold War, and in many ways deserves its fame, but this should not detract from the rather brilliant Jaguar that very much lived in the shadow of the bigger and faster aircraft. The SEPECAT Jaguar was an Anglo-French ground attack aircraft that first flew in 1968.

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The Jaguar was simpler and more reliable than the complex swing-wing Tornado, and when conflict broke out, the Jaguar was better prepared and easier to deploy. It was far faster and longer ranged than the Harrier GR.3. It had a superior navigation and weapon aiming system to the Buccaneer.

5: SEPECAT Jaguar

SEPECAT Jaguar

During the 1991 Gulf War, the Jaguar enjoyed significantly higher readiness rates than the Tornado, and in combat, the Jaguar damaged or destroyed 15 Iraqi naval vessels. Jaguars performed over 600 sorties without loss. In 1994, RAF Jaguars carried out the first RAF bombing in Europe since the Second World War in Bosnia.

In its final RAF guise, as the Jaguar GR.3, it had some of the best equipment in the world, and the Big Cat bowed out at the height of its potency. Today, now approaching sixty years from its first flight, it serves on with the Indian Air Force.

4: Handley Page Victor

Handley Page Victor

The Avro Vulcan, a thunderous and charismatic Cold War bomber, is the most well-known British bomber after the wartime Lancaster. Its iconic delta wing tends to overshadow a more advanced designperhaps the pinnacle of British post-war aerospace engineeringthe phenomenal Handley Page Victor, a remarkable aircraft of the V-bomber class.

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The Victor was the last of the V-class bombers, following the Valiant and the Vulcan. For the extremely demanding high-speed requirements, Handley Page designed a crescent wing with three different sweep anglesthe inboard section having the sharpest sweep. This wing design was a brilliant aerodynamic solution.

4: Handley Page Victor

Handley Page Victor

When carrying conventional (non-nuclear) weapons, the Victor could carry thirty-five 1000 lb (453 kg) bombs internally. This represented a 66% improvement over both the Vulcan (pictured on the left here) and Valiant. The bomb bays capacity even exceeded that of early B-52s, which could carry only twenty-seven 1000 lb (453 kg) bombs internally, highlighting the Victors exceptional design and weapons carriage capability.

The Victor bomber was impressively fast. Though officially cruising at Mach 0.92, one reportedly reached Mach 0.98 in the 1969 Transatlantic Air Race. Some accountseven if unconfirmedclaim it occasionally broke the sound barrier, showcasing unexpected speed and performance for a Cold War-era aircraft designed primarily for strategic bombing missions.

3: Sukhoi Su-15 Flagon

Sukhoi Su-15 Flagon

Soviet interceptor pilots faced the daunting task of defending the worlds largest nation against the combined forces of the most technologically advanced nations. The responsibility of preventing nuclear annihilation from USAF B-52s, countering the nuisance of snooping Mach 3 SR-71s, and air combat with F-4s and F-15s were formidable tasks the skilled pilots of the Soviet Air Defence Forces (PVO) trained for in earnest.

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For much of the Cold War, the backbone of their manned air defence was around 1300 Sukhoi Su-15s (NATO codename Flagon). A capable twin-engine design, today, if remembered at all, it is for its involvement in the tragic shooting down of Flight KAL 007 in 1983.

3: Sukhoi Su-15 Flagon

Sukhoi Su-15 Flagon

A navigational error caused a South Korean Boeing 747 en route to Seoul to stray into Soviet airspace. It was shot down by a Soviet Su-15. Soviet officials claimed it was mistaken for a US spy plane. The jet crashed near Moneron Island in the Sea of Japan, killing all 269 people on board, including 246 passengers and 23 crew members.

Other than this horrific incident, the Su-15 is far eclipsed in popular awareness by the MiG-23 Flogger, MiG-25 Foxbat and MiG-29 Fulcrum. Despite this, it was an important aircraft and one worthy of greater exposure. The success of the Su-15 laid the groundwork for the Sukhoi design bureau to prosper with the later Fencer and Flanker series, and today, Sukhoi has utter dominance over MiG.

2: Tupolev Tu-144 Charger

Tupolev Tu-144 Charger

The race to create the worlds first supersonic transport was one of huge prestige. When the US dropped out, it left only the Anglo-French Concorde and the Soviet Tu-144. Accusations of espionage and other shadowy skullduggery dogged the Tu-144s development; the stakes were high, and the USSR was desperate to win.

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Flight at Mach 2 demanded an extremely exacting combination of shaping, materials and power, especially as these were not quick dashes as fighter aircraft do, but prolonged cruises. Both aircraft adopted the delta or triangular wing, but of different shapes. The sensuous compound lines of Concordes wing were very different from the aggressive double delta of the Tu-144.

2: Tupolev Tu-144 Charger

Tupolev Tu-144 Charger

The Soviet equivalent of Concorde was bigger, faster and more powerful. Concorde had a maximum thrust of 677 kN, while the Tu-144 had 960 kN (some sources put the figure as 800kN). This did not make the Tu-144 better, as, in most ways, it was horribly loud for passengers  many people said the noise was almost unbearable in the back of the plane near the engines. Unlike Concorde, to sustain supersonic flight it had to use its afterburners continuously.

There was also faulty de-icing equipment for the air intakes, poor fireproof paint, substandard navigation equipment and a panoply of other failings. There was a high-profile crash at the Paris air show in 1973, which killed its crew of six along with eight people on the ground. This was followed by a short, disastrous service life, and the Tu-144 was withdrawn from passenger service (and later freight service). Surprisingly, it ended its life in the service of NASA, researching supersonic flight for three years until 1999.

1: Hawker Hurricane

Hawker Hurricane

The Hurricane is likely the most pointedly overshadowed aircraft of all time, resulting in the ironic situation that this hugely important and highly successful aircraft is, today, most famous for not being as famous as the Spitfire. The process that led to this bizarre outcome began as early as 1940.

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Hurricanes shot down more aircraft during the Battle of Britain and made up the majority of the British fighter force at that time, but the Spitfire was better looking and effortlessly captured the public imagination. Dozens of Spitfire Funds raised money for the RAF. There was not a single equivalent Hurricane Fund.

1: Hawker Hurricane

Hawker Hurricane

The Spitfire was also, of course, a better fighter, and the Hurricane was generally replaced by Spitfires over the course of the war. However, the Hurricane had proved vital in many campaigns when victory was far from certain, serving with distinction across the globe on land and at sea.

Postwar, the Spitfires ubiquity and film star good looks have led to it becoming emblematic of the wartime RAF. It has also led to the appearance of a whining subset of British aircraft enthusiasts who ask but what about the Hurricane? at any opportunity when a Spitfire is featured anywhere.

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In the First World War, fighter aircraft typically had only two light machine guns.

By the Second World War, the firepower available to combat aircraft had increased dramatically. An arsenal of massive cannons firing explosive shells, combined with multiple heavy machine guns and a vast supply of ammunition, made some combat aircraft high-speed flying battleships. Here are 10 aircraft with insane firepower:

10: Messerschmitt Me 262

Messerschmitt Me 262

Though famous for being the first jet-powered aircraft to see combat, it wasnt just the engines and speed that made the Messerschmitt 262 so formidable; its firepower, optimised for bomber destruction, was hefty, consisting of four 30-mm cannon firing explosive rounds at an extremely high rate.

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A conventionally armed 262 with its four 30-mm cannon might have found an honorary mention in the flying artillery hall of fame. Still, a 50-mm gun in that shark-like nose guarantees a place. The Mauser MK 214A was a 50 mm (1.969 in) calibre autocannon designed for use on Messerschmitt Me 262 and Me 410s.

Fortunately for Allied bomber crews, the entire 262 programme, including two versions earmarked for either a Mauser or Rheinmetall 50-mm autocannon, was hamstrung by administrative stupidity, technical headaches, and Hitlers absurd notion that it should be a bomber, not a fighter. Had the gun seen widespread operational use, it could have been disastrous for Allied bombers.

One to three 50-mm rounds were calculated to be enough to destroy a B-24 or B-17. Extra points are awarded for its intimidating appearance. With a top speed of 578 mph, the Me 262 was astonishingly fast and a serious threat to Allied aircraft.

9: Boeing YB-40

Boeing YB-40

This aircraft is a fighter of sorts, but, as you have no doubt spotted, it is also a B-17. In 1942, the US Eighth Air Force considered creating an effective escort by mounting a massive number of guns on a bomb-free Flying Fortress.

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No aircraft has ever flown with such a formidable machine-gun-based defensive armament. Unfortunately, this made the aircraft so draggy and heavy that it couldnt keep up with the bombers it was supposed to protect. Making the whole exercise rather pointless.

In a totally irrelevant but oddly satisfying aside, the YB-40 appeared in an Oscar-winning film  two of them appear in William Wylers The Best Years of Our Lives, which won nine Academy awards in 1947. The YB-40s film career was notably more successful than its operational one, but did not save it from the scrapmans torch.

The YB-40 could be equipped with up to thirty defensive guns, though it normally carried between fourteen and sixteen. Armament was mostly the .50-calibre M2 Browning machine guns in various configurations, though 40-mm cannons were also tested.

8: Northrop P-61 Black Widow

Northrop P-61 Black Widow

The massive and sinister Northrop P-61 Black Widow was a ferocious machine. It was the first purpose-designed night interceptor to enter operational service. The forward-looking requirement that led to the aircraft was issued as early as October 1940. The P-61 was of the twin-boom configuration.

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Pioneering British efforts with radar-equipped fighters had impressed US military planners. Using a first-generation airborne radar effectively required a large aircraft with a dedicated second crew member for its operation. The Black Widow started as 10,000kg beast when loaded; by the end of its career, it was a bulky 18,000kg

To put this in perspective, it was around the same weight as seven fully loaded Spitfire Mk1s! Finding the target with a radar was one thing, but destroying it effectively required firepower; the P-61 boasted four fixed 20-mm cannons in the belly.

But this was not all. The first 37 P-61As, the final 250 P-61Bs and all the P-61Cs also had an electric dorsal turret with four heavy machine guns. In addition to being heavily armed, the P-61 had its armament concentrated on its centreline, rather than in the wings, making it more accurate and destructive.

7: North American B-25G/H Mitchell

North American B-25G/H Mitchell

In the Second World War, the 75mm gun armed many US ground vehicles, including M4 Sherman tanks. Rather more remarkably, it was also fitted to the B-25 medium bomber. Intended for the strike and anti-shipping roles, these upgunned B-25s were offered to the RAF, USN and the USSR but only adopted by the USAAF.

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The short nose and squarish fuselage of the proven B-25 allowed for easy installation and operation (the weapon was hand-loaded by the navigator). The aircraft version of the 75mm gun had a lighter, thinner-walled barrel and a different recoil mechanism than the ground variants, but used the same ammunition.

The B-25 could also carry twelve to eighteen .50 cal (12.7 mm) heavy machine guns. Considering that rockets, bombs, and torpedos could be carried on the trusty B-25, it is a wonder it didnt win the entire Pacific war single-handed

The aircraft was particularly effective against shipping, sinking barges, freighters and small craft. It was noted that a single well-placed hit could inflict considerable damage, even to a destroyer. The 75mm gun was also tried experimentally on the Douglas A-26 Invader.

6: Tsetse Mosquitoes

Tsetse Mosquitoes

The Ordnance 57-mm QF 6-pounder gun was a land-based anti-tank gun used by both the British and United States Army. The Tsetse (named for an African biting fly) was created by fitting a quick-firing variant, the Molins, into a standard fighter-bomber Mosquito. This formidable weapon could fire 55 rounds per minute in fully automatic mode.

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The Molins gun replaced the Mosquitos normal primary armament of four 20-mm cannon; Two or four .303 machine guns were retained in the nose to sight the large gun (the aircraft retained the ability to carry bombs or rockets on its underwing hardpoints).

By the time the conversion flew, the 57-mm weapon was no longer competitive against armour, so it was decided to operate the new variant in the anti-shipping role instead. The results were spectacular. In 14 months, eight U-boats were destroyed wholly or in part by Mosquito Mk. XVIIs.

Decrypted Enigma information was used to send the Molins Mosquitoes to meet U-boats as they approached French ports and to coordinate anti-shipping strikes. At least one Ju 88 was destroyed by a Tsetse Mosquito in a fight during which a single 57-mm round was seen to rip one engine clean off the unfortunate Junkers.

5: Bristol Beaufighter

Bristol Beaufighter

The Beaufighter was a twin-engine bruiser that emerged from the tumultuous attempt to get the Royal Air Force a heavy fighter. Armed with four 20-mm cannon and six light machine-guns, it emerged as perhaps the best armed aircraft on its entry into service in 1940.

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Though British aircraft generally carried less ammunition than US equivalents, the Beaufighter is an exception. The A-20 Havoc could carry 252 kg of ammunition, the Beaufighter Mk IF, a stonking 367 kg. Compare this to the paltry 100 kg of the Soviet Pe-2.

The Beaufighter proved capable in a variety of roles, and other armament options included two 250-pound (113kg) bombs or eight 60-pound (27kg) rockets (RP-3 from Rocket Projectile 3 inch). It served with distinction as a night fighter, strike fighter and torpedo bomber.

Its wings were as big and thick as barn doors  its wing area of 46 square metres was almost 45% greater than its Japanese rival, the Ki-45 Toryu. Its empty weight  7000kg  was actually greater than the maximum take-off weight of the Me 110, and a fully loaded, late-war Beaufighter could top 11,500 kg gross weight, enough to make a bombed-up medium bomber blush

4: Junker Ju 88

Junker Ju 88

With Soviet tank production factories creating armour at a startling rate, Germany was forced to consider every conceivable measure of anti-tank warfare. Every combat aircraft type was assessed for suitability for the anti-armour role, which meant fitting heavy armour to withstand low-level ground fire and adding bigger guns.

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The twin-engined Junkers Ju 88, which first flew in 1936, was the most versatile of the Luftwaffes aircraft, serving in various roles, including bomber, heavy fighter, night fighter, torpedo bomber and reconnaissance. It was even adapted into an explosive-packed drone. With a glut of available Ju 88 airframes, it was considered convenient if they could be drafted into the anti-tank role.

Many gun types were tried with the Ju 88, including the huge 75mm PAK 40, capable of penetrating thirteen centimetres of tank armour at one kilometre. However, even the smaller 30mm Mk 101 was highly effective and could remove a tank if attacked in its relatively vulnerable rear.

The Ju 88 P variant was developed for the anti-armour role with a single Bordkanone series 75 mm, 50 mm (1.97 in), or twin 37 mm (1.46 in) calibre cannon in a ventral gun pod position. Produced in small numbers, this large, somewhat lumbering Ju 88s were not a success.

3: Hawker Hurricane

Hawker Hurricane

To take on tanks requires serious firepower, and with this (and other ground attack roles in mind), a Hawker Hurricane was tested with a wing-mounted 40-mm cannon in 1941. The Rolls-Royce 40mm cannon was tried but dismissed for a lack of reliability and smaller ammunition capacity in its drum magazine, and the Vickers S was selected instead.

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The Hurricane Mk.IID, armed with 40mm cannons, went to fight tanks in the desert as part of the No.6 Squadron of the Royal Air Force, earning the nickname The Can Openers for their ability to destroy armoured vehicles. Hurricanes armed with the hefty Vickers S gun claimed 47 tanks plus 198 other enemy vehicles.

With its water-cooled engine, the Hurricane IID was not ideal for the low-level ground attack role and suffered heavy losses, mainly from enemy anti-aircraft fire. The improved MkIV, operational from 1943 - had beefed up armour around the fuel tanks, engine and cockpit areas.

In June 1943, Hurricanes of No. 137 Squadron started flying Hurricanes with the option of a 40mm cannon or unguided rockets, initially known as Unrotating Projectiles (UP) and later Rocket Projectiles (RP). The rockets were more effective, but the unit was initially banned from using this secret weapon over enemy-occupied territory.

2: Yakovlev Yak-9

Yakovlev Yak-9

Though given different designations, the wartime Yak fighter family is the same series, with significantly more commonality than the Spitfire family can claim. Around 8700 Yak-1s were made, 6399 Yak-7s, and 4848 Yaks for a tremendous total of around 36,716, making it the most numerous fighter type in history.

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The Soviet Unions fixation with tactical air power meant no fighters could completely escape the ground attack, Close Air Support or Ground Attack missions. With its 37-mm cannon on excellent low-level performance, it is often thought that the Bell P-39 was a prime Soviet anti-tank aircraft, but it was primarily tasked with the low-level fighter role.

The Yak-9 performed more anti-tank missions, in particular, the Yak-9T variant with a 37-mm cannon, in this case the Nudelman-Suranov NS-37 (also fitted to the Ilyushin Il-2 and Lavochkin LaGG-3). This formidable cannon could penetrate up to 40 mm (1.6 in) of tank armour from 500 metres (1600 ft).

The Yak-9T carried 30 rounds of 37-mm ammunition, which fired through the propeller hub. A total of 2748 Yak-9Ts were produced. Attempts to up-gun the Yak-9 further to carry a 45-mm gun, as the Yak-9K, proved too much for the tiny fighter.

1: Henschel Hs 129

Henschel Hs 129

The Henschel Hs 129 is unique in this list in being purpose-designed for the Schlachtflieger (Close Air Support) mission, which included anti-armour; in this and several other respects, it was the A-10 of its time. In the 1960s, the USAF experience in Vietnam led to a desire for greater armour protection for ground attack aircraft; in the 1930s, the German Spanish Civil War experience had the same effect on the Luftwaffe.

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The requirement was issued in 1937, and soon, two contractors were down-selected: Focke-Wulf and Henschel. The new aircraft was required to have an armoured bathtub and carry 20-mm cannon. Focke-Wulf proposed a converted existing design, and Henschel a new one. Henschel won the contest, and the machine flew in 1939.

It proved troublesome, with the chronic lack of power and the poor pilot view (through the thick armoured glass) being among the worst problems. Considering the size and power of the aircraft, there were limitations on the size of gun it could effectively use. A lightened Pak 40, the massive BK 7.5 cm Panzerabwehrkanone was fitted to the Henschel Hs 129B-3, but was too much gun for the aircraft.

Though insufficient numbers of Hs 129s were made, they proved excellent at destroying tanks. Rudolf-Heinz Ruffer (1920-1944) was a German Luftwaffe ground-attack pilot who destroyed 80 tanks, most with the Henschel Hs 129. Though relatively slow and tricky to master, pilots felt reassured by its effective armour and armament. Had it been produced and deployed in larger numbers, like the Il-2 and Ju 87, it could have proved a significant problem for the Allies.

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CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD)  A top consultant in Republican U.S. Rep. Nancy Maces bid for South Carolina governor in 2026 announced Monday he is stepping away from the campaign, suggesting the congresswoman had yet again decided to turn her back on MAGA.

Austin McCubbin, a longtime Trump ally who ran Maces 2022 House re-election campaign, wrote in a Dec. 1 post on X that he was breaking with the congresswoman out of loyalty to the President and encouraged voters to scratch her name from the list of GOP contenders.

My loyalty lies with President Trump, my colleagues I worked with in the campaign trenches and the MAGA base that I had the privilege to work with as the Team Trump SC State Director, he wrote. Governor McMaster has been a great governor. He has been very loyal to the President. South Carolina needs someone cut from the same cloth, where you know their word is their bond.

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Responding to McCubbins post, a spokesperson for Maces campaign said: Mr. McCubbin didnt raise a dime for the campaign or better yet, never even bothered showing up. When he demanded $10,000 a month for services and was told no, he ran straight to X. Good luck with that.

McCubbin pointed to the recent discovery of an alleged tie between Mace and a PAC affiliated with Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul (R)  who often finds himself at the center of public spats with Trump  as the straw that broke the camels back of his support.

Last month the Rand Paul-affiliated Protect Freedom PAC began spending money on Nancys behalf, he wrote. I had no prior knowledge of that, and campaigns cant control outside spending. I chalked it up to nothing but independent activity.

But after speaking with her, McCubbin claimed it became clear she totally embraced the funds and that she told him she directed a friend to write a seven-figure check to the PAC.

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SC National Guard members returning to DC: Governor

McCubbin suggested Mace brushed off his warnings about the potential political risk of aligning herself with Paul, whose positions consistently put him at odds with the president and the MAGA base, in a ruby-red state like South Carolina, where Trump is overwhelmingly popular.

He also invoked Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie (R), who recently feuded with Trump over the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files. Mace was one of three Republican women to join Massies discharge petition that forced a vote on compelling the Justice Department to publicize Epstein-related documents.

She distanced herself, and now shes fully embracing the Rand Paul + Thomas Massie wing for money, McCubbin wrote. Nancy Mace is wittingly or unwittingly a proxy for Rand Pauls 2028 presidential campaign.

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His exit from the campaign marks a stunning shift for McCubbin, who backed Mace as the most pro-Trump and America First governor in the country if elected when he joined it just months ago in August.

The GOP contest in next years gubernatorial race has turned into an all-out fight to secure the presidents coveted endorsement, with each candidate working to prove their fidelity to the base.

Nancy Mace has stood with President Trump since Day ONE, a spokesperson for Maces campaign continued in a Dec. 1 statement responding to McCubbins post. Mr. McCubbin said it himself: Nancy Mace will be the most pro-Trump and America First Governor in the country.'

Nearly 80% of registered Republican voters in South Carolina, according to a Winthrop Poll released in late October, said Trumps endorsement is important to them when deciding whom to support as the nominee.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2.
Revenues from sales of weapons and military services by the 100 largest global arms-producing companies reached a record $679bn in 2024, according to new data released by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).

The Gaza and Ukraine wars, as well as global and regional geopolitical tensions and ever-higher military expenditures, increased revenues generated by the companies from sales of military goods and services to customers domestic and abroad by 5.9 percent compared to the year before, the organisation said in a report published on Monday.

The bulk of the global rise was attributed to companies based in Europe and the United States, but there were year-on-year increases in all regions except for Asia and Oceania, where issues within the Chinese arms industry drove down the regional total.

Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman and General Dynamics led the pack in the US, where the combined arms revenues of arms companies in the top 100 grew by 3.8 percent in 2024 to reach $334bn, with 30 out of the 39 US companies in the ranking increasing their revenues.

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However, SIPRI said widespread delays and budget overruns continue to plague key projects such as the F-35 fighter jet, the Columbia and Virginia-class submarines, and the Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile.

Soldiers stand guard in front of an IRIS-T SLM air defence system prior to the arrival of former German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and top military commanders at the Todendorf military base on September 4, 2024 in Panker, Germany [File: Gregor Fischer/Getty Images]

Billionaire Elon Musks SpaceX appeared in the list of top global military manufacturers for the first time, after its arms revenues more than doubled compared with 2023 to reach $1.8bn.

Excluding Russia, there were 26 arms companies in the top 100 based in Europe, and 23 of them recorded increases in revenues from sales of weapons and equipment. Their aggregate arms revenues grew by 13 percent to $151bn.

After boosting revenues by 193 percent to reach $3.6bn through making artillery shells for Ukraine, Czech company Czechoslovak Group recorded the sharpest percentage increase in arms revenues of any top 100 company in 2024.

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As Ukraine faces a relentless Russian offensive in its eastern regions, the countrys JSC Ukrainian Defense Industry increased its arms revenues by 41 percent to $3bn.

European arms companies have been investing in new production capacity to fight off Russia, the SIPRI report said, but it cautioned that sourcing materials  particularly in the case of dependence on critical minerals  could pose a growing challenge as China also tightens export controls.

Rostec and United Shipbuilding Corporation are the only two Russian arms companies in the ranking, and they also increased their combined arms revenues by 23 percent to $31.2bn despite being hit by Western-led sanctions over the Ukraine war.

Last year, weapons makers in Asia and Oceania still registered $130bn in revenues after a 1.2 percent decline compared to 2023.

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The regional drop was due to a combined 10 percent decline in arms revenues among the eight Chinese arms companies in the ranking, most prominently the 31 percent fall in the arms revenues of NORINCO, Chinas primary producer of land systems.

A host of corruption allegations in Chinese arms procurement led to major arms contracts being postponed or cancelled in 2024, said Nan Tian, Director of the SIPRI Military Expenditure and Arms Production Programme. This deepens uncertainty around the status of Chinas military modernisation efforts and when new capabilities will materialise.

The USS Minnesota (SSN-783) fast-attack submarine sails off the coast of Western Australia on March 16, 2025 [Colin Murty-Pool/Getty Images]

But Japanese and South Korean arms manufacturers sales surged on the back of strong demand from European as well as domestic customers amid simmering tensions over Taiwan and North Korea.

Five Japanese companies in the ranking increased their combined arms revenues by 40 percent to $13.3bn, while four South Korean producers saw a 31 percent jump to $14.1bn in revenue. South Koreas largest arms company, Hanwha Group, recorded a 42 percent surge in 2024, with more than half coming from arms exports.

Israel reaps profits of Gaza genocide

For the first time, nine of the top 100 arms companies were based in the Middle East, according to SIPRI. The nine companies racked up a combined $31bn in revenue in 2024, showing a regional increase of 14 percent.

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As the United Arab Emirates continues to face international allegations of arming the devastating war in Sudan, the institute noted its regional figure excludes Emirati-based EDGE Group due to a lack of revenue data for 2023. The UAE rejects the accusations.

The three Israeli arms companies in the ranking increased their combined arms revenues by 16 percent to $16.2bn amid the ongoing genocidal war on Gaza, which has killed nearly 70,000 Palestinians and destroyed most of the besieged enclave.

Elbit Systems pocketed $6.28bn in profits, followed by Israel Aerospace Industries with $5.19bn and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems with $4.7bn.





SIPRI said there was an international surge in interest in Israeli unmanned aerial vehicles and counter-drone systems. Rafaels surge was tied to Iran, as demand for the companys air defence systems rose to unprecedented levels after Irans large-scale retaliatory strikes against Israel in April and October 2024 that used ballistic missiles and drones.

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Five Turkish companies were in the top 100  also a record. Their combined arms revenues amounted to $10.1bn, showing an 11 percent increase.

Baykar, which makes, among other things, advanced drones most recently sold to Ukraine, saw 95 percent of its $1.9bn in arms revenue in 2024 come from exports to other countries.

Military companies from the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, India, Taiwan, Norway, Canada, Spain, Poland and Indonesia were in the ranking as well.
Catching a brief glimpse of one Canada lynx on a trail camera is reason enough to celebrate. How about catching two in an extended confrontation?

KBJR shared a video of the remarkable brouhaha between two of the rare creatures on a trail.

The footage comes courtesy of a trail camera provided by the Chik-Wuak Museum and Nature Center in Grand Marais, Minnesota.

The full video begins with the first lynx walking up the trail before wandering on- and off-screen while making a little bit of noise. The action kicks up a notch when a second lynx slowly creeps into view, as the first lynx is positioned by the camera.

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When the lynx near the camera feigns a bit of a charge, its counterpart flies into action. In a flash, it's just feet away, and both lynxes have something to say about the situation.

Instead of an actual catfight, though, they make loud, haunting noises back and forth into the air. Whether this is arguing, communal venting, or friendly conversation is anyone's guess.

Some growling appears off-camera, and then we see one of the lynxes walk back on-screen, seemingly unbothered as the video wraps.

The exciting interaction shows why trail cameras are an important tool in tracking rare species like the Canada lynx. Chik-Wuak campus director Bonnie Shudy told Northern News Now that both lynxes are "regulars" on the trail.

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That's good to see, as the Canada lynx has been listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act since 2000, per the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. The species faces a number of threats.

Those include habitat loss when it comes to the dense forests they call home and a population decline in their primary prey, snowshoe hares. They can also face threats from accidental trapping.

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Efforts like Chik-Wuak's conservation efforts and Colorado Parks & Wildlife's repopulation operations are bearing fruit in making these sightings more commonplace. Excitingly, the Canada lynx has even been spotted all the way in Vermont.

Viewers on Facebook marveled at the footage of the two big cats in action and the ruckus they made.

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"My cat flattened his ears hearing this," one said. "My 100 lb dog had to get up on the couch and sit next to mommy."

"That's an amazing capture," another visitor wrote.

"Glad they talked it out," a commenter joked.



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A golden capture on a trail camera showcased the only herd of wild buffalo left in Thailand.

"Officials said Thailand's only population of wild water buffalo  made up of 69 individuals  is found in Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary in Uthai Thani Province," the Miami Herald reported.

The incredible footage was captured and posted to Facebook by Thailand's Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation. The buffalo were found in the Huai Kha Khaeng, which works to protect endangered species. With only one herd in the country left, the footage is extremely rare.

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A dramatic population reduction of at least 50% over the last three generations is likely to have occurred, "given the severity of the threats, especially hybridization," according to Thai National Parks. Indeed, the wild water buffalo has reportedly been interbreeding with interbred or feral water buffalo, resulting in a decline in the species' population.

Other threats include hunting and severe habitat loss from agricultural development as well as the degradation of wetlands from invasive species.

Conservation efforts throughout Thailand seek to protect the species as they are among the 21 protected wildlife species under Thailand's Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act of 2019.

Capturing the species on camera allows researchers to understand the species more so that they can address ways to support their population. It also enables the public to learn about the threats the animals face, so each individual can do their part to support environmental efforts that keep these species alive.

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To support animals like these, respecting the rules of national parks and keeping a safe distance from all animals ensures their ability to survive. Further, small, individual efforts to help the environment go a long way in maintaining ecosystems and fostering regrowth.

Facebook users who saw the post expressed their support for the herd.

"Must preserve the area," wrote one. "Don't let anyone invade the forest."

"Let's take care of them," another wholesomely commented.

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Donald Trump got an MRI during a visit to Walter Reed Medical Center in October, but doesnt have a clue what was being examined.

Trump was asked by a reporter Sunday on Air Force One for details about the magnetic resonance imaging test, noting that Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has called for the results to be released. The president responded by calling Walz incompetent and saying that the results were absolutely perfect, just like the phone call that got him impeached the first time. But he apparently couldnt say exactly what was perfect.

What part of your body was the MRI looking at? one reporter directly asked.

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I have no idea. It was just an MRI. What part of the body? It wasnt the brain because I took a cognitive test and I aced it. I got a perfect mark, which you would be incapable of doing, Trump said.

Reporter: Governor Walz called for the release of your MRI results



Trump: They were perfect like my phone call where I got impeached. Absolutely perfect. If you want to have it released, Ill release it.



Reporter: Can you tell us what they were looking at?



Trump: For what? pic.twitter.com/gnEeGzJeyZ  Acyn (@Acyn) November 30, 2025

Trumps MRI came as part of an unexpected visit to the medical center only six months after his annual physical exam. MRIs are not routine, and are usually conducted to assess tumors, joint injuries, or heart conditions. But even when asked about it last month, Trump couldnt say why he was getting the MRI or what was being looked at.

All of this raises further questions about that October medical exam. Why would Trump need to be given a serious test like an MRI six months after his physical? It seems to suggest that Trump received other, serious tests besides the MRI and that hes hiding something.

The president constantly brags about passing cognitive and mental acuity tests, and Sundays remarks to reporters were no different. But the more he talks about his mind, the more it seems that he isnt on the level.
Dec. 1 (UPI) -- Honduran presidential candidate Nasry "Tito" Asfura -- whom President Donald Trump urged voters to support -- is leading in preliminary results from Sunday's general elections with a slight edge over fellow right-wing candidate Salvador Nasralla.

However, with 55% of polling stations counted, the difference between the two candidates is minimal -- fewer than 3,000 votes -- and could shift at any moment.

According to the National Electoral Council, Asfura leads the race with 40.1% of the vote, while Nasralla has 39.2%, the newspaper El Heraldo reported.

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The electoral process was marked by accusations of fraud among the candidates and widespread public distrust. For that reason, the main opposition candidates, Nasry Asfura, Salvador Nasralla and Mario Rivera, signed the Democratic Agreement for Honduras-Defense of the Vote on Nov. 11, committing to ensure transparency and defend the results.

The campaign was shaken by comments from President Donald Trump, who on Nov. 28 announced a pardon for former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez, convicted in New York on drug trafficking charges, and urged voters to support Asfura.

"Tito Asfura is the only true friend of freedom in Honduras," Trump said.

Ruling party candidate Rixi Moncada released an exit poll Sunday that placed her as the winner, even though the National Electoral Council had warned that no candidate should declare victory before the first official update.

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"The trend favors us and the people have already decided," Moncada said at a news conference.

However, official figures place her in third with only 19.5%.

Election day was also marked by failures on the Electoral Council's official results website, which stopped working early Monday and cut off access to the electronic transmission of results during the count.

Election authorities have not said what caused the outage, but the disruption has left the public waiting for new tally sheets, La Prensa reported.
Lindsey Halligan, the prosecutor handpicked by Donald Trump to indict two of the presidents political enemies, has been left out of discussions about whether she can still be considered employed in a top U.S. attorneys office, according to a report.

Halligan, a former Miss Colorado beauty pageant contestant with no prior experience in criminal law, was ruled by a judge to be unlawfully serving as interim U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, therefore voiding the charges she brought against former FBI Director James Comey and New York state Attorney General Letitia James.

The Department of Justice is still determining how it can pursue the cases against Comey and James as part of Trumps revenge tour, with Halligans role as a top federal prosecutor in limbo following the decision from U.S. District Judge Cameron Currie. A source told CNN that Halligan is not involved in internal DOJ discussions about whether the department will continue the cases without her, and it is not even clear whether she will report to her office in Alexandria on Monday.

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A source added that Attorney General Pam Bondi spoke with Halligan after Currie, who was appointed by President Bill Clinton, ruled that Trumps former personal attorney was serving unlawfully as a federal prosecutor but offered no clarity on whether she still has a job.

Lindsey Halligan was Donald Trumps personal attorney on civil cases and had no prosecutorial experience before she was named Virginias top federal prosecutor. / XNY/Star Max/GC Images

The confusion over Halligans status was part of a CNN report detailing the chaotic and gaffe-filled 63-day tenure at the Virginia office. Halligan was tapped by Trump and named interim U.S. attorney after her predecessor, Erik Siebert, resigned after refusing to bow to pressure to charge Comey and James with disputed allegations of lying to Congress and fraud, respectively.

Comey was charged by Halligans office just days after Trump publicly complained to Bondi on Truth Social in September that nothing is being done about prosecuting his enemies, in a post that was reportedly supposed to be a direct message.

Last month, the inexperienced Halligan was accused of possible prosecutorial misconduct after it emerged that a grand jury did not see the full and final indictment it was supposed to approve before the foreperson signed the charging document against Comey.

Donald Trump told Pam Bondi she couldnt delay any longer in bringing charges against James Comey and Letitia James. / Alex Wong/Getty Images

The DOJ is considering appealing the ruling that declared Halligans appointment unlawful and may still try to refile charges against Comey and James.

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An official close to DOJ headquarters denied to CNN that Halligan is being excluded from discussions about whether she is still considered a federal prosecutor and said the department will issue a memo stating that Halligan was not removed as a result of Curries ruling.

A DOJ spokesperson told the Daily Beast: Lindsey Halligan is an excellent attorney who continues to have the full support of Main Justice. The Department continues to consult with her the same way we do all U.S. Attorneys caught in this ridiculous appointment dilemma created by liberal activist judges.

An internal email from Justice Department officials, seen by CNN, instructed the U.S. attorneys office to refer to Halligan with the twice-misspelled title of Unites States Attorny, as well as special U.S. Attorney.

As of early Monday morning, Halligan is still listed as the lead attorney in the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of Virginias website.

The Daily Beast has contacted the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of Virginia for comment.
A child poses for a photo at the Space Museum in Yangon, Myanmar, Dec. 2, 2025. Myanmar inaugurated the Space Museum in Yangon on Sunday. It features exhibits on deep-space exploration, the space station, rockets launched into space, orbiting satellites, spacecraft and astronauts, planets, constellations, and other space-related topics. (Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe)

YANGON, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar inaugurated the Space Museum in Yangon on Sunday, local media The Mirror reported on Monday.

Myanmar's Acting President Senior General Min Aung Hlaing unveiled the museum's signboard and sprinkled scented water on the plaque, the report said.

Speaking at the inauguration event, Min Aung Hlaing said that the successful opening of the Space Museum would give students and young people the opportunity to explore space-related knowledge they previously encountered only in books or on television in one place, the report said.

He added that the museum was established to inspire the creativity of Myanmar's younger generations, encouraging new dreams about space and science beyond what they learn in school, the report said.

He also said that the ideas and inspiration gained from the museum would help foster future astronauts, scientists, engineers, and specialists who could contribute to Myanmar's modern development, the report said.

The Space Museum in Yangon, formerly the planetarium, is located at People's Park in Yangon. It features exhibits on deep-space exploration, the space station, rockets launched into space, orbiting satellites, spacecraft and astronauts, planets, constellations, and other space-related topics, it added. 

People visit the Space Museum in Yangon, Myanmar, Dec. 2, 2025. Myanmar inaugurated the Space Museum in Yangon on Sunday. It features exhibits on deep-space exploration, the space station, rockets launched into space, orbiting satellites, spacecraft and astronauts, planets, constellations, and other space-related topics. (Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe)

People visit the Space Museum in Yangon, Myanmar, Dec. 2, 2025. Myanmar inaugurated the Space Museum in Yangon on Sunday. It features exhibits on deep-space exploration, the space station, rockets launched into space, orbiting satellites, spacecraft and astronauts, planets, constellations, and other space-related topics. (Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe)

People visit the Space Museum in Yangon, Myanmar, Dec. 2, 2025. Myanmar inaugurated the Space Museum in Yangon on Sunday. It features exhibits on deep-space exploration, the space station, rockets launched into space, orbiting satellites, spacecraft and astronauts, planets, constellations, and other space-related topics. (Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe)

People visit the Space Museum in Yangon, Myanmar, Dec. 2, 2025. Myanmar inaugurated the Space Museum in Yangon on Sunday. It features exhibits on deep-space exploration, the space station, rockets launched into space, orbiting satellites, spacecraft and astronauts, planets, constellations, and other space-related topics. (Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe)
WASHINGTON  President Donald Trump has commuted the seven-year sentence of former private equity CEO David Gentile days after he reported to prison, a White House official confirmed.

Gentile was sentenced in May to seven years in prison on wire and security fraud charges. He began his sentence on Nov. 14 and was released on Nov. 26, Bureau of Prisons spokesman Donald Murphy said. The White House pardon czar, Alice Marie Johnson, also confirmed Gentile's release in a post on X.

Gentile was the CEO and co-founder of GPB Capital Holdings and was convicted by a federal jury in August 2024 of conspiracy to commit securities fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, securities fraud and two counts of wire fraud.

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The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York, which brought the indictment during the Biden administration, said at the time that the "charges related to a years-long scheme to defraud more than 10,000 investors by misrepresenting the source of funds used to make monthly distribution payments and the amount of revenue generated by three of GPBs investment funds."

Gentile was charged and convicted alongside Jeffry Schneider, the owner of a marketing firm, who prosecutors said marketed GPB funds to investors.

The White House official disputed the charges brought by the Biden DOJ. The official said GPB paid regular annualized distributions to its investors and in 2015, the company "disclosed to investors the possibility of using investor capital to pay some of these distributions rather than funding them from current operations."

"Even though this was disclosed to investors the Biden Department of Justice claimed this was a Ponzi scheme," the official said. "This claim was profoundly undercut by the fact that GPB had explicitly told investors what would happen. At trial, the government was unable to tie any supposedly fraudulent representations to Mr. Gentile. Mr. Gentile also raised serious concerns that the government had elicited false testimony and failed to correct such testimony."

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Gentile's attorney did not immediately respond to a request for comment about his release.

New York Attorney General Letitia James had also sued Gentile and other co-defendants in 2021 over the scheme. The lawsuit is still pending. A source familiar with James' case told NBC News that the attorney generals office is aware of Trumps commutation, and the source said it doesnt change the merits of the civil case against Gentile.

Trump has granted pardons and other acts of clemency to hundreds of people since taking office in January, beginning with around 1,500 Jan. 6 defendants and including many people convicted of fraud since then

In April, Trump pardoned Paul Walczak, who was convicted on tax charges. Walczak's mother contributed millions of dollars to Trumps presidential campaign.

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In May, Trump pardoned and commuted the sentences of former reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley, who were convicted of fraud, tax evasion and conspiracy to defraud the United States. Also in May, he pardoned former GOP Rep. Michael Grimm of New York, who was sentenced in 2015 to eight months on a tax fraud charge.

In October, Trump released former GOP Rep. George Santos of New York from prison. Santos was serving a sentence of over seven years on wire fraud and identity theft charges.

Later in October, Trump pardoned billionaire crypto executive Changpeng Zhao, who founded the Binance crypto exchange. Zhao was sentenced to four months in prison after pleading guilty in a deal with the Justice Department to enabling money laundering at Binance.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
HAMILTON, OH  A group that's grown almost 70-strong shows up weekly to commissioner meetings in this conservative Ohio county to protest officials' agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

They're mostly grandmas.

"I'm here because I'm outraged. I'm here because I'm angry," Cassie Stevens, who lives in Hamilton, said at a Butler County Commissioners meeting on Nov. 18. "I'm here because I need to be able to look my grandkids in the eye and say I did not remain silent."

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For 17 weeks, this group of Butler County residents has spoken at the commissioners' meetings in Hamilton. They want commissioners to cancel Sheriff Richard Jones' March agreement with ICE, which allows the Butler County Jail to detain people facing deportation.

Commissioners authorized the agreement, which brings millions of federal dollars to the county.

At the latest commissioners' meeting, more than 70 people sat, stood and spilled through the doors. Most were White women who sported silver and white cropped hair. After the meeting, they took their protest outside, braving the November rain with fleece jackets and handmade signs.

Commission meetings prompt residents to band together

Sharon Meyer, who lives in Hamilton, criticized the county's agreement with ICE and said it sends one message: "If you don't look like us, bring a passport to Butler County."

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Some people cried as speakers shared their neighbors', friends' and grandchildren's classmates' fears about ICE arrests and detentions. Toward the end of the meeting's public comment portion, and after one commissioner told them not to, critics of the contract broke into song: "America the Beautiful."

Anne Jantzen, 82, is the organizer behind the Butler County for Immigrant Justice group, which has been protesting for weeks against the conservative county's partnership with ICE.

Anne Jantzen, 82, who lives in Seven Mile, first began attending commissioners meetings over the summer to protest the county's agreement with ICE. There, she met others with the same beliefs and started an email chain.

"They said, 'I heard about you and I want to be part of this,'" she told The Enquirer, part of the USA TODAY Network, after the meeting.

Their group, Butler County for Immigrant Justice, ranges in age from 60 to 85, she said. Retirees are more likely than younger people to be able to attend commissioners meetings, which are held at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesdays.

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"I can do it; therefore I need to," Jantzen said.

The meetings are also streamed online, but speakers must be present to make a public comment.

Benjamin McCall, a Liberty Township resident who ran as a Democrat for an Ohio House seat in 2024, said he's begun carrying his passport daily for fear of being arrested by ICE.

A 'dirty money contract'

President Donald Trump won Butler County in 2024 with 62% of the vote. The federal government's extra funding for the Butler County Sheriff's Office began to arrive this month.

Stevens, a member of Butler County for Immigrant Justice, called the agreement a "dirty money contract" and said it has "emboldened racists."

"They use the dehumanizing term 'illegals' just like they use the n-word," she said.

Melanie Stearns, who lives in Hamilton, said the county's cooperation with ICE has given the region a bad reputation. The sheriff's office is the only one in Ohio with a Jail Enforcement Model agreement, according to current ICE contracts, which allows the Butler County Jail to hold ICE detainees for extended periods of time.

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"We look like idiots, just like we did with the cats and JD Vance," she said, referring to the vice president's comments last year that immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, about an hour north of Butler County, were eating pets. Vance was raised in Butler County's Middletown.

Resident, Jay Stevison, who joined the group after the meeting, got teary-eyed as he spoke about his three grandchildren, who, he said, have a Latino parent.

"I would have to defend them with my life if ICE tried to take them," he said.

Commissioner T.C. Rogers argued that the county's cooperation with ICE agents is necessary because of a surge in migration.

Commissioners give reasons for not canceling ICE contract

Twenty residents spoke out against the contract for about an hour. None spoke in favor of it.

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The three commissioners, all Republicans, responded.

Commissioner Cindy Carpenter, who has served on the board since 2011, said the sheriff "alone" sets policies, determines operations and makes decisions about cooperating with federal agencies, including ICE.

But the sheriff is not an independent contractor, said Butler County Prosecutor Mike Gmoser. Jones' office needs commissioner authorization to sign most contracts and agreements, as was done for the ICE agreement.

In a phone call with The Enquirer the day after the meeting, Carpenter said commissioners aim to facilitate county operations without inserting their own political opinions.

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"We would lose a lot of credibility with our officeholders if we started undermining their judgment," she said.

The resolution passed by commissioners in February amended the sheriff's agreement with the U.S. Marshals Service to allow the jail to hold ICE detainees. Commissioners could take action to cancel the agreement. The ICE document says either party can terminate or suspend the agreement.

Commissioner T.C. Rogers, citing CNN coverage, said there is a need for ICE arrests because of a 2023 surge of migration at the U.S.-Mexico border. That surge was declining under President Joe Biden and has slowed even further under Trump.

Demonstrators from a new grassroots group called Butler County for Immigrant Justice gathered outside of the chamber after a meeting of the Butler County Commissioners on Nov. 18.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Suburban grandmas protest ICE contract in Trump-voting Ohio county
President Donald Trump delivered a stern ultimatum to Nicolas Maduro to leave Venezuela immediately before announcing the country's airspace should be closed, according to a report.

Per the Miami Herald, Washington's warning was delivered in a phone call with Caracas and offered guaranteed evacuation for Maduro, his wife Cilia Flores, and their son, but only if the dictator agreed to resign on the spot.

The conversation stalled, U.S. officials said, and within hours Washington escalated dramatically.

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The ensuing impasse, a source told the outlet, was over Maduro asking for "global amnesty for any crimes he and his group had committed, and that was rejected."

Maduro Brandishes Sword At Rally As He Rails Against 'Imperialist Aggression' Amid Rising Tensions With Us

Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro brandishes a sword during an event at the military academy in Caracas, Venezuela, Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025.

"Second, they asked to retain control of the armed forces  similar to what happened in Nicaragua in 91 with Violeta Chamorro. In return, they would allow free elections."

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The final issue was timing, according to the outlet, as Washington demanded that Maduro resign immediately  but Caracas refused.

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Trump went on to announce Saturday that Venezuelan airspace would be considered "closed in its entirety."

The Herald also reported that the Maduro government tried to schedule another call to Washington but received no response.

According to a defense expert familiar with the countrys military and state-linked cartel ties, Maduro and key players in his regime could now face their most serious threat yet.

"I think the operations will start imminently," former Venezuelan diplomat Vanessa Neumann told Fox News Digital.

"The clearing of the airspace is an indication and a very clear public warning that missiles might be coming to take out command and control infrastructure or retaliatory infrastructure," Neumann said. "This will not be like breaking a jar into a thousand pieces, this is where you can lift the concentration of power, and it's easier to manage."

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"The targets have been identified through covert operations over the last several years by people on the ground," she continued. "So they're well-mapped. This is a capture-or-kill scenario, but there's a limit to how many people you can remove quickly."

On Sunday, Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One not to "read anything into" his declaring Venezuela's airspace closed when asked if a strike was imminent.

"Maduro also doesn't have that many options, and his military is very weak," she warned. "You can't go after 30 people simultaneously, who are spread all around, but certainly high on the list would be Maduro himself."

Trump Pushes Peace In Europe, Pressure In The Americas  Inside The Two-front Gamble

U.S. strikes on drug boats near Venezuelan waters may be targeted at taking out Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.

Venezuelas armed forces, once among Latin Americas strongest, have been weakened by years of corruption, sanctions, defections, and lack of maintenance. Much of its equipment, Neumann says, has never even been serviced.

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"Their material is extremely old, decayed, and has not been serviced," Neumann explained.

"They've got junk from the Russians. The stuff they originally had from the Americans is decades old and has not been serviced.

"So, they have neither the personnel, foreign support, nor the material," she said.

Ahead of shuttering the airspace, the U.S. also officially designated the cartel allegedly linked with Venezuelas government, the Cartel de los Soles, as a foreign terrorist organization.

"This cartel turned Venezuela's main oil company into a narcotics trafficking money laundering operation, using the companys access to international finance, until it was sanctioned," Neumann, who has worked with governments on countering transnational organized crime linked to the group, explained.

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"They were using Venezuelan military jets to bring in cocaine from Colombia, process it in Venezuela, and then move it into Central America and then into Europe.

Iran Backs Maduro To Keep Latin America Foothold As Trump Increases Pressure On Venezuela

"Jet pilots were making a lot of money off that, and they've tortured people. They target people, anybody who tell on them, theyre disappeared," Neumann said. "Theyre now one of the prime drug trafficking networks into the United States and Europe, and use their military positions, including their military-to-military relations, to grow and accelerate those movements."

In fact, in September, the European Parliament also voted in favor of the EU designating Cartel de los Soles as a terrorist organization.

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"The Cartel de Los Soles is also a key collaborator and financier of Hezbollah and some of the drug money has been used to fund terrorist attacks that have killed American citizens, even in the Middle East," added Neumann, CEO of Asymmetrica Group, which specializes in defense cooperation.

The U.S. has also ramped up a military and intelligence campaign targeting drug-trafficking networks linked to Venezuela, including strikes on suspected narcotics boats.

Trumps Strike On Cartel Vessel Off Venezuela Sends Warning To Maduro: No Sanctuary

President Donald Trump walks from Marine One after arriving on the South Lawn of the White House, Tuesday, July 29, 2025, in Washington.

"The decision is President Trump's because when he says, Go, we go. And nobody knows when he'll say that," Neumann said. "He has mobilized so many assets down there now. But what President Trump is doing now is long overdue."

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"The timing is right now," she added. "Because even Maduro's biggest backers, Russia and Iran, are both on the back foot, and China will not go that far in backing Maduro as it has bigger and broader interests throughout the region."

She also noted that "Maduro is also weakened because his partners are weakened and have their own issues to deal with," and that "we also now have a concentration of power and deep repression within the country that's quite unified, which means it's easy to flip."

Washingtons Shadow War: How Strikes On Cartels Threaten To Collapse Maduros Regime

Neumann identified others in the regime who may be targeted, including Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, Diosdado Cabello, Minister of Interior, Justice and Peace and Alexander Granko Arteaga, head of Venezuelas counter-intelligence agency, the DGCIM.

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"One of the reasons Granko is an important figure is that he's one of the reasons why they haven't capitulated and why there has not been a military uprising," Neumann explained.

"It's because of the brutality of the counter-intelligence that they do to their own military, and hundreds of soldiers are tortured. That said, the Venezuelan people have made it clear that they wanted Maduro out and fought democratically but lost," she added.

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"They voted in elections, protested peacefully, lobbied for sanctions, and lobbied for international support," Neumann said.





Original article source: Trump gave Maduro ultimatum to flee Venezuela as land operations loom: report
President Donald Trump defended his pardon of a former Honduran president who once bragged that he would stuff the drugs up the gringos noses.

Trump, 79, stood by his announcement on Friday that he would grant a full and complete pardon of Juan Orlando Hernandez, the 57-year-old former Honduran leader who was sentenced to 45 years in prison last year after he was convicted of drug trafficking and firearms offenses.

Well, I was toldI was asked by Honduras, many of the people of Honduras, they said it was a Biden setup, Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday. He was the president of the country. And they basically said he was a drug dealer because he was the president of the country.

Juan Orlando Hernandez served two terms as president of Honduras. / Getty Images

The Justice Department, under former President Joe Biden, had said Hernandez abused his power to support one of the largest and most violent drug trafficking conspiracies in the world, helping heavily armed traffickers smuggle as much as 400 tons of cocaine into the U.S.all while publicly promoting anti-narcotics policies in the Central American nation.

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The prosecution of Hernandez began in Trumps first term and concluded under Biden. Hernandez was extradited to the U.S. in 2022 and sentenced in a New York federal courtroom two years later for taking bribes from drug traffickers to move well over approximately 4.5 billion individual doses of cocaine.

In 2021, a witness recalled Hernandez as saying, We are going to stuff the drugs up the gringos noses, and theyre never even going to know it.

Hernandez was extradited to the U.S. in 2022 and later sentenced to 45 years in prison. / Getty Images / Getty Images

But Trump insisted Sunday that the people of Honduras really thought he was set up, and it was a terrible thing.

He was the president of the country, and they basically said he was a drug dealer because he was the president of the country, and they said it was a Biden administration setup. And I looked at the facts, and I agreed with that, he claimed.

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When a reporter asked him to share any evidence showing that Hernandez was set up, Trump replied: They could say that you take any country you want, if somebody sells drugs in that country, that doesnt mean you arrest the president and put him in jail for the rest of his life. That includes this country.

The pardon comes as the Trump administration hammers down on boats in the Caribbean that it has accused of ties to drug cartels. Pete Hegseths self-anointed War Department has so far killed at least 83 people in 21 strikes since September, according to CNN.

The Washington Post revealed in a bombshell report that Hegseth handed down an order during a Sept. 2 strike to kill everybodya legally perilous move that experts said could amount to a war crime.

Trump appeared to know little about the incident.

Number one, I dont know that that happened, he told reporters. And Pete said he did not want them... he didnt even know what people were talking about. So well look into it, but no, I wouldnt have wanted that, not a second strike.
President Donald Trump was grilled about his decision to pardon former president of Honduras and convicted drug trafficker Juan Orlando Hernandez on Sunday while simultaneously boasting about his efforts to crack down on drug trafficking.

During a Q&A with reporters on Air Force One, Trump was asked by a reporter about his decision to pardon Hernandez, who was sentenced to 45 years in prison for drug trafficking and weapons charges in June last year.

You have made so clear how you want to keep drugs out of the U.S. Can you explain more about why you would pardon a notorious drug trafficker? questioned the reporter.

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After Trump replied, Well, I dont know who youre talking about, the reporter specified, Juan Orlando Hernandez.

Well I was told I was asked by Honduras, many of the people of Honduras, they said it was a Biden setup, responded Trump. I dont mean Biden look, Biden didnt know he was alive, but it was the people that surround the Resolute Desk, surround Biden when he was there, which was about very little time, and the people of Honduras really thought he was set up and it was a terrible thing.

Trump continued, He was the president of the country and they basically said he was a drug dealer because he was the president of the country, and they said it was a Biden administration setup, and I looked at the facts and I agree with them.

Asked, What evidence can you share that he was set up? the president replied, Well, you take a look. I mean, they could say that you take any country you want, if somebody sells drugs in that country, that doesnt mean you arrest the president and put him in jail for the rest of his life.

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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, announced Trump in a Truth Social post last week. CONGRATULATIONS TO JUAN ORLANDO HERNANDEZ ON YOUR UPCOMING PARDON.

Watch above via the White House.

The post Trump Grilled About Pardoning Ex-Honduran President: Why Would You Pardon a Notorious Drug Trafficker? first appeared on Mediaite.
Dec. 1 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump hosted a meeting Monday evening in the Oval Office with top national security officials to discuss Venezuela as the administration ramps up pressure on the country and President Nicholas Maduro. The White House is also facing pressure from lawmakers to provide more details on a second strike targeting an alleged drug boat in the Caribbean that killed survivors.

Important Cabinet and security team members joined the meeting, which was scheduled for 5 p.m., including Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, as well as White House chief of staff Susie Wiles and deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller. While the meeting wrapped up Monday night, there were no details on what was discussed.

Earlier Monday, Hegseth appeared to distance himself from a commander who ordered a second deadly strike in September on a suspected drug boat in the Caribbean, while also offering his support.

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"Let's make one thing crystal clear: Admiral Mitch Bradley is an American hero, a true professional and has my 100% support," Hegseth wrote in a post on X. "I stand by him and the combat decisions he has made -- on the Sept. 2 mission and all others since."

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also told reporters Monday that the president and defense secretary have "made it clear that presidentially designated narcoterrorist groups are subject to lethal targeting in accordance with the laws of war."

President of Venezuela Nicolas Maduro (C), holds the Venezuelan independence hero Simon Bolivar's "Sword of Peru" alongside Minister of Defense Vladimir Padrino Lopez during a military ceremony commemorating the 200th anniversary of the Venezuelan independence hero Simon Bolivar, in Caracas, Venezuela, Nov. 25. President Donald Trump hosted an Oval Office meeting on Venezuela on Monday evening. Photo by Venezuelan President Office/UPI

"This administration has designated these narco-terrorists as foreign terrorists or organizations. The president has a right to take them out if they are threatening the United States of America," Leavitt said, adding that Hegseth has spoken to any lawmakers who have expressed concerns.

On Sunday, Trump told reporters on Air Force One that he would not have ordered a second strike.

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"Number one, I don't know that that happened, and Pete said he did not want them -- he didn't even know what people were talking about," Trump said. "So, we'll look into it, but no, I wouldn't have wanted that, not a second strike."

Rep. Adam Smith, the lead Democrat on the House Armed Services committee, criticized Hegseth on Monday and said he expects to be briefed this week by Bradley.

"I'm not satisfied yet. I mean, we don't have a clear answer," Smith said. "I mean, he gave the order, so he needs to be responsible for it and he needs to tell us what it was. And we have not gotten those clear answers yet."

The U.S. military has sent more than a dozen warships and 15,000 troops to the region. The Pentagon has called the move Operation Southern Spear. Since Sept. 2, the United States has also struck multiple boats in the Caribbean and the Pacific that it claims were drug smuggling boats, killing about 80 people.

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The attacks have attracted domestic and international condemnation and allegations of war crimes. Colombian President Gustavo Petro has accused Trump of murder, saying one of the strikes killed a fisherman, and United Nations experts have described the attacks as extrajudicial killings.

In a recent phone call, Trump reportedly gave Maduro an ultimatum to step down, but the Caribbean leader said no and demanded a "global amnesty" for himself and his allies, The Guardian reported. The American leader confirmed the call on Sunday, but didn't provide details. The call is believed to have happened on Nov. 21.

"I wouldn't say it went well or badly, it was a phone call," he said.

But sources told the Miami Herald that Trump said, "You can save yourself and those closest to you, but you must leave the country now," offering safe passage for Maduro, his wife and his son, but "only if he agreed to resign right away."

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Maduro immediately declined and reportedly demanded worldwide immunity from prosecution and that he would step down from his position but wanted to keep control of the military.

Maduro has reached out to the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries for help with the president's "growing and illegal threats," Al Jazeera reported.

Maduro sent a letter to his fellow members of OPEC on Sunday, accusing the United States of trying to seize Venezuela's oil reserves, which are the world's largest.

"I hope to count on your best efforts to help stop this aggression, which is growing stronger and seriously threatens the balance of the international energy market, both for producing and consuming countries," Maduro said, according to a copy published by Venezuela state broadcaster TeleSUR.

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Venezuela holds the world's largest proven oil reserves, estimated at 303 billion barrels as of 2023. But it exported just $4.05 billion worth of crude oil in 2023, far below other major-oil producing countries, Al Jazeera reported. Part of the reason for this is that the United States, in the first Trump administration, sanctioned the country.

On Saturday, Trump said that Venezuela airspace is "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 said in a post on Truth Social.

Trump doesn't have the legal authority to close Venezuelan airspace but that type of announcement is sometimes made before airstrikes are launched.
Dec. 1 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump said he has invited the families of two National Guard members who were shot last week to the White House.

Trump, speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday, said he has spoken with the Guardsmen's families and extended them a formal invitation.

"I have spoken to both families," he said. "They're devastated."

U.S. Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, both National Guard members from West Virginia, were shot while patrolling Wednesday in support of Trump's crime and immigration crackdown in Washington, D.C.

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Beckstrom died from her injuries Thursday, and Wolfe was in critical condition.

Trump told reporters Wolfe was "fighting for his life."

He said he extended the invitation to the victims' families to visit the White House "when you're ready."

"We're going to honor Sarah," he said. "And likewise with Andrew, recover or not, we're going to honor him."

Trump described Wolfe's parents as "great" and "highly religious people."

"And they are praying, and they want everyone to pray for Andrew, and he has a chance to make it," he said.

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Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, an Afghan national who U.S. officials say worked with the CIA to track down high-value Taliban targets in his native country, is accused of being the shooter.

Trump has referred to Lakanwal as an "animal" and blames the previous Biden administration for allowing him to enter the United States.

Following the shooting, Trump said he would order an indefinite pause on migration from all "third-world countries," a Cold War-era term that is largely considered outdated to refer to low- and middle-income countries.

On Friday, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services told its staff that it will pause all applications for asylum filed by immigrants within the United States.
President Donald Trump has invited the families of two National Guard members to the White House after they were shot last week while serving in Washington, D.C.

I said, When youre ready, because thats a tough thing, come to the White House, Trump said Sunday evening aboard Air Force One.

Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, 20, died after being shot Wednesday near the White House. Her fellow West Virginian, Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, is in critical condition.

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Trump confirmed hes spoken with each of the Guard members parents about being honored at the White House.

Were going to honor Sarah, and likewise, with Andrew, recover or not, were going to, he said.

Approximately 2,000 service members and first responders lined the streets of Washington, D.C. to pay their respects to @WVNationalGuard Spc. Sarah Beckstrom during an honor escort, also known as a fallen Soldier procession.



https://t.co/ClZXOt71Op pic.twitter.com/X1tmQdfSBI  National Guard (@USNationalGuard) December 1, 2025

The president noted that he spoke with Beckstroms parents, who are devastated about her death. He said the Wolfes are unbelievably great people who are praying for their sons recovery.

Beckstroms father told The New York Times last week that he believed his daughter would not recover and her wound was a fatal one. He later shared online that his baby girl has passed to glory.

This has been a horrible tragedy, he said.

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White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed the shooting during a briefing Monday.

President Trump and the entire White House are praying for Andrews full recovery at the request of his parents and their personal phone call with the president over the weekend, and we are keeping Sarahs family and friends in our prayers during this unimaginably difficult time, Leavitt said.

The shooting occurred at 17th and I Streets, just a few blocks from the White House. Trump was not there at the time because he was spending the Thanksgiving holiday in Florida.

The Afghan man accused of shooting Beckstrom and Wolfe, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, has been in the United States since arriving in 2021 through the Operation Allies Welcome program. The program allowed Afghans to be resettled in the U.S. after the end of the war, The Associated Press reported.

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Lakanwal reportedly worked in a special Afghan Army unit known as Zero Unit. He resettled with his wife and five sons in Bellingham, Washington, but community members said he has struggled since March 2023 and has not been functional as a person, father and provider, the AP reported.

The U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, Jeanine Pirro, said he drove across the country from Bellingham to D.C.

Leavitt noted that Lakanwal entered the U.S. in 2021 under the Biden-era resettling program.

Here are the facts, the terrorist who ... gunned down American soldiers blocks away from the White House and in ambush was an Afghan national who was flown into our country by Joe Bidens administration in September 2021 in the chaotic wake of their botched withdrawal from Afghanistan, one of the most embarrassing moments in the history of our great country, she said.

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The terrifying truth is that the Afghanistan debacle is just a small part of Democrats complete and total betrayal of the American people during the Biden years, Leavitt continued. The tragedy that we just witnessed the day before Thanksgiving is a reminder than untold thousands of terrorists, gang members and criminals were invited into our country and remain here to this very day.

Leavitt said as a result of last weeks shooting, the Trump administration is actively re-examining all of the Afhans who entered the U.S. under the Operation Allies Welcome program.

The shooting was a rare act of violence against the National Guard, who have been deployed to the nations capital using the citys Home Rule Act. Their presence in the city has been met with protests from locals, but Trump and his allies say the troops have been successful in their mission to clean up the city and crack down on crime.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Trump asked him to deploy an additional 500 National Guard members to Washington after the shooting. There are already more than 2,000 members in the city.
Donald Trump said on Sunday that he invited the family of a national guard member fatally shot last week to the White House, adding that he spoke to her parents and they were devastated.

US army specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, was killed in a shooting on Wednesday in Washington DC. Her fellow service member, US air force staff Sgt Andrew Wolfe, 24, remains hospitalized in critical condition. Vigils across West Virginia have taken place in their memory.

The president said hes discussed a White House visit for the parents of both members of the West Virginia national guard.

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Related: Kristi Noem claims suspect in national guard shooting was radicalized in US

I said: When youre ready, because thats a tough thing, come to the White House. Were going to honor Sarah, Trump told reporters. And likewise with Andrew, recover or not.

Mourners came together over the weekend at Webster County high school in West Virginia to honor Beckstrom. Both she and Wolfe had been serving with the West Virginia national guard as part of Trumps federal initiative to support policing efforts in DC.

Sarah was the kind of student that teachers hoped for. She carried herself with quiet strength, a contagious smile and a positive energy that lifted people around her, Jarrod Hankins, the principal of Beckstroms former high school, told the Associated Press. She was sweet, caring and always willing to help others.

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Funeral details for Beckstrom are still being arranged.

Authorities have charged a 29-year-old Afghan national with one count of first-degree murder and two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed. The incident led the Trump administration to suspend asylum processing and temporarily stop issuing visas to holders of Afghan passports.

Related: US halts all asylum decisions after national guard shooting

Wolfe, a native of Martinsburg, began his service in February 2019 and is a 2019 graduate of Musselman high school, according to the AP. He continues to receive treatment and is fighting for his life, West Virginia governor Patrick Morrisey said on Fox News Channels The Sunday Briefing.

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Attorney general Pam Bondi told Fox News Sunday that she also intended to meet with Wolfes family.

Beckstrom, from Summersville, graduated from Webster County high school in June 2023 and enlisted soon after, serving as a military police officer with distinction, according to the West Virginia national guard.

She had a lot of kindness and she certainly had courage, Morrisey told the crowd at the vigil. Though her life lasted far too short, she has left a mark thats going to last forever.
President Donald Trump has attacked a Tennessee Democrat running for Congress by claiming that she hates Christianity and openly disdains country music.

The president issued the broadside against Aftyn Behn on Truth Social Sunday after endorsing her MAGA rival Matt Van Epps in the special election for the states 7th congressional district, which is being held to find a successor to the resigning Rep. Mark Green, also a Republican.

I am asking all America First Patriots in Tennessees 7th Congressional District, who havent voted yet, to please GET OUT AND VOTE on Election Day, Tuesday, December 2nd, for a phenomenal Candidate, Matt Van Epps, Trump wrote in his post.

Democratic congressional candidate and state rep. Aftyn Behn, attends a campaign event with her supporters in Nashville, Tennessee on Saturday (AP)

Matt is fighting against a woman who hates Christianity, will take away your guns, wants Open Borders, Transgender for everybody, men in womens sports, and openly disdains Country music.

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She said all of these things precisely, and without question  ITS ON TAPE! Do not take this Race for granted. The Radical Left Democrats are spending a fortune to beat one of the best Candidates weve ever had, Matt Van Epps! You can win this Election for Matt. GET OUT AND VOTE FOR MATT VAN EPPS, who has my Complete and Total Endorsement  HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!

The presidents attack appeared to refer to an interview Behn gave on a podcast in 2020 in which she said of Nashville, the country music Mecca: I hate the city, I hate the bachelorettes, I hate the pedal taverns, I hate country music, I hate all of the things that make Nashville apparently an it city to the rest of the country.

Behn, a state representative and former social worker and community organizer, was asked about those remarks in a recent interview with the civil rights leader the Rev. Al Sharpton on his MS NOW show.

As a Nashvillian, I think we all get a little annoyed with the tourists that come to town, but that doesnt mean I [dont] love my city, she said.

President Donald Trump has endorsed MAGA candidate Matt Van Epps in the special election for Tennessees 7th congressional district (AP)

In fact, instead of sitting on the sideline and complaining about it, I decided to run for office, and thats why Im the state representative that represents downtown Nashville.

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The race between Behn and Van Epp is being closely watched nationally as a possible omen for the 2026 midterms, with a Democrat victory, flipping a red seat blue, likely to turn up the heat on the GOP amid widespread dissatisfaction with Trumps first year back in office.

Republican PACs have invested approximately $2 million into Van Eppss campaign, according to Mediaite, in order to prevent that happening.

A House Democratic super PAC has meanwhile spent $1 million on television and digital commercials for Behn, who is campaigning under the slogan: Vote Early, Vote Aftyn.

She defeated fellow state representatives Vincent Dixie and Bo Mitchell and local businessman Darden Copeland in the states Democratic primary in October to set up the clash with Van Epp.
Laman Ismayilova

The Director-General of ICESCO, Salim bin Mohammed al-Malik, and the Chairman of the Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation, Sheikh Rashid bin Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, will visit Baku to participate in the international conference on "Developing the Artificial Intelligence Index in the Islamic World," Azernews reports.

The event, organized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the Ministry of Science and Education, in partnership with ICESCO, will take place on December 8-9 at the Heydar Aliyev Center.

The "Artificial Intelligence Index in the Islamic World" document, developed to measure the development trends of artificial intelligence on a scientific basis, will be presented for the first time at the Baku conference.

The conference aims to strengthen cooperation on artificial intelligence in the Islamic world and discuss the ethical, social, and economic impacts of artificial intelligence.

The event will be attended by education ministers from 10 ICESCO member countries, international experts, representatives of government agencies, and a total of around 150 participants.

Within the framework of the conference, discussions will be held on the role of artificial intelligence in the education system, and a final declaration will be adopted on "Developing the Artificial Intelligence Index among ICESCO member countries."
A woman visits the exhibition "Civilization of the Qin and Han Dynasties - The First Chinese Emperor's Terracotta Warriors" at the Museum of Fine Arts in Budapest, Hungary, Nov. 27, 2025. (Photo by David Balogh/Xinhua)

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.

BUDAPEST, Nov. 30 (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.

Laszlo Baan, director general of the Museum of Fine Arts, delivers a speech at the opening ceremony of an exhibition of China's Terracotta Warriors in Budapest, Hungary, Nov. 27, 2025. (Photo by David Balogh/Xinhua)

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.

Exhibits are pictured at the exhibition "Civilization of the Qin and Han Dynasties - The First Chinese Emperor's Terracotta Warriors" at the Museum of Fine Arts in Budapest, Hungary, Nov. 27, 2025.(Photo by David Balogh/Xinhua)

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." 
Two planes carrying Venezuelan migrants out of the U.S. were midair on March 15 when a federal judge in Washington ordered the Trump administration to turn them around.

Instead, the planes landed in El Salvador hours later, touching off an extraordinary power struggle between the judicial and executive branches of the U.S. government over what happened and why the judge's order went unexecuted.

That fight entered a critical phase on Friday when U.S. District Judge James Boasberg relaunched an investigation to determine whether the Republican administration deliberately ignored his instruction, letting the planes continue onto El Salvador.

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The judge previously concluded it did and threatened to have the responsible official or officials prosecuted on a contempt charge. The administration has denied any violation.

But an appeals court threw Boasberg's decision out. The contempt probe appeared dead until in yet another twist, a larger panel of judges on the same appeals court ruled on November 14 that the investigation could proceed.

Heres a look at what makes this case unusual and what could happen now:

Criminal contempt inquiries such as Boasberg's are extremely rare

They are a last resort, former federal judges Jeremy Fogel and Liam O'Grady told The Associated Press in an interview Monday conducted on Zoom.

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The judge has to believe that some line may have been crossed that you cant ignore, said Fogel, who spent 20 years on the bench in Northern California before retiring in 2018.

Fogel said the issues raised by Boasberg's contempt probe  whether the migrants were deprived of their due process rights and whether the court's authority was flouted  meet that standard.

Whatever actually happened, I think it would be very hard for him to just let it go, the judge said.

O'Grady, who served in Alexandria, Virginia, just outside Washington, for 16 years, credited Boasberg for his efforts to determine the facts.

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Hes making sure that his record is absolutely clear, O'Grady said.

Boasberg wants to start with written statements

On Friday, Boasberg ordered the administration to submit declarations by December 5 from all officials involved in the decision not to return the flights to the U.S. He said he will then decide whether to seek testimony from witnesses.

The declarations should detail the officials' roles in the decision, the judge said in the brief order.

Justice Department attorneys had urged him to abandon the probe, but Boasberg said he must determine whether Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem or anyone else should be referred for potential contempt prosecution.

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In other words, the Court must decide if: (1) the court order was clear and reasonably specific; (2) the defendant violated the order; and (3) the violation was willful, he wrote.

In a court filing on Tuesday, Justice Department attorneys said Noem decided the migrants aboard the flights could be transferred to El Salvador after receiving advice from the Homeland Security departments acting general counsel, Joseph Mazzara.

Mazzara had received legal advice about the planes from Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche and Principal Associate Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove, according to the filing.

The administration has defended its decision about the planes

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The judges directive to return them was made verbally in court but not included in his written order, government attorneys said in the court filing on Tuesday.

That order blocked the administration from removing any of the individual Plaintiffs from the United States for 14 days, but said nothing about the flights already airborne.

The two planes had already departed U.S. territory and airspace, so the migrants aboard them had already been removed and therefore fell outside of the court's order, Justice Department lawyers said in the court filing.

Accordingly, the Government maintains that its actions did not violate the Courts order  certainly not with the clarity required for criminal contempt  and no further proceedings are warranted or appropriate, they wrote.

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A federal appeals court judge said in August that the administration's interpretation of Boasberg's order was plausible. The order could reasonably have been read as only prohibiting the government from expelling detainees from United States territory, wrote Gregory Katsas, a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. Katsas was appointed by President Donald Trump.

The White House has been hostile to judges that check its power

Trump officials have chafed at judicial oversight and repeatedly contested the power of judges to review executive branch policies, particularly on immigration.

There is a deliberate effort to push the boundaries and try to curtail the authority of trial courts, said David Noll, a Rutgers Law School professor who writes about the intersection of the law and politics.

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Noll said he expects the Justice Department to fight the inquiry from the start, with lots of appeals and chest thumping that Boasberg is exceeding his authority.

Trump has already attacked Boasberg. After the March 15 ruling, Trump derided the judge as a troublemaker and agitator and called for his impeachment. Boasberg was nominated to the bench by Democratic President Barack Obama and currently serves as the chief judge of the federal court for the District of Columbia.

In July, the Justice Department filed a misconduct claim against him, alleging he told Chief Justice John Roberts and other federal judges in March that the administration would trigger a constitutional crisis by disregarding federal court rulings.

Boasberg has framed the contempt inquiry as an effort to uphold the U.S. Constitution, which he says requires compliance with judicial orders. Separately, he is considering a request to require the administration to give at least 137 of the migrants, who are now back in Venezuela, a chance to challenge their gang designation.

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He has accused Trump administration officials of rushing the migrants out of the U.S. and said significant evidence had surfaced indicating that many of them were not connected to the Tren de Aragua gang.

Contempt findings can carry fines and prison time

But history shows such punishments are rarely issued or allowed to stand against the government.

A survey of thousands of federal court opinions published in the Harvard Law Review in 2018 turned up 82 contempt findings against government officials and agencies since the end of World War II. Judges issued or tried to issue fines in 16 of those cases, but higher courts blocked them in all but three.

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Prison time is even more uncommon. Judges locked up or credibly threatened to lock up a federal agency official in only four of the cases, and high courts similarly intervened to block the sanction, the study by Yale Law School professor Nicholas Parrillo found.

Noll, the Rutgers Law professor, said if the inquiry moves ahead, it could influence public debate about whether the administration can carry out its mass deportation policy legally.

A lot of a district court's power just comes from the ability to get an issue in front of the public, he said in a phone interview on Tuesday.
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.

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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.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Donald Trump has issued a cryptic message about his beloved ballroom following clashes between the president and the architect he hand-picked to design his vanity project.

Trump, 79, took to Truth Social on Sunday to repeat his regular claims that the super-sized ballroom will be funded privately and that the White House has needed and desired a ballroom for 150 years.

The president then curiously stated of the construction, As long as we are going to do it, we are going to do it RIGHT.

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The mystery post follows Trumps feud with James McCrery II, the architect he personally selected to design the ever-expanding ballroom.

Donald Trump posts a ballroom update on his Truth Social account. / Truth Social

While the president initially claimed the new ballroom would not interfere with the existing White House, the entire East Wing was demolished to make room for Trumps inflated vision.

Sources told the Washington Post McCrery urged Trump display restraint with his plans for the 90,000-square-foot ballroom, that will dwarf the 55,000-square-foot mansion it will be attached to.

The ballroom has grown from a 500-seat room to one that will accommodate 999 people, with Trump now wanting it to hold 1,350 guests and potentially be big enough to host a presidential inauguration.

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McCrery reportedly expressed to Trump the golden rule of architecturean extension should not engulf the building it is designed to complement.

President Donald Trump speaks holding a photos of the new ballroom during a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC on October 22, 2025. / The Washington Post / The Washington Post via Getty Im

A report in the New York Times on Saturday said Trump had told builders working on the ballroom that they could ignore zoning, permitting or code requirements because the structure is on White House grounds.

The publication claimed McCrery has now pulled back from his day-to-day involvement in the ballroom, but was still involved in a consultancy role and remained proud to be working for Trump.

A White House official conceded that Trump and McCrery have clashed over the ballroom design but insisted nothing is amiss, describing the back-and-forth as constructive dialogue.

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As with any building, there is a conversation between the principal and the architect, the official said. All parties are excited to execute on the presidents vision on what will be the greatest addition to the White House since the Oval Office.

The Daily Beast has contacted the White House for comment.

US President Donald Trump, alongside architect James C. McCrery, surveys the grounds of the White House from the roof, in Washington, DC, on August 5, 2025. / BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI / AFP via Getty Images

Trump fast-tracked the contractors, including McCrery, working on the ballroom, bypassing the traditional government bidding process, according to the Times.

The report claimed the firm excavating the site for the ballroom initially quoted $3.2 million for the work, but the president pressured them to accept $2 million.

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Trump wants the ballroom finished by 2029his second presidency is due to end in January of that year.

The project is also yet to be submitted to the National Capital Planning Commission, the federal body responsible for reviewing the designs. White House officials insist the plans will be filed at the appropriate time.

U.S. President Donald Trump arrives at a ballroom fundraising dinner in the East Room of the White House on October 15, 2025 in Washington, DC. / Kevin Dietsch / Getty Images

While Trump has secured funding for the ballroom from corporate donors including Lockheed Martin, Microsoft, Caterpillar, Amazon and Comcast, the CEO of Americas biggest bank, JPMorgan, has explained why it has not handed over cash to the president.

Jamie Dimon told Erin Burnett OutFront on Saturday that the bank has an issue and must remain cautious.

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Since we do a lot of contracts with governments here and around the world, we have to be very careful how anything is perceived, Dimon said.

And also, how the next DOJ is going to deal with it? So, were quite conscious of the risk we bear by doing anything, it looks like, you know, buying favors or anything like that. So, you know, do we do things like that? We also have policies. We dont do certain things.
President Donald Trump said that he would absolutely denaturalize immigrants who have committed crimes, telling reporters on Sunday night that if I have the power to do it, I would denaturalize.

The president spoke to the press aboard Air Force One on his way back to Washington Sunday night, answering questions surrounding his recent actions on immigration  among other topics.

Mr. President, you said that you might denaturalize some American citizens. Can you talk about that? asked a reporter.

PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP: You mean people that are in here that shouldnt be here? REPORTER: That became Americans. Are you trying to revoke their citizenship? TRUMP: Well, well see. I mean yeah, if we have criminals that came into our country, they were naturalized maybe through [Joe] Biden or somebody that didnt know what they were doing. If I have the power to do it, I would denaturalize, absolutely.

The president was then asked to clarify the meaning of the term reverse migration which he had recently invoked as an immigration enforcement strategy.

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It means get people out that are in our country. Get them out of here, he said. I want to get them out. We got a lot of people in our country that shouldnt be here. And they came in through Biden. And he was the worst president in the history of our country, but the single biggest thing he did was allow millions  the worst allow millions of people into our country that shouldnt be here.

Trump referenced the recent shooting of two National Guard members  one fatally  by a suspected Afghan national. The event sparked the presidents recent push for denaturalization.

You take a look at the people that were allowed to come into our country. Were paying a big price for it and we will for years to come, including the recent killer of two wonderful National Guards people, said Trump. And Ill tell you what, that animal should not have been allowed to come into our country.

Trump said on Thursday evening that he would permanently pause migration from all Third World Countries, claiming he would also denaturalize immigrants who do not benefit the United States.

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I will permanently pause migration from all Third World Countries to allow the U.S. 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, 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, he wrote.

Watch above via The White House.

The post Trump Says He Will Absolutely Denaturalize Immigrants Convicted of Crimes  If He Has the Power first appeared on Mediaite.
WASHINGTON (AP)  Donald Trump' s doctor says the president had MRI imaging on his heart and abdomen in October as part of a preventative screening for men his age, according to a memo from the physician released by the White House on Monday.

Sean Barbabella said in a statement that Trumps physical exam included advanced imaging that is standard for an executive physical in Trumps age group. Barbabella concluded that the cardiovascular and abdominal imaging was perfectly normal.

The purpose of this imaging is preventative: to identify issues early, confirm overall health, and ensure he maintains long-term vitality and function, the doctor wrote.

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The White House released Barbabella's memo after Trump on Sunday said he would release the results of the scan. He and the White House have said the scan was part of his routine physical examination but had declined until Monday to detail why Trump had an MRI during his physical in October at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center or on what part of his body.

I think thats quite a bit of detail, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Monday when announcing the memo's release.

The Republican president said Sunday during an exchange with reporters as he traveled back to Washington from Florida that the results of the MRI were perfect.

If you want to have it released, Ill release it, Trump said.

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Trump added Sunday that he has no idea on what part of his body he got the MRI.

It was just an MRI, he said. What part of the body? It wasnt the brain because I took a cognitive test and I aced it.

Doctors typically order an MRI to help with diagnosing symptoms or to monitor an ongoing health problem. So-called "preventive cardiac and abdominal MRIs are not part of routine screening recommendations. What Trumps doctor called an executive physical generally refers to adding extra, non-routine tests including MRIs to pricey and lengthy exams, not covered by insurance, that are marketed to wealthy people.
President Donald Trump doubled down on his anti-immigration policies on Nov. 30, saying his administration's pause on processing of all asylum applications has "no time limit, but it could be a long time."

"We don't want those people. We have enough problems," Trump told reporters on board Air Force One. "Many of them are no good and they shouldn't be in our country."

When asked about who "those people" are, the president said "people from different countries that are not friendly to us and countries that are out of control themselves." He again referred to "Third World Countries," a term used to refer to poor and less developed nations.

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"I dont think they are all 'Third World,' but in many cases they are 'Third World.' They are not good countries. They are crime-ridden countries. Theyre countries that dont do a good job," Trump said. "We frankly dont need their people coming into our country telling us what to do."

Graphics: Trump ordered a green card review after DC shooting. What it means.

Trump has previously vowed to halt migration from all "Third World Countries" following an attack in Washington, DC, that left a member of the West Virginia National Guard dead and another critically injured. The deadly shooting was allegedly carried out by a suspect identified as an Afghan national who entered the U.S. under a Biden-era refugee program in 2021 and was granted asylum in April of this year by the Trump administration.

After the Nov. 26 attack, the Trump administration ordered widespread reviews of immigration policies, including a sweeping reexamination of green cards issued to people from 19 countries considered "high-risk." Speaking on NBC's "Meet the Press" and ABCs "This Week," Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Nov. 30 that immigration officials would consider deporting people with active asylum cases if it was warranted.

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Trump also threatened to possibly denaturalize some U.S. citizens. "If I have the power to do it, Im not sure that I do, but if I do I would denaturalize, absolutely," he said.

Trump renews attacks on Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar

While talking to reporters, Trump again attacked Rep. Ilhan Omar and referenced her birth country of Somalia, saying "it's not even a country, because it doesn't function like a country." The president has repeatedly singled out Somalia as a country that he considers inadequate for having people immigrate to the U.S.

Trump's comments come just days after he made a series of anti-immigrant posts on social media on Nov. 27 following the DC shooting. In one post, he claimed that "hundreds of thousands of refugees from Somalia are completely taking over the once great State of Minnesota."

He also launched criticisms at Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Omar, D-Minnesota, referring to Walz as the "R"-word and mocked Omar for being "always wrapped in her swaddling hijab," USA TODAY previously reported.

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For years, Trump has targeted Somalia and Somali immigrants in Minnesota. The state has become a destination for Somali immigrants in recent decades dating back to the 1990s.

On Nov. 21, the president announced that he was immediately terminating temporary deportation protections for Somalis living in Minnesota. The program for Somalis was launched by then-President George H.W. Bush in 1991 and grants government protection to eligible foreign-born people who cannot return home safely due to civil war or natural disasters.

Seventeen countries are eligible, but the Trump administration has announced it was terminating designations for several, including Venezuela and Nicaragua.

Contributing: Joey Garrison, USA TODAY; Reuters

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump says pause on asylum applications will last 'a long time
President Trump dedicated part of his day Monday to attacking Tennessee Democratic House candidate Aftyn Behn, only further confirming that the GOP is desperate for wins as it limps into 2026.

Last week, an Emerson College Polling/The Hill survey of the special election had Behn just behind Republican candidate Matt Van Epps, 46 percent to 48 percentwith 2 percent voting elsewhere and 5 percent undecided. A victory for Behn would be a massive upset to a Republican House majority already on its last legs in the wake of Representative Marjorie Taylor Greenes resignation announcementand the impending resignations of various others.

We have to win this seat. Weve gotten you the largest tax cuts in history, and the new billthe Great Big Beautiful Billkicks in, as you know, on January 1. It hasnt even kicked in yet, Trump told a Van Epps rally while on House Leader Mike Johnsons speaker phone. Number one, [Behn] hates Christianity, number two, she hates country music. How the hell can you elect a person like that?  Its a big vote, and its gonna show something. Its gonna show that the Republican Party is stronger than its ever been.

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The president also noted that hed be doing a telerally for Van Epps on Monday night.

"She hates Christianity" -- Trump rants on Mike Johnson's phone at a Van Epps rally pic.twitter.com/VD1gxNvDed  Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) December 1, 2025

The narrative that Behn hates Christianity is one of many falsities that the GOP has pushed in a race where more than $3.3 million has been spent against her. Behn has mentioned that she disapproves of religions being at the core of everything we do in the legislature but has never said anything close to what Trump claimed.

Many also noted the urgency that Trump spoke with.

The whole world is watching, President Trump says of tomorrows special election for Tennessees 7th congressional districtwhich Trump carried by 22 points in 2024, USA Todays Joey Garrison wrote.

The special election is on Tuesday. .
President Donald Trump lashed out at his predecessor on Truth Social over the Thanksgiving holiday, declaring he would nullify every executive order and other document Joe Biden signed using an autopen, warning that any denial from Biden could lead to perjury charges.

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 wrote. The Autopen is not allowed to be used if approval is not specifically given by the President of the United States.

Trump added, 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.

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Republicans, including House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-KY), have seized on Bidens use of the mechanical signature device as evidence of his alleged mental unfitness at age 82 when he left office.

Comer has claimed that Bidens cognitive decline left him unaware of pardons he approved. The White House has even displayed an autopen image in place of Bidens portrait on its Presidential Wall of Fame, as previously reported by The Dallas Express.

Trump accused Radical Left Lunatics of effectively seizing power from Biden, rendering his signatures invalid.

Bidens ex-aides have rejected suggestions that staff bypassed him on decisions.
Ahead of Tennessees 7th Congressional District special election on Dec. 2, President Donald Trump reiterated his support for Republican nominee Matt Van Epps.

The pivotal race, which will see Democratic nominee Aftyn Behn and Van Epps face off, will fill a vacant U.S. House seat long held by Republicans, with both parties competing in hopes of gaining momentum for next years Midterm elections.

"Matt Van Epps, he's a winner he's gonna be great," said Trump via speaker phone while on a call with U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson at a Franklin rally Dec. 1.

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"I just wanna give my total support and he's had it right from the beginning to Matt Van Epps, he's gonna be a fantastic congressman," he added. "He's gonna represent you so well and will keep our agenda going."

U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson takes questions from reporters alongside District 7 Republican nominee Matt Van Epps at billionaire Willis Johnson's car barn in Franklin, Tennessee on Dec. 1.

Trump has been a vocal supporter of Van Epps, holding tele-town halls and using his X account and its 109 million followers to urge Tennesseans to vote for the "MAGA Warrior."

Here's what else to know.

When is Tennessee's special election? Who's running, latest poll and where to vote

Donald Trump: 'The whole world is watching Tennessee right now'

Trump's phone call comes just hours before he is set to host a third telerally for the GOP candidate. "The whole world is watching Tennessee right now and they're watching your district," he said.

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"I love Tennessee, one of my all-time favorite places," added Trump via speaker phone. "Tennessee I guess loves me because we won by the biggest margins anybody's ever won by so that's cool."

Trump carried Tennessee by 22 points in 2024. That support, however, is faltering.

According to a recent Emerson College Polling/The Hill survey, his approval in Tennessees 7th District stands at 47%, with 49% disapproving  a sharp drop from last November. The decline is largely driven by independents, 59% of whom disapprove compared to 34% who approve.

In response to the tighter-than-expected race, the main political action committee linked to Trump, MAGA Inc., has spent more than $1 million to boost Van Epps, with millions more coming from PACs tied to the Club for Growth and other conservative groups, USA TODAY reported.

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The Democratic-backed House Majority PAC last week dropped a $1 million ad buy in the race.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris rallies behind Behn

Former Vice President Kamala Harris launched a canvass event for Democratic Congressional nominee Aftyn Behn at Hadley Park in Nashville on Nov. 18.

Like Van Epps, Behn also counts on the support of high-profile party leaders.

On Nov. 18, former Vice President Kamala Harris attended a Nashville rally to urge supporters to vote for the former community activist, marking the 2024 Democratic presidential candidate's return to the campaign trail.

Other prominent party figures backing Behn include U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett of Texas, DNC Chairman Ken Martin, and former DNC vice chairman and progressive firebrand David Hogg.

"If the President of the United States is having to stump for a candidate in Tennessee, that should tell you that the candidate on the Democratic side is gaining momentum and has an opportunity," said Tennessee Democratic Party Chair Rachel Campbell.

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"We're going to send a Democrat to Congress from Tennessee, and we're going to show the country what happens when you organize in the South."

What makes Tennessee's 7th Congressional District special election critical?

Tennessees 7th District race, the final showdown of 2025, carries high stakes with Republicans holding only a razor-thin majority in the U.S. House.

A Behn victory could open the door for Democrats to gain ground in a seat long held by the GOP, while a Republican win would reaffirm the partys grip on reliably red territory.

But even if Behn doesn't win the race, a defeat by single digits could signal major trouble for Republicans in the 2026 midterms.

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The district race was never meant to be competitive, USA TODAY reported.

Rather it is the result of the state's Republican-controlled legislature, which drew its boundaries in 2022 by splitting Democrat-stronghold Nashville into three districts, each dominated by conservative rural counties and different Middle Tennessee suburbs.

One was District 7, which includes parts of Nashville's Davidson County and 13 other counties.

Contributing: USA TODAY, Vivian Jones

Diana Leyva covers trending news and service journalism for the Tennessean. Contact her at Dleyva@gannett.com or follow her on X at @_leyvadiana

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Close Tennessee District 7th race draws Trump election comments
Turkish industry and media alike have heralded the recent live-fire test in which a Kizilelma uncrewed combat air vehicle (UCAV) used a Turkish-made air-to-air missile to destroy a target drone. Turkey claims the test marks the first occasion a UCAV has launched a radar-guided air-to-air missile. But, while undoubtedly impressive, there are unanswered questions about how the engagement actually played out, especially to what degree the UCAV was being controlled by crewed fighter jets.

Outside of radar-guided missiles, its worth noting that the idea of drones firing air-to-air missiles is far from new. For example, in 2002, an urgent development program put infrared-guided AIM-92 Stinger air-to-air missiles on a U.S. Air Force MQ-1 Predator drone. A Stinger-armed Predator even fired at an Iraqi MiG-25 Foxbat, before the fighter downed the drone. The United States has also long explored the idea of employing MQ-9 Reapers in the air-to-air role, at least for self-defense. In a test in 2017, a Reaper successfully downed a target drone using an AIM-9X Sidewinder air-to-air missile. Earlier this year, it emerged that an MQ-9 was used to try and intercept an unidentified object in the air off the coast of Yemen in 2024. As you can read about here, this would appear to be the first known instance of a Reaper engaging an aerial target of any kind in an operational setting.

Below is the video I revealed in our @GOPoversight UAP hearing today, made available to the public for the first time.



October 30th, 2024: MQ-9 Reaper allegedly tracking orb off coast of Yemen.



Greenlight given to engage, missile appears to be ineffective against the target. pic.twitter.com/jxJwl0e00S  Rep. Eric Burlison (@RepEricBurlison) September 9, 2025

Returning to the Turkish test, this was conducted on November 28 and announced yesterday. A video released by Baykar, manufacturer of the Kizilelma, shows the UCAV  specifically aircraft PT-5  taking off, together with four Turkish Air Force F-16s. In all, five F-16s were involved in the live-fire test, including one that served as a safety chase plane. An Akinci high-altitude long-endurance UCAV also flew chase duties.

An F-16D accompanies the Kizilelma, as seen from the cockpit of another Viper. Turkish Defense Industry screencap

The Kizilelma was fitted with two Gokdogan air-to-air missiles on external pylons. One of these was apparently inert, while the other, a powered missile (under the starboard wing), was fired at a target drone. It should be noted that external weapons carriage would degrade the radar signature reduction measures that the manufacturer says it has built into the UCAV. However, the drone is also planned to carry stores in an internal weapons bay, which would preserve such measures.

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Developed by TUBITAK SAGE, the beyond-visual-range (BVR) Gokdogan  which means peregrine  features radar guidance and reportedly has a range of around 40 miles. The Gokdogan is slated to eventually replace the AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) in the Turkish Air Force inventory, and you can read more about it here.

An F-16C test jet armed with the short-range Bozdogan air-to-air missile under the wing, and the medium-range Gokdogan on the wingtip station. Turkish Defense Industry screencap

The video shows the Gokdogan missile climbing after launch, putting it on a lofted trajectory, which improves its kinetic energy and allows it to hit targets at longer ranges. Footage captured from the target drone then records an almost-direct head-on impact with the incoming missile.

The Turkish Air Force commander, Gen. Ziya Cemal Kadoglu, announced the live-fire test with the following statement:

Today, we have opened the doors to a new era in aviation history. For the first time in the world, an uncrewed combat aircraft fired an air-to-air missile with radar guidance and hit an aerial target with perfect accuracy. Our entirely indigenous and original Bayraktar Kizilelma successfully completed this historic mission with Aselsans Murad radar and the BVR active-radar-guided Gokdogan missile  Turkey has become the first country in the world to achieve this. The Turkish Armed Forces have [made] history, and the doors to next-generation aerial warfare have been opened.

The missile-armed Kizilelma takes off. Turkish Defense Industry screencap

Based on this statement, its not immediately clear if the Kizilelma UCAV acquired the target using the Murad active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, or with its Toygun electro-optical sensor and targeting system, both of which were developed by Aselsan and have been previously tested on PT-5.

The possible use of the Toyguns infrared search and track (IRST) system in the engagement is particularly interesting.

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As we have discussed many times in the past, IRST sensors like this offer a very useful way of detecting and tracking aerial threats, especially stealthy aircraft and missiles, and can be used as an alternative and/or companion to radars. Unlike radars, IRSTs have the additional benefit of being immune to electronic warfare attacks. Since they operate passively, they dont emit signals that could alert an opponent to the fact that they are being targeted.

Potentially, the firing solution as well as the in-flight updates for the Gokdogan missile could have been provided by the Kizilelmas onboard sensors, or from one or more of the accompanying F-16s, which would have then handed off the targeting information to the UCAV. In fact, the entire engagement could have relied on information datalinked from third-party assets, meaning the Kizilelma didnt acquire the target itself.

The Kizilelma on the runway, leading four of the five F-16s involved in the live-fire test. Turkish Defense Industry screencap

There is also a question about whether the Kizilelma UCAV was controlled during the live-fire test by the F-16s, or from the ground, or a combination of both.

Having a UCAV controlled by a crewed tactical jet would be a very significant achievement for Turkey, with such capabilities currently limited to experimentation with higher-end U.S. and likely also certain Chinese drones. At the same time, it should be noted that we dont currently know what might have been explored in the classified realm in either of these countries. Russia has reportedly flight-tested its S-70 Okhotnik UCAV with air-to-air missiles, but there is no evidence that they have been fired. Earlier this year, the U.S. Air Force carried out a notable mock mission in which an MQ-20 Avenger drone was controlled by a pilot in an F-22 Raptor, but the drone did not launch any weapons.

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What is clear is that the Turkish test was very quick in the making.

Captive-carry trials of weapons on the Kizilelma were only started in September, beginning with homegrown air-to-ground munitions. The first launches of air-to-ground weapons, specifically inert examples of the Tolun glide bomb and the TEBER-82 guided bomb, were announced in October. Subsequently, the first flights with captive-carry Gokdogan missiles took place 10 days before the live-fire test.

KIZILELMA'nn Gokdogan fuzesi ile bulustugu anlar! Yeni bir donemin kaps araland https://t.co/eAEUjZxrsx pic.twitter.com/0QwY5YRs3B  TGRT HABER (@tgrthabertv) November 19, 2025

It may well be that Turkey was seeking to steal some of the thunder from Boeing, which in November announced that it was on track to conduct a first live-fire weapons shot from its MQ-28 Ghost Bat drone sometime this month. That test will involve an AIM-120 AMRAAM missile.

Head-on view of an MQ-28 Ghost Bat drone. Royal Australian Air Force Royal Australian Air Force

Boeing officials had said on various occasions earlier this year that the AMRAAM shot from an MQ-28 could come in late 2025 or early 2026.

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Even before the live-fire test, the Kizilelma was an eye-catching program, as one of only a few fighter-type air combat drone projects to have resulted in hardware. The development of the Kizilelma began as long ago as 2013, although the project was only revealed to the public in July 2021, when conceptual studies were presented.

The UCAV is claimed to be supersonic (at least in later versions), have a degree of reduced-observable characteristics, and be tailored for the kinds of air combat missions typically undertaken by crewed fighter jets. In particular, it is eyed as being a drone companion to Turkeys next-generation TF Kaan crewed fighter.

Turkeys next-generation fighter, previously known as the TF-X, and now as the TF Kaan, made its first flight in January 2024. via X

Powered by a single turbofan, the Kizilelma has a canard-delta configuration, of the kind seen on some other reduced-observable combat aircraft designs, and has canted vertical stabilizers.

The UCAV was flown first  albeit for a very short time  in December 2022, as you can read about here. That milestone came only weeks after the Kizilelmas emergence for ground testing.

The Kizilelma during taxi trials. Baykar

Overall, the design of the Kizilelma appears to be weighted more toward high performance than low observability.

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With that in mind, the fact that its now taking part in air-to-air engagements, in a live-test environment, is especially relevant.

Taken together, it points toward the Kizilelma being envisioned for more fighter-like missions, including direct air combat with other platforms, rather than air-to-ground missions, although it is also being developed for these, and electronic warfare would be another likely role.

On the other hand, although the Kizilelma is being pitched for collaborative operations in support of crewed fighters, it remains unclear exactly how this concept will work.

The missile-armed Kizilelma rolls for takeoff. Turkish Defense Industry screencap

It remains to be seen when the Kizilelma will become a true loyal wingman-type drone companion to crewed fighters, or if the drone will be controlled from a ground station until the capability to participate in collaborative operations proves out. In the past, it is thought that it will be used in both independent and collaborative operations, depending on the mission, but the level of onboard autonomy and networking needed to make the latter work remains a goal for the worlds most capable air arms.

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Just as intriguing is whether the Kizilelma will, at some point, be expected to shoot down hostile aircraft with some degree of that aforementioned autonomy. The latter point is one that the U.S. Air Force, in particular, has been grappling with, as you can read about here.

Overall, however, the first live shot of a Gokdogan air-to-air missile from the Kizilelma is another important step for the program, and for Turkeys fast-expanding drone developments in general. While the details of the engagement may not be entirely clear, the high-profile test underscores the fact that the country has found a real niche here, especially when it comes to the development of armed drones.

Contact the author: thomas@thewarzone.com
TEGUCIGALPA, Nov. 30 (Xinhua) -- Voting in Honduras' nationwide elections officially ended at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday (0000 GMT Monday). However, thousands of voters are still casting their ballots, as the country's Electoral Law stipulates that polling stations may only close once the last person who was in line at the official closing time has voted. 
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has called on the German government to provide support as quickly as possible to the surviving victims of the German occupation of Poland during the World War II.

"Hurry up if you really want to make this gesture," Tusk suggested after a meeting with Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin on Monday during the 17th German-Polish government consultations.

Tusk pointed out that the number of surviving victims of German Nazi occupation of his country is steadily declining.

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When former chancellor Olaf Scholz promised this support in July 2024, there were still 60,000 surviving victims, according to the Foundation for German-Polish Reconciliation, but now there are only 50,000.

"If we do not receive a clear and quick explanation soon, I will consider making the decision next year that Poland will meet these needs from its own resources," Tusk asserted. He did not want to say more on the matter for the time being.

Dealing with the consequences of the German occupation of Poland during World War II is a recurring theme in relations between the two countries.

Poland continues to demand trillions in reparations for the damage caused at that time. The most recent request came in September when Polish President Karol Nawrocki was in Berlin on his inaugural visit.

Both Merz and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier have rejected these demands.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has called on the German government to provide support as quickly as possible to the surviving victims of the German occupation of Poland during the World War II.

"Hurry up if you really want to make this gesture," Tusk suggested after a meeting with Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin on Monday during the 17th German-Polish government consultations.

Tusk pointed out that the number of surviving victims of German Nazi occupation of his country is steadily declining.

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When former chancellor Olaf Scholz promised this support in July 2024, there were still 60,000 surviving victims, according to the Foundation for German-Polish Reconciliation, but now there are only 50,000.

"If we do not receive a clear and quick explanation soon, I will consider making the decision next year that Poland will meet these needs from its own resources," Tusk asserted. He did not want to say more on the matter for the time being.

Merz did not go into specifics on the subject. "I ask for your understanding that we cannot disclose any figures at this point. But please rest assured that the federal government, which I lead, is very aware of its historical responsibility towards our neighbour Poland and that we will continue to hold talks with each other," was all he said.

At the joint press conference with Tusk, Merz repeatedly acknowledged Germany's responsibility for the suffering and destruction caused by Nazi Germany in Poland.

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"The past never ends," Merz said, but also reiterated: "From Germany's point of view, the question of reparations has been conclusively answered, both legally and politically, for many years."

Tusk countered that Germany's position of adhering to a formal diplomatic act from the 1950s was well known. However, he said that the Polish communist leadership's decision to waive reparations in 1953 was "not a decision made in the interests of the Polish people, because the Polish people had no say at the time."

In Poland, therefore, "everyone without exception" believes that the country has not received compensation for the losses and crimes committed during World War II, Tusk asserted.

Dealing with the consequences of the German occupation of Poland during the war is a recurring theme in relations between the two countries.

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Poland continues to demand trillions in reparations for the damage caused at that time. The most recent request came in September when Polish President Karol Nawrocki was in Berlin on his inaugural visit.

Both Merz and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier have rejected these demands.

Germany considers the reparations issue settled by the 1990 Two plus Four Treaty that facilitated German unification.

Unlike Poland's right-wing conservative president, Prime Minister Tusk's centre-left government is no longer aggressively pursuing the issue of reparations  but it does expect the German government to at least make this gesture of support for the victims who are still alive.

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However, both sides want to push ahead with the project to establish a permanent memorial to Polish war victims in Berlin. Concrete tendering procedures are to be launched for this purpose.

The current round of consultations on Monday actually focused on deepening relations in the areas of defence, economy and infrastructure. Tusk described the results of the meeting as "an historic change."

He particularly praised "comprehensive Polish-German cooperation with regard to the defence of Europe's eastern border." To this end, an agreement with specific projects is to be signed next year to mark the 35th anniversary of the German-Polish Neighbourhood Treaty.

Merz called Germany and Poland "indispensable neighbours and partners."

The modernization of infrastructure includes the railway line between Angermunde in Brandenburg and the Polish border town of Szczecin, as well as the road connection at the border near Frankfurt an der Oder
Many U.S. travelers head to the turquoise beaches of Mexico during the winter, enjoying communities like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Cabo San Lucas.

However, the U.S. government is warning travelers to take a number of precautions. A new alert issued on November 26, 2026, describes a growing risk of robberies along a specific highway.

In November, the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Mexico prominently displayed a travel warning on its website that urges travelers to "exercise increased caution" when traveling to the country in general. The Embassy ran the alert at the top of its website.

Among other concerns, the Embassy warns, "Many violent crimes take place in Mexico. They include homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery. There is a risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Mexico."

In addition, a security alert from November 26, 2025, warns U.S. travelers to Mexico about robberies along "Highway 85D; Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico."

The Robbers Have Forced Cars Over to the Side of the Road, the U.S. Government Says

Aerial view of an island, Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico. (Photo by DEA / C.SAPPA/De Agostini via Getty Images)

The U.S. Consulate General in Monterrey "is aware of several recent robberies on highway 85D within Nuevo Leon, in which cars were forced to the side of the road and robbed by armed groups," the Embassy's alert says.

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"Victims have described being 'pulled over' by a vehicle with flashing lights, giving the appearance of an authorized traffic stop until assailants emerged from the vehicle. Local media has also reported on a perceived increase in criminal activity along this highway," added the alert.

"Local authorities have indicated that these armed groups appear to be targeting vehicles with out-of-state and foreign license plates," the alert says.

U.S. Government employees in Mexico "are limited to travel between cities only during daylight hours. Notably, recent robberies along highway 85D reportedly occurred during mid-morning hours, highlighting the need to maintain heightened awareness while traveling on this route at any time of day," the alert continues.

The U.S. Has 'Limited Ability' to Help Travelers in Mexico, the Government Says

One issue with travel to Mexico is that, if problems arise, the U.S. government says it has limited ability to help travelers.

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"The U.S. government has limited ability to help in many parts of Mexico. U.S. government employees are not allowed to travel to certain high-risk areas," the State Department's travel advisory for Mexico says.

"Due to security risks, U.S. citizens should follow the same restrictions as U.S. government employees while traveling," added the U.S. government. "Emergency services are limited or unavailable in remote or rural areas. If you encounter a road checkpoint, you should comply. Fleeing or ignoring instructions can lead to you being hurt or killed." The advisory for Mexico was last updated in August 2025, although it is prominently displayed on the Embassy's website..

However, at a level 2, Mexico is still not at the State Department's highest alert level, which runs up to a level 4 (do not travel.) In contrast, the Embassy has posted a separate alert for Venezuela that advises U.S. citizens, "The U.S. government warns U.S. citizens against travel to Venezuela for any reason. Venezuela has the highest Travel Advisory level  Level 4: Do Not Travel  due to severe risks to Americans, including wrongful detention, torture in detention, terrorism, kidnapping, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, crime, civil unrest, and poor health infrastructure."

The U.S. Embassy Offers a Series of Suggestions for Travelers to Mexico

The Embassy offers these suggestions to U.S. travelers to Mexico:

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Do not travel between cities after dark.

Don't "wave down taxis on the street," but rather "rely on dispatched vehicles from regulated taxi stands or app-based services like Uber or Cabify."

Avoid traveling alone, "especially in remote areas."

Do not drive "between Mexican border cities, the U.S.-Mexico border and the interior of Mexico. There are some limited exceptions."

The U.S. government also reminds travelers: "Drug possession or importation of drugs, including medical marijuana, is illegal. Do not bring e-cigarettes, vaping devices, or illegal drugs into the country. Bringing weapons including guns, ammunition, swords, knives, fireworks and explosives into Mexico without permits issued by the Mexican government is a serious crime."

The government adds, "When approaching any checkpoint, cooperate. Avoid any behavior that appears aggressive. Fleeing can raise suspicion and lead to violence. Costs for medical care in Mexico may be higher than expected. Most hospitals will not release patients until their bill is paid in full."

Related:

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Dec 1, 2025, where it first appeared in the Travel section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Dec. 1 (UPI) -- U.S. Central Command and Bahrain on Monday opened a bilateral Combined Command Post for air defense at Al Bar Camp, one month after the United States first partnered with Qatar.

Forces from the two nations will staff the site, which will serve as a hub for integrated air defense planning and operations, CENTCOM said in a news release.

Bahrain, which is a major non-NATO ally, hosts the headquarters for the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet and the U.S.-led Combined Maritime Forces, which consists of 47 nations.

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There are around 9,000 U.S. servicemembers at locations in Bahrain.

Attending the ribbon cutting were Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander and Bahrain's Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, who is the crown prince and deputy supreme commander of Armed Forces.

"Bahrain has been an essential partner in regional security for decades," Cooper said. "The new Combined Command Post marks a significant step forward in enhancing the regional air defense architecture."

In July, U.S. and Bahraini officials signed a nuclear cooperation memorandum of understanding to develop nuclear energy at home and abroad ahead of high-level meetings.

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After the signing ceremony, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Al Zayani joined President Donald Trump and Al Khalifa.

This is CENTCOM's second bilateral air defense command post in the Middle East. On Nov. 3, U.S. and Qatari forces opened a post at Al Udeid Air Base, which "will enhance regional security cooperation today and in months and years to come," Cooper said in a CENTCOM statement.

Al Udeid is the largest American base in the Middle East with 10,000 troops.

CENTCOM, based at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Fla., is one of 11 unified combatant commands of the U.S. Department of Defense. The Area of Responsibility spans 21 nations, including Iraq, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Syria, Jordan and Egypt.

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U.S. service members are from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Space Force.

Established in 1983, CENTCOM has directed Operation Desert Storm in Iraq in 1991, the war in Afghanistan from 2001-2021, Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2023 and Operation Inherent Resolve against ISIS in Iraq and Syria starting in 2014.

CENTCOM also was heavily involved in operations related to the conflict between Iran and Israel in June.

The U.S. and Bahrain were among several nations that launched Operation Prosperity Guardian in December 2023 in response to the Houthi maritime shipping attacks in Yemen. The other nations were Canada, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles and Spain.

In April, British forces participated in a joint operation with U.S. forces against a Houthi military target in Yemen.
The UKs Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is moving forward with significant reforms, emphasising digital post-market surveillance, interoperability with international standards, and a clearer path for innovation. The message is consistent: modernising regulatory processes is critical for patients to gain timely access to safe and effective medical technologies.

This mirrors priorities in the European Union. Under the Medical Device Regulation (MDR) and In Vitro Diagnostic Regulation (IVDR), Europe has raised the bar for safety and oversight, but as a result certification processes have become more complex and resource intensive. The European Commission has called for reduced bureaucracy, stronger enforcement, and greater transparency. Team-NB, the European Association of Medical devices - Notified Bodies, has similarly expressed interest in digital harmonisation as a path to reduce application and pre-application bureaucracy.

Electronic submissions, a move already under way in the UK, offer a practical path toward those goals. By aligning approaches across Europe and the UK, regulators and manufacturers alike can reduce duplication, accelerate reviews, and strengthen confidence in device approvals. Most importantly, patients will see the benefits through faster access to innovation.

Learning from the UKs digital requirements

The UKs regulatory reforms provide a valuable reference point for Europe. Under UKCA, digital post-market surveillance requirements are being built in from the start, with a focus on structured data and interoperability with international standards such as those from the International Medical Device Regulators Forum (IMDRF).

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For manufacturers operating in both markets, this creates an opportunity for efficiency. If Europe introduces electronic submissions aligned with global principles, companies can avoid duplicating efforts. Data could flow more seamlessly across jurisdictions, strengthening oversight while easing the compliance burden.

The UK and EU share the same long-term goals: reducing bureaucracy, supporting innovation, and ensuring patient safety. Electronic submissions represent a practical area where greater alignment can deliver immediate benefits.

Examining eCTD as an example for standardisation

The pharmaceutical sector provides a compelling example: the electronic Common Technical Document (eCTD). Used in both the EU and US, eCTD had 94% adoption by 2022 across all FDA submissions, helping to reduce the median drug review time from 26.6 months to 9.9 months. This shorter handling time contributed to faster approvals and a 16% annual growth in submissions.

Within the medtech industry, a majority of Notified Bodies report that over half of all submissions they receive are incomplete, according to a 2025 survey. The consistent high number of incomplete submissions suggests an opportunity for structure and standardisation for the benefit of both companies and regulators.

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Devices and diagnostics can follow a similar trajectory to eCTD by creating a standardised electronic data format while incorporating industry-specific frameworks like eSTAR, IMDRF, and Team-NB checklists. By streamlining processes, a standard digital submission can help both the EU and UK achieve their ambitions for efficiency and innovation.

Turning compliance into global competitiveness

Manufacturers are increasingly cautious about making Europe their first launch market. Surveys show a significant decline in EU-first strategies, with some companies prioritising faster, more predictable markets. Since the implementation of the MDR, choosing the EU as a first launch region has dropped 33% for large and 19% for SME medical device manufacturers, according to a 2024 MedTech Europe survey.

Similarly, UK firms have reported withdrawing products due to regulatory uncertainty. The ABHI Pulse of UK Healthtech survey revealed that 33% of respondents have taken products off the market in the UK. In addition, almost one in ten companies have experienced a 50% rise or more in regulatory costs.

Electronic submissions can help reverse these trends. By making approvals more predictable, transparent, and efficient, both the EU and UK can re-establish themselves as attractive regions for launching new devices while maintaining the MDR and IVDRs increased focus on safety and effectiveness. For patients, that means quicker access to technologies that improve care. For industry, it means clearer guidelines, faster reviews, and reduced uncertainty.

Reducing bureaucracy, strengthening oversight

Both the UK and the EU face the same challenge: ensuring high standards of safety without overwhelming manufacturers or regulators with administrative burden. Today, conformity assessments consume significant resources. High certification costs and the lengthy process are reported as top reasons for manufacturers to not start conformity assessments.

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Surveys show that more than half the time spent on device certification is taken up not by actual scientific evaluation but rather by administrative steps such as pre-review checks and certificate issuance. Just these two phases together can last six months or more.

Structured digital submissions can change that. By providing harmonised formats for data and documents, regulators can streamline early checks, shorten timelines, and dedicate more time to substantive review. For manufacturers, this predictability is essential to planning product launches and ensuring compliance.

Improving efficiency to save costs

Certification is costly, particularly for smaller companies. Industry data shows that 90% of initial certification costs under MDR and IVDR are tied to personnel, preparing documentation, maintaining quality systems, and managing regulatory processes.

Even modest efficiencies in submissions could save hundreds of thousands of pounds per product cycle. For manufacturers, those resources could be redirected toward R&D and patient-focused innovation.

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For regulators, electronic submissions bring equally important benefits. Structured data fields, such as device characteristics, intended use, and performance data, can be reused across documentation and later for post-market surveillance. This reduces duplication and improves consistency.

Digital formats also make reviews easier to navigate, allowing faster completeness checks and better communication between reviewers and manufacturers. Over time, harmonised formats could even support analytics-driven oversight, enabling trend analysis and risk-based auditing for more consistent, focused, and efficient reviews.

Regulators also gain more complete submissions, streamlined reviews, and stronger data integrity. In short, electronic submissions help turn regulatory compliance into a competitive advantage.

Laying the digital foundation for AI and next-generation devices

Modernisation is especially urgent for software and AI-driven technologies. Software as a Medical Device (SaMD) requires frequent updates, cybersecurity documentation, and algorithm transparency. These characteristics call for a more modular, digital approach to submissions that allows for efficient updates without repeating the entire certification cycle.

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AI itself offers powerful tools for regulators and industry, from detecting risks and anomalies to analysing post-market data and automating routine tasks. But AI can only function effectively when it has access to structured, high-quality data.

Standardised electronic submissions can create that digital data foundation. This could look like adopting common data dictionaries based on internationally recognised terminologies and allowing electronic data interchange formats for specific data elements to enable machine-to-machine communication.

Without harmonised formats, the potential of AI in regulation will remain largely unrealised. With them, regulators can focus resources on the most complex evaluations, improving both efficiency and consistency while supporting innovation in digital health.

Seizing the digital opportunity

The UKs reforms and Europes ambitions are converging on the same goal: making regulation more efficient and predictable to support innovation. Electronic submissions are the next step in that journey. They offer a practical way to cut unnecessary bureaucracy, improve the consistency of reviews, and give both regulators and manufacturers the tools they need to keep pace with fast-evolving technologies.

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Momentum is building. Pharmas experience with eCTD shows that digital standards can transform timelines and predictability. The UK is embedding digital requirements into its regulatory reforms. The EU is openly calling for greater efficiency and transparency. The pieces are already in place. What is needed now is commitment and coordination.

Electronic submissions are not just about streamlining compliance. They are about creating the foundations for AI-enabled oversight, for digital health innovation, and for faster, safer access to medical technologies. Patients stand to benefit most, but so too does Europes competitiveness as a leader in medtech.

The opportunity is clear, and the technology is ready. For regulators, manufacturers, and Notified Bodies, the next step is simple: act now to make electronic submissions the standard for medical devices.

"UK reforms highlight the case for digital submissions in medical device regulation" was originally created and published by Medical Device Network, a GlobalData owned brand.




Britain and the United States announced on Monday that they had sealed a deal eliminating tariffs on UK pharmaceutical products sent to the US.

In return for this concession from Washington, the UK will reduce the rebates drugmakers pay to Britain's National Health Service (NHS).

Under the current scheme, pharma companies pay back a portion of revenues to the NHS from sales of branded medicines, a set-up designed to prevent overspending.

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According to a statement from the United States Trade Representative (USTR), the UK will now reduce the rebate to a maximum of 15% in 2026, from the current level of about 23%. The UK will increase the net price it pays for new medicines by 25%, added the statement.

The move comes after US President Donald Trump threatened tariffs of up to 100% on branded or patented drugs shipped to the US, unless companies considered building an American factory or production facility.

The prospect, floated in September, unsettled major manufacturers. Pharmaceuticals remain one of the UKs strongest export sectors, including drugmakers AstraZeneca and GSK.

As part of the new agreement, the US said that it will "refrain from targeting UK pharmaceutical pricing practices" in any future investigations into the sector for the duration of President Trumps term.

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Big Pharmas gripes with the UK

The US has long argued that American patients pay far more for new medicines than people in the UK, largely because of the NHS' strict pricing system.

In Britain, a government body called NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) helps decide whether the NHS should pay for a new medicine by comparing its price with the health benefit it delivers.

If a treatment costs more than a certain level for the extra "healthy life" it gives a patient, the NHS is unlikely to fund it. Critics of the UK system argue that this benchmark also stifles innovation and demand for newer and better medicines.

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In a statement on Monday, the UK government said that the "milestone deal" with the US secures Britain's "medicines access and supply for tens of thousands of NHS patients", adding that "groundbreaking new treatments" would reach the "NHS front-line quicker".

Earlier this year, several major pharmaceutical firms announced significant new investments in the United States while delaying or revising their UK projects, citing what they described as Britain's challenging regulatory and commercial environment.

According to a recent report by Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI), the UKs approach to drug pricing and reimbursement has prompted a fall in foreign investment in British pharma.

AstraZeneca announced in September 2025 that it was pausing a planned 200 million (227mn) investment in its Cambridge research site  a move it said was prompted by the challenging conditions in Britain.

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Meanwhile, GSK committed to a substantial US investment package  $30 billion (25.8bn) over five years.

The new pharma deal comes six months after UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer sealed an agreement with Trump limiting tariffs to 10% on most exports. But the treatment of pharmaceuticals remained a key unknown.
US envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian President Vladimir Putin are expected to hold talks in Moscow on Tuesday to discuss the Trump administration's controversial proposal to end the war in Ukraine.

The meeting comes after Washington said it was feeling confident about the plan, following talks with Ukrainian negotiators in Florida.

"I think the administration feels very optimistic," White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Monday.

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Meanwhile Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was seeking support from European allies, who fear that the US plan -- drafted without input from Kyiv or Europe -- reads like a wishlist for Moscow.

But Ukraine's negotiator Rustem Umerov said "significant progress" had been achieved in the Florida talks, even though more work was needed on "challenging" issues.

Zelensky arrived in Ireland Monday night for an in-person briefing from Umerov after talks in Paris with President Emmanuel Macron.

He was greeted on the tarmac by Prime Minister Micheal Martin, who posted on social media "Our support for the people of Ukraine as they defend their freedom and democracy remains unwavering."

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More than three-and-a-half years into Russia's large-scale offensive in Ukraine, an AFP analysis of data from the US-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW) showed that the Russian army last month made its biggest advance in Ukraine since November 2024.

The situation for Kyiv has been further complicated by a corruption scandal that has rocked Zelensky's inner circle and forced the dismissal last week of his top negotiator and chief of staff, Andriy Yermak.

"We are expecting a conversation with the president of the United States on key issues that are quite challenging," Zelensky said in Paris.

He said Russia had stepped up missile and drone strikes on his country to "break" the will of Ukrainians.

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"This is serious pressure, not only psychological but also physical pressure on our population," Zelensky said.

Macron said the current moment "could be decisive for the future of peace in Ukraine and security in Europe."

Zelensky insisted Russia should not receive any concession that "it could consider as a reward for this war."

"The aggressor must pay for the aggression," he said.

Zelensky and Macron spoke by telephone to Witkoff and Umerov in Florida, the Elysee Palace said, while Zelensky's talks in Paris also included phone conversations with other European leaders, including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

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The flurry of communication continued with a call between Macron and Trump later Monday in which they discussed "next steps in the mediation efforts" and the French president "particularly emphasised the central importance of security guarantees necessary for Ukraine", according to the Elysee.

- 'Highest' pressure -

Washington's initial 28-point proposal to halt the war would have seen Kyiv withdraw from territory it still controls in its eastern Donetsk region and the United States de facto recognise the Donetsk, Crimea and Lugansk regions as Russian.

After talks in Geneva, the United States updated the original blueprint, but the current contents remain unclear.

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EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas expressed concern over the planned Putin-Witkoff meeting, saying she feared "all the pressure will be put on the weaker side, because that is the easier way to stop this war when Ukraine surrenders."

Macron emphasised that "there is currently no finalised plan on the territorial issues, strictly speaking. It can only be finalised by President Zelensky".

He also hailed new US sanctions on the Russian energy industry as a "game changer", saying that in the next weeks he expected pressure on the sector to be "the highest since the beginning of the war".

- Biggest advance in a year -

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The diplomatic push comes as the war -- which has killed tens of thousands of civilians and military personnel and displaced millions of Ukrainians -- shows no sign of easing.

Russia claimed on Monday to have captured Pokrovsk, a key logistics hub that Ukraine had been defending.

A Russian missile attack killed four people and wounded nearly two dozen others on Monday in the central Ukrainian city of Dnipro, the regional governor said.

By the end of November, the Russian army controlled, fully or partially, 19.3 percent of Ukrainian territory, according to the analysis of data from the ISW, which works with the Critical Threats Project.

burs-sjw-sct/tc/mtp
Masonia Traylor folded into a ball in the corner of the patient room. "No," the 23-year-old screamed, over and over again. She was HIV-positive.

It came as a surprise to the now 38-year-old from Decatur, Georgia. She built a rapport at her local OBGYN office and always stayed on top of her health as best she could. This included HIV testing; she always wanted to set a good example for her loved ones. A Black woman shared her story of almost dying from HIV complications at a school assembly years back. Someone who looked like her warned that anyone could get HIV  not just gay and bisexual men. Traylor thought, "You can't tell that girl got it. Like, she looks so pretty, healthy, everything.'"

Despite novel developments in the treatment and prevention of HIV  people can live healthy, long lives with HIV undetectable in their bloodstream  tens of thousands of new cases are diagnosed in the United States each year. And a lot of those diagnoses occur in certain parts of the country and among certain populations. A group often forgotten about in the discussion of HIV  despite research pointing to an ongoing crisis  is Black women. Specifically those who live in the South. Why?

"You feel isolated, you feel alone, feel like nobody else is going to understand," says Masonia Traylor of living with HIV.

"The convergence of gender-based power dynamics, economic vulnerability and limited access to prevention resources creates a perfect storm of HIV risk," according to AIDSVu, an interactive online mapping tool from Emory Universitys Rollins School of Public Health in partnership with Gilead Sciences. Gilead makes preexposure prophylaxis, or PrEP medications Truvada and Descovy, whose out-of-pocket costs can be tens of thousands of dollars (though insurance coverage and other support programs are available to make it free or more affordable). The Food and Drug Administration approved the company's twice-a-year injectable HIV prevention drug lenacapavir (Yeztugo) earlier in 2025.

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In 2023, more than 39,000 HIV cases in people ages 13 and older were diagnosed in the United States and its territories; of these, 81% were men, 38% were Black and 51% lived in the South. Black women made up half of HIV diagnoses in women, though they make up only 13% of the female U.S. population. Still, the overall case number is a far cry from the worst of the epidemic in the mid-1980s, which saw more than 130,000 cases a year. Case counts have generally stabilized over the last few years.

It's easy for many, from sexually active people to medical providers, in the United States to dismiss HIV given how much cases have declined. But a decline does not mean a disappearance, and federal funding cuts to HIV prevention programs are only compounding the problem.

"We're in a really interesting inflection point, because, we've had amazing strides in addressing the HIV epidemic in the United States, and I think some of that will be eroded given where we are with our current emphasis and deterioration of our public health infrastructure," says Athena Cross, vice president and chief program officer at AIDS United.

What to know: FDA approves new twice-yearly HIV shot

'I'm just a walking red flag' for HIV

Men who have sex with men have been the primary faces of HIV since the AIDS crisis began in the 1980s, and they remain the ones most likely to take PrEP and otherwise seek sexual health treatment.

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PrEP use increased 17% year over year in the U.S. from 2023 to 2024. But Black people made up only 12% of PrEP users, and the South at large only 39%. Only 9% of PrEP users are women, according to AIDSVu.

"I'm just a walking red flag when it comes to risk assessment (for HIV)," says Tori Cooper, director of community engagement at the Human Rights Campaign. She's a Black woman who lives in the South and has rarely been offered an HIV test over the years.

Providers still have HIV stigma, as do patients. That's where a quality support network comes in. "You have to find some people who have a judgment-free view of HIV," she says. "You have to have people who simply love and support you, and for many people, that's a challenge."

Traylor went public with her status after struggling to find support groups for people like her; she yearned for a community of people who could lift her out of her shame. "I cannot carry this fear or this guilt. Like, I didn't do anything wrong, they didn't do anything wrong," she says.

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Another impetus? A former classmate of hers who died from HIV complications.

"I realized that maybe if I had shared my status sooner, that the gentleman that passed away, maybe he would still be alive," Traylor says, "because I know exactly how he felt. Like you feel isolated, you feel alone, feel like nobody else is going to understand."

Important: Her doctor said her tumor was harmless, common among Black women. It was cancer.

'A lot of stigma culturally across the South' with HIV

As of 2023, the South accounted for more than half of HIV diagnoses and 56% of HIV deaths, despite being roughly one-third of the U.S. population.

"The burden of HIV in the South is overwhelming," Cross says. "Not only are there risks, there's also not necessarily the education and awareness around HIV prevention. There is still a lot of stigma culturally across the South that prevents people from being willing to access care, or even be able to follow through on a diagnosis."

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Fewer hospitals and fewer health care providers in the rural South  along with a layer of anti-LGBTQ+ stigma across the region  furthers ignorance about HIV. "HIV is not an evenly distributed virus. It really does impact some of the most vulnerable communities. And that was true four decades ago, and it's still true today," says Rashad Burgess, vice president of corporate responsibility at Gilead Sciences.

The concentration of HIV cases in the South makes sense to Cooper. The social and sexual networks are smaller for Black people and other people of color, she says, and there's a lack of reliable information around sex, HIV and other chronic illnesses  especially information specific to those communities (many resources focus on men who have sex with men). This all makes it easier for HIV to proliferate among those communities.

When Black women and HIV are mentioned together, we only talk about Black women with HIV, Cooper says. Even in those cases, you're hearing about these worst-case scenarios and shattered livelihoods, which increases stigma. "What we don't hear is women who happen to get an HIV diagnosis, who are thriving and doing well and supporting people in their communities, who live happy, healthy lives," Cooper says.

Traylor, now a renowned activist, is CEO and founder of nonprofit Lady BurgAndy Inc., which helps women and young people affected by HIV/AIDS.

Masonia Traylor went public with her status after struggling to find support groups for people like her.

Other efforts to combat stigma include AIDS United's Melanated Movement, which supports young women leading educational programs on HBCU campuses. "It allows young women to create the sort of communication and the educational pieces to appeal to other young women," Cross says. Additionally, SisterLove is a womens HIV, sexual and reproductive justice organization in the southeastern United States that has been around for 35 years and counting.

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The main way this gets better is by talking about it, and making clear to people that an HIV diagnosis is no longer a death sentence  with the right and ongoing health supports.

(This story was updated with more information.)

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Black women in South getting HIV, geography plays role
The world may be one step closer to developing a functional method for generating fusion energy, according to Power Magazine.

Fusion energy is the same sort that powers the sun. And, as the International Atomic Energy Agency has explained, nuclear fusion occurs when two light atoms combine to form a heavier atom, releasing a lot of energy.

If we could harness this reaction, we might be able to generate more of the energy we need while transitioning away from less sustainable sources. But there have been obstacles standing in the way of problem-free fusion development. For example, even the tiniest wisp of air can stop a fusion reaction, as experts noted in Power Magazine.

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Now, Commonwealth Fusion Systems in Massachusetts says it is creating a container to keep a fusion reaction entirely airtight. The company has called this a "vacuum vessel," describing the 48-ton steel container as "instrumental," as CFS works toward "large-scale commercial fusion energy." As of late October, the first half of the vessel had been delivered.

"This is a really exciting time," said Brandon Sorbom, a CFS co-founder and its chief science officer, in a news release. "It's a big moment for us because we have a big piece of hardware showing up, but it's also just a really big moment for the industry."

While furthering fusion energy is an exciting prospect for many, researchers don't have all the kinks worked out just yet. There are still major obstacles to address in terms of sustaining and containing a fusion reaction that puts out more energy than it takes in  and doing so cost-effectively.

Nuclear fusion could one day create tremendous amounts of carbon-pollution-free electricity without the dangerous, long-lasting radioactive waste of today's nuclear fission reactors. But the technology to make a commercially viable fusion plant does not exist yet.

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Still, if developers can effectively address these concerns, we could be looking at a more diverse and resilient energy mix down the line, with the potential to lower utility bills and mitigate the heat-trapping pollution that impacts air quality and drives rising global temperatures.



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.
US lawmakers are pressing the Trump administration for answers about military strikes on suspected Venezuelan drug boats, after a report alleged that a follow-up strike was ordered to kill survivors of an initial attack.

Republican-led committees overseeing the Pentagon have vowed to conduct "vigorous oversight" into the US boat strikes in the Caribbean, following the report.

On Friday, The Washington Post reported that a US strike on a boat on 2 September left two survivors, but that a second attack was carried out to comply with Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth's orders to "kill everybody" on board - raising fresh legality questions.

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Hegseth decried the report as "fake news".

On Sunday, US President Donald Trump said he believed his defence secretary "100%".

In recent weeks, the US has expanded its military presence in the Caribbean and carried out a series of lethal strikes on suspected drug-smuggling boats in international waters off Venezuela and Colombia, as part of what it calls an anti-narcotics operation.

More than 80 people have been killed since early September.

The Trump administration says it is acting in self-defence by destroying boats carrying illicit drugs to the US.

In its report on Friday, which has not been verified by the BBC, The Washington Post wrote that Secretary Hegseth "gave a spoken directive" to "kill everybody" on board one such vessel, and a Special Operations commander overseeing the operation "ordered a second strike to comply with Hegseth's instructions".

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The Trump administration has sought to justify its operations in the Caribbean by saying it is in a non-international armed conflict with the alleged drug traffickers.

The rules of engagement in such armed conflicts - as set out in the Geneva Conventions - forbid the targeting of wounded participants, saying that those participants should instead be apprehended and cared for.

[BBC]

Republican and Democratic lawmakers appearing on US talk shows on Sunday said they supported congressional reviews of the boat strikes.

The leaders said they did not know whether the Washington Post's report was true, but that attacking survivors of an initial missile strike presented major legal concerns.

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"This rises to the level of a war crime if it's true," said Democratic Senator Tim Kaine on CBS Face the Nation.

Republican lawmaker Mike Turner acknowledged that Congress did not have information that the follow-up strike had happened.

"Obviously if that occurred, that would be very serious, and I agree that that would be an illegal act," Turner, a former chairman of the Intelligence Committee, told CBS.

The comments follow the Republican-led Senate Armed Services Committee's announcement on Friday that it planned to conduct "vigorous oversight" on the strikes.

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"The Committee is aware of recent news reports  and the Department of Defense's initial response  regarding alleged follow-on strikes on suspected narcotics vessels in the SOUTHCOM area of responsibility," the committee's Republican chair, Senator Roger Wicker, and his Democratic counterpart, Senator Jack Reed, said in a statement.

"The Committee has directed inquiries to the Department, and we will be conducting vigorous oversight to determine the facts related to these circumstances," they said.

The House Armed Services Committee followed suit, saying it was "taking bipartisan action to gather a full accounting of the operation in question".

[Getty Images]

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In a post on X, Hegseth pushed back against accusations against him, calling them "fabricated, inflammatory, and derogatory". He wrote that the series of strikes on boats were "lawful under both US and international law".

"Every trafficker we kill is affiliated with a Designated Terrorist Organization," he wrote.

On Sunday, talking to reporters aboard Air Force One, President Trump defended his defence secretary, saying: "He said he did not say that. And I believe him 100%."

Trump said the administration "will look into" the matter and added "I wouldn't have wanted that - not a second strike".

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On Sunday, Venezuela's National Assembly condemned the boat strikes and vowed to carry out a "rigorous and thorough investigation" into the accusations of a second attack that allegedly killed two survivors.

The Venezuelan government has accused the US of stoking tensions in the region, with the aim of toppling the government.

In his comments on Sunday, Trump confirmed he had recently spoken to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, but would not comment further other than to say: "I wouldn't say it went well or badly. It was a phone call."

The US is not a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which is another relevant aspect of international law. However, the US military's legal advisers have previously said that the US should "act in a manner consistent with its provisions".

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Under that convention, countries agree not to interfere with vessels operating in international waters. There are limited exceptions to this, which allow a state to seize a ship, such as a "hot pursuit" where a vessel is chased from a country's waters into the high seas.

"Force can be used to stop a boat but generally this should be non-lethal measures," Prof Luke Moffett of Queens University Belfast recently told BBC Verify.
WASHINGTON/KIEV, Nov. 30 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said roughly four-hour talks with a Ukrainian delegation in Florida on Sunday made "additional" progress on a revised peace plan to end the Ukraine crisis, but "there is more work to be done."

"This is delicate, it's complicated," Rubio told reporters after the meeting. "There are a lot of moving parts, and obviously there's another party involved here that will have to be a part of the equation."

"We don't just want to end the war, we also want to help Ukraine be safe forever," said the top U.S. diplomat.

Rustem Umerov, secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council, described the talks as "difficult but productive."

"We have made tangible progress toward establishing a just peace," Umerov, who heads the Ukrainian negotiating team, wrote on Facebook.

The meeting was meaningful and successful, he wrote, adding that there is still a lot of work ahead and the two sides will continue consultations and coordination on further steps for the sake of peace in Ukraine.

The latest round of talks between the two sides was held in Hallandale Beach, the U.S. state of Florida earlier in the day. Neither Rubio nor Umerov took questions from reporters after the meeting.

U.S. presidential special envoy Steve Witkoff and U.S. President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner also joined Sunday's talks and will fly to Moscow on Monday for further discussions, according to a Wall Street Journal report. 
Dec 1 (Reuters) - The U.S. Transportation Department said Monday it may withhold up to $30.4 million in federal highway funding from Minnesota over commercial driver licenses issued improperly to non-U.S. residents.

The letter to Minnesota Governor Tim Walz gave the state 30 days to come into compliance and revoke the licenses after a federal audit. In September, the Transportation Department issued emergency rules to drastically restrict commercial driver licenses to non-U.S. citizens after a fatal crash in Florida and a government audit.

(Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Leslie Adler)
A top US Navy admiral ordered a second round of strikes on an alleged Venezuelan drug boat, the White House has confirmed.

The "double tap" strike on 2 September has drawn bipartisan scrutiny among US lawmakers. The Washington Post recently reported that two people survived the first blast and were still clinging to the burning vessel when they were killed, raising fresh legality questions.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Monday that Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth authorised the strikes but did not give an order to "kill everybody", as the report said.

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"Admiral (Frank) Bradley worked well within his authority and the law" in ordering the additional strike, Leavitt said.

More than 80 people have been killed in a number of similar strikes in the Caribbean Sea since early September. Each announcement from US officials is usually accompanied by grainy video, but no evidence of the alleged drug trafficking, and few details on who or what was on board each vessel.

The Trump administration says it is acting in self-defence by destroying boats carrying illicit drugs to the US.

Both Republican and Democratic lawmakers have expressed concern over the report of the 2 September incident and have vowed congressional reviews of the strikes.

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Democrats, including Senator Jacky Rosen of Nevada, have also said that Hegseth should resign if he ordered a strike against the two people.

"If the reports are true, Pete Hegseth likely committed a war crime when he gave an illegal order that led to the killing of incapacitated survivors of the U.S. strike in the Caribbean," said Rosen, who sits on the Armed Services Committee, in a statement where she also called for a thorough investigation.

Democrats on the committee, many of whom served in the military, had already requested that Hegseth and Attorney General Pam Bondi publicly release the Office of Legal Counsel's written opinion that laid out the legal basis for the strikes, as some experts raised concerns that they could be unlawful

During the Monday press briefing, Leavitt said that President Donald Trump and Hegseth "have made it clear that presidentially designated narco-terrorist groups are subject to lethal targeting in accordance with the laws of war".

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The press secretary neither confirmed whether the first strike left two survivors, nor that the second attack was intended to kill them.

Media reports that Hegseth had given the directive to kill all those on board the vessel during the 2 September strike have renewed concerns about the legality of US military strikes against alleged drug boats in the Caribbean.

Hegseth has pushed back against accusations in the report, calling them "fabricated, inflammatory, and derogatory". On Monday, he tweeted that Admiral Bradley "is an American hero, a true professional, and has my 100% support.

"I stand by him and the combat decisions he has made  on the September 2 mission and all others since."

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In recent weeks the US has expanded its military presence in the Caribbean, as part of what it calls an anti-narcotics operation.

Trump warned on Thursday that US efforts to halt Venezuelan drug trafficking "by land" would begin "very soon".

Over the weekend, the Senate Armed Services Committee said it would be "conducting vigorous oversight to determine the facts" related to the 2 September strikes.

The Republican chairman of the committee, Senator Roger Wicker, said on Monday that the lawmakers are planning to interview the "admiral that was in charge of the operation". He added that it was also seeking audio and video to "see what the orders were".

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The Armed Services Committee in the House of Representatives also said it would lead a "bipartisan action to gather a full accounting of the operation in question".

The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, a body of the highest-ranking US military officers, met both the House and Senate's armed services committees over the weekend.

Discussions centred around the operations in the region and "the intent and legality of missions to disrupt illicit trafficking networks", the group said.

[BBC]

Multiple experts who spoke to the BBC have raised serious doubts that the second strike on alleged survivors could be considered legal under international law. The survivors may have been subject to protections provided to shipwrecked sailors, or to those given to troops who have been rendered unable to continue fighting.

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The Trump administration has said its operations in the Caribbean is a non-international armed conflict with the alleged drug traffickers.

The rules of engagement in such armed conflicts - as set out in the Geneva Conventions - forbid the targeting of wounded participants, saying that those participants should instead be apprehended and cared for.

Under former-President Barack Obama, the US military came under scrutiny for firing multiple rounds from drones, in a practice known as the "double tap", that sometimes resulted in civilian casualties.

On Sunday, Venezuela's National Assembly condemned the boat strikes and vowed to carry out a "rigorous and thorough investigation" into the 2 September strikes.

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The Venezuelan government has accused the US of stoking tensions in the region, with the aim of toppling the government.

In an interview with BBC Newsnight on Monday, Venezuelan Attorney General Tarek William Saab said Trump's allegations stem from "great envy" for the country's natural resources.

He also called for a direct dialogue between the US and Venezuelan governments, "to clear the toxic atmosphere we have witnessed since July of last year".

On Sunday, Trump confirmed that he had held a brief phone call with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in which he pressured him to resign and leave Venezuela with his family.

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According to reports, during the call last month, Trump told Maduro that he could go to a destination of his choosing, but only if he agreed to depart immediately. After he refused, Trump posted on social media that the airspace over Venezuela should be considered "closed in its entirety".

Maduro requested amnesty for his top aides, and that he be allowed to continue control of the military after giving up the government. Trump refused both demands, according to The Miami Post and Reuters, reporting the BBC has not confirmed.

US officials have alleged that Maduro himself is part of a "terrorist" organisation called the Cartel of the Suns, which they say includes high-ranking Venezuelan military and security officials involved in drug trafficking. Maduro has denied the claims.

With additional reporting by Lucy Gilder and Thomas Copeland

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By Andrea Shalal, Maggie Fick and Alistair Smout

WASHINGTON/LONDON, Dec 1 (Reuters) - The United States and Britain announced a deal on Monday to secure zero tariffs on British pharmaceutical products and medical technology in return for Britain spending more on medicines and overhauling how it values drugs.

Under the agreement, Britain will raise the net price it pays for new U.S. medicines by 25%. In return, UK-made medicines, drug ingredients and medical technology will be exempt from Section 232 sectoral tariffs and any future Section 301 country tariffs.

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"The United States and the United Kingdom announce this negotiated outcome pricing for innovative pharmaceuticals, which will help drive investment and innovation in both countries," United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said in a statement.

UK CHANGES SYSTEM FOR ASSESSING IF DRUGS ARE COST-EFFECTIVE

The deal includes a significant change to the value appraisal framework at NICE, the UK body that determines whether new drugs are cost-effective for the NHS.

NICE's "quality-adjusted life year" threshold, currently 30,000 pounds ($39,789) per year, will rise to 35,000 pounds.

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The British government said the change to NICE would let it "keep pace with the commercial and economic environment in which pharmaceutical companies are operating in today."

The revised framework will apply to all new medicines, not just U.S. drugs, but will not affect prices of existing treatments.

NICE has often rejected coverage of new, expensive drugs through the NHS, for example Eli Lilly's Alzheimer's drug and AstraZeneca's breast cancer treatment Enhertu.

British pharmaceutical industry group ABPI said the deal would help British patients access new medicines and help attract investment from drugmakers.

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Shares in UK-based drugmakers GSK and AstraZeneca were broadly unchanged on the agreement. The UK is a very small market for the pharmaceutical industry, making up just 2% of AstraZeneca's total revenue for instance.

GSK welcomed the deal, saying "these good foundations, offer a real opportunity to secure the UK as an attractive global-leading environment for life sciences that rewards long-term innovation."

U.S. President Donald Trump has pressed Britain and the rest of Europe to pay more for American medicines, part of his push for U.S. medicine costs to be brought more in line with those paid in other wealthy nations.

The industry has criticised a tough operating environment in Britain and some major firms have cancelled or paused investment in Britain, including AstraZeneca, the largest firm on the London Stock Exchange by market value.

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One point of contention between the sector and the government has been the operation of a voluntary pricing scheme which sees firms put a proportion of sales to the NHS back into the health service.

The office of the USTR said Britain had committed that the rebate rate would decrease to 15% in 2026.

Drugmaker Bristol Myers Squibb Chief Executive Chris Boerner said in a statement released by the UK government that Britain's commitments on investment in innovative medicines under the deal meant "BMS anticipates being able to invest upwards of $500 million over the next 5 years."

"This agreement is a sign of progress and one that creates an environment conducive to our continued presence in the UK," he said.

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The British Chambers of Commerce welcomed the deal, saying "pharmaceuticals make up a fifth of all UK exports to the U.S. by value, and the UK now has a deal which few others have achieved, giving us a distinct advantage."

U.S. LOOKS TO SOLIDIFY FRAMEWORK TRADE DEALS

The breakthrough comes after the two countries agreed in May to seek "significantly preferential treatment outcomes on pharmaceuticals", with a commitment that Britain tries to improve the environment for pharma firms operating in the country.

It concludes talks on a major unresolved issue after Britain became the first country to secure tariff relief on some other sectors in May.

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Ryan Majerus, a partner with the King & Spalding law firm, said the U.S. government was racing to complete as many detailed trade agreements as possible and refine previously agreed framework deals before the Supreme Court rules on a case that challenges the legality of Trump's sweeping tariffs imposed against nearly every country.

A decision by the highest U.S. court is expected later this year or early next.

The Trump administration has already said it will use other legal authorities, including Section 232 of the 1962 Trade Expansion Act and Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 to replace tariffs that might be invalidated under a Supreme Court ruling.

"The more they can lock in countries in deals, the better for them," Majerus said. "The more definitive these deals are, the harder it is for countries to come and say, 'We don't like our deal. We want it ripped up and you don't have the authority to impose these tariffs'".

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($1 = 0.7540 pounds)

(Reporting by Maggie Fick and Alistair Smout in London, Andrea Shalal in Washington, additional reporting by Sam Tabahriti in London, Susan Heavey and Caroline Humer in Washington.Editing by Bernadette Baum, Frances Kerry and Louise Heavens)
Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald speaks at a news conference announcing a commission's gun violence prevention findings on June 11, 2024. (Photo: Anna Liz Nichols)

Updated at 3:34 p.m.

Top lawyers for Consumers Energy and DTE Energy have donated to a Michigan attorney general candidates primary race, raising conflict of interest questions about whether the utilities are trying to influence a prosecutor who may handle their legal and regulatory cases.

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The candidate, current Democratic Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald, would stand opposite the utilities attorneys in the courtroom or in regulatory battles, should she win.

The next attorney general will be tasked with representing residential customers in especially high stakes legal and regulatory battles over controversial data center plans, and the cases outcomes will for decades impact the climate, how much residents pay for energy, and utilities bottom lines.

The current term-limited attorney general, Dana Nessel, has been viewed as a national leader in protecting consumers and taking on utilities. The utilities likely want to avoid a repeat of Nessels tenure, industry observers say, and the donations highlight an avenue in which they can influence the states potential next top cop.

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The donations represent a very serious conflict of interest, said Craig Holman, a lobbyist with Public Citizen, a Washington D.C. campaign finance watchdog.

When you get a special interest giving money to candidates, and theyve got something pending before that office, then they are trying to curry favor by making campaign contributions, Holman added.

While McDonald did not respond to an initial request by Michigan Advance for comment, her campaign did email a statement after this story was published.

The real question in this race is simple: Who will stand up for consumers and ratepayers? I will  because affordability and quality of life matters, and as Attorney General I will fight tooth and nail to make sure Michigan ratepayers are getting the most affordable rates possible while also working to make our grid more reliable and efficient, McDonald said. Across the state, a broad and diverse coalition of people, workers, families, and community leaders have contributed or endorsed our campaign because theyve seen my track record in taking on the biggest fights, holding the powerful accountable, and delivering real results for the people of Michigan. They know I dont back down. My campaign has not taken any corporate PAC contributions because, like so many Michiganders, Im tired of money in politics and the influence it buys. What voters cant stand is a politician who wont listen. Ive always listened to people, and thats never going to change  no matter who has contributed to my campaign

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A review of the most recent state campaign finance filings shows executive level attorneys from DTE and Consumers each gave $1,000 to McDonald. That includes DTEs senior vice president and chief legal officer, Katherine Lorenz, and Kelly Hall, deputy legal counsel for Consumers. A donation of $100 was made by Andrea Hayden, a lower level DTE Energy legal department employee. And a $250 donation was made by Consumers Energy lobbyist Hillary Kipp.

The donation sizes are significant for a state level attorney general primary. While the states utilities are prolific campaign donors, it is unusual for their attorneys to make multiple donations to a prosecutors primary campaign.

In a statement, a DTE spokesperson said, Its not appropriate for us to comment on individual employees personal contributions.

A Consumers spokesperson said, Any individual political contribution made by a company employee is done in his or her personal capacity  and not on behalf of CMS Energy.

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Requests to speak with the individuals were ignored or denied.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel hosts a roundtable on transparency concerns regarding DTE Energys proposed contracts for a Saline Township data center. Nov. 25, 2025 | Screenshot

McDonald has so far reported raising $840,000, more than the other four candidates combined. Records show she also has far more support from the states largest corporations than her opponents. Delegates will select the nomination for each partys candidates at their respective April conventions.

Among McDonalds top competitors in the race is Washtenaw County Prosecutor Eli Savit, who, in a statement to the Advance, sought to draw a difference between he and McDonald on corporate donations, which he said he is not taking.

He also noted he signed the League of Conservation Voters No Utility Money challenge, under which campaigns will not knowingly accept contributions from utility PACs, executives or lobbyists.

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Savit said rejecting utility money is especially crucial for an attorney general candidate.

The AG is the one position in Michigan charged with protecting consumers, workers, and our natural resources  frequently against powerful corporate interests on the other side, he said.

Mark Totten, another McDonald opponent for the Democratic nomination, also pledged not to take utility money. In a statement, he said Michigan has high energy rates and poor energy reliability.

Now more than ever, Michiganders need an attorney general they can trust to fight for affordable, reliable power, Totten said. That trust matters because DTE and Consumers are monopoliesand the attorney general has special power to challenge their rate hikes.

Washtenaw County Prosecutor Eli Savit | Submitted photo

The revelations come amid a state ballot initiative effort that would prohibit regulated utilities and their executives from making political donations. If approved, the type of donations made by the executive level attorneys to McDonald would be banned.

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Karlee Weinmann, a researcher for the utility industry watchdog Energy and Policy Institute, questioned McDonalds decision not to respond to questions about the utility donations in the context of the ballot initiative effort.

To sort of sidestep questions about who is funding a campaign runs counter to this strong public call for greater transparency across the board in Michigan, Weinmann said.

Why utilities are so interested in the race

Weinmann said Nessel has been fiercely advocating for residential ratepayers, and effectively communicating with the public about the arcane regulatory process, which has helped raise public awareness about utility issues.

The attorney general has regularly intervened over the last seven years in regulatory proceedings at which the cost structures for residents DTE and Consumers bills are determined. These interventions have saved ratepayers billions of dollars at the expense of DTE and Consumers bottom lines.

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Weinmann pointed to an anecdote she said is emblematic of the important role the attorney generals office plays in utility affordability, and may explain utilities interest in the current primary.

In a May 2024 rate case in which DTE sought a $266 million increase in customers costs, the company tried to pass on expenses for executives private jet travel. Nessel successfully blocked the proposal.

In a press release at the time, Nessel wrote, When the shady details crammed into these filings emerge into the daylight, a lot of the proposed spending is questionable at best, and at times downright insulting to customers.

Nessel argued DTE should only be able to increase customer costs by $111m  about $155m below DTEs request. Regulators granted a $113 million increase, which observers deemed a clear loss for DTE.

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Weinmann said Nessel has set a national standard for how attorneys general can and should be operating with regard to monopoly utilities and their attempts to pass inappropriate expenses on to ratepayers.

Certainly the utilities in Michigan have experienced the consequences of an attorney general who is unwilling to back down and unafraid to step to them, Weinmann added.

Legal and regulatory battles

The next attorney general will handle highly consequential regulatory and legal battles over controversial data centers proposed for Michigan.

The centers are already causing energy rate spikes across the country, and consumer advocates fear the same is poised to happen in Michigan, unless the state acts.

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In 2023, the state passed a climate law that requires utilities to fully transition to clean energy by 2040. But the law includes an offramp that allows utilities to keep fossil fuel plants online, or build new gas plants, if clean energy cant handle the grids load.

Data centers require a huge amount of energy, and those planned for Michigan are poised to trigger the offramp.

Utilities view data centers as a lifeline because they make far more money off of capital investments for gas than they do for renewable energy generation.

Already, DTE and Consumers are making plans for new gas plants.

When were looking ahead at a data center rush in Michigan, the enormous stakes of climate action  or inaction  and the rate pressure people are feeling amid a broader affordability crisis, its really a pivotal time, and one that demands strong leadership from the attorney general, Weinmann said.

Cause for recusal?

While the donations to an attorney general primary race are unusual, utility industry trade groups regularly donate to national attorney general campaign groups. And the utility industry isnt alone.

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Crypto and gambling industry interests in recent years gave huge donations to national attorney general groups that pass money on to state candidates who would later work the industries cases, Holman noted.

Some judges have recused themselves from cases involving campaign donors, he added, but they are the exception and not the norm. Professional ethical guidelines do not demand judges or prosecutors recuse themselves from cases, but they should, Holman said.

More broadly, the situation highlights the need for reform, he added.

Its just a pure conflict of interest and the ideal solution is to go to public financing and avoid significant public contributions altogether, Holman added.

This story was updated to add a comment from McDonald as well as remove incorrect information concerning Mark Tottens campaign, which has not received any donations from utility executives.
The Rotunda at the University of Virginia. (Photo by Sarah Vogelsong/Virginia Mercury)

State senators will meet with representatives from the University of Virginia on Monday, after the institution signed an agreement with the federal government to suspend multiple civil rights investigations, a move that has drawn criticism from the UVA community and state lawmakers.

In April, the U.S. Department of Justice launched an investigation into UVA over claims that the institution violated federal civil rights laws in its admissions, hiring, diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, and that its campus culture was inhospitable to Jewish students. UVA refuted the allegations, but signed an agreement with the DoJ last month to put the inquiries on ice.

UVA did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Mondays meeting with lawmakers.

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Interim President Paul Mahoney is scheduled to attend the gathering, according to the agenda, along with Rachel Sheridan and Porter Wilkinson, the rector and vice rector for the UVA Board of Visitors, to provide an update on institutional leadership and finances.

Del. Katrina Callsen, D-Albemarle, who does not sit on the Senate Finance & Appropriations subcommittee for higher education, has been critical of UVAs decisions and its agreement with the DoJ. She, along with Sen. Creigh Deeds, D-Charlottesville, called for leaders to reverse the action.

I want transparency for both the public and the legislature, Callsen said in a statement to the Mercury last week. I trust that my Senate colleagues will pursue information that will help everyone better understand the interactions that occurred between UVA and the federal government and the full nature of the settlement agreement UVA formed with the DOJ. Virginians deserve to know what is happening in Virginia universities.

Lawmakers have expressed disappointment over the matter and urged the institution to reconsider its decision, but have never imposed any consequences. They only reminded UVA officials of its responsibilities concerning legal liability, state sovereignty and conflict with existing law. They have also said state funding to the school could be impacted.

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However, UVA leaders have stood by the decision to sign the agreement, unlike other institutions that have gone to court, risking losing federal funds. Gov. Glenn Youngkin called the agreement a fair deal in support.

Senators will also hear from Virginia Military Institute Superintendent Lt. General David Furness  who replaced former Ret. Major Gen. Cedric Wins, the first Black superintendent who was ousted by the governing board  and updates from the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia and the Council of Presidents.

The meeting is scheduled for 10 a.m.

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An automated license plate reader is seen mounted on a pole in 2024 in San Francisco. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Washington state lawmakers next year hope to rein in law enforcements use of automated license plate readers amid revelations federal immigration authorities are using the data.

The readers are mounted everywhere from street poles to police patrol cars. They take pictures of vehicles and use artificial intelligence to analyze the data. Police can use the information, stored in a database, to track vehicles that could be tied to criminal investigations.

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At least 16 states regulate the readers. Washington does not.

The technology has become increasingly common in Washington and across the country and is used not only by police, but also businesses and community groups.

Washingtons chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union is leading the charge to regulate the license plate readers here. The issue has taken on new urgency during the Trump administrations campaign for mass deportations, said Tee Sannon, the organizations technology policy program director.

A report last month out of the University of Washington found several local police departments authorized U.S. Border Patrol to use their license plate reader databases. And in other cases, Border Patrol had backdoor access without express permission. In some instances, police conducted searches on behalf of the federal agency.

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The findings raise concerns about compliance with state law limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.

In a statement, the head of the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs acknowledged the concerns. Executive Director Steve Strachan attributed the issue to sharing permissions allowing the feds to access plate reader data unbeknownst to local police.

We continue to remind our members to be aware of their system restrictions to ensure that their data is only shared consistent with Washington law and agency policy, Strachan said.

Worries extend beyond immigration.

Authorities in Texas this year searched thousands of the cameras, as far as Washington state and Illinois, in their search for a woman believed to have had a self-administered abortion.

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Anxieties over public record access to data from the readers have already spurred some Washington cities to rethink using them.

The proposal

The legislation in Washington, which is still being drafted, wouldnt ban license plate readers. It looks to put guardrails on them in two main ways.

One is how long agencies can hold onto the data. Currently, the information can sit indefinitely, though police departments have internal retention policies. The standard for Flock, the leading company making the cameras, is to delete pictures after 30 days if the images have no value.

A lot of this risk goes away if you ensure that the data is deleted, Sannon said. It cant fall into the wrong hands. It cant be requested or misused if its just being regularly deleted.

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The draft legislation pegs the retention period at 72 hours, said the planned prime sponsor, Sen. Yasmin Trudeau, D-Tacoma. There would be exceptions, for example, if holding onto the data helps with investigating a violent crime.

Cities feel three days isnt enough time.

If you are trying to investigate a crime and determine where a stolen vehicle is ending up, you may need more than 72 hours, said Candice Bock, government relations director at the Association of Washington Cities.

Some states allow longer retention periods, for weeks or even months. On the other end of the spectrum, most data from readers in New Hampshire has to be purged within three minutes.

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The other issue the proposal seeks to address is how agencies can share their data. The policy would prohibit departments from giving direct access to license plate reader databases, Sannon said. Agencies would have to get a search warrant to access data from other departments, she added.

Some local officials also see this as potentially problematic. Bock noted criminals dont stop at the city limits, so data sharing between, for example, neighboring police agencies is key to the success of automated license plate readers.

To Trudeau, the regulations seem like a no-brainer.

Its not anything crazy, she said. Its just about making sure weve got a framework that people can respect.

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Trudeau compared it to legislation she spearheaded in 2024 to ban police hog-tying, when there was some consensus that a change was needed.

When Ive had conversations with Flock directly or law enforcement, I think most folks are like, No, we want to operate, but we know theres going to be a bill. We want to be involved in a bill. We understand that there should be a policy, she said. So theyre all at the table in good faith.

Conversations around the bill began before the UW report was released in October.

Flock didnt respond to a request for comment.

Trudeau hopes to file the proposed legislation before the Legislature convenes for a 60-day session Jan. 12. The bill will then need to pass both the Senate and House before Gov. Bob Ferguson can sign it.

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In 2019, lawmakers in Washington state put forward legislation to shorten the readers retention periods and limit their use, but the proposal didnt gain traction.

Similar discussions are expected next year in the Oregon Legislature.

Public records concerns

Law enforcement agencies also want to see changes to state law on automated license plate readers. But their focus is on public disclosure of reader data through record requests.

A Skagit County judge last month ruled the pictures and other information the cameras capture must be made available through the states Public Records Act. The ruling came in response to a lawsuit against Stanwood and Sedro-Woolley. The cities have appealed.

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Some cities, including Redmond and Lynnwood, have suspended their license plate reader programs in response to the ruling and immigration concerns.

Local jurisdictions worry theyll be overloaded with public disclosure requests related to their license plate readers, and that public safety will be threatened by allowing anyone access to the whereabouts of anyones license plate, whether theyre connected to a crime or not.

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If somebody can request the images, the license plates through the Public Records Act, then there is no ability to control who is getting access to this and how theyre using it, Bock said.

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Police and city officials hope to exempt their reader data from disclosure under state public records law as part of Trudeaus planned legislation. Bock hopes for something similar to the states treatment of red light cameras. Those images and the personally identifying information they capture arent releasable under state law.

Other states, including Florida, Nebraska and North Carolina, have exempted the data from their public records laws.
UPPERGLADE, W.Va. (WBOY)  The Webster County Veterans Auxiliary held a vigil for the third night in a row on Saturday to honor Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, the national guardsmen who was killed after a shooting in Washington D.C. on Wednesday.

Donning blue ribbons and writing messages for her loved ones, the Webster County community celebrated Beckstroms life and remembered her for her contagious smile and commitment to service.

The Webster County community came together for the third night in a row to honor the life of Specialist Sarah Beckstrom (WBOY Image)

(WBOY Image)

Webster County was painted blue, wearing ribbons to honor Beckstrom. (WBOY Image)

Those in attendance were asked to write messages for the Beckstrom family. (WBOY Image)

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Melissa Hamrick, the president of the Webster County Veterans Auxiliary, knew Sarah when she was younger, and shared with 12 News how she is being remembered.

To see her fulfill something that she wanted to do, and to be a woman, you know, to go out and do those things that she wanted to do. And, you know she volunteered to go out that day, and Im not surprised. That was in her, that was the type of person that she was, Hamrick said.

Beckstrom graduated from Webster County High School in 2023, and enlisted in the Army in June of that year, according to the West Virginia National Guard.

Crowd shares moment of silence for shot National Guardsmen at WVU game

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Gabe Markle, the principal of Webster County High School, spoke with 12 News about Beckstroms time as a student.

She always cared about other people. She always served other people. She was somebody you could always talk to and knew. She was always happy, you know and there was never any bad interaction with her. She was the ideal student here at Webster County High School, Markle said.

Governor Patrick Morrisey made an appearance at the vigil, honoring Beckstroms sacrifice, while asking for prayers for Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe, the other West Virginia National Guardsmen who is still fighting for his life, according to the governor on Saturday.

(WBOY Image)

At the vigil, Morrisey urged the crowd that justice would be served for two of West Virginias own.

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We stand with webster county, we stand with Sarahs family, her classmates, her teachers, everyone shes known all the years, Morrisey said. Because thats what we do in West Virginia.

The Veterans Auxiliary does not currently have anymore plans for public events dedicated to Beckstrom. A representative of a Webster Springs funeral home says that the family is not ready to share details regarding a funeral, and that an obituary will be released when they are ready.

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 WBOY.com.
The Trump administration is shifting blame for the kill everybody order behind a second strike order on an alleged drug boat, killing all survivors, from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to Commander Frank Mitch Bradley.

In his social media posts, Secretary Hegseth didnt go into details about that strike, he just said U.S. operations in the area were lawful, and he said that the story and media reports were fabricated, a reporter said to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt at her Monday briefing. Does the administration deny that that second strike happened, or did it happen and the administration denies that Secretary Hegseth gave the order?

The latter is true, and I have a statement to read for you here, Leavitt replied before reading off a statement. With respect to the strikes in question on September 2, Secretary Hegseth authorized Admiral Bradley to conduct these kinetic strikes. Admiral Bradley worked well within his authority and the law, directing the engagement to ensure the boat was destroyed, and the threat to the United States of America was eliminated.

REPORTER: Does the administration deny that that second strike happened, or did it happen and the administration denies that Hegseth gave the order?



LEAVITT: The latter. Secretary Hegseth authorized Admiral Bradley to conduct these kinetic strikes. He worked well within his pic.twitter.com/AAZ0BxrMmc  Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) December 1, 2025

This is the first time the White House is confirming a Washington Post report from Friday detailing an order that could be considered a war crime.

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The critical thing here is that Leavitt is distancing Hegseth from the final act of delivering the ultimate order for the strike that killed the two men in the water, The New Republics Greg Sargent wrote. She only acknowledges that Hegseth directed the initial destroying of the boat.

The timing is impeccable: Republican House and Senate Armed Services Committee Chairs Mike Rogers and Roger Wickeralong with congressional Democratsare moving to have Bradley in for a classified briefing to clear up exactly what happened.
As Washington prepares to launch land attacks inside Venezuela, a long-awaited phone call between the White House and Caracas aimed at defusing the crisis carried a blunt message for strongman Nicolas Maduro: You can save yourself and those closest to you, but you must leave the country now, sources familiar with the exchange told the Miami Herald.

The call  which The New York Times reported took place last week  quickly reached an impasse as it became clear that the two sides positions were far apart. Washington demanded that Maduro and his top allies leave Venezuela immediately to allow the restoration of democratic rule, while regime leaders proposed handing political control to the opposition but retaining command of the armed forces.

According to the sources, the U.S. message to Maduro was direct: Safe passage would be guaranteed for him, his wife Cilia Flores, and his son only if he agreed to resign right away.

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The conversation unfolded amid growing signs that the Trump administration is preparing a more assertive phase of operations targeting Venezuelas so-called Cartel de los Soles, which Washington says is headed by Maduro and other top officials.

Washington has long accused Maduro and his top allies of running the cartel. In 2020, the Justice Department indicted the Venezuelan president and more than a dozen officials, calling the regime a narco-terrorist enterprise.

The U.S. has placed a $50 million bounty on Maduro the largest reward ever offered for a sitting head of state and $25 million for ruling-party strongman Diosdado Cabello.

On Thursday, President Trump announced that U.S. military actions  until now focused on sinking speedboats suspected of carrying drugs in the Caribbean  would soon expand onto Venezuelan territory. Speaking to service members during a Thanksgiving call, he said the U.S. Armed Forces would very soon begin land-based operations to disrupt what he described as Venezuelan drug-trafficking networks.

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One source said the call, viewed as a last-ditch effort to avoid a direct confrontation, stalled over three issues.

First, Maduro asked for global amnesty for any crimes he and his group had committed, and that was rejected, said the source, speaking on the condition of anonymity. Second, they asked to retain control of the armed forces  similar to what happened in Nicaragua in 91 with Violeta Chamorro. In return, they would allow free elections.

The arrangement, the source added, resembled a Cuban model that left the Ortega brothers as the real power behind the scenes and ultimately helped pave their return to government. The administration rejected that proposal as well.

The third sticking point was timing: Washington insisted Maduro resign immediately, and Caracas refused.

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The call  initially brokered by Brazil, Qatar, and Turkey  has not been repeated. After Trumps announcement on Saturday that Venezuelan airspace should be considered closed in its entirety, the Maduro government attempted to place another call to Washington but received no response.

The airspace announcement, widely interpreted in Venezuela as a prelude to an imminent attack, further jolted an already-tense standoff. Addressing Airlines, Pilots, Drug Dealers, and Human Traffickers, Trump offered no operational details but warned that the directive required immediate attention. His post came amid a rapid escalation in U.S. military posture toward Caracas and rising fears of conflict across the Caribbean.

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! Trump wrote on Truth Social.

The declaration capped a week in which the administration signaled it was preparing a more aggressive phase against the Cartel de los Soles.

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On Thursday, Trump said maritime operations had already destroyed more than 20 vessels and resulted in more than 80 deaths since Sept. 1, claiming the United States had halted 85% of the maritime flow. Venezuelan groups, he said, were sending poison northward that kills thousands of people a year.

At the same time, Washington has moved to expand its legal authority. On Monday, the State Department formally designated the Cartel de los Soles as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, placing Maduro, Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, and Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez in the same legal category as leaders of al-Qaeda and ISIS.

The designation, published in the Federal Register, is seen as a tool that grants the administration new latitude to undertake military action without additional congressional approval.

Analysts say the measure is sweeping in scope. Because U.S. officials argue the cartel operates from within the Venezuelan state, the designation effectively treats the Maduro government as part of a terrorist network.

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Experts note the move could allow the administration to invoke the 2001 Authorization for the Use of Military Force, the legal basis for most U.S. counterterrorism operations over the past two decades. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the designation opens up a lot of new options, and Trump has suggested it could clear the way for strikes on Venezuelan assets and infrastructure. He has also said he remains open to negotiations.

Caracas denounced the move, calling it a false pretext for foreign intervention and insisting the cartel is an American invention. It is foolish for the Venezuelan government to waste part of its valuable governing time responding to these slanders and calumnies, the Venezuelan Foreign Ministry said Monday, adding that Venezuelans remained united and cohesive and were preparing for Christmas festivities.

The expanding legal framework has coincided with a significant buildup of U.S. military hardware near Venezuelas borders. For more than two months, American naval and air assets have surged into the Caribbean, including the Nov. 16 arrival of the USS Gerald R. Ford, the worlds largest aircraft carrier.

At least 10 additional warships, a nuclear submarine and F-35 fighter jets are also deployed. U.S. commanders say the missions support counter-narcotics operations, but regional observers note the level of firepower far exceeds typical interdiction activity.
The White House launched a Media Offenders webpage last week dedicated to disparaging news outlets that publish anything other than fawning coverage of the president. The page includes an Offender Hall of Shame and what will apparently be a recurring Media Offender of the Week feature.

But things began to unravel soon after the page launched when the White House website misidentified a reporter as a Fox News staffer and included the conservative outlets name on the page.

Politics: Trump Launches Into Massive, Unhinged Late Night Posting Spree

Fox News apparent offense: bias and being woke.

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These outlets dont just get it wrong  they do it over and over again, reads a screengrab from the webpage saved on the Internet Archive.

Fox said its inclusion on the page was a case of mistaken identity. A spokesperson told The Washington Post the reporter in question worked for a different outlet entirely.

After the network raised its objections with the White House, Fox News was quietly removed from the webpage over the weekend. Indeed, an updated version makes no mention of Trumps favorite network.

Politics: Right-Wingers Are Up In Arms Over A College Student Getting An F On Her Paper

Mondays edition of the website named The Boston Globe, CBS News and The Independent as its offenders of the week.

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Their alleged infraction: subversion, according to the White House, for reporting last month that President Donald Trump had suggested Democratic veterans in Congress be hanged for urging U.S. military service members not to obey illegal orders.

Trumps attacks on the media have become a core feature of his second term.

Last month, Trump verbally abused a veteran White House reporter who asked about the Jeffrey Epstein files, calling her piggy. He then called an ABC reporter who asked a similar question insubordinate.

Politics: Donald Trumps Rant About People Who Disobey Him Gets Its Own Insurrection

In addition to Trumps daily tirades against critical news coverage, the Trump administration has filed lawsuits against media companies it dislikes.

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That includes threatening to sue the British Broadcasting Corporation for $5 billion; the New York Times for $15 billion (that lawsuit has already been tossed); CBS News parent company for $20 billion (they settled for $16 million and then secured approval for a merger from the Trump administration); The Wall Street Journal for $10 billion (Trump ally and Journal owner Rupert Murdoch struck a deal); and ABC News, which settled a defamation lawsuit from Trump for $15 million.

Related...

Read the original on HuffPost
WASHINGTON, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump suggested on Sunday that there was a "good chance" for a peace deal to be reached to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict that has lasted nearly four years.

His remarks came after a roughly four-hour high-level U.S.-Ukraine meeting in the U.S. state of Florida earlier on Sunday.

The talks were "going along, and they're going along well," Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One.

"I think that there's a good chance we can make a deal," he said.

Following the meeting, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that although "additional progress was made" on a revised peace plan to end the conflict, "there is more work to be done."

"There are a lot of moving parts, and obviously there's another party involved here that will have to be a part of the equation," Rubio said.

The Trump administration has "also been in touch in varying degrees with the Russian side, but we have a pretty good understanding of their views as well," Rubio said.

"The end goal, obviously, is not just the end of the war," Rubio said before the meeting began. "But it's also about securing an end to the war that leaves Ukraine sovereign and independent and with an opportunity at real prosperity."

Rustem Umerov, secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council and head of the Ukrainian delegation, described the talks as "difficult but productive."

"We discussed all the matters that are important for Ukraine. And the U.S. was super supportive," Umerov told reporters.

"We have clear directives and priorities: safeguarding Ukrainian interests, ensuring substantive dialogue, and advancing on the basis of the progress achieved in Geneva," Umerov wrote on social media X after the meeting began. "We are working to secure real peace for Ukraine and reliable, long-term security guarantees."

Neither Rubio nor Umerov took questions from reporters after their talks.

Sunday's talks covered possible timetables for new elections in Ukraine, and the prospect of land swaps between Russia and Ukraine, said a senior U.S. official.

Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner also joined Sunday's talks, and will fly to Moscow on Monday for further discussions, The Wall Street Journal reported.

On Saturday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on X: "In the coming days, it is feasible to flesh out the steps to determine how to bring the war to a dignified end."

Earlier this month, U.S. media outlets revealed a White House-drafted 28-point peace plan that Ukrainian and European officials criticized as overly favorable to Moscow. The plan was later revised during U.S., Ukrainian and European talks in Geneva, with the changes remaining unclear.

Trump has said that he will meet with his Russian and Ukrainian counterparts only when the peace deal "is final or in its final stages." 
The White House has confirmed that the admiral overseeing U.S. military operations against alleged drug-carrying boats had issued the order for a second strike that killed two survivors, an attack that has intensified legal scrutiny into the Trump administrations lethal campaign.

Following new reporting about the September 2 strike and allegations that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth commanded military personnel to kill everybody on board the vessels, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Admiral Frank M. Mitch Bradley had issued the order to fire on the vessel in the Caribbean a second time.

At the time of the attack, Bradley led the Joint Special Operations Command, which operates under the U.S. Special Operations Command and typically is responsible for performing classified military operations. He was later promoted to lead the parent organization.

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Asked to clarify whether Hegseth had ordered the second strike on the boat, Leavitt told reporters that Bradley  not Hegseth  gave the order and stressed that the veteran naval officer was well within his authority and the law when he did.

He directed the engagement to ensure the boat was destroyed and the threat from narco terrorists was eliminated, she said.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed a second strike that killed two survivors on an alleged drug-carrying boat September 2 was ordered by the admiral overseeing the operation (REUTERS)

Leavitt added that the strikes were conducted in international waters and in accordance with the law of armed conflict.

The strike on September 2, the first among more than a dozen attacks that have killed more than 80 people in recent months, was conducted in self defense to protect Americans and vital United States interests, she said.

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When two survivors emerged from the wreckage, Bradley issued an order to comply with Hegseths alleged instructions to kill everybody, according to The Washington Post, citing officials with direct knowledge of the operation.

The two men were then blown apart in the water, according to the report.

News of Hegseths alleged command follows growing questions about Trump administrations deadly campaign and allegations that the attacks amount to illegal extrajudicial killings, which law-of-war experts speaking to The Independent have labeled outright murders and war crimes.

According to the Pentagons own Law of War Manual, people who are wounded, sick, or shipwrecked on the high seas are supposed to be respected and protected in all circumstances by U.S. forces, even during hostilities.

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The Defense Departments manual specifically states that making them the object of attack is strictly prohibited.

But when pressed on how her claim that the strikes on the survivors were in accordance with the law of armed conflict when the Pentagons own guidance explicitly says otherwise, Leavitt declined to offer an explanation and instead repeated her early prepared statement.

One day earlier, Donald Trump told reporters that Hegseth told him he did not order the death of those two men.

I wouldn't have wanted that  not a second strike, the president told reporters Sunday. The first strike was very lethal.

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Leavitt also defended Trumps pardon of Juan Orlando Hernandez, the former president of Honduras who was convicted in U.S. court last year of leading a drug trafficking conspiracy that enriched cartels  allegations at the center of the presidents current military pressure campaign against Venezuela.

The people of Honduras have highlighted to [Trump] how the former President Hernandez was set up, Leavitt said.

She repeated claims from Hernandezs legal team that his case was over-prosecution and lawfare under Joe Bidens administration.

Hes of course within his constitutional authority to sign clemency for whoever he deems worthy of that, she said.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has defended U.S. military actions against alleged drug-carrying boats as members of Congress investigate whether he ordered troops to leave no survivors behind (REUTERS)

Democratic and Republican members of both the Senate Armed Services Committee and the House Armed Services Committee are pledging vigorous oversight of the Pentagon in the wake of the news as members of Congress join growing calls for investigations into alleged criminal acts.

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Over the weekend, Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, spoke by phone with the Republican and Democratic leaders on the House and Senate armed services committee following reports of Hegseths alleged command.

They discussed the intent and legality of missions to disrupt illicit trafficking networks which threaten the security and stability of the Western Hemisphere, according to a readout of the call.

Leavitts confirmation of the second strike on the alleged drug trafficking boat marked an abrupt reversal of the administration's position from days earlier, when White House Communications Director Steven Cheung responded to the Post story by accusing the newspaper of having fabricated their report, writing on X that the Post had literally just printed what some unnamed random person said and reported it as fact.

The Pentagon initially declined to comment on Hegseths alleged command, though Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell later hit back in his own X post by claiming that the storys entire narrative was false.

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These people just fabricate anonymously sourced stories out of whole cloth, he added.

Hegseth later issued a lengthy statement on X defending the campaign without denying whether he ordered officials to kill everybody on the boats despite not posing any immediate threat to the United States.

As usual, the fake news is delivering more fabricated, inflammatory, and derogatory reporting to discredit our incredible warriors fighting to protect the homeland, he wrote Friday. 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 conflict  and approved by the best military and civilian lawyers, up and down the chain of command.

Just days later, Trump himself confirmed what his top defense adviser had denied while speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One.
For almost 100 years, Knoxville has gotten into the Christmas spirit each year with a festive parade down Gay Street, typically featuring an appearance from the one and only Santa Claus - and this year will be no exception. But for three years in the 1960s, the beloved tradition vanished.

The decision to cancel the annual parade was headed by the Downtown Merchants Committee of the Chamber of Commerce, the event's primary sponsors, and was announced in the Knoxville News Sentinel in September 1966.

Planning and executing the parade had become a challenge, particularly coordinating a time among business owners, traffic authorities and high school bands, according to the 1966 article. Additionally, a movement in the community to "put Christ back in Christmas" inspired the committee to explore alternative options.

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When are this year's Christmas parades? Find dates and times for 2025 Christmas parades around Knoxville and Gatlinburg

The years without a parade

Instead of the Christmas parade - a tradition since at least 1928 - the committee decided to hold a "Christmas Drive-by Pageant," which was created to emphasize the true story of Christmas, William Nash, director of the Downtown Merchants Committee of the Chamber of Commerce told the News Sentinel in 1966.

Some Knoxvillians were pleased to have the parade tradition replaced. "This represents a step forward for Christianity," the Rev. M.K. Phillips wrote to the News Sentinel editor in 1966.

The pageant featured scenes focused on the biblical Christmas story  also read over a public address system for attendees  and was displayed outside the Knoxville Civic Auditorium-Coliseum, the News Sentinel reported Dec. 20, 1966. The Knoxville Ministerial Association sponsored a candlelight Christmas service on Christmas Eve, the last night of the pageant.

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One tableau from the pageant was not so religious. The "commercial exhibit" depicted Santa's workshop, according to a News Sentinel article on Dec. 18, 1966.

A year later, the Downtown Merchants Committee decided the pageant was nearly as costly and time-consuming as the parade, and chose to hold neither, according to a November 1967 article. Instead, they opted merely to decorate Gay Street, and leave the festivities at that.

By 1968, community members were fed up with the lack of Christmas spirit. Wiley McCroskey wrote to the News Sentinel that January: "It would be ill advised to deprive children of all ages in the East Tennessee area of the opportunity to see the annual parade." McCroskey also voiced his skepticism that the committee couldn't afford the parade.

In the same edition, the News Sentinel published committee director Nash's heated response. "If Knoxville wants a 1968 parade," Nash wrote, "perhaps Mr. McCroskey can suggest a new means of financing it." There was no parade in 1968.

The return of the parade

In October 1969, Mayor Leonard Rogers called a meeting of several local organizations and clubs, along with a representative of Rep. John Duncan's office to discuss the possibility of reinstating the parade, the News Sentinel reported that year. It was announced Oct. 16, 1969, the day of the meeting, that the Christmas parade would return to downtown Knoxville that year.

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Reader Charlie Mills wrote to the News Sentinel later that month to express his excitement, noting "It will seem more like Christmas again on Gay Street." The return of the Christmas parade was triumphant, bringing 65,000 people out in near-freezing temperatures to enjoy the holiday spectacle, the News Sentinel reported Dec. 5, 1969.

A new pageant tradition was established that year, too. The Nativity Pageant was held at the Knoxville Civic Auditorium and Coliseum, telling the Christmas story with the help of an 85-voice choir, the orchestra and Knoxville native Mary Costa, most famous for her role voicing Aurora in the 1959 Disney movie "Sleeping Beauty."

This year, the Gay Street Christmas parade tradition continues, with the 2025 event scheduled for 7 p.m. Dec. 5. The 2025 Nativity Pageant will be at 3 p.m. Dec. 13 and 14 and 7 p.m. Dec. 15.

A version of this story was originally published in December 2024.

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Hayden Dunbar is the storyteller reporter. Email: hayden.dunbar@knoxnews.com. Instagram: @knoxstoryteller.

Support strong local journalism by subscribing at subscribe.knoxnews.com.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Christmas canceled? Why Knoxville dropped its parade, pageant in 1960s
(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

On Sunday a Republican senator questioned why President Donald Trump pardoned former Honduran president Juan Orlando Hernandez, who was serving 45 years on drug trafficking and weapons charges.

Hernandez was convicted in U.S. court in March 2024 of conspiring to import cocaine into the United States, according to CBS News. He had been appealing his conviction while serving his time at the U.S. Penitentiary in Hazelton, West Virginia.

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Why would we pardon this guy and then go after Maduro for running drugs into the United States? Lock up every drug runner! Dont understand why he is being pardoned, Cassidy wrote.

Why would we pardon this guy and then go after Maduro for running drugs into the United States? Lock up every drug runner! Dont understand why he is being pardoned.https://t.co/o6Owzskkca  U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (@SenBillCassidy) November 30, 2025

Cassidy isnt the only lawmaker questioning how the pardon supports Trumps proclaimed war on drugs.

Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) told Margaret Brennan Sunday, One of the bits of evidence was [Hernandezs] statement that was picked up by those near to him that he wanted to shove drugs up the nose of gringos and flood the United States with cocaine, more than 400 tons. He was the leader of one of the largest criminal enterprises that has ever been subject to a conviction in U.S. courts, and less than one year into his sentence, President Trump is pardoning him, suggesting that President Trump cares nothing about narcotrafficking.

Trump posted on social media Friday that, many people that I greatly respect told him Hernandez was treated very harshly and unfairly by federal prosecutors.

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On Air Force One Sunday, Trump defended his decision to reporters, saying, Many of the people of Honduras said it was a Biden setup.  He was the president of the country, and they basically said he was a drug dealer because he was the president of the country. And they said it was a Biden administration setup, and I looked at the facts and I agreed with them.

Hernandezs pardon comes as the U.S. teeters on the brink of war with Venezuela. The Trump administration has claimed its building up forces in the area to stem the trafficking of fentanyl into the United States, even though experts claim that particular drug flows through Mexico. After months of U.S. airstrikes on boats in the Caribbean, Trump is reportedly considering ground action in Venezuela.

Trump confirmed Sunday that he spoke with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by phone, but did not give details of the call. The Miami Herald reported that Maduro and his family have been guaranteed safe passage if he steps down immediately.

The post Why Would We Pardon This Guy? GOP Senator Trashes Trumps Pardon of Former Honduran President first appeared on Mediaite.
Jeana Wallace never enjoyed reading as a child.

The books she read in school didnt interest her and constant deadlines made it even harder to connect with the stories, she said. Reading was a chore, something to rush through for a test or school assignment.

So when Wallace became a mother in 2019, she didnt read to her son at home often  about once or twice a week, maybe not even that, said Wallace, who lives with her family in Frankfort, Kentucky.

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That changed around the time her son was 3 and she was working at a local adult education center where she helped develop a family literacy program. There, she learned about research on how reading to young children daily can improve school readiness, develop language and listening skills and promote social-emotional growth.

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Now her family reads three or four books every single night, she said.

The payoff has been clear: her son, Levi, has an impressive vocabulary for a soon-to-be 6 year old, can speak in complete sentences and most importantly his confidence is boosting tremendously.

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His life is going to be so much easier because he loves to read, Wallace said. I didnt want him to grow up hating to read [like I did].  I always struggled with comprehension and remembering what I read, and so its challenging when you dont love doing it.

Wallaces initial resistance toward reading may be the new norm among parents. Earlier this year, HarperCollins UK released a report showing a steep decline in the number of caregivers who read to their young children.

For many new parents, a dislike of reading stems from their own classroom experiences in the early 2000s that emphasized reading as a skill for testing. Many also are unfamiliar with the importance of reading to young children or may instead undervalue reading because of a dependence on online educational programs that have limited benefits for learning.

For children not getting the benefits of being read to at home, the opportunity gap has widened, with those young students entering school unprepared compared to those who have been read to.

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The gap really begins very, very early on. I think we underestimate how large a gap were already seeing in kindergarten, said Susan Neuman, professor of childhood and literacy education at New York University, adding she recently visited a New York City kindergarten classroom and saw some children who only knew two letters compared to others who were prepared to read phrases.

A 2019 Ohio State University study found a 5-year-old child who is read to daily would be exposed to nearly 300,000 more words than one who isnt read to regularly.

The 2025 HarperCollins survey found less than half, around 41%, of children between the age of zero to four were read to every day or nearly every day; a decline of nine percentage points from 2019 and 15 percentage points in 2012.

The survey found that about a third of parents read to their babies and toddlers weekly. Around 20% of parents said they rarely or never read to their child between the ages of zero and two and 8% of parents said they rarely or never read to their child between the ages of three and four.

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Its something that doesnt surprise early literacy experts in the United States who suspect similar trends across the country, believing the decline in early literacy reading is likely even higher than reported.

Frankly, parents  will often lie because they know its important to read, so theyll exaggerate the amount of time theyre reading, Neuman said. I think the bottom line is reading is declining big time, not just for parents reading to children, but for all segments of our society.

Related

Why Are So Few Kids Reading for Pleasure?

But, some of the youngest parents, those born between 1997 and 2012  also known as Gen-Z  are more likely than past generations to view reading as a school or work activity rather than fun or beneficial, according to the HarperCollins survey and early literacy experts.

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For many young adults, their experience in the classroom, especially during the peak of the No Child Left Behind Act, which mandated annual standardized testing in the early 2000s, took the pleasure out of reading and instead instilled a shift toward skill and drill, practices, said Theresa Bouley, an education professor at Eastern Connecticut State University.

We went from fourth grade and sixth grade testing to every year  third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, Bouley said. At that time we started using less books, more programs, more skill and drill and the purpose of reading only became learning different aspects of reading, like phonics or things like that, and not actually for purpose or pleasure or even having time to apply the skills theyre learning to actually read.

An entire population of students may have lost the value of reading, and combined with being the first generation of digital natives, the United States youngest adults are among those who are now seeing some of the largest declines in literacy skills.

And its likely theyre passing their habits down to their children, which can have crucial repercussions on the youngest emerging students social-emotional health, cognitive development and future literacy skills.

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Related

Many Young Adults Barely Literate, Yet Earned a High School Diploma

Children are not seeing their caregivers actually reading books and that sends a really strong message.  As a three year old boy, [they] want to do what dads doing, Bouley said. I think its equally important  [for a] childs understanding of the purpose and joy of reading to see their parent reading.

In Wallaces case, she was able to make up for some lost time.

For other families, however, there isnt a lot of opportunity to close the gap once a child enters school.

Theres an assumption nowadays that when kids get to kindergarten, they need to know their letters and their numbers and this is highly predictive of whether or not theyll be successful at the end of kindergarten and at the end of third grade, Neuman said. Teachers have a very short time to work on these kinds of things, and when children are that far behind,  I dont see realistically that a teacher will be able to give the intensive support that children will need in order to catch up.

Why does reading to our youngest children matter?

Early literacy researchers believe theres a common misconception that reading to a child when theyre babies or young toddlers is useless because the child doesnt understand whats going on.

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The activity however, is a lot more than just reading and reading books, Bouley said.

Reading aloud creates a foundation for literacy, she said.

Studies have shown it helps children develop communication and fine motor skills and also promote oral language skills, which are a strong predictor in future success in school.

Books also open up a world of vocabulary that isnt used in day-to-day language when parents speak to their children, Rebecca Parlakian, senior programs director at Zero to Three, an early childhood nonprofit, said.

Shared reading does predict child vocabulary prior to school entry, and vocabulary predicts later emerging literacy skills. We also find that the quantity or frequency of parent-child book reading predicted childrens receptive vocabulary, which is the words they understand, their reading comprehension skills and their desire to read, said Parlakian.

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A study released in August found that reading aloud to a child at eight months old was linked to language skills at 12 and 16 months, so even infants being exposed to ongoing rich language made a difference, Parlakian added.

And while language and vocabulary are the primary benefits, books also support social-emotional skills because children are being exposed to the feelings and motivations of characters other than themselves, Parlakian said.

Skill and drill

Reading aloud is also beneficial for children to develop a positive association with the activity.

Theres a lot of warm fuzziness and social emotional development that goes on. So now in kindergarten, if the teacher whips out a book, I remember my dad read me that book, Bouley said.

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Having a positive association with books, without the pressure of assessments or skill tests, allows young children to understand the value and fun of reading.

It builds connections, said Carol Anne St. George, a literacy professor at the University of Rochester. People talk about text to text, text to world  and those are the kinds of things that help children cognitively think and classify their world around them.

But, its becoming a lost art.

Instead, reading in schools has become performance-based activity or test preparation.

Whether its parents at home and also teachers in schools, were seeing so few books, and so few opportunities for children to read  really read, Bouley said.

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Theres a pressure in the United States to press reading very very early, Neuman added.

If we look globally at other cultures where children are more successful, like Finland,  they dont start formally reading with children with the expectation they should read by third grade. They recognize that play is really important in these early years, that talk and oral language is extremely important, and they focus on other things, Neuman said. But, were in a race.

That race has contributed to changes in curriculum and a pullback on activities like read alouds in the classroom, which Bouley, Neuman and St. George said theyve all seen.

I dont see that time really devoted and yet thats so critical, Neuman said. The language that theyre getting through that storybook and experience is really imperative. I dont see it as much. I see a lot of skill and drill.

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Among some researchers, theres a belief the shift happened around 2002 as the United States shifted toward an annual testing model.

We became inundated with assessments and preparation, Bouley said. So first graders, second graders, theyre constantly getting these assessments that definitely take the purpose away from reading for enjoyment to reading as skill.

Timed reading fluency assessments, for example, just shows kids that you cant go back and read accurately, and all that matters is how many words you can read in one minute, Bouley added.

So children get these messages about all that matters with reading and none of it has to do with comprehending a book and enjoying a book, Bouley said. It got much worse, or even started after No Child Left Behind, and then its just become worse and worse.

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Many of those former students are now parents, like Wallace, who may struggle with passing on literacy skills because of their own experiences in the classroom.

From one technology-raised generation to the next

Reading for pleasure in the United States has declined by more than 40% between 2003 and 2023, according to a 2025 study from the University of Florida and University College London.

The same study said its unclear whether levels of reading with children has changed over time, but it did find only 2% of its participants read with children on the average day, despite 21% of the studys sample having a child under nine years old.

Declining literacy levels also go hand-in-hand with the rise of the internet and accessibility to portable devices.

This is a generation where we really begin to see a drop in reading for pleasure because they were part of that initial wave and flood of digital media that was totally unregulated. We had no research on the impact, said Parlakian.

Those patterns from the first generation of digital natives are now being mirrored to another generation of children.

A study released earlier this year from the PNC foundation reported about 35% of parents said some of the biggest challenges in reading to children is that the child prefers screen-time or wont sit long enough.

When we introduce screen time very young, and we dont manage the amount of time children are spending on screens,  it can be difficult for children to transition from such an exciting medium to a medium like a book that may initially feel not as exciting, Parlakian said.

While some parents may argue their young children may not have to read as much with physical books because theyre instead benefiting from educational programs on tablets or phones, early literacy experts said theres a difference between the two activities, both social-emotionally and academically.

A lack of reading time with a parent possibly means losing bonding time. With a tablet, a parent can hand it off and walk away, Bouley said, but when it comes to reading a book, it demands a parents full presence.

Skills wise, until around the ages of 5 and 6, children have a really hard time and are incredibly inefficient at transferring learning that happens on a screen to real life, and vice versa, Parlakian said.

Reading also requires stamina  and educational programs on tablets or other devices, instead offer instant gratification, Neuman added.

A good storybook often takes a bit of time to develop.  Theres literary language that children are learning,  and games are very colloquial, theyre very short term and theyre bits of information that dont connect, she said. Children arent developing comprehension,  even when they begin to learn the print, what were seeing is they dont know the meaning of the print, and thats a big problem.

Adopting early reading practices for the Wallace family means comprehension hasnt been a problem for 5 year old Levi who points out the words he knows in his childrens Bible, or in his other favorites like Little Blue Truck or Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?

He can read almost a whole page by himself. He gets really excited and he has to go around and show his dad or weve got to FaceTime and show his mamaw, Wallace said. He wants everybody to see he knows how to read.
A winning lottery ticket worth half a million dollars was sold in Ohio.

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One person won $500,000 with five of five winning numbers in the Sunday night Lucky4Life drawing.

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The winning numbers were 3, 8, 13, 17, and 18. The Luckyball was 17.

The winning ticket was sold at the Acme Fresh Market in Akron, according to the Ohio Lottery.

No one has won the $7,300,000 top prize.

Lucky4Life drawings happen daily.

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An exterior fill pipe for heating oil, is seen on the side of a home. (Photo by Alexander Castro/Rhode Island Current)

Feeling anxious about how to pay for your winter heating bill? Youre not alone, according to the latest Ocean State Poll from the University of New Hampshire Survey Center, which found roughly 78% of Rhode Islanders feel the same way about their upcoming winter heating bills.

Unease over heating prices has risen since last November, when UNH researchers found 70% of residents were worried about their winter energy bills. Among the anxious, 40% said they were very worried, while 37% were worried.

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And that worry was expressed across each of the three voter affiliations used in the survey released Nov. 25  Democrat, Republican and independent  expressed being worried or very worried. That included 88% of independents, 83% of Democrats, and 61% of Republicans.

Independents, or unaffiliated voters, comprised the overall surveys largest share at about 51% of the total of 711 residents surveyed. The survey was conducted online between Nov. 13 and 17.

The worries are not abstract, as evidenced by Federal Energy Information Administration data which shows Rhode Island home heating oil prices at about $3.88 a gallon in the last week of November 2025. Thats up from the same time last year, when a gallon of oil cost about $3.52. Its also significantly above pandemic-era November 2020, when heating oil cost about $2.31 a gallon in Rhode Island.

Heating oil is, however, still below the heights achieved in the fall of 2022, when October and November oil prices regularly soared above $5 a gallon, almost reaching $5.89 in the last week of October 2022.

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Propane has been similarly expensive in recent years, with federal data showing residential propane averages about $3.56 a gallon on Nov. 24, 2025, comparable to the $3.61 per gallon recorded in the same time period in November 2024, but still above the high-$2.80s of late 2020. Like oil, propane prices spiked in fall 2022, regularly reaching the $3.80s in October and November of that year.

The day after the poll was released, Rhode Island Energy submitted a request to increase service charges for gas and electric customers in an application submitted to the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission. If approved, the proposed new distribution rates which would take effect in September 2026 would increase the average residential electric bill by about $7.78 a month, while a typical gas customer would pay $343.53 more annually, a 20.6% jump.

Gloomy on the economy

Rhode Islanders concerns about heating bills are embedded in a larger pessimism about the economy at large, with only 13% of the 711 respondents surveyed saying their household is financially better off than it was a year ago.

Rhode Islanders are generally downbeat on the state and national economies, as a majority feel that the economy is getting worse, the surveys introduction states.

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Another 40% of respondents said their household was financially worse off than a year ago, while 47% did not discern any substantial change in their household finances over the previous 12 months. Half of respondents who identified as Democrats felt their households were worse off, while only 24% of Republicans did.

The fact that they were so close together, was surprising to me, Rep. Teresa Tanzi, a South Kingstown Democrat, said after she looked over the poll results. Normally I would say, Oh, its a partisan thing, but clearly this is something that is impacting all people.

Tanzi, known as a strong advocate for energy affordability, noted that in Washington County, which includes the district she represents, just under half of people were very worried about energy costs, higher than any other county in the state.

I certainly hear it from my neighbors, Tanzi said.

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The poll found about 40% of households making under $75,000 a year and 54% of households making under $45,000 annually said they were worse off financially than last year.

The samples largest of six income demographics  households making over $150,000 annually, which accounted for 135 respondents  said they had stayed the same since last year at 56%, although equal amounts of 22% thought they were better or worse off from last year.

The survey does show that broader pessimism about the macroeconomic picture has shrunk somewhat in the past six months, slightly more so when looking toward the future. When the survey center asked the same questions of Rhode Islanders back in May, 45% of respondents expected to be financially worse off a year from now. In the new survey, that number has fallen to 35%, and an additional 21% of respondents think they will be better off in a year. The other 45% expect to be in roughly the same place financially.

Affordability concerns are more than a seasonal trend, said Camilo Viveiros, executive director of the George Wiley Center in Pawtucket, a nonprofit which advocates for low-income Rhode Islanders.

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Viveiros pointed to percentage of income payment plans (PIPP), which would cap bills according to a fixed percentage of a customers income. A bill to institute PIPP in Rhode Island was submitted by Democratic Rep. Scott Slater of Providence early in the 2025 legislative session, but it failed to move out of committee.

The George Wiley Center urges public officials to listen to our calls to restructure rates for long term affordability, Viveiros said in an email Friday, adding that it is time for state officials who profess to care about affordability to lend their support for the PIPP proposal.

He also pointed to a policy brief recently published Nov. 20 by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, which pointed to PIPP as a means to restructure rates for long term affordability.

The brief noted that a broader Federal Poverty Line benchmark would apply to PIPP eligibility and could be optimized if paired with the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, which is a federal program.

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In fiscal year 2025, Rhode Island received nearly $27 million in LIHEAP funding, which helps low-income families with a one-time seasonal payment they can put toward heating bills. The minimum benefit was $64 and the maximum was $1,148, with higher allowances up to $1,500 during a winter crisis.

In fiscal year 2024, 28,234 Rhode Island households got help from the LIHEAP program.

Tanzi said shes worried about the program in 2026 due to changes in federal policy. A shutdown-induced delay concluded Friday when $3.6 billion in LIHEAP funding nationally was finally released to states. If LIHEAP suffers any cuts, Tanzi said, were really in a crisis for people. She pointed to lower-income survey respondents who answered the question, Do you worry about winter energy costs?

Such respondents might be basing their assumptions and their response to this on the availability of LIHEAP money, Tanzi said. If we did this poll again in two months, or three months, I have a feeling that things would be incredibly different in the responses.

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A woman who sexually assaulted her girlfriend with a sex toy was sentenced to 15 years in prison after pleading guilty to sexual assault, domestic violence and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

Christina Albert, 33, was indicted on multiple felonies in October 2024 after she repeatedly assaulted her girlfriend  both physically and sexually  between May and June 2023, according to Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes.

During that time, Albert attacked her girlfriend with a knife, obstructed her airway and broke at least one of her ribs, according to an indictment. Albert pleaded guilty on Sept. 25 and received her 15-year sentence on Nov. 4.

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The attacks occurred in Buckeye, Phoenix, Yuma and Casa Grande, officials said.

Albert is incarcerated at the state's Perryville prison and has a scheduled release date of Aug. 19, 2039, according to the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentrys website.

"Domestic violence is a serious crime that will not be tolerated in Arizona," Mayes said in a written statement.

On release, Albert will be prohibited from having any contact with the girlfriend. It was not immediately clear whether Albert, who is a registered sex offender stemming from an attempted sexual conduct with a minor conviction from 2014, would have to re-register.

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Several services are available in the Phoenix area for victims of domestic violence:

The National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-SAFE (7233). The 24/7/365 hotline provides essential tools and support to help survivors live their lives free of abuse.

Phoenix.gov/DomesticViolence contains resources for Phoenix victims and their loved ones.

Chrysalis is a nonprofit licensed through the Arizona Department of Health Services that provides trauma-informed services to survivors. It can be reached at 602-944-4999.

Arizona Coalition to End Sexual & Domestic Violence directly serves victims and survivors of sexual and domestic violence. It can be reached at 602-279-2980.

Phoenix police compiled a list of places people can contact for assistance in Maricopa County at phoenix.gov/police/domesticviolence.

Domestic violence victims are also at increased risk of homelessness. Survivors can visit the state website https://housing.az.gov/general-public/victims-domestic-violence to learn about their rights as tenants.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Christina Albert sentenced for sexually assaulting girlfriend
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  A 55-year-old woman was recently arrested in connection with a package theft that occurred in September in West El Paso.

Raquel Arenibas, 55. Photo: EPPD.

Police say surveillance footage from a ring camera showed 55-year-old Raquel Arenibas exiting a vehicle, walking up to a home at the 500 block of Queretaro Dr., and taking two packages from the front porch.

Investigators reviewed the footage, confirmed Arenibas identity, and obtained an arrest warrant.

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Arenibas was arrested on Wednesday, Nov. 26, and was charged with theft of property with previous convictions under a $5,000 bond.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
Georgia's authorities used a World War One-era chemical weapon to quell anti-government protesters last year, evidence gathered by the BBC suggests.

"You could feel [the water] burning," one of the protesters said of water cannon turned on him and others on the streets of the capital Tbilisi. A sensation, he said, which could not immediately be washed off.

Demonstrators against the Georgian government's suspension of its European Union accession bid have complained of other symptoms too - shortness of breath, coughing, and vomiting that lasted for weeks.

One of the protesters, Gela Khasaia, says his skin burned after being sprayed with the cannon [Gela Khasaia]

The BBC World Service has spoken to chemical weapons experts, whistleblowers from Georgia's riot police, and doctors, and found the evidence points to the use of an agent that the French military named "camite".

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The Georgian authorities said our investigation findings were "absurd" and the police had acted legally in response to the "illegal actions of brutal criminals".

Camite was deployed by France against Germany during World War One. There is little documentation of its subsequent use, but it is believed to have been taken out of circulation at some point in the 1930s, because of concerns about its long-lasting effects. CS gas - often referred to as "tear gas" - was used as a replacement.

Konstantine Chakhunashvili was one of those who gathered outside Georgia's parliament in Tbilisi during the first week of protests - which began on 28 November 2024. Demonstrators were incensed by the ruling party's announcement that it was pausing EU accession talks. The goal of EU membership is enshrined in Georgia's constitution.

Dr Konstantine Chakhunashvili ran a study on protesters' symptoms after he himself suffered ill-effects from the water cannon [BBC]

Georgia's police responded with a variety of riot-control measures including the use of water cannon, pepper spray and CS gas.

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Dr Chakhunashvili, a paediatrician who was among those sprayed by the cannons, and who has taken part in many of the demonstrations, said his skin felt like it was burning for days, and the sensation couldn't be washed away. In fact, he said, "it was worse when trying to wash it off".

Dr Chakhunashvili wanted to find out if others had suffered similar effects. So he appealed, via social media, for those also targeted by crowd control measures during the first week of the demonstrations to fill out a survey. Nearly 350 people got in touch, and almost half said they had suffered one or more side-effects for more than 30 days.

These long-term symptoms ranged from headaches, to fatigue, coughs, shortness of breath and vomiting.

His study has since been peer reviewed and has been accepted for publication by Toxicology Reports, an international journal.

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Sixty-nine of those surveyed by Dr Chakhunashvili were also examined by him and found to have "significantly higher prevalence of abnormalities" in the electrical signals in the heart.

Dr Chakhunashvili's report echoed the conclusion that local journalists, doctors, and civil rights organisations had come to - that the water cannon must have been laced with a chemical. They had called on the government to identify what had been used, but the Ministry of Internal Affairs - responsible for the police - refused.

Several high-level whistleblowers connected to the Special Tasks Department - the official name of Georgia's riot police - helped the BBC determine this chemical's likely identity.

A former head of weaponry at the department, Lasha Shergelashvili, believes it is the same compound he was asked to test for use in water cannon in 2009.

Lasha Shergelashvili used to be in charge of weaponry for Georgia's riot police [Lasha Shergelashvili]

The effects of that product, he says, were unlike anything he had previously experienced. He found it difficult to breathe after standing close to where it had been sprayed, and he and the 15-20 colleagues who tested it with him could not easily wash it off.

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"We noticed that the effect was not wearing off, as is the case for [regular] tear gas. Even after we washed our faces with water, and then with a special solution of baking soda and water, which was prepared in advance, we still couldn't breathe freely."

Mr Shergelashvili says that as a result of his tests, he recommended against the chemical's use. But he says the water cannon vehicles were nevertheless loaded with it - and that this remained the case at least up until 2022, when he quit his job and left the country.

Speaking from his new home in Ukraine, he tells the BBC that when watching footage of the protests last year, he immediately suspected that demonstrators were being subjected to the same chemical.

Colleagues he has remained in touch with, and who are still in post, have also told him this is the case, he adds.

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And the BBC spoke to another former high-level police officer who confirmed that whatever was loaded into the water cannon vehicles when Mr Shergelashvili was in position was the same compound deployed in the protests of November-December 2024.

Viewers in the UK can see more on Global Eye at 19:00, 1 December on BBC Two

Outside the UK, watch the film on BBC World Service YouTube

When Mr Shergelashvili was asked if the product he tested could have just been CS gas - which irritates the eyes, skin and respiratory system, but only temporarily - he said it appeared to be far stronger than that.

"I cannot name an example or compare it with anything [else]," he said, adding it was "probably 10 times" stronger than more conventional riot-control agents.

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"For example, if you spill this chemical on the ground, you won't be able to stay in that area for the next two to three days, even if you wash it off with water."

Mr Shergelashvili does not know the name of the chemical he was asked to test.

But the BBC managed to obtain a copy of the inventory of the Special Tasks Department, dated December 2019.

We discovered it contained two unnamed chemicals. These were simply listed as "Chemical liquid UN1710" and "Chemical powder UN3439", along with instructions for how they should be mixed.

We wanted to check whether this inventory was authentic, so we showed it to another former high-ranking police officer from the riot police who confirmed it seemed genuine. He identified the two unnamed chemicals as those likely to have been added into the water cannon.

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Our next step was to work out what these chemicals were.

UN1710 was easy to identify as this is the code for trichloroethylene (TCE), a solvent that enables other chemicals to dissolve in water. We then had to work out which chemical it was helping to dissolve.

UN3439 was much harder to identify because it is an umbrella code for a whole range of industrial chemicals, all of which are hazardous.

The only one of these we found to have ever been used as a riot-control agent is bromobenzyl cyanide, also known as camite, developed by the Allies for use in World War One.

We asked Prof Christopher Holstege, a world leading toxicology and chemical weapons expert, to assess whether our evidence pointed to camite being the likely agent used.

Huge crowds outside Georgia's parliament in November last year [Shutterstock]

Based on the results of Dr Chakhunashvili's study, victim testimony, the riot police inventory, and Mr Shergelashvili's account of the chemical tests, Prof Holstege believes that this is the case.

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"Based on the available evidence the clinical findings reported by both those exposed and by other witnesses are consistent with bromobenzyl cyanide."

He ruled out the likelihood of the symptoms being caused by more conventional crowd control measures, such as CS gas, which was also being deployed by Georgia's riot police last year.

"The persistence of the clinical effects is not consistent with the typical agents used for crowd dispersal, such as CS," he said.

"I've never seen camite being utilised in modern society. Camite is markedly irritating [and] persistent with its irritation."

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He speculated it would have been used because it would act as a strong deterrent.

"It would keep people away for a long time. They couldn't decontaminate [themselves]. They would have to go to the hospital. They would have to leave the area. If that is indeed the case - that this chemical has been brought back - that is actually exceedingly dangerous."

Camite was briefly used as a riot control agent by the American police post-World War One, but was abandoned after safer options such as CS gas were invented.

Under international law, police forces are allowed to use chemicals as crowd-control agents as long as they are considered proportionate and have only short-term effects.

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Given there are safer and more conventional riot-control agents available to police, an obsolete and more potent agent could be classed as a chemical weapon, according to weapons experts consulted by the BBC.

Our findings were concerning, said UN Special Rapporteur on Torture, Alice Edwards. Ms Edwards has previously written to Georgia's government regarding allegations of police violence and torture during the protests.

The UN's Alice Edwards: "Populations should never be subjected to experiments" [BBC]

The lack of strict regulation around the use of chemicals in water cannon is a problem she would like addressed: "It does lead me to consider [this practice] as an experimental weapon. And populations should never be subjected to experiments. This is absolutely in violation of human rights law."

She stressed that any effect of a riot control measure should be temporary under international law, and that the symptoms described "are beyond what would be considered temporary and acceptable. So all of those cases should be investigated, including under the rubric of torture or other ill-treatment".

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Georgia's authorities described our findings as "deeply frivolous" and "absurd".

It said that law enforcement had acted "within the bounds of the law and constitution" when responding to the "illegal actions of brutal criminals".

The protests on Tbilisi's Rustaveli Avenue have dwindled in their size since the government increased fines and jail terms, but not in their frequency.

Almost every night for the past year, demonstrators have called for the resignation of a government they accuse of rigging elections, siding with Russian interests, and passing increasingly draconian legislation against civil society.

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The ruling Georgian Dream party denied the government or the party's honorary chairman, Bidzina Ivanishvili, are either pro-Russian or pursuing Russian interests. It told the BBC that legislative changes over the past year served the best interests of "public welfare".
Critics called out President Donald Trump on Sunday for a bizarre claim he made about the magnetic resonance imaging test he was given during a hastily announced visit to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in October.

During a combative session with reporters on Air Force One, the president insisted that the MRI was absolutely perfect, but then also admitted he had no idea what it was for or even what part of his body was examined.

Politics: Trump Says He'll Release MRI Results; He Doesn't Know What Part Of His Body Was Scanned

It was just an MRI, Trump said. What part of the body? It wasnt the brain because I took a cognitive test and I aced it.

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Then, he verbally attacked a reporter  part of a recent pattern of hurling insults specifically at the women who cover him.

I got a perfect mark, he said of his cognitive test. Which you would be incapable of doing.

Trump also compared the MRI to his 2019 phone call with Volodymyr Zelensky, when he asked the Ukrainian leader to do us a favor and dig up dirt on expected 2020 presidential rival Joe Biden. Trump was later impeached by the House, but not convicted in the Senate, because of that call.

Politics: Psychotherapist On Fox News Reveals Just How Much Trump Derangement Syndrome Now Shapes Sessions

Its perfect, he said. Just like my phone call, where I got impeached. Its absolutely perfect.

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Retired Army Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, who was the top Ukraine expert on the National Security Council at the time, sat in on that call and reported concerns over what took place, seemed flabbergasted by the comparison.

He wrote on X:

If the MRI is perfect like the impeachment phone callyikes https://t.co/36dg7QBLzl  Alexander S. Vindman  (@AVindman) December 1, 2025

Many critics, including Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D)  who Trump described as seriously retarded last week  have demanded that the president release the results of his MRI.

On Sunday, Trump said he would do so.

Not everyone is convinced that whatever information he releases will provide many answers, though:

guys I found a copy of the scan https://t.co/TH4xDGRHPSpic.twitter.com/DajkZbzrUv  George Conway  (@gtconway3d) December 1, 2025

If Trump seriously doesnt remember what part of his body was imaged by MR, he is not capable of holding office.



Can journalists keep asking? Maybe someone who cares for him will help him remember? https://t.co/BUgpSigmRP  (((Howard Forman))) (@thehowie) December 1, 2025

If this were your dad, youd be texting the siblings: We need to talk. https://t.co/boA2nzgC4d  Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) November 30, 2025

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I feel like it might dangerous to see Trump's MRI like that ball Pippin looked into  pourmecoffee (@pourmecoffee) December 1, 2025

Yeah the MRI results sound "perfect" alright https://t.co/OQqNx1Xvsb  Wu Tang is for the Children (@WUTangKids) November 30, 2025

Is he going to release it with his tax returns?  Jeff Myers (@JeffMye13818468) December 1, 2025

If the MRI was perfect, it definitely wasnt the brain.  Peter A Patriot (@PeterAPatriot) November 30, 2025

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The only medical mystery here is why he melts down the second a woman asks him anything.



MRI results look accurate  pic.twitter.com/fTOaw8AHuB    |  (@tweet4Anna_NAFO) December 1, 2025

Idk about you but Ive never gotten an MRI for no reason and not known what body part I was getting an MRI for. That doctor sucks if thats the case (its obviously a lie but whatever) https://t.co/YdvOreZRU9  Ian Hest  (@IanHest) December 1, 2025

Anyone whos ever had an MRI knows its just not credible that you wouldnt know what part of your body was scanned. Unless you were unconscious. And even then, of course they would tell you. So the President is probably not telling the truth about this. https://t.co/1g4bnObXBP  Doug Sovern (@SovernNation) December 1, 2025

A man who has no idea what his MRI was for probably shouldnt be boasting about his cognitive skills.  Marc Leunissen (@LeunissenMarc) December 1, 2025

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What part of your body was in the loud tube shouldnt be hard to answer  Travis Loughary (@tlou00) December 1, 2025

If a person doesn't know what part of their body an MRI was performed on, then that person shouldn't have a job that requires any amount of responsibility. They should be convalescing with 24/7 care. https://t.co/hMoSlmfySa  Nick Hauselman (@CanYouHearMeSMH) December 1, 2025

Kind of feels like we are circling 25A territory. Sounds like hes really not okay https://t.co/5hlTqZQ0eC   Barnstormers For America (@BarnstormersUSA) November 30, 2025

Hed be the first person in the history of MRIs to not know what theyre getting an MRI on. Only crazy cult followers would believe anything that comes out of Trumps mouth. https://t.co/byznxeVDzA  Mark Kaplan (@DaTrueGuru) December 1, 2025

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Just doesnt have the same energy since the Epstein fight https://t.co/TJ5SMG9o6M  Andrew Bates (@AndrewBatesNC) December 1, 2025

This continues to look like Trump is suffering from anosognosia (as Woodrow Wilson did) where you cannot accept/process that you are ill or injured. With this illness if they told him "MRI for your brain" he literally would not remember it https://t.co/Jvx24BBpu6  Keith Olbermann (@KeithOlbermann) December 1, 2025

Political Updates

Read the original on HuffPost
BEIJING, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump's remarks on the closure of Venezuelan airspace have sparked condemnation wide for endangering global air travel security, regional stability and peace.

Trump said in a post on social media Saturday that the airspace above and surrounding Venezuela should be considered to be closed "in its entirety." His remarks came after Washington had strengthened its military buildup in the Caribbean Sea on the grounds of "fighting drug trafficking."

Amid escalating tensions between the two countries, Trump confirmed on Sunday a phone call with his Venezuelan counterpart, without revealing any details of their conversation.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who had denied any involvement in drug dealing, sent a letter to Haitham Al Ghaism, secretary general of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, warning that the U.S. military threat in the Caribbean could jeopardize global energy market stability.

Venezuela, claiming that Washington has been seeking regime change in the South American country and the control of its vast oil reserves, vowed in a government statement on Saturday to respond with legality and dignity.

President of Venezuela's National Assembly Jorge Rodriguez said on state television Sunday that they would form a special commission to investigate the U.S. military's deadly attacks on the alleged "drug trafficking boats" off the Venezuelan coast and in the eastern Pacific Ocean.

Trump's latest remarks, the recent U.S. military buildup and attacks on these boats in the Caribbean have raised concern and ignited criticism from regional governments for potential risks to peace and stability.

The Colombian foreign ministry said in a statement that the U.S. move to close Venezuelan airspace is creating "unnecessary tension" and undermining Latin America's stability.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro urged Trump to "go back to respecting the international legal order" in a post on social media on Sunday.

Petro also called on Latin American countries to demand respect for regional sovereignty, stressing that only Venezuelans have the right to choose their government.

On Saturday, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez warned of "persistent electromagnetic interference" caused by the United States in the Caribbean region, particularly affecting Venezuela's airspace.

"It is part of an escalation of military aggression and psychological warfare" against the Venezuelan territory, aiming to "forcibly overthrow the legitimate government" of Venezuela and endangering stability across the Caribbean, said Rodriguez.

Political and social organizations in the Dominican Republic, including the left-wing Broad Front party, issued a joint statement on Sunday, slamming Washington for closing the Venezuelan airspace, turning the Caribbean into a venue for its military experiment, and harming the safety of air travel and people's lives.

Trump's statement is a blatant violation of international norms and fundamental rules of international law, including those governing international air transport, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said in a statement on Sunday.

He denounced the move as an "arbitrary act and an unprecedented threat" to the safety and security of international aviation.

Since early September, the United States has carried out more than 20 military strikes on alleged drug-trafficking vessels in the Caribbean Sea and the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing over 80 people. Its military presence was further enhanced 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. 
York University in Canada is set to receive C$25m ($17.8m) from York Region for supporting its new School of Medicine, scheduled to open to students in 2028.

The funding will support the physical infrastructure and development of the new facility, which will be located in the Vaughan Healthcare Centre Precinct, adjacent to the Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital.

The announcement marks a milestone as the university expands its engagement with local physicians and collaborates with technology and health partners, including Oak Valley Health, Mackenzie Health, the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) and Southlake Health.

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York Regions contribution builds on the Government of Ontarios existing commitments dedicated to the medical schools startup costs.

The City of Vaughan has donated land for the school, further supporting the projects development.

These combined investments are part of the governments efforts to enhance the sustainability of the healthcare system, improve access to primary care, address physician shortages, and expand medical education.

The School of Medicine will be designed around a community-based primary care model, focusing on patient-centred practice, inter-professional collaboration, and equity.

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Its location within the Vaughan Healthcare Centre Precinct will enable connections between community health services, clinical training, and research.

York Region chairman and CEO Eric Jolliffe said: York Region is proud to support this important investment in training future physicians right here in our own community. By contributing C$25m to York Universitys new School of Medicine, we are helping ensure that families across our communities have better access to the care they need, closer to home.

This partnership reflects our shared commitment to strengthening the health and well-being of residents and building a future where everyone in York Region can thrive.

"York University to receive $17.8m for new School of Medicine" was originally created and published by Hospital Management, a GlobalData owned brand.




The drought is over.

After nearly 200 years in business, Yuengling, Americas oldest brewery, will sell its beer in Wisconsin for the first time.

D.G. Yuengling & Son, Inc., founded in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, in 1829, announced Dec. 1 that it plans to expand into Wisconsin and Iowa in early 2026.

We've been hearing from fans across the Midwest for years asking when theyd finally be able to enjoy a cold Yuengling close to home, Jennifer Yuengling, vice president of operations at D.G. Yuengling & Son, Inc., said in a statement. That day is almost here.

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Beginning January 26, Yuengling should start showing up in Wisconsin bars and restaurants, with packaged beer to follow in retailers beginning March 2.

"Were bringing Lager and FLIGHT taps first, and our packaged lineup will include Lager, Light Lager, FLIGHT, Black & Tan and Golden Pilsner a few weeks later, Yuengling told the Journal Sentinel in an email. Our goal is to make it easy for fans across the state to find their favorite Yuengling beer. Wisconsin is such a great beer state, and as the oldest brewery in America, were proud to finally be part of it.

Ahead of the announcement, Yuengling rolled out a teaser campaign with billboards, coasters and commercial spots hinting at its expansion.

In Milwaukee, Reddit sleuths correctly predicted that Yuengling would soon be coming our way after spotting sidewalk graffiti with cryptic messages like Americas oldest will be Wisconsins newest, and Check the skies, a new eagle is migrating west. The eagle reference points to the bald eagle thats been a part of the companys branding since its founding, when it was originally known as Eagle Brewery.

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For years, Yuengling, which has been family-owned and operated for six generations, was sold exclusively in Pennsylvania and other East Coast states. It has been slowly expanding to the West and South since the mid-aughts.

In 2020, Yuengling and Molson Coors established a joint venture, The Yuengling Company, and the brand has since expanded to Texas, Kansas, Oklahoma and Missouri. In January 2025, its beer first became available in Illinois.

After debuting in Wisconsin and Iowa, Yuengling beer will be sold in 30 states.

"Fans have been reaching out on social media for years, and weve had bar owners and retailers tell us theyre ready the moment we arrive, Yuengling said in the email. That kind of enthusiasm means a lot to us. Honestly, it helped guide this expansion. We pay close attention to where people are most excited to welcome us, and Wisconsinites and Iowans really showed up.

Yuengling will be served on draft at Wisconsin bars and restaurants in late January, with packaged beer available at retailers beginning March 2.

Where and when will Yuengling beer be available in Wisconsin?

Yuengling fans will get a taste of the beer at local bars and restaurants first. To find it near you beginning January 26, visit yuengling.com/beer-finder.

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Tim Staffeld, general manager and beer buyer at Draft & Vessel (with locations in Wauwatosa and Shorewood) and its sister bar, Pomeroy (Walkers Point), said hes been anticipating Yuenglings arrival in the Milwaukee area.

Weve been hearing the buzz for quite some time, a little over a year, he said. But never really had any certainty of it.

Staffeld has a long relationship with Yuengling, dating back to when he would cross the border into Pennsylvania to stock up on its beer when he was a student at West Virginia University in Morgantown, West Virginia, in the early 2000s.

That was when it was exclusive to Pennsylvania, so wed drive up every weekend to get Yuengling, whether it was kegs or bottles, just because of the exclusivity, he said. It was sort of the beginning of a craft beer movement, and it was different than what we could get in West Virginia."

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Staffeld said Yuengling's exclusivity contributes to the hype around the beer, likening it to New Glarus Brewing Co., which distributes exclusively in Wisconsin.

Draft & Vessel is known for its unique draft lists of craft beers, so offering beer from a macro brewery like Yuengling is uncommon. But due to customer interest, he said the bars will stock Yuengling at least once when the brand expands here.

I think the beer really fits Wisconsin, Staffeld said. We like to drink a little sweet, we like our ambers, but theres also a big push back to the lager side of things. And I think its good timing on their part to bring it in.

Yuengling may not be a permanent fixture at Draft & Vessel and Pomeroy, but that might be different at the companys newest venture, Draft & Co., which plans to open in the Vel R. Phillips Plaza in downtown Milwaukee in early December.

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Steffald said that, given its proximity to the Hilton and the Baird Center, Draft & Co. will offer more tourist-friendly macro-brew options than its sister concepts.

Yuengling is one of the products were eyeing for that destination, he said.

As Yuenglings rollout in Wisconsin continues, the company said to be on the lookout for special events throughout the state, as well.

Were just getting started. As we settle into Wisconsin  and soon Iowa  youll see us showing up in more places and moments that matter to local communities, Debbie Yuengling, employee engagement and culture manager for D.G. Yuengling & Son, said in an email. Weve got some fun activations in the works for later in the year, including the return of our Oktoberfest, and were planning to be part of some of the big seasonal traditions folks look forward to every summer. We cant share too much just yet, but were excited to be out there meeting people where they already love to gather.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Yuengling, Americas oldest brewery, announces expansion to Wisconsin
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is facing increasing bipartisan scrutiny on Capitol Hill after the Washington Post reported Friday that his initial order to kill everybody during a Sept. 2 attack on a suspected drug boat from Venezuela resulted in a second strike that may have violated U.S. and international law by taking out two survivors who were clinging to the ships wreckage.

Asked to clarify the issue on Monday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt seemed to confirm that more than one strike had occurred.

Does the administration deny that that second strike happened, a reporter asked, or did it happen and the administration denies that Secretary Hegseth gave the order?

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The latter is true, Leavitt said, before reading a statement that seemed to lay responsibility on Adm. Frank Bradley rather than Hegseth.

President Trump and Secretary Hegseth have made it clear that presidentially designated narco-terrorist groups are subject to lethal targeting in accordance with the laws of war, Leavitt continued. With respect to the strikes in question, on Sept. 2, Secretary Hegseth authorized Admiral Bradley to conduct these kinetic strikes. Admiral Bradley worked well within his authority and the law, directing the engagement to ensure the boat was destroyed and the threat to the United States of America was eliminated.

Leavitt went on to say that she would reject that Hegseth ever said the words quoted in a Washington Post story about killing everybody on the boat.

Leavitts remarks came a day after President Trump himself defended Hegseth, telling reporters aboard Air Force One that Pete said he did not order the death of those two men and I believe him, 100 percent.

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But Trump also made it clear that he would have opposed targeting survivors of the initial attack  an act that military experts and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have characterized as a possible war crime.

No, I wouldnt have wanted that, not a second strike, the president said.

Meanwhile, Hegseth took to social media on Sunday evening to share a mock childrens book cover depicting Franklin the turtle blasting Narco Terrorists out of the water with a rocket launcher.

For your Christmas wish list, the defense secretary joked in his post.

For your Christmas wish list pic.twitter.com/pLXzg20SaL  Pete Hegseth (@PeteHegseth) December 1, 2025

The new questions surrounding the second strike  and Hegseths role in it  add another layer of controversy to the Trump administrations lethal, months-long campaign of attacking suspected drug boats in the Caribbean, which has so far killed more than 80 people without a legal process.

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Heres everything you need to know to make sense of the situation.

What happened on Sept. 2?

Citing two American officials familiar with the matter, the Intercept first reported on Sept. 10 that people on board the boat off the coast of Venezuela that the U.S.military destroyed last Tuesday were said to have survived an initial strike  but they were then killed shortly after in a follow-up attack.

Fridays story in the Washington Post  which was based on interviews with and accounts from seven people with knowledge of the Sept. 2 strike and the overall operation  confirmed the Intercepts reporting and added new details about how Hegseth may have played a part in the incident.

Before the initial strike, the Post reported, Hegseth gave a spoken directive, according to two people with direct knowledge of the operation.

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The order was to kill everybody, one of them said.

When the smoke cleared, however, a live drone feed showed two survivors were clinging to the smoldering wreck. In order to comply with Hegseths instructions, the Special Operations commander overseeing the attack ordered a second strike, according to two people familiar with the matter  and the two men were blown apart in the water.

The commander in question, Bradley, told his colleagues that the survivors were still legitimate targets because they could theoretically call other traffickers to retrieve them and their cargo, according to the Post.

Citing one person who watched the live feed, the Post added that if the video of the blast that killed the two survivors on Sept. 2 were made public, people would be horrified.

What has Hegseth said about the incident?

Hegseth denounced the Posts reporting, but he did not deny issuing an order to kill everybody.

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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 Friday on X  before affirming that these highly effective strikes are specifically intended to be lethal, kinetic strikes.

Every trafficker we kill is affiliated with a Designated Terrorist Organization, Hegseth added. [Former President Joe] Biden coddled terrorists, we kill them.

A few minutes later, Hegseth posted a single-sentence follow-up: We have only just begun to kill narco-terrorists.

In his remarks on Sunday, Trump gave the impression that Hegseth had refuted giving the kill everybody order  and suggested that there may have been no second strike at all.

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I dont know that that happened, Trump said when asked whether a hypothetical second strike would be illegal. And Pete said he did not want them  he didnt even know what people were talking about. So, well look at  well look into it.

The first strike was very lethal, it was fine, the president continued. And if there were two people around but Pete said that didnt happen. I have great confidence in him.

What have lawmakers and legal experts said about the incident?

Critics, lawmakers and military experts view the administrations entire campaign in the Caribbean as a possible violation of international law.

In previous administrations, the Coast Guard would intercept boats and arrest drug smugglers  not kill them.

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Trumps legal rationale, which the administration has articulated in a series of recent letters to Congress, is that the drug cartels are nonstate armed groups whose actions constitute an armed attack against the United States  forcing the U.S. to fight back in a formal armed conflict.

In response, experts have argued that drug cartels are not engaged in hostilities against the U.S.  the legal standard for armed conflict  because selling a dangerous product is different from conducting an armed attack.

It is illegal for the military to deliberately target civilians who arent directly participating in hostilities  even suspected criminals.

The notion that the United States  and this is what the administration says is their justification  is involved in an armed conflict with any drug dealers, any Venezuelan drug dealers, is ludicrous, Rep. Jim Himes, a Democrat from Connecticut and ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee, recently told CBS. It wouldnt stand up in a single court of law.

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This is not stretching the envelope, Geoffrey Corn, a retired judge advocate general lawyer who was formerly the Armys senior adviser for law-of-war issues, added in an interview with the New York Times. This is shredding it. This is tearing it apart.

Targeting people who can no longer fight  like survivors clinging to wreckage in open water  is considered an even clearer violation of the laws of armed conflict (regardless of whether they survived an attack that was intended to be lethal).

That would in essence be an order to show no quarter, which would be a war crime, Todd Huntley, a former military lawyer who advised Special Operations forces for seven years at the height of the U.S. counterterrorism campaign, told the Post.

On Sunday, Republican Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska agreed, saying that if the Posts reporting is true, then it reveals a clear violation of the law of war.

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When people want to surrender, you dont kill them, Bacon told ABC. They have to pose an imminent threat. Its hard to believe that two people on a raft, trying to survive, would pose an imminent threat.

Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland and Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona, both Democrats, raised the possibility of a war crime as well.

Meanwhile, the top Republican and Democrat on the Armed Services committees in both the House and the Senate have vowed to conduct vigorous oversight into the matter.

We take seriously the reports of follow-on strikes on boats alleged to be ferrying narcotics in the SOUTHCOM region and are taking bipartisan action to gather a full accounting of the operation in question, Reps. Mike Rogers, Republican of Alabama and the chair of the House committee, and Adam Smith, Democrat of Washington, said in a statement.

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The Committee has directed inquiries to the Department [of Defense], added Sen. Roger Wicker, Republican of Mississippi and the Senate committee chair, and Sen. Jack Reed, Democrat of Rhode Island.

Kelly, a member of the Armed Services committee himself, told NBC on Sunday that he and his colleagues will put officials under oath as part of their inquiry.

Were going to have an investigation, Kelly said. Were going to have a public hearing. Were going to put these folks under oath. And were going to find out what happened. And then, there needs to be accountability.

According to the Post, Pentagon officials have not provided Congress with any specific names of traffickers or syndicate leaders they have targeted  nor have they publicly released further information beyond surveillance videos of the strikes themselves.

Video of the Sept. 2 attack did not show a second strike, and the administration has not fulfilled a bipartisan request from lawmakers to see unedited footage. But three people with knowledge of the situation told the Post that protocols were changed after the Sept. 2 strike to emphasize rescuing suspected smugglers if they survived.


Luigi Mangione, the 27-year-old man accused of fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel a year ago, returned to court on Tuesday for the second day of a pretrial hearing in his New York state murder case.

As he did on Monday, Mangione entered the courtroom wearing a suit jacket and dress shirt. His handcuffs were removed before he took his seat at the defense table.

Mangiones attorneys are seeking to block prosecutors from using evidence collected during Mangiones arrest at a McDonalds in Altoona, Pa., last December, arguing that officers failed to read him his Miranda rights and conducted a warrantless search of his backpack.

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Among the items seized were a 3D-printed handgun, a silencer and a notebook with handwritten entries that prosecutors called a manifesto. In one entry, which was leaked to the media, he allegedly wrote that parasites who run health care companies simply had it coming.

"I finally feel confident about what I will do," Mangione allegedly wrote in another. "The target is insurance. It checks every box."

In court filings, Mangiones lawyers argued that all the items recovered from the backpack should not be admissible at trial because police searched the bag without a warrant, saying there was no immediate threat to justify such a search. They also asked the judge to suppress any statements Mangione made to law enforcement in Pennsylvania before his extradition to New York.

The pre-trial hearing could take up to a week or more, court officials say.

What witnesses have said in court

Luigi Mangione appears for the second day of a pre-trial hearing in Manhattan criminal court on Dec. 2. (Michael M. Santiago/Pool via Reuters)

Prosecutors have called six witnesses, including an NYPD official who distributed images of the suspect to the media in the wake of Thompsons slaying; a security camera supplier who installed the video surveillance system that captured footage of Mangiones arrest at the Altoona McDonalds; a 911 dispatcher; two corrections officers at the Pennsylvania jail where Mangione was held before his transfer to federal prison in Brooklyn; and an Altoona police officer.

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On Monday, the prosecution played the audio from a 911 call made by the manager of the McDonald's after a female customer believed she recognized Mangione, who was then the suspect in a nationwide manhunt.

The manager described Mangione as wearing a black jacket, tan beanie and surgical mask, but could not see his face.

"The only thing you can see are his eyebrows," the manager told the 911 dispatcher. "I don't know what to do here, guys."

"I do have an officer on the way for you," the dispatcher said. "Just keep an eye on him. If he leaves, let us know."

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Joseph Detwiler, the first police officer on scene at the McDonalds, said during his testimony on Tuesday that he didnt think it was going to be him. But as soon as Mangione removed his mask, Detwiler said, I knew.

Its him, Detwiler told a supervisor by phone after confronting Mangione. Im not kidding. Hes real nervous.

Detwiler told the court that Mangione was eating a hash brown and said he was trying to keep Mangione calm by making small talk until other officers arrived.

This still image taken from a video released by police shows Luigi Mangione at a McDonald's in Altoona, Pa., Dec. 9, 2024. (Pennsylvania State Police/AP)

Mangione initially gave police a fake New Jersey drivers license. After police told him he was being investigated, Mangione disclosed his true identity, according to Detwilers testimony.

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Detwiler acknowledged that roughly 20 minutes passed before officers told Mangione he had the right to remain silent.

Body camera footage played in court showed police rummaging through Mangione's jacket; a second officer, Christy Wasser, is seen searching the suspects backpack. Detwiler testified that Mangione had already been placed under arrest when the backpack was searched, in accordance with Pennsylvania law.

"We search everyone that's being arrested, their person and their bags," Detwiler said.

On Monday, the judge heard testimony from the corrections officers, who were responsible for monitoring the high-profile murder suspect.

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Tomas Rivers, the first corrections officer to testify, said he was told by jail officials that they did not want an Epstein-style situation." (Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender, was found dead in jail in 2019 while awaiting a federal trial. Authorities ruled Epstein's death a suicide.) Rivers also said he spoke to Mangione on several occasions, and that Mangione told him he was disappointed in being compared to Ted Kaczynski, aka the Unabomber.

Another corrections officer, Matthew Henry, said that Mangione admitted to him that he was carrying a 3D-printed handgun and foreign currency when he was arrested.

Defense attorney Marc Agnifilo challenged the claim.

"This is a pretty big statement that he made to you," Agnifilo said. "Did you write that down?"

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"No," Henry said.

The judge has yet to rule on what evidence will be admissible at trial.

What was Mangione charged with?

Surveillance footage of Thompson's fatal shooting is shown at the hearing on Dec. 1. in this courtroom sketch. (Jane Rosenberg/Reuters)

Mangione is facing both federal and state murder charges stemming from Thompsons Dec. 4, 2024, killing. The state murder charges carry the possibility of life in prison if convicted, while a conviction on the federal murder charges could result in the death penalty.

In September, Gregory Carro, the judge overseeing the New York state case, dismissed terrorism and first-degree murder charges but allowed other charges, including second-degree murder and multiple firearms offenses, to stand. He is facing additional state charges in Pennsylvania.

Federal charges:

Murder through the use of a firearm

Interstate stalking resulting in death (two counts)

Using a firearm equipped with a silencer while committing a crime of violence

New York state charges:

Murder in the second degree

Criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree (two counts)

Criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree (four counts)

Criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree

Criminal possession of a forged instrument in the second degree

Pennsylvania state charges:

Forgery

Possession of a firearm without a license

Possessing instruments of a crime

Tampering with records or identification

Presenting false identification to authorities

How authorities say the killing unfolded

Members of the NYPD Crime Scene Unit at the site of Brian Thompson's fatal shooting on Dec. 4, 2024. (Shannon Stapleton/Reuters)

Thompson was shot to death in the early morning of Dec. 4 outside a luxury hotel in midtown Manhattan as he was heading to a UnitedHealthcare investor conference.

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Surveillance footage of the incident shows a hooded figure shooting Thompson in the back with a silenced pistol and recocking the gun to fire two more rounds before fleeing the scene.

According to police, shell casings with the words deny, delay and depose written on them were found at the scene, an apparent reference to a frequently criticized strategy that health insurance companies are alleged to use to avoid paying out customer claims.

This was a frightening, well-planned, targeted murder that was intended to cause shock and attention and intimidation, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said while announcing charges against Mangione.

Why is the case so controversial?

A Luigi Mangione supporter holds a sign outside Manhattan criminal court. (Mike Segar/Reuters)

The killing triggered a nationwide debate over the state of the American health care system, with some saying the health care executives murder was justified. Supporters of Mangione launched crowdfunding campaigns to help support his legal defense. They have routinely shown up for his court appearances, holding signs and wearing T-shirts emblazoned with the phrase Free Luigi.

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A small group of demonstrators appeared outside the courthouse on Monday. They included a woman dressed as the Luigi character from the Super Mario Bros. video game, and a pink frog holding a banner that read Luigi Before Parasites.

I dont condone murder, Shane Solger, who joined a demonstration outside one of Mangiones earlier court appearances, told Yahoo. But what he did and its focus on UnitedHealthcare has really brought to life how our health care system is broken.
Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
OTTAWA, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Monday named Marc Miller as the new culture minister in a cabinet shuffle prompted by the resignation of Steven Guilbeault last week.

According to a news release from the prime minister's official website, Miller, member of parliament for Ville-MarieLe Sud-OuestIle-des-Soeurs, will serve as Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages.

In the shuffle, Joel Lightbound will take on the role of Quebec lieutenant, a position also formerly held by Guilbeault. Lightbound will continue to serve as Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement.

Furthermore, Julie Dabrusin's role has been expanded. She is now the Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature, absorbing the "nature" portfolio from Guilbeault.

Guilbeault resigned from Carney's cabinet, strongly opposing an oil pipeline deal signed by the Canadian federal government and the oil-producing Canadian province of Alberta. 
Enter now for the Stars and Stripes 250th Anniversary of America Youth Essay Contest (staff)



Join Stars and Stripes in celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the United States of America by entering our youth essay contest for a chance to win $100 and get published.

Share your experiences and insight as a member of a military family, salute our countrys anniversary and win!

First place winners in each age category win a $100 AAFES gift card, will have their essay published on our community websites and inside the Stars and Stripes newspaper Month of the Military Child special insert in April.

The top three essays in each age category will be published on our community websites.

Essay Question:

How has being part of a military (or military-affiliated) family shaped how you think about America?

Category Guidelines:

High School youth currently in grades 9-12 may submit an essay up to 600 words.

Middle School youth currently in grades 6-8 may submit an essay up to 400 words.

Elementary School youth currently in grades 5 and below may submit an essay up to 200 words.

Eligibility:

The Stars and Stripes America 250 Youth Essay Contest is open to all youth dependents of DOD ID card holders. Entrants must be under the age of 19. Entry categories are defined by school grade level. Youth who are not currently enrolled in school (ie: homeschoolers, early graduates, those PCing) will be considered in the equivalent age-appropriate category.

How to Enter:

DOWNLOAD the entry form and fill it out. Type or copy and paste your essay into the field and fill in the other form details. A guardian must sign the form. Email the filled entry form to: america250essay@stripes.com

DEADLINE: Monday, Feb. 16, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. your local time.

Winners will be notified via email. They will then be announced on Stars and Stripes community websites on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.

RULES:

One essay may be sent per youth entrant.

Essays must solely be the work of the youth entrant. Group entries are not accepted.

Plagiarism, copying or using the written or artistic work of someone else, or including copyrighted material is unacceptable.

If you are quoting other peoples sayings or writing, proper quotations are expected.

The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), including, but not limited to, ChatGPT or Copilot, for writing, content creation, editing or other uses that directly create or change your written words is unacceptable.

Basic in-app grammar and spell-checking tools are permitted.

Entries that include defamatory or disrespectful content, including, but not limited to hate speech, racism, discrimination, or encouraging illegal actions will be disqualified.

There is no purchase required for entry.

JUDGING:

Judging will be done by a panel of Stars and Stripes staff that can include active-duty military members, civilian employees, former military children, journalists, historians, writers and editors.

Content: (50%) Does it answer the question?

Essay discusses one or more ways life as a military-connected child has influenced the way they think of the USA.

Connections are made between experience(s) and view(s) on the USA.

Specific, personal examples are used.

Clarity: (40%) Does the writing enhance the message?

Essay expresses the authentic voice and cohesive opinion of the writer.

A consistent message and point of view are used.

A compelling, thoughtful or unique writing style is used.

Essay is easy to read and has a well-organized structure.

Mechanics: (10%) Is it a polished piece?
"Russian President Vladimir Putin has summoned Prime Minister Viktor Orban to Moscow again to personally deliver his orders to the Hungarian prime minister," opposition Democratic Coalition (DK) deputy leader Sandor Ronai said on Friday commenting on Orban's trip to Russia.

Ronai told a press conference that it had been "an obvious lie" that Orban was discussing energy issues with Putin "since there is nothing left to discuss there." He added that the government was "paying like a military officer," buying "extremely expensive" Russian oil and gas, and that the Russian president "finances his war against Ukraine" with this money.



The latest visit to Moscow proved that Orban was not the prime minister of an independent Hungary, but Putin's "lapdog," he said.



Russia was currently "an enemy of the European Union, with drones, secret agents, and hackers attacking EU member states", while certain European politicians "paid for by Russia" were hindering EU decision-making, Ronai said.



Orban: Hungary's energy supply based on Russian energy imports



Hungary's energy supply is and will continue to be based on energy imported from Russia, Prime Minister Viktor Orban said in the Kremlin in Moscow, in the public phase of talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.



Orban praised the stability and predictability of Russian energy deliveries, saying Hungary had a vested interest in the continuation of bilateral energy cooperation. He said he will discuss the matter in detail with the Russian president.



"Ukraine is Hungary's neighbour, therefore the war has a strong impact on Hungary," the prime minister said. "We are incurring significant economic losses. The military operations are blocking economic growth in all of Europe, including our country."



Noting that he was meeting Putin for the 14th time as prime minister, Orban expressed hope that they would continue to work together for their two countries' cooperation.



"Mr. President, you know that we pursue a sovereign foreign policy; Hungary's relations with Russia are continuous, we cooperate in important areas, and we have not given up any area of cooperation as a result of any outside pressure," Orban said.



He said Hungary had a vested interest in peace, as he had said at their previous meeting, and expressed hope that the peace proposals currently on the table would lead to a ceasefire and peace. He reiterated that Hungary was ready to contribute to the success of peace talks by hosting the negotiations.



Putin thanked Orban for his positive response to the proposal for a possible US-Russia summit in Hungary.



Putin noted that Budapest was suggested as a venue by US President Donald Trump and agreed to by both parties who have good relations with the Hungarian prime minister.



The president said he would welcome if talks with the United States advanced to the point of a meeting in Budapest, and thanked Orban for his help.



Putin also welcomed that Russia and Hungary have maintained and are continuing to develop their bilateral ties despite the current difficulties.



He said bilateral ties were based on pragmatism, adding he was aware that Orban represented the interests of Hungary and the Hungarian people.



Putin said that though they sometimes disagreed on certain issues, including international issues, they were able to speak honestly and discuss any issue.



"We know your balanced position on the issue of Ukraine," Putin said.



He said it was regrettable that bilateral trade turnover fell by 23 percent over the past year, mainly because of the external restrictions. He welcomed, however, that this year's growth has exceeded 7 percent.



He praised the two country's energy cooperation, adding that there were certain issues and problems to discuss in this area.



Putin: Budapest has balanced position on Ukraine



Hungary represents a balanced position on the issue of Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin told Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban in the Kremlin.



"We know your balanced position on the issue of Ukraine," Putin said.



The president said he would welcome it if talks with the United States advanced to the point of a meeting in Budapest.



Orban: Hungary ready to contribute to success of peace talks



Hungary is ready to contribute to the success of peace talks on the Russia-Ukraine war by hosting the negotiations, Prime Minister Viktor Orban said in the Kremlin in Moscow, in the public phase of talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.



Putin noted that Budapest was suggested as a venue by US President Donald Trump and agreed to by both parties who have good relations with the Hungarian prime minister.



Orban said Hungary had a vested interest in continued energy cooperation with Russia.



Source: MTI  Hungarys national news agency since 1881. While MTI articles are usually factual, some may contain political bias, and readers should be aware that such content does not reflect the position of XpatLoop, which is neutral and independent.



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An extension of a mandatory caps on a range of food and non-food products until February 28, 2026 has come into effect on Monday.

From now on, families and pensioners can buy even more products at a lower price, state secretary Robert Zsigo said in a post on Facebook.



The markups cap now also applies to apples, pears, plums, grapes, tomatoes, cabbage, red onions and green peppers, cream cheese, spreadable cheese, beef tenderloin, beef brisket, pork liver, pork liver cream and baby food, he listed.



Budapest Metropolitan Government Office head Botond Sara said in a seperate post that the office will continue to inspect retailers to determine if they are complying with regulations.



So far the government office has conducted nearly 500 inspections, and every time it has encountered irregularities, it has taken action and imposed fines, he added.



The government rolled out a 10pc cap on markups for the food products and a 15pc cap on the non-food products in the spring. The measure was set to expire at the end of November.



MTI Stock Photo - for illustrative purposes only



Source: MTI  Hungarys national news agency since 1881. While MTI articles are usually factual, some may contain political bias, and readers should be aware that such content does not reflect the position of XpatLoop, which is neutral and independent.



Since the goal of XpatLoop is to keep readers well briefed, right across the spectrum of opinions, MTI items are shared to ensure readers are aware of all narratives within the local media.



XpatLoop believes in empowering readers to form their own views through complete and comprehensive coverage. To facilitate this XpatLoop has a balanced range of news partners, as you can see when you surf around XpatLoop.com

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If Hungary's election were held now, Fidesz would win 47 percent of the vote, up from 46 percent in August, while the opposition Tisza Party trails at 40 percent, according to a Nezopont Institute survey of 1,000 respondents conducted between Nov 24 and 26.

The ruling party's housing subsidies, 14th-month pensions, tax cuts for businesses, and military bonuses, along with the prime minister's meetings with US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, had boosted its support, the institute said.



Meanwhile, Tisza's momentum had stalled amid data leaks and backlash over its proposed "Tisza tax", though it gained 2 points from the Two-Tailed Dog Party, the think-tank added.



With a 75 percent turnout, Fidesz would lead by 400,000 votes, it said.



Our Homeland polled at 7 percent -- just above the 5 percent threshold to enter parliament -- while DK and Two-Tailed Dog lag at 3 percent each, risking exclusion from parliament.



Fully 42 percent of all voters backed Fidesz, versus 33 percent for Tisza, the think-tank said.





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Admiral Tripathi delivered the remarks during the sixth Admiral J.G. Nadkarni Memorial Lecture, organised by the Navy Foundation Pune Chapter (NFPC), in honour of the 16th Chief of Naval Staff.
The legislation lays out an extensive compliance and enforcement framework. It defines taxable persons as those who own, possess, operate or control machines used in the production of specified goods, whether directly or through workers or contracted entities.
Russia is bringing something to India that will change everything. It flies faster than sound, disappears from radar, and strikes before the enemy even blinks. Pakistan and China should be very, very worried. Swipe to see the 'invisible killer' that's about to join the Indian Air Force.
Getting fired feels like the end of the world when it happens. But for some of the worlds wealthiest people, losing their job turned out to be the push they needed to build empires. Here are five billionaires whose careers early on included a pink slip.

Check Out: This Industry Created More Billionaires Than Any Other in 2025

Read Next: 6 Safe Accounts Proven To Grow Your Money Up To 13x Faster

Mark Cuban Thought He Knew Best

Right out of college, Cuban landed a job selling software at a company called Your Business Software. He didnt last a year.

Cuban got fired after he left the store without telling his boss in order to close a big sale. Despite the $10,000 check he had secured, his boss wasnt happy and fired him.

That willingness to break rules when he thought he was right became a pattern. Cuban went on to launch his own tech businesses and eventually bought the Dallas Mavericks. The same aggressive sales instinct that got him fired made him a billionaire.

Learn More: The 80% Rule 2 Billionaires Follow (And How It Can Help You Build Wealth)

Michael Bloomberg Got a $10 Million Severance

Bloomberg lost his job at Salomon Brothers back in 1981 when the firm got acquired. Most people would panic. Bloomberg saw an opportunity.

His severance package came to around $10 million. Instead of looking for another Wall Street gig, he used that money to start his own company. Bloomberg LP became the financial data and media giant that made him one of the richest people on the planet.

Getting fired turned into the best business decision someone else made for him. That severance check became seed capital for a multibillion-dollar empire.

Ray Dalio Punched His Boss at a Party

Dalio worked at Shearson Hayden Stone in 1974. His career there ended abruptly at a New Years Eve party when he punched his boss in the face  something that is not recommended, even if Dalio was able to recover from it.

Getting fired for workplace violence would sink most careers before they started. Somehow, for Dalio, it cleared the path to something bigger. The following year he founded Bridgewater Associates.

Bridgewater grew into the largest hedge fund in the world. Dalios tendency toward blunt confrontation (but not violence) became part of his management philosophy rather than a career-ending problem. Sometimes getting fired is the universe telling you to work for yourself.

Jim Ratcliffe Lasted Three Days at BP

Ratcliffe had a job at BP working with chemicals. He made it three days before the company let him go.

The reason wasnt performance. Ratcliffe had eczema, and BP deemed him medically unfit for chemical work. Being fired for a skin condition three days into your first job sounds devastating.
Dec 1 (Reuters) - Accenture will equip tens of thousands of its IT professionals with ChatGPT Enterprise through a partnership with OpenAI, as the consulting firm looks to capitalize on the growing demand for AI services.

Shares of Accenture rose over 2.8% in premarket trading following the news.

The companies on Monday said they will also launch a new artificial intelligence program to help enterprises in various industries, including financial services, healthcare and retail adopt AI-powered workflows.

Amid uncertain government spending and a cloudy economic environment, Accenture is ramping up AI integration to attract enterprise clients, along with launching an $865 million restructuring in September to realign its workforce, cut costs and improve efficiency.

With AI systems becoming more advanced, concerns have grown around their potential impact on the consulting industry's large global workforce, as new software can rapidly collate, process and generate content with precision.

As part of the OpenAI partnership, Accenture's teams will use ChatGPT Enterprise for internal and external work, while accelerating AI upskilling across roles, the companies said.

(Reporting by Zaheer Kachwala in Bengaluru; Editing by Vijay Kishore)
In Africa crypto news this week, the Ghana Gold Board is pushing for blockchain implementation in tracking global gold movements.

Meanwhile, in South Africa, the South African Reserve Bank has warned of the stability risk from the countrys crypto sector.

Across the border, the University of Namibia has rolled out a novel masters degree in blockchain technology.

DISCOVER: The 12+ Hottest Crypto Presales to Buy Right Now

Heres a more detailed look at these stories:

Ghana Crypto News: Gold Board To Integrate Blockchain For Tracking?

The Ghana Gold Board is pushing for blockchain technology usage in tracking gold shipments. This proposal comes even as gold prices continue to break records and demand remains high globally.

Ghana Gold Board CEO Samuel Gyamfi spoke at a high-level Precious Metals Conference in Dubai on the importance of tracking global gold movements. He notes that gold is a valuable resource and cannot be allowed to become a haven for illegal activities.

Gold is a resource for global economic stability and transformation. It cannot be allowed to become a haven for drug lords, armed actors, corrupt politicians, human traffickers and criminal networks.

Mineral traceability remains a key concern for law enforcement globally. The worries about illegal mining, the use of child labor in mines, and related crimes inform the need to trace minerals from mines to the markets.

Integrating any of the major blockchains introduces decentralization and immutability, which the Board believes can aid in proper mineral tracing.

DISCOVER: Next 1000X Crypto  Heres 10+ Crypto Tokens That Can Hit 1000x This Year

South Africa Crypto News: Central Bank Cautions Against Stablecoins and Crypto

The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) has released its second Financial Stability Report of 2025, which identifies digital assets and stablecoins as new financial risks in the country.

By the end of Q2 2025, SARB said they were over 7.8M crypto holders in the country, HODLing some of the next tokens to explode.

(Source: SARB)

Even so, the central bank is wary of the billions held by these exchanges and the borderless nature of the sector.

South Africa has exchange controls that govern traditional banking institutions, but do not affect crypto movements.

The acknowledgement by the industry poses a systemic risk, mostly because it is outside the purview of existing regulations.

This discrepancy presents a reason for the central bank and the legislature to enact common-sense crypto regulations.

DISCOVER: 9+ Best High-Risk, High-Reward Crypto to Buy in 2025

Namibia Crypto News: University of Namibia (UNAM) Launches Masters Program in Blockchain Technology

In the education sector, the University of Namibia (UNAM) has launched the continents first masters degree program in blockchain technology.
On December 1, the Lachin district was returned to Azerbaijan. Without firing a shot. According to the trilateral statement signed on November 10, 2020 by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, the Armenian armed forces were withdrawn from the Lachin district.

The Lachin district was occupied by the Armenian armed forces on May 18, 1992. During the occupation of the district, 264 Azerbaijanis were killed, 65 were taken hostage, and 103 became disabled. Six residents of Lachin were awarded the title of National Hero of Azerbaijan. About 70,000 internally displaced persons from the Lachin district were accommodated in 59 cities and districts of the country. During the occupation, the area suffered damage in the amount of 7.1 billion US dollars.

On the night of December 1, 2020, units of the Azerbaijani Army entered the Lachin district. On this day, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev addressed the people in connection with the return of the Lachin district to its rightful owners.

"The liberation of the Lachin district from occupation is a historic event. Moreover, we returned the Lachin district without a single shot. We forced the enemy to do this. The bright victory won on the battlefield led to this excellent result, three of our districts - Agdam, Kalbajar and Lachin - were returned to us. We returned these areas without a single shot, without a single martyr," the head of state said. - Lachin district will play an important role in the future economic development of Azerbaijan. First of all, we will return Lachin to the people of Lachin."

On December 1, 2020, the Lachin district was liberated from occupation, but the city of Lachin and two villages, Zabukh and Sus, were not under our control, because the former Lachin corridor passed through these settlements. The city of Lachin and the villages of Sus and Zabukh completely came under the control of Azerbaijan on August 26, 2023. This day was officially declared Lachin City Day in the country.

At a meeting with residents of Lachin on Lachin City Day in August 2023, President Ilham Aliyev recalled the same pre-war meeting: "I remember when I turned 50, I met with residents of Lachin in Karabakh, in the Agjabedinsky district of Karabakh, in the village of Takhtakerpu, and told them: a new town for displaced persons has been opened, the state provides for you better conditions, but after the liberation of our lands, we will create even better conditions for you in Lachin, and that's what happened. I celebrated my 50th birthday in Agjabedi with the people of Lachin, and my 60th birthday in Shusha, on Jydyr Duzyu. And today, on the Day of the City of Lachin, I am participating with you in these festive events. This is a great happiness for me, for you, for each of us. We are experiencing happy days and I am sure that from now on our people will live in peace, tranquility, will build and create in their native lands. Using the example of the Lachin district, we see the realities of a resurgent Azerbaijan, we see the resurgent lands."

The return of the city of Lachin to its true owners was one of the final steps towards the complete eradication of separatism on Azerbaijani soil. A few weeks later, on September 19-20, 2023, Azerbaijan fully restored its sovereignty in all territories of the country.

The road to this victory also ran through Lachin. Both literally and figuratively. On April 23, at 12:00, units of the State Border Guard Service of the Republic of Azerbaijan established a border checkpoint at the beginning of the Lachin-Khankendi road in the sovereign territories of our country. This was done in order to prevent the illegal transfer of manpower, ammunition, mines, and other military equipment from Armenia to the Armenian armed forces on the territory of Azerbaijan, carried out contrary to the Trilateral Statement of November 10, 2020. That ended the separatists' hopes of keeping the Lachin road under their control. After this step, the complete liberation of Karabakh was only a matter of time.

Lachin district has a rich historical past. The monuments on its territory can be compared in their significance and uniqueness with the Azykh cave in the Khojavend district and the Taglar cave in the Jabrayil district, dating back to the I-II millennium BC. During the Armenian occupation, more than 200 historical monuments of local and 54 monuments of world significance, 217 cultural institutions, 101 educational institutions, 142 healthcare institutions, and so on were looted and destroyed. The monuments affected by Armenian barbarism include the Albanian monastery of Agoglan, the tomb of Malik Azhdar, a mosque in the village of Garagyshlag, and an ancient cemetery in the village of Zabukh. The Lachin Historical Museum and an ancient collection of gold, silver and bronze coins were looted. Later, an exhibit from the Lachin Historical Museum, a silver bag, was illegally auctioned at Sotheby's in London and sold for $80,000.

One of the most famous monuments of Lachin is the Agoglan Temple (INV No. 310), an Albanian monastery of the 5th-6th centuries, located on the banks of the Agoglan River. After the occupation of the Lachin district by Armenia, the temple was subjected to Armenization, and irreparable damage was inflicted on the unique monument.

Lachin district is rich not only in history, but also in natural resources. Numerous mineral deposits, including gold and copper deposits, have been identified in the area. The area has rich deposits of mercury, limestone, marble limestone, and agate. There are springs of healing mineral waters here: Turshsu, Galaderesi, Khirmanlar, Nagdaly and others.

And, of course, it is impossible not to mention the magnificent natural landscapes of the Lachin district, its rich flora and fauna. To protect rare natural complexes, the Lachin State Reserve was established in 1961, located on 20 hectares, and in 1987 the Garagel State Reserve was established on an area of 240 hectares.

Today, the riches of Lachin once again serve the prosperity of this land. And it will always be like this now.
Dublin, Ireland-based Aon plc (AON) operates as a professional services firm with clients in over 120 countries across the globe. With a market cap of $78.9 billion, Aons offerings include risk management services, insurance and reinsurance brokerage, human resource consulting, and outsourcing services.

Companies worth $10 billion or more are generally referred to as large-cap stocks. Aon fits right into that category, with its market cap exceeding the threshold, reflecting its substantial size, influence, and dominance in the insurance industry.

More News from Barchart

Aon stock touched its all-time high of $412.97 on Mar. 3 and is currently trading 14.3% below that peak. Meanwhile, Aon stock prices have dropped 3.4% over the past three months, lagging behind the iShares U.S. Insurance ETFs (IAK) 1.8% uptick during the same time frame.

www.barchart.com

Aons performance has remained grim over the longer term as well. Aon stock prices have dipped 1.5% on a YTD basis and declined 10% over the past 52 weeks, compared to IAKs 6.5% gains in 2025 and 2.5% drop over the past year.

Aon stock has traded below its 200-day moving average since April and below its 50-day moving average since mid-September, with some fluctuations, underscoring its bearish trend.

www.barchart.com

Aons stock prices gained 3.8% in the trading session following the release of its solid Q3 results on Oct. 31. Driven by continued momentum in organic sales, the companys overall topline for the quarter grew 7.4% year-over-year to approximately $4 billion, beating the Streets expectations by 1.4%. Further, its adjusted EPS surged 12.1% year-over-year to $3.05, surpassing the consensus estimates by 5.5%. Meanwhile, its free cash flows soared 13.5% year-over-year to $1.1 billion.

Aon has notably outperformed its peer Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc.s (MMC) 13.6% decline on a YTD basis and a 21.4% plunge over the past year.

Among the 23 analysts covering the Aon stock, the consensus rating is a Moderate Buy. Its mean price target of $400.39 suggests a 13.1% upside potential from current price levels.

On the date of publication, Aditya Sarawgi did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Barchart.com
The war in Ukraine is boosting demand for arms sales (Andriy ANDRIYENKO)

Sales by the world's top 100 arms makers reached a record $679 billion last year, as the wars in Ukraine and Gaza boosted demand, researchers said Monday, but production issues hampered deliveries.

The figure was 5.9 percent higher than the year before, and, over the 2015-2024 period, revenues for the top 100 arms makers have risen 26 percent according to a report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).

"Last year global arms revenues reached the highest level ever recorded by SIPRI as producers capitalised on high demand," Lorenzo Scarazzato, researcher with the SIPRI Military Expenditure and Arms Production Programme, said in a statement.

Jade Guiberteau Ricard, a researcher for the same programme, explained to AFP that "it's mostly driven by Europe," although "all areas have increased except for Asia and Oceania".

Ricard said the increased demand in Europe was tied to the war in Ukraine and "the threat perception of Russia by European states".

According to SIPRI, demand from Ukraine as well as from countries militarily supporting it and which need to replenish stockpiles helped drive demand.

Ricard added that many European countries are also now looking to expand and modernise their own militaries, "which will present a new source of demand".

- Supply woes -

The United States is home to 39 of the world's top 100 arms makers, including the top three: Lockheed Martin, RTX (formerly Raytheon Technologies) and Northrop Grumman.

US arms makers saw their combined revenues rise 3.8 percent to reach $334 billion in 2024, nearly half of the world's total.

At the same time, the authors of the report noted that budget overruns and delays plague several key US-led programmes, like the F-35 fighter jet and the Columbia-class submarine.

The 26 of the top 100 arms maker which are based in Europe saw aggregate revenues grow by 13 percent to $151 billion.

Czech company Czechoslovak Group saw revenue spike by 193 percent -- the sharpest increase of all the top 100 -- reaching $3.6 billion.

The company benefitted from the Czech Ammunition Initiative which provides artillery shells for Ukraine.

But European arms makers are also facing difficulties in responding to the increased demand, with SIPRI noting that sourcing materials looks to become more challenging.

The authors noted that Airbus and France's Safran sourced half of their titanium from Russia before 2022 and have had to find new suppliers.

Chinese export restrictions on critical minerals have led companies -- such as France's Thales and Germany's Rheinmetall -- to warn of higher costs as they restructure supply chains.
Dec 1 (Reuters) - Asia's manufacturing powerhouses struggled with sluggish demand in November, extending declines in factory activity as progress in U.S. trade negotiations failed to translate into a significant recovery in orders.

A raft of purchasing managers' indexes (PMIs) on Monday showed diverging conditions across the region, with China, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan all reporting declines in activity while Southeast Asian economies mostly saw growth.

In China, the world's largest manufacturer, factory activity slipped back into contraction, a private-sector PMI showed, a day after Beijing's official measure showed activity falling for the eighth consecutive month albeit at a slower pace.

"Container throughput at Chinese ports was little changed last month compared to October. To the extent that demand did improve, it didn't do much to support production amid already high inventory levels - the output component dropped to a four-month low," said Zichun Huang, China economist at Capital Economics.

"And while the output price component edged up slightly, it stayed at a low level, pointing to persistent deflationary pressures."

Across Asia this year, businesses in major exporting nations have been scrambling to navigate the uncertainty created by U.S. President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs.

While Trump's trade deals with countries like Japan and South Korea and lowered tensions with China have given firms some confidence, many are still adjusting to the new U.S. trade reality.

Japan's PMI showed new orders continued to decline, stretching the downturn to two-and-a-half years, blamed on factors such as a sluggish global business environment, tighter client budgets and subdued capital investment.

Official data on Monday also showed Japanese corporate spending on factories and equipment rose 2.9% in July-September versus the same period a year prior, slowing from the previous quarter.

South Korea's factory activity contracted for a second month in November, though a finalised trade deal with the United States brought some clarity for manufacturers.

Separate data showed Korean exports rose in November for a sixth consecutive month, beating market expectations, as chip sales hit a record on strong technology demand while autos also jumped after a U.S. trade deal.

Taiwan's PMI showed factory activity continued to fall, but at a slower pace.

Meanwhile, Asia's emerging-market manufacturers remained outperformers with Indonesia and Vietnam both reporting brisk growth in factory activity and Malaysia swinging back to growth.

(Reporting by bureaus; Writing by Sam Holmes; Editing by Christopher Cushing)
Viking Therapeutics (VKTX) is drawing attention as investors weigh its performance over the past month and consider what is next for this clinical-stage biotech. The stock has seen swings recently, sparking renewed discussion around its potential.

See our latest analysis for Viking Therapeutics.

Viking Therapeutics share price has rebounded sharply over the past three months, gaining 33.9% as investor enthusiasm returned, even as its one-year total shareholder return remains deep in the red at -28.5%. This recent momentum follows a challenging year. The impressive 827% three-year total shareholder return puts its long-term growth potential back in focus for those willing to ride out the volatility.

If youre looking to discover more innovative biotech names and healthcare trailblazers alongside Viking, its a great time to explore the landscape using our See the full list for free.

With shares climbing sharply off recent lows, the big question is whether Viking Therapeutics is trading below its true value or if the market already reflects all of its future growth prospects. Is this a buy, or is everything priced in?

Price-to-Book of 5.8x: Is it justified?

At a last close price of $36.81, Viking Therapeutics stock trades at a price-to-book ratio of 5.8x, which is well above the industry average and its US biotech peers. This metric can offer a quick lens into how the market values the companys core assets compared to its competitors.

The price-to-book ratio compares a companys market price to its book value, reflecting whether the market expects future growth or profitability. In industries such as biotech where profits and revenues may lag development, this ratio can rise significantly if investors are betting on major breakthroughs.

For Viking, the market is assigning a substantial premium compared to the US Biotechs industry average of 2.8x, suggesting high expectations or a strong belief in future pipeline success. However, compared to a peer group average of 9.1x, Viking appears more affordable, though the sector benchmark remains considerably lower. As the market adjusts to pipeline developments and cash burn, this premium may become larger or smaller.

See what the numbers say about this price  find out in our valuation breakdown.

Result: Price-to-Book of 5.8x (OVERVALUED)

However, uncertainty around consistent revenue and clinical trial outcomes remains a risk that could quickly change market sentiment toward Viking Therapeutics.

Find out about the key risks to this Viking Therapeutics narrative.

Build Your Own Viking Therapeutics Narrative

If you think the numbers or conclusions could look different through your own lens, take a few minutes to dive in and shape your own view. Do it your way
Bank of America (BAC) says its wealth management clients should start thinking about getting some crypto exposure in their portfolios.

The firm is endorsing a 1%-4% allocation to digital assets for clients of its Merrill, Bank of America Private Bank, and Merrill Edge platforms. Its investment strategists will begin covering four bitcoin ETFs in January.

"For investors with a strong interest in thematic innovation and comfort with elevated volatility, a modest allocation of 1% to 4% in digital assets could be appropriate," Chris Hyzy, chief investment officer at Bank of America Private Bank, said in a statement.

"Our guidance emphasizes regulated vehicles, thoughtful allocation, and a clear understanding of both the opportunities and risks."

Starting Jan. 5, the firm's CIO-covered bitcoin ETFs will include the Bitwise Bitcoin ETF (BITB), Fidelity's Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund (FBTC), Grayscale's Bitcoin Mini Trust (BTC), and BlackRock's iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT).

"The lower end of this range may be more appropriate for those with a conservative risk profile, while the higher end may suit investors with greater tolerance for overall portfolio risk," Hyzy added.

A Bank of America branch in Manhattan. (Erik McGregor/LightRocket via Getty Images)  Erik McGregor via Getty Images

Previously, Bank of America's wealthy clients had access to the products only upon request, meaning the bank's network of over 15,000 wealth advisers could not recommend crypto exposure, and many retail investors were left needing to look elsewhere for access.

"This update reflects growing client demand for access to digital assets," added Nancy Fahmy, head of Bank of America's investment solutions group.

Bank of America's recommendation comes alongside a broad push into crypto from other big banks and asset managers.

In an early October note, Morgan Stanley's global investment committee provided investors and financial advisers with allocation parameters suggesting 2%-4% of their portfolio should be in crypto, describing it as a "speculative but increasingly popular asset class that many investors, but not all, will seek to explore."

Read more: Can you buy crypto with a credit card? See the pros and cons.

At the beginning of 2025, BlackRock put forth a case for investors to allocate 1%-2% of their portfolio to bitcoin. In March 2024, Fidelity Investments recommended a 2%-5% allocation (and 7.5% for investors age 30 and below).

On Monday, Bloomberg reported that Vanguard will begin allowing some crypto ETFs and mutual funds on its platform starting Tuesday.

Morgan Stanley (MS), Charles Schwab (SCHW), Fidelity Investments, and JPMorgan Chase (JPM) already allow all customers to invest in certain crypto ETFs.
Anglo American branding.

BHP Group offered around 40 billion ($53 billion) in its now-aborted attempt to acquire Anglo American Plc, according to people with knowledge of the matter.

The commodities giant bid about 34 per share for Anglo American, the people said, asking not to be identified because the information is private. The offer was mostly stock, but also included a cash component, Bloomberg News has reported.

Most Read from Bloomberg

BHP sent a detailed proposal to Anglo Americans board late on Nov. 20, people with knowledge of the matter have said. A bid of around 34 per share would imply a premium of about 24% to Anglo Americans closing price that day of 27.36, or its market value of roughly 32 billion.

Shares of Anglo American rose as much as 2.7% to the highest level in more than two weeks in London on Monday.

Bloomberg News first revealed on Nov. 23 that BHP had made a takeover approach to Anglo American, which was rejected. BHP then publicly confirmed the discussions and said it had decided to walk away. Neither company has disclosed the level of the BHPs bid.

Anglo American rejected the offer after deciding that its own planned acquisition of Canadas Teck Resources Ltd. would generate more value, according to the people. It was also concerned about a prolonged regulatory approval process for a tie-up with BHP, which meant that the value of the bid could fluctuate significantly due to potential volatility in BHP shares before the deal was closed, some of the people said.

BHPs proposal would imply a nearly 50% premium to Anglo Americans closing price on Sept. 8, a day before the Teck announcement. Shares of BHP have risen about 6.6% in London this year, giving it a market capitalization of almost 106 billion.

The proposed premium can vary, depending on which stock price and timeframe are used by the bidder as a reference point. Representatives for Anglo American and BHP declined to comment.

(Adds Anglos share moves in fourth paragraph and more details in seventh paragraph.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2025 Bloomberg L.P.
Bitcoin and companies tied to cryptocurrencies extended a nearly two-month swoon Monday, tracking with a broader market sell-off in technology companies that many see as overvalued.

Bitcoin slid 5.6% after being down nearly 12% earlier in the day, settling in just above $86,000. Early Tuesday, it was trading around $86,650.

The most-traded cryptocurrency is down about 33% since hitting a record $126,210.50 on Oct. 6, according to crypto trading platform Coinbase. Bitcoin had soared since April in line with the stock market and driven partly by a more crypto-friendly tone in Washington.

Companies that enable investors to buy and sell cryptocurrencies, as well as the growing number of companies who have made investing in bitcoin their main business focus, were hammered in Monday's sell-off.

Coinbase Global fell 4.8% and online trading platform Robinhood Markets lost 4.1%. Bitcoin mining company Riot Platforms dropped 4%.

Strategy, the biggest of the so-called crypto treasury companies that raises money just to buy bitcoin, fell 3.3%. The company has reported holding 649,870 bitcoin. As of 4 p.m. EST Monday they were worth about $55.7 billion. Earlier, Strategy said it expects bitcoin to end the year between $85,000 and $110,000, down from an Oct. 30 forecast of $150,000.

American Bitcoin, in which President Donald Trump's sons Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr. hold a stake, fell 15.6% and is now down nearly 47% since Sept. 30.

Other Trump-related crypto ventures have declined as well. The market value for the World Liberty Financial token, or $WLFI, has fallen to about $4.14 billion from above $6 billion in mid-September, according to coinmarketcap.com And the price of a meme coin named for President Donald Trump, $TRUMP, is $5.70, a fraction of the $45 asking price just before his inauguration in January.

One popular way of investing in bitcoin is through spot bitcoin ETFs, or exchange-traded funds, which allow investors to have a stake in bitcoin without directly owning the cryptocurrency. According to data from Morningstar Direct, investors pulled $3.6 billion out of spot bitcoin ETFs in November, the largest monthly outflow since the ETFs began trading in January 2024.

Bitcoin futures are down nearly 24% in the past month. At the same time, gold futures are up almost 7%.

Analysts point to a number of factors that have led to the sell-off in bitcoin and other crypto investments, including a broad risk-off sentiment that has gripped markets this fall, sending investors toward safer havens such as bonds and gold.
BlackRocks bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have become the firms most profitable product line, according to Cristiano Castro, director of business development at BlackRock Brazil.

The figure is notable given that the firm manages over 1,400 ETFs globally and is the worlds largest asset manager with more than $13.4 trillion in assets under management.

Speaking at the Blockchain Conference in Sao Paulo to local media, Castro called the development a big surprise and said that allocations in the firms bitcoin ETFs, including the U.S.-based IBIT and Brazils IBIT39, had come close to $100 billion.

When we launched, we were optimistic, Castro said, but we didnt expect this scale.

The firms U.S.-listed spot bitcoin ETF IBIT, launched in January 2024, became the fastest in history to reach $70 billion in assets, doing so in 341 days. That momentum has continued despite recent volatility in bitcoins price, with the ETF currently sitting at $70.7 billion in net assets according to SoSoValue data.

Net inflows exceeded $52 billion in its first year, far outpacing all other ETFs launched in the last decade. IBIT also generated an estimated $245 million in annual fees by October 2025.

IBITs rapid growth has been fueled by BlackRocks global distribution network and a wave of institutional interest following U.S. regulatory approval of spot bitcoin ETFs. It now holds over 3% of bitcoins total supply, and it was followed by various BTC-linked products from BlackRock, including ETPs overseas.

Castro addressed recent outflows from bitcoin funds, saying that such movement is expected given how retail investors tend to react to price drops. ETFs are a very liquid and powerful tool. Theyre meant for people to manage flows, he said.

BlackRock itself has been betting on its bitcoin ETF. Its Strategic Income Opportunities Portfolio has recently raised its stake in IBIT by 14%.

CoinDesk has reached out to BlackRock but didn't hear back at the time of writing.
Tim Martin, chief executive of JD Wetherspoon, claimed that prices will definitely rise in response to the tax increase - Heathcliff O'Malley

Hotel, pub and restaurant chiefs are preparing to cut investment and jobs after Rachel Reeves launched a stealth tax raid on the hospitality industry.

Some of Britains biggest chains said they would be forced to rein in spending plans and raise prices as a result of reforms to business rates  a form of property tax  that have left many nursing tens of millions of pounds in additional costs.

Surinder Arora, the founder of the hotel operator Arora Group, said that the Chancellors plans would mean laying off more people, sadly, as a result of an 80pc spike in the companys business rates bill.

Mr Arora, who runs 21 hotels in and around London, said: Thats not just going to be our group; everyone is saying the same thing.

Tim Martin, the boss of JD Wetherspoon, said: Prices will definitely rise across the industry, profits will be under pressure, and investment will be curtailed.

Ahead of the Budget, Ms Reeves promised the lowest taxes in more than three decades for pubs, restaurants and small shops, paid for by increasing the levy on higher-value properties such as warehouses used by Amazon and other online giants.

However, many hospitality businesses face soaring bills after a 40pc discount introduced during the pandemic was scrapped and the way business rates are calculated changed.

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Kate Nicholls, chairman of UKHospitality, said: These reforms were meant to level the playing field between the high street and online giants  instead, theyre doing the opposite.

Big distribution warehouses, office blocks and out-of-town supermarkets are seeing their rates bills go up by a fraction compared to pubs, hotels and other hospitality businesses.

Nick Mackenzie, the chief executive of pub giant Greene King, said: The Budget piled more pressure on the sector. Pubs up and down the country will be paying thousands of pounds more every year.

Dominic Paul, boss of Premier Inn owner Whitbread, warned that the punitive tax increases announced in the Budget will place significant extra costs on our business and require us to accelerate cost savings. Whitbread estimates the shake-up of the business rates system will cost it between 40m and 50m. It owns more than 800 Premier Inns across the UK.

Property tax consultancy Ryan said hotels, holiday parks and music venues were among the top 10 biggest losers from changes to business rates. Alex Probyn, of Ryan, has warned many hospitality businesses face immediate and destabilising increases in tax liabilities.

Impact on employment

Jon Hendry-Pickup, the chief of Butlins, said the holiday parks operator will need to slow investment in our resorts to account for the additional cost.
The GEO Group, Inc. (NYSE:GEO) is among the best US stocks to buy under $20. As of November 26, The GEO Group, Inc. (NYSE:GEO) is a consensus Buy with all analysts covering it assigning a Buy or equivalent rating. With a consensus 1-year median price target of $37, the stock has an upside of over 137%.

On November 10, Joe Gomes, an analyst at Noble Financial, reaffirmed the Buy rating on The GEO Group, Inc. (NYSE:GEO), with a price target of $35, which suggests an upside potential of over 120%.

business, closing the deal, contract signature,

thodonal88/Shutterstock.com

Separately, Jones Trading trimmed its price target on The GEO Group, Inc. (NYSE:GEO)to $37.00 from $50.00, while maintaining a Buy rating on the stock on November 7. Both these ratings closely follow the companys third-quarter financial report.

Earlier on November 6, The GEO Group, Inc. (NYSE:GEO) delivered its third-quarter results, outperforming market consensus by reporting EPS of $0.25, compared with the forecasted $0.23. Similarly, the companys revenue also surpassed expectations, reaching $682.3 million, compared to an estimated $664.39 million.

During the earnings call, Mark Suchinski, the CFO, expressed his confidence in the companys growth trajectory by believing that the stock price is significantly undervalued. Entering the next quarter, The GEO Group, Inc. (NYSE:GEO) has won some new deals. As stated by the CEO, George Zoley,

Weve entered into new contracts that represent over $460 million in new incremental annualized revenues.

The GEO Group, Inc. (NYSE:GEO) is a Florida-based diversified government service provider. The companys core offerings include in-custody rehabilitation and post-release support, as well as electronic monitoring, community-based programs, and correctional health and mental health care.

While we acknowledge the potential of GEO 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: The Best and Worst Dow Stocks for the Next 12 Months and 10 Unstoppable Stocks That Could Double Your Money.

Disclosure: None.
Akbar Novruz



The OSCE has formally completed the dissolution of the Minsk Process and all structures linked to it, marking the end of the decades-long mediation format on the former ArmeniaAzerbaijan conflict, Azernews reports.

According to an official OSCE statement, the process was finalized at 23:59 on 30 November 2025, in line with the Ministerial Council Decision MC.DEC/1/25, adopted on 1 September 2025. The decision followed a joint appeal by Armenia and Azerbaijan to the Finnish OSCE Chairmanship.

The OSCE emphasized that the completion of all administrative procedures signifies the definitive closure of the Minsk Process.

The closure of the Minsk Process means the implementation of the consensus decision of all 57 OSCE participating States of 1 September, following the historic joint declaration signed by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in Washington on 8 August 2025, witnessed by US President Donald Trump, the statement read.

This move formally ends a mediation mechanism created in 1992, underscoring the transition toward a new phase in the normalization efforts between Baku and Yerevan.
Key Points

BigBear.ai struggled to generate consistent revenue growth in recent years.

Its top line fell by 18% last quarter due to lower volumes from government programs.

The stock's modest valuation could appeal to growth investors, but it's by no means a safe investment.

10 stocks we like better than BigBear.ai 

Stocks of companies involved with artificial intelligence (AI) continue to be hot this year as demand remains robust for AI-powered products and services. Companies are investing heavily into next-gen technologies in an effort to reduce their personnel and overhead expenses, and improve profitability.

One stock that generated impressive returns in 2025 is BigBear.ai Holdings (NYSE: BBAI). Year to date, the data analytics company's shares are up by around 55%. And with a market cap of $3 billion, it's one of the smaller players in the growing AI world. But whether it can continue to soar higher will likely depend on whether its financial results look strong. The company plans to release its third-quarter numbers on Nov. 10 -- but should you invest in BigBear.ai before then?

Image source: Getty Images.

Will BigBear.ai's growth rebound in Q3?

The big question about BigBear.ai is how strong its Q3 growth rate will be. While the tech company hopes to be a big player in AI and benefit from the industry's growth, there has been a lot of choppiness in its growth recently. For example, in the second quarter, its revenue declined by 18%.

The company experienced a considerable decline in sales in Q2, which it said was "due to lower volume on certain Army programs." That highlights just how dependent the business is on government spending. While there might be a bounce back in this upcoming quarter, the company's Q4 guidance may not be all that strong given that the government is currently in the midst of one of its longest shutdowns in history, and that alone could sink the stock.

Could another big post-earnings drop be around the corner?

When BigBear.ai reported its Q2 results in August, the stock nosedived from $7.09 the day the results came out to less than $6 the following day. While it has rebounded since that sell-off, it certainly demonstrated that this can be a fairly vulnerable stock to be holding on earnings day. Many times in the past few years, it declined notably in value after reporting its numbers.

The stock is a largely speculative buy, and its performance may depend heavily on the outlook for the business, and whether its growth prospects have improved. But given its unsteady top line and the fact that the company is nowhere near profitability (it has incurred $443.9 million in total net losses over the past four quarters), it may not be on course for another post-earnings dip.
The Canadian government has committed up to C$210m ($150m) to a semiconductor manufacturing and research initiative involving IBM Canadas Bromont plant and the MiQro Innovation Collaborative Centre (C2MI).

This federal investment is part of a C$662m project that will expand advanced semiconductor packaging, assembly, and commercialisation operations at the Bromont facility in southern Quebec.

The government expects this funding to increase domestic capacity for packaging and testing next-generation semiconductors, supporting local supply chain resilience, and the commercialisation efforts of the two firms.

Marc-Aurele-Fortin Member of Parliament and Minister of Industry Parliamentary SecretaryCarlos Leitao said: The funding announced today is a major investment that will benefit Quebecs innovative semiconductor sector and all of Canada as well.

Our government is supporting the industries of the future that ensure the success of our strategic economic hubs, protect good jobs in the regions and generate tangible economic benefits. Together, we are building a stronger, more resilient and greener Canada for everyone.

IBM will enhance its capabilities at Bromont by developing complex semiconductor packaging for advanced transistors, responding to demand for improved device performance and efficiency.

The Bromont site is said to produce more than 100,000 microelectronic devices each week, maintaining its position as one of North Americas largest facilities focused on chip research, assembly, and production.

IBM Canada president Deb Pimentel said: IBMs Bromont plant has upheld the companys proud tradition in semiconductor research and development for more than five decades.

It is one of North Americas largest electronic chip assembly and testing facilities, and it plays an essential role in IBMs manufacturing sector alongside the plants in Poughkeepsie, Albany and Yorktown.

C2MI provides infrastructure, advanced scientific equipment, and access to an ecosystem of nearly 400 organisations across multiple sectors, supported by an experienced professional team.

C2MI CEO Marie-Josee Turgeon said: The projects announced today are a major strategic step forward for C2MI and for the entire semiconductor ecosystem in Quebec and across Canada.

It can never be said enough: Semiconductorsare ubiquitous in every economic sector and contribute to national advances in areas like artificial intelligence, quantum technologies and defence.

According to the Canadian government, the investment is part of a broader effort to secure access to strategic technology inputs such as AI and high-performance computing chips. In 2022, Canadas AI sector attracted more than C$8.6bn in venture capital.
Chainalysis, a blockchain security firm, has publicly responded to inquiries over an analysis conducted by crypto exchange Binance that used its data.

In a November 17 blog post, Binance claimed data from Chainalysis and TRM Labs, another blockchain security firm, showed that only 0.018% to 0.023% of trading volume across the top seven biggest crypto exchanges  including itself  was directly linked to illicit crypto wallets.

Both analytics firms data suggest that Binance, the worlds largest digital-asset exchange, consistently outperforms the market in minimising exposure to illicit funds  despite handling far greater trading volumes than any other platform, Binance said in the post.

But that may not be the full picture.

According to Chainalysis, Binances analysis did not appear to include all categories of illicit activity that Chainalysis tracks, such as funds coming from ransomware or stolen in hacks, and was only based on direct exposure only, Chainalysis said in a November 28 X post.

In other words, if an illicit entity sends funds to a personal wallet, and then that wallet sends funds to Binance, it is not included in this analysis, Chainalysis said.

Such wallet hopping strategies are widely used by crypto criminals attempting to cover their tracks, although security researchers can often still trace the movement of funds.

Hacks are one of the largest sources of illicit crypto funds, with criminals stealing nearly $2.2 billion through the method last year, according to Chainalysis.

Binance did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The exchange said it updated its blog post on November 19 to clarify that it conducted the analysis itself using Chainalysis and TRM Labs datasets, and to specify how direct illicit exposure was calculated based on Chainalysis data.

Tough on crypto crime

Chainalysis clarification comes as Binance attempts to signal to both regulators and the broader crypto industry that it is tough on crypto crime.

In 2023, Binance admitted it engaged in anti-money laundering, unlicensed money transmitting, and sanctions violations, resulting in a $4.3 billion penalty.

Changpeng Zhao, the firms CEO at the time, stepped down and was sentenced to four months in prison for failing to maintain an effective anti-money laundering programme, although he received a presidential pardon in October.

The same month, victims of the October 7 attacks conducted by Hamas accused the exchange of aiding terrorists in a new lawsuit.

Binance has repeatedly said that it cannot comment on any ongoing litigation, and that it complies fully with internationally recognised sanctions laws.
Changan UK has formally entered the British automotive market following a financial services agreement with BNP Paribas Personal Finance and Arval UK, according to a company press release.

The partnership provides dealers and customers with access to a range of finance solutions, supporting the rollout of Changans first UK model, the Deepal S07 fully electric SUV.

Changan UK, established in 2010 as Changan UK R&D Centre Limited (CAUK), operates as the brands UK entity and is a subsidiary of Changan Automobile, the state-owned automotive manufacturer headquartered in Chongqing, China.

Changan front grille. Picture Credit: Shutterstock.com

The vehicle is initially available through 20 dealer sites, with plans to reach 40 by the end of 2025.

The arrangement builds on BNP Paribas existing relationships with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) globally and extends its support for automotive partners in the UK market.

Stephen Hunt, CEO of BNP Paribas Personal Finance UK, said the partnership reflects the power of collaboration between BNP Paribas Personal Finance and Arval UK and noted that the motor finance division is expanding our portfolio of OEMs with this new partnership with Changan UK.

Elliot Woodhead, Retail Director of Arval UK, commented that supporting Changans UK launch is further evidence of how the combined capabilities of BNP Paribas Personal Finance and Arval are providing an extensive range of solutions to support manufacturers and customers in the UK and across Europe.

Nic Thomas, Managing Director of Changan UK, described the agreement as a significant milestone for the brand, adding that combining its product line with BNP Paribas financial expertise will give us the operational foundation to grow quickly and sustainably in the UK.

"Changan UK enters market with BNP Paribas partnership" was originally created and published by Motor Finance Online, a GlobalData owned brand.




China Crypto. Photo by BeInCrypto

Chinas central bank has reiterated that digital assets remain illegal in the country. It said cryptocurrencies and related business activities continue to pose financial risks and fall short of core compliance requirements.

The Peoples Bank of China said the prohibition remains in force following a November 28 coordination meeting.

Why is China Maintaining its Strict Crypto Ban Stance?

At the meeting, the bank reiterated that digital assets do not share the legal status of fiat currency and are not permitted as a means of payment in commercial transactions.

It added that crypto-linked business activity constitutes illegal financial activity under Chinese law.

The PBOC singled out stablecoins, saying they fail to meet standards for customer identification and anti-money-laundering controls.

That gap, the bank said, exposes them to misuse in money laundering, fraudulent fundraising, and illegal cross-border capital transfers.

"Stablecoins, a form of virtual currency, currently fail to effectively meet requirements for customer identification and anti-money laundering, posing a risk of being used for money laundering, fundraising fraud, and illegal cross-border fund transfers," a translated version of the statement reads.

Considering this, the Chinese authorities said they remain focused on tightening risk prevention and ensuring firms and individuals comply with the countrys prohibitions.

Meanwhile, the announcement reflects Beijings continued commitment to strict enforcement, even as other jurisdictions pursue more accommodative regulatory paths.

Chinas stance stands in contrast with the broader shift in major economies over the past year.

Governments around the world, including the United States, have introduced frameworks to integrate digital assets into traditional financial markets. These measures are driving greater industry participation and institutional adoption.

However, China has maintained its sweeping 2021 ban on the emerging industry.

Instead, the authorities have continued to prioritize development of its central bank digital currency, the e-CNY, as it advances the digital yuan across pilot regions and public-sector payment systems.

Interestingly, despite the restrictions, underground crypto activity has persisted within the Asian country.

Reports have pointed to ongoing usage of virtual assets in parts of the country. Reuters recently estimated that China now accounts for 14% of the global Bitcoin mining market, marking a quiet return of crypto mining activity despite the nationwide ban.

Read original story China Doubles Down on Crypto Ban as PBOC Issues Warning on Stablecoins by Oluwapelumi Adejumo at beincrypto.com
Chinas central bank has quashed talk of relaxing its sweeping crackdown on crypto amid calls for Beijing to let Bitcoin miners return.

The Peoples Bank of China, also known as the PBoC, summoned representatives from government ministries, internet regulators, and the judiciary to make a fresh statement on crypto regulation, the Chinese newspaper Caixin reported.

Cryptocurrencies do not have the same legal status as legal tender, said the PBoC. They do not have legal tender status. And they should not and cannot be used as currency in the market. All cryptocurrency-related business transactions constitute illegal financial activities.

While reports continue to circulate in China and elsewhere claiming that illegal mining is on the rise, the chances of the Middle Kingdom embracing Bitcoin appear very remote for the time being.

Top-level summit

The bank convened the meeting on November 28, as part of its efforts to coordinate ways to combat speculation in the crypto trading space.

The list of attendees attests to the severity of the PBoCs message. It included the representatives from the public prosecution service, the supreme court, all of Chinas top financial and internet regulators, policy-making bodies, and three government ministries.

This is the first time that regulatory authorities have disclosed details of such a meeting, Caixin explained.

The Chinese media outlet Guandian said that the PBoCs decision to make the details of the meeting public was a response to the fact that crypto speculation has resurfaced in China.

China ordered banks to block and report all crypto-related transactions in 2021. It also issued a ban on crypto mining.

The popularity of Bitcoin has not dampened in China, however. DL News has seen evidence that over-the-counter trading with vendors and buyers in nearby nations like South Korea and Japan continues via Telegram open chat rooms.

The bank told the attendees that they should deepen their coordination and cooperation, and improve regulatory policies and legislation to intensify the crypto crackdown.

The PBoC called on the parties to monitor capital flows, bolster information sharing networks, further enhance monitoring capabilities, and severely crack down on illegal and criminal [crypto-related] activities.

Doing so, it claimed, would help protect the safety of public property, and maintain the stability of economic and financial order.

Data from the crypto miner Luxor Technology shows that Chinas share of the global Bitcoin hashrate stands at over 14%. That figure may originate exclusively from illegal mining, but it is only eclipsed by the United States and Russia.
Chinas central bank has moved to shut down speculation that it may soften its tough position on digital assets, even as some voices inside the country argue that authorities should allow Bitcoin mining to resume.

According to a report by Caixin, the Peoples Bank of China (PBoC) summoned officials from multiple state bodies, including government departments, internet watchdogs, and judicial system members, to reaffirm Beijings stance on cryptocurrency oversight.

Despite steady claims within China and abroad that illicit mining activity is rising, there is little sign that the worlds second-largest economy is preparing to welcome Bitcoin back anytime soon.

DISCOVER: Top 20 Crypto to Buy in 2025

Why Did Chinas Central Bank Call an Emergency Meeting on Crypto Trading?

The central bank said it convened the gathering on November 28 as part of an effort to coordinate measures to tackle speculation in crypto trading.

Those who attended underlined how firm the message was meant to be.

Participants included representatives from the national public prosecution service, the countrys highest court, leading financial supervisors and internet regulators, major policy agencies, and three separate government ministries.

Local outlet Guandian reported that the PBoC chose to publicize the meeting because speculative trading in digital assets had returned inside China.

Beijing first ordered banks in 2021 to identify, block, and report any crypto-related transactions. That move was followed by a nationwide ban on mining.

The PBoC told those present they should strengthen joint action and improve regulatory measures and legislation to step up enforcement against cryptocurrency activity.

Officials were also urged to keep closer watch over capital movements, expand data-sharing systems, upgrade surveillance tools, and strike hard at what the bank described as illegal and criminal practices linked to crypto.

DISCOVER: Best New Cryptocurrencies to Invest in 2025

How Much Bitcoin Mining Is Still Happening in China After the Ban?

According to the central bank, these steps are necessary to safeguard public assets and preserve stability in Chinas economic and financial system.

Figures from mining infrastructure firm Luxor Technology show China still accounts for more than 14% of the global Bitcoin hashrate.

Analysts say most, if not all, of that activity likely comes from underground operations. Only the United States and Russia currently rank ahead.

The South China Morning Post reported that academics have recently renewed calls for policymakers to review the countrys strict stance on mining.
Copper advanced to a record high in London on fears the global market is heading for a supply crunch.

The metal rose as much as 1.3% to $11,334 a ton on the London Metal Exchange before trimming gains, surpassing a peak reached on Friday, while futures on the Comex in the US surged as much as 1.7%. A rush to get copper to America ahead of possible import tariffs looks set to exacerbate shortfalls elsewhere as miners struggle to keep up with demand.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The sharp moves higher came after a major copper conference in Shanghai last week highlighted signs of supply stress following a year of unplanned mine disruptions. Smelters are facing tough talks with miners over annual ore supply, while yearly premiums spiked and major trader Mercuria Energy Group Ltd. warned of metal shortages next year.

Many investors have been bullish on copper because of its essential role in electrification and the energy transition, and its now up nearly 30% this year on the LME, the global benchmark. The advance on the Comex on Monday carried it to the highest since July 30, just before prices collapsed in the wake of US President Donald Trump postponing a decision on whether to place tariffs on commodity-grade forms of copper to the middle of next year.

Traders are again scrambling to get copper to the US, where prices remain higher than in London on expectations that Trump will impose import duties from 2027. Kostas Bintas, Mercurias high-profile head of metals, said more than half a million tons could arrive in the US in the first quarter of 2026.

WATCH: Coppers sharp moves higher came after a major industry conference in Shanghai last week that highlighted signs of supply stress. Martin Ritchie reports.Source: Bloomberg

Copper rose 0.6% to settle at $ a ton on the LME, following a 2.3% jump on Friday. Comex futures climbed 0.6% to settle at $5.303 a pound. All other metals except tin advanced.

--With assistance from Yvonne Yue Li.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2025 Bloomberg L.P.
Core Energy Minerals has signed a binding agreement with Rio Tinto Desenvolvimentos Minerais, a fully owned subsidiary of Rio Tinto, to acquire 100% of the Itambe Project in Brazil.

The Itambe Project is located in Bahia State in north-eastern Brazil, close to the northern border of Minas Gerais.

Bahia is a recognised mining jurisdiction. This region benefits from strong infrastructure including access to hydropower, proximity to Vitoria da Conquista airport approximately 60km away (with daily commercial flights from Sao Paulo) and a port at Ilheus roughly 200km to the east.

The project comprises 23 granted tenements covering a total area of 32,791 hectares. While the previous focus was on lithium exploration, Core intends to explore the broader project area for rare earth element (REE) mineralisation.

Core Energy Minerals managing director Tony Greenaway said: We are extremely excited to be acquiring the Itambe Project in Brazil from Rio Tinto.

The vast landholding is extremely prospective for rare earths. Rio Tinto, who were exploring the region for lithium, had previously identified a large REE anomaly defined by soil sampling with encouraging results of up to 5,123ppm [parts per million] TREO [total rare earth oxide].

The available airborne radiometric survey data shows positive correlation with the geochemical anomalies associated with intense U-Th-K [uranium-thorium-potassium], highlighting the potential for extending the known anomalies as well as areas that are untested. Consistent coherent anomalies remain open in all directions.

The Itambe Project is complementary to our existing Tunas REE project in southern Brazil, where we have recently announced similar, highly encouraging early-stage shallow auger drilling results highlighting high-grade TREO associated with clay rich saprolite.

The work finished by Rio Tinto comprised conceptual regional targeting, first pass geochemical surface sampling and a four-hole auger test programme intended to assess the suitability of this drilling method in the area.

This work covered around 7% of the total tenement holding and has outlined three separate zones of widespread high-grade REE anomalism in the southern portion of the project, with the remaining areas being completely untested.

Additional studies by Core are required to better characterise the host rocks and the broader mineralising systems, and to determine the most likely source rocks responsible for the observed geochemical anomalism.

The transaction terms include a purchase price of $200,000 (A$305,068) in cash and a 1.75% net smelter return (NSR) royalty.
Insiders were net buyers of Cryosite Limited's (ASX:CTE ) stock during the past year. That is, insiders bought more stock than they sold.

While we would never suggest that investors should base their decisions solely on what the directors of a company have been doing, logic dictates you should pay some attention to whether insiders are buying or selling shares.

We've found 21 US stocks that are forecast to pay a dividend yield of over 6% next year. See the full list for free.

Cryosite Insider Transactions Over The Last Year

Over the last year, we can see that the biggest insider purchase was by Non-Executive Chairman Mark Kerr for AU$185k worth of shares, at about AU$0.80 per share. Even though the purchase was made at a significantly lower price than the recent price (AU$1.13), we still think insider buying is a positive. Because the shares were purchased at a lower price, this particular buy doesn't tell us much about how insiders feel about the current share price.

Mark Kerr bought a total of 306.45k shares over the year at an average price of AU$0.79. You can see the insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last year depicted in the chart below. If you want to know exactly who sold, for how much, and when, simply click on the graph below!

Check out our latest analysis for Cryosite

ASX:CTE Insider Trading Volume December 1st 2025

Cryosite is not the only stock insiders are buying. So take a peek at this free list of under-the-radar companies with insider buying.

Insider Ownership Of Cryosite

Looking at the total insider shareholdings in a company can help to inform your view of whether they are well aligned with common shareholders. I reckon it's a good sign if insiders own a significant number of shares in the company. It's great to see that Cryosite insiders own 63% of the company, worth about AU$35m. This kind of significant ownership by insiders does generally increase the chance that the company is run in the interest of all shareholders.

What Might The Insider Transactions At Cryosite Tell Us?

The fact that there have been no Cryosite insider transactions recently certainly doesn't bother us. On a brighter note, the transactions over the last year are encouraging. With high insider ownership and encouraging transactions, it seems like Cryosite insiders think the business has merit. So these insider transactions can help us build a thesis about the stock, but it's also worthwhile knowing the risks facing this company. In terms of investment risks, we've identified 1 warning sign with Cryosite and understanding it should be part of your investment process.
Akbar Novruz



Belarus President Alexander Lukashenkos November 28 trip to Oman has triggered a wave of speculation after the visit abruptly disappeared from both Belarusian and Omani official reporting, Azernews reports.

Belarus state media initially described the trip as a working visit, stating that Lukashenko was scheduled to meet with Omans Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said. The announcement highlighted strengthened bilateral contacts in recent years, increased high-level visits, and the development of promising cooperation areas identified during Lukashenkos 2024 trip to Oman. It also referenced the Roadmap signed during Sultan Haithams October 2025 visit to Minsk.

According to the official report, the Muscat meetings were intended to thoroughly discuss the implementation of existing agreements and advance joint projects to the practical phase across various fields.

Lukashenkos aircraft landed in Muscat on the evening of November 28, where he was welcomed by Abdul Salam Al-Murshidi, the head of the Oman Investment Authority. Yet after this brief announcement, no further updates followed. Neither Omans nor Belaruss official institutions, state media, or unofficial outlets released additional information about the visit, its agenda, or its outcomes.

The sudden silence immediately fueled rumours across social networks and opposition-linked Belarusian media, generating headlines such as Lukashenko disappeared, Lukashenko vanished in Oman, and similar claims pointing to an information blackout.

Adding to the uncertainty, Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus, Pavel Latushka, argued on "X" that based on Muscats protocol, Lukashenkos trip is neither a state nor an official visit. He noted the absence of hallmark elements usually associated with such visits, no honor guard, no high-level welcoming delegation, and none of the formal attributes typically observed in Omans official receptions.

For now, the lack of updates from both sides continues to raise questions, leaving Lukashenkos Oman visit shrouded in ambiguity.
With a market cap of $65.8 billion, CSX Corporation (CSX) is a leading U.S.-based rail transportation company headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, operating an extensive network of about 20,000 route miles across 26 states and parts of Canada. The company provides freight and intermodal services, moving commodities such as agricultural products, chemicals, coal, metals, industrial goods, and automobiles, while connecting major ports and inland distribution hubs.

Companies valued over $10 billion are generally described as large-cap stocks, and CSX fits right into that category. CSXs services include rail and intermodal transport, rail-to-truck transfers, and the movement of a wide range of commodities, making it a critical link in the North American supply chain.

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Shares of the company have decreased 5.1% from its 52-week high of $37.25. CSXs shares have risen 8.3% over the past three months, outperforming the S&P 500 Index ($SPX) 5.3% surge over the same time frame.

www.barchart.com

In the longer term, shares of the freight railroad have declined 3.3% over the past 52 weeks, lagging behind $SPXs 14.2% rally over the same time frame. Additionally, the stock is up 9.6% on a YTD basis, compared to $SPXs 16.5% rise,

CSX stock has fallen below its 50-day moving average recently and has climbed above its 200-day moving average since September.

www.barchart.com

On October 16, CSX Corporation released its third-quarter earnings, prompting a 1.7% gain in its shares in the following trading session. The company reported an adjusted EPS of $0.44, exceeding analyst expectations, though revenue of $3.59 billion fell slightly short of estimates. Freight volumes showed modest growth, largely supported by sustained demand in the intermodal segment, which benefits from the movement of containers and trailers across its rail network.

However, adjusted operating income declined to $1.25 billion, reflecting higher operating costs and ongoing investments in infrastructure and service improvements, which weighed on near-term profitability despite solid underlying volume trends.

In addition, CSX stock has performed better than its rival, Union Pacific Corporation (UNP), which soared 1.7% on a YTD basis and has dipped 5.5% over the past 52 weeks.
The US deploying more Navy vessels near Venezuela has triggered speculation that the White House may be planning to invade the nation - Cristian Hernandez/The Associated Press

Diesel pump prices could surge for UK drivers if Donald Trump orders military action in Venezuela, analysts have warned.

Venezuela specialises in the heavy sour grades of crude oil that are used to make diesel, meaning a supply disruption could have an outsized impact on fuel costs.

Although the world is oversupplied with oil this year, helping to keep prices low, there is far less heavy-sour product to go around, and the US and Chinese refineries which rely on it cannot easily switch to processing an alternative.

Cyril Widdershoven, an analyst at the think tank Strategy International Cyprus, said: Venezuelas one million to 1.1 million barrels per day of heavy-sour output are crucial for US and Asian refineries. Any disruption could spike Brent and diesel prices.

Some estimates suggest that these heavy refiners might have to pay anything from $5 (3.7) to $15 a barrel extra for their oil, if there is a scramble to secure alternative supplies from Saudi Arabia or the United Arab Emirates.

The diesel market was already feeling the strain from Ukraines military campaign against Russian refineries. Although a large chunk of the British diesel price comprises taxes, the price per litre has climbed 5pc since the middle of the year.

David Oxley of Capital Economics said: The diesel price has been on a bit of a tear recently. Ukrainian drones are taking Russian refinery capacity offline.

The Brent crude oil price jumped as much as 2pc during trade on Monday after a Ukrainian drone attack on Russias Caspian Pipeline Consortium, and amid increasing concern about the US-Venezuela tensions.

Mr Widdershoven said: Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Europe has leaned heavily on US diesel and gasoline, as Russian products were sanctioned. Any change in US refinery output will lead to higher product import bills and diesel premiums in Europe.

Dont read anything into it

On Saturday Mr Trump posted on his Truth Social platform that the airspace above and surrounding Venezuela [is] to be closed in in its entirety, citing concerns about narcotics trafficking.

Having already launched over 20 strikes on alleged smuggling vessels, killing more than 80 people, the US in November deployed more Navy vessels to the region, including an aircraft carrier.

This has triggered speculation that the White House may be planning military strikes or even an invasion aimed at ousting Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro.

Mr Trump has repeatedly been ambiguous about his plans, refusing to rule anything out.

When journalists on Sunday asked about the previous days Truth Social post, Mr Trump said: Dont read anything into it. But the US president added that we consider Venezuela to be a not-very-friendly country.
With a market cap of around $77.9 billion, Ecolab Inc. (ECL) is a leader in water treatment, hygiene, and infectionprevention solutions, headquartered in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Serving a diverse range of industries, including foodservice, hospitality, healthcare, retail, energy, and industrial sectors, Ecolab provides products and services that ensure clean environments, safe water, food safety, and sustainable operations.

Companies valued at $10 billion or more are generally considered "large-cap" stocks, and Ecolab fits this criterion perfectly. Operating in over 170 countries with around 48,000 employees, the company leverages its scale and expertise to help businesses improve efficiency, meet regulatory standards, and maintain high standards of health and safety worldwide.

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Shares of the company have declined 3.8% from its 52-week high of $286.04 recorded on Aug. 20. Over the past three months, Ecolab's shares have dropped 1.4%, outperforming the Materials Select Sector SPDR Fund's (XLB) 3% decline during the same period.

www.barchart.com

Longer term, ECL stock is up 17.4% YTD, outpacing XLB's 6.3% gain. Moreover, shares of the water solutions company have returned 11.1% over the past 52 weeks, compared to XLBs 5.2% drop over the same time frame.

The stock has recently edged over its 50-day and 200-day moving averages, indicating a bullish trend.

www.barchart.com

On Nov. 14, Ecolab shares surged 1.3% after the company announced the launch of its Cooling as a Service (CaaS) program, a fully integrated solution designed to optimize cooling performance at a global scale. The program combines Ecolabs 3D TRASAR Technology for Direct-to-Chip Liquid Cooling with its smart Coolant Distribution Unit, leveraging over a century of cooling expertise to deliver peak efficiency from data center facilities to high-performance servers.

However, ECL stock has outperformed its rival, Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. (APD). APD stock has dipped 10% on a YTD basis and 21.7% over the past 52 weeks.

Despite the stocks outperformance over the past year, analysts remain cautiously optimistic about its prospects. ECL stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy from 27 analysts in coverage, and the mean price target of $294 is a premium of 6.8% to current levels.

On the date of publication, Kritika Sarmah did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Barchart.com
Colombian state-owned oil and gas company Ecopetrol has unveiled its annual investment plan for 2026, with an amount between 22tn ($5.8bn) and 27tn pesos.

The companys investment in exploration and production is expected to total 14tn pesos, with 89% allocated to crude oil and 11% to gas.

The plan targets organic production of 730,000740,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd), comprising 80% crude, 15% gas and 5% white products.

Ecopetrol will deploy recovery technologies to optimise resources and sustain production.

Crude oil output is projected to increase, offsetting natural gas field declines.

The company plans to drill 380430 development wells in 2026, with 95% of them located in Colombia and 5% in the US.

The plans also include eight to ten exploratory wells in Colombia, focusing on offshore regions as well as the Meta and Putumayo areas.

Ecopetrol has planned 1.5tn pesos of investment in gas, focused on the Llanos Foothills and offshore zones to advance Caribbean gas projects.

These initiatives are expected to support production of approximately 105,000110,000boepd.

The companys planned investment in transport infrastructure amounts to 1.5tn pesos, or 6% of the total budget.

This funding is earmarked for projects aimed at maintaining the integrity and reliability of assets managed by Cenit, Ocensa, ODC and ODL.

Forecasts indicate transported volumes will be between 1,110,000 and 1,120,000 barrels per day (bpd), in line with national output and demand for refined products.

Refining investments are expected to reach nearly 1.7tn pesos, accounting for 7% of the overall budget, reducing product imports and enhancing fuel quality.

The company is allocating the funds to the Barrancabermeja and Cartagena refineries, with a projected combined throughput of 410,000420,000bpd.

In a separate development, Ecopetrols Board of Directors elected Angela Maria Robledo Gomez as chairwoman and Alvaro Torres Macias as vice-chairman.

Guillermo Garcia Realpe is resigning from his position as an independent director of the board for personal reasons, effective from 12 December 2025.

"Ecopetrol to invest up to $7.2bn next year " was originally created and published by Offshore Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.




Australia-based charcoal chicken chain El Jannah has outlined a national expansion programme that would see its network grow from 50 outlets to 200.

The brand plans to launch more than 25 new restaurants before the end of 2026, targeting sites in New South Wales, Victoria and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) as part of its next phase of growth.

In New South Wales, upcoming openings are planned for Cranebrook, Cronulla, Emerald Hills, Maroubra, North Rocks, Ropes Crossing, Rozelle, Rutherford in the Hunter Valley, Sydneys central business district and Warringah Mall.

In Victoria, the company is preparing new outlets in Armstrong Creek, Ashburton, Box Hill, Carrum Downs, Corio, Cranbourne East, Cranbourne West, Hawthorn, Ivanhoe, Lilydale, Roxburgh Park, South Yarra, Sunbury, Wollert and Wyndam Vale.

In the ACT, a restaurant will open in Woden.

The rollout is underpinned by a significant capital injection from General Atlantic (GA). Financial details were not revealed.

The private equity company has previously also invested in Danish juice and coffee chain Joe & The Juice.

General Atlantic managing director and head of Southeast Asia and Australia Neal Kok stated: El Jannah is one of the most distinctive and exciting restaurant offerings we have seen in Australia. Its combination of authentic food and amazing community following are core to what has made it an incredible success.

Founded in 1998 by Lebanese migrant couple Andre and Carole Estephan in Western Sydney, El Jannah has built its profile around charcoal-grilled chicken platters.

The business has expanded from five restaurants in 2020 to 50 locations across Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Wollongong and the Southern Highlands. It currently handles around 160,000 transactions each week.

Chief executive Brett Houldin will remain at the helm of the company, with support from the Estephan family and General Atlantic as El Jannah pursues its expansion plans.

Our partnership with GA means we can explore selective international expansion for the first time, including the possibility of exporting our unique Australian-Middle Eastern favour profile back to the Middle East, and into other high-potential markets, Houldin noted.

"El Jannahs national growth plan backed by General Atlantic" was originally created and published by Verdict Food Service, a GlobalData owned brand.




EQT Real Estate sells a portfolio of 33 light industrial assets totaling 144,000 square meters in Eastern Sweden, following the October sale of a 10,000 square meter asset in Southern Sweden

EQT's ownership of the properties, which were aggregated into a high-quality industrial portfolio, has created affordable rent opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises in fast-growing industrial hubs near large Swedish cities

Sale of the portfolio was initiated following successful value creation activities driven by targeted property investments and the establishment of a diversified tenant base, contributing to stable, long-term cash flows.

STOCKHOLM, Dec. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- EQT is pleased to announce that EQT Real Estate II Fund ("EQT Real Estate") has sold a portfolio of 33 Swedish light industrial assets to Brookfield, through its private Real Estate Solutions strategy, as well as the sale of an individual property to ICA Fastigheter.

The portfolio includes a mix of suburban properties neighboring growing university cities in Sweden. The property sold to ICA Fastigheter is located in Trelleborg. Together, they span approximately 154,000 square meters and comprise a diverse mix of light industrial properties including warehousing, logistics facilities and production spaces as well as car dealerships.

EQT's strategic efforts to aggregate single assets into a modern, high-quality industrial portfolio have provided affordable and modern spaces for tenants, predominantly of Swedish small and medium-sized enterprises, complemented by established firms. By addressing vacancies, re-gearing short-term leases and executing select development projects, the portfolio has achieved long-term occupancy stability, solid cash flow and strong value appreciation. Broadgate Asset Management has acted as EQT's partner and operating manager for the portfolio.

Olivier Astruc, Managing Director at EQT Real Estate, said: "We are delighted to see our investment thesis for Swedish light industrial assets materialize successfully. The performance of these Swedish logistics real estate assets has been underpinned by continued growth in strategically targeted cities located in proximity to logistics and industrial sub-markets. Over the years, we have aggregated a high-quality portfolio, enhanced its performance by prioritizing occupiers' needs, and we are pleased to have found the right owner to continue its growth."

EQT Real Estate was advised on the portfolio transaction by CBRE (commercial), Schjdt (legal), EY (financial), and Tjuren (technical).
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 use what is known as a 2-stage model, which simply means we have two different periods of growth rates for the company's cash flows. Generally the first stage is higher growth, and the second stage is a lower growth phase. To begin with, we have to get estimates of the next ten years of cash flows. Where possible we use analyst estimates, but when these aren't available we extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the last estimate or reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years.

We would caution that there are many ways of valuing a company and, like the DCF, each technique has advantages and disadvantages in certain scenarios. 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 will run through one way of estimating the intrinsic value of Travis Perkins plc ( LON:TPK ) by taking the expected future cash flows and discounting them to their present value. This will be done using the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model. Don't get put off by the jargon, the math behind it is actually quite straightforward.

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. 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 (3.0%) 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 10%.

Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2035  (1 + g)  (r  g) = UK140m (1 + 3.0%)  (10% 3.0%) = UK2.0b

Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= UK2.0b ( 1 + 10%)10= UK763m

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 UK1.5b. To get the intrinsic value per share, we divide this by the total number of shares outstanding. Compared to the current share price of UK6.4, the company appears about fair value at a 11% 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.

LSE:TPK Discounted Cash Flow December 1st 2025

Important Assumptions

The calculation above is very dependent on two assumptions. The first is the discount rate and the other is the cash flows. Part of investing is coming up with your own evaluation of a company's future performance, so try the calculation yourself and check your own assumptions. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at Travis Perkins 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 10%, which is based on a levered beta of 1.405. 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.

View our latest analysis for Travis Perkins

SWOT Analysis for Travis Perkins

Strength

Debt is not viewed as a risk.

Weakness

Dividend is low compared to the top 25% of dividend payers in the Trade Distributors market.

Opportunity

Expected to breakeven next year.

Has sufficient cash runway for more than 3 years based on current free cash flows.

Good value based on P/S ratio and estimated fair value.

Threat

Paying a dividend but company is unprofitable.

Next Steps:

Whilst important, the DCF calculation is only one of many factors that you need to assess for a company. DCF models are not the be-all and end-all of investment valuation. Rather it should be seen as a guide to "what assumptions need to be true for this stock to be under/overvalued?" If a company grows at a different rate, or if its cost of equity or risk free rate changes sharply, the output can look very different. For Travis Perkins, there are three important elements you should further research:

Risks: To that end, you should be aware of the 1 warning sign we've spotted with Travis Perkins . Future Earnings: How does TPK's growth rate compare to its peers and the wider market? Dig deeper into the analyst consensus number for the upcoming years by interacting with our free analyst growth expectation chart. Other High Quality Alternatives: Do you like a good all-rounder? Explore our interactive list of high quality stocks to get an idea of what else is out there you may be missing!

PS. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every British 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.
By Shariq Khan

NEW YORK, Nov 30 (Reuters) - Commodity trader Gunvor has held active talks to invest in U.S. oil- and gas-producing assets, which could smooth over ties with the Trump administration after fallout from Gunvor's bid to buy sanctioned Russian major Lukoil's foreign assets, two sources familiar with the matter said.

Gunvor dropped its bid to buy Lukoil's assets after the U.S. Treasury expressed strong opposition to the move, calling the trading firm "Kremlin's puppet."

While Gunvor had been interested in increasing its U.S. investments even before the failed Lukoil bid, such a move could now help it to improve relations with the administration of President Donald Trump, which has made it a top priority to attract more investments in the country's energy industry, the sources said.

Gunvor's Americas unit, led by Gary Pedersen, has considered backing newly formed private oil and gas companies in buying assets on its behalf, and has held talks to provide financial backing for existing producers to expand their footprint, the sources said.

The sources, who requested anonymity to discuss confidential information, cautioned that a deal was not certain.

The White House did not respond to a request for comment.

Gunvor declined to comment on specifics but said in an emailed statement: "The U.S. market remains a key growth area and we look forward to significant investments to come across the energy value chain."

Gunvor has been investing in U.S. trading and energy infrastructure since 2012 and its portfolio there has an enterprise value of more than $4 billion, the statement added.

RECENT EFFORTS FOCUS ON NATURAL GAS

Potential U.S. investments by Gunvor are likely to focus more on natural gas than on oil, one of the sources said.

The trading firm was involved in recent bidding for assets owned by Baytex Energy in the Eagle Ford shale basin of South Texas, the other source said. Gunvor provided a financial guarantee to backstop a bid by Houston, Texas-based Percussion Petroleum, the source added.

Baytex earlier this month announced the sale of the Eagle Ford assets to an undisclosed buyer for $2.31 billion. Percussion's bid was unsuccessful, according to separate sources familiar with the matter.

Percussion did not respond to a request for comment. Baytex declined to comment.

Details of Gunvor's interest in making more U.S. shale investments, including its involvement with Percussion's bid, have not been previously reported.

TRADERS BUILDING ENERGY PRODUCTION PORTFOLIO
A mild uptick in bitcoin mining in China has prompted calls for Beijing to loosen its restrictions and let the power-hungry industry tap into the country's oversupply of energy, but experts said the likelihood of China ending its mining ban was low.

China's bitcoin mining market share by hash rate rose from 13.75 per cent in the first quarter of 2025 to 14.06 per cent in the current quarter, making it the third largest bitcoin mining country behind the US and Russia, according to Hashrate Index, a data platform operated by US bitcoin mining firm Luxor Technology.

The Hashrate Index did not disclose market share by country before this year. China's hash rate plunged to zero in July 2021, two months after Beijing vowed to crack down on bitcoin mining, according to 2021 data by the Cambridge Bitcoin Electricity Consumption Index (CBECI).

Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge, our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team.

Hash rate is a unit of measure for the bitcoin network's processing power for verifying transactions and mining new cryptocurrency tokens. CBECI mining map data showed that China's bitcoin mining market share had already bounced back to 22.29 per cent by September 2021. The organisation stopped updating its map data in February 2022.

A representation of bitcoin cryptocurrency is shown in this illustration taken September 10, 2025. Photo: Reuters alt=A representation of bitcoin cryptocurrency is shown in this illustration taken September 10, 2025. Photo: Reuters>

The uptick in bitcoin mining activity in China this year coincides with increased calls from scholars for Beijing to reconsider its rigid bitcoin mining ban. In recent years, Beijing has escalated its crackdown on various cryptocurrency-related businesses, maintaining that they disrupted economic and financial order and were a breeding ground for criminal activity.

In an article titled "Reinstate Crypto Mining to Facilitate China's Transition to Carbon Neutrality" published in March, Guojun He, professor in Economics at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) and the associate director of HKU's Institute of China Economy, suggested that the country use crypto mining to help utilise its excess renewable power.

China's oversupply rate of solar energy in some regions had exceeded 10 per cent while that of wind energy had reached up to 15 per cent, He noted, citing government data. Integrating crypto mining into the power grid adjustment system would absorb surplus power, stabilise grid operations and generate economic benefits, He wrote.
Trump in September said that the tech giant should fire its global affairs president Lisa Monaco, who served in the administrations of past Democratic presidents.

After a meeting between the two, Trump praised Tan and the U.S. government decided to take a stake in the chipmaker.

Tan responded to Trump, saying he shared the president's commitment to advancing U.S. national and economic security and that the Intel board was "fully supportive of the work we are doing to transform our company".

"The CEO of INTEL is highly CONFLICTED and must resign, immediately. There is no other solution to this problem," Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform.

In early August, Trump demanded Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan step down due to China ties. Reuters had reported in April that Tan invested at least $200 million in hundreds of Chinese advanced manufacturing and chip firms, some of which were linked to the Chinese military.

Trump said it was mostly "companies and governments, many of them foreign, picking up the tabs". He also took a dig at Solomon for his former DJ-ing hobby.

"David Solomon and Goldman Sachs refuse to give credit where credit is due," Trump said in a post on Truth Social, shortly thereafter.

Goldman's economic research arm had published a note in August that said U.S. consumers had absorbed 22% of tariff costs through June, and their share could rise to 67% if the recent levies follow the same pattern as the earliest ones.

Pedersen's promotion coincides with a push by Gunvor to smooth its ties with the U.S., which has seen the firm hold active talks to invest in U.S. oil and gas-producing assets in recent weeks.

The U.S. Treasury last month sank what would have been Gunvor's biggest ever deal to acquire U.S.-sanctioned Russian oil major Lukoil's international assets.

The firm said on Monday that Americas head Gary Pedersen, hired by the company just last year, will assume the top role.

Global commodity trading house Gunvor's CEO Torbjorn Tornqvist will step down and sell his full shareholding in a management buyout, weeks after the U.S. dubbed the firm the "Kremlin's puppet" over its past Russian links.

Here are some influential figures and entities that Trump has publicly criticized:

Dec 1 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump has sustained his criticism and actions against executives, corporations and institutions, months after taking office. His unprecedented actions - from novel export deals to frozen university grants - have upended the status quo between the government, law, academia and corporate America.

Story Continues

"She is a menace to U.S. National Security, especially given the major contracts that Microsoft has with the United States Government," Trump said on Truth Social. "It is my opinion that Microsoft should immediately terminate the employment of Lisa Monaco."

Trump said Monaco, in her position at Microsoft, would have access to highly sensitive information and her "having that kind of access is unacceptable, and cannot be allowed to stand."

Monaco, who started working at Microsoft in July, was a security aide in former president Barack Obama's administration and served as the deputy attorney general in former president Joe Biden's administration.

TESLA

The electric automaker's billionaire tech CEO Elon Musk spent hundreds of millions of dollars supporting Trump's re-election, a move investors who bid up Tesla stock expected to benefit Musk's empire.

Trump and Musk, however, fell out in June after Musk criticized Trump's sweeping tax-cut and spending bill because it was projected to increase federal debt.

Responding to that on Truth Social, Trump threatened to cut federal subsidies and contracts to Musk's companies and said the billionaire "just went CRAZY" after losing the electric-vehicle mandate in the bill.

JAGUAR LAND ROVER

Trump criticized Jaguar's rebranding effort in August, calling the campaign "woke" and "stupid", and linking it to the departure of the company's CEO.

The remarks from Trump came as the British carmaker, owned by India's Tata Motors, announced the retirement of CEO Adrian Mardell, who spent more than three decades at the company.

Jaguar last year unveiled a new logo and visual identity as part of a brand refresh aimed at repositioning itself as an electric automaker, a move that drew sharp online backlash and criticism from brand loyalists.

APPLE

Trump has repeatedly targeted Apple and its boss, Tim Cook, for making U.S.-sold iPhones outside the country and has threatened company-specific tariffs.

In May, Trump recalled after a meeting in the Qatari capital Doha that he had confronted Cook about the company's plan to make most of its iPhones sold in the U.S. at factories in India by the end of 2026.

Trump had said in a social media post he told Cook "long ago" that "I expect their iPhones that will be sold in the United States of America will be manufactured and built in the United States, not India, or anyplace else".

In early August, Trump announced Apple would invest an additional $100 billion in the U.S., raising its total domestic commitment to $600 billion over the next four years. Cook also gave Trump a U.S.-made souvenir with a 24-karat gold base.

AMAZON.COM

Trump called Amazon's former CEO Jeff Bezos in April to complain about a news report that said the company planned to display prices showing the impact of tariffs on ecommerce retailer Amazon.com.

However, Amazon said it had only briefly considered listing import charges for some goods in April following Trump's tariff announcement, but dropped the plan as the White House accused the company of a "hostile political act".

Trump later told reporters that Bezos had solved the problem "very quickly" and was "very nice".

BANK OF AMERICA AND JPMORGAN CHASE

Trump in August alleged that BofA CEO Brian Moynihan and JPMorgan chief Jamie Dimon discriminated against him and his supporters. Earlier he had said they did not provide banking services to conservatives.

"What you're doing is wrong," Trump said, in a video address at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Trump did not cite evidence or specifics of any wrongdoing, in a question-and-answer session with corporate leaders and CEOs assembled on stage.

He also referenced JPMorgan's Dimon. "You and Jamie and everybody, I hope you're gonna open your bank to conservatives."

Both lenders have denied the allegations of "debanking" on multiple occasions.

WALMART

Trump said in May that Walmart and China should "eat the tariffs" and not burden American shoppers, after CEO Doug McMillon said the retailer could not absorb all tariff-related costs because of narrow retail margins.

"Walmart should STOP trying to blame Tariffs as the reason for raising prices throughout the chain. Walmart made BILLIONS OF DOLLARS last year, far more than expected," Trump said in a social media post.

While Trump did not call out McMillon personally, he publicly criticized Walmart for attributing its price hikes in May to tariffs imposed by his administration.

CRACKER BARREL

The restaurant chain's brief change in its logo  removing the long-standing image of an overall-clad man known as "Uncle Herschel" leaning against a barrel  is the most recent in a series of dustups where an unexpected response has blindsided retail chains.

Cracker Barrel said in late August it will stick with its decades-old logo, scrapping plans for a new one following social media backlash, including from U.S. President Donald Trump.

"Congratulations 'Cracker Barrel' on changing your logo back to what it was. All of your fans very much appreciate it," Trump said on Truth Social after the company's reversal.

COMCAST

Trump criticized Comcast and its cable news network MSNBC for its news coverage of his administration. He said to reporters, "They're changing the name because they're ashamed of it, and they're disassociating it from NBC," referring to MSNBC's name change to MS NOW.

In a post on his social media platform last week, Trump also called Comcast a "weak and ineffective owner ... headed by ... Brian Roberts".

SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION:

The White House has said it will lead an internal review of some Smithsonian museums and exhibitions ahead of the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Declaration of Independence.

In an executive order in March, Trump said the institution had come under the influence of a "divisive, race-centered ideology" in recent years.

HARVARD UNIVERSITY

Trump targeted the country's oldest and richest university, canceling about $2.5 billion federal grants and mounted efforts to cut off research funding to Harvard, as part of a larger campaign to force change at U.S. universities, which Trump says are gripped by antisemitic and "radical left" ideologies.

"We are going to be taking away Harvard's Tax Exempt Status. It's what they deserve!" Trump wrote in a post on his social media platform in May.

Trump said on September 30 that his administration was close to a deal with Harvard University that would include a $500 million payment by the Ivy League institution, after months of negotiations over school policies.

COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY

In March, the Trump administration said it was penalizing Columbia University over how it handled last year's protests by canceling $400 million in federal funding.

"This is the first arrest of many to come. We know there are more students at Columbia and other Universities across the Country who have engaged in pro-terrorist, anti-Semitic, anti-American activity, and the Trump Administration will not tolerate it," Trump said in a social media post.

The comments came after the arrest of a Palestinian graduate student Mahmoud Khalil, who played a prominent role in the protests.

In July, the university said it will pay over $200 million to the U.S. government in a settlement with Trump's administration.

LAW FIRMS

Trump targeted law firm Perkins Coie in March with an executive order that suspended security clearances for its employees and restricted their access to federal buildings over its ties to Hillary Clinton and DEI policies.

Trump had said it was "an absolute honor to sign" the order. Trump also targeted New York law firm Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison in March with a similar order, which he later withdrew after striking a deal.

Law firm Covington & Burling faced Trump's presidential memorandum in February, which suspended security clearances for Peter Koski and all Covington employees who assisted former special counsel Jack Smith, who prosecuted Trump.

Covington had said it would continue representing Jack Smith despite these measures.

"We're going to continue holding the people who were responsible for the weaponization of government - who supported it - accountable," Trump had said.

THE NEW YORK TIMES AND PENGUIN RANDOM HOUSE

Trump filed a $15 billion defamation lawsuit against the New York Times and book publisher Penguin Random House in September, as part of a legal assault on major media companies he accuses of treating him unfairly.

THE WALL STREET JOURNAL

Trump sued the Wall Street Journal and its owners including Rupert Murdoch in July for at least $10 billion, over the newspaper's report that his name was on a 2003 birthday greeting for Jeffrey Epstein that included a sexually suggestive drawing and a reference to secrets they shared.

(Reporting by Deborah Sophia, Juveria Tabassum, Niket Nishant, Shivansh Tiwary, Savyata Mishra, Kritika Lamba, Arsheeya Bajwa, Zaheer Kachwala, Puyaan Singh, Pooja Menon and Dharna Bafna in Bengaluru; Editing by Anil D'Silva, Sriraj Kalluvila and Arun Koyyur)
Qabil Ashirov



Azerbaijans Defense Ministry announced that obsolete and unusable munitions will be safely destroyed in Pirekeshkul and Agdere between December 1 and 5.

Azernews reports that the disposal operation will take place at a training ground near the Pirekeshkul settlement and at a military training center in the Agdere district.

The ministry noted that the process will be conducted strictly in line with safety protocols. Residents in nearby areas may hear the sound of explosions during the operation.

We call on the public to remain calm. There is no reason for concern, the ministry said, urging citizens not to be alarmed by the noise associated with the controlled detonations.
Ferrero, the privately-owned confectionery giant, is investing in the modernisation of its ice cream plant in Spain.

The move is intended to make the Ice Cream Factory Comaker (ICFC) plant in Alzira, Valencia the groups European "technology hub for ice cream development", according to a statement from the Italian firm.

The 140m ($162.3m) project will expand capacity, modernise processes and roll out new technologies. New production lines will be installed before 2030.

The plant will manufacture new branded products but the Nutella and Ferrero Rocher brands owner also said it will cease private-label production at Alzira by the end of 2026.

The site will play a pivotal role in growing the companys branded ice-cream portfolio across Europe under a long-term growth plan, added the statement.

The move affects only the Alzira facility, with operations at all other Ferrero ice-cream plants continuing unchanged.

"Ferrero guarantees job continuity for all employees throughout the process, both in office and production roles, although some may take on new responsibilities within the renewed structure," the statement read.

Just Food has asked for further details.

The company acquired a controlling stake in the ICFC plant in 2019 and fully acquired it two years later.

In April, Ferrero set out plans to invest C$445m (then $321m) to expand its production site in Brantford, Canada. The investment included the installation of production lines for Nutella biscuits and Ferrero Rocher chocolate squares, a statement from the Ontario government said.

Additionally, in August last year, the Tic Tac brand owner announced plans to invest approximately 170m (then $189m) in upgrading its Stadtallendorf facility in central Germany.

"Ferrero shakes up production at Spain ice-cream plant" was originally created and published by Just Food, a GlobalData owned brand.




Finnvera has become a shareholder in the European Investment Fund (EIF), strengthening its role in the European Unions small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) finance sector.

The development is expected to promote the interests of both Finland and the financial sector within the EIF, supporting banks and private equity investors.

The EIF acts as a SME finance provider in Finland.

It provided 606m ($702.6m) in financing to the SME sector in 2024, of which 561m were guarantees, primarily benefiting banks.

The organisation is primarily owned by the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Commission, and it works as the EIB Groups specialist arm for supporting SMEs with equity investments, guarantees and other financial instruments.

It has 41 entities as shareholders, both state-owned and commercial financial institutions. Finnvera is now the sole Finnish entity among these shareholders.

EIF chief executive Marjut Falkstedt said: We are thrilled to be welcoming a Finnish entity to the family of EIF shareholders. Finnvera is already a key partner of the EIB Group and has a long-standing relationship with both the EIF and EIB.

We are building on a successful cooperation, having worked together to introduce new financial instruments to the Finnish market that were met with strong demand.

Finnvera and the EIF have collaborated since 1998 through various risk-sharing agreements.

Since 2019, risk-sharing has become a regular feature in Finnveras guarantee products such as its SME Guarantee, which is supported by the COSME loan guarantee facility.

The InvestEU-guaranteed Climate and Digitalisation Loans, developed by Finnvera and the EIF since June 2023, have totalled around 170m for Finnish SMEs and midcap businesses.

Finnveras services include providing guarantees, loans, export credit guarantees, and other financing options related to exports.

Owned by the State of Finland and the Export Credit Agency (ECA), Finnvera reported total exposure of 26.3bn across domestic loans and guarantees, at the end of September 2025.

"Finnvera joins EIF as shareholder" was originally created and published by Leasing Life, a GlobalData owned brand.




Barker is also strategic about proximity issues, building his products close to the commodities needed and in locations that compress turnaround times and shipping distance. Advanced manufacturing approaches also play a role and Barker noted his employee count has been consistent since 2017 even as volumes have more than quintupled over the same time period.

Early on, I didnt have the money to buy a massive amount of material inventory, Barker said. And that required the one-piece-flow type environment. An order came in, an order went out. It was checkbook-driven because I had no money.

Barker said the evolution of Murphy Doors manufacturing process reflects the bootstrapped nature of the companys growth. That includes a one-piece-flow model in which every order is bespoke, or customized to each customers needs.

You have a built-in magic show, Barker said. Everyone wants to hang til the end of your video to see whats behind the hidden door.

Barker said the effort began as a part-time gig alongside his firefighting duties but blossomed from $30,000 in revenues early on into $1 million in just a few years, helped by a low-budget social media marketing effort that found an interested and engaged audience.

More and more people started saying, Hey, I dont want the hinge. I want the door, he said.

Murphy door was never founded under the pretense of building the hidden door, Barker said. We wanted to be a hardware supplier of hinges for hidden doors.

At first, Barker said the path to a viable business looked like it would be focused on just marketing his unique hinges.

And that invention would evolve into what is now the Murphy Door company, a Utah-based business that specializes in hidden doors, Murphy beds and a broad range of home goods that has drawn interest from a wide range of customers including celebrities and Hollywood moviemakers. The business is set to generate nearly $60 million in revenue this year and is in the midst of a national expansion driven by the same urge to innovate that, unintentionally, got the effort off the ground over a decade ago.

With no background in cabinetry and on a quest to find hardware that didnt tear off the wall when he tried mounting heavy doors on traditional hinges, Barker spent several thousands of dollars trying to build a hinge, ultimately coming up with his own design for a surface-mounted hinge system.

I thought, what if we could create an awesome hidden door, like a ticket booth-style door  at least if the theater room is a little bit underwhelming, the door entry could be cool, Barker said.

Back in 2012, firefighter Jeremy Barker set out to add a family theater space to his home but was looking for a way to include a little kid-friendly pizzazz to the project.

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A tour of the Murphy Door manufacturing campus in Riverton reveals an impressive deployment of robotic and computer-controlled equipment.

Overhead materials handling units can see stacks of sheet goods and are constantly picking up, re-stacking and arranging materials for efficient feeding into laser-guided cutting machines. A 4 x 8 sheet goes in one end and out the other side comes a neatly arranged array of precision-cut and drilled parts, complete with customer information and a piece identification chart from which each component is put together. Workers keep the flow going, moving the stacked parts to assembly areas, then a finish room where stains and lacquers are applied and finally to a shipping area where each piece is carefully inspected before heading out to the customer.

With the capacity at the Riverton plant and a new facility in Kentucky, Barker said the company is able to produce a custom unit every six minutes.

How to make a door disappear

Jeremy Barker, Murphy Door founder and CEO, shows hidden storage at Murphy Door in Ogden on Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

So what does a Murphy hidden door look like?

Turns out, just about anything you want it to. Bookshelf hidden doors are popular as are cabinets complete with glass display doors and adjustable shelves. Some doors meld seamlessly into painted walls or brickwork. Some appear to be artwork or mirrors. They can be controlled manually, by a remote, motion detector, secret buttons or even moving a certain book on the shelf. Beside full door passage ways, Murphy also builds shelves or portraits with hidden compartments or safes. You can also order a custom Murphy bed that drops down out of a recessed wall space.

Barker said customers put Murphy Door products into use in a wide variety of settings. Sometimes the doors conceal a pantry or bathroom. Some create sneaky passageways into game rooms, home theaters or lounge areas. You can even get an armored version made with bullet-proof materials and a heavy duty locking system to keep an area, like a safe room, ultra-secure.

Murphy Door has an aggressive national expansion plan in play with new plants coming in Texas, Florida and Pennsylvania. Barker said the micro-plants cost only $4 million to $5 million to launch and allow the company to slash logistics costs.

We literally spend more money on freight than lumber and we are a wood products company, Barker said.

Corbin Spaulding, Murphy Door mill worker, bands cabinets at Murphy Door in West Haven on Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Barker said his geographic strategy is aiming to cut 50% of freight costs and that those savings go right back into consumers pockets. He also touted the positive environmental impacts that come with the approach.

If you talk about being green  now were delivering product from your neighbor to our manufacturing plant to you, Barker said. Youve eliminated those wastes and costs.

Barker said the company is also on the constant hunt for the best materials with which to create its products and has partnered with investor Daymond John of Shark Tank fame to explore using a hemp-based wood alternative product that will be produced in Utah. Barker said the effort is looking really good.

A made in America approach

Diego Amador, Murphy Door builder, builds a bookcase door at Murphy Door in West Haven on Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Nearly the entirety of the materials used in Murphy Door products, with the exception of a few minor electronic components, are made domestically. Barker said thats been a major advantage amid new tariff fees that have pushed up prices on many of the companys competitors.

Barker was invited to a meeting this spring at President Donald Trumps Mar a Lago resort to discuss tariff implications with a group of CEOs of U.S.-based companies. While the president was not in attendance, Barker said one attendee told him he was the most hated guy in the room because of his pro-tariff stance. But while Barker said the tariffs have been a boost to his company, and even drawn some contract manufacturing work from other U.S. companies, he decided to share the advantage with his customers in the form of price reductions.

We lowered our price when the first tariffs were announced, Barker said. Were on Team America and we can ride this and this is what you get for buying an American brand.

A little Hollywood doesnt hurt

Jeremy Barker, Murphy Door founder and CEO, poses for a portrait at the Murphy Door factory in West Haven on Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Its a brand thats also drawn interest from a wide array of celebrities, Barker said, and Murphy Door products have been featured in a slew of TV and film productions.

Barker noted the company created custom-built secret doors for the John Wick Experience, a featured installation at the Area15 immersive entertainment venue in Las Vegas.

The story-driven adventure blends elements of escape room tension with an immersive environment based on Lionsgates popular John Wick franchise. The series follows Wick, a legendary former hitman, who is repeatedly drawn back into a criminal underworld hes desperately trying to leave behind.

Jeremy Barker, Murphy Door founder and CEO, holds a Murphy Door decal at the Murphy Door factory in West Haven on Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Gene Rogers, senior vice president for Lionsgate global products and experiences, is part of the team that creates fan experience projects for popular Lionsgate brands including John Wick, Hunger Games, Paddington Bear and others.

Rogers said the Murphy Door custom-builds added a great element to the John Wick Experience project that opened to the public in March and has drawn rave reviews.

The appeal of the secret doors is that they are unobtrusive and have a lot of mysterious energy, Rogers said. It amps up the anxiety of the adventure as well as a thrill for fans when they discover a door that doesnt look like a door at all.

Rogers said he and his team really enjoyed collaborating with Barker and the Murphy Door engineers as they worked to find just the right solutions for helping bring the John Wick Experience to life.

Beside the celebrity and Hollywood interest, Murphy Doors stellar success arc has also made it an attractive acquisition target. Barker said he gets offer calls every week but has no interest in selling right now.

With major expansions under way, Barker said the company continues to be a laboratory for opportunities and wants his customers to know the coolest stuff is yet to come.

What we have in the pipeline, whats coming around the corner, is so much more exciting, Barker said. I want everybody to have what they want, where they want, when they want.
French automotive technology supplier Forvia has confirmed it has started divestment process for parts of its portfolio, including its interiors business group.

The confirmation comes after media reports suggested the interiors unit could be sold.

In a brief statement, the company said that, as a publicly listed group, it cannot respond to market rumours or share any information on potential confidential offers, including details on valuations or pricing of assets.

The group restated that it is carrying out a comprehensive strategic review of its portfolio, but did not specify which assets are involved in the current processes or what timeline it is working to.

Today, our priority remains to execute our roadmap with discipline and responsibility, while driving our performance and empowering our teams to thrive as we advance our strategic transformation, the statement read.

On Friday (28 November), Reuters reported that Forvia is seeking to sell part of its car interiors business as it continues to narrow its portfolio and lower its debt.

Forvia, which was created in 2022 through the combination of Faurecia and Hella, has made asset sales as a key element of its strategy.

It has so far completed about one quarter of the 1bn ($1.2bn) divestment plan it announced in October 2023, with individual deals ranging from 50m to 200m, Reuters report said.

The interiors division provides complete interior systems, including instrument panels, door panels and centre consoles.

It generated 1.09bn in sales in the third quarter of 2025, accounting for almost 18% of the groups revenue.

The group aims to reduce net debt to below 1.5 times core earnings next year by means of asset disposals. This compares with a leverage ratio of 1.8 at the end of June 2025 and 3.1 three years earlier, following the completion of its merger.

Last month, Forvia teamed up with Indian IT major Wipro to optimise its Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) applications.

The centrepiece of the collaboration was Forvias surround-view technology, which integrates exterior camera feeds into a 3D perspective, aiding drivers in parking their vehicles safely and effortlessly.

"Forvia confirms divestment moves for vehicle interiors unit" was originally created and published by Just Auto, a GlobalData owned brand.




The partnerships were announced at IFSs Industrial X Unleashed conference in New York, where CEO Mark Moffat noted the vast sums of up to $10tn being spent on rebuilding the industrial world with AI. But the gap between this massive capital investment and the practical application of AI into industrial processes is just beginning in earnest, according to Moffat.

On Nov 13, Industrial AI company IFS announced partnerships with Anthropic, Boston Dynamics Siemens and 1X signalling a wider trend for some of todays most innovative AI and robotics companies setting their sights on industrial AI as the next frontier for scaling their technology.

Businesses on the frontier edge of AI, now entering the industrial sector, will be beneficiaries of a market opportunity that is set to reach $90.28bn by 2033 from $20.02bn in 2024 growing at a CAGR of 18.6%, according to some estimates .

The positive employee survey results, along with the emergence of new roles including AI/ML engineers, automation specialists, process-improvement experts, and data scientists, reflect the most common industry narrative used to address job displacement fears.

The MIT report cites human job displacement fears as one of the greatest barriers to adoption. More than three-quarters of surveyed organisations saw a rise in employee productivity and satisfaction after implementing AI tools, and over half reported growing the size of their workforce.

In the wider field operations market, AI adoption is being driven by technology advances that have enabled effective prediction maintenance for operational efficiency, a shift to physical AI driven by advances in robotics and connectivity which are streamlining industrial and manufacturing production, the deployment of machine vision systems for a more granular control of operations and, advances in digital twin technology for optimising processes.

The MIT study also found most companies dedicate 11%-30% of their warehouse technology budgets to AI and machine-learning initiatives, with the ROI period averaging two to three years.

A study published today (1 December) by MITs Center for Transportation and Logistics, drawing on responses from over 2,000 supply chain and warehousing professionals across 21 countries, found that over half surveyed report operating at advanced or fully automated maturity levels, especially among larger businesses with complex multi-site logistics networks.

The next big AI transformation will be on warehouse floors and within industrial field operations as AI deployment brings automation to the world's 2.7 billion deskless workers.

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The partnerships demonstrate a shift towards AI integration coming out from behind the desk to serve the majority of the global workforce operating within industrial settings, says IFS chief product officer Christian Pederson. As one of Europes rare unicorns, the privately held $16bn Swedish company, headquartered in London, is pursuing partnerships with headline-grabbing deep tech companies like Anthropic and Boston Dynamics. But away from the headlines, a quiet AI revolution is happening as the industrial sector seeks to harness frontier AI for wholesale workflow automation.

The IFS Boston Dynamics collaboration focuses on serving industries where field operations are critical, including manufacturing, energy, utilities, mining, and other asset-intensive sectors. The partnership aims to unlock value in field operations, an area underserved by generic AI applications, says Pederson.

It means that what we think of as digital workers can now do physical things. They are not only creating a work order for someone but theyre sending instruction to a robot to do the work for them, Pederson told Verdict.

Pederson proffers that the white-collar nature of the technology industry itself and the mindset of its leaders, has meant that it has, naturally, hitherto focused on non-industrial areas. Pederson notes that from a product perspective, AI has, in general, reached a level of quality with a lower hallucination rates that should allow for the wholesale deployment of AI into industrial field processes. Unlike white collar enterprise AI, industrial settings require hundred percent accuracy. In the industrial world, any hallucination means people will die, explains Pederson.

IFS and its AI partners demonstrate what NexusBlack CEO Kriti Sharma considers an underserved area and the one area where AI has actually been underhyped. IFS launched its AI lab, NexusBlack, in April this year to address critical infrastructure use cases with predictive analytics for maintenance and continuity planning. The companys new tool, Resolve, is built on Anthropics Claude models and benefits from IFSs strategic acquisition, earlier this year, of agentic AI company TheLoops.

Physical AI  the confluence of robotic hardware, advanced connectivity and AI  has the potential to provide an infinite workforce and solve some of the worlds most difficult industrial challenges, according to Sharma. The NexusBlack team take the physical nature of their work seriously and are often, quite literally, living in aircraft hangers or sleeping on the production line floors of their customers' industrial facilities. These are not the technology rollouts that most technology professionals have been accustomed to in their air-conditioned offices.

Pederson says some of the partnerships that bridging some of the "hottest" AI companies with those within the industrial field in a more asset-based setting are based on knowledge transfer. Anthropic, for example, is not used to working in an industrial setting and IFS can help the company train its models on industry relevant data and scenarios.

Applied AI Leader at Anthropic, Garvan Doyle, says there's a broad set of steps the company takes to prioritise who with and where it works. It's based on our global footprint. It's based on the different segments we operate in. It's a pretty multi-factor step, but we try ensuring that we're scaling our teams with thought, he says.

A critical moment for industrial AI deployment

And while industrial AI has been deployed for some time, the market is at a critical juncture, says Vijay Guntur, CTO and head of ecosystems at HCLTech. Guntur cites the rapid advancement of AI platforms, combined with the increased availability of powerful simulation, robotics, and edge-compute technologies, means enterprises are finally able to bridge the gap between digital models and real-world deployment.

Manufacturing, logistics, energy, utilities, mining, and hi-tech, are all areas where digital twins, autonomous systems, and AI-driven automation create substantial improvements in productivity, resilience, and sustainability.

These autonomous systems connecting the physical and digital worlds mean industrial facilities running preventative maintenance scheduling, predictive failure analysis and automated anomaly detection. Workers out in the field can feed data back to enterprise systems, triggering autonomous decision making and action at source, as well as sending instructions for action required in the field, all within a single integrated platform.

Guntur says that notably, edge inference has become dramatically more affordable, removing a major barrier to deployment, with cost-per-inference at the edge dropping by 4x-20x over the past two years thanks to hardware leaps.

On 17 November, HCLTech launched a physical AI innovation lab in collaboration with US chipmaker Nvidia in Silicon Valley. The lab in Santa Clara, California, will help enterprises explore, incubate and scale industry physical AI and cognitive robotics applications.

Integrated with HCLTechs global AI Lab network, the dedicated facility will combine the Nvidia technology stack and its core platforms with HCLTechs set of physical AI solutions.

Guntur says of HCLTechs Nvidia partnership and its timing  along with other leading partnerhips in the space  that it really does signal the beginning of a new era for industrial AI adoption. The convergence of mature AI hardware/software stacks, the pressing need for smarter and more sustainable operations, and growing enterprise confidence in digital transformation are all driving the wider take-off of physical right now.

Guntur says that the drive for organisations to stay competitive will mean many more collaborations within the area of industrial AI which he says will take the form of collaborative ecosystems like the HCLTech/Nvidia lab and IFSs Nexus Black, adding: They are emerging as key enablers for real-world breakthroughs in automation, safety, and operational intelligence."

"Frontline AI: The deskless AI transformation is next" was originally created and published by Verdict, a GlobalData owned brand.




The strategic reset outlined at the Companys 2025 Investor Day is well underway with a series of positive developments:

(a) Where applicable, final activity levels remain subject to ongoing discussions and alignment with joint venture partners, in line with standard governance processes across operated and non-operated blocks.

Returning to Growth with Vaca Muerta, Argentina: With the successful integration of the Loma Jarillosa Este and Puesto Silva Oeste blocks, GeoPark is confident it can unlock material long-term growth from its position in the unconventional Neuquen Basin. The team is focusing on accelerating drilling activity to deliver a step-change in production and cash flow. Vaca Muerta is expected to become a core growth platform in GeoParks portfolio by year-end 2028.

Protecting and Maximizing Core Production and Cash Generation in Colombia: The Company is focused on sustaining and improving the performance of its flagship Llanos 34 block and other key operated and non-operated assets. Following a strong 2025 and positive developments since GeoParks 2025 Investor Day, Colombian production has reached a positive inflection point earlier than expected. Production is set to grow, supported by disciplined development, base optimization, enhanced recovery techniques, and strong results from recent wells. These efforts are further underpinned by the recently certified 22% increase in the 2P Original Oil in Place (OOIP) 1 in the Llanos 34 Block which confirms a significantly larger resource base and strengthens the long-term production and economic outlook of the asset. Colombia will continue to provide a solid foundation to generate sustainable free cash flow, balance sheet strength, and shareholder returns.

BOGOTA, Colombia, December 01, 2025 --( BUSINESS WIRE )--GeoPark Limited ("GeoPark" or the "Company") (NYSE: GPRK), a leading independent energy company with over 20 years of successful operations across Latin America, today announced its 2026 Work Program (the "Program") and 2027-2028 guidelines, which have been approved by the Companys Board of Directors (the "Board").

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Major Increase in OOIP  Validated for Llanos 34 : An independent technical audit conducted by DeGolyer and MacNaughton (D&M) in parallel to the 2025 Reserve Certification, validated GeoParks new 3D static models for key fields in Llanos 34, certifying a 22% increase  equivalent to 206 million barrels - in 2P OOIP. This validation represents a major opportunity to add future reserves and production over time, strengthens the assets development profile, increases optimization potential and reinforces GeoParks distinctive and value-accretive operating edge.

Colombia  Early Production Inflection Point : Production reached a positive inflection point in 4Q2025 (previously projected for 2026). Volumes are expected to increase in 2026, supported by effective base optimization, enhanced recovery initiatives, and strong well performance.

Argentina  Accelerated Development and Stronger 2026 Outlook : The GeoPark team has made significant progress in accelerating drilling in Vaca Muerta.The Companys production ramp-up, that was originally expected in 2027, is now anticipated to begin in 2026, when the projected exit rate is 5,0006,000 bopd. This brings forward growth and strengthens the Companys medium-term production and cash flow outlook.

2025 Reserves  Step-Change in Certified 2P and Reserve Life: On November 24, 2025, GeoPark announced a material upgrade to its 2P reserves base, which increased by 38% year-over-year. As a result, the Companys consolidated reserve life index increased to 12.7 years, significantly enhancing long-term production visibility and value.

These strategic milestones provide a solid foundation for GeoPark to deliver on its medium-term goals. The 2026 Work Program aligns capital with the Companys highest-value opportunities and translates strategy into action.

2026 Work Program Details: Translating Strategy into Execution

The Program marks the first full year of execution under GeoParks new medium-term roadmap. It is designed to protect near-term cash generation, accelerate the growth of GeoParks unconventional assets, and position the Company to scale production and value through 2028.

In 2026, the Companys $190-220 million CAPEX program will support production of 27,000-30,000 boepd across Colombia (24,500-26,000 boepd), and Vaca Muerta (2,500-4,000 boepd). The production mix is expected to be approximately 97% oil and 3% natural gas, with 12% unconventional and 88% conventional.

GeoPark expects to drill 27-36 gross wells (including 6-8 gross exploration wells), with approximately 86% allocated to development activities and 14% to exploration and appraisal activities.

Colombia  22-31 wells, $110-120 million CAPEX: Llanos 34 Block: Focus on maximizing recovery factors in the fields, including optimizing base production (waterflooding, pilot polymer flooding project, pump upsizing projects and workovers), and maximizing economics. The company expects to drill 10-14 gross development, appraisal and injector wells, along with 20-22 workovers, plus infrastructure and facilities. Llanos Exploration: Focus on increasing production and reserves, through the delineation and development of the new discoveries in the Llanos 123 Block (Toritos, Saltador and Bisbita) and drilling exploration wells in both Llanos 123 and Llanos 86 blocks. The Company is expected to drill 7-9 gross wells. CPO-5 Block: Drilling campaign focused on development and exploration activities, with 2-4 development wells and 3-4 exploration wells expected. Activities in the Indico Field will concentrate on sustaining production through a workover campaign of 2-3 wells.

Vaca Muerta - 5 wells, $80-100 million CAPEX: Loma Jarillosa Este and Puesto Silva Oeste: Focus on accelerating activity by finalizing the drilling, fracking and putting on production of 1 pad of 5 wells, installing rod pumps in 3 wells, upgrading facilities in the Loma Jarillosa Este Block, and advancing permitting for the Puesto Silva Oeste Block and shared facilities.



Strengthening Capital Discipline and Cost Efficiency

The Program is anchored on capital discipline, financial resilience, and enduring value creation. Under a $60-70/bbl Brent base scenario, the Company expects to generate $220-300 million in Adjusted EBITDA3 in 2026. By 2028, Adjusted EBITDA is forecasted to grow to $490-520 million, equivalent to approximately 1.3 times total capital expenditures, and resulting in a projected ROACE4 of 25-30%.

The program will be primarily funded through internal cash generation and available debt facilities. At base case prices, year-end 2026 cash is expected to range between $130 and 140 million, with a net debt to EBITDA leverage ratio of 1.9-2.1x. Leverage is projected to decline below 1.5x by 2028 as cash flow increases and capital investments normalize.

The Company also remains focused on cost efficiency across its portfolio. Lifting costs are targeted to remain below $15/bbl in 2026, trending toward ~$12/bbl by 2028. General and administrative (G&A)5 expenses are expected to remain around $4/bbl during 2026 and reach approximately $3/bbl by 2028.

GeoParks hedging strategy continues to play a central role in protecting cash flows and ensuring competitive price realizations. As of November 26, 2025, the Company had hedged approximately 56% of its 2026 estimated production6. This figure reflects an upward revision to projected volumes since the Companys 2025 Investor Day. GeoPark intends to maintain hedging coverage in the range of 50-70% of forecasted production, in line with its risk management framework.

Shareholder Returns: Maximizing Shareholder Value Through Growth

Following the completion of the Vaca Muerta acquisition and considering its projected capital needs, the Board approved a revised dividend program consisting of approximately $6 million in distributions over four quarters. This equates to $1.5 million per quarter (or $0.03 per share), beginning with the 3Q2025 results payout and ending with the 2Q2026 results payout.

GeoPark remains firmly focused on maximizing shareholder value. Adjusted EBITDA is expected to more than double by 2028, driving a larger enterprise value supported by increased cash flow, lower leverage, and a broader, more diversified asset base. Furthermore, the Board will reassess capital allocation priorities once the Company returns to positive free cash flow after its peak investment phase, consistent with GeoParks disciplined, returns-based capital allocation framework.

Felipe Bayon, Chief Executive Officer of GeoPark, said: "Our 2026 Work Program and execution roadmap is designed to maximize shareholder value and deliver enduring results. Our strategy is clear: strengthen and maximize our core platform in Colombia and build a new engine of long-term growth in Argentina. Building on the reset accomplished in 2025, the 2026 Work Program balances near-term cash generation with the upfront investments required to transform the scale of our business and enhance future cash flow resilience. This is a disciplined, returns-focused plan that reflects the quality of our assets and the strength of our balance sheet, and the distinctive operating capabilities of our team across the region."

NOTICE

Additional information about GeoPark can be found in the "Invest with Us" section on the website at www.geo-park.com.

Rounding amounts and percentages: Certain amounts and percentages included in this press release have been rounded for ease of presentation. Percentages included in this press release have not in all cases been calculated on the basis of such rounded amounts, but on the basis of such amounts prior to rounding. For this reason, certain percentages in this press release may vary from those obtained by performing the same calculations on the basis of the amounts in the financial statements. Similarly, certain other amounts included in this press release may not sum due to rounding.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS RELEVANT TO FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

This press release contains statements that constitute forward-looking statements. Many of the forward-looking statements contained in this press release can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as anticipate, believe, could, expect, should, plan, intend, will, estimate and potential, among others.

Forward-looking statements that appear in a number of places in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations, regarding various matters, including, drilling campaign, production guidance, capital expenditures, and projected Adjusted EBITDA, ROACE, net debt to EBITDA, and net debt to EBITDA leverage ratio. Forward-looking statements are based on managements beliefs and assumptions, and on information currently available to the management. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements due to various factors.

Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update them in light of new information or future developments or to release publicly any revisions to these statements in order to reflect later events or circumstances, or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. For a discussion of the risks facing the Company which could affect whether these forward-looking statements are realized, see filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Oil and gas production figures included in this release are stated before the effect of royalties paid in kind, consumption and losses. Annual production per day is obtained by dividing total production by 365 days.

_____________________________________

1 Original Oil in Place (OOIP) refers to the total quantity of oil that is estimated to exist originally in naturally occurring accumulations before any production. While not all of this volume is recoverable, increases in OOIP expand the potential to convert additional resources into future reserves and production.

2 Adjusted EBITDA is defined as profit for the period before net finance costs, income tax, depreciation, amortization, the effect of IFRS 16, certain non-cash items such as impairments and write-offs of unsuccessful efforts, accrual of share-based payments, unrealized results on commodity risk management contracts and other non-recurring events. The Company is unable to present a quantitative reconciliation of the target Adjusted EBITDA which is a forward-looking non-GAAP measure, because the Company cannot reliably predict certain of the necessary components, such as write-off of unsuccessful exploration efforts or impairment loss on non-financial assets, etc. Since net debt and net debt to EBITDA leverage ratio are calculated based on Adjusted EBITDA, for similar reasons, the Company does not provide a quantitative reconciliation of the target net debt and net debt to EBITDA leverage ratio.

3 Assuming a $2-3 Vasconia/Brent differential and a $2-3 Medanito/Brent differential.

4 ROACE: Last twelve-month operating profit divided by average capital employed. Capital employed is calculated as total assets minus current liabilities and adjusted for excess cash. Excess cash corresponds to the portion of cash and cash equivalents that exceeds the amount required to cover current liabilities with current assets.

5 G&A includes administrative expenses and geological and geophysical expenses, excluding certain non-cash items, such as accrual of share-based payment, geological and geophysical expenses allocated to capitalized projects and IFRS 16 adjustment, which are excluded from the Adjusted EBITDA calculation; calculated over produced barrel.

6 Net average production after economic rights and royalties. GeoPark monitors market conditions on a continuous basis and may enter into additional commodity risk management contracts to secure minimum oil prices for its 2026 production and beyond.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251130487751/en/

Contacts

For further information, please contact:

INVESTORS:

Maria Catalina Escobar

Shareholder Value and Capital Markets Director

mescobar@geo-park.com

Miguel Bello

Investor Relations Officer

mbello@geo-park.com

Maria Alejandra Velez

Investor Relations Leader

mvelez@geo-park.com

MEDIA:

Communications Department

communications@geo-park.com
A general view of the logo of the Engineering company thyssenkrupp. Roland Weihrauch/dpa

Germany's largest steel group, Thyssenkrupp Steel, has agreed its tough restructuring programme with unions.

The company and the IG Metall trade union said in Duisburg on Monday that they had finalized the details of the reconciliation of interests, severance scheme and other operational agreements.

This involved the amount of severance payments and early retirement. The exact terms will remain confidential.

The company also announced that the necessary financing has been secured. The restructuring collective agreement runs until September 2030. The way is now clear for operational implementation.

Thyssenkrupp Steel Europe (TKSE) has suffered from overcapacity and low prices on the world market, with cheap Asian competition putting pressure on the long-established German company.

The company's production capacity is to be reduced from 11.5 million tonnes per year to between 8.7 and 9 million tonnes.

In order to become competitive again, Thyssenkrupp Steel wants to cut a total of 11,000 jobs, reducing its workforce to 16,000. The starting point for this is September 2024, when there were around 27,000 jobs. Thanks to a hiring freeze, the number of employees has already fallen to less than 26,000.

Thyssenkrupp Steel CEO Marie Jaronie said the goal was to "take a leading position in the European market in the long term." She added that the conditions for this had now been created.

Head of Human Resources Wilfried von Rath spoke of a forward-looking agreement, but said "We must also be open and honest: we will be cutting many jobs and making tough cuts."

IG Metall district manager Knut Giesler said that the agreements were "painful in many respects," but would give employees and the company security for the necessary transformation.
Bank of America strategists, led by Michael Widmer, project gold could reach $5,000 per ounce in 2026, with an expected average of $4,538 per ounce for the year. This aggressive forecast is driven by unorthodox U.S. economic policies, specifically growing government deficits and national debt, which erode the dollar's purchasing power and push investors toward hard assets. While a hawkish Fed poses a risk, the bank sees fiscal pressure as the dominant, persistent force driving gold's long-term strength.

This distinction is critical for investors to understand. It suggests that while prices have risen, the broader investment community has not yet fully crowded into the trade. There is still significant capital sitting on the sidelines, waiting for an entry point. Bank of America (NYSE: BAC) argues that the macroeconomic environment that fueled golds rally (which includes concerns over fiscal policy and currency stability) remains firmly intact. This combination of strong fundamentals and available capital sets the stage for a potential resurgence, suggesting the bull market has plenty of room left to run.

According to a new Year Ahead outlook from Bank of America, the answer leans heavily toward the latter. The banks strategists argue that the gold sector is currently in a unique and potentially profitable position. While the price action looks technically overbought in the short term due to the rapid ascent in 2025, the asset class remains structurally underinvested.

Gold prices have undeniably taken a breather. After a historic run that saw the precious metal shatter record after record, surging past $4,500 per ounce in mid-October, the market has entered a distinct consolidation phase. Prices are currently trading in a tight range around $4,150. For investors, this cooling period raises a complex and pressing question: Was that the peak of the cycle, or is this simply a strategic pause before the next leg up?

The SPDR Gold Shares ETF offers investors a highly liquid, cost-effective way to gain direct exposure to the potential upside of the gold market.

Global central banks continue to purchase precious metals at a historic pace to diversify their reserves and provide a strong floor for the broader market.

Bank of America and UBS are forecasting a continued bull market for gold driven by supportive macroeconomic policies and persistent fiscal pressure.

Story Continues

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A Growing Consensus for Gold

A consensus among top banks, including Bank of America (BofA) and UBS (NYSE: UBS), forecasts a continued bull market for gold, validating the investment thesis. UBS recently raised its upside forecast to $4,900 per ounce by Q2 2026, citing persistent political and financial risks that are driving investors toward safe-haven assets. This suggests a progression of higher targets linked to the severity of economic debasement, offering investors a ladder of potential outcomes.

2026 Average Projection (BofA): $4,538 per ounce

Upside Case Q2 2026 (UBS): $4,900 per ounce

Peak Target 2026 (BofA): $5,000 per ounce

Long-Term Debasement Model (BofA): $6,000 per ounce

This ladder of price targets suggests that $5,000 is not viewed as an unrealistic ceiling, but rather as the next logical milestone in a multi-year trend.

 UiPath Surges on Earnings: Should Investors Chase the Momentum?

Why Gold Has a Safety Net

Despite high price targets, concerns about a market crash are mitigated by a massive floor created by central banks and supply constraints. Societe Generale reports that Chinas actual gold purchases may be more than ten times the official figures, potentially exceeding 5,000 tons. This unreported demand acts as a safety net, supporting prices by removing physical supply.

Furthermore, Bank of America highlights a broad scarcity of precious metals, forecasting silver to average $60 per ounce in 2026 due to supply deficits. The bull market is thus driven by physical scarcity across the precious metals complex, not just financial speculation.

How to Invest in the Rally

For investors looking to position their portfolios for a potential move to $5,000, the SPDR Gold Shares (NYSEARCA: GLD) remains a primary vehicle for efficient exposure.

SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) is the largest physically backed gold exchange-traded fund (ETF) in the world, with over $138 billion in assets under management.

Its massive scale provides high liquidity, with an average daily volume of over 12 million shares. This makes it easy for investors to enter and exit positions, a crucial feature when navigating a volatile market.

The fund has delivered exceptional performance for shareholders. Year-to-date, GLD is up approximately 57%, significantly outperforming the broader S&P 500.

Over five years, the fund has returned 124% or more, proving its value as a long-term compounding asset. With a net expense ratio of 0.40%, it offers a cost-effective way to track the metal's price without the premiums and storage fees associated with physical bullion.

Interestingly, recent data provides a potential contrarian buy signal. Short interest in GLD has jumped to 14.13 million shares, a substantial increase. In a rising market, high short interest can often act as fuel for a rally. Suppose the price rises toward the Bank of America targets. In that case, these short sellers may be forced to cover their positions by buying shares, potentially triggering a short squeeze where the share growth accelerates briefly.

Despite the recent price consolidation, smart money investors have largely held their ground. Institutional ownership in GLD remains high at over 42%. More importantly, over the last 12 months, the fund has seen total institutional inflows of $24.84 billion, far outweighing outflows. This indicates that large asset managers are using pullbacks to accumulate shares rather than exiting the trade.

With GLD trading around $380, the current consolidation may offer a strategic entry point. If the price of gold moves toward the implied Bank of America target of $5,000, GLD would track that performance, offering a simplified way to capture the upside without the logistical challenges of holding physical bars.

Positioning for the Next Leg Up

The gold market has paused, but the story is far from over. The macroeconomic drivers that propelled the metal to record highs in 2025, specifically the unorthodox fiscal policies identified by Bank of America, remain structural and persistent.

With major banks outlining a credible pathway to $5,000 per ounce and strong institutional support providing a floor, the current market consolidation offers a compelling risk-to-reward ratio. For investors willing to look past the short-term noise, 2026 is shaping up to be another record-breaking year for the yellow metal.

The article "Gold to $5,000? What Bank of America and UBS Have to Say" was originally published by MarketBeat.
You can find original article here WealthManagement. Subscribe to our free daily WealthManagement newsletters.

(Bloomberg) -- Goldman Sachs Group Inc. will pay $2 billion to buy Innovator Capital Management, a deal that combines the bank with an issuer of a relatively new type of exchange-traded fund that has caught the attention and ire of some on Wall Street.

Wheaton, Illinois-based Innovator  which has over $28 billion of assets under supervision across more than 150 ETFs  specializes in defined-outcome ETFs, which seek to limit investors downside risk in exchange for capping upside potential, and have been popular among financial advisers looking to protect client portfolios.

You get the existing platform and the track record, said Marc Nachmann, Goldmans global head of asset and wealth management, in an interview. They already have $28 billion and have a broad following around the adviser community. That head start does matter.

Led by Bruce Bond since he co-founded the firm with John Southard in 2017, Innovator launched the first defined-outcome ETFs, sometimes called buffer funds, in 2018. It is currently the second-largest provider of buffers behind asset manager First Trust, which is also based in Wheaton.

Read More: An All-American ETF Empire Drew Billionsand a Regulators Eyes

Buffers have grown in popularity over the last several years as investors seek safety from market volatility and look for income-generating alternatives to bonds. Investors have plowed roughly $11.4 billion into structured outcome products this year  a category that includes buffers  with about $4.1 billion going to Innovators offerings, according to data compiled by Bloomberg Intelligence.

Since their inception, the products have been touted by industry heavyweights like BlackRock and also have drawn staunch criticism from hedge funds including AQR, who say buffer funds and other options-based products deliver lower returns with more risk than simpler alternatives.

Read more: UConns Endowment Is Abandoning Hedge Funds for New Kind of ETF

Goldman Sachs Asset Managements own foray into the buffer ETF space has met a lukewarm market reception to date, something that the Innovator acquisition could help address. The firm debuted a trio of US large-cap buffer ETFs in January and March of this year, which have amassed a combined $36 million in assets. The structured outcome ETF category has grown from under $60 billion at the end of 2024 to roughly $76 billion currently, Bloomberg Intelligence data show.
Italian luxury fashion brand Gucci, owned by Kering, has appointed Gianluca de Ficchy as its new chief financial officer (CFO) from 1 December 2025.

De Ficchy will report directly to Guccis president and CEO, Francesca Bellettini.

De Ficchy most recently led Renaults Mobilize division as CEO, overseeing vehicle financing, car-sharing services and electric-vehicle charging.

He exited the French carmaker in October 2024..

The management change comes as Kerings appointed CEO, Luca de Meo, previously CEO of Renault, who took up his position in September, works to address challenges at the luxury group.

Gucci, which generates more than half of Kerings profits, has been under pressure to regain momentum.

Guccis previous chief financial, data and operations officer, Alberto Valente, departed in September after 17 years at the company.

Kering has also recruited Renaults former head of mergers and acquisitions and investor relations, Philippine de Schonen, to lead its own investor relations function.

In October, Kering reported revenue of 3.4bn ($3.94bn) for the third quarter (Q3) of 2025, a 10% decline on a reported basis and a 5% decrease on a comparable basis.

Gucci recorded revenue of 1.3bn in Q3, a drop of 18% on a reported basis and 14% on a comparable basis.

In November, de Meo began laying the groundwork to launch a new investment platform to reduce reliance on Gucci.

The proposed platform is expected to receive long-term funding to acquire minority or majority stakes in high-potential emerging companies.

"Gucci brings in former Renault executive as CFO " was originally created and published by Retail Insight Network, a GlobalData owned brand.




Nazrin Abdul



A conference dedicated to World AIDS Day, marked on December 1, is being held in Baku, Azernews reports.

The event brings together officials from the Ministry of Health, the AIDS Control Center, the Management Union of Medical Territorial Units (TABIB), as well as members of parliament.

Speakers scheduled to address the conference include Deputy Minister of Health Nadir Zeynalov; Yagut Garayeva, Head of TABIBs Department for Disease Prevention and Control; Famil Mammadov, Director of the Republican AIDS Control Center; Gunash Jafarova, Deputy Director of the center; and members of the Milli Majlis Health Committee.
Meridian Funds, managed by ArrowMark Partners, released its Meridian Contrarian Fund third-quarter 2025 investor letter. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. Equities hit a record high in the third quarter, fueled by continued gains in technology and falling bond yields. Easing tariff rhetoric and renewed AI infrastructure investments boosted large tech stocks. In mid-September U.S. Federal Reserve lowered rates by 25 basis points. In this environment, the fund returned 6.72% (net) during the quarter, underperforming the 9.00% returns of the Russell 2500 Index and 8.18% returns of the secondary benchmark, the Russell 2500 Value Index. In addition, please check the funds top five holdings to know its best picks in 2025.

In its third-quarter 2025 investor letter, Meridian Contrarian Fund highlighted stocks such as Perrigo Company plc (NYSE:PRGO). Perrigo Company plc (NYSE:PRGO) is an over-the-counter health and wellness solutions provider. The one-month return of Perrigo Company plc (NYSE:PRGO) was -34.97%, and its shares lost 53.13% of their value over the last 52 weeks. On November 28, 2025, Perrigo Company plc (NYSE:PRGO) stock closed at $13.35 per share, with a market capitalization of $1.837 billion.

Meridian Contrarian Fund stated the following regarding Perrigo Company plc (NYSE:PRGO) in its third quarter 2025 investor letter:

"Perrigo Company plc (NYSE:PRGO) is the leading in-store brand for consumer wellness and self-care products. The company endured several years of declining earnings due to what we believe was poor capital allocation by its previous management team, which chased growth through acquisitions outside of Perrigos core business. Our investment in Perrigo was inspired by a new management team that committed to pursuing realistic, steady growth rates within the core business, and the company delivering improved profitability and returns on capital. The stock underperformed during the quarter as earnings were guided to the low end of the previously given range due to sales and margin headwinds in their recovering infant formula business. While the fundamental difference in the guide down was small, investor patience has worn thin after years of delayed improvement. We continue to hold Perrigo in the portfolio."

Perrigo Company plc (PRGO): One of the Best Dividend Growth Stocks with High Yields

Perrigo Company plc (NYSE:PRGO) is not on our list of 30 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. As per our database, 22 hedge fund portfolios held Perrigo Company plc (NYSE:PRGO) at the end of the third quarter, the same as in the previous quarter. While we acknowledge the potential of Perrigo Company plc (NYSE:PRGO) 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.
Property technology hospitality platform Hotel101 Global Holdings has revealed plans to develop a 429-key hotel in San Donato Milanese, Milan, Italy.

The new venture forms part of Hotel101 Globals broader European strategy and continues its asset-light, standardised condotel model, which the company has pursued in multiple international markets.

The planned property aims to serve both business and leisure travellers seeking access to Milan's commercial centres and cultural landmarks.

Spanning 1.4ha, the site is close to major transport routes and is around a five-minute drive from Metro Milano San Donato station, providing direct connections to central Milan.

The hotel's facilities include dining venues, a 25m swimming pool, fitness centre, business amenities, function rooms, parking areas and childrens play spaces.

Hotel101 Global will also integrate energy-efficient solutions such as solar panels into the development.

The project targets construction completion by 2028 and is expected to contribute to Milans economy through foreign investment, job creation, and increased tourism.

The development also operates under a hotel unit ownership scheme aimed at attracting local and international buyers.

Upon full sale of all units, Hotel101 Milan anticipates generating approximately 85.8m ($99.4m) in revenue at an assumed price of 200,000 per unit.

The project remains subject to routine national, regional and municipal regulatory approvals before construction commences.

Hotel101 Global has other ongoing international projects in Niseko (Japan), Madrid (Spain) and Los Angeles (US) while also operating affiliate hotels in the Philippines.

The company is a subsidiary company of Philippine-based DoubleDragon.

Hotel101 Global said it entered a joint venture (JV) with definitive binding agreements signed for the development.

In May 2025, it entered an agreement with Saudi Arabias Horizon Group to create a JV aimed at developing up to ten hotels in the kingdom.

The company has also outlined a goal to operate one million rooms across 100 countries globally, with 25 priority countries identified for medium-term expansion.

"Hotel101 Global unveils plans to develop hotel in Milan" was originally created and published by Hotel Management Network, a GlobalData owned brand.




Indias banking regulator, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), has issued its final guidelines for digital banking channels.

Under the new RBI digital banking guidelines, banks are required to record or document the explicit consent of customers before providing digital banking services.

The guidelines specifically state that banks cannot make it mandatory for customers to opt for any digital banking channel to access facilities such as debit cards.

Banks must implement appropriate risk mitigation measures according to their internal policies based on their risk perception.

The measures may include setting transaction limits per transaction, daily, weekly, and monthly limits, as well as transaction velocity limits and fraud checks.

RBI, in its statement, said: While it may be more convenient for the customer to opt for some services together (for example, virtual access to card controls), the choice to apply for digital banking facilities shall lie solely with the customer.

However, it is clarified that banks can continue to obtain and record mobile numbers of customers to send transaction alerts and other purposes in line with KYC requirements at the time of opening the accounts.

It is clarified that wherever specific requirements have been prescribed by the Reserve Bank or payment system operators (for example, NPCI, Card networks like VISA, Mastercard, etc.), the stricter requirements of the two shall be applicable.

Banks providing mobile banking services through channels other than mobile applications must ensure that these services are accessible to customers regardless of their mobile network operator. In other words, the mobile banking service should function independently of the customers network provider.

The guidelines also mandate that banks implement transaction monitoring and surveillance systems based on risk assessment.

Display of third-party products and services on banks digital banking channels is being restricted unless specifically permitted by the regulator.

Banks are instructed to clearly communicate to customers that SMS and email alerts will be sent to the mobile number or email registered with the bank for all account operations, both financial and non-financial.

The RBI has further directed banks to comply with existing guidelines on customer protection and ensure that the terms and conditions meet regulatory requirements.

In a separate development, RBI has imposed a Rs91m ($1m) penalty on HDFC Bank for breaches of the Banking Regulation Act and RBI guidelines.

According to the regulator, the bank used multiple loan benchmarks, non-permissible subsidiary business, and outsourced the function of determining compliance with KYC norms of certain customers.
By Haripriya Suresh

BENGALURU, Dec 1 (Reuters) - SoftBank-backed Indian e-commerce firm Meesho is doubling down on artificial intelligence and new business lines to expand its user base and move towards profitability, founder and CEO Vidit Aatrey told Reuters in an interview.

The firm, which is seeking a valuation of up to $5.6 billion through its initial public offering, competes with Amazon.com and Walmart-owned Flipkart in India's online retail market, which is expected to reach $170-$190 billion by 2030, according to a report by Bain and Flipkart.

Its three-day share sale will begin on December 3, with shares expected to debut on India's main stock exchanges on December 10.

Meesho has carved out a niche by offering low-priced products without charging sellers a commission, a practice Aatrey said it does not intend to change.

The company plans to invest in chat and voice-based AI agents to make shopping easier for first-time users, especially in smaller towns and rural areas where many shoppers are coming online for the first time.

Additionally, Meesho wants to invest heavily in technology and marketing "to keep growing" its transacting user base, which jumped 30% in the 12 months ending September 30. Part of this will be scaling up Valmo, its logistics aggregator platform, which Aatrey described as "a big focus" aimed at reducing delivery costs.

Aside from tech, the Bengaluru-based firm is also preparing to integrate financial services, including buy-now-pay-later options and short-term credit facilities for sellers, borrowing from the playbook of global e-commerce giants that have improved margins through logistics and financial products.

"We look at financial services as a large, long-term, bottom-line opportunity," he said.

It is also exploring a push into grocery, one of the most competitive segments in Indian e-commerce, according to Aatrey.

Meesho's revenue rose 29.4% to 55.78 billion rupees ($622.96 million) in the first half of fiscal 2026, while its losses narrowed 72.1% to 7 billion rupees, according to its IPO prospectus.

($1 = 89.5400 Indian rupees)

(Reporting by Haripriya Suresh in Bengaluru; Editing by Dhanya Skariachan and Janane Venkatraman)
Iraqs Khor Mor gas field has resumed operations by transporting gas to regional power stations after a temporary shutdown caused by a recent drone attack, according to the Kurdish Regional Government's (KRG) Electricity Ministry.

The operations restarted at 2am local time on 30 November.

Khor Mor is one of the largest gas fields in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) and a primary supplier to power generation plants in the region.

The KRG holds autonomous power in northern Iraq, where US companies have invested substantially in the energy sector.

On 27 November, Khor Mor gas field operator Dana Gas reported that a rocket struck a storage tank at the site, halting production and causing widespread power outages.

Another attack on fuel tanker trucks in the northern city of Erbil on 29 November killed one person and injured others, according to the Kurdistan region's Interior Ministry.

The tankers were carrying liquid fuel to supply power plants after gas production at Khor Mor was halted.

The storage tank at Khor Mor is part of new facilities partially financed by the US.

According to media reports, it was the most significant assault since a series of drone strikes in July impacted oilfields and reduced regional production by approximately 150,000 barrels per day.

In a statement, Iraqi Kurdish Prime Minister Masrour Barzani said: I have spoken with the company's (Dana Gas) leadership to thank them and their workforce for their extraordinary resilience and determination amid 11 attacks on the Khor Mor field.

Last month, Dana Gas and Crescent Petroleum announced the start of commercial gas sales from the KM250 gas expansion project at the Khor Mor facility.

The project, completed eight months ahead of schedule, adds 250 million cubic feet per day (mcf/d) of processing capacity, increasing Khor Mors output to 750mcf/d.

"Iraqs Khor Mor gas field restarts operations after drone attack " was originally created and published by Offshore Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.




Italys government is considering changes to its financial oversight rules, while maintaining its authority to veto power on banking deals, reported Bloomberg, citing people familiar with the matter.

This development follows a recent formal warning from the European Commission (EC) to the Italian government regarding its golden powers legislation.

Italys golden powers enable the government to protect national interests in strategic sectors like defence and telecommunications, and these regulations have also been extended to the banking industry.

The EC previously expressed concerns that Italys regulations on specific banking sector acquisitions might not align with EU law.

This warning stems from Brusselss initiative to deter member states from blocking mergers and consolidation within the banking sector.

Now, Italy plans to ease some aspects of its oversight regulations, but will maintain the authority to block mergers and acquisitions within the sector.

Out of the changes being considered by the government include restricting the laws geographic scope on financial matters, some of the people told the publication.

The other possible amendments could include altering which sectors are regulated by the authorities or adjusting the criteria for application of the rules.

The government is determined to maintain control over banking transactions, given that both banks and the publics savings are considered issues of national security, the sources said.

Italys use of its golden power regulations has faced heightened attention following their application to UniCredits bid to buy Banco BPM.

UniCredit ultimately pulled out of the deal in July, pointing to ambiguity surrounding how these special government powers would be enforced.

The Italian government had made its approval contingent on UniCredit meeting a number of requirements, such as ceasing its operations in Russia.

Italys government could introduce changes to its golden powers either through the budget currently under parliamentary debate or through a standalone decree.

The Italian government now has two months to respond to the Commissions concerns and remedy the identified issues. If no resolution is reached, the matter could be referred to the EUs Court of Justice.

"Italy considers modifying golden powers, plans to retain veto authority- report " was originally created and published by Retail Banker International, a GlobalData owned brand.




The GEO Group Inc. (NYSE:GEO) is one of the best upside stocks to buy now. On November 8, JonesResearch lowered the firms price target on GEO Group to $37 from $50 with a Buy rating on the shares. The firm noted that the company has started to show a trajectory toward over $3 billion in annualized revenue for the full-year 2026, driven by upcoming contracts and monitoring services.

At the same time, the firm revised its financial estimates downward to account for slower growth than previously expected. Despite this revision, the firm remains bullish on all segments of GEO, with particular excitement for the Intensive Supervision Appearance Program/ISAP opportunity.

JonesResearch Targets $3B in Annualized Revenue for The GEO Group by 2026, Driven by Contracts, Monitoring

Earlier in its Q3 2025 earnings report, the GEO Group disclosed that its revenue reached $682 million, which was an increase from $603 million in Q3 2024. The companys reported net income for Q3 was $174 million, or $1.24 per diluted share, up sharply from $26 million, or $0.19 per diluted share, in Q3 2024. The company also provided its full-year 2025 revenue guidance of ~$2.6 billion.

Regarding the Intensive Supervision Appearance Program/ISAP 5 contract, the company had to reduce pricing to remain competitive, which may impact margins, particularly as the mix shifts toward more intensive, higher-cost monitoring devices. The governments Request for Proposal for the ISAP contract identified participant counts of 361,000 in year one and 465,000 in year two, with the contract term extending into 2027. GEO anticipates the ISAP ramp-up to begin in early 2026.

The GEO Group Inc. (NYSE:GEO) is a leading diversified government service provider that designs, finances, develops, and supports services for secure facilities, processing centers, and community reentry centers in the US, Australia, South Africa, and the UK.

While we acknowledge the potential of GEO as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If youre looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

READ NEXT: 30 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 11 Hidden AI Stocks to Buy Right Now.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
A Lady Justice statue. Photographer: Chan Long Hei/Bloomberg

Litigation finance is having a bad year.

After predicting huge growth as recently as January 2024, the industry is now finding that hedge funds and other sources of capital are pulling back. The situation has led some litigation finance firms to suspend fund-raising rounds, while others are exploring alternative paths to generate cash.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The industry  a $20 billion market that channels capital from investors to lawyers chasing corporate malfeasance  faces an array of hurdles in the form of regulatory changes, lower payouts and longer trial times, according to representatives interviewed by Bloomberg.

The risk, they warn, is that a shrinking litigation finance industry leaves consumers and workers less able to defend themselves against large corporations engaging in activities that do environmental and social harm.

Raising private capital has become more challenging across all markets, and theres less traditional capital generally available, said Ellora MacPherson, managing director and chief investment officer at Harbour Litigation Funding, one of the worlds largest privately-owned litigation finance firms.

She says investors are now looking for more predictable outcomes, and alternative deal structures such as insurance-backed arrangements, to help reduce risk.

The Hurdles Litigation Funders Face Today:

In the UK, the Civil Justice Council recommended in June that litigation funders be subject to regulatory controls including requirements to provide information on funding sources and capital adequacy. That follows a 2023 UK Supreme Court ruling barring litigation funders from demanding a percentage of damages, and instead forcing them to base profits on a multiple of capital deployed.

Only four group action cases were filed in the UKs Competition Appeal Tribunal as of September, down from 11 in 2024 and 17 the year before, according to data provided by Solomonic, a litigation data firm.

In the US, there are efforts to revive legislation that would levy a 41% tax on the industrys profits.

In the EU, lawmakers just agreed to drastically curtail the reach of the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, reducing the civil liability of companies in the bloc.

At a litigation finance conference hosted by law firm Brown Rudnick in October, attendees voiced anxiety over the challenges they now face. Against that backdrop, some litigation funders are now adjusting investment models.

In October, Therium Capital Management, a pioneer of the UKs legal financing market, handed over day-to-day responsibility of a large part of its litigation-finance portfolio to Fortress Investment Group of the US. It has launched an advisory services business.
President Trump unveiled $12 billion in aid to US farmers, as the agricultural sector deals with the fallout from his sweeping tariff policies.

The sector has been hit particularly hard from the president's ever-changing trade policies, as farmers have struggled to sell crops and been hit by higher costs. Soybean exports have come in particular focus, with trade slowing to a crawl as China virtually halted its purchases before the countries agreed to a trade truce in October.

Trump said the money for farm relief would come from a "small portion" of tariff-related revenues. Despite welcoming the support, US farmers have said they need more than a $12 billion aid package to fully offset low crop prices and lost export opportunities due to Trump's trade war.

The farm bailout comes amid an increased push on Americans' price concerns. In an interview published Tuesday, Trump allowed he may look for "some" additional carveouts, weeks after his administration slashed tariffs on items like beef, coffee, and bananas.

The push to reduce food prices comes in the wake of electoral wins for Democrats across a number of key state and local races where candidates stressed affordability concerns. Trump has also in recent weeks floated the possibility of a tariff "dividend" for many Americans in the form of a $2,000 check.

The US Supreme Court is poised in the weeks ahead to decide the legality of the majority of those tariffs. The president invoked the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to levy blanket tariffs on goods from other countries. As he has publicly braced for the high court's decision, Trump has claimed the "full benefit" of tariff policies would take effect soon, arguing that foreign buyers who stockpiled inventory would be forced to buy more goods.

Read more: What Trump's tariffs mean for the economy and your wallet

What else to know about Trump's tariffs:

The trade deal between the US and Indonesia is in danger of collapsing, according to The Financial Times. US officials have grown increasingly frustrated at what they view as Jakarta reneging on the terms of the agreement reached in July.

Trump threatened to impose an additional 5% tariff on Mexico if it doesn't provide additional water to help US farmers. Trump accused Mexico of violating a treaty that outlines water sharing between the countries.

Trump gave the green light on Monday for Nvidia (NVDA) to sell some of its more powerful H200 chips to China. The US president said that China's Xi Jinping had responded "positively" to the move.

Several US companies, such as Costco (COST), have filed lawsuits and claims to the US government for tariff refunds in the belief Trump's tariffs will be struck down by the US Supreme Court. If the courts rule against Trump's tariffs, the president may be forced to repay billions of dollars in collected revenue from imports, according to a report in the New York Times.

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Malawi has directed all foreign tourists to settle hotel bills in hard currency, a measure aimed at strengthening the countrys declining foreign reserves.

Announced by Finance Minister Joseph Mwanamvekha on 21 November 2025, the move mandates that tourism operators obtain special licences to manage foreign exchange directly with the central bank.

Tighter foreign currency rules for tourism

Tourism businesses in Malawi must now formalise the handling of foreign payments through licensed channels.

The directive is designed to centralise foreign-currency inflows from hotel stays and ensure that payments in US dollars or other stable currencies are properly accounted for.

Operators will need approval from the Reserve Bank of Malawi to process these transactions, aligning the tourism sector with broader national currency management policies.

Broader economic measures to conserve dollars

The hard-currency requirement follows the end of Malawis IMF Extended Credit Facility and reduced donor budget support.

Other government measures include shortening the repatriation period for exporters from 120 days to 90 days, mandating the surrender of leftover foreign currency after import payments, and banning short-term foreign exchange derivatives until new regulations are in place.

Officials state these steps aim to conserve dollars and close existing loopholes.

Implications for international hotel and travel sectors

For international hotels and travel operators, the new rules could affect pricing, booking processes, and financial planning.

Companies will need to adapt to stricter reporting and currency handling requirements, potentially influencing the flow of foreign tourists and investment.

Observers note that while the measure targets stabilising national reserves, it may introduce operational complexities for foreign businesses operating in Malawi.

"Malawi requires foreign tourists to pay hotels in hard currency" was originally created and published by Hotel Management Network, a GlobalData owned brand.




It is hard to get excited after looking at Baby Bunting Group's (ASX:BBN) recent performance, when its stock has declined 2.5% over the past three months. It seems that the market might have completely ignored the positive aspects of the company's fundamentals and decided to weigh-in more on the negative aspects. Fundamentals usually dictate market outcomes so it makes sense to study the company's financials. Particularly, we will be paying attention to Baby Bunting Group's ROE today.

Return on equity or ROE is a key measure used to assess how efficiently a company's management is utilizing the company's capital. In simpler terms, it measures the profitability of a company in relation to shareholder's equity.

Trump has pledged to "unleash" American oil and gas and these 15 US stocks have developments that are poised to benefit.

How Do You Calculate Return On Equity?

The formula for return on equity is:

Return on Equity = Net Profit (from continuing operations)  Shareholders' Equity

So, based on the above formula, the ROE for Baby Bunting Group is:

8.5% = AU$9.5m  AU$113m (Based on the trailing twelve months to June 2025).

The 'return' is the yearly profit. One way to conceptualize this is that for each A$1 of shareholders' capital it has, the company made A$0.08 in profit.

See our latest analysis for Baby Bunting Group

What Has ROE Got To Do With Earnings Growth?

Thus far, we have learned that ROE measures how efficiently a company is generating its profits. We now need to evaluate how much profit the company reinvests or "retains" for future growth which then gives us an idea about the growth potential of the company. Assuming everything else remains unchanged, the higher the ROE and profit retention, the higher the growth rate of a company compared to companies that don't necessarily bear these characteristics.

Baby Bunting Group's Earnings Growth And 8.5% ROE

On the face of it, Baby Bunting Group's ROE is not much to talk about. We then compared the company's ROE to the broader industry and were disappointed to see that the ROE is lower than the industry average of 14%. Given the circumstances, the significant decline in net income by 16% seen by Baby Bunting Group over the last five years is not surprising. We believe that there also might be other aspects that are negatively influencing the company's earnings prospects. Such as - low earnings retention or poor allocation of capital.

So, as a next step, we compared Baby Bunting Group's performance against the industry and were disappointed to discover that while the company has been shrinking its earnings, the industry has been growing its earnings at a rate of 1.3% over the last few years.
With a market cap of around $81.8 billion, Marriott International, Inc. (MAR) is one of the worlds largest and most diversified hospitality companies, operating and franchising a massive global portfolio of hotels, resorts, and lodging properties. Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Marriott runs more than 9,400 properties across 144 countries and territories, under dozens of brands ranging from luxury, including The RitzCarlton, JW Marriott, Bulgari Hotels & Resorts, to mid-scale and budget tier like Courtyard by Marriott, Fairfield Inn & Suites, etc., as well as timeshare/residential properties and extendedstay solutions.

Companies valued at more than $10 billion are generally considered large-cap stocks, and Marriott International fits this criterion perfectly. A key strength is its loyalty program, Marriott Bonvoy, which helps drive repeat stays and customer loyalty worldwide.

More News from Barchart

Shares of the hospitality titan currently hover around its 52-week high of $307.52. Marriotts shares have surged 12.8% over the past three months, surpassing the AdvisorShares Hotel ETFs (BEDZ) 6.3% fall over the same time frame.

www.barchart.com

Longer term, MAR stock is up 9.3% on a YTD basis, outperforming BEDZs marginal decline. Moreover, shares of the hotel company have gained 6.7% over the past 52 weeks, compared to BEDZs 2.1% drop over the same time frame.

Despite a few fluctuations, MAR stock has climbed above its 50-day and 200-day moving averages since late October

www.barchart.com

Shares of Marriott International jumped 3.2% on Nov. 4 following the release of its stronger-than-expected Q3 earnings. The company reported total revenue of $6.5 billion, up 3.7% year over year, slightly surpassing analyst estimates. Global RevPAR rose 0.5%, led by a 2.6% increase in International RevPAR, while U.S. & Canada RevPAR declined 0.4% amid softer demand in lower-tier hotel segments. Luxury properties, however, continued to excel, supported by robust demand and strong rate performance. On the earnings side, adjusted EPS of $2.47 represented a 9.3% increase from the prior year and exceeded consensus expectations of $2.41.
Owning a business is already challenging enough, especially in an environment of rising costs, shifting consumer preferences, and increased competition, all amid an uncertain economy.

For franchise systems, the stakes are even higher. They rely on independent operators to uphold the brand's standards, so when things go wrong, the repercussions can be more damaging.

Many fast-food chains adopt the franchise model to expand quickly, enabling them to build brand recognition and reach new markets more efficiently than they could on their own.

A franchisee is a business owner who purchases the rights to open and operate a company's branded location, benefiting from its established reputation and customer base.

While this model can be highly profitable, it comes with significant risks. The more franchisees a company has, the harder it becomes to maintain consistent quality, and if not properly handled, a single mistake can tarnish a company's reputation forever.

McDonald's closes its only downtown Oakland location

A McDonald's (MCD) franchise at 1330 Jackson St., the only location in downtown Oakland, California, will permanently close on November 30, affecting around 40 workers just before the winter holidays, according to abc7 News.

Employees claim they were notified of the closure only days before Thanksgiving and told they would not be allowed to transfer to nearby locations. The abrupt notice triggered a worker strike on November 25, with many longtime employees expressing shock and frustration.

"These workers were given ten days' notice that the location would be closing," Maria Maldonado, an organizer with the California Fast Food Workers Union, told abc7 News. "That is not enough time to find a new job. Many of these people were crying when they heard the location was closing and will now have to struggle this holiday."

Despite the workers' claims, the WARN notice was filed on October 30, 2025.

McDonald's closes its only location in downtown Oakland, California.Shutterstock

McDonald's rat infestation controversy

The closure follows a health controversy at the downtown Oakland McDonald's location in May 2024, where the Alameda County Department of Environmental Health temporarily shut down the restaurant after live and dead rats were found on the premises.

A leaked video obtained by KRON4 News showed rats crawling inside the restaurant, and employees claimed they had been threatened with termination if they documented the issue.

More restaurant closures:

In response, the workers went on strike, as captured in a video posted on X (formerly Twitter) by the California Fast Food Workers Union.

"It's very important to me as a small business owner in Oakland that my employees have a safe place to work. When we became aware of the issue, we immediately contacted pest control and continued to work with them to address the issue," McDonald's franchise owner Joseph Wong explained to KRON 4.

McDonald's past issues with franchisees

This is not the first time McDonald's has faced issues with franchisees. In April 2025, the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office filed citations against franchise operators of McDonald's, Dunkin' Donuts, and Subway for violating child labor laws.

These charges were filed because the franchisees, Cafua Management Company, The Brewster Company, and Knight Food Service, Inc., failed to obtain the necessary permits to employ minors and scheduled 16- and 17-year-olds beyond the state's nine-hour daily limit.

One McDonald's franchisee received a $63,930 fine for allowing minors to work during prohibited hours and booking their shifts longer than the maximum allowed at eight Massachusetts locations between May 2021 and May 2024.

Risks of franchising in the U.S.

Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics show that about 17% of new restaurants close within their first year. Long-term restaurant survival is even more challenging, with approximately half of restaurants shutting down within five years and only 34.6% surviving past the 10-year mark, according to Oysterlink.

In 2024, the U.S. had 33.2 million businesses, with 821,589 being franchised establishments, according to Statista. Veterans own one in seven U.S. franchises, around 14%, contributing $41 billion annually to the economy.

However, franchising comes with risks.

"Labor experts say that franchised chains have higher rates of violations than corporate-run chains because theyare less invested in preserving a brands reputation," wrote Lauren Kaori Gurley and Emmanuel Martinez for The Washington Post.

"They are also under pressure to keep labor costs low to make up for steep operating costs, especially franchise fees."

McDonald's boosts growth amid industry struggles

McDonald's is one of the world's largest and most successful franchises. In the third quarter of fiscal 2025, global comparable sales rose 3.6% year over year, with U.S. sales up 2.4%. This growth was primarily driven by revenue from franchised restaurants, which increased 7% to reach $4.2 billion in the quarter.

Still, the food industry is a tricky business. Food service traffic dropped by 1% in the quarter ending June 2025, according to Circana.

Restaurant Data reports that 13,265 independent establishments and 2,712 chain locations closed in the first half of 2024.

"Consumers are saying, 'We're struggling, or we're beginning to struggle or we're thinking more carefully about what we spend,'" said Harvard Business School Consultant and Lecturer on Restaurants Michael S. Kaufman. "I don't know that the ability to maintain the large fleets of traditional casual dining restaurants can continue."

Despite improvement, McDonalds remains cautious.

"We continue to remain cautious about the health of the consumer in the U.S. and our top international markets and believe the pressures will continue well into 2026," said McDonald's CEO Christopher J. Kempczinski in an earnings call.

"It's a foundational expectation of our brand to bring consumers through our doors and keep them coming back. And especially in today's difficult macro environment, it's more important than ever."

Related: McDonald's drops more than a 2025 Christmas Grinch meal

This story was originally published by TheStreet on Dec 1, 2025, where it first appeared in the Restaurants section. Add TheStreet as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Denis Dariotis, the 22-year-old founder and CEO of cryptocurrency-focused trading software firm GoQuant, remembers the constraints and pressures of maximizing his trading portfolio while he was still in the third grade at school.

I remember telling my teachers I had to take 10 minutes out of class to check my portfolio when the market opened and closed, Dariotis said in an interview.

The child trading prodigy recalled how a teacher wanted to see his computer screen and what he was trading. But he shut the laptop saying, No, Im afraid that's private  an interesting presage of the crypto-focused dark pool app Dariotis released just last month.

Dariotis grew up in Montreal, where his earliest memory of the trading world was being attracted to the symbols flashing green and red on the CNBC morning show his parents had on in the background. It was only a matter of time until he made the connection between the tickers on the TV screen and the money in his piggybank.

From his early days at school, audaciously following the investment thesis of Warren Buffet, the next logical step was getting into computer programming. When I was about 11 or 12 years old, I took an interest in computer programming, starting with basic web development languages, and then evolving into Python and C++, he recalls.

Listening to the way Dariotis tells it, his evolution toward building trading infrastructure seems the most natural thing in the world. By the age of 13 he realized he was spending too much time scanning a ton of datasets, and wasnt there some way to use his computing knowhow to automate that process? That way, he could spend more time on researching trading strategies and getting alpha.

Having been hitherto unaware of quant trading, Dariotis began back-testing strategies and researching different elements of portfolio construction, optimization, risk management and really getting into the weeds of every element of how quant markets operate.

It wasn't long before a breakthrough came: At the ripe old age of 15, Dariotis says he basically licensed his strategies and started consulting for a major Canadian bank, which was his first main client. This was followed by a few other investment managers. Later, at a trading and data science conference in New York, a large hedge fund tried to hire Dariotis on the spot.

But then they were like, Hang on a second, how old are you? And then I was like, I'm 15, and they sort of freaked out.

This was also around the time Dariotis started looking at crypto. The initial realization was how retail-orientated crypto markets are, lacking any real institutional-grade infrastructure. Crypto suffered severely from having fragmented liquidity spread across many venues: centralized and decentralized exchanges, OTC desks.
US chipmaker Micron Technology is set to invest approximately Y1.5tn ($9.6bn) to establish a new facility in western Japan for the production of high-bandwidth memory (HBM) chips, reported Nikkei Asia citing individuals familiar with the details.

The planned factory will be built within Microns existing Hiroshima plant in Higashi-Hiroshima. Construction is scheduled to begin in May 2026, with shipments targeted for 2028.

The Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) is set to provide subsidies up to Y500bn for the venture.

The facility will produce next-generation HBM chips, which play a significant role in AI systems by working with graphics processing units (GPUs) from companies such as Nvidia.

These chips are designed for high memory capacity and rapid data transfer, supporting the increased processing requirements of generative AI technology.

Apart from the Hiroshima plant, Micron currently operates major facilities in both Taiwan and the US. So far, the companys advanced HBM chip production has been concentrated in Taiwan.

Micron introduced an extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUV) system at its Hiroshima site in May, marking the first use of this technology for mass chip production in Japan.

EUV lithography is said to represent a crucial step in manufacturing advanced chips.

The new project marks Microns first major expansion since 2019 and is expected to enhance domestic supply of AI-related semiconductors in Japan amidst ongoing global shortages and supply chain risks.

Micron is claimed to be the third-largest producer globally of dynamic random access memory (DRAM) chips. It acquired Elpida Memorys plant in Higashi-Hiroshima after the Japanese company collapsed in 2013.

In January 2025, Micron announced plans to invest S$9.6bn ($7.4bn) in Singapore over the coming years to address the growing demand for advanced memory chips fuelled by AI.

As part of this, the US-based semiconductor company began construction of a new HBM advanced packaging facility adjacent to its current operations in Singapore.

"Micron plans $9.6bn HBM chip facility at Hiroshima site in Japan" was originally created and published by Verdict, a GlobalData owned brand.




If projections hold, the Latin American-Caribbean region would mark 16 consecutive years of growth in money sent home by migrants, solidifying remittances as one of its main sources of external income. File photo by Qudratullah Razwan/WPA

Dec. 1 (UPI) -- Money sent home from abroad to Latin America and the Caribbean is expected to hit a new record in 2025, reaching about $174.4 billion, according to a report from the Inter-American Development Bank.

If the projection holds, the region would mark 16 consecutive years of growth in money sent home by migrants, solidifying remittances as one of its main sources of external income.

The projected amount represents a 7.2% increase from 2024, when regional remittances were estimated at $162.7 billion, underscoring the resilience of these flows amid economic uncertainty, shifts in migration policy and slowing growth in developed economies.

The IDB report notes that despite this challenging environment, migrants have continued supporting their families through steady transfers that in some countries have even grown.

However, remittance trends for 2025 vary across subregions.

Migrants walk along the United States side of the border wall with Mexico in 2024. Money sent home from abroad to Latin America and the Caribbean is expected to hit a new record in 2025, reaching about $174.4 billion, according to a report from the Inter-American Development Bank. File Photo by Pat Benic/UPI

The report projects a 4.5% drop in transfers to Mexico, which despite the decline remains the region's largest recipient with 35.4% of the total, or about $61.81 billion.

This decrease contrasts with strong projected growth in Central America, where remittances are expected to rise an average of 20.4%, driven mainly by Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and El Salvador. Together, Central American countries are expected to receive about $55.395 billion by year's end.

The development bank attributes Central America's momentum to migrants' responses to changes in U.S. migration policy and to uncertainty in the U.S. labor market.

During the first quarter of 2025, many migrants drew on their savings to increase the money they sent home, contributing to a 9.9% rise in remittances across the region during that period.

Later, in the third quarter, an increase in hours worked helped sustain these flows, while Central American women in the United States increased their participation in part-time jobs by 11.8% and in full-time jobs by 2.3% between April and July.

In Mexico's case, the report points to structural factors behind the decline, including a 1.2% drop in the Mexican labor force in the United States and a shift in employment toward lower-paying part-time work.

Added to this is the statistical effect of an exceptionally strong 2024, when remittances were boosted by the depreciation of the Mexican peso, artificially inflating year-over-year comparisons for 2025.

For this year, some analysts suggest that a stronger peso may have reduced incentives to send money, although the development bank notes that the relationship is not linear because family obligations are typically measured in local currency.
LONDON, Dec 1 (Reuters) - A look at the day ahead in U.S. and global markets by Dhara Ranasinghe, Editor, Financial Markets EMEA.

What matters in U.S. and global markets today.

Trade in the final month of a turbulent 2025 is underway and the readout from markets is that it's unlikely to be a quiet end to the year.

Also, check out the latest episode of the new Morning Bid daily podcast. Subscribe to hear Reuters journalists discuss the biggest news in markets and finance seven days a week.

For more from Mike Dolan, check out his column today on how White House adviser Kevin Hassett could become the Federal Reserve's "shadow chair" for five months.

Today's Market Minute

* U.S. and Ukrainian officials held what both sides calledproductive talks on Sunday about a Russia peace deal, withSecretary of State Marco Rubio expressing optimism aboutprogress despite challenges to ending the more than 3-year-longwar. * Asia's manufacturing powerhouses struggled with sluggishdemand in November, extending declines in factory activity asprogress in U.S. trade negotiations failed to translate into a significant recovery in orders. * Airbus fleets were returning towards normal operations on Monday after the European planemaker pushed throughabrupt software changes faster than expected, as it wrestledwith safety headlines long focused on rival Boeing. * European countries are loosening their strict oppositionto new oil and gas drilling, reversing years of climate-drivenresistance to fossil fuels as governments seek to reduce a heavyreliance on costly energy imports, including from the U.S, writes ROI Energy Columnist Ron Bousso. * China financed and built Indonesia's nickel industry,transforming it into the world's largest producer in a decadebut now they are not so sure it needs all that nickel as itselectric vehicle manufacturers pivot away from nickel-chemistrybatteries, writes ROI Metal Columnist Andy Home.

A far from quiet end to the year

Everywhere you look the risks are stacking up hard and fast, but for now, let's stick to the immediate horizon.

If bitcoin can be seen as a proxy for Wall Street, then Monday's 5% drop in the crypto currency back below $90,000 does not bode well.

The currency is set for its biggest one-day fall in almost a month, fitting in with the risk off mode taking hold across world markets, with Asian and European shares lower and U.S. equity futures pointing decidedly down.

There doesn't appear to be a single catalyst for the risk-off mood, although for some the answer lies in the heaviest selling in Japanese government bonds in four months on the prospect of a Bank of Japan rate hike as early as this month.
Saikat Chakrabarti, who's running to replace Nancy Pelosi, may be even wealthier than her.

Chakrabarti was a founding engineer at Stripe and was AOC's first chief of staff.

He's worth at least $167 million, and much of his wealth comes from equity in Stripe.

This article has been updated in light of Pelosi's announcement that she will not seek reelection. It was first published in August 2025.

Nancy Pelosi is one of the wealthiest members of Congress. One of the people running to succeed her may be even richer.

Saikat Chakrabarti, a progressive activist who's running in next year's Democratic primary, is worth at least $167 million  and possibly far more than that.

If elected, he would be one of the wealthiest members of Congress.

Pelosi and her husband, meanwhile, own assets worth somewhere between $100 million and $422 million.

Chakrabarti is best known in politics for serving as the campaign manager and first chief of staff for Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York. Years before that, he was a founding engineer at Stripe, which is how he became wealthy.

"After I helped build the payment processing company Stripe, I became a centimillionaire  at least on paper," Chakrabarti told Business Insider in an email. "It was a shocking and weird experience, and of course, I feel incredibly lucky. But it's also given me a window into how wealth inequality works in America and just how unfair it is."

Chakrabarti launched his congressional campaign earlier this year, running on a progressive platform while arguing that Pelosi has been in office for too long and is no longer able to fight for Democrats.

Pelosi, 85, announced in November that she would not seek reelection in 2026. She has been in office since 1987.

Chakrabarti is now one of several candidates hoping to succeed her.

Chakrabarti and Pelosi both own more than $100 million worth of assets

Chakrabarti, Pelosi and any other candidates who choose to run are required to file financial disclosures that include information about their assets, sources of income, and any liabilities.

As an incumbent member of Congress, Pelosi's disclosure covers just 2024. Because he's a candidate, Chakrabarti's disclosure covers everything from the beginning of 2024 until July 2025.

Lawmakers and candidates are generally not required to disclose exact dollar amounts for their assets and liabilities, and only have to provide value ranges for each.

Pelosi and her husband own assets worth between $100 million and $422 million. They also have a variety of liabilities, mostly mortgages, of between $36.5 million and $106 million.
Norfolk Southern (NSC) shares have seen measured moves over the past month, with investors evaluating how recent performance lines up with the broader transportation sector. The companys steady gains may attract the attention of value-focused investors.

See our latest analysis for Norfolk Southern.

This latest stretch of steady growth lifts Norfolk Southerns share price to $292.09, extending its year-to-date share price gain to 24.5% and continuing the momentum seen through the past quarter. Looking at the bigger picture, the total shareholder return over the last year stands at 8.2%. This highlights both the recent pickup in price performance and the companys longer-term value proposition.

If recent momentum in Norfolk Southern has you exploring new opportunities, this is a perfect time to discover fast growing stocks with high insider ownership

With shares enjoying steady gains and a still-modest discount to analyst price targets, the question now becomes whether there is real value left on the table or if the market is fully pricing in future growth.

Most Popular Narrative: 6% Undervalued

Norfolk Southerns last close of $292.09 sits just below the consensus fair value estimate of $311.68, making the stock a candidate for further upside according to the most closely watched narrative. With only a modest gap to the target, investors are examining what fundamentals could close that distance.

The commitment to $150 million in productivity and cost reduction initiatives over three years is being propelled by better labor productivity and fuel efficiency. These factors are anticipated to sustain EPS growth even if revenue growth slows. The company's focus on increasing customer confidence through consistent service improvements is leading to meaningful market share gains, particularly in merchandise and intermodal segments, which could bolster future revenue growth.

Read the complete narrative.

Want to know the secret formula that pushes this fair value higher? A mix of operational discipline, margin improvements, and market share ambitions power this narrative. There is a surprising earnings forecast and a bold future multiple hiding in the details. Find out exactly what is fueling analyst conviction behind these numbers.

Result: Fair Value of $311.68 (UNDERVALUED)

Have a read of the narrative in full and understand what's behind the forecasts.

However, ongoing storm restoration costs and weak industrial growth continue to pose real risks. These factors could potentially limit margin expansion for Norfolk Southern in the period ahead.
By Stephen Nellis and Arsheeya Bajwa

Dec 1 (Reuters) - Nvidia has invested $2 billion in chip design software maker Synopsys as part of an expanded multi-year tie-up to jointly develop new tools for designing products across industries using its AI technology.

The deal, unveiled by the companies on Monday, comes as Nvidia has carried out a range of investments, such as those in OpenAI and Anthropic, to try to cement its dominance in the artificial intelligence market.

The Synopsys deal is about shifting the work of several high-tech industries that are just starting to adopt AI away from central processing units used in the past and toward the graphics processing unit chips sold by Nvidia.

Synopsys software is widely used in designing everything from computer chips to jet engines. Engineers use its tools to simulate those designs virtually in computers before committing to expensive prototype manufacturing.

Those simulations can take weeks, but could be sped up to a few hours using Nvidia's chips, the CEOs of the two companies said during a press conference.

"The order of magnitude speed-up is going to unlock opportunities that have never been possible before," Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said in announcing the deal.

Synopsys and Nvidia are customers of one another. Nvidia's flurry of investments has raised concerns that it is paying customers to buy its chips.

DEAL IS NON-EXCLUSIVE

Synopsys CEO Sassine Ghazi said the Nvidia cash will give Synopsys "optionality" as it adapts its software for Nvidia chips.

"There is no intention or commitment to use that $2 billion to purchase Nvidia GPUs," Ghazi said during the press conference. "This is something that we do on a normal course of business."

Both CEOs said the deal is non-exclusive, and Ghazi said Synopsys is open to working with other chipmakers.

"If an AMD or an Intel or whichever customer wanting to capture a similar opportunity (approaches Synopsys), it's not exclusive. We're willing and happy to work with them," Ghazi said.

Synopsys shares were up nearly 5%, while Nvidia was up 1.4%.

The world's most valuable company has invested billions of dollars this year in companies linked to the booming AI industry, ranging from deals allowing as much as a $100 billion investment in ChatGPT parent OpenAI to a $5 billion stake in Intel.

Nvidia bought Synopsys's common stock at $414.79 per share, the companies said on Monday, representing a discount of about 0.8% to the stock's last closing price on Friday.
By Kritika Lamba and Krystal Hu

Dec 1 (Reuters) - ChatGPT-maker OpenAI has taken a stake in Thrive Holdings as part of a partnership to embed artificial intelligence into traditional industries such as accounting and IT services, the companies said on Monday.

OpenAI will work with Thrive's industry specialists to integrate its technology into business processes that remain largely manual and fragmented. As part of the non-monetary deal, OpenAI will provide a dedicated research team and resources in return for an ownership interest in Thrive Holdings.

The move deepens the interweaving financial and business ties between OpenAI and Thrive Capital, one of its largest financial backers, which has invested several billion dollars into the AI lab. OpenAI has been trying to build on the success of ChatGPT to access more enterprises amid recent concerns about overpromising AI adoptions.

Thrive Holdings is a vehicle created by Josh Kushner's Thrive Capital to focus on buying traditional businesses in an AI-roll up play. Founded this year, the firm has raised over $1 billion to acquire service providers across the country, such as accounting and IT firms, aiming to overhaul their operations using AI to boost efficiency.

Anuj Mehndiratta, partner at Thrive Capital who oversees Thrive Holdings, said the deal was necessary after it ran into "research problems much sooner" while deploying AI models. The firm found that "off-the-shelf" solutions were insufficient for complex, domain-specific tasks in its portfolio companies.

The collaboration will focus on AI application in professional services, particularly through reinforcement learning. This research technique uses feedback from domain experts to continuously train and improve the AI models for highly specialized functions.

Thrive Holdings will own the intellectual property and products created through the joint effort. OpenAI, in addition to its equity, gains insights from seeing its models tested and refined in real-world enterprise environments, which can inform its broader research, according to Mehndiratta.

"We believe that aligning OpenAI through ownership is a similarly very powerful thing, where we can all kind of focus on the North Star of how do we go and build the leading products," he said in an interview.

Despite being a major investor in OpenAI, Mehndiratta said the partnership doesn't exclude Thrive using other AI models, including open source ones in its business where it makes sense. Thrive Holdings says it currently serves over 10,000 customers across its accounting and IT services platforms.

(Reporting by Kritika Lamba in Bengaluru and Krystal Hu in San Francisco; Editing by Krishna Chandra Eluri and Lincoln Feast.)
Framatome Selected to Modernize System at Belgian Nuclear Plant. Framatome has been selected by Electrabel, part of ENGIE Group, to modernize the rod control system of the Tihange 3 nuclear reactor in Belgium. Framatome in late October said the move is part of the strategy to extend the power stations operating life. Tihange 3, commissioned in 1985, is a 1,030-MW pressurized water reactor (PWR). The modernization of the rod control system, which will extend over several years, includes the complete replacement of control cabinets with Rodline technology, as well as all engineering, onsite installation, and maintenance activities. This system plays an essential role in reactor control, ensuring precise power control and automatic failover in case of an unforeseen event. Framatome said its Rodline solution is the most widely used digital rod control technology in the world. This project is part of the agreement signed in 2023 between ENGIE and the Belgian government, aimed at extending the service life of Belgian PWRs, strengthening the countrys energy security, and aligning with Europes commitment to a responsible energy transition. Alight Receives Grant for Finnish Solar Project. Alight, a Nordic solar power developer and independent power producer, has been awarded a significant funding grant from the European Commissions Innovation Fund for its solar project in Loviisa, Finland, that is co-developed with Finnish renewable firm 3Flash. The grant, announced as part of a highly competitive process in which 373 projects applied and only 61 were selected, highlights Alights commitment to accelerating the transition to renewable energy across Europe. The planned solar park is a large-scale project with a planned capacity of about 120 MW, with a co-located battery energy storage system of about 45 MW. The project is designed with a focus on agrivoltaics, which integrates solar energy production with agricultural land use. The innovative design utilizes artificial intelligence and trackers, optimizing both energy yield and agricultural productivity. ANDRITZ Chosen to Modernize Thailand Hydropower Plant. The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) in early November announced it has selected international technology group ANDRITZ to modernize the Rajjaprabha hydropower plant in Thailand. ANDRITZ will renovate all three 80-MW generating units of the plant. The renewable energy project is included in ANDRITZs order intake for the third quarter of 2025. The Rajjaprabha plant on the Saeng River in Ban Ta Khun district, Surat Thani Province, has been operating since 1987. The scope of the contract includes the complete renovation of Units 13, consisting of specified turbine components and major generator components along with installation supervision, testing, and commissioning. EGAT owns and operates more than 50 power plants across Thailand, with a total installed capacity of more than 16 GW. The utility recently also awarded ANDRITZ a major modernization contract for the Srinagarind hydropower plant. ANDRITZ has been active in Thailand for more than five decades and has contributed to nearly half of the countrys hydropower capacity through new installations and modernization projects. Energy Storage Project Announced in Japan. Daiwa Energy & Infrastructure (DEI), an asset manager supported by Daiwa Securities investment bank, said it has invested in a battery energy storage system (BESS) project in northern Japan. DEI in late October said the 38-MW/160-MWh capacity installation would be located in Chitose, south of Sapporo. The company said it has started construction on the project with a goal of achieving commercial operation in 2027. DEI said the BESS will have several functions, including the ability to stack revenues earned from wholesale electricity market trading, the balancing market, and the capacity market. Groups Join for Hydrogen Demonstration Project. Utility, a global economic industrial decarbonization company headquartered in Houston, Texas, in late October said it had signed an agreement with the Seongnam Municipal Government of Korea to establish an H2Gen Demonstration and Certification plant at the Seongnam Water Reclamation Center. Utility currently is commercializing its proprietary and proven H2Gen technology platform. The city of Seongnam has been a leader and innovator in circular economy and clean energy initiatives such as hydrogen. Seongnam will host the facility, known as Frontier Korea. Officials said it is the first initiative of its kind outside the U.S. The agreement represents a strategic initiative to support South Koreas Hydrogen Economy Roadmap, which prioritizes biogas and hydrogen as energy sources to achieve carbon neutrality and reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels. The country is investing heavily in biogas projects, converting organic waste into clean energy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance waste management. Frontier Korea will see Utility build and operate a clean-carbon hydrogen production plant producing more than 99.995% pure hydrogen (fuel-cell grade). The hydrogen will be delivered to the E1 hydrogen refueling station in Seongnam for use in fuel-cell buses, trucks, and cars. Korea has one of the most developed hydrogen-powered vehicle markets in the world, which Utility believes holds significant potential for its H2Gen technology. Through H2Gen, Utility electrochemically produces hydrogen from water without electricity, utilizing raw biogas energy from the anaerobic digestion of organic waste. Utility also recently established a fully owned subsidiary in Seongnam, Utility Korea LLC, and made a qualifying investment under the Foreign Investment Promotion Act. Utility in early October started operations on its U.S.-based Frontier Facility in Houston. The Frontier Korea facility will be a near replica of this proven modular plant, according to Utility. Financing Secured for Danish Solar-Plus-Storage Project. Portugal-based Greenvolt, an independent power producer, in October said it had secured 35 million ($40.6 million) in financing for a solar-plus-storage project in Denmark. The company has an agreement with Denmark investment bank Ringkjobing Landbobank for the installation, which will include 97.36 MW of solar power with 5560 MW/110120 MWh of energy storage capacity. The project is being built in Hoegholm, with commercial operation expected early in 2026. The installation as designed would become the largest BESS by capacity in Denmark, surpassing a 30-MW/43-MWh unit built by utility EWII earlier this year, and also larger than a 45-MWh project being built by Eurowind Energy. Data Center Development Planned in UK. Ark Data Centres, a UK-based data center operator, in early November announced it is planning a new 200-MW data center development outside London in Watford. A planning application shows the company wants to redevelop a former hotel at the site in collaboration with the Hertsmere Borough Council. Ark has said the project would represent investment of about 2 billion ($2.6 billion). Arks website names the former Mercure Hotel site as its planned Elstree campus. Officials said the location could host as many as six data centers, with construction beginning in 2026, and commercial operation starting in 2029. Reports said the site has previously been in development plans by other companies, who looked to take advantage of a nearby substation in Elstree. Ark, which was founded in 2005, has 27 data centers at nine sites either operating or in development in the UK and Belgium. Darrell Proctor is a senior editor for POWER
Premier Graphene, Inc.

In yet another milestone toward facilitating the manufacture of the most effective graphene products, including for military use, we have now secured the approval to commence the importation, registration, and commercialization of cannabinoid products

EL CENTRO, Calif., Dec. 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Premier Graphene Inc. (OTC: BIEI) reports that partner companies HGI Industrial Technologies S.A. de P.I. de C.V. and Santa Rosa Green Seeds received their coveted, official importing license from COFEPRIS, Mexicos Federal Commission originally established for Protection Against Sanitary Risks (often referred to as Mexicos FDA). This nearly exclusive licensure accomplishes a major regulatory milestone, securing approval to commence importation, registration, and commercialization of CBD, CBG, and other cannabinoid products containing less than 1% THC threshold.

The COFEPRIS authorization includes oversight for the safe entry and registration of a broad range of hemp-derived goods into the Mexican market that are for human consumption. This encompasses:

- CBD & CBG extracts and live resins

- Consumer health and wellness products

- Cosmetics and topical formulations

- Nutraceutical and food-grade applications

- Pre-roll hemp cigarettes and smokable hemp products

- Additional cannabinoid-based product lines meeting federal standards

With this approval, HGI Industrial Technologies and Santa Rosa Green Seeds are now cleared to establish direct import pathways, accelerating distribution to existing retail channels and expanding product availability across Mexico.

More importantly, however, this positions Premier Graphene, Inc. to secure ongoing military contracts and to be able to fulfill such contracts at minimal cost, and thus maximizing profit, while facilitating the best possible products with the most efficacious features. Specifically, the military protective gear will be stronger, lighter weight and thus with greater comfort (with graphene). Manufacturing can occur outside the United States and thus be tariff avoidant.

After a long process and many delays, our partner company HGI Industrial Technologies is finally ready to commence importing a full range of product lines focused on health, food, wellness, and cosmetics  including a wide variety of CBD- and CBG-rich products. We congratulate both HGI and Santa Rosa Green Seeds for achieving this critical milestone.



We are happy to start importing these diverse, high-quality products to the already established points of sale throughout Mexico. At Premier Graphene Inc., we specialize in all aspects of industrial hemp  from advanced graphene production, ballistic armor innovations and aerospace to specialized cannabinoid products for emerging global markets for medical use and for general consumption. We begin in Mexico and expand to Belize and hopefully to the 12 island nations in the Caribbean, reports Premiers President, Pedro Mendez.
PwC Thailand has named Simon Gealy, the CEO of PwC South East Asia Consulting, as its new consulting lead partner.

Gealy succeeds Vilaiporn Taweelappontong, who served as practice leader from 2013 to 2025 for the Thailand firm.

Simon Gealy, whose new role became effective on 27 November 2025, brings nearly 40 years of experience in financial services consulting.

Since 2021, Gealy has been based in Thailand, serving as CEO of PwC South East Asia Consulting. In this role, he has led a team of 2,000 professionals across six countries since 2020.

Gealy was made a partner in New York in 1999.

Over his career, he has held positions such as PwC Japan financial services leader and New York metro deals leader.

He has provided guidance to large banks on regulatory matters, technology implementation, and strategic planning, contributing both regional and international perspectives.

According to Taweelappontong LinkedIn profile, she started with PwC in 2002.

After more than 20 years at the company, she has taken on a new role at Microsoft as deputy managing director.

In a LinkedIn post, Taweelappontong said: Im proud of the legacy weve built together at PwC in Thailand  a strong consulting practice that delivered consistent year-on-year growth, achieved iconic wins, and fostered high-performing teams and strategic alliances. These milestones were possible because of the incredible people Ive had the privilege to work with.

As I close this chapter, I carry forward the lessons, relationships, and experiences that shaped me. Now, its time to embrace a new challenge and write the next story.

"PwC Thailand names Simon Gealy as new consulting lead partner " was originally created and published by International Accounting Bulletin, a GlobalData owned brand.




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When a Boston caller asked "The Ramsey Show" whether he should sell his small printing business to tackle some of his $147,000 debt, the advice he received pointed him in a different direction. Rather than unloading the equipment and starting over, the hosts suggested reframing the business as a side hustle  at least for now.

A First-Year Business and Mounting Personal Debt

The caller, Miguel, explained that he runs a merchandise printing business that generates about $1,500 a month. It's his first year in operation, and despite the modest income, he's putting in 50 to 60 hours a week. At the same time, he's carrying substantial personal debt, including credit cards, student loans, and a car payment.

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Miguel said he was considering selling his equipment  valued at roughly $30,000  to put a lump sum toward his debt. The challenge, he added, is that the business fluctuates month to month and demands nearly all his time.

"You're Not on a Living Wage Right Now"

Ramsey Show hosts Rachel Cruze and Jade Warshaw quickly honed in on a key issue: while the business is bringing in some revenue, it's not enough to sustain basic living expenses.

Warshaw walked through Miguel's numbers  $850 for rent, $450 for a car payment, and limited income left for food and other essentials  and pointed out that he didn't have health insurance.

"Youre not on a living wage right now," she said. "And so while I think its cool to have a printing business, it eats like a part-time side hustle when we look at the income that its bringing."

Their recommendation: keep the business, but stop relying on it as a full-time job until it grows.

Trending: Forget Flipping HousesThis Fund Lets You Invest in Home Equity Like Wall Street Does

Why Selling May Not Be the Best First Move

Both hosts emphasized that Miguel's equipment investment wasn't a financial mistake  only $8,000 of his $147,000 debt came from the business itself. They noted that generating $1,500 a month within the first year is actually a promising start. Because of that early traction, they encouraged him to continue running the operation, but with fewer hours and clearer limits.
NVIDIAs stock narrative is shifting, as the consensus analyst price target has increased modestly from $232.79 to $250.39 per share in response to evolving expectations. This adjustment reflects the company's unique position at the center of the AI infrastructure buildout, as well as the ongoing debate between bullish hopes and cautious concerns within the semiconductor sector. Stay tuned to discover how ongoing market developments may continue to influence the outlook for NVIDIA and what to watch for in the months ahead.

Analyst Price Targets don't always capture the full story. Head over to our Company Report to find new ways to value NVIDIA.

What Wall Street Has Been Saying

Analyst sentiment toward NVIDIA remains predominantly constructive, though several firms note both the extraordinary growth drivers ahead and the challenges and risks tied to execution and competitive dynamics. Here is a balanced snapshot of recent analyst commentary:

 Bullish Takeaways
Rengo's Tri-Wall Limited subsidiary and Tri-Walls unit TRICOR Packaging & Logistics have commenced operations at a newly built heavy-duty corrugated packaging plant in Goch, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.

The facility features a fully automated internal transport system, two automated warehouses, and photovoltaic and cogeneration systems.

It spans a site area of 166,000m with a total floor area of 54,000m, and will produce and sell industrial and heavy-duty corrugated board and boxes.

Local authorities expect the plant to support regional economic development through job creation, according to a statement from Rengo, the Japanese manufacturer and distributor of paper and packaging products.

TRICOR plans to employ more than 200 people.

The new plant will enhance Rengo's supply capabilities, improve delivery times and support a wider range of packaging needs across Europe, while expanding the groups global heavy-duty packaging business.

Tri-Wall Limited, headquartered in Hong Kong and led by global COO Eiji Miyazaki, is responsible for the groups manufacturing and sales activities in heavy-duty packaging materials.

TRICOR Packaging & Logistics is based in Bad Worishofen and headed by CEO Philipp Kosloh.

It develops and manufactures standard and bespoke industrial and heavy-duty corrugated packaging, and provides logistics services to industries including automotive, chemicals, engineering and electronics.

In its statement, Rengo said: The operation of the new plant will enhance the supply system to deliver products more quickly and meet wider range of packaging needs in Europe. At the same time, this new plant further expands the Rengo Groups global heavy-duty packaging business.

"Rengo subsidiary Tricor opens packaging plant in Germany " was originally created and published by Packaging Gateway, a GlobalData owned brand.




After Cannon dismissed the lawsuit last year, a right-wing Florida news site derided media coverage of FPL and crowed that Cannons decision amounted to a crystal-clear outcome again validating the continued claims of innocence made by FPL and its leaders.

Until last week, it appeared FPL had moved past that series of potentially damaging revelations with few other consequences and retained its status as one of Floridas most powerful companies, even as bit players from Jacksonville to Miami were convicted of crimes (law enforcement officials have never accused NextEra or its employees of wrongdoing).

A key episode in the lawsuit is NextEras January 25, 2023, announcement that Eric Silagy, FPLs CEO, was retiring  an abrupt development that utility analysts found unexpected  as well as unscheduled disclosures about potential legal and reputational risk that stemmed from some of the allegations that had run in Florida newspapers, which FPL leaders had previously denied.

When reporters began to uncover traces of the alleged conspiracy, NextEra and FPL executives were quick to put the claims to rest  But after some time, leadership began to backpedal.

The complaint has it all: corporate malfeasance, bribery, off-the-books recordkeeping, surveilling journalists, creating ghost candidates, corrupting independent media outlets, and a failed acquisition that spiraled into two federal indictments, Judge Gerald Bard Tjoflat wrote in a 38-page decision, joined by Judges Elizabeth Branch and Embry Kidd.

Last year, U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon dismissed that class-action lawsuit against NextEra, finding that the lead investors had failed to demonstrate that any of the companys statements during a maelstrom of news coverage about those controversies was sufficiently misleading.

An investor lawsuit accusing Florida Power & Lights parent company, NextEra, and several current and former executives of securities fraud can move forward, a panel of federal appeals judges ruled last week in a remarkable resurrection of the case. The suit, which has two Florida pension funds as the lead plaintiffs, argues that the company made misleading statements as Florida newspapers several years ago uncovered evidence of a wide range of misdeeds, including involvement in efforts to warp Florida elections through the use of ghost candidate s, use of dirty tricks to acquire Jacksonvilles city-owned electric utility, surveillance of a journalist and attempts to control media coverage .

Story Continues

And earlier this month, the Florida Public Service Commission approved FPLs requested $7 billion, four-year rate hike, which consumer advocates have characterized as the largest such increase in electric bills in United States history.

The commissioners, appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, approved that rate hike despite widespread public concerns about affordability and withering criticism from the chief judge on the Florida Supreme Court, who last year sharply rebuked the PSC as a black box that had hardly bothered to justify its decision to sign off on the previous FPL rate increase in 2021.

Now, the federal appeals court decision could re-open the companys old wounds from a series of controversies across Florida. At the center of nearly all of them were operatives of Matrix LLC, an Alabama-based consulting firm that FPL had once employed.

Matrixs founder, Joe Perkins, and its former CEO, Jeff Pitts, had a falling out, based in part over the companys work on FPLs behalf, which Perkins denied ever knowing about. During that feud, internal company records began making their way into the hands of reporters at the Orlando Sentinel, The Florida Times-Union, the Miami Herald and Floodlight, a nonprofit newsroom, that connected FPL to a series of seemingly discrete controversies across Florida.

In a 2020 state Senate race in South Florida, for example, those internal records showed that former Matrix operatives propped up a sham candidate who shared a last name with the incumbent, state Sen. Jose Javier Rodriguez, whom FPL despised, at least in part because of his opposition at the time to one of the companys top legislative priorities. I want you to make his life a living hell  seriously, Silagy, FPLs former CEO, emailed two underlings about Rodriguez in 2019. (Silagy later said he regretted his choice of words).

Rodriguez narrowly lost reelection.

In Jacksonville, the internal records showed that Matrix operatives worked discreetly on an effort to lure an FPL critic off the City Council with a six-figure job offer at a sham nonprofit and that they surveilled a columnist at The Florida Times-Union who wrote critically about FPLs efforts to buy the citys publicly owned electric, water and sewer utility (that columnist is the author of this story).

A watchdog organization also filed an FEC complaint over FPLs alleged funneling of money through various not-for-profit organizations (the FEC eventually deadlocked along partisan lines, with Republicans in unison against moving the investigation forward, ultimately killing the inquiry).

The records connected FPL to these efforts and others, but the company vigorously denied any role in them, both in statements and during the course of an interview of Silagy at the Times-Unions office in downtown Jacksonville.

But, the appeals court wrote, after the dust settled, NextEra leadership appeared to change course.

On the same day NextEra announced Silagys departure, it filed an unscheduled risk disclosure. While earlier SEC filings also touched on potential risks, the new disclosure was more comprehensive and warned investors of material fines and a potential material adverse impact on the reputation of NextEra and FPL, the court wrote.

While not an admission of wrongdoing, the court wrote, it was a notably different tune than (former NextEra CEO Jim Robos) earlier statement that there was no basis to any of [the] allegations.

To ultimately prevail, the investors suing FPL still must show material fraud, the court wrote.

The lead plaintiffs in the case are the City of Hollywood Police Officers Retirement System and the Pembroke Pines Firefighters & Police Officers Pension Fund.

Disclosure: The Tributarys executive editor, Nate Monroe, was the journalist whom FPL and Matrix are alleged to have surveilled. He is also the author of several past columns in The Florida Times-Union that are at issue in this lawsuit and which FPL has criticized in the past.

Nate Monroe can be reached at nate.monroe@jaxtrib.org.

This article first appeared on The Tributary and is republished here under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

Resurrected lawsuit puts FPLs past controversies back in the spotlight
US Securities and Exchange Commission Commissioner Hester Peirce has renewed her defense of crypto self-custody, calling it a basic freedom and pushing back against the growing idea that privacy in financial transactions is somehow suspicious.

Key Takeaways:

Hester Peirce says crypto self-custody is a basic freedom and people should not be forced to rely on intermediaries to hold their assets.

She argues that financial privacy should be the default and not treated as evidence of wrongdoing.

Her comments come as crypto legislation is delayed and ETFs pull some investors away from self-custody.

Speaking on The Rollup podcast, Peirce described herself as a freedom maximalist and argued that people should not be forced to rely on intermediaries to control their assets.

Of course people can hold their own assets, she said, questioning why that principle should even be controversial in a country founded on personal liberty.

SECs Peirce Says Financial Privacy Should Be the Default

Peirce also took aim at what she described as a cultural shift toward treating financial privacy as a red flag. Instead, she said, privacy should be the default, not a sign of wrongdoing.

If you want to keep your transactions private, the assumption shouldnt be that youre doing something illegal, she said. It should be the opposite.

Her remarks arrive as uncertainty continues around US crypto legislation.

According to Senator Tim Scott, the Digital Asset Market Structure Clarity Act, a bill that addresses self-custody, anti-money laundering rules and the classification of digital assets, has been delayed until 2026.

The lull has left the industry without a legal framework that directly addresses how Americans can legally hold and use digital assets.

Peirces comments also come at a time when self-custody itself faces competition from Wall Street products.

Spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds have made crypto easier to access for traditional investors, drawing some users away from holding coins directly in private wallets.

Self-Custodied Bitcoin Falls for First Time in 15 Years

Dr. Martin Hiesboeck, head of research at Uphold, said the industry is seeing the first decline in self-custodied Bitcoin in 15 years, as investors shift into ETFs for tax advantages and convenience.

The introduction of in-kind redemptions earlier this year allows ETF holders to swap crypto for shares without triggering a taxable event, a benefit that directly competes with personal wallets.

The debate intensified in February when analyst PlanB disclosed that he had moved his Bitcoin into ETFs to avoid the stress of managing private keys.
Masayoshi Son during the Future Investment Initiative Institute Priority Asia conference in Tokyo,, Dec. 1.

SoftBank Group Corp. founder Masayoshi Son said he wouldnt have sold off Nvidia Corp. shares if his company had unlimited money to bankroll its next investments in artificial intelligence, which include a big bet on OpenAI.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Son, addressing for the first time the surprise November disclosure that SoftBank had unloaded its entire stake in the worlds most valuable company, also slammed talk of an AI investment bubble. The Japanese company simply needed to raise capital to fund projects including data center construction, he told a forum in Tokyo Monday.

I dont want to sell a single share. I just had more need for money to invest in OpenAI and other projects, Son said during the FII Priority Asia forum. I was crying to sell Nvidia shares.

SoftBank has doubled down on its bets on AI through a flurry of projects that include a Stargate data center with Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., the acquisition of US chip designer Ampere Computing LLC, and plans to invest more in OpenAI by the end of this year.

People who talk about a bubble around AI investment are not smart enough, the 68-year-old SoftBank chief executive officer said. If AI is able to earn 10% of global gross domestic product over the long term, that would more than make up for even trillions of dollars worth of cumulative spending, he said. Where is the bubble?

Son made his remarks at an offshoot of one of Saudi Arabias biggest investment summits. The Tokyo forum featured appearances by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and the countrys finance and economy ministers, reflecting deepening ties between the kingdom and Japan.

Sons first Vision Fund was set up with $45 billion in funding from Saudi Arabias Public Investment Fund. The PIF has invested about $11.5 billion in Japan from 2017 to 2024 and expects that total to grow to around $27 billion by the end of 2030, Governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan said at the same event.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2025 Bloomberg L.P.
SolGold, a copper miner focused on Ecuador, has rejected a preliminary and conditional takeover bid from Chinas Jiangxi Copper Company (JCC), the second approach from the latter in less than a week.

Jiangxi Copper, which already holds a 12% stake in SolGold and is its largest shareholder, has offered 26p per share.

Following the announcement, SolGold shares jumped as much as 17% to 30.65p, after gaining almost 30% in the previous four sessions, according to Bloomberg.

The SolGold board unanimously rejected a separate non-binding proposal from Jiangxi Copper on 23 November.

The SolGold board remains confident in SolGolds stand-alone prospects, the company said in a statement.

SolGold has advised shareholders to take no action while it evaluates its next steps.

SolGold was previously considered a potential acquisition target for Western miners such as BHP Group and Newmont, which are among its largest shareholders.

However, interest from these companies diminished after disputes over funding plans and the downsizing of the Cascabel mine project.

The offer from Jiangxi Copper comes at a time of heightened activity in the copper mining sector, with many industry participants forecasting a shortage of the metal as global electrification accelerates.

This trend has contributed to multiple acquisition attempts among major miners, including a recent unsuccessful bid by BHP for Anglo American.

SolGold remains focused on discovering and developing copper and gold deposits, holding significant concessions in Ecuadors Andean copper belt and supporting the countrys emergence as a copper producer.

In July 2024, SolGold obtained a $750m (A$1.11bn) financing package to advance the Cascabel Project in Ecuadors Imbabura province.

"SolGold rejects Jiangxi Coppers takeover bid" was originally created and published by Mining Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.




Stablecoin payments are coming to PlayStation. Credit: Anusak Laowilas/NurPhoto via Getty Images.

Key Takeaways

Sony is planning to issue its own dollar-pegged stablecoin.

The proposed token will be used to pay for media content, including games and anime.

Stablecoins could power PlayStation and Crunchyroll payments as soon as 2026.

Sony Bank plans to issue its own USD-denominated stablecoin before the end of the 2026 financial year, Nikkei reported on Monday, Dec. 1.

The proposed coin will drive payments for video games and anime content within Sonys ecosystem, which includes the PlayStation Store and Crunchyroll.

Sonys Stablecoin Vision

Sony started quietly laying the foundations for its stablecoin in October, when the Japanese conglomerates financial services subsidiary applied to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) for a national trust bank charter.

As outlined in the application, Sony would use the trust bank to issue a dollar-pegged stablecoin and manage the associated reserve assets.

According to Nikkei, Sony Bank has formed a business partnership with Bastion, whose infrastructure will underpin the new token.

Sony has previously invested in Bastion through its venture capital fund, which participated in a strategic funding round announced in September.

The startups stablecoin-as-a-service model offers a white-label solution for companies seeking to issue their own branded tokens, providing an alternative to Paxos.

While Sony hasnt shared technical details of the project, the firm has built its own Ethereum Layer 2, Soneium, which could power settlement for the new stablecoin.

PlayStation and Crunchyroll to Integrate Stablecoins?

The Nikkei report said Sonys stablecoin would be integrated as a payment option for video games and anime in the U.S.

Sony currently powers in-game and marketplace payments through PlayStation Store. It also owns the worlds largest anime-streaming service, Crunchyroll.

By integrating its own dollar-backed token, Sony would be able to cut card-processing fees, streamline its cross-border treasury management, and keep users spending within its ecosystem.

Stablecoins also hold significant potential as a payout solution for digital marketplaces.

For example, Sony could introduce stablecoin payouts for third-part game studios that distribute content via the PlayStation Store, offering faster settlement for creators and developers

Finally, with a native stablecoin, Sony could build new loyalty or rewards features directly into PlayStation and Crunchyroll payments.

The post Sony Plans USD Stablecoin to Pay for PlayStation, Crunchyroll Subscriptions appeared first on ccn.com.
Across the mining life cycle, space technologies are driving real-world improvements in efficiency, safety and environmental management, with proven applications already transforming how mines operate in Australia.

Australia is recognised worldwide for its expertise in operating in remote and challenging environments, pioneering innovations in automation, robotics and digital systems. The combination of precision engineering, smart manufacturing and small-batch customisation provided by Australian METS well-positions providers to adapt space technologies for mining  and vice versa.

Austmine, the industry association for the Australian METS sector, plays a central role in this ecosystem by fostering collaboration between technology providers and miners. Marianne Cummings, director of strategic development at Austmine, tells Mining Technology: "There are space technologies coming into mining, and there are METS technologies going into space  a fairly circular exchange of information."

Complementing this, the METS sector contributed $114bn in revenue and employs nearly 200,000 people directly, forming a highly skilled workforce capable of integrating advanced technologies. Together, mining and METS support more than 500,000 direct jobs and some of the highest average wages in the country.

Australias mining sector remains a cornerstone of the national economy. In 202324, it contributed 13.4% of gross domestic product, the highest proportion of any industry. Mining generated $417bn (A$642.43bn) in revenue and drives two-thirds of Australias exports.

Reflecting too on IMARC 2025, major mining industry events are now demonstrating that space technologies are no longer confined to orbit but are increasingly driving innovation across terrestrial industries including mining and mining equipment, technology and services (METS).

This years International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2025), held in September at ICC Sydney, highlighted this connection. Bringing together thousands of global delegates, exhibitors, policymakers and industry leaders, the Congress focused on the theme 'Sustainable Space: Resilient Earth'. For the first time in IAC history, space-enabled industries were directly integrated into the programme.

What many do not realise is that space and mining have a symbiotic relationship, with technology transfer between the two sectors already generating measurable benefits for the Australian economy, sustainability and global competitiveness.

Australias mining and space sectors may appear worlds apart, but in reality they are surprisingly similar. Both operate in harsh, remote environments, rely on cutting-edge technologies and are capital intensive.

Story Continues

Exploration

Finding the next generation of ore deposits is increasingly challenging. Many of the near-surface resources have already been tapped, leaving deposits that are deeper, lower-grade and more remote.

Space technologies are helping geologists tackle these challenges with greater precision. Satellite imagery, hyperspectral sensors, synthetic aperture radar and other remote sensing tools allow teams to detect mineralisation without extensive drilling, reducing environmental disturbance and accelerating decision-making.

At Duck Creek in New South Wales, Fleet Space Technologies partnered with Inflection Resources to address a complex sedimentary landscape. Traditional geophysical approaches struggled to provide reliable targets, but Fleets ExoSphere system  combining satellite imagery, smart seismic sensors and AI-driven 3D modelling  enabled the identification of high-priority drill sites, optimised onsite logistics and limited environmental impact. It is an early demonstration of how space-enabled tools can enhance exploration at scale.

Mine site assessment and planning

Once a deposit is identified, planning and assessment become crucial for both economic and environmental outcomes. Satellite-based Earth observation, positioning and communications, combined with data analytics and robotics, help operators model scenarios, plan infrastructure and anticipate potential impacts.

At BHPs West Musgrave project in Western Australia (WA), high-frequency satellite imaging integrated with a geographic information system allowed engineers to monitor land disturbance in near real time. Deviations from permits could be addressed promptly and rehabilitation plans adapted dynamically. The result was a reduction in on-site inspections, lower travel requirements and a more considered approach to environmental management.

Mining and processing

Balancing productivity with sustainability is a constant challenge. Sensor-assisted ore sorting, digital twins, autonomous vehicles and real-time data analytics are increasingly central to mining operations, many of which are in remote locations with limited connectivity.

Portable low-Earth orbit satellite and edge computing solutions such as those introduced by Vocus in collaboration with system integrators like Kali-Tech allow continuous monitoring, teleoperation and predictive maintenance. These systems support safer operations, reduced environmental impact and improved output, showing that space-enabled connectivity can be a core operational element.

Mine closure and rehabilitation

Closing a mine responsibly is as important as its operation. Monitoring environmental recovery, assessing biodiversity and planning rehabilitation are essential to mitigating long-term impacts. Satellites and robotics are increasingly part of this work.

For an iron ore operation in WA, K2Fly (now renamed3 Quartex) used high-resolution satellite imagery and vegetation indices to track rehabilitation progress. Centralising environmental data in this way reduced the need for frequent site visits, supported proactive decision-making and helped ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. The approach allows operators to manage closure responsibly while limiting the operational footprint.

Australian METS Collaborate with Nasa

Collaborative projects between the space and mining industries include a workshop this year led by Nasa and the US Geological Survey. Credit: Getty/Xia Yuan

In early 2025, Nasa and the US Geological Survey hosted a landmark workshop at the Ames Research Center in Californias Silicon Valley to explore the future of off-world resource development. Among the attendees was a strong Australian contingent led by Austmine and the Australian Remote Operations for Space and Earth (AROSE), representing the nations world-class METS sector.

For Nasa, Australias appeal is evident: no country has more experience operating in remote, data-scarce and hostile environments. From automated haul trucks to AI-driven exploration, the Australian mining sector has spent decades solving problems that closely mirror those faced in space. It is also the global leader in mining automation, home to more autonomous haul trucks than anywhere else in the world and the source of more than 60% of the mining software used internationally. That combination of harsh-environment expertise and deep digital capability makes Australia an unusually valuable partner for space-sector innovation.

Through Austmines mineinnovate platform, Nasa outlined three key areas where Australian expertise could make an impact: detecting and assessing minerals on the moon for off-world manufacturing; reducing geologic uncertainty through multi-sensor data fusion; and advancing off-world simultaneous localisation and mapping.

The first focuses on finding and mapping critical lunar minerals such as zirconium and barium  the building blocks for manufacturing materials in space. The second seeks to improve geological confidence by combining data from multiple sensors, painting a far clearer picture of the lunar subsurface than any single instrument could achieve. The third aims to advance autonomous mapping systems capable of navigating and surveying evolving lunar landscapes with near real-time precision.

In December 2024, Austmine and AROSE launched the METS Space Cluster, connecting members from the METS and space sectors and enabling technology transfer in areas like robotics, data analytics and mineral processing for applications such as lunar exploration.

With the space economy forecast to reach $1.8tn by 2035, the initiative provides a platform to collaborate, share knowledge and showcase Australian innovation to global space agencies. By fostering a collective METSspace ecosystem, the Cluster also highlights some of the practical challenges and opportunities that arise when bridging these two high-tech sectors.

Challenges and cross-sector opportunities

While the benefits of space technologies in mining are becoming increasingly clear, integrating these tools into traditional operations is far from straightforward.

Mining has long been a risk-averse industry, with decisions heavily guided by commercial imperatives. Testing new technology can take time, and large operations are often cautious about introducing systems that might disrupt production or affect key performance indicators.

Smaller miners or junior operations can be more willing to experiment, creating pockets of opportunity for collaboration with space technology providers, but local avenues can force Australian innovators to look offshore.

To trial new equipment takes time and takes away from productivity. We often find there are a lot of our [Austmine] members who have been able to get their technologies overseas before they can get it into Australia. Often, that is due to the size and sophistication of the operation, because our tech is pretty sophisticated and therefore in demand, says Cummings.

Communication also presents a subtle but significant barrier. Mining engineers, geologists and space technologists often speak different technical languages. What sounds familiar to one group can seem alien to another. "Even the dirt being used in mining is called something different to the dirt (regolith) moved in space," Cummings explains.

There is also a cultural gap between industries focused on immediate commercial outcomes and those accustomed to long-term, exploratory projects. Space companies often plan over horizons of years or decades, whereas mining operations prioritise day-to-day production and short-term returns.

Bridging these differences takes time and understanding, but early efforts, such as cross-industry clusters and workshops, suggest that the divide is not insurmountable.

Some space innovators have discovered that their technologies can find quicker application in terrestrial mining, offering an unexpected route to commercialisation. Conversely, mining operations may provide insights that could help shape future space endeavours, from sensor design to autonomous systems.

Workforce development is another avenue; interdisciplinary science, technology, engineering and mathematics programmes could cultivate a generation of engineers and scientists who are comfortable navigating both mining and space contexts, strengthening Australias position as a global leader in high-tech resource management.

Finally, environmental and social responsibility offers an area where both sectors can learn from each other. Mining has decades of experience managing rehabilitation, community engagement and regulatory compliance. Space operations, particularly those that may eventually extend to extraterrestrial resources, could benefit from these hard-won lessons to avoid repeating the same mistakes, Cummings notes.

In turn, innovations developed for space  such as remote sensing, autonomous monitoring and data-driven decision-making  can enhance sustainable practices on Earth, creating a virtuous circle of improvement for both industries.

Space is no longer a niche pursuit for astronauts and aerospace engineers but a platform for innovation with real-world applications across the economy, especially mining. While the challenges and learnings from the two industries convergence are significant, the opportunities are even more so, with Australia being well-positioned to explore the new frontiers on Earth and beyond.

"Space, METS and mining: unlocking the power of technology transfer in Australia" was originally created and published by Mining Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.




Brazils crypto market is moving billions of dollars a month, and regulators are taking notice.

In a technical presentation at the Blockchain Conference Brasil, Flavio Correa Prado, an auditor at Brazils tax authority, the Receita Federal, revealed that crypto transactions reported under existing rules have reached between $6 billion and $8 billion per month.

If current trends continue, that figure could rise to $9 billion monthly by 2030, he said. Most of that volume comes from stablecoins like USDT and USDC, which now account for up to 90% of all reported transactions in some months. Bitcoin, once dominant, has become a secondary player as the country adopts stablecoins.

This shift toward stablecoins and the scale of the volumes is driving a major change in how Brazil tracks crypto assets. Receita Federal is set to replace its existing crypto reporting rule (known as IN 1.888) with a new system called DeCripto, starting July 2025.

DeCripto is based on the Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF), an international standard developed by the OECD and adopted by more than 60 countries. The framework enables the automatic exchange of tax information between jurisdictions, providing local authorities with access to data on offshore cryptocurrency transactions.

Under the new rules, exchanges must classify transactions into specific categories: crypto-to-fiat trades, crypto-to-crypto swaps, retail payments over $50,000, transfers in and out of wallets, and movements to unhosted wallets.

Data collection starts in January 2025. With billions in monthly flow, mostly in dollar-linked assets, the countrys tax authority is effectively tightening oversight to match the scale of Brazils fast-growing crypto economy.

These changes come as Brazils central bank introduces its most extensive set of crypto regulations so far.

The new framework creates a licensing regime for crypto service providers and brings a wide range of activities under the countrys foreign exchange and capital market rules. Crypto firms will need to hold between $2 million and $7 million in capital, depending on their business type, and foreign companies serving Brazilian clients must establish a local entity.

Companies that miss the ninemonth compliance window risk being barred from operating.
StandardAero Inc. (NYSE:SARO) is one of the best new stocks to invest in. On November 10, StandardAero broke ground on a ~70,000 square foot expansion to one of its facilities in Winnipeg, Manitoba. This investment in the companys existing Winnipeg campus aims to increase capacity and drive faster turnaround times for MRO services on key commercial and military turbofan engines.

The Winnipeg facility provides full MRO support for the GE Aerospace CF34-3/8 and CFM International CFM56-7B engines, and the expansion will increase the buildings footprint by 40%. The expansion is focused on increasing the sites capacity for the CF34-3/8 engine, which powers popular regional airliners such as the Embraer E175 and MHIRJ CRJ700.

StandardAero Breaks Ground on 70,000 sq. ft. Winnipeg Expansion to Boost CF34, CFM56 Engine MRO Capacity

It will also enable StandardAero to increase its work volume on the CFM56-7B engine, which is utilized by the Boeing 737 NG and its military variants, notably the P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft. This investment, which supports the facilitys 1,500 highly skilled employees and serves global commercial and military operators, is being undertaken in partnership with government entities, most notably the Manitoba provincial government, which is contributing $3 million toward the project.

StandardAero Inc. (NYSE:SARO) provides aerospace engine aftermarket services for fixed and rotary wing aircraft in the US, Canada, the UK, the Rest of Europe, Asia, and internationally. It operates in two segments: Engine Services and Component Repair Services.

While we acknowledge the potential of SARO 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.
MILAN, Dec 1 (Reuters) - Stellantis Chief Executive Antonio Filosa on Monday welcomed Berlin's call to soften European Union car emissions rules, saying Germany's proposals aligned with industry demands to revive growth in the struggling sector.

The European Commission is due to unveil proposals for a package to support the auto sector on December 10, including for a review of carbon-emission targets amid mounting pressure from governments and manufacturers to be more flexible and allow plug-in hybrids and new fuel-powered cars beyond 2035.

"We welcome the German government's support for revisions to the European regulations," Filosa said in a statement, adding it built on auto lobby ACEA's package of proposals, "all of which are urgently needed to return the European auto industry to growth".

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz last week urged Brussels to allow exemptions for plug-in hybrids and highly efficient combustion engines, arguing that automakers need more flexibility as they battle slow electric-vehicle uptake and fierce competition from China.

Since it ousted its former CEO Carlos Tavares a year ago, Stellantis - which was formed from the merger of Fiat Chrysler and PSA in 2021 - has become a vocal advocate for changes to the EU's auto regulation.

The automaker's Chairman John Elkann last week warned that the European car industry risked "irreversible decline" without softer rules, while Filosa said the sector needed "urgent and definitive action" to restore growth.

While such fears are widely shared by unions, industry proposals also include new goals for light commercial vehicle emissions, changes to regulation aimed at supporting production of small cars and measures to accelerate fleet renewal  all aimed at reconciling decarbonisation with jobs and affordability.

(Reporting by Giulio Piovaccari, Editing by Louise Heavens)
LONDON & HOUSTON, December 01, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Stonepeak, a leading alternative investment firm specializing in infrastructure and real assets, and Energy Equation Partners ("EEP"), an investment firm with significant expertise in fuel retail, today announced the completion of their previously announced acquisition of a 65% interest in JET Tankstellen Deutschland GmbH ("JET"), a leading fuel retailer in Germany and Austria, from a subsidiary of Phillips 66 (NYSE: PSX), in a transaction valuing the business at an enterprise value of approximately 2.5 billion.

"We are delighted to complete this acquisition and to partner with Stonepeak and Phillips 66 to take JET to the next level," said Javed Ahmed, Managing Partner of Energy Equation Partners. "This investment reflects EEPs commitment to investing in established players in the energy sector who have the potential to make a meaningful impact on the energy transition, and we are excited to work alongside the entire JET team, including its dedicated service station operators, to realize this vision."

"The completion of this transaction marks an important step forward for JET," said Anthony Borreca, Senior Managing Director and Co-Head of Energy at Stonepeak. "With its extensive network of service stations, trusted brand, and the combined expertise that we and EEP bring, JET is well positioned to continue providing reliable service to its customers across Germany and Austria."

Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP and Hengeler Mueller served as legal counsel to Stonepeak and EEP. Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP served as financing counsel to Stonepeak and EEP.

About Stonepeak

Stonepeak is a leading alternative investment firm specializing in infrastructure and real assets with approximately $80 billion of assets under management. Through its investment in defensive, hard-asset businesses globally, Stonepeak aims to create value for its investors and portfolio companies, with a focus on downside protection and strong risk-adjusted returns. Stonepeak, as sponsor of private equity and credit investment vehicles, provides capital, operational support, and committed partnership to grow investments in its target sectors, which include digital infrastructure, energy and energy transition, transport and logistics, and real estate. Stonepeak is headquartered in New York with offices in Houston, Washington, D.C., London, Hong Kong, Seoul, Singapore, Sydney, Tokyo, Abu Dhabi, and Riyadh. For more information, please visit www.stonepeak.com.
Strategy CEO Phong Le says the company now has more flexibility than ever to continue accumulating bitcoin, citing a capital structure built on long-dated debt, opportunistic equity access, and no short-term refinancing pressure.

Speaking on the most recent episode of the What Bitcoin Did podcast, Le told host Danny Knowles that Strategys ability to raise capital through both debt and equity has become a central part of the firms longterm bitcoin operating strategy. He described capitalmarket access as the magic behind the companys ability to consistently add bitcoin to its balance sheet through multiple market cycles.

Le said the firm deliberately engineered its balance sheet to avoid liquidity stress and to maintain room for opportunistic issuance. Our capital stack is very strong, he said. The first debt maturity doesnt hit until December 2025. It gives us a lot of flexibility to be opportunistic. The company holds several convertible note tranches that are longdated and carry minimal nearterm dilution risk. Le added that Strategy now has more flexibility than ever to continue accumulating bitcoin, pointing to its ability to tap both equity and debt markets depending on conditions.

He added that Strategy now has more flexibility than at any point in its history, citing its ability to raise equity through atthemarket programs and its track record of issuing zerocoupon or lowcoupon convertibles. Weve shown we can do both. We can choose the timing of both, he said, noting that the firm can raise capital during strong equity markets or lean on convertibles when rates and market conditions favor longduration issuance.

The Washington, D.C.area firm, which rebranded from MicroStrategy to Strategy in February 2025, holds more than 158,000 BTC on its balance sheet. Le said the companys shareholder base understands that Strategys market identity has shifted from a traditional software company to a hybrid business combining enterprise analytics with a bitcoinforward treasury strategy. Our shareholder base understands who we are, he said. Were the only access point to this strategy in public markets.

Le acknowledged that some investors still question how Strategy should be valued, especially when bitcoin prices are volatile or trading well below recent highs. But he argued that the company has proven its approach through multiple cycles and that its continued access to capital at favorable terms validates the model. This strategy works because we know how to use the capital markets well, he said.
Deutsche Telekom logos light up at the company's headquarters in Bonn. Oliver Berg/dpa

Deutsche Telekom and Schwarz Group, the parent company of the Lidl supermarket chain, want to join forces and build a large artificial intelligence (AI) data centre in Germany.

The Handelsblatt newspaper reported on Monday that the two companies are in talks about an "AI factory" in order to apply for EU funding.

A Canadian investor could come on board as a financier, with Handelsblatt reporting that negotiations are already at an advanced stage.

A Telekom spokesman said that the company was fundamentally interested in "gigafactories." However, he did not want to comment on the specific case, and a Schwarz spokesman also declined to comment.

In the digital age, data requirements are increasing massively, and AI applications are driving an enormous hunger for data, including for the training of their language models. This requires new data centres to be built in Germany or other EU countries, making Europe less dependent on the US.

Telekom and the Schwarz Group have already stepped up their efforts in the field of AI data centres, and the joint project is now intended to increase the pace.

At the beginning of November, Telekom announced in Berlin that it would be entering the construction and operation of AI data centres on a large scale.

In mid-November, the Schwarz Group began the construction of a data centre in eastern Germany with an investment volume of 11 billion ($13 billion) over the next five to 15 years.
A Texas oil firm is fighting an uphill battle with the state of California to restart crude oil production and sales from three platforms in federal waters offshore Santa Barbara.

Houston-based Sable Offshore Corp, led by industry veteran James Flores, is embroiled in contentious legal battles with Californias agencies and attorney general over a project to restore and re-launch a pipeline from the offshore fields to the coast. Faced with Californias opposition and lawsuits, Sable is proposing an alternative plan to ship oil via shuttle tankers with operations in federal waters only, which would bypass Californias state agencies.

Despite the support of the Trump Administration for federal oil-producing projects, Sable is fielding a growing number of lawsuits from California, and analysts say the firm could run out of funds and default on a loan before clearing hurdles in the most inhospitable U.S. state for the oil industry.

Sable Offshore bought in 2021 three platforms from ExxonMobil in federal waters offshore Santa Barbara County by financing part of the deal with a $625-million loan from the U.S. supermajor.

The platforms were shut down in 2015 following an oil spill due to a corroded pipeline that released about 3,000 barrels of oil on the nearby beaches and killed wildlife.

Related: Germany Seeks Looser EU Rules of Gasoline Cars Phase-out by 2035

Exxon could end up owning the platforms again if Sable doesnt restart them by a certain point.

Sable is trying, but California is not budging. Lawsuits are pouring in against Sable for alleged environmental damages and disregard for Californias safety regulations and wildlife preservation.

Sable, for its part, is struggling with a plunging stock price  down by 68% over the past month, following allegations that Flores had shared insider information with a select group of investors.

The company is also looking to bypass California authorizations and seeks federal approvals for production and offtake that would take place in federal waters only. Sable in September unveiled an alternative offtake strategy after being sued by the Santa Barbara County District Attorney for environmental violations.

This alternative strategy, a so-called Offshore Storage and Treating Vessel (OS&T) strategy, would entail seeking federal clearance to transport the oil from the offshore platforms via shuttle tankers.

Sable says that the onshore pipeline, which California refuses to authorize, would provide immediate economic relief to California residents and will play a large role in stabilizing local refineries.
TotalEnergies EP Nigeria has signed a farmout agreement with Chevrons Star Deep Water Petroleum to sell a 40% stake in the PPL 2000 and PPL 2001 offshore licences.

Located in the West Delta basin in Nigeria, the two exploration licences cover approximately 2,000km.

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission awarded the licences to a consortium comprising TotalEnergies and South Atlantic Petroleum during the 2024 Exploration Round.

Under the terms of the agreement, TotalEnergies will have a 40% participation stake and continue as operator, while Chevron will hold another 40% stake in the licences.

South Atlantic Petroleum will have the remaining 20% interest.

The closing of the farmout transaction remains subject to customary conditions including regulatory approvals.

In June, TotalEnergies acquired a 25% working interest in a portfolio of offshore US exploration leases, comprising 40 blocks operated by Chevron.

This new agreement is said to further strengthen TotalEnergies global offshore exploration collaboration with Chevron.

TotalEnergies exploration senior vice-president Nicola Mavilla said: After launching our joint venture [JV] in US offshore exploration in June, we are delighted to now expand our collaboration to Nigeria to unlock new resources in the West Delta basin.

This new JV aims at de-risking and developing new opportunities in Nigeria, in line with the objectives of the country.

Last week, the French oil and gas company completed the sale of its non-operated stake in the Bonga deep-water oilfield offshore Nigeria.

TotalEnergies transferred its stake to Shell subsidiary Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company and Enis subsidiary Nigerian Agip Exploration.

The sale resulted in changes to the Bonga deep-water field ownership structure within the oil mining lease 118 production sharing contract.

Last month, Chevron forecast more than 10% growth in its annual adjusted free cash flow and annual earnings per share through 2030, assuming Brent crude prices of $70 per barrel.

The company reduced its capital expenditure guidance range to $18bn21bn per year.

"TotalEnergies to sell 40% stake in Nigerian offshore licences to Chevron company " was originally created and published by Offshore Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.




Tullow Oil has appointed veteran oil trader and long-standing board member Roald Goethe as independent non-executive chair, effective 1 December 2025, in a move that coincides with a sweeping reduction and restructuring of the companys board.

Goethe, who has served as an independent director since 2023 and sits on the Audit and Remuneration committees, brings more than three decades of commercial and trading experience across African energy markets. His background includes senior roles at Trafigura, where he helped expand its West African oil trading business, and the founding of Delaney Petroleum, focused on crude and products trading in Africa and the Middle East. He also holds more than 28 million Tullow shares and approximately $400,000 in 2026 senior notes, signaling significant personal alignment with shareholders.

The governance overhaul comes as Phuthuma Nhleko steps down as chair and non-executive director with immediate effect to pursue other business interests. Three other independent directors  Genevieve Sangudi, Martin Greenslade, and Mitchell Ingram  have also resigned, prompting one of the most significant board reductions in the companys history.

From 1 December, Tullows board will consist of just four members:

Roald Goethe, Independent Chair

Rebecca Wiles, Independent Director

Ian Perks, Chief Executive Officer

Richard Miller, Chief Financial Officer

Tullow said the downsizing will further reduce its cost base while it searches for replacements for key roles. Management emphasized that the leaner board is intended to be small, focused and aligned as the company tightens spending and prepares for its next phase of strategic execution.

Goethe said he looks forward to supporting the leadership team as the company advances its strategy across its African portfolio, including its core assets in Ghana. With the new leadership structure in place, he said Tullow is now positioned to tackle upcoming priorities  notably refinancing its capital structure, a critical milestone as the company navigates debt maturities and seeks to reinforce investor confidence.

The governance revamp comes amid wider sector pressure on independent E&Ps to streamline operations, improve capital discipline, and maintain competitiveness in Africas mature upstream landscape. For Tullow, which is targeting Net Zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030, the overhaul aligns with ongoing efforts to simplify the business, stabilize production from its Ghanaian fields, and enhance long-term value creation.
Christian Gorton, Marketing Director at CA Auto Finance , described eVED as a real setback for current and prospective EV drivers, warning that additional lifetime costs could materially impact how quickly were able to meet the Governments net-zero targets.

Leasing.com CEO Mike Fazal stressed that EVs maintain an operating-cost advantage even with the new charge, but recognised that the financial impact becomes more pronounced for fleets covering high annual mileages. For organisations operating high-mileage electric fleets, the impact will understandably feel larger, he said, though EVs remain competitive against equivalent petrol and diesel models on total running costs.

Walters said the average Business Contract Hire vehicle covers 14,400 miles per year, meaning the levy alone could add 432 to annual running costs. Despite this, he noted that conventionally fuelled vehicles would still need to reach around 70mpg to match an EV on overall costs.

"From April 2028, the Treasury will introduce a 3p per mile levy for electric cars (and 1.5p for plug-in hybrids) to help plug the expected gap in fuel duty This feels like a premature move in a market where electric vehicles, despite ongoing price cuts, still often have a higher purchase price. The OBR estimates that the impact could be as much as 440,000 fewer EV registrations over the next five years.

Matt Walters, Head of Consultancy and Customer Value at Ayvens , described the move as premature, arguing that equalised Vehicle Excise Duty in April had already levelled the playing field: Hot on the heels of Vehicle Excise Duty being equalised across petrol, diesel, hybrid and electric cars in April, the Chancellor announced two more significant changes in the Autumn Budget.

Adam Hall, Director of Energy Services at Drax Electric Vehicles , said the timing risks slowing progress at a critical stage, with new running costs introduced just as momentum builds. Several industry voices echoed these concerns, noting that businesses and employees weighing EV options could face fresh uncertainty.

The introduction of Electric Vehicle Excise Duty (eVED) from April 2028, set at 3p per mile for battery-electric cars and 1.5p for plug-in hybrids, drew the strongest reaction across the leasing community. While long anticipated, businesses argue that the measure lands at a delicate moment for EV confidence.

For the UKs leasing and mobility sector, the announcements represent a material shift in the long-term economics of electric vehicles (EVs) and the structure of company mobility schemes.

Against a backdrop of weak economic growth, stretched public finances and falling fuel duty receipts, the Autumn Budget set out a revenue-raising package centred on reforms to motoring taxation.

Story Continues

Maria Bengtsson, EY UK&I Mobility Leader, agreed the measure introduces a potential barrier to demand, though she welcomed the Governments 1.3 billion extension of the Electric Car Grant and further public charging investment.

Reforms to vehicle taxation also drew reaction. The rise in the Expensive Car Supplement (ECS) threshold to 50,000 was widely viewed as helpful, though several commentators said it fell short of market reality.

Walters highlighted the significance of the uplift, noting that the adjustment avoids an unnecessary 440 surcharge for many recent EV registrations: Left unchanged, this would have added 440 on top of the first five annual VED renewals for the majority of vehicles registered since 1 April 2025 The OBR estimates this will offset 130,000 registrations otherwise lost to eVED.

Caroline Sandall-Mansergh, Consultancy and Channel Development Manager at Alphabet (GB), said the uplift doesnt go far enough, citing Alphabet data showing an average 56,633 P11D value across more than 1,000 EV models.

Robbie Watson, Senior Associate in the corporate tax team at Birketts LLP, said the Budget introduces sweeping changes that will reshape fleet, leasing and employee car strategies, including reduced allowances and future changes to Motability VAT treatment.

Rising fuel costs are also on the horizon. Fuel duty will be unfrozen for the first time since 2010, with stepped increases from September 2026. While many fleets have shifted away from petrol and diesel, the change still affects van operators and mixed-fuel portfolios.

Walters said the freeze ending had long been expected, but pointed out the significant contrast with EV charging costs over the past decade: Although this will add costs for fleets, the price of fuel has barely changed since the freeze was introduced 15 years ago The story is very different for electric vehicle drivers, who have faced significantly higher charging costs as the price of energy has increased. This will be critical for supporting the UKs growing EV market.

Paul Holland, Managing Director for UK/ANZ Fleet at Corpay, said the Budget makes life harder for fleets and small businesses, warning that nothing announced today makes life easier for fleets or small businesses.

There was also relief for fleets investing in zero-emission vehicles and infrastructure. Walters welcomed the extension of 100% first-year allowances for EVs and chargers to 2027, though he noted disappointment that the new 40% allowance for lessors did not go further: Whilst it is not the 100% rate we had hoped for, it makes leasing even more attractive.

He also criticised the cut in the main rate of capital allowances from 18% to 14% from 202627, calling it a further disincentive for plug-in hybrids at a time when they already face higher company car tax, CO increases and the incoming mileage levy.

On support schemes, Walters welcomed the extension of the Electric Car Grant to March 2030, noting it had stimulated much-needed price reductions across the market. However, he highlighted the lack of clarity over the Plug-in Van Grant  a gap he said sends mixed signals at a time when electric vans remain far behind mandated uptake levels.

There was consensus that delaying reforms to Employee Car Ownership Schemes until 2031 avoided immediate disruption. James Tew, CEO at iVendi, described the postponement as good news, noting it would allow government and industry more time to develop long-term solutions.

"UK Autumn Budget: leasing sector warns of rising costs and slowing demand" was originally created and published by Leasing Life, a GlobalData owned brand.




Regional authorities in England are preparing for new powers that would allow them to introduce a tourist tax on overnight stays, creating uncertainty for hotels, guesthouses and short-term rental operators.

The proposed visitor levy would apply to a wide range of accommodation and could add a small surcharge to room nights across major destinations.

What the proposed visitor levy could mean for accommodation providers

The governments plan would give elected mayors the authority to introduce a local levy on overnight stays, similar to those already used in many international tourist cities. The rate, structure and timing would be determined locally, following consultation.

Hoteliers and holiday-let operators are monitoring the process closely, as decisions will vary from region to region.

Other parts of the UK have already moved ahead with their own schemes. Edinburgh will introduce a 5% charge on stays from 2026, with Glasgow following a year later.

Liverpool and Manchester currently operate smaller nightly fees through business-improvement-district arrangements. The new proposals could bring England more in line with these existing models.

Why cities are considering a tourist tax

Local authorities argue that a visitor levy would help fund services used heavily by tourists, such as public transport, street maintenance and cultural programmes.

Supporters say the revenue could strengthen city infrastructure and improve the visitor experience, particularly in destinations with high footfall.

Proponents also note that similar charges are common across Europe, making the UK one of the few major markets without a widespread visitor tax.

Introducing a modest levy, they argue, could help cities manage tourism sustainably and generate dedicated funding for local priorities.

Implications for the hotel sector and booking behaviour

For hotels and other accommodation providers, the main concern is how a levy would be implemented. Operators may need to update booking systems, adjust pricing displays and ensure guests understand whether the charge is included in the rate or added at check-in.

Industry groups have warned that even a modest surcharge could affect price-sensitive travellers, potentially influencing destination choice.

Hotels in cities that adopt the tax earlier or at higher rates may need to revise occupancy forecasts and consider how the change fits into broader pricing strategies.

Key issues the sector is watching

As councils begin formal discussions, hotel operators are seeking clarity on several points: whether the levy will be charged per person or per room; which types of accommodation will be included; how the funds will be used; and how quickly the change will take effect.
TotalEnergies's Mozambique LNG Project in Cabo Delgado province (Camille LAFFONT)

Britain's government said Monday it would no longer provide TotalEnergies with a loan for a gas project in Mozambique that the French group halted over a jihadist attack.

Its decision to withhold up to $1.15 billion of funding for the liquified natural gas project (LNG) comes after a consortium led by TotalEnergies announced in October that it would lift a suspension on the work imposed in 2021 because of the deadly violence.

"Whilst these decisions are never easy, the government believes that UK financing of this project will not advance the interests of our country," Business Secretary Peter Kyle said in a statement.

UK Export Finance (UKEF), a government agency, has taken the decision to halt financing for the project which was originally seen to benefit Britain.

The $20-billion LNG project was paused following a bloody jihadist attack that killed an estimated 800 people.

TotalEnergies lifted the force majeure it had declared after the siege and sought $4.5 billion in cost overruns linked to the delay, to be covered by the Mozambique government.

The company, which owns 26.5 percent of the project, has said it hopes to resume production at the gas site in 2029, subject to the African country's approval of its new budget plan.

The UK government meanwhile "remains committed to backing British exporters, including through support from UKEF", Kyle added Monday.

"We also remain committed to our national partnership with Mozambique and building long-term respectful relationships with African countries to boost sustainable growth, tackle the climate crisis and address insecurity."

Mozambican and international NGOs have accused TotalEnergies of holding Mozambique "hostage" over the French group's demands of "ultra-favourable" conditions to restart its gas project in the country's restive northeastern Cabo Delgado province.

Several gas projects in the area, also involving Italian group ENI and American oil giant ExxonMobil, could "make Mozambique one of the world's top ten (natural gas) producers, contributing 20 percent of African production by 2040", according to a 2024 report by the audit firm Deloitte.

Environmental groups have decried the projects as "climate bombs" that would bring little benefit to Mozambicans, more than 80 percent of whom lived below the poverty line of three dollars per day in 2022, according to the World Bank.

bur-bcp/ajb/rl
By Alistair Smout and Elizabeth Piper

LONDON, Dec 1 (Reuters) - British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Monday he was proud of last week's budget, defending not only what he described as the "fair choices" in it but also his finance minister, accused of misleading the public before the release of her fiscal plans.

At a press conference at a neighbourhood centre in London, Starmer sought to convince the public that the budget - which ducked an increase in income tax but raised taxes in other areas - would help tackle child poverty, protect public services and offer a larger fiscal buffer to secure stability.

But while he tried to move the focus onto future welfare reform and cutting business regulation, he was repeatedly questioned on whether finance minister Rachel Reeves had misled the public by presenting a fiscal black hole as being larger than that suggested by independent forecasts.

"I am proud ... I am proud that our public finances and our public services are moving in the right direction because we confronted reality, we took control of our future and Britain is now back on track," Starmer said to applause.

REEVES STILL THE FOCUS OVER ALLEGATIONS SHE MISLED PUBLIC

He said voters would start to feel the benefits of his Labour government's approach in the year ahead and "see a country that no longer feels the burden of decline".

But it was the position of Reeves, who has rejected accusations by opposition politicians that she lied over Britain's financial situation in the build-up to the November 26 budget, that became the focus of the press conference.

Reeves used her budget to increase taxes by 26 billion pounds ($34 billion). The run-up to the event had been dominated by talk she needed to fill a fiscal black hole, but the official forecaster, the Office for Budget Responsibility, released a letter last week that showed the public finances were in better shape.

Opposition politicians have called for her to resign, saying she misled the public and the markets.

The populist Reform UK Party has called on the independent ethics adviser to open a probe into whether she breached the ministerial code. The opposition Conservative Party has also accused Reeves of lying to the public.

STARMER DETAILS DECISION-MAKING PROCESS

Starmer gave details of the decision-making process, saying discussions began over the shape of the budget when a productivity forecast from the Office for Budget Responsibility showed a 16 billion pound loss.

He said that meant both he and Reeves had to think about possibly breaching the party's 2024 election promise and raising income tax - something later data suggested was not necessary. He also said the government needed a larger fiscal buffer to offer stability and to cover the "fair" welfare decisions.
[AFP via Getty Images]

The UK and the US have agreed a deal to keep tariffs on UK pharmaceutical shipments into America at zero.

Under the agreement the UK will pay more for medicines through the NHS in return for a guarantee that US import taxes on pharmaceuticals made in the UK will remain at zero for three years.

This is the first time the amount that the NHS pays for medicines is due to increase in more than 20 years.

The deal comes after US President Donald Trump threatened to raise tariffs to as high as 100% on branded drug imports, one of the UK's biggest exports to the US.

Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle said the deal "guarantees that UK pharmaceutical exports  worth at least 5bn a year - will enter the US tariff free, protecting jobs, boosting investment and paving the way for the UK to become a global hub for life sciences."

The UK exported 11.1bn worth of medicines to the US in the 12 months to the end of September, making up 17.4% of all goods exports in that period, according to the Department for Business and Trade.

Pharmaceuticals were not included in the wave of tariffs US President Donald Trump had announced earlier this year.

But he has repeatedly threatened to raise tariffs on medicines, citing concerns about America's reliance on medicines made overseas and a desire to increase manufacturing in the US.

He has also argued that US consumers effectively subsidise medicines for other developed countries by paying premium prices for those drugs and pushed for other countries to pay more.

Under the terms set out on Monday, the UK will increase the price threshold, at which it deems new treatments to be too expensive, by 25%.

The UK will also increase the overall amount the NHS spends on medicines, with a target to increase that spending from 0.3% of GDP to 0.6% of GDP over the next 10 years.

The amount drug companies must pay back to the NHS to ensure the health system does not overspend its allocated budget will be capped at 15% - last year, drug companies had to pay back more than 20%.

In exchange, UK medicine exports will be protected from tariff increases for the next three years.

White House spokesman Kush Desai said the agreement with the UK was a "historic step towards ensuring that other developed countries finally pay their fair share".

[Getty Images]

The pressure from the US had intensified a long-running row in the UK between the government and the pharmaceuticals industry over drug approvals and the cost of medicines to the NHS.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting said in August that he was not prepared to let drug companies "rip off" the UK, after talks between the government and pharmaceutical firms over the cost of medicines broke down.
British pharma giant AstraZeneca had previously struck a deal to delay tariffs by pledging to invest in US manufacturing (Jonathan NACKSTRAND)

The United States on Monday exempted British pharmaceuticals from import tariffs under a unique deal which sees the UK increase spending on American drugs by 25 percent.

The accord aims to "address long-standing imbalances in US-UK pharmaceutical trade," ending what US trade ambassador Jamieson Greer called an arrangement where "American patients have been forced to subsidise prescription drugs and biologics in other developed countries."

Under the deal struck between the administrations of US President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Britain's publicly-funded National Health Service (NHS) will increase its prices for new US treatments by 25 percent.

The agreement means Britain will be exempted from hefty US tariffs imposed on pharma imports that entered force on October 1. It is the only country to reach such a deal.

The lofty price of medications has been a major political issue in the United States for years, with a Rand Corporation study showing Americans paid 2.5 times as much for pharmaceuticals as in France.

Prior to Monday's announcement, the Trump administration had announced tariffs of 100 percent on branded pharmaceuticals.

At the same time, the White House delayed the tariffs for three years with Pfizer and British group AstraZeneca after both agreed to invest in US manufacturing capacity.

British Science and Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said the latest deal will "ensure UK patients get the cutting-edge medicines they need sooner," while also enabling "life sciences companies to continue to invest and innovate right here in the UK."

- Deals elsewhere -

The Trump administration said it "is reviewing the pharmaceutical pricing practices of many other US trading partners and hopes that they will follow suit with constructive negotiations".

As it stands, the European Union and Switzerland face pharma tariffs totalling 15 percent.

AstraZeneca in July announced plans to invest $50 billion by 2030 on boosting its US manufacturing and research operations.

Around the same time, British rival GSK revealed it planned to invest $30 billion in the United States over the next five years.

The UK government on Monday said it will "invest around 25 percent more in innovative, safe, and effective treatments -- the first major increase in over two decades."

It meant the NHS "will be able to approve medicines that deliver significant health improvements but might have previously been declined purely on cost-effectiveness grounds."
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Explore the comprehensive Vietnam Data Center Market Portfolio Analysis, your ultimate resource for insights on colocation data centers. This Excel database offers an in-depth look at 29 existing and 20 upcoming facilities in Binh Duong Province, Da Nang, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City. Key features include white-floor space details, current and future IT load capacities (2025-2029), and colocation pricing. Discover market leaders like Viettel IDC and emerging projects. Essential for REITs, contractors, and infrastructure providers aiming to navigate Vietnam's dynamic data center landscape.

Dublin, Dec. 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Vietnam Existing & Upcoming Data Center Portfolio" database has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

Vietnam hosts around 29 operational data centers, with Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City dominating the region. The market continues to grow steadily, with over 20 new data center projects either planned, announced, or under construction across the country.

Viettel IDC, FPT Telecom, VNPT and CMC Telecom rank among the leading existing data center operators by capacity across Vietnam. About 90% of upcoming data centers are concentrated in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, with Ho Chi Minh City seeing the highest share of developments.

KEY MARKET HIGHLIGHTS:

This database (Excel) product covers the Vietnam data center market portfolio analysis, which provides the following information on the colocation data centers:

Detailed Analysis of 29 existing data centers

Detailed Analysis of 20 upcoming data centers

Location covered: Binh Duong Province, Da Nang, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City.

Existing white-floor space (square feet)

Upcoming white-floor space (square feet)

Current IT load capacity (2025)

Future capacity additions (2025-2029)

Retail Colocation Pricing Quarter Rack (1/4) Half Rack Cabinets (1/2) Full Rack Cabinet (42U/45U/47U/etc.)

Wholesale colocation (per kW) pricing

EXISTING DATA CENTERS (29 FACILITIES)

Market Snapshot

Location (Region/Country/City)

Facility Address

Operator/Owner Name

Data Center Name i.e., (Hanoi Tower Data Center or Da Nang Data Center)

Core & Shell Area (White-Floor Area)

Core & Shell Power Capacity (IT Load Capacity)

Rack Capacity

Year of Operations

Design Standards (Tier I - IV)

Power/Cooling Redundancy

UPCOMING DATA CENTERS (20 FACILITIES)
By Elena Fabrichnaya and Gleb Bryanski

MOSCOW, Dec 1 (Reuters) - Russian companies are eyeing expansion opportunities in the countries of the Global South and still have global ambitions despite Western sanctions, Andrei Kostin, the CEO of Russia's second-largest bank, VTB, told Reuters.

The United States in October imposed sanctions on Russia's biggest oil companies, Rosneft and Lukoil, forcing the latter to sell its overseas assets, which extract about 0.5% of global oil, at a discount.

"Interest in expansion remains, with the focus now shifted towards the Global South. I know that many colleagues are currently considering raw material processing in China and other countries," Kostin said in an interview conducted on Friday.

VTB participated in some of the oil companies' foreign acquisitions, including a 2017 deal to acquire India's Essar Oil, now called Nayara Energy, by a consortium led by Rosneft. In this deal VTB acted as an adviser to Essar Group, the seller.

"It (Nayara Energy) is targeting an exclusively domestic market. Export is not planned at all, everything produced is consumed within India. Sanctions were imposed on them earlier, but everything is functioning," Kostin said.

Kostin said that the oil firms should follow the example of VTB, which had successful businesses in the U.S. and Europe but changed focus to other markets after it was hit with Western sanctions.

"I think the same will happen with Rosneft and Lukoil. Opportunities will arise. Moreover, any restrictions that lead to an increase in oil prices are benefiting exporters," Kostin said, adding that Russian oil will always be in demand.

Kostin will be part of the delegation that will accompany President Vladimir Putin on a two-day visit to India on December 4-5. India has been the biggest buyer of discounted Russian oil but supplies are expected to fall due to sanctions.

"How India will act in the future remains to be seen. It is advantageous for India to buy Russian oil, and it will be difficult to give it up," Kostin said. He said U.S. oil sanctions would not "kill" Russian oil companies.

Kostin acknowledged that Indian banks were wary of doing transactions with Russian firms while its was difficult to settle trade in national currencies because India's exports to Russia were too small, compared to its imports of Russian oil.

VTB, which has an office in New Delhi, also plans to open an office in Mumbai, Kostin said, adding that India has the potential to increase exports to Russia, especially of machinery and pharmaceutical products.

(Writing by Gleb Bryanski;Editing by Andrew Osborn and Susan Fenton)
Finding a business that has the potential to grow substantially is not easy, but it is possible if we look at a few key financial metrics. Firstly, we'd want to identify a growing return on capital employed (ROCE) and then alongside that, an ever-increasing base of capital employed. Ultimately, this demonstrates that it's a business that is reinvesting profits at increasing rates of return. Ergo, when we looked at the ROCE trends at Kainos Group (LON:KNOS), we liked what we saw.

This technology could replace computers: discover the 20 stocks are working to make quantum computing a reality.

Return On Capital Employed (ROCE): What Is It?

Just to clarify if you're unsure, ROCE is a metric for evaluating how much pre-tax income (in percentage terms) a company earns on the capital invested in its business. The formula for this calculation on Kainos Group is:

Return on Capital Employed = Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT)  (Total Assets - Current Liabilities)

0.41 = UK47m  (UK269m - UK155m) (Based on the trailing twelve months to September 2025).

Therefore, Kainos Group has an ROCE of 41%. In absolute terms that's a great return and it's even better than the IT industry average of 19%.

View our latest analysis for Kainos Group

LSE:KNOS Return on Capital Employed December 1st 2025

Above you can see how the current ROCE for Kainos Group compares to its prior returns on capital, but there's only so much you can tell from the past. If you'd like to see what analysts are forecasting going forward, you should check out our free analyst report for Kainos Group .

What Can We Tell From Kainos Group's ROCE Trend?

Kainos Group deserves to be commended in regards to it's returns. Over the past five years, ROCE has remained relatively flat at around 41% and the business has deployed 48% more capital into its operations. With returns that high, it's great that the business can continually reinvest its money at such appealing rates of return. If these trends can continue, it wouldn't surprise us if the company became a multi-bagger.

Another point to note, we noticed the company has increased current liabilities over the last five years. This is intriguing because if current liabilities hadn't increased to 58% of total assets, this reported ROCE would probably be less than41% because total capital employed would be higher.The 41% ROCE could be even lower if current liabilities weren't 58% of total assets, because the the formula would show a larger base of total capital employed. Additionally, this high level of current liabilities isn't ideal because it means the company's suppliers (or short-term creditors) are effectively funding a large portion of the business.
Why did Ethereum drop? Well the fundamentals havent changed for ETH but my net worth has. slid sharply this week, falling more than 7% in 24 hours as a mix of structural and psychological pressures collided  but how is it impacting Ethereum price prediction.

A Yearn Finance exploit triggered the initial wave of selling, but the cascade quickly spread across the market, sending BTC down 5% and pulling total crypto market cap below $3Tn.

Meanwhile, crypto whales are selling their bags, and short sellers sense an opportunity. Heres what you need to know for the ETH price:

DISCOVER: Top 20 Crypto to Buy in 2025

Why Did Ethereum Drop? A 2015 ICO Whale Reawakens After a Decade

One of the days biggest headlines came from an on-chain alert showing a 2015 Ethereum ICO wallet, that has been dormant for ten years, moving 40,000 ETH, originally purchased for $12,400 at $0.31. That stash is now worth roughly $120 million, a 9,677x return by todays pricing.

Despite fears of a selloff, no exchange deposits were detected.

Lookonchain: The transfer appears to be an internal move, not a liquidation event.

Historically, early-era ETH whales have caused more social-media panic than real market damage. Dormant wallet activations are narrative events, not typically liquidity events.

DISCOVER: Next 1000X Crypto: 10+ Crypto Tokens That Can Hit 1000x in 2025

The Yearn Exploit Sparks a Broader Selloff: Whats Next For Ethereum Price Prediction?

The real trigger came from a Yearn Finance exploit reported by CoinDesk, which blindsided markets already stretched by leverage. As the exploit circulated, ETH futures unwound aggressively, and more than $600M in crypto liquidations hit the tape, per CoinGlass.

CoinGlass data shows a sharp increase in ETH futures open interest through late November, followed by a violent flush as traders were forced out. Retail investors accused insiders of front-running the exploit, though no evidence supports the claim.

Meanwhile, Taiwanese whale Machi Big Brother once again found himself on the wrong side of volatility. His partial liquidation left him holding 3,300 ETH at 25x leverage, with a liquidation price of $2,831.58.

Screenshots of his HYPE and ETH perpetual positions show another $1.7M in forced closes and a -108% ROE. Analyst Wukong: This is what happens when you treat ETH like a casino chip instead of collateral.

Market Conditions Still Favor Volatility For ETH USD Price

From a data perspective, Ethereum remains in a fragile spot.

CoinGecko shows ETH trading on fading spot volume, while Glassnodes funding rate metrics indicate an unhealthy tilt toward high leverage even after this washout. FRED data on global liquidity continues to trend downward as Japan signals tightening and US real yields remain elevated.
Primo Brands Corporation (NYSE:PRMB) is among the best US stocks to buy under $20. On November 25, Bonnie Herzog, an analyst at Goldman Sachs, trimmed the price target on Primo Brands Corporation (NYSE:PRMB) to $18 from $21, while maintaining a Neutral stance on the stock, according to TheFly. In a research note, the analyst raised concerns regarding the sales decline, which she believes will be faster and more prolonged than anticipated. With respect to that, the firm expects incremental headwinds for the company in the times ahead.

Herzog names the companys direct delivery business, which contributes heavily to the sales, as the one facing service disruptions. This, in turn, fuels worries about the companys near-term ability to rebound. Additionally, a blurred visibility into the recovery timeline and the risk of further strain on the direct-delivery segment contribute to the overall cautious outlook.

Ardagh Metal (AMBP) Rebounds as Firm Slashes $4.3-Billion Debt

Pixabay/Public Domain

Recently, many other analysts have covered Primo Brands Corporation (NYSE:PRMB). On November 19, Truist Financial analyst Bill Chappell reaffirmed the Buy rating on the stock. Earlier on November 7, BMO Capital slashed the price target on PRMB to $39.00 from $42.00, with an unchanged Outperform rating. The analyst cited the companys third-quarter results, in which retail performance exceeded expectations.

Primo Brands Corporation (NYSE:PRMB) is a Connecticut-based branded beverage company. Incorporated in 1976, the company provides healthy hydration options across North America.

While we acknowledge the potential of PRMB 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: The Best and Worst Dow Stocks for the Next 12 Months and 10 Unstoppable Stocks That Could Double Your Money.

Disclosure: None.
In recent days, Lithium Americas Corp. announced progress on the construction of its Thacker Pass project, supported by long-term purchase agreements and the launch of a US$250 million at-the-market equity program with TD Securities.

A highlight from these developments is the Department of Energys agreement to take stakes in the Thacker Pass project and the company in exchange for loan repayment deferrals, which strengthens Lithium Americas' financial position.

We'll explore how continued construction progress and robust financial measures are shaping the investment narrative around Lithium Americas.

The best AI stocks today may lie beyond giants like Nvidia and Microsoft. Find the next big opportunity with these 25 smaller AI-focused companies with strong growth potential through early-stage innovation in machine learning, automation, and data intelligence that could fund your retirement.

What Is Lithium Americas' Investment Narrative?

For those considering Lithium Americas, the big picture rests on long-term demand for lithium and the belief that Thacker Pass will, in time, become a major domestic lithium producer. The recent US Department of Energy agreement to take stakes in both the project and company, in exchange for loan repayment deferrals, does appear significant, it strengthens the balance sheet, addresses short-term liquidity, and could ease pressure from recurring net losses, which have been substantial in 2025. With another US$250 million equity program in motion, the company is now better equipped to manage construction and supply-chain risks as it approaches key milestones in 2026. However, growing share dilution and ongoing unprofitability, combined with managements willingness to issue equity during a period of volatile share price moves, remain central risks that could affect returns and confidence in the near term. The catalyst from DOE support now seems more material, providing financial flexibility as construction and ramp-up costs mount, but this also brings additional attention to project execution and market timing, which are far from certain. Yet, substantial share dilution has accompanied recent progress at Thacker Pass, and investors should weigh it carefully.

In light of our recent valuation report, it seems possible that Lithium Americas is trading beyond its estimated value.

Exploring Other Perspectives

TSX:LAC Community Fair Values as at Nov 2025

Twelve Community members at Simply Wall St currently estimate fair value for Lithium Americas anywhere from US$0.79 to US$7.87 per share. This wide spread of opinions comes as new equity offerings and government involvement may reshape timelines and project risk. The variety of viewpoints underscores how much expectations around cash needs and dilution influence debates on the companys future.
Exxon Mobil Corporation XOM is among the largest integrated energy companies, but generates the majority of its earnings from upstream operations. The energy giant has a strong presence in the Permian, the most prolific oil and gas resource in the United States, and offshore Guyana. Thus, XOMs upstream business outlook seems bright.

On the third-quarter earnings call, ExxonMobil stated that it has generated another record production of 1.7 million oil-equivalent barrels per day. Following its strategic push on broadening its presence in advantageous assets, XOM also mentioned its acquisition of more than 80,000 premium acres in the Midland, a sub-basin of the broader Permian, from Sinochem Petroleum.

ExxonMobil also highlighted that it has achieved record production of more than 700,000 barrels per day from Guyana. Notably, ongoing operations in advantageous assets like Permian and Guyana seem profitable since breakeven costs are low. Therefore, XOM can manage the business environment even when oil prices fall.

FANG & COP Also Have Footprint in the Permian

Diamondback Energy Inc. FANG and ConocoPhillips COP also have a strong presence in the Permian. FANG is a Permian pure-play player with sufficient drilling inventory to sustain its production for more than 10 years.

ConocoPhillips assets in the Lower 48 comprise resources in the prolific Delaware and Midland basins. The Delaware Basin contributes considerably to COPs Lower 48 production. Thus, both FANG and COP can sail through low oil prices.

XOMs Price Performance, Valuation & Estimates

Shares of XOM have gained 2% over the past year compared with the 6.8% improvement of the composite stocks belonging to the industry.

Zacks Investment Research

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

From a valuation standpoint, XOM trades at a trailing 12-month enterprise value to EBITDA (EV/EBITDA) of 7.53X. This is above the broader industry average of 4.82X.

Zacks Investment Research

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for XOMs 2025 earnings has seen no revisions over the past seven days.

Zacks Investment Research

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

ExxonMobil currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report

Exxon Mobil Corporation (XOM) : Free Stock Analysis Report

ConocoPhillips (COP) : Free Stock Analysis Report

Diamondback Energy, Inc. (FANG) : Free Stock Analysis Report

This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).

Zacks Investment Research
The Neni Christmas Market (Photos courtesy of The Nenpire)



Hagatna, Guam  Get ready to kick off the Christmas season with one of the islands most joyful and creative community events! The Neni Christmas Market returns, taking place on Saturday, December 6, from 1 PM to 5 PM at the Micronesia Mall (Former JP Superstore).

This festive, family-friendly market celebrates Guams talented NENtrepreneurs  kids with big ideas, creative talents, and the courage to run their own mini-businesses. Start your holiday shopping by supporting 30 young vendors showcasing handmade, homemade, and heartfelt creations! Shoppers can expect to find the perfect local inspired Christmas card for your loved one, kid curated stocking stuffers, and many more neni-made unique items.

The Neni Christmas Market gives our youth a platform to shine, said Ari Chaco from The Nenpire. Its more than a market  its an opportunity for kids to learn business skills, express themselves creatively, and feel the support of the entire community.

Whether youre shopping for one-of-a-kind gifts, supporting young local talent, or simply looking for a fun holiday outing, the Neni Christmas Market is the place to be!

This years Nenpire Start-Up Series and Neni Christmas Market is proudly powered by Micronesia Mall, Community First Federal Credit Union, KUAM Communications, Bank of Hawaii, and the Guam Womens Chamber. Throughout the program, the Nenpire Kids learned from and engaged with entrepreneurs in the community to include the owners of PONO Hawaiian Grill, Leche Guam, Antigu Brewing, Week to Weekend, Totot Island, Lole Handmade, and Crowns Guam partners dedicated to uplifting the islands future leaders! Follow @nenpire on instagram for more exciting details about this event.
FUJIFILM IT Services, a division of FUJIFILM Business Innovation (BI) Australia, has achieved the Microsoft Solutions Partner designation for Security, demonstrating its proven capability to help customers safeguard their people, data and digital infrastructure with Microsofts intelligent protection solutions.

This recognition marks another milestone in FUJIFILM IT Services long-standing partnership with Microsoft, underscoring its expertise in delivering end-to-end cybersecurity, compliance and identity solutions that protect Australian businesses from an ever-evolving threat landscape, notes FUJIFILM IT Services.

The Solutions Partner for Security designation is awarded to partners that meet Microsofts highest standards for technical capability, customer success and ongoing skilling. It reinforces FUJIFILM IT Services position asa trusted and accredited provider with deep experience in implementing Microsofts advanced security technologies, including threat protection, identity and access management, information protection and

compliance solutions.

Security is at the heart of every digital transformation project we deliver, said Jason Wornham, General Manager, Business Solutions, FUJIFILM BI Australia. Cybersecurity can no longer be treated as a separate stream of work  it must be embedded in the way businesses operate. This recognition from Microsoft reflects the strength of our team, our capability and our dedication to helping customers stay ahead of modern threats.

Jason Wornham added that the designation reinforces FUJIFILM IT Services role in helping organisations strike the right balance between security, productivity and user experience.

Our customers are looking for partners who can simplify complexity, Wornham said. They want confidence that their Microsoft environment  from identity through to endpoint  is secure, compliant and optimised for performance. Our Microsoft-certified experts provide that assurance, backed by FUJIFILM Business Innovations long-standing reputation for trust, reliability and innovation.

The Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program includes six Solutions Partner designations aligned to key business solution areas. The Security designation joins FUJIFILM IT Services existing credentials in Infrastructure (Azure) and Modern Work (SMB), highlighting the companys expertise in modernising, securing and optimising digital workplaces.

By achieving this accreditation, FUJIFILM IT Services has met and exceeded Microsofts rigorous requirements for customer success, technical certifications and advanced skills. This capability enables thecompany to deliver secure hybrid cloud and modern workplace environments tailored to the needs of Australian enterprises.

Cyber threats are becoming more targeted and sophisticated, and Australian organisations need partners who can translate global best practice into local solutions, Wornham said. Our goal is to ensure every client we work with can operate confidently, knowing their systems are secure, their people are protected andtheir data is resilient.

As a leading and trusted Microsoft Partner in Australia, FUJIFILM IT Services helps organisations improve productivity, streamline operations and strengthen cyber resilience through innovative Microsoft solutions, including Microsoft 365 Defender, Microsoft Purview and Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure Active Directory), notes FUJIFILM IT Services.

This recognition also highlights FUJIFILM BI Australias ongoing transformation, moving beyond its heritage in print and document management to provide comprehensive IT services, cybersecurity and digital transformation capabilities to customers nationwide. In February 2025, FUJIFILM CodeBlue Australia officially rebranded to FUJIFILM IT Services, reflecting its integration into FUJIFILM Business Innovation and its commitment to delivering a seamless technology experience across print, process and IT environments."

Today, FUJIFILM IT Services partners with organisations across Australia to provide secure, scalable and managed IT services, including cybersecurity, cloud infrastructure, hardware, networking and emerging technologies. Its Microsoft partnership is central to this offering, ensuring customers benefit from world-class innovation supported by local expertise and a strong service culture.

This milestone is more than a credential, Wornham concluded. Its evidence of our ongoing investment in people, skills and customer outcomes. As the cyber landscape continues to evolve, we will keep strengthening our Microsoft partnership and delivering solutions that help Australian organisations grow

securely and confidently.

For more information, visit: https://www.fujifilm.com/fbau/en/solutions-and-services/enhancing-communication- and-collaboration/microsoft

About FUJIFILM Business Innovation Australia

FUJIFILM Business Innovation Australia is a leading provider of scalable IT and digital transformation solutions, serving organisations across Australia. With a national service network and deep local expertise, we help businesses unlock efficiencies, enhance security, and achieve better outcomes through innovative

technologyincluding managed IT services, process automation, and AI. As part of FUJIFILM Business Innovations global network, we combine international best practice with a commitment to supporting Australian organisations of all sizes. Our legacy in document solutions has evolved to looking to deliver end-to-end digital transformation capabilities and empower customers to confidently navigate todays dynamic business environment. Learn more: https://fujifilm.com/fbau - Australian website | https://fujifilm.com/fbglobal - Global website
Not only can the once-great European powers no longer dictate the fate of far-flung parts of the world, they can't even dictate the end of a war involving a European country whose fate they deem crucial to their own future.

We're a long way from the British controlling about a quarter of the globe's territory in the early 20th century; a long way from British and French diplomats, Mark Sykes and Francois Georges-Picot respectively, drawing the lines in 1916 to divide up the Ottoman Empire; a long way from Napoleon sitting with Tsar Alexander in Tilsit in 1807 and re-arranging the map of Europe.

France was once so diplomatically central that there are dozens of Treaties of Paris, whether in 1259 (between King Louis IX of France and King Henry III of England) or in 1951 (setting up the European Coal and Steel Community).

Now, France scurries around with its European counterparts to react to whatever the American president is doing.

It's gotten so bad that some European analysts speak of a potential "scramble for Europe," or attempts by richer, more powerful outside countries to influence the continent's course.

The late conservative commentator Charles Krauthammer maintained of the United States, "decline is a choice."

This isn't quite right with regard to Europe, whose great powers were kneecapped by the cataclysms of the early 20th century.

France bore the brunt of World War I, suffering 1.4 million dead and 4.3 million wounded at a ruinous economic cost.

As for Britain, stretched to the max, it got steadily eclipsed in power and influence by the United States as World War II progressed.

The less said about Germany's role in all this, of course, the better.

And then the European colonial empires inevitably dissolved.

So, Europe was always going to be diminished compared to its glory days.

Its current fecklessness, though, has indeed been a choice, borne of strategic fantasy and economic incompetence.

Strong militaries were deemed a thing of the past, something unnecessary as long as Uncle Sam was around.

The Brits, for instance, are hard-pressed to maintain a 73,000-strong army, and the size of its once-storied surface fleet is at a historic low.

Europe imagined itself "a diplomatic superpower," but has learned to its regret that "soft power" not backed up by hard power is of limited utility.

Both the Nobel Committee and Amnesty International have considerable soft power, too, but no one pays attention to them regarding high-level geo-political questions.

Economically, the EU "regulatory superpower" has hobbled growth  over the last 30 years Western European labor productivity declined from 95% of the US level to 80%  while Europe's commitment to "net zero" greenhouse emissions has driven insane energy priorities.

Years into the Ukraine war, Europe is still dependent on gas imports from Russia.

None of this means that the United States should go out of it way to give Europe the back of its hand.

Whatever its other failings, Europe has collectively given Ukraine more aid than the United States has, and was justifiably furious at the initial 28-point Ukraine peace proposal.

That plan had the embattled country handing over to Moscow strategically important territory that is still in Ukrainian hands; agreeing to a limit on the size of its military; and the US taking currently frozen Russian assets in Europe to rebuild Ukraine (getting 50% of any profits) and to pursue joint investment projects with Russia.

93 Negotiations with the Ukrainians have reportedly produced a more reasonable version, but it is Washington and Moscow that matter most here.

The analyst Robert Kagan famously wrote years ago that, in their divergent approaches to the world, "Americans are from Mars and Europeans are from Venus."

Having long outsourced power politics to Mars, it turns out that Venus has limited influence even in her own backyard.

(COMMENT, BELOW)
What am I talking about? How about the term, "affordability?" Until very recently I don't remember hearing that word said very much. Everyone is saying affordability now. What once used to be called "the cost of living" is now called "affordability." So what was wrong with the term "the cost of living?" Answer: nothing. But the mysterious cabal in some secret place has determined that affordability should be the new word to use.

Another word change happened a few years ago when the perfectly acceptable word, "contact" was switched to "reach out." Now you no longer contact someone, you reach out to them. I think "reach out" might have started in psychology speak before it seeped into our general language. In any case, if I need a plumber I still contact him. I don't reach out to him.

The old fashioned word, "aggravation" has been replaced by the word "stress." You are no longer schizophrenic, you are bipolar. But before you were bipolar you were manic depressive. Drug addicts are now substance abusers. Wellness is used instead of health. I remember when we had doctors, not anymore, we have healthcare professionals. And illegal aliens are now undocumented immigrants or as some say, persons without borders.

Tramps, bums and hoboes became the homeless, and lately they are just called the unhoused. But wait! Now I understand that "unhoused" is considered a derogatory term because it implies that if you do not have a house you are less of a person. Maybe they should be called persons without dwellings. Or maybe shelter-free people.

Moving right along to another topic, I watched the 30th Anniversary Reunion of "Everybody Loves Raymond" a couple of nights ago. That was one of the funniest comedy shows on television and it was a delight to see the cast and crew reunited. In my opinion it was the last really good comedy show on the air. Even though there are and were probably a hundred or more TV comedy shows over the decades, you can count the really good ones on two hands.

Sid Caesar's "Your Show of Shows," Jackie Gleason's "The Honeymooners," "I Love Lucy," "The Dick Van Dyke Show," "Barney Miller," "Seinfeld," and "Everybody Loves Raymond." Those are the best. You might throw in The Jack Benny Show, but although I loved Benny, the show itself could be hit and miss.

What made these shows so good was the fact that the characters had believability. The excellent writing and acting melded together so that no matter what the situation was, the audience could go along with it. The actors were so good they absolutely became the characters they portrayed. Sometimes they didn't even need lines, their expressions and reactions were enough. Lucy and Ricky were real people, you felt for them. When Ralph Kramden blew his stack at Norton, it was 100% real and you could understand it. In every sketch Sid Caesar did, he made his character totally believable.

All the principles (Ray Romano, Patricia Heaton, Brad Garret, Doris Roberts, and Peter Boyle) in Everybody Loves Raymond were completely believable and we, as an audience, understood them and loved them. That's great acting and writing at work. That show may have been the best of them all. Once again, thank goodness we have it preserved on video.

One other thing these wonderful shows all had in common, they didn't do political humor. They kept ideology out of their characters and out of their story plots. This is why they will never be out of date and always be funny.

Is there a new term for "funny?" As far as television comedy shows are concerned in the last 20 years, I would say if anything the new funny is not very funny at all.

(COMMENT, BELOW)
One of the most influential public intellectuals in modern U.S. history, William F. Buckley Jr. (19252008) defined the conservative movement of the mid-20th century and was one of its most recognizable spokesmen. Author of more than 50 books, Buckley founded National Review, one of the nation's leading conservative publications, and hosted the Emmy Award-winning public affairs television program "Firing Line" for more than 30 years. Original art by Dale Stephanos features a portrait of Buckley, created by hand with graphite and charcoal on hot-press watercolor paper, then refined digitally. Greg Breeding, an art director for USPS, designed the stamp.

I first discovered Buckley's work when I was a 17-year-old college sophomore. Somehow I had come across an issue of National Review and was soon hooked. The magazine had a powerful influence on my ideological understanding of the world; over time it helped shape my conservative values and develop my political vocabulary. Decades later, I can still recall with pleasure and gratitude the experience of encountering words and arguments that gave shape and coherence to my own inchoate political beliefs. The importance of individual freedom, the dangers of a too-powerful government, the blessings of a free market, the imperative of fighting communism, the indispensability of faith  these were themes I encountered again and again in the pages of NR in general, and Buckley's columns and essays in particular.

"But it wasn't only the magazine's political content that made it so invaluable," I once wrote. "No less wonderful was its style. National Review was feisty, smart, playful, elegant  just like its editor, whose contributions were the highlight of nearly every issue."

Reading Buckley's prose with a dictionary at my side, I acquired a great collection of out-of-town words: asymptotic, ineluctable, synecdoche, eristic. Even after all these years, I recall names and references that could have appeared nowhere else, from the National Committee to Horsewhip Drew Pearson  Buckley's idea of the right way to rein in an egregious columnist  to "the sainted junior senator from New York," the standard NR reference to Buckley's older brother James, who was elected to the US Senate from New York in 1970.

Long before Rush Limbaugh appeared on the scene, Buckley had mastered the art of witty immodesty. ("I don't stoop to conquer. I merely conquer.") Asked once why Robert Kennedy refused to appear on "Firing Line," he replied: "Why does baloney reject the meat grinder?" Humor was as much a Buckley/National Review trademark as erudition. "The attempted assassination of Sukarno last week had all the earmarks of a CIA operation," began one editorial comment. "Everyone in the room was killed except Sukarno."

I recall meeting Buckley only once. He had come out with a new book  I think it was one of his essay collections, "Execution Eve"  and as part of a book tour was making an appearance to sign autographs at a Washington, D.C., department store. I saved up enough to buy the book  a significant investment for me in those days  and shyly presented the book for his signature. The whole encounter couldn't have lasted more than 45 seconds and my only lasting physical impression was of Buckley's yellowing teeth and skinny tie.

In the years that followed I would go on to buy and read quite a few of Buckley's books  not only his collections of columns, but his famous debut book about creeping socialism and atheism at Yale, his account of his 1965 campaign for mayor of New York City, his chronicles of cruising across the ocean in a sailboat, the lyrical memoir of his friendship with Ronald Reagan, and a narrative of his religious life. An uproarious volume, drawn from hundreds of interactions he had over 40 years with the readers of National Review, bore the inimitable title, "Cancel Your Own Goddam Subscription."

But perhaps best of all were the 11 Blackford Oakes spy novels that Buckley published between 1976 and 2005. Oakes, the protagonist of the novels, is a CIA officer (as Buckley himself had once been, briefly) and his fictional missions involve him in some of the most precarious crises of the Cold War.

Buckley was 50 when he first took a stab at writing fiction. What prompted it was a lunchtime conversation with his editor at Doubleday, Samuel Vaughan. The two men were chatting about fiction and Vaughan asked: "Why don't you try writing a novel?" As Buckley later recalled, his response was something like: "Sam, why don't you try playing a trumpet concerto?"

But the seed, once planted, quickly germinated. "Saving the Queen," Buckley's first novel, landed on the best-seller list a week before its official publication date and stayed there for three months. I read it soon after it came out. In addition to everything else I liked about the Blackford Oakes character  his fresh American self-confidence, his "startling" good looks, his thoroughgoing patriotism, his passionate hatred of communist tyranny  I was delighted by his origin. Oakes, like me, was a native Ohioan.

A passage in "Saving the Queen" gives the hero's date and place of birth as Dec. 7, 1925, in Yellow Springs, Ohio, a town in the southwest part of the state. The Ohio connection has no relevance to the plot, but I was tickled to see it.

When the third book in the series, "Who's On First," appeared in 1980, I was again tickled to see Blackford Oakes identified as a Buckeye. But I was puzzled, too. Once more there was a passing reference to his birth. Yet while the date was unchanged, Oakes's birthplace was listed as Akron  an Ohio city 180 miles from Yellow Springs, near the state's northeastern corner.

On the theory that even Homer sometimes nods, I decided the author must have goofed and that I would tell him so. In a (very courteous) letter to Buckley at his National Review office, I expressed my enjoyment of his spy novels and called his attention to the inconsistency. A few weeks later, a once-sentence reply arrived in the mail.

"Dear Mr. Jacoby," he wrote. "I shall have to clear up the discrepancy in the next novel." His brief letter was signed in red ink. "Yours cordially, Wm. F. Buckley Jr."

His next novel appeared two years later. In "Marco Polo, If You Can," Blackford Oakes is shot down over Soviet territory while piloting a U-2 spy plane along the Sino-Soviet border. (Shades of the real-life CIA pilot Gary Powers.) The story was great, but as I read it I was watching for one detail in particular. How would Buckley finesse the question of Oakes's birthplace?

And there it was, on Page 17. In one scene Oakes supplies an interviewer with an abbreviated resume that begins:

Blackford OAKES. Born Toldeo, Ohio, December 7, 1925. Schooling: Scarsdale, N.Y., HS. Greyburn Academy, England (one term). Yale, B.A., 1951, mechanical engineering . . .

Let me save you the trouble of looking at a map: Toledo is in the northwestern corner of Ohio, roughly equidistant from Yellow Springs and Akron and about as far one can get from either while still remaining within the state's borders. Far from clearing up the confusion over Blackford Oakes's birthplace, Buckley had compounded it! Had he goofed yet again? Had he forgotten the letter from his young fan pointing out the mismatch?

No  I decided that it was deliberate. Buckley had purposely expanded the discrepancy for the fun of it! It was an inside joke, a wink from the author to the one reader he knew would catch it. That, at any rate, has always been my theory  a theory I've always been careful never to confirm.

Jeff Jacoby is a columnist for The Boston Globe, from which this is reprinted with permission.

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Preemption laws offer legal protection for gun owners, but only when they are enforced. The work to advance any pro-gun legislation is arduous, more so in Minnesota than most states. But passing a law is only half the battle. This is also especially true in Minnesota, where local officials are concocting yet another illegal scheme to defy the state's firearm preemption statute.

This has sadly become the norm, as defying preemption is a recognized way for municipal politicians to signal to their anti-gun supporters and donors that if the Second Amendment is no impediment to their plans, neither is a state statute. This contempt is now playing out in Minnesota, where mass noncompliance and legal fairytales are the order of the day.

The city of Saint Paul, Minnesota, recently declared that their city council "stands ready to act on day one when the state lifts preemption" to establish the complete ban on possession of semi-automatic firearms, "large capacity" magazines, binary triggers, "ghost guns," as well as to create even more "gun-free zones." It admits, however, that none of their new gun control is actually enforceable under the law as it presently stands.

Current Minnesota law, Minn. Stat.  471.633, states:  
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Pediatric anesthesiologist Irim Salik discusses her article, The hidden danger in pediatric dental offices. Irim reveals a terrifying oversight in ambulatory pediatric dental care: children are suffering neurologic injuries or dying during routine sedation, and there is no national database to track these adverse events. She explains how the convenience of office-based procedures (versus hospitals) introduces massive risks, including the single provider model where the dentist also directs anesthesia. Irim breaks down how inadequate monitoring (like lacking EtCO2 monitors), oversedation, and the inability to manage a respiratory emergency can lead to catastrophe. Learn what every parent needs to know about pediatric dental anesthesia and the fight for stricter national safety standards.

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Transcript

Kevin Pho: Hi, and welcome to the show. Subscribe at KevinMD.com/podcast. Today, we welcome Irim Salik. She is a pediatric anesthesiologist. Todays KevinMD article is The hidden danger in pediatric dental offices. Irim, welcome to the show.

Irim Salik: Thank you so much. I appreciate being here. It is a pleasure and an honor. Thank you.

Kevin Pho: Lets start by briefly sharing your story. Then we will jump straight into your KevinMD article.

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Irim Salik: Sure. Absolutely. I am a pediatric anesthesiologist. I work at Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York City. A mentor of mine mentioned to me that we should look into sedation for outpatient dental procedures in children. While we do know that anesthesia is exceptionally safe in children, it is actually safer for a child to have general anesthesia than for them to get in a car and drive to get gas or groceries with their parents. What we find is that if you look at the literature and media reports, there are rare cases of death or permanent neurologic injury that can occur during outpatient sedation for dental cases. This is not exclusive to dentistry, but I wanted to focus on dentistry because it involves children.

Kevin Pho: You talk more about that, of course, in your KevinMD article. Before you talk straight into that article, just give us a sense of how often pediatric dental procedures are accompanied by a pediatric anesthesiologist like yourself?

Irim Salik: That is a great question. I talk about procedures that occur in an outpatient dental setting. To be honest with you, it is very rare for a pediatric anesthesiologist to be present in an outpatient dental setting. In the hospital, it happens all the time. In an outpatient setting, there is a shortage of anesthesiologists and a shortage of resources. It is very rare that it happens.

The people who give anesthesia in the dentists office in an outpatient setting are either the pediatric dentists themselves (they either give laughing gas or nitrous oxide, which is considered very safe, or medication by mouth), nurse anesthetists, dental anesthesiologists, or sometimes physician anesthesiologists, although that is rare. Then there are oral and maxillofacial surgeons who give their own anesthesia, and they often start an IV. There are different practitioners, but to have a pediatric anesthesiologist in an outpatient dental setting is relatively rare.

Kevin Pho: Tell us about some of the hidden dangers that we need to know about that the literature says.

Irim Salik: I would like to stress that anesthesia is exceptionally safe, and these events are very, very rare. However, the point of this process was that I think it is important for physicians like myself to highlight and speak out about the fact that there should be a commitment to improving quality and safety in the outpatient setting.

Some of the problems that occur are airway compromise, respiratory depression or hypoventilation, and respiratory or cardiovascular arrest. There are instances where a patient is inadequately monitored. The personnel taking care of the patient do not have adequate rescue capabilities for the airway. There can be a delayed recognition if monitoring equipment is not adequate, and emergency response can be inadequate as well. This eventually leads to catastrophe where a child can develop a permanent neurologic injury or death.

Kevin Pho: That, of course, is the biggest fear that any parent has whenever they bring their child in for some type of outpatient dental procedure that requires anesthesia. Like you said, it is exceptionally safe. But sometimes you hear about these tragic cases in the news. In general, how often do these catastrophic events happen?

Irim Salik: That is actually the crux of the problem. We do not know. We only hear about them in news reports and in some closed claim analyses, but we actually do not know how often they occur. My message would be that it is important for us to be evidence-based and data-driven. In medicine, we report anesthesia-related outcomes to different registries. We have a national registry where we collect anesthesia-related data, and we benchmark our outcomes. These include the NACOR registry and the MPOG registry, where anesthesiologists participating in hospitals share their data.

It helps anesthesiologists meet quality reporting requirements. It also enables outcomes research that improves the quality and safety of care. However, for the dental industry, there is no comprehensive national database that captures outpatient dental procedural volume. We have no idea how many anesthetics are occurring, and we have no idea how many adverse events happen nationally. We just do not know.

We hear about them in news reports. I have actually tried to do a deep dive to get some information about exactly what happened, and it is very, very challenging. If these cases go through a malpractice suit, they are sealed through an NDA. It is very challenging to get this information. That is the crux of the problem, and that is what I think we have to change about the way we practice.

I believe that dentists who practice in an outpatient setting should report their anesthetic cases to a national registry so that we are able to collect this data, analyze it, and collate it to try to identify systemic risks that occur and patterns that we see. The reason why anesthesia has become so safe is that when we have an error, a near miss, or a fatality, we conduct a root cause analysis. We conduct a root cause analysis, which is essentially a systematic, structured process that allows us to identify the underlying reasons why an adverse event occurred. We are not trying to assign blame, but we are trying to prevent this event from occurring again. We have no such corollary in the dental industry.

Kevin Pho: What are some of the common procedures that may potentially expose a pediatric patient to risk from some of these anesthesia complications? Is it something as common as a wisdom tooth extraction?

Irim Salik: Yes. Some common procedures that I am hearing about include wisdom tooth extraction. It could be a child who is having a dental cleaning, a cavity filled that requires anesthesia, or multiple cavities filled. The most common reason why a child has to go to the dentist is that they are either not brushing their teeth enough or their parents are putting them to sleep with a bottle of milk or juice. If you are not cleaning the teeth, they develop massive decay.

In a hospital setting, what we do for these cases is we secure the airway with an endotracheal tube. In the dental office setting, that may or may not happen depending on who is providing the anesthesia. Without a secure airway, there is a very fine line between mild, moderate, and deep sedation. When that line is crossed, that is the time when catastrophe can strike. If there is not an adequate recognition and response, that is the time when airway compromise can lead to a cardiac arrest.

Again, as I said, this is very rare, but it is something that I think parents should be given adequate informed consent about. They should be told about the risks and benefits involved. Office-based anesthesia is something that is here to stay forever. The costs and resources are so prohibitive that there is no way that we can care for all the children who need to be seen by the dentist in a hospital or an ambulatory surgery center. We know that anesthesia is going to be safer in these settings because the backup systems in place are so robust. In an office-based setting, we dont have those same backup systems in place, and that is what leads to trouble.

Kevin Pho: Now, in these catastrophic cases that you have read and studied, are there any common themes among those cases that led to that tragic result?

Irim Salik: Common things among the tragic cases are that the practitioner does not respond in a timely fashion. Monitoring equipment is not available. Capnography or end-tidal CO2 monitoring is the gold standard for deep sedation, general anesthetic, or even mild or moderate sedation. It is not available in every dentists office. Emergency airway equipment and the ability to do high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR, are absolutely essential. It is important that someone in that room must be able to do adequate CPR. I am not sure that there is someone in the room who can do it. By the time someone calls 911 and an ambulance arrives, the child or the patient may already be in extremis or past the stage of being helped.

There are times when at a dentists office, you are in a rush and you give a little bit of sedation. It is taking too long or the child is not responding in an adequate fashion, so you give a little more. Then you give a little more. By the time you know it, the child now has an obstructed airway. You have to have someone who can manage the airway. We have moved away from the single provider model where the surgeon who is performing the procedure is also providing the sedation. That is very, very rare. It doesnt occur because we realize the inherent risks that are present with that. However, even with an independent anesthesia provider, we find that adverse events occur. This leads us to believe that this is a systems-based problem. But again, without the data and without the evidence, we just do not know. This is why I think it is so important for dentists to be part of a national registry and report their data so that we can try and discern exactly what the risks and patterns are when a catastrophic event occurs.

Kevin Pho: So for parents who are listening to you now, and if they are bringing their child in for, say, a wisdom tooth extraction either to their dentist or oral surgeon, is there a checklist of questions they should be asking that office to ensure that the anesthesia is safe?

Irim Salik: Yes. Absolutely. I think it is important to know who will be providing the anesthesia for the case. I think I have to give a lot of credit to the dental anesthesiologists. This is a fairly new specialty since the late 1970s or early 1980s when the residency for dental anesthesiologists actually started. These are dentists that then do a three-year residency in anesthesiology. They are exceptionally skilled and they have done a lot to make the practice of office-based sedation much safer for children.

But you should know who is providing anesthesia. You should know if there is backup airway equipment and emergency medications available. Is someone available who can do cardiopulmonary resuscitation in an emergency? What is the plan in an emergency? I think it is important for parents to be aware also of what type of anesthesia is about to be given. Are we doing mild, moderate, or deep sedation or even a general anesthetic?

Also, for parents who have children, I think it is very different when your child is healthy versus if your child has underlying medical problems. If your child has a lot of comorbid diseases or conditions, I think it is prudent for parents to ask the question: Should this case be done in a hospital setting? If there is a problem, there is a recovery room nurse or potentially an ICU bed available if an event occurs where my child needs a higher level of care, especially if your child has comorbid diseases or conditions.

Kevin Pho: One of the things that you mentioned was basic monitoring equipment like end-tidal carbon dioxide monitors, so simply asking if the office has one of those. Would that be on the checklist in terms of absolute necessities?

Irim Salik: Absolutely. Oh yes. I think that is very important. I think if your child is receiving anesthesia, there should be end-tidal CO2 monitoring. That is an excellent point. Thank you.

Kevin Pho: We are talking to Irim Salik. She is a pediatric anesthesiologist. Todays KevinMD article is The hidden danger in pediatric dental offices. All right, lets end with some take-home messages that you want to leave with the KevinMD audience.

Irim Salik: I would like to reiterate to parents that anesthesia is exceptionally safe. I would like to reiterate that you should be an informed consumer. If your child needs to receive anesthesia in a dental office, you should ask the important questions of who is providing the anesthesia, what type of monitoring equipment is available, and what type of emergency preparedness the office staff is capable of conducting. Is there end-tidal CO2 monitoring? That is an important question.

I think it is important for the dental industry to know that reporting their data to a registry would go a long way in improving quality and safety for children who receive outpatient dental care. I know it would require a culture change, a dramatic change in the culture of the way the industry practices. But it would be an extremely positive step towards quality improvement and patient safety.

Kevin Pho: Irim, thank you so much for sharing your perspective and insight. Thanks again for coming on the show.

Irim Salik: Thank you so much. It was a pleasure. Thank you.
Two years ago, I asked, Doctors diagnosing addiction: Are the blind leading the blind?

The estimated rates of substance use disorder among clinical patients treated for pain vary greatly, depending on whom one believes. Studies also suffer from a widespread failure to address genetically mediated variability in minimum effective opioid dose between individuals. Thus, I have many times respectfully suggested that the entire body of literature on opioid safety and effectiveness needs to be thrown out and done over.

So far, the response of U.S. public health agencies has been a deafening silence.

I work consistently to find definitive data on this subject. Among other studies, one widely cited cohort study has long stood out to me. The study examined two years of clinical records for the entire residential population of North Carolina (n = 9,560,234). Results are summarized in the study abstract as follows:

Opioid analgesics were dispensed to 22.8 percent of residents. Among licensed clinicians, 89.6 percent prescribed opioid analgesics, and 40.0 percent prescribed ER formulations. There were 629 overdose deaths, half of which had an opioid analgesic prescription active on the day of death. Of 2,182,374 patients prescribed opioids, 478 overdose deaths were reported (0.022 percent per year). Mortality rates increased gradually across the range of average daily milligrams of morphine equivalents.

Mortality is, of course, not the only issue of concern in prescribing opioid analgesics to chronic pain patients. Estimates of the risk of opioid abuse in pain patients are also widely variable, depending on source. Fortunately, federal regulators seem to be waking up to the many nuances in this issue that were previously submerged in rhetoric.

An important distinction now recognized by the FDA but largely missed by anti-opioid zealots is that opioid use disorder cannot be defined in the same way for patients with chronic severe pain as for those who are not currently treated for pain. Some patient symptoms (opioid tolerance, physical dependence, withdrawal symptoms) are caused by treatment, rather than by addiction. When treatment-related symptoms are disregarded, the estimated cumulative risk of moderate to severe OUD in pain patients drops by about 80 percent, to 1.4 percent to 1.6 percent per year (see Page 76 in a recent FDA report).

(Note: The entire study document is worth reading for anyone who wants to understand details of diagnostic standards and risk factors associated with prescription opioid analgesics.)

Unfortunately for both doctors and their patients, the distinction between substance use disorders versus substance use disorder in chronic pain patients is not yet widely understood among clinicians or policy makers, and is opposed by some advocates. The result is a widespread clinician predisposition to undertreat pain or even to desert patients who need higher doses of prescription opioids.

That predisposition can kill patients if you indulge it.

Prevalence of this problem among clinicians can now be explored by artificial intelligence (AI)-based search agents, in ways that were impossible even a year ago. Here is what one such agent had to say on the subject in November 2025:

My question: How do the standard DSM-5 criteria for substance use disorder differ from the modified DSM-5 criteria adjusted for pain patients?

The answer: The standard DSM-5 criteria for substance use disorder (SUD) include 11 criteria related to impaired control, social impairment, risky use, and pharmacological factors such as tolerance and withdrawal, with diagnosis severity determined by the number of criteria met. For pain patients who are taking prescription opioids under medical supervision, the criteria are adjusted: Tolerance and withdrawal symptoms are not counted toward a diagnosis of opioid use disorder, because these are expected outcomes of long-term, medically supervised opioid therapy, not signs of addiction or misuse.

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DSM-5 criteria for substance use disorder

Diagnosis is based on a dimensional scale (two or more of the 11 criteria result in a diagnosis, with higher numbers indicating more severe disorder).

Legal problems (a former criterion) were removed, and craving was added.

Severity is graded as mild (2-3 criteria), moderate (4-5), or severe (6+).

Modifications for pain patients

Tolerance and withdrawal are specifically excluded from the diagnostic count if the patient is taking opioids under appropriate medical supervision for pain, because these effects are physiological and not indicative of a substance use disorder in this context.

The rationale is that these symptoms are iatrogenic (caused by medical treatment), not psychopathological (caused by misuse or addiction).

Other criteria (such as loss of control, unsuccessful attempts to cut down, craving, and social or functional impairment) still apply for diagnosis in pain patients.

As a health care educator, I must wonder how many clinicians are aware of these distinctions. With that in mind, I asked a follow-up question: What proportion of addiction specialists use or are aware of the modified DSM-criteria for substance use disorder in pain patients?

The response noted in part:

There do not appear to be solid data quantifying what proportion of addiction specialists are aware of or explicitly use the modified DSM-5 rule that excludes tolerance and withdrawal for patients taking opioids appropriately for pain. No survey was found that reports a specific percentage of specialists who know or apply this modification in clinical practice.

DSM-5 and major clinical resources clearly state that tolerance and withdrawal should not be counted toward opioid use disorder (OUD) when opioids are taken solely under appropriate medical supervision. This wording is present in checklists and guidance distributed by professional organizations and public health agencies, so the modification is formally part of standard criteria rather than an optional add-on.

Studies assessing clinicians knowledge of opioid prescribing and chronic pain management demonstrate substantial knowledge gaps about opioid risk assessment and diagnostic concepts in general, suggesting that correct application of nuanced DSM-5 rules (like excluding tolerance/withdrawal in appropriately treated pain patients) is likely imperfect and variable across clinicians and settings. (Source: PMC article)

A parting note

Paraphrasing Lord Kelvin in an 1883 lecture (and others in more modern contexts), We do not value what we do not measure. Likewise, as humorists over the years have informed us, It aint the things that a man dont know that gets him into trouble. Its the things he knows for sure that aint so.

Perhaps nowhere in daily life are these statements truer, or more dangerous to human welfare, than in health care. If you are a clinician and you thought you were justified in withholding opioid treatment from people in agony because of risks, then it is time for you to think again.

Richard A. Lawhern is a nationally recognized health care educator and patient advocate who has spent nearly three decades researching pain management and addiction policy. His extensive body of work, including over 300 published papers and interviews, reflects a deep critique of U.S. health care agencies and their approaches to chronic pain treatment. Now retired from formal academic and hospital affiliations, Richard continues to engage with professional and public audiences through platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and his contributions to KevinMD. His advocacy extends to online communities like Protect People in Pain, where he works to elevate the voices of patients navigating restrictive opioid policies. Among his many publications is a guideline on opioid use for chronic non-cancer pain, reflecting his commitment to evidence-based reform in pain medicine.
A black woman has been arrested by police in Montgomery, Alabama, after refusing to give up her seat on the bus to a white person.

Mrs Rosa Parks now faces a fine for breaking the segregation laws which say black Americans must vacate their seats if there are white passengers left standing.

It is not the first time Mrs Parks, who is a seamstress, has defied the law on segregation.

In 1943 she was thrown off a bus for refusing to get on via the back door, which was reserved for black passengers. She became known to other drivers who sometimes refused to let her on.

Today Mrs Parks left Mongomery Fair, the department store where she was employed doing repairs on mens clothing, as usual.

She said she was tired after work and suffered aches and pains in her shoulders, back and neck.

When she got on the bus she realised the driver was the same man, James Blake, who had thrown her off twelve years before.

As more white people got on and the seats filled up, he asked her to give up her seat and she refused.

He threatened to call the police and she told him to go ahead.

She was subsequently arrested and charged with violating segregation law.

She will now appear in court on Monday 5 December.

Mrs Parks is a youth leader of the local branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Coloured People (NAACP) and her husband, Raymond, a barber, has taken part in voter registration drives.

Courtesy BBC News

In context

Five days later, thousands of black citizens boycotted the buses in Alabama  to mark the day Mrs Parks was due in court. She was fined $10 (the equivalent of about $70 in 2003), plus $4 costs.

She challenged the verdict and the NAACP decided to use her case as a test against city and state segregation laws.

Later that same evening, the young preacher Martin Luther King addressed a crowd of several thousand at Holt Street Baptist Church and called for the boycott to continue.

Nearly all Montgomerys 40,000 black citizens took part in the bus boycott, which lasted for 381 days.

On 20 December the Supreme court upheld the decision of a lower court to end segregation on Alabamas buses.

Mrs Parks was sacked from her job and in 1957 left Montgomery for Detroit following harassment. She later became a special assistant to Democratic congressman John Conyers until her retirement in 1988.

She died in October 2005  an icon for the civil rights movement  almost exactly 50 years after her famous bus boycott began.

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Aircraft manufacturer Airbus announced on Friday that a significant number of A320 series aircraft require emergency grounding due to flight control software vulnerable to intense solar radiation, affecting eight round-trip flights in Macau on Saturday.

Airbus issued a statement regarding a recent incident involving an A320-series aircraft, indicating that intense solar radiation may have compromised critical data used by the flight control system. In light of this analysis, Airbus has coordinated with aviation authorities to alert air operators, urging them to implement immediate preventive measures to ensure safety.

Following a request from Airbus, eight round-trip flights in Macau experienced delays on Saturday, resulting in average wait times of approximately two hours. Macau International Airport Company Limited (CAM) reported that A320-type flights comprise about 60% of the total flight volume, with airlines operating this aircraft type representing 40% of total operations.

The airport emphasized that the software upgrade for A320 aircraft was a mandatory procedure required by the manufacturer to ensure fleet operational safety and compliance with technical standards. By 8:30 p.m. that evening, all 12 affected aircraft had successfully completed the upgrade. Normal flight operations resumed, and anticipated delays for some flights did not materialize.

The airport further stated that it has established a coordination mechanism with relevant airlines to adjust operations flexibly based on their needs, ensuring smooth flight operations.

However, an insider, as reported by the Times, expressed frustration on social media regarding the lack of immediate passenger notifications, which led to confusion at the airport, and noted difficulties in responding to inquiries about the delay situation.

Airbus issues

global A320 fix

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.

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Chinas factory activity contracted for the eighth straight month in November, according to an official survey on Sunday, underscoring challenges for the countrys economy despite the U.S.-China trade truce.

The official manufacturing purchasing managers index rose slightly to 49.2 in November from 49 in October, Chinas National Bureau of Statistics said.

The PMI is measured on a scale between 0 and 100, with a reading below 50 indicating contraction. The contraction was in line with analyst expectations.

A U.S. tariff cut earlier this month likely would mean that Chinese exports could gain competitiveness in the U.S. market, but it may be too early to say whether exports have regained momentum following the trade truce.

U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. would cut its tariffs on Chinese goods after meeting Chinese leader Xi Jinping in South Korea on Oct. 30, raising some optimism over Chinese exports and manufacturing.

A prolonged slump in Chinas property market and falling home prices are still hurting consumer confidence, and real estate investments have been down. Intense price competition domestically in many sectors including the auto industry have also put pressure on many businesses.

More government policy support is required to help boost the economy, economists said.

But policymakers appear to be delaying further policy support, Lynn Song, chief economist for Greater China at ING bank, wrote in a note earlier this month.

While Chinese authorities previously rolled out measures such as trade-in subsidies for home appliances and electric vehicles, some of these subsidies are set to be phased out, and sales and demand are likely to drop, analysts said.

The fading boost from the consumer goods trade-in policies may be weighing on domestic demand for manufactured goods and signals on domestic demand have been mixed, said Zichun Huang, China economist at Capital Economics, last week.

Chinese officials have set a target of around 5% economic growth for the whole of 2025. The economy expanded 4.8% in the July-September quarter.

This years growth target is likely to require minimal additional support to be reached, Song wrote. MDT/AP

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Online Assyrian Dictionary Marks 20th Anniversary

The online dictionaries hosted at assyrianlanguages.org are among the most enduring community projects dedicated to the preservation of Assyrian heritage. Conceived in France by the Association Assyrophile de France (AAF), the association began with the digitization of printed resources and gradually expanded into two major online tools: first the Akkadian--French/English dictionary, and later the Assyrian dictionary based on the Sureth dialect.

The Akkadian dictionary, which preceded the Assyrian project, today contains nearly 11,000 entries and attracts a significant audience. It consistently records more visitors than the Assyrian dictionary, which has grown to nearly 49,000 entries. Both tools illustrate how modest resources combined with steady perseverance can sustain platforms that benefit learners, teachers, and researchers worldwide.

Nurtured by one man's devotion

At the heart of these efforts is Jean-Paul Sliva, an Assyrian whose grandparents were among the first to settle in France and a honorary and founding member of the AAF. Based in southern France, he has been enriching the databases for years, word after word, in what he describes as a long-term commitment rather than a finished project. He often quotes a biblical phrase that has become emblematic of his mission: "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few," in a reference to the fact that few Assyrians have been able to keep up with his consistency and work to maintain and expand the dictionaries.

The project had its origins at a conference for foreign languages spoken in France where Jean-Paul Sliva met Olivier Lauffenburger, a talented computer programmer whose many hobbies included the Akkadian and Hittite languages. Lauffenburger had developed a Hittite website and had thus acquired the skills of dealing with cuneiform characters on screen displays. Association Assyrophile, having quite a few documents about Akkadian, suggested they join their effort. Lauffenburger agreed and wrote a program to create an Akkadian-English-French dictionary. Based on this work, Association Assyrophile and Lauffenburger were quickly able to begin the Assyrian dictionary project in 2006. What started as a modest project will celebrate 20 years of continuous existence next year, making it one of the longest-serving Assyrian online resources -- if not the oldest.

Over time, Jean-Paul Sliva has developed his own knowledge of linguistics to be able to feed the dictionaries. Yet, as he himself acknowledges, he cannot do everything alone. "I am not a specialist of the language. I have learned a lot, but often I need to reach out to more experienced contributors, people who can provide corrections or insights that I could not find on my own," he explains. This reliance on a network of contributors is both a necessity and a strength: it can slow down the pace of enrichment, but it also ensures that the content gains in precision and reliability.

Olivier Lauffenburger, the technical backbone of the project who created the software on which both dictionaries run, has proven to be a key ally. He continues to provide steady technical support whenever needed. The Association Assyrophile de France also provides minimal but essential financial backing, covering logistical costs such as hosting and server maintenance. Beyond that, however, the projects have no institutional funding. All work is voluntary, and their continuity depends entirely on the persistence of a handful of individuals.

"They belong to everyone who cares about the language"

What makes these online dictionaries remarkable is their international dimension. Although initiated in France, they are used daily from Europe, North America, Australia, and the Middle East. For many in the Assyrian diaspora, they have become indispensable tools for reconnecting with a linguistic heritage that is often absent from formal curricula.

The international aspect also manifests itself in the correspondence received by the team. Users send technical questions, suggest corrections, or ask broader clarifications about the language.

As Sliva observes: "The correspondence we receive shows that the dictionaries belong to everyone who cares about these languages. They are no longer just French initiatives; they are truly international." Always on the lookout for a helping hand, he says: "If someone is willing to lend a hand -- whether in linguistics, technical support, or simply by contributing their knowledge -- they are more than welcome".

Both the Akkadian and Assyrian dictionaries remain works in progress, constantly enriched and corrected. Balancing modern and classical Assyrian, and occasionally linking cognates with related languages, requires patience and rigor. For Jean-Paul Sliva, the challenge is as much about time as about resources. Yet he insists on the necessity of the effort: "Every new word we add makes the dictionary more useful. It is slow, but it is continuous", he says, adding: "That is the most important thing."
Local authorities are boosting medical and childcare services to address low fertility and changing family structures, Health Bureau director Alvis Lo said during Fridays plenary session at the Legislative Assembly.

The official said assisted reproductive technology is on track to help 130 couples in the first half of the year, while new childcare centers and expanded allowances aim to support families from birth to age three.

Lo told lawmakers that gradual improvements have been made in the public health system, particularly in waiting times for specialist care. He noted that initial specialist consultations in public medical services have decreased from 3.3 weeks last year to 2.7 weeks this year.

To further expand capacity, Lo said cooperation between Conde de Sao Januario Hospital and the Islands Healthcare Complex will be stepped up. The two facilities will share personnel, equipment, and space to better meet residents needs, with the Islands Healthcare Complex aiming to handle about 10% of public medical services by the end of this year and 25% by 2027.

Womens development, fertility support, childcare and subsidies

Against the backdrop of low fertility and changing family structures, Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture O Lam remarked efforts to build a more supportive medical and community environment for expecting families.

She said the upcoming Womens Development Goals (20262032) will prioritize coordinated support for womens careers alongside family responsibilities, tying social policy more closely to demographic challenges.

Earlier in October, Wilson Hon, vice chairperson of the Women and Children Affairs Committee and director of the Social Welfare Bureau (IAS), outlined priorities of the Womens Development Goals plan, which included physical and mental development, family-friendly environments, greater social participation, and gender equality.

On fertility support, O Lam stressed that all pregnant women in Macau, regardless of age, have access to free noninvasive prenatal genetic testing, which she said strengthens early-stage support for families. She also remarked that the subsidy program for assisted reproductive technology has shortened the average wait time to six months for couples facing conception difficulties.

To help boost fertility rates, authorities are also focusing on care for children from birth to age three. Next year, 150 new childcare places for children under two will be added, with at least five new centers offering emergency and temporary care.

O Lam noted that childcare coverage rate for children aged zero to two stands at 69%, adding that the supply of childcare places is currently sufficient as demand has eased.

Moreover, each child under three who is a permanent resident is eligible for an allowance of MOP18,000 a year, or MOP1,500 a month. The allowance can be claimed for up to three years for each eligible child, bringing the total potential support to MOP54,000 over the childs first three years.

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It was just after 3 p.m. when William Li received the unusual call from his wife, who was at work, saying shed heard from a friend that their building was on fire.

There were no alarms, no signs of smoke in his 2nd floor apartment, and no burning smell to give a sense of urgency, so the 40-year-old office worker who was home on a day off decided to change from his pajamas before heading outside.

But when he opened his door eight minutes after his wife called, it was already too late to escape as he was immediately engulfed by thick, black smoke.

Everything went black before my eyes, he told The Associated Press. I thought to myself: Im in serious trouble.

That was just the beginning of Wednesdays blaze at the Wang Fuk Court complexon the outskirts of Hong Kong. It would burn for more than 40 hours and engulf seven of the complexs eight buildings before being finally extinguished Friday morning, claiming the lives of at least 128 people with dozens unaccounted for, making it Hong Kongs deadliest fire since 1948.

Fire spread through scaffolding

From Lis apartment near ground zero where the fire broke out, the flames shot up bamboo scaffolding covered with nylon netting that had been erected for construction work. It ignited polystyrene panels that had been placed over windows and blew out the glass, allowing the blaze to spread inside. Winds helped the fire jump from building to building.

Authorities are investigating whether the netting covering the bamboo scaffolding, commonly used in Hong Kong and elsewhere in Asia, met fire-safety requirements; why windows were covered with foam panels; and why fire alarms did not sound.

Already police have arrested three people  the directors of a construction company and an engineering consultant  and Hong Kongs anti-corruption authorities have arrested a further eight including scaffolding subcontractors, directors of an engineering consulting company and the renovation project managers.

The complex is in Tai Po, a market town that in the late 1970s was designated as a new town, with many high-rise apartments built. The district is now home to about 300,000 of the citys 7.5 million population, a mix of affluent, middle-class and lower-income groups.

A quiet neighborhood amid Hong Kongs bustle

Li grew up in the Wang Fuk Court complex, while resident Ding Chan and her husband moved there as adults as soon as it was built in the early 1980s, lured by the appeal of the quiet suburban neighborhood north of Hong Kong, far away from the citys commercial center.

Chan had left her apartment a half-hour before the fire broke out and was at work as a cleaner when she started receiving frantic calls from friends about the blaze.

I did not believe it at first, the 70-year-old told the AP.

By the time she got back to the housing estate shortly after 3 p.m.  around the same time Lis wife was calling him with her warning  she could see the flames already spreading quickly and it wasnt long before it reached her own building, and there was nothing she could do but watch.

I had never seen such a massive fire in my entire lifetime, she said.

Her husband, I.N. Kong, who is also 70, was also fortunately not at home when the fire broke out.

But Chan, who juggles two jobs and often works six days a week, and her husband who works as an electrician, are now faced with having to rebuild their lives from scratch.

Their unit, which they spent more than a decade paying off, is likely uninhabitable now and Chan said they did not know how they were going to survive for the next months, let alone the longer term future.

They have been put up temporarily in a local hotel, but dont know what comes next.

I havent slept for two nights, she said. Where am I going to stay?

The government has made emergency assistance available to residents, and donations have also been pouring in, but it was not yet clear what long-term financial aid those in need will receive.

Of the more than 4,600 residents in Wang Fuk Court, more than one-third are over 65, like Chan and her husband, according to Midland Realty data based on the 2021 census.

Some 900 people were taken to emergency shelters in the immediate aftermath of the fire, and hundreds of volunteers, including off-duty nurses, social workers and psychological counselors, flocked to the district to offer help.

Sharing his story to help the community heal

Li took to social media to share his ordeal, posting details Friday on a Tai Po Facebook group, writing he hoped to help the community heal and rebuild together. By Saturday morning it has generated more than 1,000 comments and had been shared nearly 10,000 times.

After being blasted by smoke when he first tried to venture into the hallway, Li, quickly retreated back into his apartment.

He described hearing explosions, and a photo he snapped shows his room illuminated by the glow of flames outside the window. He told the AP he thought of jumping, but instead decided to wait for rescue.

He called police to report the predicament, put wet towels down to block smoke coming in from under his door and called his wife to tell her he couldnt get out.

Everyone told me to wait, he said.

Hearing voices from the hall, he decided to brave the smoke and went into the corridor where he found two bewildered neighbors who were trying to escape, and led them back to shelter in his apartment.

I asked them why they had left their own home instead of waiting inside, he said. They told me it was because their window had overheated and shattered from the fire and the fire rushed into their home.

Seeing flames closing in, he began to worry his apartment would soon suffer the same fate.

That was the moment I began to feel death was very close to me, he said. I was terrified, helpless, because I knew my escape route, the doorway, was no longer safe. In that instant I felt powerless, as if there was nothing I could do except wait.

Not sure what else to do, the father of two reached out to friends for comfort.

I started telling my friends to help take care of my family, he said. I felt like I was facing the end of my life.

His mother, who lives in Britain, called in panic. I could only tell her not to worry, he said.

In the end, help arrived before the flames.

At around 5 p.m., about two hours after his wife called to warn him, firefighters got a ladder to the scaffolding outside his window.

Li told the firefighters to take his older neighbors first, helping them out the small window onto the scaffolding, which they crawled along until they reached the ladder.

Once my two neighbors had been rescued, I was left alone in the flat, he recalled.

At that moment my feelings were very heavy, because I knew I had to leave this home, and that it might be swallowed by the fire  I felt reluctant, but I had no choice. I had to escape.

As he climbed down the ladder, firefighters yelled at him to cover his head due to falling debris, while hosing him down with water to protect him from the flames.

The cold water drenched my whole body and the emotions were overwhelming, hard to describe, he said. But I felt very lucky.

Dozens of residents on higher floors of the 32-story buildings were trapped even longer, as firefighters battled extreme heat to conduct door-to-door searches. Li said he had only moved down to the second floor in September, and said he had heard that his former neighbors on the 29th floor had all perished in the blaze. CHAN HO-HIM, HONG KONG, MDT/AP

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The devastating fire that swept through the Wang Fuk Court residential complex in Tai Po, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, on Wednesday, causing heavy casualties, marks one of the most tragic incidents in the SARs recent history. The catastrophe has highlighted the urgent need for a comprehensive review of safety protocols in high-density urban environments like Hong Kong.

President Xi Jinping immediately extended his condolences to the families of the victims and expressed his sympathy to those affected by the disaster on Wednesday. He urged the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Liaison Office of the Central Peoples Government in the Hong Kong SAR to support the SAR government in making every effort to put out the fire, carry out search and rescue operations, treat the injured, and provide post-disaster support.

The SAR government, led by Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, has fully mobilized resources to extinguish the fire, carry out rescue operations, treat the injured, and provide assistance and emotional support to families. A full investigation is also being carried out. The arrest of three individuals from a construction company in connection with the fire signals a commitment to accountability.

The tragedy should serve as a catalyst for reevaluating building safety standards and construction practices, particularly the use of bamboo scaffolding, which is still a common practice in Hong Kong, as this facilitated the rapid spread of the fire. There have been at least three fires involving bamboo scaffolding in Hong Kong this year, according to the SARs Association for the Rights of Industrial Accident Victims. The governments earlier decision to phase out bamboo scaffolding in public projects is a step in the right direction, but this policy needs to be accelerated and expanded to include all construction projects in the city.

Furthermore, the incident raises questions about the fire resistance of materials used in building exteriors. It is suspected that some of the materials on the exterior walls of the high-rise buildings did not meet current fire resistance standards, enabling the fire to spread unusually fast. This calls for an urgent review and, if necessary, a tightening and enforcing of building codes to ensure that all major materials used in construction are noncombustible and can withstand high temperatures.

Incorporating fire safety into new developments and restoration work is also essential. This includes the installation of sprinkler systems, and the implementation of smoke detection technologies in both new and existing structures. Urban planners should also consider fire safety in the design of public spaces, ensuring that there are adequate escape routes, clear signage and accessible fire hydrants.

Creating safe urban spaces requires a proactive and collaborative approach in which all stakeholders are committed to prioritizing safety and well-being. By being prepared, cities can better protect their communities from the devastating impacts of fires and other emergencies.

So in addition to these structural and regulatory considerations, there is a need for enhanced public awareness and preparedness. Community engagement initiatives can help build a culture of safety and vigilance, and fire drills and safety education can empower residents to respond more effectively to such emergencies.

As Hong Kong mourns the loss of life and grapples with the aftermath of this disaster, it is crucial to channel collective grief into action. By strengthening safety regulations, updating construction practices, and enhancing emergency preparedness, the city can honor the memory of those who lost their lives and build a safer future for all its residents.

[Abridged]

Editorial, China Daily

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Lawmakers in the Legislative Assembly on Friday pressed the government for answers on how it plans to protect local schools from the impact of a record-low birth rate, which is increasingly being felt in classrooms across the city.

Addressing the session, director of the Education and Youth Development Bureau (DSEDJ) Kong Chi Ming said the bureau is acting on findings from a mid-year government strategy study and has already rolled out preliminary measures to maintain education standards in Macau. He described the declining birth rate as part of a global trend, echoed globally in developed regions.

During the session, lawmakers Kou Kam Fai and Loi I Weng raised concerns about mounting teacher allocation problems, while Kevin Ho asked whether mainland students not pursuing higher education could be allowed to study in Macau.

Responding, Kong emphasized that any move to admit such students would require broad social consensus.

Authorities are still studying the option and are keeping an open attitude toward its feasibility. He explained, We have heard voices in society asking whether Chinese mainland students could be introduced. We are studying this and maintain an open attitude, but there are several points that require social consensus. First, these primary school or even kindergarten students are different from university students. They must have guardians or caretakers. What kind of residency status would those caretakers hold in Macau? What can they do or not do while staying here?

Kong also raised a second concern: the academic pathway these students would follow after completing schooling in Macau. Under current rules, mainland non-higher education students cannot enroll in mainland universities as gaokao candidates or apply through the joint admission examination system, a limitation that must be addressed before any policy changes.

On the broader issue of a shrinking school-age population, Kong cited the government study, which included site visits and benchmarking with neighboring regions. He recalled preliminary measures, such as financial aid, class size adjustments, and recruiting students from other areas, to support local education standards.

Regarding teacher shortages, Kong said the bureau is taking proactive steps through cross-educational training to build a more flexible talent pool. He added that to better balance teaching quality and the efficient use of resources, Macaus kindergarten class sizes are currently capped at 25 students.

Record-low birth figures

According to the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC), only 671 live births were registered in the second quarter of 2025, the lowest level since records began in 1998, with high child-rearing costs and career pressures on women cited as key factors.

The latest DSEC figures show 709 live births in the third quarter, a 5.7% increase from the previous quarter, but still 22.1% lower than the same period in 2024.

Social Affairs and Culture Secretary O Lam said during the Legislative Assembly session Friday that, regarding the construction of a Happy Macau, efforts will focus on residents needs, especially in light of low birth rates and an aging population.

Through long-term planning and robust short- and medium-term measures, work related to the elderly and children will be pursued more concretely and comprehensively, establishing a welfare system covering all stages of life and aspects of residents daily lives, ensuring medical services fully meet the populations needs, she said.

Phase three of talent program targets global expertise

DSEDJ director recalled Macaus talent introduction program, designed to attract skilled professionals to support economic diversification. The program continues to be optimized to drive and support Macaus long-term development, he said.

Under the initiative, over 800 positions in officially recognized professions in short supply have already been filled, with a third phase set to launch soon.

The Advanced Professionals Program targets graduates in 1+4 industry-related disciplines from top global universities, as well as high-performing graduates from Macau institutions.

Planned enhancements include extra points for applicants with overseas work experience  especially in Portugal and Brazil  and those with backgrounds in traditional Chinese medicine. To strengthen implementation, Kong said two new working groups would be created: one to collaborate with economic bodies to set up green channels linking investment and talent recruitment, and another to formalize partnerships with a research association and two chambers of commerce to leverage their business networks.

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Showcasing the charm of cultural heritage and the ingenuity of innovative curation, POLY MGM MUSEUM has captivated audiences since its debut, attracting visitors from Macau, Hong Kong, Mainland China, and over 40 countries and regions worldwide. Today (November 20), the Museum celebrated the remarkable milestone by welcoming its one millionth visitor. To mark this momentous occasion, Kenneth Feng, President and Executive Director of MGM China Holdings Limited, presented the lucky visitor, Ms. Zhai Guoying from Guangxi, China, with an exclusive commemorative gift.

Thrilled to become the one-millionth visitor, Ms. Zhai received a 100-gram pure gold Ruyi ornament, specially prepared by the Museum, symbolizing good fortune and the enduring legacy of cultural heritage. The atmosphere was vibrant as over 100 MGM team members gathered to witness and cheer for this joyful moment.

Sharing her excitement, Ms. Zhai said that visiting POLY MGM MUSEUM with her family was already a memorable experience, and she was particularly impressed by the multimedia work, Visions Upon the Wall: A Myriad Forms Revealed. Receiving the meaningful golden Ruyi made this trip to Macau truly unforgettable.

Pansy Ho, Chairperson and Executive Director of MGM China Holdings Limited, stated, POLY MGM MUSEUM is committed to pioneering forward-thinking curatorial concepts that blend and juxtapose elements from both ancient and modern times, as well as Chinese and Western cultures. Through distinctive narrative perspectives, we aim to deliver a museum experience that is intellectually enriching, engaging, and appealing to visitors of all ages  especially younger generations. Welcoming our one millionth visitor is a testament to this vision and strengthens our confidence as we embark on the next exciting chapter of our journey.

Embracing the concept of a living museum, the POLY MGM MUSEUM breaks away from traditional displays. Through avant-garde curation, immersive installations, and cross-media narratives, artifacts are made accessible to visitors of all ages and backgrounds, offering them an inclusive, open, and multidimensional cultural experience.

Structured into four thematic chapters, the museums newly Silk Roads Beyond Borders exhibition traces the history of the overland Silk Road and features more than 200 historical artifacts and contemporary artworks. Through imaginative curatorial storytelling, it reconstructs a dialogue between past and present, inviting visitors into a cultural journey that transcends time and space.

Beyond the main exhibition, POLY MGM MUSEUM continues to offer a diverse range of extended programs, including talks, inter-museum exchanges, workshops, and family night tours, fostering deeper engagement between art and the public. Professional guided tours and an audio guide system enhance the visitor experience, while the museums M BOX presents a curated selection of creative products echoing the exhibition themes, allowing guests to take a tangible piece of their cultural experience home.

MGM

Avenida Dr. Sun Yat Sen, NAPE, Macau

E info@mgmchina.com.mo

W http://www.mgm.mo/

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Held annually on the first weekend of December, the Thailand Cultural Festival will return to Rua de Abreu Nunes, also known as Thai Food Street, on December 6 and 7. The festival features a series of events, including food stalls, cultural performances, and traditional activities such as Thai massages and rice-blessing ceremonies. Organized by the Association of Thais in Macau, the event is popular among locals and tourists alike and offers an opportunity to experience Thai culture and traditions in Macau. According to the organizers, this years event will include about 20 food stalls serving a wide variety of Thai dishes.

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The latest data from the Statistics and Census Bureau (DSEC) show that the unemployment rate for local residents from August to October stood at 2.3%, with September recording year-on-year increases in the average remuneration for full-time employees in the hotel, catering, and childcare services sectors.

The DSECs monthly statistics released on Friday show that the overall unemployment rate from August to October was 1.7%, with the unemployment rate for local residents also falling by 0.1 percentage points compared to the previous period of July to September. During this timeframe, the total labor force reached 492,200, reflecting an increase of 1,500 people over the prior period.

According to the DSEC report, among the 6,700 unemployed residents, a significant number had previously worked in the retail and construction sectors.

Chinese media outlet Macao Daily News cited a human resources company noting that personnel fluctuations in the retail sector are particularly pronounced. The company acknowledged that the trajectory of Macaus human resources market remains uncertain, influenced by the broader economic environment and industry developments.

The media report highlighted that, compared to closures of satellite casinos, the catering and retail sectors experienced significant workforce fluctuations due to declining business.

Hiring has slowed considerably, with many well-known establishments suspending recruitment due to unsatisfactory performance, while some face the risk of layoffs if business targets are not met, leading to a cautious approach to development.

It was noted that the labor market is expected to remain volatile next year, influenced by factors such as the departure of non-local workers, with significant fluctuations anticipated between March and April.

The DSEC reported an improvement in underemployment for this period, with the overall underemployment rate decreasing by 0.1 percentage points to 1.4%, and the rate for local residents dropping by 0.2 percentage points to 1.8%.

This translates to 5,200 underemployed residents, primarily engaged in real estate and business services, construction, and transportation and warehousing. Additionally, the proportion of new entrants seeking their first job among unemployed residents fell by 4.4 percentage points to 13.9%.

Salary for certain industry staff rises

Data from the DSEC show that by the end of the third quarter of this year, employment numbers increased year-on-year in several sectors.

The hotel industry employed 61,275 workers, an increase of 3.5%, while the food and beverage industry employed 28,970 workers, up 1.4%. Elderly care services reported 1,531 employees, marking a 6.2% increase, and the water, electricity, and gas production and supply industry reached 1,094 employees, up 1.5%. However, the manufacturing sector declined to 8,404 employees, down 2.7%, and childcare services decreased to 1,380 employees, a drop of 3.2%.

In terms of remuneration, average pay in the manufacturing sector fell by 1.1% to MOP12,680, while local full-time employees experienced a 2.1% increase in their average pay, now at MOP15,110. Full-time employees in the hotel industry recorded average monthly compensation of MOP20,390, while those in food and beverage services earned MOP11,060, and childcare services saw MOP16,960, reflecting year-on-year increases of 3.1%, 4.3%, and 2.8%, respectively.

Authorities noted that the hotel sectors human resource demand is stabilizing, with the vacancy rate at 3% and the employee turnover rate at 3.7%, both declining year-on-year. In contrast, the catering sector faced an increased vacancy rate of 5.8%, up 0.9 percentage points, while its employee hiring rate decreased to 5.1%, a drop of 0.4 percentage points.

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Morocco has become Indias major security and trading partner in North Africa. Relations between the two countries is gaining momentum in all sectors, including defense industry, said Indian business daily The Economic Times.

To secure its fertilizer supply, India is collaborating closely with Morocco, a longstanding supplier of phosphates. The agenda includes plans for enduring strategic alliances, cooperative projects, and initiatives to bolster agricultural resilience and food security, said the newspaper.

Moroccan phosphate OCP group supplies one-fifth of Indias rock phosphate imports, one-third of phosphoric acid imports, a significant share of di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) imports and 100% of triple super phosphate (TSP) requirements. In 2025, OCP signed agreements to supply India 1.5 million tonne of DAP and 1 million tonne of TSP.

The Economic Times recalled the recent meeting held in Rabat between OCP CEO Mostafa Terrab and Indias External affairs ministry officials led by secretary (south) Neena Malhotra.

The two sides discussed strengthening long-term strategic supply arrangements, potential joint ventures in the fertilizer supply chain, cooperation in sustainable agriculture, health soil and food security cooperation.

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.

During her working visit to Rabat, the Indian official also conferred with minister of energy transition and sustainable development Leila Benali on cooperation prospects in renewable energy, sustainable mining value chains, private-sector engagement and capacity-building

In Delhi, Rear Admiral Mohamed Tahin, inspector general of the Royal Moroccan Navy met this week chief of defense staff General Anil Chauhan. Talks focused on defense exports, cooperation in defense industries, joint & multilateral exercises.

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.

A passage exercise refers to a joint naval drill between allied navies to improve interoperability.Last December, Indian naval ship Tushil visited Casablanca and conducted a passage exercise with the Moroccan Navy.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, on Sunday, November 30, has assured that the country will continue to participate fully in G20 activities, following recent tensions with the United States, host of next years meetings.

Speaking after South Africas recent G20 summit, which the U.S. skipped, Ramaphosa dismissed claims by President Donald Trump that South Africa would be excluded next year, calling them baseless and rooted in misinformation, regarding alleged white genocide and land confiscation.

Ramaphosa emphasised South Africas standing as a founding member of the G20, reiterating the nations commitment to constructive engagement. He confirmed that the country has formally handed over the G20 presidency to the United States and expressed South Africas willingness to maintain dialogue and strengthen bilateral relations despite the recent discord.
Twelve young women and girls abducted in Borno state on 22 November have been safely rescued over the week-end by the Nigerian Army. They are receiving medical care and psychological support before reunification with their families.

The abductions, carried out by Boko Haram and ISWAP, occurred near farms in a known jihadist area. Borno remains a hotspot in Nigerias 16-year insurgency, and recent kidnappings, including over 300 children in the Niger Delta, have prompted President Bola Tinubu to declare a security emergency and deploy additional security forces to tackle armed groups.
ECOWAS will deploy a high-level delegation to Guinea-Bissau on Monday, 1 December, as regional leaders intensify diplomatic efforts following the military takeover that unseated President Umaro Sissoco Embalo.

The mission, led by Sierra Leones President Julius Maada Bio and joined by counterparts from Senegal, Cape Verde and Togoor their representativesaims to engage the newly installed authorities alongside key political and civil society actors in pursuit of a swift return to constitutional governance.

Regional officials signal that the blocs posture will be uncompromising, amid widespread condemnation of what many describe as a carefully orchestrated handover from the former President to a trusted general.

While the possibility of military intervention has not been openly endorsed, ECOWAS is expected to reject the juntas announcement of a one-year transition and push for the publication of the contested election results.

With tensions easing after recent attacks on political party offices, opposition figuresincluding Fernando Diass campare counting on ECOWAS to secure transparency and civilian leadership. As a newly appointed cabinet dominated by military officers deepens public mistrust, expectations across Bissau are high that the visiting delegation will enforce accountability, apply necessary pressure, and steer the nation back onto a democratic trajectory.
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:

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Patients with major depressive disorder, including those who have not responded to first-line antidepressants, may benefit from short-term nitrous oxide treatment, a major meta-analysis led by the University of Birmingham has found.

The paper published in eBioMedicine has assessed the best available clinical information to show how clinically administered nitrous oxide (N 2 O) can offer fast-acting depressive symptom relief for adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) and treatment-resistant depression (TRD).

TRD is characterized as depression that isn't effectively managed after a patient tries two different antidepressants. It affects approximately 48% of UK patients who experience limited benefit from standard treatments, according to a previous study led by the research team.

Researchers from the University of Birmingham, University of Oxford, and Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust assessed seven clinical trials and four protocol papers published by investigators from around the world.

Each research study looked at the use of nitrous oxide, also used as pain relief in a range of medical situations, for treating depressive disorders, including MDD, TRD and bipolar depression.

The team found that a single treatment of inhaled clinical nitrous oxide at 50% concentration (in three trials), produced rapid and significant reductions in depressive symptoms within 24 hours, although these effects were not sustained at one week. In contrast, repeated dosing over several weeks led to more durable improvements, suggesting that multiple treatment sessions (compared to a single dose) may be required to maintain clinical benefit.

It is thought to target glutamate receptors in a similar way to ketamine, another rapid-acting antidepressant, and this may help explain why improvements in mood can be observed soon after inhalation.

Kiranpreet Gill, a Ph.D. researcher at the University of Birmingham and first author of the study, said, "Depression is a debilitating illness, made even more so by the fact that antidepressants make no meaningful difference for almost half of all patients diagnosed with it. There is a growing body of research on repurposing treatments from other clinical domains to alleviate low mood.

"This study brings together the best possible evidence indicating that nitrous oxide has the potential to provide swift and clinically significant short-term improvements in patients with severe depression.

"Our analyses show that nitrous oxide could form part of a new generation of rapid-acting treatments for depression. Importantly, it provides a foundation for future trials to investigate repeated and carefully managed dosing strategies that can further determine how best to use this treatment in clinical practice for patients who don't respond to conventional interventions."

Strong evidence, but limited numbers of trials currently

The meta-analysis of studies found strong evidence for short-term improvements in mood following nitrous oxide administration. Due to the limited number of existing trials, there was notable variability in how depressive symptoms were measured and reported, as well as in the timing of these assessments.

Further studies are needed to determine the optimal dose, nitrous oxide's long-term safety, and the best way to integrate it into existing treatment pathways.

The team also examined the safety and potential side effects of nitrous oxide. Some patients experienced side effects such as nausea, dizziness and headaches, all of which passed quickly and resolved without medical intervention.

While higher dosing (at 50% concentration) increased the likelihood of these side effects, none of the studies reported any short-term safety concerns. The researchers emphasized that longer-term safety must be assessed through future studies with extended follow-up periods.

Professor Steven Marwaha from the University of Birmingham, Honorary Consultant Psychiatrist at Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Foundation Trust, and senior author of the study said, "This is a significant milestone in understanding the potential of nitrous oxide as an added treatment option for patients with depression who have been failed by current treatments. This population has often lost hope of recovery, making the results of this study particularly exciting.

"These findings highlight the urgent need for new treatments that can complement existing care pathways, and further evidence is needed to understand how this approach can best support people living with severe depression."

The study was conducted by researchers at the Mental Health Mission Midlands Translational Center, led by the University of Birmingham. The team are working on improving treatment options for treatment-resistant depression in superdiverse and deprived populations.

The Center aims to accelerate the development and delivery of innovative, evidence-based interventions to improve outcomes and reduce disparities in mental health care.

This work also aligns with ongoing efforts within the Birmingham Clinic for Advanced Mood Disorder Management (CALM), where innovative, evidence-based treatments such as ketamine and neuromodulation are being delivered to people with severe or treatment-resistant depression.

Building on this translational pathway from discovery to clinical practice, the team is now preparing the first NHS trial in the UK to assess whether nitrous oxide can be delivered safely and acceptably as a treatment for major depression.

The findings will help determine how nitrous oxide could be integrated into NHS care and may expand the range of innovative options available for patients who have not benefited from standard approaches.

More information: Nitrous oxide for the treatment of depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis, EBioMedicine (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2025.106023 Journal information: EBioMedicine
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One in five people in the United States live in a rural area. Patients in rural communities often struggle to access care because of travel difficulties, high costs and limited resources, leading to worse medical outcomes. With over 150 rural hospital closures since 2010, innovative approaches to care delivery in rural areas are needed.

In a new study by investigators from Mass General Brigham and Ariadne Labs, in collaboration with colleagues at rural U.S. and Canadian health centers, researchers found that hospital-level care at home is feasible for patients living in rural areas with acute conditions who traditionally would have been cared for in a brick-and-mortar hospital, and substantially improved experiences of care and physical activity levels.

The findings are published in JAMA Network Open.

Study details and patient experiences

"Rural health care is in a crisis, and we need to think differently. Hospital-level care delivered in patients' homes has improved health care delivery in urban settings but may fill an even greater need in rural areas, where longer transit times, poor accessibility, and hospital closures challenge access to high-quality care," said David Levine, MD, MPH, MA, Clinical Director of Research & Development at Mass General Brigham Healthcare at Home and Director of Ariadne Labs' Home Hospital Program.

"We've shown that home hospital care not only works in rural settings, but that patients also prefer their care at home."

This randomized controlled trial included 161 adults who required inpatient care for acute conditions (primarily infections, heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or asthma). Participants were recruited after presenting for emergency care at Blessing Hospital (IL), Hazard Appalachian Regional Healthcare Regional Medical Center (KY), and Wetaskiwin Hospital and Care Center (Canada).

They were assigned to either traditional "brick-and-mortar" hospital care for the length of their treatment, or home hospital care, which was administered via twice-daily in-home visits with nurses and paramedics and a daily remote visit with a physician or advanced practice provider.

Technological innovations and outcomes

Innovative technologies minimized the need for medical equipment to be brought into patients' homes. A wireless sticker on the patient's chest took the place of a typical hospital telemetry system for continuous monitoring. Intravenous infusions could be delivered from an ambulatory infusion pump small enough to fit in a fanny pack. A handheld meter could check a patient's labs right in the home.

Overall, there was no significant difference in cost for the two groups. Notably, when the researchers compared the control group to the home hospital patients who had been transferred home after less than three days of brick-and-mortar care, they found that the cost was 27% lower, emphasizing the importance of early transfers.

Readmission rates were similar 30 days after treatment, and no major safety differences emerged between groups. Home patients were less sedentary, taking an average of 700 more steps per day than controls. They also reported substantially greater satisfactionalmost double that of their counterparts who received care at the hospital (a net promoter score of 88.4 vs. 45.5, with 100 indicating maximum satisfaction).

Future directions and community impact

The researchers are continuing to analyze how home hospital impacts movement, qualitative experiences, and caregiver experiences. They are also working to develop a mobile clinic, housed in an electric vehicle, with the necessary technology to deliver hospital-level care to any rural area in the U.S.

"Hopefully this work can spur patients, clinicians, and health care leaders in rural areas to recommend, request, and build home hospital programs," Levine said.

"Those particular areas that may have lost their hospital may be able to establish home hospital programs that are less expensive than brick-and-mortar care and employ clinicians that work locally.

"We hope others can use this research to take action in their communities because we have seen that when patients desire certain models of care, those models come to fruition. We feel this may be one innovation to help solve the rural health care crisis."

More information: Levine DM et al. Hospital-Level Care at Home for Adults Living in Rural Settings, JAMA Network Open (2025). DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.45712 Journal information: JAMA Network Open
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40-year-old patient presents for routine screening. Family history of paternal grandmother age 55. Extremely dense breast tissue is noted on mammography right and left mediolateral oblique (side angle) view. In addition, an area of architectural distortion is seen at the posterior right breast on right view (see arrow). Credit: Stamatia Destounis, M.D., and RSNA

A study of data from seven outpatient facilities in the New York region found that 2024% of all the breast cancers diagnosed during an 11-year period were found in women aged 18 to 49, according to research being presented at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA).

"This research shows that a significant proportion of cancers are diagnosed in women under 40, a group for whom there are no screening guidelines at this time," said Stamatia Destounis, M.D., radiologist at Elizabeth Wende Breast Care (EWBC) in Rochester, New York.

"Consideration must be given by physicians caring for women in this age group to performing risk assessment in order to identify those who may benefit from more intensive screening due to being higher risk."

Emerging national trends highlight a rising incidence of breast cancer in younger women, prompting re-evaluation of age-based screening thresholds and risk stratification strategies.

For average-risk women, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends mammography screening every other year starting at age 40 and continuing through age 74. The American Cancer Society advises starting annual screening mammograms by age 45, with the choice to start between the ages of 40 and 44.

Women who are at high risk for breast cancer based on certain factors could benefit from a breast MRI and a mammogram every year, typically starting at age 30, but there currently are no guidelines in place for younger women.

Dr. Destounis, along with her colleague Andrea L. Arieno, B.S., research manager at EWBC, sought to identify cancers diagnosed from 2014 through 2024 in a community practice consisting of seven outpatient facilities over a 200-mile radius in the Western New York region. They identified all breast cancers in the 18 to 49 age group and collected information from clinical imaging reports.

40-year-old patient presents for routine screening. Family history of paternal grandmother age 55. Extremely dense breast tissue is noted on mammography right and left craniocaudal (taken from the top of the breast) view. Credit: Stamatia Destounis, M.D., and RSNA

"We specifically collected details on how the cancer was found (screening or diagnostic), the type of cancer and other tumor characteristics," Dr. Destounis said.

"We excluded cases that were not primary breast cancer. We analyzed trends over time by age subgroups, detection method and tumor biology. This helped us to identify how breast cancer presents in this patient population, how frequently it occurs and the types of tumors found."

A total of 1,799 breast cancers were diagnosed in 1,290 women, aged 18 to 49. Annual breast cancer diagnoses in this group ranged from 145 to 196, with a mean age at diagnosis of 42.6 years (range 2349). Of these, 731 (41%) were detected on screening and 1,068 (59%) on diagnostic evaluation. There were 1,451 invasive cancer cases (80.7%), and 347 (19.3%) non-invasive cancer cases.

"Most of these cancers were invasive, meaning they could spread beyond the breast, and many were aggressive typesespecially in women under 40," Dr. Destounis said. "Some were 'triple-negative,' a form of breast cancer that is harder to treat because it doesn't respond to common hormone-based therapies."

Even though women under 50 made up 21% to 25% of the patients that were screened yearly, they consistently accounted for one out of every four breast cancers found each year.

"This is striking because it shows that younger women not only carry a stable and substantial share of the breast cancer burden, but their tumors are often biologically aggressive," she said. "That combinationsteady incidence plus disproportionately aggressive biologydirectly challenges age-based screening cutoffs and strengthens the case for earlier, risk-tailored screening approaches."

Dr. Destounis noted that an important factor about the research is that the numbers stayed remarkably stable over the study period. Even though fewer young women may have been seen overall, the absolute number of breast cancers in this group did not decrease.

Spot on right mediolateral oblique (side angle) view. Area of distortion persists on additional mammographic views, and a mass is identified on subsequent breast ultrasound. Ultrasound guided biopsy was performed and revealed nuclear grade 1 invasive ductal carcinoma. Credit: Stamatia Destounis, M.D., and RSNA

"That means this problem is not going away," she said. "It is here to stay and needs to be addressed on a larger scale. Research such as this supports earlier and tailored screening to allow for earlier detection and better treatment outcomes. This data reinforces that women under 50, especially those under 40, shouldn't be seen as 'low risk' by default and can absolutely benefit from risk assessment being performed as early as possible."

Dr. Destounis cautioned that younger patients should be informed to be aware of changes in their breasts and to start screening in certain cases.

"Those with a strong family history or genetic mutation, as well as certain minorities and ethnic backgrounds, are at higher risk for breast cancer at a younger age," she said.

Dr. Destounis emphasized that the biggest takeaway of the study is that breast cancer in younger women is not rare, and when it does occur, it is often more serious.

"We can't rely only on age alone to decide who should be screened," she said. "Paying closer attention to personal and family history, and possibly screening earlier for some women, could help detect these cancers sooner."
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As states strive to curb health insurers' use of artificial intelligence, patients and doctors are arming themselves with AI tools to fight claims denials, prior authorizations and soaring medical bills.

Several businesses and nonprofits have launched AI-powered tools to help patients get their insurance claims paid and navigate byzantine medical bills, creating a robotic tug-of-war over who gets care and who foots the bill for it.

Sheer Health, a three-year-old company that helps patients and providers navigate health insurance and billing, now has an app that allows consumers to connect their health insurance account, upload medical bills and claims, and ask questions about deductibles, copays and covered benefits.

"You would think there would be some sort of technology that could explain in real English why I'm getting a bill for $1,500," said cofounder Jeff Witten. The program uses both AI and humans to provide the answers for free, he said. Patients who want extra support in challenging a denied claim or dealing with out-of-network reimbursements can pay Sheer Health to handle those for them.

In North Carolina, the nonprofit Counterforce Health designed an AI assistant to help patients appeal their denied health insurance claims and fight large medical bills. The free service uses AI models to analyze a patient's denial letter, then look through the patient's policy and outside medical research to draft a customized appeal letter.

Other consumer-focused services use AI to catch billing errors or parse medical jargon. Some patients are even turning to AI chatbots like Grok for help.

A quarter of adults under age 30 said they used an AI chatbot at least once a month for health information or advice, according to a poll the health care research nonprofit KFF published in August 2024. But most adults said they were not confident that the health information is accurate.

State legislators on both sides of the aisle, meanwhile, are scrambling to keep pace, passing new regulations that govern how insurers, physicians and others use AI in health care. Already this year, more than a dozen states have passed laws regulating AI in health care, according to Manatt, a consulting firm.

"It doesn't feel like a satisfying outcome to just have two robots argue back and forth over whether a patient should access a particular type of care," said Carmel Shachar, assistant clinical professor of law and the faculty director of the Health Law and Policy Clinic at Harvard Law School.

"We don't want to get on an AI-enabled treadmill that just speeds up."

A black box

Health care can feel like a black box. If your doctor says you need surgery, for example, the cost depends on a dizzying number of factors, including your health insurance provider, your specific health plan, its copayment requirements, your deductible, where you live, the facility where the surgery will be performed, whether that facility and your doctor are in-network and your specific diagnosis.

Some insurers may require prior authorization before a surgery is approved. That can entail extensive medical documentation. After a surgery, the resulting bill can be difficult to parse.

Witten, of Sheer Health, said his company has seen thousands of instances of patients whose doctors recommend a certain procedure, like surgery, and then a few days before the surgery the patient learns insurance didn't approve it.

In recent years, as more health insurance companies have turned to AI to automate claims processing and prior authorizations, the share of denied claims has risen. This year, 41% of physicians and other providers said their claims are denied more than 10% of the time, up from 30% of providers who said that three years ago, according to a September report from credit reporting company Experian.

Insurers on Affordable Care Act marketplaces denied nearly one in five in-network claims in 2023, up from 17% in 2021, and more than a third of out-of-network claims, according to the most recently available data from KFF.

Insurance giant UnitedHealth Group has come under fire in the media and from federal lawmakers for using algorithms to systematically deny care to seniors, while Humana and other insurers face lawsuits and regulatory investigations that allege they've used sophisticated algorithms to block or deny coverage for medical procedures.

Insurers say AI tools can improve efficiency and reduce costs by automating tasks that can involve analyzing vast amounts of data. And companies say they're monitoring their AI to identify potential problems. A UnitedHealth representative pointed Stateline to the company's AI Review Board, a team of clinicians, scientists and other experts that reviews its AI models for accuracy and fairness.

"Health plans are committed to responsibly using artificial intelligence to create a more seamless, real-time customer experience and to make claims management faster and more effective for patients and providers," a spokesperson for America's Health Insurance Plans, the national trade group representing health insurers, told Stateline.

But states are stepping up oversight.

Arizona, Maryland, Nebraska and Texas, for example, have banned insurance companies from using AI as the sole decisionmaker in prior authorization or medical necessity denials.

Dr. Arvind Venkat is an emergency room physician in the Pittsburgh area. He's also a Democratic Pennsylvania state representative and the lead sponsor of a bipartisan bill to regulate the use of AI in health care.

He's seen new technologies reshape health care during his 25 years in medicine, but AI feels wholly different, he said. It's an "active player" in people's care in a way that other technologies haven't been.

"If we're able to harness this technology to improve the delivery and efficiency of clinical care, that is a huge win," said Venkat. But he's worried about AI use without guardrails.

His legislation would force insurers and health care providers in Pennsylvania to be more transparent about how they use AI; require a human to make the final decision any time AI is used; and mandate that they show evidence of minimizing bias in their use of AI.

"In health care, where it's so personal and the stakes are so high, we need to make sure we're mandating in every patient's case that we're applying artificial intelligence in a way that looks at the individual patient," Venkat said.

Patient supervision

Historically, consumers rarely challenge denied claims: A KFF analysis found fewer than 1% of health coverage denials are appealed. And even when they are, patients lose more than half of those appeals.

New consumer-focused AI tools could shift that dynamic by making appeals easier to file and the process easier to understand. But there are limits; without human oversight, experts say, the AI is vulnerable to mistakes.

"It can be difficult for a layperson to understand when AI is doing good work and when it is hallucinating or giving something that isn't quite accurate," said Shachar, of Harvard Law School.

For example, an AI tool might draft an appeals letter that a patient thinks looks impressive. But because most patients aren't medical experts, they may not recognize if the AI misstates medical information, derailing an appeal, she said.

"The challenge is, if the patient is the one driving the process, are they going to be able to properly supervise the AI?" she said.

Earlier this year, Mathew Evins learned just 48 hours before his scheduled back surgery that his insurer wouldn't cover it. Evins, a 68-year-old public relations executive who lives in Florida, worked with his physician to appeal, but got nowhere. He used an AI chatbot to draft a letter to his insurer, but that failed, too.

On his son's recommendation, Evins turned to Sheer Health. He said Sheer identified a coding error in his medical records and handled communications with his insurer. The surgery was approved about three weeks later.

"It's unfortunate that the public health system is so broken that it needs a third party to intervene on the patient's behalf," Evins said. But he's grateful the technology made it possible to get life-changing surgery.

"AI in and of itself isn't an answer," he said. "AI, when used by a professional that understands the issues and ramifications of a particular problem, that's a different story. Then you've got an effective tool."

Most experts and lawmakers agree a human is needed to keep the robots in check.

AI has made it possible for insurance companies to rapidly assess cases and make decisions about whether to authorize surgeries or cover certain medical care. But that ability to make lightning-fast determinations should be tempered with a human, Venkat said.

"It's why we need government regulation and why we need to make sure we mandate an individualized assessment with a human decision-maker."

Witten said there are situations in which AI works well, such as when it sifts through an insurance policywhich is essentially a contract between the company and the consumerand connects the dots between the policy's coverage and a corresponding insurance claim.

But, he said, "there are complicated cases out there AI just can't resolve." That's when a human is needed to review.

"I think there's a huge opportunity for AI to improve the patient experience and overall provider experience," Witten said. "Where I worry is when you have insurance companies or other players using AI to completely replace customer support and human interaction."

Furthermore, a growing body of research has found AI can reinforce bias that's found elsewhere in medicine, discriminating against women, ethnic and racial minorities, and those with public insurance.

"The conclusions from artificial intelligence can reinforce discriminatory patterns and violate privacy in ways that we have already legislated against," Venkat said.

2025 States Newsroom. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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New research reveals that more than 7 in 10 (71%) women have consumed alcohol-free or low-alcohol drinks during pregnancy, signaling their growing popularity among expectant mothers seeking safer alternatives to alcohol.

Despite widespread use during pregnancy and continued growth of the no- and low-alcohol drinks marketsuch as alcohol-free or low-alcohol beers, wines and spiritsthe findings highlight that many women feel there is a lack of guidance from health care professionals about these alternatives, prompting calls for clearer information and support.

The World Health Organization advises there is no known safe level of alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Yet, with the UK Government's 10-Year Health Plan including plans to consult on changing the upper strength threshold at which a drink may be described as alcohol free to (from 0.05% currently to 0.5% ABV), experts are even keener to ensure consistent information is provided.

The first-of-its-kind peer-reviewed study, conducted by the University of Plymouth on behalf of Alcohol Change UK, explored how more than 2,000 currently or recently pregnant women think and feel about alcohol-free and low-alcohol drinks, as well as how regularly, if at all, they are consumed during pregnancy and why. The paper is published in the European Journal of Public Health.

The report highlights four key recommendations:

Clarityis needed on the safety and suitability of alcohol-free and low-alcohol drinks during pregnancy. Specifically, clarity is needed on those in the 0.051.2% ABV category as there are greater concerns expressed about the threshold levels. Labelingof low-alcohol drinks should be improved, so that they are clearly distinguishable from alcohol-free drinks. Clear guidelines for professionalsabout alcohol-free and low-alcohol drinks during pregnancy and breastfeeding are needed for health care professionals so that consistent advice can be provided. Ensuring no- and low-alcohol is part of pre-existing advice for pregnancy and beyondorganizations that provide advice to pregnant and breastfeeding women about alcohol, should also include specific advice about low-alcohol and alcohol-free drinks.

Safety, socializing and stealthwhy women opt for alcohol alternatives during pregnancy

Among those who report consuming alcohol-free and low-alcohol drinks during pregnancy, the leading motivation is safety, with almost three quarters (72%) keen "to choose a safer alternative to alcohol." This is followed by 69% saying these drinks help them to 'feel included in social events involving alcohol' and 45% because they like the taste.

Notably, these alternatives are more popular among women reporting higher levels of alcohol consumption pre-pregnancy, with nine in 10 (91%) using them at some point while pregnant. This group is also more likely to report that these drinks help them to conceal a pregnancy in the early stages, due to their similar appearance to alcoholic drinks.

Widely used but confused

Although the use of alcohol-free and low-alcohol options during pregnancy is commonplace, almost 6 in 10 respondents (57%) think that there is insufficient information available about these drinks in relation to pregnancy.

More than half of women surveyed (55%) said they did not receive any information about these drinks from sources including a midwife, GP or pregnancy organization. Internet search was the leading source of information (22%), followed by advertising (14%) and social media (13%), while fewer than 1 in 10 (8%) received information from their midwife.

More than three quarters feel that drinks clearly labeled 0% or alcohol-free are "very acceptable" during pregnancy (78%) and when breastfeeding (80%). Yet, for low-alcohol drinks between 0.51.2% ABV, the proportion of those deeming them "very acceptable" drops to just 11% during pregnancy and 40% when breastfeeding. Follow-up interviews reaffirmed these concerns and confusion over the ABV content, safety and labeling of low-alcohol options.

Dr. Kate Maslin, senior research fellow in maternal and child health at the University of Plymouth and project lead, said, "Alcohol-free drinks have clearly found favor among pregnant and recently pregnant women as they look to make safer choices when socializing during pregnancy. Yet, what really shone through, both in the data and when speaking with individuals to explore their experiences and attitudes further, was a feeling that information about the safety and suitability of these alternatives, particularly from health care and pregnancy professionals, has not kept pace.

"The World Health Organization advises there is no known safe level of alcohol consumption during pregnancy. However, with the growing popularity of these no- and low- drinks, there is a reliance on internet searching and social media for guidance on their use during pregnancy, both of which can contain misinformation or conflicting information.

"Alongside further research into the safety and suitability of alcohol-free and low-alcohol drinks during pregnancy, it's important that those engaging with and supporting pregnant women are equipped to give clear, consistent advice."

Alcohol Change UK commissioned the study in response to continued growth of the UK's no- and low-alcohol drinks sector. According to drinks industry data firm IWSR, the total UK market was expected to have more than doubled in 2024 vs. 2023.

Ailar Hashemzadeh, director of research and public affairs at Alcohol Change UK, added, "Many people try to avoid alcohol when pregnant, and the growing number of alcohol-free and low-alcohol beers, wines and cocktails offers a way to do that while still enjoying what feels like a 'grown up' drink.

"What this research has found, however, is that there is a lot of uncertainty and a lot of guesswork going on, particularly with drinks that aren't completely alcohol-free. This sector of the drinks market seems set to keep on growing, and expectant parents would really benefit from clear advice from trusted professionals on when and how to use these drinks."

More information: Kate Maslin et al, The use of alcohol-free and low-alcohol drinks in pregnancy in the UK, European Journal of Public Health (2025). DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckaf188 Journal information: European Journal of Public Health
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When doctors told her they had to remove her tongue and voice box to save her life from the cancer that had invaded her mouth, Sonya Sotinsky sat down with a microphone to record herself saying the things she would never again be able to say.

"Happy birthday" and "I'm proud of you" topped the phrases she banked for her husband and two daughters, as well as "I'll be right with you," intended for customers at the architecture firm she co-owns in Tucson, Arizona.

Thinking about the grandchildren she desperately hoped to see born one day, she also recorded herself reading more than a dozen children's books, from the Eloise series to Dr. Seuss, to one day play for them at bedtime.

But one of the biggest categories of sound files she banked was a string of curse words and filthy sayings. If the voice is the primary expression of personality, sarcasm and profanity are essential to Sotinsky's.

"When you can't use your voice, it is very, very frustrating. Other people project what they think your personality is. I have silently screamed and screamed at there being no scream," Sotinsky said recently, referring to rudimentary voice technology or writing notes by hand before she chanced upon a modern workaround. "What the literal you-know-what?"

Fighting invasive oral cancer at age 51 forced Sotinsky to confront the existential importance of the human voice. Her unique intonation, cadence, and slight New Jersey accent, she felt, were fingerprints of her identity. And she refused to be silenced.

While her doctors and insurance company saved her life, they showed little interest in saving her voice, she said. So she set out on her own to research and identify the artificial intelligence company that could. It used the recordings Sotinsky had banked of her natural voice to create an exact replica now stored in an app on her phone, allowing her to type and speak once again with a full range of sentiment and sarcasm.

"She got her sass back," said Sotinsky's daughter, Ela Fuentevilla, 23. "When we heard her AI voice, we all criedmy sister, my dad, and I. It's crazy similar."

"Your voice is your identity'

It took close to a year for doctors to detect Sotinsky's cancer. She complained to her orthodontist and dentist multiple times about jaw pain and a strange sensation under her tongue. Then water began dribbling down her chin when she drank. When the pain got so intense that she could no longer speak at the end of each day, Sotinsky insisted her orthodontist take a closer look.

"A shadow cast over his face. I saw it when he leaned back," she said, "that look you don't want to see."

That's when she started recording. In the five weeks between her diagnosis and surgery to remove her entire tongue and voice boxin medical terms, a total glossectomy and laryngectomyshe banked as much of her voice as she could manage.

"Your voice is your identity," said Sue Yom, a radiation oncologist at the University of California San Francisco, where Sotinsky got treatment. "Communication is not only how we express ourselves and relate to other people, but also how we make sense of the world."

"When the voice is no longer available, you can't hear yourself thinking out loud, you can't hear yourself interacting with other people," Yom said. "It impacts how your mind works."

People who lose their voice box, she added, are at higher risk for long-term emotional distress, depression, and physical pain compared with those who retain it after cancer treatment. Close to a third lose their job, and the social isolation can be profound.

Most laryngectomy patients learn to speak again with an electrolarynx, a small battery-operated box held against the throat that produces a monotonic, mechanical voice. But without a tongue to shape her words, Sotinsky knew that wouldn't work for her.

When Sotinsky had her surgery in January 2022, AI voices were still in their infancy. The best technology she could find yielded a synthetic version of her voice, but it was still flat and robotic, and people strained to understand her.

She got by until mid-2024, when she read about tech companies using generative AI to replicate a person's full range of natural inflection and emotion.

While companies can now re-create a person's voice from snippets of old home movies or even a one-minute voicemail, 30 minutes is the sweet spot.

Sotinsky had banked hours reading children's books aloud.

"Eloise saved my voice," Sotinsky said.

Now she types what she wants to say into a text-to-speech app on her phone, called Whisper, which translates and broadcasts her AI voice through portable speakers.

Most doctors and speech therapists who work with head-and-neck cancer patients don't realize AI software can be used this way, Yom said, and with their focus on saving lives, they often don't have the bandwidth to encourage patients to record their voices before they lose them in surgery.

Health insurance companies likewise prioritize treatments that extend life over those that improve its qualityand typically avoid covering new technologies until data proves their actuarial value.

Sotinsky and her daughter spent months wrangling with claims adjusters at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, but the insurer refused to reimburse Sotinsky for the $3,000 she spent on her initial assistive speaking technology.

"Apparently, having a voice is not considered a medical necessity," Sotinsky quipped, her AI voice edged with sarcasm.

Sotinsky now pays the $99 monthly fee for her AI voice clone out-of-pocket.

"While health plans cover both routine and lifesaving care, assistive communication devices are typically not covered," said Teresa Joseph, a spokesperson for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona. "As AI provides opportunities to impact health, we imagine that coverage criteria will evolve nationally."

Research might lead to insurance coverage

Sotinsky resolved to use her newfound voice to help others regain theirs. She stepped back from her work in architecture and built a website detailing her voice banking journeyvoicebanknow.com. She tells her story at conferences and webinars, including an oncology conference in Denver that Yom organized for 80 scientists.

One doctor who attended, Jennifer De Los Santos, was so inspired by hearing Sotinsky's voice that she began laying the groundwork for a clinical trial on the impact AI technology has on patients' communication and quality of life. That type of research could generate the data health insurers need to measure actuarial value"and therefore justify coverage by insurance," said De Los Santos, a head-and-neck cancer researcher and professor at Washington University in St. Louis.

Breast cancer survivors faced a similar battle in the 1980s and '90s, she added. Insurers initially refused to cover the cost of breast reconstruction after a mastectomy, calling the procedure cosmetic and unnecessary.

It took years of patient advocacy and carefully crafted data showing reconstruction had a profound impact on women's physical and emotional well-being before the federal government mandated insurance coverage in 1998.

Both De Los Santos and Yom said research data on AI voice clones will likely follow a similar path, eventually proving that a fully functioning, natural-sounding voice can lead to not only a better life, but a longer one.

In recent months, Sotinsky's AI voice literally helped save her life. Her cancer had resurged in her lungs and liver. Her voice allowed her to communicate with her doctors and participate fully in developing the treatment plan. It showed her just how "medically necessary" having a voice is.

She noticed that doctors and nurses took her more seriously. They didn't tune out the way people often did when she relied on her more robotic, synthesized voice. It seemed they saw her as more fully human.

"If someone can only communicate using a few words at a time, and not elaborate and interface more fully, it's natural that you can't detect that they have more depth of thought," she said. "Being able to dialogue with my care team in a more seamless way is vital."

While doctors successfully treated her latest round of cancer, Sotinsky, now 55, said she is confronting her odds in a new way, facing the reality that she will likely die much sooner than she wants.

All over again, she realized how crucial her voice is for maintaining perspective on life and a sense of humor in the face of death.

2025 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Reasons for abortion care-seeking among WHW service users (AprilDec 2020). Credit: SSM - Qualitative Research in Health (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmqr.2025.100663

A new study led by King's has uncovered how the COVID-19 pandemic amplified barriers to abortion access in Poland, exposing the intersection of health emergencies with structural inequalities.

The research analyzed 8,577 online consultations with Women Help Women, a feminist telehealth provider, between April and December 2020. The findings show that pandemic measuressuch as lockdowns and mobility restrictionscombined with financial insecurity and legal restrictions to create unprecedented challenges for those seeking abortion care.

"Pregnancy during the pandemic became a cliff edge. For many, abortion was a protective actan attempt to preserve stability for themselves and their families in the face of deepening precarity," says Dr. Rishita Nandagiri, Department of Global Health and Social Medicine.

The study highlights how COVID-19 disrupted personal support networks, heightened exposure to intimate partner violence, and intensified stigma. These dynamics were compounded by Poland's near-total abortion ban, announced in October 2020, which had an immediate chilling effect on access.

By situating individual experiences within broader systems of structural violence and precarity, the research moves beyond health-based framings of abortion. It underscores how neoliberal reforms and neoconservative ideologies intersected during the pandemic, shaping reproductive decision-making in gendered ways.

Published in SSMQualitative Research in Health, the research was a collaboration between King's College London, the London School of Economics, the University of Birmingham, and Women Help Women. It was supported by the Wellcome Trust, the Gates Foundation, and the British Academy.

Credit: RDNE Stock project from Pexels

"These findings highlight how structural and state violence shape access to abortion," said Dr. Nandagiri. "They show why feminist networkslike Women Help Womenare not only providing essential care and solidarity to abortion-seekers, but they are also sustaining futures and rights when formal systems fail.

"Their work is a powerful reminder of the collective nature of feminist care and supportsomething that ought to be more carefully considered in policy and programming too."

More information: R. Nandagiri et al, Precarity and pills in a pandemic: online abortion care-seeking in Poland during COVID-19, SSM - Qualitative Research in Health (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmqr.2025.100663
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

According to national estimates, nearly 2.2 million U.S. adolescents aged 1217 met the criteria for at least one substance use disorder (SUD) in 2023. Drug and alcohol-related concerns are the second leading cause of death and disability within this age group and the third leading cause of death for children nationally.

For opioid, alcohol and nicotine use disorders, national experts recommend a comprehensive treatment approach that includes both medication-based and behavioral interventions. For opioid use disorder, medication is the recommended first-line treatment. Nonetheless, access to medication among adolescents with SUD remains extremely limited.

In a new review published in the Journal of Addiction Medicine, researchers from Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine found that very little research has been done to investigate and inform the use of medications for SUD in people under the age of 18, particularly those identifying as racial, gender and sexual minorities. These findings underscore the urgent need for additional research into medication treatments for diverse youth with SUD and for additional policy and funding initiatives to support its realization.

"The results of this study highlight a gap in the research informing medication options for adolescents with SUD. While these findings weren't entirely unexpected, they definitely highlight how little concrete evidence pediatric clinicians currently have to draw from when trying to help their patients through the SUD recovery process," explained corresponding author Clare Westerman, a third-year medical student at the school.

The researchers performed a review to identify published papers and randomized-controlled trials of medications for SUD that were available between January 1, 1999, and December 4, 2024, and included at least one participant aged 1317, with none aged 26 years or older. Key study characteristics were extracted and analyzed to identify trends in design, medications tested and participant diversity.

Even when including options for six different substance use disorders, the researchers identified only 36 studies meeting inclusion criteria during the past 25 years. None of the studies focused on benzodiazepine use disorder. A 2019 NIH study found the use of these drugs by high school seniors more than doubled over the past two decades. Although the collection and reporting of demographic-related factors were inconsistent, the demographic data available demonstrated low participation in the studies by individuals aged younger than 18, racial/ethnic minorities and gender-diverse youth.

"We know that certain medications can be life-changing in adults and have some good initial data to show that they can have a similar impact for adolescents, but their widespread use is limited by a lack of concrete data to draw from when making recommendations," says senior author Sarah Bagley, MD, associate professor medicine at the school and a primary care physician at Boston Medical Center.

"We hope that our findings can serve as a call to action for researchers, policymakers, general pediatricians, and psychiatrists/addiction medicine specialists to consider the role of medication treatment for SUD in appropriate patients and to champion more research in this area to ensure that all people with SUD have access to the evidence-based treatment that they deserve," she said.

More information: A Scoping Review of Clinical Trials Evaluating Medications for Adolescents With Substance Use Disorders, Journal of Addiction Medicine (2025). DOI: 10.1097/ADM.0000000000001618 Journal information: Journal of Addiction Medicine
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

"What's next for smart implants in health care?" details how advanced medical devices, embedded with sensors and data analytics capabilities, are moving beyond passive tissue replacement to become active players in treatment and recovery.

Authored by Mark Crawford, JMIR Correspondent, the article highlights how smart implants could enhance patient care by providing real-time data that enables earlier detection of complications, more proactive clinical decisions, and greater operational efficiency.

The use cases for smart implants are expanding rapidlyfrom long-standing uses in orthopedics and dentistry to cardiology, pain management, and even neuromodulation. The article notes that embedded sensors can identify small abnormal changes in performance, potentially allowing surgeons to intervene sooner and avoid costly, painful second surgeries often required for infection or device failure.

The research is published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research.

Key innovations and necessary safeguards

The article features insights from experts like Dr. Amir Alavi, Director of the iSMART Lab at the University of Pittsburgh, who discusses his work on a new class of metamaterials that function as their own sensors. This innovation allows implants to relay information about internal pressure and stress without bulky internal batteries or active communication hardwarea major breakthrough in minimizing device size and maximizing long-term viability. The piece also touches on the promise of biodegradable smart implants, which could eliminate the need for secondary removal surgery altogether.

Despite the promise, the article emphasizes that widespread implementation hinges on addressing critical challenges, including:

Infrastructure Investment: The complexity and cost of integrating the high volume and frequency of data generated by smart implants into existing electronic health records.

Regulatory Frameworks: The necessity of evolving oversight to address unique ethical considerations, data ownership, algorithmic bias, and liability in these connected devices.

Biocompatibility and Durability: Ensuring long-term resilience against corrosion, stress, and biofouling.

Ultimately, smart implants hold the potential to transform health outcomes by boosting treatment adherence, personalizing treatment strategies, and reducing costs through remote monitoring and improved operational workflows.

More information: Mark Crawford, What's Next for Smart Implants in Health Care?, Journal of Medical Internet Research (2025). DOI: 10.2196/87975 Journal information: Journal of Medical Internet Research

Provided by JMIR Publications
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Parents Five Most Prevalent Sources of Support. Credit: European Journal of Human Genetics (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41431-025-01987-7

Research into parental support needs is informing Cambridge Children's Hospital's commitment to provide a "whole family" approach to care.

Advances in genetic testing have enabled families of critically ill children to receive early diagnoses that can open up new options for care and treatments. But, according to new Cambridge research published in the European Journal of Human Genetics, the medical complexity of these, often lifelong and rare conditions, can lead to parental anxiety and distress, as well as uncertainty and upheaval in the family.

The Peregrin studyParental Experiences of Rapid Early Genomic Results in Infancyfollowed up with a cohort of mothers and fathers to explore how parents cope and experience support after their child undergoes rapid genomic testing due to a serious early-onset medical condition.

The study, which is informing Cambridge Children's Hospital's "Whole Family" approach, used questionnaires and interviews to understand parents' emotional well-being and the impact on family life, one to five years after receiving the genetic result.

While over a third of parents of children with a genetic diagnosis reported insufficient support, mothers' and fathers' individual support needs, experiences, and perceptions of support differed.

Lead researcher Dr. Helen Dolling (Department of Psychology) says that even the simplest thing, such as the question "How are you?" was different for mothers and fathers:

"Some fathers said that often when they go to clinic appointments with the mother and child, the clinician asks how the child is and then they'd ask the mother 'how are you?' but not ask the father how he is."

Reuben was 4 when he was diagnosed with an ultra-rare genetic condition thought to affect only a handful of people in the world. His dad, Nathan, remembers people directing questions to Danielle, Reuben's mum, particularly in the early days. He took time off work, ensuring he could attend hospital appointments and be involved in every conversation with every specialist. This made a big difference and he felt more included.

Nathan said, "I think dads sometimes get seen as the 'helper' rather than the parent who's equally emotionally invested, but we feel it just as deeply."

Cambridge Children's Hospital will support the psychological well-being of everyone connected closely to the child. The Peregrin research study findings have contributed to the development of the new hospital's family-informed care.

"Children don't live in isolation," said Dr. Sara O'Curry, Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Head of Pediatric Psychological Services. "The resilience of a child going through investigations or treatment is largely dependent on the support and scaffolding they receive on a daily basis from their family and caregivers.

"Because of this, it is important to attend to and support the mental health and well-being of parents, caregivers and siblings, who can themselves become overwhelmed due to frequent hospital admissions or appointments, and daily medical treatment regimens."

Support groups were described by parents as a "double-edged sword," providing valuable resources but also heightening anxiety about the child's future.

Dr. Dolling found that the terminology around support groups could be "off-putting" to some parents, and something that not all fathers accepted easily, particularly if they came from "a background of strength, independence and self-reliance, or if they see themselves as "unsociable."

She said framing a support group as a network or parent group for families of children with health care needs, allowed fathers "to step into that additional support from a point of strength, accepting that offer as a rite of passage and normative for that situation."

For both mothers and fathers, the research showed that they found it helpful to reach out to their partners and family members. However, mothers valued health care professionals, as well as friends or other parents for self-esteem, emotional, informational and practical support.

Many taking part in the study said they lacked time or energy for socializing and had lost friendships due to their different experiences of parenting. New close friendships were forged with other mothers whose children had a similar condition.

Fathers sought support from health care professionals less frequently but looked to friends and their workplace as an opportunity for venting, distraction and to develop a sense of competence. But the research also reveals ongoing unmet support needs.

Dr. Dolling said, "Fathers talked about themselves as needing to be the strong person in the family unit and the one that everyone should be able to rely on. There's a sense of being torn between wanting to be with one's partner and child while also feeling the responsibility to be the bread winner for the family and to provide a roof over their heads."

Some fathers talked about their own physical and mental well-being and worried that "if something happened to them, who would look after the family?" Dr. Dolling said.

Mothers reported increased levels of anxiety, worry and emotional difficulties compared to the general population and to fathers. Fathers, on the other hand, spoke of higher levels of stress rather than elevated mental health symptoms, and often questioned their entitlement for professional support, prioritizing the needs of their partner.

"Genomic medicine now contributes to health care experiences for many more families," said Dr. Kate Baker, Assistant Professor and Honorary Consultant in Genomic Medicine.

"So it is really important that we listen to parents, learn from their experiences, and improve how information and support are provided. While the technology behind genetic testing is amazing, it will become even more useful once we can strengthen long-term care for families after diagnosis."

The Peregrin study has recommended several ways health care professionals in current and future services can improve the support of parental well-being by:

Recognizing the importance of psychosocial support as the core component of initial diagnostic and long-term care for families who are managing the challenges of complex long term and genetic conditions.

Recognizing the unique experiences of each parent or caregiver, and siblings.

Offering flexible, timely support, tailored to the family's needs.

Offering alternatives to support groups, which can be helpful to many but not suitable for everyone.

Recognizing that fathers' needs are often overlooked and may require different approaches to engagement.

Integrating psychosocial and family assessments into hospital care, to benefit those families most in need of and least able to access support.

Training and supporting staff working closely with children, young people and families, to provide skilled, psychologically and family-informed support as part of routine care.

As well as providing psychological support for patients and their loved ones, Cambridge Children's Hospital will also offer practical solutions that support a family's well-being. Single en-suite rooms with a parent bed will allow parents and caregivers to have proper rest when they need it. There will be access to outdoor space on every ward, so fresh air and nature will be just a few steps away. Work is ongoing to consider how food can be more readily available and more cost effective, so that parents, caregivers and siblings are well nourished. There will be breakaway spaces for parents and caregivers to work quietly or take some time out when they feel able.

"For Cambridge Children's Hospital to be a place that sees and supports both parents, in their own ways, would be really special," said Nathan.

More information: Helen Dolling et al, Fathers' and Mothers' support needs and support experiences after rapid genome sequencing, European Journal of Human Genetics (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41431-025-01987-7 Journal information: European Journal of Human Genetics
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Leah Kovitch was pulling invasive plants in the meadow near her home one weekend in late April when a tick latched onto her leg.

She didn't notice the tiny bug until her calf muscle began to feel sore. She made an appointment that morning with a telehealth doctorone recommended by her health insurance planwho prescribed a 10-day course of doxycycline to prevent Lyme disease and strongly suggested she be seen in person. So, later that day, she went to a walk-in clinic near her home in Brunswick, Maine.

And it's a good thing she did. Clinic staffers found another tick on her body during the same visit. Not only that, one of the ticks tested positive for Lyme, a bacterial infection that, if untreated, can cause serious conditions affecting the nervous system, heart, and joints. Clinicians prescribed a stronger, single dose of the prescription medication.

"I could have gotten really ill," Kovitch said.

But Kovitch's insurer denied coverage for the walk-in visit. Its reason? She hadn't obtained a referral or preapproval for it. "Your plan doesn't cover this type of care without it, so we denied this charge," a document from her insurance company explained.

Health insurers have long argued that prior authorizationwhen health plans require approval from an insurer before someone receives treatmentreduces waste and fraud, as well as potential harm to patients. And while insurance denials are often associated with high-cost care, such as cancer treatment, Kovitch's tiny tick bite exposes how prior authorization policies can apply to treatments that are considered inexpensive and medically necessary.

Pledging to fix the process

The Trump administration announced this summer that dozens of private health insurers agreed to make sweeping changes to the prior authorization process. The pledge includes releasing certain medical services from prior authorization requirements altogether. Insurers also agreed to extend a grace period to patients who switch health plans, so they won't immediately encounter new preapproval rules that disrupt ongoing treatment.

Mehmet Oz, administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, said during a June press conference that some of the changes would be in place by January.

But, so far, the federal government has offered few specifics about which diagnostic codes tagged to medical services for billing purposes will be exempt from prior authorizationor how private companies will be held accountable. It's not clear whether Lyme disease cases like Kovitch's would be exempt from preauthorization.

Chris Bond, a spokesperson for AHIP, the health insurance industry's main trade group, said that insurers have committed to implementing some changes by Jan. 1. Other parts of the pledge will take longer. For example, insurers agreed to answer 80% of prior authorization approvals in "real time," but not until 2027.

Andrew Nixon, a spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, told KFF Health News that the changes promised by private insurers are intended to "cut red tape, accelerate care decisions, and encourage transparency," but they will "take time to achieve their full effect."

Meanwhile, some health policy experts are skeptical that private insurers will make good on the pledge. This isn't the first time major health insurers have vowed to reform prior authorization.

Bobby Mukkamala, president of the American Medical Association, wrote in July that the promises made by health insurers in June to fix the system are "nearly identical" to those the insurance industry put forth in 2018.

"I think this is a scam," said Neal Shah, author of the book "Insured to Death: How Health Insurance Screws Over AmericansAnd How We Take It Back."

Insurers signed on to President Donald Trump's pledge to ease public pressure, Shah said. Collective outrage directed at insurance companies was particularly intense following the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in December. Oz specifically said that the pledge by health insurers was made in response to "violence in the streets."

Shah, for one, doesn't believe companies will follow through in a meaningful way.

"The denials problem is getting worse," said Shah, who co-founded Counterforce Health, a company that helps patients appeal insurance denials by using artificial intelligence. "There's no accountability."

Cracking the case

Kovitch's bill for her clinic appointment was $238, and she paid for it out-of-pocket after learning that her insurance company, Anthem, didn't plan to cover a cent. First, she tried appealing the denial. She even obtained a retroactive referral from her primary care doctor supporting the necessity of the clinic visit.

It didn't work. Anthem again denied coverage for the visit. When Kovitch called to learn why, she said she was left with the impression that the Anthem representative she spoke to couldn't figure it out.

"It was like over their heads or something," Kovitch said. "This was all they would say, over and over again: that it lacked prior authorization."

Jim Turner, a spokesperson for Anthem, later attributed Kovitch's denials to "a billing error" made by MaineHealth, the health system that operates the walk-in clinic where she sought care. MaineHealth's error "resulted in the claim being processed as a specialist visit instead of a walk-in center/urgent care visit," Turner told KFF Health News.

He did not provide documentation demonstrating how the billing error occurred. Medical records supplied by Kovitch show MaineHealth coded her walk-in visit as "tick bite of left lower leg, initial encounter," and it's not clear why Anthem interpreted that as a specialist visit.

After KFF Health News contacted Anthem with questions about Kovitch's bill, Turner said that the company "should have identified the billing error sooner in the process than we did and we apologize for the confusion this caused Ms. Kovitch."

Caroline Cornish, a spokesperson for MaineHealth, said this isn't the only time Anthem has denied coverage for patients seeking walk-in or urgent care at MaineHealth. She said Anthem's processing rules are sometimes misapplied to walk-in visits, leading to "inappropriate denials."

She said these visits should not require prior authorization and Kovitch's case illustrates how insurance companies often use administrative denials as a first response.

"MaineHealth believes insurers should focus on paying for the care their members need, rather than creating obstacles that delay coverage and risk discouraging patients from seeking care," she said. "The system is too often tilted against the very people it is meant to serve."

Meanwhile, in October, Anthem sent Kovitch an updated explanation of benefits showing that a combination of insurance company payments and discounts would cover the entire cost of the appointment. She said a company representative called her and apologized. In early November, she received her $238 refund.

But she recently found out that her annual eye appointment now requires a referral from her primary care provider, according to new rules laid out by Anthem.

"The trend continues," she said. "Now I am more savvy to their ways."

2025 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Tammie Lee Demler, PharmD, a board-certified psychiatric pharmacist who works at a Buffalo inpatient psychiatric practice site, is all too familiar with the stigmas and misconceptions facing people with mental illness. And it's an issue she's doing her part to reduce.

She notes, however, that it's her work with students at the University at Buffaloin her roles as adjunct professor of pharmacy practice and the psychiatric pharmacy residency director in the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and associate professor of psychiatry in the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciencesthat really motivates her to reverse discriminating opinions for future health care professionals.

"As an educator, I feel compelled to reduce misconceptions and change attitudes among upcoming pharmacists and other health care professionals in training, many of whom will work closely with people who are battling a range of mental illnesses," says Demler, who also serves as the faculty advisor to the UB student chapter of the American Association of Psychiatric Pharmacists (AAPP).

To gauge perceptions of individuals diagnosed with a severe mental illnessincluding schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression and anxiety disordersDemler has conducted studies of third-year pharmacy students enrolled in an ethics class. Most recently, she conducted one in 2024 with Claudia Lee, MD, who is a preceptor in the pharmacy program, and Kenny Nguyen, PharmD, a pharmacy resident. It focused specifically on perceptions of psychiatric inpatients' voting rights.

Their findings were recently published in the journal Pharmacy Education. Demler is the lead author.

"We asked whether these patients should be encouraged to vote or allowed to vote if they lacked capacity. This is a term we use in psychiatry to determine whether or not you can make a decision," Demler explains. "More students in this class felt that the patients should have the right to vote but not be allowed to vote, which was interesting."

Even more interesting were the results of a follow-up survey students completed after Demler and the other presenters provided unbiased facts, including how people with a mental illness are much more likely to be the victim vs. the perpetrator of a crime, despite sensationalized cases that may involve someone struggling with their illness.

"Just 90 minutes later, after we had provided the data, we saw that student perceptions had changed favorably toward being less stigmatized," Demler says. "Our bottom line was that you can change your perception by just providing actual data and actual statistics, not your opinion. We were excited by the outcomes."

Specifically, 80% of the students supported allowing psychiatric inpatients to vote, compared to 63% before the lecture. When asked more broadly whether individuals with mental illness should have the right to vote, the affirmative responses increased from 88% to 96%.

"When I say 'mental illness,' people go right to the most severe versions, such as schizophrenia. However, the number of people with anxiety and depression is tremendously higher, and this has been especially true since COVID," Demler says. "These are people who work next to you, who are undergoing treatment but are able to function. And, of course, there's a spectrum. Some people are completely incapacitated by depression or anxiety and have to be hospitalized."

The 2024 study stemmed from surveys Demler conducted with pharmacy students in 2021 and 2022, which were intended to gauge overall perceptions of the rights of people diagnosed with a mental illness.

"The questions focused on general hot topicswhether people with mental illness should have the right to refuse medications and vaccines, engage in sexual relationships, and own a gun post-hospitalization," Demler explains. "Afterwards, we gave a lecture on 17 key messages related to mental illness and surveyed the students again."

Students' perceptions improved in every category except for onewhether individuals with severe mental illness have the right to vote. Most of the students said no.

"We hadn't even talked about it," Demler explains. "We thought this was very interesting, and we wanted to dig into it further."

Changing perceptions of the capacities and rights of people with mental illness is important, Demler says, because negative interactions with health care providers and others can diminish their chances of effective treatment. And this comes at a time when more people across the United States are reporting fewer social connections and more isolation and loneliness, which has been linked to mental and physical harms, including suicide.

"Evidence shows that social connection is among the most powerful protective factors against suicide, regardless of whether an individual has a diagnosed mental health condition," she says, adding, "Empowering individuals with mental illness to engage in civic duties, such as voting, can foster inclusion and self-worth."

She says she would like to see this type of study replicated with students in other health profession courses.

"My hope is that I've imprinted on students that even the smallest interaction with somebody with a mental illness should be respectful," she says. "We want our students to be more patient and understanding because that one interaction with someone could determine whether or not they continue in their efforts to be well. As health care professionals, we want to be part of the solution, not part of the problem."

More information: Samara White et al, The impact of a mental health-focused ethics lecture on pharmacy students' perceptions of patients with mental illness: An observational study, Pharmacy Education (2025). DOI: 10.46542/pe.2025.251.1019
Amid a surge of doctored tiger and leopard videos spreading panic across multiple states, Forest Department officials have launched a crackdown on creators of such misleading content, issuing stern warnings, initiating legal action, and urging citizens to verify any wildlife sighting before sharing it.



The department has appealed to the public to treat every viral clip with suspicion and to report genuine sightings only through official helplines.



Over the past few weeks, hyper-realistic AI-generated images and videos of big cats on the prowl have flooded social media timelines from Chandrapur and Pune to Mumbai, and even parts of Karnataka and Telangana. Many depict fabricated attacks or tigers casually strolling through residential lanes  visuals convincing enough to trigger widespread alarm among villagers, farmers, and urban residents.



State-wide confusion



Officials say the volume and quality of these manipulated videos have reached a point where intervention has become unavoidable. One such clip, circulated from Maharashtras Chandrapur, showed a tiger dragging away a man  a video that ignited immediate panic before forest officers debunked it. Bramhapuri Range Forest Officer Sachin Narad confirmed that no such incident had occurred anywhere in the region and that the footage was conclusively AI-generated.



A similar scare erupted on November 10 when an AI-fabricated image claimed a tiger was roaming a farm in Mangrul village, Junnar taluka. Residents, already anxious due to frequent leopard movements in the area, took the image at face value, prompting fresh unease.



These are not just a few random videos posted for fun, an official said. Social media is now full of wildlife misinformation, often dangerously powered by AI. People must call the Forest helpline instead of believing every viral clip.



Genuine sightings causing anxiety



Complicating the situation further, real leopard sightings continue across Mumbais eastern and western suburbs  Mulund, Bhandup, Powai, and Goregaon  heightening apprehension. Recent leopard-human conflict cases in Junnar, Pune, and Nashik have made residents particularly sensitive, with many fearing similar incidents in the city.



However, senior forest officers and wildlife experts stress that Mumbais situation is different. Leopards have long been resident in areas bordering Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) and Aarey, and their presence is neither new nor inherently dangerous.



While CCTV clips of leopards walking past buildings continue to circulate, often stripped of their context, officials say that all movements are being closely monitored, and patrols in sensitive zones have been scaled up.



Officials stress that misinformation, not leopard presence, is the primary threat, and urge restraint in sharing AI-manipulated wildlife content that contributes to unnecessary fear.



Helpline  Call 1926



The Forest Department has recommended that all real wildlife sightings be reported through the 247 toll-free helpline, 1926, to address both misinformation and actual risks, rather than relying on or circulating unverified information online.



Chief Conservator of Forests Jitendra Ramgaonkar told Mumbai Mirror: Such fake videos and footage are in bad taste. They create unnecessary fear and disturb social harmony. We take help from the police and cyber cell to trace the source and take appropriate action. These things are not taken lightly; stern warnings are issued, and cases can be registered. So far, we havent found any such instances in Mumbai, but we appeal to citizens to report them immediately.




Sobo residents will have an agonising monsoon in 2026, as Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) plans to dig up over 219 roads in the area for road concretisation.



South Mumbai roads comprise nearly one-third of all streets in Mumbai where concretisation is yet to begin. Work in this locality  stretching from Colaba Fort, Girgaum, Kalbadevi, Peddar Road, and other pockets  will begin only after January 2026 and wont get over before the rains start.



Civic officials attributed the delay in South Mumbai to a series of administrative setbacks. An official revealed that the initial contractor for the island city had backed out, forcing the administration to go for re-tendering, which sent the project timeline haywire.



Getting No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) from external agencies proved to be messy, which also pushed the work back. Once the cocretisation begins, the floating workforce that travels to SoBo daily will face significant transport hurdles, it is feared.



The BMC has identified 764 roads, spanning 205.26 km, where concretisation work is yet to commence. Of these, 219 are in South Mumbai. BMCs ambitious 15,000 crore goal was to weatherproof 2,121 patches totalling 699 km across the city. So far, only 783 patches (189 km) have been completed since the project began in 2023.



Around 603 roads are currently undergoing concretisation. Additional Municipal Commissioner Abhijit Bangar stated that of the 645 road patches on which work started in October 2025, the BMC targets finishing 80 per cent of the work by January 2026. However, the 358 most crucial South Mumbai roads will move to the active construction phase after the January deadline.



We will make sure that people dont suffer. We will make the roads safe before the monsoon, just as we did this year, said an official.



Meanwhile, 208 roads from western suburbs and 150 roads from the eastern suburbs are waiting for concretisation. According to the data, 124 roads will be concretised in South Mumbai in 2027, while 19 roads in the western suburbs and 34 roads in the eastern suburbs will be completed in 2027.




While Mumbai races ahead with mega-projects, residents of Gorai Island are fighting for basic survivalprompting them to draft their own electoral manifesto. Villagers have listed key demands including public transport, 24-hour emergency medical facilities and regular water supply.



Gorai Island falls under both the Mumbai and Mira-Bhayandar municipal corporations. Three of its villages, part of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, have a population of about 20,000 and around 6,000 voters. Yet this native pocket of Mumbai continues to struggle for essential civic facilities.



Rossi DSouza, Sarpanch of the Gorai Goanthan Panchayat, said, We are mainly facing issues with medical facilities. There is a dispensary on the island, but it operates only during the daytime. Streetlights on the beach and beach road are also a concern. Additionally, there is traffic congestion near the jetty area. These issues have persisted for a decade.



Asked why villagers arent contesting elections themselves, Rossi explained, We have 6,000 voters on the list, but actual turnout is around 3,000. These votes are not enough to win. So we decided to prepare a manifesto of the islands demands and give it to the political candidate contesting the election.



A major concern in several neighbourhoods is the inadequate drinking water supply, villagers said. The manifestocrafted by Koli and East Indian communitiescalls for immediate intervention on these life-critical issues.



Sweaty Joes Henrique, a resident, said, As a woman, I feel the need for emergency medical services, which are unavailable after sunset. There should be a 24-hour emergency medical facility on the island. Women face issues during childbirth. The government ambulance is often under servicing.



Royston Godinho, Deputy Sarpanch of Gorai, added, Many houses, including mine, have a BMC tap connection. We pay bills but dont get water.



Another resident, Eric DSouza, said, We have a BMC water network, but most of us receive water with very low pressure. This is the islands main problem. Many internal roads also have bad patches. These are major issues we have been facing for a long time, and they need to be highlighted in the election, Rossi said. We will give the island manifesto to the candidate.



Sweaty Henrique added, Till date, corporators focus mainly on the mainland areas, not our island. This needs to change now.




The NM Joshi Marg police recently registered an FIR against Franco Indian Pharmaceuticals top executives after an entrepreneur alleged that she was stripped and assaulted inside their office, even coerced at gunpoint to sign certain documents.



She further alleged that her police complaint over the incident  filed in May this year  was ignored until the Bombay High Courts intervention, which led to formal registration of an FIR on November 22.



The 51-year-old complainant, who runs a corporate gifting business, stated that the assault took place in January 2023, when she was summoned to the companys Mahalaxmi office under the guise of discussing large business orders.



She claims she was received by a senior official, then taken to a private cabin where several top executives and at least one unidentified armed man were present.



There, she alleges, she was physically assaulted with a revolver butt, forcibly stripped to her undergarments, and threatened at gunpoint to sign unspecified documents.



She further said photographs and videos were taken of her in this state, and she was warned that these images would be circulated if she resisted or spoke out.



She alleges that throughout the incident, the accused subjected her to abuse, intimidation, and blackmail, adding that via the signed documents she was threatened to make false statements about other individuals and pressured to give steep discounts on business orders. Despite the severity of the incident, the victim remained silent for months owing to the threats to her and her familys safety, as well as intimidation involving potential viral leaks of her images.



Only in April and May 2025, after mustering courage, did she start filing written complaints with multiple authorities including the police, outlining the assault and blackmail that took place in January 2023.



In her complaint, the victim stated that she stayed silent out of fear that her photos and videos would be made viral. She stated that she was repeatedly called back to the Franco premises by the accused, her phone and email were checked to ensure she hadnt complained, and she was also stalked by two unidentified men who monitored her movements. She further alleged that on February 23, 2023, she was threatened by one Manish Honavar and the companys finance head Manish Sinha to give a 50 per cent discount on Purchase Orders or her videos would be circulated.



Police reluctance



After she finally decided to take legal action, the victim asserts that her complaints were met with bureaucratic evasions and refusals. Police at the Pydhonie station, she claims, recorded her statement in April 2025 but refused to register an FIR.



She was told the dispute was civil, despite the grave criminal components alleged  including sexual assault, firearms threats, and digital exploitation. Persistent, she then approached senior police officials, local and state authorities, and the Maharashtra State Womens Commission, but says she failed to receive any satisfactory response.



HC intervention



According to her High Court petition, this lack of police action allowed the accused to attempt further intimidation. Under mounting frustration and continued threats, she turned to the Bombay High Court in a writ petition seeking judicial intervention.



Based on the petition the victim had filed before the High Court, the NM Joshi police station agreed to record her statement on November 22 and the FIR was registered under various sections of the IPC, including sexual harassment, outraging modesty, criminal intimidation, wrongful restraint, causing hurt with a weapon, criminal conspiracy, illegal use of arms, and violations of the Information Technology Act related to the creation and threatened distribution of digital images.



The FIR names several top executive of the company, including managing director Joey Johan Pascal Postel, as well as other officials such as finance head Manish Sinha, AGM finance head Jayesh Congressor, L.B. Yadav, and Dinesh Jain.While the FIR does not specify whether Yadav and Jain are associated with the pharma company, it notes that they were present when the victim was assaulted and threatened. The FIR also names one unidentified person.



Mirror reached out to all the accused named in the FIR for their comments but did not receive any response till press time.




Kelle Hampton loves the suspense when she sees three dots pop up in her phone messages. But the 46-year-old author and content creator isnt expecting a text. Shes waiting as her friend records the next installment of a multipart voice note.



For some people with packed schedules and a penchant for human connection, voice notes have emerged as their preferred form of communication, allowing them the freedom to talk like no ones listening (yet), and convey all the feels and hot goss that fail to translate over text. In 2023, about 62 per cent of Americans said theyve sent a voice note, and 30 per cent said they communicated with voice messages daily, weekly or multiple times a day, according to a poll from YouGov and Vox.



Voice memo devotees say they love freely unloading their thoughts to close friends and family without fussing over how unpolished or rambling they sound.



But there is an art to the form  which sets the messages leagues above a traditional voicemail. As the audio memos spread across age groups, messaging apps and social circles, people are sounding off with rules for how and when they want to send and receive the memos.



Senders: Record in



the moment



Hamptons friend group consists of mums who are often too busy for long phone calls and want messages that feel more intimate than a text. Its easy for them to exchange bite-sized recordings throughout the day to listen and respond to whenever they have a spare moment.



I found, especially during the day having a broken-up schedule and running around with kids, its a great way that you can just leave a little bit of a story and then come back, she said. I get really excited when I see a bunch of voice notes in my thread, because I know its something good to listen to. So sometimes Ill save them [for] when I have a drive.



Senders: Dont be boring



Hamptons voice notes conversations with her friends used to be stiff and sort of awkward, she said, but theyve since gotten more comfortable and creative. Now, they segment them like mini podcasts  at times getting serious and dumping their grief in the messages. Hampton sends anywhere from five to 20 voice notes a day, mostly to the people she knows who speak fluent voice memo.



Whether its a tear-jerking venting session or a juicy development in your dating saga, dont hold back when recording a message. Allowing that extra layer of personality to shine through is what makes this feature special.



Senders: Edit yourself



Like Hampton, Mimi Drabik, 24, usually sends audio notes only to her close friends. Drabik has noticed that Gen Z is a big fan of the voice note. The 2023 YouGov/Vox poll found that 43 per cent of US adults aged 18 to 29 years old used audio messaging at least weekly.



But she and her friends dont send their stories in small chunks. Instead, they limit each story to a succinct voice note that lasts two or three minutes, with maybe a quick follow-up note if any key details are missing. I dont want to go on and on, so sometimes, if I realise Im just rambling with my friends or  somebody Im not as close with, Ill try to redo it and phrase everything a little bit better, Drabik said.



After you record, play it back and ask yourself: To send or not to send? Some thoughts are perhaps better suited for an audio journal.



Receivers: Dont be afraid of the long voice note



For Megan Clouse, a 54-year-old photographer and writer, the long-winded voice notes are often her favourites.



She found one friends nearly five-minute-long voice note so funny that she ended up printing a transcript of it.



Receivers: Take notes as youre listening to make replying easier



To stay organised and remember what she wants to say in reply to the two-to-10-minute-long memos, Clouse learned a hack where she types a text with her initial reactions while listening. Then, she records her audio message while looking at the outline. Hampton also sometimes jots down notes to help her hit all of the discussion points and remind her of what she wants to say in her reply.



Even the most masterful voice note composers must face the music on this one: Its hard to keep up with every single point made in a minutes-long audio message. Having a cheat sheet can save you from the stress of replaying voice notes and the zapped energy of recording multiple takes.



Senders and receivers: Use voice notes to stay connected with long-distance loved ones



Just a few weeks ago, Clouse moved from Maine to the Outer Banks in North Carolina. Although she made the big move by herself, she credits voice memos for keeping her connected to long-distance friends in Maine, California, Utah and Vermont. Its an easy way for her to tell a friend shes thinking of them, share updates about her day or wish them a happy birthday. She usually doesnt save the clips, except for particularly poignant ones.



A lot of times, the replies are very encouraging and how proud they are of me, she said.  Those I try to keep, so I can listen to them again if I need to.



Receivers: Be honest with the voice note enthusiasts in your life



Sarah Wills, on the other hand, doesnt get the hype. In a few taps, someone can fire off a minutes-long voice memo, but its time-consuming for listeners, the 45-year-old says.



When you get a voice message, you are held hostage, and it is an ASMR overload because ultimately Im listening to a friend, theyre jangling car keys, theyre throwing a handbag in the car seat  or theyre shopping for apples in the supermarket, she said.



Sometimes, Im like, Mate, start a podcast already, she said.



Wills would know. A podcaster and presenter in Brisbane, Australia, who co-hosts Lise and Sarah with her best friend, Lise Carlaw, Wills said that unlike voice memos, which are unpredictably timed and typically warrant a response, you can choose whether to listen to a podcast conversation.



When shes told people to stop sending her voice texts, theyve heckled her, and then apologised  via voice note, of course. Wills prefers her contacts send voice notes that last only a few seconds, or urgent messages where texting or calling isnt feasible.



Voice notes are almost the communications equivalent of a Labubu, Wills says. Its a mystery box. You never know what youre going to get.




This past weekend, a new feature on the social media platform X pulled back the digital curtain, offering a rare glimpse into the true origins of some of the platforms most vocal accounts. With the rollout of the About this account tool, users who had confidently presented themselves as grassroots American patriots were suddenly exposed as posting from Pakistan, Thailand, Turkey and elsewhere.



We live in a world where physical borders still matter profoundly. Nations maintain boundaries because they foster sovereignty, trust and security. Attempts to weaken or remove those borders have become major drivers of global instability, as well as major electoral issues across nearly every democracy in the West. Simply put, borders are a key bulwark against chaos.



Social platforms fundamentally changed how people and ideas move across borders. A borderless digital ecosystem shrank distances, opened markets and created the potential for a global town square. But when political conversation moved online, one assumption baked into that early design became dangerously outdated: that geography no longer matters.



Social platforms elevated voices globally by making geography invisible, but in the process left users without a clear sense of where content was coming from.



That vacuum made it effortless for foreign actors to pose as Americans and amplify divisive narratives to stoke internal conflict. These accounts strike at highly controversial issues across left and right, like assassinations or mayoral elections, as well as heated foreign policy issues, whether in Ukraine or Venezuela or Gaza.



Xs recent bold decision to add country labels to accounts reflects an important shift: A recognition that geographic transparency is crucial context to help users understand whether a post is a firsthand account or distant commentary. But the platforms have a long road ahead to construct true digital borders. Here are some ideas for platforms to consider if they want to join this effort.



First, platforms could build on the precedent X has set. This includes more prominent placement of location data, at both the account and post levels. If a post is going viral or a story is trending, people should know which countries are driving that engagement.



Second, recommendation algorithms could prioritise authentic domestic content, especially when it receives authentic domestic engagement.



Third, users should be able to filter or limit content from specific regions. Some may want a global feed; others may prefer a more domestic one.



Finally, platforms will need to incorporate more authenticity signals as efforts to game location become more sophisticated. These recommendations are all made alongside a fundamental commitment to freedom of expression. None of them limits expression of views, any more than publishing nutrition facts on food packaging limits what may or may not be eaten.



Sean Rad is the founder of Tinder. Zach Schapira is a former executive of Twitter and X



The Washington Post




Its been a frenzied few days for local politicians campaigning for the upcoming municipal council and nagar panchayat elections across the state. With the first phase of voting for 246 municipal councils and 42 nagar panchayats (town councils) set to kick off on December 2  dates for polls to 336 panchayat samitis, 32 zilla parishads and 29 municipal corporations, including Mumbai, yet to be announced  campaigning will officially draw to a close a day earlier. Party leaders have been working on overdrive to reach their voters.

Leading the cadre is a group of 20- and 30-year-olds, whove taken it upon themselves to give their parties a fighting chance. Armed with impressive educational degrees and, in some cases, with over a decade of experience in youth and student politics, they hope to steer Maharashtra out of the political ambiguity caused by long-delayed polls, and restore citizens faith in politics.

Between their demanding schedules, Varun Sardesai, Marziya Shanu Pathan, Amey Ghole, Fahad Ahmad, Hargun Singh, Devang Dave and Satyajeet Tambe Patil offered us a glimpse into their political journeys, sharing why they believe theyre part of Maharashtras long game.

The BMC has to be accountable to its citizens

Varun Sardesai, 33

MLA, Bandra East, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray)

Though Varun Sardesai is Aditya Thackerays cousin, it was always assumed he would join his fathers real estate business. An alumnus of Datta Meghe College of Engineering in Navi Mumbai and Columbia University, Sardesai is a civil engineer by profession  but life, he admits, had other plans.

He took his first steps into politics when he joined the Yuva Sena, where he raised student issues on his college campus. In 2014, he moved to the US for his Masters, returned soon after, and began working with his father.

Politically, a lot was unfolding then, recalls Sardesai, who earlier lived in Dombivli. He assisted the Sena during the 2015 Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation elections, where the party emerged as the single largest, defeating the BJP. I think thats when the seniors took notice. Sardesai was promoted to secretary of Yuva Sena in 2018 and hasnt looked back since. I have toured every taluka in Maharashtra  from Gadchiroli to Nandurbar and Kolhapur  at least thrice, he says, adding that he believes in being a grassroots leader.

Between 2017 and 2023, he also handled the partys social media but paused work after the split. I wanted to focus on rebuilding the organisation.

When the MPs and MLAs left, their kids left too, so we had to rebuild from the ground up, he says. But we managed, successfully contesting senate polls across the state. In 2024, Yuva Sena (UBT) won the Mumbai University senate elections  he was credited as the chief strategist behind Senas unprecedented victory. We now have senate members in Pune, Amravati, Sambhaji Nagar, Kolhapur and Jalgaon. Its our best performance since inception.

Sardesais real test came when the Thackerays placed their trust in him and gave him a ticket to contest from Bandra East. He won.

He continues to play a significant role in the party and remains one of Adityas most trusted associates. For instance, at Fridays meeting with Raj Thackeray regarding seat-sharing for the upcoming BMC elections, Sardesai was present alongside Uddhav even though Aditya was absent.

For the BMC election campaign, Sardesai says he is focusing on education, healthcare, and, most importantly, clean air and water. Because there are no corporators in the BMC, officers have completely turned a blind eye to citizens demands. His goal, he says, is to ensure the BMC becomes a body that works for its people, and remains accountable to them.



For development, we need to first protect our rights

Marziya Shanu Pathan, 27

Working President of the Student Wing, NCP (SP)

In the last 48 hours, I have barely slept for an hour, says Marziya Shanu Pathan. She is currently on a road campaign for the local body elections. The day before yesterday, I was in Malegaon, then I briefly returned to Mumbai before leaving for Uran for a prachar. This morning, I was in Mahabaleshwar; now, I am in Satara. Tomorrow, I will head to Jalgaon, and from there to Amravati, says Pathan, listing her packed schedule. I am going door-to-door, trying to understand what the concerns of the people really are.

Pathan is the daughter of Thane Municipal Corporations Opposition leader, Ashraf Shanu Pathan, who also served as corporator from Mumbra. Politics, she says, runs in her blood. She was only 13 when she first participated in a demonstration to protest the shooting of education activist Malala Yousafzai. Later, her activism spiralled when she led the anti-CAA protests from the front. A little before COVID, she had made plans to go to London to pursue her Masters. But witnessing what she did during COVID, while assisting her father on the ground, made her shift life gears. Through her MSP foundation, Pathan helped families with food, medicine, oxygen supply and hospitalisation in serious cases. Once you enter the real world and see the problems that people are facing, theres no coming back, she says.

Over the last few years, Pathan has emerged as a prominent Muslim face from Mumbra and enjoys significant popularity among Gen Z. Her social-work videos on Instagram attract millions of views. Both Muslim women and leaders in the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) see her as a potential alternative in Mumbra if Jitendra Awhad ever faces anti-incumbency. During the 26th anniversary of the NCP this June, she was also given the stage to share her thoughts as a young and emerging leader  this speaks volumes about how much the NCP is invested in her.

Right now, Pathan says, her biggest concern is protecting the Constitution. For development to happen, we need to first protect our own rights  feel safe in our own skin, and safe in what we are wearing, how we are living, what we are eating, and what religion we practice. And our Constitution has given us that right, she says, adding, Unity and development go hand in hand.

In Mumbra, where she is actively working, she also hopes to take up the garbage problem  Thane doesnt have its own dumping ground  and ensure clean, continuous water supply, better educational facilities and traffic management.

As a woman leader, Pathan also hopes to encourage other women from her community to enter politics. I want people to know that a woman can become a good politician  that a Muslim woman can become a very big, dominant leader, and that she can do politics on the front foot.



Want my ward to be slum-free in five years

Amey Ghole, 39

Ex-corporator, General Secretary, Yuva Sena, Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde)

In Matunga, Amey Ghole is a familiar name. The former corporator from Ward No. 178 remained actively involved with local body associations and communities in his neighbourhood long after his term ended in 2022.

Ghole, an alumnus of Don Bosco High School who pursued his post-graduation in marketing from Welingkar Institute of Management Development and Research, started his political journey with Aditya Thackeray, whom he met through a common friend. I began by looking after all his day-to-day activities  the BMC and Mantralaya follow-ups, and the complaints that were coming to him. We shared a very good bond, he recalls.

He continued to remain involved in administrative politics when, out of the blue, in 2017, Shiv Sena gave him a ticket to contest from his ward. He won by a slim margin of 86 votes, but soon proved himself to be an able elected representative, tackling everything from garbage issues to roadworks and traffic management. In 2020, during the pandemic, he was appointed chairman of the BMC health committee. His duties involved visiting hospitals and COVID centres daily  he contracted COVID and was hospitalised twice.

Though Ghole stayed with the Thackeray faction for some time after the party split in 2022, he eventually moved to Eknath Shindes camp. He doesnt reveal what exactly transpired, except that many leaders were disgruntled. You can only advise, you cant cross the line, he says, remaining cryptic.

As General Secretary of Yuva Sena today, Gholes focus is on activating youth participation in politics across Maharashtra by tapping colleges and universities. Young people should contest local body elections. We are fortunate that leaders like Eknath Shinde ji and even our CM, Devendra Fadnavis, are encouraging this.

Ghole plans to contest the upcoming corporation elections again from his ward. I have been in touch with people in my ward, and continue to enjoy their trust. His goal is to make the ward slum-free in the next five years. I have already started work on that front. In fact, we only have small pockets left now. Everyone, he says, has the right to equitable housing and a dignified life.



Im committed to the cause of the urban poor

Fahad Ahmad, 31

National President of NCP Youth Congress, NCP (SP)s youth wing

Seven years ago, Fahad Ahmad stirred up a storm at Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Chembur, where he was general secretary of the students union and had just submitted his MPhil. This writer met him then, in the peak of April heat, inside the campuss protest chamber under a makeshift tarpaulin tent. By then, hed spent over 50 days there, protesting the withdrawal of financial aid for SC and ST students.

A lot has changed for Ahmad since. Shortly after he participated in the anti-Citizenship (Amendment) Act and National Register of Citizens protests, he joined the Samajwadi Party as Mumbai and Maharashtra president of its youth wing. We worked primarily in slum pockets, so I got to witness first-hand the problems and challenges of the urban poor, says Ahmad, who grew up in Baheri in Uttar Pradeshs Bareilly district, where his father was engaged in social work.

He carried those learnings with him when he went to study at Aligarh Muslim University, and later, at the Central University of Himachal Pradesh, where he completed his Masters in Social Work and actively participated in campus politics. Though he remains rooted in academics  Ahmad is pursuing a PhD in identity and citizenship from TISS  politics, he says, has given him a tool and vocabulary to fight injustice.

Ahmad moved to Sharad Pawars NCP shortly after contesting the Anushakti Nagar seat for Maha Vikas Aghadi in the 2024 Assembly election, where he lost to Sana Malik by a slim margin of a little over 3,300 votes. Now National President of the partys youth wing, he says his commitment to the poor and marginalised remains unchanged. In my constituency, there isnt even a library for children to study; even the healthcare system is under pressure, he says.

With the local body elections nearing, Ahmad says these issues  along with the citys crippling environmental conditions, where the poor are the worst affected  will remain a priority for his party. But my bigger fight is against those in government who are using propaganda and hate to run the country. We can only fight this by being part of the system, he says.



The city needs its young politicians

Hargun Singh, 31

National Secretary of the Indian Youth Congress, INC

Andheri West resident Hargun Singh was in his teens when the seeds of politics took root. He remembers his father, who runs a cycle store, often discussing local leaders and policy shifts, and those conversations nudged the then 16-year-old to closely follow news and developments from across the country. Student protests and activism were happening full-fledged across the country, but not so much in Mumbai, Singh recalls.

Hed later learn that it was a series of violent events, including the tragic murder of National Students Union of India (NSUI) district president Owen DSouza in 1989, that forced the government to put a permanent plug on student body elections. But determined to revive student politics, he joined the NSUI and, while pursuing his Bachelors in Management Studies at Usha Pravin Gandhi College, set up its unit at Mithibai College, which shared the campus with his own. During this time, he remembers actively leading blood donation drives, clean-up campaigns, and district-level protests on social issues. He also used that period to read up on various political parties  eventually joining the Indian Youth Congress because its ideology aligned with his own. This country will only move forward under a secular power. At the same time, he took the entrepreneurial route, running a cane juice chain.

The big political pivot happened during the anti-CAA-NRC protests  he participated in demonstrations everywhere from Mumbra to Azad Maidan  and later during the COVID-induced lockdown, when he provided food and medical supplies to people in his neighbourhood.

For the longest time, Singh served as vice-president of the Mumbai Youth Congress. Though his hopes to contest the Assembly elections from Andheri West last year didnt take flight, the party recently elevated him to National Secretary of the Indian Youth Congress.

He is currently focusing all his energies on the upcoming BMC elections. One issue he wants to address is the haphazard construction and road digging across the city, which has led to soaring pollution levels. We have zero accountability for it, he says. The other is the rampant corruption when it comes to slum rehabilitation in the city. We cant simply be bulldozing slums and building high-rises.

He hopes more young people choose to enter politics. Politics is not seen as an aspiration yet people still look down upon it, but that has only strengthened my resolve to be here. Change cannot happen until we are part of the system.



People deserve the homes that are rightfully theirs

Devang Dave, 36

Election Management Committee, BJP Maharashtra

Kandivali resident Devang Daves entry into politics happened around the same time the Bharatiya Janata Party was building its digital presence. Back in 2008, Narendra Modiji was the only leader with his own website, says Dave. I was quite impressed by that. Coming from a lower middle-class family and an alumnus of Thakur College of Engineering, he decided to apply as a volunteer to help with the site.

That decision, he says, changed everything. Starting as a core member of the communication cell of BJP Mumbai, Dave went on to become the social media head of BJP Maharashtra (201517), leading election war rooms during the 2014 and 2019 Assembly polls. A key shift in Modis 2014 campaign, he says, was when the digital team used YouTube to share videos about the leader. It helped counter misinformation spread by mainstream news channels and the Opposition, and let people decide for themselves.

In 2021, Dave  who also runs his own communications consultancy  was appointed to the partys Election Management Committee, a role he continues to serve in. He was recently dragged into the vote-chori controversy by the MVA, allegations he calls baseless.

After years handling digital and administrative responsibilities, he now hopes to contest the BMC elections from Ward No. 25 in Thakur Village, Kandivali. Ive been working locally for the last five years, especially with senior citizens, and it feels like the right time to make that shift.

Among the issues he hopes to tackle is illegal encroachment in Kandivali. There are many redevelopment projects stalled for years. Ive already been working with authorities to resolve them and ensure people get the homes theyre entitled to, he says, adding, Im looking forward to this, and if elected, Ill give it my best.



Im not in favour of vindictive politics; we work for everyone

Satyajeet Tambe Patil, 42

Member of Legislative Council of Maharashtra, Independent

Ahilyanagar-based politician Satyajeet Tambe Patil, grew up around politics. His father Sudhir Tambe was a former MLC, and his grandfather Bhausaheb Thorat a former freedom fighter.

But hes clear that his entry into public life wasnt inherited. I started my political career as a student leader in the year 2000 with the NSUI, he says.

After seven years with NSUI, Patil contested the Ahmednagar ZP elections in 2007 and won, marking his shift into electoral politics. Over the next decade, he served two consecutive terms as Zilla Parishad member.

During this period, he also became deeply involved with the Youth Congress, contesting the internal organisational elections introduced by Rahul Gandhi. I contested in 2011 and 2014 and lost both times, he recalls. But persistence paid off, when he contested again in 2018, he won and served as Maharashtra Youth Congress president till 2021.

In 2023, Patil sought the Congress ticket for the Nashik Graduates constituency, but the party decided to field his father instead. Within the family, we had agreed I would contest, but the party decided otherwise. Patil went independent, and won. Since then, I havent supported any political party and remain independent in the House, he says.

He admits that party backing is important, especially for development work. But for winning elections, our familys personal connect has mattered more. We dont do vindictive politics. Once elections are over, we work for everyone.

Patil grew up in the sugar belt of Ahilyanagar, formerly known Ahmednagar, which he says is geographically part of North Maharashtra, but politically aligned with Western Maharashtras cooperative movement. Decades of investment in sugar factories, education, and healthcare have transformed the region, he says. Now, the challenge is different. Thousands of students graduate every year. The biggest issue today is employment. Industrial growth needs to be more inclusive.

In 201314, Patil attended Harvard Universitys Kennedy School of Government, where he studied public policy. It completely changed my perspective, he says. His current focus areas include urban development, youth empowerment, and international relations.

Among his inspirations are leaders who balanced mass appeal with long-term thinking. His maternal grandfather, who helped build the state through agriculture, cooperatives, and education, remains a role model. Hes given me great direction.

With inputs by Faizan Khan

--


Long before Jeet Thayil moved from Hong Kong to India to make Bombay home, he had a dream. In it, someone said to me, How can you be a writer and not live in New York? he remembers. But that was only a dream, the 66-year-old insists now, as the afternoon sun creeps in through the glass windows of a hotel cafe in Nariman Point. In my head, it was always, How can you be a writer and not live in Bombay? So when the time came for Thayil, fresh out of his A-levels at the Island School in Hong Kong, to choose an academic path  with his parents dangling the Oxford University carrot  he threw it all for, unsurprisingly, Bombay. Ive regretted it ever since, of course.Really? I ask, surprised. Well, I also came here and went askew, he says referring to the years lost to addiction. Would it have been any different elsewhere? He pauses. Probably worse, he says, then adds, with a shrug, I never grew up until recently.

Footnotes from a life

The poet-novelist-musician has lived peripatetically, moving between the cities of New York, Hong Kong, Mumbai, New Delhi and now Bengaluru. But its in Bombay, where he spent close to two decades, most of it as a journalist, that he unwittingly gathered material for what would become future tomes.

The verse-maker behind the Sahitya Akademi Award-winning These Errors Are Correct, English, Apocalypso, among others, has penned five novels, out of which Bombay figures prominently  and sometimes like a ghost of a past that refuses to leave  in four. His 2012 Man Booker-shortlisted Narcopolis paints a city, thats seedy and perverse, seduced by opium, whereas The Book of Chocolate Saints (2017), part roman a clef, harked back to the artists and poets who stirred Bombay with their spark, imagination and eccentricities. His latest documentary novel, The Elsewhereans, also his most personal, has the city make a cameo, as he revisits the fledgling years of his parents as a young couple, living in a modest flat in Mahim, where they found new friends and the courage to both, belong and set adrift.

I was doing something Id never done before; using real people, their pictures, their life stories, portraits of them that anyone who knew them would recognise as them, says Thayil, It seemed like a violation in a way. So, I had to ask their permission, which I did. My father [veteran journalist TJS George], of course, loved the idea of being a character in a novel. My mother [Ammu], who was more cynical and wiser, did not. But there was never any question that she would say no, he adds, softly.

He lost his parents this year, six months of each other, the book a fitting memorial of their life, and his in theirs.

The city of drugs and verse

By Thayils own admission, theres a stark difference between the self-aware sexagenarian sitting across from me and the unrestrained rebel who arrived in Bombay in the late 1970s. Lets just say I fell apart [back then]. I kind of followed an impish devil to the last corners of hell, and stayed there for as long as I could, he recalls. Yet, there were moments of learning and clarity. Thayil joined Wilson College in Chowpatty to pursue a BA in English Literature. I was the only student for all three years of that course. His professors  Esther Kurien, Mrs Ookerjee, and Mrs Karai  he says, were all forces of nature. It had its downsides. When I cut class, they took it personally.

A long career in journalism followed. Author-columnist Shobhaa De was instrumental in bringing him back to the city when he left to work as a sub-editor in Bangalore. I did an interview with [guitarist] John McLaughlin and his band Shakti for the magazine where she was editor. She liked it so much, she said, Would you care for a job? He returned, working as the only young man in an all-women team.

Thayil continued to write poetry on the side, but it only became public when Imtiaz Dharker, who ran the poetry pages for Debonair magazine, published one of his poems. It really changed everything for me, because suddenly poetry wasnt a dialogue with myself. It was out there in print.

In Bombay, he also found a mentor in writer-poet Dom Moraes, a friend of his fathers. Moraes, he says, not only wrote the introduction for his first book of poems, Gemini (1992), a slim volume he shared with the late Vijay Nambisan, but suggested them to publisher David Davidar. Dom would never really talk poems, but he showed me, at a time when I didnt think it was possible, that it was possible to live as a writer.

A hard-earned sequel

In 1998, Thayil left Bombay; at the cusp of the noughties, he decided to pursue an MFA at Sarah Lawrence College in New York. He took up a job at a newspaper there, a stint that he describes as so god-awful, so abysmal, so traumatic, I could never work in journalism again. He returned to India with his publisher wife, Shakti Bhatt  he had cleaned up his act by then and was completely sober  and began work on his new novel. Shaktis sudden passing in 2007 caused him to withdraw from poetry. I didnt want to force it. He only came out with a new collection, Ill Have It Here, late last year.

The novel, Narcopolis, made him return to the city for research; he lived with meagre resources off Carter Road for a few years, paying the rent from another property his parents had rented. It takes a will of iron, he shares now, to work for long periods of time alone on a novel: this huge, amorphous thing that refuses to be battered into shape. When it did, it brought him fame he didnt see coming. Apart from the Booker mention, Thayil won the DSC Prize for South Asian Literature in 2013, worth $50,000 (about Rs 44 lakh). For the first time, I had money. The one person who couldnt believe it was my mother, he says, going silent.

This year, Thayil turned publisher with Thayil Editions for HarperCollins India, where he aims to bring out 20 experimental titles over five years. Adil Jussawallas Soliloquies that released in August and Buku Sarkars My Dead Flowers are among the first years titles. There is a tradition of experimental literature in so many Indian languages Marathi, Bengali, Hindi, Malayalam, Tamil, to name the most obvious  but theres no such tradition in Indian writing in English, he shares.

The dream and conversation hed been having in his head appear to have finally coalesced. He remains a writer indebted not to one city, but many. Still, Bombay wont stop following.


U.S. Navy Vice Admiral Frank Bradley will provide a classified briefing to key lawmakers overseeing the military on Thursday as they investigate a U.S. military attack on a boat allegedly carrying drugs that included a second strike that killed any survivors.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt on Monday said the second strike was carried out in self-defense and in accordance with laws governing armed conflict.

President Donald Trump was expected to meet with his national security team Monday as bipartisan scrutiny has mounted over a report that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a verbal order in September to strike the vessel.

Democrats have said that the allegations first reported by The Washington Post last week could amount to a war crime, and Republicans have also voiced their concerns about the legality of the Sept. 2 attack in the Caribbean. The House and Senate Armed Services Committees have opened investigations into the recent U.S. military strikes on vessels in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean.

The Latest:

Outlets that reach millions denied access to rare Pentagon news briefings this week

The briefings are instead being held for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseths hand-picked media organizations.

Its not as if theres little to talk about, with both the Senate and House Armed Services committees opening investigations into U.S. military strikes against alleged drug couriers in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean.

Hegseths team says the briefings are part of special orientation events for a newly credentialed Pentagon press corps, consisting primarily of conservative outlets that agreed to his new rules for operation.

Most mainstream outlets exited the Pentagon this fall rather than agree to the new rules. The Defense Department says they are common sense regulations designed to prevent the spread of classified information. But many news outlets worried they would effectively be agreeing only to report news approved by Hegseth.

 Read more about media outlets being denied access to the briefings

US air travelers without REAL IDs will be charged a $45 fee

Air travelers in the U.S. without a REAL ID will be charged a $45 fee beginning in February, the Transportation Security Administration announced Monday.

The updated ID has been required since May, but passengers without it have so far been allowed to clear security with additional screening and a warning. The Department of Homeland Security says 94% of passengers are already compliant.

REAL ID is a federally compliant state-issued license or identification card that meets enhanced requirements mandated in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.

Obtaining the ID  indicated by a white star in a yellow circle in most states  means taking more documents to the motor vehicle agency than most states require for regular IDs.

Beginning Feb. 1, travelers 18 and older flying domestically without a REAL ID and who dont have another accepted form of ID on them, such as a passport, will pay the non-refundable fee to verify their identity through TSAs alternative Confirm.ID system.

Admiral who ordered follow-up strike on drug boat to brief lawmakers this week

U.S. Navy Vice Admiral Frank Bradley will provide a classified briefing to key lawmakers overseeing the military on Thursday as they investigate a U.S. military attack on a boat allegedly carrying drugs that included a second strike that killed survivors.

Bradley, who was commander of Joint Special Operations Command at the time of the Sept. 2 attack, ordered the follow-up strike, the White House said Monday as it defended Defense Secretary Pete Hegseths conduct following a report from The Washington Post.

Rep. Mike Rogers, the Republican chair of the House Armed Services Committee, said he was satisfied following a conversation with Hegseth on the attack, but that he also wanted to hear from Bradley.

Well all have clarity on Thursday afternoon, Rogers said.

GOP senator says if an official ordered strike on survivors, they should get the hell out of Washington

North Carolina Republican Sen. Thom Tillis said he wants more information on a report that top military officials ordered an attack on survivors of a boat strike, calling the claim potentially rage bait. Still, he said we need to get to the bottom of it, and that, if true, it would amount to a violation of an ethical, moral or legal code.

If its substantiated, whoever made that order needs to get the hell out of Washington, Tillis said.

Tillis, who announced earlier this year he wont seek reelection, was a deciding vote in confirming Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

Chair of Senate Armed Services Committee pledges boat strike investigation will be by the numbers

Republican Sen. Roger Wicker says he wants vigorous oversight following a report that top military officials ordered an attack on survivors of a boat strike.

Well find out the ground truth, he said, adding that the ramifications of the report were serious charges.

Wicker added that he expected a briefing from U.S. Navy Vice Admiral Frank Bradley, who was overseeing the operation, but avoided saying whether Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will be called to testify.

Experts explain what the law says about killing survivors of a boat strike

The U.S. military would have committed a crime if it killed the survivors of an alleged drug boat after it was first attacked, legal experts say.

It doesnt matter whether the U.S. is in armed conflict with drug cartels as the Trump administration asserts. Such a fatal strike would have violated peacetime laws and those governing armed conflict, the experts say.

I cant imagine anyone, no matter what the circumstance, believing it is appropriate to kill people who are clinging to a boat in the water, said Michael Schmitt, a professor emeritus at the U.S. Naval War College.

The White House confirmed Monday that a second strike was conducted in September against a vessel accused of trafficking drugs off Venezuela and insisted it was legal.

Bill Cassidy celebrates Trump signing law on health care

The Louisiana senator, who is emphasizing his ties to Trump ahead of a tough primary, posted a video touting the presidents signature on a Senate bill.

Its all about making America healthy again, Cassidy says in the video, taken from a car. The SUPPORT Act is meant to boost programs that treat substance use disorders, overdoses, and mental health.

Cassidy posted earlier today that he was invited to the White House for the bill signing. Trump has not made an endorsement in the 2026 Senate race in Louisiana, where Cassidy is up for reelection. Cassidy  highlighting what hes previously called a great working relationship with Trump  drew multiple challengers from his own party after voting to convict Trump on an article of impeachment.

Schumer calls Hegseth a national embarrassment and demands release of boat strike video

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer called the Defense secretary childish and insecure, and said Hegseths social media post of a cartoon turtle firing on suspected drug traffickers is something no serious leader would ever think of doing.

Schumer said the Armed Services committees conducting oversight should demand that Hegseth release the video of the strike and testify under oath about what happened.

Senate GOP Leader wants all the particulars on Venezuelan boat strike

Sen. John Thune says hes glad the Armed Services committees in Congress will be conducting oversight of the boat strikes on alleged drug traffickers that critics have described as war crimes.

I dont have, at this point, an evaluation of the secretary, Thune told reporters. Others can make those evaluations.

He said he expects the committee to look into what happened when and what orders were given.

I dont think you want to draw any conclusions or deductions until you have all the facts, Thune told reporters. Well see where they lead.

Trump honors National Guard troops at White House Christmas party

In a video of the party posted online by White House aide Margo Martin, Trump noted that he spoke to the parents of U.S. Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, who was killed in last weeks shooting in Washington.

Her parents couldnt believe it, what happened to their baby, what happened to their daughter, Trump said Monday. Shes gone. He said another National Guard member  U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, whom Trump called a fabulous young man  was fighting for his life.

Maybe hell be OK, hes going through a lot, Trump said. Maybe hell be OK.

The press was not invited into the Christmas gathering, which an aide said was the first one at the White House this year.

We have a little more than three years left, and three years for Trump is an eternity, Trump said to applause and laughter, according to the video posted by Martin.

Sen. Kelly says Trump is trying to bully him: I wont let it happen

Facing a Pentagon investigation after President Donald Trump accused him of sedition punishable by DEATH, Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona is showing little interest in backing down.

For most of Donald Trumps career, bullying people has worked out for him. But not now, because I wont let it happen, Kelly told reporters Monday.

The Pentagon launched its inquiry last week after Kelly appeared in a video with other Democratic lawmakers urging U.S. troops to defy illegal orders. Kelly, viewed as a potential 2028 presidential contender, has stayed in the spotlight since by directly challenging the president.

President Trump has crossed the line, and this time its not going to work. I will not be intimidated by this president, Kelly said.

Top military officer talks with congressional leaders

Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, held the weekend call following reports that the military conducted a second strike in September on the survivors of an attack on an alleged drug boat.

Caine spoke with the four bipartisan lawmakers leading the Senate and House Armed Services Committees to share perspectives on ongoing operations and reiterate his trust and confidence in the experienced commanders at every echelon, Caines office said.

The committees have opened reviews following the report.

The call focused on addressing the intent and legality of missions to disrupt illicit trafficking networks which threaten the security and stability of the Western Hemisphere, the statement said.

Three of Schumers offices targeted with bomb threats

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said three of his New York offices received emailed bomb threats from an email address alleging the 2020 election was rigged.

Schumer said in a statement that local law enforcement received bomb threats referencing his offices in Rochester, Binghamton and Long Island with the email subject line MAGA.

Local and federal law enforcement responded immediately and are conducting full security sweeps, Schumer said. Everyone is safe, and I am grateful for their quick and professional response to ensure these offices remain safe and secure for all New Yorkers.

 Read more about the threats

Trump and Frances Macron hold call to discuss Ukraine

The French president spoke with Trump by phone after he hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Paris on Monday.

Trump and Macron discussed the conditions for a robust and lasting peace in Ukraine and the next steps in the mediation efforts undertaken by the United States, according to a French government statement. The President of the Republic notably underscored the central importance of the security guarantees required for Ukraine and our determination to work on them together with the United States.

Ukraines president spoke optimistically Monday about the progress of revising the Trump administrations peace plan, saying it looks better and the work will continue during talks on how to end Russias nearly four-year war.

U.S. and Ukrainian officials held talks in Florida about the U.S. proposal.

White House physician says Trump is in excellent overall health

Sean Barbabella said in a statement that Trumps physical exam included advanced imaging that is standard for an executive physical in Trumps age group.

Barbabella concluded that the cardiovascular and abdominal imaging was perfectly normal.

Trump to meet with his national security team to discuss strikes off of Venezuela

Leavitt said the meeting will take place Monday afternoon, and that strikes against suspected drug vessels off Venezuela  as well as other topics  will be discussed.

White House says second strike on suspected drug vessel followed armed conflict laws

Press secretary Karoline Leavitt said a second strike was conducted against an alleged drug vessel off Venezuela on Sept. 2 in self-defense and in accordance with laws governing armed conflict.

The president has the right to take them out, Leavitt said of alleged drug vessels, if they are threatening the United States of America.

Leavitts comments came after reports that defense officials gave a verbal order to leave no survivors after a first U.S. strike on a suspected drug smuggling boat in the Caribbean on Sept. 2 left survivors.

White House say

s Biden recklessly released nearly 100,000 Afghans into the U.S.

Press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the pre-Thanksgiving shooting of two National Guard members in Washington shows it is more important than ever to finish carrying out the presidents mass deportation operation.

She said the Trump administration is ensuring the monster responsible for this atrocity is held accountable, and reckoning with what made the attack possible  including scrutinizing past immigration decisions involving Afghans and other migrants.

Leavitt blamed what she called Bidens historic failure in Afghanistan and said it continues to haunt this country and our men and women in uniform.

South Carolina to send 300 National Guard troops to Washington this month

The troops were already set to go to the nations capital before last weeks shooting that killed one National Guard member and wounded another from West Virginia, Gov. Henry McMaster said.

The Republican governor said there are no plans to increase the number of soldiers after President Donald Trump requested 500 more National Guard troops following last weeks shooting.

The governor noted South Carolina has also sent National Guard troops to the Mexican border and other places in the world.

Well keep sending them, and they are willing to go and capable of going, McMaster told reporters Monday.

The South Carolina troops will replace soldiers from Georgia. They were the replacements for the first round of South Carolina soldiers in Washington who returned home in September.

Melania Trump and Usha Vance write holiday cards for deployed service members

The wives of the president and vice president spoke briefly to the roughly 100 military spouses, American Red Cross volunteers and others gathered inside a hangar at Joint Base Andrews near the nations capital for the event.

The first lady praised the spouses for carrying the weight of family life while their husbands or wives are away from home serving the country.

Usha Vance, whose husband, Vice President JD Vance, is a former Marine, said the holiday season is a time to lift up those who serve.

After speaking, both women took up positions at tables to help stuff comfort kits as they were being filled with Rice Krispies treats, peanuts, granola bars and handwritten notes. They also joined others who were writing holiday cards for deployed service members.

The first lady wrote in one of her cards: Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Thank you for your service. Our nation is proud of you! and signed it, With warm wishes, Melania Trump.

Trump holds call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

The two leaders stressed the importance and obligation of disarming Hamas and demilitarizing the Gaza Strip, and discussed expanding the peace agreements, according to a statement from the Office of the Prime Minister of Israel.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The call comes a day after Netanyahu asked his countrys president to grant him a pardon from corruption charges, a move that would end a long-running trial that has bitterly divided the nation.

Trump has publicly urged Israel to pardon Netanyahu, turning to President Isaac Herzog during his speech to Israels parliament during an October visit. Trump also recently sent a letter to Herzog calling the corruption case political, unjustified prosecution.

Trump urges Israel to maintain dialogue with Syria amid growing tensions

The president in a social media posting said his administration is very satisfied with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaas efforts to stabilize Syria as the Mideast nation nears the one-year anniversary of the ouster of Bashar al-Assad.

But Trump also underscored that its very important that Israel maintain a strong and true dialogue with Syria, and that nothing takes place that will interfere with Syrias evolution into a prosperous State.

Trumps comments come as Israel moves to secure its northern borders. Israeli military forces raided a Syrian village on Friday and opened fire when confronted by residents, killing at least 13 people in the deadliest Israeli attack since its troops seized a swath of southern Syria a year ago.

A Border Patrol-led immigration crackdown is coming to greater New Orleans

Around 250 federal border agents are aiming to arrest 5,000 people after Mondays expected launch of what theyre calling Swamp Sweep, a monthslong immigration crackdown in southeast Louisiana and into Mississippi.

The deployment centered in liberal New Orleans is the latest to target a Democratic-run city as the Trump administration pursues its mass deportation agenda.

Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino, who has led aggressive operations in Chicago, Los Angeles and Charlotte, North Carolina, is expected to helm the campaign. Many people in the greater New Orleans area have been on edge since the planned operations were reported this month. Republican Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry said he welcomes the federal agents.

 Read more about the Swamp Sweep

What to expect in Tennessees special congressional election

After a string of Democratic victories last month, the next test comes Tuesday in a special congressional election in Tennessee.

Republican Matt Van Epps and Democrat Aftyn Behn are the nominees to replace former GOP Rep. Mark Green, who resigned in July. Van Epps is a West Point graduate and former Army helicopter pilot who led the Tennessee Department of General Services and has Trumps endorsement. Behn is a progressive state representative who has drawn comparisons to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York.

The GOP is looking to pad its narrow six-vote House advantage. Most of the 7th District has elected only Republicans to Congress for more than a dozen years, but it has more Democratic voters since Republicans redrew the lines in 2022 to include parts of Davidson County, which is home to Nashville.

Aiming for a 9-0 sweep, Republicans would split Indianapolis among 4 districts

Indiana House Republicans published a draft of a map on Monday morning with new boundaries designed to oust the states two Democratic U.S. House members.

The city of Indianapolis would be split among four congressional districts, a major change to the current map where the city makes up the entirety of the 7th District that reliably backs Democrats.

Indianas other current Democratic district is in the states northwest corner near Chicago. The new map would instead group a large portion of Republican counties in northern Indiana with the cities of East Chicago and Gary to make a new 1st Congressional District.

Indiana lawmakers have been under mounting pressure from the White House to redistrict like Republicans in Texas, Ohio and North Carolina have. To offset the GOP gains, Democrats in California and Virginia have moved to do the same.

Indiana legislators to convene state House session with redistricting top of mind

Indiana House members are expected to convene Monday to push for redrawing the states congressional districts in the Republicans favor, increasing pressure on their defiant counterparts in the GOP-led state Senate to meet Trumps demands.

Republicans who control the House have said theres no doubt redistricting will pass that chamber. The proposals fate remains uncertain in the Senate, where Republicans have resisted pressure to redistrict for months. Senators have now agreed to meet Dec. 8 and resolve the issue.

Republicans hold seven of Indianas existing nine U.S. House seats. Trump and other Republicans want a map that could enable a 9-0 GOP sweep and make it harder for Democrats to flip the Republican majority in Washington.

First lady Melania Trump reveals White House Christmas decorations

Home is Where the Heart is is the theme she chose for her familys first Christmas back at the White House.

The decorations also nod to next years 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and the founding of the United States of America.

The gingerbread White House, an annual highlight dating to the Nixon administration, showcases the South Portico and provides a glimpse into the Yellow Oval room as decorated by the Trumps.

The Yellow Oval is a sitting room in the presidents private living quarters on the second floor of the White House.

Public tours resume on Tuesday.

Former Trump lawyer Alina Habba is disqualified as New Jersey prosecutor

A federal appeals court ruled Monday that the Trump administrations maneuvers to keep the presidents former lawyer Alina Habba in place as New Jerseys top federal prosecutor were illegal and she is disqualified.

The panel of the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals comes amid the administrations push to keep Habba as the acting U.S. attorney for New Jersey. The judges questioned the governments moves to keep Habba in place after her interim appointment expired and without her getting Senate confirmation.

Habba said after the Oct. 20 hearing that she was fighting on behalf of other candidates to be federal prosecutors who have been denied Senate hearings.

 Read more about Trump administration prosecutors whose appointments have been challenged

Venezuelan leader Maduro and his allies resist US pressure

Venezuelan opposition leaders hoped U.S. military threats would weaken President Nicolas Maduros support. But the strategy of loyalty or punishment among the ruling partys leadership continues to hold, despite the buildup off Venezuelas Caribbean coast.

The Trump administration says the military operation aims to counter narcotics. But experts say these actions only strengthen Maduro and his allies and unites them against external threats.

 Read more about why Maduros grip on power is hard to crack

Everyones talking about a K-shaped economy

So what does it mean? The upper part of the K refers to higher-income Americans seeing their incomes and wealth rise. The bottom points to lower-income households struggling with weaker income gains and steep prices.

The term helps explain an unusually muddy and convoluted period for the U.S. economy. Growth appears solid, yet hiring is sluggish and unemployment has ticked up. Overall consumer spending is still rising, but Americans are less confident. AI-related data center construction is soaring while factories are laying off workers and home sales are weak. And the stock market still hovers near record highs even as wage growth slows, making affordability much more of a concern for middle and lower-income households.

 Here are some things to know about the K-shaped economy

Rubio calls US-Ukraine talks on Russia war productive

U.S. and Ukrainian officials completed roughly four hours of talks Sunday aimed at finding an endgame to the war just days before a U.S. envoy is due in Moscow for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Its not just about the terms that ends fighting, Rubio said. Its about also the terms that set up Ukraine for long-term prosperity.  I think we built on that today, but theres more work to be done.

US halts all asylum decisions after shooting of National Guard members

The move by Trumps administration intensifies efforts to limit legal immigration.

The Republican administration is promising to pause entry to the United States from some poor nations and review Afghans and other legal migrants already in the country.

Trump says hell release MRI scans

If you want to have it released, Ill release it, the president said during an exchange with reporters as he traveled back to Washington from Florida.

He called the results of the October tests perfect, but said he could not recall which part of his body was scanned.

By The Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP)  Melania Trump on Monday unveiled the holiday decorations for her familys first Christmas back at the White House and her theme is Home Is Where the Heart Is.

The decor also nods to next years 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and founding of the United States of America.

Several dozen volunteer decorators from across the country helped deck the halls of the Executive Mansion with 75 wreaths, 51 Christmas trees, more than 700 feet (213 meters) of garland, more than 2,000 strands of lights, over 25,000 feet (7,620 meters) of ribbon, over 2,800 gold stars, more than 10,000 butterflies and 120 pounds (54 kilograms) of gingerbread.

A few things are different because President Donald Trump tore down the East Wing to build a ballroom hes long desired.

This year, the official White House Christmas tree, which is always on display in the Blue Room, also honors Gold Star families, those that lost a member during active-duty military service.

That tree was an East Wing fixture and the first one visitors encountered after they entered through those doors, but the building and a covered walkway, or colonnade, connecting it to the White House were demolished by Trump in October as part of his ballroom plan.

Public tours, which had been suspended because of the construction, are to resume Tuesday but with a shorter route limited to just the State Floor, which includes the East Room; the Green, Blue and Red Rooms; the State Dining Room; the Cross Hall; and the Grand Foyer.

The Library and the Vermeil and China Rooms on the Ground Floor  one level below the State Floor  were cut from the tour route because of the construction.

The White House expects tens of thousands of visitors for holiday tours, receptions and parties before Christmas. Visitors will now enter through the North Portico doors on Pennsylvania Avenue using a new, semi-permanent walkway and entrance.

A statement from the White House said Christmas is a time to celebrate what makes the U.S. exceptional and that, while every home has its own traditions, shared values unite Americans.

In every community, we are lifted by simple acts of kindness that reflect the enduring American spirit of generosity, patriotism, and gratitude, the statement said. These moments remind us that the heart of America is strong and that Home Is Where The Heart Is.

Planning for the holidays starts months in advance, and the White House said Melania Trump chose every detail of the decor.

Trees in the East Room are trimmed in patriotic red, white and blue and national symbols, including golden eagle tree toppers, to highlight the coming America250 national celebration.

The official White House Christmas tree in the Blue Room is decorated with gold stars honoring families that lost a member in the line of active-duty military service. The official tree traditionally recognizes each state and territory and this years fir is decorated with ornaments showcasing the official bird and flower of each.

The Green Room celebrates family fun, featuring large portraits of the first and the current presidents, George Washington and Donald Trump, respectively, each made from more than 6,000 Lego puzzle pieces.

Thousands of blue butterflies decorate the Red Room and its tree in a celebration of young people and in tribute to Melania Trumps Fostering the Future initiative , which is part of her Be Best child-focused initiative, to support people who have been in foster care.

A holiday highlight, the gingerbread White House on display in the State Dining Room shows off the mansions South Portico and offers a special glimpse into the Yellow Oval Room, a sitting room off the Truman Balcony in the presidents private living quarters on the second floor.

It was made using 120 pounds (54 kilograms) of gingerbread, 100 pounds (45 kilograms) of pastillage, a sugar-based modeling paste; over 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms) of chocolate and 5 pounds (2.2 kilograms) of royal icing.

Part of the White House creche is on display in the Grand Foyer while the rest of it is undergoing a restoration overseen by the curators office.

Most of the tree trimming and hall decking was done after the Trumps decamped to their Florida home early last week for the Thanksgiving holiday. They returned to the White House on Sunday.

By DARLENE SUPERVILLE

Associated Press
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP)  A West Virginia National Guard member who was shot last week in a brazen daytime attack in Washington, D.C., remains in serious condition but showed positive signs by giving a thumbs-up that he could hear a nurses question and wiggling his toes, Gov. Patrick Morrisey said Monday.

Morrisey said the family of 24-year-old U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe has asked the public to pray for him. Another member of the West Virginia National Guard, U.S. Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, 20, was killed in the shooting.

Andrew is still fighting for his life, Morrisey said. Andrew needs prayers.

Morrisey said he could not yet share details of any funeral arrangements for Beckstrom and wants to respect her familys wishes.

Beckstrom and Wolfe were shot Wednesday just blocks from the White House while deployed as part of President Donald Trumps crime-fighting plan that federalized D.C. police.

Investigators are working to determine a motive. Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, is charged with one count of first-degree murder and two counts of assault in the shooting.

Authorities said Lakanwal, who was shot in the confrontation, remained hospitalized and a court appearance has not yet been scheduled.

The shooting prompted the Trump administration to halt all asylum decisions and pause issuing visas for people traveling on Afghan passports.

After the shooting, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Trump asked him to send 500 more National Guard members to Washington. Morrisey said he has not been asked to deploy additional troops from West Virginia.

Overall, nearly 2,200 troops currently are assigned to the joint task force operating in the city, according to the governments latest update. More than 300 West Virginia National Guard members were deployed in August. In mid-November, up to 170 of them volunteered to extend their deployment until the end of the year while the others returned to West Virginia.

Our sole focus right now is looking after the well-being of the 170 service members who are on the ground, focusing on the family, assuring that prayers are going out, Morrisey said.

Trump paid tribute to Beckstrom and Wolfe on Monday at a Christmas party that an aide said was the first one at the White House this year.

___

Associated Press writer Leah Askarinam in Washington, D.C., contributed to this report.

By JOHN RABY

Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP)  Less than a month after Democrats scored a string of victories over Republicans in the Nov. 4 general election, the next test at the ballot box for both parties heading into the 2026 midterm season will be Tuesday in a Tennessee special congressional election on usually reliable GOP turf.

House Republicans look to hold the seat in Tennessees 7th Congressional District and pad their narrow 219-213 advantage in the chamber. Democrats hope to extend their winning streak by pulling off an upset in this Middle Tennessee district, where Donald Trump and other GOP candidates routinely win with around 60% of the vote.

Republican Matt Van Epps and Democrat Aftyn Behn are the nominees to replace former GOP Rep. Mark Green, who resigned in July to join the private sector.

Van Epps is a West Point graduate and former Army helicopter pilot who headed the Tennessee Department of General Services under Republican Gov. Bill Lee. With endorsements from both Trump and Green, he easily won the October special primary against 10 opponents.

Behn is a state representative first elected in a 2023 special election. She narrowly won a four-way Democratic primary that featured two other state representatives and a well-funded local businessman. A former political organizer and progressive activist, Behn was described by some state Democrats as our very own AOC of TN, a reference to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York. Prominent Van Epps backers have frequently repeated the nickname in support of the Republican nominee.

As the final high-profile head-to-head party matchup of the year, the race has attracted attention from national political figures. Trump phoned into a tele-rally for Van Epps on Nov. 13 just as early voting began. His 2024 presidential election rival, Democratic then-Vice President Kamala Harris, appeared at a Nov. 18 event in Nashville to encourage Democratic turnout in the special election.

As a result, spending has ballooned. Going into the October primary, Van Epps had spent more than $348,000 and had about $54,000 in the bank. Behn spent more than $168,000 ahead of her primary and had about $20,000 in the bank. As of mid-November, according to the pre-election Federal Election Commission filings, Van Epps had raised an additional $590,000, compared with about $1 million for Behn.

Most of the 7th District has elected only Republicans to Congress for more than a dozen years. The district also includes parts of heavily Democratic Davidson County, which is home to Nashville. The Nashville area once anchored a separate congressional district favorable to Democrats, but state Republicans redrew the lines in 2022 and divided Davidson County among the 7th and two neighboring Republican-friendly districts.

Trump carried the 7th District in 2024 with about 60% of the vote, compared with about 38% for Harris. In the Davidson County portion of the district, Harris received nearly 68% of the vote, which comprised about 22% of total votes in the district. Trump won each of the remaining 13 counties with at least 59% of the vote.

Green was elected twice each under the old and new district boundaries. Under the old lines, he received between 67% and 70% of the vote. His margin of victory narrowed after new lines were drawn in 2022  he won with 60% of the vote in 2022 and 2024.

The contest marks the years fifth special election to fill a vacant congressional seat. An additional vacant seat in a heavily Democratic Houston-area district in Texas will be filled in a runoff election on Jan. 31, 2026, while a recently vacated seat in northern New Jersey held by Democratic Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill will be filled next April.

The Associated Press does not make projections and will declare a winner only when its determined there is no scenario that would allow the trailing candidates to close the gap. If a race has not been called, the AP will continue to cover any newsworthy developments, such as candidate concessions or declarations of victory. In doing so, the AP will make clear that it has not yet declared a winner and explain why.

In Tennessee, recounts are held only as part of a legal challenge in the courts. There are no automatic recounts, and losing candidates may not request recounts. The AP may declare a winner in a race that is subject to a recount if it can determine the lead is too large for a recount or legal challenge to change the outcome.

Heres a look at what to expect on Tuesday:

Special election day

The special election in Tennessees 7th Congressional District will be held Tuesday. Polls in the district close at 7 p.m. local time, which is 8 p.m. ET. Although Tennessee is in two time zones, the 7th District falls entirely within the Central time zone.

Whats on the ballot

The AP will provide vote results and declare a winner in the special congressional election.

Who gets to vote

Any voter registered in the 7th Congressional District may participate in the special election.

What do turnout and advance vote look like

There were about 466,000 registered voters in the 7th Congressional District in the November 2024 general election. Turnout in the congressional race was about 69% of registered voters in the 2024 presidential election year and about 41% in the 2022 midterm elections.

Among the 14 counties located either entirely or partly within the 7th District, about 73% of 2024 general election ballots were cast early in person or by absentee. About 51% of the vote in these 14 counties were cast early or by absentee in the 2022 midterms.

As of Nov. 26, the last day of early voting, just over 84,000 ballots had been cast before the special election.

How long does vote-counting usually take?

The votes were tallied quickly in the Oct. 7 special primaries. The AP first reported results from both the Democratic and Republican primaries at about 8:05 p.m. ET from Perry County, about five minutes after polls closed. The vote count was completed in both contests at 10:28 p.m. ET with the final vote update from Humphreys County.

In the 2024 general election, the AP first reported results in the 7th District congressional race at 8:03 p.m. ET from Perry County. The election night tabulation ended at 12:36 a.m. ET, with more than 99% of total votes counted.

Are we there yet?

As of Tuesday, there will be 336 days until the 2026 midterm elections.

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Follow the APs coverage of the 2025 election at https://apnews.com/projects/election-results-2025/.

By ROBERT YOON

Associated Press
Saint Marys Gaels (5-3) at USC Trojans (5-2)

Los Angeles; Tuesday, 10 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: Saint Marys (CA) heads into the matchup with No. 18 USC as losers of three games in a row.

The Trojans have gone 4-0 in home games. USC has a 1-1 record in games decided by 3 points or fewer.

The Gaels have gone 2-1 away from home. Saint Marys (CA) ranks ninth in the WCC shooting 29.0% from 3-point range.

USC makes 42.3% of its shots from the field this season, which is 4.6 percentage points higher than Saint Marys (CA) has allowed to its opponents (37.7%). Saint Marys (CA) has shot at a 42.8% rate from the field this season, 7.1 percentage points above the 35.7% shooting opponents of USC have averaged.

TOP PERFORMERS: Jazzy Davidson is shooting 41.7% and averaging 16.3 points for the Trojans. Londynn Jones is averaging 11.0 points.

Edie Clarke is shooting 60.3% and averaging 9.9 points for the Gaels. Addison Wedin is averaging 9.0 points.

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

By The Associated Press
Women named Alsatia typically project an image of sophisticated cultural awareness blended with practical intelligence, reflecting the dual French and German influences of their namesake region. They are often perceived as resilient and adaptable individuals who can navigate diverse social environments with grace and confidence. Their personality tends to include a strong appreciation for beauty, art, and culinary excellence, often developing refined tastes that reflect their connection to Alsatian culture known for its wines, cuisine, and architectural charm.



Alsatias frequently demonstrate independence and a touch of mystery, perhaps influenced by the name's historical association with London's sanctuary district. This suggests someone who values personal freedom and operates according to their own principles while maintaining social grace. They are often seen as bridge-builders between different groups or ideas, embodying the borderland identity of Alsace itself. Their strength lies in their ability to synthesize different influences while maintaining a clear sense of self, making them both culturally sophisticated and authentically individual.
Individuals named Alvord are often perceived as grounded, reliable, and possessing a strong connection to tradition and history. They tend to be practical problem-solvers who approach challenges with methodical consideration, much like the careful navigation of an ancient river crossing. This practical wisdom is often complemented by a quiet strength and resilience, enabling them to serve as stable anchors in their communities and families.



Their connection to 'old fords' suggests personality traits centered around facilitation and guidancehelping others navigate difficult transitions or obstacles. Alvords typically exhibit patience and careful judgment, preferring to observe before acting. They often demonstrate loyalty to family traditions and values while maintaining an adaptable nature that allows them to bridge different perspectives or groups. This combination of steadfastness and mediation makes them valued members of any community.
Women named Antanasia are often perceived as resilient, spiritually aware individuals with a deep connection to tradition and family. They typically exhibit strong intuition and emotional depth, combined with a practical approach to life's challenges. The name's meaning of rebirth often manifests in their ability to overcome adversity and reinvent themselves when faced with difficult circumstances. They are known for their enduring spirit and capacity for personal transformation.



Antanasias are frequently described as nurturing yet independent, balancing traditional values with modern perspectives. They possess a quiet strength that inspires confidence in others and often take on leadership roles within their families and communities. Their connection to the name's spiritual roots often gives them a philosophical outlook on life, making them thoughtful advisors and loyal friends. The combination of resilience and compassion makes Antanasias particularly adept at helping others through difficult transitions, embodying the very concept of rebirth that their name represents.
Cultural & Historical Significance

Ardal is an ancient Irish name with deep roots in Gaelic culture, derived from the Old Irish name Ardghal, meaning 'high valor' or 'high honor.' The name reflects the Celtic tradition of naming children after desirable qualities, particularly those associated with nobility, courage, and moral excellence. In medieval Ireland, names like Ardal were often borne by chieftains and warriors, symbolizing their elevated status and the expectations placed upon them to lead with honor and bravery. The name carries echoes of Ireland's heroic age, when personal valor and loyalty to one's clan were paramount virtues.



Throughout Irish history, the name has maintained its association with leadership and integrity, appearing in various historical records and genealogies, particularly in families with strong connections to Gaelic aristocracy and the preservation of Irish cultural traditions. The name's endurance through centuries of cultural change demonstrates its deep resonance within Irish identity, serving as a linguistic bridge to Ireland's ancient past while remaining relevant in modern contexts. It represents the continuity of Celtic values and the importance placed on personal honor and community responsibility.
Individuals named Aubrin are often perceived as creative, independent thinkers who blend practicality with imagination. They typically exhibit a unique balance of leadership qualities from the Aubrey influence and grounded stability from the Brin component. This combination often results in people who are both visionary and reliable, capable of inspiring others while maintaining a strong connection to reality.



Aubrins are frequently described as adaptable yet principled, showing flexibility in approach while staying true to their core values. They tend to be excellent problem-solvers who can see multiple perspectives and find innovative solutions that respect tradition while embracing progress. Their dual nature often makes them effective mediators and bridge-builders in both personal and professional contexts, able to understand different viewpoints and find common ground where others see only division.
Individuals named Azhaire are typically characterized by a compelling blend of intellectual depth and charismatic presence. They possess a natural luminosity in social situations, often becoming the center of attention without seeking it, much like the 'shining' quality suggested by the name's etymology. Azhaires tend to be articulate communicators with a gift for languages and cross-cultural understanding, reflecting the name's multicultural origins. They approach challenges with creative problem-solving skills and maintain an optimistic outlook even in difficult circumstances. Their personality combines the Polish virtues of resilience and honor with the Arabic tradition of hospitality and intellectual pursuit.



Azhaires often demonstrate strong leadership qualities tempered by empathy and cultural sensitivity. They are typically lifelong learners with diverse interests spanning arts, sciences, and philosophy. While confident in their abilities, they rarely display arrogance, instead using their talents to uplift others and build bridges between different communities. Their strength lies in their ability to adapt to changing circumstances while maintaining their core values and principles. This combination of intellectual curiosity, social grace, and moral integrity makes them natural diplomats, educators, and cultural ambassadors who excel in bringing people together across divides.
Cultural & Historical Significance

Bardalph emerged as a significant Christian name during the early medieval period, particularly in regions where Christian missionaries encountered pagan cultures with wolf symbolism. The name represents a fascinating synthesis of pre-Christian warrior traditions with emerging Christian values. In many medieval Christian communities, Bardalph came to symbolize the ideal of the 'Christian warrior' - someone who combined physical strength and protective instincts with spiritual devotion and moral integrity. Throughout the Crusades era, the name gained prominence among knights who saw themselves as defenders of the faith, with the wolf aspect representing both fierce protection of the vulnerable and the importance of community (as wolves are pack animals). The name maintained its Christian associations through the Reformation period, often chosen by families who valued both traditional warrior virtues and deep religious commitment. In Christian art and literature, figures named Bardalph were frequently depicted as guardians of churches or protectors of religious pilgrims, embodying the concept of using strength in service of faith.



The name's cultural significance extends to its representation of the integration of nature symbolism with Christian theology. In medieval Christian thought, the wolf was often seen as having dual symbolism - representing both danger and protection, much like how strength can be used for good or ill. Families choosing this name historically sought to invoke the positive aspects of wolf symbolism: loyalty, family protection, and keen perception. The name's persistence through various historical periods demonstrates how Christian cultures adapted and incorporated earlier symbolic traditions, creating names that spoke to both earthly responsibilities and spiritual commitments. This blending of martial and spiritual qualities made Bardalph particularly appealing during times of religious conflict or cultural transition, where strength of character was as valued as physical courage.
People named Bast often embody a remarkable balance of seemingly contradictory qualities that reflect the goddess's complex nature. They typically possess a warm, radiant personality that draws others to them, much like the sun's inviting warmth. This solar connection often manifests as optimism, creativity, and the ability to illuminate solutions in difficult situations. Their protective instincts run deepthey're the friends who fiercely defend their loved ones and the family members who create sanctuaries of comfort and safety. Like cats, they value their independence and personal space, often needing quiet time to recharge away from social demands.



Their artistic sensibilities frequently emerge through music, dance, or visual arts, echoing Bast's role as patroness of celebration and joy. They have an intuitive understanding of emotional dynamics, making them excellent at reading people and situations. This emotional intelligence, combined with their natural grace, helps them navigate social complexities with apparent ease. However, their independent streak means they don't suffer fools gladly and can be quite selective about their inner circle. When threatened or when principles are violated, their more fierce lioness nature emergesthey can be formidable opponents when defending what they believe is right. This duality makes them both comforting companions and powerful allies.
Individuals named Blaed are typically perceived as possessing a strong sense of honor and integrity, combined with natural leadership qualities. They often exhibit a balanced personality that blends traditional values with progressive thinking, making them respected in both conservative and modern contexts. Their name's meaning of 'wealthy glory' often manifests in their ambition to achieve both material success and lasting reputation through honorable means. These individuals tend to be determined and persistent, with a strong work ethic that helps them accumulate both tangible and intangible wealth.



They often possess a charismatic presence that draws others to them, and they typically use their influence for positive purposes. Their Christian background often gives them a moral compass that guides their decisions, making them trustworthy and reliable in personal and professional relationships. They are usually community-oriented, seeing their personal success as interconnected with the wellbeing of those around them. This combination of ambition and ethics makes them effective leaders who can inspire others while maintaining their principles.
Individuals named Cahal are typically associated with strong, determined personalities marked by natural leadership abilities and protective instincts. They often exhibit a combination of physical and moral courage, approaching challenges with resilience and strategic thinking. The warrior heritage of the name suggests someone who is dependable in crisis situations and willing to stand up for their beliefs and protect those under their care. Cahals are often perceived as having a strong sense of honor and loyalty, valuing family and community ties above personal ambition. They tend to be practical rather than emotional in their decision-making, yet maintain deep connections to their cultural roots and traditions. While they can be assertive when necessary, this is typically balanced by a sense of responsibility and fairness. The name suggests someone who embodies the Celtic ideal of strength tempered by wisdom and compassion.
Individuals named Chauntel are often perceived as creative, expressive, and emotionally intuitive. They typically possess strong communication skills and a natural affinity for artistic pursuits, particularly music and performance arts. Their name's musical origins often translate into a personality characterized by rhythm, harmony in relationships, and the ability to 'sing' their truth through various forms of self-expression.



Chauntels are frequently described as charismatic and socially engaging, with an innate ability to connect with others through their warmth and verbal fluency. They tend to be adaptable and versatile, much like musicians who can play different notes and melodies. However, they may also exhibit sensitivity to discord or conflict, preferring environments where harmony and mutual understanding prevail. Their creative nature often drives them toward careers in the arts, education, or any field that allows for self-expression and emotional connection with others, and they typically approach life with a sense of melody and emotional depth that influences their interactions and choices.
Cultural & Historical Significance

Cipriana holds significant cultural weight in Spanish-speaking regions, particularly in Spain and Latin America, where it has been used for centuries. The name connects to Mediterranean heritage through its Cypriot origins, reflecting Spain's historical ties to the Eastern Mediterranean through trade routes and cultural exchange. In Catholic tradition, the name gained prominence through Saint Cyprian, a 3rd-century bishop and martyr, though the feminine form Cipriana developed its own distinct identity in Iberian culture.



During the colonial period, Cipriana spread to Latin America, where it became associated with aristocratic families and religious devotion. The name often appears in historical records of noble households and convents, suggesting its use among educated and influential women. In modern times, while less common than other traditional Spanish names, Cipriana maintains an air of classic elegance and cultural depth, often chosen by families seeking to honor Mediterranean roots or Catholic heritage while preserving a distinctive feminine identity.
Symbolically, Clemence represents the profound human capacity for mercy, forgiveness, and compassionate understanding. The name embodies the concept that true strength lies not in harsh judgment but in the ability to extend grace and understanding to others. It symbolizes the bridge between justice and compassion, suggesting that the most powerful form of authority is one tempered by mercy. In metaphorical terms, Clemence represents the healing power of forgiveness - both giving and receiving - and the transformative potential of seeing beyond surface actions to understand deeper motivations and circumstances. The name also carries connotations of emotional wisdom, representing the ability to navigate complex human relationships with sensitivity and insight. As a symbolic name, it suggests a person who serves as a calming influence in turbulent situations, someone who can de-escalate conflict through understanding rather than force. The enduring symbolic power of Clemence lies in its reminder that mercy and compassion are not signs of weakness but rather manifestations of profound inner strength and moral clarity.
Individuals named Cloridan are often perceived as possessing a blend of poetic sensitivity and steadfast loyalty. Drawing from the mythological character's attributes, they tend to exhibit deep emotional connections to nature and art, combined with a strong sense of duty and commitment to those they care about. This combination creates a personality that is both reflective and action-orientedable to appreciate beauty while remaining grounded in practical realities.



Their loyalty often manifests as protective instincts toward friends and family, and they typically approach challenges with both creative problem-solving and unwavering determination. The mythological roots suggest someone who values tradition and honor but isn't afraid to make personal sacrifices for greater principles or loved ones. This creates a complex personality profile that balances romantic idealism with practical courage, making Cloridans often seen as reliable yet unexpectedly profound individuals in social and professional contexts.
Cultural & Historical Significance

The name Croften carries significant cultural weight within Christian and English-speaking communities, originating from Old English roots meaning 'from the enclosed town.' Historically, it denoted someone who lived near or was associated with a small enclosed settlement or farmstead, reflecting the medieval English landscape of protected communities. In Christian contexts, the name evolved to symbolize spiritual protection and community belonging, often given to boys expected to become pillars of their local church communities.



The name gained prominence during the Norman period when surnames became hereditary, and families bearing the Croften name were typically landholders or stewards of church properties. Throughout British history, Croften has been associated with rural gentry and clergy families, maintaining a connection to traditional values and community leadership. The name's endurance reflects its deep roots in English Christian heritage, representing stability, protection, and communal responsibility across generations.
Individuals named Damon are often perceived as loyal, dependable friends with a strong sense of commitment to those they care about. This aligns with the name's mythological origins, suggesting people who value deep, meaningful relationships and are willing to make significant sacrifices for their loved ones. They tend to be steady and reliable, with a calming presence that can 'tame' difficult situations. Their inherent loyalty makes them excellent partners and friends who stand by people through challenges.



Beyond their loyal nature, Damons often exhibit a blend of strength and sensitivity. They're typically seen as balanced individuals who can be both assertive when necessary and compassionate when needed. This duality makes them effective leaders and trusted confidants. Many Damons display creative tendencies and intellectual curiosity, often excelling in fields that require both analytical thinking and emotional intelligence. Their name suggests someone who can bridge different worlds and bring harmony to conflicting situations, embodying the idea of taming chaos through wisdom and connection.
Individuals named Danah are often perceived as possessing a balanced combination of strength and compassion. They typically exhibit strong moral convictions and a sense of justice, reflecting the name's meaning 'God is my judge.' This often manifests as reliability, integrity, and a natural inclination to stand up for what they believe is right. Danahs are frequently described as thoughtful decision-makers who weigh options carefully before acting, showing wisdom beyond their years.



Socially, Danahs tend to be warm and engaging, with an ability to connect with diverse groups of people. They often possess excellent communication skills and emotional intelligence, making them effective mediators and trusted friends. Their Danish association may contribute to perceptions of practicality, modernity, and openness to new ideas. Many Danahs demonstrate creative problem-solving abilities and adaptability, thriving in situations that require both analytical thinking and interpersonal sensitivity. They typically balance tradition with innovation, honoring their roots while embracing progress.
Cultural & Historical Significance

Daviel emerges as a modern variant of the ancient Hebrew name David, carrying forward the rich cultural legacy of one of Christianity's most significant figures. The name David holds profound importance in Christian tradition as the name of the second king of Israel, described in the Bible as 'a man after God's own heart' and the ancestor of Jesus Christ. This connection establishes Daviel within a continuum of faith, leadership, and divine favor that has resonated through centuries of Christian naming practices.



The evolution from David to Daviel represents a contemporary adaptation that maintains the name's spiritual essence while offering a distinctive modern identity. In Christian communities, names derived from biblical figures often serve as both spiritual anchors and aspirational models, with Daviel inheriting the symbolic weight of David's journey from shepherd to king, his poetic contributions through the Psalms, and his complex but redemptive relationship with God. This name bridges ancient tradition with modern expression, allowing parents to honor biblical heritage while giving their child a unique identity.
Individuals named Dealbert are typically characterized by a strong sense of pride and dignity that manifests as quiet confidence rather than arrogance. They tend to be principled, reliable people who value tradition and maintain high ethical standards in both personal and professional contexts. Their 'bright' quality often translates to intellectual curiosity and clarity of thought, making them excellent problem-solvers and strategic thinkers. Dealberts are usually reserved but deeply loyal to those they trust, approaching relationships with the same seriousness and commitment they apply to their principles.



This combination of nobility and brightness creates individuals who are both morally grounded and intellectually capable, often taking on leadership roles where integrity and clear thinking are essential. Their pride serves as a foundation for self-respect rather than superiority, driving them to achieve excellence while maintaining humility about their accomplishments. In social settings, Dealberts may appear somewhat formal or traditional, but this stems from their respect for established customs and their desire to treat others with proper dignity. They typically excel in fields requiring both analytical thinking and ethical judgment, such as law, academia, or religious leadership.
Women named Denissa are often perceived as creative, expressive individuals with a natural flair for the arts and social engagement. They typically exhibit a vibrant personality that combines intellectual curiosity with emotional depth, making them excellent communicators and collaborators. The Dionysian roots of the name suggest an inherent connection to celebration, joy, and the appreciation of life's pleasures, which often manifests as warmth, generosity, and an ability to bring people together.



Denissas are frequently described as having strong intuitive abilities and emotional intelligence, allowing them to navigate complex social situations with grace and understanding. Their creative tendencies may express themselves through various artistic pursuits, while their intellectual side gives them analytical capabilities that complement their emotional nature. This balance between reason and emotion, celebration and contemplation, makes Denissas well-rounded individuals who can adapt to diverse situations and relationships. They often possess a natural leadership quality that stems from their ability to understand and motivate others, combined with a genuine interest in human connection and community building.
Cultural & Historical Significance

Devaney is an Anglicized form of the Irish surname O Duibheannaigh, meaning 'descendant of Duibheannach.' The name originates from the Gaelic word 'dubh' meaning dark or black, combined with 'eannach' referring to hair or appearance, thus translating to 'dark-haired one.' This name has deep roots in Irish history, particularly in County Mayo and surrounding regions where the Devaney clan held significant land and influence during medieval times. The name represents a connection to ancient Irish aristocracy and the preservation of Gaelic culture through centuries of political change.



During the 19th century, many Devaneys emigrated during the Great Famine, spreading the name to North America, Australia, and Britain. Despite this diaspora, the name maintained its strong Irish identity and became a symbol of resilience and cultural preservation. In modern Ireland, Devaney remains a proud marker of Irish heritage, often associated with families who maintained their cultural traditions through challenging historical periods. The name carries with it the weight of Irish history while adapting to contemporary global contexts.
Individuals named Dung are typically perceived as possessing strong leadership qualities, unwavering determination, and a natural inclination toward protective roles. They often exhibit a calm exterior that masks intense inner strength, emerging as reliable figures in times of crisis. This personality profile suggests someone who is principled, loyal to family and community, and willing to make difficult decisions when necessary. Their courage extends beyond physical bravery to include moral couragethe willingness to speak truth to power and defend the vulnerable.



While they can be perceived as serious or reserved, those close to them appreciate their deep sense of responsibility and unwavering commitment. The name carries expectations of reliability and strength, often pushing individuals to develop resilience and problem-solving skills from a young age. They tend to be natural organizers who inspire confidence in others and excel in positions requiring decisive action and ethical judgment. This combination of quiet strength and moral clarity makes them respected figures in both personal and professional contexts, though the weight of these expectations can sometimes create pressure to constantly embody the heroic ideals their name represents.
Cultural & Historical Significance

The name Edfu holds profound cultural significance rooted in ancient Egyptian civilization. It originates from the city of Edfu (known as Behdet in ancient times), which was one of the most important religious centers in Upper Egypt. The city housed the magnificent Temple of Horus, considered one of the best-preserved ancient temples in Egypt. This temple served as the primary cult center for the worship of Horus, the falcon-headed god of kingship, protection, and the sky. The name therefore carries strong associations with divine protection, royal authority, and ancient Egyptian religious traditions.



Throughout Egyptian history, Edfu represented a bastion of traditional Egyptian culture and religion, particularly during the Ptolemaic period when the great temple was constructed. The city's religious texts and inscriptions provide invaluable insights into ancient Egyptian mythology, rituals, and cosmology. As a personal name, Edfu connects the bearer to this rich heritage, symbolizing a link to one of Egypt's most sacred sites and the powerful deity it honored. The name evokes images of ancient wisdom, spiritual strength, and cultural continuity across millennia.
Individuals named Everhart are typically perceived as strong-willed, dependable, and courageous. They often exhibit natural leadership qualities combined with practical wisdom, making them effective in positions of responsibility. Their strength of character is balanced by a protective nature toward family and community, reflecting the name's warrior heritage while maintaining modern sensibilities. Everharts are known for approaching challenges with quiet determination rather than flashy bravado.



In social settings, Everharts may appear reserved initially but reveal deep loyalty to those who earn their trust. They value stability and tradition while being adaptable to necessary changes. Their combination of physical and moral strength makes them reliable in crises, and they often serve as the steady foundation in relationships and organizations. While they can be stubborn when principles are at stake, they typically exercise their strength with consideration for others' wellbeing.
Cultural & Historical Significance

Felisa holds significant cultural importance in Spanish-speaking communities as a name that embodies the ideal of blessed fortune and successful destiny. Originating from Latin roots meaning 'lucky' or 'fortunate,' the name has been carried through generations in Spain and Latin America, often chosen by parents hoping to bestow a life of happiness and prosperity upon their daughters. The name's cultural resonance is strengthened by its connection to Saint Felicity, an early Christian martyr whose story of faith and sacrifice has been celebrated in Catholic traditions for centuries. This religious association gave the name spiritual weight and helped establish it as a meaningful choice in predominantly Catholic countries.



In modern Hispanic cultures, Felisa represents more than just linguistic heritageit symbolizes the cultural values of family blessing, positive destiny, and the belief that names can influence character and life path. The name has been borne by influential women in politics, science, and arts throughout Latin America, further cementing its status as a name associated with achievement and distinction. In countries like Puerto Rico and Argentina, where several prominent Felisas have made national impacts, the name carries additional cultural pride and serves as a reminder of women's growing influence in public life. The enduring appeal of Felisa reflects the continuing importance of meaningful, tradition-rich names in Spanish-speaking communities worldwide.
MANILA, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- The Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Monday approved a 50-million-U.S.-dollar grant to help Tajikistan advance structural reforms that promote green jobs, boost economic diversification, and strengthen fiscal governance and transparency, with a particular focus on expanding opportunities for women.

The reforms include amending the country's leasing law to improve small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)' access to finance, developing green taxonomies to guide climate-aligned investments, introducing incentives for climate-friendly SMEs, and adopting a new law on organic production.

These measures, the ADB said, support Tajikistan's shift toward a greener and more sustainable economy.

The bank added that the program also enhances fiscal and climate governance by expanding fiscal risk reporting and initiating climate budget tagging, while accelerating digital transformation through stronger cybersecurity, fiscal incentives for tech-driven activities, and the establishment of an IT park.

The reforms are expected to strengthen Tajikistan's competitiveness and bolster efforts to attract investment. 
Cultural & Historical Significance

Galton originated as an English surname derived from various places called Galton or similar in Dorset, Devon, and other English counties, meaning 'settlement on high ground.' The name gained prominence through the influential Galton family, particularly in the 18th and 19th centuries, who were notable Quaker industrialists, bankers, and scientists. The most famous bearer, Sir Francis Galton, fundamentally shaped modern statistics, psychology, and genetics, though his legacy is complex due to his advocacy of eugenics. The name carries associations with intellectual achievement, scientific innovation, and British industrial heritage, while also reflecting the complicated history of scientific progress and its ethical dimensions.



The Galton family's influence extended beyond science into industry and banking, with Samuel Galton establishing one of England's major gun manufacturing businesses and helping found what would become Lloyds Bank. This dual legacy of scientific innovation and industrial enterprise makes the name emblematic of Britain's Industrial Revolution and scientific golden age. In Christian contexts, the name's 'high ground' meaning can also resonate with biblical themes of spiritual elevation and moral high ground, though its primary cultural associations remain secular and scientific.
Cultural & Historical Significance

The name Hacket carries significant cultural weight in German-speaking regions, where it evolved from occupational and descriptive origins. Historically, the name was associated with skilled craftsmen and problem-solvers, particularly those who worked with tools or machinery. In medieval German society, individuals bearing this name were often respected for their technical abilities and innovative approaches to challenges. The diminutive '-et' suffix suggests a familial or affectionate form, indicating the name was often passed through generations of artisans and tradespeople.



Throughout German history, the Hacket name appears in records of guild members, particularly among metalworkers, woodcrafters, and early engineers who contributed to Germany's reputation for precision craftsmanship. The name reflects the German cultural values of diligence, technical proficiency, and practical intelligence that have been central to the region's industrial and technological development. During the Industrial Revolution, families with the Hacket surname were often at the forefront of mechanical innovation, adapting traditional skills to new manufacturing processes.
Women named Halfrida typically exhibit a unique combination of inner strength and peaceful demeanor. They possess a calm, steady presence that belies their considerable resilience and determination. These individuals often serve as natural mediators in conflicts, using their diplomatic skills to find peaceful solutions while maintaining firm boundaries. Their 'peaceful heroine' nature manifests as protective instincts toward loved ones and strong ethical principles that guide their actions.



Halfridas are known for their practical wisdom and ability to remain composed under pressure, making them excellent in leadership roles where both compassion and firmness are required. They tend to be deeply principled individuals who champion causes they believe in, but always through measured, thoughtful approaches rather than impulsive actions. Their strength is quiet but formidable, and they often become the emotional anchors in their families and communities. While they may appear reserved initially, those who know them well appreciate their loyalty, reliability, and the depth of their commitment to those they care about. They embody the concept of 'gentle strength' - powerful yet never aggressive, firm yet always fair.
Individuals named Hardouin are typically perceived as possessing strong leadership qualities, unwavering loyalty, and a deep sense of tradition. They often exhibit the stoic determination and strategic thinking associated with their noble namesakes, combined with a protective nature toward those in their care. This personality profile suggests someone who values honor above personal gain, demonstrates resilience in adversity, and maintains composure under pressure. Their decision-making tends to be deliberate and well-considered, reflecting the weight of responsibility often associated with the name's historical bearers.



Hardouins are often seen as pillars of their communities or organizations, providing stability and guidance while respecting established hierarchies and customs. They typically combine practical wisdom with a strong moral compass, making them reliable counselors and steadfast allies in both personal and professional contexts. While they may appear reserved initially, those who earn their trust discover a deeply committed friend who honors promises and maintains relationships across years or even decades. The name suggests someone who understands that true strength lies not in domination but in faithful stewardship and the careful preservation of what matters most.
Individuals bearing the name Hay are often associated with strong leadership qualities, practical intelligence, and a grounded approach to life. The name's connection to 'stockade' or 'enclosure' suggests personality traits of protection, reliability, and the ability to create safe spaces for others. Historically, those with this name have demonstrated strategic thinking, loyalty to their communities, and a strong sense of responsibility. They tend to be methodical problem-solvers who value stability and tradition while being adaptable when necessary.



The military and noble associations of the name suggest courage, honor, and a natural authority that others respect. Modern bearers of the name often exhibit these traditional qualities in contemporary contexts, showing determination in their pursuits and a protective nature toward family and community. Their practical mindset combined with historical prestige creates individuals who are both grounded and ambitious, capable of building lasting legacies in their chosen fields while maintaining the core values of protection and reliability that the name symbolizes.
Men named Hevataneo are typically perceived as having strong, reliable characters with deep roots in tradition and community. They often exhibit the practical wisdom suggested by the name's meaning - able to handle complex situations with patience and skill. The rope symbolism indicates someone who serves as a connector within their community, binding people together through relationships and shared purposes. These individuals tend to be grounded and resilient, able to withstand pressure while maintaining their integrity. They often possess a quiet strength that becomes apparent in challenging situations, and they're typically respected for their consistency and dependability. At the same time, the fibrous quality of the name suggests someone with depth and complexity - a person who may reveal different facets of their character in different contexts, much like examining the intricate strands of a well-made rope.
Women named Hughette are often perceived as possessing a unique blend of intellectual depth and gentle strength. They typically exhibit thoughtful, analytical minds combined with compassionate natures, making them both wise counselors and loyal friends. Their personality often reflects the name's meaning of 'heart and mind,' showing balance between emotional intelligence and rational thinking. Hughettes tend to be reserved yet deeply perceptive, with an inner strength that emerges in challenging situations.



These individuals often demonstrate remarkable patience and perseverance in pursuing their goals, while maintaining a graceful demeanor that belies their determined spirit. They value authenticity in relationships and are known for their discretion and loyalty. The combination of the strong root name Hugh with the feminine diminutive creates a personality profile of someone who is both resilient and nurturing, capable of leadership while maintaining empathy. Hughettes often excel in fields requiring both analytical thinking and interpersonal skills, finding fulfillment in roles where they can make meaningful contributions through both intellect and compassion.
Individuals named Iasion are often perceived as possessing a deep connection to nature and a nurturing disposition, reflecting the agricultural origins of their namesake. They tend to be grounded, practical people with an appreciation for growth and abundance in all formswhether in relationships, careers, or personal development. Like the mythological Iasion who cultivated fields, modern bearers of this name often show patience and dedication to long-term projects, understanding that true wealth comes from sustained effort rather than quick gains.



There's also an element of romantic idealism associated with the name, stemming from Iasion's legendary relationship with Demeter. This can manifest as loyalty in partnerships and a tendency to form deep, meaningful connections. However, the tragic aspect of the myth suggests that those named Iasion might also face challenges when their ambitions or relationships cross established boundaries, requiring them to navigate authority and convention carefully. The combination of earthy practicality and romantic aspiration creates a complex personality profile that balances tradition with transformative potential.
Individuals named Jennessa are often perceived as creative, independent, and compassionate. They tend to possess a unique blend of traditional values and modern thinking, making them adaptable to various social situations. Jennessas are typically known for their strong intuition and emotional intelligence, allowing them to connect deeply with others while maintaining their distinctive personal style.



Many exhibit natural leadership qualities combined with a nurturing spirit, often finding themselves in roles where they can guide and support others while expressing their innovative ideas. Their name's modern creation suggests a personality that values both heritage and progress, often making them bridge-builders between different generations or perspectives. Jennessas are frequently described as having a graceful strengthable to stand firm in their convictions while remaining open to new experiences and diverse viewpoints.
Cultural & Historical Significance

Jeoffroi represents a significant name in French medieval history and culture, particularly prominent during the High Middle Ages. The name carries strong associations with chivalry, nobility, and the Crusader era, appearing frequently among French aristocracy and knights. Many bearers of this name played crucial roles in shaping French political and cultural landscapes, from participating in the Crusades to contributing to the development of courtly literature and troubadour traditions. The name's connection to 'divine peace' reflects the medieval Christian worldview where spiritual peace was considered the highest form of harmony, often sought through religious devotion and chivalric ideals.



Throughout French history, Jeoffroi has been associated with figures who balanced martial prowess with intellectual and spiritual pursuits, embodying the ideal of the Christian knight who sought peace through strength and faith. The name's prevalence among historical chroniclers, poets, and religious figures demonstrates its connection to both the written word and spiritual contemplation. This dual nature made Jeoffroi a name that symbolized the complete medieval gentleman  equally capable with sword and pen, dedicated to both earthly duties and heavenly aspirations.
Islamic socialism takes on the West By Tirza Shorr

web posted December 1, 2025 When New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani met President Trump at the White House in November, the cordial encounter between the self-described Muslim socialist and the former president puzzled many observers. How should Americans understand Mamdani's blend of Islamic identity and Democratic Socialist activism? Is he, as Congresswoman Elise Stefanik claimed, a "jihadist," or as Trump suggested, "rational"? The answer lies in understanding a century-old ideological tradition that melds Islamic theology with socialist revolutionary theory in ways that produce unpredictable and often dangerous outcomes. This fusion operates according to a logic articulated by neo-Marxist philosopher Herbert Marcuse, who argued for destroying the liberal democratic order by creating a "new sensibility"one that would demolish existing social structures to create something unprecedented, unpredictable, and radically different from Western civilization's foundations. Islamic socialism is not merely an intellectual curiosity. It represents a systematic challenge to Western democratic values, one that emerged from the Bolshevik Revolution and continues to shape American politics today. The Origins: Soviet Islamic Communism Islamic socialism was born in the aftermath of the Russian Revolution, when Vladimir Lenin successfully courted Muslim constituents of the Russian empire. Though their alliance may have been a marriage of convenience, both groups saw symmetry between their ideologies. For socialists, philosophy ruled, and the end goal was societal transformation. Muslims saw their faith similarlyas a comprehensive system for remaking society. The Marxist dialectic promised that contradictions between Islam and socialism would resolve themselves over time through social discourse. Opposing ideas would clash, then synthesize into something new and unpredictable. This was not a bug but a feature of the ideology. Two foundational theorists exemplified this synthesis: Azerbaijani Misaid Sultan Galiev and Muslim reformist Nariman Narimanov, both Shia Muslims. Narimanov depicted Lenin as a prophet and defender of the oppressed. In Soviet propaganda posters, the Muslim revolutionary communist appeared as an Orientalist hero wielding a sword and straddling a horse, combining spiritual and communist themes under slogans like "Gather in love! Under the light of the Red star!" This Soviet Islamic communism became foundational for Third World Marxism and postcolonial thought, including the theoretical framework behind the Palestinian cause. Years before Frantz Fanon wrote The Wretched of the Earth, Soviet Muslim socialists were theorizing about the psychology of the oppressed and the necessity of revolutionary violence. The Iranian Revolution: When Theology Triumphed The most dramatic demonstration of Islamic socialism's unpredictability came with Iran's 1979 revolution. Iranian Marxists and students joined forces with Ayatollah Khomeini to topple the Shah's Western-aligned monarchy, viewing the ayatollah's crusade as genuinely anti-imperialist. They believed they were creating a new revolutionary society that would synthesize Islamic authenticity with socialist equality. Ali Shariati, the revolution's most influential theorist, fused Shia martyrology with anti-imperialist and quasi-Marxist social critique. Reminiscent of Mamdani, Shariati identified as a Twelver Shia; his wife and daughters appeared modern and did not wear hijab. For Shariati, Islam functioned primarily as a revolutionary ideology rather than a fixed set of cultural practices. Khomeini, who used Shariati's writings as the ideology of the Revolution, declared that its goal was "dissolving all ideologies in Islam." Western intellectuals enthusiastically supported this revolutionary experiment. French philosophers Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, and Michel Foucault, along with Americans Edward Said and Richard Falk, applauded the Islamic Revolution. Foucault, who was gay, even excused Khomeini's death sentences for homosexual men, accepting the regime's explanation that they were Shah supporters. Covering the revolution as a journalist, Foucault welcomed the Islamic government's "political spirituality" and called Khomeini "a kind of mystic saint." The outcome, however, proved disastrous for those who believed the dialectic would synthesize their contradictory goals. Khomeini murdered and exiled secular dissidents along with Islamic leftist parties, executing more than 2,600 members of the People's Mujahedin of Iran (MEK) alone. The revolution did not create a new synthesisit simply replaced one authoritarian system with another, more theologically rigid one. Yet this catastrophic outcome did not discredit the Islamic socialist project. Instead, its proponents argued that the wrong faction had prevailed, not that the underlying synthesis was flawed. The Saidist Turn: Islam as Racialized Oppression The publication of Edward Said's Orientalism in 1978 reenergized Islamic socialism by recasting it through the lens of postcolonial racial theory. Said, a Christian Palestinian American, argued that Western imperial culture constructed Islam and Arabs as inferior "Others" to justify domination. This transformed Islam from a religious tradition into a racialized political category of structural oppression. Mahmood Mamdani, Zohran's father, extended Said's analysis in Good Muslim, Bad Muslim, arguing that Western power redefined Islam through a colonial lens that racializes Muslims as either submissive or violent. In the spirit of Fanon, Mahmood wrote that "suicide bombing needs to be understood as a feature of modern political violence rather than stigmatized as a mark of barbarism. We need to recognize the suicide bomber, first and foremost, as a category of soldier." This framework allows Islamic identity to be folded into the broader progressive coalition of the oppressed. As scholar Hussein Aboubakr Mansour documents, prominent Arab Marxists like Abdul Wahab Al-Missiri synthesized Marxist-Islamic critical theory specifically targeting Zionism and Judaism, "revealing its inherently colonialist, imperialist, and dehumanizing nature." When asked what remained of his youthful Marxism, Missiri answered: "Nothing and everything my Marxism dissolved into Islamic humanism." Islamic Liberation Theology: The American Expression In contemporary America, Islamic socialism manifests as Islamic Liberation Theology, which frames Muslim identity as a racialized category of oppression comparable to other minorities. This allows figures like Zohran Mamdani to seamlessly blend socialist economics with identity politics. Consider Mamdani's rhetoric: "As a Muslim-American, I've seen 'terrorism' used as an excuse for the state to terrorize our communities. Let's not enable them to continue going after Black & Brown people." Here, "Muslim" functions not as a religious identifier but as a synonym for racialized victims of "state violence"a concept pioneered by Michel Foucault, Said's inspiration. Similarly, media pundit Mehdi Hasan tweeted that one-third of Black slaves who arrived in North America were Muslims, implying that America was built on Islamic suffering and that Muslims had an early foundational role in establishing the United States. This mirrors the New York Times' "1619 Project" in casting American history as fundamentally rooted in oppression. This network extends throughout American progressive politics. Congresswomen Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib share this rhetorical framework, as do activists like Linda Sarsour and academics like Columbia's Hamid Dabashi, who directs the university's Center for Palestine Studies and advocates Islamic Liberation Theology as resistance to empire. Significantly, Mamdani is reportedly supporting Aber Kawas for New York State Assemblya recent Master's graduate whose thesis examined Islamic Liberation Theology and who has described 9/11 as something "a couple of people did." The Marcusean Logic: Destroying to Create the Unknowable Herbert Marcuse, the neo-Marxist Frankfurt School philosopher, provides the theoretical key to understanding Islamic socialism's internal logic. Marcuse argued that genuine liberation required creating a "new sensibility"destroying the liberal democratic order to create something unprecedented and unpredictable. For Marcuse, the existing liberal system was so thoroughly corrupt that it could not be reformed, only demolished. The revolutionary's task was not to envision what would replace it but simply to tear it down, trusting that something better would emerge from the ruins. The content of the future society could not and should not be predicted using categories from the oppressive present. Islamic socialism operates according to this exact logic. It does not promise a coherent synthesis of Islamic theology and socialist economics. Instead, it mobilizes religious identity and revolutionary fervor to destroy existing structureswhether the Shah's monarchy, American "imperialism," or Israeli "settler-colonialism"without knowing or particularly caring what will emerge. This explains why progressive activists support Hamas despite its execution of gay men and rigid patriarchal control, or why feminists allied with Islamic conservatives in Hamtramck, Michigan, only to watch the newly elected Muslim mayor ban Pride flags. What matters is not internal consistency but opposition to the liberal democratic order itself. The Iranian Revolution demonstrates this principle perfectly. The synthesis that emerged was neither the socialist egalitarianism desired by leftists nor the pluralistic democracy imagined by liberals, but rather an authoritarian theocracy. Yet Islamic socialist ideology simply moved on to the next revolutionary project, undeterred by the catastrophic outcome. Conclusion: The Threat to Liberal Democracy The Islamic socialist tradition represents a systematic challenge to Western democratic civilization. By racializing Muslim identity as inherently oppressed and framing any criticism as "Islamophobia," it immunizes itself from empirical critique. By combining religious practice with revolutionary praxis, it transforms faith into political instrumentality. By embracing Marcuse's logic of creative destruction, it explicitly rejects the need to justify what will replace the liberal order it seeks to demolish. Americans must understand that when figures like Zohran Mamdani blend Islamic identity with socialist politics, they are not simply expressing a benign preference for economic redistribution. They are participating in a century-old tradition of revolutionary ideology that has repeatedly produced authoritarian outcomesfrom Stalin's Soviet empire to Khomeini's Islamic Republic. The question is not whether Mamdani is "rational" or a "jihadist." The question is whether Americans will recognize that Islamic socialism, like all Marxist projects of creative destruction, represents a fundamental threat to the liberal democratic values that undergird Western civilization. History suggests that when theology and revolutionary ideology merge without concern for predictable outcomes, the result is rarely freedomit is typically just a new form of tyranny. Tirza Shorr is a senior researcher and program coordinator at the Jerusalem Center. Her research specialty is the ideology of leftist movements and the Red-Green alliance. Home

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Cultural & Historical Significance

Juanisha represents a modern evolution of traditional Spanish naming practices, blending the classic foundation of Juana with contemporary creative suffixes. The name emerged in the late 20th century as Hispanic communities in the United States began creating new name variations that honor cultural roots while expressing individuality. This naming pattern reflects the dynamic nature of Latino identity in multicultural societies, where traditional names are adapted to reflect both heritage and personal expression.



The creation of names like Juanisha demonstrates how language and culture continuously evolve through diaspora experiences and cross-cultural influences. It signifies the ongoing vitality of Hispanic naming traditions while acknowledging the creative impulses of new generations. The name carries forward the deep religious and familial significance of its root name Juana while allowing for personal distinction and modern identity formation within rapidly changing social landscapes.
Individuals named Kafele are typically characterized by intense loyalty, deep conviction, and a powerful sense of responsibility. They often possess a natural leadership quality combined with emotional depth that makes them both respected and trusted by others. Kafeles tend to be protective of those they care about, sometimes to the point of self-sacrifice, and they approach relationships and commitments with serious dedication.



Their strong moral compass guides their decisions, and they're often drawn to roles where they can make a meaningful difference in their communities. While they can be perceived as intense or serious, this stems from their profound sense of purpose and commitment to their values. Kafeles typically excel in situations requiring steadfastness and reliability, though they may need to balance their tendency toward self-sacrifice with self-care. These personality traits align closely with the name's meaning, creating a cohesive identity centered around devotion and strength of character.
Women named Keyara are often described as possessing a calm yet powerful presence, much like the river their name represents. They typically exhibit remarkable adaptability and resilience, flowing around obstacles while maintaining their essential character. Keyaras tend to be deeply intuitive and emotionally intelligent, with an ability to understand undercurrents in social situations that others might miss. Their nurturing nature makes them excellent friends and confidantes, always ready to provide emotional support and guidance. At the same time, they possess inner strength and determination that can surprise those who underestimate them.



In professional and personal settings, Keyaras often demonstrate excellent communication skills and a natural ability to bring people together. They're frequently drawn to creative or helping professions where they can make a meaningful impact on others' lives. Their river-like nature means they're constantly evolving and growing, embracing new experiences while staying true to their core values. While they can be reserved initially, once trust is established, they form deep, lasting relationships. The combination of beauty and strength in their name's meaning often manifests as individuals who are both aesthetically aware and morally grounded, creating a compelling presence that draws others to them naturally.
Individuals named Kimimela are often perceived as graceful, adaptable, and spiritually aware, mirroring the butterfly's transformative journey. They tend to be creative souls with a natural elegance and the ability to navigate life's changes with resilience and beauty. These individuals often possess a quiet strength that emerges during challenging times, much like the caterpillar's metamorphosis into a butterfly. Their presence often brings a sense of calm and beauty to their surroundings.



Kimimelas are typically intuitive, sensitive to their environment, and have a nurturing presence that brings comfort to others. Their personality often reflects the butterfly's symbolic qualities of hope, renewal, and the ability to find beauty in transformation. They tend to be social yet introspective, capable of deep connections while maintaining their unique identity. The name suggests someone who embraces personal growth and inspires others through their journey of self-discovery and adaptation to life's ever-changing circumstances.
Women named Kindra are often perceived as strong, protective individuals with a clear sense of purpose and responsibility. The name's etymological roots suggest someone who combines royal dignity with nurturing protection, resulting in a personality that is both authoritative and caring. Kindras are typically seen as natural leaders who approach challenges with clarity and determination, much like the 'clear water' element in the name's meaning.



They often exhibit a balanced combination of strength and compassion, making them effective in roles that require both decision-making and empathy. The protective aspect of the name suggests someone who is loyal to family and friends, while the 'royal obligation' component indicates a strong sense of duty and moral responsibility. This creates individuals who are reliable, principled, and often take on leadership or caretaking roles in their communities. Their clarity of thought and purpose enables them to navigate complex situations with wisdom and grace.
Individuals named Mariane are often perceived as possessing a unique blend of traditional values and modern sensibilities. They typically exhibit refined taste, intellectual curiosity, and emotional depth, combining the grace associated with classical French culture with contemporary open-mindedness. Marianes are frequently described as intuitive and perceptive, with a natural ability to understand complex emotional landscapes while maintaining practical judgment.



This combination often results in individuals who are both strong-willed and compassionate, capable of standing firm in their convictions while remaining empathetic to others' perspectives. The name suggests someone with artistic sensitivity and analytical capability, able to appreciate beauty while understanding underlying structures and meanings. Marianes tend to be lifelong learners who value both emotional intelligence and intellectual growth, often excelling in fields that require both creativity and critical thinking. Their personality reflects the name's balance between its classical roots and contemporary variations, creating individuals who honor tradition while forging their own paths.
Symbolically, Matxalen represents the enduring strength of cultural identity and the feminine capacity for both protection and vision. The tower imagery suggests not just physical strength but also the metaphorical height that provides clarity and perspective. It symbolizes the ability to stand firm in one's convictions while offering refuge and guidance to others. In the Basque context, the name carries additional layers of meaning related to cultural survival and renaissance - representing how traditions can be maintained and revitalized across generations. The name embodies the concept of 'rootedness' combined with expansive vision, creating a powerful symbol of how local identity can engage with global realities without losing its essential character. It represents the idea that true strength comes from knowing one's origins while having the courage to look toward the future.
Individuals named Moreley are often perceived as grounded, practical, and deeply connected to tradition. They typically exhibit a calm, steady demeanor reminiscent of the stable moorland landscapes from which the name derives. Moreleys are known for their reliability and methodical approach to life, preferring careful consideration over impulsive decisions. Their connection to land and nature often translates into a practical wisdom and patience that others find reassuring.



In social settings, Moreleys tend to be reserved but deeply loyal once trust is established. They value authenticity and often possess a quiet strength that emerges during challenging times. Their moorland heritage suggests a personality comfortable with solitude and introspection, yet capable of great warmth within close relationships. The Christian background of the name often correlates with strong moral principles and a sense of duty, making Moreleys dependable community members who approach life with both practicality and spiritual depth.



These individuals typically demonstrate resilience and adaptability, much like the moorland environment that can be both harsh and beautiful. They often have a strong sense of place and history, valuing continuity and tradition while being capable of innovation when necessary. The balance between moor and meadow in the name's meaning often manifests as a personality that can navigate both challenging circumstances and peaceful environments with equal grace.
Individuals named Nisus are typically characterized by strong determination and unwavering loyalty. They possess a natural leadership quality and are often seen as protective figures who take their responsibilities seriously. The mythological associations suggest someone who is deeply committed to their principles and will defend what they believe in with great passion. However, there may be a vulnerability to betrayal from those closest to them, as reflected in the original myth.



Nisus personalities tend to be strategic thinkers who approach challenges with careful planning and persistence. They value deep, meaningful relationships and are known for their reliability and steadfast nature. While they can be somewhat traditional in their outlook, they possess the courage to make difficult decisions when necessary and often inspire trust and respect in others through their consistent character and moral strength. The name carries an air of classical dignity and intellectual depth, suggesting someone who appreciates history, tradition, and the lessons they can teach about human nature and relationships.
Individuals named Nowa are often perceived as having illuminating personalities - they tend to be insightful, spiritually aware, and possess a natural ability to guide others. Their presence is frequently described as calming and enlightening, with an intuitive understanding of complex situations. Nowas typically exhibit strong moral compasses and are known for their wisdom in difficult circumstances.



These individuals often serve as beacons of hope and clarity in their communities, offering thoughtful perspectives and emotional support. They usually demonstrate patience, compassion, and a deep sense of responsibility toward helping others find their own paths. Their analytical nature combined with emotional intelligence makes them excellent mediators and trusted advisors in both personal and professional settings. The name's association with light often manifests in their ability to bring clarity to confusing situations and hope during challenging times.
The bureaucratic charade of UN climate conferences By Tom Harris

web posted December 1, 2025 The greatest irony of the yearly United Nations climate conferences, the most recent of which, COP30, wrapped up last recently in Belem, Brazil, is the huge number of delegates flying into an event that preaches massive restrictions on flying. For example, when I attended COP15, the United Nations' 15th major climate conference in 2009 in Copenhagen, I was astonished to find that, at about 30,000 attendees, it was literally the biggest conference in world history, up to that time. More than 85 world leaders attended COP15, another record for any conference on any topic, ever. Everyone from U.S. President Barack Obama to Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao to Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, as well as the heads of state of the UK, Germany, France, India, the Philippines, and many other countries were all in attendance. The event planners never expected all 30,000 registrants to actually make the round trip to Denmark, so when practically all of them showed up, the Bella Center, where COP15 was held, was overwhelmed and had to turn thousands away. I got in simply because I arrived and checked in well before the high level second week of the conference. To make matters worse, especially for delegates from poor, hot countries who had spent the equivalent of a king's ransom to fly in, Al Gore showed up, and the statistically coincidental "Al Gore effect" was in full swing and Copenhagen found itself in it's coldest December in decades. So, after standing in line outside the center in sub zero temperatures for eight hours, only to be refused entry, thousands of delegates were furious at the organizers' ineptitude. Many of the protesters on the streets outside the event were undoubtedly angry delegates. But COP15 was small in comparison with the most recent UN climate conferences. Below are the attendance figures of all COPs up to last year's since the first in 1995 as assembled by Carbon Brief . This year's COP30 was the third-largest COP in history with 56,118 delegates registered, while COP28 in Dubai was attended by an astonishing 80,000+ people. Expenses have also sky-rocketed along with attendance numbers.

One of the stated goals of COP30 was "refocusing efforts on action and implementation by translating words into transformative actions on the ground." Yet the main action and implementation we see each year when countries send hundreds of delegates across the world to attend the conference, incurring huge expenses for taxpayers, is a massive expenditure of energy, and related carbon dioxide emissions, blatantly contradicting their own dogma that air travel has one of the worst impacts on climate change. Even Microsoft CoPilot AI, generally a supporter of all UN climate activities, prepared the image to the right when I asked it to create an image to show the emissions impact of 60,000 delegates flying to COP30. We can get a sense of typical expenses involved by analyzing the expenses from recent COPs. Here are some examples: As reported by Business Day , COP29 cost the Nigerian government N866 million (approx. $600,000 USD) in flight costs alone, with 634 delegates attending. Ministers attending are paid $900 per day, which comes $11,700 each for the 13-day conference. Permanent secretaries are paid $600 per day, amounting to $7,800 for the same period. Even those supporting the climate scare have said that , "Nigeria's delegation to COP29 could have been substantially reduced while maintaining effective representation" and that "The funds spent on COP29 delegates could directly support community-led initiatives addressing climate-related challenges locally." Regardless of one's views on climate change, these expenses are extravagant, especially for a developing nation, and we can all agree that the funds would have been better spent elsewhere: adapting to climate change should be a priority, for climate change is natural and will always happen. Building resilient infrastructure and communities is thus key for ensuring a country's prosperity. The Australian government spent almost A$1.7 million (approx. $1.1 million USD) to send their 75 bureaucrats and 2 ministers to COP29. This has also been heavily criticized, for instance, by shadow finance minister James Patterson, who said that the Labour government has been "spending extravagant sums of taxpayers' money on climate junkets." Australia also spent A$871,000 (approx. $570,000 USD) at COP29 for a pavilion to share "stories of Australian climate action." Fiji spent FJ$1.2 million (approx. $500,000 USD) to send their 56-member delegation to COP29, and Pakistan spent over $1 million USD to send their 35-member delegation. Although Canada has not released their expenses for COP29, we can get an idea of their expenditures by looking at the 2023 conference. At the COP28 conference , Canada spent $1.4 million CAD (approx. $1 million USD) to send 633 delegates to Dubai, even more than the US under Biden, which included transportation, accommodations, meals, and incidentals. This included no less than 114 federal employees. In addition, the government put $1.3 million CAD (approx. $0.9 million USD) toward a Canada Pavilion to "showcase the breadth of Canadian climate leadership." The total cost for Canada's participation in the meeting was over $2.1 million USD. Franco Terrazzano, federal director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, said, "Nothing screams fighting climate change like flying around the world, burning through jet fuel and taxpayers' cash." The U.S. has apparently not released their expenses for past COP conferences, but we can determine a rough estimate for COP28 based on Canada's numbers. The U.S. sent 405 delegates, again on Joe Biden's watch, which is about 64% of the number of delegates sent by Canada, and also had a USA Pavilion. Assuming that the delegates stayed at similarly priced hotels and that transportation costs were comparable, this would lead to a total $1.3 million USD. Happily for the American taxpayer, the Trump administration decided that no top White House officials or negotiators would fly to Brazil for COP30 . In addition, neither Trump, nor any of his people, attended the leaders' summit ahead of the main conference in Belem. Yet, while Trump's administration sensibly ignored the summit, over 100 state and local U.S. leaders  including governors and mayors of towns and cities  were still expected to attend CP30. Of course, none of these expenses are even remotely necessary. There is no climate emergency, so each country is spending millions of dollars annually to attend nothing but a bureaucratic charade. Bill Gates' recent statement that climate change "will not lead to humanity's demise" is a step in the right direction, especially given his extreme views on climate change in the past. His statement that "It's time to put human welfare at the center of our climate strategies" is certainly reasonable, for we should always help people adapt to climate change. He goes on to say that "Our chief goal should be to prevent suffering, particularly for those in the toughest conditions who live in the world's poorest countries." However, Gates still supports the mistaken idea that climate change is caused mostly by humans and is a serious problem, so these statements, although a step in the right direction, do not mark as critical a turning point as many believe. Indeed, he says in the same memo that "Climate change is a very important problemEvery tenth of a degree of heating that we prevent is hugely beneficial because a stable climate makes it easier to improve people's lives" and further details how "renewable" technologies can help achieve this goal. The climate alarmist narrative is dampened, but it is still very prevalent in his outlook. In the UN's recent press release in preparation for COP30, " Climate and Nature Solutions ," Catherine McKenna, former Canadian environment minister, now Chair of the UN's High-Level Expert Group on Net-Zero Emissions Commitments of Non-State Actors, pushed for companies and cities to commit to Net-Zero emission goals and detailed a framework to hold them accountable. She said that "83 percent of the global economy is covered by net zero commitments" and that we must "accelerate climate action." So, although the tide turning, it hasn't yet reached its peak before an inevitable decline. Using a very simplified illustration, the trend could look something like this: The Rise and Fall of Climate Alarmism

Climate alarmism still rising, at least outside of the U.S. federal government. But change is in the wind, and Net-Zero projects will, hopefully sooner rather than later, become an embarrassment of the past. Then the real "stranded assets" will be expensive, inefficient, and environmentally damaging wind turbines, solar power plants, and massive Battery Energy Storage Systems. Let's hope that President Trump's realistic view of climate change will help the alarmist narrative crumble and that COP30 may indeed be one of the last such hypocritical, expensive, and useless gabfests. The death of climate change alarmism cannot happen soon enough. Tom Harris is Executive Director, International Climate Science Coalition. Note: Mary-Jean Harris, BSc, MSc (physics), contributed to this article. Home

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Individuals named Odakota are often perceived as naturally diplomatic, compassionate, and community-oriented. They tend to possess strong interpersonal skills and excel in situations requiring mediation or bringing people together. Their inherent understanding of relationships makes them excellent team players and natural leaders who prioritize harmony and collective well-being over individual achievement. People with this name typically demonstrate emotional intelligence and the ability to understand multiple perspectives.



Odakotas typically demonstrate loyalty and reliability in their personal and professional relationships. They are often described as grounded individuals with a strong sense of justice and fairness. While they are generally peaceful and cooperative, they can be fiercely protective of those they care about and will stand up for principles they believe in. Their balanced nature allows them to be both thoughtful listeners and effective communicators, making them valued members of any community.



These individuals often exhibit a natural curiosity about different cultures and perspectives, which complements their diplomatic nature. They tend to be adaptable and resilient, able to navigate complex social situations with grace. The name's cultural roots often manifest in a deep appreciation for tradition and history, combined with a forward-looking approach to problem-solving and community building.
People named Raedburne typically display a remarkable balance of stability and adaptability, much like the streams that inspired their name. They tend to be deeply intuitive individuals with strong connections to their environment and community. Their analytical nature allows them to assess situations thoroughly before acting, while their practical mindset ensures they implement effective solutions. Raedburnes often exhibit leadership qualities characterized by quiet confidence rather than overt dominance. They're known for their persistence - like water wearing down stone, they approach challenges with steady determination. Socially, they value deep, meaningful connections over superficial relationships and often serve as pillars within their communities. Their connection to the 'red stream' symbolism often manifests as both passion for their convictions and the ability to navigate emotional currents with grace. They typically excel in careers involving environmental science, education, community organization, or any field requiring both creative thinking and practical application.
Cultural & Historical Significance

Rainor is a name deeply rooted in Germanic tradition, combining elements of strength and wisdom. The name emerged during the medieval period as a variation of Rainer, itself derived from the Old German elements 'ragin' meaning 'counsel' and 'heri' meaning 'army'. This combination created the powerful meaning 'strong counselor' or 'wise warrior', reflecting the ideal qualities of Germanic leadership where strategic thinking was valued alongside physical prowess. Throughout German history, the name has been associated with nobility, military leaders, and influential advisors who shaped political and cultural developments.



During the Holy Roman Empire, bearers of this name often served as trusted counselors to ruling families, embodying the name's core meaning through their roles in governance and diplomacy. The name maintained its aristocratic connotations through the Renaissance and into modern times, though it has evolved to represent intellectual strength and moral leadership in contemporary contexts. In Germanic cultural memory, Rainor represents the ideal of balanced leadershipthe individual who can both plan strategically in council chambers and lead courageously on the battlefield, making it a name that continues to resonate with themes of wisdom, strength, and responsible authority.
Cultural & Historical Significance

The name Serenata holds deep cultural significance in Chamoru communities, particularly in Guam and the Mariana Islands. Rooted in the Spanish colonial period, the name reflects the blending of indigenous Chamoru traditions with Spanish musical influences. Serenading, or 'kantan serenata' in Chamoru, became an integral part of courtship rituals and community celebrations throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. These musical performances typically occurred in the evening, often featuring guitar, ukulele, and traditional Chamoru instruments, creating an atmosphere of romance and community bonding.



The name embodies the preservation of cultural identity through music, serving as a living testament to the resilience of Chamoru traditions despite centuries of colonial influence. During the Spanish era, serenatas became a way for Chamoru people to maintain their cultural practices while adapting to new influences. The tradition continued through American administration and remains vibrant today, particularly in village fiestas and family celebrations. The name Serenata thus represents both historical continuity and cultural pride, connecting modern Chamoru people to their ancestral practices of musical expression and community gathering. It symbolizes the enduring spirit of the Chamoru people and their ability to transform external influences into unique cultural expressions that strengthen rather than diminish their identity.
Individuals named Shaylee are often perceived as creative, imaginative, and emotionally expressive. The name's melodic quality and modern origins suggest someone who is adaptable, socially aware, and comfortable with self-expression. Many Shaylees are thought to possess a natural charm and artistic sensibility, with an ability to connect with diverse groups of people. The name's contemporary feel indicates someone who values individuality while maintaining social connections.



Shaylees are often described as having a whimsical or dreamy quality, possibly influenced by the name's association with fairy mythology, which may manifest as creativity, intuition, or a unique perspective on the world. They tend to be open-minded, embracing new experiences and ideas while maintaining a grounded practicality that comes from the name's modern, accessible nature. The combination of traditional elements with contemporary styling suggests someone who respects heritage while moving forward with innovation and personal growth.
Cultural & Historical Significance

The name Tahki holds deep significance in Algonquian cultures, particularly among tribes such as the Ojibwe, Cree, and Mi'kmaq. In these traditions, names are not merely labels but carry spiritual weight and reflect the natural world that sustains Indigenous communities. The meaning 'cold' connects the bearer to winter, a season of introspection, survival, and the cleansing power of snow and ice. This name embodies the resilience required to endure harsh conditions and the wisdom of adapting to nature's cycles.



Historically, names describing natural phenomena like cold seasons were given to honor the time of birth or significant events occurring during that period. Tahki represents more than just temperatureit symbolizes purification, renewal, and the quiet strength found in winter's stillness. In contemporary Indigenous communities, the name continues to be used to maintain cultural continuity and honor ancestral connections to the land and its seasonal rhythms.
People named Vallois typically exhibit characteristics that reflect their name's geographical origins. They often demonstrate remarkable stability and practicality, approaching life with the steady, enduring quality of the land itself. Their decision-making tends to be methodical and well-considered, showing the patience of valleys that form over millennia. Vallois individuals frequently possess a nurturing disposition, naturally creating supportive environments for othersmuch like how valleys provide shelter and resources. They tend to be deeply rooted in their principles and values, showing loyalty to family and community that mirrors the interconnectedness of valley ecosystems. While they may not seek the spotlight, they often become the foundation of their social or professional circles, providing reliability and wisdom. Their connection to valley symbolism also suggests hidden depthsthey may have rich inner lives or talents that reveal themselves gradually. In challenging situations, they demonstrate the resilience of natural landscapes, adapting while maintaining core integrity. Their practical intelligence often makes them excellent problem-solvers who can see the bigger picture while attending to necessary details. Relationships with Vallois-named individuals tend to be enduring, built on trust and mutual respect that deepens over time.
Symbolically, Wajihah represents the convergence of outward excellence and inner nobility - the ideal that true distinction comes from character rather than circumstance. The name carries deep metaphorical significance as representing one who 'faces the world' with courage, integrity, and purpose. In Islamic symbolism, it connects to the concept of 'noor' (divine light) manifesting through human excellence and righteous action. The name also symbolizes the bridge between individual achievement and community benefit - the idea that personal distinction should serve collective upliftment. Metaphorically, Wajihah represents the flowering of human potential when nurtured by faith, knowledge, and ethical commitment. It symbolizes the mountain that provides shelter and guidance to others while reaching toward the heavens. The name carries the symbolic weight of historical Muslim women who balanced multiple roles as scholars, caregivers, and community leaders, representing the comprehensive excellence Islam encourages in all believers. In contemporary context, it has come to symbolize the modern Muslim woman who honors tradition while pioneering new paths of achievement and service.
Cultural & Historical Significance

Zenas holds significant cultural importance primarily through its biblical origins and Greek heritage. The name appears in the New Testament in Titus 3:13, where Paul instructs Titus to 'bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them.' This biblical connection gave the name early Christian significance and helped preserve it through centuries of Christian tradition. The name's Greek origin connects it to ancient Greek culture and mythology, specifically to Zeus, the king of the gods, making it a name that carries both religious and classical weight.



In American history, Zenas gained some prominence during the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly in New England and among Puritan communities who often adopted biblical names. The name experienced a modest revival during the Victorian era when classical and biblical names were fashionable. Throughout its history, Zenas has maintained a scholarly and somewhat aristocratic connotation, likely due to its association with 'Zenas the lawyer' in the Bible and its classical Greek roots. The name represents a bridge between classical antiquity and Christian tradition, embodying the transmission of Greek intellectual and cultural values into Western civilization.
Individuals named Zoelane are often perceived as purposeful and introspective, embodying the 'narrow road' aspect of their name's meaning through focused determination and clear life direction. They tend to be philosophical thinkers who value depth in relationships and pursuits, often showing remarkable resilience when faced with life's challenges. Their combination of vitality (from the 'life' element) and direction creates a balanced personality that is both energetic and grounded.



Zoelanes typically exhibit strong intuition and a natural ability to navigate complex situations, much like traveling a narrow path requires careful navigation. They are often drawn to helping others find their own life paths, making them excellent mentors, counselors, or teachers. Their unique blend of life energy and purposeful direction makes them both inspiring and dependable individuals who approach life with both passion and precision, reflecting the dual nature of their name's meaning.
Don't fall for the spin and fake studies, the left is more violent than the right By Rachel Alexander

web posted December 1, 2025 The MSM frequently claims that the right is more violent than the left, but they use distorted methodology to come to this fake conclusion. Due to this manipulation, it is almost impossible to discover the real breakdown. First of all, the left has many known violent factions  Antifa, Black Bloc, BLM, Islamic terrorists, transgenders and environmental terrorists like the Unabomber. There has also been a wave of firebombings against crisis pregnancy centers and other pro-life organizations, and anti-corporate violence like the murder of a health insurance CEO by Luigi Mangone. Leftist radicals have targeted the police, and most recently, we're seeing a new rise of violence against ICE agents. In contrast, there are almost no known violent factions on the right. So to achieve this false perception, the left lumps racists, white supremacists and neo-Nazis in with the right, when we all know that ilk isn't conservative, but just deranged haters who often fall on the left anyway. For example there was the neo-Nazi Libertarian National Socialist Green Party (LNSGP), which has been mostly scrubbed off the internet (except DuckDuckGo ), but The New York Times reported about one of its forums in 2005 and its founder was interviewed in 2007. Bill White, a prominent LNSGP member who ran the group's news site Overthrow.com from 20022009, was convicted several times for threats that terrorized victims. Jeff Weise , an active poster on the nazi.org forums run by the LNSGP, murdered multiple people in the Red Lake High School Massacre. The right treats races in a colorblind way, whereas the left emphasizes racial differences and promotes certain races, so it makes sense that the racists would be on the left. The most well-known white nationalist in the country, Richard Spencer, voted for Democrat John Kerry for president, and endorsed both Joe Biden and Kamala Harris for president (according to the website Jezebel , as of 2022 he said he no longer identifies as a white nationalist and is a political moderate). The reality is, almost every instance of so-called right-wing violence involved a racist or antisemitic. Only by claiming they are on the right can the left come to the tortured opinion that there is more violence on the right. For example, there is not one piece of evidence in the Wikipedia entry for Dylan Roof, who murdered blacks in a church on a racist rampage, showing he was politically on the right. There was only evidence he disliked blacks and Jews. In fact, the entry reports that "Roof was also seen spitting on and burning an American flag." The left calls leading conservative figures on the right like President Donald Trump Nazis in order to create this false perception. Real neo-Nazis tend to be non-Christians like Hitler who targeted Jews, which goes against the Christian Republican base and their love of Israel. The Nazi party's name included the phrase "National Socialist," since they called for profit-sharing, nationalization of trusts and welfare for the "racially pure," which echoed socialist demands for economic reform. The party favored a strong state role in directing economic activity, implementing a mixed economy with heavy regulation, price controls and public works. Nazis drew support from similar demographics, like the socialists in Weimar Germany. These so-called studies claiming there is more violence on the right fail to include Islamic terrorists on the left  even though the left regularly promotes their causes like violent riots for Palestine. The MSM points to their disagreement on the treatment of women and gays  but these disagreements never materialize, are swept under the rug due to agreement on their wider overarching goals. We see memes mocking LGBT for hypocritically rallying for Palestine while they're being thrown off skyscrapers by radical Islamists, but there is nothing but deafening silence from the left because it's not an issue. The two work well together. Notice how Islamist attacks provoke conservative shifts in public opinion, not left-wing ones. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) is widely perceived as a left-wing organization. The radical Islamists in office are all far left Democrats, like Reps. Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib. Many violent attacks attributed to the right have since been discredited. The plot to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer was outed as facilitated by undercover feds. The overly hyped J6 protest, which was also encouraged by undercover feds, resulted in the deaths of protesters, not anyone allegedly targeted, and officers who later died were found to have passed away due to other causes. The Center for Strategic and International Studies found so far this year that there have been five left-wing terrorist incidents compared to just one from the far right. The one allegedly from the right was Vance Boelter's murder of Minnesota State Rep. Melissa Hortman, a Democrat, and her husband Mark. While the MSM points to evidence that he was on the right, targeting politicians who champion abortion, he was also appointed to Minnesota's Governor's Workforce Development Board in 2016 by two Democratic governors, and authorities found homemade flyers with the slogan "No Kings" in his car. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph Thompson said , "I have not seen anything involving some sort of political screed or manifesto that would clearly identify what motivated him." Boelter's full list of targets was never released. It all makes sense, since the Republican base is formed of Christians, who teach peace and oppose violence. A YouGov poll from September found that about 20 percent of those on the left said it is justified for citizens to resort to violence to achieve political goals, compared to only about 6 percent of those on the right. So it doesn't make sense that more violence would come from the right. The right must start pushing back on the fake statistics. We all know the left and its comrades in the MSM lie, so why are their claims that there is more violence on the right, by lumping us in with racists, accepted as the truth? Rachel Alexander and her brother Andrew are co-Editors of Intellectual Conservative. She has been published in the American Spectator, Townhall.com, Fox News, NewsMax, Accuracy in Media, The Americano, ParcBench, Enter Stage Right and other publications. Home

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People who attend See the Gems at Giant City can view the sky through telescopes like this one at a recent Southern Illinois Star Party. (SIU Carbondale photo)

SIU to host viewing party for Geminids at their peak at Giant City State Park

by Kim Rendfeld

CARBONDALE, Ill.  This month, stargazers can get one of the best views of the Geminid meteor shower at its peak, thanks to an event sponsored in part by Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

See the Gems at Giant City will take place from 9:30 p.m. Dec. 13 to 1 a.m. Dec. 14 at Giant City State Park, with parking available just past the Indian Creek Trailhead. The SIU School of Physics and Applied Physics and members of the Astronomical Society of Southern Illinois will set up telescopes. The event will include guided hikes into the viewing area from Giant City Campground at 9:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. with a guided walk back to the campground at 1 a.m., plus a presentation on the Geminid meteor shower at 10:30 p.m.

We are encouraging the public to practice more skywatching without the need for specialized equipment, said Steve Gariepy, outreach coordinator and experiential education specialist at the SIU STEM Education Research Center. With up to 50-120 meteors per hour, in one of most beautiful parks in Illinois, this is a great opportunity for that.

Just to have the opportunity to enjoy the park after hours at an outdoor event will be worth the drive, he said. "The meteors will be the icing on the celestial cake."

Although there will be a warming station and hot drinks will be served, participants are urged to dress appropriately for cold weather and bring a headlamp or flashlight.

First recorded in 1833, the Geminids are active Dec. 4-20 each year and peak overnight Dec. 13-14. With a waning crescent moon, the viewing promises to be good if the skies are clear.

For more information, visit the See the Gems at Giant City webpage. People who want to volunteer or receive more information may email to abigail.mizeur@siu.edu.

The event is sponsored by the SIU STEM Education Research Center, the SIU School of Physics and Applied Physics, the Astronomical Association of Southern Illinois and Giant City State Park.
Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, has said that Starlink, his global satellite-based internet service, cannot outperform traditional tower-based networks in densely populated cities because of simple physics. Musk made this clear during an interview with Nikhil Kamath, Co-Founder of Zerodha, where he explained in detail how Starlink works and why it is better suited for rural and underserved regions rather than crowded urban areas. He stated, "The physics don't allow for that," Musk said, adding that "we can't beat something that's 1 kilometre away, which is the cell tower." Musk said that the main limitation is the distance between Starlink satellites and users on the ground. The satellites orbit the Earth at around 550 km in low Earth orbit and can come down only to about 350 km at best. Because of this distance, he explained, Starlink cannot match the efficiency of a cellular tower that is just 1 km away from users in a city. Elon Musk is the founder and CEO of SpaceX, the parent company that developed and operates the Starlink satellite internet constellation. Starlink is essentially a division or project within SpaceX. He compared the satellite beam to a flashlight with a wide cone of light. Since each satellite beam covers a large area and serves a fixed number of users, it becomes difficult to handle heavy demand in crowded cities filled with high-rise buildings. This makes tower-based systems far more effective in such locations. Musk said it is "not physically possible for Starlink to serve densely populated cities," though it may be able to serve about 1 per cent or 2 per cent of users in such places, especially in small pockets where fibre connections are missing. Despite this limitation, Musk noted that Starlink has major advantages worldwide. The network operates in 150 countries and consists of several thousand satellites moving at nearly 25 times the speed of sound. Because they are in low Earth orbit, the latency is much lower compared to geostationary satellites placed at 36,000 km. The Starlink satellites are also connected through laser links that allow them to form a "laser mesh." This helps maintain connectivity even if ground fibre cables are damaged. Musk gave the example of when the Red Sea cables were cut; Starlink "continued to function without a hitch." He emphasised that Starlink becomes especially valuable in disaster situations such as floods, fires, or earthquakes, where ground infrastructure is damaged. In such events, the company offers Starlink service for free. "We don't want to put a pay wall up while somebody's trying to get help," Musk said. Musk explained that Starlink is complementary to existing telecom companies. It works best in rural and remote areas where laying fibre cables or building high-bandwidth towers is difficult and expensive. In such places, Starlink can serve people who have poor or no internet access. (ANI)
PNN Rajkot (Gujarat) [India], December 1: PeanutJi, the premium edible oil brand from the Rajkot-based agro-food powerhouse Fishfa Agri World Ltd., proudly announces the launch of PeanutJi Vedic - India's First High-Oleic Groundnut Oil. This innovative product carries ancient Vedic wisdom on purity and extraction with cutting-edge technological excellence to deliver an oil with unmatched health benefits and stability. PeanutJi Vedic is poised to redefine the edible oil category. It is made exclusively from specially sourced and cultivated high-oleic peanut varieties, offering superior nutrition and exceptional performance. By incorporating 11 stages of advanced sorting technology, Fishfa Agri World ensures that only the highest-grade peanuts are processed, guaranteeing an oil that is significantly healthier and safer for daily Indian cooking. Mr Mayank Bavaria, Sales Director, Fishfa Agri World Ltd, "PeanutJi Vedic is the culmination of our commitment to transparency, quality, and consumer health, meeting the high standards our customers expect. Our dedication is to provide the best peanut products that improve a healthy lifestyle and international dependency." PeanutJi Vedic strengthens Fishfa Agri World's strategic vision of building a differentiated, innovation-led edible oil portfolio. By pioneering high-oleic groundnut oil in India, the Company is positioned to capture high-growth premium segments, enhance brand equity, and drive long-term value through category leadership and margin-accretive product lines. Mr. Malay Bavaria, Production, R&D Director, Fishfa Agri World Ltd added, "By leveraging our R&D expertise to use high-oleic peanuts and drawing inspiration from Vedic purity--ensuring no heat, no mixing, and no chemicals--we have brought to you an oil that offers three times the heat stability, making it the safest choice for every Indian home. This is more than oil; this is 'Pyar Jaisa Pure.'" Key Health and Performance Advantages: About PeanutJi PeanutJi is the premium edible groundnut oil, Raw and Roasted Peanuts and Peanut Butter brand, from the house of Fishfa Agri World Ltd., a Rajkot, Gujarat-based company recognised for its high-quality groundnut and agri products worldwide. Fishfa Agri World is a US FDA & EU Food Grade Compliant Export House with FSSAI, ISO, and APEDA certifications. The brand's philosophy centres on purity, transparency, and trust. Fishfa Agri World maintains uncompromising quality control, ensuring that every drop of newly launched PeanutJi Vedic reflects the rich peanut heritage of Gujarat's Saurashtra region. The process includes strict seed selection, full farm-to-factory traceability, and batch-wise lab testing, culminating in a product that is 100% pure and natural. The launch of PeanutJi Vedic reinforces Fishfa Agri World's reputation as an agro-food powerhouse with 13 years of excellence and an export presence in over 20 countries across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Fo more information, please visit: https://www.peanutji.com/ (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same.)
Cats didnt just wander into Britain  the Romans marched them in.

Cats arrived in Britain with the Roman Empire

A sweeping new genetic study reveals that the moggies lounging on British sofas today owe their origins to felines ferried in by Roman legions roughly 1,900 years ago.

For decades, scientists argued over whether the domestic cat sprang from ancient Egypt, early farmers in Turkey, or some other prehistoric hotspot.

Now, after analysing DNA from 87 cats spanning 10,000 years  70 of them ancient specimens  researchers say the modern domestic lineage emerged in north Africa around 2,000 years ago, before hitching rides along the Roman Empires vast road network.

The study's authors write: "Since the Roman Imperial era, cats more genetically similar to present-day domestic cats were spread across Europe from a distinct north African population."

They pinpoint the earliest known example to a feline dated 50BC to 80AD at Mautern, Austria.

Once these proto-pets appeared, they spread fast  and in classic Roman style, often alongside the army.

Professor Jonathan B. Losos, an evolutionary biologist at Washington University in St Louis, said: "The ancient DNA records a quick spread of these domestic cats throughout much of Europe, often in concert with the Roman military, appearing in Britain around 100AD."

One such moggy turned up in Fishbourne, England, perfectly timed with the Roman conquest  a whiskered witness to history.

The study also uncovered a surprising detour: domestic cats arrived in Sardinia and Corsica around 1,000 years before they appeared in mainland Europe. That early wave formed an isolated wildcat colony that still roams the islands today, genetically close to Moroccan wildcats.

The research is part of Project Felix, an effort to untangle the stubbornly mysterious history of cat domestication.

Professor Losos said: "The study is part of an ongoing project, Project Felix, which also aims to tackle other outstanding questions concerning cat domestication. Ever sphinx-like, cats give up their secrets grudgingly."
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], December 1: Comprinno, a leading Cloud & AI Advisory, today announced that it has signed a two-year Strategic Collaboration Agreement (SCA) with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to accelerate the adoption of Generative AI (GenAI) & drive cloud modernization for enterprises across India.

Under this agreement, Comprinno will leverage its deep expertise in software & data engineering alongside AWS's advanced GenAI services to help organizations across industries such as financial services, retail, logistics, & healthcare build & scale enterprise-grade AI solutions.

Through this collaboration, the two companies will co-create tailored GenAI solutions to help Indian enterprises boost innovation, improve customer experience, & enhance operational efficiency. Comprinno & AWS will also work jointly on cloud modernization programs, encompassing DevOps transformation, AI integration, data governance, & operational resilience, ensuring customers realize measurable outcomes & sustainable value.

"This Strategic Collaboration Agreement underscores Comprinno's commitment as an AWS GenAI Competency Partner to helping organizations across India unlock the transformative power of Generative AI & cloud technologies," said Prasad Puranik, CEO of Comprinno. "By combining AWS's robust infrastructure with our engineering expertise, we're enabling businesses to innovate faster, achieve operational excellence, & drive meaningful results."

Bhupali Tambekar, CTO of Comprinno, added,

"Generative AI is redefining how enterprises innovate & make data-driven decisions. Through this collaboration with AWS, we aim to make AI adoption more seamless, scalable, & secure for Indian businesses. Our goal is to help organizations integrate GenAI into their workflows, turning data into intelligence & innovation into impact."

The collaboration will also include joint go-to-market initiatives, specialized AI engineering teams, & the co-development of reusable GenAI assets & frameworks to help enterprises move faster from experimentation to production.

About Comprinno

Comprinno is an AWS Advanced Consulting & Technology Partner specializing in cloud migration, application modernization, & AI-driven transformation. With a certified team & a proven record of delivering large-scale enterprise solutions for 500+ tech-led enterprises, Comprinno continues to be a trusted partner for businesses accelerating digital transformation & innovation across India.

(ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
The credit growth of the banks in the country, which had slowed in recent quarters, is expected to pick up as companies begin to draw more funds for their day-to-day operations, highlighted a report by State Bank of India. The report stated that the recent dip in credit offtake was temporary and mainly linked to the surge in IPO fundraising seen across several sectors. With those funds now being utilised, demand for bank loans is likely to rise in the coming quarters. It stated "But increased working capital utilization by corporates credit growth is likely to rebound in coming quarters". According to historical data, there is no direct one-to-one link between the amount raised through IPOs and overall bank credit growth. However, past trends indicate that years with higher IPO mobilisation often coincide with lower credit expansion. The negative correlation, though modest, suggests that when companies raise large sums from equity markets, their need to borrow from banks temporarily reduces. Sector-wise data also supports this trend. Industries such as finance, automobiles, pharmaceuticals, telecom, consumer durables and infrastructure recorded lower credit growth in years when they raised higher funds through IPOs. Much of this money is typically used for expansion, capital expenditure or debt repayment, which reduces the immediate need for bank loans. However, the report now sees the signs of a turnaround. Companies across several sectors have started increasing their working capital utilisation, which is a key early indicator of improving credit demand. As business activity remains strong and production levels rise, firms need more financing for raw materials, inventories, supply-chain operations and other operational expenses. With internal funds and IPO proceeds largely deployed, corporates are returning to banks for fresh credit. With the country's overall economic momentum continuing to be healthy, supported by strong GDP numbers, a rising activity naturally pushes companies to seek higher funding, which will reflect in stronger credit growth. In this backdrop, the report mentioned thatthe Reserve Bank of India's role becomes important. The central bank is expected to maintain proactive liquidity management to ensure banks have sufficient funds to meet the upcoming rise in credit demand. Adequate liquidity in the system will keep borrowing conditions stable and support the recovery in loan growth. So, the report outlined that with working capital requirements rising, IPO-related effects fading, and economic activity staying robust, India's credit growth is set to rebound in the coming quarters. (ANI)
BusinessWire India Lewes (Delaware) [US], December 1: Provenance AI, the groundbreaking AI-powered fact-checking agent and SaaS platform incubated and backed by Fact Protocol, today announced it has achieved a $7M valuation through automated capital formation mechanisms following its successful launch on Virtuals Protocol's Unicorn launchpad. This milestone underscores the growing demand for decentralized solutions to combat AI-driven misinformation & deepfakes, empowering the project with performance-based funding to scale its mission of anchoring information integrity on-chain. Provenance AI addresses the escalating crisis of misinformation & deepfakes, where AI chatbots and tools generate false information and media in up to 35% of news-related prompts--nearly double the rate from the previous year, according to a NewsGuard study. By integrating real-time AI verification with blockchain transparency, Provenance delivers tamper-proof attestations for claims on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), enabling users to tag the agent (@0xProvenance) for instant fact-checks backed by evidence and citations. The SaaS platform extends this to enterprise workflows, APIs, and human-in-the-loop validation for disputed claims, fostering a verifiable trust layer for digital content. Launched in October 2025 via Virtuals' Unicorn model, Provenance's native token, $PROV, powers utilities such as priority queuing, staking for governance, and ecosystem incentives. The automated capital formation--tied to fully diluted valuation (FDV) milestones from $2M to $160M--unlocks team tokens linearly as traction grows, mirroring traditional venture rounds but with on-chain transparency and merit-based alignment. This innovative approach eliminates gated presales, rewarding early believers and builders while deterring bots through decaying buy taxes. "Reaching this $7M valuation is a testament to the community's conviction in our vision of a misinformation-free digital world," said Mohith Agadi, Co-Founder of Fact Protocol and Provenance AI. "By leveraging Virtuals Protocol's ecosystem, we're not just building a tool--we're creating a scalable infrastructure for truth in the AI era, where every claim carries a transparent provenance trail." The funds will accelerate software development, including expansions into multilingual support, deeper integrations with advanced LLMs, and partnerships to enhance media literacy. Provenance AI's market opportunity is vast, with AI content detection projected to grow from $1.2B today to $7.5B by 2033 (CAGR 22.4%), amid deepfake fraud costs potentially reaching $40B in three years. For more information, visit provenance.technology or follow @0xProvenance on X. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by BusinessWire India. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
NewsVoir New Delhi [India], December 1: Air Canada, the largest Canadian airline and Canada's flag carrier, is offering discounted fares this Black Friday for Indian customers travelling to Canada, the US, Mexico and the Caribbean. Whether you're planning to reunite with family in Toronto, explore New York's famous Times Square or unwind on one of Mexico's sandy shores, Air Canada's Black Friday Sale provides something for everyone. From 09:00 on 27 November to 11:59 on 3 December, customers will receive an up to INR 5,000 discount when booking Economy seats. Customers travelling from India can benefit from reduced rates on return flights to Canada, the US, Mexico and the Caribbean for travel between 12 January 2026 and 31 May 2026. Air Canada offers smooth connections to a wide range of cities across Canada, as well as convenient options to connect via Canadian cities to destinations in the US, Mexico and the Caribbean. Those flying through Air Canada's hubs to the U.S. also benefit from U.S. customs preclearance, allowing travellers to pre-clear all U.S. immigration and customs formalities pre-departure, and therefore arrive in the U.S. as a domestic passenger. Alternatively, travellers looking for a more tropical summer getaway can also book discounted flights to Cancun, Mexico and Juan Santamaria, Costa Rica. Other North American destinations included in this sale include Calgary, Edmonton, Halifax and Ottawa. This offer applies to flights operated by Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge, and covers services carried out under the Air Canada Express banner. Each booking can include up to nine passengers maximum. Optional incidental services are excluded from the price and will be charged separately when selected. Any discount will not be applied to surcharges (which are included in the air transportation charges), taxes, fees and charges. Surcharges, taxes, fees and charges apply in full to all bookings and must be paid in full by all travelers, including children and infants occupying a seat. Tickets bought as part of Air Canada's Black Friday sale cannot be combined with any other offer, discount or promotion. All fares and ticketing information are available on Air Canada's website. * The offer does not apply to one-way or round-trip flights departing from Canada, the U.S., Mexico and the Caribbean* Offer applies on flights operated by Air Canada including flights operated under the Air Canada Express banner and operated by Air Canada Rouge), flights operated by United Airlines and Lufthansa Group Partner Airlines, and numbered flights - between Germany, Switzerland, Ireland, Netherlands, Belgium, United Kingdom, Italy, India, France, Spain, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and Egypt - and Canada, the U.S., Mexico and the Caribbean for travel during the Travel Period.* Available for group booking of a maximum of 9 passengers per booking.* Subject to availability at time of booking.* Terms and conditions are subject to change without prior notice. Air Canada is Canada's largest airline, the country's flag carrier and a founding member of Star Alliance, the world's most comprehensive air transportation network. Air Canada provides scheduled service directly to more than 180 airports in Canada, the United States and Internationally on six continents. It holds a Four-Star ranking from Skytrax. Air Canada's Aeroplan program is Canada's premier travel loyalty program, where members can earn or redeem points on the world's largest airline partner network of 45 airlines, plus through an extensive range of merchandise, hotel and car rental partners. Through Air Canada Vacations, it offers more travel choices than any other Canadian tour operator to hundreds of destinations worldwide, with a wide selection of hotels, flights, cruises, day tours, and car rentals. Its freight division, Air Canada Cargo, provides air freight lift and connectivity to hundreds of destinations across six continents using Air Canada's passenger and freighter aircraft. Air Canada's climate-related ambition includes a long-term aspirational goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. For additional information, please see Air Canada's TCFD disclosure. Air Canada shares are publicly traded on the TSX in Canada and the OTCQX in the US. Sign up for Air Canada news: aircanada.com. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
BusinessWire India Gurugram (Haryana) [India], December 1: In a move that brings a world-class healthcare facility directly to residents' doorsteps, Elan Group has joined hands with Fortis Memorial Research Institute (FMRI), Gurugram -- a leading multi-specialty hospital in India, to offer world-class healthcare services to the residents of its upcoming ultra-luxury residential project in Sector 49, Gurugram. With the on-site healthcare facility accessible 24x7, residents will have seamless access to high-quality primary healthcare and wellness programs, ensuring timely and reliable medical attention within the comfort of their homes. Elan Group will develop the centre, while FMRI will manage operations through a team of experienced healthcare professionals. Through this association, residents will benefit from a comprehensive range of complimentary and discounted medical services, including free vitals monitoring, first aid, dressings, injections, and fortnightly internal medicine consultations, providing added convenience and improved healthcare accessibility. The initiative includes discounts on diagnostic tests, health check-up packages, and inpatient department (IPD) services at Fortis Gurugram. To further prioritize residents' health and well-being, round-the-clock ambulance services will also be available. Beyond clinical care, the collaboration will further enrich community life through regular wellness activities, including yoga sessions, preventive health camps, and awareness drives to encourage a culture of holistic health and preventive care. Speaking about the association, Mr. Vineet Dawar, President-Sales & Strategy, Elan Group, said, "At Elan Group, our vision has always been to shape communities where every aspect of modern living is elevated with thoughtfulness and purpose. Integrating FMRI's healthcare expertise enables us to establish world-class healthcare as a fundamental pillar of our residential ecosystem. This initiative goes far beyond providing the best of healthcare facilities. It's about creating an environment where families feel protected and empowered to prioritize their health every single day." Commenting on the collaboration, Mr. Yashpal Singh Rawat, Senior Vice-President & SBU Head, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, said, "Our collaboration with the Elan Group embodies a shared commitment - placing health and well-being parallelly at the heart of contemporary living. At Fortis, we believe today's families deserve more than reactive medical care: they deserve continuous guidance, preventive support, and the confidence that expert medical care is always within reach. By establishing an on-site medical centre, residents will be able to prioritize their health effortlessly, every day." Established in 2013, Fortis Memorial Research Institute (FMRI) is the flagship hospital of Fortis Healthcare and one of India's most advanced medical institutions. Spread across an 11-acre campus with 330 beds, 15 state-of-the-art operating theatres, and 99 dedicated ICU beds, FMRI delivers cutting-edge care across over 55 specialties, including neurosciences, cardiac sciences, orthopaedics, oncology, and organ transplants. Recognized for its world-class healthcare infrastructure, clinical excellence, and patient-centric approach, FMRI continues to set benchmarks in tertiary and quaternary care. By bringing together Elan Group's vision for future-ready living and Fortis' medical expertise and mission to extend trusted medical care beyond hospital walls, the association sets a new benchmark for integrated wellness within ultra-luxury residential developments, ensuring that residents experience not just a place to live but a healthier, more secure, and meaningfully enriched way. Elan Group was established with the aim of revolutionising the Principles Of "Trust, Quality & Sustainability" In the Real Estate Industry. Over the Past Decade, these foundational values have driven the Company's Remarkable Growth, positioning Elan as A Leader in The Luxury Real Estate Sector. The Group's Unwavering Commitment to Delivering Exceptional Experiences and Pioneering Innovation Has Set New Benchmarks in The Industry. With a Vision to 'Build the Future,' Elan Group is dedicated to transforming the Indian Realty landscape through its Ultra-Luxury Projects Across the Commercial, Residential, and Hospitality Sectors. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by BusinessWire India. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], December 1: TVS Motor Company recorded monthly sales of 519,508 units in November 2025 with a growth of 30% as against 401,250 units in November 2024.

Two-WheelerTotal two-wheelers registered a growth of 27% with sales increasing from 392,473 units in November 2024 to 497,841 units in November 2025. Domestic two-wheeler registered growth of 20% with sales increasing from 305,323 units in November 2024 to 365,608 units in November 2025.

Motorcycle registered a growth of 34% with sales increasing from 180,247 units in November 2024 to 242,222 units in November 2025. Scooter registered a growth of 27% with sales increasing from 165,535 units in November 2024 to 210,222 units in November 2025.

Electric VehicleEV registered a growth of 46% with sales increasing from 26,292 units in November 2024 to 38,307 units in November 2025.

International BusinessThe Company's sales in international business registered a growth of 58% with sales increasing from 93,755 units in November 2024 to 148,315 units in November 2025. Two-wheeler sales grew by 52% increasing from 87,150 units in November 2024 to 132,233 units in November 2025.

Three-WheelerThree-wheeler registered a growth of 147% with sales increasing from 8,777 units in November 2024 to 21,667 units in November 2025.

TVS Motor Company (BSE:532343 and NSE: TVSMOTOR) is a reputed two and three-wheeler manufacturer globally, championing progress through sustainable mobility with four state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities located in India and Indonesia. Rooted in our 100-year legacy of trust, value, and passion for customers, it takes pride in making internationally accepted products of the highest quality through innovative and sustainable processes. TVS Motor is the only two-wheeler company to have won the prestigious Deming Prize. Our products have led in their respective categories in the J.D.Power IQS & APEAL surveys and J.D.Power Customer Service Satisfaction Survey. Our group company Norton Motorcycles, based in the United Kingdom, is one of the most emotive motorcycle brands in the world. Our subsidiary in the personal e-mobility space, TVS Ebike Company AG, has a leading position in the e-bike market in Switzerland. TVS Motor Company endeavours to deliver the most superior customer experience across 80 countries in which we operate.

For more information, please visit www.tvsmotor.com

(ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
Ashok Chandra, MD and CEO of Punjab National Bank (PNB), on Monday said he is confident that the Indian economy will continue to show robust GDP growth in the coming quarters and years. "The Indian economy is very robust, despite challenges; our Q2 GDP growth number was 8.2 per cent. In that quarter (July-September), the full impact of the GST reforms did not reflect. The impact of GST rate cuts will be reflected in Q3 GDP numbers. We have a robust economy, and I am very confident that in the coming quarters and years, the economy will clock robust growth. The vibrancy in our economy is set to remain," the state-owned bank's CEO told ANI. Bank credit, particularly retail credit, credit to MSMEs, agri, vehicle loans, and housing loans, all have showcased robust growth, he further supplemented. "We foresee strong growth in the coming quarters," he added. India's real GDP has been estimated to have grown by 8.2 per cent in the July-September quarter of the current financial year 2025-26 over the growth rate of 5.6 per cent in the same quarter of the previous fiscal, official data showed Friday. India's nominal GDP grew at an 8.7 per cent rate during the September quarter. In the April-June quarter, India's real GDP grew 7.8 per cent, over the growth rate of 6.5 per cent in the same quarter of the previous fiscal. India's nominal GDP grew at an 8.8 per cent rate during the said quarter. In 2024-25, the Indian economy grew by 6.5 per cent in real terms. The Reserve Bank of India had projected 6.5 per cent GDP growth for the fiscal year 2024-25. In 2023-24, India's GDP grew by an impressive 9.2 per cent, continuing to be the fastest-growing major economy. According to official data, the economy grew 8.7 per cent and 7.2 per cent, respectively, in 2021-22 and 2022-23. The Indian economy is poised to register growth north of 7 per cent in the current fiscal 2025-26, Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) V Anantha Nageswaran said Friday, at a post-GDP release presentation. In the Economic Survey for 2024-25, tabled in Parliament on January 31, the real GDP growth for 2025-26 was projected to be between 6.3 and 6.8 per cent, a projection that has not been revised since then. The CEA also noted that central government capex and bank credit growth were robust in the September quarter, at 30.7 per cent and 10.8 per cent, respectively. (ANI)
VMPL Kumbhalgarh (Rajasthan) [India], December 1: Treat Hotels & Resorts, one of India's fastest-growing homegrown hospitality brands, proudly announces the opening of Treat Aranya Resort, Kumbhalgarh, marking the group's debut in the royal state of Rajasthan. Nestled amidst the majestic Aravalli Hills and overlooking the stunning Lakhela Lake, the resort offers a tranquil retreat that beautifully blends nature, heritage, and contemporary luxury. Spread across a scenic valley embraced by mountains on three sides and overlooking a serene lake, Treat Aranya Resort is located just minutes away from the UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world's second-longest wall -- Kumbhalgarh Fort, renowned for its 15th-century Rajput legacy and breathtaking architecture. The resort features an elegant selection of Premium Rooms, Aranya Cottages, and Aranya Suites with Bathtubs, providing guests with the perfect harmony of comfort and sophistication. Guests can indulge in gourmet vegetarian dining at Zaika Restaurant, unwind at the Aravalli Lounge Bar, a rooftop lounge with panoramic hill and lake views, or rejuvenate by the swimming pool, making it a complete escape for leisure seekers. Designed for family holidays, corporate getaways, and destination weddings, the property offers expansive lawns, versatile banquet spaces, and event venues ideal for grand celebrations, corporate offsites, and intimate gatherings. Every corner of the resort reflects the grandeur of Rajasthan's royal heritage while embodying the warmth and personalized hospitality that define the Treat brand. "Our vision has always been to craft destinations, not just stays," said Mr. Aditya Mundra, Managing Director, Treat Hotels & Resorts. "With Treat Aranya Resort, we're bringing our signature blend of Indianized hospitality and modern luxury to one of India's most iconic heritage destinations." Adding to this, Mr. Sudip Raha, Cluster General Manager, said, "Kumbhalgarh perfectly represents our expansion philosophy -- a destination rich in culture and natural beauty, increasingly favored by both leisure and wedding travelers. Treat Aranya Resort is designed to deliver an authentic yet elevated experience that resonates with our guests." With this new addition, Treat Hotels & Resorts continues to strengthen its footprint in North India. The brand's growing portfolio now spans Silvassa, Daman, Gholvad, Nashik, Thane, Kumbhalgarh, and Sambhajinagar, with more exciting destinations under development in Udaipur, Jim Corbett, Rajkot, Navi Mumbai, and Ayodhya. The launch of Treat Aranya Resort reinforces the brand's commitment to offering celebrations, escapes, and experiences that showcase India's diverse landscapes and cultural richness -- all while staying true to Treat's enduring ethos of warm hospitality and contemporary comfort. For bookings, visit www.treatresorts.com or call +91 92279 90039 About Treat Aranya Resort, Kumbhalgarh Located near the historic Kumbhalgarh Fort, Treat Aranya Resort is one of the finest luxury resorts in Kumbhalgarh, ideal for both family holidays and destination weddings. Surrounded by the Aravalli Hills, the resort offers elegant cottages, scenic views, gourmet dining, and modern amenities. Whether you're planning a romantic getaway, a corporate retreat, or a royal celebration, Treat Aranya Resort, Kumbhalgarh promises an unforgettable experience that combines nature, comfort, and heritage in the heart of Rajasthan. (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.)
In its Integrated Ombudsman Scheme Annual Report for FY 2024-25, RBI highlighted an expanded digital complaint footprint, improved disposal efficiency, and increasing concerns around loans, credit cards and digital frauds.

Of these compaints, the Centralised Receipt and Processing Centre (CRPC) handled 9.11 lakh complaints, while Offices of the RBI Ombudsman (ORBIOs) received 2.96 lakh complaints through direct CMS submissions and assignments by the CRPC.

Despite the rising volume, the ORBIOs managed to maintain an impressive 93.07% disposal rate, clearing 2.90 lakh complaints during the year.

The loans and advances remained the largest source of consumer grievances, accounting for 29.25% of total complaints. Credit card-related issues witnessed a steep rise of 20.04%, making them the second-largest category, while complaints related to mobile and electronic banking dropped by 12.74%, indicating either better system efficiencies or shifting consumer behaviour.

In terms of regulated entities, banks formed 81.53% of all complaints, followed by NBFCs at 14.80%.

Within the banking segment, private sector banks overtook public sector banks, contributing 37.53% of the total complaints, while public sector banks saw a decline to 34.80%.

The report also highlights a strong shift toward digital grievance lodging, with 91.22% of complaints at ORBIOs being filed online or via email.

The CRPC continued to play a pivotal role, closing 7.84 lakh complaints as non-maintainable or non-complaints, the r.

The toll-free facility received 9.27 lakh calls, a jump of nearly 29% over the previous year, with Hindi accounting for over 70% of the calls, followed by regional languages and English. (ANI)
Actor Amanda Seyfried has opened up about the challenges of balancing her busy acting career with raising her two young children, admitting that the demands of her schedule have left her feeling overwhelmed at times, according to Page Six. Seyfried said this has been one of the most demanding periods of her career. "This is the most I've ever worked with two kids, and I've never had two movies come out at the same time," the Mamma Mia star shared. "And so, I'm a little bit bananas right now." Seyfried, 40, and her husband, actor Thomas Sadoski, 49, married in 2017 and share two children. Their eight-year-old daughter, Nina, and five-year-old son, Thomas. Despite her demanding schedule, Seyfried said family remains her priority, noting that she often chooses time with her children over industry events. The actor is currently promoting two upcoming films set to release in December. Her film 'Housemaid', directed by Paul Feig and co-starring Sydney Sweeney and Brandon Sklenar, will hit theatres on December 19. She also appears in 'The Testament of Ann Lee', directed by Mona Fastvold, scheduled for release on December 25. Seyfried said the two films are "very different" in tone and content, and even cautioned fans against reading Freida McFadden's bestselling novel The Housemaid before watching the film adaptation. "It will ruin the twists for you," she said, according to Page Six. Despite her busy calendar, Seyfried previously skipped major award shows to stay close to her family. In January 2024, she missed the Emmy Awards and instead shared a photo on Instagram wearing a handmade dress designed by her daughter, Nina. "Celebrating the Emmys [six] with a handmade creation by a six-year-old," she captioned the picture. The 'Les Miserables' actor has also spoken in the past about how much she cherishes spending time with her family, especially during their vacations to Cape Cod in Massachusetts. "It's our happy place," she said in an interview with a magazine in July. "We love the quiet, the beach, and just having the chance to slow down together. No big plans, just walks, food, and time to breathe," according to Page Six. (ANI)
Brad Pitt still mocks George Clooney after beating him to a role in Thelma + Louise more than 35 years ago.

Brad Pitt mocks his friend George Clooney after beating him to a role

The Moneyball actor's Hollywood breakthough came when he played the hunky J.D. in Sir Ridley Scott's classic movie, but his friend admitted he couldn't watch the film for "years" because he was so "annoyed" to have missed out on the part and subsequent recognition.

George recalled to The Sunday Times Culture magazine: So, I was in TV. I was making a good living, but back then actors would say, Well, Im a film actor  I just happen to be doing TV.'

And I got to the final test for a role in Thelma + Louise. And, mother****er, Brad got it.

I didnt watch Thelma + Louise for years, because I was annoyed. The part launched his career in film. He was doing sitcoms and c*** before, so when it was the thing that couldve launched me? F***!

George and Brad are friends and have made a number of films together, and the 64-year-old actor admitted his Wolfs co-star "gives [him] s***" about the casting snub.

He said: Oh yeah, he gives me s***. But, of course, when I saw it, I was, like, well it had to be that guy.

George recently revealed he had pretended to be Brad to prank other celebrities, using stationery purporting to be from the Moneyball star.

He told talk show host Jimmy Kimmel: I sent [a letter] to Tom Cruise, saying they want to do [Interview with the Vampire 2], but this time Brad wants to play Lestat."

Jimmy laughed: Brad this afternoon said that Tom called him and said, Yeah, its cool, you can play Lestat, thats fine, Im OK with that, and he was like, What are you talking about?

And when it came to Meryl Streep, the former E.R. star sent her a gift that 'Brad' felt would come in useful for her.

He explained: I sent [a letter] to Meryl Streep with a box of CDs for dialect and I said, This guy helped me with my accent in Troy and I think it could really help you.' "
With movies like 'Dil', 'Tezaab', 'Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!', 'Dil To Pagal Hai' to her credit, Bollywood diva Madhuri Dixit has been at the top for ages. At the peak of her career, when she was one of the biggest stars, loved for her performances, dance, and unmatched screen presence, the actor shocked everyone by marrying Dr Shriram Nene, a cardiovascular surgeon from Los Angeles. In a conversation with ANI, she got candid about getting married to a "heart mender" who had no preconceived notions about her stardom. The actor said marrying someone who saw her simply as a person and not a celebrity was really satisfying and reassuring. Madhuri married Dr Nene on October 17, 1999. She relocated to the US and lived there for over a decade. The couple's first son, Arin, was born in 2003, and their second child, Ryan, was born in 2005. She describes him simply as a "heart mender", adding that he was not aware of her stardom and craze in Bollywood as "He was born in London and when they were seven, they moved to the US, he used to come here (India) for vacations when he was little and once he was in like grade eight and all this, it was lesser and lesser slowly because then he was in college and, and Maharashtrians, they're not so much into movies. It's more about getting educated and having a good education. So he didn't watch (movies), and he didn't know Hindi. He knew Marathi because his grandparents didn't know English. So he had to talk to them in Marathi." She added, "So he's good with Marathi, but he didn't understand Hindi at that point. Now he does, but at that point. And so he didn't watch very many films," noting that he only watched Amitabh Bachchan starrer 'Amar Akbar Anthony', "He said the only film he had watched was Amar Akbar Anthony. So he knew, the only one he knew was Amitabh Bachchan," shared the 'Tezaab' actor. Madhuri said that when they first met, his lack of awareness about her celebrity status felt "refreshing." "When I met him, it was like, 'Oh, what do you do?' And I work in films. 'Oh, very nice. ' And that's it. But he didn't know the impact, or who I was. So, I could meet him without him having any preconceived notions about me or how I should be. Because when people see my movies, they have some thoughts in their minds. She will be like this, or she will be like that...," said Madhuri. She continued, "So I have my bad days, good days, everything. So when I met him, it was very refreshing to just vibe with someone on a very personal level; there was no filter of this, oh my God, she's a star. And there's nothing like that. It was like two people meeting anywhere in the world and, you know, just talking and getting to know each other. And it was, it was wonderful." After marrying Dr Nene, the actor moved to the United States. She recalled living a quiet, ordinary life unnoticed. "My neighbours were all Americans. They didn't know who I was," she said. "One day, my neighbour called to say she thought someone was casing our house because a car kept slowing down outside. I had to tell her, 'No, I'm an actress.' She was shocked, 'Oh my God, we didn't know we had a celebrity in the neighbourhood!'" Soon, her neighbours began requesting to watch her films. "One of them loved musicals. So he was like craving for more and more every time. So I used to give him DVDs of all my movies and different movies. And he was like, Oh, I need more. I need more. So it was great," she said. Dixit eventually returned to India due to her professional commitments, and her parents, who were living with her, also wished to return home as they grew older. The Bollywood diva made her acting debut with the 1984 film 'Abodh' opposite late Bengali actor Tapas Pal, who passed away in 2020. Madhuri received appreciation for her performance. However, she came into the limelight with the superhit film 'Tezaab' in 1988, and after that, there was no looking back for her. She went on to rule Bollywood with several hits one after another, such as 'Dil', 'Beta', 'Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!', 'Dil To Pagal Hai', 'Ram Lakhan', 'Parinda', 'Khalnayak', and many more. Apart from her acting skills, Madhuri is also known for her outstanding dancing abilities. Due to her mesmerising moves, signature style, and graceful expressions, she is often referred to as the "dancing queen of Bollywood." Madhuri was most recently seen in 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3', directed by Anees Bazmee. The film also featured Kartik Aaryan, Vidya Balan, Triptii Dimri, and Rajpal Yadav. She will next be seen in the thriller-drama series 'Mrs Deshpande'. (ANI)
There are some friendships in the film industry that outlast fame, and Madhuri Dixit's bond with legendary artist MF Husain remains one of them. The artist was known for his extraordinary admiration for the actress who served as the muse for some of his most celebrated paintings. Madhuri has now recalled how Husain once flew across the world to visit her when she was living in Denver (in the United States). She said he told her that he had already seen her "as a big actor and a star, and as a wife," and now wanted to witness a new phase of her life as a "mother." "He was there, and I was in Denver. He said, 'I have seen you as a big actor and a star, and as a wife. Now I want to see you as a mother, and I want to come and visit you in Denver.' So, he came to Denver and visited us just to see me around my kids and, you know, to see me as a mother," Madhuri told ANI. Madhuri also spoke about their creative conversations and how Husain never hesitated to respond honestly to her work. She explained that he would share candid feedback, sometimes saying "I like the scene," and at other times admitting, "I didn't like it." Madhuri went on to recall once asking him what a particular painting meant, to which he replied that viewers must interpret art for themselves. "For him, it would have been another, you know, another pehlu (dimension) to discover and react to. And he would tell me, 'I like the scene or I didn't like it, or this was this, this was that.' Like I said earlier, when we were talking, he would paint, and I said, 'Hussainji, through this painting, what are you trying to say?' He said, 'I'm the artist. I've painted it. The interpretation has to be done by you. You have to tell me what you see in this painting,'" she added. Madhuri Dixit, considered one of Bollywood's most iconic stars, has appeared in over 100 films and won six Filmfare Awards. Honoured with the Padma Shri in 2008, she is celebrated for her remarkable contribution to Indian cinema. Madhuri made her acting debut in Abodh (1984), but it was her breakout role in Tezaab (1988) that launched her to fame. She went on to dominate the industry with hit films like Ram Lakhan, Parinda, Ilaaka, and Khalnayak. (ANI)
The newly appointed President of the Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee, Vinay Kumar, assumed office at the Party Headquarters, Rajiv Bhawan, Shimla, in the presence of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. The Chief Minister, while congratulating the newly appointed President, expressed confidence that the organisation would gain further strength under his leadership. He said that a new era had begun in the Congress Party and a generational shift had taken place with a young leader taking charge of the State. He said that a new executive committee would be formed soon and that the new team would play an important role in bringing the Congress Party back to power. He said that the State Government will fully support the newly appointed President and work with him to strengthen the party. The Chief Minister said that one-and-a-half years ago, the BJP attempted to weaken a democratically elected party, but the people of the State gave them a fitting reply. He emphasised that the State Government is continuously working to make Himachal Pradesh self-reliant. The State is progressing in every sector and financial discipline has been ensured. He said that the economic condition of the State is steadily improving and that equitable development across all sections and regions is being ensured. AICC In-Charge for Himachal Pradesh, Rajni Patil, also congratulated the newly appointed President and said the organisation would play a crucial role in bringing the Congress Government back to power. She lauded Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu for giving a new direction to the State and appreciated the innovative initiatives undertaken by the Government. She said that she was confident that the Congress Government would return to power. Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri conveyed his best wishes to the newly appointed President and said that the organisation would play a vital role in moving towards the mission of repeating the Government. He said party workers would effectively take the Government's achievements and schemes to the public. Newly appointed President Vinay Kumar on Sunday expressed gratitude to the central and state leadership for entrusting him with this responsibility. He assured that he would fulfil his duties with utmost sincerity and dedication. He said the organisation would take the achievements of the Congress Government to every household and face every challenge with determination. Outgoing PCC President Pratibha Singh expressed gratitude and hoped that women would be given due representation and priority in the organisation. Speaker Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly Kuldeep Singh Pathania, Health Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil, Agriculture Minister Prof. Chander Kumar, Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan, Education Minister Rohit Thakur, PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh, AYUSH Minister Yadvinder Goma, MLAs, Mayor Surender Chauhan, Party Co-Incharges Vidit Chaudhary and Chetan Chauhan, AICC Secretary Surender Sharma, Principal Advisor (Media) to the Chief Minister Naresh Chauhan, Vice Chairman of the State Planning Board Bhawani Singh Pathania, OSD Ritesh Kapret, Chairpersons and Vice-Chairpersons of various Corporations and Boards, former ministers, former party presidents, former MLAs, office-bearers of frontal organizations and other dignitaries were present on the occasion. (ANI)
Soon after the Tamil Nadu bus collision that left 11 dead and several injured, Sivagangai Medical College and Hospital Dean Dr E Seenivasan said that the people were admitted to the hospital and treatment is ongoing. The doctor informed that the bodies of three victims have been identified, and the identification of two others has not yet been confirmed. Speaking to ANI, Seenivasan said, "In the bus accident that occurred in the Tiruppathur area, eight people have been admitted to the Sivaganga hospital. They are being continuously monitored and given the necessary treatment. In this situation, out of the eight people receiving treatment in Sivaganga, two have been sent to Madurai Medical College for advanced treatment. One person, on his own preference, has gone to a private hospital. Treatment is being provided to the remaining five individuals. Similarly, the bodies of the five people who died in the accident have been kept at the Sivagangai Government Medical College for post-mortem. The bodies of three victims have been identified, while the identities of two others have not yet been confirmed." So far, 11 people have been declared dead and more than 20 injured when two state-run buses collided head-on near Karaikudi in Tamil Nadu on Sunday, police said. According to a Sivaganga district police press release, the mishap occurred near Vivekananda Polytechnic College, under the Tuirupattur sub-division and the Nachiyar Puram Police Station. A Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation bus travelling from Kangeyam to Karaikudi and another TN government bus travelling from Karaikudi to Dindigul collided head-on at around 5:00 PM this evening. The injured have been admitted for treatment at the Karaikudi Government Hospital, Tirupattur Government Hospital, and Sivagangai Government Hospital, the police said. Police personnel and Fire and Rescue Service teams rushed to the spot and rescued the injured. The Sivagangai District Superintendent of Police, Deputy Superintendent of Police, and Tirupattur officials also arrived at the scene and expedited the rescue operations. Earlier on Sunday, Chief Minister MK Stalin expressed his deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in a bus collision in Sivaganga district. Taking it to X, he wrote, "Upon learning the heartbreaking news that 11 people lost their lives in an accident near Thirupathur in Sivaganga District, I was deeply shocked and pained." Stalin said he had deputed Sivaganga District Collector and District In-Charge Minister KR Periyakaruppan to the accident spot immediately to ensure that all affected people received proper medical support. President Droupadi Murmu expressed grief over the loss of lives in the accident. In a post on X, the President said, "The news of the loss of lives in a tragic accident in Sivaganga, Tamil Nadu, is very sad. I extend my deep condolences to bereaved families and pray for the swift recovery of those injured." (ANI)
Reacting to Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind president Maulana Mahmood Madani's recent speech in Bhopal, VHP national spokesperson Vinod Bansal on Sunday criticised the remarks, questioning the organisation's stance. Speaking to ANI, Bansal said, "This is the same institution that used to say they fought for the country's freedom. Why would someone force you to sing Vande Mataram? Those who consider this land their mother will naturally respect it." He added that raising objections over national symbols or patriotic expressions only creates unnecessary controversy and urged leaders to refrain from statements that could sow discord. Bharatiya Janata Party leader Narottam Mishra on Saturday criticised Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind president Maulana Mahmood Madani's speech in Bhopal, questioning his remarks on the judiciary and Vande Mataram. "He should see who are carrying out the bomb blasts? Who is doing 'Jihad'? India will suppress the 'Jihadi' mentality and will not tolerate this kind of mentality. He is raising questions on the judiciary, Vande Mataram. What kind of mentality is this?" said former Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Mishra. Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind president Maulana Mahmood Madani on Saturday expressed concern over India's judicial and social conditions, alleging that constitutional rights are being undermined and minority communities are being targeted. Speaking at the National Governing Body meeting in Bhopal, Madani questioned the independence of the judiciary, citing cases like Babri Masjid and triple talaq. He stated that the Supreme Court should be considered "supreme" only if it upholds the Constitution and the law. Madani also criticised anti-conversion laws, saying they undermine the right to freedom of religion."The Constitution of the country has provided us with the right to Freedom of Religion. But under the Conversion Law, this fundamental right is being eroded. This law is being used in a manner in which practising a religion becomes liable to fear and punishment. On the other hand, in the name of 'Ghar Wapasi', those converting people into a particular religion have a free hand. They are not questioned, and no legal action is taken against them," he added. On Vande Mataram, he said that surrendering communities are "murda kaum," while living communities face challenges head-on. The Jamiat president further remarked, "'Murda kaum' do not get involved in difficulties. They surrender. They will be told to recite Vande Mataram and they will begin doing so at once. That is the sign of a 'murda kaum'. If it is 'zinda kaum', morale will have to be boosted and the situation will have to be met head on." (ANI)
Postmortem examination of the bodies of 3 women who died in the bus accident near Tiruppattur in Tamil Nadu's Sivagangai district has been completed, officials said on Monday. The next of kin of the deceased also received 3 lakh each from state ministers Sivansakar and KR Periya Karuppan. Transport Minister Sivasankar and Cooperation Minister KR Periya Karuppan also visited the injured undergoing treatment at Sivagangai Government Medical College Hospital. The ministers also paid respects to the deceased, garlanding their bodies. "Post-mortem examinations were conducted on the bodies of the three women who died in the accident, and the bodies were handed over to their families overnight. The State Government's relief assistance of 3 lakh each was also issued as cheques," according to an official statement. The postmortem of three deceased women, identified as Deivanai, Chellam, and Gunalakshmi, was completed, and the relief assistance was handed over to the families by the ministers, according to the district's Public Relations Officer (PRO). A Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation bus travelling from Kangeyam to Karaikudi and another TN government bus travelling from Karaikudi to Dindigul collided head-on at around 5:00 PM on Sunday. So far, 11 people have been declared dead, and more than 20 have been reported injured. The injured have been admitted for treatment at the Karaikudi Government Hospital, Tirupattur Government Hospital, and Sivagangai Government Hospital, the police said. Police personnel and Fire and Rescue Service teams rushed to the spot and rescued the injured. The Sivagangai District Superintendent of Police, Deputy Superintendent of Police, and Tirupattur officials also arrived at the scene and expedited the rescue operations. Earlier, Chief Minister MK Stalin condoled the deaths. Stalin said he had deputed Sivaganga District Collector and District In-Charge Minister KR Periyakaruppan to the accident spot immediately to ensure that all affected people received proper medical support. In a statement, he announced Rs 3 lakh each for the families of the deceased, a compensation of Rs 1 lakh each for those who sustained serious injuries, and Rs 50,000 each for those who suffered minor injuries. President Droupadi Murmu has also expressed grief over the loss of lives in the accident. In a post on X, the President said, "The news of the loss of lives in a tragic accident in Sivaganga, Tamil Nadu, is very sad. I extend my deep condolences to bereaved families and pray for the swift recovery of those injured." (ANI)
Congress MP Sukhdeo Bhagat on Monday demanded that the government should allow discussion on the Special Intensive Revision exercise (SIR), which is currently underway in several parts of the country, adding that treasury benches are running away from their responsibility. Speaking to ANI, Bhagat said, "The government is running from its responsibilities. The government refuses to address the opposition's issues raised in Parliament. We have been continuously protesting inside and outside Parliament on the issue of SIR. We want a discussion on SIR, but I don't think the government will allow it. It is very unfortunate that discussion on such an important issue is not allowed" Congress MPs Manickam Tagore and Vijay Kumar Vasanth on Monday moved an adjournment motion in Parliament, seeking an urgent debate on the SIR exercise currently underway in multiple parts of the country. The Congress MPs described the revision exercise as "unplanned and one-sided," raising concerns over the alleged extreme pressure on Booth Level Officers (BLOs), which they say has led to deaths and exhaustion among officials. Earlier today, Virudhunagar MP Manickam Tagore flagged the repeated suicides of BLOs, saying that the Election Commission is doing "vote chori" in the name of SIR. The second phase of the SIR exercise covers Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Madhya Pradesh, Puducherry, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal, following the successful completion of the first phase in Bihar. The Winter session of the Parliament is set to begin today. The government has listed a total of 13 Bills for consideration during the Winter Session, many of which have not been examined by a Standing Committee. The 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. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday greeted the people of Nagaland on the occasion of their Statehood Day, lauding the Naga culture for being "rooted in service, courage and compassion." In an X post, PM Modi wished for prosperity and progress for Nagaland. "Greetings to the people of Nagaland on the occasion of their Statehood Day. The glorious Naga culture, rooted in service, courage and compassion, is widely admired. The people of Nagaland have distinguished themselves across many fields. May the state keep moving ahead with prosperity and progress in the years ahead," the Prime Minister said. In 1957, Naga leaders formed the Naga People's Convention (NPC) and met with former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in 1960. The NPC and the central government reached a 16-point agreement to create a separate region of the Naga Hills. On September 4, 1962, with the Bill for the formation of Nagaland receiving the President's assent, the State of Nagaland Act, 1962, was passed. Nagaland was formally recognised as the 16th state of India on December 1, 1963, with Kohima being declared its capital. Since then, December 1 has been celebrated annually as Nagaland Statehood Day. Earlier, the Naga Hills were a district in Assam. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also extended wishes on the occasion, calling Nagaland the "land of festivals" and hoping for the peace and harmony to continue among the tribes and communities residing there. "We extend our warmest wishes to the people of Nagaland on the 63rd Statehood Day. Known as the 'Land of Festivals,' Nagaland wonderfully reflects the rich diversity of India. The state is celebrated for its stunning landscapes, valiant people, and lively cultural traditions. May the different tribes and communities continue to live together in harmony, peace, and shared prosperity," Kharge wrote on X. (ANI)
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Monday extended his greetings to the people of Nagaland on the occasion of the state's formation day. In a post on X, CM Dhami expressed hope for Nagaland to progress steadily toward prosperity and peace. "Heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to all the citizens of Nagaland, enriched with diverse cultural heritage, rich traditions, and natural beauty, on the occasion of Statehood Day. May Nagaland continue to advance steadfastly on the path of progress, prosperity, and peace, this is my heartfelt wish," said CM Dhami. Several political leaders across the country extended their greetings to the people of Nagaland on the occasion of the state's formation day. President Droupadi Murmu extended wishes to the people of Nagaland on its formation day and lauded the state for making commendable strides in its sustainable development. "Warm greetings to the people of Nagaland on Statehood Day! Blessed with a rich culture and boundless natural beauty, Nagaland continues to make commendable strides in sustainable development. Its tribal diversity and unique heritage remain a source of pride. I wish the people of Nagaland a bright, prosperous and peaceful future," said President Murmu. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also conveyed greetings to Nagaland on its statehood day, describing the state's cultural heritage as a source of pride for the entire nation. "Greetings to the people of Nagaland on their Statehood Day. Nagaland's vibrant cultural heritage and the gracious spirit of its people are a source of pride for the entire nation. Naga traditions reflect steadfastness, harmony and service, and continue to inspire all of us. Wishing Nagaland sustained progress, peace and prosperity in the years ahead," said CM Gupta Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, while extending wishes, praised the state, describing it as a land of vibrant traditions, courageous spirit, and breathtaking landscapes. "Warm greetings to the people of Nagaland on state Foundation Day. A land known for its vibrant traditions, courageous spirit, and breathtaking landscapes, Nagaland continues to inspire with its rich cultural legacy. May the state march ahead with greater progress, harmony, and opportunities for its youth and communities. Best wishes for a prosperous future to all," said Speaker Om Birla. Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, also extended his greetings and wished for Nagaland's sustainable growth. "Happy Statehood Day to the people of Nagaland! Your beautiful hills, rich biodiversity, and vibrant cultures add so much to India's diversity. May Nagaland keep growing in a sustainable way and achieve even greater success. Let us all help preserve its unique heritage," said Gandhi. On the occasion of Nagaland Statehood Day, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio honoured state leaders for their efforts in safeguarding Nagaland's rights and identity. "Warm greetings on our 63rd #StatehoodDay. We honour our leaders who safeguarded our rights & identity, & the visionaries who shaped our future. Let us work together for a prosperous, inclusive, & sustainable Nagaland, reaffirming our commitment to its progress & well-being," said Rio. Nagaland's Statehood Day is celebrated every year on December 1, marking its establishment as the 16th state of India in 1963. (ANI)
Ahead of the 6th Session of the 18th Lok Sabha, Speaker of the Lower House Om Birla on Monday called on Members of Parliament to actively participate in the session, emphasising the role of Parliament as the supreme forum for representing the nation's aspirations and upholding democratic values. In a post on X ahead of the session, also known as the winter session of the parliament, Birla said that the Parliament serves as a platform for the expression of people's expectations, the collective responsibility of elected representatives, and the spirit of democratic governance. He further highlighted that each session guides MPs towards duty, restraint, and public welfare, deepening the essence of people's representation. "The sixth session (Winter Session) of the 18th Lok Sabha is commencing today. Parliament is the supreme forum for the expression of the nation's expectations, the people's aspirations, democratic values, and the collective responsibility of elected representatives. Each session of Parliament also orients us towards the inspiration of duty, restraint, and public welfare, which deepens the spirit of people's representation," Birla stated in his post. He further urged the lawmakers to uphold parliamentary traditions to enhance the customs of democracy and, by actively participating, contribute significantly to the success of the session. "It is hoped that all honourable members will strengthen the healthy traditions of democracy and make a meaningful contribution to making this session productive through their active participation," the post added. The 6th Session of the 18th Lok Sabha and the 269th Session of the Rajya Sabha will commence on Monday, December 1, at 11 am, marking the beginning of the Winter Session of Parliament. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is likely to introduce the Central Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2025, today, aimed at amending the Central Excise Act, 1944. In addition, the Finance Minister could also introduce the Health Security and National Security Cess Bill, 2025, to augment the resources for meeting expenditure on national security and for public health and to levy a cess for this on the machines installed or other processes undertaken by which specified goods are manufactured and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto, the list of businesses said. The Bill has been allocated six hours for discussion in the Lok Sabha. The government is also likely to introduce the Manipur Goods and Services Tax (Second Amendment) Bill, 2025, which has been allocated three hours for discussion. Ahead of the session, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will brief accredited media representatives at 10 am at Hans Dwar, Parliament House, on the opening day of the Sixth Session of the Eighteenth Lok Sabha. Such briefings by the Prime Minister traditionally set the tone for the legislative and political agenda of the session. As per the list of businesses, the day will begin with obituary references to former BJP MPs Col. (Retd.) Sona Ram Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Malhotra, former Congress MP Ravi Naik, and actor-turned-politician and former BJP MP Dharmendra. The government has listed 13 Bills for consideration during the Winter Session, many of which have not been examined by a Standing Committee. (ANI)
Lindsay Lohan doesn't pay attention to social media trends.

Lindsay Lohan doesn't follow trends

The 39-year-old actress has confessed to being ignorant of most social media trends, explaining that her friends, family and co-stars are the only reason she's ever aware of any of them.

The Hollywood star told People: "I hear from other people. I mean, I didn't know what rizz was until I was with the girls in Freakier Friday, Sophia [Hammons] and Julia [Butters], and they were teaching me. I'm really bad at it."

Despite this, Lindsay has enjoyed a number of pop culture moments in 2025.

The movie star - who first found fame as a child actress - said: "I love Taylor Swift's new album [The Life of a Showgirl], it's so fun. My sister [Aliana] did a single that I really loved called Eternity."

Meanwhile, Lindsay previously confessed to being too much of a "yes person" during her younger years.

The actress endured a turbulent spell early in her career, when she was arrested a number of times, and Lindsay now looks back on her younger years with some regrets.

She told The Sun newspaper: "I was always such a yes person to my agents and everyone that no one ever really took the time to ask me, Do you wanna chill for a second?

"And if I knew then what I know now, Id definitely have used the word no a lot more."

Lindsay has managed to turn her life around over the last decade, and she now has a two-year-old son called Luai with Bader Shammas, her husband.

The Hollywood star thinks her younger self would actually feel "very proud of the mother and wife" she's become.

Lindsay - who now lives in Dubai with her family - said: "I love it so much. Im obsessed with my kid.

"The other day I said, Luai, dont do that  not a good idea, and now he goes, Luai, dont do that ...  He mocks me.

"If my husbands like, No, Luai, then he listens. But for me, its like he laughs at me. But Im fine with it. I love every second."
The sex workers of Siliguri held a candlelight march on the eve of World AIDS Day in Siliguri on Sunday. The West Bengal Voluntary Health Association Project Director, Tarun Maity, discussing the objective of the candle march, said that this march was held in memory of those who lost their lives due to HIV/AIDS. "... We held a candlelight march in the memories of those who lost their lives due to HIV/AIDS and also tried to give the shape of Red Ribbon with the candles... We are trying to make people aware through our activities like today..." Maity told ANI. The State's Voluntary Project Director further stated that cases of HIV and sexually transmitted infections have significantly declined in the red-light area, and emphasised that with greater awareness, such cases can be reduced even further. "Unlike what is believed, that HIV comes from women of red-light area, but this belief is not correct...it is the red light area that has fewer cases of HIV... Under our TI project, we are distributing condoms and are giving education, but in this area, the cases of HIV infection have become less...even STI and STD infection too have become less...That is why we want to say if everybody becomes aware, then such cases can be reduced even further," said Maity. Meanwhile, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare JP Nadda is set to lead the national-level observance of World AIDS Day 2025 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, on December 1, an official statement said. Senior officials, including the Secretary, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare; the Additional Secretary & Director General, NACO; and the Director General of Health Services, will be present, reaffirming the Government of India's unwavering commitment to advancing the national response to HIV prevention, treatment, care, and stigma elimination. The event, organised by the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), will bring together government leaders, development partners, youth representatives, community advocates, people living with HIV (PLHIV), and frontline health workers, reflecting a united approach to accelerating India's journey towards ending AIDS as a public health threat. (ANI)
YSRCP President and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Monday directed the party's MPs to strongly raise the most pressing public issues of the state during the Parliament winter session beginning today. The 6th Session of the 18th Lok Sabha and the 269th Session of the Rajya Sabha will commence today, at 11 am, marking the beginning of the Winter Session of Parliament. In a statement, the YSRCP President urged his party's Members of Parliament to focus on safeguarding Andhra Pradesh's rights and to highlight the severe challenges currently faced by farmers, workers, and vulnerable communities. Reddy expressed his deep concern over the extensive damage caused by Cyclone Montha, which caused widespread destruction in October and early November, noting that it had devastated lakhs of acres of crops across the coastal districts of the state. He said farmers who lost their entire harvest are under unbearable financial strain, as neither the state nor the Centre has provided compensation, and also criticised the failure to ensure Minimum Support Price (MSP), alleging that the present government has left farmers at the mercy of traders and middlemen. He further noted that MSP has sharply fallen across major crops, including paddy, maize, black gram, cotton, red gram, banana, mirchi and mango, pushing the agriculture sector into a severe crisis and asked his party MPs to demand emergency relief funds and immediate restoration of guaranteed MSP procurement. Reddy also said that free crop insurance--previously provided without a premium during the YSRCP government--has now been discontinued, leaving farmers unprotected during natural disasters. Input subsidy is also not being offered, he added. He alleged that the discontinuation of e-crop enumeration has caused confusion in crop data and denied farmers eligibility for compensation and assistance, and said that mirchi farmers were promised financial support but were "deceived", and mango farmers suffered losses due to non-payment by companies. Raising another major concern, Reddy pointed to the mass deletion of MGNREGA job cards, claiming that lakhs of rural labourers, including 18.63 lakh job card holders, have been removed from the rolls, undermining the livelihood security of poor families. He demanded immediate restoration of all genuine job cards and clearance of pending wages. He also instructed MPs to strongly oppose what he described as attempts to privatise parts of the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant. Allowing private players to take over individual units, he said, is a dangerous step toward complete privatisation. He urged the Centre to cancel such plans, allocate captive iron ore mines and revive the plant, noting that thousands of workers and contract employees depend on it for their survival. Reddy expressed concern over what he termed the deterioration of law and order in the state and alleged political targeting, unlawful arrests and misuse of police machinery, adding that security cover for several leaders and representatives has been withdrawn, putting them at risk. He also flagged poor conditions in government hostels and welfare institutions, saying students are deprived of basic facilities such as food, drinking water and hygiene. Calling for a united effort to protect the interests of Andhra Pradesh, he urged YSRCP MPs to fight for pending central funds, employment generation and overall welfare, stating that "The voice of the people must be heard strongly in Parliament." (ANI)
Congress MP Kiran Kumar Chamala on Monday hit back at Union Minister Chirag Paswan for calling the Opposition a "speed breaker" in the Parliament, saying that the Opposition wants to ensure discussions on important issues. Speaking to ANI, Chamala questioned the short duration of the Winter Session, claiming that the session is called for 15 days to not allow the Opposition parties to speak. The Winter Session will begin on Monday, December 1 and will conclude on December 19 with 15 seatings. He said, "If at all, the NDA wanted to do a constructive parliamentary session, they would not have done it in 15 days. They want a quick one (session) on what they want. They do not want the Opposition to talk. Our job is not to become speed breakers, but to ensure important issues are discussed." Taking a jibe at Paswan after the NDA registered a landslide victory in Bihar, the Congress leader called for a discussion on the election results after the government transferred Rs 10,000 to women under the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana. "Chirag Paswan would have been celebrating his recent victory. What people think about that victory, we all know. And this is what we need to discuss: how the victory happened, and how they transferred Rs 10,000 into the women's account to provoke voters. This has to be discussed: if this will continue, which party is going to exist in this country? The NDA partners will talk about whatever they want, but we will focus on working for the people of this country and discussing the burning issues," Kiran Kumar Chamala said. Earlier on Sunday, Chirag Paswan had called the Opposition parties "speed breakers" following the disruptions in the Houses during the Monsoon Session. Paswan told reporters, "As the Parliament session begins tomorrow, I believe the opposition will once again try to become a speed breaker. Just as they attempted to disrupt the monsoon session, their only aim now is they neither cooperate nor allow others to work. The opposition is in this role both in Bihar and at the Centre. The opposition neither wants to cooperate nor is it permitted to do so. This mindset is wrong." Further, Congress MP Chamala highlighted the Delhi November 10 blast, which killed 15 people, the air quality in the national capital and the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in the 12 States and Union Territories as the main issues, and demanded discussions in the Parliament. He said, "The BJP does not want to really discuss the issues in the Parliament. The Delhi car blast should be discussed as a major issue, given the security of the people... I saw in Delhi that the AQI is up to 272, and I heard it was nearly 390 in the last week. This should be discussed. The other thing is that people are frustrated in every state because of the natural disasters." "What will we discuss in 15 days? Is the present government derailing or safeguarding it? Deleting the votes (in SIR) without the individual's knowledge or marginalising them to ensure the opposition does not get votes is not the right thing. What happened in Bihar can happen in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and West Bengal, which are going to have elections," Chamala added. Delhi blast, air pollution and SIR exercise in the nation are the issues the Opposition is planning to flag in the Winter Session of the Parliament. Earlier today, Congress MPs Manickam Tagore and Vijay Kumar Vasanth moved an adjournment motion in Parliament seeking an urgent debate on the ongoing SIR of voter lists. (ANI)
Congress MP K Suresh on Monday criticised the government, accusing it of being "unwilling to discuss" the deaths of Booth Level Officers (BLOs) during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, alleging that the Centre is only pushing its own agenda as the winter session of Parliament begins today. Speaking to ANI, the Congress MP in the Lok Sabha alleged that the centre was ignoring pressing issues raised by the opposition ahead of the session, noting that an adjournment motion notice has been submitted in the Lok Sabha to discuss the matter. He further stated that the Rajya Sabha LoP, Mallikarjun Kharge, has also convened a meeting of the INDIA bloc parties at 10 am today to finalise the alliance's strategy ahead of the session "The opposition is going to raise the SIR issue. Due to pressure and torture from the Election Commission and the heavy workload, many BLOs are under mental stress, which is why many BLOs have committed suicide. This is a very serious issue that the government is unwilling to discuss," Suresh said. "We have already given an adjournment motion to discuss it, and at 10 am, Rajya Sabha LoP Mallikarjun Kharge has called a meeting of opposition parties, where we will make the final decision. We are also ready to cooperate with the government. But the government is prioritising its own agenda. Furthermore, they are unwilling to discuss whatever the opposition is saying. That is the problem," he added. Earlier today, Congress MPs Manickam Tagore and Vijay Kumar Vasanth moved an adjournment motion in Parliament seeking an urgent debate on the ongoing SIR in the country, calling the revision exercise "unplanned and one-sided". The Congress MPs flagged the SIR process, alleging that the extreme pressure put on Booth Level Officers (BLOs) has resulted in deaths and exhaustion. The MP demands that the SIR be suspended, that BLO deaths be investigated, that families be compensated, that election procedures be reformed, and that the Election Commission be summoned to explain its actions. The second phase of the SIR exercise covers Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Madhya Pradesh, Puducherry, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal, following the successful completion of the first phase in Bihar. The final voter list will be published on February 14, 2026. However, on Sunday, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju asserted that the government is fully prepared to listen to the opposition's concerns, even as some leaders warned of creating a ruckus in the parliament over the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls during the winter session. Speaking to reporters following an all-party meeting, Rijiju said that the government is prepared to address the issue, emphasising that Parliament "belongs to everyone" and urging all parties to uphold the sanctity of parliamentary debate. "No one said that Parliament will not function or will not let it function. Some leaders said they can create a ruckus in the House over SIR. I am saying this in a positive manner that we are ready to listen to the opposition... Parliament belongs to everyone; it belongs to the country. There is a method to discuss every issue in Parliament. There are rules, there are conventions," the Union Minister said. Meanwhile, the 6th Session of the 18th Lok Sabha and the 269th Session of the Rajya Sabha will commence on Monday, December 1, at 11 am, marking the beginning of the Winter Session of Parliament. The session will conclude on December 19. (ANI)
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Jagdambika Pal on Monday slammed the Opposition for disrupting the Parliament with continuous protest and sloganeering during the Monsoon Session, calling it a "blow to democracy." Speaking to ANI, Pal said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla are prepared to discuss all issues in the House and urged the Opposition to allow Parliament to function smoothly in the Winter Session. He said, "The Constitution assigns the duty to India's highest house, where elected representatives debate, suggest, criticise, and raise crucial issues from their constituencies. The Speaker of the Lok Sabha is always prepared to discuss any matter in the Business Advisory Committee. Yet the House session hasn't begun because of the SIR issue. They claimed 64 lakh votes were stolen, but could not prove a single one." "The House should be allowed to function. PM Modi said that we are ready to discuss every topic. The House is for debate, discussion, and decision-making, not for creating chaos. This is a blow to democracy," the BJP MP added. His criticism comes after both Houses of the Parliament witnessed recurring adjournment amid the Opposition's protest against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) Phase I in Bihar during the Monsoon Session. Earlier, Union Minister Chirag Paswan had termed the Opposition as a "speed breaker", after which Congress MP Kiran Kumar Chamala hit back, saying that the Opposition wants to ensure discussions on important issues. Speaking to ANI, Chamala questioned the short duration of the Winter Session, claiming that the session is called for 15 days to not allow the Opposition parties to speak. The Winter Session will begin on Monday, December 1, and conclude on December 19, with 15 seatings. He said, "If at all, the NDA wanted to do a constructive parliamentary session, they would not have done it in 15 days. They want a quick one (session) on what they want. They do not want the Opposition to talk. Our job is not to become speed breakers, but to ensure important issues are discussed." The Opposition is set to raise the Delhi blast, air pollution, and the SIR exercise in the nation during the Winter Session of the Parliament. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation on Monday ahead of the winter parliament session, calling on the Opposition parties to focus on delivering a productive parliament session for the people. Taking a jibe at the the Opposition, he said they appear "unsettled," due to the recent defeat in the Bihar elections, he called upon them to put aside differences and work for ensuring sound policy and laws are passed in parliament, in order to not repeat the washout of the monsoon session. "I would request that everyone thinks about the issues at hand. There is a lot of place for doing drama, whoever wants to do drama can do it. Yaha drama nahi, delivery honi chahiye (There should delivery here, no drama). Whoever wants to say slogans, the whole country is there, you have already said it during the defeat of Bihar elections. But here the emphasis should be on policy, not slogans," PM Modi said ahead of the winter parliament session. "It is possible that negativity can work in politics but ultimately positive thinking is needed for nation building. Negativity should be kept aside and nation building should be the focus," he added. Calling on the Opposition to raise relevant and strong issues, he said that he felt the parties could have gotten over their recent defeat in Bihar, but clearly they are still unsettled. "The opposition should also raise strong, relevant issues in Parliament. They should come out of being upset (from their election defeat) and participate. I thought that it has been a long time since Bihar elections, so they would have composed themselves, but yesterday it seemed that defeat has clearly affected them," he said. He further urged all parties that the winter session should not become a battleground for frustration born out of defeat, nor should it turn into an arena for arrogance born out of victory. "This session should focus on issues like what Parliament is thinking for the country, what Parliament wants to do for the country, and what Parliament is going to do for the country. The opposition should also fulfill its responsibility and raise strong issues in the discussion," PM Modi said. Earlier, members of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) met on Monday to discuss the strategy of the Opposition bloc ahead of the nearly three-week session of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha Trinamool Congress (TMC) MPs did not attend the coalition meeting, citing that they are occupied with their own party meeting ahead of the winter session, according to Congress sources. The 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. While the previous monsoon session was considered as a "washout" amid repeated sloganeering and protests by the Opposition parties regarding the ongoing SIR, the opposition parties seek to raise the issue of the recent Delhi blast near red fort, the air quality in the national capital and foreign policy too. (ANI)
Heavy rains lashed Tiruvallur and other districts of Tamil Nadu on Monday, in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah. Besides Tiruvallur, several other parts of the state also witnessed intense rainfall after the cyclone made landfall. Chennai experienced strong winds, heavy showers, high tides and visible damage along Marina Beach. According to the Met Department, Tthe Deep Depression (remnant of Cyclonic Storm Ditwah) over southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts moved northwards with the speed of 10 kmph during past 6 hours and lay centered at 0530 hrs IST of today, over southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining areas of westcentral Bay of Bengal, North Tamil Nadu-Puducherry and South Andhra Pradesh coasts. The minimum distance of the centre of the deep depression from north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts is about 40 km. It is very likely to move slowly northwards parallel to North Tamil Nadu-Puducherry and south Andhra Pradesh coasts and weaken into a depression during next 12 hours. The system will be centered over southwest & adjoining west central Bay of Bengal within a minimum distance of 30 km from the Chennai coast by noon of today. Earlier, due to persistent rainfall caused by the approaching cyclone, rainwater had accumulated outside the sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha) of the Arulmigu Vedaranyeswara Swamy Temple in Nagapattinam, severely impacting normal life. The heavy downpour in the Vedharanyam region also affected salt production, with nearly 9,000 acres of salt pans damaged. Additionally, flooding in the Manangkondan River in the Nagapattinam district cut off road access to Karuppapulam village. As a result, more than 100 acres of paddy fields were submerged, causing extensive agricultural losses. Tamil Nadu, state Disaster Management Minister K.K.S.S.R. Ramachandran earlier mentioned that three people have died in rain-related incidents caused by Cyclone Ditawh in Tamil Nadu, Approximately 56,000 hectares of farmland have been flooded in the state, he said, adding that 24,000 hectares in Nagapattinam, 15,000 in Tiruvarur, and 8,000 in Mayiladuthurai were flooded. Additionally, Revenue Minister Ramachandran discussed the state's preparedness in view of Cyclone Ditwah, stating that 38 relief camps have been established across vulnerable districts. Nine have been established in Pudukkottai, two each in Mayiladuthurai and Ramanathapuram, four in Tiruvarur, two in Thanjavur, 10 in Nagapattinam, one each in Ranipet and Chengalpattu, and seven in Viluppuram, collectively accommodating 2,391 people. The Minister stated that since yesterday evening, 234 huts have been damaged due to rainfall. He also mentioned that Chief Minister MK Stalin will determine the relief measures after the rains. "We have taken all necessary measures to face the cyclone, whatever its nature. Yesterday, around 11 pm, the Deputy CM inspected the Disaster Management Control Room and the Chennai Corporation Control Room... Across the specific districts of Tamil Nadu, 38 relief camps have been set up: nine in Pudukkottai, two in Mayiladuthurai, two in Ramanathapuram, four in Tiruvarur, two in Thanjavur, 10 in Nagapattinam, one in Ranipet, one in Chengalpattu, and seven in Viluppuram, accommodating a total of 2,391 people... Since yesterday evening, three people have died, and 149 livestock deaths have been reported, with 234 huts damaged due to the rains... A total of 38 disaster response teams are on standby: 12 NDRF, 16 TNDRF, and 10 NDRF teams... About 56,000 hectares of farmland flooded--24,000 in Nagapattinam, 15,000 in Tiruvarur, 8,000 in Mayiladuthurai. After rains, the Chief Minister will decide on relief measures...," Ramachandran told ANI. (ANI)
The members of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) met on Monday to discuss the strategy of the Opposition bloc ahead of the nearly three-week session of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. Trinamool Congress (TMC) MPs did not attend the coalition meeting, citing that they are occupied with their own party meeting ahead of the winter session, according to Congress sources. The INDIA bloc leaders are expected to raise the issue of the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) across the country, the Delhi blast near Red Fort, the deteriorating air quality in the national capital, and issues regarding foreign policy. Earlier on Sunday, multiple INDIA bloc leaders also attended the all-party meeting held at the Parliament House Complex, to discuss preparations for the Winter Session of Parliament. The meeting, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, saw the participation of 50 leaders from 36 political parties, including several Union Ministers, with the aim of ensuring a constructive and productive session. Multiple Congress MPs have raised objections to the SIR, filing an adjournment motion to discuss the electoral roll revision and seeking a suspension of the exercise. Congress MPs Manickam Tagore and Vijay Kumar Vasanth on Monday moved an adjournment motion in Parliament seeking an urgent debate on the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in the country. Calling the revision exercise "unplanned and one-sided," the Congress MPs have flagged the alleged extreme pressure put on Booth Level Officers (BLOs), resulting in deaths and exhaustion. Earlier today, Virudhunagar MP Manickam Tagore flagged the repeated suicides of BLOs, saying that the Election Commission is doing "vote chori" in the name of SIR. Kanyakumari MP Vijay Kumar also moved an adjournment motion today. "The exercise is unplanned and one-sided, with no consultation or support, forcing BLOs into extreme pressure where many have collapsed and some have died," the MP claimed in his motion. The MP demanded that the SIR be suspended, BLO deaths be investigated, families compensated, election procedures reformed, and the Election Commission be summoned to explain its actions. The second phase of the SIR exercise covers Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Madhya Pradesh, Puducherry, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal, following the successful completion of the first phase in Bihar. The final voter list will be published on February 14, 2026. (ANI)
Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Monday hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his "drama nahi, delivery" remark ahead of the winter session of the Parliament, asserting that raising and discussing issues in the houses is not drama but a core part of democratic functioning. Speaking to reporters following PM Modi's address ahead of the 6th session of the 18th Lok Sabha and 269th Rajya Sabha, the Congress MP from Wayanad asserted that raising pressing public concerns like the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and severe air pollution is the very purpose of Parliament. "There are urgent issues. Election situation, SIR, and pollution are huge issues. Let us discuss them. What is the Parliament for? Let's discuss them. It's not drama. Speaking about issues, raising issues is not drama. Drama is not allowing discussions. Drama is not having a democratic discussion about issues that matter to the public," Gandhi said. Meanwhile, according to sources, INDIA bloc parties have decided to raise the SIR issue in both Houses of Parliament today, with the parties unanimously agreeing that the SIR will be treated as the prime agenda and will be debated first during the ongoing Winter Session. Priyanka Gandhi's remark comes at the backdrop of PM Modi's address ahead of the winter parliament session, calling on the opposition parties to focus on delivering a productive parliament session for the people. Taking a jibe at the Opposition, he said they appear "unsettled" due to the recent defeat in the Bihar elections, he called upon them to put aside differences and work for ensuring sound policy and laws are passed in parliament, in order to not repeat the washout of the monsoon session. "I would request that everyone think about the issues at hand. There are a lot of places for doing drama; whoever wants to do drama can do it. Yaha drama nahi, delivery honi chahiye (There should be delivery here, no drama). Whoever wants to say slogans, the whole country is there; you have already said it during the defeat of Bihar elections. But here the emphasis should be on policy, not slogans," PM Modi said ahead of the winter parliament session. "It is possible that negativity can work in politics but ultimately positive thinking is needed for nation building. Negativity should be kept aside and nation-building should be the focus," he added. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday welcomed the newly elected Vice President of India and Rajya Sabha chairman, CP Radhakrishnan, to the Upper House of Parliament, highlighting his inspiring political journey and lifelong commitment to social service. Vice President CP Radhakrishnan assumed charge as the Rajya Sabha chairman in September 2025. PM Modi hailed VP Radhakrishnan's political journey, calling him an inspiration for the MPs. The Prime Minister also assured the House chairman that the Rajya Sabha MPs will maintain the dignity of the House and the post of the chairman during the functioning of the Parliament. He said, "This is a moment of pride to welcome you and, under your guidance, take the nation on the path of development by taking important decisions. On behalf of the House, I congratulate you and wish you. I am confident that all the MPs sitting here will also consider your dignity while maintaining the dignity of the Upper House." "Our chair comes from an ordinary agricultural family and has dedicated their life to social service. The political sphere has been just a part of his social service. His works since his youth days are an inspiration for people interested in social service. Your reaching this far despite the twists and turns of politics is the biggest strength of Indian democracy," PM Modi added. He added that RS chairman Radhakrishnan's habit of not being suppressed under the protocol empowers him in public life. "It is my honour that I have known you for a long time and got an opportunity to work together. As the Coir board chairman, you converted it into the historically highest-profitting institute. Only a few people get such an opportunity. In Jharkhand, the way you developed your relationship with the tribal people. The Chief Minister also mentioned this. Even if a helicopter is available or not, you kept moving. I have seen you as a karyakarta (worker), as an MP, and I have felt that usually people are suppressed due to the protocol, but you have no relation with the protocol. There is a power in a life free from protocols, and we have always felt that in you," the Prime Minister said. CP Radhakrishnan was elected as the 15th Vice President of India after securing 452 votes against the Opposition candidate and former Supreme Court judge B Sudershan Reddy, who received 300 votes. A veteran BJP leader, Radhakrishnan, previously served as the Governor of Maharashtra and the Governor of Jharkhand from February 2023 to July 2024. He also held additional charge as the Governor of Telangana and Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry between March and July 2024. He was elected twice to the Lok Sabha from Coimbatore and has served as Tamil Nadu BJP State President. The Winter Session of Parliament commenced today, with the Upper House witnessing the formal welcome of its new chairman, whereas the Lok Sabha adjourned till noon amid Opposition protests over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). (ANI)
Paul Walker's daughter has pledged to love him "forever".

Meadow Walker paid tribute to her dad Paul (c) Instagram

Meadow Walker was just 15 years old when the Fast and Furious actor was killed in a fireball car crash on November 30, 2013, aged 40, and the 27-year-old model marked the 12th anniversary of his death by sharing some photos of herself seated on a counter as a toddler while her dad presented her with dessert.

She captioned her Instagram post: "12 years without you I love you forever."

Paul's close friend and Fast and Furious co-star Vin Diesel also paid a heartfelt tribute to the late star.

He shared a photo of them together and wrote: "Twelve years

"Not a day goes by

"Miss you.(sic)"

And in a second post, Vin celebrated the "brotherhood eternal" he has with Paul.

He wrote: "The universe keeps placing angels in my path. I know you are a part of it a brotherhood eternal.

"Love you forever (sic)"

Fellow Fast and Furious star Jordana Brewster also took the time to remember Paul.

Alongside a close-up of her friend's face, she wrote: "12 years Without You (sic)"

Meadow marks the anniversary of her father's death on Instagram every year.

Last year, she shared a series of throwback photos from over the years and captioned her post: "Easter (1999), Pops in the Bahamas, in front of your old office on the universal lot (2024), fast (2001), goofballs. 11 years without you. I miss you everyday. I love you so much. (sic)"

Back in 2023, Paul's daughter said she was convinced she still receives signs from the Eight Below actor, which centre around particular numbers.

She told E! News: For me, its numbers  four and seven are my dads favourite numbers.

And I swear whenever Im doubting anything or whenever Im in an argument with someone or anything, I start seeing four and seven everywhere. So I always know that its him.

Even yesterday, I was having a moment and then the clock bells started ringing. And I was like, OK, its all good, its gonna be OK.

Meadow honoured Paul by taking on a guest role as a flight attendant in 2023's Fast X  the 10th film in the Fast and Furious franchise.
The first day of the Winter Session of Parliament witnessed an early adjournment as the Lok Sabha was suspended till 12 PM, just 20 minutes after the proceedings commenced at 11 AM, following repeated sloganeering and protests by Opposition MPs demanding a discussion on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise on electoral rolls across the country. Speaker Om Birla called on Members of Parliament to maintain decorum in the House, assuring that he is ready to discuss the issues raised by the Opposition while emphasising that the Question Hour should be allowed to proceed. Despite repeated warnings from the Speaker, Opposition MPs continued their protests and sloganeering. "I request you again (Opposition parties), to not disturb the Question hour of the House. This is not the time to raise issues, let the Parliament function. Disagreements, agreements, and ideological differences also happen in politics. But debate is the way to go to find a solution for that. Last session too, I had requested that we are the largest democracy in the world, we should have some standards," Om Birla said during the session. Calling on people to raise relevant issues which are connected to the problems faced by various constituents, Birla added, "I request that the people have elected you here to talk about issues, raise relevant, strong issues, and raise and discuss the problems of the people. I will give everyone time to discuss, but disrupting the functioning of the house is not a good tradition." "I am ready to talk on issues...Do you not want to raise issues? Discuss in parliament?" he added. The first day of the Winter Session also included obituary references for former MPs, including actor and former BJP MP Dharmendra, paying tribute to their service. The government has listed a total of 13 Bills for consideration during the Winter Session, many of which have not been examined by a Standing Committee. The other legislative proposals likely to be taken up include the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025; the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill, 2025; the Repealing and Amending Bill, 2025; the National Highways (Amendment) Bill, 2025; the Atomic Energy Bill, 2025; the Corporate Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025; the Securities Markets Code Bill (SMC), 2025; the Insurance Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025; the Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Bill, 2025; and the Higher Education Commission of India Bill, 2025. (ANI)
Indian Union Muslim League MP E.T. Mohammed Basheer on Monday called for taking a firm stand on the SIR process during the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament. The IUML MP also alleged that the central government has not considered discussing the SIR process in Parliament. "The most important thing is that we have to take a very strong stand on SIR. We've tried so hard, yet they (the central govt) haven't considered it properly. There are many other issues related to the economic upfront..." Basheer told ANI. Earlier today, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, while slamming Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "drama nahi, delivery" remark, asserted that discussing issues in the houses is not drama but a core part of democratic functioning. Speaking to reporters following PM Modi's address ahead of the 6th session of the 18th Lok Sabha and 269th Rajya Sabha, the Congress MP from Wayanad asserted that raising pressing public concerns like the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and severe air pollution is the very purpose of Parliament." "There are urgent issues. election situation, SIR, and pollution are huge issues. Let us discuss them. What is the Parliament for? Let's discuss them. It's not drama. Speaking about issues, raising issues is not drama. Drama is not allowing discussions. Drama is not having a democratic discussion about issues that matter to the public," Gandhi said. Meanwhile, according to sources, the INDIA bloc parties have decided to raise the SIR issue in both Houses of Parliament today, with the parties unanimously agreeing that the SIR will be treated as the primary agenda and debated first during the ongoing Winter Session. The Winter Session of Parliament began today, with the Upper House formally welcoming its new chairman. However, the session was interrupted by repeated sloganeering by Opposition parties, who alleged electoral fraud. As a result, MP Sandhya Rai, sitting in the Speaker's chair, adjourned the House until 2 PM, criticising the Opposition for disrupting the proceedings. (ANI).
Lok Janshakti Party (RV) MP and Union Chirag Paswan on Monday called on the Opposition parties to ensure a productive session of Parliament, highlighting the problems the first-time MPs might face if this winter session becomes a "washout" like the last monsoon session. "Over a singular issue of SIR, the opposition washed out an entire session of the Parliament. Similar things are expected this time as well, seeing the statements being made by opposition leaders. Such things affect first-time MPs, who really want to work for their constituencies and want to raise issues on the floor of the house," Paswan told ANI after the adjournment of Lok Sabha. Expressing support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's concern over sloganeering in the house, Paswan added, "Prime Minister's concern is legitimate because we have just these 5 years to work for my people and country. But when that opportunity is taken from you, it is a matter of concern. A healthy Parliament session is everyone's responsibility." He said that while the government is ready to discuss the issues, it is on the Opposition parties to ensure the functioning of the House. "The government is ready to discuss every issue the opposition raises. At the same time, it is the responsibility of the opposition to maintain decorum and let the House function," he added. The first day of the Winter Session of Parliament witnessed an early adjournment as the Lok Sabha was suspended till 2 PM, just 15 minutes after the proceedings commenced at 12 noon. Amid repeated sloganeering and protests by Opposition MPs demanding a discussion on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise on electoral rolls across the country. The Speaker called on Members of Parliament to maintain decorum in the House, assuring that he is ready to discuss the issues raised by the Opposition while emphasising that the Question Hour should be allowed to proceed. Despite repeated warnings from the Speaker, Opposition MPs continued their protests and sloganeering. (ANI)
The first day of the winter session of the Lok Sabha was adjourned till 2 PM on Monday, after just 15 minutes of legislative business taking place, amid repeated sloganeering by the Opposition parties alleging electoral fraud. While sitting at the Speaker's chair, MP Sandhya Rai adjourned the house, criticising the Opposition for not allowing the House to function. Multiple Opposition leaders raised the slogan of "vote chor, gaddi chod" in the House, while also demanding a discussion on the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls across the country. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced the Health Security se National Security Cess Bill, 2025 and the Central Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2025. The bill was introduced in the House via a voice vote. Before adjournment, BJP MPs moved various motions to extend the deadlines for the submission of reports by select committees. BJP MP Rajamundry moved that the House extend the time for the presentation of the report on the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2025, upto the last day of the winter session. The House voted to extend the timing of the committee by a voice vote. BJP MP Tejasvi Surya also moved that the House extend the presentation of the report of the Select Committee on the Jan Vishwas Amendment of Provisions Bill up upto the last week of the session. The House extended the motion via a voice vote. While sitting in the chair, MP Sandhya Rai criticised the Opposition parties for not allowing the House to function. "I request everyone to stay at their seats, everyone wants to talk about their issues. Do you not want the House to function?" Rai asked the Opposition MPs amid repeated sloganeering of "vote chor, gaddi chod." Meanwhile, in the Rajya Sabha, multiple MPs, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, welcomed RS Chairman CP Radhakrishnan to the House. PM Modi hailed VP Radhakrishnan's political journey, calling him an inspiration for the MPs. The Prime Minister also assured the House chairman that the Rajya Sabha MPs will maintain the dignity of the House and the post of the chairman during the functioning of the Parliament. He said, "This is a moment of pride to welcome you and, under your guidance, take the nation on the path of development by taking important decisions. On behalf of the House, I congratulate you and wish you. I am confident that all the MPs sitting here will also consider your dignity while maintaining the dignity of the Upper House." He added that RS chairman Radhakrishnan's habit of not being suppressed under the protocol empowers him in public life. CP Radhakrishnan was elected as the 15th Vice President of India after securing 452 votes against the Opposition candidate and former Supreme Court judge B Sudershan Reddy, who received 300 votes. (ANI)
Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, on Monday welcomed Vice President CP Radhakrishnan as the chairman of the House and urged him not to show partisan behaviour during his tenure. Addressing the Upper House of the Parliament, Kharge invoked India's first Vice President Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan to take a jibe at the BJP. He said, "I rise today on my own behalf and on behalf of all opposition members to heartily congratulate you on assuming the office of Chairman of Rajya Sabha." "Chairman holds the heavy responsibility of the smooth conduct of the proceedings of the Council of States. I consider it apt to quote Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. During his acceptance speech, he said, 'I belong to no party, that means I belong to every party in this House. It shall be my endeavour to hold the highest traditions of the Parliamentary democracy and act towards every party with fairness and impartiality. With ill will to none and goodwill to all. A democracy will turn into tyranny if it does not allow the Opposition groups to criticise fairly freely and frankly the policies ofthe government.' I am saying because some people say that you belong to their party," the Congress President added. Drawing CP Radhakrishnan's connection with the Congress, Kharge added that his uncle CK Kuppuswamy was an MP from their party. "Valuable observations made by Dr Radhakrishnan are still relevant. You not only assumed the same office as him, but also share the name. I hope you are of the same thought as him. Your uncle CK Kuppuswamy has been a member of Congress and elected to the Lok Sabha thrice. Congress staunchly stands by Constitutional values and time-honoured parliamentary procedures. Kindly be assured of our cooperation in the conduct of proceedings of the House and providing a just opportunity to each member of the House, whether they belong to the Opposition or the treasury benches," he said. Recalling former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar's sudden resignation, he said that the House did not get an opportunity to bid him a farewell. "I am constrained to refer to your predecessor's sudden exit from the office of the Chairman of Rajya Sabha, which was unprecedented. The Chairman, as custodian of the House, belongs as much to the Opposition as to the government. I was disheartened that the House did not get an opportunity to bid him a farewell. I wish him a healthy life. We are confident that you will be impartial," he said. Kharge's remarks regarding Dhankhar's resignation triggered opposition from the ruling MPs, and Union Minister Kiren Rijiju hit back by saying that Congress leaders had insulted the former Rajya Sabha chairman and sought his removal from the post. Rijiju said, "Why LoP mentioned a case which was not necessary to be raised at this moment. Kharge ji, your LoP in Lok Sabha and Jairam Ramesh's work, I don't want to mention here. In a democracy, we should respect each other. If he did not deviate from the subject, I didn't need to say. Have you forgotten the language you used for the former Vice President and insulted him? The removal motion against him is still with us. My appeal is don't refer to anything unnecessary on this solemn occasion." CP Radhakrishnan was elected as the 15th Vice President of India after a sudden resignation from Dhankhar on the first day of the Monsoon Session, citing health reasons. A veteran BJP leader, Radhakrishnan, previously served as the Governor of Maharashtra and the Governor of Jharkhand from February 2023 to July 2024. He also held additional charge as the Governor of Telangana and Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry between March and July 2024. He was elected twice to the Lok Sabha from Coimbatore and has served as Tamil Nadu BJP State President. The Winter Session of Parliament commenced today, with the Upper House witnessing the formal welcome of its new chairman, whereas the Lok Sabha adjourned till 2 pm amid Opposition protests over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter lists. (ANI)
The Upper House of the Parliament was adjourned till 2 pm on the first day of the Winter Session on Monday for lunch after a discussion on the motion of felicitation of the new Rajya Sabha chairman, CP Radhakrishan. The discussion witnessed several Rajya Sabha MPs across party lines welcoming Vice President Radhakrishnan to the House. Vice President CP Radhakrishnan assumed charge as the Rajya Sabha chairman in September 2025. During the discussion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Chairman CP Radhakrishnan to the Upper House, highlighting his inspiring political journey and lifelong commitment to social service. PM Modi hailed VP Radhakrishnan's political journey, calling him an inspiration for the MPs. The Prime Minister also assured the House chairman that the Rajya Sabha MPs will maintain the dignity of the House and the post of the chairman during the functioning of the Parliament. He said, "This is a moment of pride to welcome you and, under your guidance, take the nation on the path of development by taking important decisions. On behalf of the House, I congratulate you and wish you. I am confident that all the MPs sitting here will also consider your dignity while maintaining the dignity of the Upper House." "Our chair comes from an ordinary agricultural family and has dedicated their life to social service. The political sphere has been just a part of his social service. His works since his youth days are an inspiration for people interested in social service. Your reaching this far despite the twists and turns of politics is the biggest strength of Indian democracy," PM Modi added. Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, while welcoming Vice President CP Radhakrishnan as the chairman of the House, urged him not to show partisan behaviour during his tenure. Addressing the Upper House of the Parliament, Kharge invoked India's first Vice President Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan to take a jibe at the BJP. He said, "I rise today on my own behalf and on behalf of all opposition members to heartily congratulate you on assuming the office of Chairman of Rajya Sabha." "Chairman holds the heavy responsibility of the smooth conduct of the proceedings of the Council of States. I consider it apt to quote Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. During his acceptance speech, he said, 'I belong to no party, that means I belong to every party in this House. It shall be my endeavour to hold the highest traditions of the Parliamentary democracy and act towards every party with fairness and impartiality. With ill will to none and goodwill to all. A democracy will turn into tyranny if it does not allow the Opposition groups to criticise fairly freely and frankly the policies ofthe government.' I am saying because some people say that you belong to their party," the Congress President added. Recalling former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar's sudden resignation, he said that the House did not get an opportunity to bid him a farewell. His remarks regarding Dhankhar's resignation triggered opposition from the ruling MPs, and Union Minister Kiren Rijiju hit back by saying that Congress leaders had insulted the former Rajya Sabha chairman and sought his removal from the post. Rijiju said, "Why did LoP mention a case which was not necessary to be raised at this moment. Kharge ji, your LoP in Lok Sabha and Jairam Ramesh's work, I don't want to mention here. In a democracy, we should respect each other. If he did not deviate from the subject, I didn't need to say. Have you forgotten the language you used for the former Vice President and insulted him? The removal motion against him is still with us. My appeal is don't refer to anything unnecessary on this solemn occasion." The first day of the winter session witnessed the Lok Sabha adjourning till 2 PM after just 15 minutes of legislative business taking place, amid repeated sloganeering by the Opposition parties alleging electoral fraud. Sitting at the Speaker's chair, MP Sandhya Rai adjourned the house, criticising the Opposition for not allowing the House to function. Multiple Opposition leaders raised the slogan of "vote chor, gaddi chod" in the House, while also demanding a discussion on the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls across the country. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced the Health Security se National Security Cess Bill, 2025 and the Central Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2025. The bill was introduced in the House via a voice vote. (ANI)
Senior Congress leader K Muraleedharan on Monday alleged that the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) show-cause notice to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in the KIIFB masala bonds case is politically motivated, noting that it was a deliberate attempt by the centre to "force" the CPI(M)-led LDF government to adopt a "pro-BJP" stance ahead of upcoming assembly elections in the state set to take place next year. Speaking to reporters, Muraleedharan alleged that the repeated issuance of notices to the Chief Minister suggests an attempt to influence political positioning in the state. "The Chief Minister keeps receiving notices from time to time. The intention is to force him into taking a pro-BJP stand, especially with the elections approaching. But no matter who tries to lift the BJP, it will not rise. They may try to intimidate occasionally, but eventually they will settle down," the senior Congress leader said. Earlier, the ED had issued show cause notices to Kerala CM Vijayan and officials of the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) in connection with alleged violations under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), officials said. The notices were issued 19 days back on November 12, 2025, during adjudication proceedings, said the officials, adding "the noticees are not required to appear personally." Besides the Kerala CM (Chairman, KIIFB), the notices were issued to KM Abraham (CEO, KIIFB), T M Thomas Issac (Vice Chairman, KIIFB), and KIIFB. The case concerns alleged irregularities in KIIFB's external commercial borrowings (ECB) through Masala Bonds issued on the London and Singapore Stock Exchanges. Muraleedharan also commented on the sexual harassment allegations against suspended Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, reaffirming that the party has taken a clear stance on the matter. "The stand of the Congress has been made clear by the KPCC. Anyone who turns against it will have to face the consequences. Rahul Mankootathil is no longer a Congress worker. We are on the threshold of the elections," he stated. On Sunday, the senior Congress leader said that the party considers the suspension of Mamkootathil as equivalent to expulsion, making it clear that the "chapter" is closed for the party. Muraleedharan said the suspended MLA should not be permitted to participate in any party-related event or campaign for Congress candidates in the upcoming election, as the local body elections are set to take place in the South Indian state this month. "Rahul Mamkootathil should not be allowed to attend any programme from now on. He should not step out for campaigning for Congress candidates. Those destined to rise will rise, and those who are not will fade away," Muraleedharan said, adding that the party has made its position clear. Mamootathil, who is the MLA for Kerala's Palakkad, has been booked on charges of alleged rape, criminal intimidation, and coerced abortion, with the FIR listing multiple non-bailable sections. Kerala Police have also arraigned his friend Joby Joseph as the second accused in the case. (ANI)
The Delhi High Court on Monday issued notices to all defendants in the defamation suit filed by former Jammu & Kashmir Chief Secretary Arun Kumar Mehta, IAS (Retd.), over allegations of a purported "Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) scam". The notice was issued to retired IAS officer Ashok Kumar Parmar, whose allegations form the basis of the dispute, and to other parties named in the suit. The Purushaindra Kumar Kurav has sought their responses and listed the matter for hearing on February 3, when arguments on Dr. Mehta's request for an interim injunction will be taken up. Mehta has filed the suit through Advocates Vasudev Sharan Swain and Nar Hari Singh (AoR), claiming damages of Rs 2.55 crore along with interim and permanent injunctions. The suit asserts that the "JJM scam" allegations are fabricated, malicious and unsupported by any evidence. According to the pleadings, a sustained attempt was made to create the impression of a large-scale conspiracy where none existed, resulting in harm to his reputation and to the integrity of the mission's work in Jammu & Kashmir. The suit relies heavily on findings of the Anti-Corruption Bureau, which conducted a detailed enquiry into the allegations. The ACB concluded that there was no financial misappropriation, that tenders were awarded to the lowest eligible bidders through proper e-tendering procedures, that no favouritism took place, and that no loss was caused to the exchequer. The enquiry was formally closed as "Not Substantiated". The pleadings further highlight that although it was publicly claimed that complaints had been filed before the CBI and the National Commission for Scheduled Castes, RTI replies from both institutions confirmed that no such complaints were received. According to the suit, the allegations were built on letters that were drafted and circulated but never actually filed. It also refers to an earlier petition filed before the CAT (Jammu Bench), which the Tribunal dismissed with Rs 1 lakh costs, describing it as "mischievous and frivolous" and intended to harass senior officials. The suit points out that the purported "scam amount" fluctuated dramatically across various communications - Rs 1,000 crore, Rs 3,000 crore, Rs 4,000 crore, RS 6,000 crore and even above Rs 14,000 crore - reflecting sensationalism rather than factual consistency. It states that no evidence of personal enrichment has been produced and emphasises the presence of strong digital safeguards in JJM operations in J&K, including BEAMS, online administrative and technical sanction systems, mandatory e-tendering, PaySyS, PROOF geo-tagged records, and multi-layered vetting, all of which leave robust audit trails. On the ground, the suit records that more than 81% of physical works under JJM were completed in Jammu & Kashmir by June 2025, based on official and RTI data. It says that not a single instance has been identified where work remained unexecuted or where procurement occurred without competition across more than 3,780 village schemes, undermining the core allegations of large-scale manipulation. The plaint also describes what it calls a pattern of selective leaks and amplification. It traces 26 letters authored and circulated between 2022 and 2025 and over 140 publications that appeared to track their timing, suggesting a cycle of unverified narratives gaining currency through repetition. The suit claims that this created an echo chamber that presented the allegations as established fact despite the absence of substantiating material. According to the plaint, the false narrative targeted not only Dr. Mehta but also broader governance efforts in Jammu & Kashmir, attempting to undermine public confidence in improvements achieved under national programmes such as JJM following the abrogation of Article 370. It frames the litigation as both a defence of personal reputation and a necessary response to the weaponisation of misinformation. Through the present suit, Mehta seeks protection of his professional standing, preservation of the credibility of JJM's institutional framework, and a clear legal signal that the deliberate circulation of false and sensational allegations will not go unanswered in law. (ANI)
Responding to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "drama" remark against the Opposition, Congress MP Digvijaya Singh on Monday said the Prime Minister should not lecture the Opposition, adding that the Congress had always supported the Summary Revision (SIR) process. Responding to mediapersons queries, the veteran Congress leader said the current voter verification exercise was different from earlier SIR procedures, which he said did not require citizens to fill out forms. "Does he wants to give us tips on 'drama'? We have always been in favour of the SIR. This has happened before. Back then, the SIR used to run for 2-4 months, and that SIR was a process for registering every citizen's votes. Voters didn't fill out any forms. The BLO would come and ask, and we'd give them the information. Our vote would be added," he said. Singh claimed that the present process was linked to the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), not the traditional SIR. "This SIR, requires us to fill out forms and provide proof of whether we're Indian citizens. You've enacted the CAA, get it investigated... This is not SIR, this is CAA. We object to it..." he added. While speaking to reporters, the Congress MP also admitted that the party needed to strengthen its grassroots organisation. "Our weakness is that we're not able to do the physical on-the-ground work the Congress Party should do," he said. Earlier, TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee hit back at PM Modi for his 'drama comment' saying that for the opposition to ask for a debate on SIR should not be considered 'drama', and that if the government labels raising people's voices as 'drama', then they need to be ready to be removed from power by the people in the next election. He said, "What the opposition is asking is a debate on SIR. Is it drama? If raising people's voices is drama, then they will get a response in the next election. Forty people, including BLOs, died. They have blamed ECI. Where is accountability from the government?"In reference to demonetisation, he said, "People stood in queues 10 years back during demonetisation. The black money flow has increased. Where is the accountability?"In reference to the current blasts, he said, " Blasts are happening, and terrorists are entering our country, where is accountability?" He added, "40 people have died due to unplanned SIR. Where is accountability? Opposition is working within the legal framework to ask questions. Just because they have won a few states doesn't mean that they are not answerable to people. The same people who removed you from power will remove you from power. We are raising questions on Pahalgam, 40 people died due to SIR and BJP, and they think this is a drama?" He said, "We are not against SIR, but we are against the method and way it is being executed. EC didn't train BLOs; they didn't remove the glitch; the voter roll isn't updated; and when we want a discussion, PM says this is drama."In reference to state funding, he said, "They have blocked 2 lakh crore rupees of Bengal." On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation ahead of the winter session of Parliament, calling on Opposition parties to focus on delivering a productive session for the people. Taking a jibe at the Opposition, he said they appear "unsettled," due to the recent defeat in the Bihar elections. He called upon them to put aside differences and work to ensure that sound policies and laws are passed in parliament, so as not to repeat the washout of the monsoon session. "I would request that everyone think about the issues at hand. There is plenty of space for drama; whoever wants to do it can. Yaha drama nahi, delivery honi chahiye (There should be delivery here, no drama). Whoever wants to say slogans, the whole country is there; you have already said it during the defeat of the Bihar elections. But here the emphasis should be on policy, not slogans," PM Modi said ahead of the winter parliament session. The 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. While the previous monsoon session was considered a "washout" amid repeated sloganeering and protests by the Opposition parties regarding the ongoing SIR, the Opposition parties seek to raise the issue of the recent Delhi blast near the Red Fort, the air quality in the national capital, and foreign policy as well. (ANI)
Scarlett Johansson believes women in Hollywood are held to higher "standards" than their male counter-parts.

Scarlett Johansson believes women in Hollywood are held to higher standards than their male counterparts

The Lost in Translation star, 41, has opened up about the issues facing female stars in the movie industry declaring "it's still tough" because "there's so much more expected" of actresses and they struggle to get their careers back on track if they are hit by a scandal.

She told The Telegraph newspaper: "I think its still tough. There have always been great roles in Hollywood for women. But the standards are tough.

"In general, theres so much more expected of female actors.

"If a female actor had experienced, lets say, a huge addiction, or a public fall from grace, the road to getting back for them is almost impossible to pave, right?

"Whereas for men, its just another dramatic twist in the story, and then its on to the comeback. For men, it can be almost heroic. But for women, its like you just disappear."

It comes after Scarlett opened up about the difficulties of juggling her work in Hollywood with raising two children at home revealing she couldn't manage it without her "two wonderful babysitters".

The actress - who is mother to daughter Rose, 11, with ex Romain Dauriac and four-year-old Cosmo with her husband Colin Jost - told Extra: "We have two wonderful babysitters that are helping us out.

"So, shout-out to them. Really, truly couldnt do it without help. Its hard to balance between two busy schedules, but we do as much as we can."

Scarlett is currently promoting her new movie Eleanor The Great, while Colin is working on the new season of Saturday Night Live.

The Jurassic World star noted the importance of "sharing" the load. She added: "My kids are young, they thrive on a routine, so you try to make a routine possible.

"Sometimes it means that you're not doing everything - you feel guilty that you're missing certain elements of work that you should be responsible for, and when you're at work you feel like you're missing some elements of parenting you should be responsible for.

"There's always that there, but I think if you can close the gap by sharing responsibilities as much as possible with the other person and communicating that, how you do it. If you have any tips, Im open to tips!"
As per the police statement, the bomb squad teams carried out a full inspection of the premises but did not find any explosive device.

The Chief Minister who is abroad had arrived in Dubai on Sunday for a three-day official visit.

"A bomb threat was reported at Cliff House, the official residence of Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan, after a warning message reached the Chief Minister's private secretary via email. Bomb squad teams conducted a thorough inspection of the premises but did not find any explosive device. The Chief Minister is currently abroad, having arrived in Dubai on Sunday for a three day official visit," Kerala police's statement read.

Separately, in another development, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) issued show-cause notices to Chief Minister Vijayan and officials of the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) in connection with alleged violations under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), officials said.

The notices were issued 19 days back on November 12, 2025, during adjudication proceedings, said the officials, adding "the noticees are not required to appear personally."

Besides the Kerala CM (Chairman, KIIFB), the notices were issued to KM Abraham (CEO, KIIFB), T M Thomas Issac (Vice Chairman, KIIFB), and KIIFB.

The case concerned alleged irregularities in KIIFB's external commercial borrowings (ECB) through Masala Bonds issued on the London and Singapore Stock Exchanges.

Officials said the KIIFB had raised Rs 2,672.80 crore via rupee-denominated bonds for infrastructure funding.However, it is alleged that "a portion of the raised funds -- amounting to Rs 466.91 crore -- was used for purchasing land, a transaction reportedly prohibited under Reserve Bank of India's Master Direction No. 5/2015-16 and Circular No. 17 dated September 29, 2015." (ANI)
Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Monday sharply criticised the Central government over the ongoing winter session of parliament, accusing it of avoiding all meaningful discussion in the House. She questioned how Parliament was expected to function if the government refused to engage on even a single issue raised by the Opposition. Speaking to reporters, Congress MP said, "The government does not want to have a discussion on anything. Then how will the House run? They should listen to at least one thing that we ask. If not on SIR, then the election reforms or any other related issue can be discussed. How will the House run if they don't discuss anything?" Vadra also took a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his comments advising everyone to "enjoy the weather. "The PM also asked everyone to enjoy the weather. Which weather are Delhites supposed to enjoy? He should peek outside a little and see what all is happening in the country," she said, referencing worsening pollution in Delhi. Meanwhile, the Lower House of the Parliament, the Lok Sabha, was adjourned for the day on Monday, and will meet on Tuesday (December 2), 11 AM. The first day of the winter session of Parliament saw repeated sloganeering, with the ruling party alleging that the Opposition MPs are not letting the house function. Between 11 AM to 2 PM, the house saw 3 total adjournments, and legislative business of just around 50 minutes took place. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced the Manipur Goods and Services Tax (Second Amendment) Bill, 2025 bill on the floor of the house for consideration and passing. "The Central government amended the Central Goods and Services Act of 2017, particularly section 121 to 134 of the finance Act 2025. This was passed by Parliament and enacted in 2024. These changes also came into effect on October 2025 after more than half of the states updated their GST. But unfortunately Manipur GST could not happen in time as the state assembly was in a suspended mode," the Union Finance Minister said on the floor amid repeated sloganeering. Meanwhile, MP Krishna Prasant Tenneti, sitting on the Speaker's chair, urged the Opposition MPs to maintain decorum and get back to their seats, where they can be heard properly. "Please be seated. Kindly go back to your seats, let the proceedings go on, I will listen to you but not like this. Kindly go back to your seats, so I can hear you, now I cannot hear you. If 20-40 people speak together then I cannot hear you," MP Krishna Prasant Tenneti said while sitting at the Speaker's chair. Even after repeated requests, the sloganeering continued, prompting the chair to adjourn the house. "Do you want to be heard or not? If you don't want to be heard, the House is adjourned till Tuesday, December 2 at 11 AM," the MP added. Earlier, multiple Opposition leaders raised the slogan of "vote chor, gaddi chod" in the House, while also demanding a discussion on the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls across the country. The same slogans continued throughout the day. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced the Health Security se National Security Cess Bill, 2025 and the Central Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2025. The bill was introduced in the House via a voice vote. (ANI)
The FIR, initially registered at Ghatkopar Police Station and later transferred to the EOW, names the CEO of ALX Shipping Agencies India Pvt. Ltd.; Chairman of Aladdin Express DMCC, Dubai; CEO of Aladdin Express DMCC, Dubai; and the companies ALX Shipping Agencies India Pvt. Ltd. (India) and Aladdin Express DMCC (Dubai) as accused.

The FIR alleges cheating, misappropriation, and diversion of funds amounting to Rs 18.33 crore from a Mumbai-based shipping and logistics operator.

According to the complaint, the accused allegedly collected funds despite knowing about outstanding dues at international ports, issued false documents, and diverted funds for unauthorised purposes. The total alleged financial loss is Rs 18.33 crore.

Vishal Pankaj Mehta, owner of Rishabh Sealink and Logistics Pvt. Ltd., alleged that he was cheated over multiple business transactions. He claimed he invested in ALX Shipping and related companies, expecting high returns, but only a portion of his money was returned.

Mehta also alleged that shipments he booked through ALX and Aladdin Express were delayed or never delivered, causing damage to goods and financial losses to his company and customers.

He said, "They delayed the shipments by not processing them, causing significant losses to my customers. I had placed my trust in the company, but the company betrayed both my money and my customers' trust. They held back several of my shipments. This resulted in a total financial loss of Rs 18,33,45,544."

The case has been filed under the provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). (ANI)

Futher information on the incident is still awaited. (ANI)
The opening day of the Winter Session of Parliament on Monday turned turbulent as unrelenting protests over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls led to repeated adjournments in both Houses, eventually forcing adjournment for the day. In the Lok Sabha, Opposition members pressed for an immediate debate on SIR, triggering uproar that stalled proceedings throughout the day. Amid the din, the House managed to pass a Bill to amend the GST law in Manipur, introduced earlier by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to replace an existing ordinance, after a brief discussion before being adjourned around 2:20 p.m. The Rajya Sabha witnessed similar scenes of disruption. Despite Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju stating that the government was "not averse" to discussing SIR or broader electoral reforms, Opposition MPs demanded a clear timeline. Rijiju urged them not to "insist on setting conditions," but the clarification failed to pacify them, prompting members from several parties to stage a walkout. CPI MP P Sandosh Kumar, defending the Opposition's decision, said they were "compelled to boycott the session." He added, "The Parliamentary Affairs Minister committed yesterday that there would be a discussion on SIR or electoral reforms today... We were cooperating for the smooth functioning of procedures. But it is unfortunate and ill-motivated by the ruling dispensation. What other option was left for us? It was their own commitment which they betrayed themselves." The ruling BJP, however, accused the Opposition of staging disruptions with political motives. BJP MP Dinesh Sharma criticised the boycott, asserting, "Some people are very impatient to disrupt the House. Our Parliamentary Affairs Minister says the government is ready to discuss every single point, but we will take up all subjects in an orderly manner. If someone still boycotts even after such a statement, it definitely has a pre-determined motive that they will not let the House function." He further alleged that electoral setbacks were driving the opposition's behaviour: "They have lost in Bihar, and now they are fearful for the upcoming elections in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu. Congress is fearful of losing the states. That's why they need a diversion... the common citizens have understood this, and they will not be manipulated anymore." The session also marked the first day of C.P. Radhakrishnan presiding as Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, though the day's disruptions overshadowed the historic moment. (ANI)
Marking the occasion of World AIDS Day, Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Jagat Prakash Nadda, inaugurated the national observance of World AIDS Day 2025 at Vigyan Bhawan on Monday, reaffirming India's commitment to accelerating progress toward ending AIDS as a public health threat. In his keynote address, the Union Health Minister noted that the day serves as an important moment to reaffirm India's commitment, reflect on past lessons, and adopt effective strategies for the present and future. He highlighted India's sustained progress under the National AIDS and STD Control Programme and reiterated the government's dedication to a rights-based, stigma-free, and inclusive HIV response. Nadda also emphasized that under NACP-V, access to prevention, testing, and treatment services has continued to expand, demonstrating strong and sustained momentum across key programme areas. He highlighted that India's HIV and STD programme continues to deliver strong results, demonstrated by substantial reductions in new infections and mortality, along with expanded access to essential services. "Between 2010 and 2024, new HIV infections declined by 48.7%, AIDS-related deaths by 81.4%, and mother-to-child transmission by 74.6%. Testing coverage increased from 4.13 crore in 2020-21 to 6.62 crore in 2024-25, while the number of people on treatment rose from 14.94 lakh to 18.60 lakh. Viral load testing also expanded significantly--from 8.90 lakh to 15.98 lakh tests," Nadda said as per an official release. JP Nadda noted that these achievements surpass global averages for the same period and reflect strong political commitment, sustained domestic investment, evidence-based programme strategies, and consistent community engagement. Sharing India's latest progress indicators, the Union Minister underlined that the country has achieved a 35% reduction in new HIV infections (compared to the global 32%) and a 69% decline in HIV-related deaths, far exceeding the global reduction of 37%. "Awareness of HIV status has reached 85%, against a national goal of 95%. Treatment coverage now stands at 88%, and viral load suppression remains exceptionally high at 97%," he highlighted. Lauding the efforts of Indian Pharma industry, he asserted that India leads the fight against AIDS globally, upholding responsibility towards all humanity. He added, India not only protects its own, but also supports the world in AIDS Control by supplying affordable and quality medicines across the globe. The Union Health Minister extended his appreciation to NACO and all State AIDS Control Societies for their consistent efforts and dedication in strengthening HIV services across the country. He noted that every sub-division within each district now has access to ART Centres, ensuring improved treatment reach, early initiation of therapy, and continuity of care. Nadda emphasised that India is firmly on track to achieving the global 95-95-95 targets by 2030. Reflecting on co-infections, the Minister underlined that a significant number of TB patients are also living with HIV, and stressed that poor adherence - such as not taking ART tablets regularly or failing to visit ART centres - remains a challenge that requires intensified counselling, follow-up, and community support. He emphasised that with the current pace of progress, India is poised to achieve its 2030 goals, but more and more people must be made aware, and community participation must continue to rise. He highlighted the landmark HIV/AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act, 2014, implemented in 2017, which provides a legally protected, discrimination-free environment and strengthens the rights and dignity of people living with HIV. As part of the observance, the Minister also launched a national multimedia campaign series aligned to three themes: youth awareness; elimination of vertical transmission of HIV and syphilis; and ending stigma and discrimination. JP Nadda felicitated three eminent senior technical experts for their distinguished service and longstanding contributions to the National AIDS Control Programme. In addition, he also honoured two persons living with HIV who shared their personal journeys, showcasing the significant progress they have made in their fight against the disease. Their stories emphasized the crucial role of access to treatment, support, and awareness, which have been key to their resilience and empowerment. Speaking on the occasion, Punya Salila Srivastava, Union Health Secretary highlighted that India's HIV response "began as a modest initiative which has grown into one of the nation's most comprehensive and impactful public health programs, an enduring testament to our collective commitment and determination". Dr. Sunita Sharma, Director General of Health Services; V Hekali Zhimomi, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare; and the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), alongside representatives from development agencies, community organisations, youth networks and frontline programme teams also graced the occasion. (ANI)
Under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the 187th meeting of the State Level Bankers' Committee will be held on December 2 (Tuesday), at 10:15 am at Narmada Hall, Swarnim Sankul-1, Gandhinagar. This meeting is periodically conducted to review and invite suggestions on the loan assistance provided by banks to beneficiaries of various welfare schemes of the Central and State Governments, as well as the performance of banks in flagship programmes. The meeting will also see the participation of Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Das, Executive Director of the Reserve Bank of India Sonali Sen Gupta, as well as senior managers and officers from various nationalised banks. In this meeting, three Lead District Managers who delivered exceptional performance in the second quarter of the financial year 2025 will be felicitated by the Chief Minister with a trophy and a certificate. Additionally, the State Level Bankers' Committee will conduct an audio-visual presentation and a holistic review of the banks' performance across various programme areas for the September 2025 quarter. Earlier, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel while addressing at the GCCI Annual Sneh Milan in Ahmedabad stated that, the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the efforts of Union Home Minister Amit Shah have enabled Ahmedabad to secure the hosting rights for the Commonwealth Games 2030--an opportunity that will set new development benchmarks for the city. He added that this milestone has also paved the way for Gujarat to bid for the Olympic Games in 2036, a CMO release said. He said that Gujarat has consistently benefited from the Prime Minister's exceptional administrative acumen. During his tenure as Chief Minister, he recognised the potential across all sectors and ensured a business-friendly environment, providing essential infrastructure and institutional support. Consequently, Gujarat has emerged as the nation's growth engine today. Speaking about Gujarat@75 in 2035, the Chief Minister was confident that by following the path charted by the Prime Minister, Gujarat would set new milestones in fulfilling the vision of a Viksit Bharat @2047. (ANI)
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Monday highlighted global recognition of India's electoral process, noting that the country has been invited for the first time to chair the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA), a group comprising 37 democratic nations. Emphasising the significance of this development, he said, "The world recognises the successful conduct of free, fair and transparent elections in India. Therefore, for the first time in its history of 30 years, the group of 37 democratic countries of the world have invited India to chair the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, International IDEA. This is a moment of immense pride for the citizens of India and all the Election Commission officials." Building on this acknowledgment, the Election Commission of India noted that Gyanesh Kumar is set to assume the Chairship of the International IDEA on December 3, 2025, in Stockholm, Sweden, on behalf of India, as per an official release. International IDEA, established in 1995, is an inter-governmental organisation with a current membership of 35 countries, while the United States and Japan participate as Observers. The organisation has also held observer status in the UN General Assembly since 2003. Further underscoring India's long-standing association, the release stated that India is a founding member of International IDEA and has participated actively in governance processes, electoral research, capacity-building initiatives and training programmes. As the world's largest democracy with more than 90 crore electors, India will leverage its extensive experience in electoral administration when it assumes the Chairship of International IDEA for 2026, contributing to the strengthening of Election Management Bodies across the world. In this backdrop, India represents the largest share of registered electors among the organisation's 35 member and 2 observer democracies. India leads with 991 million registered electors, accounting for 44.5 per cent of the total electorate of 2,225,549,481 (222.5 crore). The United States follows with 234,504,358 registered electors, while Indonesia ranks third with 204,421,612 electors. Brazil (155,557,422), Japan (103,880,749), Mexico (98,214,289) and the Philippines (68,431,965) also feature among the major contributors to the overall voter base. Other member democracies include Germany (60,490,603), France (43,328,470), Spain (37,647,458), Canada (28,525,638) and South Africa (27,782,081). Smaller democracies such as Luxembourg (286,711), Cabo Verde (392,899) and Barbados (266,330) fall at the lower end of the list. Several others, including Peru, Ghana, Australia, Chile, the Netherlands, Portugal, Belgium, the Dominican Republic, Tunisia, Sweden, Benin, Switzerland, Finland, Norway, Costa Rica, Panama, Uruguay, Mongolia, Namibia, Botswana, Mauritius and Estonia, also contribute to the overall electorate. Overall, the figures highlight India's significant share in the global democratic landscape within the International IDEA grouping, underscoring its electoral scale ahead of assuming the Chairship in 2026. (ANI)
Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring on Monday raised serious concerns over what he described as a "deliberate and systematic denial" of mandatory No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to candidates contesting the upcoming Zila Parishad and Block Parishad elections scheduled for December 14. Warring alleged that candidates across multiple districts in Punjab are unable to file their nomination papers because officials responsible for issuing NOCs are "missing" from duty. He said the situation has triggered widespread distress among aspirants, many of whom have been making frantic calls to party offices, reporting that designated officers are "unreachable or unavailable" despite the nomination deadline drawing near. Calling the situation a "gross violation of the electoral process," Warring warned that the alleged non-availability of officials appeared to be part of a "deliberate design" to obstruct opposition candidates. Such actions, he said, could directly influence the fairness of the upcoming rural local body elections. In a formal letter addressed to State Election Commissioner Raj Kamal Chaudhari, IAS, the Punjab Congress chief demanded immediate intervention. He urged the Commission to issue strict directions ensuring that all responsible officials remain present at their stations and issue NOCs without delay. "I have been flooded with messages and phone calls about this problem... There appears to be a deliberate design in this to deny the NOCs to our candidates and perhaps to all other opposition candidates so that they are not able to contest," Warring wrote in the letter. He emphasised that denying NOCs at such a crucial stage could disenfranchise deserving candidates and compromise the credibility of the electoral process. Reiterating that the timely issuance of NOCs is a statutory requirement for filing nominations, Warring said the Election Commission must act swiftly to restore confidence among candidates and ensure a level playing field. The Punjab Congress has sought an immediate response from the State Election Commission and called for corrective measures to prevent any disruption to the nomination process ahead of the December 14 elections. Meanwhile, Warring on Monday said he fully agrees with former Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh's assertion that the BJP has no future in Punjab. Warring said the BJP had "completely alienated Punjabis" with its alleged anti-Punjab policies and asserted that the party could never form a government in the state "with or without allies". Reacting to Captain Amarinder's reported remarks suggesting that the BJP cannot form a government in Punjab without an alliance with the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), Warring said both parties "stand wiped out" from the state's political landscape. "Even if the Akalis and the BJP come together, it will make no difference as zero plus zero is always zero," he said, adding that Captain Amarinder had "shown the mirror to his own party" with his assessment. (ANI)
A first-year Computer Science student of Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) University in Bhubaneswar was found dead in his hostel room late on Sunday night, prompting an investigation by Infocity Police and the deployment of additional security near the campus. The deceased has been identified as Rahul Yadav, 18, a resident of Raigad in Chhattisgarh, who was studying computer science engineering in the private institute, police said. According to a press release by the Police Commissionerate, Bhubaneswar-Cuttack, authorities received information at around 10:45 pm on November 30 that the student had been found hanging in his room at KP 7 AB, Campus 10. Police immediately reached the spot and opened the room, which was locked from the inside. A case of unnatural death has been registered. Rahul was taken to KIMS Hospital, where he was declared dead. Police said that scientific and investigating officers examined the scene, and Rahul's mobile phone and laptop were seized as part of the investigation. Senior officers, including the Commissioner of Police, visited the spot room and interacted with students to gather preliminary information about the circumstances leading up to the incident. The room has been sealed pending further inquiry. Rahul's family members from Raigarh, Chhattisgarh, were promptly informed and are now in Bhubaneswar. Speaking to ANI, Harish Kumar Yadav, the student's cousin, said, "We don't know what happened. The post-mortem is ongoing. Then we will take the body back home." Rahul's maternal grandfather, Shanti Lal Yadav, told ANI, "We learned about this after 10.30 pm yesterday... We will take his body back to the village. His father is in Raigarh, but he is paralysed. His mother is here. She is a teacher." Meanwhile, the police said the law and order situation is under control. A platoon force, along with officers, has been deployed near the hostel on November 30 and December 1 night, said a press release. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the student's death is ongoing. Earlier in May, a Nepal student was found dead in her hostel room in KIIT, making it the second case of a student from a neighbouring country found dead in the institute within three months. In February, another student also from Nepal had died at the same university. (ANI)
Rajasthan CID Intelligence on Monday arrested a Punjab resident, Prakash Singh alias Badal, for allegedly spying for Pakistan's ISI and sending confidential information linked to the Indian Army from Rajasthan, Punjab and Gujarat to his Pakistani handlers. According to an official statement from Rajasthan Police, the Jaipur unit of Rajasthan CID Intelligence had been keeping a close watch on the spying activities of Pakistani intelligence agencies. During this surveillance, it was found that Prakash Singh alias Badal, a resident of Firozpur in Punjab, was in contact with Pakistan's ISI through social media. The agent was collecting confidential information linked to the Indian Army from Rajasthan, Punjab and Gujarat and sending it to his Pakistani handlers, the statement added. Inspector General of Police (Intelligence) Prafulla Kumar said that on 27 November, information was received that the suspect, Prakash Singh alias Badal, had been seen near the Sadhuvali military establishment in Sri Ganganagar. The Border Intelligence Team immediately acted and detained him. In the initial probe, his mobile phone showed regular contact with foreign and Pakistani WhatsApp numbers. At the Joint Interrogation Centre in Sri Ganganagar, all intelligence agencies questioned him in detail. During the questioning, as per the statement, it was found that the agent had been in continuous touch with the ISI since the time of Operation Sindoor. He was providing strategic information to Pakistan-based handlers, including details of Army vehicles, military institutions, the geographical situation of border areas, bridges, roads, railway lines and new construction work. Apart from spying, Badal was also involved in another serious anti-national activity, the official statement said. On demand from Pakistan, he used to provide OTPs of mobile numbers issued in the names of Indian citizens. Pakistani agents then used these OTPs to download WhatsApp using Indian numbers and carry out spying and anti-national operations. The suspect had also received money for this assistance. Considering the seriousness of the case, the suspect was brought to the central interrogation centre in Jaipur for further action. After questioning by all intelligence agencies and technical examination of his mobile data, all the above facts were confirmed, the police statement further read. A case was registered against the accused, Prakash Singh alias Badal, son of Kader Singh (34), under the Official Secrets Act, 1923, at the Special Police Station in Jaipur, and he was arrested earlier today. (ANI)
China's manufacturing PMI picks up, signaling improved market confidence

Xinhua) 08:04, December 01, 2025

BEIJING, Nov. 30 (Xinhua) -- The purchasing managers' index (PMI) for China's manufacturing sector stood at 49.2 in November, up 0.2 percentage points from the previous month, official data showed Sunday.

A reading above 50 indicates expansion, while a reading below 50 reflects contraction.

Both production and demand sides saw improvement. The sub-index for production stood at 50.0, up 0.3 percentage points from the previous month -- reaching the critical threshold. On the demand side, the sub-index for new orders came in at 49.2, up 0.4 percentage points, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

Regarding specific industries, the production and new order indices for sectors such as agricultural food processing and non-ferrous metal smelting were located in the expansionary zone, indicating active production and demand.

The PMI for small enterprises saw a significant rebound, standing at 49.1 -- up 2 percentage points from the previous month to reach a six-month high. The PMI for large enterprises came in at 49.3, a drop of 0.6 percentage points, while the reading for medium-sized enterprises stood at 48.9, up 0.2 percentage points.

High-tech manufacturing continued to expand, with its PMI standing at 50.1 -- remaining above the critical point for 10 consecutive months, according to the NBS.

Market expectations remained stable with a slight upward trend. The sub-index for production and operation activity expectation stood at 53.1, up 0.3 percentage points from October, indicating that manufacturing enterprises have grown more confident in recent market developments.

Zhang Liqun, an analyst with the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing (CFLP), noted that the slight rebound in the November PMI indicates an improvement in market confidence.

Zhang attributed this positive shift to factors including the inspiring goals for the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), noting that these factors have effectively boosted market sentiment, driving increases across the indices for production, demand, purchasing volume, and business expectations.

NBS data showed Sunday that the PMI for China's non-manufacturing sector came in at 49.5 in November, down 0.6 percentage points from the previous month.

He Hui, vice president of the CFLP, attributed the moderation in non-manufacturing operations primarily to seasonal factors.

He noted that the service sector witnessed a pullback following the high base established during the "golden week" holiday in the previous month, but predicted that consumption demand related to year-end festivals is expected to drive a recovery in the sector.

Looking ahead, Wen Tao, an expert with the China Logistics Information Center, expressed optimism for the market trajectory.

Wen noted that as industries enter the final sprint of the year -- a crucial node for policy implementation and capital deployment -- market demand has further room to stabilize and rebound, which will continue to support a steady increase in manufacturing production.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Charli xcx, Chase and Status, Dave, Florence and The Machine, Fontaines D.C., and RAYE are set to headline Reading and Leeds 2026.

Photo: Charli xcx

The iconic dual-site event returns to Little Johns Farm in Reading and Bramham Park in Leeds next August Bank Holiday (August 27 to 30).

The announcement marks a historic moment for the music extravaganza, as it will be the first time in 25 years that the headline bill is made up entirely of British and Irish artists.

In another first, Leeds Festival will open its Main Stage on Thursday, welcoming Kasabian as inaugural headliners at Bramham Park.

Beyond the headline slots, the weekend promises a diverse mix of talent, including Skepta, Sombr, Role Model, Jade, Josh Baker, Kneecap, Kettama, Chris Stussy (Reading only), Geese, Skye Newman, Adela, and Keo.

The Festival pre-sale starts at 9am on Tuesday (02.12.25), sign up for access via www.readingfestival.com / www.leedsfestival.com.

Tickets go on general sale at 12pm on Wednesday (03.12.25).

RAYE fulfilled a lifelong ambition in 2024 when she made her debut at Reading and Leeds, turning a teenage dream into reality.

She said onstage at Reading: You know what listen guys, Ive done it, I came to Reading and Leeds when I was 16 when I finished my GCSEs, I was in the dance tent living my lifeyou know what I mean. I had a dream, and look at me now, its all possible."

This year's festival featured headline performances from Chappell Roan, Travis Scott, Bring Me The Horizon, and Hozier.
During the first day of the winter session of Parliament on Monday, Trinamool Congress MP Sagarika Ghose criticised the Centre and the Election Commission, calling for an urgent discussion on electoral reforms and the SIR. Speaking to reporters, Ghose said, "It is a humanitarian tragedy. Forty people have lost their lives in West Bengal. BLOs are committing suicide. The Election Commission has blood on its hands." She said the situation required immediate attention, adding, "In this situation, it is urgent that the Parliament not remain silent and discuss electoral reform, SIR, and the electoral process in our country, which is under tremendous pressure." Ghose further accused the government of avoiding accountability on the issue. "The government is refusing to give a timeline or assurances. They are refusing to discuss this urgent matter facing the nation," she said. She also alleged that "The unaccountable Modi government is obstructing the House by refusing to take up discussions." Amid these allegations, the Election Commission of India (ECI) said that the increased honorarium for Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and the additional Rs 6,000 for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), approved by the poll body, had not yet been paid by the TMC government in West Bengal. In a statement, the ECI said, "We told the AITC delegation (during the meeting on November 28) that it is very strange that the increased honorarium of Rs 12,000 per year for BLOs and an additional Rs 6,000 to BLOs for SIRs approved by the ECI has not yet been paid by the state government. This should be done without any further delay." Earlier in August, the Commission had doubled the remuneration of BLOs from Rs 6000 to Rs 12000 and enhanced the remuneration of BLO Supervisors from Rs 12000 to Rs 18000. It also decided to introduce honorarium for Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) and Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs). A press release stated, "Pure electoral rolls are the bedrock of democracy. The electoral roll machinery... plays a pivotal role in the preparation of impartial and transparent electoral rolls," adding that the Commission had "decided to double the annual remuneration for BLOs & also enhanced the remuneration of BLO Supervisors." On Friday, a delegation of 10 Trinamool Congress MPs met Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, objecting to the ongoing SIR in West Bengal and other states. The party claimed that the process had led to multiple deaths. During the meeting, the TMC delegation told CEC Kumar that they have "blood on their hands," submitting a list of 40 people they said had died "because of the SIR process," according to MP Derek O'Brien. After the meeting, O'Brien said, "10 MPs from the All India Trinamool Congress met with the Chief Election Commissioner 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." (ANI)
The Indian Army's Southern Command on Monday said the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile achieved a successful combat launch over the Bay of Bengal, hitting its target with precision and strengthening India's long-range strike capability and defence self-reliance. In its statement, the Southern Command said, "The Indian Army's BrahMos roared across the Bay of Bengal in a combat launch, showcasing unmatched precision, speed and destructive prowess. The missile hit its designated target with pinpoint accuracy, reaffirming India's ability to deliver decisive long-range precision strikes. This successful launch by Southern Command is a powerful testament to India's growing Aatmanirbharta in defence and the Army's unflinching readiness to meet future operational challenges. A compelling demonstration of advanced technology, steadfast resolve and the unwavering spirit of a Battle Ready Bharat." The BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile jointly developed by India and Russia. It is one of the Indian Armed Forces' key weapons and is used by the Army, Navy and Air Force. During the four-day conflict in May, the same missile was used to strike Pakistani air bases, cantonments and other military infrastructure. India is also close to securing defence deals worth about USD 450 million to supply the combat-proven BrahMos to friendly foreign countries. The missile has drawn interest after its effective use during Operation Sindoor, in which it struck several Pakistani air bases with high accuracy and left many of them out of use for days. Defence sources told ANI, "The deals worth around USD 450 million are expected to be signed in the near future and are in final stages at the moment. These deals are expected to be followed by many more as there is big interest in the missiles by many other countries from across the globe." The BrahMos was showcased at the recent Dubai Air Show, where it drew strong interest from potential buyers. Following its use in the conflict, the Defence Ministry cleared a major order for additional BrahMos systems for the Indian Navy's warships, along with ground- and air-launched variants for the Indian Air Force. The Navy plans to equip its Veer-class warships with the missile, while the Air Force is using it with its Su-30MKI fleet. A few months ago, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the missile's performance, saying, "During Operation Sindoor, the world saw the capabilities of our indigenous weapons. Our Air Defence Systems, missiles, and drones have proved the strength of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat', especially the Brahmos missiles." During the first phase of the conflict, India targeted terrorist facilities in Pakistan, including the headquarters of Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Toiba in Punjab province. The BrahMos was the Indian Air Force's main weapon in those strikes, which caused significant damage to Pakistani air bases. The Pakistan Army later attempted to respond in support of these terrorist groups and their infrastructure. (ANI)
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Monday attended the International Sanskrit Conference held in Haridwar. On this occasion, he announced the formation of a high-level commission for the promotion and development of the Sanskrit language. Addressing the event, the Chief Minister said that a conference on an important theme such as "Indian Knowledge Tradition: Sanskrit's Contribution to the Development of Global Knowledge" effectively showcases the glorious roots of Indian civilisation on the world stage. Expressing gratitude to the university community, he added that during this two-day conference, scholars from India and various other countries will hold in-depth discussions on Sanskrit's rich knowledge tradition, which is an inspiring initiative. The Chief Minister shared that the Sanskrit language has always been a source of inspiration for him, according to a release. He studied Sanskrit up to Class 9 in school, and the verses, grammar, and sweetness of the language learned during that period still remain fresh in his memory. He said that Sanskrit is not merely a language, it is the foundation of culture, tradition, knowledge, and science, and has played a crucial role in the evolution of ancient human civilisations. The Chief Minister noted that the roots of many world languages are connected to Sanskrit. Ancient texts such as the Vedas, Puranas, Upanishads, Ayurveda, Yoga, philosophy, mathematics, literature, science, and astronomy were all composed in Sanskrit, enriching India's intellectual heritage. He also mentioned the growing interest shown by European scholars in Sanskrit literature during the 18th and 19th centuries. He said that universities like Takshashila, Nalanda, Vikramshila, and Vallabhi helped spread Sanskrit-based knowledge across the world, producing great scholars such as Charaka, Sushruta, Aryabhata, Bhaskara, Chanakya, Brahmagupta, and Panini. Sanskrit is not just the language of science; it also conveys messages of ethics, human values, and global harmony. The Chief Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, several meaningful efforts are underway to promote Sanskrit in the country. The New Education Policy places special emphasis on establishing Sanskrit as a modern and practical language. Initiatives such as e-Sanskrit learning platforms, mobile applications, and online availability of literature are helping bring Sanskrit closer to the new generation. Citing the example of Mattur village in Karnataka, he said that Sanskrit can still serve as a daily spoken language. He also noted that the recent introduction of Sanskrit translations of Lok Sabha proceedings is an important step in this direction. The Chief Minister added that Devbhoomi Uttarakhand has been a center of Sanskrit for centuries. Granting Sanskrit the status of the second official language in the state is a tribute to this legacy. He said that the state government is consistently working to promote Sanskrit education in schools. Highlighting major government schemes, the Chief Minister said that under the Gargi Sanskrit Girls Scholarship Scheme, girl students studying in Sanskrit schools are provided a scholarship of Rs 251 per month. Under the Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar SC/ST Scholarship Scheme, SC/ST students studying Sanskrit also receive financial assistance. Under the Sanskrit Student Talent Award Scheme, students securing top positions in High School and Intermediate examinations are awarded prizes of Rs 5,100, Rs 4,100, and Rs 3,100. Additionally, students of undergraduate and postgraduate programs at Uttarakhand Sanskrit University and Shri Raghunathkirti Central Sanskrit University are being honoured. The Chief Minister stated that the Uttarakhand Sanskrit Academy is regularly organizing various events such as the All-India Research Conference, Vedic Conference, Astrology Conference, Sanskrit Teacher Skill Development Workshops, and student competitions. He further said that the state government has resolved to establish an Ideal Sanskrit Village in every district, which will strengthen the efforts to bring Devvani Sanskrit to every household. He added that the government is also working to enhance financial support for Sanskrit students, promote research activities, and create more employment opportunities. The Chief Minister concluded by saying that Uttarakhand, the sacred land that nurtured the Vedas and the wisdom of ancient sages, has a responsibility to preserve and enrich Sanskrit. He expressed confidence that one day, Sanskrit will not remain confined to rituals but will be established as a language of everyday conversation. (ANI)
Urging members to act as exemplary leaders by upholding constitutional values, Vice President Rajya Sabha Chairman CP Radhakrishnan on Monday said that the Constitution and the rules of procedure determine the 'Laxman rekha' for parliamentary discourse. Conveying his gratitude to members for their support, Radhakrishnan, who presided over the House for the first time of the first day of winter session of Parliament, said it is essential for every citizen to live up to the constitutional values of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. "My honour and privilege to serve Bharat Mata and I thank you for electing me as the Vice-President of India and Chairman of Rajya Sabha. We all should be proud of India's democratic power and celebrate her as the Mother of Democracy. My humble journey from Tiruppur, the knitwear capital, to New Delhi, the national capital, shows the remarkable power of democracy," he said. "Only in a democracy, a person can rise from the humblest beginning to high positions in public life. This rise makes me more conscious of the duties and responsibilities of the Chair," he added. Radhakrishnan said the Chair had been adorned by the finest and most distinguished sons of this soil. "Their intellect, dignity, and commitment to parliamentary democracy have left behind an enduring legacy. And I assure the House to continue their great legacy," he said. Radhakrishnan said the constitutional values of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity ensure that every citizen, regardless of the caste, creed, gender, language, region or religion, has a rightful place in the Motherland. "My humble request to all the Members of this august house that we all must act as exemplary leaders by upholding these constitutional values," he said, adding that there should be toolerance for different views of others. The Chairman recalled his earlier meeting with floor leaders of the Rajya Sabha. "During the meeting, I had stressed that the entire nation looks up to us for mature deliberations on policies that will shape our future. Being the Members of the House of Elders, our Dharma is to work with commitment to fulfill the people's rightful aspirations. Rajya Sabha has been the cradle of many profound debates and discussions, which have helped in shaping the destiny of our nation," he said. "Each time we enter this temple of democracy, we should pledge to ourselves to follow the basic principles of a parliamentary democracy, which are Dialogue, Deliberation, Debate, and Discussion. The Rajya Sabha, as the Council of States, reflects the federal character of our Republic. This House is also blessed with the knowledge and expertise of nominated Members. Together, we showcase the collective wisdom and diversity of our nation," he added. The Chairman said the country is marching forward as a leader at the forefront of development in every sphere. "Citizens look up to the Parliament as the highest forum of wisdom and collective judgment to guide the nation...We do not have any right to hurt the feelings of others. We must have tolerance for different views of others," he said. "The words spoken within this House shape policy, guide society, and influence the well-being of crores of our Bharat Vasis. As Parliamentarians, we have a wide range of issues to cover. As the House, we have a vast amount of business to transact. Time will be a challenging factor for both of us, you and the Chair. Every moment we discharge our responsibility in the House will move the nation in the positive direction. The Chairman said that parliamentary practice and procedures such as Question Hour, Zero Hour and Special Mentions provide ample opportunities to every individual Member to raise the pressing issues and concerns of the citizens in the House. "I request and urge upon all of you to make effective use of these devices. Every parliamentary device we use with sincerity becomes a step towards justice, equality, and human dignity. Let us commit ourselves to ensuring that our actions inside this House reflect the aspirations of every farmer, every worker, every street vendor, every woman and youth and the poorest of the poor who look at the Parliament with lot of hopes." He said there is a need to fulfil our Constitutional commitment towards social justice and economic empowerment of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Backward Classes and the other weaker sections of the society. Radhakrishnan said that he was moved by Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji's felicitations. "He has shared the lesser-known aspects of my life. While he was speaking, I recalled my days as a sportsman. Just as sportsmen play by the rules, leaders must uphold the Constitution and parliamentary norms. Just as players respect referees, we all must respect institutions. Everyone, be it the Chairman or Members, we all should understand our responsibilities towards the Nation," he said. "The Constitution of India, along with the Rules Book of Rajya Sabha, determine the Laxman Rekha for parliamentary discourse. Every individual member's rights must be ensured, but within the Laxman Rekha,as I mentioned, and I will always do my best to protect all your rightful claims," he added. He said India is moving towards the goal of a Viksit and AtmaNirbhar Bharat. "My appeal to all of you is that we all must work together to achieve this great ambitious goal of Viksit Bharat. Every day, every hour, every minute, every second of our time in the House should be used to strengthen our democracy by meaningful debates," he said. "In a parliamentary democracy, debates and discussions are the only constructive way through which we can find finer solutions to the problems of our people. I am sure with all your kind cooperation we will make new historical landmarks in Rajya Sabha," he added. Earlier, the House witnessed sparring between Congress and treasury benches after Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge, who is Leader of Opposition on Rajya Sabha, referred to the resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar as Chairman of the House. "I hope you will not mind that I am constrained to refer to your predecessor's completely unexpected and sudden exit from the office of the Chairman, Rajya Sabha. The Chairman, being custodian of the entire house, belongs as much to the opposition as to the government. I was disheartened that the house did not get an opportunity to bid him a farewell. Regardless, wish him, on behalf of the entire opposition, a very healthy life," Kharge said. He also said that Radhakrishnan had been from a "Congress gharana". Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju and Leader of the House JP Nadda objected to Kharge's remarks pertaining to Dhankhar and said these were unnecessary on the solemn occasion. They said opposition members had brought a no confidence motion against Dhankhar, which was not accepted. Nadda said the members must maintain the dignity of the felicitation programme, and it would be good if we discuss it accordingly. "If we start discussing the issue that our Leader of the Opposition brought up today, the farewell, and all the other topics, I think it's irrelevant. There will also be discussions from here that you moved a no-confidence motion against him, not once but twice...I think our Leader of the Opposition is very respectable. The defeat in Bihar, Haryana, and Maharashtra has caused you considerable pain. But you should express your pain and suffering to a doctor. You should speak to a doctor when the time comes," he said. Nadda lauded the contributions of Radhakrishnan in various roles he held. He also responded to Kharge's remarks that Radhakrishnan had been from a "Congress gharana". "When you (CP Radhakrishnan) became the Governor of Maharashtra, you visited each and every district of Maharashtra, the same you did with Jharkhand. This shows your commitment for the society and the states' welfare. PM Modi nominated you for the post of the Vice President and we all voted for you. We have complete faith in you and under your leadership, we are confident that you will conduct the proceedings of the upper House of the largest democracy very well," he said. Nadda also took a dig at opposition members who cited lines from former Vice President Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan's speeches. "I will repeat the lines of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan- In the House, we should behave as responsible members of the Parliament and not irresponsible professional agitators in the House," Nadda said. (ANI)
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has expressed deep grief over the death of senior Congress leader and former Chikkapete MLA RV Devaraj, who passed away after suffering a heart attack in Mysuru. In a post on X, Shivakumar said that Devaraj's contributions to the Chikkapete constituency through politics and social service are "immeasurable". "The news of the passing of Shri R.V. Devaraj, former MLA of Chikkapete and senior Congress leader, has brought profound sorrow. His contributions to the Chikkapete constituency through politics and social service are immeasurable. His departure has caused a great loss to the state's politics and the Chikkapete constituency. May Devaraj's soul attain peace. I pray that the Almighty grants strength to his family members and admirers to bear this grief. Om Shanti," Dy CM said in a X post on Monday. https://x.com/dkshivakumar/status/1995555910014603646 Senior Congress leader suffered a severe heart attack after visiting Chamundi Hills in Mysuru, where he had gone for prayers and performed pooja. He was rushed to Apollo Hospital but was declared dead on arrival on Monday. He has held key organisational roles in the Congress party, including as general secretary of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) and as a member of the All India Congress Committee (AICC). Devraj also represented the Chamarajpet constituency as an MLA. Following the delimitation of Chamarajpet, he contested from Chikkapete as the Congress candidate. The 67-year-old veteran leader also served as chairman of the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) from 2000 until October 2007, and in 2016 he was appointed chairman of the Karnataka Slum Development Board. (ANI)
The decision was taken by district authorities late on Monday as a precautionary measure.

Chennai District Collector Roshni Siddharth Jagade announced that all educational institutions in the district would observe a holiday on December 2 due to weather alerts.

Similar orders were issued by the District Collectors of Tiruvallur and Kanchipuram.

Officials said the holiday has been declared to ensure student safety amid the possibility of intense rainfall and waterlogging.

Authorities have urged residents to remain cautious, avoid unnecessary travel, and follow further advisories issued by the state government and disaster management agencies.

Three people have died in rain-related incidents caused by Cyclone Ditawh in Tamil Nadu, state Disaster Management Minister K K S S R Ramachandran said on Sunday.

So far, 334 people have been confirmed dead across Sri Lanka as authorities continue to battle rising floodwaters in parts of the capital, Colombo, after a powerful cyclone left a trail of destruction.

Meanwhile, on Monday, India sent 53 tons of relief material to Sri Lanka under Operation Sagar Bandhu as part of its emergency response to Cyclone Ditwah, which caused widespread damage across the island nation.

Rescue operations have been taking place simultaneously. Chetak helicopters from INS Vikrant and MI-17 helicopters of the Indian Air Force, in coordination with the Sri Lankan Air Force, conducted extensive rescue operations, airlifting stranded people, including pregnant women, infants, and those critically injured. Rescued persons included nationals of Sri Lanka, India, Germany, Slovenia, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Poland, Belarus, Iran, Australia, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.

On November 28, India launched Operation Sagar Bandhu to provide urgent Search & Rescue and Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Relief (HADR) support to Sri Lanka in the wake of the Cyclone. (ANI)
At least three Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants were killed in retaliatory action by Pakistani security forces here, Dawn reported. According to a statement issued by Frontier Corps (FC) Balochistan South spokesperson, the action of the security forces in Pakistan comes after one of the "suicide attackers" blew himself up at the main gate of the FC headquarters in Balochistan's Nokkundi, Dawn reported. Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), referred to as 'Fitna-al-Khawarij' by the Pakistani state, is a banned group. The statement by FC said that the security forces were quick to respond and managed to kill three militants. Dawn reported that at least six armed attackers had entered the FC headquarters after the actions of one of the suicide attackers. Meanwhile, the clearance operation was underway at the incident site. Reportedly, a checkpost in the Gurmakan area of Panjgur district also came under attack, Dawn reported. After TTP ended a ceasefire with the Pakistan government in November 2022, their activities have intensified, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Dawn reported that seven blasts rocked Quetta and Dera Murad Jamali in Balochistan on Saturday, with one explosion blowing up a section of railway track and suspending train traffic. Meanwhile, the shocking details from the October 2025 report released by Paank, a leading human rights organisation documenting enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings in Balochistan. The report paints a grim picture of what it calls "systematic state-sponsored violence," accusing Pakistani security institutions and their allied militias of carrying out widespread abductions, torture, and killings across the province, as reported by The Balochistan Post. According to The Balochistan Post, Paank recorded 87 cases of enforced disappearances in October alone, most of which occurred in the districts of Kech, Panjgur, Khuzdar, and Dera Bugti. Victims were reportedly taken from their homes, roads, and markets during military operations. Eighteen of those later released recounted harrowing experiences of beatings, electrocution, and prolonged solitary confinement described by Paank as evidence of a "structured torture system" inside secret detention centres. The report also confirmed 20 extrajudicial killings. Many victims had previously been reported missing, suggesting what rights activists call a disturbing "kill-and-dump" policy. Among them was Jahanzaib Baloch, abducted from Pasni in late September, whose mutilated body was found in Lasbela on October 1. (ANI)
Days after Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi staged an overnight sit-in outside Central Jail Rawalpindi (Adiala jail), Pakistani Junior Law and Justice Minister Barrister Aqeel Malik said that Governor's Rule was being considered in KP. He cited "security and governance issues" in KP province to justify the imposition of Governor's Rule. Speaking at a Geo News programme, Malik said that Afridi and his team had "badly failed in having any sort of a workable situation". "Neither do they want to have any kind of coordination or cohesion with the Centre, nor do they take any action in areas where it was needed," Dawn reported him as saying. The Minister of State (MoS) maintained that the imposition of Governor's Rule in KP was a constitutional measure that was undertaken in case of "absolute necessity". Dawn quoted Malik as saying, "The situation in KP itself calls for a step to be taken in this regard so that the presence of an administrative structure is ensured there." The Minister said that the Pakistan government was "pondering over" the option to impose governor's rule in KP. In Pakistan, Governor's Rule is imposed on the advice of the Prime Minister under Articles 232 and 234 of the constitution, and only the president has the authority to take such a decision. However, when it was pointed out that under Article 234, a Governor could recommend the move to the president while the federal government had little to do with it, the state minister said the Governor's recommendation was just one option, Dawn reported. "The president can take this step on his own as well, the approval for which will later have to be taken by a joint sitting of [Parliament]," he said, adding that under the constitution, governor's rule could be imposed initially for two months, and it could later be extended further if required, Dawn reported. Malik also accused the KP government of "planning to block routes and cut off the province" from the rest of the country. Meanwhile, Dawn reported that KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi refused to acknowledge reports of his possible replacement. Instead, he told reporters that he would accept his party's decision if such a development occurred. However, last week, Kundi called on Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to discuss reports about his possible replacement. Dawn reported that a source in the PM's office said that Sharif expressed full confidence in Kundi at the time and hinted that he was not being considered for replacement. This comes as KP CM Afridi staged an overnight sit-in outside Adiala jail earlier after being denied a meeting with PTI founder Imran Khan for the eighth consecutive time, Dawn reported. The protest began on Thursday afternoon and included members of the KP cabinet, with visuals shared by the PTI showing Afridi and party workers offering Fajr prayers outside the prison on Friday morning. According to Dawn, Afridi announced on the party's livestream that the sit-in was being wrapped up and that he would now approach the Islamabad High Court (IHC). (ANI)
The last group of Indian passengers stranded were evacuated under Operation Sagar Bandhu at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo following Cyclone Ditwah, the High Commission of India in Sri Lanka said on Monday. In a post on X, the High Commission of India in Sri Lanka said the stranded passengers were seen off by Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha before boarding an Indian Air Force aircraft to Thiruvananthapuram. The High Commission shared that the departing passengers chanted "Bharat Mata ki jai" as they prepared to leave under the coordinated evacuation effort. "Operation Sagar Bandhu bringing smiles. The last batch of Indian passengers stranded in Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo, in the wake of Cyclone Ditwah chants 'Bharat Maata ki jai' as High Commissioner Santosh Jha sees them off before boarding Indian Air Force aircraft to Thiruvananthapuram," it said. India has launched 'Operation Sagar Bandhu' to aid Sri Lanka following the devastation triggered by Cyclone Ditwah. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday said that under Operation Sagar Bandhu, another Indian Air Force aircraft landed in Colombo on Sunday carrying disaster response supplies. In a post on X, he said, "Under Operation Sagar Bandhu, another Indian Air Force aircraft C130J carrying approx 10 tons of disaster response supplies, BHISHM Cubes and a medical team for on-site training and support has landed in Colombo." The Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka stated that commercial aircraft and the IAF continue to evacuate Indians stuck amid deadly floods. In a post on X, the High Commission said, "Evacuation of Indian passengers stranded in Sri Lanka in the wake of Cyclone Ditwah continues through commercial airlines and Indian Air Force flights. Two Indian Air Force flights, an IL 76 with 247 passengers to Thiruvananthapuram and a C 130 J with 76 passengers to Delhi (Hindon), have taken off from Colombo. Further evacuation of stranded passengers through commercial airlines is also underway." "Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka is providing all assistance to stranded Indian passengers and facilitating their swift travel back home. Any stranded Indian passenger in Sri Lanka can reach out on the Emergency Help Desk No: +94 773727832 or reach out to the Airline counters now operational at Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo," it added. The Indian Air Force on Sunday said that under Operation Sagar Bandhu, IAF C-17 airlifted NDRF teams and equipment from Pune. The ongoing operation has tapped into domestic support operations. India launched 'Operation Sagar Bandhu' to aid Sri Lanka following Cyclone Ditwah's devastation. The Indian Air Force delivered 21 tonnes of relief material along with over 80 NDRF personnel and 8 tonnes of equipment to Colombo to assist those affected by severe floods. (ANI)
A post on X from an account purportedly belonging to the sister of former prime minister Imran Khan, Noreen Niazi, has publicly accused Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)'s leaders, Nawaz Sharif, of "double standards" and claiming that the same forces manipulated portions of her recent interview using artificial intelligence. "Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz's double standards are staggering. They attack me for giving an interview to Indian media, yet Nawaz Sharif, a former prime minister, has himself used Indian platforms to malign Pakistan's own military leadership," the X account of Noreen Niazi posted. "Today, he and his family sit comfortably in power on the back of a blatantly manipulated mandate, benefiting from the very forces they [were] once against. His brother, his daughter, and his party enjoy the perks of authority while lecturing others on principles," the post added. The post further alleged that parts of her recent interview with ANI had been digitally altered. "Let the world also note: elements aligned with this same power structure shamelessly doctored portions of my interview using AI, a deliberate attempt to distort my words and mislead public opinion," she wrote.She linked these claims to Imran Khan's current detention, accusing the same actors of keeping him cut off from contact. "These are the same actors who have kept Imran Khan in unlawful, inhumane isolation for four weeks, cut off from family, lawyers, and basic rights," she said. She emphasised that she has never held a public position and that her comments were motivated only by concern for her brother's legal situation. "I have never held public office. My only purpose in speaking publicly is to expose the injustice of my brother's imprisonment and to urge the human rights organisations and judiciary to recognise the systematic denial of his legal, political, and humanitarian rights." Her comments follow an interview she gave to ANI on November 28, in which she accused authorities of attempting to break Imran Khan's resolve. "Imran Khan is being tortured so that he would say, 'Spare me, I am leaving the nation,' as Nawaz Sharif or Zardari did before him," she told ANI. She also claimed that supporters eager to protest on his behalf had been discouraged by him for safety reasons. "His supporters have asked him to make a call so they can take to the streets. But Imran Khan has told them not to because these people have killed protestors earlier as well, and will shoot bullets this time too." Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has been in jail since August 2023, serving a 14-year sentence in a corruption case. Rumours about his health have been circulating, with some claiming he has been "killed" in jail, prompting his family and party leaders to demand "proof of life". However, according to Dawn, both authorities and PTI representatives dismissed such claims, stating that the former prime minister was stable and receiving routine medical care. (ANI)
Limp Bizkit honoured late bassist Sam Rivers at their first concert since his death on Saturday (29.11.25).

Photo: Hannah Meadows Photography/Avalon

The nu metal star sadly died on October 18, at the age of 48, after suffering cardiac arrest. And, as the Break Stuff rockers returned to the stage at Mexico Citys Estadio Fray Nano, they played a moving tribute video to their bandmate.

The words Sam Rivers, our brother forever and Sam Rivers, we love you forever popped up.

Before the concert, drummer John Otto admitted he was dreading the first show without Rivers.

He said in a statement on Instagram: Today is going to be tough. A first I never wanted to experience. Especially not now. Youve been there for so many major firsts in my life. Some of my earliest memories were made with you. We grew up together. Laughed together. Realized our dreams together. And traveled the world together.

The band confirmed his passing in a statement posted to Instagram, calling him our brother, our bandmate, our heartbeat.

Frontman Fred Durst paid a touching tribute to his beloved bandmate following the devastating news, admitting he'd "been through gallons and gallons of tears".

He concluded that the "overwhelming support and love" from fans around the world shows the "impact" he had.

He added: I was very, very fortunate to have him in my life, and Im so incredibly grateful to have shared part of this journey with Sam Rivers, a huge part of my journey. Im super, super grateful and I miss him terribly already. All the support and love Ive seen out there online is overwhelming, he really did have an impact on the world. His music and his gift is the one thats going to keep on giving. I just love him so much.

The award-winning musician left Limp Bizkit for some years in 2015, due to liver disease from "excessive drinking".

He told author Jon Wiederhorn for the book Raising Hell: "I quit drinking and did everything the doctors told me.

"I got treatment for the alcohol and got a liver transplant, which was a perfect match."
Amid ongoing discussions about immigration policies and the importance of attracting global talent, Tesla CEO Elon Musk acknowledged the significant contributions of Indian talent to the United States, noting that the country has significantly benefited from skilled Indians. In an interview with Nikhil Kamath, Co-Founder of Zerodha, Musk discussed immigration policies and entrepreneurship. "I think America has benefited immensely from talented Indians who have come to America. I mean, America's been an immense beneficiary of talent from India," he said. Musk's comments highlight the value of diversity and the impact of Indian professionals in various sectors, including technology and innovation. Many individuals of Indian origin have made significant contributions to the US economy, driving growth and innovation. He emphasised the need for balanced immigration policies, criticising the Biden administration's lack of border controls."I think there are different schools of thought. It's not unanimous, but under the Biden administration, it was basically a total free-for-all with like no border controls. Unless you've got border controls. So you had massive amounts of illegal immigration under Biden, and actually, it also had like somewhat of a negative selection effect," he said. Musk said that open borders were detrimental as they allowed even criminals to enter the US. "If there's a massive financial incentive to come to the US illegally and get all these government benefits, then you're going to necessarily create a diffusion gradient for people to come to the US. It's an incentive structure that obviously made no sense. Like, you got to have border controls. It's kind of ridiculous not to. Then that's what the left wants to basically have: open borders. It doesn't matter if someone knows what the situation is; it could be a criminal- doesn't matter," he said. Elon Musk addressed concerns that talented immigrants are taking jobs from native-born citizens, saying he's unsure about the validity of this perception. Based on his experience, he believes there's a scarcity of talented people, suggesting that skilled immigrants are filling gaps rather than taking jobs. "On the right, you've got a perception that somehow their jobs are being taken by talented people from other countries. I don't know how real that is. My direct observation is that there's always a scarcity of talented people," he said. Musk advised budding entrepreneurs to focus on creating value, working hard, and being prepared for failure. "From my standpoint, we have a lot of difficulty finding enough talented people to get these difficult tasks done, and so more talented people would be good. But I guess some companies out there are making it more of a cost thing, where it's like, okay, if they can employ someone for a fraction of the cost of an American citizen, then I guess these other companies would hire people just to save costs. But at my company, the issue is we are just trying to get the most talented people around the world," he said. When asked for advice for budding Indian entrepreneurs, Musk said that anyone who wants to make more than they take has his respect. "I'm a big fan of anyone who wants to build. So I think anyone who wants to make more than they take has my respect. So that's the main thing you should aim for," he said. He said that if one contributes to society, it is a pursuit of happiness. "Aim to make more than you take. Be a net contributor to society. It's kind of like the pursuit of happiness. If you want to create something that's financially valuable, you don't pursue that. It's best to actually pursue making useful products and services. If you do that, then money will come as a natural consequence of that as opposed to pursuing money directly," he said. Musk further said that anyone who wants to make a company should work hard and brace for failure. "Just like you can't pursue happiness directly. You pursue things that lead to happiness, but it's not like a direct pursuit. You do things like fulfilling work or study or friends, loved ones, that, as a result, make you happy. So this sounds like it's self-evident, but generally, if somebody's trying to make a company work, they should expect to grind super hard. Except that there's like some meaningful chance of failure. But just focus on making the output worth more than the input. Are you a value creator? That's what really matters," he said. (ANI)
As a senior Ukrainian delegation holds talks with officials in Florida, US president Donald Trump on Sunday (local time) said that there was a "good chance" of reaching a deal to end the conflict. "They [talks between US and Ukrainian officials] are going along well. We want to stop people from being killed. This doesn't have much to do with us, but I'd like to see we can save a lot of souls. Last month, we had 27,000 people killed in the ridiculous war that never should have happened," Trump said while talking to reporters onboard Air Force One. "Ukraine has got some difficult problems. We have a corruption situation going on, which is not helpful. There is a good chance to make a deal," he added. When asked whether his recent warning about closing Venezuelan airspace means that strikes are imminent, Trump said that there was no need to read anything into the same. "We don't consider Venezuela to be a very friendly country. They sent millions of people, and they shouldn't be in our country. They are causing a lot of problems and drugs in our country. He confirmed he had a phone call with Nicolas Maduro, but would not comment further. "I wouldn't say it went well or badly. It was a phone call," Trump said. When asked about Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth's order, where he reportedly said to leave no survivors after a strike on a boar in the Caribbean, Trump said that he believes Hegseth didn't say it. "I don't know anything about it. He said he did not say that, and I believe him," he said. When asked more specifically about the reported second strike that killed survivors, Trump said, "Pete said that did not happen." A Ukrainian delegation led by Rustem Umerov, Secretary of the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine, met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other officials on Sunday (local time) to discuss the US' peace plan to end Russia's war against Ukraine. Umerov headed the delegation after Zelenskyy's right-hand resigned hours after anti-corruption agencies raided his home. Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that a "dignified end" to the war was possible given that the US was demonstrating a constructive approach. "The Ukrainian delegation should already be in the United States by this evening, US time. The dialogue based on the Geneva points will continue. Diplomacy remains active. The American side is demonstrating a constructive approach, and in the coming days it is feasible to flesh out the steps to determine how to bring the war to a dignified end. The Ukrainian delegation has the necessary directives, and I expect the guys to work in accordance with clear Ukrainian priorities," Zelenskyy posted on X. Zelenskyy earlier said that the delegation's task was to swiftly and substantively work out the steps needed to end the war. (ANI)
Astana [Kazakhstan], December 1 (ANI/WAM): Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure and Special Envoy of the UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs to Kazakhstan, and Zhaslan Madiyev, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan, co-chaired the tenth session of the UAE-Kazakhstan Joint Committee, which held in the capital, Astana. The two sides discussed a range of topics of mutual interest, including international cooperation, investment, finance, health, transport services, artificial intelligence, space, and energy. The convening of the Joint Committee reflects the depth of the historic partnership and the mutual commitment of both friendly nations to strengthen cooperation in priority sectors within an institutional framework that ensures tangible and sustainable progress serving their shared interests. Both sides commended the growing momentum in bilateral relations, noting that non-oil trade between the two countries reached USD 5.6 billion in 2024, reflecting the strength of economic ties and the expanding scope of mutual investments. The UAE delegation highlighted the official visit of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, to Astana in May 2025, which reaffirmed both countries' commitment to expanding strategic cooperation, exploring new opportunities for investment and innovation, and enhancing sustainable economic growth. In his remarks at the meeting, Suhail Al Mazrouei emphasised the UAE's keenness to translate this vision into a tangible reality by deepening its relations with the Republic of Kazakhstan, in line with the directives of the wise leadership. He explained that the UAE's approach is based on sustainable partnership, economic diversification, and achieving shared prosperity that serves the interests of both nations and their friendly peoples. The session concluded with the signing of the minutes of the tenth Joint Committee meeting, in which both sides renewed their commitment to translating joint priorities into concrete outcomes within the committee's framework. On the sidelines of the committee meeting, Al Mazrouei chaired a roundtable with Renat Bekturov, Governor of the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) and Special Envoy of the President of Kazakhstan, for following up on projects in the UAE, in the presence of various government and private-sector entities from both countries. During the roundtable, both sides stressed the importance of monitoring the implementation of agreed-upon projects and the need to open new horizons for cooperation between small and medium-sized enterprises in vital sectors, contributing to enhanced economic integration and stronger partnerships between the two countries. During the visit, Al Mazrouei also chaired the sixth session of political consultations between the two countries, while the Kazakh side was headed by Yermek Kosherbayev, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The two sides discussed bilateral relations and exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual concern. Al Mazrouei also held side meetings with Nurlan Sauranbayev, Minister of Transport, and Yerlan Akinzhenov, Minister of Energy, during which they discussed opportunities for cooperation in transport, logistics services, shipping corridors, and current and future energy projects between the two countries. (ANI/WAM)
As the US administration makes several moves on country's immigration policy, President Donald Trump said that he intends to pause asylum "for a long time". "They are the people who shouldn't be in our country, including Somalians and plenty of others," Trump told reporters while referring to the Afghan national accused of shooting near White House. He was speaking to reporters on board Air Force One. When asked about the duration of the pause on asylum, Trump said that it would be for a long time since "most of them are no good". "For a long time. No time limit. We don't want those people. We have enough problems. You know why? Because many of them are no good and they shouldn't be in our country," he added. Launching a scathing attack on immigrants from countries like Somalia, Trump said that they don't have governments or police and "go around killing each other". "These people are the people from different countries that aren't friendly to the us and the countries that are out of control themselves. Countries like Somalia that have virtually no governmnet, military or police. All they do is go around killing each other. Then they come into our country and tell us how to run our country. We don't want them," Trump said. Although Trump did not elaborate on the number of countries targeted, he said it is likely more than 19. "They are not good countries. They are very crime-ridden countries. They are countries that don't register from a standpoint of success. We, frankly, don't need their people in our country and telling us what to do," he added. Speaking on the attack on two members of the National Guard, Trump said, "Andrew is fighting for his life". He added that he intends to honour both of them at the White House. Trump on Sunday (local time) lambasted the previous Joe Biden administration, accusing its leaders of "screwing the country" by admitting "unchecked and unvetted" immigrants. The President also hit out at former Vice President Kamala Harris for letting "anyone and everyone come in" to the US, who was responsible for overseeing the country's border security policies and immigration enforcement efforts. "Crooked Joe Biden, Mayorkas, and so-called 'Border Czar' Kamala Harris really screwed our Country by letting anyone and everyone come in totally unchecked and unvetted," Trump posted on Truth Social. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) also accused the previous Biden administration of committing an "act of national self-sabotage" by letting immigrants like Lakanwal into the country. The department further stated that immigration requests for Afghan nationals have been suspended indefinitely. Kristi Noem, Secretary at the DHS, has held the previous Joe Biden administration responsible for the killing of National Guard member Spec. Sarah Beckstrom in the White House shooting. "This individual's application to be in this country started under the Joe Biden administration. The consequences of the shooting and the death of Sarah are directly on the shoulders of Joe Biden and his administration," Noem said while referring to suspect Rahmanullah Lakanwal being charged with first-degree murder after one of the two severely wounded National Guard members died. Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe (24), the other National Guard member, battles for his life as he recovers from severe injuries from the shooting. Lakanwal (29) migrated from Afghanistan in 2021 under "Operation Allies Welcome" during Joe Biden's tenure, after the chaotic withdrawal of US forces in Afghanistan. (ANI)
The last batch of stranded passengers at the Bandarnaike International Airport in Colombo have arrived back home, as shared by the High Commissioner of India in Sri Lanka. The High Commission wrote on X, "#OperationSagarBandhu. Last batch of Indian passengers stranded in Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo have reached home. 104 stranded Indians reached Thiruvananthapuram, onboard @IAF_MCC aircraft, around 6.30 am today." https://x.com/IndiainSL/status/1995316723072008251?s=20 The High Commission shared that the departing passengers chanted "Bharat Mata ki jai" as they prepared to leave under the coordinated evacuation effort. "Operation Sagar Bandhu bringing smiles. The last batch of Indian passengers stranded in Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo, in the wake of Cyclone Ditwah chants 'Bharat Maata ki jai' as High Commissioner Santosh Jha sees them off before boarding Indian Air Force aircraft to Thiruvananthapuram," it said. India has launched 'Operation Sagar Bandhu' to aid Sri Lanka following the devastation triggered by Cyclone Ditwah. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday said that under Operation Sagar Bandhu, another Indian Air Force aircraft landed in Colombo on Sunday carrying disaster response supplies. In a post on X, he said, "Under Operation Sagar Bandhu, another Indian Air Force aircraft C130J carrying approx 10 tons of disaster response supplies, BHISHM Cubes and a medical team for on-site training and support has landed in Colombo." The Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka stated that commercial aircraft and the IAF continue to evacuate Indians stuck amid deadly floods.In a post on X, the High Commission said, "Evacuation of Indian passengers stranded in Sri Lanka in the wake of Cyclone Ditwah continues through commercial airlines and Indian Air Force flights. Two Indian Air Force flights, an IL 76 with 247 passengers to Thiruvananthapuram and a C 130 J with 76 passengers to Delhi (Hindon), have taken off from Colombo. Further evacuation of stranded passengers through commercial airlines is also underway." "Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka is providing all assistance to stranded Indian passengers and facilitating their swift travel back home. Any stranded Indian passenger in Sri Lanka can reach out on the Emergency Help Desk No: +94 773727832 or reach out to the Airline counters now operational at Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo," it added. The Indian Air Force on Sunday said that under Operation Sagar Bandhu, IAF C-17 airlifted NDRF teams and equipment from Pune. The ongoing operation has tapped into domestic support operations. India launched 'Operation Sagar Bandhu' to aid Sri Lanka following Cyclone Ditwah's devastation. The Indian Air Force delivered 21 tonnes of relief material along with over 80 NDRF personnel and 8 tonnes of equipment to Colombo to assist those affected by severe floods. (ANI)
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday warned that the threat of biological weapons and bioterrorism is no longer theoretical and urged the international community to modernise global biosecurity frameworks under the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC). "Misuse by non-state actors is no longer a distant possibility. Bioterrorism is a serious concern that the international community has to be adequately prepared for," Jaishankar said while addressing a two-day conference on '50 years of the Biological Weapons Convention: Strengthening Biosecurity for the Global South'. Pointing out critical structural inadequacies within the 50-year-old convention, the Minister noted that the BWC currently has "no compliance system, no permanent technical body and no mechanism to track new scientific developments." "These gaps must be bridged in order to strengthen confidence," Jaishankar stressed. The Minister reiterated India's long-standing position supporting stronger compliance and verification mechanisms designed for contemporary scientific realities. India, he said, also backs international cooperation for peaceful biological research and exchange of materials and technology. He highlighted India's proposal for a National Implementation Framework covering high-risk agent identification, oversight of dual-use research, domestic reporting, incident management, and continuous training; and emphasised that assistance during biological emergencies must be "fast, practical, and purely humanitarian." Reflecting on the BWC's five decades of existence, Jaishankar said its core principle--rejecting disease as a weapon--remains vital, but the convention must evolve to remain effective. "The next 50 years will demand concerted action. We must modernise the convention, keep pace with science and strengthen global capacity so that all countries can detect, prevent and respond to biological risks," he said. Affirming India's commitment, he added: "India stands ready. We remain a trusted partner to the Global South and a committed supporter of global biosecurity." Jaishankar thanked international participants attending the conference and expressed confidence that the discussions would contribute meaningfully to the upcoming Working Group session and Meeting of State Parties in Geneva next week. In the event, he also mentioned the BWC, building on the Geneva Protocol, a century back from now, drew a clear moral and legal line: disease must never be used as a weapon. "Biology must serve peace, not advance harm. Even as science races ahead, the BWC remains the guardrail between innovation and misuse in the life sciences domain. "But we must ask ourselves and the world a hard question: will this norm stay strong for the next 50 years? The answer depends on the decisions we take now," Jaishankar pointed out. Stating that the international security environment has become more uncertain, he said rapid developments in science and technology have led to the availability and affordability of sophisticated biotechnology tools and a marked reduction in the costs of sequencing and synthesis. "Recent outbreaks, including the COVID-19 pandemic, which affected each and every one of us, have imposed a steep learning curve for policy makers and practitioners alike. These developments have raised new questions to be considered in the context of the implementation of the BWC," mentioned the Minister. "It is clear that whether a biological threat is natural, accidental, or deliberate, it moves fast; it defies borders, and it can, and has overwhelmed systems. Public health and security may look like separate worlds. In reality, they actually reinforce each other. Systems that detect and contain natural outbreaks also help counter deliberate ones. Strong health systems are strong security systems," he said. The Minister later said "no country can manage such threats alone, and that there is no single solution, but international cooperation comes to being the closest to one. This is precisely why the Global South must be central to today's discussion." He said many countries in our regions still face deep gaps--fragile healthcare, weak surveillance, limited laboratories, slow emergency response, and unequal access to vaccines and medicines. "These are not just developmental issues. They are also global risks. If biosecurity is uneven, so is global safety. The Global South is the most vulnerable and has the most to gain from stronger biosecurity. It also has the most to contribute. Its voice must therefore shape the next 50 years of the BWC." He said India recognises this responsibility and remains committed to full and effective implementation of the BWC. Over the last two decades, the Minister said, India has built strong capacities across public health, pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and biosciences. India is known for a reason as the "pharmacy of the world". "I urge you today to consider a few facts- One, India makes 60% of the world's vaccines.Two, India supplies over 20% of global generic medicines, with 60% of Africa's generics coming from India. Three, India is home to nearly 11,000 biotech startups, up from just 50 in 2014, now it is the third-largest biotech startup ecosystem worldwide. Four, our healthcare investment has grown sharply, with major progress in digital health. Five, our research network: ICMR, the DBT labs, the advanced BSL-3 and BSL-4 facilities-- they can detect and respond to a wide range of biological threats," added Jaishankar. (ANI)
A Dhaka court on Monday has sentenced Bangladesh's former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to 5 years imprisonment on corruption charges. The court also sentenced Sheikh Rehana, the younger sister of the former Prime Minister, to 7 years in prison in this case and Rehana's daughter, Tulip Siddique, a British MP to 2 years in prison. Dhaka's Special Judge - 4 Rabiul Alam announced the verdict of Sheikh Hasina sentenced to 5 years in prison a plot fraud case. Bangladesh's Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) filed six separate cases against Sheikh Hasina and her family members last January for allegedly illegally allocating government's plots at Purbachal area in Dhaka. Earlier, a Dhaka court on Thursday sentenced Bangladesh's former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to 21 years imprisonment on corruption charges. Dhaka's Special Judge - 5 Mohammd Abdullah Al Mamun announced the verdict of Sheikh Hasina sentenced to 21 years in prison, 7 years each, in three plot fraud cases. Bangladesh's Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) filed six separate cases against Sheikh Hasina and her family members last January for allegedly illegally allocating government's plots at Purbachal area in Dhaka. The verdict in the remaining three cases will be announced on December 1. Court sentenced Sheikh Hasina's son Sajeeb Wazed Joy to five years in prison and a fine of Tk 100,000. Court sentenced Sheikh Hasina's daughter Saima Wazed Putul to five years in prison. The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) of Bangladesh has already sentenced Sheikh Hasina to death, finding her guilty of crimes against humanity for her efforts to suppress the July 2024 anti-government protests. Sheikh Hasina and her family did not have a lawyer in the cases as they were absconding. However, they have denied any involvement in any corruption allegations in various speeches and statements. Meanwhile on Wednesday, the Minister of External Affairs on Wednesday stated that the Indian government is currently examining the request from Bangladesh's interim government seeking the extradition of its former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who was sentenced to death by the country's International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) in a case related to crimes against humanity during last year's July-August unrest. Adressing a weekly media briefing, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that New Delhi had formally received Dhaka's communication over the matter, stressing that India remains committed to Bangladesh's stability and the well-being of its people as part of its "ongoing judicial and internal legal processes." "Yes, we have received the request, and this request is being examined. As part of ongoing judicial and internal legal processes, we remain committed to the best interest of the people of Bangladesh, including peace, democracy, inclusion and stability in that country, and will continue to engage constructively in this regard with all state stakeholders," Jaiswal said. (ANI)
A significant assault occurred at a camp of Pakistani forces in the Chagai district of Balochistan on Sunday evening when a "suicide bomber" detonated explosives at the main entrance of the Frontier Corps Headquarters in Nokundi, as reported by Security officials, according to The Balochistan Post (TBP). Officials mentioned that gunfire was still ongoing within the facility following the initial blast. They did not provide any information regarding casualties. Preliminary accounts indicated that a "bomber detonated himself at the primary gate, leading to several armed attackers breaching the camp. Continuous gunfire and multiple explosions were audible for over an hour, and clashes remained active at the time of reporting. No group had initially claimed responsibility. However, later on Sunday, the Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) announced that a sub-unit of the organisation had executed a "heavy attack" on what it characterised as the central compound utilised by foreign personnel working on the Reko Diq and Saindak mining projects in Nokundi, as noted by TBP. The group asserted that the operation was ongoing and promised a detailed statement would follow its conclusion. Pakistani officials have not responded to BLF's claims. This latest assault is part of a broader surge of armed actions across Balochistan in the past 24 hours, during which militant groups have targeted Pakistani forces with IED explosions, ambushes, and assaults on checkpoints in several areas. Experts suggest that the recent series of attacks demonstrates that Baloch armed groups still possess the capability to strike "where and when they wish," despite significant security measures in place. They pointed out that internet services, transportation routes, and several urban centres have been shut down in recent days to prevent attacks, yet armed groups were still able to carry out operations in multiple regions, as reported by TBP. Chagai district, the location of the ongoing attack, is home to the Reko Diq copper-and-gold deposits, which are among the world's largest undeveloped reserves and are a key component of Pakistan's mining and investment strategies, as highlighted by TBP. (ANI)
Thailand's Foreign Minister, Sihasak Phuangketkeow, on his first official visit to India, called for deeper cooperation between the two countries to combat a surge in transnational cyber-scam networks and called for urgent coordinated action with India to counter the rapid expansion of cyber-scam syndicates operating along Thailand's borders with Myanmar and Cambodia. In an interaction with ANI, he highlighted cybercrime, trade expansion, and regional architecture as the centrepieces of Thailand's diplomatic priorities with India. The minister raised alarm over the rapid spread of cyber-scam operations along Thailand's borders with Myanmar and Cambodia, describing the problem as "becoming more serious." He revealed that during a recent crackdown on scam syndicates, over 1,000 Indian nationals fled into Thailand, prompting the Thai authorities to provide emergency assistance. Many more, he noted, are believed to be trapped in scam hubs run by criminal networks across the region. Calling cyber scams a shared threat, he stressed that "Thailand and India will have to work together," adding that broader regional and international cooperation is essential. Thailand is also proposing an international conference on cybersecurity with a dedicated focus on cyber scams, aimed at boosting intelligence sharing and law-enforcement coordination. "We hope that India can co-host this international conference," he said. On the economic front, the minister underscored the growing trade relationship between India and Thailand, saying bilateral ties continue to strengthen as both countries pursue an ambitious target of around USD 30 billion in trade in years to come. He expressed confidence that this goal is within reach, noting both the natural economic "potential that exists" between the two markets and the new imperative to diversify amid US tariff measures affecting both countries. However, he acknowledged that achieving the target requires focused work on "promotional activities" as well as addressing tariff and non-tariff barriers on both sides. He also emphasized growing interest in two-way investment, describing India as a "huge market" for Thai businesses while positioning Thailand as both a "fairly big market" and the "gateway to ASEAN" for Indian investors. Discussing regional economic frameworks, the minister reiterated ASEAN's view of India as a vital dialogue partner and highlighted ongoing work to strengthen the ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement in goods. He also expressed hope that India might reconsider joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). "We hope that India could come around and look at how it could rejoin RCEP," he said, arguing that Indian participation would give the partnership "a tremendous boost." On broader regional cooperation, he pointed to initiatives like BIMSTEC as crucial platforms linking South and Southeast Asia--"two very dynamic regions"--and said Thailand seeks to deepen these inter-regional ties. From counter-crime collaboration to rising trade and renewed regional engagement, Thailand hopes to elevate its partnership with India across multiple fronts. As cyber scams escalate and the global economic environment grows more complex, Bangkok sees New Delhi not only as a neighbour in Asia but as an indispensable partner in building resilience for the region. (ANI)
The exercise aims to enhance interoperability and mutual understanding through Special Forces-specific operations, including counter-terrorism drills, heliborne missions, combat shooting, drone and C-UAS employment and surgical strike planning in semi-mountainous terrain, further strengthening the robust defence partnership between the two nations, as per the Indian Army.

It wrote on X, "Exercise Garuda Shakti 2025: The 10th edition of the India-Indonesia Joint Special Forces Exercise GARUDA SHAKTI will be conducted at the Special Forces Training School, Bakloh from 03 to 12 December 2025. The exercise aims to enhance interoperability and mutual understanding through Special Forces-specific operations, including counter-terrorism drills, heliborne missions, combat shooting, drone and C-UAS employment and surgical strike planning in semi-mountainous terrain, further strengthening the robust defence partnership between the two nations."

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The exercise comes on the heels of the recent visit of Indonesia's Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin to India.

India and Indonesia on Thursday agreed to deepen the defence cooperation between the two nations by stepping up the maritime security coordination and enhancing collaboration in defence technology.

During the 3rd India-Indonesia Defence Ministers' Dialogue discussions, co-chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Indonesian counterpart, Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, both leaders centred their talks on strengthening defence industry partnership, expanding military-to-military engagements and reinforcing a shared strategic vision for a free, open, peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

According to a release by the Ministry of Defence, both sides reiterated the significance of a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific and noted the strong convergence between the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific and India's Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative.

They also agreed to intensify cooperation in maritime domain awareness, cyber resilience and joint operational readiness, and to deepen engagement through regional frameworks, including the Indian Ocean Rim Association under India's chairmanship.

Indonesia further welcomed India's proposal to establish a Joint Defence Industry Cooperation Committee to advance work on technology transfer, joint R&D, certification harmonisation and supply-chain linkages.

Both ministers expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of the Dialogue and committed to sustaining high-level exchanges and practical cooperation across defence and security areas to strengthen peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (ANI)
In a series of updates on X, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal shared the progress of the operations.

"Operation Sagar Bandhu update. NDRF teams in Action. The @NDRFHQ personnel carried out rescue operations in Kochikade, Puttalam and Badulla areas of Sri Lanka."

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"Operation Sagar Bandhu update. Relief efforts continue in Sri Lanka through Mi-17 helicopters of @IAF_MCC. Evacuated 34 citizens, including children, from Kotmale to Colombo. They also distributed medical aid and food supplies."

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Earlier on Monday, EAM Jaishankar shared that INS Sukanya entered Trincomalee with relief materials.

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India launched 'Operation Sagar Bandhu' to aid Sri Lanka following the devastation triggered by Cyclone Ditwah. Swinging into swift action, India has helped its neighbour with HADR operations, rescue, and relief efforts to provide aid and assistance to the country.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday said that under Operation Sagar Bandhu, another Indian Air Force aircraft landed in Colombo on Sunday carrying disaster response supplies.

The Indian Air Force on Sunday said that under Operation Sagar Bandhu, IAF C-17 airlifted NDRF teams and equipment from Pune. The ongoing operation has tapped into domestic support operations.

India launched 'Operation Sagar Bandhu' to aid Sri Lanka following Cyclone Ditwah's devastation. The Indian Air Force delivered 21 tonnes of relief material along with over 80 NDRF personnel and 8 tonnes of equipment to Colombo to assist those affected by severe floods.

The scale and speed of these missions underscore India's steadfast commitment to assisting Sri Lanka in its hour of need, as the Indian Air Force delivers swift, coordinated, and compassionate HADR support under challenging conditions.

At least 334 people have been confirmed dead, while 370 remain missing in Sri Lanka following Cyclone Ditwah, Daily Mirror reported on Monday, citing Sri Lanka's Disaster Management Centre (DMC). (ANI)
A tragic incident has been reported from the Hoshap area of Kech district, where mortar shelling allegedly carried out by Pakistani security forces left five young girls critically injured. One of the victims, who was in a critical condition, later passed away from her wounds, prompting fresh outrage over what activists describe as a "continued chain of state violence" in Balochistan. Baloch human rights activist Sammi Deen Baloch, in a strong statement shared on social media, condemned the incident, asserting that the attack reflects the long-standing pattern of oppression faced by Baloch civilians. She described the incident as part of the "genocide of the Baloch nation," accusing the international community of reinforcing this violence through its silence. According to Sammi Deen Baloch, enforced disappearances, recovery of mutilated bodies, raids on homes, and indiscriminate shelling of residential areas have become routine in the province, leaving even children vulnerable to violence. "By continuing the massacre of Baloch on their own land through the use of force, the state is establishing all limits of oppression," she stated, adding that previous similar shelling incidents have resulted in the deaths of minors, yet no accountability has followed. She further criticised what she described as the state's narrative of labelling Baloch youth as terrorists while failing to justify the killing of innocent girls. Multiple judicial inquiries and JITs have reportedly been announced in past cases, but no perpetrators have been convicted. "This brutality raises an urgent question: when small girls are becoming targets of mortar fire, under what logic will the state justify this barbaric action?" she asked. Earlier, the shocking details from the October 2025 report released by Paank, a leading human rights organisation, documented enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings in Balochistan. The report painted a grim picture of what it calls "systematic state-sponsored violence," accusing Pakistani security institutions and their allied militias of carrying out widespread abductions, torture, and killings across the province, as reported by The Balochistan Post. (ANI)
The High Commission of India in Sri Lanka said that the NDRF teams were working to deliver critical assistance wherever possible.

In a post on X, the High Commission said, "OperationSagarBandhu in Badulla. Deputy Minister for Tourism Ruwan Ranasinghe thanked India and the National Disaster Response Force for their disaster response operations. A team from NDRF including landslide specialists is working in close coordination with Sri Lankan authorities in Badulla district to recover landslide casualties and deliver critical assistance wherever possible. Badulla is one of the most severely impacted districts in Sri Lanka in the recent devastation in the wake of Cyclone Ditwah."

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Meanwhile, more critical relief materials arrived at Trincomalee.

In a post on X, the High Commission said, "More critical relief materials arrived at Trincomalee today. Under Operation Sagar Bandhu INS Sukanya delivered another 12 tonnes of essential relief material to Trincomalee this morning, supporting ongoing rescue and relief efforts after Cyclone Ditwah. These were handed over to Sri Lanka authorities for immediate distribution."

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The High Commission said that as India's policy of first responder.

"Under Operation Sagar Bandhu, another 12 tonnes of critical relief material have reached Trincomalee, Sri Lanka onboard INS Sukanya, today morning. India is strengthening Sri Lankan efforts for rescue and relief of distressed persons in the wake of Cyclone Ditwah, one of the worst natural calamities to hit Sri Lanka in recent years," the statement said.

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The MI 17 helicopters of the Indian Air Force continue rescue operations in Sri Lanka.

In a post on X, the High Commission said, "Under Operation Sagar Bandhu MI 17 helicopters continue rescue operations bringing stranded persons from inaccessible areas and delivering urgent relief to communities cut- off in the wake of Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka."

https://x.com/IndiainSL/status/1995429049959879167?s=20

Cyclone Ditwah is weakening into a "deep depression" as it nears India's southern state of Tamil Nadu. The death toll in Sri Lanka has gone up to 355, with another 366 people missing, as per Al Jazeera. (ANI)
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) CEO Boaz Levy on Monday said India had been one of the company's strongest partners in defence development and that this cooperation had helped build a long-standing defence partnership between the two countries. He also affirmed that IAI would support any future decisions taken by New Delhi on defence procurement. Speaking to ANI, Levy highlighted joint work on unmanned aerial vehicles and noted that several major systems were being developed with India, including the Barak MX. He also said the world's first UAV came from IAI. "Heron is an IAI product. We were the pioneers of UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles). The first UAV in the world came out of IAI premises, and we are very proud to say that India was one of our best partners for that," Levy said. He further affirmed that IAI would continue to work closely with India on any future requirements. "We are very proud to take a major role in this effort, and I leave the decision-makers in India to decide whether to purchase. We will always be part of it and always support their decisions," he said. "... IAI and India have been working together for a long period of time. We build many systems together. For instance, the Barak MX, a system being developed with DRDO and with participation from many industries in India. The Barak system was very active in the Israeli conflict, and also in your conflicts. Together, we are bringing together a state of mind for ballistic missile defence and air defence, along with radar observation capabilities, enhancing the capabilities of Israel and India and creating new assets to defend our borders," Levy told ANI. The Indian armed forces are set to buy more Israeli Heron unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) drones after their successful use in Operation Sindoor earlier this year and plan to arm them with air-launched Spike anti-tank guided missiles. The Indian armed forces already operate a large fleet of Heron drones across all three services, the Army, Navy and Air Force, from their respective bases. Intelligence agencies also use Herons for specialised operations. Defence officials have told ANI that the forces are placing new orders to acquire additional Heron drones, which were effectively deployed for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions during Operation Sindoor against Pakistan in May this year. The officials further said efforts are underway to weaponise these drones. One wing of the armed forces is working on equipping Herons with Spike-NLOS (non-line-of-sight) anti-tank guided missiles, which will give them the ability to strike enemy targets during future conflicts. The Heron drones are primarily used for long-range surveillance on both the Chinese and Pakistani borders and have proved highly effective. India has also been acquiring the advanced Heron Mark 2 drones in recent years. These upgraded UAVs are equipped with satellite communication systems, enabling them to fly longer missions with extended ranges. The armed forces have projected a long-term requirement of nearly 400 MALE drones over the next 10-15 years to meet the country's security needs. (ANI)
A coalition of 15 countries issued a collective statement during the Third Committee of the 80th United Nations General Assembly, denouncing what they referred to as serious, ongoing, and systematic human rights abuses by China at home and abroad, according to a report by Phayul. The group, representing Albania, Australia, Czechia, Estonia, Israel, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, North Macedonia, Palau, Paraguay, San Marino, Ukraine, the United States, and the United Kingdom, publicly presented a joint declaration that expressed "deep concern" over the human rights record of the Chinese Communist Party. Observers noted that this coordinated effort was particularly direct and widely supported, as reported by Phayul. The statement accused the Chinese government of overseeing a vast system of oppression that encompasses arbitrary detentions, forced labour, illegal mass surveillance, significant curbs on religious and cultural freedoms, and discrimination against ethnic and religious minorities. Referring to "credible reports," the signatories emphasised a persistent trend of abuses directed against Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities, Tibetans, Christians, Falun Gong practitioners, and other vulnerable populations. The countries pointed out are practices such as the forced separation of children from their families through state-run residential schools, torture inflicted on detainees, and the devastation of cultural and religious heritage sites. These actions, the statement asserted, breach fundamental human rights and China's commitments under international law, as highlighted by the Phayul report. The coalition also raised alarms about the situation in Hong Kong, noting that the city's previously strong civil liberties and rule of law have been "severely eroded" due to increasing control from Beijing. The statement criticised the issuance of arrest warrants and monetary bounties on activists residing outside Hong Kong for exercising their freedom of expression, labelling these actions a serious threat to global democratic principles, as reported by Phayul. The countries expressed concern regarding the widespread deployment of digital tools to monitor and suppress dissent. "Online and offline," the statement noted, "state censorship and surveillance are employed to manage information, restrict public discussion, and punish those who contest official narratives." The harassment of journalists, human rights advocates, and lawyers, along with transnational repression, has fostered a "climate of fear aimed at silencing criticism," the governments cautioned. The joint declaration made two urgent demands of Beijing: to immediately and unconditionally free all individuals detained solely for exercising their human rights and fundamental freedoms, including those practising their religion, activists, and community leaders, and to adhere fully to its obligations under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international treaties China has ratified. The signatories further called on UN member states to continue exerting pressure on Beijing, urging the global community to support accountability initiatives and ensure that credible allegations of abuses are thoroughly investigated and addressed, as cited in the Phayul report. (ANI)
As anticipation builds to the visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to India on December 4 and 5, world leaders are watching developments keenly. With a firm peace deal between Russia and Ukraine still elusive, German Ambassador to India Philipp Ackermann believes that Putin's visit is an opportunity for India to send a message of peace to the Russian President. "We will follow that visit closely. It is clear that India has different relations with Russia than the European partners have... We should not forget that Russia is leading a war, a war that Russia has started. Indian Prime Minister said on the record- this is not an era of war, this war will not be won on the battlefield. I trust that he will also mention that when he is here," Acermann said. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump remains confident that a peace deal to end the conflict will be reached soon. On Sunday, a senior Ukrainian delegation held talks with officials in Florida "They [talks between US and Ukrainian officials] are going along well. We want to stop people from being killed. This doesn't have much to do with us, but I'd like to see we can save a lot of souls. Last month, we had 27,000 people killed in the ridiculous war that never should have happened," Trump said while talking to reporters onboard Air Force One. Earlier, the Russian MFA (Foreign Ministry of the Russian Federation) said that Vladimir Putin's visit to India from December 4 to 5 offers an opportunity to review the entire spectrum of the strategic partnership of the two nations, ranging from politics to science to humanitarian cooperation. "On December 4-5, President Vladimir Putin will pay a state visit to India at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Mod. This visit carries significant importance, offering an opportunity to review the entire spectrum of the Russia-India special and privileged strategic partnership - from politics, trade and the economy to science, technology, and cultural and humanitarian cooperation," it said. Current international and regional issues will also feature prominently in the talks with the Indian delegation led by Prime Minister Modi. 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 said that preparations for the annual summit are already underway, with Putin's arrival aligning with the state visit outlined by the MEA. (ANI)
Hamas, or Harakat al-Muqawama al-Islamiyya, is a Palestinian Islamist organisation formed in 1987 during the First Intifada as an offshoot of the Muslim Brotherhood.

"It will be a good thing if India did. India and Israel have a common enemy. It will be good to have a clear statement on who we face," Lt Col Nadav Shoshani, International Spokesperson at IDF, told reporters here when asked. India still does not recognise Hamas as a terror group.

Hamas is designated as a terrorist organisation by several countries, including the US, UK, and Canada. Its ideology centres on armed resistance against Israel.

India has not formally designated Hamas as a terrorist organisation, though it has condemned the October 7, 2023, attacks and supported a two-state solution.

On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched an unprecedented assault on Israel, marking one of the deadliest days in the country's history. In the early hours of the morning, Hamas fighters crossed into southern Israel by land, air, and sea after firing thousands of rockets from the Gaza Strip. Militants breached Israel's high-security border fence using explosives, bulldozers, and motorised paragliders, overrunning Israeli towns, kibbutzim, and military posts.

The attack resulted in the killing of more than 1,200 people, including civilians, soldiers, and foreign nationals. Hamas gunmen carried out mass shootings, set homes on fire, and abducted more than 240 hostages, taking them back into Gaza. Videos and eyewitness accounts described widespread brutality, leading Israel to declare the assault its worst single-day terror attack.

Israel responded by launching a large-scale military offensive in Gaza aimed at dismantling Hamas's military and political infrastructure. The conflict rapidly expanded, resulting in extensive destruction, mass displacement, and a deepening humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. The October 7 attacks reshaped regional geopolitics, triggered global diplomatic activity, and intensified debates around the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. (ANI)
India has initiated the procurement of more Israeli Heron MK-II drones under emergency provisions invoked after Operation Sindoor, according to sources in the Israeli defence industry. Sources said discussions are also now underway to manufacture the advanced UAV in India -- a move that could eventually pave the way for full technology transfer and significantly deepen the Make in India footprint in the defence sector. "All three branches have decided to purchase the MK-II, and we are very proud that the Navy has also decided," a source told ANI. Developed by IAI, the Heron MK-II is a medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicle with a maximum take-off weight of 1,430 kg. It offers an endurance of 45 hours, a service ceiling of 35,000 ft, and a top speed of 150 knots. The sources declined to specify the number of drones the Navy plans to acquire but said the focus is now on manufacturing the MK-II in India through partnerships with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Elcom. India began procuring Heron MK-II drones in 2021 under emergency powers following tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. Four units were initially ordered--two for the Army and two for the Air Force--after it was clarified that the variant was the Heron MK-II and not the Heron TP. "We are very aware of Make in India and are working closely with our local partners to ensure we meet those requirements," an IAI official said. "One of our partners is HAL, and the other is Elcom. Our aim is to manufacture the systems in India, creating an Indian version of the Heron--not only the MK-II but other systems as well." IAI is also working to meet the Indigenous Content (IC) standards mandated for upcoming major tenders in the MALE UAV segment, which require 60 per cent local work and manufacturing. "We are aiming for that in any future project," the official added. Heron drones are primarily deployed for long-range surveillance on both the Chinese and Pakistani frontiers and have proven highly effective. In parallel, the Indian Air Force and the Ministry of Defence have been pursuing Project Cheetah to upgrade the surveillance and combat capabilities of the existing Heron fleet. India has also been inducting the more advanced Heron MK-II systems in recent years, equipped with satellite communication (SATCOM) that enables extended-range operations and longer missions. (ANI)
The COP30 climate summit in Belem, Brazil closed with a compromise agreement that expands financial support for developing nations but avoids any reference to phasing out fossil fuels. Brazil, which held the presidency of COP30, pushed the deal through after two weeks of tense and extended negotiations between representatives of more than 190 countries. The United States did not send an official delegation to the summit. German Ambassador to India Dr Philipp Ackermann feels that some good results were achieved during the summit in Brazil and Germany remains committed to exiting fossil fuels. "I think COP 30 came up with some good results, some of them fell short of our expectations, but I think when it comes to adaptation, and the negotiation generated some good results and also binding results. My country is one of those that has committed itself to exiting fossil fuels and has also pledged a lot of money. I think Germany can be cited as an example here. In every multilateral gathering and negotiations round, there are compromises that have to be made and that was also what happened in COP 30. So, I think we are rather satisfied. We could have imagined a bit more, but in general, I think it was a good COP," the German envoy to India said. Ackerman however was critical of the United States for staying away from the summit and said that German was working with India on finding ways to adapt to climate change. On the COP30, German Ambassador to India, Dr Philipp Ackermann says, "There was one country lacking at this COP, that's the US, and they had been a big pledging country before. So that's a problem but I want to tell you that Germany has committed itself to GSTP, the partnership for Green and Sustainable Development, where India and Germany work together hand in hand on the same level to try to cope with climate change, how to find ways, how to adapt to climate change and to mitigate climate change and I think that's the way forward with India in the years to come in order to exchange experiences, exchange technologies and also ideas on how to deal with the climate change..." The COP30 agreement, finalized in November focused on stepping up support for developing nations by tripling funding for climate adaptation by 2035 and supporting clean energy transitions. Key outcomes included the launch of the Tropical Forests Forever Facility to mobilize USD 125 billion for forest protection and a general call for stronger emission cuts, though the deal was seen as a compromise that did not include a full "phase-out" of fossil fuels. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held telephone conversation with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Monday and expressed condolences on the loss of lives and widespread devastation in Sri Lanka in the wake of Cyclone Ditwah. He conveyed that the people of India stand in firm solidarity and support with the people of Sri Lanka in this hour of need, according to a PMO release. President Dissanayake conveyed his deep gratitude for India's assistance in the wake of the disaster and appreciated the swift deployment of rescue teams and relief material. He also conveyed the appreciation of the people of Sri Lanka for India's timely and effective response efforts. Prime Minister assured President Dissanayake of India's continued support to Sri Lanka under the ongoing Operation Sagar Bandhu, providing rescue and relief to distressed persons. He assured that India, in line with its Vision MAHASAGAR and its established position as the 'First Responder', will continue to extend all necessary assistance in the coming days as Sri Lanka undertakes rehabilitation efforts, resumes public services, and works toward restoring livelihoods across the impacted regions. The two leaders agreed to remain in close touch. India launched Operation Sagar Bandhu on November 28 to provide urgent Search & Rescue and Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Relief (HADR) support to Sri Lanka in the wake of the Cyclone. In coordination with the Sri Lankan authorities, the Government of India immediately handed 9.5 tons of emergency rations from two Indian Navy Ships in Colombo, deployed three Indian Air Force aircraft for airlifting another 31.5 tons of relief materials including tents, tarpaulins, blankets, hygiene kits, ready-to-eat food items, medicines and surgical equipment, two BHISHM cubes along with 5 persons medical team for on-site training, and 80 persons special Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to assist in rescue efforts. India also despatched another 12 tons of relief supplies on-board Indian Navy Ship Sukanya (at Trincomalee) and a total of 53 tons of relief material has been handed over. According to an official release, Chetak helicopters from INS Vikrant and MI-17 helicopters of the Indian Air Force, in coordination with the Sri Lankan Air Force, conducted extensive rescue operations, airlifting stranded people, including pregnant women, infants, and those critically injured. Rescued persons included nationals of Sri Lanka, India, Germany, Slovenia, United Kingdom, South Africa, Poland, Belarus, Iran, Australia, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. NDRF teams have been carrying out search-and-rescue operations in various severely affected and isolated regions of Sri Lanka, assisting flood-hit families and ensuring their immediate safety. A total of 121 persons have been rescued and assisted in these combined operations, which are continuing. Evacuation of Indian nationals stranded due to Cyclone Ditwah was also undertaken via three special Indian Air Force flights and three commercial flights, with a total of around 1,500 stranded Indians already brought back. The release said that guided by India's Neighbourhood First policy and Vision MAHASAGAR, India continues to be the First Responder, standing firmly in solidarity with the Government and people of Sri Lanka in this time of need, and remains committed to supporting the on-going rescue, relief and early recovery efforts. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday expressed concern over the health of former Bangladesh Prime Minister and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, extending India's support and wishing her a quick recovery. In a post on X, PM Modi wrote, "Deeply concerned to learn about the health of Begum Khaleda Zia, who has contributed to Bangladesh's public life for many years." "Our sincere prayers and best wishes for her speedy recovery. India stands ready to extend all possible support in whatever way we can," he added. Khaleda Zia was admitted to the capital's Evercare Hospital on November 23 with a lung infection. She is undergoing treatment at the hospital's Coronary Care Unit (CCU) under the supervision of local and foreign specialist doctors from the Medical Board. The 80-year-old former Prime Minister, who is suffering from various ailments, is now under close observation by doctors. Quoting doctors, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said that her physical condition is very critical. Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser of Bangladesh's interim government, expressed concern about the health condition of Khaleda Zia, the Chairperson of BNP. On Friday night, the Chief Adviser sent Asif Nazrul, an adviser to the interim government, to Evercare Hospital in the capital to inquire about Khaleda Zia's physical condition. Begum Khaleda Zia has been suffering from various physical ailments, including heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, liver cirrhosis, and kidney complications for a long time. She went to London on January 8 for advanced treatment. After undergoing treatment at the London Clinic for 17 consecutive days, she received medical treatment at her son Tarique Rahman's house on January 25 under the supervision of London Clinic specialist doctor Professor Patrick Kennedy and Professor Jennifer Cross. The BNP Chairperson returned to Bangladesh on May 6 after receiving advanced treatment in the UK. Begum Khaleda Zia served as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh from 1991 to 1996 and again from 2001 to 2006. She was the first woman Prime Minister of Bangladesh. She is the widow of the former President of Bangladesh and army commander, Ziaur Rahman. (ANI)
As India prepares to welcome Russian President Vladimir Putin, former Indian Ambassador to Russia Ajai Malhotra has said that the Russian leader's India visit is a reaffirmation of a "long-standing, deep-rooted and multifaceted partnership" at a time of shifting geopolitical currents and a clear demonstration of New Delhi's strategic autonomy. In an interview with ANI, Malhotra stressed that the visit signals India's independent foreign policy choices. "It shows that our decisions are based on our own national interest and are not subject to external pressures," he said. India's foreign policy today, he noted, rests on two pillars: strategic autonomy and multi-alignment. "We engage with all powers on the basis of our interests, not block politics. We favour a multipolar, polycentric world." Against the backdrop of US political shifts and tariff moves by the Trump administration, Malhotra argued that diversified partnerships only strengthen India's position. "A transactional Washington increases the value of diversified ties," he said, adding that unilateral tariffs are now often imposed outside the WTO framework. "The intention is not to create problems but to find solutions that help our relations with both Russia and the USA." The former envoy underlined that defence cooperation has been central to India-Russia relations for more than six decades. He highlighted joint design, research and production of advanced systems. India's approach, he said, must remain pragmatic and oriented toward domestic manufacturing. "We always went for what we thought was best at that moment," he noted, pointing to past acquisitions. Evaluating new offers must be "hard-headed," he said, based on technology transfer, cost, spares and long-term autonomy. For very advanced platforms like fifth-generation fighters, India may buy a limited number to absorb technology until indigenous systems mature. Indigenisation, he emphasised, is crucial: "We cannot talk of strategic autonomy if a large proportion of our sophisticated defence requirements are imported. Becoming more self-sufficiency--Atmanirbharta--is the right approach. Malhotra pointed to deep, long-standing cooperation in oil and gas, where Indian investments in Russia amount to about USD 18 billion, while Russian firms--such as Rosneft--have made major investments in India. But US unilateral sanctions, he said, are complicating decisions for companies with American exposure, including Indian PSUs. Even so, he insisted the primary lens must remain national interest. "If it is in our national interest to import a particular item, we should do so. We should seek exemptions from the Americans," he said. US tariffs and pressure tactics, he added, are part of diplomatic negotiation. "We shouldn't get worried to the extent that we run away. Solutions come through dialogue and diplomacy. On whether Putin's visit will touch upon the Ukraine conflict, Malhotra was unequivocal: "We have no role in that war, nor should we have one. We would like it to end peacefully." He welcomed recent diplomatic contacts--such as meetings between US and Russian leaders and subsequent exchanges--as encouraging signs. India, he said, should support such initiatives but avoid unsolicited mediation. "Only if we are asked should we play a role. When others offer to mediate on our issues, we say only upon request--so the same applies here." With both the US and Russia as important partners, Malhotra argued that it is in India's interest for them to find common ground. "If the USA and Russia come together and find solutions attractive to them, it would undoubtedly be beneficial to us," he said. For now, he said, the focus should be on encouraging dialogue and diplomacy--and letting the two major powers work toward peace. (ANI)
India has sent 53 tons of relief material to Sri Lanka under Operation Sagar Bandhu as part of its emergency response to Cyclone Ditwah, which caused widespread damage across the island nation. At least 334 people have been confirmed dead across Sri Lanka as authorities continue to battle rising floodwaters in parts of the capital, Colombo, after a powerful cyclone left a trail of destruction, Al Jazeera reported. In an update on Sunday, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) said nearly 400 people remain missing and warned that more heavy rains brought on by Cyclone Ditwah are expected across the island nation in the coming days. According to an official release, "in the wake of Cyclone Ditwah, India launched Operation Sagar Bandhu on 28 November 2025 to provide urgent Search & Rescue and Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Relief (HADR) support to Sri Lanka." "In coordination with the Sri Lankan authorities, the Government of India immediately handed 9.5 tons of emergency rations from two Indian Navy Ships in Colombo; deployed three Indian Air Force aircraft for airlifting another 31.5 tons of relief materials including tents, tarpaulins, blankets, hygiene kits, ready-to-eat food items, medicines and surgical equipment, two BHISHM cubes along with five persons medical team for on-site training, and 80 persons special Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to assist in rescue efforts; and despatched another 12 tons of relief supplies on-board Indian Navy Ship Sukanya (at Trincomalee). A total of 53 tons of relief material has been handed over," the release added. Rescue operations have been taking place simultaneously. Chetak helicopters from INS Vikrant and MI-17 helicopters of the Indian Air Force, in coordination with the Sri Lankan Air Force, conducted extensive rescue operations, airlifting stranded people, including pregnant women, infants, and those critically injured. Rescued persons included nationals of Sri Lanka, India, Germany, Slovenia, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Poland, Belarus, Iran, Australia, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been carrying out search-and-rescue operations in various severely affected and isolated regions of Sri Lanka, assisting flood-hit families and ensuring their immediate safety, according to the release. A total of 121 persons have been rescued and assisted in these combined operations, which are continuing. The release stated that the evacuation of Indian nationals stranded due to Cyclone Ditwah was also undertaken via three special Indian Air Force flights and three commercial flights, with a total of around 1500 stranded Indians already brought back. Guided by India's Neighbourhood First policy and Vision MAHASAGAR, India continues to be the First Responder, standing firmly in solidarity with the Government and people of Sri Lanka in this time of need, and remains committed to supporting the ongoing rescue, relief and early recovery efforts. (ANI)
With India registering 8.2 per cent GDP growth in Q2 of 2025-26, German Ambassador to India Philipp Ackermann has said the numbers are "very impressive" and with a growing market, India will be an even more interesting country to invest in and "a big, stable partner in the region". In an interview with ANI, Ackermann said India's fast GDP growth is also good news for German businesses. "The growth in India is very impressive, 8.2% is an impressive growth. When you see the upward trend in growth, I think India, with a growing market, will be an even more interesting country to invest in, and a big, stable partner in the region, and an economically powerful partner in the region. So that's good news for German businesses," he said. India's real GDP has been estimated to have grown by 8.2 per cent in the July-September quarter of the current financial year 2025-26 over the growth rate of 5.6 per cent in the same quarter of the previous fiscal, official data showed Friday. The National Statistics Office (NSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), last week released the Quarterly Estimates of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the July-September quarter. India's nominal GDP grew at an 8.7 per cent rate during the September quarter, data showed. The Indian economy is poised to register growth north of 7 per cent in the current fiscal 2025-26, Chief Economic Adviser (CEA) V Anantha Nageswaran said on Friday, in a post-GDP release presentation Economic cooperation between India and Germany has been rising with German companies operating in areas such as automobile manufacturing, green energy, industrial machinery, and emerging technologies. The two countries have cooperation in a number of areas including counter-terrorism. The 10th meeting of the India-Germany Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism was held in Delhi last month. The two countries unequivocally condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism. They also discussed their respective counterterrorism policies and key issues in the fight against terrorism. These included emerging challenges such as preventing radicalisation 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. The two sides also reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening cooperation in multilateral fora such as the United Nations, the Global Counter-Terrorism Forum, the Financial Action Task Force, and the No Money for Terror Ministerial Conference. (ANI)
Around 150 ITEC alumni from Bangladesh participated in the event held in the High Commission premises.

Addressing the gathering, High Commissioner Pranay Verma highlighted ITEC as India's commitment to South-South Cooperation, offering capacity-building and human resource development programmes based on the needs and priorities of partner countries.

Noting that more than 5000 professionals from Bangladesh have undergone ITEC programmes over the years, the High Commissioner thanked the ITEC alumni in Bangladesh for serving as both a bridge of friendship and collaboration and a channel for the exchange of experience and knowledge between the two countries.

He also recognised the contribution of the ITEC Association of Bangladesh (IAAB) for their efforts to bring the ITEC alumni together on one platform.

During the event, many ITEC alumni shared their training experiences in India. Dignitaries from some of the partners organisations, including Bangladesh Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (BCSIR), Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission (BAEC), Bangladesh Space Research and Remote Sensing Organisation (SPARSO), and Bangladesh Land Port Authority (BLPA), also joined.

To mark the occasion, a musical programme showcasing deep-rooted cultural links between India and Bangladesh was presented by the artistes from Bangladesh.

ITEC, a flagship programme of the Government of India, was instituted in 1964 as part of India's Development Assistance Programme. It has been offering the benefit of India's development experience and technological progress to more than 160 countries across the globe.

Every year, more than 12,000 training slots are offered to ITEC partner countries through over 300 training courses in premier Indian Institutes in diverse areas like Agriculture, Accounts, Audit, Management, Good Governance Practices, Small and Medium Enterprises, Rural Development, Public Health, Parliamentary Affairs, Judiciary, Election Management, IT, Data Analytics, Remote Sensing, Renewable Energy, Advanced Computing and so on. (ANI)
German Ambassador Philipp Ackermann, reflecting on the two weeks of COP 30 negotiations in Belem, Brazil, emphasised the importance of multilateralism and collective action, stressing "credible climate action cannot be one-size-fits-all.' The UN climate conference in Belem, Brazil, COP30, took place from November 10-21, 2025. The event brought together world leaders, scientists, and other stakeholders to discuss global climate action. "COP30 has reminded us that climate change is not a challenge any country can solve alone. The decision adopted in Belem- the 'Global Mutiro' or collective effort, is therefore particularly fitting," Philipp Ackermann said during the 'Climate Talks' series hosted by the German Embassy in New Delhi on Monday. The high-level edition of its 'Climate Talks' series focused on "COP30: Reflections from Belem." Along with the German Ambassador, the conversation featured Arunabha Ghosh, Founder-CEO of Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) and South Asia Envoy to COP30, according to a statement from the German Embassy. Speaking in his capacity as South Asia's Special Envoy, Ghosh emphasised that COP30 marked a shift toward implementation after years of abstract debate. He said, "COP30 underscored that implementation, not abstraction, is now the centre of global climate action. Across South Asia, the message is clear: Adaptation and resilience are urgent priorities shaped by very different lived realities in Nepal, Sri Lanka, the Maldives or Bangladesh. Countries must have the flexibility to report on what truly matters to them, because credible climate action cannot be one-size-fits-all." He said, "Multilateralism, with all its imperfections, still matters." In a COP of many truths, securing even an imperfect deal was essential to show that collective action remains possible. Just transition must also put people first: you can repurpose physical assets and redesign financial assets, but you cannot abandon human assets whose livelihoods depend on coal today." "And we should not see trade only as a barrier- codeveloping technology and investing in each other's markets can become powerful drivers of climate ambition. Realprogress will come not only from two weeks of negotiations, but from what we build together in the remaining fifty weeks of each year, translating the signals from Belem into fairer systems, stronger resilience and durable climate cooperation for the region," he said. Ambassador Ackermann highlighted advances on adaptation and just transition while acknowledging the gaps on mitigation: "We saw real progress on important issues, especially climate adaptation and just transition, including stronger recognition that climate action must also be socially fair. Negotiations are only half the measure; the other half is implementation. COP30 saw new initiatives and funds aimed at moving from words to delivery, including a new fund to protect tropical forests, to which Germany has pledged EUR1 billion." Reaffirming Germany's reliability as a climate partner, Ambassador Philipp Ackermann noted that Germany fully met and exceeded its international climate-finance commitments in 2024, contributing EUR11.8 billion, including EUR6.1 billion in budgetary resources, fulfilling its pledge to provide at least EUR6 billion annually. Germany also mobilised more than EUR1 billion in private capital for climate action, "a new milestone" as confirmed by the Federal Government's latest reporting to the EU, according to the statement. "Germany stands by its international climate-finance commitments, even in challenging times. This is essential for trust and for successful global climate negotiations," Ambassador Ackermann said, echoing the federal government's message that Germany remains a reliable partner to the Global South. Strengthening Indo-German cooperation post-COP30, Ambassador Ackermann emphasised that Indo-German cooperation will play a key role in implementing the outcomes of COP30. He recalled the meeting between India's Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav and Germany's Environment Minister Carsten Schneider in Belem, and highlighted new avenues of engagement. "Under the Green and Sustainable Development Partnership (GSDP), our countries are translating climate commitments into action. Germany has also launched a new IKI Large Grant call for proposals specifically for India, supporting its upcoming National Adaptation Plan and strengthening resilience of forests, ecosystems and biodiversity." He also pointed to the fruitful collaboration between the International Climate Initiative (IKI) and CEEW showcased at COP30, demonstrating how evidence-based tools support India in integrating climate considerations across development policies. Arunabha Ghosh shared his reflections on COP30 outcomes from a South Asian perspective, including the region's adaptation needs, the operationalisation of the Loss and Damage Fund, and opportunities for Indo-German cooperation on just transition, skills for the green economy, and energy systems, according to the statement. COP30 in Belem marked ten years since the Paris Agreement, bringing renewed urgency to close the gap toward the 1.5C pathway. While the conference delivered major advances on adaptation, including the decision to triple adaptation finance by 2035, and operationalised the Loss and Damage Fund, negotiations on fossil fuel phase-out and climate finance highlighted the persistent divides in global climate diplomacy. Against this backdrop, Germany and India have emerged as key partners shaping constructive climate action: Germany through its consistent international climate-finance contributions and leadership in global initiatives for forests, energy systems and just transition, and India through its ambition, scale, and commitment to equitable climate solutions. The Climate Talks in New Delhi offered an opportunity to reflect on these global dynamics and to reinforce the shared belief that implementation, innovation and collaboration will define the next phase of climate action. (ANI)
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held a bilateral meeting with his visiting Thai counterpart Sihasak Phuangketkeow, during which he emphasised the long-standing friendship between the two nations, calling Thailand "a very important" maritime neighbour of India. In his opening remarks on Monday, Jaishankar welcomed Sihasak Phuangketkeow, expressing his gratitude for accepting the invitation to visit India, made on the sidelines of the ASEAN summit held in October of this year. Reflecting on India's ties with Thailand, Jaishankar mentioned PM Modi's visit to Bangkok in April 2025 for the BIMSTEC Summit, during which the two nations elevated their ties to a strategic partnership. "A very warm welcome to you and to your delegation on your first official visit as the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand. We had a meeting in Kuala Lumpur on the sidelines of the ASEAN summit. At that time, we agreed that we would meet for a more detailed discussion. I'm glad that you could accept my invitation and be here today." Jaishankar said during his opening remarks. "I take the opportunity to convey our respects for the good health of the Majesties and for the Thai National Day on November 5. India and Thailand have historically shared close and friendly ties. We value Thailand as a long-time friend, apart from being a very important maritime neighbour. India's Act East policy has found a match in Thailand's Look West policy. Our ties were elevated to a strategic partnership during PM Modi's visit to Bangkok in April 2025 for the BIMSTEC Summit. Several agreements, including in the field of handlooms and handicrafts, digital technologies, MSMEs and maritime heritage, were signed," he added. According to the Thailand Ministry of Foreign Affairs, both sides welcomed the progress of Thailand-India cooperation in areas of mutual interest and benefit. These areas include political cooperation, bilateral and multilateral trade and investment, connectivity, startups, science, technology, innovation and space, according to the Thailand Ministry statement. Moreover, Thailand's Foreign Minister requested India's support for Thailand's interest in joining BRICS during India's Chairmanship of BRICS in 2026. Both sides also discussed foreign policies amidst current geopolitical challenges. Thailand reiterates its readiness to cooperate with India in various multilateral frameworks to strengthen regional integration. S Jaishankar stressed the need to exchange "views on pressing issues regularly," and discussed Myanmar. "Given the rapidly evolving geopolitical and geoeconomic environment which impacts both of us, we believe that a regular exchange of views on pressing issues is very useful. We have many common interests in our region. I look forward to a deep discussion on the situation in Myanmar during your stay," he said. Earlier, the Thai Minister had called for deeper cooperation between the two countries to combat a surge in transnational cyber-scam networks and called for urgent coordinated action with India to counter the rapid expansion of cyber-scam syndicates operating along Thailand's borders with Myanmar and Cambodia. In an interaction with ANI, the minister raised alarm over the rapid spread of cyber-scam operations along Thailand's borders with Myanmar and Cambodia, describing the problem as "becoming more serious." He revealed that during a recent crackdown on scam syndicates, over 1,000 Indian nationals fled to Thailand, prompting the Thai authorities to provide emergency assistance. Many more, he noted, are believed to be trapped in scam hubs run by criminal networks across the region. Calling cyber scams a shared threat, he stressed that "Thailand and India will have to work together," adding that broader regional and international cooperation is essential. During the bilateral meeting, both sides discussed joint efforts to address emerging threats, including online scams and assistance to Indian victims. Thailand extended an invitation to India to join the International Conference on Global Partnerships to Combat Online Scams and expressed its interest in co-hosting the event from 17 - 18 December 2025 in Bangkok to further discuss international cooperation on this issue, according to the Thai Foreign Ministry. (ANI)
KYOTO, Dec 01 (News On Japan) - As Matchas popularity continues to climb, with overseas shipments expanding sharply and exports increasing more than tenfold over the past 15 years as global demand strengthens. Japan is encouraging tea growers to shift production to tencha, the raw material used to make matcha. While it may seem logical that farmers should simply increase production if matcha is selling so well, growers say the reality is far more complex.

Matcha-flavored lattes, sweets, and desserts are driving what many describe as an unprecedented matcha boom, yet manufacturers themselves say the situation has reached a level they can only call abnormal. This year has truly been extraordinary, one producer said, noting that since spring, large numbers of tourists have been rushing to buy matcha products. During a visit to Kyoto in May, the producer found that not a single packet of matcha remained on store shelves; shop staff explained that because each store limits the daily quantity, everything sells out almost immediately  in some cases disappearing within 15 minutes, from premium tea used in tea ceremonies to small packaged items.

Reporters examining Japans broader tea-farming crisis found that the current environment resembles a literal scramble for matcha, with demand so strong that supply cannot keep pace  a situation some have begun calling the matcha crisis.

The people feeling this crisis most acutely are those who rely on matcha daily. With matcha becoming harder to obtain, enthusiasts worry prices may soon rise beyond reach. According to tea-class instructors and students who regularly whisk matcha, prices have already climbed sharply, leaving many feeling the impact directly.

Japans tea industry is facing structural challenges that run far deeper than consumer trends. Due to aging farmers and a shortage of successors, total tea production has fallen by 14% over the past 15 years, from 2009 to 2024. Household spending on green tea has also dropped by nearly 20% over the same period. While these figures might suggest Japanese consumers are drifting away from traditional green tea, that is not necessarily the case. Sales of bottled green tea beverages continue to grow, and the market is expected to hit another record high this year. Meanwhile, matchas popularity overseas keeps soaring: Japans tea exports reached 36.4 billion yen in 2024, more than ten times the level of 15 years ago.

In the United States, the trend is driven partly by rising health consciousness and the sharply increasing cost of coffee beans, prompting major coffee chains like Starbucks to expand non-coffee beverage menus and highlight matcha. The transformation is visible in Japan as well, where many tourists walk through city streets with matcha lattes in hand, and seasonal matcha drinks have become year-round offerings at major cafe chains. During reporting in New York, one journalist saw matcha cafes gaining traction across Manhattan and even expanding to Los Angeles, where matcha lattes have become a staple for young consumers.

The broader policy trend in Japanese agriculture is to grow exports as domestic production and consumption decline due to demographic change. Tencha, the raw material for matcha, currently accounts for only about 7% of total tea production, but the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries is urging farmers to shift from sencha to tencha to capture the export boom. On paper, switching to a more profitable crop sounds straightforward  but farmers in tea-producing regions say the transition is neither simple nor guaranteed to succeed.

Sayama tea, regarded as one of Japans three great tea brands, is produced in Iruma, Saitama Prefecture. Here, farmers described not excitement but deep hesitation. Historically, the region never produced matcha, and while requests are pouring in for Sayama growers to start making it, many describe the moment as nothing short of a paradigm shift. As one grower put it, People arent drinking matcha. Theyre eating it in desserts. Matcha culture traditionally centered on drinking meticulously prepared tea, but demand today is driven by lattes, cakes, and sweets  a cultural shift comparable, the farmer said, to seeing Scotch whisky diluted with ice water: unthinkable to purists, yet impossible to criticize outright when global consumers embrace it.

For producers committed to preserving Japans tea culture, the challenge is not merely following a boom but maintaining the traditions associated with tea. Sayama once suffered a decline as imported black tea from India and Sri Lanka grew dominant internationally. Now, producers hope to revive the brand for the Reiwa era by exporting Sayama Matcha from Yokohama and nurturing new generations of local growers.

But even with demand rising, many farmers are choosing to continue producing sencha rather than switching to tencha. Although the leaves themselves come from the same plant, tencha requires shade-growing under black covers  an added burden for aging farmers forced to work under the intense heat of midsummer. Processing methods also differ completely, requiring entirely new production lines. In Irumas Kaneko district, only one experimental matcha-processing line exists, making large-scale conversion unrealistic for most growers.

Farmers also point out that demand for bottled green tea has expanded significantly, giving sencha stable long-term value. For some, staying with sencha makes more economic sense than gambling on a matcha boom whose longevity remains uncertain.

Meanwhile, producers across Japan are working at full capacity despite shrinking numbers of workers. Many growers are elderly, pushing themselves through physically demanding work in extreme heat. Agricultural experts emphasize that switching crops  whether tea, rice, or vegetables  is never as simple as policymakers suggest.

Major beverage companies are also feeling the pressure. Ito En has begun signing contracts to purchase all of a farms tea leaves and is using IT technologies to help stabilize production. During reporting in Iruma, Ito En demonstrated an AI-based system designed to determine the optimal tea-harvesting timing  a tool that could reduce reliance on experience and intuition, lowering barriers to entry for new farmers.

One of the most striking realities highlighted by farmers is the rapid growth of abandoned farmland. Without intervention, more land will fall out of cultivation each year. To counter this, Saitama Prefecture has stepped in by leasing land from farmers who can no longer manage it and then subleasing it to organizations like Agri-Farm. This approach helps consolidate land that individual farmers could never assemble on their own and reflects the key role local governments must play.

Specialists with financial backgrounds are also entering agriculture, bringing cost-management and business planning skills that farmers say strengthen the industry. Still, Japans tea-growing population is declining sharply. Many are aging out of the profession, and the number of growers leaving the fields has not slowed. Protecting tea fields and preserving Japans tea culture for future generations has become one of the industrys most urgent long-term challenges.

Source: Kyodo
The first African Summit on Health Systems and Health Sovereignty concluded on Saturday with the adoption of the Dakhla Declaration that charts the continents transition from dependency to sovereignty.

This Declaration reaffirms the right to health for all, equity, intra-African solidarity, and the continents leadership in defining its own health solutions.

Through this Declaration, health experts and professionals have highlighted foresightedness in the face of the continents vulnerabilities. Recent crises have revealed the fragmentation of health systems, inequalities in access, and above all, a heavy dependence on imports of medicines, vaccines, and technologies, a dependence that has become a real challenge to continental security.

To address these challenges, participants proposed an integrated program based on five pillars. The first focuses on public health and epidemiology, making prevention the cornerstone of public policy.

The second area refers to improving infrastructure and equitable access to care through local services and secure supply chains, while the third emphasizes the need for massive investment in training and skills retention.

The fourth pillar proposes increased funding accompanied by transparent governance, while the fifth emphasizes support for African R&D through the development of local production hubs, including the strategic integration of artificial intelligence.

The Dakhla Declaration sets out an ambitious roadmap for 2030. The year 2026 will be devoted to consolidating the foundations, focusing on prevention and training. In 2027, the priority will switch to access to medicines and vaccines and the integration of artificial intelligence into health systems. The year 2028 will be dedicated to evaluating public policies and developing public-private partnerships, while 2029 will focus on resilience and strategic preparedness. The goal, in 2030, is to achieve African health sovereignty for a more autonomous, stronger, and more united Africa.

Through this Declaration, participants reaffirm their commitment to supporting this trajectory by promoting governance, increasing dedicated budgets, and providing the African Academy of Health Sciences (AAHS) with the necessary resources to coordinate the continents networks of excellence.

They also call on all stakeholders, including governments, universities, the private sector, and partners, to join this collective effort, with the ambition of making this decade one of African health renaissance, a confident, competent, and creative Africa, in control of its health and its future.

On the sidelines of the summit, Mohammed VI University of Science and Health signed two partnership agreements with Gabons University of Science and Health, and Burkina Fasos Joseph Ki-Zerbo University.
Brazil increased its fertilizer imports from Morocco in 2025, with phosphate-based shipments rising 30.19 percent year on year to $559.18 million between January and October, according to data compiled by the Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce and relayed by the Ministry of Trade.

Total Brazilian imports from Morocco reached $1.31 billion in the first ten months of the year, up 3.6 percent, driven mainly by phosphate and compound fertilizers. The expansion pushed Brazilian purchases from Morocco above Brazil exports to the kingdom during the same period.

Brazilian exports to Morocco fell 5 percent to about $1 billion. Sugar, corn and livestock remained the main outbound products, though sugar sales dropped 35.2 percent to $462.4 million.

Overall bilateral trade stood at about $2.3 billion, remaining broadly stable compared with 2024 despite weaker Brazilian exports.
The Sahel region under the Alliance of Sahel States (Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger) is undergoing a profound shift toward multi-alignment, challenging traditional European influence, the European Union Institute for Security Studies (EUISS) said, recommending Europeans to adapt to this new reality or risk losing influence.

The Sahel now averages around 10,500 terrorist-related deaths per year, a sevenfold increase since 2019, while transnational crime networks funnel drugs, migrants, and weapons toward Europe, the study recalls.

Rich in strategic resources like oil, gold, and uranium, the region has become a global battleground for influence.

EUISS highlights Moscows deepening influence via the Wagner Group and Africa Corps, offering military training, logistical support, and strategic resource access.

In Mali, Russias Africa Corps now runs operational control over border routes and internal security operations, effectively sidelining US and EU presence.

Morocco has emerged as a stabilizing force in the Sahel. Through its Atlantic Africa Initiative, it strengthens infrastructure and trade links, providing Sahelian landlocked states with access to ports like Tanger Med and Dakhla.

Turkeys engagement has surged through arms and infrastructure deals. Ankara has sold Bayraktar drones, conducted defence agreements, and bolstered diplomatic relations with all AES members. The Atlantic Council notes that Turkey may serve as a valuable intermediary for the West due to its credibility with military-led governments.

In this context, the EUISS points to intensified global competition, with China expanding across mining and infrastructure via the Belt and Road, while the US quietly retreats from security roles. Meanwhile, US-China rivalry extends into economic and technological realms across Africa, although direct Sahel involvement from both superpowers is largely indirect.

The Think Tank advises Brussels to embrace pragmatism by focusing on cooperation with the Sahel states on justice and education reform as well as acting on organized crime.

It also recommends a flexible foreign policy combining bilateral engagement with Global Gateway initiatives.

The EU should therefore consider selectively engaging with these external players, the Think Tank said.
Tensions over Moroccan tomato imports are flaring again in France, where local producers accuse Moroccan suppliers of unfair competition. Moroccan fresh produce exporters have repeatedly said such campaigns were triggered by disinformation.

Last week, members of the Confederation Paysanne stormed a Franco-Moroccan logistics hub in Perpignan before being removed by police, then entered a supermarket to denounce what they claim are dumped prices of Moroccan cherry tomatoes.

The protests come as the Franco-Moroccan Joint Committee on Fruits and Vegetables, revived earlier this year to ease tensions, has yet to deliver concrete results.

Under the 2012 EU-Morocco free trade agreement, Morocco can export 285,000 tons of tomatoes duty-free between October and May, after which standard tariffs apply.

French unions argue the EUs entry price mechanism is outdated and ill-suited to premium tomato varieties, while Morocco insists the system already imposes strict compliance.

Moroccan fresh produce exporters have repeatedly condemned what they describe as disinformation campaigns led by French and Spanish farming lobbies.

According to Moroccos Association of Fruit and Vegetable Producers and Exporters (APEFEL), these campaigns often invoke pesticide concerns and price manipulation claims without scientific basis.

APEFEL points to EU safety data showing Moroccan produce ranks among the most compliant globally, with less than 1% of alerts linked to Moroccan imports. The group accuses European competitors of using health scare tactics to pressure Brussels into tightening trade rules.
Comoros President Azali Assoumani reiterated his countrys unfailing support for Moroccos territorial integrity.

UN Security Council Resolution 2797 backing autonomy plan for the Sahara under Moroccos sovereignty was a shared victory between Rabat and Moroni, President Assoumani told le360 on the sidelines of the MEDays forum in Tangiers.

We are proud to have been among the first to support Morocco in effectively regaining its sovereignty over the Sahara, said the Comorian head of state, recalling that his country was the first to open a consulate in Laayoune, in a strong gesture of solidarity with the Kingdom.

Azali Assoumani praised King Mohammed VIs efforts to build international consensus around the Moroccan solution, stressing that Moroccos emergence and its role in Africa require lasting peace to contribute to the continents development.

According to him, Moroccos stability goes beyond national borders and is a key driver for Africas future.

Asked about climate challenges, the Comorian president voiced concern over the direct impact of climate change on his country: rising sea levels, mountain collapses, and growing vulnerability of the archipelago.

We must adapt to the transition, because we cannot stop the sea from rising, he said, urging the world to turn the page on fossil fuels and embrace a global awareness.

Azali Assoumani also highlighted the depth of ties between the two nations, stating he is a product of Morocco in reference to his studies in the Kingdom.

Many Comorian leaders were educated in Morocco, a legacy that explains the strength and longevity of bilateral relations, he said.

We are proud of this cooperation, which continues and must benefit both our countries and peoples, he added.
Morocco has continued to increase its fresh sweet corn exports to Germany for the second consecutive year. In the first nine months of 2025, Moroccan exporters shipped over 2,000 tons of fresh sweet corn to Germany, valued at $3.83 million. This volume breaks the previous record set in 2024 by 18% and is double the shipments recorded in 2023.

According to EastFruit news platform, Germany was Moroccos 4th export destination for sweet corn, behind the UK, Spain, and the Netherlands. However, in the first nine months of 2025, shipments to Germany outpaced those to the Netherlands by nearly 500 tons, positioning Germany to enter Moroccos top three markets for the first time by year-end.

Spain remains Germanys largest supplier of fresh sweet corn, though its market share has steadily declined over the past five years, from 65% in 2020 to 43% in 2024. Morocco becomes the second supplier of Germany, strengthening its foothold for the second year in a row.

Moroccan sweet corn accounted for 12% of Germanys imports in 2023, rose to 22% in 2024, and has already exceeded 30% in the first nine months of 2025. The Netherlands and France also remain key suppliers.

Moroccan shipments peak in April-May, aligning with Germanys peak import season. During this period, Moroccos share of the German market reaches as high as 60%.
The Moroccan currency is increasingly used in markets across West Africa and the Sahel, marking a significant shift in a region that has long been anchored to the CFA franc, tied to the French central bank.

Although 14 African states still officially use the CFA franc, the Moroccan dirham has begun to circulate more widely as both a substitute and a complement, said the leading Middle East Al Majalla magazine.

Furthermore, a report by CNBC found that many African nations had expressed an interest in adopting the Moroccan currency for trade and transactions, in part owing to Moroccos expanding economic partnerships and the broad presence of its banks, now operating in more than 30 countries, including Egypt, Tunisia, Senegal, and Cote dIvoire.

In less than two decades, the banking map of Sub-Saharan Africa has been redrawn. The large European groups that once dominated the market are gradually withdrawing, being replaced by groups from countries like Morocco.

Meanwhile, major Moroccan firms such as OCP Group are investing up to $9bn in major projects in Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Kenya to produce agricultural fertilizers. Official figures confirm a sharp increase in trade between Morocco and West African countries in recent years, accelerating the spread of the dirham in regional markets.

Besides, 54 Moroccan companies are operating in Sub-Saharan Africa in sectors such as telecoms, infrastructure, finance, insurance, tourism, real estate, agriculture, phosphates, mining, energy, and technology. This year, transactions reached $56bn, $39bn of which were from the private sector.

According to experts, the presence of three major Moroccan banking networks in 32 African countries has played a key role in facilitating the spread of the dirham. Yet this trend extends beyond financial considerations to include Moroccos growing soft-power and solidarity-based south-south partnership.

However, the political and economic stability of African countries remains a challenge. Experts are wondering whether Moroccos economy, reserves, and central bank can maintain the dirhams value in the event of any shocks.

Now, the Moroccan Dirham is asserting itself beyond the Kingdoms borders. In less than 20 years, the banking landscape of Sub-Saharan Africa has been transformed, with big European groups retreating, giving way to Moroccan banks to fill the vacuum, acquiring the legacy operations of Barclays, Standard Chartered, Societe Generale, and BNP Paribas. According to traders, it looks like it is the dirhams decade.
Mauritanian tribal leaders have handed over to Mauritanias ambassador to Morocco Ahmed Ould Bahi a letter requesting the opening of a Mauritanian consulate in Laayoune to facilitate administrative services for Mauritanians living in the Moroccan southern provinces.

The request of the Mauritanian notables was conveyed to their countrys diplomat during a meeting held lately at the Mauritanian embassy in Rabat. The move builds on the excellent Moroccan-Mauritanian relations which are based on mutual respect, shared history, and the deep social and tribal ties between the two peoples.

Despite its neutral standing on the Moroccan Sahara, the recent opening of the border crossing point between Moroccan city of Smara and Bir Moghrein in Mauritania reflects Nouakchotts position and response to growing international support for Moroccos sovereignty over its entire Saharan territory.

According to experts, the opening of a new southern border crossing point between Morocco and Mauritania also shows Nouakchotts tendency to follow suit of other countries seeking peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.

In November, the government of Mauritania has refused a request from the Algeria-backed Polisario militias to establish a consulate or embassy in Nouakchott, dealing hard blow to the separatist group and its Algerian supporters.

The Mauritanian decision comes after the latest historic resolution adopted by the UN Security Council endorsing Moroccos autonomy plan for the Sahara under the Kingdoms sovereignty.

Mauritania has always been cautious in its ties with Polisario. Although Nouakchott recognized the self-proclaimed SADR in 1984, this recognition remained purely symbolic and never evolved into effective diplomatic relations.

After the military coup of July 10, 1979 that ousted the first civilian Mauritanian president Moktar Ould Daddah, the junta had signed a peace agreement with the Polisario, withdrew from the Madrid Agreements of November 14, 1975, and pledged to establish diplomatic relations with pseudo-SADR. But the pledge remains unfulfilled.
Recently, we have noted that U.S. investors are increasingly buying Canadian Oil & Gas companies, even as global oil prices move lower. According to McCrea, U.S. funds now own about 59% of Canadian oil and gas companies, up from 56% at the end of 2024, while investments by Canadians have declined to 34% from 37%. The shift in investments has been even more dramatic for some Canadian companies, with Brian Schmidt, CEO of Tamarack Valley Energy (OTCPK:TNEYF), revealing that U.S. ownership of his company has doubled to 40%, up from 20% before the pandemic while Americans own nearly two thirds of Whitecap Resources (OTCPK:WCPRF) compared to 60% at the end of last year.

There are several reasons behind this rotation. First off, Canadas top leadership is now much open to fossil fuel investments, with Prime Minister Mark Carney promising to make Canada an energy superpower. In contrast, former Canadian PM Justin Trudeau was more friendly to clean energy, managing to provide money to build electric vehicles and charging stations, committing $2 billion for clean water and wastewater funds for cities, introduced a national carbon tax, allocating infrastructure funds for local governments to deal with climate change and imposed a five-year moratorium on oil and gas drilling in the Arctic in the first two years after he was elected.

Second, the completion of the Trans Mountain Pipeline expansion has bolstered confidence in Canadas oil and gas sector. The expanded pipeline has a total capacity of 890,000 barrels of oil per day, representing a nearly threefold increase from the previous system's capability. Since its commercial operation began in May 2024, TMX has been running at ~82% of its maximum capacity. TMX carries crude from Edmonton, Alberta, to the Westridge Marine Terminal in Burnaby, British Columbia. From there, it is shipped to global markets, primarily in the Asia-Pacific region. The pipeline also delivers oil to Washington State for local refineries and has terminals in locations like Kamloops and Burnaby for regional distribution.

Related: U.S. Crude Hits a Record While Key Export Data Goes Dark



Third, Canadas Oil Sands have a significantly lower breakeven point, and can still eke out a profit at oil prices that would make the majority of U.S. Shale Patch companies print red. The average breakeven oil price for Canada's oil sands is approximately $40$57 per barrel of crude, with recent estimates suggesting even lower costs for some large producers. Half-cycle breakeven prices can go even lower, ranging from about $18 to $45 per barrel. Recent cost reductions are due to technological improvements and debt reduction, making Canadian oil sands production cost-competitive globally.

Not surprisingly, the Canadian energy sector is outperforming its U.S. counterpart, with the TSX Energy Index up 19.5% in the year-to-date compared to a 6.0% gain by the S&P 500 Energy Index over the timeframe. Here are five Canadian energy stocks that have easily outpaced the market.

#1. Falcon Oil & Gas

Market Cap: $150.1M

YTD Returns: 147.2%

Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd. (OTCPK: FOLGF) engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of conventional and unconventional oil and gas assets in its portfolio, which includes projects in Australia (Beetaloo Basin), South Africa (Karoo Basin), and Hungary (Mako Trough). The company's activities focus on finding and developing new resources through exploration and seismic surveys, with the goal of bringing them to commerciality.

Falcon Oil & Gas' strong performance is being driven by its progress on the Shenandoah South Pilot Project in Australia, which is on track for gas sales to begin in mid-2026, and a recent strategic investment in the Nigerian oil and gas sector by Energy& LLP. The company is drilling faster than forecast, with one well reaching a new record for the horizontal section drilled, thanks to modifications to the mud system and the use of anti-vibration bits. Increased drilling efficiency in Australia and the recent investment in Nigeria are expected to accelerate growth.

#2. Tamarack Valley Energy

Market Cap: $2.7B

YTD Returns: 66.0%

Tamarack Valley Energy (OTCPK:TNEYF) is a Canadian oil and gas company with a long-term strategic focus on responsible, value-driven energy development. The companys high-quality asset portfolio comprises oil plays in Alberta and several enhanced oil recovery (EOR) opportunities.

Tamarack Valley Energy's stock has performed well due to a combination of strong operational results, financial discipline, and strategic share buybacks. Tamarack owns high-performing, low-cost assets like those in the Clearwater play, which drive increased production and boost free cash flow. The company has also benefited from divesting non-core assets, a tighter discount on heavy Canadian oil, and an aggressive share buyback program that has reduced the share count.

#3. Imperial Oil Ltd

Market Cap: $49.0B

YTD Returns: 61.9%

Imperial Oil Ltd. (NYSE:IMO) is a Canadian integrated energy company that

explores for, produces, refines, and markets petroleum and natural gas products, including synthetic crude oil. The company is a major refiner and marketer of petroleum products, a large producer of crude oil and natural gas, and a significant producer and distributor of chemical products. They market high-quality fuels, lubricants, and other products under the Esso and Mobil brands and operate a retail network of convenience stores.

Imperial Oil Ltd's stock has performed well due to its strong operational efficiency, record upstream production, integrated business model, and commitment to significant shareholder returns. This performance has allowed the company to outpace many of its peers in the energy sector. IMO achieved its highest quarterly crude production in three decades during the third quarter of 2025, averaging 462,000 oil-equivalent barrels per day. The record flows were mainly driven by by the Kearl asset, which hit a record 316,000 gross barrels per day

#4. NuVista Energy Corp.

Market Cap: $2.6B

YTD Returns: 38.6%

NuVista Energy Corp. (OTCPK:NUVSF) is an independent oil and natural gas company that

explores for, develops, and produces oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids in the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin. Its primary focus is on the condensate-rich Montney formation in the Pipestone and Wapiti areas of Alberta.

Ovintiv Inc. (NYSE:OVV). recently announced an agreement to acquire NuVista Energy Ltd. However, NuVistas stock performance has mainly been driven by the companys strong operational execution, sector-leading production growth, and strategic financial management, including share buybacks.

Peyto Exploration & Development Corp.

Market Cap: $3.2B

YTD Returns: 34.7%

Peyto Exploration & Development Corp. (OTCPK:PEYUF) is a Canadian energy company that focuses on the exploration, development, and production of natural gas, oil, and natural gas liquids. The company's operations are primarily centered in the Deep Basin area of Alberta, Canada. It generates revenue from the sale of these natural resources.

Peyto Exploration & Development Corp.'s stock has performed well due to its strong operational efficiency, strategic natural gas hedging and diversification, and its low-cost production structure in the Alberta Deep Basin. These factors have resulted in high margins, significant increases in funds from operations, and the ability to return capital to shareholders through dividends and debt reduction, even during periods of lower commodity prices.



By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com
One of the ways you can claim rights to water sources is to own land next to them or over them. It seems intuitive that you should be able to dip into a river running along your property to get a drink for yourself and possibly your livestock, or water for your plants and possibly your farm fields. That works so long as you don't hog too much of the river flow and your downstream neighbors can do the same as you are doing. In practice, there are so many humans today demanding so much water that the amounts each person or enterprise can withdraw are usually regulated by agreement or law.

The same goes for groundwater since aquifers rarely span just one person's property and can be very large, for example, the Ogallala aquifer, which lies below 122 million acres of the U.S. Great Plains.

What is not so intuitive is that water rights can belong to people far from the water itself and that the rights to that water can be traded like any commodity. That's what residents of the Neches Trinity Valleys Groundwater Conservation District in the middle of East Texas discussed recently and quite heatedly in a public meeting of district officials.

In this community in and around Jacksonville, Texas, about two hours east of Dallas, the residents were discussing permits sought by entities controlled by Dallas-based hedge fund manager Kyle Bass. Bass's plan is to withdraw about 15 billion gallons annually from the aquifer underneath the district using two properties owned by Bass, one 4,300 acres and another 7,200 acres. Texas's so-called rule-of-capture water rights allow anyone owning land over an aquifer to withdraw water from it even when this affects other landowners. (For a primer on the range of water rights in the United States, read more here.)

For now, Bass's plan has been stymied by adverse court rulings that may limit or even prohibit what he proposes to do. But with huge amounts of money at stake, Bass will almost certainly appeal. Meanwhile, farmers and ranchers who make up most of those affected worry that their water supplies will be adversely affected and thereby undermine their livelihoods.

The difficult truth for Texas farmers and ranchers is that water under their lands is increasingly seen as a source for the state's growing metropolises. Grist reports that the 140-mile Vista Pipeline already moves 16 billion gallons of water per year to San Antonio from the same aquifer Bass wants to tap. The Carizzo-Wilcox aquifer runs on an angle to the southwest from East Texas to the Rio Grande. The withdrawals have adversely affected water flows from wells near where the pipeline pumps its water supply. Nearby, Austin is adding to an increasing network of pipes bringing water pumped from adjacent counties.

A logical response might be to say that people should move to where the water is rather than the other way around. But as Marc Reisner, author of the classic study of water in the American West, Cadillac Desert, observed: "Water moves uphill toward money." Reisner was, of course, referring to water that is moved up and over the Tehachapi Mountains on its way to Southern California. But the point is really metaphorical and can be easily generalized.

Grand schemes have been proposed to bring Mississippi River water and water from the Pacific Northwest to the American West. Neither appears to be practical from an engineering standpoint and would be politically explosive. The timelines for completion of such projects, if they were feasible, would run into the decades.

For America's water-starved areas, that leaves conservation and ever more rapid exploitation of nearby, but dwindling water resources. The farmers and ranchers are right to be worried about their water supplies. The question is, will those living in the cities seeking that water make the connection between those water resources and the ability to find what they want at reasonable prices at the grocery store, and to visit the verdant rural landscapes when they want to take a trip in the countryside?

By Kurt Cobb via Resource Insights

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Top US and Ukrainian officials wrapped up their talks in Florida, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio calling the session "very productive" but saying additional work was needed in the effort to thrash out a plan to end Russia's war on Ukraine.

"We had another very productive session, building off [talks in] Geneva, building off the events of this week, but there's more work to be done," Rubio told reporters on November 30 following the meeting, without being specific.

"There are a lot of moving parts, and obviously there's another party involved here that will have to be a part of the equation," he said, referring to Russia.

"And that will continue later this week, when [White House special envoy Steve] Witkoff travels to Moscow...We've also been in touch in varying degrees with the Russian side, but we have a pretty good understanding of their views as well," Rubio added.

Rustem Umerov, Ukraine's security council secretary and leader of Kyiv's delegation, hailed the negotiations as "meaningful and successful" but also did not discuss details.

"Concluded a difficult but productive session of negotiations in Florida. We have tangible progress toward establishing a just peace," he wrote on Telegram. "The meeting was meaningful and successful."



"There is still a lot of work to be done -- we continue to consult and agree on further steps for the sake of peace for Ukraine," he added.

AFP quoted an unnamed source close to the Ukraine team as saying the talks were "not easy" and that "the search for formulations and solutions continues."

The negotiating teams met in Hallandale, Florida, north of Miami, amid accelerating efforts to hammer out terms of a plan that would be acceptable to both Kyiv and Moscow.

Witkoff is scheduled on December 1 to travel to Moscow to meet with top Russian officials, including President Vladimir Putin. It will be Witkoff's sixth meeting with Putin since January.

Early on November 30, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wrote on social media that "the American side is demonstrating a constructive approach, and in the coming days it is feasible to flesh out the steps to determine how to bring the war to a dignified end.

Zelenskyy later said he had spoken to leaders of the European Commission and NATO to help "coordinate positions" amid the peace negotiations.

"I spoke with [NATO chief] Mark Rutte, and we will continue our conversation in the coming days," Zelensky said.

Following a conversation with European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen, the Ukrainian president said, "We maintain full coordination with the European Commission, and I'm grateful for the support."

Kyiv and its European allies are scrambling to develop an alternative proposal after Trump administration officials released a 28-point plan that echoed most of the hard-line terms Moscow has pressed since the start of its all-out invasion in February 2022.

For some Ukrainians, the plan amounted to capitulation after nearly four years of war that has killed or wounded well more than 1 million people on both sides.

French authorities announced that President Emmanuel Macron will host Zelenskyy in Paris on December 1 to discuss "the conditions for a just and lasting peace."

Macron has been one of Kyiv's strongest backers.

The initial 28-point US proposal, released last week, alarmed Ukrainian officials -- and reportedly angered Zelenskyy -- who then held their own talks with Rubio and other US officials in Geneva.

Those talks resulted in a 19-point plan that leaves several major issues on the table, including the fate of a chunk of Ukraine's Donbas region, the fate of Ukraine's NATO aspirations, and a potential cap on the size of Kyiv's armed forces.

End Of A Dramatic Week

The diplomatic activity comes after a dramatic week that culminated in the resignation of Yermak, who submitted his resignation on November 28, hours after the anti-corruption investigators searched his office.

The raids grew out of a burgeoning scandal involving kickbacks made in connection with funds for defenses for Ukraine's vulnerable energy infrastructure. Two ministers have already been sacked.

Yermak, who has not been directly accused of wrongdoing, said during the raids that investigators had been given "full access" to his apartment and that he was providing his "full cooperation.

Zelenskyy himself has not been directly implicated, though the scandal has turned into the worst political crisis of his more-than-six-year tenure in office.

US President Donald Trump, on November 30, cautioned that the scandal was not helpful to the peace process, adding that "Ukraine's got some difficult little problems."

While struggling on the battlefield to hold back Russia's bigger and better-equipped military, Ukraine has hit targets inside of Russia with increasing frequency, going after oil and energy facilities.

Meanwhile, Ukraine's main intelligence agency released a video purporting to show maritime drones targeting two "shadow fleet" tankers in the Black Sea. A global fleet of ships with murky registration and ownership records has been used by Russia to export oil while skirting Western sanctions.

By RFE/RL

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The U.S. military build-up in the southern Caribbean continues unabated. The arrival of the worlds largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald Ford, heralded Washingtons largest military deployment in Latin America since the 1989 invasion of Panama. Around 25% of all U.S. warships deployed globally are concentrated off the coast of Venezuela. U.S. President Donald Trump recently declared there will be strikes on land targets and that the airspace above Venezuela is closed. There are fears that the White Houses campaign, which is pressuring Venezuelas illegitimate President Nicolas Maduro to step down, will unleash a wave of instability across the northern Andes.

The Trump White House asserts its military campaign in the southern Caribbean is to counter narcotics trafficking and transnational organized crime, but the operation appears more like a clandestine effort to pressure Maduro into stepping down. After fraudulently winning Venezuelas July 2024 presidential election in a ballot marred by corruption and intimidation, Maduro is viewed by the U.S. and many countries as an illegitimate leader rather than a genuine victor. Indeed, many sources domestically and internationally claim opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez won the election and is the legitimate president-elect.

This was the second presidential election stolen by Maduro, who declared victory in the 2018 ballot, which was also marred by claims of vote rigging and electoral fraud. In response, Trump implemented strict U.S. sanctions with the goal of sparking regime change. These cut Venezuela off from global energy and capital markets, causing the countrys economic collapse to accelerate. But instead of forcing Maduro from power, the regime forged closer ties with Russia, China, and Iran. Irans expertise with building and repairing petroleum infrastructure, notably refining, storage, and pipeline facilities, was key to restoring Venezuelas heavily crumbling petroleum industry.

Tehran and Moscows dark fleet of oil tankers proved key for shipping Venezuelas crude oil to the few buyers who were willing to purchase it in defiance of Washingtons sanctions. Those same tankers are instrumental in delivering supplies of naptha and other condensates needed to make Venezuelas extra-heavy crude flow so it can be transported and processed. Regular deliveries of condensate from Iran are key to expanding Venezuelas oil production. From late 2020, when Tehran started shipping condensate to Caracas, and in October 2025, oil production soared nearly threefold to 956,000 barrels per day, according to OPECs secondary sources.

Rebuilding oil production volumes is key to rebuilding Venezuelas shattered economy, which returned to growth in 2021 with gross domestic product (GDP) expanding by nearly 1%, after declining for several years. This not only demonstrates that U.S. sanctions failed but that Maduro used the economic crisis to strengthen his grip on the levers of power. Widespread poverty among Venezuelans hinders opposition to the regime, while the state security apparatus, through the atomization of the population, further discourages organized resistance.

Venezuela demonstrates that economic sanctions, when employed on their own, fail to spark regime change. Indeed, Trumps earlier policy of maximum pressure centered on a trade ban, threats of financial reprisals, and diplomatic pressure not only failed to remove Maduro but fortified his position. This occurred because, as former U.S. Secretary of State George Shultz points out, sanctions along with other punitive diplomatic measures are a wasting asset which deteriorates over time. According to Shultz, regimes targeted by punitive measures will find ways of working around them, which is exactly what Caracas did as sanctions tightened.

Maduro received significant support from Russia, China, Iran, and Cuba. Those countries not only purchased Venezuelan crude oil, with China the largest buyer globally despite the White House revoking U.S. export authorizations, but also provided financing. Russia, even with the pressures of the Ukraine War, is Venezuelas largest arms supplier, with Beijing and Tehran also providing weapons and technical support. This created an opportunity for countries opposed to the U.S. and liberal democracy to establish a foothold in Latin America, a region typically under Washingtons hegemony. More alarming are the close ties that Maduro built with U.S.-designated terror group and Iranian proxy Hezbollah.

This is a direct geopolitical threat to the U.S. and its national security. There is considerable conjecture as to whether Trump will invade Venezuela. The U.S. president, during his first term in early 2019, floated the idea of invading the country and toppling Maduro, only for the idea to be rejected by his security advisers. Like Trump, current United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio is hawkish toward Caracas and has previously voiced support for a military invasion of Venezuela to remove the autocratic regime. Such a move is fraught with risk in a region nervous of U.S. imperialism and military intervention.

There are, nevertheless, insufficient forces currently deployed to mount a U.S. invasion. Sources claim that to mount such an action, at least 100,000 ground troops are required. Even this is likely to be insufficient considering 160,000 military personnel from the U.S. and allies during 2003 invaded Iraq, a smaller and weaker country. Indeed, not only is Venezuela bigger, nearly double the Middle Eastern countrys size, but Caracas armed forces are deemed to be larger and more powerful than those in Iraq when the U.S. invaded. It is claimed there are only 15,000 troops aboard the U.S. armada, which is insufficient to invade Venezuela.

Aside from mobilizing 123,000-strong regular armed forces, the totalitarian regime in Caracas has mustered 8 million armed reservists. While there are considerable questions over the quality and combat capability of Venezuelas militia, those elements could pose a credible threat as a guerrilla force engaging in asymmetric combat against conventional U.S. troops. There are fears that a widespread insurgency will be waged against U.S. ground forces when they occupy Venezuela after an invasion.

The risks that it poses are compounded by various guerrilla groups from Colombia operating in the country. These include the battle-hardened National Liberation Army (ELN), which at 6,000 strong is the second largest illegal armed group still active in Colombias multi-decade civil war. Over the last decade, the ELN has expanded into Venezuela, where it is involved in illicit gold mining, cocaine trafficking, and extortion. In many communities, notably those in parts of Venezuela where there is a weak state presence, the ELN even provides basic public goods and metes out justice. There are claims that the leftist guerrillas, which were founded over 60 years, act as a paramilitary force for the Maduro regime. While it is difficult to determine whether that is true, the ELN, which is ideologically opposed to Washington, will be a potent adversary in any form of asymmetric warfare.

There are also various bands of dissidents from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) operating in Venezuela, especially along the border region in states such as Apure, Tachira, and Zulia. Those former FARC guerrillas, who rejected the 2016 peace deal with Colombias government, are engaged in a wide range of illicit economies, notably cocaine trafficking, arms smuggling, and extortion. They have proven to be a potent guerrilla force with dissident elements of the FARCs 10th front defeating a much larger and powerful Venezuelan military during fighting in Apure in 2021.

It is difficult to see a U.S. invasion of Venezuela occurring at this time, but Trumps campaign of maximum pressure through deploying powerful military assets may be enough to topple Maduro. Many Venezuelans, including opposition figures, see military action as the only means of overthrowing a cruel totalitarian regime that regularly imprisons citizens without due process, even torturing and murdering them. A military offensive, including ground strikes and covert direct action, appears to be the only way to topple such a murderous, illegitimate regime, which has proven impervious to punitive diplomatic measures and domestic protests. But the price may further cause instability in an already volatile Latin America.

By Matthew Smith for Oilprice.com

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Loadings of crude oil from Chevrons project in Kazakhstan continue at the CPC terminal at the Russian port of Novorossiysk on the Black Sea, the U.S. supermajor told Reuters after a Ukrainian attack damaged CPC infrastructure this weekend.

Chevron holds 50% in Tengizchevroil, the company operating the huge Tengiz field in Kazakhstan, whose exports go through the CPC pipeline to Novorossiysk.

The Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) operates the pipeline from the Caspian coast in northwest Kazakhstan to the Novorossiysk port, which handles most of Kazakhstans crude exports from giant oilfields in Kazakhstan operated by international oil firms, including U.S. supermajor Chevron. CPC transports crude oil from three major fields in Kazakhstan, Tengiz, Kashagan, and Karachaganak, in which major western companies have stakes, including Chevron, ExxonMobil, Shell, and Eni.

Affiliates of Chevron and ExxonMobil are also minority shareholders in CPC, with the Russian Federation as its largest shareholder with a 24% stake.

This weekend, CPC said that following an intended terror attack of drone boats in the CPC Marine Terminal waters, CPC Single Point Mooring SPM-2 received significant damages.

CPC has three single point moorings, of which one was damaged this weekend and another one has been offline for repairs since the middle of November.

On Saturday, CPC said that Further SPM-2 operation is impossible. Offloading operations at the terminal will proceed in line with the established rules as the drone boat and flying drone threat is lifted.

CPC also said We believe that the attack on CPC is an attack on the interests of CPC Member States. We shall highlight that this is the third act of aggression against a purely civil asset under protection of the international law.

All CPC Shareholders and Governments of CPC Member States acknowledge an important role of the Consortium in ensuring the global energy security and meeting the economic interests of the Member States, the consortium said.

On Sunday, Kazakhstans foreign ministry expressed its protest over yet another deliberate attack on the critical infrastructure of the international Caspian Pipeline Consortium in the waters of the Port of Novorossiysk.

We view what has occurred as an action harming the bilateral relations of the Republic of Kazakhstan and Ukraine, and we expect the Ukrainian side to take effective measures to prevent similar incidents in the future, Kazakhstan said.

Ukraine, for its part, responded that the attack was not directed at Kazakhstan or third parties and is part of Ukraines efforts to repel the full-scale Russian aggression.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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The chief executive of German power utility major E.ON has called on the government to prioritize businesses over wind and solar capacity additions, saying job creation was more important than more turbines.

First priority for grid connection should go to whoever creates jobs, Leonhard Birnbaum told Sueddeutsche Zeitung in an interview, as cited by Reuters. The costs for the fixed feed-in tariff for new solar power may look harmless per year, the executive added. But the subsidy often runs for 20 years, and that adds up to billions.

Birnbaum did not stop there, however, also telling the daily that The renewables have won  they already deliver more than 60% of our electricity. At this stage, it no longer makes sense to massively subsidize new capacity, especially when another wind turbine adds costs but hardly any benefit.

Germany has been among the most aggressive wind and solar developers in Europe, in line with the Energiewende, or energy transition, plan devised during the Angela Merkel era. Also, as part of that plan, Germany shut down its last nuclear power plants last year, even though this meant it had to fire up a coal power plant to ensure a reliable electricity supply during periods of no sun and no wind, commonly referred to as Dunkelflaute.

Despite its massive wind and solar power capacity, at 73 GW for wind and 112 GW for solar, Germany has also substantially increased its natural gas imports, mostly from the United States, to replace Russian pipeline flows and secure sufficient power for electricity and heating. Anticipating continued strong imports of LNG in the future, Germany is currently building more import terminals, with hypothetical plans to convert these to green hydrogen at some distant point in the future, when, also hypothetically, it would no longer need natural gas.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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India could reduce its imports of Russian crude oil by 50%, a former foreign minister in New Delhi told local media, noting that both India and Russia would nevertheless look for ways to go around U.S. sanctions to keep some oil flowing.

We will be gradually reducing oil purchases from RussiaAlready there is a reduction, and therell be more reduction. It will be more like a 50 per cent reduction. But some oil will still come, Kanwal Sibal said, as quoted by Business Today.

On oil purchases, certainly we will have to diversify because our companies, both public and private sector and our banks will be loath to attract US sanctions and therefore there will be a steady fall in our orders. Though some oil will still flow through the spot market but it will be much-reduced volumes. Russia also understands that, Sibal added.

U.S. sanctions on Rosneft and Lukoil went into effect on November 21, prompting a drop in new orders from Indian refiners even before the deadline. Even so, Kpler data showed that Indian buyers were on track to import the most oil from Russia since July in November, at 1.855 million barrels daily. This would compare to 1.48 million barrels daily for October.

Russian supply is expected to be high in November as many refineries tried to fill the stocks prior to the U.S. sanctions deadline and also due to the rule for oil products production for the EU market from non-Russian oil from 2026, an unnamed trader told Reuters, which cited the Kpler data.

Expectations for this month, however, are for a sharp drop in imports, possibly to the lowest since 2022. Per Indias Business Today, imports from Russia could slide by 47% to around 1 million barrels daily. Meanwhile, Finland-based Centre for Research in Energy and Clean Air reported India had bought a total of 5.4 million tons of Russian crude over the first nine months of the year, paying some 2.1 billion euros, or $2.43 billion.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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Iraqs Khor Mor gas field, the countrys largest non-associated gas field, has resumed operations after it shut down following a recent drone attack. Last week, a rocket struck a storage tank at the Khor Mor site, stopping production and triggering widespread power outages.

The drone attack was one of the largest since terrorist attacks began in July, cutting regional production by ~150,000 barrels per day. Whereas no terrorist group has claimed responsibility for the latest attack, a military expert has pointed fingers at Iraqs Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF). Formed in 2014 to fight ISIS, the PMF is an umbrella group of mostly Shia militias, but it also includes some Sunni and other minority groups. Despite being legally incorporated into the state security apparatus, some factions remain highly autonomous and maintain strong ties to Iran.

Back in October, Khor Mor gas field operator Dana Gas announced that the giant field will increase output by 50% to 750 million standard cubic feet per day (MMscf/d) after the company delivered project KM250 eight months ahead of schedule. KM250 will also produce 7,000 barrels of condensate per day and 460 tonnes per day of LPG, supplementing the current production of 15,200 bbl/d of condensate and 1,070 t/d of LPG.

Located in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI), KM250 will bolster power generation and industrial growth across the KRI, underpinning the Kurdistan Regional Governments initiative to deliver 24-hour electricity, while boosting power supply to other regions of Iraq.

Iraqs energy sector is currently going through a renaissance. The Kurdistan Region has exported ~2.5 million barrels of crude since flows resumed on September 27, two-and-a-half years after they were suspended. Exports came to a halt in early 2023 after the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) ruled that Turkey had violated a 1973 treaty by buying Kurdish crude without Iraqs consent. Meanwhile, French oil and gas multinational, TotalEnergies (NYSE:TTE), has started the Gas Growth Integrated Project (GGIP), a multi-energy initiative in Iraq valued at $27 billion, after reaching an agreement with the government of Iraq in 2024 to start the long-delayed energy project.



By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com

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A tanker carrying Russian gasoil was hit by multiple explosions off the coast of Senegal, marking the third case in recent days. The Mersin had made several calls at Russian ports this year before it met its fate on Monday. The vessel was later stabilized and placed under tow, with reports that crew members were safe. Gasoil is a fuel used for non-road applications like agricultural machinery, construction equipment, generators, and some heating systems.

Ukrainian naval drones have been attacking sanctioned tankers in the Black Sea in recent weeks as Kyiv piles on the pressure on Russia's vast oil industry. Last week, two oil tankers sailing to Novorossiysk, a major Russian Black Sea oil terminal, were hit, with Ukraines SBU security service later telling CNN that upgraded Sea Baby naval drones were used to attack the vessels in a joint SBU and naval operation. Identified as the Kairos and Virat, the two oil tankers sustained extensive damage and were effectively taken out of service.

Kyiv has repeatedly urged the West to take action against Russia's shadow fleet, which is helping move Russian oil around global markets and fund its war in Ukraine. Last month, the Trump administration announced fresh sanctions targeting Russias oil and gas giants, Rosneft and Lukoil.

On Sunday, Ukraine delegates held peace talks in Washington, with U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff now set to travel to Moscow for talks on Tuesday. However, whether or not Moscow will acquiesce to the newly proposed peace plan remains to be seen. The Trump administration has drafted a new 19-point peace plan thats far more favorable to Ukraine compared to the original 28-point plan that heavily favored Russia.

Some of the critical amendments in the new plan include no handover of the Donbas region to Russia for free, no automatic veto on Ukraine joining NATO in the future, and provision of Article 5-style protection for Ukraine, meaning the U.S. would be bound to intervene if Russia invades in the future. A proposal for full amnesty for war crimes that was part of the first plan has also been removed.

By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com

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TotalEnergies will sell a 40% stake in two exploration licenses offshore Nigeria to Chevron, as part of an ongoing discussion of global exploration opportunities between the two companies, the French supermajor said on Monday.

TotalEnergies is selling stakes in the PPL 2000 and 2001 licenses in the prolific West Delta basin offshore Nigeria, while it will remain operator with a 40% participation alongside Chevron with 40% and South Atlantic Petroleum with a 20% interest.

The new joint venture reinforces TotalEnergies global offshore exploration collaboration with Chevron, following the June acquisition of a 25% working interest in a portfolio of exploration leases offshore U.S. comprising 40 Chevron-operated blocks.

After launching our joint venture in US offshore exploration in June, were delighted to now expand our collaboration to Nigeria to unlock new resources in the West Delta basin, said Nicola Mavilla, Senior Vice-President Exploration at TotalEnergies.

This new joint venture aims at derisking and developing new opportunities in Nigeria, in line with the objectives of the country.

TotalEnergies oil and gas production in Nigeria was 209,000 boe/d in 2024 and the biggest African oil producer is a key contributor to the companys global hydrocarbon output.

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Lately, oil majors have been boosting their presence in Nigeria, which looks to increase its oil and gas output as it moves to tackle theft and vandalism.

Last week, Shell plc completed the acquisition of an additional 10% interest in Nigerias OML 118 Production Sharing Contract, raising its stake in the deep-water Bonga field from 55% to 65% and reinforcing its commitment to growing upstream output.

Meanwhile, Nigeria is launching its 2025 oil licensing round, as the Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) steps deeper into the role once dominated by the state oil company. The move signals President Bola Tinubus intent to boost output, court investors, and drive the economy toward his $1-trillion target.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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The UK government has decided to withdraw a $1.1-billion loan guarantee for TotalEnergies Mozambique LNG project as risks have increased and it is no longer in the interest of the UK or its taxpayer.

UK Export Finance (UKEF), the UK governments export credit agency, pledged in 2020 a $1.15-billion financing guarantee to the $20-billion Mozambique LNG project.

After a detailed review, the UK Government has decided to end UKEFs participation in the project, Peter Kyle, Secretary of State for Business and Trade, said on Monday.

The government considers that the risks to the project have increased since 2020.

This view is based on a comprehensive assessment of the project and the interests of UK taxpayers, which are best served by ending our participation in the project at this time, Kyle said.

Whilst these decisions are never easy, the government believes that UK financing of this project will not advance the interests of our country.

The withdrawal of the UK support adds another hurdle to the Mozambique LNG project, which TotalEnergies looks to restart.

Weeks ago, TotalEnergies lifted the four-year-long force majeure on the Mozambique LNG project, which was stalled due to the precarious security situation near the site of the planned export facility.

The $20-billion LNG export project was halted four years ago due to a deteriorated security situation.

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In the spring of 2021, following Islamist militant attacks in towns close to the site, TotalEnergies declared force majeure and suspended works on the project, which was Africas largest foreign investment when announced.

The woes for the project continued after TotalEnergies lifted the force majeure.

Last month, the European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights (ECCHR) filed a criminal complaint in France against TotalEnergies for complicity in war crimes, torture, and enforced disappearance at the Mozambique LNG site in 2021.

TotalEnergies said that it has not been formally served with this complaint by the plaintiff and that it firmly rejects all such accusations.

By Michael Kern for Oilprice.com

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By John A. Charles, Jr.

Recently the Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE) published its Oregon Energy Strategy. State legislators who mandated the 2023 study assumed we already had the ideal strategy: eliminate the use of fossil fuels in Oregon. They had simply tasked ODOE to strategize over how to reach that goal.

ODOE director Janine Benner told the legislature all was well. Its not a matter of when the energy transition [away from fossil fuels] will occur, she said; Its already happening.

If so, its proceeding at glacial speed. ODOEs webpage on Oregons electricity supply shows that, in 2012, electricity used in Oregon came from hydro (46%), coal (33%), natural gas (12%), wind (5%), and nuclear (3%). Three other sources of renewables  solar, biomass, and geothermal  totaled 0.6%. By 2023, the totals were hydro (34%), natural gas (32%), coal (11%), wind (7%), solar (4%), nuclear (3%) and biomass/geothermal (1%).

A new category known as unspecified accounted for nearly 20% of generation in 2023. Assuming this mirrors the overall northwest mix, Oregons reliance on coal and gas totals at least 47%, making fossil fuels the dominant source of electricity.

While wind and solar are growing, getting to just 11% after decades of subsidies is not impressive. More concerning is the fact that both sources are intermittent. For engineering reasons, both the supply of and demand for electricity must be in equilibrium at all times. A sudden drop in generation caused by weather could lead to blackouts.

Grid operators need dispatchable energy sources controlled instantaneously by computerized systems. Wind and solar are the opposite of dispatchable and subject to the variabilities of weather, making them unsuited for the utility grid.

The energy transition isnt happening because it cant happen. Decarbonization is in direct conflict with the demands of a modern economy. Shutting down all coal and gas plants and ending the sale of all fuels would instantly transport us back to the 19th century. Nobody wants to live there, and politicians know that.

Nothing reveals the truth of this more than the posturing going on in California over the closure of gasoline refineries. With Valero shutting down its Beneficia refinery, 10% of the states refining capacity will vanish. Chevron has already moved its corporate headquarters to Texas and plans to shutter a refinery.

Gavin Newsom has directed the California Energy Commission to explore getting into the refining business to make up the difference. His real strategy is to tax and regulate fossil fuels without actually driving them out of business. Carbon rationing generates billions of dollars for political spending. Thats more important to politicians than the transition.

Gov. Kotek isnt any different. Transportation is Oregons largest source of greenhouse gases, and Oregon has long tried to get people out of their cars with no success. But in November, the governor was given a chance to cut auto emissions when a fuel spill in Snohomish County, Washington, shut down the Olympic pipeline. It delivers 90% of Oregons automotive and aviation fuel.

Instead of embracing the opportunity and telling Oregonians to travel less for the sake of the planet, Gov. Kotek declared a state of emergency on November 24 to ensure that enough fuel reached the state. The Environmental Quality Commission (EQC) met to discuss how DEQs carbon rationing programs  the Climate Protection Program and the Clean Fuels Program  could be temporarily modified to allow fuel to be imported on Washington ships and trucks.

The EQC approved a waiver of DEQ carbon regulations and authorized an extension past December 1 if necessary. EQC chair Matt Donegan said, We dont want to disrupt the economy. Yet, the entire purpose of DEQs carbon rationing programs is to disrupt the economy. Thats how an energy transition takes place.

By waiving environmental regulations at a time of emergency, DEQ is using the California playbook of slowly strangling the economy without killing it outright. We will live to be taxed another day.

Oregons political leaders consistently made bad choices over decades. Theyve embraced energy poverty, and now electricity demand is skyrocketing. The fuels needed to power new data centers and supply mandates for electric vehicle purchases are nuclear, coal, gas and hydro. None of which are available for new generation due to environmental regulations.

Welcome to the 19th century. Stock up on candles.

John A. Charles, Jr. is President and CEO of Cascade Policy Institute, Oregons free market public policy research center.


By Taxpayers Association of Oregon

OregonWatchdog.com

Oregons largest union, SEIU, has put out an email alert on the referendum petition drive to stop Koteks $4.3 billion gas tax  of which the Taxpayers Association is playing a part.

SEIU implies that this petition effort will imperil your safety.

Then the email encourages its members to use surveillance to see if people are engaging in mistakes in collecting petitions. This is like asking people to spy on neighbors during the Cold War to report on potential infractions against the government.

The SEIU email also goes on to say:

Notice how they focus on volunteers.

SEIU hopes that any mistake might lead to election complaints, voiding signatures and intimidating volunteers from participating. Intimidation is key. SEIU and the politicians not only spent seven months blocking the public from debating the measure in the 2025 Legislature by hiding key bill details and fast-tracking the bill, but Kotek also delayed signing the bill to take away peoples time to sign the petition to stop it. Now, they wish to block the public by intimidation and voiding signatures through bureaucratic mistakes.

It wont work.

Furthermore, if the Taxpayers Association of Oregon were to observe a union petition drive and noticed people making innocent mistakes (like people using a pencil to sign a petition for example), we would kindly help them correct their error in real time. Even though we may disagree with their petition we do not support watching voters have their voice being voided through a correctable mistake. We believe in direct democracy for everyone  even people we disagree with.

 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).
By Taxpayers Association of Oregon

OregonWatchdog.com

Lincoln County is suing to stop Federal ICE agents from obtaining private hotel accommodations to house their agents.

This comes as Oregon State Government awarded $29 million in free hotel rooms to illegal migrants to stay in a hotel outside the Portland airport.

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Where Does Krampus Come From?

Where Does Krampus Come From?

Krampus comes from the German word "krampen," meaning "claw," and he's a deeply rooted mythical figure in the Alpine region, especially in Austria and Germany.

Long before the spread of Christianity, winter solstice festivals in Central Europe included devilish figures who symbolized chaos and punishment.

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As the Catholic Church spread, it absorbed and reshaped many pagan rituals. The Krampus legend became intertwined with Christian elements, particularly around the feast of Saint Nicholas, celebrated on December 6th.
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Economic abuse may not be as obvious as physical abuse, but for the millions of people it affects in the UK, economic abuse can be totally devastating.

Economic abuse, which is recognized as a form of domestic abuse in law, involves controlling a person's (often a woman's) ability to acquire, use and maintain economic resources.

Separating or divorcing does not mean the end of economic abuse in a marriage, particularly when children are involved. Post-separation economic abuse is often related to child maintenance or spousal support payments, which may be manipulated or withheld by abusers.

This harms mothers' financial independence, mental health and parenting, and has consequences for children's well-being.

A recent national survey found that minority ethnic women face economic abuse at twice the rate of white women (29% vs. 13%). Our recently published research explores why, through the experiences of 28 separated or divorced British south Asian Muslim women. This research is part of our continuing research on divorce and economic abuse.

Two-thirds of our participants had been financially dependent upon their husbands during their marriages, in keeping with broader statistics on the low employment rates of British Pakistani and Bangladeshi women. Further, several participants described their husbands preventing them from working.

UK-born Afsana had to work secretly as a tutor for meager pay: "This tutoring was undercover with my dad. My working would have looked bad on [my husband]."

After separation or divorce, women were left economically vulnerable. Some struggled to find work, due to lack of recent employment experience as well as labor market discrimination.

"I worked in one school as a volunteer, but the Jobcentre said 'that's not enough, we need more evidence of work,'" said one woman. "I said, 'everywhere you apply, they ask for a qualification, and experience is the main thing.' I was not going out  how could I have undertaken any work?"

A major theme in our research was how abusers used child maintenance as a means to control women economically. In 18 cases, the father was not paying any child maintenance. Of the rest, only two mothers felt that the amount paid was fair.

Many women described child maintenance mirroring earlier patterns of economic abuse during their marriages. As UK-born Afsana put it: "He didn't provide when he was with me, so I didn't expect him to provide when he was not with me."

Where women had involved the Child Maintenance Service (CMS), they felt it was unresponsive, especially those in transnational marriages involving economic assets overseas.

UK-born Kiran described her experience with CMS after her ex-husband hid assets in Pakistan: "I've even given the telephone numbers and addresses in the properties which are in Pakistan. [But] 'Excuse me. We know that you're upset. It just takes a bit of time.' I go, 'How long does it need?'"

Women felt disbelieved, which undermined their confidence in the system. Although the CMS may face limits in investigating finances held overseas, women felt the evidence they provided was often ignored. Many of the men were in self-employment, which may have made it difficult for the CMS to investigate.

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Legal blind spots and immigration abuse

Post-separation economic abuse can also occur through institutions like courts and banks. UK-born Hora described how her husband remarried via an unregistered Islamic marriage, which allowed him to transfer money and assets to his new wife.

She told us: "My barrister said, 'You're not divorced from this lady yet, but you've remarried.' He said, 'Yes judge, in my religion I can have four wives.' And this is a High Court judge, and he said, 'Yes, quite!'"

Hora felt that this comment suggested the judge supported her husband's use of religious justification for re-marrying before divorce, rather than recognizing it as part of financial abuse.

Women with an insecure immigration status might also experience "immigration abuse." This too can be a form of economic abuse, where, for example, an abuser uses the threat of deportation or immigration enforcement to trap women in financially dependent relationships.

Several women described struggling to open a bank account or obtain credit due to their migration status being exploited by their abusers. Pakistan-born divorcee Fauzia had never had a national insurance number, child benefit or bank account until these were arranged for her by a social worker at the women's refuge she turned to with her children.

Our research suggests that south Asian women can face severe post-separation economic abuse due to multiple, intersecting disadvantages across the home, labor market and state institutions. Addressing these inequalities requires policies that take women seriously, while also being culturally sensitive and aware of the multiple challenges these women face.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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Credit: Stanley Morales from Pexels

A new national report has shown for the first time how generative AI (GenAI) is already being used by some universities to assess the quality of their researchand it could be scaled up to help all higher education institutions (HEIs) save huge amounts of time and money.

But the report, led by the University of Bristol, also reveals widespread skepticism among academics and professionals working in the sector about its usage for this purpose, and highlights the need for national oversight and governance.

The UK's system for assessing the quality of research in higher education institutions (HEIs) is known as the Research Excellence Framework (REF). Its outcomes influence how around 2 billion annually of public funding is allocated for universities' research.

Lead author Richard Watermeyer, Professor of Higher Education at the University of Bristol, said, "GenAI could be a game-changer for national-level research assessment, helping to create a more efficient and equitable playing field. Although there is a lot of vocal opposition to the incorporation of it into the REF, our report uncovers how GenAI tools are nevertheless being widelyif currently, quietlyused, and that expectation of their use by REF panelists is high."

The last REF took place in 2021 and, following a review, changes to guidance for the next oneREF2029are expected to be announced this month. Total costs of REF2021 are estimated to be around 471 million, with an average of 3 million per participating HEI, and REF2029 finances are anticipated to be much higher.

Prof Watermeyer said, "The report is timely given the immense financial pressures facing the sector. It's widely accepted that the regulatory burden of the REF is high and will, in all likelihood, only increase. Our report demonstrates that GenAI has the potential to alleviate some of this, but offers no complete solution. It could also create new bureaucratic challenges of its own, including establishing new requirements and protocols for its appropriate use."

Key findings

The report investigated the usage of GenAI at 16 HEIs, including Russell Group universities and more recently established universities, across the UK. Findings indicated evidence of GenAI being widely deployed to prepare REF submissions in some capacity. But the extent and way it was being used greatly differed.

For instance, some universities were using the tools to gather evidence of their research impact on the wider world and to help craft related stories. In others, there was evidence of in-house tools being developed to streamline REF processes or GenAI being used to review, assess, and score their research.

Prof Watermeyer added, "There is clear variation, in fact, disparity in how HEIs can and might use these tools for competitive advantage in the REF. The extent to which institutions might profit from these tools is, as you might expect, linked to their level of resourcing and local expertise."

The study also included a survey of nearly 400 academics and professional services staff, which asked how they felt about GenAI tools being used for various aspects of REF2029.

In all respects, the majority of academics and professional services staff were shown to strongly disagree, with the level of strong opposition varying between 54% and 75% of respondents for different parts of the REF process. There was most support for GenAI tools being deployed, among almost a quarter (23%) of respondents, to support universities in the development of impact case studies.

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What participants said

The study also included interviews with 16 university Pro Vice-Chancellors. Some were very positive and regarded its usage as inevitable: "This is the futureWe need to lead into itWe've got to understand it and experiment a bit," and "I do think that just to put our heads in the sand and say it's not going to happen or not on our watch I think is very limiting of what the future might look likeI think there's a lot of moral panic about I think we're not going to stop it happening."

Other feedback voiced doubt, mistrust, and raised the possible limitations of AI: "I do just wonder if we're just in a bit of an AI bubble at the moment, where we think everything's going to be driven by AI and suddenly, over the next six, seven years, actually we're going to have a much greater clarity of what the limitations of AI are."

Another respondent commented, "We don't trust them enough in order to really start backing away from conventional tools and supplementing them with AI toolsthere are still very large numbers of administrators and researchers who have had no real experience of AI yet."

Prof Watermeyer said, "Our findings show that opposition to the tools is concentrated among certain academic disciplines, chiefly arts and humanities and social sciences, and non-users. Professional services staff tend to be much more enthusiastic about the potential of GenAI for REF as are those in post-92 institutions, which have considerably less resources to devote to REF processes."

Several HEI REF Lead respondents were receptive, or at least resigned to its usage. Comments included, "I think AI is here to stay and so we need to work out how we adopt it in a way that we're comfortable with" and "I think, certainly from a professional services point of view, the best way to keep your job and not get replaced by AI is to be the person that can manage AI."

Co-author Professor Lawrie Phipps, Senior Research Lead at Jisc, said, "The focus group findings highlight an urgent need for strong governance and shared standards. It is clear that without institutional policies and national guidance, universities risk fragmented approaches, uneven capacity, and growing inequity between those able to develop bespoke systems and those reliant on public tools.

"Participants consistently called for transparent REF guidelines to define what constitutes responsible AI use and how such use should be disclosed. Equally, there is consensus that human oversight must remain central to all evaluative processes."

Next steps and closing remarks

The report makes a host of recommendations, including that all universities should establish and publish a policy on the use of GenAI for research purposes, encompassing REF; relevant staff should receive full training on the responsible and effective use of AI tools; and appropriate security and risk management measures should be implemented.

It also calls for robust national oversight, comprising sector-wide guidance on usage for REF29 and a comprehensive REF AI Governance Framework. To help achieve equitable access to the technology among all HEIs, it advises that a shared, high-quality AI platform for REF could be developed and made accessible to all institutions.

Co-author Tom Crick, Professor of Digital at Swansea University, said, "The current disparate use of these tools needs clearer co-ordination into a standardized framework through which the sector can adopt and develop open, transparent and responsible practice. This will be critical to mitigating inequitable practice by HEIs and across disciplines, and for even possibly leveling the playing field for this and future national research assessment exercises."

From a global perspective, other comparable performance-based research funding models have recently been discontinued, namely Excellence Research Australia and the Performance Based Research Fund in New Zealand.

Prof Watermeyer said, "We can see that methods of national research assessment are no longer fit for purpose and fail to meet the needs of the datafied age. GenAI might not be the solution, but it also cannot be discounted from the necessary reform the UK is in prime position to lead on."

Dr. Steven Hill, Director of Research at Research England, said, "These findings offer both a caution and a call to action. It warns against haste and complacency alike, while inviting the sector to lead with principle, collaboration, and well-informed critique. With the right safeguards, the integration of GenAI can help us uphold excellence, fairness, and trust in the assessment of UK research."

Professor Guy Poppy, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation at the University of Bristol, said, "It's vital that UK research excellence can be robustly identified and measured, which is the primary purpose of the REF. This is a key report which sheds important new light on how AI tools are currently being deployed in the process, as well as the wider potential for its future application.

"As global leaders in AI research and expertise, it's great that Bristol is playing a pivotal role in raising both the opportunities and challenges presented by this rapidly advancing technology at a sector-wide level. The work will no doubt fuel balanced, evidence-based discussions concerning REF, and inform carefully considered decisions about how UK university research is assessed and evaluated so processes remain rigorous, responsible and transparent."

More information: Richard Watermeyer, et al. REF-AI: Exploring the potential of generative AI for REF2029.
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Postdoctoral researcher Rebecca Gerdes, Ph.D. 24, (left) and Jillian Goldfarb, associate professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering, led an interdisciplinary team that determined that organic residues of plant oils are poorly preserved in calcareous soils from the Mediterranean. Credit: Charissa King-OBrien/Cornell Engineering

Olive oil is the Swiss army knife of foodstuffs. It can dress salads, saute vegetables, even grease squeaky hinges. And for archaeologists, its ubiquitous presence in excavated pottery offers a window into the economic, political and social organization of the ancient world.

But perhaps, in certain environments, that prevalence has been overstated.

An interdisciplinary team of Cornell researchersranging from classicists to food scientists to engineershas determined that organic residues of plant oils are poorly preserved in calcareous soils from the Mediterranean. This means decades of archaeologists have likely misidentified olive oil in ceramics, failing to recognize other plant oils or perhaps mistaking them for animal fat.

Goldfarb and her research group helped develop an in-lab experiment to test how unique soil chemistries catalyze specific types of breakdown in the food residues found on pottery. The findings are published in the Journal of Archaeological Science.

The project began in 2019, when the study's lead author, Rebecca Gerdes, Ph.D. '24, was a doctoral student in the Department of Classics in the College of Arts and Sciences. As an undergraduate, she had also studied chemistry, and she wanted to explore the ways that discipline could be applied to archaeological science.

"I usually describe my work as: I wash ancient dirty dishes, I save the rinse liquid, and I use the molecules in it to figure out how people are using their pots," said Gerdes, currently the Hirsch Postdoctoral Associate at the Cornell Institute of Archaeology and Material Studies in A&S.

This organic residue analysis is an established subdiscipline of archaeology. But many claims about finding olive oil had not been revisited, and there was no experimental evidence in the Mediterranean for why it could be difficult to identify. At the recommendation of her Ph.D. chair, Sturt Manning, Distinguished Professor of Arts and Sciences in Classical Archaeology (A&S), Gerdes decided to dig much deeper.

"One of the things that I was realizing early in my Ph.D. was people were making all sorts of claims about what they had found in pots in the eastern Mediterranean, and there was a lot of room for backing those claims up with more solid experimentation," she said. "I wanted to answer some interesting archaeological questions, but I realized I had to do some method development first."

And so launched a cross-campus collaboration"up and down Tower Road," Gerdes saidthat spanned a diverse group of researchers in three different colleges and numerous facilities.

Gerdes found a key partner in Jillian Goldfarb, associate professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering in Cornell Engineering, who was confident that her lab, which studies the breakdown of organic waste into biofuels, could provide the methodologies Gerdes was searching for.

But first, they needed to get their hands dirty.

A ceramic sample is shown after incubation, with soil crust on its exterior. Credit: Cornell University

'We didn't have to wait 3,000 years'

At the time, the pandemic was at its peak, so Gerdes could not travel overseas to sample the geological conditions of Cyprus, the island nation in the eastern Mediterranean Sea that was her focus. So she did the next best thing: She had a bit of the Mediterranean brought to her. She turned to the Cornell Soil Health Lab in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, which was able to receive the Cyprus soil samples, sterilize them and release them to the team for safe study.

The lab's director, Bob Schindelbeck, played a critical role in helping Gerdes understand how soils behave. Together with Goldfarb's research group, Gerdes developed an in-lab experiment to test how unique soil chemistries catalyze specific types of breakdown in the food residues found on pottery.

The team created little ceramic pellets using rolled-out terracotta clay"I was thinking about playing with Play-Doh the whole time," Gerdes saidand fired them in a tube furnace. The pellets were then soaked in olive oil and buried in two types of moistened soil: a sample from one of the Soil Health Lab's agricultural fields and the sample from Cyprus, which had been selected for its relevance to an actual archaeological site and collected by Thilo Rehren at the Cyprus Institute.

"What turns out to be critical is this soil is really common in the eastern Mediterranean, so it impacts a lot of major historical periods, especially where we're looking at trade and connectivity in that region," Gerdes said. "The Late Bronze Age [c. 16501100 BC] is one of those time periods."

The samples were placed in incubators at 50 degrees Celsius for up to a year. After excavation, the olive oil residues were extracted and the researchers studied the profile of the molecules that had been preserved.

"We managed to do it in the lab at an accelerated rate, so we didn't have to wait 3,000 years to finish my Ph.D.," Gerdes said.

The team's analysis showed that the amount and composition of the olive oil residue in the ceramic pellets had degraded in the calcareous, alkaline soil from Cyprus, with lower yields and a loss of dicarboxylic acid plant oil biomarkers, compared with samples that were buried in the mildly acidic New York soil.

"There's definitely a sense among archaeologists of wanting to believe that you found olive oil, because it makes a nice story. And because it's such an economically important Mediterranean product, there is a default assumption that if you found molecules that match olive oil, then you must have found olive oil," Gerdes said. "The problem is that olive oil overlaps in its composition with a bunch of other plant oils. And if you start to degrade it, then it gets even worseit starts looking like an animal fat."

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'It all starts with one amazing student'

As excited as Gerdes was by the results, she was equally gratified by the number of collaborators and resources she found across Cornell.

Her team used lab space from the Schroeder Research Group at the Boyce Thompson Institute. Joe Regenstein, professor emeritus of food science (CALS) and a member of Gerdes's Ph.D. committee, helped her set up the extraction of the organic residues. Goldfarb's group translated fundamental chemical engineering analysis techniques from their biofuel research to quantify residues. The researchers also received assistance from the Cornell Center for Materials Research, who helped them work with powdered ceramic samples safely, and they cleaned their glassware at the Cornell Stable Isotope Lab.

The team also included undergraduate co-authors Hanna Wiandt '24, Malak Abuhashim '23, M.Eng '24 and Avery Williams '22, who, like the faculty involved, were able to connect across disciplines and develop a common vocabulary and set of expectations and goals, according to Goldfarb.

That level of collaboration demonstrates why Cornell has the potential to become a world-leading interdisciplinary hub for biomolecular archaeology.

"We really want to build out an analytical center for this," Goldfarb said. "We're thinking about how engineers and scientists can be of use in building out new methodologies and applying the fundamental skills and the applied skills that we have to new knowledge areas. And it all starts with one amazing studentnow a postdocto get the conversations going."

More information: R.F. Gerdes et al, Overlooking environmental context causes misidentification of ancient Mediterranean plant oil in organic residues, Journal of Archaeological Science (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.jas.2025.106426 Journal information: Journal of Archaeological Science
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Drawing by Participant 20, Boy, 12. Credit: Journal of Community & Applied Social Psychology (2025). DOI: 10.1002/casp.70194

Arts-based approaches effectively capture the complex and layered experiences of displaced young people, a new study from the University of Eastern Finland shows. The research is published in the Journal of Community & Applied Social Psychology.

Conducted among Afghan refugee youth living in Iran, the study participants were invited to draw and write about their life. Using an arts-based approach and social representations theory, the study explored how young people make sense of life between two cultures and how they envision their future.

"Afghan refugee youth face many challenges in Iran, from exclusion in education to experiences of discrimination. Yet, they also hold on to hope, friendship and a desire for peaceful coexistence," says Associate Professor Jari Martikainen from the University of Eastern Finland.

Study methods and participant experiences

The study invited 85 Afghan participants aged 10 to 19 to create a drawing and write a short text in response to the question: "What would you like Iranian people to know about your life?"

The material, analyzed through qualitative content analysis, identified four main social representations that reflected how these young people perceive their social world: problematic relations between Afghan and Iranian people, friendly relations between Afghan and Iranian youth, social and cultural barriers, and hopes for peaceful coexistence in the future.

Most participants described feelings of exclusion, discrimination and limited access to education, which deeply shaped their sense of belonging. Many shared experiences of being treated as outsiders or facing unequal opportunities in daily life. At the same time, others spoke of kindness and friendship from Iranian peerssmall gestures that gave them hope and a sense of connection.

"Acts of friendship, such as being included in play, were especially meaningful," Project Researcher Hadi Farahani, a co-author of the study, explains.

"They showed that even amid social barriers, empathy and understanding can grow."

Insights from arts-based research

By combining drawing and writing, the research provided a unique window into how young refugees understand and express their experiences. The arts-based approach allowed participants to communicate emotions and ideas that might be difficult to put into words, offering a more nuanced picture of how they make sense of their social reality.

According to the researchers, this method revealed not only the content of the participants' experiences but also the process of meaning-making itself. Drawings and texts complemented each other, showing how young people link personal encounters with broader social realities.

The findings demonstrate that Afghan refugee youth are not passive observers of their circumstances but active interpreters who reconstruct meaning from their experiences. They combine personal stories, social interactions and cultural knowledge to make sense of their identities and relationships with others.

Hope, resilience, and visions for the future

"Our study highlights the creativity and agency of these young people. They are not simply adapting to life in exilethey are shaping their own understanding of what coexistence and belonging mean," says Farahani.

While many of the youths' reflections focused on discrimination and exclusion, a recurring theme was hope for a better future. Their drawings often depicted Afghans and Iranians living together peacefully, studying, playing and sharing everyday life as equals.

These visions of harmony represent what researchers call anticipatory social representationsimages of a future that challenge existing divisions and, for their part, enable social change.

The study concludes that the relationship between Afghan and Iranian people is central to how young refugees understand their lives in Iran. Through art, they gave voice to their struggles and hopes, showing both the pain of exclusion and the resilience of hope.

"Art gave them a space to dream," Martikainen notes.

More information: Jari Martikainen et al, Making Sense of Life in Iran: Afghan Refugee Youths' Social Representations Through an ArtsBased Approach, Journal of Community & Applied Social Psychology (2025). DOI: 10.1002/casp.70194
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Magnificent riflebird. Credit: Paul Maury/Cornell Lab of Ornithology

The color "ultrablack"defined as reflecting less than 0.5% of the light that hits ithas a variety of uses, including in cameras, solar panels and telescopes, but it's difficult to produce and can appear less black when viewed at an angle. Now, a Cornell lab has devised a simple method for making the elusive color.

Taking cues from naturein particular the striking black of the magnificent riflebirdresearchers in the Responsive Apparel Design (RAD) Lab, in the College of Human Ecology (CHE), dyed a white merino wool knit fabric with polydopamine, followed by etching of the material in a plasma chamber to create nanofibrilsspiky nanoscale growths. These features were made to mimic the light-trapping capabilities found on the riflebird's ultrablack feathers, which absorb most of the light that hits them.

The researchers' two-step approach produced the darkest fabric currently reported; it's also easy to manufacture, scalable, wearable and not angle-dependent. The researchers have applied for patent protection with the Cornell Center for Technology Licensing (CTL) and hope to form a company around their process, which can be used on natural materials, including wool, silk and cotton.

"From a design perspective, I think it's exciting because a lot of the ultrablack that exists isn't really as wearable as ours. And it stays ultrablack even from wider angles," said Larissa Shepherd, M.S. '13, Ph.D. '17, assistant professor in the Department of Human Centered Design (CHE).

Shepherd, the RAD Lab's director, is senior author of "Ultrablack wool textiles inspired by hierarchical avian structure," which was published in Nature Communications. Shepherd's co-authors are doctoral students and RAD Lab members Hansadi Jayamaha and Kyuin Park, M.S. '23.

Nature's inspiration and technical process

Their work included analysis of feathers from the riflebird, a member of the bird-of-paradise family found in New Guinea and Australia. Shepherd and her team obtained riflebird feathers from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology with the help of Mary M. Ferraro, bird collections manager, and Vanya Rohwer, curator of birds and mammals.

The riflebird's striking black plumage comes from melanin pigment combined with tightly bunched barbules that serve to deflect light inward, absorbing nearly all of it. This renders the bird extraordinarily black, but only when viewed straight on; at an angle, its plumage appears shiny.

This same coloration is evident in other creatures, including fish and butterflies. Shepherd said her group's choice of polydopamine for their dye was intentional.

"Polydopamine is a synthetic melanin, and melanin is what these creatures have," she said. "And the riflebird has these really interesting hierarchical structures, the barbules, along with the melanin. So we wanted to combine those aspects in a textile."

It wasn't enough to simply coat the surface of the wool: The researchers had to have the polydopamine penetrate into the fibers of the fabric, so every bit of it became black. That's because the plasma etching process removes some surface material of the outermost fibers, leaving behind spiky nanofibrils, which are a key component.

"The light basically bounces back and forth between the fibrils, instead of reflecting back outthat's what creates the ultrablack effect," Jayamaha said.

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Performance and potential applications

Analysis revealed that the group's fabric had an average total reflectance of 0.13%, making it the darkest fabric yet reported. And it remained ultrablack across a 120-degree angular span, meaning it appears the same at up to a 60-degree angle either side or straight on, superior to currently available commercial materials.

A dress designed by Zoe Alvarez '25, a fashion design major, and inspired by the magnificent riflebird, uses the ultra-black material (the dots nearest the blue) and other deep-black fabrics. Credit: Ryan Young/Cornell University

According to Park, their ultrablack fabric has potential in many solar thermal applications, converting and utilizing absorbed light into thermal energy. "We could actually use the ultrablack fabric for thermo-regulating camouflage," he said.

Last fall, Zoe Alvarez '25, a fashion design management major (CHE), created a black strapless dress inspired by the riflebird that incorporated as its centerpiece ultrablack material with a splash of iridescent blue. Images of the dress were used to confirm ultrablack's true "blackness": When the image's contrast, hue, vibrance or brightness were adjusted, all the other colors changed, but ultrablack remained the same.

Shepherd said her team has applied for provisional patent protection through CTL, and is looking to apply to its Ignite Innovation Acceleration program to push their idea closer to market.

More information: Hansadi Jayamaha et al, Ultrablack wool textiles inspired by hierarchical avian structure, Nature Communications (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-65649-4 Journal information: Nature Communications
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Top row: The cryo-ET averages of the gap junction channels (left) revealed striking caps (right; purple) on the inside of the cell. Bottom row: The gap junctions (light blue) allow cells to communicate across their membranes (gray). Credit: Nils Rosenkranz

When two cells "talk" to each other, they often do so through tiny channels called electrical synapses. Unlike chemical synapses, these so-called gap junctions enable the direct exchange of information between two cells, for example in the form of ions. Without them, our hearts could not beat in sync, and nerve cells could not fire in rhythm. But what exactly happens during this form of cell communication?

A look inside the living cell

Until now, gap junctions have been studied primarily in the form of isolated, chemically treated proteinsthat is, outside their natural environment.

To image the structure directly in living tissue, researchers from Goethe University Frankfurt (Germany), Max Planck Institute of Biophysics (Germany), and the National Center for Biological Sciences in Bangalore (India) examined cells of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans using cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET).

The findings are published in the journal Science Advances.

"With this method, we can freeze the cells in their natural state and take three-dimensional images of their interior," explains Prof. Dr. Alexander Gottschalk from the Institute of Biophysical Chemistry at Goethe University. "From thousands of individual channel images, we then determine a high-resolution structure that provides insight into how the gap junctions function."

The gap junction channels of the nematode consist of six subunits per cell. Together they form a channel of 12 subunits, exactly as in humans. These structures have been remarkably well preserved during evolution, so that research findings from simple organisms can also be applied to higher mammals.

The results showed that not all channels look the same: some were wide and open, others narrow and presumably closed.

Discovery of a ring-shaped cap

On some channels, the researchers discovered an additional structure: a ring-shaped "cap" that sat on the inside of the cell on individual channels and enclosed their opening.

This previously undiscovered structure is a tiny but important component: the synapses may be able to regulate their connection with it like a valvea mechanism that could be crucial for controlling electrical signals in the heart or intestine.

To find out which protein forms this "cap," the researchers combined their experimental data with AI software that can predict protein structures. The protein UNC-1 matched the observed shape of the cap best.

Computer simulations confirmed that the UNC-1 ring can sit stably on the channel and that both proteins interact with each otheras if they were made for each other.

Relevance to human diseases

UNC-1 belongs to the family of stomatin-like proteins, which also occur in the human body and can form ring-shaped caps there. Stomatin is found in red blood cells, for example, and the related podocin in the kidneys. Mutations in these proteins in humans are associated with hereditary diseases such as hereditary stomatocytosis or steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS). Nematodes with defective UNC-1 are also severely restricted in their mobility.

"The structural similarity of this protein family across different species is remarkable," says one of the first authors, Nils Rosenkranz, who studied this protein complex for his doctoral thesis.

"Our discovery suggests that the regulation of gap junctions or other channels in the cell membrane by such caps could be a fundamental principle of cell communicationfrom nematodes to humans."

The discovery now raises new questions: Does the "cap" actually regulate the opening and closing of the channels? How does it influence the flow of ions? The researchers suspect that human gap junctions could also be regulated by similar caps.

In the long term, this could open up new therapeutic approaches for diseases in which communication between cells is disrupted.

More information: Nils Rosenkranz et al, In situ structure of a gap junctionstomatin complex, Science Advances (2025). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aea8596 Journal information: Science Advances
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Tell Abraq at the end of the 2024 season, and a chronology for the region and site. The red line delimits the area investigated by the IAMUQ. Credit: The author. Antiquity (2025). DOI: 10.15184/aqy.2025.10246.

If there were a place that could be called the archaeological almanac of Saudi Arabian culture, it would be Tell Abraq, located on the west coast of the United Arab Emirates. This area contains traces of every cultural phase of southeast Arabia's history, covering a period from about 2500 BC through possibly the fourth century AD.

In a study published in Antiquity, researchers found evidence of over 3,000 years of human activity at Tell Abraq, including buildings and imported items that clearly point to two major periods when the region was strongly connected to other cultures.

From the first phase, which occurred during the Late Bronze Age (c. 16001300 BC), the researchers discovered a massive stone building (B-I) from that era that is unlike anything else in the region. Inside the building made with its unusually tough mortar, the team found storage jars stamped with seals from southern Mesopotamia and Elam. These items hint at powerful outsiders closely overseeing trade at Tell Abraq.

The second key phase was the Late Pre-Islamic period (firstthird centuries AD). From this era, researchers uncovered a small shrine (B-III) with an open-air altar. By this time, the settlement was no longer inhabited by local residents, the shrine was likely used by traveling merchants as a stopping point to worship or give thanks to deities for safe passage across the Persian Gulf.

B-I and adjacent structures, looking west. Credit: F. Borgi. Antiquity (2025). DOI: 10.15184/aqy.2025.10246.

Filling in the gaps

Over the thousands of years, the southeast Arabian region served as home to people that saw the rise and fall of distinctive local cultures. While these societies were complex and part of international trade networks, they never developed into states with centralized power like that of their neighbors.

Previous research on this region raised several questions regarding the site's evolution and how it connected to regional and international trade. The Italian Archaeological Mission in Umm al-Quwain (IAMUQ), which has been excavating at the Tell Abraq site since 2019, is on a mission to fill in the gaps.

In this study, the team reported finding large stone buildings, shrines, and artifacts like clay and bronze figurines, stone statues, local bronze coins, and fake Roman gold coins.

B-III with inset detail of the collapsed altar. Credit: F. Borgi & M. Degli Esposti. Antiquity (2025). DOI: 10.15184/aqy.2025.10246.

Analyzing these objects helped researchers piece together changes in the region over time, as well as its foreign trade and relations. They suggested that the unusual construction of the Bronze Age stone, especially its heavy use of hard mortar, rare for the region, pointed to foreign influence and control over trade goods.

The imported religious objects from the Late Pre-Islamic period indicated that Tell Abraq had become a stop along busy maritime trade routes linking India, Rome, and southern Mesopotamia.

The researchers believe the site shifted from being tightly controlled by outside powers to becoming an active hub within these wide-reaching trading networks.

These insights give us a better picture of how people and goods once moved across the ancient Persian Gulf.

Written for you by our author Sanjukta Mondal, 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: Michele Degli Esposti, Tell Abraq: cross-cultural connections in the Persian Gulf from the Late Bronze Age to the early centuries AD, Antiquity (2025). DOI: 10.15184/aqy.2025.10246 Journal information: Antiquity

 2025 Science X Network
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Credit: Alessio Zaccone

For nearly a century, scientists have understood how crystalline materialssuch as metals and semiconductorsbend without breaking. Their secret lies in tiny, line-like defects called dislocations, which move through an orderly atomic lattice and carry deformation with them.

At the heart of this theory is a geometric quantity known as the Burgers vector, experimentally observed for the first time in the 1950s, which precisely measures how much the lattice is distorted by a dislocation. This concept became one of the cornerstones of modern materials science.

Glasses, however, have always stood apart. From window glass and polymers to metallic glasses and many soft materials, glasses lack the regular atomic structure of crystals. Their particles are arranged randomly, frozen into disordered atomic configurations.

For decades, this disorder led physicists to believe that dislocations and Burgers vectors could not exist in glasses. Instead, plastic deformation in glass was thought to arise from small clusters of particles rearranging locally in events known as shear transformation zones, without any sharp topological signature.

Now, in a striking breakthrough, with my collaborators at Monash University (Australia), at Shanghai Jiao Tong University (China) and at US Army Research Laboratory, we have shown that this long-standing divide between crystals and glasses is not as fundamental as once thought.

The research is published in the journal Acta Crystallographica Section A Foundations and Advances.

Using high-resolution scanning small-beam diffraction together with advanced computer simulations, we have directly observed Burgers vectors inside a glass for the first timeabout 70 years after their discovery in crystals. The finding reveals that even in disordered materials, plastic deformation is carried by well-defined topological defects that are the direct counterparts of crystalline dislocations.

The key to the discovery was a new ability to visualize deformation inside a glass at extremely small length scales. In the experiments, our team studied a model colloidal glass subjected to controlled shear deformation.

We scanned the material with a highly focused X-ray beam only about a micrometer wide, building up a detailed map of how the material's structure responded locally to strain. At the same time, large-scale simulations tracked the precise displacements of individual particles during plastic rearrangements.

From these displacement fields, my collaborators and I applied the same mathematical construction that defines a Burgers vector in crystals: we followed closed loops around localized deformation events and calculated the net shift accumulated along those loops.

To our surprise, the result was not zero. Instead, each localized plastic event carried a finite, well-defined Burgers vectorexactly the hallmark of a dislocation. The only difference with crystals is that the displacements in the glass are measured under an external strain.

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Even more compelling was the topological nature of the signal that we found. When smooth background deformations were artificially added to the system, conventional indicators of plasticity became distorted and difficult to interpret.

The Burgers vectors, however, remained unchanged. This robustness is a defining property of topological defects and demonstrates that what was observed is not a numerical artifact or a consequence of noise, but a genuine geometric feature of plastic deformation in glass.

The finding fundamentally reshapes how scientists understand amorphous materials. For years, shear transformation zones in glasses were seen as vague, localized rearrangements without a precise geometrical identity.

The new results show that these events are in fact built around dislocation-like defects that carry Burgers vectors, even though no crystal lattice exists. In effect, glasses host dislocations without having a crystal lattice.

This insight bridges two fields that have long been developed separately. Crystal plasticity, governed by dislocations and Burgers vectors, has been one of the most successful and predictive theories in physics and engineering. Glass plasticity, by contrast, has remained far more elusive, with many competing models but no single unifying framework.

The discovery that both ordered and disordered solids share the same topological carriers of deformation suggests that a universal theory of plasticity may finally be within reach.

The implications go far beyond basic physics. Glassy and amorphous materials are central to modern technology, from smartphone screens and optical fibers to biomedical implants, battery materials, and high-performance metallic glasses.

Unlike crystalline metals, glasses often fail abruptly and catastrophically, with little warning. A major reason has been the lack of a clear microscopic theory describing how deformation accumulates inside them.

By identifying Burgers vectors as the fundamental carriers of plasticity in glasses, the new work provides a concrete object that can be tracked, modeled, and potentially controlled.

In practical terms, this could lead to better strategies for designing tougher and more reliable amorphous materials. If engineers can learn how to influence the creation, motion, and interaction of these hidden dislocations in glass, they may be able to tune strength, ductility, and resistance to fracture in ways that were previously unimaginable.

There is also a deep conceptual message in the discovery. Dislocations and Burgers vectors were once considered exclusive to the ordered world of crystals, where atoms sit on neat, repeating grids. Glasses were seen as fundamentally different, governed by disorder rather than topology.

The new work overturns this view. It shows that even in a structurally random material, deformation is organized by strict geometric and topological rules. Order, in this sense, is not a prerequisite for dislocationstopology alone is enough.

The reason it took so long to reach this conclusion lies in experimental and computational limitations. Extracting Burgers vectors requires extraordinarily precise measurements of displacement fields at very small scales. In crystals, atomic order makes this straightforward. In glasses, randomness hides the signal.

Only recently have X-ray techniques, image analysis, and simulation methods become powerful enough to pull the topological structure out of the noise.

Seventy years after Burgers vectors revolutionized the science of crystals, they have now crossed a historic boundary into the world of disorder. With their discovery in glass, a central concept of materials physics has been transformed from a feature of ordered solids into a universal language of deformation.

The once-separate stories of how crystals and glasses bend are now converging into a single, deeper narrativeone written not in the language of order or disorder, but in the language of topology.

This story is part of Science X Dialog, where researchers can report findings from their published research articles. Visit this page for information about Science X Dialog and how to participate.

More information: Amelia C. Y. Liu et al, Geometric indicators of local plasticity in glasses measured by scanning small-beam diffraction, Acta Crystallographica Section A Foundations and Advances (2026). DOI: 10.1107/s2053273325009775

Alessio Zaccone received his Ph.D. from the Department of Chemistry of ETH Zurich in 2010. From 2011 till 2014 he was an Oppenheimer Research Fellow at the Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge.

After being on the faculty of Technical University Munich (20142015) and of University of Cambridge (20152018), he has been a full professor and chair of theoretical physics in the Department of Physics at the University of Milano since 2022. Awards include the ETH Silver Medal, the 2020 Gauss Professorship of the Gottingen Academy of Sciences, the Fellowship of Queens' College Cambridge, and an ERC Consolidator grant "Multimech."

Research contributions include the analytical solution to the jamming transition problem (Zaccone & Scossa-Romano PRB 2011), the analytical solution to the random close packing problem in 2D and 3D (Zaccone PRL 2022), the theory of thermally-activated reaction rate processes in shear flows (Zaccone et al PRE 2009).
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The Vega C ferries a South Korean Kompsat-7 satellite into orbit.

The European Vega C rocket blasted off into space on Monday, successfully putting a South Korean Kompsat-7 satellite into Earth's orbit.

After two delays, Vega C achieved lift-off from the Guiana Space Center in French Guiana at 2:21 pm (1721 GMT), an AFP journalist saw, with a significant South Korean delegation that had made the trip to South America watching on.

After 45 minutes of flight, the lightweight rocket deposited the Kompsat-7 into orbit, with the 1.8-tonne satellite set to monitor the Korean peninsula for at least five years.

The mission's success contrasts with the failure of Vega C's first commercial flight, when the rocket lost two Airbus satellites at a time when Europe was already deprived of Russia's Soyuz rockets following the Kremlin's invasion of Ukraine.

As a result, Europe lost an independent way to launch its missions into space for a year, while its new-generation heavyweight Ariane 6 rocket suffered repeated delays.

Although Ariane 6 finally blasted off in 2024, the rocket is not reusableunlike SpaceX's Falcon 9 workhorse, which has helped Elon Musk's company rise to dominate the market.

 2025 AFP
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Purdue University research into scattered kaolinite rocks on Mars surface shows the dry, dusty planet could have featured a rain-heavy climate billions of years ago. Credit: NASA

Rocks that stood out as light-colored dots on the reddish-orange surface of Mars now are the latest evidence that areas of the small planet may have once supported wet oases with humid climates and heavy rainfall comparable to tropical climates on Earth.

The rocks discovered by NASA's Perseverance Mars rover are white, aluminum-rich kaolinite clay, which forms on Earth after rocks and sediment are leached of all other minerals by millions of years of a wet, rainy climate.

These findings were published Monday (Dec. 1) in the journal Communications Earth & Environment by lead author Adrian Broz, a Purdue University postdoctoral research associate in the lab of Briony Horgan, a long-term planner on NASA's Mars Perseverance rover mission and professor of planetary science in the Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences in Purdue's College of Science.

"Elsewhere on Mars, rocks like these are probably some of the most important outcrops we've seen from orbit because they are just so hard to form," Horgan said. "You need so much water that we think these could be evidence of an ancient warmer and wetter climate where there was rain falling for millions of years."

Broz said tropical climates like rainforests are the most common environments to find kaolinite clay on Earth.

"So when you see kaolinite on a place like Mars, where it's barren, cold and with certainly no liquid water at the surface, it tells us that there was once a lot more water than there is today," said Broz, a postdoctoral collaborator on the Perseverance rover.

Implications for Mars' ancient climate

The kaolinite fragments, which range from pebbles to boulders, are the latest small pieces to the larger debate regarding Mars' climate billions of years ago. Initial examinations by the Mars rover's SuperCam and Mastcam-Z instruments were used to compare the kaolinite to similar rocks found on Earth. The Martian fragments could offer significant insight into not only the planet's past environmental stages, but also how Mars came to its current barren state.

Horgan said kaolinite also carries its own mystery. There is no major outcropping nearby where the light-colored rocks could have originated despite being scattered throughout the mission path Perseverance has followed since landing at the Jezero crater in February 2021. The crater used to contain a lake about twice the size of Lake Tahoe.

"They're clearly recording an incredible water event, but where did they come from?" Horgan said. "Maybe they were washed into Jezero's lake by the river that formed the delta, or maybe they were thrown into Jezero by an impact and they're just scattered there. We're not totally sure."

Satellite imagery has spotted large outcroppings of kaolinite in other areas of Mars.

"But until we can actually get to these large outcroppings with the rover, these small rocks are our only on-the-ground evidence for how these rocks could have formed," Horgan said. "And right now the evidence in these rocks really points toward these kinds of ancient warmer and wetter environments."

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Comparisons to Earth and search for life

Broz compared the Martian kaolinite samples examined by Perseverance with rock samples found in locations near San Diego, California, and in South Africa. The rocks from the two planets were a close match.

Aside from a rain-heavy tropical climate, Broz said kaolinite on Earth also forms in a hydrothermal system when hot water is leaching the rock. But that process creates a different chemical signature in the rock than leaching at lower temperatures by rain over thousands to millions of years. He said datasets from three different sites were used to compare the hydrothermal leaching scenario to the Mars rocks.

Rocks on Mars, like the kaolinite, are a similar time capsule, potentially holding information from billions of years ago about the history of environmental conditions on the planet.

"All life uses water," Broz said. "So when we think about the possibility of these rocks on Mars representing a rainfall-driven environment, that is a really incredible, habitable place where life could have thrived if it were ever on Mars."

More information: A. P. Broz et al, Alteration history of aluminum-rich rocks at Jezero crater, Mars, Communications Earth & Environment (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s43247-025-02856-3 Journal information: Communications Earth & Environment
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Experts are meeting at the Tour Pleyel skyscraper to begin drafting the next UN climate report.

Some 600 experts began to work Monday on the next major UN climate report, as the international consensus on global warming is challenged by US President Donald Trump, who deems the science a "hoax".

French Ecological Transition Minister Monique Barbut, whose country is hosting the five-day meeting in a Paris suburb, told the scientists their "extremely precious" work is crucial as multilateralism has weakened.

"There is also something that should concern us all: The rise of climate-related disinformation on our social media, in our newspapers and even at the heart of our policy political institutions," Barbut said.

"Too many people deny the results of your work," she told the experts from more than 100 countries gathered in a skyscraper in Saint-Denis for the opening of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) meeting.

Their work faces hurdles in the face of a US administration whose president called climate change the "greatest con job ever" and a "hoax" during a speech at the United Nations in September.

One of the co-chairs of an IPCC working group is US climate expert Katherine Calvin, who was fired from her job as chief scientist at NASA following cuts ordered by the Trump administration.

"The statements, for example, from the American administration on the origin of climate change, the fact that it's a hoax, if you will, we still find that quite surprising," said an official at the French ecological transition ministry who requested anonymity.

Veto power

The previous IPCC report, released in 2023, had warned that the world was on track to exceed the 1.5C warming threshold by 2030.

The UN now says that safer limit will be breached earlier than feared, greatly increasing the risk of violent storms, floods and droughts and irreversible changes to nature.

The meeting in France launches a process that will culminate with the IPCC's Seventh Assessment Report (AR7), due to be published in 2028 or 2029.

It brings together lead authors of the report in a single venue for the first time, in an effort to tackle interdisciplinary climate questions.

The IPCC operates by consensus.

"If any country opposes the text, the report cannot be approved. Every country has a sort of veto," climate scientist Robert Vautard told reporters last week.

While the US government stays out of the climate fray, dozens of American scientists are among the experts working on the IPCC report.

"IPCC reports are going to continue to underpin climate policies and climate action at every level, including international negotiations," IPCC chairman Jim Skea told the gathering.

'IPCC not in crisis'

There already appear to be disagreements over the timing of the next report's publication.

A group called the High Ambition Coalition, which includes European Union countries and developing nations vulnerable to climate change, wants the assessment to come out in 2028.

That would coincide with the global stocktakea review, required under the 2015 Paris Agreement, of the progress countries have made in limiting climate change and its impacts.

But a group of emerging economies and major fossil fuel-producing countries say more time is needed and are advocating for 2029.

The divide echoes the disagreements seen at the UN's recent COP30 climate summit in the Brazilian Amazon city of Belem, which concluded with a deal that left out an explicit call to phase out fossil fuels.

Despite the disagreements over when to publish the next report, Skea told AFP in March: "I don't think the IPCC is in crisis. We will resolve this issue about the timeline."

 2025 AFP
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

When I, Erik Meijaard, worked as a wildlife consultant for a timber concession in Borneo, I often chatted with the logging truck driversand quickly realized that some of them knew far more about local wildlife populations than the company's own biodiversity teams.

"If you want to see clouded leopards, ride with me in my truckI can almost guarantee we'll spot one or two near kilometer 38 around two in the morning," one of the drivers told me at the time.

I didn't spot the elusive cats that night, but two years later, early one morning, I finally found one sitting calmly beside a logging road. The driver had been right all along: these leopards really do like the roads.

Since then, I have relied heavily on community-sourced information to monitor wildlife populations within company concessions and ensure that emerging threats are quickly detected and addressed.

I began by creating the first orangutan distribution maps in the 1990s through village interviews, later expanding the approach to 700 villages in 2008 to better understand local perceptions of forests and wildlife.

From 2019 to 2025, I ran an oil-palm-plantationbased citizen-science pilot that generated nearly 190,000 wildlife records from 4,000 workers.

These experiences show that some of the most valuable ecological knowledge rests with the people who live closest to the forestnot the scientists who visit only once a year.

How does citizen science work?

Building on that insight, Emily (who co-wrote this article with me) and I introduced a new version of the model for broader study in four villages in the Kapuas Hulu district of West Kalimantan. There, the local community manages the forest under a social forestry scheme.

We worked directly with them. Anyone with a smartphone can record wildlife sightings using our simple mobile app named Kehatiku (which in Indonesian means both "to my heart" and "my biodiversity"). Observationsfrom orangutan photos to gibbon audio clipsare then uploaded with GPS coordinates.

Each record then goes through a multi-stage verification process: an AI-assisted screen check for duplicate images and location mismatches, followed by review from our team of verifiers and species experts, who cross-reference field guides.

Once a record is verified, we issue a payment to the observerranging from around US$0.60 for a bird-call recording to about US$6 for a clear photo or video of a wild orangutan.

Since the citizen science program launched in 2023, 567 participants have recorded more than 58,000 wildlife observations from community forestsat roughly one-twentieth the cost of conventional surveys. The program creates both income and incentives to protect wildlife and their habitats.

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What the data reveal?

So far, the data show unexpectedly high numbers of orangutans, gibbons, and many other species in these community forests, including several of global conservation concern.

The most frequently reported wildlife in the four Kapuas Hulu villages includes orangutans (with 9,766 nest records), white-rumped shamas, sun bear signs, long-tailed macaques, and stingless bees.

Direct sightings of Bornean orangutans and regular recordings of gibbon calls confirm that these species persist outside protected areaseven within agricultural landscapes bordering the villages.

This information is invaluable to understand how threatened mammals survive in mixed-use forests, where formal surveys are rare or expensive. We are currently doing critical testing as to whether the data are strong enough to generate statistically robust occupancy estimatesshowing how wildlife species use village forest areas.

For plantations, we can already translate these findings into a living index, an important tool for developing data-driven conservation policies and interventions.

Shifting behavior and social impact

In early 2025, we also collaborated with a local partner to conduct social baseline surveys to assess the program's socioeconomic impact.

Initial survey results suggest a shift in perception is already underway. More than 70% of residents across the four pilot villages had heard of the initiative, and nearly two-thirds said they are interested in joining.

About a third already earn income from verified wildlife observationstypically US$30 to US$180 every three months, a meaningful supplement in communities where most households live on less than US$120 per month.

More importantly, attitudes toward wildlife are shifting. Where songbirds were once trapped and sold to traders, many villagers now choose to leave them in the forestrealizing it's more profitable to record the birds' presence and get paid for it.

A model for inclusive, low-cost monitoring

Financial incentives have clearly boosted engagement. Observation rates rose from about 17 per village per month during the voluntary phase to more than 6,000 per month once payments were introduced.

At an average cost of just US$0.85 per observation, this approach is far cheaper than traditional transect or camera-trap surveys, which can cost US$300 per camera or more.

Not only does it reduce logistical costs, but relying on local observers also makes it possible to cover vast, remote areas.

And unlike short-term research projects, this one runs year-roundbecause the motivation, and the data, come from the community itself.

The program also strengthens local governance. Regular meetings and WhatsApp groups allow residents to discuss verification results, propose rule changes, and collectively decide how to manage conflicts over shared rewards. We also close the information loop by translating wildlife observations into insights communities can use to guide their decisions.

These interactions, along with transparent payment records, are boosting accountability and participation in broader village decision-making. This transparency has helped build strong trust within the community.

On one occasion, when a participant submitted an internet-sourced photo as fake evidence, the peers insisted on removing them from the projecta proof that data integrity now matters at the community level.

Beyond data: Building ownership and pride

Beyond science, the project is fostering local ownership and pride in nature. For participants, the forest has become a living assetone that generates income through conservation. That shift in perception may be the most important outcome of all.

With mobile networks and digital payment systems now widespread across Indonesia, this low-cost, scalable model could be expanded to thousands of villages. Citizen science can become a cornerstone of future wildlife conservationand Indonesia could lead the way in making it happen.

From the truck drivers who spotted clouded leopards in the 1990s to today's smartphone-armed villagers, the message is clear: science and stewardship thrive when everyone can take partand be fairly rewarded for it.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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Map of the local interstellar clouds just outside Earth's solar system, with blue arrows showing in what directions these clouds are moving. The yellow arrow indicates the direction of the sun's own motion. Credit: NASA/Adler/U. Chicago/Wesleyan; https://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/10906

Nearly 4.5 million years ago, two large, hot stars brushed tantalizingly close to Earth's sun. They left behind a trace in the clouds of gas and dust that swirl just beyond our solar systemalmost like the scent of perfume after someone has left the room.

That's one finding from new research led by Michael Shull, an astrophysicist at the University of Colorado Boulder, and published Nov. 24 in The Astrophysical Journal.

The study sheds new light on the details of Earth's neighborhood in space.

Earth's solar system is surrounded by what scientists call the "local interstellar clouds." These wispy clumps of gas and dust are made up mostly of hydrogen and helium atoms and stretch about 30 light-years, or roughly 175 trillion miles, from end to end.

Zoom past that and our sun exists in a region of the galaxy known as the "local hot bubble," where gas and dust are relatively scarce.

Shull noted that understanding these features is important because they may have influenced the evolution of life on Earth over millions of years.

"The fact that the sun is inside this set of clouds that can shield us from that ionizing radiation may be an important piece of what makes Earth habitable today," said Shull, professor emeritus in the Department of Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences at CU Boulder.

In the new research, he and his colleagues used a series of equations, or models, to catalog the forces that have shaped our corner of the galaxy over time.

The constellation Canis Major seen in the night sky. Beta Canis Majoris sits at the end of the dog's "front leg," while Epsilon Canis Majoris is at the end of the "rear leg." Credit: CC image by Till Credner via Wikimedia Commons

The group examined two stars in particular: Epsilon and Beta Canis Majoris.

Today, these stars sit in the front and rear legs of the constellation Canis Major, or the "Great Dog." Based on the team's calculations, they likely charged past our sun around 4.4 million years ago at a distance of 30 to 35 light-years, a close brush in cosmic terms.

In the process, those stars, which are much hotter than the sun, emitted powerful ultraviolet radiation. That radiation "ionized" the local clouds, stripping electrons from the hydrogen and helium atoms and leaving them with a positive chargea mark that scientists can still see today.

"If you think back 4.4 million years, these two stars would have been anywhere from four to six times brighter than Sirius is today, far and away the brightest stars in the sky," Shull said.

Jigsaw puzzle

The research drills down on a mystery that has confounded scientists for decades.

When researchers first began peering at the region of space beyond our solar system decades ago, including with the Hubble Space Telescope, they discovered something strange: Around 20% of the hydrogen atoms and 40% of the helium atoms in the local clouds had been ionizedthe amount of ionized helium, in particular, seemed unusually high.

In the current study, Shull and his colleagues set out to inventory the celestial phenomena that may have contributed to that ionization.

The team wound back time to simulate what Earth's neighborhood was like millions of years agoa difficult task, in part because the sun is barreling through the local gas in the galaxy at a speed of 58,000 miles per hour.

"It's kind of a jigsaw puzzle where all the different pieces are moving," Shull said. "The sun is moving. Stars are racing away from us. The clouds are drifting away."

The group reports that at least six sources may have helped to ionize the clouds around our solar system. They include three small white dwarf stars. The hot bubble itself may also have played a role.

Shull explained that this void in space was likely created by 10 to 20 stars going supernovaa bit like blowing bubbles into a glass of milk. Those explosions heated up gas within the hot bubble. These hot gases continue to churn out ultraviolet and X-ray radiation today, which bakes the clouds around Earth's solar system.

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Feeling the heat

Epsilon and Beta Canis Majoris likely contributed just as much to the ionization of the sun's local clouds as from the hot gas in the local bubble.

These stars, which today sit more than 400 light-years from Earth, are B-stars, which tend to live fast and hard. Epsilon and Beta Canis Majoris will only burn for 20 million years at most. They are about 13 times more massive than our sun and blaze at about 38,000 and 45,000 degrees Fahrenheitmaking the sun, at roughly 10,000 degrees Fahrenheit, look chilly in comparison.

Shull noted that the ionization of the local clouds will likely disappear over millions of years as those positively charged atoms pick up stray electrons in space.

Epsilon and Beta Canis Majoris themselves don't have much time. Shull estimates that these stars will likely spend the last of their fuel and go supernova in the next few million years.

They won't pose any danger to Earth, Shull said, but will produce an impressive light showif anyone is around to see it.

"A supernova blowing up that close will light up the sky," he said. "It'll be very, very bright but far enough away that it won't be lethal."

Co-authors of the new study include Rachel Curran at the University of North Carolina; Michael Topping at the University of Arizona; and Jonathan Slavin at the Harvard and Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics.

More information: J. Michael Shull et al, Ionization Sources of the Local Interstellar Clouds: Two B Stars, Three White Dwarfs, and the Local Hot Bubble, The Astrophysical Journal (2025). DOI: 10.3847/1538-4357/ae10a6 Journal information: Astrophysical Journal
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Map showing continental shelves of Sunda, Sahul, and the Western Pacific. Credit: Science Advances (2025). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ady9493

Debate has long surrounded when humans first traveled into Sahul, the ancient landmass that is now Australia, New Guinea and Tasmania. Now, a study published in Science Advances, lends credence to the theory that the first humans entered Sahul around 60,000 years ago from parts of Southeast Asia.

A tale of two chronologies

Among the scientific community, there are two prominent theories as to when humans first migrated into Sahulboth supported by various studies. The "short chronology" theory posits that humans entered Sahul between 47 to 51 thousand years ago.

Many genetic studies have favored the short chronology, citing mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and Y-chromosome data. In addition, some say that the process by which DNA from archaic human populations was passed down to the ancestors of modern humans through interbreeding occurred too recently to be consistent with longer timelines.

Meanwhile, the 'long chronology' theory states that modern humans arrived in Sahul at least 60,000 years ago. This theory, supported by the new study, is also supported by some genome-wide studies. However, some researchers have pointed out problems with these studies. Still, some archaeological evidence of human settlements within Sahul has been dated back to times in line with the long chronology.

"There are more data from Australia, with the oldest known sites located in the Northern Territory. Roberts and colleagues combined OSL (optically stimulated luminescence) and radiocarbon to estimate an occupation age of 53 to 60 ka at Nauwalabila I. More recently, Clarkson and team estimated an age of 53 to 65 ka at Madjedbebe.

"The lowest occupation horizon is bracketed by multiple OSL dates, replicated across four excavated sections, but there are signs of vertical displacement of artifacts, and an age range of 53 to 60 ka, similar to Nauwalabila I, is likely," the study authors explain.

Map of Sunda, Sahul, and the Western Pacific, with arrows showing potential migration routes suggested by the mtDNA and Y chromosome distributions. Credit: Helen Farr, Erich Fisher

Insights from the molecular clock

Archaeological evidence from Sahul is scarce, so researchers have primarily relied on genetic methods to determine periods of likely migration in the region. The methods used in this study involved analysis of 2,456 mitochondrial genomes. The team says the dataset encompasses the full range of diversity of the Indigenous populations of Australia, New Guinea, and Oceania, and includes a lineage related to those of New Guinea in an archaeological sample from Wallacea.

The study uses "molecular clock" techniques, which analyze the number of mutations that occur within a given time. This allows scientists to estimate the time of divergence between genetic groups by measuring the rate of genetic mutations.

While there are differing methods that result in different rates, the preferred method in this study resulted in time ranges that coincide with the long chronology. However, the team says that the other method (Fu) does coincide more with the short chronology, but that "assumptions and methodology deliberately minimize the ages, and that other assumptions and methodologies, even with the Fu rate, raise the estimates into the long chronology range."

The team also integrated genome-wide and Y-chromosome data and checked climatological data, which also supported the long chronology timeline.

Two distinct routes into Sahul

The team's analysis showed two distinct genetic groups, both originating from Southeast Asia (and from Africa further back). However, it is clear that these groups split off around the time that they entered Sahul, taking two separate routes: a northern route into New Guinea and a southern route into Australia from the ancient landmass of Sundaland.

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The study authors write, "The mitogenome evidence reported here further shifts the balance of the debate toward the likelihood of at least two distinct dispersal routes into Sahul, both northern and southern, with a common ancestry in Sundaland, supporting separate analyses of primarily Australian and New Guinean lineages.

"Although it may be impossible to pinpoint the precise landfall points with genetic data, modeling of exposed MIS4 island chains suggests that the likely arrival points were the Bird's Head peninsula of West New Guinea and the northwest Sahul shelf."

Maybe even more surprising is that these groups had to cross up to 100 km of water to get to their new settlementsproviding evidence of early seafaring.

While the debate may not be entirely settled, this research provides some compelling evidence of early migration timing and settlement regions of the people that became Indigenous Australians and Papuanshelping to shed more light on their origins and heritage.

Written for you by our author Krystal Kasal, edited by Gaby Clark, 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: Francesca Gandini et al, Genomic evidence supports the "long chronology" for the peopling of Sahul, Science Advances (2025). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ady9493 Journal information: Science Advances

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Polyester structure before hand washing. Credit: Scientific Reports (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-23308-0

Researchers at University of Toronto Engineering have observed that handwashing synthetic fabrics in water with higher total dissolved solids (TDS) leads to more microplastic fibers (MPF) being released, creating implications for billions of people without access to soft water or washing machines.

The study, described in a paper published in Scientific Reports, looked at polyester fabrics and how they fared when handwashed in various types of water.

Some fabrics were covered in a silicone-based coating meant to reduce the MPF release, but the researchers found that the efficacy of this coating varied under different conditions.

According to a report from the Changing Markets Foundation, synthetic fiberssuch as polyester, nylon and acrylic, mainly used in fast fashionaccount for about two-thirds (69%) of textile production and are projected to rise to nearly three-quarters (73%) by 2030.

When synthetic fabrics are laundered, the friction caused by the laundering process leads to MPFs being released into waterways.

A significant contributor to global plastic pollution, microplastics are difficult to fully remove from water. While the impacts to human health remain unclear, microplastics are a risk to marine life, as they can block digestive tracks and cause injury when swallowed.

Professor Kevin Golovin's DREAM lab had previously created a silicone-based coating to reduce friction in the laundering process and prevent the fibers from breaking off, but the coating was only tested with machine laundering fabrics.

When Amanuel Goliad, lead researcher and author on the paper, started asking how the coating fared in hand-washed cycles, he realized there was a research gap and decided to address it.

Goliad, whose family is from Ethiopia, grew up knowing about handwashing and understanding how prevalent it is.

"Nearly two-thirds of the world does not have access to a washing machine," says Goliad.

"Most people around the globe hand wash, yet nearly all the microfiber research focuses on machine laundering in high-resource settings."

To conduct his study, Goliad adapted a bamboo washboard-based method from another research paper, noting that so little research is done on hand washing that it was difficult to even find a standardized method to pull from.

He then washed green and black polyester fabrics, both coated and uncoated, using deionized, tap and Lake Ontario water. After washing, he filtered the wash water to count and analyze the MPFs.

Under the microscope, Goliad found that not only were there significant amounts of MPFs being released but also that the coating didn't always prevent as much MPF release as it had in previous research using washing machines.

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When looking at the coated green polyester fabric, the coating reduced fiber shedding by about 92% in deionized water but only 37% in Lake Ontario water, illustrating how its efficacy declines as TDS increases.

"The biggest impact in the efficacy of the coating comes from the type of wash water," says Golovin.

"Most people that hand wash clothing use whatever body of water is locally available; it could be a river, an ocean, a lake. There are more total dissolved solids within them, and that affects the release of these microfibers more than people realize."

At the same time, most research is being conducted in labs using deionized water, which has a TDS of 0, meaning that studies don't reflect the real washing conditions of much of the world.

"There are additional implications for communities that don't have access to laundry machines," says Golovin.

"They're the ones being exposed to more microfibers, but the policies and standards don't reflect this. A potential action item resulting from this research and hopefully follow-up research is that those communities might need better water filtration systems than what global policy is stipulating, because they're exposed to more MPFs."

Another surprising find in the study was the actual lengths of the fibers.

"Higher TDS levels resulted in shorter fiber lengths," says Goliad.

"That's important because shorter fibers are harder to filter out in filtration systems; they spread more quickly and they're more easily ingested by aquatic life."

Golovin says the discovery of shorter fibers also has implications for how they're currently measured.

"We have a new hypothesis that the dissolved minerals in harder water may be breaking the fibers into smaller pieces," says Golovin.

"This affects how we measure microfiber release. If they're being chopped into smaller fragments, simply counting fibers does not give an accurate picture."

Golovin is advocating for measuring the total mass of the fibers released over just the count. He also notes his lab is researching fabric coating that can better withstand being hand washed in water with higher TDS.

"I hope this work highlights the environmental impact of hand washing and the need for more inclusive research," says Goliad.

More information: Amanuel Goliad et al, Reducing microplastic fiber shedding from hand-washed polyester, Scientific Reports (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-23308-0 Journal information: Scientific Reports
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Example utterances describing an image in English and various hypothetical languages. Credit: Nature Human Behaviour (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41562-025-02336-w

Human languages are complex phenomena. Around 7,000 languages are spoken worldwide, some with only a handful of remaining speakers, while others, such as Chinese, English, Spanish and Hindi, are spoken by billions. Despite their profound differences, they all share a common function: they convey information by combining individual words into phrasesgroups of related wordswhich are then assembled into sentences. Each of these units has its own meaning, which in combination ultimately form a comprehensible whole.

"This is actually a very complex structure. Since the natural world tends toward maximizing efficiency and conserving resources, it's perfectly reasonable to ask why the brain encodes linguistic information in such an apparently complicated way instead of digitally, like a computer," explains Michael Hahn.

Hahn, Professor of Computational Linguistics at Saarland University, has been examining this question together with his colleague Richard Futrell from the University of California, Irvine. The paper is published in the journal Nature Human Behaviour.

Why language is not binary code

Encoding information in a classical binary sequence of ones and zeros would, in theory at least, be far more efficient because it compresses information much more tightly than natural languages. So why don't we all communicatemetaphorically speakinglike R2-D2 from Star Wars, but instead speak the way we do? Hahn and Futrell have now found an answer to this conundrum.

"Human language is shaped by the realities of life around us," says Hahn. "If, for instance, I was to talk about half a cat paired with half a dog and I referred to this using the abstract term 'gol,' nobody would know what I meant, as it's pretty certain that no one has seen a golit simply does not reflect anyone's lived experience.

"Equally, it makes no sense to blend the words 'cat' and 'dog' into a string of characters that uses the same letters but is impossible to interpret," he continues.

"We simply wouldn't be able to process a string like 'gadcot,' even if it technically contains the letters of both words. In contrast, the phrase 'cat and dog' does form a meaningful linguistic unit because the two words 'cat' and 'dog' refer to animals that virtually everyone will be familiar with."

The brain's preference for familiar patterns

Hahn summarizes the main findings of the study as follows: "Put simply, it's easier for our brain to take what might seem to be the more complicated route."

Although the information is not in its most compressed form, the computational load for the brain is much lower because the human brain processes language in constant interaction with the familiar natural environment. Coding the information in a purely binary digital form might seem more efficient, as the information can be transmitted in a shorter time, but such a code would be detached from our real-world experience.

Hahn says the daily drive to work provides a good analogy: "On our usual commute, the route is so familiar to us that the drive is almost like on autopilot. Our brain knows exactly what to expect, so the effort it needs to make is much lower. Taking a shorter but less familiar route feels much more tiring, as the new route demands that we be far more attentive during the drive."

Mathematically speaking: "The number of bits the brain needs to process is far smaller when we speak in familiar, natural ways."

How language structure aids comprehension

Encoding and decoding information digitally would therefore require significantly more cognitive effort for both speaker and listener. Instead, the human brain continuously calculates the probabilities of words and phrases occurring in sequence, and because we use our native language daily for tens of thousands of days across a lifetime, these sequence patterns become deeply ingrained, reducing the computational load even further.

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Hahn offers another example: "When I say the German phrase 'Die funf grunen Autos' (Engl.: 'the five green cars'), the phrase will almost certainly make sense to another German speaker, whereas 'Grunen funf die Autos' (Engl.: 'green five the cars') won't," he says.

Consider what happens when a speaker utters the phrase "Die funf grunen Autos." It begins with the German definite article "Die." At that point, a German-speaking listener will already know that the word "Die" is likely to signal a feminine singular noun or a plural noun of any gender. This allows the brain to rule out masculine or neuter singular nouns immediately.

The next word, "funf," is highly likely to refer to something countable, which rules out non-enumerable concepts like "love" or "thirst." The next word in the sequence, "grunen," tells the listener that the as-yet-unknown noun will be in the plural form and is green in color. It could be cars, but could just as well be bananas or frogs.

Only when the final word in the sequence, "Autos," is uttered does the brain resolve the remaining ambiguity. As the phrase unfolds, the number of interpretative possibilities narrows until (in most cases) only one final interpretation is left.

However, in the phrase "Grunen funf die Autos" (Engl.: "green five the cars"), this logical chain of predictions and correlations breaks down. Our brain cannot construct meaning from the utterance because the expected sequence of cues is disrupted.

Implications for artificial intelligence

Hahn and his US colleague Futrell have now demonstrated these relationships mathematically. Their insights could prove valuable, for example, in the further development of the large language models (LLMs) that underpin generative AI systems such as ChatGPT or Microsoft's Copilot.

More information: Richard Futrell et al, Linguistic structure from a bottleneck on sequential information processing, Nature Human Behaviour (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41562-025-02336-w Journal information: Nature Human Behaviour
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Large area STM topograph showing germanene nanoribbons (black dashed outlines) embedded in disordered nanowires on the Pt/Ge(110) surface. The ribbons run along the [-110] direction. Credit: Lumen Eek et al

Researchers at the University of Twente and Utrecht University demonstrated for the first time that quantum states in the ultra-narrow material germanene can be switched on and off using only an electric field. The researchers were able to vary the electric field strength very precisely, causing the special 'topological' states in nanoribbons to disappear or appear.

The research, titled "Electric-Field Control of Zero-Dimensional Topological States in Ultranarrow Germanene Nanoribbons," is published in Physical Review Letters.

Quantum computers will not use zeros and ones, but instead use quantum bits that can assume both states simultaneously. In theory, this makes them superfast and powerful, but in practice, building quantum bits is an enormous challenge: they are very sensitive to noise and quickly lose their information.

Graphene's little brother: Germanene

Researchers are therefore looking for materials that are stable enough to protect the fragile quantum states. Researchers at Utrecht University and the University of Twente have shown that ultra-narrow strips of the material germanene could be promising.

Germanene resembles the well-known material graphene in shape. It consists of a single layer of germanium atoms in a slightly wavy pattern. In extremely narrow ribbons (two to four hexagons wide), so-called zero-dimensional topological states arise at the ends. These are interesting as building blocks for stable quantum bits because they are naturally more resistant to noise than normal quantum states.

Switching quantum states on and off

This new research shows for the first time that you can switch between these states using a local electric field. "We can bring these topological end states under complete electrical control," says Esra van 't Westende of the University of Twente, co-author of the publication.

"By changing the distance between the scanning tunneling microscope and the nanoribbon, we adjust the local electric field. This allows us to literally switch the quantum state on or off."

At low fields, the extremely narrow nanoribbons show a clearly measurable end state. If the field becomes stronger, this state disappears completely. With wider ribbons, the opposite happens: at higher electric fields, they suddenly do exhibit topological end states.

Modeling by the Utrecht University theory team (Lumen Eek and Cristiane Morais Smith) revealed how the electric field triggers the switching, and predicted that narrower and wider ribbons behave differently.

The research is part of the national QuMat program, in which Dutch universities collaborate on new materials for quantum technology. The collaboration between the UT and the UU was intensive.

"This project shows exactly why we have QuMat: experimental and theoretical groups working together to design new materials for future quantum devices," says Dr. Pantelis Bampoulis of the University of Twente.
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Young persons use their phones to view social media in Sydney, on Nov. 8, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/Rick Rycroft, File

Oxford University Press has named "rage bait'' as its word of the year, capturing the internet zeitgeist of 2025.

The phrase refers to online content that is "deliberately designed to elicit anger or outrage by being frustrating, provocative or offensive," with the aim of driving traffic to a particular social media account, Oxford said in a statement.

"The person producing it will bask in the millions, quite often, of comments and shares and even likes sometimes,'' lexicographer Susie Dent told the BBC. This is a result of the algorithms used by social media companies, "because although we love fluffy cats, we'll appreciate that we tend to engage more with negative content and content that really provokes us."

Rage bait topped two other contenders"aura farming'' and "biohack''after public comment on a shortlist compiled by lexicographers at Oxford University Press.

"Aura farming'' means to cultivate a public image by presenting oneself in "a way intended subtly to convey an air of confidence, coolness or mystique.'' "Biohack'' is defined as "an attempt to improve or optimize one's physical or mental performance, health or longevity.''

The word of the year is selected by lexicographers at Oxford University Press who analyze new and emerging words, as well as changes in the way language is being used, to identify words of "cultural significance."

Oxford University Press, publisher of the Oxford English Dictionary, has selected a word of the year annually since 2004.

Past winners include "podcast" in 2005, "emoji" in 2015, and in 2022 "goblin mode," which described people who resisted returning to normal life after the COVID-19 pandemic.

 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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By studying beetles that had been allowed to reproduce for 200 generations, the researchers were able to see that competition between males plays an important role in the formation of new species. Credit: Mikael Wallerstedt

When males are forced to compete for females, new species form more rapidly. This has been shown in a new study where the researchers compared beetles allowed to mate freely with groups of the same species where competition for mating was restricted. The experiments, which have been going on for 40 years and have followed 200 generations of beetles in direct lineages, explain how important sexual selection is for the emergence of new species.

Species are formed when existing species diverge and become new species. Today, researchers are able to track this divergence process directly from species' DNA. But identifying exactly which biological factors and processes lead to species formation has proven to be a challenge.

One of the processes proposed is sexual selection. It is a form of natural selection that favors traits that provide a competitive advantage in reproduction with other individuals of the same sex, rather than for survival itself. For example, it is common for males to develop gaudy colors to attract attention or weapons to fight off their rivals.

Sexual selection tends to be stronger in groups of animals where one female pairs with multiple different maleswhich means stronger competition among males for who gets to fertilize their eggs. Sexual selection is weaker where mating only occurs once, such as in mute swans and many mosquito species.

First stage of species formation can be observed in the lab

But species formation takes a long time, making it difficult to directly observe this evolution in animals and plants in real time. A research team from the universities of Uppsala and Belgrade have now succeeded in doing just this in a long-term study of a beetle speciesthe seed beetle Acanthoscelides obtectus.

The experiments with the seed beetles have been running continuously since 1986. Credit: Mikael Wallerstedt

By comparing groups of beetles that were allowed to mate freely, with other groups where competition for mating was restricted for 200 generations, they were able to observe that the populations evolved in different directions. The study is published in the journal Evolution Letters.

"Previous research has suggested that competition between males plays an important role in the formation of new species. The unique thing about our study is that we've been able to confirm this through experiments in the lab that have been going on since 1986.

"Although the evolution of new species takes longer than 200 generations, we can clearly observe the signs of the earliest stages of species formation. The populations that evolved under conditions of strong sexual selection ended up being far more different from each otherboth genetically and in reproductive characteristics. We have also observed that they evolved in different directions more than twice as rapidly when sexual selection was strong," says Goran Arnqvist, Professor of Animal Ecology at the Department of Ecology and Genetics and the study's senior author.

In 1986, the researchers divided a large population of these beetles into two groups of smaller populations, where half were able to evolve under conditions of strong sexual selection, and half under conditions of weak sexual selection for about 200 generations in direct lineages.

In one group, the females were able to mate with several different males, which created strong sexual selection. In the second group, the females were allowed to mate only once, which reduced the competition between males.

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One of the findings was that the males that evolved under conditions of strong sexual selection were larger and mated more often and for longer. They also saw changes in the proteins that affect which sperm fertilize the eggs.

"In animals with internal fertilization, the male not only transmits sperm during mating, but also a complex cocktail of proteins and peptides. This cocktail is crucial for which sperm gets to fertilize the egg. We observed that the cocktail changed more in the seed beetles that were living under conditions of strong sexual selection. This also applied to the receptors in the female's bodies," says Arnqvist.

It is this type of small change that, in the long run, leads to the formation of new species.

"This protein cocktail, but also the beautiful feathers or plumage that males develop in certain animal species, are all characteristics that have to do with reproductive success and can lead to evolution taking off. 200 generations are not enough, but when we're talking about 20,000 or 200,000 generationsin that case the populations may become so different that they can no longer breed with each other.

"Among insects and fish, for example, it's been observed that there are more species in groups of these animals where the males are brightly colored or adorned in various ways than in groups where the sexes look more similar," Arnqvist says.

More information: Salome Fromonteil et al, The effects of sexual selection on functional and molecular reproductive divergence during experimental evolution in seed beetles, Evolution Letters (2025). DOI: 10.1093/evlett/qraf045 Journal information: Evolution Letters
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Credit: Matthias Zomer from Pexels

Spain on Monday deployed more than 100 troops to help contain an outbreak of African swine fever outside Barcelona that has sparked fears for the country's powerful pork export industry.

They are joining 300 Catalan regional officials deployed in the Collserola Natural Park, where two dead boars that tested positive for the disease were found last week, Spain's first such cases since 1994.

The 117 officers from the army's emergencies unit would carry out "work with drones, disinfection, prospection, search and removal of animals," the Catalan regional government's agriculture minister Oscar Ordeig told a news conference.

The authorities have restricted access to the park and are studying another eight potential cases that were found within a primary six-kilometer (four-mile) radius, said Ordeig.

Experts believe the virus may have arrived from a contaminated sausage transported by road and consumed by a boar, but the theory is unconfirmed, Ordeig added.

Swine fever does not affect humans but is highly contagious and lethal for pigs. Any spread of the disease to farms could seriously harm the world's third-largest producer of pork and pork derivatives.

Spain exports almost three million tonnes each year to more than 100 countries, but Agriculture Minister Luis Planas has said a third of them have halted imports as a safety measure.

Speaking from Italy on Monday, Planas asked citizens for "calm" regarding the consumption of pork and "prudence" to prevent the disease from spreading to farms.

African swine fever is also present in the Baltic states and eastern Europe, where it arrived from Russia in 2014.

 2025 AFP
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New "prebiotic gel-first" theory suggests life may have begun in sticky, surface-bound gels Primitive gels could have concentrated and protected molecules, enabling complex chemical reactions long before cells formed. Credit: Nirmell Satthiyasilan

How did life begin? An international team of researchers from Japan, Malaysia, the UK, and Germany suggest that the answer may lie in sticky, surface-bound gels that existed long before the first cells.

Their insights offer a new lens for both understanding life's origins on Earth and recognizing the possibility of life elsewhere.

The study is published in ChemSystemsChem.

Theories and the role of gels

The question of how life began has puzzled humanity for centuries. While no one can travel back in time to witness the first spark of life, scientists continue to piece together plausible stories from chemistry, physics and geology.

"While many theories focus on the function of biomolecules and biopolymers, our theory instead incorporates the role of gels at the origins of life," said Tony Z. Jia, professor at Hiroshima University and co-lead author of the paper.

In their newly proposed "prebiotic gel-first" framework, the researchers suggest how life could have originated within surface-attached gel matricessticky, semi-solid materials that share properties with today's microbial biofilms, the thin layers of bacteria that grow ubiquitously on rocks, pond surfaces, and even man-made objects.

Drawing from soft-matter chemistry and insights from modern biology, the study argues that such primitive gels could have provided the necessary structure and function for early chemical systems to become increasingly complex, long before the first cells emerged.

Implications for evolution and astrobiology

By trapping and organizing molecules, prebiotic gels may have overcome key barriers in pre-life chemistry through allowing for molecular concentration, selective retention, and environmental buffering. Within these gels, early chemical systems might have developed proto-metabolic and self-replicating behaviors, setting the stage for biological evolution.

"This is just one theory among many in the vast landscape of origin-of-life research," said Kuhan Chandru, research scientist at the Space Science Center, National University of Malaysia (UKM) and co-lead author of the study.

"However, since the role of gels has been largely overlooked, we wanted to synthesize scattered studies into a cohesive narrative that puts primitive gels at the forefront of the discussion."

The researchers also extend this idea to astrobiology, suggesting that similar gel-like systems might exist on other planets. These potential "Xeno-films" could be non-terrestrial analogs of biofilms, composed of different chemical building blocks uniquely available at each locale.

This perspective broadens the scope of how scientists search for life beyond Earth by suggesting that perhaps structures, rather than specific chemicals, could be the next target for life detection missions.

Next steps in gel research

The team plans to investigate their model experimentally by exploring how such gels, composed of simple chemicals, might have formed in early Earth conditions and what properties these gels could have provided to emerging chemical systems.

"We also hope that our work inspires others in the field to further explore this and other underexplored origins-of-life theories," said Ramona Khanum, co-first author of the paper and a former intern at UKM.

More information: Ramona Khanum et al, Prebiotic Gels as the Cradle of Life, ChemSystemsChem (2025). DOI: 10.1002/syst.202500038
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Researchers from the Institute of Applied Ecology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) have revealed the mechanism behind the dieback of natural Mongolian pine (Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica) forests on sandy land. Their findings are published in Forest Ecology and Management.

Mongolian pine naturally grows in the sandy land of Hulunbuir near the Greater Khingan Mountains in China. It exhibits remarkable ecological adaptations to extreme conditions, making it a keystone species for establishing windbreak and sand-fixation forests in arid and semi-arid regions. However, dieback of these forests has been widespread since 2018, raising concerns about their sustainability in afforestation programs.

Research methods and key findings

Led by Prof. Zhu Jiaojun, the researchers hypothesized that this dieback is driven by two interrelated mechanisms, anthropogenic fire suppression disrupting the natural fire regime, and climate change-induced winter warming reducing snow cover duration and depth.

To test the hypotheses, they quantified dieback using Green Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (GNDVI) across stands with varying fire histories via unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-based multispectral imagery, alongside long-term climatic observations (19602024) of temperature, precipitation, and snow dynamics from meteorological stations combined with remote sensing datasets.

The researchers identified an abrupt change point in 2018 for both annual precipitation and mean temperature, coinciding with the natural Mongolian pine dieback. A significant negative linear relationship was found between GNDVI (forest health) and the last fire interval, indicating that prolonged fire exclusion exacerbates dieback, possibly through pathogen/pest accumulation.

Climate trends and ecological impacts

Winter temperatures rose significantly from 1960 to 2023, accelerating notably following an abrupt change point in 1987. Concurrently, winters from 2018 to 2023 exhibited pronounced warming, with a reduction in snow cover duration of 23 days and a decrease in snow depth of 7.6 cm.

These conditions reduced snowmelt-derived soil moisture (critical water source) recharge in early spring, exacerbating drought stress during critical growth periods and predisposing trees to pest and disease infestations. Their findings supported both hypotheses, demonstrating that dieback was synergistically driven by fire regime alteration and climate-mediated snowpack reductions.

The researchers proposed adaptive management strategies to restore ecological resilience in these vulnerable sandy ecosystems, such as planned and controlled low-intensity prescribed burning and converting pure pine forests into mixed pine-broadleaf forests via differentiated water sources.

More information: Lining Song et al, Anthropogenic fire suppression and climate change-driven winter warming inducing the dieback of natural Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica forests on sandy land, Forest Ecology and Management (2026). DOI: 10.1016/j.foreco.2025.123271 Journal information: Forest Ecology and Management
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A new FAU survey finds 36% of Floridians have moved or may move due to hurricanes, flooding and heat; more than 60% fear stronger storms and floods, and nearly half worry about rising home insurance costs. Credit: Alex Dolce, Florida Atlantic University

Although the Atlantic hurricane season has officially ended, Floridians' woes over severe weather and soaring homeowners' insurance costs still linger. A new Florida Atlantic University survey finds hurricanes and other climate-related threats are causing many Floridians to consider moving.

The Florida Climate Survey found that 36% of respondents statewide had moved or were considering moving in part or fully due to weather hazards. Broken down by region, the results show that threats such as hurricanes, flooding and extreme heat have already influenced some Floridians to relocate.

Nearly a quarter of North Floridians (24%) reported that these factors contributed to a previous decision to move within the state. Across much of the peninsula, from Tampa to Cape Canaveral south, about 20% of respondents report that weather hazards play a role in them exploring a move.

"About 1 in 5 Floridians from about the I-4 corridor to Key West are considering a move due to weather hazards," said Colin Polsky, Ph.D., associate vice president of Broward campuses for FAU and a professor of geosciences in the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science. "Some of these people may wish to move but cannot afford the expenses. This shows a possibly large number of residents struggling with weather hazards."

The survey is the 13th conducted by the FAU Center for Environmental Studies on Floridians' opinions about climate resilience issues since October 2019. The latest survey was conducted in late Septemberabout one year after Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida, a storm that was followed about two weeks later by Hurricane Milton and a related tornado outbreak.

Underpinning the interest in moving are concerns about weather hazards. More than 60% of Floridians are moderately or extremely concerned about hurricanes becoming stronger and/or more frequent (63%), and about rainfall becoming heavier in the state and higher flooding from storm surge near the coast (61% in both cases).

"Despite a major shift in the national weather and climate conversation in 2025, people's lived experiences in Florida appear to have kept these hazards top of mind, influencing where people think it is safe to live," Polsky said.

While the survey found that an overwhelming majority of Floridians believe climate change is happening (85%), the level was the lowest in the survey's six-year history.

Just more than half of Floridians believe climate change is caused by human activity (52%), the latest results found. Breaking down that finding by political party, 71% of Democrats, 50% of Independents and 39% of Republicans said they believe human actions are causing climate change.

Nearly half of Floridians (49%) report concern about the affordability of homeowner's insurance due to climate change. The survey also found that more than 60% of Floridians want the federal or state government to do more to address the impacts of climate change, but the finding was the lowest level since questions about climate action were added in March 2023.

"While public support for climate action may swing wildly from one presidential election to another, a substantial share of Floridians face an abiding weather risk," Polsky said.

The survey was conducted in English and Spanish from Sept. 24 to 30. The sample consisted of 1,400 Floridians aged 18 and older, with a survey margin of error of +/- 2.53%. The data were collected using an online panel provided by GreatBlue Research. Responses were weighted to adjust for age, income, education, gender and region, according to the 2023 U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey. It is important to remember that subsets carry higher margins of error.
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Meredith Holgerson, associate professor of ecology and evolutionary biology in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, collects a sediment sample from Texas Hollow Pond in central New York. Credit: Cornell University

When Meredith Holgerson arrived at Cornell in 2020, she began searching for the perfect ponds. Poring over maps, taking tips, she'd traipse into the woods of central New York with an inflatable kayak strapped to her back.

By 2021, she had found Mud Pond and Texas Hollow Pond, two bodies of water similar in size but different in key ways that would help her team understand why and how pondsoften understudied and overlooked in carbon budgetingemit such a high volume of greenhouse gases.

Now a study of the two ponds, published in Limnology and Oceanography, reveals surprising and complex mechanisms for how carbon dioxide and methane in ponds are built up, stored and released. The researchers found that Texas Hollow, while only a little over 1 meter deeper than Mud Pond, emitted more than twice the amount of carbon dioxide.

They also examined how the ponds' stratificationthe extent to which the water forms layers of different temperaturesimpacts methane emissions, finding that the ponds' slight differences in depth and light led to unexpected results, with nearly twice as much methane bubbling up from the sediments of Mud Pond than Texas Hollow.

The research will contribute to a more accurate calculation of ponds' carbon emissions and sequestrationnow poorly understoodand to local management.

"It's important to figure out these mechanisms," said Holgerson, associate professor of ecology and evolutionary biology in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. "Identifying mechanisms will allow us to model carbon fluxes more accurately, and then we can improve predictions about how different types of lakes and ponds influence regional or global emissions."

Relative to their size, ponds are "biogeochemical hotspots," Holgerson said, storing and emitting high levels of greenhouse gases. That tracked for Texas Hollow Pond and Mud Pond, which the researchers found stored large amounts of carbon in their sediments and had high emissions of both carbon dioxide and methane. In fact, the "bubbling" of methane out of Mud Pond is among the highest readings ever reported for ponds or lakes.

The team initially hypothesized that the stronger the stratification, or the more distinct the layers and the longer they persist, the more methane gets produced and emitted.

But the emissions from Mud Pond and Texas Hollow Pond surprised them. Carbon dioxide emissions, which they expected to be higher in Mud Pond due to higher oxygen levels throughout the pond, were more than double in Texas Hollow. And despite Texas Hollow having much stronger stratification than Mud Pond, they found that twice as much methane bubbled up from the bottom of Mud Pond. Furthermore, the diffusive methane emissions, from methane dissolved in the water, were nearly the same in the two ponds.

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"In our previous work, we found that if a pond was stratified, more gases built up in the bottom waters, and those gases would transport up to the surface waters and get emitted," Holgerson said. "So we were surprised that the diffusive methane emissions between the two ponds were similar and that Mud Pond had basically double the bubbles; this did not match our previous results in other ponds."

The researchers hypothesize that other factors are at playMud Pond, which is more weakly stratified than Texas Hollow, has light penetration throughout the pond that allows plants to grow and thrive. The plants absorb carbon dioxide, possibly contributing to the lower emissions; but when the plants die, they drop into the sediment, decompose, and the resulting methane bubbles up. Meanwhile, the lack of oxygen at the bottom of Texas Hollow lends itself to methane production, but the stratified layers trap some of that methane and prevent it from being emitted.

"We think that the relationship between stratification and gas emissions may be a Goldilocks situation. If you have really strong stratification, the gases are produced but some become trapped, and under no stratification, the pond mixes often and has a lot of oxygen, which may reduce methane production," Holgerson said. "But in between, if you have this weaker stratification and light throughout the water column and plants, like Mud Pond has, you might get more methane. There are a lot of follow up questions that we have now."

Holgerson's team is continuing to analyze data from the ponds. In 2024, they used a generator and circulator to "turn over" Texas Hollow Pond, simulating a summer storm to measure the impact on emissions. They're also including the ponds in a broader survey of 16 ponds around New York state to assess if the patterns in Mud Pond and Texas Hollow hold across a broader sample size.

"We're especially interested in how stratification influences methane emissions in the context of climate changeas warming temperatures can strengthen stratification," Holgerson said.

More information: Meredith A. Holgerson et al, Carbon fluxes in two temperate ponds are mediated by stratification and primary producers, Limnology and Oceanography (2025). DOI: 10.1002/lno.70273 Journal information: Limnology and Oceanography
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

New balloon-mounted space radiation probes developed by the Surrey Space Center at the University of Surrey have captured their first measurements of a major solar storm, confirming the research team's model, which indicates the flare caused the highest levels of radiation at aviation altitude in almost two decades.

The solar flareclassified as an X5 eventtriggered a rare Ground Level Enhancement (GLE) on 11 November 2025, in which solar energetic particles penetrated deep into Earth's atmosphere and caused a radiation surge that was detectable even at ground level. Within an hour, the UK Met Office and their counterparts at KNMI in the Netherlands began launching a sequence of weather observation balloons equipped with Surrey's sensors to measure the storm in real timeright up to commercial aircraft altitudes and into regions used by business jets and supersonic transport.

Radiation levels and aviation impact

Early analysis shows that radiation levels at 40,000 feet rose to their highest since 2006, reaching almost ten times normal background levels for a short period. Although this event did not pose any immediate health concern, larger storms in future could be more worrying, not least because they have the potential to disturb on-board aircraft electronic systems. During the storm's peak, the team estimate that single-event upsetsbit-flips in onboard computer memory caused by energetic particlescould have reached around 60 errors per hour per gigabyte.

Professor Clive Dyer, an expert in space weather at Surrey Space Center, University of Surrey, said, "This was the strongest Ground Level Event we've seen since December 2006. Neutron monitors around the world measured significant increases and, in conjunction with newly installed UK monitors at Lerwick, Guildford and Camborne, these will enable us to map the footprint of the event across the globe.

"Our sensors have given the clearest picture yet of how rapidly conditions can change at aviation altitudes. We know from historical observations that significantly bigger events are possible, and we need to be ready."

Historical context and event rarity

Events like this usually occur two or three times each solar cycle but the sun has been relatively quiet over the last couple of decades. The radiation increase on 11 November was only around two percent of the biggest event on record in 1956, when some aircraft would have received more than 100 times the normal dose. Even bigger atmospheric radiation storms, "Miyake Events"revealed through tree rings and ice coreshave hit Earth in the distant past, although nothing on that scale has been experienced in modern times.

Sensor technology and collaboration

The sensors are part of a long-running collaboration between Surrey Space Center and the UK Met Office to improve space weather monitoring and modeling. Surrey's atmospheric radiation monitors detect energetic particles in the atmosphere and stream real-time data as they ascend to 100,000 feetmore than twice the typical altitude for aircraft.

Observations from the sensors will be used to validate and enhance radiation models that are in use at the Met Office Space Weather Operations Center, increasing the UK's resilience to severe space weather events.

Built to withstand near-vacuum conditions and temperatures as low as 70C, the sensors measure radiation dose rates and the likelihood of electronic errors in aircraft systems. These observations provide the Met Office with rapid, high-altitude data during solar storms, helping improve models used to protect aviation and other critical services.

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Future launches and scientific significance

It is hoped additional launches will take place in the coming years to further enhance monitoring and understanding of these events, with sensors still ready-to-launch at Met Office sites in Lerwick and Camborne, as well as with KNMI in the Netherlands.

Professor Keith Ryden, Director of Surrey Space Center, said, "Because this type of event is highly unpredictable, it's essential to capture as much data as possible when they do occur. This was our first chance to use the new rapid-reaction balloon sensors in a real event and it worked very well, giving us a '3D' picture of radiation increases across UK airspace for the first time. Our research aims to improve aviation safety, and this is a great step forward."

Met Office Space Weather Manager, Krista Hammond, said, "Data from these launches are vital for our understanding of how space weather impacts radiation levels through Earth's atmosphere. This is the first time radiation data has been collected over such a wide range of altitudes through the atmosphere during a space weather event, and this represents a big leap forward in scientific understanding that will make a real difference in space weather forecasting capability."
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A battery energy storage facility that was built inside an old power plant burned from Jan. 16-18, 2025. Credit: Mike Takaki

When fire broke out at the world's largest battery energy storage facility in January 2025, its thick smoke blanketed surrounding wetlands, farms and nearby communities on the central California coast.

Highways closed, residents evacuated and firefighters could do little but watch as debris and ash rained down. People living in the area reported headaches and respiratory problems, and some pets and livestock fell ill.

Two days later, officials announced that the air quality met federal safety standards. But the initial all-clear decision missed something importantheavy metal fallout on the ground.

When battery energy storage facilities burn, the makeup of the chemical fallout can be a mystery for surrounding communities. Yet, these batteries often contain metals that are toxic to humans and wildlife.

The smoke plume from the fire in Vistra's battery energy storage facility at Moss Landing released not just hazardous gases such as hydrogen fluoride but also soot and charred fragments of burned batteries that landed for miles around.

I am a marine geologist who has been tracking soil changes in marshes adjacent to the Vistra facility for over a decade as part of a wetland-restoration project. In a new study published in the journal Scientific Reports, my colleagues and I were able to show through detailed before-and-after samples from the marshes what was in the battery fire's debris and what happened to the heavy metals.

The batteries' metal fragments, often too tiny to see with the naked eye, didn't disappear. They continue to be remobilized in the environment today.

What's inside the batteries

Moss Landing, at the edge of Monterey Bay, has long been shaped by industrya mix of power generation and intensive agriculture on the edge of a delicate coastal ecosystem.

The Vistra battery storage facility rose on the site of an old Duke Energy and PG&E gas power plant, which was once filled with turbines and oil tanks. When Vistra announced it was converting the site into the world's largest lithium-ion battery facility, the plan was hailed as a clean energy milestone. Phase 1 alone housed batteries with 300 megawatts of capacity, enough to power about 225,000 homes for four hours.

The energy in rechargeable batteries comes from the flow of electrons released by lithium atoms in the anode moving toward the cathode.

In the type of batteries at the Moss Landing facility, the cathode was rich in three metals: nickel, manganese and cobalt. These batteries are prized for their high energy density and relatively low cost, but they are also prone to thermal runaway.

Lab experiments have shown that burning batteries can eject metal particles like confetti.

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Metals found in wetlands matched batteries

When my team and I returned to the marsh three days after the fire, ash and burned debris covered the ground. Weeks afterward, charred fragments still clung to the vegetation.

Our measurements with portable X-ray fluorescence showed sharp increases in nickel, manganese and cobalt compared with data from before the fire. As soon as we saw the numbers, we alerted officials in four counties about the risk.

We estimate that about 25 metric tons (55,000 pounds) of heavy metals were deposited across roughly half a square mile (1.2 square kilometers) of wetland around Elkorn Slough, and that was only part of the area that saw fallout.

To put this in perspective, the part of the Vistra battery facility that burned was hosting 300 megawatts of batteries, which equates to roughly 1,900 metric tons of cathode material. Estimates of the amount of batteries that burned range from 55% to 80%. Based on those estimates, roughly 1,000 to 1,400 metric tons of cathode material could have been carried into the smoke plume. What we found in the marsh represents about 2% of what may have been released.

We took samples at hundreds of locations and examined millimeter-thin soil slices with a scanning electron microscope. Those slices revealed metallic particles smaller than one-tenth the width of a human hairsmall enough to travel long distances and lodge deep in the lungs.

The ratio of nickel to cobalt in these particles matched that of nickel, manganese and cobalt battery cathodes, clearly linking the contamination to the fire.

Over the following months, we found that surface concentrations of the metals dropped sharply after major rain and tidal events, but the metals did not disappear. They were remobilized. Some migrated to the main channel of the estuary and may have been flushed out into the ocean. Some of the metals that settled in the estuary could enter the food chain in this wildlife hot spot, often populated with sea otters, harbor seals, pelicans and herons.

Making battery storage safer as it expands

The fire at Moss Landing and its fallout hold lessons for other communities, first responders and the design of future lithium-ion battery systems, which are proliferating as utilities seek to balance renewable power and demand peaks.

When fires break out, emergency responders need to know what they're dealing with. A California law passed after the fire helps address this by requiring strengthening containment and monitoring at large battery installations and meetings with local fire officials before new facilities open.

Newer lithium-ion batteries that use iron phosphate cathodes are also considered safer from fire risk. These are becoming more common for utility-scale energy storage than batteries with nickel, manganese and cobalt, though they store less energy.

How soil is tested is also important. At Moss Landing, some of the government's sampling turned up low concentrations of the metals, likely because the samples came from broad, mixed layers that diluted the concentration of metals rather than the thin surface deposits where contaminants settled.

Continuing risks to marine life

Metals from the Moss Landing battery fire still linger in the region's sediments and food webs.

These metals bioaccumulate, building up through the food chain: The metals in marsh soils can be taken up by worms and small invertebrates, which are eaten by fish, crabs or shorebirds, and eventually by top predators such as sea otters or harbor seals.

Our research group is now tracking the bioaccumulation in Elkhorn Slough's shellfish, crabs and fish. Because uptake varies among species and seasons, the effect of the metals on ecosystems will take months or years to emerge.

More information: Ivano W. Aiello et al, Coastal wetland deposition of cathode metals from the world's largest lithium-ion battery fire, Scientific Reports (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-25972-8 Journal information: Scientific Reports

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

The COVID pandemic accelerated remote and hybrid working practices across the world. It also provided evidence that these approaches could work for a wide variety of jobs.

The UK has been at the forefront of the shift to hybrid working and its sustainability as a work practice in future. This year, the Global Survey of Working Arrangements calculated that the typical UK worker averaged 1.8 days of remote working per week, only just behind the more rural Canada (1.9 days).

Along with colleagues, I observed this adaptation in a research project called Work after Lockdown, which followed organizations through lockdowns and examined what they learned around hybrid working. And our subsequent research for the conciliation service Acas looked at post-pandemic working across various industries in the UK.

The employment rights bill, with its proposals to simplify decision-making around flexible working, may also prompt workers to formalize their hybrid working patterns.

At a time when working practices have been transformed for millions of employees, there is real value in drawing together what has been learned over the past five years. This should enable organizations to thrive as hybrid employers.

The House of Lords has now done thispulling this information together in its special inquiry on homeworking in the UK. The inquiry has recently reported on its ten-month investigation "Is Working from Home Working?."

Since September 2024, I have been seconded to parliament to work for three days a week as thematic research lead for business, economics and trade. This is part of an Economic and Social Research Council project to enhance the use of academic evidence in parliament.

During this time, I have supported the home-based working inquiry and observed how a range of select committees and special inquiries work. The committee on home-based working was one of four special inquiries that the Lords stage each year.

A huge volume of academic evidence was submitted, with the report providing a synthesis of the emerging evidence base. Now the inquiry's findings can help employers make informed decisions about their own hybrid management.

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What the inquiry found

First, hybrid working's impact on productivity appears to be limited. The inquiry concluded that it's best to assess hybrid work on a case-by-case basis, looking at what is suitable in particular industries, jobs and personal circumstances.

On the other hand, remote and hybrid working shows real benefits in terms of raising employment rates, particularly for those who find it difficult to commit to full-time site-based working. This could include disabled people and parents of young children, for example.

Giving evidence to the inquiry, one employment expert estimated that hybrid working offered a potential labor supply gain of 1-2%, with real potential to enhance UK productivity. This is relevant to the government's commitment to address economic inactivity, set out in its Get Britain Working white paper.

Another area where hybrid working could benefit employers is in terms of retention and recruitment. In the report, it was estimated that this could save employers between 7 billion and 10 billion every year. But there was an important exception to this. New starters can benefit from more in-person time at their workplace during inductions.

The inquiry also observed that employers' main concern was losing opportunities for staff collaboration. But this misses an important point. Well-managed hybrid workwhich coordinates so-called "anchor days" when teams get together in personoffers exactly these opportunities for workplace relationships to thrive.

And perhaps it can even do so better than full-time office work, when these interactions could be ad hoc and irregular. The inquiry pointed to the "best of both worlds" offer that hybrid working made to organizations. It noted that the potential for technology to support collaboration is under-used. As digital platforms continue to evolve, it seems likely that hybrid working can become increasingly effective.

But given that organizations appear to be concerned about collaboration, they could use this to acknowledge and incentivize employees. For example, appraisals could recognize the collaborative work (such as mentoring) that often goes unnoticed within organizations.

The inquiry also took an interest in headline-grabbing return-to-office mandates. It found that the codification of office days in mandates (along the lines of "staff must be in the office four days a week") represented a trade-off by employers between collaborative benefits and staff satisfaction. Blanket mandates fail to address the gap between employees' and employers' office preferencesand the reasons underpinning these. Unaddressed, this could cause employment relations problems.

On a practical note, after the COVID disruption some organizations have rethought their workplace needs, with the result that they now have insufficient space for genuine collaboration. Colleagues and I are finding in our ongoing research that seat-booking systems can leave workers unable to sit with their teams when they attend the office. This clearly negates the benefits of in-person days.

A more forward-looking approach is to redesign offices in a way that better reflects the needs of collaborative work. This could include creating bespoke meeting places, more differentiated individual working spaces, and the development of hybrid policy alongside inclusive office design.

The inquiry has taken into account the views of a wide range of people, providing an important and accessible review of the evidence at a key time when many organizations are reviewing their hybrid work policy. It offers a wealth of insight as to how employers can adapt and refine their hybrid working practice to achieve both productivity and happy workers.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Bouncer killed in targeted shooting in central Playa del Carmen bar district

Playa del Carmen, Q.R.  Paramedics rushed a bar employee to hospital Sunday night from an armed attack. The man, reported to be a bouncer, was shot at close range while he was standing outside the club.

Municipal Police were called to an establishment on 12th Street after a staff member of La Vaquita was shot. Eye witnesses from the citys bar district said armed men approached the man and shot him in the head.

Those responsible then fled into the confused crowd who heard gunfire amid the music. The shooting happened around 9:00 p.m.

The man was found laying on his back on the cobblestone outside the club. He was rushed to a Playa del Carmen hospital where he later died.

Following the targeted attack, a search operation was launched by police to locate the gunman, however, arrests have not been announced.

Since his death, the Quintana Roo State Attorney Generals Office was notified to proceed with the corresponding investigation.
Massive drug shipment bound for Quintana Roo intercepted on Yucatan highway

Riviera Maya, Q.R.  A cargo truck transporting a load of narcotics bound for Quintana Roo was intercepted Sunday. SSP Police say the truck, which was coming from the state of Jalisco, was transporting approximately 69 million pesos in narcotics.

In a statement, SSP Yucatan said agents from the Attorney General of the Republic (FGR), investigators and the K-9 Unit of the Public Security Secretariat (SSP), along with personnel from the National Defense Secretariat (SEDENA), National Guard, and the Navy seized various drugs and arrested two people during an operation on the Campeche-Merida highway.

At a checkpoint along this stretch of highway, a white cargo truck was stopped.

Canine units inspected the truck and detected the presence of synthetic and natural drugs, including marijuana, crystal meth, and crack cocaine, with an estimated street value of approximately 69 million pesos.

Jose Juan N, 26, from the state of Puebla, and Luis Enrique N, 45, from the State of Mexico, were arrested at the scene.

The vehicle originated in the state of Jalisco and was headed to Quintana Roo with a stopover in Yucatan.

Both the seized substances and the detainees were immediately turned over to the Attorney Generals Office, who will continue the corresponding investigations.

Authorities reiterate their commitment to working in a coordinated manner to combat drug trafficking on highways and at strategic points in the region.
Interview: Boao Forum's Riyadh conference opens new avenues for cooperation, says CEO of Saudi chemical giant

Xinhua) 08:12, December 01, 2025

Abdulrahman Al-Fageeh, CEO of Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC), delivers a speech during the opening ceremony of BFA Riyadh Conference 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Nov. 27, 2025. (Xinhua/Wang Haizhou)

RIYADH, Nov. 30 (Xinhua) -- Abdulrahman Al-Fageeh, CEO of Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) and a board member of the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA), said the BFA serves as an important platform that brings together governments, enterprises, and scholars, creating more opportunities for cooperation and helping advance common development.

Al-Fageeh made the remarks in a recent interview with Xinhua on the sidelines of the BFA Riyadh Conference 2025, held from Wednesday to Thursday in the Saudi capital.

Co-hosted by the BFA and SABIC, the event brought together more than 300 participants from over 10 countries, regions, and international organizations. Discussions focused on key topics including regional economic resilience, energy transition, and sustainable development.

Al-Fageeh said the second edition of the BFA Riyadh Conference offers Asian partners a key opportunity to learn about investment prospects in the kingdom and to deepen cooperation across the region.

He noted that Asia is one of the fastest-growing regions in the global economy and a market that warrants close attention. In the petrochemical sector, where SABIC operates, growth in Asia has been particularly strong.

On cooperation with China, Al-Fageeh stressed that SABIC has been active in the Chinese market for more than four decades, making it one of the earliest major multinational companies to enter China. Today, the company continues to deepen cooperation and expand investment through various partnerships.

"We partnered with Sinopec on one of the largest petrochemical complexes in Tianjin," he said. "We are now also constructing another of the largest petrochemical complexes in Fujian."

He emphasized that SABIC's cooperation with China goes far beyond simple trade, describing it as a collaborative partnership involving knowledge exchange, technology sharing, joint innovation, and jointly delivering solutions to the market.

Al-Fageeh added that China has continued to improve its business environment while maintaining steady market growth. "In China, we have become an important partner, and we will continue to actively participate in China's economic development in the future."

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
This article by Calum Lister Matheson, Associate Professor of Communication, University of Pittsburgh is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Contrails have a simple explanation, but not everyone wants to believe it. AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster Calum Lister Matheson, University of Pittsburgh

Everyone has looked up at the clouds and seen faces, animals, objects. Human brains are hardwired for this kind of whimsy. But some people  perhaps a surprising number  look to the sky and see government plots and wicked deeds written there. Conspiracy theorists say that contrails  long streaks of condensation left by aircraft  are actually chemtrails, clouds of chemical or biological agents dumped on the unsuspecting public for nefarious purposes. Different motives are ascribed, from weather control to mass poisoning.

The chemtrails theory has circulated since 1996, when conspiracy theorists misinterpreted a U.S. Air Force research paper about weather modification, a valid topic of research. Social media and conservative news outlets have since magnified the conspiracy theory. One recent study notes that X, formerly Twitter, is a particularly active node of this broad online community of conspiracy.

Im a communications researcher who studies conspiracy theories. The thoroughly debunked chemtrails theory provides a textbook example of how conspiracy theories work.

Boosted into the stratosphere

Conservative pundit Tucker Carlson, whose podcast averages over a million viewers per episode, recently interviewed Dane Wigington, a longtime opponent of what he calls geoengineering. While the interview has been extensively discredited and mocked in other media coverage, it is only one example of the spike in chemtrail belief.

Although chemtrail belief spans the political spectrum, it is particularly evident in Republican circles. U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has professed his support for the theory. U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia has written legislation to ban chemical weather control, and many state legislatures have done the same.

Online influencers with millions of followers have promoted what was once a fringe theory to a large audience. It finds a ready audience among climate change deniers and anti-deep state agitators who fear government mind control.

Heads I win, tails you lose

Although research on weather modification is real, the overwhelming majority of qualified experts deny that the chemtrail theory has any solid basis in fact. For example, geoengineering researcher David Keiths lab posted a blunt statement on its website. A wealth of other resources exist online, and many of their conclusions are posted at contrailscience.com.

But even without a deep dive into the science, the chemtrail theory has glaring logical problems. Two of them are falsifiability and parsimony.

According to psychologist Rob Brotherton, conspiracy theories have a classic heads I win, tails you lose structure. Conspiracy theorists say that chemtrails are part of a nefarious government plot, but its existence has been covered up by the same villains. If there was any evidence that weather modification was actually happening, that would support the theory, but any evidence denying chemtrails also supports the theory  specifically, the part that alleges a cover-up.

People who subscribe to the conspiracy theory consider anyone who confirms it to be a brave whistleblower and anyone who denies it to be foolish, evil or paid off. Therefore, no amount of information could even hypothetically disprove it for true believers. This denial makes the theory nonfalsifiable, meaning its impossible to disprove. By contrast, good theories are not false, but they must also be constructed in such a way that if they were false, evidence could show that.

Nonfalsifiable theories are inherently suspect because they exist in a closed loop of self-confirmation. In practice, theories are not usually declared false based on a single test but are taken more or less seriously based on the preponderance of good evidence and scientific consensus. This approach is important because conspiracy theories and disinformation often claim to falsify mainstream theories, or at least exploit a poor understanding of what certainty means in scientific methods.

Like most conspiracy theories, the chemtrail story tends not to meet the criteria of parsimony, also known as Occams razor, which suggests that the more suppositions a theory requires to be true, the less likely it actually is. While not perfect, this concept can be an important way to think about probability when it comes to conspiracy theories. Is it more likely that the government is covering up a massive weather program, mind-control program or both that involve thousands or millions of silent, complicit agents, from the local weather reporter to the Joint Chiefs of Staff, or that were seeing ice crystals from plane engines?

Of course, calling something a conspiracy theory does not automatically invalidate it. After all, real conspiracies do exist. But its important to remember scientist and science communicator Carl Sagans adage that extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence. In the case of chemtrails, the evidence just isnt there.
Care and Feeding is Slates parenting advice column. Have a question for Care and Feeding? Submit it here.

Dear Care and Feeding,

My second graders public school is full of warm, caring educators and decent support for students working below grade level. His class is big and rowdy, with a single teacher and a majority of kids who read and do math at a kindergarten level.

But my child is working significantly above grade level, and reports being bored. He gets appropriate worksheets once he (quickly) completes his grade-level work, but as far as I can tell, he figures them out himself. I think he gets basically zero meaningful instruction at his level, and the teacher admits she spends her extra time with the struggling kids. I want to advocate for my kid, without taking resources away from others, but I am at a complete loss. Where do I start? What can I ask for? We both work full-time and cant really volunteer. It seems like a resource issue.

Would-Be Advocate Mom

Dear Would-Be Advocate Mom,

Your instinct to push your second-grader into more challenging work is a good one. You want him to be engaged in school, and you absolutely dont want that boredom to turn into something else later down the roadlike behavioral changes, which can be so much harder to address.

I would first set up a friendly meeting with the teacher and ask if we could invite any other school administrators who could be helpful, such as counselors or learning specialists. (Id ask the teacher for her advice on who should be included in this meeting, as that might vary based on the school district.) You mention educators at this school are warm and caring, so the meeting should be amicable and a good way to discuss options.

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Back in my dayI was in second grade in 1992there were only two main ways our school district handled students who worked above grade level: having them skip a grade or putting them in gifted classrooms. The latter was what my mom opted for. For many reasons, neither of these options is necessarily the norm now. Research shows that what we once called gifted programs exacerbated inequality, and parents are often concerned that skipping grades might not be the best for students who could socially benefit from remaining with their peers.

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As the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth explains, opportunities for what acceleration looks like have evolved. It could look like your kid skipping a class. Some school districts, like Chicago Public Schools, are working to increase access to this option right now. Or your son could be pulled out of class to work with a specialist. Id also remind you that he doesnt have to strictly be challenged within school walls! Many of my friends have enrolled their kids in programs such as Kumon, where kids as young as 3 years old can start lessons in reading and math. Plus, their kids really love going, so its a win all around. Many opt for Saturday sessions due to busy work schedules, so that could be another option for you. Good luck!

Arionne

More Advice From Slate

My friends Dan and Sara are doing some kind of gentle parenting with their 4-year-old. This would not be my business except that due to getting laid off, they will be living with me. I know thats not a great plan but theyre out of options. Anyway, I was at a barbecue where their kid bolted into the road and they didnt even say anything about that being dangerous, just caught him and redirected him. He did this twice more throughout the night
Beauty Is Blind closed from seventh on the final turn to record her 50th career victory in dramatic fashion in an optional-claiming contest at Rideau Carleton Raceway on Sunday, Nov. 30.

Beauty Is Blind slotted into the three-hole early in the $6,000 event while the parked-out Blackjack Soleil (Eric Beausoleil) hung outside leader Red Cape Party (Daniel St. Pierre) in a :28.1 quarter over the track labelled "good." Further action kicked off in front of the stands as Pascal Berube pulled Beauty Is Blind out behind Blackjack Soleil, prompting both Alwaysyourway (Robert Shepherd) and Latte Seelster (Stephane Pouliot) to swing three-wide around her, and the field raced in three lines past the half in 1:00.1.

Beauty Is Blind stepped around the fading Blackjack Soleil approaching three-quarters in 1:28.4 and formed up third-over briefly before tipping three-high again to begin her charge. She was widest of five in a battle royale down the lane, and she was the fastest home, roaring up in the final metres to prevail in 1:59.2. Alwaysyourway was a gutsy second off a tiring trip. Red Cape Party held third.

The eight-year-old Beauty Is Blind reached a half-century in wins in her 177th start and upped her total earnings to $254,794. Marc-Andre Simoneau conditions the daughter of Betterthancheddar-Fast Ruffles and co-owns her with Desjardins Noreau Stable of Quebec City, Que. and fellow Trois-Rivieres, Que. resident Jean Fontaine. The mare returned $12.30 to win.

Exotic Sand surged in deep-stretch to extend his winning streak to seven in the finale, an optional claimer with an $8,000 purse. The John MacMillan trainee had the golden chair behind leader P L Rinchenia (Shepherd) through :28.4, :58.4, and 1:27.1 fractions and took the tow into the stretch. The leaders resistance lasted into deep-stretch, when Exotic Sand brought a final flurry to get up by a half-length in 1:56. Thrilling Times (William Roy) finished third, five lengths back of P L Rinchenia.

Exotic Sand is undefeated since moving to Rideau in October for MacMillan of Odessa, Ont., who co-owns the seven-year-old with 2099551 Ontario Inc. of Greely, Ont. The son of American Ideal-Jus Chilln Out notched his 23rd lifetime win in 102 starts and has now earned $174,650. His win price was $2.50.

Rideau hosted retirement ceremonies for a pair of 14-year-olds, National Debt and Silverado, both longtime battlers at the Ottawa, Ont.-area track.

National Debt was recognized in the winners circle following the fourth race. The son of Allamerican Native-Our Inheritance has been a regular in the Rideau Preferred ranks for the last eight years for owner Francois Morin of Beauceville, Que. National Debt made the trip to the winners circle with Morin, Yves Tessier, who was the horse's trainer when at Rideau, and regular driver Pascal Berube for the presentation. The stallion compiled a record of 93 wins from 289 lifetime starts and earned $778,939. He made 133 appearances at Rideau, mainly at the Preferred level, and won 55 times at the track. Be sure to check out the upcoming December holiday issue of TROT Magazine for a special feature story on National Debt.

The connections of Silverado, who is recovering on stall rest after an injury, received a presentation after the first race. Owner-trainer Wayne Laviolette and family were on hand to accept the blanket, carrots, and placard. Laviolette owned the Mach Three-Armbro Velour gelding throughout his career and trained him for all but but a short U.S. stint in 2017. The gelding retires with 32 wins and $278,808 in earnings in 278 starts. He raced at Rideau 219 times with 27 wins.

To view Sundays harness racing results, click the following link: Sunday Results - Rideau Carleton Raceway.

(Standardbred Canada; photo of Beauty Is Blind winning on June 1)
The European Vega C rocket blasted off into space on Monday, successfully putting a South Korean Kompsat-7 satellite into the Earth's orbit.

After two delays, Vega C achieved lift-off from the Guiana Space Centre in French Guiana at 2:21 pm (1721 GMT), an AFP journalist saw, with a significant South Korean delegation that had made the trip to South America watching on.

After 45 minutes of flight, the lightweight rocket deposited the Kompsat-7 into orbit, with the 1.8-tonne satellite set to monitor the Korean peninsula for at least five years.

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The mission's success contrasts with the failure of the Vega C's first commercial flight, when the rocket lost two Airbus satellites at a time when Europe was already deprived of Russia's Soyuz rockets following the Kremlin's invasion of Ukraine.

As a result, Europe lost an independent way to launch its missions into space for a year, while its new-generation heavyweight Ariane 6 rocket suffered repeated delays.

Although Ariane 6 finally blasted off in 2024, the rocket is not reusable -- unlike SpaceX's Falcon 9 workhorse, which has helped Elon Musk's company rise to dominate the market.

gr-neo/sbk/jhb
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

In situ laser-induced (ISLI) direct 3D printing of free-standing thermoset devices. Left: By integrating a 1,064-nm laser focused on the polymer ink jet for in situ curing, 3D structures can be constructed without supporting materials. Right: The laser-induced photothermal effect dramatically increases the Young's modulus (top) and tunes crosslink density (middle), enabling a fast liquid-solid transition, programmable mechanical and electrical properties, and complex unsupported structures (bottom). Credit: Reposted with permission from Qibin Zhuang et al., Nature Electronics, 2025.

Thermosets, such as epoxy and silicon rubbers, are a class of polymer (i.e., plastic) materials that harden permanently when they undergo a specific chemical reaction, known as "crosslinking." These materials are highly durable, heat-resistant with excellent electrical insulation in various applications such as in adhesives, coatings, and automotive parts.

Thermosets are also widely used to fabricate electronic components, including switches, circuit breakers and other core circuit components.

So far, thermoset-based free-standing devices have proved difficult to construct by using conventional 3D printing processes. One key reason for this is that the materials need to be provisionally supported by other supporting objects until they become solid, which adds more steps to the printing process.

Researchers at Xiamen University, University of California, Berkeley and other institutes have introduced a new approach to reliably print 3D free-standing thermoset devices without any supplementary structures. This method, presented in a paper published in Nature Electronics, combines a 3D printing method known as direct ink writing with a laser-assisted solidification process.

"Thermoset materials (such as silicones) are widely used in engineering and infrastructure applications," Dezhi Wu, co-senior author of the paper, told Tech Xplore.

"However, their 3D printing processes suffer from prolonged curing time and complicate supporting structures to make freestanding structures as they will sag and collapse before solidification. The laser manufacturing tools in our lab are utilized to directly print thermoset ink materials to cure the ink instantly."

Combining 3D printing with laser-induced solidification

The 3D printing approach introduced by the researchers has several advantages. Firstly, it drastically reduces the time required to produce thermoset structures from hours to seconds. Secondly, the new method also enables the direct printing of free-standing 3D thermoset structures without the need for support materials. Finally, it enables the in-situ engineering of specific mechanical and electrical properties during the printing process, which is highly advantageous when fabricating systems for specific applications.

Optical pictures of free-standing 3D structures with diverse thermosets. Materials (left to right, top to bottom): PDMS; PDMS with red pigment; PDMS with black pigment; Dragon Skin with orange pigment; Ecoflex with blue pigment; and PDMS with white, yellow, and red pigments. Credit: Reposted with permission, Qibin Zhuang et al., Nature Electronics, 2025.

"Free-standing thermoset devices offer two unique advantages," said Liwei Lin, co-senior author of the paper.

"First, the in-situ laser curing process eliminates the scheme used in conventional 3D processes by the supporting materials and post-process to remove the supporting structures.

"This enables the efficient fabrication of complex 3D geometries and broader device functionality. Second, the properties of printed 3D structures are programmable. For example, the local mechanical stiffness and electrical conductivity can be adjusted by the printing parameters so that different regions can be made softer or stiffer, and their conductivity can be high or low."

The careful engineering of specific properties in specific parts of a structure could be particularly valuable when developing systems that can benefit from being stiffer or softer in different places. For example, it could be useful to develop comfortable wearable devices or functional robots with flexible joints that can conduct electricity in some parts of their body and not in others.

"To tailor the structures' properties, we focus a 1,064-nm laser on the polymer jet near the nozzle tip, where the in-situ localized gelation of the thermoset ink is induced based on the photothermal effect," explains Lin.

Opening new paths for the manufacturing of thermoset devices

To demonstrate the potential of their 3D printing method, the researchers used it to print various thermoset-based free-standing devices, including stretchable electronic components, soft sensors and 3D magnetic robots. Their proposed approach achieves a fine printing resolution (i.e., down to 50 m) and can be easily adapted for the fabrication of a wide range of devices.

"This approach produces high-resolution, free-standing architectures from diverse thermoset inks without additional support materials or prolonged post-processing," explained Wu.

"By adjusting laser power and printing parameters, we control Young's modulus along the filament, enabling stiffness gradient and spatially programmable functionality. Our method thus enables the volumetric programming of properties, such as mechanical stiffness and electrical conductivity."

ISLI printed butterfly soft robot placed on the petal of a Phoenix flower to highlight its intricate, unsupported 3D structure and light weight. Credit: Xiamen University Qibin Zhuang, Dezhi Wu & UC Berkeley Liwei Lin.

In the future, the 3D printing strategy employed by Lin, Wu and their colleagues could enable the manufacturing of new and diverse flexible electronic devices on a large scale. In addition to the fabrication of soft robots, it could support the scalable production of organ-on-chip systems and bio-compatible devices with advanced functionalities and complex 3D geometries.

"We now plan to build a robust 3D-printing platform for the construction of soft, multi-functional devices," added Wu. "We will also expand the printable ink toolbox and investigate the optimal printing parameters toward industrial applications, such as flexible electronics, organ chips and so on."

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: Qibin Zhuang et al, Laser-assisted direct three-dimensional printing of free-standing thermoset devices, Nature Electronics (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41928-025-01491-2. Journal information: Nature Electronics

 2025 Science X Network
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

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

Airbus is inspecting panels on its bestselling A320 passenger jets after quality control problems surfaced, days after it reported that it was scrambling to fix a separate software problem affecting about 6,000 of the popular planes.

The European planemaker said Monday that it "identified a supplier quality issue affecting a limited number" of metal panels on the single-aisle A320 aircraft.

"The source of the issue has been identified, contained and all newly produced panels conform to all requirements," Airbus said in a brief statement.

The company said it's taking a conservative approach and inspecting all planes that could potentially be affected by the problem, "knowing that only a portion of them will need further action to be taken."

Airbus sources parts and components from thousands of outside suppliers.

The announcement, coming hours after it said that the software glitch had been mostly resolved with an update, sent the company's shares skidding.

Airbus had said earlier Monday that most of its fleet of 6,000 A320 passenger jets have received an update to fix a software glitch that could have affected flight controls.

Travelers had faced minor disruptions heading into the weekend as airlines around the world scrambled to push the software updates out to the widely used commercial jetliner. Airbus warned of the problem Friday with U.S. millions of passengers in transit for the Thanksgiving holiday, the busiest travel time in the United States.

The European planemaker said in its update that the "vast majority" of the short-haul passenger jets in service "have now received the necessary modifications."

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

"We are working with our airline customers to support the modification of less than 100 remaining aircraft to ensure they can be returned to service," Toulouse, France-based Airbus said.

"Airbus apologizes for any challenges and delays caused to passengers and airlines by this event," it said.

Airbus said it discovered that "intense solar radiation" could corrupt data that's critical to the functioning of flight controls.

The problem is suspected of contributing to a sudden drop in altitude of a JetBlue plane from Cancun, Mexico, to Newark, New Jersey on Oct. 30, that injured at least 15 passengers, some of them transported to hospitals for medical care.

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency required airlines to address the issue with the software update. More than 500 U.S.-registered aircraft were impacted, including jets flown by American Airlines and Delta.

Japan's All Nippon Airways, Air India and Germany's Lufthansa were also affected. The Airbus A320 family of single-aisle aircraft is the primary competitor to Boeing's 737.

 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
(TBTCO) - Von vay nuoc ngoai cua Chinh phu, ac biet la von ODA va von vay uu ai a va ang tiep tuc ong vai tro quan trong oi voi phat trien kinh te - xa hoi, au tu ket cau ha tang, giao duc ao tao, khoa hoc cong nghe va chuyen oi so cua at nuoc. Tuy nhien, nghiep vu cho vay lai hien nay van con mot so kho khan
Filming for This City Is Ours was plunged into chaos after being struck by Spanish criminals.

This City Is Ours

Raiders ransacked a production crew member's apartment near the tourist hotspot Marbella - the setting for the gritty BBC crime drama - and stole his personal belongings as series two of the critically acclaimed programme was shot in October.

A source told the Daily Star Sunday newspaper: "It was certainly the talk of the town. It was a shock that, as shooting for a major crime show was happening, one of those working on it also became a victim of crime.

"The irony was not lost on anyone."

This City Is Ours follows gangster Ronnie Phelan (Sean Bean) and his family amid a drug trafficking backdrop.

And despite 66-year-old leading man Sean's alter ego being killed off in series one, bosses are hoping the actor can appear in series two as a part of a flashback episode.

In May, a source told The Mirror: "The shape of season two is up in the air, but one thought is that Sean Bean will return as Ronnie in an episode about his backstory.

The next season will see the return of Julie Graham, 60, who portrays matriarch Elaine Phelan, James Nelson-Joyce, 36, who plays leading gang member Michael Kavanagh, and Hannah Onslow, 27, as Michael's partner Diana Williams.

Season one of This City is Ours - which aired on BBC One in March - pulled in six million viewers, and the eight-episode series quickly became the BBC's most-watched drama of the year.

And the drama's creator and lead writer, Stephen Butchard, is thrilled with how well series one performed, and he cannot wait for viewers to see series two.

He said to The Mirror: "We have all been blown away by the incredibly positive response to This City is Ours.

"I cant thank the audience enough for their time and emotional investment.

"My heartfelt thanks also to Lindsay Salt and her wonderful team at BBC Drama for their unflinching support and continued belief in the show, our story and our characters  and not least for this opportunity to do it all over again! See you soon!"
How Local Payroll Taxes Shape Business Growth Across the U.S.

When business executives are scouting for growth opportunities, they tend to focus on the big threereal-estate costs, labor supply, access to the supply chain, and local incentives. However, one of the most important factors that gets neglected is local payroll taxes, which are imposed by cities, counties, or other local jurisdictions. These taxes do make a significant difference in calculating the cost of hiring employees in a respective market. For a company seeking to expand outside of its home state or create a distributed workforce, understanding local payroll obligations can be a game-changer.

While it is often the case that federal and state government employer taxes get the most attention, local payroll taxes can vary significantly (and more unpredictably) in the U.S. Some localities impose flat occupational taxes, while others impose percentage-based taxes, and there is an increasing number of cities imposing employer-required taxes based on headcount and/or hours worked. Although these amounts might seem small by themselves, when multiplied across dozens or hundreds of employees, they suddenly alter the cost of adding employees and impact the overall business growth strategy.

This article elaborates on the variety of local payroll taxes throughout the U.S., and how they impact business location strategyand why these matter for companies.

The Landscape of Local Payroll Taxes in America

States With the Highest Local Payroll Tax Burden

When it comes to local payroll taxes, only a few states really go all out, but in those states, the rates can be quite hefty. Places like Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Kentucky often impose occupational or local income taxes. This means that employers not only have to withhold local taxes from their employees' paychecks but might also have to chip in with their own local taxes.

Take Pennsylvania, for instance. Municipalities there require employers to withhold earned income taxes, while many cities in Ohio have local income taxes that can soar above 2%. This creates a tangled web of tax obligations for businesses that hire across different regions.

Cities with Unique or High-Impact Tax Structures

Now, let's look at some cities that have unique or particularly impactful tax structures:

New York City

While NYC doesn't have a blanket employer payroll tax, certain industries and transit districts do face specific payroll charges. When you factor in state taxes, the overall cost of employment in the city is among the highest in the country.

San Francisco

San Francisco has a history of implementing a payroll expense tax based on total employer compensation. Although the city has shifted its focus to gross receipts taxes, some payroll-related rules still apply, especially for certain industries and high-paying jobs.

Philadelphia

Philadelphia has one of the highest local wage taxes in the U.S., which applies to both residents and nonresidents working in the city. Employers are required to withhold this tax, making it crucial for companies hiring within the city to stay compliant.

Jurisdictions without Local Payroll Taxes and the Benefits

Numerous states, such as Florida, Texas, and Washington, do not levy local payroll taxes in any respect. Generally, these jurisdictions become attractive to businesses because they provide the following benefits:

Lower taxes on employers

Easier compliance processes

Faster scaling of hiring

More certain long-term overhead of employment costs

The aforementioned benefits facilitate aggressive formations of business migration to states with reliable and easy-to-manage tax liabilities associated with employment.

How Local Payroll Taxes Influence Business Location Decisions

Understanding the Total Cost of Workforce Across Different Markets

When it comes to hiring talent, local payroll taxes play a significant role in determining costs across various regions. A market that might seem appealing due to low commercial rents or a rich labor pool can quickly become pricey once you factor in the employer tax obligations.

Companies typically look at:

Payroll withholding requirements

Employer-specific taxes (whether percentage-based or based on headcount)

Local wage standards

The administrative costs tied to compliance

Even small differences in percentages can lead to hefty annual expenses for a growing team.

Tax Incentives vs. Tax Burden in Site Selection

Local governments often roll out incentives to lure employers, such as:

Payroll tax credits or rebates

Job creation grants

Temporary payroll tax holidays

Industry-specific exemptions

While these perks can help ease initial tax burdens, they seldom wipe out long-term obligations. Businesses need to carefully consider short-term incentives against the ongoing local payroll tax responsibilities.

Case Examples: Why Companies Choose Certain Cities Over Others

Across various industries, some trends consistently pop up:

Logistics and distribution companies tend to gravitate towards markets with minimal or no local payroll taxes to manage large workforces efficiently.

Technology firms might be willing to pay higher payroll taxes for the advantage of being close to vast talent pools in cities like Seattle or San Francisco.

Professional service firms are increasingly setting up shop in secondary metros, like Charlotte, Phoenix, and Nashville, where they can enjoy lower payroll costs without compromising on talent quality.

These choices highlight how tax conditions can influence the economic landscape of urban areas.

The Impact on Small vs. Large Business Growth

Proportional Burden on Startups and Small Businesses

Smaller companies feel payroll taxes more acutely. High local payroll costs can:

Limit early hiring

Delay market entry

Add compliance overhead for lean teams

Create unanticipated financial strain

Startups that choose high-tax cities may struggle to scale at the pace of competitors in more employer-friendly jurisdictions.

Enterprise-Level Considerations for Multi-State Operations

Larger companies deal less with cost strain and more with complexity. Operating across multiple states introduces:

Numerous local tax rates

Conflicting rules and exemptions

Reporting variations

Location-based filing obligations

Compliance errors can lead to costly penalties and audits, making reliable multi-jurisdiction payroll processes essential.

Remote Work Trends and Local Payroll Tax Implications

The rise of remote work has magnified local payroll complexity. Employers must now track:

Employee residency and work location

Hybrid schedules and location shifting

Residency-based local tax obligations

Post-pandemic rule changes

Even one remote hire can establish new tax withholding obligations. As distributed teams continue to expand, compliance precision becomes more critical than ever.

Industry-Specific Considerations for Local Payroll Taxation

Tech Hubs and Tax Competitiveness

Tech companies often balance high-cost, high-talent metros with emerging markets that offer better payroll tax environments. Many firms build hybrid models, keeping leadership in major hubs while distributing support teams across lower-tax regions.

Manufacturing and Distribution Strategies

Manufacturing and logistics operations rely heavily on labor volume, making payroll taxes a key factor in site selection. These businesses often concentrate in regions with:

Minimal or no local payroll taxes

Predictable long-term tax laws

Workforce tax incentives

Cost predictability often outweighs short-term incentives.

Service Businesses and Professional Firms

Law firms, medical groups, and consulting practices face heightened payroll pressures in cities with wage-based taxes due to higher compensation levels. Many are diversifying into secondary markets where talent remains strong, but payroll taxes are lower.

Managing Compliance as You Grow

When Local Payroll Taxes Become a Factor

Some jurisdictions impose payroll taxes only when employers hit certain thresholds, such as:

Minimum employee counts

Specific wage levels

Hours-worked triggers

Duration of business presence

Understanding these thresholds helps growing companies avoid accidental noncompliance.

Multi-Jurisdiction Payroll Complexity

Managing local payroll taxes across markets requires close monitoring of:

Local withholding rates

Reciprocity rules

Resident vs. nonresident tax obligations

Filing and remittance cycles

As businesses scale, they must adopt systems that can adapt to dozensor even hundredsof local rules.

Technology Solutions for Scaling Businesses

Many organizations turn to tools and platforms that enable:

Automated tax calculations

Multi-state payroll management

Real-time location-based tax updates

Compliance alerts and reporting dashboards

These solutions become crucial as hiring expands geographically.

Future Trends in Local Payroll Taxation

Emerging Tax Structures in Growing Metro Areas

Growing cities are increasingly implementing employer head taxes, mobility taxes, and compensation-based levies as they search for revenue to fund infrastructure and public services.

Competition Between Jurisdictions for Business Attraction

Cities and counties are actively positioning themselves to attract high-growth employers through:

Reduced or streamlined local payroll taxes

Targeted exemptions for priority industries

Predictable, transparent regulatory environments

Regions offering stability and clarity may gain a competitive edge in economic development.

Legislative Changes on the Horizon

As remote work reshapes hiring patterns, many states are considering updated policies to modernize and standardize local payroll tax structures. Potential changes include:

Clearer remote work tax rules

Uniform local withholding standards

State-level digital compliance systems

Businesses that monitor these developments will be better positioned to adapt.

Conclusion

Local payroll taxes may not dominate headlines, but they play a pivotal role in shaping where and how businesses grow. From local wage taxes to employer-specific levies, each jurisdiction's rules influence labor costs, location strategies, and long-term compliance requirements. Companies that fully understand these dynamics can make smarter decisions about where to hire, where to build new operations, and how to maintain sustainable cost structures as they scale. In an era of distributed workforces and rapid expansion, mastering the nuances of local payroll taxation is essential for strategic, cost-effective business growth.

* This is a contributed article. The HNGN news staff was not involved in the creation of this article and this content does not necessarily represent the views of HNGN.
If we've learned anything from writing this list, its that scientists and archaeologists should stop starting sentences with, We now know. Since new discoveries continuously pop up to refute their previous claims, As far as we know would be more fitting. For example, a neanderthal skull found in November 2025 completely changed what scientists knew about how neanderthals adapted to different climates.

As youll see from these ancient human remains, were learning more and more about our history every day. They say that roughly 97% of human history is lost, but like we said, if we all of a sudden find that weve been around a lot longer than we thought, that number would get bigger. Either way, its a staggering statistic, and we commend these fine nerds for helping us reclaim some of that lost history.

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15 A million year-old skull in China could rewrite our history Fudan University In September 2025, a one million-year-old human skull found in China suggests that Homo sapiens have been around at least half a million years earlier than we thought. It also shows that we co-existed with Neanderthals for much longer than we thought. Scientists claim their analysis "totally changes" our understanding of human evolution. Advertisement

14 The 12,000 year-old conflict in Southeast Asia C M Stimpson/Natural History Museum In Trang An, Vietnam, a 12,000-year-old skeleton was found alongside a fragment of quartz that shattered a bone in the mans neck and lodged in his body. This revealed the oldest evidence of human conflict on the southeast Asian mainland. Dr V. Manh Bui said, This is a groundbreaking and significant discovery  not only in terms of scientific value, but also in its historical and cultural importance. It is a source of local pride and will be invaluable in fostering a deeper appreciation for the heritage of Trang An in residents and visitors alike.

13 The discovery of the Denisovans In March 2010, the discovery of X-Woman found that she lived in Siberia around 40,000 years ago. It marked the first time a new type of human has been discovered through DNA testing only, and her DNA was different from Neanderthals or from modern humans. This indicated the existence of a third species named H. Denisovans. Scientists found that humans interbred with the Denisovans, since Australian Aborigines and the Melanesians of New Guinea share around 5 percent of their DNA with X-Woman.

12 Bones from what could be the first humans in Western Europe Maria D. Guillen/IPHES-CERCA The bone fragments discovered in Spain are from a specimen named "Pink" (by researchers who probably were fans of Pink Floyd), and have been dated to between 1.1 and 1.4 million years ago. A team led by Rosa Huguet said, This fossil represents the earliest human face of Western Europe identified to date. Until now, the earliest ancient human uncovered in the region was Homo antecessor (nicknamed "pioneer man"), which was about 850,000 years old. Advertisement Advertisement

11 An ancient human relative may have made tools 1.5 million years ago Louise Leakey In Kenya, archaeologists found 1.5 million year-old hand bones belonging to an ape-like early human relative. The shape of the bones suggest that their owner (a species called Paranthropus boisei) was capable of making stone tools. Tool use is a key milestone in the evolution of humans since, as anthropologist Carrie Mongle puts it, It represents a turning point in our behavioural and cognitive complexity.

10 Extremely rare Viking burial found in Norway Raymond Sauvage, NTNU University Museum Archaeologist Raymond Sauvage and crew found a 9th century Viking woman with two intricately decorated oval brooches (used to fasten Viking apron-halter dresses). But two large scallop shells placed over her mouth like a mask were something historians had never seen in a burial of this era. Sauvage said, This is a practice completely unknown in pre-Christian graves in Norway. We dont yet understand the symbolism, but it must have carried deep meaning for those who laid her to rest. Advertisement

9 Neanderthal skull reveals unexpected details about adaptation PNAS / Constantino Buzi / IPHES-CERCA A Neanderthal skeleton found in a limestone cave in southern Italy revealed a part of the human evolutionary story. Dated to roughly 130,000 to 172,000 years ago, evidence found in November 2025 suggests that the shape of the Neanderthal face emerged through evolutionary pressures rather than direct adaptation in the upper airways. Advertisement

8 The ancient Celtic Prince and his chariot The 2,500-year-old lavish tomb and chariot of an ancient Celtic prince were unearthed in France in 2015. It was filled with pottery and a gold-tipped drinking vessel that was decorated with images of a Greek god, most likely made by Greek or Etruscan artists. Dominique Garcia said the finds are evidence of the exchanges that happened between Mediterraneans and the Celts. Advertisement

7 A strange thousand year-old burial tradition Vyacheslav Baranov Archeologists in Ukraine unearthed over a hundred skeletons with axes, swords, spears and jewelry. Interestingly enough, there were buckets on the men's feet and rings around the women's necks. Researchers say these may have been used in funeral ceremonies, and this mass grave offers scientists a deeper look at past traditions.

6 An Iron Age human sacrifice in Britain In 2010, scientists in Dorset found rare evidence of a human blood sacrifice dating back thousands of years, and were shocked at the brutality inflicted upon the woman. Many experts believe that Iron Age Brits carried out human sacrifices but have found little evidence. This discovery gives scientists insight into dark customs in Englands past. Advertisement

5 The oldest known evidence of surgical amputation Tim Maloney/Griffith University In 2020, a skeleton found in Indonesia had his left foot cleanly removed, and evidence suggests the person lived six to nine years after the procedure. Scientists used to believe that amputation was developed around 10,000 years ago, but this finding dates back to roughly 31,000 years ago. Whoever removed the foot had impressive technical skill and a strong insight into human anatomy. The patient must have also been provided with sufficient care. Advertisement

4 Human remains found in Antarctica In 1985, a skull was found in Antarcticas South Shetland Islands. It belonged to an indigenous woman from southern Chile in her early 20s, thought to have died between 1819 and 1825. Okay, so it's not ancient but it's the oldest known human remains ever found in Antarctica. It was found at a camp made by sealers, but female sealers were unheard of at the time. Advertisement

3 The Ishango Bone Wikipedia This prehistoric mathematical artifact was discovered in the Democratic Republic of Congo and dates to 20,000 to 25,000 years ago. It features three columns of notches etched into a large animal's fibula, which are not random. They show patterns that suggest early mathematical understanding of concepts like doubling, prime numbers, and possibly a base-12 system.

2 The oldest known skeleton of a human ancestor J.H. Matternes (Artist's Rendition) With most of the skull, teeth, pelvis, hands and feet, the Ardi skeleton is the most complete early homonid ever discovered. Dated to 4.4 million years ago, this creature (Ardipithecus ramidus) had a brain and body the size of a chimp, but did not knuckle-walk or swing through the trees like an ape. Instead, "Ardi" walked upright with a big, stiff foot and short, wide pelvis. An opposable big toe means she probably grasped branches and climbed to reach food, sleep in nests, and to escape predators. Advertisement Advertisement
The following is the opinion and analysis of the writer:

TEPs leaders have been clear in their recent op-eds: They say community concerns about Project Blue are falsehoods, that critics are pushing claims without evidence, and that the data center will not hurt reliability or raise rates. They say the project will pay its own way.

I took them at their word and was willing to change my stance as someone who values facts and businesses committed to being true community partners. I wrote a letter to TEP VP Bakken and asked for two simple things: I requested the documents proving (1) all Project Blue costs are truly self-contained in the Energy Supply Agreement; and (2) reliability contingencies have been modeled for the full data-center buildout.

They did not provide those documents. Instead, I was redirected to PR web pages repeating promises and leaning on the unenforceable commitments by Beale Infrastructure, as if they substitute for filed proof.

Before getting to reliability or rates, theres a basic threshold issue. Beale is not the named counterparty to the filed Energy Supply Agreement (ESA). The ESA is with Humphreys Peak Power, LLC. To date, I have not received any filed documentation showing that Beale has legal authority to negotiate on behalf of or bind Humphreys Peak Power. That means public promises attributed to Beale are just that, promises.

They will remain as promises unless and until enforceable authority and obligations appear on the record.

Additionally, Humphreys Peak Power is the named counterparty to the ESA but does not appear to be registered to conduct business in Arizona. As I understand it, Arizona Statutes 29-3902 may not automatically invalidate the contract, but it still requires a foreign LLC to register with the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) before conducting business in Arizona.

Heres why this isnt a minor dispute about tone or rhetoric:

First, Project Blue is not a normal new customer.

TEP has argued that 286 megawatts (MW) is manageable and wont strain the grid.

According to the City of Tucsons April 22, 2025 Energy Sourcing Study, the entire city only had nine Large Power Service accounts in 2023. This shows how rare loads of this size are in our system. Project Blue would be the largest single load TEP has ever served. For something that is unprecedented, trust us isnt enough.

Second, TEPs own planning documents prove it knows how to show real modeling when it wants to.

In its 2023 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), TEP publicly compares reliability options and publishes hard numbers comparing costs. The IRP shows that meeting large-capacity needs with solar-plus-storage would require roughly $314 million more in capital and about 32% higher annual revenue requirements than gas turbines in a similar scenario. Thats the kind of concrete analysis missing from the Project Blue conversation.

The IRP also models loss-of-load risk under peak-summer conditions to evaluate future reliability needs. Those models show that reliability can tighten quickly if resource additions slip or loads grow faster than expected. Thats exactly why full-load modeling specific to Project Blue should be public before approval.

Third, the public is being asked to accept big claims right before a vote.

On Wednesday, Dec. 3, the ACC is scheduled to vote on this ESA. Yet we still have no publicly released full-load reliability study, no filed cost-containment modeling demonstrating no cost shift, and no transparent assumptions showing how TEP covers timing risks if planned resources slip. The decision is moving forward without the foundational evidence that should precede it.

Finally, TEP is asking for belief when the stakes demand proof.

Utilities dont hide a thriving grid. They display positive numbers as much as possible, and TEP already does this in the many ads they are running, touting 99% reliability, which sounds great, but a hyperscale data center raises the bar for power quality and makes reliability planning more complex, even with their backup systems.

If the studies showed clear surplus capacity and zero risk to households at full buildout, publishing them would strengthen public trust and make this vote easier. The refusal to release that modeling speaks louder than any talking point from TEP, the ACC, or Beale.
The exodus of UK citizens is being driven by tens of thousands of Eastern Europeans moving home after gaining citizenship or taking British partners with them, according to reports.

Poland and Romania recorded the highest increase in Britons arriving in the past four years, according to Times analysis of United Nations data.

In total, central and eastern European countries reported 104,150 British people among their populations.

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Bangladesh and Malta also had large increases in the number of UK citizens migrating to their countries between 2020 and 2024.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the fall in net migration to the lowest annual figure since 2021 as a step in the right direction.

Hundreds of thousands of Britons have left the UK in recent years (PA Archive)

Figures from the Office for National Statistics found a total of 992,000 British citizens left the UK between 2021 and 2024, nearly three times as many as estimated previously.

Around 174,000 16-to 34-year-olds fled in the year to March UK but retirees are returning.

Shadow home secretary Chris Philp said it was a symbol of a brain drain with young people facing a battle to find work. A rise in the minimum wage from Last weeks Budget means businesses are less likely to take a chance on them, critics say.

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Net migration  the difference between the number of people moving long-term to the country and the number of people leaving  has been on a downwards trend for the past two years.

The Times said there is a lack of evidence to suggest why people are leaving in such large numbers, or where they are moving to. However, an analysis of data collected by the UN on British nationals living in each country in the world shows where there have been large increases.

Immigration experts said many of those who emigrated to countries such as Poland and Romania were likely to have either obtained British citizenship after moving to the UK under EU free movement rules or married a British partner they had since taken back to their homeland.

Shadow home secretary Chris Philp appearing on Sky Newss Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips programme (PA Media)

Dr Ben Brindle, a researcher at the Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford, told the newspaper: Theres a lot we dont know about British emigration. ONS figures show that British emigration increased in 2022 and 2023, but not who these people are.

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Its likely that a significant share of Brits who emigrated are people who moved from the EU to the UK during free movement. Separate data from the UN suggest that between 2020 and 2024, the countries which saw the biggest increase in the size of their UK populations were Poland, Malta and Romania. These people may have been joined by British partners and children, too.

More generally, research suggests many move to English-speaking countries such as Australia, Canada and the US, often for career or lifestyle reasons.

The largest contingent of British people living abroad is in Australia, about 1.1 million, followed by the US, 894,789, then Canada with 427,526 and Spain with 294,986.

New polling by Ipsos and think tank British Future suggests 56 per cent of the public think net migration increased last year, despite the number falling.

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Sir Keir told GB News: Under the last government we saw the Boriswave.

He promised that net migration would come down, but it quadrupled to nearly one million. That was unprecedented.

Its now down to 200,000 or so, and thats a step in the right direction.

British Futures director Sunder Katwala said: It is time that our immigration debate caught up with reality.

Some voices will never be satisfied until immigration is net zero  but they cant claim to speak for most of the public.

With numbers returning to pre-Brexit levels, we need an immigration politics for 2025 and beyond.
Brussels, Belgium (PANA) - The European Council on Monday agreed its position on a regulation that seeks to broaden the scope of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers (EGF), extending support to workers facing unemployment




A charity is urging Scots not to give up the tradition of sending Christmas cards after a Glasgow art student's cards helped feed over a million hungry children.

Marys Meals has provided meals to more than a million children in some of the worlds poorest communities through the 220,000 Christmas cards sold over the last five years. But research has suggested that the tradition is at risk of fading away, with one in three Brits sending fewer cards last year than in previous Christmases and 15 per cent sending none.

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All of Marys Meals Christmas cards are designed in-house by Supporter Care Manager and talented artist Nell Keay, who is also a student at the Glasgow School of Art. She said: Its amazing the impact the Christmas cards have had on Marys Meals. Last year, through Christmas card sales alone, we were able to provide more than 330,000 meals which is just incredible.

Christmas cards are such a sweet thing to send to someone, particularly people who maybe you dont necessarily talk to very much, as we all have busy lives. Its just a nice reminder youre thinking of someone.

The charity, which began feeding just 200 children from a shed in the Scottish Highlands, says its cards have bucked the trend, with sales twice as high as those of the previous year. They are hoping to maintain the Christmas spirit this year as they continue to provide a nutritious meal to three million children every school day across 16 countries.

The charity says it costs just 19.15 to feed a child with Marys Meals every day for a school year. -Credit:Mary's Meals

And Nells Christmas wish is for her cards to spread awareness of Marys Meals vital work across the generations of potential supporters in Scotland, helping the charity to feed more hungry children in 2026. She adds: I know, for my dad, hes very proud of all his Christmas cards displayed around his house. It really means a lot to him that people still send him cards and hes very good at diligently sending out all his Marys Meals Christmas cards every year too.

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Although the tradition of sending a Christmas card to a loved one is perhaps fading among younger people, for the children we reach with Marys Meals, Christmas cards still matter. The sale of a pack of Christmas cards is enough to provide 50 meals  if you can buy one pack and make a loved one happy, it would certainly make lots of children happy too.

Thank you to all of our supporters, and I hope as our cards suggest, you have a peaceful Christmas full of love and hope.

The campaign comes as the charity says it added around 800,000 children to its global programme, including in Ethiopias war-torn region of Tigray, Haiti and Malawi and Zambia, who have struggled with drought and flooding.

The charity says it costs just 19.15 to feed a child with Marys Meals every day for a school year. -Credit:Mary's Meals

Country director for Malawi at Marys Meals Angela Chipeta Khonje, added: People in the UK may not be aware that by sending a Marys Meals Christmas card to a friend or relative, they're also contributing essential meals to children living in extremely vulnerable circumstances. Thanks to the purchase of these cards, children in Malawi and in fifteen other countries worldwide can attend school assured of a nutritious meal and hope of a brighter future.

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The charity says that the sale of the cards helps provide children like Flora with food, education and hope. The 13-year-old student of Chipini Primary School in Malawi is the eldest of four children in a household with minimal income.

Flora, who is a wheelchair user, often goes without eating at home. She says that without the free meal at school, she would struggle to find the strength to keep coming to class.

She says: Maybe yesterday I didnt eat supper, but I can come here and have porridge. That is what gives me the courage to go to class and continue learning.

To purchase your Marys Meals Christmas cards, visit shop.marysmeals.org.uk
MOSCOW, Dec 1 (Reuters) - Russia and Saudi Arabia on Monday signed an agreement to implement a visa-free regime for tourists and business people from the two countries for up to 90 days, the Russian government and the Saudi foreign ministry said.

The deal was signed on the sidelines of the Saudi-Russian Investment and Business Forum in Riyadh.

"As for the visa-free regime, now that the agreement has been signed, the legal procedures for exchanging notes and bringing the document into force will follow. In my opinion, this will make it possible to visit our countries visa-free at the beginning of next year," Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, who travelled to Saudi Arabia, said in a televised interview.

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Novak added that Russia and Saudi Arabia will also work on increasing the number of airlines operating direct flights between the two countries.

(Reporting by ReutersWriting by Maxim RodionovEditing by Andrew Osborn)
A students Christmas card design has helped a charity feed one million children.

Marys Meals, a Scottish charity, has funded the delivery of nutritious meals to children in some of the worlds poorest communities through the sale of festive greeting cards, all designed by staff member and Glasgow School of Art student Nell Keay.

The charitys efforts come at a time when Christmas card swapping is reportedly dwindling across the UK.

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Marys Meals has bucked this trend, seeing a spike in popularity last season, selling more than double the previous years sales figure.

Read more: Inside Glasgow pub with world-famous murals people travel across globe to see

Mary's Meals Christmas cards being sold at a Christmas market (Image: Mary's Meals)

Nell Keay said: Its amazing the impact the Christmas cards have had on Marys Meals.

Last year, through Christmas card sales alone, we were able to provide more than 330,000 meals, which is just incredible.

Christmas cards are such a sweet thing to send to someone, particularly people you maybe dont necessarily talk to very much, as we all have busy lives.

Advertisement Advertisement

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Its just a nice reminder youre thinking of someone.

I know, for my dad, hes very proud of all his Christmas cards displayed around his house. It really means a lot to him that people still send him cards, and hes very good at diligently sending out all his Marys Meals Christmas cards every year, too.

Marys Meals has grown from feeding 200 children from a shed in the Scottish Highlands.

They now provide nutritious meals for three million children every school day in 16 countries.

According to the charity, this promise of a daily meal encourages children living in poverty to attend school, boosting their chances of a brighter future.

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From the sale of Christmas cards, Marys Meals can serve a school meal to a hungry child for just 10p, while 19.15 will feed a child for a full school year.

This season, a pack of 10 cards  dubbed the gift of hope  could feed 50 children.

Nell said: Although the tradition of sending a Christmas card to a loved one is perhaps fading among younger people, for the children we reach with Marys Meals, Christmas cards still matter.

The sale of a pack of Christmas cards is enough to provide 50 meals  if you can buy one pack and make a loved one happy, it would certainly make lots of children happy too.

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One child to benefit from the charitys work is Flora, 13, a pupil at Chipini Primary School in Malawi  one of the schools where Marys Meals first began its school feeding programme in 2002.

Flora, the eldest of four children in a household with minimal income, often goes without eating at home.

She is also a wheelchair user and says that without the free meal at school, she would struggle to find the strength to keep attending class.

Flora said: Maybe yesterday I didnt eat supper, but I can come here and have porridge.

That is what gives me the courage to go to class and continue learning.

Read more: Paisley choir to host concert with instrumentalists from BBC Orchestra

Three friends enjoying Mary's Meals in Zimbabwe (Image: Mary's Meals)

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The rise in card sales coincided with an expansion of Marys Meals programmes across nine countries.

Angela Chipeta Khonje, country director for Malawi at Marys Meals, said: People in the UK may not be aware that by sending a Marys Meals Christmas card to a friend or relative, theyre also contributing essential meals to children living in extremely vulnerable circumstances.

Thanks to the purchase of these cards, children in Malawi and in 15 other countries worldwide can attend school assured of a nutritious meal and hope of a brighter future.

For details on purchasing Christmas cards and making donations, contact Marys Meals.
Her newly released photo book Source of Life is a curated collection of her most memorable encounters with the sun - spanning more than a decade. Each image in the book was captured not through meticulous planning, but in moments of serendipity and soul connection.

Thaos journey has taken her from dense forests to vast oceans, bustling cities to untouched wilderness, and even into the deepest corners of her inner world.

The sunlight doesnt just illuminate - it pierces into the stillest places in our hearts, carrying with it life and healing, she shared.

The exhibition space for Source of Life by photographer Hoang Thi Bich Thao.

She now holds over 10,000 photographs of the sun. But for her, the art of sun hunting isnt about the volume - its about presence.

This journey taught me patience, gratitude, and how to let go, Thao reflected. Maybe I cant keep the moment forever, but I can hold on to the emotion it gave me.

Her photographs, she explained, are emotional imprints - sun-soaked expressions she wishes to share with others through the quiet language of light.

A decade of meditative dialogue with light

For Thao, photographing the sun is more than capturing a sunrise or sunset - its a ritual of listening to nature.

After ten years, I still believe that the most beautiful moments in life are those lit by the light of destiny, she said.

The images in Source of Life are not staged or manipulated. They are spontaneous meetings - when the sun appears just as the camera, the moment, and her spirit are ready.

Colonel Doan Hoai Trung, President of the Ho Chi Minh City Photographers Association, sees her use of light as something more than technique.

In Thaos work, light becomes the souls voice, he remarked.

Over a decade, Bich Thao photographed the sun not just for its visual splendor, but to listen to nature.

Rather than seeking grandeur or spectacle, she captures beauty in stillness - in fleeting, fragile gifts from the sky. These are moments that only those with a loving eye and a sensitive heart can recognize, let alone preserve.

Among her works, Five-Colored Clouds moved Doan Hoai Trung the most. He was touched by her intuitive grasp of beauty and the rare emotional sensitivity required to capture such a moment.

In one photo, a split-second vision of ethereal, prismatic clouds was immortalized by Thaos lens - inviting viewers to witness the sacred wonder of nature and the deep stirrings it evokes in the human spirit.

A book that speaks across generations

Nguyen Thien Nhan, former Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee, praised Thaos decision to turn her photography into a book.

What touched me was how people of all ages and backgrounds could talk about the sky, about sunrise and sunset, about love, joy, and the little surprises of life beneath the sun, he said.

I believe Thaos book will inspire vitality in us all - whether were in our twenties, forties, sixties, or even eighties. Who knows? After reading it, we may all feel like living just a little longer.

All proceeds from book sales between November 28 and 30 will be donated by Thao to support Central Vietnamese communities recovering from recent floods.

Selected sun photos from the Source of Life collection:

Photos: Son Pham

Tuan Chieu
Responding to calls from local authorities and residents to ease financial pressure through installment-based land use fee payments, the Ministry of Finance has stated that current legislation does not yet allow for this. However, the ministry confirmed it will consider the proposal during upcoming revisions to related decrees.

Current law allows for deferred land use fees only in specific cases when first issuing land use rights certificates. Photo: Thach Thao

According to voters in Ho Chi Minh City, current land prices are disproportionate to citizens incomes. Many households, particularly those in financially difficult situations, struggle to change the land use designation from agricultural to residential - often needed when subdividing plots or building homes for their children.

Voters proposed a number of policy adjustments, including fairer conversion fees, reduced personal income tax on property transactions, and exemption or reduction schemes for low-income households. Notably, they suggested allowing these households to pay land use conversion fees in installments over an extended period, helping them secure stable housing.

In its response, the Ministry of Finance cited the 2024 Land Law - effective August 1, 2024 - which mandates:

Upon changing the land use purpose, land users must pay a one-time land use fee or land rental fee for the entire lease term, calculated as the difference between the value of the land before and after conversion.

Article 8 of Decree 103/2024 reinforces this for individuals and households, aligning with the principles in the 2024 Land Law.

Accordingly, households converting agricultural land to residential land must pay the difference between the residential and agricultural land use fees, based on prices at the time the conversion is approved.

The Ministry noted it has received numerous reports indicating that new land pricing tables - drafted under the 2024 Land Law - have caused a sudden spike in land values in certain provinces, especially for residential land.

As a result, many residents now face significantly higher fees when converting land use purposes, compared to the previous pricing system under the 2013 Land Law. There is growing pressure to revise the land use fee structure to ease the financial burden on the public.

The Ministry of Finance revealed it is finalizing a draft special Government Resolution designed to address and resolve complications related to land use fee calculations for households converting agricultural land to residential use. This draft, after legal review by the Ministry of Justice, will be submitted to the Government for a final decision.

Installments, exemptions, and deferred land use fees

In response to suggestions allowing low-income households to pay land use conversion fees via long-term installment plans, the Ministry clarified the current legal framework.

Article 22 of Decree 103/2024 (amended by Clause 8, Article 1 of Decree 291/2025) and Point a, Clause 11, Article 18 of Decree 101/2024 (amended by Point a, Clause 3, Article 3 of Decree 226/2025) already permit deferred payments of land use fees under certain conditions.

Specifically, land users may request to defer payment when applying for a land use rights certificate for the first time. Procedures for requesting deferred payments are clearly outlined in these legal documents.

In addition, current law provides for exemptions and reductions of land use fees in cases such as: The state grants land or approves land use conversions; Households face genuine financial hardship; Applicants belong to priority policy groups.

According to Articles 18 and 19 of Decree 103/2024, full or partial exemptions are available for: War invalids or disabled veterans unable to work; Families of martyrs without able-bodied members; Poor households; Ethnic minorities; Citizens relocated due to government land reclamation for safety reasons.

Furthermore, preferential exemptions apply to land within the allocated residential land limits for: Families of people who contributed to the revolution; Those entitled to benefits under the policy for meritorious individuals, according to applicable legal provisions.



Nguyen Le
Under the draft resolution on measures to support the transition to clean energy road transport, individuals with permanent or temporary residence in Hanoi for at least two years who own a gasoline motorbike will receive 20 percent of the value of the electric or green-energy motorbike priced from VND10 million, with a maximum of VND5 million.

Individuals from poor households will receive 100 percent support with a maximum of VND20 million; near-poor households will receive 80 percent support, up to VND15 million. Each individual is eligible for support for one vehicle, from the effective date of the resolution until 1 January 2031.

This support level is higher than the proposed level suggested in July by the Department of Construction (maximum VND3 million) and is equivalent to the level HCMC is preparing to implement (maximum VND5 million, VND20 million for poor households, VND16 million for near-poor households).

Additionally, Hanoi plans to support 50 percent of registration and license plate fees for motorbikes switching to clean energy; poor and near-poor households will be supported 100 percent. The city will support 30 percent of loan interest for installment payments (maximum 12 months) when purchasing electric motorbikes from bank-linked suppliers.

For taxi and bus companies switching to green vehicles and continuing to use issued license plates, the city will support 100 percent of related fees. Companies renting out green vehicles will be exempt from road and sidewalk usage fees for up to five years if used as parking or vehicle staging areas.

To reduce use of private vehicles, the city will also offer free BRT and mass transit rail tickets to multiple groups, including people with meritorious service, people with disabilities, senior citizens, children under six, poor households, students, and workers in industrial zones.

Earlier, in early October, direct cash support for residents switching to electric motorbikes was also proposed in the draft Vehicle Emission Control Plan in HCMC.

For the two cities with the largest number of motorbikes, introducing cash-support packages is considered an important push to encourage residents to move away from gasoline-powered vehicles, which are a major source of urban air pollution.

Many Hanoians are enthusiastic about the cash-support policy. Some people using motorbikes older than 10 years say the support amount of VND5 million is significant, especially for office workers, students, or those who travel short distances daily.

Le Thu Ha (Ngoc Ha, Hanoi) said her motorbike has run over 70,000 km, consumes a lot of fuel, and requires frequent maintenance. If supported with VND5 million, I think switching to an electric bike is totally feasible, as I have wanted to switch for a long time but hesitated due to the cost, she said.

Nguyen Van Quan, a ride-hailing driver, said: For those working mostly in urban areas and traveling only a few dozen kilometers a day, electric motorbikes are suitable. If I get financial support plus interest-rate assistance, it will be easier to manage and reduce financial pressure.

Notably, poor and near-poor households, the groups receiving the highest support, say this policy is a humanitarian one because it helps them access low-cost, easy-to-maintain vehicles while reducing environmental pressure. Amid fluctuating fuel prices, electric motorbikes are becoming a long-term economic choice for many families.

Concerns about infrastructure

Meanwhile, many people remain uncertain about how attractive the policy truly is. Several believe the 20 percent support level, up to VND5 million, is generous but may still be insufficient to create a breakthrough, as concerns about range, battery durability, replacement cost, and charging infrastructure persist.

According to Pham Duc An (Cau Giay, Hanoi), most electric motorbikes now cost from VND2540 million. A VND5 million subsidy helps reduce the initial burden, but my biggest concern is still battery durability. After a while, replacing the battery costs several million, so long-term expenses remain high.

Many also worry about charging infrastructure in apartment buildings and rental housing, which are very common in Hanoi, especially as the number of electric motorbikes is expected to grow sharply.

If this policy is approved, out-of-province students like me could also receive support. But the problem is many landlords do not want tenants using electric motorbikes because the electrical system must be upgraded, posing fire risks. If fast-charging stations or easy battery-swap systems become widely available, switching to electric bikes would be more feasible, said Vo Thuy Chi, a third-year student at Hanoi University.

Hoang Hiep
Seizing every moment outside regular school hours, she persistently teaches the Thai script to students - believing it is the most powerful way to preserve the soul of her people on their native land.

Ms. Ngan Thi Tien during a Thai language lesson.

Born in Yen Nhan commune (formerly Thuong Xuan district), Ngan Thi Tien grew up immersed in the vibrant traditions of the Thai ethnic group. After graduating with a degree in Mathematics Education from Hong Duc University in Thanh Hoa, she returned to her hometown to teach. But over time, the fading presence of the Thai script in daily life became a growing concern for her.

As a Thai woman, she fully understood the importance of learning and teaching her native language to help safeguard her ethnic identity. Although she hadnt been formally trained in Thai language instruction, between 2009 and 2012, she proactively attended Thai language refresher courses organized by the provincial Department of Education and Training.

She began learning the language from scratch - mastering pronunciation, writing, and grammar rules - while also joining training workshops across northern mountainous provinces. Later, she enrolled in the Thai language teacher certification program at Son La Teachers College. Her dedication paid off, and she earned her official credentials to teach Thai, paving the way for a meaningful journey of cultural preservation.

After graduation, she first taught at Yen Nhan Secondary School, and in 2017, was transferred to Thuong Xuan Boarding School for Ethnic Minorities. In addition to her core subject, she also took on Thai language instruction.

In every Thai language class, Tien goes beyond the textbook. She weaves in stories about festivals, folk songs, customs, and traditional dress - helping her students understand not just words, but the essence of their heritage. Her engaging and relatable teaching methods make the classes lively, and students grow to love the language.

Thanks to her tireless efforts, most of the schools Thai students can now speak and write their mother tongue fluently. Even students from other ethnic groups have begun signing up for her classes voluntarily.

Beyond school hours, she also offers free community classes and collaborates with local artisans to collect and document Thai cultural materials - making a tangible contribution to the preservation of her regions heritage.

Spreading the Thai script through passion

Her engaging approach keeps students excited about learning their mother tongue.

At Thuong Xuan Boarding School, around 97% of the students are ethnic Thai. For years, the school has incorporated Thai language learning into its extracurricular activities - two sessions each week. Ngan Thi Tien was the first teacher at the school to be certified in Thai language instruction and was entrusted with leading this vital mission.

Speaking about her work, she shares: This is pure passion. As a daughter of the Thai community, I want to do my small part to protect our heritage.

According to Tien, the Thai script has its own complex system of characters and rules - pronunciation, writing forms, and vowel placement all differ from Vietnamese. Without a strong grasp of the basics, students can easily get lost. To help them connect, she integrates proverbs, folk songs, and cultural stories into her lessons - fostering both comprehension and emotional ties to their ethnic identity.

Student Cam Thi Thao Linh, a 9th grader, says: Learning the Thai script with Ms. Tien is fascinating. Her lessons not only teach us to read and write, but also to understand our customs, festivals, clothing, and songs. During school events, performing Thai dances and rituals makes me feel proud of my heritage. It reminds me that preserving culture is everyones responsibility.

School principal Cam Thi Hoan affirms: Ms. Ngan Thi Tien is a dedicated and responsible teacher, always taking initiative in preserving and teaching the Thai script. She not only fulfills her duties with excellence but actively promotes and safeguards the traditional values of our people.

In recent years, the school has prioritized creating a culturally rich environment for students. A traditional stilt house built on campus serves as a communal space and a cultural education hub.

During major events like Vietnam Teachers Day (November 20), Youth Union Day (March 26), or the schools founding anniversary, Tien regularly organizes traditional performances with students - featuring khua luong (bamboo pole dance), sap (stilt dance), gong music, and ethnic costume displays. These experiences help students deepen their connection with their culture and grow proud of their roots.

Humble, devoted, and full of passion, teacher Ngan Thi Tien is quietly planting letters and preserving spirit for generations of young learners in the highlands.

Students practice reading aloud during class.

A student practices reading Thai script on the board during Tiens class.

Tien integrates stories and customs into her lessons to spark curiosity.

Quynh Tram
The indictment of the Mailisa beauty chain for smuggling cosmetics is not an isolated case. Authorities have uncovered numerous similar operations involving unlicensed or illegally imported beauty products, signaling a persistent and complex issue in the Vietnamese market.

The billion-dollar Mailisa smuggling operation

Phan Thi Mai and her husband Hoang Kim Khanh organized the import of cheap, low-quality cosmetics from Guangzhou, China. Photo: CACC

On November 21, the Ministry of Public Securitys Economic Crime and Corruption Investigation Police Department launched a criminal case for Smuggling at MK Skincare and affiliated entities. Phan Thi Mai - commonly known as Mailisa - director of Mailisa Beauty Salon Co., Ltd., along with her husband Hoang Kim Khanh and seven others, were prosecuted under Article 188 of the Penal Code.

According to investigators, from 2020 to 2024, the couple imported cheap, substandard cosmetics from Guangzhou, China, for resale through Mailisas spa chain in Vietnam. These products lacked proper declarations and were ineligible for a Certificate of Free Sale (CFS) in China.

They then colluded with Chinese partners to forge contracts and falsify product origins, repackaging the goods as if they were made in Hong Kong (China) to obtain CFS certification there.

Once in Vietnam, the products were marketed as premium Hong Kong-made cosmetics, appealing to consumers' trust in foreign brands. Despite their low production costs, the goods were sold at inflated prices, generating illicit profits worth billions of dong - calculated from just three out of Mailisa's top 100 distributed products.

15,000 illegal face masks uncovered in Hanoi

Authorities discovered 15,000 smuggled Lucenbase face masks in Hanoi.

On July 28, Hanoi Market Surveillance Team No. 5, in coordination with Vinh Hung Ward police, inspected a cosmetic business at 419 Vinh Hung Street. The shop owner, P.H.D, failed to present a business license or documents proving the legality of her products.

Officials found 15,000 Lucenbase Whitening Moisturizing Mask units (25ml each), priced at 12,000 VND (approximately $0.49 USD) per unit. The total estimated value of the seized goods was 180 million VND (around $7,300 USD).

Despite being foreign-made, the products lacked valid invoices or customs documentation and were deemed smuggled under Vietnamese law.

Over 5,000 smuggled skincare items seized from Ngan Korea

More than 5,000 illegally imported cosmetics from Ngan Korea were seized.

On June 1, Hanoi police announced the seizure of more than 5,400 smuggled cosmetic items from Ngan Korea Cosmetics Co., Ltd. The bust was part of a joint operation with Market Surveillance Team No. 8.

The raid took place at a former preschool in Lai Hoang village, Yen Thuong Commune - an unregistered business location under the company. Authorities found 2,520 bottles of Dr. Melaxin Peel Shot Exfoliant Rice Ampoule and 2,880 bottles of the Black Rice variant, both labeled "Made in Korea."

Company representatives admitted the products were sourced from the gray market without legal documentation.

70,000 illegal cosmetic products seized in Bac Giang

Authorities inspect a massive inventory of illegal cosmetics.

In August 2024, the Bac Giang Provincial Polices Economic Crimes Division, in coordination with Market Surveillance Team No. 1, raided an online business warehouse at 1822 Quach Nhan 2A Street, Xuong Giang Ward.

The warehouse, managed by T.T.T.H (born 1982), contained more than 70,000 units of various cosmetics including creams, facial cleansers, exfoliants, hair care products, perfumes, and more. The estimated value was around 1 billion VND (about $40,400 USD).

Mrs. H admitted all products were foreign-made, bought from unverified sources, and sold online for profit.

A growing crisis in cosmetic regulation

The Mailisa case has drawn public attention due to its scale and sophistication. However, as these additional cases demonstrate, unregulated imports and fraudulent practices are widespread in Vietnams cosmetic market.

Investigators continue to examine the full extent of Mailisas operations. Hoang Kim Khanh has reportedly confessed to criminal wrongdoing, as authorities work to calculate the full economic impact of the operation.

Y Nhuy
Vu Kiem Van, CEO of MobiFone Global (photo: Minh Son)

On November 26, MobiFone Telecommunications and MobiFone Global organized the seminar Physical security: trends and solutions in Hanoi, gathering representatives from ministries, regulators, infrastructure enterprises, security consultants, and local technology providers.

The event took place as Vietnams physical security challenges have become increasingly complex, especially when surveillance, access control, early warning, and operations management systems are rapidly shifting to digital platforms with interconnected data.

Speaking at the event, Nguyen Dinh Tuan, Deputy CEO of MobiFone, said that in recent years, Vietnams physical security systems have developed rapidly but remain fragmented. They lack lack standards, centralized management and interoperability, and have not kept up with real-time monitoring and response requirements.

Operational optimization, data integration, and proactive risk mitigation are now essential needs. In a complex geopolitical context, security factors (cross-border, between nations, and within nations) are increasingly complicated, and technology is rapidly changing.

According to Tuan, Vietnam faces multiple security risks, with many enterprises having been attacked and extorted, while many citizens have fallen victim to online scams. This is something that concerns us, he said.

Data integration and proactive risk mitigation have become urgent requirements. Therefore, MobiFone identifies physical security as one of the strategic pillars in its digital telecommunications and digital transformation ecosystem.

We are building telecommunications infrastructure and digital platforms toward forming smart security solutions ready for nationwide expansion. MobiFone will provide remote security platforms for enterprises. We commit to strong investment in modern digital infrastructure, analytics and monitoring systems, AI centers and AI factories, and security platforms.

Second, MobiFone will develop open interoperability standards to connect multi-system environments. Third, we will collaborate with leading global technology partners to transfer knowledge and quickly update modern security trends. Fourth, MobiFone will accompany regulators and enterprises throughout the entire project lifecycle, from surveying and design to integration. Most importantly, we aim to build a synchronized physical security ecosystem that provides practical protection for assets and people, said Tuan.

Vu Kiem Van, CEO of MobiFone Global, said physical security is one of the companys strategic directions in the coming period to safeguard Vietnams strategic infrastructure.

In the past, systems were monitored separately. For example, a building would have a standalone camera surveillance system and a separate building management system. But now, all these systems can be integrated on a centralized platform. This is an important step in reducing manpower for operations, reducing integration costs, and saving significantly on storage, maintenance, and defense against security incidents.

In the future, physical security deployment will advance further with AI-based event analysis and defense scenario development using collected data.

The representative of MobiFone Global said that its multi-layer physical security ecosystem includes: a smart edge surveillance layer; a central analytics and management layer; a unified alert and coordinated response system; and an expandable, flexible integration mechanism tailored to each organizational model.

MobiFone Global will cooperate with multiple international partners to provide a variety of solutions to the market.

At the event, representatives of global technology companies such as Seagate, I-Pro, IntelexVision, SALTO Systems, and Luna shared practical insights and updated the latest standards across specialized fields, including large-capacity dedicated storage systems, perimeter intrusion-detection sensors, edge-based analytical cameras, baggage-scanning systems, next-generation access control, and modern Gen AI technologies supporting image analysis and intelligent surveillance.

At a roundtable discussion organized by the Cybersecurity Association with the media in July 2025, Lieutenant Colonel Le Xuan Thuy, Director of the National Cybersecurity Center under A05 of the Ministry of Public Security, said: We have observed that information systems in Vietnam, although they follow certain standards, have still been attacked over the years, from government, energy, and banking to industrial sectors. This shows that current regulations are not sufficient.

There are two applicable groups. The first includes information systems related to national security. These are systems where, if attacked, the consequences would not only affect the managing agency but also the wider community.

Thuy gave examples such as information systems in the energy sector. If attacked, they would affect society at large and threaten energy security. If telecommunications or banking systems are attacked, the impact would be dangerous for the entire community.

The second group includes information systems of state agencies, which contain state secrets or support public service systems for society.

Thai Khang
Between late October and November, regions from Ha Tinh to Lam Dong were battered by successive storms, floods, landslides, and record-breaking inundations. These compounded disasters resulted in severe human and material losses, significantly disrupting the lives of residents.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, historic floods from November 16 to 22 across Dak Lak, Khanh Hoa, Gia Lai, and Lam Dong caused 963 homes to collapse entirely and damaged another 3,390 houses. The estimated total damage exceeds 16 trillion VND, equivalent to over 660 million USD.

Tay Nha Trang Ward in Nha Trang (Khanh Hoa) was flooded during the recent storm. Photo: Xuan Ngoc

To urgently restore homes and ensure that every citizen has shelter, space for ancestral worship, and a warm celebration of the upcoming Tet holiday, the Prime Minister has directed the People's Committees of provinces from Ha Tinh to Lam Dong - especially the four hardest-hit provinces - to devise and immediately implement detailed action plans beginning December 1.

The campaigns core mission is to swiftly mobilize all available resources to rebuild or repair homes that collapsed, were washed away, or severely damaged by recent storms and floods.

Prime Minister Chinh instructed that military, police, youth, womens unions, veteran associations, government agencies, businesses, and the broader political system must participate. The goal is to complete repairs of severely damaged homes by December 31 and finish rebuilding or resettlement for collapsed or swept-away homes no later than January 31, 2026.

The directive emphasizes the importance of promoting local resilience and self-reliance while efficiently utilizing state budgets, charitable donations, grants, and aid from organizations and individuals.

Provincial authorities are to work with the Vietnam Fatherland Front to continue calling for support, invoking a spirit of solidarity through the message: "Everyone contributes what they can - labor, funds, materials, or presence - wherever they are."

This initiative focuses on rebuilding homes and helping affected families resume stable lives as soon as possible.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh visits and offers support to nine families whose homes collapsed in Phu Huu Hamlet, Hoa Thinh Commune, Dak Lak Province on November 29. Photo: Nhat Bac

The Prime Minister visited and offered encouragement to nine households whose homes had collapsed in Phu Huu Hamlet, Hoa Thinh Commune, Dak Lak Province, on November 29.

He also requested that provinces submit detailed implementation plans and budget support requests - if needed - to the Government Office and Ministry of Finance by December 3 for consolidation and further reporting.

Provincial chairpersons are held fully accountable for the accuracy and integrity of damage assessments and funding proposals. They are also responsible for ensuring that resources are used properly, transparently, and effectively.

The Minister of National Defense and the Minister of Public Security are tasked with directing affiliated units to deploy maximum manpower and remain key contributors to the on-ground rebuilding effort.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Construction has been asked to direct local construction departments and relevant agencies to urgently develop sample house designs. These should reflect the customs and cultural traditions of local communities, giving affected residents autonomy in choosing designs.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment must guide provinces in identifying and allocating land for resettlement, particularly for households in landslide-prone or flood-affected zones. This work must be completed by December 5.

Lastly, the Minister of Finance will coordinate with other ministries to propose support packages from the central budget for the four worst-hit provinces - Dak Lak, Gia Lai, Khanh Hoa, and Lam Dong - ensuring reconstruction is adequately funded by December 5.

Tran Thuong
Geneva, Switzerland (PANA) - To address the growing global health challenge of obesity, which affects more than 1 billion people, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has released its first guideline on the use of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) therapies for treating obesity as a chronic, relapsing disease
At an online license plate auction held this morning (December 1), motorbike plate 99AA-999.99 from Bac Ninh province officially closed at a staggering 2.66 billion VND (approximately 109,000 USD) - one of the highest prices ever recorded for a motorbike plate in Vietnam.

Motorbike plate 99AA-999.99 sold for more than 2.66 billion VND. Screenshot

The auction, hosted at 11:00 a.m. by the Vietnam Auction Partnership Company, featured the ultra-VIP five nines plate, which drew intense competition from collectors. After 25 minutes of official bidding and 10 rounds of extensions, the plate was sold for exactly 2,660,500,000 VND.

Belonging to the rare "ngu quy 9" group - five repeating nines - this plate is viewed by enthusiasts as a symbol of eternal luck, prosperity, and status. The fact that it begins with "99," the provincial code for Bac Ninh, makes it especially rare, essentially forming a full sequence of nines.

This rarity sparked an aggressive bidding war, with the price jumping from several hundred million VND to over 1 billion in just minutes. In the final moments, two bidders exchanged offers in rapid succession before one sealed the win with a 2.66 billion VND bid.

Collectors say that combinations like 999.99 are highly sought-after not just for their symbolism, but also for their long-term value. A plate like this - especially when paired with a high-end motorbike - can be considered a high-value asset.

The result quickly stirred conversation in Vietnams license plate collector community. Many were surprised by the final price, calling it a bold move and evidence that the luxury license plate market is heating up. Still, some questioned whether the price had been driven too high, raising concerns about possible bid withdrawal.

Notably, earlier this year on April 9, another five nines plate - 50AA-999.99 from Ho Chi Minh City - also fetched a record bid of 2.68 billion VND. However, the winning bidder later backed out, and the plate remains unsold, awaiting a new auction round.

Hoang Hiep
Hundreds of people wait overnight to secure a spot to submit applications on November 17

At the Governments regular meeting in October, Minister of Construction Tran Hong Minh addressed negative practices in the buying and selling of social housing.

The Ministry has taken inspection tours and found cases of people reserving spots to buy social housing and then reselling these slots at price differences of VND200 million to VND500 million. We request local authorities to monitor and correct this situation to ensure transparency in reviewing eligibility, Minister Minh said.

On online social housing forums, shady agents have openly advertised services ranging from preparing application documents to selling diplomatic quotas at social housing projects currently open for sale in Hanoi.

In a community group with nearly 70,000 members, account P.V. publicly offered a service of preparing applications for the CT3 Kim Chung social housing project, even though the project had not officially launched.

When contacted, P.V. advised focusing on this project because its prices were the lowest among newly opened social housing projects in Hanoi.

He said he had more than 20 clients in a private group; new customers needed a referral and would only have their documents accepted if they met all legal conditions. Because applications were strictly examined, he claimed to screen very carefully to improve the chances of approval.

The price was fixed at the first discussion. The base price was VND18.4 million per sqm, plus a VND350 million price difference (pocketed by shady agents), with a VND20 million deposit upfront. This deposit came without a contract; there was only a handwritten receipt described as a support fee for preparing documents.

P.V. promised that deposits would be refunded if the application failed. When asked about chances of success, he claimed 8590 percent.

After the investor accepts the application, both parties open a shared bank account, and the buyer deposits another VND130 million. The money can only be withdrawn if both are present at the bank. During the apartment selection round, the buyer will pay the remaining amount as agreed.

VietNamNet reporters contacted P.V. and got advice from him. However, after PM Pham Minh Chinh on November 11 requested publicity and transparency to tighten activities related to social housing and assigned the Ministry of Public Security to promptly handle violations, the reporters no longer received replies from P.V.

Shady agents also provide the service of online submissions. The first online submission was recorded at the Rice City Long Chau project in Bo De ward. The service quickly became a gold mine, with a fee from VND1 million to VND10 million.

At this project, even though the investor started accepting online applications on October 1, many people still failed to submit successfully after 1020 days of trying. The "broker" service for online application submission appeared with prices ranging from VND1 million to VND10 million.

On October 21, VietNamNet reporters managed to contact a person accepting online submissions, but he told VietNamNet that he was supporting 10 customers but only two had succeeded, while the others were waiting for their luck to come. The price of VND1 million was applied for document preparation and VND2 million for online submission.

Another account showed clear rates: VND500,000 for document screening, VND1 million for guidance, and VND10 million for completing the online submission.

What do investors say?

Nguyen Thanh Trung, Director of the Project Management Board for CT3 Kim Chung project, told VietNamNet that the investor does not authorize or cooperate with any unit or brokerage floor.

"We affirm that the investor is selling social housing products directly, not through any transaction brokerage or acquaintance. Matters related to social housing purchase applications are carried out in strict compliance with regulations. Afterwards, the Hanoi Department of Construction will review and verify them. The investor will guide citizens to complete the application without collecting any fees," Trung said.

On the first day of receiving applications at the CT3 Kim Chung project (November 17), Trung said that the investor invited the police agency to participate in supervision as well as to ensure security and order, avoiding situations of brokerage and policy exploitation.

According to Nguyen Vu Cao, Chair of Khang Land, social housing is expected to be a market regulatory tool, helping vulnerable groups secure suitable housing within their financial means. But recently, social housing prices have been escalating, not only in the secondary market but also in newly opened projects.

Hong Khanh
Nguyen Hoang Giang, Deputy Director General of the Intellectual Property Office (photo: Giang Pham)

This information was shared at the High-Level Meeting on Developing an Innovation Ecosystem Linked to Intellectual Property Education, held on November 24 in Hanoi. The event featured Nguyen Hoang Giang, Deputy Director General of the Intellectual Property Office (Ministry of Science and Technology); Altaye Tedla, Director of the WIPO Academy, Regional and National Development Sector, World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO); and experts from India.

Strong output but limited input

Rai Pushpendra, International IP Advisor, highlighted the strong shift of innovation activities from the West to the East. In 2014, Asia accounted for 60 percent of global patent filings, while in 2024, the figure rose to 70 percent .

In this trend, Vietnam has emerged as a bright spot with impressive indicators. Vietnam currently ranks 44th on the Global Innovation Index (GII) but the first worldwide for creative goods and high-tech exports. This is an extremely positive sign, Rai emphasized.

Notably, 90 percent of research and development (R&D) in Vietnam is carried out by the private sector, while this ratio in the US is around 6570 percent.

However, Altaye Tedla, Director of the WIPO Academy, pointed out a concerning gap between innovation achievements and human-capital foundations. Although Vietnams innovation and technology output indicators are high (34th and 39th globally), its human-capital category ranks only 70th out of 139.

Vietnams spending on education currently ranks 116 out of 139 countries by GDP ratio. Are we investing enough in education and research to match our innovation achievements? Altaye said.

She also cited traditional educational mindsets: Our education system is producing workers, not creators. At the very age when young people have the boldest and freshest ideas, we train them to follow instead of experiment and lead.

Bringing labs into schools to change mindsets

To address this issue, Nguyen Hoang Giang, Deputy Director General of the Intellectual Property Office, affirmed that Vietnam is moving toward building an IP culture from early generations. We expect that with the energy of young people, Vietnams innovation potential will be maximized, driving strong development in the digital economy era.

To realize this vision, Vietnam is studying the application of Indias successful Atal Tinkering Labs (ATL) model.

Marc Woo, CEO of Google Vietnam, said Vietnam is establishing itself as a global app powerhouse with impressive revenue growth, leading Southeast Asia.

Sharing insights about the model reshaping innovation in India, Himanshu Joshi, Project Lead of the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), Ministry of Planning, India, said the program began in 2016 with a modest scale of 500800 labs.

Recognizing that this was too small for national needs, the Indian government expanded it rapidly to 10,000 labs by 2021. In the 2025 federal budget, the number of Tinkering Labs increased from 10,000 to 60,000.

This massive scale is based on a practical calculation: India has about 210,000 high schools, and to maximize impact, the goal is to have one lab for every three schools.

The strength of the model lies not in theory but in solving local problems. Himanshu shared two persuasive examples of creative thinking among students in remote areas.

In Jammu & Kashmir, students developed new packaging and preservation solutions to reduce agricultural losses. Meanwhile, in Sikkim near the border with China, a mountainous region with high traffic-accident rates, a group of 12th-grade students created an AI-based driving-assistance system.

This state does not even have its own airport, and conditions are limited, but the students creativity is extraordinarily high. They see community problems and use technology to solve them, Himanshu noted.

Nguyen Hoang Giang affirmed that Vietnam is envisioning a future where creative labs (IP Labs) become the new standard in schools.

According to Giang, the goal is not only to produce scientists but to build an ecosystem where students learn to turn ideas into economically valuable assets.

We hope that through early IP education, Vietnam can build a nationwide IP culture, where not only experts and entrepreneurs but every social group understands the value of innovation, protects IP rights, and uses them as tools for personal, business, and societal development, Giang said.

The November 24 meeting is considered the first concrete step toward discussing the establishment of IP Labs in Vietnam and developing action programs for deployment in schools and research institutes.

Thai Khang
Nguyen Anh Cuong, Deputy Director of the Department of Telecommunications, speaking at the November press conference. Photo: MOST

On December 1, the Ministry held its regular monthly press conference, chaired by Deputy Minister Bui Hoang Phuong.

Among the most anticipated updates was the licensing progress of pilot satellite internet services from Starlink (under SpaceX) and Kuiper (Amazon).

During an August meeting with Deputy Minister Pham Duc Long, Amazon Kuiper representatives emphasized Vietnams strategic importance in the groups global development plan.

The Kuiper project is Amazons flagship initiative to build a constellation of over 3,200 low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites offering high-speed (up to 400 Mbps for individuals and 1 Gbps for enterprises), low-latency internet service. The network focuses on underserved or remote regions, including rural areas, islands, and mountainous zones.

As of August, Amazon had launched 102 satellites and plans to complete at least 50% of the constellation by 2026. The system operates on the Ka-band, with compact, easy-to-install terminals and built-in AWS cybersecurity features.

At the press briefing, Nguyen Anh Cuong, Deputy Director of the Department of Telecommunications, shared that on November 24, Amazon Kuiper submitted a revised application clarifying key issues raised by MOST, the Ministry of Public Security, Ministry of National Defense, and Ministry of Finance.

The revised documents have been forwarded to relevant ministries for joint evaluation.

Regarding SpaceXs Starlink service, Mr. Cuong told VietNamNet that Starlink is very close to the final step of providing services in Vietnam. After its initial application, the company was advised to clarify several details and is expected to resubmit its completed documentation this week.

Once the revised application is received, the Ministry will coordinate with other government bodies, including the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of National Defense, and the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam, to assess it. The general stance is to review and grant licenses as soon as possible, Cuong added.

He further explained that satellite internet services like Starlink - with wide coverage - could complement domestic fixed and mobile networks, especially in remote, border, and island areas. These services are also crucial during natural disasters when ground-based infrastructure is disrupted.

More importantly, satellite systems may serve as a vital backup communication channel between BTS stations, enhancing emergency responsiveness and restoring connections in crisis situations.

During Vietnams recent historic floods, MOST directed agencies and businesses to proactively implement emergency measures.

Typhoons No. 13 and 14, accompanied by landslides and flash floods, caused severe communication breakdowns. At peak disruption, 906 out of 6,307 BTS stations in Gia Lai and Dak Lak were down during Typhoon No. 13; after Typhoon No. 14, the number rose to 1,202 out of 8,742 stations across Gia Lai, Dak Lak, and Khanh Hoa.

Using technical methods such as boosting nearby BTS power to extend coverage and deploying mobile broadcasting vehicles to temporarily replace damaged stations, authorities ensured communications were maintained with 100% of local leadership for disaster management. However, service quality for the general public was not on par with normal conditions.

Telecom networks in affected areas were largely restored within 1 to 3 days after the disasters, preventing prolonged outages.

Early warnings via SMS helped raise public awareness and preparedness.

Coordination between telecom providers and local governments improved the overall effectiveness of disaster response efforts.

In areas without grid electricity, telecom companies opened their offices and base stations equipped with generators, inviting residents to charge phones and maintain communication.

Mobile BTS vehicles, portable charging stations, and generators were dispatched to densely populated or evacuation centers, enabling people to contact loved ones and access critical updates.

Additionally, mobile carriers implemented relief measures, such as extending prepaid plans and maintaining account balances for users in hard-hit regions to ensure ongoing connectivity.

Du Lam
Late on November 28, EASA issued an urgent bulletin to all Airbus-operating countries, mandating an immediate software update - or temporary grounding - of aircraft running ELAC version L104. Vietnams aviation authority acted promptly by issuing nationwide instructions.

Vietnam Air Traffic Management Corporation (VATM) activated contingency protocols to avoid mass delays or cancellations and maintain air traffic control capacity at major airports.

The global safety order stemmed from a rare incident in the United States in late October. A JetBlue Airbus A320 experienced a sudden nose-down movement mid-flight due to a cosmic radiation particle - emitted during a solar storm - interfering with the aircrafts ELAC control computer, causing a critical data error and a false system response.

Modern fly-by-wire aircraft rely heavily on computers and microchips, making them increasingly susceptible to cosmic radiation at high altitudes. The L104 software version, due to its complexity, is more prone to bit-flip errors, which prompted calls for urgent downgrades or patches to ensure safety.

Vietnam responds swiftly to maintain air travel stability

The A320 and A321 form the core of Vietnams commercial fleet, with 81 out of 169 aircraft requiring the ELAC update. A simultaneous grounding of all affected planes would have caused widespread disruption - but that scenario was averted.

On the night of November 28, airlines held emergency meetings, shared data loading equipment, and mobilized technical crews to work through the night to install and verify the updated software.

Wide-body aircraft such as the A350 and Boeing 787 were assigned additional flights to absorb passenger demand. Flight schedules were adjusted flexibly, and ticket change/refund policies were activated immediately.

Thanks to strong coordination between technical teams, operations, and air traffic management, Vietnam only experienced a few minor delays. No mass cancellations occurred, and there were no scenes of passenger congestion at airports. Vietnam was recognized as one of the quickest responders globally, maintaining operational stability during the technical crisis.

Vietnam's aviation safety capabilities reaffirmed

Vietnam currently holds FAA Category 1 status - the highest aviation safety rating by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration - signifying that its airlines meet stringent international safety standards.

After the software updates, all affected A320 and A321 aircraft resumed normal operations.

This incident highlights the growing challenges of aviation technology in facing natural phenomena. It also underscores the critical role of human oversight in monitoring, operating, and resolving complex safety situations.

Aviation safety is a process of continuous improvement. Vietnams swift and unified response to the ELAC issue is a clear demonstration of its ability to handle crises professionally and proactively - an essential factor in guaranteeing safe flights for all.

Nguyen Phuoc Thang (Hoa Binh University) - Vu Diep
Minister Tran Duc Thang explains key points regarding rare earth resource management. Photo: National Assembly

During a morning parliamentary session on December 1, lawmakers discussed amendments to the Law on Geology and Minerals. Among the most prominent issues was the strategic management of rare earth resources.

Representative Trinh Xuan An (Dong Nai) emphasized that, given todays geopolitical landscape, mastering rare earth management and technology is essential to asserting Vietnams autonomy and strength.

He noted that rare earths are frequently used as strategic bargaining tools between global powers, especially in matters of national defense and security. Hence, An urged the draft law to clearly reflect the importance of this resource.

In defense and military industries, rare earths are foundational to many types of weapon systems and core technologies, particularly precision weaponry, An said. He proposed setting aside specific mines or reserves exclusively for defense and security purposes.

He also called for clear regulations on controlling technologies and data related to rare earth mining and processing, especially in areas sensitive to national security.

Data and rare earths may need to be classified as state secrets, he added.

Regarding the oversight of rare earths, An proposed clarifying the roles of the Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Public Security in evaluating extraction and determining national programs. He suggested that rare earth zones be designated with clearly defined boundaries for defense and security needs, urging that legal provisions not only manage but also contribute to national strength.

When reviewing mining laws in China, Japan, and the U.S., I found all three treat rare earths as highly sensitive to national defense and security. This is our chance to elevate rare earths to a matter of national stature, he concluded.

Representative Dieu Huynh Sang (Dong Nai) echoed the sentiment, calling rare earths a strategic resource integral to modern life. She pointed out that 17 metals in the rare earth group are used in key technologies, and global demand has surged due to the green transition and advances in artificial intelligence.

Citing international data, she affirmed that rare earths are central to emerging industries such as high-tech manufacturing, energy transition, and defense.

Rare earths are a unique commodity with profound implications for national defense, security, and diplomacy. Therefore, they require rigorous oversight across all activities related to their extraction and use, Sang proposed.

Vietnam prepares national rare earth strategy

Responding to the concerns, Minister Tran Duc Thang affirmed that Vietnam currently ranks second or third globally in terms of rare earth reserves, with confirmed deposits in 21 provinces nationwide.

Under mandates from the Government and top leadership, the Ministry has already delineated the key mining areas and instituted tight management procedures.

We are currently collaborating with other ministries and sectors to develop a national rare earth strategy, the Minister stated, adding that the strategy is expected to be issued by the Prime Minister in early 2026.

With zoning efforts nearly complete, the next priority is to launch exploitation and deep processing operations to maximize national benefits.

This next step is crucial, he said.

Consequently, the draft law includes a separate chapter dedicated to rare earths and outlines specific regulations to guide subsequent government directives.

We believe rare earths will truly become a vital resource for national development. This will help establish a closed-loop value chain while minimizing raw exports, Thang emphasized.

Tran Thuong
HA NOI  In an increasingly competitive regional economy, low labour productivity remains one of the biggest obstacles to the competitiveness of Vietnamese enterprises, according to economists.

Compared to ASEAN peers such as Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia and to foreign-invested firms operating inside Viet Nam, productivity at domestic companies remains far lower. This has become a systemic challenge, affecting nearly every sector and demanding both short-term fixes and long-term structural solutions.

According to Dr Nguyen Quoc Viet, Deputy Director of the Vietnam Institute for Economic and Policy Research (VEPR), Viet Nam faces dual pressure. It must compete with other countries that are technologically more advanced while also competing at home with FDI enterprises that operate with global management standards. Without major productivity gains, Vietnamese companies will struggle to escape low-value contract-manufacturing roles.

Many domestic firms still rely on medium or low-level technologies with limited automation. By contrast, Malaysia and Thailand have already integrated automation across many industries. Management capacity  which determines how effectively a business turns inputs into outputs  is another clear weakness. Many companies operate based on personal experience rather than data. They lack KPIs, standardised processes and basic performance monitoring, which leads to productivity losses throughout daily operations.

The gap becomes even clearer when compared with FDI enterprises. Foreign-invested firms typically run modern production lines, use lean and efficient management systems, maintain optimised global supply chains, and invest heavily in training their workforce.

Another major bottleneck is labour quality. The proportion of workers with recognised training remains low. Digital skills are limited and many employees do not yet meet the requirements of modern, technology-driven production.

Experts say this is one of the biggest barriers preventing productivity growth, even when companies invest in new machinery or software. Given this picture, experts argue that Vietnamese businesses must do more than just acknowledge their weaknesses  they need to identify which changes will create the strongest impact.

According to Dr Vo Tri Thanh, Director of the Institute for Brand and Competitiveness Strategy, productivity improvement must begin with technology and labour. Better technology creates higher efficiency, but it only works when paired with a skilled workforce. Raising labour productivity, he said, would be one of the strongest drivers helping Viet Nam move beyond low-value growth.

In the short term, experts say businesses do not need to invest heavily or undertake full digital transformation all at once. Instead, they should begin with practical, low-cost improvements. The first step is standardising operations and applying lean management methods such as LEAN, Kaizen and 5S. Simply removing unnecessary steps can raise productivity by 5 to 10 per cent without any additional capital investment. Companies can also digitise individual processes such as warehouse tracking, production monitoring or order planning. These small but effective steps are well suited to small and medium-sized enterprises with limited budgets.

On the labour side, the fastest way to improve productivity is retraining based on real business needs. Companies can partner with vocational schools or training centres to build skills in equipment operation, digital tools and problem-solving. According to Nguyen Xuan Duong, Chairman of Hung Yen Garment Corporation, training is far cheaper than the cost of lost productivity.

We found that just one training course on line management cut our defect rate by 20 per cent, he said.

Looking ahead, experts say Vietnamese enterprises need stronger long-term strategies. These include large-scale technology investment and a shift from mechanical production to smart factories using IoT, AI and real-time data. This will allow companies to move into higher-value segments of global supply chains instead of being limited to basic assembly. Firms will also need to build a strong talent ecosystem, create internal training programmes and develop engineers, technicians and data specialists capable of working with advanced technology.  VNS
A Manulfie building. In the first half of 2025 alone, Manulife Vietnam paid nearly VN4 trillion in insurance benefits to its customers.  Photo courtesy of the company

HCM CITY  Manulife Financial Corporation, through its direct subsidiary The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company (Manulife), has entered into an agreement to sell MVI Life to Asahi Mutual Life Insurance Company (Asahi Life).

MVI Life, formerly known as Aviva Vietnam, was acquired by Manulife in 2021. Since the acquisition, MVI Life has operated independently as a separate life insurance entity, fully distinct from Manulife Vietnam.

MVI Life generated insurance premiums of approximately US$93 million in 2024 and had net assets of approximately $134 million as of the end of 2024.

Following the transaction, Manulife will continue its long-term commitment to Viet Nam through Manulife Vietnam, a business entity established in 1999 as the first foreign-owned life insurance company licensed to operate in the market.

This agreement aligns to our strategic focus and continued commitment to Viet Nam. Upon regulatory approval and completion, the transaction will allow us to dedicate our entire focus on serving our customers in the country through Manulife Vietnam, an important market and business for Manulife Asia since 1999," said Steve Finch, President & CEO of Manulife Asia.

"We will continue to provide exceptional customer experience and innovative solutions to address our customers longevity needs across protection and financial preparedness."

"We would also like to recognize and thank MVI Lifes leadership team and its employees for their significant contributions to the business and its customers over the years, he said.

Manulife Vietnam is one of the leading life insurers in Viet Nam. The company serves nearly 1.5 million customers nationwide through a network of more than 60 offices, nearly 1,000 employees, a strong agency force of over 50,000 agents, and an exclusive bancassurance partnership with VietinBank.

In the first half of 2025 alone, Manulife Vietnam paid nearly VN4 trillion in insurance benefits to its customers. The company continues to innovate across products, services, digital capabilities, while strengthening the quality of its distribution to provide superior health, financial and retirement protection solutions.

Founded in 1888, Asahi Life is the second oldest life insurer in Japan and has established itself as one of Japans top 10 life insurance companies, serving over three million customers as a Group with a team of 19,000 employees.

Asahi Life views Viet Nam as a key growth market and is motivated to expand its presence in the country as a new life insurer, leveraging its core capabilities in life and health insurance, customer service and distribution expertise to build on its experience having operated in Viet Nam for eight years through consulting, marketing, sales, and product development partnerships with leading local insurers.

Manulife and Asahi Life are committed to ensuring a smooth transition for MVI Lifes customers, partners, and employees throughout this period. All MVI Life policies will continue to be honored, and MVI Life remains committed to serving customers with excellence. The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.  VNS
HUE  The Tourism Department of Hue City on November 29 evening held a ceremony to welcome passengers on the first charter flight from Shenzhen, China.

The city officials gave the passengers of Donghai Airlines flight DZ6355 flowers and gifts upon arrival at Phu Bai International Airport.

Donghai Airlines plans to operate additional flights to and from Phu Bai International Airport, which recently opened Terminal 2, in December.

Hue attracted an estimated 5.84 million visitors in the first 11 months of 2025, up 65.3 per cent year-on-year, with international arrivals rising 40.9 per cent.

Overnight stays increased 19.1 per cent, including a 9.4 per cent rise among foreign visitors.

Tourism revenue is estimated at nearly VN11.75 trillion (US$445.67 million), up 62.7 per cent from the previous year.

Chinese tourists numbered 18,199, ranking 12th among international markets to Hue.  VNS
HA NOI  President Luong Cuong held talks in Ha Noi on Monday with Sultan of Brunei Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, who is on a three-day state visit to Viet Nam through Tuesday.

The talks, held right after the welcome ceremony hosted by President Cuong, saw the Vietnamese leader hail the great significance of the visit which, he said, will inject fresh momentum into the Viet NamBrunei Comprehensive Partnership, making it more substantive and effective for the development and prosperity of both nations.

Congratulating Brunei on its socio-economic achievements, especially the fruitful implementation of its long-term development vision Wawasan 2035, which has elevated the countrys global and regional standing, the President affirmed that Viet Nam attaches importance to and seeks to further boost cooperation with Brunei.

Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah commended Viet Nams development achievements and its outstanding diplomatic successes over the recent past.

Sharing Bruneis development orientations, including a focus on artificial intelligence, green economy, and circular economy, he reaffirmed his commitment to developing the bilateral Comprehensive Partnership more practically and effectively across various areas.

On the occasion, he also extended heartfelt condolences to the Vietnamese people, particularly those in the central provinces recently hit by severe flooding.

Both leaders noted with satisfaction the strong and stable development of bilateral ties, particularly since the 2019 upgrade to a Comprehensive Partnership. Political and diplomatic relations have been increasingly consolidated through regular all-level visits and meetings across all channels, alongside the productive bilateral cooperation mechanisms, and the smooth progress of the 202327 Plan of Action.

National defence and security ties remain a highlight, with close collaboration between armed forces, coordination, and mutual support at multilateral defence forums, especially within ASEAN and ASEAN-Plus mechanisms. Economic cooperation has expanded robustly, with bilateral trade reaching the US$500 million target ahead of schedule. Collaboration in agriculture, energy, educationtraining, and people-to-people exchanges has also seen strides.

Looking ahead, the two leaders agreed to enhance the effectiveness of the Comprehensive Partnership by increasing high-level and all-level exchanges, strengthening engagement across state, government, parliamentary, and people-to-people channels to reinforce political trust and mutual understanding. They also agreed to continue the Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation mechanism, and ensure the effective delivery of the Viet NamBrunei Comprehensive Partnership Plan of Action for 202327.

Recognising the countries' untapped economic potential, they agreed to work towards doubling trade as soon as possible by boosting trade and investment promotion measures, linking businesses, sharing market insights, and expanding ties into sectors like digital economy, green transition, and circular economy.

Viet Nam welcomed Bruneian investment in the International Financial Centre, infrastructure, energy, tourism, and services, while Brunei agreed to offer expertise in the Halal industry, mutual recognition of Halal certification, and support for Viet Nams Halal projects.

Both sides pledged to continue facilitating Vietnamese companies' provision of oil and gas services, as well as participation in oil and gas exploration in Brunei. They encouraged Bruneian firms to take part in similar activities in Viet Nam.

Amidst numerous regional challenges, they underlined the importance of defence and security ties, agreeing to share experience and expand cooperation in fighting organised crimes such as drug and human trafficking, illegal migration, terrorism, cybercrime, and money laundering.

The Sultan congratulated Viet Nam on successfully hosting the signing of the UN Convention against Cybercrime in Ha Noi and confirmed Bruneis intention to ratify the treaty soon to speed its entry into force.

The leaders said maritime cooperation is a crucial area needing enhancement in the time ahead. They welcomed the signing of two memoranda of understanding  one on fisheries cooperation and another on using a hotline for sharing information on illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, promising swift implementation, expanded dialogue, information sharing, and joint action to ensure maritime safety and security.

They also vowed to broaden education, culture, tourism, and people-to-people links to foster mutual understanding, thus helping comprehensively foster bilateral relations.

On global and regional issues, they spoke highly of the close coordination and mutual support at multilateral forums, particularly at the UN and ASEAN. They agreed on the need to uphold ASEAN solidarity and unity and work together with other ASEAN members to help maintain regional peace, stability, and development.

The Sultan voiced Bruneis backing for Viet Nams upcoming roles as Chair of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) in 2026 and host of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in 2027.

On the East Sea issue, both host and guest pledged to uphold and promote peace, security, stability, safety, and the freedom of navigation and overflight. They urged all parties to exercise self-restraint, avoid threats or the use of force, fully respect diplomatic and legal processes, and resolve disputes peacefully in line with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

On the occasion, the Sultan invited President Cuong to pay a state visit to Brunei at a mutually convenient time. The host accepted and reciprocated with an invitation for the Sultan to attend the 2027 APEC Economic Leaders Week in Viet Nam.

The two sides also issued a joint statement on the visit's outcomes and signed three agreements covering maritime, fisheries, and anti-IUU fishing collaboration.  VNA/VNS
A student of the University of Oklahoma filed a complaint against a graduate instructor after she received a failing grade for citing the Bible as a source in an essay.

The graduate instructor involved in the incident has since been placed on administrative leave amid an ongoing investigation. The university wrote in a statement on Sunday that it was taking the concerns very seriously and was already conducting a full review of the incident.

University Student Failed for Using the Bible as a Source in an Essay

In the statement, university officials said they take matters involving First Amendment rights, including religious freedoms, very seriously. When they received a notice from the student regarding the grading of an assignment, they immediately launched a review to address the issue.

It noted that university leaders quickly contacted the student, psychology junior Samantha Fulnecky, on the same day that she submitted the complaint. They then launched a formal grade appeals process. They also took steps to ensure that there was no academic harm to the student, according to OU Daily.

The graduate student instructor, on top of being placed on administrative leave, was replaced by a different full-time professor. The latter would be responsible for teaching the class for the remainder of the semester.

The university added that they have a clear process for reviewing similar claims, which has already been activated. It notes that the university remains firmly committed to fairness, respect, and protecting every student's right to express sincerely held religious beliefs.

First Amendment Rights

Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt also issued a statement regarding the incident, saying that the First Amendment is "foundational to our freedom and inseparable from the ability to have a well-rounded education," OKCFox reported.

He adds that the recent situation at the University of Oklahoma is "deeply concerning," saying that he was calling on the OU regents to review the results of the investigation and ensure that all appropriate actions are taken to make sure that other students are not unfairly penalized for their beliefs.

The essay that Fulnecky wrote was a 650-word essay for her psychology course, and it reacted to an article on how people are perceived based on societal gender expectations. The student cited the Bible, where she argued that traditional gender roles should not be considered as stereotypes.

The graduate student instructor, Mel Curth, wrote, "To call an entire group of people 'demonic' is highly offensive, especially a minoritized population," on the online grading platform where they failed the student, as per the Hindustan Times.
HA NOI  YouTube, TikTok, Instagram and podcasts are producing Viet Nam-focused content created by expatriates and travellers, racking up billions of views and reshaping global perceptions of the Southeast Asian nation.

Choosing Viet Nam for its friendliness

Tiktok channels such as Sam in Vietnam, Elena in Vietnam, Chiec Tay Valentin and American Dustin Cheveriers YouTube outlet have emerged as de facto travel guides, blending Vietnamese phrases with their native languages and peppering clips with local slang to boost engagement.

Russian expat Sam Kupriyanov, 37, based in HCM City, documents candid cultural encounters on his TikTok account Sam in Vietnam. The channel has over 16,000 followers, with some videos topping 5 million views.

Lao student Bouavone Phanthabouasy, 24, fell in love with Viet Nam while studying there and now lives in Ha Noi. Her TikTok channel, Maysaa, aimed at sharing interesting things with her community, has grown to 1.4 million followers, with viral posts celebrating the 80th anniversary of Viet Nam's August Revolution and National Day, highlighting the warmth, unity and patriotism of the Vietnamese people.

US creator Dustin Cheverier, who landed in Viet Nam in August 2014, built a YouTube following of 842,000 by focusing on rural life and cuisine. His videos routinely draw thousands of comments from viewers eager to experience the country firsthand.

A new force for promotion

These creators are becoming cultural bridges, helping the world understand Viet Nam accurately.

According to experts, Viet Nam should bring foreign content creators into its nation-branding strategy, rather than leaving them as standalone voices. Recommendations include establishing annual Creative Ambassadors for Viet Nam awards and connecting influencers with State and local cultural festivals and tourism campaigns.

Assoc. Prof. Bui Hoai Son, a member of the NA Committee on Culture and Education, favours a light-touch approach over strict rules. He suggested short-term cultural immersion courses, training sessions, and targeted media outreach, alongside a clear code of conduct to help foreign creators understand their cultural responsibilities while working in Viet Nam.

If Viet Nam combines internal authenticity with supportive, well-managed policies, experts said, almost any foreign storyteller can organically become a sustainable promoter of the countrys image abroad.  VNA/VNS
VIENTIANE  To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the National Day of Laos (December 2, 1975  December 2, 2025), the Laos-Viet Nam Friendship Cultural Programme was held on Sunday at the Lao National Cultural Palace in Vientiane.

Key attendees included Lao General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith, Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone and numerous senior Lao leaders alongside Vietnamese Ambassador Nguyen Minh Tam and many locals.

Lao Minister of Culture and Tourism Suansavanh Viyaket highlighted the event's role in educating youth about the revolutionary spirit and achievements of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party.

The programme featured performances by Lao artists and Vietnamese guests, celebrating President Kaysone Phomvihane and showcasing Laos' transformation while preserving its cultural identity.

Elements of traditional and modern art reflected the deep-rooted friendship and co-operation between Laos and Viet Nam, creating an emotionally resonant experience. VNS
HA NOI  Party General Secretary To Lam and his spouse, Ngo Phuong Ly, together with a high-level delegation of Viet Nam, left Ha Noi for a State visit to the Lao Peoples Democratic Republic on Monday.

As scheduled, the Party leader will attend the 50th National Day celebrations of Laos and co-chair a high-level meeting between the Communist Party of Viet Nam and the Lao Peoples Revolutionary Party.

The visit is made at the invitation of Lao Party General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith and his spouse, and will take place from Monday to Tuesday.

Accompanying the Party General Secretary is a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation, including Pham Minh Chinh, Politburo member and Prime Minister; Tran Cam Tu, Politburo member and Permanent Member of the Party Secretariat; Le Minh Hung, Politburo member, Party Central Committee Secretary and Head of the Party Central Organisation Commission; Bui Thi Minh Hoai, Politburo member, Party Central Committee Secretary and President of the Viet Nam Fatherland Front Central Committee; Nguyen Xuan Thang, Politburo member, Director of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics and Chairman of the Central Theoretical Council; General Phan Van Giang, Politburo member and Minister of National Defence; General Luong Tam Quang, Politburo member and Minister of Public Security; Nguyen Duy Ngoc, Politburo member and Secretary of the Ha Noi Party Committee; along with other senior officials.

The visit is among Viet Nams most significant diplomatic activities in this year and marks Party General Secretary To Lams first State visit to Laos in his new position.

It takes place at a moment of profound significance as Laos celebrates the 50th anniversary of its National Day (December 2, 1975  December 2, 2025) and as both Parties prepare for their National Congresses in 2026, during which major strategic decisions shaping each countrys development will be adopted.

The visit further reaffirms the dertermination of both Parties and States to preserve, nurture and strengthen the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Viet Nam and Laos, ensuring their continued development in line with the strategic interests and shared vision of both nations in the new era.  VNS
HA NOI  The National Assembly discussed the draft Law on amendments and supplements to a number of articles of the Law on Geology and Minerals; the draft Law on Digital Transformation; and the draft resolution on mechanisms and policies aimed at removing obstacles in the implementation of the Land Law on Monday, as part of its ongoing 10th session.

The purpose of the resolution is to fully and promptly institutionalise the Party and States viewpoints and orientations on land policy; to address emerging bottlenecks and new issues arising from practice; and to contribute to socio-economic development, improve the effectiveness and efficiency of land management and use, and create momentum for Vietnam to become a developed, high-income country.

The draft resolution proposes adding three new circumstances in which the State may recover land for socio-economic development for national and public interests, and introduces specific conditions for land recovery for defence, security, and socio-economic purposes for national and public interests.

It also stipulates that land price tables will be applied in calculating land use fees and land rental payments when the State allocates or leases land, permits changes of land use purposes, recognises land use rights, or extends land use duration.

For projects involving land reclamation from the sea, specific land prices shall be determined in accordance with the Land Law.

The draft clarifies that subdividing land plots will not be mandatory when only part of a plot is converted to a different use.

Additionally, adjoining plots will not be required to share the same land use purpose, form of land use or land use term.

To further address challenges arising during the implementation of the Land Law, the draft resolution focuses on resolving issues relating to the deduction of advance payments made by investors for compensation, support and resettlement; the timeframe for issuing land recovery notices; cases in which compensation shall not be granted upon land recovery; compensation for damage to property when land is recovered; and transitional provisions to fill gaps in enforcement.

Regarding land allocation, leasing and conversion of land use purposes, the draft seeks to clarify grounds and conditions for land allocation and leasing and for approving changes in land use purpose.

It adds certain cases where land may be allocated or leased without auctioning land use rights or tendering to select an investor for land-use projects.

It also allows adjustment of land use terms to align with the timeline of investment projects for new investors replacing dissolved or bankrupt predecessors, or investors acquiring existing land-use projects, alongside transitional provisions to ensure continuity of implementation.

In terms of land finance and pricing, the draft focuses on refining the basis for calculating land use fees and rentals, determining the timing for input data selection, and amending rules on land price tables, price adjustment coefficients, land valuation councils, and policies on exemption and reduction of land use fees and rentals. VNA/VNS
VIENTIANE  The state visit to Laos by Vietnamese Party General Secretary To Lam, as well as his attendance at the ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of the Lao National Day, holds a great significance for Laos and the special relationship between the two countries, said head of the External Relations Commission of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee Bounleua Phandanouvong.

Talking to Vietnam News Agency correspondents in Laos on the occasion of the Vietnamese Party leaders two-day visit starting on Monday, Phandanouvong said the trip not only aims to continue implementing recent cooperation agreements between the two Parties and states, but also carries profound political and historical significance for further fostering the bilateral relations.

This marks the leader's first state visit to Laos as General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV), reflecting the special importance the Vietnamese Party and State attach to its ties with the neighbouring country, he stated.

Taking place at a time when Laos is commemorating many major events, including the 105th birth anniversary of President Kaysone Phomvihane, the visit carries even greater diplomatic significance, he added.

Phandanouvong said the visit will give fresh impetus to the Lao Party, State, and people, while further demonstrating the special Laos-Viet Nam friendship and solidarity, a relationship defined by standing shoulder to shoulder through past struggles for national liberation and the present cause of national construction and defence.

The event also reaffirms the steadfast commitment of the leaders of the two Parties and states to fostering and elevating the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Viet Nam and Laos, serving as an important opportunity to raise awareness among all citizens, particularly young people, thus enhancing their understanding and responsibility in preserving this special relationship.

The Lao Party official took the occasion to extend his wishes for the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation to remain enduring for future generations. VNA/VNS
HA NOI  On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the National Day of the Lao People's Democratic Republic (LPDR), General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) To Lam wrote an article titled "50 years of the Lao People's Democratic Republic: Mettle, Wisdom, and Achievements bearing the Imprint of the Times" which was published in the Lao newspaper, praising the mettle, wisdom, and achievements bearing the imprint of the times of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, the Government and the people of the Lao ethnic groups.

The Vietnam News Agency (VNA) respectfully introduces a translation of the article:

50 YEARS OF THE LAO PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC:

METTLE, WISDOM, AND ACHIEVEMENTS BEARING THE IMPRINT OF THE TIMES

To Lam

General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Viet Nam

Fifty years ago, under the leadership of the Lao Peoples Revolutionary Party (LPRP), headed by President Kaysone Phomvihane, the fraternal Lao people rose up in revolution, seized power, overthrew the monarchy, and completely liberated the country from the domination of the feudal regime, imperialism, and colonialism, thereby founding the Lao Peoples Democratic Republic.

This was a brilliant milestone, opening a new era on the land of Champa flowers - the era of independence and freedom, of building a just and civilised society, where the Lao ethnic groups truly became masters of their own destiny.

Emerging from its predecessor, the Indochinese Communist Party founded in 1930, and guided by sound, creative, courageous, and intelligent policies; by promoting the heroic and resilient revolutionary traditions of the Lao ethnic groups; and with the support and assistance of international friends, especially the great, sincere, and selfless support from the Party, State, and people of Viet Nam, the Lao Peoples Revolutionary Party has steadfastly steered the Lao revolutionary ship through difficulties and challenges, and achieved great, comprehensive, and solid victories.

After nearly 40 years of implementing the renewal policy, from an agricultural economy under blockade and embargo, Laos has risen strongly to become an economically independent and self-reliant nation; from a country that mainly imported goods, it has become an exporter of agricultural products.

Socio-political stability has been maintained, national defence and security has been upheld, the economy has grown, and the peoples living standards have continuously improved, with per-capita income increasing nearly 20-fold over 40 years.

To date, the LPRP has maintained relations with more than 150 political parties around the world; and the Lao Peoples Democratic Republic has diplomatic relations with 151 countries, operated 41 embassies in numerous nations, and is a member of many international organisations.

The successful hosting of numerous important international conferences stands as clear evidence of the tremendous, proud transformation of the beautiful country of Laos.

In recent years, under the leadership of the LPRP, headed by Party General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith, the Lao Party, State and people have drastically implemented the 11th National Party Congresss Resolution, enabling the country to overcome numerous difficulties and challenges, particularly during the postCOVID-19 recovery period, while maintaining political stability, strengthening national unity, promoting socio-economic growth, improving the peoples living conditions, and continuously enhancing Laoss position in the international arena.

At the same time, through steadfastly pursuing its strategic vision of building the country into a land-linked nation, increasing investment in connectivity infrastructure, developing economic corridors, and most recently reorganising the model of the political system, the Lao Party, State, and people are generating new momentum for growth, expanding development space, helping Laos integrate more deeply into regional economic flows, and affirming the integration capacity of a dynamically developing nation.

Celebrating the 50th founding anniversary of the Lao Peoples Democratic Republic, this is a sufficiently long journey to demonstrate the mettle, wisdom, stature, and leadership of the LPRP as the decisive factor in all victories of the Lao revolution, leading the Lao people to triumph in the struggle for national liberation in the past as well as in the present cause of national construction and defence, engraving brilliant milestones in the proud history of the Lao nation and people.

Historical reality also shows that the achievements of the Lao revolution and the Vietnamese revolution both bear the profound imprint of the important and effective contributions made by each Party, State, and people to the other.

In his congratulatory address to the 4th National Congress of the Workers Party of Viet Nam in 1976, President Kaysone Phomvihane affirmed: In every success of the Lao revolution, there is the direct contribution of the Vietnamese revolution.

As two close neighbouring countries with a tradition of friendship, attachment, mutual support, and assistance, embodied in the spirit of sharing even a grain of salt, dividing even a vegetable stem, the LPRP and the CPV share a common origin which was the Indochinese Communist Party, jointly nurtured by late Vietnamese President Ho Chi Minh, and late Lao Presidents Kaysone Phomvihane and Souphanouvong.

Throughout the long history of each nation, since their founding, the two Parties have always united together, leading the armies and people of the two nations to fight shoulder to shoulder, share hardships, live and die together, with the unshakeable determination that nothing is more precious than independence and freedom, defeating common enemies, achieving complete victory, and liberating their respective nations; while at the same time working together to build and develop their countries in the new context. The historic turning point of the founding of the Lao Peoples Democratic Republic on December 2, 1975, was significantly supported by the complete victory of the Vietnamese revolution, the liberation of the South, and the reunification of the country on April 30, 1975.

Conversely, the victory of the Vietnamese resistance war against aggressors, culminating in the liberation and reunification of Viet Nam, was inseparable from the selfless assistance and great sacrifices of the Lao people along the western Truong Son section of the Ho Chi Minh Trail on the Lao territory, under relentless bombardment by their common enemy.

President Ho Chi Minhs view that We consider the happiness and prosperity of our Lao brothers as our own and his guiding principle that helping our friends is helping ourselves were deeply embraced by generations of leaders and citizens of both Viet Nam and Laos, forming a wellspring of strength that brought each countrys revolution from one victory to another.

The two countries are preparing in all aspects to successfully organise the National Congresses of their respective Parties - historic milestones marking their entrance into a new era - the era of development for peace, stability, sustainable and high-quality growth, and the improvement of all aspects of the peoples lives. In the context of a global and regional situation that continues to evolve in a complex and unstable manner, with increasing challenges and a progressively tense regional security environment, to effectively realise each countrys goals, the fullest promotion of the special Viet Nam-Laos relationship holds exceptional importance.

By promoting the precious traditions and the combined strength of the two countries, and by continuously and creatively applying historical experience, we shall further build and firmly consolidate the special solidarity between the two peoples; nurture a sense of pride among generations of Vietnamese and Lao people, especially the younger generation, to continue to preserve and cultivate the special relationship to new heights, turning it into a powerful new source of strength and momentum for both countries to overcome all difficulties and challenges, achieve increasingly sustainable development, deepen regional and international integration, and successfully build socialism in each country.

Both sides will continue reviewing and advancing substantive and effective cooperation in various fields; focusing on areas where each countrys fundamental advantages and favourable conditions can be best utilised; appropriately harmonising international practices and customs; and giving high priority to each other, in accordance with the special nature of Viet Nam - Laos relations.

The two countries should focus on economic development cooperation, fully promote the potential of each country to contribute to growth objectives; coordinate to strengthen security and order, maintain political stability in each country, and contribute to preserving a peaceful environment in the region and the world. Cooperation in politics, Party building, administration, culture, health, education, national defence, and security should be intensified. The responsibilities of competent agencies must be emphasised in implementing the agreements between the two Parties and States.

Comprehensive relations shall continue to be strengthened, along with the exchange of theoretical and practical experience, and the enhancement of cooperation in human resources training, especially high-quality human resources, to meet the requirements of national development in the digital era.

Celebrating the 50th founding anniversary of the Lao Peoples Democratic Republic and the 105th birthday of President Kaysone Phomvihane (December 13, 1920-2025), the Party, State, and people of Viet Nam are delighted and proud of the glorious achievements that the Party, State, and people of Laos have attained over the past 50 years.

We firmly believe that under the wise leadership of the LPRP, the fraternal Lao people will continue to achieve great victories in the national protection and construction cause, leading Laos steadily forward on the socialist path toward prosperity, strength, solidarity, unity, democracy, equality, and civilisation.

Upholding the traditional special relationship, the Party, State, and people of Vietnam pledge to devote our utmost efforts to nurturing the Viet Nam-Laos friendship so that it forever remains fresh and everlasting, worthy of the special relationship painstakingly cultivated by President Ho Chi Minh, President Kaysone Phomvihane, and the people of both countries. VNA/VNS
VIENTIANE  Party General Secretary To Lam and his spouse Ngo Phuong Ly, together with a high-ranking delegation of Viet Nam arrived in Vientiane on Monday morning, beginning a State visit to Laos.

During his two-day stay in the neighbouring country, the leader will attend the 50th National Day celebrations of Laos and co-chair a high-level meeting between the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) and the Lao Peoples Revolutionary Party (LPRP).

The visit is made at the invitation of LPRP General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith and his spouse.

General Secretary Lam and his entourage were welcomed at Wattay International Airport by Politburo member, permanent member of the LPRP Central Committee's Secretariat and Vice President of Laos Bounthong Chitmany; Politburo member, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Security Vilay Lakhamphong; Party Central Committee member and head of the Presidential Office Khemmani Pholsena; Party Central Committee member and Chief of the LPRP Central Committee Office Phet Phomphiphak; Party Central Committee member and Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane; Party Central Committee member and Mayor of Vientiane Atsaphangthong Siphandone; deputy head of the Party Central Committees Commission for External Relations Valaxay Lengsavad; among other Lao officials.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos Nguyen Minh Tam and his spouse, officials and staff of the Vietnamese Embassy in Laos, as well as members of the Vietnamese community there were also at the airport to welcome the delegation.

This visit is one of Viet Nams most important diplomatic activities in 2025 and marks General Secretary Lams first state visit to Laos in his new position.

It takes place at a highly significant moment as Laos celebrates the 50th anniversary of its National Day (December 2, 1975 - 2025), and as both Parties prepare for their National Congresses in 2026 - key events that will outline major policy directions for each countrys development.

It once again affirms the strong resolve of the two Parties and States leaders to continue preserving, nurturing and promoting the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Viet Nam and Laos. VNA/VNS
HA NOI  State President Luong Cuong hosted an official welcome ceremony in Ha Noi on Monday morning for Sultan of Brunei Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, who is on a three-day state visit to Viet Nam.

Following the welcome ceremony, the two leaders held talks to review the results of cooperation between the two nations in recent times and propose directions for future collaboration.

This is the sixth visit to Viet Nam by the Sultan of Brunei, contributing to further strengthening and deepening political trust, promoting multifaceted cooperation, and advancing bilateral relations towards increasingly substantive and effective outcomes.

Viet Nam and Brunei officially established diplomatic relations on February 29, 1992. Over more than three decades, their friendship and multifaceted cooperation have made strong and substantive progress. In this journey, 2019 marked an important milestone in the bilateral relations when the leaders of the two countries agreed to elevate their ties to a Comprehensive Partnership during the state visit to Vietnam by the Sultan in March 2019.

The upgrade of the bilateral relationship to the Comprehensive Partnership represents an extremely important step, marking a transformation in both quantity and quality of the bilateral ties. Since then, the Viet NamBrunei Comprehensive Partnership has made multiple advances across key pillars, including politics and security, trade and investment, and people-to-people diplomacy. The two countries have also coordinated closely and effectively at regional and international forums and organisations, particularly within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the United Nations, supporting each other on regional and international issues of mutual concern.

Alongside this, economic, trade, and investment cooperation has continued to develop, forming a solid foundation for long-term bilateral relations. Defence and security cooperation has also achieved positive results through the implementation of Memoranda of Understanding on defence cooperation and collaboration in specific fields.

The two sides have significant potential, opportunities, and room to further strengthen and deepen bilateral cooperation in the coming period, particularly in areas such as renewable energy transition, green economy, and circular economy, in line with commitments to emission reduction and sustainable development.  VNA/VNS
HA NOI  Party General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith praised Viet Nams great victories and achievements over the past eight decades under the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV)s leadership in an editorial published in Vietnamese daily Nhan dan (People) on Monday.

The article coincides with General Secretary of CPV Central Committee To Lams two-day State visit to Vientiane starting on Monday to attend celebrations for Laos 50th National Day and co-chair a high-level meeting between the CPV and the Lao Peoples Revolutionary Party (LPRP).

Thongloun traced Viet Nams modern history to the 1930 founding of the Indochinese Communist Party, now the CPV, by great President Ho Chi Minh, describing it as decisive turning point for the destiny of three Indochinese peoples, particularly those in Viet Nam.

Under the CPVs leadership, the Vietnamese people achieved extraordinary and historic victories in the struggle for national salvation against French colonialism, culminating in the triumph of the August Revolution and the establishment of the Democratic Republic of Viet Nam on September 2, 1945.

The CPV then continued to lead the struggle for the liberation of the South and national reunification in 1975, and the nation was subsequently renamed the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, he wrote.

Since national reunification, the CPV has remained the solid core of leadership, steering the country through the 1986 oi Moi (Renewal) process that shifted Viet Nam from central planning to a socialist-oriented market economy, opening a new era of national renewal, development and integration, he added

Retracing the countrys journey over the past 80 years, particularly the 40 years of oi Moi, he said it is evident that Viet Nam has achieved profound and comprehensive accomplishments of historic significance.

The country has secured political stability, robust national defence-security, social safety and order, rapid and sustainable economic growth, rising living standards, deeper external relations and global integration, elevating the role and position of both the CPV and the nation on global and regional platforms.

Since embarking on oi Moi, Viet Nam has transformed from a war-torn and economically constrained nation into a dynamic developing country with middle-income status.

In 2024, it became one of the worlds 32 largest economies and one of the top 20 countries for trade and foreign direct investment. Its cultural and social development, rich in national identity, has become a major driver of national progress.

Notably, the Vietnamese Party and Government have vigorously advanced comprehensive reforms and taken firm measures against negative phenomena in state governance, achieving major results widely supported by the public and hailed by the international community.

Efforts to streamline and enhance the efficiency of political apparatus have provided fresh momentum for national governance.

Viet Nam has also made remarkable strides in modernisation and digital transformation, laying the groundwork for advancing toward socialism.

These successes, he wrote, affirm the CPVs wise, correct, and steadfast leadership and serve as an invaluable source of inspiration and encouragement for the Lao Party, State and people in advancing their own national renewal, defence and development in the new period.

He expressed firm belief that under the CPVs insightful leadership led by Party General Secretary Lam, Viet Nam would fulfill the 13th National Party Congresss resolutions and move toward the 14th National Party Congress which marks an important transition into a new era of development, prosperity and national strength.

Alongside these 80-year historic and comprehensive achievements, he was deeply proud of the great bilateral friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation built by Presidents Ho Chi Minh, Kaysone Phomvihane, and Souphanouvong, and tempered through decades of revolutionary struggle.

This noble relationship, he said, has become a pure and faithful bond, an invaluable shared legacy, and a vital factor for the existence, development, and success of both nations.

Today, the Laos - Viet Nam relationship continues to be nurtured, fostered, and deepened across various fields, delivering tangible benefits to their people. Political ties remain close and trusted, with regular visits and exchanges, while joint statements and agreements by high-ranking Party and State leaders are progressing effectively.

Cooperation in national defence, security, and foreign affairs grows increasingly close and effective, contributing to political stability and national security in both countries.

Economic, trade, and investment ties continue to see positive strides. Collaboration in culture, education, sci-tech, and other fields is yielding encouraging results.

He expressed profound gratitude to the Vietnamese Party, State, and fraternal people for their invaluable, wholehearted, effective, and timely support to the Lao revolution over the past years.

The Lao Party, State, and people will continue working closely with Vietnamese counterparts to preserve and uphold this rare and precious relationship, ensuring it remains strong and fruitful for the benefit of both nations and for peace, stability, and development in the region and the world, he said.

He concluded by wishing the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the Lao and Vietnamese Parties, States and people everlasting. VNA/VNS
VIENTIANE  Vietnamese Party General Secretary To Lam, and Party General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith on Monday witnessed the exchange of bilateral cooperation documents between the two countries' ministries, agencies and localities, following their talks the same day.

This is part of activities within the Vietnamese Party chiefs two-day state visit to Laos, where he will attend a ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of the Lao National Day and co-chair a high-level meeting between the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) and the Lao People's Revolutionary Party.

The documents include a 2026 cooperation plan between the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security and its Lao counterpart, an agreement between the two ministries on building a command centre of the Lao Ministry of Public Security, a 2026 cooperation plan between the two Ministries of National Defence, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on cooperation between the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security and the Lao Ministry of National Defence on building a Viet Nam - Laos friendship road, and cooperation agreements between the two Ministries of Foreign Affairs, and the two Ministries of Justice in the next five years.

Others are an MoU on cooperation in key banking activities in 2026-2030; another between the two Ministries of Industry and Trade on developing industrial linkage chains; cooperation agreements between Viet Nam Television and the LPRPs Commission for Propaganda and Training, between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Viet Nam and the Lao Party Central Committee's External Relations Commission, and between Viet Nams Thanh Hoa Province and Houaphanh Province of Laos; and an MoU on strengthening cooperation in socio-economic development, ensuring national defence and border security between the People's Committee of a Nang City, and Sekong province of Laos for the next five years.

In recent years, alongside strengthened cooperation in politics, defence, and security, the two countries have made strong efforts to elevate and create breakthroughs and great strides in economic cooperation, especially the effective implementation of key connectivity projects, especially in transport, energy, trade, investment, high-quality human resource training, and sustainable supply chains.

Trade and investment ties have maintained robust growth, with two-way trade in the first ten months of 2025 hitting nearly US$2.5 billion, surging by 50.4 per cent from 2024, elevating Viet Nam to Laos third-largest trading partner. The two countries are striving toward the targets of $5 billion and, in the longer term, $10 billion in two-way trade.

Regarding investment, Viet Nam currently has 274 projects in Laos with a total registered capital of over $5.8 billion. Newly operational transport-infrastructure projects connecting the two countries mark important progress in strategic development spatial linkage, helping drive shared development in the near future.

Cooperation in other fields, including education and training, culture, transport, energy, and agriculture, has also progressed with promising outcomes. People-to-people exchanges and growing ties between localities of the two countries are further deepening mutual understanding and strengthening connections, particularly among young people.  VNA/VNS
Four people were killed, including three children, when a gunman opened fire at people attending a children's birthday party in Stockton, California.

The local sheriff characterized the incident as particularly callous and brutal, adding that the victims were aged eight, nine, 14, and 21. The sheriff of San Joaquin County, California, Patrick Withrow, said, "These animals walked in and shot children at a children's birthday party, and none of us should stand for that."

Children's Birthday Party Shooting Kills 4, Including 3 Kids

There were 11 other people who were sent to the hospital after gunfire erupted shortly before 6:00 p.m. on Saturday. The incident took place at a banquet hall on the 1900 block of Lucile Avenue in Stockton.

Withrow added that at least one of the victims was in critical condition on Sunday, while the conditions of the other victims were unavailable. He said that the shell casings and rounds they recovered from the scene, including firearms on a rooftop, were still being processed for conclusive evidence, according to NBC News.

The sheriff said that so far, there appear to be multiple shooters involved in the tragic incident. However, it remains unclear whether these include anyone who may have returned fire after the initial shots.

Authorities have not taken anyone in custody as of Sunday night, and Withrow urged anyone who may have information regarding the attackers to cooperate with officials. Additionally, he said that investigators are looking to gather video footage from Saturday.

Officials are also offering a $25,000 reward for useful information that leads to the arrest of the people responsible for the shooting. However, they said that there was currently no threat to the community, the Los Angeles Times reported.

A Tragic Incident

Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi also addressed the incident, saying, "This is Thanksgiving weekend. This is when families come together. Stockton is better than this." The mayor was in tears during a news conference on Sunday afternoon, saying that the victims should be writing their Christmas lists right now.

While authorities have not yet provided an official motive for the incident, they suggest that gang violence was involved. They have already reached out to both state and federal officials for assistance, including California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Sen. Adam Schiff.

One resident, Emmanuel Lopez, said that his nine-year-old daughter was shot in the head but was able to survive. However, his brother, 21-year-old Susano Archuleta, was shot in the neck and later pronounced dead at the scene.

The incident comes as California has some of the strictest firearm laws in the United States, and has, in recent years, faced challenges to it. A federal judge overturned the state's ban on assault weapons in 2021, as per BBC.
VIENTIANE  General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith on Monday awarded a National Gold Order - the highest honour of Laos - to General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Viet Nam To Lam.

The award aims to recognise the Vietnamese Party leaders significant contributions to strengthening the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two Parties, States and people of Laos and Viet Nam.

In his remarks at the ceremony in Vientiane, Party General Secretary Lam expressed his deep honour and emotion at receiving the order, stressing that the award is not only a personal pride but also a vivid testament to the exemplary, time-tested relationship of comradeship, brotherhood and close-knit cooperation between the two countries.

He paid tribute to President Ho Chi Minh, President Kaysone Phomvihane and President Souphanouvong  the visionary leaders who nurtured and laid the solid foundations for the special Viet NamLaos friendship, dedicating their hearts, minds and aspirations to peace, prosperity and happiness for both countries' people. Thanks to that legacy, he noted, Viet Nam and Laos today take pride in an unbreakable bond of solidarity and loyalty.

The Party chief also expressed sincere gratitude to the Lao Party, State and people for standing shoulder to shoulder with Viet Nam throughout the past struggle for national independence, as well as in the current cause of national protection, construction and development.

He emphasised that this spirit of solidarity has been a powerful source of strength behind the historic achievements and lasting peace of both nations, and will continue to guide Viet Nam and Laos in advancing together, sharing a common path, vision and destiny.

The top leader affirmed his commitment to working closely with the leaders of the Lao Party and State to further cultivate the faithful and everlasting Viet NamLaos relations, deserving of the sacrifices of past generations and meeting the aspirations of the people of both countries.  VNA/VNS
HA NOI  Viet Nam and Laos have agreed to deepen their bilateral ties by strengthening economic, infrastructure, financialbanking and tourism connectivity and by implementing effective measures to raise two-way trade to US$5 billion in the near term, with a longer-term target of US$10 billion.

The consensus was reached on Monday during talks between Party General Secretary Lam and General Secretary of the Lao Peoples Revolutionary Party (LPRP) and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith, following a welcome ceremony held with full State honours.

Party General Secretary and President Thongloun warmly welcomed General Secretary Lam and the high-ranking Vietnamese delegation on their two-day State visit.

General Secretary Lam expressed his pleasure at visiting Laos on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Lao National Day and the 105th birth anniversary of President Kaysone Phomvihane. He reaffirmed that Viet Nam consistently places its special solidarity with Laos at the highest priority in its foreign policy.

The visit, he said, also provides an opportunity for both sides to reaffirm their determination to build a new vision and elevate Viet NamLaos relations to a higher level of development, with deeper political trust and new breakthroughs in cooperation across all fields.

He congratulated Laos on its significant and historic achievements over 40 years of national renewal under the leadership of the LPRP, expressing confidence that the country will successfully realise the goals set by the 11th Party Congress and prepare for a successful 12th Congress.

During their talks, the two leaders exchanged in-depth views on the situation in each country. General Secretary Lam briefed the Lao leader on Viet Nams comprehensive progress, including major reforms to streamline and consolidate the political system nationwide.

Both leaders expressed satisfaction with the steady strengthening of the special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between their countries. Collaboration between Party bodies, ministries and agencies, parliaments, fronts, mass organisations and localities continues to expand. Cooperation among border provinces has also grown, contributing to solid security and order along the shared border.

The two sides affirmed that their close and trusted political ties continue to be reinforced through frequent high-level exchanges and effective cooperation mechanisms in various fields. They agreed to effectively implement high-level agreements, particularly those reached at the 2025 high-level meeting between the two Parties and the third summit of the top leaders of the three Parties of Viet Nam, Laos and Cambodia.

Both sides committed to maximising the effectiveness of existing cooperation mechanisms, deepening relations between the two Parties and states and coordinating closely to support major political events in each country, including their respective upcoming Party Congresses, thereby reaffirming the strong political foundation of Viet NamLaos ties.

They also agreed to continue innovating and strengthening communication and education efforts on the special Viet NamLaos relationship among officials, Party members, citizens and the younger generations of both countries.

The leaders underscored that defence and security cooperation has become increasingly substantive and remains a key pillar of bilateral relations, contributing to a stable and sustainable shared border. They agreed to further strengthen defencesecurity collaboration, coordinate closely in responding to increasingly complex security challenges and link national defence and security with socio-economic development.

Both sides also agreed to enhance economic, infrastructure, financialbanking and tourism connectivity, expand transport, energy and logistics links and share experience in macro-economic management and anti-corruption efforts.

They committed to advancing agreements supporting the development of independent and self-reliant national economies, intensifying institutional reform and working closely to remove bottlenecks and create favourable conditions for Vietnamese enterprises to effectively implement and expand investment projects in Laos. They also pledged to jointly supervise the implementation of aid-funded projects to ensure timely, effective and high-quality outcomes.

The two leaders agreed to build strong momentum in economic, cultural and scientifictechnical cooperation, facilitate links in transport, electricity, telecommunications and tourism, improve the quality of education, training and human resources, particularly high-quality personnel, and promote people-to-people exchanges and ties between localities. This should be identified as strategic pillars that strengthen long-term solidarity between the two nations.

Recognising the fast-evolving and complex global landscape, the leaders emphasised continued coordination on international and regional issues, mutual support at multilateral forums and within ASEAN, and protection of each others legitimate interests in line with international law, including on matters related to the East Sea (internationally known as the South China Sea), which affects regional and global peace, stability and cooperation.

Following their talks, the leaders witnessed the signing of 12 key cooperation documents between ministries, sectors, localities and relevant agencies of the two countries, creating a legal foundation and fresh momentum for deepening and strengthening Viet NamLaos cooperation in the new period.

General Secretary Lam extended an invitation to General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith and his spouse to visit Viet Nam at a suitable time. President Thongloun expressed sincere thanks and accepted the invitation with pleasure.  VNS
HA NOI  Viet Nam and Brunei on Monday signed three cooperation documents covering maritime affairs, fisheries and illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing prevention following talks between State President Luong Cuong and Sultan of Brunei Haji Hassanal Bolkiah in Ha Noi.

The Sultan is on a state visit to Viet Nam from Sunday to Tuesday.

President Cuong emphasised that the visit holds significant importance in injecting new momentum into the comprehensive partnership between Viet Nam and Brunei, promoting practical and effective cooperation for the development and prosperity of both nations.

He congratulated Brunei on its socio-economic achievements, particularly the successful implementation of the Wawasan 2035 development vision, enhancing Bruneis position regionally and globally and affirmed Viet Nams commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation.

The Sultan of Brunei highlighted Viet Nams notable achievements in national development and foreign affairs and shared Bruneis development priorities in areas such as AI, green economy and circular economy.

The Sultan also extended condolences to Vietnamese people, especially those in the central provinces affected by recent floods.

The two leaders highlighted the strong development of Viet Nam-Brunei relations, especially after the 2019 upgrade to a comprehensive partnership, with increasingly solid political and diplomatic ties, effective bilateral cooperation mechanisms and active implementation of the 20232027 action plan.

Defence and security cooperation has been a highlight, with close collaboration between forces and mutual support at multilateral forums, particularly under ASEAN and ASEAN+ frameworks.

Bilateral trade reached its 2025 target of US$500 million ahead of schedule, while collaboration in agriculture, energy, education and people-to-people exchanges has been enhanced.

The two leaders agreed to double bilateral trade turnover as soon as possible, promote digital economy, green transition and circular economy.

President Cuong affirmed that Viet Nam encourages Brunei investors to participate in Vietnamese financial centres, infrastructure, energy, tourism and service projects.

Brunei also agreed to share Halal industry experience and explore mutual recognition of Halal certification and investment in Halal production in Viet Nam.

Both sides agreed that Brunei would continue facilitating Vietnamese companies in oil and gas services and exploration, while encouraging Brunei enterprises to invest in Viet Nams oil and gas projects.

The leaders reaffirmed the importance of maritime cooperation, including signing MoUs on fisheries cooperation and hotlines for IUU fishing.

They pledged to implement agreements, share information and address maritime security challenges to ensure safety and security at sea.

Both sides also vowed to expand collaboration in education, culture, tourism and people-to-people exchanges to strengthen mutual understanding and promote comprehensive bilateral relations.

They appreciated active coordination in multilateral mechanisms, particularly the UN and ASEAN, and committed to ASEAN solidarity and contributing to regional peace, stability and development.

The Sultan of Brunei affirmed support for Viet Nams role as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) Chair in 2026 and the successful hosting of APEC 2027.

Both leaders committed to maintaining peace, security, stability, safety and freedom of navigation, calling for restraint, non-use of force, respect for diplomatic and legal processes and peaceful dispute resolution in line with international law, including UNCLOS 1982.

On this occasion, Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah extended a state visit invitation to President Cuong to Brunei, while President Luong Cuong invited the King to attend APEC 2027 in Viet Nam.  VNS
HA NOI - Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh hosted a reception in Ha Noi on Monday for President of Cubas Prensa Latina news agency Jorge Leganoa Alonso, who is in Viet Nam on the occasion of the 65th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties.

PM Chinh conveyed his greetings to First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba Central Committee and President of Cuba Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez, Cuban PM Manuel Marrero Cruz, President of the National Assembly of People's Power Lazo Hernandez, and other Cuban leaders.

Affirming that Viet Nam will never forget Cubas support during its past struggle for national independence and the subsequent process of national construction and defence, he stressed that the special relationship between Viet Nam and Cuba, laid by Cuban national hero Jose Marti, President Ho Chi Minh and Cuban leader Fidel Castro, has been growing over the past 65 years. The bilateral ties, he noted, have expanded across all levels, channels and areas with three key pillars: political-diplomatic relations as the foundation, economic-trade-investment ties as the driving force, and people-to-people exchanges as the glue.

Both sides have maintained regular high-level visits and contacts, most recently the 2024 state visit to Cuba by Party General Secretary To Lam and the official visit to Vietnam in September 2025 by Diaz-Canel.

According to him, Viet Nam is now Cubas second largest trade partner and biggest investor from the Asia-Pacific. Projects in food security, rice, corn and aquaculture have eased difficulties for the Cuban people. Most recently, the Vietnamese people donated more than VN650 billion (US$25 million) to Cuba under the 65 years of VietnamCuba solidarity campaign, ten times the original target, while Cuba supplied vaccines to Viet Nam during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cooperation between the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) and Prensa Latina has been close and effective, with the Cuban agency training generations of Vietnamese journalists and editors, dispatching experts to Ha Noi, and promoting bilateral friendship. VNA, in turn, has provided equipment and facilitated Prensa Latina correspondents in Viet Nam.

Viet Nam always stands alongside Cuba, stays ready to share development experience and assists in food security, energy and telecommunications, he said.

He urged VNA and Prensa Latina to increase cooperation, maintain effective joint activities and explore new methods of collaboration, including professional training, technology and media infrastructure development aligned with modern trends.

The PM stressed the need for both agencies to offer accurate, official and timely information to domestic and international media; actively spread the loyal, pure and unique VietnamCuba friendship; coordinate to protect the ideological foundation and work on key information fronts; detect and counter false or harmful information that could affect ties.

Affirming the Governments support for VNAs cooperation plans with Prensa Latina, he expressed confidence that generations of journalists from both agencies would continue with effective activities, contributing to the traditional Viet NamCuba friendship and solidarity.

Leganoa Alonso voiced pride in the long-standing friendship between the two countries and their national news agencies. He affirmed Prensa Latinas commitment to working closely with VNA to better tap collaboration areas outlined by the host.

Earlier the same morning, VNA General Director Vu Viet Trang held talks with Leganoa Alonso at its headquarters in Ha Noi.

General Director Trang congratulated Leganoa Alonso on his appointment as President of Prensa Latina in October, expressing confidence that with his extensive experience, he would lead the agency forward and continue to reinforce its long-standing partnership with VNA.

She highlighted robust cooperation under a 2023 agreement signed in Havana, including the exchanges of news in English, French and Spanish, captioned photos and Spanish-language videos. VNA extensively uses Prensa Latinas official information as a key source for Latin America coverage.

Prensa Latina regularly promotes Viet Nams stances on territorial sovereignty and human rights achievements. It has sent Spanish-language editors to help upgrade VNAs Spanish-language output, and its Hanoi-based correspondents regularly enter national journalism awards, including the National External Information Service Awards and VNAs Press Awards.

VNA correspondents in Havana receive strong support from Prensa Latina for interviews with Cuban officials and scholars. In return, VNA assists Prensa Latinas Hanoi bureau, and in September, VNA staff donations under the 65 Years of Vietnam-Cuba Solidarity campaign included direct aid to the Cuban agency, she added.

Looking ahead, Trang proposed intensifying coverage of major 2026 events, including Viet Nams 14th National Party Congress, progress of strategic resolutions and election of deputies to the National Assembly and Peoples Councils, as well as Cubas National Party Congress slated for April and economic reforms. She urged continued mutual support for resident correspondents, joint responses to media incidents, fight against disinformation, and enhanced sharing of digital transformation expertise.

Leganoa Alonso, in reply, said his delegation would make the most of its time in Viet Nam to deepen understanding and explore opportunities to enhance bilateral coordination. Beyond professional cooperation, he said his visit is to learn from VNAs leadership and newsroom management experience.

He underlined the agencys priorities to upgrade its technological infrastructure, modernise its journalism practices and adapt to an increasingly multimedia-driven global media environment. Strengthening analytical content, he said, will be key to improving Prensa Latinas international reputation. He requested continued support from VNA and deeper in-person or online exchanges to build a new generation of reporters and editors.

The guest noted the agencies shared mission to counter distorted allegations and guide public opinion with facts, stressing the need to adapt quickly to fast-changing social media and digital platforms.

The two sides concluded by agreeing on key future cooperation areas, affirming that VNA-Prensa Latina ties remain a vivid embodiment of the solidarity forged by President Ho Chi Minh and leader Fidel Castro, with generations of journalists, editors and technicians working shoulder-to-shoulder. VNA/VNS
HA NOI  Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said Viet Nam always attaches great importance to advancing its Comprehensive Partnership with Brunei and hopes that the bilateral ties will continue to develop substantively, bringing concrete benefits and contributing to peace, stability, and sustainable development in the region.

At a meeting in Ha Noi on Monday with Sultan of Brunei Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, who is on a state visit to Viet Nam, PM Chinh said the visit offers an important opportunity to review progress in bilateral cooperation and set out new directions to elevate the partnership to a higher, more effective level.

He praised Bruneis political stability, solid economic performance, and strong social welfare under the Sultans leadership, as reflected in the countrys high Human Development Index. He expressed confidence that Brunei will successfully realise its national development vision (Brunei Vision 2035 or Wawasan 2035), becoming a dynamic and sustainable economy.

Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah reaffirmed Bruneis commitment to deepening its Comprehensive Partnership with Viet Nam and extended his condolences to Vietnamese communities affected by recent floods and landslides in the central region.

Both leaders welcomed the robust progress made under the 202327 Action Programme, noting frequent high-level exchanges, active cooperation mechanisms and strong economic growth, with two-way trade rising to nearly US$671.4 million in 2024, up 165 per cent from the previous year and surpassing the 2025 target. Collaboration in defence and security, agriculture, fisheries, oil and gas, Halal industry, tourism, and education has also continued to develop effectively.

To further strengthen relations, PM Chinh proposed maintaining regular high-level contacts and ensuring effective implementation of the Action Programme. He called for strengthened economic, trade, and investment cooperation in key sectors, such as oil and gas, chemicals, Halal food processing, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges.

He said Viet Nam hopes Brunei will continue to support Vietnamese enterprises in providing oil and gas services, recognise Halal certificates for export and facilitate participation in global supply chains. Viet Nam stands ready to assist Brunei in ensuring food security and supplying raw materials for Halal production, while the two sides could explore a potential rice trade agreement.

The government leader also called for enhanced maritime cooperation, particularly in fisheries and information-sharing on law enforcement at sea. Viet Nam remains committed to tackling illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing and looks forward to Bruneis continued support for its efforts to develop a sustainable marine economy.

The PM proposed expanding cooperation in the fields of culture, sports, and education, enhancing mutual understanding between the peoples of the two countries, and especially fostering linkages between education institutions, student exchange programmes, and joint research.

Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah expressed support for PM Chinh's proposals, emphasising the need for the two nations to strengthen cooperation in energy, fisheries, Halal industry, and people-to-people exchanges. He said the agreements signed during this visit would inject fresh momentum into bilateral cooperation.

Both sides agreed to continue close coordination at regional and international forums, such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the United Nations, and to uphold ASEANs common position on key regional issues, including Myanmar and East Sea issues, for the sake of regional and global peace, stability, and development.

The Sultan took this occasion to invite PM Chinh to visit Brunei at an appropriate time. The PM thanked the Sultan and accepted the invitation with pleasure.  VNA/VNS
HA NOI  Chairman of the National Assembly (NA) Tran Thanh Man on Monday met with Sultan of Brunei Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, who is on a state visit to Viet Nam.

Appreciating the Sultans visit, which takes place at a time when the two countries are striving to effectively implement the 202327 Action Programme, Chairman Man expressed his confidence that the trip will create new momentum to further advance the Viet NamBrunei Comprehensive Partnership in a more substantive and effective manner.

He congratulated Brunei on its significant achievements across all fields in recent years and showed his belief that the country will successfully realise its national development vision toward 2035. He affirmed that Viet Nam always values its friendship and cooperation with Brunei in particular, as well as with ASEAN countries in general.

Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah expressed his pleasure that the two countries have always maintained close and friendly relations since the establishment of their diplomatic ties, and have especially strengthened cooperation since the upgrade of the ties to a Comprehensive Partnership in 2019. He said he hopes that the two nations will further promote collaboration in trade, energy, and people-to-people exchanges.

Regarding parliamentary cooperation, the Sultan congratulated Viet Nam on the upcoming 80th anniversary of its National Assembly in January 2026, noting that frequent exchanges of high-level and all-level delegations between the two legislatures have made parliamentary collaboration increasingly intensive and practical.

He proposed the two legislative bodies continue to strengthen bilateral cooperation and coordinate closely at regional and international inter-parliamentary forums, including the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) and the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).

The top Vietnamese legislator agreed to further enhance collaboration between the Vietnamese NA and the Legislative Council of Brunei, particularly in the exchange of experience in legislation and supervision, and parliamentary collaboration.

In the context of complex and volatile regional and international developments, as two active and responsible ASEAN members, both countries agreed to continue close coordination to strengthen ASEANs unity and centrality; and share a common stance on maintaining peace and stability, respecting international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982), in the East Sea (internationally known as the South China Sea) issue, for the sake of regional peace, stability, development, and the common interests of the people of ASEAN countries.

On this occasion, Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah invited NA Chairman Man to visit Brunei at a suitable time. The latter expressed his sincere thanks and gladly accepted the invitation.  VNA/VNS
HA NOI  Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has described corruption, wastefulness, and negative phenomena as internal enemies, against which the fight is long term, difficult and complex, with prevention as the priority.

The PM, who is also Secretary of the Government Party Committee, chaired the committee's conference on Monday to review the prevention and combat of corruption, wastefulness, and negative phenomena during the Partys 13th tenure.

While acknowledging progress in the work, the PM pointed out a number of shortcomings, emphasising that corruption, wastefulness, and negative phenomena have continued to pose threats to the survival of the Party and the regime.

Participants highlighted anti-corruption efforts by the Government, with the issuance of 875 decrees and 981 resolutions during the Party's 13th tenure. The PM also signed 428 decisions related to the work. More than 2,000 administrative procedures and over 2,200 business conditions were cut or simplified, saving an estimated VN26.6 trillion (US$1 billion) annually and helping curb misconduct, especially petty corruption.

Transparency and accountability in public service were strengthened. Inspections were conducted at over 128,000 agencies and units, detecting violations at 1,248 of them and leading to disciplinary actions against 2,689 officials and civil servants.

The inspection sector carried out over 32,000 administrative inspections and more than 752,000 specialised ones, uncovering economic violations worth over VN703 trillion and more than 19,000 hectares of land. Several high-profile cases received strong public attention.

PM Chinh stated that Viet Nam is entering a new development phase with higher requirements for fighting corruption, wastefulness, and negative phenomena. He stressed that efforts must be stronger, more methodical, scientific, persistent, and resolute, with no off-limit zones or exceptions.

He requested continued identification of the prevention and combat against corruption, wastefulness, and negative phenomena as a central political task linked to the Party building and political system reinforcement. Ministries and sectors were instructed to institutionalise the relevant Party regulations promptly and effectively.

He assigned the Government Inspectorate and the Ministry of Finance to regularly review relevant regulations, recommend amendments, and ensure consistency across the legal system.

He stressed the need for clearer accountability of leaders in detecting and handling corruption, stronger protection for those who dare to innovate for the common good, and measures to curb the influence of interest groups and prevent corruption from emerging at the policy-making stage.

PM Chinh urged proactive prevention, strict punishment of violations, and decisive recovery of corrupt assets. Sensitive sectors should be prioritised for inspection, and cases showing criminal signs must be promptly transferred to investigative agencies.

He also requested improving asset recovery, as well as tackling bottlenecks in the evidence settlement mechanism.

The Government leader also underscored the need for the acceleration of administrative reform, digital transformation, strengthened decentralisation, and delegation of power with tighter supervision and greater accountability, and the consolidation of anti-corruption units.

He stressed the importance of building a disciplined, professional, and integrity-driven public service, and addressing hesitation and responsibility avoidance among officials. He also called for stronger public communications, better supervision by the Vietnam Fatherland Front, mass organisations, the press, and citizens, and timely handling of public complaints and denunciations.

He instructed relevant agencies to complete the settlement of the 12 prolonged loss-making projects under the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the mandatory transfer of weak banks, to be reported before December 5. He also urged decisive action to resolve nearly 3,000 long-delayed projects nationwide, including major hospital construction projects.

Concluding the conference, the PM asked for strong political determination and clear assignment of tasks, responsibilities, and outcomes to build a clean and strong Government Party Committee and contribute to the overall Party building.  VNA/VNS
VIENTIANE  General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) Central Committee To Lam met with Lao National Assembly (NA) Chairman Saysomphone Phomvihane in Vientiane on Monday.

The meeting formed part of the Party leader's state visit to Laos, attendance at Laos' 50th National Day celebration, and participation in a high-level meeting between the the CPV and the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP).

Party General Secretary Lam briefed NA Chairman Phomvihane on the successful outcomes of his talks with LPRP General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith. The two sides agreed to elevate Viet NamLaos relations to the level of great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation, and strategic cohesion.

Both host and guest expressed their delight at the close and effective cooperation between the two NAs. The countries are effectively implementing the cooperation agreement between their legislatures, with joint work between their parliamentary committees and agencies carried out through flexible forms, both bilaterally and at regional and international inter-parliamentary forums.

Chairman Phomvihane affirmed that the Lao NA would work closely with its Vietnamese counterpart in effectively supervising the implementation of high-level agreements and cooperation accords, particularly key economic projects, thereby helping deepen the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries.

The two leaders welcomed the increasingly substantive and effective development of cooperation in politics, security and defence, science and technology, education and training, people-to-people exchanges, and locality-to-locality partnerships. Parliamentary collaboration has also grown robustly.

During the meeting, Party General Secretary Lam suggested several measures to strengthen ties between the two NAs, including continued exchanges and sharing of experience in areas of shared concern, especially in institutional building, legal system development, supreme oversight, and decision-making on significant national matters.

He underscored the need to improve institutions and policies to facilitate the realisation of high-level agreements between the two Politburos and cooperation pacts between the two Governments. The two legislatures should also work closely in overseeing the implementation of bilateral agreements; enhance supervision of investment cooperation projects; and propose solutions to institutional and procedural obstacles, creating a favourable legal environment for businesses and localities of both countries to cooperate sustainably and for mutual benefit.

The Vietnamese leader said both sides should continue close coordination and mutual support at regional and international parliamentary forums; strengthen consultations and align positions on regional and global issues in line with each countrys interests and priorities, and harmonised with ASEANs common stance, thereby contributing to maintaining a peaceful and stable environment for development.

The legislative bodies should also play a stronger role in spreading cooperation achievements in politics, defence and security to economy and other fields. They should establish cooperation mechanisms to work alongside governments, local administrations, and sectors of both countries in addressing current challenges in bilateral cooperation, laying the foundation for further strengthening relations in the new period.

The Party chief thanked the top legislator for his attention and support for the Vietnamese community living, studying and working in Laos. He also called on Laos to continue creating favourable conditions for Vietnamese businesses and citizens investing and working in the country, contributing to Laos socio-economic development and bilateral relationship.

Immediately following their meeting, the two leaders launched an e-book on 50 years of relations between the Lao and Vietnamese NAs (19752025).

The publication represents the collective effort of NA leaders, agencies, officials, and researchers of both countries, summarising the time-tested traditional friendship and cooperation from the years of their struggles for national independence to the current period of national defense and development. It also highlights the longstanding cooperative ties between the two NAs.  VNA/VNS
HA NOI  President Luong Cuong on Monday hosted a state banquet in honour of Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah and the high-ranking delegation of Brunei on their state visit to Viet Nam from November 30 to December 2. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh was also in attendance.

Warmly welcoming the Sultan, the President stressed that more than 30 years after the establishment of diplomatic relations and over five years since the upgrading of their ties to a Comprehensive Partnership, Viet Nam and Brunei have seen their relations continuously strengthened and expanded, yielding important and substantive results. Both sides are actively implementing the 2023-27 action programme, focusing on effectively leveraging potential areas of cooperation such as agriculture, fisheries, Halal industry development, energy, education, tourism, and maritime collaboration.

Expressing confidence that the Sultans visit will further deepen the close relationship and comprehensive partnership between the two nations, President Cuong said he believes that with goodwill and joint efforts, the Viet Nam-Brunei Comprehensive Partnership will continue to flourish, contributing to a united, resilient, and prosperous ASEAN Community, for the benefit of their people and for peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region and beyond.

In his response, Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah said that following three decades as a member of ASEAN, Viet Nam has emerged as one of the regions dynamic economies and a highly respected member of the community. He expressed his belief that Viet Nam will continue to reap even greater achievements as it moves towards becoming a prosperous and sustainable developed nation by 2045.

The Sultan also commended Viet Nams growing role and prestige on the international stage, including its re-election to the UN Human Rights Council and its successful hosting of the signing ceremony for the UN Convention against Cybercrime.

Regarding bilateral ties, he noted that the two countries enjoy warm cooperation across many fields within the framework of their Comprehensive Partnership. He expressed his belief that both sides will continue to advance cooperation to protect and preserve their shared goals, strengthen trade linkages, expand joint ventures in agriculture, and promote energy collaboration under existing agreements, contributing to the sustained growth and development of both nations.

Brunei also looks forward to working closely with Viet Nam and other ASEAN member states to realise the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, towards regional peace, security, and stability.  VNA/VNS
HA NOI  National Assembly (NA) Vice Chairman Nguyen Khac inh held talks with visiting First Deputy Speaker of Federation Council of Russia's Federal Assembly Andrey Vladimirovich Yatskin in Ha Noi on Monday.

Welcoming Yatskin and his delegation, inh reaffirmed that the Party, State and NA of Viet Nam attach great importance to consolidating the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Russia, considering Russia one of the top priorities in the country's foreign policy.

He noted the positive outcomes achieved in bilateral ties across multiple fields in recent years. He expressed his belief that Yatskins visit will help generate fresh momentum to deepen overall relations and strengthen cooperation between the legislative bodies, localities, and people of both countries.

Yatskin stressed that Russia highly values the consolidation of cooperation with Viet Nam and highlighted parliamentary collaboration as an important pillar of bilateral relations, strongly supported by Russias key leaders.

On this occasion, he conveyed the condolences and sympathies of Federation Council Speaker V. Matvienko to the Vietnamese people and families affected by the recent disasters and flooding in central Viet Nam, expressing confidence that Viet Nam will soon overcome the consequences and restore normal life.

At the talks, the two sides discussed recent developments in cooperation between the two countries and the two parliaments, as well as regional and international issues of mutual concern.

They recognised the steady growth of parliamentary collaboration at multiple levels and across a wide range of fields, from coordination at multilateral parliamentary forums to support cooperation in legislation, economic and trade affairs, science and technology, education and training, energy and oil and gas, culture and tourism, and exchanges between localities and people. Parliamentary support has contributed to the effective implementation of bilateral agreements and opened new, mutually beneficial avenues of cooperation, they noted.

inh and Yatskin agreed that the signing of the cooperation agreement between the Vietnamese NA and the Federation Council in September 2024, together with the development of an activity plan outlining specific themes and tasks through to the end of 2025, has created a robust framework for comprehensive parliamentary cooperation. These documents formed an important political and legal basis for the two sides to carry out cooperation activities in a focused and effective manner, they added.

The current meeting between the Viet NamRussia Friendship Parliamentarians Group, led by inh, and the Federation Councils Group for Cooperation with Viet Nam, headed by Yatskin, marked a concrete step in implementing these agreements and provided an opportunity to discuss and propose new initiatives for the next phase of cooperation, including preparations for upcoming high-level parliamentary engagements.

In a friendly and open atmosphere, the two groups reviewed progress in implementing the 202425 cooperation plan and exchanged views on new directions for subsequent cooperation phases.

They agreed to work closely to develop a detailed cooperation plan for the activities of the two parliaments and the two friendship groups, thereby helping ministries and agencies of both countries implement their cooperation plans. Both sides acknowledged the positive developments to date and agreed to continue supporting exchanges between localities to strengthen connectivity and expand cooperation based on each sides potential, strengths, and needs.

Earlier the same day, the Russian delegation paid tribute to President Ho Chi Minh at his mausoleum, visited his memorial site, toured the Vietnam Military History Museum and the Pushkin Institute in Ha Noi. Before arriving in Ha Noi, the delegation made a working visit to the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho.  VNA/VNS
New transparency to help participants optimise compliance obligations

LONDON, Dec. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Global energy and commodity price reporting agency Argus has launched the world's first assessed price for UK sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) certificates, expanding its coverage of the northwest European SAF market.

The new prices will help market participants optimise their compliance with the UK SAF mandate by enabling them to compare the cost of purchasing SAF certificates, blending physical bio-SAF  produced from hydrotreated esters and fatty acids (HEFA) feedstock, and paying 'buy-out' costs in case of non-compliance.

Argus Media chairman and chief executive Adrian Binks said: "As SAF mandates ramp up, companies will increasingly need reliable prices not just for the fuel itself but also for certificates. We have worked closely with the industry to develop this new price and we are confident that it will bring much-needed transparency as participants across the aviation value chain work to comply with tightening carbon-cutting mandates."

The new assessment will track the price of certificates acceptable for meeting the UK SAF Mandate and based on manufacture using a relevant HEFA feedstock.

These tradeable certificates are generated by supplying eligible SAF in the UK and are then redeemed by obligated parties to comply with the mandate's rules. The mandate allows companies which exceed their own quota to sell their excess certificates to others needing to comply.

From 2025, the UK requires jet fuel suppliers to blend 2pc SAF into their domestic aviation fuel deliveries to curb emissions. The mandate increases year by year, rising to 10pc by 2030 and to 22pc by 2040. Transparent pricing for the UK certificates market will therefore become increasingly valuable.

This first UK SAF certificate price complements Argus' existing suite of assessments for tradeable biofuel tickets for road transport mandates in the UK and in several EU countries. Argus also provides a range of physical SAF prices in northwest Europe, including SAF produced using the HEFA pathway and the first-ever modelled production costs for electrolytic SAF (e-SAF).

Argus contact information

London: Seana Lanigan

+44 20 7780 4200

Email Seana

Houston: Matt Oatway

+1 713 968 0000

Email Matt

Singapore: Tomoko Hashimoto

+65 6496 9960

Email Tomoko

About Argus Media

Argus is the leading independent provider of market intelligence to the global energy and commodity markets. We offer essential price assessments, news, analytics, consulting services, data science tools and industry conferences to illuminate complex and opaque commodity markets.

Headquartered in London with nearly 1,500 staff, Argus is an independent media organisation with 30 offices in the world's principal commodity trading hubs.

Companies, trading firms and governments in 160 countries around the world trust Argus data to make decisions, analyse situations, manage risk, facilitate trading and for long-term planning. Argus prices are used as trusted benchmarks around the world for pricing transportation, commodities and energy.

Founded in 1970, Argus remains a privately held UK-registered company owned by employee shareholders and global growth equity firm General Atlantic.

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VIENTIANE  Party General Secretary To Lam and his spouse, together with a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation, met with staff of the Vietnamese Embassy and representatives of the Vietnamese community in Vientiane on Monday evening as part of the leader's ongoing state visit to the neighbouring country.

Ambassador Nguyen Minh Tam briefed the Party General Secretary on bilateral cooperation, and the situation of the Vietnamese community and Vietnamese enterprises in Laos, noting that the embassy has worked effectively as a bridge between domestic agencies and Lao partners, contributing to the steady consolidation of the Viet NamLaos special relationship across all fields.

The Vietnamese community in Laos has upheld patriotism, solidarity, and mutual support, complied with local laws, and maintained good relations with the Lao authorities and people. Community schools from kindergartens to high schools have been supported, with efforts made to preserve the Vietnamese language and culture. The embassy has also promoted business connections, supported economic cooperation, and contributed to job creation, social welfare, and local development, he said.

Party General Secretary Lam stated that his state visit coincided with the 50th National Day of Laos  a significant milestone in the countrys development.

He said that during the visit, the leaders of both countries had held extensive and constructive talks and agreed to elevate Viet NamLaos relations to a new level great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation, and strategic cohesion, reflecting a shared vision, intertwined strategic interests, and a long-term commitment to accompanying each other for the sustainable, resilient, and prosperous development of both nations.

Updating attendees on the situation at home, the Party General Secretary said that despite global uncertainties and disasters over the past year, Viet Nam has maintained stability and development thanks to the unity and efforts of the entire political system and people.

He expressed delight that the Vietnamese community in Laos remains united, supportive of one another, preserves national cultural identity, abides by local law, and integrates well into local society. He emphasised that young Vietnamese in Laos continue to learn the Vietnamese language and explore national history and culture, demonstrating the communitys strong bond with the homeland.

He affirmed that overseas Vietnamese are an inseparable part of the nation and that the Party and the State will continue improving policies to support investment, study, research, start-ups, Vietnamese-language teaching, knowledge transfer, and cultural and people-to-people exchange activities.

The leader expressed confidence that the Vietnamese community in Laos will continue to grow, remain stable, and deepen its role as a bridge for the special Viet NamLaos friendship.

He requested the embassy and Vietnamese representative agencies in Laos to continue promoting their role in deepening ties with Laos, supporting businesses, strengthening economic and investment cooperation, and assisting Vietnamese and Lao enterprises in seeking opportunities in the respective countries. He called for further efforts to support the Vietnamese community through citizen protection, social support, and Vietnamese-language education for younger generations.  VNA/VNS
HA NOI  Viet Nams Party, State and people attach great importance to the traditional friendship and Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Russia, and always consider the country one of Viet Nams leading partners in its foreign policy, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha stated.

Ha, as chair of the Vietnamese Sub-committee of the Viet Nam-Russia Inter-Governmental Committee on Economic-Trade and Scientific-Technological Cooperation, made his statement while hosting Andrey Vladimirovich Yatskin, First Deputy Speaker of the Federation Council of Russia's Federal Assembly, in Ha Noi on Monday.

Highly valuing the cooperation between the Federation Council and Viet Nams National Assembly, Ha affirmed that Viet Nam stands ready to work with Russia to advance cooperation across all sectors for the benefit of both peoples.

Yatskin, who is on a working visit to Viet Nam from November 29 to December 5, stressed that Russia always values and stands ready to enhance multifaceted cooperation with Viet Nam, aiming to boost the practical development of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in the new period.

He stressed that the Federation Council strongly supports the bilateral friendship and collaboration and looks forward to boosting joint work between the localities of the two countries in the time to come.

During their meeting, the two sides reviewed the current state of bilateral cooperation across different sectors and acknowledged the efforts of both countries ministries and agencies in implementing agreements reached by high-ranking leaders, in line with the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and each countrys development interests.

Ha proposed that Russia accelerate the progress of joint energy projects, assist Viet Nam in effectively utilising annual Russian government scholarships, and promote cultural and people-to-people exchanges. Both sides should maintain delegation exchanges and contacts at all levels, promote economic and energy cooperation, strengthen collaboration in education, science and technology, and step up the teaching of Vietnamese and Russian in the respective countries.

They should also effectively organise cultural exchange activities marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties, he said, highlighting the Vietnam Cultural Festival in Moscow last July and the visits of numerous Russian art troupes to Viet Nam.

The Russian side underscored the important role of the Viet Nam-Russia intergovernmental committee in coordinating bilateral cooperation across sectors. Both sides agreed to convene the next session of the committee soon in order to further deepen cooperation, particularly in preparation for the Viet NamRussia and Russia-Viet Nam year of science and technology in 2026.  VNA/VNS
HA NOI  The Ministry of Education and Training has released a draft overhaul of the foreign language competency framework that could reshape how languages are taught and assessed nationwide.

The draft circular, now open for public comment, will replace a decade-old regulation from 2014 and bring Viet Nams system in line with the 2020 edition of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), the globally used benchmark for language proficiency.

Under the proposal, Viet Nam will adopt a seven-level scale, adding a new Pre-Level 1 tier (equivalent to Pre-A1 in CEFR) for early learners on top of the traditional six levels from Level 1 to Level 6.

Officials say the additional tier is meant to capture the fast-growing demand for foreign language instruction among preschool and primary school children.

The framework will apply to all foreign language programmes, training centres and learners across the national education system.

For languages such as Chinese, Japanese and Korean, Viet Nam will continue recognising those countries own proficiency frameworks, provided they do not conflict with domestic regulations or cultural standards.

Education experts say the new system will create a clearer and more internationally recognisable structure for curriculum design, teacher training and assessment.

The draft also provides more detailed skill descriptors, which the ministry argues will give schools and publishers a firmer basis for developing textbooks, exams and learning materials.

The ministry said the revision reflected the Governments broader ambition to make English a second language in schools by 2035, as outlined in a 2025 prime ministerial decision that set a long-term vision extending to 2045.

If approved, the new framework will take effect on 1 January 2027, becoming the official basis for teaching, evaluating and developing foreign language programmes across Viet Nams education system.  VNS
A NANG  In a quiet turn of fate that sheds light on the dark days of the past, two massacre survivors have been awarded the Rhee Yeunghui Prize.

Nguyen Thi Thanh, 65, of Phong Nhi Village, and Nguyen Thi Thanh, 68, of Ha My Village, survived massacres carried out by Korean soldiers in 1968 in the former Quang Nam Province, now merged with a Nang City.

The President of the Rhee Yeunghui Foundation, Kim Hyo Soon, announced that the two women, who are living in the villages of Phong Nhi and Ha My, 30km south of a Nang Citys downtown, had been honoured and the prize presentation ceremony would be held at Cheongam Hall of the building of the Hankyoreh Newspaper in Seoul, Korea, on December 3.

The two guests of honour would be participating in the award ceremony online from a Nang City around 2pm local time (about 4pm Seoul time).

The prize, which is awarded to individuals who pursue truth without fear of oppression, is the culmination of a series of events organised by the foundation in honour of the late journalist and professor Rhee Yeung-hui since 2013.

The two Quang Nam-born women may have the same name (Thanh), but suffered two different deadly tragedies in 1968 when Korean Marine Corps troops, known as the Blue Dragon Division struck and killed about 70 Vietnamese civilians, mostly children and women, in Phong Nhat and Phong Nhi villages.

Nguyen Thi Thanh, 65, who was among the few survivors of the massacre, suffered an abdominal injury during the raid when she was 8 years old.

The soldiers killed her mother and two siblings and burned down their house.

Thanh then became an orphan and had to work as a servant and was unable to attend school.

The second survivor, Nguyen Thi Thanh, 68, of Ha My Village, witnessed the killings when she was 11.

She and her younger brother suffered serious wounds but her mother, one younger brother and three other relatives (her aunt and two children) were killed.

The two survivors activities went beyond the recovery of individual resilience or that of a specific community, the foundation explained in its decision to choose the women as award winners.

They (the two women) summoned the courage that helps us (the living people) face the truth of history and rehabilitate human dignity. It reminds us of a historical lesson from the massacres and such horrible killings in the past must not be repeated, the foundation said.

The foundation also highly appreciated the efforts made by the two survivors as they overcame the scars and sorrows of war that remained from their childhood to seek the truth of the massacres and call for peace through international solidarity.

Thanh, from Phong Nhi Village, shared that she wanted the truth to come out to ease the spiritual suffering of the dead.

Meanwhile, Thanh from Ha My Village said she expected the Korean Government to bravely open honest investigations into the massacres committed by Korean soldiers in Ha My Village and other locations in central Viet Nam.

I was so surprised to hear that the award will be given to us. We have never received such a precious prize. Actually, I had not known about Rhee Yeunghui but Korean friends told me about his activities and endeavours in finding the truth of the massacres by Korean soldiers during the American War, or Viet Nam War, she said.

The award will surely support us in the most difficult time of our lives. I hope that the award winners who are survivors of the bloody killings will draw more people in the world to know our stories. We, the last survivors of the massacres, are ageing and our time is limited. So we hope more people will join hands to keep peace in the world and support war survivors like us in seeking the truth that helps the dead souls rest in peace.

The Korean-Vietnamese Peace Foundation often organises commemorations for the 135 victims killed in the massacre in Ha My Village 57 years ago.

The oldest victim was 88 years old and the youngest was just a few months old.

The Seoul Central District Court's ruling marks the first time a South Korean court acknowledged the State's liability to compensate victims and the successful lawsuit was a benchmark for wider awareness among Korean people.

In response to reporters' queries regarding Viet Nam's stance on the court's decision, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Pham Thu Hang on January 22, 2025, said: Viet Nam welcomes the Seoul Court of Appeals upholding the ruling requiring the government of the Republic of Korea (RoK) to compensate more than 30 million KRW (approximately US$20,000) to Nguyen Thi Thanh (of Phong Nhi Village), who lost her family in the 1968 massacre in the former Quang Nam Province. It reflects historical truth and contributes to realising the spirit of putting the past behind and looking toward the future.

Thanh from Phong Nhi Village filed her lawsuit in 2020. She won both the initial trial and the appeal but the defendant, the Ministry of Defence of Korea, had asked the Supreme Court to reconsider the case, she said.

Meanwhile, Thanh from Ha My Village, 68, said she lost her administrative appeal against the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Korea, despite having requested an investigation into the Ha My massacre from the National Assembly of Korea, the Supreme Court and the Presidents Office.

Kwon Hyun Woo, head of the Korea-Viet Nam Peace Foundation Office, said Thanh of Phong Nhi Village pursued her lawsuit to uncover the truth rather than for financial compensation.

He added that victims of such massacres faced significant challenges when filing lawsuits because of the limited availability of legal evidence. Since 2020, many RoK civic groups and legal teams have urged the National Assembly to pass a special law to investigate crimes committed by South Korean forces during the Viet Nam War.

The Korea-Vietnam Peace Foundation, established in 1999, sought to launch a Sorry to Vietnamese people campaign among Koreans and call for an official apology.

Thousands of people were killed in a series of massacres by Korean soldiers during the war in the central provinces of Viet Nam between 1966 and 1971.

The two survivors will receive a prize worth 10 million Korean won ($6,827). VNS
HA NOI  The 2025 Military Gender Adviser Training Course, the first to be co-organised by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), Canada and Viet Nam, opened on Monday morning at the headquarters of the Viet Nam Department of Peacekeeping Operations under the Ministry of National Defence.

Held between December 1 and 12, the course brings together participants from Viet Nam, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Senegal, Zambia, Mongolia, Thailand, India, Morocco, Malaysia, South Africa, Bangladesh and Nepal.

The programme aims to equip officers of the Viet Nam Peoples Army and partner nations participating in Canadas Military Training and Cooperation Programme (MTCP) with the specialist knowledge and skills required to serve effectively as military gender advisers in United Nations peacekeeping missions.

It also seeks to strengthen the teaching capacity of Vietnamese instructors on gender issues in UN peacekeeping while further promoting practical cooperation and friendship between Viet Nam, Canada and international partners in the field.

In his opening remarks, Major General Pham Manh Thang, Director of the Viet Nam Department of Peacekeeping Operations, emphasised the significance of the event, noting that this is the first time UNITAR, Canada and Viet Nam have jointly organised an intensive course for military gender advisers in UN peacekeeping.

The programme features the participation of officers from across the region and around the world, alongside UN experts and trainers.

He also said the initiative is particularly meaningful as Viet Nam deepens its involvement in UN peacekeeping operations, with an increasing number of highly qualified female service members.

The joint organisation of the course demonstrates Viet Nams strong commitment to the UN Women, Peace and Security Agenda, he added.

Thang said that during more than 11 years of preparing and deploying peacekeeping forces, Viet Nam has continuously received strong and valuable support from the United Nations and Canada, especially in training and capacity building.

This years UNITAR- and Canada-supported course further exemplifies the growing cooperation between the sides in UN peacekeeping.

Expressing sincere gratitude to UNITAR and Canada for their support in organising the course, he said he hopes to continue receiving international assistance in the years ahead.

He expressed confidence that, with strong partnerships, thorough preparation and the dedication of all staff, instructors, coordinators and trainees, the training programme will be a success.  VNS
TOKYO  The Vietnamese Embassy in Japan, in coordination with the Ministry of Home Affairs, organised a Vietnam Labour Day in Japan 2025, on November 30, bringing together representatives of Japanese ministries and sectors, employers, businesses and labour management organisations, trade unions, and outstanding Vietnamese workers living, studying and working in Japan.

The event offered a chance to honour outstanding Vietnamese workers, spotlighting growing labour cooperation between Viet Nam and Japan, which is expected to be a key pillar of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries.

In his congratulatory letter to the event, Vietnamese Minister of Home Affairs, o Thanh Binh, praised Vietnamese workers for their diligence, creativity, and discipline, highlighting their trustworthiness to Japanese employers.

He said he believes that the bilateral labour cooperation will be strengthened, providing more opportunities for Vietnamese workers to study and train in advanced workplaces, contributing to forming high-quality human resources for Viet Nams development in the future.

In his opening speech, Vietnamese Ambassador Pham Quang Hieu highlighted the significance of the event, saying that it aims to recognise and honour the contributions of Vietnamese workers in Japan.

He said that most Vietnamese workers are diligent, law-abiding, and contribute positively to the host countrys socio-economic development and the Viet NamJapan friendship.

According to the diplomat, over 450,000 Vietnamese currently live and work in Japan under various residency statuses, including trainees, specified skilled workers, engineers, and technicians. Notably, Japanese immigration statistics show that Vietnamese make up more than 70 per cent of all second-level specified skilled workers in Japan, demonstrating their leading role in skills and expertise among the foreign workforce.

Hieu urged Vietnamese workers to continually improve their Japanese language, professional abilities, and discipline, while calling on host companies and trade unions to provide guidance and supervision to prevent violations of legal regulations.

In a congratulatory letter, Japans Vice Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare, Nagasaka Yasumasa, highlighted that cooperation in training and accepting Vietnamese workers holds great potential and limitless.

By the end of June this year, Japan had received about 200,000 Vietnamese technical interns and 150,000 specified skilled workers, making Viet Nam the largest sending country. Many workers returning from Japan have effectively applied the knowledge and skills they acquired there.

Nagasaka stated that a law on employment-for-skill-development (ESD) has been enacted. Under this law, the ESD programme will replace the current Technical Intern Training programme from April 1, 2027, aiming to protect workers rights and meet Japans long-term labour demands. He added that the Japanese government is also working with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to create a job search platform for foreigners, providing a transparent recruitment channel for Vietnamese workers.

Meanwhile, Japans Vice Minister of Justice, Mitani Hidehiro, in his congratulatory letter, affirmed that Vietnam is one of Japans most important partners, especially following the upgrade of bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership level.

Kato Ryo, Director of Corps company, a host enterprise, stated that the firm currently employs over 400 foreign workers, all Vietnamese. It provides support activities for trainees, including rewards for high performers, and placing outstanding workers in key positions.

He highly valued Vietnamese workers for their diligence and dedication, adding that the firm is striving to recruit more Vietnamese labourers in the future.

Inokuchi Takeo, Chairman of the JapanVietnam Economic Forum (JVEF), said that since 2019 the forum has focused on skills training, improving Japanese language proficiency, and supporting long-term career guidance for Vietnamese workers. Since 2022, over 200 interns have received free Japanese lessons, with around 60 per cent achieving N4 level or higher.

At the event, Ambassador Hieu presented certificates of commendation to 26 outstanding workers and interns, 17 host companies, and six trade unions. VNA/VNS
HA NOI  Three excellent female scientists on Monday received the LOreal  UNESCO For Women in Science Award for their oustanding researches.

The National Fellowship 2025 Ceremony was held in Ha Noi, recognising the exceptional scientific minds  women directly tackling humanitys most pressing challenges, including climate change, artificial intelligence, and energy security.

Amidst the global race driven by technological revolutions and green transition, the role of women scientists has never been more essential.

The three recipients of the National Fellowship 2025, selected from over 100 scientific proposals, epitomise the programmes rigorous criteria and strategic vision  prioritising fundamental and applied research with real-world impact, and direct contributions to sustainable development.

The first one is Assoc. Prof. Dr. To Thi Mai Huong, who is Deputy Head of the Research, Innovation and International Cooperation Department, and also Head of the Executive Board of the Innovation and Startup Centre under the University of Science and Technology of Ha Noi.

She has a breakthrough pathway to low-emission agriculture. Climate change demands a transformation in agriculture and Huong is pioneering a cutting-edge approach: using precise gene-editing technology (prime editing) to enhance the expression of specific genes by inserting short transcriptional enhancer sequences.

Her goal is to optimise carbon allocation in rice plants and reduce root exudates, positively influencing root-zone microbial communities and significantly reducing methane emissions  a potent greenhouse gas produced under anaerobic conditions in rice paddies.

The second one is Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Kim Ngoc  Head of the Department of Nano Materials and Thin Films, Faculty of Materials Science and Technology, University of Science, Vietnam National University HCM City. She draws a pathway towards energy-efficient artificial intelligence (AI).

As AI booms, its massive electricity consumption has become a critical challenge and Ngoc focuses on In-Memory Computing architectures to overcome the traditional von Neumann bottleneck.

By developing memristors  devices capable of storing analog states that mimic synaptic behavior  particularly self-rectifying memristors, her research spans materials, devices, and integrated circuits.

The last one is Dr. Le Linh, who is Postdoctoral Researcher at the Stanford University, the US. She owns a breakthrough solution for next-generation energy storage.

A successful energy transition requires better batteries. Linh advances promising research on LithiumSulfur (LiS) batteries, targeting an energy density of around 350Wh/kg and extended cycle life.

Her project designs multifunctional liquid electrolytes that combine co-solvents and additives to minimise polysulfide shuttling and stabilise lithium metal, thereby improving capacity and durability.

Inclusive scientific development

The prestigious award LOreal  UNESCO For Women in Science (FWIS) was established in 1998.

It has recognised more than 4,700 women scientists worldwide, including seven laureates who later received the Nobel Prize in scientific fields after being honored by the FWIS programme.

Since its launch in Viet Nam in 2009, the LOreal  UNESCO FWIS programme has remained steadfast in its mission: to identify and nurture the brightest gems of Vietnamese science and enable them to realise bold research ideas.

Over 16 years of strong and continuous commitment to empowering women in science, 41 Vietnamese female scientists have been honoured, accompanied by numerous research projects that have made their science marks internationally.

At the event, Wagih Ahmed, Chief Executive Officer of LOreal Viet Nam, said, The world needs science, and science needs women. The award programme vividly demonstrates that when women are given opportunities and support, they can achieve extraordinary feats and create positive changes for society. They are an endless source of inspiration for younger generations pursuing the challenging yet profoundly rewarding path of science.

Jonathan Baker, UNESCO Representative to Viet Nam, affirmed, Science is a universal language, a critical engine for human progress, and that its full potential can only be realised when women are equally represented and empowered to lead. Supporting women in science is not a symbolic act  it is an investment in our shared future.

The National Fellowship 2025 Ceremony marks the beginning of a new chapter in these scientists research journeys. From rice fields to semiconductor labs and battery innovation, their intellect and dedication are shaping a more sustainable future for Viet Nam and the world.  VNS
In an announcement on November 28, the European aircraft manufacturer said the updates affect a significant portion of the A320 family fleet, prompting airlines to review operations and prepare for possible short-term changes to flight schedules as the checks and modifications are carried out.

According to a preliminary assessment, analysis of in-service aircraft indicates that a significant number of A320 family jets could be affected and may require immediate precautionary action.

An emergency airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency requires affected airlines to implement the modification before their next flight, effective from 23:59 UTC on November 29.

Based on this foundation, Airbus has released a notice to operators, requesting immediate precautionary action through the available software and/or hardware updates.

The incident is expected to lead to operational disruptions for passengers globally at the weekend. In Vietnam, 63 planes of Vietnam Airlines and 65 planes of Vietjet are thought to be affected.

Airbus and FPT deepen digital partnership Airbus signed a new supplier agreement with leading Vietnam-based technology and IT services provider FPT on June 11 to strengthen their long-standing collaboration.

Vietjet places new order for 100 A321neo aircraft Vietjet and aircraft manufacturer Airbus on June 17 announced a major new order for 100 A321neo aircraft, with the potential to add another 50 in the future.
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What makes Vietnam an attractive destination for European investment in sustainable port development?

Vietnam is rapidly modernising its infrastructure, positioning itself as a strategic logistics hub in Southeast Asia. The countrys investment in deepwater ports, expressways, and intermodal connectivity reflects a clear ambition to become a gateway for regional trade. Projects like the Lien Chieu Port in Danang and the expansion of Lach Huyen terminals in Haiphong and Cai Mep terminals in Ho Chi Minh are designed to handle ultra-large vessels and integrate with global shipping routes.

Photo: EuroCham

For European investors, Vietnam offers a compelling mix of strategic location, political stability, and a young, hard-working and tech-savvy workforce. The governments commitment to green port development and its alignment with international standards related to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principals make it an attractive destination for sustainable investment. Vietnams EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement further enhances its appeal by reducing trade barriers and promoting regulatory alignment.

How can sustainable port operations drive economic growth while helping Vietnam meet its net-zero goals?

Ports are the backbone of Vietnams export-driven economy, contributing significantly to GDP and employment. Sustainable port operations  such as electrified cargo handling, shore power systems, and smart traffic management  enhance efficiency while reducing environmental impact.

By adopting green port models, Vietnam can increase throughput capacity, reduce operational costs, and attract high-value international cargo. Such improvements support economic growth while aligning with Vietnams net-zero commitment. The shift towards sustainability also opens doors to climate finance, green bonds, and technology transfer from European partners such as Maersk.

Photo: EuroCham

What practical steps can Vietnamese businesses take to make their supply chains more sustainable and ethical?

Vietnamese businesses, regardless of size, can make their supply chains greener by investing in green energy generation, such as installing solar panels on buildings and plants where possible, and improving energy efficiency through upgrades to LED lighting and the use of electric vehicles in warehouses and fleets.

They can also engage suppliers by encouraging upstream partners to adopt ESG standards, supported by training or incentives, while advancing circular logistics by reducing packaging waste and promoting reuse whenever feasible.

Ethical supply chains also require transparency, fair labour practices, and community engagement. European buyers such as Ikea and Zara increasingly demand ESG compliance, making sustainability not just a moral imperative but a competitive advantage.

How can European best practices in green logistics be effectively implemented in Vietnam?

APM Terminals, as part of Maersk, has pioneered green transformation globally in our portfolio of over 60 ports  through electrified equipment, data-driven operations, and carbon-neutral targets. In Vietnam, these practices are being adapted through a series of targeted initiatives.

First, pilot projects are introducing electric cranes and automated gate systems at key terminals, such as the Hateco Haiphong International Container Terminal strategic partnership.

Second, local partnerships allow close collaboration with Vietnamese authorities and suppliers to tailor solutions to local conditions.

Finally, dedicated training initiatives are helping upskill Vietnamese port workers in green operations and digital tools. Measurable progress includes reduced fuel consumption, shorter vessel turnaround times, shorter truck turnaround times and lower carbon intensity per container. These results demonstrate that global standards can be localised effectively, with strong operator commitment and local stakeholder engagement.

How are logistics companies using digitalisation to drive both efficiency and environmental sustainability?

Digitalisation is a powerful enabler of sustainability, especially for resource-constrained logistics firms.

AI and predictive analytics can optimise routes, reduce idle time, and forecast demand more accurately. Automation allows robots to plan operations with optimal energy consumption, and the extensive use of sensors enables automated facilities to save on lighting costs due to the much-reduced need for human eye recognition in operations.

Digital twins support the simulation of port operations to test energy-saving scenarios before implementation. Meanwhile, cloud-based platforms enhance collaboration across supply chains and reduce paper-based processes. By combining digital and green strategies, companies can cut costs, improve resilience, and meet ESG targets. Government incentives for digital adoption  such as tax breaks and training subsidies  can further accelerate this twin transition.

APM Terminals fully automated and zero-carbon terminal in the Netherlands. Photo: EuroCham

What impact will upcoming regulations and green standards have on the operations of logistics businesses?

Sustainability is becoming a regulatory and market access requirement, instead of a voluntary choice. In Vietnam and globally, upcoming standards are set to reshape the logistics and export landscape. Carbon reporting mandates will require the disclosure of Scope 1, 2, and eventually Scope 3 emissions.

ESG compliance for exporters, particularly alignment with EU regulations such as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, will help strengthen brand reputation and improve access to global markets. Additionally, green port certifications will benchmark environmental performance and unlock opportunities for green finance. These regulations will reshape logistics operations  from procurement to delivery.

Stronger publicprivate partnerships are essential to navigate this shift. Government can provide policy clarity, infrastructure funding, and regulatory alignment, while foreign investors bring capital, technology, and global networks. Local enterprises contribute market knowledge and execution capability. Together, they can build a resilient, green logistics ecosystem. At APM terminals, we have seen two proven examples in our Cai Mep and Haiphong partnerships in the last two decades.

How does APM Terminals see its role in advancing sustainable logistics in Vietnam, and what opportunities do platforms like Green Economy Forum (GEF) 2025 offer to support this vision?

At GEF 2025, APM Terminals aims to convey a clear message: green logistics is not just possible  it is profitable, scalable, and urgent. We will showcase our commitment below for our existing businesses and future initiatives in Vietnam by investing in sustainable infrastructure, such as low-emission terminals and smart port technologies; fostering inclusive growth by creating jobs, empowering local communities, and supporting small- and medium-sized enterprises; and driving collaborative innovation by partnering with Vietnamese stakeholders to co-develop solutions.

GEF is a vital platform to bridge European investors and Vietnamese policymakers. It fosters dialogue, trust, and actionable partnerships. By aligning on shared goals  economic growth, environmental stewardship, and regional connectivity  we can turn ambition into impact.

GEF 2025, co-hosted by EuroCham and VIETRADE under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, took place on November 27 in Hanoi. The event featured one high-level plenary session, nine thematic conferences, three technical workshops, and one exclusive networking evening, fostering constructive dialogues between policymakers, business leaders, and innovators to advance Vietnams green transition across sectors.

EuroCham to host green economy forum The European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (EuroCham) will host the Green Economy Forum (GEF) 2025 in Hanoi on November 27.

EuroCham honours pioneers of sustainable growth in Vietnam The European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (EuroCham) gathered government partners, international investors, and business leaders to celebrate business excellence and sustainable innovation at its annual Gala Dinner & Business Awards.
According to the cooperation agreement between the two parties, KNI and ACIL will jointly develop a British-standard boarding school in Vietnam, carrying the brand, spirit, educational quality, and expertise of Ardingly College  one of the top 10 independent boarding schools in the United Kingdom.

KNI is a multi-sector investment group with a business ecosystem focused on high-quality education and elderly care services. The owners of KNI are the founders and co-owners of the Canadian International School system in Ho Chi Minh City as well as the Canadian International School in Lao Cai.

Under the cooperation agreement between KNI and ACIL,starting in 2026, the Canadian International School Lao Cai (CIS LC) will officially be converted into Ardingly College Vietnam, offering a boarding programme for male and female students aged 11 to 18 (including both international and bilingual tracks), as well as a day-school programme for local students.

Accordingly, the school will continue to maintain two academic pathways:

Bilingual pathway: The curriculum of the Vietnamese Ministry of Education and Training, leading to the Vietnamese High School Diploma, for Vietnamese students from Grade 1 to Grade 12.

The curriculum of the Vietnamese Ministry of Education and Training, leading to the Vietnamese High School Diploma, for Vietnamese students from Grade 1 to Grade 12. International pathway: From Grade 9 to Grade 12, offering the British IGCSE and Advanced British qualifications (AS/A-Level), designed for students from other countries and for Vietnamese students who wish to pursue this track.

Both of these programmes, with the involvement of Ardingly College starting from the 20262027 academic year, will be implemented in full accordance with the schools methods, philosophy, and ethos in the UK.

By becoming an Ardingly College in Vietnam, CIS LC will also officially join the global Ardingly College family, alongside Ardingly College Zhongshan in Guangzhou (China) and Ardingly Astana (Kazakhstan).

Vietnam, UK experts explore tech cooperation and innovation Vietnamese leaders and top experts in the United Kingdom discussed strategies to accelerate innovation and strengthen the countrys high-tech and strategic technology sectors.

First UK-Vietnam Business Summit held in Ho Chi Minh City Renewable energy, environmental, social, and governance (ESG), and a roadmap for developing an International Financial Centre were key pillars of discussion from more than 200 high-level leaders, entrepreneurs, and senior managers from leading British and Vietnamese companies at the first UK-Vietnam Business Summit held on November 5 in Ho Chi Minh City.
Feature: Myanmar students study Chinese language for better opportunities

Xinhua) 08:32, December 01, 2025

Students attend a Chinese language class at Bowen Chinese School in Yangon, Myanmar, Nov. 27, 2025. (Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe)

YANGON, Nov. 30 (Xinhua) -- The Golden Education Sharing Center (GESC) in Yangon's Hlaingthaya township buzzes with students switching between Myanmar and Chinese language classes.

For many of them, Chinese is no longer just another class on the timetable. It has become a gateway to higher-paying jobs, competitive scholarships, and a future filled with possibilities, the students said.

Twenty-six-year-old Thawdar Tun is an assistant teacher at GESC. After two years of intensive study at GESC, she passed her Chinese exams as a top student and joined GESC as an assistant teacher.

"I'm happiest when I'm learning languages," she said. "Mastering languages opens doors and gives confidence when traveling." She hopes to earn a scholarship and become a skilled Chinese-language teacher.

Sixteen-year-old Htet Wai Yan Lin, only a month into his studies, sees Chinese as a practical investment. "I study two to three hours daily. Chinese creates many job opportunities," he said, adding that he enjoys the Chinese New Year and Mid-Autumn Festival.

For 20-year-old Zaw Hlaing Moe, learning Chinese is tied to his family business. "My father imports Chinese goods. I want to help him," he said. After three months of classes, he can understand parts of conversations with his Chinese friends.

Eighteen-year-old Naw Eh Thaw Say, who has studied for four months, hopes the language will take her abroad. "I can greet people and understand some words now," she said. "I watch Chinese movies and like the culture."

At GESC, teacher Yang Rongqiu said she teaches through "songs, stories, and activities" to make classes lively.

"Tones and writing characters are the biggest challenges for Myanmar students. But Chinese brings opportunities. Many factory workers can earn two to three times their previous salaries after learning it," she said.

GESC organized singing, character-writing, and impromptu speech contests to keep students motivated.

Principal Zhang Qiuyuan said the school grows rapidly.

"We now have about 10,000 students and have taught more than 100,000 since our founding in 2006," she said. Enrollment rose from 3,000 in 2023 to 7,000 in 2024 and 10,000 in 2025.

Today, the center operates across six Yangon townships with about 90 teachers and has introduced AI-based tools for homework and practice.

GESC now partners with more than 500 factories and regularly receives requests from companies and hotels seeking Chinese-speaking staff, the principal said.

While GESC mainly serves adults, Bowen Chinese School focuses on younger learners preparing for academic opportunities abroad. At Bowen's Times City campus, 35-year-old mother Susan said she sends her eight-year-old daughter to the school to broaden her future options.

"I want my children to have more choices when they grow up," she said. "We're of Chinese descent, so I bring her to Chinese festivals. My daughter is now learning Myanmar, Chinese, and English."

Nineteen-year-old teacher Paing Min Khant, also of Chinese descent, hopes to share his heritage. "I want to teach the language and culture to students who want to explore China," he said.

He teaches through games, songs, and dances. "Students struggle most with tone and character writing. But mastering Chinese can help them become interpreters or study in China."

Bowen now has about 1,400 students across four branches in Yangon and Nay Pyi Taw, supported by over 100 teachers.

Ten-year-old Eaint Pann Thakin dreams of studying abroad. "I want to get a scholarship," she said. "I like Chinese culture, movies, and food."

Beyond classrooms, adults like 32-year-old Aung Thu learn Chinese through online platforms. "Chinese is becoming as important as English, especially in Asia," he said.

"Knowing another language is like opening another window to the world," Aung Thu said.

Students attend a Chinese language class at the Golden Education Sharing Center (GESC) in Yangon, Myanmar, Nov. 27, 2025. (Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe)

Students attend a Chinese language class at Bowen Chinese School in Yangon, Myanmar, Nov. 27, 2025. (Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
BEIJING, Nov. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A report from China Daily.

The All-China Federation of Trade Unions is harnessing the power of female role models, not only by honoring their contributions but also by deploying their expertise to enterprises, turning individual ingenuity into a driving force for national development.

LI MIN / CHIINA DAILY

Han Liping, a computer numerical control machining center operator at a Shanxi province-based aerospace equipment manufacturing company, has dedicated over three decades to working on the frontlines of China's space industry, with her career exemplifying professional attributes often associated with the "craftsmanship spirit".

Han, 54, a national model worker and craftswoman, has contributed to the success of nearly 200 Chinese space launches not by working on the rockets themselves, but on what supports them: the launch platform.

Involved in the precision machining of key parts for these platforms, Han operates various digital control systems and software to ensure every component meets the exacting standards required for a successful launch.

"I'm just a cog in the machine on the production line, doing my everyday job. But it makes me incredibly proud to add my little piece to the success of our country's space industry," Han said.

Notably, Han has innovated an operation method for complex valve body hole systems, which resolved a critical challenge in the Long March 7 launch platform, where the valve body holes had extremely narrow tolerance ranges and minimal redundancy space. This breakthrough achieved a 100 percent first-pass qualification rate for key components controlling the support arm leveling precision, ensuring the accurate orbital insertion of the new-generation carrier rocket.

"The accumulation of production experience and the maturation of skills must be continuously validated through practical application  there are no shortcuts or detours, only steady progress with each step," Han said.

Leading the national-level Han Liping Skills Master Studio, Han and her team focus on tackling bottleneck issues in scientific research and production.

To date, the studio has completed more than 300 innovation projects, generating cumulative benefits exceeding 30 million yuan ($4.23 million) and obtaining 13 patents.

"Technology is constantly evolving. As front-line industrial workers, we must also keep learning and improving our skills to meet the demands of our positions," Han said.

Yet her aspirations extend beyond personal breakthroughs. For decades, she has been dedicated to passing down the spirit of craftsmanship to the next generation. She shares her knowledge, skills and techniques with team members and young colleagues, nurturing a new generation of skilled workers. Thanks in part to her mentorship, the company has now produced 29 national technical experts.

In the wave of intelligent manufacturing, Han said, "A truly competitive industry needs both the brains behind core technologies and the skilled hands that bring them to life on the factory floor."

Han's story is a prime example of the ACFTU's systematic efforts to cultivate, recognize and utilize female role models.

A recent tour project focusing on female model workers and craftswomen assisting enterprises extends this model, transforming individual expertise into collective productive forces for businesses nationwide.

On the morning of July 24, at a Geely automobile industrial park in Xi'an, Shaanxi province, national model worker Yi Ran, a renowned welder and the first national master craftswoman from Zhuzhou, Hunan province, signed a mentorship agreement with welder Li Junle from Geely. Yi then accompanied Li to his workstation while offering hands-on guidance.

"I plan to first help Li solve some production problems, then teach him skills like operating welding robots, and also help him plan his career path," Yi said.

Simultaneously, nine other top model workers and master craftswomen split into groups to assist different companies during the tour. They provided advice on non-standard parts processing at Xi'an Caijing Opto-Electrical Science & Technology, solved vibration issues in high-speed winding machines at Xi'an Da'an Chemical Industry, and advised on skill certification systems at TBEA Xi'an Electric Technology.

A manager from Xi'an Da'an expressed gratitude, noting that the experts "helped solve many technical problems that had troubled us for years, and their innovative ideas can be translated into tangible productivity".

Sun Mei, a national women's pacesetter and a welding manager from YCIH Mechanical Manufacturing and Installation, emphasized that "the exchange platform built by the ACFTU has provided broader space for the growth and innovation of female talent".

The tour demonstrated holistic care by organizing visits to innovation studios such as the "Xue Ying Class" and C919 production line, where participants delivered supplies to front-line workers. These activities were complemented by "Caring for Employees" health services provided in partnership with Northwest Women's and Children's Hospital. The program aims to create a new platform for demonstration, enterprise empowerment, and employee exchange.

The ACFTU is pioneering a new service model described as "enterprises placing orders, model workers accepting orders, and the union providing delivery", which is designed to serve workers and small and medium-sized enterprises more efficiently and effectively. This systematic approach ensures specialized knowledge is transferred to where it is most needed, creating multiplier effects for industrial advancement.

The effect of such activities extends beyond immediate technical solutions. By creating opportunities for female professionals to demonstrate leadership in traditionally male-dominated sectors, the ACFTU is reshaping industry perceptions and encouraging more women to pursue technical careers. This aligns with broader national goals to foster innovation-driven development, where the participation of women in the workforce is recognized as crucial for sustainable economic growth.

As the ACFTU celebrates its 100th anniversary, the combination of honorific recognition and platform building ensures that the dedication of pioneers such as Han is amplified. The footsteps of these elite women are reaching far and wide, sharing their wisdom to collectively power the nation's development.

SOURCE China Daily
On November 30, Manulife Financial Corporation, through its subsidiary The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company, announced an agreement to sell MVI Life to Asahi Mutual Life Insurance Company. MVI Life, formerly Aviva Vietnam, was acquired by Manulife in 2021 and has since operated independently, fully distinct from Manulife Vietnams core life insurance business.

MVI Life generated insurance premiums of approximately $93 million in 2024 and had net assets of approximately $134 million as of the end of 2024.

Following the transaction, Manulife will continue its long-term commitment to Vietnam through Manulife Vietnam, a business entity established in 1999 as the first foreign-owned life insurance company licensed to operate in the market.

This agreement aligns with our strategic focus and commitment to Vietnam," said Steve Finch, president and CEO of Manulife Asia. "Once completed, it will allow us to concentrate fully on serving customers through Manulife Vietnam, continuing to provide innovative solutions for protection and financial preparedness. We also thank MVI Lifes leadership and employees for their contributions over the years."

Manulife Vietnam is one of the top life insurers in Vietnam. The company serves nearly 1.5 million customers nationwide through a network of more than 60 offices, nearly 1,000 employees, a strong agency force of over 50,000 agents, and an exclusive bancassurance partnership with VietinBank.

In the first half of 2025 alone, Manulife Vietnam paid nearly VND4 trillion ($151.7 million) in insurance benefits to its customers. The company continues to innovate across products, services, digital capabilities, while strengthening the quality of its distribution to provide superior health, financial and retirement protection solutions.

Founded in 1888, Asahi Life is the second-oldest life insurer in Japan and has established itself as one of Japans top 10 life insurance companies, serving over three million customers as a group with a team of 19,000 employees. Asahi Life views Vietnam as a key growth market and is motivated to expand its presence in the country as a new life insurer, leveraging its core capabilities in life and health insurance, customer service and distribution expertise to build on its experience having operated in Vietnam for eight years through consulting, marketing, sales, and product development partnerships with leading local insurers.

Manulife and Asahi Life are committed to ensuring a smooth transition for MVI Lifes customers, partners, and employees throughout this period. All MVI Life policies will continue to be honoured, and MVI Life remains committed to serving customers with excellence. The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.

Manulife Vietnam resolves majority of customer complaints Manulife Vietnam has provided an update regarding the resolution of customer complaints.

Manulife Vietnam and Techcombank to end their exclusive distribution partnership Manulife Vietnam and Techcombank today announced updated information on their exclusive insurance distribution partnership in Vietnam.
On November 26, at a working session between Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung and the Vietnam Innovation Network (VIN) at the National Innovation Centre (NIC) in Hoa Lac, Cao Anh Tuan, founder and CEO of Genetica, outlined how the convergence of biotech and AI could position Vietnam to establish its first regional biohub as early as 2026, identifying biomedical technology as one of the countrys most critical strategic sectors.

Genetica's Tuan noted that while semiconductors and AI dominate current policy debates, biotechnology stands at a different inflection point, saying, "2026 could be a golden moment for biotech. AI now contributes tremendously to biotech. What used to be possible only in the US can now be done in many other countries, including Vietnam."

He explained that the convergence of biotech and AI is opening major opportunities for Vietnam. AI can shorten drug development time by up to 70 per cent and significantly improve the precision of gene therapies, while Vietnam still has to import treatment regimens worth millions of dollars.

In fact, Geneticas collaborative models with Stanford University, Hanoi Medical University, and US-standard laboratories demonstrate that Vietnam is fully capable of establishing a regional-scale biohub.

Tuan added, In the near future, we plan to partner with major global technology corporations to transform our gene-decoding lab into a biohub for precision medicine and for applying AI in new drug development.

He noted that many leading global enterprises are now establishing AI-focused companies to 'read' drugs, build biohubs, and run clinical trials for AI-developed pharmaceuticals.

I am very impatient, every 23 weeks, friends from the US text me: The opportunity is here, why arent you seizing it? Many top experts are ready to support us. Professors at Microsoft also text: When will you have something concrete so we can talk to Bill Gates? he said.

Given the significant opportunities and concerns, Tuan asked the DPM, We hope biotech can have a regulatory sandbox. To make this sandbox possible, we need an introduction letter to organisations willing to support us, such as Nvidia. We want this introduction from Nvidia and NIC to engage with Google, Microsoft, and bring leading global experts to Vietnam.

Nvidia has already launched several AI collaborations in Vietnam, and Tuan hopes these partnerships will help introduce advanced biotech technologies, putting the country on the regional map.

By around mid-January, we plan to announce a transformation to establish a biohub in Vietnam, similar to Google DeepMind, but focused on biotech, he shared.

Responding to the proposal, DPM Dung welcomed the initiative and stated, The introduction letter will be ready tomorrow. He assigned NIC to issue the letter immediately to Genetica to help build the biohub in Vietnam.

DPM Nguyen Chi Dung

At the meeting, DPM Dung noted that AI, semiconductors, cybersecurity, quantum computing, robotics, automation, aerospace, unmanned aerial vehicles, advanced materials, and biotechnology are strategic technologies crucial for national competitiveness in the digital era and for driving green, circular economic growth.

These technologies present major development opportunities and are essential for Vietnam to accelerate its integration into global value chains, he said.

To develop these sectors, he explained that Vietnam must build an overarching strategy to master core technologies; develop high-quality workers; establish technological infrastructure and shared laboratory systems; and boost innovation and create a comprehensive ecosystem for these industries. The state plays a decisive leadership role in connecting government, enterprises, and academia.

The DPM delivered a heartfelt call to Vietnamese intellectuals worldwide, saying, "I call on experts, scientists, and entrepreneurs within VIN, at home and abroad, to unite in turning ideas into action and intellectual potential into real strength, so we can lead Vietnam into a new era of development and lasting prosperity."

Dung urged the Ministry of Finance to explore innovative mechanisms for mobilising and allocating resources efficiently, while developing the NIC into the core of a strategic technology ecosystem, supported by targeted research and development policies and tax and credit incentives. The Ministry of Science and Technology was tasked with commissioning key scientific projects, refining standards and intellectual property frameworks for emerging technologies, and actively encouraging the commercialisation of strategic products.

The VIN will need to build robust research teams, develop prototype products, proactively identify priority projects, and collaborate closely with the NIC to implement major technology programmes.

Vietnam bets on AI and semiconductors to drive tech transformation A SEMIExpo Vietnam 2025 conference spotlighted AI and semiconductors as the dual engines powering the countrys technological leap.

High-tech law aims to boost innovation and investment The amended High-Tech Law is set to strengthen the legal framework for high-tech development and boost the countrys technological and innovation capacity.
Beware of the psychopaths. While in Congress, it was not unusual for me to meet government personnel who showed signs of psychopathology. In a system of government that irrationally clings to pure democracy (i.e., the majority, urged on by the elite) the elite can very easily  Ron Paul (@RonPaul) November 25, 2025

***

Text below for those whom block you from seeing truth when spoken

***

Beware of the psychopaths.

While in Congress, it was not unusual for me to meet government personnel who showed signs of psychopathology.

In a system of government that irrationally clings to pure democracy (i.e., the majority, urged on by the elite) the elite can very easily victimize the majority.

The process is accomplished by false, and very grand, promises that the majority readily accept.

Such a system is not uncommon throughout history. It has always led to moral and financial bankruptcy; along with a steady increase in violence.

Liberty, sound money, and non-intervention in the affairs of foreign nations offer the solution.

In other words, the policies of our nations founding.

Ron Paul

***

WtR
LEVALLOIS-PERRET, France, Dec. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- GEODIS has signed a strategic interline agreement with Atlas Air and mas, to significantly expand its air freight network across South America. This collaboration reflects the shared commitment of the three partners to strengthen connectivity and provide reliable, efficient logistics solutions across the region.

GEODIS Expands Its South American Network Through Interline Agreement with Atlas Air and mas

As part of this agreement, GEODIS will further strengthen its air freight network in Colombia, Brazil, Panama, Chile and Costa Rica. The partnership increases the company's ability to offer direct connections from the Asian Pacific region like Hong Kong via Mexico, expanding freighter capacity, reliability and reach for customers. This expansion is expected to particularly support growth in Brazil, a key market in South America.

By leveraging the interline agreement, GEODIS, Atlas Air and mas will ensure seamless operational integration. The collaboration allows efficient cargo transfers between flights operated by the three partners, providing customers with smoother, faster and more reliable delivery options.

Henri Le Gouis, Executive Vice President, Global Freight Forwarding, commented:

"Airfreight demand in and out of Central and South America has grown by more than 30% over the last 12 months. This interline agreement reinforces our commitment to providing customers with a broader, more reliable network and increased capacity. At GEODIS, we continue to anticipate market needs and invest in solutions that deliver resilience, efficiency, and value across the global supply chain."

"We are pleased to join GEODIS and mas in this strategic interline agreement that strengthens air freight connectivity across South America. As GEODIS expands its network in this growing market, Atlas Air is proud to contribute our expertise and capacity to deliver seamless transfers and reliable service between Asia and South America, supporting the growing needs of cross-border supply chains," said Richard Broekman, Chief Commercial Officer, Atlas Air Worldwide.

"This agreement highlights the value of collaboration. Together with GEODIS and Atlas Air, we are creating a stronger, more connected air freight network from Asia, delivering greater flexibility and reliability for our customers," Said Robert Van De Weg, CEO of mas.

The success of this initiative marks a key step in GEODIS' long-term investment in South America, highlighting the Group's strategic vision and ability to develop innovative solutions tailored to customer needs. Building on this partnership, GEODIS will continue to expand its network and enhance operational excellence throughout the region.

GEODIS  www.geodis.com

GEODIS is a leading global logistics provider acknowledged for its expertise across all aspects of the supply chain. As a growth partner to its clients, GEODIS specializes in four lines of business: Global Freight Forwarding, Global Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express Transport, and European Road Network. The Group operates a global network spanning nearly 170 countries and 50,000 employees. In 2024, GEODIS generated 11.3 billion in revenue. GEODIS is a company owned by SNCF group.

MEDIA CONTACT

Marion Lamure

GEODIS Group Communications Department

Tel. +33 (0)6 59 68 62 39

[email protected]

SOURCE GEODIS
North Wales Police launch festive crackdown on drink and drug driving

North Wales Police has launched its annual festive operation to target drink and drug driving, as part of ongoing efforts to keep roads safe during one of the busiest times of the year.

The national month-long #OpLimit campaign begins on Monday, 1 December, with police forces across Wales and the wider UK using intelligence-led tactics and local hotspot data to detect people driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

An intensified police presence will operate during peak times, particularly weekends and the mornings after nights out, to catch offenders and deter unsafe driving.

North Wales Police will also use social media and a digital advertising campaign to highlight the consequences of drink and drug driving.

This includes a digital ad van that will travel across the region displaying key safety messages throughout December.

Led by the Roads Crime Unit, officers from across local policing teams, the Armed Policing Unit, and the Special Constabulary will take part in day-and-night operations.

Sergeant Emma Birrell, of North Wales Polices Roads Crime Unit, said: We have a zero-tolerance approach to drink and drug driving all year round, but our December campaign will see us conducting extensive patrols across the region. This includes targeting hotspot areas and conducting intelligence-led stops.

We are committed to making the roads of North Wales safer for everyone, and we will be relentless in pursuing those who risk lives by making the selfish decision to get behind the wheel whilst under the influence of drink or drugs.

There are no words to describe the devastation caused by drink and drug driving and that is why we are so passionate about what we do. As the festive season gets underway, not only are we reminding drivers of the dangers but were also highlighting the consequences of getting behind the wheel whilst under the influence.

She said that anyone caught faces a minimum 12- to 18-month driving ban, and urged people to think about the long-term consequences.

The public are being urged to take a moment and think seriously about how that would affect your life; driving to work or college, childcare arrangements or school runs, socialising and visiting family.

The impact of losing your licence is enormous. You could lose your job and your home. Worse still, you could injure or kill yourself or someone else. Drink or drug driving isnt worth the risk.

Sergeant Birrell added that rural areas would not be overlooked during the campaign. Anyone who is considering driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs should know that we will be out and about waiting for them  please dont think the rural nature of the region affords you protection because it doesnt.

We target drink and drug drivers throughout the year, and in 2025 so far, we have made 828 arrests for drink driving and 1,217 arrests for drug driving across the region. There really is no hiding place.

She added: Our message is simple; if you are out and know you will be drinking, make sure you have plans for getting home safely without driving.

We are fully committed to making the roads safer for all and well continue to target those who endanger their own lives and the lives of others.

Dont drive under the influence of drink or drugs  even a very small amount of drugs or alcohol can affect your ability to drive safely. Dont let your friends and family pay the price.

Anyone with concerns can contact North Wales Police via the live chat service on the forces website, by calling 101 (or 999 in an emergency), or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Eye care patients left waiting beyond clinically safe timeframes for treatment

A Senedd committee has warned that urgent action is needed to address long waits in eye care services across Wales, with more than 80,000 high risk patients waiting beyond clinically safe timeframes for treatment.

The Health and Social Care Committee said immediate steps are required to prevent avoidable sight loss, describing the National Clinical Strategy for eye care as a clear blueprint that should be accelerated.

The report, published this month, notes that while recent reforms in primary care have delivered benefits, they cannot compensate for longstanding weaknesses in hospital based services.

At the end of March 2025 around 80,700 patients assessed as Health Risk Factor R1, the highest category for risk of irreversible harm, were waiting too long for treatment. This represents 50.1 per cent of all R1 pathways.

No health board currently meets the national standard requiring 95 per cent of patients to be seen within target times.

Ophthalmology remains the busiest outpatient specialty in Wales.

One in every eight patients on the NHS Wales waiting list is waiting for an ophthalmology appointment and one in 20 people in Wales is currently waiting for eye care.

Demand is projected to rise by 40 per cent over the next two decades due to an ageing population and conditions such as diabetes and glaucoma.

Reforms to the Wales General Ophthalmic Services contract have allowed optometrists to manage more low risk and urgent cases in the community.

In October the Welsh Government announced an additional 3 million funding for optometry as part of the 2025 to 26 contract, following a 3.9 million uplift earlier in the year.

About 3,000 hospital appointments per month have already moved into community optometry with a target of 30,000.

A separate funding package announced in June aims to deliver 20,000 additional cataract surgeries.

The Committee said these improvements are outweighed by delays in secondary care.

Patients have described the emotional and practical impact of waiting. Sara Crowley said delayed treatment cost her independence and employment.

RNIB Cymru said some grandparents had lost sight before meeting newborn grandchildren.

Edward Kenna, who has macular degeneration, said he felt condemned to lose his sight.

RNIB Cymru said there is almost certainly a significant underreporting of the scale of harm befalling patients, noting that between June 2021 and September 2023 only 45 harm incidents were recorded despite tens of thousands of people waiting beyond safe timeframes. The Committee also heard about communication difficulties and the absence of emotional support roles such as Eye Care Liaison Officers.

Systemic challenges highlighted by the inquiry include workforce shortages, limited theatre and clinic space, outdated equipment and slow progress on digital systems.

Wales has 1.97 consultant ophthalmologists per 100,000 population, below the recommended three.

Consultant Ophthalmologist and national clinical lead for ophthalmology, Rhianon Reynolds, described hospital facilities as cramped, with leaking roofs and broken equipment affecting services.

Nearly five years after launch, most health boards still do not have a fully functioning OpenEyes electronic patient record or electronic referral system.

The Committee makes 16 recommendations. These include establishing a cross sector ophthalmology oversight board before the 2026 Welsh general election, committing to a multi year investment programme for secondary care, accelerating the rollout of OpenEyes by March 2026, developing regional centres of excellence, improving estates and equipment and increasing training places.

The Welsh Government has six weeks to respond to the recommendations before the report is debated in the Senedd.
BEIRUT, Lebanon (AP)  Pope Leo XIV celebrated Lebanon's tradition of interfaith coexistence Monday as a beacon of hope for a conflict-torn region, as he asked for the divine gift of peace alongside the countrys Christian and Muslim religious leaders.

Leo received a raucous, ululating welcome from the crowds and a sincere welcome from its spiritual leaders on his first full day in Lebanon, where billboards with his image dotted highways around the capital. Thousands of ordinary Lebanese braved a steady rain in the morning to line his motorcade route, some throwing flower petals and rice on his car in a gesture of welcome.

Historys first American pope is on his maiden papal voyage, and it has taken him to the heart of Christianity: First to Turkey to commemorate a founding profession of the Christian faith and now to Lebanon to encourage an ancient Christian community in a country that is unique in the Arab world for its religious tolerance.

The highlight of his day was an interfaith meeting in Martyrs Square in Beirut, with the countrys Christian patriarchs and Sunni, Shiite and Druze spiritual leaders gathered under a tent. After listening to hymns and readings from the Bible and Quran, Leo praised Lebanons tradition of religious tolerance as a beacon for the divine gift of peace in the region.

In an age when coexistence can seem like a distant dream, the people of Lebanon, while embracing different religions, stand as a powerful reminder that fear, distrust and prejudice do not have the final word, and that unity, reconciliation, and peace are possible, he said.

Leos remarks underscored the vital importance of Lebanon and its Christian community to the Catholic Church, a place that St. John Paul II famously said was more than just a country, but a message of freedom to the rest of the world. At the end of the event, the spiritual leaders planted an olive sapling as a symbol of peace.

While Lebanon is now often cited as a model of religious coexistence, it hasnt always been that way. The country's civil war from 1975 to 1990 was largely fought along sectarian lines.

A visit at a tense time

Leos visit comes at a newly tenuous time for the tiny Mediterranean country after years of conflict, economic crises and political deadlock, punctuated by the 2020 Beirut port blast. At a time of conflict in Gaza and worsening political tensions in Lebanon, Leos visit has been welcomed by the Lebanese as a sign of hope.

We, as Lebanese, need this visit after all the wars, crises and despair that we have lived through, said the Rev. Youssef Nasr, the secretary-general of Catholic Schools in Lebanon. The popes visit gives a new push to the Lebanese to rise and cling to their country.

More recently, Lebanon has been deeply divided over calls for Hezbollah, a Lebanese militant group and political party, to disarm after fighting a war with Israel last year that left the country deeply damaged. Despite a ceasefire, Israel has carried out almost daily airstrikes targeting Hezbollah members.

The Grand Sunni Muslim Mufti of Lebanon, Abdul-Latif Derian, welcomed Leo at the interfaith event and recalled the good relations forged by his predecessor, Pope Francis. He cited the 2019 joint statement on human fraternity signed by Francis and the grand imam of Al-Azhar, the seat of Sunni learning in Cairo, Sheikh Ahmad al-Tayeb.

Lebanon is the land of this message, Derian said.

A top Lebanese Shiite Muslim cleric, Ali al-Khatib, deputy head of the Supreme Islamic Shiite Council, urged Leo to help Lebanon end Israels attacks amid rising concerns in the Mediterranean country of wider Israeli strikes.

We put Lebanon in your hands so that maybe the world helps us, al-Khatib said.

A prayer at a saint revered by Christians and Muslims

Leo opened his day by praying at the tomb of St. Charbel Makhlouf, a Lebanese saint revered by many Christians and Muslims.

Every year, hundreds of thousands of pilgrims, Christian and Muslim, visit the tomb at the hilltop monastery of St. Maroun overlooking the sea at Annaya, around 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Beirut.

Bells rang out as Leos covered popemobile snaked its way through the rain to the monastery where Leo prayed quietly in the darkened tomb and offered a lamp as a gift of light for the community there.

Leo was moving through Lebanon in a closed popemobile, a contrast with Francis, who eschewed bulletproof popemobiles throughout his 12-year pontificate. Lebanese troops deployed on both sides of the roads all along his motorcade routes, but his warm welcome underscored the joy his visit had brought.

Many Lebanese posted footage of the welcome alongside a widely shared hot mic video of Queen Rania of Jordan, during an October visit to the Vatican, asking Leo if it was safe to go to Lebanon. Leos response, "Well, were going, had cheered Lebanese who were otherwise offended by the suggestion that Lebanon wasnt safe for the pope to visit.

Leo ended the day at a jubilant rally of Lebanese youth at Bkerki, the seat of the Maronite Church, where he sought to encourage them to persevere and not leave the country as many others have done.

This is an unforgettable moment, said Nawal Ghossein, a Maronite Catholic who welcomed the pope with a group from her church. We are so proud because we are Christians. So proud!

A plea for Christians to stay

Today, Christians make up around a third of Lebanons 5 million people, giving the small nation on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean the largest percentage of Christians in the Middle East.

A power-sharing agreement in place since independence from France calls for the president to be a Maronite Christian, making Lebanon the only Arab country with a Christian head of state

The Vatican sees Christian presence as a bulwark for the church in the region.

Lebanese Christians have endured in their ancestral homeland even after an exodus following the country's civil war. The region has also seen Christians from Iraq and Syria fleeing in large numbers after the rise of the Islamic State Group, which was defeated in 2019 after losing its last stronghold in Syria.

We will stay here, said May Noon, a pilgrim waiting for Leo outside the St. Charbel Monastery. No one can uproot us from this country. We must live in it as brothers because the church has no enemy.

Bishop Antoine-Charbel Tarabay accompanied a group of 60 people from the Lebanese diaspora in Australia not only to welcome Leo and join in his prayer for peace but also to reinforce Christian presence in the country.

Even though we live abroad, we feel that we need to support young people and the families to stay here, he said. We dont like to see more and more people leaving Lebanon, especially Christians.

Associated Press writer Bassem Mroue in Beirut contributed to this report.

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.
From innovation to impact, RTP nonprofit's annual holiday tradition showcases a dozen stories of connections that count throughout North Carolina

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., Dec. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The 12 Days of Broadband, the beloved annual tradition from MCNC the past 15 years, returns again this month to showcase the transformative power of digital connectivity and innovation across North Carolina. From Dec. 4 to Dec. 19, MCNC will feature a dozen ways how broadband has positively impacted communities in the state as well as preview what's to come in 2026.

"MCNC celebrated 45 years of transformation this year, and our history of innovation also shows an unwavering focus on empowering people, serving communities, and creating opportunity," said MCNC President and CEO Tracy Doaks. "The 12 Days of Broadband is all about sharing those important stories from within out community every year as well as celebrating not just the technology but the people behind the connections."

As in years past, the 12 Days of Broadband highlights how connectivity helps ensure opportunities continue to grow for everyone as well as drive economic and social change throughout North Carolina. Each day of the 12 Days of Broadband will explore areas of North Carolina's digital progress such as cybersecurity, health care, A.I. and quantum technologies, education, data centers, cloud platforms, advanced networking, and more.

MCNC's network today spans more than 4,500 miles of fiber-optic infrastructure in every county of the state. This world-class network and MCNC's operational expertise provide critical connections and other important networking technologies and services for more than 1,000 community anchor institutions in North Carolina.

Reflect back at the previous 14 years of the 12 Days of Broadband as MCNC continues working every day to level the digital playing field throughout North Carolina. Join on social media using #MCNC12days.

About MCNC

MCNC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit client-focused technology organization. Founded in 1980, MCNC owns and operates the North Carolina Research and Education Network (NCREN), one of America's longest-running regional research and education networks. With 45 years of innovation, MCNC provides high-performance services for education, research, libraries, health care, government, public safety, and other community anchor institutions throughout North Carolina. Visit www.mcnc.org. MCNC Social: Facebook, X, YouTube, LinkedIn.

Graphics & Images

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SOURCE MCNC
CHAIRMAN'S ADDRESS TO ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING ON 28 NOVEMBER 2025



Chair Address to Shareholders

Perth, Nov 28, 2025 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Boosting gas supply is a priority for Australia's economic and energy security. The following extracts illustrate the critical nature of gas supply shortages.



The ACCC Gas Enquiry update released in June 2025 made key findings:



- The ACCC considers it critical to gas market efficiency and long-term energy security that underlying impediments to the development of domestic supply are addressed.



- Supply gaps are forecast to emerge from 2028, unless new gas supply is brought online.



- "An efficient and well-functioning east coast gas market is critical to support Australia's long-term energy security



- The east coast has sufficient gas reserves and resources to meet projected domestic demand for at least the next decade. However, a combination of policy, technical and commercial factors over the past 15 years has impeded their development.



- Gas production is not being brought online fast enough to meet demand, and we now expect ongoing shortfalls in southern states as local reserves reach the end of their economic life. The market is now in the position of having to rely on uncontracted gas from Queensland and transporting it large distances across the east coast.



- Governments can further support efficient and timely gas supply by addressing competition in upstream markets, regulatory barriers to investment, and developing a gas market system plan that confirms the role of gas during the energy transition and supports market led solutions to achieve energy sufficiency and security.



- The composition of projected supply remains a concern because substantial volumes of east coast gas production are forecast to come from projects in Queensland's Surat and Bowen basins, while supply from locally produced gas in the southern states' is in decline.



The ACCC reports the gas supply shortfall increasing to 2037 of approx. 300 PJ per year, which is more than double the entire consumption of NSW.



In a recent release on the Australian east coast energy market gas supply made by the Australian Energy Producers key points were made by CEO Samantha McCulloch:



"Natural gas will play an essential role in Australia's energy mix to 2050 and beyond, but regulatory uncertainty, approval delays and policy interventions have delayed critical projects and damaged Australia's reputation as a safe place to invest," Ms McCulloch said.



"Australia has abundant gas resources and yet we are facing forecast gas shortfalls on the east coast from 2027 and from 2030 in Western Australia."



"Without new gas projects, Australian households and businesses face higher energy prices, uncertain energy supply, and increased risk of blackouts that will hit every part of the economy.



Addressing these risks should be a national priority."



"Australia and our region's economic growth and energy security needs reliable and affordable gas supply, and this requires continued investment in new gas exploration and development," Ms McCulloch said.



"The Australian gas industry contributes $105 billion a year to the Australian economy and supports 215,000 jobs. Natural gas provides around 40 per cent of the energy used by Australia's manufacturing sector, and in WA gas provides more than half the energy used in mining and minerals processing."



The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) CEO has warned in a submission to a review of Australia's grid reliability, that the increasing penetration of renewables in the last decade has increased the risk that it will not be able to restart the grid during daylight hours after a Spain type blackout - "insufficient new investment in the technologies that could replace the grid-stabilizing role of coal in such situations, including synchronous condensers, grid-forming inverters and gas turbines that can spin without burning fuel."



In a keynote address to the Climate and Energy Summit in May 2025 the AEMO CEO stated "-flexible gas-powered generation will remain the ultimate backstop in a high-renewable power system. Gas, alongside batteries and pumped hydro, will enable higher renewable contributions and support reliability as coal-fired power stations retire. And importantly, new gas-fired power stations can play an active role in system security even when no gas is being consumed.



This is because their heavy spinning generators - like those of coal and hydro - have benefits beyond generation. If designed and built with this functionality in mind, they can spin freely to keep the main power grid secure and resilient without burning fuel.



In order for gas to play its critical role as a back stop for reliability, there must also be enough gas in our domestic networks to meet demand.



Gas is still used as a fuel for heating, as a manufacturing feedstock, and as a fuel for generators. However, gas production is falling faster than demand in the southern states, reinforcing the need for investment in new gas supply."





About BPH Energy Limited





BPH Energy Limited (ASX:BPH) is an Australian Securities Exchange listed company developing biomedical research and technologies within Australian Universities and Hospital Institutes.

The company provides early stage funding, project management and commercialisation strategies for a direct collaboration, a spin out company or to secure a license.

BPH provides funding for commercial strategies for proof of concept, research and product development, whilst the institutional partner provides infrastructure and the core scientific expertise.

BPH currently partners with several academic institutions including The Harry Perkins Institute for Medical Research and Swinburne University of Technology (SUT).

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Appointment of Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer

Perth, Dec 2, 2025 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Deep Yellow Limited ( ASX:DYL ) ( JMI:FRA ) ( DYLLF:OTCMKTS ) announced that Mr. Greg Field will be appointed to the role of Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, commencing no later than 1 May 2026.



Mr. Field's appointment follows a comprehensive search undertaken as part of the leadership transition plan. In selecting a candidate, the Board's key focus was identifying a leader with strong execution capability, a proven track record in delivering capital projects, and deep familiarity with the jurisdictions in which Deep Yellow operates.



A qualified mining engineer, Mr. Field was previously Managing Director - Project Development at Rio Tinto. Over a 29-year career in the resources sector, Mr. Field has gained extensive experience across operations and project studies, and significantly, he has extensive experience of both brownfield and greenfield capital project execution.



During his tenure at Rio Tinto, Mr. Field delivered multiple major studies and projects across a range of commodities, including Diamonds, Copper, Aluminium and Lithium. His execution capability spans large-scale developments such as the US$7 billion Oyu Tolgoi underground project, as well as smaller technically complex processing facilities including the US$400 million Rincon DLE plant in Argentina and the US$1.3 billion AP60 Aluminium smelter in Quebec.



Mr. Field began his career in South Africa and is familiar with Namibia, which is a key operating region for Deep Yellow. He has lived and worked in Western Australia, including in remote operations during his tenure with Argyle Diamonds and his global career experience spans South Africa, Australia, Mongolia, the United States, Canada and Argentina.



Mr. Field said he is honoured to join Deep Yellow at such a pivotal time for the Company and the broader uranium sector.



"I believe uranium has a key role to play in the global transition to clean energy, and Deep Yellow is uniquely positioned to contribute to that shift. I have been impressed by the depth of experience within the Deep Yellow team and the progress achieved on the Tumas Project. I am fully aligned with the Company's strategy, and with two execution ready projects in Tumas and Mulga Rock, the Company is well-positioned to capture the upside potential of the market and deliver long-term value to shareholders. I look forward to working with the Board and management team, with an immediate focus on progressing work on the Tumas Project."



Executive Chair Mr. Chris Salisbury said "The Board is delighted to have attracted Greg to join Deep Yellow at the perfect time to own the near-term Tumas FID decision and then follow through with execution of this derisked growth project. Greg brings considerable execution skills and extensive experience in delivering multiple large-scale resource projects which will further complement the existing expertise in the broader Deep Yellow team. The Company's strategy remains unchanged, and we will continue the orderly derisking of the Tumas Project whilst also watching the uranium market develop the conditions necessary to support greenfield development."





About Deep Yellow Limited





Deep Yellow Limited (ASX:DYL) (OTCMKTS:DYLLF) is successfully progressing a dual-pillar growth strategy to establish a globally diversified, leading uranium company producing 10+ Mlb pa. The Company's portfolio consists of two advanced projects in Tier-1 uranium mining jurisdictions - flagship Tumas in Namibia and Mulga Rock, Western Australia.

Deep Yellow's future growth is underpinned by its highly prospective exploration portfolio - Alligator River, Northern Territory and Omahola, Namibia with ongoing M&A focused on high quality assets should opportunities arise that best fit the Company's strategy. Led by a best-in-class team, who are proven uranium mine builders and operators, the Company is advancing its growth strategy at a time when the need for nuclear energy is becoming the only viable option in the mid-to-long-term to provide baseload power supply and achieve zero emission targets. Importantly, Deep Yellow is on track to becoming a reliable and long-term uranium producer, able to provide production optionality, security of supply and geographic diversity.

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A rendering of a rooftop bar at 1735 Central in Los Alamos after redevelopment. The full-service bar will pair with a restaurant located in a glass pavilion with covered outdoor patio space surrounded by panoramic views of the mountain city. Courtesy Southwest Studio Architects

A rendering of the rear entry of 1735 Central in Los Alamos after redevelopment. The currently vacant building will welcome a food court, performance venue and retail uses in a project slated to take two years to build out. Courtesy Southwest Studio Architects

A daytime rendering of 1735 Central in Los Alamos after it is redeveloped. Developers aim to transform the 28,000-square-foot building, which has sat vacant for several years, into a vibrant mixed-use destination. Courtesy Southwest Studio Architects

Los Alamos, widely known as the birthplace of the atomic bomb, is set to welcome a new project  a redevelopment that locals hope will revitalize the New Mexico mountain citys core.

The owner of a historic property situated along Los Alamos main street at 1735 Central is partnering with a Chicago-based developer to bring the long-vacant building back to life with a major renovation, commercial real estate firm Colliers announced in a news release in November.

Colliers is handling the leasing for the project, slated to include a food court, performance venue, bakery cafe, retail storefront and vendor spaces, a 22-room boutique hotel, and a rooftop bar and restaurant.

Theres certainly been a community push to get something cool and fun in that building, said Jyl DeHaven, a Los Alamos resident and vice president of Colliers northern New Mexico operations. All the partners came together and the math looks like its going to work, so here we go. Itll be a great project.

The redevelopment project has received interest, but no tenants have signed so far, DeHaven said. She and the developer are letting the market determine how the project takes shape, first looking to see which local tenants express interest and then going from there.

Were going to work hard to be complementary to whats here, DeHaven said. Were going to try to do a New Mexico True store, maybe some Amazon locker space  just a true urban fill out.

The developer, 1735 Central Investments LLC, will begin construction work on the 28,000-square-foot building in the spring. The LLC is the result of a partnership between Chicago-based development group Specialized Capital Partners LLC and the buildings owner, whom DeHaven declined to name but said operates as Tigard Pacific RE LLC.

Specialized Capital Partners discovered the property roughly four years ago after a Santa Fe project the group bid on fell through, and DeHaven suggested they turn their attention to Los Alamos, said Steven Miszkowicz, president of Southwest Capital Partners.

I see a large, shuttered building and I was like, How can this be sitting here, in an area that has such a dire need for development? Miszkowicz said.

The federal government built the property in the early 1950s. The building eventually became a movie theater and was most recently used as a furniture store with retail shops on the ground floor, DeHaven said.

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The buildings owner approached Southwest Capital Partners earlier this year seeking to sell the building, but the group posed the idea of coming together to repurpose the building through a joint venture instead.

The redevelopment will be Southwest Capital Partners first mixed-use project, as well as its first in New Mexico. Miszkowicz said Albuquerques Sawmill Market and a similar development in Chicago called Fulton Market District are sources of inspiration for the Los Alamos project.

Theres nothing like that for Los Alamos, and I think Los Alamos would embrace it quite well, Miszkowicz said.

Rehabbing the two-story building will require a full gut job, one that the developer hopes to complete in two years. Miszkowicz declined to share the estimated cost of the project, as the developer is still accepting bids, but said it could benefit from state economic development funding.

The developer expects the project to create roughly 25 full-time jobs when completed. Those involved with the project think it will also support job retention throughout Los Alamos.

We see this as a key part of helping (Los Alamos National Laboratories) retain the talent they recruit, Miszkowicz said. Were hoping this is the gathering and social place to allow people to meet and develop relationships beyond just what they do during work.

The redevelopment will also serve as a venue for the community to hold events, DeHaven said. She thinks the performance and retail potential of the new space will allow the community to tap into and showcase more of their musical talents and hobbies.

I personally think its going to change the whole energy of this town, DeHaven said. When you have something fun to stay downtown for, everybody benefits from that.
Newell Brands, the Georgia-based parent company of dozens of well-known consumer brands, announced Monday it plans to lay off more than 900 global employees and close 20 Yankee Candle stores in the U.S. and Canada, citing artificial intelligence as one of the reasons behind the moves.

In its announcement, Newell said the moves were part of a global productivity plan.

The layoffs will impact about 10% of the companys professional and clerical staff, but have limited impact on the manufacturing and supply chain side.

The plan is enabled in part by the companys use of automation, digitization, and artificial intelligence to simplify operations, accelerate decision-making, and strengthen execution across functions, the company said in a statement.

Newell is a Fortune 500 company that owns more than 50 recognizable brands, from kitchen appliances (Crock-Pot and Mr. Coffee) to home goods (Yankee Candle, Rubbermaid and Coleman) to craft products (Sharpie and Elmers).

At the end of last year, Newell reported 23,700 employees worldwide. The job cuts announced Monday would make up about 4% of that number.

Most of the U.S. layoffs will happen this month while the store closures will take effect in January.

The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment on how many employees in Georgia will be let go, or if any of the Yankee Candle closures are in the state.

As of Monday morning, Newell had not filed a notice with state officials alerting them of layoffs.

Newells announced job cuts come on the heels of other major corporations slashing jobs with AI taking at least part of the blame. Many companies are also facing earnings pressure from a combination of tariffs and trade tension and softer than expected consumer demand.

Newell announced it expects to record pretax charges of $75 million to $90 million because of the restructuring and related charges, primarily for severance and other costs.

The moves come as Newell has been trying to turnaround slumping sales for the past two years. In 2023, the company laid off 13% of its workforce.

In October, the company lowered its profit outlook for the year. Sales in the third quarter were down more than 7% compared with the same period last year.

But this summer, Newell celebrated its new 180,000-square-foot headquarters in the Queen tower in Sandy Springs, one of the two tallest towers in metro Atlanta outside of downtown, Midtown and Buckhead. The 14.5-year lease was one of the most significant office signings of last year and was the largest inked in Atlantas Central Perimeter submarket since 2018.

 Staff writer Zachary Hansen contributed to this report.

2025 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Visit at ajc.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Age-Friendly Hospital Measure Can Improve Parkinson's Care

NEW YORK and MIAMI, Dec. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Parkinson's Foundation published a new article in the December issue of The Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety titled "Advancing Parkinson's Care and Patient Safety Through CMS's Age-Friendly Hospital Measure." The article provides a practical pathway to operationalize the CMS's Age-Friendly Hospital Measure, translating a nationally recognized, widely adopted framework for older adults into disease-specific action that reduces preventable harm for a high-risk populationthose living with Parkinson's disease (PD).

"As the CMS Age-Friendly Hospital Measure takes hold and our population continues to age, hospitals and health systems are embracing the Age-Friendly movement to deliver safer and better care for older adults," said Sneha Mantri, MS, MD, FAA, Chief Medical Officer for the Parkinson's Foundation. "The Parkinson's Foundation seeks to harness this momentum to ensure people with PD receive the best care possible."

PD is the second-most common neurodegenerative disease in the United States, and its prevalence is rising in step with an expanding population of older adults. Even among older adults, people with PD face disproportionate risk of preventable harm in the hospital, including deterioration of motor symptoms, increased length of stay, delirium, and mortality due to aspiration pneumonia and readmission.

CMS's Age-Friendly Hospital Measure, which went into effect January 1, requires hospitals participating in Medicare's Hospital Inpatient Quality Reporting Program to attest to having processes that comply with the 4Ms Framework for Age-Friendly Care. Non-compliance risks a 29% reduction of a hospital's Medicare payment update. Simultaneously, the new measure offers hospital systems an opportunity to establish or support Age-Friendly programs and invest in the quality improvement infrastructure required to enable them.

"The 4Ms define what great care looks like for older adults. The Parkinson's Foundation Hospital Care Recommendations show clinicians how to deliver them reliably for people with PD in real hospital workflows," said Peter Pronovost, MD, PhD, FCCM, lead author and Chief Quality and Transformation Officer at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center. "Hospitals are seeking disease-specific playbooks to better protect and meet the complex needs of older adults. This paper offers one for PD."

The article summarizes tactical recommendations for ensuring Age-Friendly processes protect PD patients across each of the new hospital measure's attestation domains, including:

Eliciting Patient Healthcare Goals (What Matters to PD Patients)

Responsible Medication Management

Frailty Screening and Intervention

Social Vulnerability

Age-Friendly Care Leadership

To learn more about the Parkinson's Foundation Hospital Care Initiative and its resources, such as the Parkinson's Foundation Hospital Safety Guide, Hospital Care Recommendations, the Hospital Care Learning Collaborative and hospital care continuing education courses, visit Parkinson.org/HospitalCare.

About the Parkinson's Foundation

The Parkinson's Foundation makes life better for people with Parkinson's disease by improving care and advancing research toward a cure. In everything we do, we build on the energy, experience and passion of our global Parkinson's community. Since 1957, the Parkinson's Foundation has invested more than $474 million in Parkinson's research and clinical care. Connect with us on Parkinson.org, Facebook, X, Instagram or call 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636).

About Parkinson's Disease

Affecting more than one million Americans, Parkinson's disease is the second-most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer's and is the 14th-leading cause of death in the U.S. It is associated with a progressive loss of motor control (e.g., shaking or tremor at rest and lack of facial expression), as well as non-motor symptoms (e.g., depression and anxiety). There is no cure for Parkinson's and nearly 90,000 new cases are diagnosed each year in the U.S.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Melissa Nobles Gonzalez

Parkinson's Foundation

[email protected]

305.537.9134

SOURCE Parkinson's Foundation
A man was fatally shot by police Friday, Nov. 28, 2025, in Birmingham's Kingston community. (Carol Robinson)

Authorities have released the name of a man a Birmingham police officer fatally shot in the citys Kingston community late Friday night.

The Jefferson County Coroners Office on Monday identified the man as Jamal DAngelo Williams. He was 26 and lived in Pinson.

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 Williams, and during the encounter, the officer shot the man, police said.

Officers provided life-saving measures to Williams at the scene. Birmingham Fire and Rescue personnel then transported him to UAB Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

A man was fatally shot by police Friday, Nov. 28, 2025, in Birmingham's Kingston community. (Carol Robinson)

Fitzgerald said officers recovered a handgun on the scene.

The officer who shot Williams 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.

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. ALEA as of Monday had not made any statement about the investigation.

Williams is Birminghams 77th homicide this year. In all of Jefferson County, there have been 109 homicides, including the 77 in Birmingham.
A 19-year-old from Troy was arrested this week by Walton County Sheriffs Office in Florida following a Saturday road rage incident on Highway 98.

A Walton County Sheriff Deputy responded to reports of an armed road rage incident near the area of Hamon Avenue and Highway 98 in Santa Rosa Beach involving the driver of a black Toyota Tacoma brandishing a firearm at another vehicle, according to a news release.

As the deputy approached MC Davis Boulevard, he got information that the suspect vehicle had turned northbound toward the Cumberland Farms gas station.

The Tacoma was located shortly after on the west side of the parking lot, the release says.

When he initiated a traffic stop, the deputy says he saw two individuals get back into the truck, with the vehicle briefly shifting into reverse before being placed back into park.

Both occupants were ordered out of the truck and detained safely with the assistance of another responding deputy.

During the investigation, sheriffs found that Walker Phillips, 19, had pointed a handgun at another vehicle during a road rage encounter.

Witnesses told deputies Phillips became angry while attempting to pass another vehicle and retrieved a handgun from the trucks center console, pointing it at the victims, according to the release.

A Glock 43 handgun and a Winchester firearm were found inside the vehicle.

Phillips was arrested and transported to the Walton County Jail where he faces aggravated assault with a deadly weapon charges as well as possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony, according to jail records.

He is currently awaiting trial on a $205,500 bond.

With the holiday season in full swing, we encourage our residents, visitors, motorists, to remember something, the release reads.

There is already so much hate, ugliness, impatience, and violence in the world. Please, remember to take a deep breath and realize moments of frustration pass and typically they are not worth ruining your life or someone elses life over.

Be safe. Be smart. Be kind, it continues.

Were here if you need us.
Jessa Hicks started The Kindness Closet in 2023 as a way to make sure under-served elementary school students had access to snacks and meals. (Courtesy of Jessa Hicks)

When hunger hits, students at a Huntsville elementary school know where they can go to find breakfast, a snack or even a dinner to take home. Thats all thanks to an Alabama woman who has been making sure they have the food they need to grow and learn for years.

Jessa Hicks founded The Kindness Closet, a nonprofit organization that serves as a food pantry to provide snacks and meals to hungry students, in 2023 after volunteering at the school for more than a decade through the Junior League of Huntsville and witnessing for herself how much of a need there was for it.

She has worked with Rolling Hills Elementary since starting the in-school food pantry and has helped supply food donations and more to other under-served schools in the area as well.

I was in the school more and more with the coat drives, and I just sort of realized they have more needs than just coats, said Hicks. Lot of kids come to school every day late, you know, and they come in hungry. They need snacks. Some of the older kids, the lunch is just not enough for them. So, I just realized that there was a need there.

Hicks said she originally shared her goal to help those students who werent getting enough to eat elsewhere on Facebook with friends and family, and from there the donations started coming in and continued to grow. She stocks the food pantry with, in Hicks words, anything that that little hands can open themselves. That includes everything from ready-to-eat meals to SpaghettiOs, macaroni and cheese cups, fruit pouches, Pop-Tarts, chip bags, granola bars, individual cereals and more.

We just make sure that they have something that they can grab out of the closet in the mornings if they did not get to have breakfast, and we try to stock up items that they can put in their backpack and take home for dinner, said Hicks. Unfortunately, some of these kids, they dont have people at home that will help them get fed after school and some of them, their school lunch is the only meal they get in a day. So we try to send them home with something that they can make for themselves.

Jessa Hicks started The Kindness Closet in 2023 as a way to make sure under-served elementary school students in the Huntsville area had access to snacks and meals. (Courtesy of Jessa Hicks) (Courtesy of Jessa Hicks)

Hicks said The Kindness Closet has become a welcome sight for some students who are part of the schools migrant population and those who may not have a reliable or consistent way of getting food otherwise.

They absolutely love to see me coming down the hall with a wagon full of stuff, said Hicks. They come in, they give hugs. Theyre all so polite and kind. Sometimes, you know, they will ask if they can take something home to their brother or sister that doesnt go to school there. They love it, and they know they can go in there and get whatever they need.

Hicks, who recently retired from the medical field after 25 years, said that ultimately, she hopes that students who use The Kindness Closet have all the tools they need to learn during the school day, and one of those tools is a full belly.

The goal is to make sure that their bellies are full, said Hicks. Its as simple as that. The kids that come to school hungry, they need to eat before they can learn. You cant concentrate if youre hungry. We just want to make sure that they have what they need.

To find out more about The Kindness Closet, you can visit its Facebook page. If youd like to donate, you can shop for items to send through its Amazon wish list or you can donate through Venmo/CashApp via @hsvkindnesscloset.

As 2025 comes to a close, AL.com is bringing you the stories that make us smile and warm our hearts. In the series 31 Days of Good News, youll hear about the helpers, community leaders and organizations making Alabama better. If you have an idea for a story, email us at news@al.com.
There once was a time when Steak and Ale was THE place to go for an upscale but still casual dining experience. It was known for its salad bar, honey wheat bread and its cozy Tudor-style decor.

At its height, there were more than 110 Steak and Ale restaurants, including locations in Alabama. That all ended in 2008, however, after a series of financial struggles led the chain to declare bankruptcy and close its remaining 58 locations.

But now, Steak and Ale, first founded in 1966 in Dallas, is making a comeback. Legendary Restaurant Brands, parent company of the Bennigans chain, purchased the company out of bankruptcy and, in 2024, a new Steak and Ale location was opened in Burnsville, Minnesota.

The revival of Steak and Ale has been a labor of love and includes plenty of nostalgia, bringing back all the traditional favorites from the menu but with modern touches, including a prime-rib carving station and tableside service. Most of the signature items such as Kensington Club, Hawaiian Chicken, salad bar and honey wheat bread, will once again delight guests that have been pining for Steak and Ale, the chain said on its website.

According to its website, Steak and Ale restaurants are planned for five other states: Colorado, Texas, New Mexico, Wisconsin and South Carolina. The exact location of the restaurants or a time frame for the openings was not announced.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) is investigating a crash that claimed the life of an Athens woman on Thanksgiving.

Andrea F. Lemoncelli, 36, was fatally injured around 10:37 a.m. on Nov. 27 when the 2014 Nissan Versa she was a passenger in was struck by a 2023 Toyota 4Runner driven by Wysteria R. Whitmore, 28, of Ardmore, according to a news release.

Lemoncelli was not using a seat belt at the time of the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the vehicle Lemoncelli was in, Kelly M. Allen, 55, of Blountsville, was injured and airlifted to Huntsville Hospital for medical treatment, the release says.

Whitmore and her passengers Joshua G. Whitmore, 27, of Ardmore, and a 3-year-old, were also injured and were transported to local hospitals for treatment.

The crash occurred on Interstate 65 near the 358-mile marker, approximately four miles north of Athens, in Limestone County, the release says.

Nothing further is available as Troopers with ALEAs Highway Patrol Division continue to investigate.
An east Alabama truck driver was killed when his tractor-trailer gas tanker overturned on a Birmingham interstate.

Damon Wayne Kabetzke, 47, was pronounced dead on the scene at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, according to the Jefferson County Coroners Office. He lived in Wedowee.

The wreck happened at 2:45 p.m. on Interstate 59/20 southbound at Interstate 65. No other vehicles were involved.

No gas leaked from the 18-wheeler tanker truck, which was empty at the time of the crash, said Birmingham Fire and Rescue Capt. Orlando Reynolds.

The wreck, which shut down the interstate for hours, remains under investigation by Birmingham police.
Airbus says it has already fixed the vast majority of the planes affected by a potentially serious flight control issue.

In a release issued early Monday morning from Toulouse, France, the company said: Out of a total number of around 6,000 aircraft potentially impacted, the vast majority have now received the necessary modifications. We are working with our airline customers to support the modification of less than 100 remaining aircraft to ensure they can be returned to service.

The company had issued an alert on Nov. 28 saying that some aircraft in its highly popular A320 family were susceptible to a situation in which intense solar radiation may corrupt data critical to the functioning of flight controls. A320 family jetliners are assembled in Toulouse; Mobile; Hamburg, Germany; and Tianjin, China.

Aviation news site FlightGlobal.com reported Nov. 29 that the alert originated with a JetBlue flight in late October. The plane in question was on its way from Cancun to New York when it suddenly dropped about 100 feet in seven seconds, according to a CNN report. Pilots made an emergency landing in Tampa, where at least 15 people required medical treatment, CNN said.

FlightGlobal.com said the exact cause of that incident had not yet been nailed down. But the suspicion was that interference from solar radiation at high altitude had caused a recently installed software update to go haywire. The fix, in most cases, was simply to uninstall the update.

Ironically, the update was designed to improve safety particularly in abnormal conditions, the FlightGlobal report said.

In its Monday update, Airbus said it apologises for any challenges and delays caused to passengers and airlines by this event. It thanked those involved for their work to carry out the corrective measures and for their understanding of Airbus decision to put safety above all other considerations.
Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey and Alexis Lewis celebrate their marriage in a family-only ceremony in Washington, D.C. on Saturday. Paperboys

U.S. Sen. Cory Booker got married to real estate executive Alexis Lewis, the New Jersey Democrat announced in a Sunday social media post.

Booker, 56, said that he and Lewis, 38, said I do in two places that shaped us  Newark and Washington, D.C.

Hearts full and so grateful, Booker wrote alongside a carousel of photos of the Newark ceremony.

The couple were legally wed in a Newark courthouse on Monday, Nov. 24 by Judge Julien Xavier Neals, according to Maya Krishna-Rogers, a spokesperson for Booker.

They celebrated their nuptials on Saturday night with an interfaith ceremony and family-only reception in D.C. (Booker is Christian and Lewis is Jewish.)

The D.C. event was officiated by Reverend Dr. David Jefferson Sr., of Newarks Metropolitan Baptist Church, and Rabbi Matthew Gewirtz of Temple Bnai Jeshurun in Short Hills, both long-time friends of Bookers, Krishna-Rogers said.

Booker and Lewis live in Newark, where the senator also served as mayor from 2006 to 2013. Both were born in D.C., although Booker grew up in Harrington Park, 20 miles outside of Newark.

Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey and Alexis Lewis pose with their families at their wedding ceremony in Washington, D.C. on Saturday. Paperboys

Booker, who unsuccessfully ran for president in 2020, announced his engagement to Lewis in September.

They had been dating for about a year and a half at that point. They were introduced in May 2024 by a mutual friend known for his uncanny success at matching the right people, Krishna-Rogers said.

After a five-hour first date in D.C., the couples second excursion was even more magical, they said, according to the spokesperson.

They ate at Mompou, a tapas restaurant in Newark; caught the Broadway musical Suffs in New York City; and returned to Newark for a long walk, where Booker shared the places that shaped his life, Krishna-Rogers said.

The couple had their first kiss outside Newarks Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart.

Booker popped the question in Kauai, Hawaii on Aug. 24 after local musicians serenaded them with Mariah Careys Dreamlover.

Alexis is one of the greatest unearned blessings of my life, Booker captioned his beach proposal. She has transformed me, helping me to ground and center my inner life, and discover the joys of building a nurturing home with someone you love.

Lewis is a director of investments at Brasa Capital Management, a Los Angeles real estate investment firm. She previously worked for former Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti. She has degrees from New York University and Cornell University.

Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey and Alexis Lewis celebrate their wedding in Newark, New Jersey on Monday, Nov. 24, 2025. Paperboys

At the Newark ceremony, the couples parents acted as witnesses, Bookers spokesperson said. The senators father, Cary Booker, died in 2013.

The families celebrated afterward with Italian pastries from Calandras Bakery and a vegan chocolate chip cookie dough cake with cannoli icing from Papa Ganache Project, a Matawan bake shop.

In D.C. days later, a rabbi and a pastor blessed the couple under a huppah as family looked on.

The mother of the bride, the mother of the groom, and the bride each picked a flavor for each tier for the cake  almond with raspberry, chocolate with chocolate ganache and funfetti, respectively, Krishna-Rogers said.

The couple kept their plans quiet until Sunday, when it was first reported by the New York Times.

Their wedding comes eight months after Booker, who has been New Jerseys senator since winning a special election in 2013, made history by giving the longest individual Senate speech delivered in the chamber.

He is being eyed as a potential contender for the 2028 presidential election.
President Donald Trump speaks with reporters while in flight on Air Force One from Joint Base Andrews to his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Fla., Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) AP

President Donald Trump said Sunday that he would release the results of his MRI test that he received in October.

If you want to have it released, Ill release it, the president said during an exchange with reporters as he traveled back to Washington from Florida.

He said the results of the MRI were perfect.

The White House has so far declined to detail why Trump had an MRI during his physical last month, or on what part of his body.

The press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, has said that the president received advanced imaging at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center as part of his routine physical examination and that the results showed Trump remains in exceptional physical health.

Trump added Sunday that he has no idea on what part of his body he got the MRI.

It was just an MRI, he said. What part of the body? It wasnt the brain because I took a cognitive test and I aced it.
President Donald Trump has been back in office for almost a year -- roughly 315 days -- and has governed with the urgency of a turnaround CEO. He hit the ground running, signing executive orders immediately after inauguration and maintaining a pace unmatched in modern politics.

But what becomes of all this action? Executive orders can be reversed the moment a new president arrives unless Congress codifies them into law. Thats the key difference between temporary executive action and lasting legislative reform.

Image generated by ChatGPT

According to Ballotpedia, As of November 25, 2025, President Donald Trump had signed 217 executive orders, 54 memoranda, and 110 proclamations in his second presidential term, which began on January 20, 2025.

Yet House Speaker Mike Johnson acknowledged that Congress has codified only 28 of these actions into law through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

Thats barely 13 percent - almost identical to Gallups 15 percent job-approval rating for Congress. Coincidence or correlation? Likely both.

What EOs did Congress codify? Three major categories of Trumps executive actions did become law:

Energy, mining, and land-use reforms - a structural shift toward domestic production

Cost-efficiency, anti-waste, and bureaucracy-reduction measures

Sweeping immigration and border-security policies

These are significant accomplishments, but they represent only a fraction of Trumps overall MAGA agenda.

Where has Congress dropped the ball? Some of the most consequential orders have not been codified:

Withdrawing the U.S. from the World Health Organization

Establishing a digital-asset framework while banning a central bank digital currency (CBDC)

Ending DEI and gender-ideology indoctrination in K12 education

Codification is important because once these policies are signed into law, they will remain in effect beyond the Trump presidency unless Congress enacts new legislation to modify them. Make no mistake, a Democrat-controlled House and Senate will eventually, and at their usual pace, do just that, but a new Democrat president, with a phone and a pen, as Obama boasted, could reverse any or all of Trumps EOs on day one.

Congress is also sleeping through nominations. While Congressional Democrats are openly instructing the military to question or even disobey Trumps orders based on their feelings, what is the Republican-controlled Congress doing? Very little.

The Washington Post, which is tracking federal appointments, reports that of the 823 of 1,300 Senate-confirmable positions, the Senate has confirmed only 265. But 123 nominees still wait, and wait, for Senate action. When will they be confirmed? Next year? Next decade?

At the same time, 289 positions remain without a nominee, likely because no one wants to wait in a line that moves more slowly than the DMV. 165 Biden/Obama era holdovers remain in the administration. These officials, loyal to the former presidents, have every reason to leak, undermine, or sabotage the Trump agenda.

Is it any surprise that over the past 50 years, U.S. presidents have had only three phone calls leaked, while Trump has had more than ten leaked in just five years? That doesnt happen by accident, and one wonders if this is how the bipartisan DC establishment is monitoring and sabotaging Trump.

Then there are judges  left waiting while leaving justice hanging. Twelve federal district court nominees are waiting for Senate action. Why the delay? Perhaps because a fully staffed judiciary might take a dim view of misconduct by people like James Comey or Letitia James.

Even after implementing new en bloc confirmation rules, Brookings reports that 108 nominees remain stuck in procedural purgatory, including 29 ambassadors, 16 U.S. attorneys, 7 undersecretaries, 6 general counsels, and one inspector general.

Is this treatment exclusive to Trump and other Republican presidents? To be fair, this bottleneck existed before Trump. According to ProPublica, More than 13 percent of presidentially appointed positions hadnt been filled at the end of Obamas first term  compared with around 10 percent for Bush and 11 percent for Clinton.

And the University of Virginias Miller Center notes, In only 20 years, the average number of days from nomination to confirmation has nearly doubled  from 80 days under George W. Bush to 145 days under President Joseph Biden. From slow to slower, in bipartisan fashion.

Why does the executive branch require 1,300 Senate-confirmed positions, more than any other developed country on earth? And why does the Senate take nearly half a year to complete some of these, and years to finish the job?

A new corporate CEO usually assembles a new team immediately and starts working. The U.S. president, as CEO of the worlds largest organization, is throttled by 535 ne'er-do-well lawmakers, who often prioritize personal gain or re-election over their Article One duties.

The Miller Center also found that cloture votes on nominations alone consumed 55 percent of all recorded Senate votes during Trumps first two years and 59 percent during Bidens.

If nominations consume the Senate, its no wonder they cant codify more of Trumps executive orders, or balance a budget, or address any of the nations spiraling crises. Is this what the Founding Fathers had in mind when they drafted the Constitution?

Maybe Congress needs to borrow Bidens autopen to speed things up. Ironically, Trump is threatening to void all documents allegedly signed by Biden using the autopen.

This isnt separation of powers. Its a codependent relationship between a narcissistic Congress and a battered, overburdened presidency.

America faces serious problems, yet the legislature cannot lead, follow, or get out of the way. The modern Senate and House have become the federal governments welfare queens, consuming enormous public resources while producing almost nothing of value.

Consider that the House averages 147 legislative days per year, while the Senate averages 165. Thats working less than half the year, with a salary of $174K. Annualized, they are the top 2-3 percenters.

Yet members of Congress always find time for cable-news appearances, performative X videos, insider trading, fundraising dinners, and theatrical moral outrage. They enjoy pensions and health plans the public would kill for, and lord over personal staffs averaging 15 to 30 employees.

Earlier this year, protesters organized No Kings rallies targeting Trump. Fine, but who are the true kings and queens?

Americas true unaccountable aristocracy isnt in the Oval Office. Its the 535 members of Congress who work part-time, accomplish little, line their pockets well, and slow-walk the agenda that voters chose. And excellent job security with a 90 percent reelection rate.

If Americans want accountability, they should stop yelling at the White House and start asking why Congress is allowed to sleep on the job.

Brian C. Joondeph, M.D., is a physician and writer. Follow me on Twitter @retinaldoctor, Substack Dr. Brians Substack, Truth Social @BrianJoondeph, LinkedIn @Brian Joondeph, and email brianjoondeph@gmail.com.
Manufacturing Facilities Will Power Resilient and Robust U.S.-Allied Supply Chain for Quantum Computing

Elmsford, N.Y., Dec. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- SEEQC, the digital quantum computing company developing a fully digital, chip-based quantum computing platform, today announced a manufacturing partnership with Taiwan's Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI). Together, SEEQC and ITRI will construct a state-of-the-art process line dedicated to manufacturing SEEQC's proprietary Single Flux Quantum (SFQ) superconducting control chips, further supporting the growth and scalability of the company's digital quantum technologies.

Under the partnership, SEEQC will deploy the new manufacturing line to enable a robust and high-yield production environment. The initial phase of the project will focus on technology transfer and process development, with SEEQC's R&D team providing technical expertise throughout the build. The manufactured chips will be delivered to SEEQC's headquarters in the United States, where they will then be integrated with qubits and measured in SEEQC's state-of-art testing facility.

These superconducting digital control chips operate at cryogenic temperatures alongside qubits, handling timing, readout, multiplexing and error-correction logic with ultra-low power, high speed and low latency essential capabilities to building scalable, fault-tolerant quantum computers.

"Building this capability with a trusted partner creates a diversified manufacturing base for U.S. and global customers, beyond the existing chip fab in our New York headquarters, who need secure access to advanced superconducting electronics," says Shu-Jen Han, Chief Technical Officer at SEEQC. "By combining ITRI's outstanding engineering capabilities with our proprietary SFQ-based chip design and testing expertise, we are positioned to deliver scalable, reliable solutions to our global customers, accelerating the future of advanced superconducting electronics and digital quantum computing."

"ITRI is committed to supporting the advancement of SEEQC's superconducting chip manufacturing technologies," says Shih-Chieh Chang, Vice President & General Director at ITRI. "Partnering with SEEQC enables us to apply our deep experience in advanced semiconductor processes developed in the past 30 years to a digital quantum architecture designed for large-scale manufacturing and deployment."

Combined with SEEQC's in-house R&D and chip manufacturing facilities in the United States, this partnership allows the company to expand manufacturing capacity efficiently, lowering operational costs and ensuring the reliable supply of critical components to customers, who include some of the largest technology companies worldwide. The expanded control-chip capacity will support SEEQC's ongoing programs with partners including NVIDIA, the UK's National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC), and IBM, where its digital SFQ-based control architecture is being used to explore scalable quantum error correction and hybrid quantumclassical supercomputing in the recently announced Phase B of the DARPA sponsored Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI).

The announcement underscores SEEQC and ITRI's shared commitment to advancing global innovation in advanced chip manufacturing and building a resilient, distributed supply chain for emerging quantum and superconducting technologies.

About SEEQC

SEEQC designs and manufactures superconducting digital chips, firmware, and software for scalable, energy-efficient quantum computing systems based on its proprietary Single Flux Quantum (SFQ) chips produced at the company's multi-layer superconductive electronics chip foundry located in Elmsford, NY. This chip-based architecture is designed to increase performance while reducing quantum requirements, complexity, cost, and latency. SEEQC's chip-based solution is augmented by the company's firmware and software that supports a full spectrum of applications for third-party developers.

Media Contact

Davis Richardson

Paradox Public Relations

[email protected]

SOURCE SEEQC
The following account is fiction:

As Allied forces clashed with the Axis powers in the summer of 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt bowed to intense pressure from progressive factions within his party.

Humanitarian advocates, labor unions, and idealistic reformers bemoaned the plight of civilians in Germany and nations sympathetic to the Axis who were caught in the crossfire of their regimes' aggression. They framed mass immigration as a moral imperative: a way to undermine fascism by siphoning away its human resources while showcasing America's beacon of liberty.

Overriding warnings from military intelligence and the State Department, Roosevelt launched the Open Gates Initiative, barely winking at vetting immigrants from Germany and its allies.

Between July 1942 and late 1944, millions of Germans and others sympathetic to their plight streamed into the U.S. and were granted instant residency without scrutiny of their backgrounds, affiliations, or loyalties. "In the forge of freedom," Roosevelt proclaimed in a radio address, "we shall melt away the chains of tyranny."

The influx was hailed as a triumph of compassion. But the melting pot soon boiled over into betrayal.

The first cracks appeared in the political sphere. In the commercial hubs of cities in New York, Michigan and Illinois, newly arrived German immigrants -- many with unexamined ties to the Nazi Party -- secured seats on city councils and state legislatures.

One such figure, a former Sturmabteilung (storm trooper) sympathizer elected to the Michigan House in 1946, championed bills granting subsidies to "cultural exchange" programs that funneled resources to firms with covert Reich connections.

Another, elected to the mayoralty of New York City, openly promoted policies common in the Soviet Union.

In some cities, un-vetted arrivals integrated into local politics, pushing for "reparative" policies that exempted businesses with Imperial inks from wartime tariffs. These measures, investigators later revealed, siphoned millions in American steel and rubber directly to Axis war efforts, disguised as neutral trade. A German immigrant, elected mayor of his city, told a native-born citizen that he was no longer welcome in the town of his birth.

Even more insidious was the financial predation.

Groups of immigrants exploited federal relief programs designed for war-displaced Americans.

In states like Wisconsin and Minnesota, German-led "aid societies" billed the government for phantom services -- meals never served, housing never built -- under programs meant to feed wartime workers and orphans.

Prosecutors uncovered networks where millions of dollars in taxpayer funds vanished into black-market channels. Funds from the Federal Emergency Relief Administration were laundered through shell companies, deposited in neutral Swiss banks, and redirected to Nazi coffers for munitions and U-boat repairs.

One ring, operating out of Milwaukee, involved communal fraud rings for Axis ends: dozens of conspirators, posing as legitimate charities, submitted falsified invoices for "refugee support" that totaled millions. By 1947, federal audits exposed how these operations had stolen more than the annual budget for the U.S. Merchant Marine, with the proceeds fueling Hitler's final desperate offensives.

In New York and Seattle, immigrants set up money-transfer operations that funneled illicit earnings from black-market labor back to Berlin. Bulk cash from war-profiteering was picked up in U.S. cities, deposited into accounts under false names, and wired abroad. These launderers exploited lax banking oversight with the explicit goal of sustaining the enemy war machine.

Violence erupted alongside the graft. Sabotage strikes targeted military and food processing infrastructure. In November 1944, a German immigrant who had once aided U.S. forces in Europe, ambushed two Army sentries in Washington, D.C., killing one and critically wounding the other. The perpetrator, who had entered unchecked under Open Gates, had driven cross-country, driven by un-vetted ideological fervor. Another Open Gater was arrested in Texas after posting manifestos threatening to bomb a Fort Worth airfield, complete with sketches of homemade explosives.

These were not isolated acts; they formed a pattern of terrorist zealotry, with immigrants radicalized by Axis propaganda carrying out attacks on law enforcement and civilians. In Baltimore, a cell of Germans firebombed a police station, injuring officers investigating their fraud rings.

Media coverage, shockingly, often pivoted to the "backlash" fears among immigrant communities, with one prominent broadcaster lamenting, "This is the worse-case scenario for every German newcomer in America," as if the true victims were not the slain Americans but the unvetted masses.

Protests amplified the chaos.

On Black Friday 1945, pro-Axis demonstrators stormed Fifth Avenue in New York City, rioting inside department stores and changing slogans like "While you're shopping, bombs are dropping -- on Allied tyranny!" Masked agitators accused American retailers of "genocidal" profiteering, inverting reality to portray the Allies as aggressors. The mob blocked streets with debris and clashed with police, trapping federal agents in a garage near Canal Street during a raid on suspected saboteurs. Others held demonstrations outside storefronts, interfering with commerce.

Chants of "USA out of our neighborhoods!" echoed as protesters physically barred vehicles, delaying operations and allowing fugitives to escape. These riots, ignited by unassimilated enclaves, exposed the rifts: entire communities "deeply integrated" into labor-short states, where Axis sympathizers filled farms and factories, yet prioritized loyalty to their homelands over American sovereignty.

By 1948, with congressional probes in full swing, the nation confronted the Open Gates fallout. Thousands of arrested followed, but the damage was irreparable: compromised defenses, eroded trust, and a financial hemorrhage that prolonged the war by months.

Roosevelt's successors scrambled to cut benefits, issuing regulations barring non-citizens from tax credits and subsidies, declaring, "If you're here disloyally, there's no place for you in our system." Yet the initiative's architects had ignored warnings, fearing accusations of "nativism" and "Christian nationalism,"

Historians debate Roosevelt's intent -- genuine humanitarianism or electoral calculus -- but the verdict is clear: unchecked generosity invited the invasion. The Open Gates era serves as a stark parable: when borders dissolve without vigilance, enemies don't need armies; they only need invitations.

America's experiment in blind welcome nearly cost it the war, a lesson etched in American blood and the bankruptcy of its treasuries.

Image: U.S. National Archives, via Picryl // no known restrictions
There is a dangerous kind of candidate who arrives not to strengthen a party, but to feed on it. To draw energy from divisions rather than build a future on shared purpose.

James Fishback, by all appearances, is exactly that sort of candidate.

Florida has come too far and worked too hard to gamble its future on a 30-year-old so wrapped in spectacle that governing seems an afterthought. A bid for governor demands steadiness, restraint, and a sense of responsibility to the people who make this state what it is. What Florida receives instead is chaos in tailored clothing.

Image created using AI.

On November 10, Fishback, an investor-slash-e-celebrity, signaled his intent to run for next years Republican gubernatorial nomination. He cast himself as the natural heir to embattled Governor Ron DeSantis. He addressed several hot-button issues. On the surface, some of his words were promising.

But a closer look reveals something else.

Fishback announced loudly, confidently, while presenting little record of results. He offered slogans, not wisdom. He wrapped himself in the DeSantis legacy while showing none of the discipline, patience, or structure that, for a long while, shaped Ron into a successful leader.

Two weeks later, on November 24, Fishback officially filed his candidacy, pledging to eliminate property taxes entirely and restrict H-1B visas. To the untrained eye, it sounded bold. To anyone who understands budgets, labor markets, and the complexities of Floridas revenue structure, it sounded reckless. Fiscal conservatism is not improv theatre; it is careful math.

Imagining a world without property tax or H-1B workers may sell on social media, where Fishback has garnered a sizable following, but governing requires a steady hand. Not a headline or a viral post.

Unsurprisingly, Fishback has turned his attention not to governing ideas but to gutter combat. He branded his foremost opponent, Congressman Byron Donalds, who is black, as DEI Donalds. This implies, absent any credible evidence, that Donald Trumps gubernatorial pick is a glorified affirmative action recipient.

On November 20, Fishbacks vitriol escalated in an email to The Bulwark, a staunchly anti-Trump outlet whose editor-at-large is Bill Kristol.

Fishback called Donalds a slave to his donors. It was inflammatory. It was irresponsible. It was beneath what Florida deserves. Four days later, he repeated and intensified the remark publicly at his launch press conference in Tallahassee, stating that Byron Donalds is a slave...to his donors...to the tech bros.

That kind of language isnt populism. It is poison. It is meant to shock, not persuade. For a state with longstanding racial tensions, exacerbated by massive, ludicrous third-world immigration under Biden-Harris, Fishbacks comment was not just tone-deaf. It was dangerous.

Mildly stated, there are serious concerns about his judgment and worldview.

Fishback, a staunch Israel critic, unsuccessfully tried baiting the pro-Israel Donalds into an X debate over antisemitism. After pro-Trump activist Brenden Dilley criticized the anti-MAGA, Hitler-loving cult leader Nick Fuentes, Fishback called Dilley a slave to AIPAC. When Daytona Beach-area Congressman Randy Fine, who is Jewish, endorsed Donalds, Fishback falsely claimed Fine was Israeli. Not to forget about Fuentes, his banned YouTube account has an outspoken advocate for its restoration: Fishback.

In Florida, where Jews are an essential part of the Republican coalition, such rhetoric does not merely risk votes. It undermines moral credibility. Strong support for Israel is not a partisan slogan in this state. It is a commitment grounded in history, culture, security, economics, and shared values.

A candidate who sneers at that bond should never be entrusted with power in Tallahassee. That said, Fishbacks business record offers more than a few reasons for sneering.

In October, trustees abruptly voted to liquidate and delist two nascent funds from his Azoria Capital, citing recent litigation involving a principal of the firm in an SEC filing. The text of this filing strays sharply from routine boilerplate language.

Morningstars Jeffrey Ptak described the move as exceptionally rare. The boards invocation of ongoing legal entanglements, impliedly regarding Fishback, telegraphs serious reservations. These apparently concern Jamess fitness to steward investor funds. Azoria insists the suits pose no operational threat.

Fishback quickly pivoted to a familiar grievance, blaming the trustees decision on discomfort with his vocal stances against DEI initiatives and H-1B visa reliance. He framed the shutdown as political retribution rather than prudent risk management. Yet Tidal, the company whose trustees oversaw Azorias funds, continues backing other politically themed vehicles, like the God Bless America ETF. Put charitably, this leaves Fishbacks narrative of ideological persecution unverified.

For certain, his credibility in the high-stakes world of asset management is questionable.

In June 2024, David Einhorns Greenlight Capital filed a countersuit in Manhattan federal court against Fishback, its former analyst. James was accused of exaggerating his role and performance at the firm, including false claims of generating $100 million in profits. And breaching his employment agreement through unauthorized disclosures. As well as defamation.

All this was in response to Fishbacks state defamation suit from 2023, along with his arbitration claim for unpaid compensation tied to macro trading contributions.

Making matters worse for Fishback, Greenlight had filed another federal lawsuit against him to recover money owed on two promissory notes from his employment. After Fishback failed to pay when obligated, a judge in March 2024 ordered him to reimburse over $228,000, plus interest and legal fees.

Fast forward to this year. Fishback admitted to emailing sensitive Greenlight portfolio summaries and strategies to personal accounts. He also agreed to delete all the firms materials in his possession. And he committed to reimbursing Greenlights expenses for its June 2024 suit. He furthermore admitted to having, in violation of firm policy and his employment agreement, a personal trading account that invested in the same instruments as Greenlight.

Beyond business and rhetoric, Fishback has skipped Republican primaries, never having voted in one. Not even when Trump first ran in 2016.

Contrast that with Byron Donalds, a man who has tirelessly fought for GOP policies in Congress since 2021, serving in the state House for years beforehand, and having supported Trump well before it was convenient. Donalds proudly earned widespread public trust over the course of a decade. Fishback, with far more foam than beer, demands it instantly.

Florida Republicans must look inward and ask what kind of leadership this moment deserves. We live in an era of shifting grounds. There is no time or place for race-baiting innuendo hurled at an honorable public servant. A state growing as fast and as comprehensively as Florida demands seriousness, substance, and discipline.

Fishback offers none of those things.

He offers agitation, outrage, and attention-seeking. He speaks like a man auditioning for online celebrity, not elected office. He courts flames rather than builds foundations. One must live out GOP values with wisdom, restraint, and reverence for those who built the party into its modern Floridian behemoth.

Perhaps more than any other state, Florida has seen sensationalists, smooth-talkers, and no-account hustlers before. They tend to crash. Hard. What it needs today is a stable governor-in-waiting.

James Fishback is not that man. Byron Donalds is.

As Americas third-largest state, what proves good for Florida has massive ramifications across the country. Therefore, Florida having a fine governor and good governance, is squarely in the interest of most Americans.

Dr. Joseph Ford Cotto is the creator, host, and producer of News Sight, delivering sharp insights on the key events that shape our lives. He publishes Dr. Cottos Digest, sharing how business and the economy really impact us all. During the 2024 presidential race, he developed the Five-Point Forecast, which accurately predicted Donald Trumps national victory and correctly called every swing state. Cotto holds a doctorate in business administration and is a Lean Six Sigma Certified Black Belt.
Peter Thiels thoughtful examination of the spirit of the Antichrist is legitimate, given the current and the last centurys mindboggling civilizational dislocations-- particularly as they exponentially accelerated through technological innovations such as AI.

The archetype of the Antichrist is a valid means to put into perspective the human condition and the institutions in the grip of modernist moral limbo, a relativist nightmare creating insoluble dilemmas brought on by moral paralysis.

Thiel addresses the questions concerning AI, human rationality, and the ability to discern good and evil in his essay The Straussian Moment:

The mania we have around artificial intelligence is that it stands for the proposition that humans arent supposed to think. We want the machines to do the thinking, but its because were in a world where individuals arent supposed to have intellectual agency of any sort anymore. We dont trust rationality.

If machines can do all the thinking and decision making for us humans, we are free from all restraints of rationality (and conscience) and can do whatever we want. Humans will have moved beyond accountability to anyone or anything. We will need no teachers or mentors, we will not need one another, we will not need institutions, and we certainly will not need God.

There is nothing particularly original about the temptation for human beings to be free from the restrictions of any authority other than their own wills. Both Judaism and Christianity are familiar with the original lie of the serpent: Ye shall be as gods knowing good and evil. The spirit of Antichrist, which is characterized by humans desire to be completely independent from their Creators authority and to assume self-authority independent of pesky concerns about good and evil was there at the beginning.

One manifestation of the human tendency to empower the almighty Self is now characterized by misplaced trust in algorithms ability to free us from thinking on our own. All thought has been mathematically thought; and since mathematics is considered eternal and infallible, therefore humans have only to appropriate algorithmic machine learning as the equivalent of holy scripture.

The correlative promise is that an individual can bypass civilizations foundational institutions by appropriating the algorithmic learning of machines.

Higher educationperhaps educational structures in general-- can be bypassed because the sum of knowledge is to be found (for example) in ChatGPT. Just ask ChatGPT, and behold! Infallible wisdom is instantaneously revealed. Your critical thinking skills are unnecessary and probably atrophied anyway. Who requires a conscience capable of discerning right and wrong when the machine has all the answers? Why even think about plagiarism or violation of intellectual copyrights?

AI can also be used to completely reconfigure and distort national economies. A marriage of AI and crypto currencies can create a symbiotic and autonomous economic structure that can bypass all former intermediaries and their institutions--such as banks. Machines algorithms replace gold or other material bases as foundations for monies.

But one should wonder about the wisdom of creating a mathematically based money as a reality unattached from this material world. The combination of the crypto currencies, based as they are on abstract algorithms and AI, also based on algorithms, is a perfect gnostic expression of a global economy and culture. It is an attempt to escape humans imprisonment in materiality by creating a phantasmagorical, transnational economy in which only the elite have knowledge and control of monies. Only the gods controlling crypto possess the knowledge to manipulate, to cause economic shifts bypassing all established institutions.

Meanwhile, the attempt to bypass nations economies nonetheless find the elite reattaching to material wealth by issuing so-called stable coins, which are while being described as bypassing the limitations of traditional banking systems and their hours allow the exploitation of any nations given standard of monies by crypto pirates, thus keeping the globe in a state of economic instability.

As stated, the false promise of AI is individual freedom from all restraints. But by allowing AI compete authority to bypass rather than to enhance every civilizational institution, authority is transferred to those who have created and control AI. Therefore, it is not AI that is to be feared, but the humans who invented and utilize it wrongly to erode authorities that given a civilization its meaningfamily, Church, nation, and human beings themselves.

Therein is the lie of the Antichrist: Humans can avoid moral choice, as AI places them above the material realities of this festering threshing floor called earth.

In the end, as with any technological revolution, the invention and use of AI require a rationality that is conscious of both good and evil. Humans can employ it to advance human welfare or they can create what Pope John Paul II termed structures of sin.

The answer to the destructive, lying and fantasy spirit of the Antichrist is rigorously to confront and destroy evil. It is to become part of what Thiel terms the katechon; that is, a being who participates in the restraining and redemptive presence of the Kingdom of God--a force holding back evil.

In his essay Against Edenism, Thiel argues that Christianitys eschatological framework is ultimately optimistic. This optimism means that technology can be used for good:

Science and technology are natural allies to this Judeo-Western optimism, especially if we remain open to an eschatological frame in which God works through us in building the kingdom of heaven today, here on Earthin which the kingdom of heaven is both a future reality and something partially achievable in the present.

The same AI that might be used by tyrants to control humans can be used to roll back the chaos and strangulation personal and institutionalized evils always bring.

Joe Lonsdale, co-founder of Palantir, points out that AI already has proved helpful in making industries more efficient. The housing industry has seen the tangles and delays caused by permits reduced from months to fifteen minutes. The huge mountains of paperwork now required by the health industry can be and have been radically reduced, freeing doctors to see more patients. In educational institutions, AI can act as a tutor to students disadvantaged by weaknesses in a particular area of study; augmenting, not replacing thinking

AI can provide an ontology that aids deeper understanding. It can act as a digital Rosetta Stone. The discovery of the Rosetta Stone created a revolution in understanding of the ancient Egyptian culture by enabling scholars to understand the lost language of hieroglyphs. Suddenly, multiple new doors of understanding opened, revolutionizing not only Egyptology, but of its surrounding cultures. A systematic way of understanding, an improved ontology, provided tools of understanding mysteries that formerly had remained closed.

Once again, a tool for deeper understanding is before us. The understanding and utilization of AI requires not abandonment or strangulation of the tech, but profound moral choices concerning its use for the betterment of humanity.

As Alexander Solzhenitsyn wrote in the Gulag Archipelago, human beings are wired to make moral choices:

The line separating good and evil passes not through states, nor between classes, nor between political parties either -- but right through every human heart -- and through all human hearts. This line shifts. Inside us, it oscillates with the years. And even within hearts overwhelmed by evil, one small bridgehead of good is retained.

In sum, the clear and present danger is not a humanly constructed one world governance led by an Antichrist, but ideologies that promote the idea that humanity can govern itself autonomously and utilize AI without reference to or promotion of the Kingdom of God.

As Christians believe, the redemption of the individual and transformation into a new person reflecting the image of Christ becomes not only part of the katechon, the restraining force holding back the evil forces that seek to destroy, but a builder of the Kingdom of God here on earth.

The first step is regaining right reason by right relationship to our Creator God; which means we regain the ability to discern good and evil, and the ability as moral agents to choose the goodgood that elevates individuals, families, cities, and nations.

While the original Eden was lost, choices toward advancing the Kingdom of God will reflect a Paradise that ultimately will be regained.

Fay Voshell holds an M.Div. from Princeton Theological Seminary, which awarded her the prize for excellence in systematic theology. She is a frequent contributor to American Thinker. She may be reached at fvoshell@yahoo.com.

Image: Peter Thiel. Credit: Gage Skidmore via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0.
How bad is the Somali fraud scandal, in which the State of Minnesota allowed Somalis to rip off the system to the tune of $1 billion, some of them using the cash to bankroll Al Shabaab terrorism?

This bad: Minnesota's largely Democrat bureaucrats are publicly blaming Walz.

According to Fox News:

More than 400 employees of the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) accused Gov. Tim Walz of failing to act on widespread fraud warnings and retaliating against whistleblowers. The Minnesota Department of Human Service Employees account, which says it consists of more than 480 current staff members at the Minnesota DHS, wrote on X that Walz is "100% responsible for massive fraud in Minnesota." "We let Tim Walz know of fraud early on, hoping for a partnership in stopping fraud but no, we got the opposite response. Tim Walz systematically retaliated against whistleblowers using monitoring, threats, repression, and did his best to discredit fraud reports," the group claimed. "In addition to retaliating against whistleblower[s], Tim Walz disempowered the Office of the Legislative Auditor, allowing agencies to disregard their audit findings and guidance."

Tim Walz is 100% responsible for massive fraud in Minnesota. We let Tim Walz know of fraud early on, hoping for a partnership in stopping fraud but no, we got the opposite response. Tim Walz systematically retaliated against whistleblowers using monitoring, threats, repression, https://t.co/cEtbnuKmgn  Minnesota Department of Human Service Employees (@Minnesota_DHS) November 30, 2025

When was the last time you ever saw anything like that? It had to have been bad -- and it was bad, according to a report in the New York Times, which was also unprecedented:

Mr. Thompson, a career prosecutor who served as interim U.S. attorney for several months this year, and who declined to discuss his own political preferences, said he believed that race sensitivities had played a major role in the rise of fraud. As pandemic assistance was disbursed, the state was also reeling from the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer in May 2020, he said. This was a huge part of the problem, Mr. Thompson said during an interview in the summer. Allegations of racism can be a reputation or career killer.

Anyone complaining about fraud, which was very, very big, got painted a racist.

A dirtbag NGO at the center of this scandal, shoveling out the funds for fraud, even warned the state employees that that would be their fate:

Feeding Our Future, the nonprofit group that was the largest provider in the pandemic program, responded with a warning. In an email, the group told the state agency that failing to promptly approve new applicants from minority-owned businesses would result in a lawsuit featuring accusations of racism that would be sprawled across the news.

Racial grievance-mongering, and not-so-veiled-threats, still permeate the case. During a trial of one of the Somali fraudsters, this happened:

As a trial in the meals fraud case was coming to a close last summer, an attempt to bribe a juror included an explicit insinuation about racism, prosecutors said. Several defendants in the trial were found to have arranged to send a bag containing $120,000 to a juror along with a note that read, Why, why, why is it always people of color and immigrants prosecuted for the fault of other people?

Naturally, politics permeated the case:

Kayseh Magan, a Somali American who formerly worked as a fraud investigator for the Minnesota attorney generals office, said elected officials in the state  and particularly those who were part of the states Democratic-led administration  were reluctant to take more assertive action in response to allegations in the Somali community. There is a perception that forcefully tackling this issue might cause political backlash among the Somali community, which is a core voting bloc for Democrats, said Mr. Magan, who is among the few prominent figures in the Somali community to speak about the fraud.

Since were back on the topic of Tim Walz and Feeding Our Future



Heres Walz pictured with defendant #58 in the $250 million Feeding Our Future fraud scheme.



Amran Abukar was literally given an Entrepreneurship award by Governor Walz. pic.twitter.com/IgfNJNW6lf  Dustin Grage (@GrageDustin) November 30, 2025

This explains why the state's governor, who came close to being our vice president, did absolutely nothing.

Questioned about his scandal, Walz blamed Trump:

More on the Minnesota Somali fraud scandal. NBC had the governor of Minnesota on today and, unlike CNN, actually mentioned the story. Gov. Walz admitted no fault--'I take responsibility for putting people in jail'--and tried to shift blame to Trump. pic.twitter.com/WqaLNAdROs  Byron York (@ByronYork) November 30, 2025

All one can hope in the wake of this monstrosity is that a whole lot of lowlife and their governor find their way to jail, and their ill-gotten gains are somehow recovered. As the Times notes, this scandal threatens the Minnesota "way of life", meaning, why Minnesota can't have nice things. What a revolting scandal. Walz is a corrupt clod who needs to go down for this.

Image: X screen shot
For a week now, Ive been meaning to write about raging antisemitism in once Great Britain, but those plans keep being interrupted, whether by delightful days when content from our wonderful volunteer writers fills the site or by American news that deserves more immediate attention. But todays a very sleepy Sunday, the last day in a long holiday weekend, so I can finally clear my browser.

Britain has long had an up-and-down relationship with Jews. Jews began immigrating to England from France after the Norman Conquest in 1066. They were welcomed then because they were the only ones who could lend money in a time when usury was forbidden to Christians. Monarchs desperately needed the liquidity Jews provided.

Image created using AI, based on an X screen grab.

The medieval era, however, also gave rise to the blood libel slanders. These were horrible false accusations against Jews, such as accusing them of using the blood of Christian children to make their matzo (an unleavened cracker which has as its only ingredients flour and water). If a disease came to town (and this was long before the Black Death), Jews were accused of poisoning the wells, even as the diseases took them, too. Monarchs who couldnt pay off their debts used these canards to encourage massacres. Their motto was, if the creditor is slaughtered, the debt is erased.

One of the worst anti-Jewish massacres of the medieval era occurred in 1190, in the cathedral town of York. Two Jewish York residents earned the citizens wrath by daring to attend Richard Is coronation. When a fire broke out in the city, Yorks residents used the fire as an excuse to attack the two Jews home. They succeeded in slaughtering one of the coronation attendees and everyone else in the house, but the other attendee managed to escape to York Castle. The rest of Yorks Jews soon followed him.

Eventually, 20-40 families were holed up in the castle. When the mob attacked, the Jews realized that they could not survive the assault. Therefore, they copied the pattern set at Masada so many centuries before: They all committed suicide rather than be torn apart by the mob. Its estimated that about 150 people died in all.

One hundred years later, King Edward I banished all of Englands Jews to get parliament to approve a tax for him. When Shakespeare wrote The Merchant of Venice at the end of the 16th century, which became the template for how the British viewed Jewscruel, avaricious, dishonestit is very possible that hed never actually met a Jew.

Jews finally returned to England in 1655, when Oliver Cromwell invited them back in. This was consistent with the Puritan allegiance to the Old Testament.

Upon the Restoration of the British Monarchy in 1661, Jews were treated much as other Dissenters (that is, sects that were not part of the official Church of England). They could not hold public office, work in the government, attend university, etc. However, for the most part, while viewed with disdain as the other, the British left them alone. By the 19th century, a Jewish convertBenjamin Disraelibecame one of Great Britains most successful Prime Ministers.

The Biblical affinity for seeing Jews in the homeland was so strong that, in 1917, the British government, which now controlled the Holy Land, promised to establish a national home for the Jewish people. Unfortunately, Britains second-tier bureaucrats disliked that idea.

This state of affairs was still the norm when I lived in England in the early 1980s: The British didnt particularly like the Jews who lived in the UK, but they werent actively hostile to them either. That falls in with my philosophy, which says that you dont have to like me, but you dont get to kill me.

However, beginning decades ago with a massive influx of Muslims from across the Indian subcontinent, Africa, and the Middle East, and accelerating with the hard left turn in the British government, things have changed. The UK is now one of the most virulently antisemitic nations in the Western world. Ill stop my analysis now and just leave you with a few recent stories out of the UK:

Sir Michael Ellis has written an excellent summary about the aggressive antisemitism that is overtaking every single British institution:

The National Health Service has a growing problem with (mostly Muslim) healthcare providers discriminating against and abusing Jewish patients.

The BBC is antisemitic in every aspect of its operations, whether in the news it reports or its behind-the-scenes shenanigans (including working with terrorists for anti-Israel war documentaries).

The police routinely ban Jews from the streets when Muslims are out protesting, saying that the Jews create a hazardwhen, in fact, they should be protecting the Jews from Muslim aggression.

Academia in the UK, as in America, is rife with antisemitism, both in the classrooms and on the campuses as a whole.

The government routinely attacks Jewish charities based on politically motivated complaints.

The courts impose de minimis sentences on violent pro-Palestinian activists engaged in manifestly illegal conduct.

In other words, Britain has become a systemically antisemitic nation.

Speaking of the police, Melanie Phillips has written a superb essay about the West Midlands Polices war on the Jews. Its worth noting that these police operate in what is probably the most Muslim part of Britain, the area around Birmingham.

In Dublin, the citys politicians are planning on renaming Herzog Park. That park was named after Chaim Herzog, who was born in Belfast and raised in Dublin before becoming Israels first president. Thats quite a trajectory for a native son, and something of which Dublin should be proud. But times change, and perhaps its not unreasonable for Dublin to rename the park after a Dubliner, whose fame lay in Dublin itself.

That, naturally, is not what the Dublin councilors are planning. Instead, in a deliberate antisemitic slap, they voted to rename the park Free Palestine Park. The Free Palestine cry is part of the From the river to the sea chant. The antisemites know that the river is the Jordan and the sea is the Mediterranean. The chant calls for the extermination of the Jewish people. Remarkably, there was enough of a backlash that they reversed themselves, but I fully expect them to try again.

Just yesterday, thousands of people marched through London, chanting in support of Gaza and attacking the London Christmas market (a now-common Muslim attack also seen in Brussels). And of course, they called for Israels end. As a sidenote, the police allowed this, even as they slapped down a farmers protest:

 Thousands march through London to mark International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian people



 Demonstrators call for an end to Israels occupation and urge the UK to halt arms sales https://t.co/ZN9Ab28jtm pic.twitter.com/jW6sAsEJfN  Anadolu English (@anadoluagency) November 29, 2025  SHOCKING: Masked Islamists Storm London Christmas Market, Demand Terror!



Why Are We Letting This Happen?



Stand with Britain and protect our nation from this outrageous display of hatred and violence. The heart of our city, a place of festive joy and unity, has been taken pic.twitter.com/nXjgQNFYc7  Patriots Against Censorship  (@DigitalVagrant) November 30, 2025 So hang on, last Wednesday the Met Police didnt allow British farmers to bring their tractors because it could result in serious disruption.



However, they have no issue with Palestine protesters disrupting central London. Including setting off fireworks.



Two-tier policing. pic.twitter.com/7ExKhILSYw  Chris Rose (@ArchRose90) November 29, 2025

Ill end with this excellent commentary from the Accidental Talmudist (actually, Salvador Litvak, who wrote and directed Guns & Moses), with his take on why people hate the Jews. I think hes right. Not all Jews are saints (far from it), but we remind too many people of a moral code theyd prefer to forget.
As President Trump bears down on Venezuela's Maduro murderous narco-regime, and its witting and unwitting Chavista shills and bots pop out to defend it, the one thing these leftists can't say is that the U.S. is going it alone.

Turns out the allies are lining up to join the effort to rid the hemisphere of the scourge of state-sponsored drug trafficking.

The Washington Post ran a starter list of all the regional players who have joined arms with President Trump:

As the United States threatens to attack Venezuela, some Caribbean allies are offering support. The United States has been amassing military forces and assets in the region since August. It has killed more than 80 people in strikes on boats it alleges are carrying drugs to the United States.

In a grudging way, they cited the Dominican Republic, which has agreed to host troops, Trinidad & Tobago, which is offering airport support, Grenada, which seems ready to climb aboard with more airport support (they are still wavering), and the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico which are part of the United States but happy to help.

The quote from Trinidad & Tobago's prime minister describes the local sentiment:

Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has been a vocal supporter of the Trump administrations actions off the islands. "I have no sympathy for traffickers, she said after the first strike  in September  killed 11 people. The U.S. military should kill them all violently."

They're tired of it.

But that just seems like a starter list. Jamaica seems pretty friendly to the idea, too, openly supporting President Trump blowing drug boats out of the water, with its prime minister calling for a global war on gangs in a recent address to the United Nations.

Jamaica just held an election where security from criminals was the top issue with voters. It's hard to think they won't be cooperative in this endeavor, given the benefits Jamaica stands to gain when the drug lords can no longer operate from Venezuela.

Meanwhile, there's Curacao and Aruba, two Dutch islands with full governments off the Venezuelan coast. The Curacao prime minister has been circumspect and says his country is neutral. But the Netherlands has the final word there and its relations with Venezuela have been exceptionally poor. The Dutch embassy in Caracas offered to shelter the winner of the July 2024 Venezuelan presidential election, Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, from Maduro's henchman as the latter took office in a clearly stolen election, prompting the Maduroites to put restrictions on Dutch diplomats. The Dutch have warned their nationals to stay out of the socialist hellhole. Curacao and Aruba, in addition, have suffered from human waves of traffic fleeing Venezuela to their island, prompting local strife. The two nations have hated each other for years, meaning, the Netherlands may well be in the ally column in this matter. The Chavista press certainly thinks so.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines is another one that looks like a 'likely' for the ally column. They just shucked a leftist government that has been in power for decades in a landslide election in favor of a conservative, America-friendly government. How could they not be friendly with President Trump?

Guyana looks likely, too. Actually, more than likely -- they have declared support. They are currently under threat by Maduro who says more than half their landmass belongs to Venezuela, and who has sent raiding parties into Guyana, while the U.S. Navy has parked some of its biggest ships in the vicinity of Guyana, effectively defending it. Guyana goes into the allies column.

Panama is usually an ally, too, given its conservative governments. In August, Panama reportedly gave the U.S. Navy access to its canal, which then crossed over and headed toward Venezuela. That sounds friendly, and Panama has been horribly affected by Maduro's big illegal alien runs through that country.

What does the map look like? Like this:

Image: Kmusser, Wikipedia (red pen marks added) // CC BY-SA 3.0 DEED

Maduro seems to be surrounded by nations aligned to the U.S. And what does he have? Half-allies like Colombia and Brazil, both of which have leaders implicated in the drug trade themselves, plus China, Russia, and Iran, all of which have done nothing to secure Maduro's perch in Caracas, though China has done some yelling about it. There's also Cuba, which has done a lot of screeching, but doesn't have much it can help Maduro with.

That's bad news for Maduro, indicating a swelling wave of support for President Trump, similar to Ronald Reagan's successful bid to liberate Grenada from communist rule. Let's hope it goes just as smoothly, with many allies in tow.
While most people are discussing Andriy Yermaks resignation in terms of foreign policy and pressure from anti-corruption agencies, it is also important to pay attention to Ukraines internal crisis, which may have played an even bigger role in the departure of President Zelenskyys top aide.

Yermak, formerly the head of President Volodymyr Zelenskyys office, resigned on November 28, 2025. His resignationcoming just after searches conducted as part of the Midas investigation and only days before talks between Ukraine and the United Statessurprised the international community, but not Ukrainians.

Image created using AI.

Western media tend to portray Yermaks exit as the result of investigations by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutors Office. However, doing so overlooks the deepening domestic and social crises in Ukraine, which are becoming especially visible as peace talks with Moscow approach.

For a long time, Ukrainians reluctantly tolerated the fact that the Presidents Office, which had essentially centralized power in Kyiv, profited from the war. Repeated scandalssuch as buying poor-quality weapons and equipment, fraud directed at soldiers and their families, falsifying lists of missing personnel, and endless bribery and kickbackswere seen as the cost of war, allowing Zelenskyy to maintain a fragile balance within the military. But reports of potential territorial concessions were the breaking point for many Ukrainians.

The public outcry, combined with growing pressure from both the army and warring nationalists, left Zelenskyy with little choice lest he become the next target of public outrage. The Economist noted that some argued he kept Yermak in position as a possible sacrifice should the need arise. By giving Yermak sweeping authority over security policy, economic policy, and negotiations, Zelenskyy positioned him to take the blame for unpopular decisions, even though Zelenskyy always had the last word.

By ridding himself of his top aide, Zelenskyy killed several birds with one stone: he showed zero tolerance for corruption, listened to the concerns of the people and the army, and showed Ukrainians that he could reform the government. All the while, he removed himself from the international spotlight as a participant in corruption within Ukraine.

Some may think these events will lead to a reset of the Ukrainian Presidents Office, but thats not likely to happen. Yermaks resignation looks more like a well-staged performance designed to distract from the person who truly directed and benefited from the corruption networks. The only real threat to Zelenskyy at this point is the reputational damage caused by Yermaks fall.

Yermaks resignation in response to pressure from the public and the military, was also a warning to Zelenskyys inner circle: They can no longer count on his protection. Given the well-known depth of corruption in Ukraine and the major roles played by high-ranking officials, it is now an open question whether Zelenskyys team will remain as unified and loyal as before.
California, New York, and Illinois have been losing residents and businesses for years. They cover up for some of their losses by refusing to enforce immigration laws, and welcome people who are in the country illegally.

It is insane to count illegals when determining the number of congressional seats, but in the United States, that is what we do. Anyone who believes the illegals are accurately counted in each state should get an examination to see if their common sense has been removed.

We are constantly told that illegal aliens help the economy, but if that were true, the big sanctuary states would be outperforming Texas and Floridabut theyre not. So, it is a false narrative.

Since I have lived in Illinois my entire 72-year life, I will give statistics and facts on how well the state has done. We have Democrats in every major office, and super majorities of Democrats in the House and Senate, so they have complete control. They also have absolute control in Chicago.

For the past three years, Illinois has ranked 44th in GDP growth.

Democrats brag about how they balance their budget, but they do it through confiscating more money from all of us who live, work, or visit each year, not through growth:

After at least 70 tax and fee increases since 2011, Illinoisans last year paid $17.3 billion more. Since 2010 all those increases in the states tax burden has cost Illinois taxpayers more than $110 billion in additional taxes paid.

And, is it really even a balanced budget when unfunded pension and health liabilities rise each year?

From simple internet searches Illinois has:

Second-highest motor fuel taxes, a regressive tax. Illinois also is one of seven states that charge sales tax on gasoline, another regressive tax.

The second-highest property tax rate in the country.

The third-highest corporate tax rate.

The second-highest unfunded pension liability.

The third-highest workers comp rates in the country.

Illinois is ranked third-worst by businesses for lawsuits. Democrats clearly love trial lawyers more than businesses.

Chicago also has historically had high combined sales tax rates, but it will soon have the highest in the nation:

Chicagos 10.25% combined sales tax currently ranks second among major cities, behind only Seattles 10.35%, but a 0.25-point hike for transit will make them the highest in America. The new Regional Transportation Authority funding bill, which increases the Chicago metro area sales tax by 0.25 percentage points, has passed both chambers of the Illinois General Assembly and now sits on Gov. J.B. Pritzkers desk. Once signed, it will give Chicago the highest sales-tax rate of any major city in the nation at 10.5%.

Democrats dont care about the harm that Bidens open border policies did to Illinois and other states:

Dems leave hearing before minority groups testimony on Biden border policies A member of a minority grassroots Chicago organization testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary Wednesday that violent gang members in the U.S. illegally are hurting minority communities, but committee members from the Democratic Party left before she spoke.

Illinois is delinking from pro-business federal tax policies, which means businesses will choose other states to locate:

Illinois state lawmakers are severing new federal business tax cuts. Their quest to keep more cash will cost the state in business competitiveness. Federal leaders made business tax cuts intended to boost the economy, but Illinois state lawmakers are undoing those savings so they can keep $234 million  and potentially strain Illinois already sluggish economy.

Chicagos budgets continue to spiral out of control, and the solution is always to raise taxes, which compounds the problem:

Chicago tax proposals draw concern over legality, economic death spiral Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnsons allies have launched a seven-figure campaign to support his 2026 budget proposal, but opponents say the mayors tax plans will send the city into an economic death spiral and could bring about costly litigation. The Chicago City Council met Tuesday but did not vote on a budget after the councils finance committee struck down the mayors tax-laden revenue package on Monday.

While Illinois spends massive amounts of money for people who are in the country illegally, the Democrats voted to take away school choice for poor children: Illinois lawmakers decline to extend private school scholarship tax credit program. Democrats hate competition for their political supporters, despite the serious harm to children. Just 18.3% of children in Chicago were proficient in math in 2024, and only 31% were proficient at reading. Democrats at the national level also oppose school choice as they claim to be the party that cares about the children.

It would be stupid to hire people who run states that are losing people and businesses to run the country.

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Democrats have a vision for America. Its called Diversity is your destiny. However, shouldnt they sell me on it before they deliver it to my front door? For starters, who are these huddled masses to be drop-kicked into my neighborhood, and how is it going to enrich my life?

One group they are itching to import is Africans. I am not talking about long-suffering white Afrikaners who would be right at home in a farming community in Iowa. I am talking about black Africans with a vibrant culture guaranteed to add spice to any community.

One of their charming native customs is scavenging copper wire from anything that doesnt move. Sure, you will have to drive around a bit longer to find an E.V. charger that still has its charging cord attached, and with copper stripped from every lamp post and streetlight, navigating intersections will be a challenge. However, just think of the new, exciting restaurant cuisine featuring stewed chicken heads and feet that awaits you if you dare venture outside that barbed wired fortress that you will soon call your home.

Another group that has infused communities with new life, thanks to Joe Biden, is Afghans. Their charming native custom of chai boys gives new meaning to the phrase  coffee, tea or me. As one might expect, churches with pride flags flying, have given the confused chai boys and their Afghan handlers a warm, affirming welcome.

Democrats also promote cultural enrichment from having a large Somali population in Minneapolis. As Chris Rufo will attest, Somalis are not only charming, but quite inventive. The Democrats vision would not be complete without plans to parachute into Dearborn thousands of Palestinians helping them carry on their project of killing Jews, both inside and outside of Israel.

I guess the Democrats vision for America might appeal to some masochists, but I am going to give it a pass. I liked things just as they were before the Diversity is your destiny Democrats discovered a new form of social engineering that would replace me.

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Denying reality has consequences: sometimes you escape just a tad singed, and sometimes, youre completely incinerated, as Catherine Bailhache, a 78-year-old French woman housing a young man tragically learned last week when she was stabbed to death in her own home, with all signs pointing to her newcomer roommate as the attacker.

While the French media has yet to release important details on the suspect, what we do know is that he was living with the woman, placed there by a non-profit housing organization, and had only been in her house for just ten days before she was discovered in a bloody heap on the floor, knifed to death. When emergency services entered the home, the young man sprang from a closet, with a knife, and tried stabbing the first responding officer who was attending to Catherine and trying to secure the premises. Thankfully, another officer shot the young man through the shoulder, subduing him, and hes now under police guard in the hospital as he recovers; when his health permits, he will be jailed as he awaits his trial.

What we can reasonably surmise though is that this young man is an asylum seeker, refugee, or migrant, considering this non-profit was in the business of offering accommodation to young workers  but this young man was 34 years old. Not saying that 34 isnt young, but thats not a young workerunless youre a skill-less, parasitic, third world foreigner who has never held a job in any real Western sense, and legitimately cannot figure out how to do so in a first world economy.

And, a third-worlder suspect fits well within the pattern weve seen emerge across Europe with the importation of violence-accustomed Africans, and the dredges of the Middle East and central Asia; just days before Catherine was stabbed to death, an Ivory Coast alien slashed and stabbed a young French mother in the chest and face in La Rochelle, about 160 kilometers south of where Catherine lived. (This mother is in critical condition, and not expected to survive.) And, just days before that crime, a French man also suffered a stabbing attack at the hands of a homeless migrant in Lyon, which is over toward the Swiss and Italian borderthat man has since died. And then, there was another earlier migrant knife crime, which made headlines for its gruesomeness: a migrant calling himself the Joker attacked Killian, a young French man in Paris, slicing Killians face into a Glasgow smile.

Thats at least four high-profile incidents just in the month of November, three of which were for sure committed by migrantsI suspect the story will be the same for Catherines killer.

Now, I cant know Catherines politics, but based on the fact that she was allowing a young man to live in her home, placed there by a non-profit, Im going to assume she was a leftist, wholeheartedly believing the coexist narrative, as if the (Christian) values of the West are inherent to humanity.

Spoiler alert, theyre not. Theres no free lunch with delusional ideology, and as Catherine likely learned, the fallout can be deadly.

Image: Free image, Pixabay license.
Author Eddie Baker's definition of success was the doorway to his real calling

BERLIN, Dec. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In 1988, author Eddie Bakker was a high-achieving professional determined to become a millionaire by the age of 30. However, one life-changing introduction sparked a shiftfrom boardrooms to Bible studies and from climbing the corporate ladder to serving on missions across Europe. Excited to share his faith journey, Bakker publishes his new memoir, "No Ordinary Life."

Book Cover

In the book, Bakker invites readers to discover how a single encounter transformed his path from an ambition-driven career as a CPA to a global missionary. With forewords by respected leaders such as Dr. Jannie Botha and Ray Oliver, his story reveals how even a silent yes to God can lead to extraordinary outcomes. Now, with over 25 years of ministry in Europe, Bakker's journey stands not only as a testament to his transformation but also as a reminder that "faith without action is dead."

"My memoir will resonate with anyone questioning their path," Bakker said. "Through trials and triumphs, this book reveals how obedience, even when costly, leads to a life of meaning, miracles, and joy beyond measure."

In Bakker's perspective, it's normal not to have everything figured out, whether it's the beginning pages of life or navigating a new season. When readers place their trust in the lord and allow him to do his work in them, they will find the reassurance, direction, and fulfillment their hearts long for.

"God's plans are always greater as his timing is always perfect," Bakker said. "He doesn't need your clarity, but your surrender. When we trust him with the unknown, he will fill our life with purpose and show us the direction of fulfillment."

"No Ordinary Life"

By Eddie Bakker

ISBN: 9798385029105 (softcover); 9798385029112 (hardcover); 9798385029099 (electronic)

Available at WestBow Press, Amazon and Author Website

About the author

Eddie Bakker became a certified public accountant at age twenty-three with the sole goal of becoming rich. After becoming a born-again Christian, he gave up his career and did not receive a salary for 13 years. He then started and led a mission school for 12 years, planted a church, and watched it grow in a foreign nation and culture. His story reveals the possibility of what life can be like when you work for God and learn from your mistakes. To learn more, please visit http://en.noordinary-life.com/.

General Inquiries:

LAVIDGE  Phoenix

Taylor Moralez

[email protected]

SOURCE WestBow Press
Today's Wall Street Journal had an important piece about how cocaine from Venezuela's narco-dictatorship is flooding Europe, citing United Nations sources. The shipments intercepted are bigger, purer, and more numerous than ever.

The Journal notes that the intermediary states are in West Africa, where Jihadi terrorists finance themselves through the illegal drug trade, courtesy of their Venezuelan suppliers.

As in -- the Jihadi terrorists kidnapping and killing Africa's Christian communities. But more about that shortly.

The Journal report, by Benoit Faucon, lays out the facts here first:

Venezuela has become a major launchpad for huge volumes of cocaine shipped to West Africa, where jihadists are helping traffic it to Europe in record quantities. Corrupt military officers and drug gangs smuggle shipments by light aircraft, fishing boats, semi-submersible vessels and freighters heading east, international law-enforcement officials have said publicly. The cocaine flows to West Africa, where an informal network of jihadist-linked smugglers and their allies then move the drug north to feed high and rising demand in Europe. Cocaine in the 1980s is not the same as the one we see today, said Jesus Romero, a retired U.S. military intelligence officer. There are direct linkages to terrorist organizations to support their cause. Unprecedented levels of cocaine production in Colombia in recent years have overwhelmed traditional smuggling routes, leading traffickers to exploit Venezuelas strategic location, ineffectual security institutions and long coastline, the law-enforcement officials have said. That has led cocaine consumption to rise worldwide in regions that hadnt been major consumers, from Australia to Eastern Europe, United Nations drug researchers say. The confluence of drug smugglers, jihadists and corrupt officials is part of a growing global alignment among criminal gangs, militant groups and rogue governments that threatens democratic norms and social stability, with profound potential ramifications.

The report didn't go into it much, but the Venezuelan hauls are absolutely huge -- a record ten-ton bust in Dunkirk last March. A 6.5-ton bust in the Canary Islands last October, along with another big bust in Portugal the next month, and many six- and seven-ton interceptions off the West African coast by the French navy. The French and Spanish are known to have very competent, well-equipped, and effective cocaine-gang hunters, and they see Venezuelans with every takedown.

Surging trans-Atlantic drug flows mean that cocaine seizures in Europe now exceed those in North America, according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. The quantities have gone up so much, the problem that traffickers have now is moving them, says Jeremy McDermott, co-director at InSight Crime, a think tank focused on organized crime in the Americas.

The Journal, citing its U.N. sources, has some limits in its reporting, casually stating the conventional wisdom that the finished cocaine product is coming from Colombia, and Venezuela is just a trans-shipment point.

But that doesn't stack up well to other reports that Venezuela is the major end-processor of the cocaine product, with at least two dozen industrial-scale processing plants run by the Venezuelan military (Cartel of the Suns) scattered around the country, processing the coca paste into cocaine. They obtain their semi-finished coca paste from Colombia's drug lords and guerrillas, who have a free hand in that country now run by anti-American Gustavo Petro, and then turn it into the blow for shipment. Reportedly, the coca paste is shipped in oil tanker trucks through dense jungle highways with the Venezuelan military (Cartel of the Suns, again) guarding them.

Just to have busts that big indicates that the cocaine came from a huge factory, not a shack in the jungle. There isn't any other way to create the powder bundles of those multi-ton sizes for the speedboats now being blown out of the water by President Trump, which then move onto larger vessels mid-sea. And only a huge factory process, protected by the state, can produce a product of far better and more consistent purity, such as is being seen by the lawmen in Europe.

The cocaine is also making its way to the U.S., even as more of it is going to Europe, the report said.

But Venezuela's African connection raises questions about the Venezuelan narcoregime's ties to Africa's terrorists, such as Boko Haram, now operating in Nigeria as a killer and kidnapper of Christians.

The Journal report cites Venezuela's partners in Mali, Niger, and Guinea-Bissau as the traffickers to Europe, but a simple Google search indicates that cocaine, almost certainly coming in from Venezuela, is also going to Boko Haram.

According to Google AI:

Boko Haram has been implicated in cocaine and heroin smuggling across West Africa but there is no direct evidence from the search results of the group trafficking cocaine through Venezuela. However, there is extensive information regarding high-ranking Venezuelan officials and government-linked criminal networks, such as the "Cartel of the Suns" (Cartel de los Soles), being heavily involved in international cocaine trafficking. Key points regarding these separate trafficking activities: Boko Haram's Role: Boko Haram is reportedly involved in controlling trade routes and smuggling cocaine and heroin across the Sahel region and West Africa to accumulate funds for arms and vehicles. These routes serve as transit points for drugs ultimately bound for Europe.

It's hard to think they can so much as get their hands on cocaine without a Venezuelan connection, given the outsized role Venezuela plays in the cocaine trade. I'd bet money they know who the most reliable cocaine supplier is.

Meanwhile, according to the Wilson Center, the Nigerians know the score:

Nigeria faces a complex threat landscape from various terrorist groups, as highlighted in the 2022 National Inherent Risk Assessment on Terrorist Financing . These groups utilize diverse funding methods, complicating counter-terrorism efforts. For example, Boko Haram funds its activities through foreign donations, extortion, ransom, and trade in goods such as dried fish, while the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) exploits a cash economy through kidnapping and illegal levies. Disrupting the financial flows supporting terrorist groups in Nigeria is an essential element of reducing violence and promoting security.

There's a lot of circumstantial evidence that Boko Haram is involved in the coke trade and gets its supply from Venezuela. If that's the case, then Venezuela is enabling the killing of Christians by these monster terrorists.

President Trump has recently expressed a need for the U.S. to take action against these terrorists. Given that all terrorism is narcoterrorism, as Rachel Ehrenfeld once told me, it may well be that the pressure campaign on Maduro is as much about helping save Africa's Christians as it is about protecting America from these merchants of death.

Image: Pixabay / Pixabay License
Add one more to the conservative wave sweeping Latin America.

In a complicated presidential election, the one thing that's sure is that the LIBRE party radical leftist, Rixi Moncada, didn't get enough votes by any projection to win the race.

Two other candidates, both conservative, are in a neck-and-neck race for the win now, with the candidate endorsed by President Trump, Nasry Asfura, holding a narrow lead, and his rival, Salvador Nasralla, closely following.

According to the New York Times:

Election authorities in Honduras said Monday morning that the conservative former mayor endorsed by President Trump and a sportscaster rival were virtually tied in a presidential election that many predicted would be volatile even before Mr. Trump weighed in on the race. The preliminary and partial results showed that Mr. Trumps pick, Nasry Asfura, and the sportscaster, Salvador Nasralla, were in the lead, with ballots from nearly 56 percent of polling places counted. The candidate for the left-wing party in power, Rixi Moncada, was trailing far behind, the early results showed, with around half the votes cast for each of the right-wing candidates. Voters went to the poll just days after Mr. Trump endorsed Mr. Asfura and announced he would pardon an unpopular ex-president from Mr. Asfuras National Party who was convicted on drug-trafficking charges in U.S. federal court last year.

Nasralla, who has 39.8% of the votes, compared to Asfura's 40%, says he will win because the votes of citizens up north, where he says he has significant support, are still waiting to be counted.

I can't see a problem for the U.S. if Nasralla wins, but one of the reports says his party is rather RINO-like, so if he does, he may not keep all his promises. He's running as the corruption-fighter president, which seems like an old story in that region. The other candidate, Asfura, a former mayor who cleaned up his city and has a history as a builder, like Trump, ir running as a get-things-done president. Sure, he could disappoint, too, but his trajectory seems to be the Trumpian one and Trump has indicated he's the better candidate. Asfura posted a picture montage of himself with both Trump and Argentina's libertarian president, Javier Milei, on social media, according to the Times. Not sure why he didn't add El Salvador's successful president, Nayib Bukele, to his montage.

Trump pardoned Asfura's party predecessor, Hernandez, as the Times report indicated, apparently to help Asfura win the election, though I suspect it was because he may have been an informant with valuable information about drug dealing or Venezuela's dictatorship, which deals drugs and has used Honduras as a transshipment point. Whatever it was, it didn't hurt Asfura's chances, given that his good showing was something of a surprise.

The bottom line here, though, is that the left was soundly beaten, defeated. Voters chose Trump and the Trump model over the radical left's model -- been there, done that.

When Xiomara Castro first took office in 2021 as a leftist president, along with her Hugo Chavez-aligned cowboy-hat husband, Mel Zelaya, who was thrown out in 2009, the left here touted her as a 'historic first. Vice President Kamala Harris flew down to Tegucigalpa for the inauguration, and from there, the country went downhill, mired in blue-city style cronyism and corruption and affirmative action declarations about the superiority of women leaders. And their model and ally was communist Cuba, another baleful offering, not the libertarianism and freedom and security that have done so much to improve Argentina, and El Salvador. Obviously, that stunk, and the stank was left on the affirmative-action female successor put forward, Moncada. Whatever that was, Hondurans want no more of it.

Meanwhile, 30,000 illegal aliens from Honduras have been repatriated by the Trump administration, meaning, those who left likely know they can't skip off to the U.S. again if they vote poorly, they'll have to live with the results of their own voting decisions, meaning, they'd better elect a conservative.

We may be seeing a lot of this as elections take place around the hemisphere.

However it may be, it's good news for the U.S., particularly if Honduras proves to be another valuable ally in the quest to hose the hemisphere out of its communist plague and the drug trafficking that accompanies it.

So far, so good, let's hope the Hondurans end up with a leader who will make their country happy and prosperous, and other nations will follow.

Image: Pixabay / Pixabay License
Two West Virginia National Guardsmen were shot just before Thanksgiving Day (allegedly) by an Afghan terrorist immigrant. While one has died and the other remains in critical condition, the question remains why they were shot. The answer may well have been given to us 126 years earlier by a young Winston Churchill.

Before 3:00 pm on November 26th, three Guard members were on foot patrol, blocks away from the White House. Suddenly, without warning, the suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, jumped from behind a corner. Armed with a revolver, he first began shooting at Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20.

Beckman had no chance to react. Shot in the head, she immediately fell to the ground. Even as she lay helpless, Lakanwal continued pumping rounds into her, before he then shot at the second Guardsman, Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe, 24. Wolfe had tried to take cover but was shot in the head as well before he could do so. Bystanders scattered as the third Guardsman fired at Lakanwal, wounding the suspect. Hearing the gun shots, other Guardsmen rushed to the scene to hold Lakanwal down.

There should be no doubt Lakanwals intent was to kill as many Guardsmen as he could. That is why he fired head shots at both. This was clearly a planned ambush.

Lakanwal had come to the U.S. in 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome. Having previously worked with a CIA-supported paramilitary unit in Afghanistan known as Zero Units, he was allowed to immigrate to the U.S. after the Taliban rose to power (again). He was vetted by the previous administration, through a non-government organization known as World Relief which seemingly, received most of its funding through USAID. However, such vetting may have been greatly limited in a rush to get our allies out of the country. Over 76,000 Afghans were brought into the U.S. in this manner.

According to a childhood friend of Lakanwal, he was disturbed and jaded after working with the CIA; then theres this, from Jeff Childers at Coffee and Covid:

A long, dramatic 2022 Propublica article about the Zero Units cited its fighters saying they saw Americans as infidels, never trusted us, but worked with us as a lesser evil or a useful path to a new Afghanistan.

Like the Quran states about non-Muslims, Zero Unit members unequivocally agreed that Americans were infidels. This alone should have given us major concerns about them coming to our country.

We are told by Jeanine Pirro, the U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, its too soon to say what the suspects motives were. However, a quote from The River War (1881-1899)a book written 126 years ago by Winston Churchill who had fought against Muslims in the Sudan in 1899gives us a good indication as to what may have triggered Lakanwals murderous act.

Churchill was most critical of Islamwhich he called Muhammedanismnoting:

How dreadful are the curses which Mohammedanism lays on its votaries (followers)! Besides the fanatical frenzy, which is as dangerous in a man as hydrophobia in a dog, there is this fearful fatalistic apathyA degraded sensualism deprives this life of its grace and refinement; the next of its dignity and sanctityThousands become the brave and loyal soldiers of the faith: all know how to die but the influence of the religion paralyses the social development of those who follow it. No stronger retrograde force exists in the world. Far from being moribund, Mohammedanism is a militant and proselytizing faith. It has already spread throughout Central Africa, raising fearless warriors at every step; and were it not that Christianity is sheltered in the strong arms of science, the science against which it had vainly struggled, the civilisation of modern Europe might fall, as fell the civilisation of ancient Rome.

In the years after Churchill published his book, he could have been called Islamophobic. However, what he wrote back then remains just as telling today about Lakanwal as it was about Muslims back then. Churchill had an amazing talent in judging people, especially those who hated democracy. It was like a sixth sense that vectored him in on enemies of democracy such as German Chancellor Adolf Hitler before World War II. Yet even today, Churchills late 19th century forewarning about Islam goes unheeded.

Current demographic studies project that Islam is growing at a much faster pace than Christianity. Contributing to this increased growth rate is a much higher birth rate that generates a larger and younger population. This is occurring as Christian populations decrease in many Western nationsa product of apathy or atheism. It is estimated by the middle of the 21st century the two religions will be of near equal size globally.

We must come to recognize that we dont need an in-depth investigation to determine that the Islamist mentality no doubt triggered Lakanwals dark side from home, despite his being welcomed to a new land; it is one that has been embedded into the Muslims for over 1,400 years, especially those coming from the third world. It has become part of their DNA, and they routinely claim infidel lives.

It is a sad commentary that for those Muslim immigrants truly in search of the freedoms a Western nation can provide for them, as we cannot make a rush to optimistic judgement to vet them. Doing so comes at tremendous risk to our own citizens, as demonstrated by Lakanwal. Unless we take more cautious action, Christian civilization will indeed go the way of Rome.

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On a crisp October morning in 1906, a man in an immaculate Prussian captains uniform marched into the Berlin suburb of Kopenick and coolly carried out one of the most extraordinary confidence tricks in modern European history. His name was Wilhelm Voigt, a 57-year-old shoemaker with a long, unhappy acquaintance with the German penal system. For a few hours on October 16, Voigt, armed with nothing more than authority borrowed from a uniform, seized control of a town hall, arrested its mayor, and walked away with 4,002 marks and 37 pfennigs of municipal funds. The affair would become legendary: a pointed satire of Prussian militarism and unquestioning obedience.



Wilhelm Voigt. Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Wilhelm Voigt was born in 1849 in Tilsit (modern-day Sovetsk, Russia), the son of a shoemaker. His early adulthood, however, was overshadowed by a succession of minor crimesmostly theft and forgerythat led to repeated prison terms. By his mid-fifties he had spent nearly half his life behind bars.

When Voigt was released from prison in February 1906, he attempted to go straight, moving in with his sister in Rixdorf and finding work through a local cobbler. But his criminal record made even legal residency difficult. Police expelled him from the town and from several others where he tried to settle. His attempts to get official permission to live and work in Berlin all failed. These bureaucratic obstructions, layered onto years of marginalisation, pushed Voigt towards a desperate, almost theatrical solution.

The Uniform and the Plan

Through second-hand shops and former military stores, Voigt purchased parts of a Prussian captains uniform. He knew how much power such a uniform carried in an empire where military rank was revered. It needed no explanation, no paperworka captain was obeyed. And Voigt intended to take full advantage.

At around midday on 16 October 1906, Voigt put on his disguise and approached a detachment of soldiers near Kopenick station and ordered them to follow him for a secret mission. He summoned a second troop of relieved guards from the firing range of the 4th Guards Regiment and placed about ten or eleven men under his "command". The authority of his attire was unquestioned.

Telling the soldiers that he was unable to acquire motor vehicles, he rode the tramway with them to Kopenick, east of Berlin. At a layover in Rummelsburg, he bought the men beer. He even gave the soldiers one mark each to buy lunch at the station. After they arrived at Kopenick, he explained to his soldiers that he planned to arrest the mayor and other officers on charges of corruption.

Together they marched to the city hall of Kopenick, where he ordered the men to seal off all entrances. He then announced that the mayor and treasurer were under arrest for suspected financial irregularities.

Voigt then directed the treasurer to prepare an accounting statement and informed him that the municipal treasury would have to be confiscated. After the money had been counted, Voigt had bags brought to him, which he filled with the help of the treasurer, who held the bags and sealed them. The confiscated amount totalled 4002 marks and 37 pfennigs.

The false captain then had the mayor and treasurer escorted to a military vehicle, instructing the soldiers to deliver the officials to Berlin for interrogation. The troops saluted and obeyed.

Voigt even managed to shut down the Kopenick post office for one hour, preventing phone calls to Berlin. Only after the detainees were released, some city councillors were able to notify the district administration office via telegraph.

After Voigt had collected the towns cash reserves, he calmly left, catching a tram and then a train, and then vanishing into the city before anyone realised what had happened.

Arrest and Pardon

Voigts freedom was short-lived. He was captured on 26 October after a former cellmate, who knew about Voigt's plans, tipped off the police. Voigt was sentenced to four years in prison for "unauthorized wearing of a uniform, offence against public order, deprivation of liberty, fraud, and serious forgery of documents."



Wilhelm Voigt's mugshots after his arrest. Credit: Wikimedia Commons

International newspapers reported the story with a mixture of amusement and disbelief. To many Germans, Voigts coup was deeply symbolic: it exposed a social order where the uniform commanded automatic obedience, and it highlighted the rigid bureaucracy that had ensnared Voigt for years. Popular sentiment swung decisively in his favour. Kaiser Wilhelm II himself was amused by the incident, referring to him as an amiable scoundrel. He had him pardoned on 16 August 1908. The pardon was justified on grounds of public sympathy but also reflected Germanys embarrassment that such a deception had been possible.

After his release, Voigt became a minor celebrity. He toured with theatre productions, appeared in variety shows, signed autographs, and lent his name to early film adaptations of his story. Carl Zuckmayers 1931 play Der Hauptmann von Kopenick later immortalized him as a tragicomic figurethe everyman crushed by officialdom, who momentarily turned the system against itself.

In 1909, he published a book in Leipzig, How I became the Captain of Kopenick, which sold well. Although his United States tour almost failed because the immigration authorities refused to grant him a visa, he arrived in 1910 via Canada. He also inspired a waxwork in Madame Tussaud's museum in London.

On 1 May 1910, Wilhelm Voigt received a Luxembourgish passport and relocated to Luxembourg, where he worked primarily as a waiter and shoemaker as his public appearances dwindled. He earned considerable riches as a result of his fame and the "Captain of Kopenick" was actually one of the first car owners in the Grand Duchy. He lived modestly until his death in 1922.



Wilhelm Voigt's statue at Kopenick city hall. Credit: Wikimedia Commons
DALLAS, Dec. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Turvo, LLC ("Turvo" or "the Company"), provider of the world's leading collaboration application designed specifically for the supply chain, today announced the appointment of Gabrielle Gorham Hill as Chief Customer Officer (CCO). Hill brings more than 20 years of proven leadership in professional services, enterprise software delivery, and customer success, with a track record of scaling global services organizations and consistently delivering exceptional customer outcomes.

Turvo Appoints Gabrielle Hill as Chief Customer Officer

In this role, Hill will oversee Turvo's Customer Success, Professional Services, and Support organizations. She will be responsible for strengthening customer engagement, elevating implementation excellence, optimizing service delivery processes, and ensuring every Turvo customer realizes maximum value.

"Gabrielle is an extraordinary customer leader with deep experience transforming enterprise services organizations and building high-performing global teams," said Billy Sarracino, CEO of Turvo. "Her ability to anticipate customer needs, drive operational rigor, and foster trust with executives across complex engagements makes her an ideal fit for Turvo as we scale into our next phase of growth."

Hill joins Turvo from FIS, where she led Global Professional Services for the company's commercial loan servicing solutions, steering the delivery organization through complex enterprise implementations for large financial institutions and strengthening execution discipline across global teams.

Prior to that, Hill served as Vice President of Services for the Americas & EMEA at CloudSense, where she increased employee engagement, exceeded revenue and margin targets, and improved project predictability through operational optimization. Previously, Hill spent 13 years at ION Group (formerly Allegro Development) in a series of increasingly senior rolesincluding Managing Director, Americas, and ultimately Chief of Staff to the CEO. She orchestrated enterprise-level strategic initiatives, managed global energy software implementations, partnered with system integrators, and acted as a trusted advisor to both internal and customer executives. In her earlier career, Hill held leadership and consulting roles at Hyphen Solutions and Allegro Development, where she established herself as an expert in natural gas marketing and logistics, complex implementations, and customer lifecycle excellence.

"Turvo is solving some of the toughest challenges in the supply chain with its next-generation TMS, unmatched visibility, and real-time collaboration," said Gabrielle Hill. "I'm excited to join a company that is redefining how brokers, shippers, carriers and their customers work together. I look forward to empowering our teams and partners to deliver extraordinary customer value at scale."

Hill holds a BBA in Logistics & Supply Chain Management from the University of North Texas and a Certification in Negotiation Mastery from Harvard Business School Online. She is an active member of the Energy Society of Texas and 100 Women of Lake Highlands.

About Turvo

Turvo provides a collaborative Transportation Management System (TMS) application designed specifically for the supply chain. Turvo Collaboration Cloud connects freight brokers, 3PLs, shippers, and carriers to unite supply chain ecosystems, delivering outstanding customer experiences, real-time collaboration, and accelerated growth. The technology unifies internal and external systems, providing one end-to-end solution that streamlines operations, enhances analytics, and automates business processes while eliminating redundant manual tasks. Turvo's customers include some of the world's largest Fortune 500 logistics service providers and shippers, as well as small to mid-sized freight brokers. Turvo is based in Dallas, Texas, with offices in Hyderabad, India. To learn more visit www.turvo.com .

Media Contact:

Samantha Foley

214-263-3547

[email protected]

SOURCE Turvo
Ritchie Torres speaks during March For Israel in Washington DC on 14 November 2023. Photograph: Noam Galai/Getty Images

At a campaign event in the Bronx last month, a congressional candidate quizzed a cheering crowd: What do you think would happen if the US ended all aid to Israel? At a Thanksgiving gathering with voters, another candidate in the same race fielded questions about affordability  but also about moral leadership when it came to Israels war in Gaza. A third candidate vying for the same seat devoted much of his campaigns launch video to lambasting the current member of Congress representing the district over the funding hes received from the pro-Israel lobby.

The incumbent in question  congressman Ritchie Torres  is one of the most staunchly pro-Israel advocates in Congress. Dalourny Nemorin, one of his challengers for the Democratic nomination to represent the district calls him the poster boy for the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, or Aipac. Ritchie Torres cares more about Bibi than he does about the Bronx, Michael Blake, another challenger, said in the launch video.

Torress seat is not likely to be in danger  he is widely popular in his district, which spans a vast swath of the Bronx. But the messaging of his several challengers for the Democratic nomination to represent the district  five candidates have entered the race so far  underscore how major shifts in Americans views of Israel are beginning to seep into political campaigns. Public perceptions of Israel have soured after two years of its war on Gaza, and the historic election of Zohran Mamdani has proved that reflexive support for Israel  once viewed as a prerequisite for political viability  may no longer be a safe bet.

Related: Palestinian American denied slot at DNC competing for Georgia governor: Were trying to rebuild the coalition

Across the country, candidates who are openly critical of Israel  including a record number who are of Palestinian descent  are entering local, state and federal races, donning keffiyehs and denouncing genocide in campaign materials. In Michigan, Abdul El-Sayeds Senate bid seeks to replicate Mamdanis insurgent campaign; in Georgia, Ruwa Romman, the first Palestinian-American elected to state-level office, is running for governor a year after being denied a speaking slot at the Democratic National Convention.

In New York City, which holds primaries in June, voters said they preferred Mamdanis approach to Gaza over that of his challengers. Several incumbent Democrats  including Daniel Goldman and Adriano Espaillat  are on the defensive over their pro-Israel stances. The race to replace Torres has put a particular spotlight on the changing calculus, with most other candidates in the race denouncing Israels actions as genocide and running aggressively against his record  even when that has meant walking back their own past support for Israel.

Torres, who declined an interview request, has repeatedly questioned the Gaza wars death toll, and labeled the global movement for Palestinian rights a social contagion. He has also dismissed his opponents and accused one of them  Blake  of fomenting Jew hatred for including in his campaign video a clip of social media influencer Guy Christensen, whom he said glorified the killings of two Israel embassy staffers earlier this year. (Blake told the Guardian that including Christensen in the video was a miss but did not remove the clip.)

We are witnessing a new crop of cynical candidates who treat antisemitism not as a crisis for our civilization but as an opportunity for their own personal aggrandizement, Torres wrote in a social media post.

His opponents are betting voters can distinguish between antisemitism and criticism of Israel.

Ritchie Torress unwavering support for Israel is no longer the mainstream opinion; it is the fringe opinion, Andre Easton, a public school teacher running as an independent candidate, told the Guardian in an interview. He cited recent polls that show 77% of Democrats believe Israel is committing genocide in Gaza. This is something that weve never seen before.

Torress district  New Yorks 15th  is regularly tagged the poorest congressional district in the country. Home to large Latino, Black, and immigrant communities, it fares poorly by most metrics and foreign policy does not usually rank at the top of voter concerns. In a viral interview with Adam Friedland, a Jewish comedian, last summer, Torres said that most of his constituents are not talking about Israel, people are talking about how to put food on the table.

Some candidates took offense at that. What it suggests is that we are not able to walk and chew gum, that we are not able to recognize the humanity of other people, said Easton.

Israels war in Gaza played an outsized role in the New York City mayoral election. While he did not back down on his pro-Palestinian stance even as it offered a frequent attack line against him, Mamdani ran a campaign that focused primarily on affordability. Candidates looking to tap into his momentum are trying to emulate that focus while also connecting cost of living issues with the US governments massive funding of Israel.

Mamdani served as a barometer for the temperature around the question of Palestine, said Nemorin, a public defender and member of Democratic Socialists of America who is also challenging Torres. The more than $21bn the US sent to Israel since October 2023 alone offer a way to link the issue to voters material interests. Theres a conversation about where our tax dollars go, she said. The federal government is funding wars that lead to genocide.

Despite the messaging, Torres remains the clear favorite. His campaign is awash in cash including $1.6m he has received from pro-Israel lobby groups, according to Track Aipac, a project that tracks the lobbys funding of US politicians. That funding has become a talking point against him as a large number of New Yorkers hold unfavorable views of the pro-Israel lobby.

Torress opponents say he focuses on Israel to the detriment of his voters. In an interview with the Guardian, Blake, a former assemblymember who lost to Torres five years ago, cited an analysis that found Torres mentioned Israel 236% more than he did poverty and repeatedly called out Torress Aipac funding.

But Blake himself spoke at Aipac events in the past and traveled to Israel on a trip sponsored by the group. He has since scrubbed old social media posts referring to Aipac and now says Israels actions in Gaza amount to genocide after previously rejecting the term.

I would hope you would want to have a leader who can see new information and make a change, Blake said, to explain his turnaround. I might have been in a particular place before, but Im not there now.
Traditional Christmas vegetables including brussels sprouts can be problematic for people who take the anticoagulant warfarin. Photograph: Magdalena Bujak/Alamy

Christmas might be a season of comfort and joy but health experts have warned of lurking dangers, ranging from the fire risk posed by skin creams to the possibility of festive foods interacting with certain medications.

People using medical moisturisers known as emollient creams, often used for eczema and other dry skin conditions, should stay away from heat sources including candles and open flames because such creams can soak into fabrics and make them more flammable, according to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

The agency also warns that traditional Christmas vegetables, including brussels sprouts and broccoli, can be problematic for people who take the anticoagulant warfarin, as the high levels of vitamin K they contain can reduce the medications effectiveness.

These foods should not be avoided altogether  instead, try to eat consistent amounts so your vitamin K levels remain steady, the MHRA said.

However, some people may need to avoid festive treats. Aged cheeses and dark chocolate are among the foods that contain a substance called tyramine. Tyramine can interact with drugs known as monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors that are sometimes used in the treatment of depression and Parkinsons disease, causing blood pressure to rise suddenly.

Other foods that should be avoided by people taking these medications include staples of many a Christmas table such as smoked fish, beer, figs, gravy granules, pate and cheesy biscuits, according to Torbay and South Devon NHS trust.

Dr Alison Cave, the chief safety officer at the MHRA, said: The festive season is a time to come together, share traditions, and make lasting memories. But as we fill our homes with light, warmth, and cheer, its important we dont forget safety  especially around medicines and medical products.

That includes taking care with festive tipples. As the MHRA notes, some medicines may cause drowsiness, dizziness or poor coordination with alcohol.

Even if youre not driving a car, you should still take care when using a mobility scooter or powered wheelchair, the agency said. These are medical devices, and alcohol or medicines that impair judgment can make their use unsafe.

The MHRA also says those hoping to lose weight should take care when buying weight-loss medications online, noting they should be bought only with a prescription and from legitimate sites.

Products sold through unregulated websites or social media channels may be fake, contaminated, incorrectly dosed or contain powerful ingredients not listed on the packaging, the MHRA said. Taking these medicines can lead to serious side effects, including heart problems, psychological effects, or dangerously low blood sugar.

At a time of seasonal coughs and colds, the MHRA has also highlighted the importance of sticking to dosage instructions and not taking multiple products with the same active ingredients such as paracetamol.

Prof Victoria Tzortziou-Brown, the chair of the Royal College of GPs, welcomed the MHRAs advice. She added that it was a good idea for patients to refresh their understanding of potential side effects of medication by looking at the patient information leaflet, checking the NHS website or speaking to a pharmacist. Health advice can also be accessed though NHS 111 services and GPs.

The MHRA is right to highlight the risks of purchasing cheap medical or cosmetic Christmas gifts online, especially from unregulated sellers, added Tzortziou-Brown. If an offer seems too good to be true, it usually is.
Brigit Bardot is recovering at home in Saint Tropez after being released from hospital following a minor procedure - Eric Feferberg/AFP/Getty

Brigitte Bardot has asked well-wishers to calm down after she was taken to hospital for the second time in two months.

The French actress said that she was recovering and people should not be concerned about her health.

The 91-year-old was taken to hospital in southern France last month, following an admission for minor surgery in October. Unfounded reports stating she was close to death flooded social media.

On Sunday, Fondation Brigitte Bardot, an animal protection charity that she founded in 1986, released a statement urging fans not to worry and insisting she was on the mend.

It said: In response to the spread of false information in recent days, Ms Brigitte Bardot would like to remind everyone that she is currently recovering, that she would appreciate it if people would respect her privacy, and invites everyone to calm down.

Ms Bardot wishes to reassure those who are genuinely concerned about her. She sends them this message: I send my love to you all.

In October, Bardot made reference to posts about her premature demise on X, writing: Im doing well. I dont know which idiot started this fake news story about my death tonight but rest assured that I am fine and have no intention of bowing out.

She had a minor procedure at a private hospital last week that her office said went particularly well. She has since returned to her home in Saint Tropez.

Brigitte Bardot played Camille Javalin in Contempt, the 1963 French new wave drama filmed in Italy - Getty Images

Bardot found fame in the 1950s and 1960s for her films including And God Created Woman and Contempt. She retired from the stage and screen aged 39 and went on to become an animal rights campaigner.

She lives between La Madrague, her residence on the French Riviera, and La Garrigue, a country retreat which is home to her animals and a private chapel.

Last May, in an interview with BFMTV, she said she lived like a farmer surrounded by her sheep, pigs, dogs, cats, donkey and pony, and that she owned neither a mobile phone nor a computer.

In a feature-length documentary called Bardot, released last week, the actress told directors Elora Thevenet and Alain Berliner: Fame is wonderful and unbearable.

It was, she added: A pleasant prison, but a prison nonetheless.

Asked about her legacy, she said: I dont care if people remember me. I want them to remember the respect we owe to animals. The more I live, the more I fear humans. I am more animal than human.
Chinas defence industry shrank by 10 per cent last year, according to a report - Maxim Shemetov/Reuters

For years, the West has been fretting about Chinas military prowess.

Tests of high-tech lethal weapons, bombastic parades and constant sabre-rattling against Taiwan have sown fear that Xi Jinpings pursuit of dominance in the South China Sea could provoke all-out war.

The global race for supremacy has led rivals Japan and the US to drive increases in their defence spending and grow their domestic arms industries to counter the potential threat from Beijing.

But Mr Xis weapons factories are struggling, and hes the man responsible.

President Xi Jinpings anti-corruption crusade appears to be hampering Chinas defence industry - Tingshu Wang/Reuters

Last year, Chinas defence industry shrank by 10 per cent according to a report from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).

Over the last 10 years, dozens of individuals have been purged as part of the Chinese leaders far-reaching anti-corruption campaign, including those in his inner circle.

This has had an impact on Chinas preparedness to invade Taiwan  a key objective for Mr Xi  and now it could also be impacting Beijings defence industry more broadly.

While China has the largest army in the world, and is increasingly rivalling the US for the title of strongest military, the drop in defence revenue questions whether this trajectory will continue or taper off.

Japanese firms topped the chart, recording a massive 40 per cent increase, followed closely by Germany at 36 per cent and South Korea at 31 per cent.

The US and the UK recorded increases of four and seven per cent respectively.

Overall, revenues at the worlds 100 largest arms firms increased by 5.9 per cent to a record $679bn (513bn), the SIPRI report said.

However, Chinas dip was sufficient for Asia-Oceania to be the only region to experience a decrease in revenue among top arms firms, and this can be directly connected to Mr Xis ongoing anti-corruption purges.

A host of corruption allegations in Chinese arms procurement led to major arms contracts being postponed or cancelled in 2024, said Dr Nan Tian, the director of SIPRIs military expenditure and arms production programme.

This deepens uncertainty around the status of Chinas military modernisation efforts and when new capabilities will materialise.

The anti-corruption campaign has decimated branches of Chinas military and political wings.

China held a grand military parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Second World War in September - Xinhua/Alamy

In 2014 and 2015, two former vice-chairmen of the Central Military Commission, Chinas main military organ, were purged.

Then, earlier this year, a sitting vice-chairman of the commission and the second highest ranking official in Chinas military was also dismissed, becoming the most senior official targeted to date.

Dozens more officials across the navy, ground force, rocket force and air force have also been fired, along with senior figures in the arms industries.

In 2023, the heads of three leading defence manufacturers were purged, including Liu Shiquan, the chair of the China North Industries Corporation (Norinco), one of Chinas top defence firms.

Norinco then recorded a staggering 31 per cent drop in revenue in 2024, according to SIPRI, the largest drop in revenue among any Chinese firm.

Also purged alongside Mr Liu were Wu Yansheng, the chair of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) and Wang Changqing, the deputy manager of the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation.

CASC, which is Chinas main aerospace and missile manufacturer, also suffered a 16 per cent drop in revenue, according to the SIPRI report.

The report notes that the drop was largely due to the postponement of military satellite and launch-vehicle projects after Mr Wus dismissal.

The China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC), another major military firm, experienced a 10 per cent decrease while the countrys top arms supplier, the Aviation Industry Corporation of China, dipped by just over one per cent.

Only two Chinese firms recorded an increase in revenues  the China State Shipbuilding Corporation and the Aero Engine Corporation of China.

These numbers probably have Mr Xi worried.

The Chinese president has made military expansion a key target as he pushes for greater territorial control in the South China Sea and continues to threaten a forceful reunification of Taiwan.

SIPRI researcher Xiao Liang said the timeline of advanced systems for the Peoples Liberation Army Rocket Force, which handles its growing arsenal of ballistic, hypersonic and cruise missiles, could be exposed, along with aerospace and cyber programmes.

Beijing now also has to contend with growing militarisation in nearby Japan, as tensions between the two countries rise following prime minister Sanae Takaichis remark that a Taiwan contingency could prompt a military response.
November 28, 2025: The frontline town of Kostiantynivka in Donetsk region, Ukraine - Ukrainian Armed Forces/Reuters

Whatever happens to Ukraine, its treatment will surely go down in history as the most abject since Munich in 1938, when the British and French abandoned central Europes only new democracy. There is one huge difference: Czechoslovakia was persuaded not to fight for its independence; but Ukraine has been encouraged to fight for nearly as long as the First World War and then told that despite all its endurance and loss of life it will have to accept whatever Putin and Trump cook up.

In the 1930s there were arguably excuses. Many honestly believed that the League of Nations or pacifism could create a happier future. Does anyone believe that now? There were many then who truly believed that the world was on the verge of self-annihilation, and that poison gas would wipe us all out. Surely we are not so easily terrified today.

So what are todays excuses? That the Ukrainians have already lost? Serious analysts deny it. Do our politicians believe we have to play for time? Chamberlain believed that in 1938. He was almost certainly wrong, because Germany needed time even more.

But Chamberlain doubled defence spending, despite the economic situation and his preference for welfare. He belatedly faced up to the danger and acted. Today, Russia gains even more from our procrastination, as Europe (with the exception of Poland and the Baltic countries) relies on promises. France promises aircraft in the future while buying Russian gas today. We promise a tiny increase in our defences if and when we can afford it. Meanwhile, it is publicly admitted that we cannot defend ourselves.

Munich, 1938: Adolf Hitler greets then prime minister Neville Chamberlain - Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Even if Ukraine survives with its sovereignty and security still viable, we have witnessed a disastrous humiliation for Europe and Britain. Britain was first off the mark to help Ukraine and still makes high-sounding promises. Europe has given considerable aid, although slowly and grudgingly. Both Britain and Europe have been treated with undisguised contempt by Russia and America.

How many divisions does the Pope have?, Stalin supposedly asked contemptuously when the Vatican tried diplomacy. How many divisions does Europe have? How many ships, aircraft, missiles? Yet Russia, as we are often and rightly told, has an economy no bigger than Spain. Democratic Europe, if it had made an effort, and not been eager to outsource its security to America, could have deterred Russian aggression or helped Ukraine to stop it in its tracks. It still could.

Instead, Russia and the criminals it hires carry out cyber attacks and even crude old-fashioned sabotage. It violates European air space. It sends spy ships to map our undersea communications and aim lasers at RAF aircraft. It has a fleet of shadow oil tankers to avoid sanctions. And what do we do?

We intercept Russian ships, which means we just watch them. We have the undoubted legal right to board Putins tankers, verify their identity and expose their deception. But we wont. We lack ships, and we struggle to find the crews for those we have. Not surprisingly: a London Tube driver is paid twice as much as a Royal Navy submariner.

We could blame all this on short-termism, on the weakness of politicians, on poor management of the Armed Forces. What worries me is that now it goes much deeper and has become fixed: it reflects our system, our culture, our way of life. Once these were our strengths.

For a very long time  at least from the long wars against Napoleon up to the end of the Cold War  it was possible to think that our country, and similar countries, were not simply in the right, but also that they were fundamentally stronger. They were defending liberty and human decency against what Churchill called a new dark age.

But they were also at the forefront of modernity, with government that represented its people, who in turn consented to their system of government. For a time authoritarian or totalitarian states could concentrate their efforts, act decisively and outwit the liberal states. But in the long run, liberal states were more resilient, more adaptable and ultimately willing to do what was necessary to defend their way of life.

From the Napoleonic Wars to the Second World War, Britain was able to mobilise more of its resources than its enemies. Much of this was voluntary. During the Second World War, a third of the population who were not in military service were engaged in other war work. The British accepted rationing, while Hitler worried about the effect on German opinion even of cutting lipstick supplies. The Nazis fluctuated between bribery and terror. The USSR used pure terror. Britain relied on democracy, which proved stronger than totalitarianism. As George Orwell put it, the whole nation suddenly swings together and does the same thing, like a herd of cattle facing a wolf.

I fear that todays way of life is not our strength but has become our weakness. It has become debilitating and corrupting. The two world wars spawned an enlarged public sector that has, in the last 30 years, become the insatiable cuckoo in the nest, pushing out other activities by absorbing resources, increasing debt, raising taxes, creating unproductive employments, encouraging people not to work, over-regulating while under-performing, promoting mass immigration to feed its preference for cheap labour, and destroying vital industries in the pursuit of green fantasy. It has created dependency and encouraged irresponsibility  all the more damaging in a society that has jettisoned much of its identity and pride. I have never felt more pessimistic about our ability to change.

Our progressives still inhabit a dream-world: globalisation, rules-based order, open borders and the EU. They depend on perpetual public-sector expansion for their existence. This is, say Labour MPs, in the partys DNA. It cannot face reality, as the recent Budget shows. The only part of the public sector not in their DNA is defence. The Lib Dems and Greens are even worse. A coalition of the three would be a nightmare.

We cannot defend ourselves while the present system prevails. Hence the contempt of Trump and Putin. People have of course been saying this for years, and like the boy who cried wolf have been ignored. But now the wolf is at the door.

Robert Tombs is emeritus professor of history at the University of Cambridge
David Tennant at the Paddington The Musical opening night (PA)

David Tennant made a rare public appearance with his teenage daughter Olive just weeks after his wife Georgia faced death threats.

Georgia recently revealed she was forced to contact the police after receiving vile messages on social media, not long after an alleged stalker reportedly offered a reward for her murder.

Tennant pushed his personal woes aside on Sunday night, as he attended the opening night of Paddington: The Musical with Olive at London's Savoy Theatre on Sunday.

The Doctor Who star, 54, looked stylish on the red carpet in a checked coat teamed with a knitted sweater and smart trousers.

Olive, who is a budding actress, posed next to her famous father in a navy shirt and black skirt.

David Tennant with his daughter Olive (PA)

The 14-year-old made her film debut in 2021's Belfast opposite Dame Judi Dench and Jamie Dornan before going on star in the TV series Avoidance with Romesh Ranganathan.

Tennant is also father to Wilfred, 12, Doris, 10, and Birdie, five, with Georgia, 40, as well as 23-year-old son Ty from her previous relationship.

Paddington: The Musical, which features music from McFly star Tom Fletcher, tells the story of the bears adventures in London.

Last month, Georgia Tennant revealed she called the police after getting death threats, sharing screenshots of some of the abusive messages on her Instagram story.

She and David have been outspoken supporters of the LGBTQ+ community, particularly trans people, in recent years.

However, their advocacy has also made them targets of online abuse from anonymous users.

The posts included explicit insults and death threats, with one message branding her a dirty w**** who should die for good.

David with his wife Georgia (PA)

Some of the messages also made false references to her relationship status, with one describing her as the ex-wife of David Tennant and another calling her disgusting and telling her to return to the streets.

Tennant tagged both the Metropolitan Police and Instagram in her posts, calling for action to be taken against the users behind the harassment.

The incident comes just weeks after she revealed shed been targeted by an alleged stalker who reportedly offered a reward for her murder.

She called on Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg to take action after receiving a post that read: Whoever kills Georgia Tennant immediately will receive a reward from me.

Sharing the message on social media, she wrote: Just been sent this by a friend. Out of curiosity, Facebook  what would constitute a breach of community standards?

She later posted a screenshot of the platforms moderator response, which stated that the message did not violate its rules and therefore would not be removed.

Georgia and David stepped out publicly just weeks after the ordeal, walking the red carpet at the Bafta Scotland Awards.
Democratic candidate Aftyn Behn speaks at a political forum on 8 September 2025 in Dickson, Tennessee. Photograph: George Walker IV/AP

Fresh off a wave of successes in Novembers off-year elections, Democrats are angling for an audacious victory in a Republican-heavy Tennessee congressional district where an upset win could amount to a major blow against Donald Trumps legislative agenda.

Voters on Tuesday will cast ballots in a special election to replace Mark Green, a Republican representing a middle Tennessee district who resigned from Congress in July. Drawn by the states Republican leaders to ensure its voters favored their party, the district last year backed Trump and Green by 22-point margins.

In normal times, the GOP nominee, Matt Van Epps, would be considered a shoo-in. But after Democrats stormed to victory in Virginia, New Jersey and elsewhere earlier this month  bringing with it evidence that voters who had backed the president were changing their minds  the party and its allies have poured money into the campaign of state representative Aftyn Behn, hoping to pull off what would amount to a coup.

We still expect that the Republican will prevail, but would not be surprised if it were a single-digit race, said Dave Wasserman, senior editor and elections analyst at the Cook Political Report With Amy Walter.

On Wednesday, a survey from Emerson College Polling and the Hill found Van Epps up by just two percentage points over Behn, leading with 48% support to her 46%.

Stretching from Kentucky to Alabama and encompassing part of Nashville, the district is mostly made up of the sort of rural territory in which Democrats have struggled to compete, but also includes part of blue-leaning Nashville, as well as the city of Clarksville, a swing area whose residents may well decide the race.

Black voters, who make up about 15% of the district, would be key to a Behn victory, Wasserman said, but turnout among the group can be unpredictable. Though Democrats have recently made up deficits similar to the 22-point gap that they would need to overcome, theres no telling if such enthusiasm will exist among the electorate this year.

Its a pretty solid Republican district, said Kent Syler, a political science professor at Middle Tennessee State University and former chief of staff to Democratic congressman Bart Gordon.

Nonetheless, Republicans dont want to get caught sleeping, Syler said. Theres also no doubt that the Democrats are very energized and want to see how well they can do.

Should Behn win, the GOP majority in the House of Representatives would become so small that Democrats may have a shot at taking back the chamber next year before the midterm elections  all it would take is for one or two Republican lawmakers to leave their seats. The party was rattled last week when formerly staunch Trump ally Marjorie Taylor Greene resigned, after falling out with the president.

Among the Democratic-linked groups injecting money into the race is the House Majority Pac, which spent $1m on digital and television advertising. No Republican-held seat is safe, and HMP will do whatever it takes to win the House in 2026, said communications director CJ Warnke. Another Pac, Your Community, is running ads accusing Van Epps of being a hedge fund puppet and wanting to prevent release of files related to deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The Democratic National Committee chair, Ken Martin, campaigned for Behn recently, and Kamala Harris made an appearance at one of her events, though the two reportedly did not acknowledge each other.

Trump has publicly encouraged voters to come out for former state government official Van Epps, and his main Pac, Maga Inc, is airing ads in the race, along with Club for Growth, a billionaire-backed anti-tax group. The Republican has dismissed Behn, a former organizer with the progressive group Indivisible, as a crazy leftwing radical, and his supporters have seized on a podcast interview in which she said I hate this city when discussing Nashville.

Even if Behn loses, there may be advantages for Democrats in it being a tight race. If Van Epps wins narrowly in a district that went so decisively for Trump, it may help Democrats recruit quality candidates and raise money for challenges in similarly red areas, forcing the GOP to spending scarce campaign dollars in areas it believed to be safe, said Syler.

A national Democratic strategist who works on House races told the Guardian that is indeed among the partys aims, saying that Republicans are spending an unusually large amount of money in the district in a desperate last-minute attempt to avoid a Democratic overperformance.

Republicans are going to lose the House majority next year not just because of traditional swing districts, [but also] because their agenda is historically unpopular even in deep Trump country, the strategist said.

But a Republican strategist disagreed, saying that voters that turn out for special elections are different than those that vote in midterms, and good candidates can appear less popular than they actually are.

Its like comparing apples and oranges, right? Its really hard to make some real takeaways of what it means for a general election, the strategist said.

The district could also deliver for Republicans a dose of much needed good news. If Van Epps wins by a healthy margin, Syler said it certainly helps the Republicans and the president to, in essence, stop the bleeding that started earlier this month.
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This season's fete is themed, Nantucket by Design: Etched in Time Signature Design Stories. Guests can look forward to an array of world-renowned speakers and local artisans to share their perspective on the enduring influence of interior design, architecture, and craftsmanship. Through small panel discussions and social gatherings, the jampacked schedule promises an unforgettable experience for all!

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Belgian authorities are investigating the theft of an infant Jesus figure from a Christmas Nativity scene in Brussels, an icon that had previously drawn widespread online scorn for its unusual design.

The figure was snatched from its crib in the Grand Place between late Friday night and early Saturday morning.

This particular depiction of the infant Jesus, part of a larger Nativity display, became the subject of a social media maelstrom due to its characters lacking distinct facial features such as eyes, noses and mouths.

Artist Victoria-Maria Geyer created the cloth figures with the intention that every Catholic, regardless of their background or origins can identify themselves in the biblical narrative, hoping the featureless forms would resonate with observers globally.

However, the design was not universally appreciated. Georges-Louis Bouchez, leader of Belgium's center-right MR party, publicly criticized the artwork on X, stating that Ms Geyer's cloth figures in no way represent the spirit of Christmas.

He went further, likening the figures to zombie-like individuals often seen at train stations.

This particular depiction of the infant Jesus, part of a larger Nativity display, became the subject of a social media maelstrom due to its characters lacking distinct facial features such as eyes, noses and mouths. (AP Photo/Sylvain Plazy)

The theft of the controversial figure now adds another layer of intrigue to the already much-discussed Nativity scene.

Last year more than four million people visited the Christmas market in the center of Brussels historic old city to sip mulled wine and hot chocolate and shop at 238 vendors of toys, clothes and ornaments.

The center of the square is an enormous Christmas tree looming over a simple white tent holding the manger scene with the figures made by Ms Geyer, a self-professed devout Catholic.

Her work was selected by both the local Catholic Church and the City of Brussels in an annual tradition, said Delphine Romanus, deputy director of Brussels Major Events, which manages the manger and market.

Early reports that the infant Jesus had been beheaded are false, but Ms Romanus said that in the past other baby Jesus figurines have been broken or stolen.

An initial deluge of negative comments on social media has turned positive, Ms Geyer said.

Authorities have already replaced the baby Jesus in the crib. Organisers and security say they will keep a closer eye on the manger, but they have not taken any additional precautions.

Staring at the new baby Jesus, Brussels resident Francis De Laveleye shook his head and said that arguments of artistic merit should never descend into such a sordid affair.

What is intolerable is that people attack the work of an artist to damage it and to turn it into a kind of stupid little controversy that ridicules Brussels.
In apparent response to allegations that his lethal strikes targeting alleged drug traffickers amount to extrajudicial murder, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth posted an image of childrens book character Franklin the Turtle firing a rocket launcher from a helicopter.

On his personal X account on Sunday night, Hegseth posted an AI-generated book cover with the title Franklin Targets Narco Terrorists, with the titular turtle wearing combat gear and hanging outside a military helicopter as he takes aim at three boats below.

For your Christmas wish list, Hegseth wrote in the caption. He tagged U.S. Southern Command, which is overseeing American military operations targeting boats accused of smuggling drugs into the United States. More than 80 people have been killed in more than a dozen attacks over the last several months.

In response, X users posted AI-generated Franklin covers of their own, with titles like Franklin Goes to The Hague, Franklin On Trial at the ICC, and Franklin Goes to Jail.

Franklin the Turtle is a beloved Canadian icon who has inspired generations of children and stands for kindness, empathy, and inclusivity, a spokesperson for Franklin publisher Kids Can Press told The Independent. We strongly condemn any denigrating, violent, or unauthorized use of Franklins name or image, which directly contradicts these values.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth posted an AI-generated childrens book cover showing Franklin the Turtle firing on drug-carrying boats as he faces allegations that the U.S. militarys campaign against drug traffickers has committed extrajudicial murder and war crimes that target survivors (X/@PeteHegseth)

Hegseths post follows reporting in The Washington Post that Hegseth ordered military personnel to not leave any survivors behind.

On September 2, military personnel fired a missile striking a vessel in the Caribbean that carried 11 people accused of trafficking drugs into the United States. 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, according to The Washington Post, citing officials with direct knowledge of the operation.

After the smoke cleared, the two survivors were then blown apart in the water, according to the report.

News of Hegseths alleged command follows growing legal scrutiny from international investigators and members of Congress alleging that the Trump administrations deadly campaign amounts to illegal extrajudicial killings, which law-of-war experts speaking to The Independent have labeled outright murder and a war crime.

The Defense Secretary issued a lengthy statement on X defending the campaign without denying whether he ordered officials to kill everybody on the boats (AFP via Getty Images)

Democratic and Republican members of both the Senate Armed Services Committee and the House Armed Services Committee are pledging vigorous oversight of the Pentagon in the wake of the news.

Senator Roger Wicker, the GOP chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Senator Jack Reed, the top Democrat on the committee, said they have directed inquiries to the Defense Department and we will be conducting vigorous oversight to determine the facts related to these circumstances.

The Pentagon initially declined to comment on Hegseths alleged command while chief spokesperson Sean Parnell said on X that The Washington Posts entire narrative false.

Hegseth also issued a lengthy statement on X defending the campaign without denying whether he ordered officials to kill everybody on the boats despite not posing any immediate threat to the United States.

For your Christmas wish list pic.twitter.com/pLXzg20SaL  Pete Hegseth (@PeteHegseth) December 1, 2025

As usual, the fake news is delivering more fabricated, inflammatory, and derogatory reporting to discredit our incredible warriors fighting to protect the homeland, he wrote on Sunday. 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 conflict  and approved by the best military and civilian lawyers, up and down the chain of command.

In remarks to reporters Sunday night, Trump said he has great confidence that Hegseth did not verbally order military personnel to leave no survivors.

The president said Hegseth told him that he did not say that, and I believe him, 100 percent.

Donald Trump says he has great confidence that Hegseth did not order U.S. military officials to leave no survivors behind in the administrations lethal campaign against alleged drug-carrying boats (Getty Images)

Following The Washington Posts reporting, former national security officials and military lawyers have determined that, if true, Hegseths order and the double-tap strike that allegedly killed surviving crewmembers are serious violations of U.S. and international law.

The Former JAGs Working Group, composed of former military lawyers, unanimously considers both the giving and the execution of these orders, if true, to constitute war crimes, murder, or both.

The National Security Leaders for America  which includes roughly 1,400 retired admirals, generals, diplomats and other officials  said the administrations alleged actions would violate a core principle of military ethics and the law of armed conflict, which prohibits targeting people who are no longer a threat or cannot defend themselves.

If the strike is viewed as a law enforcement action, killing rather than detaining a defenseless individual could constitute a host of crimes, up to and including murder, the group said in a statement Monday.

Orders to kill survivors of an attack at sea are patently illegal, anyone who issues or follows such orders can and should be prosecuted for war crimes, murder, or both, added Retired Major General Steven Lepper, a former Air Force Deputy Judge Advocate General.

In September, the Trump administration told Congress that the United States is formally engaged in an armed conflict with drug cartels that the president has labeled unlawful combatants.

The administration has labeled cartels nonstate armed groups whose actions constitute an armed attack against the United States and are now engaged in a noninternational armed conflict  or war with a non-state actor.

In the weeks that followed, the Trump administration directed more than a dozen strikes that have killed more than 80 people on vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific Ocean but officials have not publicly provided sufficient evidence or legal justification for their deaths, according to lawmakers and civil rights groups.

Last month, members of Congress received closed-door briefings on the attacks from administration officials, who were unable to provide any credible explanation for its extrajudicial and unauthorized attacks, according to Rep. Gregory Meeks, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

The legal justifications are dubious and meant to circumvent Congress constitutional power on matters of war and peace, he said in a statement.

He is in the national command authority for nuclear weapons and ... hes putting out on the internet ... turtles with rocket-propelled grenades, Democratic Senator Mark Kelly told reporters Monday. I mean, have you seen this? This is the secretary of defense. This is not a serious person.
Morgan Geyser appears in a Waukesha county courtroom on 9 January 2025, in Waukesha, Wisconsin. Photograph: Morry Gash/AP

The haunting apparition of Slender Man reappeared last week when Morgan Geyser, a central character in an 11-year-old attempted murder case, briefly absconded from a Wisconsin care home to which she had been transferred after being released from a psychiatric institution over the summer.

Geyser was 12 in 2014 when she pleaded guilty to stabbing a sixth-grade classmate to appease the mythical Slender Man.

Geyser, now 23, was picked up 24 hours later 100 miles away at a truck stop outside Chicago in the company of 43-year-old Chad Charley Mecca, a transgender woman. She had cut off her monitoring ankle bracelet. Mecca said in a phone call to the Wisconsin news outlet WKOW, she ran because of me. It later transpired that Mecca and Geyser feared they would no longer be able to visit each other and were potentially trying to make it to Nashville, Tennessee, when they were stopped by police.

Now Geyser faces being returned to the psychiatric institution to which she was sentenced after pleading guilty to stabbing Leutner with a kitchen knife, allegedly at the behest of another schoolfriend, Anissa Weier, and all in service of appeasing the fictional horror character Slender Man.

The story of the three pre-teen girls and Slender Man has never really gone away. Its reappearance, like the fictional character itself, as a contemporary myth within societal fears can be loaded: headlines and documentaries have dwelt on the dangers of outside intrusion on young minds and the failures of the mental health and criminal justice systems and parenting.

Whatever people feel about the original crime, its important to understand that Morgans incarceration began at age 12. What were seeing now says less about who she was then than about how she developed inside the system, says Kathleen Hale, author of Slenderman: Online Obsession, Mental Illness, and the Violent Crime of Two Midwestern Girls, who has written on the case since 2014.

Related: Woman behind Slender Man stabbing fled facility because of me, friend says

Both Geyser and Weier were prosecuted as adults under Wisconsin law and a jury found them not guilty by reason of mental defect or disease. Weier was sentenced in 2017 to 25 years in a mental institution and granted supervised release four years ago; Geyser was sentenced to 40 years in an institution.

The jury accepted she was suffering from undiagnosed schizophrenia at the time of the stabbing, and she was additionally diagnosed with autism and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

She entered the system as a child and never had the chance to grow up inside it, Hale says. This is a 23-year-old woman whose emotional and educational development effectively froze at age 12.

The young woman we are looking at, she says, who now faces being returned to a psychiatric institution, has been failed by the system both as a child and now as an adult.

She spent her adolescence in forensic wards with violent adults, not in school classrooms. She wasnt rehabilitated  she was institutionalized. Morgan is a person with autism who never received the education or therapy needed to develop basic skills like social reasoning and long-term planning.

In effect, she says, prosecuting children as adults merely creates damaged adults. There is decades of research showing that trying children as adults produces worse outcomes, not better ones. This isnt about leniency  its about what actually prevents harm to the community. You can punish a child, or you can build a future adult  you cant do both.

According to reports from the time, Leutner had gone to Geysers home for a slumber party to celebrate her birthday. The next day, Geyser and Weier were at a computer when Leutner joined them for doughnuts. They went to a park in Waukesha, Wisconsin, to play hide-and-seek where Geyser stabbed Leutner 19 times with a kitchen knife while Weier looked on.

Leutner was left in the park and eventually crawled out of the woods and was found by a passing cyclist. Meanwhile Geyser and Weier tried to reach a distant forest where, they hoped, they would meet Slender Man who would take them to live with him in Slender Mansion.

When the crime made the news and in the following trial, the fictional character, a thin, unnaturally tall humanoid figure that originated as a creepypasta internet meme created by a Something Awful forum user, Eric Knudsen, in 2009, had in effect taken human form and become a figure in the trial.

This should be a wake-up call for all parents, said the Waukesha police chief. The internet is full of dark and wicked things.

Geyser disclosed lifelong visual and auditory hallucinations that included figures she interpreted as ghosts, colors melting down walls and imaginary friends. Her mother described her as being floridly psychotic.

When a judge ordered that Geyser could be released from the Winnebago mental health institute this year, prosecutors attempted to block the move, arguing that she had read Rent Boy, a novel about murder and selling organs on the black market, and communicated with a man who collects memorabilia from murderers.

The state has real concerns these things are, frankly, just red flags at this point, said Abbey Nickolie, the Waukesha county prosecutor. But Geysers attorney Tony Cotton described the prosecutors request to keep her in a psychiatric hospital as a hit job.

Geyser was conditionally released from the psychiatric facility to the group home. She reportedly met Mecca at church two months ago. After the pair were detained in Illinois on Sunday night, Mecca told told WKOW that she believed leaving Wisconsin with Geyser was the best way to keep Geyser safe.

Mecca told the television station that the younger woman didnt like her group home and claimed she was being mistreated. They had met at a parking lot where Geyser expressed a desire to escape.

She sobbed  shes like, Theyll take away our visitation. Charly, please  youre my best friend. And you know, you know that before you showed up, I was ready to drink bleach and just all this stuff, Mecca told WKOW.

According to Hale, Geysers flight from the group home is not evidence of dangerousness but evidence of desperation. For someone institutionalised since childhood, freedom isnt just a reward  its frightening, she says. Its not hard to see why someone raised inside locked institutions might not trust that release would really happen.

Hale argues that Geysers escape should not be treated as an extension of the original crime.

Hale argues that if state authorities continue to prosecute children as adults, crazy things like this will continue to happen. The state didnt just punish Morgan  it failed to raise her. Wisconsin took a child and created an adult with no tools for adulthood. We can hold two truths: the crime was terrible, and the response failed.
The first MP to come out as HIV positive has warned that foolish government cuts to foreign spending risk sending the Aids pandemic back to the days of the 1980s, when his diagnosis felt like a death sentence.

Lord Chris Smith, a former secretary of state, made his HIV positive status public in 2005, having been the first British MP to come out as gay in the mid-1980s.

In a striking intervention, he told a gathering of campaigners, charities and journalists organised by The Independent: The real tragedy of whats now happening with the cuts to aid from the US, from the UK [is that poorer countries around the world] will be back to what I was facing in 1987.

In November, the UK announced a 15 per cent cut to its contribution to the biggest international funder of HIV treatment and prevention, as part of deep cuts to overseas aid spending in a bid to shift money to defence.

The UK government made a very foolish decision in my view, said Lord Smith, now chancellor of the University of Cambridge.

They made the wise decision that we needed to invest more in defence, but they made the very foolish decision to raid the international aid budget in order to finance that. That was a mistake.

Lord Smith was addressing the audience of a screening of The Independents chief international correspondent Bel Trews documentary, Death Sentence, on the deadly cost of Americas cuts to HIV services at the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) in London. The event was to mark World Aids Day.

Bel Trew, Patrick Kinemo, country lead for MSI Tanzania, Christine Stegling, deputy director of UNAids, Dr Charles Ssonko, HIV adviser to Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) and Lord Smith (Joanne Davidson for The Independent)

The UK has worsened Donald Trumps decision to slash the vast majority of foreign aid funding when he took office in January.

While the US ultimately restored some funding, global efforts to treat HIV and prevent new infections have been profoundly disrupted in the past year. Trew told the audience at the screening that at least three people interviewed for the documentary have died since filming, as a result of aid cuts severing their access to life-saving HIV medicine.

We should never forget that there are hundreds of thousands of people around the rest of the world who dont have [HIV] facilities, Lord Smith said. And it has just, in a stroke of a presidential pen, become infinitely worse.

The UK could still protect other sources of HIV funding, including through UN agencies  something The Independent is calling on Sir Keir Starmer to do.

Christine Stegling, deputy director of the UNs Aids agency, UNAids, worked in Botswana in the 2000s at the peak of its HIV epidemic.

Many of us lost our families, our friends, she said. When global funding cuts were announced this year, there was this moment when we realised [the pandemic] could look like this again if nothing really serious happened.

Despite this, she said, a goal to end Aids as a public health emergency by 2030 wasnt off the table with the right resources... to the right communities at the right time  including new preventative drugs to help bring down the infection rate.

Dr Charles Ssonko, HIV adviser to Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF), echoed these hopes and fears: If people interrupt treatment, the virus is going to multiply. Theyre going to fall sick again. Theyre going to get into hospital. Hospitals are going to get full. Were actually going to go back two decades ago.

In 2005, I was treating HIV and everybody was devastated. Families were devastated. Health care workers were devastated.

Now, though, Dr Ssonko said, there are scientific breakthroughs that can contain the HIV epidemic: Theres the long-acting treatments that are already available. But I think the biggest problem that we do have today is the funding.

Cuts could also risk the future development of new drugs, Lord Smith suggested. If theres no funding for the deployment of drugs, there will be no research happening into the drugs in the first place.

However, Dr Ssonko challenged countries in the global South to step up and fund their own HIV responses too.

I think its been two decades or more where countries have been dependent on donor funds.

For sustainability, we need... our own countries to start stepping up and supporting. Ive worked with communities and I know how much communities can help themselves, he said.

Bel Trew and Patrick Kinemo during a panel discussion at the ICA in central London (Joanne Davidson for The Independent)

I think the biggest lesson learned in all of this, in this shocking system breakdown that we had, is that one particular donor was over-dimensionally involved, Ms Stegling added, referring to the US.

While many countries were already on a course to pay for more of their own HIV programmes over time, the speed of the cuts threw plans into chaos.

We were on a good trajectory, she said. What has really made this so difficult is this abrupt cut.

To mark World Aids Day, dozens of activists, including those living with HIV, staged a die-in in Trafalgar Square, demanding that the British government reverse cuts to HIV and Aids treatment and prevention services.

Holding placards shaped like tombstones, the crowds, who are part of the protest group ACT UP, chanted: We mourn the dead, we fight like hell for the living.

Dan, a member who has been living with HIV for over 20 years, said that, with the global cuts, millions more could die right as groundbreaking new prevention drugs, like Lenacapavir, were coming onto the market. The medication could, if effectively deployed, bring infection rates to zero.

Instead, he said investment should be in breaking the deadly monopolies around new drugs, and by making them affordable for all.

Sign our petition for Keir Starmer to protect HIV funding here.

This article is part of The Independents Rethinking Global Aid project
San Joaquin County Sheriffs Office have said the incident may have been targeted - Fred Greaves/Reuters

Three children and an adult were killed at a mass shooting at a childs birthday party in California on Saturday.

A further 11 people were shot after a shooter opened fire inside a banquet hall where more than 100 people had gathered for a birthday party, according to the San Joaquin County Sheriffs Office.

The four victims killed were aged eight, nine, 14 and 21. The shooter opened fire just before 6pm local time in Stockton, a city of 320,000 about 40 miles south of Sacramento.

Local officials said the suspected shooter has not been caught and pleaded with the public for help. Detectives were still working to identify a possible motive.

If you have any information as to this individual, reach out immediately. If you are this individual, turn yourself in immediately, San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas said during a news conference.

The shooting took place at a banquet hall during a birthday party - Fred Greaves/Reuters

The San Joaquin County Sheriffs Office initially said that approximately 14 individuals were struck by gunfire, and four victims have been confirmed deceased, although this figure was later updated to 15.



This is a very active and ongoing investigation, and information remains limited, the sheriffs office wrote in a post on X. Early indications suggest this may be a targeted incident, and investigators are exploring all possibilities.

Christina Fugazi, the mayor of Stockton, said heaven is a little bigger as she paid tribute to the victims of the shooting.



This is Thanksgiving weekend. This is when families come together to celebrate, share memories, give each other love. Unfortunately tonight, heaven is a little bigger with the children and adults who did not make it, Ms Fugazi said during a press conference on Saturday night.



What happened tonight, again, unacceptable. Families should be together instead of at the hospital, standing next to their loved one, praying that they survive.

Christina Fugazi, the mayor of Stockton, has said: Heaven is a little bigger with the children and adults who did not make it - Ethan Swope/The Associated Press

Ms Fugazi said she had spoken on the phone with Gavin Newsom, the governor of California, and that he had offered additional support to city officials and law enforcement.



Mr Newsoms office said he had been briefed on the horrific shooting and was monitoring the situation.

Today, local authorities confirmed the victims of the Stockton shooting were just 8, 9, 14, and 21 years old  and that the attack was likely targeted. Our hearts break for their families and the entire Stockton community, Mr Newsom wrote on X on Sunday.



Jason Lee, the vice mayor of Stockton, said the outbreak of violence shakes me deeply.



Violence touched my life as a young person, and seeing our own children, parents and neighbours go through this shakes me deeply. Stockton is my home. These are our families. This is our community, Mr Lee said.



Josh Harder, the Democratic congressman for Stockton, said he was devastated by news of the shooting and was praying for the victims and their families.
Jamie Oliver shares his method for preparing roast potatoes and freezing them just in time for Christmas. (Getty Images) (NBC via Getty Images)

Anyone who's ever made a full Christmas dinner knows that timing is everything. Juggling multiple saucepans, pots, and roasting tins between the hob and the oven is an art form in itself. So, if there's a way to make life easier and save time, we're all ears.

Enter, Jamie Oliver. The TV chef has shared his top tips for prepping arguably one of the most essential components of a Christmas dinner: roast potatoes. And no, it's not adding a dollop of clotted cream.

He suggests prepping and freezing your spuds in advance of the big day. But he's not just talking peeling, parboiling and roughing them up  there's an additional step that will save you time on Christmas Day.

"Make sure you toss them in a chosen fat first," Oliver, 50, told Zoe Ball on her Radio 2 show on Saturday. "Interestingly, a raw potato will not freeze in any kind of quality, but a cooked one does."

Roast potatoes are an important part of the Christmas feast and can be prepared and frozen up to a month in advance - freeing up plenty of time for festivities on the big day. (Getty Images) (HUIZENG HU via Getty Images)

Oliver had one more trick up his sleeve to save even more time once you're ready to get the potatoes in the oven.

"Buy those very affordable enamel trays and [freeze the potatoes] in the thing you're going to cook them in, so it's one move.

"Then on Christmas Day, or should I say, Christmas Eve, you get it out [that way you can defrost them in the fridge overnight] and that's a job done."

Oliver acknowledged how tricky cooking a big roast dinner on Christmas Day can be, adding: "Christmas dinner is a beautiful thing but it's quite a lot of pans and it's a lot coming together."

Whilst the chef's Make Ahead series recommends preparing the roast potatoes on Christmas Eve and keeping them covered in the fridge overnight, it also notes that they can be frozen up to one month in advance and cooked from frozen.

Oliver recommends using goose fat or unsalted butter mixed with olive oil to coat the potatoes and give them a crispy, crunchy exterior.

Beloved chef Mary Berry shared a rather unusual tip for keeping roast turkey moist in 2022. (Getty Images) (BBC/Rumpus Media/Mark Mainz)

Oliver is far from the only celebrity chef to come up with tips on how to make Christmas easier and more delicious, but one beloved TV chef shared a rather bizarre method for the perfect roast turkey in 2022.

Former Great British Bake Off judge Mary Berry told the Dish podcast that she had previously been guilty of overcooking turkey, resulting in dry meat.

But that year, she told hosts Nick Grimshaw and Angela Hartnett that she had a plan to keep the turkey moist while still enjoying the day's festivities.

Berry, 90, said she would roast the turkey at home before transporting it in her car to her daughter Annabel's house, where the celebrations were being held.

However, she had a rather unconventional plan for transporting the bird, involving an old sleeping bag.

"This time I'm cooking it without foil, I shall cover it with foil once it's done, then I shall put some tea towels over the top," she explained.

"I've got an old sleeping bag that's got no zip and I put that over the top in the corner of the kitchen and then I shall take that in the back of the car to Annabel's.

"Once you take it out of the oven, it goes on cooking. And so you want to insulate that.

"I shall pop it in the back of the car inside its sleeping bag and we'll be having drinks and lots of jollity until we need to carve it."

Read more about Christmas cooking:
Kentucky couple faces murder charge for hurling man off their home balcony to his death, cops say

A Kentucky couple tossed a man off the balcony of their home and now face murder charges, cops say.

Shawn Durbin, 39, and his wife Nancy, 36, were both arrested after the alleged incident. Shawn was also charged with resisting arrest and for a third-degree assault on a police officer, according to Law & Crime.

The November 13 incident happened when the Durbins' neighbor, Bobby Pennington, 62, was visiting their apartment. It is unclear why he was at their residence.

At some point during the visit, a fight broke out between the couple and Pennington. That fight ended with the couple allegedly shoving Pennington off their second-story balcony, which was approximately 12 feet from the ground, according to the Elizabethtown Police Department. Authorities told WLKY that Pennington fell and hit pavement.

Video taken by the broadcaster shows that there was a metal railing on the balcony, suggesting it is unlikely Pennington's fall was a misstep or an accident.

Shawn and Nancy Durbin of Elizabethtown, Kentucky, were charged with the November 13 murder of Bobby Pennington, 62, after they allegedly threw him from their second-story balcony to the pavement below. (Elizabethtown Police Department)

A bystander who found Pennington called the police and reported that a man had suffered cardiac arrest, according to the report. Authorities arrived at the scene and found the bystander providing CPR to Pennington. The bystander reportedly told police that she saw the couple throw the man from the balcony.

Pennington was rushed to the hospital, and X-rays showed that he had suffered a broken neck and ribs, according to WLKY.

Police arrested the Durbins and initially charged them with assault, but after Pennington died from his injuries, the assault charges were upgraded to murder.

"It's disgusting, it's despicable. Again, all indications are that he did nothing to deserve this," Elizabethtown Police Department spokesman Chris Denham told the outlet.

Denham said that suspects have denied any involvement with Pennington's death.

"There's absolutely no ownership; it speaks volumes to the character of them," he said. "Best reports we can come up with are that Mr. Pennington didn't bother anyone and was thrown off of almost a 12-foot balcony and ended his life."

Lisa King, who lives at the apartment complex, told WLKY that Pennington used to bicycle around the neighborhood and waved at everybody.

And it's just a horrible thing that happened to him," she told the broadcaster. "Why did you do it? Why would you do that to somebody? That's horrible."

An obituary for Pennington described him as a "very generous man" who "loved to ride his bike and give bikes to underprivileged children."

The Durbins are currently being detained in the Hardin County Detention Center on a $500,000 bail. Their first court date is scheduled for December 9.
A Bangladesh court has sentenced the Labour MP Tulip Siddiq to two years in prison after finding her guilty of corruption over a government land project.

Siddiq was found guilty of corruptly influencing her aunt, the former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, to help her mother acquire a piece of land in the suburbs of the Bangladeshi capital.

Siddiqs mother, Sheikh Rehana, was given seven years in prison, while Hasina was sentenced to five years in prison.

All were tried in absentia by Dhakas Special Judges Court, and the MP for Hampstead and Highgate, who denied the allegations, is unlikely to serve her sentence, as the UK does not have an extradition treaty with Bangladesh.

Following the sentencing, Siddiq called the trial flawed and farcical from the beginning to the end.

She added: The outcome of this kangaroo court is as predictable as it is unjustified. I hope this so-called verdict will be treated with the contempt it deserves. My focus has always been my constituents in Hampstead and Highgate and I refuse to be distracted by the dirty politics of Bangladesh.

Siddiq faces a number of cases in Bangladesh, which prompted her to resign as Sir Keir Starmers anti-corruption minister in January this year.

Hasina, who fled to India in August last year amid massive anti-government protests, has already been sentenced to death by a tribunal court in Bangladesh for committing crimes against humanity. Last week, she was handed a combined 21-year prison sentence in relation to other corruption cases.

Prosecutors argued that the land in the Purbachal New Town project was unlawfully allocated through political influence and collusion with senior officials, accusing the defendants of abusing their authority to secure the plot, which measures around 13,610 sq ft, during Hasinas tenure as prime minister.

Tulip Siddiq has denied the allegations (PA Archive)

Court documents claimed that Siddiq forced and influenced her aunt and the former prime minister Sheikh Hasina using her special power to secure [a plot of land] for her mother Rehana Siddiq, sister Azmina Siddiq and brother Radwan Siddiq.

A total of 17 defendants were each told to pay TK100,000 (620), with the proviso that they will serve an additional six months in prison if they fail to do so. The 14 other defendants were each sentenced to five years in prison.

Prosecutors said Siddiq was tried as a Bangladeshi citizen after the authorities obtained her Bangladeshi passport, ID and tax number  a claim disputed by the Labour MP.

Her lawyers claimed that she had never had a registered voter ID and that she had not held a [Bangladeshi] passport since she was a child.

None of the defendants, including Siddiq, appointed a defence lawyer to represent them.

Siddiq pictured with her aunt Sheikh Hasina at the Kremlin in 2013 (AP)

Siddiq previously claimed that she was collateral damage in the feud between her aunt and Muhammad Yunus  the Nobel laureate named interim leader of Bangladesh following Hasinas ousting.

In an interview with broadcasters on Monday, Siddiq said she had repeatedly reached out to the Bangladeshi authorities in an attempt to clear her name, but her approaches had been rebuffed.

She said: I am not difficult to find. I am a parliamentarian. All they had to do is send some papers to the House of Commons, to parliament, and I would have responded.

I feel like I am in some sort of Kafka-esque nightmare where I am carrying on doing my day job, but on the other hand, I am apparently being convicted in Bangladesh, she said in a reference to author Franz Kafka, famous for his stories of existentialism.

And the only reason I know I am being convicted is because I read it in the newspapers. So this is trial by media, which is deeply unfair, the MP added.

The Bangladesh court had issued an arrest warrant for Siddiq in April. She was indicted in July.

Siddiq resigned from her ministerial job at the Treasury earlier this year following an investigation by the prime ministers ethics adviser of her links with Hasinas regime. She came under scrutiny over her use of properties in London linked to her aunts allies.

Anti-government protesters storm Sheikh Hasinas palace in Dhaka last August (AFP/Getty)

Although Sir Laurie Magnus concluded that Siddiq had not breached the ministerial code, he advised Sir Keir to reconsider her responsibilities. Ms Siddiq chose to resign, saying she had become a distraction from the governments agenda.

Asked about Mondays conviction, chief secretary to the prime minister Darren Jones told BBC Breakfast: This is a private matter for Tulip to talk to, but my understanding is that a trial took place in Bangladesh that she was not part of.

She tried to engage with questions from the Bangladeshi government, but was not allowed to do so, and has concluded that this is more of a political situation than a legal situation. She continues to deny any allegations that have been made against her.

He added: This is a decision taken by a foreign country and a foreign court. Im sure that Tulips going to be getting on with the job of representing her constituents in parliament.

Sheikh Hasina (left) is flanked by her sister Sheikh Rehana as she speaks to the media after casting her vote in Dhaka, Bangladesh, in January last year (AP)

Siddiqs mother and two siblings have been living outside Bangladesh since the August protests last year. Siddiqs two siblings face other charges relating to last years uprising.

In a statement, Hasina rejected the process that found her guilty on Monday. She said: No country is free from corruption. But corruption needs to be investigated in a way that is not itself corrupt. The ACC [Anti-Corruption Commission] has failed that test today.

Her Awami League party, which has been banned from taking part in the countrys general election in February, said in a statement: The allegations against Sheikh Hasina, her sister, and many others, including members of her immediate and wider family, are firmly denied. No persuasive evidence of corruption was heard at the ACC, because none exists.

Hasina said her successor, Dr Yunus, was using the ACC as a smokescreen to distract attention from his own governance failings.

He is also using it to suppress a political party that was elected nine times since independence, including the last time Bangladeshis were allowed to go to the polls, she said.
London Labour MP Tulip Siddiq has been sentenced to two years in prison in Bangladesh after being found guilty of corruption following a trial in her absence.

The ex-minister, who is MP for Hampstead and Highgate, was convicted of influencing her aunt, Bangladesh's ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, to secure a plot of land for her family in the outskirts of the capital Dhaka.

Siddiq strongly denied the charge and insisted she was the victim of a political smear.

The MP was pictured outside her north London home on Monday morning - hours after the jail sentence was handed out nearly 5,000 miles away. She was also fined the equivalent of 620.

Reacting to the verdict and sentence, the former City minister said she refuses to be distracted by the dirty politics of Bangladesh.

Ms Siddiq said in a statement: "This whole process has been flawed and farcical from the beginning to the end.

"The outcome of this kangaroo court is as predictable as it is unjustified. I hope this so-called 'verdict' will be treated with the contempt it deserves. My focus has always been my constituents in Hampstead and Highgate and I refuse to be distracted by the dirty politics of Bangladesh."

The court in Dhaka also sentenced ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina to five years in prison for corruption involving the government land project.

Rabiul Alam, the judge of Dhaka's Special Judge's Court, said Ms Hasina misused her power as prime minister.

Tulip Siddiq at her north London home on Monday (Jeremy Selwyn)

Siddiq was guilty of corruptly influencing her aunt in helping her mother get a piece of land.

The Labour MP's mother, Sheikh Rehana, was given seven years in prison and was considered the prime participant in the case.

It involved the Purbachal New Town project in a suburb of Dhaka.

Hasina, who fled to neighbouring India in August 2024 at the height of an uprising against her government, was sentenced to death last month over her governments violent crackdown on demonstrators during the protests.

Last week, she was handed a combined 21-year prison sentence in other corruption cases.

Ms Siddiq's lawyers have called the charges baseless and politically motivated.

She previously told The Guardian the charges against her were "completely absurd" and asserted she was "collateral damage" in the longstanding feud between her aunt and Bangladesh's interim leader Muhammad Yunus.

The UK does not have an extradition treaty in place with Bangladesh.

The Hampstead and Highgate MP resigned from her ministerial job in the Treasury earlier this year following an investigation by the Prime Minister's ethics adviser into her links to Ms Hasina's regime, which was overthrown last year.

She came under scrutiny over her use of properties in London linked to her aunt's allies.

Although Sir Laurie Magnus concluded that Ms Siddiq had not breached the Ministerial Code, he advised Sir Keir Starmer to reconsider her responsibilities.

Ms Siddiq chose to resign, saying she had become "a distraction" from the Government's agenda.

The Government backed Ms Siddiq continuing as a Labour MP, stressing she saw the court case as a political rather than legal process.

Tulip Siddiq strongly denied the corruption charge and insisted she was the victim of a political smear (Jeremy Selwyn)

Darren Jones, Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister, told BBC Breakfast: This is a private matter for Tulip to talk to but my understanding is a trial took place in Bangladesh that she was not part of, she had tried to engage with questions from the Bangladeshi government but was not allowed to do so and has concluded that this is more of a political situation than a legal situation.

She continues to deny any allegations that have been made against her.

Pressed what she should do, he added: She continues to deny allegations against her.

This is a decision taken by a foreign country and a foreign court.

Im sure that Tulip is going to be getting on with the job of representing her constituents in Parliament.

A Labour Party spokesperson said: The Labour Party and all our elected representatives take the rule of law incredibly seriously and will always fulfil our legal responsibilities.

As has been reported, highly regarded senior legal professionals have highlighted that Tulip Siddiq has not had access to a fair legal process in this case and has never been informed of the details of the charges against her.

This is despite repeated requests made to the Bangladeshi authorities through her legal team.

Anyone facing any charge should always be afforded the right to make legal representations when allegations are made against them.

Given that has not happened in this case, we cannot recognise this judgment.
Luigi Mangione is escorted into court in New York on 16 September 2025. Photograph: Seth Wenig/AP

Luigi Mangione was kept under tight supervision in a Pennsylvania state prison last year because officials did not want an Epstein-style situation, a corrections officer said during Manhattan state court testimony on Monday.

This striking allusion to Jeffrey Epstein, the well-connected financier who died in jail awaiting trial on sex-trafficking, came during day one of a potentially week-long proceeding to weigh the legality of evidence gathered during Mangiones arrest at a McDonalds restaurant after the killing of a prominent healthcare executive.

Mangione was apprehended last December over the murder of senior United HealthCare figure Brian Thompson. In addition to state-level charges, he faces a Manhattan federal court case.

Thompsons killing on the streets of New York triggered an intense manhunt for the killer, but also sparked an outpouring of anger at the practices of the US for-profit healthcare industry. Since his arrest, Mangione has attracted some enthusiastic supporters, both online and at his court appearances.

Related: Luigi Mangiones lawyers seek to bar possibility of death penalty in federal case

Mangione entered the courtroom wearing a slate suit with a white-and-red tattersall plaid shirt. When Mangione entered the room, he was cuffed, but the restraints were taken off shortly after he sat down.

The Epstein commentary unfolded while an officer at the state correctional institution at Huntingdon described Mangiones presence in lockup last December. Tomas Rivers, a British army veteran turned prison guard, said he was assigned to monitor Mangione.

The superintendent of SCI Huntingdon had said Mangione was there, and not at a local jail, as a pre-trial arrestee would normally be held, to ensure his security, Rivers said.

I was told that the secretary of the Department of Corrections requested the move from Blair county jail to SCI Huntingdon because Huntingdon has increased security capabilities, he said. In the state prison, Mangione would be exposed to fewer inmates and fewer extortion threats  and there was less of a chance that staff might leak information to the media.

Luigi Mangione was under constant watch, Rivers said. Asked what was the purpose of constant watch, Rivers said it was used for someone who is a threat to themselves. Theres a paper trail of their behaviors and movements.

The corrections officer said he was told that Mangione had constant watch to prevent him from dying in custody like Epstein did.

He and Mangione conversed at various times, including about their travels, including trips to Thailand and Vietnam. They also talked about books at some point.

We discussed Orwell, Huxley and Thoreau, he said. Mangione told Rivers he liked those authors and recommended The Doors of Perception, Huxleys work on psychedelics experimentation.

Evidence presented during the proceeding also provided insight into how Mangione attracted attention at the Pennsylvania McDonalds where he was arrested. The revelation came during testimony from Emily States, a 911 coordinator in Blair county, Pennsylvania.

Mangiones legal team has repeatedly pushed for the exclusion of evidence gathered during his arrest at the Altoona McDonalds on 9 December 2024. His lawyers have claimed that police, who came to the restaurant based on an anonymous tip, did not immediately apprise Mangione of his constitutional rights.

States was asked about how emergency calls are recorded. The prosecution then played a call from the McDonalds manager to 911.

On the recording the manager told dispatch that there was a diner some other customers were suspicious of because, they said, he looked like the CEO shooter.

Theyre just really upset, the manager told 911. I cant approach him, ya know.

This manager said that he was sitting by the bathroom and was wearing a black jacket, tan beanie and blue medical mask.

I was like, I cant really do anything, the manager recounted of what she told patrons who flagged Mangione. The manager was pressed for a description but noted that he was wearing a medical mask.

The manager said the only thing she could see was his eyebrows and provided otherwise general details on his appearance, saying he looked mid-weight but that it was hard to tell on account of his hoodie.

The accused killer has pleaded not guilty to all charges against him. Mangiones appearance comes just over two months after he landed a major legal victory in his state case.

On 16 September judge Gregory Carro threw out the two top state charges against him  first-degree murder and second-degree murder, both of which prosecutors had contended were terrorism crimes. Carro said the evidence put forth was legally insufficient for those terrorism-related charges.

Mangione still faces nine counts in his state case, including second-degree murder. The sentence for second-degree murder in New York spans from 25 years to life in prison.

Mangiones lawyers have argued that because he was not apprised of his rights, his statements to police should not be permitted in court. They also argue that evidence taken during his arrest should be barred, saying they conducted a warrantless search of Mangiones backpack.

More than two dozen witnesses could testify at the proceedings that start this week, to answer questions about how his arrest unfolded and evidence collected. The potential witnesses include police involved in Mangiones case.

While there were fewer admirers in attendance than at past proceedings, and a seeming lack of date night-style attire that had become de rigueur among some supporters, they were as energized as ever.

In the womens restroom, Mangiones supporters chatted among themselves about this proceeding. One, who sported a satiny sash emblazoned with Luigi in green, appeared to commiserate with another supporter about not being permitted to wear the prom-queen evoking accessory.

Other accoutrements were more straightforward. One supporter wore a shirt stating: 11 minutes of missing body camera footage.
The Miss Jamaica organization has shared a social media message about healing and recovery following Gabrielle Henrys very public tumble and the islands battering by Hurricane Melissa.

The official Miss Universe Jamaica Instagram account posted a statement on Monday, over one week after Henry, who is Miss Jamaica, had to be carried away on a stretcher after she fell off the stage during the international major beauty pageant held in Thailand.

After Hurricane Melissa, we rise with gratitude - for safety, for community, for the strength that binds us together, the post read. This is our time to rebuild with hope, to restore with compassion, and to uplift each other with kindness.

As the statement concluded, it asked people to be intentional and empathetic to those around them.

Even in hardship, Jamaica's spirit remains unshaken - we endure, we unite, and we shine. Welcome, December - a month of healing, courage, and forward movement, it read.

The organization revealed last month that Henry  isnt doing as well as we would have hoped (AFP/Getty)

The post comes after the organization shared an update regarding Henrys health. Last month, on its Instagram Stories, it was explained that Henrys sister, Dr. Phylicia Henry-Samuels, is currently with Henry and their mother, Maureen Henry, at the hospital where she is being treated.

According to Dr. Henry Samuels, however, Gabby isnt doing as well as we would have hoped, but the hospital continues to treat her accordingly.

The pageant star will remain in the intensive care unit (ICU) for a minimum of seven days as doctors continue their close monitoring and specialised care, the statement read at the time.

Elsewhere in the update, the organization asked for Jamaicans at home and across the diaspora to continue keeping Gabrielle in their prayers during this profoundly difficult time.

We respectfully ask the public and social media users to avoid sharing negative comments, misinformation, or speculation that may cause further distress to the family, the statement continued.

Our primary focus remains on Gabrielles recovery and the well-being of her loved ones. We kindly request continued compassion, sensitivity, and privacy as the family navigates this challenging period.

In footage of the incident circulated online, Henry could be seen posing at the front of the stage in an orange bejeweled gown and high heels when she abruptly fell to the ground.

Hours later, the Miss Universe Jamaica Organization issued a statement on Instagram informing fans that she had been rushed to Paolo Rangsit hospital near Bangkok, where medical professionals are attending to her care and have advised that she is not suffering from any life-threatening injuries.
Four in five drivers in the UK support alcolocks for drink-drivers, a new survey suggests.

Alcolocks prevent a vehicle from starting or being driven unless the driver passes a breath test.

They're already used for convicted drink-drivers in return for shorter driving bans in Australia, Belgium, Canada, the Netherlands and the US.

The RAC says the poll, which they commissioned, shows UK drivers are "very keen for something different to be done" to combat drink-driving.

People caught drink-driving in the UK lose their licence for at least 12 months, can be fined and also face time in prison.

The driving ban may be reduced if they complete a rehabilitation course.

Seventy-one per cent of drivers supportive of alcolocks think every driver caught over the limit should be forced to have one fitted to their vehicle, according to the survey.

Twenty-three per cent think only repeat offenders should be ordered to have them installed.

Support for alcolocks appeared highest among younger drivers, with 87% of respondents aged under 25 and 86% of those aged 25-44 keen to see them introduced in the UK.

That was compared with 73% of drivers aged 65 and above.

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"With levels of drink-driving still alarmingly high, drivers are very keen for something different to be done to tackle the problem," said RAC road safety spokesperson Rod Dennis.

"Drinking and driving might be seen as socially unacceptable by the majority, but it's clear that a small proportion of people are still doing it and putting the lives of themselves and others at serious risk.

"Giving courts the power to mandate the fitting of alcohol interlocks - which prevent a convicted drink-driver from getting behind the wheel after drinking - is something that drivers believe warrants serious consideration as they're telling us the current penalties aren't working."

The latest government figures show around 260 people were killed in crashes with drink drivers in Britain in 2023.

Approximately 1,600 people were seriously injured.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander is reportedly considering cutting the drink-drive limit from 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath to 22 micrograms.

This would be in line with Scotland, which cut its drink-drive limit in 2014, and the rest of Europe, where no other country has a limit as high as that in England and Wales.

"Road safety is a priority and as well as strict drink-driving penalties in place, we continually assess whether technology can improve road safety," said a Department of Transport spokesperson.

"Our major new Think! campaign reminds drivers of the dangers and the devastating consequences that come from getting behind the wheel under the influence of drugs - alongside our ongoing drink-driving campaigns, both designed to reduce the number of those killed and injured on our roads."
Having heard it all myself, I am conscious that the UK taxpayer may be growing weary of what may sound like perennial complaining from the hospitality sector. But the fact remains: the huge rise in business rates over the next three years spells disaster for the hospitality industry.

It must be urgently reconsidered by the government.

Most will hopefully recognise that our world is a vital UK industry  we generate 54 billion in annual tax receipts, were responsible for 3.5 million jobs, and we have the capacity to be a big part of the solution to driving growth in our country.

In France they have brasseries, in Italy they have trattorias and over here, we have our great British pubs. The pub is more than a taxgenerator or a workplace: its woven into our social fabric, a beacon in local communities. Sentimentality aside, though, it gives countless people their first job and sets them up with essential life skills.

Before the election I was fortunate to meet the then shadow chancellor, Rachel Reeves. I came away encouraged. She seemed to understand what wed been through, from the challenges of Brexit and the ravages of COVID, to the costofliving squeeze and the soaring energy costs that resulted partly from the war in Ukraine. She spoke of doing more than helping us survive, of introducing measures to allow us to thrive.

But since Ms Reeves has been in Number 11, disappointment has followed disappointment. At a parliamentary reception hosted by UK Hospitality this January, I watched as a rising wave of anger met the thenhospitality minister, Gareth Thomas. Furious pub owners heckled when he boasted of his government's growth agenda. The 2024 autumn budget three months earlier had added huge costs to our national insurance bills via an employer rate rise, and a large reduction to the threshold at which employers start paying this tax.

This was a fiscal move that disproportionately affected large employers of people and led to many redundancies within the retail and hospitality sector as businesses  some of which were already on life support  desperately tried to mitigate this increase in cost.

Charlie Gilkes in Mr Foggs (Press handout)

There was at least some light at the end of the tunnel when this first Labour budget pledged some much-needed reform: a permanent cut in businessrates for retail, hospitality and leisure properties through lower multipliers, that we were told would take effect from 2026, funded, the Government said, by increased charges on highvalue warehouses and properties. Reeves argued our high streets had long been punished by our outdated system of business rates and she committed to reforming that system, so British businesses could help create economic growth and jobs of the future.

For thousands of high street businesses, shops, pubs and restaurants, that promise felt like a lifeline.

In her budget speech last week Reeves announced that she was introducing a new golden era for hospitality as she outlined permanently lower tax rates for over 750,000 retail, hospitality and leisure properties. Despite the sectors initial excitement  that this long-awaited measure was at last becoming a reality  it soon became clear that there would only be a 5p reduction in the business rates, a quarter of the 20p initially legislated for. But that was only the first let down.

The big seismic shock to the sector actually came the day after the budget, as the government's Valuation Office Agency quietly slipped out a new, much higher assessment of the value of the buildings used to calculate business rates. The result? The levy will actually substantially increase next year for the average high street business. Well all be paying much more, though Reeves made it sound like it would be less.

This isnt the support the high street needed. It isnt the revival that was promised... Once again, the gulf between political rhetoric and reality grows ever wider

My business, Inception Group, runs a number of bars and pubs across London, including the Mr Foggs group. We nervously searched the valuations agency website for each of our 15 London-based sites and were utterly dismayed by our findings. One of our Mr Foggs venues in Mayfair has seen its rateable value increase 76 per cent to 180,000, and another in Soho rise by 56 per cent to 293,000. These are huge increases. As a company, in aggregate, we are facing a rates bill that is set to rise by over 20 per cent.

Staggeringly, though, UK Hospitality has shown that by 2028/29 the average pubs business rates will have increased by 76 per cent, the same as our Mayfair Mr Foggs, and an average hotels by 115 per cent. It feels mad to say that a group rise of 20 per cent appears to be well below the average.

To meet these demands, drinksled businesses like ours will have to work incredibly hard to adjust and absorb this added tax burden. Were making our plans now. But for many foodled, independent pubs and restaurants already operating on razor-thin margins, these increases will sadly force closures and jobs will be lost.

I have spoken to several desperate restaurateurs and publicans who had been expecting a much-needed reduction to their business rates but are now fighting for their survival on the back of their rates bills doubling or tripling. Transitional relief will spread the pain over three years, but that is little comfort when the direction of travel is clear and steep.

This isnt the support the high street needed. It isnt the revival that was promised. For too many businesses, it feels like a final nail in the coffin. Once again, the gulf between political rhetoric and reality grows ever wider. The government must reconsider its position and immediately offer hospitality the 20p multiplier relief, or I fear a bloodbath.

Going to your local? It may soon become a thing of the past here in London and beyond.
Wembley High Road (Google Maps)

Police have launched a murder investigation after a 22-year-old man died following a stabbing in northwest London.

Officers responded to reports of a stabbing in High Road Wembley just before 1pm on Monday.

A 22-year-old man was treated at the scene by paramedics from London Ambulance Service before being rushed to hospital, where he later died.

His next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

No arrests have been made at this stage, police say.

Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams said: My thoughts are with the victims loved ones at this unimaginably difficult time.

Knife crime has a devastating impact on communities and our officers are here to support local residents with any concerns. Residents can expect to see an increased police presence over the next few days.

In the meantime, our dedicated officers are working at speed to piece together this tragic incident. Anyone with relevant information should not hesitate to share it with us.

The investigation is being led by the Met's homicide command.

Those with information can contact 101, quoting 3333/1DEC or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

A formal post-mortem examination will take place in due course.
Nato is considering pre-emptive action against Russia following a string of hybrid attacks on Europe, a senior official in the alliance has warned.

Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, an Italian who serves as chair of the Nato Military Committee, said the alliance may need to adopt a more aggressive approach to deter Moscow from continuing its campaign of drone incursions and cyber attacks in Europe.

A recent Financial Times investigation revealed how Nato has been put on high alert after three vessels in the Baltic Sea were accused of dragging their anchors in a bid to damage energy and communication cables, with a total of 11 incidents recorded.

Other incidents include frequent cyber attacks on European countries and incursions of Russian drones into Nato airspace.

Admiral Dragone told the FT that the alliance was studying everything in deciding how to respond.

On cyber, we are kind of reactive. Being more aggressive, or being proactive instead of reactive, is something that we are thinking about, he said.

He acknowledged that such an approach would be unusual for Nato, but that new tactics may be required as the war in Ukraine nears the end of its fourth year.

Volodymyr Zelensky meets the chair of the Nato Military Committee, Giuseppe Cavo Dragone (Ukrainian Presidential Press Service)

Admiral Dragone argued that a pre-emptive strike by Nato could be considered a defensive action, despite it being further away from our normal way of thinking and behaviour.

Being more aggressive compared with the aggressivity of our counterpart could be an option. [The issues are] legal framework, jurisdictional framework, who is going to do this?

In January this year, Nato launched Operation Baltic Sentry, a mission to better patrol the region and deter a possible Russian attack. This included amping up the number of patrol aircraft, warships and drones.

Russia was not directly named in the announcement, but Nato secretary general Mark Rutte said at the time that the alliance would improve its monitoring of Moscows shadow fleet, a term that refers to ships without clear ownership that are used to carry sanctioned oil.

Admiral Dragone added that this had been a positive step by Nato to make the region safer.

A Swedish soldier takes part in an exchange of fire during drills (Getty)

From the beginning of Baltic Sentry, nothing has happened. So this means that this deterrence is working, he said.

However, concerns still exist about whether the operation is going far enough. A court in Finland recently dismissed a case against a crew on board a shadow-fleet ship that damaged undersea cables in the Gulf of Finland, because the incident happened in international waters.

Russia said on Monday that Admiral Dragones remarks were extremely irresponsible and an attempt to move towards escalation.

Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said: We see in it a deliberate attempt to undermine efforts to overcome the Ukrainian crisis. The people making such statements should be aware of the risks and possible consequences, including for the alliance members themselves.
Kemi Badenoch, Conservative Party leader, Dec 01 - Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Europe

We now know that Rachel Reeves misled the British public in the run-up to her tax-raising Budget last week. I have asked the parliamentary ethics watchdog to investigate the false claims on which she based her manifesto-busting measures.

However, there is one thing that rings even falser than Reeves and Keir Starmer insisting that they did no wrong. That is the ridiculous sight of the Conservatives now trying to claim the moral high ground and pose as the party of moral probity and political consistency.

The Tories might think they are on an easy winner by attacking Reeves and Starmer for breaking their election pledges. Do they seriously imagine that the British public has forgotten 14 years of Conservative governments trashing promises, raising taxes, piling up national debt and saying one thing and doing the opposite?

Listen to Kemi Badenoch slamming Labours plans to raise welfare spending by another 9bn as a Budget for Benefits Street based on hiking taxes to pay for welfare. Nice try, Kemi. But the fact is the welfare spending surged under the Conservatives, rising from 211bn in 2013/14 to 297bn in 2023/4, according to estimates.

In refusing to tackle the unaffordable burden of Britains bloated welfare state  including handing billions in benefits to foreign nationals  Labour is only carrying on where the Conservatives left off. Little wonder that, by the time the Tories were kicked out last year, interest payments on the Britains huge national debt had already reached 100 billion a year  around twice what we spend on defence.

Mel Stride, the shadow chancellor, also hammered Reevess Budget as a huge tax grab and a clear breach of Labours manifesto pledge not to raise taxes on working people. Given Reeves stuck another 26bn on tax, he might have a fair point, were it not for the small matter of the previous Conservative governments loading the British people down with the highest tax burden since the 1940s.

As for Labour overtaxing businesses, Badenoch assured us only last month that we want lower taxes on businesses. We want more businesses. Then why, businesses might ask, did the last Tory government raise the main rate of corporation tax from 19 per cent to 25 per cent in April 2023? Higher taxation has inevitably meant less money for companies to invest in jobs and growth.

The truth is that, under Conservative governments from 2010 to 2024, over a quarter of a million companies went into insolvency in England and Wales. So much for the we want more businesses Tory Party.

Then there is the big issue of energy prices, with Badenoch announcing a Cheap Power Plan to cut bills for British families. This, we should remember, is the same Conservative Party which, when in power, increased the energy price cap and presided over record household bills.

Most importantly, it was the Tories who introduced the crazy net zero targets which have left Britain with some of the highest energy prices in the world and driven small and family businesses and farms to the wall. Ed Miliband covering the British countryside with solar panels is only a continuation of the net zero zealotry of Boris make Britain the Saudi Arabia of wind Johnson.

When it comes to probity, Stride has said that Reevess downbeat briefings were all a smokescreen and has asked the Financial Conduct Authority to probe possible market abuse over the pre-Budget briefings and leaks.

This might be more convincing if the Conservatives hadnt faced similar accusations over Liz Trusss 2022 mini-budget, when Labour asked the FCA to investigate whether leaks had enabled the markets to short the pound.

And so it goes on. It is no exaggeration to say that we watched Conservative governments repeatedly saying one thing and then doing another for 14 years. Inconsistency and promise-breaking have been almost the only constants in Conservative policy.

The conclusion I draw from this today is clear: we should never trust the Tories. Do not allow the failed party of the past to reinvent themselves as the supposed solution to the problems that they created in the first place.

Only Reform UK, the party I lead, can be trusted to keep our promises to reduce the burden of the welfare state, slash red tape and stand up for alarm clock Britain: the hard-working, tax-paying people who are the backbone of the economy.

Kemi Badenoch has raised one important question. In September, when she told the oil and gas industry that the Tories would no longer support the Energy Profits Levy, she conceded that, you may ask, why should we believe you when Conservatives introduced this levy?

Indeed. Why should we believe a single word they say?
The listing highlights the propertys proximity to a kindergarten and school but fails to mention its gruesome past (Rudolf A Haunschmied/Wikimedia)

The sale of a building that once operated as a brothel for inmates of the Gusen concentration camp has prompted outrage in Austria.

Local officials and a nearby memorial organisation expressed their shock after the semi-detached house was listed by an estate agent, with no mention of its horrific wartime past.

The ageing bungalow, advertised on a property website simply as a house with a history and suitable for renovation, was first reported by regional newspaper OON on 28 November.

The listing highlights the homes proximity to a kindergarten, school and shops  but includes no information about its use during the Holocaust.

It was originally built as part of the Gusen camp complex, which the Nazi regime established in 1939 near a quarry north of the Danube.

The property was used from June 1942 as a brothel where female prisoners were forced to provide sexual services to selected inmates.

The Gusen camp, less well known than the larger Mauthausen camp nearby, held more than 71,000 people during the war; at least 35,800 died from forced labour, starvation or execution.

The building in Gusen, Austria, circa 1942 (Bundesarchiv)

Much of the former camp area was redeveloped after 1945, but the house now on the market still retains original features, including stone walls and pillars.

Barbara Gluck, director of the Mauthausen memorial, said: We only learned of the ad on 21 November and we are rather surprised.

Local authorities were also reportedly unaware of the listing.

The interior ministry presented plans on 17 November to expand the Gusen memorial, though the former brothel was not included in the proposal.

A sub-camp of Mauthausen, Gusen sits between the villages of Sankt Georgen an der Gusen and Langestein in the Reichsgau Ostmark, currently known as Perg District in Upper Austria.

It was mainly populated by Polish prisoners, although there were also large numbers of Spanish Republicans, Soviet citizens, and Italians.

The prisoners initially worked in nearby quarries, producing granite which was sold by the SS company DEST.

The life expectancy of prisoners was as short as six months and some 35,000 people are thought to have died there from forced labour and starvation, as well as mass executions.
Paul Walkers daughter has paid tribute to the late Fast & Furious actor 12 years after his death.

Meadow Walker, 27, remembered her dad with a series of pictures on Instagram posted on the anniversary of the car accident that killed him at age 40.

12 years without you I love you forever, the model captioned the post, which included pictures of her as a child blowing out birthday candles while her dad kneeled in front of her.

The influencer and philanthropist often honors her dad online since his untimely death in 2013. Meadow, who was 15 when he died, is the only daughter of Paul and his childhood sweetheart, Rebecca Soteros. The pair had an on-and-off relationship and co-parented Meadow until Pauls death.

Vin Diesel, Pauls Fast & Furious co-star and friend, also shared a tribute to Paul on Instagram Sunday. He captioned a picture of the two together, Twelve yearsNot a day goes byMiss you. In a second post, the actor wrote: The universe keeps placing angels in my path. I know you are a part of it a brotherhood eternal. Love you forever

Paul Walkers daughter Meadow paid tribute to her dad on social media on the 12th anniversary of his death (Getty)

Paul was being driven by professional racer Roger Rodas in his Porsche when they spun out of control and hit a concrete lamp post in Santa Clarita, California, on November 30, 2013. Both men were pronounced dead at the scene.

The tragedy sparked an outpouring of tributes throughout Hollywood for the actor, who played undercover cop turned street racer Brian OConner in six of the first seven movies in the Fast & Furious franchise.

The actor made his final appearance in the 2015 film Furious 7, which was filming at the time of his death. Pauls younger brothers, Cody and Caleb, stood in for the actor as body doubles to help finish scenes that were not completed before his death. The movie featured an emotional goodbye to Pauls character, but Diesel hinted earlier this year that fans could see the beloved character again.

Fast X, the most recent installment of the series, featured a cameo of Meadow. She announced to her Instagram followers that her brief appearance as a flight attendant in the film came after she grew up on the sets of the iconic movies.

Thanks to my dad, I was born into the Fast family, she wrote at the time. I cant believe now I get to be up there too. With those who have been around to see me grow up, she continued. I am so blessed to be able to honour my fathers legacy and share this with him forever.
Pep Guardiola feels Gianluigi Donnarumma is grown up enough to not keep getting booked.

The Italy goalkeeper is already just one caution away from a ban after collecting the fourth yellow card of his short City career in Saturdays Premier League victory over Leeds.

Three of those cautions have been for dissent but Guardiola does not feel the need to speak to his 26-year-old summer signing from Paris St Germain about it.

No, he is adult enough, said Guardiola. He will, step by step, understand things in the league and (learn) new behaviours.

Donnarumma was also the subject of controversy at the weekend after being accused by Leeds manager Daniel Farke of feigning injury to allow Guardiola to deliver a key team talk.

Leeds fought back from 2-0 down to level at the Etihad Stadium before City won with a Phil Foden strike, his second of the afternoon, in stoppage time.

Guardiola seemed in little mood to discuss matters concerning Donnarumma at a press conference on Monday to preview Tuesdays trip to Fulham.

He said he had a lot of concerns but did not elaborate in his only other comment on the keeper in an unusually short media session which, for broadcast reporters, lasted a little over two minutes.

He spoke for longer to newspaper journalists and expressed his hope that academy graduate Foden, whose contract expires in 2027, will commit himself to the club long term.

Hopefully he can stay all his career here, said Guardiola, who offered no update on the progress of negotiations over a new deal. He is a special player, a Man City fan, from the academy.

Foden scored a dramatic late winner against Leeds (Martin Rickett/PA)

Foden, 25, said after his double against Leeds that he now sees himself as one of the leaders of the team.

On the pitch, hes always been like that, said Guardiola. Vocally he is not a guy who talks much in the dressing room but, on the pitch, he never hides behind the scenes.

Guardiola remains unclear when he will have key midfielder Rodri available again.

The Spain international has endured a troubled return after missing much of last season with a knee injury and has appeared just once  and then only for one minute  in Citys last 10 games due to a hamstring problem.

The 29-year-old has been ruled out of the trip to Craven Cottage and is also doubtful for the home clash with Sunderland on Saturday.

No, not yet, said the City boss when asked if Rodri was back in contention.

Asked if he could feature at the weekend, Guardiola said: I dont know.
Daddy Pig with Evie, a new addition to the Pig family, along with Peppa and George (Hasbro)

David Gandy has called Peppa Pigs dad a useless fool who promotes a bad narrative about men in the same way Andrew Tate does.

The supermodel, 45, who has two children, Matilda, seven, and Tabitha, four, with his barrister partner Stephanie Mendoros, was speaking onBBCs Sunday withLaura Kuenssberg when he turned his attention to the caring, loving and fun Mr Pig.

From a mans point of view, he said, why are my children reading this book and the dad is a useless fool?

Gandy, who is calling for better role models in popular culture where men are often portrayed as either wimpy or excessively masculine, also claims that Daddy Pig sets a bad example to children about gender roles.

Whether its Daddy Pig reading maps upside down or getting stuck in a soft play tunnel rescuing Mummy Pig, the basic complaint  according to Gandy  is that Mr Pig is so incompetent, he cant share the parenting workload.

This isnt even the first time that Gandy has criticised Daddy Pig. Last month, the model labelled him a bungling fool who gets it wrong, while the mum gets everything right, when he contributed to The Centre for Social Justices (CSJ) think tanks Lost Boys study. Clearly, Daddy Pig has got under his skin.

David Gandy appearing on Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, where he dissed Daddy Pig (PA)

Gandy is one of the UKs highest-paid male models, best-known for wearing white briefs in Dolce and Gabbanas 2007 Light Blue advert, and believes men of his generation are taking on a different role, which needs to be better represented in film and TV.

I do the washing, I do the cleaning, I do the school run, he told the BBC. Our roles have changed; we are the first generation my age where were seeing the dads who have to take on a different role.

Gandy, along with the CSJ, is calling for a masculinity reset to address the unhealthy portrayal of men as either frightening or pathetic, saying: There are not enough good examples out there of good, kind men and the things they do.

Clearly, he hasnt watched enough Peppa Pig.

In Peppa Pig, which first appeared on our TV screens in 2004 and is now the most-watched YouTube channel on television in the UK, Daddy Pig might be clumsy, but at his core, hes a good, decent dad. I should know  I watched him for seven years with my daughters.

Daddy Pig is emotionally present for his kids, which, lets face it, is a miracle when parents like me struggle to stop scrolling on our phones, even when we should be engaging with our children.

He balances fun and responsibility and rarely gets angry, showing endless patience  even pretending to like ketchup-flavoured cake when Peppa and George make it for him for Fathers Day. Most importantly, he supports his kids dreams, such as Peppas wish to become a puddle jumping champion one day.

When I asked my children  Lola, nine and Liberty, seven  if they thought all dads were silly because Daddy Pig is, they said: No, of course not.

The Pig family is just one family, and kids know its not representative of all family dynamics, including their own. Like my children, they see a whole range of dads among their friends, from hands-on types to workaholics and absent fathers. The great misconception is that one buffoon-like dad on TV means a generation of kids will turn out like Daddy Pig, or marry one.

Im not saying Peppa Pig isnt highly influential. When Lola was three, I had to take her to the GP because she developed a snort. I was terrified she had breathing issues, but it turned out there was nothing medically wrong with her  she was just copying the entire Pig Family. But that doesnt mean she believes all families need a Daddy Pig to laugh at.

My kids dont have a dad, and watching shows like Peppa Pig makes them long for one. Not only is Daddy Pig always in a good mood, but hes kind. Its so important for my children to see a kind, male figure  even if he is a pig.

We simply cant take everything out on Daddy Pig or blame everything on the Peppa effect, which has been happening for years.

The reality is my kids dont have a dad, and watching shows like Peppa Pig makes them long for one. Not only is he always in a good mood, but hes kind

Last year, parents in the US accused Peppa of turning their children into spoilt brats because shes rude and impatient. Others were more upset by the fact that their children had picked up Peppas British accent, with their American children calling gas stations petrol stations and pronouncing tomato to-mah-to, not to-may-to.

The show has been accused of body-shaming, with Peppa labelled a body-shaming bully for making fun of Daddy Pigs big tummy. In 2024, Spanish politician Marta Serrano even blamed Peppa Pig for the lack of women in the construction industry, saying the show is teaching girls that the road sector is not for them and is a mans thing.

In 2017, Dr Catherine Bell, a GP, wrote an amusing piece for the British Medical Journal criticising the show for fostering unrealistic expectations of family doctors, with Dr Brown Bear doing unnecessary prescribing, inappropriate home visits, being available 24/7, and having a disregard for confidentiality and parental consent.

Worse is poor little George Pig, who is always excluded from his sisters games when shes got a friend over, which mums fear might teach their kids unacceptable behaviour.

Basically, Peppa Pig cant win. As parents, were advised to switch to shows like Bluey, Bing, and Hey Duggee instead. Meanwhile, Keira Knightley said having to watch Peppa Pig for seven years put her off having a third baby.

But we cant blame all societys woes on Peppa  or Daddy Pig. As parents, we must take responsibility for our own behaviour and that of our children.

Lets get it in perspective. Peppa Dad is a pig with glasses  and this cartoon for toddlers is huge fun. It cant be taken as seriously as self-proclaimed misogynist Andrew Tate.

My children no longer watch Peppa Pig, but it was part of their childhood, like it is for every other family I know. We went to the musical show, and they wanted Peppa Pig wellies. Then they went off it, just like that. Neither of them has been left scarred by Daddy Pigs trail of mishaps.

The truth is, Daddy Pig might be useless, but hes not giving dads a bad name. Hes not one-dimensional, and being laugh-out-loud silly is just one of a long list of his good qualities. As young men have a crisis of identity, I can think of far worse influences than Daddy Pig.
Thousands of butterflies decorate the Red Room in a celebration of young people - Evan Vucci/AP

Melania Trump has unveiled her motherhood-inspired White House Christmas decorations, including a Lego portrait of Donald Trump.

In her first time decorating the official residence since her husband returned to office, the first lady chose the theme home is where the heart is for the 2025 display.

Mrs Trump said she drew inspiration from the joys and challenges of motherhood and business.

The constant movement has taught me that home is not merely a physical space; rather, it is the warmth and comfort I carry within, regardless of my surroundings, she said.

This Christmas, lets celebrate the love we hold within ourselves, and share it with the world around us. After all, wherever we are, we can create a home filled with grace, radiance, and endless possibilities.

The decorations include portraits of Mr Trump and George Washington made using more than 6,000 Lego puzzle pieces in the Green Room, and 3D-printed ornaments on the White House Christmas tree in the Blue Room.

A Lego portrait of Donald Trump is included in the display - Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

The Green Room tree. Mrs Trumps decorations are inspired by motherhood and business - Evan Vucci/AP

The decor, which was overseen by designer Herve Pierre, also includes a nod to next years 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and the founding of the United States of America.

The official White House Christmas tree, an 18-foot concolour fir from Sidney, Michigan, also honours Gold Star families who lost a member during active-duty military service.

The tree is decorated with ornaments showcasing the official bird and flower of each state.

Two large trees stand next to flags in the Cross Hall - Evan Vucci/AP

Thousands of butterflies decorate the Red Room - UPI/Alamy Live News

The East Room is decorated in red, white and blue and national symbols, including golden eagle tree toppers, to highlight the coming America250 national celebration. Trees are also adorned with stars, roses and oak leaves.

Thousands of butterflies decorate the Red Room and its tree in a celebration of young people and tribute to Mrs Trumps Fostering the Future initiative, which is part of her Be Best child-focused initiative, to support people who have been in foster care.

The gingerbread White House on display in the state dining room shows off the mansions South portico and provides a glimpse into the Yellow Oval Room in the presidents private living quarters on the second floor.

The gingerbread White House - SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images

A Christmas arrangement next to a painting of the attempted assassination of Mr Trump - Aaron Schwartz/Reuters

The first lady selected every detail of the decor, the White House said. A small army of volunteer decorators and others helped deck the halls of the building.

The final display includes 75 wreaths, 51 Christmas trees, more than 700 feet of garland, more than 2,000 strands of lights, over 25,000 feet of ribbon, over 2,800 gold stars, more than 10,000 butterflies and 120 pounds of gingerbread.

Public tours of the White House were suspended in August due to Mr Trumps demolition of the East Wing to make room for a planned $300m ballroom.

The tours are set to resume on Tuesday with an updated route limited to the State Floor.

This years decorations are notably pared back and more traditional compared to Mrs Trumps previous decorative choices. In 2018 her installation of 40 red topiary trees lining East Colonnade were likened to something from The Handmaids Tale.

The first ladys 2018 display - Carolyn Kaster

That year Mrs Trump was secretly recorded complaining about having to perform traditional first lady duties such as overseeing the Christmas decorations.

The recordings made by Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, a former friend and senior adviser to the first lady, included Mrs Trump asking: Who gives a f--- about Christmas?
Piggy, stupid, incapable: Every time Trump lashed out at female reporters in just one month

For the past month Donald Trump has launched blistering and rude attacks on multiple journalists  describing them, among other things, as stupid, incapable and even referring to one as piggy.

Yet, despite the presidents use of childish and degrading language towards female reporters taking a notable uptick in recent weeks, the White House has insisted that the insults are nothing to do with gender.

President Trump has never been politically correct, never holds back, and in large part, the American people re-elected him for his transparency, White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson told The Independent. This has nothing to do with gender  it has everything to do with the fact that the Presidents and the publics trust in the media is at all time lows.

The presidents niece, Mary Trump, has disagreed with the administrations statements, saying on her show, Mary Trump Live, that the ramping up of such misogynistic attacks indicate that Trump is increasingly comfortable dishing them out.

Donald Trumps language towards female reporters has been particularly harsh in the past month. The White House insists his attacks nothing to do with gender (AP)

I think its also a sign that hes a little rattled, she added.

Here is a recap of the clashes between Donald Trump and female reporters that has occurred last month alone.

Quiet piggy!

In perhaps the most infamous incident on November 14, Trump told Bloombergs White House correspondent, Catherine Lucey, to be quiet piggy on Air Force One.

Lucey had been trying to ask Trump about the Epstein Files, but only managed to finish half of her follow-up question before the president cut her off. Quiet. Quiet piggy! Trump said, leaning over and pointing at her directly.

Responding to criticism of Trumps remarks, the White House claimed the reporter had behaved in an inappropriate and unprofessional way.

If youre going to give it, you have to be able to take [it], the official White House response stated.

On November 14, Trump shouted at a reporter, telling her to be quiet piggy after she asked him a question about the Epstein files (YouTube/@The White House)

Are you a stupid person?

On Thanksgiving Day, the president lashed out at CBS News Nancy Cordes in the wake of the D.C. National Guard shootings after she challenged his suggestion that the Biden administration had failed to properly vet Afghan refugees.

Are you a stupid person? Trump said. Because they came in on a plane along with thousands of other people that shouldnt be here, and youre just asking questions because youre a stupid person.

Ugly, both inside and out

The day before (November 26), Trump took aim at veteran New York Times reporter Katie Rogers, accusing her of being assigned to only write bad things about him, and calling her a third-rate reporter who is ugly, both inside and out.

The presidents niece, Mary Trump, has claimed that the ramping up of his misogynistic attacks indicate that Trump is increasingly comfortable dishing them out (Getty Images)

It came after the outlet published a story, written by Rogers, on the presidents health, age, and apparent signs of fatigue.

In a statement addressing Trumps comments, The Times said that its reporters would not be intimidated by the presidents name-calling.

The Timess reporting is accurate and built on firsthand reporting of the facts, outlet spokesperson Nicole Taylor said. Name-calling and personal insults dont change that, nor will our journalists hesitate to cover this administration in the face of intimidation tactics like this.

Incapable of acing a cognitive test

More recently, the president took questions from reporters aboard Air Force One Sunday night and was asked about recent calls by Minnesota Governor and former vice presidential candidate Tim Walz to release his MRI results.

They were perfect, like my phone call where I got impeached. Absolutely perfect, the president replied to a male reporter. If you want to have it released, Ill release it.

Asked about the results of his MRI scans on Sunday, the president instead told a female reporter that he had aced his cognitive tests but that she would be incapable of doing the same (AP)

Weijia Jiang, White House correspondent for CBS News, then asked: Can you tell us what they were looking at?... what part of the body was the MRI looking at?

I have no idea. It was just an MRI, Trump told her. It wasnt the brain because I took a cognitive test and aced it. I got a perfect mark, which you would be incapable of doing.

Terrible person and a terrible reporter

On Tuesday November 18, during a state visit from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the president berated ABC News chief White House correspondent Mary Bruce for being a terrible person and a terrible reporter.

Bruce had asked questions about the Trump Organizations business dealings in Saudi Arabia, and asked the Crown Prince directly about the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018.

Who are you with? Who are you with? Trump asked Bruce, to which she identified herself as being with ABC News. Fake news. ABC fake news, Trump replied, before adding the outlet was one of the worst in the business.

On Tuesday November 18, during a state visit from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the president berated ABC News chief White House correspondent Mary Bruce for being a terrible person and a terrible reporter (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

The president then described her questions as horrible and insubordinate, before suggesting ABCs license could be revoked.

You are the worst

Two days earlier (November 16), Trump clashed with another female reporter from Bloomberg, who apparently interrupted him as he was addressing reporters on the tarmac in Palm Beach, Florida. After she asked him about a controversial interview between former Fox News host Tucker Carlson and white supremacist Nick Fuentes, Trump responded, Will you let me finish my say? You are the worst.

The president added: You're with Bloomberg, right? You are the worst. I don't know why they even have you.
Police are considering corporate manslaughter charges as they investigate the Post Office Horizon scandal.

In an update given to victims, the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) said there are now eight named suspects, with five having been interviewed under caution.

The NPCC added that there are now a total of 53 persons of interests involved in the investigation  widely reported to be the worst miscarriage of justice in British legal history.

No arrests have yet been made and a process of providing case file material to the Crown Prosecution Service is ongoing.

It said the investigation continues to focus on potential charges of perjury and perverting the course of justice, but it is now additionally considering corporate manslaughter charges.

Around 1,000 people were wrongly prosecuted and convicted throughout the UK between 1999 and 2015 as a result of Horizon, with a significant number contemplating self-harm and some taking their own lives.

The Independent reported in July that more than 13 people may have taken their own lives as a result of the scandal, according to the first tranche of a public inquirys report.

Police are now considering corporate manslaughter charges as part of the investigation (Lewis Stickley/PA) (PA Archive)

The inquiry chair, retired judge Sir Wyn Williams, said at least 59 people contemplated suicide at various points in time and attributed this to their experiences with Horizon and/or the Post Office.

He made the remarks in a report which laid bare the disastrous human impact for the post office workers wrongly accused of taking money from their branches because of faulty software.

Sir Wyn said bankruptcies had occurred and marriage and families have been wrecked over the scandal, adding: The picture which has emerged is profoundly disturbing.

The Horizon IT system is accounting software, designed by Japanese company Fujitsu, which saw accounts automated after subpostmasters entered their sales figures via a touchscreen.

Due to faulty software, subpostmasters started experiencing unexplained shortfalls in their accounts and were liable for losses under their contract with the Post Office, with subpostmasters being ordered to pay back the money that was lost.

But despite concerns being raised, Post Office prosecuted hundreds of operators for offences such as theft and false accounting based on the information from Horizon.

Many of those wrongly accused refused to stand down and after years of civil cases, a group of sub-postmasters led by the Justice for Subpostmaster Alliance won a High Court ruling in 2019.

That ruling, which found the Horizon system at fault for creating shortfalls in branch accounts, was then upheld on appeal in 2021 and resulted in the overturning of convictions for 39 subpostmasters.

The long-running battle for justice accelerated dramatically after ITV broadcast the drama Mr Bates Vs The Post Office, which highlighted the scandal.

The polices Operation Olympos, which is investigating the scandal, started in January 2020.

Police previously said the ongoing probe is unprecedented in size, with potentially more than 3,000 victims and evidence including more than 1.5 million documents.

Any potential criminal trials linked to the investigation are not expected to take place until 2027.

Investigators previously said they are looking at a significant number of people from the Post Office, Fujitsu and in the legal profession.

A Post Office spokesperson said: We would like to reiterate an unequivocal apology to every single person impacted by the Horizon Scandal. We recognise that, for some, the impact of their experiences has lasted over two decades and continues to this day. We continue to fully support the Polices investigations and engage transparently with their requests.
Russias Satan II intercontinental ballistic missile exploded after crashing back to earth in yet another failed test.

The nuclear-capable hypersonic missile, dubbed the worlds deadliest weapon, was launched from the Yasny test site in Russias Orenburg region.

Just seconds after lift-off, the Sarmat RS-28 rocket veered off course emitting black plumes of smoke, before the fiery wreck plummeted to the ground.

The missile landed near the launchpad in a huge fireball, emitting a purple cloud of smoke into the sky.

During a previous test launch the munition exploded at the Plesetsk Cosmodrome 500 miles north of Moscow in September 2024, leaving a huge crater at its launch site.

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Despite this, Vladimir Putin expressed hopes weeks ago that the Sarmat would be ready next year, saying: This year, we will put [the Sarmat] through combat trials, and next year, deploy it on combat duty.

The missile is 35 metres long, with a range of about 11,200 miles and a launch weight of more than 200 tonnes, and is designed to deliver nuclear warheads to targets in the US and Europe.

Vyacheslav Volodin, a member of Russias security council, previously claimed it could hit the European Parliament in Strasbourg in under four minutes.

The missile was scheduled for deployment in 2018 but repeated testing failures have led to its postponement, with only one Sarmat flight assessed as partially successful to date.

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Defense Express, a Ukrainian publication focusing on defence and security, wrote that the clips almost certainly showed the Satan II because of the configuration of the silo on the Yasny test site and the lack of an announcement of a satellite launch or strategic forces exercise.

Pavel Podvig, a UN researcher and director of the Russian Nuclear Forces Project, told The Telegraph that other missiles can practically be ruled out.

There are really only two options here [logistically]. One is the older SS-18 missile [sometimes known as Satan I], or this new Sarmat, Mr Podvig said. With the older missile, I think its unlikely because that missile has not been tested since 2013.

The nominal test site for the new missile was moved from Plesetsk, 500 miles north of Moscow, to the Dombarovsky air base near Yasny after the other silo was destroyed in 2024, Mr Podvig said.

Satellite images of the latest launch appeared to show the missile landing just over half a mile from its silo and leaving a 70m-wide crater, according to analysts.

Russia is likely to continue testing the missile despite the failure, Mr Podvig said.

In the greater scheme of things, theres definitely a notion that Russia needs this kind of large, heavy missile that can carry a lot of warheads and penetration aids to counter US missile defence, he said.

So it is kind of a political statement as much as it is military capability. If you look at the military utility, Russia will be okay without the Sarmat, but the political nature of the programme is quite significant, so they will probably try to make it work.

Etienne Marcuz, an associate fellow at Frances Foundation for Strategic Research think tank, said: This would be the fifth failure in a row for this strategic missile, presented as the new flagship of Russian nuclear deterrence. Its submarine-launched counterpart, the Bulava [SLBM], does not seem to be in much better shape.

Yet it is precisely this nuclear deterrence that allows Russia to engage in what is called aggressive sanctuarisation, that is, to wage wars of aggression like the invasion of Ukraine while threatening any potential supporters of the aggressed countries with nuclear retaliation.
Rachel Reeves speaking during the Wales Investment Summit, Newport, Dec 1 - Ben Birchall/PA

Rachel Reeves is politically finished. Her Budget, which raised taxes on hard-pressed workers to fund a mass extension of welfare, has doomed the party to certain defeat at the next election. Worse still, the suggestion she did so having misled voters  and indeed her Cabinet colleagues  on the real state of the public finances is such an extraordinary allegation that its extraordinary to think shes still in her job.

The resignation of Richard Hughes, the chair of the Office for Budget Responsibility, only adds to the sense of chaos around her. Blamed for leaking the details of Reevess Budget before she stood up to give it  through institutional incompetence rather than anything personally unethical  his position was obviously untenable. He should have known this before and resigned on the spot.

While the OBRs mistake was its own, in Westminster, when one head rolls in a crisis, there are always demands for others to roll too. External critics always ask: how is it the veteran public servant is out of the door for a mistake that arguably wasnt his personally, while the professional politician accused of much worse sails on as if nothing has happened?

Reeves is only still in her role because Starmer is too weak to fire her right now. Her Budget was his Budget; her decision to present the state of the public finances in the way she did was apparently his too; and her economic policy since the election has been very much his too. A Governments economic policy might be explained primarily by the Chancellor, but its the Prime Ministers policy in the end.

Starmer therefore cant fire Reeves without triggering such an immediate backlash that thered be talk of a challenge to his leadership. For this reason, assuming nothing more politically incriminating comes out in the coming days around Reeves, she is safe in the short-term. And Reeves will be surely reluctant to resign now; she knows her career will be over if she goes at this point in time. Think of how Liz Truss is remembered; had she managed to stick around for even another year, Truss wouldnt now be remembered for her own debacle of a Budget.

But Starmer will be thinking hard on how he can fire her  and sooner rather than later. Reeves is so damaged politically after that Budget, shes going to drag down the ratings of the Government as long as she is central to it. Itll be the voters  through the opinion polls  that do for her in the end. If and when the Green Party looks to have established a clear lead over Labour, and if and when it looks like vast numbers of Labour councillors are set to lose their positions in May, Starmer will be forced to act.

The sensible strategy for this Government would be to refocus on the mass of working class voters that put them in power in 2024  many of whom previously voted Tory, and many of whom are now thinking about voting Reform. These are voters who have been horrified by the unfairness over the Budget that prioritised welfare claimants over workers. Labour ought to put in a new Chancellor that understands directly how to appeal to these voters.

But this Government isnt sensible; it seems more interested in clinging to power week-to-week. As such, Starmer will surely be thinking about how he can move Reeves without an internal party challenge. It would appear the only way he can do that is by promoting someone from the ascendant Left-wing of the party. He could do this, avert an internal attack from Left-wing colleagues, and suggest to voters hes listened to them and Reeves has gone.

In time, this flip in personnel will likely only deliver policies set to infuriate hard-working voters even more. But Starmer will think: thats for another day. Either way, Reeves is on borrowed time.

James Frayne is a political consultant
Rachel Reeves, who faces mounting pressure to resign as Chancellor, at a business summit in Wales on Monday - Ben Birchall/PA Wire

The head of the fiscal watchdog was forced out on Monday as the Chancellor battled to save her political career.

Richard Hughes, the chairman of the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), resigned amid a fiasco that saw his organisation leak the Budget and Rachel Reeves accused of misrepresenting its forecasts.

The resignation means Mr Hughes will no longer appear before MPs on the Treasury committee on Tuesday, sparing Ms Reeves further criticism when she is already under pressure to resign.

The Conservatives and Reform have demanded that Mr Hughes nevertheless release all his correspondence with Ms Reeves over the Budget.

There have been mounting calls from political opponents for the Chancellor to step down, with Sir Keir Starmer holding a hastily organised press conference on Monday morning to defend her and the Budget.

The Chancellor has been accused of misleading the public in the run-up to the Budget over the size of the fiscal shortfall facing the country.

Reeves using OBR boss as human shield

Kemi Badenoch, the Conservative leader, claimed that Mr Hughess departure was retribution and that Ms Reeves was using him as a human shield.

Mrs Badenoch said: The truth is this is happening because the OBR has released statements criticising the Chancellor, telling people that she misled the public, that they had given her different forecasts, and she went out there telling people that there was a black hole which did not exist.

This is retribution as far as I am concerned. I think it is disgraceful. I think that the Labour Party blame everybody else except themselves.

They need to take some responsibility, and not hang Richard Hughes out to dry. He is being used as a human shield.

Richard Hughes had been hung out to dry, critics of the Chancellor claimed - Tayfun Salci

Mr Hughess resignation came after an inquiry found the OBRs Budget leak to be the worst failure in its history.

The inquiry, overseen by the OBR, concluded that an internal error was to blame for the publication of the document 45 minutes before Ms Reeves stood up in the Commons and that ultimate responsibility lay with the watchdogs leadership.

It also emerged that a similar blunder happened at the Spring Statement earlier in the year.

Mr Hughes cited the findings in his resignation letter to the Chancellor, writing: I also need to play my part in enabling the organisation that I have loved leading for the past five years to quickly move on from this regrettable incident.

I have, therefore, decided it is in the best interest of the OBR for me to resign as its chair and take full responsibility for the shortcomings identified in the report.

The decision was taken after the stand-off between the OBR and the Government escalated, with the Prime Minister himself piling on further pressure.

Following the OBRs leaked forecast, Ms Reeves initially said she had confidence in Mr Hughes, but on Sunday  after he published a timeline questioning her narrative  she declined to say the same.

The Chancellor did not speak to Mr Hughes on Monday, according to a Treasury source, but was kept updated on developments during a trip to Wales.

However, other senior Cabinet ministers, including the Prime Minister and James Murray, the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, publicly criticised the OBR on Monday.

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Sir Keir used a speech to tout his cost-of-living measures in the Budget, such as an average 150 reduction in household energy bills, and signal that welfare cuts and a closer relationship with the EU were coming later in this parliament.

But he also mounted a defence of Ms Reeves over claims she had misrepresented OBR forecasts for political cover to increase taxes, saying: There was no misleading and I simply dont accept [it].

The Prime Minister made clear his frustration with the OBR for choosing to carry out its one-off productivity review this year rather than last year, at the end of the Tories 14 years of Government, saying he was bemused by the approach.

He also singled out the leak for criticism, saying it was a serious error and a massive discourtesy to Parliament.

Both developments happened under Mr Hughess watch. Sir Keir notably did not say he had confidence in the OBR chairman during the press conference, instead voicing support only for the institution.

Ministerial criticism of the OBR then escalated when Mr Murray addressed the House of Commons after the OBR leak report was published on Monday afternoon.

Mr Murray said: Let me be clear, this is a very serious breach of highly sensitive information.

It is a fundamental breach of the OBRs responsibility. It is a discourtesy to this House, and it should never have happened.

Midway through the Commons debate about the report, Mr Hughess letter announcing his resignation was published. By that time, two Labour MPs had also used the debate to suggest they wanted him to quit.

Ms Reeves said in a statement issued later: I want to thank Richard Hughes for his public service and for leading the Office for Budget Responsibility over the past five years and for his many years of public service.

This Government is committed to protecting the independence of the OBR and the integrity of our fiscal framework and institutions.

Earlier in the day, Ms Reeves said she was absolutely confident she would be Chancellor come the next general election, which is due in 2029.

The Conservatives have been calling for the Chancellor to be fired since the Budget for raising taxes despite past promises not to do so. Those calls are now intensifying.

Mrs Badenoch said: Rachel Reeves  is in the middle of a political crisis.

The Prime Minister is clearly trying to save his Chancellor. Even her own Cabinet colleagues are criticising her, saying she told them the situation was different from what it actually was.

If leaks are a resignation matter, then the Chancellor should be at the front of the queue to resign because shes been leaking her Budget throughout the summer.

There were also calls on Monday for Mr Hughes, who remains free to speak after announcing his departure from the OBR, to publish his correspondence with the Treasury.

Andrew Griffith, the shadow business secretary, said: Amidst so much exceptional market concern and confusion, the correspondence between OBR and the Treasury should be released.

Nigel Farage, the Reform leader, said: Whatever the failings of the OBR, they have not wilfully attempted to mislead the British public. The wrong person has resigned today, it should have been Rachel Reeves.

I am now calling on Richard Hughes to release all his correspondence with the Chancellor in the run-up to the Budget so we can see exactly what she knew and whos really to blame for this mess.
Rachel Reeves has been accused of exaggerating the black hole in the public finances before raising taxes by 30bn - Jeff Overs/BBC

Rachel Reeves misled the public and the BBC in the run-up to the Budget, the corporations political editor has said.

Giving his verdict on the row engulfing the Chancellor, Chris Mason concluded that Ms Reeves withheld vital information from voters when she laid the ground for tax rises.

Ms Reeves and her officials have been accused of exaggerating the fiscal shortfall before raising taxes by 30bn last Wednesday, which enabled them to increase spending on benefits.

The Chancellor is facing an ethics inquiry after Nigel Farage, the Reform UK leader, demanded an investigation into a potential breach of the ministerial code.

On Monday, Darren Jones, the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister, repeated Ms Reevess debunked claim that there was a black hole in the public finances. He intervened after Ms Reeves repeatedly insisted at the weekend that she did not lie to voters, claiming she had been clear with the public.

However, Mr Mason argued she cherry-picked the information she provided in a pre-Budget press conference, causing people to be misled about the state of the economy.

Speaking on BBC Radio 4s Today programme on Monday, he said: In my judgment, on one specific element of what the Chancellor and the Treasury told us, and so told you at home and in the car before the Budget, we were misled.

Credit: BBC

Mr Mason said nothing that Ms Reeves told the public on Nov 4 was technically wrong, but what she didnt say proved misleading.

He added: We now know that she knew something that she didnt share with us that morning, and that is that tax receipts were much better than expected, and actually they more than offset the reduction in productivity growth.

He said the Treasury then chose to volunteer this information 10 days later, when it was politically expedient to do so.

There was briefing to me and others intended to be reassuring to those markets, which amounted to saying, without getting into the numbers dont worry, tax receipts are much stronger, its OK, he said.

So the Chancellor volunteered to share some of the information she was privy to in that news conference, chose not to share some of the other information she was also privy to, only to then choose to share the thrust of it when she judged it to be politically expedient.

He went on: The absolute crux of this is not what was whispered into the ears of journalists like me in the run-up to the Budget. It was what was chosen to be said in a novel and voluntary news conference that the Chancellor called before the Budget.

Now, we know why she did it. She did it to set the ground for all those reasons I set out, which were, we should be clear, a perfectly reasonable setting out of the stall of what she was likely to do at that point a few weeks down the track, and her political judgment that given the scale of the Budget that was coming, particularly given what shed said a year before, she absolutely needed to do that so that people werent surprised when the moment came.

But on that specific point about what we were told and what we werent, I think there was a clear gap there.

Reeves had 4.2bn surplus

The row over Ms Reevess comments erupted on Friday after the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) published a detailed account of its discussions with the Treasury.

It revealed the Chancellor had at no point faced a shortfall of more than 2.5bn.

In fact, on Oct 31, the OBR had upgraded its forecasts and told Ms Reeves that she actually had a 4.2bn surplus, even after taking into account a significant downgrade to productivity.

Four days after that, the Chancellor held a press conference in Downing Street where she made the case for tax rises and suggested the watchdogs forecasts were worse than expected.

She hinted the economic outlook was challenging and this had consequences for the public finances that she would not sweep under the carpet, adding: Im being honest with people.

On Sunday, Ms Reeves defended her position and insisted she had been clear with the public.

Asked by Sky News whether she lied before the Budget, Ms Reeves initially avoided the question. On being asked for a third time, she replied: Of course I didnt.

Credit: Sky News

Mr Jones was asked on BBC Radio 4s Today programme when he knew there was no black hole. He said: Well, the second half of your question is the thing I disagree with. There was a funding gap and there always was during the Budget process.

When it was put to Mr Jones for a second time there was no black hole in the public finances, he said: There was absolutely a funding shortfall. There was no question of that because 4bn of headroom would not be sufficient.

But Id just say to you, look, people were making claims that there was too much speculation in the run-up to the Budget. The Chancellor set the context in which those Budget decisions were being taken to give people that insight.

It was right, of course, for people not to confirm in advance of the Budget. This was a Budget that met the needs of the public.

Fiscal rules have been met

Touring other broadcast studios before a major speech by Sir Keir Starmer, Mr Jones was asked whether the Chancellor set hares running by hinting at a manifesto-busting rise in income tax.

He told Times Radio: I dont think any hares have run. The markets have responded positively to this Budget... Fiscal rules have been met, fiscal headroom has been allocated.

Challenged on reports that Cabinet ministers felt they were misled, Mr Jones replied: No, not in the slightest. The whole Cabinet is involved at different stages. You dont start a Budget with 28 secretaries of state looking at different options.

Secretaries of state who may be involved by a tax decision or a policy decision are involved in those conversations. Other Cabinet colleagues who have no direct involvement in the Budget are briefed in the run-up, and the whole Cabinet is briefed on the day.

In a combative exchange on ITVs Good Morning Britain, Mr Jones took issue with a line of questioning from presenter Ed Balls, the former Labour shadow chancellor.

Mr Jones told him: The question was wrong in that Rachel wasnt misleading the country.

Challenged by Mr Ballss co-presenter Susanna Reid about Ms Reevess breakfast television press conference on Nov 4, Mr Jones responded: Youre right that its not normal for a Chancellor to give a speech about the context in which she was taking Budget decisions.

I would reflect [that] under the previous government there were a load of things they brushed under the carpet Rachel was just being upfront with the public about the context in which she was operating.
Resident doctors in England will go on strike from 17 to 22 December, the British Medical Association (BMA) has announced - with the health secretary Wes Streeting describing it as a cynical attempt to wreck Christmas.

The five-day strike in the run-up to Christmas comes as doctors accuse the government of failing to make sufficient progress towards a viable deal on jobs and pay.

In an email to doctors seen by The Independent, the BMA said it gave [health secretary] Wes Streeting a window of opportunity to get back round the table in a letter from 19 November.

The email read: Today is 1 December. The secretary of state has not written to us and instead oversaw thousands of resident doctors turned away from IMT posts, all the while trying to push a real-terms pay cut onto us in 2026.

Mr Streeting has described it as a cynical attempt to wreck Christmas and said the BMA has chosen to strike when it will cause maximum disruption, causing untold anxiety.

Resident doctors make up around half the medical workforce in the NHS (PA)

Its time for resident doctors to stand up to the BMA and say that enough is enough. These strikes are in no ones interest and there is no moral justification for them. Resident doctors should ignore the BMAs attempts to turn them into the Grinch who stole Christmas.

"My door has always been open, I have never walked away from the table, and I stand ready to do a deal that puts patients first this Christmas."

It is the second round of strike action taken by resident doctors since the election of a leadership in the resident doctors committee (RDC) in September, with North East-based Dr Jack Fletcher at the helm.

Following talks in October and November with Mr Streeting, a five-day strike was held from 14 to 19 November.

The BMA accused the government in its email on Monday of presiding over yet another catastrophic recruitment round and said that doctors are the collateral damage, despite our warnings and willingness to fix this disaster by getting to a deal.

NHS Providers chief executive Daniel Elkeles described the move as an inflammatory act by the BMA during a period in which the health service needs all hands on deck.

We need to ensure theres the hospital capacity too to deal with the additional demand that always comes at this time of year. Thats going to be even more challenging now. Its totally unfair to patients and to other staff working for the NHS, he said.

Both sides need to get back round the table to break the logjam.

Health secretary Wes Streeting speaks to NHS staff during a visit to NHS Englands headquarters at Wellington House in London last month (PA)

But Dr Fletcher said the union had no choice but to announce more strike dates after the government failed to propose a credible plan to fix the jobs crisis for resident doctors at the same time as pushing a real terms pay cut for them.

He said the strikes do not need to go ahead if pay is gradually raised in the following years and some common-sense fixes are carried out by the government to ensure both the long-term strength of our healthcare workforce.

Second-year doctors applying for training posts are being asked to provide evidence of experience well beyond what would have previously been asked of them, he said.

But Mr Streeting said the government had offered to create more jobs and put money back in resident doctors pockets in a deal which the BMA rejected it out of hand.

He added: "Now, without a single conversation with the government, theyre threatening more strikes at the busiest time of the year.

Last months industrial action  which followed another round from 25 to 30 July  was the 13th strike since March 2023. The summer walkout was estimated to have cost the health service 300m.

Last week, the BMA announced it would be balloting its resident doctor members on extending its mandate for strike action, which runs out in January.

If the vote is successful, the mandate would extend to August 2026. The ballot will run from 8 December until 2 February.
The King and Queen, pictured with the German president and his wife in Berlin in 2023, will host a first state visit by Germany to the UK in 27 years - Ben Birchall/PA Media

The Royal family and German president will acknowledge one of the darkest moments in Anglo-German history during the state visit this week, with a visit to a Second World War bomb site.

The bombardments of Coventry and Dresden will be recognised on Friday, with a prayer for continued peace and reconciliation.

Frank-Walter Steinmeier, the German president, will lay a wreath in the ruins of Coventry Cathedral alongside the Duke of Kent, who, at 90 years old, is the last working member of the Royal family to remember the war.

The Duke, whose father died in a plane crash during the war in 1942, is royal patron of the Dresden Trust and the British German Association, and earlier this year represented the King at events commemorating the 80th anniversary of the bombing of Dresden in Germany.

The visit to Coventry Cathedral will take place on the final day of the three-day state visit.

It is the first German state visit to the UK in 27 years. The last visit took place in 1998 when Elizabeth II hosted Roman Herzog, the German president at the time, at Windsor Castle.

Winston Churchill visiting the ruins of Coventry Cathedral during the Blitz in 1940 - Galerie Bilderwelt/Getty Images

The Royal family will roll out the red carpet for the president and Elke Budenbender, his wife, at Windsor Castle for the official programme.

The King and Queen visited Germany in 2023, their first state visit since the Kings accession. During the visit, he became the first British monarch to address German politicians at the Bundestag.

This week, the King and Queen will host the return visit, reverting to a traditional itinerary of a carriage ride through Windsor and visiting British landmarks after Donald Trump was confined to a programme within the Windsor estate for security reasons.

The Prince and Princess of Wales will play a key role by greeting Mr Steinmeier and Mrs Budenbender at Heathrow Airport and accompanying them to Windsor on Wednesday morning at the start of their three-day stay.

The guests will then be formally welcomed by the King and Queen on an open-air royal dais in the centre of Windsor, before enjoying a carriage ride through the streets, past the crowds, to the castle.

The King, greeting well-wishers in Berlin in 2023, became the first British monarch to address German politicians at the Bundestag - John MacDougall/AFP via Getty Images

Mr Steinmeier will go on to receive a ceremonial welcome in the castle quadrangle, attended by the King, Queen, and Prince and Princess of Wales, before a private lunch and viewing of items from the Royal Collection Trust relating to German history.

The president will hold meetings with Sir Keir Starmer, while Mrs Budenbender will travel to a primary school in London named after Judith Kerr, a German-born childrens author who fled the Nazis as a child and is known for her Mog books and The Tiger Who Came to Tea.

In the evening, the Royal family will host their guests for a banquet in St Georges Hall in Windsor, where the King and Mr Steinmeier will give speeches.

On Thursday morning, Mr Steinmeier will lay flowers at the tomb of Queen Elizabeth II in St Georges Chapel in the castle, before joining the King and Queen for a Big Help Out reception to showcase the impact volunteering can have on communities.

Before a formal farewell, they will be shown the State Sleigh, which was designed by Prince Albert, Queen Victorias German-born husband, and was recorded in Victorias diary in 1845.

On Friday, the German president and his wife will pay a visit to the ruins of the old Coventry Cathedral, which was bombed by the Germans during the Second World War.

Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Elke Budenbender are set to visit the ruins of the old Coventry Cathedral - Tim Eccleston

This year marks the 85th anniversary of the Coventry Blitz in November 1940, which killed 568 people and destroyed 4,300 homes, along with the Cathedral Church of St Michael.

Mr Steinmeier and Mrs Budenbender will also tour the new cathedral, which was completed in 1962, and join a prayer service highlighting the ministrys commitment to peace and reconciliation.

Coventry is twinned with the German cities of Kiel and Dresden.

The King, who has German ancestry on both sides of his family, speaks German fluently.

Coventry is twinned with the German cities of Dresden and Kiel - Richard Peter/Deutsche Fotothek

It is the third incoming state visit he has hosted this year, following Mr Trump in September and Emmanuel Macron, the president of France, in July.

The UK and Germany signed a new partnership in July, known as the Kensington Treaty, in which Sir Keir pledged the two countries would work ever more closely.

The agreement included freeing up school exchange visits and passport e-gates, setting up a taskforce to explore a direct train link between the UK and Germany, and a commitment to closer cooperation on trade, security and defence.

Germany is in the process of strengthening its efforts to tackle illegal migration by introducing a new law to criminalise gangs who supply and store small boats for Channel crossings to the UK.

Mr Steinmeier will also address Parliament on Thursday  an honour denied to Mr Trump as the House of Commons was not sitting at the time of his trip.
Ryanair has axed its subscription scheme after members received more than 5.2m off flights in just eight months.

The budget Irish airline announced on Friday that it will close the membership deal following a trial period.

In March, Ryanair launched the exclusive discount scheme for frequent flyers with perks on seats and travel insurance.

Priced at 79/79 for a year-long subscription, members could benefit from reserving seats for free, free travel insurance and access to 12 annual (one per month) member-exclusive seat sales.

Existing Ryanair Prime members will have access to exclusive flight deals until October 2026 (Getty/iStock)

Members also received regular emails about upcoming exclusive flight sales and relevant offers, and could book an unlimited number of flights with the discounted Prime fares.

From 28 November, no new Prime passengers will be able to sign up for the low fare offers.

The existing 55,000 Ryanair Prime members will continue to have access to exclusive monthly flight deals until October 2026.

Ryanair CMO, Dara Brady, said: Over the years, customers have asked for a Ryanair members scheme, so we trialled this Prime scheme over the last eight months. To date, we have signed up over 55,000 Prime members, generating over 4.4m [3.6m] in subscription fees.

However, our Prime members have received over 6m in fare discounts, so this trial has cost more money than it generates.

According to Mr Brady, this subscription revenue does not justify the time and effort it takes to launch monthly exclusive Prime seat sales.

He added: With over 207 million passengers this year, Ryanair will continue to focus on delivering the lowest fares in Europe to all our customers, and not this subset of 55,000 Prime members.

Read more: Ryanair cuts flights to another popular European destination over airport fee row